April issue 2015

THE

TALON ROCHESTER HILLS, MI // APRIL 2015 // VOL. 77 ISSUE 7

EN GARDE RHS STUDENTS, SUCH AS FRESHMAN CLAIRE CRACIUM, RECEIVE FENCING TRAINING FROM EXPERTS TO PREPARE BOTH MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY FOR COMPETITIONS AT THE LOCAL AND NATIONAL LEVELS. PAGES 8-9

PAGE 2 // NEWS

THE TALON // APRIL 2015

news briefs:

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Photo Courtesy of Gage Skidmore

Photo Courtesy of Denis Balibouse

1. RHS

2. RCS

3. STATE

4. COUNTRY

5. WORLD

Breaking Down the Walls is a professional development opportunity for staff taught by staff. These optional sessions take place from 6:45 to 7:15 a.m. before school and have included topics like using Twitter for networking and instructional strategies.

“This past session, I talked about different strategies to promote discussion in the classroom,” English teacher Mrs. Kelley Cusmano said.

“Then, I spent the last five minutes showing different educator Twitter chats.”

Teachers volunteer or are approached to volunteer by administrators who have seen a good idea in their classrooms. They then lead the session and talk about different methods they use in their classrooms.

“Sometimes we are so isolated in our classrooms that we forget that there might be other teachers who are doing something that could work in our own content areas,” Mrs. Cusmano said. “Breaking Down the Walls reminds us that there are things out there that can help make our practice better.”

Using a weighted grade system, students who take AP classes are given a grade boost for are taking a college level class. Often, students’ grades are raised one grade, so an A- would be considered an A, a B+ considered an A, and so on. Recently, it has been debated if RHS’s students would benefit from the weighted system.

“The greatest benefit the grading committee found with weighting grades was with the scholarships,” English teacher Mrs. Ashley Painter said. “We found that many scholarships were awarded without recalculating a student’s GPA giving those applicants with a weighted GPA an advantage.”

However, there are some negatives to the weighted system that the board of education has to consider as well before adapting to this weighted system.

“We are concerned about finding ways to continue to advocate for students taking elective courses that help make well-rounded students,” Mrs. Painter said. “We also don’t want to entice students into taking AP classes they can’t handle.”

On May 26-28, the juniors will be the first class of RHS to take a new standardized test called the M-Step. This will be different from previous standardized tests because it will be taken online in a computer lab.

“We presented about the M-Step to our staff on a PD day and showed them practice tests and online tools,” assistant principal Mr. Pasquale Cusumano said.

“The social studies teachers will be taking their students to the lab multiple times for online practice.”

The newest thing about this test is that it’s online.

Students should expect to see more technology enhanced questions such as manipulating a bar graph.

However, ELA will be similar to other standardized tests.

The content standards are the same.

“My advice is don’t panic,” Mr. Cusumano said. “Get on the practice tests to become familiar with the tools.

The content should all be familiar because the content standards are the same as our curriculum.”

The presidential primaries will start in January 2016.

The current primary schedule shows that the first primary will occur in Caucus, Iowa on January 18.

“Right now I think the leading presidential candidates for the democrats are Hillary Clinton and possibly Joe Biden,” social studies teacher Mrs. Jessica Bastian. “For the Republicans there has been a lot more interest. I know Jeb Bush, Rand Paul, Scott Walker and Rick Perry have all expressed interest.”

Whichever candidates come out of their party on top, there are still certain expectations people have for the person that will eventually become president of the United States.

“I would like to see a candidate who will transcend political parties and focus on what is best for the nation,” Mrs. Bastian said. “I think it is important to not always fall with your political party, but look at how our nation is changing and work to make it stronger.”

On March 31, the first ever around-the-world solar powered plane flight landed in China, which completes the fifth leg of its 12-leg journey.

It started in Abu Dhabi and is due to stop next in the city Najing in eastern China.

“I think the development of the solar-powered plane is a significant advancement in technology with concerns to avoiding using fuels and other toxins,” senior Maura Losh said. “To me, it is too early to completely operate safely and be used regularly for cargo and passengers.”

The aircraft took 12 years to build and is light as a family car. The wingspan is approximately that of a Boeing 747.

“It would be wonderful to have this technology readily available as transportation because hundreds of airplanes are used every day for many people and companies,” Losh said. “And to avoid further pollution through the use of solar power or other Eco-friendly fuels is essential to preserving the Earth and creating a cleaner environment for future generations.”

PAGE 3 // FEATURE

THE TALON // APRIL 2015

Women in Leadership:

Female athletes learn of options after high school sports.

COLETTE CLOUTIER COPY EDITOR

Many of the coaches and athletic staff at RHS take their job to the next level and strive to fulfill their part as influential role models in their students’ lives. They do this by not settling to only serve as an athletic coach, but rather a life coach, and wish to expand the lessons and values taught on the field or court to a wider scale. It is the goal of many of these coaches to prepare student athletes for not only life after high school, but for life after sports.

Tuesday, April 14 marked the beginning of an interesting addition to RHS athletics: a segment focused specifically on leadership in women athletes.

“This is more of a lecture series, where we will bring in three very talented and accomplished female professionals who were high school student-athletes, who will share their experience of how to use what you learned in athletics to your advantage in the real world,” athletic director Mr. Luke Beach said. “They are coming to speak to our female captains and spring female student-athletes about life after athletics, and how to use what you’ve learned and experienced in interscholastic athletics to help you in your professional pursuits.”

The goal of this is essentially to educate these students on their options after they leave the competitive athletics arena and how to utilize all of the time and effort they have put into their sports.

“I think this will give our female studentathletes the experience of seeing how important athletics are in shaping a well rounded professional,” Mr. Beach said. “We not only want to help our student-athletes be leaders on the playing field, but in every aspect of life.”

Coming away from this program, senior track captain Allison Skelcy hopes to better understand how to use the lessons she has learned in the future.

“I hope to have tools to better reach those around me in a positive manner, not just those who are on the track team,” Skelcy said. “Athletics have given me the opportunity to see what I can accomplish on a physical and mental level. I believe the life lessons I have learned during my time

Former high school student-athlete Karen Beach speaks to RHS female athletes in the upper cafeteria on Tuesday, April 14 as part of the Women in Leadership series developed by athletic director Mr. Luke Beach. Photo Courtesy of Mr. Beach as part of a team have instilled leadership qualities that will benefit me down the road. Sports have taught me how to be an effective team player, as well as a fair and honest leader.”

Similarly to the Women in Leadership lecture series, math teacher Mr. Nick Merlo currently runs a ‘Men in Character’ program that addresses similar principles for male track athletes. Mr. Beach saw the importance in offering a similar segment to all student athletes and took the opportunity.

“I am always striving to give our studentathletes the resources and experiences that will help them be better leaders, be better students, be better teammates and most importantly be more prepared for life after athletics,” Mr. Beach said. “I spoke to one of our female Marine recruiters, and she said that she has been a part of female student-athlete presentation centered on opportunity and leadership in the professional world. It made me reflect on what we could offer our female studentathletes, and it led to this.”

Senior soccer captain Ellie Grupenhoff

“I am always striving to give our student-athletes the resources and experiences that will help them be better leaders, be better students, be better teammates, and most importantly be more prepared for life after athletics.”

Luke Beach, athletic director

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also sees the importance in leadership building among student athletes.

“I think that it is important because most athletes won’t play professionally, but it is good for them to know that all of the work that they put into their sport can be translated to other areas of their lives,” Grupenhoff said. “Their dedication is not for nothing.”

Ultimately, Mr. Beach hopes this lecture series will have a lasting effect on female athletes and will stay with them through the course of their lives.

“It is my hope that our female student-athletes come away knowing that they are being well-equipped with the necessary life skills to be successful in the professional world, and learn from our speakers how you can use the life lessons learned through athletics and apply them to your professional and everyday life,” Mr. Beach said. “Thankful for us, I think our kids already possess many of these characteristics; it is my job and our coaches to build on those already strong characters.”

