VOLUME VIII - ISSUE 4
MARCH 2020
BLOOMFIELD HILLS HIGH SCHOOL
School News New Modified Schedule starting April 5th District unveils new plans to return to school in the spring by LENNA PETERSON Copy Editor On February 26, the Board of Education approved a new plan for a modified, five-day inperson learning program for Bloomfield Hills Schools students. Starting on April fifth, BHHS students will attend school from 9:25 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., regardless of their previous cohort. High schoolers will attend four blocks per day on an odd/even schedule, with additional COVID-19 protocols in place in order to accommodate for an influx of students. Black Hawk hour will continue to be held virtually every day from 7:25 a.m. to 8:55 a.m., per the positive feedback received from community members in regards to this change, with asynchronous Wednesdays removed from the district schedule. As always, if a student prefers to remain in distance learning, they can continue to take their classes from home with the same teachers and classmates. Superintendent Patrick Watson sent 0ut an informational letter to Bloomfield Hills Schools families on the new change, and emphasized the importance of safety and community. “Our decisions continue to be driven by science and data. We are seeing increasing evidence that, with prevention measures in place, there are low rates of COVID-19 transmission in primary and secondary school settings” the letter...
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Staff Voice Student-directed one acts compete at MIFA states Theatre department shines in an entirely online competition by CASSIE ENGLISH Copy Editor The BHHS theatre department participated in the Michigan Interscholastic Forensics Association’s (MIFA) one act play competition for the first time this year. Select students in the Acting 3 class were given the opportunity to choose a play that they would cut down to fit MIFA’s 45 minute time limit, pick a cast from the other students in the class, direct, costume, and film for submission to this year’s entirely virtual competition. Seniors Toby Gittleman and Anna Partalis led this process for the two BHHS submissions. “As a director, I had to make the show entertaining for viewers even through Zoom,” explained Partalis. “It was super different, but I tried to create the most ‘theatre-like’ experience for the judges I could.” After winning multiple individual and ensemble awards at Regionals, both of Bloomfield’s one acts were chosen to advance to States. On Saturday, February 13, both shows were adjudicated by a panel of theatre professionals at the State level competition. This Is Our Youth, the serious submission directed by Gittleman, placed fourth out of six
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See more stories at BHHSToday.org
Masked Benny the Black Hawk greets students in-person Photo via Mr. Hollerith
Bloomfield is Back by LINDSEY ZOUSMER Managing Editor After countless headaches from staring at a computer screen and attending classes in bed without even getting up, there is finally an end in sight: Bloomfield is Back! School board meetings and feedback from different perspectives in the community have led the school board and administration to officially decide on a “Return to Learn” plan moving forward. After a rise in cases closed school buildings in the fall, the numbers are now back to a safer level for reopening. The hybrid design for the fall will continue through March 22, with a new bell schedule created to include Black Hawk Hour. This new schedule will maintain the flexibility of the fall, and families are able to decide on a day-today basis whether to attend school in person or remain virtual. Precautions are being taken throughout the building to avoid spreading the virus. Masks are required for everyone inside, surfaces are sanitized frequently, and a check-in form is required for students to enter the building. In addition, seating charts have been created in every classroom to keep students safe and socially distant while learning. As always, health is Bloomfield’s number one priority. “Our hybrid schedule provides flexibility for students under cur-
Investigating the new back to school schedule
rent COVID-19 guidelines. We will look at making future changes to it to better meet the needs of students and teachers,” said Principal Charlie Hollerith. Students have changed and adapted their routines to suit the new schedule now that they have the option to go back to school. “I think the hybrid system has been great so far. I get to go into school and learn for two days a week, but I can [also] sign in online,” said junior Joey Pisano. “It’s really convenient and I’m adjusting to learning online.” Staying at home every day on Zoom can get repetitive. Students show gratitude for being able to go back to a hybrid schedule and experience at least some social interaction. “Although the transition from regular school last year to now hybrid/virtual learning has been weird, the hybrid schooling has offered ways to see friends again and interact with teachers and peers in the classroom,” said sophomore Jolie Oleshansky. “It’s so nice to be back in the building and see everyone. For me, hybrid has been more engaging and exciting than exclusively online learning.” Although interaction is exciting after quarantine, some students have preferred remote learning, and chose not to return to school. Leo Mina, a junior in Cohort B, explained why he
Editorial Policy The Bloomfield Hills High School Hawkeye newspaper is a student publication whose content is chosen by students. Members of The Hawkeye staff such as the Editors-in-chief, managing editors, photography managers, and section editors oversee the work created for every publication, both in print and online. The adviser and the Editors-in-chief make the final decisions on all content. Opinions expressed in any publication of The Hawkeye do not necessarily reflect the opinions of BHHS, BHHS staff, faculty, or administration.
chose to remain home and continue to learn fully online. “It’s nice to not have to worry about leaving my house in the morning, and I know if assignments are asynchronous I have the chance to end class early if I finish it in time. I get a few extra minutes to sleep in, I can grab a snack if I get hungry, or change rooms if I am in the mood to switch my setting. I think that the virtual learning environment has actually worked better for me,” said Mina. “Plus, after school I always have football practice, so I can use online school to rest during the day and get out of my house to go to practice once I finish my work.” Another aspect of the hybrid schedule through March 19 is remote learning on Wednesdays. All students and teachers remain home on Wednesdays so that the building can be cleaned between cohorts. Many classes are asynchronous on Wednesday, and often focus on social and emotional learning. Students often take this opportunity to catch up on work, sleep in, or study with peers that are in the opposite cohort. Senior Sammy Green appreciated the Wednesday schedule: “I wake up by 8:00 and get out of bed by 9:00. Then I do all of my assignments as soon as I can in order for me to have the afternoon to study and catch up on work. When my teachers
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have office hours I try to go to them if I have questions,” she explained. “Wednesdays have taught me skills like independence and time management that I would not otherwise have developed if I was in a typical school schedule.” Of course, there are necessary measures to be taken with this in-person learning experience. Before and after every class, teachers and students are expected to wipe down the desks and chairs and students are only allowed to take off their masks to eat lunch if they are seated six feet apart. These precautions are taken to ensure that all students and staff have a safe experience while attending in-person school. Accommodating 1,800 students with COVID-19 has been no easy task. It has taken administration, the school board, and teachers to make both virtual and in person learning possible during this unusual situation. Bloomfield is Back, while making health and safety a priority for everyone. At the time of print, the plan is to return to a full in-person five day schedule beginning the week of March 22, with Black Hawk Hour continuing to run virtually from 7:30 - 8:55 AM each morning.
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Teachers Nominated for Local 4Frenzy Vote
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What in the world?
Students celebrate impactful teachers through online award by CAROLINE GRIFFIN Staff Writer Local 4Frenzy Vote is a Metro Detroit High School contest that gives out awards and nominations for students’ favorite teachers. The website covers Sports, News and Feature stories. The Frenzy Vote website also includes different news articles and sports highlights, from other schools in Michigan. In the winter of 2021, BHHS had three teachers nominated for awards: Eric Klein was nominated and awarded best math teacher, David Jenvey was nominated and awarded best history teacher and David Zulkiewski was nominated and awarded best architectural design teacher. Klein, a teacher for 17 years in different districts, shared the following opinions about his award. “Ms. DeAngelis (another teacher who deserves nomination) sent me a screenshot about the contest. That’s how I discovered I was nominated. It felt really good, especially because the nomination came this year. Most of my students are on the other side of a computer. When I can get a student who previously disliked math to enjoy problem solving, or at-least to enjoy coming to my class, that makes me feel really good,’’ Klein shared. “It is difficult to connect, but I have been trying hard to provide a meaningful experience for my students. It was wonderful to discover that I had enough of an impact that someone nominated me.” Zulkiewski, a teacher who has been teaching in the Bloomfield Hills School District for the past 22 years, shared how passionate he is about teaching. “I enjoy teaching a subject I am passionate about and working with students that are eager to try new things, problem solve, and work on innovative projects,” Zulkiewski said. “I appreciate the fact that someone felt I have made a positive impact in the classroom and took the time to nominate me. The award has not changed anything, I will keep working hard every day.” Jenvey, one of the other BHHS teachers nominated for the award, has been teaching social studies for the past 20 years in the Bloomfield Hills School District. “It is such an honor to be nominated. Again, I didn’t know anything about the Frenzy Vote that Channel 4 was conducting until just recently. I just feel very flattered and honored about the nomination. I am extremely appreciative and humbled, as well. I just hope to continue to try my best every day working with my students,’’ said Jenvey. “I appreciate the fact that someone felt I have made a positive impact in the classroom and took the time to nominate me. The award has not changed anything, I will keep working hard every day.”
by LENNA PETERSON Copy Editor
Congress passes $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill On Wednesday, March 10, a deeply divided Congress approved the landmark $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill- a major triumph for President Joe Biden and Democrats. The House gave final Congressional approval on the sweeping legislation on a near party-line vote of 220-211, as Republicans in both chambers unanimously opposed the legislation. Moments after the vote passed, Biden tweeted, ‘’Help is here,’’ and proceeded to sign the legislation on Thursday evening. The measure addresses Democrats’ campaign promises, the
most notable of which being $1,400 stimulus checks via direct payments, as well as the extension of $300 weekly emergency unemployment benefits. An additional feature of the bill is its initiative to assist lower and middle-income families, as well as the expansion of tax credits for children, family leave, and child care. It also provides hundreds of billions of dollars to COVID-19 relief, such as funds allocated for vaccines and treatments, schools, state and local governments, and industries that have been hit the hardest by the pandemic.
“’I think it will be effective in the short term but won’t necessarily have a long lasting effect. I also think it could have been passed in a bit more timely fashion if it wasn’t faced with as much opposition from Republicans, however that was not the case so given the circumstances, I think it was passed as timely and efficiently as possible.”
- Zach Frank, ‘22
“I do believe that the process could have gone a little faster in order to keep improving the nation in a timely fashion. However, the new Covid - 19 relief plan is effective and helps many aspects of our nation including vaccine distribution and the reopening of schools.”
- Madison Kessler, ‘24 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s bombshell interview with Oprah
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during the Oprah interview Photo via The New York Times
In an exclusive interview that aired Sunday, March 7, Harry and Meghan described excruciating conversations about the color of their baby’s skin, the loss of royal protection, and the royal family’s lack of support for the Duchess’s mental health struggles. The interview with Winfrey was the couple’s first since they stepped down from
their royal responsibilities, and included a multitude of bombshell allegations and new revelations. When prompted by Winfrey, Harry described feeling trapped by royal life, as well as being cut off financially last year. He also explained that he felt that his family did not support Markle, who has endured backlash and media attacks.
Judge reinstates murder charge against Chauvin in George Floyd’s death On Thursday, March 11, a Hennepin County judge reinstated a third-degree murder charge against former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, who now faces an additional murder charge in the death of George Floyd. Chauvin already faces charges of second-degree unintentional
murder and second-degree manslaughter, with his jury selection beginning in his trial on Tuesday, March 9. The new charge has the potential to impact the trial’s estimated start date of March 29, as Chauvin has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Mr. Zulkiewski
BLM protesters at a George Floyd memorial service Photo via The Wall Street Journal
Gov. Whitmer signs billions in COVID relief
BHHS Science Teacher As times have changed through a teacher’s perspective, Jenvey adds his perspective on how he has been motivated through this past year. “It’s been a tough year with the pandemic, but I can’t say enough how much I appreciate the flexibility and adaptability of the students in handling everything. The students are the most rewarding thing about teaching for me! I really enjoy working with students and doing what I can to help them learn and have a great experience in high school,’’ Jenvey explained. Junior, Courtney Atkinson, a former student of Jenvey, described what she appreciated most about Jenvey’s teaching style, emphasizing his ability to support and help his students grow. “Mr. Jenvey was always so willing to help me improve my score on any project or myp criteria. He always made sure everyone was prepared for the tests and my favorite thing he did was bring out a different rubber dinosaur every test to lighten the stress of a test,” said Atkinson. Jenvey commented about how teaching has impacted his life, emphasising that there is nothing else he would rather do. “I can’t imagine doing anything else in my life. I also work with the best staff and administration in the world. Coming to school everyday and being surrounded by so many amazing students and adults has made me incredibly happy all these years. I am so proud of the students in this school. We will make it through this difficult time together!” Congratulations to these teachers!
President Biden gives a speech for the American Rescue Plan Photo via BBC News
Governor Whitmer signs a COVID relief bill Photo via The Detroit Free Press
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed more than $2.5 billion in supplemental funding into law on Tuesday, March 9, but vetoed a bill that would have prevented the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services from closing in-person learning or high school athletics. The legislation allows for hundreds of millions of dollars in targeted aid for the state to be released, including $283 million
New Modified Schedule starting April 5th
in federal emergency rental assistance, $555 million in contact tracing and testing funds, and $110 million in vaccine distribution efforts. In her veto letter, Whitmer wrote that the bill attempting to limit health department powers was ‘’...a reckless idea, poorly executed and poorly timed.
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by LENNA PETERSON Copy Editor ...letter indicated. Junior Catherine Recknagel shared her thoughts on the new schedule change. “I think being back a full five days will be very good for social and emotional health. Students, myself included, will be able to have class with friends in the other cohort who we might not have actually learned in-person with for a while - that’s what I am really looking forward to. I think that with all the safety measures in place, everything will be fine, since I have felt safe when I come in for the hybrid schedule. It’s also nice to know that there is an option to stay vir-
tual, that way all students have a choice and can do what is right for them.’’ Recknagel explained. Some staff members’ opinions reflect those of students as well. History teacher Mike Barry shared his views on the impact of the new schedule. “I don’t think we’ll feel the changes at the high school level as much as at the elementary and middle school levels. I’m a little sorry to see the end of the async Wednesday. I liked it and it was a chance to get off the rigid class meeting schedule and still get some important things done related to school in a little more flexible
kind of day. I’m also glad we get to hang on to the Black Hawk Hour and the late start for now,’’ Barry remarked. In terms of COVID-19 safety, Barry believed that this new adjustment will be a positive one as well. “I think it’ll be as safe as what we’re doing now regarding the A and B cohorts. And the option to remain on remote will help those who don’t feel safe at this time,” said Barry. “ I’m so looking forward to the day we can all be back together again.’’
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AP and IB Testing Updates What’s to come this spring for standarized testing by MADDY MOSS Staff Writer
Flyer for the BHHS Multicultural Celebration Photo via the BHHS Multicultural Celebration
A New Look at the Multicultural Celebration BHS PTO implements changes for the 2021 Multicultural Celebration amid COVID-19 by ERYN STERN News Editor The annual Bloomfield Hills School District Multicultural Celebration is planned to happen on Thursday, May 27, 2021. The event will occur from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Bloomfield Hills High School Legacy Courtyard. The event will look much different than past years to ensure that all attendees and presenters are safe. The theme of the celebration is Stories and Legends, and students will be invited to create their own projects and exhibits about a culture of their choice. COVID-19 guidelines from the CDC will be closely adhered to throughout the event. Students will present their exhibits along the periphery of the courtyard, while the lawn will be used for special performances such as student dances. There will also be food served to guests, of course, following COVID-19 protocols. The exhibits will consist of dances,
music, and storytelling done by the district’s very own students ranging from grades Kindergarten to 12th Grade. Other amenities will include a multicultural book fair, sample cuisines from around the world, and more! The PTOC (PTO Multicultural Celebration Committee) coordinates the event each year, as members of the PTO from all of the district’s schools make up the diverse committee. All Bloomfield Hills District students are encouraged to create their own exhibits to showcase their culture to the rest of the community “with the goal of promoting educational and enrichment opportunities for all Bloomfield Hills Schools’ students,” explained the PTOC. The PTO 2020-21 Executive Board Co-President Catherine Daneshvar-Ashtari commented on the celebration. “This year, with respect to Covid-19, the Multicultural Cel-
ebration event was moved to the outdoors. It will now be held in the Legacy courtyard, which was measured to make sure that at least 10 feet of space will be in between each exhibit,” said Daneshvar-Ashtari. Along with a different location for the event, there will be additional changes made to keep the event safe for everyone. “Other considerations are constantly being made as the committee meets each month to adjust to the updated safety measures,” said Daneshvar-Ashtari. “We hope that by having the event outdoors and making sure that all current Covid-19 PPE recommendations are being followed, we can enjoy a fun, but safe, celebration of all the cultures that our community has to offer.” Make sure to attend this celebration by either creating an exhibit or purchasing tickets for your entire family this May. PTOC member and BHS Fam-
ily Student Ambassador Leah Abel provides her insight into the event. “Any students presenting an exhibit or presentation will fill out a Participant Packet so that the committee can work with students to coordinate details. Other ways that students can become involved in this event is to help with promotion, by helping to create graphics that can be posted virtually and in schools,” said Abel. In addition to presenting exhibits at the celebration, students can participate in other ways, such as volunteering. “We also invite students at the high school and middle school level to volunteer at the event by helping with registration, the raffle, safe food distribution, and more,” explained Abel. “ Finally, we invite all Bloomfield Hills Schools families to come to the event as visitors, to enjoy the many and beautiful celebrations of culture from around the world that will be presented by students across the district.”
