June 2016

Sports

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Opinion

Hawkeye

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The Bloomfield

Bloomfield Hills High School

Students and Faculty discuss Bathroom Laws North Carolina legislation sparks debate in Michigan

Forensics team wins Class A State Championship for first time since school merger

Merrick Weingarten Managing Editor

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irst North Carolina and now Michigan if Republican State Senator Tom Casperson’s proposed bill requiring Michigan students to only use bathrooms and locker rooms matching their birth sex is

Jack Wroldsen Staff Writer

passed.

“Personally, I think it is unethical,” Senior Toni Simoni, a BHHS transgender student said of the law, “ I understand the point of view that they are coming from, but I think it’s in a list of basic human rights that you should feel comfortable where you

S

tepping onto the bus, and leaving Mount Pleasant, Michigan, the Bloomfield Hills High School Forensics team returned home with another trophy to add to their display case: the Michigan Interscholastic Forensics Association Class A State Champions.

Accumulating a total of 629 sweepstakes points, 65 ahead of secondplace champions Wylie E. Groves High School, Bloomfield Hills achieved a “solid, clear victory,” according to Forensics Head Coach Danielle Tier. “[Our win] would be like winning by four runs in baseball,” said Tier.

“It was significant and definitely not close, but not a blowout. An excellent win.”

Freshman and Broadcasting State Champion Riya Doshi concurred with Tier, adding that the team’s demeanor after the win was “surreal for us to come first,” said Doshi. “We’ve always done well at the invitational tournaments throughout the year, but States was just incredible. It was amazing to see all of us come together, recognizing that no matter what place you came, you contributed to that victory.”

While the overall team victory was a success, Tier elaborated on just how exceptional individual members did.

“When we had 26 of our 27 team members in semifinals, and then 17 in finals, I knew that we had the best opportunity to win,” said Tier.

“It would have taken a very, very poor showing in finals for us, and a resounding victory for Groves, for us to have lost.”

Tier explained that despite their victory, the forensics team has a bright future ahead of them.

“I’ve never had such a young team at states before, but I’ve never had more successful underclassman. I’m actually more optimistic to the future with this particular team than I have been for a while. They have years ahead of them, and I can’t wait to see what they do.”

visit us online at www.thehawkeyenews.com for more about this topic go, and if you are unable to feel comfortable where you go, that’s not good. And this proposal would be preventing that.”

On February 23, the Michigan Department of Education released a memorandum regarding the creation of safe and supportive learning environments for lesbian, bixsexual, gay and transgender students. In the memorandum, one of the guidelines is that school districts like Bloomfield will restrict “use of the restroom in accordance with their gender identity.” The bill, which still has not been formally introduced yet, would require and limit all Michigan students to use

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FEATURE Seniors take uncommon path in college decisions Students choose to attend college close to home despite acceptances from elite universities Foster Stubbs Managing Editor

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o paraphrase Robert Frost, some might say that Sazid Hasan “took the road less traveled.”

“I am very passionate about the city of Detroit,” said Hasan, “I have always supported my city, always been a part of my city and I feel like Detroit is on the rise again and I want to be a contributing factor to helping Detroit come back.”

Hasan, a senior, was accepted into the engineering program at Stanford University, one of the most competitive schools in the country, boasting an acceptance rate of 4.7% according to the school. Additionally, he was accepted into

see more page 3 The Bloomfield Hawkeye

2016

SPARTAN award recipient Michigan Interscholastic Press Association

Volume III-Issue V

CH MPIONS V

NATIONAL NEWS

June 2016

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r Tie ins ach a pt o ca ith C m ea e w e t rat Th leb ce

Find us @ @TheHawkeyeNews The Bloomfield Hawkeye @TheBloomfieldHawkeye www.TheHawkeyeNews.com

Editorial Policy The Bloomfield Hills Hawkeye is a student publication distributed free of charge to over 1800 students, faculty, community members, and businesses. We strive to inform, entertain, and continue a tradition of journalistic excellence. We take our integrity seriously and strive to report the news as accurately as possible.

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2 Chick-fil-A announces new restaurants

U.S.A-Japan

What in the World?

President visits Japan Obama is the first sitting American President to visit Hiroshima This visit could mark the change from wartime enemeis to close allies The Japanese PM framed the event as a moment to remember the lives lost and push for nuclear disarmament Members of the administration have stated that the decision to use the atomic bomb will not be revisited

Chick-fil-A begins expansion into Michigan in April Jack Wroldsen Staff Writer Chick-fil-A has formally begun its “Michigan expansion.”

The Atlanta-based fast food company broke ground on the site of its first free-standing restaurant in Michigan, in Lansing, on April 19. The week before, Chick-fil-A had announced its plans to open “15 to 20 locations in various parts of the state over the next five years,” according to an April 19 press release.

The press release went on to say that the chain “is committed to growth in Michigan and plans to build three to four new restaurants per year on average.”

Speaking on the prominence of the expansion, business consultant for Chickfil-A Kim McGrady told WOOD TV that the move has been planned for some time.

“It’s been a long time coming. Lansing, Michigan has been on our radar

News

U.S.A

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Delegegate results Superdelegates Pledged delegates

1500

1000

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0

Clinton

Sanders

Democrats are close to nomination

With the presumptive nomination of Donald Trump as the Republican candidate, attention has begun to focus more on the democratic primaries. Clinton currently has 1,768 pledged delegates while Sanders has 1,497. Sanders has won the past few states like Indiana, West Virginia, and Oregon but he is still not able to get anywhere close to Clinton. The reason for this is the superdelegates. Superdelegates are unique to the Democratic party, they are individuals who have 25 delegate votes that they can pledge to any candidate of their choosing. 525 superdelegates have pledged to Hillary leaving Bernie with only 39. Due to this, Bernie simply cannot catch up unless he wins most of California which has 475 delegates.

U.S.A

Michigan has been on our radar screen for a long time; it just took us a while to find the ideal spot. So, we feel we’ve found it. [We’re] just super excited to be here and glad to be a part of the Michigan community.”

Vietnam-U.S.A

Kim McGrady Business Consultant screen for a long time; it just took us a while to find the ideal spot,” McGrady said. “So, we feel we’ve found it. [We’re] just super excited to be here and glad to be a part of the Michigan community.”

However, Chick-fil-A won’t just be part of the Michigan community in Lansing. Company spokeswoman Brenda Morrow told MLive that growth will begin in western Michigan in 2016, with steady growth thereafter over the next several years.

The company announced plans to open a second standalone restaurant inside the Somerset Collection mall in Troy by the end of 2016, with hopes to build in two additional restaurants in the Grand Rapids area. One of the two restaurants is expected to be located in Gaines Township, as planning commissioners unanimously backed the project that would bring a Chick-fil-A to the area in March.

Sophomore Leah Louis-Ferdinand described her excitement for the company’s expansion, saying that the quality of their food is what she is most impressed with.

“I never really eat Chick-fil-A very often,” said Louis-Ferdinand. “When I do, however, it’s very good, and definitely worth it. Their chicken sandwiches taste awesome, and they are definitely the most healthy of fast food chains. I can’t wait for them to build more restaurants here.”

U.S. changes policy towards Vietnam

http://2016.republican-candidates.org/Trump/ http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/ jan/13/hillary-clinton-bernie-sanders-gun-control

President Obama has decided to remove the weapons embargo on Vietnam. According to the New York Times, the decades old ban was lifted as a response to the Chinese expansion in the South China sea. He also explained that the removal will help relations between the two countries.

Obama believes that the relationship between the U.S. and Vietnam is extremely important because Vietnam is growing rapidly as a valuable trading partner within the region. The lifting of the ban should also help the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Analysts have speculated that Vietnam would give the U.S. access to the deepwater port at Cam Runh Bay in return.

http://2016.republican-candidates.org/Trump/

What do you think?

Should America lift the weapons embargo on Vietnam?

County

“As we continue our pivot to Asia it is important to strengthen our strategic partnerships with nations in the region” -Rama Varanasi, Sophomore

“Yes, we should because we shouldn’t focus on the past. We should understand that as the world evolves, we should evolve with it” -Tamer El Gamel, Junior

“Yes they should, it would be a good sign of moving forward and it would change the tensions between the two” -Katie Trotskyj, Junior

Community

Band, orchestra, and choral West Hills 8th grade student festivals produce high scores earns perfect ACT score BHHS music teachers discuss top scores awarded to programs at 2016 festivals Evan Stern Staff Writer

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he 2016 Band, Orchestra, and Choral Festivals produced top scores for Bloomfield Hills High School. “The Campus Band -- the 9th grade band -- and the Concert Band, got a 2nd division rating,” said BHHS Band Teacher Alan Posner of the recent Band Festival, held at Clarkston High School on March 11th.

“The Symphony Band got a 1st division rating.

They got all ‘A’s’ on their subcategories, perfect sheets. The Jazz Band also got a 1st division rating.”

Band, Orchestra, and Choral Festivals, all held throughout the 3rd month of the year, awarded high scores to numerous participating groups from Bloomfield Hills High School.

According to BHHS Orchestra Teacher David Reed, a 1st division rating was awarded to the Campus Orchestra, while the Philharmonic Orchestra sported a 2nd division rating at the Orchestra Festival, held at Groves High School on March 12th.

Choral Festivals were at Waterford Kettering High School on March 21st and 22nd.

“Chorale and Jills went together, and they always sing at the intermediate level. They received an excellent rating,” said BHHS Choir Teacher Jessica Riley. “Concert Choir, mostly freshmen and sophomores, went at the primary level and received a good rating, which is similar to what the Band and Orchestra groups got. The top group got the higher rating.”

Band, Orchestra, and Choir classes prepared for Festival throughout the school year.

“Throughout the year we build up to that level of music that we’re going to do. One of the pieces that Concert Choir took to festival, we had prepared for the Collage Concert in December, so they were ready with it, but we were able to focus on a couple more critical things, heading into festival.

As of January, we focus on [festival],” Riley said.

According to Posner, Band students were “excited” by their scores at Festival.

“The younger groups wanted a 1st division rating, but they got a 2, which I think is very good for them. The Symphony Band was very happy with the ratings, and I was too. I think they were all really good. It showed us what we needed to work on and what we accomplished,” he said.

Reed explained that despite students’ delightfulness over a high score, a disappointing showing at Festival can reap benefits, in reference to the lower-scoring groups at Festival.

“Our goal is always to get the highest rating, but sometimes, it’s healthy to get a 2nd division rating, to know that we’re not at the level we want to be in. Sometimes, our students don’t always know what the goal is,” he said.

“When the students know that they are going to be listened to and be given comments from musicians and teachers, it just gives them a little more focus in their preparation. This is a good way for us to get honest feedback, and the students gear up for it because they know that their program is going to be critiqued.”

Alan Zhang, an 8th grade student at WHMS, achieved a composite 36 on the ACT

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est Hills Middle School 8th grade student Alan Zhang earned a perfect score of 36 on the common ACT college entry exam, ousting numerous high school students’ respective scores and completing a nearly unattainable feat.

