The Hawkeye Reflects: December, 2021

BLOOMFIELD HILLS HIGH SCHOOL VOLUME IX | ISSUE III

HAWK EYE REFLECTS photos by EMMA DOERR, DONALD KIM

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HAWKEYEREFLECTS HAWKEYEREFLECTS

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ONLINE NEWS

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS

The Hawkeye’s editors-in-chief reflect on the events of the past months

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OXFORD STRONG IS MICHIGAN STRONG

Students around the state come together to support the Oxford community

At home COVID-19 tests available for online order For this story and more, visit our website

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BLOOMFIELD MARCH FOR OUR LIVES

Bloomfield students take action to advocate for sensible gun policies and how to get involved

bhhstoday.org

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REMEMBERING OXFORD

Tributes to the victims of the Oxford shooting to remember and revive their legacy

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USE YOUR POWER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

In 2022, we need to start thinking about making an impact for the greater good

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MENTAL HEALTH AND HUMAN RESOURCES

Counseling and reporting resources to heal and keep Bloomfield Hills Schools safe

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STUDENT VOICE

BHHS Students organize walkout in response to racist hate speech

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THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE NOT ENOUGH The case for gun control for our right to live

WE WANT TO HEAR WHAT YOU THINK! Write a 200-300 word letter to the editor and sent it to us at hawkeye@bloomfield.org

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HAWKEYE REFLECTS Dear Black Hawks,

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS EDI

by SETH KRUGER, LENNA PETERSON,

ERYN STERN, AND LINDSEY ZOUSMER

Editors-In-Chief

#hawkeyereflects

As we reflect on the last few months, we are devastated by the tragedies that have affected our students here at the high school, and also in the communities that surround us. Especially in recent months, we have realized the unique perspective that the Hawkeye brings, and with that, how grateful we are for this outlet in which students can express themselves and use their voices, during happy, but also hard times. In order to amplify the voices of those in Oxford and provide ways to show our support, we made the decision to replace our regular holiday tabloid with this issue. As you continue to read, please take note of the ways available to you to get involved, including resources, clubs, and other ways to take action and take care of yourselves. We must all do what we can to support our friends in Oxford during this unimaginably difficult time.

We are blown away by the work that the Hawkeye staff has dedicated to this issue. Their passion and emotion truly shines through every article. We hope that this issue can give all of you a sense of hope, emotions to relate to, or ways to make change. Please remember that however you cope and whatever you may be feeling is valid. This is an extremely hard time for everyone, so take some time for yourselves, hug those that you love, and try to show support as much as you possibly can. The Hawkeye Staff is thinking of all of you, and we stand with the Oxford community, Oakland County community, and anyone and everyone else affected.

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HAWKEYE REFLECTS Bloomfield Hills High School Students came together to paint the rock in order to stand in solidarity with our neighbors in Oxford.

Photo by PAUL KOLIN

OXFORD STRONG IS MICHIGAN STRONG

Students across the state come together to support the Oxford community

by ALEXA KESSLER Opinion Editor After the horrific tragedy at Oxford High School on November 30, 2021, high schoolers have come together to provide support at a time of heavy trauma and loss.

At Bloomfield Hills High School, Student Leadership has many plans to spread love and support to the Oxford community. The leadership class wrote cards to the Oxford and Lake Orion first responders present at the tragedy to thank them for their quick response and continuous efforts to support the Oxford community, keeping as many students, teachers, and school personnel as safe as possible.

To show further support, Bloomfield student body presidents, Lindsey Zousmer and Andrew Zupancic, along with sophomore class president Michael Dillon, attended a Zoom meeting to collaborate with student body presidents from schools throughout Michigan. The group decided to implement an initiative across all of their schools to sell blue and gold rubber bracelets that will read, “Oxford Strong is Michigan Strong.” Student Leadership is hoping to donate the proceeds to cover any memorial expenses for the victims and extra support for the families of the

#hawkeyereflects

Oxford community. If there is additional money available, it will go toward sponsoring Oxford student leaders to attend the State leadership conference. The student leaders also plan to look into donating the remainder of the funds to Oxford’s chosen charity for their charity week this school year. Younger student leaders in the Lead9 class also took the initiative to support Oxford during this time. The classes made snowflakes to be given to Oxford Middle School, in hopes of brightening up the school environment.

