October 2004

Today’s top stor y ... well, not actually a top, more of a dreidel Kerry vs. Bush: High school students’ views on the upcoming elections Wrap around Celebrity look-alikes: Is that the Sherminator? Frodo? Mikey? WHAT?!? pg.3

Octobuary 29, 2004 Volume XVI, Issue 2

Dexter High School 2200N. Parker Road Dexter, MI 48130

Get Glowing!: Students participate in a club dedicated to support homosexual teenagers pg.2

District discusses surplus

NEWS BRIEFS

Board, superintendent differ on approaches Christina Field photography manager

Whitehead returns After spending six weeks recovering from surgery, secretary Joan Whitehead returned to her post in the office on Sept. 28.

Whitehead said she had some trouble staying off her feet while recovering.

Not only did she miss time working around the house, she also said she missed working. “I missed the students and the staff,” she said. “It felt like everything was in full swing, and I was always trying to play catch-up. It was very tiring once I returned to work, but I loved it because I missed everything and everyone so much.”

photo by Mike Vickers

Park and ride: Walking through the parking lot, sophomore Ryan Winchester heads in to school. Many students say they should not have to pay $50 for a parking pass, visible in the foreground. “There’s no security, so there’s no reason to pay,” senior Cathrina Bowles said. However, Assistant Principal Patrick Little said that until the board of education rules differently, students are required to pay for the passes.

Parking passes drive students mad Sarah Craft

show students how they are really adding a cost by the school keeping a second parking lot for the students.”

Because the district found over $1.5 million Little said it’s important for all cars to be in its general fund budget, some students find registered regardless of whether or not the fee it unreasonable for the school to ask them to is paid. Requiring students to register their pay $50 for a parking pass. vehicle is also a safety issue, he said.

In reaction to the students’ concern, student “We need to know who’s out there,” he said. school board members “We can check to make sure if junior Josh Gardner and all of the cars have valid senior Bridget Riehle insurance on them and to The school proposed lowering the cost make sure we know who’s of the permit to the school using our lot.” board told us board. They also asked the However, senior Cathrina board to give a refund to to have Bowles said she chose not to students who have already buy a parking permit because students pay paid the fee. of the lack of safety patrol.

“When we proposed it to Last year she said her car’s $50 when the school board, it was a tires were slashed and said if they register pretty big concern among a the school was really worried lot of the members,” about students’ safety, they their vehicle Gardner said. “They didn’t could have prevented it from ... that’s all want it to seem like they happening. were misleading students “I don’t see why we have to there is to it. and asking them to pay pay them for nothing,” she more than what is needed.” said. “There’s no security, so Gardner said the there’s no reason to pay.”

-Patrick Little, proposal was referred to the Although many students assistant principal board’s budget committee believe they shouldn’t have to for examination. This committee will make a pay for parking, few think paying to park is a recommendation to the whole board. The good idea. board will vote on the recommendation and a “I think it’s OK to pay for parking,” senior decision will be made in two weeks to a month. Eva Neil said. “The money should go directly According to Assistant Principal Patrick towards the parking lot, but I think it’s a good Little, last year most students were told that idea because the money is going somewhere.” the money from parking passes would go For the time being Little said the parking toward maintaining the student lot. In reality, pass rule is valid, and according to the student the money is going into the general fund, which handbook, all students parking a car in the could include money for the lot but can also be student parking lot are required to pay $50 used for other things. for the permit.

“We have to pave and salt the parking lot “The school board told us to have students during the winter to make sure students are pay $50 when they register their vehicle, and safe,” Little said. “Although there isn’t a fund it’s our job to enforce it until they change the primarily for the parking lot, we wanted to rules,” he said. “That’s all there is to it.”

editor in chief

Driver law fails The state Senate recently rejected a driving bill that would have affected drivers without an operator’s license.

According to the bill, a first year driver would have only been able to have one passenger in his car unless the passenger was related to the driver.

Junior Elizabeth Morse said although she can see why the law might be useful, she’s glad it wasn’t passed. “I think you should be able to drive as many people as you have seat belts,” she said. “As long as people are being responsible and safe I don’t think they should really make a law like that.”

“

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According to the student handbook, there are four levels of punishment if a permit is not purchased First Offense: warning Second Offense: Five day parking suspension Third Offense: Thirty day parking suspension

After a year of budget cuts which included laying off several employees, charging high school students for parking and threats to close the pools, the Board of Education has begun discussing what to do with their unexpected $1.5 million surplus.

The Board has asked Superintendent Evelynn Shirk to perform an internal investigation to see how last year’s revenues exceeded expenses by such a large amount. The Board then hopes to create a plan to make it so that this history will not be repeated.

At the Sept. 27 Board meeting, two ideas were developed: form a citizens’ financial review committee or hire an outside auditor to research and investigate the surplus.

Board Secretary Jane Hoggard made a motion to conduct an external audit on the district’s financial performance and accounting process and procedures.

Hoggard said the Board needs to be retrospective and look at past budgeting to determine what to do.

Board members’ views However, Trustee Julie Schumaker said that there needs to be an accurate reporting system that updates the Board monthly on the districts finances to help them see what to do in the future.

Board Vice-President Dan Jacobs supported the committee and said that the committee would be beneficial and could share information with other districts and pool more ideas about what could be done differently.

Trustee Mary Fradette said, though, adding a committee would add another unnecessary layer and would not improve communication. “It’s just another layer,” she said. We don’t need anymore layers.”

The motion made by Hoggard was tabled and awaits the results from Shirk’s investigation.

In an e-mail, Shirk said that she was looking for trends from the past that might lead her to believe the $1.5 million is an extraordinary occurrence. She has been looking at budgets from 1988-2004.

“They are broken down into major categories of users, amount spent, percentage of budget spent etc.,” she said. “I have researched what was shared by (former superintendent) Bill Spargur and (district finance director) Sharon Raschke with the Board of Education. I have looked at the budgetary decisions the Board has made in regard to the 2003-04 budget.

“I have reviewed Board policies as they relate to finance. I have

SHOW US THE MONEY At the Oct. 11 Board meeting, the Board considered the following options for the surplus: •$190,000 towards transportation for the option of purchasing three new buses, •$50,000 towards building and grounds maintenance •$111,238 for supplies. also researched the auditing firm that the District uses and the length of time other districts use the same auditor.”

District looks to the future Schumaker said that although $1.5 million may sound like a giant surplus, it is not, considering district expenses are rising.

She said the district counts on inflation in the economy, meaning that although prices are going up, the school plans on receiving more money as well.

Over the past three years, however, the economy has been rocky and the state has decreased its school funding.

“Expenses are increasing while state funding is staying flat or slightly below,” she said.

Schumaker estimates that in the past three years, the district has paid $1 million more for health care. The current annual cost is approximately $3 million and is expected to increase at 10 percent or more every year, she said in an e-mail. She also estimates that the majority of the spending, perhaps almost 80%90%, is people - based. The district is looking to invest in longer lasting items such as buses, books and other materials.

As for what is going to happen to this money, some of it has already been used to pay down a deficit of $164,000 (the amount expenses exceeded revenue in 2003-04).

Not including deficits and money in reserves, Raschke said the surplus was about $917,000.

This is three percent of the district’s $30 million budget.

Raschke said that it is common in most school budgeting to have a one to three percent operating budget in reserve.

The results from Shirk’s investigation are scheduled to be heard at the Board’s next meeting on Nov. 8 at Creekside Intermediate School at 7 p.m.

Stevenson wins administrative award editor in chief

According to Assistant Principal Patrick Little, MEAP scores went up 2.2 percent when compared to last year. In fact, he said the high school placed first in Washtenaw County schools in four categories. Little said the only area Dexter did not place first was in the social studies where we placed fourth.

“We did so well this year, and it was because of all the hard work from the students and teachers,” he said. “I think we’ll continue the good work.”

photo by Sarah Craft

He’s a winner: Principal Glen Stevenson didn’t believe it at first, but he won the Journalism Education Association’s National Administrator of the Year award, which he will receive in Atlanta on Nov. 20. Stevenson won the award based on his support for scholastic jouranlism.

He opened his mail and after looking over the contents of one of the letters addressed to him, he didn’t believe it. He didn’t think the letter telling him he had been named The Journalism Education Association’s national Administrator of the Year was real.

It was.

“I thought it was a joke,” Principal Glen Stevenson said. “I was about to throw the letter away, but my wife came over and made me keep it.”

The next day, Stevenson went to work and spoke with journalism teacher Rod Satterthwaite. Stevenson’s wife was right. He had won.

Satterthwaite said after attending a Journalism Education Association convention in Washington, D.C. last year, he heard about the award and immediately thought of nominating Stevenson.

When Satterthwaite, last year’s Squall editor Danny Dobrei and video production teacher Matt Martello sat down to write the letters of recommendation, Satterthwaite said the first thing that came to his mind was how Stevenson handled former science teacher Paul Becker’s situation.

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Becker allegedly had sex with some of his students, and Satterthwaite said Stevenson was supportive of the Squall covering the story.

“He called me into his office and told me he knew the students would want to cover (the Becker story), and he wanted them to go to him first,” he said. “A lot of administrators wouldn’t want us to publish the story, but Stevenson was very willing to share all of his information so we could get the story right.”

Not only was it Stevenson’s understanding of a student newspaper’s rights that won him the award, but also the impact he makes on education.

“One of my favorite parts about being a principal is talking with the kids,” Stevenson said. “I hope I can make some kind of impact or point some kid in the right direction.”

Stevenson will accept his award at the Journalism Education Association’s fall conference in Atlanta on Nov 20.

“It’ll be fun,” Stevenson said. “I like to spend time with students so this is a good way for me to do that.

“This award shouldn’t really be going to me though, it should be for the students. That’s who really deserve it because they really do all the work.

“I can only be as good of a principal as they let me. They deserve most of the recognition.”

I hope I can make some sort of impact or point some kid in the right direction.