“I didn’t expect a score so high, but while I was taking the test, I was confident with most of the answers, but there were a few I was ‘iffy’ on,” said Zhang, who takes classes not only at West Hills, but also Honors Pre-Calculus at BHHS, of his exam on Saturday, April 9th, 2016. “I wasn’t sure which score I would get. I was very surprised, and at first I was in disbelief. I actually thought the ACT was as hard as I expected -- it is a tough test.

There were several questions where I wasn’t completely confident, so for those, I took my best guess.

I felt, ‘I can probably do pretty well on this test,’ but I wasn’t thinking I would get [a perfect score], because there were a few questions I wasn’t certain on. I was expecting a 35, maybe a 34 -- not a 36.”

According to West Hills Principal Rob Durecka, few eighth graders take the exam, in turn producing a significantly low figure of perfect scores.

“I’ve never seen a 36 in my career with an 8th grader,” he said. “He’s a very bright young man. He just kind of goes about his business in school and does a good job. To get a score like that was very much surprising.”

According to Zhang, his score, topping nearly 100% of ACT test-takers’ scores, can be attributed to frequent studying -- not directly for the ACT.

Evan Stern Staff Writer “To get to that score, I read a lot,” he said.

“I study different things, and I have a passion for learning new things. My preliminary knowledge and my studies not necessarily pertaining to the ACT helped me and my time at school helped me prepare.”

According to Zhang’s father Jun Zhang, this year’s above-average score isn’t new to Zhang.

He has taken the test twice before, earning himself a 33 in his 7th grade year (2014-2015) and 31 in his 6th grade year (2013-2014).

While explaining his excitement over the score, Jun emphasized the importance of balancedness in one’s life, in regard to Zhang’s.

“It is only the beginning of the journey. He has a long way to go. While it is good, he has so many things he needs to learn, and to be a well-rounded person is so much more important than just an academic score,” he said. “I think he knows the message very clearly that academics is just one of the things he needs to do. He needs to be well-rounded. It’s just a nice start for his future.”

news

3

Reflecting on time in Europe

BHSD holds first Global Champions workshop

Writer discusses how the band and orchestra’s trip to Europe impacted her

Workshops held in order to improve inclusiveness in the district

Anna Cao Staff Wrier

After two years of preparation, he wasn’t sure what to expect from Bloomfield Hills High School’s inaugural Global Champions Workshop.

“I hoped it was a good learning experience and it was really positive in terms of that,” said District Director of Equity Programming Bill Boyle. “People learned and thought about things that they aren’t normally asked to think about and to consider things in perspectives that they are not normally asked to consider. In doing that, we had a number of kids that walked out of there, and saw each other, and their classmates a little differently. They now have a little bit more of understanding of what different lives are like, and different struggles and joys. What made it successful is people making connections with each other.”

According to Boyle, the April workshop paid by the District Equity Program was a free opportunity for approximately seventy students, staff and members of the community group of diverse students come together to discuss important topics involving equity and inclusion.

Stephanie Bevier, a member of the Global Education Team with Boyle explained that workshops like this one have been held in other school districts in Michigan. These opportunities have been successful in terms of equity and inclusion. “I don’t think it hurts any of us to be more inclusive and realize your own biases and lenses,” she said.

Bevier and Boyle were lead by a K-12 Education Consultant, Munirah Mawusi, from Las Vegas who was hired by the District Equity Program. Mawusi said that in addition to equity and inclusion these workshops provide students with a voice especially in newer communities like BHHS where the building climate is still being created.

“Every place has cultural characteristics.

A school, a classroom, each of your homes, [they] all work and operate a certain way.

We needed to know about what they [the participants] think and feel about the culture of your building,” she said. “...

Consider the example of a newly blended family. As new members come together, the culture of their family and home will

photo credit: Bloomfield.org

After fourteen and a half hours I woke up with a kink in my neck and a bunch of sore muscles; we had finally landed on solid ground. Looking back on that painful flight, I can say with certainty that it was worth it.

For years I had dreamed about traveling to Europe all the while believing that I’d have to wait until I graduate from college and get a job to actually visit this renowned country. Fortunately, the Bloomfield Hills High School Band and Orchestra music program had a trip planned out: a week in London and Edinburgh- a chance to go out and experience something outside of the confined spaces of Bloomfield.

In a combined effort, the band and orchestra played at St Cuthbert’s church, but in our free time we were allowed to explore the beautiful sights and streets of the cities.

I got over my initial concerns of traveling and found solace in the beauty of London. I loved each moment as I experienced the culture along the streets. It was magical to turn the corner and see world renowned monuments and phenomenal architecture.

However, London paled in comparison to Edinburgh. With its interesting food and gorgeous sights, Edinburgh was otherworldly.

Haggis or, sheep insides, was an indelible part of the trip. I came to terms with myself and decided that being far away from home is the perfect time to try new things.

It was honestly a shock when I discovered it was not as nearly as bad as I thought it would be and I had no problem consuming it besides the texture. The dish was intricately seasoned and served that if I had not been told what it was, I would have never guessed.

However, aside from its interesting cuisine, The Edinburgh castle was the most memorable- watching over the whole city, it made my first experience in Europe ethereal.

Also, who could forget about our performance? While our group was small, the church we played in had the most exquisite resonating sounds making the experience unforgettable. It was an honor to play among my classmates within the grand architecture and to gain experience through leading my section.

The whole trip went by in a flash, from shopping on Princess Street to watching traditional Scottish performances, I had an incredible time.

Soon I was on the plane making my way back home. I definitely miss it, and I wish I had more chances to go out and explore. As a student who is normally confined to the comfort of my own home, traveling is how I have been able to expand my view on the different cultures and lifestyles of the world. Overall, I felt that it’s important to take a chance when offered and go out to try new things as you may not get the opportunity to later. There’s always more to learn and more to do as you go out and see the world.

Bec Grippo Staff Writer automatically change, and everyone in the family will be impacted. An organizational (school) goal is to make sure that it is aware and prepared for shifts in cultural characteristics, and most importantly that all members (staff, students, families) are reflected and respected.”

Beginning at 7:30am until 2:30pm, the workshop, which was held in the auditorium was a full day with a number of goals to accomplish. After having the participants get to know each other, Boyle said that the most important goal was to create a safe environment for developing, what he called a lens for seeing other people and other people’s experiences.

“It’s similar [to Challenge Day] but specific in terms of developing the lens of recognizing and being impacted by other people’s experiences,” he said about the day’s different activities which recognized different groups and how they are included or excluded.

“We did this stereotype activity, where they gave you all these words, and you had to put them on a certain group of people based on what general society would think,” said senior Jay Cooke. “[That was] really tough, but it showed you how people can say things about people without really knowing them or their situation. [The most meaningful part would be] just learning that you don’t have to be one of to stand with.

You don’t necessarily have to be part of a group of people in order to stand with them, and kind of protect them. And regardless of [a person’s] color or religion, you don’t know the whole person, so you can’t judge them based on that.”

After the workshop, Mawusi explained that students who participated will have an opportunity to take part in an advanced session next year where will be trained to lead the workshop with elementary school students.

“I think it’s good to start it there, so by the time they start getting to higher levels of school, they know not to judge people, and instead unite,” said Cooke.

For more information about the District Equity Program or details on future sessions, contact Bill Boyle at bboyle@bloomfield.org.

MYP Coordinator Jenelle Williams examines the 78 perfect scores on the sophomore Personal Project What does a score of seven on the Personal Project signify?

“A seven on the project is a different scenario from a high score on a test, where there’s only one right way to do it. One student could have an amazing product they create, and that could be part of what gave them a seven. Another student might have done an excellent job reporting their process and explaining it in their report. There’s so many components to it, there’s a lot of variety, even among the seven scores.”

How did seventy-eight sophomores separated from hundreds of others score perfect on the MYP Personal Project?

“I think that we’ve learned each year how to do things better. We’ve created new resources for the students.

We’ve added the use of technology and a lot of training for the Advisory teachers. That enabled them to better-support students, so students knew exactly what they needed to do in order to reach the highest score.”

What do you believe the reason is for the high number of sophomores that earned perfect scores?

“I think it was that we really emphasized that the rubrics are what you need to keep coming back to, because those are essentially your end-goals, and if you are using the rubric and looking at the higher levels on the rubric, making sure that your project aligns with that, you’re more likely to get a higher score.”

What was ensured in Advisory to facilitate an experience where a seven was reachable, being distinct from last year?

“We used a digital interactive PDF student guide, and that structured everything that the Advisory teacher did. That helped us make sure from one Advisory class to another, kids had a more similar experience and more similar instruction, whereas in the past, it was kind of hit-or-miss, how often the workbook was used. That was one big difference.”

Bathroom Laws from 1 the unisex room (which any student can use) in the main office.

“There’s always room for improvement in order to accommodate trans students, no matter how minor it is,” said Simoni about the impact these accommodations would have from both a business and reputation standpoint. “It would be incredible and front page worthy if they accommodated us more. If you look up trans bathrooms, tons of the same articles about the same schools, pop up. Looking objectively, we could be one of those schools. And if that is enough motivation, I guess that is what we need to look at.”

Senior Danny Terner thinks the new proposal will not have an immense effect on the school environment.

“I think we are always going to try to be as open and friendly to these students as possible. Even with the possibility of this new bathroom law, I do not believe it will affect the way they are treated, and hope

The Personal Project

Evan Stern Staff Writer

pictured: Munirah Mawusi speaks at a Bloomfield Hills Board Meeting

guidelines, but they have not been approved yet, and we do not have a specific policy yet, so we are just dealing with individual students,” she said. “ I want every single student at our school to feel safe. I also want them to be treated with respect and in order to make sure their rights are met. We currently accommodate issues on a case by case basis. Individual students will come to us, explain their situation, and we would work with the student and their family to come up with a plan. ” Even before the state passes any bills, physical education teacher Rocky Gust explained that BHHS has provided various accommodations to accommodate these students during his class. “We should work hard to accommodate these children [so] right now we are having the transgender students change either in the referee’s room or the bathroom in the clinic. ” Another accommodation Schultz added was allowing students to use

Q&A

they always feel comfortable in school.”

Schultz is continuing to work with other staff members in order to alleviate these issues.

“I think it is important to have this conversation about these issues with both our students and our staff because their are people who feel that their rights are not being met, and that feel they are being treated unfairly. So, as a school, we just want to make each and every student is treated with respect, and feels safe when they are here. It’s not easy to address this issue because people do not agree with one another on the argument.

That’s why we are going to wait before enacting district policies because there is a lot of people that need to be involved in that situation, and need to have a voice. But, in the end, the district will always make decisions based on what is best in order to keep all students safe.”

What do you believe is significant about the fact that seventy-eight sophomores earned perfect scores?

“It speaks to the fact that we have a lot of students here in Bloomfield Hills. Even though this project wasn’t directly connected to a letter grade, they still put one-hundred percent effort toward something they really cared about. I think it just speaks to the character of the students we have.”

How does the number of perfect scores this year compare to your expectations?

