0506-5

“If you ever catch on fire, try to avoid looking in a mirror because I bet that will really throw you into a panic.”

-Jack Handey Dexter High School - 2200 N. Parker Road Dexter, MI 48130

Janitor accused of stealing, thefts still a problem

February 1, 2006 Volume XVI, Issue 5

Exam days change for state requirements

Students stay at school for a full day and no longer have open campus lunch maggie craft circulation manager

Six days before first semester exams, teachers, administrators and students were unsure of what the exam schedule would look like.

All everyone knew was that there would be a different schedule than last year in order to meet the State’s requirement for instructional hours.

This change upset many students and teachers, but according to Principal Jim Bannan, the change is meant to improve students’ exam experience.

“None of us like change,” Bannan said. “This (new schedule) is more in tune to academics. We are about academic situations where (students) can be successful.”

Finally, after a meeting of administrators and union representatives after school on Jan. 11, the schedule for the first semester exams was set: two three hour exam periods for three days and a closed campus lunch.

Bannan said one of the reasons the schedule was changed was an accident during off-campus exam lunch last year. He also said the district has a rule against off campus lunch.

Bannan also said there were problems under the old exam schedule with unsupervised students waiting for the bus to come after exams. He said if students are not supervised, they shouldn’t still be in the building.

Another reason the schedule was changed was the number of student contact hours required by the state. According to Bannan, the scheduled num-

nicole st. pierre staff writer

Custodian Robin Brewer has been suspended from her job, accused of stealing items from classrooms and students’ lockers.

• Brewer Administrative officials including Assistant Superintendent Glen Stevenson and Principal Jim Bannan refused to comment on Brewer’s suspension citing privacy issues.

Brewer didn’t return phone calls requesting comments on her suspension.

However, theft has been an issue over the past few years. For example, senior Margaret Meyer was working the National Honor Society (NHS) blood drive on Dec. 9 when she and a few other student volunteers had money stolen from their bags. Meyer said she took her eyes off her bag only for a minute.

“Someone that goes out there and (steals),” Meyer said, “that’s just wrong.”

NHS adviser and science teacher Cheryl Wells agrees.

“We were sad that such great kids who were there for such a good cause got their money stolen,” Wells said. “No one has said directly yes or no to me about (who did) it. I hope it wasn‘t (Robin). I’d feel pretty sad about it.”

Meyer doesn’t know either. “I thought it would be the kids,” Meyer said. “Robin was the last person I thought of, but now I don’t know.”

Even with Brewer suspended, though, thefts continue to occur. On Jan. 9, sophomore Nora Green had her laptop stolen out of her secured locker. Green said she put the laptop in her locker before first hour and didn’t come back until her after-school activities were over at 5 p.m.

By then, the laptop was gone.

“I have no idea who stole it,” Green said. “None of my friends know my locker combination, and my friends wouldn’t do that anyway. It is possible that it happened after school.”

Often items are stolen whether they’re locked up or not, but Police Liaison Officer Paul Mobbs said the majority of thefts occur because students fail to secure their valuables.

“It’s really unbelievable how people leave their stuff unattended and trust others,” Mobbs said.

Although computers, iPods, money, cell phones and many other items have been stolen, Mobbs said there isn’t a definite action he can take.

“It’s difficult for me because people yell at me a lot (about thefts),” Mobbs said. “But what can I do about someone not locking up their iPod in the locker room? That’s the frustrating part.”

And although it may seem like the number of thefts is on the rise, Mobbs said they’re not.

“We haven’t really had an increase (in thefts),” Mobbs said. ‘The only increase we’ve had over the last three years is due to people bringing more (electronics) to school.”

photo by brandon mayotte

Cleaning up: New custodian Brian Schuler replaced custodian Robin Brewer who is accused of theft from the school.

on the On inside

ber of hours this school year is 1104. The state requires is 1098 hours, leaving little leeway. If this year’s exam schedule was like last year’s, there would be a need for two make-up days at the end of the year.

And Bannan doesn’t think that three hour exams are unreasonable. “I’ve had classes in college longer than three hours,” he said. “And when you go to work you have to be there eight hours or more.”

Senior Kaitlin McMurray disagrees with her principal. “I think it is awful because by being here so long people get really ornery and they can’t focus on their test,” McMurray said. “If they can sleep in, they will probably do better on their exam, and if they do want to come in to study they can. And some teachers don’t like it because (it doesn’t give them) extra time to run copies and grade tests.”

In addition to all these changes, Bannan also has told teachers, starting next semester to only allow students to be exempt from their exams if a student has an “A” each marking period.

Previously, exam exemptions were left up to the individual teacher and many teachers exempted students with “E’s” both marking periods as they could not pass the class • Jim Bannan anyway.

“There is no point in (requiring principal students with two E’s to take exams) because it’s not like that one test is going to make or break your grade because you are already failing,” McMurray said.

Bannan disagrees.

“I don’t think the message we should send is that if you fail you’ve already failed (so) forget it,” he said. “We don’t forget anyone.”

One other problem with the new exam schedule is that it potentially conflicts with the teachers’ contract.

Contractually teachers must have one hour of preparation time each day.

After all of these changes and conflicts with the schedule, Bannan said he’s waiting to see if the new schedule is better than the old one.

“I don’t know if this is a better schedule,” he said.

“I think it is a better plan for safety (and) instructional hours, but I can’t say it is better yet.”

I think it is a better plan for safety (and) instructional hours, but I can’t say it is better yet.”

illustration by kendall goode

(Below) Seniors Mike Grundler, Craig Murray, Alyssa Cavanaugh and Mike Ray take their third hour Advanced Chemistry exam. Students each gave a presentation on individual articles they read such as the history and use of plexiglass, how atomic bombs were made and how they work, drug and polymer companies during World War II and many other things. After the presentation, students were asked to write an essay summarizing and connecting the topics they read and heard about.

photos by brandon mayotte

Musical faces scheduling obstacles frank dufek contest manager

photo by brandon mayotte

Reading Lines: Senior Sebastion Gerstner was worried about the play’s cancellation, but now rehearses his role as Finch in this upcoming performance of “How to Succeed in Business Without Actually Trying.”

Feel like you’re being watched?: Now you will be. With the grading program Power School being installed, parents can keep track of all grades and attendances online.

Page 2

The halls were empty after school on Wednesday, Dec. 13. Students had already left school to go on to their next activity, unless they happened to be a member of the school musical, “How to Succeed in Business Without Actually Trying.”

As the cast headed towards director Harry Wilcox’s room to view the rehearsal schedule, they had no idea of the trouble to be bestowed, temporarily, upon their production.

Their production was scheduled to take place at the same time as a community orchestra show.

The set would need to be taken up and put back down for the orchestra’s performance, and one of their major performance times would not be possible.

“As soon as (the cast) found out that the musical had a good chance of not happening, (the cast) was ready to do as much as we could to make it work,” senior Christina Derry said.

While the cast was ready to fight for their opportunity to put on another show, some of them were considerably disheartened by the news.

“I was taken aback when I found out the

show was potentially not going to happen,” senior Sebastian Gerstner said. “I thought it was all set. I was silently pissed, but others were visibly very upset by the news.”

This wasn’t the first time the drama department has had scheduling conflicts according to Wilcox.

“For (our last production) we had to run rehearsals in the set-building room instead of in the CPA because it was already in use.”

In order for the musical to be put back on track, Wilcox needed help.

He got that in the form of Principal Jim Bannan and Superintendent Evelyn Shirk.

The three of them met to discuss possible solutions to the scheduling problem.

“We were able to solve the problem,” Wilcox said. “The Concert Orchestra agreed to help take down and put back up the set.”

With the production back on track, the cast had to work together and remain optimistic during rehearsals in order for their upcoming show to be a success.

“The whole experience of losing our show and then having to rally to get it back really brought us all together,” Derry said.

For Gerstner, the news of the show’s return was both a sigh of relief and a whoop of joy.

Like many of the cast members, this is Gerstner’s last performance with DHS, and

David is all you need: German exchange student makes transfer to Dexter.

Page 4

he is more than ready to get this show on the road.

“This show is really great,” Gerstner said.

“It is really funny, and definitely one of the best productions I have been a part of. We even have a choreographer from Broadway.”

The only potential problem the show faces now is its new schedule.

Wilcox plans on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday matinee show. One of these shows falls on the same date as the school’s Coming Home dance.

Despite all of the obstacles “How to Succeed in Business Without Actually Trying” has faced, Wilcox anticipates another strong showing from the dramatic talent of DHS. “Situations like this wear heavily on the actors and actresses morale, but we have been able to move forward and continue the show,” Wilcox said.

Wilcox has been the director of over eight productions at DHS. Each year the school puts on one play and one musical.

Past productions have included “Dracula,” “Damn Yankees,” “Once Upon a Mattress,” and a variety of other famous pieces.

In addition to directing school productions, he teaches Drama and French classes.

“I’m the type of person that if I can’t do something well,” Wilcox said, perhaps thinking of the musical, “I won’t do it all.”

MTV’s MADE: MADE comes to Dexter and students share what they dream of becoming.

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Wednesday, February 1, 2006

The Squall

photo illustration of John Wells’ Xanga post by spencer ryan and kendall goode

Xanga leads to student’s punishment Junior’s threatening post leads to 10-day suspension hilary mccown copy editor

In early January Principal Jim Bannan received what he saw as a threat on his life in the form of a poem written by junior John Wells on Wells’ Xanga.

Bannan banned access to the Xanga website in December because he said students were posting things about other students that were either false or private matters. However, this did not stop Wells from posting his views about the interim principal from home.

The poem Wells wrote included numerous references to Bannan, including lines such as “Gouging Jimmy Bannan’s eyes watching as the blood and s--flies laughing as Mr. Bannan dies...” and contained a picture of Wells looking into a mirror, pointing a gun at his reflection.

Bannan said the threat was first brought to his attention by a student who told him to take a look at Wells’ Xanga. According to Squall sources, after seeing the poem, Bannan attempted to expel Wells from school. However, the school district’s attorney told Bannan that he didn’t have a strong enough case for expulsion. As a result, Wells was suspended for 10 days. Bannan said that he would not comment on the the situation due to privacy issues.

Because of the circumstances in which the poem was written including the fact that it was created at home and on a site that is impossible to access from the school, there is some debate over whether or not Wells should be punished.

Who’s Hiring?

Argiero’s 7049 Dexter-Ann Arbor Rd. Dexter , MI 48130 (734) 424-0000 photo by brandon mayotte

How many positions are open: Three jobs are available How many hours do you offer: 12-18 hours per week What positions are open: Server, cook and driver Hourly pay for each position: Server: $2.50 per hour; Cook: $6-$8 per hour; Driver $5.25 per hour Special skills/ background needed: Would like someone with restaurant experience and someone who has worked in a place where they served beer and wine. At least 16 to work or over 18 to serve wine or beer Three qualities you look for in younger and older people: responsiblity, maturity, good hygiene, longevity in a job, reliability and ablity to take initiative How old must you be to get hired: 16-years-old How does one get hired: Fill out an application, then have an interview, learn menu, then train.

Name of company: Argiero’s Phone: 734.424.0000 Address: 7049 Dexter-Ann Arbor Rd. Whom do you talk to: Michael Argiero

“I think (the suspension) was a little harsh,” Wells’ away from school grounds.

“The first,” Goldstein said, “is speech that is made friend junior Bryan Bury said. “He wasn’t serious. He is a very easy going guy.” off-campus in some way that is calculated to make it Wells refused to comment on the poem or his pun- present on school grounds; as the school blocks the site where the poem was posted, it’s difficult to fit this ishment.