“”

Sarah Craft

-Glen Stevenson, Principal

2features

the SquallFriday, Octobruary 29 2004

G L O W works to raise awareness of gay issues Jennifer Allen circulation manager

Photo by: Jennifer Allen Photo Illustration by: Brandon Mayotte

Raising awareness: Senior Robert Flemister said he founded GLOW-Gay, Lesbian or Whatever-to make DHS more aware of homosexual issues. “We’re not trying to preach homosexuality,” he said. “We’re trying to bring people together.”

It was a Tuesday when senior Robert Flemister first thought there needed to be a gay-straight alliance club at Dexter High School. “I was walking down the hall, and I saw this guy who is gay walking in front of me,” he said. “When he walked past these guys, one of them said loudly, ‘There goes the fag.’ That really bothered me.”

In its first year at DHS, the GLOW (Gay, Lesbian, or Whatever) club has attracted a lot of attention. Skeptics raise an eyebrow and others cast a curious glance towards the flyers hanging in the halls.

Is it true that Dexter has club exclusively for gay kids, they wonder?

Well, the answer is both yes and no according to Flemister.

“The great thing about GLOW is that it’s not just for kids that are gay,” he said.

“It’s about all kinds of people coming together to support the gay community. Gay, lesbian, straight, bisexual, transsexual,

whatever. That’s the ‘W’ part.”

According to Flemister, over half of the club members are not homosexual.

He said he noticed other schools such as Saline, Huron and Pioneer all had variations of a gay support club. He thought Dexter should have one too.

He started researching GLOW about a year ago, and got it approved by the school board.

As for the club’s adviser, Flemister said physical education teacher Angie Scott, who agreed to take on the job, has been great.

“Mrs. Scott is really cool,” he said. “She’s really supportive.”

Flemister said his hopes weren’t high for the turnout of GLOW, but he was surprised and pleased with the number of people who showed up for the first two meetings. Currently there are approximately 20 members. GLOW meetings are held every Tuesday after school until 3:45.

Flemister said GLOW also plans to raise awareness of the gay community at DHS. In December, he said, GLOW

Krause learns at a young age that beauty is more than skin deep

Photo By: Hilary McCowen

What’s in your fast food?

Dancing Chad: Junior Chad Green entertains on the streets of Ann Arbor. “The crowd loves me,” Green said of his dancing in a tin foil suit.

Tin Man needs cash Junior Chad Green performs as tin foil robot in downtown Ann Arbor, feels competition with Shakey Jake Hilary McCowen copy editor

It was a sweltering 85-degree day outside when junior Chad Green first put on his robot suit and took to the streets of Ann Arbor.D Wrapped in nothing but tin foil, Green put up his sign, set up his collection box and cranked up his stereo for the confused and amused faces of downtown Ann Arbor.

"I came up with (the idea) one day when I got fired from my old job," Green said.D "I thought, 'Hey, what if I dressed up in tin foil and danced?' and the next day, I did."

Blasting beats like "What is Love" by Hadaway, "Ice Ice Baby"

by Vanilla Ice, and a little bit of Top Gun and MC Hammer, Green danced for cash, collecting over $25 on his first day.

That one was an exciting day for Chad.D "It was so surreal," he said.D "It was a rush.D I really didn't know what I was doing."

His success doesn't always come easy though.

And despite the fact that he hasn’t yet encountered any copy cats,Dhe has had to endure some pretty steep competition from other street entertainers such as Ann Arbor legend Shakey Jake.D "Shakey Jake, he's my only competition," Green said.

"He'll come up and play his guitar right next to me.D It pisses me off."

But it's not just his competitors that make it hard for Green to perform.D "Sometimes I would just stand there for so long I would get really sore," he said.D And according to Green, being out in the sun for two and a half or three hours in a suit made entirely of tin foil makes it really hot.D

"I'm literally cooking myself," he said.

Regardless of the heat, all the pain and suffering is worth the cost in Green's eyes.

“The crowd loves me,” he said.

“I’m original and crazy, and I’m super sweet.”D Jamie Register, of Cloud Nine Music, agrees. “I think it’s awesome,” he said. “There used to be a lot of (street entertainers) in Ann Arbor. You don’t see that anymore. It’s cool.”

Other passersby feel the same way. Ann Arbor resident Jeff Dornbos said he thought it was pretty funny.

“It’s a good art addition to downtown,” he said.

As long as people smile, laugh, and have a good time, Green feels that he has done his job.D "I do it for the kids," he said.

“All those little (kids) that want to be like me, I do it for them.”

730 calories Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese 1160 calories Lg. Chocolate Triple Thick Shake

370 calories Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyakei 450 calories Italian BMT

220 calories 14” Lg. Cheese Pizza* 520 calories 16” X-Lg. Pepperoni Lover’s Pizza*

* = per slice of pizza

wants to have an AIDS awareness week, and collect donations for charities that research a cure for AIDS. It’s also their goal to host an optional assembly with a guest speaker who will talk about AIDS. On April 13, the group plans to participate in “The Day of Silence.”

On this day the members won’t say a word all day to protest what they see as ignorance towards the gay community.

“It’s not like we’re going to have a gay pride parade or anything,” laughs Flemister. “It’s just a social support group. Most people think we are trying to attack straight people and be like; ‘Hey, you should be gay.’

But that’s not what this is about.”

What the club is about, he said, is being supportive, raising awareness and having a good time.

For junior Margaret Meyer, the supportive environment is one of the most important aspects of the club. “I think it’s good that there’s a place for

people to go and feel safe, and discuss with other people,” Meyer said. “Here in Dexter, people don’t appreciate the diversity of homosexuality.”

And Meyer isn’t the only one that feels that way.

“I think it’s perfectly fine,” junior Erin Cable said. “I think it’s something this school needs to promote tolerance and acceptance of the homosexual community.”

Of course, not everyone is supportive of GLOW. After the GLOW flyers were put up, other flyers appeared describing a supposed “Straight Club.”

Although the club was fictional, it definitely stirred some controversy.

“When I saw a (‘Straight Club’) flyer, I just had to laugh,” Flemister said, smiling. “It was just funny.”

As GLOW grows, Flemister said he hopes that people become more supportive and less critical of the club and homosexuals.

“It’s our goal to get noticed,” Flemister said. “We want people to know and accept us.”

Michelle Svetkoff managing editor

The cool air felt refreshing against 9 year old Julia Krause’s exhausted body.

She was all alone, awkwardly running the mile along the dark pavement.

“Just because the fat girl isn’t done running, shouldn’t mean we can’t do anything,” a young, simple minded boy said to the gym instructor.

Krause was the “fat girl” the boy referred to, and even as a junior, she remember how comments such as this one hurt.

“People think you’re invisible when you’re overweight,” she said. “[They] believe that there’s like a wall between us and we can’t hear everything they say.”

Students like Krause who had or have a weight problem are constantly reminded of their weight.

“I used to cry in department stores because I couldn’t wear anything because I was considered a plus size,” she said. “I would usually hold my friends’ bags when they were trying on clothes, and I would cry when I went (shopping) with my mom.”

The summer of sophomore year, however, Krause decided to change her image, the healthy way. “I ran one mile every single day,” she said. “I would still eat, mostly, what I wanted but smaller proportions of the bad stuff and bigger proportions of the good stuff.”

Over the course of two years Krause lost 55 pounds and gained a new perspective of weight.

“Some girls, who don’t need to be on a diet, she said. “They have never had a doctor actually say they are obese. They only think they are overweight because of their skewed views of what society wants.

“I sit down at lunch and some of the girls are whining about their weight,” she said. “And I just think mockingly in my head, ‘I think I look fat in my size 4 jeans.’”

But for Krause the best thing about her weight loss was the new image she gained of herself, allowing her to show her true personality.

“The fat was almost a safety wall,” she said. “ If I said something, I was protected.

When I lost the weight more people paid attention. I had lost the barrier that was stopping me from getting to know people.

It wasn’t the weight that got me friends.

It was my new attitude towards people that made people be comfortable around me.”

DIETING MYTHS AND STATISTICS Myth #1: Skipping meals is a good way to lose weight Fact: Studies show that people who skip breakfast and eat fewer times during the day tend to be heavier than people who eat a healthy breakfast and eat four to five times per day. Eating small meals throughout the day helps people control their appetites.

Myth #2: Eating after 8 p.m. causes weight gain Fact: It does not matter what time of day you eat. It is what and how much you eat and how much physical activity you do during the day that determines whether you gain, lose or maintain your weight.

Myth #3: Low-fat food helps you lose weight Fact: Although low-fat foods are helpful to prevent diseases, only low calorie foods will cause weight lost.

•80 percent of American women are dissatisfied with their appearance •42 percent of first through third grade girls want to be thinner •81 percent of 10 year olds are afraid of being fat •The average woman is 5’4” and weighs 140 lbs. The average American model is 5’11” and weighs 117 lbs.

Facts from www.about.com

the Squall

Maybe it’s Nader: Junior Keith Bato takes talks politics with fellow junior Katie Lyons in English teacher Jo Muszkiewicz’s class. Lyons and Bato are among many Dexter students discussing their views on the Nov. 2 Presidential election.

Friday, October 29 2004

3

features

Student Celebrities at DHS?

Photo by Mike Vickers

Students discuss politics Mike Vickers design editor

The students in English teacher Jo Muszkiewicz’s fifth hour Advanced Composition class worked on pet peave posters. Junior Keith Bato sat at his desk working with his group and discussing the upcoming election.

“If Bush wins, all it means is that the majority of Americans are ignorant,” he said. This attitude quickly annoyed junior Katie Lyons.

“I can’t wait until Nov. 3, so I don’t have to listen to people like Keith whining all the time,” she said.

“It’s funny. Her friends complain just as much as I do,” Bato responded. “Did you see Bush with a wire on him for the last debate?

He’s too stupid to come up with his own answers.”

Then junior jon Williamson joined in.