“I wasn’t sure what to expect when I put all these things in place. There were just so many things that were new -- the building, new locations, and things like that -- I really didn’t know what to expect. I was surprised.”

What was running through your mind when you discovered that seventy-eight sophomores earned perfect scores?

“I was really glad that we had put some structures in place where we could recognize those kids, and give them an extra pat on the back for doing a great job. It just made me happy that we could do that.”

College Decisions from 1 the engineering program at the University of Michigan, ranked the #6 best Undergraduate Engineering Program in the country per U.S. News and World Report. However, Hasan’s final choice involved neither of these schools.

“I will be attending Wayne State University in the fall,” said Hasan, “I will be on the pre-med track as well as studying biomedical engineering.”

Hasan is one of the many high school seniors who have spurned the more “prestigious” universities in favor of other schools. These students gain acceptance to some of the top-ranked schools in the country but opt for other schools for a multitude of reasons ranging from tuition costs to “fit”. One of the more publicized examples was the story of Ronald Nelson. Last year, Nelson (then a senior at Houston High School in Memphis) was accepted to every Ivy League university but instead opted to attend the University of Alabama per a 2015 Business Insider article, citing financial aid and more opportunities for his rationale. Like Nelson, Hasan attributed financial concerns to his decision.

“The biggest factor was financial aid, I received a full-tuition scholarship at Wayne State which covered everything except books and transportation because I will be commuting,” said Hasan.

“The issue was that Michigan and Stanford were

making me pay everything out of pocket with no financial aid or student scholarships therefore I would have to pay the amount they wanted through loans and I couldn’t afford any of that.”

Hasan’s financial aid worries represent the worries of a large demographic of students and their families as they prepare for a higher education. A 2015 U.S. News and World Report study found that from 1995 to 2015, the average tuition and fees at private national universities jumped 179%.

In addition, out-of-state tuition and fees at public universities rose 226%. Senior Riley Olson, a senior at West Bloomfield High School, was put in a similar situation. Olson was accepted to universities like Northwestern, George Washington, Brandeis, and Vassar College but like Hasan, he will be attending Wayne State in the fall. “ I feel like I can really gain from everything Wayne has to offer, Detroit is my city. Wayne had the best student organizations of all nine schools I applied to,” said Olson, “And Wayne does what most public schools won’t do: they offer astounding merit-based aid for talented kids, giving so many people the fair chance they never dreamed of. Wayne State already feels like home.”

While the steadily increasing college costs were a major factor in their final deci-

sion, Hasan and Olson also attributed Wayne State as being a “better fit” for both of them.

“Along with Detroit, I think academics [are one reason it is the best choice for me]. I am doing premed biomedical engineering as well as the Honors college,” said Hasan, “For pre-med [students], medical schools look at your GPA as well as extracurriculars and going to U-M or Stanford where the academic rigor is insane, I felt that I could come out with a better GPA as well as using my time effectively to study for the MCAT at Wayne State.”

As for Olson, he never expected to end up where he is today.

“I spent a long time in disbelief. I always thought I would leave this place. All my life, I was taught to get good grades and good test scores so I could go to an elite institution,” said Olson, “I longed to head to Chicago or DC. I never imagined that the best place for me would be in my own backyard.”

Seeing how Sazid concluded his college search, Samir Hasan hinted at the possibility of following in his older brother’s footsteps.

“I want to follow his lead, he’s a very smart person, I look up to him and see him as a strong role model,” said Samir, a sophomore. “His decision will probably be a factor in mine down the road.”

After going through the college search for the en-

tirety of his high school career, Hasan took some time to offer some advice to future college applicants.

“Figure out your career path because that will ultimately decide what college to go to, because if I had just studied biomedical engineering I would definitely go to U-M because of its engineering school but since I’m doing pre-med, biomedical engineering is simply my fallback major while what’s going to get me into medical school is my pre-med pre requisite courses and my GPA,” said Hasan. “So know what you want to study and know your finances because it’s not only you who will be taking the leap to college, it’s your family as well and your parents are contributing a large sum of money to towards this so make it worth their investment as well as yours. [Finally] be yourself. You do what you want to do, don’t let others influence your final decision.”

Although college may be an important decision in one’s life, Hasan made sure to keep everything in perspective when he made his choice.

“I realized that this is one step for me and that college is only a small part of my life and it’s all about the bigger picture,” said Hasan.

“I have a future ahead of me and college is just one more stepping stone towards my goals.”

Search “Bloomfie

2016

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n April 28th, 2016, the first-ever BHHS Lip Dub was filmed. The event was organized by Student Leadership, specifically by sophomores Christian Kassab, Srirama Varanasi, Paul Mucci, and Joe Metzger. The goal of the video was to get every organization, team, and club at BHHS involved, and showcase school spirit.

an update on

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

Student Leadership received the following awards and honors at the State Conference in Traverse City:

• Award of Excellence • Exceptional Service Project Award • STAR School Award • Best in Showcase-Student Presentations: Stone Zhang and Christian Kassab

• Unsung Hero Award: Christian Kassab • Student of the Year Finalist: Stone Zhang • Principal of the Year Finalist: Charlie Holler • Sophomore Joe Shoemaker was elected to the State Board of Delegates

eld Hills High School 2016 LipDub� on Youtube to watch the video!

FAST FACTS A Lip Dub is a video where certain people lip sync popular songs while running through the halls of a school, in order to showcase every person and organization in the school The Lip Dub was filmed in just one take The BHHS Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program performed a portion of a song in sign language

meet your Betsy Stubbs

STUDENT LEADERSHIP EXECUTIVE BOARD 2016-17 Nick Bellinson

Jack Silberman

Dara Bellinson

Joe Shoemaker

Christian Kassab

Co-President

Treasurer

Secretary

OAA/PR Rep.

Tech. Advisor

rith o Co-President

Opinion

6 Appreciate differing perspectives Editor discusses the need to embrace different opinions than our own Merrick Weingarten Managing Editor We need to listen.

We need to listen because each and every one of us deserves a voice.

Even if you might deem their voice as weak, wrong, or stereotypical. As nationally recognized author, speaker and activist Bryant H. McGill said, “One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say. Why are we so obnoxious and disrespectful that we cannot even take a moment to listen to and possibly recognize another point of view? Because you’re afraid you might be wrong? Why, do we feel everyone must share the same belief?

I get it. Many issues are highly controversial. Many issues can sway you toward a particular side. But, these issues are still meant to be talked about.

Why do you think we have presidential debates? Why do we have press conferences? Why do people of all ages, of all professions, of all backgrounds have a major social media presence?

It’s to share our own opinion.

And, certainly, there may be topics where someone says something that’s wrong, something you can’t defend, but that does not mean everything else they said is invalid.

Look at Donald Trump. I’m going

“Think about where this nation would be without the opinions of others, Think and realize that maybe you might not be right every single time.” to be honest; I really hate bringing up this example. Because, for one, I’m going to receive a lot of backlash for defending him, and two, I certainly do not agree with everything he says. But, it is undeniable that he has had many positive effects on this presidential election. He has raised concerned on many important issues, important issues that would not have been discussed nearly as much without him. He has created a huge spike in voter turnout, and he has forced individuals to realize that we really do need to and that we can “Make America Great Again.”

To compare this topic to the sports world, let’s look at Jim Harbaugh; the most headlined coach in all of sports.

He has suddenly raised huge concern over giving high-school student athletes the opportunity to showcase their talents through collegesponsored football camps. This idea, which is brilliant, has received major backlash from many college coaches who do not want to spend their time hosting football games. These coaches simply ignore the obvious argument for hosting the camps because they value their lives more than underprivileged student athletes. But, if nobody listens to Harbaugh’s side of this debate, these camps will stay banned because we have created a world that does not always listen to our ideas.

So, whether someone is talking about who they are voting for in the upcoming primary or whether NCAA football camps gives team and unfair advantage, it is obvious we have created our world that sometimes just hears what we want to hear.

We have created a world that only sees one side to every issue. We have created a world where many acting So, right now, I want you to take a step back in time and think. Think about where this nation would be without the opinions of others, think and realize that maybe you might not be right every single time. I want you to think about the members of the Continental Congress. Do you believe these men didn’t listen to each other, be forced to compromise, and realize that they might be wrong, when constructing the document that we live by to this day?

We need to embrace the opinions of others, not push them away.

The world would be way too boring and would lack advancement if we all had the same beliefs. And if we all stop respecting the opinions of others, we are going to be in even more trouble than we are today.

Pro: Calling teachers by their first names prepares students for adulthood Kyrstin Schmidt Staff Writer Model has been doing it for as long as they’ve been around. so much more to respect than a title, that of which also And now, with their building closer to the main campus the include dressing and looking professional. Shouldn’t topic of calling teachers by their first name is being discussed. the fact that a professional wears blue jeans verses beThe two sides to the debate are those who wish to reing called Bob be more of a concern? What guaranmain with the traditional way of address while some tees the mutual respect individuals claim teachers will are leaning toward a liberal approach stating that calllose is ultimately determined by how the student treats ing teachers by their first name builds better relationthe professor as well as how to professor reacts in return. ships and creates a more relaxed, informal atmosphere.

Calling teachers by their first names prepares students for I would stand with the second group. the better social situations. Generally students communiCalling adults by their first name not only prepares stucate with their classmates on a first name basis in school, so dents for their futures in the workdoing the same with teachers as well place, but also creates relationships Calling adults by their first may prepare them for future interthat may not be achieved with the We have casual fridays so it name not only prepares stu- actions. traditional last name basis. Isn’t would make sense that that casual one of our school’s cornerstones dents for their futures in the conversations will follow suit. First about relationships? What a betcreate an informality; a more workplace, but also creates names ter way to build this relationship relaxed environment which can crethan evening the playing field. relationships that may not ate a better learning experience for In the end, labels are not as sigthe teacher and the student. be achieved with the tradi- both nificant as the way one is treated.

Model has been doing it for years How one acts is a much better way and their students are accepted tional last name basis. to establish respect towards another into some of the finest universities. individual. As long as a line is not A teacher from the Suzuki Associacrossed and teachers don’t mind being called by their first tion of the Americas stated her opinion on younger students name, then it would be beneficial to use a first name basis. calling teachers by their first names. “Personally, I like title According to suzukiassociation.org, “Those who demand and the first name best for younger children at least until they that children use titles, walk in a straight line, and other become established students. It creates enough formality that formalities, are often grasping at the superficial rather than the sense of respect is conveyed but still conveys the familiardoing the deep work of forming relationships that guarantee ity many like to develop to ease teaching young children.” mutual respect.” It is significant to develop the relationship Again, calling a teacher or professor by his or her first name through behavior rather than through titles. with Mr., Mrs., or Miss is acceptable and still maintains reThe biggest complaint on the opposing side is that callspect within the classroom. So, why not just use a first name? ing a teacher by his first name is disrespectful. There is

Pro/Con: Calling teachers by their first names

Con: Referring to teachers by their first names is disrespectful Jason Moonka News Editor

name? You don’t or you shouldn’t. They are your parents.

