The Talon RHS October 2016

THE

TALON

ROCHESTER HILLS, MI // OCTOBER 2016 // VOL. 79 ISSUE 1

BOND UPDATES Changes covered by the infrastructure and technology bond are well underway. For more on the distribution of funds and the bond’s effects, see pages 8-9.

PAGE 2 || NEWS

THE TALON || OCTOBER 2016

NEWS BRIEFS:

5.

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons

1.

Photo by Kathryn Chatman

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Courtesy of Bre Weaver PhotoPhotos courtesy of Creative Commons

1. RHS

2. RCS

3. STATE

4. COUNTRY

5. WORLD

RHS juniors took the PSAT, a test administered before the SAT to help students determine their academic strengths and weaknesses, on Oct. 19. It also determines eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship.

Senior students were able to stay home while the juniors were testing, going to school for hours four, five and six. Ninth and tenth graders took a practice version of the PSAT, went over test-taking strategies and learned about resources for additional practice in preparation for the PSAT and SAT. “I took two practice tests, and realized I need to practice a lot more if I want to get a good score on the PSAT,” Sophomore Rhea Gupta said.

The PSAT was divided into four sections, with two being focused on math and others on English. Junior Brigid Lally says she found the math portion to be especially difficult.

“I studied the night before, but [the test] was a lot faster than I expected it to be and I didn’t finish every section. I did guess on a lot of them,” Lally said.

Brief by Kathryn Chatman

Halloween is coming to Rochester Hills with a little spin on the Trick-or-Treat holiday.

On Oct. 28 from 5-8 p.m. the Village of Rochester Hills is hosting their annual “Halloween at the Village” to help the less fortunate local families.

There will be fun activities such as wagon rides, a bounce house and ten interactive Trick-or-Treat stations. Disney’s “Frozen” characters Anna and Elsa will be joining for a red carpet photo-op. Junior Nina Crocenzi plans on bringing her younger brother to participate in the fun.

“I’m excited to see him all dressed up,” Crocenzi said. “It’s our first time going so we don’t know what it’s like, but he’s excited to get lots of candy and see the firetrucks”.

Adding to the event, Whole Foods Cafe will be providing free cider and cookies, along with Noodles and Company supplying mac & cheese. Carissa Knoles will be performing music at 6 p.m. and the Rochester Hills Fire Department will be bringing fire trucks. Put on a costume and gear up to have some halloween fun at the Village.

Brief by Jenna Norgrove

In the State of Michigan, there are 144 House and Senate members. According to an investigation facilitated

by MLive and the Michigan Campaign Finance Network, at least 50 of Michigan’s 144 House and Senate members are linked or were once connected to a nonprofit or administrative account.

MLive reports that an investigation found about $12.8 million going into over 100 accounts with ties to political parties, elected officials or consultants of elected officials.

To some people in Michigan, this has created a mistrust of the government.

Junior Aiden Gallacher’s feelings regarding the Michigan state government are alike to his family’s in the fact that they no longer trust the government.

“After the Flint water crisis, my family lost a lot of trust and respect for the people running Michigan,” Gallacher said. “After hearing about to bribes in which the legislatures are accepting for their votes, my family is very disappointed and feel as if they are being cheated by their government.”

Brief by Cris Sandler

People across the nation become antsy as the days draw closer to November. The US presidential election takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 8. This election year seems to be far different from any other. People are widely dissatisfied with the choice between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, the two major-party candidates.

This election has caused many Americans to participate in a unique game of tug-of-war with their own opinions. Junior Natally Boutros found herself in this situation.

“At first when Donald Trump was campaigning, I thought he was actually going to do something and I was really for him,” Boutros said.

Like many Americans, Boutros took a quick disliking towards Clinton. However, as time went on, she began to have concerns about Trump.

“I thought Hillary should just go to jail,” Boutros said.

“But now, Donald Trump is becoming too controlling and overpowering. He’s attacking Hillary too much in the wrong way.”

Brief by Alexa Luttrell

This past September, President Barack Obama appointed the first ambassador to Cuba since 1961. He has chosen the chief diplomat in Havana (the Cuban capitol), Jeffrey DeLaurentis, for the job, according to USA Today.

There has been much controversy surrounding this act. According to the New York Times, on one side, it is positive that the United States has friendly relations with a country whose political views they don’t necessarily share. Some critics, on the other hand, view the appointment as a negative move that rewards Cuba for the harsh treatment of its citizens and believe the United States shouldn’t go any further until Cuba makes some changes.

Social Studies teacher Mr. Adams says the decision to appoint an ambassador to Cuba was a positive one.

“Yes, it was a good idea, because any chance we have to make an old enemy a friend is worth it.” Adams said. “[It] will open the diplomatic process between the U.S. and Cuba. [It] absolutely is positive. That will help economically, socially, and politically.”

Brief by Patrick Jordan

1 THE TALON || OCTOBER 2016

PAGE 3 || NEWS

NEW TABLETS INTRODUCE NEW EXPERIENCES Classroom technology allows greater learning AUDREY WEBER & SARA TRUMZA STAFF WRITERS

As classes head to the computer labs and the media center, many students often complain about the slowness of the computers and the issues they constantly deal with due to desktops suddenly shutting down without saving any work.

“These new [tablets] are amazing, they’re touchscreen, they’re much faster, much hardier, the kids aren't getting kicked off websites,” Big History teacher Mrs. Caylan Healy said. “I’ve had chromebooks for the past three years, but we just got new ones this year.”

Contrary to popular belief, the purchase of these new devices wasn’t because of the new bond, but simply from district funds.

“I think you’re always nervous about giving students expensive pieces of new technology, but my students use them really responsibly,” Ms. Healy said.

“Overall I think they’ve been really excited they have the opportunity

to use them everyday, so it’s been a great two-way experience.”

However, these classroomdevoted tablets are only available to the Big History and AP Government classes, for now.

“The Big History curriculum is totally different from the regular world history one,” Ms. Healy said. “The whole [Big History] curriculum is online, so it would be impossible for the students to be exposed to any of the information without having the tablets.”

Furthermore, a classroom set of devices may not be an attainable goal for every single class.

“Financially, I don’t see every classroom having their own set of laptops happening.” Information Literacy Specialist Ms. Julie Harris said. “The hardest thing about that is that if the district spends all that money on every classroom, they would have to spend that exact same amount in three to five years again to replace all the laptops.”

as you have your work be it and The new and advanced devices nothing is stacked and you don't are quite a change from the older have to flip pages back and forth laptops and desktops in the labs and all.” and in the media center.

Students and staff are finding “These laptops are really useful these because it portable allows you “These new [tablets] devices to to research be more and find are amazing, they’re information touchscreen, they’re much useful than the faster than faster, much hardier, the ordinary going through a book trying kids aren’t getting kicked desktop.

“Every to find out off websites.” day, what chapter students and section a certain topic are Mrs. Caylan Healy, Big is located,” expected to work junior Lu History teacher on them.

Vergara said.

The first “It saves a thing lot of space my class because it's incorporates is videos as text, so we small when you do work because use the videos as if we were reading you can convert it to an iPad and texts,” Ms. Healy said. “There’s a have it standing so you can see lot of interactive things they do on the screen to write anything down

Freshman Big History students Veronica Lai and Olivia Leonard using the new chromebooks.

the computers, so they’re looking at infographics, taking quizzes and also submitting essays that are being scored by Arizona University.

I’m getting data about their growth in writing that way, as well.”