According to Wells’ father, also named John, his situation into that pattern. The second way is if the speech causes a substantial and mason has no criminal terial disruption on-campus, which record, no history of would be some major physical incidrug or alcohol use dent that stops the normal operation and no history of vioof the school.” lence. He also said However, Goldstein said neither that the gun used in the picture was one of of these situations pertains to the many that have been one of Wells.

• Bryan Bury in the family for years “If someone is guilty of making a junior true threat,” he said, “the police--and and that the family doesn’t even have amnot the school--should be involved. munition for them.

And if this is not a true threat, the However, Bannan student shouldn’t be punished in the said it doesn’t matter whether the threat was genuine first place. Although, obviously, it may be necessary or not. “I take all threats seriously,” he said. “Who’s to to suspend the student while police are investigating whether or not there is a true threat.” determine what is serious and what’s not?”

Regardless of who is right and who is wrong, junior Adam Goldstein, an attorney for the Student Press Law Center, said the key to determining whether or Ryan Winchester, a friend of Wells, said the whole not a threat is serious is to ask the question, “Does it thing is over the top. “The whole thing just kind of communicate a literal and actual present intent to do boomed because people already had a lot against Banharm?” However, he said, “Whether or not a poem is nan,” he said. “This was like the last straw for a lot of a true threat is not specifically connected to whether or people.” not the school has the right to punish it.”

Bury agrees. “I think (Bannan and Wells) both blew According to Goldstein there are two ways that it out of proportion,” he said. “I don’t think he should someone can be suspended for speech that takes place have written it, but it was his own personal choice.”

Similar school Internet scandals:

I think (Bannan and Wells) both blew it out of proportion.”

• In Oct. 2005 an Iowa student pled guilty to posting threatening messages on an Internet discussion board used by alumni and students at Grinnell College. He received a suspended jail sentence of 120 days and two years of probation. The site was in no way associated with the school.

• In Aug. 2004 two students from Greenwood High School in Arkansas successfully sued their principal for suspending them “for writing or posting violent illustrations and critical comments about the school on their Web sites.” School officials claimed the site caused a disruption in the school day and then had the authority to punish the students for their site. The US District Court ruled in favor of the students, saying that the school had no right to punish them for exercising their First Amendment rights.

Information from www.splc.org

A new way to check up on grades katie fricke contest manager

The board of education approved a new student information system, Apple’s PowerSchool, for use in all Dexter schools on Dec. 19. According to school board member Jane Hoggard, the processes of changing the system has already begun.

“The plan is to have (the new system) in place for next year (2006-2007). Our program will run on the district equipment,” Hoggard said. “The system will provide accessibility, over the Internet, to parents, students and teachers with up-to-date information on the status of a student’s achievement in their classes.”

Superintendent Evelyn Shirk said the new system is much more practical for teachers to meet state requirements than the current MacSchool system which is 12 years old. “(The new system) has a program that allows teachers to match lesson plans to state benchmarks,” Shirk said.

Hoggard said there is a complete training program that comes with the system which covers all users from teachers, support staff, technology support, administrators and parents. This training program will give everyone using the new system a way to learn new programs and special features of the new system.

District Supervisor of Technology Richard Weaver said the new system will be more helpful for the District to access data and to provide information required for No Child Left Behind mandates.

According to Hoggard, MacSchool couldn’t do any do any of these things.

“The new system will provide the necessary reporting information required by the NCLB act,” Hoggard said.

“The current SIS system is obsolete in this regard.”

According to Weaver, members of the technology team have put a lot of effort searching for a new system that would meet Dexter’s needs. “Over the last few years various groups have been evaluated systems and attending presentations,” Weaver said.

And Hoggard said the new system is one of a kind. “(PowerSchool) is the only program that allows staff

The system will provide accessibility, over the Internet, to parents, students and teachers with up-to-date information on the status of a student’s achievement in their classes.”

• Jane Hoggard school board trustee

to work off-line to add grades and other grade book information,” she said. “When back online, the system automatically updates data.”

Hoggard said the new system includes a PowerGrade program that will save teachers time by simplifying paperwork, scheduling, grading and attendance. Anissa Boukhris, a new French teacher said the new program will be a welcome change. In fact, she has already stopped using the current MacSchool system.

“The current MacSchool system never saves grades and is very limited in what you can do,” she said. “It does not run as many reports as I would like. Because of this, I stopped using it about three months ago. I use a webbased online system called snapgrades.net It is much more user friendly for me, my students and their parents.

The new web-based system will be awesome for the district.”

Weaver said the new system also will allow students and parents to access grades, attendance and class announcements online by signing on the web and using a password, adding that the new system’s other improvements include student demographics, graduation requirements and verification, course history maintenance

and better security.

Hoggard agrees that PowerSchool’s security is superior to MacSchools’.

“PowerSchool is encrypted and therefore provides the necessary security to protect data,” Hoggard said. “Only authorized users with the correct ID and password can access student records. A lot of districts in Michigan use this program. This means we will have strong support among educational peers.”

According to Shirk the new system will cost $150,000 which includes a module for the transportation department.

Most importantly, Hoggard said a new system will bring many positive improvements. “(The new system) will allow for tracking of student data on a district-wide basis to show strengths and weaknesses of the curriculum so that administrators can make the necessary adjustments,” she said. “By including and providing access to information to all stakeholders: teachers, parents and students, it can help to build more cohesive and positive environment. Everyone has the opportunity to share in the information and contribute to making our students successful.”

QA & Wednesday, February 1, 2005

The Squall

With senior Sarah Schroeder

nick dodson staff writer

photo by brandon mayotte

Q: First of all, Buckethead or Hendrix.

A: Jimi Hendrix. I don’t even know who Buckethead is.

Q: Ariel Sharon just had a massive stroke. What do you make of that?

A: I don’t know who that is.

Q: What do you think about Principal Jim Bannan’s stance on vandalism in our school?

A: He makes a big deal out of it, a lot more than our other principal. It may be a pressing issue, but I don’t know if it’s as big as he makes it seem to be.

Q: Who do you think is the most underrated musician out there?

A: That one is easy.Willie Nelson. Even though he is very big in the music community, I don’t think he gets the respect he deserves.

Q: Hostess or Dolly Madison?

A: Hostess. I love their cupcakes. They have that creamy center and are heavenly. That must be what the shining light is in all their commercials.

g n i t a D

3

then and now ...

sara newell features editor

Dinner and a movie, a romantic picnic for two, hang- tionship, but that doesn’t mean that someone in high ing out with friends, group dates, drive thru’s, hook ups, school can’t be in love or can’t handle a long term boyparties, serious or casual, all of it is dating in some form friend or girlfriend.”

Though the dating scene may have changed, the idea or another for junior Katelin Davis.

However, for people generations before today’s teens of being in love in high school still causes controversy. ,the dating scene was much different than it is today. “Being in a serious relationship is great, and if you’re in “When I was in high school, a lot of kids only had se- love, that’s also a great feeling,” Davis said. “But I think rious, long term relationships,” English teacher Krista that a lot of adults question whether or not high school McDonnough said. “Today, a lot of my friends are mar- students can be in love. But who’s to tell you if you are or aren’t?” ried to people they knew or dated in high school.”

Duve agrees and said her parents constantly remind Nevertheless, times have changed and McDonnough said dating has changed significantly from the her to have a balance between her boyfriend and friends. time when she was in high school. “From what I’ve “My parents just don’t want me to miss out on things in heard from my students, some of the things they get high school,” Duve said. “They don’t try to control my to do would never even be an idea when I was in high relationship, but they know that I’ve lost friends so they school,” she said. “The things (students) get to do, the are always reminding me to take time and appreciate all places they go, are all much more extravagant than I parts of my life.” did as a teenager.”

Another aspect of dating that has McDonnough said students changed over time is the concept of courtship. “Now (you) don’t see much have many more freedoms than of boys opening doors for girls and she did in high school. She said, “I other things like that,” McDonnough know some kids who get to spend said. “Women want independence the night at the opposite sex’s so that isn’t needed as much. But in house. Those things would never other ways I think boys court girls on have happened when I was a kid. an entirely different level than they They wouldn’t have even been did when I was in high school.” brought up.”

Davis agrees and said girls have Students like Davis notice that some relationships in high school moved to being on the same level as are very serious. “It seems like evboys so the idealistic ways of courting erywhere you look you see a seriare no longer needed. “Now (teens) • Krista McDonnough date more casually. There are difous couple holding each other in English Teacher ferent standards for guys,” she said. the halls,” Davis said. “There isn’t a lot of just chilling. Everyone’s in “Guys aren’t always expected to pay love.” for every date or come up to the door However, many students think and meet your parents.”

Not only has courtship changed but, according to that it is just the opposite, that dating has become much more casual. “Of course, there will always be a few very McDonnough, sex has become a much more common serious relationships, and then a lot of casual random thing in high school relationships, mainly because sorelationships that wont last,” junior Tracy Duve said. ciety treats sex in a much more casual way than it used “And then there are on and off relationships that circu- to. late through the hallway gossip,” “Sex is both more common now and more accepted McDonnough agrees with Duve. She thinks that dat- than it was when I was in high school,” McDonnough ing is much less serious now than it was years ago. “I said. “I think because it is much less of a taboo than it think the more popular choice with students today is was, students are more open and willing to talk about to casually date,” she said. “There are exceptions. Some it.”

Over the generations dating has changed from serichoose to have one very serious boyfriend for a long time. But with most of my students, it’s much less seri- ous relationships to casual dating and hooking up. But ous and their boyfriends (or girlfriends) change often.” regardless of the year there will always be exceptions.

McDonnough adds that whether or not a teenager “Not everyone will just casually date someone, or only can have a serious relationship depends on maturity be with one person,” Davis said. “No matter what delevels. “Relationships depend on the people involved,” cade it is, I think there will always be some form of evshe said. “Not everyone is ready to have a serious rela- ery kind of dating.”

Not everyone is ready to have a serious relationship, but that doesn’t mean that someone in high school can’t be in love.”

Q: Do you read The Squall? If so, what do you think of it?

Dating then and now: An example from the mind of Ian Williamson

The First Date Then: Your father finally lets you borrow the carriage for your big night on the town. You and your date head down to the local barn raising. Hard, honest work is had by all.

Now: You pick your date up in your new car. You spend your parents money on dinner and a movie.

Awkward silence and nervous laughter is had by all.

The Second Date Then: Marriage. Possible dowry of cattle and farming equipment.

Now: Attendance at a local social function together. Engagement of clumsy lewd acts attempted in car before and after.

The Third Date Then: You have fathered seven kids. Your wife died in child birth.

You become a wealthy industrialist off your wife’s money.

Now: Your girl is pregnant dawg!

Luckily, your fatherhood is still uncertain, c’mon paternity test.

Students abuse prescription drugs

A: A little bit. I read the first issue that came out, but I usually only read the weird articles. The ones about vandalism and stuff are really boring.

Excluding painkillers, though, drug use among teens down

Q: Should journalism teacher Rod Satterthwaite grow a Fu Man Chu?

ryan yuenger staff writer

He woke in the morning excited, yet nervous. He had never done this before, let alone at school. He met up with his friend in the bathroom, did it, and waited for it to kick in.

Halfway through senior Johnny Garcia*’s first hour, the OxyContin finally started to take effect. “I felt like my entire body had gone numb, and I wasn’t sure of what was going on,” he said.

Prescription medications such as pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants, and sedatives can be useful medical treatments, but sometimes people do not take them as directed and may become addicted, which seems to be becoming more and more popular among high school students across the country.

A Monitoring The Future survey of over 49,000 students done by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the University of Michigan, showed that overall drug use among teens is declining with the exception of prescription painkillers such as Vicodin and OxyContin.

