The Hawkeye: February, 2022

THE

HAWKEYE FEBRUARY 2022

BLOOMFIELD HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

VOLUME IX - ISSUE III

With a rich career and experience, Mr. Stroughter joins the Bloomfield Hills community as principal of BHHS. Photo by AVA FARAH

Welcome to Bloomfield!

Mr. Stroughter becomes the new principal of Bloomfield Hills High School

by ALEXA KESSLER Opinion Editor After a lengthy search for a new principal, Mr. Lawrence Stroughter was announced to the district by Bloomfield Hills Schools Superintendent, Mr. Watson, on Jan. 27.

Stroughter started as principal on Monday, Feb. 7, looking forward to the years to come in this role.

Stroughter has a strong background in leadership and education.

In the past, he served as the assistant principal of Farmington High School and the principal of Harrison High School. His other leadership roles took place at Plymouth-Canton Community Schools and Detroit Public Schools. When it comes to his education, Stroughter received a Master of Education degree from Wayne State University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Science-Mathematics Education from Alabama State University. He continues his education, pursuing a doctorate of educational leadership at Eastern Michigan Uni-

versity.

Outside of his roles within high school administration, Stroughter has involved himself in various leadership initiatives, including his membership within Farmington Public Schools’ Positive Culture Development Team, Wellness Team, and Equity-Oriented Strategic Planning Team. He is also a participant in the National Professional Development Program and Solution Tree.

As Mr. Stroughter looks forward to his tenure at Bloomfield Hills High School, he is excited to form relationships with the students and help them to reach their maximum potential.

“What I’m looking forward to the most is getting to know each of the students, trying to figure out how best to support them, and how best to help them engage with school fully,” Stroughter said.

He has already made the effort to get to know the student body and has made it his priority to understand the thoughts and feelings of the high

schoolers.

Mr. Stroughter explained the following about what he hopes students understand about their time at BHHS “While in high school, you only have four years, so it’s important to take advantage of those four years and engage in some of the clubs and activities that will allow you to fully understand what high school is. Those are the things you will remember once you graduate,” Stroughter said.

The new principal wants students to use their time at the high school to experience new opportunities and expand their interests. Another priority he has is to make sure students know that he is approachable and is there for them.

“I would like the student body to know that I am here for them and that my office door is always open,” Stroughter said. “If they see me in a hallway as I walk through the building, please feel free to stop me and just have a chat with me.”

SCHOOL NEWS

He wants students to feel that they can approach him for friendly conversation, possible concerns, and happy events.

“I want students to share some of their concerns that they might have, but also share some of their successes and the wonderful experiences that they are having. I would like to be able to pay it forward and share stories of success with other students.”

In his first week at the high school, he has already been able to have conversations with various students about their high school experience.

Not only does he want students to feel supported, but he wants them to feel a sense of belonging.

“I want our students to go beyond just feeling like they belong in this space, but also that they are thriving in this space and they’re taking full advantage of all the opportunities that BHHS has available to them,” Stroughter said.

Outside of BHHS, Stroughter is “just a normal guy.” He loves spending

time with his wife and three sons— Miles, Dylan, and Lincoln. He enjoys skiing, going on bike rides, and playing video games with his sons. One fun fact that he chose to share is that he is an Eagle Boy Scout, graduating from Cass Tech. But above all, he is a father and enjoys spending time with the people around him.

Stroughter is looking forward to the remainder of the school year and the years to come. He wants the student body and the families of BHHS to know that his door is always open and that he is there for them.

“It is a pleasure working with so many fantastic students. Every student that I’ve met up to this point has blown me away and left me in awe with how impressive they are as young people. I hope that I continue to meet more and more students so that I can continue to develop my understanding of just how impressive the students of Bloomfield Hills High School are.”

COMMUNITY NEWS

Senior at BHHS competes for Team Canada

Bloomfield Forward

Gavin Niblock plays at the professional level at the Cricket World Cup

District moves ahead with elementary and middle school transfers and renovations

by CAMERON KAUFMAN Graphic Designer

by ANNALISE GRIFFIN Staff Writer

Gavin Niblock, a senior at BHHS, has an extraordinary extracurricular life – he plays cricket for Canada’s professional under 19 team, and between Jan. 14 and Feb. 5, Niblock had the chance to play at the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in St. Kitts & Nevis, a nation in the Caribbean.

Cricket is not a very wellknown sport in the US, but

the basics are as follows: there are two teams, and the goal is to score more runs (points) than the opposing team. One team fields and one team bats, and they switch after a certain amount of deliveries (pitches). Gavin plays the position of Bowling All-Rounder, which means he acts as both a bowler (pitcher), a fielder, and a batter.

Since he first started playing cricket, he has dreamed of playing professionally. He got into

cricket while living in India as a young child, instantly being hooked when he watched it on TV. He then learned the basics at a cricket club in Budapest when he was ten years old. Now, cricket is a huge part of his life, and he’s been playing yearround for many years.

“I find that my love for the game inspires me. I always want to get better but at the same time, I love to play because of the team spirit. It is such a

The Bloomfield Hills School District is expecting to relocate and renovate its elementary and middle schools starting in the fall of 2023. Way and Conant Elementary Schools will be renovated and expanded, yet stay in their current locations. Once the renovations are concluded, students currently attending Lone Pine Elementary will be relocated to the West Hills Mid-

dle building, and students currently attending Eastover Elementary will be relocated to the East Hills Middle building. Each elementary school will be Kindergarten through fifth grade, and both the East and West Hills buildings will undergo extensive refurbishment to accommodate these changes. There will be two middle schools located at the former Lahser High School site and the current BHMS middle school, named

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Photo via BLOOMFIELD HILLS SCHOOLS

SLEDDING IN A WINTER WONDER-FARM bhhstoday.org

Bowers Farm opens up to sledders for winter fun

North Hills Middle School and South Hills Middle School respectively.

The construction will be done in stages in order to minimize disruption to learning during the school year. All classrooms will be renovated by 2023, but other areas, such as multi-purpose halls, may still be under development during the 20232024 school year.

The Board of Education discussed a variety of ideas: the

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Photo via PK SPORTS

HOSTING SEMMUNA + UNICEF FUNDRAISER Model UN returns to Bloomfield

PAGE 12

Photo by AVA FARAH

FINALS WEEK WITH FURRY FRIENDS

The Fur Angels visit Bloomfield Hills High School

FEBRUARYNEWS

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Senior at BHHS competes for Team Canada

The Hawkeye Highlights

by LENNA PETERSON Editor-In-Chief and MADISON KESSLER Staff Writer

from page 1 . . .social and brilliant sport. It may be unknown to many but there is almost always a large following of players wherever you go,” Niblock said.

For Gavin, playing professionally has a difficult, but manageable, schedule. He trained during both the week and weekend, starting in early October and continuing through December. In preparation for the World Cup, he spent about nine hours of training weekly.

“After working so hard for so long to get where you are, having your shot to prove yourself is very nerve-racking but also extremely exciting. I want to make a whole country proud and that is a huge thing to say. I dreamed of becoming a professional

“After working so hard for so long to get where you are, having your shot to prove yourself is very nerve-racking but also extremely exciting. I want to make my country proud and that is a huge thing to say.”

GAVIN NIBLOCK

BHHS Senior and Profressional Cricket Player

cricket player from when I was young. But I realize this is my first step and I am excited to work harder and go even further,” he reflected.

Unfortunately, the World Cup ended in a bittersweet manner for Gavin and Team Canada as a whole after the team was disqualified due to COVID-19.

“Having the tournament cut short for our team was devastating. Knowing my next few chances were gone was hard to accept but I understood that I couldn’t change it. So I try to move on and take what I’ve learned to keep going,” Niblock said. “It was an incredible experience and I am extremely thankful to have represented Canada in the sport I love most.”

Pressured to push towards normalcy, governors set sights on possibly lifting mask mandates.

Photo by SETH WENIG / AP

Governor pushes to lift mask mandates A move by Democratic governors to begin laying out timelines to loosen COVID-19 restrictions is pushing past a cautious White House and instead putting pressure on top health officials to find an end to the Omicron surge. The new wave of the mutated virus is spurring yet another clash between government officials and infectious disease experts that brings the issue of politics vs. public health to the forefront of this debate.

According to CNN reporting, the White House is ‘’thinking about’’ a plan for a post-pandemic emergency period. But on Monday, February 7, Biden confirmed that his administration would be unwilling to condone an easing of school mask requirements— a key weapon for fighting against COVID-19.

Now, the pressured administration is facing demands to shift towards normalcy as the Omicron surge begins to fade swiftly.

And many local health officials are taking measures into their own hands. Three Democratic governors from New Jersey, Delaware, and Connecticut have already implemented measures to end classroom mask mandates, the latest in what is shaping up to be a public health saga.

‘‘I think that they should make masks optional in big

spaces and outside and if you’re in close contact with someone you don’t know you should wear a mask to be safe. In schools, they should only lift the mandate if the numbers are down and people are vaccinated. I think it would be the safest to keep the mask mandate in big places with a lot of people.

“

MADISON SNYDER ‘24

Petroleum leaks into Hawaii’s Water System

Bloomfield forward from page 1 . . .number of elementary and middle schools, their locations, populations, traffic and programming consequences, and the cost implications of remodeling or adding to existing facilities vs. the construction of new buildings.

Acting Board President Jennifer Matlow, who helped with the decision process said, “The Board of Education, who passed the plan and also voted to put the $200M bond on the ballot for August 2020, would pay for these changes from residents’ property taxes.”

Many parents had different opinions on the renovation and transfer of the elementary and middle schools. Matlow said she personally received negative feedback that involved the distance between the middle schools and students’ homes. There would potentially be a farther bus ride for students due to only having two middle schools in the center of the district instead of the three current middle schools at the edges of the district.

After six months of planning and designing, the district will soon see how these decisions will play out in practice.

Hidden inside a mountain ridge overlooking Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor, a United States fuel storage and transportation plant has provided fuel to the military, including ships and planes, since World War II. Last May, the plant’s jet fuel leaked into the surrounding water well, causing the water to be filled with toxic chemicals and petroleum. The Navy is attempting to contain the leak, but aren’t closing the facility for the time being. Citizens in the nearby area have contaminated water, therefore, their daily tasks are difficult to accomplish. The contaminated water has caused symptoms of nausea, headaches and rashes.

The military has moved community members into hotels as the water system’s contamination is being resolved.

Photo via US NAVY

Europe initiates diplomatic efforts to defuse Ukraine crisis On Tuesday, February 8, French President Emmanuel Macron emerged as a primary figure within Europe’s diplomatic efforts to prevent a potential military escalation between Ukraine and Russia. As the United States moves troops to Eastern Europe to support its allies in NATO, Russia is deploying their forces at Ukraine’s border in what is shaping up to be one of the most tense conflicts in Eastern Europe in decades. Meanwhile, Macron visited his counterpart, Russian President Vladimir Putin, in Moscow to push for a de-escalation to the crisis. The two leaders appeared at a press conference after engaging in lengthy talks for over five hours. Macron stated that he and Putin were able to find ‘’points of convergence’’ over the crisis in order to stabilize the situation and lessen tensions.

Photo via INDEPENDENT.CO.UK

Satellites fall out of orbit after being struck by storm SpaceX’s new satellites are falling out of orbit after being struck by a solar storm on Friday, February 4.

40 out of the 49 small satellites launched in the week of January 31 have left the orbit and have entered the atmosphere. The geomagnetic storm made for a denser atmosphere, therefore, the satellites will not be able to survive in the atmosphere and will eventually burn. Close to 2,000 SpaceX satellites are still orbiting Earth and providing internet service to the world. The failed satellites posed no threat or danger to any other space crafts and were positioned temporarily.

Photo via INSURANCE JOURNAL

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NEWSFEBRUARY

Sledding in a winter wonder-farm Bowers Farm opens up for sledders, snow tubers, and ice skaters for winter fun

by GRACE ROBERTS Staff Writer

Photo via ANTI DEFAMATION LEAGUE

No Place For Hate Renewal BHHS Renewed a partnership with the ADL, what does that mean for you?

by RUBY STOLLER Section Editor The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) was born at a time when American Jews were facing deeply rooted bigotry without the necessary legislation to prevent perpetrators from committing horrific acts of violence.

The ADL took the promise of stopping the defamation of the Jewish people one step further by promising to secure justice and fair treatment for all. This mission has always been significant, but as hate crimes have reached all time highs and social media has amplified harmful behaviors and voices, the ADL has the opportunity to show the world what their organization strives to achieve.

In 1985, The ADL piloted the A World of Difference campaign, which has since evolved into the No Place for Hate program for K-12 schools and students. According to the Anti-Defamation League, No Place for Hate provides schools with customizable, interactive training programs and curriculum that provide tools for learning and reflection. Most notably, No Place for Hate utilizes an anti-bias framework to teach students how identity - race, class, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, etc. - can unconsciously shape one’s view of the world. They created

a comprehensive list of vocabulary for learning about prejudice and discrimination, which they anticipate will foster a world that recognizes bias and the dangerous and volatile environments to which it leads.

Over 1.4 million students are a part of the No Place for Hate program and 1,600+ scho ol districts are commiting to becoming no place for hate.

The benefits of this programming have been seen around the United States.

Steve MacGregor, a Associate teacher at Lincoln Ypsilanti High School in Michigan said, “We are starting to see students speak up more. Staff feel more supported in doing social justice lessons. Everyone is more comfortable interrupting insensitive behaviors and speech, even though it is still difficult.”

Recently, BHHS renewed their partnership with ADL’s No Place for Hate program. The hope is that by renewing the partnership, it will lead to pivotal conversations about the culture of our school and what we can do to cultivate a welcoming and inclusive environment. Through an extensive conversation with Mrs. Jessica Lupone, Associate Principal at BHHS, I learned the school’s hope is that students will recognize how their own biases play into the actions they take Principal and the way they think.

When I asked Mrs. Lupone if there was a specific event that sparked the renewal she informed me that, “We have been a No Place for Hate school previously and Ms. Shultz, our director of equity, has been trying to have the whole district go through the program,” Lupone said. “Then, our

“Our younger students will be hearing this message and moving through the programming, so by the time they get to high school, it’s a part of who we are”

MRS. LUPONE

younger students will be hearing this message and moving through the programming, so by the time they get to high school, it’s a part of who we are. From what I know, there was not anything specific. I think some of the things that went on this fall probably started the need and opened our eyes for a district-wide program.”

The program starts by having students, staff members, and community members take a culture survey at the beginning of year. Then, students pledge to uphold the standards of the No Place for Hate program, and two undetermined events take place to move the culture of the school in a more inclusive and less biased direction. At the end of the year, another culture survey will be conducted. This measures the success of the program. Mrs. Lupone says that the form to report incidents of hate and bias will be a helpful tool in measuring the success of the ADL’s programming.

The ADL’s No Place for Hate programming is designed to improve the culture of BHHS, and ultimately the entire Bloomfield Hills School District.

If you are looking to get involved, reach out to Mrs. Lupone for more information and to express your interest in piloting this program.

Open Jan. 7 through Feb. 27, Bowers Winter Park and Bowers Farm offers snow tubing, ice skating, and food and drinks around the fire.

One of the biggest sledding hills in Metro Detroit, Bowers snow tubing hill is lit up with glowing, colorful lights to make the experience even more amazing. The hill features four fast and snowy lanes for a spectacular winter wonderland experience. It costs $14 per person for a tube, and each ticket is good for 50 minutes of tubing. The Winter Park is open every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., every Friday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., every Saturday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., and every Sunday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. This is the second year that Bowers has done snow tubing, and this year the runs are even longer than before, and some additions have been added to make the experience even better.

“We’ve moved the tubing area a bit, so the track is longer and at a different angle than last year’s track.

We are using a different material this year for the track base, which makes it a more enjoyable experience for our riders. We’ve also added menu items to our concessions area in the big red barn, including hand-made, hand-tossed pizzas, homemade breadsticks, a ‘cocoa toppings bar,’ and Griffin Claw Brewery is serving cocktails in the barn on Saturdays. FYI, we also are selling our farm-raised beef, pork, lamb, and poultry in the big red barn. We also have a new deck, attached to the hill side of the barn, where you can relax outdoors, if you choose, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Winter Park. You can also do this sitting near one of our two large fire pits, where you can roast marshmallows or make s’mores using one of our s’mores kits, sold at the concession area.

