February Issue 2015

THE

TAL N ROCHESTER HILLS, MI // FEBRUARY 2015 // VOL. 77 ISSUE 5

RARA

RCS students participate in the Rochester Avon Recreation Authority basketball league, providing additional opportunities for athleticism and competition.

Pages 8-9

PAGE 2 // NEWS

THE TALON // FEBRUARY 2015

news briefs:

5.

1.

Photo Courtesy of Ashok Dodaballapur

3.

Photo by Danielle Kullmann

Photo Courtesy of https://themuslimissue.wordpress-

1. RHS

2. RCS

3. STATE

4. COUNTRY

5. WORLD

On Feb. 7, members of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) attended Regionals at Fraser High School. Among the participants, seven qualified for States in Traverse City.

Among those who qualified: seniors Afeef Mujitaba and Raluca Laza each received first place awards in each of their individual events, freshman Zahra Ahmed received a third place award and freshman Ashok Dodaballapur, junior Chris Maria Joseph and seniors Suzie Kim, Sneha Dodaballapur, Neha Bidthanapally and Danielle Kullmann placed in the top 10 of their events. Laza was one of three that took home a first place medal.

“I am really happy about my result because I improved from my place last year,” Laza said. “Last year I got 3rd place in the pharmacology test and this year I placed 1st.”

HOSA involves events that revolve around the medical and health fields. Laza hopes that this being the second year of HOSA as a club will mean being able to attend States.

This year’s annual trihigh singing competition took place on February 5.

Sophomore Logan Mueller received first place with his cover of “Your Man” by Josh Turner.

“Rochester Community Schools is such a blessed place when it comes to talent!” choir director Mrs. Jolene Plotzke said.

This was senior Jono Mammel’s third and last performance in the competition. He performed a rendition of “Always Starting Over” from the music If/Then.

“Performing is my adrenaline rush,” Mammel said. “I didn’t go out there to compete, just to perform.

It felt amazing! I’m really grateful that the audience was so receptive to yet another obscure showtune.”

Mammel is not upset about his loss, and instead reflected on the last three Rochester Idols.

“I feel like I’ve shown that I have a very wide range in terms of music,” Mammel said. “Even if they’re all showtunes. And because I won’t be able to come back again and do his, there was no holding back.”

This year started off with an ‘arctic blast,’ that hit the Northeast. The Detroit area has hit some of its coldest temperatures in years, reaching many new record lows. The cold has caused distress for many students.

“I walk back and forth from my car to school a lot every day and I find it unbearable at times,” senior Sneha Dodaballapur said. “But most of the time when you dress for it you’re fine during the day.”

However, the frigid temperatures, reaching the required low of -25 degrees Fahrenheit with windchill have also stemmed in RHS having multiple ‘cold days.’

“On the snow days I do the homework that I should have turned in on that day,” junior Chris Russell said. “And I tell myself I’ll study for Calculus, and then I never do it.”

Senior Andre Vainberg believes that he spends his day as he would imagine most high school students do.

“I did all of the generic things that any teenager would do with their days off,” senior Andre Vainberg said. “I played video games and slept in. I also ate pancakes and drank hot chocolate. It was great.”

The 49th Super Bowl pitted the defending champion Seattle Seahawks against the New England Patriots.

The game lived up to the hype with a constant battle between the NFL’s top two teams, with the Patriots ultimately winning 28-24 after intercepting a Russell Wilson pass at the one-yard line.

This win gave Tom Brady his fourth Super Bowl win, leading many to debate his rank amongst the greatest of all-time.

“I loved the Super Bowl win,” senior Joey Doneth said.

“Nobody is stopping number 12 from getting that ring! Tom Brady is the best of all-time!”

Many felt the Patriots game was out of hand when Seahawks receiver Jermaine Kearse made an improbable catch near the end zone.

However, New England was able to recover and stop Seattle to win their fourth overall title.

“I love the Pats so I was very happy,” senior Tom Chung said. “There was a mix of emotions when Kearse got the catch. I was crying, but I was extremely happy when Malcolm Butler got the interception.”

ISIS has largely been expanding by taking over oil fields and refineries, and gaining revenue off of that oil. There are an estimated 20,000 to 31,500 members of ISIS. Those who disobey the group are publicly executed or submitted to public amputations.

“The first thought that comes to mind when I hear ISIS is disgust,” social studies teacher Ms. Sarah Monroe said. “The fact that there is a group of people out there raiding and taking over cities throughout the middle East, kidnapping young children and forcing them to be trained in their crude violence, forcing millions of people from their homes, and publicly decapitating innocent people, including U.S. citizens, is absolutely horrible.”

ISIS, the terrorist group that has been expanding its control over Syria and Iraq has recently released multiple videos of them murdering hostages. The most recent of which were American citizens: Kayla Mueller, James Foley and Steven Sotloff. They were kidnapped and killed as an intimidation tactic.

“I can’t imagine what Kayla Mueller, James Foley, or Steven Sotloff went through while in ISIS captivity, but their fate is all the same,” Ms. Monroe said.

“Something has to be done. Who does it and to what extent is unbeknownst to me. I would not want to be a world leader and have to make that decision.”

PAGE 3 // NEWS

SALES TAX VOTE

THE TALON // FEBRUARY 2015

BY THE NUMBERS PASSED IN HOUSE

94-16 26-12

Michiganders will decide whether or not to raise the sales tax from 6 to 7 percent on May 5 BAILEY BOERMAN STAFF WRITER

In Gov. Rick Snyder’s recent State of the State address on January 20, he presented the concept of what he calls the River of Opportunity. Part of this plan is to increase funding by raising Michigan’s sales tax from 6 percent to 7 percent in order to fix and better maintain Michigan’s roads. Citizens will vote on this at the May 5 election.

Government teacher Jill Jessen is unsure of her feelings about an increased tax.

“At this point I can’t get a clear sense of where the money is going and coming from,” Ms. Jessen said. “I don’t understand the difference between the gas and fuel tax. Before I can chose a side and make a decision, I need a clearer idea of what’s going on.”

The governor said the additional money raised from this tax would be targeted to go towards roads, education, health care and child care.

“I think education should get some money just because I have seen the budget pressures in Rochester,” Ms. Jessen said. “I can’t imagine what is happening in other cities like Pontiac; they must be dying.”

According to Freep.com, Snyder has appealed to voters to the ballot initiative and provide an extra $1.2 billion a year to fix roads, $300 million a year for K-12 schools and $100 million each for mass transit and for local governments.

“It’s obvious that our roads need some love,” Ms. Jessen said. “Also, our technology infrastructure should be improved, other countries around the world are much more advanced. We used to be on the front end, but now other countries are catching up.”

When making a decision like this, many are considering how it will affect everyone as a whole. On a larger scale, losing one percent of purchasing power could greatly take away from low income families.

