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THESQUALL

January 27, 2009 Volume XIV Issue 5

Dexter MI, 48130

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Featuring...

Proximity readers Security throughout the high school will be bumped up, starting with proximity readers, more secure locks, which will be added to all of the main doors in the high school. The only way to access these doors will be through having a card which only staff members will posses. To make it so students can still get through these doors, they will be set to be unlocked at specific times such as during the entire school day. “We are going to make the school more secure,� Principal Kit Moran said. According to Moran, the proximity readers will prevent past issues of staff members accidently setting off the school alarm and will also create less traffic in the high school. “After school hours, when most students are gone, we will set several of the doors inside of the school to lock and only be card accessible. This will make it so students can’t wander around the building.� Moran also said the cards to access these doors will most likely be on the backs of the identification cards students see around teachers necks.

New Walkway To increase the safety of students who walk home from school, a new path will be created, spanning from the high school to Creekside. It will then go on into the village of Dexter, and all the way to Hudson Mills. Moran said the first part of the path will go through the woods and over Shield Road, going by the football field. As for the plan to have it span to Hudson Mills, Moran said, “It would be a great addition to the Dexter community, considering you could walk for miles on one path.� While the path as a whole will be great for hikes, exercise, etc., Moran said the main point is the safety factor.

Smart Boards According to Moran, one of the more revolutionary technologies the school will be receiving is Smart Boards, which are touch screen boards with a range of different uses. Smart Boards will be installed in several classrooms. “It depends on what the curriculum is,�

Moran said, “but we have Smart Boards ordered, and they will be integrated into the high school.� Some of the uses of Smart Boards include Internet access and notebook software, making it easy for teachers to write notes on it for lectures.

New Laptops Teachers will be receiving new laptops as several of the current ones have broken down for each teacher numerous times over the past years. “The biggest thing (students) will notice with the bond are new computers,� Moran said. “The staff will get new computers first, and that will trickle down to the students with new portable labs.�

Student technology Especially for curriculum such as science, there is an expectation of someday having a large number of handheld computers for student use. “We are looking at different kinds of technology as of now,� Moran said. “For instance, someday (students) could be in a lab group and use handheld technology to calculate certain information for that specific lab assignment.�

Locker Rooms At Creekside, locker rooms will be renovated, while at Dexter High School a new locker room will be added. “At Creekside they will be upgrading the locker room,� Moran said, “and at the high school we are going to add a locker room onto on the other side of the pool.� Moran said building another locker room separate from the gym locker rooms will make thing less cluttered. “With the new locker room,� Moran said, “if there is a basketball practice going on at the same time as a swim practice, no one will be in the way of each other which will make things much easier.�

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News

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

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On Nov. 19, the Big Three CEOs each flew a private jet to Washington, D.C. to ask for federal bailouts. Analysts estimate that these flights each cost roughly $20,000.

After receiving criticism, all three have pledged to sell their corporate aircrafts as well as work for $1 per year.

Lindsay Fisher staff writer

General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC are on the verge of collapse. Millions of jobs hang in the balance, and the fate of t h e e nt i r e n a t i o n’s e c o n o m y will depend on whether these companies can sur vive.

The companies w ill receive $ 17. 4 b i l l i o n i n e m e r g e n c y f e d eral loans--enough to keep them af loat until March--but they must construct long-term p l a n s b y Fe b . 17. G e n e r a l M o tors has begun negotiations w it h t he Un ite d A uto Worker s , bondholders, dealers and others in order to transform the automaker into a much smaller c o m p a n y, w h i l e C h r y s l e r i s s t i l l in the middle of planning their restructuring.

The threat of bankruptcy s t i l l lo om s , how e ver.

General Motors has lost almost $73 bi l l ion si nc e 2004 , wh i le U. S. sales fell more than 22 percent l a s t y e a r. B ot h c omp a n ie s w i l l have to make drastic changes in order to sur v ive. General Motors unveiled a plan last month to eliminate up to 31,000 jobs, c l o s e n i ne pl a nt s , c l o s e 1 ,7 5 0 dealerships and possibly eliminate Saturn.

C h r y sler, c ont r ol le d by pr ivate-equity firm Cerberus C a p i t a l M a n a g e m e n t L P, h a s reported that they ended last year with just $2.5 billion in cash--and they are due to pay out $11.6 billion in wages and to par t suppliers bet ween Janua r y a nd Ma r c h of t h i s y e a r.

