October and Election 2018

THE

HAWKEYE

Bloomfield Hills High School

school NEWS Crosswalk signal installed

October 2018

IMPROVING

New HAWK signal replaces crossguards

by SEEMA SHAH Guest Writer The new HAWK signal was installed on Andover Road, extending from the teacher and junior parking lot to the front loop of the building.

“What we found with the opening of the building, originally, was that the crosswalk wasn’t the most safe crosswalk,” said Officer Cory Donberger. “It was working, but it wasn’t working as well as it could, based on the amount of people that are in the building.”

Problems with crossing Andover Road would arise prior to the HAWK signal installation.

“I had some difficulties crossing Andover Road,” said sophomore Matthew Hendrick.

“After a football game, I’d have to cross the road to get to a car. When it was very dark, I couldn’t see and cars couldn’t see me, so I couldn’t cross safely.”

This new technology has changed the school’s process of getting students and staff to and from the building safely.

“I think the benefit [of the HAWK signal] is that it takes a person out of the roadway, that would normally have to be there in order [for people] to cross. Someone had to physically be in the roadway to stop traffic, allow pedestrians to go, and vice versa,” said Officer Donberger. “This system takes that human element out of the equation. It’s better lit in that area due to the signals…[and it] assists pedestrians in being seen by cars.”

continued page 2

local news MDE proposes social studies changes MDE proposal stirs controversy

by JAKE FOGEL Section Editor A heated debate has been travelling through the schools of Michigan. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) proposed an alteration of the Michigan social studies state standards, removing concepts including the NAACP, the LGBTQ+ movement, Roe v.

Wade, the word democracy (changing the word to republic), and references to the KKK. According to WKAR, a local news station in Lansing, the group drafting this proposal “was given this mantra: make the new standards ‘fewer, clearer and higher.’” While authorities in the Department of Education claim that the change “will eliminate political bias and allow a wider scope of views in school,” the move has received backlash.

According to AP Government teacher Karen Twomey, the specific changes being proposed are “extremely dangerous” for the state of Michigan to remove specific groups from the proposed curriculum.

“When you write specific state standards for social studies, it communicates to the people what the values are of that state,” said Twomey. “I worry for how disenfranchising and marginalizing that will feel to the communities that have been written out of the curriculum.”

While examining the root of the proposal, K-12 Social Studies Teacher Leader Kristen Vigier believes that the change removes important aspects of US History.

continued page 2

District upgrades building safety and security features

by KAITLYN LUCKOFF Section Editor

A

long with learning communities, state of the art technology, and new performing arts and athletic facilities, our building implemented a variety of safety and security measures ahead of its 2015 opening.

Now, the capabilities of these new features as well as additional security upgrades will be extended to the rest of the district.

Bloomfield Hills Schools Superintendent Rob Glass recently discussed the upcoming and planned changes in his blog, such as adding BluePoint systems (police pull stations) to every school, improving door camera quality, updating visitor protocol, installing safety film on building glass, installing cameras on buses, allowing students to receive BluePoint text notifications, and changing bus numbers to shapes to facilitate bus changes if needed.

“Each feature does something important; the combination of all of them working together is what is most important. I think one of the big ones is the BluePoint system, because I think [it] enables anybody to put the building into a secure mode very quickly, and alerts law enforcement very

quickly,” said Glass. “We are really trying to standardize wherever we can. The cameras would be on all of the buses regardless of age. You would not have BluePoint text alerts going to [all] students, but you might have them for the high school students, because students are not going to have their phones on them in the younger grades.

The active shooter training is something we did this fall, and that is something we will do at more of our other levels, but for now we are starting at the high school.”

Junior Dominick Cowdrey explained the benefits he sees for students in the building to have access to a Blue Point System.

“I believe [BluePoint systems] are a good asset to have in case of an emergency in our school,” said Cowdrey. “Extending this feature to all of the buildings in the district will make schools much safer.”

Dr. Glass also commented on the importance of having “the right team” in place for this work.

“One of the benefits of having a school security officer, like we have with Mr. Donberger, [is that] he is able to network with the best practices that are com-

ing through. Whether it’s other law enforcement agencies, they get the information first on what’s cutting edge, so he is able to bring that to our consideration,” said Glass. “We also do look at what other school districts are doing. I meet with other superintendents; we had law enforcement from around the county get together so we really talked through what are the best practices. We really do look around and are always looking at what other places are doing and make sure that we are doing anything and everything that we can that makes sense for us to do.”

District Security Officer Cory Donberger reflects similar views.

“In general terms, the approach to safety and security is the same. What changes is the age of the student and the challenges it creates whether they are dependent on an adult or deemed responsible for their own decisions and actions.

For an internal threat for example, the school district utilizes the run, hide, fight type of response,” said Donberger.

“This type of response can be used in any of the buildings and we regularly train with our staff to not only increase

Volume VI-Issue I

S A F E T Y

their knowledge base, but for them to continue the conversation with their students.”

Dr. Glass is hopeful that the coming changes regarding district safety will be implemented as soon as possible.

“All of these we are putting in place as fast as we can. We are starting right now with the BluePoint, so we have the bids out on those and when those come back, we will schedule that construction. I expect those will start going in by the first of the year. The camera systems at the front doors and the buzzers will be around the same time. The film is going to take a little bit longer, but that will start going in as well,” said Glass. “A lot of the other [changes have been made] in terms of the unlock times and the arrival/departure procedures. The training is being refreshed school by school with Officer Donberger going through and making sure we have a standard process for the way that people need to be buzzed in. The big ones that require installation will all be starting sometime between now and January, and then that should be completed in the spring for sure.”

INSIDE: INSIDE: INSIDE: INSIDE: SAT CONTROVERSY ITS HAUNTED HOUSE CHEER TEAM GROWS A MILLION LITTLE see page 5 see page 9 THINGS see page 13 see page 23

2

what

HAWK signal (from 1)

in the

world?

October News

Local and world news highlights

Hurricane Willa arrives Category 4 Hurricane Willa has made its landfall on the Mexican Pacific Coast, which has since downgraded to a Category 3 storm. Despite this downgrade, Willa continues to move inland with winds at about 35 mph and has caused large, destructive waves to develop. It is the largest tropical cyclone to hit the Mexican state Sinaloa since Hurricane Lane in 2006. The rainfall could reach up to 18 inches, threatening flash floods and landslides. Willa is expected to subside within the coming weeks.

Willa is the tenth major hurricane this year, tying with 1992 for the most major northeast Pacific hurricanes in one year. The remains of Willa will cause strong winds, flooding, and heavy rainfall in the New York area.

The HAWK signal tells students to wait to cross Andover Road.

Photo by Georgia Zimmerman

Although the signal has proven to increase safety, there are still some contingencies, according to Officer Donberger.

“It’s a little bit of a slower process because you can’t override that system. When you push the button, there is an automatic 30 second mandatory time-lapse that has to go by,” said Officer Donberger. “You can’t just keep pushing the button and keep it a solid pedestrian walkway. There could be a time delay, and that could back traffic up a little bit. Overall, I think the positives much outweigh the negatives.”

The traffic signal can delay the process of crossing. However, Donberger said, “The positives do outweigh the negatives.”

“Last year there were kids all over Andover road, crossing where they felt they could cross,” said Officer Liaison, Dave Vankerckhove. “Overall, I think the safety is going to always be there with that signal, as long as everyone respects the crosswalk.”

Social studies curriculum (from 1) “Trying to look at the different points of view, one perspective is that they are purposely excluding things that have happened in US history that helped shape it,” said Vigier.

One specific change in the proposal includes the removal of the word ‘democracy’ from standards, instead using the word to ‘republic’. Twomey believes that this shift could be politically charged.

“The concern that had been raised by representative Colbeck, and other people of his belief, was that there was bias in the term democracy, and that we should instead by using the term republic,” said Twomey. “They felt that there was going to be confusion with the term democracy because people would affiliate that with the big D, and not know the difference between ‘big D’ (Party) and ‘little d’ (Form of Government). We, in this country, are a republic, which is a form of a democracy, known as a representative democracy.”

While there has been controversy about the specific changes, those in favor of the proposal claim our state and school systems will “benefit greatly” from the changes.

A contributor to the proposals, Michigan State Senator, Patrick Colbeck said that the “[Changes are] politically neutral and accurate,” and also stated, “I’m not letting Democrats rewrite history.”

After the release of these proposals, the Department of Education has allowed the state Board of Education to review and receive feedback from the public. Since then, the proposal has been put on hold, due to opposition, but a revived committee will meet in the coming months According to Vigier, “[The proposal] doesn’t line up with Bloomfield’s ideas and mission to support an inclusive environment and equity. So, I was relieved, after attending a listen and learn session at Oakland Schools in June that they are putting things on hold. The hope is that the state Board of Education is really looking at the concerns that have been voiced. I’m hopeful that the decisions will be made with students’ best interest at heart.”

However, if the proposals are eventually accepted, Vigier believes that, “We, as a district, need to make sure we are aligned with those standards. But, we will be responsible to make sure that equity and inclusion remain our focus, and different perspectives in our learning environments are included.”

Twomey believes that “it’s important to accept our nation’s full history.”

“Every country has uncomfortable truths,” she said. “What shows our courage is whether or not we are able to confront those uncomfortable truths by using the 5th Amendment and other tools our founding fathers laid out for us to continue to face them, and improve.”

What do you think?

How can students help those affected by hurricanes?

“By donating unneeded supplies like clothing and also donating money.”

Truman Gregg (12)

Pictured left: (top) Homes and streets flood from the rains of Hurricane Willa. Photo by Getty Images. (middle) Hurricane Willa makes its way to the Mexican coast. Photo by The Wall Street Journal. (bottom) Two Mexican residents ride a motorcycle through the flooded streets.

Photo by CBS News.

additional highlights Pipe bomb suspect caught Florida resident Cesar Sayoc was arrested and charged with sending 13 bomb packages to Democratic politicians, including former president Barack Obama, and the New York headquarters of CNN. Sayoc has a pre-existing criminal record, including an arrest for a bomb threat made in 2002. If found guilty for the five federal counts he was charged with, Sayoc could face up to 48 years in jail time. In response to the events, President Trump stated, “These terrorizing acts are despicable, and they have no place in our country. No place.”

Photo by The Washington Post

Photo by phys.org

Photo by CNBC

Oil spill in Gulf of Mexico

Sears and KMart close

Following the collapse of an oil-production platform during Hurricane Ivan in 2004, several wells failed to be sealed off, releasing up to 700 barrels of oil per day about 12 miles from the Louisiana coast. The spill has gone unattended for 14 years now, threatening to become the worst oil spill in U.S history since BP’s Deepwater Horizon spill.

After struggling with competitors such as Amazon, Target, and Walmart, Sears and KMart stand in the face of bankruptcy under harsh conditions. Between the two retailers, hundreds of stores have been closed, KMart closing 70% of its stores between 2010 and 2018. Sears Holdings recently filed for bankruptcy, but plan to stay in business.

“I think it would be helpful to donate money to those in need after the hurricanes.”

Hannah Suh (12)

“We could all work to donate things like canned foods.”

Alyssa Lamontagne (10)

Classroom cell phone policy changes Teachers implement cell phone policies

by ISABELLE HARBER Guest Writer Teachers continue to modify their cell phone policies regularly to adapt to their classes and teaching styles.

The 2018-2019 district-wide student handbook explains that teachers are in control of their cell phone policies, stating, “The use of [wireless communication devices] during instructional time is at the sole discretion of the classroom teacher or supervising adult who may allow or disallow their use for educational or instructional purposes.”

World language teachers, including Spanish teacher Ashley Morel, have chosen to collect students’ phones at the start of the hour.

“I know that in my class, and for most of the language teachers, the reason why we have collected the phones is because we really want to focus on interpersonal skills and interpersonal communication,” said Morel.

In a Pew Research Center study, it was found that 95% of teens report they have a smartphone or access to one, and 45% of teens say they are online on a near-constant basis. However, some teachers have found that easy access to

technology makes it easier for students to cheat. According to McAfee, an online security software maker, one in three high school-aged kids in the U.S. use cell phones or other devices to cheat in school. “[Students] will not always put their phone in their slot or bin… and I have caught students using their cell phones during a test,” said history teacher Anita Coffman. “I definitely see an increase of cheating and I think… the collusion from student to student - sharing their work - we can see that a lot more through cell phone use.”

Chemistry teacher Julie Honkala said that she collects phones at the start of class, but believes that cheating is inevitable.

“There’s always another way [to cheat] - you take one thing away, there’s another tool….

You pull a phone away, a student has a watch,” said Honkala. “I think you have to come from a place of wanting to do the right thing, or being honest about your work… Your own personal integrity, I think, is what drives cheating or not cheating. The cell phone just makes it easier.”

Besides cheating, teachers may collect phones to increase student attentiveness and engagement.

“I would definitely say [students] are more engaged [without cell phones],” said Honkala.

“What I notice is when you give an independent task where you have to write something or work as a group, students who have cell phones out at some point almost always gravitate towards something on their phone. Rarely when I come by is it something that’s actually relevant to what they’re doing.

They’re just not as productive [with cell phones].”

Students are also able to see the difference in attentiveness without cell phones.

“I pay attention better when my phone’s fully put away,” said junior Brooke Bosart. “[For example,] I take more detailed notes because I’m paying more attention to the teacher, and I participate and answer questions.”

Technology still plays a role in the classroom, providing

A cell phone holder hangs in a classroom.

Photo by Georgia Zimmerman

learning tools like Quizlet, Khan Academy, and Kahoot; quick access to YouTube to watch educational videos; and the ability to Google information.

“I can see the value in being able to have your device and look up things and be participant in the class in a different way, you know looking up things that maybe a teacher’s talking about,” Coffman said.

No two classes at BHHS are quite the same when it comes to cell phone rules. Having phones versus collecting them is the teacher’s choice, and while there are many pros and cons to both methods, there are ever-changing factors like cheating and focus that continue to influence the evolution of phone policy.

3

October News

Lahser property use continues

Overhead view of Lahser property.

Photo by BHSD

Lahser legacy lives on through athletic and club use Nino Salvaggio continues construction on 15 Mile Road and Telegraph Road.

Graphic by Hanna Halstead

Image Credit for Nino Salvaggio Logo belongs to Nino Salvaggio

Nino Salvaggio opens new location New store plans to open soon

by KUSHAL SANJEEV Managing Editor Bloomfield Township’s newest grocery store, Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace, is scheduled to open at the end of fall in Bloomfield Plaza, located at the corner of Maple and Telegraph roads.

This will be the grocer’s fourth location, adding to their three existing locations in Saint Clair Shores, Clinton Township, and Troy.

According to Kirk Taylor, president of Nino Salvaggio, the new

location plans to “hire over 250 new employees including fulltime workers, part-time workers, and seasonal workers as well.”

This location will also offer the upcoming Fresh2Go online ordering, which allows people to order ahead of time and pick up at the front of the stores.

The new location originally was set to open in the early spring of this year, but when asked about months-long delay, a Nino Salvaggio representative declined to comment.

“We are looking for people to join our outstanding team of employees who share our family values and commitment to providing exceptional quality and service to our guests,” explained Frank Nicolella of Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace.

Community members are also looking forward to the opening of the new store in Bloomfield Township.

“I’m really looking forward to a closer location for really

“We are committed to providing exceptional quality.”

Kirk Taylor

Nino Salvaggio President

great groceries,” said Melissa Briggs, frequent Nino Salvaggio shopper. “We have other stores like it, but I just like Nino’s a lot more.”

DEVELOPMENT TIMELINE Fall 2017: Construction begins Spring 2018: Opening is pushed back Summer 2018: Press release issued Fall 2018: Secondary press release issued

Wabeek property transformed The Baron Estates will provide homes to families

by LARA JANOSZ Managing Editor What once was a vast, open field will now become homes for at least 21 different families at the new Baron Estates in Bloomfield Township.

“In 2009, we took a look at the Wabeek property [Baron Estates property] specifically...this was before the decision was to be down to one high school. At the time of 2009 because the residential market was slow at the time due to the economy….it was just a whole lot of property for future use,” said Paul Wills, the Property Management development representative for the Bloomfield Hills School District and partner at Plante Moran CRESA. “We’re [Plante Moran CRESA] one of the firms recognized by the Department of Treasury to provide projections for school districts. We do it for about 60 different school districts around the state and our projections are within 99% accuracy as well.

We looked at what Bloomfield provides educationally, we looked at the number of students, and then we analyze what would be what would be some long term goals or objectives for the site/properties,” continued Wills. “The Wabeek property and Hickory Grove were both identified the best use for residential development...we started looking at the different building properties and then we actually helped the district do a request for development for residential units for both Wabeek and Hickory Grove.

The district was able to receive over a half a dozen proposals for each site and the dis-

trict will receive roughly up to 9.9 billion dollars in sales when the two properties are fully developed.”

Now that the estates are being built on the Wabeek property, the Bloomfield community can expect about 21 new homes to be added.

“Everything has been going very well.

We have eight homes that are in the planning phase or are under construction. Our first purchaser will close on their home at the end of 2018, which we’re really excited about. Our front entrance landscaping is now 100% complete and we’re starting to go vertical within the community. We’re very excited about the pace and progress,” said Seth Herkowitz of Hunter Pasteur, who’s job is to oversee the operations and administrative side all Hunter Pasteur developments.

As the development process continues at a rapid pace, the Estates will have a significant effect on the community.

Construction begins at the Baron Estates property.

