On to the next one Former teacher moves on to an internship as assistant principal at Hart by Dylan Wilcox Sports Team On Oct. 14 former economics and World Religions teacher Ali Hamka began his internship at Hart Middle School as Second Assistant Principal. “We’ll miss Ali Hamka,” said fellow social studies teacher, Joe Glaser. “Ali is a great asset to our building and will be greatly missed.” But teachers “like Hamka only come around so often,” according to Principal Larry Goralski. Hamka
is more than a teacher to many students like senior Meg Joiner. “He really knows how to take a boring subject like economics and make it something interesting and something I actually care about. He also does a great job of teaching not only through text, but experience as well,” Joiner said. As a teacher, Hamka strives to keep these thoughts about him coming. One of the driving factors behind his career in education is his love for kids and the molding of their minds. Now that he and his
colleagues feel “he has mastered the class room, he is ready to make the next step in his career”, said Goralski. Goralski also compared Hamka to former Stoney Creek teacher, Ms Guinn. “As an assistant principal, one of the major responsibilities is student supervision and discipline. I think the positive relationships he has in the classroom will carry over in the role of assistant principal and serve him (please see “Hamka” on p. A2)
S T O N E Y
Your eyes, your ears,
Your Voice
C R E E K
THE
SOURCE
VOLUME 8
ISSUE 3
October 29, 2010
575 Tienken Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48306
Key Club looks to change the way they run by David Hanna School Team Long lasting friendships, helping others, and an overall improved school atmosphere—that’s the Key Club’s goal this year. Key Club is changing things up this year by adding committees and is working to gain a better reputation in the community. Senior Patrick Connors believes this will develop leadership skills
“reforms The new
will bring
students closer
Chamber and chorale choirs traveled to Camp Timbers from Sept. 30 through Oct. 3 for practice and bonding.
together,
”
Senior Jiwon Lee, president of Key Club
Above: Senior Adam Mceachern prepares
to zip-line while Matt Brisson prepares to take a high-ropes course with Camp Timbers employee. Students took part in many activities during the trip.
Right to left: Choir teacher Brandon
Ulrich, a camp employee, senior Jonathon Raffa, junior Mark Hosseni, senior Mandy Hess, senior Desta Gebregiorgis, and senior Ashley Halm were all present at the trip.
(photos used by permission of Kayvon Kashani Gharavi)
See more photos and read story on pg. A4, A5
Teachers’ contract still in debate by Christiana Tanner School Team The Rochester Education Association and the Rochester Community Schools District have been negotiating a new contract since the spring of 2009, and as of this summer, they have mutually agreed that their negotiations are stalled and a third party opinion is necessary. The most recent teachers’ contract expired at the end of the school year in 2009, according to union representative and English teacher Cara Lougheed, and negotiations to write
a new contract began that spring. In the interim, teachers have been operating under most of the same provisions in the expired contract. Many people are perplexed by the time it has taken to settle the contract, chief among them teachers. “I think, from what I’ve heard, that teachers are just feeling confused about why there isn’t [a settled contract],” said Lougheed. “It distracts you, makes you worry for what’s going to happen in your future-- if you’re
going to have health care for your family, or if you’re going to be able to afford your house.” On Sept.15 representatives from the two negotiating teams participated in a pre-conference hearing with the Fact Finder at Michigan Employee Relations Commission. There was a bargaining session on Oct. 6 and another on Oct. 22, as reported by School Board President Beth Talbert. The Fact Finder at Michigan Employee (please see “Contract” p. A2)
Teacher Salary $37,697
Most basic teacher salary under expired contract
$36,566.09 With state retiree health care tax (3% tax)
$36,471.85 $35,377.70 With state retiree health
Most basic teacher salary under most recent board proposal
care tax (3% tax)
(Source: RCS Website)
benefiting students. “This will make students more active in the community and school, and take charge,” senior Patrick Connors said. Committee chairman Connors took a significant part in reorganizing the club. The committees each serve their own purpose. The Social Committee benefits the community. The SCHS committee helps the school. The Inter-Club Committee reaches out to other clubs in the school. The Kiwanis Organization Committee promotes volunteer work. The Awareness/ Promotion Committee encourage charity work. Jiwon Lee, president of Key Club, also played a big role in setting up the new committees. “The new reforms will bring students closer together,” Lee said. Students have their choice of what committee they want to be a part of. Meetings for the new committees will take place once a month, and students will earn double (please see “Key Club” on p. A2)
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points for attending. At the meetings, everyone in the committee will have input on what they would like to add to the club. The new committees have been set up and students can sign up on the bulletin board outside the Counseling Office “With these reforms, we hope to attract more people to the club,” Sophomore Representative Marley Watson said. Watson is the representative of the SCHS committee. Watson hopes the reforms will bring more events and make Key Club a better rounded club. “We want to become the key to the community,” Watson said. Her goal is to improve the school atmosphere and also encourages students to become involved. “This new reform is about helping others, not just the school as a whole,” Watson said. With these new reforms set into place, Key Club is hoping that the committees will set a better place for adults and students to be around in and outside of school.
Hamka
October 29, 2010
Q&A In the Line of Fire Floating faces and little girls. Glass and tin foil. Paint and fabric. These items and images might not relate, but that doesn’t mean they can’t exist together, and they do. They’re the components of junior Katie Knoblauch’s AP Studio Art portfolio. Each article of imagination and reality combine and form artwork uniquely Knoblauch. The art holds meaning and reflection, while casting a new light on a dark world. The portfolio itself is an exploration of life, both the dark and light parts of it. By the end of December, this collection of contrasting illusions will make their way to the 2010 Scholastics Art Competition. But until then, Knoblauch can discover a side of her mind not previously tapped into. A side only revealed... in an interview.
Journalism students and yearbook staff attend MIPA conference
Source: Can you describe the art you’re currently working on for your portfolio?
Katie Knoblauch:
My portfolio is black and white and I’m contrasting the dark and light sides to life. The piece I’m working on now is of a girl done in pencil with her hand out and she looks scared. I have a glass window I’m going to break and make it so the hand is coming out. It’s going to be somewhat 3-D. Then I have another one of the faces of a guy and a girl. Their faces are skeletal looking, but painted on skeleton, and their skin is white with designs on it. Their eyes are closed and they look upset. It’s mixed media so I used tin foil, fabric, and paint.
Members of the Journalism I class, newspaper staff, and yearbook staff attended the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA) Fall Conference on Oct. 21 in Lansing. The students went to various sessions at the conference to gain journalistic experience and learn techniques they could use later on. Students were able to hear from guest speakers like Lori Oglesbee-Petter, the Curriculum Development Chair for the Journalism Education Association. Students were able to attend two 45 min. sessions on topics ranging from photojournalism to caption writing.
S: If your artwork came to life, what would its first impression of you be? K: I don’t know… like, Mom? Ha! No, if my artwork came to life, it would hopefully like me since I created it. Otherwise I’d be screwed. S:
Do you consider homework doodles (the hardcore kind, where they cover the whole page) a form of art?
K: I guess homework doodles could be artwork. It depends on what it looks like, I guess. Hearts and stars don’t really cut it.
Robotics Team cleans up preserve
S:
If you have to paint a picture of Brad Pitt using only red food coloring and his picture, could you do it?
The Robotics Team helped the Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve clean up after the preserve’s annual Halloween Hoot on Oct. 22, 23, and 24. They cleaned up trash and helped organize the preserve after the event. “As a team, we like to do community outreach stuff,” senior Andrew Markel, the Stoney Creek captain, said.
K: It’d take me a while, but yes, I could do it. That’s pretty random, though, and I hope life never has to come to that. Ha! S: If you could create (genetically or however else) a new breed of animal, what would it look like it?
K: I would have to say maybe cross a frog and a bird. Then it would be spotted like a frog, but fly at the same time.
Earth Advocates works for ‘Green School’
S: Rules are made to be broken. Agree or disagree? K: Agree… I’m skipping class right now for this interview, aren’t I?
Some rules are meant to be broken… I think. Mostly the dumb ones like no loitering. Why can’t I stand in certain places? I mean, come on, that’s just stupid.
S: I realize this is a controversial subject, and you’re not obligated to respond, but do you consider a tomato to be a fruit or a vegetable?
K: I think… it’s a fruit. S: 100 percent sure? K: Absolutely—it has seeds. It’s the season premiere of “We’ve run out of semi-almost-notreally-original-cop-dramas-to-make-so-we-created-this,” which you star in. You’re trapped on an island with Justin Bieber and a box of pencils. What goes down?
K: STAB JUSTIN BIEBER! No I’d tell him to go sing on the other side of the island then I’d make a raft and sail away. No one’s going to like him when his voice drops, so who cares if he dies there?
(photos by Paige Efting)
(compiled by Danielle Linihan)
(continued from pg. A1)
R e l a t i o n s Commission will talk to both sides and try to access all the facts: how much money the district has, what the teachers want, what the district wants. Then he/she will make recommendations
BRIEFS
Seniors Kelsey Jackson, Zach Francis, and Jill Kelly walk to the Capitol Building. Students got a chance to do some sight seeing while in Lansing (photo by Chandler Clay).
S:
Contract
NEWS
with Katie Knoblauch
(continued from pg. A2)
position at Stoney to an administrative position at Hart. For the past few years Hamka has been looking to move out of the classroom into administration to give himself a new challenge, a challenge that will pose many problems. “It’s going to be a bit different, new age, whole new type of parent,” Hamka said. “It’s not going to be really difficult but it will definitely be a change that will take much getting used to.” Many of Hamka’s colleagues believe he will do a fine job at Hart, but also think his presence will be greatly missed here. “When a great teacher becomes an administrator, it’s great for the overall school district, but not the individual students,” Glaser said. Students will be the ones to feel the effects of this situation the most. Many of these students feel that this will hinder the rest of their time in “his class” “I heard Hamka was a great economics teacher, and that is part of what made me sign up for World Religions,” senior Kate Feely said. “I’m really going to miss Hamka.”
