2727 Fuller Road Ann Arbor, MI 48105
The Emery
Volume 4 Issue 1 September 2018
The Student Publication of Huron High School
Feature
New traffic changes are now in full swing
Since last winter, Orchard, Hiltz, & McCliment, Inc. (OHM) Advisors, traffic safety experts who specialize in safety control matters, observed traffic during several mornings and afternoons at Huron. The moves comes as the District and its Safe Routes to School teams at every school, seeks methods to improve traffic and pedestrian safety. The Ann Arbor Police Department, Huron Administration, and City Traffic Engineers were also involved in observations, improvements, and the OHM report, which outlined short and long term solutions for traffic safety and the traffic proposal. Liz Margolis, Executive Director of Student and School Safety played a major role in these changes, and she The new traffic pattern, taken from Huron’s website, prohibits cars from using the Huron Parkway entrance. works directly with OHM Advisors in “We consulted traffic safety also been a decrease in student driving safety risks, for both vehicles and other projects across the district. experts who spent time on our campus ers, which meant more parents picking pedestrians. Huron Principal Dr. Janet “I led the process with Huron observing the morning drop off and and dropping their children up at the Administration afternoon pick up of our students,” Huron Parkway circle. Secondly, when on developing What exactly are the new traffic changes? Schwamb said. “These experts students either exited cars or crossed solutions for Can students still park in the same lots? agreed that the Huron Parkway en- through bus and car traffic, it created the traffic isHow long will a commute take? Find out trance, both in the morning and af- potential for injuries. sues at drop off more on Page 2! ternoon, poses a dangerous threat to The move has prompted difand pick up, our students with the mixing of bus ferent responses among the school comspecifically the Graphics by Julie Heng and car traffic.” munity. Senior Kelly Kramer parked mingling of bus Enrollment numbers are in the Baseball Lot last year, coming Schwamb understands how difficult es and cars off the Huron Parkway ensteadily increasing across the district, through the Huron Parkway entrance. and dangerous traffic has been in the trance,” Margolis said. increasing morning traffic. There has She is not frustrated See more | Page 2 past. This plan is aimed at reducJack Harrison | Staff Editor
Making the switch to Guard Senior Raymond Kim sets aside marching band to join color guard. He’s the only male member this year. See more | Page 2
Opinion
Vaccines do not cause autism Check out the facts that drive many people to vaccinate their children. See more | Page 4
Feature
New teachers 15 new River Rats - who are they, why do they teach, and what do they like to do? See more | Page 8
Politics, sports coverage, and those pesky school ID photos... @thehuronemery www.thehuronemery.com
National conversations on teenage suicide continue Julie Heng | Staff Editor Kevin Epling missed his son Matt’s assault by 15 minutes. Matt was tied up, lobbed with eggs, covered in syrup and physically assaulted just 150 yards from his house. To the bullies, laughing with the hood of the car propped up, this was just a gag, a hazing ritual for high school freshmen. Matt thought he would be shoved into the car engine. He later decided to press charges for assault and battery. The harassment only continued in the Meijer parking lot, however. “The only thing we also know is that those young men came in while he was working one day,” Epling said. “We don’t really know what transpired. And everything up to that point there was really nothing out of the ordinary in Matt’s world.” Matt and Kevin were apart for
Kevin Epling, MSU video producer and suicide awareness and bullying prevention advocate, speaks at a Michigan Interscholastic Press Association panel in July alongside Grosse Pointe South senior Grace Reyes. After Epling’s son Matt died by suicide, Epling passed “Matt’s Safe Schools Law” to ensure all Michigan schools have a bullying policy in place. Photo by Vivian Barrett.
an hour. In that hour, 14-year-old Matt took his own life. It was 40 days after the first assault.
It was like a bomb went off. The world turned upside down. Without warning, Kevin Epling was drafted into the world of suicide prevention
and awareness. Epling has been leading often-tough conversations for 15 years now, most recently with a group of high school journalists at Michigan State University. This time, he fielded questions with psychologist Gigi Colombini and Grosse Pointe South high school senior Grace Reyes. All three emphasized the importance of more open communication and discussion, including mobilizing youth, educating therapists and emergency workers, and community outreach. According to the Center for Disease Control, suicide among teens and young adults has tripled in the last 80 years, and high school suicide risk trends are only increasing. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death in ages 15-24, taking more lives than cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, pneumonia, See more | Page 2
U-M to expand natural gas Surya Raghavendran fights “unfair and deceptive” power plant, prompts concern Michigan policies through Right to Repair Julie Heng | Staff Editor ` The University of Michigan is developing a power plant expansion planned to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80,000 metric tons per year. That’s equal to cutting the electricity use of 12,000 homes or removing 17,000 passenger vehicles from the road annually, according to the EPA. This $80 million project will add a new 15-megawatt Combined Heat and Power (CHP) turbine to the existing Central Power Plant (CPP), which provides electricity and steam to twothirds of the Central and Medical campus. Currently, U-M campus needs are outsourced. The CPP expansion is expected to improve sustainability and reliability. When U-M first moved to Ann Arbor in 1837, the campus was heated by wood stoves. The CPP was built in 1914 to power U-M’s then-expanding campus using coal-heated boilers. Today, the CPP runs on natural gas. While most power plants lose 50% of energy to excess heat energy, the current CPP has an overall efficiency of 70-80%. This is accomplished by generating more electricity and steam from excess “wasted” energy. However, at a public hearing hosted by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Air Quality Division on August 16 to discuss the proj-
ect, some residents raised concerns over the dirty byproducts of natural gas. The DEQ’s primary permit engineer for this project, Ambrosia Brown, assured listeners that the estimates for the new CPP were well below national limits. In case there is a violation of compliance (e.g. emissions levels go above federally approved limits), the DEQ requires only monetary compensation and stricter guidelines. There are no regulations to account for the emissions’ effects. The City of Ann Arbor hopes to reduce 25% of carbon emissions from 2000 by 2025. So far, U-M has managed to keep energy levels constant near 2006 levels, despite continued campus expansion. The university’s Energy Management Program promotes energy efficiency to reduce both greenhouse gas emissions and utility costs. This is meant to create a gradual shift to renewable energy. Over the last 12 years, energy use per square foot has decreased by 16% across campus. Currently, 3 acres of solar panels on North Campus (20-year partnership with DTE) provide 780,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year. U-M’s Weisfeld Family Golf Center, built in 2011 using mostly recycled materials, is a geothermal building with 30 percent estimated energy savings. U-M also purchases renewable energy credits from a wind farm in Cadillac, MI.
