January 2014

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2013-2014

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education PUBLIC FOR ALL education

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education EQU A breakdown of 504 and Individualized Education Plans examines the accommodations available to those with specific learning needs. Pages 10-11

EQUAL FOR ALL 180 S. Livernois Rochester Hills, MI 48307 Volume 76

Senior Nick Theodoracatos is spending his last year of high school studing abroad in Germany, thanks to a scholarship.

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For information about what to do if you get in a car accident, check out our “Crash Course.”

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Issue 5

Jan. 31, 2014

Check out this month’s photostory on the hype of the winter pep assembley and the highlights of the annual Crossdown Showdown against AHS. Pages 18-20

2 I NEWS

RCS

RHS

A team from AdvancEd completed 91 interviews (1 administrator, 30 teachers and counselors, 4 support staff, 49 students and 6 parents), 31 effective learning environment observations and a comprehensive review of artifacts compiled by NCA chairs media specialist Mrs. Julie Harris, and science teachers Ms. Kelly Ortman and Mrs. Erin Slomka on Jan. 14-15 and came away with an official recommendation for Accreditation through North Central Association, along with some impressive scores.

“I think getting the highest scores the AdvancED people have seen is something that RHS should be very proud of,” junior Jake Kelly said.

The RHS students and staff were awarded the highest score possible, a four, in six categories, including: principal performance, leaders focused on student achivement, avalible communication for stakeholders, support systems for at-risk students, media specialist makes information resources avalible, and remarkably strong personal relationships among students, parents and staff.

“I think that it is very impressive how high we performed,” freshman Audrey Bevaqua said. “I’m not surprised at all; RHS is a really good school.”

JANUARY 2014

The largest blanket of snow in decades covered what seemed like the entire state of Michigan on Jan. 5. This is the first time the current generation students has seen this much snow, enough to extend RCS’s winter break by three days. Classes resumed Jan. 9.

“I love extra days off, but this close to exam week means that teachers have to rush and overload us with work to make up for the lost time,” sophomore Lilly Mackley said. “If we have to add any days onto the end of the year, I’m done.”

Monday, school was closed due to snow accumulation, Tuesday for subzero temperatures as low as -40 and Wednesday due to treacherous roads. RCS is a public school where only six snow days are allotted for the school year and if the maximum is exceeded, extra days or additional time added to the remaining school days might have to be made up.

“Although it would stink to have to go to school longer, I’d be okay with it,” sophomore Jake Little said. “If there are too many days missed, I understand that more days must be added so that required curriculum can be covered.”

Photo Courtesy ofKelsey Bammel

Photo Courtesy of Dave Sizer

STATE Michigan has recently been receiving a lot of attention from the travel community. Some specific areas of Michigan that have gained recognition are: Grand Rapids, which topped the charts of Lonely Planet’s places to visit in 2014; Leland, Michigan, which was ranked number two place to watch a sunset in America; Sleeping Bear Dunes which was given the title “Most beautiful place in America”; and Detroit, which was named a “busy hotspot.”

“I think Michigan has always had a pretty good amount of tourism,” economics teacher Mr. Erik Vernon said. “In the summertime there are nice beaches and in the fall the colors are beautiful up North.”

Being positively recognized nationally always gives the opportunity for tourism income to grow, although some recognitions are more important than others because more people look at certain lists such as Lonely Planet’s. Michigan tourism has been growing 21 percent within last year few years having more than $3.8 million tourists come to Michigan.

“Getting the word out about great places to go in Michigan is key,” Mr. Vernon said. “The more we are recognized for our attractions, the more likely jobs that cater to tourists will be created and could cause a boost in that area of the economy.”

Photo Courtesy of Pete Souza

U.S. On June 9, 2013 the Snowden leak became a huge deal as it revealed government programs of the National Security Association, NSA, that lead to the debate of online security versus safety.

On Jan.17, 2014, President Barack Obama briefly mentioned the public’s concern in a speech he gave. He stated that he would be putting off making any major policy changes for now.

“I think Obama messed up big time,” junior Matt Schira said.

“Instead of coming with a good solution to one of our biggest problems, he is just ignoring them.”

Not acting on the NSA leak could cause the United States economy to lose 22 billion to 35 billion dollars, according to analyst, Daniel Castro. This is due to the fact that major companies such as Google and At&T are giving the government the personal information for storage.

“The NSA really has no reason to be collecting the records,” senior Andrew Brusoe said. “It’s a violation of privacy and any group planning an attack that has half a brain will find other ways to communicate, such as using the deep web which companies such as Google don’t have indexed or in person.”

WORLD Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade was arrested in late December with charges of not paying her maid minimum wage and lying about it on her visa application. Upon her arrest in New York, she was strip-searched and indicted. The Indian government retaliated, ordering that commercial activity, such as the American-run bowling alley and swimming pool in New Delhi, be closed until the charges against Khobragade are dropped.

“I think she deserved to be arrested but not strip searched,” senior Chris Duststar said. “It’s already bad enough that people can’t make money these days, and if someone isn’t paying minimum wage it’s not fair to the workers.”

Khobragade was finally granted diplomatic immunity after India’s request to accredit her to the United Nations, which increased her already partial diplomatic immunity as a counselor officer. Khobragade traveled back to India the second week of January.

“I don’t think it’s fair to grant her diplomatic immunity,” junior Chloe Gonterman said. “If a person does not obey a law that was put into place by authority, then they should be punished. It is just like not obeying a parent’s rule and getting grounded. If people are not punished for crimes, the world will be full of people who think they are above the law and have no fear of authority, which would cause a chaotic mess.”

THE TALON

JANUARY 2014

COMMUNITY CELEBRATES

BY COLETTE CLOUTIER

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF MLK, JR.

In January of 1994, the Paint Creek Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rochester celebrated The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. day for the first time. Around this time, Reverend Carol Huston took a poll and was surprised to find out that, aside from a few elementary school teachers, MLK Day was not being celebrated by Rochester Community Schools. Together, with four other congregation members who had children in the district, Huston’s group got in touch with the superintendent to register a complaint. “[The Superintendent] set us up to meet with the assistant superintendent who happened to be African American,” Rev. Huston said. “Her response to us was: ‘I am so glad to see you.

We are currently talking with the teachers about having MLK, Jr. as a holiday next year, but I was really hoping that a request to recognize the day would come from the community. Thank you.’ So the calendar building went ahead and, in 1995, MLK Day was a holiday [in RCS].”

In sum, it was members of the Paint Creek Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rochester who began the annual MLK Jr. community celebration.

“I’m happy to think back on this,” Rev. Huston said. “[It’s] one of the concrete contributions the congregation made to the life of Rochester.”

The MLK, Jr. celebration has evolved and grown since the 1995 event. Many different aspects of the community are now incorporated, including music, writing and different local speakers, not to mention that community involvement has increased.

“The MLK, Jr. event unites the Rochester community with the goal of celebrating and holding up the values of justice, love, learning and action that Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life stood for,” Rev. Leonetta Bugleisi said. “It is a celebration of scripture, youth essays and poems, prayer, sermon, song, PowerPoint presentations and drumming in the form of a Worship Service opened to all people of all faiths.”

RHS Principal and MLK Planning Committee member Mr. Charles Rowland III was a responsive reader at this year’s event and was joined by the RHS “Chamber Ladies” choir.

“I am very proud of the RHS choir who performed at the event under the direction of Mrs. Jolene Plotzke. They were, as always, fabulous,” Mr. Rowland said. “I was also proud of RHS freshman Dipra Debnath, who was the high school winner in the MLK essay contest. RHS was very well represented at this great community event.”

The Rochester Community Schools and Rochester Area Minister’s Association co-plan this event, with preparations for the January event beginning in mid-September. Unitarian Universalist Rev. Leonetta Bugleisi and St. Paul’s United Methodist Rev. Latha Ravi were co-planners this year.

“This event takes a lot of collaboration with choir directors, mayors, churches and school principals working together to draw in an intergenerational participation for this annual event,” Rev. Bugleisi said.

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of MLK, Jr’s. “I Have a Dream” speech, and the planning committee incorporated this “golden anniversary” in the theme of the celebration.

“Each year a different theme is chosen. This year it is the 50th (golden) anniversary of the ‘I have a dream’ speech,” Rev. Bugleisi said. “The Golden Rule came up in a planning session and this seemed appropriate as it is a foundational rule found in

THE TALON

NEWS I 3

Photo Illustration by Melanie Wong and Aubrey Ritz

all world religions and therefore, represents the diversity that is community members from all faiths join together to make this needed to fulfill the dream of MLK, Jr. We a true community celebration of the Reverend will still, of course, be emphasizing MLK, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. I have Jr’s. speech, yet we are always conscious been involved in this event for many years and that the perspective must be renewed and “It is not a dream, but a look forward to participating for many years to revisited to keep the actions needed to come.” goal that requires our bring this dream into fruition.”

Rev. Bugleisi would also like community ongoing work in action members to reflect on the true essence of Martin Mr. Rowland feels similarly, and believes that it is our duty to carry on Dr. Luther King, Jr.’s actions and message. and faith, not just MLK, Jr.’s inspirational work.

“MLK Day is not just a day off from work passively dreaming.”

“The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther and school,” Rev. Bugleisi said. “It is a day King, Jr. was an enormously important of planning to continue education, love and REVEREND BUGLEISI figure in our history; we must continue vigilance in honoring each individual and the the work he began if we are to realize the diversity represented in our community. It is a type of world he envisioned, where all are rich fabric of cultures and solutions to bullying, treated with respect and equality,” Mr. Rowland said. “I feel hate crimes and economic injustice that all need the antidote of that one especially great aspect of the event is that clergy and MLK, Jr’s. values to overcome.”

DESIGN BY AUBREY RITZ & MELANIE WONG

JANUARY 2014

4 I FEATURE

sprechen sie deutsch?

Photo by Nick Theodoracatos

Senior Nick Theodoracatos is spending a year in Germany, thanks to the prestigious Congress-Bundestag Exchange Program scholarship.

BY OLIVIA BENNETT Nick Theodoracatos wakes up and peaks out his window at the quaint city of Elstorf, Niedersachsen, Germany. At 17-years-old, Theodoracatos moved across the world to experience a year of European education.

