February 2017

Hawkeye The Bloomfield

Bloomfield Hills High School

February 2017

Volume IV-Issue IIII

SCHOOL NEWS 300 students attend Stress relief-dog event Student Leadership Class of 2017 pairs with TyVy Pet Hotel to bring 13 dogs to BHHS before Finals Week Jack Silberman Editor-in-Chief

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2016-

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2017-18

n order to help relieve stress before Finals Week, the Student Leadership Class of 2017 paired up with TyVy Pet Hotel to bring 13 dogs to Bloomfield Hills High School for the student body and staff to meet.

“Finals are always a stressful time for students, so having a way to relieve stress is important,” said Senior Class Vice President Elana Weberman. “When your stress relief is puppies- what could be better?”

Elana’s mother, Lori, is the district manager of TyVy Pet Hotel in West Bloomfield. With the permission of some of her most frequent customers, the dogs were allowed to take a field trip to visit with the students of BHHS. She explains that the event was a fantastic experience for everyone involved.

“It was amazing to see so many students value the dogs and recognize how they are able to really help reduce stress in people,” said Lori. “The dogs absolutely loved it and it brought tremendous joy to the pet parents and families that their dogs could participate in the community. Each dog received a community service award from TyVy.” The Student Leadership Senior Class planned out and marketed the event for weeks in advance, and signed up the student body for time slots during all lunch periods each day of the week leading up to the event. Mrs. Weberman says that the event would not have been such a success had it not been for their efforts.

“Seeing that hundreds of people participated in this event was amazing! It was a brilliant idea to ask the dogs to come,” she said. “I commend the BHHS Student Leadership members for their insight and excellent planning.”

In total, 300 students signed up to meet the dogs, filling the maximum capacity of 100 people per twenty minute time slot. The event was held in the school’s auxiliary gymnasium during eighth hour.

Elana explains that all the hard work they put into the event paid off when the day finally came.

“Seeing the excitement on the faces of both the dogs and students made all of our efforts worthwhile,” she said.

Adding

WEIGHT

Take your dog to TyVy Pet Hotel More information on page 22

DISTRICT NEWS District targeted in phishing attack Hack causes difficulties for both students and faculty Evan Stern Section Editor

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s students returned from Winter Break to school, phishers allegedly hit BHSD with a “sophisticated” phishing attack, according to a pertinent notice from the district.

“We have recently become the victim of a sophisticated phishing attack,” BHSD Director of Communications and Community Relations Shira Good said in a message to BHSD staff and families. “You may have received an email from a Bloomfield Hills Schools staff member, asking you to click on a link or sign a document. Please do not open the link, view the document, or enter any information. Delete the email and be cautious about any additional email you may receive with the same or similar subject line. Bloomfield Hills Schools will never ask you to provide sensitive information via email. If you are ever unsure of something you have received from us, please do not hesitate to connect with us to verify the authenticity of the email. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.”

Good continued that Bloomfield Hills Schools is “working quickly to contain the situation.”

“It’s a part of the world we now live on. When you have the school district, who has access to thousands of people’s personal information, we are going to be a target. School districts are constantly phished.

see more page 10

District decides to adopt 5.0 grade point average scale for the 2017-18 school year Brynn Elder Staff Writer

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tudents preparing to take any Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) class for the 2017-2018 school year will have their grade point averages weighted.

“Right now [grade point average] is out of a 4.0 scale, so the best you can get is a 4.0.

When we add the weighted grades to that, the best you can get is a 5.0,” said Bloomfield Hills Director of Learning Services, Christine DiPilato on the change. “The reason we made the decision, is that AP classes and IB classes have an external auditing component to them. So, we have to submit all of our syllabi to AP or to IB.” According to DiPilato, the initial recom-

BHHS LipDub HITS 30,000 VIEWS ON YOUTUBE

see news page 2

mendations stemmed from a task force focusing on grading and feedback; this task

“If GPAs were weighted in the past, I might have been more inclined to take more AP classes because I would not be as apprehensive about getting a B.”

members.

“That committee unanimously felt that weighting grades for certain courses at the high school would be a benefit to students as long as the school published both a weighted and unweighted grade point average,” DiPilato said.

By rolling out the information regarding this opportunity, the Learning Service Team hoped that students, like Junior Leo Sabin may reconsider what classes to take in the future.

Leo Sabin Junior force was composed of teachers, administrators, student representatives, and board

STUDENTS ATTEND PROTESTS ACROSS THE NATION see news page 2

see more page 4

SOPHOMORES PREP FOR PERSONAL PROJECT see news page 6-7

2

February News

Community

Sophomore places in NAIAS Contest Sophomore Jenny She placed second in the North American International American Show Contest Habib Bello Staff Writer Out of 890 entries from 70 schools Bloomfield Hills High School sophomore student Jenny She recently was awarded with 2nd place in The North American International Auto Show poster contest.

“My initial emotions were bewilderment and happiness. I could not believe that I had actually placed in this amazing contest, and I was pleasantly surprised” said sophomore She of her design which was a car inside a lightbulb.

“I decided to participate in this competition because I had been inspired by last year’s winning posters and wanted to take a shot at the contest myself.

The prizes for winning second in the NAIAS poster competition consisted of $250 and two very own tickets to the North-American International Auto Show held in the Cobo Center located in Detroit.

Jenny’s mother Leilei Chen said that, “The whole family was so happy and very proud”.

Jenny’s graphic design teacher Angel Esshaki echoed Leilei’s thoughts.

“When I found out that Jenny won, it was awesome; she genuinely deserved it” she said. “She was the only student who stayed after school to work on her two poster submissions, so I was really proud that she won because she put so much effort and was someone who really cared about the project.”

Usa

Low

Party Affiliation

High

Who is James Mattis, the new Secretary of Defense?

Mattis is more on the conservative side, but has no clear party affiliation. Many had hoped he would run as a third party candidate

Low

Political Experience

High

Mattis is a former Marine Corps General. He served for 41 years and has ample experience for his new job. This is his first job in politics.

Foreign Policy Low

High

General James Mattis is considered to be more of a war hawk.

His policy towards ISIS is thought to be much more aggressive

IRaq - U.S.A

Senior Liz Bates joined the Women’s March in Ann Arbor to protest for the rights of women after the election of the 45th President

U.S.A

BHHS students involved in local protests

Ban on immigration is amended to include interpreters

Protests break out throughout Michigan

After recommendations from the Pentagon, the executive order imposing the ban on immigration has been amended to allow interpreters and their families from Iraq that were employed by the U.S. government and military to enter the United States.

Protests erupted throughout the Metro Detroit area in response to the ban on immigration. The largest, and most focused, protest was in the Detroit Metropolitan Airport. Demonstrators also marched through Dearborn, which holds one of the largest Arab American communities.

Britain

T h e British House of Commons voted on February 1st to give Prime Minister Theresa May the go ahead to trigger the exit from the European Union.

The outcome of the vote was never in doubt and gives May a convincing mandate as she takes the next steps forward.

Jenny She placed second with this poster Community

BSA prepares for annual talent show Evan Stern Section Editor

The BHHS Black Student Alliance (BSA) is preparing for their annual student-produced Talent Show.

“This year, students will be showcasing their talent, a variety of talent.

This year, the theme is celebrating African American contributions through the decades. We’re focusing on [different] decades. It is open to all students to perform. You can show your own talent or pick [something else].”

According to the BSA, performances at the show “can include acrobatics, acting, artwork, comedy, dancing, instrumental, modeling, poetry, singing, and much more.”

“The whole purpose is, it is not just a talent show, but we want to take a talent show where it is strictly focusing on contributions of African Americans. Last year’s talent show was a great success, but didn’t have a focus. We wanted to fine-tune it a little bit, so it could be a little more educational,” she said. “After, there is an after-party celebration. We are going to be selling tickets the week of the show.”

According to Jones, the Talent Show is scheduled for Saturday, February 25th, 2017 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Student practices for this year’s performance

What’s happening?

Sophomore Maddy Moskus went out to Ann Arbor as part of the Women’s March to protest the election of Donald Trump

U.S.A

Brexit takes the next step forward

BSA puts together talent show in honor of black history month

Senior Basil Alsubee holds sign in DTW Airport to protest immigration ban.

Trump is inaugurated as the 45th President

Jan. 19th

Trump orders the construction of Dakota Access pipline

Jan. 24th

Women march across country In response to the election of Donald Trump, women marched in several major cities throughout the country to express their discontent.

Marches took place in the nation’s capital as well as local cities such as Ann Arbor and Detroit.

Trump passes executive order banning immigration

Jan. 25th

BHHS Senior Katie Baxter, BHHS Alumni Libby Baxter, and EHMS 8th grader Caroline Baxter marched in Ann Arbor with Senator Debbie Stabenow

Trump passes executive order banning immigration

Jan 28th

Trump reaches majority disapproval rating

Jan. 28th

BHHS Junior reaches 30,000 views for Youtube video BHHS Junior Christain Kassab has 30,000 views on school lip dub video Sarah Qureshi Staff Writer Junior Christian Kassab’s school-wide LipDub now has more than 30,000 views on Youtube.

“Hitting over 30,000 views is something that’s still hard to grasp for me,” said Kassab, who serves as the technology adviser on the school’s Student Leadership Executive Board. “Having to think about or visualize that more than 30,000 people have watched my video is something that is mind boggling.”

Kassab explains what makes a successful LipDub and gives a history of his project, which he filmed in April of 2016.

“I came up with the idea for the LipDub the summer before my sophomore year.” Kassab said.

“A LipDub is a video in which people lip sync to a song while moving throughout a location and when I was elected onto Student Leadership for my sophomore year, I began brainstorming new ideas for the different types of videos I could create. I had seen a lot of LipDubs online and hoped to create one at our school, in an effort to increase school spirit and boost morale.”

Kassab recruited three of his fellow Student Leadership members and began working to make his dream become a reality.

“Creating the LipDub was a massive project that I took on with my group partners Srirama Varanasi, Paul Mucci and Joe Metzger,” said Kassab. “The project required a lot of preparation from me and my group members because we had to deal with many technical issues,

from how we would move the camera, to pacing the video, to renting equipment, along with having to contact all the clubs and sports in the school for participation in the video.”

After months of brainstorming and preparation for the LipDub, the group filmed the video. Kassab explains that the group was met with some difficulty on the day of the event.

“During the actual filming of the video, we ran into multiple issues with timing and singing,” said Kassab, “Although we had rehearsed the timing three times prior to the actual filming of the video, many of the students who were singing either rushed or slowed down the pace that the video needed to move at.”

As for participation of the video, Kassab said he and his group were responsible for “contacting over 30 clubs and sports and making sure they knew where they would need to be and what they would need to do.”

According to Kassab, “The LipDub was not a one man job. All of Student Leadership played an instrumental role in helping make this project a success.” Kassab’s group members, along with the other members of Student Leadership, were very pleased that so many people viewed the video that they put so much effort into.

“It’s just really mind blowing, we spent so much of last year working on it. I still remember biking in the snow for six miles to come

to the school to work with Christian and our other group members on the LipDub,” said Varanasi. “To see that the video has been viewed by over 30,000 people just shows us that all our hard work last year paid off. It is a huge honor and accomplishment to hit 30,000 views.”

Kassab’s group members and peers were not the only ones who were thrilled with the final product and its large number of views.

His mother Bonnie explains how proud she was of her son’s accomplishment.

“The LipDub is my favorite video of Christian’s because he did a great job at capturing the energy of the school and it turned out amazing,” she said. “When I saw that Christian’s video hit 30,000 views, I was overcome with joy. It was a very proud moment.”

Kassab explains that he was proud to create a project that became a talking point around Bloomfield Hills.

“Seeing how people reacted to the project, whether it be good or bad reactions, made me feel like I had sparked something in the community,” said Kassab. “Creating a video that caused so much discussion in our community was an awesome feeling.”

To watch the LipDub, search “Bloomfield Hills High School 2016 LipDub” on Youtube. Subscribe to Christian’s channel to see more of his videos.

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February NEWS

PRO: Charter Schools

Betsy DeVos

Trump tabs his secretary of education

Staff writer explores the benefits of Charter Schools

Evan Stern Section Editor

Sarah Kenkel Staff Writer When I first got this topic I didn’t really see the advantages of charter schools.

I mean, it seems that all the headlines report are the numbers of school shutting down and how Betsy Devos has ruined students. It wasn’t clear to me if there were any pros to this educational option. But then, I did some research.

While the statistics in Detroit are sombering the picture is painted much differently throughout the rest of the nation.

To my surprise there are indeed charter schools that do succeed. Less than an hour from Bloomfield, Arbor Preparatory High School was named the third best Charter school in Michigan. It was 28th as most diverse and 56th best overall high school. On a ranking, one alum from APHS said that his college classes seem easier than his high school ones.

One piece of evidence for the success of students in charter schools is the fact that there are more options. With more options comes competitiveness. Schools have to “up” their game to convince parents that the school is the best choice for their students. And it seems to be working because enrollment is increasing. According to The National Center for Education Statistics, during the past ten years, “the percentage of all public schools that were public charter schools increased from 3.1 to 6.6 percent, and the total number of public charter schools increased from 3,000 to 6,500.”

With number like these, there must be a reason why parents are pulling pupils from public schools to more-private sectors. One reason could be seen from the outside and the inside of the schools.

While I get to enjoy a state of the art new facility, Google and I found that the majority of high schools are not new or even maintained; however, because most charter schools are brand new they offer not only state of the art facilities but more opportunities to use technology and collaborate which are necessary to be a successful twenty-first century student. Looking at these images, even I got excited of what was going on within the school.

One of the recurring characteristics of charter schools was that bigger isn’t always better. Enrollment in charter schools tend to be smaller. At BASIS High School in Scottsdale, AZ which was ranked as the number one best character school in the nation, the total enrollment is 756 and the teacher to student ration is 19:1 perhaps this is why 100% of their graduates are college ready. In New Haven, MI Merritt Academy ranked number eight this ratio is even lower at 14:1. Even with those schools whose enrollment is higher, the teacher student ratio is lower. For instance, Charyl Stockwell Academy (CSA) has over 1,000 students but there is only fourteen students per teacher. That is almost less than half as in most public schools. Personally, I like this idea because I know that I have the opportunity for more personal attention from my teachers.

With better teachers, the students are given the tools and education they need to further succeed in life. CSA was on in the top 14% on NICHE’s list for having the best teachers in Michigan.

Some of those opposed to charter schools say that these statistics are skewed because charter schools get to “pick and choose” their student. However, according to The California Charter Schools Association “Charter schools cannot discriminate based on disability, national origin, age, or gender.” In fact there are statistics showing the diversity in these schools. Over half of the population at BASIS Scottsdale were minority. Out of their 403 students, 73% of the students at International Studies Charter in Florida are minority.

In weighing the pros and cons of charter schools the subject of finances was part of the conversation. While it is a fact that federal and state monies will be split between public and charter schools, shouldn’t the conversation focus on regulating these funds and how districts are spending their money verses who gets more? Perhaps, knowing that funds are going to be divided fiscal decisions will continue to be a main focus but only those programs of the most importance can be funded. Looking at the schools that have been ranked, they all had one common denominator. They all focused on one to two scholastic areas. Most were preparing students to be ready in college or their career. It was simple.

And these schools are the ones that produced the most success.

When I was first starting to learn about charter schools, there was a ton of information. To be honest it was difficult to separate fact from fiction because it seemed that everyone had an opinion one way or another. Even though I didn’t hold a position, I did enter the argument with many questions. After doing my homework on the pros and cons, I’ve decided that there is always two sides to every story and whether to have a charter school or not is the question, the real answer is to focus on the pros because learning from what has worked, and there are many success stories, then we can provide successful opportunities for all of our students.