Students at the middle schools have also been working on projects to support Oxford. For example, BHMS students created an “O” at their school using positive cards, notes, and messages. They brought this to Oxford

Middle School for their first day back.

Many students throughout the school have also collaborated as part of the March for Our Lives Chapter of Bloomfield Hills, allowing a space of healing and action for students.

Along with high schools throughout the state, universities have also shown visual support for Oxford High School. The University of Michigan’s football team wore jerseys with an Oxford “O” patch that included the #42 in honor of victim Tate Myre’s football number. The patch also included four hearts to recognize the four students whose lives were selfishly and horrifically stolen. The Michigan women’s basketball team also wore a similar patch with four hearts on their jerseys, this time with “HSJ”

“It is crucial that we stand together to both emotionally support those who need it most during this time...”

ALEXA KESSLER Opinion Editor

printed in the “O” in remembrance of victim Hana St. Juliana, who was on the freshman basketball team at Oxford.

There are various ways students can help take action and support the Oxford community during this time: students can write notes to Oxford teachers and staff as well as to first responders, donate to memorial and support funds for the families, and students can join initiatives to allow their voices to be heard on the topics of gun control and how we can feel safe and grow as a nation. In a time where many people are hurting so deeply, it is important to see people coming together who want to heal, remember, love, stand in solidarity, and grow.

It is crucial that we stand together to both emotionally support those who need it most during this time and share our voices to make change and prevent these cruel acts from occuring in our schools in the future.

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HAWKEYE REFLECTS

BLOOMFIELD MARCH FOR OUR LIVES Bloomfield students take action to advocate for sensible gun policies

by NOA GOLDSTEIN Web Manager

March For Our Lives Michigan hosts event in Centennial Park in Oxford, Michigan to stand in solidarity with Oxford High School against gun violence.

Photos by SARAH HENRY

#hawkeyereflects

November 30, 2021, will be a day to dents to process and discuss the events remember in our community forever. of November 30th. We wanted to focus The Oxford tragedy reminded many on healing, as our community was students of the prevalence of gun viand still has been recovering from the olence, and that it truly has no limits tragedy. Additionally, we talked about to where it can occur. This thought our chapter’s future goals as we move alone and possibly many other factors forward,” states Yang. for students have sparked a drive for Yang also describes the main priorichange in our school communities ties of March for Our Lives Bloomfield. and our country.

“March for Our Lives Bloomfield March For Our Lives is a student-led works to advocate for sensible gun vioorganization that works to try and lence prevention policies that will save lower gun violence rates and pass new lives. We do so by harnessing the powgun control laws into legislation. They er of young people in our local area!” are mostly known for their protest in According to Yang, one of the most Washington D.C after the 2018 Parkimportant aspects of March for Our land Florida tragedy that gathered alLives is an emphasis on student voice most 2 million people, making it one around the country. Yang and Kotian of the largest demonstrations in histofurther bring attention to this matter, ry. After the Parkland and Oxford tragas it is one of the reasons they particedies, students at BHHS and around ipate.

Oakland County “The main goal of decided to work our chapter is to get alongside this orgaother young people nization, bringing a involved in the gun March for Our Lives violence prevenChapter into Bloomtion movement and field Hills. Two stupromote gun safedents in particular, ty throughout our senior Akita Kotian community,” says and senior KariKotian. “March For na Yang, are at the Our Lives Bloomforefront of this new field is a great Bloomfield Chapter. space to organize “I started workwith other students ing with March for and take on an acOur Lives in 2018 tive role in making after the Parkland your community a shooting,” Kotian MFOL Bloomfield Chapter safer place.”

Lead explains. “That ralDuring these tryly actually got me ing times, it is so involved in commuimportant for stunity organizing in the 8th grade. Since dents’ voices to be heard. Although then, me and my close friend Karina we may not have the most influence, Yang have created a local chapter for our stories are the most important.

March for Our Lives.”