“If the tax increases, it won’t affect me,” junior Ed Grijalva said. “The point of sales

tax isn’t to hold people back from buying things; it is just added money for state funding.”

While many hope to see the economy continue to thrive, it’s hard for citizens and politicians alike to decipher exactly how to achieve that.

“The income of families will slightly decrease because a bigger portion of the money would be going to the state,” freshman Tia Stathakios said. “While income decreases, I think the value of the economy would increase.”

Over the next few months, both sides of the increased sales tax will be pushing their agendas, but ultimately the voters will decide.

“From a government perspective it will be interesting to see everyone invested in the outcome of this,” Ms. Jessen said. “What special interests put money into, what the advertisements look like and most of all if the bill passes.”

PASSED IN SENATE

RAISING MICHIGAN’S

SALES TAX FROM

6-7% $1.2 BILLION

A YEAR TO FIX ROADS

$300 MILLION

A YEAR FOR K-12 SCHOOLS

http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/ politics/2014/12/19/michigan-sales-tax-hikeplan-faces-rough-road/20643241/

Falcon Parents and Staff,

JOIN US

for the 2nd Annual Friends of the Falcons Gala Saturday, March 14, 7:00 p.m. at Twin Lakes Golf Club

Support Our Falcon Athletes...

Back by popular demand, this event is for parents, staff and friends of the RHS Falcons and will include a strolling dinner reception, cash bar, silent and live auctions, raffles, music and more! Funds raised at this event will benefit the Rochester Athletic Booster Club and will potentially impact every Falcon student-athlete!

Join us to celebrate a great Falcon year and support our future teams and athletes!

Make your reservations by February 27 and save!

Order forms and information are available on the RHS Athletics Webpage. Reserve your spot today!

PAGE 4 // NEWS

THE TALON // FEBRUARY 2015

STUDENTS WHO STRUGGLE NEED HELP RHS OFFERS MANY ADDITIONAL LEARNING RESOURCES AMANDA CAPALDI STAFF WRITER

Last semester, 209 students received one or more E’s on their report card. This is down by 12 since this time last year, but math teacher Mr. Nick Merlo believes this number should be even lower.

“I believe all students can learn and be successful,” Mr. Merlo said. “I [think] that it’s important that students reach their full potential, and no student’s full potential is to fail.”

Learning consultant Aubrey Trimble explains why she believes some students fail classes.

“I think that there are two reasons students fail classes. I believe that some students work really hard, but the content they are learning is not at their level,” Mrs. Trimble said. “The second type has the ability, but does not have the motivation. That may look like a student who does not do their homework or study for tests, so it’s not that the content is not at their level, but at the effort they put into it.”

Mr. Merlo believes in some instances, students give up on trying to keep their grades up.

“I think in some cases that’s the case, and I believe it’s very sad because I believe all students can be successful,” Mr. Merlo said.

Mr. Merlo further explains reasons students could have possibly given up.

“There are many reasons students don’t care; it could be lack of confidence or somebody in the past saying something to them such as ‘you’re just not good at that subject’ or a bad experience or anything that has changed your perception of your ability in that subject,” Mr. Merlo said. “Some students don’t see purpose or consequences of not being successful in the class.”

History teacher Chad Zwolinski has few students fail his class, and explains why some students don’t pass his class.

“In my classes, most often it’s because they did not do the work. If you don’t do the work, you won’t pass the class,” Mr. Zwolinski said. “That’s how it is for most classes here. We want you to pass. We want you to do well.”

Mrs. Trimble describes many ways students can receive extra help in any subject if needed.

“We have a lot of general education support in place. Any student can drop

Jordan Sadler, Lexie Thompson, Sierra Nixon, and Rachel Rosario receive additional help from math teacher, Mr. Merlo. Photo by Amanda Capaldi

Resources available for extra help: 1. Stop by room C121 for intermittent help.

2. Schedule Academic Center into your day.

3. Take advantage of NHS peer mentoring, which is free. into room C121 for help, and we also have students scheduled into the academic center if they need more scheduled help,” Mrs. Trimble said. “If students are having troubles with math, they are put into math lab, if they are having trouble with reading, they are put in reading lab, and the academic center covers all subjects.”

Mr. Merlo believes that RHS has very effective programs for struggling students.

“RHS is awesome; it has so many resources,” Mr. Merlo said. “We have resources for English students, students who need math tutoring or science tutoring and more. Also, in my class I am willing to stay after to give students extra help.”

History teacher Christina Larsen believes that all students should speak to their teacher if they happen to be having a difficult time

passing their classes.

“Students should always talk to their teachers if they are close to or already are failing,” Ms. Larsen said. “They can ask for additional help before or after school or even get suggestions for study strategies.”

Though Sophomore Bailey Davis does well in school, she believes it isn’t difficult to do poorly.

“No it’s not hard to fail; it just really depends on the person,” Davis said. “In order to succeed you must try hard, but in order to fail all you have to do is do nothing. However, as long as you put your mind to it, getting at least decent grades is definitely possible.”

Davis realizes some students struggle with concentrating in class, though for her that has never been an issue.

“In some cases, I know certain people

have a really hard time concentrating in class.

The good thing is I know there are options to catch-up on the material,” Davis said. “For me, I’ve never really had problems concentrating. I think part of it is that from a young age I was taught how important it is to get good grades, so it’s easy for me to focus because I want to get good grades.”

Mrs. Trimble believes that no matter what, it’s always possible to recover from failing grades.

“Yes [it’s] absolutely [possible to recover].

It’s not easy, but it definitely can be done,” Mrs. Trimble said. “I help work with teachers and we help students who have had a history of failing and have a chance of not graduating. I help get them back on the right track.

It’s definitely a group effort and the student has the biggest part in it.”

PAGE 5 // FEATURE

THE TALON // FEBRUARY 2015

CHARITY WEEK PREVIEW

StuGo members rally to support the Rainbow Connection in memory of Gage Garmo

Illustration by Amanda Capaldi

COLETTE CLOUTIER

OPINION & SPORTS EDITOR Student council’s third annual Charity Week will take place the week of March 16-20 with all proceeds going to the Rainbow Connection. The group chose this organization both because it’s a local company and based on their immense support of Gage Garmo and his family.

“Originally, we had picked a different charity, but then after all the support and awareness for Gage in the winter, a lot of the Student Council felt that we should build on that momentum,” student council adviser Mrs. Kelley Cusmano said. “To kind of let [Gage’s family and friends] know that it wasn’t a one time thing and to support and continue his legacy.”

Co-Head of the event, junior Ellen Wegener further explains this choice.

“We felt students would like to see the school give back to a charity that has impacted the Garmo family [among others] and is a local charity,” Wegener said. “We also would like to use this week to remind students of the lessons we learned from Gage about always staying positive and strong.”

Senior student council member Natalie Shepich agrees with the reasoning behind this decision and hopes RHS will too.

