March issue 2016

THE

TALON

ROCHESTER HILLS, MI // MARCH 2016 // VOL. 79 ISSUE 6

CHARITY WEEK 2016 RHS students and staff raised $11,627 for Project 561to support bridging the gap between the 313 and 248 area codes and developing abandoned properties in Detroit and turning them into hubs. Check out pg. 10-11 to read more. Photo by Makenzie Shubnell

PAGE 2 // NEWS

NEWS BRIEFS 4.

THE TALON // MARCH 2016

2.

Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons

5.

Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons

1. RHS Rochester High’s wind ensemble, symphony band and concert band participated in the Michigan Students Band Orchestra Association (MSBOA) Festival on March 9 and 10 at Avondale High School. At this festival, students performed various pieces for ratings by judges.

“You perform three pieces: one march, one slower piece and one piece for which you can do whatever you want. You have to go perform them for three judges,” junior Cameron Page said. “Then, [the judges] give you an overall rating on everything that the pieces involved, such as your tone, intonation, articulation and musicality.”

Band students anticipate this festival as an exciting component of their band careers and begin preparing for it well in advance.

“You start off a couple months in advance,” Page said.

“You review pieces of music with your band teacher. Then, you chose the three songs and practice them for the next couple of months.”

The work that band students put into preparing for Festival resulted in wind ensemble and symphony band earning ones, the highest merit, and concert band earning a two.

By Maya Subramanian

2. RCS While attention to lead poisoning has been focused primarily on Flint, Mich., RCS superintendent Dr. Robert Shaner understands that the safety of drinking water is important to the local Rochester community.

“We cherish our children, and there is nothing more important to us and the Board of Education than to ensure [students] safety,” Dr. Shaner said. “This includes ensuring that they have clean drinking water.”

The school district paid for multiple tests to check for traces of lead in schools. Fortunately, the tests showed that the drinking water at RCS is safe.

“Even though the water test results at RCS are well below the action level set by the Federal EPA Safe Drinking Water Act, the district remains proactive in our approach,” Dr. Shaner said.

Dr. Shaner intends to continue testing the water as a precautionary measure.

“We are currently working with environmental experts to replicate the tests conducted on February 20 and confirm the results as an added safety measure for our students and staff,” Dr. Shaner said.

By Hussein Murray

Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons

3. Michigan

4. USA

5. World

On March 1, presidential primaries were held on Super Tuesday in Ala., Ark., Colo., Ga., Mass., Minn., Okla., Tenn., Texas, Vt. and Va. Michigan held its primaries one week later, on March 8.

Government teacher Mr. Larry Adams feels that the Michigan Primary results were not unexpected. “[I am] not surprised that the democratic primary turned out more voters,” Mr. Adams said. “The results show that the people of Michigan are currently leaning towards the democratic side.”

He also believes that holding the primaries a week later gives Michigan voters the edge in terms of campaigning.

“By having a separate day, the candidates can spend more time in Michigan,” Mr. Adams said.

“Both parties had debates in Michigan in the week before the primary.”

Although the primary turnout was much higher than previous years, it doesn’t come close to the presidential election turnout.

“The general election will definitely bring more voter to the polls,” Mr. Adams said.

“Probably 60 percent or more will vote.”

By Bilal Ibrahim

On March 7, Erin Andrews was awarded a 55 million dollar settlement by a Nashville jury regarding a nude video posted of her by a stalker in a hotel where Andrews was staying.

Andrews, who worked for ESPN at the time of the video’s posting, says she was traumatized by the incident. The situation changed her traveling habits and her ability to do her job, according to Andrews herself.

Controversy emerged over the settlement, which ultimately determined that the defendant, Michael David Barrett must pay 51 percent of the 55 million dollars and Nashville Marriott the other 41 percent.

“I don’t see what the big deal is,” sophomore Jacky Jang said.

“I don’t think that 55 million is exactly the most reasonable verdict.”

People on Twitter complained that the settlement was too much for what they perceived to be a minor issue. Many believe that the situation is not nearly as bad as Andrews makes it seem.

“I don’t know that it is a fair settlement,” Jang said. “I think the result was just because of who she is.”

By Hussein Murray

On March 10, the names of thousands of ISIS members were released, along with documents revealing the nature of the internal structure of the organization, by a disgruntled ISIS employee to German Intelligence.

“I would say we go after the highest people we know of and get the most information we can to get them,” junior Owen Bennett said.

There is now access to information on one of the most powerful terror organizations in the world. Moving forward, many options are open to consideration regarding the next step.

“If we have more information we can move forward more precisely than we have in the past,” Bennett said.

“Before we were in the dark, so now there’s more to plan for.”

The stance of the U.S. itself is unclear on this issue, as the information is very new and the upcoming elections are taking the stage in American politics.

“With this information we will be able to do a lot more than we have in the past moving forward,” Bennett said.

“However, the actual plan of action will depend on who gets elected as the next president.”

By Lauren Karmo

PAGE 3 // NEWS

Police liaison John Ashley moves up in the force From Deputy to Sergeant JOE SCHULTZ STAFF WRITER

It was early evening on Feb. 25 when RHS police liaison John Ashley got the call that he was being promoted from Deputy to Sergeant. After 22 years on the force, six years at the Rochester substation and three years at RHS, Sgt. Ashley will be moving on and up to his next endeavor.

Sgt. Ashley explains what his role as police liaison entails.

“While my primary duties as a liaison officer include dealing with anything criminal, I am also involved in many aspects of the school,” Sgt. Ashley said. “I cover everything from keeping an eye on the parking lots in the morning and after school, to passing time in the hallways. I also try and be proactive and get involved with issues before they become problems.”

In order to move up in rank, Sgt. Ashley had a written test and a three panel oral board interview.

“The process itself wasn’t so difficult,” Sgt. Ashley said. “It involved a lot of reading and “I’m gonna miss him; I went studying of policies and procedures though. I to him for everything. He haven’t studied like that in a long time.” was always there when I Though Sgt. Ashley sees leaving as needed him, dealing with bittersweet, he’s excited for what’s to come. personal issues and locking “Making Sgt. allows for me to head to the myself out of my car at next phase of my career,” Sgt. Ashley says.

Wendy’s.”

“There is a pay raise, which is nice, along with -Makayla Tanski, 12 a chance to supervise the young and upcoming Deputies.” /////////////////////////////////////////// In response to finding out that his rank change means he won’t be working at RHS anymore, senior Tommy Parrottino expressed his sadness.

“He’s practically my uncle,” Parrottino said. “And no one likes seeing their uncle leave.”

Senior Makayla Tanski echoed Parrottino’s sadness.

“I’m gonna miss him; I went to him for everything,” Tanski said.

“He was always there when I needed him, dealing with personal issues and locking myself out of my car at Wendy’s.”

Sgt. Ashley says he’ll also miss the students and staff. His last day was Thursday, March 24, and his replacement is Deputy Steve Curtis.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with everyone at the school, and to work with many kids one on one,” Sgt. Ashley said. “It’s nice to know I have made a difference. It will be sad to leave everyone, but I am excited to move on to the next opportunity.”

Sgt. Ashley poses in the main office. Photo by Makenzie Shubnell

THE TALON // MARCH 2016

PAGE 4-5 // NEWS

Students rush to get to class. Photo by Julia Labban

REDESIGNED TARDY PLAN

Administration implements new consequences for tardniness NINOTCHKA VALDEZ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

JULIA LABBAN NEWS EDITOR

The RHS administration recently announced that new consequences would be implemented due to the significant increase in first hour tardies. Beginning on March 14, students are required to serve an hour of detention before or after school for every three tardies, two additional stints of detention for every five tardies, three additional one-hour detentions after six tardies as well as a parent or guardian meeting and after seven tardies, an intervention plan will be put in place.

Information literacy specialist Ms. Julie Harris has been working at the school for 10 years, and this is the first time that a plan has been put in place in regards to tardies; before three tardies amount to one unexcused absence. She explains the reasons behind the new plan and why administration felt it necessary.

“We had a large number of tardies that we had tracked first hour be really big to the point where it is interruptive to the teachers and it’s hard for teachers to get started,” Ms.

took a look at everything and what teachers Harris said. “They have to repeat what they wanted to do and what they could offer… say for the several, not just one, but several and said let’s try this. It may or may not do people who walk in late. Overall, as a staff what we wanna do which is to curb tardies.” we knew we had to do something about Spanish teacher Ms. Lisa Prindle has high it because we felt that it got to the point hopes about the where it didn’t seem effectiveness of the important when “As a staff we knew we had to do tardy plan. the reality is that it “I’m hoping it will is important to be something about it because we change [students’] punctual.” felt that it got to the point where behavior. However, I She also discusses it didn’t seem important when the do believe that there how the tardy plan reality is that it is are some people in was developed. important to be punctual.” life that are just late,” “That was our Ms. Prindle said. administration and Ms. Julie Harris, information “But I also think that administrative team literacy specialist there needs to be [who developed the ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// a consequence for plan],” Ms. Harris that and if someone said. “They also got knows that being late input from teachers is not acceptable, and the teacher then they won’t push committee that they it. For example if someone was going to lose work with. Then they took that information their job because they were late, then they and figured out what we could legitimately wouldn’t do that anymore because they value do and not do and really take a look at what where they’re going and what they’re doing.” students respond to best. You could reward Ms. Harris confirms the objective behind people for good behavior or say: here’s the tardy plan. the consequences for bad behavior or not “The goal is that just knowing you’re following the rules. [The administration] just

going to serve [detention] if you are tardy [then you won’t be tardy],” Ms. Harris said.

