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February 29, 2008 - Volume XVIII - Issue 6 - Dexter

High School - 2200 N. Parker Road - Dexter, Mi 48130

Squall

Minor engagement:

THE

Sophomore plans to wed after high school. See page 4 in the Rostrom.

Drug dogs on their way Heather Siller News Editor

This spring drug-snifffing dogs will wander the halls and parking lot of Dexter High School. At the end of January the Dexter Community School Board of Education approved Prinipal Kit Moran’s request for drug dogs to come to the school.

The drug-sniffing dog proposal was suggested to the board by Moran because he said it is necessary to keep drugs out of school.

“In the year and a half that I have been here at

DHS, I have had the distinct impression that kids are trying to sell drugs.” Moran said. “I don’t want (students) to be in an environment where people and ask (them) to buy drugs during lunch or in the halls.”

Other staff around the school also approve of the proposal.

“It would help getting drugs out of school,” para professional Connie Ausgustine said. “A few years ago, I caught a kid selling prescription drugs at lunch.”

Continued on page 2

Illustration by Gabe Altomore

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Friday, February 29, 2008

The Squall

news

Drug dog continued ... from pg. 1 However, according to Superintendent Evelyn Shirk the board of education wasn’t aware of the problem until Moran requested the board to approve the practice of drug-sniffing dogs with the help of school district deputy Paul Mobbs.

According to K-9 Centre.com, drug-sniffing dogs have the ability to find trace amounts of drugs, so even if a student had an empty marijuana bag in the backpack they used over the weekend, the dogs can find that residue.

The dogs used for the drug-sniffing at Dexter High School will actually be dogs in training, so the district will not need to pay for the services.

According to Moran, when the drills happen

someone will announce over the P.A. that the school is in lock down. Then an officer with a drug-sniffing dog will enter the building and go down each hall with lockers. He said this will take about 25 minutes. After the lock down, the officer will take the dog to the student and staff parking lots to smell cars.

In the event that the dogs smells something either in a locker or automobile, the police will inform Moran who will deal with it as he sees appropriate.

“I would ask the student to open their locker or car,” he said, describing how he would hypothetically deal with someone suspected of having drugs. “If they refuse, by law I am allowed to go in, and I would if the student refuses to open it. I think kids trust me. I’ve expelled a lot of kids as an assistant principal.

If there are kids who want to harm Dexter kids and not get an education then they could be expelled. If it keeps somebody from selling during lunch time then it is a good thing for the student of Dexter High School.”

Shirk said she also hopes the dogs will make DHS a safer place.

She said, ”Hopefully (the drug dogs) will serve as a deterrent, and have a good environment for all kids.”

photo by Jojo Parin Photo illistration by Chas Sloan

Quick Facts • According to liason officer Paul Mobbs, during the drug sniffing dog lock down, there will be five to seven dogs present.

• If students refuse to open their lockers or cars, principal Kit Moran legally has the right to open them • Moran said he is bringing the dogs in to target students selling and buying marijuana.

Community in search of a new superintendent School board searches for someone to replace Shirk after she retires at the end of this year Celia Kuzon sports editor

Dexter Community Schools is in need of a new superintendent since current Superintendent Evelyn Shirk will retire at the end of this school year. And according to Board of Education President, Larry Cobler, the process is already underway.

“We hope to have a new super-

intendent selected in around May or June so they can start on the first of July after Supt. Shirk retires,” Cobler said.

The input as to what characteristics the board is looking for in a new superintendent will come from many people: teachers, staff and community according to Cobler. “We will interview potential candidates, either internal or external, to see how they

meet the criteria and select the one who best meets the district’s needs,” he said.

Cobler said the board will hire a consultant to help determine the qualities they will use to evaluate the candidates. “But, for sure, we will need someone who is in line with the collaborative relationship we have among the board, staff and teachers,” Cobler said.

And although hiring a con-

sultant is expensive, many say it is money well spent. “I think it will be worth it if it gives us the best,” Principal Kit Moran said.

“Especially because other strong districts (including Milan and Saline) are also looking for superintendents. We really want to get this right. We don’t want to be stuck with a bad superintendent.”

Cobler, however, said compet-

ing should not be a huge concern for Dexter. “Dexter has a great reputation and is one of the most desirable districts in the area,” he said.

Cobler said there are also some potential candidates for the job internally. “We have some wonderful people in the district who could do a wonderful job,” he said. “And we will consider them too.”

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Friday, February 29, 2008

The Squall

news

news

BRIEFS Bakery changes ownership

No exemptions!

Illustration by Lisa Ritchie

Principal Kit Moran restricts students from being exempt from exams but they would not be allowed to leave during school hours.

“Students are fine if they late arrive late,” Moran said. “We’re nervous anytime students leave As exams approached last month, Principal Kit Moran was faced with a difficult decision. the building early. They are my responsibility unWere students going to be offered an oppurtunity til after school.”

Moran said administrators also worried about to be exempt from their exams if they met the proper criteria? office congestion during In past years students have exam week if a number of students tried to leave at been able to be exempt from once. “It would be chaos exams with the authorization It would be chaos with 30 students in the ofof their teachers and parents with 30 students in fice trying to leave at the alike if they have an “A” in the the office trying to same time,” Moran said. class or even an “E”, where leave at the same “If there is permission for gaining credit for the class is an individual to leave the not possible. time.” building early, we can’t To tackle the issue, Moran have mass leavings, only composed an Adhoc commit-Kit Moran individuals who have pertee of teachers and adminisPrincipal mission.” tration to propose a new policy Moran is also confor this year’s exam exemption policy. cerned about different Keeping in mind the road conditions in winter types of exams in class.

“We all have to be on the same page,” Moran and the tragedy that occurred in December off school grounds, the committee comprised a strict said. “If we’re giving exams, then we have to be policy for this semester’s exams. giving exams in every class. It’s not fair to have Students would have to fill out an exemption a bunch of hard exams when another class is form for the exam they would be exempt from, watching videos next door.”

Charlie Pettit sports editor

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Ocean Bowl goes to Nationals

The committee is also going to keep students with failing grades from being exempt from that hour.

“I think it’s bad policy to tell students that they don’t have to come to school because that means there is no educational value in the class,” Moran said.

“We need to set kids up for success. I’m willing to work with staff and any students who can help to come up with a better schedule.”

Despite policies of the past, and present, exam days can be long and arduous, and students who have worked hard all semester say they rely on exam exemptions for a much-needed break during a very hectic week.

“It’s always nice getting the time off,” junior Cole Swan said. “When you’ve earned a good grade in a class and have done all your work, you don’t need to sit in a classroom for three hours and take another test over things you’ve already been tested on.”

Other districts in the area such as Saline and Chelsea allow seniors with As in classes to be exempt from their semester exams.

Still Moran supports his way of doing things.

“If there are no exemptions,” Moran said. “Then students will be less likely to get into trouble while they are suppesed to be taking an exam.”

The Oceans Bowl team will be going to Nationals on April 25. The team won a regional tournament with a score of 583 points, beating all other teams by almost 300 points and will now travel to Alaska to compete at Nationals.

The tournament will decide who is first in the country out of the 20 teams participate. The Oceans Bowl team went to this tournament last year as well where they received seventh place. Oceans Bowl team member and sophomore Justin Wike said, “I’m really excited for the tournament. We hope to do really well, even better than last year.”

Steffey fundraiser earns $10k The Tyler Steffey Memorial fund has been raising money in name of Tyler Steffey to build two baseball fields. The need for baseball fields has been apparent since 2005 when little league rapidly grew. The fields have already recieved zoning approval. All they needed was the funding, and with these fundraisers they will be able to build the fields in honor of Steffey.

A fundraising dinner was held at the Big Boy on Zeeb Road on Jan. 30. Ten percent of all profits and 100 percent of all tips went toward the fundraiser which raised around $10,000 towards the baseball fields.

The fund has also been selling T-shirts with Steffey name on them for $10 and wrist bands with Steffey’s name and numbers 21 and 64 which are his baseball and football numbers, for two dollars around the school. All of this has raised around $20,000 towards the fields.

Principal Policies from the Past

Other Schools’ Policy • Saline and Chelsea allow seniors with As in classes to be exempt from semester exams.

• Pioneer High School has exemptions along with open campus lunches allowing students to leave the premises during exams.

The owners of the Dexter Bakery, the Yams, will sell the bakery at the beginning of March. According to sophomore Jason Yam, his family is selling the bakery because it’s too much work and since his parents are getting older they don’t like all the responsibility running a business. The Yams are keeping their bakery in Pinckney, they just don’t want to have all the work associated with running two businesses.

The Dexter Bakery will remain a bakery under the new owners selling all the same products and keeping the same employees there will just be a change of ownership. Jason said, “My parents just don’t like all the work anymore. They just want to run the bakery in Pinckney.”

Glen Stevenson (2003-2004): Teachers must provide a “learning experience” during exam time.

Scribbles the Interim Princi-cat (20052006): Bring in catnip or a ball of string for an exemption.

Threat list found at Creekside

Jim Bannan (2005-2006): All teachers must give exams to students who failed. “But he didn’t tell us that until after teachers had already told kids that they didn’t have to take exams,” English teacher Debora Marsh said.

“That was a mess.”

Kit Moran (2006-?): Students may be exempt from exams, but may not leave the building during school hours. “Most staff could see the new policy coming,” social studies teacher Susie Walters said.

School officials are investigating a kill list comprised by a preteen at Creekside Intermediate School. The child responsible has been suspended pending the investigation. The student put multiple names of classmates who they did not like on the kill list.