PAGE 4 // FEATURE

HELICOPTER PARENTS:

THE TALON // APRIL 2015

Are they too overbearing or just being protective?

JULIA LABBAN STAFF WRITER

Freshman Tia Stathakios wants to go out with some friends but she knows that she’ll have to go through the same process as always: questions from her parents about where she’ll be, who she’ll be hanging out with, who their parents are, what their phone numbers are and more. Stathakios describes them as helicopter parents, or parents who hover.

In a survey conducted by professors at California State University in Fresno of more than 450 undergrads, the individuals who had helicopter parents said that they “had a hard time believing in their own ability to accomplish goals.”

They also had dependency issues, poor coping skills and responsibility/conscientiouness problems.

“Some characteristics of a helicopter parents would be how they always have to know where you are, what time you’ll be home,” Stathakios said. “When I go to a friend’s house they need to have their parent’s numbers and have the address and everything before anything happens.”

Helicopter parents can be seen as parents who are overbearing or over-observant, but they can also be defined as parents who take “wanting the best” for their kids to an extreme, resulting in constant emails to teachers and other things that heavily involve them in their child’s life.

“This type of parent will hover or be overprotective in the life of his or her child,” English teacher Mr. André Harding said.

“Always at the school, always at the practice or sporting event pacing the sidelines and corresponding more with the teacher or coach than with the child.”

Sophomore Neal Thomas thinks that helicopter parents are too restrictive in student’s lives.

“They always watch over you and monitor what you do, monitor your grades, not let you have as much freedom,” Thomas said. “I think they’re too restrictive in social life too; there might be times where they don’t let you hang out with your friends.”

Thomas also says that he doesn’t have helicopter parents.

“I don’t have helicopter parents; my parents monitor my grades but as long as I keep my grades up they let me do things with my friends,” Thomas said. “If my grades are down, they might not let me do as much stuff.”

Mr. Harding says that he has had to deal with helicopter parents in the past and some might say he is a helicopter parent himself, but he disagrees with this statement.

“I have had them in the past. [I’ve] had a few parents over the years who would coach from the sidelines,” Mr. Harding said. “I could be perceived as the helicopter parent because I stepped down from high school coaching to be more active in the lives of my kids. I coach my son and daughter, so people could say I am. Do I believe I am? Not even remotely close.”

Sophomore Lauren Postek says that, if she has children, she’ll be involved in their lives but she won’t be very strict.

“When I’m older I will have rules for my children,” Postek said. “I’ll ask how their friendships are going, I will make sure they do well in school because I know how much it stinks to have parents who don’t care, but I will not be too strict and I won’t hover over my kids too much.”

Thomas says that he wouldn’t become a helicopter parent because he thinks the youth deserve some degree of freedom in today’s society.

“I wouldn’t become a helicopter parent because I don’t think that I should be that restricting because kids should be allowed to have certain freedoms in this society,” Thomas said. “As long as [my kids] would let me know what time they’re gonna be back and who they’re hanging out with before then it would be okay.”

Mr. Harding thinks that extra supervision is only needed when negative qualities are beginning to emerge in a student.

“Younger students may need a bit more guidance than older students, but each situation and person is different,” Mr. Harding said. “The circumstances to why a parent ‘hovers’ may, in the eyes of the parent, be needed and necessary for the child to succeed.

Parents must be involved in the lives of their children, but we as parents need to be able to let our children ‘leave the nest’ and experience success and failure. When should a parent intercede in regards to this success and failure?

It’s a judgment call, but I would say hovering is needed when one sees negative patterns and when one recognizes that falling into the abyss becomes a possibility.”

Stathakios says that high school students need a bit more freedom to prepare for an adult future.

“Once you get into high school, you should be allowed to have a little bit more freedom

because soon enough you’re gonna have to make your own decisions anyways and having your parents make all of your decisions for you is kind of unfair at this point,” Stathakios said.

Thomas thinks that communication between parents and students should be open instead of going behind a student’s back.

“Students should be allowed to have some freedoms, but there should be some restrictions,” Thomas said. “You should monitor your kid without going through all their private things or snooping. Ask them questions instead of snooping. I think kids are more compliant with parents that are less restrictive because they’re not crossing boundaries or invading their privacy. It makes the relationship easier.”

Postek agrees that students need fewer restrictions when they get to high school.

“In my opinion, by the time we get to our junior year in high school we need very little parental supervision,” Postek said. “We still need help from parents to graduate, to get into college, we still rely on them for a place to live, they provide us food and they give us advice to help us get by. I do not think we need our parents giving us limitations the way they tend to do throughout elementary and middle school. We deserve more freedom because by the time we are in highschool we are learning how to be independent and go into adulthood.”

Stathakios thinks that helicopter parents are only good in moderation.

“I think they’re good but only to an extent because if you take it too far then your kids won’t be happy with you, and you want your kids to be happy,” Stathakios said.

Thomas thinks that helicopter parents are too strict and need to be more relaxed.

“I think they’re over restrictive and need to loosen up a little,” Thomas said. “Let [your children] hang out with their friends once in a while so they’re not always caught up in academics. Once these kids go out on their own, they’re not gonna have those experiences that everyone else has had. It’s a learning process, learn from your mistakes.”

Stathakios says that though she has helicopter parents, she is fairly happy with the way they treat her.

“I’m happy with the way my parents treat me because I haven’t gone through anything too bad to where I hated them or anything like that,’ Stathakios said. “Most of the time when they don’t let me do something they’re right.”

Postek says she wishes her mom was more involved in her life.

“Honestly, I wish my mom showed she cared about certain things I do. I wish I had things like a curfew or something because too much freedom can be just as bad as no freedom,” Postek said. “But, I’m glad I don’t have the same pressure as most kids.”

Thomas says that he is happy with the degree of involvement that his parents have in his life.

“I’m happy with the way my parents treat me. I don’t think they’re helicopter parents,” Thomas said. “They’re pretty active in my life [but] not too overbearing.”

PAGE 5 // FEATURE

THE TALON // APRIL 2015

STAFF BOOK CLUB

Socializes and discusses books from a variety of genres outside of school BAILEY BOERMAN

Reading List:

STAFF WRITER

English teacher Ms. Julie Kuslits and media specialist Ms. Julie Harris were sitting around a couple of summers ago and started discussing the idea that there must be more people on staff who love to get together to talk about books in a relaxed atmosphere. From that discussion, a book club was born.

“The book club is a group of teachers, para-pros, counselors and secretaries who like to read and share their thoughts on the book,” special education teacher Mrs. Amy Cosentino said.

The first meeting was in September of 2014, and since then, the group has read several books.

“We read about 5-6 books a year so it’s about every 4-6 weeks,” Ms. Kuslits said. “We take off certain months, like December, due to the holidays.”

The members of the book club specially choose each title they read.

“People come to the meetings with suggestions or send me e-mail suggestions that we then pitch to the group,” Ms. Kuslits said. “I typically include a link to the novel on Amazon.com, so they can look at the reviews and cast an educated vote for the novel of their choice.”

Both Mrs. Cosentino and Ms. Harris’ favorite book they have read

Where’d You Go, Bernadette -Maria Semple State of Wonder -Ann Patchet Gone Girl -Gillian Flynn The Cuckoo’s Calling -J.K. Rowling Photo by Julia Satterthwaite so far was “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn.

“Last year the big hit was ‘Gone Girl,’ and we even met to see the movie on the night it opened last fall,” Mrs. Kuslits said, who also liked the book.

Eleven members of the group met at Ms. Harris’ house on Thursday, March 26 to discuss “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins.

The last book club meeting of the year will be held on May 13 at special education teacher consultant Mrs. Lorna Adams’ home, covering “Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty.

Language arts teacher Ms. Kuslits

believes that the book club has helped her reach out to teachers beyond her own department.

