MARCH 2013

TALON The

180 S. Livernois Rochester Hills MI, 48307

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March 27, 2013 Check out reactions to five important news events happening in Detroit.

Volume 75

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LEARN HOW TO TAKE

GREAT PHOTOS WITH A FEW SIMPLE TIPS Pg. 10-11

Issue 6 Choir performs at MSVMA Festival at Stoney Creek High School.

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Table of Contents

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PAGES 5-9: FEATURE

PAGES 3-4: NEWS

PAGES 10-11: SPREAD

PAGES 12-13: PAGES 16-17: LIFESTYLES OPINION

PAGES 14-15: ENTERTAINMENT TheTalon Staff Austin Bowerman, Co-Editor-in-Chief Brian Palmer, Co-Editor-in-Chief Editorial Board: Sydney Bammel, Olivia Bennett, Camille Douglas, Karl Erikson, Danielle Kullmann Staff Reporters: Kelly Krako, Zach Libby, Grant McPherson, A.J. Prisciandaro, Emberly Skaggs, Casey Ternes, Sarah Walwema, Melody Zhang Julia Satterthwaite, Adviser

PAGES 18-20: SPORTS

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

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

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

You got something to say?

If something annoys you about us, school, or life in general,

write a letter to the editor.

If something amuses you about us, school, or life in general,

write a letter to the editor.

If we got something wrong, write a letter to the editor.

If it’s coherent and under 300 words, we’ll run it.

Drop it off at room B123 during 4th Hour with your name.

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TALON 2012-2013

News

What’s going on in the ‘ Camille Douglas Editorial Board

1.

AD AGENCY MOVES INTO TOWN

102 year-old ad agency Campbell-Ewald is moving to downtown Detroit in hopes to create more than 10,000 jobs.

Vice President of Environmental Consulting and Technology Mr. James Ridgway: “I hope that the city can provide sufficient police protection to assure that their workers want to continue to work in the city. Detroit is never going to be the Detroit of old, but it has the opportunity to be a very different, but successful, Detroit. If it can allow young entrepreneurs to succeed with small businesses and start-ups, we can build a foundation that could attract other larger, more cautious businesses.”

Program Manager of Rosedale Development Corporation Mr. Tom Ridgway: “It’s outstanding. Moving 700 people downtown will be great for our tax base and all of the businesses that surround them.”

2. FORMER MAYOR IS SENT TO JAIL

Former Detroit mayor Kwame M. Kilpatrick was found guilty of 24 criminal counts on March 11 after a fivemonth trial. The jury found Mr. Kilpatrick guilty of 24 of the 30 charges against him, which carry a maximum sentences of 20 years. Along with Mr. Kilpatrick, two other co-defendants were also tried, contractor Bobby W. Ferguson and Kilpatrick’s father, Bernard Kilpatrick.

J. Ridgway: “He stole. He got caught. He’s going to jail. I get the sense that most feel that Kwame was a spoiled kid that got what he deserved.”

T. Ridgway: “I voted for him the first time and had very high hopes for him. What he did was awful and I am happy that he is going to jail, but the media has had a field day with this whole mess. Money has been and continues to corrupt all levels of government and business.”

3. UPDATED WATER PLAN

The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department officials agreed to pass a plan that could net $50 million or more annually to the city on March 13. The city would give up their complete business control of the department to the operating authority. The plan is not yet finalized and because of that, there is no telling that this could or could not affect the system that serves more than 4 million Michigan residents daily.

J. Ridgway: “I believe that the suburbs will be granted more control over a newly regionalized system in exchange for a cash payment to the City plus a commitment to invest in the aging infrastructure before massive failures begin to occur.”

4. URBAN FARMING ZONING

Recently, Detroit’s planning commission has approved of the city’s new urban agriculture zoning ordinance that allows citizens to legally create and organize larger urban farms within the community.

J. Ridgway: “It is an excellent opportunity that may not work everywhere but in Detroit it is perfect. We want green spaces that are maintained and urban farming can do that well and profitably. Equally important, it can provide employment to an unskilled work base. The folks in Detroit that need jobs are unlikely to ever become software programmers but that can become skilled farmers/mechanics/food processors.”

T. Ridgway: “I think it’s a great opportunity. While growing food won’t solve all of our financial problems, it is an incredible community building exercise and the Garden Resource Network is at the forefront to these efforts.”

5. NEW EMERGENCY FINANCIAL MANAGER

Kevyn Orr was appointed by Governor Snyder as Detriot’s emergency financial manager on March 14 to help aid the city, which has more than $15 billion in long-term debt and a $327 million budget deficit.

J. Ridgway: “It is the right thing to do. There is no upside for Snyder but someone has to step forward. The city has faced down this debt crisis for 20 years and can’t seem to resolve it. Until the finances are straightened out, economic progress is all but impossible. By state law, the emergency manager must be appointed even if the only solution is bankruptcy. The city workers (and retirees) may be mad now, but if the city files for bankruptcy, their pensions will be worthless regardless of their years of service and/or Union contracts. That would be a human tragedy.”

T. Ridgway: “I am not thrilled but what we’re doing is not working so I am hopeful that these budget issues can be resolved. Kevyn Orr seems like a very capable person and I am very hopeful.”

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Student council plans annual leadership conference Karl Erikson Editorial Board

‘CONTROLLED CHAOS’

“We don’t have the script for the intro video. It was due today. Where is it?” junior Jack Sinko, co-chair for the biggest event the RHS Stugo has ever put on, yells at senior Fred Reidy.

“The script is Stoney’s job,” Reidy replies, “Scott [DiFilippo] and I are in charge of tech needs for our conference!”

This is just one example of a typical, intense conversation that would take place during third hour student council.

“It’s controlled chaos,” Stugo adviser Mrs. Kelley Cusmano said. “Pretty much it’s business from bell to bell. Everybody is doing stuff and yelling at other people because they want them to be doing more than what they’re already doing.”

Left: STUGO poses after receiving their Award of Excellence. Right: Juniors Brooke Bewack and Julia Magas bond during one of the STUGO summer planning sessions at Mrs. Cusmano’s house. Photos Courtesy of Mrs. Kelley Cusmano

connections you and able to make,” Rosol said. “You get so many ideas to bring back to your school.”

projects are well-run. The Council knows how to run stuff and RHS students know what [is available] to participate in.”

HOW TO GET SELECTED TO HOST

CONFERENCE DETAILS

Each year, a student council from RHS AND SCHS STUGOS HOST EVENT Michigan is offered the opportunity to host From March 23-25, Stugo is co-hosting its the large leadership conference. While only biggest event yet: the Michigan Association one student council is selected, many choose of Student Councils/Michigan Association to apply and go through an elimination period of Honor Societies (MASC/MAHS) State before one student council is selected Conference in the Grand Traverse Hotel in “We applied for it last year,” Mrs. Traverse City, Mich. Approximately 1,600 Cusmano said.

“Only the top five percent of students and advisors from all over Michigan Student Leadership programs are invited each year, and this are considered.

We are also year the RHS and Stoney Creek working with SCHS this High School (SCHS) student “We chose to take on year because it was so big; councils are in charge. this large task because we didn’t want to do it by Stugo started planning for it is the great challenge, ourselves.” this event 13 months ago.

[It’s the] largest honor a Ranking in the top five “We are in charge of Michigan Student Council percent of student councils in everything,” Mrs. Cusmano can do. the state is not a simple feat; said. “From guest speakers, ~Breanna Rosol, senior approximately 30 percent to schedule, what people are of schools that apply for the supposed to wear, activities, Award of Excellence earn a coveted spot in even down to the name cards people get.” the top five percent.

The portfolio categories Stugo had to secure sponsors to help fund include: goal-setting, problem-solving, yearly the $30,000 conference. calendar, organization structure and set-up “We worked to raise money and get and a letter of recommendation. sponsors from all over Michigan to support “Every year you have to apply for the us and donate any materials,” senior Breanna Award of Excellence, which is a 600-point Rosol said. “The first part of the year, we had portfolio that determines the quality of your committee heads working for the conference leadership program,” Mrs. Cusmano said. while the rest of the council worked to plan “You can only miss 30 points out of that to other events. Now that the event is coming win the award.