SCHOOL
based on his/her findings, according to Lougheed. Rochester Education Association Representative Doug Hill stated that the contract has not been settled due to differences of opinion on finance. “The reason for the protracted contract negotiations stems a lot from differences of opinion on how financially stable the
Stoney Creek teachers take to Tienken Road to picket the unsettled teacher’s contract. “The teachers’ reaction to the unsettled contract runs the gamut from anger to frustration to incredulity,” Rochester Education Association Representative Doug Hill said in an email (photo by Chandler Clay).
school district is now and in the future,” Hill said in an e-mail. According to Hill, at the time of the first negotiations the board had a very bleak outlook for the district’s short-term and long-term financial future, but that now those worries have been proven incorrect. Hill stated that the district’s short term financial future has lost its bleakness since the board’s initial assumptions. Hill explained that the district has received nearly $3.4 million from the state and federal government since then and that the Rochester Education Association has continued to offer proposals that suggest creative ways to save money for the short term and the long-term, while at the same time avoiding the deep cuts that would financially hamper teachers. Talbert hopes the issue of a new contract will be resolved fairly. “I am certain that teachers, like board members, are hopeful that an agreement will be reached,” Talbert said in an e-mail. “It is the board’s hope that continued negotiations will
result in a fair and equitable contract that will honor the hard work of our employees and also acknowledge the financial times in which we find ourselves.” While the conflict has gone on, teachers have been taxed three percent from their salaries for a state retiree health care tax, and have not received a salary increase of any kind since a 0.47 percent increase in January 2009. The board is seeking a 3.25 percent salary cut for teachers, in addition to the three percent tax, according to Hill. For Hill, the conflict stems from a lack of value for teachers. “The board and the community tell teachers all the time how much it appreciates them, but I believe there is a wide difference between ‘appreciation’ and ‘value,’” said Hill. “When you look at the Rochester Community Schools website and see its points of pride, the first four are all a direct reflection of the performances of teachers and other staff members. I believe most of the teachers in this district are tired of being ‘appreciated’ and
Presidents senior Sam Harris, junior Lindsey Diamond, and senior Laura Fleming have implemented a series of changes in Earth Advocates this year. New leadership and group tasks will help the club achieve the Green School title given by an organization that awards schools for meeting specific requirements. “Each group has a specific task to complete to get Green School,” junior Kira Bucksbaum, a member of Earth Advocates, said. “We haven’t gotten much done these past years, so we’re trying to achieve something different.” Earth Advocates is pushing for bottle recycling, new light bulbs, and eco-friendly cafeteria utensils. In addition, the club wants to raise money to adopt a cougar in an effort to fight animal extinction. The club meets every Thursday in Room A302. (compiled by School Team)
would welcome the opportunity to see how the board and the community ‘value’ us.” Teachers picketed on Sept. 27 outside of the Administration Building in order to raise awareness in the community, according to Lougheed. Teachers also have begun to wear red, the Rochester Education Association’s color, when the School Board meets, as a show of unity. “I believe this contract needs to be settled soon because we’re beginning to see morale district-wide dip,” Hill said. “As this morale ebbs I’m afraid it’s going to begin to hurt the quality of the product being produced – and in this case it’s the education of the students in our district... It’s a little bit like when mom and dad are having a disagreement... They may not be yelling and screaming at each other but everyone in the house can feel the tension. If we can finish these negotiations I think that tension would diminish considerably.”
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A3
BYTHE
NUMB3RS Fun with Facebook
700
Billion minutes users spend per month on facebook
130 The average number of friends per person
(Junior Christina Leninger and Senior Scott Shermetaro fill up one of the many bags donated by local families)
Club raises money for families by Soojin Chun/ Marnier Peeples School Team Every year 15 million children die of hunger. The members of Rotary Interact are doing their part to lower that number. When Neighborhood House contacted Rotary Interact, they were in need of more cans to last them until the Christmas fundraiser. Not only were the students trying to collect food, they were also trying to raise money for Neighborhood House. On Oct. 1, the members began posting flyers around various neighborhoods in order to gather cans, and cash donations from empty pop cans. Soon boxes started to overfill with food in the storage room. According to Lau-
rene Kaschalk, sponsor of Rotary Interact, the members’ efforts brought in 10 to 15 boxes full of food as well as 600 empty pop cans that were donated to the Neighborhood House for families in need. For many members of Rotary Interact, the can drive became a memorable event in their lives. ”When we turned those cans in, I felt very proud of my club and happy that I’ve accomplished something in it,” junior Patty Choi said. The list of food necessary for the families is based on their specific dietary needs, according to the Neighborhood House web site. The food is then sent to the Food Pantry at the First Congregational Church. The Neighborhood House also provides
families with low-to-moderate income assistance for financial concerns, medical emergencies, and eviction notices.
Soon after the cans were shipped to Neighborhood House, the team brainstormed another idea to help raise money. They are currently organizing a raffle that is being held before Thanksgiving break to offer Rochester families relief during the holidays, according to junior Sara Dadashzadeh. Students will be asking many stores and businesses for donations, including Coldstone Creamery, Parisian, Shields Pizza, and others. Last year the raffle raised about $600 for Rotary to donate. “We raised so much money last year, and
hopefully we raise more this year so that we can make a bigger impact.” Dadashzadeh said. Tickets for the raffle cost fifty cents each and will be sold during all three lunches.
After the students organized the can drive and brainstormed ideas for the raffle, members expressed their feelings for the volunteering that they were doing and its impact on their lives. “I noticed that not only did I have an impact on my community, but that I could reach out to other parts of the nation,” Choi said. “It gave me a new perspective of who I could help, and what one person can do.” Rotary Interact is not only offering help to neighboring houses in
the community, but is also giving its members a different point of view on the importance of volunteering and assisting people who are in a difficult situation. Rotary Interact has brought many people together to form a close bond. That is the difference between Rotary and other volunteering clubs. Dadashzadeh said the club was different than other clubs because it was “a lot more focused.” Students feel the “love,” as they put it, when they “interact” with each other and accomplish their goal of making a better community as well as a nation. “Rotary is a club where you learn to help others and then wait and see what you gain from it.” Choi said.
District initiates new math program by Colleen Kill School Team New math books line the shelves, and students rise to the challenge. The math program took a different direction this year and replaced the Chicago math program with the McDougal Littell math program. At the end of the 2009-2010 school year, School Board representatives and math teachers convened to discuss the state requirements for math. Advanced Algebra was removed from the curriculum and replaced by Algebra II. Functions, Statistics, and Trigonometry (FST) will be removed from the curriculum after the 2010-2011 school year. The new Algebra II course is a combination of FST and Advanced Algebra. Students
Do students like the new math program?
must pass Algebra II to graduate and have four math credits in total. This new program has already been put into the curriculum. “The Algebra II is a beefed up version of Advanced Algebra and FST,” math teacher Jillian Gumz said. “Students really grasp the material and master basic algebraic skills needed for advanced level courses with this new program.” This program utilizes online resources and additional supplements to teach students algebra and geometry. Students can take online quizzes, tests, and practice activities. The new textbooks purchased for Geometry and Algebra II cost approximately $2,100. “It’s expensive, but there are a lot of good resources,” Gumz said. Teachers who have
started teaching the new program have found it has significantly benefited the students. “This program was necessary because it provides many explanations and examples for the students to practice,” Gumz said. “The Algebra II book is much more of a real Algebra book,” Gumz said,“the Advanced Algebra book was more of a pre-algebra course.” Students are also enjoying the new program. “I have learned a lot more valuable information than I usually do in math,” sophomore Will Sheehy said. Students who excel in math can still be in the advanced math classes. Last year there were no advanced courses available for Geometry and Algebra. This year, advanced courses include
Fridays: October 8, 2010 – Fine Arts AQDay November 5, 2010 – General AQDay November 12, 2010 – Science/Nursing/Math AQDay November 19, 2010 – General AQDay March 18, 2011 – Leadership AQDay March 25, 2011 – Business, Accounting, Technology AQDay April 15, 2011 – General AQDay
70
Translations offered on facebook
24/7
connection with friends and familiy
Priceless!! (According to www.facebook.com,)
Orchards go Organic
309
certified organic farms in Michigan
68
farms in the process of transitioning 5,387 more acres of cropland to organic production
$217,675 the average annual sales for all organic operations
(According to PC’s N Dreams)
Like 56%
Dislike 35%
Caffeinated Crazy
36 million No preference 9%
The majority of students like the new program Honors Geometry, Honors Algebra II, Honors PreCalculus and AP Calculus are available for students. Teachers are working together to improve the program to better meet the needs of students. “The new math program is the same material being presented in a way that is easier for students and parents to understand,” math teacher Megan Thomas said. “The previous
math program lacked many practice problems and explanations.” Both teachers and students find the new program effective. “This program is going to prepare students for college and the ACT,” Gumz said, “It ultimately comes down to what’s going to help the students the most. So far it looks like this program is going to take students in a good direction.”
estimated number of potention trickor-treaters
1.1
billion total production of pumpkins in America
1,233
U.S manufacturing establishments that produced chocolate and cocoa products (According to www.sunnyinla.com)
Saturday: January 22, 2011 – Athletic AQDay Join us for AQDays and learn what life is really like at Aquinas College. If these dates don’t work, we also offer individual visits during the academic year. To learn more or register, visit www.aquinas.edu/undergraduate/visit or call (800) 678-9593.
1607 Robinson Road, SE | Grand Rapids, MI 49506-1799 616 632-2900 or 800 678-9593 | www.aquinas.edu
(Compiled by Marnier Peeples and Scott Shermetaro)
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Just
don’t
SCHOOL
g ee call them a
club
Students bond at Camp Timbers ch
Above: Senior Austin Aiello and junior Lindsey Scullen rely o low-ropes course at Camp Timbers. While doing so, they rec from their classmates. Left: Senior Johnathan Raffa and senior Zachary Francis em same time showed compassion for Camp Timbers. Below: Senior Jillian Hoffman, senior Courtney Merlo, senio sey Scullen, and senior Micheala Jenkins work together whi challenge at Camp Timbers. The object of the hoola-hoop ch lower the hoop to the ground, using only a finger. Bottom Left: Senior Matt Strubler, junior Andrew Zaccagni Tom Herrick sing while being led by Brandon Ulrich and Trac end at Camp Timbers consisited of singing and vocal practic Bottom Right: Meredith White puts on her game face in pr course. Each student had the chance to take part in the hig bers. (All photos used by permission of Kayvon K
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October 29, 2010
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on each other to complete the cieved words of encouragement
mbrace one another. At the
or Kelsey Andridge, junior Lindile participating in the group hallenge was for the girls to
ini, senior Tyler Capa, and junior cey Bartell. Most of the weekce. reparation for the high ropes gh ropes course at Camp Tim-
Kashani-Ghyravi)
by Nick Diamond
knowing that this is the moment they have School Team prepared for. “ACDA is one of the biggest honors I have o Vocal Adrenaline. No slushies in ever received and participated in,” senior the face. No dancing. No drama. Just Whitney Raska said. singing. The singers are presenting “Pango Lingua,” Chamber Singers are one of two only “Adam lay yboundum,” “Now Sleeps the high schools invited to compete in the Crimson Petal,” “Ach Bis Zun Ted am Kreuz,” American Choral Directors Association “Beati Quroum Remissae,” “Credo,” and “In (ACDA) conference. The conference is held a Night of My Late Sicknesse.” The latter at Central Michigan University on Oct. 29 was written by Ulrich. and 30. Choirs that are performing are from “It isn’t common for teachers to write the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan sheet music, but it’s my hobby,” Urlich University, Wayne State University, and said. “It made sense.” Madrigal Chorale of Southfield. The only The singers were greatly impacted by other high school present is from Traverse his attention to detail and assiduity while City. preparing for ACDA. “It is nerve racking to be one of the only “I think I can speak for the high schools performing, whole choir,” said Hoffman, especially since we have the “We are all so grateful longest time slot,” senior Jill ACDA is one for the opportunities Mr. Hoffman said. “There are no Ulrich has provided and solos – it is an entirely group of the biggest we have become better effort.” performers as a result of A portion of the listeners include Dr. Jerry Blackstone honors I have ever his dedication.” But the work for this from the University of conference did not start at Michigan, Executive Dr. Tim received and the beginning of the school Sharp, and Dr. Charlene year. Archibeque from San Jose participated in. “Class has been a lot more State University. work, and we had summer “It is a choir conference rehearsals once a week for to educate educators,” choir the first time,” Raska said, Whitney Raska teacher Brandon Ulrich said. “It was not as laid back and, Ulrich sent audition tapes since the invitation, people from the past three years, and have put in a lot more per ACDA’s reviewing, the effort. For the past six months, we have had Chamber Singers were accepted last May. one thing on our mind: ACDA.” “It was a lot harder than it seems, Ulrich admits that the length of singing considering I had to find the right mix of time was challenging to prepare for. music that best represented the singers,” “I knew it was going to be a big task to fill Ulrich said. that 25 minute time slot, so we rehearsed,” ACDA conducts a blind audition, which said Ulrich, “Once school began, we had a means that the judges do not know who is head start and already knew the songs.” singing what. They base acceptance off of Toward the beginning of October, the what they hear on the audition tapes, and that singers went to Camp Timbers, for a retreat solely determines who will travel to Mount to promote bonding amongst the choir. All Pleasant. ACDA-Michigan is a committed the students did was sing, sing, and sing. group of choral directors that produces “I don’t know if it was the intention music and uses local choirs as their source, of the camp, but it definitely brought according to the ACDA Website. us together before ACDA,” Raska said, The students, parent chaperones, Brandon “It gave us a chance to connect before Ulrich, and Tracey Bartell, the choir’s pianist, appearing on stage as one voice.” are attending the conference. This is not The ACDA conference is a major Ulrich’s first time to ACDA as he has attended milestone for the Chamber Singers. previously to learn from other choirs. But “After our summer rehearsals, countless this time around is a whole different ball hours at choir retreat, and days in class, it game: he was responsible for preparing these has been phenomenal to see our hard work students to perform before an esteemed and pay off,” Hoffman said, “ACDA was one of renowned audience. the most rewarding events I have ever taken Chamber Singers, which is composed of part in.” juniors and seniors, sing a variety of songs Whatever you do, do not call them that are expected to fill the largest time slot another Glee club. out of all the performers. They are taking the stage with spotlights shining upon them,
N
“
“
hoir retreat
Chamber singers invited to perform at American Choral Directors Association
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Ulrich Schuester
V.