“I’m really excited because our school

learning during the week. We try to create obviously has a strong connection to [this events that will get students excited, but also charity],” Shepich said. “We hope to see the students and staff come together to support are appropriate to run during the school day.” a cause like we all saw earlier this year.”

The monetary goal this year is $10,000, As first-time Co-Head’s of Charity Week, Wegener and her partner senior McKenna and Mrs. Cusmano believes this goal is Moore have their work cut out for them. attainable given the cause. Many new “I helped with the planning of Charity activities are being planned to enhance this Week last year ... and in years past I have week’s earnings and to create a positive helped with experience for all. coming up with

“We’re going “We would like to use this week event ideas and the to have a coffee hour to come together once again to execution of the before some of the days take action to better the lives of week,” Wegener of school,” Mrs. Cusmano others. We would like to use this said. “This year I said. “The teacher court week to remind students to be and the charity baskets that have a much larger #GarmoStrong.” we’ve done in previous role. With the help years, and a dance to finish of my co-head Ellen Wegener, 11 the week that will be casual McKenna Moore, /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// and a ‘glow’ dance.” we have been Wegener brought up working to plan a few other anticipated and create new activities as well. events that will raise the most money and “We will be having a fundraiser at Rams get as much involvement as possible.”

Horn where StuGo members will be serving Members of RHS staff and the food and 10 percent made and all cash tips community have been very willing will go directly to the charity,” Wegener said. to accommodate potential plans and “Also., Charity Week t-shirts will be sold fundraising opportunities, but there have during the week and will be the ticket into been some implications regarding the type the dance.” of activities that will be permitted.

With all the makings of a successful “The biggest challenge in coordinating event, according to Wegener, school wide this week is scheduling and being realistic about what we can do,” Wegener said. “Also, participation and involvement is imperative we have to keep in mind how they will affect to really making this week special.

“We hope students and staff all participate and know how even the smallest donations will help a large cause,” Wegener said. “We really want them to feel an impact by the purpose of Charity Week.”

Mrs. Cusmano would also like staff and students to be impacted by this week.

“I hope that [students] realize that not everything’s about them,” Mrs. Cusmano said. “I think a lot of people sometimes don’t realize how good we have it in Rochester, we have a really good shot to make a personal difference so I think that’s really cool.”

As important as it is to bring awareness to the Rainbow Connection and to encourage donating to such a noble cause, Wegener would especially like to use this week as an opportunity to continue to support Gage and his family as well as each other.

“We hope to see Rochester not only come together as a school, but as a community for this worthwhile cause,” Wegener said. “The Rochester Community had a [huge]loss this year and we would like to use this week to come together once again to take action to better the lives of others. We would like to use this week to remind students to be #GarmoStrong.”

PAGE 6 // FEATURE

THE TALON // FEBRUARY 2015

ESL students adjust to language, culture COLETTE CLOUTIER COPY EDITOR

Room C107 serves as home base to the 88 English as a Second Language (ESL) students at RHS who speak 22 different languages, including: Albanian, Arabic, Assamese, Cantonese, Chavacano, English, German, Gujarati, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Nepali, Portuguese, Punjabi, Romanian, Serbian, Spanish, Ukrainian, Urdu, Uzbek and Vietnamese. They are greeted with open-arms by the ESL teacher consultant Ms. Ann Marie Hill.

“Rochester is the only school in the district that has the ESL Program,” ESL teacher consultant Ms. Hill said. “When I first started, my day was split between the middle school and the high school … RCS eventually decided to expand the program as the number of English learners increased, so there is a fulltime ESL Center at West as well as the full-time ESL Center here.”

The ESL program is available as a learning resource for English Language Learning (ELL) students who are new to the U.S., and offers multiple services from teaching English to providing comfort and support through a big transition.

“I think we specialize in helping the kids who come from other countries be able to join in and have a positive and productive high school experience,” Ms. Hill said. “Students who have come from very different cultural and linguistic backgrounds are able to participate, graduate and go on to college or jobs. I think that we play a key role in making sure that the time they spend here is beneficial.”

According to junior Jisu Bae who is from South Korea, ESL was a key component behind her transition into American culture.

“ESL helps to adjust into American life. I didn’t know anything about American school life and I was so nervous,” Bae said. “ESL teachers explained all about the school and what kind of subjects RHS have. It was so helpful.”

Ms. Hill has a wide range of responsibilities that include not only all of the duties of a “regular” teacher, but also the many demands that come with running the SL program. She is assisted this year by two full-time paraeducators, Mrs. Carol Butorac and Mrs. Shirley Roth.

“My primary responsibility is to provide instruction,” Ms. Hill said. “[It] enables the English learners to acquire English language and to receive appropriate content instruction while they learn English.”

Quite an elaborate process is administered to potential students to ensure that each

“[The ESL program offers] the opportunity to feel ‘normal,’ as other English learners understand what they are going through and support them,” Ms. Hill said.

“The opportunity to feel valued and appreciated. The opportunity to have equal access to an American high school education.” Photo by Tommy Massa receives the necessary amount of assistance “The ESL students may only be in the depending on their needs.

ESL Center for two classes per day; the rest “All of the students who indicate that they of the time they are in regular classes with speak another language in their home take a their American peers. Students with very low language proficiency screener when they first English proficiency levels may ‘drop-in’ far enroll,” Ms. Hill said. “This provides a baseline more frequently than students who have more for determining who is eligible for service.”

English,” Ms. Hill said. “Typically, the students However, this baseline is only a small factor. will remain in their classes while the teacher is “[Other factors include] how much instructing and may come down for help with education the student has had in his/her home projects or understanding the material and country, whether mom or dad has any English, assignments. Students who have more English how well he or might only drop-in she can read and when they need “What makes the program so write in the first help proofreading special here is the Rochester language,” Ms. an essay or they administartion and staff.”

Hill said. “[As well have to take a test Ms. Ann Marie Hill, ESL teacher and want to be sure as] whether the student has been they understand ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// in school all the the questions and time or if there answer choices. was some interruption due to political or other Obviously, the more English students have, the circumstances; all of these influence how much better they can do in their other classes.” support a student may need.”

According to Ms. Hill, RHS is fortunate to Additional factors taken into account have this unique program and has proven to be are learning styles, personalities and family a good home to it over the years. situations which all impact how quickly a “What makes the program so special here student will be able to learn. Students are then is the Rochester administration and staff,” Ms. scheduled 1-2 hours of either English and/or Hill said. “The program has been part of ‘what academic support accordingly, depending on we do’ since 1989 and I think the spirit of their proficiency. Families get the final say over collaboration and the appreciation of diversity whether or not they would like to accept the that RHS has makes the program as successful services offered. as it is.”

Senior Ives Bartels who is from Germany agrees.

“The nice teachers and the given help is awesome,” Bartels said. “RHS has a great community and learning circumstances. You might not realize it, but people here are very happy. Free and good education is rare in the world. We should not forget about that.”

