March 2018

ONLINE: BLACK PANTHER REVIEW

INSIDE: STUDENTS RUN GUBERNATORIAL DEBATE see 4

ONLINE: STUDENT V. FACULTY PHOTOSTORY

Bloomfield Hills High School

stand up, step out.

DISTRICT NEWS Spring testing

by BHSD

On Tuesday, April 10, Wednesday, April 11, and Thursday, April 12, 2018, the students of BHHS will be engaged in standardized testing. The State of Michigan requires all students to take these standardized assessments. This year ninth grade students will take the PSAT 8/9 and tenth grade students will take the PSAT 10. Eleventh grade students will take the SAT, ACT Work Keys, and M-STEP.

Over 400 students participate in school walkout against gun violence

by DEBRA MORAITIS Staff Writer

BYA honors

W

by BHSD

hile Valentine’s Day is a time with heartshaped candies and expensive dinner-dates, this year on Wednesday, February 14th, 17 high school students were shot and killed at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, the shooter leaving an additional 14 students hospitalized.

Marking the 14th school shooting of 2018, the Parkland incident has replaced the 1999 Columbine

Each year, Bloomfield Youth Assistance honors students from the community who have proven to be outstanding citizens. Congratulations to the Bloomfield Hills High School students who have been selected as the 2018 BYA Youth Citizens Award high school recipients. These students were nominated for the special contributions they have made to the Bloomfield community. The recipients will be recognized at the BYA Youth Citizens Award Ceremony at the high school on Tuesday, April 24, 2018.

For over forty years, Bloomfield Youth Assistance has provided scholarships and enrichment opportunities for students of Bloomfield Hills Schools who would otherwise be unable to experience these activities.

by VIVIAN HARBER Managing Editor On the night of March 23, 55 students—from Bloomfield Hills, Berkley, and Birmingham—took a bus to the country’s capital to the March For Our Lives, promoting an end to gun violence.

“When you stand in a sea of people all fighting for the exact same thing, you gain this confidence to yell louder than you ever had be-

by BHSD

national news

1.

2.

Flu season may last until May

Netflix and productivity Senior benefits from binging pause

For these stories and more, go to our website

fore,” said junior Jamie Blatnikoff, who attended the trip. “You realize that there is no holding back if you truly want your voice to be heard.”

The estimated attendance for the particular DC march was 800,000, according to CBS News, over double the attendance of the MLK Jr. “I Have A Dream” speech.

Along with four parent chaperones and Mrs. Twomey, the students attended the March for Our Lives in Washington DC, although the march occurred in several different cities around the nation. “I feel honored to have been invited to witness history and have a seat on the bus,” said Mrs. Twomey.

Junior Ava Singer, along with juniors Debra Moraitis and Sophie Sherbin, organized the school trip and the students that attended were able to spend the whole day at the nation’s capital.

“Organizing this trip to DC was an amazing opportunity because I got to meet wonderful people who supported and encouraged me in spreading my message,” said Singer.

state news

on campus Radio station founder honored

Minor in possession law updated

by STEVE KRIVITSKY Staff Writer

by ALI RANDEL Staff Writer

A year following Pete Bowers’ retirement, friends and family honored the former Station Manager Biff Radio creator by officially naming Studio A - the home of BIFF radio - as the Pete Bowers Studio.

Friends and family of Bowers came to the school on March 17th to celebrate his contributions to BIFF. “I’m honored and humbled. I start-

ed the radio station from scratch in 1976. The BIFF was my baby. Now my baby is 42 years old,” said Bowers. “I only had one job in my life, but it was the best job anyone could ask for. After such a rewarding career, having the studio named after me is the cherry on the top.”

Bowers’ former students also commented on his award.

“He’s a very easy going, lighthearted guy, and he made the class

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Attendance policy altered

BhhsToday.org

continued page 7

Design: Kaylie Brooks. Photos: Shoshana Bittker. 1: Senior Isabella Luke stands with arms crossed wearing an orange skirt, the color which represented protest to gun violence in walkouts nationally. 2. Student organizers and participants of the walkout huddle in a circle as an act of solidarity.

Experts analyze strain’s persistence

STUDENT VOICE

High School massacre as the deadliest high school shooting in America.

With the #NeverAgain campaign gaining momentum, more students throughout the country are becoming increasingly involved in public protests.

“When I realized there were going to be walkouts all over the country, in response to the tragedy in Florida, I knew I had to get my community involved,” said senior Zack Farah, a leader in Bloomfield’s local movement. “This is one of the biggest examples of student activism in our country right now.”

Marchers visit Washington, D.C.

Photo finalists Congratulations to BHHS photography students Kaylie Brooks, Amanda Bearden and Cameron Carleton who are finalists in the Photographers Forum Magazine Best of 2018 College and High School Photography Contest.

Established in 1977, Photographer’s Forum magazine is an award-winning quarterly publication for emerging professionals, instructors, and active pros.

Volume V-Issue V

March 2018

by LARA JANOSZ Section Editor Throughout the school day, Bloomfield Hills High School students flow in and out of the main doors, checking in and checking out for various reasons and at various times. The problem is that some do not keep the school’s attendance policy in mind while they sign in and receive a pass for either an unexcused or excused absence.

“The current attendance policy is re-

ally if a student has three or more, in any class, unexcused or late unexcused [absences], then they’re having a conversation with their counselor to try to stop it...if it [the absences] still continues they meet with administration,” explained Associate Principal Margaret Schultz.

According to Schultz, the current attendance policy is constantly evolving each year to try and keep students in line with good attendance.

The policy has been changed to have

continued page 2

According to “Michigan’s New MIP Law Makes First Offense a Civil Infraction” from fosterswift.

The law regarding an MIP (micom by Lisa J. Hamameh, The secnor in possession) offense as beond offense will now be charged ing recognized as a criminal as a misdemeanor, which can remisdemeanor in Michigan has sult in possible jail time, license changed as of January 1st, 2018. suspension, and increased fines.

Under the new According to circumstances, a school police liathe law first offense is a civson, David Verkil infraction, mean- • Passed by a 32-2 vote chokve, jail time ing that the offense is only a possibilwill stay on your ity if you violate MIP classification: driving record. your probation Before this law after your second change, an MIP • Before: misdemeanor, up or third offense. was a misdemean- to $500 fine and 90 Additionally, he or, a criminal of- day jailtime said that students fense which would should not get stay on your crimi- • Now: civil infraction, up to tricked by this law nal record rather $100 fine change, as the new than your driving changes may make record, according it seem like getting to the article “Minor in Possessionan MIP is not as bad as it is portrayed.

Change in the Law” from umich.edu.

“I think it negatively could give The civil infraction will result in fines, some students the impression that substance abuse screening, commuit’s not that big of a deal. Ok, well, nity service and there will be no deif I get caught, I just get a civil inferment (meaning the MIP wouldn’t fraction MIP. People may think show up on the student’s driving rethat they have a freeby or somecord if they can fulfill requirements set up by a youth organization).

continued page 2

MARCH NEWS

2 IB diploma exams

by BHSD

There is a mandatory pre-exam meeting for all students who have registered for and are taking an IB Diploma Exam on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at 12 noon in the auditorium.

Important exam information will be reviewed. Please make sure you attend. If there are any questions, please see Ms. Hall in the Counseling Office.

The Hawkeye Highlights Local and World News

Medal recipients

by BHSD

Senior prom

Tweets: “It’s so inspiring to see students all over this country standing up to end this once and for all.”

-March For Our Lives, via Twitter

“

through the March For Our Lives Campaign

Local Reactions: Students and Social Media

After the Parkland, Florida school shooting, dubbed as one of the deadliest school shootings in the nation’s history next to the 1999 Columbine school shooting, teens across the U.S. are taking a stand against gun violence through the March for Our Lives Protest.

For more information about gun violence, the walkout and more, visit BHHSToday.org.

It was important for the school to allow us to do the walkout because for one, the safety reasons because I know that around the world and other places in schools, the schools do not support their students, making the walkouts more dangerous and not as smooth as it could be. Also, the students have a responsibility...to represent the school, as we are the student body and we make up the school.

-Alexis Moss, Sophomore

“

Congratulations to the 2018 Bloomfield Hills High School National Scholastic Medalists who will be recognized at the national ceremony at Carnegie Hall in New York in June.

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. The Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to identify students with exceptional artistic and literary talent and present their remarkable work to the world through the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Through the Awards, students receive opportunities for recognition, exhibition, publication, and scholarships. Students across America submitted nearly 350,000 original works this year in 29 different categories of art and writing.

Top Story: Teens take a stand

by BHSD

Prom 2018 will be held at The Roostertail located at 100 Marquette Drive in Detroit, MI 48226 on May 18, 2018, from 6:30 p.m.—11:30 p.m. Doors will close at 7:00 p.m. and dinner will be served shortly after.

Please keep in mind that prom is a school-sponsored event and all students and guests must adhere to the BHHS Student Code of Conduct. If there is any reason to believe students are under the influence of alcohol or an illegal substance, they will be dealt with by the BHHS administration, school liaison officers, and local authorities, the Detroit Police.

Please make this a safe and enjoyable prom for everyone.

Tickets may be purchased during the week of Monday, April 30 through Friday, May 4, 2018. No exceptions.

Students must complete and sign the Prom Contract in order to purchase a ticket. Prom tickets will cost $70 per person / $140 per couple. Tickets include a strolling dinner, dancing, dessert, thematic activities, and a special class gift.

Seating will be determined based on time of purchase of prom ticket. Seating will be first come, first served based on student table/location selection. If you would like to determine who you will be sitting with at your dinner table, please purchase your ticket early and the with the group you wish to sit with.

Professor Stephen Hawking dies at 76

Detroit citizens celebrate 313 day to honor Detroit

Bombs disguised as packages kill 2 in Austin, TX

World renowned scientist and theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking passed away at 76, leaving behind a tremendous legacy. Hawking suffered from ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), yet he still published handfuls of books exposing the human race to the mysteries of the universe. One of his most famous publications, “A Brief History of Time,” sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. Hawking was also able to achieve the merging of Einstien’s theory of relativity and quantum theory in his lifetime, along with multiple other scientific breakthroughs.

313 day, an annual celebration hosted by multiple companies within the city of Detroit, brings thousands of Detroit citizens together to celebrate their city, as 313 is the city’s area code. Some major Detroit companies, including Detroit-VS-Everybody, Pure Detroit, and Faygo, all contributed to the organizing the festivities for the citizens to enjoy. 313 day allows citizens to celebrate and appreciate their city and what it was in the past, what it is now, and what the citizens hope for the city in the future.

Residents of Austin, Texas have been recieving packages on their doorsteps, of which are actually hidden bombs that go off when moved or touched. Two of these packages have exploded, killing two African American men inside their homes. The explosions have brought local police and even the FBI to investigate the case, in which no conclusions have been made about the motives of the suspected bomber. However, several investigators are looking into if the bombings were a possible result of a hate crime.

http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/50f9a2176bb3f7ac73000028-1200-924/stephenhawking-12.jpg http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.58385366.6998/fc,550x550,white.u2.jpg https://images.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/news/

Radio (from 1)

Attendance (from 1)

fun for me,” said junior and BIFF staff member Adrian Wilen. “Going into [the BIFF introductory class], I wasn’t sure if I was going to be interested in joining BIFF, but he made me interested in it. I think it is a great tribute to him after being part of the station for so long just to respect all of the good things he’s done for it.”

Ron Wittebols, the current Station Manager, is a good friend of Bowers. They worked together for over 20 years.

“It’s his baby; he started it back in October, 1976,” said Wittebols. “What better honor than to name Studio A in his name? He’s a legendary part of Bloomfield Hills Schools.”

students meet with counselors and administration to try and get to the source of their absences, rather than just giving out detentions, as was done in previous years.

“Attendance is a struggle everywhere and it continues to be a struggle for us here so we’re caught kind of constantly evolving our policy. We used to just give detentions anytime a kid had three [unexcused] absences...we had a lot of kids in detention every day,” continued Schultz. “...The purpose of it [the new policy] was to try and figure out why they were late and try to help fix the root cause, rather than just punishing them for being late.”

According to USA Today, attendance policies in college tend to become more and more lenient, as it is up to the student to decide whether or not to attend class. This concept has caused much confusion amongst many Bloomfield Hills High School students. If this is the way that attendance policies are evolving in college, why does it matter whether or not students decide to show up to class on time, late, or even at all?

“I think a common confusion is how much you are or are not supposed to be at school,” explained sophomore Cassandra Milch. “I think our school needs to clarify how many days are okay to miss before you start getting warnings for how much school you’ve missed.”

In addition to this, there have been multiple changes to the policy that will allow students and their parents to easily comply with the rules, while also keeping up a satisfactory attendance record.

BIFF Founder Pete Bowers speaks before friends and family as Studio A is renamed to the Pete Bowers Studio to commemorate his decades of service.

Photo: Steve Krivitisky

Minor (from 1) something like that,” said Verkchokve.

For more stories, go to our website

BhhsToday.org

“I mean that’s money out of your pocket, it’s $100. They still have to do substance abuse screening and things like that, community service.”

Students also feel that now there are much less severe consequences than there actually are.

“I think that it’s good that it doesn’t go on your criminal record, but it’s not severe enough considering you’re breaking a law about underage drinking,” junior Ben Moss said. “It makes me feel like teens are going to drink more knowing there are less consequences.”

3

MARCH NEWS

Science teacher David Propst will replace science teacher Jessica Lupone as leadership adviser.

Leadership gains adviser David Propst will take the role

by KUSHAL SANJEEEV Staff Writer

A class tries out the circle method, sitting in an open, discussion-oriented way, to prompt learning through conversation and discourse.

Photo: Georgia Zimmerman

Restorative learning introduced School community has adopted new strategies

by MADDIE WEIN Section Editor Restorative practices, educational conventions that are being introduced into classrooms across the country, including those in Bloomfield Hills High School, have been pro healthy school environments for students and faculty through multiple approaches.

“We have been using restorative practices in some capacity for 5 to 6 years now, but it’s just starting to grow,” said Associate Principal Margaret Schultz. “About half of our staff have been trained as well as have integrated the practices in the classroom, advisory, and if disciplinary issues arise.”

According to Schultz, restorative practices promotes inclusiveness, relationship-building and problem-solving through multiple approaches including circles and effective questions for teaching and conflict resolution.

“It allows students to listen to other perspectives with a more open mind and challenge their own thinking,” said Schultz. “It also enhances their own socialemotional well-being, by students being more cognizant of what they think and feel, and how that

affects others.”