So, why is Ford in a dif ferent s i t u a t i o n? A c c o r d i n g t o Fo r d’s Finance Manager for Assembly a n d L a b o r, To m L a t s h a w, t h e d i f ference is thanks to a foresight o n F o r d ’s p a r t . “A f e w y e a r s a g o we went out and borrowed mone y,” L a t s h a w s a i d . “ Yo u k n o w how bankers are. They lend y o u m o n e y w h e n i t ’s s u n n y, a n d when the clouds come out, they

t a k e i t b a c k .”

N e v e r t h e less, Ford w ill suffer along with the rest of M i c h i g a n’s economy if General Motors or Chrysler go bankrupt. “ We sh a r e t he same suppliers, and if either of those companies go bankrupt, then our suppliers might not be able to give u s t h e p a r t s w e n e e d ,” L a t s h a w said.

Just as Ford is uncer tain about the future, Dexter Superintendent Rob Glass is looking ahead to the direct effects the suffering auto industr y could have on Dexter schools. “ The d ist r ic t receives operating funds based upon the numb e r o f p u p i l s e n r o l l e d ,” G l a s s said.

“If families have to relocate, our operating revenues will be reduced.

If we lose a large enough number of students, it could mean that fewer teachers are needed and result i n te acher re duc t ion s a nd/or t e a c h e r r e a s s i g n m e nt s .”

Since public schools are partially funded through sales tax, a suffering economy means less money allotted to education.

As people leave, or the ones w h o r e m a i n s p e n d l e s s m o n e y, tax revenues decline. Glass is already certain that schools like Dexter will suffer in the up c om i ng y e a r.

“The state is telling schools to expect that f und ing for 2009 -10 w ill be at best the same as 2008-09 and l i k e l y l e s s ,” h e s a i d . “ T h i s d o e s not allow schools to keep pace

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Japanese automakers are suffering along with the Big Three. 58 percent of General Motor s suppliers and 65 percent of Ford suppliers also supply Asian automakers.

Since General Motors buys $31 billion yearly from suppliers, there is an extremely high possibility these suppliers will file for bankruptcy if General Motors goes under.

photos and photo illustration by Chas Sloan

with inf lation and other rising c o s t s .”

In contrast, freshman Lauren L aFontaine is opt imist ic about t h e f u t u r e o f h e r f a m i l y ’s b u s i ness.

“It hasn’t af fected us too muc h s o f a r.

I’m just hop ing t he economy won’t get any w o r s e ,” L a Fo n t a i n e s a i d .

Her f at her, Mat t L a Font a i ne , ow n s the Chevrolet dealership in Dexter as well as a Chrysler Dodge and Jeep dealership in Saline. Many of her aunts and uncles also own dealerships, a nd t here a re 17 tot a l L a Fontaine dealerships in Michigan. “ We’ve b e en for t u n ate b e cause we have many repeat c u s t o m e r s ,” M a t t L a Fo n t a i n e said of the Dexter Dealership, which he has owned for 4 and 1/2 yea rs.

In the future, he said he ex pec ts fewer competing dealerships will benefit his business rather than harm it.

“Our domestic dealerships have ac t ua lly been fa r ing bett e r t h a n t h e f o r e i g n b r a n d s ,” L aFontaine said.

“This may be due to customers trying to s u p p o r t M i c h i g a n’s s t r u g g l i n g e c o n o m y.”

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General Motors has been considering a plan to eliminate 31,000 jobs, close nine plants, close 1,750 dealerships and possibly eliminate Saturn.

Chrysler, with a yearly loss of $1.45 billion, is considering eliminating 13,000 jobs and closing at least one manufacturing plant (in Newark, Delaware). Chrysler has also considered merging with another automaker.

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The LaFontaine Automotive Group owns Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Pontiac, Scion, Suzuki and Toyota dealerships across Michigan. There are 17 total LaFontaine dealerships.

LaFontaine’s Buick-Pontiac-GMC-Cadillac dealership in Highland Township is the only “green” dealership in the state.

News

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

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/FXT #SJFGT Encore Theatre to hold first show

photo by Dan Flowers

%BODJOH UISPVHI MJGF Directed by Music teacher Jennifer Patterson, Cornerstone students learn about tradition through learning cultural dances, like the Kinder Polka and the Dutch “Boanapstekker.� The students also had the chance to sample foreign foods brought in by helpful parents.

Dan Flowers staff writer

Fir s t g r a d e r s f r o m C o r n e r s t o n e E l emen t a r y f i l l e d t h e g y m w i t h l a u g h t e r and sm i l e s w h i l e s t o m p i n g a n d c l a p p i n g along w i t h T h e K i n d e r - P o l k a o n D e c . 9 as pa r t o f F a m i l y T r a d i t i o n s d a y . P a rents l i n e d t h e w a l l s o f t h e c r o w d e d g y m smilin g a t t h e i r k i d s a n d t a k i n g p i c t u r e s while t h e s t u d e n t s d a n c e d .