“A lot of times we think that just being tardy is just a matter of hanging out in the halls for too long and [being early] wasn’t a necessity.

It wasn’t like ‘I had to go to the bathroom and it took too long.’ It was just that you knew you had seven minutes to pass and you just chose to take your time.”

Senior Jared Nylund can see how the significant increase in tardies can affect learning.

“I think when people come in late for class, it takes away from kids’ learning,” Nylund said. “Because it interrupts class for 30 seconds to a minute, depending on how many kids come in late.”

Senior Joey Hegger agrees with the recent changes, and is optimistic about the benefits it will bring.

“It makes sense,” Hegger said. “It’s appropriate for the scenario they’ve been put in with the mass amount of tardies that have been collected. To improve, it’ll hopefully be a more effective way to get kids to class on time. It’s a more direct consequence.”

Senior Maximilian Sandler also agrees with the Tardy Plan and believes it can help students in developing valuable life skills.

THE TALON // MARCH 2016 “It’s good that our school is finally starting Ms. Harris explains the thought process and [they’ll say]: okay, I got it down. Then, to implement measures to help us get ready behind the actual development of the it starts to fade away, no big deal. That’s my for the future beyond high school,” Sandler punishment. guess.” said. “Growing up, school is your work. It’s a “What we always try to do is reinforce the Villalpando finds that the timing of the rite of passage that positive behavior so that implementation of the Tardy plan played a you pass through. would mean reward kids role in how students perceived it.

If you don’t get life who are on time. However, “I think that if they were going to “School isn’t a job. We’ve skills early on, it’s that’s 95 percent of the implement this policy now, it’d be better at been doing this for 13 years. going to be hard kids who are sitting there,” the beginning of the year,” Villalpando said.

If I’m late to a job, I know it’s to gain them in the Ms. Harris said. “Can we “It shouldn’t have been as drastic as they’re my responsibility and I know feasibly do that? No. I future. It’s good to trying to make it.“ it impacts me and I won’t get mean you can’t even say have an early start.”

However, Ms. Harris stresses that there paid that much that day.”

Some students you guys [on time] all get hasn’t actually been a change in policy, are more resistant five bonus points on the contrary to what seems to be the popular to the new changes quiz…

To reward for good belief. RHS is still following the district’s Megan Godell, 12 however. While behavior in this instance policies in regards to tardies and absences. /////////////////////////////////////////////////////// many students was just not feasible and “[The Tardy Plan] is not a policy, the agree with the tardy the reality is that we hope policy has always been the same,” Ms. Harris plan, it has also we don’t have to give said. “The policy, the rule, is always gonna garnered negative feedback. consequences.” be the same. What we’re doing about it and “I just think that sometimes I’m rushing Godell discusses how she believes teachers enforcement of it has changed. We’re kind of to class and I try as hard as I can to get to feel about the new plan. making kids aware of it again, because you class and I just won’t make it sometimes,” “The teachers who truly care about this know if it kind of falls of their radar nobody senior Daniel Villalpando said. “It kind of and mark tardies right once the bell rings, cares. [The Tardy Plan] is more like how we’re sucks that I’ll have to stay after class for a they are going to love it and those are the going to reinforce the policy and bring it back detention sometimes when I was trying to get classes where it will impact people the most,” to everyone’s mind in the forefront that it is to class.”

Godell said. “But teachers who wait for important to be on time.”

Hegger speaks out against some students’ classes to start or talk out in the hall before Although junior Emani Hunter feels reaction to the announcement. class - it’s not going to do anything for them.” relatively indifferent to the new plan, she “I think they’re being immature and then Godell also believes that the Tardy plan does not feel like it will be permanent. need to understand that reality is closer on top of the other changes in regards to “No, I do not think the new tardy [plan] than they imagine,” Hegger said. “The attendance over the years has made it difficult will be permanent because it somewhat administration just wants to prepare us for for current seniors. seems unrealistic in a way,” Hunter said. “It’s our futures.”

“Our school year from freshman to senior unrealistic to a point where many people Sandler further reiterates the significance year, they changed a lot of the rules. Like could possibly be late to class continuously of being on time. coming to school at 7:30 and the one-minute causing more people to spend time in the “I think it represents what actually change for passing weary hours of happens in work situations,” Sandler said. time,” Godell said. “So detention. It is more “I’m hoping the new policy “Because in life there’s consequences for they have to take into important to let the will be permanent, or that the being late to work, college classes, etc.” consideration that we students continue to policy will just change behavior, excel in school rather However, senior Megan Godell disagrees have to change and and if it changes behavior with that logic, and believes that being tardy adjust and I know they than holding them to class has no correlation to being late to expect it to be okay back.” it’ll change the culture of the work later in life. after two years, but Ms. Prindle is building, and therefore “School isn’t a job,” Godell said. “We’ve they keep changing optimistic about how people will still be on time.” been doing this for 13 years. If I’m late to a things. It makes it long the Tardy plan job, I know it’s my responsibility and I know harder and harder will be retained.

Ms. Lisa Prindle, teacher it impacts me and I won’t get paid that much to follow. You get “I’m hoping the ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////// that day. If I’m late, I’ll get paid less.” accustomed to one new policy will be There are also some students who believe thing and they just permanent, or that that there could have been other alternative change it on you.” the policy will just consequences in regards to tardies.

However, data change behavior,” Ms. “I haven’t had 13 tardies in one class,” actually shows that Prindle said. “And if Godell said. “If they want to still make the after the start time was changed from 7:35 it changes behavior it’ll change the culture of grade reduction a thing, they should make to 7:30 beginning the 2013-14 school year, the building, and therefore people will still be three tardies a grade reduction and make it tardies in first hour actually decreased during on time.” that dramatic. Instead of spending an hour the next three semesters. Ms. Harris discusses At this point, Ms. Harris feels that it’s after a school, you make it hit home more.” possible theories that could have contributed hard to predict if the Tardy plan will be Villalpando thinks that positive to the decrease in numbers. permanent. reinforcements could also significantly “Here’s the logic behind that, maybe,” Ms. “I don’t think it’ll be decided until several improve the policy in regards to tardies.

Harris said. “All of a sudden it’s now in your weeks and we compare [the tracked tardies] “Along with the grade consequence, mind that the time has changed and you’re and see: is this something we need to keep maybe do an incentive that would actually more cognizant of it. Now you’re watching doing or are we good and we don’t need to make me want to come to class,” Villalpando and all of a sudden realize that you have to keep doing it,” Ms. Harris said. “Because said. “It would get a positive reaction from be there at 7:30. And the majority of our nobody wants to sit in detention and that the student body.” kids are good kids and you tell them 7:30 includes teachers.”

RHS Tardies by the Numbers

3,309 The amount of tardies in first hour during the first semester of 2015-16.

This is the largest amount of tardies RHS has had in the last four years.

1,256 The approximate increase in tardies in 2nd-6th hours from the second semester of 2014-15 to the first semester of 2015-16. Tardies increased from 553 to 1256.

227% The approximate increase in tardies in 2nd-6th hours from the second semester of 2014-15 to the first semester of 201516.

119% The approximate increase in first hour tardies from the first semester of 201415 to the first semester of 2015-16.

Tardies increased from 2,385 to 3,309.

75% The approximate decrease in first hour tardies from the first to second semester of 2013-14. Tardies decreased from 2,910 to 2,170. This was the year that the starting time was changed from 7:35 to 7:30 a.m.

PAGE 6 // FEATURE

THE TALON // MARCH 2016

THE ZOO DEBATE

Expert, students discuss the ethics of animals in captivity AMANDA CAPALDI LIFESTYLES EDITOR

Junior Bailey Davis stares in awe at a display of gorillas. Though it fascinates her to see the animals in person, in the back of her head she wonders if it is right to contain animals outside of their natural habitat.

“I really enjoy going to the zoo, but as much as I love to see the animals in person, I don’t think it is right to hold them in captivity, because it’s not really fair to the animals,” Davis said. “The animals do not need to be there. If you want to see an animal you can just look up a picture of a tiger or whatever animal you want to see.”

However, Dr. Stephanie Allard, director of animal welfare for the Detroit Zoological Society who also oversees the Center for Zoo Animal Welfare, describes how the Detroit Zoo does the best job to not only make it fair to the animals to be in captivity, but beneficial.

“We work continuously to understand how animals actually perceive their worlds, Giraffes roam at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Photo by Maya Subramanian which allows us to provide them with care and conditions that will allow them to thrive, According to Dr. Allard, the animals at Center for Zoo Animal Welfare,” Dr, Allard not just survive,” Dr. Allard said. “When the Detroit zoo are typically animals that said. “Animal care staff from all over the we design and construct a new animal were struggling in the wild. world come to the Detroit Zoo to learn best habitat, the focus is on being expansive and “Many of the animals at the Detroit Zoo practices in captive exotic animal welfare, naturalistic and on meeting the animals’ have been rescued – some from horrible and the Chinese government even brought needs, as is the case with the Cotton Family conditions – and their lives are dramatically members of our Life Sciences staff over to Wolf Wilderness, the Great Apes of improved from the experiences of their train keepers at China’s three largest zoos.”

