June 2017

Hawkeye The Bloomfield

Bloomfield Hills High School

June 2017

Volume IV-Issue VI

SCHOOL NEWS BHHS Added to AP Honor

Pete Bowers

Recognition received for first time in school history Alexis Rillema Staff Writer

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or the first time in four years Bloomfield Hills High School made the AP District seventh annual Honor Roll.

“We were recognized for students who took rigorous college preparatory curriculum, which I think speaks to the quality of our curriculum here in the building, the courses we offer, and the kids are challenging themselves,” said Bloomfield Hills High School Principal Charlie Hollerith. “We are very lucky to have very good AP teachers because it is not just about the curriculum; it is about the teachers teaching the courses. [This award] it is a combination of having a great curriculum, great teachers, and students challenging themselves--ultimately it has provided some very good results for us.”

Bloomfield Hills High School is one of 23 school districts to be selected for the AP District Honor Roll and one of 433 school districts in the United States and Canada.

For those that may not see the significance in these statistics, Bloomfield Hills School District Superintendent, Dr. Robert Glass explains that “23 out of over 1,500 Michigan high schools is a very small percentage. It means that about 1.5% of Michigan schools received this honor. That is a pretty elite percentage.”

This elite percentage is so momentous because it separates BHHS and its accomplishments from other schools whose numbers aren’t as high.

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School Board President Retires Ingid Day has served the district for 10 years Ally Heath 17-18 Production Manager

fter serving the Bloomfield Hills School District’s Board for ten years, current President, Ingrid Day is stepping down.

“I love public education and I love the students of Bloomfield Hills Schools,” said Day who originally joined the board in 2007 with a mission to make a difference.“There is no other way to say it. I have been fortunate that I can dedicate so much time and energy to this. And not having this in my life is going to to really hurt. I feel like I am missing a big part of who I am when this all happens.”

Looking back to the beginning Day said that she her primary focus was and has continued to be on supporting the students which she believes to be the core of public education. “For many years prior, folks had asked me to run but the timing was never right, like it was in 2007. Besides, if I won that seat, I would be able to hand both of my children their diplomas - two of the best days for me ever,” she said.

Working with Day BHSD school Superintendent Dr. Rob Glass says that Day “almost always seems to know what everybody on the Board needs. She can be strong when she needs to be strong. She has the ability to get people to come together and keeps everybody as a team. She does it in the most fun and pleasant way. It is really a gift. She has enabled me to do my best work because she is easy to work with. I feel very empowered

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Career well- spent Pete Bowers retires after 41 years as general manager of WBFH - The Biff

Bowers reflects on his forty-eight years spent working in the Bloomfield Hills School District Lara Janosz 17-18 News Editor

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ete Bowers is saying goodbye.

DISTRICT NEWS

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Founder of The BIFF Creator of National High School Radio Day Only two-time winner of the John Drury Advisor of the Year Award The BIFF named nation’s top high school radio station six times

“It [has been] fun to watch students create productions, like public service announcements and promotional announcements and I’ve enjoyed working with them as far as recording of some of these things,” said Bowers who, after 41 years of teaching and advising students at BHHS’ radio station, The BIFF, is retiring. “They evolve, starting off real simple and then get more and more advanced and it’s kind of like a seed that grows. To see that kind of growth is pretty rewarding…[the students are] like seeds that grow and it [has been] my job to make sure they get planted and water them and nurture them and then when they win a state award for something they’ve done, it’s the best.”

Beginning in 1976, Bowers started as The BIFF’s station manager, right after graduating a year earlier.

“At Central Michigan, I worked at the college radio station. All of us radio guys there, thought, ‘Hey someday when

we’re rich, we’ll buy a radio station and we’ll hire who we want and what program we want.’ Guess what? This job opened up. It was the dream job right out of college,” he said.

Throughout this time, Bowers’ staffs have been named the Michigan High School Radio Station of the Year ten times and The Drury Best High School Radio Station in the Nation for six years. Today, the BIFF is one of the few FM high school radio stations in the state.

BIFF’s assistant manager Ron Wittebols has had a front row seat in contributing to the 21 awards The BIFF won at the 2017 Annual International Radio and Webcasting Conference. For Wittebols, working with Bowers has been a great experience over the years.

“I have known Mr. Bowers for 30 years,” Wittebols said. “It has been fun to work with him and I’ll miss his great humor and kindness.”

Agreeing with Wittebols, staff member Noah Streng said that “it is just a surreal experience to finally be recognized for something made in the classroom. The way he teaches is way different than any other teacher.

He really has a close relationship with his students and I really feel like the BIFF is kind of grown on me, unlike most other classes that I’m in.”

For second year staff member Dean Hysni, Bowers has helped him not only improve as a broadcaster but also “he has taught me how to become a better person by being more responsible, cre-

“It’s great to hear the memories of my students. I love that. When they talk about the memories that they have, that’s the best part.”

OPINION Senior reflects on the importance of high school music programs Music involvement was both socially and academically enriching Panayiotis Stavropoulos Staff Writer

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ne, Two, Three. Dum Dum Dum Woah!

Our voices rang out in tight harmonies. Each of us snapping along to the grooving beat. As we performed we could barely contain our excitement as For The Longest Time was our trademark song.

Four years ago the ceremonial ribbon was cut over the doors of Bloomfield Hills High School. Although our beloved building had yet to be constructed, our traditions and future began. I strolled into my first day of freshman year, late per usual, as a short freshman confoundedly looking for my geometry class.

Upon finding directions I eagerly sat in my seat, ecstatic to begin my favorite class of math. You see, before 9th grade I had wanted to be an engineer.

It was shown to me and my family during my early years when I would follow the handyman around our house with a flashlight and tool kit, uniquely drawn to the process of how our world worked. However, I was not cognizant to the opportunity just around the corner.

STUDENTS REFELCT ON TESTING WEEK see news page 2

For my third hour I enrolled in Black Hawk Singers which was a choir dedicated to freshman boys. This class would soon become the backbone of my entire high school career.

Music had always been a part of my life, and I most certainly enjoyed singing, dancing, and listening to music. Be it that Black Hawk Singers was an all male group composed of 12 individuals, we were encouraged to relieve our insecurities, conduct our best work, and remain open to possibilities.

As the year began, Black Hawk Singers became very skilled at their work. In addition with no distractions related to status quo, our changing voices, or girls, we were able to diligently and efficiently complete our work. In addition we were able to strengthen our friendships. This sense of brotherhood and focused education is what catapulted my interest for music into a love.

I began to love every minute spent in choir and soon, they year had sadly ended. However, I knew that I need-

FIDGET SPINNERS EMERGE IN CLASSROOMS

see feature page 8

ative, and organized in all my work.”

Looking back on his career, Bowers said that while the accolades are nice, that has never been his main focus.

He said that throughout his tenure, he’s always had the same objective which is to provide students with a first hand experience with what it is like to work in live broadcasting and radio stations, but there was still a greater goal in the back of his mind.

“More importantly for me, I just hope to have been a positive role model in their lives,” said Bowers.

“I’ve had students covering the Olympics for NBC, I’ve had students who are TV anchors, I’ve had students who’ve produced films and commercials. So, to hear my former students on TV and the radio, it’s, again, the best, very rewarding, so cool, [and I’m] so proud of them. It’s great to hear the memories of my students. I love that. When they talk about the

memories that they have, that’s the best part.”

For more on music education see page 3 For more Senior Columns see pages 6-7 ed to continue my newfound love of choral singing.

I auditioned for Chorale which was then named Chamber Choir, and was accepted as a Sophomore.

Through friendships Freshman and Sophomore year, I decided to start a barbershop quartet alongside my great friends: Sekai Murashige, Amith Lohitsa, and Andy Lee. We each loved music and wanted to investigate it further by exploring a new branch of music all while becoming greater friends!

We would spend countless hours rehearsing at home, in between passing time, and utilizing the help of Mrs. Riley during advisory. With all that practice, we showcased our craft at a senior center home, Greenfield Village, and luncheons.

I eventually felt so passionate about our music that I decided to organize a Barbershop Quar-

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OFFICER WECHTER WARNS AGAINST VAPE USE

see feature page 9

2 SCHOOL

AP Honor Roll (from 1) Adding to Glass’s thoughts, Hollerith said, “Anybody that is on the honor roll obviously is committed to preparing kids for college and university after high school.

Every school is different in how they offer the AP curriculum, so I think just to be considered in the top 23 is an honor. The difference between us and another school might be the courses that would be at one and not the other.

We are just very honored to be included with the other 22 districts.”

AP U.S. Government teacher Twomey explained that earning this award makes her proud because she “believes it is a reflection of the responsibility on the students.”

“I think when you consider that there are over 500 school districts in Michigan, 23 is a big deal to be on that elite list,” she said. “In order to be on that list, it is about more than just maintaining high scores; it also means that you have to be showing growth within those scores as well as growth in the inclusion of minority students.”

Being a part of this award, Wise said that it makes her feel accomplished because taking AP classes is obviously a lot of work, so simply knowing that the hard work not only pays off for herself but also benefits her entire school “is really rewarding.”

Hollerith believes that this accolade is a tribute to the foundation build from the ninth and tenth grade learning communities. Moving forward, he said that “we will continue to do what we have always done” by encouraging students to challenge themselves. When students get to the 11th and 12th grade, where the majority of the AP courses are, they can build from their previous successes and hopefully feel more prepared to take AP courses enriching their high school experience.

Following Hollerith’s thoughts, Glass said that he believes this success is because “we are committed to preparing students beyond high school and to be successful in life.”

“The AP curriculum and the IB curriculum are intended to help students prepare for [beyond high school] and help them do college level work,” he said. “So, I think that is one of the things we are most proud of is that we can offer this. Very few schools will offer AP and IB, but we do. We are very fortunate, and at the end of the day it has produced very good results.

We look forward to continuing our AP programming in the future.”

June News

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U.S.A

Who: Pres. Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Steve Bannon, Sean Spicer, and other members of Trump’s cabinet.

What & Why: Pres. Trump takes his first trip abroad to stengthen U.S. relations with Middle Eastern and European countries, show unity among the three major world religions, and increase U.S. leadership world wide.

What to know about Trump’s trip abroad

They should do thier best to control and contain the virus and send a lot of doctors to help as many people as they can.

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-Isabelle Harber Freshman

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When: The trip will last over a course of 1 week in May, spanning from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Italy, and Belgium.

They should take action immediately and contain the Ebola Virus there. They should also monitor the filights from there to the United States so it doesn’t come here.

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-Jenna Silverman Freshman

U.S.A

Q

Afghanistan

How should Health Officals in Africa handle the ebola outbreak effectivly?

Trump gives speech against terrorism in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia President Trump gave a memorable speech in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as apart of his and America’s fight against terrorism. The speech’s tone was presidential and was given praise from both sides of the political spectrum.

Asia

Explosives leave 80 dead and 460 wounded in Kabul, Afghanistan

WHatin the

World

A large quantity of hidden explosives went off in Kabul, Afghanistan , destroying the democratic part of the capital. The explosives detonated at 8:30am during rush hour, leaving 80 dead and wounding many others. The attack is said to outline the country’s secret struggle with terror attacks.

Africa

South Korean President corruption tri-

New Ebola outbreak in Dem. Republic of A new outbreak of ebola has sprung up in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Many residents have already fled at the first signs of the virus. Health officials are tracking some 125 people suspected to have contracted the virus in attempt to contain it in its early stages.

The former South Korean President, Park Geun-hye, now faces trial for corruption. She possibly faces life in prison if found guilty.

She has been accused of bribing certain companies into paying millions in return for business favors. Park faces a total of 18 charges and has de-

Where is Trump going?

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Jerusalem, Isreal

May 20th May 22nd

The Vatican, Rome, Italy

May 24th

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Try to contain those who are affected by it in any medical centers avaliable. Vaccinating those around the area would be helpful too.

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-Mady Bishop Junior

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Once the officials determine who needs help they should contact experts in the Ebola field and talk to them to figure out what treatment should take place.

Brussels, Belgium

May 25th

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-Michaila Pauleteer Senior

Sicily, Italy

May 26th

Students and faculty reflect on testing week

Meet the New CRC Coordinator: Cheryl Glenn

Administration asks for student input on the process for next year

Sarah Qureshi Staff Writer

Jillian Abbo Staff Writer

During the week of April 10th, freshmen, sophomores, and juniors participated in statewide tests including the SAT, ACT Workkeys, PSAT, and M-Step.

“I believe the testing went very smoothly,” said BHHS Associate Principal Sharida Lewis, regarding her first year as a testing coordinator. “Of course, there were a few hiccups with the online [M-Step] tests, We had a district technology director, all of our personnel from the department of technology, and we also had a representative from Oakland Schools here for the M-Step to help us troubleshoot any problems that we had.”

After the testing Lewis explained that the testing committee met with students and staff to reflect on went well and the challenges to work on for the upcoming year.

Freshman Zack Bennett, who took the PSAT 8/9 believes the testing weeks “went well because of the calm atmosphere in the room. Compared to middle school, these state tests are much more serious so it is crucial that do good on them. Overall, I was prepared for this test because of my experience with other tests like the NWEA,” he said.

For sophomore AnnaLiese Khemmoro she explained that while she is not fond of testing because she struggles taking tests and the stress which results from them, she hopes that students have more time to practice in school because students can always be “better prepared. Adding to Khemmoro’s thoughts Junior Manuel Gonzalez advises that students and staff continue to use the time he spent in advisory. He said that by preparing for the SAT test during this 90 minute time made his testing week experience better than previous years.

Looking to the future, Lewis said the district is already working making the testing experience better for students.

“Next year, I’d change the amount of testing and the distribution of it,” she said. “I would try to even it out in terms of who is testing and on what days.

I would also try to arrange it so that there is more time off from school for students and staff to have a larger break from the mental testing process.”

On behalf of the testing committee, Lewis welcomes those interested in sharing their testing experience the opportunity to communicate their thoughts via email to the BHHS administration.

Q: When did you start working as the new CRC coordinator and what did you do before working as the new CRC coordinator?

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A: I started around January 30 when Sherrie English retired. She retired one day and I started the next day. Before this position, I was a substitute here and other districts, and before that, I had been a counselor at the Oakpark Public School System.

Q: What does your job entail?

