ThE
Volume 54
Spartan BaNNER
November 2015
Issue 4
DECA Dishes Out Dreams
What’s Inside:
BEHS Star Sam SantiagoLloyd-pg 2 The Problem with Processed Meat-pg 2 Art Musuem Re-opens-pg 3
By Emily Rouse, Staff Writer
Thanksgiving Poll-pg 3 Bernie Sanders-pg 4 Pit Problems-pg 4
DECA’s debut year at Brookfield East has been busy yet fulfilling. DECA is an organization that focuses on preparing emerging entrepreneurs for the real world. They do this through four main pillars: finance, marketing, hospitality/tourism, business management, and administration. However, DECA also has a second purpose: giving back to the community through service. DECA’s first act of community service was
the Halloween Food Drive. The Halloween Food Drive is like trick or treating, except for canned goods. On Wednesday, October 28th, DECA members piled into cars and hit the nearest subdivisions. Members jumped out of cars, ran up to doors, and placed a Sendik's bag with a note inside on the handle. The note inside explained what DECA was doing, and asked that people filled the bags with canned goods. Two days later, on Oc-
tober 30th, these DECA members went back to the subdivisions to pick the bags up. The Halloween Food Drive was a success, bringing food to those who need it at the New Berlin food pantry. DECA is advised by Joe Seaman, and is led by Danny Smerz (president), Claire Davis (VP of Community Service), Megan Dehn (VP of Finance), Jacob Dwinell (VP of Business Partnerships), Nina Galang (VP of Competition),
Zander Roeschen (VP of Communication), and Emily Rouse (VP of Membership). DECA has further plans to better the community, with intentions on focusing on veterans and even more specifically, playing a large role in the Spartan Union here at Brookfield East. DECA plans on being part of the café by helping work the shop, market it to the student body, and help keep finances in balance.
DECA Members in the Halloween Food Drive Matthew Peterman, Mr Seaman, Claire Dwinell, Addison Parr, Danny Smerz, Sarah Smerz , Zander Roeschen, Megan Dehn, Claire Davis, Jacob Dwinell, Tin Le, Konrad Temlitz, Vince Zimmerman, Joe Adams and Alek Tyler. Photo Credit: DECA
Mars - More Than Just a Candy Bar
By Sara Kalupa, Staff Writer With all the hype of human settlement on Mars, speculation on the conditions of the Martian environment and its disputes to even hold human life have increased exponentially over the last year. Finally, a hard discovery has validated all of the spending on research: the discovery of water on Mars. However, the discovery of water may not be as you think. Instead of the traditional idea of a freestanding ocean, the water on Mars can be found in a series of hydrogenated salts. The report published in the September issue of Nature Geoscience, and headed by the Georgia issue
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of Technology, was initially discovered by noticing streaks of discoloration on the surface of the red planet. These streaks were identified as salts that were super hydrated with water and shift seasonally, reflecting the winds present on Mars. The salts themselves are comprised of various perchlorates, which, from previous explorations, are known to make up most of the soil on Mars. The downhill flow of these salts, known as recurring slope lineae, are associated with the flow of liquid water. So what does this mean for our understanding of the universe? John Grunsfeld, astronaut and associate ad-
ministrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington states: “Our quest on Mars has been to ‘follow the water,’ in our search for life in the universe, and now we have convincing science that validates what we’ve long suspected. This is a significant development, as it appears to confirm that water -- albeit briny -- is flowing today on the surface of Mars.” As for the state of life on Mars, the possible discovery of water has elevated Mars to a list of nine planets thought to contain water, as well as possible biological life. This list includes several moons of Jupiter, as well as Pluto, which
was recently discovered to have evidence of water based on data from the New Horizons probe. More discoveries are thought to be forthcoming on the red planet: the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) is continuing its revolutions around Mars and sending significant data back to earth. Rich Zurek, MRO project scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, lauds the probe for its accurate calculations that led to this discovery. “The ability of MRO to observe for multiple Mars years with a payload able to see the fine detail of these features has enabled findings
such as these,” Zurek writes, “ first identifying the puzzling seasonal streaks and now making a big step towards explaining what they are.” Michael Myers, lead scientist for NASA’s Mars Exploration Program, states: “It took multiple spacecraft over several years to solve this mystery, and now we know there is liquid water on the surface of this cold, desert planet.” This statement exemplifies the vastness and mysteriousness of space. Truly the final frontier, the discovery of water on Mars has not only made biological life possible but has also brought the question of Man’s place in the universe.