Living in Germany with a completely innovative life, the teenager attends German schools, speaking German 24-7.

“By now, after four years of classes and a half year of living here, I’ve become fluent and have integrated as if I were just another German high-schooler,” Theodoracatos said.

“I wanted to meet new people and try new things in a culture that’s different than our own. I’ve got a new temporary family, new friends, new activities, a new language and a new life.”

According to Theodoracatos, the education in Germany is pretty similar to that in Rochester Community Schools.

“I am taught math, language arts and science,” Theodoracatos said. “The only difference between the typical teenager’s education and mine is the fact that it’s all in German.”

Outside of school, Theodoracatos explains what life is like for a typical German teenager.

DESIGN BY OLIVIA BENNETT

“I’m playing on a soccer team with my Germans, shopping and/or partying in Hamburg, taking Spanish dance lessons, traveling all around Europe to places like Denmark and Italy, and just enjoying the little things that make the life of a German teenager so interesting,” Theodoracatos said. “Heck, I’m even wearing scarves and drinking sparkling water.”

Theodoracatos received the Congress-Bundestag Scholarship to be able to experience this youth exchange. This all-inclusive opportunity allows a student to live in Germany for a year with a placement family while attending a German high school.

“I had to take a number of tests and go through interviews to apply,” Theodoracatos said. “I kind of wanted to experience something different. I wanted to meet new people and try new things in a culture that’s different than our own.”

According to Theodoracatos, the experience has affected him so much that he might consider spending the next four years of his life in college there.

“I mean, don’t get me wrong, my heart belongs to the ROC, but my life here is just as meaningful and I think I definitely have a future here,” Theodoracatos said. “ I’m getting credits here to graduate from RHS and am going to college next year, but if I get accepted where I applied in Germany (Technische Universität München or Albert Ludwigs

Universität Freiburg), there’s a good chance I’ll decide to study here for the next four years.”

RHS friends of Nick “Theo” Theodoracatos provide insight into his personality.

“Nick Theo is legit the bounciest kid and he should come back to America because we all miss his dumb face,” senior Derek Xia said.

Senior Collin Barlage takes his description a bit more seriously.

“Nick is definitely exchange student material,” Barlage said. “As many of his close friends would agree, if anyone deserved to go, it was Nick. Especially for how hard he worked for it.”

Theodoracatos sums up his experiences so far.

“This trip has just been the best experience of my life so far,” Theodoracatos said. “I can’t even explain the feeling I get when I wake up every day and realize what I’m accomplishing. Coming to Europe alone to continue my education and expand my horizons has been the best decision of my life.”

According to Theodoracatos, the involvement in this program has taught him to evolve as a person and develop a better-rounded outlook on life.

“I’m really not a fan of routine, and it’s nice to get out once in a while. And that’s exactly why I’m here,” Theodoracatos said. “My outlook on life is so much different and I’ve grown so much from that awkward little junior I was last year.”

THE CONGRESS BUNDESTAG EXCHANGE PROGRAM

WHAT’S INSIDE - Placement with a carefully selected German host family - Admission to a German high school - Orientation programs in Washington D.C. and Germany - Meetings with American and German government officials - Cultural excursions to the German Bundestag and select German cities - Supplementary language lessons upon arrival in your host community

WHAT’S REQUIRED - A U.S. citizen, national or permanent resident - Between the ages of 15 years and 18 years and 6 months at the start of the program - A current high school student at the time of application, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale

THE TALON

JANUARY 2014

FEATURE I 5

WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET IN A CAR ACCIDENT: 1. Stay calm: Now is not the time to lose your cool.

2. Safety is number one: The first priority is to maintain the safety of everyone involved in the accident. This means turning the hazard lights on, exiting the vehicle when safe to do so, walking to the side of the road, away from traffic, and if car is still functioning, move the car off to the side of the road.

3. Check for injuries: Make sure everyone in the car is okay, then check on the driver and passengers in the other car involved. Call 911 for an ambulence if needed.

CRASH COURSE

RHS students recall their experiences in car accidents and emphasize the impact it had on them. Photo Courtesy of John, Creative Commons

BY AUBREY RITZ At 15-years-old, senior Marissa Kopacz experienced her first car accident being in the passenger seat of her aunt’s car in Kentucky.

As they were getting off the expressway, her aunt thought there was another lane for her to be in, yet when a semi truck approached, she realized the mistake she made. Although there were no serious injuries, the back of the truck hit their car and Kopacz’s outlook had changed.

“I was really scared; I didn’t know what was going on,” Kopacz said. “I thought we were going to get off the guardrail. The other person was completely fine since he was in a semi. He asked us if we were okay, even though it was [my aunt’s] fault.”

According to lawcore.com more than six million car accidents occur each year in the United States, and every 12 minutes someone dies from a car accident. This can seem daunting to teens who are just learning how to drive. Senior Lyndsey Hunsanger experienced a car accident while driving with her permit.

“I was driving my friend home with my permit, which I wasn’t suppose to do,” Hunsanger said. “I guess I just didn’t know how to drive properly, so I just rear ended the person in front of me.”

Although admitting there may have been only a scratch, Hunsanger drove away, afraid

she was going to get in trouble.

“I got really paranoid because I didn’t want to lose my permit or future license,“ Hunsanger said.

Deputy John Ashley has been in several car accidents in his lifetime; he says it’s important for drivers to be aware of their surroundings and to not be distracted.

“The older you get, you realize driving is all about defensive driving. You have to be aware of your surroundings at all times,” Deputy Ashley said. “You have to be ready to come out of that driveway or see that deer on the road. That’s why they don’t want you on your cell phones, eating, putting on your makeup or talking. They want you to concentrate on driving.“ After initially getting into a car accident, Deputy Ashley says that it is important to remain calm and to try to move the vehicle to a safe place. Furthermore, he says to remain with the vehicle, call someone you know and have your information ready. As for calling the police, it is not always necessary.

“Technically, you don’t have to call the police with under a thousand dollars worth of damage, but insurance companies want you to,” Deputy Ashley said. “But you should call the police anyway so you can exchange information.

If the other party is willing to pay the damage.

Let’s say you have a little scratch on your car, then you don’t have to have a report it; it then becomes a civil matter.”

If the police are called, a ticket will be issued,

because the policy is to cite the person at fault Deputy Ashley says. If the accident is claimed on your insurance and you are at fault, it will most likely go up in price, but if you are not at fault it should not go up. Deputy Ashley also mentions to be aware of how one’s car will react in the winter versus the summer.

“A lot of the times, new drivers don’t realize how their cars are going to react in the roads on the icy and slushy roads as opposed to in the summer when the roads are dry and it’s easier to drive,” Deputy Ashley said. “I don’t want to tell people to do donuts in a parking lot to see how their car is going to act, but test out your brakes.

If you see something, an icy patch, test out your car to see how it will react.”

Kopacz feels younger drivers are more likely to get into an accident due to lack of experience.

“Teens and the elderly [are most likely to be in an accident] because teens think that nothing bad can happen to them,” Kopacz said. “They take more risks than older drivers; they think they can shoot this gap even though, in reality, no, [they] can’t.”

Kopacz feels it’s important to be cautious of your surroundings and that, even the most cautious driver can sometimes end up in an accident.

“Brace yourself, because it will happen,” Kopacz said. “[Likely,] at least once in your life you will be in an accident, even if it’s just, like, a door bang. Be safe about it, and try your best to not be in one.”

4. Call the police: Call the police no matter what.

A police report can help establish liability and prevent fraud.

5. Exchange information: Exchange the following information with the other driver:

- Name

- Address

- Phone number

- Driver’s license number

- Insurance company

- Policy number 6. Record the accident: Write down information regarding the accident:

- Time

- Location of accident

- Description of other car (include the

make, model, year, color, license plate

number, and any damages

- Description of individuals involved in

the accident 7. Don’t admit fault or assign blame: Even if it’s obvious whose fault the accident was, don’t ever admit fault or assign blame. That’s for the police and insurance companies to figure out. Exchange information with the driver, but keep discussion to a minimum. This decreases the chance of saying something that could be used against you during the insurance claims process or police report. The only people to talk about the accident with are the police and the insurance company.

8. Call insurance company: When you call the insurance company, give them your information, when and where the accident occurred, and the insurance information of the other driver. If the other driver didn’t have insurance, give the driver’s name and address.

Source: www.artofmanliness.com

DESIGN BY CAMILLE DOUGLAS

2013

6 | FEATURE

BY AMBIKA VOHRA

JANUARY 2014

additional

EVENTS

YEAR IN REVIEW

TECHNOLOGY:

Google Glass trials: Google Glass is a version of a wearable computer designed

by Google in the form of glasses. Information and web pages are displayed in a convenient, hands-free format, and trials are currently underway. The special lenses still need some fine-tuning before they can go on the market. Unfortunately, those who wear prescription glasses are currently not able to use them.

Pope Benedict resigned and Pope Francis became the 266th Pope; his mission includes changing the way the Catholic church is viewed.

A meteor exploded in Russia, damaging property and killing at least 1,000 people.

Candy Crush: This game became an instant hit. Everywhere students and adults alike became sleep-deprived zombies as they pillaged various types of candy to advance to the next level. The popular game hit over 500 million downloads a year after its first release. Don’t be crushed if you haven’t given in to the trend yet; there’s still time.

Drones: Amazon claimed that they could create drones, or automated aircrafts, to deliver packages within hours of an order being placed. A trial version is said to be released by 2015, but the idea still needs major work. Next time you look up into the sky, you might see more than just the sun, clouds and the occasional plane.

ENTERTAINMENT:

Harlem Shake: The many videos of people dancing to the famous track “Harlem Shake” by Baauer swept the internet. The unlikeliest of crowds were quick to join in, including police officers and soldiers. Some of the more popular remakes include Harlem Shake (Original Army Edition) as well as UGA Men’s Swim and Dive Harlem Shake. Be sure to check those out if you haven’t seen them.