The ESL students bring diversity and unique life experiences into traditional classrooms.

“I think I’d like staff and students to remember that even though the ESL students can’t always express themselves, they still have a wealth of experiences and information that can enrich all of our lives,” Ms. Hill said. “Students have often remarked on how much it has meant to them to have someone smile, or offer to help or include them or show some small kindness. Sometimes just acknowledging them and how very difficult it is to leave behind their language, foods, school, friends, relatives and more helps them feel more accepted.”

Overall, Ms. Hill tries to help each student she encounters follow a few tenants.

“Don’t be afraid to try and communicate,” Ms. Hill said. “Have patience and keep a sense of humor. Miscommunications and misunderstandings are bound to occur, but I really think that teenagers from all over the world have far more in common than they have differences.”

PAGE 7 // FEATURE

THE TALON // FEBRUARY 2015

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

After the first three tension filled quarters of the homecoming game, there are only 30 seconds left on the clock. RHS needs one more touchdown to take the win. The cheers coming from the student section are deafening, and much of the noise is coming from athletic director Luke Beach.

“I am a big fan of all our sports honestly,” Mr. Beach said. “I am so invested in our kids, that I become a big cheerleader at events.”

Before becoming RHS’ athletic director Mr. Beach worked for Orange County Schools and the Marshall University Athletic Department.

“I was a behavior specialist for a school district just outside of Durham, NC [Orange County Schools] for three years,” Mr. Beach said. “I also worked for the Marshall University Athletic Department in college for three years for their radio network. I also coached basketball, track and strength and conditioning during this time at a local high school and middle school.”

As a result of his time as a student athlete Mr. Beach decided to become an Athletic Director to provide student athletes with positive experiences.

“I became an athletic director because I have always loved athletics,” Mr. Beach said. “I had such a valuable experience learning such great life lessons through educational athletics when I was a student athlete, that I knew that I wanted to be able to influence student athletes positively and help give them the best experience possible.”

This is Mr. Beach’s second year as the full-time athletic director, “I knew I wanted to be able after serving part of the previous year as interim athletic director. to influence student-athletes “He brings a lot of enthusiasm, excitement and youth,” Mr. DeLuca said. “He brings a lot of excitement because he is energetic, positively and help give them the motivated to do good things at RHS, very student oriented and wants best experience possible.” the best for student athletes at all times.”

Senior and basketball co-captain Zane D’Souza agrees.

Luke Beach, Atheletic Director “He is always working for the students and constantly trying to improve the athletic programs at RHS,” D’Souza said. “Beach is //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// always open to talk and is willing to hear suggestions on how to improve things.”

Although a large part of his job involves interacting with students, Mr. Beach also has to interact with coaches, parents and the school administrators.

“As the athletic director he is a part of the administration in our building so he works directly with the principal and assistant principals in the building,” Mr. DeLuca said. “His job is to facilitate events and activities directly related to athletics. That is hiring coaches, evaluating coaches and scheduling events from indoor and outdoor events.”

According to Mr. Beach, one of the best parts of being an Athletic Director is watching the progress of students.

“I enjoy getting to see our student athletes grow on the field and off,” Mr. Beach said. “I get to see them go from freshmen finding their way, to young men and women by the time they are seniors. It is fun to see the growth from scared and timid to proud leaders.”

Although he enjoys his job, Mr. Beach dislikes how time consuming it can be.

“I love my job, but it requires so many hours,” Mr. Beach said. “ I often work 50+ hour work weeks, and I miss my family.”

According to D’Souza, Mr. Beach’s long work weeks are not for naught.

“Beach is a positive influence to RHS and is a proud Falcon member,” D’Souza said. “Him coming here has helped our school in numerous ways, and I look forward to see what he will continue to do.”

While Mr. Beach gives up a lot of his personal time for his job, he still considers himself lucky to have the position. “[My favorite part is] definitely the relationships you build with the kids and coaches,” Mr. Beach said. “I am blessed to be in a position where I work with such great people, and I truly value the relationships we form.”

Mr. Beach will be able to share his passion for sports, leadership and relationship-building in a new way when he and his wife Karen, who works as an attorney in Bloomfield Hills, welcome a baby girl in August.

“I’m looking forward to the day my daughter is a Falcon,” Mr. Beach said. “I can’t wait to see her wear that block R.”

MR. LUKE BEACH SHARES HIS PASSION FOR SPORTS, LEADERSHIP AND RELATIONSHIP-BUILDING AT RHS LUKE DEEL

STAFF WRITER

SAMANTHA MEDVED COPY EDITOR

PAGES 8-9 // SPREAD

THE TALON // FEBRUARY 2015

1.

the SQUAD ROCHESTER BOYS FIND ALTERNATE WAY TO SATISFY THE DESIRE TO PLAY BASKETBALL JONATHON MARKWORT

“My friends were making a team,” Rauf said. “ I wanted to be with my friends who were making a team already. I wanted to be involved, so I offered to An electric feeling fills the air as senior Akash coach.”

Pillai and players from 21 other teams compete League commissioner Billy Cribbs looks to create each Saturday in the Legends Division of RARA a fun and competitive basketball environment for all basketball’s Pistons Academy. involved.

Each player can have fun and play in a league The Legends Division offers an alternative to high with talented players. school basketball for grades 9-12, including the two “As commissioner, I am in charge of every single RHS based teams: The Squad and Dem Roc Boyz. aspect of the Pistons Academy,” Cribbs said. “The “I’ve never played organized basketball before,” goal of the RARA Pistons Academy Basketball Pillai said. “I wanted to play, so [senior] Tommy League is to create an environment where competition [Massa] and I started The Squad.” and recreation meet and combine to create the best The Squad is filled with players who have played basketball experience possible.” together at Lifetime Fitness. This has helped their While the players want to have fun, each team has a understanding of each other on the court. desire to end the season playing in Auburn Hills.

“I was at Lifetime and I saw the guys on the team,” “Our goal is to play at the Palace,” Pillai said. “We sophomore Kyle Johnson said. “I knew Tommy and want to finish in the top four.” the coaches, so when they asked me to join, I said yes.”

To help their teams, players have set goals to Lifetime serves as the practice court for The Squad. improve as individuals.

By playing together there, they can better develop “My season goals are to limit my turnovers,” needed chemistry for RARA games.

Johnson said. “I also want to score 20 points per “We have our practices at Lifetime,” coach of The game.”

Squad and senior Ahad Rauf said. “Everybody on the The coaches contribute by helping their teams to team is a member, so we practice there.” get better and make by making adjustments in-game.

RARA has also attracted players who have played “I help out as much as I can,” Rauf said. “I help on school teams before and want to have some fun. the players on the team by staying positive and I’ll tell “I’ve played organized basketball since the third them something I noticed during the game. I have to grade,” sophomore Thomas Loftus said. “I joined make substitutions, too.”

Dem Roc Boyz because I knew the guys on the team.

