The Emery March 2016

The Student Publication of Huron High School

The

Emery

Huron High School

Vol I Issue I March 2016

Huron High S chool > 27 27 Fuller R oad > Ann Arbor, Michigan > 4 8105

page 8 BLOOD DRIVE School | 3 Local

| 2

Feature| 4

Double Duty

head basketball coach and principal, Waleed Samaha takes on his next lead position: head football coach. page 7

Two

News

Mitchell principal runs more than just the International Baccalaureate

HARLEY HAGEN | MANAGING EDITOR

ENGINEERS, ARCHITECTS, SCIENTISTS, AND VISIONARIES.

“Success may be hard to reach, but if you reach for the stars and land at the moon, it is a start.” Kevin Karr believes in these words and has reached many goals — but he never stops trying to improve.

“At different stages of life, you end up re-evaluating and ask yourself ‘what can I do that is going to be helpful to the world and the community?’” Karr said.

Karr has been in education for 25 years, starting at Northside Elementary, then King Elementary as a principal; and currently he is principal at Mitchell Elementary School, while being the district facilitator for the International Baccalaureate program.

“I believe in really good teaching practices,” Karr said.

“When I learn something, I do something with it, that makes it engaging.”

So far, Karr has been focusing on developing the Internation- Mitchell Elementary principal and IB coordinator Kevin Karr al Baccalaureate program at three schools: Mitchell Elementa- participates in a press conference with Sara-Beth Badalmente’s ry School, Scarlett Middle School and Huron High School. The Journalism I class this January. Photo by Sara-Beth Badalmente hope is that by the fall of 2017, all three will be Authorized IB “Within each of my schools I have found improvement upon World Schools. dismal reading and writing, however there is always room for “My expectation for the IB program is to develop a system improvement,” said Karr. “When kids become avid readers, of education that helps kids be successful in school and in life,” they learn more and that is the goal.”

Karr said. “The program has a goal of teaching to be involved As a result of the dedication to his career in education, adand learn about things that you do something with.” vances in learning is the top priority for Karr.

After graduating from the University of Michigan, he was “The way that the subjects are being taught is a big requirehired as a fifth grade teacher at Northside Elementary School ment for IB schooling, children will be shown to plug in and where he later became principal. show their learning with the new programs ahead,” Karr said.

Possible is everything.

Throughout his life, Karr has traveled to 23 countries and 46 states, that comes as an advantage with being in education, and the IB program.

“I think that traveling has helped me connect with students by knowing that people come from different places and there are strengths to all of those places,” Karr said. “ R e s e a r c h shows that the IB program makes you more prepared for the outside world.”

As the face of the International Baccalaureate program, Karr has dealt with criticism from the parents within the community about the adjustments the program will offer.

“Challenges are connected to the word change,” Karr said.

“Change is not easy in a system so we must approach it very carefully and ask ourselves ‘how do we manage change?’”

Within the learning program now, there are advanced placement classes; the IB program offers new diploma classes and both offer college credit.

“AP classes ask you to learn content, diploma classes ask you to become a good learner and to learn” said Karr. “Both types of classes offer college credit, so they are both considered advanced programs.”

The way that Karr approaches goals and overcomes obstacles within his career is something that is admired by many. The success he has built for himself makes him easy to look up to.

“A motto I live by is ‘be the change you wish to see in the world’ a quote by Mahatma Gandhi,” Karr said. “One of my goals is to keep on going, and to ask ‘what else can I do to improve?’”

Lawrence Technological University isn’t for just anyone. We want the future designers, engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs who will create the innovations of tomorrow.

The earning potential of Lawrence Tech grads is among the highest in America.

If you believe that everything is possible, and that possible is everything, we want you at LTU. Watch LTU students share their college experiences at ltu.edu/StudentStories.

Ready to apply now?

Visit ltu.edu/applyfree.

Southfield, Michigan 800.225.5588 admissions@ltu.edu www.ltu.edu Architecture and Design | Arts and Sciences Engineering | Management

Three

News

It’s as clear as glass, or maybe not...

MARGARET BOERST | NEWS EDITOR

Dr. Janet Schwamb has over 20 different paperweights. The solar system was given to her by Megan, her daughter, who is an astrophysicist. She received the apple when she completed her doctoral degree. Photos by Margaret Boerst

It’s the first thing that catches your eye as you walk in.