“Most of my friends that I hang out with have tried prescription drugs at least once or twice, just to see what it was like,” Garcia said.

“And most of us, including me, have liked it enough to do it multiple times again.”

The survey showed that in 2005, 9.5 percent of seniors reported using Vicodin and 5.5 percent reported using OxyContin within the past year. According to Lloyd Johnston, a researcher at Michigan and the survey’s lead investigator, these are disturbing rates considering the addictive potential of OxyContin.

Life Management Education Instructor Shirley Bitters said

A: Yes, he should. It’ll compliment his bald head.

Q: Van Halen or Van Hagar?

A: Van Halen. David Lee Roth is so sexy.

that the high percent of usage will not last for long though. “I think that this is just the latest trend,” she said. “In the 80’s there was cocaine, now we have the abuse of prescription drugs, but the difference here is that the prescription drugs are more widely available to the youth. Someone in their family gets a prescription for some medication, don’t finish it, either forget about it or leave it out, and the kids in turn steal it and take it” Garcia finds no harm in doing these drugs on a semi-regular basis. “I, along with some of my friends, have taken either Vicodin or OxyContin a least once a week as long as it has been available to us,” he said.

According to Bitters, this is not a good idea. “If you aren’t adequately prepared for what the pills are going to do to you, it could be a very bad experience,” she said.

Garcia, however, thinks it can be a very relaxing and enjoyable experience. “It is just a way to take your mind off of things for several hours,” he said.

“I know it’s not something I’m going to do for the rest of my life, so why not try it while • Johnny Garcia* I can.”

According to Bitters, “It doesn’t really senior matter what prescription drug is being used.

They are all one for the same general reason, which is for the effects they provide.”

As Garcia headed out of his sixth hour class, he said he felt relieved. “ I felt like it had been a good day. There were no worries, and I felt ready for the next day, whether or not I was on the pills.”

I know it’s not something I’m going to do for the rest of my life, so why not try it while I can?”

Q: What is your passion in life?

A: Art. I love drawing and the freedom that you have to create anything your mind wants.

Q: Do you believe in fate?

A: Yes. I’ve seen too many examples to say I don’t.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: Rich and famous, living the good life in a huge mansion with many servants and everything my heart desires. illustration by kendall goode

*Name changed to protect person’s identity

4

e t a t s In or

Out?

Seniors explore colleges outside their Michigan comfort zones christina field educational editor

After senior Rachel Howell tripped over a chain fence last year, she sat in a hospital with a shattered elbow.

Doctors told her there was little hope of her regaining much movement in it again. However, with the use of modern technology, Howell’s arm was cured.

This incident helped Howell decide to become a biomedical engineer. “There was all this technology that made it possible to heal,” Howell said. “So I thought it would be cool to design braces and stuff.”

In addition Howell’s father is a mechanical engineer and, Howell said, has encouraged her to go into engineering.

He works at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, where, as an employee’s child, she could go to college less expensively. However, Howell said she wants to go to college in a different state.

“I want to get out of Michigan,” she said. “I’ve moved around a lot. I’ve been here the longest, but I lived in California and Arizona.”

Counselor Larry LeBlanc said that with more people being able to go to travel, more have decided to go to college out of state.

“What has really made a difference in Dexter is the demographics in the past 15 years,” LeBlanc said.

“The (high) school has doubled in the past 15 years, from around 600 to about 1,100. We have people from out of Michigan now.”

LeBlanc said that with people vacationing and moving, students can see more colleges than usual, which can impact college decisions.

Howell has considered colleges in Arizona, Ohio and Indiana and one of the schools she has been accepted to is Rose-Hulman Institute of

Technology in Terre Haute, IN, which she will likely attend.

“I wanted to go to a smaller school,” Howell said. “The schools I was really interested in just ended up out of state.

And I didn’t want to go to U of M.” LeBlanc said being able to go out of state makes it possible to be a professional in a field, such as business, medicine, law and, in Howell’s case, engineering.

“Going to a small school has a tendency to be high-touch,” LeBlanc added as another advantage of a smaller college. “You get to know most of the people there and the teachers know you.

“In a small schools there’s a better chance of • Larry LeBlanc participation. You could counselor work on that radio broadcast or newspaper or participate in sports. Usually, (students at small schools) are a student first and an athlete second. You (may not) see them on TV, but they’re the real student athletes.”

Senior Mike Grundler has a similar situation.

Like Howell, he was accepted to several schools, but came to a decision to attend Cornell University in New York.

He went on a campus visit and the location played into his decision. “(Cornell) was gorgeous,” Grundler said. “And it lies in a place of three venomous snakes.”

And snakes are important to Grundler’s college choice, because he said he has wanted to study snakes ever since he became interested in them two years ago.

“They just fascinate me,” he said, while wearing a shirt with snakes on it. Grundler said he plans to study the biology, ecology and evolution of snakes. “(And Cornell’s) probably the best place to go if you want to do under grad re-

Students can explore a whole new geography (by going out of state).”

photo illustration by kendall goode

search.”

LeBlanc said the setting a student’s placed in can have a large impact on not only academics, athletics and social demographics, but lifestyles.

“Students can explore a whole new geography (by going out of state),” LeBlanc said. “If you go to a college in Chicago, the whole city becomes your campus, not just a piece of property. If they go to Arizona, the desert becomes their campus.

“If they go to the University of Colorado, the mountains are the campus. Depending on where you go, it can develop a lifestyle - like biking, hiking and rock climbing in Colorado. There is an advantage there.”

However, going to college out of state can be expensive.

“It’s quite expensive, and I’m going to borrow money from the government and private institutions, so I’ll be coming out with a lot of debt.”

Grundler, who is looking into several scholarship opportunities to help pay for his education, said. “(I’m) trying to find science scholarships.

There’s a bunch of essays. It’s not really (exciting) after doing college essays.”

Grundler is eager to begin his education at Cornell. He said he is not concerned about leaving his family and being far from home.

“I have what you call wander-lust,” he said. “I want to travel - mostly to tropical places. And I think Cornell is the first step.”

Wednesday, February 1, 2006

The Squall Exchange student adjusts to Dexter michelle svetkoff editor in chief

Instead of waking up to the blaring noise of Russian rap, senior exchange student David Jauch slowly opens his eyes to the voice of his host family telling him it’s time to wake up.

Hopping onto the bus, Jauch realizes how much different his life in Dexter is compared to his home in Germany.

Although the transition was a difficult one, when Jauch came to Dexter he tried to stay open to all the changes.

“I tried to be very neutral,” he said. “I tried not to compare photo by kendall goode things to my homeland so that I can look at things and not think, ‘Oh, that is better in Germany.’”

One thing that Jauch noticed as being different right away, though, is the school system. According to Jauch there is no high school in Germany. After fourth grade German students enter one of three schools.

The school called main school goes up to grade nine; the school called middle school goes up to grade 10; and the school called gymnasium goes up to grade 13. Students who go to the main school go up to grade nine, and then they are done with school.

Jauch also said that the school system in Germany is more difficult and is taught differently. He said teachers in Germany do not care about homework as much as teachers do here. “If you don’t do homework, you just get a detention,” Jauch said. “(It) doesn’t affect your grade but affects your life.”

Besides homework, Jauch said the actual education system is more difficult in Germany. Instead of having letter grades, German students are graded on a 1-6 scale with one being the best. And getting a one is much harder then getting an A he said.

Instead of students having to think like the textbooks, students are graded on forming their own opinion about the subject. “Here (in school) you are not asked your own opinion,” he said. “(In Germany) we don’t have multiple choice or fill in the blanks. You have to write your own answer. They don’t have the help with the questions like here.”

Although Jauch does like how America has a younger driving age, he does miss the lower drinking age and the weekends. “Here you need a car to go everywhere,” he said. “In Germany on the weekends, you can travel with the public system, go to a bar and go to clubs with friends.”

According to Jauch, he wasn’t nervous about coming to America because most people in Germany like America, they just don’t like the American government. One of the biggest problems with the American people, he said, is they only know America and nothing else.

“Americans just know about the 50 miles around,” he said. “(They) don’t have the knowledge of countries around.”

Unfortunately, when Jauch came here he realized that Americans did act differently and were a little like what people thought they were.

“People look at the surface (in America),” he said. “European people take more interest and talk about different things. You have better friends (in Germany) because you care more about what is inside.”

However, Jauch, despite the differences in how people act, still believes that learning English is very crucial to being successful. “You need English as a language. It is important to speak it fluently and to learn about the culture,” he said. “You need English because it is the language of the world.”

Jaworski debates retirement

After nearly four decades science teacher may call it quits

scott campell copy editor

Sloth’s huge, ugly mug projects onto the screen. The classic line, “Hey you guys!” Thunders through tiny speakers atop the cabinet that houses the DVD player and various other electronic gadgets as “The Goonies” plays in science teacher Jim Jaworski’s room.

“The Goonies” has been a staple of Jaworski’s ESS and Biology classes for years. But could Jaworski, after 39 years in the business, be on the way out?

Rumors have been around for a long time, considering Jaworski has been teaching in the Dexter school system for 38 of those 39 years (he spent one year as a zoology instructor at Eastern Michigan).

Somehow though, these rumors seem especially mighty this time around.

“I’m torn by indecision,” Jaworski said of retiring. “You know when you see that door, and you want to know what’s on the other side? It’s sort of like that.”

Jaworski is 60. He’s seen seven principals come and go and even taught fellow teachers Mollie Sharrar, now an Adolescent Health teacher at Mill Creek, and Al Snider, who teaches math at the high school.

The main reason for his thoughts of retirement reside in the realm of simply getting tired of the whole process of teaching.

“It’s kind of like having chocolate cake every day,” Jaworski said. “It’s good! But it gets old after awhile.” Not to mention all the young Jaworski said he is bound to miss (and not miss) some aspects of the past four decades of his life. “(What I’ll miss most) is the interaction between teacher and student and the teacher to teacher interaction,” he said. “It’s the constant flow of interaction that makes teaching fun.”

The less fun parts of teaching would include the 6 a.m. wakeup every morning and “some nights grading 100 papers and having my little eyes go fuzzy before I finish.”

Yet in a certain way, retirement just doesn’t seem like the Jaworski thing to do.

He even said during last winter break he grew bored of sitting around his house for 17 days.

At the same time however, 39 years of teach-

ing, over 7,000 days, 42,000 hours and at least 900 million seconds, retirement sounds like a tempting offer.

“If this isn’t my last year, next year definitely will be,” Jaworski said, not seeming phased by the notion of another 15.5 million seconds of teaching.

He said he’ll be 62 after another year and a half of teaching, which is nothing compared to one of the teachers he had.

“She went on teaching for 20 years after I started teaching, and I swear she must have been in her 60’s when I had her,” he said.

So many years of teaching have really added up when it comes to sick days. “I used to have a lot, but now I’m down to around 90. I think (science teacher Rich) Grannis has more than me right now,” Jaworski said.

Will the rumors come true this year when they haven’t in the past? Jaworski still isn’t sure of what he’ll do.

“I reassess on a yearly basis,” he said. “Is now the time?”

FACT:

Jaworski has been teaching at Dexter for 38 years

photo by brandon mayotte

Answering a question : Science teacher Jim Jaworski says he enjoys spending time with his students. “It’s the constant flow of interaction that makes teaching fun,” he said.

5

Wednesday, February 1, 2006

The Squall

molly brewster sports editor

Food Zone 7023 Dexter- Ann Arbor Dexter, MI 734-426-3410 Location= A Taste= B Variety= B

Overall= B

Chinese Tonite 1127 S Main St. Chelsea, MI 734-475-3797 Location= B Taste= B Variety= A

Service= A Price= B Cleanliness= B

The location and friendly service are the best features of this local restaurant. The crab rangoon is a good appetizer which should be followed by General Tsao’s Chicken.