Hair
Ulrich Prefers his hair to stay short and sleek, for a runway look. Schuester seems to maintain his hair in a large curly state, allowing for an urban look. Ulrich’s sleek do knocks Schuester’s curls flat.
Glee Past
Ulrich participated in glee club at Lake Orion high school when he was a student. Many of his glee memories include dancing and singing on stage in a vibrant sequined vest while laughing with friends and having a ball! Schuester took part in glee club at McKinley High when he was a student there. Many of his memories include wooing women with the power of singing. Anyone can see that wearing a sequined vest far surpasses the power to woo women!
Transportation
Ulrich drives a silver Pontiac Grand Am, accented by glossy black rims. Clearly someone doesn’t want to be caught riding dirty! Schuester drives a dark green Dodge Neon, which may be easily considered to be a “hunk of junk” no matter who you are. Need I name the winner?
Education
Ulrich received a BA in music education from Michigan State, a MA in instrumental conducting from the University of Southern Oregon, and is now attending MSU for a DR in choral directing. Schuester received a degree in accounting and teaches Spanish. It is evident that Ulrich’s credentials dominate those of William Schuester. Who is the winner you might ask? Although Schuester’s style is a demonstration of fashion at its best, Ulrich’s classy vehicle, glistening sequined vest, and posh haircut contribute to his victory in the clash of the glee studs.
New Chorale class offers unique challenges by Danielle Linihan School Team
Chorale might be the new choir class on the block, but it’s no new idea, and definitely isn’t treated as one. The expectations are high and the class is treated with top regards. “I expect a lot from them. I want them to sing with an aggressive sound, I want them to be individuals, and I want them to be independent musical readers,” choir teacher Brandon Ulrich said. Before, the options for juniors and seniors in their third year of choir were either Women’s Chorale or Concert Choir, but
then these merged. Concert Choir still remains for second year choir students, but the unification of the two classes into Chorale allowed for a more advanced selection of music, appropriate for all types of singers— something Ulrich has dreamt about for quite some time. “I’ve always wanted to have it that way, and this year we’ve finally had enough boys to be able to do that,” Ulrich said. Chorale isn’t an hour of singing without reason either. “We sing at Graduation and we have a concert coming up, so there’s a lot to work on,” junior Alexa Thomas said. The class currently focuses on a few
different pieces, each unusual and a test of the singers’ vocal abilities. These include “Son de Camaguey”, a challenging Cuban piece, “Musicks Empire”, a musical description of music history, and a real “meaty” piece called “I Thank You God”. The various pieces ensured Chorale was prepared for their concert on Oct. 20, according to Ulrich. Ulrich also plans to attend festival, where the students prepare music to sing before judges. But Chorale won’t simply attend festival. They’ll attend advanced, which means, rather than singing two pieces and moving on, the students are expected to sight
read at a level only Chamber Singers read at previously. Sight reading, a skill that requires a singer to read a piece of music they’ve never seen before and sing it, is no easy task. “Sight reading tests their ability to be independent m u s i c i a n s , ” Ulrich said. The addition of Chorale and the new advanced music generated a good response with both the students and their teacher. Ulrich said, “It’s good to have. There’s more music for a mixed group rather than just a women’s group… so it’s easier to find more advanced music.” The individual voices of the class
had praise to sing as well. Thomas said, “The music is a lot better in Chorale. It’s inspirational and complicated. It has a more mature, more sophisticated s o u n d . ” Senior and musician Laura Jean found the choir experience improved her singing overall also. “At first I was a little bit skeptical because everyone favors Chamber to Chorale, and I was scared that people would think Chorale is for singers who aren’t as good.” Laura Jean said. “But during our retreat, Ulrich said we were getting a lot better and that Chamber’s might have some competition.”
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SPORTS
Ride On
Job affects senior’s racing career by Damian Rotarov / Matt Pitlock Sports Team
W
hen senior Tony Stein had to choose between a buck and a bike, he had to choose the buck. Stein has been mountain biking and racing for three years now. Competing is one of his life’s passions, and he takes great pride in being a biker; however, Stein’s passion had to take a back seat to his job at Summit Sports last summer. Even though he enjoys his new job, he is unable to race as much as he would like to. “There just isn’t any time for it,” Stein said. The setback of getting a job did not end his racing career. He still trains hard for races, and he still rides his favorite trails. He has competed in several races: the Stoney Creek Metro Park Cross Country race, the Iceman Cometh race, and the Pontiac Lakes race. Races consist of either single-track or double-track trails. According to Stein, single-track is a trail that is only one rider wide and usually the most challenging type of trail. Double track is two or more riders wide, and usually flat and easier to traverse. Last fall, Stein placed first in the 10 mile Stoney Creek Cross Country race and the 11 mile Pontiac Lakes race. He also placed third in the 27 mile point-to-point Iceman Cometh race. But He hasn’t been able to place in a competition in over a year. Even though he has not done as well as usual, he doesn’t feel any less passionate about the sport of mountain biking. “Biking is great exercise, and I enjoy going far,” Stein said. Stein attributes his slow period to the lack of practice time he has been getting; however, this doesn’t mean that he can’t
get out there to tear up the trails. “I haven’t placed in a while because I’ve only been able to practice about three times a week,” Biking Stein said. He enjoys the Stoney Creek Metro park trails the most of all. “My favorite trail is the Roller Coaster, because it is good technical practice,” Stein said . He has attributed his talent for biking to many hours of practice in the brutal, hilly, bumpy terrain of the Roller Coaster. The scenic Roller Coaster is one of Stoney Creek’s most popular and challenging trails. Stein believes that if he had more time on these trails, his race performance would be much stronger. He was once a part of the Mountain Bike Club, bue he was unable to join the club this year and practice with other competitive bikers of comparable skill. Even though he isn’t in the club anymore, his old mountain bike club mates can still attest to his competitive nature and skill from back in his time spent with the club. Junior Brett Rowland recalls his days of just trying to keep up. “I tried to keep pace with him when we would ride, but it was so hard because he was just too good,” Rowland said. Even though Stein is a fierce competitor, he considers whoever shares his passion for the sport to be his friend. “Whenever I would fall or mess up my bike, he would always be there to make sure I was alright,” Rowland said. Junior Michael Smith could also attest to Stein’s skill as a biker. “He was a really good biker,” Smith said, “better than the rest.”
trails of Stoney Creek Metro Park
(Photo by Nick Cruz) (Photo Illustration by Matt Pitlock and Damian Rotarov)
(Photo by Damian Rotarov)
THE
October 29, 2010
SOURCE
SPORTS Change football strategy for success
A7
by Dylan Wilcox Sports team Teamwork, coaching, and skill are the three most important keys to winning in athletics. Without any of these three, having a winning team or program isn’t a realistic goal. Year after year, the freshman and JV football teams are average to above average, yet our varsity teams always seem to somewhat struggle. At the lower levels of high school sports like freshman and JV, more wins come based on talent and team work than coaching, so clearly talent and teamwork are not the main issues in our football program. I’m always hearing about the great players in Stoney football and I go see them play on their respective teams as underclassmen, but when they make it up to varsity, they just don’t perform as well. I highly doubt that this is due to a sudden drop in talent. Instead, I think some of the blame should be put on the coaching calls. The biggest problems with the coaching are the obscure play calling, odd position changes, slight over work, and poor clock management. For some reason, we decide just as we find THE something that is working for us, like this year’s running game, to put that on the back burner and throw the ball against Farmington, who is a much faster team and had no problems staying with our receivers. Last year, then junior Mike McKinley was backup quarterback and part time running back. The coaching staff decided to switch him to full back, a position he had very little experience at, right before the Adams game, our most important game. In addition, the summer schedule may over work the players before the season even starts. While most programs run two weeks of six hour two-a-days, Stoney runs four straight weeks of these grueling practices,yet our teams still struggle. Clearly, that is not the answer to success. On top of all of that, we have some of the worse clock management I have ever seen. In West Bloomfield, we were down 7 with 3:30 left, and Bloomfield had the ball. Thankfully, we did get a fumble and got the ball with only 50 seconds left. Unfortunately, we had no timeouts left because they were all used near the beginning of the first half. Due to the lack of time and time outs, we went on to lose that game, dropping our record to 2-6 going into the Adams game. The coaching staff has brought the team a long way in eight years. It is excellent at stressing academics and character, such as with the Pink Paws project. But if we look to compete with programs like Adams and Rochester, some strategies need to be reconsidered.
CALL
The varsity girls lift senior Heather Thomas to do a Bow-and-Arrow Stunt. They cheered for the football players. (photo by Chandler Clay)
Senior Kelsey Loveland cheers with excitement. She had the crowd up on its feet. (photo by Chandler Clay)
Take Two!
Junior Carly Pascaretta stunts with senior Marisa Montalbano and senior Jacqueline Cox. All three girls prepared for the game.