Photo by Georgia Zimmerman

“One of the things we do for our goal projections is we also do a demographic review, which understands how Bloomfield HIlls is made up in terms of population, number of families with kids/homes with kids, and so these new homes will provide roughly 60 new housing units,” explained Wills. “Bloomfield’s foundation allowance is roughly around $12,500 per student so even if the district was able to get let’s say 20 to 30 students out of this development, you’re looking at $250,000-$400,000 of additional revenue every year for 20-30 years.”

The Baron Estates are expected to be completed within the next few years, depending on buyer interest. Both Herkowitz and Wills are excited about the benefits that the development will bring.

“I think that we’re really building something that is unique and special and will last the test of time for the community so we’re very excited and proud of that,” said Herkowitz.

by JANE ROSETT Guest Writer Lahser High School, with its legacy of nearly 50 years, prepared thousands of students for bright futures. Since the building’s closure, the former school has continued to pride itself on maintaining a facility for athletics.

Students have the opportunity to practice baseball, soccer, and field hockey at the unoccupied building.

In 2010, the Bloomfield Hills school board decided to merge Lahser High School and its sister school, Andover High School, on Andover’s grounds, leaving Lahser unoccupied. Now, Lahser is mainly occupied by sports teams. Both boys and girls teams have opportunities to practice their sports on Lahser’s various fields, as well as specialized training inside the gymnasium.

“Baseball practices after school and field hockey usually use the field after soccer practice.”

Brooks Brisette

JV Soccer Player “I play soccer at Lahser almost every day after school,” said JV soccer player Brooks Brisette, who frequently trains on the Lahser property. “Baseball practices after school and field hockey usually use the field after soccer practice.”

Lahser is occupied by more than just athletic teams, as school clubs and community groups have the ability to rent out spaces.

“Inside the building, the field house and the gym are used by athletics,” said Brian Goby, the director of physical plant services district. “The old auto shop, drafting room, choir room, and band room are being used by robotics. The auditorium is rented out to community groups. The office space is being utilized by physical plant services.”

Having the extra use of fields allows student athletes to organize their afternoons because they are able to practice after school, whether it be directly on campus or on Lahser’s fields.

Despite Lahser’s uncertain future, Goby gives possible insights as to what the Lahser building will be used for in the future.

“In the future, [we] could develop some more athletic fields, or a future school site if we needed to build another elementary school,” said Goby.

4

October NEWS

College class added for students

Calc 3 students sit for a lesson.

Photo by Marlee Sacksner

Students now have the opportunity to take calc 3 onsite

by MARLEE SACKSNER Guest Writer A new college-level Calculus 3 course, previously offered off campus, is now available for students to take. Current Calc 3 students are adapting to the new course, including its college-level expectations and its effect on their schedules.

Students attend Calc 3 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:10-4:00. They no longer have a 7th or 8th hour in order to accommodate Calc 3 with block scheduling.

“It’s mainly just been very time efficient for me. I don’t know if it would have been possible for me to work the old course system out with my schedule and pursue my extracurricular interests if I had to leave school,” said Calc 3 student, senior Isabella Bonito.

Rama Varanasi, a current Yale freshman and past Calc 3 student, shared his thoughts on the old Calc 3 system, which required him to travel to Oakland Community College.

“All students are treated the same, the minute you walk in this class, it may be a high school room, but you’re considered a college student.”

Denis Johnson

Lawrence Tech Professor “[Having the course at the high school] would have made my life so much easier. In high school, it was weird going to a community [college] campus; it was a pain. However, it definitely did help me adapt to college.

But it would have been nice to take the class with my classmates, be in the high school, and have a normal high school schedule,” said Varanasi.

Bonito continued her thoughts on the new class. “If the class was every day I think I would feel a lot more pressured,” said Bonito. “Overall, it’s been super nice and I am very happy that this was able to happen because I think it would have been super difficult to work out if the course wasn’t at the school, location wise.”

Professor Denis Johnson, the current Calc 3 professor from Lawrence Technological University, explained the expectations for this college-level math course.

“All students are treated the same, the minute you walk in this class, it may be a high school room, but you’re considered a college student.”

Students enter school at the start of the school day.

Photo by Hilary Lam

District enrollment on the rise Larger class sizes prompt questions

by HILARY LAM Guest Writer Recent news of increased enrollment has brought about questions about what the district has in mind for countermeasures.

Bloomfield Hills School Board President Cynthia Von Oeyen assures that the recent shifts will not have a major impact on future enrollment.

“The school district is pretty flat, pretty even, you know we have small blip from 50 kids up, 50 kids down from year to year,” said Von Oeyen.

Both the population and the enrollment of the district have fluctuated over the past few decades.

The economic bust in 2008 and the current economic boom have been important factors influencing the district’s enrollment.

“We are privileged to live in a community that has wonderful public schools, but also private and parochial schools. When people feel like they have more money in their pockets, they may want them to send their children to private schools because they can. When people are feeling like they have less money in the bank they might be more likely to have their children in a public school,” said Von Oeyen.

Over the summer, East Hills Middle School prepared to welcome fourth graders for the 2018-19 school year. The decision was based on a variety of factors, including the overcrowding that was occurring at Eastover Elementary School.

“East Hills has had some vacant spaces, Eastover was pretty crowded, and so they were able to move a grade up to East Hills.

It helped E a s t o ver and it helped East Hills,” said Bloomfield Hills High S c h o o l Principal Charlie Hollerith.

Similarly, this year’s freshman class was larger than average, but Hollerith does not believe that the trend that will continue.

The capacity of Bloomfield Hills High School is 1,800 students and currently, the enrollment is between 1,700 and 1800.

“Even if the enrollment happens to exceed the maximum capacity,” said Hollerith, “[The district has] been pretty focused on looking at those trends and

we built the building to comfortably hold 1,800 and we can go a little bit more with some creative scheduling.”

Although some schools and grades have seen increases in enrollment, others have noticed decreases.

Katherine Leung, who has children at both Bloomfield Hills Middle School and Way Elementary School said, “[My] third grader is in a class at Way Elementary that, instead of having four sections of third grade, they only have three sections.”

Leung also noticed a similar trend in her son’s kindergarten class.

Right now, the district has no major plans coming up to adjust for the current influx.

“We’re looking at [growth] being pretty even for a while; maybe it will go up a little bit, maybe it will go down a little bit but no major changes,” said Von Oeyen.

“We built the building to comfortably hold 1,800 and we can go a bit more with some creative scheduling”

Charlie Hollerith Principal

DISTRICT ENROLLMENT

BY THE NUMBERS

2015 - 2016: 5,477 2014 - 2015: 5,378 2015 - 2016: 5,456 2016 - 2017: 5,609 2017 - 2018: 5,677

5

October news

SAT messups over the summer

A student takes an SAT practice test.

Photo by Randa Hakim

Summer SAT exams create controversy

by JAKE FOGEL Section Editor

The National Merit Semifinalists take a photo at the celebratory breakfaast.

Photo by Rachele Rose

Seven students recognized as National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists Students recognized for PSAT scores

by BEN MOSS Guest Writer Representing the top 1% of high school students, seven seniors were recognized as National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists.

Out of the 1.6 million annual test-takers each year, 16,000 top scorers on the PSAT are chosen annually as National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. Seven Bloomfield seniors qualified: David Cooper, Braden Crimmins, Riya Doshi, Kenzo Lord, Nikki Ratanapanichkich, Ketan Revankar, and Balazs Szamosfalvi.

After reaching the semi finals, qualifiers submit an application

and essay in order to reach the Finalist standing, from which they may receive scholarships for college.

“Getting into the semifinals means a lot to me,” said Revankar, who scored a perfect 1520 on the exam. “The most important thing it means is that putting forth the work to do well on the PSAT, I now have the opportunity to at least partially help pay for my college education through qualifying for the $2,500 scholarship.”

While all high school students are re-

quired to take this test, not all see the benefits.

“Most kids take the PSAT as a joke, and don’t take it seriously, and it doesn’t show true results of their knowledge because kids don’t try at all,” said senior Donovan Brown. “Most [students] take it as a day to go to lunch afterwards with their friends.”

However, Revankar opted to study for the exam in the hopes of qualification.

“I knew for a few years that doing well on the PSAT would qualify me for

“Even if you’re not close right now, you can get there.”

Ketan Revankar

National Merit Semifinalist

the NMS,” said Revankar. “My study plan primarily consisted of doing regular SAT practice for a couple months before the exam. My reasoning behind that was that if I could score really well on the normal SAT sections, the PSAT, which is meant to be a little easier, should be a breeze.”

Revankar advises that students start preparation for standardized testing early in their high school careers.

“Start doing at least a little prep early in high school, so you know where you stand and can improve. Then, study SAT resources until you get [to your desired score],” said Revankar.

“Even if you’re not close right now, if you just slowly and consistently work at it, you can get there.”

WHAT IS NATIONAL MERIT? The National Merit Scholarship Program is a United States academic scholarship competition for recognition and university scholarships administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Students must take the PSAT and place in the top 1% to be considered a National Merit Scholar.

National merit scholarship timeline

October

SEPTEMBER february April-July

16,000 15,000 7,500 Juniors take semifinalists finalists recieve the PSAT are chosen are chosen scholarships

by VIKRAM LAKSHMANAN Illustrator

The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), one of the tests students have to take to be accepted into into many colleges, is looked over meticulously and kept private with complete security. However, many perceived the SAT differently after a summer full of controversy regarding this exam.

Over the summer, a very small curve from the June SAT and reports of cheating on the August SAT caused controversy for students.

“I did pretty well,” said senior Thanasi Michalakis, a student who took the SAT in June. “I left feeling proud of how easy the test was. I have heard about how many people found it really easy, but some were not proud of their scores. I think it’s better to have a difficult test with a bigger curve, as it could showcase your actual knowledge on the subject. If you do better, the curve will benefit you far more.”

With a wide variety in curves and test difficulty, many students find it difficult to prepare for these changes. “(The small curve) probably mostly affects the kids at the top end of the scale,” said SAT tutor and teacher Scott Allen. “But, the June SAT seems like it was just an accident.

You can’t control the curve on these tests, so you really can’t worry about it. The best advice would be to plan on taking the test a few times.”

While the beginning of the summer, in regards to standardized tests, was categorized by the June test, the end of the summer focused on the August test, when students found out about the reports of leaking the test through online copies of the test overseas.

Senior Nik Salah, a student who took the August SAT, said, “When I heard about [the August SAT being a repeated exam], I [thought], ‘they’re probably going to cancel scores or make a curve. So, I wasn’t really excited about that.”

In many cases, the SAT is taken internationally before making it to the United States. This specific test was taken in East Asia before in the U.S. A similar concern is that many international students travel to the U.S. to take the SAT. Reports from NBC News say that a student obtained test documents in China, the same documents used in the August SAT. The possibility of news of the test getting to the U.S. could cause an unfair advantage to students.

“I do believe that those students [who had access to the test before taking it] had an advantage because the test had been available to the public for nearly a year,” said junior Mahee Doshi, another student who took the August SAT. “If they had already taken it before that implies that they would have had a general sense of the specific questions. This most likely made it easier for them to give the test and help them achieve higher scores than other students.”

In response to the mishaps, the College Board stated that it works to “strike a balance between thwarting those seeking an unfair advantage and providing testing opportunities for the vast majority of students who play by the rules.”

“The world is much smaller than it used to be. You would think College Board would understand this, but no. Don’t they watch the news? Hackers are everywhere. It’s just more bad publicity for the new SAT. As a business, they’ve made some pretty bad decisions lately that are tough to understand,” said Allen regarding the College Board’s handling of the new SAT. “The problem with the new SAT is that they’re recycling tests that aren’t old enough to be out of circulation yet. It’s very obvious that they’re having trouble writing new tests. It’s actually a very expensive process.”

In accordance with Allen, Doshi also believes that there are steps the College Board should take for future tests.

“It’s important that the College Board makes sure that they strengthen the test security,” said Doshi. “It’s necessary for them to avoid recycling an entire test or large portions of test and if they do choose to do to so, then make sure that it is not available on any platform or no unfair practices have occurred. These precautions will help ensure fair testing procedure and practices, which will be beneficial for both the College Board and the students by avoiding any future controversy.”

coping with MENTAL HEAL

STUDENTS SHARE THEIR S

Mental health resources available to students An explanation of local resources for students seeking help

By DEBRA MORAITIS Staff Writer With no clear “cure” for mental illness, the question remains: where can students go for help?

“Mental health professionals are available in the Bloomfield community to support and assist students in becoming the optimal, highest functioning version of themselves,” said guidance counselor, Shayna Klein. “While some students might believe there is a stigma attached to seeing a mental health professional, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

There are many children, adolescents, and adults that seek professional help to treat their challenges.”

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five youth struggle with mental illness, a percentage that has steadily risen over the past 30 years.

“Students should understand that it takes courage and strength to seek help, and we are always proud of students who recognize their challenges and seek treatment,” said Klein. “However, as high school counselors, we are not therapists who treat mental health issues; we rely on the resources in our community to provide the appropriate mental health treatment. There are a variety of independent therapists, groups, or psychiatrists that we would recommend based on the issue that is presented.”

While varying healthcare situations and policies may prevent students from being formally diagnosed and treated with medications, there are still options to deal with mental health issues. Several counseling agencies in the Bloomfield area have programs that cater to students with financial difficulties or lack support from their families. Klein encouraged students to see their counselors if they feel they need outside support. “We will offer individual recommended resources,” she said.

UMatter is one of these student support groups, based through the Friendship Circle in West Bloomfield.

As stated on their website, “UMatter is a program focused on empowering teens to shatter the stigmas surrounding mental health challenges and suicide.

It operates within the Friendship Circle family and is led by Teen Director Rabbi Yarden Blumstein. After recognizing a need for a larger discussion about mental health in the Detroit community, the Friendship Circle created a teen advisory board to work on projects that would go on to create an atmosphere of inclusion within the community.”

The vice president of the teen advisory board is senior Leah Dunn from Seaholm High School.

“I first got involved with this cause when UMatter Week came to our school, bringing the message into our community,” said Dunn. “After a culture-shifting week, I knew I had to get involved in UMatter. Throughout the year, UMatter has several different events, mainly geared towards teens.

Everyone is always welcome to join us in making mental health resources more prominent in our society.”

However, professional help and community support programs are not the only ways to cope with mental illness.

Some students opt to use their own personal routines and mechanisms, including exercise, dieting, artwork, therapy, and meditation.

“I definitely recommend keeping a journal,” said senior Natalie Gould.

“Writing is therapeutic for me. It’s easy and you can do it anywhere, anytime. It allows me to sort through my thoughts when I’m feeling overwhelmed and put things into perspective. Plus, it’s a record keeper and and a tool I can use to

later reflect on my life.”

Other students may turn to physical activity as a form of mental relief.

“When I’m stressed, I usually deal with it by going to a yoga class or working out,” said senior Sophia Washer. “Other times I put that energy toward something creative.”

However, as technology continues to evolve, so do ways of coping with stress.

Online resources, such as digital therapy sessions, mindfulness apps, and crisis helplines, are becoming increasingly popular. By 2015, there were over 800 smartphone apps available dedicated to mental health. Some of the most popular apps include What’s Up, Talkspace, Mood Kit, Stigma, and Aura.

“The Aura app is my go-to for dealing with my mental health in high stress environments,” said senior Ava Meyer.

“You check your app once every day to update how you’re feeling and it gives you a meditation exercise or podcast to help you with it.”

In concordance, junior Brooke Lady recommends the app Headspace. “It helps me calm down before I go to sleep,” she said.

Excluding the cost of a digital device, many of these electronic mental illness services are free to use. Additionally, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline (1800-273-8255) and the National Crisis Text Line (text “HOME” to the number 741741), are both available 24 hours a day. Nonprofit organizations also upload free resources to websites such as postpartumprogress.com, anxietysocialnet.com, aftersilence.org, dailystrength. org/group/self-injury, and meetings. adultchildren.org, to provide help with specific traumas.

“As the seasons change and it gets colder out, it gets harder to wake up in

the morning; I know a lot of people go through this too. I try to deal with this by turning on my lights in the morning and turning on some upbeat music to wake up and put myself in a better mood for the day,” said Lady. “It’s all about finding the things that motivate you.”

Student anxiety and depression at all time high Anxiety and depression disorders become extremely prevalent in high schools

By KAITLYN LUCKOFF Section Editor Among the benefits of our generation’s fluency with technology may lurk a hidden danger: anxiety. Technology has impacted the way students today learn, communicate, and grow. However, many are unaware of the dangers that living life through a screen can cause for high school students.

Psychotherapist and behavioral health consultant Brooke Bendix explains the recent escalation of mental illness.

“Over the past five or six years I have noticed a significant increase in anxiety and depression among high school age students,” said Bendix.

“In fact, recent research indicates that ‘in the five years between 2010 and 2015, the number of U.S. teens who felt useless and joyless – classic symptoms of depression – surged 33 percent in national surveys,’ according to Jean Twenge, author of iGen. What has changed over the past five or six years? The increase of smartphone usage and addiction to social media

has been the identifiable culprit.”

Although it is notable that the amount of high school students suffering with anxiety and depression has skyrocketed in recent years, the basis of mental illnesses in minors could be developing in them at a much earlier age.

“What I am noticing is that younger and younger children, as young as four years old even, are starting to exhibit signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression,” said Bendix. “With constant access to technology such as iPhones, iPads, tablets, etc… they’re growing up in an over-stimulated environment, which has created more

anxiety.”

School social worker Wendy Olah echoes this sentiment. “Sadly, I am seeing more and more anxiety and depression in the elementary schools as young as K indergarten. Children learn important social and interactive skills, as well as coping and problem-solving skills through early play with other children,” said Olah.