Th i s y e a r m a r k e d t h e f i r s t F a m i l y T r a dition s D a y f o r t h e s c h o o l , b u t b e f o r e t h e stude n t s w e r e d a n c i n g i n t h e g y m a n d eating t r a d i t i o n a l f o o d , t h e y h a d a l o t o f wor k to d o . “We h a d t h e s t u d e n t s g o h o m e a n d gathe r i d e a s f r o m t h e i r p a r e n t s , � f i r s t grade t e a c h e r C a s s y K o r i n e k s a i d . “ T h i s helpe d t h e m t o t h i n k o f d i f f e r e n t t r a d i tions t h a t w e r e u n i q u e t o t h e m . A l s o , t h e teache r s w o u l d r e a d t h e i r c l a s s e s b o o k s about d i f f e r e n t t r a d i t i o n s t o h e l p t h e m think a b o u t i t .�

Aft e r g e n e r a t i n g i d e a s a b o u t t h e i r own f a m i l y t r a d i t i o n s , t h e s t u d e n t s t h e n

b egan creating their projects. With the h elp of their teachers, the students wrote a paper along with building a tradition b ox. The boxes included a picture and d escription of the student’s tradition a nd were set out in the hallway for dis p l ay. Each box that was set out had its o wn distinct feel, shown by the customs o f the s tude nts fam ily. “We wanted to tie in writing about p ersonal traditions,� Korinek said. “This r eally got the students to share their dif fe re nt s tyle s of traditions .�

The school incorporated the tradition t heme throughout all the students class e s . “It was an integral part of our music p rogram,� music teacher Jennifer Patter s on said. “The students learned dances t o the Kinder Polka and a Dutch dance, ‘ Boanapstekker’. �

The staff danced w ith their students as well, in step with t he ir firs t grade partne rs . “We have used the Kinder Polka be f o re,� Korinek said. “It is starting to be com e a traditional dance for us .�

After working on their projects for

several days, Traditions Day finally came.

It began with dancing in the gym where even Principal Craig McCalla was trading off dance partners. Then moved to the cafeteria where, before eating, students w e re tre ate d to a story rea d b y M cCa l l a . “I read ‘Mrs. Muddle’s Holiday’s,�

McCalla sai d. “The story is not based on holidays, but different traditions, so it tied in well with all the work the stu dents had just done.�

Finally, after the story, the students got up to sample the different foods brought in by parents. “We had the students work so hard on projects,� Korinek said, “that we thought it would be a good idea to have the parents who wanted to make a traditional food to share with our school.�

The students went from dish to dish getting different tastes of traditional foods as the staff smiled on the success of the day. “It was just a great experi ence,� Korinek said. “It brings a new connection between the students and the school.�

-BUF BUIMFUF NFNPSJBMJ[FE Mike Szymusiak staff writer

I t s t a r t e d a s a simple idea, as a way to remember a lost b a l l p l a y e r . B u t now, more than a year after his death, the f i e l d t h a t i s b e i n g built in Tyler Steffey’s name has turned in to a p l a c e o f h e alin g fo r th e p eo p le m o urning his loss.

T h e f i e l d i s b e i ng constructed on the back lot of Steffey’s c h u r c h , P e a c e Lu theran on Jackson Rd. The idea to build a Li t t l e L e a g u e b a s eball field was being considered for a few y e a r s, b u t s o o n a fter Steffey’s death the id ea to build it in h is n a m e w a s b r oug h t up . “ I t w a s s o r t o f a joint effort between my dad (Mike Stef f e y ) a n d o u r P a s t or (Larry Courson),� said Steffey’s sister Gina.

S o o n a f t e r t h e project was started, many local business h e l d f u n d r a i s e r s f or the field. Dexter Pub (which has held t w o ) , B i g B o y a n d Mama Rosa’s all donated money to the field.

T h e f i r s t f u n d r aiser at the Pub was attended by Detroit T i g e r’s t h i r d b a s eman and Dexter resident Brandon Inge. “ I t w a s r e a l l y c o o l to see that someone fam ous cared about T y l e r, � S t e f f e y s a id.

I n g e i s n ’ t t h e o nly member of the Dexter community who h a s h e l p e d t h e f o r mation of the field. The fundraisers have h e l p e d r a i s e o v e r $70,000 for the fields. “ T h e g e n e r a l a t titude has been incredible,� Steffey said.