Since these two classroom sets of devices are different, Ms. Healy’s chromebooks and Mrs. Matthews’ thinkpads are both acting as pilots to achieve a final goal of finding an ideal device for future reference.

“Mrs. Matthews and Ms. Healy will swap the novelty thinkpads and the chromebooks shortly after first semester and discuss the good and the bad about both devices so both of them can give their opinion,” Ms. Harris said. “The goal is to pick one of the two devices for all three buildings, because then it would be so much easier to buy replacement parts and for the technicians to fix problems with the laptops.”

1 THE TALON || OCTOBER 2016

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PHONE POLICIES

Teachers crack down on phone usage KATHRYN CHATMAN STAFF WRITER

Junior Lauren Grandy refers to her cell phone as her “bestie.” When you consider all the uses phones represent today- Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, calculators, dictionaries, video recorders, texting, calling, emails, alarm clocks- it’s easy to see why.

However, it’s some of these advances in technology that have resulted in many RHS teachers tightening their cell phone policies.

Math teacher Mrs. Lori Smillie discusses the struggle she faces when trying to teach students who have trouble putting their phones away.

“Changes in technology have both helped and hindered the classroom,” Mrs. Smillie said. “It’s extremely powerful to have a projector and document camera to enhance lessons. However, students are so addicted to using their cell phone around the clock, that it’s tough for them to put it away during class and focus on the lesson.”

Mrs. Smillie says that social media usage during class leads to students missing crucial information pertinent to the lesson they are learning. This is why when students enter her classroom, they are given the choice to place their phones in a holder located in the front of the room.

“I am trying to help students help themselves,” Mrs. Smillie said. “I am trying to remove the temptation to use social media or text a friend. You can’t accidentally use your phone if your phone is in the holder at the front of the room. Students don’t need to check social media during the hour. They are there to learn math.”

Some students, such as Junior Kathleen Gerard, disagree with putting their phones in the front of the room. Gerard says that such policies prevent students from using their phone in instances such as small emergencies, where students may need to, for example, text their parents. However, Gerard also recognizes there is a necessity for phone usage restraints, though only to an extent.

“I would change [phone policies] so that you would only have to put your phone on the wall if you’re taking a test or a quiz, but you could keep it out if just doing school work,” Gerard said. “During a lesson you could have it face down on your desk.”

Sophomore Zeeba Ali agrees with Gerard, saying that while some phone policies are a reasonable and essential part of school, others are not.

“I think some teachers are fair, but others will take away [your phone] even if you just

Students are often asked to store their phones during class time. Photo by Lauren Alison have it sitting on your desk, which I don’t another room when doing homework so he think is fair if you’re not touching it. Even if isn’t distracted by its buzzing. you have it in your pocket, they’ll take it away “At home, I really have trouble putting from you,” Ali said. it away when I’m doing homework,” Seth The necessity for such policies, according said. “It takes up more time than it should to Mrs. Smillie, stems be and I’m up later than from students using I should [be], so I don’t “I am trying to help their phones as ways get as good of a sleep of cheating. They are students help themselves. the night before a test or sometimes caught I am trying to remove the something.” taking pictures of Both Seth and Ali temptation to use social believe that cell phones assessments to send to media or text a friend.” their friends, or texting are unhelpful when it each other for the comes to staying focused. answer to a question.

“I think if I were Mrs. Lori Smillie, Math Instead of doing the to use my cell phone Teacher work, a student may consistently during class even look up answers it would be definitely online. However, the detrimental to my problems with cell usage in class does not learning, because I wouldn’t be able to stop at cheating. Mrs. Smillie states that concentrate,” Ali said. “At the extent that phones can distract students and keep them I think that I’m using it now it’s beneficial from focusing on their work. because I’ve been able to control it to a point “It is really difficult to multitask effectively where I’m not really distracted by it and during class when trying to learn the neither are my classmates.” content in a course and trying to use the Ali says that using her phone consistently phone (between your legs or hidden in your during class could prevent her from learning backpack or hidden under your binder) every to the “fullest extent” possible. Despite this, few seconds,” Mrs. Smillie said. “[Phones] Ali does believe that cell phones have a wide interrupt their focus so much that they really range of benefits that make her studies easier. don’t understand what was taught. Students “When I use my cell phone, it’s really just end up catching bits and pieces of what to access things that I wouldn’t be able to was taught and end up missing on crucial have in front of me,” Ali said. “I could just connections.” use my phone in order to find research or Sophomore Tej Seth admits he has something, or to listen to music in order to trouble staying focused when he uses his cut the classroom noise around me and be phone, so much so that he has to put it in able to focus better.”

Like Ali, Mrs. Smillie recognizes the benefits of having a cell phone in the classroom, “Students can use the camera in the phone to take a picture of class notes when they’ve been out sick or if they know in advance they are going to miss class,” Mrs. Smillie said. “I think in some courses cell phones are extremely helpful because students need easy access to the internet.”

Internet usage is especially important to Grandy, who uses her phone to look up things she’s unfamiliar with. Because of this, Grandy expresses that she feels cellphones are extremely beneficial to her learning.

“I need to be able to use my phone. I need to be able to know what’s going on. I need to be able to research things that we’re doing in class,” Grandy said. “Sometimes teachers will ask us to get phones out for maybe a Kahoot quiz or looking up vocab word on the internet, so it’s a lot faster than dictionaries.”

Overall, Grandy, Gerard, Seth, Ali and Mrs. Smillie agree that the overuse of cellphones can be disastrous, as it distracts students from their work and limits the amount of information they are able to learn.

However, phones do have a place in the classroom and can enhance learning.

“I feel like [phone usage] is both beneficial and detrimental because it can enhance kids’ learning,” Gerard said. “The more as smartphones get higher in technology, it can help kids even more during school. But I do think they have their cons when it comes to test and quizzes because a lot of people can copy.”

1 THE TALON || OCTOBER 2016

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LEARNING OUTSIDE THE CLASS Students participate in Work Based Learning NINOTCHKA VALDEZ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Every school day, with the exception of Wednesdays, senior Anna Dean finds herself at the security desk after fourth hour. She waits behind a short line of people, some who are dressed in uniforms, and others who are clothed in more casual, but business appropriate outfits. While many students are still filing in from lunch to complete the last two hours of the school day in the building, students like Dean are leaving for the rest of the day.

Dean is part of the Work Based Learning Program at RHS, and spends fifth and sixth hour at an unpaid internship. Dean completed a professional application process for her placement.

“There’s a lot of beforehand paperwork that goes into applying,” Dean said. “Some of them are forms that are required by the state for us to fill out, but the rest was actually a very important learning experience for future careers. We had to write resumes and cover letters and I went to an interview to see if I was the right fit. It was nice being able to see how big of a deal it is trying to apply for a job.”

Business teacher Mrs. Karen Malsbury has been the Work Based Learning adviser for eight years at RHS. She deliberates over the difference in the program over the years.

“My list of partners has grown considerably,” Mrs. Malsbury said. “I feel like I work more as an ambassador of RHS. So my role is to market our school and encourage business, organizations and nonprofits to take on our students for a 90 or 200 hour internship.”

Mrs. Malsbury sees many advantages to Work Based Learning.

“The main advantage of work based learning is that you are able to go into a workplace and observe and experience that job or environment so you can make a more informed career decision,”

Senior Anna Dean has the opportunity to leave school before 5th hour.

Photo courtesy of Emily Schneider.