“Again, this is disrupted by early introduction to video games. Kindergarten has also become much more academic and less play-based, so kids are losing early opportunities to develop their

“Understand that you are not alone and many students struggle with anxiety and depression so be open and talk about it” Brooke Bendix Psychotherapist

resiliency and coping skills, which increase the chances of developing a mental health disorder.”

According to Professor of Psychology at San Diego State University, Jean Twenge, the factors contributing to this rise inteen anxiety may be lack of social interactions and decreased sleep, both of which are byproducts of increased technology use.

Our school and its mental health professionals have noticed the impact mental illness has on students and their academic performance. In an effort to counteract these struggles, new programs and training have been pursued by the district.

“I think there is a new push to make social emotional learning and well-being part of the curriculum and school responsibility,” said Olah. “School personnel are being trained in identifying signs of depression and anxiety in students and how to refer them for help. Showing movies like Angst last year to staff, students and the community to bring more awareness about anxiety was very positively received.”

Looking ahead, Bendix shares advice

to students struggling with mental illness.

“Put the phone down and connect with one another. As a society that is completely overwhelmed by the need for constant connection through technology and social media we are feeling the least connected to other humans and there comes a real sense of loneliness and dissatisfaction with that.

Understand that you are not alone and many students struggle with anxiety and depression so be open and talk about it,” said Bendix.

Bendix continued,“I don’t believe that society will ever fully “eliminate” student anxiety and depression. I do believe, however, that by being open and vulnerable in today’s society that we can reduce the stigma around mental health and seeking help. It is an epidemic in today’s youth that many feel shame in seeking treatment.

The more we talk about it and reduce the stigma that has typically been associated with mental health I believe then we will start to see a change in how we approach mental health issues in our society.”

LTH ILLNESSES

STORIES AND RESOURCES Coping with clinical depression

Student reflects on the coping mechanisms she uses

By MADELINE MOSKUS Senior Column Writer I was diagnosed with clinical depression in 2014. The world was a bit grayer then. I devoted more time to digging myself deeper than to getting myself out of the hole that is mental illness.

But it’s been 4 years since then, and I’ve discovered more about the illness, more about living with it, and, most importantly, more about myself.

The concept I first had to grapple with was that there is no “cure.” No amount of medication, no set plan, no diet that lifts you out. Instead of a cure, they call it “coping.” As the dictionary defines it, “to deal effectively with something difficult.”

Me and the 3 million others diagnosed with clinical depression (Mayo Clinic) can attest to this illness being categorized as something difficult. With depression, there is no curing, only dealing.

So how do we deal? It’s different for everyone. For me, it changes constantly. There’s never a set activity I can go to

that makes the weight of depression a little lighter, but there is a list of different ways to ease the mind. It starts with writing.

The most common aspect of depression is racing thoughts, constantly asking why I did this, why she said that, why my therapist dug a little too deep on that one topic during last night’s session. What writing does is

and again helps.

I’m still working on finding what’s right for me, but once in a while, I find something new that works even better with coping. Lately, it’s been driving around while listening to music.

Before that, it was rewatching season three of Parks and Rec. Which leads me to unhealthy coping mechanisms. This in-

“A healthy coping mechanism takes your mind off the depression without hurting anything else”.

Madeline Mosksus BHHS Student get everything onto a page. It’s easier to solve a problem when you can visualize it, and writing accomplishes just that. Even when it’s not award winning novels and famous news articles, a journal entry every now

cludes abusing substances, resorting to violence, or committing crimes to release emotions.

But it can also be listening to your “Sad Music” playlist (we all have one), going through the McDonald’s drive-thru for the

second time in a day, or buying the Gucci slides that you really can’t afford. Sometimes indulging is okay, but when you make excessive or unhealthy practices a regular habit, it becomes detrimental.

Sure, there’s a good euphoria from receiving a package in the mail from Urban Outfitters that releases me from the grip of depression. The problem is, it’s short lived and not suitable for my bank account. A healthy coping mechanism takes your mind off of the depression without hurting anything else. Drugs and overeating, for example, will take your mind off of it, but they hurt your body.

Healthy coping mechanisms are small, baby steps. The happiness isn’t immediate, but eventually, it sticks.

In the end, that’s the state of mind that coping mechanisms get you into: being in it for the long haul. Little by little, you form a path for your own journey. A journal entry here, an exercise routine there, and maybe a bit of help from medicine, and eventually coping turns into curing.

8

October feature

New teacher takes the stage

All about

Photo by Georgia Zimmerman

Broken Leg Theater Co. welcomes new director

by CAITLIN FINERTY Web Content Manager The theater department got a new director and teacher this school year, taking her role starting in the summer because of all of the activities she has and will take part in.

“I knew I wanted to come here. As soon as I knew the job was opening, I wanted this job,” said new BHHS Theater and English teacher, Mary Bogrette. “This is the dream job.”

Bogrette, who has been a teacher in the Bloomfield Hills School District for 28 years at both Bloomfield Hills and West Hills Middle Schools, is the newest teacher to join both the Performing Arts and English departments. She is taking over the position of Tina Greenlee, who retired at the end of last year.

“She is very excited about her job, she is excited to meet all of these new kids, and she wants everyone involved in everything possible. She is dedicated and she is just excited to get stuff going. She wants everything to be fun and new. [Cinderella] is going to be crazy because she wants everything that can be happening to be happening during it. She has a new energy to her,” said senior Claire Spender, student director of this year’s fall musical and president of the school’s International Thespian Society (ITS).

“As soon as I heard people singing at auditions, I knew I was in the right spot.”

Mary Bogrette Theater Director Both high school theater and ITS are new to Mrs. Bogrette, but she has her students to help her along the way.

“BHHS has been amazing and exhausting.

As soon as I heard people singing at the Cinderella audition workshop, I knew I was in the right spot,” said Bogrette. “I do have to say that the ITS board has done everything.

I never asked them to do a PowerPoint and they did, for example. They had everything planned. They did everything.”

Because Bogrette worked at the middle schools for so many years - coaching for their forensics teams, teaching their acting classes, and directing their 8th grade musicals and plays - many students had experience with her style of teaching and directing for years before she came to BHHS. “She is using a lot of new techniques,” said junior Lily Hollerith, who will be playing the Evil Stepmother in Cinderella. “She does this thing called Instant Acting and she has a really unique way of blocking things. She is trying really hard to get the underclassmen to feel welcome. She also feels that the upperclassmen should take a role in welcoming everyone to the group,” concluded Lily.

With so many students, Bogrette looks forward to all of the new events to come for the future of the new department under her leadership.

“I am really excited for the spring play that we are doing: William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. I have Stratford festival actors coming to do a workshop here and I think that that is going to be really cool,” said Bogrette. “Also, the fact that I get to collaborate is great. At the middle school, it was a one man show, and here, ten people are more creative than one.”

The Cinderella cast rehearses music with Mrs. Riley for their November performance.

Photo by Georgia Zimmerman

Cinderella auditions have no cuts Fall Musical allows all to participate

by JILLIAN SACKSNER Guest Writer Trying out for a musical, or any play, often leads to disappointment, particularly for those who are not rewarded with any role.

This year, the BHHS Performing Arts Department’s production of Cinderella will have a cast of 75 students, instead of the usual cast size of about 30 students.

“I did not need to make cuts because there are so many ensemble songs that it works better to have a large cast for this particular show, so it doesn’t look like there’s only 12 people in the town. It’s supposed to look like

it’s a whole town,” said Mary Bogrette, the new drama teacher who will be directing the show.

Bogrette’s approach establishes the inclusivity of the musical this year, highlighting the differences from years past.

Sophomore Estee Moss, who got cut from last year’s much smaller production, offered her opinion on the larger cast.

“This year, the cast is so big. There are so many exciting ensemble numbers. I feel like we are all going to get very close with each member of the cast. The big cast, I think, is going to help put together really awesome ensemble num-

bers,” said Moss. “The entire atmosphere I feel has changed and the entire show feels very happy and fun because of how everyone was cast to make the huge production.”

After her roles of Valerie Clark in last year’s performance of A Chorus Line, and Cosette in Les Misérables the year before, senior Debra Moraitis will be playing the lead role of Cinderella. Moraitis expressed her thrill of being cast as Cinderella and being part of such a large cast.

“I think that this big change and having a new cast in an entirely different genre of performance is not only going to

“It’s just so energetic; there is so much to bounce off of.”

Estee Moss Sophomore

be a fun challenge that I think everyone is up to, but it is so exciting. It’s just so energetic; there is so much to bounce off of with such a large cast,” said Moraitis.

“Overall, it seems like everyone is extremely excited for this change and is welcoming each and every new member whether they are a freshman or senior,” Moraitis said. “All the freshmen are so inspired and are so ready to work, and its really cool.”

Cinderella, the first production with the Broken Leg Theater Co.’s new director, Mary Bogrette, will be coming to BHHS on November 15, 16, and 17, 2018.

Tickets now available for purchase at:

bhhs.ludus.com

New technology takes center stage Theater tries new rigging systems for Cinderella

by LAINIE RUBIN Guest Writer After last year’s show, A Chorus Line, the Broken Leg Theater Company has been working tirelessly to bring together their next big musical production, Cinderella, this fall. This year, the new head of theater, Mary Bogrette, is trying to use various types of technology and special effects to help the audience let go of the make believe picture in their mind and focus on using their own imagination to follow the story.

“You have to temporarily agree to forget that the characters and situations are not real. The audience must be able to use their imagination and lose themselves and be immersed in the story being presented,” said Bogrette. “We have awesome special ‘magical’ effects for this show, but again, it’s the audience that has to believe. The actors can help tell that story but ultimately it’s up to each audience member. ” From a perspective of sophomore actress Anna Partalis, “I guess really being in tune with your character influences the way the audience feels. If you are a totally different person on stage and stay in that character, you make the audience notice and connect.

Also, your interactions with other characters

play a part in this as well.”

Another member of the theater team, Tech Director Scot Cleveland, oversees a special effect that is sure to surprise the audience: flying.

Cleveland announced, “Yes, there is flying.

The fly system was put in purposely to give us this ability. The effects are amazing, proprietary, and those operating these systems are trained by professionals. The creative team have used these systems multiple times before to great effect in other theatres.”

According to Cleveland, “Every aspect of technical theater is in place for exactly a certain reason - the scenic design creates a world, the lighting is designed to set time and mood, costumes and makeup help define character, the choreography and timing of scene shifts - everything is thought out, planned, and executed to work with the actors, dancers, and singers telling their story. The old joke that an actor without a technician ‘is a naked person standing alone in the dark talking to themself’ is based in fact.”

Certain effects that are used to create a suspension of disbelief in the play are “lighting, scenery, fog, fly rigid, and special effects,” according to Bogrette.

Toby Gittleman, another sophomore with theater experience, believes his favorite effect that can suspend disbelief is, “In Les Miserables, the entire stage was an electronic turntable that spun during scene changes. This was really cool for the audience to see.”

Sometimes, there is certain technology in theater that allows theatrical scenes to be presented in a more creative way.

Bogrette speaks upon that fact that, “Live theater has to compete with the animated graphics available to movie directors and artists. We have to convey the story safely (without stunt doubles). Theater technology is also very expensive. Many professional theaters are using projection screens with animated scenery and imagery.”

Come support the theater program and see all of these new special effects live on November 15, 16, and 17.

York Henson, part of the Cinderella tech crew, working on backstage rigging for the show.

Photo by Georgia Zimmerman

9

October Feature

Alumna opens nutfree bakery

The Eddie G’s Cookies logo.

Photo by Jordyn Gudeman

Eddie G’s Cookies online bakery now open

by ALI RANDEL Copy Editor

Sophomore ITS members, Riley Crimmins, Estee Moss, and Eddie Eichenhorn get into character to practice their scares with a hospital skit.

Photo by Georgia Zimmerman

The ITS Haunted House returns ITS holds Halloween fundraiser

by FALLAN SHERMAN Guest Writer International Thespian Society (ITS) members stepped out of their Cinderella costumes and into Halloween gear for their annual Haunted House fundraiser.

Rather than performing in front of a cheering crowd, theater students played their parts for an audience whose cheers were replaced with screams.

“Much like last year, we didn’t know what to expect,” said ITS Vice President Vikram Lakshmanan. “As soon as we saw the crowd starting to get bigger we got very excited, and it’s so amazing that we made so much more money than last year. We can’t thank the students enough for participating, and the parents for

their help.”

This was the second year of the Haunted House’s existence, serving as a fundraiser for the theater department. The students raised over $3,000 with attendance from over 600 students and parents.

“The one thing that makes [the haunted house] unique is that it’s in our school and it’s in the theater,” said Lakshmanan.

“Normally, you wouldn’t find Haunted Houses in the performing arts center of a school. Originally, we thought we would only get 50 people [to come], but we had nearly 500 people roll through last year.

I think what sets it apart from

last year is that we’re making it bigger and better. We’re also adding new characters and changing the layout.”

The Haunted House was entirely studentrun, with their 60 members designing all aspects, such as costumes, makeup, and layout.

“Everyone in ITS gets to participate, so there are different things you can do,” said sophomore and ITS member Toby Gittleman.

“You can be an actor, work on publicity, take charge of the sets and the props, do costumes, or even do makeup.

There’s really a lot of stuff that goes into it so we need a lot of

“It’s a great way to bring the performing arts, music, and theater communities together.”

Vikram Lakshmanan ITS Vice President

people to help, and thankfully, we have that.”

According to ITS publicity director Mollie Menuck, “[ITS members] all have a lot of different ideas and we take input from all of the students involved. We still do have limitations with the amount of stuff we’re able to do on our own, but we meet with adults and see their input on situations.”

With the interactive nature of the ITS Haunted House, performers experienced a different type of acting in comparison to standard shows.

“Acting in the haunted house is more fun because it’s more of an interactive experience and gives a new face to the theatre community,” said Lakshmanan. “Our school has never had a Haunted House from my knowledge, we’re the only ones who’ve done it. I think it’s a great way to bring the performing arts, music, and theater communities together, and to become one.”

Welcome

to Bloomfield Hills Schools!

A limited number of tuition spots are available K-12 for the 2018-19 school year.*

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

After selling her first batch, she knew she had to do more.

“I was pretty excited, especially because the feedback was really great,” said Andover alum Jordyn Gudeman, the founder of Eddie G’s Cookies. “People were really excited and it happened to be someone that does have a nut allergy and they said they’ve never tasted something like this which is kind of disappointing, but also exciting for me because I make someone happy that I can provide that for them.”

Gudeman opened her online nut free bakery in February and named it Eddie G’s Cookies, after her father.

“When I was younger, there weren’t a lot of products that were nut free. I had to be extremely careful. I baked a lot of cookies and cakes and brownies myself because I could eat them,” said Gudeman. “My younger brother and sister are also allergic to nuts, so I was baking for our family parties and birthdays. I started deciding that I wanted to bake my own recipes so I basically just did it by trial and error.”

“It’s exciting, it’s something different.”

Jordyn Gudeman Founder of Eddie G’s Cookies

According to Gudeman, there is a gap in the market for nut free products and has been ever since she was a little girl.

“When I was younger and we had school birthday parties or holidays, I could not eat anything because there were no labels, no one knew what was in it,” said Gudeman.

“That was difficult and part of the reason I’m doing this is because there’s a need for it.”

She has gravitated towards opening a business ever since she graduated from Oakland University.

“I’ve wanted to be an entrepreneur for a while now,” said Gudeman. “It’s exciting, it’s something different, not a lot of people do it. It’s a huge risk, but it’s an exciting one.”

Senior Maddy Wise, who is allergic to peanuts and other tree nuts, is “excited to have a bakery that opens up new possibilities.”

“I just think it opens up more opportunities for people to come together and not be excluded just because of what’s being served,” said Gudeman. “I think if my cookies were present, especially in schools, or parties and things,more people would feel included.”

-MARCUS LEE

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

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

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To order from Eddie G’s Cookies, visit: EddieGsCookies.com

10

October Feature

Application season has arrived

Seniors begin submission of college applications

by SADIE KIRSCHNER Promotional Manager The first month of school can be full of surprises, anxiety, and adjustments. On top of all this, seniors are completing college applications.

“I started filling out the Common Application at end of May, early June, of junior year,” said senior Emily Ross. “I had a goal to finish inputting all of the prerequisite information before school ended [my junior year] so that I wouldn’t have to worry about it during the heart of summer. My goal was to finish my Common Application essay and all of my supplemental essays that were due November 1st before school started.”

The Common Application is one of the two major application websites in which the applicant is able to apply to multiple schools through the same application, with the other being the Coalition Application.

Although over 700 schools are listed on the Common Application, some schools require their applicants to apply with a school-specific form found on their website.

“I utilized the Common Application for five out of six of the schools I applied to,” said senior Asher Moskowitz. “However, I got lucky because the essay I wrote for my main Common Application essay answered the question for the school not paired with the common app, so I just tweaked the essay a little and could use it for both.”

Senior Eva Goldman explained that one of the most difficult parts among the entire application process was deciding where to begin when writing each essay.

“One of the tips I have for writing a college essay is to write something original,” said Goldman. “Do not write about something because you think it is what colleges want to see.

Write about something because you actually want to write about it. I found that it is much easier to write if you actually are excited about your topic.”

When writing their essays, it is common for students to seek assistance from companies, tutors, or teachers.

“I think English teachers have the benefit of having read a lot of student essays and working with student writing on a daily basis,” said AP Literature and Composition and Adventure English teacher Liza Lauter.

“When I first am looking at an essay, I am always looking for the big ideas and usually I will meet with the student about that to talk through the direction of the essay and any areas that I think need reworking. I also will then frequently meet with students again or do some final edits. Probably the number one thing students need help with is cutting down their essay to fit within the word limit.”