CON: Charter Schools Discussing the drawbacks of Devos’ thoughts on charter schools Sadie Kirschner Staff Writer

Trump and DeVos after he introduced her as his selection (photo credits: Politico)

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“It will be interesting. She has been a strong proponent of hortly after his election to the 45th presidency of the vouchers in the school. Vouchers would affect public schools, United States, Donald J. Trump selected billionaire because it would use public funds to potentially pay for a and charter-school proponent from Michigan Betsy school’s private school, if she did that. It all depends on what DeVos as his Education Secretary. her goals end up being. It’s only from what she has done in the “Betsy DeVos is a brilliant and passionate education past,” she said. advocate,” Trump said as to his choice in DeVos. BHSD Superintendent Rob Glass, referring to his recent “Under her leadership we will reform the U.S. education system 2017 Michigan Superintendent of the Year award, said that “I’m and break the bureaucracy that is holding our children back so always energized at the opportunity to put excellence in public that we can deliver world-class education and school choice to education at the forefront. There are a lot of political forces all families.” working against public education and seeking to dismantle it According to Politico’s Caitlin Emma and Michael Stratford in favor of a more privatized system. The crafted rationale often in Betsy DeVos tapped by Donald Trump for education secrecenters on a biased narrative that public schools are failing, tary, “DeVos, 58, chairs the American Federation for Children, when the reality is that privatized systems fare no better and an advocacy group that has aggressively pushed to expand char(when not responsibly regulated) weaken the public school ter schools and school voucher programs that provide families system. I’m hopeful this award may provide a bit of a platform with public money to spend on private school tuition.” for me to be able to speak about the virtues of public education “I am honored to work with the President-elect on his vision using examples from Bloomfield Hills where students, families to make American education great and the entire community are again,” DeVos tweeted shortly enriched by working together to after the announcement propelling “The worry is, while she is a huge create a great educational experiher into the position. “The status advocate of education, she has not ence.” quo in ed is not acceptable.”

Throughout the campaign, BHHS Social Studies Teacher been an advocate for public edu- DeVos, according to the article, was Matthew MacLeod said that cation. There is concern that she not an ardent Trump supporter, a pervasive concern amongst though has been a longtime Repubeducators “is that a lot of teachers will favor privatization rather than lican. [know] is that [DeVos] has been fix the struggles of public schools. “DeVos is part of a wealthy and a huge advocate of privatization influential family of Republiand charter schools. The worry That’s the concern of educators.” can donors who held back their that many teachers have is many donations for much of Trump’s charter schools are not held to the Matthew MacLeod Social Studies Teacher campaign,” it said. same standard as public schools.

According to the New York The worry is, while she is a huge Times’ Kate Zernike in Betsy advocate of education, she has not been an advocate for public DeVos, Trump’s Education Pick, Has Steered Money From Pubeducation. There is concern that she will favor privatization lic Schools, the appointee for the position has been in the past rather than fix the struggles of public schools. That’s the conquestioned over her thoughts on the U.S. public school system. cern of educators.”

“Frederick M. Hess, the director of education policy studies Trump is poised to begin executing his campaign promises, for the conservative American Enterprise Institute in Washingthe Politico article explained, in terms of education, with the ton, called Ms. DeVos a ‘smart, principled small-government announcement. conservative who’s experienced in politics and versed in the “The choice is a sign that Trump plans to pursue his campaign relevant policy,” the article said. “To teachers’ unions, she is pledge to enact sweeping school choice, including spending $20 anathema. Randi Weingarten, the president of the American billion on block grants to expand charter and private school opFederation of Teachers, called Ms. DeVos ‘the most ideological, tions for low-income children — almost as much as the country anti-public education nominee’ since the secretary of education now invests in schools serving poor kids and special education was elevated to the cabinet level four decades ago. Even some programs combined. The idea has long been championed by groups that share her support for charter schools worried that conservatives but has fizzled in Congress. DeVos’ advocacy picking someone so closely identified as a champion of vouchers group helped craft that proposal.” signaled that the Trump administration would try to starve BHHS Associate Principal Margaret Schultz said that there public schools.” are questions regarding the action that DeVos in her position will take.

EHMS teacher becomes author East Hills Middle School teacher publishes novel : “An Elite Journey: A Young Man’s Leadership Story” Jillian Abbo Staff Writer After two years, East Hills history teacher Michael Massucci published his first novel.

“It’s a story of a young man’s journey through two years of high school basketball and all the lessons he learns.

It’s essentially a journey of becoming your best self, both on and off the court. The story has resonated with many athletes beyond just basketball,” said Massucci.

Massucci’s story An Elite Journey: A Young Man’s Leadership Story. leadership fable is based as part of his work at the Michigan Elite 25 Association, a leadership and skill development group for Michigan’s top basketball players.

“I was hired as the Michigan Elite 25 leadership/education director and have learned so much,” said Massucci. “One of my charges was to help build/write a curriculum or a ‘model’ of success for young athletes that would be sustaining, I eventually translated this“success blueprint” into a fictional leadership fable.”

East Hills principal Jason Rubel said that “students love knowing that Mr. Massucci is an author who can speak with authenticity about the value of developing your skill set as a communicator and writer.

His book is enjoyed and valued by all who read it.”

One of Massucci’s former students, BHHS junior Caroline Allen said that “It was an honor and a privilege to have Mr. Massucci as a teacher, mentor, and coach throughout middle school. One lesson I gleamed from Mr. Massucci was that a positive attitude can be transforming and motivating.

Also, in everyday life, I have often pondered his words to ‘choose the hard right over the easy wrong.’

His book, An Elite Journey is true testimonial to the importance of character and leadership.”

Looking at his story Massucci said his “story is was written for motivated student athletes but has resonated with people of

all ages, especially coaches and parents. I feel very blessed that the book has been well received and sales are going very well.”

Want a copy of Massucci’s novel?

VISIT michaelmassucci.com

to order

I never realized how immensely fortunate I am for the education I have.

Betsy DeVos has changed all of that.

For fifteen years, I never thought about education. Now knowing all of this, I not only appreciate my education, but I can honestly say that I am an expert on charter schools. And let me tell you they are not any good.

Ever since President Trump nominated Betsy Devos, her name has been almost as popular as Justin Bieber and for some almost as annoying.

Betsy DeVos is a terrible candidate for the position of secretary of education under President Trump. First, having never attended nor taught in public education she shouldn’t be able to decide the outcome of the funding and curriculum of public schools around the country. Even the The Washington Post agrees saying that “DeVos isn’t an educator, or an education leader. She’s not an expert in pedagogy or curriculum or school governance. In fact, she has no relevant credentials or experience for a job setting standards and guiding dollars for the nation’s public schools.”

Devos aside, another reason why charter schools are so bad is because they will take away from those attending public schools. Even though charter schools are funded by federal and state taxes and run by a granting body (such as a school board) and an outside group (like teachers and parents) they don’t have to work with the normal state education regulations. This doesn’t seem fair. They get all the benefits but don’t have to be accountable the same.

Plus, even though they are already being funded by parents tax money and the government, they can still enforce a tuition fee. This means, those in charge can basically do what they want and they can charge for it. Since when did the classroom become a business for someone’s pocketbook verses a service benefiting students? This is just wrong.

“Since when did the classroom become a business for someone’s pocketbook?”

This makes students attending public school struggle because the government has to now fund another school. As a result, public schools are getting less funding which means that the public schools are not getting the best materials.

Another disadvantage is that charter schools can also be extremely competitive. Now, some may say that competitiveness can be a good quality; however, when charter schools first opened up in Detroit there were an abundant of choices. This means that resources and other essentials were divided. Perhaps this is why more than three-fourths of these charters have closed.

Not only have schools failed to remain open but they fail to teach their students. Between 2011 and 2014, 20 charter schools failed every year to meet the state’s expectations for academic growth each year in Minnesota. More than half of schools analyzed from 2011 to 2014 were also failing to meet the department’s expectations for academic growth, the gains made from year to year in reading and math. In Florida, charter schools received an F grade in 2013-14 and received either another F grade, an incomplete grade or no grade in 2014-15 will be subject to automatic termination if they receive an F grade for the 2015-16 school year. 11 schools follow that scenario. Obviously, more isn’t better.

Another con is that these schools get to pick and choose who they want to attend their school. What happens to the families that can’t afford tuition or the long drive to a school? Is it -fair that they have to attend a public school without the necessary resources when those with money get the better education? This is totally an unfair process that needs to be removed.

Finally, charter schools can be exceedingly less diverse than public schools.

This is because the principal can choose the type of students that they would like in their school. This causes many charter schools to have a lack of diversity among students, whereas with public schools, anyone who lives in that school’s district, or in some cases, outside of district, can attend the school. in St. Louis, only six out of seventeen charter schools have 90% African American students.

When I started writing this I didn’t know much about charter schools and now I know that they are not the right choice for me or for any student. Even Justin Bieber would agree with me.

4

FEBRUARY NEWS

BHHS adopting 5.0 GPA system (from 1) Brynn Elder Staff Writer “If GPAs were weighted in the past, I might have been more inclined to take more AP classes because I would not be as apprehensive about getting a B,” said Sabin who is currently taking one AP this year, AP chemistry.”

Not only are students looking ahead at their schedules but so are some staff members.

“Having weighted GPAs on transcripts probably would encourage enrollment in more AP classes by those kids who do overlook a class just because its hard and they risk getting a lower grade in it,” said AP history teacher Kenneth Cameron.

Understanding Cameron’s thoughts.

DiPilato believes that weighted grade point averages ”will encourage kids who might be nervous about earning a lower grade, but I don’t think that it will skyrocket the enrollment of these classes.”

DiPilato explained that the changes in regulation will not be retroactive. The weight will only apply to grades beginning in the 2017-2018 school year. For all internal purposes within the district such as applying to National Honor Society the district will still use the unweighted grade point system.

Junior Simona Zhu shares that she is “excited for this change because although colleges recalculate GPAs, having a weighted option will be beneficial to students when applying for programs and opportunities outside of school.”

Seeing Zhu’s point, DiPilato said that this was one of the main reasons the Learning Service Team agreed to provide weighted GPAs to students.

“We know that colleges and universities for entrance purposes, recalculate GPAs, so we weren’t concerned so much about college admissions. We were more concerned with scholarship applications. [They] often require students to write down their grade point average, and we wanted to make sure that our students had the opportunity to compete for scholarships at the same level as other students in this area.”

Orchestra Director Scott Wolf wins state award Evan Stern Section Editor BHHS Orchestra Teacher Scott Wolf was named Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association Teacher of the Year for Orchestra in the 12th Annual Michigan Music Conference according to Bloomfield Hills Schools.

“I am very humbled,” he said. I am excited about it and looking forward to conducting the Michigan Youth Arts Festival, one of the awards for it.”

Wolf received the honor from the MSBOA association during his first semester of teaching at Bloomfield Hills High School.

“I am really happy to have him in the department,” BHHS Choir Director Jessica Riley said of the accomplishment.

For more about the BHHS Performing Arts Department: visit www. bboboosters. com

5

February Feature

BHHS band participates in honors band Students play instruments for Oakland Country Jillian Abbo Staff Writer Kylie Buckfire Staff Writer BHHS teacher finds comfort in her friends and family after returning to work this January.

Photo by Skylar Raitt

Out of more than 200 students Oakland County, four BHHS students were chosen to participate in the District Four High School Honors Band.

“They are really great students,” said band director Alan Posner of his four seniors. “Nate (Gittleman) was in the jazz band and he’s a terrific guitarist. Henry (Dickson) and Myles (Johnson) are some of our best musicians in the band, and they were in the wind ensemble. Anna (Elter) was principal flutist in the symphony band. They all did great and I was really proud of them.”

According to Posner, the district four honors band is open to students in Oakland County which allows them to play in the Michigan School Band Orchestra Association (MSBOA),” said Alan Posner, the conductor of the BHHS band. “Based on director nominations and solo ensemble scores, so based how

“I am very grateful. The way we are selected is through solo ensemble and I’ve been doing that since my freshman year, so I’ve had to prepare pieces and for solo ensemble districts. It’s a lot of work but I guess it pays off if we are selected.”

A teacher’s long awaited return BHHS staff member Lisa Brown has come back to work after a year in the hospital due to cancer

Myles Johnson BHHS Band Member

Caitlin Finerty Staff Writer

they’ve done previous years in different events, students get selected to be in the wind ensemble, the symphony band, or the jazz ensemble.”

Of his acceptance Johnson said, “I am very grateful. The way we are selected is through solo ensemble and I’ve been doing that since my freshman year, so I’ve had to prepare pieces and for solo ensemble districts. It’s a lot of work but I guess it pays off if we are selected.”

Gittleman agrees with Johnson saying that he most excited about this opportunity because he likes “seeing what talent exists outside of Bloomfield and hanging out with kids.”

After approximately 13 months, she was able to finally return.

“I wanted to come back in September, said BHHS Transition Coordinator Lisa Brown who nine years ago was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer. “The last two years had been really rough. I ended up with several infections from blood clots and things from different chemos that I was on. [The doctor] said even if I feel good, once I come in contact with something, my health will be compromised.”

Lisa’s story began in January of 2016, when she had to take a leave of absence because her cancer was progressing.

“My spleen grew very large so [the doctors] decided that it had to be removed,” she said. “Once it was removed I would have to have a stem cell transplant because the spleen was keeping every system at bay. My disease took off quickly after that. Between the months of January 2016 and May 2016, I spent about nine weeks in the hospital. I got very, very sick before I got better.”

Upon hearing that her oldest daughter had a disease with a life expectancy of two years, Lisa’s mother, Rita Settimo said her first thought was ‘“Oh my God, oh my God. The hospital said they have never seen anyone last this long and they had, especially, never seen anyone recover.”

According to Lisa, one of the main complications of her cancer was that her body lacked stem cells which she explained are the basic cell block.

“Because my bone marrow was where my cancer was, and that is where stem cells are made, the doctors had to kill everything in my bone marrow so that the new stem cells could go in, take route and then start producing red and white blood cells and hemoglobin. I was living off of an IV pole that had about 17 different things that were being introduced into my body to supplement the lack of all of those cells,” she said.

Because her stem cells weren’t functioning correctly, she was barely living. Lisa needed a stem cell donor.

“My results and projected outcome was not good,” said Lisa whose oldest son August donated his cells; however, their problem was how he only matched his mom’s cells 50 percent. “It was the only chance I had.

[August] is 20 and extremely healthy. He had to go through a lot of tests and he had to give himself a series of shots for a week, twice a day so that his body would overproduce stem cells. The [doctors] collected 8.9

million stem cells for me. It was an amazing process.”

Robert Brown, Lisa’s husband of 25 years, said that the day of August and Lisa’s procedure “was a very exciting day for us. We kind of treated it like a birthday. We had balloons and a cake and we called it her second birthday because she was like being born all over again with a brand new immune system. It was a very joyful occasion for us. That day we celebrated.”

Special education teacher Meghan Gornick who works directly with Lisa said that “she has come through a lot. She is just so upbeat and excited to still be with us and be apart of school and apart of our friendship. She is important to me because she is a source of strength for me. She helps me come back to work everyday and and she is really fun and just a sweet person,” On the day of her return Lisa said that the staff had decorated her whole office and they were all waiting outside my door when she came in.

“My return was awesome,” she said. “ I think that staff ’s reaction was just overwhelming, more so then I ever imagined. And the kids were awesome. I work with a very special population so they are innocent anyway. They were like little kids at Christmas. A lot of them made comments about my hair. I used to have long blonde hair and I didn’t explain it to him, it would have been too difficult to explain,” said Lisa.Nicole Travis, a directive studies teacher at BHHS, explained that “while there was somebody who did a nice job in her absence by filling in and doing what was necessary, [her] absence was still widely felt in our department. I think we are all extremely happy to have her back because she is an incredibly workhorse. She will work tirelessly to make sure she is providing all of us the information that we need to support kids and she is so student centered that that is always her focus.”

Looking back at her experience with her cancer, the one piece of information that she hopes readers learn from her story is the need for stem cell donors.

“If anybody who is under 45 years could possibly consider being a donor, the registry is very short on minorities especially so people of Asian, native American, and African American descent. There is just not a lot of representation so, anybody under 45 would be considered a healthy donor. It is a quick little swab of the mouth. It is free and they get put in a registry for life.”