Mrs. Malsbury said. “You get credit weighs both pros and cons with the for the class and you are able to program. make firm partnerships that will “Scheduling has been a bit of look great on your resume.” a challenge so far, but we’ve been Dean agrees and notes the able to figure it out,” Schneider specific impacts Co-op and said. “But being able to leave school Practicum can have for those who early almost everyday is definitely have an idea on what to pursue an advantage of taking the class. A after high school, whether that is in “My job is super exciting and it’s college or in the fun to see government in action, workplace.

“The but sometimes I’m not completely advantages for prepared for what lies ahead.” practicum are numerous. You can try out what you Anna Dean, 12 might see yourself doing in the future, and determine whether it truly is disadvantage is that there’s some the type of work you want to be work that you might have to do apart of,” Dean said. “Also, you on the weekends or in addition to get to see a different side to things homework some days.” that you never thought of before.

Once in the class, however, The little details in jobs are more each student’s daily routine varies important than an average citizen significantly depending on what would realize, so being able to see field of work they have shown those decisions firsthand helps you interest in. Dean discusses the understand how much work just responsibilities she is tasked with one person does.” on a day to day basis, emphasizing Senior Emily Schneider, who the versatility of her position. has been privy to the scheduling “There isn’t really a typical day conflicts that come along with [at City Hall],” Dean said. “We have balancing school and practicum, to work with any problem that the

city is facing, and that tends to vary day to day. Often I’m helping write press releases, going to meetings with the mayor and his special assistant, helping create new innovative ideas that help the town progress even further.”

While Dean spends her days within the office learning more about local government, Schneider spends two hours at Bayne Mobile Veterinary Services working with animals.

“My favorite thing about [my placement] so far would be being able to meet a ton of new people and really cute animals,” Schneider said.

With every job, there is a period of adjustment, and Dean has had a firsthand experience with it.

“My job is super exciting and it’s fun to see government in action, but sometimes I’m not completely prepared for what lies ahead,” Dean said. “I just started a couple weeks ago, so I’m still trying to get the hang of the job. The mayor and his special assistant always seem ready for anything that gets thrown their way, and I’m not quite at that stage yet. Hopefully I can learn from their flexibility so that one day I can be just as versatile in the future.”

Still, Dean recognizes the

challenge optimistically, and considers the surprises to be an aspect to appreciate.

“My favorite thing about my job is that it’s something new everyday,” Dean said. “I am constantly being faced with challenges, which is great because that’s extremely important for a person to be able to evolve and grow, especially since it’s pertaining to the type of work I want to do in the future.”

Students aren’t the only ones who feel this program valuable.

Mrs. Malsbury has found that the general response from employers has been positive.

“I spend a lot of time on site watching and talking with employers. They are thrilled to have our students,” Mrs. Malsbury said.

“We have a great work ethic at RHS and the employers recognize that.”

The impacts of Work Based Learning is something that Mrs. Malsbury feels should extend to a wider range of students in the future.

“I would like to see if that all seniors have to go out for a work based learning experience before they graduate,” Mrs. Malsbury said.

“I think that should be part of the graduation requirements.”

THE TALON || OCTOBER 2016

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GERMAN AMITY SCHOLAR

German native Ms. Pia Brüch spends a semester as a Falcon

Herr Crites and Pia use the overhead projector to teach their German 5 classroom. Photo by Lauren Alison

ANGELA MAMMEL FEATURE EDITOR

Ms. Pia Brüch excitedly begins her day in Herr Crites’ German room, looking forward to sharing stories and cultural insight from her home in Germany to many eager students at RHS. As she fondly recollects memories from her home country, she is just as eager as the students she teaches to immerse herself in American culture for a semester of studying abroad, and can’t wait for her bright future of teaching back home in Germany.

“I wanted to do the internship because I wanted to get more firsthand insight on what American schooling feels like since I’m going to be an English teacher in Germany,” Ms. Brüch said. “[School here] is a lot different from how it is in Germany, because German classrooms tend to be very strict. I like how playful it is [at RHS], and I think it’s an awesome change.”

While Brüch looks forward to the school year in the new

atmosphere within RHS, Herr Crites and many students are excited about the learning opportunities, both linguistic and cultural, having an Amity Scholar in the classroom will bring.

“I think it’s really cool how she can offer another perspective, as even though I’ve studied German and I’ve visited Germany, she’s lived it,” Herr Crites said. “There’s only so much that I can share with the kids because I can only go off of my own personal experiences; I’ve never been to Oktoberfest because I’m always teaching during the fall months, for example, and Pia is from Bavaria, where it takes place, so she did a really great presentation on that a few weeks ago. I love having her here because she can add so much cultural insight to the class.”

While Brüch prepares different presentations to teach the class as a whole about German culture, through staying with different host families of seniors (Louis Rolland during first quarter and Claire McPherson for second quarter), she has the opportunity to make a

connection with specific students said life is really different here from who plan to use German in their how it is in Germany, but she really future careers. likes it and the opportunity it gives “I’m staying with the Rollands her to see our culture, and we love right now, and they’re French, having her stay with us.” so it’s funny because we’re like a Through having Brüch as an European Island in the middle honorary part of his family for of Rochester Hills,” Brüch said. the quarter, Rolland appreciates “They’re really nice, and I love her help in advancing his German being able to see Amrican culture education for the purposes of his through living aspiring career with a family in engineering “I think it’s really cool how she like this.” can offer another perspective, as even after Rolland even though I’ve studied German he finished loves being a German 5 as a and I’ve visited Germany, she’s part of Pia’s junior. lived it.” host family “I’m Herr Crites, German teacher for first actually doing quarter, and an internship at showing her an engineering around Mich. company right as well as the now, and so opportunities for cultural exchange they’re asking me how well I can between them are his favorite parts know German technical terms, of having her stay with his family. and Pia has been a huge help with “[Hosting Pia] is just like having that for me,” Rolland said. “She’ll an older sister. We like to have talk about things culture-wise dinner together and watch TV and that are really interesting, too; it’s everything, and we’ve been able to mainly just really nice to be able show her around Rochester and to talk to someone that’s actually Detroit, too,” Rolland said. “She from Germany, rather than an

intermediate.”

Senior Claire McPherson is very excited to be a part of Bruch’s host family for second semester, and, much like Rolland, looks forward to discussing her future with the German language with her.

“I’m taking German when I get into college, so I thought it’d be really cool to get more insight on the culture from hosting her,” McPherson said. “I’m probably going to do the exchange program once I get into a university, but this is super convenient for right now, especially because it’s only for a quarter. Pia is obviously older than me, so she has more experience with life and with being an exchange scholar, and since she’s a student, she can tell me about what college is like in Germany, too.”

In addition to discussing differences in schooling with her host student, Brüch is equally excited to stay with the McPhersons to celebrate the American holidays that occur during the late fall to the early winter.

“I change to [staying with] the McPhersons next quarter, and they’re a really American family, so it’s even more different from what I’m used to, and I’m definitely looking forward to that,” Brüch said. “I’m especially excited for Christmas with the McPhersons and having a cultural exchange there with them, and teaching the class about German Christmas traditions, too.”

McPherson is looking forward to adding to the cultural exchange taking place through having Bruch stay in Rochester Hills and to showing her some American traditions as well.

“I’m excited to show her how things are in America because my family does so many stereotypical American things, especially around Christmastime, and she’ll be staying with me for that,” McPherson said. “I’m excited for her to learn more about our culture even just in Rochester Hills, and to be able to kind of delve into her culture firsthand while she explores ours.”

1 THE TALON || OCTOBER 2016

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POWDER PUFF

Staff and students discuss why it should be brought back and why it left in the first place

Photo courtesy of Ms. Bolinger Ms. Bolinger particapated in the RHS Powder Puff game during her junior and senior years of high school. Photos courtesy of Ms. Jean Bolinger.