What will standardized testing look like in the future? The SAT and ACT may not be required for students in 2022 by IZZY O’BRIEN Staff Writer Because of the ever-changing challenges that the Coronavirus pandemic has brought us, colleges are struggling with one decision for students applying to college next year: the standardized testing requirements. Many colleges have decided to make adjustments to their application process and may not require students to have ACT or SAT test scores in 2022. Due to Covid-19, students across the globe have been participating in online schooling and testing has been one of the many challenges that educators and students have faced. Juniors and seniors have struggled with standardized testing for multiple reasons this year, including the lack of available testing dates and competition for securing a testing location. The pandemic makes it difficult for large groups of students to take tests at the same time, which has led to many testing sites postponing or limiting their testing numbers. Additionally, Covid-19 has been taxing on students’ mental health, and the added pressure of standardized testing is something many districts hope to avoid. Colleges have recognized this issue and a handful have decided to make standardized test scores optional for seniors applying for fall 2021 admission, but we may see more colleges become more lenient in 2022. Many students are happily surprised and grateful for this opportunity. The stress that most students face towards the end of the year has been lifted off their shoulders. “Students already have so much to deal with, especially during the pandemic,” said junior
Beauman Hull. “I think that this is a great option schools are considering and I know many students would be grateful for it.” Teachers witness the strain that these tests bring for their students, and numerous teachers agree that this is the best decision for students right now. On the other hand, there are students who think this decision is unfair. Students who have already taken the SAT or ACT feel that they put in all of their hard work for nothing. “I feel like it’s unfair to the students who have put in so much time and effort for these tests. It’s like I did all of that work for nothing, and
An online standardized test Photo via The University of Southern Florida
other students who haven’t taken the tests yet get an advantage,” said junior Shira Ellis. All in all, this new decision has many possibilities, but we won’t know the outcome until the moment arrives.
Since the founding of Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate Program (IB), millions of students have taken their tests in-person with pencil and paper. However, the pencil and paper method could not endure the challenges of COVID-19. Last spring, the College Board administered its tests online and each test began at the same time, mimicking the in-person model of years past, causing many of their servers to crash. Students around the country experienced frustration with the system as tests were lost in the submission process and had to be re-taken. The College Board re-evaluated, and, for this school year, will be offering their testing over multiple days, online and/or in-school, and have given schools flexibility in how the test is administered. In the spring of 2020, the IB (International Baccalaureate) decided it was best to cancel all IB exams internationally that were scheduled to take place between April 30-May 24 in response to the pandemic. This year, the IB has made adjustments to the curriculum that is taught all around the world and has made changes to their testing procedures. This is largely in response to the changes in instructional time that students may be receiving this year. “[The] organization is trying to be as fair as they can [as they make] accommodations,” said Associate Principal and IB Coordinator Jessica Lupone. Dates for IB testing are already set. BHHS is holding testing at the Booth Center in order to allow for students to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines. The College Board is offering three testing
“The IB is trying to be as fair as they can as they make accommodations”
Mrs. Lupone BHHS Associate Principal/ IB Coordinator
windows for each exam between early May and mid-June. The first tests will be administered May 3-7, 10-12, 14, and 17. Those tests will be the traditional, physical copy tests administered in-person. The next two administered tests can be in-person or digital at the school’s discretion. With the change in the testing schedule and increased flexibility, the College Board AP exams will return to their traditional length and format as opposed to last year’s condensed exams. Many students have mixed feelings about The College Board’s choice to change the testing back to two to three-hour tests. “If anything I think that they should completely change IB and AP tests conditions because we’re not living in the same lifestyle as before the pandemic,” said junior Esha Varchasvi. In spite of the challenges of the school year, Ms. Lupone remains confident in the success of “Teachers have known about the accommodations to the content on the test and they’ve been teaching and preparing accordingly,” said Lupone. “Our teachers and students have done an excellent job preparing and I think students will do well and continue to thrive.”
The College Board Logo Photo via The College Board
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Art Award Winners
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BHHS Students take home hardware at the regional Scholastic Art Award winners and the Tri-County Art Awards
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Becoming a Positive Influence Birmingham Bloomfield Community Coalition works to decrease substance abuse by ASHTON TAYLOR Staff Writer
Supplies collected for the HER drive Photo via Aeva Dey
HER Drive Meets Bloomfield Hills School District Bloomfield Hills and International Academy students team up to end stigma around period poverty by SANJU SWAMY Managing Editor International Academy freshmen Ashni Kansara and Aeva Dey along with Bloomfield Hills High School freshmen Elizabeth Harst and Emelia Pearce came together to join the nonprofit organization HER Drive. Through HER Drive, Dey, Kansara, Harst and Pearce hosted a collection drive for hygiene products from January 15 until February 15 within the Bloomfield Hills district. Dey discussed HER Drive further and talked about how this nonprofit started. “HER Drive is a non profit organization that was created by two women in Illinois. Originally, they just ran a drive out of their area, but then they created a ‘Host Your Own Drive’ program,” Dey said. Adding to that, Dey delved into the personal reasons she and her partners had for joining this organization. “We joined the organization because we wanted to give back to our community especially since we know so
many people are struggling during Although Dey’s initial goal was this pandemic,” stated Dey. to remove some of the stigma, Dey When asked why they decided to was very appreciative of the comstart HER Drive in the school dismunity help offered through the trict, Dey redonations they sponded: were able to re“Overall, ceive. Dey added “We joined the organizawe joined that just under [HER Drive] tion because we wanted to five thousand because we give back to our community period products knew that in and just over one Michigan, pe- especially since we know so thousand other riod poverty many people are struggling general hygiene is a real isproducts were during this pandemic” sue. There is a collected. stigma around “I knew we’d asking for get a lot of donahelp and asktions, but these ing for prodnumbers just ucts, which blow my mind,” scares some said Dey. students,” said In that same Dey. “Howway, Dey is glad ever, our goals that more people for this project were that we would are taking time to give back in be able to get rid of some of the stigtimes of a pandemic. ma around it, and be able to create “Seeing the number of products a community wide effort in order to and people gives us such a happy help people.” feeling, knowing that with every
Aeva Dey IA ‘24
donation we will be able to help way more people,” explained Dey. Dey commented further on the issue of period poverty as a whole and brought to attention the impact of period poverty on students. “One of the largest victim groups of period poverty is students. Students end up not having the supplies they need to have a clean and easy cycle, and sometimes they end up using unsafe methods to take care of their needs,” she noted. “We hope that with these donations we can help make some students’ lives a bit easier.” Lastly, Dey expressed her gratitude for the district and its role in making HER drive a seamless process. “The Bloomfield Hills District has helped beyond measure. They have let us have drop off boxes in the schools, helped spread the word and overall has supported us so much and we are thankful for their support in the cause.”
BHHS Employs a New Hybrid Schedule The schedule keeps the building from being overcrowded during the pandemic, while still offering inperson classes in an adapted format.
All around the world, young students are struggling and throwing their lives away due to alcohol and drug addiction. Because of this, in 1995, a group of parents started the Birmingham Bloomfield Community Coalition (BBCC). The purpose of this organization’s creation was to spread awareness and prevent alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use amongst youth. As the years have gone by, the Birmingham Bloomfield Community Coalition has begun to focus on mental health as well. Mental health plays a considerable part in adolescents’ decision-making, as young students are driven by emotion and often need mental health support. BBCC helps teens with anxiety, stress, depression, and suicide. BBCC explained that its focus is to “provide education, tools, activities, and support [to young students to] rise above life’s challenges,” the BBCC website stated. BBCC believes that young students need guidance in making decisions about their “safety, health, and wellness.” To help students overcome these obstacles, BBCC collaborates with the Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities, Oakland Community Health Network, and Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America. They share a common goal: to help youth physically, mentally, and emotionally. BBCC put videos and articles together about each of the topics discussed above on their website, which provides information on how drugs and alcohol impact a student’s life and how to overcome them. Also, if someone gets caught using, executive director Carol Mastroianni said, “there is a 30-day program, no cost to them. They have to learn about the substance that they are using as an education component.” Students will meet with Mastroianni to read “Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens” to acquire new skills. Then they will meet with the associate principal and the youth assistance for counseling support. “They don’t get suspended; they can stay in school, they need to participate, and at the
“It’s amazing how much success you will reach by choosing healthy ways of living.”
Samantha Milch
YAB Co-Chairperson
by SEAMUS KEENE Staff Writer On February first, BHHS students and staff began a new hybrid schedule. The goal of its design, as always, is to ensure the safety and health of students and staff during the pandemic, while also creating the best possible learning environment given the current circumstances. The new schedule is a return to the “hybrid” learning style, in which the student body is divided into two cohorts, with only one cohort attending school in-person each day. The previous schedule had been entirely virtual, with all students attending classes over Zoom. The virtual schedule had been put in place when Covid-19 cases were on the rise, making in-person attendance more dangerous. The newly available Covid-19 vaccine, however, has presented an opportunity for students and teachers to return to the classroom safely. The schedule features a few notable changes. Firstly, a start time of 9:25 a.m. for the first class of the day, with the school day ending at 2:30 p.m.. A 9:25 a.m. start time is considerably later than that of the virtual schedule, which had a start time of 8:55 a.m. and the previous in-person start time of 7:25 a.m.. This was made possible by moving Black Hawk Hour to the beginning of the day, from 7:25 to 8:55 a.m.. Black Hawk Hour is a special period in the school day where students can individually pursue extra instruction from teachers in order to ensure that students are adequately supported during the pandemic. This time is borrowed from each class, as class times are 65-70 minutes each, as opposed to the usual 90 minutes in a non-pandemic schedule. Junior Amelia Paszek-Moore appreciated the
changes to class length, explaining the following. “Shorter classes help to keep me focused and interested, while still providing ample time to complete classwork,” said Moore. BHHS has released an FAQ on the school district’s website about the schedule, detailing the intent behind the schedule. It explains that Black Hawk Hour is meant to “allow flexibility for students and staff to tailor time for additional support.” In explanation of the modified class length, the document reads, “The Black Hawk Hour is considered instructional time as teachers will be instructing students individually and in small groups. This allows for comparable instructional time with increased support, flexibility and differentiation to individual student needs.” Some teachers have received the new schedule positively, like Kathleen Small, an AP and IB Social Studies teacher. She explained how the hybrid schedule has been affecting class time and activities. “I have been enjoying and trying to utilize Black Hawk Hour as much as possible. I think this time is very valuable for some students and courses. For example, I meet with students individually for extra assistance and I can run review sessions for upcoming unit exams or go over assignments with students. I plan to use Black Hawk Hour for vital AP Government Exam preparation and review,” Small explained. However, Small also discussed her thoughts on the transition periods between hours, believing they are too constrained. “I wish there were a few more minutes between
class change, because I have to travel to different parts of the building and five minutes goes by very quickly; especially when dealing with technology, COVID cleaning protocols” said Small. Small also offered insight as to the importance of a hybrid schedule as opposed to a completely virtual system. “I enjoy having students in class because I get more active participation from those students,” Small said, “Also, I can see students’ facial expressions and body language which can tell me a lot. I can also see how long certain class activities are taking students when they complete these in class. I also enjoy getting to interact with students in person and have general conversations with students.” Teachers are not the only ones enjoying the new schedule, as many students have praised it, especially the addition of Black Hawk Hour. Junior Gabriel Cali commented on this new schedule. “Black Hawk Hour being in the morning gives me extra time to work,” Cali revealed. Junior Jay Bala agreed. Bala prefered the choice the new schedule offers: “Black Hawk Hour gives me the time I need to prepare for the day, by giving me the option to meet with teachers,” Bala shared. Overall, student and teachers’ reception to the newfound flexibility is positive. Stretching classes between both virtual and in-person audiences may seem daunting on the surface, but students and teachers alike have adapted and remained flexible in the interests of both safety and education.
end, they need to do a presentation of everything they learned, and it’s a pass-fail,” said Mastroianni. Furthermore, the BBCC website also displayed information about anxiety, depression, and suicide and how to overcome these issues. “We want to give you guys good skills from the inside out. Make better decisions and help navigate your life,” stated Mastroianni. Student Chairperson of the organization, Samantha Milch, had a bit to say about her role in Youth Action Board. “I love YAB because I get the opportunity to meet and work with students from different schools. We work together to prevent substance abuse which I am very passionate about because so many kids our age aren’t aware of the effects that it has on their lifestyle. There are so many ways it can be prevented. Choosing to not use drugs and alcohol will get students so much further in life. It’s amazing how much success you will reach by choosing healthy ways of living,” said Milch. To prevent young students from harming and ruining their lives with drug addiction, alcohol abuse, depression, and suicide, we need to continue spreading awareness and educating the youth about the negative impact of drugs and alcohol.
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A Guide to Stude Finding a Job in High School Why finding a job is more important than ever by NOA GOLDSTEIN Section Editor High school: long nights of studying, keeping up with homework, and participating in clubs. All of it together can seem extremely stressful without an outlet. Working a part-time job can serve as that outlet for high schoolers, and can have countless benefits for the future. Especially during these hard times, finding a job is more important than ever to keep social skills intact, begin building a strong financial future, and, ultimately, to get out of the house. During the long months of the pandemic, I was getting restless. I needed something to do that would benefit me in some way, while still staying safe from COVID-19. That is when a friend reached out to me asking if I would like to consider working at a country club part-time as a desk manager/court aid (to help with operations and also participate in some coaching and
tennis activities). I had never had a job before, but this seemed like the perfect opportunity to expand my horizons. I have never doubted my decision. I have learned so many different lessons, such as how to communicate with others more effectively and to speak my opinion, all the while making new friends along the way. Because of convenient technology like texting, the simple task of picking up an actual phone and talking to members of the club was a lot harder than I expected, but my job helped me get over this fear, and gave me effective communication skills for my future. I also gained experience through working with kids and learning computer systems - all while having enough time to complete my school work. On top of these skills, my job is pretty flexible, so my manager could always work around my busy schedule and accommo-
date me with whatever I would need to be successful. Sometimes if the country club was not crowded, my boss would let me bring my computer to get homework done, or go practice serving some tennis balls. I have even gotten the opportunity to practice coaching - something I have really come to enjoy since taking the job. Overall, this is an experience that I am so happy to have, and I know I will be thankful to have in the future. Having a job can allow any high school student to gain much needed experience for the real world, make countless new connections, assist with time-management skills, and provide a bit of income for the years ahead. All things my job did for me. These three abilities are some of the most important skills for the rest of a student’s life - skills that cannot necessarily be taught in school. All students think
about nowadays are getting into college and fantasizing about college life, but we should be thinking about after college as well, and applying for jobs. What happens when you graduate college and all you know how to do is solve calculus problems, or write an essay? College can bring a lot of helpful skills, however, you should be learning skills that can help you work and make money for your future as well. Skills learned at a part time job are crucial for success in the real world, and every high schooler should jump at the chance to work if given one.
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A Juggling Act How high school students balance their studies with work by RYANNE LEONARD Feature Editor Whether it be for the sake of necessity, experience, or making some extra cash, getting a job while in school can be appealing to many students. However, meeting the demands of employers, schoolwork, and extracurriculars can be a daunting task. So, how do students create that balance? Junior Jaanaki Radhakrishnan, has found her ideal job working at the Detroit Institute of Arts to supplement her family income while also pursuing her passion. “I wanted to be able to take some of the stress off of my parents. I plan events, and through campaigns and initiatives [we] get more youth involvement in the arts and in the museum, and it’s something I’m really passionate about.” In addition to work, Radhakrishnan works for numerous political campaigns and organizations. With extracurriculars, community service, schoolwork, and hold-
ing a job, a schedule can become a mountain of responsibility. “It can be really stressful and I have to stay up really late to finish my homework because I have been at work all day,” said Radhakrishnan. However, there are many ways to manage such a schedule. The first way would be to have communication with a flexible employer, or an employer that understands that they hire students. Keeping them posted on an ever changing agenda allows for a more accommodating schedule and more time to dedicate to other responsibilities. Setting priorities and organizing tasks is another vital aspect of juggling work and school. If not done properly or at all, it is easy to become overwhelmed amidst the weight of it all. Organizing each activity, shift, and deadline also helps you pace
yourself and ensure you do not push yourself beyond reasonable expectations and limits. “I think it is really important to not overload yourself and to prioritize things which are most important to you. You just have to be realistic with yourself about the amount of time that you can reasonably dedicate to things outside of work and school,” said Radhakrishnan. These priorities, however, do not look the same for every person. Depending on the necessity of work, the role of family in one’s life, and a variety of other factors, the importance of each task or responsibility can appear very different. So, understanding yourself, and what matters most to you, is far more important than any outside opinions. Amid all the anxieties that work and school could bring, decompression and
relaxation should be considered high in these priorities. Burnout from purely focusing on work can greatly damage mental health and cause fatigue, making it difficult with such work to be completed in the first place. It is integral to the balance of life, work, and school to, in essence, just save time to do nothing. Working offers many benefits for high school students, including a little paycheck and real world experience, but the feat of juggling a mountain of responsibilities is a necessary and satisfying part of the process.
