March 2017

Hawkeye The Bloomfield

Bloomfield Hills High School

SCHOOL NEWS Model UN team wins fourth straight MSUMUN title

March 2017

Volume IV-Issue V

DR. Abdul El-Sayed

BHHS Model United Nations team becomes first delegation to accomplish the feat Evan Stern Section Editor

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ALUM

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t the Michigan State University Model United Nations XVII Conference in East Lansing Michigan during the weekend of March 17-19, the Bloomfield Hills High School Model UN Team won their fourth state title in a row.

“I am most proud of the longevity to our success. It is great to win once, but to win over several years speaks to the strength of our students. You can win once with a strong group of kids, but to win five out of six years is only possible by having such tremendous students every year,” BHHS Social Studies Teacher and Model UN coach Matt Macleod said.

According to MacLeod, the current seniors have now won every single year of their high school careers, in addition to many other students on the team earning several wins throughout grades 9-12.

“What I am most proud of is every year, we have managed to top the previous. We have taken home more awards and more importantly, the students have had fun.

I am still trying to find the apex for this group. Every year, the kids keep surprising me with how they outdo the previous class,” he said.

BHHS will host the Southeastern Michigan Model United Nations Association (SEMMUNA) conference during the 2017-18 school year in the Fall, according to MacLeod, the year’s first conference, in preparation for MSUMUN XVIII.

GOVERNOR Photo Credits: Leydya Yatooma

STATE NEWS Governor Snyder Proposes $325 million funding increase in K-12 schools Proposal revolves around an additional $50 per pupil for high schools Giancarlo Tucci Staff Writer

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overnor Rick Snyder’s proposed education budget increase if approved, will continue a five year streak of school aid funding increases and increase Michigan’s school aid fund to the highest it has ever been in

history.

“The proposed budget has been presented by the governor to the legislature, and they give the final

“I think one of the things we know is that, as students get older, the cost of their education gets greater, so we were pleased to see that Governor Snyder recognized that in his budget proposal.”

Charlie Hollerith BHHS Principal approval because they are the funding source,” said Principal Charlie Hollerith. “Typically budgets will get amended through the process, so it’ll be interesting to see how Governor Snyder’s priorities and funding shake out at the end of the

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Bloomfield Hills School District Alum announces bid for the 2018 gubernatorial election If elected, El-Sayed would become first Muslim Governor in American History Hanna Halstead Staff Writer

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lumnus Abdul ElSayed has announced his campaign for the Democratic candidate in the 2017 Michigan gubernato-

rial race.

“My work has always been about building and leading the kinds of institutions that create opportunity for real people by breaking down barriers they face,” Abdul said in his initial campaign speech in Detroit’s Eastern Market on February 25th.

“That work has never been more important than it is today. The politics of fear and hatred threaten to divide us.”

Prior to his run for governor, the former Baron was recognized as a public health professor, and became the Detroit Commissioner of Public Health ensuring the health and safety of the Detroit community by fighting for clean drinking water and working to reduce the amount of pollutants in the air for children with asthma. Building from his leadership background, this member of Andover’s graduating Class of 2003 said he sees a lack of leadership within the

COMMUNITY DEALS WITH MASS SOPHOMORES PARTICIPATE IN POWER OUTAGE NATIONAL HISTORY DAY

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economy that attracts young people current government and the need to provide better health and education back to our state, to be able to build the future of work for our communifor the people of Michigan and wants to be part of the change. ties, and to rebuild public educa“I realized that’s what our state tion.”

As the Secretary of the BHSD needs right now: leadership that’s focused on people and their opporBoard, Jacqueline El-Sayed shares that her tunities, and the secondkinds of eldest son has vision jobs they can have, and understands the kind of educahow to tion we’re execute change. providing them, and “He the kinds has the of public knowledge and health experience that we are to provide BHSD School Board Secretary the protecting for them,” leadership and Abdul’s mother needed for Abdul our state. said. “For those reasons, I decided I wanted to He also has had the opportunity to run for office: to help fix my state, work with some of the foremost exto help protect people across our perts in the world. This increased his state from the kinds of travesties that passion, since he developed a vision we saw in Flint, to help us build an about how to impact public health

“I am very proud that he feels so strongly about giving back to our state in this way.”

Jacqueline El-Sayed

UNDERSTANDING FAFSAWITH AND SOPHOMORE DEALS FINANCIAL AID PARALYSIS sportspage page10 8 see news

and the environment, and by doing so, save many lives,” the mother of three said. “ I am very proud that he feels so strongly about giving back to our state in this way. Abdul has a gift for public service so I am very pleased and confident that he is following the right path for him.”

Following her mother’s thoughts, senior Samia El-Sayed added that her older brother has “always liked helping people. He was a doctor, then a teacher. He always goes on the next journey, and the more people he can help, the better.”

Agreeing with members of his family, BHHS science teacher Dennis Kwasny, who taught Abdul AP Biology 14 years ago said that his former student has always possessed empathetic leadership qualities, and continues to do so.

“He’s really good at managing things, he has a real passion for helping people, and he always has the people in mind.

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SENIORS TO PLAY Q&A WITH NEW BHHSSIGN ORCHESTRA COLLEGESCOTT ATHLETICS DIRECTOR WOLF

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2 Community

Bionic Black Hawks make district finals Story provided by Bloomfield Hills Schools District Congratulations to the Bionic Black Hawks for earning a spot as district event finalists at the Gull Lake FIRST Robotics District Competition March 18-19th. The team formed an alliance with Paw Paw and Three Rivers to upset the number one robot alliance in the semifinals. The team just fell short of winning the entire competition.

The Bionic Black Hawks also received the Gull Lake Chairman’s Award, the highest award given at a tournament. The award recognizes accomplishments over the past five years. Students work year round hosting events, camps, serving the community, performing STEM outreach, producing a tv show, STAG work at the farm, advocacy and K-8 mentoring and were recognized with this award. As winner of this award, the team has advanced to the FIRST State of Michigan Championship which will be held in Saginaw on April 13-15. BHHS students Peter Juncker and Zack Piper represented the team as Dean’s List nominees and Zack was selected as a semifinalist for the Gull Lake Dean’s List award. The FIRST Dean’s List award celebrates the student leaders who have led their teams and communities to increased awareness for FIRST and its mission all the while achieving personal technical expertise and accomplishment. Zack will now advance to State Dean’s List Competition in Saginaw.

El-Sayed from page 1 He has experience that really helped shape his decisions,” said Kwasny who is currently in his 39th year of teaching in the district. “I’m proud of the individual he’s become, and when I heard him speak at his launch, he demonstrated what a mature and well-rounded individual he’s become. He’s an empathetic and caring person, and I believe we need someone in office with those qualities.”

Thinking back on his time in the Bloomfield Hills School District, Abdul said he was “really lucky to have gone to a great public school, and that great public school prepared me for a great public university, which prepared me to get two doctoral degrees from Oxford University and Columbia University, and I’m really thankful for that, while it also showed me how important it was that I become civically engaged, and focused on fixing real problems with real people.”

Looking forward, Abdul said that he has “always stood for improving the wellbeing of people. Whether that be as a doctor, professor, public servant of Detroit, or as the governor of Michigan, that’s always what I’ve stood for.”

For more information on Abdul El-Sayed’s gubernatorial campaign, visit abdulformichigan.com.

March News

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Usa

Low

Party Affiliation

High

Kushner is listed as an independent, but his unique involvement in the Trump campaign and administration shows some republican tendencies

Low

Political Experience

High

Aside from a semester at Harvard during his freshman year, Kushner has not been engaged in politics at all before his involvement in the Trump campaign

Business Experience Low

Who is Jared Kushner, the advisor to President Trump?

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- Kushal Sanjeev Freshman

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High

No, she shouldn’t be detained. South Korea should do their best to cut their losses and move on. As long as she didn’t kill someone or do something of that magnitude, South Korea should just try to move forward

“

Kushner had to shoulder his family’s business at a young age and has been involved in real estate and other business practices for quite some time.

U.S.A

Well she committed some serious crimes.

Destroying evidence is a big deal and a serious abuse of power.

She should be detained for the sake of the investigation.

- Tom Guims Junior

Q

Britain

Should the former South Korean Prime Minister be detained?

Trump creates new office in federal government

No link between Islamic state and London attacker

President Trump has created the Office of American Innovation and has appointed his son in law Jared Kushner as the head. The office will report directly to the President and is responsible for implementing business practices in government.

Even though the Islamic state claimed responsibility for the attack, there was no evidence found linking the attacker and the terror group. The attacker supposedly had interest in jihad, but never talked about his plan with anyone else.

Britain

Japan

Warrants are requested for Park

Japan seeks ability to launch strikes

South Korean prosecutors have requested warrants in cases regarding with the former President Park who was recently impeached. These warrants specifically deal with the destruction of evidence.

A hearing is scheduled for March 30th to decide if Park should be detained.

What’s happening?

Revised immigration ban is passed as an executive order

Mar. 6th

In response to North Korean missile tests, a faction of Japan’s government is pushing for the acquisition of the ability to launch strikes on North Korea. They don’t want to have to rely on the U.S. for their defense. It is legally possible for Japan to launch strikes, they just don’t have the equipment.

Trump gives permit to TransCanada to construct Keystone XL

Parliament is attacked leaving few dead and many wounded

Mar. 22d

Mar. 23rd

“

She should be detained.

This is only for the sake of the investigation.

The investigation must be completed with integrity and if her detainment is needed for that, it should happen.

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- Michael Lynch Senior

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I don’t really know much about this, but if she did something illegal, she definitely should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Nightclub in Cincinnati, OH is attacked by multiple gunmen

Mar. 25th

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-Samir Hasan Junior

Trump creates Office of American Innovation

Mar. 26

BHHS HOSA prepares for upcoming competition Club now preparing for their competitions with a larger membership Caitlin Finerty Staff Writer

The Bloomfield Hills High School’s Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) team, a club started by sophomore Riya Doshi, is preparing for its upcoming state competition which consists of hundreds of students competing in various categories, ranging from practical events to knowledge-based examinations to even debate and public speaking.

“HOSA is an international organization and each team attends a maximum of three conferences: the regional, state and international conferences,” said Club President Riya Doshi. “The importance of HOSA is that it exposes high schoolers to different medical fields and allows them to see whether medicine is something that they want to pursue in the future. It also allows them to make connections with people from across the world who have similar career interests.”

Doshi started the club last year as a freshman, with a double in membership this year.

“We have a lot more members in comparison to last year,” said Anatomy teacher Margie Vasile, who has sponsored the club since 2015. “Our numbers have grown from 15 [who qualified] last year to this year, where we had 34 that par-

ticipated and 27 qualified for states.”

In January of 2017, the BHHS team competed against 35 other schools at the HOSA regional competition in Grosse Ile, Michigan, and have since started preparing for their trip to Traverse City for the April 27-28 State competition.

“To qualify for states, you must be in the top ten of your category. All of the BHHS competitors scored a spot to the state finals,” said sophomore Grace Weaver, who was one of the 27 students that qualified. “States is the round that the finalists of HOSA regionals go to. The finalists of HOSA states then go on to nationals.”

The team will travel to Traverse City to compete in the HOSA state competition in their various categories dealing with the medical field. Weaver, as well as sophomore Brooklin Bekolay, will compete in extemporaneous categories.

“I am in extemporaneous writing,” said Weaver. “This means that the day of the competition I am given 1 hour and a prompt relating to health or HOSA to answer. I was nervous for my event because there is no way for me to know what I was going to be writing about until I got there.”

Bekolay chose another category that fit her interests.

“I am in extemporaneous poster design,” said Bekolay. “I go into each HOSA competition with supplies that are limited. I work for three hours after being given my information and I create a poster that relates to a specific health topic.It is always exciting to see who you are going up against and what topic you get, but I am [most nervous about] how I’ll do. Whether I do well or don’t even get placed in the top ten at all for states” On her role regarding the club, anatomy teacher and club sponsor Margie Vasile said, “My job is to ensure that they are registered in the events and we also have meetings to make sure they are preparing for their event.”

Seniors Cooper Myers, Karthik Nagappan, and Ezra Kalmowitz pose for pictures after their competition

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March NEWS

Governor Snyder proposes $325 million funding in K-12 schools (continued from 1) process and see what is still going to be funded and at what level it’s going to be funded at.”

The proposal includes an additional $325 million in funding, which would raise the school aid fund to $14.3 billion. The increase includes $7 million for educator evaluation and training, a $150 million increase for at-risk students, and a $128 million increase for high schools, equivalating to $150 per student, a $50 increase from last year.

“Most likely the proposed budget will change during the legislative process. However, I was very pleased to see that the governor called out high schools and gave high schools an additional $50 per student in funding,” said Hollerith. “I think one of the things we know is that, as students get older, the cost of their education gets greater, so we were pleased to see that Governor Snyder recognized that in his budget proposal.”

The proposed budget increase may not be

“Long-term, I think that if we continue to have better budgets like this, who knows what could happen.

There are a lot of great possibilities.”

Eric Klein Mathematics Teacher enough to hire new teachers, but it would guarantee that there would be no reduction in teachers, according to Hollerith.

“I think one of the things we always hope is that we can keep staffing levels the same,” said Hollerith. “When you keep staffing levels steady and stable, it allows us to continue to offer the programs we’ve always offered, it allows us to keep class sizes at a reasonable level and, basically, continue all of the programming that people have come to expect from us in Bloomfield Hills. If you don’t get enough money or you have a decrease in money, then you either have to go into the savings that you have and spend it out of there or, the other unfortunate option, which a lot of districts had to face including ours to a certain extent, is you start to cut people and staff. One of the reasons why we combined Andover and Lahser was to be more efficient, especially with our programming. There was an economic reality there that we had to face. Thankfully, now, with these kinds of budget increases, we don’t have to worry about that anymore.”

Educators are also keeping in mind these increases aren’t yet guaranteed.

“I was pleasantly surprised to see the governor’s proposed budget,” said Hollerith. “It was good news, but I’m cautiously optimistic.”

Cautious optimism is still optimism, which is still the most accurate way to describe the attitude of educators.