March of Our lives Bloomfield is this Shortly after the Oxford shooting, much-needed outlet for students March for Our Live Bloomfield Hills wanting to create change in our comheld a meeting on December 4 to munity and our country. Yang emphadiscuss the events of the tragedy, but sizes this point. mostly provided a space for people to “If you are passionate about gun vioheal and express their feelings. Looklence prevention, and want to take acing forward, the duo wants to contintion in your local community or across ue promoting gun safety throughout the nation, March For Our Lives is a our community. great organization to join!”

“In our meeting last week, in response to the Oxford shooting, MFOL Bloomfield provided a space for stu-

“March for Our Lives Bloomfield works to advocate for sensible gun violence prevention policies that will save lives.”

KARINA YANG

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HAWKEYEREFLECTS

STAFF VOICE

I Don’t Wear My Boot To School Anymore

by ASHLEY FOGEL Staff Writer I can’t be scared to go to school Scared to wear the boot for my broken ankle Scared that if I do, I won’t be able to get out fast enough Scared that I won’t make it A boot is not bulletproof.

My friends are not bulletproof.

I am not bulletproof.

I can’t be scared to go to school I spend my days scared I won’t walk out Scared I won’t be able to tell my parents how much I love them Scared that the memories of my peers will be splattered in red Scared that everyone I know and love could leave the building dead I don’t want to be the kid on the tv I don’t want an obituary saying “oh she was so sweet” I don’t want my picture shown I just want our country to grow So can we stop pretending we don’t need gun control?

I don’t wear my boot Because boots don’t shield bullets I don’t wear my boot Because a healed ankle is not worth it Is my life really worth it?

As we know, writing and artistic expression is a wonderful way to process emotions and share our thoughts and feelings. If you have been writing or creating following the painful events of the last few months, the Hawkeye would love to hear from you.

Please submit any work (personal reflections, advice, artwork, poetry, etc) to hawkeye@bloomfield.org. We will be creating a special section on our website (bhhstoday.org) to feature student voices.

SHARE YOUR VOICE #hawkeyereflects

USE YOUR POWER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Photos by DONALD KIM (lower left), EMMA DOERR (lower right, upper left), SARAH HENRY (upper right)

In 2022, we need to start thinking about making an impact for the greater good

by RUBY STOLLER Section Editor As a teen in 2021, I have had a unique opportunity to observe some of the most monumental events in the course of American history. As teens, we have seen some of the most hateful behavior amplified through social media, and we have seen harmful stereotypes perpetuated by the people in charge. It’s up to us in 2022 to change the narrative.

Currently, we have the incredible opportunity to change how society thinks and behaves. As we enter the new year, we need to start thinking about doing things for the greater good and the impact of our actions.

I wish I could say it’s a surprise that from January-September of 2021, a 9% increase in deaths from gun-related violence occurred. However, given the fact that month after month I get word of yet another case of gun-related violence, I simply cannot say this fact is surprising (Gun Violence Archive). But, while it is not surprising, I can most definitely say this fact is horrifying.

When will enough people die to convince lawmakers to start rectifying our horrific reality, especially as students?

While this situation is easy to feel hope-

less in, there is a solution yet to be implemented. In 2022 we can write legislation into law, which will prevent the wrong people from having access to a gun and regulate what types of guns are permissible in certain circumstances.

Most people would think gun violence is far too much worry for a teen, yet there is still more that needs to change.

“Do your part as a citizen to be kind”

RUBY STOLLER Section Editor

It is shocking to think that we are entering the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Three years of fear, illness, and isolation. Yet after three years, some still do not take proper precautions to protect themselves and others from contracting the deadly virus. While masks have proven to be an effective tool in the fight against the pandemic - 79% effective at preventing transmis-

sion of COVID-19 - some still choose not to wear them (PNAS). While vaccines have proven to be the most effective way of preventing COVID-19 symptoms from becoming severe - Pfizer has an efficacy rate of 95% - they have become a controversial political tool (Yale Medicine).