According to mlive.com, Supt. Evelyn Shirk said, “We’ve had the opportunity to speak to the child.

We don’t believe that there was any intent.”

Even though district administrators believe there is no danger, parents of the students on the list were notified as a precaution.

Sources: Debora Marsh and Susie Walters, Illustrations by Kendall Goode and Nora Green

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Friday, February 29, 2008

The Squall

feature

Student teachers bring passion to DHS Kevin Butler staff writer

Dexter graduate Rob Hollenback has returned to DHS to further his education once again. But this time as a teacher. Hollenback attends Eastern Michigan University, and is student teaching science for teacher Richard Grannis.

From his view of the science wing, though, not much has changed from the years he attended DHS. “A lot of teachers I had are still here,” Hollenback said. “I had (science teacher Cheryl) Wells; (counselor Larry) LeBlanc was the Vice Principal. I also had (retired science teacher Jim) Jaworski, who also is my father-in-law.”

Although Hollenback has returned as a teacher, teaching wasn’t his first career choice.

“I got out (of EMU) with a biology and conservation degree,” Hollenback said.

“But nothing was available so I went into a general retail field.”

Hollenback said he was not satisfied in this field and wanted something more rewarding so he decided to go back to school and pursue a teaching degree.

Also joining the teaching staff is Jeffery Burr, another student at EMU. Burr student teaches with social studies teacher Jaimie Dudash.

Burr said his love for history and kids was a perfect fit for his chosen field of teaching. “Teaching is the best avenue to connect those two passions,” Burr said. “I love the time I get to talk to kids and connect with them through them.”

With Burr graduating from EMU soon, he said he has begun to think about his future. “If I can stay in Michigan that would

be great,” he said. “If not, I have looked at places such as North Carolina.”

Hollenback also has thought about his career in teaching. “If I could teach in Dexter, that would be great,” he said. Although he said he doesn’t have a job lined up, he is going to try once he graduates in the spring.

In Hollenback case, it is not all work and no fun. His schooling does take a large part of his day, but he said he still finds time to pursue his interests and hobbies.

“I have been collecting comic books for about 12 years now,” he said. “The series ‘Green Arrow’ is my favorite.” Although he does not have any rare books worth hundreds of dollars, he still has some worth between $40-50.

Along with his collection, Hollenback is also a avid fan of the Tigers.

“I have gone to every opening day game for quite some time,” Hollenback said.

Along with his passion for baseball, Hollenback also participates in basketball.

“Every spring and summer, a couple of us guys that graduated in 1992 get together and play basketball on Sundays,” he said.

Although soon he will be teaching on his own, Hollenback said he is still learning, both in the classroom setting and at home, where he’s focusing on how to be a dad.

“I have a one-and-a-half-year-old son,” Hollenback said. “He is a major focus in my life and is a lot of work. It’s very difficult to juggle teaching and family. Student teaching is overwhelming. It seeps into every aspect of your life.”

Once Hollenback has graduated this spring, he said he hopes every day will still be filled with learning new things while raising his family and teaching middle schoolers, his target age group to teach.

Following in Grannis’ footsteps: EMU student and Dexter graduate Rob Hollenback student teaches in science teacher Richard Grannis’ classes. Hollenback is a student, teacher, husband and dad.

Dudash’s right hand man: EMU student Jeffery Burr is a student teacher for social studies teacher Jaimie Dudash. “(I enjoy) the time i get to talk to kids and connect with them through teaching.”

Student enjoys almost leap year birthday Klapperich reflects on unique birthday, but considers it no different Karly Stanislovaitis staff writer

doesn’t bother Klapperich.

“We always celebrate my birthday on the 28th, so Most people can answer (my birthday) isn’t any difthe simple question of when ferent,” she said. they were born.

So birthdays are no difBut things aren’t that ferent, and according to simple for junior Zoe Klap- Klapperich, they never have perich because she was born been. Even though having a on midnight on Feb.28, birthday on leap year may which is technically Feb. be the same every year for 29, which only K l a p p comes around erich, she every four said one My mom didn’t like years. particuBecause of lar birth(me being born this unique sitday does on leap year). She uation, Klapstick out thought it was perich said in her weird.” there was a m i n d . debate among “One year her family (on leap - Zoe Klapperich, about whether year) we junior she should be went to considered a C h a m leap year baby p i o n or not.

House, and I got to take Klapperich’s parents five friends, and after that eventually came to the we went to Weber’s Inn,” agreement they would not she said. consider their daughter’s Klapperich wants to birthday on leap year, but make it clear, however, that not wit hout conflict. birthday was not memo“My mom didn’t like (me rable because of leap year, being born on leap year),” seeing as her birthday is Klapperich said.

“She not celebrated on leap year. thought it was weird.” But “It was memorable for othshe said her dad felt differ- er reasons, not because of ently and did not particu- leap year,” she said. larly care either way.

So while Klapperich said Even though Klapperich’s she never cared whether parents disagreed on the her birthday was on leap date of their daughter’s year, did it bother her birthday, the whole thing when she was younger be-

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cause she only has a birthday every four years? This was never the case because she doesn’t celebrate her birthday on leap year.

She said her parents always made it clear what leap year was though. “My dad explained (leap year) to me when I was five, and once he told me I understood,” she said. “It never bothered me (having a leap year birthday).”

And even though Klapperich never does anything to celebrate leap year, she does think it could be special and a big deal for other people who have birthdays on Feb.29.

“Leap year b irthdays could be a big deal for other people, and it is cool that they get excited. (I think) having a leap year birthday makes you unique.”

Even though Klapperich does not consider herself to be born on leap year, she said even if she was it would not matter. Every birthday is the same. The proof lies in Klapperich’s birthday plans for this year, when she will technically turn four years old.

“This year, we are celebrating the weekend after my birthday, and I’m not even sure what I’m going to do,” she said. “But I’m probably just going to hang out with friends.”

“Leap year birthdays could be a big deal for other people, and it’s coll that they get excited. (I think) having a leap year birthday makes you unique.”

Zoe Klapperich, junior

Photo by Sarah Akbarifard

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Friday, February 29, 2008

The Squall

feature

In the spotlight: Senoir Erin Donevan performed a lead role in the Ann Arbor Civic Theater’s “Bat Boy.” The show took place at Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre on the University of Michigan’s campus last January.

Star Stats • Donevan’s favorite musical is “Les Miserables.”

• Donevan’s favorite influences include broadway stars Kerry Butler and Matthew Morrison.

• Donevan has been in nine productions: “Oliver,” “Pippin,” “Sweeney Todd,” “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” “Oklahoma,” “Footloose,” “Urinetown,” “Bat Boy” and “Anything Goes.”

Photo coutesy of Erin Donevan

Donevan pursues her love of theatre Kaitlyn Shepard staff writer

The seats of the old theater slowly begin to fill as people walk in from the harsh winter weather. The room fills with quiet chatter from the crowd as they wait for the show to start.

With a dim in the lights and the raising of the curtain, the room quickly hushes as the show begins, and six-year-old Erin Donevan experiences her first Broadway play.

That night was the same night that Donevan fell in love with Broadway.

“We were in New York, and my parents took us to see a play,” she said. “At the time I didn’t understand what the play was really about, but after seeing it, I fell in love with Broadway.”

According to Donevan, one of the major reasons she fell in love with theater was because of the actors’ ability to transform into someone else for an hour or two and capture all the emotion and drama of whomever they become.

“Everything is just so overwhelming it’s almost calming,” Donevan said of her love for theater. “The way the actors and actresses can become someone else is just so amazing. At the time it was something that I had never experienced, and I loved it.”

Donevan became involved with the Dexter Community Players in 2002. After playing a small part in “Oliver” with DCP, she has been involved in theater ever since.

“Some of my friends told me about an audition for ‘Oliver,’” she

said. “I decided to go and try out, and I’ve been doing shows with them ever since.”

While Donevan is involved in many performances with the Dexter Community Players, she has also been in a couple Dexter High School performances.

“For the most part I do most of my performances with the DCP,” she said. “Other than that, I’ve been in a couple small parts for different musicals here at the school. This spring I finally got a big role in the spring musical ‘Anything Goes.’”

Donevan is not the only one to be excited about starring in the spring musical ‘Anything Goes’ premiering April 17. Director Erin Palmer says she’s also excited for the spring musical.

“Erin is a very good actress, and I am excited to work with her,” Palmer said. “She is a very confident actress that really makes her self known from the moment she steps on stage.”

Donevan said playing any role in a production requires a lot of work and several months of preparation. And the bigger role they play, the more work they have in preparation.

“We spend several months just going over lines, building sets and just working really hard to make everything perfect,” Donevan said.

“Sometimes we will start preparing in December for a play that doesn’t come out until March or April.”

While preparing for a production Donevan said that she forms close bonds with the other actors and actresses involved in the play.

“It’s like summer camp,” she said. “You spend tons of time with each other and end up becoming really close.”

According to Palmer, Donevan’s involvement in theater is more than just another play. Palmer said Donevan’s involvement will bring change to Dexter High School’s theater program.

“Erin represents that actor that is also an athlete,” Palmer said. “I really want to have different kinds of people involved in theater, and I think Erin can show athletes that you can play a sport and do theater too.”

Donevan also said theater has affected her life in many ways. She says it has taught her to be more outgoing as well as taught her how to make friends easily.

She also said theater has opened her eyes to things she might not have seen if it wasn’t for her involvement.

“We live in a small community, and we really only see one point of view,” Donevan said. “Theater has really helped open me up to different views and religions.”

While Donevan isn’t sure about exactly where she wants to go to college, she does know that theater is something she wants to pursue in the future.