AP Economics class particpates in Detroit economic devolpment challenge Advanced Placement Economics students create innovative projects to revitalize Detroit in the DEDC Sarah Qureshi Staff Writer For the first time, Randall Odom’s Advanced Placement Economics class participated in The Detroit Economic Development Challenge (DEDC).

“The competition was started by the Federal Reserve in cooperation with the economic development fund for Detroit,” said AP Econ teacher Odom who decided to enter his students into this competition.

“The objective of this competition is to bring students and engage them on issues that have to do with the revitalization of the Detroit area.

They broke it down by the different districts within the cities and had six challenges, we did five of the six that would address what the students ideas would be to revitalize the city of that particular district.”

Odom got the idea to enter his kids into this competition when the Federal Reserve contacted him.

“I was notified about this competition by the Federal Reserve,” said Odom, “I thought it would be a great competition for students because; number one, it’s economics and number two, I thought it would be good to expose students on a more specific level to what the challenges

are for the city of Detroit.”

The process for creating this project was a lengthy one, according to Odom the students began the project in October and ended on December 2nd when the students conducted their presentations.

“We spent the first few months of the school year just researching and planning our project out and writing out what we wanted to say, then we had to make a big poster with all of our information on it, then we went to Detroit to the Federal Reserve where we did the presentation for a couple of judges who talked to us about our project and just like gave us feedback on it,” said senior and member of the winning group Julia Eisenshtadt.

There were many unique and innovative projects for each category but the group consisting of Whirlington Anderson, Julia Eisenshtadt, Layla Mbarushimana prevailed in the end, winning the entire competition.

“Our idea was the Creativity Warehouse, a place where people will gather to do exactly that; create. We realize that the art community in Detroit is thriving, so the Creativity Warehouse would be non-profit

business incubator in Midtown Detroit, the hub of the Detroit art scene. The Creativity Warehouse would benefit the artists that participate and the city of Detroit as a whole,” said Eisenshtadt.

Odom entered his students in this competition in hope that they would take away and learn something from it.

“I wanted them to take away using applications of Economic Abstract Theory and be able to use it in a practical sense,” said Odom. “I also wanted them to see how cities, businesses, whatever the case may be on the challenges that they might have to do to provide or create a more competitive and productive economic environment.”

The students were able to let their creative side free during this competition which resulted in them taking away a lesson that they learned during this process.

Junior Simona Zhu who participated in this competition said, “We learned that there are many different aspects of the Detroit economy that you have to consider when doing a large-scale project like this. Detroit is a huge city and there’s a lot that is

BHHS seniors (left to right) Whirlington Anderson, Julia Eisenshtadt and sophomore Layla Mbarushimana win the DEDC for Bloomfield Hills this December. The team worked on their project for 3 months before winning the competition.

Sophomores Get Creative The graduating class of 2019 has new ideas for the Personal Project Vivian Harber Staff Writer The Class of 2019 is on an unconventional course.

“The personal project takes a lot of work, determination, and focus,” says sophomore Sophia Washer. “Especially to plan an ongoing fundraiser campaign.”

“The personal project is the culminating project of the middle years program- the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th grade- and all of the aspects of that program. One of them is the thinking skill of creative thinking,” says advisor Carrie James. “It’s not just creativity about art, music, visual, those kinds of creativity, but the project challenges to think creatively about what they want to do rather than simply critically thinking.”

Sophomore Olivia Forte is designing and producing her own published magazine.

“Originally, it was just a website that I created as a platform for kids my age so they could talk about whatever interests them, moves them creatively, or politics, or anything like that,” says Forte. “Eventually, it just kind of transitioned into a magazine.”

Forte found the inspiration for her magazine in her friends. “I had friends that had really interesting lives and were passionate about what they were creating or doing,” says Forte.

“I wanted to give them a platform to express their passions and what moves them.”

Forte designed the magazine specifically for our generation and to address some of the problems regular high school students face.

“I want to make it so kids our age feel like it’s cool to do interesting things that maybe some of their friends aren’t interested in,” says Forte.

“I feel like a lot of people suppress their pas-

sions because it doesn’t match up with what their friends or the people around them are into.”

Forte hopes that her project will continue “even after graduating college,” she says. “I still want it to be going so there will be a lot of copies so I can sell it and make revenue.”

Another sophomore, Sophia Washer, has started a campaign with the nonprofit Wish Upon a Teen. “We started a campaign called Wish Upon a Teen x Sofi K and it raises funds to fund their Design My Room program,” says Washer. “The program raises money to fully design a room for a person that’s in the hospital. We help children with long term illnesses like cancer, spina bifida, and more.”

Washer has organized several platforms to raise money for the campaign. “We launched the gofundme page and started our first fundraiser event, which is at Airtime on January 20th.

That’s specifically to raise money for the Design My Room program,” says Washer. “Basically its not just for my personal project, its going to be ongoing for hopefully all of 2017 and maybe even into 2018.”

Washer was able to accomplish her goal with the help of several others.

“I worked with Vikram Lakshmanan who did all the graphic design. Then I worked with my advisory teacher Mrs. Abbott,” says Washer.

“Then obviously the CEOs and workers at Wish Upon a Teen. Also, my mom heavily helped with making sure I had the building blocks.”

Along with Olivia Forte and Sophia Washer, many sophomores have taken unique approaches for the project. Visit Celebration Night at 7 pm at BHHS on March 20 to see the finalized projects.

Sophie Washer performs for an organization to care for hospitalized teenagers

Yo to M Per Pro

“I’m putting together a forensics piece all by myself to see if it can qualify for nationals.”

“I am creating a poster to help students, both in and outside of this highschool, find the best career for themselves.”

“I’m making an Irish dance website that’s going to help younger kids become better dancers.”

Deborah Moraitis

Stephanie Recknagel

Vikram Lakshmanan

Senior Reflects on his Personal Project Experience

our Guide the MYP rsonal oject

The process involved creativity and a contribution to the community Panayiotis Stavropoulos Staff Writer I am now a senior, I tend to enjoy I had submitted my request form with reminiscing on my high school exthe goal of just exploring barbershop periences of old, and with that come music, however, I realized I could think memories of my Personal Project. of more positive things than just singing.

My advisory instructor, Mr. Loria, had So I went back to the drawing board just presented the introduction for our with a new mindset, and that was to Personal Projects and it was on that day allow my pursuit of music help others. that I truly began exploring the interest I soon submitted a request to put on a s for my project. See, the Personal Projbarbershop quartet show for charity. I ect is an opportunity for students to thought that the hardest work would take leadership towards come by planning the investigating, studying, event itself as making and completing a projmusic with my friends ect designed to help stuwas an easier task. dents grow and achieve Because the quartet many of the goals set was comprised of four out by the MYP Learner members I decided that Profile. I was excited for each of us would chose this opportunity to grow, a charity we wantand so I chose to shape ed to donate to and my project around one of we could split our remy passions in life, music. Panayiotis Stavropoulos ceived money into four.

At the time I was apart I reserved a date for Senior of a Barbershop Quartet the show in the Lasher with a few of my best auditorium, all while friends: Sekai Murashige, leading up to it, me Amith Lohitsa, and Andrew Lee. We all and the guys were working hard on had a love for music and we thought, getting our songs for the show the best what better way to fulfill our love and we could make them. Finally the day explore new potentials in our musicame for the show and with the supcal careers than starting The Culturals port of family and friends we were able (Because we all had different cultures). to raise a total of $844 for our selected Throughout the year we learned music charities. I learned through this project to sing for many different events such as: that individuals can provide good and Choral events, Greenfield Village, Happy service to the world and to our comBirthday Requests, Senior Center Homes, munities, by simply exploring our varand caroling through school. However, ious interests. My Personal Project is a never did I think that I would be able to memory that I surely will never forget. combined this quartet and my Personal Project to complete an act of charity.

“I chose to shape my project around one of my passions in life, music. ”

“I am writing a book about a girl who visits a southern community and learns about new customs and philosophies.”

“I am making a nature documentary which incorporates music I have composed on the piano.”

“I’m made a month-long work out plan to help prevent ACL tears in female athletes.”

Daniella Sultani

Noora Neiroukh

Sydney Huston

Works cited: http://www.macrumors.com/2013/11/21/iwork-forfor-ios-and-mac-updated-keynote-gains-with-new-transitions/. http://hdw7.com/wallpapers-92/mac-desktop-backgrounds.html

8

FEBRUARY FEATURE

Community

8th grade students participate Water Challenge Students at BHMS attempt to drink only tap water Sammi Trepeck Staff Writer The students in the 8th-grade class at Bloomfield Hills Middle School were able to learn the significance and importance of water by participating in the water challenge.

“When I was doing research about the unit I stumbled upon the water project. org and realized it had a good curriculum to teach and part of the lesson plans worked with the project,” BHMS 8th grade science teacher Scott Meyer said, “I was very enthusiastic when I found an experience that could get the students involved.”

The Water Challenge encouraged BHMS students to donate money to help out people who would not be able to help get fresh water without this aid. The students that participated only drank tap water and the money they saved was donated.

“I thought it was interesting to see some people stick with it at the end you can donate money that you saved because you are not drinking more expensive beverages,” said BHMS 8th grade student Joey Rankin.

BHMS 8th grade student Estee Moss echoed Rankin, explaining that “the water project is an organization that takes donations and teaches people how to provide fresh water for people and countries who need it. They build wells and repair pumps for people who those who need, I personally really enjoyed how we little actions could help make such a difference.”

According to Meyer, “The 8th graders gained a lot from this unit that they would not have had by just obtaining the information from the books. They were so passionate about this that they spread their knowledge around the entire school.”

Community

NHS takes over tutoring NHS students will now tutor for the ACT and SAT Forest Zhang Staff Writer The ACT and SAT tutoring that BHHS has provided for years is now being run by National Honor Society seniors as opposed to teachers.

“Last year when tutors came into my advisory I didn’t know exactly how it worked, but I know my experience last year was very varied,” says NHS vice president and senior Karthik Nagappan. “Sometimes a student would come in and talk about the section, and sometimes the kid would just pass out a set of problems and wait for us to finish it.”

According to Nagappan, the program is now run by 30 NHS seniors, who have done well on the tests and are very motivated to tutor.

“This year I think the program is more serious and involved with the students. These kids make the lessons themselves, and it’s not just simply passing out a paper, as it was earlier. There is an actual lesson where you talk about different sections,” he said. “For instance, every month there is a different section of the SAT, so one month there’ll be math non-calculator, one month there will be reading, and one month there will be math with a calculator,” said Nagappan.

According to NHS President and senior Shibi Sanjeev, the lessons are given monthly on Thursdays in 45 minute presentations during the second half of junior advisories. Each presentation has the same standard format but with different intricacies. They always cover the amount of questions, the amount of time, the content for each section, and the strategies that could be used. Afterwards, they do practice problems as a group and then some problems individually that are checked as a group.

They plan these lessons in a meeting on the Tuesday before the tutoring day where four of the seniors highlight what they will go over. This includes discussing which powerpoint they will use, along with the which handouts and questions they will give out. Junior advisory teacher Christopher Drogosch believes that the NHS tutors are doing great.

“It’s been awesome,” said Drogosch. “I see multiple kids come in with very prepared lessons and for us, and the tutors give them very good tips.”

According to Nagappan, they started tutoring in October, and it is going very well.

Nagappan said, “Although last year was pretty successful, I think that this year we’re trying to amp it up a little bit and bolster the program so it becomes more effective for all students of various different academic backgrounds.”

ILLUSTRATION BY EMBER STUART

Anxiety: Behind the Label Freshman Efiyenia Stavropoulos discusses her battle with anxiety Riya Doshi Staff Writer On what should have been any normal drive to school, she suddenly found herself feeling as though her world was crashing around her.

“My signs of me getting anxious are when I feel like I am going to throw up,” Freshman Efiyenia Stavropoulos said. “I feel like someone has a rope around my neck and is tightening it.

So it’s like this bar is there and I want to pull at it, but there’s nothing there. I need to rip off the rope, but there’s nothing there so I can’t.”

Stavropoulos is one of the 25 percent of children from ages 13-18 diagnosed with anxiety panic disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

“Anxiety is a normal thing and it is healthy to have because it’s your body’s way of telling you that something isn’t right,” said Stavropoulos, in an attempt to explain what anxiety panic disorder is. “The example that my therapist uses is with a bear. If you were to run into a bear in the forest, you would freak out and try to run away from the bear because that is your body telling you that something isn’t right. However, with anxiety panic disorder, that feeling of panic happens often and with things that you shouldn’t necessarily be freaking out over.”

With those diagnosed with anxiety, anxiety levels can significantly vary on any given day.

They often use a scale to describe the intensity of their anxiety at a time.

“There’s a scale: zero is nothing, I’m fine, but ten is like your world is ending and you need to go to your safe place to relax and feel calm,” said Stavropoulos. “There have been a few times where I’ve been at a ten. It doesn’t happen often, but when I’m at a ten, which is beyond anxious, I am freaking out. When I get to a ten, all hell breaks loose and it’s awful. But, on a day to day basis, sure I might be around a four or five but it’s stuff that I’ve learned to deal with and I’ve learned to accept.”

Teacher Jean Buford works directly with students at BHHS who have a 504, meaning that they are diagnosed with a condition that can impact learning, such as anxiety.

“Every student gets anxious about tests coming up [but] when you get really anxious, you usually have things that can calm yourself down, like take a walk,” she said. “[Students with anxiety] are not able to use coping mechanisms to calm themselves down. Their anxiety is more than the normal level.”

Although Stavropoulos’ anxiety was never centered around school, she said that “[A 504 plan] would’ve been nice to have but, then again, am I going to have that in the rest of my life? No, so in my opinion, it wouldn’t really prepare me for life in the real world.”

Stavropoulos’ anxiety was instead focused around her fear of throwing up, after a traumatic allergic reaction.

“My worst fear in life is throwing up. It’s a weird fear, like I’d rather die than throw up. One time I went to a Chinese restaurant where I’d been eating previously,” she said.

“So I took one bite of [a supposedly peanut free] dish and I started to have an allergic reaction. I slowly stopped eating out at restaurants and others’ homes [in fear of another reaction that would cause me to throw up].

Slowly, by me not eating, I lost a bunch of weight. I had lost about ten pounds in the span of two months. I looked sick in my face, you could see my bones. I had to stop dancing. I was basically starving myself in fear of throwing up.”

During this period of time, Stavropoulos’s family attempted to find the reason for the sudden changes in her eating habits and mood.

“It was extremely heartbreaking to have to see your child go through something and not

really know what exactly what was wrong.

When you really don’t know exactly what it is that is doing this to your child, it is scary as a parent,” said Konstantina Stavropoulos, the mother of Efi. “When she started sleeping a lot more, getting tired and losing weight, I contacted the doctor immediately.

For a while, we didn’t know what was wrong and we thought that maybe something was bothering her food-wise, since she had many food allergies as a child. We kept eliminating things from her diet but she was still getting worse.”

After a few months of this, Efi decided to seek help, first going to her pediatrician who recommended that she see a therapist.

“I went to a therapist and she diagnosed me with anxiety, or panic disorder. When I first found out I had anxiety, I didn’t really know what it was. I was confused, I was uneducated. I didn’t know what to expect. All I knew was that I hated it because it made me feel awful and it made me freak out and not know what to do with myself. Once I started to work with my therapist, I realized that it’s in my head and it can be changed.”

Although Efi was able to seek help within a few months of her anxiety, the Child’s Mind Institute claims that 80 percent of kids with a diagnosable anxiety disorder are not getting treatment.

Pulling from his seventeen years of experience as a high school counselor, Tony Midea said that one reason individuals with anxiety don’t seek treatment is because “some people are afraid of what [seeking help] might lead to because that’s the unknown. They may think that they aren’t ready to talk about themselves and that it’ll just go away.”

While Stavropoulos had a strong support

system that encouraged her to get professional assistance, another reason why some individuals don’t seek help is because they are made to feel like their illness is fake or made up.