“I’m going to put in an article (in The Squall) on ‘Keith must die.’ I have a definite idea. I just like to say that to Keith.”

“What do I say back to Keith?” Lyons asked Williamson sitting on his desk.

“I think we should have a television debate, Keith and I,” Williamson said as he began to quote Monty Python and knocked Lyons off his desk.

“See, Republicans are wife beaters,” Bato said.

“It’s OK. It dosen’t hurt that bad,’” Lyons responded.

“I’m not going to make them change their vote,” Bato said. “People should have the right to vote for whoever the hell they want to vote for.

“The rock pissed me off,” he said referring to the pro-Bush message painted on it. “The rock shouldn’t be used for political advertising. If they are going to advertise, they should have to pay for it.”

What seperates Bato from most other students is he fully supports neither candidate for the Nov. 2 election.

“They both were born rich and haven’t done anything on their own,” he said.

“Bush is a Christian fanatic who uses political power to promote his religous views,” Bato said. “There’s nothing right with the Republican party.” Though Bush is his least favorite, he finds little good in Democratic candidate John Kerry either.

“Kerry is too right wing and not concerned for the common man,” he said. “He only swiched his view on (the war in) Iraq because of Howard Dean.

“He voted for the Patroit Act which I think is a breach of the Constitution. But I would rather have him than Bush.”

Though neither mainstream candidate gains Bato’s approval, he said that third party candidate Ralph Nader is up for the job. “Nader always has been against war in Iraq and also American imperialism.,” he said.

“He’s pro enviroment, and pro American self-reliance on energy.”

Later in the cafeteria, junior Andy Kish walked by with a sign that said, “Don’t vote for Bush ShAVE America” taped to his shirt.

“Why doesn’t he (Nader) go hug some trees,” Kish said. “Instead of stealing vote from Kerry.”

This made Bato even more angry. “I’m tired of all the Democrats who blame Nader for Kerrry’s loss of votes,” Bato said. “One vote has never won or lost the election for anyone.”

Photos by TJ LaRosa all student photos by TJ Larosa

Students strangely resemble child stars T.J. LaRosa staff writer

When I walk through the halls, I sometimes feel as if I am on the red carpet of the premier of a Disney movie. There are so many child celebrity look-alikes in the student body that we could have our own Dexter Hollywood. We could call it Dexterwood.

I cannot escape the reality of celebrity clones, whether it be in my AP History class, C lunch or even at cross country practice.

As my colleagues and I discussed this conspiracy, we came to a consensus that we should confront the individuals under celebrity suspicion. When I approached senior Kurt Brown, I thought for sure I had laid my eyes upon “American Pie” co-star Chris Owen, known to many as “The

Sherminator”.

I said to Brown, “Excuse me, sir, but I could not help but notice that you bear an unmistakable resemblance to ... ” “The Sherminator, I know,” Brown interrupted as I was in mid-sentence. I was shocked.

Brown explained that being mistaken for Chris Owen is a common occurrence in his life.

That very same day, I was working hard on my rigorous reading assignment in AP US History, when I gazed across the room to give my eyes a break from the mesmerizing text. My sight was quickly fixed on what I thought to be Mikey, the main character of the Nickelodeon cartoon “Recess”.

The cartoon clone gave me an alias of “Greg”. “Greg Smith,” a “junior” he proclaimed. I and everyone else who watches Nickelodeon cartoons religiously know that this was no Greg. This was Mikey.

The bell rang and I went out into the hallway to find my friends and ventured down to the cafeteria for the best part of the day: lunch. As we were throwing food

at nearby freshman, we were simultaneously awestruck by what we had come across. We all stared with dropped jaws at a dead giveaway for Sid from “Toy Story”.

(Sid is the evil kid who burns toys).

As my friends demanded I investigate this, I folded under the peer pressure. I approached the individual, and in a scared, reluctant voice, said to him, “Do you know you look exactly like Sid from Toy Story?”

“Yes, I do. You’re not the first person to ask me that today, man,” he said. This child celebrity also gave me a name. He claimed to have the identity of freshman Joe Montibello.

Unbelievable.

When the school day came to an end, I figured I could use cross country to vent my stress, as I always do, because I love running so dearly. But no. The child-celebrities could not leave me alone.

As soon as I came into the huddle of people on my team, I gasped in horror.

After recouping my stability, I explained to my friends why I

spontaneously flipped out. I saw, with my own two eyes, two childactors talking to each other.

I wondered what the lunch ladies had put in my food because I felt as if I was hallucinating. I looked again, and to my horror, actor Elijah Wood (Frodo Baggins) casually conversed with some of my fellow cross country team members.

I decided it was my duty to muscle up some courage and see what he would have to say.

Elijah Wood identified himself as “Mike Wetterau,” a “freshman.”

I don’t know what’s happening to our school. Maybe it’s just me.

Maybe I’m watching too much Disney and Cartoon Network. Despite this, it appears as if DHS is a cesspool of some kind of stuntdoubles, look-alikes or maybe even the movie stars themselves.

Whatever the case, this conspiracy needs to be resolved. Possibly there is some kind of “former-child-actor-protectionagency” that relocates these famous people into remote locations.

Bourdon dances for Detroit Shock Raleigh Holmes morale manager

On March 24 junior Brittany Bourdon received a phone call that altered her life forever.AAFor three days Bourdon had been at the Palace of Auburn Hills from 1 p.m. to 12 a.m. trying out for the Detroit Shock Wave Dance Team.

This dance team for the Detriot Shock, Motown’s WNBA team, performs at half time and time outs at all Shock home games.

The call to tell Bourdon if she made the team was supposed to come by 5, but when it was close to 6, Bourdon lost hope.AAHowever, a little after 6 the phone rang, and she was informed that she was one of four out of 280 people who tried out for the team who made it.AA Bourdon, who is also a member of the DHS Pom team, said it was her coach who suggested the try-outs and former Dexter student Becca Sherman who encouraged her. “I was so nervous when I went to try-outs,” Bourdon said.AA“I was really intimidated and felt completely out of my league.”AA Bourdon is one of 20 dancers

Photo by Debbie Bourdon

VIP: Junior Brittany Bourdon dances at a Detroit Shock home game.

Bourdon became part of the Shock Wave in March. who range from 14-24 years old, with a boy to girl ratio of 7:13.AA Bourdon said she likes all the people on the team and has become good friends with one of the

male dancers, Tristan.AA“Tristan is absolutely hilarious,” she said.AA“He’s really outspoken and always energetic.”

Practices are at the Pistons’ training center, where only basketball players, trainers and dancers are allowed.AA“I feel important when I go in there because you have to show your badge to be able to get in,” she said.AA“And it’s a secret building.AANo one knows where it is except for us.”

Bourdon said the practices are long and hard.AAThey’re held once or twice a week and are two to three hours in length.AADuring the summer there is even more to do.

“If I had one thing to do for Shock, it would take the entire day (in the

summer),” she said. It would suck.”

At every practice the team learns at least three new dances.

There were 18 Shock home games this year, and the Shock Wave danced at every one.AAThe team even includes break dancers.

“None of them have any training,” Bourdon said about the break dancers.AA“They just taught themselves how to do it. They can do back flips with no arms, spin on their arms and heads and all sorts of other crazy stuff.”

Although being on the team is a lot of work, Bourdon still finds ways to make it entertaining, “I did something really stupid once,” she said. “I was told to go cake on the hairspray one more time before entering the arena, so I reached into the hair product bin and started spraying away. I later realized that it was olive oil.”

Some of the biggest perks of being on the team though are getting served food before games and free clothing, “Before each game we have waiters that come take our orders, and bring us whatever we want for free,” she said.

“We have 12-13 outfits that we can put together, so we bring all our clothes to each game. Sometimes we’ll change outfits during the games too.”

While dancing is her career, and she does get paid for it, Bourdon isn’t sure she wants to make it her living.

She’s not even sure she wants to be on Shock Wave next year, “It’s debatable,” she said. “I’d be stupid if I didn’t do it, but auditions are enough to scare me away.”

4features

the Squall

Friday, Octobruary 29, 2004

Jazzy Martdawg John Williamson

Martello, whose parents saw Brubeck in 1954, is completely convinced that the fans at Hill received just as good or better of a Unlike any rock concert, the show. crowd was dead silent as David “It was unbelievable. The best Brubeck took the stage. concert I’ve ever been to period the The 83 year old jazz legend then proceeded to grab the audience in his end,” he said. And that’s from a man who has been to countless concerts feeble clutches and refused to let over the years including Pink Floyd them go until a mind-altering two twice. and a half hours later.

But Martello wasn’t the only Sitting in the audience that night person from DHS who made the trip at Ann Arbor’s Hill Auditorium was to Ann Arbor on Oct. 3. Junior Mike video production teacher Matt Eberbach was there too. He said, “It Martello. was such an extraordinary blend of Martello, a self-professed rock and roller, might have been thought sounds that it literally blew my mind.” out of place in this sea of jazz Martello agrees and says that even enthusiasts. rock and rollers should check But after the concert Martello Brubeck out. said, “It impressed me more then a “Don’t get me wrong, I’m still a fully reunited Pink Floyd would, and rock and roller, but I was extremely that’s with Roger Waters.” impressed by the performance,” he It seems even rock followers are said. able to be converted to the soothing And while most high school sounds of jazz. The Dave Brubeck students would never give jazz a Quartet got its original beginnings around 1949 when Brubeck recorded chance, Martello challenges them to his first songs and played some of his “Just listen to Dave and try to tell me you aren’t impressed.” first shows. staff writer

Rockin’ it out: 83 Rockin’ year old it jazz legend David Brubeck hit the stage at Hill hit the stage at Hill out: 83-year-old jazz legend David Brubeck Auditorium, blowing the mind ofblowing video production Matt Martello.

Auditorium, the mind ofteacher video production teacher Matt Martello.