Keep in mind that General’s Chicken is listed as spicy because it really is. The interior of the restaurant is always clean, but as with most Chinese restaurants, it’s what goes down in the kitchen that you need to be worried about. The mirrors on the walls keep you busy while you wait for your food. You can stare at endless reflections of yourself and before you know, it your food is right in front of you. As with many Chinese restaurants, Food Zone has done poorly on past health exams. But the friendly staff makes you believe in second and third chances. There never is much of a wait to eat in the restaurant and take out usually takes under 15 minutes. Food Zone is the best place to go to fix a Chinese food craving fast because of its location and speedy service.

Overall= B

Service= B Price= A Cleanliness=A

In Chelsea this is the best bet for Chinese. Of all the restaurants graded, this one has the best selection of soup, including egg drop soup that is to die for. Going during the holidays, there was a wait for everything: to be seated, to get food and to get the check. Although the wait staff is friendly, the pace of the restaurant was much slower than the others. By the time the food finally arrived, anything would’ve seemed appealing. And not all the food ordered was well worth the wait. The Fried Rice, which is usually guaranteed a good choice, was very disappointing as it was dry and wasn’t as flavorful as the other restaurants. The pancakes for the Mu Shu Pork were also dry, as if they had been cooked previously and microwaved. The egg foo young is nothing to brag about.

It is the most unappealing thing I have ever looked at.

Overall the restaurant is mediocre and unless you are already in Chelsea, it isn’t worth the drive.

Location= B Taste= A Variety= A

Overall= A

Service= A Price= C Cleanliness=A

Going to Sze-Chuan West is a guarantee for good Chinese food. Although items are more expensive here as compared to the other restaurants that were reviewed, the portions are huge. The restaurant’s interior makes your meal more enjoyable. The walls look like the inside of a cave and when you enter the restaurant you are greeted by a waterfall, where I usually make a wish. If the atmosphere doesn’t win you over, then the food will. The spring rolls are a must and a great way to start a meal. You can’t go wrong with any choices on the menu, house favorites being Cashew Chicken and Mu Shu vegetable. It is also one of the only Chinese Restaurants I found that has specialty exotic drinks to enhance your meal. Although fruity cocktail drinks don’t seem like they would go hand in hand with Chinese food, they perfectly fit into the aura of the restaurant. Conveniently, there is never a wait at Sze-Chuan West.

Seniors plan alternative trips for spring break on budgets robyn shepard staff writer

For his Spring Break senior Josh Bahm said he will spend it, “Going down south ... to my basement.”

Opposed to the stereotypical insinuations about Spring Break, Bahm will wake up in his room and not in some resort in the Mayan Riviera.

First, he will blindly make his way to the initial pit stop of the morning, relieving himself of his 10 hour full bladder. He said his ice cold tile floor is the rude awaking that will keep him from going back to sleep.

Even though Bahm currently has no plans over spring break other than just staying in Dexter he said, “If my parents asked me to go to my grandma’s or something, I’ll probably do that.”

Bahm isn’t staying home because he has to. It’s more of a personal choice.

Staying at home is beneficial to Bahm because he said it takes the pressure off partying. “I rather spend my money on a guitar,” he said.

However, for some students staying in state is not an option. Senior Tanner Boyd plans to take a road trip with three of his friends.

Boyd said, “I’m worried about making sure I save enough money for college, so this is a way I can still save for college but have fun on my senior

e-mail your letters to the squall at: letters @ thesquall .com

spring break.”

Not really sure of a destination, Boyd said, “(We’re) just (going to) start driving to Florida to see if we can make it.”

He and his friends calculated approximately how many miles they think they’ll be driving so they have an idea of what the gas cost will be. Boyd estimates that his basic cost for the trip is $350.

But how do you convince your parents to let you go on a road trip with three of your friends?

“I just told them it was my senior year,” Boyd said.

“They basically told me don’t get yourself in trouble and don’t get caught doing things you don’t want to get caught doing.”

Senior Lily Witus will be going on a small road trip as well. Three and one half hours to Columbus, OH. “I’ll be 18 so it’ll be my first excursion by myself,” she said.

Witus will be traveling to Ohio to see her aunt. “I didn’t really want to go anywhere,” she said. “(I) just (want) to hang out with my friends.”

Going to visit her aunt is not going to cost Witus a penny. She said she is thankful to have a gas card from her parents and staying with family means no rent.

China Wok Briarwood Mall 100 Briarwood Circle Ann Arbor, MI 734-222-9919

Sze-Chuan West 2161 W. Stadium Ann Arbor, MI 734-769–5722

As for the three and one half hours car ride by herself she said, “I’ll definitely bring some good music.”

Waking up at her vacation average of 10 a.m., Witus said she will be able to enjoy not being at home. Her basic schedule will consist of riding horses and shopping.

Witus said that she is excited to spend time with her aunt because she usually only sees her a couple times a year. “I may come home early,” she said.

“Otherwise I’ll probably spend the whole (break) down there.”

As for the rest of the senior class, 32 of the 40 seniors surveyed said they would be traveling out of state.

And 14 of that 32 said they will be traveling out • Tanner Boyd senior of the country. Only five students said they would stay home with basic reasons being parents and money.

But no matter what you’re doing you’re spring break is supposed to be fun. And it can be fun without spending a lot of money. Witus said, “I hope everyone has a good spring break whether they’re in Mexico or in their basements.”

Location= B Taste= C Variety= C

Overall= C

Service= C Price= A Cleanliness=C

This restaurant isn’t a typical Chinese restaurant but more of a cross between that and a buffet. There are usually only about four or five choices, ranging from sweet and sour chicken to beef with broccoli. The food isn’t always as fresh as you find at other Chinese restaurants, and it is questionable just how long ago it was prepared. The prices are reasonable, but the quality of the food also tends to be questionable and the cleanliness of the restaurant can take away from the already mediocre taste of the food. It can be hard to find a table that has been properly cleaned off to dine at, which makes it difficult to enjoy your food when you have to look at previous diner’s food still on the table. They also don’t have the complimentary tea that most Chinese restaurants do.

But if you are at the mall and don’t feel like traveling far to find the Chinese you are craving, this should satisfy you. If you are hungry, look elsewhere.

SENIOR SPRING BREAK PLANS Are you going anywhere over spring break?

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We’re just going to start driving to Florida to see if we can make it.”

Alone 5

With Friends and Parents 24

With Friends Only 8 With Parents Only 9

If you are going somewhere, Whom are you going with?

results based on an unofficial Squall survey of 63 people

6

Wednesday, February 1, 2006

The Squall

Movie: ‘Terror Toons’ jonathan williamson staff writer

Cartoons are not normally associated with horror blood or gore. However they are associated with cheesy acting, bad props and lame story lines. Mix those together and you get the 2002 horror film “Terror Toons”.

Quite possibly one of the worst films created, it has the look and feel of a high school video class mixed with endless amounts of gore.

The plot, or lack of one, chronicles the story of two sisters named Candy and Cindy who receive a mysterious DVD sent by the devil himself.

When Cindy views the movie, she mistakenly lets loose two homicidal maniacs Dr. Carnage and Max Assassin.

Dressed in cheap rubber masks and a gorilla costume, these reckless creatures go on to terrorize and eventually kill most of the household in some of the most graphically horrific and corny ways possible.

The Evil doctor stops at nothing to inflict pain on the helpless children. At one point he pulls a young man’s skull out through his belly and proceeds to play with the item like a toy.

If that doesn’t give you a picture of what this movie is like, then imagine getting your head cut of by a gigantic pair of scissors. And that’s just the beginning of the horrific acts.

Candy is the only hope left, and in typical terrible horror movie fashion she mysteriously changes into a pink powered super hero. Can she save the bloody massacred

‘Colma’: CD

household from more senseless violence and torment?

You’ll just have to watch for yourself and find out. But seriously, don’t.

Never has such a senselessly violent and utterly ridiculous movie been made. In other words, this movie fell flat on its face.

The greatest accomplishment of the movie was that anyone could last the 110 minutes till the end. This movie should be ranked as low or even lower than “Coyote Ugly”. Seriously, it’s that bad.

*

The Michael Meyers mask. The KFC bucket. The incredibly amazing guitar playing. Buckethead, the very articulate, very unique guitar player of late Guns N Roses fame has created something people may not expect from him on his third album “Colma.”

Named for the infamous City of the Dead near San Francisco, “Colma” is, to use Buckethead’s own words, “A city of cemeteries, and on a foggy day a stroll through that place works well. The more statues the better. The water is good too -- the best would be a cemetery underwater.”

Quite different from his previous releases “Bucket-

THE RATINGS * Stay away from this abhorrent mess ** Acceptable in gift form but not worth your money *** If there’s nothing else to do, go for it ���� **** If it seems to suit your tastes, ���� ���� �� � you need to give it a chance ***** Fun for all ages

katie fricke contest manager

Any reader who turns the first page of “Tuesdays with Morrie” will feel that they are beginning a journey that will forever change their life. Any book that attempts to cover the subject of the meaning of life is worth reading.

This phenomenal book, written by famous Detroit Free Press sports columnist Mitch Albom, is based on the relationship he had with a former college professor, Morrie Schwartz.

Within this true story are many great lessons on life, love, religion, family, friendship and death.

“Tuesdays with Morrie” is about a unique friendship between Albom and his wise friend, a retired psychology professor. The story outlines the last course that Morrie taught before his death, a course on the meaning of life.

Schwartz believed it was important for Albom to learn some lessons because he thinks Albom does not value the things in life that really matter. Schwartz wants to counter Albom’s materialism and teach him to hold precious the people in his life. According to Schwartz, the only way to learn how to live is to learn how to die.

Schwartz believes that the process of his death can help Albom.

The class was taught every Tuesday in Schwartz’s house by a window in the study. There Schwartz could watch a small hibiscus plant shed its pink leaves. This book is not only full of entertainment but wisdom as well. This book really makes its reader read between the lines and take a deeper look into life.

Schwartz discusses many philosophies of life that will leave readers pondering for hours. Schwartz tells

nick dodson staff writer

Albom that people need to take more time to think about their lives. “People haven’t found meaning in their lives, so they’re running all the time looking for it,” he said.

Personally, I have applied some of the lessons that Schwartz passes on to my life and they have been very helpful to me. Albom’s first foray into the world of memoirs gives something back to its reader. I came away from reading “Tuesdays with Morrie” wanting to live each day of my life to the fullest with no regrets.

I strongly encourage everyone to enroll in Schwartz’s class.

*****

Book: ‘Tuesdays with Morrie’

headland” and “Giant Robot”, Buckethead churns out a semi-acoustic, almost jazzy album.

Getting by with a little help from his friends, drummer Brain (Primus) and bassist extraordinaire Bill Laswell help out the Bucket laying down some very mellow grooves.

One of the album’s most interesting tracks, “Big Sur Moon,” shows Buckethead pushing the limits of what is considered a song.

Using loads of delay and a classical styled nylon stringed guitar, Buckethead actually takes the guitar to a new level. It actually seems like this album has a certain level of mysterious healing power.

This is the perfect music to relax to, great for putting even the tensest of people in a calm mood. Throughout this entire album Buckethead takes his vast knowledge of classical guitar and music theory and creates something that has never been done before.

The rest of “Colma” is very chill, with songs like “Whitewash,” “For Mom,” “Hills of Eternity” and “Machete” being stand out tracks.