Some schools don’t even closer, it’s all hands on deck. We have kids attempt it because it’s a lot of work.” working on decorations, others planning The RHS Stugo has earned the award for each event and others getting the final items the past three years. necessary.”

“We are really well-run,” Mrs. Cusmano In addition to sponsors, each student pays said. “[Stugo] is a selective group, meaning roughly $200 to attend. that you must apply to get in based on grades “It’s definitely worth it because of all and teacher recommendations. Many of our the new people you’re able to meet and

“

On tap for the students who attend the conference will be a wide array of activities, speakers and games.

“Students at the conference will go to structured activities where they will learn about life in a fun way,” Rosol said. ‘Then they will go to student showcases where students from many schools will present ideas they do at their schools. They will also watch [author] Bob Tryanski and [comedian] Judson [Laipply] speak. Five lucky students will have a chance to participate in Ignite, where they get to speak on their take of the theme, ‘Life is a Highway.’”

In the end, Stugo has one main goal.

“We just want to pull it off,” Mrs. Cusmano said. “This year is the biggest year ever. Where we are staying, The Grand Traverse Hotel, has over a 200-person waiting list and this has never happened before.”

Stugo has reached out to other groups in the building to help with different facets.

“This is not just a Stugo event,” Mrs. Cusmano said. “We have gotten help from just about everyone in the school. The Talon has helped design pages for the booklet.

Green Club is helping collect water bottles that we are going to use as shakers. The media/tech people have helped as well. Ms. Pierce even gave away hockey memorabilia for speakers. It’s a school-wide effort.”

Many wonder why students would apply for something that is so much work.

“We chose to take on this large task because it is the great challenge,” Rosol said. “[It’s the] largest honor a Michigan Student Council can do.”

BY THE NUMBERS 13 months of preparation 200+ hours of planning 1,600 participants 1,450 students 150 advisors 32 students from RHS Adults attending: 2 chaperones for the first night-Mrs. Julie Harris & Mr. Larry Adams 4 for the conference weekend-Mrs. Kelley Cusmano, Ms. Kathy Porembiak, Mr. Erik Vernon & Mr. Steve Fox 3 administrators-Mr. Charles Rowland III, Mr. Neil DeLuca & Mr. Casey Wescott 50 pages in the padfolio Biggest challenge: Countless miscommunications between SCHS and RHS Stugo staffs Themed paraphenalia STUGO is bringing: 1 functioning traffic light 20 hard hats 183 road signs 1,600 glow sticks

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Superintendent comes from a diverse background Austin Bowerman Co-Alpha Male

IT’S A ‘DREAM COME TRUE’ FOR DR. SHANER New RCS Superintendent Dr. Robert Shaner has worn a lot of different hats in his life, both literally and figuratively. Dr. Shaner served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps for eleven years, four on active duty; he patrolled St. Claire Shores and Troy as a police officer for six years; was a history teacher in Sterling Heights for four years; lead Sterling Heights High school as principal for 5 years; and was the Executive Director of Instruction and Technology for Warren Consolidated Schools for two years. Now he’s figuring out what his new superintendent hat looks and feels like.

“I want to be the most effective superintendent that I can be,” Dr. Shaner said. “It’s a big job. The first thing that I have to do is reach out to people and meet people and get to know the district. My goal is to provide students with a world class education by working together with the community and building strong ties within the community. I want to be the best leader that I can be and leave a legacy of excellence.”

Dr. Shaner is grateful to be working in Rochester in this capacity.

“I am really excited to be working here – it is a dream come true to be work in a district like this,” Dr. Shaner said. “I am really looking forward to working in a school district with a forward-vision and being in a community of parents that are incredibly dedicated to their kids.”

EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE Dr. Shaner has had a variety of educational experiences at the following universities: University of Detroit Mercy, Central Michigan University, Wayne State University and Oakland University. “[I chose] U of D for the small setting and I wanted to stay home,” Dr. Shaner said. “Central Michigan fit my schedule at the time, because at the time I was working midnights at the police department, and it just worked out, and I really liked Wayne State and they had a great program. [I chose] OU solely for the strength of its academics. I really, really like Oakland.”

Dr. Shaner valued the learning experiences at each of these locations, but developed many of his leadership skills through his time in the Marines.

“I didn’t join the Marine Core because I wanted to be macho or anything like that, which is what most people seem to

Work Experience JOB 1: Lieutenant in the U.S. Marines for eleven years (four on active duty) JOB 2: Police Officer in St. Claire Shores and Troy for six years JOB 3: History teacher in Sterling Heights for five years JOB 4: Principal in Sterling Heights for 5 years JOB 5: Director of Educational Technology for Warren Consolidated Schools for two years JOB 6: Superintendent of RCS, started March 1, 2013

Dr. Robert Shaner with his wife Kimberly and their three children at Hubbard Lake, where the families cabin is located. Photo courtesy Dr. Robert Shaner

think that is about,” Dr. Shaner said. “I joined because I wanted the best leadership training in the world and it did not disappoint me in that respect.”

Dr. Shaner plans on applying these skills in his role as superintendent.

“I want to maximize my potential as a leader and leave a legacy of excellence,” Dr. Shaner said. “That’s kind of my mantra as a leader is to leave a legacy. I’ve had a lot of opportunities in my life so I feel like I’ve got to give back. I have been very fortunate.”

DR. SHANER FINDS INSPIRATION FROM MENTORS Dr. Shaner attributes some of his success to others who have provided a support network.

“The thing that made a difference in my life is having good examples, good mentors and great friends,” Dr. Shaner said. “I grew up with nine buddies and we are all good friends. Any time I need something, I can call them and they are there for me. I have a great family [too].”

Family is important to Dr. Shaner as well.

“I have a great family with great parents and godparents,” Dr. Shaner said. “One of the things that will be hanging in my office is my sign from my godfather’s company

because he was a great example for me. He was a carpenter and owned a construction company. He passed away but he was not only one of my best friends but one of my best mentors.”

Dr. Shaner also gives credit to his professional mentors.

“You don’t really have to come from a great family to achieve excellence, but you need to have other people there to help you along, whether it’s a teacher, or it’s a friend,” Dr. Shaner said. “I am fortunate enough now to have a couple of professional mentors that are great examples. I can call them and bounce something off of them at any time and they can help me. They don’t expect anything back from me and that’s critical to have people that will keep you grounded and tell you when you are doing something that you shouldn’t be.”

Dr. Shaner shared what he thought others would say about him.

“I think others would say I am tenacious and I am a good friend,” Dr. Shaner said.

“When the chips are down, I try and deliver for people and I try to make sure I am a good friend. Tenacious because I stick to it. I think about when I got my doctorate I was a high school principal and I still don’t know how I did it. I was going to school, having a full-time job and

having a family and balancing it all at the same time.”

WHAT’S DR. SHANER LIKE? Dr. Shaner has a passion for the outdoors and spends most of his free time outside.

“My son plays baseball and I coach baseball,” Dr. Shaner said. “My hobby is really being in the outdoors: boating, hunting, more hunting, but getting an animal is secondary to just being in the outdoors. I really enjoy it, and that’s where I go to clear my head.”

His passion for hunting developed at a young age.

“I’m a [hunting] addict,” Dr. Shaner said. “I started walking around in the woods with my dad and my brothers when I was around six-years-old, and got my first bird dog when I was around 12. Now I have a hunting camp at Hubbard Lake and do a lot of bird hunting with my son.”

Dr. Shaner also considers himself a “big movie buff.”

“I can remember movie quotes, it’s almost scary,” Dr. Shaner said. “I really liked ‘Lincoln’ in terms of recent movies. I think he was a man of conviction and it is just amazing how he got stuff done.”

Time will tell if Dr. Shaner will follow in Abraham Lincoln’s footsteps.

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/sə-kwestər/ An easy guide to the nation’s spending cuts WHO:

WHAT:

The sequester is a series of cuts in the federal budget that are to be made as part of the compromise made to avoid the debt ceiling (Budget Control Act of 2011).

WHEN:

Cuts started taking place on the first of March. Cuts were supposed to start taking place at the beginning of the year; however, these were put off because, along with the other economic changes taking place at the time, the U.S. would have hit the notorious “fiscal cliff.”