Photo illustration by: Mike Vickers

For the Locks of Love

Students donate hair to benefit local chemo patients market, synthetic hair pieces can cost as much as $3,000, and since medical bills often don’t leave families with sick children much room to buy anyJunior Matt Loo was unsure of how to help his older thing but the necessities, donations such as sister Brianna. She had just come home from her first Cavanaugh’s are important. chemotherapy treatment and was sick from the side Senior Kim Evanski also hopes to donate her effects, but what upset her more was the loss of her hair.

She still has to grow it out four more inches hair. so that she will have 10 inches to donate. “I feel Loo comforted his sister by reminding her of the bad when I see children without hair,” Evanksi wig they bought weeks earlier in preparation for her said.

“Donating some of mine is the least I can do. treatment.

I know it will grow back.”

The Loo family was fortunate enough to be able Evanksi said she heard about Locks of Love to purchase their own wig, but for many cancer victhrough a friend and is excited to participate in tims and their families, this is not the case. the program. “It is something a lot of people say For these families, there’s Locks of Love. Locks they will do but don’t,” she said. “It’s something I of Love was founded in 1997 to produce wigs for really want to do and people under the age of 18 who sufhave wanted to do for fer from medical hair loss from the awhile.” effects of chemotherapy or hair loss Salons throughout I feel bad when I see children diseases such as Alopecia. the country partici“Brianna is really self-conscious without hair. Donating some of pate in the program, about losing her hair,” Loo said. two of the main ones mine is the least I can do.

“She has a couple scars on her head being JC Penny’s and from surgery and doesn’t like to Fantastic Sams. These leave the house without a wig or participating salons hat.”

-Kim Evanski, will cut the hair of the Although Brianna has always senior donor for free and been able to purchase her own wigs, take care of the shipMatt said she really admires what ment Locks of Love does.

Independent hair salons also participate in Locks “My sister told me about a girl she met in the hos- of Love. Karen Goss, of Karen Goss Styling Salon in pital who was just about to begin chemo and was re- Ann Arbor, cuts customers hair for Locks of Love doally nervous about losing her hair,” Matt said. “The nations every month. hospital set her up with Locks of Love:because she “Most of the girls that come in are between the couldn’t afford a wig of her own.” ages of eight to 16,” Goss said. “They’re always so In order to help kids who can’t afford to purchase anxious to participate. Most the time their hair isn’t their own wigs, junior Alyssa Cavanaugh made her the required 10 inches. Girls come in saying they have first donation to Locks of Love during her freshmen read about Locks of Love, or heard about it from a year after hearing about the program from a friend friend and can’t wait any longer before they donate of her mom’s. Her hair was already the required 10 their own hair.” inches, so she quickly made up her mind that donatGoss says that what Locks of Love does is help ing it was the right thing to do. restore confidence in those who have been ill. “Girls “I was anxious to get all my hair cut off,” especially care about their hair,” she said. “If people Cavanaugh said. “I’ve never had it short before and didn’t care about their hair, I wouldn’t have a job. I didn’t know what it would look like, but then I real- think it’s a very worthwhile cause. Young adults are ized, at least I have hair and can give it away.”: always looking for ways to help out, and this is someCavanaugh’s hair was thick enough that three wigs thing they can do for other were made from her donation. Since, on the regular Molly Brewster staff writer

“

”

kids who are already going through so much.”

Junior Margaret Meyer is another example of one of the girls Goss talks about, eager to donate to Locks of Love. : “I am waiting until after my senior pictures,” Meyer said. “The day after, I am getting my hair cut off to my shoulders. I’ve had long hair since seventh grade, so cutting it off will definitely be different. I feel good about doing it because the kids who have lost their hair have already been through enough.”

And as for Matt Loo he said he is always pleased to hear about students eager to participate in the program. “Locks of Love is a really good idea,” he said. “People don’t realize how important their donation can be to someone, especially girls in my sister’s situation.”

“Girls especially are really self-conscious about losing their hair,” he said. “If I lost my hair, I would probably just go bald, but girls are different, and if having hair makes a difference to them, then they should have it.”

LOVELY HAIR FACTS

•Hair donated to Locks of Love must be a minimum of 10” long •Hair may be colored or permed but not bleached •Curly hair can be straightened to fit 10” •All hair donated to Locks of Love must be real human hair Facts from www.locksoflove.org

5

opinion

the Squall

Friday, Octobruary 29, 2004

Pay to park is ripping students off THE

ALL

SQUALL C A L L

Due to the recent $1.5 million find within the school district’s budget, The Squall questions the need for students to pay $50 parking fee.

In fact, compared to other schools in our area, our parking fee seems outrageous.

Students at Huron High School pay only $25 dollars for their parking passes and Pioneer is the same. With these schools paying half of what we pay, we have to wonder, why?

Last year students were told by Principal Glen Stevenson that the money they paid for parking went into a parking lot fund for upkeep of the lot.

However, we are now told that the money actually went into a general fund for the school district to use as they see fit. Not only is our parking fee outrageously high, but we were lied to by school officials about where the money would go.

This year, according to secre-

Comic Comic

tary Joan Whitehead, approximately 220 students, about half the number who drive to school on a daily basis, have purchased a parking pass.

And the other half? They’re sitting around with $50 in their pocket waiting to see if they will get in trouble if they don’t have a pass.

The Squall believes district administrators and board of education members should level with students on this issue. Can we get our money back? Will students who haven’t paid for passes be made to pay for them?

One thing, however, is for sure.

There aren’t enough staff members to monitor the parking lot to make sure people have passes, so the passes, in a sense, are useless.

To his credit, Stevenson said parking passes allow the administration to monitor who is using the parking lots, but we believe, even if all students are eventually held to the same parking pass standard, students should, at the very least, be told how our money is being spent and have input as to where it goes.

And this time we’d like to be told the truth.

THE SQUALL STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Sarah Craft MANAGING EDITOR: Michele Svetkoff

EDITORS FEATURES: Jenny Heldt ENTERTAINMENT: Samantha Harris NEWS: Kyle Muse OPINIONS: Aaron McLean PHOTO: Brandon Mayotte & Teri Chiado SPORTS: Lee Hoggard & Thomas Leonard DESIGN: Mike Vickers

MANAGERS BUSINESS: Stephanie Rushlow MORALE: Raleigh Holmes & Molly Brewster PHOTO: Christina Field & Kendall Goode CIRCULATION: Jennifer Allen & Sara Newell

cartoon by Kendall Goode

By Kendall Goode

by Kendall Goode ByCartoon Kendall Goode

STAFF WRITERS David Ager, TJ LaRosa, Daniel Monson, Seth Porinsky, Jonathan Williamson AD DESIGNER: Eric Wilkinson CARTOONIST: Jared Myers

ADVISER: Rod Satterthwaite POLICY: The Squall is distributed monthly to 1,083 students and is estimated to reach 4,332 people with each issue. The Squall is printed by Morning Star Publishing in Mt. Pleasant, MI, and produced by the third hour newspaper class.

TALK BACK: The Squall is an open forum for student expression. It accepts letters to the editor from any and all concerned parties. The Squall reserves the right to screen and/or edit any and all letters for inappropriate content and length. All letters must be signed. Requests to remain anonymous will be considered by the editorial board.

ADVERTISING: Requests for advertisements can be called into the Business Manager at 424-4240 x7407. Ads must be called in at least two weeks prior to the issue’s publication, which is at the end of each month.

E-MAIL thesquall04@hotmail.com WEB SITE www.thesquall.com

Dreads in the hall Do you think that students should have to pay to park?

Kelsey Lau 9th “No, we shouldn’t have to pay because we are forced to be here.”

William Frieseman 10th “I don’t because students can and should be able to park anyway.”

Katie Farrell 11th “No, because other schools don’t make them pay, and they don’t seem to be using it well anyway.”

Heather Messina 12th “No, we are required to be here, so we shouldn’t have to pay.”

Stephanie Nolan English teacher “I don’t think so because teachers and employees don’t.”

6photostory

the Squall

Friday, October 29, 2004

Photo by: Teri Chiado

Using their muscle: For last minute touches freshman Mehgan Ullman and Jessica Souren lift a fence on to their float. Since so few freshmen came to float building, there was a last minute rush for them to get their float finished on time.

Where’s the spirit?

Despite low turnout, classes build floats ‘down on the farm’ Brandon Mayotte Photo Editor

Perhaps one of the most celebrated aspects of homecoming is the competition for best float.

Each class was responsible for creating a float that related to this year’s homecoming theme “Down on the farm.”

Since the class of 2006 won the last two years’ float competition, many seniors say the battle for best float was an intense fight this year.

But according to senior Kayla Wing, the seniors had a horrible turnout the first few nights. “It was pathetic,” she said. “We didn’t

think it would get finished, but about 20 people came on the last night.”

Senior Ryan Bruder agrees.

“The first couple days it wasn’t great, but we really pulled together to finish it up.”

For the sophomore class, the challenge was to build a tractor for their float.

“We had so much more help compared to last year,” sophomore Kaitlin Davis said. “We had five parents every night and got it done an hour early.”

For the freshman class it was the class advisers who took control to help them “get ‘er done”.

“It was the teachers who ran

the show and the kids did what was told,” freshman Joe Sayre said. “It was pretty fun and well catered.

Sayre said so few freshman came to the float building that there was a mad dash to get the float done on time.

The juniors, being a day behind, also had to work to catch up to the deadline of the Friday night football game and parade. The turnout for juniors all three nights was less than 10 people according to Lisa Featherly.

Even with such few people, Featherly said she was proud of the results. “(Our float) looks really well done,” she said. “It reminds me of my grandma’s farm.”

Photo by: Teri Chiado

Stuffing the float: Being one of the few to participate in float building, junior Lisa Featherly makes an effort to finish the junior float. The juniors have won the float building contest the past two years.

Photo by: Sarah Craft

He got soul: Gettin’ down on the Wing farm, senior Ryan Bruder gets poms ready to start stuffing the senior float. In addition to having a roasting football player, the seniors also had live calf on their float.