(photo used by permission of Carly Pascaretta)
New cheer team fights for repeat by Jill Kelly/ Emma Guschewski Sports team A varsity letter for cheerleading will be even more challenging to earn this year with tryouts harder than ever. The skills required to make the team have increased in difficulty leading to a highly competitive tryout, explained Head Coach Tricia Williams. After last year’s State Championship win with a score of 797.2064 out of 828.48 possible points, the new varsity cheer team will prepare to take another state title. The race will begin with tryouts on Nov. 9-12 after school in the Aux. Gym. The tryouts are three hours each day and consist of evaluating each athlete’s tumbling, stunting, jumping, and cheer skills in each of the three rounds of competition. “A team has to be achieving at a superior level with regards to their gymnastics, precision, stunting, and tumbling,”
Upcoming Competitions:
cheerleading judge and Hart teacher Gloria Berger said. “Once you’re on top, it’s so difficult to stay on top.” The team uses various forms of practice, such as performing, tumbling, and stunting in multiple settings. These forms of practice combine in after school practices, football games, and basketball games. At halftime at a varsity football game, the cheer team performs all the skills required for competition such as back handspring tucks and toe touches. Games are a great form of practice for skills such as a strong delivery and a lively performance, according to senior Courtney Merlo. Winning doesn’t just take practice–it takes the right mind set. It is important to keep the true goal in mind and to never lose focus of it, according to Williams. “I don’t think about winning,” junior Carly Pascaretta said. “I think about performing my best that day and living
in the moment.” Senior Jacqueline Cox also keeps a positive mind set to help her team focus. “It is important to stay focused on our team,” Cox said, “not other teams.” In order to keep their focus, the District, Regional, and State Competitions are in the team members’ minds from the start. All the competitions leading up to Districts are practice. Points don’t accumulate during the season. It’s what the team does at Districts that counts. If they win they go on–if they lose they go home. “These competitions are the peak of our season and everything we do prepares for them,” Merlo said. “They are truly what counts.” These competitions decide the eight teams that compete at the State Competition through a series of eliminations. At Districts, the top four scoring teams move on to Regionals. Three districts send their top four
teams to Regionals for the next round of eliminations. Only the top four teams move on from each region to the State Championship. There are two regions in Michigan so eight teams advance to the State Competition and compete under one roof for the championship. In order to achieve the accuracy and precision needed to make it to the State Championship, practice, a positive mind set, and strong coaching are necessities. “Consistent performances, high skill level, and a knowledgeable coach,” Berger said. “That’s what separates the top teams in the state.” It is essential to celebrate the small victories and encourage teammates, according to Williams. “We don’t focus on the points, we don’t focus on the scores, we don’t focus on the win,” Williams said. “We just focus on how we perform.”
Districts:
Regionals: February 26, 2011
States: March 5, 2011
February 19, 2011
Top photo: Senior Courtney Merlo cheers on the football players with enthusiasm. She had the student section up on its feet. Left photo: Senior Heather Thomas performs a liberty. The girls stunted throughout the game. (photo by Chandler Clay)
Bonding strengthens relationships in volleyball program by Monica Nowak/ Christine Kim Sports co-Editor/ Sports team Three, two, one, zero. The buzzer goes off, ringing loud enough for everyone in the gym to flinch. It’s
game day against Groves on Oct. 7, and time’s up for the freshman and JV volleyball teams’ warm up. But instead of huddling up for a pre-game pep talk, the girls swarm
Sophomore Maddie Delsignore gives a gift to her family member junior Sam Wingerter. Wingerter received gatorade and candy. (photo by Christine Kim)
over to the bleachers and retrieve all sorts of gifts from their gym bags, as they look for their families to exchange them with. The girls do not look for their real families, though. They exchange gifts with the families that varsity coach Katie Pederson assigned each player to during the pre-season. “The families involve every volleyball player and includes one player from each team,” Pederson said. Being a part of a family allows players from different grades to get to know each other, according to sophomore JV player Maddie Delsignore. At every game, home and away, family members give each other a gift; it can be anything from Gatorade to a thoughtfullywritten card. “I made my girls t-shirts with splatter paint for one of the games,” Delsignore said. “I had a lot of fun making them.” Her family member,
junior Sam Wingerter, beamed as she wore the shirt with pride. Not only do the girls give each other gifts, but they also condition as a family from time to time and cheer f o r each other, a c cording to Pederson. “[The families] help t h e Senior Chris underclassmen and allow the upperclassmen to be positive role models,” Pederson said. In this way, the relationship between the girls strengthens. “I feel like some of [the freshmen] aren’t as shy to be around us,” senior varsity player Olivia McCain said. Freshman player Megan Feeley agrees. “The seniors are definitely approachable; they’re just human beings only two or three years older,” Feeley said. Even spectators feel that the bond is successful.
“
“I’ve noticed that all the teams have been encouraging one another,” senior Chris Oskoian said. “It’s not just the freshmen cheering for varsity.” The freshman game begins. Outside hitter Megan Feeley jumps up and spikes the ball. The ball s l a m s to the ground on the Oskoian o t h e r side, and the crowd cheers on the bleachers, while the varsity players cheer uproariously on the sideline. “Yeah, Megan!” McCain hollers. “Awesome kill!” In the end, the freshmen lost to Groves with a score of 22-25 in the first match. The girls pulled through in the second match and won 25-19. In the final match, the freshmen lost 15-17. Nevertheless, the varsity team stood right there on the sideline to tell them that they put up a good fight. “It’s kind of nice seeing the girls as one big, happy family,” Oskoian said.
It’s kind of nice
seeing the girls
as one big, happy
family.
”
A8 SOURCE
THE
October 29, 2010
SPORTS
She sticks the landing Gymnast overcomes challenges
“She was so disciplined and unable to use her ankle and so focused that she would just could only do strength training. School Team do stuff over and over again,” Once Alyssa was fully healed, Mrs. Shermetaro said. “Four injury struck again. he chaos of the days a week, [we drove Alyssa] “Four weeks later, I hit the gym is no distraction. an hour and o t h e r , ” A look of dedication a half for Alyssa said. upon her face. She three hours Same thing. I approaches the of practice, have an extra beam. She makes no and drive bone in that mistakes; her motions an hour one too. I are fluid and flawless. and a half was twisting Alyssa Shermetaro, a home. That off the homeschooled freshman, is a shows her beam, doing gymnast who knows her stuff. dedication.” a dismount, But, by looking at her as she sits At the age and I did the at home, it seems impossible of seven, the same thing,” that this little girl is the second Shermetaros . best in Michigan, let alone that moved to A f t e r she is a top 25 gymnast in the M i c h i g a n another six U.S. and vowed weeks of When Alyssa was four, at to live near recovery, the advice of her grandpa, a gym for Alyssa was her parents enrolled her into Alyssa. ready to train gymnastics. “When we again. She “When I was little I had a whole came here trained for lot of energy,” Alyssa said. “It we are still two months came naturally to me.” thinking, and then, Alyssa was good for her age ‘She’s just fractured her and was immediately put onto a a regular Anne Shermetaro right ankle gymnastics team. gymnast. again. “She was fearless and very She just “ S h e strong for her age,” Anne happens to be good,’” Mrs. was training for elite,” Mrs. Shermetaro, Alyssa’s mom, Shermetaro said. Shermetaro said. “She was said. By the age of eleven Alyssa training 30 hours a week, and Alyssa started gymnastics reached the highest level of this happened. This is when and was hooked. By the age of competition, a level 10. But, she started questioning, ‘Is this five, Alyssa was state champion getting to this level and staying really what I want to do? Maybe on the floor for the eight and healthy, proved to be full of this isn’t for me.’” under division in Illinois. obstacles. After six more weeks of When Alyssa was a level five recovery, her ankles were finally at age, she had her first major healed and she started to train 6. fall. again. “She did a split-leap and The next year she pulled her missed her foot,” Mrs. growth plate on my knee. Shermetaro said. “She basically “She is running down the came down on her chest and vault runway, and because her bounced off the beam. The quad is so strong, it just pulls whole place gasped.” the growth plate away from the Even though she was knee, which is excruciating pain hurting, Alyssa got back up for most people, the finished and finished her routine. running, finished the vault and “She got up, finished the landed, and then said, ‘Oh I same routine stronger than think something popped,’” said she started it, and the whole Mrs. Shermetaro. arena just exploded in cheers Alyssa was out for a total of for her,” Mrs. Shermetaro three months due to this injury, said. but since, Alyssa has been injury From then on Alyssa was free. She has continued her winning medal after medal. training and this past summer, Until she turned eleven, Alyssa she competed at the U.S. Visa remained injury free. Alyssa National Championships in has an extra bone in her ankle, Hartford, Connecticut. and it is these bones that “All of her patience and hard have resulted in most of her work has taken her to the ‘World injuries. Series’ of gymnastics,” Coach “I was doing a skill on the Lori Koch said proudly. floor at gym and I landed while Alyssa has many goals in her I was still twisting,” Alyssa future, including becoming a said. “I cracked my extra bone doctor, but right now, Alyssa’s I had in my ankle.” main focus is making the For six weeks, Alyssa was National Team. “My goal is to go to the National Team,” Alyssa said. “The Olympics would be cool, but that’s not what I’m focusing The year the InternaWhen gymnastics came How many years on.” tional Gymnastics Fedto America gymnastics has been by Dan Moore / Steph Siewert
T
1.
“
She was training 30 hours a week, and this
happened. This is when she started
questioning,
2.
‘Is this really what I
”
want to do?’
3.
4.
5.
7. 8.
9.
10.
By the Numbers Gymnastics Style 2,000 1830 1881 around
98
Total number of women who will compete at the Olympics
1936
eration was created
The year U.S. women first started competing in gymnastics in the Olympics
200
How many years ago gymnastics became a competitive sport
(according to www.usa-gymnastics.org)
1. Talking with Fellow Qualifier Chatting in line by the Unbalanced Bars, Alyssa and competitor Grace Williams wait patiently for their turns at the Visa Championship. Alyssa preformed the Uneven Bars very well, keeping her focus throughout the entire performance and proving herself as a dedicated gymnast. 2. Coach Talk Before the Balance Beams Alyssa listens intently as her coach Lori Koch talks to her before her performance. “All of her patience and hard work has taken her to the ‘World Series’ of gymnastics!” Koch said. 3. Preparing the Hect Alyssa prepares herself to preform a Hect on the Uneven Bars at the Vista Competition. She kept telling herself to keep breathing and focus to preform the best she can. 4. Making it Look Like a ‘Piece of Cake’ Alyssa preforms a Back Layout Stepout while on the balance beams at the Vista Championship. Alyssa made it look like a piece of cake to the crowd. 5. Fears Nothing Alyssa shows no fear as she walks across the floor of the Visa Championship. Alyssa looks back on that
moment and says, “This was the first day of the Visa Championships. I was walking to the bars, my second event I was mentally preparing myself and taking it all in,” 6. Chit Chat with Taren Alyssa smiles while she talks to Taren Humfrey on the floor of the Visa Championship. Alyssa felt very honored to be talking to Humfrey at the Championships and looks up to her because she knows what she has gone through to get where she is today. 7. The Full Turn Alyssa preforms a full turn on the balance beam at the Visa Championships. She made all the moves on the balance beam look flawless and the judges were very pleased with her performance. 8. Waiting For Their Turn At the Visa Championship, Alyysa waits with fellow qualifiers to preform on the floor. Alyssa’s performance went very well on the floor and got twenty third in an all around score in the end. 9. Smile for the Camera Alyssa pauses in the corner of her floor performance and smiles to the judges. By smiling she showed the judges she had fun and is confident in her performances.