“ A lot of people ar e d ed icat ed t o ma k i ng th i s h a p p e n.�

According to Pastor Courson, t h e f i e l d h a s a l r e a d y b e e n installed thanks to the outpourin g o f s u p p o r t . T h e i n f i e l d dirt and sod has been laid and th e r e s t o f t h e m o n e y w i l l b e used to pay for the backstop and s i d e l i n e f e n c i n g .

Some smaller things need to b e c o m p l e t e d a s w e l l . T h e fence around the retention pond s t i l l n e e d s t o b e i n s t a l l e d , along wit h play er benches and a p ath to th e f i e l d .

The field will be used on a lim i t e d b a s i s t h r o u g h o u t t h e spring so the grass can mature a n d m o r e c a n b e a d d e d t o the complex. A scoreboard, conc e s s i o n s t a n d a n d o u t f i e l d f encing ar e all t o f ollow lat er on.

According to Pastor Courson, t h e r e w i l l b e s o m e s o r t event to dedicate the field, mo s t l i k e l y a Li t t l e Le a g u e game. This is scheduled for the w e e k e n d o f M a y 2 , w i t h a backup date of May 16.

Peace Lutheran will be looking f o r n u m e r o u s v o l u n t e e r s to help pick up rocks in the sp r i n g . A l s o , t h e r e m a y b e more opportunities as dedicatio n a p p r o a c h e s . F o r m o r e information contact Peace Luth e r a n C h u r c h a t 7 2 4 - 4 2 4 08 99 or visit t heir websit e at pea c e aa .ne t.

Even though the field is young a n d s t i l l b e i n g b u i l t , t h e site is still a memorial to the life o f T y l e r . “It’s comforting to know that t h e r e ’ s a l a c e w h e r e T y w i l l be remembered,� Steffey said. “ P e o p l e c l o s e t o h i m w i l l always have their own special m e m o r i e s , b u t t h e f i e l d i s a great way for everyone in the com m u n i t y a n d f u t u r e y e a r s t o r emember him and how specia l h i s l i f e w as.�

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The Encore Theatre has moved to Dexter. According to the Encore Theater web site, the theatre is looking for 100 donors to help the production of the theater. Each donation is $500, and the theatre has collected around 30 donations already.

An informational brochure about the Encore Theatre Company states, “The theatre will be open for plays starting in February of 2009.� The brochure also said, “The theatre will run six professional shows during 2009.�

Also according to the brochure, the theatre would like to turn Dexter into a “professional musical theater hub� and “bolster the economy of the town.�

The web site also says the theatre is pretty well put together now thanks to the help of community volunteers.

Everyone from electricians to plumbers helped put the theatre together in order for the theatre to be open for their opening play “Evita� showing on Feb. 5.

Keen surgery a success Senior Jordan Keen underwent surgery on Dec. 11 to install a spinal stimulator to eliminate her back pain and stomach pain caused by Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). According to senior Alexandria Zadrzynski, a close friend of Keen’s, Keen is doing very well now.

Getting the funding together for the spinal stimulator included a spaghetti dinner that 650 people attended. Zadrzynski also said that nearly $17,600 was raised for the spinal stimulator at this dinner.

Also, the stimulator was made much easier to get thanks to the help of a company called Boston Scientific. According to Zadrzynski, Bosten Scientific was originally going to sell the spinal stimulator for full price but decided to sell it cheaper for Keen’s surgery, which saved a lot of time and money.

According to Zadrzynski, the surgery went very well, and Keen recovered much faster than doctors had predicted she would. She is now no longer in pain, which

MSU hosts Constitution conference Three journalism students, teacher Rod Satterthwaite and Principal Kit Moran attended a conference at Michigan State University addressing the First Amendment and specifically freedom of the press at the high school level. “The show is not an annual event,� Moran said. “It is a traveling show that goes around the country and gives this First Amendment conference to anyone who feels like attending it.�

The Michigan Interscholastic Press Association hosted the conference which had former Detroit Free Press reporter Joe Grimm from the Poynter Institute, Warren Watson from Ball State and Moran give speeches talking about their experiences dealing with publications and freedom of the press.

Squall Editor in Chief Scott Crompton said, “It was a lot of fun. We learned a lot about the subject. We also got to see how lucky we are to have good administrative support for our newspaper here at Dexter. We saw that there are a lot of schools out there that don’t have the kind of support we do.�

Mittens stolen from NHS coat drive During this year’s National Honor Society mitten drive, something occurred that brought the whole process to a standstill and forced the mitten drive to restart. Someone stole all of the mittens while they were hanging from the Christmas tree near the catwalk.