CARLY CRAIG NEWS EDITOR

It’s homecoming week, and instead of the football players running out into the Friday night lights, the girls who are playing in the Powder Puff game come storming out of the tunnel. The student body has been looking forward to this for weeks, and the time has finally come.

This used to be what Powder Puff was.

The girls who did not participate in fall sports would be trained for a few weeks by boys in their grade in order to play in the Powder Puff game. The senior and junior girls would play each other in a game of football for bragging rights. Powder Puff began in Rochester in the mid-nineties and hasn’t happened in several years due to high tensions.

Former Rochester alum and current English teacher at Adams, Ms. Bolinger, talks about how she played in Powder Puff during her junior and senior year. She remembers her junior year game being an especially fun experience.

“I played in both my junior and senior year. My junior year was the most fun. We actually played at Adams because the RHS field was being redone that year. The stands were packed and I was the team safety,” Ms. Bolinger said. “I actually got an interception and ran for about 20 yards before spiking the ball and getting a 15 yard penalty. We won that game and the senior girls kinda freaked out.”

Mrs. Cusmano talks about how the rivalries between the junior and senior girls

became so intense that the school had to stop to be looked at as strong and powerful and sponsoring Powder Puff.

I always thinks that’s a good thing,” Mrs. “[RHS stopped participating in Powder Bolinger said.

Puff] because there became a really bad Mrs. Cusmano discusses the actions that rivalry between the seniors and juniors and she’d like to see put in motion in order for they started doing mean things on the field Powder Puff to return to RHS. the night of the Powder Puff, and also before “My thoughts from a student activities and after the game too,” Mrs. Cusmano said. perspective [back are that] if it was done “So the rivalry and the viciousness and the for a charity it could be a really powerful bullying got really out of control.” fundraiser,” Mrs. Cusmano said. “I also think Ms. Bolinger talks about the rivalry that with the right group of people in charge that she witnessed firsthand when she of it, and officiating it and things like that, it attended RHS and could be a really fun way participated in for kids to kind of blow Powder Puff. off steam and have fun.

“I think it gives girls a chance It’s a cool school activity “There were to be looked at as strong and and a lot of schools several fights and a lot of vandalism of powerful and I always thinks around here do it.” cars,” Mrs. Bolinger Ms Bolinger agrees that’s a good thing.” said. “Our two with Mrs. Cusmano that classes didn’t get students need to work along well, so the harder to keep the game Ms. Jean Bolinger, Adams competition was friendly in order to be able English Teacher not friendly. It was to participate again. after this year that “I do think that the the school stopped emphasis needs to be on sponsoring [Powder Puff].” unity between the two classes at the end of Senior varsity cheerleader Samantha the day. Students would have to work very Ellison talks about what she thinks a hard with administration to prove that the downside of holding Powder Puff again game is just for fun, and if there is already could be. tension between the two classes, there needs “There’s a possibility of injury,” Ellison to be major effort to overcome those issues,” said.

Ms. Bolinger said. “Honestly, I have very Ms Bolinger talks about how she loved vivid and positive memories of those games.

Powder Puff when she was in high school I’m happy it was a part of my high school and why she thinks bringing it back to RHS is experience.” a good idea.

Mrs. Cusmano talks about the importance “I loved it. I think it gives girls a chance of correctly putting teams together and

holding students to a contract in order to ensure that nothing inappropriate would take place during the game.

“I think you have to watch how teams are matched up [in order to participate in Powder Puff again],” Mrs. Cusmano said. “I think you need contracts the way we do with ‘Night with the Stars’ and Lipsync, where you have a strict code of conduct, and I think that you would have to make sure that if it’s done for a charity event people naturally have better behavior.”

Ellison talks about how she would want to participate in Powder Puff because she thinks it could really enhance school spirit in the student body. “[I would] definitely [participate in Powder Puff], it’d be a way to bring more school spirit to our school,” Ellison said.

“It brings the community together and adds school spirit and would bring all girl athletes together as well as other students.”

Mrs. Cusmano thinks that if Powder Puff were to be brought back to Rochester, students would have to work hard to make sure that it wouldn’t be taken away again.

“I think that what people need to be aware of is that once you take something away and it’s brought back, that fear of having it being taken away again is a really powerful motivator,” Mrs. Cusmano said. “So if you’re like this could be taken away again, people will obviously believe it, and they’ll believe it for awhile.”

PAGES 8-9 || NEWS

THE TALON || OCTOBER 2016

BOND UPDATE

WHERE WILL THE MONEY GO ACROSS RCS?

The bond brings change to RHS PATRICK JORDAN & MAHNOOR RAUF & JENNA NORGROVE STAFF WRITERS One brisk autumn morning, junior Madelyn Arsenault arrives at RHS a little later than usual.

She finds herself surrounded by underclassmen frantically searching for a parking spot outside of the Senior Lot. Arsenault’s face falls as she realizes that the five minute walk from the Overflow Lot to her first hour class will make her late. This is unfortunately one of the downsides to the ongoing construction occurring on school grounds.

The final product of the construction will be a great addition for the students and staff at Rochester. Nevertheless, while the construction is still going on, there are bound to be some inconveniences throughout the school day.

Arsenault elaborates on this.

“While I am excited for a newer football stadium and other improvements made from the bond, it can be frustrating to adapt to the restrictions we now have because of the construction,” Arsenault said. “I have to park in the overflow lot even though I’m a junior and it’s annoying because sophomores are supposed to park there. It’s just a difficult situation because finding a good parking spot is really stressful in the morning because it takes a long time and I risk being late.”

Though dealing with construction can cause frustrations, junior Luke Kastran is eager for the new developments.

“It’ll be more convenient because we’ll

most excited about the auditorium lobby and have more parking spaces and a football field,” Theatre practice space improvements,” Mrs. Carl Kastran said. “We’ll also have a new track and we’ll have home track meets now, so that’s pretty said. “It is kind of bittersweet for me, because she is a senior this year, so she will never be able cool.” to enjoy the improved spaces.”

However, Kastran has also experienced some Senior Ari Patterson can relate to Mrs. Carl’s changes in order to adjust to the construction. daughter, as he is also graduating this year.

“I play soccer and I don’t have a home game “As a senior, I won’t be here to enjoy the new this year at Rochester High School, which is stadium or new everything,” Patterson said. “I upsetting,” Kastran said. “Mostly, we practice don’t get to play on the field, I can’t have a senior at Adams High School or the upper fields [of homecoming game here or a senior game here.

Rochester], but that’s dangerous and dark up Positively, though, we get a new stadium, which there because the temporary lights make it hard will be pretty cool to look at when I drive by to see.” next year after I graduate.”

Kastran further explains how the Like Mrs. Carl, Junior Eileen Brennan construction affects his practices. is happy about the updates coming to the “Our practices are late and I’ve not been auditorium. home before 10 p.m. on a ”I’m on lights crew [for school night this year. We “This construction the musical], so we’re getting have late practices because is a much needed a lot of new lights and a we don’t have a home field,” improvement to the oldest new light board. It’s really Kastran said. “Normally, high school building in the exciting because we have practice will be from 7-9 district.” more opportunities to do new p.m., but now it’s from 8-10 things and our job will be p.m. because the other fields Mrs.Karen Carl, technology easier,” Brennan said. “[The are in use until then.” facilitator auditorium lobby] will have Technology Facilitator Mrs. Karen Carl has a more more handicap accessibility for handicap students.” positive look on the bond.

