January issue 2016

THE

TALON

ROCHESTER HILLS, MI // JANUARY 2016 // VOL. 78 ISSUE 4

THE DARK WEB

The Onion Router (TOR) and other encrypted sites provide anonymity to web users. To better understand the mystery of the deep web and hear how a prosecutor responds, read pages 10-13.

Photo Illustration by Maggie Roehling

PAGE 2 // NEWS

THE TALON // JANUARY 2016

NEWS BRIEFS

1.

4.

5.

Photo Courtesy of James Vaughan

Photo Courtesy of Mark Nozell from Creative Commons

1. RHS

2. RCS

3. STATE

4. COUNTRY

5. WORLD

Students from economics classes are playing a virtual stock exchange game. Each student must select five stocks and has the option to trade in order to try and be in the top 10 out of 155 total students.

“You start with $100,000 and you invest it in any stock,” senior Andrew Sare said. “The stocks are completely real; you invest in a minimum of five and then watch the stocks.”

The players are in Mr. Erik Vernon or Mrs. Laure Gambaro’s classes, and many are keeping an eye on the top earners.

“I was in the top 10 for about a week and a half, went down to 133, and now I’m back up in the top 10,” Sare said. “It’s all real except the money.”

The game models how the actual stock market operates and closes when the real market closing bell rings.

“It’s not really a grade; performance doesn’t impact your grade,” Sare said. “But I’m feeling pretty good and confident for when I invest in the future.”

By Bailey Boerman

One of the tiers of the district’s strategic plan involves incorporating a global perspective.

“Working with Educatius Internationals academic program and the Institute of Higher Education and Exchange Collaboration (IHEEC), the district currently has 15 international students enrolled in the 2015-2016 school year,” superintendent Dr. Robert Shaner said. “The students represent countries, including China, Spain, Brazil, Germany, Vietnam and Japan.”

In partnering with IHEEC, Dr. Shaner and other administrators have been given the opportunity to travel to China.

“The trip serves as a precursor for the middle school exchange trip which is planned for March 31-April 10,” Dr. Shaner said. “Behrmann, Lawler, Mooney, and I will be escorted by an associate of the IHEEC.” In their absence, other administrators have been tapped to keep things smooth.

“Debi Fragomeni will serve as superintendent and will be assisted by Allison Roberts,” Dr. Shaner said.

By Maggie Roehling

When Detroit officials announced that they would no longer provide water to the city of Flint, city officials were in a pinch and turned to the Flint River, whose water corroded many of the older pipes made of lead.

“I think it’s an outrage,” junior George Sweda said. “It significantly affects poor people, since Flint is a very poor area.”

A range of people from local to national celebrities have weighed in on what Gov. Rick Snyder has done, or not done, about this situation.

“The people of Flint certainly should not have to pay for this catastrophe,” Sweda said. “The government needs to acknowledge it and do whatever it takes to make sure the problem gets solved, and whatever funds necessary go towards the issue and getting the dangerous levels of lead out of the water.”

Sweda believes this is also a demographic issue.

“If this problem was encountered in a rich, white suburb of Detroit, then it would be acted on much faster and much more efficiently than Flint,” Sweda said. “I believe Flint is just as important.”

By Zahra Ahmed

With state primary elections starting on Feb. 1, Americans are trying to narrow down the best candidates to represent the Democratic and Republican parties.

“I think Hillary Clinton is going to represent the democrats because she is more recognized and has better funding than Bernie Sanders,” junior Louis Rolland said. “If it was my choice it would be Bernie Sanders.”

For Republicans, the decision is a bit more difficult.

“Donald Trump will win the Republican candidacy, however I support Ted Cruz,” sophomore Kenny Sokoli said.

“Ted Cruz is too far right for many Republicans and Trump is leading in all polls.”

To predict who will win the election is difficult since election day is more than 270 days away.

However, informed citizens are already developing ideas about who will become president.

“I think Hillary will be elected over Ted Cruz; Trump will not pass primaries regardless of his place in the polls,” Rolland said. “She is not too far left like Sanders and has experience as a politician.”

By Ollie Najar

On Wed., Jan. 6, the ground in North Korea began to shake with seismic activity because of what North Korean officials claimed to have been from a successful hydrogen bomb test.

“I believe North Korea has successfully created a hydrogen bomb,” sophomore Jongboo Park said. “As a South Korean, I find it threatening that North Korea has successfully created a hydrogen bomb.”

Although Park expresses the general fears felt by many, he doesn’t believe that Americans should be too worried.

“I don’t think the United States should worry about North Korea at the moment,” Park said.

“At the end of the day, the United Nations has far more weapons.”

However, in the event that North Korea does carry out hostile actions towards other nations, Park does believe it is important for the United States and the United Nations to act.

“If North Korea tries to bribe South Korea or any other noncommunist/dictator country, the U.S. should step up and warn them,” Park said. “I think the U.S. should just cut off trade to North Korea if they try to threaten other countries.”

By Christian Fend

PAGE 3 // NEWS

THE TALON // JANUARY 2016

THE REDESIGNED SAT What staff and students are doing to prepare for success ZAHRA AHMED STAFF WRITER

Junior David Kim nervously sits down to take another practice SAT and his mind wanders in a million directions. He’s not sure what the new SAT scores mean, how his score will match others’ and what score he will need to get into his top college choices. What he does know is that he can use any extra practice he can get. Kim discusses how he’s studying for the standardized test.

“I bought a book and I was practicing off of that,” Kim said.

“I just started drilling, so I keep practicing a bunch of tests.”

When the state announced the switch from ACT being tested in schools to SAT, students all over the state scrambled to change their preparations. Now, not only do juniors have to take a test that’s new to them, but also a test that’s new to the world: the redesigned SAT. “It’s a new test and unfortunately we just switched, so our students aren’t used to the SAT,” counselor Mrs. Kelly Messing-Mirabito said.

“We haven’t given the PSAT to all of our students ever before. They may not [be as prepared as students from a school that administers the PLAN every year], but it’s a whole new test; it’s not even the same old SAT.” Students also feel the impact of such a change.

“Our whole lives we’ve been

• • • • •

studying for the ACT. They pulled out the rugs from underneath us by making this switch; it was very uncalled for,” Kim said. “The new SAT is supposedly easier, but just the fact that it’s so soon and so sudden kind of makes it a little bit harder.”

Because of the sudden change, there aren’t as many sources available to prepare. However, College Board, the producer of the SAT, has joined with Khan Academy to give all students a chance to learn and prepare in a more efficient way.

“I would encourage everyone to get on Khan Academy,” Mrs. Messing-Mirabito said. “The more familiar you get with the test, the more comfortable you are with it, the less anxiety, the more confidence you have. I think that’s probably at this point in time our best bet in preparing with this short amount of time that we have.”

Some students, including junior Isabella Cooper, have been utilizing this resource. “[I’ve been preparing for the SAT] a little bit,” Cooper said. “I use Khan Academy once a week.”

Others don’t plan on doing anything to prepare.

“I guess I’ll take it in April but I’m not gonna take any classes or buy a new book for it or anything,” junior Olivia Yee said. “I’m just jumping in head first.”

The change in format of

KHAN ACADEMY

Go to https://www.khanacademy.org/sat Create a free account and link your PSAT scores through College Board Follow the individualized, targeted practice Watch videos of teachers talking through how to answer test questions for strategy Take full-length practice tests to develop stamina

the SAT was made to correlate disagrees. more with education in schools.

“Classrooms have to focus on According to Green Test Prep, the the subjects that they teach, not vocabulary and format of questions really on SAT,” Kim said. “The SAT in the old SAT put under-resourced is only unique to itself. In the SAT students at a disadvantage. The new book that I’m reading, it actually SAT uses vocabulary and question says that the SAT only gauges how types familiar to all students, things good you are at taking the SAT, and that are taught in school and don’t that’s all.” need outside preparation to master.

Despite the controversy, the staff “The new SAT is going to be at RHS has already began to make more of an achievement test than preparations to help students. aptitude,” Mrs. Messing-Mirabito “We have a committee and said. “[It] is we’re going supposed to to work “We are all working hard to to try to align better learn all we can about the brainstorm with common core and that’s different new SAT so we can help where we’re our students feel confident things that headed.” we can do and prepared on test day.” to help our English Mrs. Jen Schrems, teacher Mrs. students English teacher Jennifer be more Schrems also ///////////////////////////////////////////////// successful,” believes the Mrs. new test is Messingbeneficial.

Mirabito said. “The other part “The writing portion is especially is: how do we also take this and helpful because it prepares put it in the classroom so that [students] for AP English classes [students] are seeing it every single as well as college classes,” Mrs. day? [After talking to other staff Schrems said. members], we’re going to take all However, there is debate about that information and come up with whether or not and how much a plan of how we are going to help teachers should help students our students be more successful.” prepare.

Students, such as the juniors in “[Teachers] should give us Mrs. Schrems’ classes, have already practice questions that are SAT started to practice in the classroom based,” junior Rose Meyers said. with assignments related to the new Kim, on the other hand, SAT.

“Juniors do a lot of practice with the writing section of the SAT in a timed setting,” Mrs. Schrems said. “We talk about strategies to annotate the text and the best way to approach what the prompt is asking them to do.”

College Board has created other resources to help students adapt to this new test.

“College Board has an SAT Question of the Day; it’s an app that you put on your phone,” Mrs. Messing-Mirabito said. “I think that would be a good [way to help students prepare].”

Standardized tests in general aren’t received well among students.

“It makes sense, that they have to [give tests], but I personally don’t like it,” Meyers said.

Kim agrees that tests have both a positive and negative side to them.