Harambee, the Arctic Ring of Life and the past,” Dr. Allard said. “Examples include Though Davis doesn’t necessarily feel it is soon-to-open Polk Penguin Conservation three orphaned grizzly bear cubs that right for animals to be held in captivity, she Center.” were left to fend for themselves in Alaska enjoys and see no problem with the exhibits Despite the conditions of some zoos, after their mother was shot and killed by at zoos that feature insects, specifically junior Jessica Castro refuses to go to zoos a poacher, a polar bear being forced to butterflies. due to her perception of the perform in a Puerto Rican “I do think it’s okay for insects to be held harmful affects of keeping circus, lions that were being in captivity.

The Detroit Zoo has this thing “We should have animals in captivity. used to guard urban drug that is really cool, the butterfly exhibit ... It is more sanctuaries “There’s a lot of things dens – and the list goes on actually my favorite exhibit at the zoo,” Davis for animals that are that affect animals in and on.” said. “That part is okay because it is keeping captivity; such as according endangered and we Castro believes that zoos them alive, and their habitat is wide open, to PETA, keeping them should give them the should not exist, and instead spacious and always kept warm and safe for isolated for a long time there should be more them.” attention that they makes them paranoid to sanctuaries built for animals Senior Ben Coutilish feels that it is okay to truly need.” everything, like if you unable to thrive in the wild. keep animals in zoos as long as they are well Jessica Castro, 11 keep a panda with animals “Animals aren’t here just taken care of, because animals don’t require all it’s life, when you let it ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////// so humans can use them as all the same needs that humans do. out into the world it’s not a form of entertainment.

“Every time I hear somebody make an gonna know how to cope Would you like it if you argument about why zoos should not have and handle things and it will probably die,” were the one being starved, and treated animals in captivity, the people talking about Castro said. “Another thing is according poorly? I doubt it,” Castro said. “I believe it talk about the animals like they are people, to Vegan Peace some zoos don’t feed their zoos should disappear forever. Instead, we and though animals should be treated well animals properly, they could give two lions should have more sanctuaries for animals they are not people,” Coutilish said. “Besides, one piece of steak to share for the whole that are endangered and we should give them zoos are for the kids … as long as they are day, when in reality lions are supposed to the attention that they truly need.” treated well keeping animals in captivity is eat probably a few hundred if not thousand According to Dr. Allard, the Detroit Zoo worth it for the kids.” pounds of meat per day. The effects range has been a leader in animal care and has been Sophomore Parker Work isn’t sure if it is from affecting their mental stability to a good influence on many other zoos. ethical to keep animals in captivity, but goes affecting their health.“ “We are known internationally for our to the zoo often because she has a young

cousin who loves to see the animals.

“I do not believe animals should be locked up their whole life, but I go to the zoo all the time because I have a three-year-old cousin who loves the zoo, so we go there a lot,” Work said.

Dr. Allard explains that if there is a situation where it is not in the best interest of an animal to be held in captivity, the Detroit Zoo will act on it. For instance, in 2005 the Detroit Zoo removed the elephant from the zoo. Dr. Allard explains why the Detroit Zoo made the decision to discontinue featuring the elephant, and how since they stopped showing the elephant, many other zoos have followed suit.

“The Detroit Zoo was the first in the country to decide on ethical grounds to no longer keep elephants. Asian elephants Winky and Wanda were moved to a sanctuary in California in 2005 after it was determined that we could not provide the space and climate to keep them healthy and happy. That single step has encouraged other zoos to make the same decision in the decade since,” Dr. Allard said. “In the wild, elephants have large home ranges and walk many miles every day. Captive environments limit the amount of space elephants have in which to travel and exercise, made even worse in cold-weather areas like Detroit. Michigan’s winters are too cold (and often too slippery) for elephants to be outside all the time. At times the elephants at the Detroit Zoo had to spend months inside where they were not able to get the exercise or be on the soft, natural substrate they needed to stay healthy. Additionally, elephants are very social and need to live in large, socially complex families that provide opportunities for the interactions and bonds they require. So, we believe that certain animals should not live in zoos; however, we also believe that many animals can have good lives in zoos – but only if they can thrive.”

Dr. Allard can see why many show concern with the presence of zoos and believes that the Detroit Zoo lives up to the standards that many hope zoos to have.

“It has been clear for decades that we believe we need to constantly question the welfare of any captive animal, especially an animal that has been used in a performing capacity. The reality for animals in entertainment, such as the circus, is often a life of abuse and suffering,” Dr. Allard said.

“The training is often inhumane and based on physical punishment, deprivation and fear.

We feel that animals should be treated with respect and compassion and that it is our duty to provide the care and conditions.”

PAGE 7 // FEATURE

THE TALON // MARCH 2016

SPRING BREAK IN SPAIN

Student trip enhances knowledge and broadens perspectives HANNAH CHILCOTE STAFF WRITER Every other year, RHS students are given the unique opportunity to visit the beautiful country of Spain and experience its diversity, culture and language. Spring break is just around the corner and Spanish teacher Ms. Beth East has been working hard planning the Spain trip for junior and senior students.

“I organize it through an education tour company that I have worked with for over 20 years,” Ms. East said. “I work with them deciding the areas and I customize it.”

Ms. East used to rent an apartment every summer in Spain, and has continually returned there for the past 18 years, so she has a good idea on some of the ‘must sees’ of Spain.

“La Solana is my favorite,” Ms. East said. “It’s really the best part of the trip and the trip wouldn’t be complete without it.”

Students are given an opportunity to venture to Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Barbate, Nerja, the Rock of Gibraltar, and cities outside of Spain such as Morocco or Africa.

“I am most excited to visit Morocco because it is an add on to the trip and it is completely different from the culture of Spain,” senior Natasha Cheney said.

RHS graduate Anabelle Chidiac really enjoyed the wide variety of places they visited in Spain in 20 “My favorite part of the trip was the diversity of the trip from Morocco to Gibraltar and the beautiful beaches,” Chidiac said.

“They were just a lot of different things to see.”

Ms. East finds watching the kids be introduced to a new culture to be extremely rewarding.

“We have studied Spanish for so long and I talk about it and they’ve seen posters and pictures, but when they’re just overwhelmed by the beauty and how cool it is, that is my favorite part,” Ms. East

Left: A group of students from 2014 pose in Spain. Right: Bags and blankets hang in the city streets for sale. Photos Courtesy of Beth East said.

Some of the students that will be joining Ms. East on the trip won’t have the background knowledge on either the language or the culture that the students currently taking Spanish will have.

“The kids that don’t take Spanish are at a disadvantage because they haven’t been exposed to the language or the culture at all, but most of the students that go, have taken Spanish for a long time,” said Ms. East. “The kids that don’t still have an amazing time and maybe they will even be inspired to learn Spanish.”

Chidiac, an AP Spanish 5 student that previously went on the trip enjoyed experiencing the culture and the language firsthand.

“I would definitely want to go back to Spain sometime in the future,” Chidiac said. “It was an amazing experience.”

According to Ms. East, a lot of time and effort goes into making sure that this is a fabulous for a trip and hopes that all the kids this year have just as an amazing time as previous students have had in

the past. unpredictable and Ms. East does “It is a lot of work and a lot of experience some anxiety about stress, so the only reason I do it is keeping kids safe. to share my love and passion for “I am responsible for a bunch Spain with them and they come of people’s back every teenagers and “The only reason I do it is to year amazed teenagers can and it really share my love and passion for make bad opens their Spain with them ... It opens decisions eyes and sometimes their eyes and inspires a lot maybe it and I am just of kids to study or live abroad inspires a lot worried,” Ms. and teach them grow and live of kids to East said. “I abroad.” study abroad don’t want Beth East, Spanish teacher or live abroad anyone to get or travel /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// sick, anyone to more,” Ms. get hurt or lost, East said. so the worst Senior John Kastran is in AP part is the worry.”

Spanish 5 and will be going on the Ms. East says it’s important for Spain trip; it will be his first time students to remember that those traveling overseas to a different they encounter are not on spring country. break, and that it’s important to “I am most excited for remain respectful at all times. experiencing culture outside of the “They’re teenagers and they United States and to get a different think ‘it’s my spring break’ and experience from what I’m used they just go crazy,” Ms. East said. to,” Kastran said.

“The biggest challenge is just Even though there haven’t hoping that nobody makes a really been any serious incidents, high bad decision and puts themselves school teenagers can be very in danger.”

There are also serious consequences for acting inappropriately or not following rules.

“I sometimes call home to their parents or if they make really bad decisions, our tour guide director can send them home at their parents’ expense,” Ms. East said.

“Our tour guide director in Spain can override me, so if students get caught drinking excessively or something major, they will be sent home.”

Traveling to a new country can be intimidating and there is always a chance for things to take a turn for the worse, but Ms. East has high expectations and is very excited to revisit Spain again.

“I hope it lives up to everybody’s expectations, and that everyone makes good decisions,” Ms. East said. “[I’m] hoping everyone gets along great, there’s great weather, everyone stays safe and healthy and we all have an amazing time.”

PAGE 8 // LIFESTYLES

THE TALON // MARCH 2016

JEEP OBSESSED

Students show off their Jeeps after school. Photo by Carly Craig

Students explain the meaning behind ‘It’s a Jeep thing’

talk about,” Weick said. “They have jobs and work just so they can put more stuff on their cars. They don’t take it anywhere. They buy School has just let out, and senior the parts and install them themselves.”

Nick Maier hurriedly makes his way to Senior Matt Thiessen talks about the pros his Jeep Wrangler. He takes note of the of having a Jeep and how it has benefited overwhelming amount of Jeeps amongst the him. other cars. As he pulls out of the parking lot, “[I like driving a Jeep] just because they’re he passes a vehicle similar to his, and waves. kind of easy to tinker with,” Thiessen said.