Spartan Banner — November 2015
SPORTS
BEHS Star: Sam Santiago-Lloyd By Sarah Bachman, Staff Writer
Over the past three years, junior Samuel SantiagoLloyd has made an impression on the Brookfield East community with his immense success on the Spartan football team. This season, he broke many records: most rushing yards in a game, most touchdowns in a season, and currently most touchdowns in a career. Sam’s success has also earned him Greater Metro Conference Offensive Back and Defensive Back of the year, first team all state running back, and first team all state linebacker. He has been on the team since he was a freshman, but coming back from a collarbone and ankle injury that hindered his first two years, the dynamic was much different for him this season. Sam also gave an insight to the emotions he’s experienced the past few years. “I started as the youngest kid on the team, and I had a lot of pressure on me to perform well, which was always pretty nerve wrecking.” But he quickly acclimated to the team environment, for as he added that his favorite part about Spartan football is
“being a part of a winning team with such a great group of guys that are truly all my friends.” When asked about his accomplishments in the past three years, Santiago-LLoyd points out that his keys to success are “never being satisfied, and always looking for a way to improve myself and my team.” One accomplishment he pointed out as the highlight of the season was his “game winning touchdown in overtime against Brookfield Central that led our team to the third round of playoffs.” Yet, this achievement has not quenched Sam’s thirst for improvement, as he is already making goals for next season. “Next year, my major goals for the team are to win Conference, beat Central, make it to the playoffs, and ultimately be better than this season.” Sam’s goals for his future beyond football in high school are uncertain at the moment, and he says that he is “honestly just going with the flow and seeing what schools are interested in [him].” In his free time, Sam enjoys listening to Drake, hanging out with friends, and exploring social media.
He particularly favors Snapchat and Twitter, and his favorite Snapchat mystory this month was “when Will Schmidt said Jude Shafer looked like a broom. That was pretty funny,” and his favorite tweet is “I like when you smile, but I love when I’m the reason.” When asked if he had any special girls in his life, Sam admitted that “to be honest I’ve always kinda loved Aubrey, but my #1 girl will always be my mom.” Finally, he discussed his pregame rituals, which consisted of going over to Will Schmidt’s house and eating hot dogs. While Sam Santiago-LLoyd has proven himself to be an astounding athlete through his numerous achievements and awards, he is still a high school boy who enjoys eating hotdogs and scrolling through Twitter.
Sam Santiago Lloyd running during one of many Varisity Football games he has participated in.
The Problem With Processed Meat By Nikhita Santebennur, Staff Writer
The Student Fan Section cheered on the Brookfield East Boys’ Volleyball game at State on November 14th. The students hold up the number one for one more point. Photo Credit: Akaash Tumuluri
WHAT YOU’VE MISSED
Varsity Girls Volleyball star Louise Kiekhofer jumps for the ball at the Germantown game. She will be playing volleyball at UW-Milwaukee next year. Photo Credit: BEHS Yearbook Staff
Senior Will Schmidt catches a football at the East-Central Playoff game on Friday October 30th. The team won 31-34 scoring one final touchdown during overtime. This was the first East-Central playoff game in over a decade. Photo Credit: BEHS Yearbook Staff
The girls swim team celebrates a job well done during their practice. They have had an overall fantastic season with various swimmers breaking records. Photo Credit: BEHS Yearbook Staff
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The world’s reaction to the idea of all processed meat and even red meat being carcinogenic was astounding. The internet exploded with people questioning their eating habits and debating whether they really should give up the majority of meat we eat daily. But where did this shocking news come from? The World Health Organization, also known as WHO, released new information on what really is the possible root cause of cancer. Evidently, there are many causes for cancer, but when beloved foods such as hamburgers, hotdogs, and all other processed meats are deemed as “cancer causing,” people were dumbfounded. Well, the WHO states that “Processed meat was classified as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1), based on sufficient evidence in humans that the consumption of processed meat causes colorectal cancer” and that “each 50 gram portion of processed meat eaten daily increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 18%”. So, in a nutshell, they looked at trends of people with cancer and noticed that the consumption of processed meat was linked with cancer, as well as the fact that increased consumption seemingly worsened effects.