Photo by: Teri Chiado

Adding finishing touches: Putting the last poms in the back, junior Jayma Hollenbeck works to finish her class’ float on time. This float was inspired by the movie “Signs”.

Democrat? Republican? What’s that? If you don’t know, this short quiz is for you.

1) Do you support U.S. interference in Iraq?

No: 0 Don’t know: 1 Yes: 2

2) Should social security be privatized?

No: 0 Don’t know: 1 Yes: 2

3) Should laws be enforced against drug use?

No: 0 Don’t know: 1 Yes: 2

4) Do you believe in an absolute right to own guns?

No: 0 Don’t know: 1 Yes: 2

5) Should the government create laws outlawing gay marriage?

No: 0 Don’t know:1 Yes: 2

Scoring: Add up your score. Where do you fall?

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Democratic

10 Republican

“

T. Tomashany sophomore I think Kerry should be president because I think the war (in Iraq) is pointless.

”

“

J.Jack sophomore One reason I support Bush is because my family is part of the NRA.

Student’s Voice

“

”

C. Sarnecki senior I’m for Kerry, but I’d rather have someone vote for Bush and have an honest opinion than vote completely on what their parents think

“

L. Edwards sophomore I think Bush is better because I don’t agree with Kerry’s ways.

”

Every four years the American public goes out to cast their vote to decide who will be the next President.

Whether you like it or not, it’s election time again.

John’s Journal

Which party am I?

“

P. Rinkie junior John Kerry? I thought it was Jim Carrey. I’d vote for him. He’s funny.

”

The breakdown of 644 students who completed a Presidential election survey

Nader

74

53

Kerry

BUSH Defending American lives and liberty

the

3rd

Bush plans to continue to lead a world wide coalition to fight terrorists abroad. He also plans to work with a new intelligence director to disrupt and prevent terrorist attacks and restructure American forces over seas more effectively.

Parties

Ralph Nader: Reform The Reform Party candidate runs a pro-environment campaign with ideas of free education and free and universal healthcare.

Michael Badnarik: Libertarian The Libritarian nominee proposes to increase employment by limiting government. Additionally, Bandari believes health care costs should be lower.

David Cobb: Green The Green party has strong feelings reguarding enforcement and prosecution of environmental crimes. Also, the nominee supports educational diversity.

Helping American families in a changing world.

Bush and Cheney plan to help the working uninsured by expanding health savings accounts. They plan to make health care more accessible by calling for a community health center in every poor county in America. He also plans to promote comp time and flex time and crack down on drugs in schools.

Promoting an era of ownership The Bush-Cheney administration has plans to provide assistance to help create seven million new affordable homes in 10 years. They also have plans to provide more affordable health care and to help small businesses.

Supporting our communities and honoring compassion and service They plan to appoint better qualified judges to federal courts and continue to press reauthorization for welfare reform. They will continue to support faith-based groups and community initiatives.

Information from www.georgewbush.com

Photo: US News and World Report/KRT

I

ND

cartoon by Jared Myers

Don’t know

Geroge W. Bush’s Platform:

WRA P - AROU

Dexter decides:

”

s help really on the way? Supporters of Senator John Kerry hope so. Throughout the entire campaign, the country has seen the two faces of both Senators Kerry and his Vice Presidential candidate, John Edwards.

Who knew that both sides of so many issues could be covered by one party? It seems as though we don’t need an election because the future White House team, Kerry and Edwards, can argue both sides of every conflict by vaguely covering topics that may affect how people vote such as the War on Terror.

Although many people believe that the President lied to the country and was deceitful, it was an intelligence error.

With Saddam Hussein out of power, the world is a much safer place to live. There will not longer be a safe-haven Iraq where terrorists can live without problems from authority. Now that this safe place is no longer, it will make it harder for terrorist cells to form and cause ruckus in our country.

A President is a Commander-In-Chief, but most of all he is the leader of our country. John Kerry cast many votes in Congress that have baffled anyone who has seen them.

He voted for the troops to go into Iraq and Afghanistan, but in a later vote, voted to cut money in order to fund the troops.

This money was used to buy things such as more advanced weapons, better intelligence and safety materials.

This is a great example of how Kerry covers two sides of the same conflict. The KerryEdwards squad has said over and over again how it is the wrong war, in the wrong place at the wrong time. However, John Kerry has said over and over that he will not remove troops from Iraq.

According to Senator Edwards, the American people want a President and Vice President who will 1. Keep them safe 2. Use good judgement 3. Be truthful. It seems as though he has done none of the above.

He has demonstrated the opposite of all of them, he 1. Voted to stop money to Iraq for safety equipment for the soldiers which does not keep the soldiers safe 2. Doesn’t support the war, which is bad judgement to not support your soldiers and 3. Flip flopped his way through the campaign which shows little or no trust present in him.

Bush has maintained his position and shown all three of these wants from the American people. 1. He has eliminated Hussein which made the world the safest its been since 9/11 2. Supports the war by at-

2004 ELECTION

222

Bush

298

KERRY tempting to send more money to the troops and eliminated terrorist leaders too and 3.

Stated that intelligence showed the possibility, not once did he say, “Based on what I’ve seen while inspecting Iraq ...” He follows intelligence he is given, which is what every President has and will always do.

During a vice presidential debate, John Edwards made numerous comments which imply that the sacrifice in Iraq were 90% American. This shows his insensitivity to the sacrifice that the Iraqis make on a daily basis. His partner, John Kerry has said, “We have to get back to the place we were.

Where terrorists are not the focus of our lives, but they’re a nuisance,” which shows his lack of awareness as to the threats our country faces.

If the Senator wants to go back to how we were pre-911, there will just be another attack like it. Unfortunately we can never go back to how we were before 9/11, as much as everyone would like to.

Three thousand and twenty-three Americans died on that awful day when terrorists boarded those planes and brought America into a state of panic. Kerry’s comments should be taken as an insult by anyone and everyone affected by September 11, 2001.

Although Kerry’s plan to stop outsourcing jobs sounds good in theory, if you examine the habits of Heinz, his wife’s company, they do not have a single plant in the United States anymore. This has obviously helped the company, otherwise they would have moved back. Why would he stop outsourcing if it helped him become as wealthy as his family is. The people from around the world working for American companies make next to nothing. The government, in order to even the playing field, would have to tax American companies a lot of money in order to make American jobs more appealing.

As much as John Kerry and John Edwards want the American people to believe them, they aren’t prepared to run this country the way that we need it to be.

The Bush-Cheney team should be the only choice in your mind.

So when you go to the booths, or someone you love does, tell them who the right choice is and hopefully they will make the right choice, George W. Bush.

Kyle Muse staffwriter

O

n Nov. 2, we have a choice. We can either elect someone who has failed in many ways in the last four years, or someone who has a vision of what America can be under the right leadership. His leadership.

John Kerry isn’t just an “Anybody But Bush” candidate. He’s a leader who believes in making the United States stronger at home and abroad, someone who believes in the values of having strong alliances. He believes in managing the country’s economy in an organized and productive manner so the generations of the future (us) will continue to prosper and keep America on an upward swing.

The war in Iraq is one of the most important issues of this election. Unfortunately, Bush doesn’t have much to show for his decision to invade Iraq. Yes, Saddam Hussein is out of power, but that is the only good thing to come out of the war. The bottom line is that Iraq had nothing to do with the attacks of September 11, 2001. And with there being no proof of weapons of mass destruction and Saddam not being an imminent threat, there was no reason to rush into war. Are 1,000 lives of U.S. servicemen and women equal to the reason we are there?

Over $120 billion, soon to be $200 billion next year, have been spent there. Couldn’t this kind of money be used to improve our problems at home? As we get further into debt, we continue to spend billions in Iraq for an unjustified cause.

Bush has described Iraq as the “centerpiece of the war on terror.” Iraq isn’t even close to being the “centerpiece.” Yes, Saddam Hussein was a threat, but not an imminent threat to our national security. We needed to take a more rational and planned approach, without pushing aside allies in the process.

It’s not our job as America to overthrow cruel dictators on our own accord. We are now stuck in a situation where our president does not have a plan to win the peace or to get us out.

The days after September 11 were the most united we’ve ever been as a country.

Instead of keeping it that way, Bush continued to squander the outpouring of patriotism around the country and sympathy from around the world by making questionable decisions. Kerry will bring a tough-minded, resolute view not only to the war on terror, but also to issues at home. Bush will continue to paint a rosy picture about what is

going on, when in actuality, it may not be going well at all.

Throughout the campaign, John Kerry has been portrayed as a “flip-flopper” by Bush supporters. It’s the only thing they could come up with that is wrong with Kerry. It’s also false. Kerry has had one position the entire time on the war in Iraq.

Kerry did think Saddam Hussein was a threat. There is no question about that.

However, Kerry thought the situation should have been handled using all the resources available to us in order to prevent war and to go to war only as a last resort. Go back and look at his Senate testimony right after he gave the president the power to make responsible decisions in dealing with Iraq. He said exactly what he’s saying now.

As for someone changing his mind, the president’s views should change if it is for the benefit of the country. If you are walking along a mountain top and suddenly you come to the edge, are you going to stop or keep going? Obviously, Bush would keep going. His refusal to admit that he’s made mistakes and that his plan isn’t working has made America look arrogant and ignorant to the rest of the world.

Another important issue in this election is the struggling economy. Bush is the first president since Herbert Hoover over 70 years ago to lose jobs during his administration. Keep in mind, this includes presidents who led through wartime and even Pearl Harbor.

The president’s tax breaks for the rich have put us further in debt and lost jobs. We keep plunging farther into the largest budget deficit in United States history. And the president keeps saying it’s getting better. It’s not. Check the facts. They’re irrefutable.

This all comes down to one thing. We need to elect someone to the Oval Office who understands the key issues facing our nation and the steps we should take to address them.