NHS adviser Cheryl Wells said, “All of the mittens were gone except for one pair. If someone needs mittens that badly, they can come to me, and I’ll give them a pair.� Wells said 25 pairs of mittens were stolen including 10 pair she brought in and the process had to be restarted.

NHS ended up collecting around 35 pairs of mittens, but Wells said she will be keeping them in her car this time so there is no chance they will be taken again.

4

Feature

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

:06/(-*'& Ali Bowman Staff Writer

Excited laughter echoes through the halls and playful screams are shot back and forth as sophomore Zaryn Jennings walks into another Young Life Club. Between watching Doris and Boris testing out their latest and greatest invention, singing (or screaming) along to their favorite songs, or playing games similar to ones played at 4 yearold birthday parties, the group is always high on energy according to Jennings.

“Going to club is just so fun. It always puts you in a better mood than you were in before,” Jennings said.

Every Monday night, about 30 Dexter area high schoolers meet at this youth group which is usually hosted in a member’s basement or living room. Some people are new to the group, but others like Jennings have been going to Wyldlife, the middle school version of Young Life, since seventh grade.

“My favorite part is just being able to hang out and have fun with friends,” Jennings said.

And when they need to recover from an exciting club, they go to Campaigners. These meetings are on Fridays at 6:15 before school starts. Fewer people are usually at Campaigners than club. It’s less social and loud and based more on Christianity and Bible study according to Jennings.

“We usually eat food and then have a lesson for the

day about how God is in life, and then talk about it at campaigners,” Jennings said. “I think that the purpose is to show people God in their lives.”

During the summer when school and Young Life meetings end, members of Young Life can go to summer camp in Minnesota at a camp called Cast Away. This is many members’ favorite part about Young Life. There they can swim, rock climb, play ping-pong and pool, conquer the high ropes course and countless other fun activities.

“It’s so pretty and relaxing there, it’s just like a break from life,” Jennings said.

Many other Young Life groups from all different places meet here to stay for a week at summer camp. Jennings said she has defi nitely made friends that she wouldn’t have otherwise through Young Life.

Students can also go to another camp in northern Michigan called Timber Wolf Lake during Fall weekend for two nights.

There they can tube down a giant, snow-covered hill and play lots of theme-based games and activities.

Young Life is open to any high schoolers who would like to come.

Jennings said, “People should come. It’s really fun, but if they’re not very religious already then we don’t want to shove religion down their throats.”

.PSF BCPVU :PVOH -JGF There are 24 YoungLife camps around the country.

College students can come back to YoungLife and become leaders.

YoungLife started in 1941 in Gainsville Texas You can find out more information and buy YoungLife stuff on www.younglife. com Throw that ball: A parent bowls alongside students at the Young Life bowling night.

Photos by Stephanie Wolnyiak

Hanging out: Young Life members hanging out while waiting their turn to bowl. Students from multiple high schools gathered together to take part in the bowling.

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DISJTUJBO F O U J T U T

photo and photo illustration by Lindsay Baker

Britney Martini managing editor

“I have been a Christian Scientist all my life. It runs in my family.”

Sophomore Heather Jackson

“We believe that good is in everything and there is no evil.”

Junior Caleb Mackinder

“For me, a big reason to not fully be a Christian Scientist was also because of some of the punishment used.”

Sophomore Anne MacLennan

As a gash is created along her skin, sophomore Heather Jackson does not panic. Worry is far from her mind. Most at this point would think of medicine or a hospital as blood trickles down. However, she relies on praying for her health.

“Being a Christian Scientist, I believe in praying for health,” Jackson said. “When I have a problem, I pray for my well being. I pray for my body to heal instead of using medicine. When I am sick, I pray for my well being.”

Beside not relying on medicine, Jackson and other Christian Scientists do not believe in the material world but the spiritual one.

“Like this (she touches her wrist) to us is not real,” Jackson said. “We believe only in the spiritual part of living, not the physical one. It is hard to explain and even I get confused sometimes.”

However Jackson realizes her beliefs are unique. She wants people to understand her religion is not based or related to Scientology.“ I am a Christian Scientist, not a Scientologist,” Jackson said. “They are unrelated, and it is a common misconception that the two are associated with each other.”

Fellow Christian Scientist Caleb Mackinder also agrees that the major beliefs are different.

“We believe that good is in everything and there is no evil,” Mackinder said. “This is something I do not completely agree with however. How can there be no bad in the world if there

is war and other horrible events going on? I understand that you can look at the light in every situation, but this is just something I personally do not agree with.”