WHY:

The sequester was made as an incentive for the people who deal with these issues (the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction) to come to a compromise that they didn’t come to; therefore, the sequester is going into effect.

In the nation as a whole, defense is receiving the largest cuts; however, there are also domestic discretionary cuts being made in different states. Discretionary cuts include education cuts, which could influence many schools in Michigan, even RHS. According to The Washington Post, Michigan will lose about 22 million dollars that goes to education and secondary education.

This would put approximately 300 teacher and aide jobs on the line and at least 80 schools would have much less funding than they had previously. The special education programs all around Michigan will lose about 20.3 million dollars, directly affecting the teachers, aides and staff that help children with their disabilities during school hours. Other Michigan programs, from jobsearch assistance to vaccinations for children will also be affected by cuts.

WHERE:

The U.S. (some states are being affected more than others).

TEACHERS &

TOP 6

SCHOOLS 42.3 MILLION

MAJOR MICHIGAN Source: The Washington Post Graphic by Danielle Kullmann

SPENDING CUTS

JOB SEARCH

ASSISTANCE

1.7

MILLION

THE AREA OF SPENDING MILITARY

READINESS HOW MUCH

CLEAN AIR &

WATER FUNDS N

PUBLIC HEALTH

SENIOR

NUTRITION ASSISTANCE

N

1.8

MILLION

N

2.9

MILLION

5.9

MILLION

14

MILLION

42.3 MILLION

TALON 2012-2013

Q&A

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Band director Mr. Timothy Nadeau shares experiences as a new father Baby Name: David Paul Nadeau Birthdate: February 13, 2013 Weight: 4005 g (8 pounds, 13 ounces) Length: 39 cm (22 inches) What did you think when you first met him/ her?

Wow! He’s got great lungs to be screaming that loudly!

How did you select the name David Paul?

Grandfathers’ names What’s life like with a new baby?

Life is crazy—and wonderful.

What’s the biggest change?

The biggest change is I do not matter anymore.

How has it changed you, personally?

I can focus my energy on David Paul and not have to worry about all of the other crazy things happening in my life.

What do you like most about being a dad?

Everything.

What do you like least about being a dad?

Nothing.

Is baby Nadeau more like you or your wife?

Explain.

Right now more like Mrs. Nadeau—he sleeps in a little later than me and is much more awake in the evening.

What advice do you have for your baby about high school (academically, socially, or otherwise)?

Embrace high school—there are a lot of great things to be had there—but know how it fits in the big picture.

How will you manage your busy schedule now that you have a baby as well?

Mrs. Nadeau and I share responsibility very well.

We work well as a team to manage our schedules.

Will baby Nadeau attend band functions in the future? Why or why not?

I hope so! At least not until he’s built up some immunity and can afford to catch a cold.

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Choir prepares for MSVMA Festival Sarah Walwema Staff Writer

On March 13, 2013, all RHS choirs ventured out to Stoney Creek High School for the annual Michigan School Vocal Music Association Festival.

Approximately thirty schools competed in ninety events held at the festival. Choir director Jolene Plotzke was confident in this year’s talent, and she thinks that going to competition and watching her students grow musically is the best part of her job.

“2006 was fantastic because all five ensembles received perfect scores and it was only my second year of teaching,” Mrs. Plotzke said. “The kids were like sponges, listening to every detail and executing them with confidence.

This year is going to be the same.”

With song choice being so important, the songs had to be picked from Michigan School Vocal Music Association. Art songs, folk songs, and others classical in nature were the type of songs that were sung. The

festival does not allow barbershop, musical theater, pop or novelty songs. According to Mrs. Plotzke, getting feedback of the songs that they sing was the best part of the festival.

“Having a clinic with another director who can show us a few new techniques is the most important part of the festival,” Mrs. Plotzke said.

Sophomore Amanda Hudak’s favorite song is one called “Zion’s Wall.”

“It’s exciting and full of energy,” Hudak said. “We sound the best when we sing it and there’s a lot of energy.”

Other choir members like other songs because of the mood the songs evoke. Junior Carolynn Jenney’s favorite song is a French song called “What’s Your Train.”

“It’s a cappella,” Jenney said.

“I like this song because it’s supposed to be an allusion of a train passing by.”

While choir members agree that performing at the festival can be fun, there is one part of the festival that is more difficult.

Chamber choir practices in preparation for the festival at Stoney Creek High School. Photo by Sarah Walwema

“The sight reading is probably the most stressful part of the festival,” Hudak said. “The judges give you a piece and you have about 2 to 5 minutes to learn it and sing it for a judge.”

Sight reading can be

especially difficult for freshmen just starting out in treble or concert choir.

“Sight reading is especially chalenging for our new singers,” Mrs. Plotzke said. “This is a skill that is acquired with hard work.”

While Mrs. Plotzke recognizes

the difficulty of sight reading, she is confident that the choirs will do well.

“Seeing the students grow musically is the best part of my job,” Mrs. Plotzke said. “I love helping them achieve what they think is impossible.”

ROCHESTER IDOL:

Sean Boeberitz takes home trophy at the sixth annual event Maura Losh Guest Writer

As many thoughts spin in her head, junior Klara Eickhoff stands behind the curtain getting ready to go onstage and perform one of her favorite jazz songs “Summertime” by George Gerschwinn, at the sixth annual Rochester Idol, a singing competition for Rochester area high school students. Her mind is a jumbled mess of lyrics, nerves, anxiety and most importantly, her excitement to get on stage.

Many students like Eickhoff spent hours preparing for Rochester Idol; however, singing seems to have already been a major element in their lives.

“I’ve been told that I came out of the womb singing,” sophomore Jono Mammel said. “I could not imagine myself without it. It has shaped my life.”

Singing on and off stage has always been a passion to Mammel, as he has been involved in the arts since theater in elementary school.

“A play I did last year was the most memorable,” Mammel said. “I enjoyed my role, it being one of the weirder characters I’ve been, and I had a great song to perform.”

However, not all contestants had years of experience. Choir director Mrs. Jolene Plotzke explains.

“The most difficult thing would

Senior Gabe Johnson performs a rendition of Michael Buble’s “Everything.” Photo by Brian Palmer

probably be seeing the kids with stage fright,” Mrs. Plotzke said. “Most people don’t realize how complicated it is with 500 people sitting in front of them.”

Eickhoff said the best way to overcome stage fright is with lots of practice.

“Practicing gives me an idea of what I need to achieve,” Eickhoff said. “Also it makes [my performance] into a routine so I am going onstage with confidence.”

After hours of practice, and getting through the final performance, contests

receive a pay off when the audience rises to their feet and applauds. This year’s winner, senior Sean Boeberitz, explains what it means to him to be recognized for his talent.

“It wasn’t a competition for me; it was an opportunity to see if I was able to entertain. It was a success,” Boeberitz said. “Winning, to me, meant that the combination of my love for music and a good song proves that anything is possible.”

Mrs. Plotzke enjoyed watching the contestants bond.

“It’s like they are not competing, it is for fun,” Mrs. Plotzke said. “It’s great that they aren’t threatened by one another’s talent.”

Although the participants all want to take home the trophy, Mammel explains how the experience is just as important and satisfying.

“The goal is applause,” Mammel said.

“A trophy would be nice, I’m not going to deny that for a minute, but I feel that I [did win]. Rochester Idol was probably the best time I’ve had singing.”

Boeberitz agrees with Mammel that it was about more than bringing home the trophy.

“I was able to entertain a crowd by being myself,” Boebertiz said. “I let my personality sing more than my voice did.”

After the performance came to a close, Boeberitz extended the festivities with the other participants.

“We all went out to Max and Erma’s to celebrate the evening,” Boeberitz said. “I wanted to share fellowship with the other contestants because they are all winners.”

Boeberitz had the following advice for next year’s performers: “Always remember it’s fun. Keep in the back of your mind that you’re putting yourself out there for people to see. If it makes you and your heart happy, then it’s great.”