Principal Mr. Neil DeLuca “Other than the temporary inconvenience of the construction is also enthusiastic for changes in the arts itself, I see no downsides.” Mrs. Carl said. “This department. construction is a much needed improvement to “We’ve never had a black-box behind a the oldest high school building in the district.” theater,” Mr. Deluca said. “[It’s] a huge room that mimics a stage, that’s where they will have Mrs. Carl is especially looking forward to the updates being made to the auditorium. a theater class and dance team rehearsals. That’s “Having a daughter involved in Theatre, I am another area we’ve added for fine arts.”

Where is the bond money going exactly?

According to Mr. DeLuca, thousands of dollars are going into improving the layout of the media center, athletic facilities, handicap accessible entrances, classroom technology and many other infrastructure needs.

Deluca believes one of the major new developments to the school will be the football stadium.

“The first area that needs to be redone is the athletic structure because there was broken concrete and stuff was falling from the bleachers,” Mr. DeLuca said. “I don’t like that the stands were built on a hill because dirt and water would fall off; all the erosion would destroy the bleachers. We decided to excavate the hill [and rebuild the bleachers so] there will be a tunnel going through the middle [and] students can enter under the bleachers.”

Overall, Mr. DeLuca feels that this bond was much needed.

“We have a strategic plan--the vision and goal of the district in 10 years--and we realized we were lacking in the technology department,” Mr. DeLuca said. “We’re changing the building because we don’t have enough collaborative space for students and teachers. The goal is for students to be talking one-on-one outside of a classroom setting. The computer lab in the media center will disappear and there’ll be soft seating that leads to the mall. The media center will be inside and outside the mall--more service oriented for the kids. Rochester High School sometimes feels really institutionalized and we want to change that. We want to treat you guys more like adults.”

TECHNOLOGY

UPDATES

FURNITURE

SECURITY

& EQUIPMENT

INFRASTRUCTURE

ELECTRICAL

SYSTEMS

INTERIOR

RENOVATIONS

ORGIGINAL BOND PROPOSAL

$185 MILLION APPROVED BY VOTERS IN 2015

Photo by Makenzie Shubnell

1 THE TALON || OCTOBER 2016

PAGE 10 || FEATURE

ARTPRIZE 2016

Rochester art students take a fieldrip to ArtPrize in Grand Rapids MAGGIE ROEHLING BUSINESS MANAGER

On Sept. 29, art students from RHS had the chance to visit ArtPrize, an annual event held in Grand Rapids, Mich. ArtPrize is an event that displays art from all over the world.

Senior Esther Song believes that going to ArtPrize was one of the best choices she’s ever made. She enjoyed every part of ArtPrize and she loved seeing all of the original pieces.

“I didn’t go last year, and going this year was the best decision of my life,” Song said. “We got to meet cool artists and see the work they put time, creativity and passion into.”

Before actually making it downtown, where art pieces scattered the streets and filled the buildings, the bus made a stop at Meijer Gardens. The Meijer Gardens were junior Lincoln Balmer’s favorite part of the field trip.

“The Meijer Gardens were better than ArtPrize, because there was more work put into it, and I knew what I was going to see,” Balmer said. “I knew I wasn’t going to be let down or get my hopes up because I knew exactly what was there. The newest exhibit at the Meijer Gardens were built last year: it was the Japanese Gardens, and it was like $14 million to make.”

The next stop on the fieldtrip was downtown Grand Rapids.

While walking downtown, students got to walk through buildings filled with all different types of art. Another one of the students who attended the fieldtrip, senior Kirsten Beatty, favored “The Emoh” by Loren Naji. “‘The Emoh’ was a home made out of parts of abandoned homes,” Beatty said. “A homeless man worked on this for months and created a circle home for himself.

This thing was so dope! It had a VHS tape thing as it’s mailbox. I could live in it if I was homeless.”

Song agrees.

“My favorite exhibit was by far ‘The Emoh’ because the hobo who made it loved his soccer ball of a home, and it made me love it too,” Song said. “The patches from different scraps makes you appreciate trash in a very artistic view.

Along with “The Emoh,” there were different types of art that stood out. Balmer believes that the most unique piece there was ‘Embrace’ by Marc Sijan. “‘Embrace’ was a really, really, really realistic sculpture of a naked man holding a naked woman on top of him,” Balmer said. “Like 95% of the people there thought it was real. They were like, ‘Wait, are they breathing?’ It was weird.”

Not only were there unique sculptures, but there were also paintings, murals and carvings that all screamed originality.

“One person made a mural of a cigarette smoke,” Balmer said.

“The cigarette butt was actually 3D and coming out of the art, and they made a portrait of naked woman

dancing into the smoke.”

While walking around downtown, students couldn’t help but stop by a pair of street performers with a guitar. Song and Beatty enjoyed singing along with them.

“The weirdest exhibit was this guy and his guitar standing on the bridge,” Beatty said. “I call this the weirdest because he was very strange, and his singing was weird.

He had to have been part of the show.”

Finding themselves hungry around lunchtime, kids decided to try out some fast food. Even the corndogs sold by vendors were considered works of art.

“I’d give [the corndog] a ten out of ten,” Beatty said. “And the guy put ketchup and mustard on it for me and told me that it was his edible art, which I thought was clever, so I tipped him four dollars.”

While some art students preferred eating lunch food, others decided that they wanted to treat themselves.

“I bought some street pizza and frozen yogurt,” Balmer said. “I didn’t get it, but my friends got ice cream from the ‘Moochie Hoochie’s Ice Cream’ truck that was on the side.”

Soon, the day came to an end and it was time for the RHS students to take the bus back.

“The bus ride was good, I only had a few complaints,” Beatty said. “[The bus driver Jim] announced at the beginning of the ride that he would love to sing for us, and then when we all encouraged it further, he got shy and said no!”

All in all, the art students that attended ArtPrize had a wonderful time.

“One thing I loved about ArtPrize was being able to get up close and personal with everyday people’s art,” Beatty said. “I thought it was very interesting to see people who were just like me making things that I could make if I actually put my mind to it.”

1 THE TALON || OCTOBER 2016

PAGE 11 || LIFESTYLES

HOMECOMING HORROR STORIES MORGAN GALLAGHER

DESIGN & CO-PHOTO EDITOR

Homecoming hype is hard to escape. With earlymorning marching band performances, spirit week, and date proposals left and right, there’s something to like about homecoming for even the occasional bad dancer. With so much opportunity for a great time, what could go wrong? Answer: a lot. Here are four true narratives of students (and staff?) that take the cake for a “horrific homecoming.”

“Dad, Can You Give us a Ride?”

In an excellent personal narrative, Gollon shared the events of his own high school homecoming. Apparently, upon a recent breakup with a former girlfriend, the future english teacher had decided to ask someone else to attend with him instead. As it went, Gollon’s then ex-girlfriend had determined that she wanted to rally as his date yet again. After turning her down in fairness to his current date, it was quite a coincidence to find that someone had let the air out of his front tires when it came time for the dance to end. Later, there was confirmation from another classmate that it was indeed this now-ex-girlfriend who had committed the act. Some time later, a young Mr. Gollon had no shame in a drive-by comment about karma to her upon seeing her own car left with tire problems.

Drop the Beat Imagine: You wait with anticipation as the homecoming dance inches closer. Looking fresh with a great suit jacket (Are these pants a little snug?

Oh well.), you’re ready to show off the moves that everybody’s been waiting for. After about an hour of cool and casual dancing, (The crowd isn’t ready for your best work. Give them time.) you start to get serious.