“As a student, I hate standardized testing, as do many other people, but they may help with school organization in general,” Kim said.

Although the switch to the redesigned SAT is building pressure on the junior class, the staff is determined to help students succeed.

“RHS teachers really care about the success of their students,” Mrs. Schrems said. “We are all working hard to learn all we can about the new SAT so we can help our students feel confident and prepared on test day.”

How to prepare at home MOBILE APPS PRACTICE READING • •

•

Use the Khan Academy app to watch practice videos and get college admissions advice Use the SAT Question of the Day app to practice sample reading, math and writing and langauge questions; keep track of your progress Download Daily Practice for the SAT (on Apple devices only) for more great practice

•

•

Spend time reading lengthy, boring informational texts and charts and analyzing author’s word choice, text structure, point of view, purpose and arguments.

Time yourself! The reading portion has 52 questions in 65 minutes, writing and language 44 questions in 35 minutes, math 58 questions in 80 minutes, and essay 1 passage.

PAGE 4 // FEATURE

MR. ROCHESTER

THE TALON // JANUARY 2016

Meet the contestants who hope to win your vote on Feb. 11 BAILEY BOERMAN FEATURE EDITOR

Karl Chidiac

I’m very nervous to be in Mr. Rochester because I have nothing planned yet and I still need to find my talent. I have no idea why I got nominated; I didn’t expect it at all. I’m most excited about the pick-up line portion. I’m least excited about the questions because I’m not good at answering questions on the spot. One thing you should look forward to in my performance is that I’m going to be in my performance.

Fun fact: I keep my goods in a briefcase.

Escort: Natasha Cheney Biggest competition: Johnny

Kyle Matynka

Nick Drinkard

Sam Wolfe

I feel ecstatic and electrified about being nominated for Mr. Rochester. I think I got nominated because of my outstanding charisma. I have also provided many smiles to my peers throughout my high school career. I am most excited to perform my talent. I am least excited about the question and answer section. My performance should keep everyone on the edge of their seats.

I am honored and excited to be in a male beauty pageant.

I probably got nominated for being funny and my involvement in clubs and the SOF. I’m most excited to be apart of the event and get up on stage and attempt to make people laugh. I’m not looking forward to getting bullied by my girlfriend for taking part in a male beauty pageant. If you love America than you should look forward to my special talent performance. That’s all I have to say about that.

I’m very excited I get the chance to be in Mr. Rochester and am looking forward to having a lot of fun with my boys.

I think I got nominated because I’m a ginger. I’m most excited for the talent portion of the competition; we have a lot in store, so it’s going to be fun. I’m least excited for the question portion because we don’t know what we are going to be asked. I don’t want to give anything away about my performance, but I will say my swimsuit will be on point.

Fun fact: I enjoy long spiritual walks to really become one with my inner self.

Escort: Allison Surinck Biggest competition: Nick

Fun fact: I like to go off roading in my camo crocs.

Escort: Kat French Biggest competition: Johnny, because he’s really cute.

Parker Jones

Johnny Nguyen

Jordan Sadler

I feel proud to be nominated for Mr. Rochester; I think it will be a funny show. People think I am crazy and I know I’ll do crazy stuff while on stage. I am most excited to hear all the funny jokes and to not wear a shirt. I’m not looking forward to seeing all of the other contestants lose … sike. In my performance, my dance moves should be very interesting.

It’s a dream come true to be nominated; I was born and raised in a small city named Rochester Hills. As a little boy with high hopes and big dreams, I always knew I was destined to be a contestant for Mr. Rochester. You know the saying, “God has a certain plan for everyone?” Well, I believe that’s why I was nominated. I’m mostly excited about the free food we get on the day of the performance, but being around friends is good too. I’m least excited about the rehearsals. All I can say about my performance is that it’s gonna be lit.

It’s an honor that people think that I’m funny enough to even do something like this. Ever since freshman year, I always hoped that I would be on Mr. Rochester. I’m a pretty nice guy and I try to be friends with everyone and people realize that. I’m also pretty hilarious though. I’m most excited about the questionnaire portion; we have no clue what we’re gonna get asked, which is really scary, but it should be very interesting. I’m least excited about the swimsuit portion because I can’t wear a speedo. Hopefully, you can look for a pretty special guest appearance in my performance.

Fun fact: I eat two of everything and drink a gallon of milk a day.

Escort: Angela Lekosiotis Biggest competition: Kyle, because we are good friends and it would be hard to see him lose.

Fun Fact: One time when I was seven, my babysitter made me eat food that I didn’t want to so when she wasn’t looking, I grabbed the phone and called 911.

Escort: Jenny Nguyen Biggest competition: Nick Drinkard, because he’s Nick Drinkard.

Fun Fact: I can recite the airplane scene in the movie “Bridesmaids.”

Escort: Sarah Song Biggest competition: Nick, because who can compete with a stud like him?

Fun fact: I watch “The Bachelor” and think Ben should be with Amanda S. Escort: Gabby Leo Biggest competition: Nick Drinkard, because he’s hot.

Austin Suttie

I’m trying not let it get to my head, but I’m feeling pretty good about it. I got nominated because I’m a pretty nice guy. I’m most and least excited about rapping in the competition. You should look forward to my rap in the competition.

Fun Fact: I can’t rap.

Escort: Rachel Ludwig Biggest competition: Jordan, because he’s the only person who could be more funny than me.

PAGE 5 // FEATURE

THE TALON // JANUARY 2016

One of these seniors will be crowned the 2016 Mr. Rochester: Kyle Matynka, Nick Drinkard, Jordan Sadler, Johnny Nguyen, Karl Chidiac, Sam Wolfe, Austin Suttie and Parker Jones. Photo by Fadi Bodagh

PREPARING FOR MR. ROCHESTER

STUGO and senior class advisor work to make it happen LAUREN KARMO STAFF WRITER

Student council members are working hard to put on a great show for this year’s Mr. Rochester, along with the boys selected. The male beauty pageant is always a hit, and the people behind the scenes make sure of it. Senior class president Bre Weaver is in charge of it, and her time, effort and stress is seeming to pay off as the show comes together.

“I get together the votes for the eight boys and then I get all of it approved,” Weaver said. “I write the script, make sure all their talent portions are right and they have a packet they have to fill out. I give that to Mrs. Miesch, and then we put the show together from that.”

Weaver, along with senior Ellen Wegener, are going to be hosting Mr. Rochester this year. Both girls have a hand in planning and running the event, making sure

everything runs as smoothly as possible.

“I’ve mostly been Bre’s moral support,” Wegener said. “She has been doing most of the planning; I just help with the important decisions like what we should wear as hosts and what jokes we should make. Overall, Bre is doing an awesome job with planning the skits and handling the boys.”

Principal Mr. Neil DeLuca created the show when he was senior class adviser, and passed on the responsibility to the current class adviser, Mrs. Sarah Miesch, who helps the girls put the show.

“The reason we put it on is really two-fold,” Mrs. Miesch said.

“The first reason is that it is a fun activity that brings seniors together for the kick off of the ‘senior semester.’ Second semester of senior year has a bunch of great traditions and this is the first of the season. The second reason is it serves as one of two big fundraisers

for senior activities and prom.”

The boys are expected to prepare for a pickup line round, a swimsuit round, a talent portion and an on-the-spot Q and A in formal evening wear.

“We have had dancing to puppetry, to juggling, to unicycles, to poetry, to tumbling,” Mrs. Miesch said. “Throughout the evening other dances the guys do are also part of the overall judging that takes place. It gives them extra chances to win the heart of the audience.”

The show is known around the school to be interesting and different, with each boy bringing his own humor and personality into the performance.

“I’ve gone every year because it is so funny,” Wegener said. “The concept of a male beauty pageant is hilarious and they always put on a great show.”

The boys are picked each year by popular vote from the senior

class.

“It’s a really good group this year; there’s a lot of diversity in personalities,” Weaver said.

“They’re not all the most popular kids in our school, but they’re just really good kids.”

The senior class is pumped that their classmates are going to be showcased this year, drawing a lot of attention to the show.

“This is my favorite event of the year to see,” Wegener said. “I’m so excited that this year. I know all the guys and it is finally the class of 2016s turn to take the stage. I love working with everyone because they are so enthusiastic and hilarious.”

With all the planning required for such a big show, student council seems to be on top of it, scheduling rehearsals and coordinating the event.

“I’m not really nervous,” Wegener said. “All the planning is going smoothly and I know all the guys will do great. Mostly I’m just

really awkward and I know I’ll say something weird on the mic. But thankfully I have my girl Bre to back me up.”

Mr. Rochester brings out characters in the boys that aren’t always on display for the rest of the school through athletics or other events.

“It shows some really unique sides of our students,” Mrs. Miesch said. “It is so fun to see them dancing and singing, and just having fun. It is a tradition that brings the senior class together every year. It is fun to see the guys not afraid to look ridiculous.”

Student council hopes to draw in crowds for Mr. Rochester with entertaining and unique humor.

“Because it’s high school boys, and they’re always really funny, people will want to come,” Weaver said. “Seeing them on stage and making a fool out of themselves and performing will be really interesting and funny.”

PAGE 6 // FEATURE

THE TALON // JANUARY 2016 For most high school students, getting up at 6 a.m. and going to school on a frigid winter morning is a drag. School often seems pointless, as many teenagers wonder when they will ever have to use what they are being taught in the real world. However, students who are participating in German National Honor Society, also known as Delta Epsilon Phi, now have an opportunity to apply their German language skills in the real world.

Members of Delta Epsilon Phi have been assigned German pen pals from Bavaria to expand their education beyond the classroom. RHS students write letters in German and the students from Germany respond in English. Delta Epsilon Phi members like sophomore Reagan Wegener are presented with a great learning opportunity through this system.