But what really is the definition of processed meat? The WHO stated that processed meat is any “meat that has been transformed through salting, curing, fermentation, smoking, or other processes to enhance flavour or improve preservation.” What truly is fascinating, though, is that processed meat is found everywhere; even in the school cafeteria. Small things like pepperoni are children suffering a greater risk of cancer? Freshman Grace Dennis talked about how she felt about consuming processed meat for lunch at school. When asked how she felt about continuing eating processed meat, she replied saying that, “It is kind of scary that we could be eating cancer causing things, but by eating it in moderation, it’s not as bad.” Yet there is a chance that people are being affected each day. Think carefully about what you are actually puttingin your body and make sure to be aware of the many safer alternatives out there. Look for packages that have “uncured” or “unprocessed” labels to avoid those carcinogens, and consider what you truly could be sacrificing by consuming processed meat.
Spartan Banner — November2015
ARTS & CULTURE Middle: Newly added section focusing on photography and media art in a spacious and modern setting. Bottom: Post-ribbon cutting ceremony
Left: Director Dann Keegan, along with others heavily involved in the renovation cutting the ribbon, officially opening the museum to its special members. photo credit: Michelle Liu
Art Museum completes “6-year, $34 million project” By: Michelle Liu, Arts and Culture Editor The long-awaited and highly anticipated reopening of the Milwaukee Art Museum is finally here! The grand opening, celebrated by the public on the 24 of November, is the culmination of a 14-month, $34 million project to “transform the visitor experience.” Although the museum’s renovation took a little longer than one year to complete, the project was initially planned six years ago under the direction of Dan Keegan, the museum’s director, during the peak of recession. At that time, the decision seemed risky and unusual given the bleak economic outlook. However, the plan proved to be successful, with the museum’s endowment ris-
ing from $26 million to $65 million in the past eight years. Last Tuesday, on November 17, the unveiling celebration was held for the museum’s special members. Over the weekend, regular members got to experience the newly renovated museum for the first time in a different celebration. Before the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Museum Director Dan Keegan delivered a brief speech, describing the new gallery space and method of art display as “dynamic” and “provocative,” as opposed to the “monochromatic” way of displaying works that was used before. Once the ribbon was cut, members were free to roam the galleries housing the permanent collections that were closed to the public for
over a year. In addition to the impressive array of newly acquired works, the museum has also brought back old pieces that haven’t been on display for decades. 2,500 collection works are currently on view-- an increase of 1,000 works from before, with the addition of 25,000 square feet of space. T h e entire collection gallery space has been renovated as well, focusing on easing the navigation process for visitors and enhancing the stories behind the Museum’s works. In response to the popular interest in photography from numerous visitors over the years, the Museum has also created the Herzfeld Center for Photography and Media Arts, which combines
photography, film-making, and light installations. This includes the return of the ever popular Infinity Chamber. A second changing exhibition gallery -- the Bradley Family Gallery -- was added, doubling the space available for holding special exhibitions. This means that visitors will now be able to enjoy two special exhibitions, instead of just one. Yet another great addition to the museum is the installation of a spectacular east entrance, which offers visitors another way to enter the museum while joining the building more seamlessly with the lakefront. The 25,000 added square feet was not solely used for gallery space; it also opened public space great for
relaxing and reflecting while gazing at the vast expanse of the lake and enjoying a cup of coffee. Last, but certainly not least, the museum has revamped the menus for all the with new food options as well. These improvements, whether big or small, have all helped to turn the Milwaukee Art Museum into a national destination for art and reinforced it as the pride and landmark of Milwaukee. While the museum officially opened to the public Tuesday, November 24, visitors are encouraged to experience the renovated museum with family and friends all through the holiday season! Be sure to check it out on your next trip.