They are everywhere: all over the desk, on each shelf of the bookcase in the corner, and atop the windowsill.

Some are large and others are small. They range in a multitude of colors and come from places near and far away. All hold a place of honor in Interim Principal Janet Schwamb’s heart.

Schwamb has been the interim principal for close to six months and she just recently unpacked all of her beloved paperweights to take up space in the principal’s office. This summer will determine whether the colored glass will remain on display or if they will go back into boxes, as Dr. Jeanice Swift, the superintendent, will make a final decision on the permanent principal situation at Huron.

“I have been collecting paperweights for a very long time,” Schwamb said. “It started out with one paperweight that I received when I first became an assistant principal many years ago.”

Not a single paperweight holds a higher place than another in Schwamb’s opinion, as each holds a strong significance. The Tiffany apple is from Hofstra University where Schwamb finished and defended her doctoral dissertation. The snowman and Christmas tree are gifts from her grandkids. The bear is from a trip to Alaska.

“I love colored glass,” Schwamb said. “Some [the paperweights] are expensive and some are not. They are all different things from different places.”

Schwamb has been in the field of education for over 26 years, nine of those working as a principal at King Elementary and Forsythe Middle School. Her transition to Huron to fulfill the position of assistant principal last year felt natural for her.

“High school students are much more mature than middle schoolers, which may be no surprise,” Schwamb said.

With a leave of absence by the previous head principal Mrs. Jennifer Hein, Schwamb assumed the position of interim principal for this school year.

“Being a head principal, you are in charge of the whole school building,” Schwamb said. “The only difference between a head principal and an interim principal is the formal appointment to a permanent position.”

This change in position and title has led Schwamb to establish a new set of goals for Huron.

“It’s been really important for our administrative team, the assistant principals and myself, to be cohesive and model for our staff effective problem solving,” Schwamb said. “It’s been important to show students that we are listening and that we care.”

Earlier in the school year, Schwamb exemplified this listening ability by leading a revision of the no-hat policy. The policy was brought back to the staff for their input on the matter and the decision was made.

“We felt that this [hat policy] was something that we could ease up on,” Schwamb said. “We realized that this wasn’t really as important to us as it was to students.”

As proactive as Schwamb’s time in office has been, she may be out of the office sooner rather than later.

“I would very much like to become the permanent principal and I hope that it’s in the future,” Schwamb said.

In the end, Schwamb’s placement here will be decided in the summertime by Swift. Even with the threat of packing away all of her paperweights, Schwamb remains positive and energetic in her aspirations for Huron and its staff and students.

“My goal at Huron is to be the most effective principal possible,” Schwamb said. “By listening to get the whole story, remaining unbiased, and helping the staff collaborate during this time of transition into the IB program.”

The beginner’s guide to becoming a millionaire

“Compounding interest is just math and the math is pure,” Christy Garrett said. “Even somebody who only makes $25,000 a year, who invests 10 percent every year from the time they are 20, can be a millionaire before they retire and that’s just math.”

Garrett is a teacher of several finance classes here at Huron High School. If all goes well, she’s on her way to becoming a millionaire herself and knows how to calculate, save, and manage money to do so.

Money management is a class where students learn personal decision making skills such as purchasing a car, renting an apartment, obtaining a mortgage for a home, paying for college and budgeting for major life events. Other topics discussed are how to effectively use credit cards; understanding your credit score and the importance and benefits of insurance.

“I think money management is one of those core fundamental skills that people should not graduate high school without learning,” Garrett said.

Garrett often quotes Albert Einstein about compound interest.

“Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world, he who understands it… Earns it… He who doesn’t…Pays it,” Albert Einstein said.

The students currently in her class say they would definitely recommend taking money management. They look forward to learning about the use of credit cards, how to avoid debt and manage money.

“It’ll teach how important it is to keep credit at good rates and not over spend and apply to cards that are unnecessary and

BROOKE GOLEMBIEWSKI | COPY EDITOR

not have companies calling you telling you that they want to get paid,” current student JC Jurado said.

She also always says the most important take away is to pay yourself first.

“Treat yourself like a tax, treat yourself like a bill that is just as important as your cell phone bill or your gas bill, come up with that number- that 5-10 percent number and have it come out of your check before you get your first check, before you get used to spending it, before you get used to seeing it,” Garrett said. “Just have it go away and just know it’s building a secure future for yourself, so pay yourself first” This class will teach students how to save and put away money properly so that they can build it up to being a millionaire.