“It’s not made up,” Efi said. “There’s no way that having a mental illness, depression, anxiety, ADD, ADHD, OCD, schizophrenia is made up. It’s chemical, it’s in your brain and you can learn ways that help you to adapt. Trying to get through the day with anxiety- it’s very difficult to go through each day.”

However, reflecting on her experiences after having terminated from therapy, Efi has grown to love her anxiety.

“Without my anxiety, I wouldn’t be me,” she said. “I believe that God has put this in my path, so it’s that I’m supposed to become.

It’s been put in my path for a reason and I believe that it has made me stronger as a person. I’ve grown to love it because it’s a part of me now and I can’t change that. All I can learn to do is deal with it.”

Growing Anxiety with the End of Semester One Writer reflects on her personal experiences with anxiety Madeline Moskus Guest Writer Imagine it, I’m sure you can. I’m sitting on one of those high chairs that the school bought to suit the high top tables, in a silent room that is taking a test. With luck like mine, something has to go wrong. I decide, because I happen to be bored, that I need to shake it up and try something new.

New things are not always good things, I learn as I put my boots behind the silver ring at the bottom of the chair, trapping my feet. As any genius would do to a situation like this, I make it worse.

I lower my chair to the lowest setting and quickly realize that my feet are stuck, I cannot stand up, and the only way out of this was to throw myself, face forward, out of this chair.

The moment I began lowering my chair to the point of no return, I experienced my first taste of anxiety. Except now, instead of a sheer moment of terror, it’s a constant, crushing sense that absolutely everything is about to go wrong. January is, undoubtedly, anxiety’s prime month. With finals at the end of the month and everyone coming out of a two week break that ends in “Oh, I should have done any ounce of work!”, the stress begins to mount. If that were not enough, of course, the semester is ending, a simple reminder that

whatever grade sits on MiStar at the end of January will trail behind you until your dying day. In addition, there are endless amounts of “tests”, which is teachers lingo for wrapping up a semester.

The pressure is on, stakes are high, and anxiety bubbles and brews inside of each and every student. Many have found temporary solutions for anxiety, like naps, exercise, or a nice bath, but when all’s said and done, it’s near impossible to escape the January madness. The issue is that anxiety can leave a more lasting effect that stretches beyond the confines of this month. Picture it as an ornery solicitor knocking at your door, your home being your brain and the knocker being anxiety. The solicitor is absolutely persistent and does not stop trying to sell his product, giving reasons upon reasons to open the door and let him in. Once you let him in, however, you buy his product, and it will take intensive effort to rid your home of him.

Anxiety is a toxic orator that always seems to have something to say, whether it be “What if you don’t get into college with a grade like

that?”, “What will your parents think of that test grade?”, or “How are you going to study for all this work? It’s overwhelming, might as well not even start.”. The more you personify your anxiety, the more you can get angry with it, get competitive with it, and by the end of the finals race, you will have beat it.

So, yes, I did throw myself out of that chair that day. At the very front of the classroom that was quiet enough to hear the air conditioning, I heaved my body into the air and completed a swan dive. I ate the dirt, dirt being carpet, and absolutely face planted on the ground. As shameful and embarrassed as I was in that moment, I remember it now as one of my greatest moves. Fling yourself into finals just as I flung myself out of the chair, because staying still lets anxiety take you over.

9

February NEWS

Life Of An IB Student The ins and outs of the IB world David Tener Staff Writer The International Baccalaureate DIploma Program is not for the faint of heart. It is a program in which you are required to take some of the hardest classes offered in this school, as well as additional work not associated with any specific class. You’re going to stress about which classes you take as a higher level, which track you’re going to take, either art, music, science, or history, and how you’re going to survive the program while still trying to be a high schooler and do stuff outside of classes. It’s a lot to juggle, and the rigor of the courses alone is enough to drive many away from the program.

Well if it’s so hard, why then does anyone actually sign up for the IB program? Well, we do it because we want to pursue a different way of learning than the AP, and because of the rewards we will reap from this program after we leave high school.

But moreover, there is a pervasive sense of camaraderie within the IB Cohorts. You all know each other and have multiple classes together, so when your fellow IB people are dealing with difficult assignments in different classes, you still know about it and have some knowledge of David Tener the struggles.

Full DP Candidate But what would these classes be without their teachers, and every IB teacher is willing to try and work with you to help improve not just your grades, but also your understanding of the material itself. If you are swamped with extracurriculars during a test week, the IB teachers are willing to work with you on how to approach this predicament while helping you get the best grade possible.

Ultimately, the IB program is an incredible challenge of intellect and endurance, but it is one that its participants believe will best prepare them for their future.

“Every IB teacher is willing to try and work with you to help improve not just your grades, but also your understanding of the material itself.”

What Is IB? Anything and everything one might want to know or hear about IB Giancarlo Tucci Staff Writer An IB education instills international mindedness, critical thinking, and independent action into all of its students and its available to anyone who seeks it out.

“IB is like an umbrella organization, there is actually four IB programs in the world and we have three of them here in the district,” said IB coordinator Carrie James. “We have the primary years program (PYP), which is k-5, middle years program (MYP), which is 6-10, and then we have the Diploma Program (DP) which is 11 and 12.”

Unbenounced to BHHS students, since kindergarten the IB standards have shaped their education. However, Sophomore year is when students must take the initiative to continue their IB education through the Diploma Program for their final two years of High School. Students that chose to pursue the IB diploma, in addition to the Bloomfield Hills Diploma, will walk out of high school with two Diplomas.

“In February, the counselors and I start meeting with the 10th grade students that are interested in the Diploma Program and we spend all our time trying to make sure that we find the right group of students,” said James. “We try to make sure it’s the right fit for the students and that they’re making a good decision for themselves, committed to the program and that they’re going to be ok being in situations where they’re not told, ‘this is how you do it’.”

The DP is centered around preparing students to lead themselves and handle the responsibilities they will have in college and throughout their life.

“The DP teachers are very open and they encourage independent work, creating your own schedule, and regulat-

ing yourself,” said Full DP candidate, Senior, Tamer El-Gamal. “Being able to get our work done how we want it, as long as we perform and meet the deadlines, is the best part of the program for me. By creating this climate in which the students are really responsible for themselves the DP has helped me, and other students, prepare for college level classes where, in a class of 150 kids, no one is going to be telling you what to do, but, you’re going to be expected to get your work done. The DP is really a preparation stage for later life and is allowing us to develop our skills for when we are going to need them.”

So how do DP students become so prepared? James says it’s the “holistic approach” of IB that encourages students to have a well rounded education.

“To be a full diploma candidate you take the six DP courses. They’re across 6 different subject areas, math, science, english, social studies, world language and art. This is intentional, because they want the students to challenge themselves in all subject areas. The contrast of that would be if you were a particularly strong math and science kid you might be taking APs in your math and your science and taking two or three sciences, but then not take a accelerated classes in, say, English or social studies. The DP encourages you to pursue that holistic approach.”

The six core classes that the DP requires broaden students horizons and, in some cases, helps them to chose a career path.

“The approach to education that the DP takes has allowed me to open up my eyes and help me realize for college and beyond what I want to do,” said El-Gamal. “I’ve always had the idea of going into engineering or medicine.

Before the DP I never even thought

about language or history, but, now I could even see myself involved in political sciences. These six areas give DP candidates a really well rounded education. They allow us to experience different situations and areas of knowledge and help us to decide what we want to do and where we want to be in the future.”

IB classes aren’t only available to DP candidates. Any student can mix and match IB classes with their regular schedule.

“A diploma program course student is somebody who chooses to just take some of the diploma program courses but not all of them,” said James.

“Those students can test at the end of the year and then colleges will grant credit for those individual courses, just like they would for an AP exam. For many students that college credit is the motivation to take IB courses, but only full diploma candidates receive an IB diploma.”

Social Sciences teacher Matthew MacLeod says his DP world religions class wouldn’t have been possible without these course students.

“One of the things kids need to understand is you don’t need to be in the DP to take individual DP classes,” said MacLeod. “I have sixty four kids in my world religions classes and only nine are actually full DP candidates.

Fifty five of my students were just really interested in world religions and without IB they wouldn’t have had an opportunity to pursue that.”

In the past two years both the number DP candidates and course students has grown to the highest its ever been.

“Right now we have our cohort of full DP candidates, 28 seniors and 30 Juniors,” said James. “Before that it was a lot smaller, like half the size. We always projected that when the schools

combined we would see a growth in the program. This year we’re at thirty candidates, whereas the year before we were at twelve. The other thing that we’ve seen is the number of course students is through the roof. I think one of the things that appeals to students is the varied assessment.

They have four elements that make up their score of that class and I think that that is a factor in the growth we’ve seen.”

Ossenmacher echoed the same sentiment as she reflected on her first year as a DP teacher.

“I started teaching DP english because it was really a matter of being needed. We went from, in the past two years, two Junior IB english sections and two senior sections, both which were relatively small, to five sections of juniors and two very full sections of seniors. Of those sections, only thirty of those students are full candidates, so the course students have really increased too.”

The DP has had an impact not only on the students but on educators as well.

“I think the thing that I appreciate more is that creative thought, on the part of the students, and asking questions and not expecting a right and a wrong answer but expecting the students to respond with their perception and support it,” said James. “The fact that that’s become common is really profound and one of the greatest things I’ve witnessed in my time as an educator. We are in a place that offers something great for every kind of student and this is just one amazing opportunity of many.”

The Keys To The IB Program The Diploma Program Theory of Knowledge

Extended Essay

Students write a research paper on a chosen topic

CAS

Creative Activity and Service

A philisophical class based around the question, what is knowledge?

The Middle Years Program Personal Project The personal project is a significant body of work produced over an extended period. It is a product of your own initiative and should reflect your experience of the MYP. It provides an excellent opportunity for students to demonstrate the skills you have learned in approaches to learning.

Popular IB Classes As said by a poll of students

IB English HL

IB Biology HL

Two year class. Students study 13 works at higher level from a representative selection of genres, periods and places

A practical approach to the course delivery is emphasized through a mixture of both longterm and short-term experiment investigations

IB World Religions SL

IB European History HL

The course seeks to promote an awareness of religious issues in the contemporary world by requiring the study of a diverse range of religions.

A class that provides innovative ways to learn about the history of Europe

10

FebruaRY FEATURE

Four Students Score 36 on ACT Emily Wang, Helena Gregg, Alan Zhang, and Simona Zhu receive the highest possible mark on the ACT. Jessica Kim Staff Writer With the release of the ACT score reports two weeks after the actual exam, four students received a composite score of 36, the highest mark that can be given.

“I was really happy,” said Emily Wang, a junior who took it for the second time in September of 2016. “My mom texted me while I was at school with a screenshot of the report. I didn’t see her in person, but when I got home, she was ecstatic about the news.”

According to the ACT scoring guidelines, less than 0.1% of students who take the ACT receive perfect composite scores. Another 36-receiving student, Helena Gregg who has been preparing for the ACT since 6th grade, explained her first time wasn’t as successful.

“In sixth grade my score was a 25, and that was my first time taking it,” said senior Helena Gregg. “Seventh grade was a 27, and in eighth grade, for some reason, it actually jumped 8 points to a 35. By sophomore year, I got a 36. I was really used to it by the last time because eventually once you take it, you get used to it and get the sense that it’s not overwhelming and you know what you’re doing.”

With motivation to prepare being one of the biggest factors in how students do on the exam, Wang and Gregg cited their biggest motivations as themselves.

“I took [the ACT] twice in my entire life, once in eighth grade and once in September, but in eighth grade I wasn’t really aiming for anything,” she said. “I was just like, ‘Oh, I’m just gonna do this,’ but after [receiving a 33], I aimed for the best that I could possibly do. I just want to do well in the things that I try, and since I have to do this, I might as well do well. I wasn’t really pushed. I knew I could probably do better.”

Following her thoughts, Gregg said, “Honestly, I was competing with myself because I thought that I could do this, I could do better. It was a little bit of an obsession, to be honest, because if you’re so close, so close to the edge, then all you have to do is focus a little more. You know you can do it. With all the mistakes I had on my 35, it’s not like you don’t know it, it’s more you weren’t paying attention and missed it. You know the content; you just need to be focused.”

Unlike Wang and Gregg, however, both freshman Alan Zhang and junior Simona Zhu had only taken it one time and had no such experience.

“Officially, I only took the ACT once in April,” Zhu said. “I started practicing in February of 2016, but a few weeks before the test, I took a lot of practice tests and I would check over them and see what I got wrong, made sure I could improve.”

“I was aiming for a 34 and above, though,” she added. “My dream school is University of Pennsylvania’s School of Business, but also University of Michigan. With my average practice test scores, I knew I was capable.”

In contrast to Zhu, however, Zhang took the ACT at the age of 13 not for his dream college but for Northwestern University’s Midwest Academic Talent Search. “The ACT is very important later on,” he said. “I just wanted to get a head start. [After seeing the results], I felt disbelief. I scrolled up and I found my results showed composite 36, so at first I dropped my phone.”

Zhang, who is taking pre-calculus as a freshman, recommended for future test-takers to “read a lot. Don’t just study for the ACT or SAT; study for a variety of topics and go with your instinct.”

Zhu disagreed. “Stay motivated, practice, look over your mistakes, and correct them,” she said, in regards to tips for test-takers. “Mainly my problem was getting used to the time limit, but with the frequent testing, I was able to fit my time around it and space out my questions well. I could rethink everything in the allotted amount of time, and check over my answers.”

For the actual test, Zhu also added that “it’s worth it to take it with writing, because some colleges require writing, so you might as well take it altogether.”

In respects to final sources of motivation, Wang said to leave stress behind and rely on preparation done beforehand.

“It’s not just about being able to take the test and do what they want you to do, it’s about anticipating what they want you to think, anticipating what kind of skills they want you to use,” she said. “There’s a little pressure but it’s not insane; there’s not a lot of stakes. Really, I was confident enough to know that there’s nothing you can screw up that badly. Even if you get a 2, you’re not gonna be put on some college blacklist. It’ll be okay.”

The Parent Behind a Teacher

Exploring the dynamic of going to school with a parent.

Ali Randel Staff Writer

For some staff members every day is “bring your kid to work day.”

“It actually brought us closer together,” said Sylvana Jouni who spent four years not only working as a building paraprofessional, but also worked in the same building as her daughter 2015 graduate Shelbi Jouni attended high school. “Her friends were here and they would approach me as their mom also in the building. [Shelbi] didn’t mind at all having me here with her in high school. I thought she would, but she didn’t. she actually liked it, you know, she liked having her mom here.”

Reflecting back to her high school experience, Shelbi said she is thankful that she had her mom there to guide her throughout those four years at Andover.

“I knew I had to be particular about who I was friends with but it helped me so much because like you know I’m still friends with all of the people I was friends with in high school and I mean I’m a sophomore in college now,” the Oakland University sophomore said. “It’s funny because a lot of people have been telling me that their friends all drifted but mine even though we’re all spread out at different colleges and it’s really nice. Honestly, I think it’s because my mom helped me pick good people to be friends with.”

Similarly, senior CJ Drogosch, who’s dad is a math teacher at BHHS agrees with Shelbi about the positive parts of going to school with a family member.

“For me, it’s not really that weird, I love it actually. It kinda makes school feel like another home for me. I enjoy seeing him around, having people see us, we kinda have our own inside phrases that we say

when we pass each other. I think it’s very cool,” CJ said. “Actually one of the reasons I transferred back from Country Day, was to be with my dad my last couple years of high school and be able to spend that time with him. My entire family is like comprised of teachers so it’s kind of a unique experience to be able to go to school with your dad and say that you did. I think it’s a lot of fun seeing him around school.”

Echoing his son’s sentiments, Chris Drogosch said even though he teaches in a different part of the building that his son’s classes he does “enjoy when I can see him in school but we really don’t bump into each other too much. We had a great relationship before he was here and we have an even better relationship now.”