Miley Cyrus: Miley Cyrus dancing with Robin Thicke to his hit song “Blurred Lines” became an infamous scandal at the VMA’s. Many posted parodies of the unfortunate occurance, and no one can ever see foam fingers the same way. In addition, her music video for “Wrecking Ball” became immediately controversial, as she rides a wrecking ball in the nude. Cyrus finished off 2013 memorably after performing in Times Square New Year’s Eve.

The National Security Agency (NSA) was revealed to practice warrantless wiretapping when they had previously denied it.

The Duke and Dutchess of Cambridge had their first child, George Alexander Louis.

Long Overdue Reunions: Beyoncé and Justin Timberlake didn’t hesitate to give into the #throwback trend. During the 2013 Superbowl, Beyoncé reunited with her old group Destiny’s Child onstage, generating an uproar from old fans. Similarly, many fans had quite a field day during Justin Timberlake’s VMA performance with former band N-sync. Other notable reunions include New Kids on the Block and Spice Girls.

NOTABLE LEGACIES:

Cory Monteith: Passing away tragically at just 31-years-old on July 13 from drug overdose, “Glee” star Monteith was commemorated by both his fans and his loving girlfriend and co-star, Lea Michelle. His death was a solemn reminder of what substance abuse can do, and he was especially honored at the Teen Choice Awards.

R.I.P.

Nelson Mandela: Mandela’s passing at 95-years-old from a respiratory infection on December 5 sent waves of grief around the world to the many who appreciated his work of peace and political freedom. He emphasized both fight and tranquility throughout his lifetime by being an activist and a philanthropist, most notable for bringing down apartheid in South Africa.

Paul Walker: Starring in the famous “Fast and Furious” movie series, Walker met a sudden death at just 40-years-old on November 30 when his friend lost control while driving Walker’s Porsche. Both passed away from the impact. Even more tragically, Walker had been returning from a charity event, Reach Out Worldwide, when it happened.

DESIGN BY SARAH WALWEMA

The Syrian Regime allegedly used chemical weapons against civilians and rebel groups in a longterm civil dispute, resulting in UN weapons inspectors being called in to find and destroy weapons.

EMERGENCY

Healthcare.gov was launched and experienced a rocky start under the Obama administration.

THE TALON

10 YEARS FORWARD 10 YEARS BACK JANUARY 2014

BY AMBIKA VOHRA

“Lost time is never found again,” Benjamin Franklin once said. Many people carry dreams for the future and regrets of the past. Now that a new year begun, students and staff are reflecting on where they were 10 years ago and where they hope to be 10 years from now.

“I was in my junior year of college in 2004,” math teacher Mrs. Stefanie Shooks said. “I wanted to make sure I got a student teaching job for experience by that fall. All I wanted was to be a teacher – it is what I wanted more than anything. After I found my passion, I worked hard for it.”

Mrs. Shooks encourages students to work for their passions as well, and she believes having a support person plays a vital part in building a successful future.

“My Dad has been a big inspiration to me,” Mrs. Shooks said. “He was also in education, and he taught me all about the ups and downs of it. He gave me ideas on how to get through to kids. He also showed me ways to overcome problems in my life.

Having someone so supportive is important.”

Conversely, seniors at RHS have been contemplating where their fates will take them by 2024 – 10 years after graduation.

“In 2024, I imagine myself having a career and being comfortable in my daily schedule,” senior Jasmine Kim said. “I love to bake and I hope that will be a part of my life as well. If I have enough money, I would love to start my own bakery or eatery – anything to do with food and its art.”

Without being able to predict a future 10 years out, senior Maahirah Salie wants to travel around the world by the end of this year.

“I think I want to take a trip somewhere exotic by the end of the year,” Salie explained. “I love culture and learning about other places, and I have always wanted to travel to France. I think expanding my worldview is something I’d want to do before leaving high school.”

English teacher Ms. Erin Burke not only considers the future, but also documents the past in a diary as a way to preserve special moments.

“I have always been an avid journal writer,” Ms. Burke said. “I still keep a journal, but mainly when I travel because I want to capture the essence of a place.”

There are also inevitable regrets when reflecting on decisions of the past. After all, with every decision comes an opportunity cost, as Mrs. Shooks described.

“I honestly wish my husband would not have taken a job in New Hampshire,” Mrs. Shooks said.

“I wanted what was best for him, but it is hard without him, and the cost is I do miss him a lot.”

Kim affirms that some hard feelings often arise not only because of regret, but also because of disappointment that the future is not shaping up according to plan.

“When I was younger in 2004,” Kim explained, “I saw high school like it was shown in the T.V. shows – something crazy, fun, and exciting at every turn. But now with all the stress of colleges and AP classes, I realized I was missing a lot of the puzzle.”

These puzzle pieces of both the past and the future give identity and meaning to people in the present. There are parts of people’s lives that they want to remember and salvage at all costs.

Surprisingly, if people could salvage only one thing from their present today, it seems not to be their coveted iPhone or laptop.

“I would pick a picture of me and my cats because they are my best friends,” Mrs. Shooks said. “My cats are definitely a part of my life I’d want to remember because they are so dear to me.”

Salie and Kim picked similar sentimental keepsakes. While some are comfortable without knowing all the answers; some enjoy a little mystery. In 1994, 2004 was a distant mystery, and in 2004, 2014 was as well. However, as time passes, these little mysteries unravel.

“I hope to have found something I truly love to do by 2024,” Salie said. “Right now, I’m a bit undecided with my major and what I want out of life. I hope that 10 years from now, the answer will become clear. I guess the future can be interesting that way, not knowing.”

Ms. Burke believes this feeling of not knowing and leaving the past behind is actually a more beneficial one than the constant thought about both timelines. After all, even with the future and the past constantly bombarding people’s thoughts with the dawn of a new year, there is still the present.

“In 2004 I was teaching at RHS,” Ms. Burke said. “I had started traveling and my life was similar to how it is today. It can be detrimental to dwell on the past or obsess over future events. What I do and what I recommend is try to live in the moment as much as possible.”

LIFESTYLES I 7

8 I LIFESTYLES

JANUARY 2014

“i don’t want to ...”

BY MELODY ZHANG Generation Z in recent years has often been accused of being an apathetic and lazy generation in regards to overall lifestyle - a blanketing apathy that spreads from academics to relationships to dayto-day decisions. Though not all may see apathy as a serious issue, those who do feel this way have strong takes on why it may be a primary cause for concern in this country’s generation of teens.

Senior Ludovic Clavette-Lachappelle says that he has, at times, noticed a lack of motivation in fellow classmates.

“One example would be with their academics,” Clavette-Lachappelle said. “Students don’t try to grasp the knowledge; they simply do the minimum amount of work just to get by and pass the class.”

Junior Sneha Dodaballapur believes that carelessness in academics could lead further apathy.

“It could start as not doing a simple homework assignment and eventually could sprout in a disdain towards greater aspects in life,” Dodaballapur said.

Counselor Mrs. O’Toole-Seyka concurs.

“It is a problem because over time, I believe people [will] start to lost interest in caring for others,” Mrs. O’Toole-Seyka said.

WHY ARE PEOPLE APATHETIC?

Such negligence does not sprout overnight; if this generation of young adults does indeed show an unusual lack of concern for work, character and relationships, there may be a number of reasons why.

Senior Ujjwal Chande considers technological growth a leading source of apathy among teens.

“As technology advances, our generation grows accustomed to instantaneous and effortless gratification, making us less attuned to working,” Chande said. “We begin to view that which requires labor or dedication as tedious.”

Clavette-Lachappelle explains that apathy could be a form of emotional self-defense.

“I feel that teens are becoming more apathetic because they have dealt through many struggles which have caused them to have sad and hurt emotions,” Clavette-Lachappelle said. “This causes them to try not to react to the next struggle because they don’t want to feel the pain they had gone through from previous struggles.”

Mrs. O’Toole-Seyka thinks that this defensemechanism can turn into an attitude on life.

“For some people, a way to cope with stress is to shrug off or avoid and be apathetic,” Mrs. O’Toole-Seyka said.

Chande agrees and expands on this idea.

“Usually this is to lessen disappointment in the end if things don’t work out, like college admission or test scores,” Chande said. “This ends up becoming a general attitude and soon a way of life.”

AN EXAMINATION ON

apathy

DOES PARENTING AFFECT APATHY?

Dodaballapur notes that parenting styles could possibly contribute to this matter.

“It may be true that if [parents] don’t value certain efforts or stress some essential responsibilities, their children could pick up and embody similar ideas,” Dodaballapur said. “Young children scrutinize many aspects of their parents which could negatively act upon their behavior or ideologies.”

O’Toole-Seyka maintains that it is the teen that makes the decision to act indifferently.

“In some way, [parenting style contributes to this issue], but high school students are old enough to make social justice decisions on their own,” O’TooleSeyka said. “I would say being apathetic is more of a habit than a life circumstance.”

WHY SHOULD TEENS BE PROACTIVE?

Mrs. O’Toole-Seyka addresses the health concerns surrounding any apathetic individual and explains why it is crucial to live a proactive life instead.

“When I hear apathy, I hear lack of coping, avoiding, and detachment. It isn’t healthy to be detached from reality,” Mrs. O-Toole-Seyka said.

“When someone is apathetic, they have a lack of sense of purpose and meaning in their life. For me, it’s important to have passion, interests and to live a full, true life. This includes connecting with others and impacting others’ lives in a positive way. When you impact others in a positive way, life feels more purposeful and full.”

Clavette-Lachappelle concurs.

“You fill up your life with memories, both good [and] bad, when you are productive,” ClavetteLachappelle said.

Chande asserts that making a habit of a driven lifestyle now will be beneficial in the long run.

“Being productive from an early age sets you in the right path towards prolonged success and in highly stressful scenarios later on in life, such as college and work,” Chande said. “You would handle yourself gracefully and tackle problems [even more effectively] that you would have already been so accustomed to.”

THE SOLUTION

In light of knowing that a negligent and indifferent lifestyle has a damaging impact on the health of an individual, the question about how to fix it remains. Mrs. O’Toole-Seyka suggests a simple idea.

“Act. When you see something that needs addressing, address it,” Mrs. O’Toole-Seyka said.