“Now we are so much more than people who work together,” Ms. Kuslits said. “We are friends who love to laugh and support one another and this book club has helped foster these relationships.”

Teachers have become very good at managing time between teaching and reading the books for book club.

“I read a lot over breaks, vacations and weekends,” Mrs. Cosentino said. “Many times I will give my mom and three daughters the books once I am finished with

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them.”

According to Ms. Julie Harris everyone is free to voice their own opinions without judgment.

“Everyone is allowed to and comfortable with voicing their own opinion,” Ms. Harris said. “It’s OK to say you didn’t like the book when someone sitting next to you just said they love it. And what makes it OK is that we all have a healthy respect for each other, and acknowledge that everyone has different tastes, whether it be in food, clothing, movies they’d go see, or the books they like to read!”

Bridget Jones’ Diary -Helen Fielding We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves -Karen Joy Fowler The Book Thief -Markus Zuzak Little Princes -Conor Grennan The Chaperone -Laura Moriarty Me Before You -Jojo Moyes The Girl on the Train -Paula Hawkins

PAGE 6 // FEATURE

THE TALON // APRIL 2015

POLICE BRUTALITY:

An examination of perceptions about how the police enforce the law officers reported for police brutality were counties that included large cities such as Detroit, Houston and Los Angeles.

DAVID MARTIN “High crime areas have a bigger STAFF WRITER population of people with no regard for Whether American law enforcement authority and no fear of consequences. Kill is corrupt or not is an issue that has been or be killed,” ex-Wayne County police officer debated for decades. In recent years, the Dave Helhowski said. “Rural areas have media has reported on several high-profile smaller police departments that tend to feel cases regarding excessive use of force that that they are the law, not enforcing the law.” have led to rioting and a nationwide call for According to Lt. Wilson, there is a change. The term “police brutality” has been reasonable explanation for what is going on. coined by the press, and when listening to “Crime in the United States has become reports on controversial police actions the more violent,” Lt. Wilson said. “Police term resounds throughout the media. brutality may be a product of this toxic “Police are expected to protect the public mixture between the increased violence in from potentially violent individuals; therefore, society and the instant reaction of how a they can legally use justified physical force police officer deals with the situation. Police to bring the situation to an end to restore training must also be current to properly public safety,” Oakland County Lieutenant educate the officer of ever-changing societal Bart Wilson said. “The definition of brutality issues and current needs of the public.” comes into play when the amount of force In the recent ‘robocop’ incident in used to deal with the situation is observed to Inkster, a police car dash-cam revealed two be excessive.” officers (one being ‘robocop’ Officer William According to a national study conducted Melendez, who was subsequently fired from in 2010 by the National Police Misconduct his job) pulling a man from his car and Statistics and Reporting Project, there have restraining him with brute force. The man been eight officers who have been reported they were arresting was being stopped for a for police brutality in Oakland County and 73 traffic stop, and the ensuing struggle starts officers reported in Wayne County. the debate.

“The only reason it seems to be a major “I think that pulling a surrendering, problem now is because in the every so often innocent man out of his car, dragging him times it does happen, the media is right there out, then punching him out, then punching to add its own bias and make a big deal out him in the head 16 times, then tasing him of something as simple as a police officer three times is just using the not ‘alleged necessary “POLICE ARE EXPECTED TO PROTECT THE police brutality;’ force,” senior PUBLIC FROM POTENTIALLY VIOLENT it is police Noah King INDIVIDUALS; THEREFORE, THEY CAN LEGALLY brutality,” said. “There Hooks said.

USE JUSTIFIED PHYSICAL FORCE TO BRING hasn’t been Despite that, THE SITUATION TO AN END TO RESTORE an increase in the video lacks PUBLIC SAFETY.” police brutality audio and the Bart Wilson, Oakland County Lieutenant because back officers have in the 20th ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// stated that the Century is when man threatened a lot of racial them and tension used to happen and police would resisted arrest, which led to their increased spray down people or scare people in the use of physical force. streets.”

“I’m not sure how I feel about the recent However, sophomore Nina Hooks robocop incident in Detroit,” King said. disagrees.

“It looks like excessive force; however, I “I think they [police officers] are perceived wish I could see more and hear the audio to how they truly are,” Hooks said. “If you can determine a better opinion.” shoot and kill an innocent person, the media According to Lt. Wilson, the Oakland has the right to perceive you for the coldCounty Sheriff ’s Office excels with current hearted, racist monster you are.” training standards and techniques, has a In the previously mentioned study, the very high standard of professionalism and counties that had the highest amount of demands all officers adhere to all policies.

SYDNEY BAMMEL LIFESTYLES EDITOR

Police Brutality Cases Rodney King (1991):

Robert Mitchell (2009):

Michael Brown (2014):

Floyd Dent (2015):

Case: King was caught after a car chase and beat while a bystander caught the scene on videotape.

Outcome: After an original acquittal, two officers two were convicted on assault and excessive force charges.

Case: Brown was shot after robbing a convenience store when an officer noticed he matched the description of the suspect given by dispatch. A struggle arose, ending with the death of Brown.

Outcome: The officer was acquitted on the charges of manslaughter.

Case: Mitchell was killed by a taser after resiting arrest by fleeing during a traffic stop into an abandoned building.

Outcome: The police reviewed the use of the taser and the officers went on a twoday suspension before returning back to work.

Case: A police dash-cam revealed two officers pulling Dent from his car after a traffic stop and restraining him with brute force.

Outcome: The officer is currently being charger on misconduct of office and assault with intent to commit great bodily harm less than murder.

Sources: MintPress News, NBC and Criminal Justice Guide

“There are numerous Federal and State laws and also the United States constitution that cover this issue,” Lt. Wilson said. “The Oakland County Sheriff ’s Office has a zero tolerance policy for police brutality.”

One of the biggest cases of police brutality occurred in Ferguson, Mo. Eighteenyear-old Michael Brown was shot after robbing a convenience store when Officer Darren Wilson noticed he matched the description of the suspect given by dispatch.

A struggle arose ending with the death of Brown and the debatable happenings during the fight are what sparked an uproar.

“Based on the officer’s testimony, as well as witnesses’ statements, the officer was in the right,” senior Jake Dziegielewski said.

“If a six foot three person who had just robbed a convenience store, made aggressive movements towards a firearm in your vehicle, would you attempt to defend yourself ?”

Having said that, some people believe that even though the courts ended up acquitting Officer Wilson, Brown was unlawfully killed.

“I think Michael Brown was an innocent 18-year-old who had his whole life in front of him,” Hooks said. “[His life was] unrightfully taken by Darren Wilson. Michael was shot at least eight times. I think that if Darren Wilson can walk around as a free man, even though he is a murderer, we as a country have much deeper issues than police brutality.”

No matter the case, police departments have taken measures to decrease police

brutality, but they also have policies that the public may not know about.

“There are policies and rules used to stop bad behavior and to help officers learn how to avoid using excessive force,” Mr. Helhowski said. “There is a ‘one up’ rule in police departments which means if the officer is punched, the officer can retaliate with force one degree higher that the officer received. Also, pepper spray and tasers are now used within the ‘one up’ rule. Instead of hitting a person, they may get pepper sprayed.”

Dziegielewski shares his thoughts on the idea of adding more legislation and policies against police brutality.

“There is legislation already in place, but the police enforce it,” Dziegielewski said.

“The common ‘who polices the police?’ question comes to mind.”

Despite a widespread call for action against police brutality, Mr. Helhowski believes that the public does not understand the perspective of the police officers.

“The general public does not know how police are trained or the effect of the techniques used,” Mr. Helhowski said. “In most situations the techniques are used to minimize injury to all parties involved.

Physical confrontations are never gentle.

However, there should be more training involved, not only physical training but also psychological.”