A: My main duties include coordinating the AP exams which start early February or

late January and it’s not over until late testing, so I would say almost June 1st before it’s completely over so that’s a huge job because we have a 900 students who are taking the AP exams on a yearly basis. I [also] do a weekly newsletter that I get input [from] the counseling office, if there are any scholarship opportunities or important information that the principal or anyone wants the students or pa rents to know, then it’s included in the weekly newsletter. I work very closely with the counselors, they have testing responsibilities for the PSAT or SAT and I help out with that.

Q: What is your greatest challenge being the new CRC coordinator?

A: My greatest challenge as College Resource Coordinator has also been my greatest reward. Namely, keeping pace with technological innovations used in education has challenged but ultimately rewarded me for my efforts.

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June FEATURE

New classes added to offerings Teachers propose new classes for students to elect in the coming school year Brynn Elder 17-18 Editor-in-Chief Principal Charlie Hollerith shared that with the addition of an 8th hour to their course schedules, BHHS students cited enough interest that 10 new courses will be available to students for the 2017-2018 school year.

Marioara Vasile, who proposed IB Sports, Exercise, and Health Science (SEHS), one of the new courses, said that student response was “beyond amazing. We were expecting one or two sections and we have 105 students signed up for the class. At this point, we have four sections scheduled which means extremely big classes.”

Social Studies teacher Matthew MacLeod said that his department also saw a high interest in their proposed new course called Cultural History: Sports and Competition in Society.

“Our goal was to offer a class that was an exciting and innovative approach to history that wasn’t AP or honors,” MacLeod said. “We wanted something that would be appealing to the students that like history, but history isn’t necessarily their favorite thing. So, we identified an area the department was lacking in that we didn’t have any traditional history classes for seniors, so we (MacLeod, Cameron, and Laliberte) got together and designed a course that [we] thought would have a strong appeal.”

Along with these two courses, Hollerith shares these eight other courses will be running.

Senior reflects on the importance of high school music programs (from 1) -tet alongside my great friends: Sekai Murashige, Amith Lohitsa, and Andy Lee. We each loved music and wanted to investigate it further by exploring a new branch of music all while becoming greater friends!

We would spend countless hours rehearsing at home, in between passing time, and utilizing the help of Mrs. Riley during advisory. With all that practice, we showcased our craft at a senior center home, Greenfield Village, and luncheons. I eventually felt so passionate about our music that I decided to organize a Barbershop Quartet Show for Charity as my personal project.

An alternate musical highlight of my Sophomore year was when Chambers was invited to sing with the DSO for a unique Home for the Holidays Show. The show spanned the whole weekend having performances from Friday until Sunday. It was at that Friday show while singing a medley of Joy to the World, named A World of Joy, that I began to weep with complete tears of happiness and realization. This was the moment that I knew I needed to pursue music as a career. From that moment on, I decided to channel my energy towards my passion of music.

My sophomore year ended with much enjoyment and eagerness for the future. With the introduction of my junior and senior year I sculpted my class schedule around my enjoyments and my passion of music. I did this by taking AP Physics, Lifeguarding, Man In Nature, Symphony Band, Full Orchestra, and Music Theory. Now as I’ve just finished my senior year of high school I plan to study Music and Engineering with a minor in Theatre at Hope College following my passions that I’ve realized throughout school.

I account my pursuit of music to the outstanding programs, friends, and instruction that I’ve received throughout my high school career. I feel abundantly blessed and thankful to have found my passion in high school. I truly believe that my discovery was due to the experience I had my freshman year. Just 12 boys singing their hearts out in smooth harmony.

New Performing Arts Courses Theatre Production Theater Director Tina Greenlee explained that this course open to sophomores through seniors will provide students with an opportunity to learn the process of theatrical production from start to finish. Production responsibilities will include building scenery, sound, lighting, costumes, props and stage management, marketing, playbill design, and house management. In a workshop atmosphere, students will work on the main stage productions.

Advanced music technology Providing an extension of the Music Technology class, Posner said this is a course focusing on real world applications of music technology. Students will explore music using a variety of hardware and software applications. The tools and skills students learn will allow them to compose, arrange and construct music so they will become familiar with technology that is commonplace in the music production industry. As a project based class, assignments are over an extended time frame.

New Science Courses Earth and Space Science Earth and Space Science will be offered to sophomores and is a laboratory and activity based course. Over this yearlong class we will explore the Earth’s Place in the Universe, interconnections among Earth’s Systems, and Human Activity’s impact on the Earth. Imbedded within these themes are topics from all science disciplines such as Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Climatology, Geology and Physics.

New Support Courses Diploma program Course Studies I According to the course description this course is required of all DP Candidates in the first year of the programme. Students will begin their study of Theory of Knowledge (TOK) where they explore the nature of knowing by examining their own abilities as knowers, individually, and as members of a knowledge community.

Algebra 2/Pre-Calc Extension and Calculus Extension According to Math teacher Derek Imboden mathematics is an area where continual practice and feedback is important, which we can’t always get with a block schedule. This extension class, student can take advantage of getting more face-toface time during their regular class time.

Interdisciplinary Course for 9th grade and 10th grades According to the course description this yearlong, required course is designed to enrich, enhance, and support the students in the 9 or 10th grade learning communities. Throughout the year, student-centered, interdisciplinary projects will encourage students to deeply explore topics that emerge from their core classes. Learning communities will design themes around which to center students’ learning.These themes will allow students to investigate multiple subject areas, including those outside the core, fostering interdisciplinary learning and a global mindset. Sophomores will be provided the opportunity to work on their required person project.

http://liveforlivemusic.com/features/10-positive-benefits-of-listening-to-music-according-to-science/ http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-benefits-listening-music/ http://www.lifehack.org/317747/scientists-find-15-amazing-benefits-listening-music http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/02/music-and-health-rock-on_n_6573132.html

OPINION

Let the music continue Performing arts department continues to grow and deserves to thrive Brynn Elder 17-18 Editor-in-Chief Going into my senior year, I can honestly say I have been involved in almost every aspect of this building. Athletics, clubs, rigorous academics, but there is activity that will stick with me forever: music.

Freshman year it began in marching band. There we were, shy, overheated, and a little lost at band camp.

How was I to know that those new faces would now be my lifelong friends? How would I know that my transition into high school would be comforted by the performing arts community. Our district and our school has spent an abundance of time and resources creating communities for kids yet one has organically evolved. That is within our Performing Arts Programs.

We define everything the district hoped BHHS would become. Our outstanding music department offers a home to new and returning students and provides support, acceptance, challenge, enrichment and opportunities to incoming students.

In the process, staff and students create relationships and share lessons that last a lifetime. Ask any alumn and surely he or she will share a story about the impact of the Performing Arts program.

And how has this happened? It’s because when more than 400 students pool their passion together nothing but musical magic can be heard. Look down the corridors and what will you see? You will find students rehearsing, studying and sharing. You’ll find teachers who don’t leave once the bell strikes 2:30.

Instead you’ll see students and staff working togeth-

er with a common goal. You’ll see Project Based Learning it it’s truest form. You’ll see students wanting to get better not just for a grade but because they know they possess the ability to do so.

Why is this all important to know? With the current “war” on public education, the Arts are the first casualties. You’ll see in any headline or hear it in almost every story. How schools are cutting programs and other schools have even lost theirs.

Our music program here at the high school has been allowed to grow. Entering the 20172018 school year, I’ve heard we will have the largest enrollment in BHHS history expected next year. With more opportunities such as a second jazz band and Tri-M Music Honor Society, we offer students of all skills an opportunity.

But now, I hear my friends tell me stories that they cannot take AP Music Theory and other speciality classes because they are no longer offered despite high interest levels. I’ve heard that freshmen boys may no longer have a safe place where they can be vulnerable as their voices change and they gain that confidence to perform. I’ve heard all kinds of stories and even seen a petition signed by over 600 students and community members, addressing the importance of our performing arts department.

But does this matter? This just like any athletic or other academic program builds upon itself. For example, a student in Campus Band, can

participate in Solo and Ensemble, then audition for Symphony Band and end up performing a Senior Concerto, authentic learning at it’s finest.

This is just one example of many. But if the steps to move a student up to the top are taken away, that student will never know what it is like to be on the top. The confidence gained from performing will not be allowed to grow. The formidable skills which accompany anyone’s learning will be gone. Music is a true interdisciplinary subject and all of the connections to other subject matter will be gone.

So what can be done? Sadly, without the full backing of the district and support for our educators, our students will not only lose choices but also the desire to pursue a recognized talent or a new interest in musical craft. Fewer choices means fewer participants, meaning the program shrinks. After a program falls behind it is near impossible to recover, as I have witnessed while working with a startup music program in the Pontiac school system.

I see the effects of what slowly defunding a music program has done. I’ve seen students and staff that have lost that spark. We’ve all read about how scores have decreased. So, unlike a district less than five miles down the road, we have the opportunity to fix a problem before it is too late. We need music. You can’t take out the quarter notes and expect a masterpiece. Let the great opus of BHHS continue to play on as it is and greater.

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YEAR IN WARDS

Bloomfield Hills High School’s achievements for the 2016-2017 school year

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What I Learned From a Season of Forensics Jenny She 17-18 Feature Editor Before the official season started, I reassured myself it was going to be fine. With my three years of experience with middle school forensics, I thought the high school season was going to be perfectly manageable.

I thought it was going to be easy.

I thought wrong.

Going into my first tournament, my over-extended hubris got in my way.

Upon hearing a well-known senior orator in my second preliminary round, I knew that there was so much I needed to learn.

Her speech had captivating content, and her performance was impeccable. She had what I wanted but I didn’t want to admit it.

On the car ride home, I reflected back on what had happened during the day. I knew something needed to change.

It was my attitude.

I needed to acknowledge others’ strengths and realize my own shortcomings.

I needed to get rid of the attitude that came with the obstinate remarks that would have paved the way for a disastrous and upsetting season. I needed to establish an open mindset that would allow for learning, acceptance, and discovery.

I truly needed to learn from my opponents.

I started taking notes of the unique ways my opponents’ content and execution helped to engage the audience.

I also started opening up to them, chatting amongst everyone between rounds, smiling warmly when they passed by in the halls, and congratulating them. Interacting with my fellow competitors not only boosted my morale and spirit, but also gave me insight into each of their unique stories- their journey. I was able to hear

the stories of their successes and failures. This gave me a whole new perspective.

Each week I practiced. My spare time was devoted to tweaking the content, fixing each and every place I would shift tone or expression.

It wasn’t easy. Questions came. Will alI my hard work pay off? Is it going to be worth it? Do I even enjoy Forensics?

But, soon, I began to notice something. As my attitude and work ethic changed, so did my scores. Doing well at the invitationals, qualify-

“I had to become humble, eliminate my ego, and look for answers myself.”

sessions, the hours of tweaking and perfecting, the hours of crying my heart out when I thought the right choice was to quit, the hours of nervousness and fear before and during rounds. Up on that stage, everything came together.

I realized that the reason for my success was because I had become open to learning. I had to make the decision to open my mind to something new in an arena that wasn’t. I had to become humble, eliminate my ego, and look for answers myself.

My name had not even been close to being on the “Oratory States Finals Predictions for 2017,” yet I had ended up placing. I proved those who had belittled me wrong, but most importantly, I learned to overcome myself.

If I had not changed my mindset from the start, I would have gotten nowhere.

ing for regionals, making it to States as the only freshman in an individual event from our school, and finally placing fourth in the State, I can say “yes” to all of the previous questions.

But beyond just the art of speaking and performing, I learned that becoming a state finalist was more than just a title or a trophy. Standing up on stage at the awards ceremony, I realized what being a forensics finalist was truly about.

That moment for me symbolized the countless hours of work I had put in to improving my performance. It symbolized the hours of coaching

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Model UN in a Year Evan Stern 17-18 Managing Editor During the 2016-2017 Model UN season, the Bloomfield Hills High School Model UN team, consisting of freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors and headed by BHHS Social Studies Teacher Matthew MacLeod, advanced their skills and won a number of awards.

After competing at the Southeastern Model United Nations Association conference at Northville High School in November, the team competed at BHHS in December and February, preparing for the largest conference of the year, the Michigan State Model United Nations XVII conference in March, where the team won the best large delegation in the nation, along with dozens of individual awards.

Additionally, also in March, the team competed and won Best School, along with a number of awards, at Oakland University’s Model UN competition, OUMUN. The team is currently preparing for SEMMUNA in Fall 2017, which will be hosted by BHHS.

Photography by: @BHHSModelUN twitter, @BhhsGavel twitter, Robozone, http://wbfh.fm, Daniel Ernst, Brad BeMent, Kevin Wilburn

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The BIFF in a Year Hanna Halstead 17-18 Staff Writer The Bloomfield Hills High School’s radio station, The “BIFF,” received awards from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Foundation (MABF) when they attended the Great Lakes Broadcasting Conference on March 8th, 2017.

Out of 38 entries, BIFF students won 5 awards including senior Dylan Wittenberg, who won 1st place for Promotional Announcement and 2nd place for Sports Play-By-Play. Senior Elias Khoury won 2nd Place for Promotional Announcement, Junior Dean Hysni also won 2nd Place for Promotional Announcement, and Sophomore Max Wittenberg won 1st Place for Promotional Announcement.

Reflecting on winning his 1st award, after being on The BIFF staff for 2 years, Dean Hysni said, “I was very proud and happy with myself, so when I received the award I was happy to be recognized.”

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Pictured: 1 & 4: BHHS Bionic Black Hawks takes first place in 2017 FIRST Michigan State Robotics Championship 2: Team members at the Bloomfield Girls Robotics Competition 3: Thales Koukios intently working during Robotics competition 5: The BIFF on High School Radio Day 6: PeterJuncker focuses on controlling the robot 7: The BIFF live from the Red Carpet at Performing Arts Center opening 8: Evelyn Sorgenfrei steering during Robotics competion 9: BHHS Model UN wins first place at MSUMUN 10: Antinae Smith and Emma Ramsey on High School Radio Day 11: Model UN team puts its gavels together in celebration 12: BHHS Model UN team wins best delegation at the OUMUN competition 13: The BIFF faculty on High School Radio Day 14: Katherine Trotsky delivers speech at Model UN competition 15: BHHS Model UN team celebrates after competition

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6 My new home away from home Senior looks towards her future Kylie Buckfire Staff Writer I believed eventually it would just “come to me.”

All of a sudden where I belonged after high school would simply “appear.”