“I am saving the majority of my money so college can be much more affordable,” Osayd Qatu said. “I learned much of my saving tactics from my money management one course.”

Garrett has been teaching finance classes for 20 years. Being a finance teacher is not only a day job, but it also goes home with her, showing the care and passion she has for teaching.

“When you’re at home you still think about your students and you’re still thinking about the grading you’re supposed to do and you’re still thinking about the lesson plan,” Garrett said.

Saving since she was 18, Garrett said her plans are on track of building up a significant amount. Traveling plays a major role for Garrett and she plans on traveling the world and exploring the islands of Hawaii and Alaska and other continents.

“I think it’ll be a goal of mine when my kids are grown and I’m retired to take advantage of all the money we put away,” Garrett said. “I think I’d retire and simplify; I would sell our big house and sell most of our things and get a small condo and

Teacher Christy Garrett is all smiles with her students Indeya Lawerance, Walid Ismail, and Benard Maye. Photo by Brooke Golembieswski

spend time just traveling, that would be a dream.”

Money management is a well recommended course and Garrett is really confident that anyone can be a millionaire.

“It made me realize the true value of money and how to budget things more efficiently,” Qatu said.

La pared de ignorancia ALEXA PEREZ-BERMUDEZ | FEATURE EDITOR 11.3 million people are undocumented and living in fear of deportation daily. Of those, 6.5 million are from across the border. The journey isn’t simple and short, but is made in hopes of achieving the American Dream. First conceptualized in the 1920s and coined in the ‘30s, the American Dream is still strived for today. Immigration reform is something the U.S. government has struggled with for years despite being a nation formed from immigrants over 200 years ago. According to the Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA), there is a set limit of how many permanent immigrants are allowed in the U.S. standing at 675,000, however, there are some exceptions.

The current election has brought some light onto the topic, making it one of the most discussed issues amongst candidates. Even though it is all just talk at this point, one of those candidates will be responsible for the fate of future immigrants.

Numerous students at Huron are of age to participate in Michigan’s primary and final election on Nov. 8 to help decide our future president. Many have already become attuned to political talks, debates, and rallies. Senior Gia Marcos-Vega and Catalina* (whose name has been changed to protect her immigration status) have followed the election since the beginning of it back in November of last year. Some of the comments on immigration reform mentioned by some the candidates have brought a new wave of fear to many immigrant families, both legal and illegal in the U.S., such as one of Trump’s earlier comments: “When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best. They’re not sending you. They’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems with them. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists.

And some, I assume, are good people.” -Donald Trump (as reported

by CNN) Trump’s campaign for office has caused a great upset in the Latino and immigrant community, especially when the talk of “putting up a wall” is Giamila Marcos-Vega mentioned.

“Trump has yet to realize that his wealth and success would not be possible without the immigrants he so greatly wants to deport,” Marcos-Vega said. “I don’t think he has any clue what he’s talking about.”

What Marcos-Vega is referring to is Trump’s campaign regarding immigration reform and deportation policies he wants to implement if elected president.

“This topic is very necessary to be talked about,” Catalina said. “I understand America needs to find a solution to this one way or another. But, I’m not okay with all the racism nor being called a rapist and or a drug lord. Trump is anti-anyone who is not white nor speaks fluent English. The way he addresses Hispanics in general is really sad. The wall? REALLY.

“

There are a billion other ways that immigrants can migrate to the U.S.. A dumb wall won’t stop them. It’s a waste of his money and time, because Mexico isn’t paying for it.”

Marcos-Vega and Catalina aren’t the only ones to share this opinion, according to Trump’s campaign immigration reform that includes deportation and the infamous “Wall.” A wall that stretches along the U.S.-Mexico border to prevent any further [illegal] immigration. However a wall won’t stop people from finding ways of coming in. Some of the immigrants coming to the U.S. are here to find work, seek asylum, be reunited with family, and a chance to achieve the American Dream.

“So many countries are riddled with poverty, violence, political conflict that it’s hard not to come here. This place is the land of dreams, a place where people who work hard enough can be the people they dream to be,” Marcos-Vega said. “So many people take life for granted, they don’t understand the privilege they have by being born here. My family has jumped thousands of legal hoops just to be here temporarily. And we’ll jump a thousand While visiting South Haven, Mi senior Giamila Marcos-Vega enjoys her vamore if it makes us citizens.”