“I think I want to go to Kalamazoo for college for their theater program,” Donevan said. “I don’t think I would make it, but I would also like to go to New York and try to break into Broadway.”

Despite her self-doubt about making it to Broadway and going on to anything professional, Donevan says theater won’t leave her life any time soon.

“Acting really makes me happy,” she said. “And I know no matter what happens, it will always be something that I love to do.”

'Untitled' first freshman band to win Battle With a little rock 'n' roll, ping-pong and practice, freshmen take the prize and raise the cool factor Scott Crompton managing editor

According to Pollard, it was not hard to find band members that would mesh well with him and Horner.

“We heard that Ian Boyd and Graham Low were After hearing the announcement that their band, “Untitled,” made up of all freshmen, had won the good at what they did,” Pollard said. “And since we January Battle of the Bands, looks of amazement liked what they did, we invited them to join the one and only ‘Untitled.’” came across the band members’ faces.

After the band was officially formed, it has been They looked at each other, puzzled. Then they decided to accept their success and claim their cash mostly fun and games ever since, according to Hornprize. er.

“I was really surprised when they announced our “At band practice we have a lot of fun,” he said. name as the winners,” guitarist and original band “We fool around a lot and have ping-pong tournamember Sean Pollard said. ments pretty much every time we “I think that the judges could practice. Ping-pong is what really probably relate to our style of makes our practice time so much I was really music a little better than the fun, well, and jamming.” surprised when rest of the bands, because we However, having fun and playlike to play more rock ‘n’ roll ing ping-pong is not all of it for they announced and some alternative rock.

“Untitled.” our name as the The other bands were not “Even though we do play pingwinners.” quite as mainstream as us. pong a lot, we still jam quite a bit That might have contributed in the duration of our practice - Sean Pollard, to our win.” time,” Low said.

This was the first time an However, according to Pollard, guitarist all-freshman band has won jamming during practice time is the Dexter Battle. not all “Untitled” cares about.

“It was really sweet when we won because we are Pollard said, “We love to write music and we care freshman,” singer Graham Low said. “And fresh- about our fans a lot. We are planning on coming out man usually do not get considered to win since we with a CD soon, so be ready.” are new to the school and stuff like that.”

According to Horner, to get to the point of being According to Pollard, winning the Battle of the able to come out with a CD, “Untitled” started off small.

Bands does not just happen out of luck, though.

“When we first started out playing almost all of A lot of hard work has to go into practice in order to come out on top on Thursday night. our songs were covers of already existing songs,” “It has been really sweet from the beginning,” Horner said. “However, now that we have been drummer Jeremy Horner said. “Sean Pollard and I playing together for quite a while, we have started started out just jamming. After a while we wanted to move towards almost all of our songs being completely original.” more so we recruited some other kids.”

Now that the freshman band has many fresh and Like most bands, the members do not always get along and have to make some changes and sacrifices original tracks, they can start to move on to bigger in order to make a good band. and better things in the music world.

“Some of our original band members just did not “Once we get our demo CD recorded we want to feel right to us,” Pollard said. “So, we had to make start to get a few gigs in Detroit,” Horner said. “I resome changes. That is when we finally found Gra- ally look forward to playing in Detroit because I get a ham Low and Ian Boyd.” rush of adrenaline when I go on stage.”

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photos by Melanie Pytel

“Untitled” Freshmen Sean Pollard (top left), Ian Boyd (top right), Jeremy Horner (bottom left), and Graham Low (bottom right) rock out to take the first place cash prize at the January Battle of the Bands. They are the first freshman band to win the battle.

6

Friday, February 29, 2008

health

The Squall

Photo illistration by Chas Sloan

Diet pop is not all that great some cases.

Diet pop can be an alternative to the average of nine teaspoons of sugar in every can of regular pop, often in the guise of high frucNic Miller tose corn syrup. staff writer But it seems that the main component that is supposed to save people from all that She avoids sugar makes diet pop even more harmful acthe drinking cording to registered dietitian Sandra Petrofountains regard- vskis.

Petrovskis who has a masters in food less of thirst. Instead sophomore science said, “Diet pop, rather than reguLauren Gagneau says lar pop, included in moderation with a she is nearly addicted healthy diet can help to reduce one’s overall intake of sugar.” to Diet Coke.

Although researchers have documented And she said she began to notice this addiction last that when some diet pop drinkers, such as summer. “After a stressful day a Diet Coke Gagneau, take their intake of diet pop to the was calming,” she said. “After a while your extreme, they may feel some side effects.

The side effects they may experience inbody craves the caffeine.”

Gagneau, along with many others, prefers clude dizziness, headaches, moodiness, nausea, hallucinations, seidiet pop, especially Diet zures, twitching, abnormal Coke, over regular pop bebreathing and depression. cause it has no sugar. Also, Gagneau said she has according to Gagneau, many After awhile, your experienced some of these prefer the less sweet, more body just craves side effects when she finds carbonated taste of diet pop the caffeine.” herself drinking too much over the more syrup sweet Diet Coke. She says she taste of regular pop. feels sick and light headed.

She said she tried to give -Lauren Gagneau The side effects listed up diet pop for Lent and Sophomore above usually only affect swimming season, but she people who have consumed could not resist. large amounts in short peHowever, she said it is not just her who is addicted to the stuff. It’s also riods of time.

But the more serious long time diet pop her family who, according to Gagneau, drinks drinker may experience symptoms more two to three cans or bottles a day.

Most who drink diet pop believe it is sig- closely related to multiple sclerosis.

Diet pop drinkers often suffer in the same nificantly better than regular pop, when it is ways a heavy coffee drinker would. Some may really the lesser of two evils.

The battle between artificial and sugar, eventually find it almost unbearable to go a “the real thing,” has led many to believe much day without being able to consume their faof the artificial sweeteners in food and drinks vorite diet drink.

Long time diet pop drinkers may increase we consume are bad for us. Justifiably so in

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serious long term health risks. Some of the risks include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, abdominal obesity, high cholesterol, high blood glucose levels and elevated blood pressure according to weight loss coach and consultant at BuildingBodies Ray Burton.

What causes this is the artificial sweetener aspartame.

Gagneau said she is not aware of this substitute for sugar, “I just look at the nutritional facts, which says there isn’t any sugar,” Gagneau said, “I never think about what is put into the pop to replace sugar.”

But according tot Ray Burton, a weight loss coach and consultant, when aspartame exceeds 86 degrees Fahrenheit, like inside a human body which is usually around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, the wood alcohol in aspartame converts to formaldehyde and then to formic acid. This process in turn causes metabolic acidosis which results in methanol toxicity.

Although there have only been 92 documented cases of methanol toxicity, researchers have found that many of those diagnosed with the disease usually drink at least three to four 12 oz. cans of diet pop per day.

Methanol is a highly toxic alcohol commonly found in automobile windshield washer solvent, gas line antifreeze, copy machine fluid, fuel for small stoves and paint strippers also according to weight loss coach and consultant at BuildingBodies Ray Burton.

Although it may be hard to give up diet pop, drinkers should aware diet pop can not only make them feel sick and light headed, but it can also make them gain weight and develop serious health conditions and diseases.

Now aware of some of these dangers, Gagneau stills doubts she will be able to give it up. “I know drinking all the diet pop is probably not good for me,” she said. “But I have tried to give it up, and I just can’t.”

Fact In A Box • People who drink three or more sugary sodas daily have 62% more dental decay, fillings and tooth loss • People who drink diet sodas on a regular basis have decaying tooth enamel • Long time diet pop drinkers may develop serious health risks such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, abdominal obesity, high cholesterol, high blood glucose levels and elevated blood pressure.

• Aspertame, which is the sugar substitute in diet sodas is shown to be damaging to the reproductive system in females if consumed at a constant rate Source: Weight Loss Coach and Consultant Ray Burton, from Building Bodies Program

Student lives a life without wheat in his diet Cassandra Hall staff writer

Some people don’t eat McDonald’s hamburgers because they’re trying to lose weight. Some won’t eat them because they think eating meat is wrong. Sophomore Ethan Rickelmann doesn’t eat them, either, but he isn’t dieting, and he isn’t a vegetarian. Rickelmann is allergic to gluten.

Rickelmann said he didn’t find out about his allergy until he was in fifth grade.

He admits his allergy can get in the way of everyday life and make him feel a bit left out. No one else in his family has a gluten allergy. And it can be frustrating when he eats at restaurants, because many places only have a limited selection of gluten-free foods. He said, “It’s hard because we don’t really eat out a lot anymore. Most places, I can only eat salads.”

This is because gluten allergies are relatively unpublicized, so it is especially difficult for Rickelmann to find food he can eat. He said people with his allergy have to buy corn flour and rice flour at specialty stores.

He also said they have to avoid contaminating their food with gluten. His mother says the family has to be careful that Ethan’s gluten-free food doesn’t come into contact with their food. She said, “He has separate peanut-butter and jelly jars to avoid bread crumbs. He has his own toaster for his GF bread and bagels.”

According to school nurse Aileen Kernohan, wheat allergies and gluten allergies are two different things. “Wheat allergies can lead to asthma, eczema and anaphylaxis,” she said. “But a gluten allergy isn’t really an allergy--it is Celiac Sprue, an autoimmune disorder.” Kernohan said the body attacks the gluten protein and this harms the villi in the small intestine, so the body can’t digest food properly.

Many people have never heard of gluten allergies, but Kernohan said they are more common than people realize. “Up to one in 250 Americans have Celiac Sprue,” she said, adding that she is only aware of a handful of people at Dexter High School who have the condition, but this is because the condition is often missed.