Deadlines are another element for applicants to consider. School counselor Laura Hollyer-Madis explained the process.

“There is usually three options to choose from when sending in the application,” said Hollyer-Madis. “Early action means sending in everything by November 1st and a guaranteed response from the college by January 15th. Rolling admissions means that the student can basically send in everything and once the student’s file is complete [the admissions] can be rolled out. The deadline for this is February 1st and [students] can expect to find out by March 31st. If a student selects early decision, that means that [they] are committing to that school if admitted. You can only apply to one early decision school and if you are admitted and choose not to attend, it is frowned upon.”

Overall, the application process can be “extremely stressful,” said Moskowitz.

“The most important aspect in applying is to start your essays and fill out the applications as early as you can,” said Ross. “Listen to your parents because they know what they’re talking about and don’t be stubborn.”

BSA members discuss plans for the upcoming year.

Photo by Kristin Lewis

The impact of alliance clubs Students find comfort in alliance clubs

by KAITLYN LUCKOFF Section Editor Throughout high school, students have been able to depend on alliance groups to accept and celebrate their identities. These alliance clubs have been a way for students to express themselves and share their cultures with our student body.

One of the first alliances to be established was the Muslim Student Alliance (MSA), which has been advised by media specialist Stephanie Bevier for the past nine years. Mrs. Bevier sees the impact of alliance clubs. “I hope that a strong, robust MSA like we have here at BHHS provides these amazing kids with another outlet to learn about themselves, the world around them, be true to their religious identity and help the community,” said Bevier.

Soon after MSA was initiated, the Indian American Student Alliance (IASA) was instituted. Now,

a variety of student alliances exist, all of which are open to all students regardless of race, religion, sexuality, or beliefs.

“Student alliances are definitely beneficial because they act as a safe space and social platform for various communities,” said Indian American Student Alliance vice president and senior Dalia Schwarzbaum said. “If anything, student alliances close the gaps among different groups as opposed to creating animosity because their events create opportunities for all students to learn about one another and pick up a newfound interest.”

When joining, students are able to create a sense of community within a small group of people with similar interests and passions as well as a shared identity. However, a common misconception among students is that holding a certain identity

is required to join these clubs.

“The Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA), similar to many alliances, is based on a minority group. However, it is one of the only minority groups where you don’t actually know who is in your group until you have a space to meet together, so it establishes a sense of community,” said GSA member and senior Adam Kridli.

“A lot of people seem to be under the impression that only LGBTQ+ people can join the GSA, but some of our most avid members of the club have been our straight cis[gender] allies, so we really encourage a lot of straight cisgender allies to join the club and become part of our family.”

Recently, juniors Marlee and Jane Hooberman reestablished the Jewish Student Alliance (JSA), which was initially

“You can join any alliance club; it doesn’t matter your race, ethnicity, sexuality, or gender.”

Alex Grant

BSA Co-President

established at Andover High School.

When joining these alliances, students are able to create a sense of community within a small group of people with similar interests and passions as well as a shared identity.

However, the biggest misconception among students is that you have to be a part of a certain culture to join these clubs.

Senior Dalia Schwarzbaum emphasises that anyone is welcome to join any club.

“On behalf of IASA, students who are not involved in any alliance clubs should know that our club is open to everyone regardless of race, and we encourage the celebration of Desi culture.”

This sentiment was echoed

by Black Student Alliance (BSA) co-president and senior Alex Grant. “Students should know that you can join any alliance club; it doesn’t matter your race, ethnicity, sexuality, or gender,” said Grant. “Like we learned in Global Leaders, you don’t have to be one of to stand with.”

11

October Feature

ITS Haunted House

International Thespian Society puts on annual haunted house fundraiser

by GEORGIA ZIMMERMAN Photography Manager

Seniors Mia DeCerchio, Debra Moraitis, and Connor Renusch scare students.

Middle schoolers Ella Spender and Casey Rankin emerge from the shadows of the stage as evil twins.

Freshmen Samantha Naahas and Carol Cochrane scare people as soon as they enter the Haunted House from inside the choir lockers.

Sophomore Joey Rankin, dressed as an insane doll, laughs maniacally in the dollhouse located in the basement.

Sophomore Lily Ahari appears in the mirror from behind a partition, while sophomore Ella Sidders emerges from behind the mirror.

Senior Boulos Ghafari appears on stage as a scary clown, with images from the horror movie “The Ring� playing in the background.

Senior Rachel Beltowski as the Black Swan poses atop a cobweb strewn platform.

Sophomores Alexa Klapp and Cole Bewick perform as a demonic couple.

LINE OIL PIPELINE

Enbridge Line 5 is an oil pipeline that connects the United States and Canada through the great lakes region. It has become the subject of controversy recently, as many believe that the pipeline should be shut down/replaced with healthier pipes fear of a disastrous spill in the straights of Mackinac.

However, the pipeline brings an immeasurable amount of economic aid to the area.

Here are THE FACTS:

450K Barrels of fossil fuels travel through thE pipeline everyday

Deteriorating pipes were built in 1953 (65 years ago) and are beginning to leak and crumble.

A large oil spill would be catastrophic for: - Tourism in Mackinac Island - Wildlife - Shipping Industry Credits: Vecteezy.com, Enbridge, Patch

Section B LOCAL NEWS

E T A

A M H PIO C

N S

Pommers mentor grades K-8 in a clinic

ST

Poms team coaches students

by AVA SINGER Staff Writer During a recent football game, the poms team coached younger girls in the Bloomfield Hills School District in a dance performed during halftime. Head Coach Jenna Williams explained that teaching the younger girls was a beneficial way to pique their interest in trying out for poms when they get to the high school. “I think it gives them the opportunity to see what it’s like on game day and also it gives them the opportunity to meet the girls. They get to see what some of the expectations are and what it’s like to be out there performing in front of a crowd on game day,” said Coach Williams.

Senior captain Grace Weaver mentored kindergarteners through second graders throughout the clinic and during the performance.

“I was so proud of them when I saw them going back and practicing the dance, and then coming to practice and knowing the dance,” said Weaver. “I love that we were able to spread the positivity of the poms team and the love of dance with younger students in our school district. We hope that they’ll do poms in high school.”

Weaver also emphasized the team’s unification and making the girls feel welcomed, “The poms team definitely has a strong sense of community and working as a team.

It was really important to us that all the girls feel included, so we individually and cohesively helped them learn dances so they would be confident on the field and get along with their teammates,” said Weaver.

The most memorable moment in the clinic for Coach Williams was watching the high schoolers teach the younger dancers.

“Watching the current pommers interact with the younger students and to see them bond with the younger dancers was really refreshing, and that’s the thing the girls will remember is the bonding and experience that they had,” said Coach Williams. “They may not remember the song that they danced to or the moves that were in the clinic, but they know these poms members now. So whether they see them performing on game day or at the local grocery store, they feel connected to the current members of the team.”

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NC

E AGA

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Boys tennis team nets back to back state championships

SCHOOL NEWS

Cheer team grows Cheer team expands in size

by SHELBY JENKINS Guest Writer Friday nights at Bloomfield Hills High School are filled with the sounds of the football players taking the field, the marching band playing the fight song, and the Sideline Cheer Team hyping up the crowd yelling, “Go Bloomfield, Go Bloomfield, Go!” The girls varsity cheer team is back this year with tons of new members and a brand new head coach, Abbie Shekoski. Shekoski has brought changes, such as a new practice schedule and spirit to the team.

“Little things I have definitely changed, like how they start their practices, how they end their practices, the time time, the dates, things like that. But as for their big things like cheering and how stunting runs,

continued page 16

by KUSHAL SANJEEV Managing Editor The boys tennis team finished their season by recapturing the state championship in Midland for the second year in a row.

Coached by Greg Burks, recipient of the coach of the year award in 2015, and assistant coach Nick Tolomei, the team went undefeated, winning 28 regular matches this season as well as leagues and regionals, all of which led them to the state championships. “[A high point of the season was] definitely winning states as a team and individually. I won 2 singles my sophomore year, but I had never won 1 singles,” said senior team captain Andrew Zhang, who also looks forward to continuing his tennis career next year at Duke University. Alongside Zhang as captain were Cade Burman, Sebastian Burman, and Donovan Brown.

Senior Sebastian Burman switched from playing doubles last year to singles this year, achieving state championship titles for both seasons.

“It’s wasn’t that tough switching to singles because I have singles experience in the past in tournaments. And it felt more special this time because it was my last year and it was a great way to end my high school tennis career,” said Burman.

This year was “very successful” as Zhang said, as all singles and doubles flights went to the finals which earned them the state title before ever starting their final matches.

“It’s not all about winning, it’s also about growth and handling situations that don’t always go your way. Sports are an excellent way to blend that learning,” said head coach Greg Burks.

“I also really like seeing their growth as a player through

the years that they have been in the program.”

New to the team was sophomore Michael Lee who cannot wait for next year’s season.

“I’m looking forward to meeting new teammates and next year, I will try to be more of a leader. This year was a senior-heavy class so I just kind of followed instead, but next year I hope to be seen as more of a leader by our coaches and it’s my responsibility to step up,” said Lee. Following them throughout their entire season this year was Paul Kolin, a BHS school board member and also the broadcaster of the PK Sports radio show on WBFH, who said, “the team was simply dominant all year,

“My favorite part of coaching is watching the guys on the team become better players through the season.”

Greg Burks Head Coach

from beating Okemos [the division two state champs] early in the year to having all of our flights in the finals at states and eventually winning five out of the eight finals, this team will go down as one of the best high school tennis teams of all time.”

State champions include Andrew Zhang, 1 singles; Sebastian Burman, 3 singles; Noah Roslin and Adrien Wilen, 1 doubles; Ryan Frank and Andrew Chen, 2 doubles; and Michael Lee and James Peil, 4 doubles. State finalists include Tommy Herb, 2 Singles; Cade Burman, 4 Doubles; and Phoenix Williams and Max Nosenchuck, 3 Doubles.

The boys tennis team continues their winning streak after emerging victorious with the state title for the 3rd time in the past four years.

Senior James Peil said, “we definitely peaked at the right time, played our best tennis for states. Everyone was really into it. Everyone was cheering and motivated and that was a big moment for the team.”

14

OCTOBER SPORTS

Football

Cross Country This season, David Richardson was appointed as the new head coach. In August, the girls’ team won the Corunna Early Bird Invitational with 54 points, while the boys’ team placed seventh with 199 points.

“The girls’ team has been working really hard on their season,” said senior captain Delace Jia. “We are currently tied at the moment for league champions with Stony Creek, and we have one competition left to determine the winner. In regards to our team, we have a lot of new, fresh, young runners and athletes, and we’re really excited to see where they’ll take us.”

At the first OAA White Jamboree, the boys’ team placed sixth and the girls took second. At the second Jamboree, the girls’ team came back with a first place victory and the boys’ team took fifth. At the third Jamboree, the boys placed fifth again and the girls placed first for the second time, earning them the title of League Champions.

Furthermore into the season at the Lake St.Clair Metropark regional meet, the boys team scored 280 points and placed 10 overall while the girls took first place with a score of 45 points.

“Currently, we’re trying to focus on our league and regional meets,” said Coach Richardson. “Our ultimate goal is the state meet.”

Photo by Shelby Jenkins

Finishing up their season on October 19th, the Black Hawks varsity football team finished 2-7. “Obviously the season didn’t go how anyone hoped it would,” said senior Ethan Polselli. “They were tough losses, but they did not define us.”

This year the Bloomfield Black Hawks were in Division I and faced grueling competition all season. “Playing against such tough opponents in the hardest football conference in the state, it takes a family to come together and support each other,” said Polselli. Going into the season with few returning starters, the Black Hawks worked hard to establish a strong team and family dynamic. Polselli continued,“Having spent the past couple of months with some of the most dedicated athletes I’ve ever had the privileged of playing with, I’m confident in the future of Black Hawk football.”

Photo by Susan Adams

2W-7L

Black Hawk Sports Update Fall sports kick off the school year

Girls Golf Wrapping up the 2018 season on October 20th, the girls’ golf team took 4th place at the Bedford Valley Golf Course in Battle Creek Michigan for the State Championships.

Senior captain Mikaela Schulz said, “The season was very special for me. The team and I got very close, we had a lot of great players and just a really good season.” The team met one of their goals by keeping their scores under 90 shots throughout the 36 hole conclusion to their final tournament. Schulz placed 1st in Oakland County for the second year in a row along with placing 2nd in the state overall. “Overall the team had a lot of success this season, a lot of the players played up to their potential and it was really cool to see it all come together,” said Schulz.

Equestrian This season the equestrian team grew to be the largest in its history. Having ten kids on the team, the team had “some amazing achievements this season,” said junior Lindsey Beck. “A lot of girls took risks and started riding in a new discipline that they had never tried before and were still incredibly successful which was amazing to see.”

Their season came to an end as the team missed the cut for the regional competition this year. “It’s been really amazing to see how far the team has come since I was a freshman. I have high hopes that the team will make regionals next year and improve tremendously,” said Beck.

Photo by Rachel Schultz

Cheer

Swim and Dive As the girls swimming and diving season begins to wrap up, one of five captains [Natalie Diponio, Jackie Garcia, Megan Sun, Debbie Wogaman] Sydney Woods has a long way to go. “Woods is the only swimmer that had a time good enough to qualify her to compete in states which will take place November 16th-17th at Eastern Michigan University,” said Coach David Zulkiewski. “Although many people know that I do not enjoy waking up extra early for practices and that swimming itself can be challenging at times, the thing that keeps me going is my team,” said Woods. “That’s the reason that I keep swimming, they all make it so fun.”

1W-6L Photo by Lara Janosz

Photo by Susan Adams

The fall season for the sideline cheer team came to a close on October 19, the day of the last football game. The squad cheered at all varsity games, both home and away.

Team member Genevieve Murray said, “[The season] was exciting because of all the new people. It wasn’t just all seniors; there were new girls and we got to teach them new things.” In addition to increasing its size to 24 members, the team got a new coach, Abbie Shekoski, who has 16 years of cheerleading and five years of coaching under her belt. Although sideline cheer is over, the competitive cheer season will start soon; tryouts are on November 5th.

Photo by Georgia Zimmerman

Boys Soccer The boys soccer team kicked off their season with 12 seniors and making it to the district semi-finals. “We set extremely high goals for ourselves coming into the season,” said junior goalkeeper Erik Josson. “The team’s main focus was on improving our confidence and scoring goals throughout our season.”

Their season came to a conclusion as the team lost to Seaholm in the second round of districts in a penalty kick shootout.

9W-7L-1T

Photo by Susan Adams

15

October sports

Football does what football wants to do

NFL outcomes provide important life lessons for all

by JAKE WEITZMAN Managing Editor

Little Caesars Arena, downtown Detroit Photo by Olympia Entertainment

Back in business LCA holds two season openers

by BEN MUTZ Staff Writer Little Caesars Arena (LCA) is now home to two of Detroit’s sports teams, and has just recently celebrated its one year anniversary on September 5. The eight-story, 863 million dollar arena is located smack dab in the middle of the city of Detroit and can hold over 19,000 guests for both Pistons and Red Wings games, as well as serving as a concert venue.

LCA, being one of the most popular venues in America, was home to over 80 concerts and performances in 2017 and will build upon that in the coming year. The owners of the arena,

the Ilitch family, have been long-time owners of the Red Wings and Tigers as well as the popular pizza chain Little Caesars Pizza.

The theme of LCA is none other than “District Detroit,” featuring restaurants owned by Motor City veteran Kid Rock and coney dogs sold at concessions.

LCA is something BHHS senior Brendan McMullen says is representative of Detroit’s progress as a whole.

“I love what the arena represents in Detroit. It shows how far the city has come and

it reminds me what the city was once like,” said McMullen.

“The progress is amazing, and it definitely makes me feel a sense of pride towards the city of Detroit.”

McMullen, a long-time Pistons fan, said that at Little Caesars Arena, the games are more exciting.

“Pistons games are a lot more intense at Little Caesars than they were at the Palace. The arena is bigger and better and that’s what makes it the more fun, the scale of the game,” explained

“I love what the arena represents in Detroit. It shows how far the city has come.”

Brendan McMullen Senior

McMullen. “At Little Caesars, it’s always big.”

McMullen also said that he thinks the opening of Little Caesars Arena has had positive impacts on the city of Detroit both socially and financially.

“I think it’s had a positive impact financially, it brings out the tourists and gets people out to the city,” said McMullen. “More so though, I think it’s brought a lot of people closer together. Having something to do in downtown Detroit for families and kids helps revitalize the image of the city which I think a lot of people in this area need.”

Little Caesars Arena is set to host both the Pistons and Red Wings home openers in October, marking the start of season two at Little Caesars Arena.

Life is full of surprises. Everything you know can change in a matter of seconds, and those changes are difficult to predict and nearly impossible to stop. One place where this is undoubtedly true is the National Football League. More specifically, the 2018-19 season. Teams that have been known as the worst of their divisions are now leading their conference. Some of the worst franchises are performing at the same level as Super Bowl contenders. Teams that were built for greatness are proving to be the greatest busts.

This isn’t just one group of teams either; it’s a majority of the league.

For starters, the 2017-18 Cleveland Browns were the second team in NFL history to have a winless season, and they had won only one out of the 32 games between the past two seasons. Through week five of the 2018-19 season, their record stood at two wins, two losses, and a tie, and they were tied in their division with the Pittsburgh Steelers, one of those contenders I mentioned earlier.

“Life is full of the unexpected, and it is important to learn how to keep moving after those surprises.”