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RHS Language classes participate in National Foreign Language Week Sydney Bammel Editorial Board

The students of Ms. Kathy Porembiak’s Spanish class eat food from different countries, such as French meringue cookies as they check out posters and T-shirts other students made for foreign language week. Sophomore Lizzie Berwick takes a bite out of one of the cookies she made as she turns to her friend and asks “¿Qué has hecho para la semana lengua extranjera?”

The week of March 4-8 students in most foreign language classes participated in national foreign language week.

“It [foreign language week] creates an opportunity to share other points of view, cultures and ethnic background of our diverse population,” American Sign Language teacher Mrs. Angela Lowery said.

This year’s theme was “Foreign languages nourish the brain.”

“I really like the theme,” junior Daniel Yu said. “Actually, I have looked into how knowing another language affects the brain and it truly does ‘nourish’ it because it can make you have a greater mental flexibility, help you do better on English standardized tests [and more].”

The foreign language students were given a list of projects they could choose from to do for credit. One student chose to bake something from a foreign nation to bring in for their class.

“For foreign language week I made French meringue cookies,” Berwick said.

However, some students decided to take a more scientific approach to their project.

“My project was a short poem about how being bilingual (which I am myself from knowing Cantonese) has many benefits to the brain,” Yu said.

RHS has a widening foreign language department, as it added American Sign Language and Mandarin to its list of courses offered this year. Teens are taking these classes for many reasons, but these reasons such as helping them with a future career or just loving the language and culture are what foreign language week is about.

“I’ve wanted to learn German for as long as I can remember,” junior Andrew Brusoe said. “It’s useful for engineering

A poster hanging in the hall depicting the joy of being able to communicate with those who do not speak the same language made for foreign language week.

Photo by Sydney Bammel

A poster advertising how Chinese nourishes the brain, created for foreign language week. Photo by Sydney Bammel

This poster celebrates how learning Spanish can help with expanding one’s knowledge about culture and communication. Photo by Sydney Treichel

which is the career area I plan to go into.”

Foreign language week is not only about the reasons teens are taking the course, but also about spreading the depth of knowledge that one can receive by learning a foreign language.

“I would encourage others to take a foreign language because knowing another language is a valuable tool you can have,”

Berwick said. “Knowing another language really sets you apart from other people.”

The celebration of foreign language week intends to show students the connections they can receive by educating themselves in another and how it will help them in the future.

“It is fascinating learning about other cultures and being able to talk to others

in a completely different language than English,” Berwick said. “I would encourage others to take a foreign language because knowing another language is a valuable tool you can have and really sets you apart from other people on things like college and job applications.”

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The FEDS cheer on their teammates as they see the results of their previous match come out in their favor.

Photo by Collin Barlage

The FEDS work on their robot between matches to enhance the mechanics of climbing abilities. Photo by Alan Wareham

The FEDS’ robot climbs to the second level of the pyramid at Centerline High School for the first time.

Photo by Alan Wareham

The FEDS have a strong start at competitions Team 201 participates in first competition of season: For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Sydney Bammel Editorial Board

Team 201, The FEDS, yell as the buzzer sounds to signal the end of their team’s match as their robot hangs on the pyramid for the first time. Screaming teams, celebration, buttons, dancing mascots and number dancing; these are just some things that one experiences at a For Inspiration and Recognition of

Science and Technology (FIRST) robotics competition.

This year the FIRST game, ultimate accent, has two main objectives. One is to shoot or dump disks out of the robot into goals at different levels throughout the arena and the other is to climb to the top of a 90-inch pyramid sequentially over three zones. There are many ways to achieve these goals, but the main objective of the game is to score as many points as possible.

“The matches are the most exciting to me,” mentor Ari McEntire said. “But the whole atmosphere is fun.”

The students spend a “build season” consisting of six weeks working threehour days every weekday and coming in on Saturday in order to have the robot

complete by the end of build season.

“It is a wonderful feeling when the robot comes together,” sophomore Shama Parekh said. “You work so hard, and the robot first moves you see all these hours you spent, all that hard work you did, come to life.”

This year the FEDS where chosen to be alliance partners in elimination rounds with team 217, the ThunderChickens, and team 857, Superior Roboworks and make to the semi-finals at Traverse City.

“Making it to the semi-finals was an unexpected achievement,” junior Kaushik Rao said. “I was doubtful our robot was up to par this year.”

According to FIRST founder, Dean Kamen FIRST the FIRST mission, our mission is to inspire young people to

be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication and leadership.

“The most important part of FIRST is learning new things and promoting scientific education,” Parekh said.

The team continues to use their allotted “out of bag” time for improving their robot’s mechanisms to try and score more points.

“The most important part of FIRST is not the finished robot,” Rao said. “It’s being able to look back at the robot and list off any number of things that you learned while making that robot.”

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Q&A

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Mrs. Erin Slomka, Science teacher

When and how did you meet your husband? Ryan and I met in 2009. He’s a math teacher at Stoney. We were introduced by Mr. and Mrs. Miesch. When Mr. Miesch still worked at Stoney, he and Mrs. Miesch led us to meet each other.

We had a group meet up at a RHS vs. Stoney football game.

What is it like having a husband in the same profession? Living with someone who is also a teacher helps us understand the amount of time that we must put into our work. Both of us understand that we sometimes have to grade papers at the dinner table and that’s really nice. Having the same days off is also helpful too.

Is there ever a rivalry between you two because of the differences in schools?

Sometimes there’s a rivalry with sports. It’s usually just fun and sassy comments, but we both love all of our students and respect each other’s professions.

WHEN: Wedding date,10/12/12 WHERE: Wedding location, Addison Oaks How did the wedding turn out?

I was very happy with the wedding.

Obviously, with all weddings there are large amounts of stress because there is so much to deal with, but it was definitely fun. My favorite part was the ceremony because it was very emotional and heartfelt. Mr. Vince from SCHS married us.

RHS STAFF IN ATTENDANCE: The Mieschs, The Painters, The Haciases, Ms. Porembiak, The Duffys,

Ms. Wood, Ms. Ortman, Mr. Byrd, The Carls, Ms. Fell and her fiancé, The Gollons and The Pierces WEDDING VIBE: Fall How was this achieved? We had cinnamon sugar donuts as our table favor, fall colors, cider with everyone’s table number tag on the straw, fall leaves, orange and red roses, ranunculus and bittersweet on the table with candles. We had cupcakes arranged on a cupcake stand made out of tree trunks.

HONEYMOON INFO: Dominican Republic / Christmas break 2012 What was best about your honeymoon? It was GORGEOUS! We zip-lined through the rain forest on 16 zip lines and also swam with dolphins.

FAVORITE PHOTOS: 1. The sparkler photo! It was the end of the night and it was the perfect photo to capture the magic of the day.

2. The multi-exposure at the altar and also at the barn – They are SO unique! I haven’t seen any other photographer use that same feature.

3. The picture of us at the altar with the Miesch’s. They read seven blessings for our marriage and it was very special since they introduced us.

4. The pictures of my father and I dancing at the reception. He is so special to me!

INFORMATION ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER: Jeffrey Lewis Bennett of JLB Wedding/JLB Portraits, www. jlbwedding.com Awards: 2013 pick of “The Knot” – Best of Weddings and 2013 Wedding Wire Bride’s Choice Shooting Locations: Metro Detroit and Chicago Portrait Collection (senior Kaylyn McIntosh is featured): http://www.jlbportraits.com/

www.jlbwedding.com

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SUCCEED IN PHOTOGRAPHY: HOW TO

FOLLOW THE JOURNEY OF SCIENCE TEACHER MRS. SLOMKA’S MARRIAGE AND LEARN BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS ON THE WAY

2

RULE OFTHIRDS

CONTRAST

AVOID A BORING COMPOSITION BY PLACING THE SUBJECT OF THE PHOTO AT ONE OF THE POINTS OF INTERSECTION ON THE LINES SHOWN BELOW. TRY NOT TO CENTER YOUR SUBJECT.

TRY TO HAVE A GOOD RANGE OF LIGHT AND DARK VALUES. USE ARTIFICIAL AND NATURAL LIGHT SOURCES TO YOUR ADVANTAGE WHEN PLANNING A SHOT.