“A large majority of the honors society members were paired up with a student at a middle school in a German village,” Wegener said. “Our intentions in writing are to improve our writing skills for the language, and help the German students with their English.”

In his first year of teaching German at RHS, Mr. Brady Crites has already established a German NHS program. He believes it is very beneficial for German students to have the opportunity to extend their knowledge of the language outside of their standard German class.

“When I did my student teaching, the school I worked at had a chapter of Delta Epsilon Phi,” Mr. Crites said. “This summer I found out Adams has a Delta Epsilon Phi. I wanted to create a chapter here at RHS to give our students who go the extra mile in the classroom the opportunity to use their German and engage in their community outside of the class.”

Mr. Crites describes how the pen pal program that members of Delta Epsilon Phi are taking part in is such a unique opportunity for them.

“Aside from the obvious advantage of practicing their writing/reading in German, it also offers students the opportunity to connect with kids of a similar age in another part of the world,” Mr. Crites said. “My hope is that the students will strike up a real friendship with their pen pal, sharing stories of school life, their families and their day-to-day lives. Who knows? Maybe one day an RHS student will earn an opportunity to travel to Europe and visit their pen pal in Germany.”

As one might assume, there are sure to be a few communication issues when students are writing letters to each other in a language that they’re still learning.

“Luckily they have an English speaker in the classroom to help them out over there, and I try to help my students get their thoughts across fluently in their letters as well,” Mr. Crites said. “Still, I anticipate there being a few letters from the Germans that may be confusing or difficult to decipher, but we will embrace the challenge.”

However, English is often taught from a very young age in Germany. Sophomore Claire Cracium thinks that their English will be more understandable because of this and that RHS students can provide English tips if needed.

“I think their English will probably be better than our German because I think they have been learning English longer,” Cracium said. “I’m not sure about [RHS students] improving their English right away, but maybe we could help in the future.”

Although having a German pen pal gives participants like Cracium helpful short-term learning benefits, she acknowledges the long-term benefits as well. Her reasoning for signing up for Delta Epsilon Phi is simple.

“For college,” Cracium said. “I was already going to German club when Delta Epsilon Phi meets, so it wasn’t hard to join.”

While Cracium is focused on the future, Wegener also has her own reasons for signing up for German National Honor Society.

“I was motivated to join Delta Epsilon Phi because I wanted to become more involved with school,” Wegener said. “I thought that having a larger role in the German program would be a great start.”

Wegener’s decision to join seems to have paid off, as she has enjoyed participating in the new NHS program, especially being assigned a pen pal over 4,000 miles away.

“I think that being able to talk to someone who speaks a completely different language is fascinating,” Wegener said. “If I had never taken a German class there would be no way that I would ever know my pen pal or communicate with them. Knowing a different language, even the amount that I do, opens new doors that would not be otherwise.”

Despite the fact that the winter break differences between Germany and the United States have delayed the responses, the new system has been working out smoothly thus far, much to the delight of Mr. Crites.

“It is certainly a tradition I hope to continue for a very long time,” Mr. Crites said. “As a teacher, there is no worksheet I could prepare, no PowerPoint I can create that will ever hold the educational value that comes from forming a real, lasting relationship with another student in a country halfway across the world. A project like this allows students to connect with other cultures and expand their views of the world, to me that’s pretty special.”

GERMAN STUDENTS WRITE TO PEN PALS GERMAN NHS PARTICIPANTS USE THEIR LANGUAGE SKILLS IN A REAL WORLD CONTEXT AUSTIN REMICK STAFF WRITER

Sophomore Reagan Wegener writes to her pen pal in Germany.

Photo by Austin Remick

PAGE 7 // FEATURE

THE TALON // JANUARY 2016

CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLLEGE FOR YOU

MARIA BROECKER OPINION EDITOR

Students decorated the first hour teacher’s doors based on his or her alma mater for college week. Math teacher Mr. Nick Merlo’s Alma door came in first, French teacher Madame Elizabeth Arcangeli’s Kalamazoo door was notable, family and consumer science teacher Mrs. Joyce Russel’s CMU door took second, and English teacher Mr. André Harding’s EMU door took third. Photos by Angela Mammel and Makenzie Shubnell

COLLEGE WEEK GETS STUDENTS PUMPED ANGELA MAMMEL

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR RHS graduate Megan Wills, exhausted after working hard for the majority of the year to try to get into college, walks out of the door and checks her mailbox. An aspiring teacher, she believes that she has found the program to fit her needs at Grand Valley State University. Opening her mail, she becomes excited as she finds out she has been accepted into her dream school and has high hopes for the future.

“When I visited Grand Valley, I was really impressed with the honors college, and they made a lasting impression on me,” Wills said. “I love it here and I think that going to college for me is really important because I want to be a teacher so I have to get certified.”

Senior Rachel Hsu is excited to take the next step in her education like Wills and attend the University of Michigan next year. She is very impressed by all the school has to offer.

“I’m going to go to U of M for their college of engineering,” Hsu said. “I like Michigan because it’s well-rounded; I have a bunch of side interests like music, and I think schools like Michigan that let you branch out and do what you want are really cool.”

“We wanted to have a little Assistant principal Mr. Pasquale fun with the week, so we had Cusumano is thrilled students at trivia about the staff, the door RHS are finding great programs decorating to create some buzz, for them. He believes that a college and discussions about the teacher’s education is very important, so he experiences to get kids talking,” Mr. helped start college week at RHS Cusumano said. “It really raised to get people talking about further the spirit we wanted which is great education. because college really impacts the “College prepares you for work rest of your life.” and life, and it forces you to be Wills self-sufficient thinks that under a busy “Pick a college program that RHS prepared schedule,” Mr. fits your needs — do what you her for the Cusumano said. enjoy, find your passion and heavier “The overall workload that goal of the go for it.” she is now college week Mr. Cusumano, responsible we had here is for. to enforce this assistant principal “College importance to /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// throws a students and to lot more get everyone responsibility on you, but it’s also pumped up and talking about their a lot more freedom and it’s really future school.” nice,” Wills said. “A lot of my AP Wills loves how college week classes helped with that, as they raises interest and opens up taught me how to handle a heavier student’s possibilities of what workload and prepared me for the universities they could go to. discussion-based classes I have “I think [college week] helps now.” people explore other colleges,” Hsu believes that her English Wills said. “When you look at all of the colleges that your teachers went classes, especially AP Language and Composition, prepared her for to you’re able to look into some the long and stressful application schools you might not really have process she had to go through considered before.”

Mr. Cusumano was happy about to get into Michigan. She advises those preparing to go through this how many people seemed excited to start on their essays early. about college in general.

“I like how Ms. Burke has us write college essays in her class just so we could have some experience with that,” Hsu said. “You end up writing a ton of stuff for colleges, so it was super tiring, but you need to start working on them early, because cramming on the day of the deadline just adds more stress.”

Wills loves her college experience.

“I’m in the honors college, so it’s definitely more time-consuming than it was in high school,” Wills said. “I think it’s a lot better, though, because even just as a freshman I’m doing a lot more of what I want to do, and it’s not like there are any classes that you have to take to graduate.”

Mr. Cusumano, who got his Master’s degree at Saginaw Valley State University, recognizes how stressful preparing for the college experience can be. He advises those searching for a school currently to work hard and pick a place that they feel is best suited to their needs.

“Remember that it’s not where you get your degree from, it’s how hard of a worker you are and what type of attitude you have that determines your success,” Mr. Cusumano said. “Pick a college and program that fits your needs — do what you enjoy, find your passion and go for it.”

By the time senior year rolls around, most seniors have an idea where they want to send their applications. Whether its parental or friend influence, star athletics or childhood dreams, choosing a college is not easy.

Luckily, there are over 3,000 public and private colleges in America to choose from.

No matter how picky you are, believe it or not, there is a place out there for you. There are several important factors to consider.

It’s essential that students applying to college focus on the academics that the college has to offer. Many students have an idea of what they want to study, and in order to succeed in this major, the college must offer this major. It’s also important to consider the ranking of that particular program compared to others at different colleges or universities.

When thinking about academics, it’s also important to be realistic about your options.

Not everyone is fit for the Ivy League schools; your goal should be to find a place that is appropriately challenging for you.

Sitting in a lecture hall with 400 students for two hours taking notes may not be everyone’s forte. While some students can excel in this climate and do self-teaching when necessary, others may need a smaller environment with easier access to the professors.

Another important factor to consider is location, location, location. Being right down the street or a four-hour drive away can make a huge difference. You have to decide how important it is for you to be able to come home on the weekends or if you plan to stay on campus most of the time.

If you’ve been dreaming of the day you get to leave home or yearning for a place with warmer weather, maybe this option is best for you.

The campus life plays a large role in the type of social setting people want when attending college. Check out each school you’re considering for social scene and decide if you want a party school or not, if you’re interested in Greek life or not, if they have intramural sports and electives or not. Getting involved can significantly increase your chance of having a better, more successful college experience.

Making the right decision about where to attend college can seem daunting. The key is thinking about what you want and what will make you happy and tuning out the noise of parents, counselors and friends telling you where they think you should go. At the end of the day it’s your choice.

PAGE 8 // FEATURE

SADIE HAWKINS DANCE

THE TALON // JANUARY 2016

Girls with guts ask guys to the dance and have fun MAGGIE ROEHLING PHOTO EDITOR

The buzz about the Sadies winter semi-formal on Feb. 20 from 7-9 p.m. is ruminating through the school. With the tables turned, girls are thinking about ways to ask their boyfriends or guy pals to the dance.