Jake Weitzman Next, the defending world champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, were also thought to be strong Super Bowl contenders after their shocking playoff run last season. After week 7, they stand at 3-4 and look to be nowhere near playoff ready.

Other examples of the unexpected turning into reality, through week five, include the Cincinnati Bengals leading their division after being third last year; the Miami Dolphins tied for first with the New England Patriots after their previous 37.5 winning percentage; and the Chicago Bears leading their division after their last-place finish last year, which means they were above the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings, both of which were expected to make huge playoff runs this postseason.

I could go on about the craziness this season has produced; however, there is a lesson to be learned from this madness. Life is full of the unexpected, and it is important to learn how to keep moving after those surprises surface. As stated before, everything and anything can be changed in a matter of seconds. You could learn a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer. Your favorite movie star could get the main role in a film you have been anticipating for years. Your partner could end the relationship when you thought everything was going great. You could win the lottery.

The point is, everything can change, and everything will. I do not expect the current statistics from above to stay true throughout the entire season. Like I said, anything can happen, and something will happen. The only question is, what will that be, and how will we respond?

by GABE SINGER Guest Writer

16

October Sports

Cheer Team (continued from 13)

Cheer team runs onto the football field.

Photo by Susan Adams

But as for their big things like cheering and how stunting runs, I haven’t really changed that, but there are definitely have been some changes,” said Shekoski.

Coach Shekoski also has coaching and cheerleading experience for the job, including a background in gymnastics. In addition to the changes in the head coaching position, the cheer team has had a multitude of new members join this season.

“We got a lot of new members from my sophomore year until now. I remember sophomore year we only had 10 people.This year we got 24, so it’s a big difference,” said senior varsity cheerleader Deyonce Lynch.

“Kennedy Perkins and I are the only seniors on the team, but a lot of new freshman have tried out. There were a few sohmores that were on poms, and now they’re on cheer.”

“They’re more driven. I think they’re going to excel even more this year than they did last year.”

Abbie Shekoski Head Coach Most of this growth has stemmed from a rise in interest by the freshman and sophomores.

“I would say, three fourths of our class is freshman and sophmores. Only nine girls have cheered before so they’re all pretty new,” said Coach Shekoski. “Next season we will be having a JV team because there are so many girls… They’ve done it in the past but is hasn’t been done in a few years, so that’ll help the program too.”

Shesoksi and the Sideline Cheer team are excited for the competitive season, which begins November. They placed second last year at the league meet, and hope placed first this season.

“This year, I have even more high hopes because it’s the same returning girls plus some, and they higher skills than they did last year… They’re more driven,” said Coach Shekoski. “I think they’re going to excel even more this year than they did last year.”

YOUR AD HERE Email us at: hawkeye@bloomfield.org to purchase Available Sizes: 1/4 page 1/2 page Full page Web

Graphic by Hanna Halstead

Gymnastics emerges as a new school sport New gymnastics team forms as a winter sport

by NATASHA MEHTA Guest Writer Gymnastics, a sport that has never before been a part of BHHS, has been established as a new team to start this coming winter.

Freshman Maeve Wright and sophomores Gwyneth Arens and Kalyn Mullens initiated this all-girls team. Wright’s father, along with Mullens’ mother, have also been involved in planning meetings with the athletic director, as well as solving logistics-related issues.

“Competitive gymnastics [is] very time consuming,” Wright explained, “so a couple [of] other girls [and I] wanted to find a way to keep doing gymnastics without all the commitment, so we tried to get a team started here, and we did.”

Along with an alternative to competitive gymnastics, the new team will also give students interested in giving gymnastics a chance.

Tryouts for the team run from the last week of October to early November, though young

gymnasts eager to start the season were still able to participate in the sport beforehand.

“There’s an open practice at the Gymnastics Training Center [in Rochester, since] we

“ I enjoy trying to improve [their skills, ultimately] helping them become smarter, stronger, young women.”

Cynthia Tan Gymnastics Coach don’t have a home base here [and] don’t have the equipment at this high school. Any high school gymnast can come and practice, so some of our gymnasts [practiced] there in the offseason,” said gymnastics team coach Cyn-

thia Tan. These practices occurred on Mondays and Thursdays.

Tan continued to state that while there are tryouts in the first week, there will be no cuts from the team.

The process of establishing a new team has been a learning curve for everyone involved, even for Tan. “This is my fourth high school gymnastics team that I’ve had,” Tan pointed out, “so this will be kind of interesting to start a new program. All of those were already established so that was kind of neat to learn from it, but this will be an interesting thing for the gymnasts and for myself to figure out how to start a whole [new] high school program.

“I’m looking forward to working with these girls.”

Arens expressed directly to new gymnasts and their probable fears, “Don’t be afraid to come out and try if you’re a beginner. It’s not an area where people judge you, it’s an area where you just focus on your skills and try and improve. It’s a safe place.”

The hard work and efforts led by these individuals show their enthusiasm towards the upcoming season.

“If you’re a gymnast, come join our gymnastics team because it’s really fun,” Mullens said. “I would love to meet and add new girls to our team. I’m really excited for this season.”

Two of the founders of the gymnastics team Gwynth Arens (left picture) and Kayln Mullens (both right pictures) participate in a competition.

All pictures by Co Photos

How new sports teams are added Exploring the process of creating new teams

by BRENDAN LYNN Senior Sports Writer New school sports have been a recurring theme for the last couple of years and some have already reached varsity status after just a few years of existence.

BHS Board Member Paul Kolin explained that in addition to hockey, figure skating, and equestrian, which have been recent new additions to our collection of sports teams, gymnastics will be introduced for the first time this winter.

According to athletic director RJ Guizzetti, a new sport has to have a petition to start.

“Usually someone approaches us, mostly students, expressing interest in having us add the new sport. They will tell us that there is tremendous interest among our students,

and they feel that they are ready to form a school-sponsored team. We ask them to get signatures from students expressing their interest in the program,” said Guizzetti.

Guzzetti said the next step is to have a meeting to decide on the sport.

“Once we have that list of students, we meet with a group to discuss all of the issues (finances, schedules, location of practices, and competitions). Mr. Cowdrey and I then speak with Mr. Hollerith to decide if this is something we are prepared to do.”

For a new sport to be created, the team has to be self-funded or start as a school club; the district will then work with the sports team as long as this succeeds.

“A new sport is ‘self-funded,’ meaning the Athletic Department does not provide any money at all to the program. They need to either start as a school club or be a self-funded team. Once they prove that they can sustain a team for two years, we meet again to decide if they are a program we can sponsor. This is obviously an added cost to the district [and] Athletic Department, as we would then take on the responsibility of paying the salaries of

the coaches, uniforms, transportation, equipment, [and] officials,” said Guzzetti.

Many students, including senior varsity tennis player Adrian Wilen, approve of the addition of new sports teams.

“I really like the idea of new sports being created at Bloomfield Hills High School,” he said. “When a new sport is created, it sparks student interest and I believe students will come out to the new sports team from our high school. The more sports we have here at the high school, the more potential success we could have in the athletics area of our school.”

Guizzetti stressed the strength of our school’s athletic programs.

“We offer over 30 plus varsity sports, and that is more than any other school in the Oakland Activities Association,” he said. “A new sport being added not only adds to the opportunities for our students, but also boosts our school’s and Athletic Department’s reputation in the area and state. Very few schools in Michigan, if any, offer more sports than BHHS.”

17

October Sports

Swim makes a splash out of the pool

The swim team holds up the blankets they made.

Photo by Taylor Wiewiora

Girls Swim team spends a day giving back

by SANJUKTHA SWAMY Guest Writer

Shaney Rump and teammate with horse Photo by Shaney Rump

A “pipe dream” come true Shaney Rump captain after paralysis

by DARBY KRUGEL Copy Editor Senior Shaney Rump was named captain of her sport, a goal that many high school students aspire to reach. “It was something that I really wanted,” said Rump. “I didn’t really see that it was for sure at any point though, but I was really happy when I got it.”

Rump leads the equestrian team, a group she has been a part of since freshman year. Part of the reason that becoming captain came as a surprise was an experience that left her unable to compete her sophomore year: paralysis.

Head equestrian coach Jessica Smith detailed her process of choosing Rump for this coveted position, considering her skills and leadership abilities, despite missing a year of competing on the team.

“We have a list of a code of ethics that [Shaney] has to dem-

onstrate she understands. She has to be good with not only her communication skills with her team, but also her horsemanship skills with her horse, a positive attitude, and good sportsmanship, as well as have the [support of the] rest of the team,” explained Smith. “I do a couple of different things so between asking the team for their input with a vote, and getting the opinions of my coaching staff assistants, we collectively decided that Shaney was the person for the position.”

Rump’s mother, Regina Slowey, described her feelings when she heard that her daughter had accomplished this special goal.

“I was thrilled for her. I knew she would try hard, I knew she’d do a good job,” said Slowey. “She leads by example, so she’s a really good leader for them. She shows them how to

be a good equestrian, shows them how to take care of their horse, how to be ready for these meets. They’re a great group of girls, and I’m just really really happy for her.”

As Rump celebrated this accomplishment, she also looked back on when she first began her struggle with paralysis.

“It was during the summer of my sophomore year, and I was at a horse show,” Rump shared. “I just started to feel something was wrong, and I was in more and more pain throughout the night.

The next day when I woke up, I couldn’t walk anymore.”

Through an extensive physical therapy regimen, Rump began recovering and was able to ride again.

“For six months I was in physical therapy, and then I

“I was thrilled for her. I knew she would try hard. I knew she would do a good job.”

Regina Slowley

Rump’s Mother

took a break. I went back during my junior year. I was released that spring from physical therapy again, so now I just still do exercises at home and I have to visit my doctors quite a bit, but everything’s going well now, and I’m getting better,” said Rump.

Being offered the coveted position of equestrian team captain was extremely special for Rump, especially because she’d doubted her aspiration during the rough time of her sophomore year.

“Ever since my freshman year when I started on the equestrian team, I really wanted to be the captain because I just loved the team,” Rump said. “When I couldn’t compete my sophomore year, I thought it was just a pipe dream at that point, because they weren’t going to have someone who didn’t compete all four years. But then at the banquet after my junior year, after I started competing again, my coach surprised me with it.”

Meet this year’s Hammer Authority Seniors lead student section

by SADIE KIRSCHNER Promotional Manager From football games to pep assemblies, the Hammer Authority can be found amping up the student section, cheering on our sports teams, rain or shine.

The Hammer Authority is a student-led group of around 1216 seniors who are in charge of cheering all of our sports teams on, attending all of the games, making sure people come and also encouraging spirit from the crowd. Hammer Authority can usually be found at the bottom of the bleachers at any major sporting game.

“We try to get at least one Hammer member at every sporting event,” said senior Nyah Webb.

“However, there are sports such as cross country that are hard to get a student section for. Since football, basketball, and soccer are the most popular sports at our school, we try to get a bigger sized student section for those sports and any kind we can get for other sports.” Let’s meet some of this year’s Hammer Authority members.

“When I first moved here my sophomore year and my best friend, Amanda Sape, was on Hammer and all I wanted was to be a part of it like her. I love leading cheers during a football game and showing our team how much we support them.”

Nyah Webb

“My favorite part of being on Hammer is getting the student section excited about the game going on and also cheering on our teams to victory. My alltime favorite theme is the pink out because it supports breast cancer and everyone looks very uniform in the stands.”

JP Arslanian

“This is something I’ve always wanted to do since I was a freshman and it was really cool to be put on it. I like the school spirit aspect and being the one to hype everyone up at games and assemblies. I find it super fun and exciting.”

“My favorite part of Hammer is getting to know the other members. It’s cool that we can all come together for one main purpose. My favorite football theme is blackout because since it’s so simple, more students dress up. I think it makes the student section look unreal.”

Eddie Dyla

“I love being a part of Hammer because of the relationships and bonds I’ve formed because of it. Because of Hammer, I’ve been able to become closer with old friends that I lost touch with and with people I never really talked to that often before.”

Kaitlyn Roman

“I joined Hammer because I thought it would be fun and a good senior experience. My favorite part is definitely going to and participating in all of the games and having that leadership authority is really amazing. I am so happy I am a part of Hammer.”

Trevor Callaghan

Sydney Huston

The girls’ swim team left the pool for the day to focus on giving back to their community.

“The project took place on a day that the team didn’t have practice, so this time was specifically for the team to be together without having to worry about the sport,” said senior and varsity swimmer Taylor Wiewiora.

“It was a fun, relaxing activity.”

The team paired with Fleece and Thank You, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comfort for young children battling illnesses by offering them hope in the form of fleece blankets. They spent a day making blankets for the organization to be later donated to local hospitals.

“I learned about [Fleece and Thank You] when they came here last year for a National Honors Society event,” said Wiewiora, who organized the event. “I started to volunteer there on the weekends and I realized that the swim team would be a really good vehicle for us to give back.”

“It isn’t always about getting in the pool. It’s about being a community and giving back to those who need help.”

Taylor Wiewiora

Varsity Swimmer According to head coach David Zulkiewski, the team “tries to do a community service project every year.”

“I gave the girls a day off and Taylor thought it would be a good chance for the swim team to get together. She organized everything top to bottom,” he said. “I think we do so much here inside the school and it’s nice to give back to the community and just make the kids aware that there are people out there that are less fortunate and do need help.”

The team held a fundraiser to buy blanket kits, raising $720, which allowed them to make 30 blankets in total.

Wiewiora had more to say about the purpose of the project. “It was a good way to team build and a way to destress.”

Coach Zulkiewski “hope[s] that future members of the swim team are open-minded.” This characteristic was useful in bettering of the community or simply boosting team morale.

Wiewiora defined the ambition behind the whole project. “I think it was good for our girls to understand swimming isn’t always about getting in the pool, and working hard,” said Wiewiora. “It’s about being a community and giving back to those who need help.”

Picture of Jabie with his blanket from the swim team.

Photo by Christina, mother of Jabie

18

October Op/Ed

H

Accepting our

History

STAFF

Adviser Rachel Matz Editors-in-Chief Riya Doshi Evan Stern Print Managing Editors Lara Janosz Jake Weitzman Web Managing Editors Kushal Sanjeev Jenny She Copy Editors Darby Krugel Ali Randal Design Editor Madeline Wein Section Editors Jake Fogel Kaitlyn Luckoff Justin Yaker Photography Manager Georgia Zimmerman Promotional Manager Sadie Kirschner Web Content Manager Caitlin Finerty Senior Writers Brendan Lynn Madeline Moskus Illustrators Hanna Halstead Vikram Lakshmanan Staff Writers Sarah Kenkel Kaitlyn Luckoff Debra Moraitis Ben Mutz Alexis Rillema Erin Schwartz Ava Singer Sydney Stearns Jonah Stone Guest Writers Sonya Barlow Vansh Bhardwaj Isadora Halsband Isabelle Harber Shelby Jenkins Kaitlyn Keele Hilary Lam Laine Lord Mari Lynn Natasha Mehta Ben Moss Kiersten Pape Jane Rosett Lainie Rubin Jillian Sacksner Marlee Sacksner Seema Shah Fallan Sherman Ben Silberman Gabe Singer Sanjuktha Swamy

What we think

The proposed social studies curriculum changes oppose true learning In the past several months, we have learned of a proposal in Lansing that could transform our state’s social studies curriculum powerfully and unprecedentedly.

With the Michigan Department of Education considering the elimination of sections of the curriculum’s discussion of climate change, core democratic values, civil rights, Roe v. Wade, the Ku Klux Klan, and the NAACP, it is clear that this proposal seeks to reshape how future generations of Michiganders will learn in schools across our state.

As members of The Hawkeye and students at Bloomfield Hills High School, we firmly oppose this proposal and feel the need to advocate against its implementation in Michigan classrooms for a simple reason: learning all elements of our nation’s history is essential for our future, not just as a state, but as a country.

To any current social studies teacher, the study of history is undoubtedly a profound and moving force. Most of all, it is increasingly important, as it was many generations ago, to fully understand our past in order to build the best

future possible.

Ultimately, without a firm understanding of history, it is inevitable that we, as a society, will not recognize the dramatic weight of our past as a nation; moreover, should we be lacking in historical knowledge, we are bound to repeat unsettling events.

In their entireties, many of the elements of our curriculum that are threatened by this proposal have shaped the minds of students as complete, well-rounded, healthy thinkers; by learning about climate change, we are more likely to treat our planet with respect; by learning about the Ku Klux Klan and the NAACP, we understand the history of racial divisions in our nation and are determined to stand against them.

As a staff, we feel that by learning all of our history, we are empowered as a modern generation of thinkers and are promised a better future.

And, unquestionably, we would like this kind of learning to be available to all Michiganders.

What students think

“We must keep all aspects of history intact, whether good or bad, in order to learn and develop from past events.”

Alyssa Sultani (11)

“The changes are bad because they’re trying to alter history. Regardless of what has happened, we need to accept our history and learn from it.

Patrick Henkel (12)

“The only way to grow as a society is to learn from the past; these standards would hinder students ability and right to learn the full truths of US history.”

Lexie Finkelstein (11)

Message from the Adviser When I was in ninth grade at Andover High School, my English teacher was a force to be reckoned with. He drew giant maps on the floor to bring seemingly incomprehensible texts to life and he found ways to bring out the best in every student. He also advised The Shield, Andover’s newspaper, and although I was never on staff, I always enjoyed hearing his stories about the paper and learning from his expertise. Andy Topic was an amazing teacher, an amazing person, and a major influence in my life. His wife, Amy, was also my poms coach, and I was so fortunate to count both of them as mentors.

Andy and Amy both passed away my junior year of high school, and I have hoped to honor their memories and carry on their legacies ever since. When I taught ninth grade English at Andover, I drew giant maps because Andy had drawn giant maps.