Listening to others tell their stories about finding their ideal school and automatically knowing it was for them. I knew it would happen to me.

Unfortunately, it never happened.

Splurts of different careers and colleges presented themselves. Fashion school in New York City. Studying journalism in Chicago. But after what seemed like a million college visits and taking hours worth of random online quizzes, I was still more puzzled than ever.

I never felt as if I could see myself going to school anywhere.

Winter break of my junior year, everything changed when I stepped onto San Diego State University’s (SDSU) campus.

I had been going to San Diego every year since I was born and my family talked very highly about the school.

Even some of my family members are Aztecs. Could I be the next one to wear their white, black and red colors?

I began to investigate. This big public university was ranked seventh nationwide for ethnic diversity, ranked fifteenth for their travel abroad program, and offered over 350 student organizations.

Stepping foot on the third largest college campus in California that is only 15 minutes away from the Pacific Ocean, downtown San Diego, and mountains, I knew that this was no Michigan school. There were palm trees along the sidewalks, a coy pond, and flyers about surfing classes.

I instantly fell in love.

I felt as if I belonged.

Now, time to apply.

Then it happened. I received an email from SDSU Admissions.

“Congratulations!”

I was in shock. They wanted me and I couldn’t wait to be an Aztec.

So what’s the moral of the story?

Don’t be afraid to find your place even if it happens to be 1,951 miles away.

We all belong somewhere.

Time really does fly by Senior reflects on the past four years David Tener Staff Writer You always hear about how quickly time flies by. How time in high school will rush past before you know. It’s very strange to feel it actually happening.

I’m reaching the end of my time at this building, and before I leave I just want to leave behind a few words of advice based on what I’ve learned.

The first and most important lesson I’ve learned is that grades are not the most important thing in the world, so don’t stress too much about them. While grades are important and should not be ignored, they are not the end-all be-all of life. Once you leave high school, you will be hardpressed to find people who care about what grade you get for a certain class.

If you’re worried about your GPA and whether or not it’s good enough for college, you can put yourself at ease.

Colleges don’t value GPA more than everything else, but rather place more value on the essays and extracurriculars. So if you don’t keep straight A’s or start fretting about your grades to the point of tears, please just take a moment and remember that there’s more to life than high school grades.

The second lesson I want to share is related to the first, and it’s that there’s more to life than school. Yeah, that’s it. There is more to life than school.

There’s hanging out with friends, going out to eat, relaxing at home, there’s so much more to life than school. So take a chance on life and just enjoy yourself. That’s not to say that you should stop caring about school altogether, but just don’t make it your entire life.

I can’t believe that I’m leaving soon.

It’s been such a unique experience and one that I’ll remember for years to come.

the

JUNE SENIOR SECTION

SENIOR SECTION Final words from the graduating members of the Hawkeye

The deities of education An ode to the power and influence our teachers hold Giancarlo Tucci Staff Writer The highlight of my high school career has been knowing when I sit down in class everyday, I know the teacher standing in front of me is passionate about his subject and that I am receiving one of the best educations in the world.

Our teachers hold the key to our education and thus our knowledge and self confidence. Education has helped me find my self identity in countless pages of history textbooks and timeless works of literary geniuses.

When I study history, I think of how past events parallel today’s history. I see chapter titles of textbooks in the future and wonder what hindsight bias will be reflected in the coming passages. Understanding the history of society allows me to fully appreciate and function within it.

As I read Shakespeare, Albert Camus and Joseph Conrad, I live vicariously through their fictitious

characters. I peer into the soul of mankind and push my mind to philosophize the meaning of life.

These thought provoking episodes, and countless others given to me by our teachers, are the moments in which I am able to chip away at the encasement concealing my self identity and grow as a young adult.

In the last year, more than ever before, I have become aware of the ideas and concepts which are evolving inside of me and our teachers importance as a catalyst to that evolution. Without education, one’s mind may stall and become stagnant, trapping the impressionable mind of a young adult. Our teachers are ones who light the passage from this youthful state of ignorance to independent adulthood.

This is the message I want to leave with every student. Despite what one might think, knowledge doesn’t come from fancy bits of technolo-

gy. It comes from the blood, sweat, and tears of our teachers and the education they provide us with.

They are the subconscious masterminds behind our every thought and what they teach you in class today will, in fact, make a difference, but only if you let it. They unlock many doors for us, but, as students, we must pass through those doors ourselves.

My high school experience has given me the power to grow into the thinker I am today and pass through the ultimate door of knowledge.

So, students, put your phones away and pay attention, because the teacher standing in front of you is much more than that, they are the deities of not only your education, but your future. As life goes on I will always look back fondly on my teachers and the impact they made not only on my education, but on my life.

Procrastination can be reversed It’s not too late to change your study habits, even if you are a senior Michael-Armen Kadian Staff Writer What… high school is over?

I am going to miss waking up at 5:45am, rushing to get to the bus, grabbing a cold bagel from the fridge, trying not to sleep during first hour, and not getting any sleep after the school day.

This was my life cycle for the past four years.

I, like many others attempted to avoid falling into this menacing revine, but the daily routine seemed to get worse as the days dragged to an end.

5:45am alarms somehow dissolved into 6:30am alarms.

For some reason I stopped waiting for the bus… and the bus started waiting for me.

I began napping at home to take a break from procrastinating. Then, napping turned into another destructive form of procrastinating.

By senior year I became a real life pig pen from Charlie Brown.

Am I proud of it? Not really.

However, everyone needs to hit a low to start back up again.

Right? That is at least what I told myself.

Looking back to freshman year, I have no idea how I read the Odyssey. I would not have even considered opening Homer’s epic poem before reading through Sparknotes as a senior.

Thinking “this is doable but would take some time,” turned into, “no this seems hard and I am not going to do it.”

Before I could stop myself, wasting away at precious time became a subconscious habit.

Having unstarted essays due within the next half hour turned into a weekly scramble.

Reading test material the class before a test was the only way I studied.

Facing the tiring feat of working my behind off as I raced the minute hand never ended.

As my fear of failure kicked in, I quickly realized the absurdity of what I had turned into.

The Pythagorean Theorem and Newton’s Laws could take a step aside for the time being, I had to teach myself how to deal with procrastination as soon as possible.

I began to rebuild my habits starting from square one.

I taught myself to finish the hard tasks first, then allow time to take care of the easy tasks.

I started to set deadlines.

I eliminated distractions… within reason. C’mon you have to check your phone every once in awhile. Right?

With practice I began to see improvements.

Although not perfect, starting homework three hours after school ended is better than never can be classified as an improvement.

I was able to rekindle my habits into something that can be called tolerable.

For any who have fell into the cracks of procrastination, you are not alone. While I may have scared a couple freshman as they read this anecdote, dealing with procrastination is an important lesson every student must teach themselves.

Procrastination is avoidable and even reversible.

I simply needed to stop napping before I could realize that.

Embrace your work and you will succeed Having a positive attitude can make a real difference John Ballouz Section Editor Many high schoolers, teachers, and administration frequently tell you not to overwhelm yourself. They tell you to take the classes that you’re comfortable with.

They tell you to only do a sport if you can comfortably handle it. They tell you not to overload yourself with work. But if there is one thing I have learned in my four years, it’s that you should push yourself through every hard class, sport, and extracurricular that you can possibly fit in a day while still getting an adequate amount of sleep.

It probably seems hypocritical for me to be giving this advice, seeing as I’m not going to Harvard or Yale or any other Ivy Leagues, and I am the one about to embark on my senior summer before college where I am expected to just be lazy and having fun. But the truth is, life is a million times better, more fulfilling and filled with less regrets when you’re constantly occupying yourself with some kind of work, productive task, or passion.

For the last four years, my thoughts about my school life has pretty much consisted of: take some honors classes, do a few spots and get a good GPA so you can get into college. I wasn’t in school to learn; I was there to get into college. But the pattern that generally occurred was that I would take a class, have no interest in the material because of that mentality, then realize that

it was a cool class a year later when it was too late to enjoy.

My best example of this is AP U.S. History. I entered that class and had no problems with it for the first week or two, then joined in with the rest of the sophomore class in bemoaning it. The result was that I hated every second of the class and put in the least amount of effort I could while maintaining my grade; eventually I ended up leaving the class without remembering much of it. But now, as a senior desperate to know the answer to all those APUSH jeopardy questions and with a significantly bigger interest in history, I have to deal with the fact that I wasted a perfectly good opportunity to gain some enlightening knowledge.

Every year I would miss out on an interesting class that I didn’t care about until a year after. I really didn’t realize the value of education, and it kept me from achieving my full potential. So what did this pattern throughout high school teach me? What is the big lesson here? The lesson is a lot more ordinary and typical than you probably think it would be after reading such a long buildup, but it is such a relevant and timeless message: you will regret what you don’t do, more than what you do. To enjoy and fulfill life, fill your time up with every productive activity you can. Always keep

yourself busy, and appreciate all of your work, and you win at life, at high school, or at whatever you want to achieve.

I developed this mentality as a result of the constant lecturing I got from adults telling me that these are the best years of my life, and that being an adult and paying taxes sucks. It was impossible to believe that the first 18 years of life were awesome and worry-free, then the rest of life never lived up to that again. As a result, I began to look at everything positively. I ditched the “sophomore bemoaning APUSH” mentality and start to embrace everything. I took on senior year with five APs and plenty of other time consuming obligations, and I absolutely loved it. I don’t love doing busy work assignments. I don’t love getting way too little sleep. But I have loved the fact that I have always been busy and working towards my goals, learning more about my passions, becoming a more complete person. If you’re going to bemoan work and difficult times, you will never enjoy your life. That is what makes this lesson of mine so important; it doesn’t scare me when I think about the difficult upcoming years ahead in college and medical school (hopefully). When you begin to appreciate and embrace hard work, your life can really be fulfilled.

How did we get here?

Discussing how high school goes by both slowly and quickly Julia Eisenshtadt Managing Editor Eyes on the road, but my mind in a different place, I pull into the driveway of my house and think to myself “how did I get here?”. How could I have possibly arrived home in one piece? It was as if one moment I was getting in my car to leave and the next minute I was home. While my foot pressed the gas and my hands were on the wheel, my mind was elsewhere, thinking about anything but driving, from the derivative formulas I needed to memorize for calculus to where I would go to dinner over the weekend.

It’s a sensation. A strange, indescribable feeling of time passing by, but in a way in which it doesn’t feel as if it is happening.

I fell just there and everything is moving, but I feel like I’m standing still.

Somewhere in between all the car rides to school, the late nights watching episodes of “Friends” in between homework assignments, and weekends driving around this bubble we call Bloomfield, we all grew up.

I feel the same, no older than last year or the year before, but everything around me has changed. How did we get here, to being second semester seniors, ready to move on to bigger things? Weren’t we just fourteen, having our parents drop us off at the mall?

It’s not just that these past four years have gone by fast, but in between all of the late nights and early mornings, I didn’t even realize how much time was passing by. Wishing I could remember it all, I try to think back and figure out when I grew up, to figure out at what moments in my life made me who I am today, because sometimes it feels as if it was just recently that I was walking out of freshman orientation about to start high school, unknowing of everything I would learn over the next four years.

Everything seemed to go in the blink of an eye, and in that instant where my eyes were shut, I missed something. Here I am, a high school senior, eighteen years old, with more than I know of, but with so much more to learn and experience.

These past four years were slow and fast all at the same time. And now that the road is coming to end, and soon enough we will be walking across the stage at commencement, all I can think is “how on Earth did we get here?”.

Balance is key Make time for school work and a social life Hira Ali Staff Writer Find your balance.

Imagine yourself walking on a rope. If you lean towards one or the other side, you could lose your balance and may fall off the rope completely. Your goal is to stay on the rope.

Just like it’s important to be balanced on the rope, similarly, you need a balance between academics and social life.

Focus on academics and get good grades but don’t let grades completely dominate your life. Yes, I know AP/IB classes are hard and they require a lot of grueling hard work and effort. All I’m saying is that don’t let the overwhelming pressure of high school shun you away from all social interactions. One of the biggest mistakes I made in high school was having little to no social life during my sophomore year.

I didn’t get excited about school dances or the football games. I’ve never even once gone to a football game. I know, crazy right? This is because I thought high school was an “either or” situation where I could only have great academics or great friends but never both at the same time.

Clearly, I was wrong.

There’s a delicate balance between academics and social life. Having close friends who are going through the same thing as you is very important. However, don’t let your friends completely distract you from why you are really at high school. You might not think that grades are important but trust me, as soon as the fall of senior year arrives and you see the surprisingly high expectations of your dream school, you are going to regret not caring about your GPA. Don’t become totally antisocial, but find your balance. Find what’s best for you, and hopefully, that includes having a social life and positive academics.

Academics held and still holds great significance in my life. However, now, my friends hold the same significance in my life. It took me a while but I did end up finding my balance. Yes, I might’ve crossed the line one time or another, but mostly the line became my best friend.

As the end of the year is quickly approaching, my words of wisdom would be to just relax and don’t let yourself fall off the rope too many times.

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Know your strengths What we can learn from our failures Carly Hittler Staff Writer Who here likes winning? I do. Success feels great, it’s a reward for hard work and validation for your skills.

But what about when you work hard and lose?

Harvard University published a study called the Success-Failure Project. For those of you who are unfamiliar, it’s a case study about successful people such as J.K. Rowling and Abraham Lincoln and how they have failed. The study concluded that the most important thing learned from failure is resilience.

I just so happen to disagree. My high school failures have been numerous and humbling. I joined the girls hockey team and was the worst skater for three years. I tried out for forensics twice and never made the team. I auditioned for the school play and didn’t even get a supporting role. Though I managed to stick with hockey because I had a passion for it, I quickly decided that acting and public speaking weren’t for me.

Failure taught me what was important and how to have perspective, which I think is much more important than resilience. What’s the point in getting knocked down for the hundredth time in pursuit for something you don’t actually want?

While it’s good to be resilient, I’ve found it’s better to be reasonable.

If my goals are too lofty to ever be reached, well that’s no good, is it? We all want to succeed, just as much as we want to avoid failure. We are resilient until succeed, and if success continually escapes us then it’s time to take a step back and reevaluate.

Just like who I am defines me, who I’m not also does. I’m not a public speaker, because my strengths lie elsewhere. Sometimes, it’s easier to define yourself by things you haven’t succeeded in. Everyone knows what they’re good at. It takes a bigger person to learn what they aren’t.