I’m sitting in history class writing an esThey are mom and dad and deserve the respect of those say on the importance of post-impressionism arttitles. The same is true for teachers. Next to our parents work on the landscape of European culture. we are with these individuals for a large amount of time.

“Can I go to the bathroom, Ken?” says the student next to me.

We can have a strong relationship and still be respectful.

Maybe it’s just me, but this interaction just seems biAnother argument for callzarre. Not only does this action ing teachers by their first names of a student calling a teacher by I’m sitting in history class is that it helps prepare people his first names seem abnormal, it writing an essay on the for the workplace. Again, I ask is also intrinsically disrespectful. a pose a question. Do those in My reasoning comes down importance of post-imthe White HOuse walk up to to one simple point: respect. pressionism artwork on the First Family and say “What’s Respect is recognized by using Mr., Mrs., Miss, etc. when the landscape of European happening Barrack?” or do they address him as Mr. President? addressing one in authority like a culture.

If the Commander in chief teacher. Calling a Science teachof our country deserves respect er Steve or Algebra teacher Al“Can I go to the bathroom, shouldn’t the commanders of ice is simply a sign of disrespect.

Ken?” says the student next our classroom deserve the same?

Whether anyone wants to accept “But my teacher, doesn’t mind” it or not, students are not equals to to me. some might say. To put it in the their teachers. Teachers are profesMaybe it’s just me, but this words of a BHHS teacher, why sionals who have gone through years would a teacher want to diminof training; therefore are not equal interaction just seems ish any more respect for their and should not be treated s as equals bizarre. profession when they are already by their subordinates. When was the not respected through their pay, last time a Doctor said to just call him their treatment, and their work?

Dave or address a judge during a trial Susie? First name usDon’t we owe those who have given us their time and their age is used for informal relationships. For friends. For family. talents the respect of a simple title of Mr. Ms, and Miss?

Some may say that using first names helps build a Our teachers are friendly but they are not our friends closer relationship. And to those on the opposing side of the use of calling them by their first names implies. We my argument let me ask a simple questions. When was deserve to respect them and they deserve that respect. the last time you called your mom or dad by their birth

Want more? Visit us online at www.thehawkeyenews.com

Camp instills new-found independence Writer explains the benefits of attending summer camp Sadie Kirschner Staff Writer

One month, two weeks, zero days, and one thousand three hundred and three minutes.

It’s almost here.

I’ve come back, year after year. Seven years, in fact this place has become my home away from home. When I am here, I am always in my happy place.

People wonder why I continue to go back. They always say to me, “If you rarely hang out with these people at home, why do you want to spend seven weeks with them?”

My response is always, “It’s different at camp.” I don’t know if it’s the camp environment, not having access to much technology or even being crammed with them in a cabin. It’s just different. Now, although we don’t see each other a lot at home, I know that these relationships will last a lifetime because we have things that other people do not have-- memories outside of the real world, and experiences that

“If you ever get the chance to go to camp I highly recommend it. It’s an incredible experience and it has definitely changed my life for the better. I am more social, more street smart and more independent because of all of the lessons I have learned though going to camp.”

aren’t dominated by technology.

Coming to camp has let me become a more independent person and introduce me to my strengths and weaknesses. Whether it was hiking 20 plus miles in the beautiful Grand Marais, Canoeing 12 plus down Manistee River or even being away from home for a long period of time, I now know I am capable of all of those things. I came to camp because one of my closest friends moved away to Ohio but was still going to be coming to Michigan to go to Camp Tanuga. Because I kept in touch and we go to camp together every year, I can still say that she is one of my best friends.

Anybody who knows me really well knows that I absolutely hate bugs with a passion. It could be a spider, a fly, a mosquito; I do not like any of them. But, being at camp has taught me to appreciate my surroundings and take it all in. On my hiking trip this summer, up at Grand Marais, we hiked to a campsite called Au Sable. It was hot, muggy and worst of all invaded with black flies! If you have ever been stung by one, I am truly sorry because those hurt. I remember looking down at my feet and having five flies all on my pinky toe. But, that experience created so many amazing memories that I look back on all the time.

If you ever get the chance to go to camp I highly recommend it. It’s an incredible experience and it has definitely changed my life for the better.

I am more social, more street smart and more independent because of all of the lessons I have learned though going to camp.

OP/ED The little things do matter

7 EDITORIAL

Editor reflects on things we normally overlook in life Hannah Stein Feature Editor Sixty-six calories. One slice of the sixty-six calories that I was longing for the most. Bread.

After celebrating the holiday of Passover, I took some time to reflect. Within those eight days, all that was on my mind was the fluffy, shiny-crusted, yellowish, cloudlike, perfect-to-pull-apart, square, that most would call bread.

Bread. You never think of it as something you should acknowledge. You eat it with butter in the morning, or PB&J in the afternoon, you melt cheese in the center, or you put some cold cuts in between.

But never once do you stop and think ‘boy oh boy do I love bread.’

Up until recently I too was among the mindless bread eaters.

I was guilty myself of eating PB&J sandwiches all too carelessly. As Passover turned the corner, though, bread and I were living a long dis-

I guess the message is not necessarily about the bread- though it is a delicacy I find important we acknowledge- the point is rather to notice the small things. It may not be bread in your life, but we all have the objects, people, and thoughts we neglect or rather fail to acknowledge on a daily basis, but it’s important to remember that they’re there. tance relationship, and let’s just say I could not wait for the reunion.

It is not simply one form of square shaped goodness though that I craved. There’s whole wheat bread, baguettes, rye, French, raisin, and garlic, and all I longed for was a crumb of any one. Never did I think in my life that among the many challenges I would face, would be one I had not anticipated before: the struggle of being away from the starchy carbohydrate we take for granted so often.

It’s not just Passover either. In a number of religions bread plays a significant role. In Christianity bread is used in communion as a representation of Jesus’ body within the blood and wine symbolism.

In Islam bread can actually be seen to refer to food in general, and it is seen as something that should not be wasted. While in Judaism bread plays a role in a variety of aspects including the tradition on Passover, of course, of eating unleavened bread to replicate our ancestors fleeing Egypt in a hurry.

I guess the message is not necessarily about the bread- though it is a delicacy I find important we acknowledge- the point is rather to notice the small things. It may not be bread in your life, but we all have the objects, people, and thoughts we neglect or rather fail to acknowledge on a daily basis, but it’s important to remember that they’re there.

You never fully appreciate something till it is taken away from you.

So bread, I really did miss you.

the

Our stance on the transgender bathroom issue

Cartoon by Betsy Stubbs

B

athrooms have become a big deal. Sure, they are where we take care of personal hygiene, but they also serve another purpose.

To label.

Are you male, or are you female?

What seems like an easy question for most is turning into a national debate, as people are opting to use bathrooms prescribed for the gender they identify with.

And thus, the question is raised: should transgender people be able to choose which bathroom they use?

The Hawkeye says “yes.”

Ultimately, individuals who are transgender are entitled to make decisions for themselves; they should be able to choose which bathroom they use.

Bathrooms and civil rights have historically gone hand-in-hand; they have prompted equality in the past and should continue to do so. Not only are the arguments of protecting people’s privacy and public safety incorrect and discriminatory, but not being able to choose a bathroom affects transgender people in a serious way.

Bathrooms have always been a battleground for equality. In the Jim Crow era, lunch counters, water fountains, theater entrances, and yes, bathrooms, were stained with “white only” signs. African Americans were discriminated against and denied basic rights because of who they are, and the United States government and society soon realized these actions were inhumane, incorrect and against the American spirit of equality.

Is our modern day debate any different? Should the response be altered because this debate is over sexual identity as opposed to race? Absolutely not. Bathrooms are, as transgender icon Janet Mock stated, “the great equalizer for all of us.”

Despite the fact that bathrooms have historically led to equality, many like Texas Senator Ted Cruz feel that enabling transgender people to choose which bathroom they use threatens the safety of people, and the public.

“We shouldn’t be facilitating putting little girls alone in a bathroom with grown men” he said on Twitter.

Hawkeye 2015-16 Staff

Equality:

But Mr. Cruz, this isn’t the case.

Media Matters, a progressive media watchdog, asked the seventeen largest school districts in the country that allowed transgender students to choose their bathroom if they had experienced incidents of harassment or inappropriate behavior.

None had.

And after all, what is preventing people from engaging in aggressive, sexual actions without transgender decision-making?

Already existing laws.

Criminal statutes that outlaw predatory or violent behavior in restrooms are already a thing; they protect people from aggressive actions within a bathroom. If transgender people were able to pick which bathroom they use, perverts or aggressors still cannot defend themselves because they were allowed to be in the bathroom. Rapacious, aggressive behavior in bathrooms is illegal, and, regardless of transgender people being able to choose their bathroom, those actions will remain that way.

It seems as though, while society is worried about itself and its safety, that the real threat is on transgender people themselves. A study from UCLA’s Williams Institute found that nearly 70% of transgender people have experienced harassment in a situation involving gender-segregated bathrooms, with 10% reporting physical assault.

Individuals who are transgender should not have to fight for equality. It is a right. Whether it is the insistence that it’s just a “phase,” or questioning Caitlyn Jenner’s motives, people doubt transgender people’s true identity on a deep, consistent level. It’s going to take time for transgender people to be accepted as just people, and nothing else. It’s going to require a first step - a societal movement toward equality.

Bathroom decision-making is that first step.

We need to take it.

Advisor Christina Hammitt

Multimedia Editor Greg Margosian

Editor-in-Chief Aidan Menchaca

Public Relations CJ Drogosch

Design Editor Jack Silberman Managing Editors Merrick Weingarten Foster Stubbs Ally Jaksen

Advertising Julia Eisenshtadt Section Editors Uzair Bandagi Sadhna Ramanathan

Mallory Weiner Hannah Stein Jason Moonka Cartoonist Betsy Stubbs Illustrator Kevin Zheng Distribution Manager Shibi Sanjeev

Staff Writers Amanda Howard Krystin Schmidt Brandon Kowalski Emelia Irmscher Jack Wroldsen John Ballouz Nuha Raziuddin Lia Forman Evan Stern Raya Naschef Shahada Altaii

Embrace Nature, Abandon Technology An imperative need exists to appreciate nature and its wonders, and reduce online-time.

Evan Stern Staff Writer We stand today, detached, surrounded by a plethora of our personal devices.

We post “selfies” of ourselves on our cell phones, donating all attention to the number of likes and retweets we rack up on Twitter. We play a pointless game on our tablets, poised against an opponent halfway across the globe we don’t even know by name. And we watch a hopelessly unrealistic movie on our laptops, envying the facades of the actors and actresses.

Thousands of miles away, the estimated 13-billion year old sun descends across the momentous sky, pronounced in vivid hues of flaming red and orange. The lake awaits to accept it, calmly hurling waves into the rocks on the bank. Towering pines and maples adorn the horizon just across the water, shielding any artificial light.

Scenes such as these, pure and serene, are enjoyed -- let alone realized -- less and less day after day at the vicious hands of countless personal technologies. The sun’s flawless light, never equating to a single object on Earth, time after time again is swiftly washed out by a device’s screen.