The “circle” method is a restorative practice used to settle disciplinary issues and is one way for students to promote inclusive actions and a sense of community with their peers, according to Bill Sower, a Michigan schools trainer and former IIRP regional coordinator.

An element of restorative practices, circles, has been used in classrooms. “When I sit in a group circle, I no longer feel like just another student in a classroom, I feel like a member of a community,” said junior Sophie Sherbin, “Circles allow me to share my thoughts without the pressure of being compared to other students.”

According to the International Institute for Restorative Practices, Salem Elementary School, in South Lyon, Michigan, implemented circles to address behavioral problems. Within a few

months, teachers reported a 75 percent drop in disciplinary referrals, along with a “dramatic transformation regarding the level of trust and cooperation among students, and adults and students,” said Sower. In addition, the South Lyon Centennial Middle School reported a 73 percent drop in disciplinary referrals, credited to restorative practices.

“A lot of attendance issues send back to kids not feeling like they are really a part of it. For example, ‘My teacher doesn’t notice me so I don’t care.’ With a stronger teacher-student connection, students feel better about being in school and more apt to show up,” said Schultz.

In Michigan’s Urban Lansing School District’s Pattengill Middle School, restorative interventions reportedly have saved Lansing students from nearly 1,500 days of suspension and

“Students listen to other perspectives with a more open mind and challenge their own thinking.”

Maragaret Schultz Associate Principal

86 percent of students peacefully resolving their conflicts, states the International Institute for Restorative Practices.

Bloomfield teachers report positive outcomes from restorative practices.

“Students and staff are reporting positive outcomes in terms of relationship building and better focus in class,” said Ashley Morel.

Ultimately, restorative practices will work to benefit students during school and in the future by developing their interpersonal skills, said Holly Hammerle.

Moreover, it allows them to be able to listen to other perspectives with a more open mind and challenge their own thinking, Hammerle added.

The experiences documented by restorative practices trainers, educators and researchers suggest that, while restorative practices require time and dedication to implement, they pay off in an environment that supports positive behavior and relationships — and learning.

“The bottom line is treating everyone like a human being and treating everyone like they matter,” said Schultz.

From school dances to dodgeball tournaments, Student Leadership hosts it all.

At the beginning of this semester science teacher and Co-Student Leadership Adviser, Jessica Lupone stepped in as temporary Associate Principal. Science teacher David Propst joined Krista Laliberte as Leadership’s second adviser.

According to sophomore and leadership member, Lexie Finkelstein, with the sudden introduction to Student Leadership, Propst had to adapt quickly to the role, especially with The Dance arriving so soon.

“I think Propst has done an absolutely amazing job jumping in mid-semester.

Filling Lupone’s shoes is a difficult task and he has done a great job,” said Laliberte. “He is a natural leader, and the kids really like working with him. He is very well respected, and he is just really fun to have in the room with us.”

In addition, the leadership students had to adjust to a new teacher as well.

“It’s different and that’s because [Lupone and Propst] are just different people,” said senior Joseph Shoemaker, CoPresident of Leadership.

“My first impression of Propst was that I didn’t know what to expect. I never had him as a teacher but I heard he was funny and laidback and he definitely is, but he also exceeded my expectation in filling in Mrs. Lupone’s big shoes and helping run big events like battle of Bloomfield or THE Dance,” said junior Makenna Torrey, three year student leadership member.

According to Shoemaker, Propst “lightens up the room” as he helps the seniors plan the Prom as well as the Student vs.

Faculty game. “There’s a different dynamic between the teachers,” said Shoemaker.

As he looks ahead at the rest of the year being a substitute adviser of leadership, Propst says he can’t wait to “interact with the students and plan functions and activities for the entire body. I’m also looking forward to interacting with not only our BHHS student leaders but also meeting with the student leadership leaders all across Oakland County and state of Michigan.”

Multicultural night unites community members Cultural knowledge shared at diverse event

by CAELAN JANSEN Staff Writer On Tuesday, March 6th, Bloomfield Hills High school hosted a multicultural night in the school’s Main Commons.

The multicultural night is a place where people of all cultures can share their own culture and expand their knowledge of other cultures. “The celebration is an amazing way for families throughout the district to share their cultures, including food, dance, music, and the arts,” Parent Teacher Organization Council member Leah Abel said. “Families enjoy the opportunity to be involved in their school communities.”

Although multicultural nights have been hosted before, this is the first time it was held at the high school rather than at individual middle schools. “Since the high schools have combined into one, it is very important that the entire school district understands and is aware of all of the different diverse cultures we have,” Parent Teacher Organization Council member Tracey Cooley Kevelighan said. “This will hopefully lead to respect and understanding when a student or community member meets someone who is from a different culture.”

The fact that the separate multicultural nights combined into one this year serves a

number of other purposes for the community. “It is special for the district to come together at Bloomfield Hills High School, where every student will eventually attend,” Abel said. “The experience gives a preview for younger students who will eventually go to the high school, and gives all district families a sense of togetherness and community.”

At multicultural night, numerous activities take place in which community members are able to share and expand their cultural understanding with others. “It is truly a fun event,” Abel said. “Visitors not only enjoy learning about other cultures, but enjoy the camaraderie of sharing food, music,

Students and teachers prepare for a Chinese Tai Chi Fan dance.

Photo: Caelan Jansen

and dance in a global setting.”

Aside from the experience of the visitors, those who partake in the performances enrich their knowledge of their own cultures in addition other cultures. One of the performances at the multicultural night was a Chinese Tai Chi fan dance. “It was very important to me to be able to perform at the multicultural night,” one of the tai chi performers Joe Divito said. “I like to perform the tai chi dance and it was fun to watch kids learn about other cultures that they wouldn’t otherwise have knowledge of.”

The event takes place yearly and will occur again next March.

For more stories, go to our website

BhhsToday.org

4

MARCH NEWS

Administration adds new classes Student interests prompted additions

by ALEXIS RILLEMA Staff Writer Starting the 2018/2019 school year, the administration has created many new classes based on the interest of their students.

Next year, some of the new classes students can sign up for include Film Production, Veterinary Science, Kinesiology, Yoga, Pilates and Core, IB Sports, Exercise, and Health Science HL. “We were ready for a change and are excited to offer these new classes. They are very different from the ‘team’ sports classes and we wanted to offer a class for every type of student, from the highly talented athletes to the ones who are interested in less competitive movement classes,” said Physical Education teacher Amy Scott, as the Athletic Department has been subject to many of these class changes.

Scott added that, “The PE Department decided to offer the new courses to appeal to the students who are not interested in Team Sport activity classes...If we can interest more students in a class that appeals to them, they will be more likely to continue on and make exercise a part of their life, which is our goal.”

A lot goes into the process of repealing classes and adding new ones in their place. According to Associate Principal Margaret Schultz, the addition of classes is determined by teachers. The teachers propose new classes and then they are taken to the board for approval and teachers in the respective departments work to come up with the new classes that they would like to offer. ”As always, students can be excited about the large number of opportunities that they have at BHHS to take classes that are of interest to them,” said Schultz.

by JAKE FOGEL Staff Writer The Middle Years Programme (MYP) Personal Project Celebration Night came almost two weeks preceding adjudication for the yearlong project, the true end of the MYP program.

“It was a good experience and it was very reflective of what our adjudication would be like in the sense that we got to present our projects,” said sophomore Brody Mayoras.

This was the first year when Celebration Night was held before the students’ formal adjudication.

“We moved celebration night before adjudication for several reasons,” said MYP Coordinator and Media Specialist Stephanie Bevier.

“It gives the students a chance to practice their presentation skills and their audiovisual aids before the big adjudication. When you do it a bit earlier, they’re also still excited about their topic, they haven’t gotten tired of it yet.”

Students also had the opportunity to see their peers’ final products.

“You actually got to see everybody’s projects instead of having to look at others projects while being stressed and waiting to be adjudicated,” said sophomore Hannah Kelly. “By having Celebration Night before, it was a good way to prepare with friends before adjudication which was helpful.”

According to Bevier, completing a personal project “takes a lot of work” and is “a big accomplishment for a sophomore to achieve.”

“For a sophomore to do a project of this scope and duration, it’s really a big deal and it’s really exciting,” said Bevier. “Some kids have done amazing things and all of that hard work is really worthy of a celebration.”

Students host Democratic gubernatorial debate Students host and moderate the first student-run gubernatorial debate in the state of Michigan

by RIYA DOSHI Copy Editor

Celebration Night held before adjudication Timing switch is a departure from previous years

Gubernatorial candidate Shri Thanedar addresses the topic of clean water Photo by Fauzi Farah

1

Michigan’s first student-run and moderated gubernatorial debate was held in the Bloomfield Hills High School auditorium on Sunday, March 11th.

According to senior Zackariah Farah, one of the organizers of the Democratic gubernatorial debate, “Abdul El-Sayed, Shri Thanedar and Bill Cobbs were in attendance.”

The debate was moderated by students who asked questions submitted to them by members of the community.

“There was link on our Facebook page where you could suggest questions that we asked,” said Farah. “There wasn’t be a town hall section because we wanted to avoid people who just wanted to disrupt the debate. We had pre-selected questions that

the moderators asked and a student section where the presidents of clubs asked questions regarding the interest area of their club.

For example, the GayStraight Alliance (GSA) asked questions about LGBTQ+ rights in Michigan.”

The event was hosted through Engage18, a studentfounded nonprofit that promotes teenage political awareness and involvement.

“The goal of Engage18 is to encourage student engagement in politics,” said junior and Engage18

member Brady Crimmins.

“The debate was a means to an end; it was a way to get people involved.

While we didn’t have a town hall section, we took all the questions from students and concerned members of the community.”

After the debate, audience members had the opportunity to meet the candidates and register to vote.

“Voter registration is completely free and any American citizen who is 18 before Election Day, November

“While the debate was a way to see what the people who represent you believe, that’s pointless if people can’t vote for them.”

Brady Crimmins Junior

6th 2018, is eligible to register,” said Crimmins. “While the debate was a way to see what the people who represent you believe, that’s pointless if people can’t vote and select their representatives.”

To watch the debate, visit the Engage18 Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ engageeighteen

DECA students qualify for States and Nationals In its first year as a school club, seven students qualified

by HABIB BELLO Managing Editor After state-administered tests, club meetings, and the completion of a regional competition, the Bloomfield Hills High School DECA (Delta Epsilon Chi and Distributive Education Clubs of America) qualified seven students for the State Career Development Conference that took place at the Cobo Center from March 9thMarch 11th.

“DECA is an association of high school students, college students, and educators of marketing, management, and entrepreneurship in business, finance, hospitality, and marketing sales and service”, said DECA advisor and school counselor, James Fogle. “The organization prepares leaders and entrepreneurs for careers and education in marketing, finance,

hospitality, management, and other business areas.”

Fogle, formerly in charge of the BHHS DECA chapter alongside then-associate principal Larry Goralski, is the sole teacher supervisor who traveled with the students during the trip as the first-time instructor.

The students attended a three-day event in downtown Detroit, and reserved the last day to announce awards for the competition.

“The weekend was a good way to engage in the world of business from a student perspective”, said junior Ryan Frank. “There were college fairs for business programs and institutions so the state competition helped me expand my horizons from a business standpoint.”

The two students, junior Benny Fellows and senior Lillian Swanson qualified for nationals

(ICDC), a surprising opportunity for a club that is only in its first year. The national competition will take place from April 21st-24th in Atlanta, Georgia.

“It was a surreal experience being on stage”, said junior Benny Fellows. “It was amazing to see my schoolmates and peers cheering me on in everything I do”.

This is first year that BHHS has formed a DECA club. DECA provides the opportunity for anyone who wants to heighten their knowledge in the broad world of business.

“DECA is a great club for any individual interested in business”, said senior club founder Kasra Raffi. “Setting the groundwork in 2018 only allows the future classes to grow the program into a staple in BHHS community.”

5

MARCH NEWS

Weighted GPA makes an appearence on students’ transcripts

Courtesy of: Vikram Lakshmanan

Administration implements new weighted GPA starting first semester

by Andres Quiroga-Elizondo Staff Writer

T

he end of the first semester of the 2017-18 school year marked the start of the recently integrated weighted GPA. “Normally classes are on a scale of 4, so you get 0 for an E, 1 for a D, 2 for a C, 3 for a B, and 4 for an A,” said Assistant Principal Margaret Schultz. “The difference for the weighted GPA is that if a class has an AP or an IB designation, it would be on a 5 point scale. An E still doesn’t get any credit, but a D gets 2, a C gets 3, a B gets 4 and an A gets 5.”

District Director of Learning Services, Christine DiPilato, explained the motive behind the implementation of the weighted GPA. Schultz elaborated towards the idea that the weighted GPA gives students a leg up

International Academy were potentially at a during scholarship applications. disadvantage. We don’t want our students “We were finding that for entry into colto be disad vantaged lege [the weighted because of our GPA] was not hav“The decision to practices.” ing an impact on provide weighted grades for Annaliese Khemour kids. Where it was having an im- students who complete an IB or moro, a junior candidate for pact on our kids was AP course was to improve their the IB Diploma scholarship applications. Scholarships competitive advantage when Programme, disdon’t often recalcu- using their GPA for scholarship cussed what she thinks about the late GPA, they just applications.” weighted GPA. take the GPA that “I’m really excited the school is given. about the impleChristine DiPilato Most schools weight mentation of the certain classes in District Director of Learning weighted GPA,” their GPA, espeServices said Khemmoro. cially the Interna“I think it will be tional Academy,” She very helpful for hardworking AP and IB stuadded that, “Students that were attending dents who otherwise wouldn’t [otherwise] Bloomfield Hills High School and not the

receive as much recognition.

DiPilato explained how the use of the weighted GPA will differ from the use of the unweighted GPA. “The unweighted GPA is used for all internal decisions within Bloomfield Hills Schools like National Honors Society eligibility,” explained DiPilato. “The inclusion on a weighted GPA is for external use like scholarships or college applications.”

According to Schultz, the weighted GPA will only be applied to classes starting during the 2017-18 school year.

“It’s a bit disappointing that the weighted GPA won’t apply to IB/AP classes I’ve taken before,” explained Khemmoro. “But overall I think it will be immensely beneficial in the long run.”

School Photo by: Georgia Zimmerman

Students protest g and legislation

Students and teachers discuss 2nd Laws in Schools and Out

by AVA SINGER

Staff Writer

A

School architecture prompts questions Students and administration analyze impact on safety

by KAITLYN LUCKOFF Staff Writer

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n a three year old school building with transparent walls and open spaces for collaboration, some students are afraid.