To him, part of being an owner of a Jeep “It’s a good first car because you learn how Wrangler is experiencing the culture. Maier to fix certain aspects of a car and kind of further discusses the ritual. improve it. The fact that it’s reliable and can “I feel like the community - the feeling be taken anywhere I want, and the fact that among the community it’s a Jeep. Jeep means the saying it’s a Jeep thing that it can be taken “Some people think of wherever you want it to - when you pass other Wranglers, you give the their car as just a car go; you can push it past Jeep wave,” Maier said. it’s limits.” to get from [point] A to Despite Maier’s Thiessen also fondness towards his comments on the B. We have respect for car, he does not consider downside of owning a the car itself.” himself to be obsessed.

Jeep, and the reason he “I’m not obsessed, but doesn’t plan to solely I guess I’m in the cult. drive one for the rest of -Nick Maier, 12 A bunch of my friends his life. /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// have them,” Maier said.

“Jeeps get really bad “We have Jeep Jamborees gas mileage and that’s and Mud-offs and stuff the only reason why [I like that. It’s like a giant hillbilly party where don’t plan on always driving one],” Thiessen you go off-roading and just destroy them.” said. “I’ll probably own a Jeep and then a Senior Bella Weick comments on the daily driver.” obsession teenagers have with Jeeps, and the Senior Jacob Farnsworth talks about Jeep owners at RHS who are most obsessed. why he loves driving a Jeep and his growing “Matt [Thiessen] and Jeff [Ternes] are the interest in cars. most Jeep-obsessed - That’s literally all they “When I was growing up, my grandpa

CARLY CRAIG

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Branden Jones 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ

Jacob Farnsworth 1998 Jeep Wrangler TJ

had a 1999 Jeep Wrangler that he would always let us drive, since we were six or seven,” Farnsworth said. “Ever since, I’ve been taking car classes and getting interested in cars. I’ve been interested in Jeeps just because of all the fun you can have with them and because of all the stuff you can do to them.”

According to six year employee at Szott Chrysler Jeep Shawn McGoff, they sell about one thousand Jeeps every year. He explains why people love Jeeps so much.

“Teens are obsessed with Jeeps because they provide a feeling of freedom,” Mr. McGoff said. “When you think of Jeep, you think of the fact that you can conquer anything with it.”

Senior Rachel Westberg talks about why she loves her Jeep, and why she finds them to be so convient.

“I love Jeeps and I love how they can go off-roading and how they handle a lot of the roughness,” Westberg said. “It’s really fun in the summer with the top off. Because it’s different. Cars you can’t take the top off, but with Jeeps you can. It’s like a convertible, but it’s not.”

Maier further reiterates a Jeep owners’ sense of community.

“I feel like some people might not understand what it’s like to have a connection with other drivers,” Maier said.

“Some people think of their car as just a car to get from [point] A to B. We have respect for the car itself.”

Dillon Toma 2014 Jeep Patriot

Jeffery Ternes 1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ

Skylir Kosiorek 1999 Jeep Cherokee

Meridith Anness 2007 Jeep Wrangler

Matt Thiessen 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee

PAGE 9 // LIFESTYLES

SKIN CARE

Students discuss skin problems, solutions and treatments LAUREN ALISON

COPY EDITOR

Students of Rochester High School are preparing to head to warm destinations for spring break and catch the sun’s rays. They’ll be lined on towels coated in tanning oil hoping to soak up as much sun as they can before coming back to the unpredictable Michigan weather.

For teens, skin care is not always on the forefront of their minds, but with many of the skin problems that teens face, such as sun exposure, not getting the proper care can mean long-term damage that can never be erased.

Sun One of the most prevalent issues pertaining to skin today is sun exposure.

Junior Izzy Cooper explains what she does in order to protect her skin from the sun.

“I do regularly use sunscreen, because if I don’t, then I will get burnt, which can eventually lead to skin cancer,” Cooper said.

In contrast, junior Santina Pattah explains why she is not concerned about the effects the sun may have on her skin.

“I am not really worried about sun exposure, because frankly, I like to go out in the summer and tan. I do use tanning products and sprays with SPF in them though,” Pattah said.

Cooper explains her thoughts on teen’s concerns with sun exposure.

“In my opinion, I don’t think that teens care about the consequences, so they don’t use sunscreen as often as they should,” Cooper said. “Also, since skin cancer can be more easily treated than other cancers, teens don’t care as much because they know that it can be treated.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, not only can sun exposure lead to skin cancer, the most extreme consequence of sun exposure, but it can also lead to long-term damage such as dark spots and accelerated aging, which causes skin to sag and wrinkle.

Because teens are young, they often don’t think about how what they do now can affect them later. Emily Waack, a certified medical

Recommended Moisturizers

assistant at Oakland Hills Dermatology, retinols and medicated washes.” offers teens advice.

Skin Regimens “I would definitely suggest that teens use Because everyone has a different skin sunscreen,” Ms. Waack said. “I wish that I type and each person reacts differently to would have applied sunscreen more often different treatments, many create their own younger. Luckily I’m still young and can still regimens for treating any problems they prevent and long lasting effects that the sun might have. Cooper explains the regimen she can have.” found worked best for her.

Acne “I use a face wash called CeraVe, which While exposure to the sun is one of the is a hydrating cleanser,” Cooper said. “I use most talked about skin issues, acne is another it to wash my face every morning and night. problem that not only teens face, but adults In the morning I use a prescription medicine as well. cream from the dermatologist, and at night, According to the American Academy I use Adapalene cream. I apply just a little of Dermatology, acne is the most common bit around the parts of my face that are the skin condition in the United States affecting most sensitive and where I break out.” around 50 million people per year. Not only Pattah describes what she found to can acne affect one’s physical appearance, it personally work best for her skin. can also affect his or her mental condition.

“I cleanse my face twice daily and Since acne often leaves permanent moisturize my face immediately after scarring, many who have scarring or even cleansing it,” Pattah said. “My cleanser is a bad case of acne have poor self image Cetaphil and my moisturizer is thirst relief which can lead to cases of anxiety and from Clinique. My exfoliator is from Clinique depression. That is why it is important to as well. I also use a face brush to really get in see a specialist or get my pores and to clean them proper treatment for out. This helps to make “I don’t think that one’s acne before my face really smooth and teens care about the it becomes a real clear.” consequences, so they problem, according to Though many have a don’t use sunscreen as Ms. Waack. personal skin care regimen Ms. Waack offers that fits their skin best, there often as they should.” a way to help prevent are ways to universally take future scarring. care of one’s skin no matter -Izzy Cooper, 11 “I would advise what skin type. ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// teens who have acne As stated by the Mayo to not pick at it,” Ms. Clinic, five ways to keep Waack said. “The skin healthy are to protect more you pick at it the yourself from the sun, more scarring there will be in the future.” abstain from smoking, treat skin in a gentle One of the best ways to take proper care manner, eat a healthy diet and to manage of acne is to meet with a dermatologist. Ms. stress.

Waack explains some of the treatments that Ms. Waack agrees, while also adding the Oakland Hills Dermatology offers to those ways she believes to help maintain healthy with acne. skin.

“The most extreme treatment for “[The keys to maintaining healthy skin teenagers over the age of 16 is Accutane, are], drinking lots of water, not smoking which is a government regulated cigarettes, moisturizing, using sunscreen and medication,” Ms. Waack said. “If teens using oil free makeup products,” Ms. Waack are not all for the effects that happen with said.

Accutane, we then put them on antibiotic

THE TALON // MARCH 2016

3 easy ways to keep your skin healthy

Drink Water Without proper hydration, skin can appear duller and wrinkles and pores can appear more prominent.

Drink around 8-10 ounces of water every two hours throughout the day to help your skin to stay healthy.

Don’t Smoke Smoking damages collagen and elastin. The fibers in skin that give your skin strength and elasticity, causing skin to sag, wrinkle and look older prematurely.

Use Sunscreen A lifetime of sun exposure can cause wrinkles, dark spots and other problems.

Use a sunscreen of at least 15 SPF. Apply generously, and reapply every 2 hours.

Photos Courtesy of Creative Commons

PAGES 10-11 // SPREAD

THE TALON // MARCH 2016

RHS exceeds charity week expectations ZAHRA AHMED Staff Writer

Student Council held their annual Charity Week this year from March 14-18. The funds raised went to Project 561, a Michigan based organization that is helping to rebuild Detroit. “[Project 561] is really cool; we’ve never really done something like that before,” junior Jacob Jackson said.

“We benefit students a lot more, but this time it’ll benefit an entire community.”

Deciding on this particular charity took a lot of planning.

“We research all different charities and then put them up on my board like an NCAA basketball bracket,” student council advisor Mrs. Kelley Cusmano said. “We gradually narrow down the list and when we get to the final four, we do a lot of research and eventually vote on a winner. This year’s charity beat out about 30 other organizations.”

Along with a new charity, different games were incorporated this year.

“We had new really fun games,” Jackson said. “[We had] a pancake eating contest on St. Patrick’s Day so we dyed [pancakes] green and we saw how many pancakes the students could eat.”

The week was wrapped up with distinct events as well.

“I thought Friday [was the highlight of the week],” Mrs. Cusmano said. “A pep assembly followed by a carnival and circus show all for a good cause, what’s not

to like?”

Junior Sophia Shafkalis believes that Friday turned out to be an exciting night, despite it being the first time.

“It was a whole new event along with charity week that we had. [It] was something new that we tried and it was cool.” Shafkalis said. “Of course having a new event there is always the risk that it might not turn out great, but it did and we were happy; it was fun.”