“There are a handful of people (with gluten allergies) in kindergarten,” she said. “Maybe the condition is being diagnosed more often ... it’s hard to diagnose, because the gastrointestinal complications can be mistaken for Irritable Bowl Syndrome, and the other reactions can be diagnosed as depression.”

And the later the condition is diagnosed, the more complications can ensue.

This condition can cause different reactions in different people, too. “Some people have no symptoms,” she said. “In babies, it can cause failure to thrive, and it can lead to anemia, osteoporosis, joint pain and depression or irritability. The only treatment is to avoid gluten for the rest of your life.”

The response to a gluten allergy can sometimes be even more serious, leading to gastrointestinal cancer. Rickelmann discovered this firsthand.

“My grandpa got cancer from his allergy,” he said, “so my family all had to get tested for (gluten) antibodies.”

Rickelmann’s grandfather eventually died from these complications, and Rickelmann tested positive for Celiac Sprue. His mother said that this “came as a surprise to Ethan all of us because we had never heard of it before.”

She said his allergy was a cause of uncertainty for the family in the beginning. “It Rickelmann: seemed overwhelming at first to realize that Ethan’s diet was going to be so restricted Sophomore and how many items contained gluten that I was not even aware of, soy sauce, for ex- who cannot eat wheat. ample,” she said. “Vacations, band or sports camps, weekends away and parties are a challenge as we must always think of what Ethan will be able to eat.”

Still, she says, Ethan’s diet has become a part of everyday life. “Gluten-free food can be expensive and label reading is a must, but I now know more about what products to buy and where to get them,” she said. “Many stores in Ann Arbor carry gluten-free products and even Busch’s in Dexter has GF cookies and flour. Our church now has a low-gluten host that allows him to receive communion.”

She said her son will maintain a gluten-free diet for the rest of his life. But soon, this will become easier for him and his family. His mother said, “Fortunately, people are becoming more aware of celiac and more stores and restaurants are trying to accommodate this special diet. Beginning in January 2009, products will have to list gluten as an ingredient which will make grocery shopping easier.”

At the moment, Rickelmann’s allergy still doesn’t keep him from eating food that he enjoys. Even though gluten is found in wheat, barley, rye, and to some extent oats, spelt, and camut, Kernohan said people with gluten allergies can still eat a balanced diet.

Still, Rickelmann’S family has taken the changes in stride. “They knew it would be a change,” he said. “And we had to change with it.”

Gluten-Free Food Choices • Vegetables: artichokes, broccoli, maize, peas, etc.

• Fresh meat • Honey

• Corn, rice, or potato flour.

• Tapioca

• Nuts (except barley, wheat, and rye): sunflower, sesame, etc.

• Fruits: apples, pears, bananas, pomegranates, etc.

• Eggs

• Dairy products: milk, butter, yogurt.

7

Friday, February 29, 2008

The Squall

arts

Oscar predictions 2007 Ryan Aliapoulios Entertainment Editor

The red carpet rolls out, box office numbers are tallied and Hollywood writers finally put up the white flag.

Oscar season is here again, the contest of complex politics where the talent of the actors is usually considered about as much as the points on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”.

I tried to decode what the Academy may have been basing its decisions on, so here are my picks for the 2007 Academy Awards.

Best Actor Who Will Win: George Clooney just took home an Oscar in 2005 for “Syriana,” so it won’t be him. Viggo Mortenson is a first time nominee, so he stands to be looked over for his role in “Eastern Promises”. Tommy Lee Jones has won before for “The Fugitive,” and although Johnny Depp has been nominated three times with no win, based on the strength of Daniel Day-Lewis’ performance in “There Will Be Blood” he will probably be taking home his second Best Actor Oscar this year.

Who Should Win: Daniel-Day Lewis is head-and-shoulders above the competition in this category.

Even if he has an Oscar at home, he is definitely worthy of another.

Best Actress

Illustration by Leah Gibson

Oscar Tidbits • This year is the 80th Annual Academy Awards show.

• “No Country for Old Men” and “There Will Be Blood” are tied this year for most nominations with eight each.

• Composer John Williams has been nominated for 45 Academy Awards cumulatively, more than any other person.

• The youngest person to ever win an Academy Award was Shirley Temple when she was six.

Information courtesy of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Who Will Win: Cate Blanchett has been nominated countless times and won for “The Aviator.”

Julie Christie has also been nominated many times and won in 1965 for “Darling,” so she’s also unlikely.

Marion Cotillard in “La Vie En Rose” would be the first actress to win for a foreign film since Sophia Loren in 1962; unlikely to say the least.

Although Laura Linney with many nominations and no win seems a likely choice, Ellen Page may take the award home for her performance in “Juno,” since it was a more popular comedy than “The Savages” and has more hype going for it.

Who Should Win: Everyone this year handed in a solid performance, but Ellen Page’s job handling a script that easily could have come off as sappy was by far the best performance in this category. It would be refreshing to see a big comedy get the award, too.

probably win out.

Best Director Who Will Win: This category is hard to read since all the directors except Joel and Ethan Coen for “No Country For Old Men” are first time nominees for the award. Although Paul Thomas Anderson might steal with “There Will Be Blood,” the Coens will probably take it home for being overlooked in “Fargo” in 1996.

Who Should Win: Although I do have a lot of respect for the Coen Brothers, Paul Thomas Anderson has been doing great work for years that he has yet to be noticed for.

“Magnolia” ranks as one of my favorite films of all time, but Anderson’s direction in “There Will Be Blood” is even more refined and effective.

Best Picture Who Will Win: “Juno” is an unlikely choice since indie comedies don’t usually have a much luck with the Best Picture bid. “Michael Clayton” probably risks not being seen enough to have a serious chance, and “Atonement” doesn’t seem likely based on previous trends of similar movies. Although “There Will Be Blood” is being proclaimed a modern masterpiece by many critics; so is “No Country For Old Men,” and it’s slightly less off-beat than the former.

Who Should Win: “There Will Be Blood” would be nice if it pulled a steal since Hollywood rarely chooses films for Best Picture that really break new ground, but I’d be equally satisfied if the oh-so-heartwarming “Juno” took the award home.

Best Supporting Actor Who Will Win: Phillip Seymour Hoffman won an acting Oscar for “Capote” in 2005, so he is unlikely to win again so soon. Casey Affleck is a first-time nominee for “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford,” making it likely for him not to win. The same is true for Hal Holbrook for “In the Valley of Elah,” a movie that didn’t spend much time in the public eye either.

Tom Wilkinson and Javier Bardem are both second-time nominees for “Michael Clayton” and “No Country For Old Men” respectively, but Bardem’s electric, evil villain from will

Who Should Win: Javier Bardem, hands down. The job he did in “No Country for Old Men” was downright chilling, and although there are some dinosaurs in the category this year that haven’t won before, that’s no reason to deny true talent the just recognition it deserves.

Best Supporting Actress Who Will Win: Saoirse Ronan is young as well as a first-time nominee in “Atonement,” the obvious throwaway here. Ruby Dee is a wellestablished actress who has never been awarded an Oscar, but her performance in “American Gangster” really didn’t stand out very much.

Not many people saw “Gone Baby Gone” either, leaving Amy Ryan without a very good shot. Although Cate Blanchett’s role is probably the most deserving, she’s had many Oscar nods in recent years which will probably send the award into the hands of Tilda Swinton for “Michael Clayton.”

Who Should Win: To be completely fair, Cate Blanchett deserves the Oscar for her surprising role as a fractured personality of Bob Dylan in “I’m Not There”. This year’s picks really offer little to combat Blanchett’s formidable screen presence.

Best Original Screenplay Who Will Win: “Lars and the Real Girl” was a quirky comedy that was lauded for its original story line, but it was way too obscure to have a real chance at winning. “Ratatouille” seems an unlikely pick since Academy voters might deem the movie too juvenile to deserve the award.

“Michael Clayton” doesn’t have any hype in the category and “The Savages” will probably pale in comparison to “Juno.” “Juno” seems likely to win to encourage first-time screenwriter Diablo Cody for writing such a runaway hit.

Who Should Win: “Juno” was one of the best films this year, but politics will probably prevent it from taking too many of the big awards home at the fear of stepping on others’ toes. The dialogue was the driving force behind “Juno,” and I hope the award will go to Cody just to silence any complaints about the movie’s alleged glibness.

Cooney brings theater to downtown Dexter Emily VanDusen staff writer

theater, an innovative design featuring a simple stage and completely black walls. This type of design is versatile, Just as many inspirational bookmarks and is easy to mold to the needs of many say, the arts have a way of bringing different productions.

“We have no specific dates to start people joy, bringing people love or bringing people together.

Michigan construction, but we will launch fund native Daniel Cooney is bringing this raisers once we get the OK,” Cooney laminated gift shop wisdom to life as he said. “I hope to get things going in about works to bring a professional musical six months, but these things sometimes take years.” theater downtown.

The official name of the theater is The “I’ve been in professional theatre for 20 years,” Cooney said. “I went to Yale Encore Musical Theatre Company. “It’s for graduate school and got my masters fitting,” Cooney said. “When it was sugin acting.” Cooney decided to bring his gested, I said, ‘It’s perfect-we’ll take it!’ expertise to Dexter when he was con- It’s not overused, and it gives the message to keep coming tacted by Ann Koch, back.” the co-founder and In order to accompresident of the the“I’m from Michigan, plish the construction atre project. so it’s good to be of the theater, those “Anne Koch able to come back involved plan to host found me online,” home and help the numerous fund raisCooney said, “and ers.