When I coached the poms team, Amy’s voice was consistently in my mind. And in everything I have done at Andover and now Bloomfield Hills High School, I have hoped to make them proud. Now, I am overjoyed to be stepping into the role of adviser to The Hawkeye, looking once again to the influence of two incredible educators who I miss terribly and to whom I am forever indebted.

Bloomfield Hills students have demonstrated a strong history of journalistic excellence, and I am honored to be part of their team and to support their continued growth and success. I so appreciate our building and district administration as well as our school board for their continued support of The Hawkeye, and I look forward to an inspiring year.

The Hawkeye is a student-run publication and our students are always in our interests.

We want to hear what you think about our content.

It can be a response to a story, your view upon a topic we address, or a request for what you want to see us cover.

“I agree with the editorial’s position. I think that it’s really important to learn about all elements of our history.”

“I think the stand this editorial takes is important.

We need to have correct and educated opinions.”

Michelle Lee (12)

Jakar Dhillon (10)

“The alterations, while proposed in good nature, neglect controversial issues that are important for students to understand and discuss.

Jackie Garcia (12)

Write a 100-200 word letter to the editor and send it to us: hawkeye@bloomfield.org

and it may appear here in the future!

19

October op/ed

It’s time for change

Editor reflects upon the Kavanaugh confirmation

by RIYA DOSHI Editor-in-Chief I’d say the majority of my fears are pretty normal: snakes, heights, and the dark.

However, some of my other fears may seem rather peculiar at first glance: parking garages, walking alone at night, and overly friendly people.

Although some could say that my fears are just a result of paranoia, I have to disagree.

Case after case of rape allegations have conditioned me to live in fear that what has happened to every one in three women will happen to me (Center for Disease Control).

Recently, our government has made a mockery of sexual assault victims, attempting to invalidate and even shame them into silence. The confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh was more than just an action of the Republican party demonstrating their dominance in Congress -- it was an illustration of the extent to which our society has normalized, and even politicized, rape culture.

Sexual assault should be treated as a public health epidemic, not as something standing in the way of a party putting their nominee in the Supreme Court.

Why is it, that when a new allegation comes out, the public chooses to play the blame game, going back and forth about whether it was the fault of the victim or the perpetrator? Why is it that the only changes proposed are precautionary measures on the side of potential victims, rather than actually going to the root of the problem?

“We cannot allow rape to become normalized, for to normalize something is to imply that it is acceptable.”

Riya Doshi Nearly 18 million women have been rape victims in the past 20 years alone and that is 18 million too many (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network). It is time for American society to change its outlook upon rape and start to tackle this problem head on rather than sweep it under the rug.

This change starts with upbringing, with the active choice of teaching our children about consent and respect for others. With 41% of high schoolers sexually active, legislators must look to adjusting health class standards to ensure classroom time spent on teaching consent (Center for Disease Control). If teenagers are able to start to learn about and understand the necessity of consent, they can take those lessons with them well beyond high school.

Additionally, these teachings must be reinforced in the home. Children should be taught respect, empathy, and proper communication to take with them well into adulthood.

Finally, we must change our mindset as a society. We cannot allow rape to become normalized, for to normalize something is to imply that it is acceptable. Instead, we must see rapists as those making a conscientious choice to violate another’s body, a choice that has serious consequences. Assault victims are not attention-seekers; they are agents of justice with nothing to gain and everything to lose.

It is time to make a difference. Time to stop fretting about the futures of rapists and instead consider the future generations who would be endangered by our current inaction. Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation was a step backwards because it signalled that it is okay to be a potential rapist. That one can still attain the highest judicial position in this country while crowds of women accused him of unspeakable actions. Regardless of whether or not Kavanaugh was guilty, the idea that legislators could confirm him with this possibility is the exact reason why we need to make these societal changes. Once we begin to take measures to de-normalize rape and take preventative measures, only then will we be able to make real change.

PRO

Metal detectors reduce violence

by MADELINE WEIN Design Editor No one wants to walk into a school every morning hoping that their lives are protected. Every student and faculty member entering schools intend to show up and focus on education, not their own safety.

With an estimated 288 school shootings since January 2009, the threat of violence continues to increase. So, what can be done to stop the stomach-turning statistics of gun violence?

Metal detectors are the only reliable source of weapon prevention. If there’s one constant in our society today, it’s that you never know when the unexpected might happen. We must have metal detectors in schools to put an end to the increasing rate of violence in schools across the country.

While some may argue that metal detectors are a costly installation, the maintenance, and time put into a metal detector system is nothing compared to the cost of lost lives.

Some might say that there are alternatives to keeping the school safe without metal detectors, but, let’s look at the facts.

Some schools opted to implement the The School Health Policies and Programs Study (SHPPS), a program teach policies and practices in classroom. But, it takes more time and seemingly more effort for the teachers to instill “violence-free” programs in the classroom, compared to a quickroutine metal detector system. According to the SHPPS database, the mean number of hours of required instruction that teachers provided on violence prevention was 3.8 among high school courses. A longer,

exceeding effort of the violence programs will take away from classroom instruction, whereas metal detectors for one hour every morning could do the trick.

Metal detectors also keep weapons off school grounds, therefore preventing them from ever being used. In a survey conducted by California Healthy Kids, it was declared that over the past seven years, 20% to 30% of secondary school students at schools that don’t have a metal detector system in place reported having seen a weapon on school grounds. How is this indicative of safe school environments? We must change the statistics and start doing something to make a difference.

Looking at the facts, 11% of school districts nationally report using metal detectors, making it a common piece of equipment in schools, according to The National Association of School Psychologists. Even in just Michigan, 11% of 3,550 schools are already one step ahead of the game. With metal detectors in place, students in schools with metal detectors were less likely to carry weapons in school (7.8% vs 13.6%) or in transit to school (7.7% vs 15.2%).

We need to jump on the bandwagon.

Even just the symbol of a metal detector provides students with a sense of security and discipline while in the building. But it’s not all about cordiality, it’s also part of the high school’s safety plan. The visual discouragement to violence is more than enough for the security of our students.

The safety and reassurance of a metal detector is something we need to be greeted by each and every day, leaving school with the same number of smiling faces that walked in.

PRO/CON: Metal Detectors in Schools CON Metal detectors are expensive and impractical

by SARAH KENKEL Staff Writer Imagine walking into school, backpack heavy, head still asleep from the early wake up call, and instead of being greeted by a principal or friend, you are greeted with a metal detector. Something seems really off here, right?

According to Science Daily, “More people have died or been injured in mass school shootings in the US in the past 18 years than in the entire 20th century.” Although there is a clear need for an increase in school safety, metal detectors are not the right solution to this problem.

The first issue with metal detectors in schools and colleges is the cost associated with their purchase.

Campus Safety Magazine writes that “Many buildings on college campuses, for instance, have several frequently-used entrances that can make screening ineffective without the purchase of a large number of machines. [Not only colleges, but K-12 schools] may not have the money to buy the machines for even one front entrance let alone multiple.”

For an educational budget that could be put towards improving learning experiences for students, metal detectors would simply not be a viable option.

Along with upfront expenses, maintenance and staffing required for the upkeep of metal detectors require additional fund-

ing. People are required to direct students through metal detectors and check all bags.

Extra staff and multiple detectors add up to quite a hefty price tag, one that schools cannot afford to spend on non-educational tasks. In addition, metal detectors are not the end-all-be-all on school security. Even if they are in the budget, metal detectors do not guarantee safety within a school. In 2005, a mass shooting occurred in a Minnesota school with a metal detector, guards, and fencing. A tragedy like this highlights the need for a new approach to school safety. Creating a safe and accepting environment in schools leans more toward a solution, which is the opposite of what metal detectors accomplish.

Metal detectors can raise fear among students and create an environment in which learning is not the first priority. In a world where girls showing their shoulders is considered distracting, metal detectors would be an even larger distraction from learning.

It could easily interfere with the mental state of teens and children, many of which would have a difficult time adjusting to high security. With academic and social worries already, the last thing students need is another stressor.

It is obvious that preventative measures need to be taken to end school shootings.

There is no simple solution to this complex problem, but metal detectors in schools certainly will not solve the problem.

United we stand Amid political tensions, editor stresses unity

by EVAN STERN Editor-in-Chief Last week, surrounded by unsurpassed and tangible political divisions across our entire country, we witnessed a frightening and unusual act of domestic terrorism that targeted some of the most well-known figures in our nation.

As we watched this unsettling scene unfold, we learned, one by one, of the perpetrator’s targets; ultimately, to name a few, notable individuals including billionaire donor George Soros, former President Barack Obama, former Vice President Joe Biden, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and current Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Maxine Waters received packaged explosive devices in the mail.

With an apparent end to this scheme on Friday afternoon — marked by the arrest of the suspect by authorities in South Florida — it became strikingly clear that the sender of these dangerous packages sought to incite fear in, and potentially cause far-reaching damage to, an opposing set of beliefs.

And amid our current divisive and hostile political environment — marked by serious controversy between parties and contradictory ideals — this intolerable terrorism is clearly a deadly symptom of a grave disease that we as a nation are suffering from.

As indicated by these attacks, as well as by other signs of our bitter political tensions, we as Americans, at this very instant, seem to be victims of this increasingly-aggressive illness, something that has infected nearly every element of our nation.

“We have forgotten that we are a united people in the United States of America.”

Evan Stern Seemingly to all, it is obvious that the intensity of our disagreements has reached an unacceptable point.

Examining this terrorism — an extreme example of our unprecedented political landscape — as well as everyday instances of the striking conflict between opposing parties (consider Washington D.C.), we are experiencing something unparalleled in American history.

We are undoubtedly in a deeply concerning position when an individual in our nation is this strongly compelled to precipitate destruction to a group solely on the basis of their political beliefs.

The perilous effects of our disagreements today have poisoned our lives and everyday interactions beyond belief; politics has become a threatening and omnipresent force that has pervaded everything, from our conversations with friends to our studies.

And this is a clear fact far beyond these attacks on these prominent figures. It is evident when we turn on the news and watch dirty political commercials; it is evident when we hear the violent screams of protesters on Capitol Hill; it is evident when we stand by our party before our ideals as Americans.

Ultimately, we have become a people sharply divided by political lines and have forgotten that we are a united people in the United States of America. We have forgotten that above all, our national identity transcends our political one. We have forgotten that we are Americans.

As one country, it is imperative, for the welfare of ourselves and generations to come, that we set aside our political differences and unite as one strong people, bound together by our freedom and the values we hold most dear.

20

October op/ed

Staff Voice

Photo by Parlophone Music

Mac Miller’s death raises awareness for opioid crisis Rapper’s death brings attention to a growing epidemic

by MADDY MOSKUS Senior Column Writer The year was 2011, and the place was the living room of a rental house for a spring break family vacation. My cousin was the biggest bully in my life and never let up on the teasing until one night, post brownie making session, where we sat on what I remember being the largest couch I’d ever seen. He turned on the TV, because he was always the one to pick what we watched, and chose an interview with Mac Miller.

Over the next few days of vacation, we spent our nights watching countless interviews of Miller and listening to every one of his songs. By the time spring break ended, I knew every word to “Knock Knock” and had

the entire Blue Slide Park album downloaded on my iPod. Mac became the soundtrack of childhood memories. I always looked forward to his new music, until I found out on September 7th, 2018, there would be none.

Countless artists have died from overdose, but none have hit me like this. Close to all of the artists I listen to have been impacted

by Miller’s death, as he was an incredibly influential singer, rapper, and producer. He worked with some of the most big name artists today such as Tyler, the Creator, SZA, Kendrick Lamar, and Ariana Grande, not mentioning his work as a producer under the surname “Larry Fisherman”.

To follow the most common of cliches, no one saw this coming. Just like no one saw Demi Lovato’s overdose in July, Lil Peep’s overdose last November, Prince, Amy Winehouse, Whitney Houston, Jimi Hendrix, and so many more. But this epidemic is nowhere near exclusive to the music community. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Every day, more than 115

people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids.”

This problem is only getting worse. Recent studies by NIDA indicate a 70% rise in overdose deaths in the Midwest from 2016 to 2017, and in the largest cities in 16 states, there was a 54% rise. This has lead countless researchers to ask why there has been such a drastic increase, and so far, there are three common responses, according to the New York Times: overprescription of opioids, the emergence of fentanyl, and an influx of cheap heroin.

The root of why most start opioid misuse comes from overprescription. Ever gotten prescribed Vicodin for wisdom teeth? Vicodin, Oxycontin, and Percocet are all opioids, and when these first became available in the 1990’s, their manufacturers ensured that they were not addictive. They quickly found out that this was incorrect, as recent data has now shown that 80% of heroin users started by using prescription painkillers.

Even what we consider to be one of the

hardest drugs, heroin, is only getting worse.

The illegal production of synthetic opioids, like methadone and the big name fentanyl, is on the rise. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), fentanyl is 80-100 times stronger than morphine and often results in seizure and death.

Any given drug deal can be laced with fentanyl to increase the potency of the heroin and send someone into an immediate overdose.

We’re not just losing celebrities here. We’re losing mothers, sons, friends, the people closest to us because of what is now known as the deadliest drug crisis in American history.

As heroin only cheapens and finds its way from cities to suburbs, the epidemic becomes stronger. It’s taking the nation’s highest institutions to try and create change, but it also takes each individual to resist the temptation of these deadly drugs.

Miss Michigan rightfully Nike takes a stand with calls out Flint Water Crisis hiring Kaepernick Miss Michigan brings attention to water crisis

by MARI LYNN Guest Writer Miss Michigan, Emily Sioma, drew national attention on September 9th from the Miss America Pageant. However, her name isn’t credited in the headlines for winning the Miss USA 2019 crown but rather for her political and powerful eight-second introduction.

“From the state with 84% percent of the U.S. freshwater but none for its residents to drink, I am Miss Michigan Emily Sioma,” the 24 year old Grass Lake resident said.

In 2013, in an attempt to save a bankrupt and financially strapped city, Flint decided to switch its water source from the Detroitbased water authority to a new water system. The plan was to join a countywide water treatment system called the Karegnondi Water Authority that like Detroit, administered water from the depths of Lake Huron. However, the system pipeline wouldn’t be fully built until 2016 and Flint simply couldn’t afford to pay twenty-one million dollars as they did in 2011. Rather than make a stop-gap contract with Detroit, officials decided that the short-term solution would be to pump out water from the Flint River.

Despite its history as an industrial dumping ground, it was deemed safe.

Residents of Flint immediately became alarmed to the water flowing from their shower faucets and kitchen sinks. Water coming out of their taps had a brownishyellow color and an odor. This can be attributed to the excessive amount of chloride ions found in the Flint River. The corrosive water paired with decade-old pipes fused with lead solder was able to eat away the coating allowing lead into the supply. In the end, the water source change proved to be more cost-

ly and dangerous. As time has passed since news of the outbreak, celebrity donations have dried up and the state is no longer supplying free bottles of water to Flint residents.

Although the world has seemed to move on to more current issues, Flint residents are still suffering the consequences. According to a study from the American Journal of Public Health, the number of children with dangerously high lead levels doubled since the change to water supply from the Flint River. The exposure to lead will have lifelong effects on these young children’s brain and nervous system.

In particular, the water crisis in Flint depicts how damaged a community can become from unwise decisions made by government officials. Our state neglected failing infrastructure and violated the Safe Drinking Water Act through the misconduct of water resources. Officials even attempted to cover up significant evidence of water quality issues and linked health effects. Scientists from the University of Michigan confirmed that implementing orthophosphate into the water treatment operation could have prevented health problems.

It’s important that Sioma addressed the water issues in Michigan because Flint is no longer the only place with unsafe drinking water. Unsafe chemicals are being found across the state from Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, Alpena, and Lansing.

“This is a conversation we need to be having. Chemicals known to cause cancer and now lead to developmental disorders [are being found in our water],” Sioma said.

By using her platform, Miss Michigan effectively brought attention to a topic that matters to her and the communities she represents. She symbolizes how far women and the pageant industry have come since the first Miss America competition. Sioma hopes to inspire others to take opportunities and use their voice. She wants people to know that “Our voices, no matter if we have the crown of Miss America or not, are valid and are relevant and important.”

“It’s a crisis going on all across the state of Michigan.”

Emily Sioma Miss Michigan

Nike creates rift with controversial advertisement

by JUSTIN YAKER Section Editor On September 5th, Nike turned heads around the world as it released its two-minute long commercial titled “Dream Crazy,” narrated by the public figure and former NFL player Colin Kaepernick.

The commercial, which featured several inspirational sports-affiliated stories, sparked controversy among the millions who viewed it.

Most iconically, Kaepernick is revealed as the narrator of the commercial and calls on viewers to “believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything” as he stares at an American Flag. This motto of the advertisement especially fits with Kaepernick’s story.

While playing for the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL, Kaepernick received backlash for kneeling during the National Anthem before games to bring attention to police brutality. Kaepernick was called unpatriotic and was released by the 49ers. He sacrificed everything — his NFL career — for some-

thing he believed in — alleviating police brutality and promoting racial equality in our society.

Whether you believe in or against the message delivered by Nike, the world-renowned company got just about everyone’s attention with their advertisement campaign. I, for one, am in favor of the viewpoints taken

by Nike in the “Dream Crazy” commercial.

I admire the risk taken by Nike with this ad campaign as if they were aware millions would perceive their efforts negatively.

The backlash to the brand was evident following the campaign; consumers even cut the Nike brand sign off of their clothes and burned their Nike shoes. In the long run, the positives surely outweighed the negatives. Shortly after Nike released the campaign, sales increased and their stock price rose. People who strongly agreed with Nike’s ideals expressed in the commercial became compelled to go out, support the brand, and feel apart of the movement.