1

UNIQUE

4

PERSPECTIVE LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO TAKE PHOTOS FROM UNCOMMON ANGLES. SOMETIMES THE MOST INTERESTING SUBJECTS CAN BE FOUND IN THE BACKGROUND RATHER THAN THE MAIN EVENT.

LEADING LINES

DRAW THE VIEWER’S EYE TOWARDS YOUR SUBJECT BY USING THE LINES OF YOUR NATURAL SURROUNDING TO CONVERGE AT THE POINT OF EMPHASIS.

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2012-2013

The internet has become a web of social media outlets, cat pictures and surprisingly, quality content put out by talented and independent artists. From machinima to scripted sitcoms, there’s something for everyone. Unlike television shows, the ideas put out on the internet have the potential to be a place run by artists instead of corporations and sponsors. Content makers have the ability to make a living off their art without the need to sign a contract that would restrict them creatively. They prove that it is possible to make a living doing what they love without being attached to a well known television network.

Sarah Walwema Staff Writer

Epic Rap Battles of History

Halo Reach: Forward Unto Dawn

In an Epic Rap Battle of History, it wouldn’t be strange to see Mahatma Gandhi spitting fire at Martin Luther King, Jr. The series consists of short videos where two fictional or real figures in history have a rap battle and the viewers get to pick the victor. Wildly successful, most rap battles go viral and are watched millions of times by millions of people.

Red vs. Blue

Halo Reach is an award-winning web show also set in the Halo universe, although it does use real actors. It’s a “coming of age” story centered on Cadet Thomas Lasky.

Lasky isn’t sure if he wants to be in the military or not, but he decides to join in order to follow in the footsteps of his mother and his brother.

Good Mythical Morning Red vs. Blue is a 10-year-old comedy made by synching up video game footage from the “Halo” game series and dubbing all the voices (known as machinima). Among other things, Red vs. Blue is about a civil war between the red team and the blue team in the Halo universe.

Even though the series is based in the world of Halo, many viewers have never played the game, and don’t feel like they need to.

The Lizzie Bennet Diaries

Good Mythical Morning is a morning talk show hosted

by YouTube’s Rhett and Link, a duo known for making viral videos. Rhett and Link talk about a variety of topics, and they sometimes give their viewers sneak peeks of their next videos. Popular segments of the show include viewer submitted introductions and one where Rhett and Link end the episode by spinning the “Mythical wheel.”

Soul Pancake

The Lizzie Bennet Diaries is a modern-day remake of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” It was created by Bernie Su and Hank Green, who made the series because of his wife’s love for Jane Austen. In the series, The Bennet family’s lives change when Bing Lee (known as Charles Bingley in “Pride and Prejudice”) decides to buy the house across from the Bennet sisters.

Soul Pancake is Rainn Wilson’s (Dwight of “The Office”) YouTube channel that strives to offer answers to life’s big questions while having fun on the way. The channel features the popular series “Kid President”and “My Last Days.” Guests that have appeared on the channel include Joseph Gordon Levitt and comedian Demetri Martin.

Video Game High School

My Music My Music is an online sitcom about a music studio whose workers are based on different genres of music.

Main characters include “Techno” and “Indie.” One of the reasons that the show is successful is that the characters are almost like real people, because the show branches out into all areas of social media. Almost all characters have Twitter accounts that are update in real time.

Simon’s Cat

Created by Freddie Wong and Brandon Laatsch, VGHS is literally about a high school that educates its young students on different kind of video games. It follows Brian D, a kid who got accepted by chance and how he has to face off against the best player in school: the Law. Guests include Zachary Levi of “Chuck.”

Squaresville Simon’s Cat is a series of short, animated clips that follow Simon and his snarky, endearing cat. Simon’s cat is the epitome of every cat: he’s conceited, lovable, independent and hilarious. The series is something that the whole family can find entertainin with episodes only lasting about a minute or so.

Squaresville is a series about growing up in a small town and trying to find you. The series follows two teens, Esther and Zelda, trying to break free from their suburban lives. Esther and Zelda serve as contradictions of each other with Zelda always coming up with convaluted plans and Zelda always objecting to them.

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Lifestyles

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Twitter becomes increasingly popular Olivia Bennett

Tweets

Editorial Board

#RochesterFalcons #Throwbackthursday #LA10UtopiaProject #PLL #RochesterSOF #YOLO #ROCPride #ROCNation #SWAG

Junior Maddie Williams wakes up and immediately checks her phone to see the tweets that came in overnight. Throughout the day at school, she checks her Twitter constantly to see the constant spur of drama and updates that have happened while she was busy learning.

“Everyone has a Twitter,” Williams said. “It distracts me when I’m doing homework because it’s more fun than homework and it distracts me when I can’t sleep.”

Although Twitter is not an entirely new phenomenon, it seems to have taken over the once-loved Facebook era. Since its creation in 2006, Twitter has become one of the Top 10 most popular websites on the Internet, according to the data taken by Alexa Traffic rank.

“Twitter has definitely outrun Facebook,” junior Adrianna Peruzzi said. “I spend all of my time on Twitter rather than Facebook.”

Facebook holds about 1 billion users on its website while Twitter has 500 million, according to an analysis done by Techcrunch. Regardless of the abundance of users on Facebook, many students find Twitter more appealing than Facebook.

“Twitter fights and subtweets definitely attract you to Twitter,” Peruzzi said.

“It’s a daily dose of laughter.”

A subtweet is the shortened word for “subliminal tweet,” which is directly referring to a particular person without mentioning their name. This has because extremely popular on Twitter lately.

“Girls mostly start all of the drama,” sophomore Matt Newton said. “They subtweet the most to get a lot of attention.”

The fact that individuals get to follow and unfollow people also seems to entrance Twitter users.

“It seems weird to unfriend someone on Facebook just because their statuses or the pictures they post are annoying,” junior Natalie Bigelow said. “It’s must simpler to just unfollow someone and not have to see their tweets.

On Twitter, users can view “tweets” or posts of celebrities, friends, family, politicians and musicians. Currently, Justin Bieber has the most followers with 35,362,806, followed close by Lady Gaga with 34,596,429.

“I think it’s to be expected that more people want to follow entertainers, rather than people such as politicians or educators,” media center specialist Mrs. Julie Harris said. “It’d be nice if they used it for productive purposes rather than just what they’re eating.”

In August of 2009, a study was taken by Pear Analytics on the content of tweets. It was concluded that 40 percent of 2,000 tweets in the study were pointless babble that didn’t really account for much.

“I use Twitter to get ideas for things,” Mrs. Harris said. “I view more tweets than I post.”

According to Peruzzi, students use Twitter to procrastinate.

“I’m on Twitter about three hours a day,” Peruzzi said. “I can’t sleep at night or get my homework done a lot of the time because of it. It’s definitely an obsession for most people.”

Students steer clear of Twitter drama in a variety of ways.

“I know when it’s time to exit the app,” Williams said. “I turn off my phone sometimes during homework so I can get it all finished without distractions. It’s a way to know what people are doing, but sometimes there’s just a lot of drama that can be easily dealt with by ignoring it.”

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Entertainment

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TALON 2012-2013

R.A.T.S. prepare for Spring play:

Production of ‘Rumors’ is on the way Brian Palmer

THE CAST

Co-Alpha Male

Every day after school as the majority of students are heading home for the day, senior Sean Boeberitz along with the other members of cast and crew make their way to the auditorium to get working on this year’s spring play, “Rumors.” Sean Boeberitz is playing the lead role as Ken Gorman.

For several weeks, Frank Gollon and other staff members have been working with students to put together “Rumors.” The comedy takes place at the home of the Deputy Mayor of New York. Four couples meet at the home to celebrate a wedding anniversary, but they find the host with a gunshot wound and his wife missing. The guests try to figure out what happened and protect their friend from any possible scandal.

“I think the script is fun,” Boeberitz said. “It is unique how we have to act as a unit; follow the script word for word due to an overzealous writer, but it’s so great. I love the transfer of action between all the characters, and the quick timing that is necessary to make the adventure hilarious.”

Mr. Gollon also seems confident that the production will make the audience laugh.

“Neil Simon is one of the greatest American playwrights,” Mr. Gollon said. “‘Rumors’ is a farcical comedy with the jokes coming non-stop throughout. We guarantee you will laugh.”