As soon as you start to throw down, it happens. The crowd can’t handle you, and neither can the seam of your pants, apparently. Cool. A rip that can’t go unnoticed. This exactly narrates Junior Julian Karagounis’ fateful homecoming night. When asked what happened to make his pants rip, the only response was, “I dropped to the beat.” Iconic.

Homecoming Heartbreak Scoring one homecoming date is an achievement for most people, but scoring two is a home run almost unheard of. Senior Carly Craig, (the woman, the myth, the legend) somehow managed this for the 2016 homecoming season. Having two companions beside you on such a fun-filled night sounds great; that is, until they both ditch you not only at the same time, but together. Craig, a brave soul, surely didn’t need more misfortune when it comes to homecoming. She also shared with us that, during her sophomore year, her wondrous homecoming night was spent not with friends, but at home. Doing what, you ask? Having her dad pull out a lost jewel from another hoco-goer’s dress from her foot. Way to forget the past and keep moving forward, girl.

Double Trouble Fernanda Lopez, an enthusiastic now-sophomore, shared with us her lessons learned in regards to homecoming. Most people don’t necessarily consider safety preparations as the dance gets closer, but Lopez has a good reason to do just that. Upon her first-ever homecoming, it was quite unfortunate when she managed to hurt her ankle severely when another player crashed into her during a volleyball tournament. Reduced to crutches, Lopez was forced to take homecoming off, despite a very cute dress.

As if one dance wasn’t enough to miss, she also shared that the same thing happened months later before the Sadie’s dance. Good karma will come soon, Fernanda. Be careful, RHS.

1 THE TALON || OCTOBER 2016

PAGE 12 || ENTERTAINMENT

HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD The eighth story in the Harry Potter series ANGELA MAMMEL FEATURE EDITOR

Bookstores worldwide were abuzz during the early morning hours of July 31, as selfentitled “Potterheads” were eager to celebrate the now iconic titular character’s birthday, and finally gain a glimpse of Harry’s adult life through the released script of the new London play, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” The highly-anticipated script, which follows Harry and his family 19 years and beyond the last scenes of “Deathly Hallows,” was met with mixed reactions from readers everywhere.

Avid fans of the series have the epilogue of the last book practically memorized; the now-married Ginny Weasley and Harry Potter bid their children goodbye as they board the Hogwarts Express, and console the 11-year-old Albus Potter that no matter what house he is sorted into, he can still achieve success. The play begins directly after these events, and it is soon revealed that Albus was sorted into Slytherin, his father’s rival house. The constant pressure that comes with being a Potter in Slytherin is tiresome for Albus, and this, combined with the fact that one of his new best friends is Scorpius Malfoy, child of Harry’s school enemy Draco, sets the strained dynamic of Albus’ relationship with his father throughout the play. Harry serves as the Head of Magical Law Enforcement during the play and when Albus overhears his father’s refusal to listen to Amos Diggory and use a time turner to revive his son Cedric, he decides to escape the Hogwarts Express in the fall and embark on a quest with Scorpius to attempt to bring him back to life out of spite. This adventure puts the two boys in constant peril and thrusts them into countless alternate realities due to how they change past events, but in the end, the play raises questions about the values of different relationships that leave the show with a lasting and valuable impact.

Although this story was met with many differing opinions, it definitely provides a more realistic ending to the beloved “Harry Potter” series. While it would be nice for a series that involves so many dark events to end with a “happily ever after,” that’s just not realistic. This play provides even more depth to the many beloved characters the original books have introduced to readers all around the world, and although the family tension involved saddens many, it provides for a more true to life story while still ensuring a conclusive and happy, but not overly-so, end to the play. The events of the play also allowed for many cameos from important characters in the series such as Moaning Myrtle, Dumbledore and Snape, who added either comic relief or more emotional scenes to the story arc. Each reintroduced character served a purpose in the story, as well as making fans of the series happy to see their favorite characters in a new setting, adding to the appeal of the play. The most impressive aspect of this show, however, is the number of special effects, such as spellcasting, flight and even transformations from one character into another, that are included in the action. Although many aspects of the show were somewhat haphazardly shaped, the mind-boggling special effects included in the play add to the appeal of seeing it in London almost more so than anything else.

One of the harshest criticisms of this play is its inconsistent characterization. While Ron has emotional depth and serves as a loyal best friend to Harry in the books, much of this was taken from him in “Cursed Child” and he serves purely as a comic relief in some scenes, which is upsetting. This half-hearted characterization made the play feel like fanfiction at some points, especially due to the fact that JK Rowling only provided the story idea for the show instead of writing it herself. In addition to this, due to how far back in time Scorpius and Albus travel with their time turners, they threatened to change the events surrounding Cedric’s death for good. This added an uncomfortable edge to the play, as I personally preferred the original events in the series and hoped for “Cursed Child” to move the storyline forward as opposed to changing the past.

Although it was exciting to gain an extra glimpse into the lives of Harry and his family after the events of the original books complete with many incredible stage effects, because “Cursed Child” lacked well-thought out characterization and threatened to change past events of the series, it gets a solid 4/5 stars. I definitely recommend that Harry Potter fans read it because of how it adds to the overall storyline, however, and I would completely jump at the chance to see it in London, despite its imperfections!

Student Thoughts

Meredith Benson, Junior “I definitely think it was a good story, but for me personally, the play format was a little weird as I’ve gotten used to reading Harry Potter as novels “I loved the stage effects just reading it, and I’m super interested to see how they’d pull it off, especially with all the time travel involved. I’d give it a 3.5/5 star rating.”

Stephanie Wong, Junior “It made me really happy to read official Harry Potter stuff instead of fanfiction, but I think that the struggles between Albus and Harry didn’t go along with Harry’s character very well. Something I loved, though, is how they portrayed Draco as a decent person with good intentions, as too often he’s only shown as coldhearted. I’d give it a 4/5 star rating .”t m

Series Starters...

First Book in the Harry Potter Series: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Second Book in the Harry Potter Series: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Third Book in the Harry Potter Series: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

PAGE 13 || OPINION

THE TALON STAFF Adviser: Mrs. Facca Editor-in-Chief: Ninotchka Valdez Copy Editor: Lauren Alison News Editor: Carly Craig Feature Editor: Angela Mammel Lifestyles Editor: Amanda Capaldi Entertainment Editor: Makenzie Shubnell Opinion Editor: Ollie Najar Sports Editor: Lauren Karmo Design Editor: Morgan Gallagher Business Manager: Maggie Roehling Staff Staff Staff Staff Staff Staff Staff Staff Staff Staff Staff Staff Staff

Writer: Elizabeth Bulat Writer: Kathryn Chatman Writer: Grace Crites Writer: Christian Fend Writer: Taylor Garber Writer: Patrick Jordan Writer: Jenna Norgrove Writer: Mahnoor Rauf Writer: Chris Sandler Writer: Taylor Simmons Writer: Sara Trumza Writer: Audrey Weber Writer: Tori Wendt

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

THE TALON || OCTOBER 2016

STAFF EDITORIAL:

Is The Talon fond of the bond?

For the everyday student, it is not difficult to notice that RHS is under construction. Students are reminded every time they pass the stadium, find a place to park or play a home game at Stoney Creek.

However, the inconveniences the school endures this year are investments towards a better school for future students. The bond covers the cost of the re-construction involving extensive renovation of the football field and track. There will be new astro-turf for all sports that utilize the field. Also, the new track will be repaired and represent our school colors. On top of that, the athletic wing will be completely redone, bringing a cleaner and more polished look to the side of Rochester presented to Livernois.