About halfway through the album, the tracks become mainly guitar accompanied with cello on a few tracks.

All in all, fans of Buckethead will be amazed. While newcomers to the guitar virtuoso’s work will be equally amazed, if not more.

The final word is this: if you play guitar, buy this album. If you don’t, buy it anyways. It’s worth it for “Big Sur Moon” alone.

*****

scott campbell staff writer

Every once in a while in the video game world along comes a ground-breaking game. One that redefines its respective genre, whether it be Final Fantasy VII for RPGs (role-playing games) or even as far back as the original Legend of Zelda, a time when graphics were so poor Mario was given a mustache just so players could see he had a nose.

So along came Half-Life 2. Building on its predecessor, which enthralled gamers with a story-driven shooter instead of giving them a gun and putting enemies in their sights, Half-Life 2 adds even more using the Havok physics engine.

The folks at Havok are well known for their work in Halo 2.

But Valve (the game’s producer) took Havok and used it to the best of its abilities in Half-Life 2. Valve even went so far as to design a gun that shoots parts of the environment at baddies, from tables and mattresses to buzz saw blades and car doors.

The whole story of the game involves a scientist, who happens to be the leader of City 17, the place players are stuck.

Evidently, he’s a real jerk and trains the city police, called Civil Protection, to be the same. This is sort of like a futuristic LAPD, right down to the beatings, if I’m using the stereotype correctly.

Eventually the citizens riot while Gordon Freeman (the character whom players portray) is away in Ravenholm, a super creepy, disturbing city of death.

Valve now has the task of making the city look like there’s a riot going on.

They do, for the most part. Abandoned cars litter the highways and chunks of buildings lie in the streets.

As cool as it is to have the ability to rip heaters off the wall and launch them 30 feet into enemy number 546, the developers make said act a little too easy with a simplistic targeting system and poor enemy A.I. (the part of the bad guy that tells them to move when they get shot at).

These two things are all it took to be the thorn in my side. But a compelling story, impressive physics effects and engaging environments still makes HalfLife 2 worth a play-through once or twice.

***

Half-Life 2 : Video Game

a little more

S Q UA L L

MADE

S H D ets g

B

Section Wednesday, February 1, 2006

Students attempt to be made into their dreams jennifer allen business manager

More than 50 students gathered in the CPA after school on Jan. 9, anxious for the opportunity to make their dreams come true.

They were waiting in line for an open casting call for MTV’s “Made.” “Made,” a show that gives teens the opportunity to work with professionals to work towards a personal goal, will document the whole process and air it on television.

Several students sat in the front row, chatting and waiting nervously for MTV to arrive. Among them was junior Lauren Blue, whose ambition is to be made into a competitive figure skater, even though she has no skating experience.

“I think I’d make a good candidate,” she said. “I’ve wanted to be a professional figure skater since I was a little girl.”

In her lap she held her application, which required an attached picture and details of the goal she wanted to achieve.

The application material said that the participant’s goal must be realistically obtainable with the help of professionals within the course of the show, about five months. It also said the applicant must be between 1521 years of age.

It also asked the participant to be specific about what they wanted to accomplish and to describe why they needed the show’s help to reach their goal.

Soon Aristides Pinedo-Burns, the producer of “Made”, introduced himself and gave the students directions for the interview. Each student was allotted 25 minutes backstage to be interviewed. The interviews were taped and sent back to New York, where the ap-

plicants will be reviewed again by the producers.

“Over 5,000 kids are interviewed, and we only choose about 20-30,” Pinedo said to the gathered students. “So don’t get nervous that just because you were only back there for two minutes you won’t be chosen. You still have a shot.”

Several other schools in the area were approached

by MTV and asked to host “Made” auditions as well.

Saline and Pioneer High Schools declined.

However, other schools, such as Community, South Lyon and Huron allowed MTV to hold auditions in their school.

Principal Jim Bannan agreed to have MTV come to DHS because he said every student has the potential to be made.

“It’s a unique opportunity for students,” Bannan said.

“It’s great to give students the chance to reach for goals they wouldn’t otherwise attempt.”

Bannan did put one condition on MTV though. “I just asked them that they don’t show the school in a negative light,” he said.

Bannan, who has never seen “Made”, heard that one episode featured a student who wanted to pull off a senior prank. Other episodes have featured students running for class president, learning to surf and being

made prom queen.

MTV has aired six seasons of “Made” and is looking for contestants for the seventh season.

“I certainly hope they chose a student from Dexter,” Bannan said. “It is a great opportunity.”

Other students are also hopeful that the producers will choose a Dexter student.

Senior Anders Fogleman, who wants to be an Ultimate Fighting Champion, said “Made” is a good opportunity for a spot of fame.

“I want to be on TV,” Fogleman said.

Other students who want to be made include junior Dan Marvel, who wants to be a snow boarder and senior Melissa Jaynes who wants to drag race.

“Why not?” Jaynes said when asked why • James Bannan she wants to be on principal “Made.” “I’ve always wanted to (drag race).”

Pinedo was at the school for several hours conducting interviews. According to Bannan, if the producer chooses a student from Dexter, he will call or e-mail the principal.

“I think everyone should have the opportunity to reach for goals they can’t reach on their own,” Bannan said. “School is about more than academics. Students need to learn what it’s like to be in a competitive environment.”

photo by brandon

Checking the competition: Freshman Heather Cook looks over her application while awaiting her “Made” audition. Cook had to leave the casting call before she was able to audition.

I think everyone should have the opportunity to reach for goals that they wouldn’t otherwise try to make”

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photo by brandon mayotte

Can’t believe her eyes: Senior Robyn Shepard covers her mouth to stifle a scream of nervousness. Shepard said she would like to relive her days as a motocross racer.

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What NOT to be MADE into

It’s not so bad.

illustration by kendall goode

Stanton hopes to create lots of laughs as a comedian

Sophomore plans to become a big star with or without the help of MTV’s ‘MADE’ ian williamson staff writer

The bell rings. School ends. Students line up in the auditorium. Excited, they chatter back and fourth. Glances are exchanged. Photos are compared. The atmosphere is electric.

They have shown up for a chance to finally live out their lifelong hopes and dreams. Or, at the very least, grab for a chance to be on TV. “UFC fighting is where it’s at, man!” exclaimed excited senior and potential “Made” candidate Anders Fogleman.

Foglemen represents, ideologically, the vast majority of the students attending the “Made” tryouts, funneling his energy into a goal that seems larger than life, a goal that makes up for short term impractically with the sheer energy of the idea itself.

Most of the students who auditioned have taken this chance to strive for something crazy, something they could or would never do otherwise. Powerlifters, cham-

pionship fighters and recording artists bloom overnight.

Sophomore Brianna Stanton was one of the potential candidates for MTV’s “Made,” waiting her turn to be looked over by MTV’s elite and scanned, questioned and observed for maximum cross-demographic appeal.

Others before her entered and left, each with their own goal, each with their own selling point.

Stanton wants to be a comedian, and unlike many of her companions, her interest in comedy dates prior to the “Made” event.

While many use their “Made” tryout as an opportunity to cut-loose and go for something that they would never get to do or be in real life, Stanton saw an opportunity to break into a carrier she has always admired.

“I’d like to do comedy,” she said, “but it’s really hard to get any sort of experience or opportunities. I figure this could help.”

Instant training and publicity could be a boon in any field, but that was not her only reason for entering.

“It did look like it would be lot of fun too,” she added.

According to Stanton, popular comedians like Dane

Cook and Sara Silverman made her want to get into comedy and are largely responsible for her drive to be a comedian.

“I was into Dane Cook from the beginning,” she said. ”He is a lot of the reason I really started to like comedy in general.”

However, she knows the odds are stacked against her, with “Made” interviews happening all over other Michigan schools.

This only seems to dishearten her slightly. Comedy is something she wants to pursue in some form or another, regardless of whether or not she makes the “Made” show.“It would be hard,” she said, “but I think it would be fun to continue with the comedy thing.”

And as the spectacle of potential minor-celebrity fades from the school, so does most of the spur-of-the-moment energy and goals it inspires.

Potential power lifters revert to skinny sophomores, wannabe snow borders return to their lives as 14-yearold girls and aspiring musicians resume their extended air-guitar solos.

Photo by Brandon Mayotte

Break a leg: Awaiting their auditions, sophomore Jerid Hollenbeck, freshman Heather Jewell, sophomore Arya Sokansanj and sophomore Charlie Hunt discuss what they would like to be made into.

Hollenbeck said he wants to become a motocross racer because he has always thought it looked like fun.

DEXTER WANTS TO BE MADE IN TO: Brittaney Klocek- wrestling Jessica Sowers- rugby Zach Cowden- guitarist Ellie Soth-Barrbattle of the bands winner Brianna Stanton- comedian Tyler Baird- weight lifting (lift 90+ pounds) Sarah Hilgendorf- ultimate prankster Amy Roberts- boom runner Lindsey Haller- poms dancer Jessie Vickers- skateboarder Ellen Riehle- speed skater Bekah Williamson- ballroom dancer Theresa Guenther- body builder Nick Soos-Balas- drummer Julie Levell- dance team Laura VanVoorhis- film maker Rachel Moir- reporter Katie Young- super model Charlotte Frutig- pro-golfer

8

Wednesday, February 1, 2006

The Squall

Fun things to do on V-Day robert kuzon managing editor

Sittin’ crooked on D’s and Swangs Valentine’s Day is coming up and that can only mean one thing. Young people all over the country will come together to unite in the feeling of love: girls trying to find the meaning of love, guys trying to find a way to get some action, both trying to find a member of the opposite sex to spend the day with.

Being the holiday of love, most commonly think of Valentine’s Day as a serious day reserved for roses and candle light dinners. When I think of Valentine’s Day, however, I think of under dressed little people with bows and arrows and little hearts on the end instead of a point.

The point is I think people need to lay off the seriousness and have a little bit of fun.

Here are a couple of things that you might consider doing on Valentine’s Day: • Try to get multiple dates for at the same time. This would take careful planning, but I think it is possible. It happens in movies all the time so it must be possible. Just have two girls (or guys) meet you at the same place.

You probably want to make sure that the place is pretty large to insure that it would be difficult to be spotted with one by the other. Then try to conduct two dates without either date finding out. Planning out reasons to excuse yourself in advance would definitely be a good strategy. You will have to be very smooth while transitioning between the two dates, because it will be hard to guess how much time to spend with one before the other gets too suspicious.

• Don’t even acknowledge that it is Valentine’s Day. In fact, don’t even leave your house. Just stay at home locked away from the real world with some food and Chuck Norris in “Walker, Texas Ranger.” Of course, since you won’t be leaving your house, you have no reason to dress, answer the phone, answer the door or communicate with any other humans in any form. Anyway, no matter what gender you are, if Chuck Norris can’t satisfy you, nobody can.

That is just a fact.

Bannan:

kyle muse news editor

Pass or Fail?

THE BLINGIN’ CONTINUES As second semester rolls around and people start receiving their final semester grades, I think it’s time for our beloved Interim Principal Jim Bannan to get a grade. There are many things that are both good and bad about his semester-long regime. The real question is, will he make the cut or fail out miserably? Only time will answer that question, but let’s see how he’s doing so far. + Added trash cans Bannan’s decision to put 21 trash cans into the school keeps it cleaner and makes it easier to get rid of the trash students would have otherwise put on the floor.

- Changed exam schedule The changing of the exam schedule originally initiated by the department chairs changed the relaxed and comfortable atmosphere that one gets from only being here for half of a day.

Students lose three hours of study time per day and instead are forced to be in school all day with a 30 minute lunch period. I wish I had four hands so I could give the new exam schedule four thumbs down.