“I think that our school is safe because we have a lot of security, but at times, I do get worried because of the amount of glass that our school is made of,” said sophomore Kylie Sikaitis. “There are not a lot of walls in the school, so if there was an incident in the classroom where we would need to go into lockdown, I feel like it would be difficult finding places to hide given that you can see straight into most classrooms because the doors are glass.”

“Certainly when you have a lot more glass and also some unique designs that you don’t see in tradition-

al buildings it does bring challenges, but I think through drill training and video surveillance, glass provides a good line of sight,” said principal Charlie Hollerith. “There are other factors that I think we have been able to manage pretty well and fortunately, not had any major incidents until recently, that played an impact on the design.”

Looking ahead, Hollerith describes the steps that our school will take in the future regarding building safety.

“Probably the only thing that I would change is better sound systems to insert in parts of the building.

In the main commons, sometimes it is hard to hear announcements, so when we do have important information, it’s just making sure that those support systems are in place,” said Hollerith. “ I think we are pretty fortunate and student and staff are our best eyes and ears for any safety measures.”

fter the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14th, students and administrators at Bloomfield Hills High School alike contemplate the current state and future of gun violence.

“This tragedy marks an entire generation of children we let down. As kids, my generation never worried about lockdowns, yet this is your [current students’] only reality, and it shouldn’t be normal,” said social studies teacher Karen Twomey.

“We students are the future of our nation. We are the future lawmakers, protestors, leaders, and just plain citizens that will be responsible for the well-being of the United States,” said junior Emily Williams.

“We’re looking at what lawmakers are doing and, for the most part, we’re not happy about it.”

While the Second Amendment states that “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed,” there are laws in 50 state constitutions that go in depth surrounding limitations concerning the purchasing of guns, such as age and mental-health backgrounds.

According to Giffords Law Center in the article, “Background Checks in Michigan,” “Michigan prohibits issuance of a handgun purchase license to any person under age 18. If the handgun is to be purchased from a federally licensed dealer, the applicant must be age 21 or older. A concealed carry permit may not be issued to a person under 21 years of age.”

Assistant Principal Margaret Schultz emphasizes how these broader regulations apply at BHHS.

Safety Stand up, step out (from 1)

gun violence

d Amendment rights vs Gun “The school policy mimics the state law. There is zero tolerance for guns [at BHHS] at all,” said Schultz. “It’s mandatory expulsion [for students].”

In fact, the school district’s position is that, except for police authorities, schools should be weapon-free zones. In fact, the Board of Education passed a resolution at its February 15, 2018, board meeting opposing proposed Michigan legislation that would allow concealed carry of weapons in schools.

Students from schools across the nation have collectively risen to protest the gun violence. Specifically at our school, bills SB 584 and SB 586, which are currently stalled in the House of Representatives, allows concealed carry of weapons in schools.

“We hear stories about our grandparents involvement in events such as the Civil Rights movement and now it’s our turn to be in the position where we can encourage a change and pass down our experiences and inspiration to future generations,” said junior Eva Goldman. “The walkouts allowed students’ voices to be heard, especially because most of us can’t vote yet.”

During the walkout, the students chanted for change in gun legislation and the carry of weapons in schools.

Furthermore, Williams explains that this movement symbolizes the future generation’s preparedness to inspire lawmakers to listen to what students want to be changed, “Walkouts like this one are a sign to those currently in charge that ‘hey, we’re ready,’” said Williams. “The walkout was to remember those killed by the tragic mass shootings we’ve seen, but also to say to the world ‘we are the future, and the future is happening now.’”

Influenced by survivor Emma González and her emergence as a leader in the protest against gun violence in the United States, Bloomfield Hills High School students planned protests of their own.

“On March 14th at 10 a.m., there was a national walkout to protest the policies that fail to keep us protected,” said Farah. “We encouraged everyone to wear orange. A group of students and I designed a t-shirt with all the victims’ names on it and we sold them for $10 during lunch. All the money went to fund shooting victims’ families and gun safety nonprofits.”

Junior Brady Crimmins revealed how the events in Florida felt tied to his community.

“I was reading a story from one of the Parkland survivors talking about what they were planning to say at their best friend’s funeral,” said Crimmins. “It dawned upon me that this could be any of us. This could have been any school.

What would I have to say at my best friend’s funeral? That is a terrifying question no student should have to ask. I shouldn’t have to ask to be protected at my school.”

With the rumors of safety threats, hundreds of students skipped school on March 14th. Crimmins shared that he was “worried that there wouldn’t be a large turnout” when he saw the emptiness of the school that day. However, about 400 students participated in the walkout, creating a “priceless bonding experience” according to junior Julia Russo.

“Seeing all these kids standing up for the same thing brought this overwhelming sense of unity to our school,” said Russo. “I’ve never felt closer to my fellow students and I think it was a pivotal day for all of us because it brought us together in ways that nothing else could. We’re so much stronger together, and I can’t wait to see what this awe-

some group of students has in store.”

Students led chants, gave speeches, read off the names of those killed in Parkland and left a bouquet of orange flowers in the courtyard out of respect for them, as well as the hundreds of others throughout the nation who’ve fallen victim to gun violence.

“I almost cried as Brady read off the names of the Parkland victims and as we all watched the orange balloons disappear into the sky,” said Farah. “The moment of silence was so incredible too. That whole portion of the walkout was so moving and symbolic.”

Farah continued in saying that, “Later on in the day I called senator Jim Marleau’s office and asked them if they had been getting calls from BHHS students and the operator just said: ‘Yes, our phones have been down for over an hour, please stop calling us!’ So, it was pretty great to see our immediate impact.”

According to Farah, the student walkout organizers’ activism “does not stop here.”

“Our next step is amplifying the effects as much as possible,” said Farah. “We want to continue to encourage people to contact their representatives and educate their friends and family on this cause, because that is how our participation can actually make change. We’re definitely thinking about the possibility of future walkouts too. Another great way to get involved is by taking our passion to the national leven and attending the March For Our Lives in Washington DC, which I know students from BHHS are going to. Overall, I hope this entire event sparked more debate on gun control because debate encourages us all to be active and informed members of this democracy.”

Walkout organizers Lexie Finkelstein, Zack Farah, Laine Lord, Debra Moraitis, Emily Williams, and Lucas Little lead the chants, “Students united, will never be divided!” and “Shame on you Jim Marleau!” in order to protest Michigan Senate Bills 584 through 586.

Photo: Debra Moraitis

GUN VIO LENCE BY S THE R N UM B E for every 90 guns guns for every 100 Americans.

100 Americans.

injuries 70,000 gun injuries 70,000 gun

deaths 30,000 gun deaths 30,000 gun

60% 60%

Graphic by: Vikram Lakshmanan

SSupport upport for ba for bann on h on haanndd gun gunss

26% 26%

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Thinking about school

SAFTEY

Advisers Christina Hammitt Michelle Hucal Print Editors-in-Chief Brynn Elder Anish Tamhaney Web Editors-in-Chief Maximillian Helfman Jessica Kim Copy Editor Riya Doshi Print Managing Editors Habib Bello Vivian Harber Jake Weitzman Web Managing Editor Evan Stern Section Editors Caitlin Finerty Lara Janosz Sadie Kirshner Brendan Lynn Jenny She Maddie Wein Justin Yaker Illustrators Anna Hemsworth Emily Wang Photographers Kaylie Brooks Skylar Raitt Georgia Zimmerman Staff Writers Maya Alhusein Carly Armstrong Adrian Ashtari Jake Fogel Hannah Halstead Sophie Jackson Caelan Jansen Sarah Kenkel Steven Krivitsky Darby Krugel Vikram Lakshmanan Kaitlyn Luckoff Debra Moraitis Maddy Moskus Ben Mutz Elena Ofiara Sarah Qureshi Andres Quiroga Ali Randal Alexis Rillema Kushal Sanjeev Erin Schwartz Sophie Sherbin Ava Singer Sydney Stearns Jonah Stone Lilly Swanson Sammi Trepeck

We want to hear what you think.

Write a 100-200 word letter to the editor and send it to us, bloomfieldhawkeye@gmail.com

Illustration by Anna Hemsworth

Countless shootings cause students to call for change

What we think On February 14 of this year, our nation watched in shock at a shooter’s horrific attack on Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, in which 17 people lost their lives and countless others injured.

In an outpouring of support for the victims , millions have pressured lawmakers to take substantial action on gun control measures. Protests and walkouts have been staged, from our school’s courtyard to our country’s capital.

Amid the rekindling of debate surrounding the presence of guns in our society, a heightened focus has been placed on school safety, including our safety in our school.

With our new, state of the art school building boasting a number of technological advances and an architectural approach to education, there appears to still be questions and concerns regarding safety, amplified after increasing school violence across the country.

Members of the Hawkeye feel it is imperative that our school administration address the matter of safety in the educational setting wholly and reexamine how it communicates general safety measures to our community as whole.

Since the tragedy in Parkland, we all observe the increase of discussion re-

garding school safety, whether it be dialogue from teachers, administration, the district or in the form of a student led walkout, with over 400 participants.

However, while much effort has been aimed at the drafting of new gun control legislation, what we can do, here, at our own school, has gone nearly unmentioned.

This is despite the fact that there is clear fear in our school community, affirmed by student confusion during a chaotic, unplanned lockdown when the BluePoint system was activated on November 21.

This is despite the statistic that 562 students, amidst safety concerns, were not in school during the 17-minute walkout on March 14.

Thus, as a staff, we the Hawkeye urge administration to address safety fears so we can have confidence to set worries aside and fully embrace all our school has to offer. Whether this be in the form of an assembly, a conversation with law enforcement within learning communities, or a clear overview of lockdown procedures to better prepare us for an emergency situation (as we all observed this past Valentine’s Day), we believe that immediate action must be taken to solidify our safety during the school day.

We, the Hawkeye, say that it is time.

What students think

“I think that the school is not doing everything they can to ensure our safety as students is secure. I think they need to put more time and effort into making us feel safer in school.”

-Zach Kam (10)

“I think it’s very important that we take the time in our school to go over safety procedures so we can be prepared and know how to act.”

-Ben Moss (11)

MARCH OP/ED Letter to the community Dear Community, The events of the last several weeks have given us an opportunity to reflect upon our practices and policies at Bloomfield Hills High School. We are excited to see that students are taking an active part in the process of changing policy not only at the school level, but at local, state and national levels as well.

Safety continues to be a primary concern at BHHS, and we will continue to work closely with staff and students to ensure that we are as prepared as possible for any situation.

In order to have a full understanding of safety and security at BHHS, we want to make the student body aware of what has already happened in addition to what is planned for the future.

In the beginning of the school year, we held professional development with the teachers and Officer Donberger where we discussed different safety situations and how they can be handled. After the BluePoint went off in November, we had another discussion about what could be done differently and how we could improve. Since then, we have updated the sound of the BluePoint system, we have moved and added additional cameras and updated software capabilities of the cameras. In addition, we have increased the police presence on campus.

We have held both shelter in place drills and lockdown drills this year. Shelter in place drills are used when there is a threat outside of the building. School would continue as usual during a shelter in place, unless otherwise notified. Police, administration and support staff would limit who can enter the building. A lockdown would only be used when there is a direct threat within the building.

The plan for lockdown is utilizing the strategy of run, hide, or fight.

These situations will be chaotic, but training will help minimize the impact. Our two liaison officers, Officer VanKerckhove and Officer Donberger, will be coming around to each area of the school in the near future to talk through these situations and answer any questions that you have and clarify the process for run, hide, fight.

It is important to note that a lockdown drill can not be treated like another drill. For the other drills (tornado and fire), there are specific locations and a prescribed plan.

For a lockdown, decisions have to be made based on what is happening around you in the moment. It may be safest to stay where you are or it might be safest to leave the building. We met with all staff on March 22 and have instructed teachers to discuss with each and every class what to do in the event of a lockdown. Also, before the end of the year we will have additional lockdown drills and have plans to incorporate active shooter training prior to the start of the next school year.

As a district, we take all safety threats seriously, and ANY verbal, written or online posts related to school violence will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and the maximum limits of our school code of conduct. We are working to develop a flowchart to help educate students, staff and parents on the process used when assessing a school threat.

The best defense against school violence is building a trusting culture where students can support each other and feel comfortable reporting any student to a trusted adult. Recognizing and reporting students that may be in crisis is critical to averting a potential tragedy. Also, it is important that students are not opening doors for people to enter the building.

Students and visitors need to be buzzed in through our electronic system. We have had students in the building who do not attend BHHS because our students let them in.

Staff will attend expanded professional development this spring in the area of mental health. Recognizing students who are in crisis, including early interventions, will be an essential ingredient to helping keep our students safe. After spring break we will be conducting both parent and student surveys to determine mental health needs to provide additional supports for students and families in the future.

Like previous tragic school events, we will learn from the Parkland tragedy to become a safer school.

Sincerely, Bloomfield Hills Administration

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MARCH OP/ED

Victims of shooting find the right words

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Senior comments on legislative change

by SOPHIE JACKSON Staff Writer

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Photos: Georgia Zimmerman and Debra Moraitis. 1: Over 400 students gather in the courtyard with signs, speeches, and chants regarding the 17 victims of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and nationwide gun violence. 2: Juniors and sophomores display posters advocating change in gun laws from state senators. 3: Volunteers craft posters for the walkout. 4: Organizers of the walkout lead chants from the courtyard (from left to right, Junior Brady Crimmins, Senior Camila Russo, Senior Ella Kuipers, and Senior Zack Farah). 5: Junior Debra Moraitis (left) holds flowers in memorial of shooting victims, Sophomore Lexi Finkelstein (center) leads chants, and Senior Leah Louis-Ferdinand (right) translates into American Sign Language for deaf students in attendance.

Walking out was a step forward in school safety Junior reflects on emotional momentum of the event

by MADDY MOSKUS Staff Writer “As students, we are not only the future, but the present.”

This was the resounding message heard throughout the courtyard on March 14th during the school walkout. The energy and solidarity could be felt with each chant and each moment spent in silence to honor those lost. As a student who cannot yet vote, walkouts, protests, and participation in movements like this let me know that there is so much I can still do.

It was so inspiring to see stu-

dents just like me stand before an estimated crowd of 400 people to deliver such well articulated speeches with such strength. After hearing that 562 students stayed home that day, most of whom not in attendance because of the the threats, it became so clear as to why we need this movement.

When so many kids stay home because they felt that their safety was at risk, there needs to be a change. The fact that the threat was a rumor that got out of hand and even worried parents means that there is a problem that needs to be addressed. That problem is the easy access that anyone can have to a gun, and how schools are no longer a place of safety to foster a comfortable learning experience.