PAGE 7 // FEATURE

COLLIN WHITFIELD:

THE TALON // APRIL 2015

RHS GRADUATE CONTINUES SUCCESS IN MUSIC AMANDA CAPALDI STAFF WRITER

On March 1, 2010 RHS graduate Collin Whitfield announced that he had been hired as accompanist for the Berkeley Community Chorus and Orchestra. He is going to be working alongside assistant conductor Eric Choate.

“Most accompanist gigs are part-time and this one is as well. I play for at least one three-hour rehearsal every week and occasionally on weekends for sectionals,” Whitfield said.

“The chorus also goes on an annual retreat, similar to the RHS choir retreat, where they meet with guest clinicians and sing all weekend.”

Whitfield sees music as a beautiful form of art that brings people from everywhere together: a universal love.

“Music is a way to describe the indescribable, to answer the unanswerable,” Whitfield said. “Music, and all art, are the most powerful expressions of the human condition. We are all artists, and we are all musicians. Music and art allow us to connect with one another as human beings and transcend all differences and divisions.”

Whitfield’s passion for music shines in his piece, “Echo,” which was a winner at the 2015 San Francisco Conservatory of Music Art Song Competition. Whitfield explains the story behind the song. “‘Echo’ is a setting of a beautiful poem by 19th century British poet Christina Rossetti,” Whitfield said. “The song is about someone who has lost her lover. She is pleading that her lover come back to her in her dreams, so that the two might reunite and experience once again the deep love they once shared together.”

According to his mom, Cyndi Whitfield, he has always been a high achiever.

“Collin was always an intense person. When he did

something he enjoyed, he did very well with it. He was keyboard,” Whitfield said. “I also grew up listening to CDs of never afraid to try new things,” Mrs. Whitfield said. “He Horowitz, Ashkenazy and even Liberace, and would imagine became an Eagle Scout, played basketball and football in myself as the pianist on those recordings.” middle school and played piano Collin’s sister, senior Katie whenever he could. One of his Whitfield, says that due to his “I think this is what happens teachers nominated him for intense love for music, it was when you stick with an art or People-to-People and he traveled interesting to grow up with Collin. discipline long enough. It becomes a to Washington D.C. for a gathering “Most kids went to their part of you in a very profound way.” brother’s or sister’s sports games. of future leaders.”

While growing up, Whitfield We went to Collin’s concerts and Collin Whitfield, ’10 alumni participated in many activities such competitions,” Whitfield said. ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// “There were the nights where he’d as football and basketball, but his true passion was music. He always wake up the entire house in the late had a deep admiration and love for night or early morning hours by the piano. playing whatever happened to be running through his head “I remember at the time. Sometimes that was a pop song from the radio or watching the music deeply classical piece, and either one he played perfectly.” director at the Katie Whitfield goes on to say that Collin’s commitment church I grew to music goes deeper than most people can imagine. up in playing “Ever since I can remember Collin has played and piano, and been dedicated to music in a way that most people can’t thinking to understand,” Katie Whitfield said. “He missed prom his myself, ‘this senior year to go attend a piano concert from the Detroit is what I want Symphony Orchestra.” to do!’ I would Collin’s former choir teacher Mrs. Jolene Plotzke has study every always thought very highly of Whitfield and sees a bright move she future in store for him. made at “Collin as a student was brilliant, introverted, quiet, the reflective. Collin is talented beyond his years,” Mrs. Plotzke said. “I was happy for him when I heard he was hired as the Berkeley Community Chorus and Orchestra. I knew he’d make a name for himself. I think Collin will compose some extraordinary music for orchestra and chorus. I think he’ll have a successful solo piano career as well.”

Piano comes naturally to Whitfield, and it’s become a huge part of who he is today.

“I am always performing, whether I’m in the practice room or in the concert hall. The piano feels like an extension of my own body,” Whitfield said. “I think this is what happens when you stick with an art or discipline long enough.

It becomes a part of you in a very profound way.”

At 22, Collin has his whole life ahead of him and, according to Katie Whitfield, one possible venture in the future for Collin is composing film.

“Collin has talked a lot about going into composing for films, and I believe that it is something he can definitely achieve with his talents,” Whitfield said. “As his little sister, I’m pretty biased to think he’s amazing, but he is really making a name for himself in the San Francisco area and I believe he can accomplish any goal he has.”

Mrs. Whitfield has always enjoyed Collin’s music and is so happy that other people are beginning to as well.

“It’s a great feeling when people who don’t really know Collin start to realize how really talented he is. I know the people in the Berkeley Chorus are very happy to have him,” Mrs. Whitfield said. “We’re very proud of both our kids and know they’ll succeed in wherever their hearts lead them.”

PAGES 8-9 // SPREAD

THE TALON // APRIL 2015

EN GARDE

GUARD:

The part of a sword between the blade and handle that protects the armed hand

Sophomore Kyla Lucey and freshman Claire Cracium began their fencing training as sixth graders in Washington D.C. and at the Renaissance Fencing Club in Troy, respectively. The two athletes, along with Todd Dressel, who coaches for the University of Detroit Mercy and the Renaissance Fencing Club, describe their experiences in fencing as well as the athleticism and mental challenge required to experience continued success at the local and national levels. some cases, and requires the athletes to stay sharp mentally throughout their contest.

STAFF WRITER “It’s difficult because you must make sure that you have right of way because After a series of stretching and footwork, sophomore Kyla Lucey you can hit on target,” freshman Claire Cracium said. “But if you don’t have takes position facing her opponent. She slides on her helmet, grasps right of way and you didn’t think it out right, it won’t matter.” her Épée and begins to analyze her rival. Lucey looks for openings The third and last type of fencing is the Sabre event. This sword is sharpened and weaknesses to exploit during their match, because she knows at the sides along with the tip, and athletes can use this weapon with a slashing that she must stay one step ahead of her opponent mentally to motion instead of just touching their opponent with the tip of their sword. succeed in the competition.

"Sabre is the weapon of the military originally done on horseback,” Dressell “The most difficult part of fencing would have to be the quick said. “The Sabre uses the edge as well as the point, and the target is from the thinking required to beat your opponent,” Lucey said. “If your waist up to mirror the target on that of a horseback.” opponent beats you in thinking then you may have as well lost the Fencing competitions are generally held in tournament settings, where match.” athletes are placed into pools weighted equally that typically consist of five As opposed to many other sports, fencing relies almost entirely to seven fencers depending on the amount of entries. Then, depending on on a mental aspect to out think the opponent, along with the ability the fencer’s success in the pool stage, they are seeded into a direct elimination for the competitor to be able to stay in the moment. In other words, bracket. a fencer must keep up with the match In the pool stage, the bouts, or matches, usually have a three going on in front of them, but also think minute time limit for a fencer to reach five touches, or points.

“THE SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE ahead mentally to finish on top.

In the bracket stage the bouts are typically played in three BETWEEN FENCING AND OTHER “The significant difference between minute periods with a minute rest between them, and athletes SPORTS IS THE ABILITY TO fencing and other sports is the ability to compete to reach fifteen touches.

THINK AND STRATEGIZE WHILE think and strategize while strenuously “You get placed into a pool and fence the people in your STRENUOSLY MOVING.” moving,” coach Todd Dressell said. pool, and this first round seeds you for a bracket,” Lucey said.

“Fencing is often called ‘Chess at a Todd Dresell, fencing coach “Competitions go to five points in the pool round, and in the Sprint.’” ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// bracket stage you do 15 touch bouts to determine who moves In fencing, there are three different on.” types of swords, and each type of Fencing is also very modern in the way that their scoring is weapon was made incorporating the conducted. It relies not only on the call from a referee, but also ways that sword was used in combat throughout history. With each on the technology embedded into the equipment that the competitors wear. unique style however, competitions are separate in the way that “Fencing is scored electronically by using a scoring machine, reels that spool they are scored and played, as each event correlates to the type of out a wire attached to the fencers,” Dressell said. “The fencers use weapons weapon being used. that are wired and wear garments that cover the target and are electrically “Épée is the dueling weapon of the mid 1600’s; it’s sharp conductive.” only at the point and the target is the entire body,” Dressell said.