10. She Catches the Hect Alyssa catches her hect on the Uneven bars at the Visa Championship. She held such concentration while doing this performance and kept this focus through all her performances.
(Photos used with permission of George Long, courtesy of Shemetaro family)
THE SOURCE
&
Opinion
Lifestyles
B1
The guide to surviving high school: how to pick your clubs Looking at long lists is always boring and challenging, especially when that list contains countless choices of clubs, isn’t it? As you look at the computer screen and go down the list, feeling confused comes normally after you try to read the description of each club. Then you finally throw your hands in the air, and there goes another fruitless year, leaving blanks in college apps. To find a club that you are willing to dedicate the rest of your high school career or at least this year, take this simple quiz that matches a club to your SOO JIN’S unique personality.
HOW TO
1. Describe your personality in one word. A. artistic B. caring C. determined D. smart E. influential 2. Pick one that best describes your interests. A. drawing and doing creative projects B. having fun outdoors C. helping out the community D. debating in politic issues E. working with people to make a difference in your school 3. What would you like to achieve in your high school career? A. winning scholarships for artistic abilities B. making the earth a better place C. having leadership roles to put into college apps D. to be exceptional in academics E. making friends, changing people’s lives. 4. What major do you want to go into? A. Fine arts B. Biology, natural science C. Public communications, foreign languages D. Politics, law, math, science E. Psychology 5. Your school schedule contains the most classes in choice... A. band, choir, art B. wilderness survival, biology, anatomy C. Debate, French, Spanish, German, communications D. Government, Economy, calculus, and any AP classes E. Psychology
Convention Crashing Anime club members gear up for the year’s big convention by Claire Donaldson Opinion team In and around Detroit, anime and manga fans are buzzing with anticipation. From October 28 to 31, fans can find hundreds of cosplay characters clustered inside the Renaissance Center of Detroit. They go to dress up in extravagant wings, wigs that spill down to their knees, and cat ears. They go to discuss art styles, barter for plushies, and argue in the name of their favourite pairings. They go to partake in anime culture at the convention known as Youmacon. Manga, and especially anime, is everywhere, but there are a lot of people that don’t really understand what it is that makes it unique. Anime club president, Sarah McKinney, gives her own definition of what anime and manga are. “Manga is just the comic book version of anime, but it’s basically a different kind of series that’s made in Japan and is unique to that country.” McKinney said. But being from Japan is not the important difference to anime fans. Of course a large part of the convention is given to celebrate Japanese culture along with anime, but it is the style of storytelling that separates anime and manga from cartoons and comics. “It’s a really unique way of storytelling, because you see shows today in America sometimes that don’t really have a plot, or they go off in random
Words To Know
tangents, but anime has a specific story line to follow,” McKinney said. Not everyone can understand the kind of passion it takes to spend months creating a replica of a winged lion down to the last stitched whisker. This is especially true if they tend associate anime with big-eyed cartoon characters. “[People] might think anime is weird, because all they see are the zealous fans,” Senior Mitchell Johnson said. It is true that it is rare to find anyone who can match the enthusiasm found at an anime convention. This enthusiasm may even frighten those who are strangers to the world of Youmacon. “The people watching [is] the best. There are some costumes that are okay, and there are some that are really extravagant, and are best ever, and you just want to run up to the person and take their picture and glomp them,”Anime Club member and fan, Danielle Twarozynski, said. As a veteran Youmacon attendee, Twarozynski has made costumes of her own, spending the time and money to stitch the best cosplay she can. “The costume [this year] is easier than it was last year.” Twarozynski said. “Last year’s took six months, and this year’s has taken about a month or two.” In the end, all the time attendees spend to look their best pays off.
Cosplay: The term comes from the words “Costume Play”, and it means to dress up as a character from games, comics, or T.V. shows.
(illustration by Claire Donaldson)
According to Youmacon’s official web site, the convention offers a number of activities, other than the peoplewatching, to keep attendees occupied. They Glomp: a violent yet affectionate tackle hug. Well-dressed cosplayers beware.
Oh Deer!
are given three days to fill up on chewy rice pastries, drool over blown up fan art, watch skits, and play life-sized chess. The fact that a convention like Youmacon exists Kawaii: This is the japanese word for “cute”. it is often exclaimed moments before a glomp takes place.
is all the proof anime fans need; what was once a preference in entertainment choice has grown into its own culture. Otaku: In America this word is used to describe someone who is an avid fan of anime. If you know what Otaku means, then you probably are one.
Definitions from urbandictionary.com
Rodger creates hunting competition by Rob Sparks and Soumith Inturi Lifestyles/Opinion team
Results: If you answered mostly: A– The Artsy geniuses: (Art Club, National Art Honor Society, Anime Club, Improv Club, etc.) B– Outdoor workers: (Earth Advocates, Ski/Snowboard Club, Mountain Biking Club, etc.) C– Over-achievers: (Key Club, NHS, Spanish NHS, French NHS) Or Fluent foreigners: (Spanish Club, German Club, French Club) D– The geeks: (Youth in Government, Science Olympiad, Math Club, Business Professionals of America, Robotics, etc.) E– Influential leaders: Friends of Rachel Club
October 29, 2010
Tim Sparks pulling back a compound bow as he posed for the picture. (photo by Rob Sparks)
Buck hunting season, which began on Oct. 14 and continues through to Nov. 14, is now in full swing. In an attempt to get more students out this season, teacher Clint Rodgers is again hosting the buck board competition. In the past, this competition has given students the opportunity to flaunt their hunting prowess. This year is no different, with even the least experienced hunters upping their game. The pressure is on. “As I let go of the bow string, I closed my eyes and just really hoped I’d hit the deer,” senior Darby Barber said.
The deer in question walked “a couple of yards and fell down” after it was shot in the heart, according to Barber. “I was like ‘Oh my gosh! Did I really just shoot that deer?’” Barber said. Barber is the first hunter to post a picture on this years’ Big Buck Poster. Barber has only been a hunter for two years; however, she managed to down a six-point deer, which will aid her in the competition. Last year, this game did not involve competition. “Last year was mostly just a poster that I put a picture or two on, and students and teachers emailed me their pictures of their deer,” Clint Rodger, the
managing teacher of this game, said. The poster showcased the talents of hunters, some of whom have been hunting as part of a family tradition for years. “I mostly just competed within my family, you know just me, my dad, and my grandpa,” senior Jake Landuyt, one of last year’s Buck Board hunters, said. However, this year, Rodger, a hunter of seventeen years, has raised the stakes. For the second year of the Big Buck Poster, the hunters must strive to kill the biggest buck in order to win the prize, a gift certificate to Gander Mountain. “Even though I made this year’s poster more of a
competition, the real reason I made it is to show what other kids are involved in to the rest of the school,” Rodger said. In addition to showing off talents, the hunting competition encourages a healthy respect for nature. While hunting, students learn to respect the deer and use every part of it. Barber and Landuyt both said that they gut the deer first, then store it. Later, they smoke it and make a variety of food from it, such as jerky and steaks. So far, Barber is the only one to do this in the competition. It remains to be seen who else will join the game.
B2 SOURCE
THE
October 29, 2010
LIFESTYLES
Volunteer tutors at learning center by Nick Cruz / Julia Nagy Sports Team / co-Editor-in-Chief
The whole room’s miniatur- there are not enough hands ized for Castle’s class of 15 a lot of times when a child three-year-olds—the shelves, needs extra help. So that’s the chairs, the tables—but where our volunteers come “One, two, three, eyes on the kids have big hearts. in, to fill in those gaps.” Miss Kristie please,” lead “It’s the highlight of my day After snack time, the teacher Kristie Castle says because I’m so stressed out kids run to the shelves before passing out glazed in school, and then I see lit- stacked with toys and donuts and miniature cups tle kids running around and books. Isaac grabs “How Do filled with apple cider. “What they’re just so happy to see Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?” is our thank you song?” me,” Pastrana said. “They “Book?” Pastrana asks him, “Thank you, thank you all look so cute. You just opening her hands to resemfor this treat, that is very can’t be mad or frustrated.” ble a book. “Book? Book?” Castle’s “Ba ba sweet to eat,” a gaggle ba book,” of three-year-olds sing. happy too. he says, Senior Stephanie Pastrana “It’s wonplopping secures Isaac’s cider in a d e r f u l down on sippy cup as he takes a min- [ h a v i n g a miniaiature bite out of his donut. Stephanie ture, red Every Tuesday and Thurs- here] becouch. day, Pastrana volunteers at cause the in In the Children’s Choice Learning ratio m o r n Center. She’s been volun- this room 10:1, ings, Isaac teering there for a month is is “in his and a half. Children’s Choice and when own speprovides a place where chil- you have cial school dren can “learn and grow in a special w h e r e an environment that empha- n e e d s in they spesizes that learning is fun,” child cifically according to their website. this parfocus and Pastrana shadows Isaac, a ticular sitSenior Stephanie Pastrana work with special needs child who re- uation, it’s h i m , ” quires constant individual extremely accordattention. He’s non-verbal. h e l p f u l “He’s a really sweet kid,” to have somebody shadow ing to Castle. He then constantly because comes to Children’s Pastrana said. “At first it was him really hard because he didn’t she can work with him in- Choice in the afternoons. Castle said. “Since he started his proknow me, but now when I go dividually,” in, he’ll come up to me and Center Director Mary gram, he’s signing a little bit seconded that. more,” Castle said. “He is verhug me. When he’s having Lang his snack, he tries to talk to “Stephanie is a patient and balizing too; he’ll repeat what other kids and they’re like ‘I wonderful person,” Lang said. you say. He knows bye-bye, can’t understand you,’ but “She’s very helpful. We have he knows his name, so you’ll they still interact with him.” ratios in our classrooms, so hear him say ‘bye-bye Isaac!’”
“
It’s the highlight of my day because I’m so stressed out in school, and then I see little kids running around and they’re just so happy to see me.
Da Es y se Ca nt re ia ls
”
“One, two, three, eyes on Miss Kristie please,” Castle says. “Let me see those beautiful eyes. We’re going to go outside, but we need to clean up first.” The kids find a toy to put away as instructed, while Castle sings the clean up song from Barney. They then rush to their cubbies, put on their coats and line up in front of the door. The door opens and they stampede outside, giggling and screaming as they flood the jungle gym. “One day we went outside,” Pastrana said. “And they have this teeter totter. Isaac loves the teeter totter. He’s obsessed with it. I got another little girl on the other side. I said, ‘Hey, why don’t we sing a song.’ And we started singing the ABC song, and then Isaac starts saying the letter we just said. I was so proud of him.” Pastrana has found volunteering rewarding. “I like the satisfaction of being able to help out,” Pastrana said. “I want to major in child development. Actually being able to go out there and explore everything has been good.”