Shafkalis also believes lunchtime activities, coffee hour, and the pep assembly were enjoyable parts of the week.

“I think people definitely loved the access to food in the morning, they loved any type of school spirit get together so the pep assembly was really good because it brought out school spirit ,” Shafkalis said. “The lunchtime activities were really fun because a lot of students participated.”

In years past, RHS has paired up with other high schools in the area to create a combined Charity Week.

However, this year was different.

“We did not work with Stoney Creek this year which was a bummer but our schedules just didn’t work out,” Mrs. Cusmano said.

However, this year there was a different school behind the effort. Project 561 was founded by students from Groves High school, and students there continue to support efforts in Detroit.

“I think just the charity alone [made this year different],” Shafkalis said. “We did it as a charity with another high school, it wasn’t just our high school alone doing it. It was definitely a different cause than these previous

few years.”

Despite the lack of a district partner, RHS had high hopes for this year’s event. “[Our] goal was just to get as many people involved as possible really, [we] just wanted to raise more money than last year and the years before,” Suttie said. “[We planned to accomplish that] just by getting into it. I mean we had a lot of good advertisement, we had a lot of people helping us out, we had a lot of baskets to raffle off [and] a huge charity week event on Friday.”

Student Council had monetary goals as well.

“We [wanted] to raise at least $10,000,” Mrs. Cusmano said. “We needed to work hard, encourage our student body and have a lot of activities [to get there].”

Although the money raised is a major factor, Jackson believes it goes hand in hand with student involvement.

“What makes charity week a success is the amount of participation that students give and as long as they have fun and enjoy the games, then we will raise enough money to give it to the charities.” Jackson said.

Suttie echoes his remarks on the week’s outcome.

“It all depends on our student body,” Suttie said. “As long as the kids are empathetic towards the cause and want to participate and help out as much as they can, then we’ll have a successful week.”

Shafkalis believes Charity week turned out well.

“I thought overall charity week was really fun,” Shafkalis said. “I loved the spirit days and I was glad that we were able to meet our goal of $10,000. It was hype and we’re excited for next year too.”

WHAT IS PROJECT 561?

STUDENTS FROM AREA CODES 248 AND 313 ARE WORKING TO REBUILD DETROIT COMMUNTIES. DAILY TOTALS Monday: $670.95 Tuesday: $475.42 Thursday: $1,707.76 Friday: $3,429.18 Grand total: $11,626.99

Clockwise from top left: 1. At the Friday pep assembly, seniors dominated “everybody” in tug-of-war. 2. Math teacher Mr. Rob Byrd lost to English teacher Mrs. Kelley Cusmano and had to crack a raw egg on his head. 3. Senior Jordan Sadler defeats a surprised Madison Vanderhoof in musical chairs at lunch. 4.

Students joust at the carnival Friday afternoon. 5. Senior Angela Lekosiotis participates in a lunchtime game on Construction Worker Day. 6. Several baskets of fabulous, donated items were up for grabs for those who bought raffle tickets. 7. Junior Ari Patterson collects money for business teacher Mrs. Karen Malsbury’s “Where’s Malsbury” bucket at lunch.

Photos by Makenzie Shubnell and Audrey Weber

T I R I P S & E P HY

O

THE

THE TALON // MARCH 2016

PAGE 12// LIFESTYLES

VINYL MAKES A COMEBACK AUDREY WEBER STAFF WRITER

Senior Paige Zundel lies in bed late at night, watching her favorite vinyl, the soundtrack to “500 Days of Summer,” spin around the record player. She just spent all day looking for a new album and finally gets to hear its unique sound.

“They’re more soothing with the raspy kind of staticy sound,” Zundel said. “I love to watch them spin as they play the music as well; it’s much more romantic in my eyes.”

Much like Zundel, junior Melanie Kelley prefers vinyl.

“They have a greater range of sound and they are real,” Kelley said. “They are palpable.”

More than 9.2 million vinyl records were sold in the U.S. last year, which was a 52 percent increase from the previous year, according to Time magazine. “[I love] how perfectly imperfect vinyl is,” Kelley said.

“The skips, the crackles, the slight distortion of certain songs- it all gives character to your own copy of the album.”

Social studies teacher Mr. Chad Zwolinski has a record player in his room and allows students to bring in their own records to play before and sometimes during class.

“It brings you back to that age,” Mr Zwolinski said.

“The ability to turn your music on versus using the needle and the record player adds to the experience and the sound.”

Although records have a particularly unique sound, they are not always ideal.

“Vinyls will warp and scratch leaving them useless or annoyingly prone to skipping,” Zundel said. “Also, they are sadly very expensive now but worth it to me.”

Other than the increased potential to be damaged easily, vinyls can be impractical, according to students.

“You can’t pause them and you can only listen to the one album,” Kelley said.

Even though vinyls have made a comeback with many people, there are still some who would rather listen to digital music over records. Sophomore George Zagrodzki loves to listen to music and does not understand the vinyl appeal.

“Having music on my phone makes it more mobile,” Zagrodzki said. “You can easily download music and be able to have it with you all the time instead of needing a record player to listen to the music.”

Despite the cons associated with records, many would still choose their sound over digital music.

“I love hearing it off a record player,” Mr. Zwolinski said. “I just love that sound that comes through the speakers that are right there.”

Popular places to buy records include UHF in Royal Oak, Foundsound in Ferndale, Flipside Records in Clawson, and Amazon online.

Social Studies teacher Mr. Chad Zwolinski puts on “Abbey Road” to set the tone for his class. Photo

by Audrey Weber

PAGE 13 // ENTERTAINMENT

THE TALON // MARCH 2016 Junior Jessie Carl (who plays Charlotte Hay) stands on the stage, working hard in rehearsal for RHS’ spring play, “Moon Over Buffalo.” Trying new things and constantly learning how to adapt to the comedic style of the show, she excitedly takes on the challenges of the play during the rehearsal process, and can’t wait to perform with her cast.

“I can already tell the physical comedy for this show is going to be hard,” Carl said. “I really haven’t done that type of comedy before so I’m excited to learn more about it during rehearsals, along with the verbal comedy that I’m more familiar with.”

The comedic style of the show differs from other shows senior Kaelan Donovan (who plays George Hay) has been in, and he is also excited to learn more about this style of show and to perform it for others.

“This show is really different from anything else that I’ve done in the past because it’s just a straightforward comedy, when we usually do things like dramatic comedies,” Donovan said. “But it’s really gut-bustingly funny, which may add to the appeal of it, and I’m excited to learn new things with it, too.”

The students who were interested in both the cast and the crew were very involved in choosing which show was to be performed, and director Mr. Frank Gollon is very excited to continue preparing for the show with these students.

“We always poll the students to see what they’re interested in, and the overwhelming response this time was that they really wanted to do a comedy, and this one is hilarious, so we’re very excited,” Mr. Gollon said. “My costume people also requested a show that allowed them to do more period-style costuming, and this show requires 1600’s Spanish conquistador type costumes, 1950’s-style costumes, and more, so that will be fun for that crew department.”

In preparing to take this comedic and exciting show to the stage, Donovan is very excited to spend time with his old and new friends in the cast.

“I think the cast this year is really well-picked,” Donovan said. “I’m really good friends with a lot of the people in the cast, but there are also some people I don’t know yet, so I’m really excited to get to know them while spending time with my other friends, too.”

Mr. Gollon loves the cast of the play this year as well, and can’t wait to continue working with them. He is most excited to help them hone in on their comedic skills and work through the challenging aspects of this show.

“With comedy, it’s so much more challenging in a play than drama, because it requires so much of the timing of the actors, and the physicality of what’s going on with this show as well will be difficult, so it’s important to help them to develop those comic skills,” Mr. Gollon said. “Some people naturally have those abilities, but with others you really have to work with them on how to deliver a line and where to go for the laugh, among other things.”

During the rehearsal process, Carl especially loves discussing the backstory of her character with Mr. Gollon and her cast.

“In rehearsals, I like doing character work, when we can really focus on my character and who she is,” Carl said. “Figuring out the background of my character is always really fun because it’s not really given to you in the script, and you have to delve into it and figure it out.”

Donovan loves working with the cast to overcome challenges and learn more about the show as a whole while preparing for performances.

“I think my favorite part of rehearsals is the weird learning process we go through where something doesn’t click with one of us and then the rest of us pick up on it and we try to change things together,” Donovan said. “Watching the show come together in that way is great, and we can get over some major acting roadblocks because of how we work with one another.”

Donovan also loves being a lead in a cast of such hardworking people.

Although it requires much responsibility, he is excited to lead “Moon Over Buffalo” as his last show at RHS. “Being a lead is definitely a lot of responsibility, especially when you have a lot of lines you have to remember,” Donovan said. “There’s always that stigma that theatre kids have no time to do anything else, but if you’re careful, it’ll work out. And this is my last show at RHS so it’s definitely very bittersweet, but I’m so happy and thankful to be able to have that last hoorah.”

Mr. Gollon can’t wait for Donovan and the rest of the cast to shine on stage during show week, and believes that audience’s reactions to jokes will be the most rewarding part of the show for the students.

“I think just that first laugh is always the most exciting thing to get out from the audience, and then they immediately get drawn in, and by the end of the show people are just gasping for air because they’ve been laughing so hard,” Mr. Gollon said. “When you get those kinds of reactions, it’s so rewarding as a performer.”