- Bribed students to turn each other in It is bad enough that the principal openly bribed students over the intercom to solve vandalism problems, but when he then admitted that not everyone who gives a tip would get the $100, that’s just pathetic because he makes kids believe that they will receive $100, but really it’s just the first one to give the tip.

- Added a school flag and rug School pride is cool, but why spend money on a rug and flag?

Seems pointless to me, almost like the Escalade Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick drives. + Considered adding additional security cameras These cameras could not only stop vandalism but also stop things like custodians allegedly stealing school property. Good move, Mr. Bannan, I feel a lot safer. My additional suggestion is, even though it would be very expensive, to hire Chuck Norris to be a full time security guard. Nothing would stop vandalism and thievery like a round house kick to the face.

- Dress code Although for some it is needed, I don’t believe shoulders are one thing that makes me worthy of a cold shower. In fact, the dress code not only restricts my scantily made clothes but keeps me from wanting to attend school with girls who are completely covered. As alumnus Aaron McLean wrote in a letter to the editor of the Squall, “In college there is no dress code and to leave these children unprepared for large chests and large backsides would hurt them even more.” Thanks, Mr. Bannan, I feel unprepared for college, and isn’t that what high school is for? + Wore perhaps the ugliest suit ever This was kind of a stretch to get another good thing, but anybody who can wear a suit that looks even remotely close to as ugly as the one he wore has my respect, hands down. Even though he wore it because he made a deal with the football team that he would wear the ugly suit if they won the homecoming game, I still take my hat off for him for actually going through with it.

- Stopped traffic to the parking lot during school hours Sometimes people forget things in their car when they are rushing into school to avoid getting another detention for tardies. However, instead of having the luxury of taking a quick stroll out to your car to get that homework that you may have forgotten, Bannan has also taken that and squashed it. But fear not, you are able to run to your car with Mr. Bannan, once.

It appears, with the stretch of wearing an ugly suit, that he is close to dead even with four (-)’s and three (+)’s. Seems to me he is trying, but his test scores are lacking. Keep studying and keep up the good work. Maybe we have had a problem with administrators because we compare all of them to Glen Stevenson. However, he should be the model for all new administrators because no one was more understanding and nice.

photo by brandon mayotte

• Show up at someone’s house and convince him or her that they are your date. If they don’t believe you, you’re going to have to kidnap them.

Unfortunately, you are going to have to keep them tied up until they verbally recognize that you are their date for Valentine’s Day, otherwise they might try to escape or call the police. I wouldn’t really recommend this option because it has side effects like heavy fines, jail time and restraining orders.

• Try to get a date with someone who is 15 or more years older than you. If for some reason you actually succeed in doing so, you should probably report it to the police station as soon as you get the chance (after the date, of course).

Now I am not saying that traditional Valentine activities are bad. I am saying that doing the same thing year after year might get a bit boring. Cutting out red construction paper hearts is not exactly what I think of as an exhilarating experience, although some may argue otherwise.

Also, if you crave adventure or are left lonely every year on Valentine’s Day, this may also be a good alternative for you. Especially the Chuck Norris one. He is the ultimate combination. He will give you adventure and will never leave you with a feeling of emptiness.

sam harris entertainment editor

kevin mclaughlin staff writer

Only the Rite Stuff

Senior year a blow off My senior year of high school ended on Oct. 19. That fall day I was accepted into the University of Michigan, providing an institution for my educational pursuits after my days at Dexter High School. However, my acceptance also marked the decline of a trait that allowed me to get into the university: motivation.

The way high schools are set up in America is a mystery to me. I can understand how the first three years of high school function, because there is plenty of motivation to get good grades. Students are trying to please their parents and trying to get into their university of choice, but you can throw those reasons for motivation out the window during senior year.

Many students work hard to please their parents and try to get into their university of choice. Kids are no longer kids anymore, as most kids become adults during their senior year, if they haven’t turned 18 already. And grades senior year, for the most part, do not matter to colleges.

These grades largely don’t matter to universities because universities are becoming more and more competitive which, in turn, forces students to apply to colleges earlier and earlier.

Because of the mass number of students who apply to universities, colleges implement rolling admissions. This means that colleges continually accept and deny students over the course of students’ senior year of high school.

Students can get accepted into college as early as October, leaving seven months of schooling for seniors. But for what?

The opposition will argue that senior year is valuable because it allows students to take important classes prepping them for college. But this is where the competition for acceptance into universities backfires in the faces of the students and the colleges.

Students choose the hardest classes they can find and load their schedule with tough Advanced Placement courses looking to boost their schedule strength. Unfortunately, students often aren’t ever interested in the courses and take them solely for the university’s purpose. This leads to Advanced Placement zombies walking around the hallways taking classes they do not even care about.

America needs to look at how other countries handle the last year of secondary school. Germany has 13 grades of primary education. At the end of the 13th grade, a gigantic examination is administered to the students which tests them on the information they have accumulated over their years of schooling. This allows no time for slacking off if the student is serious about getting into a respectable college.

Another important contrast between the schooling in America and Germany is how students are accepted into college. In Germany all students are accepted only after their last year of primary education, not during it. Colleges wait for the final grades to come in before they make a decision on admitting someone or not.

How can American universities make acceptance decisions without even looking at the last year of high school?

Most universities will only see three-quarters of a student’s transcript, which does not seem sufficient in getting a picture of a student’s true abilities. If universities took the time to examine the grades of students’ senior year grades, it would indirectly cause the students to succeed academically in their last year of high school.

In order to counteract declining senior grades, colleges threaten to revoke a student’s admission if they aren’t as successful senior year. Although that does happen, it is a weak attempt on the university’s part, as the cases are few and far between.

For an admissions office to even consider revoking admission there needs to be a dramatic change in grades.

As I am sitting in front of the computer monitor, I need to find other sources of motivation to write a decent article, and fortunately I have found that determination through the mediocrity of the American education system. The United States needs to adopt a new system for schools, one similar to the one set up in Germany, one to encourage success through four years of high school, not just three.

Boots put the ‘Ugg’ in ugly

But is it really a joke? Dear God, I think they’re actually serious.”

If you like tying road kill to your heels and paying for it, then please, be my guest. I’ll just have no respect for you.

Even the homeless won’t take Ugg Boot donations during the winter seasons. That should tell you something.

There is maybe one exception for Ugg boots, I find myself sitting here wondering how on earth I begin to express the resentment I feel and I’ve thought this through thoroughly. towards Ugg boots. They officially have put the Maybe, just maybe, if you are an Eskimo and no one other than your direct family has to see Ugg in ugly. you on a daily routine, then My blood pressure actually you can wear Uggs. rises when I see these hidIt is really cold in the eous shoes. You’re probably thinking to yourself, Arctic, but do these boo“Sam, they’re just boots, ties really keep your pigjust chill out.” gies warm? Warm and But honestly, I can’t. snug? How about warm, The name “Ugg snug and inexpensive?

Just because Von Maur boots” comes from No. and other stores that rape Ugg Boots come in all you for your money sell the name for boots these items, doesn’t mean different styles and sizes, made from sheepskin if you can even begin to you should conform to the in Australia trend. imagine the possibilities.

Secondly, if I was a NaCustomize your own tive American I would be individuality with the royally pissed off.

“Fluff Momma” for only $300, and you can “Why are these white crackers wearing a thank the little boy named Jose that works his mockery of moccasins? First they slaughter us butt off for .5 cents per hour in Cambodia. Aland move us into reservations and now they’re though I’m sure that isn’t a Cambodian name, just work with me here. making a joke of our footwear.

Sam’s Column

FACT:

I have never experienced the Ugg Boot but of a glorious mountain.

“Haha! I make millions of dollars per year, that’s something that would never happen unless I was dead and someone snuck into the and I’m raping you and your mother right morgue and slipped those puppies on my foot- now!”

That is what I’d say, and then my business sie.

Even then, even when my spirit has left the would go bankrupt.

So help yourself and just imagine that body, there would be some poltergeist activity. is what she’s saying and just say no to Ugg I would not let that person insult me like boots. that and get away with it. They would be standing there laughing and then bam. Maybe some scalpels would fly across the room? I haven’t decided yet.

“UGG Australia is the real deal,” says Connie Rishwain, President of UGG Australia.

“Once you wear UGG Australia, you’re hooked.

They’re original, authentic and the ultimate in luxury and comfort.”

I bet you right now that Rishwain is sitting on some overly stuffed, fat pillow made of sheepskin and laughing her butt off.

But if I were her, I’d be doing the same except that I’d be announcing that I made a fool of everyone, and that is what sets her and apart from me.

That’s how she is still in business. She’s raping you but keeping a hush illustration by kendall goode about it. I’d be raping you and yelling it on top

9

Wednesday, February 1, 2006

The Squall

LETTERS to the editor

Food and Nutrition responds to article

THE ALL

SQUALL CALL

New exam schedule is ludicrous, unproductive Seasons change. Voices change. People change. But the

time to finish their tests and focus more clearly on their an-

exam schedule should remain the same. Last year students

swers. The Squall begs to differ. While we understand ad-

had to endure three exams in one day. This year we had to

ministrators were forced to adjust the schedule in order to

face one exam for three hours twice a day.

meet state regulations, they also had the option to add an

We feel this exam schedule was ludicrous and counter-

extra day to the schedule at any time of the year in order

productive. While we understand there are laws governing

to keep the schedule as it was. Ultimately, we feel that it is

the number of minutes we need to be in school, there is al-

more important to do well on exams and have an effective

Dear Editor,

ways a more plausible solution to be found if administrators

exam schedule than to get out of school one day sooner.

We’d like to respond to The Squall article of December 22, 2005, “ Higher prices, more questions” by Nicole St. Pierre. Complete meal prices at DCS have not changed since 2002 when they were raised 25 cents. Also, the first paragraph incorrectly states, “the price of lunch offered at the high school is sometimes twice the cost of food found at fast food restaurants”.

Cost for a complete lunch at McDonalds begins at $3.20; a complete lunch at the Dexter High Harbour is $2.35 and $2.75. Our specialty salad meal is $3.75 and includes a roll and milk or juice; the specialty salad at McDonalds is $4.19 and doesn’t include anything else.

While a student can pay less for an ala carte item from other restaurants, including McDonald’s, our prices are structured to encourage the purchase of a low cost, well balanced meal for only a dime more ($2.25 for a single item, $2.35 for a complete meal).

We focus on serving foods that are healthier, lower fat choices than you typically find at fast food restaurants. Two examples: Harbour fries are only 160 calories and 7 grams of fat as opposed to McDonald’s fries which are 230 calories and 11 grams of fat. Our pizza is made with whole grain flour and low fat mozzarella cheese.

Our purpose is not to “Super-Size” your meal adding unnecessary calories and fat. This is no “bargain”. Instead, we want to “nutritionalize” your meal for the healthiest benefits to you, the student.

We welcome questions involving your breakfast or lunch meals. Please contact us by phone or e-mail as shown above.

and teachers would take the time to think things out more

Sara Simmerman Margaret Faber Food & Nutrition Department Dexter Community Schools

Volleyball announcer sets the record straight Dear Editor, I went to my mailbox the other day, only to be greeted with a 3x5 note card which read at the top “To The Complaint Department…” I thought to myself, “Gee, this is my lucky day! It’s a chance to read someone else’s complaint about me. Woo! Woo!!!”

Was it about how I was teaching class? Was it about one of my videos? The answer was “no” on both accounts. What was it, you might ask? It dealt with how I announced the volleyball games of all things.

The anonymous writer of the complaint mentioned how “belittling” it was to be announcing the non-starters of the game as “non-starters.”