“Long-term, I think that if we continue to have better budgets like this, who knows what could happen,” said Mathematics teacher Eric Klein. “There are a lot of great possibilities.”

Overall, there is an attitude of gratitude for the value placed on education.

“Every year the state has a pot of money, and it gets divvied up between all of the state’s priorities. There’s the infrastructure, the cost of actually running the state government and of course education,” said Hollerith. “Education is of the utmost importance and it’s an essential service we provide, so what I’m glad to see is Governor Snyder really prioritizing education.”

Model UN team wins fourth MSUMUN title

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Photo Credits: Matthew MacLeod Photography

1. Senior Katie Trotskyj presents her proposal to the other delegates of the Arctic Council Committee 2. Senior Basil Alsubee debates his position with other members of the Arctic Council Committee 3. Senior Tamer El-Gamal advocates for the location of the new capital as Osiris on King Tut’s Cabinet 4. Senior Karthik Nagappan and Junior Hasan Sawan present their working paper with other delegates to the World Health Organization committee 5. Junior Nick Caravias votes on a moderated caucus in Yatsenyuk’s Cabinet 6. The award winners from BHHS pose for a picture after closing ceremonies 7. Freshman Haig Kadian presents his working paper single handedly to the committee before voting procedure 8. Junior Hadeel Rass debates her unique position on the WHO committee 9. The BHHS 2016-17 Michigan State University Model United Nations Team takes a group photo after winning the fourth state title in a row.

My Journey CJ Drogosch Staff Writer

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t is an honor and blessing to play a college sport. Such a small percentage of high school athletes get the chance to carry on their athletic careers. Not everyone goes through the same recruiting process. For me, I wouldn’t have changed a thing.

I knew I wanted to play college baseball pretty much my entire life. Throughout my entire high school experience, I worked for one distinct goal: play ball at the next level.

I got my process going kind of late due to an injury.

Halfway through my freshman year, I had to sit out due to rotator cuff tendinitis. Then sophomore year came around and I still wasn’t feeling right. The doctor told me that I had a torn right labrum on my throwing shoulder, possibly the worst arm injury a ba case for me. Regardless, I knew I had to bring it in 2016.

Letters to attend camps and showcases had come in the mail and appeared in my inbox beginning freshman year. However, the first chance to really play in front of college coaches who were interested in me was junior year. In the offseason before junior year, while I was training to come back, I took my first unofficial visit. The school had seen me before my injury and wanted to start some initial contact and said they would be out to see me during the season.

I played for A.Green baseball in the summer of 2016. The first round robin scrimmage we had, the weekend after the high school season ended, I was able to meet one of the assistant coaches for Wayne State University. From our second tournament on, Wayne was at essentially every game I played in. I played out of my mind in summer ball, leading my team with a .458 batting average.

I talked to coaches on the phone and via text and via email throughout the summer, but things really started to pick up after the season ended. Recruits at schools are treated like kings. I took official visits, 5 being allotted to a student athlete unless it’s a D3 or NAIA school, to Wayne State (overnight), Western Michigan, Kalamazoo, Hillsdale, and Indiana Tech.

It was clear for me that Wayne State was the best fit. I had established a strong relationship with the coaches, saw myself in the greatest situation on that team, loved the campus, thought the lifestyle was perfect, and knew it was the best place for my future as a player.

My arm clearly held me back in some situations.

Most players never come back from torn labrum surgeries. However, my injury made me a better player.

My hitting improved and I was unconscious hitting in the same, hitting out of my mind against 90-92 MPH pitching. My speed, my footwork, my hands, my glove work, my baseball IQ all improved. My arm is something that I’ll always have to monitor. But as long as I can keep playing, who cares?

My advice for future athletes going through the recruiting process is to ENJOY IT. It goes by so quickly.

Cherish every moment and every coach who talks to you and person you meet along the way. Always pick up a call from a coach and make time to talk. It’s about reaching out to them and showing interest. The division doesn’t matter, as long as you can play in college and not give up a love of the game.

INSIDE THE CO

RECRUITING PRO

CJ Drogosch signs with Wayne State University

The Recruitment Process Explained Max Wittenberg Staff Writer

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tanding in his kitchen, he couldn’t believe the phone call he just had.

“When I received my scholarship offer, I was so excited and my eyes filled with tears of joy because I finally received my lifelong goal of getting to the next level for football,” said BHHS junior and football player Jack Sape, who, during a visit to the University of Buffalo, was offered his first Division One scholarship. “It was a great feeling leaving the coaches office and getting to share the news with my friends and family,” Recalling the process that got him to this point, Sape said that the recruiting process started for him during his junior year. “That is super late in terms of football,” he said. “I got looked at by the Miami of Ohio coach and from there I got a recruiting coordinator. He set me up for visits and he pretty much promoted me to other colleges.”

During his 16 years as a Head Varsity football coach, Dan Loria has become familiar with the recruiting process.

“What I tell the athletes is if you’re interested in playing college sports, you need to start the process freshman year. This is because the number one thing you need is to clear the clearing house,” said Loria, who explained that the clearinghouse is a list of requirements that can tell if an athlete will be eligible to accept a scholarship. “You need to have a 2.0 GPA in your core classes. There’s a worksheet that you fill as you go on, so if you don’t clear the clearinghouse, you cannot accept a scholarship.”

Loria continued on by saying that the process consists of more than just performing well during games. “After the season, the athlete should create a highlight video.

A recruiting coordinator will send it to the coach at the university. That really gets the ball rolling,” said Loria, who explained that the recruiters often start to roll in during the offseason, and continue throughout the entire year.

English teacher Vanessa Rose was a former Lahser freshman on the varsity basketball team. She explains that her “recruiting process began as scouts came to our games to look at my potential for the upcoming years. The scouts told me all about the rules and regulations, just to let me know that I was on their radar.”

Looking back, the 2001 Lahser graduate said that “getting my first offer was an experience I cannot even put into words because everything you feel you had been working for since you were a little kid, pays off and just envisioning yourself in that college jersey, is the pay off.”

If you would like to know more about the recruiting process, BHHS athletic director, R.J Guizzetti recommends that student athletes talk to the sports coaches.

Former Student Commits to Stanford Soccer Ben Cooper Staff Writer

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ormer BHHS student Matt Frank has verbally committed to play soccer at Stanford University starting in the fall of 2018.

“I was interested in a few other D1 schools, like Michigan, Duke, and Virginia,” said Frank. “I picked Stanford because they are currently the best team in the country [having just won back-to-back NCAA championships] and also, of course, because of the outstanding academics.”

After attending Bloomfield Hills High School for his freshman and sophomore years, he moved to New York to attend the New York Red Bulls Academy, which is a professional soccer program.

“I moved to New York because I wanted to be part of a Major League Soccer program,” he said. “MLS programs play more games, train more, and there is also the possibility of going pro.”

Frank believes that the move to New York also helped with his recruitment to Stanford.

“Stanford was definitely happy that I was moving to an MLS club, and especially the New York Red Bulls,” said Frank. “Top D1 programs

OLLEGE

“They saw me play a couple times and liked what they saw, and that’s what got them interested in me.

We talked over the phone a couple of times, and decided that Stanford was the right fit for me.”

OCESS

Matt Frank BHHS Alumni like Stanford usually sign players from top academy programs, like the Red Bulls. Stanford believed that players that come from these kinds of programs are ready to play as freshmen in college. And I feel like being part of an MLS program helps you effectively prepare for a college and professional environment.”

However, the move to New York was not as simple as packing his bags up and hopping on a flight.

“We had consulted with my brother’s [Matt’s uncle] family to make sure we could live with them if Matt made the team,” said Jan Frank, Matt’s mom who currently resides with him in New York. “I had talked to the local high school to make sure they could make accommodations for Matt’s soccer schedule, since he travels a lot and gets home too late from practice each night to have a first hour class in the morning.”

According to Frank, getting recruited to a D1 school for soccer is “not anything like” getting recruited to play other sports, like football or basketball.

“In most cases you have to contact the coaches of the school you’re interested in and pitch yourself,” he said. “I attended one of Stanford’s camps, sent them videos, and emailed them when I was playing in a major tournament or showcase. They saw me play a couple times and liked what they saw, and that’s what got them interested in me. We talked over the phone a couple of times, and decided that Stanford was the right fit for me.”

Frank’s mom believes that the move has been very beneficial to Frank’s soccer career.

“We are so lucky that everything turned out as well as we could have hoped,” she said. “The soccer is everything Matt wanted and needed.

The high school here is outstanding. And our life is filled with soccer, adventures in the city, and our extended family.”

Picture by Susan Adams Photography

Josh Jones, signed with Grand Valley State University

Matt Frank in action at a soccer game

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MARCH NEWS

“Music Grams” Raise $350 Tri-M holds its first annual fundraiser for music programs in Kenya Forest Zhang Staff Writer For one of their first fundraisers Tri-M Music Honor Society Juniors Co-Presidents Ally Heath and Brynn Elder sponsored “Music Grams” which raised over $350 dollars for a start up music program in Kenya.

“Mr. [Alan] Posner (the Band Director) attended a music conference in the fall and they talked about this program through the National Foundation of Music Education,” said Elder. “They were supporting it throughout the conference, so he came back and proposed the idea to us. It sounded intriguing and it was a fantastic cause, so we decided to support it as well through our fundraiser.”

Heath stated that the idea to do Music Grams originally came from Senior Tri-M Historian Cal Abbo during their fundraising brainstorm session.

“We were thinking of doing some sort of gram fundraiser,” she said. “Cal originally suggested the idea jokingly, but then we started to consider it more seriously and created a system. We decided to sell tickets for a week at lunch, and then in advisory, a club member would go and serenade the recipient of the Music Gram.”

According to Elder, for three dollars students could choose from a list of twelve different songs “Music Grams which any Tri-M members would were a great deliver a flower and play that idea that got song play; the music de- chosen however, for two partment more more dollars they could request involved with Alan Posner, the group’s advisor, to student body play. everyday life “A lot of students that and spread joy thought Tri-M made Mr. around BHHS Posner play for the fundraiser, while raising but actually he money for kids wanted to play,” said Elder. “He in Africa.” thought it would be fun and engage the students with Alan Posner the music proBand Director gram. Plus, he’s a teacher, so he also thought it would attract a lot more attention than if just students did it.”

In agreement with Elder, Posner, who played the most chosen song, Careless Whisper over 20 times, explained that he “really enjoyed playing. I thought it was a lot of fun and really enjoyed seeing the students’ reactions. Music Grams were a great idea that got the music department more involved with student body everyday life and spread joy around BHHS while raising money for kids in Africa.”

Junior Josie Pelton, whose Music Gram was the song Fergalicious, said, “The performance was very fun and exciting, and it showed how thoughtful my friends were. I look forward to seeing this fundraiser again in the future.”

Elder said that at least half of the 75 members of Tri-M helped out with the fundraiser by playing songs, selling tickets during lunch and organizing the flower and gram delivers.

“It was cool to see all the kids in the club come together because this was our first major fundraiser and our first that we’d ever done inside of school,” she said. “It was really heartwarming that everyone signed up to sell all throughout the lunches, and signed up to play. We found it amazing that we got such a positive response.”

In regards to holding another Music Gram fundraiser, Elder said, “We’d really like to make Music Grams an annual fundraiser around Valentine’s Day. I think as time goes on, it could even become some kind of school tradition, and that would be an amazing concept.”

Pictured: Chapter Presidents Brynn Elder (left) and Ally Heath (right)

Community rallies in face of storm After one of the worst storms in Michigan’s history, the Bloomfield Hills community gathered to help one another Evan Stern Section Editor Broken traffic lights, power outages, fallen trees and disrupted routines were just a few of the outcomes of the recent wind storm in metro Detroit. “We were out for three days,” said ceramics teacher Matthew Beauchamp. “We slept at home for the first night but as it started to get cool, we had to move out. We fortunately got a hotel room. People were driving out all the way from Detroit, Harper Woods and other places just to get a hotel. They were all filled up and people were just scrambling,” Starting on March 8th and stretching on as late as Monday the 13th, Bloomfield Hills and surrounding communities had over one million houses lose power.

With temperatures falling below 15 degrees fahrenheit, families like Beauchamp’s had to look for a place to stay.

“The hotel had these signs up saying only four people per room

John Ballouz Section Editor Jason Moonka Production Manager but there were tons of families that were jammed into a room so it was really packed. People were coming in all the time to get a room but they were all full,” said Beauchamp. “The hotel I was in actually overbooked the rooms online by 30 rooms. But there were some hotels, I heard, that were even jacking up the price a lot and taking advantage of people really being desperate since hotel rooms were so hard to find.”

Along with hotels, public buildings like the Bloomfield Township Library became a sanctuary for those in the community without power.

“It was also a place to be warm. Those were cold days and without any heat in your house it was very cold so this was a warming center for people. ” said Bloomfield Township Library assistant director Tera Moon.

“We got a lot of calls from parents who were desperate for someplace for their children to finish up their homework. One great need we filled was charging people’s cellphones and laptops and other devices. I am sure you know how connected everyone is to their devices and how disabled you feel when you don’t have one so that was a huge need that we filled. There were also a lot of groups that had meetings scheduled over those two days and couldn’t hold those meetings where they were supposed to hold them so we were able to accommodate some people in that respect too.”

With multiple Bloomfield Hills Schools district buildings losing power after the storm, Thursday served as the most hectic day for the community.

“We have a counter on our door that counts everybody that

walks in our front door and the number of people we have for Thursday was 671. It wasn’t much trouble for the staff of the library. We’re usually very well staffed and we’re prepared but we ran out of chairs and people were sitting around on the floors in some cases,” said Moon. “Everyone was very well behaved. There was even a sense of comradery in the air. People were sharing spaces and outlets and everyone was in a good mood. Luckily we kept power the whole time. The most notable thing was just an increase in the volume of people here and the fact that we could be here for them in that time of need, that felt good.”

Symphony Orchestra Succeeds At MSBOA Festival With a new director, Orchestra receives perfect scores after hiatus.

Jessica Kim Section Editor After a year-long hiatus from Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association’s Festival (MSBOA), the Bloomfield Hills Symphony Orchestra received straight First Division Rankings with their new director Scott Wolf.