Looking forward, CJ added he thinks “it creates like a fun environment in school. Most kids don’t get the opportunity to say that they have a parent with them in school and my dad and I have such a good relationship, like he’s obviously one of my best friends which I think is cool to say to have a parent that your close with. It’s just cool, I mean when there’s scheduling stuff with our family, I don’t have to call or text him, I just go down to room 102 or whatever room he’s in and talk to him over anything or if I tell him what I’m doing after school. He’s always there, not only as my dad but obviously just as someone I can talk to. I love it. I mean it’s a great experience for me, I’m gonna miss it when I go to college.”

For other educators, ASL teacher Victoria Fox explains the

transition from seeing her son at home and then at school was an adjustment.

“When I first came here, it was a little different I think because they were used to seeing me like as a mom at home or they knew that I taught and whatever but I was never their teacher,” Victoria said of her two boys.

“This year is the first year I’ve had Grant (her son) in class and it’s been fine. I know there hasn’t been any problems or anything.

We’ve just kinda accepted that’s the way it is.”

Agreeing with Victoria, Senior Dominique Vasile, who’s mom Marioara Vasile teaches Anatomy, said that going to school with her mom was “a little weird” at first “but in the end she’s my mom, not just a teacher.” She enjoys the benefits of having he mom at school especially when she is “not feeling well or hungry.”

Besides being in the same building sometimes, teachers, like Fox, may have their children in their class. To ensure equity, Victoria shares that “sometimes what I do is if, there’s another ASL teacher I might ask her to look at their work too just to make sure that I’m being fair. ” In regards to having bias toward her boys and other students, like their friends, she said that she’s a “probably” harder on her own children “because I don’t want people to think like ‘oh well, that’s because his mom’s a teacher, it’s an automatic A or whatever’. So I make sure that they earn every point that they get for every assignment.”

Thinking back to the first day he had his mom in class, Grant

said, “I was kind of worried or nervous. I thought it would be really weird or awkward but I’ve gotten used to it now and it’s just a normal part of my day so it’s not a worry anymore.”

West Hills principal, Robert Durecka who had two daughters graduate from Bloomfield Hills Schools and has one son who is currently with him at the middle school explains that his “oldest daughter likes to say that all of my children have had the blessing, or curse, depending on the day, of having their dad as their principal.”

Looking back on her experience as a student at Andover HIgh School, Sociology and Directed Studies teacher Jean Buford agrees with Durecka’s oldest sharing that unlike parents who have different jobs, educators “don’t just shut off when they leave the building.

[My dad] would come home and start speaking off history to us and make us watch shows on TV that had to do with World War II or whatever. And so of course, it interested me,” which is why Buford said she not only enjoyed going to school where he worked but also decided to choose education as her career too.

Looking at his experience, Durecka said that “working in an official capacity with your children can be really wonderful.

You both see each other in a different light and understand the school setting from the ‘insider” perspective. Because of this, I think it has brought us closer.”

BHSD Hit By “Sophisticated” Phishing Attack Amid the New Year, phishers struck the BHSD e-mail platform.

Evan Stern Section Editor We are fortunate that we have some really great tech people who are able to cut these things off very quickly. Our district has managed to fight off constant web attacks, that sadly is part of the world in 2017,” BHHS Social Studies Teacher Matthew MacLeod said.

Bloomfield Township -- where a majority of BHS’ schools and various buildings reside -defined phishing in a weekly post as “a scam used to trick victims into sending money or giving out personal and financial information.”

Check your accounts

How to avoid Phishing attacks Use secure websites

Only enter your sensitive information in secure websites.

These sites will almost always begin with ‘https://’

Research forms of malware It’s best to keep up with multiple forms of malware as well as how they can be avoided

Check your bank accounts periodically to see if there are any irregularities in your online transactions.

Identify phishing emails Phishing emails will often duplicate the logo of the company they are mimicking.

They will also promote gifts and lost missing accounts

Update your computer security Make sure you have the most up to date antivirus software, operating system, and web browsers

Avoid links in emails

Never click on links from emails from your bank. It is safer to go directly to the bank’s website.

11

February feature

PHOTO STORY

Authentic Learning at

Oakland Technical Early College Less than ten miles away lies an early-college program that provides high school students the opportunity to earn an associate degree through hands on experience

“The program is mostly hands on. While there is book work to do, a lot of our work is in the shop itself.”

Senior Christopher Jamison Automotive Technology

“OTEC provides so many opportunities such as job openings and internships.”

Senior Destiny Lynch Health Sciences

“I already had some basic knowledge and this program has helped me enhance my skills.”

Junior Gregory Karris Construction Technology

“OTEC is for students who “Through OTEC you can work better outside of the find your own purpose traditional class settings in life and your passion.” or don’t plan on going to Junior Michael Kirtz college.”

Visual Imaging Junior Rebecca Hancock Engineering and Emerging Tech

“Not only do you learn skills specific to the program, but also learn skills such as how to put together portfolios, resumes, and more.”

Senior Shacoi Baptiste Culinary Arts and Hospitality

“I chose to join OTEC have experience from the robotics team and a lot of what I do is the same here.”

Junior Peter Juncker Emngineering and Emerging Tech

“The teachers have a vast knowledge on the subjects and bring real life experience into the class.”

Senior Jacob Salhaney iTEAM IT and Advanced Marketing

“I prefer OTEC to a traditional class because they allow you to work at your own pace.”

Senior Andrew Murvar TEAM IT and Advanced Marketing Photos taken by Anna Cao

Eat these Superfoods for

Beneficial Health EYES:

BRAIN:

Carrots, Spinach, Avacado, Broccoli, Corn

Walnuts, Salmon, Tuna, Sardines

HEART:

Potatoes, Tomatoes, Blue Berries, Bananas

HAIR:

Green Vegetables, Beans, Salmon, Tuna

LUNGS:

SKIN:

Broccoli, Brussell Sprouts, Pomegranate

Salmon, Blue Berries, Green Tea, Coconut Water

MUSCLES:

METABOLISM:

Bananas, Red Meat, Eggs, Fish

Percent of Americans consume more packaged food than fresh food

1 in 4 children and adolescents are obese

Grapefruit, Peppers, Yogurt,

Of children eat fast food per day

What are Superfoods? “Superfoods,� may do more than you just may think.

-Nutritionally desnse foods to improve bodily functions -High in protein, low in cholesterol and calories.

-Fresh foods packed with antioxidants and vitamins.

-Improves digestion and boosts metabolism.

-Reduces cancer, promotes a healthier heart, improves memory, and a better mood.

By: Maddie Wein

YANTE MATEN

Black Hawk to

BULLD G

a

Photo Credits: Scout.com

19.5 PPG 15.2 RPG 4.9 APG 6.9 BPG 1.8 SPG

VS 19.8 PPG 7.6 RPG 1.6 APG 1.5 BPG 0.7 SPG

Bloomfield Hills Alum Yante Maten wins SEC Player of the week Georgia forward attributes his progression to the skills he gained in high school Anish Tamhaney Staff Writer

Y

ante Maten, power forward for the University of Georgia basketball team and 2014 Bloomfield Hills High School graduate, was named as the SEC’s Co-Player of the week on January 2nd.

“It’s awesome to see that the SEC chose me and that they were impressed by my playing. I think it really came down to how hard I’ve worked,” says Maten. “There are hundreds of players they could have given that recognition to, but it’s a nice feeling to know that despite that, I stuck out and made myself important. I do put a lot of effort into my game and being acknowledged for it boosts my confidence.”

Duane Graves, head coach of the varsity teams at Lahser and Bloomfield Hills during Maten’s years in high school, explains what he believes has made Maten successful.

“He’s shown that he understands what it means to be a part of a team. The biggest thing that Yante took from [Bloomfield’s basketball team] was being

a teammate first. His development has been much system helped me develop into the player I am now. more successful because he’s all about his team and It was a great environment. We were all friends, and not about himself,” said Graves. “There are a lot of I’m still friends with all the guys I played with in high school. It’s like we were a family.” players that have to learn to be a part of a different system from high school to colArmand Cartwright, Maten’s lege. The biggest transition colhigh school teammate, reflects lege players have, is that they go “Playing at Bloomfield Hills on the former Gatorade player from being a big fish in a little helped me out a lot because of the year’s progression in baspond in their high school to be- that’s where I really started to ketball.

“He’s put so much effort ing a little fish in a big ocean when they get to college. Yante bolster my self confidence as into his game over the years. was already aware of that beI’m not surprised but I still am a basketball player.” cause of our program and how wowed that he can make it to the top. I know he’s got the we ran things.”

Yante Maten skillset and determination. I’ve Maten contemplates how his years on the Bloomfield Hills seen that since high school,” Georgia Power Forward and Lahser basketball teams afCartwright says. “I’m elated fected his character. that he’s fulfilling his dreams.

He’s making them come true and that’s a beautiful “Playing at Bloomfield Hills helped me out a lot story for me. It’s just amazing to see him growing up because that’s where I really started to bolster my self confidence as a basketball player,” said Maten. “The to be the man he is today.”

Graves and Cartwright consider Maten’s future prospects in basketball and possible time frames for his career.

Graves said, “I hope he gets what he has been working so hard to achieve, and that’s making it to the NBA. Right now he’s only a junior, so he’s still got another year. There’s a chance he might leave early, [but] I would never count on him leaving any earlier than when he’s ready to go. When he’s ready, he’ll make the right steps for himself and his family.”

“I think he’s for sure going to the NBA. No doubt, in my opinion,” said Cartwright. According to ncaa. org, 1.1% of men’s college basketball players play in the NBA. “I’d like to go to the next level of course, but that’s a dream that every basketball players aspires to [reach].

It’s not just me, it’s thousands and thousands of other players that want to do the same thing,” said Maten.

“What separates the good from the great is working hard.”

14

FEBRUARY SPORTS

COLUMN

The lesson I learned from Deshaun Watson Watching Watson work relentlessly to overcome his challenges inspired me to do the same CJ Drogosch Section Editor

F

ighting back from a devastating and tragic event is not easy.

On top of Deshaun Watson having suffered a broken collarbone, broken finger, and torn ACL in his college career, what might’ve been most painful to endure was the loss to Alabama at the conclusion of the 2016 season, knowing all the work his team had put in. It is rare to get a shot at redemption.

While it’s not exactly the same, it crushed me when I had to have shoulder surgery.

But I had to pick myself up.

One year has passed. I did not know if I would come back from my injury. The year before the lights were blinding in the surgery room. Now, a year later, I emerged onto the field for my first high school game in two years; it was my time. The game that meant so much to me had returned in my life. Redemption.

One year has passed. Deshaun Watson is in the same situation as he was in the year before. Except, this time it’s different. This time he would not let the moment escape him. This time the stage would not be too huge. Watson lines up at the line of scrimmage, down by three. The center snaps the ball, Watson rolls right. Touchdown.

Only one second remains on the clock. The Clemson Tigers are the 2017 NCAA Football National Champions.

In 2016, the Alabama Crimson Tide faced off against the Clemson Tigers in the College Football Playoff National Championship. The Crimson Tide won that game, despite a convincing performance by Deshaun Watson. He completed 30/47 passes for 405 yards and 4 touchdowns. Watson wouldn’t let the loss differ him heading into the next season.

Via an Instagram post following the tough defeat, Watson quoted Malcolm X. “There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time.”

Instead of just accepting reality, Deshaun Watson came back the following year ready to battle. He led the Tigers to a 13-1 season, including an ACC Championship and Fiesta Bowl College Football Playoff Semifinal win, leading into a rematch with the historic Alabama Crimson Tide team. The rematch everyone was looking for came true.

This past season was a comeback year for me, too. Deshaun craved a championship ring; I desired a college scholarship offer for baseball.

As a high school student in Gainesville, Georgia, Watson’s work ethic was evident.

During the week, he’d show up at 7 am to watch film alongside his offensive coordinator.

Watson works hard for those around him. He’s doing everything in ability to make his mom proud. His freshman year in high school the Watson family found out some discouraging and heartbreaking news: his mom had tongue cancer.

Simply put, “I just started bawling,” Watson said.

I put in the work that I do for my family, to repay them after all they had done for me. I knew I had to rise again following being down at the moment of my surgery.

There are two ways to act in times of adversity: curl up in a ball and give up or fight back. Deshaun Watson fights back; he doesn’t let anything stand in his way.

Whether it’s finding out about his mom’s cancer, not having a relationship with his dad, or losing a National Championship, he never gave up. Football isn’t everything and he plays for his family.

Deshaun Watson is a winner. In his junior year campaign in high school, he was quarterback and leader for his school’s first state championship in 87 years. He ended his high school career being the state’s record holder in total offense (17,134 yards), total touchdowns (218) and passing yards (13,077).

Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban knew beating him two years in a row would be challenge. “That guy (Watson) is the most significantly dominating player we played against since Cam Newton,” Saban said.”

Deshaun Watson was more than ready for that second chance at a national title. If possible he outdid his stats from the year before in the national championship game.

He posted 420 yards and 3 touchdowns, none more important than on the game winning drive to a walk-on receiver. He got the win. What a fairytale ending.

Next year I will be attending Wayne State University on an academic and athletic scholarship. I got a second chance after my injury and made the best of it. It’s a blessing.

Watson is clearly a superstar and will play in the NFL. However, he is humble just to be in the position he is in, and that includes a 2017 NCAA Football National Championship and MVP of that game.

This past season of sports was a time when both Deshaun and I got what we were looking for. Ever though I’ve never met the man, sports is something that brings everyone together. It’s important to never give up on a dream.

Watson said, “I’m blessed that I am recognized.” I could not agree more.

photo credits: athlonsports.com

What do BHHS athletes eat before competing?

Doctors say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But on gameday, athletes have a different idea. Whether it’s a pregame ritual or game day routine, they all share one thing that is a must-do everyday: The Pregame Meal.

Jake Weitzman Staff Writer

“Basketball is what I play and I eat chicken as a pregame meal to get in my zone.”

“Softball is what I play, and I eat apples with peanut butter before I play because peanut butter has protein which helps me play my games to the fullest, and I just love apples!”

“I play hockey for the Black Hawks, and as a pregame meal I eat either pasta or a turkey sandwich because it gives me loads of energy without making me feel too full.”

“I play volleyball for the high school, and I like to eat fruit with granola. I eat it because it gives me energy for the game, and it fills me up.”

Jackson Irmscher Basketball

Jamie Silber Softball

Daniel Sternberg Hockey

Maggie Watters Volleyball

15

February SPORTS

Previous Bloomfield Hills Intern Trainer Makes Dreams Come True Kayla Phillips, previous BHHS intern, recently accepted a job as Romeo Head Athletic Trainer.

Justin Yaker Staff Writer After completing the Chippewa Athletic Training Program, she had a chance at her dream job.

“It was nerve wracking because this was going to be my first official ‘big girl’ job,” said Kayla Phillips, BH intern trainer from this past August to December. “Romeo is the town over from where I grew up, so when I was going through college it was almost a dream job to me. It was the area that I knew and I knew they had a good program. When the position opened up, I interviewed and was accepted. It was kind of crazy leaving Bloomfield Hills, but it is exciting to be a head athletic trainer now.”

“When the position opened up, it was a great opportunity and actually closer to home for her,” said BHHS Head Athletic Trainer John Ciecko. “It was definitely a little bittersweet to lose Kayla, but it’s a great place for her to start her career. I was really excited for her more than anything else to take that job.”

According to Phillips, the CMU athletic training program which she was a part of provides an internship at several sites.

Since Ciecko has a partnership with Central Michigan University, Phillips chose to complete her internship under him.

“After talking to prior interns and after visiting Bloomfield Hills, I knew immediately it was where I wanted to go,” said Phillips. “When John offered me the spot, I didn’t even have to think twice about it. Bloomfield Hills is a great area, I knew that I would work really well with John, and prior interns had

“I hope it was life changing for the athletes as well. Some of them I obviously got way closer to than others, but I got to become part of a family, both with the students and with their actual parents and families,” Kayla Phillips Intern Trainer told me how great the students were, so I was super excited.”