Rejection is success

What feels like failure is really progress

the

JUNE SENIOR SECTION

What journalism taught me

SENIOR SECTION

Why joining the Hawkeye staff was such a smart choice

A look back at the Class of 2017’s time on the staff of the Hawkeye

CJ Drogosch Section Editor Woah, here I am writing my final column.

My future as a journalist awaits me.

Looking back, I have been so fortunate to have joined this newspaper class with Ms. Hammitt; it turned me into the writer I am today. For my final senior column, I want to have the chance to share with you all my trip through the realms of The Hawkeye.

Writing takes patience. Writing takes discipline. Writing takes courage. In my three years as a student at Bloomfield Hills High School, and four years as a high school student overall, having spent my freshman year at Detroit Country Day, I have never been a part of a family quite like The Hawkeye. Ms. Hammitt expects the best out of her students because she knows what we are able to accomplish. And this year I was luckily enough to be awarded with the Sports Columnist of the Year for our division at MIPA.Deciding to come in as a guest writer last year was one of the smartest decisions I ever made. I will be departing the staff leaving my mark as a sports editor and lead columnist.

There is nothing like seeing my family and friends light up when they read my articles.

It is especially fulfilling when I watch people glance at a story I constructed about them.

I enjoy finding sports feature stories to write about those who normally do not receive the credit that they deserve. It warms my heart to see them get recognized, their eyes light up.

Being a member of our school’s newspaper taught me that nothing worthwhile in life comes easy. So many late nights, so many last minute briefs written, so many conversations over design, so many stories assigned.

All of it showed me that it truly takes a team to achieve greater feats in life. The Hawkeye wouldn’t be so well known and successful if everyone didn’t believe in the process.

College is just around the corner. I’m ready for that next part of my life. I plan on majoring in business and minoring in sports journalism. I desire to get the opportunities to intern with the Detroit Free Press or 97.1 the Ticket to show my abilities. Why am I so prepared? Because Bloomfield Hills High School made me confident. Teachers such as Ms. Hammitt, and her newspaper class, and of course my dad, pushed me to excel. I will leave this building knowing I gave my all to the community.

My high school career is coming to a close.

So many memories to look back on. And so much more to look forward to beyond high school. One thing is for certain, taking newspaper with Ms. Hammitt was one of the best decisions I ever made.

MIPA Spartan Award winners 2017

MIPA Spartan Award winners 2016 Do what’s best for yourself

Anna Cao Staff Writer

Why you should remember to trust your gut Bec Grippo Staff Writer

MIPA Spartan Award winners 2015 1st issue of senior year

1st issue at the new BHHS building

Rejection is everywhere.

After applying to fifteen universities. I cried the first day decisions came back.

The days after, one by one they arrived.

Rejection after rejection.

“Why did I do this to myself?” I asked.

Yeah, it hurts. And sometimes, It still does.

Despite how prepared anyone thinks they are prepared for rejection, it’s not ever that easy.

Still, the world kept moving.

I still had school, still had practice, still had a life.

One acceptance, one deferral, two waitlists, and eleven rejections later nothing had changed.

Well, that’s a bit of a lie. My outlook changed. I began accepting my own accomplishments, focusing on that rather than why I’m “not good enough.” They’re judging us off of a few sheets of paper, but paper doesn’t have intelligence, paper doesn’t have personality.

I can cook food worthy of a king, read a novel the size of my head without getting bored. I can send a text at the speed of light before my mom can even tell me to “put my phone down.”

Now obviously it sounds a little silly, okay really silly, and yes I’ve done more than just that. Did I tell you about my collection of stuffed animals that has grown incredibly large since the day I was born? Now you know.

All jokes aside, rejection is still hard, just know it does get easier. It’s something you’ll have to face all of your life in order to find your own success. All the criticism, all the tears, and all the embarrassment does lead to more than just a repeat of your past.

I learned on this long journey through my education, that grades, standardized test scores and extracurriculars are not everything. Yes, it is important. It is a portion of what universities look at after all, but only that, a portion. You should also be able to talk about yourself. To love yourself. While it sounds cliche, that is what separates THE student from the pool of students.

We as a society don’t like rejection. We think of it as failure and a weakness, but it’s not. There is no success story that occurs without a history of rejections in the past.

So what do you do now? You live your life. You do what you want to do and never give up on the dream. Rejection means progress is being made, you’re doing it right.

College.

First, there is the preparation.

Then, there is the application.

Finally, there is the decision.

This decision is difficult.

There are so many great schools out there, but which one is right for me?

Do I want to go out of state or stay in state?

What kind of qualities do I want in a school?

Like any indecisive teenager, I made a Pros and Cons list.

Soon, I realized, deep down, where I really wanted to go. My fears were stopping me from making the final decision. I was worried my friends and family would be disappointed.

I thought I might miss something another school had to offer.

This lingering doubt held me back, but now, I have finally chosen and I couldn’t be happier.

I realized I just needed to trust my gut, and I shouldn’t go to a school for the sole reason that it “looks good.”

It is your future. Do what is best for YOU.

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Robert C.J. Traub Winners Eichenhorn and Garza win in their respective art forms Caitlin Finerty 17-18 Feature Editor

The Robert C.J. Traub Memorial Scholarship was awarded in April at the fourth annual Traub celebration held in the BHHS auditorium.

Out of 14 artists and 4 musicians, seniors Miles Eichenhorn and Ana Barrera Garza were named recipients of a trip to Europe paid in full to experience their artform abroad before starting the college lives. For Eichenhorn, that is for musical theater at New York University. For Garza, that is for visual arts at the College for Creative Studies.

Looking toward his trip, Eichenhorn said that his hopes to get a greater appreciation from a worldwide perspective.

“My specialty is musical theater, and musical theater is a uniquely American artform and because I have never been outside of North America, I don’t really know it from any other perspectives from an American Perspective,” said Eichenhorn “I am really going to reach out and see how the cities in Europe interpret what is known by me to be an American artform is going to broaden my appreciation of how the world interprets and puts their own kind of passion into an artform that I love so dearly.”

Garza, who has been involved in art since Kindergarten said that going to Europe “will give me the opportunity to travel and to see art which is a leg up on where I am going with my career. I hope that will be in the arts. I will be going to an art college so therefore it will be really nice having that background and experience with my once I am able to go into art college and start learning about the different things I will be seeing.”

The process is a large deal for BHHS art students, and some music and art teachers are on the judging panel, including choir teacher, Jessica Riley “The day of the educations, two of the three of us sit on a panel with two guest adjudicators and Lucy Bates who is the granddaughter of [Robert C.J. Traub]. So we sit, we get to hear everybody audition and we listen to them. It’s about a 20 minute slot for each kid. They each play and then we ask them questions about how music is in their life, how it impacts them and why they want or don’t want to continue in college,” said Riley.

Looking toward the future, Ceramics teacher Matthew Beauchamp hopes that students as well as himself can learn from Garza and her hard work.

“Ana was an incredibly hard worker and would work at home, and bring clay home to work on projects and she is a deep thinker.

She is a quiet type of kid who’s sculptures really represent a lot personal experiences, which I like. Ana, last year, couldn’t have predicted that she would do Traub and actually win it,” said Beauchamp “The lesson is always view everybody as having potential and if they believe that they can do something, and they want to work hard, they can do it. That’s what working with Ana taught me.”

Adding to Beauchamp’s thoughts, Eichenhorn hopes that in the future anyone interested in pursuing art, whether it be visual art or music or theater or dance, takes advantage of the Traub experience.

“It is a more stressful process than I had imagined and yet it ended up at the highest I could have possibly gotten. That is just a piece of advice that I would give to any body. Its not necessarily about Traub, but more about if you are interested in going to college for this and doing it as a career, it’s amazing and you should work through the stress and you will end up on top.”

JUNE FEATURE

Spinning int the Classroom Fidget spinners are fun for some, but annoying for others Riya Doshi 17-18 Managing Editor After coming home from a long day of school, she does not immediately go on Netflix or take a nap. Instead, she pulls out a small plastic gadget, pinches it between two fingers and spins it to pass the time.

“I use my fidget spinner during two to three out of my four classes and when I get home,” said Freshman Brooke Lady, an avid fidget spinner user. “I used to think that they were dumb and stupid before I got my hands on one. I really like it and it’s fun to play with and do tricks.”

Ranging from almost $3.00 on Amazon to up to $600 for a nine-gear fidget spinner, those interested in purchasing one have many choices.

“I spent $15 for my fidget spinner, which lights up,” said Lady. “I think that it was worth it because it is a lot of fun to play with. ” First invented in 1993 by a woman named Catherine Hettinger, fidget spinners soon became a coping tool for people with ADD and ADHD, New York Times writer Alex Williams explained in his an article titled How Fidget Spinners Became a Hula Hoop for Generation Z. Fidget spinners are one type of item in the “fidget” market, including fidget cubes.

“The goal of them is to, when you’re concentrating, get some sort of movement going and increase your brain activity,” said Dr. Ronnie Hormel, a therapist for children with attention disorders. “Often people come to me when their difficulty concentrating spikes during testing periods. When stress is up, concentration goes down with ADD. The fidget spinner or cube helps to neutralize that.”

However, with their recent popularity there is debate over whether the purpose of fidget spinners has been overshadowed by its growing popularity as a toy.

“I think that there are a lot of psychologists and therapists who recommend them as a medical device,” said Hormel. “But, they’ve gotten so popular that many teachers are looking at them as a toy and not something that can be used for medical benefit.”

Although the commercialization of the fidget spinner fad has caused some controversy, Dr. Hormel explains that playing with a fidget spinner is no different than “Some sort of movement, such as fidgeting with your hands or playing with a bracelet, where your mind is able to work better and you can concentrate more.

Having one in your lap or under your desk can increase brain activity and make it easier to concentrate.”

Educators such as American Literature teacher Rachel Matz agree.

“For me, I like to occupy my hands when I’m watching TV, so I took up knitting. For something like that, [the fidget spinner is] absolutely useful,” she said. “The articles that I’ve been reading and the educators who I follow who are really strong proponents.”

Sophomore Mollie Menuck, a student with ADD, explains that “sitting in class is really hard for me because I don’t like to sit still. I usually shake my leg or click a pen, but a fidget spinner is helpful because it has the same purpose for me, but is not as distracting.”

Other students such as Sophomore Ava Meyer have “mixed” feelings because “they have great results for people with ADD or ADHD, but when people who do not struggle with paying attention use them, they can become a distraction.”

Teachers have yet to establish classroom etiquette regarding fidget spinners, leaving them to create a makeshift policy for the rest of the school year.

“It’s just like if a student uses their cell phone at an inappropriate time. I’m treating them the same way right now,” said Matz. “If I look up and you’re having a discussion while fidgeting with your fidget spinner, I don’t mind it at all. If the conversation becomes about the fidget spinner, then I might ask you to redirect your attention or put it away.”

Looking at the trend as a whole, Lady thinks that “it’s going to be one of those trends where it won’t be as popular [a year from now] but people will still use it, even though it’s not as big of a deal.”

2017-2018

STUDENT COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE BOARD YOUR CLASS

PRESIDENTS Joe Shoemaker

Emilie Haji-Sheikh Technology Advisor Christian Kassab

ry Secreta ky fkofs Jake Le

OAA/PR Blake Prebay Gittleman, Eichenhorn, Bates, Garza, and Hungerman (left to right) are congradulated after the Traub asembly in April.

Photo Credits: bloomfield.org

Treasurer Paul Mucci

JUNE FEATURE

Vaping poses hazards to students

9 Meet the New Superintendent: Todd Bidlack

Carly Armstrong 17-18 Opinion Editor

Q: What jobs have you had in the past/what

past experiences have you had to qualify for this position?

A: Some of the roles and jobs I have had in the past are elementary, middle school, and high school principal. And I have also taught at the middle school level. So I have been a teacher, administrator and I have also been pursuing some of my degrees. I have a masters degree, a specialist degree and I am currently working on my doctorate in education and administration.

Q: What changes do you wish to make to

the school?

A: One of the things that I want to do is just to be able to support the teachers administration, as well as the students learn and grow together. There are a lot of things changing in education right now and my role will be to help figure out and navigate some of those issues as well keep up Bloomfield Hills being on the forefront of really being innovative on our structural practices.

Student use has grown in recent months

Q: How does this new job compare to your

Anish Tamhaney 17-18 Editor-in-Chief Officer Roger Wechter has an important message for our community.

“Vape use has been growing as a result of peer pressure and ease of accessibility to it,” he said of the increasing use of electronic vaporizers and THC pens. “It’s an active problem that we need to take a stand on, for a different number of reasons. The most important concern is the health of our students.”

Wechter explains that “vaping” is inhaling vapor from an e-cig or electronic cigarette. Having been on the market since 2008, the past two years has shown that the the e-cigarette industry has expanded past the $3.7 billion mark and now accounts for 43% of the worldwide market.

Wechter explains that the trend really came about when medical marijuana legislation started. “That’s when [there was] a lot of experimentation,” he said.

“From there, I think there’s no dispute that it branched out to recreational use.

All it takes is for one student to get their hands on it. It just spreads from there.”

In May, the Food and Drug administration announced that their regulations on tobacco products included these battery powered devices which heat liquid that usually contain nicotine and other chemicals into a vapor

which users inhale. The new rules will take effect in August of this year.

Wechter explained that the difference between “vaping” is that when concentrated in its e-liquid form the nicotine becomes poisonous. Then the e-cigs deliver this highly addictive drug without producing smoke so many adolescents don’t believe there are the same kinds of side effects as traditional cigarettes.

At the March 6th PTO meeting, Wechter not only presented information defining this developing trend but also warned parents of its potential risks.

“A misconception that a lot of underage students have is that these vape pens are safer than cigarettes,” said Wechter to the group of parents and visiting adults. “I don’t feel that’s the case. Ingesting any kind of

smoke into your system, whether there is nicotine in it or not, can’t be good for your health. Also, if a student is using a THC pen, it can disrupt their learning abilities in the classroom and increases the risks of an accident in the class.”

Throughout his presentation he shared that besides effects on their learning vaping can have an impact on a teen’s cardiovascular health as the toxic chemicals are transported to their still developing brain as well as each into their lungs.