Jack Harrison | Staff Editor “I ask you, a citizen, to tell your story about how Right to Repair could affect you,” senior Surya Raghavendran has displayed on his petition page. But here’s how it affects him and what he’s doing about it. Raghavendran owns SKR Screen Repair, which he opened several years ago. He has been able to grow his business, providing readily adequate services to residents in the community and to Huron students. But Right to Repair is a recent obstacle that has consumed much of his time and applies to not just his business. “Right to Repair affects everyone, from farmers who work with tractors and combine harvesters to the mechanics that fix cars and trucks,” Raghavendran said. Right to Repair allows for any individual to open, service, or repair a consumer product that the individual purchased. Raghavendran explained the issue using referencing a car. For instance, if a windshield breaks, the owner can consult a private company, rather than going to the dealership. However, with an iPhone for example, most services can only be done by servicers that Apple provides the code reader to, which explains where and how the repairs can be made. “Right to Repair would allow third parties to purchase and use a code
Raghavendran met with Senator Warren to discuss the issue and possible legislation at her Ann Arbor office. “It’s up to the manufacturers to disclose device schematics, diagnostic equipment, and replacement parts to all that request it,” he told her. Photo provided by Raghavendran.
reader,” Raghavendran said. Raghavendran is advocating for this legislation because of how it affects his business, as well as other small businesses in repairing industries. “Small Businesses are the backbone of any economy; a large percentage of this economy revolves around the repair of consumer electronics,” Raghavendran said. He further explained that phone-repairing businesses have to raid software and parts to fix products. But Right to Repair can also benefit the en-
vironment. “I have seen the effects of e-waste double or triple in my lifetime, and e-waste is quickly becoming a problem in many places,” Raghavendran added. “Right to repair would help extend the life of these devices and keep more of them out of landfills.” But Raghavendran hasn’t just identified the need for Right to Repair. He’s doing something about it. He first started an online petition to render support for Right to Repair in See more | Page 2
News CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
by Jack Harrison | Staff Editor that her commute will be several minutes longer coming through the Fuller Entrance. However, she questions how the policy improves safety. “I, as well as many other people, will have to drive past both crosswalks to the school which alone increases the risk of harm to students that walk to school,” Kramer said. “This plan was supposed to be safer for us, the student body, and all I can think about is how I’m lucky I don’t walk to school.” Senior Lisa Stevens notes that her commute will be longer, potentially causing stress for her and other drives. However, she does think there could be benefits of the plan. “I think for parents picking up after school it could potentially result in less stress because their students won’t have to search for them amongst, before, or after the buses,” Stevens said. Since only buses can travel through the Huron Pkwy. entrance, students with instruments cannot be dropped off directly in front of the band room. Instead, they will have to
be dropped off in the Baseball Lot, and then walk to the band room. For some students and parents, the new traffic route won’t affect their mornings. But for senior Ayaka Inoki, her parents will not be driving her due to the added time. “You’re taking the Clague bus with your bassoon to school now,” her parents said. Margolis mentioned that aside from safety concerns, students illegally parking near the band room during the day contributed to the policy. Kramer noted that there will be more traffic build up at the Fuller entrance, resulting in possible frustration and tardiness. “Imagine a frustrated driver leaving the school after being stuck in all that traffic, throwing caution to the wind in hopes of making it to work on time,” Kramer said. Margolis understands that parents and students need to consider added time, but offers a different perspective on potential traffic. “But actually, an increase of traffic will slow traffic down along this corridor,” she notes. Recently, changes have come to Clague’s traffic circles, and OHM is
working on plans for a traffic change at Pioneer this upcoming year. This fall, AAPS will be working with the city to improve the Fuller crosswalk. This partnership has been critical for traffic safety improvements, such as reduced speed zones. Recently, changes have come to Clague’s traffic circles, and OHM is working on plans for a traffic change at Pioneer this upcoming year. “Our partnership with the city is aimed at education and improving the roadways and sidewalks on school campuses and in the school neighborhoods,” Margolis said. Expect Ann Arbor Police and Huron Administration to be around the Huron Parkway entrance as school starts, as there could be some not familiar with the new changes. Margolis is confident the plan will be a permanent solution due to the careful consideration received when outlined. However, if there are “some fatal flaws,” she and OHM would be open to reconsidering their solutions. “We understand change can be hard, and this will be a learning process, but we really need everyone to work together to make Huron’s campus safer for our students,” Margolis emphasized.
National conversation on teenage suicide awareness continues CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
by Julie Heng | Staff Editor influenza, and chronic lung disease combined. In many schools and communities, however, suicide is often seen as some kind of taboo. Epling, a video producer and visual journalist at MSU, said this is common trend in high schools, but that it should be exactly the opposite. His efforts led to Matt’s Safe Schools Law, named for his son, which formally requires schools have an anti-bullying policy in place. Epling also spoke at Huron to students and parents in 2014. Then, he already emphasized how ordinary students can be “superheros in the hallways.” Counselor Nina Perko reminds students that Huron has a support system for those who need it, including teachers and community assistants. “We also now have a full time social worker, Mr. Samaha, who is an excellent resource, especially for mental health issues,” Perko said. “If students do not want to talk to adults, they can utilize the Peer Lab, which is right next to the counseling office. These are students who have taken the Peer Facilitating class, expressed interest in being a Peer, and interviewed to get the ‘job.’ Ultimately, any adult in the school can be a resource and a support for students. Don’t be afraid to reach out. Huron staff are people too, not just the ‘adults.’” Colombini, a crisis center supervisor and psychotherapist, also
2016 Suicide Rates by Age Group - National Violent Death Reporting System
STOP
Please pay attention to the new traffic plan:
Car drop-offs and pick-up can only occur at the south circle drive off Fuller Rd. Bus drop off and pick ups will occur on the North circle drive off Huron Parkway. Only authorized vehicles will be allowed to enter through the Huron Parkway entrance. Vehicles traveling east on Fuller Rd. must turn left into the school at the signal in order to drop students off. REMEMBER: Vehicles traveling from the north or south on Huron Parkway can turn onto Fuller Rd. and turn right into the school drive. After students activate the crosswalks, they need to make sure cars in both lanes have passed. There is no left turn at the entrance between the athletic fields and Fuller Rd. The policy applies from 7a.m. to 4pm.