A student’s guide to employment in COVID-19 Strategies, laws, and everything else related to student employment by SETH KRUGER News Editor As we have all heard too many times, our lives have been severely affected and altered by COVID-19. These changes are mostly perceived as negative effects due to the global pandemic, and it is not often that people can recognize some of the good things that are happening because of COVID-19. But, one of these positive effects that has been overlooked is the opening of local jobs for teens and young adults. There have always been a multitude of rules for student employment. According to the Employing Minors in Michigan document, there are some basic level requirements for student employment. The most important of these is a work permit, which can be obtained through a school’s administrative offices. For Bloomfield Hills students, this process can be done through Ms. Shoultz. The current process to get a work permit at BHHS is: 1. Acquire the blank form. 2. Complete section 1 by the student and parent/ guardian (the most missed questions are signatures and last 4 of social security number) 3. Complete section 2 by the employer (including an actual signature) 4. Email a picture or pdf of the form with the first 2 sections completed to Deb Shoultz, Records Secretary at dshoultz@bloomfield.org 5. Receive the completed form in your school email. 6. Print the form and return it to the employer. There are also many requirements for student employment that are covered under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the 1978 Public Act. The requirements within these acts will be worked out prior to a student being hired, including aspects like age (14+), maximum combined school and work hours (48 per week), and a maximum of six days per week in a workplace. Also important are the timing rules for student employment, including no work hours during the school day, as well as no work hours before seven am and after nine pm. But, despite the fact that COVID-19 has twisted many aspects of everyday life, the student employment laws have stayed mostly consistent. The only change was a recent push for the elimi-
nation of work permits altogether to make employment in COVID-19 easier, but this was only valid through August of 2020. All of these requirements and rules may seem overwhelming, or sound very complicated. But, that is the exact reason why employers are open-minded, and there are a variety of resources available to students looking for employment. “Be open to new opportunities and find an employer who will respect you as an individual. School still has to come first. A good employer will understand that,” said Mr. McDonald, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources for the Bloomfield School District. Similarly, Ms. Shoultz feels that mutual respect and happiness between employer and employee is the key to successful student employment. “Do not take on more hours than you can handle. Leave some time for yourself and your outside interests. Also make sure you have sufficient time to complete all school work. You only have one chance at high school,” said Shoultz. Junior Sam Cellar was recently employed in the summer of 2020 at Tropical Smoothie Cafe, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even with all of the rules and regulations in place, Cellar still found it possible to find a job. “It was a little difficult since I had to do quite a bit of paperwork, including getting a work permit,” said Cellar. “Getting a work permit proved to be a slight challenge since I could not go in person to the school, however, we worked it out via email.” Not only was Cellar able to efficiently obtain a position at Tropical Smoothie Cafe, but she also suggested that any teen looking for job opportunities would be just as successful in the times of COVID compared to “normal” life, if not more than usual. “Since there are no at-home positions at my workplace, the usual worker is 16-18 years old, and there are often opportunities for younger people to get hired,” Cellar explained. This is consistent with the observations that Mr. McDonald has seen, especially during the pandemic. “Generally, I would say [opportunities] have increased. Many businesses are in need of hourly
employment,” McDonald shared. Ms. Shoultz agreed. She emphasized that in the midst of the pandemic, students are the best candidates for filling in open job positions. “Adults have left the workforce to stay home to take care of and assist their children with the education process. These positions will need to be filled, [and] students can help to fill those gaps,” said Ms. Shoultz. Since students can work anytime after school until 9:00 p.m., these openings are perfect for students looking for employment. With these increased job opportunities come increased incentives. As individuals continue to put their health on the line every day to serve their communities, both hours and pay increase as well. “My hours have increased due to many people quitting during the pandemic, however, pay has stayed the same, and even increased with an occasional essential worker bonus,” said Cellar. So, although COVID-19 has made its most noble attempts at disrupting every student’s life, the task of finding employment as a student is just as easy -if not more obtainable- amid the pandemic. By following the advice from Mr. McDonald and Ms. Shoultz, and ensuring that the employer follows the student employment rules, any student, such as Cellar, can find student employment.
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Real Talks Club Toolkits A brief view of Real Talks club and their efforts to achieve a healthier you by LAINIE RUBIN Senior Columnist In a collaboration of Bloomfield Hills High School’s mental health advocates and Bloomfield Youth Assistance (BYA), the Real Talks Club was formed. Real Talks Club is a studentled peer-to-peer group that focuses on realistic and thoughtful conversation between students and meets via Zoom once a month. Around two years ago, the Real Talks Club was created after BHHS’s first UMatter week, where Real Talks was an activity. A few students reached out to BYA, a volunteer organization that supports all youth and families within the Bloomfield Hills community, and wanted to establish a Real Talks Club. BYA President, Denise Ullem, was all for starting the club as she initially joined BYA in hopes of helping the community with mental health advocacy. Ullem described the purpose of Real Talks Club and its impact on the students involved. “So often, people are not connecting in an authentic way, and Real Talks Club allows students to talk in a place where they are supported and surrounded by people they can trust,” said Ullem. Real Talks Club welcomes students and teachers of all ages, and has the support of a trained counselor and former West Hills Middle School teacher, Mr. Mark Honeyman. “Mr. Honeyman was brought in due to his experience with a similar club to Real Talks Club through his career at West Hills,” said Ullem. Most recently, a grant awarded by the Bloomfield Hills Foundation was given to the Real Talks Club. “The grant was entitled the Compass Grant and was awarded for efforts being done in the community to support mental health advocacy,” said Ullem. The club decided to use the grant money to create toolkits for all students to help with sensory and stress feelings. The toolkits include: sweatshirts and stickers with the real talk logo, massage rollers to help with tenseness, kinetic sand to sooth, a squishy to fidget with, a notebook and pen to write in, chapstick, and materials for a sugar scrub with essential oils. Real Talks President Carly Bernard commented, “I use the kinetic sand every day and love playing with it in my hands.” The idea for the toolkits came from lots of prior knowledge and research from mental health experts across the board. “I used my prior knowledge from the Friend-
“Mr. Honeyman was brought in due to his experience with a similar club to Real Talks Club through his career at West Hills,” said Ullem”
Denise Ullem
BYA President
ship Circle program Mind, Body, Soul to know and understand what specific tools were to be in the toolkit,” said Bernard. Indeed, mental health experts have discussed the art of distracting yourself from verhalom thoughts and feelings. “The connection between doing something else and engaging a part of your mind [is the key to managing stress]. [Doing] something else allows you to calm down so you are out of the fight or flight mindset and into a more logical mindset,” said Ullem. For more information on Real Talks club please feel free to reach out to Co-presidents Carly Bernard (bernard.carly40@bloomfield. org) and Leena Jandali (jandali.leena24@ bloomfield.org), as well as Mrs. Lupone (jlupone@bloomfield.org) and Mrs. Ullem (byapresident@gmail.com).
Real Talks Co-Presidents Carly Bernard and Leena Jandali Photo by Real Talks Club
BSA Cover Photo Photo by BSA
Reflecting On Black History Month at Bloomfield Hills Members of Black Student Alliance discuss Black History Month Coverage and Significance by SANJU SWAMY Managing Editor During Black History Month, from February first to March first, members and leaders involved in the Black Student Alliance (BSA) at Bloomfield Hills High School made it a goal to raise awareness about African American history and culture. Francis Nwamgbe, a senior and member of the BSA, discussed what it is exactly the club does to keep the spirit of Black History Month alive within the high school. “BSA is doing our part in keeping the spirit of Black History Month alive through educational videos and quick facts,” explained Nwamgbe. In a similar vein, Chelsey WellsSimmons, freshman and BSA EBoard member, expressed her appreciation to BSA members for doing what they can to raise awareness given the circumstances of the pandemic. “Doing BHM, even though it’s
been challenging because of COVID-19 and not being in the building a lot, I feel like we did a really good job because we came up with some really great ideas and made [informational] videos,” explained Wells-Simmons. Taking a break from speaking about BHM coverage, Wells-Simmons delved into some of her responsibilities as an E-Board member. “We facilitate meetings, come up with topics to talk about, we plan, and we interact with each other,” said Wells-Simmons. “I feel accomplished because I am the only freshman and everyone connects, even though I have a big age difference.” Despite the virtual nature of the BHM coverage, Wells-Simmons believes that BSA is still contributing to the school’s overall awareness of Black History Month. “BSA is contributing to our school because some people really don’t know the importance behind
BHM, especially what it means to people within the AfricanAmerican culture or even outside of that,” stated Wells-Simmons. “We’re helping people understand and have covered a variety of music that people listen to. In our videos, we explain what different music means in accordance with African-American culture.” Wells-Simmons further discussed an in-person option besides videos to celebrate BHM amongst the school community. “In the future, we can hang up posters or even have an assembly and have each person [in BSA] say a paragraph on what BHM means to them,” explained Wells-Simmons. Lastly, Wells-Simmons had a comment to share about BHM and the significance that this month holds for her. “Honestly, it’s meaningful to me because in middle school we didn’t celebrate BHM at all [and] it felt really good to celebrate something
coming from my culture,” stated Wells-Simmons. Nwamgbe also had a lasting message for the student body concerning BHM. “I feel as though the student body should realize that BHM is more than just the month of February,” Nwamgbe said. “Black history is American history [and] absolutely should be acknowledged yearly.”
National Honors Society Reimagined NHS adapts to the limitations and opportunities brought on by hybrid learning by FALLAN SHERMAN Section Editor Earlier this year, the National Honors Society was reestablished for the students of BHHS. While academic changes have occurred in response to COVID-19, the officers and staff adviser Krista Laliberte have been working to persevere throughout the hybrid learning experience. In line with many of the restrictions that accompanied this school year, the NHS officers attest to the difficulties that the Coronavirus has posed onto their organization. “The majority of what we do as the NHS is community service, and with COVID-19, we have found it much more difficult to get out into the community,” said senior and NHS president, Noah Behrendt. “While there are a lot of new challenges, I have been supported by an awesome team and, of-course, our sponsor, Mrs. Laliberte.” Along with Behrendt, the NHS officers work with one another to adapt to the changes in scenery. Like many other students, the officers have had to accept that NHS would look different this year. “As the Vice President and an officer, I had to learn a lot about the mechanics of NHS in a new environment. I struggled, like all students, but had the other officers to rely on,” said senior and NHS Vice President, Seema Shah. “Going into new territory this year, I felt nervous to help lead the members of NHS, but I just had to be confident.” Members of NHS usually participate in numerous in-person interactions and activities that have a focus on community service. However, contact with others and COVID-19 regulations have posed a challenge to the service requirements.
that have a focus on community service. However, contact with others and COVID-19 regulations have posed a challenge to the service requirements. “Unlike previous years, members did not have to complete any community service hours first semester as it was difficult for many to find opportunities,” said Shah. “The opportunities provided by NHS and the school have been more limited than previous years.” Considering the adaptations that were made under the NHS officers, technology was a key role in ensuring that students maintained a line of communication with one another. “[Officers] have had to drastically increase communication because the changes are important for members to know,” said officer Tara Raouf. “It is much harder when we cannot just bring everyone together in the main commons like we used to be able to do.” The officers made conclusions to adapt the NHS group as a whole. Leaders at BHHS have had to face obstacles that students in previous years have not. “My role has definitely been made more difficult as an officer because we had to make a lot of decisions that have never been made, such as cutting back and/or pushing the hour require-
BHHS NHS 2020-21 Logo Photo by BHHS NHS
ments, tutoring, and service projects,” said Raouf. In order to combat this problem, the officers and sponsors collaborated frequently to ensure communication. “The NHS Officers meet virtually on several occasions throughout the week to plan and problem-solve to ensure that NHS can live up to its fullest potential,” said Shah. Despite the obstacles that students have faced, NHS officers recognize the new opportunities afforded to students in lieu of COVID-19. “There are silver linings in everything. We have been able to expand our tutoring system to elementary students and small group leaders are working with members to do service projects. The great thing about NHS is that no matter the limitations, there is always some way that we can give back to our community,” said Shah. Beyond the scope of this year, the applications for future members have been altered as well. “This year, [the officers] finally made the application for juniors and sophomores all digital,” said Behrendt. Going forward, the officers pledge their efforts in ensuring service opportunities for students regardless of the limitations they are exposed to.
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Celebrating Aspirations Junior Pooja Kannappan receives STEM award by GRACE ROBERTS Staff Writer
BHHS DECA Student Awards Photo by Eryn Stern and Matthew MacLeod
DECA Advances to States 32 students to participate in State Competitions by HAYDEN BUCKFIRE Staff Writer Bloomfield Hills High School students, 32 in total, will compete in DECA state competitions in Mid-March against students from several other high schools around the state. State competitions are centered around large projects or impromptu business planning and are evaluated by judges. DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) provides students with an opportunity to grow as entrepreneurs and thinkers, as they are presented with challenges throughout competitions, and forced to solve them creatively. Matthew MacLeod is a co-sponsor of DECA at Bloomfield Hills High School, and helps prepare and support students for events throughout the year. “DECA is kind of a future business leaders of America-style club, and Mr. Whitmire and I work to mentor and support students who are exploring their careers in business,” shared MacLeod. “We’ve had a club at the high school for four years, and Mr. Whitmire and I took over as sponsors last year.” In competitions, there are many cate-
gories for students to engage in relating to several business clusters. “One of the cool things about DECA is that it can be a lot of things. It can be just to respond to what is going on, think on the fly, or how well you know your information. It can also be about how you take your time and prepare your presentation in advance,” remarked MacLeod. There are several different avenues of competition based on many different topics, such as hotel management or advertising. Students are graded on their presentation and thinking skills at conferences along with their unique ideas. DECA club meets every week after school virtually for the 2020-2021 school year, and members are interested to see how state competitions will look this year online. Although DECA has moved meetings to be fully virtual, the nature of the club allows the group to still operate somewhat normally despite the setbacks of remote learning. “Essentially, during competitions,
we log onto a website which gives us our case study, then we meet virtually with the judge for around 10 minutes to present our idea,” said sophomore and member Henry Jackson. Students can qualify for state competitions by receiving a high score at regional or district competitions, with 20 students qualifying for state competitions in that route. The other path, with only 12 students qualifying for state competitions, is to present more in-depth and pre-planned projects at states without participating in district events. The DECA level of competition after states is an international competition, held across the country, in Atlanta, Orlando, and Anaheim. Bloomfield Hills students in the past have qualified and even placed at these global events. Last year, a large group of students qualified but were unable to attend due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the complications COVID-19 has caused on the overall format of DECA, members still showed enthusi-
asm and excitement for the rest of the year. “We have a really good team, and I’m optimistic that we will do well enough at states to make it to internationals and go from there,” said MacLeod. State competitions will be held online through Zoom later this winter. Students will participate in the conferences with an online model, competing with students from other schools. Unfortunately, opportunities in DECA such as staying in hotels for competitions and spending time in downtown Detroit have gone away for this season. “DECA has been fun this year, even though it’s been fully virtual. I’m really excited for the fun at state competitions, and I’m intrigued to see how competitions will operate online- it probably will be very different,” said Jackson, “We’ve had setbacks in DECA like we have had in other areas this year but the experience of competing and practicing entrepreneurship in front of judges will continue to be fun.”
Oakland County Youth in Government Day
Junior Pooka Kannappan Photo by NCWIT
Annual event held virtually for the first time Ashley Fogel Staff Writer On February 3, Oakland County’s Youth in Government Day was held virtually due to COVID-19. The first Youth in Government Day was organized in the 1970s under the first County Executive, Daniel T. Murphy. His goal was to develop young adults into future leaders. For over 15 consecutive years, Youth in Government Day has been organized by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, with the support of other elected officials within the county. The program continues to focus on connecting young people with local government, and encouraging them to engage and explore the ways their participation can positively impact their lives and communities. More than 70 high school students from across the county this year participated in mock debates and spoke with elected officials as part of this program. Although traditionally hosted on the Oakland County campus, this year’s event was recreated to connect students with county leadership while remaining physically and safely distant. Junior Sammy Curcuru commented on the impact of the virtual setting on the event. “I really didn’t mind it being online. Regardless of being on a screen, it was still really engaging and I was still able to interact with the other students and officials. I learned a lot about our local government and it was cool to see how everyday people can make an impact in their communities by running for or paying attention to their local government,” said Curcuru. AP Government teacher Kathleen Small also elaborated on the online event. She emphasized the impact of the virtual setting on students’ learning and the ease of attending. “The virtual setting impacted the event because students could not ‘see’ where and how their government meets. We did not get to tour the county
buildings, speak to judges, nor get to see some of the interesting things from the Sheriff Department, like drug dogs, SWAT, vehicles, etc.,” said Small. “However, because the event was virtual it made organizing and attending the event easier for students and staff,” Ms. Small continued to explain the impact of engaging in local government. “It was interesting to hear from the elected officials just how complicated funding public schools is here in Michigan, Oakland County and within individual School Districts,” said Small. “I learned a few things from this conversation, as I am newer to Michigan, because I did not understand some of the history behind these funding decisions.” The topic of this year’s mock debate was centered
Virutal Youth in Government Day Flyer Photo by Oakland County
Junior Pooja Kannappan was selected as the 2021 NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing (AiC) national recipient. Kannappan is one of four hundred U.S. high school students to win this award. According to the Aspirations in Computing website, “NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing (AiC) honors 9th-12th grade students who self-identify as women, genderqueer, or non-binary for their computing-related achievements and interests, and encourages them to pursue their passions. Award recipients are selected based on their aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing, as demonstrated by their computing experience, computing-related activities, leadership experience, tenacity in the face of barriers to access, and plans for post-secondary education.” Kannappan described the application process for the award. “The application process was full of thoughtprovoking essay questions that encouraged us to highlight our journeys and achievements in the STEM field. Some questions also prompted us to think of creative technological solutions to real-world problems. The central theme of the application was to express our passion for the field of STEM and our future aspirations in the field,” said Kannappan. Kannapan then explained what she was awarded as the winner. “I was recognized as a National Honorable Mention, which was awarded to the top 9.5% of applicants nationally, and I was recently recognized as a Michigan Regional Affiliate Winner,” said Kannappan. When asked about the experience as a whole, Kannappan believed it to be a very positive and beneficial one. “I was thrilled to be announced as a winner and join the NCWIT AiC alumni community! It was also really inspiring to learn more about the other award winners,” Kannappan remarked. The NCWIT Award offered students like Kannappan the chance to prove their work to the STEM community. Kannappan’s work ethic and passion for the STEM field reflected the key aspects of the award, earning her this unique title.
around the pros and cons of requiring COVID-19 vaccines for school students and staff. Students were encouraged to share their opinions and discuss these topics openly. “It feels like our opinions are usually so distanced from the lawmaking process. It felt nice to share and feel like we are being heard,” remarked junior and participant Rikki Aronoff. “I thought it was really interesting to speak to Oakland County Officials, especially right now when people have so many questions concerning the pandemic.” When asked if she would recommend attending this day to students next year, Aronoff said, “Of course. It was engaging and very impactful.”