Fencing is a sport that is especially unique in its way to include difficult “Whomever hits first wins the point, but if both hit at the same mental and physical attributes that make the sport both exciting to watch and time, both win the point.” thrilling for the performers.

Likewise to épée, foil uses the same concept, yet it includes an “You have to plan out each attack and carry it out within a matter of extra set of rules called “right of way” or ROW. These rules state seconds,” Lucey said. “It is a fast-paced, exhilarating sport that requires effort of that you don’t just score by touching the opponent with your sword both mind and body.” first, but to score a point you must be on offense as well.

Fencing sets itself apart from many of the sports that are common “Foil is the training weapon for épée, where you must hit with today in several ways. With a unique format for competitions, and the significant the point but only on a limited target, which is the chest area,” involvement of both the mind and body during performance, the sport still Dressell said. “However, as a training weapon there is a set of rules renders itself as enticing for many athletes. called ROW, which was developed to teach how to fight with a “I love the one-on-one competition, and I love working with my students sword and avoid suicidal mistakes.” and developing their physical and tactical skills," Dressell said. “I love the fact The additional set of rules used in Foil can make it difficult in that everyone can fence and that it usually becomes a lifelong pursuit.”

JOEL FICKEL

The Lunge

A tactical offensive move made by extending the rear leg and landing on a bent front leg with the attcking arm stiff to maximize the length of the sword.

POINT:

The end of the blade, which must touch the opponent’s target area to score a hit

MASK: Typically worn with a mesh visor or other transparent visor

LAMÉ:

The electric jacket that processes hits to score points

CHEST PROTECTOR:

GLOVE:

Underneath the lamé, a plastic covering to help protect the chest

Worn on the attacking hand for protection

BLADE: The hitting part of a sword from the guard to the point

PISTE: Field of play where fencing occurs, also known as “the strip”

PAGE 10 // LIFESTYLES

THE TALON // APRIL 2015

DRUG AND COUGH SYRUP ABUSE:

Teens experimenting with prescription pills, marijuana, lean, cocaine, acid and more face consequences MAGGIE ROEHLING

BY THE

STAFF WRITER

On April 30, 2013, “Me and My Drank” rapper Lil’ Wayne suffered unpredictable seizures, and was hospitalized for six days. Although he claims his hospitalization was due to him being epileptic, he is known for abusing cough syrup/codeine in a drink he continuously sings about, lean, also known as ‘sizzurp’ or ‘purple drank.’ By definition, lean is a drink made up of Sprite and codeine, flavored with Jolly Ranchers. It is referenced in songs and pop culture.

“Lean is the newest drug that everybody keeps talking about,” Deputy John Ashley said referring to the drink.

“Basically, cough syrup. That [drink] has been around, but there’s more knowledge of it, because of social media.”

According to senior Myra Corinson,* by taking drugs, kids might hope to escape the troubles and stress that brings them down. They might also take drugs to feel good, to fit in, or because they are curious.

“They’re lacking confidence in other aspects, so they want to get away,” Corinson* said. “That’s their happy place.”

According to recoverygateway. org, substance use can lead to longterm effects including health and social problems, serious injuries and even death. Taking drugs, smoking or chewing tobacco and drinking alcohol can permanently and significantly affect kids’ futures. “[Kids choose to use drugs because of the] peer pressure. To be cool, to fit in, because they hear about it,” Deputy Ashley said. “It’s more readily available.

It seems there are more pills out there that are being pushed; parties are evolving with the pills.”

According to narconon.org, the codeine in the cough syrup is a breathing depressant, as is alcohol. Abuse of this drug is addictive because of the codeine, and according to webmd.com, it may be an entry-level drug for young people. The promethazine in the cough medication is also sought by those who like the ‘buzz’ they might get from it although it isn’t reported to be addictive in itself.

“I hear about kids [at Rochester] experimenting with marijuana,” sophomore Charlie Ward said. “I also hear about cocaine, acid, lean and

NUMBERS

60%

high school seniors said they did not view regular marijuana use as harmful.

Photo Courtesy of Maggie Roehling methamphetamines in extreme cases.”

According to Deputy Ashley, because substances are more readily available, adolescents are getting more creative in experimenting with them. Although cough syrup has always been around, teens continue to bring it back and push their limits with the prescribed drug.

“Lean is just made up of cough syrup (codeine), sprite, and then [the drug users] flavor it with gummy bears or something like that,” Deputy Ashley said. “People have tried cough syrup in the past; this is just the newest thing that’s out there, and it’s getting a lot of attention from social media. Unfortunately, we had an ex-student that passed away this year from it, and the kids are still doing it.”

According to Medline Plus, while codeine isn’t as addictive as heroin, there is a chance users will become hooked on it and face withdrawal symptoms as bad as those of a heroin addict. There are other fatal consequences to drinking sizzurp, including fainting, vomiting and fever.

“If you’re not prescribed it, you don’t know how it’s going to react with your body,” Deputy Ashley said. “There’s all kinds of stories where people take a drug for the first time and they don’t know how it’s going to react with their body.”

Many think that teens continue to abuse drugs due to their disregard for the consequences.

“Kids are aware of the dangers but they’re stupid and they don’t think about it,” sophomore Cate Bennett said. “Kids are still doing it because it’s a thrill while it lasts.”

Although substance abuse can have extreme consequences and major penalties,

there are still adults who don’t do enough to ensure a safe and healthy environment for their kids. “[When you get busted], you go to youth assistance or sometimes you’re grounded and in some cases parents don’t even care,” Bennett said. “I think more should be done, because there are a lot of lives being ruined.”

Parents, counselors, teachers and other adults should be aware of the symptoms of drug abuse. “[Parents can] keep an eye on their kids; be in their life,” Deputy Ashley said. “I think the biggest thing is change of behavior, grades in school, how they’re doing, that’s going to be kind of a big determining factor.”

When kids get busted for drugs, there are legal ramifications.

“You can have expulsion from school,” Deputy Ashley said. “You could be in trouble with the law. You can end up in jail, fines and stuff like that.”

If a friend is struggling with substance abuse, peers can go to adults to help get to the root of their friend’s problems.

“Obviously they can come to any one of us at the school,” Deputy Ashley said. “Our ultimate goal is to get them off the path of destruction and find out what the real root of the problem is. It’s not necessarily that they just want to try drugs, and that’s all they’re doing. It could be a family trouble, it could be some suicidal tendencies, it could be some behavioral problems. The first step is to be a good friend and try to get that person the help, because at your age, you don’t have the expertise yet to learn how to deal with that.” *Names were changed per request

1.5 million teens in the U.S. smoke weed 20 times a month

6.5 %

of high school seniors smoke weed daily

90%

of American substance abuse problems start before age 18

25

times the regular dosage is in a bottle of cough

1/10

American teens has used cough syrup to get high

Statistics from: CBS News, Huffington Post, Above the Influence, Metropolitan Drug Commission and Prevention Lane

PAGE 11 // ENTERTAINMENT

THE TALON // APRIL 2015

THE APPLE WATCH

The long-anticipated wait for the watch is over. But is the it worth the money?

LUKE DEEL

STAFF WRITER HEALTH AND FITNESS The Activity app can track a person’s movement during the day, monitoring things like time spent resting and steps taken. If it decides that a person has been stationary for too long, it will prompt the wearer to get up. He/she can also set health goals that the watch will help him/her reach, and it will award badges as he/she gets closer to his/her goal. For the athlete, the Workout app can offer more detailed information about his/her exercise routines. He/she will receive stats such as time spent, distance traveled, pace and speed. He/ she can set goals as well, and the watch will give a detailed summary to show if he/she is on track.

DIGITAL CROWN New smart watches, such as the Samsung’s smart watch, have shown that navigating on a small screen can be difficult.