John Kerry is that person. He would bring a new attitude to the oval office; an attitude that once again will bring respect and admiration from around the country and the world.

I urge those of you who will be voting in this election and even those who won’t, to support John Kerry. America will be far better off with his leadership.

Dan Monson staff writer

John Kerry’s Platform Winning peace in Iraq Kerry’s plan for Iraq involves creating a stable and secure enviroment in Iraq. Kerry feels that America should take immediate measures to prevent Iraq from becoming a failed state that inevitably would become a haven for terrorists.

Stregthen Medicare And Social Security Kerry and Edwards plan to work to protect and stregthen Medicare and Social Security. They will also fight to provide a real prescription drug benefit that ensures access to affordable drugs for American seniors. They support a real, meaningful, affordable drug benefit.

Strengthen the middle class Kerry and Edwards will work to expand and strengthen America’s middle class like never before. They will cut middle class taxes, cut costs in everything from health care to education to gas, close the pay gap between men and women, raise the minimum wage, and help all Americas balance the competing demands of work and family.

The Kerry-Edwards plan for homeland security The Kerry-Edwards administration has a plan that addresses some major challenges: improving the country’s ability to gather and analyze information so we can track down terrorists, better screening of airports and other border crossings and winning the war on terror without losing values of freedom and justice for all.

Where to vote: Webster Township: Webster Township Hall 5665 Webster Church Road Dexter Township : Precinct 1 or 3: Dexter Township Hall 6880 Dexter-Pinckney Road Precinct 2: Inverness Golf Club 13893 Noth Territorial Road Scio Township: Scio Township Hall 827 North Zeeb Road

Information from www.johnkerry.com

Photo: Kerry Edwards 2004 Sharon Farmer

8entertainment

the Squall

Friday, Octobruary 29, 2004

‘Down On The Farm’ not a good homecoming theme

Having sold over 3 million copies of Halo on XBOX alone, the immense popularity of the game has propelled its creators, Bungie, to the top of the video game market .

Thoughts of an emo kid The bass pumped as I walked across the red carpet and through the golden pillars set up for Saline High School’s homecoming dance.

I immersed myself into the mass of people in dresses and suits.

Now this is what a homecoming dance should be like, I thought.

Saline’s homecoming theme this year was “Let the Stars Shine on You.” It was a clever idea that came across almost like a movie premiere. They even had a video camera on the red carpet entrance that was fed through a projector.

The projector played onto a massive screen. A lot of kids spent their time coming up with funny things to do in front of the camera. For instance, one student wrote, “I need a date” on a piece of paper and held it in front of the camera.

One of the most obvious differences between Saline’s homecoming is the way they use a theme.

We have a theme, but the theme is rarely used for anything but the floats.

Saline has two themes, one theme they use for their floats.

This year it was along the lines of game shows. The sophomore class float had a “The Price is Right” theme while the juniors had a theme of “Survivor.”

The other theme seemed to be for the dance, which was great. I can’t see “Game Shows” being as good as “Let the Stars Shine on You.” The people who set up the dance did an incredible job with a red carpet and movie theme.

In some ways their homecom-

“

Thoughts of an emo kid

With this year’s theme ‘Down on the Farm’, I am having trouble thinking of any good ideas for decorations ... I can picture it now. A bunch of students line dancing to country music, eating cornbread and watching for chickens on the loose. I’m sure even that would be more fun than what is planned.

”

ing dance felt like a toned down prom. They had a good theme, some moderately clever and nice decorations and dancing.

In comparison, our homecomings are a drag. The decorations make me assume the student council and their respective adult helpers might have spent a few bucks at the dollar store for glittery paper, fixings for making punch and some plastic cups.

The poorly hired DJ usually plays a short and not so sweet selection of rap and pop songs. And I see more students standing around than busting a move on the dance floor.

Most of our students at the homecoming dance don’t seem to have their hearts in it. I’m sure if we took a hint from what Saline did, then our dance could be awesome as well.

I have heard many students say it’s all right that our homecoming isn’t very good since our prom is great.

Well, that doesn’t satisfy me.

Most underclassmen can’t go to prom. Why shouldn’t they be al-

lowed to have a good time at homecoming as well?

One of the easiest ways to improve homecoming is to have a theme for the dance specifically.

That way the student council could take some time and use some real decorations, not just pieces of the floats.

Even if the theme carried over to the dance, why can’t we do a better job with the decorations? Last year’s theme was “Cities Around the World.” Maybe there could have been posters or fake landmarks. Or posters of fake landmarks.

With this year’s theme “Down on the Farm,” I am having trouble thinking of any good ideas for decorations. Float ideas seem to be difficult too. Maybe the side of a barn and a few cows and chickens scattered throughout the cafeteria would suffice.

I can picture it now. A bunch of students line dancing to country music, eating cornbread and watching for chickens on the loose.

I’m sure even that would be more fun than what is planned.

Copywrite Bungie, Inc.

video game review

Halo: a gift from God Dave Ager Staff writer

suits.

The way the guns fires is anHaving been out for three other plus. There is no recoil to the years, the X-Box game Halo has guns which makes aiming a whole been and still is one of the most lot easier. Some may say this isn’t popular video games on the mar- realistic, but it doesn’t take away ket. It is also the best game in the from the gameplay. world, no questions asked.

The way the vehicles move is like no other game. This is probSince Halo’s release, its popu- ably due to the fact the game is set larity has in space which risen to a makes the height well gravity differabove any ent. It makes With the game set in video game in game betouter space, the player the the past. ter though.

Though the The weaphas the ability to jump views about ons in this pretty high, giving Halo’s camgame are paign mode prime. Having close combat situa(which is single two different tions a new twist. player mode sets, human for you “noobs” guns and alien or new Halo players) are mixed. guns, gives each player a variety Halo’s multiplayer gameplay is of weapon of choice. The fact that the best ever made. It is truly the there are not too many guns is best multiplayer game around. good. The only gun that sucks is There are many things that the needler. make this game great, but the best In other games people can is probably the game’s physics. carry around about 10-20 weapWith the game set in outer space, ons at a time. In Halo a player can the player has the ability to jump only carry two. pretty high, giving close combat Noobs to Halo complain, not situations a new twist. Players also realizing that this element proget to play in really cool space vides a strategy that they must use

“

”

with the guns you have.

So if you are playing 1 v 1, some guy can’t pull out a rocket, shotty, AR or a pistol on you in a battle.

It’s just not going to happen.

Another unknown thing about Halo is that players can play online. No, not on X-box Live, but with X-Box Connect. This is a program that uses the game’s system link to link it to other X-Boxes online.

Online, the game turns into a whole new experience. Instead of playing with friends, players can play with people around the world.

Online play this gives people opportunities to become good, and some of the people online are good (but not as good as me and Tiger). Being able to play somebody anytime a player wants, makes this game addicting unless a player encounters noobs online.

Then it kind of sucks, but at least you can make fun of them.

This game is only hated by people who own PS2 or people who are huge noobs.

People who don’t like this game, even a little bit, well, I have nothing to say to them. Except T.I.T.E.N.? (Truly, Is That Even Necessary?)

The Used incorporates fresh sounds in new CD ‘In Love and Death’ “Lunacy Fringe” gives a taste of The Used’s new style of rock songs with rhythm and bass, not From homelessness to drug ad- to exclude the modern pop song dictions, the Utah-based quartet “Cut Up Angels”.

The Used has been the foundation Bass, strings, guitar and croonof hard-emo rock since day one. ing make a great formula for these The Used made my top ten list memorable beats. Not saying that when they literally blew away the The Used doesn’t know how to featured band, Box Car Racer, at throw down a defining beat, bethe State Theater three years ago. cause they do.

Returning to the State Theater on “Take It Away” and “I’m a Oct. 30, readers who attend The Fake” are songs where guitarist Used’s concert are in for an amaz- Quinn Allman, bassist Jeph ing show.

Howard and drummer Branden Their new CD “In Love and Steineckert really create a blisterDeath” reflects ing intensity. the enormous Every band growth the grows up eventuband has gone ally, and that’s through since what The Used Bass, strings, guitheir last rehas done. tar and crooning They have a lease “Maybe Memories”. sound make a great for- polished Unlike most with McCracken bands, The mula for these singing on the Used’s don’t atof insanity. memorable beats. edgeThe tempt to over Used are do each other rebels with a in songs. Vocalcause. For once a ist Bert rock band has McCracken something to knows when to bring his voice rightfully complain about. Growdown in songs and adds to the ing up in the small, conservative music. town of Orem, Utah and getting In several of their songs, The out alive is quite a feat.

Used dominates rock and has an Describing themselves as “kids amazing amount of friction en- from nowhere,” many small town twined. fans can relate to The Used.

Although The Used have cre“I’ve rebelled against all types ated a subtle name for themselves of conformity throughout my life as hard rockers, some songs have ... I rebelled against my friends the potential to be world classics. and myself by doing drugs, and I

Sam Harris staff writer

“

”

rebelled against everything that was holding me down by playing music with these guys,” Mccracken said when interviewed on their latest web site, theused.net While living with this parents in Orem, McCracken said he rebelled by attending different churches, influencing his current “live in the moment” philosophy.

“I’ve been thinking so much about death and love these past few months ... this is all we have— right now,” he said.

McCracken is the one member of the band struggling with drug addictions, and he said he realizes he could lose everything if he doesn’t maintain control over himself.

“I could lose my fans, tour bus, everything I have.”

McCraken has an attractive animal magnetism about him. He said he prefers to work and write under the moon’s light because, “Nighttime is so much more dangerous and aggressive and mysterious.”

During a signing after the show, the band made some remarks to their fans.

Allman was delighted to show junior Kyle Baskin how to play an extremely difficult, if not impossible, guitar solo.

Steineckert and the rest of the band really appreciate and respect their fans, unlike many other bands.

After all, fans are the reason they succeed.

THE USED Band members: •Bert McCracken •Jeph Howard •Branden Steineckert •Quinn Allman Started in Orem, Utah Before being discovered

by Reprise Records, The Used survived on the streets by pan-handling for change.