Student-directed one acts compete at MIFA states by CASSIE ENGLISH Copy Editor ....continued from page 1 ....schools. The cast won an award for Superior Ensemble Acting, Gittleman for Superior Directing, and the entire team was awarded MIFA’s Innovation in Theatre award, along with others. “It was really challenging to get to the final recording and submission, but we did it and I couldn’t have been happier with how it all turned out,” shared Ella Sidder, a senior who acted in This Is Our Youth. The Fox On The Fairway, Bloomfield’s humorous submission directed by Partalis, placed third out of six schools competing at States. This team won numerous awards, including Excellent Ensemble Acting for the entire cast, two Superior Acting awards for senior Cole Bewick and junior Jaden Cohen, and Superior Costumes and Superior Program for Partalis. “I’m really happy to have participated in this new avenue for our program,” said Bewick. “I think our cast grew in both our acting skills and our patience for one another, and I think we all learned a lot.” Both one acts will be available for streaming online later in the year. Updates and more information on the BHHS theatre program are posted on the official Instagram: @bhhsthespian.
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"WHAT SHOULD I DO DURING BLACK HAWK HOUR?" Connect with Teachers Teachers are available for one-on-one support, review sessions, small group work, or academic check-ins.
COMPLETE ASSIGNMENTS Use this time to complete assignments or projects before classes begin for the day. You could also use this time to work on extension opportunities. If a question comes up while you're working, you can connect with your teacher.
STRESS RELIEF Get prepared for learning. Set yourself up for success with breakfast, physical activity, or meditation. Having a morning routine helps you focus for the day ahead.
CREATE AN ACADEMIC ROUTINE Dedicating time each morning during Black Hawk Hour to completing assignments, connecting with teachers, or working with peers will help you become more productive and organized.
STAFF SUPPORT Black Hawk Hour is a great time to connect with other staff as well, such as your counselor, your administrator, or the Media Specialist, Mrs. Bevier.
BLACK HAWK HOUR
Black Hawk Hour
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Humans of Bloomfield: BHHS students share some hobbies that they acquired over quarantine by SKYLAR STEARNS Staff Writer
“Since quarantine I’ve been working on trying to find fun workout routines and styles.” -Mackenzie Guettler, ‘21
Key Club’s Brooklyn Pizza Fundraiser Flyer Photo by Eryn Stern
“Since quarantine, I’ve really gotten into card games. I really enjoy playing euchre, poker, and black jack with my friends.” -Joseph Pisano, ‘22
“Since quarantine, I have been working on styling hair and practicing my violin.” -Gabrielle Jeffries, ‘23
The key to COVID relief: fundraising Student-run Key Club organizes fundraiser to raise money for COVID relief by OLIVIA WHITE Staff Writer Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, many in the community have needed a bit of extra help. Key Club is a student-run club devoted to helping the Bloomfield community. Currently, since restaurants have been hit hard with safety protocols, Key Club is starting a fundraiser to help support local restaurants. Senior Co-President Carly Cohen and junior Co-President Eryn Stern have been devoting their time and effort into organizing these fundraisers. “We are trying to do what we can to help the community and help with any Covid relief,” said Cohen. “People are being affected really differently
by Covid, so raising money in any way can help people. We hope to help the community around us and whoever needs it.” The club is planning on having two restaurant fundraisers this year to raise money and donate to Covid relief, while bringing in business to local restaurants. “Key club is going to have two restaurant fundraisers coming up. The first one is at Brooklyn Pizza, and the other is at Chipotle,” said Cohen. “We are going to send flyers and promote them across school. The proceeds will go to wherever we can donate.” The first fundraiser that took place at Brooklyn Pizza was on February 23. Club members spread the word
via social media and group messages, urging fellow students, friends, and family to come and show support for Key Club and local businesses. “Key Club is really doing a good job trying to work with small restaurants that are popular in our area,” said junior member Ellie Alberts. “I’m really excited about this fundraiser because Brooklyn Pizza is one of my favorite restaurants and I am also helping out our community.” During the fundraiser, the club brought in $1000 of business and made $150, which will be donated to COVID-19 relief funds. Outside of the restaurant fundraisers, Key Club has also been organizing an
‘Adopt A Family’ fundraiser to help support a family during these difficult times and a raffle that will take place later this year. Students can participate by going to the fundraisers and following the Key Club Instagram account: @keyclub_bhhs.
Opportunities for a Hopeful Summer of Normalcy “I have started finding good workout routines and started experimenting with new healthy recipes!” -Samantha Yamin, ‘21
“Over quarantine I learned that I love baking for my friends and family. Also, a new hobby of mine is learning new workouts at the gym!” -Ellie Alberts, ‘22
“Over the past few months, I have been learning Morse Code.” -Wright Paddock, ‘22
Exploring what this summer has to offer for everyone in the district by LINDSEY ZOUSMER Managing Editor Summer is just around the corner, and many students are looking forward to some sunshine and a break from school. For those looking to volunteer or work this summer for a local camp, however, there are many options here in Bloomfield. BHS Recreation is working to ensure that this summer is one that is unforgettable, especially in light of many camps being closed last summer. There are opportunities for people of all ages and interests to take part in a program when school gets out. Huck Finn and Sports and Adventure are two day camps that have been taking place at West Hills for several years. Students entering kindergarten through seventh grade can participate, and high school students can also volunteer. These summer camps are all day and also have before and after care for families. At the waterfront, kids are able to play in the lake, and both summer camps include activities for a variety of ages. Some of the new camps the Bloomfield Recreation Department is offering this year include Kids Create, which are art based camps and Mad Science of Detroit, which are science based camps. Mark White, Associate Director of Athletics for Recreation and Community Service discussedone program specifically, the Mad Science Adventures Camp. “It’s cool because they are one of the only camps that have teamed up with NASA. If I was a student it would be something I would sign up for,” said White. For athletes in the district, there are many
opportunities, one being for the aspiring athletes, is held by coaches. Kids will play a different sport each day of the week. In addition, White recently reached out to all the varsity coaches in the district to see what programs they are hoping to run. White also mentioned that there is likely to be some opportunities for high schoolers to get employed, aside from community service hours. If you like working with kids and you are looking for a job this summer, this could be your calling. At Bowers Farm, they are looking for volunteers, that they call “Stewerts” to help with their camps they run for 3-14 year olds. You can apply through the Bowers website if you
Summer Adventure logo Photo via Summer Adventure
are interested in playing an essential role to those camps this summer. Because of COVID, things may look different this year, but just having camp is something that White was looking forward to. “Everyone is very excited to return, as am I. This is my 22nd year working in the district so last summer felt like a big void not having these programs. I am hoping to have a successful summer,” said White. So, even in times of uncertainty, day camps this summer will help make the world seem somewhat normal. There are many opportunities that could make your summer the best one yet.
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Sports and Entertainment
Reaching New Heights The BHHS Ski Team competes at the MHSAA Division 1 State Ski Finals by ERYN STERN News Editor The Bloomfield Hills High School Ski Team recently competed at the Division 1 Skiing Regional Competition. The boys team took first place at the Skiing Regional Competition and three members of the girls’ team qualified for the state meet. The BHHS boys ski team has not qualified for the state competition since 2013. They were able to earn an overall score of 46, which was enough to put them above the rest of their competitors. Senior Hunter Halstead said the following about what it meant for the entire team to qualify for the state meet. “The team felt extremely excited that we won the regionals and [we were] ready to compete at states,” said Halstead. The girls ski team finished in fourth place with an overall point count of 30. Although the entire team did not qualify for the state meet, three team members did. Senior Ava Richardson, freshman Brooke Green, and senior Maria Yankelevich qualified and attended the state competition. The boys and select members of the girls’ team competed at the MHSAA Division 1 State Ski Finals on February 22 at Nubs Nob in Harbor Springs, Michigan. The boys team finished in third place in the division one state final after earning 85.5 points overall. Halstead finished third overall in the boys Giant Slalom (GS) competition, leading the team. Halstead had an overall score of 48.91 in the Giant Slalom. In the Slalom event, Halstead earned a score of 68.38, which was enough to put him over the rest of his competition in that event, earning first place. Halstead’s teammate, Matthew Coates, earned a 68.78, which put him in fourth place overall in the Slalom event. “My experience at the state final was fantastic,” said Halstead. “Having been there the past three years, I was determined to make my mark this year.” For the BHHS girls that competed, all performed well but were ultimately beaten by fierce competition. Junior Anna Charboneau commented on her experience as a ski team member this year. “Getting to have a season was awesome, especially because I got to make so many fun memories with my teammates. Next year it will be fun to get a chance to lead the team because I will be a senior,” said Charboneau.
BHHS Boys Skiing celebrates a championship Photo via Paul Kolin
Ballin’ with the Freshmen Freshmen take on varsity girls basketball by ISA HALSBAND Social Media/Business Manager
Senior Emelia Johnston drives the ball to the basket Photo via Susan Adams Photography
Return of High School Sports The wait is over for Michigan high school athletes by EVAN KATZ Staff Writer After several months of waiting, high school sports are officially back in action - but the road to this point was not an easy one. The first component of this extensive process began before the MHSAA even got involved. “Well, first and foremost, it came from the governor… to allow for us to get back at it and make the decision to allow… winter sports seasons. Once that happened then the MHSAA got involved, set up all the protocols, and sent those out to the schools,” said District Athletic Director Mike Cowdrey. “Then they determine the dates when we could start competitions, so on and so forth,” said Cowdrey. But even with new processes and rules completed and released, coaches found the technicalities of scheduling much more difficult than in years past. “It’s been insane. We had to change our court several times. We were told one thing did the other
thing,” said the Boys Basketball Head Coach Phil Kurajian. “We’re figuring out just the little stuff. We had a change of schedule probably eight or nine times, so I think my wife is happy it’s finally set. She’s sick of me complaining about that,” Coach Kurajian said. These emotions seem to be the trend amongst coaches of all indoor sports whose seasons have been impacted, as they feel the frustration of their teams within their personal lives. “It’s been crazy. We finally got started with hockey contact, but it’s been all over the place. The girls are tough and resilient, but they’re itching to get out there,” said Girls Hockey Coach Mich Singelyn. The consequences of the delays have carried over to team participation as well. “We lost quite a few girls that wanted to play high school hockey this year, and they decided not to and went back to travel,” explained Coach Singelyn.
Freshmen on a varsity team is nothing new, but this year’s Varsity Girls Basketball Team is stacked with them. After consisting mainly of upperclassmen in previous years, the team is almost entirely new this 2021 season. There are only three upperclassmen–Emelia Johnston, Jasmine Joubran and Kennedy Burgess–with the remainder of the team consisting entirely of underclassmen. However, while it may be their first year on the high school team, many of their basketball careers started long beforehand. “I’ve been playing for about six years now,” stated freshman Ashley Forner. “I’ve played for the Lady Mustangs in Waterford, and I’ve also played for the Pistons.” Prior to joining the high school team, freshman Allie Tepper played for a recreational league also run through the Pistons. Like Forner, Tepper has played basketball since elementary school, totaling five years now. Despite their former experience, the question of whether being a freshman on varsity is “scary’’ or not still remains. “Being on a team with a lot of seniors can be a little intimidating,” freshman Michele Barnett clarified. “After getting used to it and practicing [though], everyone’s really nice, so it’s not as much anymore.” Tepper added on, “I’ve been lucky enough to make new friends and get even closer with those I already knew.” Because Covid-19 took away a large portion of teenagers’ social lives, the team is also another way for the underclassmen to have a relatively more normal high school experience. “It’s all wacky with Covid, but I definitely like our new coach and the teammates,” explained freshman Jess Finney. “It’s been really fun. Everyone’s just having a good time when they go out and play.” Even though being freshmen on what normally is a substantially up-
Singelyn also felt the results of the stoppages and changes off the ice, too. “Come wintertime, through March, my household is full blown hockey, along with my other coaches. And when you’re just stopping dead in your tracks, you’re at a loss and you’re like, it’s wintertime we’re supposed to be on the ice,” Singelyn said. Coaches were not the only ones having to adjust to constantly changing messages. “Our team has kept in tight contact with group chats and zoom calls, so that helped everyone calm down and keep a level head,” said Varsity hockey player Fletcher Woolley. “I’ve stayed ready by keeping a consistent workout schedule, whether it was working out at home or at the gym. Mostly, I tried to keep my stamina up so when we hit the ice I wouldn’t be too tired,” said Woolley. Although it was a long and much different process to get here, the winter sports teams
are finally back and ready to kick-off their seasons strong. “I’m telling you, last Friday I believe I got fifty emails in an hour. The girls were fired up, they’re ready to go,” said Coach Singelyn. “It’s ridiculously great, like it’s awesome,” added Coach Kurajian. In the end, athletic directors, coaches, players and everyone else involved all had one similar message across the board: thank you. “I would just like to say thanks to the MHSAA, the school board, the school district, [Superintendent] Pat Watson, and Athletic Trainer John Ciecko for their unwavering support of high school athletics, allowing our kids to get out there and participate,” said Cowdrey.
perclassman team is a challenge, the girls claim that the experience is definitely worth it in the end. “I really enjoy basketball,” Finney expressed. “It’s who I am as an athlete, so I definitely think I’ll continue in the future.” With the end of the season near, it is safe to say that the team has persisted despite the challenges brought by Covid and an almost entirely new roster. “This definitely wasn’t the group I had expected to play with this year,” senior captain Emelia Johnston noted. “But we were able to come together as a team to finish out the season regardless.”
BHHS Girls Basketball taking on Troy Athens Photo via Susan Adams Photography
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Winter Sports
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BHHS returns to athletics
Boys Basketball - Sophomore Noah Adamczyk slices through the lane in a 63-58 overtime win against Groves for the Black Hawks’ third win of the season.
Swim and Dive- The Black Hawks competed against Groves in their home natatorium for a senior night meet on the path to the MHSAA D-1 State Championships. Photo via Susan Adams Photography
Girls Hockey takes the ice as a team before a game Photo via Susan Adams Photography
Skating - After only being able to compete in one competition at Suburban Ice Macomb this season, the A team placed third, the B team placed sixth, and the C team placed fourth overall. Photo via Susan Adams Photography
Boys Hockey- The Black Hawks prepared to face off against Groves, where they proceeded to win 4-3 and earn an OAA White 4-2 overall record. Photo via Susan Adams Photography
Wrestling- The Black Hawks claimed victory over Seaholm in route to a 11-2 season, which was topped off with the OAA White wrestling title. Photo via Susan Adams Photography
Girls Basketball- Sophomore Gabrielle Porter puts up the contested shot in a close game between the Blackhawks and Troy Photo via Susan Adams Photography
Girls Bowling - On February 24, the Varsity Girls Bowling team faced rivals from Lake Orion and the girls are headed to regionals on March 20. Photo via Susan Adams Photography
Gymnastics - The Black Hawks earned first place while competing in the Fraser High School competition, thereby qualifying for regionals and won states the week prior. Photo via Susan Adams Photography
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Last March was madness…how will this one go? NCAA tries to contain the madness by BENJI STERN Staff Writer
BHHS student-athletes pose for signing day pictures Photo by Susan Adams Photography
Making the Commitment Senior Athletes Commit and Sign to Colleges by OLIVIA WHITE Staff Writer High school athletes have spent their entire career waiting for this moment: College Signing Day. All their time and hard work has paid off as they prepare to leave Bloomfield Hills High School, bringing their talents and skills into college athletics. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Signing Day 2021 took place in the gym, where all of the students were socially distanced from each other with a few family members and friends watching in the bleachers, properly masked and socially distant. The event was also live streamed, and it is available on BHS TV. Tanner Slazinski, graduating senior, recently signed and committed to Saginaw Valley State University. Slazinski has played football throughout high school,
positioned as the starting quardescribed his emotions during terback. this moment. “I’m really looking forward to “When I was signing, I felt continuing my football journey good because I knew all my at Saginaw Valley State Univerhard work had paid off,” said sity,” said Johnson. S l a z i n s k i . “The signing experience was Johnson pre“The signing pared for signexperience different this year because of ing day, but it was different the Coronavirus, but I’m still was different this year be- glad we had the chance to of- than he expectcause of the ficially commit in-person with ed. Coronavirus, “I didn’t my friends” but I’m still know that you glad we had officially had the chance to commit to to officially the school becommit infore, and then person with BHHS ‘21 / SVSU ‘25 you sign again my friends, at the high who were school,” stated also signJohnson. ing.” These students celebrated Norman Johnson, a cornertheir honorable athletic capaback, committed to Davenport bilities together, preparing to University for football. Johnson leave Bloomfield Hills High
Tanner Slazinski
School and show their talents with the world as they continue their athletic careers in college. The signed athletes left their mark at Bloomfield Hills High School by singing their name, graduation year, and the college they will be attending in the fall, on a wall in the athletic department of the school, a tradition that many athletes before them have enjoyed and younger athletes aspire to. Mckenzie Guettler, Mason Canfield, Samatha Gorzynski, Max Tomalka, Tatum Kalt, and Antonio Mitchell also committed and signed recently. Although these students are going to different schools and playing different sports, they all share something in common: bringing Black Hawk athletic memories into their futures.