With a deadline looming, there is still much to be done before the cast and crew are ready for the final production.

“Comedy relies on the timing and physical skills of the actors,” Mr. Gollon said. “We are working to fine tune these aspects to make this a memorable evening for our audiences. Also, having Spring Break just a few weeks before the

KEN GORDON

PLAYED BY: SEAN BOEBERITZ The main character of the play. A well-spoken, handsome attorney who is a bit high strung.

CHRIS GORDON

PLAYED BY: BRITNEY SPINDLER The elegant and attractive wife of Ken who is also a bit high strung.

LENNY GANZ

PLAYED BY: JONO MAMMEL The sarcastic and loveable accountant who has just wrecked his new BMW.

CLAIR GANZ

PLAYED BY: MACKENZIE VAN VLECK Lenny’s attractive wife. The gossipmonger of the play.

ERNIE CUSACK

PLAYED BY: BEN SIMKO The smug psychiatrist.

COOKIE CUSACK

PLAYED BY: LENA MISHAK Ernie’s wife and a cooking show host with a bad back.

Mr. Gollon and senior Yazmin Gooren watch as sophomore Jono Mammel and junior Mackenzie Van Vleck rehearse their lines.

Seniors Ben Simko and Britney Spindler practice back-stage. Photos by Brian Palmer

opening does not help.”

The humor of this particular script is what has many members of the cast buzzing with excitement.

“I like the script,” senior Paul Coutilish said. “It’s really funny and everyone’s character has their own little quirk that contributes to the confusion. What I like most about the play is the back and forth confusion between the

characters. It gets pretty crazy at some points. I think the audience will love it.”

Perhaps the most important part about putting the play together will be the overall wholeness of the cast during the performance paired with the small details involved in each individual character.

“It’s taken a lot of hard work to put all of our unique styles

of humor together into one homogenous conglomerate of funny,” senior Britney Spindler said. “Some people have a physical sense of humor while others might depend on vocal quirks or person to person interactions, but we need to make sure we’re all working together as a single unit rather than individuals if we want to cut out all of the flim-flam.”

GLENN COOPER

PLAYED BY: JOHN HODGES An ambitious, polished man preparing for a run for the state senate.

CASSIE COOPER

PLAYED BY: CAITLYN SKELCY A jealous type. Glenn’s trophy wife.

Insecure, sexy, shrewish.

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TALON 2012-2013

Entertainment

WHAT YOUR SECOND LAYER

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1.

SAYS ABOUT YOU

Sophomore Neha Bidthanapally wears a grey-green cardigan with white boots, jeans and a floral tank top

Danielle Kullmann Editorial Board

2.

1. CARDIGANS Cardigans are an easy way to exude professionalism and still maintain completely casual. They’re a simple addition to anything you might wear, and they come in such a variety that you can match colors quite easily. Every once in a while, cardigans may give others the impression that you’re cold often; this may even be true, but if not, you can easily shed your cardigan to show that you aren’t, in fact, always freezing.

Sophomore Alena Kowalski sports an all grey ensemble including a classy blazer and combat boots

2. BLAZERS Blazers are generally accepted to be the most professional looking second layer.

They can easily spruce up any outfit and make it look job-interview ready. Blazers, much like cardigans come in a variety of colors, shapes and fabrics. However, some blazers may sacrifice comfort in return for a more clean-cut look, which can often make wearing blazers a bit more stiff than intended.

3. HOODIES Hoodies are the most comfortable and warm way to greet the world. Hoodies may often show that you didn’t have time to pick out something more complex in the morning. However, they make you seem like an approachable person, mainly because if you wear a hoodie with an activity you participated in as an emblem, it makes you seem involved and social. Hoodies are the best layers for cold or lazy days, and are mainly only worn with jeans or leggings. Usually wearing hoodies with other bottoms, like sweats, give the impression that you’re either a slacker or you’d really like to go running at any given moment.

3.

Sophomore Emily Trevarrow shows Rochester pride with a grey hoodie, maroon pants and Converse

4.

4. COATS/JACKETS Coats and jackets often give off the first impression that you’re cold. Certain coats, such as Northface fleeces show people that your focus is on simplicity-you’d like to be warm in order to be able to concentrate on other things, such as homework, or being social. Other coats such as pea coats and trench coats can often fend people off, because typically doing something completely out of the ordinary scares people, even if you’re just attempting to be warm.

5.

Junior Aubrey Mercer wears a 3/4 lace shirt with floral skinny jeans and flats

5. NO SECOND LAYER Not wearing any second layer can show people that generally, you’re quite warm, both your body and your personality. It shows that you’re willing to have people see you even in your most casual state. Not wearing any layers may also show people that you’re a risk taker, mainly because it shows that it could be hotter or colder than you assumed that day, and you took the risk of not wearing anything to shed or put on to aid that.

Senior Elise Walker displays her achievements with a varsity jacket, Keds, a classic white tee and blue jeans

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Opinion

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TALON 2012-2013

iPads should replace textbooks at RHS Karl Erikson Editoral Board

For many students, schlepping a heavy backpack to and from school is a daily occurrence. Since it’s the 21st century, and one must ask why students are required to take home multiple 1000+ page textbooks every night to do homework when there are many other solutions. For instance, online textbooks should be made more readily available for the students to use at home. This allows for many students the ability to have their textbook right in front of them on their computer screen. This one solution is not enough though.

For teenagers, back problems shouldn’t be an issue, yet for some reason they are.

According to a 2004 study conducted by David Siambanes of Inland Empire Spine Center of over 3,500 students, 90 percent of the participants said that they felt “bad” or “very bad” back pain due to heavy backpacks.

With the rising selectivity of colleges, more and more students are taking AP courses, which makes for an increased workload and thus, the amount of homework and books taken home each night increases. Any student who takes the AP Language and Composition class not only has a 1,000 page textbook, but also another “50 essays” book. No student should be expected to take home two to three 1,000 page textbooks each night.

Instead, smarter decisions should be made.

At St. Mary’s Catholic Central High School in Monroe, Mich., each student receives an iPad from the school on the first day of each school year. Wayland High School, located in the Grand Rapids area, recently bought 1,350 iPads for its seventh through twelfth graders. And in Zeeland, Michigan, the school district bought iPads for each high school student in the district, which is approximately 1,800 iPads.

This policy should be implemented at RHS. These devices could drastically cut the cost buying textbooks, replacing old damaged ones and on top of everything, it would be good for the environment due to

Top Left: An array of textbooks that a student may tak e home in a day. Photo by Karl Erikson Top Right: A child plays a game on an iPad. Photo by torres21.Bottom Left: A bookshelf of textbooks. Photo by k.lee. Bottom Right: A peek inside a student backpack. Photo by Karl Erikson

the reduced use of paper. screen, losing it or vandalizing it, which Also, instead of having to buy that would be paid for by the child. It is up to $100 graphing calculator, students could the student to be responsible enough to just download an use and maintain such app to replace it. technology.

The school could In the beginning, regulate these devices this large process These devices could so that the students should be made drastically cut the cost buying could only use such voluntary, and any textbooks, replacing old devices for academic parent who doesn’t damaged ones and on top of purposes. The students feel the need for everything, it would be good would not only have their child to have for the environment due to the to sign a Technology one or doesn’t trust reduced use of paper.”

Agreement for their child with the computer use at technology would not ~Karl Erikson schools, but also for be forced to use it. But the use of the iPads as in the end, the hope well. is that these devices Per the agreement, a small damage would replace textbooks, and eliminate the fee would be assigned for any damage cost of repairing or replacing books, plus done to the device, such as breaking a the huge cost associated with paper. Many

“

teachers could post electronic copies of their handouts on Moodle or their website, and students wouldn’t need hard copies.

Ideally, one iPad could house all the textbooks AND handouts that RHS has to offer in one place.

Yes, the upfront cost of this investment would be very steep, but schools must think long-term. And in the scheme of things, switching from textbooks to iPads would cut cost, saves students’ backs and help save the environment.