Marcos-Vega is originally from cation by having her older sister Gioulieta take her photo. Both girls are able to be temporary residents as long as their father holds a job in the U.S. He Canelones, Uruguay [living here under a is here on a work visa. Gia cannot get a social security number and can go work visa], and Catalina is from Toluca, to college only if she pays international fees. She has been here since 2004.

Mexico [living here illegally, but in process than legals and other Americans do, such as buying of becoming legalized]. Both have come to the U.S. for varying reasons over 10 years ago and big ticket items like cars and houses. However, buying a car isn’t the biggest issue or concern for them as have found Ann Arbor to be their new home.

In the “melting pot” state of Mich- it is a matter of having health care, an immigration igan, there are 636,569 refugees and lawyer, or security. Security isn’t always attainable for immigrant residents, where majority illegals, 235,413 immigrants were deported alone last of those live within the diverse city year. Though many of them try for citizenship, not of Ann Arbor. Ann Arbor is a very too many receive it.

“You live with fear everyday of your life,” Catalina accepting place, however, no city is perfect and there still are some said. “Knowing one day your life could change forevpeople that demonstrate racism and er, traumatizes me.”

“I’ve never been afraid of having my parents taken prejudice towards others in regards to differences in religion and ethnic- away, unlike other immigrant children,” Marcos-Veity. Nevertheless, Huron’s [student] ga said. “I’ll never face the struggles they have. But I population comes from a mixture know them. I’ve seen families torn apart by a broken of locations, socio-economic class- immigration system.”

Based on politics alone, it is obvious the U.S. goves, ethnicities, and religions. From 1458 students at Huron, a small to- ernment is in need of changing immigration reform, tal of 87 (5.976 percent) make up the there have been so many families broken due to the school’s Latino community. The sense of culture and system. The price of an illegal, asylee, and immidiversity bleeds through the walls, it’s what makes grant are costly, their families pay the ultimate price in this ordeal. Immigrants can pay a hefty amount Huron stand out from the rest.

“Not many people leave their country because during the legalization process, averaging around they want to, it’s usually because they have to. For a $5,000-$6,000 per person. Aside from the financial better life, for their kids, for safety, for freedom. Isn’t aspect, it takes a toll emotionally as well, separation that what the first settlers came here for? Religious isn’t easy for either member living on either side of freedom, a better life?” Marcos-Vega said. “I feel as the border.

“What I like so much is that most of us [Latinos] Ann Arbor [A2] is a very loving and accepting place for people of all races [and circumstances], same at here have a sense of community,” Marcos-Vega said.

“They help each other as much as they can, it doesn’t Huron.”

Many immigrants that come illegally live in con- matter where we come from. They [illegals] don’t stant fear and tend to live with a few more struggles chose to be illegal, it’s that they had no other choice.”

Immigrants 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

31.1

Stu

8 0

Not many people leave their country because they want to, it’s usually because they have to.

”

“

Ahmad Samaha Country of origin: Jordan Year he became a U.S. citizen: 2009 Time it took?

5 years

and foreign-norn living in the U.S. 78.2

72.3

sixty

65.1 56.9 40.0

43.3

forty

47.9

THIRTY twenty ten two

Projected Growth (in millions)

udent population at Huron

87

*From 1458 students at Huron, a small total of 87 (5.976%) make up the school’s Latino community.

300

600

900

1458 1200

1500

Population demographics for Michigan for 2015-16 78 percent (Caucasian) 14 percent (African American) 4 percent (Hispanic/Latino) 2 percent (Asian) 2 percent (Two or more races) 1 percent (Some other race)

“

Husam Zeidan Country of origin: Palestine

“

Maimouna Mbacke Country of origin: Senegal

Year he became a U.S. citizen: 2007

Year he became a U.S. citizen: 2006

Time it took?

7 years

Time it took?

5 years

A true DREAMer ALEXA PEREZ-BERMUDEZ | FEATURE EDITOR *We have changed our source’s name to a pseudonym (fake name) in order to protect the student’s identity.

Tú no sabes como es para nosotros. You don’t know what it’s like for one of us. Vivimos con miedo todos los días de nuestras vidas. We live in fear everyday of our lives. El saber que un día nuestras vidas podrían cambiar para siempre. Knowing one day our lives could change forever.