Graphics by Julie Heng
Behind Huron’s new traffic safety plan
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Raghavendran fights for Right to Repair CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
by Jack Harrison | Staff Writer
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emphasizes the importance of maintaining positive relationships with students at risk of suicide. “Suicide almost all the time is not about dying - it’s about stopping pain,” Colombini said. “People do a lot of things in life to try and stop pain. We know some of the good things - we work out, maybe we journal, listen to music.” Suicide, like these other activities, can become a mental habit. Colombini likens the situation to a person who goes to a room but forgets the reason why. A person under stress - say, when preparing for finals - can wonder what they entered that room for. Oftentimes, a person contemplating suicide makes a mental habit out of it, and since stress diminishes mental capacity, that person cannot think of an alternative that can help or think clearly for themselves. “Someone out there being there for them can go, ‘Well what about
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calling your therapist or how about we hang out together and check out a movie and you’ll feel better?’” Colombini said. According to a 2015 poll from the American Society for Suicide Prevention, over 50 percent of Americans report barriers in helping someone at risk of suicide. Colombini advocates the #BeThere campaign, which encourages students to spend time with at-risk students. After all, simply being there will be the starting point in the national conversation on suicide prevention. “While I like to believe that River Rats are above bullying and mean behaviors, I know it does happen,” Perko said. “We encourage students to stick up for one another, confront bullies, and report your concerns to anyone in the building. If any student feels they are being bullied by someone, please say something so we can help!”
Michigan, which reached over 720 signa- panies,” Raghavendran noted. Raghavendran needs the suptures in mid-August, and he is currently port of students to get more signatures, working to collect more signatures. Raghavendran first reached which readers can participate in. “For too long large corporaout to Gay Gordon, who started the Right to Repair Coalition to assemble tions are monopolizing their repair industry by using various forms of devious petitions at Re(and sometimes ilpair.org. She suglegal) techniques,” gested RaghavenRaghavendran dran reach out to emphasized. Nathan Proctor, To get furSIGN THE PETITION: the head of the ther involved, he Right to Repair www.change.org/p/michiganencourages stuefforts at the state-senate-right-to-repair-indents to support USPrig, a public michigan small repair busiresearch center nesses and to atto promote citCONTACT: tempt fixing their izens’ interests. right2repairmichigan@gmail. own electronics But Proctor himcom with the help of self saw one of his business and Raghavendran’s SKR Screen the internet. tweets and called Repair: “If we could him up first. create an atmo(734) 707-5599 H e sphere of more talked with DIY, more people Proctor and got will save money on the email and learn a couple list to various elected officials. Proctor also talked strategy with him, of things from the cell phones they use discussing how to present the chal- every day,” Raghavendran said. “With lenges to people and why it matters. everyone involved, we together can But to really make change, he’s met with make a difference. Raghavendran met with SenState Senator Rebekah Warren in at- tempt to formulate legislation for a pro- ator Warren to discuss the issue and posed vote. However, he has not heard possible legislation at her Ann Arbor back an update about the drafting of office. “It’s up to the manufacturers the legislation. Right to Repair has not to disclose device schematics, diagbeen passed in other states, though it nostic equipment, and replacement has been proposed in some other states, parts to all that request it,” he told her. “but was quickly squashed by large com-
Raymond Kim: new face and only guy in this year’s Color Guard squad Jack Harrison | Staff Writer
Senior Raymond Kim marched in the Rhythm Rat Marching Band last year playing trumpet. This year he’ll be on the field again, but not marching with a trumpet in his left hand. He’ll be in Color Guard, with a flag in his hand, or at least some of the time, when it isn’t spinning in the sky on the 50 yard line. Kim eyed joining Guard last year, after playing trumpet in the marching band which he had not played since freshman year. He switched to bassoon his sophomore year, and did not want to march with a clarinet, since bassoons are not marched with. This year the guard grew, but Raymond is the only male on the team, following the first male for many years James Riddell. But that’s the least of his worries. Kim wasn’t worried for his first practices and felt that “everyone acted like there were no difference in gender.” Kim did add that he was nervous for Color Guard’s first performance at Interlochen because he did not prepare enough, and realized there was a lot of work involved in learning and practicing the moves. Color Guard Captain Joann Cho believes that Color Guard is a activity for everyone, but does feel that it is definitely more associated with wom-
en, in fact explaining that “Huron’s Color Guard became accustomed to that stereotype.” “Having a guy last year and this year had me thrilled, but we definitely had to shift out environment,” Cho said. “But they weren’t big changes and it all worked out in the end.” With all the practicing, it means that the Guard meets frequently, in fact every Monday and sometimes Wednesday during the falls. “I like how they meet more than other squads because it builds more relationships,” Kim said. Kim is aware that he is the only male in the Guard and knows that could potentially be uncomfortable for some. Instead of directly criticizing these individuals, he feels they need to be more open minded. “I think everyone’s thoughts are different and I can understand people who doesn’t want to join,” Kim said. “But I think it’s very immature to not join or criticize just because of gender.” Kim hasn’t faced any challenges yet, but his first show does not take place until September 7 at the first Huron Varsity home football game. But looking ahead, he doesn’t miss the trumpet. “I’m already liking Color Guard more than my previous marching instrument, trumpet,” he added.