The most important takeaway from the walkout was how our involvement could make serious headway in

this fight for safety. During the 17 minutes, the politics behind the movement were discussed, regarding what it’s going to take in order to make change. We were handed QR codes to scan to thank congressmen for voting in our favor and to criticize the congressman who voted for concealed carry. Towards the end, one of the students leading the walkout called the office of a congressman who voted for the concealed carry bill and left a message chanting, “Shame on you!”.

While there were chants, messages, posters made, and more, there was still a focus on why we were all here: because some cannot be. The moment of silence observed for the 17 in Parkland who were killed was incredibly poignant. You could hear a pin drop in the crowd.

The speech given by Brady Crimmins to introduce the moment of silence spoke of

how 17 may just seem like a small number, but looking around at the students around us, it becomes so clear just how much of an impact the loss of 17 students and staff would have. The speech gave an emotion provoking reflection of just how much weight 17 people carry, and when it delved into delivering a eulogy for a best friend, it made me realize just how necessary it is to walk out.

I never want to have to fear for my safety in school, I never could imagine writing a eulogy for a best friend, and I definitely never want my little sisters to see a gun in their school. If innocence is to be protected and nurtured in the school system, then there is not room for weapons designed to kill people.

That’s what this walkout demonstrated. We want change, and we have the power to make it happen.

INSTAGRAM: @bhhswalkout

Murder, when it strikes, is often only felt by those closest to it. The rest of us hear the word-- and other words like “shooting,” “death,” “children” – and recognize its meaning and let the words circulate through our minds for a while.

We also find grander words like “tragedy” to “think” the murder. The murder (and other words) will find a mention at the dinner table, or attach themselves to a quick speech by the government teacher or politician. And, then, the words, like the victims, die away.

But, there are rare times when people use anger and grief to fuel change. The words don’t work. So is the case with the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students whose school was shot up Nikolas Cruz on February 14th, 2018. A group of remarkably articulate students from the high school have begun something special.

They decided that enough is enough after so many school shootings and threats of school shootings. These students are succeeding where others lacked to bring about change, to make their experience felt by all of us, and recognize that real, human lives were lost. Their push for change seems to have lit a fire under the feet of other high school students who have been planning walkouts all over the country.

The movement they have built through the cunning use of social media, which only a teenager these days could really accomplish, advocates for gun reform.

Masses of students criticize the government for their involvement in policies that have made it easier for people to buy semi-automatic weapons. They are exposing the NRA, as well as the politicians and businesses that have been aided, nay funded by it.

They have at last called out “the grown-ups:” the politicians, the elected officials, the lobbyists, and all those who have made it possible for school shooters to buy semi automatic weapons, which cannot have a purpose other than to end human lives. The “grown-ups” then, by the hands of the “kids,” are, in Thoreau’s words, made to pay homage for their own meanness.

I am aware that no definitive legislative change has been made yet, but I am hopeful that this movement now has a strong enough backbone, from a few high school students, to break down the barriers that the gun fanatics and politicians have so long defended with iron fists. As the newspapers continuously warn that change takes time, I can’t help but feel encouraged by the ruthlessness of the students.

The movement is spearheaded by the fearless face of Emma Gonzalez (a student at Stoneman Douglas), whose efficacy can be seen by the one million twitter followers she has gained since the shooting. She sports a bald head that was shaved in support of the cause, resembling Eleven or Elle from the beloved TV show Stranger Things, a character also fighting against government oppression. Gonzalez not only represents the TV show hero but has become a real life hero. She’s admired by her peers and teachers, their families, and every other young girl hoping to make a difference.

My hope is that the work of students pushes forward and gains steam instead of fizzling out once the news moves onto the next event. I think it can, and I speak as a member of the same generation and age group.

Teenagers within in our generation (or within any generation) are viewed as immature, dramatic, and social media/ image obsessed. The “grown-ups” think that in our current state we can’t measure up to anything, at least not until we hit the magic number: 21. Although this may be partially true, I think that the kids from Stoneman Douglas have proven the “grown-ups” wrong. They are patient without letting themselves be forgotten or discouraged, not even by well known and powerful political figures (i.e many may have seen the “Marco Rubio is terrified of teenagers” tweets).

I do hope we are terrifying, and I hope we can be terrifying collectively, not because of the negative stereotypes that have long surrounded our age group, but because we are driven, tenacious and simply refuse to give up until we are assured that we can be safe in our respective learning environments. This time we will find the right words.

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MARCH OP/ED

Being a second semester: relaxing or agravating?

Pro

Con

High school is unpredictable; great for some, terrible for others. But, whether you’ve hit your prime in high school or you’re still waiting to, being a second semester senior definitely doesn’t disappoint.

I’ve never adored the stereotypical aspects of the high school experience, but I can’t help but be enthusiastic for the cherished second semester rituals- prom, senior pranks, water wars- with the

rest of the senior class. Although I can’t say that we are a family by any means, I do think that the senior class has left all of the unnecessary cattiness and gossip in the past; we are just left to enjoy the last few months of school with our friends.

In comparison to the seemingly never-ending three years of hard work, these last couple months have been a breeze. Teachers are not blind to the second semester trends, they even expect it; so undoubtedly, the expectations for us are rather low. This lack of motivation

stems from the fact that the majority of us have decided what we’re doing for the next four or so years, or if not, we finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. College has always been this big idea, looming above our heads, and now that we are preparing to leave the nest, these opportunities for us are soon reality.

For those that have not had quite the high school experience, we’re on the verge of a fresh start, in the final stretch. In the next few months, we’re, ultimately, preparing for the rest of our lives, so before you rush

out of high school, appreciate the simplicity of the next few months.

There is so much to look forward to, whether it’s this last semester or the next couple of years. Although the future is daunting, it holds so much for us, and this is a time in our lives to cherish. We have the rest of our lives to look forward to and as Hannah Montana says, “life’s what you make it so let’s make it rock.”

by ANISH TAMHANEY Editor-in-Chief Don’t get me wrong. I’ve always enjoyed coming to school. The sense of momentum from being busy is one I relish. With an often overwhelming agenda of clubs, classwork, and extracurricular interests to fill my evening, the school year prompts a far more invigorating time than summer, socially and intellectually.

However, after seven semesters of high school, things start to become repetitive. The same assignments and lectures, routines and mundan-

ity, etch their patterns obviously and unforgivingly across my week.

The distinct kind of liberty that I secretly hoped from the second semester of my senior year feels harshly muted, but the more I look for the root of this disappointment, the more internally-conceived it seems.

A naive part of me wished for this semester to be a lurid playground, the ultimate destination of all my hard work.

Now that this highly anticipated time has arrived, I’m inevitably let down.

And expressing that notion sounds silly. This semester is simply the last

destination before a far more crucial step in our lives. The burning, momentarily unresolvable conflict is that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel of high school and all that lies beyond, but I’m not there.

I spent admittedly excessive amounts of effort planning how to maximize the cerebral utility of these last few months. I’m going to write a book, I told myself. I’m going to run more than I ever have, I ventured.

I’m going to become a Fortnite deity.

The bitter truth is, I’m no less busy than I was before. The flow of

schoolwork only continues; the commitments are as necessary as ever.

My dilemma has prompted me to seriously consider my priorities, reorganize them if necessary, and I’ve reached a faintly sullen conclusion.

Being a responsible student is as much of a priority this semester as it was before, even if that means I enjoy the work far less. So while this particular time in the process of high school is not presently rewarding, I remain prospectively optimistic for what comes after it.

by VIVIAN HARBER Managing Editor

EDITOR COLUMNS

Crosswords illuminate life Pastime brings intellectual enrichment

by ANISH TAMHANEY Editor-in-Chief

Let’s stop complaining Senior urges tolerance over contempt

by BRYNN ELDER Editor-in-Chief

I like crossword puzzles.

It’s as simple as that. Completing a daily crossword completes me. Whether digitally or in ink, filling in the last of the remaining white boxes on the grid with an emphatic final letter is so wholly satisfying that I cannot miss the opportunity. From the classic New York Times Daily Mini to the expansive Wall Street Journal Sunday Puzzle, I’ve done it all.

I do not, as one may infer, knock out crosswords for the simple and compulsive need to finish them. In fact, that notion detracts from the potential joy that I glean from the puzzle. I can’t count how many peers I’ve seen ruin the mystery and ripeness of an ongoing crossword solve by looking up the clues.

See, committing oneself to a crossword shouldn’t guarantee completion. True enjoyment comes from the attempt, the yearning to finish even if that doesn’t happen. For me, crossword solving has never been about quan-

tity. The pastime began as just that; a pensive, routine activity that could be as enjoyable in solitude as with friends and family.

And now, that hobby has transcended into something of a vocation, a maze at which I’ve become so fascinatingly adept and a mentally stimulating exploration.

Crossword solving is in two ways a microcosm for life. At the most essential level, crosswords enforce the parable that problem solving is a multi-faceted process, one that demands experience, an acceptance that mistakes will be made, and a plurality of perspectives.

Beyond that skill, crosswords expand my knowledge in minute ways. While most of this expansion yields no imaginable use, the small portion that does is the cherry on top. Moreover, I savor the feeling that my knowledge is growing everyday, regardless of how much I will inject that knowledge into my conversations.

I will be the first one to admit, I complain too much.

Complaining has become almost second nature for myself and those around me. We complain about too many tests, too many commitments, too many notifications, but almost everything we complain about, we have done to ourselves.

We live in a supportive community that provides sometimes an overwhelmingly high number of opportunities. Instead of appreciating these vast and unique opportunities, what do we do? We complain.

But opportunities aren’t the only thing triggering these complaints. I often hear people around me complaining about their friends or their social obligations. But again, these are things we should be appreciating not resenting.

As I said, I am just as guilty of being a constant complainer as the rest of us. But why? Has the community we live in created an overload? Is it some teenage attitude issue? Maybe it is just a way to impress others or fit in.

Whatever the root of the issue is, the constant negativity is often overwhelming, informing topics of conversation at the lunch table, before sports practice, and even at what is meant to be a fun weekend hangout.

This year I elected to take AP Psychology, but it did not fit in my schedule (cue complaint about school scheduling issues), so I elected to take it online. Often for my class I am reading psychology journals or blogs. The other day I stumbled upon an article addressing this exact topic.

In “Giving Up Complaints,” psychologist Beverly D. Flaxington suggests making a conscious effort to proactively end this negative epidemic.

One way includes wearing a bracelet; every time you complain, switch the wrist your bracelet is on. According to Flaxington, “The thought process goes that if you realize how many times each day (or each hour, or each minute!) you are complaining, you will stop doing it as much.”

The article also claims the average person complains about 15-30 times a day. So maybe it is not a teenage attitude issue at all, maybe it is human nature. Either way, in a community that provides so much to be positive about, there is no reason to complain every 30 minutes.

It is time to take a step back and look at where we are, and what we have accomplished. Instead of complaining, let’s be positive and appreciate the challenges we face and the opportunities we have.

To be honest, the divine art of crossword solving is not as esoteric as I make it out to be.

Despite my own gradual success with the skill, I believe anyone with sufficient determination can too, solve a crossword.

If I were to disseminate the ancient secrets of crossword solving, which I’d never do, I would say something like this: learn the basic lexicon and repeating phrases of crosswords before expecting to tackle a difficult challenge; always devote time exclusively to the puzzle— multitasking is setting oneself up for failure; deny the urge to look words up simply for the sake of completion; and most importantly, don’t solve by yourself, that’s mundane.

So go, venture out into the realm of anagrams and cryptic clues and out-of-the-box thinking that we all quietly desire to enhance our sensibilities. Go try a crossword.

For more staff columns, go to our website,

BhhsToday.org

MARCH OP/ED

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Staff Voice

Photo courtesy of Jenny She

What I learned from a season of forensics

Sophomore reflects upon her personal growth from a change in mindset

by JENNY SHE Section 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 knew 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 overextended 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 their 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, 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.

Priviledge and the ACT Editor reflects upon the nature of standardized testing

by JAKE WEITZMAN Managing Editor The ACT is one of the two most popular forms of standardized testing in the United States. It quizzes students on English, math, reading and science in a five hour testing period, and it is required for most college admissions. However, the test doesn’t strictly show knowledge in a score out of 36. The ACT is a gateway for privilege to come alive.

Privileged students have access to expensive tutoring, heavy prep books, and multiple tests if they desire, while students who aren’t as privileged may only be able to take the test once or twice without nearly as much preparation beforehand. A student at Bloomfield Hills High School is more than likely has a better chance of achieving a score in the 30’s than a kid who lives in inner city Detroit, where the average ACT score is a 15.2, 5.6 points less than the national average.

In my opinion, these facts are unacceptable. A test that is a major deciding factor in the college admissions process should strictly show the true knowledge that a pupil possesses. Although the exam does assess learners on common English, average level mathematics, and moderate reading and science smarts, the knowledge of strategies rather than facts are utilized when answering the 215 questions. If a student was able to buy the 30 dollar Official ACT Handbook, they would be instructed to answer questions with strategies taught to them by the book. Thus, that student has an advantage over students who did not purchase the book, which I personally deem to be unfair. The same exact concept applies with out of school tutoring.

In our community, Mally ACT is a popular business that many students turn to for assistance. The cost of one session at Mally ACT is 100 dollars, and most students require more than ten sessions to feel comfortable taking the test. Let’s say a student buys just five sessions, that totals out to be 500 bucks. Other students, who require a free or reduced lunch

at school, can’t afford the expensive tutoring.

It has also been proven to help. According to their website, many of their customers’ scores have increased by as many as four points, the largest gain being nine points. Once again, the student who visits Mally ACT or other tutoring businesses have a large, discriminatory advantage over the student who does not.

However, unjustified advantages don’t always have a price tag; the classes that students are enrolled in at school also play a big role in the privilege boost. The most guilty of them all is math. Some students are brought up a grade in math if the teacher feels that they can handle the material. Once that student reaches high school, they are taking Geometry while the other students are taking Algebra I. Come junior year, that student has learned all of the material covered on the math portion of the ACT, while the majority of other students are still learning the final third of the math component. While this is not as preventable as other advantages since every child has a chance of being raised a level, this is still a huge privilege for the more advanced pupils.

I, myself, have been exposed to these privileges, and admittedly I take advantage of the opportunities given to me. I am in a higher level math than my fellow classmates. I can afford expensive tutoring. I even have the Official ACT Handbook sitting on my dresser as this column is being written. Furthermore, my composite score has benefitted from these privileges. I have taken the exam three times, and my score has increased six points from the first time I took the test, which I completed blind (meaning no preparation beforehand).

Without the strategies I have learned, I would have never increased my score as much as I did in such a short amount of time.