Nike took a risk with this advertisement. They put themselves out in the world differently than ever before. They used their global platform to elucidate their side of a significant, controversial political debate. While I understand both sides of this complex issue, and it is important that everyone else does too, I stand by Nike and their attempts to bring forth change to our world.

“To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way.”

Colin Kaepernick

Nike Spokesperson

Photo by Apache Pow Wow

21

October Entertainment

Crossword Challenge yourself to the October Hawkeye Crossword Puzzle!

by EVAN STERN Editor-in-Chief

ACROSS

2. Popular fall flower 5. Scary pumpkin 7. The most popular candy on Halloween 8. Popular fall dessert 9. Popular fall beverage

DOWN

1. Large, round, and orange 3. Popular fall fruit 4. Person dressed in old clothes on a stick 6. Trick-or-________ 9. The tradition of Halloween originated from the ________

The answers to this crossword will be in our next issue!

Humans of Bloomfield Every issue, the Hawkeye finds a few standout faces at Bloomfield Hills High School. Here are their stories:

Kiersten McCullum

Chris Mulville

Carmen McCuen

“I feel like I’m a really creative person, and I have a lot going on in my brain at all times. I feel like art is a way for me to, you know, get that out of my brain and on something else soI have more room to create things in my mind.

I actually started getting into art when I was 10. I had an animation class, but it was just studying the Simpsons. And my art teachers name was Jerri. Jerri, it was spelled with an “I”, and at the end of the semester she bought me a little book, it was the “Lisa book” and she signed it and I still look at it to this day.

She was probably the person who saw I had all this stuff going on in my brain and was like, ‘I’m going to try to help you get that out,’ because you’re not articulate because you’re literally 10.”

“I’m the lighting designer in the theatre, I run the lights for all the musicals and plays and productions in there.

I started in middle school with Mrs. Bogrette then I went to high school and started with Scot Cleveland, the technical director, and went from there.

It allows me to work with my friends, we make a great team, me and the other people on the crew. It give me the opportunity to enhance the productions through the different lighting effects and stuff like that.

It’s definitely a creative outlet, it takes planning and design processes. I have to talk to different departments, like the director, costume department, to figure out what type of mood or atmosphere they’re trying to convey in a particular scene, and I use that information to create my design.”

“I’ve been interested in music my whole life, my parents surrounded me with it. I’m Dominican, so I grew up with a lot of Latin music. I’m not like most teens though, like most - it sounds so stereotypical - a lot of people want to sing R&B or like pop music but I’m a classical singer.

My dad forced me to take vocal lessons and, of course, my vocal teacher wasn’t going to have me singing pop music. I actually really hated classical music as a kid, but then I heard just the richness of her voice and it was unlike anything I’d ever heard before. I was just so incredibly inspired by her.

Music is such a release for me, some people exercise to release endorphins, but I sing. It’s definitely something that lifts my spirits a lot.”

22

October entertainment

THE

HAWKEYE reviews

Which Leo’s is best?

by ISADORA HALSBAND Guest Writer It’s no surprise that Leo’s Coney Island is a popular spot to grab a bite with friends, but of the three local establishments, Old Woodward, Orchard Lake, and Maple and Telegraph, one is a definite favorite.

The Maple and Telegraph location, the closest to school, is favored by many students. Sophomore Matthew Hendrick said, “I like going to the one on Telegraph, because their service is very good, and compared to the other [nearby] Leo’s, this one is just more convenient for me.”

Sophomore Jane Appel added, “[My favorite location is] the Telegraph one, because the ranch there is the best.” Appel’s go-to order? “It depends on the time of day, but for breakfast, [I get] the western omelet, and for any other meal, a chicken finger pita with ranch.”

Nearby Birmingham is home to senior Ashley Bailey’s preferred location, saying, “My per-

sonal favorite Leo’s location is the [Old] Woodward one, because I see most of my friends there, and it has a more teenagery vibe. I don’t really like the food at the other two.”

For freshman Grant Perlmuter, the location of the restaurant along with his personal connection with its employees played a major role in his final decision.

“The Orchard Lake location is the best. It was my go-to place, and my family [used to know] the cashier there,” said Perlmuter. “[Also,] I’m not very close to Birmingham … and the Orchard Lake one [off of 14 Mile Road] is pretty close.”

In the end, students agreed that the Telegraph location is superior. After surveying 46 high school students, the results confirm that about 60 percent favor this location. So, next time you and your friends are having trouble deciding which Leo’s to visit, you know where to go for an enjoyable experience: Leo’s Coney Island on Maple and Telegraph.

STUDENT POLL RESULTS The Hawkeye surveyed 46 students about which Leo’s Coney Island location was their favorite. The results were as follows:

60.87% of students preferred Telegraph 34.78% of students preferred Birmingham 4.35% of students preferred Orchard Lake

V is worth the wait

Fall-ing for festive Starbucks

by JONAH STONE Staff Writer

by SYDNEY STEARNS Staff Writer

After several years of waiting, it’s finally here. The album that was held up by contractual disputes for over four years has officially been released. The Carter V by Lil Wayne has been released at last, and it did not disappoint at all. The 23 song album was released on Lil Wayne’s birthday, September 27th.

The Carter V was first announced in 2013, and it was expected to be released in 2014.

However, contractual arguments with the leader of his then label and former mentor, Birdman, caused the halting of the release.

However, Lil Wayne is finally free from these conflicts. The Carter V holds songs that were created anywhere from the first announcement of the album four years ago, to now. Despite how old some of the songs are, the album has risen to be the number one album across the world, and its 23 songs took up the top 23 spots on Apple Music charts days after its release. The Carter V features Travis Scott, Nicki Minaj, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, the late XXXtentacion, and more.

One of the biggest standout songs in the album is “Mona Lisa” featuring Kendrick

Lamar. The song was intended for the 2014 release of the album, which many fans guessed after hearing the Kendrick Lamar verse. It is already being called one of the top songs of the year, due to the simplistic beat yet complex lyricism. Kendrick Lamar sounds like he did at his best, and gives listeners nostalgia.

Another top song of the album is the final song, “Let it all Work Out.” The production

by Jordan Reefa and Myles Williams utilizes a sample by British-African singer Sampha.

The song sets itself aside from the rest of the album due to the motivational tone to it. Lil Wayne preaches here that everything will work out.

The album has received critical acclaim, not only from other reviewers, but from Lil Wayne’s peers as well. Artists such as Chance the Rapper have come out publicly to give thanks to Young Money for blessing them with the long awaited album. Lil Wayne is seen as a pioneer in the hip/hop community, and this album has become a legend, due to how long it was caught in purgatory.

As a hip/hop and Lil Wayne fan, I’m ecstatic that this album was finally released, and am even more overjoyed with the content inside.

It’s that time of year for stores to pull out their fall displays once again. However, there is one in particular that really knows how to get us into the fall mood: Starbucks.

Each year, Starbucks introduces its new seasonal Fall menu, full of tasty treats for the public to enjoy.

Starbucks has officially made its fall food and beverage items available to customers nationwide. Most notable among those is the world famous Pumpkin Spice Latte, a tradition going on 15 years. If one thing is for sure, the Pumpkin Spice Latte is my favorite beverage at Starbucks overall, and nothing makes me happier than pulling up to the drive through, and seeing this spectacular creation on the menu.

While the Pumpkin Spice Latte is the biggest source of promotion for Starbucks, there are over nine treats that you can enjoy during the season, like the salted caramel mocha, the apple cider donut, the maple pecan muffin, and many more. While other coffee shops and cafes do have some sort of a seasonal menu, nothing really compares to Starbucks, as new products make their debut every year, and the release date has consis-

tently been earlier.

This year, the menu was introduced as early as August 28, a whole month before the fall equinox. Why argue? We get to enjoy these delicious fall treats even longer. In most of the U.S., it really hasn’t begun to feel like fall until recently, but in traditional fashion, Starbucks has gotten a head start on the festivities, and has had their menu released for months already.

There is nothing I love more than a Saturday morning Starbucks run. Now, there are even more menu items to choose from, and I simply could not be happier. Fall is definitely one of my favorites times of the year, and I am so excited to try more items on the Starbucks Fall menu.

Starbucks Fall Menu: Pumpkin Spice Latte Salted Caramel Mocha Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Latte

The Hawkeye OCTOBER ENTERTAINMENT

The Hawkeye

23

THE

HAWKEYE reviews A star is re-born

by SHELBY JENKINS Guest Writer A Star is Born challenges the idea that the third time’s the charm; in this case, the fourth time’s the charm and the third time was a disaster. Even though the story is “timeless,” each era has its own adaptation.

The film was made in 1937, again in 1954, then 1976, and most recently in 2018. Everything that the 2018 remake is, the 1976 version is simply not.

The film is a classic love story between an already uberly famous musician and a girl with a hidden singing talent almost ready to give up on her dreams. In both versions of the film, the male lead helps the girl grow in the music world. But the fame comes at a price: the happiness and sanity of their relationship. In the end of the both movies, fame becomes the destructive elements in their relationship.

I’m not gonna lie, I had really high expectations for the 1976 film starring Barbra

Streisand and Kris Kristofferson, two highly praised actors. However, I was disappointed.

The 1976 version was filled with nothing but uncomfortable silence between the characters. Don’t get me wrong, Barbra Streisand’s portrayal of Hester Hoffman was outstanding, but she single-handedly carried the plot; Kris Kristofferson did very little to advance the action in the film. Throughout the 1976 version, the two actors lack a chemistry that is so essential to the plot line, something far was more obvious between Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga in the latest film. Gaga and Cooper seem like a perfect match from the beginning of the movie; the plot wastes no time throwing the two together and jumping to the magical moment when they lock eyes, which has the audience rooting for their relationship to be successful even before the two are introduced.

While the plot of both films seemed very predictable, the endings of each are surprising. The ending of the 1976 version is simply confusing; at first, I wasn’t able to piece

TV

together that the car crash wasn’t accidental.

In fact, it wasn’t until Streisand was crying over John’s old tape recorder that I realized that he had killed himself out of love. In all sincerity, this all felt a little bit over dramatic, but so did the whole movie. Throughout the 1976 film, John is portrayed as a crazy drunk, but sometimes even seems insane when he rides a motorcycle through a crowd, shoots at a helicopter, and throws a case of Jack Daniels through a window.

However, the ending of the 2018 version was much more heartbreaking and by the end I was bawling my eyes out. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the theater during Lady Gaga’s performance of “I’ll Never Love Again,” singing under the name of Mrs. Ally Maine, a tribute to her husband.

This was only one of many songs that helped the soundtrack debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart in its first week.

In addition, Gaga and Cooper’s chemistry and music were not the only two spectacular things on screen.

Sam Elliott’s portrayal of Bobby, Jackson’s older brother, brought another heartwrenching aspect to the plot, while Dave Chappelle’s character story closely mirrored his own story of leaving the spotlight during the height of his career.

And of course, the true star of the movie was Bradley Cooper’s real-life dog, Charlie, who appears multiple times, bringing a friendly and adorable face to the screen.

In the end, the 2018 remake was a delight to watch. It took the predictable storyline and added a chemistry and realness to the film that made it believable and interesting.

But the 1976 version lacked the same quality of realness that made the 3 hour and 2 minute movie hardly worth the time. While I do not recommend wasting any seconds suffering through the unrealistic romance of Kristoffen and Streisand, the remake is a must see, as Gaga and Cooper are expected to continue wowing audiences everywhere.

MOVIES

TV

Grey’s Anatomy now unoriginal

The Hate U Give is the love u need

A million big disappointments

by KAITLYN KEELE Guest Writer

by SONYA BARLOW Guest Writer

by LAINE LORD Guest Writer

Fifteen years have passed since Meredith Grey met Derek Shepherd and started her internship at Seattle-Grace Hospital. The dramatic and emotional show Grey’s Anatomy has captured the hearts of many across America, as the longestrunning primetime show on ABC. Grey’s Anatomy is a television show that focuses on a group of friends through their journey in the medical field in Seattle, Washington. For the 15th season, which premiered on September 27, viewers can expect to see more of the main characters, including Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), Alex Karev (Justin Chambers), Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson), and Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.). However, two characters, Arizona Robbins (Jessica Capshaw) and April Kepner (Sarah Drew), will not be returning. Even though several of my favorite characters are staying, I’m less excited to watch the show now that Capshaw and Drew are gone. Both actresses and their characters made the show humorous and more diverse, showcasing both LGBTQ+ identities and divorce.

During this season, the program continues to show Meredith’s love life and how she deals with her personal life in the workplace. I believe that the plot has been repetitive throughout all 15 seasons. However, nothing works out for Meredith and her relationships, so we should expect to see another downfall and dramatic breakup in this next season.

The first couple of episodes of the new season have been anything but thrilling. Sure, new characters have been introduced, but it’s the same formula of one medical case per episode with dramatic relationship problems for the characters.

While I was excited for the new season to air, I’m not counting down the days until the following episode airs or on the edge of my seat by the end of an episode.

I believe that Grey’s Anatomy has outlived its required existence on ABC, unless the producers and screenwriters introduce something new and different to the table. While I am continuing to watch this season and enjoying the episodes, I believe that the show should be coming to an end this season.

While I would be sad to see it go, I haven’t found anything in the show now that gives me the feeling of wanting to watch more and talk about it.

Grey’s Anatomy has made television history as the longestrunning show on its network, ABC, but that doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t stop. While it has been one of my favorite shows since I first watched it, many other shows have replaced it because they bring new and exciting factors that this stereotypical medical drama hasn’t. The redundant plots and lack of character development have convinced me that it is time for ABC to say goodbye to Grey’s Anatomy.

A gut-wrenching, emotional, incredible, and realistic movie comes to life based on an adaptation by director George Tillman Jr. from the bestselling novel The Hate U Give by author Angie Thomas.

Revolutionary. That is what the movie will become. In general, it executes such intense scenes, yet stunningly portrays thoughtful messages throughout.

Starr Carter (Amandla Stenberg) is a smart and mature African American teenage girl who lives in Garden Heights, a predominantly black neighborhood, with her loving and supportive family: her father, Maverick (Russell Hornsby), her mother, Lisa (Regina Hall), her older half-brother, Seven, (Lamar Johnson), and her younger brother, Sekani (TJ Wright).

However, because the high school is not safe there, she and Seven attend Williamson, a mostly white private prep school.

One foot in the black community and one in the white, she constantly keeps switch-coding between both worlds.

After going to a party and meeting up with her childhood best friend and first crush, Khalil (Algee Smith), she shockingly witnesses a white police officer shoot him due to a misunderstanding. Because she was the only witness, and is pressured to tell everyone on TV what she saw when Khalil died, mainly by activist April Ofrah (Issa Rae), she uses her most powerful weapon: her voice.

A kind of outrage sparks within Starr where her reluctant, yet powerful, voice speaks out for Khalil. Throughout the movie, energetic and forceful protests formed by the community of Garden Heights take to the streets, demanding justice for Khalil.

What an electrifying movie. It will give you the chills, and leave you at the edge of your seat as it represents the black community authentically, and honestly portrays how the white community would react. The scenes flow very well, and told a purposefully story. Fans of the book have been patiently waiting, and are now excited to watch their imagination come to life on screen.

It is a truly inspiring story that essentially teaches people that any hate or violence is always passed down to future generations, and will always result in more hate instead of love.

It really was life-changing as it addressed a very real issue in our country that impacts the lives of countless Americans, and needs to be heard now.

Bring your friends and family to watch this life-changing movie that will blow your mind, and leave you thinking about all the changes that you can do to make a difference in this complicated world in which we live.

“Friendship isn’t a big thing, it’s a million little things.” I have never heard anything more cliche in my life. A Million Little Things, which first aired on Wednesday, September 26th, revolves around three best buds, Eddie (David Giuntoli), Rome (Romany Malco), and Gary (James Roday), mourning the suicide of the fourth pea in their pod, “perfect Jon,” played by Ron Livingston. In theory, the show sounds good, but like any other show addressing suicide, it does not hit the mark.

Before watching the series premiere of A Million Little Things, I’ve never seen a television show so blatantly mimic another. A Million Little Things on ABC network is suspiciously similar to the Emmy award-winning This is Us on NBC. After the accolades NBC received for This is Us, ABC decided to create their own ressemblent version. The reason that This is Us was so successful was due to its originality and, in comparison, the emulator of This is Us is unambiguously bland. This is Us rightfully made us cry, yet A Million Little Things did not. I am going to be completely honest, I did not cry. Not when Jon died. Not at Jon’s funeral. Nothing. Not a single tear. I swear I’m not heartless, but the reason why I didn’t cry was because of the ZERO character development.

Unlike in A Million Little Things, in This is Us, viewers felt an immediate connection to each and every one of the characters. However, in ABC’s copycat version, their superfluous effort to create this viewer-character bond simply fell short, creating nothing but a dull TV show with dull characters.

Along with lacking character development, A Million Little Things also lacks the ability to accurately portray mental health. In addition to romanticizing suicide, similar to almost every other show addressing suicide or mental health ever, *cough, cough, 13 Reason Why, cough, cough*, A Million Little Things seeks to find a single reason for Jon’s suicide.

However, in reality, there is no specific reason for why someone may turn to suicide. The fact that A Million Little Things is trying to make a “big mystery” regarding Jon’s suicide is just wrong. Addressing mental health in television shows, like A Million Little Things and soon to be in season three of This is Is, can be difficult and often inaccurate. Whereas A Million Little Things falls short regarding its ability to truthfully represent the mental health community, hopefully the current season of This is Us does not disappoint and will rightfully portray depression and other mental health issues.