Having weekly RARA games has provided Plus, it looked fun.” something for players to look forward to over the Those who don’t want to play can still get involved weekend. in other ways. Ahad Rauf expanded more on his role “Saturdays are extremely hype,” Loftus said. “It’s with The Squad.

STAFF WRITER

gameday, baby.”

Each gameday has a special feel to it as the 22 teams gather to play at Adams High School. These games simulate the feel of a high school game, with a lot less pressure.

“RARA Saturdays are extremely exciting and eventful,” Pillai said. “You never know what’s going to happen.”

The championship venue has helped the level of play to reach new heights. The chance to play in a NBA arena is not given to everyone, so each team wants to get there.

“The players themselves and at which the intensity they play creates a competitive aspect of the league which has not been there in years past,” Cribbs said. “Competition really helps promote the league because it adds more meaning to the games. With the championship game being at The Palace, home of the Detroit Pistons, it creates an end goal for all teams to work towards. Not many high school kids in the state of Michigan will get to say they played a game on the same floor as today’s NBA stars.”

Players in the league have taken notice of the high standards set by other teams.

“The competition is really good,” Loftus said.

“There are a lot of kids who could easily play varsity basketball.”

The league’s growth has been accelerated by the use of social media by several teams.

“Twitter has really taken this league to whole new level,” Cribbs said. “The league affiliate Twitter account @leaksrara has helped connect teams to each other via social media. Teams are able to announce

new player signings, reveal contract negotiations and have uniform debuts. Twitter and Facebook are obviously a part of 99 percent of all high school kids’ lives and is the fastest way to spread news about players and league news.”

Players have to blend having fun with being competitive in order to keep up with the other teams.

“I’m pretty competitive,” Johnson said. “I can still have fun while I play though. RARA is really fun.”

Due to each team’s desire to win and play at the Palace, emotions can run high during games.

“Sometimes I’m too intense,” Loftus said. “When the other team talks trash, I play harder.”

Playing well and coming out on top provide some players with the most satisfaction each weekend.

“The best parts of RARA are scoring and winning,” Pillai said. “Winning makes everything fun.”

Coaches agree that winning makes the experience more enjoyable.

“Winning is really fun,” Rauf said. “It always feels a lot better than a loss. Nobody wants to lose.”

RARA has also helped to teach individual players to act as a unit.

“We’ve learned to play together as a team,” Pillai said. “We don’t just play one-on-one anymore.”

Players have used their time on the court to become better friends.

“RARA has helped us bond,” Loftus said. “It allows us to spend more time together.”

RARA has helped teams grow closer off of the court as well.

“After games, we usually get food and hang out,” Rauf said. “We’re all friends and it’s fun to do.”

2.

ABOVE: Deb ROC Boyz poses for their team picture.

TOP LEFT: The Squad poses for their team picture.

TOP RIGHT: Senior Tommy Massa of The Squad attempts a floater over defender mid-game.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Senior John Kalil of Dem Roc Boys takes the ball to the rim past a defender.

Photos Courtesy of Tommy Massa

PAGE 10 // ADVERTISEMENTS

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PAGE 11 // LIFESTYLES

THE TALON //FEBRUARY 2015

COPING WITH LOSS SYDNEY BAMMEL LIFESTYLES EDITOR

Standing over her father’s casket, senior Emberly Skaggs says her goodbye to her father. As they lay her father to rest, she now must start her journey to try to cope with her newfound loss. This event occurred three years ago; however, she is still dealing with her loss today.

“The loss of my father was a while ago but I am definitely not fully recovered,” Skaggs said. “I don’t believe anyone can be fully recovered from the loss of a loved one, but I can say that life does go on and the loss gets easier with time.”

According, to the Kübler-Ross grief cycle, the first stage of loss is shock, followed by denial and anger.

“When someone close to you dies there are a lot of different thoughts that may come to mind,” grief counselor Mrs. Lauren Greve said. “Thoughts may range from asking why the person had to die to being upset that the person left them. A person may also begin thinking of how they are going to go on through life without that person.”

The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that there are many different ways people deal with loss from talking to others to working to accept one’s feelings.

“After I found out that my cousin hung himself, I put my running shoes on and ran two miles,” freshman Parker Work said. “It really helped clear my head.”

The APA also states that psychologists can be helpful with dealing with the loss of loved ones because they are trained to help people deal with the fear, guilt and anxiety that can be associated with losing someone.

“After losing my father, I went to therapy, which is nothing to be ashamed of,” Skaggs said. “I also surrounded myself with amazing friends. My mother is a huge slice of my support system and I don’t know where I would be without her.”

Helpguide.org explains that the more significant the loss is, the more intense the grief can be.

“I have lost four people within four months and I know it is different losing someone you close to than losing someone you don’t really know,” Work said. “Losing your sibling is different than losing cousin, and losing your cousin is different than losing a classmate. People’s death impacts you differently depending on how deep of a connection you have with that person.”

However, the loss of a person no matter what the relationship still can have an effect on a person’s overall lifestyle.

“The loss of someone (close to you or not close) can help put things into perspective,” Mrs. Greve said. “The loss of a life always brings to the forefront that we cannot take things for granted and that life is a precious gift.”

Another factor that can impact the grief a person experiences is the knowledge that the loss of a person is coming.

“In the case of my grandfather’s cancer, it was extremely hard to know that he was suffering but reliving that if and when he died, I could say goodbye,” Skaggs said. “I never got to say goodbye to my father because he died suddenly.”

Although losing someone can have varying effects on

Students and teachers talk about methods for coping with the loss of a loved one.

Photo by Jacob Hoeg

different people, Mrs. Greve says that there is something people can do to help their friends that are dealing with loss.

“Supporting friends who have lost someone can be as easy as spending time with that person,” Mrs. Greve said.

“Doing things to help take their mind off the loss and doing things to help that person talk about the person who died can be very helpful.”

THE STAGES OF GRIEF: Shock stage - Initial paralysis at hearing the news Denial stage - Trying to avoid the inevitable Anger stage - Frustrated outpouring of bottled-up

emotion

Bargaining stage - Seeking in vain for a way out Depression stage - Final realization of the inevitable

Testing stage - Seeking realistic solutions Acceptance stage - Finally finding the way forward Note: Research has shown that not all people go though every stage; however, the Kübler-Ross grief cycle is a generalized model for most people.

PAGE 12 // ENTERTAINMENT

THE TALON // FEBRUARY 2015

ROCHESTER STAYCATION

Where to go if you’re stuck in the ROC for Spring Break 2K15 JESSICA LEININGER

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

1. Rochester

2. Troy

3. Royal Oak

4. Detroit

5. Clawson

All the roads and buildings are familiar, there’s nothing to do, and you’re sick of being here. OK. Fine.

But take a second and think about it. Rochester isn’t as lame as you might think. If you can roll off your couch and go outside, there will be something to do.