The person went on to mention a more politically correct way of announcing the “non-starters”, which I honestly don’t remember because I threw out the note.

While I was not mad at the author of the note per se, I was perplexed at why someone was worried so much about the most insignificant component of a volleyball match (that would be me, the announcer).

Let me just reassure everyone reading this that I, in fact, did not contemplate ways of belittling the non-starters of the volleyball game before coming to school on that Thursday.

It’s been four years of announcing for me, and honestly I have a great time doing it. I was basically doing what I have always done, which was announce all of the players, including those that weren’t starting (dare I say, the “non-starters”?).

This was the terminology that was given to me four years ago, by then head coach Ms. Scott. To those ladies who weren’t in fact, starting for the Bedford game on Jan. 19th. I meant you no harm.

I am a HUGE supporter of volleyball, of Dexter athletics in general. I know how hard you work on the court, be it a game, or at practice. I applaud your commitment to the team, and your dedication to the sport that you love. As for me, I will gladly continue to announce the games because of my thorough and sincere enjoyment of it. For me, it is a nice break from the world of theatre; I am not in charge, I get to watch an exciting match every time, and I get to come back and do it again the next week.

As for the author of the note, please please PLEASE understand that I appreciate the effort of ALL student athletes, no matter what their role may be on the team.

In celebration of these ladies and their efforts on the volleyball court, I would encourage each and every one of you to come on out and support them on Thursday, Feb. 9th as they face our archrivals, the Chelsea Bulldogs.

These ladies are working hard and they deserve your support. JV and freshman start at 5:30 p.m. with the varsity team playing afterward. I hope to see you there.

Matt Martello Video production teacher Volleyball announcer and fan of the game

carefully.

S D A in the hall DRE Q: What do you think about the new exam schedule?

The new three hour exam block may benefit students, but some teachers decided to encompass more material in their

This is our second year without having an effective mid-

exams since students had more time to finish them. Due to

year exam schedule. In our opinion, this is the most flawed

circumstances beyond their control, students had to study

schedule yet due in large part to the elimination of off-cam-

twice as hard for an exam than they normally would.

Because students are not able to walk in and out of class-

pus lunch and a chance to sleep in.

How are we expected to be at our peak performance level

rooms during exams, we were not able to get help from

when we are lethargic from having to wake up at 6 a.m.?

teachers and other students. For some students, group

According to the National Sleep Foundation, the average

studying is what works best for them. Why eliminate their

teenager needs nine hours of sleep every night in order to

chance to perform to the best of their abilities?

It’s nearly impossible for students to get these full nine hours before their respective exams. Even if we were to get

normal exam schedule year after year, so why is it that we have so much trouble with it!

Chelsea, Pioneer and Huron High School all finish school

to bed by 10 p.m., we still would not be able to get in the suggested snooze time.

on their exam days by 11:30 a.m. and still manage to fol-

And even if we were to get a good night’s sleep, we still

low the state’s guidelines. We’d like our administrators and

have trouble focusing on our exams knowing that we’re

teachers to see how these schools manage this and then

stuck staring at the same four walls for twice the amount of

adopt their schedules.

After all, isn’t it more important to schedule the year

time the former exam schedule used to require of us.

With three hours set aside for each exam, some might argue that this was beneficial for students to have plenty of

around exams as opposed to scheduling the exams around the year?

Correction from last issue: An article on cosmic bowling in the last Squall contained inaccurate and fabricated quotes. The Squall regrets these ethical lapses, and the writer of the story has been disciplined accordingly.

MANAGING EDITOR: Robert Kuzon FEATURES: Sara Newell ENTERTAINMENT: Samantha Harris NEWS: Kyle Muse EDUCATION: Christina Field OPINIONS: Raleigh Holmes PHOTO: Brandon Mayotte & Spencer Ryan SPORTS: Molly Brewster DESIGN: Kendall Goode COPY: Hilary McCown MANAGERS: BUSINESS: Jennifer Allen MORALE: Sydney Ross & Kelsey Schultz CIRCULATION: Maggie Craft

Cartoon

Nathan Keppler, freshman

It seems as though other schools are able to maintain a

function at their peak performance.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Michelle Svetkoff

“I think it could have been set up better because three hours is too long to be in a classroom.”

“I don’t know how I’ll survive the three hours.”

Maria Brundage, sophomore

CONTEST: Frank Dufek & Katie Fricke STAFF WRITERS Derek Ager, Maria Brundage, Scott Campbell, Casey Daczka, Nick Dodson, Frank Dufek, Katie Fricke, Katie Johnson, Celia Kuzon, Kevin McLaughlin, Mike Sayre, Austin Shapiro,Robyn Shepard, Nicole St.Pierre, Kim Wiesner, Ian Williamson, Jon Williamson, Caroline Wolcott, Ryan Yuenger AD DESIGNERS: Brandon Mayotte & Spencer Ryan CARTOONIST: Jared Myers ADVISER: Rod Satterthwaite

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 734.424.4240 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: letters@thesquall.com

by Jared Myers

“I don’t feel that it’s fair to eliminate off campus lunch due to certain students inability to drive.”

Bobby Adams, junior

“I think it’s pointless to sit in a classroom for three hours for an hour and a half test.”

Erika Griffith, senior

“I’m not happy about it because it violates our contract by eliminating teacher planning hours.”

Jo Muszkiewicz, English teacher

10

Wednesday, February 1, 2006

The Squall

Ceccacci moves from California to play hockey

raleigh holmes opinions editor

Last summer senior Jeff Ceccacci received a phone call that would drastically change his senior year by forcing him to move from Placentia, CA to Dexter.

Ceccacci moved to Dexter so that he could play on the Victory Honda Midget Major AAA hockey team that plays out of Canton.

The Victory Honda team was Midget Major state champions last year and made it to the quarter finals at nationals before losing.

“At the beginning of last summer the coach, Brian Burke, called my Dad and told him that his team was interested in having me play for them,” Ceccacci said.

Victory Honda played against Ceccacci’s team in a tournament during the ‘04-’05 season and Ceccacci’s skills caught Burke’s eye.

“I was really excited when I heard that Victory Honda wanted me to play for them,” Ceccacci said. “But I also didn’t want to leave my friends and family.”

Ceccacci found it was hard to leave his friends and family. He also can’t do some of his hobbies because of moving here, “I really like to surf and skateboard,” Ceccacci said.

He said it was really awkward when the first time he met his coach was when he was moving in with him.

“Yeah, that was a little awkward. I had never meet (Coach Burke) until I moved in with him,” Ceccacci said. “I really like his wife and kids though,

and he doesn’t really give me rules, so I coming here. like living with him.”

“I like all the guys on the Ceccacci doesn’t regret team,” Cappo said. And his teammates seem to like him moving here for the eight too. Senior Mike Cappo, months of hockey seawho is also on the Vicson. tory Honda team, said “I don’t regret Ceccaci joined the coming here beteam with no probcause it has relem. ally improved my “He’s a nice hockey,” he said.

The reason for kid, and we all like Ceccacci’s move him,” he said. “It’s is because hockey like he’s always isn’t a very popular been a part of the sport in California team.” and the leagues there While Ceccacci enSenior Jeff Ceccacci showed that. joys being on the team, photo by brandon mayotte he said Dexter High is “There’s not very much different then his Calmuch hockey in California ifornia high school. “Dexter is so there were only about two a really small school,” he said. “My good teams in my league,” he old school had 2500 kids, so I’m used said. “Here every game is an actual to a lot more students. I’m also used to school competition.”

Though Ceccacci doesn’t know if he will be being outside because that’s how all the schools playing hockey anywhere next year, he does know are in California.”

Though kids who have always lived in Michigan that being on The Victory Honda team has helped his future. might not be able to imagine a school outside be“There isn’t much hockey at all in California,” cause of the harsh winter, Ceccacci will be returnCeccacci said. “This has also helped my future a ing to the nice weather soon.

Ceccacci said, “Once the season is over in April, lot.”

Ceccacci has also made many new friends since I’m going to move back to California.”

Volleyball team improves skill kelsey schultz morale manager

photo by spencer ryan

Hitting it hard: Senior Alyssa Cavanaugh spikes the ball over the net scoring a point against the other team. Cavanaugh has been on the varsity team for three years.

played for Ann Arbor United, a club team for volleyball players in the Washtenaw country Focusing all of her attention on the white area, to stay in shape. “Pretty much the whole ball flying through the air, senior varsity volley- team plays for AAU,” Hanks said. “It’s fun beball player and co-captain Kim Sullivan dove cause we get to go on trips to Florida, Alabama for it like she had so many times before. Only and Minnesota for tournaments. A lot of girls have really improved playing for AAU.” this time was different.

And already their dedication is shining Sullivan collided with junior Roseanna Lee and was pulled out of the tournament she was through in their games according to Sullivan. playing in at Saline and taken to the hospital “We might win S.E.C’s, and we’ll probably win after realizing she had severely injured herself. Districts,” she said. Other members of the team “I was diving for the ball and me and Rosie share Sullivan’s optimism.

“I think we are a lot better this hit each other,” Sullivan said. “She year than last year,” Hanks said. landed on my hip.

Everyone wants to win. “Our coach has even said that we are I couldn’t breathe better.” Practices haven’t changed Attitudes are different. We significantly for the team, but they or stand.” Sullivan are working on what we do believe that they are working hasn’t been able to need to do.” harder this year. play since the tournament on Jan. 7 “Our coach was new last year,” due to the injury Hanks said. “She didn’t want to be •Kim Sullivan that doctors diagtoo hard on us. Now she knows that senior she can push us a little more. Pracnosed as deep bone bruising. tices are a little bit harder than last However, Sullivan hopes to return to the year, but I think everyone is just choosing to court as soon as possible. “I’m planning on be- work harder this year.”

Sullivan agrees. “Things are a lot better than ing back this weekend,” she said, “but I don’t know how realistic that is.” Sullivan’ determi- last year,” she said. “The team wants to be nation is shared among her other team mates good.” Her added determination to the team is according to junior Camille Hanks. “We beat a key component in helping the team. But they Saline at the tournament and Chelsea at team don’t want to give people the wrong imprescamp this summer,” Hanks said. “Those are sion. They still have lots of fun while working two teams we lost to last year.” hard.

Improving this season is something the vol“We like to dance. We brought a boom leyball team is striving for after winning three box to Pioneer and had a dance party outside of their 11 games last year. “Everyone wants to the gym.” Hanks said. “We also have raves to win,” Sullivan said. “Attitudes are different. We ‘Sandstorm’ before every game. It’s not all work are working on what we need to do.” no play with us. We want to have fun. We just In the off season members of the team want to do well too.”

Pressure forces students to quit sports austin shaprio staff writer

By the time some young athletes with her schedule than it did with her reach high school, they have moved passion.

“When I stopped playing tennis, on from sports and instead work or join a club. Some lose interest in the it was solely because I didn’t have sport they used to play. Others suffer time, but with horses it was different from burn out. because I just didn’t enjoy it as much For sophomore Shane Wright, as I used to. And with how much it traditional sports lost their fun in costs, I didn’t get enough out of it to continue.” sixth grade.

For Wright, the pressure off the As a member of the Ann Arbor Arsenal, one of the area’s most elite soc- field turned him off. cer teams, Wright was a defensemen “People really just lost perspective for six years, and about it being for his team was fun and a bunch very successful. of politics got in However, the way,” Wright entering sixth said. grade, Wright The same islost interest. “I sues impacted got burnt out beLyons decision cause for all that to quit.