Senior Catalina has been living with this reality for the past 12 years ever since she immigrated to the US illegally. Catalina and other illegals like her face extraordinary challenges and uncertainties daily. Immigration has become subject to debate with the elections taking over the media, Catalina’s fears may become more relevant and real in the coming year.

“I’ve been in the U.S. since 2004, back when I started first grade,” Catalina said. “I used to cry a lot back in first and second grade because I didn’t understand anyone around me. But when I started learning it [English], it was so exciting for me. I became fluent by third grade thanks to the ESL program.”

Catalina’s mother came to the U.S. alone after facing domestic abuse from her husband. She had hopes of working and then eventually moving back to Mexico [with much needed financial support]. Two years after her mother’s departure, Catalina’s father tried to kidnap Catalina from her family. Her grandparents urgently contacted her mother and the decision was made. To bring Catalina and her siblings to the U.S..

“A week and a half after the incident, I found myself saying goodbye to my grandparents and boarding an airplane heading for the U.S.,” Catalina said.

Upon her arrival, Catalina not only experienced a change in scenery, but also in language and culture. At the age of five, Catalina went to a new school not knowing anyone nor what they were saying. Since English wasn’t her first language, she was placed in an English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom. After a few years in the program, she was fluent in both English and Spanish.

At home, Catalina primarily speaks Spanish and continues to carry on Hispanic traditions to keep her heritage alive. This continuance can be hard at times as only some of her family members live in the U.S. while the rest still reside in Mexico.

“My mother, uncle, aunt, and two cousins all live here in the U.S., but not my grandparents,” Catalina said. “I [still] consider the U.S. my home. I’ve grown up here. Even though I [sometimes] wish to go to Mexico, I wouldn’t want to live in a place where I don’t even know the street names anymore.”

Catalina is in the process of making the U.S. her permanent home and has applied for residency.

“If everything goes well, I will have it soon,” Catalina said. “If not, I will only have permission to go to school and work, and there would be so many restrictions.”

Restrictions like not having access to healthcare coverage, in-state tuition at colleges, foster care, and most other federal funded programs. About 1.2 percent or 120,000 people (as of 2012) of Michigan’s population are facing the same difficulties. In 2013, Ann Arbor saw an increase in population of 36.9 percent solely due to immigration. This brings all of the immigration policy talk very close to home.

“This topic is very necessary to be talked about,” Catalina said. “America needs to find a solution to this one way or another. But maybe not through a wall like a certain republican candidate has suggested.”

On top of having limited resources, Catalina and many other Latinos face immense discrimination and negative stigma.

“Racism is everywhere,” Catalina said. “I’m not okay with being called a rapist and a drug lord. I do agree that there are some immigrants who aren’t the best, but most are the hard working and don’t deserve to be treated with disrespect.”

Catalina still experiences the immobilizing fear of being deported, but she also shows a great appreciation and a twinge of sadness for her family.

“Seeing your family work day and night to support their own, and then to know that one day it could all can change isn’t easy to watch,” Catalina said.

“Our parents go through this struggle because they want to give us a better future. It means the world to me.”

Despite the odds being against her, Catalina continues to push through and remain hopeful about her future.

“Quiero el sueño Americano. I have American dreams. Planeo graduarme a finales de este año y quiero ir a la universidad. I plan to graduate later this year and I want to attend college. Algún día quiero tener mi propia familia aquí, donde estarán seguros y protegidos. Someday I want to have my own family here, where they will be safe and protected. Tengo el deseo de tener éxito y un día poder llegar a ser alguien en este mundo. I have a true desire to be successful and one day be able to become somebody in this world.”

Six

Opinion

________________________

Will Dawn of Justice live up to the hype?

JACK KROLL | STAFF WRITER

The Emery

The official student newspaper of Huron High School ________________________

Staff Harley Hagen - Managing Editor Brooke Golembiewski - Copy Editor Waleed Vaid - Design Editor Margaret Boerst - News Editor Alexa Perez-Bermudez - Feature Editor Ibrahim Jaber - Sports Editor Staff Writers Selestina Banda Kara Kozma Justin Blake Jack Kroll Brooke Brenner Amielia London Jane Burns Raymond Miles Gabrielle Carpenter Karley Misek Madelynn Chicke Kyle Moldwin Madison Echlin Katherine Monnett Marcus Edmondson Jakob O’Leary Alondra Garcia Alyvia Patton Kowinn Glenn Kira Pierson Olivia Greenspan Mikayla Sibbitt Sunanna Grewal Alyjah Zavisa Mica Johnson Husam Zeidan ________________________

Everybody loves talking about “who would win?” sort of stuff. People will say things like, Superman Vs. Iron man?