At the end of the day, all I have to thank for my score is the 1000+ dollars spent on tutoring sessions, multiple testing opportunities, being placed in a higher level math, and the 30 dollar Official ACT Handbook currently sitting on my dresser.

ing sessions, the hours of tweaking and perfecting, the hours of crying my heart out when I thought that the right choice was to quit, the hours of nervousness and fear during and before 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 had proved those who belittled me wrong, but most importantly, I had learned to overcome myself.

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

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, I began to notice something. As my attitude and work ethic changed, so did my scores.

Doing well at the invitationals, qualifying 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 into improving my performance. It symbolized the hours of coach-

Grammys performance inspires feminists Writer feels empowered by pop star

by MADDY MOSKUS Staff Writer Television has become less entertainment, more social movement. More call to action. By no means am I complaining, because the current women’s movement gave way to the incredible events of this year’s Grammy awards.

The moment Kesha stepped on stage with a choir of prominent women in the music industry, my eyes welled up with tears. This was no longer about music, but the freedom in having a voice. The empowerment in coming together, as women. All clad in white to represent solidarity, the iconic women of this generation gave so many girls, including myself, what we all need: hope.

The diversity of the women that appeared on stage showed that unity is key to standing up against the oppression that has been long silenced. While I may not have the angelic voices of the performers, I still have a voice. The #MeToo and Time’s Up movements have shown me and countless other women that we are not alone, and above all, we are not powerless.

Most importantly, this is not just a movement giving voices to women. This time, the men who have wronged wom-

en are facing real consequences. This time, real change is happening.

The biggest shift has been from teaching women how to not get harassed to teaching men not to harass. This tipping point is instrumental in changing the toxic “boys will be boys” mindset that has plagued society for too long. As a woman in this nation, this silencing is a heavy weight finally being lifted.

During the performance, my mom, my sisters and I sat and watched together, and I felt more connected to them than ever. My mother has been a powerful woman her whole life, I am hoping to follow her footsteps, and I am happy to see my younger sisters grow up in a world changing for the better. This is the empowerment that womanhood brings, and now more than ever, we have the ability to express pride in being unapologetically female.

To all of the women who have shared their story and fought for where we are today, I have endless appreciation. Exposing your most vulnerable side to the world as Kesha did is undeniably brave and inspiring to the many still shackled by silence. It is one step, one story, and one woman at a time that a movement like this makes true change.

For more staff columns, go to our website,

BhhsToday.org

Section B SCHOOL news Student vs. community basketball game

by BHSD

BHHS Student Leadership hosted the Students. vs Community Basketball game on Friday, March 16, 2018. The community team, comprised of BHHS teachers and coaches and Bloomfield Township firefighters and police, prevailed by two points! Thank you to BHHS Student Leadership for coordinating this fun event.

Bloomfield native takes PyeongChang

4th annual golf outing

by BHSD

The girls soccer team will be hosting their 4th Annual Golf Outing on Saturday, August 11, 2018, at Sanctuary Golf Course in Troy. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. with lunch and an auction/raffle at 1 p.m.

More information coming soon!

Community Baseball clinic K-8

by BHSD

The Black Hawks baseball program will host a clinic for students K-8 on Saturday, May 19, 2018, from 10 - 11:30 a.m. at BHHS. Students will have the opportunity to eat lunch with the players, shag balls after the clinic, run the bases, and receive autographs. $10 donations to the program are welcomed.

We hope to see you there! For more details contact Coach Divito at FDivito@bloomfield.org.

online News March Madness impacts BHHS

by JUSTIN YAKER Staff Writer

68 teams. 67 games. 1 champion. Three weeks full of buzzer beaters, upsets, historic runs, and Cinderella stories. There’s no better time than March Madness.

“Speaking from experience, I always love March Madness.

Whenever it’s that time from the week before Selection Sunday, when conference tournaments are being played, to April, when it’s the Final Four, the atmosphere gets so much more exciting. It’s a lot harder to focus in class because you wait a full year for these games to come on. Then when they are finally on, all you want to do is watch them,” said junior Max Wittenberg. “During school, it’s really cool talking with people, especially those who understand the game, about the games. You see people cheering for different teams, picking different teams in their brackets and it’s really fun. Knowing that there is going to be a game on every second for four days in a row that first week is super exciting.”

As Wittenberg detailed, freshman Gabe Singer also explained the beauty of constant action and college basketball being played.

“It’s a lot of fun because there is always something to do. There is always something to watch.

You are always are invested in every game that is going on.

For the remainder of this story and more, go to our website

bhhstoday.org

Photo Credit: Wall Street Journal

Kyle Mack earns silver in Olympic competition

by JAKE WEITZMAN Managing Editor West Bloomfield native Kyle Mack won the silver medal in PyeongChang, South Korea in snowboarding.

“It was amazing. I didn’t know I secured a medal until like three people left and it blew my mind that I was about to stand on top of a podium,” said silver medalist Kyle Mack.

“At the end of the day, I was just excited to compete with a bunch of my good friends on such a big stage.”

Kyle competed in two events: Slopestyle and Big Air. While Slopestyle didn’t go his way as he failed to complete both qualifying runs, Big Air would grant him the achievement of a lifetime. After landing a backside triple cork 1440 and a double cork 1080 bloody Dracula, Kyle was in a position to stand atop the podium. He needed to land one more jump, and the gold was his. The trick of choice - frontside double cork 1440 bloody Drac-

ula. Kyle raced down the slope and went up, but the landing didn’t quite go his way as he failed to land the last jump. However, the fall didn’t bring him down. Kyle knew that the silver medal is just as amazing as the gold.

The accomplishment also hit home for his brother, Darren Mack, a junior at Bloomfield Hills High School.

“Watching him take silver in Big Air made me so happy,” said Darren.

“He’s dedicated his life to the sport since he was like three. All the injuries and competitions finally paid off.”

Kyle has been snowboarding for almost his entire life. Ever since he first strapped in at three years old he’s being learning, and he hasn’t been able to stop. “I’ve been able to keep going from from years of working up the courage by working up from 180s all the way to 1400s,” said Kyle. “I’ve also performed in a ton of competitions like the US Opens, the USASA, and more.”

Unfortunately, however, Kyle didn’t do as well in his first compe-

tition, the Slopestyle Competition.

“I was for sure bummed but it didn’t pull me down. I was out there to have as much fun as I could and show the world what I could do,” said Kyle. “And to know how many people still support me is some of the most motivation I can get!”

Darren had the opportunity to see the Slopestyle Competition live and in person in PyeongChang.

“It was a bummer that he didn’t do well. For him to be there in the first place is amazing though,” said Darren. “Kyle’s my role model, one main person I look up to. No matter what happens, I will always support him.”

Now that the Winter Olympics are over until 2022, Kyle can only be focused on the future.

“I love snowboarding and I want to do it as much as I can. My main motivation is showing the world what I can do,” said Kyle. “I hope I do end up in Beijing, but until then I’ll be competing and snowboarding every day!”

MARCH SPORTS

14

OPINION

The Hawkeye takes on March Madness

Carson Davis paves the way for future Bloomfield bowlers

by JAKE WEITZMAN Managing Editor

Update #1 Some call me an expert. Most call me a risk taker. Few call me names that do not need to be repeated. However, my undying knowledge of March Madness has been summoned, and for the first time in Hawkeye history I plan to share the secret to an impeccable bracket. With the help of the sports section here at the Hawkeye, the pure combination of wins and losses has been created. Behold, The Perfect Bracket As you can see, the Hawkeye chooses the Duke Blue Devils to cut down the nets in San Antonio. However, to get to the championship game, all 64 teams must pass their first test in the Round of 64. The Hawkeye has chosen eight upsets, four of them being more significant than the others. There’s the 11 seed St. Bonaventure Bonnies taking down the 6 seed Florida Gators, the 12 seed South Dakota State Jackrabbits beating the 5 seed Ohio State Buckeyes, the 12 seed New Mexico State Aggies overthrowing the 5 seed Clemson Tigers, and finally, our most confident upset of the four, the 11 seed Loyola Ramblers defeating the 6 seed Miami Hurricanes.

Breaking down the predicted LoyolaMiami upset, Miami has seven players averaging between 8 and 11 points, while Loyola has four sharpshooters averaging more than 10 points per game according to ESPN. Furthermore, Loyola has firepower on the defensive side of the ball as well, while Miami struggles a bit more in that area. Looking at their 12 most recent games, Miami is a scrambling 7-5, while Loyola is s surging 11-1. To top it all off, the Hurricanes lost their best all around player due to a stress fracture in January.

Ultimately, Loyola keeps dancing while Miami goes packing.

At the end of the day, achieving the perfect bracket is a unimaginable feat with 147 quintillion (147,000,000,000,000,000,000) combinations, unless you are the Hawkeye who will undoubtedly complete the perfect bracket. Therefore, as brackets lock at noon, take our advice to earn a slice of our upcoming success. Good luck to all that compete, and happy March Madness to all.

Update #2 Boy oh boy oh boy, if your bracket isn’t busted yet, then you must be able to tell the future. This tournament has seen upsets left and right, and the only place to start is with the round of 64. In the round of 64, there was a total of nine upsets. Out of the 32 games, the Hawkeye guessed incorrectly on 11 of them.

One of the biggest upsets was the 16 seed UMBC over the overall one seed UVA. Who would have guessed that in the first place besides the fans of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever? Thank to Jairus Lyles’ 28 points and his 40 minute playing time, this will be known as the greatest upset in sports history for decades to come. Don’t be surprised if you see a movie about this team of underdogs in 30 years.

Most of the other upsets were nine seeds over eight seeds, as well a 10 seed over a seven seed, but like most years the upsets were real. 13 seed Marshall took down four seed Wichita State, and 13 Buffalo defeated four seed Arizona who was a huge favorite to win the whole tournament this season. Furthermore, 11 seed Syracuse who had to play an extra game to even get in to the tournament beat six seed TCU, and our ever so lovely 11 seed Loyola-Chicago did their duties and moved on to the next round with over six seed Miami thanks to a buzzer beater from Donte Ingram. However, this round was just the beginning.

For the rest of Update #2 and more March Madness commentary, visit our website,

BhhsToday.org

Student places fifth at regional bowling competition

by ERIN SCHWARTZ Staff Writer Carson Davis’s 6th place in Michigan at solving a Rubik’s Cube is not his only accomplishment. He is the first and only Bloomfield Hills High School student to qualify for the MHSAA State Bowling Finals with a score of 1,217 over six games.

His passion for bowling started very late compared to others who excel at the sport. “I bowled with someone who graduated last year after homecoming.

I tried out for the team with him and got cut, but then I tried out again because I wanted the P.E. credit. I tried out again, I made it, and I got really good at it.” Davis’ success-driven personality is what makes him so unique to other players.

“I like improving. I know myself to have a personality to get obsessed with something and improve at it at a rate that most people don’t,” said Davis.

“That has been shown in all of my hobbies, especially bowling. I started as the worst on JV and by the end of the season I was better than most of the varsity.”

Other teams praised Davis for his performance during states and regionals,

despite being on the opposing team.

“Through the season I was constantly getting pats on the back from other coaches from the Oxford bowling team and other really good teams,” said Davis. “Last year’s state champions talked to me and gave me a lot of ‘good jobs.’

It’s not really about winning to them, they just want to see a bunch of students have a chance.”

“I knew I should be able to [make it into states], as long as I didn’t screw up I would have it. It’s what I hype myself up for all season and I told myself I was going to do it. I had a little too much confidence going into it, but it didn’t become and issue,” said Davis.

Although it wasn’t an issue for regionals, this success in states inflated his ego a bit too much he thinks.

“When I got to states, I wasn’t nervous, but that didn’t stop me from doing bad. It’s the worst I’ve done all season,” he said. Davis bowled a score much lower than his average of about 205 at regionals.

Davis is proud of his accomplishment, but he is also glad he left some room to shine for the next student. “Some other kid will come along and say, ‘I want to be the first student from Bloomfield to make it to state step-ladders,’ and they’d one-up me. I left a little room for

someone else to be the next star for a little while.”

His success has made him much happier and he wishes that others will feel the same way.

“I think it’s really important for people to have hobbies or something that they know they’re good at so they can inflate their ego a little bit and get [confidence] out of it,” said Davis. “That would be great for anyone growing up.”

Carson Davis prepares to sent the ball down the lane at regionals.

Ski Team races their way to States Boys’ Ski team along with members of the Girls’ Varsity team qualify

by SARAH KENKEL Staff Writer The Varsity Boys’ Ski team along with members of the Girls’ Varsity team participated in the 2018 States Championship.

“Each racer skis the course individually and your time is recorded for placing,” said Shoha.

Despite his anxiousness, senior boys’ captain Dom Shoha explained his exhilaration to compete at States.“Even though we’re all competing, we are all friends and it’s just about having fun,” said Shoha. “This year, I was super excited because our boys team placed third in the regional race, meaning we qualified for the state meet. At states, it was a perfect sunny day and it was a lot of fun.”

The entire boys team qualified for states and two girls, captains Grace Dillon and Catherine Coates, were eligible as well due to their performance at regionals.

“States is very competitive, especially with the teams in Harbor City and Traverse City, which are all in our division,” said co-captain Catherine Coates. “The boys’ team did as well as we anticipated, but we had a few individual

people that did very well, even placing top ten.”

Shoha explained that the team “had some crashes and falls, [but in the end] we all had a great time. It is always an awesome experience to race against the best skiers in the state.”

According to Coates, preparation for states starts at the beginning of the season when the team tries to “work on our consistency.”

“The way that you qualify for states is by doing well at regionals,” said Coates. “We are just practicing consistency leading up to regionals.”

Once at states, captions Shoha and Coates must “start by taking warm up runs followed by a course inspection. [Before the rest of the team races,] we inspect the course and slide through it and look for trouble areas.”

“We then explain to our teammates how to avoid them and how to manage the course,” said Coates. “Captains lead practice and drills. We make sure everyone is ready before they go down the hill.”

According to Shoha, as a captain at states

he is “mainly focused on everyone having a good time no matter how their runs went.

I enjoyed being a captain this year because I was able to be a leader, bring the team together, and I was a skier that other kids looked up to just as I did early on in my ski career. Everyone cheered each other on and it was a great day to finish my high school racing experience.”

Captain Grace Dillon races in the GS event.

MARCH SPORTS

15

Brother sister combo takes MSU

Mukherjee siblings show their skills on the tennis courts of BHHS and MSU.