However, Apple attempted to fix that problem with the Digital Crown. The Crown is a knob on the right edge of the watch that acts as the home button. It works much like the time set knobs on analog watches. In addition, the crown makes it easier to navigate through apps and to scroll through options.

APPLE PAY The new technology in the watch features the newly founded technology that is Apple Pay, which hopes to make paying for goods quicker and simpler. With the Apple Watch, all one has to do is to double-click the button next to the dial on the edge and hold the watch face close to the reader. The watch will beep, and the wearer will feel a pulse that ensures that the payment was made.

SIRI With Siri also enabled in the Apple Watch, the watch just got more personal. With Siri available on the wrist the wearer can check the weather or reply to friends without lifting a finger.

He/she can command her with a "Hey Siri" to get her to listen to the wearer’s next set of orders.

CAR KEY REPLACEMENT Apple wishes to develop apps for the watch that will replace “the clumsy, large fobs that are now used by many vehicles,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said. There are no further details on how this system will operate, but this idea will make it so people would be able to unlock their cars with just a tap of the watch. No need to carry those clunky keys in pockets during those long journeys anymore.

REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS Lazy? Then the Apple Watch’s remote control functions will be very appealing. One will be able to skip through music on his/her iPhone, iTunes music library, enable do not disturb functions or turn on/off the lights in the house. This can happen with a flick of the wrist. Apple’s Kevin Lynch also previewed how the Apple Watch can remotely unlock a door or even navigate through a home-security camera system.

PASSBOOK The Apple Watch will be supplied with a Passbook app that allows the swift reception of important documents. Breeze through Airport security by using the Apple watch to pull up plane tickets and boarding passes. Breeze through train stations by showing the conductor the ticket on the Apple Watch. Do the same at the bus station. Apple Watch can take the wearer anywhere.

DIGITAL TOUCH COMMUNICATION Communicating with friends and family just got a lot easier.

Draw a picture and send it to a friend, or send a heartbeat to a buddy. The heartbeat sensor will measure heartbeat then one will be able to send it to his/her friends. A walkie-talkie function is also enabled and one can share sound bites with it. Apple Watch also supplies a function to make watch-towatch calls to friends.

FULL APPS Unlike Samsung’s Android wear, the Apple Watch will be able to support full-fledged apps. These will not be ready until later in the year, but developers have said that they will create apps meant just for the watch, so the wearer’s matching iPhone doesn’t have to be in his/her other hand. In addition to Apple’s pre-installed Activity, Calendar, Maps, Passbook, Music, Alarm, Stocks, Weather, Photos and Settings app, one will also be able to download third-party apps such as Instagram, Uber, Nike Running, Shazam and Twitter.

ACTIONABLE NOTIFICATIONS To make the consumer more productive, the Apple Watch delivers alerts in the form of a Actionable Notification, which are essentially reminders or alerts that one can resolve with the watch. These notifications will allow a person to an alert by pre-determined functions set by the app. For example, If a person has let their lights on at home, a smart home app will notify the wearer and give them the option to turn off the lights without the conflict of pulling out his/her phone.

PAGE 12 // ENTERTAINMENT

THE TALON // APRIL 2015

RATS PRESENTS ‘AMATURES’:

A comedy about actors rings true to theatre buffs NINOTCHKA VALDEZ STAFF WRITER

Senior Angela Goulet watched the first act of “Amateurs” unfold on stage, reading the script along with the actors.

She called for a pause, and asked the actor to repeat his line, suggesting a he try a different execution of the line. Only a few weeks remained until opening night, and it was her job as the student director to make sure everything was perfect.

Goulet talked about her role in the play as the student director and how she contributes behind the scenes.

“It’s a pretty big role, directing,” Goulet said. “Essentially, you shape the whole show. It’s not just the actor’s job. I also help them to get a grasp of who their characters are and how they should play or do certain things. I would say it’s a pretty big responsibility.”

This year’s spring play “Amateurs” followed the story of community theater actors coming together to celebrate their opening night. The guest list included a reviewer, whose review wasn’t too favorable. Director Mr. Frank Gollon explained how he thought the plot would resonate with the audience.

“I think the audience can kind of relate to how sometimes people can be a little two-faced with the way they act around people,” Mr. Gollon said. “We get to see that true character Seniors Johnny McCarthy, Leslie Waldron and Aaron Koss preform a dress rehersal with freshman Julian Karagounis to preof some of these characters that we see in the show.” pare for opening night on April 23. Photo by Danielle Kullmann Mr. Gollon also discussed their reasons for choosing “Amateurs.”

“We were looking for a show that would have a lot of do,” Mr. Gollon said. “Obviously, we don’t have the music explained the alterations. parts, for one,” Mr. Gollon said. “We also wanted a show that and the dancing to worry about so it’s pretty much more on “We try to keep it as true as we possibly can,” Goulet said. would wow our actors, to sort of show a range of emotions stage work which is all the blocking and all the interaction “Of course, there are some parts that are offensive. For the and characters. So, whereas it is a comedy, it does get a little of the characters. And then really, character development most part Mr. Gollon helps with censoring what might be sentimental at points so the audience will have moments we can spend more time with [in] the straight play than seen as too inappropriate for our production.” where they’re laughing their heads off, and moments where Freshman Zackariah Farah, who played Charlie, elaborated we can necessarily with the musical. The time demands of they might be shedding a tear; we like the challenge of a show the musical make it harder because you have to work with on other elements of the play like that.” choreographers and you’re involved with the directors. Trying that had to be changed.

Sophomore Jessica Carl, who to juggle all that kind of gets more complicated.”

“It’s pretty much the same,” “There’s a lot of really, funny, sarcastic played Dorothy, agreed about Carl commented on any differences she found between the Farah said.

“We changed around moments, but it also does have its sad the comedic aspects of the spring play and the fall musical, having participated in both the layout of the stage and and more dramatic moments.” production, and was excited to everything, because the map that productions. garner some chuckles from the “It can be more stressful at times because you have no they had, we changed it. Other audience. music to back you up at times,” Carl said. “So you know you than that, we didn’t change any Angela Goulet, senior “I think that it’ll get some have to be on point all the time, but it’s kind of the same lines, although we had to censor //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// good laughs,” Carl said. “There’s thing for the musical when you’re not singing.” a couple.” a lot of really funny jokes. One Carl found, however, that there were certain advantages Mr. Gollon spoke about what of the characters, Jennifer, she’s with the spring play. goes on behind the scenes in a typical day of rehearsals, as the wise crack so she always has a come-back for anything “The spring play is awesome because the cast is so much well as how hectic the schedule can get. anyone says even if it’s not a jab at her. And I think it’ll go smaller,” Carl said. “The cast is only nine people where the “We usually start with the actors around 3 p.m., and crew over really well. It relates to every age group.” cast for the musical is about 90. Normally, for the play, it’s people are usually arriving by 2:30 p.m. We have lighting Carl also talked about the contrast between this year’s around 10 or less people. It’s rare if we have more than that people and sound people working right now. We have the spring play and last year’s. stage crew working on building the scenery,” Mr. Gollon said. number, just because there’s no chorus or anything, so it’s just “Last year’s spring play was a thriller and it was really, the characters that are in the show. You get a tighter bond “For the last three Saturdays, we’ve been here from usually super cool,” Carl said. “We had a lot of special effects, and it ten in the morning to five at night working on the scenery for with the rest of your cast, so it’s nice to do the spring play.” was super creepy. It’s a definite complete contrast. This is a Goulet was optimistic about the production. it. So, it’s pretty much a six day week.” comedy and it’s super happy. I mean, there is some drama and “It’s a really, really funny show,” Goulet said. “There’s a lot Mr. Gollon also spoke about the significant differences some tragedy to it, but it’ll be a great contrast to last year’s of really, funny, sarcastic moments, but it also does have its between the process of preparing for the spring play as spring play.” sad and more dramatic moments. It’s a very good show, and I opposed to other productions like the fall musical.