2018 Color Guard Game Schedule Where: Riverbank Stadium - Time: 7:30 p.m.
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2 1. Kim with the Color Guard team at their recent annual trip to Interlochen Center for the Arts. They had dinner together in Stone Cafeteria to discuss their demonstration on Sunday Aug., 19. 2. Members of the Huron Color Guard marching in line at Interlochen on the Lakeside Field for a marching practice. 3. Former River Rat James Riddell became the first male to join Color Guard after many years of male absence. Here he is on Opera field at Interlochen for Huron’s 2017 demonstration at the end of camp.
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4. The 2018 Color Guard parades with the band to Lot Q. The team is led by Captains Alexis Joslin and Joann Cho.
OCT 5
Opinion The Emery Defying my own principle and Adviser learning a lesson
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The Student Publication of Huron High School
Sara-Beth Badalamente
Editor-in-Chief Kara Kozma
Staff Editors Jack Harrison Julie Heng Samantha Ruud
Business Manager George White
Staff Writers Katherine Gurgenian Daniel Middaugh Alyssa Salamin Shannon Stocking Patrick Wang
Conservative Corner
principles. That being said, at Huron I Jack Harrison | Staff Editor work diligently to correct these mis I’m a Conservative in the conceptions and labels, and I strive to most liberal city, in the second darkest educate my peers that Donald Trump blue county, in a historically blue state. and some of his policies are not repAnd this place I call home is Ann Arresentative of all conservatives. Some bor, Michigan. of my classmates have listened to my Blessed with a politically message and appreciate that I speak neutral household, and inspired by out, but for others, it only causes them after class sidebars with my eighth to turn away even more. grade history teacher, Mr. Gaynor, I Recruiting is constantly a became a conservative. Oddly enough, struggle for the Huron Young ConserMr. Gaynor was about as liberal as you vatives, and I am aware this is a concan get—from riding his bike to school, tinuous obstacle. So towards the end to insisting that our water bottles of this year, I posted club flyers in the never near a trash can rim. But looking halls to promote the club. I made sure back, he did his job perfectly: he gave they were welcoming, even including us resources and lectures to learn about an inclusive “all are welcome” statepolitics without imposing his ideology. ment. During the year, we had many pro My club signs weren’t just ductive discussions, and Mr. Gaynor ripped; they were torn into a dozen cautioned me that I would definitely be pieces, and it became normal to find a dissenting voice in our community. I scraps circulating the hallways. This had no idea just how dissenting—and just didn’t happen once. It happened it didn’t take me long to find that out. four times within two weeks, with Quickly into high school, I discovered four different destroyers. I finally hit that my conversations would not be my breaking point. I was angry, but like those with Mr. Gaynor. They would also hurt. I dedicated every debate and be full of yelling and knife jabbing discussion trying to comments, with the clarify what I stand intention to attack, for while remainnot to explain. I We all make assumptions ing respectful, could not foresee even when people that listening—some- and label because it’s easy; called me a “bigot,” thing so essential but “racist” and a “white we let emotions oversimple—would be And whelm thought and skew supremacist.” tough to come by. sadly, this became a I’m a senior judgment. new normal. now. I engage in I let my political discussions emotions dictate my almost daily and reasoning. I forgot after the 2016 elecabout what I preach. tion, many turned volatile quite fast. I was fading down the opposite path It’s clear from those conversations that and I came very close to being vacumany of my peers have misconceptions umed up into the bag of polarization about what “conservative” really means. and division. I understand that students I began to think that most often link President Trump’s beliefs to liberal students at my school, even the my own, which is somewhat underones who listened to me, were intolerstandable since the president is typical- ant and suppress free speech. “I would ly their party’s current leader. But I also never do that. Conservatives don’t do think that school environments and the that,” I thought. Though we are seeing media bear responsibility for incora radical side of the Democratic Party rectly interpreting certain conservative rise with some praise.
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The Emery Staff Policy The Emery is a newspaper produced by and for the students of Huron High School. The Emery exists to inform and entertain the student body by producing quality content on a variety of school, community, national, and international issues. We at The Emery aim to improve ourselves as writers, thinkers, and communicators serving communities to which we belong, and we strive to maintain the highest degree of journalistic integrity. All opinions pieces published by The Emery reflect only the views of their authors, not those of the adviser, editor-in-chief, editorial board, or other staff members. The Emery achieved a Gold Ranking in the Spartan Critique for the 2017-2018 academic year. The Emery is a member of the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association, the National Scholastic Press Association, and the Journalism Education Association.
Jack Harrison at the Capitol building in Lansing, MI, where he works. Photo by Jack Harrison.
One day, I recall a teacher of mine tell me, “Jack, you can’t let an act by a small group of students deter you from your message that you do such a good job of getting out.” That following hour, I presented my Theory of Knowledge presentation, titled, “Investigating the role of emotion in decision making?” And one section was centered on examining how emotions about a single person can affect our perspective about others associated with that person’s culture or beliefs. And that’s exactly what I was doing. But there was one key event that made me remember that there are people who listen, and that there are students from the other side who struggle with the same issue of being labeled. We were going to debate the Community High School Young Democrats. The most liberal high school in Ann Arbor. Their mascot is the Rainbow Zebra; their only sport is quidditch, which I don’t even count as a sport. I expected confrontation and I assumed that they would be more disrespectful than some of the students
in the Huron Young Democrats who shout f-words at us. But I was wrong. My assumptions and my labeling was wrong. Our debate with the Community Dems was the most coherent discussion I have ever had. Everyone was respectful and tried to make their point in the most understandable manner. Both groups walked away feeling that we look at certain issues differently now, which is uncommon after debating about politics. It felt like one of those conversations with Mr. Gaynor. After the debate, the President of the Community Dems approached me and explained that she and her members were afraid we would be “crazy Trumpies.” I laughed and then told her that I thought her club would be a bunch of “tree-hugging social justice warriors.” They had assumptions too. We all make assumptions and label because it’s easy; we let emotions overwhelm thought and skew judgment. In fact, that’s a label right there. But more importantly, when we do this, we forget who we are.