There is also a large warmed tent on the east side of the barn, so you can enjoy that as well most nights” said Kathy Staran, a guest services associate at Bowers.

When asked about what she likes about Bowers in the winter, Staran said, “I love the feel of the farm in winter, as wind blows across the fields and the animals hunker down for winter. Many of our farm animals also give birth during the winter months, so that’s very cool as well. I also love Winter Park, because it’s a chance to reconnect and welcome back our members, whom I haven’t seen since the fall, [and I enjoy] meeting and interacting with visitors.”

The concept of the Winter Park was made to bring people together and enjoy the snowy weather.

“I think that people, especially since we’ve been dealing with Covid for two years, are looking for a chance to get outdoors and have some winter fun together,” Staran said. “People of all ages, from three to over 70 years old, have enjoyed tubing down the hill and laughing their heads off.”

A community member enjoys snow tubing at Bowers Farm Photo via BLOOMFIELD HILLS SCHOOLS

Space Exploration Sees New Heights

by HAYDEN BUCKFIRE Feature Editor Five…four…three…two…one….

Space exploration has captivated and inspired generations to satisfy humanity’s desire to learn and discover more about the universe.

2021 saw multiple advancements in space exploration: SpaceX, BlueOrigin, and Virgin Galactic—three of the largest private-sector space companies—all sent non-astronauts into orbit as part of private crew missions.

The business model of all of these companies is collectively similar—fly privately chartered missions to the edge of space to give ordinary citizens the chance to experience a panoramic view that is literally “out of this world.”

In July 2021, a Virgin Galactic spaceflight containing six passengers, including Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Galactic, became the first commercial private flight to space; the flight achieved weightlessness for a few minutes and returned thereafter. Later that month, a fully automated Blue Origin flight carrying billionaire Jeff Bezos and three other passengers performed a similar mission.

“We’re going to build a road to space so that our kids and their kids can build the future. And we need to do that. We need to do that to solve the problems here on Earth. It’s not about escaping,” Bezos said shortly after his space flight.

These recent developments, however intriguing they may be, have not gone without steady criticism. Some have pointed out that Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, founders of SpaceX and Blue Origin and financiers of these developments, could instead use the funds for charitable purposes. Others have stated that space should not be “democratized by billionaires.”

In addition to the “billionaire space race,” a media term to coin the recent developments in private aeronautics, several other strides have recently been made in the wide world of space exploration.

Looking ahead into the future, 2022 can be an even bigger year for space exploration than 2021.

NASA, through its Artemis program, is planning to launch a rocket to orbit around the moon sometime this year. The program is attempting to send astronauts to the lunar surface by 2025, which will be the first lunar flight in over 50 years. NASA is working in conjunction with SpaceX, which recently won a three-billion-dollar contract to develop a ship as part of the lunar mission.

Musk, who is the figurehead of SpaceX, has high ambitions for the prospects of the mission.

“It’s been now almost half a century since humans were last on the moon. That’s too long, we need to get back there and have a permanent base on the moon—again, like a big permanently occupied base on the moon. And then build a city on Mars to become a spacefaring civilization, a multi-planet species,” Musk said in an April 2021 speech.

Regardless of what comes next in the wide world of aeronautics, efforts will continue to concentrate on understanding the unknown and going where mankind has never gone before.

by NIRANJAN ANANTHARAMAN Staff Writer

James Webb Space Telescope Sets Out for its Mission

by GRACE MAIN Staff Writer Since the beginning of time, humans have longed to know more about our universe. Discovering what is out there has motivated people to explore through means of going to the moon, researching in space, finding galaxies and suns, and taking pictures of what the human eye cannot see.

Since its launch in 1990, the world famous Hubble Space Telescope has not only been capturing the attention of people all over the world, but also capturing pictures of the universe that have made people eager to learn more about the origins of the universe. Yet with all of its accomplishments, the Hubble Telescope can only see so far.

The James Webb Space Telescope was launched on December 25, 2021, and it is by far the biggest and most technologically advanced telescope in human history. It was completed thanks to the efforts of thousands of people from NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency.

The structure of the telescope resembles a golden honeycomb. The 18 hexagonal gold plates are there to reflect infrared light. This light is what sets the Webb Telescope apart from other telescopes. By detecting this light, the Webb will look further than the Hubble ever could, even looking back in time.

Light takes a long time to travel, so by the time the telescope reflects the light, it is ultimately light that was emitted long ago.

The goal of this telescope is for scientists to learn more about the origins of the universe through looking back at this light, and the telescope will also study the atmospheres of other planets to determine if they could be habitable by humans.

Unlike the Hubble Telescope which orbits around Earth, the Webb telescope orbits around the sun at the “Lagrange Point,” which is 1 million miles away from Earth. This makes it so that the Webb telescope can see further into the Universe.

It will still be a while until we see any clear pictures taken from the telescope, but the first images will be released in June or July of 2022.

Opinion: The Ultra-Rich are Abandoning Earth to Feed Their Greed

by CAMERON KAUFMAN Staff Writer In the past few years, there has been a massive explosion of uber-wealthy people spending billions upon billions to go to space.

Richard Branson, Elon Musk, and Jeff Bezos, among other ultra-billionaires, have been competing in their own personal space race, except instead of contributing to science and research, they’re mostly just going fueled by their own greed.

Many reasons have been cited as the impetus for these billionaires going to space - some argue they’re exploring space, bettering technology, or contributing to science, but ultimately, I believe that billionaires are going to space motivated by their egos and their greed (to tour space or to create real estate business on the moon or on Mars), and that they are giving up on our own planet.

With all the money they hoard, it is beyond feasible for them to help solve the problems they are trying to escape from on Earth, including poverty, homelessness, hunger, and violence. The UN believes that $30 billion annually is the amount of money necessary to solve world hunger. Jeff Bezos alone has a net worth of $197 billion, enough to solve world hunger more than six times over. He could choose to solve many of the problems plaguing the world, but instead decided to just leave and abandon everyone else who doesn’t have that kind of money.

Now, let me make this clear: space exploration, in general, is good. Utilizing the research we acquire from journeys to better the world we live in now is not a problem. But when billionaires refuse to spend the money they earn from exploiting their employees on bettering this Earth we live in now and instead use it to escape from all of the problems we have here (many of which they have contributed to), I do have a problem.

Space exploration nowadays has so much potential. With the technology we have in this day and age, there is so much we could learn from other planets and space in general. But when space exploration is dominated by corporations and billionaires, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. The way that corporations have taken over something that originally was pioneered by NASA and scientists to twist it to their own self-interests is bad, and it’s a horrible sign of the future.

FEBRUARYNEWS

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The Stroughter era: behind the scenes Understanding the selection process for a new principal

by CAL MARTINEZ Copy Editor On Jan. 26, Superintendent Pat Watson announced that Lawrence Stroughter has been selected as the new principal of BHHS, but many students, staff, and community members are wondering: what did the selection process look like in the first place?

In an effort to locate the best-suited candidate, the district searched for candidates through the Michigan Leadership Institute (MLI)—a nonprofit consulting organization that specializes in hiring administrators for K-12 schools. MLI assisted the district with conducting a widespread search for potential candidates, as well as collecting feedback regarding what an ideal candidate might look like from community members. The district emailed a survey to students, parents, and staff; discussed factors to consider when selecting a new principal with staff; and personally attended Student Senate meetings to get more in-depth feedback from students. After collecting community feedback and viewing initial applications, the district prepared to interview the applicants.

Keith McDonald, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, played a key role in coordinating between MLI, screening applicants, and preparing the interview process. “​​There are four groups conducting separate interviews for each candidate,” McDonald said. “It is a grueling process for the candidates, but we are able to gather great information from our candidates.

The groups are: administrators, community members, staff, and students.”

However, the selection process was not complete after a single round of interviews. According to McDonald, applicants went through a total of three rounds of interviews in order to effectively narrow down the pool of potential candidates.

Heather Chen, BHHS senior and School Board Intern, was appointed to sit on an interview committee with other students. Although committee members had to sign a confidentiality agreement, Chen was able to discuss how the overall interview process functioned.

“The questions were pre-selected, and we didn’t ask follow up questions because it had to move so quickly,” Chen said. “We wanted to make sure we were asking everybody the same questions. So, each room had a moderator, this moderator was a district staff employee. [The moderator] was the one asking the questions and our job was to take notes on each of the candidates.”

During the debriefing sessions that came afterwards, those taking notes and listening were tasked with the responsibility of representing not only their own feelings in their insights about each of the candidates, but the sentiment of the community as a whole. Although Chen shared that this was tiring at some points, she felt as if the work was thorough and necessary. Chen noted that BHHS’s selection process for hiring a new principal by itself is a point of pride for her and others.

“This consulting group that we work with usually looks for superintendents for school districts, and we are basically doing this hiring process [that] has been at the level of a superintendent,” Chen said.

“It’s really important to keep in mind that this is all happening during a teacher education shortage as well. We did draw quite a few applicants which I think really says something about our school district, given that so many areas are struggling to find people right now.”

For some students, staff, parents, and community members, the transition of leadership between two principals can feel like a test of trust between district officials and community stakeholders. On Feb. 7, Mr. Stroughter officially began as principal of BHHS.

BHHS Model UN Stduents participate in the Semmuna Conference Photo by PAUL KOLIN

Hosting SEMMUNA + UNICEF Fundraiser Model UN Returns to Bloomfield

by MAX MELAMED Section Editor After a challenging two years, the BHHS Model UN team was able to successfully participate in its first in-person conference since the beginning of 2020.

When classes and extracurricular activities went virtual in 2020, so did Model UN, which is a club at Bloomfield Hills High School that participates in solving world problems alongside other schools, modeled after the real United Nations. Largescale conferences that were supposed to commence in person had to either be canceled or held virtually.

The conference consisted of over eight hundred students from thirty-seven schools. What made Model UN’s return to competition even more special was that the South East Michigan Model United Nations Association (SEMMUNA), the first Model UN conference of the year, was hosted by the Bloomfield Hills team.

The BHHS Model UN team is led

by Mr. MacLeod. “It was so great to

finally be back in person and see kids using the skills that Model UN Teaches. The research, the collabo-

When asked if there was anything he would change about the conference, MacLeod stated that, “As a

“It was so great to finally be back in person and see kids using the skills that Model UN Teaches. The research, the collaboration, the problem-solving, the interpersonal skills, it was just really wonderful to see kids ‘doing’ Model UN again,”

MR. MACLEOD BHHS Teacher and Model UN Advisory ration, the problem-solving, the interpersonal skills, it was just really wonderful to see kids ‘doing’ Model UN again,” said MacLeod.

Safest Masks

by CAMERON KAUFMAN Staff Writer

whole, while there is always room for improvement, this conference was extremely successful and nothing major would be changed.”

Not only did the conference as a whole succeed, but many Model UN participants from Bloomfield Hills also had an amazing experience with their committees and were able to properly address the worldwide issues at hand and create solutions within their committees.

Jolie Oleshansky, a junior who has been on the Model UN team for three years, reflected on the SEMMUNA conference.

“This conference differed from past conferences in the way that we prepared as a team. In the past, we have done small group preparations and read through a guidebook. This time, we met as a whole team and discussed different success strategies,” Oleshansky said. “Additionally, this conference was at BHHS instead of other host schools. Because we hosted this conference, it felt more comfortable because we were more familiar with the environment.”

Oleshansky further reflected on the difference and her preference between in-person and virtual conferences.

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FEATUREFEBRUARY

CLUBS OF BHHS

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Bi-weekly on Mondays in G-wing, the Environmental Club, a club focused on protecting the environment, meets.

“Environmental club has been part of BHHS for a long time. We aim to spread awareness about environmental issues and hold fundraisers to support protection causes,” co-president Sophia Cao said.

Recently, the Environmental Club has raised money for the Earth Island Institute, a nonprofit environmental organization, with the selling of Veggie Grams in November, as well as fundraising to raise money for relief from the tornadoes in Kentucky. In the future, they plan to spread awareness about the climate crisis during Earth Week, which takes place during Apr. 18-22.

RED CROSS CLUB

by ANNA BICKERSTETH Staff Writer The Red Cross Club was founded last year by its president, Grace Bickersteth. The club’s focus is community service, following in the ideals of the American Red Cross. So far, club members have organized a toy drive for the local animal shelter, made cards to send to the senior center and Beaumont, and soon plan to create blankets for children in the hospital.

“Being a part of the Red Cross Club is so rewarding,” club president Grace Bickersith said. “I love giving back to the community and doing so with friends.”

UFMAN

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real talk club

by ANNA BICK ERSTETH Staff Writer

by CAMERON KAUFMAN Staff Writer and Graphic Designer Every other Thursday after school, Habitat for Humanity meets. Once a semester, the club has a volunteer opportunity where they go to homes that are being repaired or the ReStore, a warehouse with donated furniture available at a discounted price.

“Habitat for Humanity is a national organization that has been around forever. The organization focuses on better local communities by helping the less fortunate acquire housing. This includes making sure the homeowner has a stable home with carpeting, lighting, paint on the walls, and furniture. The person who will be moving in is often there volunteering with us,” said Ellie Weisberg, co-president.

Recently, Habitat for Humanity organized Valentine’s Day Candy Grams. They sold two different packages (one for $2 and one for $4) the week of Feb. 6 and will pass them out on Feb. 14th, with proceeds donated to Habitat for Humanity.

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Real Talk Club, a relatively new club, is run by Carly Bernard an d Leena Jandali.

The club meets once a month to discuss ‘rea l talk’—the hone truths they are st struggling with.

Whether it be school, family, friends, or anyt hing in betwee the club is a spac n, e for each mem ber to feel hear and supported, d while supporti ng one another.

There is no set focus for each meeting, so that they can simpl y enjoy time to gether.

“My favorite th ing about the club is creating a community of people with different back grounds and fr iend groups [w ho] can come to gether to help on e another,” club president Carly Bernard said.

by CAMERO N KAUFMAN Staff Writer and Graphic Tri-M is a m Designer usi

c honors so ciety that m day at 7:15 a. ee m. with the purpose of ac ts every other Frimusic throu hieving exce gh commun llence in ity service. towards con Two things sist of build they work ing commu dents and co nity among mmunity ou music stutreach, parti schools. cularly in th e middle “I personally very much su we stand for pport and b as a elieve in ever ything music studen club. Our meetings are a wonderful ts from diffe time for rent ensemb a communit les and grad y,” said Ella es to form Tupper, vice Recently, Tr president. i-M has bee n fundraisin see the Detro g to send m it S embers to of Rodgers an ymphony Orchestra (DS O) perform d Hammerst The Best ein on March break, Tri-M had a Music 25. Prior to winter Gram fundra played musi is c for studen ts in class, an er where members entine’s Day dp Music Gram fundraiser th lan to have a ValDay. e week of Val entine’s

STUDENT LIFE BHHS ESPORTS TEAM

X Y

A B

High student interest for new Black Hawk competitive gaming team

by HAYDEN BUCKFIRE Feature Editor

When you think of a high school sports team, you may initially think of baseball, football, basketball, or volleyball.

Nowadays, you may see mouses clicking, keyboards clacking, and gamers jabbering — teammates communicating and coordinating as they work together to win in a competitive game.

Just as competitive as traditional sports but in a completely virtual setting, Bloomfield Hills High School’s new Varsity ESports Team provides a new and compelling experience for students interested in competitive video games.

In ESports competitions, participants compete against each other in a virtual setting in their favorite videogames.

These games may feature a battle on an elevated platform or a game of football.

Several universities have created ESports teams in recent years, awarding scholarships to prospective high schoolers.

Aaron Strager, a BHHS math teacher, is the ESports team’s head coach and is excited about the start of the team’s in-

augural season.

“Our goal is to make sure that every player has something that they enjoy playing the most,” Strager explained. “That being said, there are more than 50 top ESports games out there right now. Because of that, we are following the PlayVS rosters, which have seven games right now.”

PlayVS, the platform that the team uses, hosts matchups for high school and college ESports teams, matching local high schools against each other.

Among the games that will be played by the BHHS team are titles such as League of Legends, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros., Overwatch, Mario Kart, Madden NFL, and Splatoon. Team members will specialize in one of the games and work with others, competing as a team in their specialty game.

An in-person open house was held on

MR. STRAGER BHHS Teacher and Esports Team Coach

about the upcoming season.