“It could be as simple as holding the door open for someone with their arms full. It could be throwing away trash that you see on the ground. It could be sharing an umbrella with someone walking when it’s raining outside. Or even speaking up on social media when someone is being slandered. It’s simple respect for yourself and our world.”

Chande acknowledges that time is needed for this generation to mature into responsible and active adults.

“With time, one can better evaluate his or her own life and make proper judgements that will affect their lives for the better,” Chande said.

“Asking too much of people who are not even onefourth into their lives is a lot to ask -- patience is key.”

Dodaballapur has hope for a brilliant future.

“I think apathy can be a perpetual thing and can just be evident in a certain stage of life: teenage years,” Dodaballapur said. “With time and experience, our generation can definitely grow out of it and tackle more challenging responsibilities that the older generations wouldn’t even bother with themselves.”

THE THETALON TALON

LIFESTYLES I 9

JANUARY 2014

own your BASIC WHITE GIRL

BY OLIVIA BENNETT

Photo by Sarah Walwema

COMPOSITE ACT SCORE DROPS ONE POINT

BY MAURA LOSH The ACT composite score at RHS dropped from a 23 for the class of ‘13 to a 22 for the class of ‘14.

“It is significant that the average ACT score has dropped one point because this means that the students have not been taking it serious enough to study or take practice ACTs so they can be prepared for them,” junior Nigel Gary said. “Even though it’s only a one point drop, it’s an average of all the students and is significant.”

While some students believe it is significant that the average score on the ACT has gone down one point, others disagree saying it depends on the composition of students in the class.

“I am actually surprised that the average ACT score did not drop more because my class is riddled with children who do not try their hardest,” senior Jackie Storinsky said. “I think my grade just has a different selection of people.”

Agreeing with Storinsky, counselor Mr. Christopher Green explains that classes should not be compared to each other because each class is unique and different, but tracked based on their own improvement and skills.

“I don’t think you can hold one class accountable for what another class has done,” Mr. Green said. “Some years we’ve had classes of students that have had really smart kids and others that have average.

So I don’t think any class should feel the pressure of what a previous class did,

THE TALON

especially with test scores.”

Even though students are aware of what previous classes before them have accomplished, they prepare just the same with help from their teachers and counselors.

“I just recently took the ACT in October with little to no preparation except for the schooling from the RHS curriculum and I did fairly well,” junior Samantha Guerra said. “But there is always room for improvement like offering test-taking strategies to all students in order to improve scores and decrease anxiety and increase preparedness.”

Improvement is on the mind of many students and staff members, but many acknowledge that the student body is already exceeding expectations, considering a 22 is still two points above the state and national averages.

“I think the average score the school has now is fine,” Gary said. “But there would be nothing wrong with trying to improve.”

When reviewing test scores, a standard deviation of two points also needs to be considered, meaning no matter how many times the test is taken, it is standard for the score to drop or raise two points. Also, despite the one point drop in the composite ACT score, RHS remains two points above the county, state, and national averages.

“As long as we are achieving at or above where the average level is, that’s good, but knowing our district, we will always be above average simply because the curriculum here is more rigorous than other districts,” Mr. Green said. “So

the average score adding one point or dropping one point is not a huge deal when you look into statistical analysis.”

Expectations are arising for this year’s junior class based on the senior class’ average last year.

“The bar is definitely higher for this year’s junior class because they should break the bar completely,” Storinsky said. “They should not even see it as an obstacle. They should destroy it.”

Other students believe that the focus should be on the individual and not composite scores representative of an entire class.

“Every class should be held to their own standards and the individual needs to be taken into consideration based on what they want in their future,” senior Mary Yousif said. “Our main focus should not be getting a new average for the school but trying to help students reach their goals. It should be about the individual student because that is what matter most.

Each class should work hard to get a better score but should not be held to certain standards.”

Ultimately, it is up to individual students how much time is spent in preparation for this high-stakes test.

“RHS allows a lot of opportunities for kids to achieve a better score with all the classes and help they offer or can connect us too, but it is the student’s responsibility to seek out help and take advantage of the opportunities the school has to provide,” Yousif said. “RHS should stress the importance of the opportunities because they need to focus on the individual.”

Our society loves to sort people into groups and label them, as if to compartmentalize the people we encounter on a day-to-day basis.

It’s like we can make sense of the world if we can figure out how to interact with members of each faction, from bandos to jocks to uuber nerds.

However, the label being thrown around at RHS to describe people like me seems condescending and unfair: basic white girl.

Apparently, a basic white girl drinks pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks, wears Uggs with leggings and has an iPhone on which she listens to overplayed radio music. This new stereotype is frustrating because it places girls into a category not because of their interesting qualities or talents, but because of their lack of individualism.

Although stereotypes are often derived from underlying truths, this new idea explains that not being different from others lessens your impact on the world. While it may seem fair to group all Caucasian females into this category, I’d argue that we need to come up with a different label because there’s certainly more to me than being a basic white girl.

The label attempts to dissuade ladies from enjoying the things that interest them because it makes them too similar to everyone else.

Personally, I think it’s fine if more than one person like to eat at mainstream locations, dress in mainstream clothes and listen to mainstream music. It doesn’t make any of us less intelligent or talented.

For those who would argue that we should be drinking coffee only from Bean and Leaf and listening to Arcade Fire because it will make us more unique, you are mistaken. If we all did this, we’d just be changing our label from basic white girl to hipster. We’d still be the same. And there’s really nothing wrong with sameness.

I don’t mind that people tease me for being “mainstream,” because I know that I hold qualities that I find unique and talented in myself. I’d bet this is the case for the rest of you other there with the basic white girl label plastered to your forehead, too.

So, when people say that drinking Starbucks makes you a basic white girl, it’s best to ignore them and think about the ways in which you are more than, like, so basic. Be yourself, even if that means being labeled a basic white girl, because that is what makes you, you.

DESIGN BY DANIELLE KULLMANN

NOVEMBERJANUARY 2013 2014

10 & 11 I NEWS

EQUAL education FOR ALL

BY CAMILLE DOUGLAS AND SARAH WALWEMA

504 LAW CHANGES BROADEN ELIGIBILITY

In January 2009, the Mich. State Legislature passed amendments to the American with Disabilities Act that broadened eligibility for students to obtain 504 Plans in order to provide equal access to education for all students. A 504 Plan is a legal document that states what the student’s “major life activity” is that lead to the development of plan (ranging from performance anxiety to a visual impairment); what accommodations are set in place to provide that student the same educational opportunities as a non-disabled person; and clearly outlines the teacher, student and parent responsibilities.

The Office of Civil Rights follows-up with schools to make sure they are in compliance with the law.

RCS is starting to feel the impact of the changes as more students are qualifying for 504 Plans due to a change in legislation which broaden the definition of what a “major life activity” could be. Currently, 16 students at RHS have 504 Plans, which is about 1 percent of the population.

“Due to the law change, we are seeing an increase in those who qualify,” learning consultant Mrs. Aubrey Trimble said.

“We are making sure we are addressing the needs of those who qualify.”

Regardless of the 504 Plan changes, principal Mr. Charles Rowland III feels that RCS has been exemplary in providing all students equal access to education.

“The 504 Plan is essentially an accommodation plan which we have implemented to provide appropriate supports to enhance students’ success,” Mr. Rowland said. “Due to the change in legislation, the actual accommodation plans that most students receive will not change. Those plans will now be under the 504 label.”

504 PLANS

504 Plans are developed to help students in a variety of ways, not by changing the curriculum, but by providing accommodations to students who qualify to make sure all students have equal access to the school curriculum and the learning process. A 504 accommodation could range from sitting in the front of the class for a student with sight or hearing issues to allowing a student to submit homework via email if he or she has ADD or trouble with organization.

“There are many factors staff must consider with the new policy which may determine whether an official 504 plan may be required,” Mr. Rowland said. “But again, a 504 Plan is nothing more than an accommodation plan, the same type of support that we have provided in the past to promote student success.”

While RHS teachers are often willing to accommodate an individual student’s needs without the formality of the 504, the process is put into place to make sure the student’s needs are being met in all classes every year.

“The process is different, but I think the end result is the same,” Mr. Rowland said. “There are more steps involved, but students are still receiving accommodations, within a more directed process.”

INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PLANS (IEPS)

though this is not frequently the case. Changing or modifying In order for one to acquire an IEP, a student must the curriculum is done only for students with a severe show evidence of a disability whether it is psychological, disability, such as a cognitive impairment. educational or emotional. At RHS, 12 percent of the student *504 Plans are monitored by the Office of Civil Rights, body has IEP’s; students from birth to age 26 may have an IEP while the Michigan Department of Education follows-up to and receive special education programs and services if they be sure schools are in compliance with IEP laws under the meet criteria set forth under one of the following categories: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. specific learning disability (most common at RHS), emotional Psychologist Mrs. Lauren Greve further explains the impairment, cognitive impairment, visual impairment, hearing process of implementing an IEP for a student. impairment, physical impairment, otherwise health impaired, “The process to acquire an IEP is a bit lengthier and more autism spectrum disorder, speech and language impaired, involved as it is what we call the ‘most restrictive’ option for traumatic brain injury, severely multiply impaired and/or early a student in terms of support,” Mrs. Greve said. “Because of childhood developmental delay. Teacher consultant Ms. Amy this, we want to ensure that we have tried ample academic Honeycutt further explains. and/or behavioral interventions before we test to see if a “An IEP is part of the federal legislation for individuals student qualifies for Special Education (IEP).” with disabilities act,” Ms. Honeycutt said. “An IEP is an While 504 Plans are administered under the counseling Individualized Education Plan, and what that means is that a staff along with administrative personnel, IEP’s are developed student was given assessments in one or more of the twelve by special education teachers. Mrs. Trimble emphasizes the areas. It could be an academic or achievement disability in rigorous process of IEP’s. reading, writing, or math; they could be eligible if they have “We have a district Special Education Director, [Anne a disability in a health area, for instance, ADHD or ADD. Evans], who oversees IEP’s while 504’s It could be a cognitive or mental are overseen by district general education disability, so standardized testing administrators,” Mrs. Trimble said. is required. If the student is found “Timelines and re-evaluations for 504 and eligible, then an IEP is developed An IEP is not a free ticket to IEP’s are also very different. The IEP with a team and is put into place to graduation or good grades. process has a very stringent set of timelines support that student.”