We -- and innumerable others -- have simply hurled nature under the bus and put our personal devices first Regardless of the scenario -- much beyond the three customary situations outlined above -- the point stands firm. We -- and innumerable others -- have simply hurled nature under the bus and put our personal devices first, whether it be an iPhone, Galaxy, Surface, or Mac -- just to name a few.

And it’s painfully obvious to realize that virtually all are fiddling with their devices in spite of the location, and no longer even paying attention to their surroundings.

In fact, the state of New Jersey is considering a law instituting penalties for “walking-and-texting” due to near 2 million injuries across the nation caused by distracted cell-phone use, according to the Washington Post’s “New Jersey bill could put pedestrians in jail for texting while crossing the street.”

The article mentioned that “the legislation...would slap a $50 fine and possible jail time on pedestrians who text while crossing the street.”

Really, how far will technology pull civilization away from reality?

According to data available on Statista on “the total number of mobile phone users worldwide,” over 4 billion used cell phones in 2013.

Two years later, the figure increased by nearly 500 million, and is projected to surpass 5 billion by 2019.

Those additional users may potentially join the millions -- or billions -- of others who have already been caught in an embellished ideal, topping faultless nature.

It’s not that personal technology isn’t beneficial. It is in numerous respects.

Search engines hold the key to a superfluity of possibilities. Navigation systems guide us to our destination amid rush hour traffic. Photos snapped with a tap enable us to remember moments with our loved ones forever.

And word-processing tools aid us in recording our ideas and altering them into neat papers for English class.

Personal devices -- and technology at large -- are truly unbelievable innovations. But just as William Shakespeare’s fictional character in Romeo and Juliet, Friar Lawrence said, “the sweetest honey / Is loathsome in his own deliciousness / And in the taste confounds the appetite” in regard to Romeo loving Juliet, we should -- just as we are urged throughout life in many respects -- use technology in moderation.

While a number of activities on that cell phone, that tablet, or that laptop might well be worthy of our time, we must remember nature, and its unimaginable wonders that no human will ever completely understand, and consider keeping our collective interests in our devices at bay.

Guest Writers Tim Jewell Anna Cao Sadie Kirschner Rebbeca Grippo Hira Ali Max Wittenberg

BHHS Forensics

State Champs

2016

Road to States The path to the team’s first state championship since merging schools

he

“Forensics is comprised of twelve distinct events split broadly into two branches - Interpretation categories and Public Address categories. In Interpretation categories, students perform the work of another author.

In Public Address categories, students are the authors of the material which they present ” (themifa.org).

Scoring:

In every round, the judge scores compeitiors on a scale from one to four. The winner of the round receives a 1-100, second place recieves 2-99, and so on.

Auditions Forensicators auditioned in early December to be on the team. 88 students were chosen!

Invitationals Begin

The Captains

Jeremy Taigman oversees broadcasting, impromptu, extempt

Michael RuSSO oversees oratory, informative

MICHELLE PHILLIPS oversees prose, sales

ALLY JAKSEN oversees duo

AMITH LOHITSA

States 2016 Impromptu Leah Louis­-Ferdinand- 4th Place Aidan Menchaca- 6th Place Informative Mallory Weiner- 2nd Place Julia Eisenshtadt- 3rd Place

Broadcasting Jack Wroldsen-Semifinalist Riya Doshi- 1st Place Extemporaneous Jeremy Taigman- 4th Place Brendan Tilds- Semifinalist

The Regional Team IS DECIDED

1. The Ninjatational at Avoldale: 1-23-16 2. The Maple Invitational at Seaholm: 2-6-16 3. Bronco Bull Yard Tournament at North Branch High School: 2-20-16 4. Dexter Delight Tournament at Dexter High School: 3-5-16

5. Huskie Invitational at Portage Northern High School/MSCI Novice States and MSCI Open Ivitational at Novi High School: 3-12-16 6. Walled Lake Western Warrior Tournament: 3-19-16

“

When I saw I broke semi-finals at states, I was extremely excited.

Forensics is something I’m really passionate about and something I work hard in, so it was an amazing reward!

I’m super excited for another great year next year and I am working towards breaking finals and hopefully placing high at states.

Lilly Swanson Sophomore, Sales

Oratory Cassidy Tuthill- 5th Place Oratory 9/10 Anish Tamhaney6th Place Mara Sabin- Semifinalist

Dramatic Interpretation Jiana Abdelnour- 2nd Place Ketan RevankarSemifinalist

Duo Amith Lohitsa/ Pan Stavropoulos- 2nd Place Ed Rushton/Noah Sherbin4th Place

Multiple Beetlejuice- 2nd Place Little Miss Sunshine- 5th Place Poetry Habib Bello-2nd Place Joseph Devine- Semifinalist

Prose Michelle Phillips- 2nd Place Jenny Ruan Storytelling Mia DeCerchio- 6th Place Juhi Parekh- Semifinalist Prose 9/10 Max Otremba-2nd Jenny Fealk- Semifinalist

ED RUSHTON

l Fina e h T lts Resu

oversees multiple

Meet the state champions “My favorite part of states was getting to know so many different people with varied interests and backgrounds.

Winning was definitely an experience I was glad to share with my team and all these people that had supported me in my journey this year.”

States was an incredible experience. We had an incredible invitational season, so expectations were high. However, we put in great effort at the beginning of the tournament and made it to finals.

That was awesome, I was so proud of the work we had put in.

Carson Kenum, Junior, Multiple

At regionals and states, schools can only have two competitors per category, so the BHHS forensics coachs had to decide what students were most likely to succeed at regionals and states

Sales Michael Russo- 1st Place Lilly Swanson- Semifinalist

oversees storytelling, DI, poetry

Riya Doshi, 9 1st Place broadcasting

From late January through March, the team competed at six invitational tournaments.

“

What is forensics?

t t of r a st n The seaso

“States this year was the perfect end to my forensics career. Winning my second state championship was, of course, a tremendous honor, but it was even more thrilling to see my team win its first State Championship as BHHS. I am so proud of everything my team did this year, and I know they will shine next year.”

Michael Russo, 12 1st Place Sales

At the end of the two day long state tournament, the BHHS Forensics team ended up on top by winning the class A stste championship beating 35 other schools.

Lifestyle

Pays off HARD WORK

Juniors reflect on college athletics recruiting process Max Wittenberg Staff Writer

A

fter numerous visits, conversations, and what he calls a “very long process,” he finally made his choice.

“After committing, it was very relaxing and relieves a lot of pressure by not having to worry about being recruited anymore,” said varsity tennis player, junior Josh Mukherjee who verbally committed to an offer from Michigan State University. “It was the best feeling I have ever had by far. ” For Mukherjee, the recruiting process “all started early this school year, September first. The first day, I received two scholarships and they just kept coming,” said Mukherjee, who according to the NCAA is one of the 1.7 percent of tennis players who are provided the opportunity to play tennis at a division one college. “Knowing that such a small number of athletes get to continue playing in college is amazing,” he said.

BHHS athletic director RJ Guizzetti agrees with Mukherjee, saying that in his tenth year of working in the school district, he has not experienced many juniors in the position Mukherjee is in. “ I have not seen it a lot in a junior where there is a full ride and people commit that early. You cannot sign as a junior,” Guizetti said. “For someone to commit as a junior is uncommon, but not unheard of. If anyone of them were to receive a scholarship and commit… that is impressive.”

For the past three years, coach Greg Burks has coached Mukherjee and he is not surprised with his accolades.

“Josh has been such a great player for so long that I thought he would be picked up by a top division 1 school his junior year,” said Burks. “When I found out about the scholarship, I was ecstatic for him that all the hard work he has put into the game has paid off for him.”

Q

&

Burks also understands the rarity of the opportunity.

“Receiving a sports scholarship for any sport whether it be junior or senior year is an amazing accomplishment. To get to that next level beyond high school is very tough. To get to the division one level at a top school is an even greater accomplishment. It is huge to not only get a scholarship to Michigan State but to commit junior year steps it up quite a bit,” said Burks.

Looking at Mukherjee’s accolades within the past three years, Guizzetti said that he understands why the number one Oakland County tennis player has been receiving so many offers. “When you are the number one singles player on a state championship winning team, you are going to get a lot of opportunities,” he said. “You have got to be a phenomenal tennis player to be the number one singles player on the winning team in the highest division in the state.”

“He is the best player I have ever coached. He is very easy going and coachable. It will be great to have him on the team for one more season before he heads off for Michigan State, ” Mukherjee’s coach, Greg Burks said. “Josh is the only kid I have ever coached to play division one tennis. To get to the Division 1 level at a top school, is an even greater accomplishment. It’s huge to not only get a scholarship to State but to commit junior year steps it up quite a bit.”

Along with Michigan State, Mukherjee said throughout his eleven year tennis career he was being recruited by multiple other division one schools such as Illinois, Indiana and Cleveland State.

“Because I committed so early, I never took any official visits to those schools. I didn’t have to make a decision this early but I really like the coach,” said Mukherjee.

“Michigan State has a good supply. They have a good management school which is what I am interested in.”

A

Mukherjee’s teammate, junior Alex Ross, has been inspired to continue working harder because of his accolades.

“Josh has shown me what it takes to be a great player to be a great tennis player each and every day. He has inspired the team to win another state championship next year for our final year,” said Ross. “I wish him the best at Michigan State and I know that he will do great there.”

Mukherjee isn’t the only junior who has been recruited. BHHS varsity golf player Abbey Pierce said she has received offers for full ride athletic scholarships from Wayne State University and Grand Valley State University.

“I received GVSU offer early February this year and I received an offer to Wayne State in the fall of sophomore year. I am extremely blessed to have received these scholarships as a junior. I understand how rare that it is and how hard I need to work to have this opportunity,” said Pierce.

According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association, only 2.3 percent of high school golfers get to continue playing at the college level.

“It really comes down the drive to pursue the opportunity to play in college. That factor separates people who play in high school from the college level,” said Pierce who began playing competitively when she was twelve and has been on varsity for the past three years and has been named a captain during her sophomore season.

“As a captain of our team, she is a great teammate and a leader,” said Freshman Mikaela Schulz. “One thing that really helped smooth the transition between schools, was being on the golf team and having Abbey as a teammate. I am so proud of her accomplishments and I know she will be great at the next level.”

Pierce’s coach Brendan Harrington added that the number 11 golfer in the state of Michigan, “is most dedi-

cated and hard working player that I have ever coached.

With her strong drive and how hard she worked, she definitely deserved this. ” said Harrington. “When she told me she had received a scholarship, I was thrilled beyond excitement. I watched her since her freshman year work extremely hard. She is a huge role model to the whole team. I am excited all her hard work is paying off.”

Looking at the offers Pierce said that “neither coach has given me a deadline so it is kind of open for whenever. I will consider the size of the school, location, I also believe academics is extremely important. I’m just very blessed. It is obviously super rare for people to have the opportunity to continue playing a sport in college. I am so thankful for my parents, my coaches, and everyone who was supporting me.