‘MOON OVER BUFFALO’ RHS RATS PERFORM A SIDE-SPLITTING COMEDY ANGELA MAMMEL

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Scan this QR Code or visit http://goo.gl/PrAuw2 for more photos.

Junior Jessie Carl and senior Kaelan Donovan practice some of the physical comedy in the show. Photo Courtesy of Joey Tobin

PAGE 14 // ADVERTISEMENTS

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PAGE 15 // ENTERTAINMENT

THE DOOZERS

THE TALON // MARCH 2016 As local composition The Doozers started up a thrilling setlist at Pontiac’s Crofoot Ballroom on Feb. 27th, (complete with a The 1975 cover, various original songs, and yes, a full-band cover of the “iCarly theme song”) many in the audience applauded the performance. With two RHS students contributing to the makeup of the band (junior Melanie Kelley on bass and sophomore Sean Donnelly on guitar and lead vocals) it’s no mystery as to how the band has gained popularity among the school as well as around the local scene, with the remaining members spread across the area as well (Adams junior Kyle Garland on drums, and Eisenhower junior Charlie Belleville on lead guitar). Guitarist/vocalist Sean Donnelly gives insight on the roots of The Doozers.

“Doozers started out of the ashes of another band called Antidote which had two of the same members,” Donnelley said. “Our official start was in March of 2015.”

An inspiration for starting-out bands in the local scene and what they can accomplish, The Doozers have certainly grown from their origins at Rochester’s School of Rock. Drummer Kyle Garland comments on more of the band’s history.

“The band name came from us playing with a ouija board and we asked for random letters and that’s what it told us,” Garland said. “Or Sean got it from ‘Fraggle Rock,’ but whichever story you want to believe.”

“Performing is very cool. It’s a Upon the latest swinging Saturday night performance in February, listeners good feeling doing something so were in for quite a spectacle as Donnelley decided to climb onto some backing young that’s generally meant for an equipment and amps. In the midst of a spot-on cover of The 1975’s “Love Me,” the guitarist ended with an impressive jump back onto the main stage without older crowd.” missing a beat.

“I try to pull off stunts at times. I swung from a water pipe once. And at one Charlie Belleville, lead guitarist show I had my pants off. And there’s been several occasions of me climbing //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// onto things,” Donnelly said. “I try to take advantage of things that will further a shows excitement so I don’t really put thought to it.”

Through the exciting progression of The Doozers, there’s no denying that the band has gained some much deserved popularity. Bob Belleville, the official band director of the group, comments on the rise of the band’s recognition.

“Lately it seems the band has been gaining a much larger following, recently playing on the main stage of the Crofoot and being asked to play at the Hamtramck Music fest and the Earth Day fest, as well as being asked to come back to several venues around town,” Belleville said.

With exciting horizons in sight, one may wonder how a group of such young musicians gained its momentum.

“At the start no one knows who you are, so you are stuck playing places that aren’t the most popular and working your way to gaining a reputation as a good band. But that is just part of the process that every band has to go through,” Belleville said. “I’m sure Nirvana played in front of 10 guys also when they were getting started. I am in no way comparing The Doozers to Nirvana, just trying to make a point.”

Lead guitarist Charlie Belleville also gives insight on his hopes for a musical future.

“Performing is very cool! It’s a good feeling doing something so young that’s generally meant for an older crowd,” Belleville said. “Plus, because we’re so young, we have a lot of time to improve until we fully commit to pursuing music as our careers.”

As The Doozers continued to broaden their horizons, a new member hopped into the picture, formally replacing an empty spot. Junior Melanie Kelley has likely been a factor in the growing popularity.

“After very little discussion needed between the band, Melanie Kelley was brought in the take over the bass and also offer some desperately-needed back up vocals, and also lead vocals on a couple songs,” Bob Belleville said.

Kelley commented on her recent admittance into the band.

“I feel reborn. I feel like I’ve been with them for a while because, we’ve all been friends for so long and I went to see all of their shows before,” Kelley said. “Plus, I knew all of their songs anyways.”

As new and old fans alike gather at The Doozer’s events, it’s become a big question on whether or not their music will be available online and for purchase.

“Well, we’re gonna record a demo probably this summer or spring,” Kelley said. “And we’re gonna play a lot of shows this summer, hopefully.”

As the Doozers continue to prove themselves as an growing high school band, it’s refreshing to see a potential future for the members, along with taps of hard work and determination.

“I hate to sound like a parent, but they will get out of the Doozers whatever they put into it.

Honestly, the sky’s the limit to how good they can become,” Belleville said. “They need to not take themselves too seriously while still taking themselves seriously. Keep having fun and make sure they always play music no matter how popular or unpopular they may become.”

LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL BANDS ARE HAVING MORE INFLUENCE ON THE MUSICAL WORLD MORGAN GALLAGHER STAFF WRITER

Lead guitarist Charlie Belleville (top), drummer Kyle Garland (middle), vocalist/guitarist Sean Donnelly (bottom), and bassist Melanie Kelley (side) gather as the official 2016 members of The Doozers. Photo Coutresy of Bob Belleville.

PAGE 16 // ENTERTAINMENT

THE TALON // MARCH 2016

Chipotle Burrito Bowl. Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons

Qdoba Burrito Bowl. Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons

CHIPOTLE VS. QDOBA

The contested fast-casual food debate continues ED GRIJALVA STAFF WRITER

After a long, busy first half of the school day, senior Karl Chidiac is ready to go off campus for lunch and is undecided on what he wants to eat. A friend suggests Qdoba, but Chidiac reacts by stating that Chipotle is better.

“I eat at Chipotle almost every day of the week,” Chipotle employee Karl Chidiac said. “I get 50 percent discounts when I’m not working, and when I am, I just get free food whenever I want. I’ve been working at Chipotle for eight months.”

At both Chipotle and Qdoba, there’s a nice number of menu combinations to choose from, along with a various number of toppings to add. The menu item someone chooses can skew their opinion, as seen with senior Dominic Cockell.

“I like Chipotle because the taste is just 10 times better and their chicken tastes real. The rice also isn’t rock hard like at Qdoba, where I feel like I’m going to break my teeth when I eat it,” Cockell said. “I get a burrito with double white rice, chicken, cheese and corn. The corn at Chipotle just tastes great and it’s better than Qdoba’s.”

The argument often presented by Qdoba fans, such as senior Nate Kustasz, as to why it’s better than its competitors is

its free toppings, like the signature “queso” from my friends so that’s why I haven’t gotten around to trying it. They say and guacamole. At Chipotle, guacamole Chipotle justs tastes more real and fresh.” costs extra.

Recently, the Talon ran a poll on its “I always get the burrito bowl with Twitter account asking followers which white rice, pinto beans, extra queso and restaurant was preferred. Out of 127 Pico de Gallo,” Kustasz said. “The queso votes, 54 percent preferred Chipotle, 28 just literally makes every bite three times percent chose Qdoba and 18 percent stated better. The vibe in Qdoba is just better they didn’t like either. To senior Alonzo too.”

Mitchell, this is no surprise.

Another commodity that would be “I’m glad most of considered better at Rochester made the right the local Qdoba by “E-coli doesn’t faze me vote,” Mitchell said.

RHS students than because it occurred all the “Chipotle is easily better Chipotle would be way across the country. I’ve than Qdoba. I can’t say the soda machines. been eating Chipotle four days I’ve ever had a good “Chipotle doesn’t a week and haven’t gotten experience at Qdoba.” have the Coca-Cola There are those, E-coli once.” soda machine with however, who are the 100 different Dominic Cockell, 12 disappointed at the flavors like Qdoba /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// outcome of the poll but does,” Kustasz said. aren’t surprised.

“That’s just a great “I’m not surprised feature to have at any that less people voted Qdoba but I still fast food place. You can try and mix all the think it’s better,” senior Joey Hegger said. different drinks you want.”

“I’m a fan of Qdoba because I don’t order Some people, like senior Bailey Webb, burritos or bowls but rather quesadillas, prefer one restaurant over the other simply and they’re better at Qdoba simply because because they haven’t tried one and the they taste better there.” opinions of their friends influence them.

With the recent E-Coli breakout which “I like Chipotle better because I’ve caused Chipotles in the West to be in the never been to Qdoba,” Webb said. “I news over the past few months, one would haven’t heard good things about Qdoba

think consumers would take their money elsewhere.

“The E-Coli story did affect the business at work for a bit but for the most part it was still pretty active,” Chidiac said. “When the free burrito coupon was released business was booming; it was pretty crazy.”

Customers at both restaurants were concerned about E-coli initially, but the uneasiness subsided.

“The E-coli thing did sort of worry me since Chipotle and Qdoba are similar restaurants but I didn’t think much of it,” Kustasz said. “It just further proves that Qdoba is better because it won’t make you sick.”

Chipotle supporters in Rochester shared similar sentiments about the E-coli breakout and continue to enjoy their food anyway.

“E-coli doesn’t faze me because it occurred all the way across the country and I’m not too worried about it,” Cockell said.

“I’ve been eating Chipotle four days a week and haven’t gotten E-coli once.”

THE TALON // MARCH 2016

PAGE 17 // OPINION

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

Hussein Murray Ollie Najar Joe Schultz Taylor Simmons Maya Subramanian Audrey Webber Tori Wendt

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

STAFF EDITORIAL

New tardy policy is unfair and unlikely to be successful Throughout first semester last school year, RHS students racked up 2,385 tardies in first hour alone, and 1,657 in hours 2-6. By second semester last year, first hour tardies went up to 2,782, though tardies in 2-6 dropped to 553. This year, tardies surged to a four-year high in first semester with 3,309 in first hour and 1,256 in hours 2-6. The data is conclusive, tardies are a problem; however, the new tardy policy is unfair, promotes double punishments and is unlikely to yield a positive result.