It’s just leveling the playing whereas 504 is a bit less defined. For IEP’s The process for implementing an field to provide equal access we re-evaluate every 36 months and are also IEP is quite involved. to education for students with required to have an annual IEP every 12 “A parent, teacher, or counselor documented disabilities or months. This is not necessarily the case for or any other concerned person impairments.

504. Requirements for 504 indicate that you who has general information about hold an annual review and a re-evaluation; MS. AMY HONEYCUTT, the student who feels that the however, the re-evaluation period is not TEACHER CONSULTANT student may have a disability can set at 36 months like the IEP timeline request that they be brought to the indicates.” building team,” Ms. Honeycutt said.

When evaluating interventions, checking “After that, the team convenes to to see if the interventions worked, or discuss the concerns and if there have been any interventions changing the interventions to make sure the IEP is assisting put in place for the student. If not, interventions are put the student rightfully, special education teachers use the into place to specifically meet the student’s needs through Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). general education. They are monitored for progress over a “The whole point of MTSS is to determine if a student’s period of 6-12 weeks. If it is working, the interventions are academic and/or behavioral needs can be met through general continued until the student no longer requires them. If the education,” Mrs. Greve said. “If we can appropriately educate interventions are not working, the students will most likely a student in general education with accommodations in lieu of be referred for testing for special education. They would be an IEP we will always do that.” given standardized assessments along with curriculum based There are similarities between 504 Plans and IEPs as well. measurements so we have multiple measures. The report is “Many of the accommodations are the same, both can shared with a multidisciplinary evaluation team to discuss the include extra time on tests, reduced number of items on a student’s performance and whether or not they require special test, using a word bank for tests, taking exams in a quiet area, education services to be successful.” having test questions read to a student, using audio books instead of physically reading the words, using a ‘speak to text’ computer and more,” special education teacher Mrs. Beverly 504 PLANS VS. IEPS 504 Plans differ from Individualized Education Plans. Here Douglas said.

“This is changing the how, not the what,” Ms. Honeycutt are the main differences: said.

“This means it changes how the students access the *504 Plans are about providing kids equal access to the curriculum or demonstrate mastery, but it doesn’t change the curriculum, while IEPs can alter the curriculum (but not the what which is the curriculum’s content.” standards) to meet a student’s individual learning needs,

STEPS TO OBTAIN A 504 PLAN 1

Referral from parent or staff member

2

a. Indicate what difficulties the student is going through b. Difficulties could be related to one or more of the following areas: autism, deaf-blindness, deafness, developmental delay, emotional disturbance, hearing impairment, intellectual disability, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, specific learning disability, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury and/or visual impairment (including blindness)

Consent for a 504 evaluation

3

a. Review of student records, grades, observations and testing

504 team reviews data to determine if student’s impairment is limiting at least one major life activity

Qualification

4

a. Student’s impairment must substantially limit one or more major life activity b. Student will need to make sure to proactively use the 504 accommodations outlined in the plan.

a. Counseling staff, administrative personnel, Learning Consultant, School Psychologist, social worker, teacher consultant, parent and student are all included on the 504 team

STEPS TO OBTAIN AN IEP 1

Referral from parent or staff member a. Indicate what difficulties the student is going through b. Difficulties could be related to one or more of the following areas of disability: specific learning disability (most common at RHS), emotional impairment, cognitive impairment, visual impairment, hearing impairment, physical impairment, otherwise health impaired, autism spectrum disorder, speech and language impaired, traumatic brain injury, severely multiply impaired and/or early childhood developmental delay

SERVICES FOR ALL

2

Tiered intervention strategies

a. Tier 1 strategies implemented for 6 weeks b. Tier 2 intervention strategies implemented for 6 weeks

RHS has a wide variety of support in place for students who may need more than the traditional classroom setting. Some examples of these include: *access to the Academic Center for testing and extra one-onone or small group instruction *English Language Learners center for language support *study skills classes for students who need extra help with time management and organization *reading lab classes for students who need additional instruction *math lab classes for students who need help with Algebra *Team-taught classes to provide additional support so special education students can stay in general education classrooms and have access to both a curriculum expert (general education teacher) and the access expert (special education teacher) *freshman tutoring and the freshman mentor program to help with the transition to high school *ACT tutoring for juniors who struggled on one or more portions of the Explore test

3

If the Responses to Intervention (RTI) aren’t working, the student will be tested on their area of disability

4

a. parent and student must consent to testing b. review of student records, grades, observations and test results

*access to counselor, social worker, teacher consultant, and psychologist to address emotional and academic concerns *access to a speech and language pathologist to address speaking and listening concerns Ms. Honeycutt explains the benefits of a place like the Academic Center.

“It can serve any general education or special education student,” Ms. Honeycutt said. “It provides a place to receive re-teaching in a smaller setting and a place where students can learn important study skills.”

Ms. Honeycutt team teaches LA9 with Mr. Andre Harding and LA10 with Mrs. Julia Satterthwaite, and says she enjoys the experience.

“This class provides additional support to general education and special education students,” Ms. Honeycutt said. “The curriculum is the exact same as in other sections of the same course, but the general education and special education teachers work together to help students be successful. All students are still expected to meet the Common Core State Standards and fulfill district graduation requirements.”

The report goes to the team and a final decision is made as to whether or not the student requires an IEP

5

Qualification b. student needs to access the accommodations outlined in the plan; he or she has the right to decline services offered

a. team includes learning consultant, special education teacher, administration, counseling, social work, parent and student

Many students were in agreement that the team classes have more benefits than drawbacks.

“Some pros are that if one teacher is out, there is still another teacher who you are familiar with that day,” freshman Ben Compton said. “Also, if one is busy, you can still ask the other teacher a question.”

According to Mrs. Trimble, RHS has a unique approach.

“We have a strong general education support system,” Mrs. Trimble said. “We are unique in the sense that we are blended at RHS, which means we have combined our special education and general education programs to meet the needs of all students.”

Some express concern that 504 Plans and IEP’s are unfair, but Ms. Honeycutt says this is not the case.

“An IEP is not a free ticket to graduation or good grades,” Ms. Honeycutt said. “It’s just leveling the playing field to provide equal access to education for students with documented disabilities or impairments. The students are given the tools they need to work as hard as they want for what they want.”

12 I ENTERTAINMENT

JANUARY 2014

14 Things to Look Forward to in

BY MELANIE WONG

A new year calls for a fresh start in life to reinvent oneself and further develop a sense of individuality, or it’s a time to get addicted to a new series. Check out some of the highlyanticipated things to look forward to this year in movies, music, television and books.

“Divergent” (3/21)

MOVIES

The first book of the highly-acclaimed trilogy is hitting the silver screen this spring and will follow Beatrice “Tris” Prior as she battles the struggles of living in a futuristic dystopian society that is divided into five factions. Tris is put through various tests to see where she will fit best; however, she harbors a great secret about herself that could either save her loved ones or destroy her.

“The Amazing Spider-Man 2” (5/2)

The second installment of the rebooted “Spider-Man” series chronicles Peter Parker’s journey to protect the citizens of New York and combat crime as the masked superhero, all while trying to balance a normal life. This time, he is facing Electro, a villain with the power to control electricity who poses as an even greater and “shocking” threat than Peter had anticipated.

My Chemical Romance’s album “May Death Never Stop You” (3/25)

MUSIC

Nearly a year after the alternative rock band’s break-up, the group is coming back with a “new” album that features some of their greatest hits from the past 12 years as well as a few unreleased tracks that had been previously cut. Fans of the band will get to listen to the “famous last words” of the group for the final time as they are sealed in rock history.

“Supernatural” season 9 continued (1/14)-The CW

TV

The paranormal-hunting brothers are back to rid the world of its supernatural inhabitants and protect the innocent civilians in society with the help of Castiel, their fallen angel.

Along the way, they will continue to bicker with each other, discover shocking revelations, make wisecracks with their cheeky humor, and kick some beastly behind.

“Dorothy Must Die” by Danielle Paige (4/1)

BOOKS

“The Fault in Our Stars” (6/6)

The “sick” love story between cancer patients Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters is being immortalized on the big screen this summer and is sure to be a tearjerker as it follows the sweet and bitter moments of the couple’s blossoming relationship. Whether you read the book or not, make sure to bring a box of tissues to the theater, because if you don’t need it, someone else will.

Justin Timberlake’s “The 20/20 Experience World Tour” at The Palace of Auburn Hills (7/28)

JT returns to the stage this summer with an even more elaborate show than before to complete the second half of the “experience” that he started last year. With a recently released album packed with new songs, he is bound to put on a performance filled with many surprises and musical marvels that will make for the concert of a lifetime.

“How I Met Your Mother” series finale (3/31)-CBS

The last episode of the show’s final season will be a bittersweet moment on television as the series wraps up the crazy, entertaining antics of Ted and his friends. Ted’s ongoing love story will finally come to an end, along with the gang’s wild nights out, musical numbers and heartfelt memories as they bid farewell to the place that started it all.

The original “Wizard of Oz” tale depicts the protagonist Dorothy Gale as a sweet, innocent girl who strives to save Emerald City from the menacing Wicked Witch.

But in this twisted version, Dorothy is a malevolent ruler who has transformed the once-glamorous city into a lackluster wasteland with the help of her henchmen: the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Lion.

2014

New “Scream” series (summer)-MTV

The final book of the popular fantasy series chronicles the strenuous journey of Clary Fray, a girl with angelic traits, as she and her friends contend against a powerful evil being: her brother. The endeavor to destroy him will put the lives of Clary’s loved ones in jeopardy, as well as result in many sacrifices for love and friendship.

The first movie of the two-part finale follows Katniss Everdeen as she endeavors to overthrow the regime of the callous Capital and rescue Peeta Mellark. As the reluctant leader of a mass rebellion, she finds the courage to guide her followers from all different districts and start an uprising, which escalates to a full-blown war.