Once Ciecko selected Phillips he said that he was impressed with her ability to work with student athletes.

“Phillips was able to deal with some people that I may not have been able to communicate with,” said Ciecko.

“Some people feel more comfortable talking with me, some people feel more comfortable talking with her. So to lose that, it is going to be a little bit more difficult to get treatment with every student athlete, especially is there is a little bit of a communication difficulty with everybody.”

Phillips believes her experience at Bloomfield considerably helped her in achieving her new opportunity at Romeo.

“Not only the connection I made with John, who was a big advocate and helper for me throughout the entire process, but it gave me a lot of confidence in my abilities and my independence. I was allowed to work with so many different teams, and on my own travel to different games. So my confidence went from decent to very strong,” said Phillips. “Without the relationships that I formed and the ability to learn on my own, I wouldn’t have been comfortable going into my first job out of college.”

Phillips said what made her experience special was her connections to the student athletes.

“It’s interesting because every intern that I have is unique, and they have their special traits and strengths. I think Kayla’s big strength was connecting with all of our athletes,” said Ciecko. “She really shined as an intern by being a great person for students to talk to and by doing a very good job of communicating with our student athletes.”

Continuing on Ciecko said that the kids will certainly miss having Kayla around.

“With Kayla around, I always knew I had someone who was there for me. I could always go and talk to her about my problems, injuries, my life, or anything else. She was always like a big sister to me. I was very proud of Kayla for getting the job, but it was probably one of the most emotional days I had this year,” said BHHS volleyball player, Julie Charlick. “Hearing she was gonna leave, I was scared I wasn’t going to have anyone to talk to anymore about my problems. Kayla definitely changes my life for the better. She got me out of some really horrible times and she always knew how to pick me up and make me smile.”

Varsity football player, Michael Jarrells. added that “it was a lot different and fun with Kayla around. I met her first at football camp, and I just saw her as a helper. She began to become more like a sister and a friend to me than a trainer. Having Kayla, I had someone to talk to about my problems. When she left, it was very sad. I am really going to miss her but I am glad she got a great opportunity at Romeo High School.”

Looking back on her time at BHHS, Phillips said that “it was life changing for me. I hope it was life changing for them as well. Some of them I obviously got way closer to than others, but I got to become part of a family, both with the students and with their actual parents and families,” she said. “I became very close with different groups and different sports and even some kids that weren’t athletes, so it was just life changing for me.”

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Athletic Trainers 4

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8

1. Intern trainer, Kayla Phillips examines an injured BHHS athlete. 2. Sophomore, Julie Charlick, relaxes while waiting for Ciecko. 3. Trainer Kayla Phillips tapes up an injured volleyball player, Alexa Rousseau . 4. John helps football player, Michael Jarrels. 5. Volleyball player Julie Charlick stretches before practice. 6. Intern trainer Phillips tapes up volleyball player, Julie Charlick, after a knee surgery. 7. Some of the several rolls of tape used daily by the BHHS trainers. 8. Intern trainer, James Mondoux, helps a freshman football player stretch an injured arm.

Personality Profile: Head Trainer John Ciecko Not all heroes wear capes Sarah Kenkel Staff Writer Few people know the man behind the wrapped ankles and taped ice bags, however for the athletic students at Bloomfield Hills High School, they have most likely talked to John Ciecko or had him treat their injury at least once during their high school career.

“I went to college to play football. I didn’t really have a plan. My first year playing college football I hurt my neck and I ended up spending so much time in the trainer’s room at Albion, that I decided to take the intro course and see what it was like,” Ciecko said.

Ciecko explained that after training for Albion, he loved it and could see himself pursuing it as a career.

“I really liked it and excelled in school with it. It’s something that once I got into it, I saw myself having a lot of fun with. There isn’t a day that’s ever going to be the same and I enjoy that,” said Ciecko.

Ciecko was took a job as an athletic trainer at the division I school, Oakland University but, “The stress of the the job was pretty high for me and I didn’t see it as a healthy relationship between me and my career. I really enjoyed my career so I didn’t want to become worn out with it.”

Using the knowledge and experience he gained from Oakland University, Ciecko began the search for a new job, preferably one that was less demanding.

“Within a couple weeks of me leaving the college, I took the job at Lahser. I just figured that this would be the place I really enjoyed working at. I have been here for seven years and everyday is different from the other and I enjoy working with the families and working with the students and the staff.”

Once becoming a Lahser Knight, he developed a routine that he still maintains today.

“I normally come in the last hour of the day around one o’clock. I start to get things going by answering emails and I will try to schedule my day. I get things ready for the games and then I go back to the trainer’s room around 2:30 and start to see a lot of athletes come in. Then I’m taping and helping out students with injury evaluations, rehab, etc.”

Makena Torrey, a student athlete who runs for the cross country team at BHHS, got an injury early in the fall season and saw Ciecko for help regularly.

“I got skin splints in both my shins, I sprained my left ankle, and I pulled my left IT band. My scoliosis got worse throughout the cross country season as well.”

Agreeing with Torrey, varsity basketball coach, Michael Maryanski said “John

is unbelievable. He is wise man and very helpful. He has our kids do the right things, and helps them out when they’re injured. He goes above and beyond what he is required. He has all the waters ready for us and he makes sure everything behind our bench is ready to go. John also helps the opposing team if they need ankle tapes or wrists.”

During the summer, Ciecko continues his job as an athletic trainer with the semi-professional soccer team the Michigan Bucks.

“I have been working with them for about 10 years now and it’s a lot of fun. It’s nice because the responsibility with them isn’t too much. It’s a lot higher tempo and I enjoy that.

The organization is a lot of fun to work with.”

The saying, “Not all heros wear capes” very much applies to BHHS school’s athletic trainer, John Ciecko.

BHHS Athletes

“I really like how you are able to form a relationship with each trainer. They all help you with whatever you need and are always supportive through life on and off the court.”

Olivia Smith Junior

“John is a pretty funny man and is really fun to be with.

He’s helped me with all of my injuries. Also, John is a funny guy to hang around”

“The trainers is not only a place where they help with your injuries, they also take the time to get to know you. I feel like it is a very welcoming environment.”

Michael Jarrels Junior

Olivia Brack Junior

16

FebruarY SPORTS

CAMP COUNSELORS

Brandon TillBloomfield Class of 2016 Black Hawk Baseball Alumi

Max MohringClass of 2017; Varisty Baseball Player

Andrew DenkClass of 2017; Varsity Baseball Player

C.J. DrogoschClass of 2017; Varsity Baseball Player

18

FEBrUARY NEWS

Living with my name Writer discusses his unique name Michael-Armen Kadian Staff Writer What were my parents thinking?

Seventeen years ago, my parents gave me the colossal task of living with an unconventional and lengthy first name: Michael-Armen.

When my parents chose my name, I honestly think they just wanted to mess with me. When I asked them “why?” They said they loved both names. Michael, simply for the way it sounds, and Armen, for the way it identifies with our Armenian culture. Then they basically said… “let’s try his patience, add them together, then throw a complicated hypen in the middle”.

On a more serious note, that is not actually the thinking process that went on, however, when I imagine my parents making my name, that is what I have always envisioned.

More often than not, unusual names can truly be a never ending plague.

Don’t believe me?

Whenever I try to fit my name on a line for homework, of course it never fits. In first grade, albeit a little slow with writing, I was always the last person to turn in a test. I like to think this was because while everybody else started to work, I was still going hard at writing name on the line.

Attempting to find my name on keychains is a lost cause.

Giving my name for food orders or dinner reservations is a complete battle of blunders. For example, one time I called in for a carry out order and gave my full name, unaware of the complications that would arise.

Of course, the staff took the liberty to rename me as Carmen. When I came to pick up my food, I had to convince them that the pizza I ordered was mine. After three pieces of ID, a phone call from my mother, and some extensive arguing, I finally was able to persuade the staff that the misprint was a silly rhyme for ‘Armen’.

Nevertheless, the most bothersome part of having an unusual and long name is having to constantly correct people.

“Hello, I’m Michael-Armen” Hi Mike No, Michael?

No, Carmen No! However, by no means is my name a complete burden. Even though the negative consequences are obvious, there are countless benefits that outweigh the burdens.

Absolutely nobody else has my name... at least to my knowledge.

How many people can say that!

When it comes to being in groups, my name always stands out and people tend to make more effort to remember me. When creating accounts, usernames are never taken.

In the end, I absolutely love my name. It is a part of me, my cultural identity, and it is truly an aspect that makes me unique. I could not imagine living with any other name.

SAT

“Hi my name is Sri Gayatri Siva Kameshwari Srisarada Lahari Vithala but I go by Lahari Vithala. My name originated from generations of relatives and it also signifies the various incarnations of gods and goddesses that we believe in...basically we’re very Indian.”

- Lahari Vithala

“My full name is Khush Bakhat Hussain and my first and middle name sort of go together because Khush Bakhat means “good luck” in Urdu, which is a language spoken in Pakistan.”

“Well my grandpa is named Jaime, my dad is named Jaime, and I’m named Jaime so I guess that makes me Jaime the third.”

“I was named Kasra after an old Persian king and my parents chose it because they thought it was a nice, unique name with a good backstory.”

- Jaime Francisco Minar- - Kasra Raffi ro

“My name is Simona and it means to be heard which is unfortunate because no one ever listens to me.”

-Simona Zhu

? e m a N r u o Y s ’ t a h W

- Khush Bakhat Hussain

Bloomfield Hills High School Broken Leg Theatre Co. Proudly presents

THCelebrates EATRE LIFE A Broadway Review & Silent auction

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2017 TEST ADMINISTRATIONS JANUARY 21 Register by: Dec 21 MARCH 11 Register by: Feb 10 MAY 6 Register by: Apr 7 JUNE 3 Register by: May 9

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19

February Opinion

Oscar Predictions The Hawkeye’s

Other Nominees

Best Picture - LA LA LAND

La La Land has already won 7 Golden Globes and is the definite front runner to win Best Picture. Not only is it a great movie, but it’s right up the Academy’s alley. They love the “old Hollywood” films (Like The Artist) and add the musical aspect to it, this is a total win. The authenticity of the film adds to it’s win chance too because of how Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling actually sang and danced. The long takes and simple editing is fantastic too, which is again exactly what The Academy likes.

Arrival

Lion

Hell or High Water

Moonlight

Hacksaw Ridge

Manchester By The Sea

Andrew Garfield Hacksaw Ridge

Isabelle Huppert Elle

Kenneth Lonergan Manchester By The Sea

Best Animated - Zootopia

Zootopia isn’t my favorite animated film of the year, Kubo & The Two Strings is, but at the end of the day I think Zootopia will win. Kubo is the best LOOKING animated film because it was all done with stop motion. Zootopia not only has great animation, but has an incredible symbolic story as well. Zootopia takes adult themes like sexism and racism and somehow turns it into a hilarious kids animated film. This is the type of “kids” movie that adults AND children can enjoy. Because of these themes I think Zootopia will end up taking the award.

Viggo Mortensen Captain Fantastic

Ruth Negga Loving

Natalie Portman Jackie

Other Nominees

Best Director - Damien Chazelle Damien Chazelle is 31 years old, the acclaimed director of the academy award winning “Whiplash”, and is 100% without a doubt going to win best director. The great feat that Damien was able to achieve with La La Land is incredible. One of a director’s most important jobs is to get the best performance possible out of their actors, and he did this perfectly with Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. Damien was able to pitch to a studio an original love story musical and make it one of the best films of the year. Not only does he deserve this award, he deserves to win.

Ryan Gosling La La Land

Denzel Washington Fences

Other Nominees

Best Actress - Emma Stone

Much like I said above, all the singing and dancing Emma Stone did in La La Land was really HER singing and dancing. The Academy LOVES that authenticity and realism that she’s bound to get this award. The film also features MANY long takes, in particular one where Emma sings an entire song with no music, just her voice, about her aunt in Paris. The entire thing was done like a real performance, and she knocked it out of the park. I would be surprised if she didn’t take home the award.

Fences

Other Nominees

Best Actor - Casey Affleck

Even with the controversy surrounding him (look it up, it’s pretty bad), I still think Casey Affleck is going to take the win. Casey starred in Manchester

By The Sea and is revered for his intensely “realistic” performance of a man dealing with the death of his brother. Casey is dumbed down, making it seem like this was a real guy, almost like a documentary. Although the script aided his performance, he essentially made the film, without Casey playing the lead role, I don’t think the film would be as good and believable as it was.

Hidden Figures

Mel Gibson Hacksaw Ridge

Barry Jenkins Moonlight

Meryl Streep Florence Foster Jenkins

Denis Villeneuve Arrival

Other Nominees

Kubo & The Two Strings

Moana

My Life as a Zucchini

The Red Turtle

No Surprises For The Oscars Maximillian Helfman Section Editor The Oscars are February 26th, 2017, and so far looks to be pretty cut and dry. 2016 was an awful year for big blockbuster films, but was an incredible year for small indie films. Although most of them weren’t recognized in this years Oscars (The Lobster, Swiss Army Man, Silence, Nocturnal Animals) the “best” ones certainly were.

At the end of the day this year’s Oscars look to be pretty predictable, I would love to see some surprises, but doubt it.

What is considered to be the “best” film of 2016, La La Land, is looking to demolish the Oscars with a total of 14 nominations, tied for the most nominations ever with Titanic and All About Eve, I can easily see it taking home AT LEAST 8 awards: Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Score, Best Original Song, Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, and there’s still 6 more things it’s nominated for!

Other than La La Land the 4 acting categories seem like lock ins except for Best Supporting Actor. Best Actor will most likely go to Casey Affleck for Manchester By The Sea, Best Actress

will definitely go to Emma Stone for La La Land, Best Supporting Actress will go to Viola Davis for Fences, but Best Supporting Actor is a toss up! One of if not the only uncertainty of this year’s Oscars, I could see any of the nominees taking it, but my bet is on Jeff Bridges (Hell or High Water) or Lucas Hedges (Manchester By The Sea) simply because both of them support the main character, without that character the main character wouldn’t be who they are.

My favorite categories, Best Adapted Screenplay & Best Original Screenplay, are a little shaky this year too.

For best original the Academy could go either way, giving it to La La Land or Manchester By The Sea. Based on other awards Manchester seems to be the frontrunner but the Golden Globes did end up giving it to La La Land, which was considered Manchester’s award! At the end of the day I would LOVE to see The Lobster win this award, but I think their going to give it to Manchester By The Sea. For Best Adapted they’re probably going to give it to Moonlight but an

upset by Fences (I hope not) or arrival (I hope so!) could ensue. This is Moonlight’s award to win though, so we will see!

As much as I want Kubo & The Two Strings to win Best Animated Feature (because I feel it was definitely the best ANIMATED film to the year) The Academy is probably going to give it to Zootopia. Kubo was by the best looking (animated) film because it was all done with stop motion and some of the effects are breathtaking, but Zootopia will win because it’s adults themes and allegory to our society today. Another win for Disney!

To conclude, I hope this year’s Oscars are more interesting then what I predicted above. The Oscars are like my superbowl, I love getting together with a bunch of friends and watching the award show because everyone always predicts something different. I hope you tune into The Oscars hosted by Jimmy Kimmel on February 26th, 2017 7:00 pm EST on ABC.

20

FEBRUARY OPINION

La Bella Vita Giancarlo explains “The Beautiful Life” Giancarlo Tucci Staff Writer I am not the same person.

After wedging and packing my life into three bags, I left for ten months in Verona, Italy and it changed me.

Despite my Italian descent, I didn’t speak a word of the language.

Not one word.

Niente Even though I was raised to appreciate other cultures my entire life, I had never lived outside of Bloomfield.

I’d traveled before and was a great tourist, but I wanted to become a native.

Selecting a place was easy.

With my long Italian name and my authentic curly black hair I knew Italy was the place.

Meeting my ***Arrow is pointing to Verona.

Giancarlo stayed host family, here during the year. awkward greetings were exchanged. Half English half Italian.

In that moment I knew I had a choice.