The bond will also cover the cost of changes in the auditorium, where a black box will be added. Within the same wing, the band room will become a rehearsal studio for theater and dance, while the Falcon Marching Band will receive a new room altogether. Other changes include technology and information system updates. The bond will also appropriate funds towards furniture and equipment, security, interior renovations and infrastructure.

Those who oppose the bond have argued that the construction will do more harm than good. The work on the stadium has closed off large portions of the parking space for juniors and sophomores, causing frustration for those who have trouble finding easy access for convenient or open parking spots. The designated “junior lot” is completely closed off for the placement of construction equipment and the development of the athletic wing.

Others have complained about the home field being unaccessible for fall sports. The lack of a field with the Rochester “R” on it is a shame for the seniors who are playing their last season for their beloved school. Stoney Creek’s field can hardly substitute the Falcon atmosphere our stadium brings. The dedicated participants of the student section for Rochester are working to make every game--home or away--a lively environment for teams. Soldiers of Fortune embraced Stoney Creek as Rochester’s temporary home and brought large crowds to football games there.

Regardless of the burden endured this year with limited parking and lack of a home field for our outdoor sports, students and parents must look at the larger vision for Rochester High School. Compared to Adams and Stoney Creek, Rochester is in need of renovations. Our building is older than the other two schools in our district, and it is high time Rochester gets a make-over.

From an unbiased poll among The Talon staff, 16 out of the 24 members believe the bond is a beneficial investment for the high school, while eight staff members do not believe it is beneficial. The majority believe that the renovations are worth the adaptations that have to be made to accommodate construction. This school deserves to look better.

The bond is a sound investment because the school will need changes sooner or later. Why not now? The benches are broken in the stands, worn from years of standing, jumping and wear from the weather. The field is losing artificial grass, making the ground too slick for football, soccer and lacrosse. Also, the track is falling apart, with the track peeling from the cement that supports it underneath.

The bond is supported by The Talon staff and should have full support by the entire school. The changes in parking and the temporary movement of Rochester’s home field are minor sacrifices for the long-term flourishment of the school for decades to come. Students, staff and parents should look forward to the make-over for the already beautiful school they represent.

“I feel like it will be very helpful, and will improve the activities of students and teachers. ” Patrick Jordan, Junior

“The parking situation is horrible and I dislike that senior athletes cannot play at their home field.”

Maggie Roehling , Senior

“I think it should be supported by all underclassmen because it will be available for us when we’re upperclassmen.”

Elizabeth Bulat, Sophomore

1 THE TALON || OCTOBER 2016

PAGE 14 || SPORTS

Girls Golf Brings Home the State Championship

The girls varsity golf team holds up their championship trophy in celebration.

Photo Courtesty of Keri Yang

Girls’ Varsity golf celebrates as they win the state title TAYLOR SIMMONS STAFF WRITER

The girls Varsity Golf team, currently the undefeated league and regional champs, are now the 2016 Girls Golf State Champions.

Varsity Golf Coach Mr. Jeff Haney talks about how this past season went.

“We felt both excitement and relief when we finally realized we had won,” Mr. Haney said. “It can be tough to win when everyone expects you to. The pressure is definitely higher when you are the favorite… so it felt good to finally achieve our goal.”

In her third year on the team, junior Keri Yang has been able to consider the team’s goals and incorporate that into their daily routine.

“Our team goal is mainly to play the best that we can at every tournament,” Keri Yang said. “We work hard the following day at practice to improve in areas that we thought we could have done better in.”

This goal-conscious training had proved successful as the team went

to states feeling more prepared based off last year’s experience.

“We were all really happy because we had waited an entire year for those two days,” Keri Yang said. “It was like we had a second chance to fix our mistakes. Not many teams get to go to a state final or even be in contention to win one, so we all felt very blessed that the opportunity rose again. When we won, I personally felt a sense of relief with happiness because I could feel that all the hours our team had worked had definitely paid off.”

Even with the team’s successes, there were several tough teams they knew they had to compete with to become state champions.

“We didn’t really have any struggles during the tournament,” Mr. Haney said. “Leading up to the tournament, we had a lot of people assuming and telling us we were going to win, without realizing how many great teams were out there that we’d have to beat. Sometimes that makes it tougher to stay focused.”

The three captains are seniors Erika Yang, Veronica Haque and

college careers.”

Brooke Busse. Busse has been on Mr. Haney believes that the girls varsity since her freshman year, and are well informed on what needs to has been able to take a lot from the experience. be improved individually in order to achieve the team’s goals, and “I am very sad that this is my allows that to set the guideline for last season, but I had a lot of practices. fun over This idea can the year,” “Last year we were tied for Busse said. be seen in the “I think first, and then we lost the tie team’s daily [my years breaker, so it kinda made us training and practices. playing on made more hungry [for the “Usually varsity] has state championship]. It made we all do our impacted own thing me to work us keep working harder so for practice,” hard and we could capture the state sophomore always strive win.”

Kyra Shaw to try your Erika Yang, Senior Captain said. “We best.” have the Like choice to putt Busse, Keri at one place, hit at the range, go out Yang is also upset over losing the and chip some balls or play nine senior captains that she has grown holes.” to become close with.

According to Erikia Yang, the “I’m really sad because the three results from last year have affected seniors are all leaving me,” Keri the girls on the team and the overall Yang. “It’s been just the four of us mindset of the athletes. for so long and I’m really saddened “Last year we were tied for first, that they will no longer be on the and then we lost the tie breaker, so team. I’ve become really great friends with them and I do however it kinda made us made more hungry [for the state championship],” hope the best for them in their

Erika Yang said, “It made us keep working harder so we could capture the state win.”

Haque was excited that she got to experience a great season with the teammates she has gotten to get to known since her freshman year.

“I love my teammates because we are all really close,” Haque said.

“I’ve known them all for four years and now my sister is on the team.

We all support each other so it is really nice to get to spend my final season with them.”

There is an equal amount of intensity and excitement running through the whole team. The returning girls are preparing physically and mentally for next season, aiming to get the championship two years in a row.

“Every year brings new challenges and expectations,” Mr. Haney said. “I’m definitely excited about next year to see how far we can come and to see if we can make it back to the state finals. My goal is for us to surprise some people next year.”

1 THE TALON || OCTOBER 2016

PAGE 15 || SPORTS

AUSTIN REMICK’S SEASON PREPARATIONS AUDREY WEBER STAFF WRITER

As cross country gears up for the season, the team begins to countdown to the Regional meet. For junior Austin Remick, preparations for the end of the season have been included everyday in his training.

Assistant coach Mrs. Amy Oppat oversees weekly training for Remick and his training partner, senior Kyle Johnson.

“We couldn’t ask for his training to be any better; it is focused and he is very in touch with his goals and he’s going to do some good things,” Mrs. Oppat said. “He is feeding off of Kyle who has already done amazing things.”

With two seasons already under his belt, Remick has compared this season to those prior.

“Compared to previous years I am definitely more prepared, almost just because of experience,” Remick said. “I have already ran there twice and I dealt with an injury there last year so I feel more prepared now that I am not injured.”

With the track being under construction due to the recently passed bond, the team’s training has been affected.

“His training this year has been going alright,” Johnson said. “But without a track to reinforce the high level distance running I believe that it could be better.”

As the season progresses, Remick continues to set goals, both long and short term.

“By the end of the season, my ultimate goal is to be all state which is top 30 at the state meet. To get there I obviously have to be top 15 in the region,” Remick said.