Guizzetti said that “This is a huge thing. It speaks to how much they have accomplished in a relatively short time. For someone to get a scholarship in three years when it usually takes four. That is impressive. It is a big accomplishment for a college coach who has his/her pick of every athlete in the country, to think highly of these athletes to offer them a scholarship. They should all be proud of themselves for that.

In addition to Mukherjee and Pierce, junior Amanda Sape has also been going through the recruiting process as well. “It is really exciting yet makes me really nervous to have college recruits come to my games because if you do not play your very best, then you could potentially lose the opportunity to go to a good school or lose their interest,” she said. “When it comes to playing on the next level, nothing is guaranteed. I may not get the chance to play but I will work hard. Nothing is ever given, it is earned.”

Larry Goralski Charles Rowland

with BHHS’s two interim Assistant Principals

Mr. Goralski’s Bio:

“I was a 30 year Administrator in Rochester Community Schools where I was an elementary, middle and high school administrator. My last 13 years were at Stoney Creek High School as an assistant and then Principal my last 6 years.”

Can you compare your experience here in the new building compared to your previous experiences?

“Stoney Creek was a new school when I started there so it was much like your new building. We made sure we created cool new traditions like our senior walk and kept some of the classic traditions that they had at both Rochester High and Adams High School.”

Why are you here BHHS? “When I retired at 51 years old, I told my wife that if any school need a sub administrator I would be willing to help. In December, I was a sub Principal in Goodrich, MI because the Principal had surgery. I have known Mr. Hollerith for several years, so when he called to help I said absolutely.”

What are your responsibilities at our school?

“I will be a sub Associate Principal until school is out and then they will have a new full time person in place for next year . Currently, I handle the parking issues and student discipline for students with the last name L-Z.”

Mr. Rowland’s Bio: “I am a recently retired (last year) principal from Rochester, MI, where I served as an elementary and high school administrator for 14 years.”

Can you compare your experience here in the new building compared to your previous experiences?

“I am here to fill in for Mrs. Schultz, who is on maternity leave. My role is to serve as Interim Associate Principal, assisting Mr. Hollerith and staff through the remainder of the school year.”

Why are you here BHHS? “In many ways, BHHS is similar to Rochester, particularly with regard to student demographics. I am impressed with the new building and the commitment to learning communities. BHHS students and staff are fortunate to work and learn in such an phenomenal facility.”

What are your responsibilities at our school?

“I am enjoying getting to know the Black Hawk students and thank the BHHS students and staff who have welcomed me so warmly. I also, I look forward to attending Senior Prom and Commencement as we head into the end of the school year.”

SPORTS

10

Inside Sports Marketing

Policy change for middle school sports

Juniors Max Rosenfeld and C.J. Drogosch get the opportunity to work with the Los Angeles Angels in Spring Training C.J. Drogosch Staff Writer The sun rises in beautiful Ahwatukee, Arizona. Fifteen hours ago I was sitting in pre calculus, and now I’m starting my internship with the Los Angeles Angels. This could very well be my future.

Emerging from my mattress, I didn’t know what was going to lay ahead. In a couple minutes, my best friend and I would make the trek over to Tempe Diablo Stadium where the Los Angeles Angels have Spring Training. When we arrive, I smell the aroma of the hot dogs and hear the loud crack of batting practice. I know this is where I want to be.

Fellow junior Max Rosenfeld and I were given the tremendous opportunity to go shadow Joe Castor, President of SportsCastor Marketing and Sports Marketing Manager for the Los Angeles Angels. It was so unbelievable and unique because not many people our age are given the chance to do this sort of experience. From April 17th- 20th, Max and I were going to work two games for Castor.

Castor, who graduated from Lahser with Rosenfeld’s dad Dave, currently lives in Arizona with his wife Shelley and son Joey. Even though I thought I was just going to be there for the business aspect of baseball, probably my favorite part of the entire trip was being graciously welcomed into their home.

We sincerely bonded, beyond just working for Castor. They felt like family to me.

The moment we set foot inside the stadium, it was chaos. Busy, busy, busy. Our internship consisted of setting up the umbrellas over the tables, ensuring there was no ambush marketing (businesses set up where they weren’t supposed to be), helping choose the kid of the game, deciding on the lucky rows which would receive

“Arizona didn’t just create irreplaceable memories, it helped guide me along a potential career path: sports marketing or sports journalism.”

CJ Drogosch Staff Writer

Sixth graders now have the opportunity to compete with seventh and eigth graders.

Shibi Sanjeev Distribution Manager In five months, sixth graders will be participating with seventh and eighth graders.

“The way it’s stated now, 6th graders can compete with 7th and 8th graders, specifically with the team sports where they were already participating in exhibition matches such as wrestling, cross country, and track. Now those kids will have their points scored in with the tally of the competition,” states the Middle School Athletic Coordinator Avis Najor. “So now when you have the other teams such as basketball and volleyball, teams where 6th graders do not compete at all, 6th graders could play with the 7th graders if there is not enough kids to field a complete team.”

Najor said this change by the Michigan High School Athletic Association is not only for the sixth graders in the Bloomfield Hills School District but goes across the state.

Prior to the change, the system for middle school sports, gave sixth graders a much small-

er role explains Matthew Macleod, coach of the Bloomfield Hills Middle School boy’s wrestling team and the East Hills Middle School’s girl’s sixth grade soccer team.

“The way it has worked in previous years is you are allowed to have kids on your team as practice players but they are not allowed to actually participate in any official meets. Officials won’t officiate their matches, and their results are completely irrelevant. It’s essentially sixth grade is like a club,” Macleod said.”

Adding another problem with the old rule, Bloomfield HIlls Middle School’s boy’s tennis team assistant coach Junior Michael-Armen Kadian said that “we would have to cut some of the sixth graders who were quite better than the seventh and eighth graders. Now we are able to fit them in with others who are capable of playing against them.”

Concurring with Kadian, Macleod believes

that this new format will use sixth graders in a much more effective way than using them just for exhibition.

“It will provide a lot more opportunities for sixth graders in all sports, which will hopefully carry through to have more participation at the upper levels. I think we will be more successful because there will be more opportunities. When you have kids starting a sport as a sixth grader, it’s one whole extra year that they have to develop.

And that’s gonna pay off huge dividends in the seventh and eighth grade because the kids get to participate more,” said Macleod. “In wrestling, other teams that don’t have sixth grade managers like us, we always have a huge advantage over them because we get a whole other season of practice in and when we actually start competing, there’s a huge value to it.”

Bloomfielf.org

For all high school athletes:

giveaways, and hand out restaurant card coupons at the exit gates. As I’m standing there, I realized this isn’t exactly what Joe Castor does. At just the age of 17, though,I found myself closer to baseball than I ever imagined I would. Although while in Arizona we were the people who carried out everything for Castor, my future could include me giving the orders. For me, it’s all about being around the game that I love.

For Castor, he fell in love with sports marketing and what it entails. Why wouldn’t he? Every day he’s around the great phenomenon of sports. His job doesn’t feel like a job; that’s what I long for, wake up every single day and know that this is what I love.

I learned what Castor does. “For the Angels, primarily my role is revenue generation,” Castor says. “So, this is selling the outfield signs, promotions, the game program ads, and PA announcements. When Spring Training rolls around in March, I’m responsible for fulfilling and executing everything that’s sold. I work with the media relations department and coordinate with stadium manager to let him know what’s happening for the day. I’m big on communication.”

I was never aware of how much actually goes on behind the scenes in the game of baseball.

Being a part of the Angels staff exposed me to the diligent preparation that occurs before the first pitch is even thrown. It’s cool for me because I’ve played the game up close and watched from afar, but never knew the action that takes place when no one’s watching.

Sports marketing brings about countless exceptional experiences. Castor has been fortunate enough to truly appreciate everything the job offers. He thinks back to the most riveting of times. Picture yourself in Castor’s shoes.

“Boy, I’ve experienced some real fun things,” Castor says. “One of the coolest is probably when I worked for the Arizona Cardinals for 14 years. When I decided to leave them and start my own company, which has now been 14 years on my own, they said I’m sure we’ll find a way to continue to work with you. They’ve been with me every step of the way. The Cardinals went to the Super Bowl in 2008. To be able to take the family and experience that together was pretty awesome; we grew up Cardinals fans.”

Words cannot express how grateful I am to both the Castor and Rosenfeld families. This trip was one of the most incredible things I’ve been a part of in my 17 years. If you know me, you know how much I am around baseball.

This experience was like a dream come true.

I realized how much love I have for sports marketing and communications. Arizona didn’t just create irreplaceable memories, it helped guide me along a potential career path: sports marketing or sports journalism.

spring sports

Women’s Tennis

T

he Women’s varsity tennis team’s regular season culminated in a berth in the state tournament. The team’s pre-season ranking was number two in the entire state. The overall record that they have accumulated this year is 7-6-2, which puts them at #5 in the state. Tia Mukherjee, Alexa Bernard, Madison Sambor, Lauren Ruby, and Taylor Rousseau have been big factors in the team’s success. On Friday, May 15, the Black Hawks became OAA Division 1 Regional Champions. Currently, the team is preparing for the states.

Baseball

V

arsity baseball’s season got off to a slow start, but the team has picked up the pace as of late. Their record is 21-9. The team was on a 13 game win streak before it was snapped Thursday, May 19 against a good Flushing squad. The Black Hawks earned a key victory at Comerica Park over Clarkston. Senior leadership has proven to be a major factor with captains Matthew Biermann, Troy Saruna, Cameron Greer, and Aaron Schreur leading the way. The team is preparing for the playoffs, where they have drawn the winner of the Brother Rice, Southfield Lathrup game in the first matchup of districts.

Women’s Lacrosse Women’s Socer

Men’s Lacrosse

L

ed by team captains Nick Lucci, Jay Cooke and Scott Shepard, the men’s lacrosse team achieved a 9-6 regular season record. The team entered playoffs with a bye, followed by a 20-3 blowout victory over Davidson. The team is moving on to play Midland, which if won will result in a matchup with Brother Rice. Overall, the Black Hawks are looking forward to concluding a strong season with a successful playoff run.

Track and Field

photo credit: MiPrepZone

S

ophomore Grace Dillon’s strong play has been huge for the Black Hawks as of late. Junior Claire Kelly has been winning a large amount of draws and forcing a lot of turnovers. Senior Sarah Holmes’ play in the net has been solid, which has been a huge help for the squad.

“Everyone is a huge asset to the team and plays their own role,” says Junior Olivia D’Angelo, who is committed to play lacrosse at Jacksonville University. Their current record is 16-4. The team’s regular season has come to a close and they are on their way to the playoffs. Their win was against Sacred Heart by ten on May 18th was a huge momentum builder for the team.

T

he BHHS women’s soccer team has maintained a strong winning percentage under the leadership of senior captains Delaney Horton, Jennifer Miller, and Maddy Mackie. The team is coached by Alan Zakaria, Tristan Horvath, and Tim Bergsma.

Their record is 9-4-1 and they are looking to keep up the momentum.