Students weigh in: Thanksgiving By: Emma Barbian, Staff Writer, Michelle Liu, Arts and Culture Editor, photo credit: Anna Sipek, photo editor
What Are Spartans Most Thankful for?
“I’m most thankful for homemade turkey, being with my family and sharing stories with them.” -Tristen Butkiewicz, sophomore
“I’m thankful for safety-- just because of what’s happening in our world right now.” -Ruchi Shah, freshman
“My friends and family and lots of good food.” -David Horneffer, senior
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In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we surveyed some students on what they were most thankful for.
“I guess I’m most thankful for my friends and family and all the yummy foods we get to eat.” -Liz Tripi, junior
Spartan Banner — November 2015
Editorial Spartan Banner Staff Mary Slavinsky Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth Goblirsch Executive Editor Simran Khunger News Editor Anna Sipek Sports Editor Michelle Liu Arts and Culture Editor Mark Maier Editorial Editor Anna Sipek Photo Editor Mrs. Skatrud Staff Adviser Emma Barbian Claire Hildebrand Sara Kalupa Emily Rouse Nikhita Santebnnur Staff Writers
#pitproblems By: Claire Hildebrand, Staff Writer
Excitement fills the auditorium as the audience anticipates the start of the musical. The lights dim, the chatter dies down, and the show begins. At last, the overture starts. This is the beginning of “The South Pacific,” the first musical my 8-year-old self had ever seen, and my sister was the flute player in this production. Little did I know that eight years later I would have the privilege of doing the same in “The Music Man.” For those who are unfamiliar with what a pit orchestra is, it’s an orchestra, directed by Mr. Loughney, of mostly students who play strings, woodwind, brass, or percussion, and perform under the stage (known as the pit) of musicals. After explaining to those curious what my black binder with all my music is for, I was surprised that some have never even heard of pit orchestra. By watching the talented actors’ amazing performances, one can easily take little notice of the pit.
The vital part of the show is the stage performers, but pit orchestra is what holds the show together. Not only does the pit accompany almost all the songs, it sets the mood for each scene and often is used to cue the lines of the actors. It’s hard to imagine a musical with actors performing without the music. Learning the music for pit orchestra is much different than learning the lines and choreography of the actors. Though only the stage performers need to memorize their part, they get much more time to rehearse together while the pit has to rely mostly on individual practice time to master their challenging music. When the pit practices as an ensemble, it’s to synchronize the already-learned parts. Another challenge of being in pit is that each member must learn their part of the professional music. This involves quickly adjusting to the constantly-changing key signatures that fit the varying music styles throughout the entire performance.
Even the instrument one plays doesn’t necessarily stay consistent: I am currently learning to play the piccolo in addition to flute. I love being part of pit since I am a huge band geek (I’m currently writing this while sitting in a band instrument cubicle.) Though it’s a lot of hard work, being able to grow as a musician by learning to play the same music as professionals is really fun. I get to share this experience
with my fellow music geeks and eventually with the rest of the performers. It takes all the unique roles of the musical, on and below the stage, to put on the performances. The hard work and talent of the actors, directors, stage crew, and pit orchestra is what makes the shows extraordinary. I’m looking forward to all the parts coming together this December to bring on another great musical!