Sophomore Anne MacLennen went through a similar experience. Because of personal reasons, MacLennen said she has slowly separated from being a Christian Scientist.

“Over time I began to realize that not medicating someone who is sick is slightly ridiculous,” MacLennen said. “That entire concept really stuck with me and was hard for me to believe in. It was honestly so hard for me that I felt the need to separate myself from it.”

MacLennen said she had other reasons as well to why the religion did not suite her.

“For me, a big reason to not fully be a Christian Scientist was also because of some of the punishment used,” MacLennen

said. “One time I had to write a personal essay. A personal essay in where I had to write and describe myself. I found that really ridiculous. I would never make anyone do that because it is really just unnecessary.”

MacLennen and Mackinder both carry their own personal beliefs about their religion; however, Jackson has stuck to being a Christian Scientists.

“I have been a Christian Scientist all my life,” Jackson said.

“It runs in my family.”

Mackinder and MacLennen also have family ties with the religion.

“My mom is a Christian Scientist, so my brother and I attend the service at church,” Mackinder said. “With my personal beliefs aside, I still go and believe in it partially. Have I ever realized if this is right for me? Not yet. An epiphany has not taken place just yet. Maybe someday. Maybe someday.”

5

Feature

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

TRUE LIFE

I’m black in Dexter

When Afrcian-American sophomore *Charissa Storm got in a small argument with a junior over the summer, she didn’t expect it to end with a phone call to the police and a threat to be kicked out of school.

Storm said she got involved with drama that may be inevitable in high school, but for her, the story went too far. After some arguments and a few conversations about a fight, Storm received a call from the girl and a few of her friends. The conversation included a threat that if Storm said anything or tried to start a fight, then they would “lynch” her. Storm said she was told that if a fight ensued then she would be kicked out of school.

Because of incidents like this one, the first of a series of meetings took place in early December in the classroom across from the counseling office. African-American students between 7th and 12th grade gathered together with counselors, teachers and administrators to voice their feelings about living as a minority in the Dexter school system.

Principal Kit Moran said he hopes, in time, the 54 minority students at Dexter High School will be able to voice their feelings and experiences. “Over time I hear complaints about things said to other students whether it’s about race, religion or other things,” Moran said. “Sometimes it’s uncomfortable, and sometimes stereotypes and generalizations take place. This would be a student-led minority union of sorts to work through issues at DHS.” Students say many of the racial comments made are in the form of jokes or questions.

“People will ask me if they can call me the ‘n’ word,” Storm said. “They don’t understand that it’s offensive.” Similar occurrences were discussed at the meeting.

Ally Sutter Staff Writer

“We were able to speak our mind and fill people in on some of the things going on,” sophomore Sequoyah Burke-Combs said. “We talked about issues at school and facing racism and other stereotypes.”

Invited via mail, about 15 students attended the meeting. “There was a separate meeting for parents and one for us,” sophomore Doug Crockett said. “We just talked about our problems and what is there to do in order to fix it.”

More meetings will take place within the next few weeks, and a few of the students are planning to go to Mill Creek to inform teachers about some of struggles these students face at DHS. “You can’t change people’s opinion,” freshman Tyler Collins said. “They think what they want to think, but it’s a good thing to talk about it and let people know. We’re going to Mill Creek to talk at a teacher’s brunch pretty soon to talk about the different difficulties that have to be faced, and ways to help prevent problem situations.”

Eventually Moran said the plan is to invite all minority students to attend the meetings.

“We are trying to figure out how to address the issue of diversity in a place with not a lot of minorities,” Moran said. “Strategic planning includes this district initiative. This is Dexter today. What about 10 years from now? Most of Dexter grows up in a white community and that is not what the rest of the world is like. The entire community should be open to what the rest of the world is like.” *Name changed at request of source

Goal: have all schedules completed and to the students before June 10.

s t u d e n t scheduling!09 Sarah Molnar Staff Writer

Many students were looking forward to the new school year, but their plans changed when they received their schedules. Freshman Sara Lamb was one of those students.

Lamb had holes in her schedule, and she didn’t have a first and third hour.

The counselors also didn’t schedule her for her core classes, such as American Studies.

But administrators and counselors say they’re working on a plan to make scheduling go more smoothly this year.

Instead of waiting until the end of the year, students were supposed to have their schedule requested in by Jan. 9.

Counselor Gerry Holmes said, “I hope that we will begin bringing

next year’s seniors down (to fit their classes in) sometime in late March or early April after Mr. Moran develops the master schedule.”

Holmes’ plan, along with the other counselors and administrators, is to have a completed schedule into each student’s hand before their last day of school June 10.