“I wasn’t really worried. [Symphony is] a solid ensemble lead by a great person made up of wonderful student musicians,” Wolf said.

“What worried me the most is overrehearsing a work so it takes the joy out of a piece, but I think everyone performed as well as could be expected.”

Due to the school’s production of West Side Story the previous year, Symphony Orchestra took a hiatus in participating in Festival, leaving the lower orchestras to perform instead. They returned to Festival on March 4th under the new direction of Wolf, his first year with BHHS. “I don’t think it was that hard of an adjustment [to the new director],” said Junior Victoria Bronstein,

who sits First Chair in Symphony. feel much pressure. I just like to enjoy the experience, because “It was very easy, actually, because I think that’s really important. it’s all music, not the director.

I felt that our ensemble was reI was completely satisfied with ally well prepared, because we had how everything turned out.” been preparing all Wednesdays However Wolf, unlike Bronstein, had throughout the some lingering year for either “I just like to enjoy the exone or two thoughts after the hours, and we’d perience, because I think performance. been preparing “I always look that’s really important. at Festival in retsightreading to the weeks lead- I was completely satis- rospect of what things will we do ing up to it.

All the pieces fied with how everything for the next time that we did, we we perform,” he turned out.” knew them resaid. “And I think ally well.” there were steps the way that She also Victoria Bronstein along I would definitely added that she Junior didn’t feel the change, even in hiatus impactmy twenty-third ed their performance. “I still reyear of teaching. Every year I approach Festival slightly different. membered [the experience] from Like, what can I do better to help ninth grade,” she said. “I felt confident going in because we were others do better? And I did have really well prepared, so I didn’t a lot of reflections about that this

year.”

In terms of their progress as a continuously developing orchestra, both Wolf and Bronstein thought that getting First Division Rankings were a good step forward.

“It’s like a snapshot,” Wolf said.

“If you ever think about a picture or any athlete in slow motion, imagine taking one of those films right at the middle to look at all the little things that are happening. I think that’s what Festival does. It’s a snapshot of a bigger picture.”

“I think we should just keep working hard and continue to make better choices artistically speaking,” said Bronstein.

Although the exact date is yet to be determined, the next MSBOA Festival will be held in March 2018.

7

MARCH NEWS

Sophomore science class choices will change for 2017-18 school year Chemistry and Earth and Space Science will be offered to sophomores Brynn Elder News Editor For the 2017-18 school year, sophomores will be offered less choices for science than students in the past.

“There used to be Honors Chemistry and Chemistry in tenth grade and that was what most kids took, and then last year we had Anatomy, Chemistry, Physics, AP Physics,” said Assistant Principal Margaret Schultz, who was involved in next year’s class offering changes. “We were finding that there wasn’t a good option for a kid who didn’t want to have another math class because there’s a lot of math in chemistry, a lot of math in physics, and anatomy was always an 11th or 12th grade class prior to last year.”

Continuing on, Schultz explained district initiatives were one reason for the curriculum changes.

“In ninth grade kids are full into their learning communities with all four classes, and in tenth grade we have many students that are not in their learning communities for their core classes.,” said Schultz. “We wanted to make improvements because next year all tenth graders will be an interdisciplinary class so it’ll be really important that they have all four core areas in their learning communities. That was a big emphasis for why we changed [class availability].”

After working with 9/10 learning communities for two years, Physics teacher Andrew Mikolajczak said that it has been difficult to assemble learning communities in a way that kept all physics students together which is the main purpose of why they are eliminating classes for sophomores.

In looking for class options to replace Anatomy, Physics, and AP Physics, Schultz said that the district administration first looked to state guidelines.

In addition to chemistry, Schultz said that the second class will be Earth and Space Science. “We think the content is interesting and fun so a lot of kids would be interested,” she said. “It also meets the state required Next Generation Science Standards.” According to Schultz, students can still take Anatomy, Physics, and AP Physics by doubling up and taking two science classes.

According to Schultz, in January these curriculum changes were first proposed to science teachers individually before they were finalized in a full department meeting.

“Mrs. Schultz emailed all of the science teachers and said we were going to have a department meeting one day before school.

At that meeting we were told their idea, and we could give our opinions,” said Anatomy and Physics teacher Lindsey Deluca.

However, according to Mikolajczak, eliminating physics as an option for sophomores causes complications for full Diploma Program (DP) students that want to take physics in high school.

According to International Baccalaureate (IB) Coordinator Carrie James, there are currently two DP science courses offered, Biology and Chemistry, each two year courses. There is no DP physics currently available, meaning that the main opportunity to take physics has been cut.

James stated that to reduce this issue, sophomores will be allowed to elect physics as their science course “if they have done the interest forms for the DP and are recognized as a potential DP student. It is something that they communicate with their counselors.”

There are still concerns with this offer “students don’t decide they are going to be in the IB program until the end of their sophomore year,” said Mikolajczak.

Aside from concerns about IB students, Deluca said, “I personally don’t like eliminating choices for students--I think that [offering a wide range of courses] is one thing that Bloomfield Hills does well. I think most students that take anatomy are generally interested in a medical field anyway or definitely going into science somehow, so they will still take it.”

If students have any questions about class offerings they can see a counselor or science teacher with any questions.

Pictured: A student fills out her scheduling card for the 2017-18 school year

Eighth Hour Added to Schedule Students will be allowed to select an additional course in place of advisory Alexis Rilemma Opinion Editor As students received their course selection card for the 2017-2018 school year, they noticed that they are allowed the opportunity to select one additional course.

“There was a committee that was formed to try and improve scheduling efficiency in the district,” math teacher Kathleen Fellin said as to the explanation of why the current seven hour schedule has been changed to an eight hour schedule.

“One of the biggest things that we found was the inequality between even and odd days here at the high school.”

For several months, Fellin said that the committee of about ten teachers and administrators from the district looked at the overall 2016-2017 schedule and began making changes.

As their first objective in adding in another class, the committee decided to revise advisory by cutting it down to once a week. Felin explained that the reason for the cut of advisory was to balance the even and odd days each to four classes.

“Advisory will be more structured next year allowing students more opportunities to get help from teachers,” Fellin said explaining why advisory will be 72 minutes instead of the current 90 minutes.

According to Hollerith, a member of the committee, this additional class involves many positive changes to student’s schedule, such as the balancing, the money, and the opportunities.

Adding this additional class hour provides students with the opportunity to explore the curriculum further and for students to explore their passion,” he said.

Once the committee adjusted the advisory time, they added in an

8th hour which for students like During this process, the comsophomore Brooklin Bekolay mittee decided that freshmen took some time to adjust. and sophomores will not have “Personally, I enjoyed and the same choices that the upneeded advisory every other day perclassmen have when filling in because it gave me a chance to the additional slot. ask teachers questions and work One of the opportunities for on homework since I have many the students in the 9/10 learning after school activities,” Now communities is that they will with an 8th hour, I am looking be provided an interdisciplinary forward to being able to take class, which according to Felin, more of the classes I have wanted will provide additional support to try.” for their learning.

“I think what students and Fellin explained that she believes parents will see is balanced class there are some key advantages sizes, more classes offered for to the schedule changes that students, and additional courses students should offered,” not miss. said Fellin.

“In both cases, “Not only this change is are we “I think what students a positive one allowing that it will you to and parents will see is in now be offertake more balanced class sizes, ing students a courses, greater array of but we are more classes offered for experiences and giving you students, and additional support than a variety they have ever of courses courses offered,” had before,” he to take, so said.

Kathleen Fellin that way According you can Math Teacher to Hollerith, explore the committee something is introducing different.” an internship As stated opportunity for seniors during from Hollerith, many students in their eighth hour. the past have not been allowed to Fellin comments that the new take their desired electives, but schedule may not significantly this additional class with help increase student workload. with that problem.

“I don’t think we are going to “In some cases, students resee a big change in what the stually like model classes but their dents are going to be facing on a schedule doesn’t have room for daily basis; they actually will be an additional class,” Hollerith more supported because the adsaid. “Now they will. For some visory time they do get will be in students who like art, or music, their learning communities, and or whatever it may be, I think it then they will have some supwill provide those opportunities.”

port built into that 8th hour,” said Fellin. “The MYP Personal Project for sophomores will be built into this interdisciplinary hour as well.”

According to Fellin, the new 8th hour does not necessarily entail increased rigor.

“It can be more of a fun class or an elective, like dance. I am thinking that you will see some positive changes in that direction,” said Fellin. “I’m hoping that you’ll also see the support to the kids that need the support and parents will recognize this as well. This will just give you a few more options available to you.”

The committee is emphasizing that kids either take a support class for this additional hour or take another class that they are interested in. “We are hoping that kids take advantage of exploring some new topics or if you know what field of study you want to go into, this gives you an opportunity to explore that topic a little bit more because you can take another class in that area,” said Fellin.

In regards to how the 8th hour will affect grade point average, Laliberte explained that the 9th and 10th grade Interdisciplinary class will be pass-fail and so will not factor into GPA. For 11th and 12th graders, the eighth class will act as another data point that will be used for calculating a student’s grade point average.”

“We are really excited about the possibilities and hopefully the schedule will lend itself well to the students following their passion within our curriculum,” said Hollerith.

8

MARCH NEWS

Annual Senior All-Night Party in the works Parent committee prepares for big event Carly Hittler Staff Writer Their moms are ready to impress the Class of 2017; however, with with only 240 tickets sold they are worried some seniors will miss out on this once in a momentous opportunity.

“I think it’s the time of your life,” AllNight Party Chairperson Pam Ferguson said.

“It’s not like any party they’ve typically had at the school. It’s just one big night for your graduation. We transform the school to a place that you don’t recognize. You walk in and there’s just something for everyone to do; from the biggest daredevil to somebody who just wants to sit quietly in the corner.

You can go as an individual, and you might meet somebody you’ve never met all your four years of school.”

The All-Night Party allows seniors to participate in one group event one last time.

Even though this is her first time on the committee, Sandy Morelli shared that in her year of planning she has found that “there’s something for everyone. That’s what’s beautiful about it too,” she said. “We want everyone to attend; to take advantage of this amazing opportunity. For me to be a part of it this year is really an experience. It’s extraordinary what it takes to pull it together.”

Why is it a secret?

For years, All Night Party has been kept a secret from the senior class.

“You can go as an individual, and you might meet somebody you’ve never met all your four years of school.”

Sandy Morelli All-Night Party Chairman “It’s a safe place to have an awesome time with their friends, and we want to give them that. This is what they’ve been waiting all of high school for. I think the important piece is that this isn’t some fake thing to get [the seniors] in the door and lock them in so they don’t go to a party,” said Morelli.

What is at the party?

At the All Night Party, students will be surrounded with tons of fun entertainment.

However, keeping the entertainment secret is a key part to the success of it.

Ferguson said, “every party is different, and even if it gets leaked out a little, the entertainment changes. We’re bringing in some pretty sweet entertainment from out east.

There’s stuff that you’re probably not going to expect to see at the school. Entertainment such as games, rides, and even a DJ will transform the school to a place that you don’t recognize.”

According to Ferguson “there’s going to be tons of food Everything is done in excess, including the food.”

What can seniors win at the party?

Students will have the opportunity to win prizes and earn money at the All Night Party.

“Years previously, we gave away an ultimate dorm room. So you got a futon, a television, a microwave, a refrigerator, a laptop, and a bed set. The grand prize was you got to choose one of those things. This year will be similar; there are some crazy things you can win,” said Ferguson.

Alumni Justine Abbo encourages this year’s class to go.

“It was kind of like our last hoorah. It was the very last time that the group of people you spent the last four to thirteen years with will be together. Sentimentality and an overall awesome time made it really important for me to go,” Abbo said.

All Night Party is on June 11 from 10pm-2am

SKYLAR RAITT PHOTOGRAPHY

After receiving his acceptance letter from the University of Michigan, senior John Ballouz uses federal aid website to apply for financial aid for college tuition

I got accepted… now what?

Advice from counselors on preparing to attend college after graduation Jillian Abbo Op/Ed editor For the Class of 2017 the question is “I’ve been accepted to college…. now what?”

“They need to follow any of the directions that the university that they have been accepted to gives them regarding deposit, setting up orientation and other things like that,” said Counselor Laura Hollyer-Madis who along with the other four BHHS counselors are advisings seniors on what to do. “They also need to let the other schools that they applied to, and are not going to attend, know that they have accepted an offer from another school.”

The following steps Hollyer-Madis and the other counselors believe seniors should complete once they have been receiving acceptance letters.

Visit the schools For seniors who may feel overwhelmed after receiving numerous acceptance letters, Hollyer-Madis advises that they visit the schools they have been accepted.

According to Hollyer-Madis “making sure that campus fits who you [seniors] are as an individual because being happy is just as important as the academics at the school.”

Senior Sarah Samosiuk who is deciding between four universities said, “I visited all of the college campuses and during the visit I took two colleges

off of my list. It is really important [to visit] because I know that I am going to need to be at a college and campus that I enjoy since I will be living there.”

Don’t be afraid of your decision Current BHHS Senior Issra Dourra, who was accepted to three colleges spent three months and finally decided which college she will be attending in the fall.

“For University of Detroit Mercy, I didn’t just apply to the school, I applied to a specific program that is very demanding and rigorous, so when I saw that I was accepted into that program. The program is an accelerated 5-year PA [physician’s assistant] and since I have been wanting to become a PA for a long time, this program was the reason I made my decision on University of Detroit Mercy. It all seemed like a great opportunity for me to take,” said Dourra.

Complete FAFSA After a decision is made, students and their families need to focus on the financial aspect attending college.

“There are lots of different scholarship opportunities out there, some of which are merit based meaning test scores and GPA, and those colleges will reach out to students if they meet the colleges requirement,” said Hollyer-Madis. “There is also money that is based on financial aid, which is a package that is offered

based on financial need. To apply for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) , the parent goes on the FAFSA website sets up an account and inputs all of their financial information. This is not something a student can do because if requires a parent’s income tax information. The form is available on October 1st each year and should be done as soon as possible. Dollars offered are first come first serve and universities do run out of monies.