“Regardless of what medals that I get or what places I get at the state meet, I always want to continue improving my time as much as I can. If I focus on improving and beating my personal best, then the medals will come.”

Remick not only sets personal goals, but he also sets goals for the rest of the boys’ team as well.

“My team goal is to see everybody drop their times by a lot because I think we can,” Remick said. “I see a lot of potential in the

younger guys.”

During a regular practice, Johnson and Remick are training ‘buddies’. They use each other to set a pace, to push themselves and to feed off of each other’s energy.

With Johnson graduating this year, Remick has thought about his plans for the next season. “[Running without a training partner next year] is something I have thought a lot about,” Remick said. “It is going to be really difficult and I’m gonna have to find a way to get used to running on my own. I’ll probably have to do that a little bit this winter just to start getting accustomed to it before [my training] actually matters.”

From a coach’s perspective, Mrs. Oppat believes that he will continue on the right path with his training next year.

“He is learning a lot right now about training and what training can do for you and he’s learning how to work hard,” Oppat said. “I know that he can take those things and apply them next year and push himself. We may need to work on different strategies because he won’t

have his training partner next year but who knows what might come up to help him out.”

Not only does Remick participate in cross country, but he is apart of the Varsity baseball team during the spring.

However, because of this, he can’t participate in track and further his training. “[Being a two sport athlete] I always get complaints from my runner friends how I should be running track instead of playing baseball,” Remick said.

“But playing baseball is what I’ve done since I was five years old and it’s a sport that I really enjoy. I think that even though I can’t run track because of it, it is worth the sacrifice because I really enjoy baseball.”

Although baseball is a part of Remick’s life, as he looks to the future his goals lean more towards cross country.

“Austin’s talent is unbelievable,” Oppat said. “I don’t think he is even sure yet how great his talent is.”

Remick racing in a Cross Country meet. Photo taken by Rachel Pitts.

THOR’S RECORD BREAKING SEASON ELIZABETH BULAT STAFF WRITER

Sophomore Victoria Thor has had a record-breaking season so far for the girl’s swim team. She also broke the 50 meter freestyle record at the team’s first meet of the year.

In addition to this, she broke the 500 meter freestyle record and tied the 200 meter freestyle record this year. Thor is a leader for her team in and out of the pool and hopes to continue her success in years to come.

The 50 meter freestyle was a record that had not been swam for 20 years. However, Thor broke the 50 meter freestyle record set by H. Pierce’s in 1994, by .04 of a second.

“I was hoping to break a record this year,” Thor said. “I was excited to break one the first meet.”

In addition to being a fast swimmer, Thor is a supportive teammate who brings high

energy to practice that drives her teammates to work hard and be successful as described by senior swim captain Claire Zuckerberg.

According to swim coach Paul Karas, Thor leads her swim lane, making the people behind her faster because they are trying to keep up with her. Thor also encourages her teammates, which they all appreciate because it pushes them.

“She’s a very energetic teammate. She’s always there to make everyone laugh and encourage everyone to swim faster or swim with her,” Zuckerberg said. “She is very supportive of everyone else no matter what speed or lane they swim in which is really good and we all love that.”

Freshman swimmer Mikayla Agius and other underclassmen swim team members see Thor as an example of how beneficial hard work and a positive attitude can be in swimming.

“I look up to Victoria because she is always happy and energetic, and she does what she needs to do, but she has fun with it,” Agius said. “She’s the person who always says you have got to be happy and you have got to enjoy it. She always cheers everyone on.”

However, Thor is only sophomore, and it is still early in her swim career. She hopes to place at States this year, and swim competitively for a college team in the future. Her teammates and coach expect her to continue her success at RHS by breaking more records and helping the team.

“She is a very talented young lady, and it’s still early in her career,” Karas said. “If she continues to work hard, which she has so far, I feel that she will accomplish quite a bit.”

Thor diving into Rochester High’s pool. Photo by Elizabeth Bulat.

1 THE TALON || OCTOBER 2016

PAGE 16 || SPORTS

Captain’s Quotes

“We have a lot of multi year starters, and we have a lot of leadership, we have a lot of talent, and this is our year as a team.”

Jacob Jackson, football captain Coach Pavicic stands in the middle of the team, intruscting them on the day’s workout. Photo by Lauren Karmo

Cross Country team gets a new coach Captains and coach discuss the transition to a new season

Pavicic has been bringing new training philosophy to the team. Pavicic is trying SPORTS EDITOR his best to prove his personal coaching This past season, Coach Anthony philosophy to his new athletes, hoping Pavicic was hired to become the new they get used to his approach to success. head coach of the cross country teams in “The two things that I always tell my replacement of Coach Larry Adams, who athletes is consistency and patience,” had served as head coach for 35 years Pavicic said. “As long as each athlete and coached numerous state champions. comes to practice every day, working Pavicic ran track and cross country as hard and are being patient, because you’re a student at Sterling Heights High school, not going to see results right away; it and he holds their 1600 meter record. might take a month, it might take a year, His previous coaching experience comes [training] is a process.” fronm his alma mater, As with any where he coached transition, getting for 10 years as a acclimated to change “The two things that I volunteer coach and can be difficult, was then promoted but the captains always tell my athletes is to head coach. There, working hard consistency and patience.” are the program was to bridge the gap much smaller than between the team Rochester’s, with and the new coach.

Head Coach Anthony only a handful of “He really Pavicic athletes involved. depends on us to The athletes at RHS communicate,” have been acclimating Payne said. “Our themselves to the team, we’re best transition. friends, so it’s easier for him to come to “At the beginning things were a bit us if he needs something because we can weird because we didn’t really know that make sure that the point gets across in we would have a new head coach,” senior the right way and everyone’s happy with captain Amanda Lewis said. “We found decisions that are made.” out by an email that we would have a Pavicic also relies on the captains new coach and it was kinda crazy for to help him lead the team in day to day us. Over time, we’ve gotten used to it. practices and races as well.

It’s definitely been an adjustment to the “Captains are a huge part,” Pavicic dynamic of the team between us all.” said. “They’ll lead the stretches, they’ll

LAUREN KARMO

lead warm up, if I need to talk they’ll get everyone together, they’ll lead races. They lead by example, and they’ll do a lot of cheering, a lot of encouragement. I’m constantly calling them, texting them and even bouncing ideas off of them as well.”

The success of the season has been notable, as individual athletes continue to medal at invitationals and the team continues place overall.

“On the boys side, Kyle Johnson (12) is our defending regional champion, individually, we expect him to go to states, and our junior, another captain, Austin Remick, we expect him to go too,” Pavicic said. “On the girls side, it’s gonna be really close. There are five teams fighting for the top three spots, and we’re gonna be right in the mix, our goal is to get to states.”

Pavicic is looking to continue to maintain the tradition of success that RHS is known for, as well as push individual athletes to achieve their own gains.

“My goals for the individuals is for everyone to set a personal best this year, whether it’s a season best or a personal best from their whole running career,” Pavicic said.

Both Pavicic and the athletes hope to see success in the future.

“Our training is phenomenal,” Lewis said. “The way Pav is taking everything to new heights and new routes is definitely going to benefit us as runners and as a team.”

“We dropped a divison, so it’s been a more easy season than past seasons, so our goal is to respect every opponent even if they’re not to our skill level, and play our best no matter who we’re playing.”

Julia Kowal, volleyball captain

“During practice we work a lot on stunts, seeing what hard stunts we can use or our round three. We time all our skills as a unit to get consistency down before we begin incorporating it into a round come winter season.”

Megan McMurray, cheer captain