One of these asked me if I would community.” fund raisers was held have any interest or - Daniel Cooney, in the CPA on Jan. desire in a theatre in Executive Director 25. The event feaDexter with a focus and Founder of the tured Broadway singon musicals. I was Theatre Project er Larry Gatlin, of the inspired because I Gatlin brothers, and have had years of other professionals, being in theatre as an actor, so I wondered what it would be who sang songs from popular Broadway like to be an artistic director. I’m from shows, including “Wicked”, “Chicago” Michigan, so it’s good to be able to come and “Phantom of the Opera.” Dexter drama teacher Matt Martello and Miss back home and help the community.”

A potential site for the theatre is in Palmer, who are involved in the DHS the downtown Dexter, near the North drama club, were both in attendance.

“It seemed to go fairly well,” MarPoint restaurant. “We are talking to the owners of a downtown building next to tello said. “I would say that there were North Point,” Cooney said, adding that around 300 people in attendance. Unthey are working on the beginning stag- fortunately, Miss Palmer and I only learned about the show the week of the es, including approval contracts.

According to theater director Erin show. I think that it could have been adPalmer, the design for the theater is go- vertised a little better.”

Both teachers said they are excited ing to be what is called a “black box”

“

about the opportunities the theatre will bring to Dexter High School students.

“The possibilities are endless for our students,” Martello said. “I briefly started a dialogue with Mr. Cooney about the possibility of professional actors visiting my drama classrooms to talk about ‘the biz’. I would also like to work with Mr. Cooney in obtaining professional contacts in NYC, so that when we go on our Drama Club trips there, we could possibly meet professional actors there. That can certainly lead to backstage tours of Broadway theaters (possibly) among other things. Very, very exciting times for theater lovers in Dexter, indeed. ” Cooney is also very excited about involving Dexter students.

“Part of every professional theatre program is outreach programs,” he said. “In time, we might even be able to get some summer programs and master classes going. Hopefully we can get some artists to come to the schools.”

Cooney said there also may be opportunities for Dexter theatre students to actually appear in the theater’s musicals, to fill younger roles or else help fill out the chorus.

“A lot of times, musicals need younger characters, so we will probably hold auditions for these roles, which would be a good opportunity for Dexter students.”

All of the people involved in the project say they are looking forward to what will come of it.

“Throughout history, entertainment has pulled cities, states and areas from economic hard times,” Cooney said.

“A lot of capital for businesses, restaurants and shops will come of this,” he said. “Also, it is good to come home and help communities embrace art and culture.”

“The possibilities are endless for our students.”

Matt Martello

“This is an incredible opportunity for such a small town.”

Erin Palmer

“If I could go pro, I’d really like to act there.”

David Cooper

8 Wrestlers cope with skin disease

Friday, February 29, 2008

The Squall

sports

Maria Brundage copy editor

At first glance, his ear is rather unremarkable. But senior Bret Marsh tugs at it, exposing the inside. “It’s wrinkled compared to this one, see?” he says. “It’s all scar tissue. It’s really hard, hard as a rock. Next time I don’t wear my headgear the whole thing will probably fill up.”

Marsh has cauliflower ear, one of a few medical complications students risk when they wrestle. “Basically it’s from the ear being kicked and bent,” he said. “A lot of blood fills up (and makes) scar tissue, and it hurts really bad. It messes up your ear forever, and it looks funny.”

When his ear first erupted, Marsh’s mom, a nurse, helped him drain it. “The first time I had it drained, she brought home some syringes and put some numbing cream on it,” he said.

“She went into the bathroom, stuck the syringe in it and sucked the stuff out. But you can’t get it all out that way. I went to the emergency room, and she just took a knife and cut it. She tried to drain it, but there was so much scar tissue already, she couldn’t get any more out.”

Cauliflower ear may be disgusting, but it is preventable.

“We should make it mandatory (wrestlers) wear headgear in practice, but we strongly encourage it, and it is required in meets,” coach and social studies teacher Andrew Parker said.

“It’s something that can be prevented if you take the necessary precautions, which are quite simple, really.”

It also becomes more common as wrestlers move up in the ranks, Parker said. “If you look at college and Olympic wrestlers, almost all of them have cauliflower ear, it seems.”

In addition to cauliflower ear, school nurse Aileen Kernohan said several infectious skin diseases are risks that come with wrestling, caused by fungi, bacteria and viruses. “Fungal infections are most common in wrestlers and include ring-

New coach: Greg Berklich is the new varsity baseball coach. He is the uncle of varsity player Joe Berklich.

worm, athletes foot and jock itch,” she said. “Bacterial infections are next, and photo by Leah Gibson are most often caused by one of two maWorking hard: Senior Bret Marsh takes down a teammate during practice. The mats themjor strains, Staphylococcus or Streptoselves pose the greatest threat of skin disease for the wrestlers, according to coaches. coccus bacteria, which can cause boils, them to the doctor,” Parker said. “There is a form we supply abscesses, impetigo, infected cysts and systemic infections. Viral infections are less common and in- them with that the state has that clears them to wrestle. Usually they give you something for it, and you’ll be fine in a day clude herpes simplex and moscullum contagiosum.”

Marsh’s teammate, sophomore Dan Flowers, found out he or two.”

Flowers said when he had ringworm he was able to resume had ringworm shortly after last year’s state tournament. “I knew immediately what it was,” he said. “I discovered it when I wrestling quickly because he caught it early. “As soon as you was watching a movie and my ankle started to itch. I picked up find it and get a doctor’s note and treatment, you can start wrestling in like two days,” he said. my pant leg and looked, and it was a nasty little circle.”

And Parker stresses that these infections are highly preventFlowers said it took about two weeks to completely recover from his ringworm. “I called Bret up, and he told me the cream able. “Kids should wash their clothes every day, take a shower to get,” he said. “It’s not a big problem; it’s just a bit itchy, and every day,” he said. “It’s basic hygiene. It shouldn’t really be a problem.” it looks pretty sick.”

Kernohan also stresses the importance of good hygiene, Another itchy friend for the wrestlers is impetigo, a bacterial infection that both Marsh and teammate senior Mark Bert- adding that wrestlers should perform daily self skin checks and sos have had. “It was like having poison ivy with a mixture of cover cuts, scrapes and scratches, as breaks in the skin provide an entryway for infection. nasty,” Bertsos said. “It’s itchy. You want to just rip it off.”

Despite these precautions, infections are still somewhat The wrestling mats can be an ideal location for these diseases to live, but Kernohan said each infection is spread different- commonplace. “It’s not a surprise when you get it,” Flowers ly “Some conditions are transmitted by direct contact with the said. “The mats are generally clean, but its pretty common for lesion,” she said, “some through skin to skin contact or contact wrestlers (to have ringworm).”

The wrestlers consider this a small price to pay, though. “To with objects that have become contaminated with the infecget it and have it ... it’s worth wrestling,” Flowers said. “It’s so tious organism such as towels, clothes, mat surfaces, etc.”

The team cannot completely eradicate these infections, but much fun.”

Marsh agreed and added, “It’s totally worth it to have a funit isn’t for lack of trying. “We mop the mats every day before practice,” Parker said. “We have an air purifier that removes gus for a while to do something you love.”

As for cauliflower ear, Marsh will have that for more than a 99.9 percent of all (airborne) diseases. We got that this year while. He’s not too concerned, though. “It shows I’m an intense because of the Merca scare. We’ve had great success with it.”

But when an infection does get through, the wrestler has to wrestler,” he said. “Usually only people who are intense wressit out of practice and competition. “What we will do is send tlers get it. It’s kind of ugly, though.”

New baseball coach embraces team early Caitlin Henderson Staff Writer

Former varsity baseball coach Al Snider has stepped down and assistant coach Greg Berklich has taken the position.

Dexter Athletic Director John Robinson soon formed a committee made up of parents, coaches and administrators.

“The committee reviewed several very strong resumes,” Robinson said, “and interviewed a number of candidates.”

Coach Berklich was not only chosen because he was a coach last year for Dexter though.

“The committee felt this individual would bring many

good qualities to the program,” Robin- to Berklich, the team lost leadership son said. Robinson said the committee with the seniors who graduated. “The also said they thought Berklich would younger kids are showing good work ethic though,” he said. improve the program for the future.

The players feel the same way. “The “He will not only be a good coach,” Robinson said, “but a good teacher and group is working harder this year in conditioning, pushing each other much role model.”

Looking at it from an athletic direc- more then the past few years,” Marsh tor perspective, being able to benefit said. “Coach Berklich sets up good the program as a whole is important. workouts that push us hard.” “The “He will also help to develop not only workouts are hard, and we will see the results of our hard his team but his work during season.” facilities,” RobinCoach Berklich son said. agrees.

“We will Having a new “I have never thought run more, and I can coach their senior of him as an uncle, only promise they will be season could be a coach. I have always in good shape,” he difficult, but selooked up to him.” said. niors Joe Berklich He also said he’s (Greg’s nephew) Joe Berklich, looking forward to and Chris Marsh - senior getting runs on the both say they are board and playing looking forward to more of a hit-andthe season with a run style. positive attitude.

And Joe said having his uncle as “Coach Berklich is going to keep most things the same,” Marsh said. “ a coach won’t affect how the season It is nice that he was here last year so turns out. “I have always had him as a coach,” he said. “I have never thought there are no dramatic changes.”

“I know the kids well,” Berklich said. of him as an uncle, only a coach. I have “I have a good feel for how they play.” always looked up to him.”

Greg feels the same way about Joe. “We have a strong group of seniors to “Joe has always handled the situation build around.”