However there is one positive feature of A Million Little Things; it opens up the much-needed discussion about suicide prevention and mental health awareness. But it’s purely ironic that the show is called A Million Little Things, provided that the main idea of the TV show revolves around the endeavor to discover the single reason why Jon Dixon committed suicide.

Unfortunately, A Million Little Things is a sad excuse for a heartwarming television show.

a look back

The #MeToo movement becomes an international phenomenon after Alyssa Milano encourages Twitter users to share their stories of sexual harrassment.

It’s been one year since the sexual misconduct allegations against Harvey Weinstein have unleashed an international storm of change concerning the way we think of victims of sexual abuse. This timeline of key events of the #MeToo movement seeks to explore just how impactful this revolution has been, as well as just how much change is still necessary.

Oct. 16, 2017

81% of women and 43% of men have experienced

Ashley Judd accuses Harvey Weinstein of sexual harassment in a New York Times story. In the following days, over 100 women would come forward with allegations against Weinstein.

sexual harrassment.

63%

of sexual assaults are

Nov. 9, 2017

1 #MeToo

Activist Tarana Burke begins using the phrase “me too” to raise awareness of sexual abuse and assault.

Today Show host Matt Lauer is fired by NBC for sexual misconduct. In April 2018, he publicly denies the allegations.

Year of

2006

The Start

Nov. 29, 2017

To be cont.

Comedian Bill Cosby is sentenced to three to ten years in prison for sexual assault.

Time Magazine names “The Silence Breakers,” those who came forward with their experiences with sexual misconduct, as Person of the Year.

Dec. 6, 2017

Sep. 25, 2018

Dr. Christine Blasey Ford is revealed as the woman who accused U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault.

Oct. 18, 2017

Four women accuse Roy Moore, the Alabama Senate candidate, of sexual misconduct in a Washington Post article.

Five more women would later join them.

not reported.

Oct. 5, 2017

Gymnast McKayla Maroney tweets about her sexual assault by doctor Larry Nassar.

Eventually, over 150 women would share similar experiences.

over been

417

exposed

25

Sep. 16, 2018

Jimmy Bennett alleges that former co-star and #MeToo activist Asia Argento sexually assaulted him and later paid him off.

by the #metoo movement.

candidates for the 2018 election

have been

Aug. 19, 2018

high profile people have

sunk by #metoo allegations 12 women accuse CBS CEO Les Moonves of sexual misconduct in an article in The New Yorker.

Aug. 6, 2018

Actors and actresses participate in a red carpet “blackout” by wearing black at the Golden Globe awards to make a statement against sexual harrassment.

Jan. 7, 2018

Singer R. Kelly’s cancels many of his concerts as allegations against him gain traction in the #MuteRKelly movement.

Apr. 30, 2018

Sources: The Atlantic, Bloomberg, NPR, NSVRC, Chicago Tribune, Getty Images | Design by:

Jenny She

THE

HAWKEYE

THE MID-SEASON SHOWDOWN The 2018 Elections

What could this mean for our country?

VOLUME VI ~ ISSUE I ~ SPECIAL EDITION ~ BLOOMFIELD HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

DESIGN BY: JENNY SHE

2

election news

County has record-breaking voter turnout rates

Voter turnouts were substantially higher in Oakland County in the Primary Elections, as shown by this map.

Photos provided by the Oakland County Clerk

Primary election turnout rates highest in history

by LARA JANOSZ Managing Editor Bloomfield Township had record breaking voter turnout rates in the August primaries, being one of the highest in Oakland County in history. Of the 941,249 registered voters, 320,502 came out to vote, equalling a 34% turnout rate.

“It was exciting to hear that were so many people that were interested in participating in the primary because we all have the right to vote but not everybody exercises that right. It was the highest turnout that we’ve ever had in a primary in Bloomfield Township… Probably the highest in the state ever,” said Bloomfield

Township Clerk Jan Roncelli. “We had to bring ballots out to the polls, but we never had anyone waiting in line for a ballot…

We were only given enough ballots for a 40% turnout total.

We had to split that 40% among absentee and the precinct.”

According to Roncelli, in regards to absentee voters, over 6,000 were sent out and about 5,800 were returned.

Some accredit this turnout to young voters, many of whom volunteered to help out at the polls.

“I was personally excited because I knew that a small part of that movement was inspired by students and to see that actually result in more people at the polls is magnificent,” explained AP United States Govern-

ment teacher Karen Twomey. “You have your organization in the building called Engage18, and I love that this is completely student led, that they have on their own had various initiatives to register students to vote. …

[They have been] bringing in various candidates, doing education campaigns. The more aware people are of what’s happening, the better [voter turnout] is. When you have students who are engaging their peer groups in conversation and making it relevant, that’s when people show up.”

According to Roncelli, the August primaries can serve as a way to predict how the turnout rates in the November elections

“In order to preserve our core philosophy, we need to show up [at the polls].”

Karen Twomey

Social Studies Teacher

will fall. “[Turnout is] always higher in a general election. [For] primary elections, we averaged in the 35-39% range, so we [averaged] 43% including absentee. That’s the highest we’ve had. I don’t know when we’ve ever beat that in an August primary because you can’t cross parties in August,” said Roncelli.

“A lot of people don’t see the importance of [primaries], but it’s so important because it’s a nominating process for most people to go on to vote in the November general election.”

Until the conclusion of the election in November, voters, especially new ones, are encouraged to show up to the booths.

“I think that we are a country that is founded on a belief of democracy, the rule of many, the rule of the people,” said Twomey. “When people don’t show up at the polls, then it is no longer about the rule of the many, but the rule of the few. In order to preserve our core philosophy, we need to show up.”

3

election news

County experiences ballot shortage

Students help voters Students work at voting precincts

by CAITLIN FINERTY Web Content Manager

Two voters fill out their ballots during the primary elections.

Photo by The Hill

Precincts ran out of ballots during primary elections

by JAKE WEITZMAN Managing Editor Voters across Oakland County were left without a voice during the 2018 August Primary Election when precincts ran out of ballots.

“We had a record turnout and an exceptionally high amount of spoiled ballots.

On a primary ballot you can only vote for one party’s candidates. If you cross over, meaning vote for candidates that are from different parties, not even in the same race, you spoil your ballot,” said Oakland County Clerk Lisa Brown. “1-2% is what we should have seen as far as spoilage rates, but we had many precincts in the double digits spoiled, as high as 22%. Some precincts did not have voting instructions on the privacy sleeve, as required by law for municipal clerks to include, and others had the wrong instructions.”

The state of Michigan uses a special formula to determine the minimum number ballots they should print for the primaries, a number Brown explained precincts typically exceed to ensure enough ballots. As Brown embarked upon an investigation of

“As long as you are in line by 8 pm, you have the right to cast your ballot.”

Lisa Brown

Oakland County Clerk the shortage, a lack of distribution was unveiled to be the root of the shortage.

“Many precincts had additional ballots ordered for them after the original order, but many of the local clerks did not deliver those ballots to the precinct until they

ran low, giving the perception of running out when they actually had more ballots at their office,” said Brown. “During the canvass, the process after the election to certify the races, hundreds of unused ballots were found in ballot bags of precincts that said they had run out. Almost one third of the local clerks did not order the required blank ballot paper and were not familiar with the proper procedures, even though my office and the state had sent emails.”

Brown and her team have a plan for the upcoming election to avoid a recurrence.

“I asked the Board of Commissioners to increase my budget for even years to allow me to print more ballots and provide voter education to reduce spoilage in the future,” said Brown. “They granted my request. I have asked the local clerks that if they have a problem to contact me, and I also instructed my staff to improve communication.”

Brown hopes that these measures will ensure that all voters will be able to exercise their right to vote on Election Day. “I never want a voter to feel disenfranchised,” said Brown. “As long as you are in line by 8 pm, you have the right to cast your ballot.”

They may not be able to vote, but that has not stopped them from getting involved.

“I legally can’t vote, so I can’t participate in that form of civic duty,” said senior Patrick Henkel. “So, I think it is my civic duty to help those who can vote to vote.”

High school students will be helping to run polling locations on Tuesday, a task that started as an optional activity for AP Government students, but gained the involvement of others.

Social Studies teacher Karen Twomey, who initially contacted the township about this project, believes that every student should be “doing democracy proud.”

“I think it’s important that students feel connected to the voting process early on,” said Twomey. “It has a totally different look and feel when you are the one who is running that polling station. You are connected to it, you get to see a wide variety of voters and their voting behaviors when they come in, and you get to feel the excitement of the election itself.”

Some students who will be working at one of Bloomfield Township’s precincts, including junior Maya Siegmann, see this as an opportunity to learn more about politics.

“I don’t like the profiling that comes with [politics]. I like to think of a person not by their party but by their individual views, partly because politics should be about a person’s views, not the views their party supports,” said Siegmann. “I know a lot of people who will judge others based on their parties, and I am doing this so that I don’t become one of those people, so I can learn more.”

Henkel encourages voting on Election Day for those who are 18 years or above.

“If you are able to vote, by all means, please go out and vote,” said Henkel. “This is one of the things that makes this country great; the people have a direct say in what happens. It’s obvious to me that I need to get involved.”

GUBERNATORIAL

MBER U N

S

BY THE

The

66.7%

66.7 of studen ts surveyed would elect W hitmer

GRETCHEN WHITMER

Experience:

Supported By: - Human Rights Campaign - Progressive Women’s Alliance - MoveOn - Democracy for America - MI List - Michigan Association for Justice - Equality Michigan Pride PAC

- Teaching at University of Michigan, and Michigan State University - Three terms in the state House of Representatives - Two terms in the Senate - Some time in private legal practice - Temp. Ingham County Prosecutor

Running Mate:

Issues of Interest: Fixing roads: “Whitmer’s plan calls for $2 billion a year in new spending for infrastructure, her campaign told Bridge, and unlocking another $1 billion in annual federal funding.

According to Whitmer and campaign spokesman Zack Pohl, her plan anticipates working with the Legislature to generate ‘user fees’ to help pay for the $2 billion.”

Universal Preschool:

Garlin Gilchrist II

“Whitmer wants to spend as much as $600 million per year to expand the program without a tax increase.

Pohl said full enrollment could be phased in using up to half of anticipated increases in the state’s School Aid Fund, primarily funded by sales, income and property taxes.”

Source: https://www.bridgemi.com/public-sector/gretchen-whitmers-plan-michigan3b-promises-and-wishful-thinking

Leaders Standing by Whitmer:

Former Vice-President Joe Biden

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow

U.S. Senator Gary Peters

A comparison of two candidates running for Michigan governor

Cutting taxes:

Experience:

- Staffer for (then U.S. Rep. Al Cederberg) State Senator - Michigan Attorney General - Michigan Court of Appeals Judge - Michigan’s Agriculture Director - State’s Top Law Enforcement Officer

“Schuette says cutting taxes would make Michigan more competitive, and he hasn’t identified how – or if – he would make up the revenue from the tax cut. Schuette also wants to roll back the state income tax from 4.25 percent to 3.9 percent.

That would create a nearly $800 million to $1 billion hole in the state budget, according to the House Fiscal Agency.”

Education: “Schuette’s education plan calls for no new spending. Instead, he wants to change priorities and put a sustained focus on improving literacy. His plan calls for creating a cabinet-level literacy czar who would work to improve reading skills across the state and a team of volunteers to help with things like summer reading camps.

He also wants to put a ‘reading coach’ in every elementary school.”

Source: https://www.bridgemi.com/public-sector/bill-schuette-wants-fix-roads-while-cutting-taxes-good-luck

Running Mate:

Supported By: - Michigan Chamber of Commerce - Small Business Association of Michigan - Michigan Manufacturers Association - Michigan Retailers Association - Michigan Farm Bureau - Business Leaders for Michigan - Police Officers Association of Michigan

Lisa Posthumus Lyons

Leaders Standing by Schuette:

President Donald Trump

Vice President Mike Pence

Fmr. Congresswoman Candice Miller

Congressman Dave Trott

NUM E H T RS BE

Issues of Interest:

d eye v r s su ette t n e tud ct Schu s f o e 29.6 uld el wo

BY

RACE

29.6%

BILL SCHUETTE

6

election feature

the congressional races District 14

Brenda Lawrence (D) Marc Herschfus (R)

Philip Kolody (WC)

District 9

Andy Levin (D)

District 11

Candius Stearns (R)

Andrea Kirby (WC) John McDermott (G)

ap

Cooper Nye

d

ard

oa

dw

hR

oo

14

gr

Leonard Schwartz (L)

Lisa Epstein (R)

W

Te le

Haley Stevens (D)

ue en

Av

Lone Pine Road

11

Maple Road

14 Mile Road

To locate your district, you can also visit: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

9

7

election opinion

A diverse legislature Editor applauds the election’s diversity

by RIYA DOSHI Editor-in-Chief

The need for fairness Gerrymandering inhibits American democracy

by KUSHAL SANJEEV Managing Editor

I will never forget the 2008 election.

Crowded in the tiny cafeteria of my elementary school, I watched the presidential inauguration on the ancient wheel-in television in awe. I didn’t know much about Barack Obama, or politics in general for that matter, other than the thing that mattered most to my 7-year-old self: he looked like me.

Out of the United States’ 45 presidents, 44 have been Caucasian. 45 have been Christian. 45 have been men. While many of these elections could not have gone any other way, as women were not able to vote until 1920 and the Civil Rights Movement was not until the 1960s, it is still time for a rejection of the status quo moving forward.

When I saw the candidates on both sides of the aisle for the 2018 Midterm Elections, I was thrilled to see that they reflected the diverse schools of thought present in the United States. In Michigan’s gubernatorial race, the four Democratic candidates for the primary election all represented minority groups in politics: women and people of color. In the country as a whole, eleven women are gubernatorial nominees and 185 are House nominees. The Democratic Party alone has 133 House nominees who are people of color.

Let that sink in. Hundreds of candidates in this election represent minority groups.

Hundreds.

All my life, I craved a government that reflected what I see around me: people of different races, genders, and sexualities.

I wished for representatives who would bring different experiences to the table and

Democracy. It’s a thing we pride ourselves on most as Americans. It’s power to the people, but it’s also on a decline. Gerrymandering is now taking over as the new form of democracy and people are no longer able to equally voice their opinions in national or even community-based elections. With gerrymandering, politicians are now able to completely reshape district lines, which feeds the party in control an easy victory in any election.

So who is to blame? The public looks toward the Republicans as men and women who are destroying our democracy, but that’s not the truth at all. The party at fault is the policy which provides the majority party, which just happens to currently be the Republicans, the ability to completely reshape congressional districts at both the state level and national levels. Republicans in Congress have the power to redraw district lines through neighborhoods, bobbing and weaving their way through to push the vote in their favor.

Therein lies the big issue. Everyone looks at the Republicans as the enemy when they are simply the party exercising the powers of this policy. The push and pull of politics could just as easily allow a Democratic majority to gerrymander its way through

Congress and politics in the future, leading us back to square one with new people on each side of the debate.

According to BridgeMI, a state publication, “The new 76th [district] lost an area that had gone 70-26 for Democrats and gained city areas that had gone 53-46 for Republicans.” This may be just one district, but the ruling party also has the power to

“I crave a government that reflects what I see around me: different races, genders, and sexualties.” be able to understand the points of view of groups in a way that others simply could not. We now have the possibility for the United States government to actually look like the government of the United States in 2018.

There are so many prominent figures who are changing the face of politics with

“This process of gerrymandering is more damaging to our democracy than we realize.” attack certain representatives as well. This has been shown with Democrat Lisa Brown barely surviving her election and Republican Tory Rocca turning the tides from barely winning to winning by a landslide for hers in the 2014 election. This also brings a massive inefficiency to the election scheme. Although gerrymandering secures certain areas, it also overcompensates in

their campaigns. Take, for example, Sharice Davids from Kansas, a lesbian martial arts fighter who could very well become the first Native-American woman elected to Congress. There’s also Michigan’s own Rashida Tlaib, who will most likely be the first Muslim woman elected to Congress.

These women have membership in multiple minority groups and would be able to bring those experiences to legislative decisions.

This increase in diversity will not only help our legislature to represent additional points of view, but will also inspire future generations. Children growing up in this decade will be able to feel motivated by their representatives to pursue political careers, seeing men and women of various races and sexualities able to be successful.

The diversity in candidates that is so necessary for future unity and success can only translate to our government if all citizens complete one simple task: vote. Go to the polls on November 7th and vote for those who you believe will represent all Americans. Vote for those who will give everyone a voice. If we continue to fight for a truly representative democracy, then this election will only be the beginning of America’s future. certain districts pushing forth an additional 15% to possibly even 20% of voters to secure an election in a district than what is needed.

Fortunately, there is a solution. Proposed by the organization Voters Not Politicians, a new bill will appear on the ballot as Proposition 2 to assemble an impartial body of Democrats, Republicans, and any other third party members to redraw congressional districts. This would create unbiased boundaries that are not subject to the will of the ruling party, which in return prevents those same parties from drawing any district lines later on. The proposal is also built on full transparency which means that the meetings in which the lines are being drawn will be public so anyone can watch at any point.

This process of gerrymandering is more damaging to our democracy than we realize. Because the matter of the fact is if we allow gerrymandering, we give the party in control the ability to shape the turnout of the election regardless of how the people truly feel. This was not what we signed up for nor is it going to be what we stand for in the foreseeable future.

KNOW THE ISSUES

Credits: Vecteezy.com, MichganRadio.org

This election, Michiganders will have the opportunity to vote on three unique proposals, dealing with recreational marijuana, redistricting our state, and expanding voter rights.

By Ben Silberman