“Calm” effectively combats sleep anxiety Jack Harrison | Staff Editor Getting in bed at nine, I’m hopeful and excited that I could potentially receive nine hours of sleep. But that never happens. I struggle to fall asleep, but it’s only 9:45 so I am not too concerned. 10:30 approaches and I still cannot doze off into dreams. I began to sweat, turn on another fan and reposition myself on my bed. Now it’s 11:30 and I can’t ignore the fact that I have two tests the following morning. Unfortunately, this scenario has become a regularity. But it didn’t used to be… We all know how essential restful sleep is to achieving success, especially for high schoolers. But when that is factored in with anxiety, it can be a surprisingly difficult combination to control. I could fall asleep within seconds my first year of high school. What happened? Ever since the start of my junior year, if I knew I could not get eight hours of sleep with an exam in the morning, it would take me at least two hours to fall asleep. I would begin to think that every hour lost of sleep equates to a lower grade. I would also think about worries not even relevant to that week. This was all probably a result of the known to be stressful junior year. An SAT in one month should not be something to worry about at midnight. I struggled to tame this, resorting to melatonin and NyQuil which did help. Over the summer, I knew it would be the best time to pursue alternative methods, especially since I would be waking up at 5 or 6 a.m several days a week.
A friend presented the idea of mindfulness to me, knowing I would be reluctant to listen. I questioned the effectiveness, probably because I anticipated the difficulty of clearing my mind. But she suggested I find an app. I scrolled the App Store and came across the app of the year, “Calm.” This app is designed to help with meditation and mind clearing, offering guided meditation videos for specific issues such as sleep, emotion, anxiety and focus. For me, I was most interested in sleep meditation and resources. The sleep section offers sleep meditation, deep sleep body scans, and bedtime stories. Calm also features relaxing music cycles and master classes to help with anxiety or over-working. An example of a meditation first begins by finding a comfortable position to relax the body. The speaker then gives a brief introduction about the focus of the meditation and will iterate specific instructions. But with all of them, there is a central focus on the “breath,” breathing in and out. At times, it easy to drift into the thought, but the speaker is conscious of this and will quickly stop anxious thoughts. I have found much more success with sleep and overall mindfulness, resulting in focus and happiness. I was a doubter at first. But mindfulness is something that can be done across all religions. It doesn’t mean you are separating from your religion, which was a concern of mine. It’s just another approach to finding rest and peace. Calm is an effective app for a price of $5 a month.
Piper, a Pixar short film, twice and a reading list
Second Guesses Julie Heng | Staff Editor
I first saw Pixar’s animated short film Piper with a group of friends at the theater. It was delightful, and entertaining, and we all cooed over the graphics and adorable sandpiper. How cute would a little stuffed version be? I, like my friends, thought little else of the film. After sitting through two hours of Finding Dory, I had forgotten all about the opening short and any related stuffed animals. It was just another day spent hanging out. No harm in having a good time. Piper would not cross my mind again, until one morning, when my dad brought it to the breakfast table. The video thumbnail was instantly
recognizable. “I’ve seen this one before,” I said into my cereal, uninterested. “This took the Pixar team over three years to make,” my dad insisted. “If a six-minute long video took that many people that long to make, it must have many layers.” I used to believe the world lacked good, didactic art. Now, I see that I simply ignored many of the lessons I have come across. Piper is not just a story of overcoming fear and trying new things. It’s a tribute to ingenuity and individuality and learning from teachers in unordinary places. I had taken the glossy highlights at face value, had superficially treated the film as a for-
gettable appetizer without taking time to appreciate the notes and textures. There really were many layers which I only noticed the second time around. As is such, I resolve to no longer skim through books and movies simply to get to the next stage. I won’t be able to run through all the world’s art, anyways: there’s enough media, especially in today’s information explosion, to bury someone alive. I resolve to slow down and think carefully about what I ingested, and what essential nutrients I should absorb for myself. Of course, adopting such a mindset is not difficult. After bingeing a good book series or finishing an addictive webcomic, I find myself swirling in the lyrics of that fictional universe. Undoubtedly, I will once again get sucked into similar wormholes in the future, but when I am
transported there, I hope to actually think about each universe, prod through deeper conclusions and larger meanings rather than simply wallow around entertained. I also resolve to control what I absorb. The other day, I finally came around to making myself a reading list. I included ten books, ten essays, and twenty elegies (half the elegies are poetic compositions, the other half are musical). There are too many good words to let some go to waste, so it is up to me to pick and choose the best. So now, I say this: I first saw Pixar’s animated short film Piper with my family at breakfast. It was meticulous, well thought-out, and I saw a bit of myself in that adorable sandpiper. strive to be as curious as her. It’s important not to take things for granted at face value.
Opinion
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Vaccines Save Lives
Katherine Gurgenian | Staff Writer
VaCcInEs CoNtAiN pOiSoNoUs SuBsTaNcEs! i dOn’t wAnT My cHiLdReN To bE ExPoSeD To sUcH AwFuL SuBsTaNcEs! True. However, anything can be toxic if given in large amounts, including water, ice cream, vegetables, and so on. The amounts of these substances are so small that they’re insignificant. For example, vaccines that have Aluminum, which makes a vaccine more effective. They contain roughly 0.125 mg per dose, while the average person consumes 30-50 mg of aluminum everyday through food and drink. That’s way more than just one vaccine.
tHeY’Re nOt sAfE! False. Vaccines are extremely regulated. They go through many tests to make sure that they’re safe, to find the correct dose, and to see if they actually prevent diseases. In fact, it can take 10-25 years of testing in the U.S. and Canada before the vaccine is put on the market, and even when it’s on the market, it continues to go through continuous testing.