Either I would step up to the challenge and fully submerge myself into my ancestor’s culture or I would live in silence.

It wasn’t easy.

Being submerged in an entirely foreign culture and language can be very discouraging.

Time and and time again I remember sitting and listening to whole conversations and not actually understanding a single word.

Niente I could read people’s body language and catch the occasional word but I could never express my own thoughts.

I developed a mission. Studying Italian became my sole focus and The Big Green Book of Italian Verbs became my guiding mentor.

Accompanying my new mentor came his friends patience, and concentration. This trio formed the foundation for both my speaking skills and my social life.

Until I learned how to communicate I couldn’t make plans to go out. My Italian book was my Bible and I studied it every day like a monk in his monastery.

When I wasn’t reading, I was listening.

Slowly, month by month, the occasional word became an occasional phrase, the occasional phrase a full conversation and three months after I arrived I was ringing up friends, participating in class and discovering a whole new Italy.

I still had a long way to go, but the Italian I had picked up already made me feel as if I had been reborn.

My life before had felt black and white and now it was bursting with color.

Walking down the street, I understood children counting as they played nascondino (hide and seek), calls for better pay from striking autisti (bus drivers) and the local vecchi (old men) debating politics.

These were the colors on a canvas that at one time I was too inept to even unpackage, let alone draw upon.

Every day, I had to adjust to Italian cultural norms. I was living with a new family. I was attending a foreign school.

Twenty-four hours a day I was in a whole new world and I was doing it alone.

Over time the strange became normal.

Soon I was speaking in Italian and it felt natural, as if it had been that way my whole life.

No longer was I only an American, but I was Italian as well.

Realistically, I had always been. I had the blood and a passport but it wasn’t until I took the risk of leaving my friends, family, and everything familiar behind that I could consider myself worthy of the Italian brand.

Was I nervous? Of course.

Did I have my doubts? Almost daily.

But without risk there is no reward.

Those ten months gave me more than I could ever put into words. Not a day has passed since my return that I don’t think about Italy and the knowledge it gave me. Knowledge and skills that could never be learned in any classroom.

Waking up each day in a foreign country thousands of miles away from home taught me that in order to succeed there are always risks and challenges to face but backing down is not an option. I know that not everyone is as lucky as I am to go abroad, but we all have our own shells to breakout of and everyone can and should in whatever way they can. And out from this protective shell lives independence and personal responsibility that feels so good to own.

For me it was trip to the setting of Shakespeare’s love story. But my ending wasn’t tragic. In fact, the experience fundamentally changed who I was making me into a stronger, more confident person than I was one year ago.

In fair Verona is where I laid my scene.

Where will yours take you?

PRO

Double Trouble Having a twin is like having your best friend around all the time Jayden Raitt Guest Writer

defend me and make me smile. Whenever down, my hero - my twin was there to save the day, always and Sisters by birth, friends by choice forever.

That’s my answer when people ask me what it’s like Which one are you again? being a twin.

It’s easy to tell us apart. Skylar is the brave one.

It must be fun being a twin.

From third grade to middle school, and then to high It’s a gift. school, she has saved my life over and over again. No One that only a select few get to receive. And I am matter what was going on in her life, my older sister one of them. Having a twin is the best gift I could (by 32 minute) was always there to defend me. 24 ever ask for. hours a day seven days a week. 365 days a year.

Where is Skylar? How come you two aren’t togethDon’t you two ever fight? er?

Every fight and tear that comes with having a twin My fraternal sister Skylar is the best part about beallows us to realize that we care more for eachother ing a twin. Even when we are apart than anyone else on this earth, including we are still together. Every day, every ourselves. Although we fight, like any where she is always there. Going “My twin, Skylar, was normal sisters do, we always go to bed through life, watching people stand- there to defend me loving each other more and more each ing alone, I think about how lucky I and make me smile.” night. This is probably the greatest pro of am to always have my best friend by being a twin; the unconditional love that my side. comes from someone who your copied Skylar is the love of my life, and I your chromosomes. Although, we may could not imagine ever living without her. Is there not look alike our DNA is seen daily as we we are better pro to being a twin than that? alike more than sometimes we even admit.

But don’t you get tired of one another?

It must always be fun being a twin.

How can I possibly get tired of someone who is Throughout my entire life, Skylar and I have always always by my side? When walking into a room full spent endless amounts of time together; laughing, of strangers, scared to talk, or interact with anyone I playing, and talking for hours on end. As I continue know I always have someone by my side. Another to discover the gifts that come along with having a pro. twin, I will become more and more appreciative of But it hasn’t always been that way, has it? the amazing person that I can call my best friend. It Entering Mrs. Semanes’s third grade classroom, I may not always be fun but I wouldn’t want it any was not only introduced to new division methods, other way. but also mean girls whose words sunk into my brain, Skylar is my sister, my twin, my best friend, and the much deeper and faster than any math lesson. AS the love of my life. She is my sister by birth and my best bullying increased so did the incarnation of my hero; friend by choice. my best friend. My twin, Skylar, was always there to

Pro/Con:

CON

Double Trouble Being a twin is more hyped up than reality Skylar Raitt Staff Writer

we may look alike, we are two different individuals.

Can you read each other’s thoughts?

And it’s not just society. I’m guilty of it too.

Have you ever switched places to confuse people “Who is the prettiest?” or get out of a test?

“Who has better grades?”

Which one are you, again?

“How did she do on the ACT?” It’s constantly one of these questions.

These questions are always running through my Everyday. Every person. All the time. mind.

I know that every pair of twins go through it but Besides the fighting within my head, there is the as one of the few fraternal twins at constant fighting with one another.

Bloomfield Hills, I get a lot of As the “oldest”, it felt like she questions. she would always get the newest It must be fun being a twin. and coolest toys.

Well….. If people only knew the “Well….. If people only knew Skylar do not get upset… you reality… the reality... guys can share.

First there is the fact that I am My twin always got first pick, never alone. Except for 32 minutes, and I was left with what was left.

Jayden, has always been there. And You’re the oldest, don’t you want to take care of for the past sixteen years, that half an hour was the your little sister? longest time we have ever been without one another.

More questions. Even though the clothing fights How would you feel if everywhere you went there have gotten a lot better and we have started to share was always another person there? Its not that I don’t most of what we own, we fight more over boys… like being with her but even when she isn’t the Sometimes I question why I am a twin, Sometimes questions continue.

I just wish the questions would stop and people Where is Jayden? would understand that I just want to be my own How come you two aren’t together? person… without someone always tagging along.

Another secret about being a twin is that there is While there are many ups and downs to being a the constant comparing. twin, the cons need to be considered.

How did Jayden do?

It must always be fun being a twin.

Who did better?

No…. No it is not.

For once, I would like to hear, “Wow, Skylar that is amazing.”

I love my sister, don’t get me wrong but sharing chromosomes sometimes mean that I have to share everything: my stories, my successes.

I really wish people would understand that while

Millennial Paradox Review

We need to reexamine the purpose of advisory Julia Eisenshtadt Web Editor “It’s not their fault,” author and consultant Simon Sinek insisted in an interview with Inside Quest, while talking about the infamous millennial generation, which over the past few years have received criticism for being lazy, entitled, and superficial.

The fifteen minute video of the interview on Youtube, published on December 28th, 2016, already has over 18,000 views.

At first, I just assumed that this would be another proclamation of how terrible Millennials are for the rest of the world. To my surprise, I was wrong.

When Sinek first exclaimed that the problems associated with the Millennial generation were not their fault, I was I was reasonably surprised.

I had always been one to think that we are in control of our own lives, and how we decide to live our lives is up to ourselves. However, Sinek allowed to me to see that sometimes we can’t always be in control, but it is how we overcome the challenges that society presents us with that will redefine us as a generation.

Instead of blaming these young adults for their own personal dissatisfaction with their lives and failure to meet their personal goals, Sinek plays the blame game, putting the fault on four distinct categories: failed parenting strategies, technology, impatience, and environment. It’s the way he connects all four categories that allows the audience to take a deep reflection on their lives and reconsider what they thought about themselves.

First, failed parenting strategies. Don’t you remember getting a trophy just for participating in Little League? Or how about all of those times when your parents told you that you could do anything and have anything if you worked hard?

The truth is, as Sinek tells us, hard work is not enough. Our parents have tricked us into thinking that we are special, when in reality, each of us is no more special than the next, and while we may not understand this, our future employers do.

It can’t be entirely our parents fault. They were just doing what they thought was right at the time. It’s important for us to recognize that our lives now do not have to be a reflection of the way we were raised. Sure, kids are never going to stop being praised for trivial things, but as teenagers now, it’s time for us to leave the attitude of entitlement behind.

Then, Sinek brings up the issue of technology and social media. The Millennial generation is the first to grow up with the boom of social media. Researchers have discovered that using your phone and getting texts or receiving likes on your picture on Instagram, releases dopamine in your brain, the same chemical released with alcohol; it’s highly addictive. So naturally, To watch the we become addicted Millennial to our phones.

Paradox visit: https:// I’ll admit that I have been called out www.youtube.com/ in class for using my watch?v=BLhxo3xFphone in class, and wQU&t=6s I’m not proud of it.

We’re so much better off having actual conversations with the people we sit next to in class than scrolling through Twitter looking at pointless memes. It takes a new sort of effort to get to know people personally. If we just would put our phones down, we could easily achieve this. We sit at dinner with friends or family, yet still feel the need to be talking to other people who are not present.

Admittedly, Millennials have trouble forming meaningful relationships, and we do not know how to overcome this obstacle because of the lack of personal socialization due to the social media rise.

This led Sinek to his next point, impatience.

Because of technology, we feel the need for instant gratification. Everything we want we can get with the push of a button. But what happens when we aren’t instantly satisfied with school, or in a few years, with our jobs? There isn’t an app to feel gratified with our lives. I’m afraid that if we are constantly looking for instant gratification within our lives, we will never be able to find out what it is that we as individuals are passionate about. When we graduate from college in five, six, seven, years, maybe we won’t love our first real jobs, but if we as a generation can learn how to be patient again, we will know that it takes time to truly find what makes us happy in life.

Lastly, Sinek talked about the corporate environment, and how bad leaders neglect teaching young employees how to make an impact in the workplace. Now, this probably doesn’t affect most of us currently, but it will in just a few years. According to Sinek, too many college graduates feel unsatisfied with their jobs and feel the need to quit. They don’t understand that it takes time and they shouldn’t feel instantly gratified, despite what their parents or technology has taught them.

For me, the biggest take-away from this video was knowing that despite all of the factors that have contributed to the bad reputation of Millennials, we have the opportunity to redefine how our generation is looked upon. If we listen to the advice of Sinek and others like him, as well as come up with solutions of our own, perhaps we won’t be labeled as lazy, entitled, and superficial, but hard-working, inspiring, and an innovative generation.

21

FEBRUARY OP/ED

BHHS should embrace class rankings Why we should bring back an old tradition Evan Stern Section Editor

Stand up against

INEQUITY

In the midst of the current high school educational landscape -stemming from eminent academic competition and a previously unforeseen rigor revolving around common standards -- annual class rankings persistently remain a divisive and emphatic dilemma echoed by a number.

In fact, encompassed in the myriad of components exemplifying a modern students’ academic and extracurricular load -- a regimented and demanding schedule and a far-reaching cascade of enriching clubs and athletics -- the debate both welcoming and repudiating a valedictorian and salutatorian across the nation has been met with aptly formidable scrutiny and considerable examination, in the face of a number of competing elements dominating a student’s academic portfolio.

When considering, in all respects, the issue at hand, however, it, after conducting a probe into all facets comprising the conundrum, is considerably simple to proclaim, that, indeed, all high schools across the country have a

“And for this, a proper reward -- or at least a common goal serving as a prospect for each student poised in the foreseeable future -- is inherently a necessity in each high school, including ours, in proper consideration of the intrinsically treacherous environment.” pivotal obligation to embrace the custom of annual class rankings.

Students innately throughout the course of their educations build their academic portfolios tirelessly, relentlessly, and diligently.

And for this, a proper reward -- or at least a common goal serving as a prospect for each student poised in the foreseeable future -- is inherently a necessity in each high school, including ours, in proper consideration of the intrinsically treacherous environment.

With a goal such as this stemming from a class ranking, an element residing in each high schooler’s mentality throughout the course of an invaluable educational journey, in fact, an incentive is incorporated into the forefront of each student’s mindset, one that by nature breeds attentiveness and studiousness, potentially even unforeseen prior to this prospective implementation.

The custom of annual class rankings, innately an element bound to enhance each student’s initiative and attentiveness, as well as academic capability at large, it remains an indispensable aspect of high school that must be achieved, in its entirety, at the fore.

STAFF

Cartoon by Betsy Stubbs

We need to peacefully make our voices heard when we disagree with the actions of our government

W

ithin his first days in office, the forty-fifth president of the United States, Donald J. Trump, has aroused intense scrutiny, criticism, and scorn.

In this issue, we have covered a number of these situations stemming from the new administration’s recent Cabinet appointments, to individual’s reactions of impact, in areas such as Charter schools.

As a staff, we believe all Americans have the right to express their feelings and their freedoms. No one person has the right to exclude anyone from the proverbial lunch table. If we could talk to the new commander-in-chief, we’d peacefully advocate for the shifting of some of these policies, such as the highly controversial immigration ban implemented in the prior weeks.

And one American failing to open the opportunity for conversation, taking the responsibility to educate themself, and actively advocate for their beliefs, in respect to this scenario, is fatal.

Because it is the duty of every American, despite one’s disposition or makeup, to make their voice heard, not be a bystander, and effectively take that responsibility.

We, as high schoolers, hold the power, just as the rest of society does, to educate ourselves on these current policies, in particular the ban And if we feel discontent or opposition, it is our inherent responsibility to peacefully protest, send let-

Adviser Christina Hammitt Editor-in-Chief Shibi Sanjeev Jack Silberman Managing Editors Jack Wroldsen (Print) Julia Eisenshtadt (Web)

ters to our Congresspeople, and be proponents of the better, via change.

In citing the great many discontented that stood -and continue to stand today, as bystanders, oblivious to the true actions that they hold the potential to take and succeed in undertaking, in an effort to peacefully express their opinion -- many of them as high schoolers, just like us, it is obvious that much more can come out of this, through the simple steps of education and therefore taking the necessary responsibility of improving our nation and solidifying our values through the protected peaceful expression of power.

As millions realize, America, the renowned “Melting Pot,” is a nation stemming from these banned immigrants, revolving around all walks of life, and this necessitates the vital truth that it must be protected at all costs, and we have a responsibility to be familiar with this.

Because we collectively hold the immense power to fundamentally advocate for the true principles that uphold us -- peaceful protest and expression of distinct ideals -- for changing our current situation.

Without this action, as much as Americans desire it, “change” cannot and will not come, and we must end this commonality as existing as bystanders, and become advocates of what truly makes us the great community, state, and nation that we are.

“No one person has the right to exclude anyone from the proverbial lunch table.”

Business Manager Jason Moonka Section Editors CJ Drogosch Evan Stern John Ballouz Max Wittenberg Max Helfman Cartoonist Betsy Stubbs

Distribution Manager Anish Tamhaney Staff Writers Anna Cao Hira Ali Nuha Razuiddin Sadie Kirschner Giancarlo Tucci

Michael-Armen Kadian

Vivian Harber Jillian Abbo Justin Yaker Nicole Grace Habib Bello Brynn Elder Jessica Kim Ally Heath Ali Randel Ben Cooper

Don’t overlook the importance of free time Students need time to relax during the day Kaitlin Bronstein Staff Writer Wake up 6:30am.

Forty-minutes to get ready for school.

School from 7am to 2:30pm.

Bowling from 3:30pm to 6:00pm.

Homework from 6pm to 10:30pm.

Get ready for bed.

Wait, where is my free time?

And then I do it all over again five days a week With 24 hours a day it seems like there is always time but looking at my schedule one important part of my life seems to be missing.

School: check.

Extracurricular activity: check.

Homework: check.