If you haven’t been downtown since middle school, try it out!

Get an appetizer or dessert at a restaurant downtown. If it’s late/ early enough, go to Knapps Donuts and get an eclair (they taste better at 4 a.m. anyway) Go see a movie at Emagine with someone instead of watching one in your basement alone. You can go to Red Lobster or Olive Garden afterward. Make the people at Target sad by playing hide and go seek and messing up all the baby stroller and appliance shelves because you hid behind the boxes.

If food and movies aren’t your thing, or if you’re strapped for cash, try being outside. Don’t just ‘hang out’ outside. If you have friends, play hide and go seek or tag. You don’t have to be mature to have fun, and it helps if you let go of your ego a little. Relive the better (or worst, your call) parts of your childhood. Play some sports at Borden Park or O.U., just make sure the fields aren’t being used already. There’s always the Paint Creek and Clinton River trails too, so you can take a pet or lover on a walk. Make sure you use a collar though, because you don’t want them to get away.

Also, you probably have family and friends here. Tell them you appreciate and love them. Clean your bathroom. Do whatever it takes to avoid finishing any homework.

Troy doesn’t have a downtown that’s comparable to ours, but they do bear a variety of food in their semi-financial district, where you can customize a burger at Halo Burger, eat flaming chocolate at The Melting Pot, or get hit by a vespa at Piada’s Italian Street Food (the Pepperoni Stick is supposedly a MUST). Farther out, you can find some pretty authentic Chinese, Japanese and Korean food. East Lake, Kim’s and Tom Sushi come to mind.

If you feel like spending your money on some material goods to make yourself feel better about how all of your friends are probably having more fun than you somewhere else, go to Somerset. There’s a store for everyone. Go to Lush and get some soap made by a guy named Calvin, or go to LuluLemon and hope that the Wunder Under Pant “leggings” you’re buying are opaque enough to be worn as actual pants. Take the skyway for a workout on the moving sidewalks. See how many times you can go back and forth before you break a sweat.

If you want to break a sweat even faster, drive over to Airtime. Bouncing around on the trampolines and inflatables will remind you that you aren’t as young as you used to be, and that maybe you should start working out more and taking vitamins for your joints. There’s a Lifetime in Troy that’s pretty much the same as in Rochester, but you won’t see as many people you know.

But hey, you wouldn’t see anyone at the gym in Rochester either, because they’re all miles away having a blast without you.

To get here, just take Livernois south until you feel a mild sense of inferiority. Park, and then get over it. Royal Oak has a nicer (read: larger) downtown than many of the Metro Detroit suburbs. It’s so hip that people who want to be hip flock to it.

There’s a range of stores, you can pick up super kawaii Hello Kitty stationary, then take a few brisk steps down the street to skim the specialty goods at the local leather shop.

If you’re looking for experience over shopping, Royal Oak offers that as well. See a movie and go bowling at the local Emagine. If you find yourself there, and it’s too mainstream for you, get out of that top 40 loving cesspool, and run to Landmark Main Art theatre. It’s literally right next to the Emagine, but it shows movies that have, like, way more character. “Birdman” was shown there, and it swept the Oscars.

That wasn’t a coincidence.

There are a lot of restaurants and cafes in the area, like Goldfish Tea, where you can grab some steaming rooibos tea, and sit on a pillow on the floor. There’s also Thai Cafe. It’s tricky though, because it’s really a restaurant.

Also tricky is that the apple salad there is not a salad, but rather a pile of delicious apple shavings.

The chicken satay is good there too, but if you are vegan, Royal Oak is ready to cater to you, with at least 10 restaurants with vegan options, because meat is murder, and so are eggs, milk and gelatin.

Royal Oak wants you to love it, and it is trying so hard, so give it a chance.

People call Detroit a washed up, bankrupt ghost town, but they’re wrong-o. There is so much to do in Detroit, given that your parent’s are willing to risk letting you explore this urban environment. There’s culture in Detroit. There’s art, music, science, sports and more!

The DIA is a beautiful place where you can go and appreciate the art that has formed the society we lived in, and also look at contemporary compositions and give strangers explanations as to how a line is representative of the human condition. It is also free. Show them a photo ID and you will get in. MOCAD is another contemporary art museum that you can check out there.

The DSO and Majestic Complex both offer music on Woodward Ave. Go see a show.

Tell people you went to a show in Detroit. Give no supplemental details. Enhance your air of mystery.

If you are a nerd, go to the Michigan Science Center. Learn stuff like how asphalt works, or how sound works. There are a lot of lights and sounds, in the displays, and it’s geared toward little kids, so you might actually understand what’s going on! There’s an IMAX dome, and a planetarium there too.

Planetariums are sick.

If you’re not a freak or a nerd, go see a Tiger game at Comerica Park, and get a coney dog afterward. This is actually a prerequisite to be allowed tell people you’re from Detroit.

Also, you need to have spent time in Detroit in order to tell people you are from Detroit. So take some of the tips above.

Ok, so if you took Livernois down to Royal Oak as mentioned earlier, pretty much everything you passed by between your destination and Troy was trash.

There were some houses, and a weird chicken on top of a building, and that was about it. Go back to that chicken. Right there, that’s Clawson. The chicken is on top of Faym-us Chicken, where you could pick up some tabloid worthy fried chicken.

Stick around for a bit, and you’ll see what you were missing out on this little golden stretch of 14 mile. This place will clothe, feed and entertain you.

There are a couple resale stores, Regeneration and Hips Resale. They have good prices, and cull through thrift items so you don’t have to. Grab that vintage leather jacket, look tough, and continute down the street, because you’ll need it.

Clad in that leather jacket, you’re ready for the rest of your journey though Clawson, because you’re gonna pick us some vinyl from the local record store, Flipside. Don’t have a record player? Well, I guess you aren’t cool enough to be there.

Buy a CD and scamper out to where you might fit in better, The Wundergroud Magic Shop.

You can learn some sick card tricks, sure to pick up some babes at the local bar, pardon, sushi bar, Noble Fish. There’s a sushi bar in the back of the Japanese grocery market, and it’s always packed.

With good reason, the sushi is fresh, authentic and you can buy candy that will catch your tounge off guard. Go alone, especially on Valentine’s, and you will totally get hit on.

PAGE 13 // OPINION

“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 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, Thomas Massa 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

THE TALON // FEBRUARY 2015

STAFF EDITORIAL:

Everyone copes with loss differently Following the loss of Gage Garmo, the community almost seemed at odds over who had the right to mourn him. Some of those who were close to Garmo felt like those who did not know him very well were just acting upset for attention, or to go along with the crowd. Others in the community may have felt that people were overreacting and being dramatic. While one may have these thoughts it’s always better to remain judgment free. After any kind of loss, whether it be a loved one or an acquaintance, it is important to remember that everyone will have a different reaction.