Ed Sheeran’s new album (TBA)

The soothing, harmonic voice of this endearingly talented Englishman has made him a worldwide, top-selling star in the music industry. With the success of his debut album, “+,” Sheeran is out to enchant the ears of lads and ladies all around the globe with the graceful melodies and soulful lyrics of his upcoming second album.

Adapted from the highly popular slasher films, “Scream” will resurrect Ghostface, the unknown masked murderer in the series. But unlike the movies, the show will introduce a new storyline involving paranormal elements rather than continuing to tinker with the overdone concept of the excessive bloodbath that typically ensues.

“The Mortal Instruments: City of Heavenly Fire” by Cassandra Clare (5/27)

“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay-Part 1” (11/21)

“Family Guy”/“The Simpsons” crossover episode (fall)-Fox

The makers of the two most popular animated sitcoms on television have joined together to create the long-awaited meeting between these lovably dysfunctional families. The episode will feature the Griffin family taking a trip to Springfield, where they will be acquainted with the Simpsons and, consequently, get involved in foolish shenanigans.

“The Heroes of Olympus: The Blood of Olympus” by Rick Riordan (10/7)

The last book of “The Heroes of Olympus” series will unite the young Greek and Roman demigods as they attempt to prevent the earth mother, Gaea, from awakening and defeating the planet. In an effort to stop this rising from happening, these heroes will have to endure a war against an army of powerful giants while also trying to unify the two clashing camps of gods in order to save the earth.

THE TALON

JANUARY 2014

ENTERTAINMENT I 13

During a stacked movie season at the end of 2013, there were many great films to see over the holidays. Some were action-packed, some were dramatic, but none were half as funny as the sequel to “Anchorman,” the cult-comedy classic starring Will Ferrell at the top of his game.

Airing ten years after the original, many people feared that “Anchorman 2” would tarnish the legacy of the first film like many Hollywood sequels tend to do. But as soon as Ferrell is seen in character as the comically dim-witted, egomaniac newscaster Ron Burgundy, everyone can just sit back and lose themselves to laughter.

If anything, the sequel is even more silly and outrageous than the original, if that’s even possible. Jokes fly by every minute and most hit their mark. Armed with the knowledge that their slapstick dialogue from the first film turned out to be comic gold, the actors here have a ball with improvisational lines and just plain goofing off. Paul Rudd returns as Ron Burgundy’s hotshot field reporter Brian Fantana, David Koechner plays the loony sportscaster Champ Kind, and Steve Carell is hilarious as the weatherman Brick Tamlan, whose absurd lack of intelligence is a hysterical running gag. Just watch him when he first shows up to his own funeral.

On top of that, the plot even adds in some sharp satire of the cable news world we live in today. Set in the 80’s, Ron and his crew of all-star idiots land a job at a brandnew 24-hour news station (Ron got fired from his old job after his ex-lover Veronica Corningstone, played by Christina Applegate, was promoted to full-time anchor). At the new round-the-clock news station, Burgundy begins to shake things up by selling out and completely pandering to the audience for ratings, to the dismay of their boss, Linda Jackson (Meagan Good).

“Top story tonight? America is #1,” Ron bluntly remarks to start the broadcast.

Fantana does investigative reporting on kittens. Kind shouts his trademark catchphrase “WHAMMY!” over only the flashiest sports highlights. They even try doing hard drugs on live TV. Sure enough, they become a huge hit, and impact the whole industry.

The success comes to a halt when a rival newscaster (James Marsden in a comedic turn) causes Burgundy an accident that makes him go temporarily blind. Time away from the news lets him reconnect with Veronica and their young son Walter, who bond over raising a baby shark they find on the beach. They even give it a name and sing to it.

Too silly? Maybe. One obviously has to have the right mindset to get a lot of the humor. But the over-the-top-ness of it all pays off with an uproarious climax - a fight in Central Park between about ten different news teams, recalling a scene from the first movie, comprised of cameos from a bunch of celebrities from Jim Carrey to Kanye West, who all want control of the news market. Burgundy sets the rules- “No touching of the hair and face!”- before everyone goes at each other in a surreal battle that will leave you doubled over in laughter.

There were certainly more thrilling, dramatic or emotionally realistic movies available during the holiday season, but laughing along with a crowd of people seeing a hilarious comedy like “Anchorman 2” is as satisfying as anything. That’s why this overachieving sequel gets the pick of the month. Stay classy.

TOP PICKS OF THE MONTH ‘Devil’s Due’ is mediocre, yet horrifyingly scary “Devil’s Due” is a cheap horror movie that, surprisingly, will make you jump clear out of your seats. However, the movie lacks originality. It mimics “Rosemary’s Baby” and recycles the idea of a “fake self-made movie to seem realistic” from the “Paranormal Activity” series.

Zach and Samantha McCall, played by Zach Gilford and Allison Miller, are the idyllic image of a newlywed couple. They love each

THE TALON

After 10 years, the creators of “Anchorman” return with a hilarious sequel.

S I A.J. PRISCIANDARO

BY EMBERLY SKAGGS AND A.J. PRISCIANDARO

other and seem extremely happy, and after a shady honeymoon trip to the Dominican Republic, Samantha soon finds herself pregnant. The problem is, there’s a demon growing inside her.

Samantha starts to feel uneasy about the pregnancy and finds herself doing weird stuff, and the creepy things keep escalating up to a demonic climax.

All in all, “Devil’s Due” is pretty predictable, but supplies some good scares. ;’

6.5/10

‘Anchorman 2’

‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ is a lively look at the rich One of the wildest movies of 2013 had to be “The Wolf of Wall Street,” a manic three-hour ride through the lives of obscenely rich Wall Street swindlers whose ordinary days, even at the office, consist of excessive partying, drugs, women and more drugs.

Leonardo DiCaprio plays Jordan Belfort, a talented young stockbroker who finds out that greed and illegal stock fraud is the easiest way to get money. Not before long, Belfort starts

his own firm, expands it into a billiondollar company, and he’s off living the high life.

Watching these immoral people thrive in their wealth can get a little tiresome, so it helps that the supporting cast provides a ton of laughs, led by Jonah Hill. “The Wolf of Wall Street” shows that these cons never know when to stop living large, until it’s too late. The movie also set the record for most F-words ever said in a film. So there’s that.

7.5/10

DESIGN BY DANIELLE KULLMANN & A.J. PRISCIANDARO

JANUARY 2014

STAFF EDITORIAL: RHS STUDENTS ARE THE OPPOSITE OF APATHETIC The high schoolers and young adults of this generation have been coined “hopelessly apathetic” and altogether uninterested in becoming engaged, whether it be education, politics, or the community around them. This idea or stereotype as “typical 1990’s kids” has been so readily accepted and swallowed from the older generations that we have nearly begun to believe this of ourselves. However, when closely examined, each seemingly valid accusation in regards to overall apathy towards life by the younger generations can be completely dispelled.

It is often argued that we have been desensitized to controversial themes, but this is due to heavy exposures to violence, death and contentious issues from a very young age. In fact, it is the “grown-ups” in this time who have directly fed the younger generations into becoming who they are today. But despite this constant overexposure obtained from childhood, middle and high school students are more engaged than ever; community participation and volunteering efforts from the so called “i-Generation” are simply unprecedented. This same group has a 44% volunteering rate compared to the 37% that make up today’s adults, according to volunteeringinamerica. gov.

This generation, if anything, is more connected, involved and informed than ever of what is going on around us. Our ability to adapt to every circumstance seamlessly

OPINION I 14

The Talon Staff Mrs. Julia Satterthwaite, Adviser

Camille Douglas, Editor-in-Chief Danielle Kullmann, Web/Design Editor Sydney Bammel, News Editor Sarah Walwema, Feature Editor Olivia Bennett, Lifestyles Editor A.J. Prisciandaro, Entertainment Editor Melody Zhang, Opinion/Photo Editor Zach Libby, Sports Editor

I think apathy is mostly caused by technology taking over and teens living in a virtual world.

Every generation criticizes the one after it. We may be selfish, unconcerned about the future and just plain stupid but we haven’t grown up yet. It isn’t time to judge our personality or successes.

It only seems that students are apathetic because it is difficult to do well in school and excel in other activities all at once.

AMBIKA VOHRA, 12

DANIELLE KULLMANN, 11

MAURA LOSH, 11

comes through our Twitter feeds and Facebook posts in place of the old-fashioned print. The importance of civic engagement comes not from how we are informed, but what we do about the problems we learn about, and in this respect, our participation has reached new levels. Throughout the shift to a more liberal mindset, we have learned only to care more.

Movements for humanity are very often led by young people: natural disaster relief funding, care for the homeless, and unending support and respect for open lifestyles are just a few ways that prove this generation is not only aware of injustice both domestically and internationally, but also provide their overwhelming compassion and often monetary gifts in return.

The “Z-generation” is also faced with increasingly rising competition levels that make each step of the career process difficult, from

acceptance into college to finding useful internships to scoring a career.

During transitional stages, we have been exposed to serious economic downturns and uncomfortable cutbacks. Students today are now wired for competition due to the parents who want a more successful future for their children given the current situation, class and peer tensions, and the overall “reaching for the bar” that never stops raising its standards for excellence, competence and success in academia. In response, high schoolers have taken the extra step in their academic lives to receive more merit, recognition and favor to get into better colleges.

The formula is practically ingrained into our brains: a high GPA and a coveted ACT/SAT score topped with extracurriculars, leadership qualities and a captivating college essay seem vital for any possibility of a successful future. What comes

after is only more of the same: the pressure of maintaining a good GPA in college in hopes of finding a suitable internship, and eventually, a sustainable career.

With this said, it is too clear that today’s students have been misrepresented and disrespected with the label of “apathetic.”

Today’s generation has proven to be more academically capable, driven, compassionate and engaged than ever due to the pressure of economic times, the power of liberal movements and looming tension of competition. We should not be seen as the dumb social media generation that just wants to “chill with friends,” but instead we deserve to be treated as the connected and resourceful generation that we are. For even as the odds are ever against us, we possess the will and the competence to fight back harder.