He also said, “I am looking forward well,” he said. “ He has been two time to the senior leadership, and there are all conference as well as Chris, and I anticipate good leadership from both of many strong younger kids as well.”

The only big difference is, according them.”

“

Photo by Chas Sloan

Nichols, Sacks, Slanks, Sendelbach & Buiteweg Attorneys at Law (734) 994-3000

9

Friday, February 29, 2008

The Squall

sports

Editor-in-Chief

Sports schedule needs reform

Photo courtesy of Jake Groves

Coming back for round two: Junior Jake LaRosa chases down a Pioneer High School lacrosse player last season. The lacrosse team is currently in its second season.

Young team looks to improve Lacrosse players are looking forward to a strong second season and knowledge of the game. According to Kotsones, lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in America and has always been dominated by eastern United States schools, but Michigan is gaining momentum.

“The first year is always the toughest. You have to Things were a lot simpler back in the late 1960’s and 70’s according to head coach Jim Kotsones. Lacrosse learn the rules and learn how to handle a lacrosse stick,” players bought their sticks from Indians of the Iroquois Kotsones said. “That being said I would anticipate that Nation. The sticks were made of hickory, cat gut and we are going to have a good year. We are playing two new programs this year Belleville and Chelsea as well as sevleather.

Today’s sticks are made of plastic and aluminum al- eral well established programs such as Saline, Pioneer, and Huron.” loys. The game has not changed He said lacrosse is a sport that builds that much really, just the equipin the strategy of basketball, the runment. ning as in track and the roughness of The first season for the JV laMy favorite part football. crosse team was, for the most In men’s lacrosse there are 10 playpart, successful. of lacrosse is the ers on the field at a time: one goalie, They finished the season off slashing and three defenders, three mid-fielders and with an overall record of 6-5, inphysical play. three attack men. cluding big wins against Pioneer Women’s lacrosse is less of a contact and Huron.

-Nick Ceccolini, sport and is played with 12 people: one The Dreadnaughts do not have goalie, five attackers and six defenders. a varsity team yet because the senior According to Ceccolini, the team team just got started last year and should be much better this year due to the team is still pretty young. many returning players and more playSenior Nick Ceccolini, an aters joining the team. tacker for the Dreadnaughts, has Last year the team did not have many seniors, and they been playing lacrosse for six years, five of them at his old school, Avon Old Farms, where he attended before he were quite a young team, Ceccolini said.

This year there are a few more seniors but the majority came back to Dexter.

“My favorite part about lacrosse is the slashing and the of the team is still sophomores and juniors.

Although it is a young team, they will have much more physical play,” Ceccolini said. “It is a lot like hockey in a experience because everyone has gotten a feel for the sport way because of the physical play.”

For some people, lacrosse is just played for fun and is at the high school level according to Ceccolini.

The Dreadnaughts’ home field is Riverside Field, not as competitive. “I like hanging around during practice which is located at Dexter High School. and having fun,” junior Chris Kotsones said.

“Our newest competition this year will be the Chelsea Kotsones started playing lacrosse last year when the school team was first started, and he has been having a Bulldogs,” Kotsones said. “We have many players coming back from last year so it should be a great year. Chelsea good time since.

Coach Kotsones, a former college lacrosse player in has only a couple kids that have ever touched a stick so I New York, is helped out by Mark Erber. Many members know there will be a lot of dropped balls on the field. I am of the University of Michigan lacrosse team will also be looking to really put them down for the count in the first helping out this year and will teach the team new tricks period.”

Brent Muse staff writer

“

When the women’s varsity basketball team faced off against Pioneer on Jan. 8, two students were in attendance. And one of them left at halftime. Though this is an extreme, the occurrence, unfortunately, has become the rule rather than the exception.

Now that both men’s and women’s basketball teams play during the same season, gym time isn’t the only thing in short supply. The squads often find themselves dueling for fans as well.

Seven times this year both teams have faced off on the same night. These occurrences not only split the non-basketball playing fan base, but also eliminates another group from attending: each other.

With the six teams, including both men’s and women’s JV and freshman teams, split between arenas, about 45 people are removed from attendance.

That’s more than the total amount of people who show up to most games.

Junior Amy Baldus, a guard on the womens team, finds this to be a problem.

“I’ve always gone to the men’s games,” Baldus said. “But when we play on the same night, I can’t. That’s the biggest reason for why I’d switch back (to the previous season schedule).”

Between the four basketball games and two hockey games usually slated during any given week, the winter sports schedule has become a hodgepodge of events. With the hockey teams playing Wednesdays and Saturdays and the basketball teams collectively playing on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and the occasional Monday, fans are forced to miss games because they simply can’t spend two hours a night watching sports.

It would be impossible to expect a fan to attend all these games when they have homework, jobs and their own extra curriculars competing for their time as well.

The influx of weeknight games specifically has had an impact on attendance, according to junior Mike Szymusiak, basketball student section leader.

“It used to be just Tuesdays and Fridays for basketball games,” Szymusiak said. “But now you throw in games on almost every weekday and people just can’t show up to all of them. When it was just the one game during the week and the rest on weekends, people could come more because they didn’t have to worry about studying for a test or doing their math homework.”

And an argument can be made that the lax in attendance has lead to lessthan-stellar seasons by the teams. As of Feb. 13, all three teams had winning percentages less than 50 percent. The womens basketball team had compiled a 5-14 record with one game to play and neither the men’s team or the hockey team had fared much better, posting records of 8-9 and 8-10-2 respectively.

The energy supplied by fans isn’t there, and for some players that has negatively affected their play.

“It gets you pumped when you look up in the stands and see all your friends cheering you on,” senior hockey player Andrew Hatch said. “But this year that’s just not there. The atmosphere just isn’t the same.”

A return to the old schedule is probably out of the question, but there is no question that some sort of scheduling reform is necessary.

One suggestion is to have both basketball teams play on the same night at the same building. The girls team could play at 5:30 p.m. and the men after that.

Then the next game the men would play the early game. This system would allow for the return of the traditional Tuesday-Friday basketball schedule.

As for the JV and freshman teams, they could play on the same day at the opposite school. Or the day before, as the football teams do, at either school.

For example, if the men’s and womens varsity teams play Chelsea Friday night at Dexter, the JV and freshman would play either the same night at Chelsea or on Thursday at either school.

It’s not perfect, but it’s something. And that’s more than can be said for the schedule as it stands.

JV dance team cut, drama ensues Kevin Yarows staff writer

After tryouts for the winter season of the dance team, coach Joanne Shipley made a decision to cut the JV team and put all of the girls on varsity. This caused the varsity team to have several more girls than usual, and it upset some of the members of the team.

After tryouts, the team had 23 dancers, but since then four dancers have quit for several different reasons. Freshman Logan Boonstra, junior Charlotte Frutig, senior Michelle Chirby and junior Adriana Maxton all decided not to dance this season.

Despite the controversy surrounding her decision, Shipley said multiple factors contributed to the team combining.

“There weren’t a large enough number of girls to warrant a JV team,” she said. “We didn’t get many new people at tryouts. Many girls that were on the JV in the fall worked very hard and achieved varsity level ability. Therefore, we were left with only three or four brand new girls for the JV team.”

However, some of the girls weren’t too thrilled about the move, and Frutig said the combining of the teams was a factor in her decision to quit team.

“I think it was a mistake,” Frutig said of the decision to combine the teams.

“Since not all of the girls come from a dancing background, there are too many different levels of dancers. It made it hard to stay on the same count.

It was too hard to work together.”

Frutig said the team would need to get to games up to two and a half hours early in order to be sure they knew the dance. In the past they only had to arrive an hour early. Frutig also said the additional time commitment and stress made her decide to focus on studio dance and not continue with the

school’s dance team.

Sophomore dance team member Kayla Reinhackel, however, said she doesn’t think the merge affected the team all that much. “It takes a little more time to get everybody together and learn the dances, but it’s not all that different,” she said.

“The one thing it does is take away from making varsity as a freshman. It used to be something special but now everybody made it.”

Sophomore Kelsey Hart doesn’t seem to mind the change either. “Right when it happened we didn’t think we could manage. But it wasn’t as bad as we thought it would be,” Hart said.

“Now I think it’s easier (to practice) because the coach only has one team to coach.”

Hart also said that the combined teams causes dancing to be a bit stressful, but people just need to be a little more patient.

Shipley acknowledged that at times it is more difficult for all of the girls to learn the choreography, but she said the girls are working really hard to make things work.

Shipley also said she is proud of the girls who worked hard to increase their dance ability to the varsity level.

And even though the JV team has only been in existence for two and a half years, Shipley hopes that eventually they can reestablish a JV team.

“I encourage people to come to tryouts and learn what the program is all about,” she said. “Our program is still growing so we hope the interest level will continue to rise.”

Sister against sister: The cut of the junior varsity dance team led to sharp disagreement between the team members including junior Charlotte Frutig and sophomore Kelsey Hart.

photo and photo illustration by Val Argiero

10

Friday, February 29, 2008

The Squall

columns The Cartoon

By David Bays

Waiting for the final bell to ring Hunter Lyons U-page editor

Holiday Countdown As the holiday season winds down with St. Patrick’s Day, I have begun to reflect on these precious days. I have never met a non-Jehovah’s Witness who doesn’t enjoy a good holiday and the occasional day off of school or work.

So I have compiled a list of the best holidays. Rankings will be judged on four things: whether or not we get the day off, food consumption, cool mascots and overall relevance. Let’s begin.

10. At number 10 we have the most absurd holiday of all, April Fool’s.

Every April 1, people find it necessary to humiliate family members and friends while doing mean acts. This is a stupid holiday, and the next time anyone pulls an April Fool’s joke on me, I will give them one right back, by kicking them in the shins.