wHaT’S ThE RuSh? I CaN GeT It wHeN I’M OlDeR. Babies and children are most vulnerable to germs and have a higher risk of sickness and death. Thus, shots are given at a young age to significantly lower that risk. Don’t wait.
hOw bAd aRe tHe dIsEaSeS ThAt tHeSe vAcCiNeS PrEvEnT? i mEaN, wHaT’S ThE WoRsT ThAt cOuLd hApPeN? Death. In the 1960s, smallpox caused millions of deaths. Then in 1980, the disease was completely eradicated due to vaccines. Also, the World Health Organization estimates that 20.4 million deaths because of measles were prevented worldwide from 2010-2016.
iT CaUsEs aUtIsM! There is absolutely zero factual, truthful evidence to support this claim. The main piece of evidence that argues that vaccines do cause autism is a study published in the late 1990s. This study was later debunked by over 20 international studies involving large populations, and 10/13 of the original authors of the study retracted their original statements.
vAcCiNe cOmPaNiEs aRe oNlY In iT FoR ThE MoNeY! So is everything else in this economy. Flour is extremely profitable, McDonalds is extremely profitable, and so on.
Entertainment
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Views from the Wayne County Fair Ariel Dirogi | Staff Writer
1. Huebert the English Carrier Pigeon poses for his profile, attracting everyone with his unique look. 2. As the night comes to an end, everyone comes out to enjoy their last ride of the night. Rides prepare to close and game hosts try to get their last customer before its time to close for the evening.
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3. Maple the sable doe patiently waits for passers by to give her some hay to munch on. As people continue to fulfill her needs, she doesn’t stop smiling 4. Rusty Red Maverick ruffles his feathers and sleeks down his look for all the eyes staring at him. 5. The paratrooper spins you not only around, but also swings up and down for a bigger thrill. Although it can take 10 minutes just to get everyone on, that doesn’t stop it from being the fair favorite. 6. The chicks in the incubator swarm at all the faces by the plastic, barely separating us from them. They can never get enough attention and are always scurrying around the nursery. 7. Sheep pose together at the Wayne County Fair in Belleville, MI.
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Who I am as a writer and as a person
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vague reason why: I saw some stuff I shouldn’t have when I was in either the seventh or eighth grade, and my parents got divorced when I was around fifteen. The latter most certainly caused some emotional scarring. I don’t think my depression was active at the time, and I think I was diagnosed before that. At least it put me on the path to enjoy metal as I do now, as I remember that Linkin Park had some music that could help, and I listened to them. Then I got into nightcore metal, and that eventually got me into non-nightcore metal, as the first song in my metal rock playlist is Y’all Want a Single by Korn (for the record, I no longer listen to nightcore). To get more into what video games I like, my first video game was New Super Mario Bros., which is why I made it my first video game review. The video game series I enjoy the most is probably Pokemon, and my first Pokemon game was Pokemon Platinum. Looking back on how I used to play, I realized my mistake: I was only using my starter. By the time I got to Cycling Road after the second gym, that’s when my starter evolved into its final stage. That starter was a Turtwig, so I evolved it into Torterra way too fast. My “strategy” was to use the move return on everything, and it worked because I was so overleveled. How to actually play pokemon is to look ahead and choose the best pokemon you can for the best possible type coverage. If you want to know my favorite pokemon, my favorite non-legendaries are most pseudo-legendaries, aside from Dragonite. My favorite pseudo-legendaries are Metagross, Garchomp, and Tyranitar. I like them because they are DESTRUCTIVE! Metagross’s typing of steel and psychic did well against everything, as the steel type gave it many resistances and the psychic type made it a powerhouse. Anyone familiar with the gen four metagame knows that Garchomp was so strong that it was moved from overused (OU) to ubers, meaning it was ridiculously strong. Garchomp even thrived in ubers once it was moved there. Then, there’s Tyranitar. This thing has a huge movepool and can do everything, just not everything at once. For my favorite legendary pokemon, they are Mewtwo and Giratina. I like Mewtwo because it is so powerful and Giratina because it looks cool, and its eldritch abomination vibe is also pretty cool. As for things about pokemon I don’t like, I can’t stand people that say
Gamefreak is running out of ideas, as petitively), and I couldn’t find one. bad and lazy ideas have always been a However, I saw some reviews and they problem with franchise. My examples weren’t pretty. I’ll go over them when I are Grimer and Muk. I don’t like their do that review. Another Touhou game designs because they’re just sentient is Touhou Genso Wanderer, which is piles of goo, and there is nothing cool for the Playstation 4 (PS4), a system I about them. As pokemon, they’re don’t own. However, there is a updatgood walls, but that hardly excuses the ed version, Touhou Genso Wanderer design. It really makes me mad when Reloaded, which will be for the Switch. people pick on Gen. Five for uncreative I’ll most likely do a review of Touhou pokemon designs Genso Wanderer Rewhen Gen. Five loaded once it comes had easily the most out on the Switch detailed story of any on...July SevenI feel like doing this is pokemon game at teenth?! School will that point. It’s good important to explain my be out then! I hope for anyone who wants writing, so I can seem I’ll get Newspaper to get into pokemon next year. I suppose but has played other more like a person instead that’s another topic RPGs and just can’t of just a voice. I can talk about; I get into it. Anyway, really enjoy this class! I’ve seen Pokemon It’s very fun and ripoffs that are so enjoyable to write uncreative that they about things I enjoy, used footage from the trailer when and it makes my school day far less mega evolutions were introduced but routine and boring. That’s why I never just misspelled mega as meag or some want to miss this class, since it’s really lazy crap like that. To get off this topic, the only one I enjoy aside from my first I enjoy the Kirby series, and once I get hour and my sixth hour. done with this piece, I will do a review As for some more things of Kirby Star Allies, and it’s out now about me, my phone doesn’t keep me so give it a read. Also, on the topic of alive like the majority of other teenKirby Star Allies, the name of the final agers out there. I certainly care about boss, Void Termina, sounds insanely my phone and don’t want the battery metal. The heavy metal sounding name to die, but I only use it as a commuis made much more metal when Hyness nication device, an entertainment calls it “our dark lord,” referring to the device, and a means of research. What three generals, Francisca, Flamberge, entertainment