Tryouts for a spot on the team in the in-

to participate in competitions themselves; however, they can help out with the team’s advertising and fundraising efforts. Strager hopes that the team can blossom into a community of students who share a passion for video gaming.

Newly purchased gaming equipment will be provided to players on behalf of the school. Such equipment consists of computers, mouses, and mousepads.

However, some may opt to use their own equipment, such as a different type of game controller.

The team is planning on playing next year and in future years, already having signed up for the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 seasons.

“We want this year to be where we establish our identity and find out who we are as a school and what we are best at, and then to spend the next couple of years focusing and honing in on that identity to provide the best experience for our players,” Strager concluded.

ONLINE NEWS

Athlete Profile: Noah Adamczyk Meet the rising star for the Bloomfield Hills High School boys basketball team

The Bloomfield Hills Boys Basketball team has been rolling this year, and a very large part of their success has been the play of star sophomore guard Noah Adamcyzk. Currently sitting at 10-3 overall and 2-1 in the OAA White, the Black Hawks and Adamczyk have received tons of recognition across the state from the likes of State Champs Michigan, Hometown Life Sports and the D Zone Basketball. “We all get along really well on and off the court, which has been very significant in our success this season,” Adamczyk said.

Adamcyzk has put up some big time performances this season, including a 32 point explosion in a win over Groves and a 29 point non conference win vs. Harper Woods. One reporter, Brandon Folsom from Hometown Life Sports said, “Noah Adamczyk has Foster Loyer range, John Stockton handles and gives opposing coaches headaches when they *try* to game plan for him.”

“I put in a lot of work and hours in the off-season getting better,” Adamczyk states regarding his personal success this year.

dividual games were held from Jan. 3-6, with gamers competing for a spot on the team for a particular game title.

Often, gamers specialize in some games and have already accrued skills from previous experience playing on their own before competing on behalf of the school team.

Junior Nathan Thai-Tang, who plays Overwatch for the team, noted the competitive nature of ESports in relation to other forms of competition.

“There’s a certain dynamic in competitive games that makes it feel good to win—same for video games, the fast pace, and constant action is always just ‘there’,” Thai-Tang reflected.

“Playing and competing is even more fun by being on a team in a competitive environment.”

Preseason league play starts on Jan. 21 and continues until Apr. 18.

Some team members may not be able

“We want this year to be where we establish our identity and find out who we are as a school and what we are best at. . .honing in on that identity to provide the best experience for our players”

SPORTS FEATURE

by BRANDON YAKER Managing Editor

Tuesday, Nov. 30, where several dozen students and families interested in the team attended the event to learn more

As the team looks forward to the latter part of their season and playoff push, Adamczyk states, “my goal for the team is winning leagues and making a deep run in districts. Personally, I would like to get myself closer to the 1000 points milestone.”

Adamczyk is a leader on this squad along with the seven seniors who will be leaving next season. “I need to do a better job leading as people do look up to me on and off the court. Just doing the little things right and setting good examples for younger kids,” Adamczyk said.

As it stands, the Black Hawks have seven regular season games remaining, and stay deep in the unt for their second consecutive OAA White title.

Noah has a very bright future in basketball, stating “next year I’d love to come back, win a lot of games and continue my career in college”

The good, the bad, and the fruity What you need to know about antagonizing your baristas with Starbucks TikTok trends

by CAL MARTINEZ Copy Editor I like to break precedent, so for the past two weeks, I’ve been mixing up my typical Starbucks order (an iced chai latte,) with some of the most annoying, excessively sweet, and sometimes disgusting, Starbucks drinks I see on my “For You” page on TikTok. Before you go and order any of these drinks, remember that they’re not on the official Starbucks menu, and oftentimes, they take extra time and effort to make. Make sure you leave your barista an extra-large tip for dealing with your obnoxious order!

The Mango Dragonfruit Frappuccino, invented by @brushworksbydima on TikTok, is a sweet, new take. . .

Photo by SONNY SCAFIDI

Car smashes into Starbucks storefront

by LENNA PETERSON Editor-In-Chief A vehicle drove into a Starbucks store in Bloomfield Hills on Friday morning, shattering a side window and damaging the interior of the shop.

The Telegraph and Long Lake Road Starbucks location is located approximately 0.3 miles from BHHS, and is a popular spot for students and staff both before and after school. There were no confirmed injuries at this time, and the Starbucks will be closed indefinitely until repairs can be made to the damaged area.

At-home Covid-19 tests available for online order Website to request free athome Covid-19 tests launches one day early

by RUBY STOLLER Section Editor As COVID cases have skyrocketed in the past month, the Biden Administration introduced subsidized at-home COVID-19 testing kits. The New York Times reports that starting on January 15th, private insurance companies will be required to reimburse Americans for up to eight at-home antigen tests per person per month. The website allowing insured Americans to request the free at-home tests was supposed to be unveiled on January 19th; however, it was inadvertently introduced on January 18th.

While uninsured Americans. . .

FOR THESE STORIES AND MORE, VISIT OUR WEBSITE! bhhstoday.org

PAGE 11

Photo via PK SPORTS

BLACK HAWKS AT THE NEXT LEVEL Bloomfield Hills athletes sign letters of intent

PAGE 21

APPLE MUSIC VS. SPOTIFY Which music platform is superior?

Photo via TECH CRUNCH

PAGE 22

A EUPHORIC START TO 2022

Photo via HBO

A review of HBO’s Euphoria with a second season debut

PAGE 10

FEBRUARYSPORTS

BOYS BASKETBALL

Poms

THE WORLD OF SPORTS

by MAX MELAMED Sports Editor

The Boys Basketball team currently has eight wins and two losses this season. Led by captains Carson Brodsky, Noah Adamczyk, and Ben Canty, the team looks to continue their fantastic start to the season by racking up more wins and getting ahead in their conference. The team is expected to rely on Noah for big plays when needed, and continue to feed point guard Julian Manna for clutch threes.

Manna is also expected to find Canty for a dunk to silence opposing student sections. As the season continues, senior center Kyle Hudas says Black Hawk hoopers could start “improving on the little things and playing as a team for the entire game.”

Photo by SUSAN ADAMS PHOTOGRAPHY

GIRLS BASKETBALL

With 2021 out the door, the year comes to a close. Luckily, this doesn’t mean that sports are down for the count.

We are currently at the peak of the NFL season, as the regular season has just ended in a turmoil of events that has led into the playoff matchups being set.

It wouldn’t be an NFL season without controversy, though. Nearing the end of the season, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown took off his jersey and pads mid-game and ran off the field, leaving the stadium in a hurry. There isn’t much proof regarding the legitimate case of why he chose to exit in such a pellicular fashion.

Staying on the topic of football, the College Football Playoffs (CFP), alongside other bowl games, have all been played. There were 44 bowl games, including the

to no frequently as they should be, causing little to no progression on the issues at hand, and the fear of a shortened season has arisen.

The world of the NBA is almost halfway through its season. So far, the top teams consist of the Phoenix Suns and the Golden State Warriors from the Western Conference, and the Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets from the Eastern Conference. Throughout the season, there have been numerous players having outstanding seasons, some of which are frontrunners for the MVP award. Such players include Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetekoumpo, Joel Embiid, and DeMar DeRozan, to name a few.

In terms of the rookies and their performances up to this point, Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors and Evan Mobley of the Cleve-

BHHS SPORTS UPDATES The Bloomfield Hills Girls’ Basketball Team started their season with two wins in the first slate of games.

Led by senior captain Kennedy Burgess, the team look to improve their record, as well as their play on the court.

Ashley Forner, a member of the team, says that the team can improve by “not turning the ball over as much and working on being a team.”

You can expect to see the girls’ basketball team continue to feed sophomore Ashley Forner for baskets as they attempt to keep adding to the win column.

Photo by ASHLEY FORNER

FIGURE SKATING

The Bloomfield Hills Figure Skating Team is hoping to pick themselves up from modest competition scores and skate into the States competition.

At their past competition on Jan. 20 at the Detroit Skating Club, the C-level team scored first place in the Moves In The Field category. The team’s next competition will be on Feb. 17 at Suburban Ice Rochester.

Sophomore skater Krista Studier feels hopeful about the team’s future.

“I’m pretty proud of us,” Studier said. “I think we’ve all done a really good job coming together as a team, and there’s a lot of good chemistry between us. So I feel like this year was definitely a starting point of where the team can go.”

Photo courtesy of BHHS FIGURE SKATING

Photos and updates from the winter sports season.

CFP, with many shocking results and enticing moments.

In the National Championship, Georgia beat Alabama, crowning them as the official college football champions for the 2021-22 season.

Additionally in college football, a record number of student-athletes have entered the transfer portal, as almost 1,500 athletes have either transferred into or out of a Power 5 conference school.

While football may be in season, baseball is currently not, and, at the moment, there’s no confirmed date for the start of the season.

MLB went into a lockout in early December, halting all player free-agent deals. The lockout is occurring because MLB owners and players do not have a collective bargaining agreement in place.

Currently, the owners and the players union are not meeting as frequently as they should be, causing little

land Cavaliers have been playing fantastically and exceeding expectations. These two are currently the favorites to win the Rookie of the Year award, with Franz Wagner, Cade Cunningham, and Josh Giddey trailing right behind them.

While professional basketball is always enjoyable to watch, we can’t forget where most of these players competed before their success in the league: college basketball. This season, the prestige number one ranking has changed countlessly, as teams such as Duke, Gonzaga, Baylor, and more have held the top spot for weeks, if not months. Some players are already making a name for themselves, such as Paolo Banchero (Duke), Chet Holmgren (Gonzaga), Jabari Smith (Auburn), Jaden Ivey (Purdue), and so many more players, waiting to finally accomplish their dreams of making it into the NBA.

As basketball season is in its peak, the dance team has been experimenting with different dance styles as their season progresses. They recently welcomed new coaches into their program, and are looking forward to performing new choreography at Black Hawk Fever and Senior Night.

Photo courtesy of BHHS POMS

HOCKEY

Our Bloomfield Black Hawks hockey team is gearing up for playoffs next week after going undefeated in league play and winning the OAA white. Senior Kyle Lucia is currently second in the state with 43 goals, and senior Drew Speaks currently sits sixth in the state with 37 assists. The team is anchored defensively by senior goalie Brandon Yaker, who is sporting a 0.929 save percentage and 3.13 Goals against average. Junior James Somero sits fourth in the OAA in points with 52, and should be in line to lead this team next season.

Photo by SUSAN ADAMS PHOTOGRAPHY

SKI TEAM

The Bloomfield Hills High School Ski Team is off to an exciting start as they recently placed fourth in a race on Jan. 26. The team is led by captains Anna Charboneau, Brooke Green, Andrew O’Neill and Jacob Saltsman. Saltsman states: “The race this past Wednesday was our best race so far, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.” The ski team is ready to go, as they have many meets coming up. The team will race at the States meet, which is one of the most anticipated races of the season. “I am most looking forward to the States meet up North because it is fun to compete against really fast schools on more challenging terrains,” Saltsman shared.

Photo by HOLMES AHARI

SUPER BOWL LVI

by NOAH KAM Staff Writer On Sunday, February 13, the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams faced off in Super Bowl 56. Both quarterbacks, Joe Burrow and Matt Stafford, made their Super Bowl debuts. The Rams took an early lead, but the Bengals came back and played the third quarter strong. Unfortunately, they couldn’t hold on through a 16-play drive executed by the Rams led

by Matt Stafford. He even threw a no-look pass to Cooper Kupp on a crucial third down.

In my opinion, the Rams didn’t deserve to win. Aaron Donald, Rams defensive tackle, had a mediocre game against the saddest O-line I have ever seen, and Stafford threw two picks. It wasn’t the Rams who won, it was the Bengals O-line who lost.

While it was a well fought game throughout, the game wouldn’t be nearly the same if the Bengals didn’t have a wet paper bag of an offensive line. Considered the worst

offensive line of the decade by some, this front was sad. Joe Burrow was the most sacked quarterback

in the league, and he still managed to drag the Bengals to the Super Bowl. Not only did he make it, but he kept his team in the game with under two seconds in the pocket to throw almost every play.

I want to zoom in on the last important play of the Super Bowl. The Bengals had the ball with a

fourth and one with 43 seconds left, and everyone knew it was the last play of the game if they didn’t get that yard. The ball was snapped, and after about a second, the Bengals let Donald get to Burrow. The Rams only rushed four and the Bengals O-line forgot to block the best defensive lineman in football. If I took myself and four other friends, we would’ve been able to protect Burrow for more than the Bengals offensive line did. One might say, “So what?

He wouldn’t have made the first down anyways.” If you look back at the film you will see Jalen Ramsay trailing a wide open Jamarr Chase on a go route.

Give Burrow a second chance, and the Bengals win the Super Bowl.

PAGE 11

SPORTSFEBRUARY

Risks in Athletics How are today’s high school athletes put at risk in competition?

by NOAH ROSLIN Managing Editor Next time you go to a Black Hawks game, take a moment to sit back and take it in.

Listen to the roars of the crowd, the squeaking of shoes on the court, the clap of a slapshot on the ice; watch the dugout after a fly ball to left field or the sideline after a pick. Feel the school spirit coursing through the whole facility. The energy is intoxicating. And then, BOOM. You see your classmate, the person repping your school on their chest, get rocked in the middle of the field. You see your pitcher take a line drive to the jaw. You can see a midfielder get tripped by a mean slide tackle, and you see them lying on the ground behind the play, head in hands.

High school sports have a cult following for a good reason, but as with all sports, there are risk factors associated. Injuries are often shaken off or played through for the good of the team. This is why high school sports can be much more dangerous. Even

“High school sports are more than worth it. With that being said, one would be burying their head in the sand if they did not acknowledge the risk of [athletics].”

NOAH ROSLIN Managing Editor (from left to right) Alice Spiegel, Drew Martin, Kellen Fife, and Lauren Chioini Photo via PK SPORTS

Black Hawks at the Next Level Bloomfield Hills athletes sign letters of intent

by ETHAN ENDELMAN Staff Writer This past November, a few Bloomfield Hills High School athletes were fortunate enough to sign their National Letter of Intent (NLI) to play a sport at the collegiate level.

Lauren Chioni, Drew Martin, and Alice Spiegel are three of the athletes that are signed to play at the next level. Spiegel and Martin will be playing soccer at Western Michigan, and Chioni will be playing volleyball at Aquinas College.

Lauren Chioni started playing volleyball in middle school, but began to take the sport seriously in high school through playing on the varsity team all four years of her career, and playing club volleyball at a national level. She is looking forward to going to college because she is excited to make new friends, dive into new experiences, and grow more as a person. Despite her excitement, she is a little nervous about what the new workload will look like while being a student-athlete. Chioni chose to attend Aquinas because she feels comfortable in its environment, and it is

a small campus near Grand Rapids, allowing her to get a taste of the city life while being near the campus.

Additionally, there are many medical internship opportunities nearby that she is hoping to pursue. Chioni wants to be a physician’s assistant or go into sports medicine, leading to her interest in studying Health Sciences or Kinesiology. She has accumulated many achievements throughout her high school caFuture reer such as winning the league her sophomore year, being a Scholar-Athlete, being named to the MIVCA All-Region team and the OAA Red All-League team, and being named Offensive Player of the Year on her team.

Drew Martin chose to attend WMU because she feels comfortable in the school’s family-like environment.

Martin started playing soccer at just five years old, and has played competitively on a travel team since the third grade. Her travel team made it to the National Championship in 2018. Martin intends on majoring in Biology and minoring in Business.

She has been on varsity her whole career, and she was the captain of the team her junior year and has been named a captain for the upcoming season.

Bronco Martin also earned All-District, All-Region, AllLeague, and All-State honors throughout her high school career.

Joining Martin is Alice Spiegel, who will also be playing soccer at Western Michigan next year. Spiegel fell in love with the campus, coaches, team, and competitive atmosphere at WMU. She plans on majoring in

“[I] fell in love with the campus and the coaches.”

ALICE SPIEGEL

either Sports Medicine or Business Management, and is looking forward to the new relationships that she will build with her teammates and the higher level of competition.

She is worried about the pre-season fitness tests and balancing soccer and school. Spiegel would have been a four-year varsity player if it had not been for the cancellation of the 2020 season due to Covid-19. She also had one of her seasons cut short because she tore her ACL. Following her injury, she could not play for eight months; it affected her a lot, but it taught her some valuable lessons.