There is even evidence that e-cigarettes have a substantial impact on blood vessels increasing the risks of heart attacks. Furthermore, research shows that 70-90% of users may be dual users between vaping and regular cigarette doubling their health risks.

Sue Ann Elder, a PTO member in

“Ingesting any kind of smoke into your system, whether there is nicotine in it or not, can’t be good for your health.”

Roger Wechter Police Liaison

attendance at the meeting, said she believes the “main risk is kids aren’t well educated. They think that it has little or no risk yet in reality there’s a huge unknown factor about the short and long term consequences.

Educating and informing the students and more importantly the parents about the risks of vaping is key. I feel if kids really understood the health risks that go along with vaping, they’d be able to make a more educated choice. If we get the parents to educate their kids and the school to do the same, it would help prevent the administration from having to end up policing the students.”

Associate Principal Margaret Schultz said that one of the many ways the administration is actively working to solve the issue is through the anonymous tips they receive through the application OK2SAY. “We’ve also had parents call us with information,” she said of this newest problem. “There have been times when a teacher notices a group of kids in the bathroom or somewhere they shouldn’t be.”

For more information on the hazards of vaping, Officer Wechter welcomes the community to contact him.

past ones?

A: I have been really lucky and I have enjoyed all of my past jobs. I loved to have been able to interact with students and teachers. I have really enjoyed putting together different types of professional development around structural practices and really just supporting students and staff. So, it is not that vastly different in terms of being an administrator or teacher because it still really about the students and being student centered.

Q: Why do you want to switch from your current job to assistant superintendent?

A: One of the benefits of being in this

position is I get to have a greater impact and influence on the lives of children. And so each time as the setting gets a little bit larger, I get to have a greater influence and hopefully an impact on more children than what I did in the past.

Q: How do you feel stepping up as assistant

superintendent?

A: I feel wonderful. This has been an excellent community. Everybody has been so welcoming and wonderful.

Q: What do you believe will be the biggest

shorT Term: dehydration canker sores itchy eyes and skin increased blood pressure

The harmful effecTs of Vaping

long Term: lung tissue inflammation nicotine addiction increased caricinogen intake chronic hypertension

Ingrid Day Retirement (from 1) and free to be my best self to do my best work in running the district day to day.”

Athletic Coordinator R.J. Guizzetti recalls always seeing her “cheering on the athletes of Andover, Lahser and Bloomfield Hills High Schools. She has been the ultimate supporter of the students and athletes in this district,” he said. “Having someone that you saw several times a week at one event or another be that dedicated to something, and that detail-oriented, makes you work harder-just to keep up.”

From hiring a superintendent to the new high school to the way we talk about our schools and the way we work together Day believes that her legacy as the school board president is founded on her belief that individuals should “always leave

challenge in your job?

A: Why did you choose to come to Bloomfield? I chose to come to Bloomfield because one of the things that is exciting is the students and the community is very welcoming. There are high expectations. There already has been a rich tradition of excellence. It is wonderful to come and be apart of that culture.

Q: Can you describe your biggest accomplishment and why you were proud?

A: One of the things I am most proud of is

helping students and staff foster children’s intellectual character and how to grow those thinking dispositions over time. It is mostly that type of work.

Q: Has education always been your passion?

A: I have always loved teaching it has alway something better than you found it [no] matter how small that is.”

Although she recognizes that retiring from public education will be challenging for her, Day plans to serve her community after life after Bloomfield Hills Schools.

“Not having this in my life is going to really hurt,” she said. “I feel like I am missing a big part of who I am when this all happens. But I actually already have a couple little job interviews lined up to the town that we are retiring in which are community focused. Little, small part time jobs, but hopefully a way to give back to my new community in the future.”

been at the core of where my passion really lies. And now I get to help other people figure out structural approaches and how best to help students.

Q: What is your goal for Bloomfield Hills High School?

A: My goal for Bloomfield Hills High School

is to support the school’s mission of empowering students to become lifelong-learners. It will my goal to help support the four cornerstones: relationships, responsibility and ownership, authenticity, and innovation. I’m looking forward to helping the staff and students learn and grow together.

Section B

n the

NEWS Olivia Lopez cracks top 20 of Girls’ Track and Field Ranking List The junior, among other BHHS female athletes, was placed on MIPrepZone annual Top 50 Girls’ Track and Field Ranking List Habib Bello 17-18 Managing Editor Junior Olivia Lopez was recognized on the ranking list of the top 50 Girls’ Track and Field Athletes in Michigan.

“It is pretty surreal because I never thought that I would be this close to being in the top 10 or top 15,” said Lopez who was ranked 19th in the MIPrepZone annual ranking. “By being placed in the top 20 in the state, it now motivates me to improve every single day.”

Lopez’s current teammates Amanda Sape, Jayla Brown, and Dazha Coffey were all featured on the ranking list as well.

“I think it’s awesome that we have worked so hard to get to the point that we are honored in that way,” said Senior and fellow teammate Amanda Sape. “This is motivational, especially for the girls younger than me, because this is only the beginning for them.”

Lopez shared that being on the same list with her teammates who she believes are some of “the most dedicated people is just amazing.”

Head Coach of the Girls’ Track and Field Team Nick Stration said that not only has Lopez competed in four different events in each meet:she has placed 1st in all four events in a single meet two times as well as currently holding six school records, besting the 100m dash, 400m dash and 4x100m relay’s previous finishes.

Melissa Lopez, Olivia’s mom shared that “We are very proud of Olivia for being in the top 20.

She works very hard. “We know it is not always easy to juggle athletics, academics, have a social life, and still achieve that level of success.”

Girls’ Varsity Tennis wins regionals Team wins the tournament for the third straight year Forest Zhang Staff Writer The Bloomfield Hills Girls Varsity Tennis Team has won regionals for the third year in a row.

Regionals were held at Stoney Creek High School on Thursday, May 18. To qualify for states a team must earn 16 points. The BHHS team surpassed this requirement scoring 30 points, to win the regional title.

“Bringing home a Regional trophy for three consecutive years was an amazing feeling,” said Captain Caroline Allen. “All members of the team played hard and were major contributors to bringing home this three-peat win.”

According to Allen, this year the team worked harder than ever during the season.

“The enthusiasm started with optional preseason practices and has remained consistent and strong throughout the year,” said Allen. “In previous seasons, we used to only have 1 hour practices and did not practice on Friday’s. This season, we practiced everyday for two hours, whether it was outside on our home courts or inside at the local indoor tennis club.”

The team will conclude its season at the MHSAA Division I state tournament in Midland, Michigan on June 2 and 3, where they hope to take home the state title for the first time in BHHS history.

Find us @ @TheHawkeyeNews

The Bloomfield Hawkeye

Sports Opinion Lifestyle

GREEN

Senior Grant Williams wins Evans Scholarship for caddying Max Wittenberg 17-18 Managing Editor

T

he letter he had been waiting for finally came.

“About four days after my interview, I found out I got the award. I was so happy, just a ton of joy,” said senior Grant Williams who on March 27th learned he was awarded the Evans Scholar Award, a full academic scholarship for caddying. It is an amazing feeling because I know it is such a small percentage of people who get it. I am so thankful for everybody who has helped me and it is really nice to know that my hard work payed off. It is kind of overwhelming and I do not know if it has hit me yet how great this award is, but all the congratulations really speak for themselves.”

According to the future Michigan State Spartan, the Evans Scholar is “the second largest scholarship fund in the country, and all different people donate to the scholarship.

They collect millions of dollars in funds, and they choose certain caddies who have worked for many years, met different standards, and went through an entire application process.”

BHHS varsity Golf Coach, Scott Hayes echos Grant’s thoughts adding that the “Evan Scholarship is “one of the greatest unknown stories of golf. It has an acceptance rate of just under 33%, and over 97% graduate. It is based on exceptional academics, a strong caddie record, which is the ability to read people as well as putts, and outstanding character, which is the best, most sincere laughter on our team. I am very proud, and Grant deserves nothing less than a lot of

Visit us Online

h Visit www.BHHShawkeye.com for exclusive video content, additional coverage, and more

congratulations.”

Melissa Williams, Grant’s mother, recalled that “When Grant started caddying at 14 years old, he worked extremely hard every summer and made sure he got all of his rounds in. It amazes us how he always is willing to miss time with friends and wake up early to go out and work,” she said. “Some days he would work the whole weekend, which forced him to stay up very

It is an amazing feeling because I know it is such a small percentage of people who get it. I am so thankful for everybody who has helped me and it is really nice to know that my hard work payed off.

Grant Williams late doing school work. He really gave up a lot of his free time to do this.”

“A lot of mornings, I would need to wake up early, and some days I would go through the afternoon working. I would sacrifice a lot of time to relax at home and to hang out with my friends in order to caddy,” said Grant. “This is what I did most days during the summer. I always worked hard in school and on the course and it is nice to know the hard work has paid off.”

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

According to their website, The Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship is a full tuition and housing college scholarship for golf caddies that is renewable for up to four years. Each year, more than 900 deserving caddies across the country attend college on a four-year scholarship from the Evans Scholars Foundation.

For more information, visit www.wgaesf.org Grant Williams will be attending Michigan State University on a full scholarship

Submit Letters to the Editor We want to hear your voice! Send us a 250-300 word letter.

E-Mail us at bloomfieldhawkeye@gmail.com

12

JUNE SPORTS

Boys’ Track and Field Following up a year in which the last boy’s Bloomfield Hills High School track and field team won the OAA White Division, will take a lot of concentration. This year has had some impressive standouts as far as individuals are concerned.

Jeremy Tyus has won the last three 300m hurdle races. Elijah Sherman has bolstered the team upwards in the standings consistently in all different types of relays. For example, he has contributed fantastically in the 400m and 800m races. In addition, the boy’s track team are on the rise with a great upbring with the team showing up well in the Lakeland Coaches’ Invitational.

They finished with a superb third place with 71 points. Varsity boy’s track hurdler Alan Choukourian said he expects bigger things for the blackhawks in the future, “The team has been well disciplined this year and I believe this will lead us to future success. I think if we continue to concentrate more on the mental aspects we will win more often.”

Boys’ Lacrosse The boy’s lacrosse team had an incredible start to the season winning their first four games. Afterwards they had a few obstacles, but then got back on track for an amazing 2017 season! With ten wins and five losses before playoffs, the Blackhawks went into the tournament feeling good about their future. The team played well while beating Rochester in the first round. Although they went on to lose to Clarkston with a score of 13-6 in the second. “We didn’t capitalize on all scoring opportunities, and we gave up some easy fast break goals,” said senior Max Levine. “However, I feel that we played our hardest, and it just didn’t end in our favor.” The year is coming to an end, and the team will be losing eight seniors come next season.

Girls’ Soccer

BHHS

SPORTS

UPDATES catching up with BHHS’s varsity teams

The varsity girls soccer team has had a successful season so far with a record of 9-1-2. The team is led by senior captains Sam Ferry and Claire Beresford and coached by Allan Zakaria.

Seniors Sam Ferry and Hannah Wolffe, have committed to Bellarmine University and Kalamazoo College for the class of 2021.

According to Maxpreps.com, the team is ranked 9th in the state and 239th nationally. If they want to improve their rankings, the team will have to win their remaining two games. After, the girls will be preparing for districts. After winning the D1 Red division last year, the team has high expectations for their success at districts this year. “Our team is really happy with our season so far and we’re really looking forward to districts. We have had a successful season so far and we’re all so proud of the seniors’ success of committing,” says junior Grace Jaksen.

Districts began on May 30th.

Boy’s Baseball This years boy’s varsity baseball team has concluded the 2017 regular season with a 18-12 record, and squared off against Troy Athens on Wednesday, May 24th. Also, in the opening round of the state playoffs, the BHHS boy’s baseball team upset Groves high school by a score of 5-2. Senior and captain, CJ Drogosch explained how his final season as a Blackhawk went down, and how it will help him in the future. “Although our season has not gone exactly as planned, we still did some big things together. We just needed to come together the last couple of weeks and play for each other,” said Drogosch. “It is now or never to get things on the right track. I believe in the group of guys that we have; we have the show what our team can do at its full potential.” Next season, the team will have over 10 returning players, looking to have very high expectations for the 2018 season.

Softball On Monday March 13th, Girls softball tryouts were held in the Auxiliary Gym in Bloomfield Hills from 3-5 PM, shortly after school dismissal. With the majority of the senior Varsity players graduated, more spots are eligible for incoming students such as Juniors and Sophomores. Both teams will contain around 13 players, on both Varsity and Junior Varsity. Coach Whitmire said, “We’re excited to kick off the new softball season.” Led by Varsity captain Amy Benson, the team is expected to bounce back this season with a strong field of players, such as Mycah Butler and Lauren Richardson.

Girls’ Tennis

Boys’ Golf

This years Girls Varsity Tennis team has had a victorious season. They won regionals and will be heading to states on Friday, June 2nd. With an overwhelming record of 16 wins and one loss, according to number one singles player and Sophomore, Tia Mukherjee, this season has been going very well. Kaela Bernard, who is one of only two freshmen on the team said, “I love being able to play on Varsity tennis as a Freshman. It’s fun being able to play with the older girls and it makes me feel very accomplished.” The team consists of two Freshman, two Sophomores, seven Juniors and three Seniors. Next season, though they are losing many seniors, the team has high hopes due to the quality of the three teams (Varsity A, B and JV), and how well they’ve done throughout this season.

The Blackhawks Varsity Golf Team is off to a successful start to its season.

“The season has been good so far; we have won most of our matches and have been doing well in the tournaments, finishing third or fourth ever time,” said Ankith Varchasvi, who is a sophomore on the team.

The team is currently sitting at third place in the OAA Red division. The team has had five tournaments thus far; while the top team finishes include third place, the team has had one individual medalist, being junior, John Paddock. Looking towards the end of the season, the team will compete in regionals and has a pretty good chance at making it to states.

Girls’ Lacrosse The Lady Blackhawks have excelled in the 2017 season of spring Lacrosse, ending with a record of 14-5 in their regular season. The leading scorer for the lady Blackhawks is captain Olivia D’Angelo, who has committed to Jacksonville State University to continue her athletic career at the D1 level. The Lady Blackhawks have been ranked in the top 10 for girls’ lacrosse teams in Michigan, hailing in at number seven. Coached in Alyssa Strasser, the Lady Blackhawks was able to go undefeated in league play, ending with a 5-0 record. The girls’ lacrosse team faced off against Grosse Pointe South in their first playoff game, resulting in a win formulated from the score 15-10.