Godzilla vs. King Kong (that’s actually going to happen in 2020); Batman vs.

Captain America? Everybody loves these kinds of debates; and this year, Warner Brothers is finally making a Superhero vs. Superhero, a “Who Would Win” battle. By bringing together two of the world’s most popular superheroes and having them duke it out on the big screen, the excitement has been endless. We are just a couple weeks away from one of the most highly anticipated films of 2016, Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice.

But, will it live up to its expectations?

Will this Batman vs. Superman motion picture be everything we’ve

Adviser: Sara-Beth Badalamente

The Emery Staff Policy The Emery, a newspaper produced for and by the students of Huron High School, will provide the student body with information pertinent to events, activities and issues that affect HHS students.

Letters to the editor are encouraged by The Emery’s staff. Letters may pertain to an article written or simply act as a form of student expression. All letters must be deemed publishable by the Editorial Board including the adviser. They should be 200 words or less but may be edited for content of length. All letters to the Editor must be signed. To send a letter to the Editor students may drop them in the publications room (room 4203)

dreamed of ? Or will we leave the theatre disappointed?

Well the answer is that it all matters to your own personal perception. But let’s talk general reception, the biggest thing this movie

has anticipated is the whole good guy vs good guy fighting angle. That alone will sell tickets. With an added bonus, we also get to see Wonder Woman.

Wonder Woman, played by Gal Gadot, most known for her roles in Fast Five and Fast and Furious 6, will be bringing this heroine to the big screen this year, before getting her own movie in 2017. Given Paramount just moved the next Transformers movie for this date, it looks like Wonder Woman might be a bit delayed. Wonder Woman is a fantastic character, and she is finally getting needed time on the big screen.

As for the rest of the cast, Jeremy Irons as Alfred is perfect casting. Not only that, while we all had our doubts about it at first, Ben Affleck looks like he will make a fantastic Bruce Wayne/ Batman.

Although the film has a lot of positive excitement for it, there has been some bias against it. For example, Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor. Jesse Eisenberg is a great actor as we’ve seen in many of his various roles, such as in Zombieland, The Social Network, and Now You See Me, but, Lex Luthor? Many have seen it as such an odd casting. Not only that, but this movie looks a little overcrowded. Two others are making small appearances, Aquaman and The Flash.

Plot wise, this movie is going to have to continue Clark Kent’s story where Man of Steel left off, and give him his own quiet moments. Not only that, but it is introducing Batman to the DC Cinematic Universe, so he is going to have his own quiet moments. Rumor has it that even Cyborg may appear.

As a critic, time is concerning as many roles have to be filled. So, let’s just say they give Superman 30 minutes on his own, Batman 30 minutes, Wonder Woman 20 mins, Lex Luthor 20 mins, and Aquaman and The Flash 5 minutes. That’s 110 minutes of the films own screen time. The film’s runtime is confirmed to be 151 minutes, 2 hours and 31 minutes. So, that means 70 percent of the film’s runtime is already being taken up. So, that means 30 percent of the film is left. We all know that the film is going to end with Doomsday coming in, which will likely take up 10 percent of the film’s runtime. And the ending credits always take at least 5 percent of a film’s runtime.

This movie is supposed to set up the entire DC Cinematic Universe, so it needs a story. Given the fact that 20 per-

cent of the film’s screen time will likely be about the fights between Batman and Superman, and the film is 151 minutes long, it sounds like we’ll get about 30 minutes worth of Batman and Superman duking it out.

However, there are a couple more things going up against this movie; such as time setting up the Justice League.

This movie is called Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice because it is the DAWN of the JUSTICE League.

But, one thing that is concerning about this film is that it will spend less time with the feud with Batman and Superman, and more time focusing developing the Justice League. This film will take time to assemble this team, as it should.