Financial packages may also be a part of your college decision.”

Research Scholarships Along with looking into assistance from the federal government, Dourra followed her counselor’s advice and began looking into potential scholarships opportunities.

“There are tons of scholarships out there. We promote many of those in our counseling newsletter and students can also go into their Naviance/Family Connection account and research scholarships in the sites search engine. Scholarships can be very time intensive. Some scholarships will require you to let them know what college you will attend so they can send the money there and others are more flexible and allow you to spend the money on books, housing and the general needs of attending college,” said Hollyer-Madis.

“University of Detroit Mercy is pretty expensive [due to] the fact

that it is a private school, so my approximated tuition was $40,000, but then I met with my counselor and we discussed scholarships,” said Dourra. “My tuition dropped from $40,000 to $8,000 with scholarship money.”

Planning Ahead In addition to staying on top of deadlines for financial aid, there are other important required dates that need attention.

“I put my deposit in when I got accepted and I have to wait until May 1st for applications to be released,” said future University of Michigan student Michael-Armen Kadian. “I’m applying for learning communities [residential areas] because you can get better rooming that way, I want west quad or anything on central campus.”

Another date to plan ahead is orientation, where students stay and visit the school that they will attend.

“After I sent in my deposit, I was able to sign up for an orientation date, but I haven’t signed up yet because there are so many dates,” said future Michigan State University student Bec Grippo. “All I know about them is that they are two days long.”

For more information or guidance, set up an appointment with your counselor in the counseling office.

Youth Action Board addresses drug & alcohol abuse Four area Oakland County high schools represented at annual choices event Vivian Harber Staff Wrifter The Birmingham Bloomfield Community Coalithe day as “eye opening, chilling, and life changtion (BBCC) youth group, Youth Action Board ing.”

(YAB) hosted their annual Choices event on March The teens in attendance then broke out into 22. smaller dialogue sessions to discuss their opin“Choices is a youth, dialogue day,” says YAB ions, thoughts, and to colcoordinator Kelly Michaud. “The idea laborate with one another. behind Choices is to bring a majority “Even if you’re aware of the “Even if you’re aware of dangers of teens together to talk about this of substance abuse, issue of substance abuse and underage the dangers of substance Choices gives you more inuse and we try to relate it to the total on how to avoid it and abuse, Choices gives you sight teen experience.” help others to do the same,” During Choices, Michaud said that more insight on how to says BHHS freshman Jada attendees were able to witness a live Samuels. court procession through 48th district avoid it and help others The Choices event is one court and judge Diane D’Agostini. of the YAB’s biggest, with to do the same,” In addition, participants hear from about 100 students on averyouth and recovery speakers from age in attendance, raising another collaborative entity in Oakawareness around the area Jada Samuels land County called “Families Against for teen drug and alcohol Narcotics.” The speakers were young, Freshman abuse. recovering addicts who share their “The YAB is forefront on stories to benefit the teens. this issue. It’s like a living, breathing, evolving, “The idea behind Choices is to put youth at the inclusive, dynamic, diverse group; we don’t just forefront of this issue because we firmly believe that talk about things, we get things done,” says we better put teens first and foremost and include Michaud. “We’re really talking about trends in them in the dialogue,” says Michaud, who describes teen issues here and getting ahead of it, and the

youth really can make a difference on what needs to be addressed in our communities.”

According to Michaud, the YAB is a student led group that discusses and confronts issues facing teens today, specifically drug and alcohol abuse. The YAB gives the youth a representation in the BBCC through the planning of events and an overall contribution to the community.

“YAB has been the student voice of the BBCC, a community based, nonprofit, substance abuse prevention organization,” says Michaud. “That is our mission, to give students a voice and presence on all teen issues because they’re all sort of interrelated.

We definitely want to do something about substance abuse, underage drinking and drug use, but we also see that there’s a larger issue at hand in supporting teens in life.”

Any and all BHHS students are able to join the YAB. YAB meetings are scheduled for Sundays from 1:30-3 at the Bloomfield Township Public Library.

Contact Kelly Michaud at kmichaud@bbcoalition. org for more information.

9

MARCH FEATURE

BHHS Teacher discusses his interest in investing Math teacher Steven Thomas describes his life as an investor outside of school Justin Yaker Staff Writer BHHS math teacher, Steven Thomas is inspiring students with his financial tips and advice, specifically through being the advisor of BHHS’ investment club.

Thomas explained the stock market is the perfect place to make money because it doesn’t see or care who is investing in it.

“The main reason I like investing is that it’s just fun, and also it is a way for anybody to make additional money, while still learning about the economy,” said math teacher Steven Thomas, who has been investing ‘real money’ since he was 15 years old. “Somebody once told me that the only way for a middle or low class worker to become a millionaire is through the stock market; that is when I started becoming involved.”

Led by BHHS juniors Leo Sabin and Yousef Kobeissi, the investment club is running again this year.

Sabin expresses his feelings on Mr. Thomas as the advisor to his club.

“Mr. Thomas has showed Yousif and I new techniques on ways to invest in the stock market. He is a very experienced investor and is able to offer us his unique creative investing strategies,” said Sabin. “Mr. Thomas has made a lot of sacrifices with giving up time with sports and other free time, in order to show up at the investment club.

He is always there to help us.”

Adding onto Sabin’s thoughts, Thomas said that he believes his role “is simply to guide the students. Whenever they need information or help, I give that to them, but simply I am nothing more than a facilitator and advisor. The more they want

“The main reason I like investing is that it’s just fun, and also it is a way for anybody to make additional money, while still learning about the economy,”

Steven Thomas Math Teacher

Vikram Lakshmanan will be competing in the World Championship for Irish Dancing in Dublin, Ireland Kylie Buckfire Staff Writer Sophomore Vikram Lakshmanan is traveling to Dublin, Ireland from April 9th-16th for the World Championship in Irish dancing, known as Oireachtas Rince Na Cruinne.

Through his participation in past regionals, nationals, and worlds, he has earned a spot in this year’s World Championship. His preparation as a soloist performer began immediately after his qualification.

“You generally start preparing for worlds as soon as you qualify for it, and decide to go,” said Lakshmanan. “I have been preparing for Worlds since July, then I had a break, and then I got back into it in November.”

Lakshmanan’s placed twenty second at Worlds

last year making this year his sixth time attending the competition. In the past, Lakshmanan has attended Worlds held in Boston, London, Montreal, and Glasgow.

“I have been doing fairly well. I qualified for Worlds at Nationals in July [where] I placed 9th,” said Lakshmanan. “Around Thanksgiving time we had Oireachtas, also known as regionals, [where] I came in 2nd. Along with these major competition, I have also had small local ones, in which I have placed [in the] top 5 and higher.”

Lakshmanan’s coach, Megan Paulowicz, explains that she loves having him on her team, as he is funny and is a supportive teammate. She also discussed her hope that Vikram will become an a world medal

holder in Dublin.

Lakshmanan, while proud of his accomplishments has plans for his dance career in the future.

He said, “I feel very good about [my past awards], but I have to always tell myself that there is a long way to go before I really reach the top of the top.

Making it to worlds is an amazing feeling, it isn’t everyday that an Irish Dancer makes it the World Championships.”

“I feel overjoyed to watch Vikram dance, and pleased that he is achieving such great heights.

This is a result of years of hard work. So it is well deserved and his dad and I take pride in his accomplishments,” Lakshmanan’s mother, Uma Lakshmanan, explained.

the funniest excuses given at the BHHS attendance office

By The Numbers On 12/23 -2191 lines of excused by parent calls On 3/1 -305 lines of excuses by parent calls -39 lines of early dismissals -50 lines of late excuses On 2/15 -498 lines of excused by parent

Provided by Mrs. Allen

from me, the more I’ll give them,” said Thomas.

“I want them to take ownership of that club, so that it’s viable, meaning it will last a long time and they will learn more.”

Sophomore Zain Kawoosa, first year member of the Investment Club, believes that his involvement in the club and his knowledge of the stock market is directly related to Thomas’ involvement.

“Every single time I go to investment club, he provides a lot of insightful advice. At the same time, though, he is able to explain it in a way so that people that are not as experienced in stock investing as him can understand properly,” said Kawoosa. “In the future, and not just when I am investing in stocks, I can use some of the methods and knowledge that he has given to us and make more logical decision, in terms of putting real money in stocks.”

Sophomore, Jamie Blatnikoff also weighed in on Thomas providing him insightful guidance.

“Before I went to investment club, I knew nothing about investing at all, but I knew it was a good way to make money, so I wanted to learn.

Because of this interest I went to investment club, and Mr. Thomas has taught us all of these tips and tricks,” said Blatnikoff. “I have definitely benefited from Mr. Thomas’ teachings, simply because I have gained a new skill that I didn’t have before, in terms of financial abilities, which will be beneficial in the future.”

To keep his student’s interest and help them learn, Thomas said he builds off both information from the professional world as well as his personal experiences.

“With students, I talk about real technical patterns or certain stocks that I am looking at, and why am looking at them. I will even tell them about the times I have gotten destroyed on a stock,” said Thomas. I tell them why I lost money, and the mistakes I made. On the other side, when I have made money and done well, I tell them what I was looking at and why I think it worked out well.”

For those interested in investing, Thomas recalls a famous investor who once said that all investors need confidence and an open mind.

“I don’t know about confidence, but I believe too many investors lack an open mind,” Thomas said. “Too many investors trade the market they want, rather than the market they have. Meaning, they can continuously lose money because they won’t open their mind and understand this is not what’s working,” said Thomas. Next is experience, and investing fake money doesn’t count. “I have had some bad years in the market when I was younger, but now I am to the point where year after year I am making a decent amount of money, because I have a system that works for me.”

Sophomore Going to Worlds For Irish Dance

Section B OPINION Reflecting on March Madness Editor discusses his experience with the 2017 Bracket Challenge

GUIZZETTI wins regional athletic director of the year

CJ Drogosch Section Editor There’s nothing like watching college basketball in March. The field of 64 in the tournament get ready to play. Let the madness begin.

18,797,065 Tournament Challenge

No one can fully explain the phenomena of March Madness. It’s single game elimination, loser goes home.

Anything can take place. brackets were filled out on ESPN. Out of those only 657 picked the Final Four correctly. Unfortunately, my bracket was busted in the Round of 32 when my projected winner Duke lost to South Carolina. I was devastated, but still loved the fact that an upset like that could happen.

No one can fully explain the phenomena of March Madness. It’s single game elimination, loser goes home. Anything can take place.

see more page 14

Sports Opinion Lifestyle

By The Hawkeye Sports Staff

T

he Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association awarded Athletic coordinator RJ Guizzetti was awarded Regional 11’s Athletic Director of the Year at the MIAAA conference in Traverse City.

“My first thought was that there had to be other Athletic Directors out there who were more deserving,” said Guizzetti.

“There are a lot of people who work extremely hard every day and do things the right way, so surely one of them had to be more likely to win.”

Amanda Sape, a varsity basketball player and senior, is one athlete that is excited and happy for Mr. Guizzetti and his accomplishment. “It is really neat to see RJ win this award,” said Sape. “Being one of his athletes during the time he won it is especially cool.”

Nick Guizzetti, freshman soccer player and son of Guizzetti, is very proud of his father being recognized with the award. “I feel like he deserved it by far. It’s really cool to see him win the award,” said Nick. “He is great at his job, and after seeing all of his hard work and effort, I knew he could do it.”

Guzzetti made it clear, however, that he gets help from other people, and could not do this job by himself.

NEWS Mens’ hockey exceeds preseason predictions Team earns more wins than expected Jake Weitzman Staff Writer With more than half of the team leaving after the 2015-2016 season, the Black Hawks hockey team wasn’t projected to do too well this year.

“As a parent in the program for the last five years I did not have great expectations due to the fact that we lost 15 seniors,” said Marcy Spitz, mother of assistant captain Daniel Sternberg. “I thought it would be a re-building year.

It is always hard to start over and with that many seniors moving on.”

But Head Coach Bruce McAlister had attainable goals for the team.

“My plan for the team this season was to be competitive in every game. I didn’t want the kids to get into a situation where they play a period of hockey, something bad happens, then they get rolled over or even mercied.

“Once it sank in a little bit I began to think about all the people who make our Athletic Department so successful. We have tremendous student-athletes who consistently represent BHHS in the best ways possible. Our coaching staff is unmatched in Michigan-I truly believe that. Our parental support makes us a model program for others to try to match,” said RJ. “We have the best Athletic Trainer in the state in John Ciecko. Mike Cowdrey, our District Athletic Director, and Charlie Hollerith are very involved in all aspects of the program.

Jackie Osborn, who works in three departments at BHHS, is a tremendously valuable part of the Athletic Department. All of these people contribute so much to our success.”

Guizzetti said that, “nobody does this job for recognition, but everyone likes to be recognized for their efforts, no matter what they are doing.

This is much more than just an individual award.

Everyone involved in the Athletic Department, no matter their role, should be very proud of this award. Each of these people has contributed to us winning it.”

see more page 14 Photo Credits: Bloomfield.org

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12

March SPORTS

Photo Credits: Johnathan Fischer

Ski Team Ski team competed at multiple meets and placed high in all of them. Athletes like Grace Dillon, Dominick Shoha, and Colin Stewart qualified to represent the Bloomfield Blackhawks Ski Team at the state tournament. After a grueling five weeks of competing against different schools , such as Detroit Country Day and , the boys ski team stands strong in second place (7-1, 15 points) and the girls ski team shares a three-way tie for first place (7-1, 15 points). Also, members such as Ryan Stewart have dominated in events such as the Dual Course Race. With returning members Kristi Fleckenstein, and Hannah Goby, the Ski Team is primed for another great year on the slopes.

Girls’ Hockey The girls varsity hockey team nearing the end of their season. Led by head coach Mick Singelyn and assistant coaches Marc Bekolay and Chris Koch, the hockey team’s overall record was 4-7-1. Although it was not a winning record, the results placed them at the second seed in the Division II playoffs. “Our hard work during the year is finally paying off. We’re very enthusiastic going into the last part of our season, especially playoffs” said senior captain Carly Hittler. The girls lost to Ann Arbor Pioneer in the semi-finals of the playoffs, officially ending their season.