The band performed on the 2003 Warped Tour and played dates at Ozzfest 2003.

Lead singer Bert McCracken once dated Kelly Osbourne.

Photo by Sam Harris

Underrated and overlooked: Rockin’ the hall at St. Andrew’s, Bert McCracken tours behind The Used’s new CD, “In Love and Death”.

McCracken said he rebelled against his strict Mormon upbringing by choosing a “live in the moment” philosophy.

the Squall

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entertainment

Friday, October 29, 2004

Trick or treat

Illustration by: Jared Myers

When your parents tell you you’re too old for trick-ortreating, it’s time to start some new traditions Stephanie Rushlow business manager

Photo by Scottitude

A Hip performance: “Pistol” in hand, lead singer of The Tragically Hip Gord Downie performs for the audience at Fox Theatre Sept. 18. The Fox show marked the first performance of The Hip’s 20 city US tour.

Canadians do America The Tragically Hip kick off their latest tour in a big way Seth Porinsky staff writer

“Hip, Hip, Hip!” adoring fans chanted, anxiously awaiting the arrival of their beloved band, The Tragically Hip. Many of them were still standing from the opening performance of Sam Roberts; others were just entering the glamorous Fox Theatre in Detroit.

Excitement rose within me as I, impatient as a little boy on Christmas, shifted restlessly in my balcony seat, accompanied by my two brothers and hetero friend for life, senior David

“

United States tour, of which Detroit was the first show, that will feature shows at over 20 cities in less than a month.

The tour is primarily in support of their new album, “In Between Evolution,” released in June.

The band opened their performance with “Vaccination Scar,” the hit-single off that album. Perhaps the Hip’s greatest asset is their ability to perform live, and I had never heard this song played with so much energy.

Downie’s electrifying on-stage antics resemble those of a man possessed, ad-libbing songs and “ranting” about everything from girls to politics.

When fans pay for a ticket to see The Tragically Hip, they aren’t just paying for music; they know that they will get drama as well.

Downie acts out scenes from many songs throughout his performance.

During his rendition of “Fully Completely,” he couldn’t help squeaking out, “You can have fully, but not completely!” as he hopped on a makeshift motorcycle.

Later, he began jumping, as if trying to reach a branch just beyond his outstretched arms.

In the night’s final song, “Three Pistols,” he periodically pulled his ated by out his two own pistol, and crefingers thumb.

The set list was well-balanced between songs off their newest release and classics that everyone in attendance, even the ushers, sang along with.

The whole audience was a frenzied ocean, waving to and fro along with the deafening roar of the music.

Due to the loyalty of the crowd, The Tragically Hip came back for two encores, as is common in their shows. This show fully and completely proved to be worth every penny my brother paid for it.

The Tragically Hip’s exhilarating concert once more reassured me that they are my favorite band.

I would encourage any fan to see them live.

The Tragically Hip have something to offer to rock fans of all sorts, and if America can get used to their style, these boys could surely top some American charts.

The Tragically Hip have something to offer to rock fans of all sorts.

Birmingham.

Fans made their last beer and bathroom stops and bought their last Tshirts as the lights dimmed, signaling that the band was about to take the stage.

The crowd reached an unheard of decibel level as drummer Johnny Fay, bassist Gord Sinclair, guitarists Paul Langlois and Bobby Baker and lead singer Gord Downie stormed on stage on Sept. 18.

The quintet comes from Kingston, Ontario, and has had amazing success in Canada. The Tragically Hip has managed to top the charts in our northern neighbor time after time.

They have sold over six million CD’s in their 20 year career yet met with limited success in the United States.

Recently, though, their popularity has leaked over the borders into some states such as Michigan and New York, stimulating a

”

SETH RECOMMENDS “Live Between Us”

Halloween, for many high school students, is a time to roam the best neighborhoods and collect tons of free candy.

Although many home owners hesitate to hand out candy to kids who are old enough to buy their own, many high school student still try. In the event that your trick-or-treating experience does not go so well, here are a few alternatives.

Take a younger sibling/relative trick-or-treating: Taking a young child trick-or-treating could be a lot of fun. The excitement of trick-or-treating to a young child is great; not only are they excited to wear their costume, but they also look forward to free candy. Although most little kids do not trick or treat for long, they tend to receive the best candy. The added bonus: Most little kids are good at sharing.

H a y r i d e s a n d h a u n t e d h o u s e s : Many local farms and orchards offer hay rides and most will feature a haunted houses of some sort. Going out with some friends for a hay ride is a fun way to spend Halloween night. If you and your crew are feeling a little more courageous, check out a haunted house. Many haunted houses will offer a refund to those who make it all the way through the house without chickening out.

Rent a scary movie: Rent a Halloween movie from the library or video store and curl up with a bucket of popcorn. Check the local TV guide; a good Halloween movie might be playing. Don’t forget. Turn your porch light off to avoid interruptions by trickor-treaters. “Halloween H20,” “Scream,” “Hockus Pocus” or “Friday the 13th” are highly recommended Halloween movies.

If The Tragically Hip is new to you, I would recommend exploring their earlier albums such as “Day For Night” or their live album “Live Between Us” before taking the leap of faith and purchasing “In Between Evolution.” For those scoundrels pirating music, I would recommend songs “Ahead by a Century” or “Nautical Disaster” to the softer ear and “New Orleans is Sinking” or “Three Pistols” to people who appreciate straight rockin’ songs.

Throw a Halloween/costume party: Feeling festive? Have a group of friends over for a Halloween bash. Whether your party is a costume party or come as yourself, it is a fun way to spend your Halloween. Some popular costumes are: scary creatures, famous actor/actress or musician, a turtle, a ghost or a princess. Some popular Halloween costumes for couples are: Mickey and Minnie, Fred and Betty, Sonny and Cher or the King and Queen of Hearts.

THE SQUALL’S FAVORITE HALLOWEEN COSTUMES Mary Poppins Favorite president Sunday schoool teacher Favorite boy band member Favorite Kennedy Favorite member of the Jackson family Mr. Stevenson Favorite Edgar Allan Poe character Favorite Revolutionary War hero Favorite Chinese dictator Favorite Pokemon character Ninja

10sports

the SquallFriday, Octobruary 29, 2004

Just a stroke away:

Vessels considers Michigan along with other Big Ten schools Aaron Mclean

high standard for the rest of the team,” Brown said.

features editor

Sleeping in the afternoon is a “He holds himself humble, and foreign thing for senior Bryan VesI think that is one of the virtues sels. he will bring to whatever school he In fact, in his four years of chooses.” schooling, Vessels has rarely expeThe decision of which college rienced driving to school in the heavy traffic of the morning school hours.

Last year’s Ann ArPurdue and Wisconsin got in bor News Swimmer of the Year says he has contact with me really quickly, had to make many I just went on a visit to sacrifices in his social life to accommodate Wisconsin. They showed me a his athletic activities.

“I never really get pretty good time. The other 15 to sleep in,” Vessels recruits, the current team and said. “I wake up around five for swim I all went to the football game practice in the winter, and then hung out on campus and in the summer I swam in Ann Arbor for the rest of the day. which required me to wake up around seven.”

-Bryan Vessels, senior It’s not only the before school hours Vessels misses, it’s the after hours too.

“A lot of my friends get to hang to choose still hangs over Vessels’ out after school and I really can’t,” head, however. he said. “I swim after school, and When he became eligible to when I get home, it’s all academspeak to colleges, two schools ics.” came running.

According to senior Matt “Purdue and Wisconsin got in Brown, it’s this commitment to contact with me really quickly,” both academics and athletics that Vessels said. “I just went on a visit sets Vessels apart from other area to Wisconsin. They showed me a swimmers. pretty good time. The other 15 re“He has worked hard in and out cruits, the current team, and I all of the water and that has set a very went to the football game and then

“

”

Bryan Vessels photo illustration by: Mike Vickers

hung out on campus for the rest of the day.

“I am also going to Purdue sometime soon,” he added.

Even if Vessles chooses not to swim in college, he has grades going for him as well.

“Academics have really helped me too,” he said. “I have kept pretty good grades in high school, and that has definitely contributed to these great opportunities at these schools.”

Even though the thought of going out of state intrigues him, Vessels said Michigan is where he sees himself.

“Michigan and I have talked. I like their team and the idea of being close to home.”

Michigan is also the top choice for Vessels because of his interest in business.

“My dad has been involved in business,” he said. I want to be successful even after swimming, so Michigan seems like the most logical choice for me right now.”

That’s not to say that he has his mind set. “I am still thinking this through,” he said. “It’s going to take a while to decide whether I can commit four years to a University.”

So what’s next? He said he’s looking forward to the upcoming season and the opportunity to show college coaches and current swimmers that he is the real deal.

“This is my last year on the team and I have high expectations,” he said. “The summer workouts will pay off, and hopefully I will be able to contend well this year.”

Dexter athletes don’t fit stereotypes Pop Yo Colla’ Lee Hoggard co-sports editor

If you watch any TV series on the major networks, you will see the typical stereotype of a male athlete.

This character is normally portrayed as a tall, confident and an almost cocky superstar. These stars are supposedly found in every high school across America.

But that’s not true. Here are the top five football player stereotypes. You’ll see many of Dexter’s athletes don’t fit these common images.

Tall, buff and good looking Many people expect their star athlete to look a certain way. The star football player is always pictured as a tall, strong, good looking guy.

He always works out after school, and when he gets home, he will make sure he drinks his protein shake. Then when he wakes up in the morning, he will make sure he’s looking good, especially on game day.

Cocky This same star football player is also a cocky guy who is always acting like he can get whatever he wants. On game day this football player walks through the halls, and all the kids make sure to tell him to do a good job. He makes sure that they know he’s got this game under control.

Not Smart This football player walks into class Monday morning and has a graded test on his desk. He flips it over to see a D+. He’s pumped he passed. Now he knows he’s eligible for the rest of the season.