Offseason Conditioning How athletes stay in shape out of season by MAX MELAMED Staff Writer Winter sports are finally here after a long hiatus and now our student-athletes are once again able to participate and compete in the sports they love. Due to winter sports being temporarily postponed, our teams were prevented from being able to train and work together, so off-season training was introduced. In order to prevail and succeed during the season, each individual athlete must take initiative and train during the off-season in order to pick up the season right where they left off before. Off-season conditioning is the measures taken by athletes to stay in shape for their respective sports during the season in which they do not competitively play their sport. The major benefit for conditioning is to maintain and improve the skill set for the sport of choice. There are not many disadvantages of it, but a potential downside could be the amount of work required for proper conditioning is tremendous, therefore leading to less free time, but most athletes are able to work around this minor dilemma. Some of our school’s winter sports, such as basketball and poms, found it easier to find a time and place to practice and train, regardless of the weather. On the contrary, sports such as hockey, swimming & diving, bowling, gymnastics, and figure skating require different and specific training locations to practice. Each sport requires different, yet important training in order to succeed, but training during the offseason does not necessarily mean just practicing the sport itself. For most of our athletes, the training they do goes much further than
just team practices. Varsity basketball player and sophomore, Noah Adamczyk, goes above and beyond to continue to improve his skills and techniques during the off-season. “I have a trainer to keep me in shape, and we do lots of agility exercises. Then I also have a basketball trainer who helps me improve so that I can hopefully reach my goal of getting to the NBA,” said Adamczyk. Another Black Hawk who takes initiative during the off-season is varsity hockey member and sophomore James Somero. “During the off-season I really wanted to focus on endurance so I was doing a lot of distance running and biking, as well as trying to work on quick acceleration which is important
Senior James Swanson practices in his rec baseball league Photo via James Swanson
in hockey with things like sprints and other explosive workouts,” said Somero. Student athletes hope that their off-season conditioning will lead them to successful seasons in their sports, and also help them stay active in the event of further season delays.
Needless to say, the 2021 NCAA’s March Madness tournament is going to look different than it has in years past. In 2020, the NCAA had to cancel the tournament due to the Coronavirus taking hold of the United States. This year, they have decided to push forward and adapt with some new conditions. For starters, the 2021 Men’s Basketball Championship Planning guide requires each team to produce seven consecutive daily negative COVID-19 tests, starting on March sixth, in order to compete in the tournament; one of which must be a PCR test. Secondly, Mike DeCourcy, a college basketball columnist at Sporting News, explained more on the NCAA’s venue purchases. “[The NCAA] completely bought out the Hyatt, JW Marriott, Marriott and Westin hotels in downtown Indianapolis to establish what NCAA vice president of basketball Dan Gavitt explained would not be considered a true “bubble” — but that obviously is designed to minimize the possibility of contact with outside parties.” This is similar to the NBA’s course of action in creating a secure area to protect the players from COVID-19 for the 2020 playoffs. At Bloomfield Hills High School, students have varying thoughts about whether the NCAA is doing enough to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at the tournament. “College basketball as a whole has done a great job of testing players to continue play-
“College basketball as a whole has done a great job of testing players to continue playing safely....I think the NCAA will be able to perform a safe March Madness tournament as long as they keep up testing, make sure fans are socially distant, and that all fans wear masks”
Robert Newland BHHS ‘22
ing safely....I think the NCAA will be able to perform a safe March Madness tournament as long as they keep up testing, make sure fans are socially distant, and that all fans wear masks,” said junior Robert Newland. Conversely, junior James Forner believed that “so far, the NCAA has not done enough to prepare for March Madness because there are fans, which I believe should not be there. [The fans] can always watch at home, whereas the players have to be there. We don’t need extra people at all these games.” Additionally, the NCAA wanted the tournament to be held in a centralized location, and what is more central than Indiana? ESPN college basketball analyst Andy Katz reported, “Assembly hall, Mackey, Hinkle, The Fairgrounds. This is going to be an old school tournament, in the heart of the heartlands in Hoosier country in the middle of a pandemic.”
Michigan guard Eli Brooks during a game Photo via Rivals.com
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Black Hawk Hour Power A new take on study hall by CLAIRE SCHNEIDER Staff Writer
Standardized testing Photo by Alberto G. via Flicker
Navigating the 2021 college application process Writer comments on the unique challenges of applying to college mid-pandemic by MADELINE GRACE Senior Columnist It is safe to say that this past year has been unlike any other. The same holds true for the experiences of high school seniors choosing and applying to colleges. For many, the chaos began with the lack of standardized testing availability. School closings in the spring led to countless SAT and ACT cancellations. These cancellations continued on until the summer, and for some, even the fall. As these cancellations began, many colleges began to offer test optional admission (allowing students the option to choose whether or not they want to submit test scores). Some schools even implemented a “test blind’’ policy (meaning that students’ test scores are not considered at all in the admissions process) for the 20202021 admissions season. Personally, I had been using Khan Academy’s free SAT practice for months, and I did not want
my practice to go to waste. After dealing with five cancelled test dates over the span of six months, I was finally able to take the SAT at BHHS in late September during the schoolproctored exam date. A week and a half later, I took the SAT for the second time. Thankfully, most of the schools that I applied to offered the option of self-reporting scores, giving me time and flexibility to try and take more tests and eventually submit a score (if desired). Some colleges have been offering virtual visits for years, while others just started last spring. These tours take form in videos, virtual information sessions, and even virtual reality tours. Personally, I was only able to visit two out of the eleven schools that I applied to. Aside from the fact that many schools are not conducting tours at this time, certain states have travel restrictions that make visiting more difficult. Massachusetts, for example, requires you to
quarantine for two weeks or provide evidence of a negative test within three days of traveling to the state. Additionally, many campuses are not providing tours at this time, while other colleges are not opening their campus to visitors at all. Typically, one opportune time for students to visit colleges is Spring Break. However, this year’s especially early spring break dates make this a challenge for students who applied to schools in the regular decision round (or those who were deferred from early action/decision schools). The vague “late March” or “early April” notification dates mean that students will likely hear back during or around Spring Break, making the idea of planning a trip to visit schools seem impossible. For many schools, delayed deadlines also meant delayed decisions. Furthermore, Ivy Day (the day when Ivy League schools release admissions decisions) is not until April 6. Although I personally did not apply to any Ivy League schools,
some of the schools I have yet to hear back from are reach or hard target schools. I cannot speak for everyone, but I would not want to visit a college over Spring Break that might deny me a few days later. Nonetheless, there may be some benefit to the difficulty students face when wanting to visit a school this year, at least in terms of public health and safety. We are, in fact, in a pandemic. If it feels as though you have done every possible virtual opportunity and explored every corner of your possible colleges’s websites, let me offer you one piece of advice: do a Google street view tour. You can experience what it would be like to walk the campus of a college and check out the surrounding areas, all from the comfort and safety of your couch. If you are tired of hearing about colleges, I wish you peace and relaxation on your Google street view tour of Paris.
I love Black Hawk Hour. Well, let me clarify, I love how the hybrid schedule incorporates Black Hawk Hour. The current version of the hybrid schedule has Black Hawk Hour from 7:25 to 8:55, with synchronous classes starting at 9:25. Not only do I think this is the perfect time for Black Hawk Hour, but the later start time is also great for both students who need extra help and for those who don’t and just want some time to sleep in or get other work done. Many of my teachers utilize Black Hawk Hour by letting students set up an appointment to meet virtually. I think this is another indirect benefit of Black Hawk Hour; when we were virtual, a lot of my teachers would tell us to join their Zoom call whenever we needed help or support, but they often wouldn’t have the Zoom call open when I needed help. But, with this new Black Hawk Hour process, setting up appointments holds both the students and the teachers accountable for the meeting. This might actually persuade some students who would not normally go to Black Hawk Hour to sign up, because they are guaranteed one on one time with their teacher. Alternatively, Having Black Hawk Hour after lunch and at the end of the day was a good idea in theory, but was ultimately kind of useless. I can’t speak for other students, but for me, it was often used as a long lunch or extra time at the end of the day for other things unrelated to school. I wasn’t inclined to hop on another Zoom quickly before my 5th or 6th hour, and in most cases, my 7th or 8th hour ended early, so I wasn’t motivated to join another Zoom after my school day was technically over.
“Not only do I think this is the perfect time for Black Hawk Hour, but the later start time is also great for both students who need extra help and for those who don’t and just want some time to sleep in or get other work done.”
Claire Schneider
In sync with async days
Staff Writer
Asynchronous Wednesdays are versatile, flexible and enjoyable by SONYA BARLOW Photography Manager Asynchronous Wednesdays are new this year due to the hybrid schedule, and frankly, you will not hear many students complain about them. I certainly appreciate the inclusion of asynchronous Wednesdays to our schedule. Every Wednesday, students receive a day to work at their own pace without Zoom, making it sort of a pseudo-day off. Assignments, however, must be completed by the end of the day for attendance purposes. There are a few reasons as to why we have these asynchronous Wednesdays. The original reason was to give the school a day to sanitize the building between cohorts and get rid of germs to ensure that no one gets sick while attending in-person school. The other reason, which has proven to be very helpful, is to give students a break from Zoom calls every day. Yes, Zoom fatigue is real and it can undoubtedly get exhausting. Zoom fatigue is basically getting to an intense level of exhaustion and being overwhelmed by the amount of time someone spends on Zoom calls. As a result, students become more stressed, anxious, depressed, and less physically active, which has decreased motivation. It is a constant cycle of being tired. In addition, students use these hump days as a way to catch up on school work because motivation has been hard to find for many students as a result of these difficult times and online format. I love asynchronous Wednesdays because of their versatility. I am able to focus on getting my assignments done, work at my own pace, have the opportunity to talk to teachers
if I need help with understanding the content or an assignment. It also gives me more time away from the screen. On these days, I feel quite productive and more efficient, which makes me feel a lot better and less stressed to get my assignments done in time. I use these asynchronous days to my advantage by getting ahead as well. I understand that some do not use asynchronous Wednesdays properly at times, but I believe that they are essential to students’ wellbeing and our mental health. It is important to take small breaks from constantly staring at screens, which can quickly become draining. A lot of students right now, including myself, are stressed, depressed, and anxious to varying degrees, so I believe asynchronous Wednes-
days are a great way to give us a small break in the middle of the week. Overall, asynchronous Wednesdays benefit the majority of the student body as they are multi-purposeful and effective.
With Black Hawk Hour at the beginning of the day, I’m more open to meeting with teachers if I need the help because I’m not exhausted from a day of Zoom classes yet. It now feels more like an option, whereas before it felt forced. I think Black Hawk Hour at the beginning of the day is a great addition to the new hybrid schedule mainly because it’s not too early, and students can do what they need to with that time.
Black Hawk Hour
7:25 - 8:55 AM
"WHAT SHOULD I DO DURING BLACK HAWK HOUR?" Connect with Teachers Teachers are available for one-on-one support, review sessions, small group work, or academic check-ins.
COMPLETE ASSIGNMENTS Use this time to complete assignments or projects before classes begin for the day. You could also use this time to work on extension opportunities. If a question comes up while you're working, you can connect with your teacher.
STRESS RELIEF Get prepared for learning. Set yourself up for success with breakfast, physical activity, or meditation. Having a morning routine helps you focus for the day ahead.
CREATE AN ACADEMIC ROUTINE An asynchronous day in Mr. Brazle’s AP Statistics class Photo via Mr. Brazle
An inforgraphic about Black Hawk Hour (also seen on page 10) Photo by Ms. Matz and Mrs. Lupone
Dedicating time each morning during Black Hawk Hour to completing assignments, connecting with teachers, or working with peers will help you become more productive and organized.
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Not So Typical Perspectives on Virtual Learning Online learning’s effects on neurodivergent vs neurotypical students by CAL MARTINEZ Staff Writer For students who learn differently than they are expected to, school in general can be a challenge. However, what happens when virtual learning is thrown into the mix? The neurodivergent community includes people with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and many other conditions. Virtual learning creates accessibility disparities for ND students, but the needs of these students are not a “one size fits all” situation. Neurodiversity is a broad spectrum, and ND students have a variety of educational needs. ND students may struggle with focusing on schoolwork and socializing with other students in online classes. Social cues from peers, teachers, and/or other types of support that ND students would typically get in-person are difficult to replicate virtually. Hunter Banooni, a neuro-
divergent junior, feels that virtual learning is a double edged sword. “I can barely sit without looking at my cup and remembering all of the dishes I have to do. So, I go downstairs and do all the dishes and then empty the dishwasher and then do this and [then do] that,” said Banooni. Although all-home learning poses new challenges such as increased distractions, virtual learning also has its benefits for ND students. Many ND students practice “masking,” or presenting the way neurotypical individuals expect them to act. Masking can include forcing certain facial expressions, not engaging in self-stimulating behaviors, and much more. When ND students are able to take a break from masking all day, they have more energy for learning. Sophomore Gage Bishop has dif-
ficulties with learning virtually, but believes that returning to masking in-person will be a challenge. “I definitely don’t mask as much anymore. It’s really freeing. I will just be randomly [stimming] with my hands; I would never do [that] in person because I know people would look at me weirdly,” said Bishop. It is impossible to say whether learning at home or in-person is better for or more accessible to ND students as a whole, as every student learns differently. Whether or not ND students remain virtual or come into school is their personal choice. When advocating for inperson learning, parents and educators sometimes claim that all ND students are incapable of learning at home. However, this claim takes away ND students’ autonomy in learning either
in-person or virtually. “It pushes this idea of, you’re not good enough to do this in your own house. You have to do it in the classroom, because you’re neurodivergent,” explained Banooni. “It’s just looking into their face and saying, ‘You’re not going to be able to do this because [you’re neurodivergent].’ Instead of, “Let’s get some accommodations so you can embrace [neurodiversity].’’ Regardless of whether ND students attend virtually or in-person, they will face ableism every step of the way. The conversation about whether ND students learn more easily virtually or in-person needs to evolve into a conversation about how students and teachers can change our education system to embrace neurodiversity instead of rejecting it.