Courtesy of Jason Schmitt, MIPepZone, and Josh Mukherjee, @josh_muhkerjee

Mukherjee siblings to both play for the Michigan State University tennis program

by BEN MUTZ Staff Writer According to CBS News, only about 2 percent of high school athletes win sports scholarships every year at NCAA colleges and universities. Yes, the odds are that dismal. Now imagine the odds of having two division one athletes in a single family. You’d have better chances of being hit by lightning or killed in a car accident, however the Mukherjee family has defied the odds right here in Bloomfield Hills.

Tia Mukherjee, a junior at Bloomfield Hills High School has received an offer to play college tennis at Michigan State University. The place where her brother Josh has already been playing tennis throughout his freshman year in college.

“Having both me and Josh at MSU is going to be a great experience for the both of us, especially because throughout our respective careers we’ve traveled all over the country together,” said Tia. “We’ve represented the Blackhawks together, and now we’re going to be Spartans together. Our friends

and family know that special things are ahead for us both.”

However Tia and Josh’s journey to MSU didn’t start out playing tournaments and big matches, their journey started just a few steps away from their childhood home.

“We used to live in a house that had a tennis court right next to it, so I would always see my brother and my dad playing there,” said Tia. “When I turned about three or four I started playing too, it started out as just something casual that we did in our free time but as I grew older I began to take it more seriously.”

But according to Tia’s father, tennis has always been something that Tia naturally excels at.

“Her calmness and patience stands out, and we all learn from her. Her attitude and focus motivates me in shaping her training curriculum for higher results,” said Tia’s father. “Josh and Tia have been great mutual motivators, they propel each other during highs and lows, they complement each others strengths and weaknesses. They have an inside drive to peak in competition.”

However Tia’s love for the game spans wider than physically playing tennis.

According to Tia, she enjoys watching and studying tennis, and is driven by her brother, parents and coaches.

“What drives me to be the best at tennis is my love for the game. Not only do I have tremendous love for playing the game but I am also a student of the game and enjoy watching tennis as well,” said Tia. “My brother, parents, and coaches have all had motivational effects in keeping me on the court, as well as my all time idol, Roger Federer.”

Although it isn’t just the influence of Federer and her brother that drove Tia to commit to MSU, it is the right fit both on the court and in the classroom.

“The reason I chose Michigan State is not only because of tennis but also because of the education. I want to study supply chain management and MSU has a great program for that,” said Tia. “As for tennis, MSU is the right fit, I’ve met with the coaches and the team and it is a great environment to be in, I’m lucky to have Josh there to help me with anything.”

In any family, there is bound to be

a certain level of competition between siblings, as kids, in high school, and now in college. Tia claims that both her and her brother’s respect for the game outdoes their competitive desires.

“I have never felt as Josh’s understudy, we are both supportive of each other and want each other to succeed, we are rarely competitive with each other when it comes to tennis because of the level of respect we have for the game, and our drive to make each other better,” said Tia. Josh claims that Tia’s game is something truly special, and likes to think that he had something to do with it.

“I think I’ve been a good role model for Tia on the court, I’ve worked with her over and over again for years and I’ve watched her develop her game into something special. The work has clearly paid off,” said Josh.

Come fall in 2020, both Josh and Tia will be playing tennis together at MSU, a rare brother-sister combo.

New season means high expectations

With new coaches and a high level of talent, the boys golf team means business

by JONAH STONE Staff Writer With the boys golf season beginning in March, second year coach Scott Hayes has his eyes on the state championship.

“We have probably the strongest program and group of guys coming up right now,” explained Hayes. “Last year we took one individual, Braedon Creal, to states. This year, the goal is to take the entire team to states.”

Hayes explains the off season coaching changes for the golf team and how they will affect the season.

“There is a new freshmen coach Connor Shantz, while Joe Gibson moves from freshmen coach up to JV coach,” varsity coach Hayes informed. “It’s difficult, because unlike other sports, which are major programs in the area, it’s not high profile.

So we posted it as soon as the JV coach left last September, and it took until two or three weeks ago to find someone.”

Sophomore golfer Colin Segasser is excited for the upcoming season and has positive thoughts about the new coaches.

“I have heard very good things about the new coach. He is a young, experienced golfer, and I’m very enthusiastic to see what he brings to the team,” explained the second year team member, Segasser. “I’m confident he will help build us into a top tier team.”

With one season under his belt, Coach Hayes is confident that this season will have much better results than last year.

“This year I’ve got a pretty good sense of who’s who. That makes it a little bit easier for me but also a little frustrating, because you like to separate yourself from the personalities and sometimes that gets a little tough to do,” said Hayes.

“So, [in conclusion] I’m more experienced, they (the players) know what to expect from me, and we’ll move forward. This will be a good year.”

Varsity golfer, Ankith Varchasvi, is looking to Hayes this year to help them reach their goal of states.

“Coach Hayes is an amazing coach that helps us in all aspects of golf, mainly physically and mentally,” said Varchasvi, a junior. “He unifies and coaches the team excellently so that we can reach our full potential and perform at all of the tournaments.”

Ankith Varchasvi lines up a shot at practice. Photo Credit: Ankith Varchasvi

16

MARCH SPORTS

SPRING SPORTS Update Girls’ Soccer

Photo: Darrell Hancock

The Bloomfield Hills High School girls varsity soccer team is coming off of a very strong 2017 season, but is only in search of improvement. The team finished last year with a 12-3-1 record last season and were distract finalists. “This season, the team has large expectations. We have a lot of returning varsity players so the team should be very strong! I can’t wait for the season to start, as I think it’s going to be a great one!” said varsity player Sydney Houston. With most of its players returning from last year, the team anticipates to finish atop the league and make a run in the state tournament. They begin their season on March 22nd versus Laper High School.

Boys’ Baseball

Photo:Barbie Hoag

Baseball season is finally here, and the Blackhawks’ varsity baseball squad is ready. After completing a very successful season last year by winning their league, the team is hoping to carry their momentum into this season. Varsity player JP Arslanian said, “I think the team is very strong this year and is going to be really good. We’ve got a very talented team that works well together. Last year we won our league last year and we hope to do the same this year.” Arslanian explained the team has the tools to win another league title, but it will for sure be a challenge. The team seeks an undefeated 1-0 start to its season as they take on Bishop Foley High School on March 27th in their opener.

Girls’ Softball The Blackhawks’ softball team is ready for another season. After having an accomplished season but falling short of reaching states, the team is prepared to go to all necessary measures to reach their goal. “The expectations for this season are similar to ones from past years. We made it to regionals last year and I know a lot of us are hoping to get to states this year, so we will be pushing ourselves and working hard all season to reach our goal,” said varsity player Julia Russo. “We have a newer team this year and some of us haven’t played together before, so it’s going to be really important that we all trust each other and work together.” The team aims to start the season on a high note, as they take on Clawson High School on April 14th in their first game of the year.

Track and Field

The Track and Field squad is ready for the season to finally begin. Last season did not go fully as planned, but the team hopes to see much improvement this year. “Last years season was rough, [so] the team as a whole didn’t run to the potential that we could have. We should have placed higher in the league as a whole, but individually we produced some strong athletes.

We lost some strong athletes so the team may struggle in the beginning of the season till we can develop and place our best runners,” said Brad Kaufman. The team will look to get on the right track beginning on March 21st as they take on several other schools in their first meet of the season.

Girls’ Lacrosse

Photo: Susan Adams

After finishing 16-6 last season, the BHHS girls lacrosse team looks to build off what they did last year. “With only losing four seniors last season, we have many returning players as well as a few great additions to our team. We expect to work hard throughout the season and come out with a win in our regional game and hopefully states as well. Many of the girls on our team have been playing together for 5-6 years, which has allowed us to build a strong bond and team dynamic,” said varsity player Natalie Gould. With a majority of its players returning from last season, Gould and the rest of team are hopeful they will make it to and win the state tournament. The team will look to get off to a hot start as they open their season on March 21st versus Caledonia High School.

Boys’ Golf The Blackhawks’ varsity golf team is patiently awaiting the start to their season, as they are looking to improve up last year. “This season, we have a lot of upcoming players that have lots of talent and a great work ethic that can help rebuild this program to where it once was,” said varsity golfer Ankith Varchasvi. “We have 4 or 5 returning players from last year’s Varsity team, so we’ll have a solid base to build around, and hopefully we’ll make it to the state competition this year.” For Varchasvi and the rest of the team, the season officially begins March 29th against Detroit Country Day at Oakland Hills Country Club. They will look to start the season 1-0 with that end goal of the state competition in mind.

Girls’ Tennis

Photo: Caroline Allen

The Blackhawks’ girls tennis team has high expectations entering the 2018 season. After an extremely strong finish last year and with many key players returning, the squad expects nothing less. Varsity number two singles Madison Narens said, “this season we have a real chance at winning states. We have a lot of returning players and some great additions to the team. We came in third last year at states, and this year we have a great chance of winning states considering we are the only team from our states that is returning all four of their singles lineup.” The season officially begins April 12th with their first match versus Stoney Creek High School, as the team hopes to pick up where it left off last season.

Boys’ Lacrosse

Photo: Paul Kolin

The Blackhawks’ varsity boys lacrosse team is in search of improving upon last year’s season. The team is far more experienced this year, which should prove very helpful once the season gets underway.

“Last year, we had a lot of underclassmen starting, so a lot of us were playing at a varsity level for the first time. This year, we have a lot of our starters returning with more experience,” said varsity player Justin Hittler. “We have much higher goals this year because of that. Our coaches as well as our team realizes the potential we have this year and none of us want to waste all this talent we have.”

MARCH FEATURE

17

What is Bowers Academy?

Taking a nontraditional path Bowers Farm offers alternative opportunities

by SADIE KIRSHNER Section Editor

“My favorite part of the class is that I’ve gotten to work with the baby animals, especially the hands on practices.”

-Paige Perry (11)

by SAMMI TREPECK Staff Writer Instead of having a traditional learning experience, Kriss Valencia opted out and felt that Bowers Academy would best suit her needs.

“Personally my brain cannot process things the way a traditional school would teach, so I need that individualized aspect of Bowers in order to pass all the classes I need in order to graduate,” said Valencia.

Bowers Academy is a school in the Bloomfield Hills School District that offers a more personalized education for students. At Bowers students have other resources that allow students to get the help they need to do well in high school.

“It’s a small learning environment where students have the opportunity to have individualized instruction based on personal choice,” said Bowers Principal Margaret Schultz.

“It’s very project-based, and

“You’ve GOAT to check out Bowers Farm! ” -The Goat

they can recover credits in a nontraditional way which allows us to combine different projects with classes so they can get the necessary credits.”

Bowers Academy is located at Bowers Farm where students have the opportunity to get some hands on experience.

Kriss Valencia, a junior at Bowers, said, “My favorite part would be the animals because it’s so relaxing. I’ve been working there for about eight years now and anyone can go down and ask the teacher to go take pictures or pet the animals to calm down if [school] gets to be too much.”

According to Bowers Academy teacher Nicholas Riggs, a typical schedule at Bowers is different than a typical schedule at BHHS. “Our days at Bowers are half in/half out days. We don’t assign homework ever, so we have three hours a day that’s broken up that is instructional, so we meet in a large group class where we talk about core

“The farm has taught me skills that I couldn’t learn in a traditional classroom.”

-Alex Delmotte (11)

subject areas Social Studies, Math, Science, and English, and then we give the rest of the time to work on their projects,” said Riggs.

According to Schultz, all of the projects are student driven.

“I was looking through a student’s project the other day and he was really into comic books and superheroes. He was able to do an entire English project on that because it was something he is passionate about,” said Schultz.

According to Valencia, by having the school be project driven it offers students the opportunity to find what they’re passionate about.

“I love the projects here because they are more individualized and they aren’t too strict,” said Valencia. “The time frames for the steps involved in each project are reasonable and the teachers are open to help with anything we need.”

The program allows for stu-

dents who began at Bowers or transferred from the high school the opportunity to succeed in a different learning environment.

Schultz said, “We’ve had lots of students benefit from the program who come from vastly different backgrounds.”

She added, “We’ve had students come from freshman year that knew it was too big and wouldn’t work for them.

We’ve also had students that come over as juniors who maybe struggled as freshman or sophomores so they can pick up credits faster and graduate on time, but it also benefits students who it better fits their learning needs.”

According to Schultz, Bowers Academy is worth looking into if you are not excelling at BHHS. “I think it’s a special place that allows kids to find a niche that they weren’t finding here.”

Bowers Farm, located on Square Lake in Bloomfield Hills, is “a school like no other,” said Junior Jennifer Nichols.

Junior Sydney Crawford said that Bowers Farm is one of the most unique places that exist within the community.

According to Assistant Principal and Bowers Academy Administrator, Margaret Schultz, with just 38 students, and no specific bell schedule, the students at Bowers are able to work at their own pace while receiving constant assistance from the faculty. In many occasions, students from all four grades will be learning different areas of a subject, while in the same classroom which allows for more comradery between different age groups.

According to Nichols, Bowers Academy is a non-traditional educational program. However, for some faculty members, Bower’s Academy is their second school home.

Crawford, one of the Agriculture students, opened up about having the ability to take a class outside of the comfort of the normal BHHS campus.

“Going to the farm every other day is a nice change of pace from the regular classes offered on BHHS campus,” said Crawford. “I really enjoy the ability to go to agriscience class at Bowers and the fact that we are able to use the farm to make it hands on.

It’s a very interesting and different course.”

Social Studies teacher Nicholas Riggs explains that he teaches at both campuses and truly enjoys the differences he notices from both schools.

“Bowers Academy is just like the Model Center in which all of the classes are project-based and they focus on place-based education. Students are encouraged to use the full property to create and interact with learning experiences,” said Riggs.

According to Schultz, although the Bowers Academy does not have a great deal of interaction with the BHHS kids and their campus, some of the students travel to the BHHS campus to take part in the music and arts courses.

“There are some kids that come [to BHHS] to take electives. There’s not a ton of like, there’s not really any art, PE, music at Bowers so kids that need to take art, physical education, music, they come over here,” said Schultz.

According to Riggs aside from the need to travel for certain electives, Bowers has a lot to offer to prospective students.

“I truly enjoy the authentic atmosphere and spirit at the high school, as well as the variety of opportunities it presents for students, and the wealth of knowledge and experience the staff provide,” said Riggs. “In addition, being at Bowers provides me with close mentoring opportunities with students, as well as the experience of working in a cutting edge project based model with an excellent team of teachers.”

You can visit Bowers Farm at 1219 E Square Lake Rd Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304 More information available on bloomfield.org

MARCH FEATURE

18

English teachers share favorite books to teach

Social studies teacher plans to retire

Each teacher has a passion for one book

by DARBY KRUGEL Staff Writer If you ask most people what their favorite book is, they answer with the book they most enjoyed reading. Most English teachers have another kind of favorite book: their favorite book to teach.