9. My number nine choice is by far one of the most depressing holidays, Valentine’s Day. No other holiday segregates people more than this one: the people who are in a relationship and everyone else. It may sound like singles are missing out, but you’re really not.

If you are without a Valentine, don’t force it. Don’t go to one of your girlfriends asking to be their Valentine. That’s desperate and embarrassing. I do give V-day some credit for making it acceptable to eat chocolate all day though.

8. This next holiday is truly underrated and under appreciated: Veteran’s Day. This day pays tribute to those who have either given or risked their lives in battle to protect the freedoms we have become accustomed to.

Though it’s not as flashy or recognized as other holidays, it’s just as, if not more, important than any other on this list.

I know the entire life history of Teddy Roosevelt. Not only do I know he was the 26th president, but I also know he was ridiculed as a child for his asthma, was an avid reader and began practicing taxidermy at a young age.

Why, you may ask, do I know this? I wish I could say I have some weird obsession with Teddy’s life, but I don’t. I learned all of this valuable information in high school.

I was sitting at home one day after school watching a mentally stimulating “True Life” episode about young people with rage issues when I decided it was about time to crack open the books. I quickly scanned over my homework, opting to skip over reading “Hamlet” until later and decided to work on some math homework.

As I sat there trying to decode the mystery of the unit circle, I got to wondering why I really need to know all of this. Am I plagued by senioritis and just don’t care about the unit circle or is it just pointless?

Does the fact that I remember a pointless story about Teddy Roosevelt but can’t, for the life of me, remember how to do a proof in geometry mean that I am destined to fail in college?

I’m beginning to think that all of the work in high school hasn’t paid off. After countless hours of homework, tests and quizzes, what do I have to show for it? An ACT score that I don’t even remember? I’ve studied for the tests, reiterated the information I’ve learned and gotten the grades solely to get into the college I want. Honestly, I’ve forgotten much of what I’ve learned

in high school.

This isn’t to say that I haven’t learned some valuable infor mat ion though.

I’ve loved every English class I’ve taken because I love reading and writing (Bobby Hawthorne anyone?), but I’ve never liked math class. I may see math as pointless, but to the math lover, I’m sure it’s all really important.

And I’m in no way blaming teachers for not teaching well enough, because I think we have some of the best here at Dexter. It just seems to me that too much of the time we aren’t allowed to think for ourselves in class.

We have to take certain classes because it’s what the high school or the state tell us we have to do. We learn certain information because teachers tell us we need to. We study for tests because we are afraid of failure. We have to get the grade because that’s what the colleges want. But really, if we do fail in high school, what does that say about us? That we’re a failure in life?

But the sad fact is, our inability to think for ourselves doesn’t stop at high school.

We’re influenced by what our parents tell us, what politicians say and what the media tells us. If this isn’t frightening in itself, it’s even scarier that most of us don’t even know it’s happening.

My parents were watching the news the

7. Next on the list is Halloween. I’m split on how I feel about this holiday. On one hand, we have candy. Any holiday where people give free candy away, I’m all about.

On the other hand, some aspects of this holiday are somewhat disturbing, including the fact that high school and college girls feel this day gives them the right to dress like an absolute slut and throw all morals out the window.

6. Number six on the list but number one on the calendar is New Year’s.

This is a good holiday due to the fact that it really serves no purpose. There are never any disputes over the true meaning of this holiday, and people rarely have a problem with this.

It’s another reason for people to party, stay up late and consume mass amounts of alcohol. As good as this holiday is, it does give false hope to people that this is the year they’re finally going to shed those extra 15 pounds.

5. Like the previous holiday, St. Patrick’s Day is similar due to the sole purpose of this holiday: drinking alcohol. And not only alcohol but beer.

Green beer. For most, this is another excuse they can use to cover up a little thing I like to call “alcoholism.”

Though I think this is a solid holiday, I’m a bit hesitant to put it higher on the list due to my phobia of leprechauns and my dislike for being pinched because I don’t own a green shirt.

4. Fourth on our list is the Fourth of July. This is a celebration of our country’s independence. But more importantly, it’s a celebration of driving to Ohio and purchasing illegal fireworks.

The fourth of July is about as American as it gets: hot dogs, American flags and little kids running around with fire. God bless America.

3. Number three on my list is Chanukah. Though I don’t celebrate this holiday and never have, I respect it for many different reasons. First, any holiday that can stretch out for seven days is good by me.

Second, I’m a huge fan of the food. Especially latkes. If you haven’t experienced a latke or don’t know what it is, picture this: a hash brown, deep fried even longer and even better.

2. With two holidays to go, number two is Christmas. This might be a surprise to some who believe it should have been one. But that takes nothing away from Christ’s birthday.

This has all the ingredients to make a great holiday. A mascot: Santa Claus. Theme song: there are like 9,000 Christmas songs. Great food: cookies and candy canes. All of these make for one great holiday.

But I never did understand why everyone got presents on someone else’s birthday. I feel somewhat awkward receiving presents on this day. Oh well.

1. And the number one holiday of all the time: Thanksgiving. That’s right folks. Thanksgiving. This is the perfect mixture of every qualification that makes a good holiday. The food is amazing and endless. It has a great theme with the whole turkey thing.

You have an excuse to sit around and watch football all day and argue with family members. Sounds great. Though I believe this is the superior holiday, I am curious why we celebrate a day where we had dinner with the Native Americans and gave them syphilis and small pox.

Kyle Boren

Contest manager

Katie Johnson Features editor

other night when Hilary Clinton came on, and my mom and dad immediately started saying how they didn’t agree with her political views. The next day, my friends mentioned the presidential race, and I immediately said I didn’t like Hilary Clinton.

And then I realized that I didn’t even know why. I’m 18, can vote and am classified as an “adult,” yet I automatically dislike Clinton because my parents do.

I guess it’s just scary when you finally realize how much influence someone has over you. We are a Republican or a Democrat because of what our parents believe or what our friends believe. We dress a certain way because it’s “cool.”

I’m not saying no one thinks for themselves or has their own beliefs. I’m sure a lot of teenagers have different beliefs than their parents and friends. And I’m not saying that you can’t believe what your parents or friends do. Just make sure you are believing for the right reasons, whether it’s in or out of high school.

Still, maybe it all just comes down to me being sick of high school. Whether or not high school has prepared me for college, I’m ready to get out.

High school sports require more then love for the game

In the middle of February, I came to the realization that I practice every day for a sport whose first game is in August.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday, I have to lift after school. Tuesday and Thursday, I have morning speed training practice.

And if I don’t show up to these practices, I lose points.

It seems like playing a high school sport nowadays is like selling your soul.

You have to be fully committed to the sport you play, and if you play two sports, chances are you’re going to piss off one of your coaches.

Don’t get me wrong, I love football. It is my favorite sport and always will be. But everyone knows too much of a good thing can turn into a bad thing at times.

And the coaches know that everyone doesn’t enjoy every day at practice.

Even the coach suck-ups despise going to the mandatory summer football camp, and sometimes, if they’re feeling naughty, they might sigh to the coach’s face about the sprints after practice.

I’m not trying to complain to my coaches for more free time, and I’m not trying to grind my coaches’ gears. But I don’t know how many students really know what they are getting themselves into when they sign up for a high school varsity sport: a responsibility and obligation that can overpower your life at times.

Everyone has heard of the saying, “Too much of a good thing is a bad thing.” The same can be said for high school sports.

A lot of people love sports, and I notice even the people that are obsessed with their sport can still be seen whining about their practices.

It is too much of one thing to be considered enjoyable at times. Which is why the coaches get whined at from most kids.

Who remembers the days of playing a sport that was inseason only? Good ol’ sixth grade sports.

Now it seems like we are constantly in season with every sport, and when the actual season comes, there is no fun because we have been practicing the whole off-season.

Catch my drift? How can you enjoy the same people every single day for a year?

There is a new sad, realization that struck during the beginning of winter sports. Rugby is one of my favorite sports. It’s a sweet sport.

Not only is it a sweet sport, but one of the main reasons I love it so much is because it was so laid-back, until this year.

Now we start conditioning during winter for the spring sport. It’s all good, because we want to win the state championship this year.

But there won’t be as many people joining the sport because it is no longer considered easy and a laid-back sport.

Rugby is still one of my favorite sports, and I will continue to play it despite the crazy workouts now.

I have mad respect for you athletes who plan to take it to the next level and play in college. You already know what you’re getting yourself into, and you welcome it with open arms.

Like I said, I love sports, and I love playing them, but to some extent, they get pretty ridiculous with time consumption.

Hardcore summer practices make me ponder the reason I play sports. Just a forewarning to the people out there who want to try varsity sports.

11

Friday, February 29, 2008

The Squall

editorial

THE

Squall EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Austin Shapiro

MANAGING EDITOR: Scott Crompton

EDITORS DESIGN: Candice Wiesner FEATURES: Katie Johnson ENTERTAINMENT: Ryan Aliapolious NEWS: Heather Siller OPINIONS: David Pisano PHOTO: Jeff Leonard SPORTS: Charlie Pettit HEALTH & TRENDS: Celia Kuzon uPAGE & Get Involved: Hunter Lyons COPY: Maria Brundage & Michelle Chirby

DESIGNERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Chas Sloan, Val Argiero, Leah Gibson, Maria Brundage, Melanie Pytel, Lauren Daugherty, Kasondra Engholm, JoJo Parin, Derek Wooton

MANAGERS ADVERTISMENT: Caitlin Henderson, Brittany Martini CONSTEST: Nic Miller, Kyle Boren, Jake LaRosa

STAFF WRITERS Sarah Akbarifard, Kyle Boren, Kevin Butler, Rachel Butler, Michelle Chirby, Shantal Daratony, Betsy Eber, Alex Everard, Casey Hall, Caitlin Henderson, Matthew Kaas, Jake Larosa, Pat Ledwidge, Brittany Martini, Ian McCarthy, Nic Miller, Brent Muse, Morgan Quist, Lisa Ritchie, Joe Sayre, Olivia Scheffler, Kaitlyn Shepard, Alexis Sobczak, Karly Stanislovaitis, Allison Sutter, Emily VanDusen, Kevin Yarows.