The new tardy policy states that students who are tardy three times in the same class will have to serve a one-hour detention before or after school. If that student gets to five tardies in that same class, two additional one-hour detentions will be tacked on to his or her sentence. When he or she gets to six tardies in that class, a three one-hour detentions are added. At tardy seven, the student and his or her parents will come in to meet with administration.

First of all, it’s unfair to implement a policy in the middle of a semester. If administration wishes to implement a policy, they should do so at the beginning of the school year or at the beginning of a semester. It’s also an unfair policy because administration did not seek input from students when generating this policy.

Educators should be aware that students are more likely to buy in to a policy if they’ve had a say in creating it.

In the beginning of the school year of 2013-14, the start time for school was moved from 7:35 to 7:30 a.m., despite mounting evidence that a later start time for teenagers is more conducive to learning. In addition, the passing time was changed from seven minutes to six minutes and the two-minute warning bell to a one-minute warning bell.

It’s fair to say that some students have not adjusted to these new norms.

One reason some students have yet to adjust is because it’s physically impossible to get from one end of the building to another in six minutes. It used to be possible, when administration allowed students to walk outdoors to skip severe hallway congestion, but this is no longer the case. The amount of congestion (and being pushed or elbowed) at the B-wing to F-wing exchange is horrific. Some students prefer to wait until it’s safely possible to get to class without getting smashed in the mess of bodies.

The new tardy policy is also problematic because it promotes double jeopardy, meaning students will be punished in two different ways for the same “crime.” Two tardies equals one unexcused absence. Once a student hits 13 absences in one class, his or her grade is reduced by at the end of the semester. For example, a B+ would move to a B. If a student hits 16 absences in one class, the grade is reduced by ⅔, meaning a B+ would move to a B-. Finally, if a student acquires 19 absences in one class, the grade is reduced by one entire grade, meaning moving a B+ to a C+. A person who struggles with attendance for whatever reason is getting punished in two ways, through serving detentions and grade reductions.

Finally, the policy is unlikely to work. The logistics of managing the system are intricate. When will that detention be served, the day of that third tardy or some other future date? Where will that detention be served? What if everyone ends up in detention - is there a space large enough to host everyone? What will detention look like - can students use their phones or work on homework or sleep? What if students like detention? What happens when a student misses the detention - will he or she be written up for insubordination? Then do tardies result in suspension - isn’t that counterintuitive?

Others may say that this new policy will nip the tardiness epidemic in the bud and promote a sense of urgency to get to class. While this may work for the few individuals who are occasionally tardy, it’s unlikely to work on the repeat offenders.

Only time will tell.

Do you think the new tardy policy will be effective?

Yes, 59 percent No, 41 percent Based on 27 Talon student responses

“The tardy policy is unfair because if it was such a big deal, they should give us more time. They took a minute away from us already; there are alternate solutions.”

Victoria Wendt, 10

“It will be effective because people take detentions more seriously than losing a letter grade, because it takes away from their personal time.”

Hussein Murray, 10

“I do not think it is that bad; people need to stop complaing and show up to class on time.”

Ed Grijalva, 12

PAGE 18 // OPINION

THE TALON // MARCH 2016

Death to pennies OLIVER NAJAR STAFF WRITER

Reach into your pocket, look into your car’s cupholder, or rummage through your drawers. Odds are, you will find a penny; the small round copper coin that can be found almost anywhere.

Now with that single penny, try to buy something from a store or a vending machine-- you cannot. Try to buy something with two pennies, or three, or four, it cannot be done. In fact, there is almost nothing reasonably worth a penny for any consumer.

The single cent piece was useful currency in the past, a fundamental coin for buying simple items such as food, candy, or postage stamps. However this was the past, nothing stays the same, and inflation has gradually whittled the buying power of the penny to nothing.

The penny is not only a spit in the face of the monetary system, it is one of the most taxing coins to make in the U.S. Currently it costs 1.7¢ to make

However, the penny has such little one penny, so it is a loss of money buying power it has significant effect from the start. on pricing, and inefficiently serves as Millions of taxpayers dollars are currency. Therefore, in a functioning subsidizing the use of the single-cent coin, which is ridiculous considering the free-market economy, the penny is obsolete and buying power should be of the penny is to next to nothing The penny is not only removed improve the and statistics a spit in the face of the monetary system. show that most One of the of that money is monetary system; it is major arguments wasted because one of the most taxing supporting the most pennies do not circulate. coins to make in the U.S. existence of the According ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////// penny is that it is respectful to to the U.S. Abraham Lincoln.

Government This makes no Accountability sense because Abraham Lincoln is dead Office, in 1995 the circulation rate of and respected in various ways besides the penny was 34.2 percent, meaning the penny. Also, Abraham Lincoln almost two thirds of the pennies produced did not continue to be used. would not want to compromise the economy of the United States to put Money serves as a medium of exchange. Instead of exchanging goods him on a coin that is valueless. Plus, Lincoln is already on the five dollar bill, and services, money can hold the value a piece of currency that actually has of the objects, and it must be divided value in today’s economy. into smaller increments to ensure that the price for the good or service is fair.

April Fools and broken hearts CONNOR BULKA STAFF WRITER

On April 1st each year, men and women alike wake up anxiously awaiting what their day will bring. The ground in which every deceiving, menacing and prank-loving personality loves to tread on is April Fool’s day. It’s a day almost all of us come to love, but the occasional brutal reality is far from pleasant. In fact, April Fool’s day has consistently given local governments around the country trouble throughout the day.

April Fool’s pranks have evolved in recent years from a small and controlled prank to blatantly idiotic acts of irrational behavior. A very representative example of idiotic and irresponsible behavior is in 2014 when Angela Timmons, a Virginia College employee, texted her daughter that a shooter was on the loose. Within seconds of the first text she added that it was a joke, but unfortunately it was too late. The local police force, along with the SWAT team, had showed up at the University only minutes later.

Although a false alarm, it contributes to the unnecessary use of law enforcement.

This wasn’t the only prank that had unfortunate results. In the early thousands, Playboy magazine released their new issue that included an article which fumed many readers and nonreaders alike. The issue included an article titled “How to Beat Your Wife without Leaving Prints.” Not only is this something many feel extremely innapropriate, but it’s also indirectly encouraging unlawful actions towards women. Although the intentions may have been light, the backlash was far from it.

Lastly, April fools also come with a few broken hearts every year. In the past few years, boyfriends around the country have decided to fool their girlfriends. One of the pranks that have become popular among those are fake proposals. Boyfriends take their girlfriends out on a romantic night out to a nice italian restaurant and end the night off on one knee. As he finishes rambling about his confessed love, the man admits that it’s all a prank. As the guy laughs it off, the girl’s heart drops. April fools comes with hurtful consequences, and among those are

broken hearts and soon to be broken relationships.

April Fools is not only fading away slowly in today’s society, but now it’s just becoming slightly annoying. It seems as though the only ones who are actually celebrating April Fools are major companies and corporations like Google and Virgin America. It can be funny when they do it, but should we really have a whole day for pranks when the only good pranks come from a select few sources? Laughing is fun and widely enjoyable, but most would agree that it can become too much really quick. When it becomes bothersome to the law and the community, I don’t think it should be endorsed as it is now. It’s easy to say that it’s been a tradition for a fairly long time in history, but it’s really kind of pointless now. Not only pointless, but to a degree, dangerous and inconvenient, including for our law enforcement.

April fools should really be taken out of our list of specialty days because it’s encouraging foolish behavior that very few can really appreciate. The days of simple scares, or little tricks are over. The recent past has proved that April fools day has rearranged itself into a day of stupidity and unnecessary issues.

Mental health is to blame for gun violence MARIA BROECKER OPINION EDITOR

In recent months, shooters have pulled triggers in Colorado Springs, Colo.; San Bernardino, Calif.; and Kalamazoo, Mich. that have resulted in tragic deaths of innocent people. When these incidents occur, there are many who place the blame on gun control laws and call for tighter regulations; however, in each of these incidents gun control laws weren’t the problem.

Instead of restricting rights of law-abiding citizens, our government should be working to better mental health diagnoses and treatment plans.

One starting point in addressing this huge issue is destigmatizing issues surrounding mental health so that family members and friends can speak up about concerns related to a person’s mental health. This was referenced in the bill Mental Health and Safe Communities Act proposed by senator John Cornyn in August 2015.

Another key in solving this problem includes making mental health treatment accessible and affordable. Representative Kevin McCarthy of California proposed a bill aimed at helping people with deemed “mentally defective”, that would lift restrictions on what Medicaid pays for and seek to increase the number of psychiatric hospital beds available.

Many call for reforms in the background check process. It’s true, these need to be updated because, as in the case of the Kalamazoo shooter, which killed six. Not only did Jason Dalton get the gun he used legally, but he also passed the background check to gain employment for Uber.

Dalton was obviously facing mental instability, CNN reports even saying he had no emotions in court. In cases where someone can no run ins with the law like Dalton did, it is essential background checks are effective to catch this. All of this proves that the current background checks are ineffective and need to ask the right questions, that would highlight any red flags in the person trying to buy a gun.

Taking away guns from the people who own them to protect themselves and their families will only increase the deaths, because there is no way to prevent the shooter from shooting. Many shooters go to public places like schools or churches because they are gun-free; they know they will not be stopped. This “gun free zone” restriction means well, but only promotes an ideal place for shooters go.