The Story of Trump’s Impeachment Trial Senate Rules to Acquit Former President Donald Trump by MAXIMILLIAN SCHENKE Staff Writer Following the events inside and around the Capitol building on January 6, 2021, as well in the days following, former president Donald Trump was impeached for the second time on January 13, on the article of impeachment of inciting insurrection. The article addressed how former President Trump attempted to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, his hour long call with Georgia Secretary of State George Raffensperger in which he pleaded with the secretary to try “finding some votes” to win the state, and that Trump had incited the storming of the Capitol while the electoral votes were being counted, which directly resulted in the death of five, including a police officer, as well as two other officers who later committed suicide. After current president Joe Biden was inaugurated on January 20, 2021, the Senate Impeachment trial began on February 9, 2020. Shortly after the opening ceremonies, Senator Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) issued a vote to dismiss the impeachment trial on the legal grounds of whether or not the Senate could try a president who no longer held office. His motion failed on a 55-45 vote. Even so, this remained a rationale for many Republican senators as to why they voted not guilty. On February 2, the nine Democratic impeachment managers filed an 80-page pre-trial brief, which held Trump “singularly responsible” for the violent attack on January 6, and that it was senseless that a president would be immune from any consequences of their actions simply because they left office. Trump’s lawyers David Schoen, Bruce Castor, and Michael Van der Veen responded with a 14 page brief that stated that the president was not constitutionally liable for impeachment since he was no longer in office, echoed election fraud claims, and that he “exercised his first amendment right under the Constitution to express his belief that the results were suspect.” In its rebuttal to these claims, the managers expressed that based on the interpretation of the amendment in the landmark case Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969), “Speech is not protected where it is directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action and is likely to incite or produce such action.” On February 4, in a letter to the former president, lead manager Jamie Raskin summoned Trump to testify in his defense. He declined. Shortly thereafter, the prosecution and defense presented their cases within the 16 hours allotted. The prosecution used video footage from within the Capitol as well as excerpts from the hundreds of testimonials the FBI had gathered from the rioters, in which many stated that they believe Trump had been the driving force in inciting the storming of the capitol. Trump’s defense relied mostly on the beliefs mentioned in their 14 page brief, and that the Democrats were guilty of hypocrisy by doing the same things as Trump surrounding 2020’s BLM protests. They showed a video montage of this perceived hypocrisy as part of a whataboutism defense, attempting to discredit the case, also adding that Trump had, at his rally on the sixth, “encouraged those in attendance to exercise their rights peacefully and patriotically,” lastly showing some of Trump’s tweets from January 6 to support this. Closing arguments began on February 13, with Raskin arguing that Trump did not adhere to his duties as president, incited the insurrection, and evidently did not care about the safety of lawmakers by refusing to call off the riots as they were happening. Trump’s closing argument led by Van der Veen contained many false claims, including that the insurrection had been pre-planned by fringe right and left extremist groups. He also claimed that nothing Trump said could be construed as inciting insurrection, even though numerous rioters testified the exact opposite. Finally, the Senate moved to the vote, which ended in a 57-43 vote in favor of conviction. All Democrats and Independents, including seven Republicans, voted to convict.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi signs Articles of Impeachment against Donald Trump Photo by The Washington Post
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NOVEMBER | B
PAGE 14
Editorial Editorial
PAGE 18
The ability of flexibility Editor reflects on the Survivor superfan importance of flexibility
Editor analyzes the impact
byof MARLEE SACKSNER reality tv series Survivor Editor-in-Chief by MARLEE SACKSNER I wake up, brush my teeth, get dressed Editor-in-Chief
(or stay in pajamas), and open my laptop“Outwit, to start my school day. This Outplay, Outlast.” If is youmy, are anda many others’ Andmotto. you Survivor fan new you normal. know this know what, it is not simple that badthree afterwords all. These seemingly Being open tothe change, being flexible, is represent core values of the realcrucial life. Survivor and showcases its ity tvtoseries 2020 been-very unique to say the true has purpose a game of strategy and least. With so many daily changes to manipulation. scheduling, timing, events For 39 days, 20 and outcasts areamong brought students’ filled with togetherbusy in theschedules, middle of nowhere and various activities andthey responplaceddiffering into teams where must work together to has survive. These sibilities, flexibility become anteams esgo through challenges to win immunity sential quality within their lives. Life rewards losing curveball, team heads hasand thrown usand all the a huge to the dreaded tribal council vote never would we have dreamedto of go-off a player after every challenge until only ing to school fully virtual, yet we make 10 outcasts remain. Then the game shifts the best of the situation and maintain a into an individual game (“the merge”) positive outlook. where players now fight for Many things get canceled or individual delayed immunity and self-salvation. game and we all need to learn to takeThe a beat ends when there are three outcasts left. and not let these small inconveniences Then, those voted off since the start of or changes stress us out. Although we the merge (“the jury”) votes for a winner all would like to, we cannot control evof the game. ery minute of every day. Changes are inColorful buffs, team and individual evitable and the sooner we accept that challenges, immunity idols, bamboo andbeds, learntribal to manage it, the better off we council. Survivor is a reality all are. tv show unlike any other. People from Although prefertogether a more oracross theI used worldtocome with ganized, routine schedule, this year one ultimate goal: to win a million dolhaslars taught menamed that different does not and be the sole survivor. alwaysSurvivor mean bad, sometimes could can be played in itcountless even mean better. Flexibility is pivotal ways. From the leader/dominator, to the to afollower, successful lifesidekick, becausetothere is no to the the provider, straight we strategy all faceis to the path flirt, totothesuccess, nerd. Every challenges that asmust beyou overcome valid as long it gets to whereby you calmly newfinal situations. wantadjusting to end upto- the tribal council. Students hitname hardofwith this Strategygot is the the change game. So, it is inevitable that people will begin to take on roles within the tribe. These roles “Life has thrown usanger all a between huge can create chaos and tribe members, which is when the show curveball, never would we have gets especially interesting. They show dreamed of going to school how people are willing and capable of fullydifferent virtual,things. yet we doing Notmake all players the bestspearfish, of the situation can easily quickly startand a fire, or even create a proper shelter. maintain a positive outlook.” However, every person plays a different and vital role on the show. Random people come together and make their own mark. Survivor is a platform to show the world who you are and how you play a strategic, strong, and smart Editor-In-Chief game. It is the ultimate test of survival. Participants are able to meet others who they may have never previously had the year, yet it hastoonly made us stronger opportunity know. Strong bonds are as created individuals and learners. by memories that willWe lasthave a lifelearned that wespecial can utilize for time, skills an extremely and shared theexperience. rest of our lives. This ranges from learning better skills to I Since the communication beginning of quarantine developing stronger studying skills and have become a Survivor addict. I appretechniques. school year looks and ciate the This intensity, strategy, manipulafeels likeand no teamwork other. Some daysthe we game. go to I tion, behind school, daysthe weplayers zoom push in, some enjoysome watching themselves. I love to scream at the tv when days we work asynchronously, some I seeschool a player missing a huge days starts at 7:25 a.m, opportunity and some or making a horrible strategic But days school starts at 8:55 a.m. Itplay. is our my favorite thing, by far, is watching the ability to adapt to new situations that show with my family where we analyze will and has prepared many of us for the each player’s decisions and moves. You future. can guarantee Survivor on almost High school isthat meant to beis the best 24/7 in the Sacksner household. four years of our lives. Even though it leaves methis on the edge may Each look episode a bit different year, weof my seat. Trying to predict the outcome truly are learning skills that will help us of theasshow is impossible. succeed we continue to grow.Everything can change in a blink of an eye, keeping I never imagined my last days of high the thrill of the game constantly alive. school would be spent at my house with It does not matter if you are the most nap breaks (definitely not complainathletic, most attractive, most intelliinggent, aboutor that). But, you take what is most funny player. Survivor is thrown at you and makeputting do. In the about manipulation, on end, a role thisand is just one tough moment within our convincing others to join, protect, lifetime of positive and exciting experi-to and trust you enough to get yourself ences. the end. Survivor is for everyone!
Communication is key Editor describes the Brush up those importance of communipainting skills cation in quarantine Editor explains the newby JILLIAN SACKSNER found excitement of testEditor-in-Chief ing artistic capabilities Body language, eye contact, diction,
by andJILLIAN tone. OurSACKSNER formats of communicaEditor-in-Chief tion are simply endless, or, they were.
Zoom has become as essential as air or water due to the pandemic Photo via Zoom
Marlee Sacksner
Adviser Rachel Matz Editors-in-Chief Jillian Sacksner Marlee Sacksner Ben Silberman
STAFF
MARCH | SECTION B
A round at a virtual forensics tournament Photo by Marlee Sacksner
Zooming In Virtually Victorious Staff reflects on the effects of virtual learning by THE HAWKEYE STAFF
You have been preparing for this moment for being able to communicate with coaches and felOn MarchIt 13, 2020time everything changed. reasonable. Students havealso some suggestions months. is your to sink or sail. It isCorotime low competitors. Yet, they mean nerves arefor navirus struck hard in the U.S and changes had improving the virtual learning system and forto perform in front of an audience full of your through the roof, long travel times to the destinatopeers, be made to protect the lives of everyone, but mat. This includes adding more recorded lessons parents, and judges. Wait...make it virtual. tion, and long, time-consuming hours. whatCOVID-19 were its impacts on students, staff, and adto avoid technical difficulties and help kids who has forced everything to change, Going virtual this year saved many competiministrators? No longer wouldcompetitions. students learnSo, in tion are absent to a later start and that includes in-person seasons,and no returning doubt. Although there aretime. many the usual face-to-face Students have found various that wayscome of organizthere was no other manner, now they would challenges with than to an have virtual format, everybechoice transferred online format. ing themselves whileacompleting at home learnlocal, statevirtual and nacan agree that specific they Although learning is a decent replicaing tasks. Planners, one folders, and one “COVID-19 has forced ev- workplace tional tournaments are just happy stillfound be tion of in-person schoolhavetobeen transfer to aidentical fully vir-nor erything to change, and that to able participate ing, it is not betovery useful intotheir many tual setting. beloved as sport, or ideal. There are flaws they club, work from includes in-person competi- students other activity. Being able and Forensics, difficulties DECA, that are home. Model UN,faced, Science andwecompete, constantly yet, tions. So, there was no other to practice Although have all Olympiad, Marching only looking little dif-difit proves to be the best choice than to have local, loved using avarious Band, Choir, Thesferent this year, platforms brings alternative option given “Although virtual learning ferent learning pian Society and some normalcy back to state and national tournathe current situation. like Google Classroom is a decent replication of Poms are just a few many peoples’ lives. It is With the online formatand Moodle throughout ments transfer to a fully of countless clubs and comforting to see friends ting of this school year, in-person schooling, it is our previous years in high sports that particiand competitors perform virtual setting” students miss out on the school, Canvas now reigns pate in competitions or play on the computer. not identical nor ideal.” social interactions, facesupreme. With so many throughout the school Being able to continue to to-face communication, easy to use features and year that now take make new memories, ones and theonmaintained helpful reminder notificaplace various vir-fowe will for sure remember cus that coincides with tions, Canvas has proved tual platforms. Some forever, has been a gift. in-person learning. Stuits worth. Even though of these platforms inOverall, nothing can trudents forcedNSDA, to stare students found cludeare Zoom, ly replaceinitially the feelings andthe atJITSI a rectangular picture platform difficult to underMeet, and chat BHHS Student Newspaper emotions of an in-person ofrooms. their fellow classmates stand, it has now become competition. There is a in awkward silence, hear simple and intuitive way A fully virtual seasomething about the rush to lectures from their teachers with less opportumanage the workload. it is very helpful son comes with benof Also, walking through the to nity to develop a closer bond, and face countless have all classes use the same platform, thereby efits and drawbacks. Being virtual means better doors of a high school, about to show the world distractions at less home activity. reducing safety, morefrom sleep, travel time, faster paced what you confusion. are capable of and what you have However, there are some major benefits that go worked This so school has the and past will months. definitelyBut, concompetitions, increased participation and access, hard year for over no paperwork, fewer nerves, being in thecan comfort reasonable along with virtual learning. Students jump virtual tinue tocompetitions be anything do butprovide average.a This year has of your own home, and more whenand times tough.faced We must be out of bed a few minutes later,participants/comhave time to get substitution only just begun hasarealready so many petitors schools. However, when lifeand really takes a huge turn. Vir-life their workfrom donefarther at theiraway own pace during school adaptable different changes challenges. In the end, virtualand competitions mean in thattheir competitors stilltoable to we bring hours, even “go” also to school pajamas tual will competitions go on and in are years come willpeople all look miss out on fun social interactions, the thrill of together do time what and theythink love, about and that is what everyday. back ontothis how unique performing live on stage with anperfect, audience, matters, especially in these times. Being Virtual learning is by no means butand it is truly our high school years were. better engagement during the competition. able to continue to compete, no matter the forOn the other hand in-person competitions mat, has been a relief and a morale-booster to mean hanging out with friends, socializing and all involved. meeting new people, performing live, and easily
The Staff TheHawkeye Hawkeye Staff
Managing Editors Seth Kruger Sanju Swamy Lindsey Zousmer Copy Editor Cassie English Lenna Peterson Business Manager Isa Halsband
Photography Manager Sonya Barlow Section Editors Noa Goldstein Ryanne Leonard Noah Roslin Fallan Sherman Eryn Stern Brandon Yaker Senior Columnists Madeline Grace Lainie Rubin
Staff Writers Mariah Al-Atraqchi Byron Brooks Hayden Buckfire Abby Chayet Emma Coden Isabella D’AnnunzioO’Brien Ashley Fogel Isabelle Goldstein Claire Greenspan Caroline Griffin Alexis Guerrieri Noah Kam
As our time in quarantine lengthens, The painting guide for those who do not and our connection with the outside know how to paint. I have never taken dwindles, we have begun to lose our in a painting course in my life, nor have I person tactics to a conversation. However decided to take my shot at the art ever,I Ihave do not think this inis the necessarily form. always stayed more a negative. three dimensional form of artwork. So, communication thrived when In-person I decided to go buy a bunch of from its ability to force people to unpainting supplies and make a painting, the what subtleties of the human I derstand did not know I was supposed to interaction. One would do. I thought “wow this is have going to to focus be on not only their partner was saysuper fun, andwhat easy,” but, as you can ing, but how they said it. These subtleprobably guess, I was very wrong. ties are lost, however, in our form Trying anything new can be new a chalof person-to-person online interaction. lenge, and as I recently learned from Because weexpedition, can no longer interact in our my painting if you try hard enough and workitslow enough usual manner, is now up toyou us will to figinevitably succeed. ure out how to hold a conversation in a I did that this was goingwithout to be athe fun andsay meaningful manner guide, steps first. To besocialright? cues So, thatfirst in-person conversation gin, youus. need to decide what kind of brings painting are going it big? of It isyou clear from to themake. newIsformat What kind of canvas? In my case, I wentthat online zoom call communication for a medium sized frame of glass. Now people have learned new ways to comthat we have chosen our canvas the next municate. Whether that be in the form step is to pickinthe type of to paint. I choseor a of an emoji response a teacher acrylic thought would be realize the happysince helloIwave. But,itwe do not easiest on glass. After that you gather how much we lose when we do not hear the rest of your supplies, paint brushes, each other’s voices. water, and other clean-up materials. As a student, I have noticed a severe When actually diving into my glass lack of interaction in the student-teachpainting, I needed to consider how er relationship. In many of my classes it would look on the other side of the not even a single student feels comfortable or has the confidence to turn on their camera, thus, disabling them from Trying anything new can showing any emotion of character. be a challenge, and as I That self-imposed isolation from the teacher recently from my It is stems from alearned fear of being judged. painting if you clear that in expedition, some cases turning on one’s camera is anxiety inducing. So, this try hard enough and work form of face-to-face teachers slow enoughinteraction you willwith inevihas been lost because of zoom. tably succeed. Although this issue seems insurmountable, I believe that communication can be reached in other manners. Whether that be through the zoom chat, an email, or a one-on-one conversation with the teacher, students can connect. The key Editor-In-Chief is simply how. It is important for students, and adults frame, in the that wouldofbethe alike because to realize theend, importance the side showing. I chose to paint some friendly connection - the passing in the butterflies. hall nods or the hug when you walk in. As I began my first butterfly I could Although both of these options are out certainly see why I would only be showbecause of the renewed isolation, we can ing the other side of the glass. In order still fix these small, and seemingly insigto get the paint fully opaque on the glass nificant interactions with a fresh unmutI had to basically blob thick layers onto ed “Hello Ms. Smith!” at the beginning the backside of the glass. So, that side of class. insignificant looked moreThis likeseemingly a mountain than a interaction can have major benefits butterfly. Moving further into the piece to the energy that a teacher, or even other I started to get the hang of it. Moving students, bring to the classroom. both quicker and surer. has turned been lost InCommunication the end my painting out in to its original fashion, however, we can make be, in my opinion, spectacular. From the simple changes behavior small detailed wingstotoour the daily composition on calls to at least begin to mitigate the as a whole, I was simply impressed. negative effects of the lack ofgoing seeingtothe While I thought painting was I believe thatitwe as a sobeother a funperson. little misadventure, actually turned successful mission. Thereciety into haveaactually grown as communifore, considering all itpandemic takes is a little pa-becators during this simply tience, clearly, case,a new not away lot to causeand we have hadintomy learn ofinteract, artistic talent, I advise thatnew everyone and connect with people. take a chance and try to make a piece of artwork outside of their usual comfort zone. It is a fun way to express yourself simply because you will start out with low standards and then be excited at the end result. Trying something new like this is a great way to light an artistic fire under yourself, and any form of art is truly an experience that everyone would enjoy.
Evan Katz Seamus Keane Grace Kobernik Cal Martinez Alec Mayoras Max Melamed Madeline Moss Isabella Muchnick Kalyn Mullens Michaela Nash Naomi Parr Joshua Rillema Grace Roberts Jane Rosett
Jillian Sacksner
Maximilian Schenke Claire Schneider Samantha Sherman Gabe Singer Skylar Stearns Benjamin Stern Mouhamadou Tall Ashton Taylor Jasmine Wade Abbey Weitzman Olivia White Elizabeth Wilburn
MARCH | SECTION B
PAGE 19
Snow Days in Hybrid Learning Days off may be thing of the past by ABBY CHAYET Staff Writer Winters in Michigan can be brutal. Sleet, snow, high winds, and sub-arctic temperatures lead people to spend warm, cozy days inside. The highlight of these days for most students is the announcement of school closings. When you wake up and see the snow coming down, your first thought is one of hope: “Can I actually go back to sleep?” You anxiously await the sound of your parents’ phone to ring with an email that begins with ten sweet words: “Due to inclement weather there will be no school today.” There are no words to describe the excitement that you feel. There are so many options for the unexpected “day off.” You could go sledding, have a snowball fight, or enjoy the freezing weather with friends. Or you may choose to stay inside, curled up by the fire with a book, or just sit and sip steaming hot chocolate as you watch the snow fall. These days off are peaceful, blissful even, but nowadays in the new hybrid learning system, the chances of having a snow day are much slimmer. After all, if students are at home with access to their computers, why can’t the school just call a virtual day? Many students have faced the realization that snow days may become a thing of the past, with sadness and longing for the good old days. Fortunately, some schools are now “giv-
“These days off are peaceful, blissful even, but in the new hybrid learning system, the chances of having a snow day are slimmer”
Abby Chayet
Staff Writer ing” snow days to boost the students’ morale, much like the mental health days utilized at private schools and colleges such as the University of Michigan. A day here or there scattered throughout the winter is surely a well deserved reward for all the days of hard work and study. I know I personally enjoyed our last snow day, which was on Tuesday February 16th. So, pandemic or not, let’s keep snow days a Michigan tradition simply because of the outright joy it can bring the student body.