WITHHOLD JUDGMENT ABOUT THIS GENERATION WE’RE BALANCING MORE EXPECTATIONS THAN THOSE OF THE PAST

Colette Cloutier, Staff Reporter Paige Farnsworth, Staff Reporter Kailie Fowler, Staff Reporter Erin Eyler, Staff Reporter Maura Losh, Staff Reporter Grant McPherson, Staff Reporter Aubrey Ritz, Staff Reporter Bilqees Salie, Staff Reporter Emberly Skaggs, Staff Reporter Edgar Sokoli, Business Manager Ambika Vohra, Staff Reporter Melanie Wong, Staff Reporter

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.

Drop signed letters off in B123 before or during 1st Hour, email them 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

Michigan Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA), National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) and Colombia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA)

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Comic by Erin Eyler

DESIGN BY MAURA LOSH & EMBERLY SKAGGS

4 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

JANUARY 2014

PRACTICAL

BY CAMILLE DOUGLAS

It’s already halfway through January, the first month of 2014, and wait, you already gave up your new year’s resolution? That’s terrible; no one had ever given up so quickly. Something must be wrong with you.

Let’s be real, any teen who has made it through this far with their resolution must be superhuman, or maybe not even human at all. That’s okay because a new year’s resolution is supposed to be an ongoing process of self-improvement rather than quick change that takes place overnight. So if you are still determined to be part of the eight percent of people who are actually successful with sticking to their resolution all the way through Dec. 31, here are some fun, practical mid-January resolutions for any busy high school student.

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BE ACTIVE, BUT IN A FUN WAY Remember that marathon you planned to train for or your strategically prearranged schedule to lose a certain number of pounds in one month … whoops! Constantly working out hardcore can be challenging if your body is not at all used to it. So, instead of pushing yourself to the point where you have a hard time walking, push yourself to have fun.

Staying active is easy if you find something you enjoy, like doing yoga, taking your dog for a walk, or simply just using the original Wii Sports to get your body in motion. You’ll be surprised at how active you may become and how relaxed you will feel, considering exercise is the number one stress reliever, or so they say.

READ ANYTHING So maybe your plan of reading all of Barnes and Noble classics are not going over so well. Although your English teacher may be proud of you for reading some of the recommened books, chances are, you are never going to fully get any pleasure out if it if you’re finding yourself constantly on Sparknotes or Shmoop rather than reading the book itself. So make a resolution to read the kinds of books you enjoy.

If books don’t appeal to your liking, read a magazine, a blog, The Talon, or spend some time on social networking sites instead, such as Twitter. Twitter can be useful, if you use it correctly. According to a study done by HuffPost Tech last year, a little more than 45 percent of twitter users use social site as a way to get their daily groundbreaking news coverage. Following news broadcast such as CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) can help provide you with the most current news. But most importantly, follow @rhstalon for the latest RHS news, brought to you by one of the best student publications in the country.

HAVE A “BAND OF THE MONTH” One of my actual new year’s resolutions is to broaden and sophisticate my music tastes. This is actually not a hard resolution to keep up with thanks to the App Store. Pandora, Spotify, and iHeartRadio are just some of the many online radios that allow you to search and create a playlist based around one genre of music. Or be really old school and ask people, in person, what their favorite band right now is. You just may find your new favorite band of the year this way. Plus, by exploring new types of music when doing something else, you may just be surprised at how enjoyable homework or working out could be.

MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF This is probably the most challenging New Year’s resolution to get into if your schedule is always crammed with work, homework, and sleep. To make it work though, start off with finding something you love to do, whether it’s strumming the guitar or watching the new season of Modern Family. Then, pick a time in your schedule where you find you have an half an hour to full hour to spend. Make this time your time. Do whatever you want, but the rule is no homework. This is your time to relax and enjoy your time being a kid.

What family means to me

BY SARAH WALWEMA As far as thanksgiving goes, I had about as “traditional” of an experience as it gets: the turkey feast kindled good conversation, lively faces and a feeling of being truly thankful. As the night came to an end, a handful of younger kids decided that they were going to put on a dance show for everyone and, in that moment, they appeared to be the most talented dancers I’d ever seen. As I finished off my second plate, little Angel, a 6-year-old with a honeyed grin, personally invited me to have a prime seat for her performance. Later, we all stood in a circle and said what we were thankful for. When it got to the host

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of the party, it took him a minute to say that he was thankful for the new family that he cultivated. I looked around the room at the people that he was thankful for, and I realized that I had a new definition of family.

You see, what makes my family different from the “traditional” families that gather en masse during the holidays, is that my family is made up of fellow Ugandan immigrants who live in the area. My mother, who has eight brothers and three sisters, and my father, who has four brothers and five sisters, both grew up in Mbale, Uganda, so my blood relatives live all over the globe.

My closest family member is Uncle Joseph who lives in Fairfax, Virginia, so our thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations have the potential to be pretty depressing - especially if they consisted of just my mother, older brother Andrew and me. We needed to form a new “family,” and we found that in the form of the 20-30 Ugandan immigrants who gather together for

celebrations at each other’s homes, most frequently at our thanksgiving host’s home in Waterford.

Standing around that circle on thanksgiving, I glanced at the Ugandan immigrants who had left their extended families to start again in America. I saw in their faces that, like me, they had probably spent some time wondering what they were missing out by leaving. Like my mom had, they had looked at their children and thought of the cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents who they wouldn’t be able to see on a regular basis, if ever again. However, it seems we were able to find stand-in extended family members right here in Metro Detroit.

When my mom traveled to Uganda to be with her father and extended families for several weeks, she was gone over Christmas.

I worried that my brother and I might miss out on a family-filled Christmas, but we didn’t. We met up with our second “family,” the

Luganda-speaking group of people we have come to know and love as our honorary cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents.

This is not to say that I don’t have relationships with extended family members. I will never lose the bond that I feel with the family we left behind. Thankfully, through Skype calls, letters and phone calls, I know that just because my blood relatives aren’t in front of me, it doesn’t mean that they don’t exist.

Back at that thanksgiving circle, it was Angel’s turn to say what she was thankful for. With a grin on her face, she squeaked that she was thankful for her family. After we all gushed over both the adorable delivery and meaningful response, I realized that I was thankful for the same thing. I was thankful for both of my families.

As an anonymous author noted in a poem, “Immigrant children. They say you are not worth of either country’s blood. Do not listen to them. You are simply strong enough for both.”

OPINION I 15

Tips for choosing your class schedule

BY DANIELLE KULLMANN

1. Pick something you care about: You won’t have fun in a class where you don’t care about what you should be learning. If you care about the subject, it won’t matter if you don’t care for the teacher’s style; you’ll still try for your own benefit because it matters to you.

2. Consider the teacher: This doesn’t mean finding out whether or not the teacher is “good” or “easy.”

Scoping out the teacher entails finding out about the teaching style of that teacher and whether or not you can learn in that way.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that teacher schedules change a bit from year to year, so planning your schedule based solely on who is teaching the course this year is a recipe for disaster.

3. Gather advice: If you’re worried about taking a difficult class, gather input from people who have taken the class before or from the teachers themselves. Most teachers aren’t monsters, so if you’re worried about your ability to take a class, get a face-to-face conversation going with the teacher. It may make you more comfortable and help with your decision. Also, counselors know you pretty well and will be able to guide you to make an informed choice.

4. Challenge yourself, but don’t overextend: The worst thing to cope with is a nasty, work-drowning schedule. If you’re a person who thrives on stress, taking six AP’s can burn you out; it isn’t really something you want to do. Try instead to take a balanced schedule of both things that challenge you and things that you can breeze through a bit. Pick your best subject(s) and perhaps attempt AP courses for that/those. A few is plenty.

DESIGN BY CAMILLE DOUGLAS

16 I SPORTS

JANUARY 2014

THE TALON

LA

JANUARY 2014

BY ZACH LIBBY

SPORTS I 17

starts

OFFSEASON

As the boys lacrosse team begins their off-season training for the 2014 season, they are participating in a different form of lacrosse: indoor lacrosse. The games are held every Saturday afternoon at the Rochester Skating and Sports Arena.

Also known as box lacrosse, the game originated in Canada where it is the most popular form of lacrosse besides the field version in the spring and summer. It is usually played on a hockey rink after the ice is removed or covered. Box is also played with fewer players, six instead of 10. The sticks, goals and field are also smaller.

The game is considered to be more violent compared to field lacrosse as checking is allowed.

“It’s a lot faster pace than field,” senior Senior midfielder and defenseman Vince Piacentini collects the ball from his teammate, looking to score for Vince Piacentini said. “Everyone gets a lot the blue in a Saturday morning matchup. Photo by Zach Libby of touches on the ball, which benefits all of us. It’s really about the transitions game with precision passing and accurate shots. I love spring season comes along.” years, winning in their first match-up after a the contact and the speed of the game.”

This is the first year box lacrosse is an come from behind victory.

Junior goalie Jacob Landsparger enjoys option for high school players at the Sports The winter season comes after the box lacrosse because it allows him to work and Skating Arena. Having a new form of the Falcons hired their second coach in three on aspects of his position in preparation for game in the off-season allows the players to seasons, Nick Facca, a graduate of Western the spring season. improve on key fundamentals, especially the Michigan. Facca was a Rochester Adams “Box is a lot quicker pace, I face a physical aspect. alumni who spent three years as head coach lot more fast breaks “I get the chance of DeWitt High School and several years in box and the box to hit people without with different club teams. He will replace goal is much smaller it being illegal father-son coaching tandem, David and “Everyone gets a lot of touches than the field goal,” or causing me to Andrew White. on the ball, which benefits all of Landsparger said. “I get a penalty like “It’s a bummer to see them go since I’ve us. It’s really about the transitions in field,” senior like all the fast breaks had them since my sophomore year, but game with precision passing because it really helps Myles Anderson since they failed to meet all of their duties me with my reactions. said.

“It gets tiring it’s understandable,” Piacentini said. “It was and accurate shots. I love the I dislike that I fill up with the constant definitely hard since I had gotten to know contact and the speed of the most of the goal by just transitioning, but the them very well and vice-versa. It’s hard to see game.” standing there, but as fact that we play on someone go that you’ve grown as a person a goalie it’ll help me a hockey rink, which and a player with.” to make more body is smaller than on a However, Piacentini is looking forward to VINCE PIACENTINI, SENIOR saves instead of always normal, lacrosse field, working with Facca. trying to save it with makes up for it.”