Photo Credits: Susan Adams

BHHS SPORTS

Updates

Wrapping up winter sports and previewing spring sports

Girls’ Basketball After a gruesome injury to one of their key guards, Katherine Prina, the Lady Blackhawks rallied together to string along a 19 game win streak following their loss against Caledonia. Amanda Sape, who committed to further her basketball career at a D1 school (Kent State), consistently racked up double-doubles during her final year as a member of the team. Victorie Franklin was the spearhead of the scoring load, averaging 14.1 points per game. Amanda Sape highlighted the rebounding category, grabbing almost 10 rebounds (9.9) every contest. With juniors like Rebecca Hancock and Imani Wright, and underclassmen coming into their own play styles, the Bloomfield Lady Blackhawks are primed and prepped for years to come. However, the Lady Blackhawks’ winning streak and entire season took a turn for the worst when their streak was broken by Marian in the district finals of the state playoffs.

Photo Credits: Susan Adams

Lacrosse

Girls’ Soccer Girls soccer tryouts were held at Ultimate Soccer Arenas from 3-5 during the week of March 13th.

Players were divided between the three teams: JV B, JV A, and Varsity. In previous years, all three teams had successful seasons and last year, the program moved up a division. After winning their new division (D1 Red) last year, the varsity team is expecting a great season, led by senior captains Sam Ferry and Claire Beresford. “We are all very excited for this season and all the additions to varsity this year,” says Senior captain Sam Ferry.

“We’re looking forward to all of the team memories on and off the field.” With tryouts over and teams decided, the Bloomfield girls soccer teams are anticipating a winning season, coached by Allan Zarakia.

The Lacrosse teams for both genders are gearing up for a new year follwing immense success. Captaining the men’s lacrosse team are twin brothers Derek and Devon Lynch (seniors), Paul Mucci (Junior), and Brad Griffin (Junior). The boy’s first game was on March 23th where they faced Birmingham by 8-6. The main coaches for the two teams were Jerry Meter and Coach Guido, father of women’s player Lexi Guido.

The sport of lacrosse has rapidly recieved more praise throughout the past years, leading to a bolstering amount of over 30 players allocated to the lacrosse team. The team plans to build upon their previous year where they got to the third round of state playoffs.

Bowling The Bloomfield Blackhawks Bowlers have wrapped up their season, ending with a record of 4-7, a vast improvement over last year. Part of this advancement in success is due to four bowlers over a 170 regular bowling average. Derek Terner leads the Blackhawks with an incredibly close to 200 average with 198.67, followed up by Hunter Kasravi with 187.06, Austin Terlecky with 181.64, and Adam Lesniak 176.33. “We had great expectations this year, and hopefully we can come back stronger next season” said Varsity boy’s team bowler Adam Lesniak. “I think so far the offseason training has really payed off in terms of our skill level.” The varsity girls’ bowling also showed major improvements in the 20162017 season. Rhiannon Young leads the girl bowlers with an 145.00 average, second is Anna McGuffie with a 137.11 average, and third on the bowling team is Sara Greig with 122.61. Looking back on the previous season, the coaches and the bowlers themselves are primed and ready to improve for the following year.

Photo Credits: Susan Adams

Boys’ Basketball The Bloomfield Hills High School Boys’ Basketball team concluded the year off unexpecting early with their final loss coming from highly rated Troy High School at the score of 64-57. The boys’ team rounded out the year with a 10-11 record, not fully amounting to the expectations set at the beginning of the year. With their lastsecond loss against Avondale, the team’s record was derailed, but their spirit wasn’t. Seniors like Kiewuan Graham, Josh Jones, and Justin Henry pass the torch to the class of the 2018, which made up 8 players of this year’s roster. Losing in the district semi-finals seemed to portray the season as a bust to some, but every year to develop play styles and create a familial bond always provides a winning season for the players.

Photo Credits: Mycah Butler

Softball On Monday March 13th, Girls softball tryouts were held in the Auxiliary Gym in Bloomfield Hills from 3-5 PM, shortly after school dismissal. With the majority of the senior Varsity players graduated, more spots are eligible for incoming students such as Juniors and Sophomores. Both teams will contain around 13 players, on both Varsity and Junior Varsity. Coach Whitmire said, “We’re excited to kick off the new softball season.” Led

by Varsity captain Amy Benson, the team is expected to bounce back this season with a strong field of players, such as Mycah Butler and Lauren Richardson.

Baseball The 2017 Black Hawk baseball team has 6 seniors and 11 juniors on the team. Captains are Andrew Denk, Max Rosenfeld, and C.J. Drogosch. The squad is led by head coach Frank DiVito in his third season as manager. There are two new assistant coaches for the group, Coach Forrest who played at South Carolina and won two national championships and Coach Zach who was a collegiate player at Madonna and Macomb Community College. Tryouts were held Monday, March 13- Thursday, March 16. The season begins with the spring break pre-season tournament, and then the Hawks face West Bloomfield on Tuesday, April 10. The Comerica Park game is on Friday, April 14. They look to improve on their 23-11 record from last season and make a strong push into districts.

13

MARCH SPORTS

5

Most Common Just a game...

Athletic Injuries

Concussion

Concussions are brain injuries that happen when there is a significant hit to the head. All Concussions result in a loss of consciousness, nausea, difficulty concentrating and loss of balance.

Shoulder Injury

Shoulder injuries make up 20% of all sports injuries.

Shoulder injuries are caused by overuse of the shoulder muscle. Sports that require overhead movement are the worst scenario for this injury.

Prina ends her final basketball season at BHHS with injury Sadie Kirschner Section Editor It was almost over.

It was December 29th, the third quarter of a christmas tournament game and senior, Varsity Girls Basketball point guard, Katherine Prina was on the court.

Then, it happened.

“We were playing in a Christmas tournament and it wasn’t a very good team. But it was in the third quarter during a 1 on 1 situation so, it was just me and another girl.

I was going up for a layup on the left side and as I was going up, I heard a pop and I instantly knew it was a torn ACL and my season was over,” said Prina who began her basketball career in third grade.

Varsity Girls Basketball coach Jeff Rubin said that, “When she got hurt, it was pretty tough on the team and myself. I have been coaching her since she was in middle school at East Hills about six years ago and she is an amazing player. You’re never going to replace what Katherine gave us.”

Prina adds on her experience

when the accident happened.

“When I fell, my first reaction was to cry and scream as loud as I could because I was so in shock.

My coach and the trainer (Ciecko), came right onto the court and asked me many questions and eventually carried me off the court and back to the trainer’s room,” said Prina. “During the game, like most of my games, my mom was in the stands and my dad was keeping score. When it happened, they were also very shocked and their immediate reaction was to help me. But also, they were pretty sad, just like me, that I was out of my senior season because basketball has been my life.”

Prina explains what is was like finding out about getting surgery.

“I had never had a surgery before that or have ever been hospitalized so it was pretty surprising to me when they said I needed it,” said Prina whose doctors told her that to can take her six to nine months to fully recover. “I’m sadly out for my senior season

which really sucks, especially since we did so well (19-1),” said Katherine. “I’ve been going to physical therapy twice a week and working out a lot, trying to gain back all of the muscle that I have lost. I also still go to my practices and ball handle and shoot.”

Prina elaborated on how this injury has truly affected her.

“Basketball has been my life and so having this injury is literally huge. I’ve never had an injury where I’ve been out for this long let alone had a surgery before so this whole experience has all been pretty shocking to me. It’s been incredibly hard on me since I’ve been playing all of my life.

I’ve been on varsity and a starter player for four years and it’s crazy to think that I am not able to play out the rest of my senior season because of one, harmless, one on one exhibition game.”

From bad to worse Savage tries to overcome two dislocated shoulders Torn ACL

The ACL or anterior cruciate ligament, connects the leg bone to the knee. The act of suddenly stopping and or a hard impact to the side of the knee can cause a strain or tear of the ACL.

Hamstring Strain

A strain is a muscle or tendon injury. The hamstring muscles are pulled when an athlete is overstretching the muscle. Track or hurdling are main causes of a hamstring strain.

Sprained Ankle

Ankle sprains occur with a rapid shifting movement with your foot planted. Playing soccer or football could promote the injury could occur. The ankle rolls outward and the foot turns inward.

Brendan Lynn Staff Writer As Ryan Savage was racing for the puck down the ice in the second period, he gets hit and Ryan’s shoulder makes instant impact with the boards.

Once being rushed to a hospital in Vail, Colorado, after being in Switzerland for hockey, Ryan and his mother learned he dislocated shoulder.

“I knew it as soon as it happened that something was wrong,” said junior HoneyBaked Hockey player Ryan Savage and University of Miami Ohio hockey commit.

“The feeling is an occurring one because I had already dislocated my shoulder before. It’s the most painful thing I have ever faced.”

Ryan’s mom, Debby Savage, wife of Brian Savage, former 14-year NHL player, was in Canada and it was the hardest thing to hear.

“The injury was really hard to watch. The doctor is amazing and Ryan is already ahead where he should be.

He is moving well and he is doing fluid motions again.

My husband had the same surgery on both shoulders. It’s a newer surgery and I’m really happy with the progress Ryan has made. The chance of it ever coming out again is slim and Ryan currently has a bunch of screws in his shoulder.”

Since this wasn’t the first time Ryan dislocated his shoulder, he’s aware of the recovery process.

Savage is one of 50% of athletes age 15 to 29 who’s had a shoulder dislocation according to www.myvmc. com.

Although Ryan is one of his team’s top players, he’s helped influence his team with motivation according to HoneyBaked coach Jason Deskins.

“Ryan was one of our top players, so it has affected our team. We have had to have other players step up because of Ryan’s loss. The team was very disappointed at first, but has moved on and rebounded well,” said Deskins. “Ryan has come to games and practices to be

a motivational influence on our team. Ryan will fully rebound from his injury and it shouldn’t affect his style of play at all. Ryan can increase his strength in his shoulders which will make him a better player as he moves to higher levels.”

As Savage, is out until next season, he’s currently finding new ways to support his team. “I have been giving them support off the ice and wishing them luck each game. Unfortunately, I will not be with them on the ice for the rest of the year and playoffs.”

Throughout the whole process Savage has been receiving tremendous support. “My family, teammates and coaches have given me the most support throughout this gruesome injury. A lot of them have gone through something similar and they know how to support me. So, I will get back as soon as possible,” Savage said.

As Saint Lawrence State Hockey commit Ryan Roth leading the team with 13 goals, has helped the team’s record remain at 13-7 record. While Savage is out with his dislocated shoulder.

“It really put a sudden end to my season with two months left to go. The most important part of the year in terms of the hockey season was coming up. We had a lot of important games coming up,” said Savage.

However, his injury made him want to finish rehab quickly, according to Savage. “I’m hoping to do all of my rehab and be back in the next four to six months from when the injury happened a couple months ago. Therefore, I will have the whole entire summer to train and get ready for next year. I have no fear of getting back onto the ice.”

http://www.foxnews.com/story/2009/06/19/top-10-sports-injuries.html

Student discusses her 13 year long commitment Senior Anna Cao has a unique and diverse passion Anna Cao Staff Writer There’s one thing I have to explain.

Roller skating is a sport. In fact, it is a professional sport that has been around for 80 years.

Why is this important you ask?

As someone who has placed three times at a national level, it’s important to me.

With 348 skating clubs it’s also important to a lot of other people too. But the misfortunate part is if you ask ten people I would guess that none of them could tell you anything about the sport that I have dedicated a large part of my life to.

So, what exactly is artistic roller skating as a sport?

Let me paint the picture.

Ice skating, which is an olympic sport, has ice, blades, jumps and spins. Now, remove the ice and the blades and replace it with wood and wheels. Keep the jumps and the spins.

The choreography is the same.

The costumes are the same.

The amount of countless hours creating perfection is the same.

So, you might ask why roller skate instead of ice skate?

To me that’s like asking pancake or waffles.

They are quite similar and both have their own specialties, I just prefer one over the other.

Standing on the podium in front of a crowd is exhilarating. However, my joy is the process of getting there. This year marks my thirteenth year skating and eighth year competing.

With a minimum twelve hours a week at the rink throughout the school year. In the summer that time often doubles. Honestly, it never feels like enough.

Sometimes it’s worse than a highway halted by traffic with the sheer amount of people obstructing any productivity.

But, that’s all part of the fun.

Throughout these past few years, I have gained and lost a lot along the way. Every single moment, ever single fraction of a second, has been worth it.

So, to you professional roller skating may not be anything you’ve ever heard of until now but to me it is not just a sport. It’s also a passion, a drive, and a way of life.

Senior Anna Cao performs her newest roller skating routine

14

MARCH SPORTS

JUMPS March Madness (From 11) In our newspaper class, the other sports writers on staff picked Duke (Max W.), Kentucky (Habib), Ben (Gonzaga), and UCLA (Jake).

The Final Four will be in Phoenix, Arizona. I hope one day to be able to experience a Final Four in person, up close in action with my family; senior Alex Ross is going this year.

South Carolina plays Gonzaga on April 1 at 6:09 pm, and Oregon faces off against North Carolina on the same day at 8:49 pm. It is the first ever Final Four appearances for South Carolina and Gonzaga. For Oregon, it’s the first time they have made it since 1939 when they won the National Championship. North Carolina will be making its 20th Final Four trip.

The best part about March Madness, in my opinion, is not knowing what is going to happen next. There has never been a perfect bracket. No one can pick which upsets will occur on any given year. Maybe the higher seed will beat the lower seed they’re facing 9/10 times they play, but that doesn’t matter. It’s a one game match up for all the marbles.

The tournament starts with the four play in games, then there’s the round of 64, then 32 teams remain, the Sweet 16 comes next, Elite 8 after that, and the Final Four at the end. There are 16 seeds in 4 regions. The lowest seed to ever win a Men’s Basketball National Championship were the 8 seeded Villanova Wildcats in 1985. The Wildcats beat North Carolina last year on a last second shot by Kris Jenkins to win the title.

Who will win it this year? Who knows?