Her injury also showed how much soccer meant to her. During her freshman year, she helped the Black Hawks win districts, and for the upcoming soccer season in the spring, she has been named a team captain.

Chioni, Martin, and Spiegel are only a select few of the Bloomfield Hills athletes that have or are planning to sign their National Letter of Intent this year to play a sport at the collegiate level.

NBA All-Star Weekend Approaches Stars are started and snubbed as the NBA’s best approaches

by BYRON BROOKS Staff Writer The first round of fan voting for the NBA All-Star Game ended on Jan. 6, and many surprising names were on the list. One person who falls under this category is Klay Thompson, who didn’t appear in a game this season until recently, as he is recovering from an injury.

Many other players have received a surprising number of votes, such as Darius Garland and LaMelo Ball, who are young and developing players who have been leading their teams to good seasons so far. Many familiar names have also received a lot of votes. Players such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant have the accolades to present themselves as the best in the league, making them deserving of a substantial amount of votes.

The game will take place in Cleveland, Ohio, at the Rocket Mortgage

Arena. Also, there are other exciting events to watch other than the actual All-Star game, such as the three-point contest and the dunk contest.

In recent years, the three-point contest has typically consisted of players such as Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard, two of the best three-point shooters in the NBA. Curry is a three-time winner of this event, so occasionally, he decides to not participate and lets the other contestants battle it out for the trophy.

The dunk contest is somewhat different, as there are typically new contestants each year due to the countless number of elite athletes in the NBA. Miles Bridges and Ja Morant should be two names to look out for in this year’s dunk contest, as they both are high flying athletes. This year’s All-Star weekend should be a great and entertaining weekend for all.

The 2022 All-Star competitons will be held in Cleveland, home of the Cavaliers Photo via CLEVELAND SCENE

without the dramatic injuries above, there are countless examples of players sustaining overuse injuries or experiencing nagging pains that both hamper their play on the field and stay with them long after they play. Untreated injuries are common in high school, and they often lead to problems down the road.

Another major concern is the risk of concussion.

Even while wearing helmets, athletes who play contact sports, such as football and hockey, face the constant danger of concussions. Understated, however, is the concussion risk for sports such as men’s and women’s soccer, basketball, and even lacrosse.

Concussions can also have very serious side effects and consequences. Many NFL and NHL players have died far too young due to unnatural causes, and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) has been found in their brains and identified as a potential cause of death. Fear surrounding CTE is at such a high that current players who have exhibited odd behaviors, such as Antonio Brown, have been armchair diagnosed with early-onset CTE. For me, high school sports are more than worth it, due to the memories and friends I’ve made along the way. Although, with that being said, one would be burying their head in the sand if they did not acknowledge the risk of everything, from making a tackle to running a 400 meter.

PAGE 12

FEBRUARYFEATURE

In-Person One-Acts Return to BHHS

Learn about the two plays being put on at BHHS

by CAMERON KAUFMAN Staff Writer and Graphic Designer The past two years were filled with ups and downs for the Bloomfield Hills High School Performing Arts Department, with COVID-19 difficulties encumbering actors, technicians, and director Mary Bogrette.

Currently, the department is putting on two oneact plays, Love’s Labour’s Lost and Women and War. These two plays are shorter productions that occur over only one act, rather than multiple.

Zach Frank is a senior involved with both one-acts, playing Longaville in Love’s Labour’s Lost and multiple roles in Women and War. “I think the biggest thing with theatre in general during Covid is that the movements and the blocking we have on the stage is really different now,” Frank said. “Like in this show… under normal circumstances I’m sure there would be a handful of stage kisses, which we obviously can’t do, so we have to come up with alternate ideas…we had to find ways around it to show love and passion on stage without being able to do what we typically would.”

Love’s Labour’s Lost, a Shakespearean comedy, consisted of 50 people in the cast and creative team.

It performed for district competition in Bay City at the Mid-Michigan Theatre Arts Festival, also known as Lovefest, on January 28-29, later moving on to the regional-level competition hosted at BHHS on Saturday, Feb. 5. It will also be performed on February 10 at BHHS, and one or both one-acts could be performed at the state-level competition, on February 12 at Avondale High School.

Love’s Labour’s Lost features four men making a pact to swear off women but just as they sign their names to it, four women from France arrive and the men fall in love immediately. Although it uses the Elizabethan language, the play features a contemporary college setting.

The BHHS theatre department also performed a second, significantly more serious One-Act entitled Women and War, which was adjudicated by Michigan Interscholastic Forensic Association (MIFA) on January 25 and again on Saturday, February 5.

Women and War has a far smaller cast – there are only 18 actors, with all except one in Acting 3, a class for advanced actors and technicians. The play showcases how war has affected women from WWI to today, based on interviews or letters given to the playwright Miriam Cooke. Although it centers around three couples, it’s interspersed with monologues and scenes from the perspective of what war has done to women.

Each One-Act is unique, but shares the quality of coming together in a very short period of time.

“I love the One-Acts because so much work goes into such a short amount of time. It really does show what you can accomplish in two weeks, because that’s what we’ve had so far to get this show done… it’s so fun to see it all come together so quickly,” Prop Master Chloe Beaney said.

Director Mary Bogrette also reflected on the uniqueness of performing One-Acts as opposed to regular performances.

“My favorite process is when we finally get into production week, and everything just gels. With the musical…we have two and a half months, and we just don’t have that for the One-Act. I think it’s really fun. It’s, you know, a very fast-paced process,” said Bogrette. “And then when we get to the production week, just seeing everything come together so quickly, I think it’s great.”

Senior french horn player Maggie Binkowski displays her first division rating medal.

Photo by SETH KRUGER

Black Hawks Display Musical Talents MSBOA Solo and Ensemble provides students with an opportunity to display their musical skills

by SEAMUS KEANE Staff Writer The BHHS Music programs celebrate all year long with a variety of performances that showcase students working together in large orchestras, bands, choirs, and various other ensembles. However, the MSBOA Solo and Ensemble Festival, which took place on February 4 and 5, features solo performances from student musicians alongside broader ensembles.

“Solo and Ensemble is unique because it allows students to showcase their talents on a more individual level. Not only do students perform as soloists or in small groups, but they also prepare as individuals as opposed to large ensembles,” Alan Poser, band director, said. “[It] allows students to take more ownership in their individual experience. Students eventually succeed (or fail) based entirely on their own preparation and performance.”

A significant difference between the Solo and Ensemble Festival and other performances that BHHS music students participate in is the opportunity for individual presentation.

Outside of solos in larger pieces of music, most BHHS musical performances are conducted in large ensembles.

This focus BHHS Band on individual performances also allows for students to receive direct, personal feedback from judges.

Jennifer Guan, a junior vio-

linist, noted the process of performing in Solo and Ensemble.

“Solo and Ensemble differs from other events in the music program due to its adjudicating and awarding process,” Guan explained.

“For Solo & Ensemble, we typically have a set date, time, and location to perform in front of an adjudicator. However, Director due to Covid, they now offer an option to perform virtually and submit a video via an online website.”

Guan will be participating in

“Solo and Ensemble is unique because it allows students to showcase their talents on a more individual level”

MR. POSNER

the Solo and Ensemble Festival, showcasing “a violin solo, a violin duet, and a harp and violin duet.”

The Solo and Ensemble festival is more than just unique in its format; it provides a chance at unique opportunities for its participants.

“In addition to valuable authentic learning and performance experience, students who receive a ‘first division rating’ qualify for the state level festival in March.

Students who do well at this event can be selected to perform in the Spring Honors Ensembles held

by MSBOA in May,” Posner said.

Senior violist Donald Kim will be performing in a string trio at the event.

“I hope I do well at Solo and Ensemble. It feels good to be able to have individual achievements after so much hard work,” said Kim.

Finals Week with Furry Friends The Fur Angels visit Bloomfield Hills High School

by AVA FARAH Staff Writer It’s no secret that students are stressed out. According to Research.com, 31% of students in the United States consider finals to be their number one source of stress. On top of that, students in Michigan have already been dealing with extra hardship after the tragic Oxford shooting.

In wake of the struggles students have been facing lately, including finals recently passing, the student council wanted to do something to help lower stress levels. On January 6, the UMatter chapter of BHHS Student Leadership worked with The Fur Angels, a pet therapy group, to brighten up the days of Bloomfield students.

Haley Weiss, a representative of the STUCO class of 2024, helped coordinate the event, saying,, “We were doing some research about different ways that people can de-stress and playing with a pet is one of the biggest ways, so we thought that it would just be a nice little way to bring people some joy during some tough times.”

And bring joy they did. The Fur Angels brought in six therapy dogs of assorted breeds who went in and out of the building through the day. During a student’s lunch period, they could go to the media center to visit the dogs and receive trading cards with the pictures and facts about the dogs.

When asked about her experience, senior Cashmere Blackshire said, “I enjoyed seeing the puppies a lot… It made me feel pretty relaxed.”

The Fur Angels were founded in 1989 with the mission of bringing adorable dogs to schools, hospitals, fundraisers and neighborhood events. All the dogs are trained and certified to bring peace and serenity to customers everywhere.

You can learn more about The Fur Angels and the possibility of them visiting you or your friends at your next event at their website: thefurangels. com.

Students were able to meet many different therapy dogs Photo by AVA FARAH

Students were able to mee the dogs and Fur Angels therapists Photo by AVA FARAH These dogs provided stress relief during finals week Photo by AVA FARAH

PAGE 13

FEATUREFEBRUARY

Personality ProfileOfficer Miller There’s a new sherrif in town...

by BENJI STERN Managing Editor Hailing from down South in El Paso, Texas, Officer Marisa Miller is one of the newest additions to the Bloomfield Hills District community.

How did this Texan make it all the way up to the mitten?

After high school, Officer Miller studied political science at the University of Michigan where she met her now-husband. The two graduated in 2001 and decided to make their lives in Michigan. Before she took on the role as School Security Officer for all the Bloomfield Hills schools, Officer Miller was assigned to Patrol, driving around the township in a marked vehicle responding to calls for service and as a Jail Deputy for the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office. She worked two 911 call centers helping to answer calls and dispatching accordingly. She also worked as an evidence technician, think Ted Danson in CSI but with more paperwork.

All of which led her here. She replaces her predecessor, Officer Cory Donberger, who was responsible for implementing The Boot system, Blue Point, and a host of other safety measures.

In her position, Officer Miller walks through all the elementary, middle, and high schools, makes recommenda-

“Sometimes I bring donuts and just hang out and laugh.”

OFFICER MILLER

Bloomfield Hills School Security Officer The LC Library between communities A200 and B200 Photo by CAMERON KAUFMAN

LC Libraries Turning Heads and Pages A new chapter of literacy opens at Bloomfield Hills High School

by MADDY MOSS Senior Columnist The BHHS English Department has pursued a new initiative to cultivate diversity and foster a love of reading: LC Libraries.

With funding from the school district, the display shelves between learning communities A100 and B100 as well as learning communities A200 and B200 have been revamped, now displaying diverse titles for students to check out.

Dubbed the LC Libraries, the shelves showcase a variety of books that students can check out from their English teachers. The glass display serves as a way for students to know which titles are available to them and to promote literacy around the school. While the display books behind the glass are intended for display, they, along with other copies of the books can be checked out by students through book carts that house some of the over 1,000 books that were purchased.

Liza Lauter, BHHS English teacher and district-wide teacher leader for English Language Arts, said, “[The English department] wanted to increase visibility and more access for books throughout the school building to allow opportunities for students to access books wherever they

were, in addition to our wonderful collection in the Media Center.”

With 100 book titles and 12 copies of each, students can check out titles such as Furia by Yamile Saied Mendez, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, by Erika Sánchez, and Punching the Air, by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam.

Novels were chosen using a new novel selection tool BHHS English that was adapted by the English department and with resources from an organization called Project Lit, founded by teacher Jarred Amato and his students. Project Lit has created a new “LITeracy” movement that is committed to increasing cultural-

ly relevant books and helping promote a love of literature in schools.

According to Project Lit’s Twitter, “Project Lit is a national, grassroots LITeracy movement, a network of dedicated teachers and students who are committed to increasing access to culturally relevant books and promoting a love of reading in our schools a n d commuDepartment n i t i e s .”

The wide variety of books creates opportunities for students to read literature from a wide variety of voices, perspectives, and identities that students can learn from. According to Lauter, students can evaluate these books as “windows, mirrors, and glass

“The English department has a lot of goals to make kids better thinkers, writers, speakers, listeners. But ultimately, a love for reading is at the core of what we do and what we want to build.”

LIZA LAUTER

sliding doors.” Lauter explained that these books can offer views of worlds unknown to them—sliding glass doors to walk through and become a part of that world—and mirrors to show human experiences and reflect them back to readers.

In order to check out books from the LC Library, students must ask their English teachers for a book that they see on the shelves and want to check out. The teacher can then check it out to them for however long they need.

There are current plans for the expansion of the LC Libraries to be present in every learning community. There are hopes that students will shape the future of the LC Libraries by using them, suggesting books, reviewing them, and taking ownership over the cases.

Lauter commented on the English department’s goals for the LC libraries: “[The English department has] a lot of goals [to make] kids better thinkers, writers, speakers, listeners, but ultimately, a love for reading is at the core of what we do and what we want to build.”

tions regarding school safety to all district administrators and advises staff on any relevant situations. She investigates all threats that may be directed toward students, staff, and the BHS school district. Officer Miller played a crucial role in the incidents of racist graffiti in the school bathrooms and around social media as the investigator performing the detective work behind the scenes.

Different from her predecessor, Officer Miller has taken a more active role in the day to day lives of the students.

Being the basketballer that she is, Officer Miller shares, “I like to have fun and play at recess with the elementary schools or play hoops at the middle schools.” She reads to the elementary classes every chance she gets. Officer Miller mentions, “Sometimes I bring donuts and just hang out and laugh.”

Officer Miller is bringing outside-of-the-box problem solving to our school district. She hopes to help prepare students for the real world. With the advancements in technology over the last few decades, individuals have the ability to go online to learn if what they are about to say or do is a crime and how the judicial process works.

Officer Miller explains, “With the world at our fingertips, we can no longer say ‘I didn’t know I couldn’t do that.’”

The Bloomfield Hills School District is lucky to have such an experienced and dedicated individual looking after us.

Although Officer Miller is going to miss the food and people in Texas, she looks forward to enjoying all four outlandishly unpredictable seasons here in Michigan.

Officer Miller joins the Bloomfield Hills Schools community Photo via OFFICER MILLER

Student Arrangement Played at Winter Concert BHHS student composes music for orchestra concert

by FIONA RUDY Staff Writer On Dec. 8, dozens of orchestra students performed at a winter concert, including the Campus, Symphony, Harp Studio, Chamber, and Philharmonic Orchestras.

They performed two songs as a group: one being a piece called “Gourmet Race,” arranged by sophomore Jacob Welch, who sat in front, his cello in hand.

Welch has been playing cello since he was in fifth grade, spending most of that time in private lessons. These lessons helped him gain experience arranging solo pieces, but for the first time this year, Welch tried his hand at a multi-instrument orchestral piece. The piece was originally

composed for a video game soundtrack, but arranged for string orchestra.

Welch only plays cello, but was able to learn how to adapt to the nuances of composing for an entire orchestra throughout his process.

“I’m not used to playing [other instruments]; I don’t know the intricacies of viola or violin or bass, so I had to just kind of guess at it… until we had the

sheet music in front of us, then I could make edits as necessary,” Welch said.

His arrangement was a multistep process. Using the website Flat.io to compose the music, he started with the fundamentals, listening to the song and pulling out chord structures, then arranging those chords over instrumental sections. Afterwards, he wrote the melody out, making the song

recognizable. Then it was time to fix the music into sections, pulling the sections apart in what part of a chord is played, what instruments gets the melody, and what octave the instruments are playing in. Finally, it was time to add harmonies as well as polish the piece and prepare it to be performed.

“I’d love to [compose music in the future],” Welch said.

“Seeing the whole process of the piece go from just what we were working on in my lessons to being performed by the orchestra was really cool to see all the way through. If I get the chance, I would love to keep working on arrangements.”

For now, Welch has decided

to take a break from writing for the orchestra. This opportunity is just one of many unique ways that students learn and enjoy music at Bloomfield Hills High School. working on arrangements.”