Likes to party

Every weekend this football player is always out on the town trying to find the biggest party he can, because after he plays a tough game, he parties win or lose.

The way he see’s it, if he wins, he’s celebrating his win, and if he looses, he’s just partying away his sorrows.

“Player” This reason this football player got that D+ is because he’s had three different girls tutoring him all week to make sure he passes. He can pretty much get most of the girls to do whatever he wants.

The funny thing is that the star football player I just described isn’t anything like the Dexter football captains. I’m not saying that there aren’t any football players like the one I just described at Dexter, but for the most part the captains aren’t like the stereotypical athlete at all.

Seniors Steve Cavanaugh and Bill Burgett each have GPA’s that are higher than a 3.2, and they have never been known to be huge partiers.

For the most part they are considered upstanding individuals.

However this type of athlete is stereotyped for a reason, and that’s because many of them do act just like the athlete I mentioned.

Even some of the athletes on the other sports teams of DHS fit this football player stereotype, and there’s nothing wrong with that because even athletes have the freedom to act how they want.

But if you look at the captains of the Dexter football team, they don’t really fit the stereotype of the typical star athlete.

Illustration by: Jared Meyers

the Squall

11

sports

F riday, Octobruary 29, 2004

Breaking boundaries Freshman baton twirler challenges stereotypes Jenny Heldt features editor

photo by Jenny Heldt

Dreaming of Friday night lights: Focusing on his batons, freshman Nathan Magyar prepares for a pep assembly performance. Magyar has been twirling for seven years. He said he got his start after he saw the majorette perform at a DHS football game in second grade.

Seldom do even the most dedicated high school athletes spend 35 hours per week of their summer vacation on a football field, baseball diamond or basketball court.

However, freshman Nathan Magyar spends more time twirling a baton over the summer than most kids spend at work.

For Magyar, twirling just comes naturally. And while a male baton twirler isn’t unheard of, it is rare.

Magyar has been twirling for seven years, and his first performance was in the second grade talent show. He spent a Friday night at a Dexter football game and saw the majorette on the field.

“I knew that was what I wanted to do for the talent show,” he said.

“They made me part of the finale in the show. That made me so happy.”

Magyar has participated in competitions in places as far away as England and has won three individual national titles as well as world competitions.

“When I was 10 years old, my

team went to England to compete,” he said. “I competed in the individual event. The crowd was half the size of the Silverdome. It was a little intimidating.”

Despite Magyar’s many achievements, he said his peers made fun of him in middle school for participating in what they saw as a “girls” sport.

Magyar also said he has had little to no support from most of his classmates, and some people go so far as calling him names and stereotyping him.

Even his classmates have noticed the name calling. “People make fun of him,” freshman Mike Swager said. “He’s not exactly, mainstream ... he twirls a baton ... some people call him gay and things like that. They think he’s an overachiever.”

But these comments don’t bother Magyar. “They don’t know the half of it,” he said. “I am so dedicated. It takes so much time, effort and commitment.”

He also said his parents have been behind him every step of the way.

“My parents have been so supportive of me,” he said. “When I first told my mom I wanted to

twirl, she said, ‘That’s great Nathan, but you don’t know how.’”

Although he is marching in the band this year, next year he will twirl for the band instead. According to band member and junior Kelsy Wilson, the excitement that Magyar brings to the field with his performances is amazing.

“We are so excited to see what he will come up with next year,” she said. “He is awesome, and his twirling will be a great visual.”

Next year Magyar will find himself in a new position with his twirling. Instead of hearing people say that his twirling is “gay,” he will have the support of the entire marching band, according to Wilson.

“The band loves him,” she said. “What’s not to like? He’s good at marching, he is good at the saxophone and he is an outstanding baton twirler.” She said next year the jokes about his twirling will just be classified as something said by another jealous bystander.

“People can think what they want to think,” Magyar said. “But I am proud of what I am doing and what I have. I am proud of what I have accomplished, and no one can take that away from me.”

Skateboarding takes student to new heights For Shane Wright, skating is about meeting people and having a good time Teri Chiado photo editor

Although it’s not quite a team sport, extreme sports such as skateboarding have been growing in popularity.

For freshman Shane Wright, skateboarding was an alternative to high school sports.

“I used to play team sports and I thought it was lame, so I switched over to skateboarding,” Wright said.

“You are able to skate by yourself, and you don’t have to rely on other people to help you out. You just go at your own pace, and you don’t have anyone teaching you.”

Wright is also a sponsored skater.

He is sponsored by a skate-

boarding company called Red Belly.

“I used to be sponsored by a skate park that was in Dexter, but then they moved away,” Wright said.

“Being sponsored pretty much means companies will hook you up with some of their products or you can get discounts on stuff.”

Not only is Wright sponsored, but he, along with seniors Richie Scannell and Kris Kavanaugh and sophomore Dan Tanner have developed their own clothing company.

“My friends and I made up Sinthetic,” he said.

“It’s like a little clothing company we invented for skateboarders. To promote Sinthetic we had stickers we used to stick all over the place and wear our clothes pretty much.”

Despite all of the perks he has gotten from skateboarding, Wright said he has gotten in trouble for the sport he loves and has been given multiple tickets for skating.

“The first ticket was for $100,” he said.

“We were just skating on the sidewalk when the cop told us to get off our board.

“We thought he left, and as soon as we thought that, we started skating away, and the cop caught me,” he said.

“He seemed like he was on a power trip, I mean, he nailed someone for skateboarding.

There are unsolved rapes and

things, and they are focusing on skateboarders.”

And while Wright acknowledges that skateboarding is illegal in most downtown areas, he’d like to see communities give young skaters a place to go.

“It’s something about liability issues and getting hurt,” he said.

“I always thought it would provide for the common good.

Skateboarding’s blowing up now.

“Everyone is walking down the sidewalks holding their boards and sometimes they skate on the sidewalks.

“At the schools, they have good stairs and handrails, but they should at least give us some place to skate.”

Although there are some negative stereotypes associated with skaters, including being rebellious and drug addicted, Wright does not agree.

“I don’t really think it’s true, but a lot of skateboarders are like that,” he said.

“I’m not really rebellious, I suppose. I like to just keep to myself.

But if people start to piss us off, then we do give them a little bit of crap.”

Even though Wright may get labeled by his peers, it doesn’t stop his skateboarding spirit.

photo by Teri Chiado

Flying high: Skateboarding has become a business venture for freshman Shane Wright.

Wright and a few other DHS students have started their own clothing company, Sinthetic.

He is also a sponsored skater. Currently he is sponsored by Red Belly.

No matter where he is or what new trick he is learning, he said he is always having a good time.

“Random people meet at skate parks, and it’s always cool just to rip with them,” Wright said.

“It’s not really the spots to skate, it’s the adventure of looking for a spot. And you get stoked when you find a killer spot.

“Skateboarding is pretty much just being able to hang out with lots of cool people.”

SKATING SAFETY • Six out of every 10 skateboard injuries are to kids under 15 years of age.

• 26,000 people are treated with skateboardrelated injuries in emergency rooms each year.

Source: USCPA

photo by Thomas Leonard

Serving up a curveball: According to Coach Wendy Holmes, sophomore Katelin Davis, number four singles, will play an important role for next year’s team. Despite the tennis team’s success this year, many players, along with Coach Holmes, say the change of sports seasons in Michigan high school athletics could hurt their team next year.

Tennis celebrates success, readies for season swap Thomas Leonard co-sports editor

A CHANGE OF SEASONS

A shrill voice breaks the cool October air: “Lindsey just got If a stung!”

Kalamazoo Senior Lindsey Aeschliman, circuit court number one doubles player for the ruling women’s tennis team, lies prosstands, here trate on the tennis court and are some of moans, “I’m dying.” the high Meanwhile, courtside, senior school sports and number one singles player seasons that Whitney Holmes nurses a bloody will change nose and remarks to her mom and in the coach, “Mom, the whole team’s ‘05-’06 going down.” school year Considering the team’s accomplishments, a berth in the state Womens tournament and defeating basketball Chelsea at Chelsea’s invitaFall to Winter tional, Whitney’s pessimism seems unjustified.

Womens But fast forward a year. volleyball The day: December 17, Winter to Fall 2001.

The setting: The Sixth •Womens Circuit Court U.S. Court of tennis Appeals in Kalamazoo.

Fall to The decision: The fate of Spring Michigan High School sports seasons, including tennis.

Mens tennis And because of this ruling, Spring to Dexter High School’s tennis proFall gram is already anticipating the reversal of men’s and women’s Information seasons. courtesy of Before this year’s team even John made it to regionals, Coach Wendy Roberts, Holmes felt the winds changing.

MHSAA “Participation will decline,” Executive Holmes said about the switch in Director seasons. “You’ll have one and a half years (between seasons) and unless the girls stay focused, they’ll get rusty.”

For Holmes, that’s sorry news after this year’s successes.

For the first time, the women had a JV and a varsity team. And even with 25 girls filling the rosters, the most ever, the team loses six varsity seniors and will need JV players to fill these spots.

Holmes expects they will. “Brittany Batell stepped up to play four doubles and did well for us,” she said.

I had some good JV. We’ve had a great season. But looking towards next year she asked, “What am I going to lose?”

The losses create uncertainty for Holmes as well as Michigan High School Athletic Association executive director John Roberts who is considering an appeal of the circuit court’s ruling.

“Ninety percent of the rules and regulations are made at the local level,” Roberts said, “when practice will be, who the coach will be.”

It is this ninety percent that worries Coach Holmes and her players. Compound tennis schedule changes with new academic twists and the student-athlete balance becomes a burden.

“This junior class is really feeling the pressure,” she said, “different seasons, a new MEAP, a new SAT and ACT.” Junior Katie Lyons and four doubles player agrees. “They keep piling more and more on you,” she said. “With more crammed in each year, it’s hard to be perfect.”