Claire Hildebrand practices pit in preparation for the fall musical Photo credit: Elizabeth Goblirsch
Sanders 2016: why I “feel the Bern” By Mark Maier, Editorial Editor
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publication of Brookfield East High School in Brookfield, WI, The Spartan Banner strives to inform the BEHS community while providing a forum for student opinion and expression. The Spartan Banner staff welcomes letters to the editor, guest columns, and story ideas. Submissions must be signed. Staff reserves the right to refuse libelous or obscene material and may edit for length or clarity. Send 3305
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For people who know me well, the fact that I want Vermont Senator Bernard Sanders to be the 45th President of the United States is as much a given as the fact that the sun will rise tomorrow. Whether I’m wearing a t-shirt with Bernie on it, donning one of his campaign stickers on one of my personal belongings, or praising him on social media, it’s not hard for people to tell that I’m “feeling the Bern.” But perhaps you may be wondering why--what is it about Bernie that draws me to him? Well, allow me to explain. Regardless of what you think of Bernie Sanders’ proposals, you have to admit one thing: he keeps it real. If you vote for Bernie Sanders, you know exactly what you’re about to get. Bernie Sanders says what he means, and means what he says, and has a strong and consistent voting record to prove his reliability. While most politicians are primarily beholden to the interests of corporations and other ultra-rich people, as those are their biggest donors, Bernie draws most of his support from regular people. He doesn’t need and doesn’t want big money--he doesn’t even have a Super PAC. Despite Bernie’s crazy hair and fiery delivery, he is, undoubtedly, the most reasonable candidate in the race right now. And he’s a self-professed socialist to boot. Well, actually, Bernie Sanders is a democratic social-
ist, but regardless of how he labels himself, we should get beyond that, and look to his policies. They’re not extreme at all, and have been effective when they’ve been utilized. For instance, Bernie Sanders is the only candidate who wants to reinstate the Glass-Steagall Act, which would break up the “too big to fail” banks that caused the 2008 financial crash--similarly to what Republican President Teddy Roosevelt did to many business trusts in his own time. Bernie Sanders is the only candidate who can be trusted to significantly raise taxes on the rich--perhaps not as high as the 91% top marginal tax rate imposed by Republican President Dwight D. Eisenhower, but maybe around the 70% rate imposed by Republican President Richard Nixon. This money can be used to finance things like universal health care and tuitionfree public universities, which are already being utilized by the rest of the industrialized world. Though these policies may sound extreme, polls consistently show that they’re actually quite popular. Sanders also has a good record on foreign policy. He opposed overthrowing Saddam Hussein, knowing that this action would destabilize the Middle East and leave a power vacuum in Iraq to be occupied by someone worse-and he said this in response to the First Gulf War, in 1991.
Unlike some of his opponents, Bernie Sanders is not beholden to the interests of the military-industrial complex, and does not have to keep the US in perpetual warfare to make those people richer. This is not to say Bernie Sanders is an isolationist, but rather that he is the only candidate who views war as a means of last resort, rather than the default position. This view is arguably motivated in part by Bernie’s strong concern for our veterans who have to go fight in these quagmires, a concern which has motivated him to help pass comprehensive legislation to take care of our veterans--with the help of Republicans, no less. That last point highlights another important quality about Bernie--he is a uniter, and not a divider. Bernie has not run a single attack ad in his entire political career, as he always seeks to reach any possible common ground with others, and not demonize them. Of course, Bernie is still passionate about his beliefs, and won’t hesitate to express disagreements with others, but he will always stick to the issues, and never get personal. One thing that it’s impossible to disagree with Bernie on is that big money needs to get out of politics, so the people we vote into office have to answer to everybody not just a handful of billionaires. Bernie is the only can-
didate who has talked significantly about overturning the 2010 Supreme Court decision Citizens United vs. FEC, which gives corporations virtually endless ability to influence elections by allowing them to make unlimited amounts of campaign donations through Super PACs. While the President alone can’t undo a Supreme Court ruling, they can still set the tone for allowing a constitutional amendment to be passed to reverse it, which Bernie hopes to do. The next President will also be appointing up to four Supreme Court Justices, to replace those set to retire soon; Sanders would undoubtedly appoint justices who would overturn that disastrous ruling, if they could. Bernie Sanders has a sense of passion and authenticity unseen in any politician in recent history. His proposals are sensible, and he doesn’t have to back down from them, as he is not being bought by anyone. He has strong convictions, but at the same time he is willing to work with others. He wants to create a country where everybody has the chance to succeed, and policies don’t just benefit the extremely privileged at the expense of everyone else. We may never see a candidate like Bernie again, so if he’s going to get in, it’s now or never. I say we should take advantage of this great opportunity--let’s make Bernie Sanders our 45th President.
Spartan Banner — november 2015