PAGE 14

Traveling Show

FEBRUARYFEATURE

BHHS’s theatre department took two one-act plays to this year’s MIFA State Competition.

Women and War. Nicky Little, Dylan Crimmins, Emily Johnson, Zach Frank, and Braylen Castro.

Women and War. Full cast.

Women and War. Reese Renton, Logan Cohen, Naomi Parr, Michaela Nash, Emily Johnson, Saylor Obrecht, and Kate Shaffer.

Love’s Labour’s Lost. Benji Stern, Nick Viselli, Caleb Bivens, Zach Frank, Michaela Nash, and Wyatt Cleavland.

Love’s Labour’s Lost. Michaela Nash, Dylan Crimmins, Wyatt Cleavland, Elle Pierre, Momin Mubeen, Eli Eisenberg and Lucy Knas

Women and War. Logan Cohen, Hughie Watters, Zach Frank, and Dean Brown.

Love’s Labour’s Lost. Caleb Bivens, Zach Frank, Benji Stern, Nick Viselli, and ensemble.

Love’s Labour’s Lost. Benji Stern, Nick Viselli, Caleb Bivens, Zach Frank, Michaela Nash, and Wyatt Cleavland.

Love’s Labour’s Lost. Benji Stern, Nick Viselli, Caleb Bivens, Zach Frank, Michaela Nash, and Wyatt

Love’s Labour’s Lost. Pallavi Ploucha, Carli Camens, Catherine Recknagel, Ava Sidder, Meanie Hirsch, and Jhanvi Gugneja.

Women and War. Nicky Little, and Reese Renton.

Women and War. Kate Shaffer, Jackson Bragman, and Saylor Obrecht.

PAGE 15

OPINIONFEBRUARY

Staying Safe and Healthy this Winter

Writer reflects on the benefits of the self-care movment.

by ELLIE ALBERTS Staff Writer

Teenage Dangers Writer reflects on the need to address risky teen behavior

by ASHLEY FOGEL Senior Columnist I am 18 years old, and I am not unaware of the world around me.

I know there are teenagers who have done their fair share of experimenting with drugs, alcohol, and nicotine. While this is something that I do not take part in and in no way encourage, is it bad that I see it as inevitable? It is something that we can speak out about, warn against, and invoke fear in doing, but we cannot pretend to look the other way and convince ourselves it does not happen. Let’s face the truth: teenagers are going to do things that they should not be doing. So, what do we do?

Since sixth grade, I have taken surveys asking questions like, “Do you use E-Cigarettes or consume alcohol?” or “Do you know someone who uses E-Cigarettes or consumes alcohol?”

I think these are sent out and mandatory for schools to share so that people can face themselves in the mirror at the end of the day and know

they tried. But what are those ques- year old should not be getting drunk tions really doing? I hate to be the on a Saturday night. But what hapone to say this, but kids lie. I know, pens when they do? Should we be shocking. Although there must be screamed at? Told we are a disgrace? s o m e Or should small perwe be edcentage of ucated? answers Unknown that are to the matruthful, jority of I am not students, sure most Bloom13 year old field Hills children Scho ols’ w o u l d liaison willingofficer ly admit currentSenior Columnist to their ly works school, closely looking with the past the Bloomfact that it f i e l d is anonyYouth Asmous, that they partake in illegal ac- sistance to do classes for kids tivity. And can we really blame them? caught with contraband.

Yes, alcohol is illegal to consume Schools have made it clear that as a high schooler and yes, that is a contraband will not be tolerated, but good thing. There are hundreds of the already existing programs are scientific studies to support that, largely unknown to students, posand I think everyone agrees that a 15 sibly because it seems like many of

“Just because you made it out without a scratch doesn’t mean you are invincible.”

ASHLEY FOGEL

these programs are reactive instead of proactive - students only know about them once they are in trouble.

I am sure that half of those who are reading this did something illegal at my age. Someone reading this may have gotten in trouble by their school, or by the police, or may have gotten hurt. For those who have gotten away with their teenage shenanigans, congratulations! But just because you made it out without a scratch doesn’t mean you are invincible. You should not have to get sent to the office to learn about something so commonly warned against.

More importantly, you should not be scolded if you were not taught.

I would have never known that two plus two equals four unless someone had taught me how to add. I will never know how to make better decisions for my own sake if those around me treat the subject as a foreign language they refuse to learn.

In the world we live in, it is vital that we be safe and healthy, both physically and mentally. The last two years have been a whirlwind of traumatic events, including public health scares, social uprisings, and the overwhelming feeling of fear. Two years ago, I felt comfortable drinking with friends and going out in public with no fear of catching and spreading a virus. I didn’t even realize that a pandemic like this was possible. Now, here we are, two years later, and it is very clear that as a society, we must do better to keep ourselves and others safe and healthy.

Staying healthy is something that we are told to do our entire lives. Wash your hands, wear a hat when it is cold, and avoid touching your face. But, now it is much harder than a quick bathroom trip to stay healthy. As far as COVID-19 goes, our health safety expectations have increased. It has become a social norm, or even a mandate, to wear a mask when in public. Wearing a mask not only keeps yourself safe from other peoples’ germs, but it keeps those around you safe from yours. We have needed to adapt to new normals, such as disposable masks being a “must-have” in cars. In addition to covering your nose and mouth, it is very important to keep your distance from people when you can. The closer you are, the more contact you have with a person. There is no plausible reason to stand close to someone unmasked when it is not necessary. Lastly, the most important thing that we can do for ourselves and our community is to get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines have been available for about a year as well as all other vaccines that have been around for even longer.

These will reduce the risk of fatality and hospitalizations significantly. It is an easy step to gain control of your health and deal with this pandemic.

While staying healthy in terms of COVID-19 and other health-related purposes is extremely important, it is crucial that we are healthy in other areas of our lives. Mentally, it is extremely important to take care of yourself. Give yourself a break, walk away from your device, and surround yourself with things that make you happy.

For example, I had never taken seriously the constant sentiment “drink water.” Since taking this more seriously, I have experienced how staying hydrated can make your day go smoother. When I drink lots of water, my mood is lifted, I feel more energetic, and I am ready for the day. Something that keeps my mental state healthy has been working out. Going to the gym has been a new passion for me and very quickly became something I looked forward to. I also treat myself to a good night’s sleep, because resting your mind is just as important as resting your body.

It is very important for our community that we stick together and keep each other healthy and safe. Everyone has different needs, but basic acts of using hand sanitizer or taking a night to yourself can make all the difference.

Photo licensed under CREATIVE COMMONS

Starting a New Chapter All the reasons you’re better off reading with a Kindle.

by LEXI GUERRIERI Staff Writer E-readers are the future of reading and the villain of home bookshelves. Don’t get me wrong, paper books will always be here to stay and I’m not denying their inevitable longevity. I’m simply here to say that I am off that train. My Kindle has come into my life and taken me by storm. I read more, for cheaper, and with more ease.

Not only do I love the sleek appearance of the gadget, but the interface is also masterfully paper-like.

Although it is a digital screen, the e-ink design mimics paper very well because there is no backlight.

The e-reader has no effect on my eyes because the screen is adjustable and warmly lit. The Kindle

does a great job minimizing the fatigue by also minimizing any harsh b u l b s or light sources.

The dark mode is also extremely useful w h e n I want even less strain on Staff my eyes.

It is easy to lay down, even on my side, when I am holding a Kindle because it is not big and

flimsy like a book is.

I know paperback lovers - the b eloved scent.

T h e smell of a new book or a wellloved library b o o k drives you to keep on Writer reading.

I would rather the trees s t a y where they are and I can sacrifice the scent for a more sus-

“My Kindle has come into my life and taken me by storm.”

LEXI GUERRIERI

tainable alternative. Picking up my Kindle fills me with happiness, while picking up a 500 page book of freshly made paper leaves me with an underlying guilt. The only way I can limit that guilt is buying a used book. Cost is also a factor to consider. Reading is not a cheap hobby. A new book can range from $10-$30 and if I am trying to fulfill my Goodreads quota then that is not going to work for me. Using Kindle Unlimited or library apps like Libby cut the costs of reading immensely. No more dreading the day when you run out of bookshelf space; invest in a Kindle instead for endless reading opportunities.

Many students have begun bringing e-readers to school to use for both school-reading and independent reading. In response, the Media Center has expanded the availability of ebooks through Overdirve.

Photo by LEXI GUERRIERI

OPINIONFEBRUARY

Learning to live with unresolved grief

by LENNA PETERSON Editor-in-Chief

THE

It has been nearly two years since the COVID-19 pandemic reached the United States, and Americans are not okay. It could be argued that we have collectively moved past “burnout” and have reached the point where it feels as though nearly every aspect of our society is fundamentally unlivable. Recently, the term “languishing” has been coined as an overarching term to describe what so many of us have been experiencing: a sense of stagnation and emptiness. But there is yet another phrase that is currently shedding light on the pandemic experience.

I was recently listening to a podcast episode from the New York Times “The Daily” surrounding a concept known as “ambiguous loss.” What struck me about this phrase was not only that I had never heard of it before, but also that it perfectly encapsulates the past two years of uncertainty that we as a world have experienced. Ambiguous loss can be defined as “...a loss that occurs without a significant likelihood of reaching emotional closure or a clear understanding. This kind of loss leaves a person searching for answers, and thus complicates and delays the process of grieving, and often results in unresolved grief.” (Wikipedia). As we as a society have struggled to make it through this pandemic unscathed, it is inevitable that nearly all of us have experienced this form of loss to some degree.

The pandemic has undoubtedly altered every aspect of our lives- including the

“But in reality, if we have learned anything from this pandemic, it is that there is no “right way” to grieve.

There is no “one size fits all” because, frankly, grief manifests itself differently in each and every person”

LENNA PETERSON Editor-in-Chief

Not just for the new year

Adviser Rachel Matz Editors-in-Chief Lindsey Zousmer Lenna Peterson Seth Kruger Eryn Stern Managing Editors Noah Roslin Benji Stern Brandon Yaker

by LINDSEY ZOUSMER Editor-in-chief

After experiencing three different types of finals, which is the best for students?

Throughout the past few years, we have experienced final exams, final experiences, and an end of the semester assessment that is somewhere in between. Pre-COVID, we were expected to complete traditional exams at the end of each semester that were typically worth 10-20% of overall semester grades. Last year, in the midst of the pandemic, we saw a different model: an improvement opportunity that included culminating projects and opennote tests, most of which were optional. This year was an interesting mix, as some teachers chose to revert back to traditional exams, only now they were worth 10% of overall grades, and others chose to keep a similar model as last year. Naturally, as students, we are inclined to reflect upon finals, as they are a huge contributor to our grade point averages and academic life.

As the staff of The Hawkeye, we recognize the benefits and drawbacks of each type of final we have been given.

First of all, the traditional final exams, although stressful and not our favorite study-wise, definitely prepare us best for life after high school as well as track our progress in our Advanced Placement classes to properly prepare us for the exams. During finals week, late nights studying followed by early mornings full of exams are not preferable, but they are necessary in developing study habits and accurately assessing comprehension at the end of the semester.

Final experiences were ideal in times when online school was our only option. Final experiences were mostly optional and could only improve your grade. We saw many speeches, presentations, open-note tests, and group projects that covered a culmination of the curriculum each semester. Although these required much less

preparation, most of them still felt challenging since we were learning online for the majority of the school year, and still adjusting to virtual coursework, so it was a nice balance between too difficult and nothing at all. Additionally, many students appreciated the mental health break because if students were not taking a final during one period, they were not required to attend that class. This avoided wasting time during a crucial academic week and allowed students to contribute their energy elsewhere. We hope that BHHS adopts that policy while they move forward with navigating the best fit for a final exam/experience, although we recognize that other aspects of the final experience are not realistic for COVID-free years.

At the conclusion of this past semester, finals week looked like a combination of experiences and exams. Some teachers and subjects reverted back to a traditional test, while others decided to continue with last year’s model. Depending on the curriculum of each class, teachers could assess what the right fit was for their subject and their students, as long as the finals were worth no more than 10% of students’ overall grades. While students appreciated that not every class required a final and that their grades were not dependent on their final, they also missed not having to attend a class if they were not taking a final.

In the future, it is safe to say that BHHS will continue working toward determining which finals are best for both students and teachers. While we weigh the pros and cons of each option, The Hawkeye recognizes that every student is different, therefore preferences will change across the population, and likely so will the protocol during final exam week.

WHAT STUDENTS THINK “I think the final experience is better because it takes a lot of stress off us.”

ways in which we grieve. Everything from canceled celebrations and missed milestones to an inability to mourn family members properly has devastated and exhausted the nation. This unresolved burden is only further exacerbated by the continuation of delays in the process of grieving.

But in reality, if we have learned anything from this pandemic, it is that there is no “right way” to grieve. There is no “one size fits all” because, frankly, grief manifests itself differently in each and every person.

As the Omicron variant continues to ravage the nation, we each individually have to do our best to come to terms with our grief in whatever way we can. It is abundantly clear that the past two years have been unlike anything anyone could have ever predicted or anticipated. And instead of continuing to try to live our lives as though everything is normal, we must come to terms with the “new normal” that has engulfed the world. 23 months later, it is clear that the only healthy way forward is choosing to collectively sit with our trauma that has accumulated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and pave a path towards a better future for all.

STAFF

Editor reflects on the importance of setting personal resolutions year-round

HAWKEYEEDITORIAL

A note on ambiguous loss from an Editor

PAGE 17

SALOME MCCUEN OGANDO Senior

“I agree with the student body in saying that final experiences are a mental health break and need to be an option.”

RIELEY ZELTEN Junior

“I agree... the final experiences we have now felt much better than my freshman year.”

JAE DELIDOW Junior

Design Editor Ryanne Leonard Copy Editor Cal Martinez Photography Manager Michaela Nash Section Editors Maximilian Schenke Max Melamed Isabelle Goldstein Ruby Stoller Alexa Kessler Hayden Buckfire

Promotional Manager Abby Chayet Web Manager Noa Goldstein Staff Writers Abbey Weitzman Olivia White Emma Merchant Alexis Guerrieri Fiona Rudy Ellie Alberts Ashley Fogel

Caroline Griffin Byron Brooks Ava Farah Ben Saperstein Tyler Richmond Taryn Saroken Skylar Stearns Cameron Kaufman Sam Sherman Rachel Shepard Parker Comensky Noah Kam Grace Kobernik Isabella Muchnick

Every other day of the year, we are taught to celebrate our accomplishments, romanticize our lives, and reflect upon our achievements, but as soon as January hits, we are supposed to press “undo” on everything we’ve created, and begin criticizing everything we have done. This year, instead of rebuilding my routines and omitting the progress I made in 2021, I actively reflected in my attempt to keep the pride I associated with the past year, and still aim to improve in 2022.

Intent is always extremely important when setting any goal, including new year’s resolutions. I try to ask myself “why?” to ensure I am doing things to benefit myself, and for the right reasons.

This year one of my resolutions was to read more, in order to gain knowledge, discover different perspectives, and experience an escape into the real world.

I hope to read more this year with great intent behind it: it is great for my mental health, benefits my well being, and my preferred form of self care.

Goal setting, in general, should be viewed as somewhat selfish. In the past few years especially, being selfish has finally become socially acceptable. In certain situations, being selfish is necessary, especially when it comes to New Years Resolutions. There is no shame in trying to use the new year to practice self care or do something you have always wanted to, simply because you can. On top of setting goals to improve your health and studies, be sure to also take some time for yourself. For example, one of my goals this

“I try to ask myself “why?” to ensure I am doing things to benefit myself, and for the right reasons.”

LINDSEY ZOUSMER

Editor-in-Chief

year was to say “no” more. Taking on too much is a habit of mine, and as an attempt to feel less overwhelmed and find more time to relax, I have prioritized setting limits for myself.

Aside from having the right intentions and putting yourself first when it comes to goal setting, it is also important to be realistic. I do not necessarily think it is necessary for New Year’s resolutions to be measurable. You can work on achieving those goals throughout the year at your convenience, and also when it makes sense.

Unfortunately, during a week when I have three tests, I probably will not be able to read as much as I would like. However, that is completely acceptable, and one reason why I did not associate a number with my hopes to read this year.

Instead of critiquing everything you have accomplished in 2021, honor those achievements and reflect on what else you would like to do in the next 365 days.