Technology is how the younger generation communicates, shares ideas and thrives. It can be reasonably argued young people read things off of a screen more than they do an actual book. It’s time for our educational system to advance with the times and invest in the technology of the future, and stem the growing back problems and save trees.

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Opinion

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‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’

Senior examines importance of intrinsic motivation

Brian Palmer Co-Alpha Male

Throughout middle school and high school, it seemed like the primary motivator to do well was the letter grade I received on my report card every semester. It wasn’t until later in my junior year when realized that those letters don’t really mean as much as I was once taught. Once I figured out what I wanted to do with my life, it seemed kind of ridiculous to work as hard as I did in classes that had no importance my career path. I realized that the entirety of my motivation was to get grades I didn’t need by completing tasks I hated so I would get accepted to colleges I didn’t want to go to. I’d do some basic task and get rewarded for it, much like how a dog would do tricks to receive treats; there’s something wrong with that picture.

I would sit though hours upon hours of math, history and English where I’d learn about fascinating topics such as the quadratic formula, foreign policy or how to use a

semi-colon. Although these subjects might be interesting to some people, I felt like my time would have been better spent sleeping. I always had a strong passion for art, whether that was drawing, painting, photography or graphic design, but I seemed like I was always too busy with other school assignments to really put time into any of those things. I realized that if I actually wanted to pursue my interests, my grades might have to suffer a little bit. And so they did.

In the time I spent not doing my homework, it’s surprising how much I accomplished. School seemed so much more dull when I discovered that I could potentially learn more at home, and learn about the things I’m actually interested in. There’s a reason I almost failed AP Calculus, but have good grades in my art-related classes. I can say through experience that being good at something involves being somewhat interested. That’s something our education system seems to be missing. People will usually work harder to do things they genuinely like doing.

It seems like my life up to this point has all just been an endless sequence of preparing for the next thing.

I went to elementary school so I could learn how to function in middle school where I learned to understand the importance of grades. The whole point of that was so I could get a high GPA in high school and go to a nice college where I can finally learn about things I like, after 13 years of preparing.

TIPS FOR FINDING YOUR PASSION: 1. Start with your talents.

2. Be open to new experiences.

3. Communicate with people in your field.

4. Practice and research.

5. Face your fears.

6. Never give up.

Source: Pickthebrain.com So what did I learn in those four years? I learned the quadratic formula. I learned foreign policy. I learned how to use a semi-colon; more importantly, I learned the value of internal motivation. I learned that it’s better to spend time perfecting what you love than to slave over the letters on a report card.

So instead of motivating yourself with a high GPA, do something that you honestly enjoy doing, and do it well.

The motivation will come automatically.

Juniors should be allowed to leave school for lunch

AJ Prisciandaro Staff Writer

On two occasions during the recent grueling week of testing for juniors, the whole junior class was given the privilege of going out to lunch wherever they pleased.

Seniors obviously are allowed to do this every day and juniors are not, despite the fact that the vast majority of students in both grades have a driver’s license. These two occasions, along with the couple of times that juniors were able to go out to lunch based on good grades, raised the question of why they aren’t just allowed to go out every day like seniors are. It’s time Rochester allowed juniors the same privilege.

Every day, seniors have the freedom to get away from school for half an hour and enjoy lunch with their friends at a place that serves them food that they actually

want. Meanwhile, despite having their cars parked right it would cause too much traffic coming in and out of the outside the school, juniors are stuck in the cramped, school during the lunch hour. However, that shouldn’t be overcrowded lunchroom forced to eat the cafeteria food if too big of a problem as long as students are responsible they didn’t bring their own. What’s the drivers and they get back to school difference between the two grades? on time. Juniors have their driver’s If juniors can drive to school like licenses and they all know what time seniors, they shouldn’t be denied the the lunch period ends; too much traffic same right to leave for half an hour in the parking lots doesn’t seem like a Giving juniors the during lunchtime. Plus, they could justifiable reason to unfairly keep them privilege of going use a little more freedom away from in the lunchroom while the seniors get out to lunch will school, being that junior year is the to leave. Also, some might say that most stressful because of the ACT too many customers would be at the make many students and trying to raise GPA for college food places around Rochester High, enjoy lunchtime a lot applications. but many students would argue that it Allowing juniors to leave for lunch would still be worth it to get away from more. wouldn’t just benefit them either. school for a while. ~A.J. Prisciandaro It’s safe to assume that the freshman Giving juniors the privilege of and sophomores would be more than going out to lunch will make many happy with the extra space in the students enjoy lunchtime a lot more. lunchroom. Also, less students in the cafeteria means less It would rightfully give juniors the same freedom as maintenance and effort from the school that needs to go seniors and would free up the lunchroom for everyone into serving lunch. There’d be a lot more upside in this else. If the school aims to give students a more enjoyable decision than downside. environment during lunch, then doing this should be a noAn argument against juniors leaving for lunch is that brainer.

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Sports

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TALON 2012-2013

First-ever varsity season of boys lacrosse is in full gear Zach Libby

LACROSSE TERMINOLOGY

Staff Writer

The first season of Rochester High boys varsity lacrosse team has begun with the first game on March 22 against Utica High School at Rochester.

“I can’t wait for the season to start,” junior Vince Piactenitni said. “Getting back together with the team for another season will be fun.

The Falcons will be one of the many teams competing in the MHSAA this spring. Coming from the Mich. Club division last year to the MHSAA will be a major step for the young Falcon team.

“We are very excited for the start of the varsity season,” head coach Andrew White said. “The team has worked hard over the offseason in order to reach the many goals we have set for this year.”

White, a veteran lacrosse coach, came to Rochester after coaching at Birmingham Seaholm High School with his dad, David White. Both are Michigan State alumni, where they played for MSU’s lacrosse team.

The 2013 season will be led by the experience of the junior class, as captains Drew Harm, Tyler Caparaso, A.J. Beecher and Vince Piacentini will lead the charge for the Falcons.

“The team is pretty solid with the leadership of our captains,” White said.

“All four were captains last year, which means I don’t see any issues having them lead our team once again.”

Rochester is scheduled to play a total of 18 games this season, which includes six conference games, including competing against Rochester Adams and Stoney Creek.

Sophomore Zach Mueller is excited to get the first varsity season into full gear, especially the first home game against Utica.

“It will be nerve-wracking playing in the Utica game,” Mueller said. “But with the parents and students cheering on in the stands, it’s going to be fun.”

The Falcons will look to retain their aggressive offensive style from last year, as attack man Drew Harm will look to light up the scoreboard.

Face-off: The game begins with the ball placed at the middle of the field between the sticks of two opposing midfielders. At the sound of the official’s whistle, the two players try to clamp the ball under their sticks and gain control of it.

Clearing: Trying to get the ball from your defensive end of the field to the offensive end.

Riding: Trying to stop an opponent’s effort to clear.

Slide: When a defender moves from his offensive man to another to help a teammate double-team an opponent threatening to score.

Checking: Using your stick to hit the stick of an opponent in possession of the ball.

Body checking: Using your body to hit an opponent in possession of the ball or within five yards of a loose ball.

Sophomore Noah Kusky picks up a ground ball. Photo by Melissa Libby

EMO: EMO means extra-man offense. When the opposing team has a player in the penalty box, the offensive team goes to its EMO. Man Down: When the opposing team has one more person on the field.

RULES OF LACROSSE Slashing: Striking an opponent’s body other than his hand with your stick

Sophomore Noah Kusky takes a shot on goal. Photo

by Melissa Libby

Junior Vince Piacentini and sophomore David Martin celebrate a goal. Photo by Melissa Libby

“We put up a lot of points against teams last year,” Harm said. “I don’t see a reason why we can’t it do it again this year.”

On the defensive side of the ball, the Falcons lost two seniors and will look to replace them with new faces. Sophomore Tom Chung is looking to be a main aspect on defense.

“I have been working hard on my stick work, such as passing and catching,”

Chung said. “Having a starting role would mean all the stuff I did during the offseason paid off.”

Coach White is looking forward to the Falcons 2013 season, as well as making a little bit of history in the process.

“They know how important this year is to the program and I can see how badly they want to win,” White said. “This will be an exciting year of Rochester lacrosse.”