“I love The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald because, as an English teacher, there is so much to explore,” said American Literature teacher Rachel Matz. “I discover something new every time [I teach it]. I really love the conversations that I’m able to have with students and the discussions I hear them having around the book and the symbolism and what they think about the characters. It’s just a lot of fun.”

Matz has taught the 1920s novel in at least one of her English classes every year she has been teaching.

Liza Lauter is a first-year Bloomfield Hills School District teacher who hasn’t had a chance to gain a long-standing reputation for her favorite book to teach, but she does have one that she is most excited about: Their Eyes Were Watching God. “I think that [Their Eyes Were Watching God provides] a unique voice that our students haven’t read so far this year,” said Lauter about the novel by Zora Neale Hurston. “It’s a great example of writing that came out of the Harlem Renaissance and it’s just a really compelling story.”

According to Terri Thav, Writing and

“I really love the conversations that I’m able to have with students and the discussions I hear them having around the book.”

Rachel Matz American Literature World Literature teacher, her favorite book to teach is Lord of the Flies. She feels passionate about sharing this novel with her freshman students because it includes relevant topics and lessons.

“It discusses the characteristics of human nature, which is valuable for all people,” said Thav. “It kind of analyzes what characteristics tend to be most common in man, which tend to be most dangerous in man, and then there’s also this component of government and the role of a democracy versus a dictatorship. I think, given the world that we live in now, people can’t be too informed.”

Teachers have many different reasons for loving books: content, voice, morals, and more. But while there are multiple motivations behind it, every English teacher has a favorite book to teach.

Frank Laurinec looks back upon his 37 years in the district

by MAYA ALHUSEIN Staff Writer

A

fter 37 years of teaching, including 32 years of teaching in the Bloomfield Hills School District, Frank Laurinec will be retiring.

“I have a real interest in history and the way things work and the way government works,” said Laurinec. “I think part of it has to do with the fact that I grew up in a time in the 60s and the 70s when social issues and political issues were really important. They were a big part of my high school education and I think that was part of what I got interested in. When I was in college, I worked as a guide at Greenfield Village and that only reinforced [my] interest in history.”

Associate Principal Margaret Schultz expresses how Laurinec has been “a supportive colleague with a big heart” since she joined the district.

“I started 16 years ago in the district and at that time, Mr. Laurinec was a full-time social studies teacher. He was so supportive of me and all of us.

There were a lot of us that came in new at that time, including Mrs. Lupone and Mrs. Teal,” said Schultz. “He would take us out after work.

He was a listening ear and a huge source of support and I’ve just always appreciated him for that.”

Reminiscing upon her past three years with Laurinec as a teacher, senior Hadeel Rass explains why Laurinec stood out to her as an amazing teacher.

“I had him for AP U.S. History.

BhhsToday.org

“He was a listening ear and a huge source of support and I’ve always appreciated him for that.”

Margaret Schultz Associate Principal

to be done around the house that I’ll be able to get to finally.

My wife and I are planning on travelling. We are going to go to Europe and see my daughter,” said Laurinec. “She’s in England right now so we are going this summer. My brothers, sisters, and I have planned a family cruise in February.”

Schultz communicates her wishes for the replacement social studies teacher of Laurinec.

“Mr. Laurinec has a love of social studies, so I hope that whoever comes in has the same love of the subject that he does,” said Schultz. “I also hope they have his same sense of humor and his infectious laugh.”

Laurinec elaborates on why he will miss having a classroom of students after almost 40 years worth of teaching.

“The thing I will miss most is the interaction between myself and the students,” said Laurinec. “The opportunity to discuss ideas and concepts with them has always been a great part of teaching.”

Seniors found nonprofit organization Seniors encourage political engagement through nonprofit Engage18

by RIYA DOSHI Copy Editor

For these stories and more, go to our website

He was a great teacher, he really went in-depth to make sure we understood everything,” said Rass. “He even took time out of his Saturday mornings to have review sessions which showed that he truly cared about his students doing well on the exam.

He’s a great sponsor for Unicef Club because he lets us do our own thing and trusted us to lead our club.”

According to Laurinec, his plan after retirement includes tutoring in government and history, but some relaxation time as well.

“Naturally, golf is something I’ll enjoy, more golf. There are lots of little jobs that need

It all started as a joke.

“Back in 2015, [the founders of Engage18] saw presidential debates being run very poorly and we jokingly said ‘What if we hosted a presidential debate?’” said senior and co-founder of Engage18 Michael Goldman Brown. “We realized that we actually could organize a gubernatorial one this year, so we decided to go for it. We ended up creating the nonprofit in February to have one name under which we could raise funds for the debate, but the mission began to morph as we realized we could accomplish more.”

The organization, Engage18, currently has over fifty members from a dozen school districts, including Oakland, Wayne and Lapeer.

“The purpose of the nonprofit is to have one name under which students can unite and raise funds,” said senior and co-founder Zackariah Farah. “We want to promote student activism, increase youth voter registration rates and help students organize events where students could meet their representatives. Our hope is to try and bridge the disconnect between our representatives and youth.”

This goal is one that has “resonated” with members of the organization, such as junior Emily Williams.

“To me, young people are the way we change the world,” said Williams. “Whatever our political or social beliefs, we as teenagers are the future. We’re

the ones who are going to be in charge of the way our nation and our world are handled. The sooner we get involved, and the more aware we are of what we are involved in, the smarter we can be about how we change our world. The future is happening now, and it’s up to us to guide where it goes.”

The group organized two events in March: the Democratic Gubernatorial Debate and a local branch of the national student walkout.

“Our main events to date have been the Democratic Governor’s Debate, which we hosted and moderated on March 11th, and the March 14th walkout, which we supported both materially and in spirit,” said Goldman Brown. “We are currently working on hosting a Republican debate, so that we can fulfill our goal of hosting and moderating a general gubernatorial debate with the winners from each major party’s primary.”

The experience of seeing the events come to life was “surreal” for the founders.

“It felt incredible to see the debate become reality, and I wasn’t entirely sure if it was real at times,” said Goldman Brown. “I was afraid that I’d wake up and this whole process would’ve been a dream. Knowing that I’ve sparked new political interest [in students] warms my heart.

I am proud that I have become more of a role model to others and that I am helping to make our democracy stronger and more robust.”

Due to the organization being completely student-run, the response to their efforts has not always been positive.

“It was incredibly disappointing to not be taken seriously by a couple politicians,” said Farah.

“For our gubernatorial debate, one of the candidates seemed to have little interest in attending and didn’t end up coming. However, the three candidates that did come all told us that our debate was the best and most professionally-run event they had been to, which meant a lot to us.”

Farah hopes to “set an example for others to find a way that they can get involved in something they’re passionate about.”

“I recommend stopping for no one or nothin, and always attempt to bring big ideas to life,” said Goldman Brown. “Engage18’s fundraising, which was a necessity for the debate, wouldn’t have begun without my moonshot idea of presenting at local political organizations and asking for money from their members. Never believe that anything is impossible.”

To join Engage18, visit engage18.org

and press “Get Engaged”

19

MARCH FEATURE

Diversity in the classroom

Photo Credit: Elena Ofiara

Cam Kinetic brings the energy Junior sheds light on his passion for rapping

by ELENA OFIARA Staff Writer

Photo Credit: Kaylie Brooks

How diverse is BHHS?

by SARAH QUERISHI Staff Writer Groups like DAERR, BAS, IASA, and GAS promote diversity in our community, however how does this diversity reflect in the student body and affect the individuals in the community.

“The diversity in our student body has allowed me to experience and gain perspective on cultures other than my own, allowing me to grow as a more well-rounded and open-minded individual,” said Senior Lauren Walkon. “Going to school in such a diverse building gives me a very unique experience.”

The vast diversity in our school can be eye-opening to both students and parents. Bahn K Abdelnour, the mother of two students in the school, expresses her feelings about sending her children into this diverse environment.

“I love that my kids can interact and learn about so many other cultures,” said Abdelnour. “When I was growing up in Iraq the world seemed so big and all the different types of people in it were unknown to me. But here in America and especially our community, my kids are able to learn and live with other cultures instead of just their own which is very fortunate.”

Gabby Bright, the President of the Black Student Alliance, communi-

cates that she believes there is an opportunity for students to further utilize the diverse setting around them to their advantage.

“I think a problem with the diversity in Bloomfield is that many people don’t take advantage of it in order to learn more about the world around them,” said Bright. “But this can fixed if people try to be involved in groups that are different from ones that they are usually a part of and make an effort to learn about all types of cultures and traditions.”

Diversity in our community is growing more and more each day and Tanya Bhardwaj, the Indian America Student Alliance President, conveys her thoughts on the significance of it and how we can learn from diversity.

“Diversity is important , not only in school, but in the entire world,” said Bhardwaj. “It is always important to learn about the ways that different people live, celebrate, and communicate. This helps maintain an open-minded environment by ensuring that nobody gets stuck in the “my way is the right way” mindset. The world is much more harmonious when diversity is embraced and respected which is what we must continue to do in our community.”

“Diversity is important not only in school, but in the entire world.”

Tanya Bhardwaj Senior

As the teacher leaves the classroom, students drop their pencils and gather around Junior rapper Cameron Nealy for a live performance of his newest single.

Cameron Nealy, also known as Cam Kinetic on SoundCloud, iTunes and Spotify, has had his music played over 100,000 times.

“When I was younger I used to listen to a lot of music in the car with my family members,” said Nealy. “No matter what the song was, I closed my eyes and could see myself performing. Even at a young age I knew I had a love for music.”

Nealy has been making music since the fifth grade, but began taking his passion more seriously in the eighth grade by releasing his first song on Soundcloud.

“So far I’ve released about 33 songs, but I also have about 100 songs recorded that are ready to drop whenever. I have a new mixtape on the way and I just dropped an album January 10th called ‘One Take.’”

Nealy allows for special fans to listen to early release songs if they are a part of his private listening club.

“My private listening club consists of 32 people and those are people that have been day one fans and people who are listening to a lot of music. It’s impossible to drop all my songs at once because it would just be overwhelming for the general public, so I will drop exclusive music and unreleased music to the private listening club very

“It’s not like a job to me. I’ve already started going on my career a little bit but I’ve got a long way to go because I want to be legendary”

Cameron Nealy Junior

Local teen rocks the MasterChef Kitchen Hillel Day School student competes with top 40 young American home cooks

by CAITLIN FINERTY Section Editor

After six years of practicing his cooking skills, he was ready.

“The first thing [I remember] was so much adrenaline rushing through me,” said Sammy Vieder, an eighth grader at Hillel Day School in Farmington Hills, and Masterchef Junior, season six contestant “I was on the same flight as five other kids who were also in the top 40 and so I talked with them a little bit. I was a little nervous because I was meeting the people I would be competing with, but I was excited because I was going to make new friends.”

Sammy is a home cook turned cooking show contestant from Huntington Woods. According to his mom, Stacy Vieder, Sammy started cooking when his family ate only takeout meals for dinner.

“Sammy doesn’t come from a home of chefs,” said Stacy. “He’s pretty much self taught. He’s had a cookbook on his bedside table since he was two. His first attempt at cooking was when he was around four but he’s been cooking in earnest since around age seven.”

The audition process for the show involved four separate rounds, but for Sammy it ended successfully.

“First, we had an open call, and the first thing we had to do was cook an egg, measure water, and chop celery. After that [the producers] would take us to answer some simple questions,” said Sammy. “For the second round, you had to make a dish in thirty

minutes while they would talk to you like a person would talk to you on the camera. After that we had to do a home video, we had to show them my room, our kitchen, the front of our house, I had to cook a dish. After that, I had to do psychological testing. Then we got the email that I was on the show.”

Not only is MasterChef Junior exciting for Sammy, but also for junior Max Rosenzweig, who has been watching the show for over 2 years.

“It’s cool to know that someone from a tv show lives in the area. It puts it in perspective that the show is real and the people are from all different areas. That is how these shows work,” said Rosenzweig.

Even after the show ended, Sammy has stayed in contact with a few of his competitors.

“I made so many friends there and it was crazy that these guys were from all over the country and we bonded over the one thing we all have in common, that we all love to cook,” said Sammy.

“I had my Bar Mitzvah in June and a couple of the people from the show came. It was amazing that they came all the way out here to Michigan to support me. I just want to say that I am really glad I made those friends.”

Masterchef Junior airs on Fox every Friday night at 8 PM.

Sammy Vieder competes in the Milkshake Challenge on Season 6 Episode 4 of MasterChef Junior Photo courtesy of Stacy Vieder

frequently,” said Nealy.

Austin Mehrman is a part the private listening clubs and says that Nealy has, “very good music and very good beats. He has a lot of good lines in his music and it just mixes well together.”

Since Nealy has released his music on all platforms, he makes 100 percent profit off of his songs. He hopes to turn this passion into a career in the future.

“It’s not like a job to me. I’ve already started going on my career a little bit but I’ve got a long way to go because I want to be legendary,” said Nealy. “My name is Cam Kinetic because people used to tell me awhile back that I have so much potential as far as music and everything and I’m like ‘no this isn’t potential it’s kinetic.’”

Nealy’s brother, Christian Nealy, has high hopes for his brother’s future. he has supported Cameron throughout his entire music career.

“His songs are lit. I made a song when I was younger and once I heard his song it was much better than mine. I expect to see him up there with the greats -- Lil’ Wayne and Jay-Z,” said Christian, who is 21.

This summer, Nealy will be releasing more information about his upcoming projects and concerts on his instagram account @camkinetic.

For more stories, visit our website

BhhsToday.org

20

the

MARCH FEATURE

Bird’s Eye View 1

5

2

4

Indian American Student Association Culture Show

3

1: Seniors celebrate the conclusion of the Senior dance. 2 : Seniors Jiana Abdelnour and Christian Kassab show off their Indian clothing in the fashion show. 3: Seniors Habib Bello and Arin Champati practice the Bollywood dance during rehearsal. 4: Junior Vikram Lakshmanan performs in the Bollywood dance. 5: Seniors Lahari Vithala, Tanya Bhardwaj and Arin Champati practice the Bhangra dance. 6: Students perform in the South Indian style dance. 7: Seniors Ahree Hong and Sara Susanto pose in the fashion show. 8: Seniors Habib Bello and Nadia Plemons rehearse the Bollywood dance. 9: Seniors Rama Varanasi and Jeremy Craig walk in the fashion show. Photo Credit: Georgia Zimmerman

6 7

9 8

21

MARCH ENTERTAINMENT

Crossword

From the Nest Every issue, the Hawkeye finds five standout faces at Bloomfield Hills High School. Here are their stories right before spring break.