However, ultimately, January first is just another set of 24 hours. It does not matter if it is 2 pm on a random Saturday, or another goal pops into your mind on July 14th, intentions can be set at any point of this year and reaching those goals are possible at any time. I challenge you, throughout this entire year, to set resolutions and aspirations that are intentional, personal, and realistic.

Jordyn Tepper Malik Alabbas Niranjan Anantharaman Madison Kessler Madeline Moss Jasmine Wade Isabella O’Brien Grace Roberts Fiona Rudy Alec Mayoras Annalise Griffin Grace Main Rachel Shepard Ashton Taylor

Seamus Keane Ethan Endelman

FEBRUARYOPINION

PAGE 18

Why you should read for pleasure

ERYN’S TOP 10 FAVORITE BOOKS

Editor discusses the many benefits gained from reading

1. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

by ERYN STERN Editor-in-Chief In a time where stress and anxiety from school are at an all-time high, many students spend their days and nights overwhelmed with hours of homework and extracurricular activities. Whether it be reading lengthy academic textbooks, or staying up all night trying to memorize terms for a test, many high school students across the country barely have enough time to get an adequate amount of sleep. So, when it comes to relaxing and enjoyable activities like reading,

many of us have forgotten what it feels like to sit down, relax, and read for pleasure.

Just because reading our favorite books may not have an assignment attached to it for school doesn’t mean that reading isn’t extremely beneficial and helps us become smarter.

In fact, reading books teaches us new vocabulary words, and allows us to immerse ourselves in different cultures and past historical events. In addition, reading helps students expand their imagination and become more creative.

In addition to the many academic benefits of reading,

there are also many psychological ones too. In fact, according to Healthline, reading books for pleasure reduces stress levels, improves sleep habits, and lowers our blood pressure and heart rate. In addition, reading helps minimize symptoms of depression and stress.

American teenagers, according to CNN, spend an average of seven hours on their screens a day, not including time spent doing schoolwork. If every high schooler devoted even one of these hours to reading for pleasure, the benefits would be immense.

With the many benefits of

reading books, it is fair to say that all high school students should find time out of their busy days to read for pleasure. But, unfortunately, this is not the case for many of us.

Because reading the books we love is usually not required for classes at school, we often never find time to read for pleasure. However, because of the many benefits reaped from reading, it is clear that finding time out of your busy schedules to read is vital. I know reading has certainly made an impact in my life, and I am sure it will do the same for you.

2. Sixteen Scandals by Sophie Jordan 3. Wonder by R.J. Palacio 4. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling 5. Divergent by Veronica Roth 6. Legend by Marie Lu 7. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

by Jonathon Foer 8. Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot 9. Outliers by Malcom Gladwell 10. Michael Vey by Richard Paul Evans

Coping with the college admissions process It can be brutal, but it seems worth the wait

by SETH KRUGER Editor-in-Chief As all high school students know, it’s prime time for college admissions. Almost all of the application deadlines have passed, not including the rolling admission processes. Each college follows a fairly similar structure; early admission decisions are released within a few months of applications, and regular admissions follow a few months later.

It seems very black and white, and it doesn’t sound like there should be a whole lot of room for differences between the timing of admission decisions.

But, by some true mystery, within the few month win-

dows, almost every college follows their own agenda for admission decisions.

In our home state of Michigan alone, we can see a few examples of this. Michigan State University started rolling out admission decisions just a few weeks after their rolling admissions began, whereas the University of Michigan has waited until the very last segment of their time frame to release decisions.

Every senior applies to their own unique pallet of colleges, which leaves everyone on their own pace when it comes to receiving admission decisions. A student, like myself, who applies to a variety of colleges, will receive a scattered sequence of

admission decisions.

So far, in my experience, I received two admission decisions very promptly. Then, radio silence. In the two months following the first two admissions, the other three colleges I’m awaiting have not sent but a clue about their admission decisions.

It is safe to assume that most, if not all, high school seniors at Bloomfield Hills and surrounding districts have experienced something similar to what I have. The University of Michigan, the Ohio State University, Purdue University, and the University of Wisconsin are all popular colleges for applicants in the Bloomfield area, as they are all relatively acces-

sible Big 10 schools, and these are just a few of the hundreds of colleges that have drained every week between early application deadlines and their deadlines. These schools, along with many, many others, did what every student should try to avoid: waiting until the last second to get something done.

Now that we know that, for some reason, it seems like college admission offices are better procrastinators than any high school student, students and families have to accept the fact that they will have to wait.

Human nature and common sense can tell that no one likes waiting, so this concept moves to the next stage: acceptance.

There are a few ways that one

can look at a deferred admission or a decision just taking a long time. In my experience, I’ve implemented two main strategies.

The first is to take this time as an opportunity. In the time you wait for the decision, you can continue the college application process by applying for scholarships, visiting campuses of your prospective schools, and, of course, dodging the volatile senioritis bug. With this approach to the time in between, you can set yourself up for success as soon as your decisions come through.

Human nature, just procrastinating, in this situation, is to take the time as a negative result. Many people will, and

have, taken the time with complaints, frustrations, and anger. While these reactions are all valid and, myself included, we all look to these reactions before using the above strategies, the truth is that these million dollar institutions do not take your feelings and emotions into consideration.

As is the saying around the Philadelphia 76ers basketball team, “trust the process.” The schools consider you on a basis of what you send them, and the waiting time is only excruciating based on the attitude you take on with it.

TO THE

LETTERS EDITOR

Dear Editor,

Dear Editor,

Dear Editor,

Dear Editor,

The article that I read was “Bloomfield Blunders.” I agree with everything in this article, prior to reading it I hadn’t given much thought to the issues the curriculum has with providing representation for all communities. I especially agree that the curriculum is Eurocentric. I can’t think of any instances of learning about Hispanic history outside of Spanish class, but we should be learning about it in other classes, like History.

I think this topic is very important, all the articles in the paper were interesting, but I found this article to be more important than the majority of the other ones. Reading this article made me think deeper about the lack of representation in our schools, and I think articles like this are important in making a change. As a black person, I remember learning more about black history than usual during February of last year, but I did not see or hear anything about Hispanic Heritage Month in school either this or last year. Overall I thought this article was very powerful and I’m glad I read it.

After reading the most recent edition of the Hawkeye, I have to say I found the article about the new therapy dogs (page 3) very interesting. I have done my own research on Therapy dogs and leader dogs for the blind over the past year, and I agree with the idea of incorporating a Therapy Dog program in Bloomfield hills schools. This article was well written, and clear in explaining the purpose of training Therapy Dogs for the benefit of students. Also, the goal of helping reduce students’ anxiety is very beneficial to the atmosphere in school.

I just read the article about the new Marvel movie in the newspaper and I definitely agree with the writer. I watched Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings the day it came out in theaters and I was in absolute awe. I feel like many people weren’t expecting much from a movie with a brand new superhero, many people automatically thought of it as bad.

However the movie absolutely blew everyone away. Not only was it a new superhero, it was also a brand new movie style. There were many important lessons and themes in the movie as well that I really liked. It had a great blend of action as well as comedy. The acting was amazing and the atmosphere throughout the movie was perfect. I definitely would give it 5 stars, it was a great introduction to the new hero.

Starting off, I loved your idea of delicious fall recipes to make at home. I have always enjoyed this season and trying out new foods that are seasonal. I completely agree with you that homemade treats are way better.

Reading this, it gives me a full idea of how to make these treats and what to do in order to have a great outcome.

I would love to see more seasonal recipes moving forward. Baking has always been fun, but the best part of course is the food!

Paige M. Sophomore

A.M. Sophomore

Maheen R. Sophomore

Gabi P. Sophomore

WE WANT TO HEAR WHAT YOU THINK!

Write a 200-300 word letter to the editor and send it to us at hawkeye@bloomfield.org

PAGE 19

OPINIONFEBRUARY

It’s about love!

Valentine’s Day isn’t a holiday for lovers; it’s a holiday for appreciating love.

by CAL MARTINEZ Copy Editor Growing up, I saw Valentine’s Day through a rose-colored lens.

I looked forward to passing out little valentines in class and buying gummy hearts with my mom. As I got older, I discovered Valentine’s Day didn’t glow as brightly as in my memories.

For a long time, I felt melancholy and out of place on Feb. 14. I would scroll through Instagram, looking at pictures of happy couples and wish I could be part of that. I’ll be the first to admit it: I was definitely a Valentine’s Day Scrooge, but I’m working on it.

If you’re one of the many people who feel like Valentine’s Day is a reminder of something missing in you, you’re not alone. We’re lucky to have coming of age movies, TikTok trends, fanfiction tropes, and more to supply us with all the ideals of a “perfect Valentine’s Day,” but in turn, we feel pressure to live up to these ideals. Truthfully, no part of love or Valentine’s Day is idealistic. It’s about finding love where you are, and recently, I’ve been developing strategies to look for love in my everyday life.

Change your definition of love. We tend to see love as grand, romantic gestures, and as wonderful as they are to receive, fixating on them dampens our appreciation of smaller gestures of love. We even receive love from strangers. Think about the Starbucks barista who drew a smiley face by your name, the dog owner who stopped to let you pet their dog, or the hall monitor who asked how your day was going. Hold on to those moments of kindness, and start thinking about them as platonic love.

Engage in acts of love. When you start ac-

Photo by SAF MALIK, Licensed under the Creative Commons

Muskman Saves the Day Again!

Elon Musk Time Person of the Year

by TYLER RICHMOND Staff Writer A cat in a tree! Oh dear, a hero must save the day and rescue the poor, innocent cat from the dastardly tree! Oh, but who will rescue the cat? Absolutely nobody.

We live in a heroless world, with nobody willing to do the right thing… until now! Muskman will use his prototype laser cannon to disintegrate the tree and save the cat. The craziest part is that it is actually a pretty realistic statement when it comes to Elon Musk; the man, the myth, the Time’s Person of the Year.

As a child, Elon Musk displayed incredible talents in the realm of computer science, making his first video game when he was twelve and selling it to PC and Office Technology Magazine.

However, due to his constant struggle with Asperger’s Syndrome, he was bullied in school from a young age and had a generally rough childhood. When he was 17, he moved to Ontario in order to attend Queen’s University. However, in 1992, Musk

transferred to the University of interfaces. Clearly, Musk has a Pennsylvania. After getting a mind brimming with innovation. bachelor’s degree in physics and This well of creativity is why economics, he enrolled in Stan- he won Time Person of the Year. ford University, but left after two Elon Musk is truly a visionary; days after realizing the internet all he wants is a better future. had more potential to change However, this is just one perspecthe world than work in physics. tive. Let’s start over, shall we?

Fast forward to the present, and As a child, Elon Musk displayed Musk is talents in the reacomputson for er science. the sucMusk’s parcess of ents, his Zip2, Paymother a Pal, Tesla, model and SpaceX, his father and many the partial o t h e r owner of compaa sketchy Staff Writer nies with Zambithe goal an Emerof helping ald Mine, humandivorced ity and the earth. For example, when he was young, forcing TeslaEnergy made solar panels him to live with his father fullmore widely available, and Tesla time, who Musk hates with a itself has turned practical elec- burning passion to this day. tric cars into a reality. Musk also Eventually, Musk began his tech started OpenAI to create arti- empire, which earned him an ficial intelligence, and Neura- unbelievable amount of monlink to research brain-computer ey. He then convinced the pub-

“Elon Musk is truly a visionary; all he wants is a better future.”

TYLER RICHMOND

lic that he wanted to help the world by selling electric cars for overinflated prices, rather than making them affordable.

Instead of facing our problems on earth, he decided to invest in space travel so that, one day, humans could leave behind the mess we’ve made, and start somewhere else anew. And his biggest crime of all: his dreadfully unfunny appearance on SNL. Underpaying Tesla employees is a close second. TeslaEnergy also once sold faulty solar panels that had a habit of catching fire, and then he tried to cover it up.

Elon Musk is a man so strange, it is hard to believe he exists.

However, that doesn’t mean he’s some sort of hero, or a villain either; he just cares about money and his public perception, which isn’t unlike other tech billionaires these days.

There is a different side to every human. Nobody is an angel, and nobody is the devil. Everyone has made mistakes, and it is up to you to decide whether Elon Musk is enough of an angel to deserve Time Person of the Year.

graphic by SAMANTHA SHERMAN

knowledging all the ways you’re receiving love, you start looking for ways to give it as well. That Starbucks barista? Give them a little extra tip. Feeling loved is powerful, but the best way to restore the glow in Valentine’s Day is watching someone else’s face light up.

Don’t confuse love and happiness. A lot of people believe that feeling loved means feeling happy 24/7, but oftentimes, love finds us in our saddest moments. Don’t think giving and receiving love means you can’t embrace your emotions. If you’re feeling disappointed, pessimistic, or gloomy, take time to process that. Look for love as a tool to understand the root of your feelings, rather than a distraction from everything bad in the world.

If you’re like I was and you’re struggling to find love in Valentine’s Day, I hope this advice brought some light back into this holiday. Regardless of your feelings about the holiday, I hope you’re able to keep this in your heart and mind: You are loved.

Shirts, shoes, pants, and scams Writer reflects on the dangerous lure of online shopping

by ABBY CHAYET Social Media Manager

photo by DANIEL FOSTER, Licensed under the Creative Commons

It is very likely that you have, given that it is a common virus in our modern, cyber world. Some familiar symptoms may include excessive screen time, maxed out credit cards, and numerous packages on your porch each day. As you stare at your daily arrivals, it is often hard to remember what you purchased and the reason why you bought each individual item. You gaze at your purchases and wonder what you were thinking as you clicked on each item, entered your credit card number, and plugged in the security code.

The 1990’s arrived and so did online shopping, but with the arrival of the pandemic online shopping

has reached a record high. people end up giving out inWith a 23% rise in online purformation that makes them chases during the pandemic, vulnerable to the “strangers” many shopof the inpers have ternet. fallen victim people “With a 23% rise in online The to scams on behind the the internet. purchases during the pan- s c r e e n s The possibil- demic, many shoppers have can then ities of why adfallen victim to scams on the take this occurs vantage of are endthe coninternet. ” less; maybe sumers people are and scam trying to get them out free items Social Media Manager of their or they dem o n cide to make ey. Many an impulse people, purchase on in their an item that they shouldn’t attempt to purchase items, really be buying. In the end, unawaringly fall victim to on-

ABBY CHAYET

line scams. These scams might trick consumers into purchasing unnecessary items or things that look good on the computer screen, but when products arrive, they have poor quality or craftsmanship.

Others may provide private information that opens buyers up to more serious scams.

The world of online shopping can be a dangerous one and should be treated as such. It is important to never be too trusting and to be wary when asked to give away personal information, especially when you are dealing with a company or website you aren’t familiar with. As the saying goes, “Buyer beware!”

PAGE 20

FEBURARYENTERTAINMENT

From Nickelodeon to Netflix The evolution of teens’ TV behavior

by OLIVIA WHITE Staff Writer It’s hard to imagine growing up without the shows that shaped many of our childhoods: Hannah Montana, Good Luck Charlie, Spongebob, and many more.

The anticipation of waiting for your favorite shows to come on air and the dread of sitting through commercial breaks made the watching experience memorable. Nowadays, teenagers have access to any show right at their fingertips. Streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max allow viewers to watch their favorite shows anytime and anywhere with their subscription, often with fewer or no commercials.

Instead of waiting a full week for new episodes to be released, teenagers engage in binge watching, a practice that has been made possible with seasons and series being released at one time, instead of just episodes. Many say it isn’t healthy to sit in front of a TV and watch consecutive episodes, but that is the new normal when it comes to watching TV. I remember when I was younger, looking at Nickelodeon and waiting for the change to Nick at Night, I would think about the shows teenagers watched that I wasn’t allowed to watch. Thinking back, I can’t imagine those shows being anything similar to shows teens watch today, such as the crazed HBO Max phenomenon Euphoria. Shows have evolved from topics like friendship and lifestyle to teens’ partying behaviors.

The change in TV behavior has also changed our ability to remain patient. Now, many, myself included, are annoyed when we have to wait for a new episode or a new season to come out and need instant gratification at our fingertips. TV has evolved from more than just shows. We relate to characters and find peace indulging in a new series.