Not all girls will take the chance to ask a guy, but senior Bre Weaver says girls shouldn’t be scared to ask a guy, fly solo or go with a group of friends.

“I’m definitely going to Sadies; I might be asking a friend to come with me,” Weaver said. “At Sadies, you can dance and there might be a photo booth too, so that would be really cool ... and food of course. The name of the dance is ‘That 70’s Sadies,’ so it’s a throwback, disco-type Sadies. It’ll be really cool for couples and singles.”

Weaver has gone to Sadies every year and continues to enjoy being a part of a large group of girls who ask a special friend to Sadies.

“I guess I can see why girls would think it’s scary to ask a guy to Sadies,” Weaver said. “It’s definitely easier to ask someone to Sadies when you’re in a relationship, but I think a lot of people think that when you ask someone to a dance, you’re asking them on a date and that’s not necessarily the case.”

Many girls advocate going to Sadies with a date because it is a chance for girls to express who they want to spend time with. On the contrary, if a group of students would rather go to hang out with friends, girls and guys can go with in a group instead of opting to Senior Rhyarna McBride has the guts to ask her friend, junior Louis Rolland, to attend Sadies go in pairs. with her. Photo Illustration by Maggie Roehling “You can go with your friends, of course, and have a good time,” Weaver said. “I just While many girls bite their nails in night at Sadies, but lack the drive to attend think it’s more fun when you have a date anticipation about asking their male friends, without a girl by their side. because then you have someone to spend junior Louis Rolland says girls shouldn’t stress “We only have [Sadies] because people like time with.” too much. to have a reason to come together and be a Weaver is “What’s the part of something,” junior Ryan Gladstone not alone in her “Heck no, it shouldn’t be scary for girls to worst thing that said. “Asking someone to homecoming isn’t opinion. Many ask guys to Sadies.

Girls, go out there and could happen? scary, and it shouldn’t be scary for girls to ask girls truly want They say no?” guys to Sadies, because girls are more likely do your thing, because, who runs the world? to attend Sadies Rolland said. to say no to guys than guys are to say no to with a guy by Girls!”

“A guy would girls.” their side, but only say no if he Traditionally, Sadies is a chance for Bre Weaver, 12 some just aren’t knew someone couples or friends to dance as dates, but in ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// brave enough to else was going order for that to happen, girls need to take ask someone to to ask him or he some initiative. accompany them. just didn’t want to go. I wouldn’t go to Sadies “The reason that girls don’t ask guys to “I could see how it’s scary, especially for by myself, but I would go if someone asked Sadies is because they’re insecure and they’re a guy during homecoming, and that fear of me.” afraid of what other people think,” Rolland rejection and putting yourself out there,” Rolland is an example of a fairly large said. “People too often care too much about sophomore Arielle Miller said. “If you really population of guys who want to dance all what other people think and not about what like someone, [the fear] shouldn’t matter.”

REASONS TO GO TO SADIES: 1. PEOPLE CAN GO AS FRIENDS OR WITH SIGNIFICANT OTHERS 2.. GIRLS AND GUYS WHO GO AS FRIENDS COULD END UP BEING MORE 3. THIS IS THE ONLY CHANCE GIRLS GET TO ASK A GUY 4. IT IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE MEMORIES

they really want, and so they ask a guy based on, ‘oh I want to show this guy off,’ or ‘oh I got so and so to go to the dance with me,’ instead of ‘oh I really like this guy and I want to spend time with him.’”

According to Weaver, Sadies has a lower attendance than homecoming and prom because Sadies isn’t as big of a deal, and girls are sometimes scared to ask guys.

“Sadies is less popular than homecoming because a lot of schools don’t do it, so it’s not as known,” Weaver said. “I think it just doesn’t have all the hype that homecoming has. You know, like, pep-assembly, and all that stuff.”

Homecoming and prom are formal dances that are famous for marking the beginning and the end of the year.

“Homecoming’s the beginning, Prom’s the final, and the middle guy is never really acknowledged,” Miller said.

Along with the hype that comes with the first and last dances of the school year, less people might attend Sadies because they feel like it’s strictly a couples dance.

“You can go to homecoming and prom without a date because it’s different,” Rolland said. “Sadies is less popular because homecoming has more tradition of party, being with your friends and cool stuff, and Sadies is more of a couples thing traditionally.

Like a ‘people together type thing.’ You don’t go to Sadies with your friends.”

Many girls find themselves struggling with the question of whether or not they should ask someone to Sadies or not go at all.

“Heck no, it shouldn’t be scary for girls to ask guys to Sadies,” Weaver said. “Girls, go out there and do your thing, because, who runs the world? Girls!”

PAGE 9// LIFESTYLES

BODY MODIFICATION

THE TALON // JANUARY 2016

Hair dye, piercings and tattoos allow for creativity AMANDA CAPALDI LIFESTYLES EDITOR

Junior Shoshanna Lapp confidently walks through the halls of RHS with bright pink hair.

She has always wanted a way to stand out, and found dying her hair to be the perfect way to separate herself from the crowd.

“I believe body modification is a great way to express yourself and separate yourself from everyone else,” Lapp said. “I love dying my hair!

It makes me feel fantastic. It has boosted my confidence level, and it makes me feel … [like] me.”

Lapp isn’t the only teen who likes to modify herself to be unique. Many teens opt to get tattoos. Tattoo artist at American Pride, Randy Kepf, sees many minors come into the parlor, and feels comfortable tattooing them as long as it is within reason, and that if that are under 18 they have parental consent.

“I think it’s fine as long as they are not tattooing their faces or stuff like that you know they have a career choice ahead of them,” Mr. Kepf said. “Me personally, I won’t tattoo anyone under the age of you know, 15-16-years-old without parent consent and as long as it’s not on their face or hands.”

Step-parent Sara Zuerner warns about the potential drawbacks of body modification.

“When it comes to getting a job many business are becoming stricter about the way their employees look,” Mrs. Zuerner said. “The older generation doesn’t necessarily approve of the modifications.”

Sophomore Grace Murphy agrees with Kepf about minors modifying themselves with tattoos.

She feels people should go for it, as long as it doesn’t cross the line.

“So I think that they are okay but only to a certain extent. Some people get a tattoo of their kids names, and I think that’s really cute,” Murphy said. “But then some people will get a tattoo of something that means nothing, like a donut, or they will cover their body in leopard spots and I don’t think that’s okay.”

Murphy feels similarly about other forms of modification, but not does not feel as strongly.

“With piercings, I think some things are fine, like a belly button piercing or a nose piercing; but I think some piercings, for instance one on your like eyebrow line, or like lip piercings even.. I find those to be not very practical,” Murphy said.

“Now, as far as like hair color goes, go for it...you can’t really go wrong, and you can always change it.”

Sophomore Taylor Zuerner got a nose piercing her freshman year, and though she likes it, a lot of the time she fails to remember she even has it.

“I got a nose piercing because I wanted one, there was no real reason as to why I got it, half the time I forget I have it,” Zuerner said. “I definitely plan on getting more piercings in the future. It allows you to express yourself in your own way.”

Junior Mrudula Sriram flaunts a nose piercing along with multiple ear piercings.

Photo by Amanda Capaldi Even though body modification has many fans, Though sophomore Amanda Lebel doesn’t it also receives a lot of negative feedback. Junior have anything against people who choose to Roxanne Parman believes this is due to how it modify themselves, she herself would not modify used to be perceived in the past. herself in any way. “[Body modifications] are great because they’re “Personally, I don’t mind pierced ears, but I a form of self expression. wouldn’t want to do a tattoo, They allow you to put dye my hair or do an extreme “The body isn’t meant to creativity on your body,” piercing,” Lebel said. “It tampered with. I wouldn’t said Parman. “I think there’s change my appearance because can look abnormal and I always gonna be [that bias] feel like I would change my my body is the temple of my towards body modifications God, and I don’t believe I should mind quickly and regret my because of older generations. mistakes.” change my appearance.”

[Treatment of people with Looks and expressing Jamil Haddad, 12 body modifications will] yourself are not the only probably become more lax [in ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////// reasons people modify their the near future].” bodies. Kepf explains some Senior Jamil Hadid of the reasons people come personally would not modify his body in any way. into the shop to get tattoos.

“The body isn’t meant to tampered with,” “A lot of people get tattoos for a lot of Haddad said. “I wouldn’t change my appearance different reasons. A lot of people love it for because my body is the temple of my God, and I just your work aspect, a lot of people use it as a don’t believe I should change my appearance.” therapeutic result, like as a way to deal with stress, There are many people who disagree with the or like a way to grieve after somebody passes decision for teenagers to alter themselves. Lapp away; they use it as a way of grieving,” Kepf said. doesn’t care what anyone thinks, she loves what “You know and some people, get a tattoo for a she does too much to care. loved one or someone special. So, there’s a lot of “Hatred doesn’t really affect me, if i am doing different reasons why people get tattoos, like me something that makes me happy, there isn’t personally, I used it a lot for therapeutic reasons enough hatred in the world to stop me from doing like whenever I was in a bad mood or like upset something that makes me happy, ” Lapp said. “I instead of getting into fights I get tattoos, so.” love dying my hair so there isn’t anyone in this Senior Diego Perez who got a tattoo last year, world that could change my mind or make me feel explains his tattoo and motive for getting it. any differently about it.”

“My tattoo is an octopus, it has six tentacles

Senior Diego Perez shows off his octopus tattoo. Photo by Lauren Karmo and each tentacle represents a different part of my body as a biomatter,” Perez said. “Some people don’t understand when I talk about biomatter beings but when I talk about biomatter beings I think of myself as just another part of the ecosystem that we call the world or earth. So each tentacle represents a thing and has a tiny symbol.