The Republican dominated legislature in Texas have passed the campus-carry law which will become effective in August 2016 and states that all individuals on college campuses in Texas will be allowed to carry concealed handguns into classrooms, dormitories and other buildings given that they have obtained a license.This is exactly the direction we should be heading so shooters don’t continue to see schools and other government properties as unprotected.

Whether or not the government develops additional gun law regulations, the people who want guns to commit crimes will get access to them on their own. The outcome is inevitable and uncontrollable. At the end of the day, the second amendment protects our right to bare arms and instead of challenging constitutional rights, those who are seeking a solution to gun-related deaths should look to mental health experts for answers.

PAGE 19 // SPORTS

THE TALON // MARCH 2016

CHEER TEAM DOMINATES STATES Varsity Cheer team brings home its 18th State Championship TAYLOR SIMMONS STAFF WRITER

The cheer team crouches down with foreheads touching the mat in a giant oval, gripping the hands of the girls on either side and waiting in anticipation as the runnerup of this year’s State championship is announced. As the judge reads the name Grandville as the second place recipient, the RHS team knows it has taken home first. The girls erupt in screams of joy and tears begin to flow from their eyes as the seven other teams surround them and clap for the 2016 State Champions, a feat they have not achieved since 2009.

Junior and first year Varsity member Morgan Libby explains what this experience at the DeltaPlex in Grand Rapids was like for her, as her older brother, parents and grandparents looked on.

“It’s the best feeling ever [to be a State Champion],” Morgan Libby said. “I can’t even describe it how much it meant to me. It felt awesome [when they called off the second place winner] because we knew that we did it.”

Alumnus Zach Libby, ‘14, was there to support his sister and he felt the energy from the building was palpable.

“There’s not a better atmosphere than a high school cheerleading competition,” Zach Libby said. “They pack over 3,000 parents and teenagers inside this tiny arena, which only heightens the amount of screams and noise makers.”

Morgan Libby explains that the team trained to not be too cocky because one can never predict what will happen on the mat.

“Grandville and Stevenson were our toughest competitors,” Morgan Libby said. “I wasn’t worried because we focus on ourselves and nothing else.”

Morgan’s mom, Melissa Libby, was sitting on the edge of her seat.

“It was very exciting and tense in the arena,” Mrs. Libby said. “With only eight teams competing, the spectators and athletes knew that it would be a short competition, unlike the regular season competitions that had upwards of 30 teams, lasting several hours. Everyone knew that there was very little room for error. The RHS parents felt that if our team ‘hit,’ there was no beating us.”

Zach Libby explained what it was like when RHS won.

“When Rochester was announced the winner, I pushed my dad in excitement which made him fall over,” Zach Libby said. “The

Left: Junior Morgan Libby gives her big brother Zach, ‘14, a hug after winning States. Photo Courtesy of Zach Libby Right: The Varsity team finishes their round three performance by tossing senior Kaity Kok high in the air to leave a strong final impression for the judges and the crowd. Photo Courtesy of Tony Reedy Rochester crowd felt the same; tears were high leading into States. shed and there was an intense amount of “It was terrifying because there was so clapping and screaming.” many people in the crowd looking at you,” While the cheerleaders remain tight-lipped Morgan Libby said. “It was really fun and about the traditions exciting, but at the the week before same time intense.”

States, during and Varsity scored “I can’t even describe it except after because it’s 237.9 in round one, that it was awesome, [When we with Grandville right confidential, Mrs. were called] I just started crying on their tails at 237.7.

Libby shares what the parents do.

“Varsity’s and everyone stood up and “RHS Varsity is performance in clapped for us.” crazy with tradition,” round one looked Mrs. Libby said. flawless to me,” Mrs. -Morgan Libby, 11 “The Varsity Libby said. “I think parents are very ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// there is something involved throughout about the RHS the entire season. uniforms that really Beginning in December, we meet every makes them pop on the mat, particularly at a Monday to put together ‘Mom Cheer’ night-venue like DeltaPlex, where the colors are so a night full of skits and songs and silliness. complimentary to RHS colors.”

The dads are involved too with their own In round two, RHS eked out a narrow performance. The night before States, we victory again with a score of 232.5, with have a big team dinner and put on a show for Grandville earning 232.46. the girls. It really helps to break the tension “In round two I noticed a couple of before such a big competition and the girls little things (mistakes is too harsh of a love it.” description),” Mrs. Libby said. “That worried Morgan Libby echoed that tensions were me, but many of the nearby parents shook it

off and reassured me that it looked great.”

When round three ended without a drop, the whole stadium went crazy.

“We had the advantage of going last in round three,” Mrs. Libby said. “The girls ‘left it all on the mat,’ literally, as several of them actually collapsed to the floor once their routine was over. They knew they had just won, I think. During their routine, I noticed that other teams and spectators not from RHS were cheering and clapping just as hard as we were.”

When the scores were starting to be announced one-by-one, it became more and more intense as each place was called off starting from eighth and ending with Michigan’s 2016 State Champion.

“I can’t even describe it except that it was awesome,” Morgan Libby said. “[When we were called] I just started crying and everyone stood up and clapped for us.”

Zach Libby is proud of his sister, her team and RHS athletics in general.

“It’s the first sport at Rochester to win a state title in Luke Beach’s tenure,” Zach Libby said. “So it’s without a doubt the most talented sport at RHS.”

PAGE 20 // SPORTS

THE TALON // MARCH 2016

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Analyzing the eight remaining contestants in the tournament JOEL FICKEL

WEBSITE EDITOR

CHRISTIAN FEND STAFF WRITER

Atlético Madrid [ESP]

FC Barcelona [ESP]

Manchester City F.C. [ENG]

PSG F.C. [FRA]

Manager: Diego Simeone

Manager: Luis Enrique

Manager: Manuel Pellegrini

Manager: Laurent Blanc

Squad: J. Oblak (GK); Juanfran (D), S. Savic (D), Diego Godin (D), Filipe Luis (D); Oliver (M), Gabi (M), A. Correa (M), Koke (M); Antoine Griezmann (F), Fernando Torres (F)

Starting Lineup: Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK); Jordi Alba (D), Gerard Pique (D), Javier Mascherano (D), Dani Alves (D); Andres Iniesta (M), Ivan Rakitic (M), Sergio Busquets (M); Neymar Jr (F), Luis Suárez (F), Lionel Messi (F)

Squad: Joel Hart (GK); B. Sagna (D), Vincent Kompany (D), Nicolas Otamendi (D), Gael Clichy (D); Fernandinho (M), Fernando (M), David Silva (M), Yaya Toure (M), Raheem Sterling (M); Sergio Aguero (F)

Starting Lineup: Kevin Trapp (GK); G.van der Wiel (D), Thiago Silva (D), David Luiz (D), Maxwell (D); Angel Di Maria (M), Thiago Motta (M), Blaise Matuidi (M), Marco Verratti (M); Edinson Cavani (F), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (F)

Injuries: N/A

Key Players: Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Neymar Jr, Andres Iniesta

Key Players: Sergio Aguero, David Silva, Vincent Kompany

Domestic League: La Liga (Rank: 2)

Injuries: Rafinha (Ankle)

Injuries: Samir Nasri (Knee), Kevin De Bruyne (Knee Ligaments), Fabian Delph (Achilles)

Key Players: Antoine Griezmann, Diego Godin

Real Madrid C.F. [ESP]

VfL Wolfsburg [GER]

FC Bayern Munich [GER]

Key Players: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Angel Di Maria, Thiago Silva Injuries: Marco Verratti (Groin), Blaise Matuidi (Thigh)

S.L. Benfica [POR]

Manager: Zinedine Zidane

Manager: Dieter Hecking

Manager: Josep Guardiola

Manager: Rui Vitória

Starting Lineup: Keylor Navas (GK); Danilo (D) Casemiro (D), Pepe (D), Marcelo (D), Sergio Ramos (D); Luka Modric (M), Gareth Bale (M), Toni Kroos (M), James Rodriguez (M); Christiano Ronaldo (F)

Squad: Koen Casteel (GK); Ricardo Rodríguez (D), Robin Knoche (D), Dante (D), Sebastian Jung (D); Luiz Gustavo (M), Christian Träsch (M), Julian Draxler, (M) Maximilian Arnold (M), Vieirinha (F); Max Kruse (F)

Squad: Manuel Neuer (GK); Juan Bernat (D), David Alaba (D), Joshua Kimmich (D), Philipp Lahm (D); Arturo Vidal (M), Thiago Alcantara (M), Douglas Costa (M), Thomas Müller (M), Arjen Robben (M); Robert Lewandowski (F)

Squad: Artur Moraes (GK); Maxi Pereira (D), Luisão (D), Ezequiel Garay (D), Melgarejo (D); Nemanja Matić (M), Nolito (M), André Gomes (M), Ola John (M); Rodrigo (F), Lima (F)

Key Players: Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez

Key Players: Koen Casteels, Max Kruse

Key Players: Robert Lewandowski, Manuel Neuer

Injuries: N/A

Injuries: Jérôme Boateng (torn muscle), Holger Badstuber (Ankle)

Injuries: Karim Benzema (Hamstring/Strain), Alvaro Arbeloa (Hamstring/Strain)

Domestic League: Bundesliga (Rank: 8)

Domestic League: Bundesliga (Rank: 1)

Key Players: Artur Moraes, André Gomes Injuries: N/A Domestic League: Primeira Liga (Rank: 1)