Tripping: Obstructing the opponent below the knee with your body or stick Illegal body checking: Hitting an opponent from the rear, below the waist, above the shoulders Unsportsmanlike conduct: Official’s discretion Fighting: Kicked out of game Source: http://www.rhslacrosse.com/archive/ rivlax1998/rules.htm

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POINT/COUNTERPOINT:

Does Opening Day belong to baseball or hunting?

BASEBALL Zach Libby Staff Writer

Opening Day clearly belongs to baseball. Granted, there’s opening days for the fishing and hunting seasons as well as the NFL, but there is nothing like baseball’s Opening Day. Baseball has changed for the better over the years. More games are available to watch on television and the Internet, with the support of better technology and marketing. We now know more about the specific players on teams, as well as how good or bad they’re performing over a single season or over the course of their careers. In a study done by baseballreference.com, the average number of people at attendance at a baseball stadium at increased by 10,000 people from 1986 to 2011. This shows that more people are enjoying baseball than in the past.

Opening Day means that spring is upon us. It means snow shovels are being put

back into the garage. It means it’s socially acceptable to wear shorts outside. It also means the American League pennant winnering Detroit Tigers are now back in action, so we can forget that Pistons team that disappoints us every winter.

As a Detroit Tigers fan my entire life, there’s nothing more exciting than the drive down I-75 during the beautiful 70-degree weather to watch Justin Verlander, Miguel Cabrera and company play baseball.

But it’s not just me who has grown up with the Tigers and Opening Day. The entire state of Michigan has loved and supported this team. Even in the worst of times during the Bobby Higginson and Tony Clarke era, Tiger fans remained supportive. The excitement that’s involved with the start of another season is unmatched.

Like they say during the seventh inning stretch, “Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks,” and “Root, root, root for the Tigers” as they kick off the 2013 season Friday, April 4 when they host the New York Yankees for an afternoon of unforgettable baseball.

HUNTING Austin Bowerman Co-Alpha Male

It’s November 14 -- the night before opening day of deer rifle season -- the day that many have waited and prepared for all year. Opening day of deer season is not something that Michiganders take lightly, and at daylight, over 600,000 hunters head into the wild in pursuit of whitetail deer.

With the start of springtime and talk of baseball’s opening day, some have lost sight of deer hunting, clearly the most important opening day of all.

The tradition of hunting is as old as mankind, and one that has been handed down from generation to generation.

Advances in firearm technology and satellite imaging help to ensure that hunters get cleaner kills, but for the most part, hunters are able to experience hunting the same way that our ancestors did. Most sportsmen are willing to take time off of work or school to get away from the bustle of modern society and participate in the

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natural and healthy sport, especially on opening day.

There is nothing more exhilarating than having a downed deer on opening day. The buildup of suspense before the shot, the triumphant moment felt after the shot and the pride of telling the story to friends and family create a wholesome and unmatched experience. Hunting creates memories that will last a lifetime and keep one eagerly awaiting the next opening day.

Opening day is no small matter. With every 1 in 30 U.S. citizens participating in the sport, according to the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife Associated Recreation Report, deer season’s opening day is surely the most cherished and anticipated of opening days. Besides, aside from the professional athletes in opening day for sports, it is hard to think of another opening day out there out there with such a great amount of participation from everyday citizens. Though many opening days come and go for other events, such as baseball, the memories of deer season will live on and leave hunters excitedly awaiting and preparing for the next season’s opening day.

RHS GRADS TO APPEAR ON ‘HOUSE HUNTERS’ ON HGTV APRIL 9 AT 10 P.M. WHO: Catherine Parsons, Class of ‘07, and Benjamin Marchionna, Class of ‘08, attended University of Michigan, married, then set out to find their jobs.

EPISODE TITLE: Young Couple Moves From Michigan to the California High Desert, Episode HNT-7208H

*Certain restrictions apply. MI3-0110-DM

Visit us at 160 West Avon Road in Rochester Hills | COMPASSSELFSTORAGE.COM

SUMMARY: When Ben gets his dream aeronautical engineering job, he and his teacher wife, Katie, leave cool Michigan for the desert heat of Lancaster, California. But getting used to the climate is the least of the challenges these 22-year-olds face as they try to find the perfect started home on a frugal budget.

MSU player #11 Keith Appling tries to drive past Michigan player Trey Burke.

Photo by Robert Small

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Staff Writer

At Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor on the evening of March 3, the high-stakes basketball game between rivals Michigan and Michigan State, ranked fourth and ninth in the country, respectively, had come down to the final five seconds. The Wolverines had taken the lead on the last possession thanks to a sensational steal and slam dunk from star point guard Trey Burke, which sent the blue and yellow crowd into a frenzy. Now down 58-57, the Spartans had just one last shot to win it. Everyone in the building held their breath as Spartan’s guard Gary Harris received the inbounds pass, drove and passed the ball and was intercepted by Burke to end the game. The crowd erupted once again.

The thrilling basketball game was symbolic of everything that Michigan fans, Michigan State fans, and college basketball fans across the country have been treated to in 2013. Immensely entertaining basketball, unexpected upsets and wild overtime games have been something of a regular this season. This has been especially true in the Big 10 Conference, which holds many high-profile teams such as Michigan, MSU, Indiana, Ohio State, Wisconsin, among others.

Senior Matt Beckstrom thinks that this year has been the most entertaining college basketball season in memory.

“Night after night, there’s always a great game

TALON 2012-2013

Talon Staff Writer’s Final Four Predictions Zach Libby

Final Four:

Louisville, Ohio State, Georgetown & Miami

Champions: Trey Burke goes for a game-winning dunk against Michigan Sate. Photo by Robert Small

Wolverine and Spartan fans enjoy a special college basketball season AJ Prisciandaro

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on TV,” Beckstrom said. “There’s been so many Big 10 games this year that have gone down to the wire between two really good teams.”

This year has also been special for Wolverines and Spartan fans just because of the fact that both teams are having great seasons, and are two of the best teams in the country. 2013 is the first year in history that Michigan State and Michigan have played head-to-head while both being ranked in the top 10.

“I can’t remember a time when the basketball games between Michigan and Michigan State have mattered so much,” junior U-M fan Garrett Reedy said. “It’s awesome that both of them are in the hunt for the national championship at the same time.”

Junior Lauren Hilfinger, an MSU fan, enjoyed both games this season between the two schools.

“State really crushed them the first time, which was really cool,” Hilfinger said. “In the second game [State] lost by one, but it was a really good game.”

Michigan and Michigan State both finished behind Indiana in the final regular season standings. Both of them then won one game in the Big 10 tournament before losing tight games: Michigan fell to Wisconsin, and State lost in the semis to the eventual Big 10 champion Ohio State.

Still, the best part of the year for college basketball fans is still yet to come. The 68 best teams in the nation have been selected to

take part in “March Madness”- the colossal nationwide tournament that determines the national champion. Michigan State is the #3 seed in the Midwest region, and Michigan is the #4 seed in the South region.

Fans of both teams are excited for the rest of the season.

“It was disappointing the way Michigan ended the regular season,” Reedy said. “I really wanted us to win the [Big 10] championship. But I think we can go far in the NCAA tournament.”

Hilfinger feels the same way about the Spartans.

“That State loss to Ohio State was really frustrating,” Hilfinger said. “However, the conference tournament doesn’t really matter, and the Spartans always do really good during March Madness.”

Beckstrom thinks both can contend to win it all.

“I can’t wait to watch Michigan and MSU for the rest of March,” Beckstrom said. “I think both can get to the Final Four.”

Fans of the Wolverines and Spartans will definitely be glued to their TV screens in the upcoming weeks to catch all the action of the NCAA tournament. Whether the Wolverines and Spartans will be able to shake unexpected losses in the Big 10 tournament and play more consistently remains to be seen. Still, fans know that it has been a special season for both teams, and for college basketball as a whole.

Ohio State

AJ Prisciandaro

Final Four:

Louisville, Ohio State, Florida & Indiana

Champions: Louisville

Grant McPherson

Final Four:

Michigan State, Gonzaga, Florida & Indiana

Champions: Florida

Karl Erikson

Final Four:

Duke, Ohio State, Indiana & Kansas

Champions: Indiana