“We started the season kind of slow, losing one of our first games but looking at ourselves from the beginning of the season and now, i see two completely different teams,” said captain Erin Connolly. “We have learned how to play as a unit and we are doing great together. I’m confident if we are able to keep everyone healthy and focused we have a real chance of winning the state title.”

Girls’ Track and Field After being named OAA White Division champions in 2016, the Varsity Girl’s Track team has used that as motivation coming into this year. Their notable record from last year, has been followed up with a momentous 4-1 record. Some profound feats have been met for the first time this year by Junior Olivia Lopez. She has broken two school records that aren’t easy feats to just break. On April 26th at the double meet featuring, Bloomfield Hills High School, Auburn Hills Avondale High School and Pontiac High School, she broke the 100m record, with a time of 12.54c. On April 12 against Troy High School, she got a 400m time of 59.0h. The Blackhawks have only lost to Troy High School at the beginning of the season. Sophomore Varsity track and field sprinter Nyah Webb, said this year success has been a team effort, “Last year the girl’s track team won leagues and this year we are trying to repeat the same thing. We have to work together as a team to beat Troy High School, the only team we have lost to sar far this year.”

13

JUNE SPORTS

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s down the race k a e r b for t ye e k he aw

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Images: http://stats.nba.com/media/players/700/2544.png, http:// www.dailyhoops.nl/wp-content/ uploads/kawhi1-694x1024.png, http://www.stickpng.com/img/ celebrities/sports/nba-players/ james-harden/james-hardenwalking, https://lh3.ggpht.com/ rq9sOUa7E51JyneN6Ta3VyDgfNPrznS6DzPjVSLQWAxH8upwZzjHZM1k89AsphToMTY, http://orig01.deviantart.net/ f42d/f/2017/031/3/0/james_harden_by_adriandope-daxdsyz.png

The case for LeBron James

The case for James Harden

Ben Cooper Staff Writer Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James deserved better.

It is absurd that he is not one of the three MVP candidates for the 2016-17 season. Nonetheless, he is more than worthy of winning the award, and there are many reasons why.

He may not have averaged a triple double, like the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook.

He may not be the best perimeter defender in the league, like the San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard.

And he may not boast the best facial hair in the league, like the Houston Rockets’ James Harden.

But what LeBron brings to his team is unlike any other player. Unlike the other three MVP candidates, LeBron could be placed on any team in the NBA and that team could instantly be considered a championship contender.

There is a solid argument for LeBron against each of the three other candidates. In the case of Russell Westbrook, it is pretty simple: as amazing as Westbrook’s stats were this season, his team is not a championship contender. With a record of 47-35 and the #6 seed in the Western Conference, Westbrook’s Thunder did not have a realistic chance at winning the NBA Finals, or even getting to the Finals. In fact, his team lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Houston Rockets in five games. In order to be a true Most Valuable Player candidate, a player must at least have a contending team, like James’ Cavaliers do.

The argument against Kawhi Leonard is that he does not do as much for his team as LeBron does.

Although Leonard is arguably the better defender at this point in his career, he does not bring as much offensively to his team than LeBron; in particular, his passing skills. Leonard averaged only 3.5 assists, while LeBron averaged 8.7. Furthermore, Leonard’s career-high in assists is a mere 7, while LeBron’s is 17. Basically, LeBron brings much more to the table as an all-around playmaker than Kawhi does.

Although James Harden made incredible strides as a playmaker this season, he is simply not as good of a defender as any other candidate. He truly is an offensive superstar, and although he has put forth somewhat more effort on the defensive end this season, his defensive prowess is still not quite there.

Furthermore, Harden could be seen a system player, due to new Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni’s 3-point heavy scheme he brought to Houston, which inflates his stats.

To sum it up, the three other candidates are undoubtedly worthy of winning the MVP award, but LeBron is simply more versatile and brings the most value to his team. If the award truly is about pure value and not just about who has the best stats, LeBron should be the 2016-17 NBA MVP, and he especially should not have been knocked off the list of top three candidates.

Justin Yaker 17-18 Sports Editor

The case for Russell Westbrook Jake Weitzman 17-18 Managing Editor Russell Westbrook deserves the title of NBA Most Valuable Player over any other player in the league.

He may not be on the best team, but he has proven to be the best among the best.

The Oklahoma City Thunder point guard averaged a triple double by the end of the regular season.

A triple double is when a player has three of the five major statistics that are in the double digits, such as points per game (PPG), rebounds per game (RPG), and assists per game (APG). It is a difficult task to accomplish, yet Westbrook was able to average these numbers. Westbrook recorded a triple double in 43 of 81 games. More specifically, he averaged 31.6 PPG, 10.7 RPG, and 10.4 APG. Only one other person has achieved this milestone before, and he is Oscar “The Big O” Robertson. This hall-of-famer, who averaged a triple double as well, considers Westbrook one of the greatest of all time and the definite choice for this year’s MVP. Some people think differently, and believe that Kawhi Leonard, Lebron James, or James Harden are more deserving of the prestigious trophy. However, they’re completely wrong. Kawhi Leonard is a powerful two way player, but he is not MVP caliber on either side of the court. He averaged 3.5 APG, showing he isn’t as big of a playmaker as the other candidates.

When it comes to Lebron, he lacks is the ability to do win by himself, since he is used to playing with a “big three”. When Kyrie Irving and other superstars were in a slump this past January, the Cavs lost eight out of 13 games with only Lebron James.

James Harden, Westbrook’s biggest competitor, is certainly one of the best in the league. His biggest obstacle, however, is his inability to play defense. He is lackluster at best when defending his competitors of the court with his opponents shooting with an average of 44.3%. Defense should be a determining factor in winning MVP considering it’s half of the game.

On the other hand, Westbrook is a phenomenal player, accumulating multiple buzzer beating shots on his seasonal resumé. He wasn’t afraid of passing the ball. He has been arguably been carrying the team entirely by himself, ultimately leading the Thunder to the sixth seed in the playoffs. Westbrook made a powerful impact not only on offense, but defense as well with 31 blocks and 132 steals this past season. He averaged a triple double! That should be enough evidence to earn him the title. Kudos to Russell Westbrook, my MVP.

The case for Kawhi Leonard Habib Bello 17-18 Managing Editor

Kawhi Leonard has showcased through his efforts why he is by far the best candidate for NBA MVP. With the TNT NBA Awards show on the 26th, Kawhi Leonard’s emergence as the best two-way player propels him over other potential MVP candidates.

Winning matters. Even James Harden said it in a CBS interview when he states: “I thought winning was what this is about. I’m not going to get into depths, but I thought winning is the most important thing.”

If winning is certainly the case, then Kawhi Leonard presents the best rationale for earning this year’s MVP. The Spurs earned 61 wins, the most wins out of all of the teams associated with the opposing MVP candidates .

Also, a major case for why Kawhi Leonard is MVP is that he is by-far the best defender in the league.

According to CBSsports.com, Leonard has the most blocks, most steals, and fewest turnovers per 100 possessions compared to the other major candidates (Harden, James, Westbrook).

When the spotlight is focused on the Spurs, Leonard steps up to the plate. Game in and game out, Leonard consistently guards each team’s best player. Leonard ultimately hinders their ability to play to their best potential when he combines with his enormous hands with his long wingspan, and lightning-quick feet.

Actions speaker louder than words. And Kawhi surely delivers on that mantra. He has shown immense levels of leadership and determination, as he battled through an ankle injury in the playoffs.

Despite being told to sit out, his perseverance and willingness to compete towards the sport and his team ultimately inspired his team to rally off wins in order to win the Western Conference Semifinals against Harden and the Houston Rockets.

His impact off the floor has also shown that Leonard is the sure-fire MVP for the 2017 season.

According to ESPN, in Game 1 of the Conference Finals when Leonard was on the court, the Spurs had +/- of +23. However, immediately when he left the game, the Spurs’ +/- ranking dropped 48 points, resulting in -25. His presence is surely felt on and off the court, and while on the floor, making Leonard the definite choice for this year’s NBA MVP.

The Houston Rockets star shooting guard, James Harden, is undoubtedly the most qualified MVP candidate in this year’s race.

Not only did Harden have a historic season in regards to numbers, but he has also been unbelievable in terms of leading his team to wins.

Although the top four candidates have all had fantastic seasons, it is impossible to ignore the insane statistics of James Harden and Russell Westbrook.

Harden averaged over 29 points, 11 assists and 8 rebounds per game. These statistics blow away those of Kawhi Leonard and Lebron James. While some may argue that Harden’s stats are inflated because “he is the only good player on his team,” Harden racked up more wins in the regular season than Lebron and only four less wins than Leonard.

Being the only all-star and a primary ballhandler, it’s clear Harden makes his teammates better. Harden’s control over his team has made a name for young and once no-name players, such as Clint Capela and Montrezl Harrell.

Harden led his team to a third place regular season finish this year in the NBA. This is eight wins better and seven spots in the NBA standings higher and than Russell Westbrook’s Thunder. While Westbrook did average more points and rebounds than Harden, he struggled to lead his team to important wins, as seen when facing Harden.

In the regular season, the Thunder lost three out of four games to Harden and the Rockets, with their only win being by two points. In the first round of the postseason, Harden continued to prove his dominance over Westbrook by winning the seven game series in five games, with a total winning margin of 43.

In the second round of the playoffs, Harden squared off against the second ranked San Antonio Spurs, led by Kawhi Leonard. While the Rockets did lose to the Spurs’ powerhouse in the Western Conference Finals, he still made the series interesting, stretching it to six games.

Although, Harden is not the last the MVP candidates standing in the playoffs, his regular season and postseason performance as well as his remarkable numbers, prove his worthiness of being this year’s NBA MVP.

Which Hawkeye staffer do you think made the best case? Let us know! Send an email to bloomfieldhawkeye@gmail.com

Welcome

to Bloomfield Hills Schools!

A limited number of tuition spots are available K-12 for the 2017-18 school year.*

“I really like school! In Science, we learned about the lymphatic, endocrine, respiratory, and circulatory systems. When I grow up I want to be a surgeon so that I can help people.”

-MARCUS LEE

“The sense of community here is really special. It is supportive & inclusive; I really appreciate the cultural diversity.

The Learning Communities allow us to make connections with one another. I feel like I have a “My class collected *Enrollment acceptance strong sense of identity & I maple syrup from the is based upon applicants am prepared for Cornell meeting current tuition maple trees at the (Johnson) University in the Fall.” guidelines and space -TALIA GREENBERG Nature Center. We saw lots of availability. Submitting an application does not guarantee animals at the (Bowers) Farm. One of acceptance. Available spaces the goats was nibbling on my jacket will be filled on a first come, and then he licked my hand!” first serve basis.

-XAVIER ROBINSON

Fall Musical: A Chorus Line

Auditions: September 6, 7, and 8.

Show dates: November 16, 17, and 18.

Beginning June 1st: See Mrs. Greenlee or Mrs. Reilly in the Performing Arts Office for audition packets!

15

June Opinion

expression not impressions

Humans of Bloomfield

Why I Wear Makeup Moskus Reflects on the Power of Makeup and its Impact upon her Life Madeline Moskus 17-18 Social Media Manager It was 7th grade. Issues with self esteem were a trend, and I was following. I walked into the therapist’s office for the first time, and upon spilling out everything I hated about myself, she had one recommendation: “Maybe try a little mascara or some eyeliner.”

This was ridiculous. An actual licensed social worker telling me to cover up my face… to feel more confident? Incredible. I was more than hesitant, getting flashbacks to the first time wearing mascara, where I thought my eyelashes were spider legs. It took me an hour of sobbing to get it off.

Nonetheless, I was determined, so I marched up to the makeup aisle of CVS like it held all of the answers. With the $15 my mom gave me, I bought an eyeliner crayon and mascara wand that served as my sword and shield. I was prepared for the war waged on my low self-esteem. The next morning before school, I applied a thick line to my eyelid and piled on coat after coat of black to my eyelashes. It was not a hot look, but to me, it was everything.

I gazed in the mirror at what I thought was a transformed face and decided that this was epic.

I was empowered, and at 7:15am, I had energy like never before. It was a high that sent me dancing around the house to the beat of my own confidence, a high that I remember 3 years later. With Green

Day blasting in my ears, a Hot Topic band t-shirt on, and more eyeliner than I care to think about, I was finally who I wanted to be in that moment.

This was how I discovered that makeup was not about how I looked on the outside, obviously, but rather how I felt on the inside. In the end, my therapist was right, and what I learned was that she didn’t want me to cover up, rather, she wanted me to find myself. Really, it is art, using brushes, palettes and color schemes. Still, there is extreme backlash against those who practice this art.

“She wears too much makeup.”

“Her eyes look like raccoon eyes.”

Any artist always starts somewhere, whether it be on canvas or on face, practice makes perfect.

Obviously, I didn’t come out of the gate doing elaborate paintings on my eye. After doing a personal project on makeup and finally getting praise for this form of art, I’m striving to tell all genders alike that makeup is a form of expression.

Makeup is an art.

All makeup.

To hear more about Maddy and other students’ journeys with makeup, visit The Hawkeye’s website at: BHHSHawkeye.com

My Top Makeup Looks and Inspiration

I was inspired to do this because I wanted to challenge myself to do a look that still looked good without eyeliner or fake eyelashes. I also wanted to try my hand at the double cut crease, a style that I had loved when seeing others do it.

This was inspired by a doodle that I did, because sometimes I create a look on paper before trying it with makeup. The trend of graphic eyeliner really intrigues me, so the original plan was based off of that.

“I hate my schoolwork, but my schoolwork hates me more.”

- Makena Torrey, Sophomore

I used the Bob Ross painting tutorial “Reflections of Calm” to create this. I’d been watching the show for a while and I really can’t paint with real paints, but eyeshadow? Count me in.

It took about an hour to get one eyelid perfect.

15 “I fell off my bike taking this selfie.”

- Jessica Lan, Freshman

“Mr. Laurinec was a more qualified presidential candidate than any of the 2016 frontrunners.”

- Karthik Nagappan, Senior

The Color Orange Every other color is inferior Maximillian Helfman 17-18 Editor-In-Chief Orange is a color of peculiarity.

Ask anyone on the street, in your class, or at home, what their favorite color is. I guarantee the majority will say blue. Or purple or pink. Or even green or red.