“We work really well together as a team and that’s why we do well in games,” said Junior Claire Beresford. “We’re trying to finish off this season strong.”

photo credit: MiPrepZone

C

oach Alfano, Ciarkowski, Stration, Laliberte, and Naggy coached the track team to a 4-0-1 record leading up to the League Meet. The team has defeated all of their opponents thus far including Troy Athens, Avondale and Pontiac (excluding a tie against Royal Oak). At the league meet, the team received second place to Avondale but due to the team’s result against Avondale earlier in the season, BHHS won the League meet.

COMICS

12

comics

by Betsy Stubbs

How to Build a Friend

Penguin Plunge

Letters to the Editor:

We want to hear your voice!

E-Mail letters to the editor to bloomfieldhawkeye@gmail.com

Dear Editior,

Dear Editior,

Dear Editor,

I decided to write a letter to Max Wittenberg who wrote a story on page 16 in The Hawkeye newspaper. I really enjoyed reading this article. One thing I liked about this article, was that not only did the topic of Michigan Football interest me, but 129 straight games, as it says in the title, is crazy. Although this article was short, it got the message across very quickly. When he said he makes multiple sacrifices to make the games on time, such as getting surgery a couple days before, or missing his best friends bar mitzvahs, the amount of detail used was really great. The picture really makes the article flow, since it displays an image of Merrick and his dad on Fox News, at a Michigan tailgate party before one of the games. This article was well written, since many readers could picture in their minds what was happening, like long car rides and tailgating, that people could relate to. I also liked how Max, the writer, was really passionate about this topic and, I liked how Merrick was willing to take the time out of his day to share this information for the article.

While skimming across the article, “District debating implementing weighted GPA system” by Julia Eisenshtadt, I was instantly intrigued. As a student, this article seemed to draw me in, simply because grades are a very weighted matter in my life. I was informed that a higher education system (such as BHHS) can puts kids at a disadvantage, since it’s harder to achieve a higher GPA, than in a lower education system. Throughout the article, I enjoyed the mix of evidence and statistics- which alternated the content. Personally, I feel that this generates a greater competition for the universities, making it easier for someone with a higher GPA to get accepted.

Also, it was interesting to realize an A and A-, for example, are weighted the same. The author did a nice job explaining the toss-up of pros and cons, making the article unbiased and attracting more readers. This was a very engaging article, which appeals to students at our school.

I’m a sophomore at BHHS and I recently read the “Zootopia” movie review. I have not personally seen the movie, nor have I seen a Disney/Pixar movie for many years, but I do remember how great they always were. This review made me realize just how smart the creators and animators are at Pixar. They can make a movie completely centered towards young audiences, but add aspects to it that make teens, parents, and people of all ages enjoy the movie as well. For example, take a movie like “Toy Story.” “Toy Story” was one of my favorite movies when I was a kid, and it definitely is appealing to younger audiences because of its focus on toys coming to life. But, if I were to watch it now, as a more mature person than I was back when I was younger, I know I would still enjoy it. This is because of the more mature topics Pixar adds to their movies (although they are usually not literally said, but they are hinted at).

“Zootopia” seems like it will follow this same trend, with it being appealing to everybody, and I hope that one day I can watch it and see for myself.

-Sloane Marwil

-Maddie Wein

- Ben Cooper

OPINION

13

exploring the

DETROIT Z O O

Looking for something to do this summer?

Look no further than the Detroit Zoo. New Penguin House does not disappoint Amanda Howard Staff Writer

I

t’s all about the penguins.

About a month ago my friends and I were able to tour the $30 million Polk Penguin Conservation Center, which is the newest exhibit at the Detroit zoo.

We couldn’t believe we were actually going to get to go inside and see the little creatures up close. I was so ecstatic to view the inside of the building too though. I’d heard the penguin’s new habitat looked similar to that of their actual home back in Antarctica, the new exhibit having been modeled after the architect’s own experiences through his travels.

Soon my friends and I were inside, immediately face to face with the penguins.

I don’t think I’ve ever been that close to a penguin in my entire life. It was insane. They

walked straight up to the glass, flippers almost touching hands. I could see the specs of water on their skin, their feathers ruffling with the cold blasts emitted from the ceiling above.

I was so surprised at how beautiful the whole facility was. The building itself is a piece of art, pointing up on it’s roof at different angles, looking abstract, yet modern and clean. In comparison to the previous penguin house, it’s such an improvement. Aside from not smelling heavily of fish from the second we walked in the door, the new facility is so much larger too. Measuring to about 33,000 square feet and needing more than 1,000 workers to finish the job; the building is a masterpiece in itself.

I had heard previously that the new house held more than eighty penguins, consisting of

four out of the twelve penguin species. And with the full view of their habitat in front of me, I could clearly see that this was the case. It’s spectacular, getting to be that up close and personal to the birds. My friends and I pointed out different ticks of the penguins, noticing their differing personalities and cute little habits.

I’ve never been a huge fan of zoos, but truly, this experience was mind blowing.

There’s even a 4D show that we were able to witness, as we walked on the steps to walk down to the lower level of the building. The show was of a boat, and mist hit our faces as the sounds of the sea surrounds us while we continued down the stairs. It’s so cool and a little sea sickening, as the effects look that real.

Once we made it to the lower level of the

building, my friends and I walked under this huge tunnel with the penguins swimming above us. We saw little kids pointing in awe at the little creatures, mesmerized as they experienced their first taste of what else is out there in the world. I laughed at them dragging their parents pant leg to get a closer look at the glass; I understood how easy it was to get caught up in the moment, at the magnificence of the creatures, and the building.

I felt like a newly inspired little child myself.

Overall, I’d recommend seeing the Penguin House to everyone. It’s such a fun, adorable way to spend an hour or so. Bring along your family, siblings, friends or anyone else-- the new Penguin House at the Detroit Zoo is something you can’t miss.

Beware the Peacock Sadhna Ramanathan Op/Ed Editor

I

t was supposed to be a fun day at the zoo-- a chill afternoon filled with animals and cute pictures. Little did I know the horrors that faced me on that Saturday afternoon.

A few friends and I had just returned from the Polk Penguin Conservatory and were exploring the wonders of the zoo with childlike delight. We ran from one exhibit to the other in absolute glee, giggling and taking photos as we went along.

After watching the seals swim above us over glass, we decided it was time for a break. Due to the packed nature of the area, we had to hunt- I mean really hunt for a bench. During our quest to find a place to rest, I got distracted by a plume of beautiful

blue and green feathers strutting freely around the zoo grounds.

It was a seemingly harmless peacock.

Oh how woefully wrong was I. People were passing to and fro, bustling about, unaware of its presence and the bird did not care. That was until we got close.

It gave a mighty honk and started flapping its terrifying wings.

When I say I ran, I mean I dropped everything, and booked it. That blood-thirsty creature was on a warpath and I did not want to be on its hit list. As it chased us we ran screaming and no one bothered to help. As we were being hunted by this vicious creature, onlookers laughed and went on their merry way, leaving me with P.T.P.D: Post- Traumatic Peacock Disorder.

We aren’t the only victims. These winged menaces have a history of assaulting innocent zoo visitors. According to the Houston Press, a peacock was actually tasered by a policeman in Harris County, Texas after attacking anyone that dared to cross its path.

P.T.P.D is a real thing that still haunts me. Whenever I hear the flap of a bird’s wings, I flash back to that fateful moment when my life flashed before my eyes. I have never been the same. My friends and I live in constant fear that that satanic bird straight from the pits of hell will escape, and hunt us down.

Beware the peacock.

cartoons by Betsy Stubbs

OPINION

14

Versus:

Batman V. Superman

Batman v. Superman proves to be a delightful suprise Shibi Sanjeev Distribution Manager

Walking into the theater, I was convinced that I was about to winess the greatest Hollywood disaster of all time. Three hours later, I wasn’t sitting there with balls of hair in my hands. Instead I was sitting with my mouth open and wide eyed. I didn’t know what I had watched, all I knew was that I loved it. The only thing I wanted to do was go buy another ticket and watch it again.

This says a lot, it really does. I am probably one the most stubborn people I know, I just don’t like change, and this movie is the definition of change.

Literally nothing was what I had seen in any other DC movie, but this was one of the few, and let me stress few, times that I wholeheartedly accepted it. I can’t think of a single thing in the whole two and half hours that was a repeat of something I had seen already. Before you roll your eyes at me, let me remind you that Lex Luthor--the bald guy in all the Superman movies--was a ginger that sounded like Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka.

One of the biggest changes was Batman, and to be completely honest, he was arguably my favorite part of the film. I know, I hated on Affleck, but I can admit it when I’m wrong. If you asked me to compare him to any of the previous Batmans, I wouldn’t be able to give you an answer because he was just so unique. He threw everything Christian Bale did out the window and rewrote the character. Affleck played him as a man, not as a godlike figure lurking in your shadows. But most importantly, he blended the character of Bruce Wayne and Batman together. It didn’t seem like two completely different individuals, it was more of just two sides to the same coin.

Along with his stellar performance was Jesse Eisenberg. As I said earlier, he played Lex like you have never seen him before. If Mark Zuckerberg and Frank Underwood had a child, it would be this version of Lex Luthor. He was cunning, maniacal, and straight up weird. But it was freaking awesome.

I have never seen a movie with a plot that utilized its characters like this.

Snyder took the typical superhero movie plot and flipped it on it’s head and knocked it around until it was completely unrecognizable. There was no clear division between right and wrong, no ominous villain at the end. Instead, it was two of the greatest heroes trying to beat the living daylights out of each other until they eventually find some common ground. It was interesting, it was fun, and it was completely unpredictable.

Congrats, Zack Snyder, you surprised me.

Yet another superhero ruined by Zack Snyder Jack Silberman Design Editor

Zack Snyder, are you kidding me?

Three years of production and that’s the best you can do?

Batman V. Superman was quite possibly the worst film I’ve seen in my entire life. I did not laugh, nor did I cry. I cringed, and wanted to leave.

We don’t do negative stars here at the Hawkeye, but I’m debating changing that policy (or at least making an exception for this trainwreck).

As for the cast: to quote the great Simon Cowell, “It’s a no from me.”

Ben Affleck is not Christian Bale, and he never will be. Please, bring on the “it’s a different interpretation of Batman, you can’t compare them” comments. I don’t care. I’m going to compare them anyways.

Bale plays Batman like a real superhero. Affleck plays him like a creepy robot in a trench coat (this is an actual scene in this film).

Superman (played by Henry Cavill) was about as exciting as a documentary about bran flakes. Jesse Eisenberg’s Lex Luthor actually wasn’t bad. He actually felt like a super villain, and was the one redeeming quality of the movie. Not redeeming enough, though. The only person who could save this mess of a film is Morgan Freeman. But he’s too busy playing Lucius Fox in the real Batman movies.

Somehow, this sad excuse for Batman made $862.9 million at the box office. That hurts my soul. But it makes me think. If that piece of garbage can make $862.9 million, I should put capes on two potatoes, record it for three hours, and release it to the world as “Batman V. Superman 2”.