When people are grieving they are already dealing with enough emotional turmoil; the last thing they need is to manage someone judging their feelings on top of that. As an outside influence, one should strive to aid those in grief rather than make their experiences worse. Rather than being negative and judgmental bystanders, people should strive to be compassionate, comforting and open-minded.

Despite it simply being decent human behavior to support someone who is grieving, it is ridiculous to even think of judging them because nobody has the ability to understand what is going on in someone else’s head. Often one event will remind someone of a similar experience. While the loss that actually occurred might not have directly impacted a person, it could have drudged up something from the past, and make he individual feel rightfully upset. For instance, if a person’s best friend had to put his or her dog down, he or she is not directly affected. However, that does not mean that he or she doesn’t have the right to feel upset about it. Maybe he or she had to put their cat down before and his or her friend’s experience brought back memories.

Nobody can really be sure, so judgment should be reserved.

Some might argue that there is a “right” or “appropriate” way to feel in certain situations, and that only close family and friends have the right to feel upset. It’s likely the angry stage of grief that causes these judgmental feelings to develop, and that person has every right to feel angry for the loss. He or she, however, does not have the right to make others feel bad about the way they are responding. If the angry individual gets to the source of the anger, it’s likely the sense of helplessness and the finality of the loss that is causing it and not actually being annoyed with others. In any case, judgment in addition to loss is unnecessary.

While few individuals got involved in the finger-pointing about so-and-so going down to the media center when he or she didn’t even really know Gage or what’s-her-face writing Tweets or posting photos to Instagram about Gage when she wasn’t even in his inner circle, it really should’ve been zero. Luckily, a vast majority of the community came together, lifted each other up and supported one another through the tremendous loss.

But it’s always good to reflect, learn and grow through all tough situations.

In the future, all people should know that loss is difficult for so many reasons, and reserving judgment about how others react is always best. After all, as the age-old adage goes, “Be kind to everyone you meet because you never know what kind of battles people are fighting.”

“I think it’s nice that people still try to find ways to keep someone’s memories alive, regardless of how close they were to the person who died.”

Ninotchka Valdez,10

“Even though I didn’t know Gage, I mourned for him because his story touched me.”

Mrudula Sriam, 10

“I realize loss is a huge part of life and mourning is a natural and healthy response. I think that recognizing this is an important part of coping with the loss of someone close to you.”

David Martin, 12

PAGE 14 // SPORTS

THE TALON // FEBRUARY 2015

INDOOR TRACK prepares athletes for upcoming season Track athletes receive the opportunity to participate in indoor meets against other STAFF WRITER schools training during the off-season.

Many trainees are prompted by coach Larry Though it’s the off-season for track Adams to compete in these meets, although athlete and senior Spencer Perun, he they are not required, and are independent performs his sprints between the hallways. from the school.

He knows that indoor track is the best time While the meets offer a good to prepare for an impending spring season understanding for what the team will be ahead of him. encountering when the spring season “It can have a huge impact by improving begins, it’s the conditioning held at school your mindset and your body by getting that also allows the athletes to be in their them ready through the conditioning,” comfort zone for when it really counts.

Perun said. “This is an advantage other “Indoor [track] has a big impact because schools we compete against don’t have.” it helps build up my Off-season training endurance so then when is a common feature “Indoor [track] brings the team it comes to outdoor for many sports at together and allows for a more fluid season I’m not starting RHS. Though it’s transition into the spring.” at square one,” junior not mandatory, the Aubrey Gallacher said. athletes from these “I can hit the peak of sports are encouraged Joseph Schuler, 11 to get involved and //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// my season earlier and only get better from get a head start of there.” their opposing schools Nearly all the come the start of their seasons. athletes are at a different starting point for “Football, baseball and lacrosse all have the beginning of their off-season training, winter conditioning, and so does track,” but it’s their own self motivation and effort junior Joseph Schuler said. “The difference that determine whether or not they will get is that indoor track gives athletes the chance themselves back in form for spring. to compete in meets as well as practice.”

JOEL FICKEL

1.

1. Senior Ariel Crumes, juniors Erin Trevarrow and Aubrey Gallacher and senior Michael Kainz work on changing their speed from walking to sprinting as they take laps around the mall. 2. Spencer Perun leads the boys in “active,” a stretching routine that the athletes perform prior to their workout. 3.The athletes take laps around the hallways of school to begin their warm up. Photos by Joel Fickel

2.

“Putting in effort and working hard is what’s most important,” Schuler said. “It’s not about how fast or how long you can run, but about how much you are pushing yourself.”

The environment created by the coaches and other athletes helps encourage participants to go beyond how they would perform by themselves.

“The benefit of working out at school is that I’m with my friends and we have a guideline of a workout, and then during that workout you have all those people there to help push you through all the pain you’re going through,” Gallacher said.

“They push you farther than you thought you could push yourself. They only make you stronger.”

Motivation and drive becomes helpful as well during occasional basic drilling where it’s entirely on the athletes to try and get the most out of their training. With many other teams training at the same time as indoor track, it becomes a challenge for the coaches to create worthwhile exercises to improve the athletes.

“We [the coaches] have to mix it up because we need to be creative of what we do with the limited space we’re given. In terms of running, we don’t want to run too

much because the hard surface will lead to injuries,” assistant coach Ms. Christina Larsen said. “We try to rotate the athletes through 10 minutes of running, station work and lifting.”

Despite the intense drilling brought out by both the coaches and athletes, this training allows the athletes to gel better with each other as the team is able to literally and metaphorically jump over hurdles together.

“Indoor [track] brings the team together and allows for a more fluid transition into the spring,” Schuler said. “The team forms during practices so when the grind of track comes, people are prepared to stick it out as a team.”

One of the highlights of RHS’ track team is the bond that is formed between the athletes. Everyone pushes his or her teammates to get the most out of them, and even though the training is taken seriously among the athletes, as a group, they are still light-hearted enough to enjoy the experience.

“The team has a lot of spirit and heart.

They’re very dedicated in what they do,” Ms. Larsen said. “They can sometimes be a rowdy bunch, but they’re very supportive and motivate each other really well.”

3.

PAGE 15 // SPORTS

THE TALON // FEBRUARY 2015

The signees from the Class of 2015 take a selfie on signing day. Photo Courtesy of Kyle Repetto

RHS Signees

SIGNING DAY

College-bound athletes discuss their futures ZANE D’SOUZA SPORTS EDITOR

It’s a day many little boys and girls dream about as they score their first goal, hit their first home run or spike their first ball: signing day.

Seven athletes from RHS signed on to continue their athletic career at the university of their choice.

The decision of picking a school is a major point in an athlete’s career, and the process for each player is different. Senior Haley Lenderman, who is playing softball for North Carolina-Wilmington, explains what the process was like for her.

“The recruiting process for me was very, very long,” Lenderman said. “I started emailing and calling coaches as a freshman. You have to get your name out there as much as possible so coaches notice you.”