Blue is a color of stereotype. When going around the room in kindergarten sharing your favorite color, I remember everyone saying blue!

But blue, which is a basic color, is a mixed breed.

An unoriginal, cliche, bland color of the deadly ocean, the empty and polluted sky, and the star in the lesbian romance film Blue is the Warmest Colour (which was a great movie, by the way).

Red, on the other hand, is the color of agony.

When I think of the second most cliche color, I think of needlessly expensive 4K movie quality cameras, and the tart, heinous fruit of raspberries.

How about the crappy 2012 remake Red Dawn starring JOSH PECK which cost $65 million dollars to produce and only made $45 million?

Something that should be the color of blood, fire, and the disgusting drink “Big Red,” often reminds me of people who read the last pages of books before reading the whole thing just to see how it ends.

I don’t even want to talk about the color green.

The color of “life” and “Earth” and that fruit that restaurants always put on the side of your drink but you never want.

Green is the color of algae. The color of the water in the lake I live in that has an infestation of mussels that when you step on them cut your feet and make you bleed.

Green reminds me of the time when I went to Star Deli and had a bagel with cream cheese and lox, which was actually expired, so I spent the entire night hurling over my father’s toilet with built in bidet until I had thrown up all the bile and was dry heaving air. Green.

Yellow, the supposed color of “freshness, happiness, and clarity,” is merely the disgusting, wretched, color of sunflowers. And do you know what’s attracted to sunflowers? Bees.

Honey bees. Bumblebees. Carpenter bees.

Apidae bees. Sweat bees. Andrena bees. Wasps.

Hornets. I know bees are essential to our survival and they’re at a low population right now, but bees are worse than all of Amy Schumer’s films combined. This opinion probably stems from my accidental encounter with the species when I stepped on a hidden wasps nest in the forest at the age of nine. Looked like something out of Looney Tunes.

Purple and pink are a package. They go hand in hand. Ask any 5 year old girl and they will say “Puwpul” or “Pwink.” And I’m not assuming anything here; it doesn’t matter if you’re a 5 year old man, woman, it, them, or nothing.

The colors purple and pink infest the elementary school scene, creating a very un-individualistic tone for the kindergarteners.

And white. White!

The color of effervescence. The color of sterilization. The color of the room that Dr. Dave Bowman wakes up in with the massive monolith in front of him in 2001: A Space

Odyssey. The star of the famous 2016 hashtag “#OscarsSoWhite”, the last name of the first Disney princess, the color between words printed in a newspaper, the 2004 film White Chicks, the color of the Apple logo that contaminates our school, and the last name of the infamous fictional drug dealer, the star of what is considered to be the best T.V series of all time, Walter White. WALTER. WHITE. But orange. Naranja. Oranje. Oranssi. Arancione. Apelsin. The color that radiates warmth and happiness, literally the color of our sun, the source of life and energy that keeps our planet alive, is beautiful.

Orange is featured in the title of the fantastic Stanley Kubrick film “A Clockwork Orange”.

Orange invokes the feeling of individualism, the feeling of originality, the feeling of self.

Orange is the color of the sticky note that I drew on, which is stuck on my laptop as I’m writing this column, featuring an alien with four fingers as well as four single hairs.

Orange is the color of Nemo. Orange is the color of the Lorax. Orange is the color of Garfield. Orange is the color of Swiper.

Orange is the color of The Flash.

This color is the color of everything. Every attitude. Every emotion. Every personality.

Every idea.

And it is my favorite color.

“I am literally always thinking about cheesecake.”

- Leah Louis-Ferdinand, Junior

“Adam Norris has impacted my life in a positive way.”

- Max Rosenzweig, Sophomore

ALL GRADUATES. ALL SAFE. ALL TOGETHER. For over 45 years, our community has come together to provide a safe and entertaining event for our seniors on the night of their graduation. The successful continuation of this tradition would not have been possible without the generous support of many organizations and individuals.

Thank you to the many BHHS families who have dedicated countless hours of volunteer time, donated gifts and raffle prizes, and contributed financially by supporting various fundraising efforts. Our families are the backbone of our school community, without whom many enrichment opportunities would not be possible.

Furthermore, our sincerest gratitude goes to our many community partners for their generous financial support, and for their donations of gifts, raffle prizes, food and in kind services. Your commitment to helping provide our seniors with a fun and secure evening of celebration is greatly appreciated.

COmmunity Partners 5th Tavern AD XL Promotional Advertising Alex & Ani Associated Dermatologists Bagger Dave’s Bangkok Cuisine Bed Bath & Beyond Best Buy Beverly Hills Club BHHS Men’s Basketball Boosters BHHS Men’s Golf Boosters BHHS Men’s Soccer Boosters BHHS Men’s Tennis BHHS PTO BHSD Board & Administration Birmingham Area Alumnae Panhellenic Association Birmingham Bloomfield Community Coalition Bloomfield Deli Bloomfield Sports Shop Bob Adams Towing Breath of Spring Brooklyn Bagel Carl’s Golfland Chipotle Crispelli’s Dairy Queen Dean Sellers Ford Dr. Julie Fattore Dairy Queen

Dean Sellers Ford Dr. Julie Fattore Dr. Sherry Viola/ Dr. Randi Long/ Dr. Nancy DeSantis Dunkin Donuts EHMS PTO Emagine Theaters Emcura Emily Stillman Foundation Evereve Birmingham Fred Lavery Audi Golling Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Great Lakes Coffee Hungry Howie’s Hunter Pasteur Homes IKEA Canton Janette Phillips Kathy Broock Ballard, Max Broock Realtors Kathy Wilson, Bershire Hathaway, HWWB Realtors Kelly Building & Development Kona Ice Kroger Long Lake/ Telegraph Kroger Maple/ Lahser LA Fitness La Marsa Leo’s Bloomfield Hills Leo’s Keego Harbor Leo’s West Bloomfield Lilly Pulitzer Linda Tuthill Lululemon Ann Arbor

Macprofessionals Inc. Magnet Creative Market Square West Bloomfield McLeod Carpet One Moose Preserve Moosejaw Noodles & Company Olga’s Page Honda Papa Romano’s Peas & Carrots Hospitality Pegasus Entertainment Perry Party Rental Physicians for Women Ob/ Gyn Rio Wraps Roland Optics Rusty Bucket Signs by Tomorrow Staples Subway Szechuan Gourmet Tapper’s Jewelry Thai Taste To Go The Sports Club Tim Hortons Tropical Smoothie Café Uptown Parthenon Vascular & Endovascular Associates Vineyard Vines Wabeek Country Club Walmart Rochester Yummy Cupcakes *Community Partner list as of June 5, 2017. Any omissions are unintentional.

17

JUNE OPINION

Finding your place Outgoing Co-Editor-in-Chief provides words of wisdom for the incoming staff Jack Silberman Editor-in-Chief

Welcome to the

HAWKEYE

Here I am, just a few days away from graduating and finally leaving the Bloomfield Hawkeye.

I’ll be honest, this job has wiped me out. I’m looking back on these past three years now, trying to pull some message out of it to give to next year’s staff. And it turns out there is one in there. It’s hidden in a mountain of pure exhaustion, but it’s in there.

Find your role, and embrace it.

That’s what I want next year’s staff and the staffs after that to remember.

When everyone follows his passion, this paper achieves great things. I’ve seen it firsthand.

What was the most rewarding for me was watching my friends on this staff get to do the things they love and have a great time doing it. Our former editor-in-chief Aidan Menchaca wrote a column about why teenagers should listen to Tchaikovsky. I don’t even know who that is. But Aidan did, and he loved him. And he had so much fun writing about that. Our former Op/Ed editor Sadhna Ramanathan went to the zoo and wrote a column about a rogue peacock that tried to tackle her. It seemed ridiculous, but when the paper came out, that was the story that people actually read. It was because she had fun writing it, so it was funny to read.

When I joined this staff, I quickly

“What was the most rewarding for me was watching my friends on this staff get to do the things they love and have a great time doing it.”

-Jack Silberman Senior became the design guy. I loved it.

One time I spent three hours making a pencil to use in one of our infographics. It didn’t even really need a pencil; I just was having fun making it, so I did. I also wrote a piece about how much I hated Crocs. It didn’t even get published yet I remember it better than half of my pieces that actually did. And it’s because I actually enjoyed the assignment.

What I’ve learned from being on this staff is that your best work will come from the tasks you enjoy doing. My sophomore year, we won the Pacemaker Award, the nation’s highest honor for a high school newspaper.

We got our critique sheet back, and we assumed that it would be the straight news stories that we forced ourselves to write that won us the award.

It wasn’t.

The judge’s favorite piece in any of our issues that year was a review we wrote of a disgusting holiday themed marshmallow. We had more fun writing that review than any piece we’ve ever published, but we never thought it would help us win anything. But it did. And it’s because we were actually passionate about it, so our best work came out.

Here I am now, twenty-six thousand hours of being on staff later. I’ll leave you with this: don’t force yourself to be someone you aren’t. Do what you actually want to do, and you’ll accomplish great things. For next year’s staff, bring your passion to this paper, and you won’t have to chase the awards. They’ll chase you.

STAFF

Illustration by Ember Stuart

Saying goodbye to our seniors and hello to a new publication Next year will bring a new vitality to The Hawkeye, and we are elated for what’s to come.

We are constantly striving to make our publication the absolute best it can be, and that means fully embracing the passion and talent of our staff. For this reason, The Hawkeye is boldly revamping its web presence and connecting with larger number of readers.

We’ve fundamentally modified the structure of our staff, expanding the editorial board to include positions accounting for both web and print publications. This way, we are prioritizing both mediums and ensuring a strong, multi-layered presence in the community.

Of course, none of what we do now could have been possible without the guidance and inspiration from this year’s Co-Editors-In-Chief, Jack Silberman and Shibi Sanjeev. In this defining year for The Hawkeye, it’s just as important to recognize our journey here, as it is our path forward.

Throughout the year, our editors motivated us to work harder, cultivated our love for journalism, and taught us valuable skills that extend far beyond the classroom. We are grateful for their dedication, and will emulate it proudly in the years to come.

As 2016-2017 recipients of the Spartan award, we plan to sustain the excellence of the staff that came before us. The staff this year truly demonstrated our potential for continued success in the future, and we are absolutely optimistic.

Above all, these changes were made because our main goal as high school journalists is to accurately inform our local community about news and developments, and provide our scrutinizing analysis on serious and even polarizing issues.

The more that students, families, faculty, and members of the community are aware of their surroundings, the better The Hawkeye has achieved its goal.

More than benefitting its readers, The Hawkeye offers empowering opportunities for students. Research indicates that high school journalism students tend to display stronger academic skills.

According to Jack Dvorak, director of the High School Journalism Institute, about 20 percent of students who worked on their school newspapers or yearbooks achieved higher grade point averages in high school, scored better on the ACT and demonstrated better writing and grammar skills in college than students who did not have those journalism experiences. The same study shows that students involved in journalism participate more in extra-curricular activities, student government, and community organizations.

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

Section Editors CJ Drogosch Evan Stern John Ballouz Max Wittenberg Max Helfman Vivian Harber Jillian Abbo Habib Bello Brynn Elder Jessica Kim

Ally Heath Ben Cooper Maddie Wein Sarah Qureshi Skylar Raitt Riya Doshi Alexis Rillema Caitlin Finerty Sadie Kirshner Jake Weitzman

INTRODUCING THE 2017-2018 EDITORIAL BOARD PRINT Co-Editors-in-Chief Brynn Elder Anish Tamhaney Managing Editors Habib Bello Vivian Harber Jake Weitzman

WEB Co-Editors-in-Chief Maximillian Helfman Jessica Kim Managing Editors Riya Doshi Evan Stern Max Wittenberg

Cartoonist Betsy Stubbs Illustrator Ember Stuart Distribution Manager Anish Tamhaney Business Manager Jason Moonka

The hardest part Outgoing Co-Editor-inChief takes a step back

Shibi Sanjeev Editor-in-Chief

I don’t want to write this.

This is my senior column and I have put it off till the last possible second.

It’s supposed to be my last words to my staff, my friends, and the rest of high school and I have avoided it for as long as possible. It’s not because I’m a senior. I have enough senioritis for ten people, but that has nothing to do with this column.

Any newspaper Editor-in-Chief rarely writes their own pieces. It seems a little ironic that the supposed best writer doesn’t actually write stuff, but that’s how it works. Instead of writing, they edit. That’s because the job isn’t about them, it’s about everyone else. It’s about pushing the staff to be the best they can be. It’s about raising the bar to unreachable heights and developing a staff that can reach it. With such a monumental task, an Editor-in-Chief doesn’t have time for themselves. They don’t have time to write their own thoughts. Being an editor is not about you being the leader but about those you lead.

But I’m writing this column. I’m not helping others. I’m not helping the new Hawkeye reach that unreachable bar. For more than a month, I’ve felt like I lost my job.

For nine months, I was at the top of the mountain and all of a sudden I am at the rock bottom. That’s why

“It’s about pushing the staff to be the best they can be. It’s about raising the bar to unreachable heights and developing a staff that can reach it.”

-Shibi Sanjeev Senior I didn’t want to write this. As important as this column is, it meant giving up everything I had and accomplished over this past year. It meant letting go.

To be completely honest, nothing’s changed. I still feel that way. The only difference is that I’ve finally come to terms with it. I have to let go. I gave my staff everything I could and now it’s their turn to take over. It’s their turn to show me that they can do it without me.

And that’s the toughest part of all this. They don’t need me anymore.

Does that hurt? Yeah, it does. It hurts like you wouldn’t believe. But I have to live that.

At the same time, I couldn’t be prouder. I have seen how they handled this last issue without me and I they have been nothing less than spectacular.

Are they perfect? No, but neither was I. Are they ready? Is anybody? But I have seen how they communicate, how they collaborate pushing each other to be the best they can be. They don’t need me to do it for them..anymore.

I know they are to produce just as strong, if not stronger, of a paper than any staff before them. One even better than I could. And that should be enough, but it isn’t.

I still have to let go. Because nothing is ours forever, that is the hardest part of all.