In fact, the whole tattoo is a symbol of me so each tentacle has a meaning.”

Some tattoo artists refuse to tattoo minors, even with parental consent. Kepf can see why some artists do this, and supports their right to deny service to anyone they do not believe is in the right state of mind.

“Everybody’s different, everybody has their own opinion, I mean here we are we are entitled to our own opinions. Some artists, they just don’t feel it’s right, and that’s their right-they have the right to refuse service to whoever they want really,” Kepf said. “I’ve seen people refuse to tattoo minors, and I’ve also seen people refuse service to people who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”

Sophomore Nora Eisele believes that everyone is entitled to their own decisions, and that people shouldn’t let anyone stop them from doing what they would like to do.

“I think it’s your body and you can do whatever you want with it,” Eisele said. “I think if exuding the personality you have means putting art on your body, if it means dying your hair than that’s dope. You should live it up.”

THE DARK00000001 WEB

PAGES 10-11 // SPREAD

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ANONYMOUS WEBSITES AND THE USE OF THE ONION ROUTER MAKE UNDERCOVER COMPUTER ACTIVITY EASIER THAN EVER BEFORE.

BY STAFF WRITER, PAIGE RADMAN

What is the dark web?

The bright fluorescent lights blind the tired eyes of students passing through the bustling hallways. The ordinary student bows his head avoiding eye contact, anticipating a special package to be delivered at his doorstep at home. A package from the dark web.

“The dark web is a section of the internet that regular browsers will not let you access,” senior John Smith* said. “It is typically used for illegal trafficking, political protest or other illegal activity.”

A range of people including hackers, cyber-criminals, whistleblowers, ISIS members and people who desire drugs and other illegal items utilize the collection of websites that are publicly visible, but have an encrypted IP address.

“It’s no secret now that the dark web exists,” Smith said. “There are hundreds of news articles and other media that pretty much advertise the dark web and its use.”

While using these sites, there are various alarming elements due to the illegal activity.

“[I’ve used it for] browsing- just seeing what’s there,” senior Michael LaRue said. “A lot of it is genuinely interesting. A lot of it is incredibly illegal. That’s the stuff you want to stay away from because it’s genuinely scarring.”

Locating those who are responsible can be a very difficult task. Silk Road was the first online black market, paving the way for the dark web and other similar sites. It was best known for the selling of drugs, however it was shut down by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in October of 2013.

“There are many talented people in law enforcement who have tracked down and arrested those responsible for criminal activity on the dark web,” Deputy Chief of the National Security and Cyber crimes Section of the United States Attorney’s Office Mr. William Ridgway said. “This complaint affidavit lays out some of the techniques that were used to uncover the identity of Ross Ulbricht, who went by the name Dread Pirate Roberts (fans of The Princess Bride can appreciate that). He was convicted of creating and running the Silk Road, which at

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“Basically if you’re afraid of posting something, say you’re leaking information like Edward Snowden, [you should use it.] There are actually news sites like the Washington Post it has a specific website that is intentionally used only for the deep web because people are legitimately afraid that, if they release this information to the newspapers, they’d be subsequently fired.”

the time was the general one of the public.” largest dark However web sites used many others for criminal use these activity.” sites on the Various dark web types of for illegal people utilize use.

MICHAEL LARUE, 12 the dark web.

“People It may serve use it for their personal pretty much needs or any activity serve as an that could anonymous element that can contribute cause trouble with law enforcement,” to communication between terrorist Smith said. “Illegal weapon trade, drug groups, such as ISIS, hackers and those trade, hacking, hitmen, political protest, who wish to tell information while child pornography or pretty much keeping their identity a secret. anything else that is illegal or highly “Basically if you’re afraid of frowned upon.” posting something, say you’re leaking A common use that the dark web information like Edward Snowden, is associated with is the catering of [you should use it],” LaRue said. drugs. Agora is the dark web’s biggest “There are actually news sites like the marketplace for drugs, despite its Washington Post — it has a specific temporary absence. website that is intentionally used only “If you’re drug trafficking, this is for the deep web because people are the only way you can do it without legitimately afraid that, if they release getting theoretically caught,” LaRue this information to the newspapers, said. “There’s a lot of people who use they’d be subsequently fired. It allows it if they know about it. If you don’t them to provide this information to know about it, you can live your life

without ever hearing about it.”

These intricate websites aid to a more simplistic route to the criminal life.

“People don’t need to leave the comfort of their homes anymore to do illegal activity; you can literally have guns or drugs shipped to your doorstep and you wouldn’t even have to put shoes on to go anywhere,” Smith said.

Some may be confused about the difference between the dark web and the deep web. The deep web refers to all pages that search engines cannot find, including the dark web. This can be online documents with students, database entries and password protected bits.

“The deep web is actually incredibly useful because it allows you to be anonymous online,” LaRue said. “Say you’re in North Korea and you want to watch Justin Bieber for some reason, then you could do it because they have no idea who you are or where you are.”

What is TOR? This is a type of network that is used by activists, journalists, law

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THE TALON // JANUARY 2016

“The dark web? What is the dark web?”

KARLYN KELLEY, 10

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enforcement and criminals that cloaks web-surfer identities and locations, Harry Potter style.

“Dark web sites use the public Internet, but require specific software to access them,” Mr. Ridgway said. “That software typically provides for an encrypted network between the sites themselves and the visitors. Many dark web sites use TOR (which stands for The Onion Router), which enables the anonymization and encryption of internet traffic between visitors and the dark web sites.”

This system allows the data from one’s computer to be sent through the web in many layers (like an onion), and then relayed throughout the web in layers. The information is then bounced all over the globe and scrambles that information to prevent people from discovering the site that one visits, and the location that the information is being searched from.

“These sites run off of encrypted browsers like TOR that do not allow whatever you are searching on the internet to be traceable,” Smith said.

The sites that do illegal work do use networks like TOR in order to prevent from being hunted down from the FBI, and shut down. However, MIT and Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) have found a flaw in the TOR browser. They were able to find the service’s host through “traffic fingering.” This is due to the data sequences having variations, making it possible to be traced.

This negatively effects the dark web’s Agora site, the biggest marketplace for drugs, as it temporarily goes offline.

MIT and QCRI have found a fix, protecting the positive and negative aspects that the TOR browser provides.

The fix is making the data sequences the same, keeping the anonymity safe.

“You can access [the dark web] with specific programs, one of which would be TOR or the Onion Router, which allows you to look at these websites without being traced,” LaRue said. “Without it, you’d be hunted down by the FBI in moments.”

“Yes, I have heard of the dark web, but I don’t know a lot about it. I don’t know anyone who uses the dark web, because there would be drug dealers and stuff like that. I am not with those type of people.”

KIYON GOVENDER, 11

“I have never heard of the dark web before; I don’t understand it.”

DANIEL KALAI, 12

PAGE 12 // FEATURE

z

THE DARK WEB What is a Bitcoin?

“Bitcoin is a type of digital currency that uses encryption techniques to verify the transfer of funds, rather than a central authority like a bank,” Mr. Ridgway said. “Bitcoin was created in 2009 by person using the alias Satoshi Nakamoto (whose true identity remains the unknown, though many theories have been proposed by the media). Though each Bitcoin transaction is recorded in a public ledger, the names of buyers and sellers are not revealed, so they system provides a level of anonymity.”

This decentralized type of currency has a limit on the amount that can be produced: a cap of 21 million bitcoins.

This can be broken down into smaller pieces, the smallest being one-hundredth of a bitcoin. Within this digital currency, it has various benefits that contribute to the dark web.

“There are a number of advantages to Bitcoin, but one of them is that it enables costless and speedy transfer of funds between parties without the needs for banks to ‘clear’ the transaction,” Mr. Ridgway said. “For example, if you needed to wire transfer $1,000 to a family member overseas, it could take well over a day for the money to reach the recipient. With Bitcoin, it would take about 10 minutes.”

Despite these positive aspects and the usefulness of bitcoin, there are elements that can prove dangerous to the buyer.

“One of the disadvantages is that users need to protect their Bitcoin, which takes the form of a ‘private key,’ or encryption code,” Mr. Ridgway said. “If that key is lost or stolen, you cannot appeal to any central authority to get your money back; the transactions are irreversible.

The market is changing that problem by offering Bitcoin ‘wallet’ services that protect

THE TALON // JANUARY 2016

CONTINUED

THE SURFACE WEB: is anything

The “Tip” of the Iceberg

that can be indexed by a typical search engine like Google, Bing or Yahoo. This encompasses 4 percent of the web.

THE DEEP WEB: is anything that a search en-

gine can’t find. This is 96 percent of the web. This can be academic information, medical records, government reasources and legal documents.

THE DARK WEB: is classified as a small

portion of the Deep Web that has been intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers.

The Deep Web

Source: BrightPlanet your encryption keys, and provide undetected. remedies if they are stolen, much like a “That might sound a little bit bank would do.” uncomfortable to

most people, but it’s How law a federal offense to “Basic familarity with enforcement take someone’s mail,” computers and how locates users Smith said. “Law the internet works is “It’d be pretty becoming a prerequisite enforcement cannot hard for law go through someone’s to a number of jobs enforcement to catch in this country (and mail without a warrant, you using the deep so you’d have to to defend against web since using the raise suspicion to law cybercriminals).” browsers to access enforcement for them it are encrypted,” to have a reason to Smith said. “If you even have a warrant. do purchase any item It it would be hard on the deep web, it MR. WILLIAM RIDGWAY, for them to even have would have to be PROSECUTOR suspicion because mailed to you.” they can’t trace what Dealers have you have been on the the ability skillfully internet for. So how package the items purchased, in a secure it is depends on what you way that it can be shipped and remain are purchasing.”