In 2021, I have found myself teaching others far too often the golden rule, “treat others the way you want to be treated.” Growing up, I found this rule to be at the heart of many of my elementary school lessons. We frequently practiced the meaning of this rule and its importance. Throughout my life, I have seen actions from many that suggest a lack of knowledge surrounding this rule. Every time I read about hate speech and discrimination in the news and hear about it from friends, I cannot help but consider where we went wrong as a society in terms of treating others the way you want to be treated. In order to properly care for each other, we need to unanimously adopt this rule as a part of our lives.

In 2022, I hope for new policies that reflect the changes that many have wanted to see for so long. Do your part as a citizen to be kind, it’s never too late to start.

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RESOURCESREFLECTS

by CAROLINE GRIFFIN Staff Writer

RESOURCES

As these last two months have caused a lot of trauma and pain, our Oakland County Community Officials and our Bloomfield Hills High School Counselors are here to provide counseling and mental health resources to help deal with these strategies after the hate speech announcements and the Oxford High School Shooting.

With the following links that can also be found on the bhhs twitter page and the bhhs counseling pages, these links provide access to free counseling and help with people struggling with the previous events that have occurred and a link to report bullying, hate crimes and any threats that may concern you or people around you. You may also call this number to text or call the Oakland County Police Department for any concerns or questions: 248858-4951. Do not hesitate to take action or receive the help you need

REPORTING HATE AND BIAS TOOL

FREE MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING

TWITTER: OAK COUNTY EXEC OFFICE

through Bloomfield Hills Schools to confidentially report incidents of hate

and resource events hosted by Oakland County in aftermath of Oxford shooting

Keep up to date on how the county is taking action

oakland county sheriff’s office: 248-858-4951 #hawkeyereflects

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REFLECTSNEWS

STUDENT VOICE

Students organized a walkout on November 12 in response to the racist hate speech happening at BHHS. photo by Emma Doerr

BHHS students organize walkout in response to racist hate speech

by MOUHAMADOU TALL Staff Writer On November 10, racially-charged hate speech targeting the African-American community was found to be written on the walls in the female restroom in the G-Wing. This incident sparked uproar in the Bloomfield Hills Community and struck a chord with parents and students who felt that the school fostered an unsafe learning environment.

After this was reported to administration, numerous incidents followed. One after another, email after email, Bloomfield Hills students were flooded with reports of racial hate speech unlike ever before. It created a logistical challenge for administration and made students question what could be done to counter these attacks.

In response to both the incidents themselves and the desire for increased communication community-wide, students worked together in order to provide a healing space for those harmed while also expressing their outrage in an organized way. On November 11, the Thursday following the initial hate speech, sophomore

#hawkeyereflects

Grace Franklin, collaborating with Parker Ng, Lucia Farah, and Ava Farah considered what they could do as students in order to address these issues and stop incidents like this from happening in the future.

These students drafted a set of demands for district staff and central administration.

Throughout the course of that day, the students were able to coordinate a school-wide walkout,

the details of which were shared via social media.

The night before the walkout, rumors circulated that there would be a potential threat present at the walkout, which discouraged a lot of students from attending.

While it became clear that these threats were fabricated, the school still maintained an increased police presence at the high school in order to keep students safe.

Administration was supportive of the walk-

“Students were able to express their concerns and experiences throughout the event, which also fostered a safe space for non-students of color to be able to hear what their peers were going through.”

MOUHAMADOU TALL Staff Writer

out and encouraged the students speaking out about these horrific acts in a peaceful and organized way. “We as a building and district will continue to do what we can to support students during this troubling time,” said principal Charlie Hollerith over the loudspeaker announcements.

At 1:30 PM on Friday, November 12, students left through the main entrance of the building and stood in solidarity with one another. Students were able to express their concerns and experiences throughout the event, which also fostered a safe space for non-students of color to be able to hear what their peers were going through.

Since the walkout, Bloomfield Hills administration has been working with the Student Equity Council and other student interest groups to implement many of the demands that were initially presented through the walkout. This included modifying and implementing the racial incidents reporting policy, and working to improve the experience for students of color throughout the Bloomfield community.