1. Loss of interest in time my parents “In horses had pushed it people could the sport on me,” Wright be really catty said. when you were 2. Other D e s p i t e outside of the commitments competitions how successful themselves, and his team was, 3. Can’t stand the I just got tired of Wright decided dealing with all that he didn’t pressure of the politics,” want to be inshe said. volved in some4. Unhappy with Physical eduthing that was amount of playing going to be taken cation teacher time so seriously. and varsity football coach Tom “I just wantBarberi said ed to have fun, 5. Need to work at a while people but for everyone job may get turned else it was a win off by the comat all costs kind 6. Money issues petitiveness of of thing,” Wright sports, for many, said.

7. Disagreements lack of playing Since quitting time and social soccer Wright with the coach pressures can has taken up have more of an skateboarding, data collected in five interviews by effect on people which he also austin shapiro quitting. excels at.

“I think some“I spend most of my time now times people quit just hanging out and skateboarding,” because they don’t like the amount of he said. “I also work at Red Belly playing time they receive,” he said.

Skate Shop in Ann Arbor.”

“But I think more people quit beAlthough many former athletes cause they have to get jobs because suffered from the same situation as bills start piling up.

If you buy a car, you have car payWright, senior Katie Lyons stopped playing tennis because she simply ments and insurance to buy and othcouldn’t fit it into her busy schedule. er things they need money for. There “I worked full time in the sum- just ends up not being any time for mer. And tennis starts at the begin- sports.” ning of August, so I couldn’t make Barberi also said some people the commitment,” Lyons said. might quit sports because they don’t “Even after school started, I was feel they fit in with the group who still really busy. I volunteer at the plays the sport. But for him, that’s hospital, and my school work load is not a good reason.

“Sports are about taking people a lot more than last year because I’m taking some classes at Washtenaw who are different and meshing toCommunity College. Also, I model gether to reach a goal together,” he and that takes a lot of time because said. “If people give up because they there is so much travel.” don’t fit in right away, I think those For 10 years Lyons also competi- people are going to have a hard time interacting with others in the futively rode horses.

Her decision to stop had less to do ture.”

Top seven reasons people quit sports

WINTER SPORTS: Home game schedule BOYS BASKETBALL •2/24 vs. Tecumseh @7:00p.m.

•2/28 vs. Saline @7:00p.m.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL •2/9 vs. Chelsea @7:00p.m.

•2/14 vs. A.A Huron @7:00p.m.

•2/16 vs. Saline @7:00p.m.

•2/21 SEC @ 3:00p.m.

BOYS SWIMMING •2/3 vs. Lincoln @6:30p.m.

•2/10 vs. Chelsea @6:30p.m.

WRESTLING •2/2 vs. Adrian @6:00p.m.

•2/8 vs. Battle Creek Central

HOCKEY •2/1 vs. Lincoln @7:30p.m.

•2/11 vs. Crestwood @7:00p.m.

•2/15 vs. Saline @ 7:30p.m.

•2/18 vs. Pinckney @7:00p.m.

•2/22 vs. Canton @7:30p.m.

11

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

The Squall

Juniors organize themes for basketball games McAweeney and Burhop hope for more fans with high quality energy robert kuzon managing editor

photo by Andrea Wolverton

Ra Ra: Senior Allie Shapiro and Molly Brewster and sophomore Krystyna Taheri cheer at a basketball game.

“My favorite part about the basketball games is that more people are actually getting into it, “ Shapiro said.

Walking into a mens basketball game you may notice a few things. The most noticeable is the loudest and only section of bleachers with fans standing up: the student cheering section.

“It is a tradition that we have carried on from the seniors of last year,” junior Colin McAweeney said, “and we decided that was an important enough tradition to carry on.”

McAweeney and fellow junior Carl Burhop are recognized as the leaders in the stands.

“The crowd gets pretty pumped, kind of like when Brink beat Val in the big race at the end of the Disney Channel original movie ‘Brink’,” Burhop said. “The emotion of the student section is best represented by Steve Burgett and his pre-game underarmour “We must protect this house!’

Cheer.”

Burhop and McAweeney agree that the hardest part of trying to organize the cheering section is trying to get students to not only attend the game but to participate in the cheering as well.

“At the beginning of the season, there was a low quantity of people but a high quality of energy,” McAweeney said. “What

we want to do is get more people to come, cause its the biggest rivalry Dexter has,” he but we want the same energy so we can sup- said, “basically the whole school comes out decked in the nights theme ready to support port the team better.”

A key component to the student cheering the team.”

According to McAweeney the cheerleadis the theme nights.

Themes are decided by Burhop and er also add a lot of energy to the fans. “My favorite part of the games are McAweeney. when Carly Dalton does her no“After we handed aerials, or when they have chosen get into battles with the other the themes squads,” he said. for the game Players enjoy the cheering it goes to (basketball) section as well.

Coach (Randy) According to junior power Swoverland to forward James Nati the student be checked,” section makes it a better enviMcAweeney ronment to play in. said. “He then “It makes it so you can get • Colin McAweeney tells us if the pumped up after a big play, junior like when I crammed on a kid theme is appropriate and against Lincoln and the crowd the announcewent crazy,” he said. ments are looked over by (secretary Joan) Not only does the student cheering secWhitehead.” tion add energy to the team, but it also This year’s themes have included a su- makes it hard for the opposing teams to perhero night, Halloween night and a white concentrate.

“When the crowd gets loud, it makes it out, where all students wear white clothing.

“We think of some of the themes our- tough for the other team to play,” Nati said. selves but many of them are traditional, like “It’s harder for them to communicate plays white out and black out. “This year we also and make shots when the fans are going added the maroon platoon,” McAweeney crazy.” said. “The best games of the year are when Both Burhop and McAweeney encourage we get a lot of people on a big game on Fri- students to attend the games. day night and the other team has a big stu“Supporting the basketball team is a dent section too. It makes it a lot more fun fun way to show you have school spirit,” when you have somebody to cheer against.” McAweeney said. “Last year channel 4’s McAweeney says that Chelsea games are show, State Champs, gave us the winteralways the best games of the year. “I look season state champs school spirit award, forward to the Chelsea games the most be- and we are going for the repeat.”

It makes it a lot more fun when you have somebody to cheer against.”

Lebron James makes great plays, great shoes kyle muse news editor

THE BLINGIN’ CONTINUES With more and more pro athletes releasing shoes onto the market, the Nike Zoom Lebron is the best of the best.

Lebron James is a new sensation.

He hit the courts in 2003 right out of high school and since then has achieved many firsts in the NBA. Things like the first high school player to go straight to the pros and score 25 points in his debut game. It is no wonder he has so many endorsements and his own shoe.

The shoes start at $125 but have so many outstanding features that the $125 is worth it.

The Zoom Air units on the sole of the shoe give protection from shock and good response when running down the court.

Although the Zoom Air units may seem insufficient by themselves, partnered with the carbon fiber spring they

become more than sufficient.

They become Lebronicized. Lebronicized is a word that I made up that more or less means better than the best, like Lebron James.

Often times when you see players take the court, they lick their hands and rub the bottom of their shoes in order to give them more traction when running and moving on the court. With the Zoom Lebrons, the traction pattern is made specifically to keep a person on his feet and moving faster than his opponent.

Something that may seem new to the average person is the Sphere Technology. Basically, Sphere Technology helps manage the moisture that gets in and out of the shoe while someone’s running and dunking.

And when you’re out there breaking ankles, your Lebrons will survive because of the Leather Support Tabs that are attached to the shoe laces found on the shoe. Not only does the shoe come with the name, it has a sweet commercial.

After a long day of street balling, you can head home and watch Lebron blatantly steal the Nutty Professor idea by impersonating everyone at the table.

But don’t worry. While all the other characters are blabbering, James is getting pumped up for the game where he will make himself, along with his shoes,

derek ager staff writer

A beeping sound rings through the town at 6 a.m. It is the sound of alarm clocks and determination.

Athletes will soon be waking up to make their journey to speed training, a program put on by varsity football coach Tom Barberi that is used to improve athletes speed and agility.

“This program helps kids learn the proper techniques of running and it gives them drills they can work on alone,” he said. “The idea is to get all of the Dexter athletic programs on the same running program.”

Last year Barberi said the program was a great success. More than 100 athletes participated including junior Johnny Benjamin.

“This program helped me improve my speed drastically,” Benjamin said. “It taught me how to run, and it worked out certain muscles in my legs to become more explosive.”

This year speed training begins on Feb. 7 and goes through March 9, starting at 6:15 a.m. This is the most unappealing part of the program according to Benjamin.

“It was tough to get up in the morning last year,” he said. “Sometimes I wouldn’t go if I had a basketball game

Kyle’s Top Five Shoes 1. Nike- Air Force One 2. Nike- Shox

Sphere technology: Manages moisture getting in and out of the shoe

Leather support tabs: To keep the laces attached to the shoe and avoid breaking apart when playing

3. Nike- Air CB 4 2 4. Converse- Chuck Taylor 5. Reebok- Any Allen Iverson line

ever more famous. One thing that the Zoom Lebron has that other shoes do not is the Lebron name on them.

You can get the Air Jordans or some other Nike shoe with Vince Carter on it, but they won’t say Lebron, and if you are looking for respect on the court, chances are these shoes will definitely help.

So check your balance, elbow, eyes and follow through and just know that while you may get stuck playing in a park down the road, someone really famous is wearing the same shoes you just paid $125 dollars for.

Not to mention you just supported thousands of Taiwanese kids in sweat shops with $25 of your purchase.

SPEED TRAINING

the night before.” But senior Alex Kerr thinks that it is not sec. 40 yard dash to a 4.9 sec. 40 after speed training.

But how does someone know speed training is right as bad as it sounds.

“It is hard at first,” he said. “But you wake up soon for them? What sports is speed training for? The athletes that have gone to speed training say the answer is simple. after you start. It even wakes you up for first hour.“ Speed training is right for every one Senior Jared Westwood agrees with and every sport.

Kerr. “You feel really physically fit “It helps with any sport you when you’re done,” Westwood said.

There are a wide variety of activities play,” senior Scott Chevalier said.

Chevalier plays football and runs that are done at speed training to keep track and says he is much more exit from being repetitive and boring Barplosive since he has been in speed bieri said.

The program is made up of 12 dif• Jared Westwood training.

Chevalier and other speed trainferent drills that are run by 12 differsenior ent coaches from different sports. The ees all agree speed is one of the most drills range from lifting weights to runimportant aspects of being an athning. lete. “Sometimes It doesn’t even matBarbieri also said the variety of drills contributes to ter how much talent or skill you have at a certain sport,” the reason this program can work specific muscles. Dif- he said. “If you have speed, then you will at least be deferent drills work different muscles, and with 12 drills, cent. Speed kills.”

Barbieri said he couldn’t have done it alone. coaches are able to work specific ones.

“The coaches are the people who really make this pro“My favorite drill is the parachute running,” Westwood said. gram work,” he said.

In parachute running someone attaches a parachute to It may take a lot of hard work and determination to another’s back and makes the run. The parachute creates want to get up early in the morning and run, but these drag and resistance. Westwood went from running a 5.6 athletes know they need to get the job done.

You feel really physically fit when you’re done.”

Zoom air units: Give response and absorbs the shock when running down the court.

“I know there are people out there who are faster than me,” Benjamin said. “So I need to improve to get to the next level.”

SCHEDULE FOR SPEED TRAINING Feb. 7 Feb. 9 Feb. 14 Feb. 16 Feb. 21

Feb. 23 Feb. 28 Mar. 2 Mar. 7 Mar. 9

*Snow days there will be no speed training *Transportation will be provided for Mill Creek students to Mill Creek from the high school in the mornings. schedule from tom barbieri

12

Wednesday, February 1, 2006

The Squall

a year in pictures