Go ahead and tell me that the reason I hated the movie is because I know nothing the Superman franchise. That is blatantly false. I can guarantee you my lack of Superman knowledge was not the reason I hated this film. I hated this film because everything about it was poorly executed-- the acting, the script, everything.

I’m about to spoil the movie. Usually, I’d say stop reading so I don’t ruin it for you. But you don’t want to see this, so I’ll just spoil it now.

The culmination of the already far-fetched Batman V. Superman fight was a misconception over which Martha they were talking about. Two supposedly invincible men and they could not figure out which one of their moms they were talking about. That plotline seemed like something out of a Saturday Night Live skit. One second, they’re about to kill each other. The next, they’re best friends because both of their moms are named Martha. You can’t make this stuff up.

Anyways, if you’re looking to have your childhood memories destroyed by bad acting and moronic plot lines, this is the film for you.

OPINION

THE HAWKEYE reviews

15

Music

Food

TV

Album presents a “mind” of its own

Sweet Tree gives a new twist to Middle Eastern cuisine

Daredevil returns with a daring new season

John Ballouz Staff Writer

Uzair Bandagi Sports Editor

When Zayn left One Direction it was the smartest thing he ever did and his debut album proves that this Exactly one year after his departure from his group of teenage heartthrobs, Zayn released Mind of Mine under his new label RCA Records and within a week it had reached the number one spot on the Billboard charts.

Prior to the release of the album Zayn released the songs PILLOWTALK (3:23), iT’s YoU (3:47), and LIKE I WOULD (3:13). These songs did an excellent job of building hype for the album and making it clear that Zayn was no longer his old boyband self. Mind of Mine is immensely more mature than the music Zayn was making with One Direction. Along with lyrics, the overall production of Mind of Mine is much better than One Direction’s music.

Mind of Mine is a masterpiece of 18 incredible songs.

Zayn showcases his unbelievable vocals throughout the album and particularly in the songs fOoL fOr YoU (3:23) and TiO (2:59). After listening to these songs there is no doubt that Zayn has one of the best voices in the industry and is going to have an incredibly successful career.

The only song on the album that features another artist is wRoNg feat. Kehlani (3:33). I immediately fell in love the first time I listened to this song. It is unbelievably catchy. By now I have probably listened to it over a thousand times. It’s one of those songs that gets stuck in your head after one listen.

However, the song that stands out the most is INTERMISSION: fLoWer (1:44). This beautiful short love ballad sung in Zayn’s native language Urdu, is a marvelous way to connect to Zayn’s heritage. It’s an example of something that he would not have been able to do had he still been a member of One Direction.

Mind of Mine reminds me a lot of Justin Bieber’s Purpose, released November 2015,both are comeback albums. I would love to see the two collab in the future.

Mind of Mine can be purchased from iTunes Amazon cost and Target for $13.99. It is a must buy for people who like music they can drive to late at night.

Uzair Bandagi Sports Editor

When most people think of Syrian food, or Middle Eastern food in general, they think of the hummus from La Marsa or the kabob from Mezza. It’s just the typical food you would get at any Arabic restaurant. But if you want something different, something new, then you will be pleasantly surprised by Sweet Tree. Combining the food expected in a casual American dinner with authentic Syrian food, this newly opened restaurant, located on Woodward and Square Lake, is a long needed, refreshing mix of the Coney Island type of restaurant and Mezza.

Having come from Syria, the owners--brothers Abdul, Fred and Andy Karkoulki-- offer unique foods along with the popular options we all know such as a traditional gyro, turkey burger and chicken tenders.

Having gone on a Sunday, Sweet Tree’s weekend breakfast buffet was filled with all the typical breakfast foods but also included options such as makdous, eggplant stuffed with walnuts, red pepper, garlic, and olive oil.

Don’t recognize these? That’s because Syrian brothers Abdul, Fred and Andy Karkoulki are the owners and provide popular items such as falafel, shawarma, and kabob as well as these authentic Syrian foods that I’ve been eating my whole life.

Also on the buffet there is shinkleish, a dried cheese with spices on it as well as fetteh, a dish containing chickpeas, pita bread, cumin spice, and other ingredients. There was no shortage of authentic buffet options available from 9 AM to 1 PM. But what I like the most is the variety. There are these awesome Syrian foods available but it also has the diner food I would go to Coney Island to get. Whether my friends and I are in the mood for a Coney Island type of restaurant, or my family and I want to get a Syrian breakfast, or just a typical American breakfast, Sweet Tree has it all. Along with this awesome variety are very reasonable prices. Ranging from eight to twelve dollars per meal, I can go to Sweet Tree no matter what the occasion is, including going to dinner with high schoolers who don’t like spending a lot of money.

What is also great about Sweet Tree is the involvement from the brothers. While at the restaurant with my mom it did not take long for one of the brothers to come to the table to make us feel comfortable there. He conversed with us, told us about the restaurant and took us around the buffet to try some of the foods that he and my mom loved to eat in Syria. Everything is made fresh in the kitchen and all the recipes come from the brothers themselves.

No matter the occasion, the time of day, or the food you like, Sweet Tree has something for everyone. For those with diet limitations, everything served in Sweet Tree is made fresh in the kitchen and is halal certified. Offering great service, good prices, and most importantly, great food, Sweet Tree is a great all around restaurant.

For more information check out their website at sweettreerestaurant.wix.com or visit their facebook page.

Daredevil is finally back on Netflix with seaon two, and it does not disappoint.

As a comic book fan what I love about this show is how utterly accurate it is down to the smallest details. Everything from his costume to his love life is on point.

It is by far the best superhero show to ever air on TV I used to think that The CW’s Arrow and The Flash were great superhero shows, but Daredevil, adapted from the Marvel Comics story completely blows them out of the water.

For those that aren’t familiar with the show. The story centers around Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox, The Theory of Everything) who was orphaned and accidently blinded as a child. He grows up to be a lawyer with his best friend in the day and a vigilante in the night. Daredevil is such an interesting character because although he is blind, he uses his other abilities and is basically a ninja.

These next 13 episodes of approximately 45 minutes each pick up where the 13 episodes of season one left off with Wilson Fisk behind bars, Matt and his best friend Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson, Mockingjay) practicing law, and Daredevil trying to rid the streets of Hell’s Kitchen of crime.

The storyline of season two is even better than season one as it involves legendary Marvel characters such as Elektra (Elodie Yung, Retaliation) and Frank Castle (John Bernthal, The Wolf of Wall Street) who is also known as The Punisher. I can not say enough about The Punisher in this show. He comes in during the first episode and completely steals the show for the rest of the season. Every episode I was waiting to see what happens with him. The best fight scenes in this season all involve him.

The fight scenes in season one were unreal and got even better in season two. Elektra was also great and had some incredible fight sequences. One of the best parts of season two is the flashbacks of Matt and Elektra’s past which are pertinent to explain Daredevil’s backstory.

This show is just as enjoyable as the movies produced

by Marvel. I would argue that Daredevil is better because as a TV show there is more content to watch. There is never a boring moment throughout the entire series.

Daredevil is only available on Netflix and is totally worth getting a Netflix subscription for.

Food Bloomfield Hills deli offers awe-inspiring fare Evan Stern Staff Writer

For the greater Bloomfield Hills area’s superior delicatessen, visit Ember’s Deli -- at 3598 West Maple Road in the Village Knoll mall -- stands tall and firm, eye-to-eye with other stout, well-established competitors.

Ember’s Deli features a number of attractions -- reasonable prices for all meals, helpful and quick service, delectable fare, and an inviting atmosphere -- among other elements.

The wholesome experience at the deli is verified time after time by its focused offerings.

As I entered the restaurant, I was filled completely with a sense of uplifting, delighted by the warmth radiating from several sizzling eggs in the unmasked kitchen, winning over the cold May gusts of wind, hurling raindrops through the air as Michigan -- known for its customarily substandard weather -- awaited summer.

The decor sported by Ember’s Deli trumped satisfactory easily, as well as my expectations, wiping away my awaited presumption: a deli

faded away, helplessly caught in an embrace with forgotten times. A colorful painting hung on a wall adjacent to the entrance, seizing my attention and curiosity. A porcelain-wood floor covered the surface of the diner, repeated by a similar finish on the booths and tables. In addition, the atmosphere was adorned with neatlylaid walls composed of natural, earthen stone and a comfortable, welcoming ambiance.

Upon my swift seating, I was intrigued by the variety of dishes offered by the deli’s menu.

A number of preliminary options, salads, soups, sandwiches, hot meals, child-friendly options, as well as choices tailored for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert, were listed.

My selection -the #21, the Fresh Roasted Turkey Breast, on rye bread, topped with coleslaw and Russian dressing

($8.89) and chicken noodle soup (cup for $3.79, bowl for $4.79) proved delicious, refreshing, and healthy -- as the fresh turkey, prepared by the owner daily, is free of numerous chemicals that other local delicatessens serve to customers -- for an extremely reasonable price.

Stunned I was as the last crumbs from my turkey sandwich were swallowed, not only toward the quality manifested by the nosh, but also by the inexpensive prices and brisk pace of the help, enabling me to accomplish the next task in my life and squander no time, unlike my visits to other restaurants.

For a quick meal, such as breakfast or lunch, or for a more lengthy and fulfilled experience at dinner, visit Ember’s Deli, between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

ACT SAT VS

All major US institutions accept both the SAT & ACT

Variety of math concepts 1/3 Geometry and Trigonometry Does not give formulas Calculator Active

Focused on problem solving,, data analysis, and algebra Gives basic formulas Non-Calculator section

The ACT will often not give line numbers during reading

The SAT has special two-part evidence based questions

Essays are optional on both the ACT & SAT WHAT DO MY SCORES MEAN? ACT to SAT score conversion chart:

36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 1600

1570

1540

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1470

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1400

1360

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1290

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WHEN CAN I TAKE THE TEST? September 10, 2016 October 22, 2016, December 10, 2016 February 11, 2017 April 8, 2017 June 10, 2017

All Juniors in the State of Michigan are required to take the SAT in school

October 1, 2016 November 5, 2016 December 3, 2016 January 21, 2017 March 11, 2017 May 6, 2017 June 3, 2017

works cited: https://magoosh.com/hs/act/act-scores/2016/act-to-new-sat-to-old-sat-score-conversion-chart/, https://www.google.com/search?q=act+logo&espv=2&biw=676&bih=735&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiZufXEzvbMAhVDOlIKHcnyBj0Q_AUIBigB#imgrc=D8sC6fBRbSiRWM%3A, https://www.google.com/search?q=sat+logo&espv=2&biw=676&b ih=735&tbm=isch&imgil=2eGpewgwsB3JtM%253A%253BcAe5vGFQfOTVDM%253Bhttps%25253A%25252F%25252Fcommons.wikimedia.org%25252Fwiki%25252FFile%25253ANew_SAT_Logo_(vector).svg&source=iu&pf=m&fir=2eGpewgwsB3JtM%253A%252CcAe5vGFQfOTVDM%252C_&usg=__a1_LDaBNLoZ32aUqCwVTm-tAot4%3D&ved=0ahUKEwjM2uHMzv