Staff Writers Brendan Lynn Justin Yaker Forest Zhang Hanna Halstead Kylie Buckfire Maddy Moskus Sammi Trepeck Sarah Kenkel Giancarlo Tucci Michael-Armen Kadian

Hira Ali Carly Armstrong Jenny She Lara Janosz Bec Grippo Carly Hittler Anna Cao

18

June OPINION

Reviews the hawkeye

Fifth installment brings nothing new Forest Zhang Staff Writer According to Forbes, the Pirates of the Caribbean is one of Disney’s highest grossing movie franchises with the previous films earning over 3 billion dollars worldwide. The most recent film has been doing well at the box office as well, but success at the box office doesn’t always translate to a great movie.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, released on May 26, is the fifth movie in The Pirates of the Caribbean series, and although it might have new directors, Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg, it retains many similarities to past films. Like previous entries, the film follows Jack Sparrow on his adventure to search for a magical macguffin with his crew that consists of a handsome young lad and his love interest/female lead while being opposed by a cursed crew and the British naval forces. This time, the macguffin is Poseidon’s Trident, a trident that can break all curses.

The series’s most famous character, Captain Jack Sparrow, is played by none other than Johnny Depp.

Depp is one of the most versatile actors of this day and age, and although he did play big roles before the franchise started, Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl was a huge success, earning him an oscar nomination. His role in this film, however, was not as impressive as his past roles, but to be fair, that could be the fault of the script. In general, Depp wasn’t as energetic as in previous films, but was still easily the most enjoyable performance in the movie.

The young lad is Henry Turner, played by Australian actor Brenton Thwaites, who was featured in films such as Maleficent and Gods of Egypt. And he isn’t really fleshed out as a character. The female lead, Carina Smyth, is more interesting, but not by much.

Carina is still fits into a standard character archetype, but you can see more of who she is because she makes more decisions than Henry throughout the movie.

She is played by Kaya Scodelario, an English actor best known in the states for her role in the Maze Runner films.

Alien: Covenant Maximillian Helfman 17-18 Editor-in-Chief

I’m in the minority. I hate Alien.

The new Alien film, “Alien: Covenant”, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Michael Fassbender and Katherine Waterston, fell short during it’s opening weekend, only making $36 million domestically, the film cost $97 million to make. While this isn’t necessarily a “flop”, it shows that maybe I’m no longer the only one that’s NOT a fan of Alien.

Alien: Covenant follows a group of people on a mission to colonize an Earth-like planet, but is interrupted when an unknown transmission is picked up from a closer, also Earth-like, planet. The crew decides to go to said planet and to their dismay, is found fighting off, well, “aliens.”

Prior to seeing this film, and to my disadvantage, I had never seen any other “Alien” film. Not Alien, Aliens, nor the proclaimed prequel “Prometheus”. After my viewing I indulged myself with the series, and none of them stood out. I appreciate the earlier films for their incredible set design and special effects, but they were just regular to me, bland.

Alien: Covenant is another chain to the link, which is a perfect analogy because this film felt like a sequence events rather than a complete narrative film. The film follows an almost identical plot to the original film. The characters stuck in one setting, then try to escape that setting, and people get eaten by Aliens along the way.

The characters are bland, all of which are incredibly forgettable.

While Danny McBride actually gives a compelling performance in the film, the other performances are very cliche. Every single character in this, besides maybe Michael Fassbender’s, acts as if they are pedestrians on the street, rather than what they really are, highly trained astronauts, going on an interstellar voyage to colonize a completely unexplored planet. They thrash and scream at the sight of extra terrestrial lifeforms, yet I cannot help but think, would our NASA astronauts do the same?

Absolutely not.

And I know this is a “space action” film and I shouldn’t be judging it this hard, but this is coming from the one and only RIDLEY SCOTT. The director of The Martian and Gladiator, the man knows how to make a film.

This film should have been SCARY. The plot is about a group of people stranded on a planet and ship with a huge man eating alien, while in space, where, “No one can hear you scream.” But instead, the film left me wanting more, and I felt no shred of terror throughout the entire thing.

If you are a die hard fan of the alien franchise, go see this because you will enjoy it, but to me this film was passable. While enjoyable at some parts, I expected more from the critically acclaimed director. Don’t be fooled by the 72% Rotten Tomatoes rating.

Captain of the cursed crew members, Captain Salazar, is played by Javier Bardem, who is known for his fantastic job as Silva in Skyfall. With such a good previous performance as a villain, I had high expectations, but I was let down. I couldn’t understand what Salazar was saying half the time, and the other half was him saying “Jack” and “Sparrow.”

Geoffrey Rush, the youngest amongst the few people who have won the “Triple Crown of Acting”: the Academy Award, the Primetime Emmy Award, and the Tony Award, is also long for the ride as Captain Hector Barbossa.

Visually the film was mediocre. The CGI didn’t look quite real, but it didn’t matter that much, as it didn’t feel too out of place in the fantasy environment.

From a storytelling perspective, the movie is very nonsensical, but somehow still as predictable as it gets. Character motivations are unclear at times, and magical pirate stuff just sort of happens with no established rules or explanation. As a result, you have a film with little tension and lots of ex machinas.

The dialogue in the movie was also awkward at times, but there were still humourous moments, some of which were probably unintentional due to how bad the wording was. In general, the plot felt like more of a way to move the characters from one action set piece to another. The good news is, the action sequences were pretty entertaining. Although they didn’t abide by the laws of physics all the time, they were creative and held some of the film’s best moments.

If nothing else, Dead Men Tell No Tales is a fun movie, and if that’s all you’re looking for, I would recommend this movie. However, if you’re hoping for something more than that, you might consider looking somewhere else. I’d give this film a three out of five.

Baywatch

Guardians of the Galaxy vol 2

Sammi Trepeck 17-18 Social Media Manager

Lara Janosz 17-18 Section Editor

For all the hype surrounding the reboot of “Baywatch,” directed by Seth Gordon, I was utterly disappointed.

Despite my high expectations for comedy gold, I left the theater hardly having laughed at all.

The plot consists of a “Baywatch” uncovering a criminal drug organization that could jeopardize the beach. The team consisted of incredibly likable actors Zac Efron, Dwayne Johnson, Alexandra Daddario, and many more.

While the characters were bland, the chemistry between them was believable.

The whole time I had been anticipating the performances, because two of my favorite actors, Zac Efron and Dwayne Johnson, were in it.

While I felt the acting was below average, it wasn’t even the worst aspect of the film. No acting could have redeemed the poor character development and subpar writing in the film. The comedy in this film is over the top, inappropriate humor that a 5 year old would find funny.

The humor was simply lackluster because you can only have so many male and female anatomy jokes before they become irritating.

The purpose of a reboot film, or the reboot to a franchise, is too take a new twist on the original idea. When I heard of them remaking the 1989 T.V show, I thought of many ideas of where they could take the story.

Nonetheless, they did the most cliche idea, filled with unoriginal troupe characters that had zero substance. It is apparent that the studio greenlit this only for the purpose of making money. The value of the source material fell flat because there was no intention to make this film better than its predecessor.

In the end, I would give this R-rated movie one star due to the painful humor and lack of creativity. There was an attempt at humor and action, but it was mediocre at best.

Next time, when rebooting a raunchy comedy like this, maybe studios should take a closer look at what makes people laugh now.

When it comes to the new Marvel phenomenon, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, forget the notion that sequels are never as good as the first movie.

As a major fan of the Marvel Universe, I was expecting an action packed, galactic adventure and I can say that I was far from disappointed with this film and was entertained for every second.

The 2-hour film, directed by James Gunn, was loaded with humor, action-packed galactic battles, and colorful, bright settings that made you feel as if you were among the cosmos themselves.

Each planet and star, though made with CGI, was expertly detailed and strangely beautiful, giving the film that extraterrestrial feel that made it even more enjoyable.

The soundtrack of the film also added to this tone. I found that the music in the film fit the different moods of the scenes really well, making the film flow together nicely. Songs like “Mr. Blue Sky” (the song that introduces the film) make the film feel like an action packed space music video film starring the “frickin Guardians of the Galaxy”.

Similar to the scenery, the cast was every bit as awesome. With Chris Pratt as Star Lord (who also starred as Andy in the TV series, Parks and Recreation), Zoe Saldana as Gamora, Dave Bautista as Drax, Vin Diesel as the adorable Baby Groot, Bradley Cooper as Rocket Raccoon, and Kurt Russell as Ego, I often found myself laughing at the fun, casual atmosphere these characters created, even in the most intense battle scenes. The interactions between these characters are what made this movie so great.

I was very pleased with the effort that was put into the intense battle scenes. Whether it was the the detailed space ships or the dialogue during these scenes, everything blended together perfectly, making these scenes fun to watch by keeping my eyes glued to the screen.

I will admit, even with the incredible acting and the crazy settings on different planets, the film seemed to be fitting too much content into certain parts, causing me to become a bit overwhelmed. Despite this, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 was one of the most entertaining Marvel movies that I’ve ever seen.

I’m not surprised that this film was such a success. Marvel has knocked it out of the park when it comes to the comic book, superhero genre that I have grown to love so much.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 will definitely go down in the books as one of those films that I will never forget seeing. If you are looking for humor and battles among the stars, I definitely recommend seeing this the next time you head into a theatre.

19

JUNE ENTERTAINMENT

SLIDERS The Hawkeye’s guide to the best

Reviews by Jake Weitzman 17-18 Managing Editor

GREENE’S HAMBURGERS

Greene’s Hamburgers turned 60 years old on May 21st, and has been making burgers the same way since the beginning. Thank god they have been, because these sliders are some the best most hunger-craving burgers I have ever eaten.

The burgers are made with large meatballs instead of patties, adding a unique twist to size and taste. The gas stove top has been there from the start, so six decades of grease truly packs a punch. Add grilled onions and melted cheese, and you have a savory slider whose flavor will stick with you till the next day.

The best part besides biting into the savory goodness of a Greene’s hamburger is the enticing aroma of slider grease that hits you right when you walk through the door. I prefer to grab a slider with friends and family usually around 12 or 1 a.m., but I don’t mind going during the day. Greene’s is my first choice when figuring out where to go for a midnight snack on a Friday or Saturday night.

That being said, I would rate Greene’s Hamburgers a strong five out of five stars. The slider joint is open 24 hours a day, and is located at the crossroads of Orchard Lake and Ten Mile in Farmington Hills.

HUNTER HOUSE HAMBURGERS The Hunter House is located in the city of Birmingham, but do not be fooled. This is not your average Bham venue. In fact, it is the oldest slider joint out of the three diners on this page.

Since opening in 1952, Hunter House has been cooking the exact same way. They mash the onions into the patties and let it sizzle till it’s brown. At the same time, the bun is heated up for a soft inside while the outside turns into a thin crust. Mix that with some cheese and you are all set for one of the best burgers in the country according to the Hunter House website.

I believe it is that famous greaser in the corner of the room that makes the sliders so delicious.

I like to eat a Hunter House slider when I am in the area after watching a movie, shopping, or just hanging out. But the downside about Hunter House is their hours. Monday through Thursday it is 9 a.m. till 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays it is 8 a.m. till 12 a.m., and lazy Sundays are 11 a.m. till 9 p.m. It should be open later more often. Hunter House has two locations: Woodward and Maple, and a new location in Ann Arbor off of State and William. Once the award winning burgers settle in, I would rate Hunter House four and a half out of five stars.

GREENE’S

HUNTER HOUSE

BATES

BATES HAMBURGERS Bates Hamburgers leans more towards the traditional side of cooking sliders. However, these burgers are too unique to be called traditional.

With an original poppy seed bun, a thick hamburger patty, and a large slice of american cheese, a burger from Bates looks like the real life version of the Krabby Patty. A special twist that Bates brings to the table is bottles of premixed ketchup and mustard, but also with a shot of pickle juice. It’s quick, easy, and allows the person behind the counter to skip a step. Bates has the significant gas stove, but what sticks out is the flavor.

The combination of the juicy burger, warm melted cheese, and the tangy onions along with the special Bates sauce brings it all together into one scrumptious slider. The only problem is that the slider is good, but not great. The taste is full of flavor, but it tastes like your average burger instead of your favorite slider.

I usually go to Bates after a night-time movie with my dad or friends. It’s a nice way to finish off the night after a good movie that was probably review by Maximilian Helfman. Although, you might have to go fast because Bates is only open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Bates has two locations: one off of Nine Mile and Middlebelt, the other at the corner of Five Mile and Farmington. At the end of the day, I would give Bates Hamburgers four out of five stars.

Images: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5784f5403e00be6243effe21/t/5836c87be4fcb5ab0eeabe95/1479985288914/classic.png,, https://burgersbarbecueandeverythingelse.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/hunter-1.jpg, http://www.eatblue.com/original/72462df99630d5335fd98b5bf5b1e035_61620.png, http://www.roadarch.com/11/8/bates.jpg, http://burgerconquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Bates-Hamburgers-Livonia-BurgerConquest-Rev-Ciancio-IMG_5463.jpg, http://www.roadarch.com/11/8/greenes.jpg, https://i1.wp.com/unvegan.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/img_1944.jpg

sURVIVING sUMMER 2017

make this summer one for the books

Drive-in Movies

Coming

Soon

Despicable Spider-man: Me 3 Homecoming

To a theatre near you!

June 30 Starring Steve Carrell and Kristen Wiig!

June 1-4 Rides and Carnival Activities at Shain Park in downtown Birmingham

July 5 With Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man!

Cars 3 June 16 Starring Owen Wilson!

@Ford Drive In Dearborn, MI

Volunteer!

Organizations like Summer in the City, Habitat for Hummanity, and Friendship Circle are always looking for volunteers.

Birmingham Fair

Road Trip

Cedar Point Sandusky, OH

Food Truck Festival 8/21-9/4

Color Run

6/24- Ypsilanti 7/29- Grand Rapids 9/30- Lansing

Eastern Market Detroit, MI

Wave Pool

Summer 2017 Bucketlist

Saturday and Sunday mornings

Waterford Oaks Waterpark is a close and affordable park with a wavepool Detroit Zoo Royal Oak, MI and water 6/29Bike Safari slides.

iPhones at Concerts

Live Concerts

Yondr

Detroit, MI

Kendrick Lamar

with Travis Scott & D.R.A.M

Wednesday, July 26th

The Palace of Auburn Hills

Yondr cases are beginning to be used at several different concert venues and will lock up attendees’ phones during concerts.

Artists using Yondr

Bruno Mars 24K Magic

Saturday, August 12th

The Palace of Auburn Hills

Train

Play That Song Tour

Sunday, June 25th

DTE Energy Music Theatre