Teen TV Culture Photo via FORBES

Harry Potter Reunion 2022 Photo via MY IMPERFECT LIFE

Harry potter cast reunion The Harry Potter magic continues, 20 years later

by GRACE MAIN Staff Writer After 20 years, the Harry Potter universe is keeping the magic alive with a reunion of the cast and crew of the original movies.

On Jan. 1, the one hour and 45 minute HBO movie, Return to Hogwarts, was released. The returning cast members included Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, along with many supporting characters, who made the entire universe come together.

Since its original publication of The Sorcerer’s Stone, the Harry Potter series has continued to grow, even past the seven books and eight movies.

There are now more branches in the franchise, stretching to the Fantastic Beasts movies and The Cursed Child play. Because of the consistent media production revolving around the premise of Harry Potter, the 20th Anniversary of The Sorcerer’s Stone film was accompanied by the reunion.

Preceding the reunions release, fans were unsure as to how it would be structured. Would the cast be returning as themselves or as their characters? Will the actors be reenacting scenes? Will they be joined or have separate interviews? Ultimately, the reunion was organized through portions that coincided with the eight movies. There were also smaller seg-

ments with behind the scenes mo- dialogue as the characters grow up. ments, styles of different directors, The reunion features segments on and interviews with specific actors. groups of wizards, like the Order of Unique to the Harry Potter series, the Phoenix and The Death Eaters. each movie varies in its tone and In these segments, there are intermessage. This is most dramatically views with actors like Helena Boham seen between the first three and the Carter (Belatrix Lestrange), Ralph last five movies, before and after Lord Fiennes (Lord Voldemort), Gary OldVo l d e man (Sirim o r t us Black), r e and many turned. others.

T h i s There are shift behind c a n the scenes largely details be exscattered plained throughby the out the c o n film that stant many fans director had never Staff Writer changseen bees, as fore. For t h e instance, posithe snaketion was passed on from Chris like presence of Voldemort came to Columbus, then Alfonso Cuarón, life through special effects and the then Mike Newell, and lastly was tone of voice that Ralph Fiennes given to David Yates. The actors deliberately adds to his character. at the reunion elaborate on each On top of that, viewers are exposed director’s different style and the to the raw personalities of actors personal touch that they added to and actresses on set. In a goofy moeach movie. This becomes more ment, the reunion explains how apparent as the series progresses Professor Dumbledore’s pet phoenix through more mature and intense looked so realistic that Richard Har-

“There were also smaller segments with behind the scenes moments, styles of different directors, and interviews with specific actors.”

GRACE MAIN

ris, who played Albus Dumbledore in the first two films, didn’t even know that the bird was animatronic.

Viewers have a front row seat to the feelings and emotions of beloved actors and actresses. Emma Watson shared that she almost didn’t return for the fifth movie after the overwhelming fame that these young actors were receiving.

Capturing audience members’ attention, Tom Felton and Emma Watson admit they had crushes on each other during early years of filming.

The reunion is not without its flaws, though. There were some noticeable mix-ups present in the reunion. One was a mix up by the producers, where a baby picture of Emma Roberts was highlighted instead of Emma Watson. Watson has since lightheartedly addressed this on Instagram, joking that Roberts was a much cuter kid.

HBO has now fixed this mistake.

Overall, Return to Hogwarts provides insight into the lives of the actors while on set, the directorial changes throughout the movies, behind the scenes knowledge, and interviews with the cast. For Potterheads, seeing the characters and actors who they grew to love all together again was magical.

PAGE 21

ENTERTAINMENTFEBRUARY

Top 5 TJ’s Ranking the best that Trader Joe’s has to offer this season

by MADISON KESSLER Staff Writer Trader Joe’s fall items left us in a frenzy, so I wanted to see if the winter products lived up to the expectations.

Although coming home without a car full of items was challenging, I found five winter specials at Trader Joe’s that made me feel all warm and cozy.

The number one spot belongs to Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Stars and Trader Joe’s Mini Dark Chocolate Mint Stars. These rich, dark chocolate coated shortbread cookies with nonpareil sprinkles bring light to the darker winter months. The smooth layer of chocolate on the outside pairs perfectly with the crunchy cookie interior. They are such a fun treat to eat, and I will make sure to grab my share before Trader Joe’s runs out.

A close second, which I devour in bulk every winter, are Trader Joe’s Hot Chocolate Sticks Dark chocolate. The delicious, creamy chocolate melts perfectly in milk or any milk substitute. The steaming, comforting, and delicious hot chocolate is the best drink to sip while sitting by the fire on a cold winter night.

One of the most popular winter items that I have seen is Trader Joe’s Mini Chocolate Chip Pancake & Waffle Mix. This batter mix provides simple and easy instructions. Only requiring two additional ingredients not included in the box , this is great for a quick breakfast or a snack. Trader Joe’s Mini Chocolate Chip Pancake & Waffle Mix is one of the best waffle mixes that I have come across. The exterior crisps nicely while maintaining a soft interior with rich mini chocolate chips. This winter item is one that I definitely recommend.

The Trader Joe’s Kalamata Olives With Jalapeños and Peri Peri Peppers received fourth

“Every item I have encountered at Trader Joe’s has been addicting, and I unquestioningly return to the store over and over again for more.”

MADISON KESSLER

PRO Apple Music

by ALEXA KESSLER Opinion Editor When I was first tasked with determining whether I believe Apple Music or Spotify is the better music platform, I immediately chose Apple Music.

To be honest, this is probably because it is the app I have had for years and is the app I know how to navigate. However, after looking into the comparisons between the two popular music apps, there are many other aspects of Apple Music that make it the superior platform.

Spotify Wrapped is an aspect of Spotify that its users rave about. While Spotify Wrapped allows subscribers to view their top genre, number of minutes listened, top five artists, and top five songs for the year, Apple Music has a version of this that includes more information and is available year-round. Apple Replay is a twist on Spotify Wrapped. Not only does Apple Replay show users their top ten albums, top twenty artists, and cumulative hours they have listened to music for the year, it gives specifics on each aspect and keeps track of listeners’ top 100 songs of the year. Apple Replay is updated weekly, forming a playlist with the top 100 songs the subscriber has listened to so far that year. This playlist can be added to the users’ libraries and listened to at any point throughout the year. When it comes to detail, the Apple Music Replay tells listeners how many hours

APPLE MUSIC SPOTIFY Which music platform is superior?

Trader Joe’s Kalamata Olives with Jalapenos and Peri Peri Peppers Photo by MADISON KESSLER

by JORDYN TEPPER Staff Writer After six seasons of heartfelt and moving episodes, the cast and crew of NBC’s This Is Us has announced that the show is officially reaching its conclusion.

Over the course of the past six years, people have fallen more and more in love with the Pearson family. As each season progressed, fans quickly began to admire the strength and background of each character. This Is Us brings attention to the struggles within a family and how they can be overcome with strength and warmth while addressing several social issues that are relevant throughout society. The show flips between the past, present, and future of the family of five, highlighting how the bond of a family goes far beyond blood.

As an avid fan of the series, I was devastated to hear that This Is Us is coming to a close.

Although I am heartbroken to be saying goodbye to the show and the characters, I feel that it is time for the show to end. As someone who knows what it is like to get sick of a show that has been on the air for a bit too long, I understand their decision to end the show now. This Is Us has an incredible story that truly should leave its fans with gratitude and wanting more.

Therefore, although disappointed, I respect the decision to terminate the show while it is still at the peak of its popularity.

The creator, Dan Fogelman, along with the main cast (Mandy Moore, Milo Ventimiglia, Chrissy Metz, Justin Hartley, and Sterling K. Brown), are setting the final season up for the most epic and tear-jerking finale of them all.

The lack of deep and emotional ending scenes of the episodes thus far is causing fans to expect a meaningful culmination of the show. I look forward to seeing how the show will come to a close as we bid farewell to a show that is beloved by so many. duis at. Ultrices vitae auctor eu augue ut lectus arcu bibendum at. Accumsan lacus vel facilisis volutpat est velit. Diam vulputate ut pharetra

Colleen Hoover’s writing is worth the hype Colleen Hoover’s novel, It Ends With Us, goes viral after several TikTok recommendations

by GRACE KOBERNIK Staff Writer

PRO Spotify

by ANNA BICKERSTETH Staff Writer

Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Hot Chocolate Sticks Photo via PINTEREST

The beloved NBC show, This Is Us, is coming to an end

vs

Staff Writer

place. These are olives, a highly debated food, so it may not be a popular choice. However, the perfect amount of spice and heat is added by the peppers which, when combined with the olives, balances perfectly with the unique olive taste.

The only downside to this winter item is that it has a pit, making it a bit inconvenient to eat.

Finally, fifth place is awarded to the Trader Joe’s Caramel Coffee Almonds. As soon as I opened the bag, the sweet, sugary smell took over. I thought that the sweetness would be overpowering, but on the contrary, they were very bitter. It has a very potent black coffee flavor and has the texture of toffee from the caramel. It is a hearty snack, but not as sweet as I would have hoped.

Every item I have encountered at Trader Joe’s has been addicting, and I unquestioningly return to the store over and over again for more.

Overall, Trader Joe’s winter selection displayed a variety of many wonderful products.

updated weekly, forming a playlist with the top 100 songs the subscriber has listened to so far that year. This playlist can be added to the users’ libraries and listened to at any point throughout the year. When it comes to detail, the Apple Music Replay tells listeners how many hours they have listened to each of their top artists. While Spotify Wrapped may be seen as “more exciting” due to the fact that users must wait until December to view their year in review of music, Apple Music allows listeners to track their favorite songs and albums year-round.

Another aspect of Apple Music that Spotify lacks is the library feature. On Apple Music, users can add songs and albums to their library that can be downloaded and listened to later. The library feature makes it easy for users to access their favorite songs and albums.

Spotify’s version of this is simply a playlist of favorite songs. This can be hard when users want easy access to a specific album or similar types of music.

I wouldn’t say that I am someone who is overly concerned with music audio quality, however, Apple Music is known to have better audio streaming quality. This provides listeners with their favorite songs with higher quality audio.

While I might be biased as a loyal Apple Music user, the evidence is apparent that the opportunities within this app, specifically the replay detail and accessibility, make it the preferable and the far superior music platform.

The Conclusion of This Is Us

While some of my friends are die-hard Apple music users, it is undeniably clear that Spotify is the superior streaming platform.

I may be slightly biased, as I have only ever used Spotify, but there is immense evidence that proves that Spotify is the best.

First, Spotify is incredibly easy to use. The app itself is simple, yet aesthetically pleasing.

It has an accessible interface and a multifaceted homepage. When you open the app, the first thing you see is a graphic showing your most recently listened to playlists and artists, so you can dive right back in. Additionally, the homepage also suggests new music, artists, and even podcasts that you may like, including Spotify’s popular “Discover Weekly” playlist.

Other features of the app that make it superior include its library and its “like” feature. The library contains all of the playlists you make, along with any playlists, artists, or podcasts that you “like.” When you “like” songs and artists, they are immediately available in your library and compiled in a playlist. You can also like artists, which pins them to your library and helps you listen to your favorites with only a few clicks. Also, your liked songs automatically download to your device, making them available no matter where you are. Your favorite music will carry you through the absolute boredom that is having no cell service.

Another exciting feature of the app is Spotify

through the absolute boredom that is having no cell service.

Another exciting feature of the app is Spotify Wrapped, which is released annually. The feature collects your listening data and gives you a one-of-a-kind experience. Spotify Wrapped lists your most-streamed songs, artists, genres, and podcasts. It even creates playlists catered to what you love and suggests things you might like. The experience is engaging, as it uses your music to create a “movie soundtrack” for your life each year, matching songs to their respective opening credits and scenes. Furthermore, the feature is shareable to social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. So not only do you get to relive your favorites, you get to share them with others. This helps users discover new songs and artists and even build connections with others.

In my opinion, the most important feature of the app is its accessibility. Unlike Apple music, a free subscription to Spotify allows users to curate playlists, save artists and songs, and listen to any song they want at any time if such songs are downloaded. It is extremely easy and quick to download songs when connected to WiFi. Once downloaded, songs are available regardless of your wireless connection. Conversely, Apple Music users can only access streaming music with a subscription. Spotify’s features and easy use allows it to be available to any user above age 13 for free.

2021 brought a surge of sales and conversation circling around It Ends With Us, despite being published in 2016. The cause of this rapid increase in popularity? TikTok. TikTok allowed many users to recommend this novel to a new audience, bringing light to the talented Colleen Hoover’s writing. This platform allows people, specifically teenagers and young adults, to post their opinions to an audience of shared interests.

It Ends With Us is the story of Lily, a young woman who recently moves to Boston and meets a neurosurgeon named Ryle. They have an instant connection and quickly develop a seemingly devoted relationship. However, when an old romance of Lily’s comes back into the picture, nothing but conflict arises. Lily is left to make heartbreaking decisions about the future of her relationship with Ryle, throwing herself into a moral dilemma.

I could not recommend this book more. Regardless of your preferred genre or your personal thoughts on romance novels, everyone should read this story. Hoover is successful because she writes with authenticity. She covers difficult topics like domestic abuse, first love, forgiveness, childhood trauma, and so much more with honesty and reflection.

As a fan of all of Hoover’s work, I enjoyed reading this book from start to finish. It Ends With Us begins with a seemingly feel-good romance between two young adults, but it cultivates into so much more than that. As the story continues, emotional details of both Lily’s and Ryles’ past are woven in.

Above all, the way in which Colleen Hoover presents domestic violence is vulnerable and real. I love her ability to tie together all loose ends in her stories, with every minuscule detail and sub plot circling back throughout the novel and coming to a conclusion. Her style and tone is captivating and engaging, if you are a fan of fast-paced, Hoover is worth checking out.

HAWKEYEREVIEWS FEBRUARYENTERTAINMENT

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Why Spider-Man: No Way Home Worked So Well

New Marvel Movie Brings Back Past Versions of Spider-Man

by BEN SAPERSTEIN Staff Writer

Newest addition to the Spiderman series, No Way Home revives and celebrates past volumes Photo via SONY PICTURES / MARVEL STUDIOS

Back in 2002, Sony first put the iconic webhead on the big screen. Tobey Maguire played Peter Parker in this adaptation’s trilogy. These movies were adored both critically and by fans.

For many, the Tobey Maguire trilogy embodies Spider-Man, as well as their childhood. Andrew Garfield later took up the role for his own series beginning in 2012. After the second film, however, Sony called off production for the third because of harsh critical backlash. A second reboot saw Tom Holland play the renowned character as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, working alongside characters like Iron Man and the Hulk.

Three generations of vastly different Spider-Men have collectively been loved by audiences for many years.

Although all the rebooting can get confusing for some, fans of the wall crawler have clashing views of the separate interpretations. The common belief tends to be that Tobey Maguire portrayed the best Peter Parker, Andrew Garfield the best Spider-Man, and Tom Holland is some-

TV photo via NETFLIX

where between the two. Regardless, the Spider-Men all have massive support from fans. People who grew up with the Maguire or Garfield films wanted to see their favorite versions of the web-slinger once more.

Fortunately for them, Tom Holland’s new movie, Spider-Man: No Way Home, is a celebration of all the movies that came before it. When the world discovers that Peter Parker is secretly Spider-Man, his whole life is thrown into a tornado of chaos.

Getting desperate, Peter requests the help of his ally Doctor Strange, a powerful sorcerer. Shockingly, despite the risk of total annihilation of the universe, Doctor Strange casts a dangerous spell to make the world forget that Peter Parker is Spider-Man. Things go awry when the spell tears a hole in the multiverse. Amidst the disarray, heroes and villains from other universes are transported to the same world.

This serves as a clever way to get old characters to reprise their roles and return for one last outing.

Leading up to the release of Spider-Man: No Way Home, fans were apprehensive about bringing back beloved characters. If they were exe-

cuted poorly, the characters and their storylines might be ruined. The hype and excitement for this movie was gigantic nevertheless. Expectations were completely through the roof, and living up to all of them would be an extremely difficult task.

Besides all of the nostalgia, the film turned out to be a well-structured story overall. Fans had previously complained that Tom Holland’s depiction of Spider-Man was too reliant on those around him. Throughout the trilogy, he matures into a more independent hero. Peter concludes his arc by making a difficult sacrifice to protect everyone he loves, truly realizing the meaning behind the famous line, “with great power comes great responsibility.” Tom Holland’s interpretation of Spider-Man underwent excellently handled character growth.