The reliability comes into question when surfing and purchasing items off dark websites.

Despite the secure browsers and bitcoins, people still get caught and prosecuted for any illegal activity that they have partaken in.

“In a typical online crime, law enforcement is able to trace the IP addresses back to a residence or other location,” Mr. Ridgway said. “Encryption services like TOR make that difficult, if not impossible, to perform that trace. That said, law enforcement has developed techniques and tools to try to overcome these challenges, but that often requires the investigators to have technical skills, which is not always the case.”

As the current generation continues to grow and develop

new technology, it is very likely that this dark web will not disappear any time soon, and will potentially thrive on these innovations in the electronic world. Education in the ways of computers and technology can be useful.

“Speaking most directly to a high school community, I would encourage students to commit to taking at least one course related to computers in college, even if it means just taking an introductory computer programming class,” Mr. Ridgway said. “Basic familiarity with computers and how the internet works is becoming a prerequisite to a number of the jobs in this country (and to defend against the cybercriminals).” *Named changed to protect the anonymity of the student.

PAGE 13 // LIFESTYLES

THE TALON // JANUARY 2016

HAIR TYPES AND TEXTURES

Different ethnic backgrounds discuss how to tame their locks Usually, if you’re doing it for someone it can take anywhere from half an hour to up to STAFF WRITER eight hours.”

Unfortunately, there are downsides to Sophomore Surya Oglesby patiently sits still as her mother expertly yanks on her hair, wearing a weave.

“One of the cons to wearing a weave sewing in a lengthy weave. It takes hours and is if you have your braid too tight, it can can be painful, but Oglesby explains why cause your hair around the edges to fall out,” enduring this process is necessary.

Tillman said. “The adhesives you use can “I have curly hair and when it’s also cause some breakage.” straightened, it breaks off very easily,” Similar to Oglesby, junior Haven Fowler Oglesby said. “That’s why I wear a weave. occasionally struggles with her hair as she It’s just easier to keep it in a style where it comes from a mixed background. won’t cause damage or breakage. It takes “I think my hair’s alright, but it’s a little one to two hours to put it in and it can hurt hard to maintain since I have extensions in,” sometimes depending on who braids your Fowler said. “It’s not my real hair so it’s hard hair and how tightly they do it. I like weaves to keep intact. In order to get them you buy because you don’t have to worry about heat damage to your natural hair and you can have hair from a beauty shop, go to a salon and then they braid it into your head, sewing a different style whenever you want.”

Oglesby describes the hair routine needed the extensions into your braids. There aren’t too many challenges to extensions because to maintain her daily look. the point of getting “I wash my hair extensions is so that every three weeks you don’t really have to with a different type “African American hair is do anything. One thing of African shampoo normally kinky and we use that’s annoying though meant to texturize and weaves as a style to protect is that, since my hair then I comb it out,” our natural hair. You know under the extensions Oglesby said. “At night, I’ll braid my hair and how you weave a basket and is braided, if I ever get put it in a satin scarf, go in and out? Well basically, an itch I can’t really get to it.” but I don’t use cotton with a weave you’re kind of When someone says because that will tear doing the same thing.” they’re getting their hair your hair right off. If done, most would have I don’t do this at night time then it’s a big -Mrs. Renee Tillman, parent a similar idea as to what that means. However, hassle in the morning ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// the way a person gets and it just becomes their hair done can be uncomfortable to have completely different than another due to messy hair.” their lifestyle, racial background and hair Surya’s mom, Renee Tillman, explains texture. how she learned to style a variety of hair.

Ulta hair stylist Shannon Farrington “I always had a creative knack for doing things,” Tillman said. “I still remember when explains how she is able to deal with a variety of hair.

I was about nine or ten and I would braid “You learn to work with different Barbies’ heads. I just learned how to do it, so hair types from beauty school and also I was self taught.” experience,” Farrington said. “First I was an Tillman further expands on how she works with her daughter’s hair, as the texture assistant, and once I learned enough I was able to have my own clients. You learn that affects how her locks are styled. with styling hair, everything kind of depends “African American hair is normally kinky on the hair type and what the person wants. and we use weaves as a style to protect our You need to pay attention to the texture of natural hair,” Tillman said. “You know how their hair and other characteristics. Super fine you weave a basket and go in and out? Well hair, for example, will definitely pick up color basically, with a weave you’re kind of doing more easily.” the same thing. You can treat it like it’s your Sophomore Paola Barraza altered her hair own hair. Hair weaves have different textures to make managing it easier through a straight but the best to use is probably human hair. perm. Due to her hair’s natural consistency, There’s also several methods you can use, Barraza’s locks shine without the use of any how long it lasts depends on the individual.

MAHNOOR RAUF

products.

“I feel confident about my hair; it’s different from everybody else’s,” Barraza said.“I wanted to get a straight perm because my hair used to be pretty curly and frizzy.

First they put in the product and flat ironed my hair. They washed it, blow dried it and then ironed it again. It took three or four hours because I have so much hair so it was a long process, but it made my hair permanently straight.”

Barraza’s hair varies from a medium brown color to a honey yellow hue.

“I blow dry it daily and either curl it or just leave it straight,” Barraza said. “I like my hair because it’s easy to style.”

Contrary to most girls, sophomore Alyssa Westberg generally doesn’t have much trouble when it comes to her locks.

“I like my hair because it’s long, blonde and naturally straight, but I’d probably have my hair curled every day if I could,” Westberg said. “I can do a lot with my hair because it’s so long.”

Unlike the others, sophomore Krithi Jaligama isn’t as fond of her locks.

“I don’t really like my hair that much because it’s really thin; I wish it were thicker,” Jaligama said. “It’s natural though, and I like that because it’s straight and I don’t have to deal with messy tangles.”

Sophomore Lyewon Kim is a part of the swim team and unfortunately experiences the effects chlorine has on hair. However, her hair is similar to Jaligama as it’s also stick straight and doesn’t develop too much frizziness.

“Swimming affects my hair because if I dyed it I have to make sure I’m maintaining the color,” Kim said. “I have to wash my hair everyday because of swim and it’s not good for your hair, but I guess my hair’s used to it. Sometime’s my hair also gets really dry from the chlorine, which can cause breakage.

However, I really like my hair because it’s short so it’s easy to manage and take care of.”

For most people, their hair is an important part of their overall appearance.

They know what makes their hair look its best as well as its worse. Oglesby further expands her views on this subject.

“I think that everyone has their own way of doing their hair and if that way works for them then it works for them,” Oglesby said.

“If you slay it, tame it and take care of it; you’ll be alright.”

Paola Barraza, 10

Surya Oglesby, 10

Haven Fowler, 11

Alyssa Westberg, 10

PAGE 14 // LIFESTYLES

HIGH SCHOOLERS IN LOVE

THE TALON // JANUARY 2016

Students and staff discuss the pros and cons of relationships CARLY CRAIG

CIRCULATION MANAGER Senior Ashley Wright walks down the hallway on her way to class, her boyfriend Maximilian catches her eye. Her stomach drops, the butterflies go crazy and she temporarily forgets how to breathe.

According to the Pew Research Center, eighteen percent of thirteen to sixteen year olds in America are currently in a relationship.

Education.com says that by age sixteen it’s not uncommon for a relationship to last up to two years or longer.

Wright talks about how she fell in love with her best friend and boyfriend senior Maximilian Sandler.

“I didn’t really know what love was until I met Max. We were friends before [we started dating] and he was just so nice to me, and we got along so well,” Wright said.

“Then, I decided to ask him out on a date. We’ve been dating for a long time, and I know that I truly love him.”

However, not everyone is so fond of love. Junior Micah Massey talks about her differing opinion looking for in their partner might on love. change over time,” Ms. Caggins “I think everyone wants to be said. “I feel like the love that they happy and that they believe that might feel for someone as they get love is the only way to truly achieve older definitely might deepen as it,” Massey said. “But I also think they mature.” some people are in love with the Sandler talks about his idea of frustration being in with the “You have to be willing to love love, not media’s people through bad times and realizing false through times when you might that there’s portrayal not necessarily like them.” a difference of love, between and how loving the media Ms. Aliyah Caggins, counselor someone can often ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// and being times be in love with misleading. someone.”

“Love Counselor Ms. Aliyah Caggins is not actually how the media agrees with Massey’s view on love. portrays it to be because the media “A lot of high schoolers is a stereotypical thing and in love probably feel like they may have there’s a lot more hidden aspects,” fallen in love with someone; I just Sandler said. “There’s the big feel like as people get older and moments and the small moments they mature, their idea of love and everything adds up together. and the things that they might be The media only focuses on one

Photo Illustration by Carly Craig

19% are TAKEN 11% say IT’S COMPLICATED 7% are DATING MANY PEOPLE 63% are SINGLE

Data from a Twitter poll of 135 @rhstalon followers.

aspect [of love]. Real love is better than the way the media portrays it.”

Massey agrees with Sandler, and comments on the media’s warped interpretation of love.

“Love hurts and the media doesn’t always show that,” Massey said. “It tends to focus on the good or the really bad things and it doesn’t always show the compromise that’s sometimes made to save the relationship.”

Ms. Caggins adds to Massey’s

thoughts. “[The media] never really shows the reality that you have to be willing to love people through the bad times and through times when you might not necessarily like the person,” Ms. Caggins said. “You might love them all the time, but there are going to be difficult times when you don’t like them. I think that the media sort of portrays this romanticized love that isn’t really realistic.”