“I have reached out through Twitter my stick. It really helps The Rochester and text to communicate with coach our offensive players work on quick ball as team plays against a mixture of teams in Facca,” Piacentini said. “He seems very well.”

Oakland and Macomb County. The list knowledgeable and definitely could take us Senior midfielder Tyler Caporaso has includes: Brother Rice, Notre Dame Prep, to at least a district title, league championship mixed opinions about the style of play in box Romeo, Saline, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s and and win the city cup.” lacrosse.

Utica.

The team has already begun their off“I like the amount of the ball you get to According to the players, Brother Rice season workouts with coach Facca and see in box because it’s on a smaller field, as is the toughest team on their schedule, football coach Nick Merlo at Rochester opposed to field lacrosse,” Caporaso said. considering that they are one of the top teams starting in early January. They will continue “I dislike shooting on a smaller net with not only in the state of Michigan, but in their training with the coaches during the a goalie crowding the net, but it will help the entire country. The Falcons also played month of February until the season officially me improve on my shot selection once the Romeo on their home field the past two begins in March.

CASS TECH’S JAYRU CAMPBELL RELEASED FROM POLICE CUSTODY

BY ZACH LIBBY According to a news statement released by the Wayne County Prosecutors Office, 2015 Michigan State recruit, Jayru Campbell, has been released from police custody on Friday. The 17-year-old was arrested after assaulting a security officer at Cass Technical High; a video shows Campbell body slamming the guard to the ground in front of a group of students.

The statement sent out by the Prosecutors Office says that they are “continuing to review the paperwork from the Detroit Public Schools Police on the case.” It also stated that the status of the case will be updated by next week.

According to MLive.com, the security guard who was assaulted by Campbell has been released from a medical clinic after receiving treatment. Spokeswoman Lynne Glovka of Securitas, the company that provides Cass Tech security guards, said that the man is okay and is eager to get back to work after resting Thursday. However, she does not know if he will be assigned to another school in the district.

The four-star recruit signed with head coach Mark Dantonio and Michigan State on Aug. 7, 2013 shortly before the start of last season. Campbell won two state championships his freshman and sophomore year before falling short in the semifinals against Novi Detroit Catholic Central in 2013.

The assault on the security guard was not Jayru’s first altercation. His first assault offense occurred during the loss to the Shamrocks in the semifinals when he punched an opposing player during the handshakes. Campbell is now suspended for the first game of the 2014 season because of the incident.

The highly recruited quarterback selected the Spartans over the likes of Alabama, Notre Dame, Eastern Michigan and others. His scouting report describes him as a dualthreat quarterback that can produce bigplays in or out of the pocket.

With all of the issues surrounding Campbell, his future with Michigan State is unknown. It’s quite possible that Dantonio pulls his scholarship offer to Campbell. He may not even be able to continue playing for Cass Tech or any other Detroit Public School next season. Campbell can officially sign with MSU in February of 2015. Until then, Campbell’s verbal commitment is nonbinding.

T H G I N & E P Y H wn showdown

18 I PHOTO STORY

JANUARY 2014

OF THE

THE

crossto

2

This month, the RHS students and staff came together in a series of exciting games and activities to show their support for Rochester varsity basketball teams and other winter sports. That same night, the annual Crosstown Showdown against longstanding rival Adams gave the teams an opportunity to show who’s boss.

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Photos by Melody Zhang

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PHOTOS BY MELODY ZHANG

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JANUARY 2014

CAPTIONS

PHOTO STORY I 19

photos by Melody Zhang

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The RHS Varsity cheer team performs their competition routine at the basketball pep assembly.

Sophomore Zo Schultz and senior Demetrius Magee exchange a bottle of Gatorade and a rose to show support for each other.

RHS ASL students sign the National Anthem for the student section.

Mrs. Angela Lowry’s ASL 2 class demonstrates an alternative form of communication by signing “The Cup Song,” by A.P. Carter.

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The RHS Varsity dance team performs their competition hip-hop routine to pump up the crowd.

Seniors Vince Piacentini and Conner Pacella engage in a light saber battel as a senior suprise at the pep assembly.

Senior Terron Dumars looks for an open forward down the court to make a play.

The RHS student section ignores the AHS cheer team by turning around.

Senior SOF members Tyler Caporaso, Vince Piacentini, Sam Monica, Conner Pacella and Scott DiFillippo cheer on the RHS basketball team.

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Photo by Sarah Walwema

15

Physical education teacher Mrs. Amy Oppat and math teacher Mr. Rob Byrd converse with Freddie the Falcon.

Senior Jason Lee makes an offensive play against the Adams defense.

Senior Luke Brunson mimics the Adams Varsity dance team.

Assistant principal Mr. Pasquale Cusumano breaks up a playful mascot fight between Freddie the Falcon and The Highlander.

Vince Piacentini and Conner Pacella re-enact the epic lightsaber battle to pump up the crowd.

Coach John Pleasant calls for a time-out to gather morale and discuss strategy.

The RHS Varsity cheer team pumps up the crowd at the halftime show.

Senior Jason Lee takes a 3-point shot in an attempt to bring the Falcons back.

Senior Terron Dumars attempts to block a shot.

T H G I N HYPE&

THE

OF THE

DESIGN BY MELODY ZHANG

20 | SPORTS

JANUARY 2014

NEW PEP ASSEMBLY PRECEDES SHOWDOWN

BY COLETTE CLOUTIER

The eight members of the Junior Class Council along with advisor Mr. Chad Zwolinski treaded a new path this year by organizing a winter sports pep assembly to get students and faculty excited for the Crosstown Showdown, which occurs annually between rivals RHS and AHS boys and girls basketball teams.

The Crosstown Showdown took place on Friday, Jan.17 at the O’rena at Oakland University. The assembly itself occurred during the last hour of school that day.

“The organizing and planning of the assembly was a total group effort,” Mr. Zwolinski said. “The [Junior Council] thought it’d be really cool and student council had mentioned it before, saying that it had been something that they had tried but just couldn’t get off the ground. Personally, since the homecoming assembly is such a big success, I wanted to help try and bring it to us.”

Council member Natalie Shepich along with Mr. Zwolinski both noted that after the homecoming spirit week and assembly, there is nothing really throughout the rest of the year that encourages school spirit or involvement in extracurriculars.

“One of our goals for this assembly was to get as many people involved as possible,” Shepich said. “So we not only implemented the cheer team and dance team, but also the ASL classes who performed a song in sign language. Along with this, we introduced both the boys and girls basketball teams along with all other winter sports teams.”

Principal Mr. Rowland is very committed to school spirit and creating a positive atmosphere at RHS and was an important driving force in making this assembly happen. With the help of assistant principals Mr. Neil DeLuca and Mr. Pasquale Cusumano, a special school day schedule was created and approved to limit the disruptions of class time, especially with it being the week before final exams.

“With the snowdays, as teachers, it makes it a little difficult because we lose class time, but Mr. DeLuca and Mr. Cusumano came up with a really awesome schedule and so it’s not going to interrupt the day very much at all,” Mr. Zwolinski said. “We

“We just shortened the day by 5, 10 minutes tops so that nobody lost large amounts of class time. Mr. Rowland was really good about that.”

The winter pep assembly was inspired by the fall pep assembly, but was not a duplication of it.

“Similar to the homecoming pep assembly, games and activities took place during it including the traditional interclass tug of war battle and a new game, that was sort of like lightening, but there were different point values depending on where the ball was shot from,” Shepich said. “We wanted to be sure to incorporate basketball into the assembly to stress the excitement of the Showdown. I think this game was a lot of fun to participate in and watch and I think it went over well.”

The council felt strongly about the idea of a winter pep assembly for multiple reasons.

“We felt that winter sports are under-appreciated at RHS and figured it was time for them to gain some recognition,” Shepich said. “We hoped to not only promote school spirit with the pep assembly, but also to encourage and reward involvement in sports and activities.”

In addition, the Adams rivalry is not taken lightly, and it is the intention of the pep assembly to gear up RHS students and faculty for the big night.

“We hope that the assembly was beneficial for school spirit at RHS and got everyone excited for what was a fun night of basketball,” council member Emma Kowal said. “We knew that the games would be fought hard until the end, so we wanted RHS’s students as excited and prepared to face Adams as possible.”

Shepich feels similarly.

“We expected the assembly to encourage more school spirit for both games at OU,” Shepich said. “Adams was a tough opponent and despite the outcomes we want students to come out of this even more united than before.

The goal was to compete with Adams and to have a bigger and louder student section and thanks to the SOF I think we definitely competed.”

The council has worked extremely hard to organize this assembly and Mr. Zwolinski is most proud of the dedication and determination they have shown. The assembly proved to be successful, as it earned positive feedback from both students and staff. If all goes as expected, a “winter sport” pep assembly will become a tradition at RHS. Mr. Zwolinski hopes to see this happen.

“I think the Junior Congress was really excited about how it went and already came up with ideas for next year, like having a spirit week leading up to the game. I believe that having an assembly to celebrate our school should be a bi-annual event (combined with homecoming) and I was happy to have been able to work with such amazing students,” Mr. Zwolinski said. “I was very proud of the Junior Congress and really want people to know how hard they worked. They came in before and after school every day and deserve all the credit in the world for putting on a great assembly, especially with never having been involved with one before.”

If a winter assembly was to become a tradition at RHS, it would mean even more than simply boosting school spirit.

“It would be something special for the juniors,” Mr. Zwolinski said. “In knowing that they have created something here that lasts and they can always look back and be like ‘that assembly is because of our class,’ so I really hope that kids liked it and enjoyed it and they continue to give the same spirit they give us at homecoming at future assemblies.”

Aside from making a gym full of teenagers rowdy and encouraging student involvement at the Showdown, the assembly is meant to stress importance in school pride and spirit.

“Honestly it’s more about getting the whole school involved and what it will do to bring each class together inside of bringing the school together,” Mr. Zwolinski said.

“More than anything, it’s about building school spirit and pride in all of the things we do here.”

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