CARTOONIST

Illustration by David Bays

all

Squall THE

call

Dopin' it up won't fly at school For some students, the thought of police in the school brings about a feeling of intrusion. For others, a feeling of safety.

It is, without a doubt, a strongly-debated topic. And the debate grew even larger recently when Principal Kit Moran proposed bringing drug-sniffing dogs into the school.

According to Moran, the dogs would target students selling and storing drugs at school, and opinions differ widely on whether or not approving the dogs was a good choice.

Don’t expect to see the dogs once a month, however, as Moran said he doesn’t know of any schools who use drugs dogs for searches more than twice a year.

We believe drug searches are a pro-active, positive approach to an issue that needs attention.

Drugs have always been an issue in high school, no matter how uncomfortable and awkward some parents and teens feel talking about them.

Bottom line is, there are students who do drugs and students who bring drugs into

this school. As long as this is true, the goal of providing a safe learning environment for students has not been reached.

Besides, these are strictly-trained, heavily disciplined dogs. They are not rabid, flesh-craving beasts that will sink their teeth into the forearm of an innocent student who happened to forget to wear deodorant.

If the proposal becomes reality, students will be confined to the classroom for the duration of the checks, and upon discovering a scent, the dogs simply point their nose at the locker or car in question, making their presence almost unnoticeable. In fact, if students were not told otherwise, it would be like an average lock-down drill.

Detractors point out these dogs take things overboard, blatantly invade student privacy or both. Some say drug dog searches may make students feel unsafe and worried drugs are overtaking the school to the point that the dogs are a last-ditch effort to salvage the student body.

These misconstrued views come from the first impression the dogs will be out to get

students, when they are really doing nothing but protecting. And the only students who would have to worry about police searching their “personal space” would be the students bringing in illegal substances.

Other skewed views come from the completely false idea that lockers provided to students are their property. The school provides lockers and also provides parking space, giving them the right to search anything on these grounds.

Reality is, these dogs are protecting the majority of the school, targeting the few students bringing drugs to school, possibly trying to sell them to other students.

The sale of drugs in the school is the real danger here, not the tame, trained dogs who are protecting us.

Ultimately, to see the real value of these searches, people must first look past the fearful, preconceived notions they have about the dogs.

Dexter doesn’t have a drug problem, and these measures would be a safe and effective way to keep it that way, and not have drugs be a problem.

David Bays

ADVISER Rod Satterthwaite

POLICY: The Squall is distributed monthly to 1,192 students and is estimated to reach 4,786 people with each issue.

The Squall is printed by Owosso Argus Press in Owosso, MI and produced by the first and second hour newspaper class.

TALK BACK: The Squall is an open forum for student expression. It accepts letters to the editor from any and all concerned parties. The Squall reserves the right to screen and/or edit any and all letters for inappropriate content and length.

All letters must be signed. Requests to remain anonymous will be considered by the editorial board.

MEMBERSHIPS: Members of MIPA since 1999 • Michigan Interscholastic Press Association Members of NSPA since 2001 • National Scholastic Press Association

PRO Winter

Winter

PAT LEDWIDGE

Winter is a fun season filled with rowdy activities: snow ball fights, snow boarding, extreme sledding and makeit-yourself snow cones.

Without these activities, what would be the season’s objective? But we all know the best part of Michigan winter is snow days.

Nothing can be better than waking up to eight inches of snow and a house all to yourself to do whatever you please. Some people in the United States have never experienced a snow day. Snow days are a child’s pastime; I don’t know what I would do without my winter savior. winter though Even can Michigan in recreation part best the be intense, of Michigan winter is DHS basketball games.

Not only are they fun, but seeking warmth in the Dexter gym is nothing less than perfect. Without Friday night home games consisting of toga, super hero and the all-famous black out themes, what would

we do on weekends?

Named “The Black Sea” by former DHS graduates, the Dexter student section was voted number one in the South Eastern Conference this year by The Ann Arbor News.

Who wouldn’t want to be part of something that sweet?

Winter is also the holiday season. Whether you celebrate Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or a compilation of a few, the holidays are a time to celebrate.

The holidays consist of gifts, amazing food, family and winter break but more importantly, food. It is pretty much acceptable to gain 10 pounds during winter break.

Don’t worry if you are one of many who does.

The simple reason for being winter Michigan amazing is the lack of school days: Winter Break, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day weekend and snow days.

This alone is enough for Michigan winter to prevail over all seasons.

CON

ALEXIS SOBCZAK

For most teenagers, waking up for school is the last thing they want to do. Combine the hatred of waking up with a cold winter morning, and you have the feeling of winter in Michigan.

Michigan winters are cold, gloomy and depressing. The weather is bad for most of the season, and even though snow can be pretty for the holiday season, it gets old fast. Most Michiganders dread the slushy rain and snow mix.

The cold, dreary weather can also cause seasonal affected According disorder (SAD). to WebMD, SAD is a type of seasonal depression that manifests itself in people who live in climates such as Michigan with less sunlight in the winter.

This disorder causes its sufferers to become sad or moody. Other side effects of SAD include weight gain from the desire to eat more and increased sleeping during the day. SAD victims tend to lose interest in activities they used to like.

If seasonal depression isn’t enough of a reason to hate winters in Michigan, consider

the driving conditions. On most winter days in Michigan, the roads are icy, snowy or wet. The inconsistency of the weather and road conditions can cause confusion and accidents.

People who wake up and don’t listen to the radio or watch television will be unsure of the driving conditions. This can cause people to get into accidents if they don’t leave enough time to get to work or school. New drivers can be unaccustomed to driving in varying conditions, and this can also cause an increase in accidents.

Directly related to driving conditions are snow days. There is always that glimmer of hope that there could be a snow day on every day of winter. These hopes and dreams are shattered almost every day when you wake up just to find out that there is school.

Michigan winters mean poor driving conditions, bad weather and seasonal depression. Worst of all, winters in Michigan mean thousands of kids waking up on cold mornings just to have their dreams of snow days shattered.

12

Friday, February 29, 2008

The Squall Left: Junior Chris Carender gives his team a boost by putting the puck past Chelsea’s goalie.

Right: The varsity hockey team looks over the boards to catch the action in their game against Chelsea.

DEXTER VS. CHELSEA Above: Senior goaltender Nick Ceccolini prepares himself for a face off in Dexter territory.

Below: Junior Mike Clutterbuck lays a big hit on a Chelsea forward, sending the puck to teammate Matt Stirling.

Left: Senior Andrew Hatch carries the puck out of Dexter territory as he tries to get by a defenseman.

Above: Sophomore John Brosch battles for position while searching for a loose puck

Raging Rivalry

The Dexter-Chelsea rivalry continues

Brittany Martini staff writer

According to many students the best DexterChelsea game of the last four years was in March of last year. It was a day many Dexter students wont ever forget. It was not just another Dexter versus Chelsea basketball game. The game was all that mattered.

“The best sporting event that I have ever been to including collegiate, professional and high school is no doubt the Dexter-Chelsea basketball game of last year,” senior Peter Jebson said.

Senior Kylie Hubbard agrees. “The game was amazing,” she said. “By the time it was over, I had goose bumps.”

According to Athletic Director John Robinson, the Dexter-Chelsea rivalry goes back a long way. He said there had been a history between Dexter and Chelsea since he can remember.

And Robinson and Jebson agree that the rivalry and the history between Dexter and Chelsea makes it important to the sports teams.

“Itʼs mainly the history of the rivalry that makes beating them so important,” Jebson said.

“Whenever any sport plays Chelsea, I really look forward to it because the game is so important, “ Hubbard said. “Itʼs the biggest game of that sportʼs season.”

Dexter-Chelsea games also lure in the most attendance according to Robinson.

So students agree. Dexter-Chelsea games are the best to attend.

“Hands down my favorite games to watch are the Dexter-Chelsea basketball games,” Jebson said. “I try to attend all of them because I know that all of the Dexter- Chelsea games are going to be really exciting and really fun to go to.”

photo illustration by Jeff Leonard

Above: Senior Sean Kilian competes in the breast stroke on Jan. 31, Dexter Chelsea rivalry swim meet. Kilian said, “Rivalries are good. It’s good to have something to win for.”

Photos by Jeff Leonard, Leah Gibson, JoJo Parin

Right: Sophomore Stefan Elslager sets up to shoot.

“We lost by 20 the first time we played (Chelsea) and everyone was really pumped to beat them this time, which made it even worse to lose.”

Right: Junior Dan Newell blocks Chelsea players during the game.

Above: Senior David Pisano tries to find an open spot. “It’s always disappointing to lose to Chelsea, but we fought a hard game,” he said.

Left: Students in the crowd cheer on Dexter during the game.

Right: Junior Ryan Lamasters goes up for a shot. “We have a young team, and we’ve gaining great experience

Right: Freshman David LaMore goes up for a jump shot against the Bulldogs. He said, “This game was a good experience for me. It was my first big game.”