But you don’t want to spend too much time, because then it takes away from what people are paying to see. The feud between the heroes isn’t just centered to them fighting each other, it also feature an alien that is supposedly friendly being targeted by a vigilante that dresses up like a Bat. So, in terms of answering the

question,“Will Batman v Superman Live Up To The Hype?” It’s hard to say.

No matter the case this movie is the biggest cinematic event of 2016 on March 25, which is also a perfectly timed day off for Huron. So celebrate with your friends by heading to the theatre.

Students desire more information on new schedule STAFF EDITORIAL

H

uron has made many changes throughout the past few years, one major change being becoming an International Baccalaureate school. However, the adjustments keep being made.

Next year, Huron has decided to up the number of classes from six to seven. Although the amount of time in school would stay the same, this shift has left students confused.

These changes have been abundant and they lack communication in a timely manner.

Although this spontaneous new schedule has its pros and cons, it would be the next step in making Huron an IB school.

The pros. There have been rumors of new classes that would be offered that are aligned

with IB along with study hours, would help the amount of time spent outside of school on homework. Next year, seniors will be able to graduate with even more credits, which means that most would need more elective classes resulting in more of a variety of courses for students. Great thought has gone into creating a manageable work-load for teachers. They would have two planning periods: one for common planning amongst common courses and one to focus on preparing for other classes, as well as having a greater ability to support students.

The cons. Students wouldn’t have much passing time; from the looks of it, administration will decrease the passing time from eight to five minutes. The classes will be decreased in time, leaving potential inadequate time

for teachers to teach material, especially for science labs. Also, having seven classes would make the day seem longer to the Huron population.

Becoming an IB school may be beneficial to the school in upcoming years, but the seniors won’t apply to be in the IB program.

The vague facts given to students makes us uneasy to sign up for our schedule next year.

For upper-classmen, it would be great to know how long classes will be and if more study halls will be offered. Also, each and every year the class of 2017 has been in the building the schedule has changed. The lack of consistency has left the seniors wanting more information so that we can better plan schedules for next year.

For underclassmen, the change won’t be

too drastic as it would benefit them. Students need 21 credits to graduate; four years of required English and math, three years of science and history (including government and economics), two years of a required language, one art credit and three added elective credits, and one credit that includes half health and half physical education. Increasing the number of classes would assist in the stress of taking each of the required classes and taking classes that are desired.

The bottom line is, more information should have been given to students before having them sign up for classes. We encourage those planning to remember how stressful high school can be, and making changes without supplying enough information adds to that stress.

Seven

Feature

Samaha hired as Huron’s new varsity football coach

IBRAHIM JABER | SPORTS EDITOR

MARCUS EDMONDSON | STAFF WRITER

Senior Spotlight

Waleed Samaha, the head coach of Ann Arbor Huron’s basketball team and the 9th and 10th grade principal, has now taken on one more major task: being head coach of the football team. Samaha’s goals for the football program all start in the classroom’s of Huron High School.

“My expectation is always that you have to create the culture in a program that allows you to set high goals,” he said. “You have to win in the classroom first, we have to make sure all players are eligible to play. Second we have to win in the weight room. So when you win in those two areas then you can start your focus on offensive and defensive style of play, game plan, whatever you may. So we are going to set a strong foundation with really good kids who like to compete and I think that’s the most important quality that any player can bring to our program is their desire to compete.”

Like any good coach, Samaha has high standards for all of his players and those are to be play-makers not only on the field but off the field as well. The first step in doing that is to have his players want be winners.

“If you’re a winner, a real winner then you want to win everywhere,” Samaha said. “You can’t just be interested on winning on the field Friday night. You have to want to be a winner in the classroom, you have to want to be a winner in the hallway. You have to be a high character individual that people respect, because those are the guys who will eventually rise to the top. Your character is going to define whether or not you’re able to handle that situation, not your talent.”

Samaha’s plan to turn the football program around is to use the information from what he has learned as a player and a coach. With

The River Rats huddle around coach Waleed Samaha before their game against Skyline. Photo by Selestina Banda

one goal in mind, he believes that there will be success.

“I think all of the previous coaches have worked very hard and they tried their best to do what they believe is right with the information they had and the vision that they tried to carry forward,” he said.

With a new coaching staff being brought into the program many people question how long it will take before for it to be in full effect.

“We’re in the process right now actually of hiring our new staff,” Samaha said. “So right

“

now I only have a couple of guys that I have secured, but we will have a full staff in place by mid March.”