Challenge yourself to the March Hawkeye Crossword

by ANISH TAMHANEY Editor-in-Chief 2.

3.

Ellen Burke “I forgot to add the lemon zest.”

4.

5.

6.

1.

For more crosswords, go to our website

bhhstoday.org

Eeshika Dadeech “High school is easy. It’s like riding a bike and the bike is on fire and the ground is on fire and everything is on fire.”

Megan O’Gorman “An apostrophe is just an upper case comma.”

Ryan Zalla

7.

DOWN 1. See 2 down 2. Newest Marvel Superhero with 1 Down 4. Fictional country where 2 Down+1 Down takes place 6. Coogler, director of 2 Down+ 1 Down

ACROSS 3. “Last but not _____ “ 5. With 7 across, music collaborator for 2 Down+1 Down 6. Sprinted 7. See 5 Across

View the answers to the February Edition Crossword here:

HawkeyeComics

“Wait, what is this for again?”

Srirama Varanasi “Doing a somersault in the IASA culture show was my peak.”

by EMILY WANG Illustrator

22

MARCH ENTERTAINMENT

the hawkeye

Reviews Everything Sucks!

by CAELAN JANSEN Staff Writer

In order for a dramedy set in the past to stand out, it’s necessary to have a distinct storyline. The idea of a “throwback” style has paved way for the creation of countless television shows, but fabricating a noteworthy plot in this style serves to be quite a challenge for many TV show creators. Although Everything Sucks! attempted a retro spin on the classic coming of age story, its generic, predictable plot and lack of clear character development made for a below average dramedy.

Everything Sucks! is set in 1996 Boring, Oregon and focuses on incoming freshman Luke O’Neil (Jahi Winston) and his two fellow outcast friends trying to find their way around high school. The trio wind up in the school’s AV club where Luke meets sophomore Kate Messner (Peyton Kennedy) and develops feelings for her.

This was the first notable production that Winston took part in, but Kennedy had participated in six works prior to the show, including The Captive and American Fable. Both actors displayed incredible acting in an otherwise mediocre cast. The talent displayed by both first time actor Winston and more experienced Kennedy was sadly met with an unexceptional plot.

The directors of Everything Sucks!, Michael Mohan, (producer of five films) and Ry Russo-Young (previously an independent filmmaker who contributed to eight works) did a good job capturing many aspects of high

school; relationships, fitting in, and finding oneself. Unfortunately, the lack of development or complexity within these themes left me wanting more.

Everything Sucks! is a recent result of the wave of incoming Netflix originals, and was released this past February 16. There have only been ten episodes thus far, and whether or not it will be renewed for a second season has yet to be determined.

Rotten tomatoes rates Everything Sucks! 70%, calling the series “flawed” but also noting that it “tugs at the heartstrings”. I agree that there is a certain level of emotional value to this show; however the series seemed very rushed regarding the development of the storylines, which made it difficult for me to become emotionally invested. I noted numerous times that a storyline would suddenly begin and just

as quickly conclude, leaving little room for an actual plot to take place.

The characters seemed to jump from being completely underdeveloped to well rounded and developed characters with very little happening to cause that change. This made me confused at many points and it became difficult for me to fully comprehend why the characters made that sudden switch.

Although the storyline was predictable and underdeveloped, there were many important messages within this

show that did make it worth the watch.

The significance of acceptance is what I mainly noted, and the timeless manner in which this was conveyed allowed the prevalence of the storylines to be applicable to any time period.

Everything Sucks! that could certainly have been improved to make it an overall more momentous T.V. show, themes aside. I would give it a 3 out of 5 and I’d recommend it to anyone looking to watch an upbeat show that doesn’t take up a lot of time or energy.

No meat?

Fine by me.

A little bit of spice, and everything nice

by SOPHIE SHERBIN Staff Writer

by CARLY ARMSTRONG Staff Writer

In the heart of downtown Royal Oak lies an average looking building in a sea of average looking strip malls. Yet surprisingly enough, like a rare and precious pearl hidden in an oyster, there is a hidden treasure within its doors: Ronin Sushi.

When I first walked through the restaurant’s doors, I was enchanted by the bamboo walls, trendy bar, and japanese themed décor. The staff greeted me and guided me to a table.

The vibrant smell of ginger, sushi, and miso soup overwhelmed my senses as the server handed me a menu. Not knowing what to order but craving something with a kick, I asked for recommendations. The server listed a delicious variety of spicy rolls, from which I finally chose the Cha Cha Roll and Sea Monster Roll.

While waiting for my meal to arrive, I asked for Ronin’s special “Octopus Sunomono”. This is a cucumber salad with octopus, wakame, and sweet vinegar. Although it may sound simple, its sweet yet tangy flavor remains unparalleled in this area.

My pupils dilated as I saw my waitress carry out my sushi platter. A vision in seaweed, I must say… faultlessly presented with the perfect fish to rice ratio, and a Sriracha and spicy mayo mixture to top it all off. It was all picturesque that for a moment, I debated not consuming the perfection that lied on the plate before me, but naturally, I could not resist.

Adding on to the beautiful array of seafood options, the restaurant also offers americanized food such as burgers, fries, chicken, etc. That being said, I recommend that you take the trip over to Ronin, 326 W 4th St, Royal Oak, MI 48067. You most definitely will not be disappointed.

For more reviews, go to our website

BhhsToday.org

When it comes to vegan dining, people are either adventurous or immediately turned off. Since I love a good, vegan meal, I decided to try out Green Space, a vegan restaurant located in Ferndale that I often hear both vegans and nonvegans rave about.

Let’s start with the price tag. I think its safe to say Green Space is a bang for your buck. One thing I really loved about their menu is that all entrees are $15. This approach to equalizing the price of each entree is such a relief when choosing a main course because you will never choose the lesser based on price. My caesar salad was $13 and a cup of soup was $4.

The ambiance in Green Space is…well...green. But, the green overload aside, the restaurant truly is refreshing and beautiful. Dinner was low-lit and the entire wall behind me was grown over with vines and greenery. Green Space definitely took all five of my stars for ambiance.

Have you ever heard, “life’s not all sunshine and rainbows?”

Well, here comes the “not all sunshine and rainbows” part.

I began my dinner with a cup of mushroom and barley soup which set high expectations for the entrees to come. When my gnocchi (a potato based pasta) arrived, I was thoroughly disappointed. The pasta completely lacked character and was beyond overcooked. I began to question if I was consuming gnocchi or mashed potatoes. The caesar salad was much better and their homemade almond parmesan was impeccable.

I also ordered the potato eggplant curry which on its own was lacking of flavor but was greatly helped by an amazing coconut curry sauce. Overall, I found the menu was very inconsistent when it came to quality.

I have to say, now that i’ve been to Green Space, I am not “a changed woman,” like a friend told me I’d be. But I am not completely against the restaurant either. If you are looking for a semi-casual night out, Green Space will definitely provide you a lively and friendly atmosphere. However, I feel bad for anyone who says Green Space is the best vegan restaurant they have ever been to.

MARCH ENTERTAINMENT

23

the hawkeye

Reviews This month in the March film guide

by MAXIMILLIAN HELFMAN Editor-in-Chief The limbo between Oscar season and summer movie season is the time in which studios drop the films they are least proud and confident with. January and February (and usually March) is the trash dump of Hollywood’s least popular films. The oddball horror, the dumb action film, or even the comedy that no one will go and see all go in the dump.

While summer movie season is coming around the corner with Avengers: Infinity War releasing a week earlier on April 27th, what should YOU watch while in the dump season of movies? What gems are hiding on Netflix and Amazon? Which indie films are coming to a theatre around us? While this season may seem like a dud season where we are all counting down the days until spring break, let me tell you some ways you should be spending your free time.

Netflix, while being criticized in the past for NOT having a good movie selection, has been adding more and more classics over the past few months. Goodfellas, one of Martin Scorsese’s best films, is perfect when you are in the mood for a fast paced crime film. Joel Edgerton’s directorial debut The Gift is a fresh take in the thriller genre, starring the likes of Jason Bateman. Finally, Taylor Sheridan’s crime thriller Wind River, which was released summer 2017, is one of the hidden gems on Netflix.

While there are a myriad of shows you could binge watch for endless entertainment, the shows that offer “quality” rather than “quantity” (I’m looking at you Gossip Girl and Grey’s Anatomy) are the ones you should be spending your time on. Shows like Aziz Ansari’s Master of None, one of the best dramedy

shows in recent years, and American Vandal, a satire on documentaries and high school.

Streaming services are always convenient, but if you feel like leaving your house there have been many films released that are worth the drive/ price. The first, review included in this issue, is the Alex Garland directed sci fi film Annihilation. The film is a new take on the sci fi genre and allows the audience member to have more than a passive experience. Cory Finley’s directorial debut Thoroughbreds tells the story of two high school girls who reconnect after years of growing apart. The film has everything yet nothing to do with that, and it will leave you with your mouth hanging open.

If you still have yet to catch all the Oscar films, all are now available on iTunes. Call Me

By Your Name and Phantom Thread were the standouts in this years Best Picture pool, both offering fresh, unique, and beautiful versions of the romance story.

If interested in succumbing to the “March Madness” of Hollywood’s dud month, then I would recommend A Wrinkle In Time. This film was quite possibly one of the worst I’ve seen in a long time, which upsets me because of the money they spent on it as well as the star studded cast that played in the film. I would also recommend Death Wish, starring action star Bruce Willis. While the film is complete garbage, it at least offers some mindless action fun.

March is ending soon, and with that spring break and summer movie season. If you are looking for some films to watch on the plane to wherever your destination may be during the break, I hope you look towards my recommendations, as to not waste your time. This month in movies has sucked, let’s hope for a better April.

Annihilation will leave you in awe A fresh take on the sci-fi genre

by MAXIMILLIAN HELFMAN Editor-in-Chief

More than just a game Game Night perfectly combines action and comedy

The Sci-Fi Fantasy genre has gone through many phases throughout the history of film. We had 1927’s Metropolis, one of the first sci fi films. We had the 1968’s 2001: a Space Odyssey. And of course we had the age of Star Wars and Alien in the 1970’s. Ever since then, the magnificent genre has been oversaturated with creature features and time travel explorations, with only a handful of gems emerging each year.

Since his directorial debut in 2014 with the sci fi A.I exploring film Ex Machina, Alex Garland has shined as this generations sci fi auteur. His prior job of screenwriting (scribing films like 28 Days Later, Sunshine, and Dredd) is chock full of indie sci fi films. And Annihilation, based off of Jeff Vandermeer’s 2014 novel, starring Natalie Portman, Oscar Isaac, and Jennifer Jason Leigh, is a bright star in the storm of bad January and February releases.

As to not spoil anything about the plot, IMDb’s plot summary states “A

biologist signs up for a dangerous, secret expedition into a mysterious zone where the laws of nature don’t apply.” While being a commentary on the environment and how humans interact with the world around us, Annihilation takes what should be a mundane situation, and turns itself on its’ head. Just like any good science fiction film should do.

Annihilation takes your expectations on what a sci fi film should be, and shoves it in the audiences face.

The way Alex Garland structures the film allows him to bounce around the story in a way that allows the audience to create their own theories for what is going on in the film.

Supported by phenomenal, yet subtle, performances by Natalie Portman and her other expedition members Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gina Rodriguez, Tessa Thompson, and Tuva Novonty, the film makes way for the clever, open-minded,

viewer. This isn’t a film that spoon feeds you the answers to all the questions. The film which is shrouded in mystery, allows room for interpretation. It allows room for discussion. Any film that ignites conversation between random people in a theatre about the events that just transpired is worth two thumbs up. And trust me, the conversation my friends and I had with that man was quite interesting, as all of our theories were different.

Annihilation demonstrates what a sci-fi film should be and makes its own wave. Alex Garland made another hit in the world of science fiction filmmaking, and continues to craft his unique and valuable voice throughout his career. I give Annihilation my highest rating, and urge everyone who reads this to seek the film out and watch.

Annihilation is not just another science fiction film. Much like 2016’s Arrival, it is a beautiful insight into what our world is, and can become.

With John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein’s “Game Night” you are not only given one of the most hilarious comedies in recent years, but you are also given a very well-directed action film.

The movie takes place, when gamers Max and Annie are all set for their weekly gamenight when suddenly, it isn’t such a game anymore. Max’s brother, Brooks, decides to take an unusual turn on their typical, innocent game night by suggesting a murder mystery party instead. Brooks sets up the party with fake thugs and federal agents, and the competitors must ultimately solve the case in order to win the game.

As the competitors set out to play the game, they begin to realize that the game is not what it’s supposed to be, and neither is Brooks, the one who suggested it in the first place.

The friends soon find themselves stuck as the night unfolds into the unexpected, over the course of one chaotic night.

I, personally, really liked this movie because I feel like it is something different but just as entertaining. There is no doubt that this film has the capability of being appreciated by many different audiences, because of its variety of genres. For example, Game Night takes a twist on comedy by inserting plenty of action packed

scenes into it.

On the other hand, one of my only critiques for this film was the fact that many of the characters were able to sustain injuries that would have otherwise been fatal in reality. One of the most important parts about a movie to me is the accuracy, so if a film does something that is off, I am always the first to notice it.

Overall, I would rate this movie with a 4.5 out of 5, because aside from the minor errors that I picked up on, I feel as though Game Night is a great movie, and can be enjoyed by all people, regardless of the genres they like.

by SYDNEY STEARNS Staff Writer

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BhhsToday.org

FAMOUS FIRSTS through History

THE

year

1961

on March 1, 1961 President JFK

Established the Peace Corps

$

1862

March tenth 1st issue of U.S. government

paper MOney occurred

the MARCH edition

1841 FOurth

MarcH

Telephone Inventor ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL

was BORN IN EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND MARCH 12th

1609 BERMUDA The Island of

Was coloniozed by the British after a ship on its way to Virginia was wrecked on the reefs

as $5 $10 $20 bills began circulation

MARCH 14th

1879 HOBBS

LUCY

March 17th, 1762 The first St.Patrick’s day took place in NewYork

The event took place because there was a very large Irish immigrant population in New York

The first female dentist was born

MARCH 24 1 93 4

Philippine Islands

GRANTED INDEPENDENCE

MARCH

30 1853 VINCENT VAN Gogh was born IN HOLLAND

Source: The History Place (http://www.historyplace.com/specials/calendar/march.htm) By: Vikram Lakshmanan