But one thing is for sure: I know I’ll be watching over Spring Break.

Most popular national champion selection amongst Hawkeye staffers:

Duke Blue Devils

(selected by 20% of staff members)

Mens’ Hockey (From 11) I wanted them to compete for all three periods,” said McAlister. “My goal was to prepare and practice each week for the upcoming game. I wanted to create a strategy that we could utilize to be competitive. But overall, I wanted to continue to compete every game, regardless of the score. That was the goal.”

When McAlister put his plan to action, he said “We won some pretty tough games, 13 of them to be exact,” said McAlister..

“The games that we lost were lost by one or two goal deficits. We lost 12 games, and four of those were overtime losses. At the end of the day, we had a pretty successful season.”

The Black Hawks owe many things to their success. According to Spitz, the team was winning mainly because of their amazing camaraderie. “I was thrilled to see the team work together on and off the ice. The season was successful in many ways well beyond the wins and losses,” said Spitz. “I saw leadership, philanthropy, and unity throughout the season. This aspect of the team made me very happy as a parent and kept the kids wanting to win on the ice.”

Looking back at their predictions, many people were glad to say they were wrong.

“After the first game I realized that this team had a lot of drive and determination.

I knew that the season was going to be a good one,” said Spitz. “This was proven throughout the season with good leadership and the desire to win. Even though they were young as a whole, we all knew the season was going to be successful in many ways.”

For the seniors, this was their last time on the ice for the school. Even though he won’t be here, senior and captain Cooper Myers still believes the team will continue it’s success next year. “I think it is going to be a good team next year. I can feel it,” said Myers. “The juniors next year are going to be seniors like Daniel Sternberg, Nolan Woolley, Cameron Koch. Each of them have the potential to lead the team to yet another winning season. We are going to have another winning season.”

Pictured: Students checking their social media accounts

COLUMN

Social Media promotes an unrealistic body image Carly Armstrong Guest Writer “Be yourself ” “Love your imperfections” “Beauty comes itself in all shapes, sizes, and skin tones.

Growing up, I’ve consistently heard the cliches but time after time these voices fall dear to the screams of some set societal norms.

It starts with the Disney Princesses and seen scrolling through Instagram.

Picture after picture I see proof that the scripts of my past have been rewritten.

Take social media star Alexis Ren’s profile. With a waist tinier than my pinky, her very unrealistic looking figure has following all its own.

Don’t get me wrong…she’s is beautiful but reading through the comments on her feed, my heart begins to ache.

“Why can’t I have her body” “She’s perfect” This aggravates me.

No girl needs to change herself to equate to what society tells her to be.

But, these aren’t “real” people, Carly.

Let’s go off the screen and onto the sandy beaches

of Florida.

Standing with my friends we took pictures which I asked my friend if I could post the picture to instagram. Ready for a standard “yes” she immediately snatched the phone out of my hand sending the picture to herself. This wasn’t because she wanted to edit the photo’s lighting and added a subtle filter to enhance the ocean in the background but she was on an app that allowed her to make her waist look ten inches slimmer and her skin 10 shades darker.

In a blink of an eye, she went from a healthy and beautiful young girl to looking like an exact replica of Alexis Ren. “You do not need that! You are perfect just the way you are” But “If every girl is doing this, then should I?” My heart sank.

In the words of pop icon Justin Bieber, and many significantly more credible figureheads before him, “you should go and love yourself.”

Self-love is something preached, but few actually put into practice.

As children of the 2000’s, we are the present

and the future target market of social media.

We have the ability to bring life to the cliches and rewrite the conversations.

And it starts with us and it’s not going to be easy.

I know how hard it can be. For sixteen years, I’ve looked through the same magazines and seen the same social feeds.

So from one teen to another. Never strive to be the edited version in the photo or in life.

Your individuality needs to stand to superficiality. There is no one like you. No one has your DNA or your thumbprint so instead of developing photoshopped version of yourself on social media, develop your own aesthetic.

Be your best most authentic self.

If this means posting a photo without an app, do it.

If this means maybe separating from social media, then so be it.

There is so much to see in this world, and so much more to life than the alternative facts and temporary distractions that consume and numb our minds. We are all worth it.

15

MARCH OPINION

Who’s laughing now?

Editor examines the recent controversy regarding politics and Saturday Night Live Julia Eisenshtadt Managing Editor These days, avoiding a political conversation is nearly impossible, especially on Saturday nights.

For over forty years, Saturday Night Live has sketched its way through politics and the inauguration of the 45th President of the United States is no different. The cultural significance of SNL is probably more important now than ever in the past.

Sure, maybe the recent political sketches won’t be known as some of the funniest of all time years from now, but nevertheless, their commentary on today’s politics goes beyond each of our living rooms.

So then, the question becomes, is SNL crossing the line by portraying their obviously negative views of the Trump Administration with their often intense humor?

From Alec Baldwin’s portrayal of Trump himself, to Kate McKinnon as Kellyanne Conway, to Steve Bannon being characterized a the Grim Reaper, SNL uses its humor to make a bold political statement: The Trump Administration is a joke itself.

But as Alec Baldwin said himself in an interview with Extra on February 9th, “We’re just repeating back what he says… Doing this is strange, but what is even more strange is this is real.”

And that is why SNL can get away with that they are doing. They aren’t making up stories about the govern-

So then, the question becomes, is SNL crossing the line by portraying their obviously negative views of the Trump Administration with their often intense humor? ment, they’re just reenacting what is actually happening in a more comedic way.

The sketches may be funny to some, or disrespectful to others, but the one thing for certain is that they are representing what is actually happening in the United States, which is anything but funny.

But why listen to me, this is probably just “fake news” anyhow.

PRO: Learn How to Collaborate Working in groups promotes collaboration and making new friends Lara Janosz Guest Writer

“SNL Regulars”

your group who doesn’t know how to do that at this point in their lives, I feel sad for them. Group work taught me how to communicate through platforms such as email more effectively, which gave me a sense of overall relief, just because I knew what everyone was working on in my group.

Also, being a freshman, I didn’t know many people in my grade, as all the three middle schools combined into one mess of awkward freshmen this year. As soon as the group projects started to pop up, I started to get to know people I didn’t know before, which not only helped me make new friends, but also made transitioning into BHHS easier overall.

I soon started to think about group work as a key to success rather than a drag that I had to do because I had to. If you think that you will ever be able to avoid group work, you can’t. It is, according to The Houston Chronicle, “a common part of the business environment” and is important for students to learn how to participate in correctly, right now.

Our careers will be all about working in collaborative environments. I can honestly tell you that there is no job in the entire world where you can just sit down and do everything by yourself. If you think there is, you might want to check out this cool place called reality.

So, increasing group work in schools today is obviously preparing us for our future, which far outweighs the fact that it may be the last thing you want to do at times. Group work is definitely not something to roll eyes at. It deserves a second chance.

“Group work plays a more important role in a student’s future now more than ever.”

PRO/CON: Working in Groups CON: Show What You Know

by Ember Stuart

Editor discusses his taste in music Anish Tamhaney Staff Editor

Once I understood the benefits, my mind changed.

And, I believe, if others knew the benefits of working in groups, I have no doubt in my mind that their opinions would change, just as mine did.

“I just really hate working in groups.”

When asked “Why?” the answers are harder to express than the question.

What if I told you that working in groups can help in your future job?

What if I told you that working in groups can help in future social situations?

What if you knew that, group work can fix not only problems with talking to people, but you may even make some new friends in the process?

Change your mind yet?

Group work plays a more important role in a student’s future now more than ever. The goal of most students in high school is to get into college and to get a good job.

Insert eye rolling.

I know, but seriously, I’m always looking for any way to make that process easier. I have found that, through group work both in and outside of school, I have gained many new collaborative and social skills that will come in handy during the process of getting into college and applying for future jobs, as well as made many new connections, which can also be helpful later in life.

Take emailing for example. You have to know how to email people in your group to know what’s going on and make sure everyone is on the same page. If you end up with someone in

Illustrations

Being a Metalhead

Working in groups allows slacking off and distractions Hira Ali Staff Writer Working in a group?

Let’s not.

As soon as I hear the word project, I pray to God, with every fiber in my being, that the word “group” is not associated with this project. The awkwardness of working in a group is unavoidable (trust me, I’ve tried). I am all for new friendships, however I don’t want to be forced into them by working in a group. The idea of being forced into group projects, and hence making new “friends”, just because the teacher think it’s “easier” is appalling.

I’ve always found the idea of working in a group as much fun as taking a test.

Why force someone to work with people they don’t know/don’t like when working independently is clearly more productive?

The awkwardness of working in a group, in itself, is major reason as to why working by oneself is the best.

Most of the times, awkwardness and anxiety have a positive correlation. Being put in an awkward position, like working in a group, is likely to lead to social phobia, which affects 5.3 million people in United States. Just the mere idea of being in this awkward situation makes me want to cringe.

Now one might say that the awkwardness can be defeated by working with friends. There’s two problems with that too.

Firstly, the teachers almost never let people pick their groups.

Secondly, even if I do somehow end up working with my

friends, it’s not necessarily the best option. I always have more “important” things to talk about with my friends and the distractions of working with them are astronomical.

I know, I don’t.

But when the teacher makes the group, there’s the occasional free rider. He or she is that person that will show up on the first day of and you won’t see them again until the due date, when they have done absolutely nothing.

That person fits the definition of the phrase “good for nothing”. Sure, he or she might have a legitimate excuse for not being able to do the work but that’s likely not the case.

Their little contribution or lack of it is completely wrong and unfair. But the decision to tell the teacher might leave the other person with a failing score and supreme hatred.

So, no. Snitching is not a possibility.

Working independently let’s me show my academic abilities rather than mask them with a group.

The case is clear. When it comes to collaboration or independence, the only one you have to face is the only one responsible for your success which is also the same wwperson who looks at you in the mirror.

“Why force someone to work with people they don’t know/don’t like when working independently is clearly more productive?”

“Wow, I’d never expect you to listen to that kind of music!”

It’s a comment I hear without exception every time I explain to others my long-standing obsession with heavy metal.

Despite my rather timid nature and laid-back personality, I do in fact, listen to “that kind of music.”

The preconceived societal notions of metal fans include long hairdos, grotesque piercings, and tattoos from head to toe.

I embody exactly zero of these stereotypes, yet I’m undoubtedly the biggest metalhead I know.

Where most might hear a nonsensical garble of tortured screaming, guitar squeals, and abrasive percussion, I hear self expression, emotion, and sheer creativity. The complex musicality and unconventional structure of the metal genre have captivated my attention consistently and speak to me on an intricately personal level.

In the face of metal’s aggressive, even violent lyrical tendencies, I find the music incredibly relaxing and stress-relieving.

After a rough day, my need for emotional expression finds itself naturally in place where I can cool down and let out my frustration. I may merely be

“In the face of metal’s aggressive, even violent lyrical tendencies, I find the music incredibly relaxing and stressrelieving.” nodding my head or tapping my foot to a barrage of Swedish grindcore, but I’m letting off steam and freeing up my mind in the chaos.

In fact, I focus better and work more efficiently while listening to the anarchic wails and rips of morbid, scathing tunes.

Studying while listening to melodic death metal (yes, that exists) proves to be a handy tool in combating even the toughest academic workloads. When reluctantly staying up late to cram for a test the next day or to hastily finish an intimidating presentation, nothing keeps me more attentive than the powerful crashes of blast beats and the groovy melodic nuances of a sweeping guitar solo.

My taste in metal music convincingly demonstrates that anyone can find enjoyment in some form of artistic expression. We should abandon the constricting norms that define what art should be and toss them out the window, because a pathway to genuine self-discovery must absolutely disregard what we are supposed to enjoy.

The truth is, metal has allowed me to do just that: I’ve gradually discovered who I am as a person through experiencing such bizarre music. No, I don’t at all embody the graphic themes that the genre so proudly welcomes, but I’ve developed my personal identity through a truly unique aspect of my life.

Although, I will always enjoy watching the polite, muffled shock those around me express when I tell them I do indeed enjoy “that kind of music.”

16

MARCH OP/ED

The issue with

TESTING

Senior year brings new & challenging difficulties Why second semester isn’t always easy for seniors

“Senioritis has completely deflated my academic performance.” cracks. Senioritis has completely deflated my academic performance.

There are those nights where I have a test the next day, but I will fall asleep at 7:00p.m. because I get way too tired of procrastinating.

As I sluggishly drag my tired brain into second semester, the same difficulty continues from first semester. But now, my work ethic has fallen to an all time low and attempting to finish this article was a true test of endurance.

I came into second semester with lenient expectations and needless to say, I hit a brick wall.

I assumed I could handle the complex task of slacking off.

For academically ambitious seniors, maintaining competitive gpa’s along with the customary notion of unwinding during the last semester is an impossible combination.

So no, by no means is second semester senior year the easiest.

Congrats to the seniors who continued their excellent work ethic, it certainly is not as effortless as everyone makes it.

Cartoon by Betsy Stubbs

We need to relieve students of the burden of standardized testing

S

omething needs to be done.

In the convoluted twenty-first educational landscape, across the nation wholly, students at times endure both a multifaceted and equally distressing predicament at times. With the overarching goals of college, maintaining impeccable grades, and imposing extracurriculars always on the horizon there is always a looming shadow set to darken our aspirations.

Standardized tests.

Regardless of rural or urban locals, race or religion, the same setting and situation are the same. High schoolers know that the impediment to our success isn’t what we learn in the classroom but is seen in which bubble we color.

Whether it’s the SAT or ACT, NWEA or the MME, or AP Exams and college-entrance exams, these acronyms are perpetually on students’ minds in the present day.

Each with its own intent and purpose, they’ve, in fact failed to pronounce their benefits in education, and have instead largely and extremely downgraded high school into a more stressful experience. Leaving us to question, why.

Why do they exist? And why, if we know that they don’t measure one’s future success is it important that we know if one train leaves Chicago at one time and one train leaves LA at another how many baseballs will it take Johnny to hit before the trains meet?

We are not the first to question the weight these pencil to paper test the standard upon which he measure success.