“We are starting the process earlier,” Holmes said.

The counselors are also trying something different by mailing home registration packets so that parents are sure to get the information and assist their students in making appropriate choices in a timely manner.

When students received their schedules this school year, many students had issues with their schedules. “It is inherent that problems will exist, but to what extent is difficult to determine at this point,”

Switching in and out of classes creates a lot of confusion for scheduling, not only for you, but for the counselors too. Make sure you do your best to keep schedule changes to a minimum.

Holmes said. “What I will say is that it certainly should be much better than last year.”

There were many students at the beginning of the year who didn’t like a class and wanted to switch to another one. “We would like to keep changes to an absolute minimum,” Holmes said. “The master schedule is developed using all students request, and then students try to change to courses they didn’t ask for in the first place. It messes things up.”

Holmes said the counselors want to make sure that students get the classes that they asked for. “That is why we tell students to choose their courses very carefully and to choose alternates that they won’t mind having,” Holmes said. “So please encourage your friends to get their requests in ASAP and stick with those courses when they get their schedules.”

Administration says that the ‘09-‘10 academic scheduling will go better than the ‘08-‘09 year.

Counselors say they will be doing their best to make sure students get the classes they requested.

Schedules were due Jan. 9.

6

Health

Concussed Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Head injuries have students all mixed up

10 Things to know About Concussions Alexander Dobbs staff writer

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Senior Josh Abbott crashed to the floor during an intense game of gym speedball after tripping over another student’s foot.

As his legs flailed out behind him, they tangled with sophomore Jacob Ball’s, sending Ball sprawling on top of Abbott.

The ensuing collision resulted in Ball’s entire frame landing on Abbott’s head.

“I was chasing down the ball, tripped, and the next thing I knew my head was crushed to the gym floor under Jacob Ball,” Abbott said of the incident.

After the collision, Abbott said he felt as if his mind was in a haze, and he had a loss of memory.

“I didn’t black out, but I couldn’t remember anything from the past three months,” Abbott said, “When (Dean of Students Ken) Koenig was walking me up to the office after the incident he told me that I asked him the same question 21 times.”

Upon reaching the office Abbott was examined by the school nurse and then was sent to the emergency room to receive a more in-depth checkup. At the hospital Abbott was examined, tested, given a CAT scan, and doctors determined that he had suffered from a concussion.

4] Mos tp recover eople without any pro blems.

Sources: http://findarticles.com and http://www.nationwidechildrens.org

According to school nurse Aileen Kernohan, a concussion is an injury to the brain caused by a blunt blow to the head which knocks the brain on the side of the skull. A concussion can signify nerve damage, a bruise or bleeding in the brain.

Symptoms of concussions range in a wide variety from temporary confusion to complete loss of consciousness.

“The resultant injury can interfere temporarily with the way your brain works and can affect vision, memory, balance, speech, judgment and coordination,” Kernohan said. “A temporary loss of consciousness can occur with a more severe concussion. Headache, nausea, dizziness, or tiredness are also common symptoms of a concussion.”

Concussions can range in severity from mild to severe. Severity of concussions are rated on a scale of three grades. The majority of concussions that occur are mild and generally require a week of rest to recover from. Serious concussions, however, which often signify severe nerve damage in the brain, take much longer to recover from and usually require 2-3 weeks of rest to heal.

The best treatment for a concussion is to rest and let the brain recover. An injury to the brain is an extremely serious one, and should not be taken lightly.

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TEEN DRIVING In upstate New York, a car with five teenage girls crashed into a semi and all five girls were killed on June 28, 2007. The driver was texting on her cell phone. Accidents and crashes like these are becoming even more frequent according to a report put out by the American Automobile Association.

“USA Today” automotive reporter and Dexter resident Sharon Carty said even though teen accidents don’t seem to happen often, they are the most dangerous and frequent type of accident when experts start to map them out.

“When I started reporting, I was doing local events and car accidents were included in that,” Carty said. “I covered a lot of accidents involving young drivers, and I saw the crash sites and the effects a death had on families. It was one reason I decided to get into business reporting instead.”

According to AAA, car crashes are the leading cause of death among teens and on an average day in the U.S., 10-12 teens are killed in a car crash. Carty said she is shocked that more people, especially parents, aren’t pushing for change when the statistics are so high.

“I grew up in New Jersey, and it is the only state where 16 year olds can’t get their license,” she said. “However, the teen crash fatalities are much lower in New Jersey than many states, so that is working.”

16 year olds do have the highest crash rate out of any other age. There are many reasons for this, and two, according to AAA, may be other teens in a car and brain chemistry.