Ditching Dunkin’ All the reasons why you should always choose Starbucks over Dunkin’ by LEXI GUERRIERI Staff Writer Picture this: you’re in the car running errands when the urge for a strawberry acai refresher overwhelms you, or maybe you feel an itch for a caramel macchiato. Your eyes are fluttering open and closed, and you could really use a pick-me-up. You find it increasingly harder to ignore the instinct to reach for your phone and mobile order a cold brew. Nowadays, it is hard not to go into a Starbucks when there seems to be one on every corner of every block. There are reasons why Starbucks is the largest coffee chain not in just America, but the world. What started out as a small cafe at Pike Place Market in Downtown Seattle now has just over 31,000 locations worldwide. Conversely, its competitor Dunkin’ Donuts has only about 12,800 locations. Whether you are a fan of a rich, full-bodied Italian espresso, smooth cold-brew with notes of fruit, or creamy caramel frappuc-
cinos, Starbucks has something for every type of caffeine consumer. Their drinks are not overwhelmingly sweet, like the drinks at Dunkin’ (I would stick to one pump of anything), and are customizable so that you can quite literally build your perfect beverage. Starbucks coffee is consistently good and never fails to give you that extra boost. Take it from me, a barista and lover of all types of coffee. Starbucks launches new drinks every season so that customers do not get tired of the same thing every time, and it allows them to explore the ever-expanding drink menu. Maybe they should just stick to donuts! Speaking of donuts and other pastries, Starbucks has baked goods ranging from breakfast sandwiches to chocolate croissants as well as many healthy snacks to take on the go. If you are lucky enough to live by a Starbucks Reserve then you have the opportunity to have an even more unique and immersive experience. Starbucks Reserve is a type of location in which you can learn about where the coffee beans in your drink come
COFFEE
from, who picked them, and more! Reserve locations also use a multitude of methods of extraction like Chemex, pour-over, and Siphon. Dunkin’ has no such establishment, as their business model is not centered around a quality cup of joe like Starbucks, rather just about something quick, cheap, and caffeinated. For more and more people, coffee is only not about “stopping in really quick to get some caffeine”- it is a ritual that is made more enjoyable by the quality ingredients at your local cafe. This makes Starbucks so different from Dunkin’ because Dunkin’ does not offer these advanced coffees on their menu. Look, if you want your quick fix of caffeine and maybe some added sugar for the day, then Dunkin’ is perfectly viable. However, if you are looking for the best coffee beans, the most options, and the best pure drinks derived from the coffee capital of the world, then Starbucks is the place for you.
CLASH!
Dunkin is a slam dunk Dunkin Donuts is superior to Starbucks on every level. by ABBY WEITZMAN Staff Writer What snack goes best with a coffee? A donut. What place serves coffee and donuts? You guessed it: Dunkin Donuts, the number one place to go when in need of a drink and food. They have a variety of drinks, from hot or iced coffees to teas, tasty smoothies, and delicious lattes. They also have sandwiches, sweet bakery items, Dunkin bowls, and, of course, the perfect donuts. Unlike Starbucks, their items are not pricey and are very filling. You won’t need to be spending ten dollars for a large beverage; you could get a drink and food item for under ten dollars. Dunkin also has an easy access online rewards system, which saves up points from each dollar you spend, so your next meal will cost even less. Dunkin cares about your time and money, and doesn’t try to charge
more than needed. Another great thing about Dunkin is that most of them have drive-thrus. This is especially nice with the current pandemic environment because you don’t even have to get out of your car and can remain safely distanced. The amazing thing about Dunkin, though, is their employees. They always greet you with a warm smile on their face. They deal with so many people in one shift and still get through it happily. Last time I went to get a coffee, I went to dunkin and went in the drive thru. I was greeted with that warm welcome and the employee helped me pick a drink. They were patient and very helpful. It took me less than five minutes to get my drink and handed me my drink with a smile. I also prefer Dunkin because they make your purchased item, or items, quickly, and are always happy to fix any mistakes without argument. Starbucks usually has a long line, which forces you to
decide if you actually want the item you drove all that way for. Starbucks does have good drinks and food items but they are always very busy which can lead to drinks being made incorrectly. Dunkin moves quickly and keeps their line short and organized. Another great thing about Dunkin is that at the bottom of their receipts, they have a link for a survey. They care about and respect the opinions of their customers, and want to do better to provide for you. If you fill out the survey you get points, or even a free food or drink item. So, not only are you sharing your opinion, being respected, and being cared for, but you are also earning a meal. Dunkin cares and wants to make life easier and more efficient for you. They are the best choice when finding the perfect coffee shop.
A garbage dump or a dessert? A dessert created by throwing everything in sight into a mixing bowl by LAINIE RUBIN Senior Columnist Are you ever in the mood to bake but then come to the realization that you actually don’t have enough ingredients to make any specific delicious desserts? Well, these garbage dump cookie bars are sure to allow you to use any and every ingredient. Continue reading for the magnificent recipe: 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 tbsp cornstarch 1 tsp salt ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled 1 cup light brown sugar ⅔ cup granulated sugar 2 eggs room temperature 1 tbsp vanilla extract 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 cup crushed oreos 1 cup crushed m and m 1 cup crushed pretzels 1 tablespoon chocolate frosting, melted 1 tub of vanilla frosting 1. Set the oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8 x 8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or nonstick spray. 2. Melt the butter that you’ll need for the recipe in a large bowl. 3. Add the flour, salt, baking soda, and cornstarch to a medium bowl. Then, whisk together and set aside.
4. Pour the melted butter into a large bowl. Add the white and brown sugar and whisk together to form a somewhat thick slurry. Add the eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture and mix together well. 5. Dump the dry mixture into the wet and mix until almost combined and then stir in all but a handful of chocolate chips, mixing so they are distributed evenly. 6. Transfer the dough to the pan and spread the dough towards the edges. Top with the extra chocolate chips. 7. Bake for about 25 minutes to have a doughy inside, but 35 minutes to be golden brown. 8. Let the cookie bars cool for about 30 minutes before putting them in the refrigerator to
cool for another hour. 9. After the bars are cooled completely, spread the vanilla frosting evenly over the cookie bars (it is important to note that you may not need the whole tub, it depends on your frosting preference). 10. Next, evenly distribute the crushed pretzels, M&M’s, and Oreos throughout the whole pan of cookie bars (the vanilla frosting should be completely covered). 11. Melt and spread the chocolate frosting over the bars for an additional presentation piece. 12. Place the cookie bars back into the refrigerator to cool for another 30-40 minutes. 13. Then, cut and enjoy!
Garbage dump cookies are topped with a wide array of treats and snacks you can find in your pantry. Photo by Lainie Rubin
My favorite thing about this recipe is that you can literally add any type of topping and the cookie bar will still be delicious. The primary taste comes from the cookie dough of the bar itself, and I can assure you that this recipe does the trick. I am a person who loves underbaked cookies, so for me, the gooey, doughy middle satisfies my tastebuds. However, these cookie bars still are delicious even when they are fully baked. Another incredible thing about this recipe is that these cookie bars can last up to 3 days at room temperature and can be frozen for up to three months, still tasting scrumptious. Also, they are easy to prepare and bake under pressure, and can satisfy the room at any event. Although this recipe is super easy to complete, there are some common errors that can be made. So, here are some tips to remember and ways to avoid these mistakes: Make sure to measure the flour correctly – adding too much flour will cause the cookies to not rise. The easiest way to make sure the flour is measured correctly is by using a scale. Additionally, it is essential to line your pan with parchment paper or oil. This makes it much easier to be able to remove the cookie bars from the pan at the end of the process and it helps to keep the edges golden brown.
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Say “Yes!” to the mask How to choose the right material and fit when masking up by LEXI GUERRIERI Staff Writer It has almost been a year since COVID-19 spread like wildfire and our whole world became isolated. One of the many changes that has emerged due to the pandemic and become a norm within our daily lives is masking up to go into public. Masks accompany us everywhere we go: they are on the floors of our cars, in the pockets of our coats, and most importantly, over our mouths and noses. Since masks play a huge part in protecting us in public, it is so important to know which masks to buy. The way a mask fits and its breathability are the most important factors when it comes to choosing the right mask for you. If a mask does not fit your face correctly, then it cannot effectively do its job of sealing onto your face. Masks that are made out of fabric are protective, but only when they are made from a tightly-woven fabric like cotton. Cotton has a 3D structure that is very effective at keeping particles out, but on the other hand, synthetic fabric does not do the job as well. However, a mask made out of 100% polyester is still very protective. A step above normal cloth masks is when there are two layers of fabric, and a pocket where a filter can be placed. Filters offer so much more protection because they can block small particles from entering the mask. If you see a mask with an exhalation valve (the circular object that sticks out of the side), do not use it because it releases unfiltered air and therefore is not protecting others at all. Similarly, paper surgical masks that you see are protecting the people around you, but are fitted loosely and do not filter all the air that is reaching your mouth or nose. A rule of thumb is to check if the mask you are using is FDA approved, because then you know that it is filtering effectively. Then there are medical respirators like N95s and KN95s that are supposed to filter out 95%
Artist Taylor Swift is recording new versions of previous albums, one of them being “Fearless” which’s album cover is pictured above. Photo via The Swift Agency
Taylor Swift doing a redo New recordings of older music represents musical freedom to the artist by CASSIE ENGLISH Copy Writer On February 11, pop singer Taylor Swift announced an April 9 release date for a re-recorded version of one of her first and most successful albums, “Fearless.” To someone who doesn’t stay up to date with the latest news in pop culture, this may seem like a cash-grab release plan, meant only to bring in more money and fame to the wildly popular singer. However, to the more dedicated Taylor fans out there, this release’s meaning is much deeper. Swift had been signed with Big Machine since 2006, but the label was sold to an umbrella company, Ithaca Holdings. Therefore, due to her previous contract and issues with her management company, Swift doesn’t own the rights to her first six albums. This means that she has not had legal control of the music she released prior to
her 2019 album “Lover,” and although she earned a percentage of the money made off of those songs, she does not technically own the mastered versions of her own music. “For artists, master recordings — the original recordings of musicians’ work — are vital musically, historically and financially,” stated NPR in an article on Swift’s plan to re-record and release at least her first five albums. So while yes, the release of these re-recorded, “Taylor’s Version” albums will bring Swift more money in royalties as she’ll now fully own her most popular songs, it also stands as a symbol of her new freedom and control when it comes to the music she’s written and a shift to much freer management. “For years I asked, pleaded for a chance to own my work. Instead I was given an opportunity to ‘earn’ one album back at
a time, one for every new one I turned in,” wrote Swift in a blog post on her Tumblr after learning of the acquisition at the same time as the general public. Other artists have famously re-recorded and released their older music for similar reasons. Frank Sinatra, Def Leppard, and Kid Rock are just a few examples on a much longer list of such artists. As Prince famously said to Rolling Stone Magazine in 1996, “if you don’t own your masters, your master owns you.” Controversially, it was confirmed that these new re-recorded albums will be eligible for submission to the Grammy Awards. Some feel that this is an unfair allowance because “Fearless” won four Grammys in the year of its release and to allow a re-recorded version to go up for those same awards could take away from other newer albums. However, others believe that if
Swift were to win any awards for her re-recordings, her recognition would be deserved and fair as other artist’s re-recorded albums have been allowed for submission previously. No matter the discourse on the Grammys, it is undeniable that this new release of older music is a sign of Swift’s freedom and is a positive development in the world of pop culture. As Swift wrote in an Instagram post, “Artists should own their own work for so many reasons, but the most screamingly obvious one is that the artist is the only one who really knows that body of work.”
American Idol Celebrity Controversy Pocket filter masks have a fabric outer layer with room for a filter. Photo via Abacaxi.com
of small airborne particles. The only difference is that a KN95 is regulated by the Chinese government and is often counterfeited. As long as you know that your respirator is the real deal, chances are that you are doing the best thing to protect yourself and the people around you. Personally, I feel most protected in the KN-95 because it is a heavy-duty respiratory mask. At the same time, it is not realistic for everyone to wear these, and they should be at the disposal of frontline workers before anyone else. Ultimately, before you mask up and head out into public, it is best to educate yourself on what mask is best to wear in order to protect yourself and those around you and, finally, help to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in your community.
KN-95 masks filter out 95% of airborne particles Photo via CNBC
Social media star looks to increase her celebrity on TV by CLAIRE SCHNEIDER Staff Writer Talent competition shows have long been a television staple. One show that seems to be as popular today as the day it first aired is American Idol. The current season has been highly anticipated because of 16 year old Claudia Conway, daughter of Kellyanne Conway, former Senior Counselor to President Donald Trump. Claudia has gained quite a bit of traction on the social media platform TikTok, where she often talks about her political views and relationship with her mom. However, social media is not her passion, as she stated during her interview with the judges, stating that she wants to “get out of the controversy, get out of the
drama, get out of the political whatever, and let people know that I am a singer and that this is what I want to do.” While she did receive two yeses from the judges and is on her way to Hollywood for the next round, many viewers think the show is using her and only keeping her around for the ratings. Claudia began with Rhianna’s Love on the Brain, not the best choice according to the judges. They stopped her and asked for another song that would suit her voice better. She followed up with When We Were Young by Adele, which she was able to pour her emotions into. Luke Bryan, a popular country singer-songwriter and one of the show’s three judges, said that she was “a little ways away on the signing aspect,” which seems like a dealbreaker because that’s the point of the show.
Claudia Conway, daughter of Kellyanne Conway, is a contestant on American Idol, but her role on the show has sparked controversy Photo via USA Today
However the other two judges, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, both saw Claudia’s potential and are excited to see what she can offer when she focuses on her goals. Claudia Conway has heavy competitors on American Idol and it’s hard to tell, as of now, how far she’ll go, but fans of the show will just have to watch and see if she really has star potential, or if she is just being used for views.
Conway has been active on TikTok, clashing with parents’ politics Photo via Business Insider
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Portnoy hits Michigan Pizza Hot spots The Barstool Sports CEO and Pizza Connoisseur was in town trying our local favorites by NOAH ROSLIN Section Editor
The new documentary series about the dark side of Britney Spears’ career airs on Hulu Photo via ScreenRant
The Framing of Britney Series A documentary short about the life and career of pop princess Britney Spears by EMMA CODEN Staff Writer On February 5, Hulu released a documentary about Britney Spears. From ‘Hit me baby one more time’ to ‘Womanizer’ this 39 year old singer has made her mark on the entertainment industry. Although we may think we know everything there is to know about Britney Spears and her fame, there are many secrets and speculations that have been spiraling out into the public. Framing Britney gives us a re-examination of her career, going in depth about what has truly happened in her life. The pop star has been controlled by her father for years, and has endured some brutal experiences. Along with the series, a new social media tag #FreeBritney has gained popularity on nearly every platform, and has been trending for quite some time on apps such as Instagram, Tik Tok, and Twitter. Legal
issues and controversy play a knew something like that could big role in the series, making it happen in a person’s life,” said very interesting to watch as well. Kellman. “The documentary Sophomore Eden Kellman allowed me to see the minimal shared her remarks about her privacy she gets and how sad it impressions is.” of BritBeing a popney before “Framing Britney gives us a star sensation, watching the would re-examination of her ca- one show. assume that “Last year, reer, going in depth about Spears would be I saw some- what has truly happened in living the lavish one post on life, drowning her life” their Instain money, fancy gram story clothes, manabout “freesions, and cars, ing Britney” what the indusso I decided try wants you to click on to think, but Staff Writer the post and there’s so much read all of more that goes the informaon behind the tion that was provided about scenes. For example, Spears has everything that had been/was posted videos of her on social occurring in her life, which media of her walking around, shocked me because I never or dancing, which all look very
Emma Coden
forced. Fans also dig deep into her posts and try to find hidden messages that could prove she is in danger and needs their help. There are so many layers to her life, and it’s about time someone made a series giving fans the answers they desire. Sophomore Donovan Kruger also had opinions to share on the episode. “I thought the production was done very well,” Kruger started, “I definitely had some moments while watching that I just sat back and said, woah.” Thanks to the “New York Times Presents,” now we can all analyze Britney Spears’ journey - and the truth of it. Britney Army - or regular people who might not know Britney all that well - grab your snacks and drinks, sit back, and take in the truth.