CNN’s Kelly Wallace in “Testing time at schools: Is there a better way? states that these “ tests have certainly been the focus of a growing debate as more parents, teachers, administrators and lawmakers around the country question whether children as young as the third grade should be

subjected to lengthy exams in language arts and math.”

With our own state testing, AP testing and college entrance exams around the corner, the Testing season has officially begun. As each test grows, the tears of frustration water them and the stress of their weight on our future fertilizes them.

But again, we ask why?

Echoing Wallace, in consideration of the innumerable negative aspects -- from stress to the fact that these exams take away time from other duties -- many students, as well as parents, teachers, educational advocates, and others, are pleading persistently for, quite correctly in fact, a decrease in these exams.

What can we do differently?

How can we support one another as the fields flower with their blooms?

What can we do as test season approaches?

Maybe in the future these tests will be mowed over with another more efficient system of assessing but for now we need to bloom where we are planted. We need to realize that regardless of the format or function the real test is in our character and how we face this goliath.

If David can conquer his with a small slingshot and a rock, we can support one another and realize that while they are important to our future our characters and our hearts cannot be measured by a rubric.

As cliche as it may seem we can support one another. We need to remind each other to take a deep breath as the number two pencils sharpen. We need to remember that we are more than a test score. We are better than an any acronym. We need to know our growth and our confidence in our abilities is always the correct answer to any test anyone can give us.

“As each test grows, the tears of frustration water them and the stress of their weight on our future fertilizes them.”

“Standardized testing really stresses me out.”

Zack Bennett, 9

STAFF

Students should express their political opinions Jillian Abbo Op/Ed Editor

Michael-Armen Kadian Staff Writer

“Second semester senior year is the easiest semester.”

I have been told this claim way too many times.

And the problem is, this could not be more false I knew the end of high school was near and it was finally my chance to relax from the massive workload. But, as it turned out, the finish line was not as soon as I had thought.

High school apparently does not end after the first semester of senior year. Who knew?

Although it is generally assumed “second semester senior year is the easiest semester”, this claim is so misleading. What did they mean by ‘easy’?

Does easy mean staying committed to demanding clubs?

Does easy mean staying up past midnight studying for AP’s?

I, like many other seniors, have to deal with some of the most difficult classes the school offers in our final year.

On top of the difficulty of my senior classes, my motivation has completely slipped through the

Don’t overlook any political opinions

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

“Standardized testing is an unfair way for colleges to judge how smart you are.”

Business Manager Jason Moonka Section Editors CJ Drogosch Evan Stern John Ballouz Max Wittenberg Max Helfman Vivian Harber Jillian Abbo Anish Tamhaney

Ari Singer, 10

Habib Bello Brynn Elder Jessica Kim Ally Heath Ben Cooper Maddie Wein Sarah Qureshi Skylar Raitt Riya Doshi Alexis Rillema Caitlin Finerty Sadie Kirschner

“Having to plan time to study for standardized testing adds more stress to my life.”

“You’re 16, you’re political opinion isn’t valid.”

As a highschooler, I am commonly faced with the ideal that my opinions, lifestyle choices, and beliefs are not valid. No, it is not because of my stance on those things, but rather my age that makes them inadequate.

Stereotypes and negative connotations of young opinions have only grown in the last few years. I find the common bad rap teenagers get from adults as well as the disapproval at an all time high.

In my own life, I consistently get blamed with having a bad attitude when I am not overjoyous about something as small as dinner or my mom cleaning my bedroom for me. I feel very distant from the lives of adults around me. Instead of feeling included or recruited into adult conversation, I feel shunned.

Most currently, with the ever popular 2016 election. Between HIStory and HERstory, my story was left out. It was my opinion against the world. And I felt more excluded than ever.

At family gatherings when I would simply talk about politics my adult family members would start laughing. Loud laughs, barely hidden snorts, and eyerolls describe what I endured.

It took me a while to realize that my family was not laughing at my opinion on the election but rather the thought of me speaking about it at all. With all of the laughter fluttering around in my head, I began to question myself. Is my opinion valid?

Why do I have these opinions?

Am I even valid?

After racking my brain thinking about why this was happening, I came to a consensus that my opinion is just as valid as anyone else’s. The beliefs each and every person has are all supported by the moral integrities that one follows. Adults carry a persona that they believe that they are automatically more wise than the young, but no matter how similar some people can be, wiseness lies differently within everyone. I have many peers in the school I would turn to for advice before I reached out to an adult. Teens get teens.

Which leads me to believe that the older the wiser is a bunch of BS. Coming back to political opinions, no matter what the age, or the ability to vote, political opinions of all are valid. An opinion does not have to agree with another to be valid nor does it have to disagree.

The ability to express an opinion is something that American citizens should be proud to do.

Our 16 year-old opinions are valid, just as much as any. We need to be allowed to express our opinions and not be silenetly suppressed.

Grace Wroldsen, 11

Cartoonist Betsy Stubbs Illustrator Ember Stuart Staff Writers Justin Yaker Nicole Grace Ali Randel Brendan Lynn

Camryn Brent Forest Zhang Hanna Halstead Kaitlin Bronstein Kylie Buckfire Maddy Moskus Pan Stavropoulos Sammi Trepeck Sarah Kenkel Carly Armstrong Jennny She

Giancarlo Tucci

Michael-Armen Kadian

Anna Cao Hira Ali

17

MARCH OPINION

What it’s like being in the shadow of a sibling

REVIEW

Michigan Animal Rescue League warms hearts

Growing up with a very well-known sibling Forest Zhang Staff Writer If you haven’t heard of THE Stone Zhang, either you’re a freshman, or you’ve been living under a rock, or should I say, a “Stone.”

In case you fall into those categories, THE Stone Zhang was a member of student leadership who is VERY well known for shooting high quality videos on his own time and for the school. He’s smart, funny, athletic, and loved by literally everyone in the school.

Oh yeah, and he’s also my brother, so being compared to him has been a pain since birth.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t have anything against my brother, Dwayne “The Stone” Johnson, or at the very least, I don’t think he’s the worst human being that has ever lived. But seriously, for the most part,

“Despite being potentially harmful for my self-esteem, somewhere along the line, I had a change of perspective which turned me into a more competitive person.” it was more the incessant comments from those around me about him that I resent.

The first time I was compared to my brother was by parents. Luckily for me, they aren’t too impressed by Stone, or at least if they are, they don’t show it often, but this doesn’t mean that they were impressed with me either. Of course, there was still the occasional ridicule in Chinese about “being more like Stone,” but the real irritation started in middle school from teachers and students and continues to this day, where upon entering every class on the first day of school, I was met with the question, “Are you (THEEEEEEE) Stone’s brother?”

It was an innocent question that I didn’t mind answering, but there was no doubt that this new piece of information affected my treatment from my teachers, for better or for worse. There were less innocent comments, too, most of them said in a playful tone, but nonetheless, they planted the idea of inferiority to Stone in my head that grew with every remark.

People have compared me to Stone on a variety of standards, from intelligence to athleticism, but the worst of them was attractiveness.

Other comparisons were annoying in their own right, but there are objective ways to measure achievement in most of these areas that gave some evidence against the claims of my peers. For sports, there were always times for events, for academics there were grades and test scores, but for attractiveness, it was more subjective, and even if it wasn’t, unlike how I could always try harder to achieve more in sports and school, my struggles for “improving” my looks haven’t exactly been yielding the same results, no matter how hard I try.

Despite being potentially harmful for my self-esteem, somewhere along the line, I had a change of perspective which turned me into a more competitive person. I realized that Stone’s superiority was due to him being older, so instead of seeing him as inherently better, I saw THE old man as a goal I knew I could reach due to our similar genetic makeup. With the “genetic limitations” excuse out of the way, his achievements drove me to run faster during the track and cross country seasons and to be more persistent with getting good grades than I ever could without THE Stone Zhang.

Be sure to take a visit to the MARL animal shelter in Pontiac, Michigan Maddie Wein Staff Writer As an animal lover, it’s more than heartbreaking to see barking dogs waiting behind rows of grey bars. At any other shelter, this is the case but not at the Michigan Animal Rescue League (MARL) in Pontiac.

Since 1953, the nonprofit animal shelter has been finding permanent homes helping more than 1,000 cats and dogs per year.

When I first went to MARL many years ago, it was basically unnoticeable to the cars passing by but in July, MARL debuted its complete makeover which was made possible by the Animal Planet television network. This once-obscure shelter made a truly amazing comeback, with a newly designed exterior. The old, oatmeal colored building is now gleaming with a gorgeous shade of blue with a cute pink door, pulling my family and I in every time we drive past.

Walking in, the building that used to give off a gloomy feeling now overwhelms me

“As an animal lover, it’s more than heartbreaking to see barking dogs waiting behind rows of grey bars.”

Maddie Wein Sophomore

Tallulah, a long-haired calico cat heading home with Debbie Brice of Waterford.

The MARL’s heart-warming personality is really one of a kind, something I certainly can’t find in other shelters. It almost seems like the staff’s tending of the animals is less of a job, and more of a enjoyment.

If you’ve never been to the MARL before, you’re seriously missing out. Stop by between 11am-4pm on from TuesdaySaturday, on the southeast corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. & Featherstone, 1 block north of M-59.

with a pop of color.

The staff even noticed the increase of cats and dogs leaving for their forever homes since the transformation. One of them was

Pro/Con: Should standardized tests continue?

Standardized testing: not fun, but fair

Testing misrespresents students

Jason Moonka Production Manager

John Ballouz Section A Editor

Students and parents alike have trarace and ethnicity is irrelevant, your ditionally sought to demonize stansocioeconomic status is unimportant; dardized testing as being an unfair repstandardized testing makes us all equal. resentation of pupils, especially as this Now in response to the assertion accounts for such a significant portion that standardized testing rewards those of a teenager’s college application and who are inherently intelligent opposed thus future academic success. Unsurto those who work hard, not only are prisingly the same opponents of these these claims baseless, but if these claims tests, namely the ACT and SAT, often were true it would merely reflect the choose to neglect the positive facets of reality of life. For one, countless people these examinations. Ultimately howannually purchase prep books and see ever, not only is standardized testing their scores go up dramatically causing the fairest assessment a boom in the of students possible, now multimilbut also perhaps the “In the workplace work- lion dollar test most egalitarian asprep industry. pect of the college ing hard means almost Additionally, if application process scores do nothing, you receive your in widespread use. not improve One of the main and maintain a job by you are likely problems regarding either not workusing Grade Point being proficient at the ing hard enough Average (GPA) as the task which you are as- or prepping central component of i m p r o p e r l y, signed the application prothat is the realcess is that throughity; if you study out the United States your scores Jason Moonka there is boundless will go up. blatant grade inflaFurthermore, in Senior tion that makes it difthe workplace ficult for colleges to working hard fairly evaluate students, e.g. from 1990 means almost nothing, you receive to 2009 the average GPA of female stuand maintain a job by being proficient dents rose by .33 whereas that of male at the task which you are assigned, students increased by .31 points. The not by displaying sufficient effort. So main reason for such outright inflation it is true that those who are innately is that schools have made classes and smart have an advantage, but this is assessments easier in order to boost the true everywhere, the classroom, the appearance of their students’ achieveworkplace, college, etc. On the note ment hence looking better themselves. of the real world, many students will The problem with this approach is that see standardized testing later in life, not all schools have emulated this patwhether it’s the MCAT’s to get into tern and thus students at some schools medical school, the bar exam to bethat have not seen flagrant grade inflacome a lawyer, or even to have profestion are at an inherent disadvantage. sionals like pilots or real-estate brokers.

This is why colleges value standardized Finally, to end on a real note, I’ve testing so highly, it is categorically unnever heard someone who has a good biased. Regarding standardized testing ACT/SAT score complain about where you are from has no meaning, standardized testing. *mic drop*

Before I write anything negative cal schools and surviving some of about standardized tests, the ACT the most rigorous college courseand SAT, I would like to establish work. The MCAT is a test that that I do think that the school sys- would predict success. So then tem should have some kind of na- why don’t the ACT and MCAT tionwide test that every student correlate better? This shows that takes. I think some kind of identical being intelligent enough to score assessment should be given to ev- well on the ACT does not strongery student. Because of the teacher ly correlate with doing well on quality, class difficulty and amount the MCAT because intelligence of opportunity that changes from and hard work are two different district to district, it becomes in- things. And unfortunately, tests creasingly diffilike the cult for a college ACT and to judge each stu- “Intelligence and hard SAT fail dent. That is why to distinwe need a nation- work are two different guish the al test that truly things. And unfortu- two. portrays a stuAt the dent. But the way nately, tests like the end of the that our national hard ACT and SAT fail to day, testing is set up work deright now is not distinguish the two. termines truly representasuccess, tive, and unfornot intunately, it plays nate intelJohn Ballouz such a significant ligence.

Senior part in every stuYet, dent’s life. colleges The ACT and continue SAT involve to favor grammar, math skills, and reading innate intelligence. In order to speed and comprehension. How- have the fairest assessment of ever, half of these standardized tests students and the best indicacomes down to natural ability in tion of future success in the real reading skills. This is the aspect that world, we cannot continue to makes these tests a poor representa- value good reading skills over tion of students. I know some kids, hard work. Whether that means naturally brilliant, that go into the changing the format of standardACT their first time with minimal ized testing to content that one studying and get a 35. On the other can work hard to succeed in or hand, there are some kids who sign valuing GPA over test scores, up for multiple ACT classes, con- something needs to change in the stantly study and linger in mid twen- current system if we are to have a ties. In fact, the correlation between fair and equal educational system ACT scores and MCAT scores (a test where anyone can succeed. that is based on learned knowledge) is only 0.479. The MCAT is a test that deals with getting into medi-

”

”

18

March OPINION

Reviews the hawkeye

Kong successfully falls into cliche Vivian Harber Staff Writer The newest reboot to the venerated “King Kong” series, “Kong: Skull Island”, modernly reflects the well-known series, yet incorporates new, compelling elements. Although, “Skull Island” may not exceed the expectations set by the series prior, the compelling action and classic plot points echo those of the previous Kong films.

Character Mason Weaver, played by Brie Larson, is a new, gutsier version of the series’ classic woman lead.