Ms. Caggins thinks that falling in love at a young age could have possible repercussions. “[Falling in love too young could] potentially make you miss out on some great opportunities for yourself. Also, perhaps not giving enough focus to work or school, if they have jobs and things like that,” Ms. Caggins said. “[It’s important] just to kind of be a kid and enjoy hanging out with friends and going to the mall and all the things you would do if you weren’t necessarily in a serious relationship.”

However, Sandler thinks that high school love can be rewarding.

“Love is a great experience for anyone. You learn new things and build a relationship with someone who’s not only your significant other, but your best friend,” Sandler said. “Start something with your best friend; you won’t regret it.”

Regardless of being in love or not, everyone has his or her own definition of what love means to them. Massey talks about hers.

“I think caring and wanting the best for the person even if it doesn’t involve you is what love is,” Massey sad. “Being able to step back and think about how things will affect the other person.”

Massey and Ms. Caggins have a similar definition of what love means to them.

“I’m always thinking about unconditional love,” said Ms. Caggins. “That no one’s perfect and that you’ve been able to find somebody that will love you through all your imperfections would be my definition of love.”

However, Sandler doesn’t believe that love can be defined.

“Love can’t really be defined in a sentence because it’s a feeling,” Sandler said.

Although Ms. Caggins recongnizes possible issues with teenage love, she still thinks that love is a wonderful thing to have.

“In general, love is a good thing,” Ms. Caggins said. “You probably want to have love in your life and really great relationships, so I don’t think it’s a bad thing.”

PAGE 15 // ADVERTISEMENTS

THE TALON // JANUARY 2016

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PAGE 16 // ENTERTAINMENT

THE TALON // JANUARY 2016

Blue Falcon Gang members junior Christian Robin, sophomore Johnny Agoubi, junior Alex Tilford and senior Josh Agoubi are most known for their song “Hooper Hunna.” Photo by Fadi Bodagh

Sauce Squad is comprised of junior Joshua Daily, sophomore Jordan Chambers, junior Nair Ali and junior Dedric Anderson. Photo by Ed Grijalva

BFG AND SAUCE SQUAD

New young rap talent emerges in the ROC ED GRIJALVA STAFF WRITER

From rap battles in the locker banks to laying down tracks outside of school, hip hop is alive and well at RHS. Two major groups have recently gained traction, Blue Falcon Gang (BFG) and Sauce Squad.

Sauce Squad’s first song “Sauce Squad Debut” was uploaded to SoundCloud last month and has since amassed over 2,000 plays.

“Sauce Squad is made up [junior] Dedric Anderson, [sophomore] Joshua Daily, [sophomore] Jordan Chambers, Dedric’s older brother Trey and myself,” junior Nair Ali said.

BFG’s latest song, “Hooper Hunna,” an ode to sophomore varsity basketball star Hunter Schattler, has amassed over 3,000 plays in a month. That’s nearly double the amount of plays their debut song “Pushing Gas” has received in two months.

“Blue Falcon Gang is made up of me, [senior] Joshua Agoubi, [junior] Alex Tilford and [sophomore] Johnny Agoubi,” junior Christian Robin said.

While both groups seem to be having fun with it, both have different reasons for starting to make music.

“To be honest, I just wanted to prove to [Alex] Tilford that I’m a better rapper than

him,” Robin said. “So we made a song to see “Sauce Squad has some sick beats and what parts people like more, and they liked tracks,” sophomore Allan Johnson said. “It’s my part the more than his.” funny and it’s hype. My favorite member is While BFG started out simply out of Josh Daily because the dude is hilarious and friendly competition, Sauce Squad decided is an amazing rapper.” to do it just for fun, and they got a better Then there are those who seem to have a reaction from their song than they thought more negative stance on the music being put they would. out.

“Well, I wasn’t really much of a rapper, “Most of it is just wack,” sophomore but Dedric [Anderson], Jordan [Chambers] Ekumu Pefok said. “It just doesn’t and Josh [Daily], sound good. The they’ve done it instrumentals are “Sauce Squad is wack; any other rapper bad, the verses can be before,” junior Nair out there doesn’t know how to rap. BFG alright sometimes, but Ali said. “But after our first song that got most of the time it is the hottest, HOTTEST, group in the over 2,000 listens on just isn’t good.”

ROC. You already know how it goes.”

SoundCloud, we were These opinions are Alex Tilford, 11 thinking maybe we all from listeners, and ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// could go somewhere a lot of times rappers with this.” could care less what With all these listeners think but different rappers here at Rochester, the are more conscious about what their fellow students who have taken the time to listen to rappers think of their music. all of them have formed their own opinion.

“Sauce Squad is wack, any other rapper Some prefer rappers from BFG. out there doesn’t know how to rap,” junior “Christian [Robin] is my favorite rapper Alex Tilford said. “BFG is the hottest, and producer,” senior Kristine Ivezaj said.

HOTTEST, group in the ROC. You already “He makes really good beats to his songs and know how it goes.” gets the right tunes going.”

BFG might have taken a more bold Others seem to prefer the rhythm and opinion towards other rappers, but Sauce rhymes being put out by Sauce Squad.

Squad showed a bit more respect.

“There’s no difference between us groups,” Ali said. “We’re all very talented and have diverse styles. The other groups, you know just keep grinding, we all have groups out here. If everyone keeps grinding we’re all gonna make it to the top.”

These two groups have just started out, and both hope to continue making music together. However, some members just do it for fun, while others take it a bit more seriously and have been making music for a while.

“I’ve produced thousands of beats, I mean I’ve been doing this since the sixth grade,” Robin said. “And you know I’m not sure if BFG is going to continue because I might have to make a departure. I say this because [Alex] Tilford is just really bad now, he’s ruining the quality of the songs so I don’t know If I can continue to keep working with him but we’ll see.”

As for Sauce Squad, the group of friends seem poised to make more music simply for their enjoyment once other things are taken care of.

“Yeah, but we’re taking a little break because midterms are coming up and stuff,” Ali said. “But were about to come out with a new song soon because Dedric [Anderson] has a beat ready so be on the lookout for that.”

PAGE 17 // OPINION

THE TALON STAFF Editor-in-Chief: Ninotchka Valdez News Editor: Julia Labban Lifestyles Editor: Amanda Capaldi Feature Editor: Bailey Boerman Entertainment Editors: Angela Mammel & Makenzie Shubnell Opinion Editor: Maria Broecker Sports Editor: Luke Deel Website Editor: Joel Fickel Photo Editor: Maggie Roehling Staff Writers: Zahra Ahmed Lauren Alison Fadi Bodagh Connor Bulka Carly Craig Christian Fend Morgan Gallagher Ed Grijalva Bilal Ibrahim Stephen Kaddis Lauren Karmo

Hussein Murray Ollie Najar Paige Radman Mahnoor Rauf Austin Remick Taylor Simmons Evan Smyth Maya Subramanian Mustafa Tikiwala Sara Trumza Tori Wendt

THE TALON // JANUARY 2016

STAFF EDITORIAL

Body modifications draw a variety of responses from our staff How do you feel about people dyeing their hair?

I don’t like it.

3%

Only to cover gray.

7% 18%

Only “normal” colors.

Color away!

60% 12%

I color mine!

“Hair coloring is a perfectly normal thing to do; it’s a way for people to express themselves. Like a lot of things, hair coloring is temporary, so it’s not something that’s going to follow people for the rest of their lives.”

Ninotchka Valdez, 11

Adviser: Mrs. Julia Satterthwaite

THE TALON POLICY The Talon is the official student publication of Rochester High School. We are now available both in print and online editions. Check out rochestertalon.com, @rhstalon on Twitter, @falconsofrhs on Instagram and like The Talon on Facebook for more great content.

The print edition of The Talon is issued monthly during the school year and is devoted to the interest of the student body, parents and alumni of RHS. The Talon strives to create a publication that is informative, entertaining, accurate and professional.

The mission of The Talon is to accurately, truthfully and professionally report on events and issues that are of interest to the student body, entertain readers and serve as a valuable archive of the happenings of the school.

The views expressed in The Talon are those of the staff or individual staff writers and do not necessarily represent the views of the administration.

The editors encourage communications and reactions from students, alumni, parents and friends of the school. All communications must be signed, but signatures may be withheld from publication upon request. The Talon values feedback from the community on its articles and other media. However, we maintain the right to censor inappropriate dialogue in comments.

MEMBERSHIPS

How do you feel about people getting piercings?

I don’t like it.

3% 21%

Single ear pierce only.

24%

Only “normal” piercings.

49%

Pierce away!

I have unique piercings.

3%

“I think that piercings send out a poor, unprofessional image, and they should be restricted to female’s ears.

There is no valid reason for someone to stretch a huge hole in her ear or pierce something into her stomach.

The ‘self expression’ is not necessary or worth it.”

Maya Subramanian, 10

How do you feel about people getting tattoos?

I don’t like it.

Only in memoriam.

Only if you can cover it.

Ink away!

I have a tattoo. 0%

15% 12% 24% 49%

“While I myself would never get a tattoo, mostly because I change my mind all the time about what I like, I think that people should be able to get a tattoo if they want to, but sometimes they get a little distracting form the actual person so that’s why it would be nice to be able to cover them up easily.”

Lauren Alison, 11

PAGE 18 // OPINION

THE TALON // JANUARY 2016

TEACHER EVALUATIONS ARE FLAWED

Stages system and use of common assessment results are disingeniuous MAYA SUBRAMANIAN STAFF WRITER

In society today, teachers are valued as major influences in the development of younger generations. As times change, and as strong academic programs are further stressed as a nation-wide necessity, many find it necessary to raise and regulate the standards to which teachers are held accountable.