However, certain changes had to be made. Goulet further really do hope that it’s received well.”

“Usually, with straight plays, it’s pretty consistent what we

PAGE 13 // ENTERTAINMENT

1

3

THE TALON // APRIL 2015

2

4 1. Freshmen Bryn Van Vleck and Steven Salkowski gathered items from the prop room that the actors needed for the show.

2. The stage crew organizes the set, designed by theatre teacher Mr. Frank Gollon.

3. Assistant stage manager and sophomore Reid Williams adjusted lights on the catwalk to help create ambiance that matched the tone of the story.

4. Sophomore Jessie Carl gives a token actress grin whil she gets her hair done in the makeup room.

“Each crew has a very specific and different job that they all tend to do sort of on their own, and when everything comes together, the whole show just falls into place,” student director and senior Angela Goulet said of lights, sound, props, stage crew and make-up. “It’s really a lot of separate work that ends up coming together to make the show happen.”

Photos by Jessica Leininger

PAGE 14 // ENTERTAINMENT

THE TALON // APRIL 2015

IN DEFENSE OF KANYE

West has matured with time and should be given a second chance EDGAR SOKOLI STAFF WRITER

In many people’s eyes, Kanye West is an egotistical, ignorant or possibly racist person. This can be attributed to the Grammy stunt that he pulled when he was unsatisfied with Beyoncé not winning Best Music Video, jumping up on stage and interrupting Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech. It can also be attributed to his outspoken stance toward George Bush “hating black people” or calling himself a musical genius on multiple occasions. The fact of the matter is that people do not look at Mr. West for his talents and they overplay his mistakes in order to raise ratings. Many people do not know that Kanye is arguably one of the best rap artists of all time, along with being a talented songwriter and producer, not to mention being a pivotal figure in modern fashion and culture.

Kanye is widely misunderstood due to his attitude. There are a lot of things that cause his defensive attitude, transitioning it into his music, which may come off as angry and offensive, maybe even violent. After the release of his albums “Late Registration” and “Graduation,” Mr. West was exposed to a widespread success that brought him to the forefront of rap music.

His mother, Donda West, had a very close relationship with Kanye. She unexpectedly died due to cosmetic surgery complications not long after he released “Graduation” in late 2007.

Then, months after his mother’s death, he ended a five-year relationship with his girlfriend. During his tour, concert-goers could see that there were moments that Kanye’s losses had deeply affected him.

In 2008, Kanye released another studio album “808s & Heartbreak.”

It was obvious that the album had a somber mood to it, with songs like “Heartless,” and especially with “Coldest Winter,” which is about the winter after his mom passed away. Since then, all the anger and sadness has caused Kanye to

act outwardly defiant. But he has changed. He has publicly apologized to Beck after his latest Grammy stunt and has been making phone calls to Beck as well. West has also had dinner with Taylor Swift several times to talk about their plans to release music together.

When it comes to the talent of Kanye West, it is indisputable. West has won 21 Grammys, which lands him in the top 10 most awarded artists by the Grammys. Not only has he won Grammys for his music, but also for music he helped produce. Kanye West is probably the most important figure in rap in the 2000s and the 2010s.

West helped transition rap from more slow-playing to now fast-paced, with sounds and influences from electronica to indie to classical. West has shown his ability time and time again to use rap with a wide spectrum of music and succeed massively.

Today’s fashion in pop culture has a lot to do with what Kanye has attempted to do with his wardrobe.

Even though his “Yeezys” shoes that he has released in partnership with both Nike and then Adidas were huge exclusive hits, they still don’t do a fraction of justice to what Kanye has

contributed to modern day rap fashion.

Before the 2010s, it was all about a lot of jewelry and baggy clothes. Now, thanks to Kanye, tighter jeans, more simplicity and black clothes are in. No longer do rappers wear five gold chains to show their status. Nowadays, it’s not uncommon to see a rapper, like Kanye or Jay Z, wearing a black tee with black jeans and boots with one gold chain.

However, Kanye has made it clear that he has not done all that he wants with fashion. Mr. West claims that because he is an entertainer and a musician, that the big designers refuse to take him seriously. He sums this up as reaching a ceiling as a celebrity and because he’s a rapper, he cannot venture out into other fields, even if he did change the culture and fashion of an entire music genre. This also plays into Kanye’s mass amount of frustration.

Basically, one can attribute this general view of Kanye as a violent and arrogant person to the media.

These kinds of stories sell; if tabloids were to portray Kanye as a kind and ambitious person, sales would likely go down. The truth is that Kanye is heavily misunderstood because the media usually takes bits and pieces of what he says out of context. If you still think that Kanye is as bad as he is portrayed to be, watch his interviews with either the Breakfast Club or with BBC’s Zane Lowe. These interviews offer an hour or so of uncut, pure Kanye and his views and ideas on certain subjects. If these interviews don’t change your mind, maybe once pigs fly and the media writes a story about how Kanye is a good father, you’ll think otherwise.

Photo Courtesy of projectcasting.com

Sneaker subculture is on the rise TOMMY MASSA STAFF WRITER

ZANE D’SOUZA SPORTS EDITOR

Shoes are an essential part of everyday life. They are one of the few needs that people have in this world.

When sneakers were first invented nobody thought they would become as popular as they are. Due to the internet and social media, the culture surrounding sneakers has exploded. From sneaker culture has come a group of people that call themselves “sneakerheads.” This group has taken shoes to a whole new level that could have never been predicted. Shoes are now a major part of this world, and there is no turning back.

Lining up for shoes is something that 15 years ago would have been seen as a waste of time. Today, every Saturday a long winding line can be seen waiting for one pair of shoes at stores like FinishLine and Foot Locker. For some sneakers, people will camp out days in advance just for the chance at getting a pair of Jordans or Nikes. This is shown every December when Jordan Brand releases their infamous Jordan 11 sneakers. These shoes are the most sought after pair of Jordans every year. People will set up tents a week in advance to get the opportunity to buy these shoes. The price means nothing; it is all about having the shoes that an icon wore.

Shoe brands have started to see the demand from their customers for constant releases of sneakers. Due to this, brands are churning out shoes to release it seems like every weekend. This is a major change from the 1990s, when brands would come out with a shoe in one color, and it would be readily available whenever someone would walk into a store. Nowadays, it is extremely rare to see an in-demand pair of shoes sitting on a shelf in any popular sneaker store. The change of the way people see and value shoes has forced shoe brands to change their marketing and selling strategies. For bigger releases of shoes, brands know they are making shoes to only be sold for one day.

The expectation that shoes will sell out is commonplace.

As great as sneaker culture can be, there are major problems with it. People buy things called bots to raise their chances to get a pair of shoes online. These bots reserve them a spot online. The more money they pay, the higher the chance of getting the shoes. Another issue that has arisen is websites crashing when attempting to buy shoes. So many people are trying to buy the same shoe that it makes it extremely hard for anyone to get the shoes.

The companies selling these shoes have done nothing to make it easier for the people shelling out up to $200 for their product. However, the worst problem among all of these is the widespread crime that occurs with buying shoes. It seems like almost every December when Jordans come out, there is violence, and sometimes murder occurring. The culture has changed for the good, but it has also taken steps back.

The way sneakers have grown is something good to see. The culture brings people together and unites them in something. Sneakers are under constant growth, and it is only fueled by the brands. People will continue to buy shoes, no matter the price. Whether this is good or bad, it is something that will have an impact on this world.