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OPINIONREFLECTS

Friendship is magic Working together is the only way to overcome

by TYLER RICHMOND Staff Writer To say the least, the last few months of school have been… hectic. From the instances of racism, to the protests in response to said racism, to the tragedy at Oxford, to the pandemic everyone seems to have forgotten about, normalcy is a distant memory at Bloomfield Hills High School. Sometimes it may seem like we have nothing, and our lives are falling apart as the world is crumbling around us. However, that is anything but true; there is a secret ability many overlook in the face of adversity. And that ability is… friendship.

It may sound silly, and I can assure you I am a teenage boy and not some animated pony about to sing a little song. Still, the only thing that can get this community through such a difficult time is… friendship.

The human brain is a complicated thing that will most likely never be understood.

But what we do understand (from personal experience) is that the human brain can tremor under pressure; sometimes we need a shoulder to lean on when the times get tough. Even still, after instances like this, eventually it’ll be like nothing ever happened, and you will forget. HowevStaff er, once in a while times are more than just ‘tough’ and one shoulder isn’t enough. Once in a while, you can’t stop thinking about that one atrocity someone

committed completely unrelated to you, and it warps your perception in a way that is simply horrifying.

In cases like this, the brain won’t simply tremor; it will collapse.

These are the times where if you don’t receive that nece s s a r y h u m a n Writer contact, you will lose every tether you have to normalcy. However, in these times it is not the full responsibility of the victim to manage that pain, but also

the people around the victim who have the job of mending those mental wounds and double knotting the tethers to normalcy.

Although we can lean on one another to mend these wounds, there must also be a way to prevent further injury.

Even though it is debatable what change must be made, the only way to make said change is through cooperation with the same people who helped you mend those original wounds; one person, no matter how strong, stands no chance against a dragon, though an army of one million, no matter how strong, has a decent chance at victory.

No matter how tough the times get, the only thing we can count on is each other.

Now is the time to band together and help each other, because if we don’t, we are doomed to failure.

right to live and go to school safely? start prioritizing our lives and our safety Yes, the Second Amendment exists for over the ability to get a gun. a reason. But If it’s more that reason is difficult to get not so that eva gun, there erybody and will be fewer their brother school shootcan buy an ings.

That assault rifle is common and shoot sense.

Alup a school, though many mosque, or things, such movie theas school deater. It exists sign, mental for extreme health, and cases of preparedness self-defense, contribute for hunting, to shootings, and that’s ultimately, a about it. shooting canThe Second not happen Staff Writer & Graphic Designer Amendment if a shooter is should not be unable to get a justification for anyone to kill an innohold of a gun. That’s why gun control is cent human being. Our politicians must critical. Gun control does not necessarily

mean taking guns or being unable to buy a gun; it could come in the form of requiring training, more in-depth background checks, mental health screenings, licenses, raising the prices of guns, increasing a waiting period, or banning specific types of guns or accessories like assault rifles or silencers.

Clearly, gun control of some sort is absolutely necessary. Thoughts and prayers after every single mass shooting will not do anything without action and gun control. Although it is extremely important to provide solidarity to all impacted, thoughts and prayers will not do anything to prevent more shootings from happening in the future. If we really want an end to the trauma and pain of mass shootings, we must enact gun control.

“It is not the full responsibility of the victim to manage that pain, but also the people around the victim who have the job of mending those mental wounds”

TYLER RICHMOND

Thoughts and prayers are not enough The case for gun control for our right to live

by CAMERON KAUFMAN Staff Writer & Graphic Designer Four years ago, when I was in eighth grade at West Hills, I wrote an article about gun control and Parkland.

Now, I sit here again writing an article about gun control, but this time, it hits a lot harder, a lot closer to home. Oxford High School is not even half an hour away from our school. Given the shooting in Oxford, as well as the many threats to our school and neighboring schools, something happening here feels significantly more likely.

There have been over 650 mass shootings in the United States in 2021 alone.

There have been 29 school shootings this year, and Oxford—where four students were murdered—is the deadliest school shooting since May of 2018.

How many more shootings, how many more injuries, how many more deaths will it take for our country to stop prioritizing the Second Amendment over our

#hawkeyereflects

“How many more shootings, how many more injuries, how many more deaths will it take for our country to stop prioritizing the Second Amendment over our right to live?”

CAMERON KAUFMAN

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