The pastabilities are endless Two pastas compete for the best pasta on TikTok by NOA GOLDSTEIN Section Editor From dance trends to new celebrities, TikTok has provided us with plenty of entertainment, but who would’ve thought it would give us new recipes? Recently on TikTok, there have been two recipes in particular that have gained significant popularity: Gigi Hadid’s Spicy Vodka Pasta and the new Feta Pasta. Both have been trending for quite some time, with famous chefs and fans on TikTok making these recipes. Seeing at least twenty videos with both of the pasta recipes in the last two weeks, I decided to make both and see if either pasta lived up to the hype, and which one was better. The first pasta I tried was the Feta Pasta. This pasta was extremely easy and convenient to make. The only ingredients are cherry tomatoes, shallots, one block of feta cheese, some seasoning, and of course, pasta. All you have to do is place the feta and tomatoes in a pan or skillet, cover it with olive oil and season-
Baked feta pasta has blown up on TikTok, and is super easy to make. Photo via HITC
ing, and cook it in the oven for 30-40 minutes. When done, you combine all or the ingredients together to make a sauce, mix the pasta in, and that’s it. However, even though this pasta was pretty simple, it was a little too strong for me. I know for a lot of people, the taste of feta is pretty strong, and there is a significant amount in this sauce. Even given that, for a cheese or feta lover, this sauce is perfect. But, I have to admit, even though the sauce was a little much for me, I still finished everything on my plate. Next was Gigi Hadid’s Spicy Vodka Pasta. This pasta was also easy to make, however, it did take a little more skill than the Feta Pasta. To cook this recipe, you need onion, tomato paste, heavy cream, and pasta. The recipe also calls for vodka, but that can be omitted without changing the taste of the pasta. To make this dish, first, you caramelize onions, later adding the tomato paste and heavy cream into a skillet. Once the sauce was ready, it was ready to mix in with the pasta. This pasta was quick to make as well. This is a pasta I will be coming back to many times - I absolutely loved it. Everything was perfect, from the spiciness to the creaminess. I ate at least three plates of it. It is something I would recommend making as an everyday recipe because it is super simple and relatively easy to make. Plus, it tastes great, too. I can say with confidence that both of the pastas definitely exceeded my expectations. Both dishes were easy, delicious, and used simple ingredients that I already had in my house. Next time I look for a recipe, I will know next time to scour TikTok instead of looking through a cookbook.
TikTok community shares trendy recipes with others on the platform. Photo via @cookwithmariyah on TikTok
Love him or hate him, there is no denying that Dave Portnoy has screen value; people want to watch him, listen to him, and everyone knows his name. The oft-controversial founder of Barstool Sports flexes this screen value in his One Bite pizza reviews, which took place at local pizza joints scattered around Detroit while also promoting the opening of the Barstool Sports Book in Michigan. Portnoy began One Bite pizza reviews in 2017, mixing his passion for pizza (which he claims to eat for lunch every day) and his massive social media presence. The premise is simple: Go to a local favorite, order a large pie, and try a slice outside of the joint where it is made, rating it between 0 and 10. Anybody who watched his review of Buddy’s Detroit style could imagine the trademark crunch of the golden crust while watching Portnoy rate a single slice. Personally, I thought that his 7.4 rating was about accurate. You could feel the authentic texture of Crispelli’s pizza while watching Portnoy down the pie. The 7.3 rating felt a touch low to me, as Crispelli’s fresh out the oven ranges a bit higher in my eyes. Tomato’s Apizza in Farmington Hills garnered a 7.8, as the New Haven style impressed Portnoy. He also ranked other joints such as Joe’s Pizza in Ann Arbor, Supino’s in Detroit, Green Lantern in Madison Heights, Pie-Sci Pizza in Detroit, Georgio’s Pizza in East Lansing, Detroit Style Pizza Company in Saint Clair Shores, and a few others. Portnoy’s reviews range generally between the mid 6 to mid 7 range, but part of that is because he is pointed to the best pizza places in each city. According to Portnoy, anything at an 8 or above is worth travelling for, and he has only given nineteen scores of 9 or above in the history of OneBite. Additionally, only three of those have come since 2019. These pizza reviews have been known to drastically change business for the restaurant garnering the review. If Dave Portnoy, El Presidente, says it’s good, then everybody flocks over to try it. Take Fredi The Pizza Man in Melvindale, Michigan for example. He has made his living over the years with a small, loyal customer base, and as the solo pizza maker at his establishment, he’s created a solid business. Once Portnoy journeyed over there and gave it an 8.7/10, claiming it to be the “Best pizza in Detroit and it’s not even close,” Fredi began getting calls from all around the country, lines around the back door, and offers to pay hundreds of dollars just to get to the front of the line to grab a slice. Whether this demand is good or bad, it is definitely different, which is all due to Portnoy. Like most people, I tend to tune in and watch the pizza reviews whenever Portnoy does them, but I was especially alert when he was in Michigan. There is just something about having a high-profile celebrity enjoy the food that you enjoy, something about him being where you have been, eating what you have eaten. That is what makes these reviews so popular around the country. Yes, they help out small businesses. Yes, they can tell somebody where to get a good slice of pizza. However, the real X factor is the thrill of having something in common with this celebrity, sharing it with him, and being a part of something bigger. Your love for your local pizza place is reinforced by Portnoy approving of it as well, and others noticing the place that you love, much like the thrill of seeing your favorite team on SportsCenter. It sounds cliche, but Portnoy, with his internet presence and love for pizza alone, has created a vast new community for pizza lovers around America.
Dave Portnoy, CEO of Barstool Sports, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Photo via Barstool Sports
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Reviews
A promising addition to a controversial topic Promising Young Woman has something for everybody by ELIZABETH WILBURN Staff Writer Promising Young Woman is a film for everyone – those who understand its relevance, and others that need to. It is the directorial debut for Emerald Fennell, and a strong one at that. Reviews are mixed for this one, and for good reason – any film wishing to pursue hot button topics are going to raise emotions beyond the storytelling itself. That being said, this film will not waste your time and adds worthwhile commentary to the conversation. Promising Young Woman tells the story of Cassie avenging her friend, Nina, who was treated wrongly by her peers and the legal system after being sexually assaulted. Cassie, played by the outstanding Carey Mulligan, strives to teach men against taking advantage of women, which she does by pretending to be intoxicated at bars and allowing them to take her home. When they ignore her wishes to go home, and instead pursue her, she makes her true identity known; by confronting them as her sober self. She has scared off countless men, but at 30 years old, and living with her par-
MOVIE
Soul searching
Disney Pixar’s Soul lives up to expectations
by CLAIRE GREENSPAN Staff Writer Pixar’s newest movie, Soul, released December 25, 2020, follows music teacher and struggling musician, Joe, voiced by Jamie Foxx, who falls into a New York City manhole and dies right after getting a spot in a jazz band. His soul goes to the Beyond, where dead souls go to live, but he manages to find his way to the Before, where new souls are trained for Earth. There he meets 22, voiced by Tina Fey, who we assume is the 22nd soul ever created, so she’s had a lot of experience in the Before. She has never found her “spark,” or something that makes her unique and ready for life on earth. Most of the movie takes place in New York, where 22’s soul is accidentally put into Joe’s body, and Joe’s soul into a cat. Joe goes on a journey to help 22 find her spark, and to get back into his own body. Along the way, Joe finds his true spark as well. Soul is in the realm of Pixar films that turn concepts into physical realities. We see this in Inside Out, the sibling film for Soul. This time, instead of creating an image of emotions and our brain, we see the place where souls live, and what they look like. Soul’s message is unexpected, and the moral of the story might be surprising to many. As 22 finds her spark living as Joe, the journey made me think of questions like: “What is the meaning of life, ‘’Do I have a spark?’’ and ‘’Is my spark even useful?”
This film teaches the audience that a spark isn’t what Joe and 22 initially thought, and it’s not a specific passion or hobby, which most viewers would probably assume. A spark is a will to live, see the world, and enjoy life. It isn’t until the end of the film that Joe realizes that a spark is not his love for jazz, or his musical abilities, but simply his love for life itself. A spark can simply be liking the way leaves crunch under your foot, or how funny your best friend is. This movie teaches us that we don’t need to be productive or have a certain passion that defines us; we just need to enjoy life itself in order to be human. This message was one that really resonated with me - I thought that Pixar would come up with some profound ‘’meaning of life’’ type of ending, so I loved that they didn’t go the predictable route with the end of this film. It was funny, creative, and put a very metaphorical concept into a place - and a very interesting one at that. Overall, this movie highlights the wonderful simplicity of life, and I recommend watching it to anyone who needs a little reminder of how to live.
ents, she wants something more– both for her daytime life and for her revenge. Her worlds start colliding when she bumps into her former medical school classmate, Ryan Cooper, played very convincingly by Bo Burnam. Though she feels she is falling in love with him, her connection to a former classmate encourages her to get more direct revenge for Nina: by targeting all those who wronged them in medical school. Aesthetically, this film is beautiful, covered in pastel colors, creating a meaningful juxtaposition between the visuals and the film’s subject matter. The same can be said about the bubblegum pop music that is used throughout the film. It’s also worth noting Cassie’s wardrobe: besides her nighttime drunken alter ego, she dresses in bright florals and flowy dresses. This separates her from the stereotype that all feminist women have to be against typical gender norms. As previously stated, this film touches on a controversial topic. But personally, I don’t think this film raises too many ethical questions. Cassie does not attempt to physically hurt anyone until the end of the film, most of it is spent
just bruising the egos of men taking advantage of women. Especially when you see the weight of Cassie’s situation, her attempted physical violence is understandable. My only critique of this film would be that the ending might be too satisfying. Cassie certainly gets the last laugh amongst those who wronged and doubted her. But unfortunately, such a story is rare, if ever true, for victims of sexual assault. Perhaps if Cassie was never able to properly avenge her friend and her medical school peers were able to get away with all their wrongdoing, it would represent the truth: that young, rich men are hardly ever held responsible for these things. Promising Young Woman is definitely worth your watch. It discusses controversial topics, but in a way that is meaningful and enjoyable. This film gives you a taste of the great revenge Cassie was hoping for, but leaves a bittersweet ending when you remember that unlike this story, so many women are never brought justice.
MOVIE
Irresistible is irresistible
Steve Carell and Rose Byrne shine
by BENJI STERN Staff Writer Brought to you by John Stewart, Irresistible is a political commentary on the issues with the Democratic Party and US politics in general. The film is framed in the style of a dramedy starring Steve Carrell and Rose Byrne as elitist political consultants reeling from the backlash of the 2016 presidential election. While exploring ways to expand the Democratic Party’s base, Gary Zimmer (Carrell) discovers a small town in Wisconsin that is home to an ex-Marine, who shares the same values as Gary Zimmer’s party. Gary takes to the town to try to convince the man to run for mayor as a democratic candidate. Through witty yet subtle humor, the film exposes the flaws in our seemingly constant election cycles, including the absurd amount of money that is thrown into elections, the Democratic Party’s departure from a working class message that has been replaced by virtue-signaling and cultural ‘wokeness,’ and the underrepresentation of the average American. Irresistible was released prior to the 2020 presidential election but is just as relevant today, with the election not far in the rear view mirror. The movie is rated R, but if you enjoy talking
about politics with your family, it is sure to start some new and intriguing conversations about where our country is right now and where it is heading in the not so distant future. Although I enjoyed the movie overall, there were moments that were overly sexual and uncomfortable that I felt were completely unnecessary. I will not give too much away, but I will say that the ending lacked purpose. There were no consequences for any of the characters and I felt that it was an unsatisfying finale. One of the most enthralling parts of a movie is when you are left wondering if it is possible for the events in the movie to happen to you and that is what makes the lesson of the movie stick out. But, because of the ending, you know it is unrealistic. If the viewer is not watching for the subtleties of the movie, they could find nothing more than a fun movie about politics, and the deeper themes would go right over their heads.
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Reviews Finding light in a year of tragedy
The Weeknd’s unque show was a brief escape from reality by KALYN MULLENS Staff Writer The Super Bowl is the National Football League’s (NFL) annual championship game. Thousands of Americans get together to watch the game virtually or travel to the stadium to view it live. The teams with the best records end up going to this playoff game and it is something many Americans do not take lightly. On the other hand, there are thousands of people who look forward to the game strictly for the new commercials on T.V. and the well established halftime performance. Renowned artists like Prince, Michael Jackson, Katy Perry, Bruno Mars, and many more have come to perform at this football game. This year’s 55th Super Bowl halftime show was performed by solo artist Abel Tesfaye, also known as the Weeknd. The Weeknd chose to perform on his own, unlike last year’s popstar duo act of Jennifer Lopez and Shakira or past performances that included surprise cameo appearances. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic,
there were many restrictions that limited the Weeknd’s full range of creativity, so I will withhold my comparison of the Weeknd’s show to other artists. Given the circumstances, he did not let his limitations stop him from putting on a great show. I would assume performing after some of the greatest artists in the world carries a lot of pressure, but through the Weeknd’s seven million dollar set, you could not tell if he even broke a sweat. The artist sang many of his well known hits and gave us a memorable show with a very unique theme. I enjoyed the synchronized marching band style dancing near the end of his performance as well as the fireworks that were showcased during his last song. Given that, I was still thrown off by the headbandages that his backup dancers wore and the spooky vibes of his carnival themed “Happy House” set. Every artist has their own style, so it was an adjustment for me to see someone take a different spin of this form of pop entertainment. I am used to seeing the hip-hop routines and the artist fly-
ing in the air on a harness. Once I gained a better understanding of the Weeknd’s intention, I grew a stronger appreciation for his craft. The abnormal camera angles throughout his “Happy House” set, during his song “Can’t Feel My Face,” was symbolizing the effects that his cocaine addiction had on him, which essentially is what the song is about. He successfully gave his audience a trippy illusion, which was a great way to keep his viewers engaged. Overall, the Weeknd did an excellent job putting on a show. In an unpredictable year of COVID-19, Americans needed this mental break of watching the football game and having a great entertainer. Before his performance, I enjoyed his music, but was not a huge fan. However, after seeing his hard work pay off during this year’s Super Bowl, you will definitely see me at one of his concerts in the future.
TV
FOOD
Wanda’s trouble in paradise
Como’s Pizza opens in Bloomfield Hills
Disney Plus’ first Marvel show is a smash hit
by ISABELLE GOLDSTEIN Staff Writer The Marvel Cinematic Universe series, WandaVision, is the perfect addition to the Marvel family. After premiering January 15 on Disney+, WandaVision earned a 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and received significant internet buzz and recognition from Marvel fans. With a total of nine episodes, with a new episode released weekly, the series has drawn a large audience attracted to the show’s incorporation of dynamic characters, engaging plot twists, and connections to the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe). The series is set around superheroes Wanda Maximoff, played by Elizabeth Olsen, Vision, played by Paul Bettany, and various characters from the MCU or related comics. Set three weeks after Avengers Endgame (Vision dies in Avengers: Infinity Wars…), WandaVision begins in a 1950’s setting as a black and white TV show (in the style of the Dick Van Dyke Show) with Wanda and Vision beginning life as a married couple in an idyllic neighborhood known as Westview, New Jersey. Each successive episode is staged throughout different decades of time while gradually leaving hints that something strange is happening within Wanda and Vision’s neighborhood. With each additional strategically placed hint,
such as special commercials, returning characters, and iconic phrases, the plot around this mysterious community starts to come together. Through a series of flashbacks, viewers are walked through the process of how this unusual town and its many residents came to be, and are left on the edge of their seats as Wanda’s and Vision’s relationship with Westview is revealed. The season finale aired on March fifth exciting viewers as they look for answers...who is actually behind all these strange events? What has been transpiring in Westview...and why? Wandavision lives up to the expectations of Marvel superfans. The compelling characters, iconic Marvel music, and the unforgettable plot creates a sense of nostalgia that attracts major audiences. The 30 minute episodes go by almost too quickly, leaving viewers craving more drama, action, and clues to be revealed. A perfect show for a family or a Marvel fanatic, WandaVision provides a balanced combination of action, comedy, and complexity, making it a great series to watch. Make sure to binge watch all the episodes of WandaVision on Disney+. Grab some popcorn and turn the lights off because it is about to get interesting!
New restaraunt in the Maple Theater
by JANE ROSETT Staff Writer If you want a unique take on pizza, try the new restaurant, Como’s, which is located inside of the Maple Theater in Bloomfield Hills. This pop-up restaurant is open from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. every day of the week. Its most famous dish, the Detroit Style pizza, is a rectangular shaped pizza with a thick crust that is both crispy and chewy. The menu offers a variety of Detroit-style pizzas, salads, wings, sandwiches, and desserts. The food is perfect for both adults and children. The main courses, which are also the best sellers, are the Detroit style pizzas. This dish is popular because of its unique, homemade crust. Having eaten there several times, I can say that their pizza is delicious. I loved the margarita pizza because it tasted super fresh. Not only is the food amazing, but the price is right for a fast, casual menu. The menu offers many different options for the main courses and three additional combos and caters to vegetarian and vegan customers as well. The restaurant interior (located within the newly redesigned Maple Theater space) is
very modern with high ceilings and tables, which enhances a more comfortable and open atmosphere. The original Como’s pizza is in Ferndale, and the same great pizza can be found more conveniently at Maple and Telegraph. Located at one of the busiest corners in Bloomfield Hills, Como’s meets a gap in the fast-casual restaurant market, as there are no other Detroit-style pizza places in the immediate vicinity, and caters to nonpizza lovers as well. Its unique location within the Maple Theater offers the ideal opportunity to grab dinner before/after a movie and enjoy a family-friendly evening out. While the restaurant will offer 32 seats for indoor dining, it expects to do most of its business as carry out and delivery. Next time you are looking for a good and inexpensive meal that is perfect for the whole family, check out Como’s for delicious Detroit-style cuisine.