The Flip Trick One, two, three, eyes on me. It’s time to go play outside now, but we need to put our coats on. Learning the flip trick will help us do that.
1
Put the jacket on the floor in front of you, with the top facing your toesywozies
2
Put your arms in the holes
3
Flip ‘er over! Yay! You did it! Now you can go play outside!
Toys
Snacks
BE A NURSE! Health care professionals will be in greater demand than ever in the 21st Century, and a career in nursing offers the opportunity to acquire professional, technical, and practical skills, as well as problem-solving skills and the personal fulfillment you may be seeking.
Paint
Books
Scrub Nurse - Selecting and handling instruments and supplies used for the operation. Circulating Nurse - managing the overall nursing care in the operating room and helping to maintain a safe, comfortable environment. RN First Assistant - delivering direct surgical care by assisting the surgeon in controlling bleeding, providing wound exposure, and suturing during the actual procedure. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists– Providing 65% of all the anesthetics given in the US each year, cost-effective, high-quality patient care that is essential to America’s healthcare system, as anesthesia specialists, CRNA’s take care of patients before, during and after surgical or obstetrical procedures.
BE A NURSE!
Tissues
(photos by Nick Cruz and Julia Nagy)
For additional information: Crittenton Hospital Medical Center http://www.crittenton.com AORN, Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses http://www.aorn.org AANA, American Association of Nurse Anesthetists 847-692-7050 http://www.aana.com SGNA, Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates, Inc. 312-321-5165 http://www.sgna.org
Consider a career in the Perioperative Services Industry
THE
October 29, 2010
A natural state of mind
IN THE
SOURCE
LIFESTYLES
B3
O V E R H E A R D
H A L LW A Y S
You may never know what you may over hear in the hallways or class. Here’s a collection of conversation snippets.
“
I’m becoming more like Snooki everyday.
“ “
I’ll honestly eat that flour baby. A sexy teenage mutant ninja turtle, now that’s hot
“
When you are rich and famous can I come crash on your couch?
“
I wish the schools’ pool was filled with Jell-O.
(photo by Paige Efting)
Local and organic foods spike in popularity
by Derek Francis / Jenna Jonjua Lifestyles Team There is a new trend taking over Rochester. No, not over-the-knee boots; no, not the new Blizzard at Dairy Queen, but the new food revolution. Senior Valerie Adams has led a lifestyle of organic and locally grown food consumption from a young age. Other Rochester locals have adopted similar practices especially during this harvest season. “[The harvest season] definitely promotes locally grown foods,” junior Anna Rhode said, who formerly worked at Foggler’s Farm. “Instead of going to Kroger, people spend time at the orchards. This trend, however, is not a new one. According to Biodelice.com, in the early 1970s, what is now known as the organic food movement began with individuals becoming aware of the negative effects of chemicals on the environment and on their health. Chef and development manager for Trader Joe’s Grace Crowl attributes this spike in engaging in an organic lifestyle to increased awareness of the “organic movement.” “I think people are becoming more educated, therefore, they are becoming more knowledgeable on what they put in their bodies, persuading them to convert to an ‘organic’ life,” Crowl said. The benefits of this kind of lifestyle are plentiful. According to Crowl, many of those benefits include: Higher
H
t o
Jersey Shore
antioxidants being consumed, no hormones entering the body, higher levels of omega-3 and omega-6 in every bite, fewer obese people and obesity-causing products. In addition, there is no fertilizer used in the harvesting process, and the cattle used to produce the meat and poultry are raised on grassy fields rather than in cages. Rhode feels the benefits of organic food choices. “I feel healthier,” Rhode said. “When I eat organic food, it helps me make better choices throughout the day. Whether it’s my golf game or being motivated in school, healthy food choices put a kick in my day.” Adams agrees. “Growing up, my family was very considerate of the environment,” Adams said. “We always kept it in mind [when]
“knowing
Country music
It comes from just what you do is helping the world, community, and the environment
making decisions, and it has just made me think about the environment in my day to day choices.” Organic and local foods are not limited to mere healthful benefits. According to Foodroutes.org, buying local food keeps money circulating in the community, as well as building strong relationships of trust between family farms and buyers. “It’s true that people may not benefit directly in an economic sense from buying local,” Adams said, “But it provides these great benefits to the community, and I think that’s what will heal Michigan’s economy.” Besides benefits in health and the economy, buying local food helps the environment. According to Foodroutes.org, local food does not release as many carbon emissions because the food does not have to be transported long distances. It also makes farming more profitable, therefore reducing the number of developmental properties being built on farmland. “Aside from health, it’s a complete mood booster,” Adams said. “It comes from just knowing what you do is helping the world, community, and the environment. A lot of people think they alone, as individuals, have no impact on the world. I think that one individual can have a huge impact on the world.”
”
Senior Valerie Adams
Michigan State football
UofM football
No
The Jazz music Challenge: Cut Throat
t
“
How do you say juicy in Spanish? I’m trying to describe Brad Pitt.
“ “
Sorry I’m on a man diet.
Little kids standing on the side walk giving the finger to any one that drives by with a smile on their face.
B4 SOURCE Haunted houses give a fright THE
October 29, 2010
LIFESTYLES
Be afraid, be very afraid! With the ghosts and ghouls Source has created a difficult equation used to judge of Halloween rising from their graves, they have cho- the best of the best haunted houses around, so that sen the best haunted houses around Rochester for stu- students can find the scariest house in the land. dents to visit. Traveling from all around the globe, The
Erebus Haunted House Deep inside the heart of Pontiac rests a spooky black and red warehouse. What rests inside during winter through summer no one knows, but during fall, it transforms into the world’s largest haunted house, Erebus. At the door, a monster overhangs to greet you, and welcomes you to enter at any risk.
Scare Factor 1-5: 5 Price: $22.00 Location (miles): 14.13 Adventure Time: about 45 min. Levels and Floors: 4 floors Total: 229.14
Armada is home to what some call the spookiest barn in the west. Blake’s Apple Orchard is not just famous for their cider, but for the spooks they give to kids and adults of all ages, especially on the weekends. Don’t forget about the haunted hayride and the new Spookyland that’s full of fun games and a bunch of different animated attractions.
3 different haunts, and 3 jaw dropping, heart stopping areas for scare happen every fall in Lapeer. Past Tense After Dark has a special story behind it according to their website, but to find out more, you will have to attend it yourself. The house consists of 53 foot trailers put together, creating a narrow row full of scares. Will you be able to make it out of all three alive?
Scare Factor: 4 Price: 13.00 Location (miles): 40.53 Adventure Time: 40 minutes Levels and Floors: unknown Total: 152.7
Blake’s Orchard
Scare Factor: 4 Price: $20.00 Location (miles): 15.82 Adventure Time: 40 min. Levels and Floors: 1 floor Total: 156.4
Also, at the other end of Pontiac, a place so real, that former workers have reported hearing and seeing things happening before it opens. The Realm of Darkness almost gives a description in name alone. Dare to enter the realm, and face the consequences every weekend before Halloween.
Past Tense After Dark
St. Lucifer’s Asylum A place where crazy people are sent is an insane asylum. Experience first hand the electroshock asylum of St. Lucifer’s. The patients run rampant through the buildings, following people and shouting words and sayings no one understands. This place is for people who hate hospitals, as St. Lucifer’s gives the feeling of being at a hospital gone mad.
The Realm of Darkness
Scare Factor: 2 Price: 19.95 for hayride and house Location (miles): 19.71 Adventure Time: 20 min. for house, 20 min. -for hayride. Levels and Floors: 3 story barn Total: 116.2
Scare Factor: 4 Price: 18.00 for all 3 Location (miles): 32.21 Adventure Time: 1 hour Levels and Floors: 1 floor, hayride, and maze. Total: 144.0
Slaughtered at Sundown In the middle of no where, as a lot of people put it, sits Slaughtered at Sundown, smack dab in Armada. With cider and donuts after the haunted house or hayride, all your spooks go away when it hits your lips. Don’t worry when one of the actors jumps up on the hayride, but don’t be afraid to scream either because it’s hard not too.
Scare Factor: 3 Price: 20.00 for hayride and house Location (miles): 16.17 Adventure Time: 30 min. for house, 30 min. for hayride. Levels and Floors: 1 floor for house Total: 112.6
(compiled by Max White, Scottie Shermetaro, and Anne Marie Barry)
A ghoulish guide happy havoc Keep kids happy with these candies Trick or Treat? Given the option, many kids may not pick the latter if the proper candy is not offered at each available household. Different lame neighbors believe that toothbrushes and pennies are proper substitutions for candy. These neighbors
are the ones who will get tricked, tee-peed, or will even wake up to omelets cooking on their cars and porches. A paradise from the tar and feathering they truly deserve. In order to avoid these travesties, there are candies that must be dispersed.
Kit Kat
Twix Pro: Two desserts in one. Con: Unfortunately, they can’t actually pause time. Bummer.
Baby Ruth Ability to get caught in teeth: Guaranteed Pro: Baseball appeal. Con: Hard to converse with constrained jaws.
Pro: Cool jingle. Con: Melts rapidly.
THE
October 29, 2010
SOURCE A completely foolproof costume guide
LIFESTYLES
People are always trying to be original with their costumes. Here’s a hint: don’t be. Just follow this completely serious—definitely not satiric—guide, and you’ll survive. You won’t be laughed at, mocked, or given all the bad
B5
candy. You may get lots of high-fives, giggling admirers, and flowers thrown at your feet. Warning: There aren’t any refunds and this does not come with a Guaranteed-or-Your-Money-Back policy.
Hot
Not Females
Princess Costume
Neytiri Avatar Princess
At least you know she’s not a gold digger.
Nerds should stay at conventions where they belong.
Nurse
Anything with more than a yard of fabric
She’ll ask before draining your blood.
FBI Agent
Working professionals are always hotter when they’re being objectified.
A quarter of that could have made three costumeless girls very happy.
Clown
Clowns look sad for a reason: they are not attractive.
Hot
e to c
Males
Iron Man
Average Joe
Fighter Pilot
Hippie
What better way to show off those muscles of iron? (artwork by Claire Donaldson and Sarah Dittrich)
He’s fly like a G6. Does anyone even know what that means?
Snicker’s
Skittle’s Pro: The rainbow. Con: Sorry, no pot of gold.
Not
Ability to get caught in teeth: High Calories: 275 Pro: Caramel delight. Con: Peanuts kill.
(compiled by Scottie Shermetaro)
Fireman He’s so hot that you may just get burned.
Gangster
It’s the one time your parents won’t make you wear a belt.
This look doesn’t say, “I don’t believe in conformity and am being ironic.” It says, “I’m lazy.”
If you are being authentic, then you probably smell.
Basketball Player Jocks don’t take kindly to posers.
Big Baby No one plans on changing your diapers.