With great success comes great responsibilities and that make it hard for Samaha to spend time with his wife. Now that he has taken on the new role he will have even less time to spend with his family.

“My wife is an amazing support for me,” he said. “I can’t do what I do as a coach without her, I can’t do what I do at all really without her. She loves the game, she loves football, she

“

loves basketball, she loves our players so for her it’s just a continuation of what I’m already doing.”

With being so involved with coaching two different sports on top of being a principal, Samaha is truly a busy man.

“I don’t sleep much, I’ve never really have slept much and now the 19 hour or the 20 hours that I am awake are fully consumed,” he said. “I don’t have a minute for anything, which is okay because those four or five hours that I do sleep, I sleep real well.”

To make the most of the time, he has dinner with his family in his office.

“This is not new,” Samaha said. “So the way we’ve done it is we make the best of the time we have. So it’s very common for my wife my, son and I eat in my office two or three times a week. It’s not where we go or what we do it, it’s that we’re together.”

His efforts have thus far paid off. Samaha’s main goal for the football program is to turn it into a championship program. If it’s one thing he wants for this program its success and he learned from the best.

“I had great coaches because they never really talked about winning and losing,” Samaha said. “Winning and losing takes care of itself.

My role models always focused on the process.

The most important thing my coaches made clear to me was: are you working harder than you did yesterday. One thing I won’t do is lie to kids. I will not pity them, and I won’t hand out juice boxes and cupcakes after the game.

We’re real with each other. So our expectation is to be a championship program and what that means is we’re going to be the best we can be every single day, in the classroom, in the hallway, in the community, on the field, in practice, in film, in the weight room, and the results will take care of itself.”

“

“

Q: “How have you changed from freshman year to now?”

A: “I’m more focused on my grades and study a lot more.”

Q: “How have you changed from freshman year to now?”

A: “I believe I’m more productive and more active in school.”

Q: “How have you changed from freshman year to now?”

A: “I’m a bit taller now and have shorter hair.”

Q: “How have you changed from freshman year to now?”

A: “I’ve gotten a lot more dedicated to my school work and less procrastination when it comes to studying.”

Q: “If you could restart high school, what would you do differently?”

A: “I would get involved in sports and other out of school activities.”

Q: “If you could restart high school, what would you do differently?”

A: “I would’ve started working harder and putting more effort towards my school work.”

Q: “If you could restart high school, what would you do differently?”

A: “I would’ve definitely started rowing for crew my freshman year rather than playing volleyball and softball.”

Q: “What are your plans for after high school?”

A: “My plans are to go to college and run track.”

Q: “What are your plans for after high school?”

A: “I’m still undecided as to where I want to go for college, but I want to study chemical engineering.”

Q: “If you could restart high school, what would you do differently?”

A: “Honestly, I would join more clubs because I feel like I missed out on things my first couple years of high school. I definitely recommend joining early because it’s a really fun experience.”

Kierra Cooper

Izhak Hamidi

Q: “What are your plans for after high school?”

A: “I am planning on studying computer science.”

John Balis

Q: “What are your plans for after high school?”

A: “I plan on studying architecture at possibly Kent State or a few other colleges.”

Marcella Casarella

Eight

Photostory The second blood drive of the school year was held on Thursday March 11. The Red Cross Club hosted the event in the dome gym.

Blood Drive

By The Stats...

Every

Junior Alexa Tran (center) is the president of the Red Cross Club. “It’s really cool to know that we are saving lives. Each pint saves three lives; this blood drive we saved 90 lives,” Tran said.

2

seconds someone in the U.S needs blood

Approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed everyday in the U.S.

Each year there are 6.8 million people that donate blood in the United States. Of the 38 percent that are eligible to donate blood, only 10 percent in the United States donate each year.

The average red blood cell transfusion is 3 pints Eighty percent of blood donations to the Red Cross come from mobile drives within communities. The remaining 20 percent come from Red Cross donation centers. With all of the blood donated, the Red Cross supplies about 40 percent of the blood supply in the nation.

The blood type most often requested by hospitals is Type 0 It is estimated that sickle cell disease affects 90,000 to 100,000 people in the U.S. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease every year

Source: Red Cross

SELESTINA BANDA | STAFF WRITER WALEED VAID | DESIGN EDITOR