The movie paid homage to the people who grew up with the earlier Spider-Man movies by not only keeping characters true to who they are, but expanding and improving upon them. Willem Dafoe especially steps back into character spectacularly. His Green Goblin is as menacing as ever and endlessly entertaining. When

MOVIE photo via NETFLIX

Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield return, it is not just for a quick cameo or fight scene. They pass on lessons they learned throughout their crime-fighting career. The three generations of Spider-Man bond and learn from one another.

Despite the masterful moments, iconic characters, and engaging storyline, there are a few flaws that should not go unmentioned. Without giving too much away, I felt that during the movie, some things feel awfully convenient. The dominos all seem to fall in just the right way. On top of that, certain characters make needlessly reckless decisions that seem out of character. They take risks that are bound to backfire without any sense of self-awareness.

Spider-Man: No Way Home will forever be one of the greatest superhero movies of all time. Nearly 20 years worth of buildup led us to this film, and it delivers on all its promises and more. Not only was it a cinematic milestone, but this special movie was an emotional coming-of-age story for Spider-Man.

TV photo via HBO

Emily in Paris and making strides

“Looking up” at the world with new eyes

SKYLAR STEARNS Staff Writer

BELLA MUCHNICK Staff Writer

NOA GOLDSTEIN Web Manager

Many of us have spent time daydreaming and pondering what life would be like in the city of love, also known as Paris. The Netflix original, Emily In Paris, hit our screens in July of 2020 and encapsulated these thoughts perfectly. Producer Darren Star captures the story of a driven, mid-20 year old woman named Emily Cooper (portrayed by Lily Collins).

Emily, who is from Chicago, moves to Paris for an unexpected job opportunity with the plan of staying for just one year. While in Paris, she is tasked with bringing an American point of view to a French marketing firm. For Emily, what began as a quick job opportunity turns into an obstacle of love, friendship, and travel, all while lavishly dressing in top designer apparel. On top of Emily’s initial struggles to navigate the French lifestyle, she is caught in a love triangle that becomes quite dramatic.

I personally love this series and I can’t wait for the next season. As of now, there are two seasons (ten episodes each) that can be streamed on Netflix. I found that this romantic comedy weaves important topics into its plot and is delightful to watch. The protagonist is exciting to follow and brings so much to the story. Watching her start off on the wrong foot with her new co-workers and navigating the French language and courtesies is entertaining and eventful.

Another aspect of the show I really enjoyed was how they brought relevant social issues and stereotypes to the table. For example, from the very first episode when Emily moves to Paris, the French are quick to be judgemental of her American ways. Emily’s French co-workers believe that they are intellectually and spiritually superior to her, and I loved watching Emily prove them wrong.

Developing into a more sophisticated plot, the topic of female empowerment and sexual harrassment in the work place is brought to our attention throughout the show. The way Emily stands up and makes a change in the eyes of these stereotypical opinions is inspiring and displays her character.

I would recommend this series to anyone looking for a light-hearted, modern show.

Don’t Look Up, a film directed by Adam McKay, was released on December 5th, 2021. This film is classified as a comedy, highly satirical, and very political.

When an aspiring astrologer, Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence) and her low-level teacher, Dr. Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio), discover a comet that could potentially destroy the planet Earth, they immediately contact and urge political officials to take action. The film follows Dr. Randall Mindy and Kate Dibiasky as they tackle their shocking discovery and the media response that follows. The pair often meet with President Janie Orlean (Meryl Streep), who does not see this issue as a concern. The only times the president brings attention to the comet is when she believes that it will help her chances of reelection. Sadly, this is not something viewers can just laugh at and move on with their lives. It seemed a little too realistic for a comedy.

With comical and jaw-dropping cabinet meetings and media appearances, it is clear that McKay meant to mock everything from political leaders to the citizens themselves.

In the Don’t Look Up universe, the talk show The Daily Rip is the most popularly viewed program on television, similar to Good Morning America or The View. Hosted by Brie Evantee (Cate Blanchett) and Jack Bremmer (Tyler Perry), it is clear that these hosts could not care less about environmental news as they prefer a light hearted show wrapped with celebrity culture. The scenes of these hosts disregarding the comet is comical, but the message is apparent. People would like to believe that if there was a life-threatening issue, the news would tell us. In this scenario, the media and talk show hosts care more about “making people laugh” than the well-being of the entire nation. In my opinion, while attempting to simplify the issues of modern media for a quick laugh, the film gives less attention to its more serious aspects: political culture.

Packed with A-list celebrities, it is apparent that this film was created to make a difference. It was created for viewers to open their eyes and realize our world is not so far from this fictional one. The film is modern, entertaining, culturally appropriate, and timely. The slogan “don’t look up” is used to try to shield people from the truth, and I believe this film really inspired viewers to look up and critically view the society we live in with new eyes.

The New Year’s gift we all needed: season two of the critically acclaimed show, Euphoria.

This belated season comes three years after the release of season one, as production was postponed due to the pandemic. Since then, Emmy winner Zendaya has become an executive producer, two amazing special episodes were released during the pandemic, and rising guitarist Dominic Fike was cast for this season. Needless to say, the season was anticipated for months on end. After watching the newly aired episodes of season two, I can say for certain that the wait was 100% necessary. This second season is extremely complex and further evolved from last season, even with only 5 episodes released so far.

“If season one was a house party at 2 a.m., season two should feel like 5 a.m., way past the point in which everyone should’ve gone home,” explained director Sam Levinson.

Levinson’s statement is beyond accurate; this season has been extremely drama filled and intense, even more than last season. So far a much more honest depiction of the lowest lows of teenage life have been shown.

“The most important thing is to not shy away from how ugly those things can be ‘’ says executive producer and Star Zendaya.

The theme stays consistent exploring the complexities of being a teenager in the present world, however, it delves deeper into drug addiction, sexuality, body image, and social media. Although we saw the hardships in Rues (Zendaya) life last season, now we see a completely different side to her. Her new personality is nonchalant, careless, self destructive, and addictive. Her life solely depends on getting that next dose and no one can get in her way, not even her closest friends and family. With this behavior comes consequences that the people closest to Rue feel deeply.

“I wanted to portray what an intervention looks like just from a family perspective and how hard it is to reason with someone who is in a state of true irrationality” describes Sam Levinson after the latest episode.

Though this seems to be the main struggle faced this season, we also see many characters coming into their own personalities more than last season. Cal Jacobs (Eric Dane) who played a somewhat minor role last season gets much more attention as we learn more about his backstory and his new priorities. His character along with Fez (Angus Cloud), and Lexi (Maude Apatow) we learn even more that adds so much to the season.

So far, this season has surprised me stylistically and topically, but I am seriously impressed. Euphoria seems to have no boundaries in the topics and struggles they cover, which I think is important for young adults to understand right now. In addition, the acting is fantastic and has had some of the best performances I have seen on Television.

A Euphoric start to 2022

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ENTERTAINMENTFEBRUARY

It’s a new Dawn for the Weeknd

by NOA GOLDSTEIN Web Manager Abel Tesfaye, a.k.a The Weeknd, is back, releasing his 7th studio album, Dawn F.M. Abel’s career took off in 2011 after releasing a trilogy of moody R&B cuts, changing the genre for years to come. Following this, his next few releases, from Kissland to Starboy, he took ventures into experimental pop and hip-hop, while still expanding on the success that he found in the world of R&B. However, in 2020, Abel released After Hours, a complete reinvention of his personality and a new take to his usual sound. He experimented with 80’s synths and other sounds on the record, with songs like “Blinding Lights,” “In Your Eyes,” and “Save Your Tears” being some standouts.

These songs have become some of Abels’s most successful songs to date. Not too long after the success of After Hours, Dawn F.M is here to kick-off 2022.

While listening to After Hours, you are listening to an album, however, with Dawn F.M, you are getting the full experience. Dawn F.M acts like a radio station, with Jim Carey acting as the album’s “host.”

His spoken interludes, especially the last one, echo some important themes on this album such as self-reflection and development.

In addition, there are many points on some of the songs that include bits of a fake radio station called Dawn 103.5. For example, on the “Song Here we go again…” featuring Tyler the Creator, the closing seconds feature a theme like song, stating “The number one station to free your soul, 103.5 F.M.” This theme adds character to the album and makes it a more fulfilling listen than many of Abels other records.

Lyrically, Abel covers many of the same topics he has explored in the past; addiction, love, and toxicity… yet he approaches these with a new persona. As seen on the album cover, Abel, through this record, is feeling a great sense of maturity, even elderly-like. This leads to more self-reflective thoughts demonstrated throughout the entire tracklist. Songs such as “Gasoline” and “Starry Eyes” reveal Abel’s dependence on his partner to keep his mindset stable. However, his emotions change throughout the record transporting listeners from his feelings of dependence to his doubting thoughts and feelings that are confined to his relationship in songs like “Out of the Time.”

This album proves how Abel continues to redefine his sound. Dawn F.M is even more 80’s inspired than After Hours. There are still many older fans who miss Abel’s

dark take on R&B. At first listen of Dawn F.M, I initially agreed with this mindset. After multiple listens, though, I noticed subtle differences in each of his past and present pieces that make this album completely different. Songs like “Is there someone else?” “Take my Breath,” and “Out of Time” feature some of Abel’s catchiest lyrics to date, with amazing production.

Nonetheless, “Less than Zero” is the standout on this album. Its dreamy production, chorus, and Abel’s singing all combine to make this album come together beautifully.

The only problem I have with Dawn F.M are the moments of repetitiveness between tracks. There are a few songs on the record that repeat ideas, sound extremely similar to other songs on the album, or just aren’t very catchy. For instance, “Don’t Break My Heart” seems to just take up space on the tracklist.

Since its release, my opinions of Dawn F.M have changed with every listen. It really has grown on me, and I think it will only continue to.

The tracks creatively and thematically seem to be leading somewhere even more experimental for Abel in the future.

Abel Tesfaye, otherwise known as the Weeknd, releases his 7th studio album in January 2022 called Dawn F.M. photo via FINANCIAL TIMES

TV photo via SHINGEKI.TV

BOOK photo via AMAZON.COM

MOVIE photo via IMDB

A “Rumbling” end to an era

A soaring, high-flying success of a novel

The new Scream made me yawn

RYANNE LEONARD Design Editor

MAXIMILIAN SCHENKE News Editor

IZZY O’ BRIEN Staff Writer

Running since 2013, the anime Attack on Titan (AOT), by Hajime Isayama has defined an era with its masterfully woven plot and developed characters.

AOT is a mystery military series based around a world of man-hunting titans as (supposedly) the last of humanity struggles to fight back. The release of season four’s final part will provide closure for the series, and its episodes so far deliver an exhilarating and captivating plot that leaves viewers dramatically anticipating each coming episode.

One key strength for AOT has been its excellent character writing and development; the most notable growth is seen through Eren, Reiner, and arguably, Gabi. Season four brings even more layers to each character’s complexity and an understanding of their motivations. Each character has unique conflicts, whether it is between independence and dependence, for Eren, or loyalty and defiance, for Reiner. Each of these individual conflicts compliment each other, intertwining perfectly in the plot and with their evolution as characters. As their story arcs come to a close, these developments tie the story together with themes of vengeance, forgiveness, guilt, and individual sovereignty.

Another thing that makes these characters incredibly captivating is the pure inability to hate any of them, although Gabi might be a personal exception. Despite having drastically different goals and beliefs, their reasonings are understandable and warrant either love or pity towards the character.

Like its characters, the AOT plot is meticulously put together, richly detailed, and leaves no room for blank filler. The anime’s finale is no exception, with each episode leaving me amazed from the sheer weight of its message, such as embarking through Grisha’s memories— as Eren in season four episode 20—or learning the founder Ymir’s backstory in the following episode. Each progression leaves you in awe as everything fits into place, almost as if Eren planned the rumbling, the full unleash of the founding titan’s power, from the beginning.

To bring this story to life, studio Mappa went above and beyond with the animation, creating immersive and spellbinding imagery.

The rumbling, which has only just begun in episode 80, is already tremendous from the animation of the spine to the hoard of colossal titans.

Although the series is coming to an end, Attack on Titan is leaving with a bang and is definitely worth watching.

Everyone makes mistakes. It’s how we learn from our mistakes that defines who we are. The story of The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini, is delivered to us through the eyes and mind of Amir, an Afghan boy who we follow as he experiences great tragedies and shoulders many regrets. Readers can relate to Amir’s experience, as upon fleeing to America with his father, he tries to pave a path of good actions in an attempt to redeem himself for the harm he caused in Afghanistan. Hosseini teaches us that all actions have consequences, but that it is how we choose to respond to the mistakes of our childhood that define who we become as adults.

The Kite Runner also seeks to tackle race and class relations, especially how we often mistreat those we think are beneath us or envy those we believe are less deserving of happiness. Afghanistan is a nation divided into Pashtuns and Hazaras, with Pashtuns being the ruling class and Hazaras being treated as second-class citizens, left to serve the Pashtuns. Amir and his father Baba live in a beautiful house in a well-to-do neighborhood, while their servants, Ali and his son Hassan, live in a mud hut in the yard. Both Amir and Hassan lost their mothers at a very young age, creating a unique relationship between the two families, similar to that of a larger family.

Ali and Baba grew up together, and Hassan and Amir have a fraternal bond. There is also Rahim Khan, Baba’s best friend, who takes on a mentorship role with Amir and inspires Amir to become a writer. But, unlike Amir and his father, there are also people who assert their perceived racial superiority. Assef, one such boy, takes pride in making life miserable for Hassan.

For much of the story, the plot revolves around the relationship between Amir and his father. Amir is obsessed with making his father proud, whereas, contrarily, his father is continuously disappointed by his actions, questioning whether Amir is even his son at all. Meanwhile, Baba’s pride rests mostly on Hassan’s shoulders, who behaves much more like Baba did when he was a child. This inspires jealousy in Amir, which sets up a major conflict in the early acts of the work.

Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner is an exceptional piece of fiction that keeps the reader constantly engrossed in its story, itching to read what happens next. It is an emotional rollercoaster spanning two starkly different nations that encourages the reader to think inwardly and reflect on one’s own regrets and past mistakes. The relationships between characters are deeply complex, and the story is so well crafted that it seems almost autobiographical. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book that left me so winded by the end, and I can with certainty say that it is one of the greatest books I’ve ever read. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll wish that it never ended.

On Friday, January 14th the fifth installment of the Scream franchise was released. This time, the film is joined by some of the original cast: Courtney Cox, David Arquette, and Neve Campell. Along with members of the original cast, new stars are featured in the movie, such as Jenna Ortega, Dylan Minnette, and Melissa Barrera. The first movie, in my eyes, had the perfect amount of horror and comedic self-awareness that the sequels just could not match. So, when I heard that another movie was going to be released, I was not expecting it to be any different, and in many ways, I was correct.

Once I had seen all of the amazing reviews calling this movie “The best Scream since the first movie,” I knew I had to see it for myself.

In the beginning, we follow Tara Carpenter (Jenna Ortega) as she receives a mysterious phone call from an unknown number. Having the movie begin the exact same way as the first movie provided some nostalgia and led me to believe that this movie would be different from its other sequel counterparts. For the first 45 minutes, I agreed with the reviews and enjoyed how they put a modern spin on the movie by using new technology and making present day references. At first, making the movie relatable to teenagers today was silly and engaging, but as it went on, certain aspects of the film led to its demise.

After 45 minutes of the movie, the storyline became stagnant, predictable, cringeworthy, and simply not enjoyable to watch. It was disheartening to watch a movie with such a strong beginning become so mediocre. Because of poor casting choices, the storyline began to collapse once more characters were introduced. Overacting was this movie’s main downfall, along with being predictable. By the end of the movie, it felt more like a cheesy Scooby Doo episode than a thrilling horror movie.

It seems as though movies today focus too much on making content relatable to teens. Jokes about cell phones or teenage lingo are overdone and make the writing come across as lazy and unoriginal. This version of Scream is no exception, and these tropes made the movie nearly unwatchable. Other Gen Zers can agree that we are tired of the Gen Z jokes; they spoil the authenticity of a movie.

The return of the original cast was one of the best aspects of the movie. I will applaud the writers for creating an interesting story for each of the returning actors, and it was exciting to see them all on screen together again. Other than that, the movie was a bore, and I wouldn’t recommend it. Instead, watch an old Scooby Doo episode; you will get the same effect.