(compiled by Claire Donaldson and Sarah Dittrich) (photos by Chandler Clay)
B6SOURCE
THE
October 29, 2010
OPINION
Pseudo-Community Service Students do community service to improve applications
At face value, students appear to be devoted to making a mark on the community around them. It appears that the stupendous dedication to community service stems from a craving to improve the world. This is deceptive. Real life reveals that most students are devoted to making a mark on their college applications. The stupendous dedication to community service stems from a coveting to improve a status. Because college is the priority in the high school environment, community service clubs pervert the true meaning of community service.
the S TA F F E D
Ironically, the fact that we’re in high school means that college consumes many aspects of our lives. There are the parents, the pressure, the GPAs. We’re told we need good grades, good test scores, some standing commitments, and community service. Community service turns into a requirement to fill and thus a detrimental cycle begins. Membership in community service clubs becomes hypocritical and ineffective. The clubs then help put our lives, as high school students, even further out of perspective. We have the largest Key Club in Michigan. Face value says that this is wonderful news. Real life asks what we have to show for it. In order to be considered a member of Key Club, students need to attain 150 points by the end of the year. The easiest way to attain 150 points is to donate pop-can tabs and to volunteer for a couple of events. Students turn in a point sheet at the end of every quarter so that progress can be assessed. The claim that our Key Club helps the community may be accepted, but mainly due to our power in numbers as individual members do very little. Pop-can tabs–many of which were purchased online–are piling up to be donated. Events–the ones that fall right before the end of a quarter–do sporadically have student volunteers. Most members participate in events until they have enough points to be considered a member; enough points to write “Key Club” on their college applications. National Honors Society can be seen from a similar perspective. The criteria to become a member of NHS, another club for college resumes, is a 3.4 GPA and what is called community service. Most students do the bare minimum to account for the requirements. Community service presented as a requirement forces us to live our lives out of perspective. ”‘Mandatory volunteerism’ is a contradiction in terms,” according to The George Lucas Educational Foundation. Requiring students to volunteer takes all meaning out of volunteering. We should be following our passions and having what positive influences on the world that we can. High school students are filled with passion as seen on the field, the track, the stage, the arts, the compositions, etc. This pseudo-community service seems to cover up any passion for helping the world that might have existed. After filling our requirements for college, the mind set becomes “Why would I waste any more time doing this?” instead of, “Wow, I really can make a difference.” “Making a difference” and “changing the world” are phrases now considered cliché. The first definition of “community service” on Dictionary.com says, “A punitive sentence that requires a convicted person to perform unpaid work for the community in lieu of imprisonment.” The problem extends beyond high school. We mirror the faulty perspectives of the rest of the world as expressed by this definition. The meaning of community service is lost in our world today as personal reasons for doing community service blind us from its true meaning. In the high school setting, these “community service” clubs do not promote true community service. Rather, because we join them only for college applications, the clubs force us to stray from the purity “volunteering” implies.
Staff Vote: Do students do community service only for college applications?
Agree: 26 Disagree: 3 Undecided: 10
Editorial Policy We, the Stoney Creek Source staff, produce this publication to accomplish the following goals: The Source will serve as a means of communication between students, teachers, and members of the community. We will respect all opinions and will present them in an unbiased and tasteful manner. The Source will inform and entertain readers and address trends and issues important to its audience. Although we are a student publication produced by the Journalism II class, we will strive to make The Source accurate and truthful and to adhere to all standards of professional journalism. We recognize and respect the privileges given to us under the First Amendment, including freedom of speech and of the press. The Source is a forum for student expression and we, the students on the staff, have the editorial authority to make our own content decisions. We will provide a sounding board for the student body and the community; therefore, the opinions expressed in by-lined opinion articles and letters should not be considered to be the opinions of the entire newspaper staff, the advisor, the school administration, or the student body as a whole.
What do you think? Write us!
LETTER POLICY: Letters to the editor and guest articles and art may be submitted to Mrs. Gayle Martin in Room C285. All letters, articles and art must be signed. Names may be withheld upon request.
On the left, Trisha William’s sixth hour class takes advantage of the media center resources and on the right a Thursday afternoon is simulated. The media center has already been closed during past Thursdays. (photos by Rob Sparks)
Media center closing goes unnoticed by Rohan Arepally Opinion Team The library is closed on Thursdays, and I couldn’t care less. The media center is a bountiful place filled with educational resources waiting to benefit students. However, over the years, my impression of the media center has digressed from being a place of learning to a place for avoiding. Last year, two media center assistants retired from the district. Because of the budget, the district decided to rotate our current media center assistant from school to school instead of hiring two new ones. In result, the media center is closed on Thursdays because our media center assistant is working at another school. What does this mean for students? Students can no longer come in early to school nor can they stay late to use the library’s resources. I think it’s safe to say no one is disappointed. Constantly, I hear my peers complaining about coming to school so early in the mornings. To some students, sleeping in on a school day is like winning the lottery. Moreover, after school, seniors and juniors can be seen racing to their respective parking lots as they eagerly try to escape to their homes. As for me, I’ve been in the library twice this year, once for a NHS meeting and once to interview Judy Freels, a media center administrator, for this article. I won’t be missing anything on Thursdays and neither will any of my classmates. In all honesty, I think the district made the right decision. Prices of the parking passes and sports fees are being raised drastically every year; the parking pass price was raised by 60 dollars and sports
grrr!
fees now have to be paid for each sport. It’s no secret that the district is in need of funds. The smart and right decision is to reduce facilities that aren’t necessary. The library is also closed during one lunch period on Thursdays. Our lunch periods are 30 minutes long and kids relish the short duration of time they aren’t spending by studying. Sacrificing lunch time is like sacrificing our constitutional rights; it’s absurd and the time to study won’t be missed. Most of the time, students are in the media center because their teachers booked the media center for class that day. The media center is still open for classes to use during the day so this won’t hinder a class’s education at all, so it isn’t all a loss. There are only a few reasons why I or any other student would go into the library independently. One: the student had to print out an assignment due the next hour, because he or she forgot to do it at home. Two: the student had to interview a library faculty member. Three: the student was a freshman and got lost. “There are three options. The media center time can be restored to full hours, stay the same, or be reduced even more,” said media center faculty member Judy. Whatever the decision may be, it won’t affect many of the students in any way whatsoever. To help students cope with this sudden change, I advise everyone to learn how to print their worksheets at home or at the Rochester Hills public library on Wednesday nights.
prrr!
Get Your Act Together
Quarter one ends on Nov. 5 this year. You have a week for those grades...
Selected to Survive
Students taking Wilderness Survival now need to apply for the November canoeing trip. Before you pack your bags, fill out your application... pagelong essay included.
Michigan Looses Again
The University of Michigan football team lost to State for the third year in a row.
League Champions
The cross country team dominated in its final league jamboree on Oct. 21. The runners will race at regional as OAA White Division League Champs!
Hurray for Gore!
Students rolled up their sleeves and donated blood and saved lives on Oct. 21.
State Football Dominates U of M
The Michigan State football team defeated U of M for the third year in a row. Go Spartans!
Co-Editors in Chief:
Opinion Team:
Sports Team:
Julia Nagy
Kevin Adams Lindsey Scullen
Team:
Monica Nowak Maxwell White
Sarah Dittrich
School Team: Editors:
Stephanie Siewert Soumith Inturi
Team:
Marnier Peeples Nicholas Diamond Colleen Kill Soo Jin Chun Dan Moore Danielle Linihan Julia Nagy David Hanna
Mailing address: The Source, 575 Tienken Rd., 48306 E-mail: gmartin@rochester.k12.mi.us
Editors:
Rohan Arepally Chandler Clay Kelsey Jackson Claire Donaldson
Lifestyles Team: Editors:
Anne Marie Barry Catherine Foster
Team:
Zach Francis Derek Francis Courtney Bourgoin Scott Shermetaro Robert Sparks Paige Efting Sarah Dittrich
Editors: Team:
Nick Cruz Emma Guschewski Jenna Jonjua Jill Kelly Christine Kim Dylan Wilcox Matthew Pitlock Damian Rotarov Stephanie Siewert Christiana Tanner
Photo Editor: Paige Efting
Adviser:
Gayle Martin
Members National Scholastic Press Association Michigan Interscholastic Press Association
THE
October 29, 2010
SOURCE
OPINION
“The Angry Mayor”
Virg Bernero in Brief Running mate (Lieutenant Governor): Brenda Lawrence Graduated from Adrian College in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Currently lives in Lansing Former member of the Michigan House of Representatives, former Michigan State Senator, current mayor of Lansing
VIRG BERNERO
DEMOCRAT
to
(pho
Bernero’s Stances
by used
REPUBLICAN
“One Tough Nerd” Rick Snyder in Brief Running mate (Lieutenant Governor): Brian Calley Graduated from University of Michigan with his Juris Doctorate and Masters of Business Administration in 1982 Currently lives in Ann Arbor Businessman, economic development leader, former CEO of Gateway Computers
n)
paig
of sion
am ro C
e
Bern
is
perm
Abortion: Government should not interfere in the relationship between a woman and her doctor. Abortion should be the choice of the mother. Taxes and the Economy: Small businesses must be promoted as they are where the bulk of new jobs will be created. This includes offering tax incentives for prospective businesses that come to Michigan. Environment and Renewable Energy: Oil and gas will continue to be part of Michigan’s energy supply. However, a strong focus must be placed on developing green energy sources. Education: A strong public education system is the cornerstone for the economy. This education will help shape the future business leaders and benefit the economy. Immigration: The Arizona Immigration bill was misguided, and immigrants contribute to all aspects of American life.
Snyder’s Stances
a ey J
and
Ch
Cla
y)
RICK SNYDER
Kels d by e l i mp (Co
n ckso
ler and
(According to www.votevirg.com)
Gubernatorial Polling Results 50%
VIRG BERNERO
10%
RICK SNYDER
20%
RICK SNYDER VIRG BERNERO
Percent of Vote
40%
30%
State-Wide School-Wide
B7
The 2010 Midterm Election on Nov. 2 will yield a new governor for Michigan. Two gubernatorial hopefuls, Re(ph oto publican Rick Snyder and Democrat Virg use db Bernero, are vying for the governor’s seat that yp erm currently belongs to Democrat Jennifer Granholm. issi on Running his campaign under the guise of “One Tough of S nyd Nerd,” Snyder is working to steal the executive seat from Demoer C am cratic rule. pai gn) Will this nerd prevail? Or is the governor’s seat destined to be occupied by Virg Bernero, an experienced Democratic politician? The public weighs in on these questions, the candidates, the future of our state.
Y IN E N Students O S T H S IG sound of f
Debate in Review
Memorable quotes from the October 12, 2010 Gubernatorial Debate. “Helping Chinese businesses to compete and win? Yet you want to be our governor? What about Michigan workers? What about the 630,000 Michiganders looking for work? Mr. Snyder, how could you?” Virg Bernero “You don’t [create jobs] by being in government. It is hard work to create a job. Let’s get our government out of the way. We have a ‘closed for business’ sign up in Michigan right now.” Rick Snyder
“I would vote for Virg Bernero because he lets people be themselves. [Democrats] think of the bigger picture instead of just themselves.”