means is gaming and and Zan Partizanne. It is also stated reading fun facts about the fan culture that in Zan Partizanne’s pause screen surrounding the many Touhou girls on description that Hyness is abusive the fandom powered wikipedia I use towards the generals. I also want to and listening to music. What entertainnote that Void Termina was born from ment really means to me though is the the “total absence of care.” Considering ability to kill time in classes when I’m that Void Termina is also considered a not doing anything otherwise. I really god (at least by Hyness and the Gendon’t have much else I feel comfortable erals), it makes me think of the Order sharing, so let me wrap this up. from Silent Hill and how it wanted to summon a god that was raised on hate Ending: in the third game. I doubt the similarities are at all intentional, but it is Really, I hope this gave a deinteresting. I also really like the end of cent look into my thoughts and my life, Hyness’ major plot dump. It is, “... A as I feel like doing this is important new age! A new age of awesome! HAPto explain my writing, so I can seem PY BIRTHDAY DARK LORD! HAPmore like a person telling you about my PY BIRTHDAY!” It’s just so funny to opinions on a game, instead of just a me. Massive tangents aside, Kirby Star voice. Also, if you find me interesting, Allies will be the next piece after this try and talk to me during early lunch. If one. As for what could come after Star you want to ask me a question for some Allies, it might be the DOOM (2016) reason my email address is Danmidor Touhou Kobuto V: Burst Battle. I’m daugh4@gmail.com. That is all from me leaning more towards Kobuto V. for now, and I hope you will read my I looked up the tier list (a list next piece. of how the characters perform com-
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brought the mood down, but I will say that I’m now on a antidepressant. This is a new and revealing I almost feel like I’ve become a better piece, as I will explain to any reader person because of my depression, who I am when I write and who I am namely because I feel like depression as a person trying to get through high has made me stop using my emotions school. Let’s do this. and made me a logical thinker. I know that I still have emotions, as sometimes About me as a writer: I feel really angry but I don’t act on it. Given that, I feel very comparable When I write, I always try to to Shinichi Izumi from Parasyte, after look at what I’m reviewing objectively he (SPOILER WARNING) fuses with and without nostalgia clouding my Migi. Generally, what I say and write view. That is why I usually want to play sometimes is more based on logic than through the game again so it’s fresh emotion, much like what Shinchi says. in my mind. I don’t require myself to Now, I’m still different from Shinchi replay through a game to review it, but because I wouldn’t call a dead dog a I will if it has been a while since I first “piece of dog shaped meat.” I’m not like beat the game. However, if I’m going that, and my sister (who loves dogs) to be honest, it’s getting a bit hard to would kill me if I said something like keep writing these reviews because I that. I’m also different from Shinchi never play some games. And, due to because I can’t do some of the stuff he other things I have going on in my life, can. Anyway, I tend to think going on it’s pretty hard to play games because logic alone; it would take a lot to get I have so little free time! What I have me to think emotionally. As for what going on is something I’ll get into my main interests are, they are video later. When I write, I enjoy listening to games, anime, and heavy metal. The music. If you’ve read my Heavy Metal reason I like video games so much is Review (which you should do if you because I got a Nintendo DS lite when haven’t), you know that I really like I was six, so video games and I go back heavy metal. I like metal so much that, a bit. I like anime because it’s a neat in fact, I listen to it almost exclusively, art form and the characters can be cool aside from some video game music. and interesting. The reason I thought of So, of course I listen to metal while Shinichi is because I’m a part of the anwriting, and occasionally I hear a song ime club, and, if you like anime, come by my favorite band, Ghost. Anyway, to the club meetings. They are in the if I don’t remember computer lab in the something about a library from the end game, I close my eyes of school to 3:50 most to see the game in my Fridays. Currently, head at a high speed. When I write, I always we are watching I know that it sounds Parasyte, hence why I weird, but that’s what try to look at what I’m was saying I was like I do. Considering reviewing objectively and Shinichi and Parasyte my work goes online, without nostalgia cloud- is kind of at the front I wonder if anyone of my mind. I enjoy reads it, and it also ing my view. watching Parasyte makes me wonder if and I look forwards I have a small group to going to anime of fans. If I do have club since it’s very any fans, they should enjoyable. While try and talk to me; I think we would describing what Migi looks like as get along pretty well. Something that Shinichi’s right arm would be difficult, I’ve been trying to do with my writing I can describe what the enemy parasites is self-edit to correct writing errors I’ve that Shinichi and Migi face look like. made (so I hope my editor appreciates The easiest way to describe it is goopy it)! That’s all about me while I write, so 80’s body horror. For an even more let’s go over me as a person. accurate image, it’s like the dog scene from The Thing, and a tentacle with About me as a person: a curved blade coming out from the dog. However, I will say that Parasyte I’m going to say this upfront: is rather violent, and the dog scene is I have been diagnosed with mild rather disturbing. However, I’m not depression. I’m certain that most likely affected by either too much. Here’s a Dan Middaug | Staff Writer
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Sports
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Junior Varsity football takes on Dundee High School
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1. This year the team has a great mix of experienced sophomores and talented freshmen. “This is an eager team who is ready to learn,” Coach Milne said. 2. The program’s strength this year is in their leadership. “We have two returning captains that are doing a great job leading the team,” Mile emphasized. 3. This year the team spent a lot of time improving their football knowledge. Milne explained that without middle school football, this is most players first time playing full contact football, which means that the team must spend much time learning basic skills. 4. A goal of Milne’s is to insure that his players have a great experience. “From the first day we have talked about how important it is that our team is a brotherhood and that we are there for each other,” Milne said. 5. This is Milne’s third year coaching at Huron and his fourth year coaching. 6.Their team motto is: “Who do we do it for? Our Brothers!!” 7. Mile coaches #30 Adam Abufarha on technique strategies.