For senior Kyle Repetto, who will run cross country for Bowling Green, said he made sure to consider elements of college other than athletics.

“I made my college decision

“There is more exposure to the based on the school, not the sports athletes, more contact with them team,” Repetto said. “The most and criticism from the general important part of my decision public.” had nothing to do with athletics, Many athletes have started because my long-term future will to play with travel teams to gain not involve professional athletics.” more experience against a higher Lenderman on the other hand caliber of competition. Lenderman could not wait to leave the harsh expanded on how this helped her. winters of Michigan for a more “Nothing against high school, enjoyable scene. but travel is just such a different “I picked UNC-Wilmington atmosphere and a higher level,” because it is south and so much Lenderman warmer,” said. “You Lenderman said. “I also “Today’s student-athlete is always have loved the more of an athlete-student.” competition and campus Mr. Andre Harding, former someone and other is always players.” division one athlete better so it As time //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// gives you has gone on, incentive to recruiting work even has changed.

This is apparent for English teacher harder.”

As players transition from the Mr. Andre Harding, who went to Eastern Michigan University to run high school to the collegiate level, the transition can be difficult. track the 1990s.

Repetto expanded on his readiness.

“The biggest change has to be “I feel prepared for college social media,” Mr. Harding said.

athletics because I know I have more to learn, I know I can improve and I know my high school coaches have prepared me well for the future,” Repetto said. “I am also very comfortable with my future coach.”

The pressure of college sports can be huge on players. Though it always has been, it has changed drastically, according to Mr. Harding.

“There has been a societal shift on the emphasis of sports in the life of the student-athlete,” Harding said. “This is induced by travel teams, all-star games, the media, parental roles and an overall deterioration of values in society.

Today’s student-athlete is more of an athlete-student.”

Kyle Repetto explained what he thought about the signing day ceremony.

“I enjoyed signing day because it was fun to get together with the other signees from Rochester and get recognized by our school,” Repetto said.

Haley Lenderman UNC Wilmington Softball Jake Stout Toledo Baseball Kyle Repetto Bowling Green Track & Field Nebojsa Popovic Saint Louis Soccer Rachel Rosario Davenport Cheer Ellie Grupenhoff Kalamazoo Soccer Sierra Nixon Chicago State Soccer

1 PAGE 16 // TALON LOVE QUIZ

THE TALON // FEBRUARY 2015

WANT A MANLY MAN? WANT A CLASSY LASSY? a. He e D’Souz n a Z is e Talon Lov oli.

A’s, your a and Edgar Sok ll a t o g s s a M If you y ke, Tomm likes Dra

TAKE THIS QUIZ! TAKE THIS QUIZ! WHAT ICE CREAM FLAVOR ARE YOU? A) BUTTER PECAN B) MINT CHOCOLATE COOKIE C) BATMAN POPSICLES D) SHERBERT E) VANILLA F) CAPPUCCINO CHIP

If you got all B’s, your Talon Love is Tommy Massa. He likes Hip-Hop, Rap and Urban Exploration.

kwort. thon Mar a n Jo is e Talon Lov dy.

C’s, your tter and Tom Bra ll a t o g o P y r If you r a sports, H He likes

If you got all D’s, your Talon Love is David Martin. He likes lacrosse, strong opinio ns and snow days.

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FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT A POTENTIAL MATE?

FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT A POTENTIAL MATE?

HOW DO YOU TAKE YOUR COFFEE?

HOW DO YOU TAKE YOUR COFFEE?

A) KINDNESS B) FASHION C) ATHLETICISM D) EYES E) FACE F) FITNESS LEVEL

A) BLACK OR WITH A SPLASH OF 1% B) AS TEA C) IN THE FORM OF MCDONALD’S COKE D) WHITE. AKA MILK. I HATE COFFEE. E) MOCHA FRAPPUCINOS F) BLACK

A) NICE DINNER AND A ROMANTIC WALK B) CONCERT, FLIGHT CLUB AND BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE C) RED WINGS GAME D) VACATION ON A TROPICAL ISLAND E) GOING TO OUTER SPACE F) LUNCH & AN FC BARCELONA GAME

FAVORITE LOVE SONG? If you got all likes ever F’s, your Talon Lo ve is Edga ything Eu ro r Lifetime basketba pean, his mom’s c Sokoli. He ll. ooking an d

A) HALF BAKED B) MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP C) HAZED & CONFUSED D) COOKIE DOUGH E) CHERRY GARCIA F) RASPBERRY CHIP CHEESECAKE

TEACHER IDOL?

DREAM DATE? ael Kainz e is Mich v o L n lo a your T t all E’s, irls.

If you go es, sports and g h c likes wat

WHAT ICE CREAM FLAVOR ARE YOU?

TEACHER IDOL? A) MR. BEACH B) MR. BRISKI C) MR. ADAMS D) MR. FOX E) MR. MIESCH F) MR. ZWOLINSKI

A) “ADORN” BY MIGUEL B) “SWIM GOOD” BY FRANK OCEAN C) “BABY GOT BACK” BY SIR MIXALOT D) “BREAKING FREE” FROM HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL E) “MY GIRL” BY THE TEMPTATIONS F) “MARVIN’S ROOM” BY DRAKE

If you got all likes hem A’s, your Talon Lov p products e , water bo is Allison Skelcy. S ttles and he Reddit.

A) MRS. GAMBARO B) MS. BURKE C) MRS. SLOMKA D) MRS. SATTERTHWAITE E) MS. WOOD F) MRS. MATTHEWS

A) MUSCLES B) HANDS C) SHOES D) EYES E) STYLE F) SMILE

A) LIKE MY MEN, HOT AND STEAMY B) WITH A SHOT OF ESPRESSO & SUGAR C) I DON’T D) ENGLISH TOFFEE MOCHA E) BLACK F) VERY SERIOUSLY

ssica Leininger. ur Talon Love is Je If you got all B’s, yo sharks. ng, Hello Kitty and She likes kickboxi

If you got all C’s, your Talon Love is Sam Medved. She likes yarn, flannel sheets and cacti.

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DREAM DATE?

A) HIKE & HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE B) ROAD TRIP C) BINGE WATCHING FRIENDS D) ANYTHING WITH YOU E) CHINESE FOOD AT HOME F) UP NORTH

If you got all E’s, your Talon Love is Danielle Kullm She likes cheese ann. , the history of salt and VW Rabb its.

FAVORITE LOVE SONG?

A) “HOME” BY EDWARD SHARPE & THE MAGNETIC ZEROES B) “OMG” BY USHER C) “LA VIE EN ROSE” BY EDITH PIAF D) “THINKING OUT LOUD” BY ED SHEERAN E) “RAVE ON” BY BUDDY HOLLY F) “IRIS” BY GOO GOO DOLLS

te Cloutier. ur Talon Love is Colet yo , F’s all t go u yo If Everdeen. , sports and Katniss ry to his S. U. es lik e Sh