PAGE 15 // OPINION

THE TALON // APRIL 2015

“THE TALON” STAFF Adviser, Mrs. Julia Satterthwaite

Editor-in-Chief, Danielle Kullmann Copy Editors, Colette Cloutier and Sam Medved News Editor, Maria Broecker Feature Editor, Ninotchka Valdez Lifestyles Editor, Sydney Bammel Entertainment Editor, Jessica Leininger Opinion Editor, Julia Labban Sports Editor, Zane D’Souza Photo Editor, Thomas Massa Staff Writer, Hiba Abbas Staff Writer, Bailey Boerman Staff Writer, Amanda Capaldi Staff Writer, Luke Deel Staff Writer, Joel Fickel Staff Writer, Jacob Groen Staff Writer, Mariam Kaarkarli Staff Writer, Michael Kainz Staff Writer, Jonathon Markwort Staff Writer, David Martin Staff Writer, Maggie Roehling Staff Writer, Allison Skelcy Staff Writer, Edgar Sokoli Staff Writer, Mrudula Sriram

“THE TALON” POLICY

“The Talon” presents an open forum for student expression to be used by the Rochester High School community to promote and express thought and action.

The stories, opinions and bylined content in “The Talon” do not necessarily represent and should not be interpreted as the views of the Rochester Community School Board of Education or any of its staff, faculty or employees.

“The Talon” is devoted to professional journalism and fairness in all reporting. “The Talon” will adhere to a standard of responsible journalism and will refrain from publishing material which is legally libelous, obscene or could disrupt the operation of the school.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR If something annoys you about us, school or life in general, write a letter to the editor. If something amuses you about us, school or life in general, write a letter to the editor. If we got something wrong, write a letter to the editor. If it’s coherent and under 300 words we’ll run it.

Email your comments to Mrs. Satterthwaite: jsatterthwaite@rochester.k12.mi.us, tweet a link to us @rhstalon, post them to The Talon’s Facebook page or any other form of 21st Century communication you prefer. We look forward to hearing from you.

MEMBERSHIPS

LIFE

DEATH

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT:

Exploring the morality of the death penalty SYDNEY BAMMEL LIFESTYLES EDITOR

The idea of killing another human seems inhumane in itself; however, our judicial system legally allows the death of major felons through capital punishment every year. The most popular method across America in 35 of its 50 states, lethal injection, can be a costly and painful method to use in execution.

According to abcnews.com, in September 2009 Romell Broom was sentenced to death. Then, on the day the lethal injection was scheduled, Broom was subject to 18 tries of inserting the needle. Broom’s lawyer said, “He is swollen and red and is in active, aching pain.” This is just one example of how the lethal injection can fail. Also, deathpenaltyinfo.org states that if the execution team injects the drug into a muscle instead of a vein, or if the needle becomes clogged, extreme pain is a result. Not only is the judicial system allowing this inhumane act to occur, but also allowing a slow and painful death of the people who are given the death penalty.

As previously stated, it costs a significant amount of money to give someone the death penalty. A Maryland case study done by The Urban Institute Justice Policy Center

showed it costs taxpayers three million dollars to put five people on death row. The study also showed it costs 1.1 million dollars for five people to have a life sentence in prison; therefore, it costs an extra 1.9 million dollars to put someone on death row rather than giving them a life sentence in jail. It is ludicrous that the American government has supported capital punishment, specifically lethal injection, considering that it is a poor economic decision.

Recently, on March 30, the American Pharmacists Association has decided to oppose the sale of lethal injection drugs. This is just one week after the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists took a similar stance on the issue. This position that the two groups have taken will hopefully deter specialty pharmacy companies from selling the lethal injection as of 2011 they became the only source of the drug used in lethal injection.

Under these circumstances, there is a shortage of the lethal injection drugs, which has forced some states to turn to other methods for their capital punishment. Other techniques for execution include electrocution, gas chambers, hanging and firing squad. Recently several states have reinstated these methods that some people consider more “primitive” even

though they can be more humane. Utah brought back the firing squad, Alabama the electric chair, Oklahoma the gas chamber, and Washington and New Hampshire hangings.

In addition, if the justice system continues murdering people, the individual should at least be given the option to choose his/her style of execution. For example, some people believe firing squad is the best option.

It appears to be a quick and less painful method than other techniques. This past March a Utah man finally got his wish of his choice for firing squad for his capital punishment after fighting for it for 14 years. It took the man a mere two minutes to be declared dead after being shot, while in contrast an Arizona man took two hours and gasped 640 times before finally being declared dead. However, some people like the idea of electrocution; it burns the body quickly and effectively. If the government insist on keeping capital punishment, the least they can do it offer more options so that people can pick their “poison.”

In the end, as current opposition to lethal injection changes to other death penalty methods, these events may be foreshadowing to a near future where capital punishment is finally terminated.

This inhumane act has been going on in the United States for too long and must end.

1 PAGE 16 // SPORTS

THE TALON // APRIL 2015

Coach Laura Guzman talks over the team’s strategy with some of the players. Photos Courtesy of Ken Swart

SOFTBALL LOOKS TO REPEAT ZANE D’SOUZA SPORTS EDITOR

The Rochester Falcons’ softball team got the chance to defend their OAA title on April 13 when they played Chippewa Valley High School. After coming off a successful season finishing 9-1, the team will have high expectations for this new season. Sophomore Rose Myers explains her goals for the season.

“My goals for the team would be to have a successful season and beat Adams,” Myers said. “Also, to win districts this year.”

The first step for the team to become reigning champs is in them bettering their weaknesses. This year’s team has lost five seniors from last year, who each were contributors to the team. Losing players like this means lost experience for the team that has plenty of youth. Coach Laura Guzman explained this.

“We lost five key starters from last year’s league-winning team and moved up a division,” Guzman said.

“If we can get production from the younger kids and leadership from the upperclassmen, we should be

what practices have been like. able to contend throughout the “So far practices have been league.” mostly focused on the basics,” Myers What comes along with a said. “Since we lost several starters new season is the task of finding from last year, we need to make sure each player’s role. Everyone must we have the fundamentals down, in accept their position on the team order to be able to succeed in game to succeed. Senior Captain Colette situations.”

Cloutier expanded on this.

On and “We have off the field several strong “IF WE CAN GET PRODUCTION the team must players on FROM THE YOUNGER KIDS be connected this team, AND LEADERSHIP FROM to be able but we often THE UPPERCLASSMEN, WE to succeed. rely too SHOULD BE ABLE TO CONTEND Without this, heavily on THROUGHOUT THE LEAGUE.” games will be one or two Laura Guzman, coach tougher due to of them,” Cloutier said. //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// a lack of team chemistry.

“We need Junior to utilize all of our strengths and get the most Madison Vanderhoof gave her take on this. out of them in order to have the “We need to improve our strongest team possible.” communication on and off the The best way to figure out any field,” Vanderhoof said. problems comes through practice.

No matter how successful a Though it has been hard to practice on the fields because of the weather, team was the previous year, it is all replaced with a clean slate. In this the team has made the best of it case, the Falcons must prove they by practicing in the gym. To win were worthy of winning the OAA another OAA title, the team has last year. The only way to do this to have game-simulated practices. is to win again. Coach Guzman Sophomore Rose Myers explained

elaborated on what it would take.

“We are younger with a lot of kids looking to play different roles on this year’s squad,” Guzman said.

“If the kids can be productive and versatile in the lineup, we could turn some heads this year.”

By being moved up into the best OAA division, the Red, the team will have better competition to face this year. To keep winning, they must be consistent. Senior Colette Cloutier gave her opinion on how far the team could go.

“It all depends on how we come together as a team,” Cloutier said.

“What also plays a part is if we hit our stride at the right time.”

As the season begins, all eyes will be on whether this softball team can hold their own in the higher division.

With many talented players, the team has the chance to continue their winning ways. Coach Guzman gave her final take on the team.

“The team is looking pretty good so far and the girls are coming together well,” Guzman said. “If they can continue to work hard and improve day in and day out, the sky’s the limit for these youngsters.”

PRE-SEASON Rankings Team

Clarkston Lake Orion Troy Adams Athens Rochester

LEAGUE SCHEDULE Lake Orion 4/18, 4/23 Troy 4/21 Clarkston 4/30 Adams 5/5 Athens 5/7 *Bold denotes double header