Wait? What about my friends? My family? My free time?

No wonder I’m as tired as Selena Gomez with her and Justin Bieber’s relationship.

And I’m not the only one having this problem.

I need my free time and I deserve to have it.

Not having free time has a negative effect on me.

I feel sick with worry, and I get depressed thinking of all the work I have to do.

According to Jennifer O’Donnell from very well.com, a health web site. “ Studies show that children who are over scheduled often feel overwhelmed and pressured, and that can lead to a number of problems including behavioral issues and emotional challenges. In other words, over scheduled children can be stressed out.”

Yup, that’s me.

With so much going on it seems that I never want to do anything when I have a little time to myself.

So, why not just change my schedule?

I really can’t. What am I going to give up school? My sport? My homework (I like that idea)? Sleep?

“Over-scheduling can create increased stress and anxiety for both parents and children,” Rebecca Kieffen from North Shore Pediatric Therapy said. “Over the last several years there has been an increase in anxiety related disorders due to the stressors involved with over-scheduling...it creates less time for children to complete their homework and can cause less sleep at night due to staying up later to complete their homework.”

While Kieffen’s thoughts make me feel a little better. I have begun to worry about myself as well as my friends and classmates.

I know that I need sleep like a girl needs ice cream.

However it seems that overscheduling is stealing away our hours of beauty sleep. Unfortunately, I know too many people who because of packed schedules can’t schedule in some shut eye thus causing them to become depressed.

According to Esther Antin from the Atlantic Magazine, “Suicide rates quadrupled from 1950 to 2005 for children less than fifteen years and for teens and young adults ages 15-25, they doubled.”

In this article, the writers believe that “the loss of unstructured, free play for play’s sake is at the core of this alarming observation and that as a society, we should reassess the role of free play and the factors that seem to have all but eliminated it from our children’s lives.”

So, that’s it. Along with our science and social studies on our schedules we need recess or nap time. The research clearly shows that down time is necessary for people to grow and gain perspective on all that they have to do as well as develop better social skills.

When I think about the times I’ve been a more happier person. The times I’ve truly felt like myself. These are the times which I’m allowed to be spontaneous. When I can just hang face to face with my friends. If we want to go see a movie, we can. If we want to sit and gossip about nothing we can. I don’t have to short change my schedule.

So, as the administration is looking at schedules to next year, is there anyway we can add in an hour of free time? I know that is something I can make time for.

Brendan Lynn Camryn Brent Forest Zhang Hanna Halstead Kaitlin Bronstein Kylie Buckfire Maddie Wein Maddy Moskus Pan Stavropoulos Sammi Trepeck Sarah Kenkel

Sarah Qureshi Skylar Raitt

22

FEBRUARY ENTERTAINMENT

Humans of Bloomfield

“

One who believes to understand true courage before watching The Brave Little Toaster is a fool.”

Lily Johnston, 12

“

Frank Laurinec 2020” Karthik Nagappan, 12

“

Mr. Cameron would beat Genghis Khan in a fight” Henry Dickson, 12

“

“No” -Rosa Parks

Divya Moudgil, 12

“

Don’t ask me for advice, I grew up convinced that Kevin was the best looking Jonas Brother” Leah LouisFerdinand, 11

BHHS STUDENTS: Want to be featured in Humans of Bloomfield? Send a photo of yourself along with a one sentence quote to bloomfieldhawkeye@gmail.com for a chance to be featured in an upcoming issue of The Hawkeye

For Dayplay, overnight boarding, grooming, training and vet visits Anyone who wants to board their pet and mentions BHHS will receive 10% off!

Anyone who has a passion for pets and wants to try working with animals is welcome to volunteer or apply for a position!

5731 W Maple Rd, West Bloomfield Township, MI 48322

23

FEBRUARY OPINION

Reviews the hawkeye

Hidden Figures: Close to Perfection Fantastic movie of untold diversity David Tener Staff Writer The film Hdden Figures boasts an astounding cast, and each member pull their weight and deliver fantastic performances. Taraji P. Henson expertly plays the brilliant mathematician Katherine G. Johnson, Octavia Spencer nails the stern but well-meaning supervisor Dorothy Vaughn, and Janelle Monáe is delightful to watch as the sassy and determined engineer Mary Jackson. Each of these actresses avoid the trap of playing their characters as one-note stereotypes and instead bring each to life as complete human beings.

The supporting cast is stellar as well. Kevin Costner delivers an impeccable performance as Al Harrison, the sympathetic project manager at NASA. Kirsten Dunst and Jim Parsons each turn in great performances as antagonistic members of NASA who act as massive roadblocks for our lead characters.

This film deftly handles the issue of racism during the 1960s, highlighting the pervasiveness of it while not letting it become the main focus of the movie. The script allows for multiple different responses to racism, from snappy comebacks pointing out the innate roadblocks African-Americans faced during the 1960s to emotional breakdowns about the absurdity of segregated bathrooms to bursts of anger over segregation in and of itself.

One aspect of racism in the 1960s that this film also nails is the expectations of white people at the time. Very few white characters see any problems with segregation and their expectations, and see it as just the realities of life.

From Journalist to Water Ice Factory Store, What One Day At A Time Starts the New Year Right Can’t Mitch Albom Do Brendan Lynn Staff Writer

From writing extradinour, to being on the world renowned ESPN network, getting positive publicity to Detroit is a daily occurrence for Mitch Albom. This trend for the Detroit Free Press writer and bestselling author seems to be continuing to rise with his new “helping hand” to Detroit.

The Detroit Water Ice Factory Store makes the most satisfying shaved ice. It is a crispy and refreshing twist on a concept that both kids and adult crave. As soon as you walk into the store, you see the trendy cartoon art with with shaved ice facts written on the wall. For example, ways to eat shaved ice and the complexity in eating it cleanly is displayed.

Traditionally, shaved ice is made with a variety of juices, which are poured over cold shaved ice. But, at the Detroit Water Ice Factory Store, no juice is used, it has more of a sherbet texture. Juice doesn’t have the craving taste you want and to me is soggy. Also, there’s a twist to the concept; you get real tasteful soft-serve ice cream on your brisk shaved ice. It reminds me of a DQ sundae.

This combination of shaved ice and soft-serve is called the Motown Mash, a city favorite and mine as well. Some flavors at the store are Yooper Orange Cream, The Chicka Mango and Mr. Mitch’s Chocolate PB. I tried the Yooper Orange Cream, it tasted just like a creamsicle, and was refreshingly delicious. The Yooper Orange Cream flavor and the shaved Motown Mash combination are my favorite flavors.

In addition to shaved ice, they also create homemade crepes, the Belgian distinctive Motown Crepes can be made for breakfast with eggs, ham, cheese and has a mouth watering taste. Other ingredients that can be added are peanut butter, chocolate sauce, nutella and lemon. Personally, the peanut butter crepes are the best ones.

All of the profits from this establishment go directly to S.A.Y. Detroit, (Super All Year), improving the lives of Detroit’s citizens in need. This is all part of Mitch Albom’s mission to create a better Detroit.

Overall, with its gratifying menu and aid to Detroit, Detroit Water Ice Factory Store is a must-go attraction in Downtown Detroit.

The music of the film lends an immersive atmosphere and is sublime to listen to. A collaboration between Pharrell Williams, Hans Zimmer, and Billy Wallfisch, the music of Hidden Figures transports you to the 1960s and adds emotional weight when required.

For all the praises I’ve sung so far, this film is not perfect. There are some historical inaccuracies within the film, which the cast and crew have been upfront about. A prominent example of this is the character of Al Harrison, who is really more of a melding of three different individuals at NASA. Some scenes feel slightly out of place in the movie, and they all focus more on the lives of our three leads at home. While some of these drive the plot forward, some follow a romantic subplot involving Taraji P. Henson’s Katherine G. Johnson and Mahershala Ali’s Colonel Jim Johnson. This subplot is downplayed and pretty enjoyable to see, and builds character for Katherine G. Johnson, but does slightly veer off-course of the films focus on the Space Race.

Hidden Figures is a fantastic film that should not only be seen now for its fantastic performances and engaging music, but become a staple of American history classes for its tale of history.

“Cat-cha” Self a Visit to the Catfe Lounge

Carly Hittler Staff Writer

Kylie Buckfire Staff Writer

While perusing my Netflix ‘because you watched list’ a sitcom called One Day at a Time caught my eye. Curious, I clicked on it, and instantly I was hooked. I binge watched it in about a day, and that’s exactly what you should do to.

One Day at a Time is about a Cuban-American family living in LA. It premiered on Netflix on January 6th. The story follows a recently single veteran mother named Penelope, her mother Lydia, her teenage daughter Elena, tween son Alex, and different situations that they find themselves in. As a sitcom, every episode has a self contained plot.

Each character is well rounded; they are equally the brunt of the joke and the makers of them while still having their own stories. Despite being caricatures one usually finds on comedy shows, the audience can still root for and relate to them.

The show covers a variety of topics such as sexism, immigration, problems encountered by veterans, mental illness, and coming out, but they are done in a hilarious and genuinely enjoying way. It doesn’t at all feel like the show is preaching to the audience, yet it addresses these issues with refreshing frankness. As someone who enjoys such episodes in shows, I thought these issues were handled very well and added depth to the show.

Most importantly, as a comedy One Day at a Time completely rocks the house. Quips between family members that anyone can relate to had me laughing throughout each episode, and the ridiculous situations the characters find themselves in are perfect exaggerations of everyday problems.

Each character has memorable lines that compete in hilarity with any other long-standing comedy. I enjoyed it just as much as shows like Parks and Recreation and Friends, even though it only has one season so far.

If you’re looking for an easy to binge sitcom with relatable characters, you should check out One Day at a Time. You won’t regret it!

When I first wanted to visit The Catfe Lounge in Ferndale, I was expecting it to be everything I’ve seen on Pinterest, such as fancy coffee and large cat play structures. In addition, I was especially hoping that the new Michigan cat cafe would be similar to the one I went to in DC. There were two spacious levels and more cats playing than I could count. The picture in my mind of the Ferndale cafe was cats roaming everywhere, a huge room, and of course delicious coffee. As someone who loves pets, my hopes and expectations were set very high.

However as soon as I walked in the door, my ideas of the cat cafe were changing. There were only three cats awake, the room was not very large, and the coffee came from a single Keurig machine.

Once I got settled in, I signed a waiver to join as a member and gave my donation to the business. I walked around the room looking for cats that were awake, since most of them were sleeping in their crates. I played with one cat for a while, until other visitors came and wanted to play with the cat too. The two other cats were dispersed among the many other visitors in the room, so at that point I was just sitting on the couch talking with the workers.

Though disappointed, I was still very impressed that the Catfe Lounge is donation based and all the workers are volunteers, meaning it is not expensive for customers. It is recommended that visitors donate $10, which I think is a very manageable price.

I was very impressed by the interior as well; the decorations of the place were cozy and artsy, which created a relaxing ambiance. The couches, chairs, and rugs were comfy, so sitting on the floor and relaxing was not uncomfortable at all. Moreover, The Catfe Lounge was selling inexpensive cat merchandise and clothing, perfect for gifts and a memento of the experience. While I was expecting more cats and a more legitimate catfe, I did enjoy my experience. I plan on going back, the more that I visit, the more the cat cafe’s vibe will grow. After all, the Catfe Lounge is the closest cat cafe to where I live, so I might as well enjoy it. But seriously, what isn’t more fun than playing with kittens?

Secretary of Education

BETSY DEVOS

Chief of Staff, former RNC Chair

Vice President of the United States

REINCE PRIEBUS

MIKE PENCE

Former executive of Trump’s son-in-law, Alt-Right Breitbart advisor News, advisor

STEVE BANNON

JARED KUSHNER

NIKKI HALEY

Protesters headed to airports across the nation to express their frustration with Trump’s executive order. The order sparked outrage, as many considered it to be Islamaphobic.

WOMEN’S MARCHES NATIONWIDE

JUST

The memorandum made Steve Bannon, Trump’s Chief Strategist, a regular attendee of the National Security Council’s Principals Committee and made the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Director of National Intelligence attend meetings only when necessary.

REDUCE REGULATIONS ON U.S. MANUFACTURING

Trump directed the Secretary of Commerce to review how federal regulations affect U.S. manufacturers. All of this is with a particular goal in mind: how to lower regulations as much as possible.

OBAMACARE

Trump signed a vague executive order to minimize the burden of Obamacare Trump put an immediate freeze on all hirings in the executive branch, excluding the military.

TPP

http://www.businessinsider.com/trump-executive-orders-memorandum-proclamations-presidential-action-guide-2017-1/#3-presidential-memoranda-january-24-approving-pipelines-14, 1b0f130b87ee7027cac4c69f0a3aca07_monopoly-card-game-clipartmonopoly-jail-clipart_210-210, 014hatx20tophatx20beaver.1L.png, 0121-obama-trump-inauguration-crowd-getty-reuters-4.jpg, 2015_Vicente-Fox.png, 2689290b35f32a34aaf13ae7020f6b57.jpg, 632330238-demonstrators-protest-during-the-womensmarch-along.jpg.CROP.promo-xlarge2.jpg, 170121211838-28-womens-march-dc-super-169.jpg, CF0B9B01-F068-4F5C-9416-F56BC6180670_cx0_cy1_cw0_w987_r1_s_r1.jpg, Donald-Trump-png-high-quality.png, Gen-Mattis.png, go-to-jail.png, monopoly-community-chest-clipart-free-clipart-thEhBY-clipart.gif, Neil-Gorsuch-labeled-clear-200px.png, zipdialog.com, cnn.com, http://www.wwe.com/f/styles/gallery_img_s/public/rd-talent/Stat/Donald_Trump_stat.png

HIRING FREEZE

PIPELINES

3 separate memoranda were signed to expand oil pipelines within the U.S.. The first two have directed agencies to approve the construction of the Keystone XL and the Dakota Access pipelines. The third says that all materials should be constructed in the U.S..

Donald Trump issued a memorandum that withdrew the U.S. from the Trans Pacific Trade Partnership. The TPP lowered tariffs between 12 countries on the Pacific Rim.

works cited

Trump sparks Twitter war over the size of his inauguration crowd vs. Obama’s

WOMEN’S MARCHES

VICENTE FOX

The former Mexican President made it clear that Mexico will not pay for the wall

Protests for Women’s rights take place all across the country the day after the inauguration (see next green boxes for photos)

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CHANCE

CHANCE

BORDER SECURITY

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At 70 years old, Donald Trump is the oldest elected President in American history. Ronald Reagan, the second oldest U.S. President, was 69 at his inauguration.

INAUGURATION

TRAVEL BAN

PROTESTS OF THE TRAVEL BAN

NEIL GORSUCH

Two executive orders were signed to start the construction of a wall along the Mexican border. The first says that there will be a wall or some kind of impenetrable physical barrier. The second committed over 10,000 immigration officials and pulls back any federal funding for sanctuary cities.

A look back on the first three weeks of the Trump Presidency

REORGANIZING THE NSC

VISITING

COMMUNITY CHEST

COMMUNITY CHEST Trump’s nominee for the Supreme Court

One of the 45th President’s executive orders instigated a ban on immigration for 120 days as well as a cap on immigration numbers in 2017. The ban specifically states that anyone from a list of seven middle-eastern nations will not be admitted into the United States, even green card holders.

TRUMPOPOLY CHANCE

IN JAIL

GEN. JAMES MATTIS Secretary of Defense

KELLYANNE CONWAY

Trump advisor and spokeswoman

COMMUNITY CHEST

United Nations Ambassador (Former governor of SC)

Secretary of Homeland Security (Retired Marine)

GEN. JOHN KELLY

REX TILLERSON Secretary of State (Former Exxon CEO)

SEAN SPICER

White House Press Secretary

For the first time in history, a cabinet appointee’s senate confirmation vote resulted in a 50-50 tie.

Vice President Mike Pence broke the tie in favor of Betsy DeVos, thus confirming her as Secretary of Education.

Collect a small loan of one million dollars

GO