At RHS, teacher evaluations are completed through an online process called Stages.

Stages evaluations are a collaborative effort between teachers, as they submit selfevaluations, and administrative personnel, as they comment on classroom observations.

The program does not always measure teachers’ skills accurately, as it focuses on their output alone and not the process they take to help students learn the curriculum; therefore, it is ineffective.

The Stages program includes two classroom observations throughout the school year, administration’s notes from these observations and teachers’ self reflections and goals. Each teacher must submit goals, and at the end of the year, a teacher’s proficiency in achieving these goals is measured and recorded.

The goals aspect of the program is effective in determining the productivity of teachers. Each teacher must determine what they aspire to accomplish throughout the school year; then they are later assessed on their ability to accomplish the goals. By measuring one’s ability to stay on target in terms of teaching goals, Stages is successful.

Unfortunately, teachers’ positions on the program’s effectivity are not always heard; while many teachers agree that student growth should not be as highly stressed on the rubric, political influence has given pretest vs. post-test comparisons a major role in the rubric. Students in a class must all receive a 77 percent or higher on the post-test in order for the teacher to receive the “highly effective” status. If a teacher does not get all students to this benchmark, he or she would need to prove that each student showed 25 percent growth from between the pre- and post-tests, as well as documentation about how the teacher taught the content in order to receive an “effective” rating in this area.

This policy is tremendously flawed. Often, students do not take the pre-tests seriously.

Why would they? It’s a test on a bunch of material that they haven’t learned yet. It seems ludicrous to submit students to this test in all of their core subjects. In addition,

Band teacher Mr. David Uhrig conducts his students during a classroom observation. Photo by Mr. Neil DeLuca

During an observation of AP Language teacher Ms. Erin Burke, students debate current issues. Photo by Mr. Pasquale Cusumano

Mrs. Kathy Porembiak’s classroom observation included discussion about images in Spanish. Photo by Mr. Pasquale Cusamano

Mrs. Kelley Cusmano’s English students display their thinking in her classroom. Photo by Mr. Pasquale Cusumano

teachers with higher achieving students, like honors and AP classes, would end up with better results, making the system unfair for teachers who work with general education or special education populations. Finally, with so much riding on the post-test results, there are many ways in which teachers could bend the ethics by teaching to the test, providing

detailed study guides, helping students with answers and more.

Ultimately, the key component that is missing in teacher evaluations is feedback from students. It is the students who work with the teacher daily, and not just two times each year. We can provide more useful feedback for the teacher and the

administration than any standardized test can. Colleges use this system. Students all complete evaluations of teachers at the end of each semester and that data is used to determine whether the professor stays or goes. Implementing student feedback could save time on both teachers and administrators and make results more geniune.

THE TALON // JANUARY 2016

PAGE 19 // SPORTS

Best places to ski in Michigan JACOB LORENZO

STAFF WRITER

CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN, NUB’S NOB, 3 1/4 HOURS AWAY 3 3/4 HOURS AWAY

BOYNE MOUNTAIN, 3 1/2 HOURS AWAY

The best ski mountain in Michigan is Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, Mich. Crystal Mountain is the Midwest’s premier family resort featuring many different activities that northern Michigan has to offer. The mountain includes 58 downhill slopes, 30 km of cross-country trails, 4 terrain parks and a vertical drop of 375 feet. Of all 58 slopes, 22 percent are green circle which is the easiest, 48 percent are blue square which is more difficult and 30 percent are black diamond which is most difficult. Night skiing is also a fun time, even though only 29 slopes are lit to go night skiing. Crystal is also known for being very efficient by using a high speed quad chair lift that’s powered by renewable wind energy. All of the slopes are very fun to go down, and getting back up to the top of the hill is incredibly fast thanks to the nine chair lifts. Maybe you’re not into skiing or snowboarding, that’s not a problem because there is a lodge right at the bottom of the hill. You can go in there to get something to eat and stay warm.

If you ever want a place to go skiing, consider going to Crystal Mountain. You will not be disappointed.

Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls, Mich. is a great ski mountain. If you’re looking for a great mountain with other awesome activities to do, Boyne is just place you’re looking for. The mountain has 60 awesome slopes with 29 percent green circle runs, 41 percent blue square and 30 percent black diamond. Also, the vertical drop is one of the largest in Michigan with a 500 foot vertical drop.

The amount of skiable area is 415 acres and 21 miles of cross country trails. On the mountain, there are seven terrain parks for all skiers and snowboarders and a total of 10 chairlifts, including a 6-place high speed and two surface lifts.

Even if you suck or hate skiing, you can go to the tubing park or zip-lining above the mountain and through the trees. Boyne Mountain will always be considered one of the best mountains in all of Michigan. If you’ve never been

Nub’s Nob in Harbor Springs, Mich. has been rated #1 in the Midwest by “SKI Magazine.” The mountain has 248 acres of skiable terrain and consists of 53 ski runs: nine experts only, eight black diamonds, 21 blue squares, and 15 green circles. The expert only slopes are very intense and should only be skied by people that are really good at skiing.

These slopes include obstacles like cliffs or trees and conditions may vary. If you aren’t an expert, don’t go down these slopes because you may injure yourself badly. Also Nub’s Nob is a mountain with a vertical drop of 427 feet. Since the mountain is so big, there are nine chair lifts and two tow ropes to take you up to the top. The chair lifts do take some time to get up since the mountain is so tall. They have really cool terrain parks for snowboarders and some trick skiers that’s perfect for trying new tricks and mastering old ones. Just like Crystal Mountain, there’s a lodge at the bottom of the ski hill, but there’s also a warming lodge at the top of the mountain. This is great if you’re far away from the lodge and you want to get warmed up.

Nub’s Nob is another ski mountain in Northern Michigan that will make sure you have a blast going to this winter.

to Boyne, making a trip there would definitely be a great idea.

SKIING

PROS: -Skiing is simple and easy to learn. Most people begin skiing, since it’s much less challenging than snowboarding, at least at first.

-It’s convenient and fast. No worries after getting off the chairlift, considering the boots stay clipped to the skis.

-Maneuvering is less of a challenge and sharp turns are especially easy. When navigating through trees, around sharp turns and through rough patches, it can be much easier on a pair of skis.

Ski club sponsor Mrs. Karen Malsbury tries snowboarding for the first time at Pine Knob. Photo Courtesy of Mrs. Malsbury

SNOWBOARDING

PROS: -Snowboarding is much easier to master. When it comes to snowboarding, technique is easy to get the hang of. Compared to years of practice on skis, it could only take one season of snowboarding to feel confident.

-Tricks were meant for snowboarding. When faced with a half-pipe, most people think of snowboarding as opposed to skiing, and it’s due to the fact that it’s what it was built for.

-Overall, snowboarding is a cheaper sport. The bindings and boots usually aren’t as costly as the counterparts on skis.

CONS: -Leg injuries are more common, seeing that the feet aren’t secured to one solid board. Skis do fall off in case of a serious spill, but it’s still risky.

CONS: -Snowboarding will result in bruises, whether you like it or not. It requires balance and is truly not meant for those who are more clumsy.

-It’s very difficult to master. Making it to double black diamonds may take a few years of practice, and technique can be hard to catch on to.

-Snowboarding can be competitive and intimidating. It’s not always, but if you’re a newbie, friends might push you to do things you aren’t comfortable with.

-Most “tricks” can be extremely difficult, and require a specific type of ski. Twin-tipped skis are helpful in a lot of situations that involve complicated tricks.

-The boots are a hassle. Having to buckle and unbuckle after every lift and run can become annoying.

1 PAGE 20 // SPORTS

THE TALON // JANUARY 2016

AHS DEFEATS RHS Highlanders sweep the Falcons, defeating girls varsity 58-27 and boys varsity 57-45

“My favorite part of the game was the first quarter. When we got up 11-1 it seemed like everyone on the Adams sideline did not know what to do, especially their coach,” senior Ed Grijalva said. Grijalva believes this tells a lot about what a future match-up between the Falcons and Highlanders might look like. “I think this shows that we can compete with Adams and even beat them if we play them again in districts. I feel that Rochester is going to be much better off next year too than Adams since Adams has so many talented seniors graduating this year who play a lot of minutes and our team is pretty young.”

For senior Alonzo Mitchell, the Crosstown Showdown was an interesting experience due to the fact that he played against his former team. “Honestly playing against my former team was really fun, especially with my best friend (Spencer Littleson) on that team.” Mitchell was modest about how he played. “I didn't have a good game personally, statistic wise. I missed shots I should have made, passed up shots I should have took, but I think my leadership and maturity showed by keeping my teammates in the game.” Ultimately, Mitchell thinks this game proved a lot for Falcon basketball. “Even though we lost, I feel like we proved that we can battle with any team, and that we have a bright season ahead of us.”

Sophomore Hunter Schattler led the Falcons on a hot streak of shooting with an overall 19 points scored. In addition to having an impressive day of shooting, Schattler paid attention to his team's strengths and weaknesses for the potential next match versus Adams. “Some stuff that worked out well for our team was our transition offense and our shooting ability, but some stuff that did not go well was our rebounding. We were getting crushed on the glass and it showed in the score.”

Student section leader and senior Gabe Collins thought the Soldiers of Fortune was pumped. “The atmosphere of the student section was electric to say the least. Everyone got rowdy and participated in the chants and we really looked like one unit.” Collins had a specific goal going into the game last Friday. “My goal for the student section was to get in the head of the players from the other team. As our boys scored more, we got louder. We definitely got into the other team’s head because we got a few dirty looks from them.” Photos by Hussein Murray