Larson, along with the other stars such as Tom Hiddleston, John C. Reilly, and John Goodman execute an admirable, yet at times cheesy, performance.

The movie takes place on a beautifully mysterious, unexplored island, shot in Vietnam. Taking place in 1973. The dated aesthetic, along with the unparalleled animation and stunning setting, make “Skull Island” a sight for sore eyes.

“Skull Island” similarly adopts the storyline of the original 1933 “King Kong” while leaving some out, it adds to make it it’s own. In this adaptation, the courageous group of adventurers is a combination of inquisitive scientists, tenacious militarists, and an intelligent mercenary; contributing to the cliched conflict of ethics. The majority of the characters in “Skull Island” are underdeveloped, cliched, and throw away just to keep the plot moving. The movie mainly focuses on animosity and hostility between the main group of characters, and Kong, at times, seems to be just a ploy to add action scenes when the pacing starts to slow.

“Skull Island” incorporates more intense action scenes that will have you on the edge of your seat.

These engaging elements in the plot, coupled with the hasty elements of humor, strengthen the distinction between “Skull Island” and previous movies in the series. In addition, Kong and the main female character, Mason Weaver, have less of a sentimental, heartfelt relationship than the beauty and the beastlike relationships seen in the past movies.

Power Rangers Maximillian Helfman Section Editor

Every studio these days is trying to find their next “Marvel Cinematic Universe” with Universal starting their monster universe and Warner Bros. with their Godzilla/ Kong universe, and now Lionsgate with Power Rangers.

Power Ranger, directed by Dean Israelite, is a new adaption of the original beloved t.v. show of the same name. The movie a group of five high school kids, who are infused with unique superpowers, who have to harness their abilities to save the world!

Ever heard that plot before? Because I have.

The movie, which is based off the campy original t.v. show, takes the serious potential that it had and flips it on it’s head to make room for the big robot fighting monster scene at the end! The first act of this film was good. The cinematography was cool, the five kids were pretty good actors (and quite funny at times), there was real character development, and it was taking it’s time.

But as soon as Elizabeth Banks’ “Rita Repulsa” came on screen, the “villain”, it dropped in quality heavily. The film goes for a more gritty, serious, tone than the original campy t.v. show, making it seem more realistic, but as soon as Rita Repulsa is introduced, they sacrifice that tone for something much more… cheesy. The tones conflicted with each other making the overall tone seem all over the place, resulting in the pacing being off too.

The story, which had incredibly potential, was as plain as humanly possible. Within the first act there was some effort to differentiate it from any “superhero” film , but, yet again, as soon as they had to start setting up the action, they sacrificed the good ideas that are under the surface.

The CGI and action was good, taking out the writing and pacing flaws, it looked pretty good and was very fun to watch. The big action scene at the end (that they were setting up the entire movie) was very well done and my whole theatre seemed to love it.

Overall, this movie isn’t made to be a “film”, it’s made for Power Rangers fans, and I don’t want to demote anyone who wasn’t a fan of the original material because you could definitely still love it, but the audience I was with (all of whom were Power Rangers fans) went nuts. I highly recommend still going to see Logan.

Life Brendan Lynn Staff Writer

Life, the new Jake Gyllenhaal & Ryan Reynolds movie, is a action packed science fiction horror that grabs you and doesn’t let go until the very last seconds.

The film is directed by Daniel Espinosa (Safe House), and stars Hiroyuki Sanada, Rebecca Ferguson, Ryan Reynolds and Jake Gyllenhaal, filling the film with faces that are recognizable to everyone.

The film follows five astronauts who capture life from Mars to gain more information on extraterrestrial beings. It all goes downhill when the creature, nicknamed Calvin, turns out to be more hostile than previously thought.

The film is very reminiscent of other science fiction films such as Alien or Sunshine, following the predictable plot of a space crew stuck in an enclosed space being hunted by a killer alien. I’ve seen it before a million times. While yes the idea of being stuck in a spaceship is terrifying, I’ve seen it before!

Throughout the film the creature, Calvin, gains intelligence and evolves from the crew’s actions, making for a very intriguing “villain.” Although his presence is dumbed down to jump scares and the crew watching him on the ISS monitors.

The film tries to take twists and turns to take a detour from the unoriginal plot, which makes up for the plot a lot. The little detours make the film more compelling and interesting, allowing me to truly be guessing what’s going to happen.

The acting, which consisted of some pretty big names, was good, yet the characters were very undeveloped, giving me no reason to care about them.

The only one I was invested in was Jake Gyllenhaal’s character.

Life is an immense film, the film’s plot although unoriginal, is suspenseful and ties you in like a knot.

At some points, the film lacks a generalized focus of purpose. Which could have been fixed by fleshing out the characters more or diverting from the cliche plot.

The graphics were great and it looked like they actually film it in space. If you have nothing to go see this weekend, I recommend seeing Life. It isn’t anything you haven’t seen before (assuming you’ve seen a science fiction movie before), but the film truly is suspenseful and enjoyable.

War is a main theme in the movie as it extends from the movie’s introductory scenes to the very end and is found in the majority of the characters. Towards the end, the motif of war transforms into several cliche, human impact-related realizations for the main characters. This moral, along with many other major and minor elements of the movie, feels imitated from countless other movies.

The graphics and CGI for the film would have either made or broken the film because Kong was completely computer generated. Unlike in films such as Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, they did not rely on motion capture. Rather, they completely rendered all the creatures and monsters, making for some very creative, visually appealing scenes. But because it’s CGI, they relied heavily on green screen, and when it’s used, it’s fairly noticeable. There were many scenes that took me out of the film due to the awful effects between human and CGI characters. Most of the visuals were great, but when they lacked, it hurt the entire film.

Much like the incredible underdevelopment of virtually every character in the film.

Although “Skull Island” mirrors past movies in the Kong series, the engaging incorporation of action, alluring performances from the main characters, and the dazzling visual display all make “Skull Island” a suitable addition to the series. However, the countless cliches seen in “Skull Island” don’t make it a phenomenal must see. Go see Logan instead.

Beauty and the Beast Lara Janosz Staff Writer

Walking into the theater, I was scared.

Yes, I was scared to see the re-made version of Beauty and the Beast. I had cherished the 1991 version so much when I was younger that I remember frolicking around in front of the TV in Belle’s signature yellow dress. I was afraid that my memories of the Disney film I loved so much would be ruined by the live action transfer or would suddenly become unrecognizable all together.

Fortunately for me, 2017’s Beauty and the Beast, directed by Bill Condon, was the definition of magical and absolutely dazzling.

With a perfectly, no, expertly picked cast, with Emma Watson as Belle, Dan Stevens as the Beast, and Josh Gad (yes, Olaf ) as LeFou, I was pulled even further into the magic of the film.

And, though I wish it were real, CGI (Computer-generated imagery) played an important role in making this “magic”. From the dishes that flew through the air in the “Be Our Guest” scene, to the walking and talking figures of Lumiere and Cogsworth, each had extraordinary detail that proved to me to be the trademark of Disney.

I’m not just raving about this film because I’m a Disney fan. There were parts of the film that seemed to be a bit overdone. There were a few too many new songs added into the movie that made some scenes feel like I was watching a musical. However, the magnificent costumes and beautiful scenery kept me interested during those parts. I noticed how the film’s plot does hint at modern day issues, such as the role of women in today’s society, but it does not totally revolve around these political topics, like many of today’s movies seem to do.

So, yes, I was scared to see a Disney film. I wasn’t ready to give up on the magical memories that the 1991 animated version of the film had brought me. After seeing the live action Beauty and the Beast, I would have to say that the memories that I already had grew fonder and more magical than I had expected. If you are looking for a little magic, 2017’s Beauty and the Beast will definitely not disappoint.

19

MARCH OPINION

Reviews

Logan flirts with perfection

the hawkeye

Logan is a perfect goodbye to Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine Maximillian Helfman Section Editor

Logan, the final film starring Hugh Jackman as the superhero “Wolverine”, is anything but a superhero movie. Blankly it may come across as a slow gritty superhero western, due to the character’s other films and the marketing, but Logan ends up showcasing how to properly and effectively use the R rating to a filmmaker’s advantage. And it’s incredible.

Logan takes place in 2029 starring a old and broken Wolverine. Mutants are gone, and Logan drinks his days away while taking care of an old and skeletal Professor X. Logan’s attempts to hide from the world are interrupted when a mysterious young girl who bears the same claws as Logan, enters his life.

Much like Deadpool, Logan shares the R rating which opened up the doors of possibility for director James Mangold. Deadpool used the R rating to exaggerate everything, taking advantage of the ability to swear in every line and the over the top violence. In Logan, the R rating was completely necessary and James Mangold took complete and utter control of it. The action and grittiness wasn’t gruesome just to be gruesome, it helped set the tone of the film and was even symbolic for everything hurting Logan, much like when he sticks his claws in a man’s face. If the film had been PG-13 I’m confident it wouldn’t be anywhere near the quality it is now.

Hugh Jackman IS The Wolverine, over the course of his film history he’s made Wolverine his character.

Knowing that this is his final film makes me very upset knowing we will never see him as Wolverine again, but as a final send off, Logan delivers. Hugh Jackman’s performance is fantastic, his best of any of the X-Men films. He takes the character of Wolverine to a whole new level of hurt, something we’ve never seen before from him.

The other actors in the film, Patrick Stewart and the young Dafne Keen, are fantastic as well, playing supporting but very important roles. Patrick Stewart (Professor X) intentionally lost weight for the role, where he looked incredibly skinny. Dafne Keen who plays the young girl Laura, is anything but the stereotypical “child actor”. She was the majority of the “wow” factor of the film and she barely spoke in the entire thing. Her performance never took me out of the film, which is hard to do so young.

The action, which is aided by the obvious R rating, is horrendously beautiful. This is the first time in the X-Men universe that we have ever gotten to see Wolverine smash his claws into every part of the human body. It’s bloody, and gory, and gross, and it’s well done. It doesn’t jump cut every second, we get long takes of Wolverine and Laura slicing bad guys into little chops of flesh.

The only issue I had with this incredibly fun film was the pacing and some minor inconsistencies. In some cases the film would go from a big action scene to a slow setup scene, which took me out of the film sometimes. It needed to be more balanced in its transitions. Also, some of the information in the film is only accessible if you have prior knowledge of the universe. My last complaint was one god awful green screen scene that was just lazy.

Those complaints are incredibly minor though.

Going into Logan I was excited to see Wolverine kill people brutally. Come out of it, not only did I get that, but we got a seriously well written film with heart and action. I highly recommend seeing Logan if you have any interest in superheroes, action films, X - Men, or good movies.

photo credits: Michiganhomes.com

Column

Just because it’s not a Blockbuster doesn’t mean you shouldn’t see it Why you should not ignore the less-talked about films David Tener Staff Writer

T

hink of the best movie you saw in 2016.

Go on, think. If I had to guess, movies like Deadpool, Captain America: Civil War, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, or Zootopia probably came to mind. Yet when the Oscars nominees were revealed in January, most of the movies nominated for Best Picture were ones the general public had never heard of. With the exception of Hidden Figures, Arrival, and La La Land, chances are you hadn’t heard of any of the nominees before.

Films like Moonlight and Hell or High Water weren’t in the top 100 grossing movies of 2016, and were nominated for multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture. So, the question is, why is there such a disconnect between popular movies and movies nominated for “real” Oscars?

A potential reason is the budget of the films nominated. Looking at many of the Best Picture nominees of recent years, a common trait between them is a small budget, with anomalies such as Mad Max: Fury Road and The Martian

in the 2016 awards. The Best Picture winner this year, Moonlight, cost around $1.5 million to make. For comparison, Rogue One cost around $200 million.

Movies are expensive, and so are marketing campaigns.

Another expense is Oscar campaigns.

If a studio thinks a smallbudget film has a strong shot at the Oscars, they might decide to pass on marketing and instead invest in campaigning for

an Oscar nomination. That way, the Oscars act as a form of free advertising.

“But David,” you may be questioning, “films that make a lot of money are really good too!”

While that statement isn’t wrong per se, it isn’t 100% right either.

The highest grossing movie of 2014 was Transformers: Age of Extinction, grossing $1.1 billion worldwide. It was also one of the worst reviewed movies of 2014, with an 18% on Rotten Tomatoes and winning multiple Razzie awards (The anti-Oscars).

I’m not saying that fewer blockbusters need to be seen, far from it. Just maybe also keep an eye on what arthouse theaters, such as the Maple Theater and the Main Art Theater in Royal Oak, are showing every once in awhile.

This isn’t to say the Academy doesn’t love big budget blockbusters. The highest grossing movie of all time (not adjusting for inflation) was nominated for Best Picture in 2010. It’s just that blockbusters in recent years have not had the best track record when it comes to critics’ rating.

I suppose that if the disconnect between modern blockbusters and art films is to be bridged, or at least lessened, a more open and intentional mind is required. I’m not saying that fewer blockbusters need to be seen, far from it. Just maybe also keep an eye on what arthouse theaters, such as the Maple Theater and the Main Art Theater in Royal Oak, are showing every once in awhile.

SPRING BREAK STAY-CATION Fun activities for an at-home spring break!

Detroit

Movies

Go see a movie like Kong: Skull Island, Beauty and the Beast, or Life.

Downtown

Take a day to explore downtown Detroit, Royal Oak, Rochester, Ferndale, or even Birmingham.

What to do at home?

1)

Read a book like The Martian, The Girl on the Train, or Ready Player One.

Sports Games

2)

Drive down to Detroit for a Pistons, Red Wings, or Tigers game.

3)

Watch Netflix: The Office, Black Mirror, Stranger Things, and more!

Visit Painting with a Twist or The Painted Pot!

What are BHHS students doing?

“During spring break, I plan on hanging out with friends and getting food.”

“If it’s warm enough, I want to go swimming in my friends’ pool.”

Jacob Kadans Junior

Jookta Basu Junior

Pictures by Vivian Harber and Grace Jaksen.

“Over spring break, I anticipate going outside to enjoy the warm, spring sunshine.”

Ronnie Kane Freshman