Senior Chris Oskoian
Senior Marta Kuczynski (photo by Chandler Clay)
(According to www.rickformichigan.com)
“Michigan needs a change. It has been stuck in Democratic rule for too long!”
“I would vote for Rick Snyder because he can relate to the working class of Michigan and cater to their needs.”
E on this year’s WGubernatorial election
Abortion: No funding or tax dollars should go toward abortions. The only exception to a pro-life ideology is pregnancy as a result of incest or rape. Taxes and the Economy: Reform Michigan’s unreliable budgeting system and eliminate harmful taxes such as the Michigan Business Tax (MBT) to benefit business. Environment and Renewable Energy: Protect Michigan’s beautiful environment and the many resources and industries involved in it. Education: Michigan’s education system needs to be reformed because it is not effective even though large amounts of money have been poured into it. Immigration: Illegal immigration should be made impossible, and legal immigration encouraged. It is the federal government’s responsibility to secure our borders.
(photo by Chandler Clay)
Radicalism in Religion
Senior Matt Caloura (photo by Chandler Clay)
Protests an invasion of privacy, go too far by Dan Moore
School Team A sign at a soldiers’ funeral reads, “God hates the U.S. Thank God for 9/11.” These words are only one example of the despicable language used by the Phelps’ and their church at the private funerals of our soldiers. The Phelps family and its church are now engaged in a Supreme Court case, Snyder v. Phelps, dealing with this language whether or not is protected speech. In the case, Snyder v. Phelps, the fundamentalist church, called the Westboro Baptist Church, is defending a ruling made by the appellate court that they have the right to protest at soldiers’ funerals. Snyder, whose son was a Marine killed in combat, was originally awarded 10 million dollars for damages done by the protests and is appealing the ruling. This case must balance the freedom of speech with the right to privacy, but this is a no-brainer. These events are private funerals, and not only that, but they are for our soldiers
who died to keep the U.S. free, and reported the Washington Post. who deserve to be put to rest in peace. Society does not gain anything from This family has been described these protests and they begin to as “a hate-spewing mini-mob that infringe upon the right to privacy. The behavior exhibited here is not targets the funerals of a dead soldier” by Adam Cohen of Time Magazine. something that should be overlooked. These attacks Such actions target the serve no benefit to the nation Snyder v. Phelps Supreme Court Case families of our soldiers and and only hurt the those involved. Who? Kansas pastor Fred Phelps is being tarnish sued by Albert Snyder. memory of their If there was loved ones. As one real reason What? Snyder’s son was a Marine whose funeral was protested by Phelps the father of to allow this after his death in Mar. 2006. one soldier put speech, I would it, who happens understand. But When? The Supreme Court case began during the month of October. to be the man these actions have malicious Where? The funeral took place in Westmin- who started this ster, Maryland and the case is now litigation, he intent and are being heard in the Supreme Court. had “one chance meant to rile to bury my son, up emotions. Why? Phelps protested at the funeral, stating that the Marine’s death and they took The Phelps was an act of God’s wrath. This the dignity family did led to Snyder’s father suing away from it” not randomly Phelps on the grounds of hate according to decide to picket speech and invasion of privacy. the Washington funerals either. P o s t . The Phelps (According to www.citmedialaw.org) This is not family chooses an isolated funerals because “demonstrating at funerals gets the incident in the slightest. Since 1991, most public and media attention” 43,000 protests have been organized
to protest the tolerance for gays in America, according to the Washington Post. If there were an isolated incident it would be understandable to let this go, but these protests open the door for future protests by anyone who wants attention. The Phelps’ argument for this socalled “free speech,” is that these statements address matters of public concern such as gay marriage or the wars in the Middle East. Yet, there are many other better times and places for protest to occur. An exception to free speech must be made for a funeral or else there is no safe haven for the people of the U.S. to mourn and say their final goodbyes. A funeral cannot be repeated. Once it has been destroyed and the family has suffered, nothing can be done. Our country prides itself on knowing when free speech must be protected and when it has gone too far. This is obviously the latter. The Supreme Court should carefully craft its opinion, in order not to go too far. The Supreme Court should explicitly say that these types of protests are not protected speech and should indeed be restricted.
B8 SOURCE
THE
October 29, 2010
LIFESTYLES
THE
BOMB
Facebook apocalypse approaches It is rumored that the popular social networking site Facebook will be shut down for a two week period sometime in November. A shutdown of this nature would surely cause uproar in the Rochester area, as well as the rest of the world. Students would experience withdrawals
from their lifeline to society. With no connection to civilization, what would become of our community? The events below are a part of an incredibly realistic simulation of a worst-case scenario disaster. All information has been researched in detail and should only be used in a life-threatening situation.
Nov. 19 - 12:00 p.m. Facebook goes offline. 12:01 Math teacher, Ryan Slomka checks
encrypted into Facebook’s core programming. Zuckerberg authorizes his tech team to make Facebook available again, but several of them have been let go. Without the labor to complete this, Facebook remains offline.
3:00
In Washington D.C., the White House is also on edge. President Obama’s cabinet, as well as both members from the House of Representatives and the Senate, are hysterical. All top-secret and classified documents are sent through Facebook messages nowadays and with Facebook out of commission our government is at a standstill.
Facebook at lunch but cannot access his favorite social networking site. He blames the troubles on the school’s weak wi-fi signals.
Upon returning from work, Slomka realizes that something is wrong. Facebook is not working at his Rochester Hills home either.
3:15
Panicked, Slomka whips out his cell phone and begins dialing all his friends to see if they’re experiencing similar issues. Only a dial tone rings in his ear. The phone lines are clogged.
3:30 Speeding out of his sub-division, Slomka is baffled by
the scene unfolding before him. The roadways are dangerous and filled with other fear-stricken citizens. In hopes that Rochester Community Schools still has access to the internet, Slomka drives through the madness back to work.
4:04 Slomka arrives. He notices the crowd of people forming
near the football field. Nearby, local businesses like George’s and Papa Joe’s are closing in fear of riots. Shopkeepers continue to board up their windows as the sound of shattering glass begins to echo through the air. The mass of unhappy people gathering promises to lead to destruction.
4:40
The bustle is becoming too much to handle. Adrenaline flows through students and administrators alike. As Slomka wades through the sea of people he accidentally bumps into fellow educator Todd Miesch. Upset, Miesch turns and swings violently into the crowd, striking a frustrated, yet innocent, man. The pushing and shoving of a schoolyard tussle ensue and similar altercations begin breaking out all throughout the parking lot.
5:00
Violent outbursts are increasing. Citizens downtown are in a state of shock. People run through the streets blindly, afraid for their lives; cars are left abandoned mid-road; a broken fire hydrant spews water through the sky and floods the Speedway parking lot.
5:20
The Rochester Hills Police Department has been called in to handle the situation. They arrive on the scene, tranquilizers at their disposal, to assess the situation. They unknowingly drive into the center of a riot.
5:50
The first shots are fired. Police are attempting to apprehend the crazed crowd, but to no avail. Windows are being smashed, computers are being thrown and fires are breaking out in all locations. Our humble city is in complete chaos.
Meanwhile…Facebook
CEO Mark Zuckerberg is contacted; his company is in danger of going out of business. MySpace’s stock has risen 350 points and Facebook’s has dropped to zero. Thousands of Facebook employees have lost their jobs due to the “auto-layoff” function
6:00
6:12
While the interior is in alarm, the exterior of the President’s home is being circled by thousands of angry protestors. They want to know who caused the Facebook shutdown. They need answers and President Obama needs a scapegoat.
7:30
Now surrounded, President Obama issues a statement to the public. He declares war on Canada, blaming the catastrophe on our northern neighbors. He claims in his statement that Canada infiltrated the Internet and physically stole Facebook’s operating files from the United States. The general public accepts this highly credible story and throws their support to our men and women in uniform.
8:00
A draft is instated and young men and women ages 16 to 30 are flown up to the great white north to fight for their Facebook, just as their ancestors fought for their freedom.
8:45 Back in Rochester, the group of refugees at the football
field has diminished. Many have already been taken from their friends and family to go north to Canada. The lucky few who remain sit and warm themselves by a large fire at center field. They have formed a “colony” and have banded together to survive the shutdown, with Slomka at the head.
9:48 The colony is low on supplies to begin with, and
as their numbers grow, food supplies dwindles. Slomka and a group of brave colonists journey out to find a meal. Searching through the wreckage, they examine abandoned cars and investigate unsupervised buildings. Main Street is in shambles. Fires crackle inside The Factory and Rojo as sirens ring in the distance. Not a sign of life is visible as the refugees explore what has become of their city.
Nov. 20 - 8:00 a.m.
Facebook comes back online. The shutdown is over. Unshowered citizens cheer and embrace in the streets, now again socially connected. All in all the damages were tremendous. Thousands of people lost their jobs. MySpace’s stock rose over 1500 points and damages to the downtown Rochester area alone total over $1.1 million. The war with Canada is in motion and cannot be stopped; the death toll is over three and a half thousand and still rising. While all the above events are fictitious, as November approaches we all must wait and hope this cruel fate doesn’t become a reality. (by Kevin Adams and Catherine Foster)
‘The Social Network’ a disappointment by Kevin Adams / Catherine Foster Opinion Team / Lifestyles Team
Drama. People thrive on drama, and in today’s world, Facebook is the best place to create it. The movie, “The Social Network” goes hand in hand with drama and the popularity that comes with it. But all of the drama can’t make up for the sheer boredom of the film. The movie is not about the effects of Facebook but rather the motive of one man and what drives him to success. This one man Mark Zuckerberg, the creator of Facebook, is a computer geek from Harvard looking to rise in social status through other people and organizations. Zuckerberg’s whole ambition in life is to gain popularity, which is the motive that started Facebook. Eduardo Savarin, Zuckerberg’s best friend, helps him out by providing the company with financial assistance. Zuckerberg later flings aside Savarin for Sean Parker, the creator of Napster. Zuckerberg, in turn, is faced with numerous lawsuits due to his selfish motives. While the movie was very informative and displayed the process of Zuckerberg’s success, the movie lacked pure entertainment. This movie, while masterfully directed, would be better classified as a documentary rather than a Hollywood motion picture. “The Social Network” was bogged down with too much computer lingo, making the dialogue and scenes difficult to understand. A movie should be more mindless, allowing people to relax instead of feeling like they are sitting in a Calculus 11 class trying to decipher the professor.
Zuckerberg and Savarin stand outside the Billl Gates seminar at Harvard University. This was the first time they were recognized as the creators of Facebook. (photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures)
The movie was also predictable. The constantly switching point of view, from Zuckerberg to Savarin in college, to the lawyers in the court room, leaves little to the auidence as to what would happen next. These constant flashbacks kept the story line from a natural progression causing viewers to never fully get into the movie. The lack of connection with the characters also disrupted the movie-going experience since all characters were portrayed as selfish, arrogant snobs. This purely lowered our fondness of the film. If you want drama, stay home. Facebook has more drama than “The Social Network” does. (Artwork by Claire Donaldson and Sarah Dittrich)