This Week: Home Games tuesday
Boys’ Varsity Tennis VS Monroe High School @ 4:30 pm
thursday
Boys’ Varsity Soccer VS Canton High School @ 4:00 pm
Saturday
FRIday
Boys’ Varsity Football VS Dexter High School @ 7:00 pm
Girls’ Varsity Swimming vs Dexter @ 12:00 p.m.
Homecoming is early this year! Spirit week: Sept. 25-28 Dance Sept. 29 Boys’ Junior Varsity Soccer Boys’ Varsity Tennis VS Monroe High School VS Tecumseh High School @ 5:30 pm’ @ 4:30 pm Boys Varsity Soccer VS Monroe High School @ 7:00 pm
BUY YOUR YEARBOOK! Only $60
Senior portraits due Oct. 31
Bring cash or checks made out to Jostens to Mrs. Badalamente in room 4203
Price increases Sept. 15
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“The Best Way to Find Yourself is to Lose Yourself in the Service of Others.” -Gandhi
Feature
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Meet our new teachers! Julie Heng | Staff Editor
Daniel Verdugo “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” - Nelson Mandela
T EACHES Spanish II and Spanish IV. FAVORIT E BOOK is Rayuela by Julio Cortazar. WAS a tour guide in Jamaica for a couple of years!
Sheri Horwi tz
Lauren Taube
“There’s power in looking silly and not caring that you do.”
“I teach because nothing makes me quite as happy as getting to nerd out all day about my favorite subject while also helping my students see that everyone CAN be successful in math class.”
T EACHES English 10 and 20th Century Lit (and loves helping students find ways to love literature and writing like she does). FAVORIT E BOOK is Pride and Prejudice, FAVORIT E SONG is “Hotel California” by the Eagles, FAVORIT E MOVIE is The Princess Bride, and FAVORIT E SHOW is Friends! IS actually a triplet (has one brother and one sister, though, so they’re not identical).
Sarah Anton
Mary Wissman “I’m not the sage on the stage, I’m the guide on the side.”
T EACHES French II, French III, and French IV DP1. LOVES all of the songs from “Hamilton.” HAS LIVED in 6 different states and France.
T EACHES English. LOVES helping students improve their writing and finding an especially good book. LIVED in Chicago her entire life, where she did political consulting before making the jump to education. EXCIT ED to be in Ann Arbor, where she can be found exploring the city with her kids, reading non-fiction, knitting, or planning her next vacation!
Heat her Potocki
IS the guidance counselor for freshmen and juniors last name A-He. FAVORIT E MOVIE is Princess Bride or 10 Things I Hate About You, FAVORIT E BOOK is anything by Nicholas Sparks or Emily Griffin, and FAVORIT E SONG is “In My Life” by The Beatles. Student taught in Kiara, Australia for 3 months. “Through my 8 years working with students, I realized that everyone has stuff going on in their life. Everyone has a struggle. And sometimes, worrying about PEMDAS or how to integrate an equation is the least of the worries on their plate. So again - why not be in a position that I can help others, when I know they need it the most and I can??”
Abbey Wolford “I truly believe if I work hard, I can make a difference in my students’ lives... at least that is my goal!” T EACHES Algebra II, Algebra I B, and Algebra I. FAVORIT E SHOWS include Homeland, How to Get Away with Murder, This is Us, Ballers, Ozark, Grey’s Anatomy, and the Challenge. ALSO ENJOYS watching UFC fights, and has actually been to two different UFC events in 2017. LOVES traveling, exercising (yoga, long walks, running, lifting weights), her husband Jim, 17-year-old stepson (a senior at Brighton), and four-month-old daughter.
T EACHES Algebra II AC, Senior Advanced Math, and a Credit Recovery course. FAVORIT E BOOK SERIES is Harry Potter. IS a pet parent to two cats with math-themed names - Zeno & Tau.
Ant hony Cummer
“I had so many great teachers and coaches that kept me on the right path when I was younger. I teach because I want to pay back what was given to me. My life could have been very different without the support of those around me.”
T EACHES Health, Weight Training/ Conditioning, and Sports Medicine. PLAYED Collegiate Baseball and Volleyball - and has been Huron’s Volleyball Coach for the last 16 years. LIVED in the Californian backcountry for six months as part of a Trail Crew in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. CO LLECTS sneakers (started in the 90s) and now has a pretty big collection...
Emily Mashal “To answer why I teach - I believe there is no more rewarding profession then education. I feel very fortunate to have found a career that I enjoy so much!”
IS the guidance counselor for sophomores and seniors last name H-O, and former River Rat! FAVORIT E MOVIE is The Bourne Identity. TAUGHT Spanish for 11 years in New York and Chicago.
Sara Neevel
“Never take yourself too seriously, and help others!”
Sharell Elam Life motto: Laugh! You’ll live longer :)
T EACHES Spanish II AC and III AC. FAVORIT E BOOK is The Woman Warrior by Maxine Hong Kingston. LOVES to travel!
T EACHES Algebra I and Geometry. LOVES the Harry Potter books and movies. WANTS to visit every MLB stadium (has been to 6 so far). “I love being able to work with students every day and teach them more than just about mathematics.”
Sara Gadwa
Please also welcome teacher Quinn S trassel and counselor Terri Castron to the Huron River Rat family!
T EACHES English Plus and AP Language and Composition. WANTS students to read critically and think about the perspectives that influence a text and the world. FAVORIT E MOVIE is The Grand Budapest Hotel, FAVORIT E SONG is Sir Duke by Stevie Wonder, and FAVORIT E BOOK is a three-way tie between The Goldfinch, The Book Thief, and East of Eden. LOVES her Australian Shepherd puppy!
Claire Federhofer
“I teach because it allows me to learn something new every day. I treasure being a lifelong learner.”
T EACHES English 10 and Academic Literacy. FAVORIT E MOVIE SERIES is The Lord of the Rings and FAVORIT E SONG is “Wonderful World” by Just Jinger (a South African band). HAS BEEN kissed by a giraffe.