The human brain doesn’t fully develop until about age 25, and this includes the section of the brain that sorts out rational choices and risks. Teens may not fully understand risks until later in life.

Olivia Scheffler opinions editor

“Rest is the best recovery technique.

Healing takes time,” Kernohan said.

According to football coach Tom Barbieri several players on the team suffered from concussions last year, and they were dealt with accordingly by him and by the team trainers.

“I deal with concussions as a coach here at Dexter by relying on the trainer, Leah, to advise us on the severity of the concussion, and then we base our decision on how long the player has been without a headache and with no contact,” Barbieri said.

Barbieri also said the team looks at concussions as important, serious injuries that need to be monitored and treated with caution.

“We take concussions very seriously,” Barbieri said, ”We often use the advice of doctors to determine how long a player should go without contact and we try to extend that as much as possible.”

Concussions are very serious injuries that need to be cared for cautiously. An injury to the brain is not something to ignore and should be carefully treated and monitored with the proper precautions.

However, with proper rest and treatment, concussions can heal safely. As Kernohan said, “Concussions are serious and need to monitored. However, most students do recover fully with proper rest and time.”

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Not all fun and games

But Carty said she understands why so many teens drive recklessly and may feel themselves to be more protected.

“I remember getting my license and being excited to drive because it was fun,” she said. “Driving is very fun, and the facts don’t mean teens should stop driving, because you can’t eliminate crashes, but we as a society shouldn’t just accept crashes and deaths and have the attitude that it was somebody’s time. There are things we can do to help reduce crashes and fatalities.”

Many companies and magazines have been joining in to make teen drivers more aware of the dangers. AAA has written many articles and included driving tips, and Ford has created a MyKey that allows parents to control speed and music volume in teens’ cars.

However, because many people are strongly against these forms of education, Carty said there are other ways to help. She said parents could be more educated about the dangers and programs could be used that don’t just lecture and threaten teens.

“Parents can help when it comes to choosing a safe car for teens,” she said. “Also, the way we are teaching teens could be improved. Instead of lecturing, we could give them useful ways to spot dangers and how to tactfully avoid riding with reckless drivers even if they are friends. Awareness can start as a passenger. If someone is a bad driver, you don’t have to ride with them.”

With all of these precautions, plus the graduated licensing program and education, Carty said the fatality rates and crash statistics should go down.

She said, “Nobody wakes up thinking, ‘Today is the day I might die’ and you don’t have to, but the truth is, we can probably avoid a lot of teen deaths by taking action instead of accepting.”

8 0 ‘ F O T S

News

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Tuesday, January 27, 2009

#1

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Bore

Kyle Boren Entertainment/Arts Editor

1. “Oracular Spectacular� by MGMT

MGMT shows unique style of psychedelic-indie throughout this entire album. Great songs on this album include “Electric Feel,� “ Time To Pretend,� and “Kids.� With their fun lyrics, they are great jams for the youth.

THE DARK KNIGHT

2. “Modern Guilt� by Beck

The most highly-anticipated movie of 2008, by far. It certainly lived up to all of its hype as most of the audiences walked 3. “Fleet Foxes� by Fleet Foxes away in awe of This new style grunge band had one the top albums in 2008 and started to make quite a name for themselves Christian Bale and by their surprisingly high album sales.

Heath Ledger’s 4. “Paper Trail� by T.I. performance.

While being on house arrest, T.I. wrote all of his latest album, “Paper Trail.� He had a lot of hits, making it a home run Beck never ceases to entertain with his neat alternative pop. This is another great album in Beck’s time line of riveting music. I suggest “Gamma Ray,� and “Orphans.� But listen to it all, because Beck never slacks off on making sweet tracks.

#2

to all hip hop lovers, and there were enough fans to make it one of the top selling albums of 2008.

Wall-E

5. “Sleep Through� The Static by Jack Johnson

Yet another great album from the mellow Jack Johnson. He has made many great albums and this is just another loved album by many relaxed acoustic guitar fans.

4$"/%"-4

1. Kwame Kilpatrick, former mayor of Detroit, was sent to jail due

The film that lacked a lot of dialogue still did great in the box office and is in the same ranks as “Finding Nemo.� A great hit for all ages.

#3

to texting, lies and perjury. Detroit took a chance when it elected Kilpatrick at the age of 31. He was the youngest mayor in the history of Detroit. Not only did he commit perjury, but new secrets sprung when rumors spread about a wild party alleged to have occurred in the fall of 2002, involving strippers at the official residence of the mayor—the city-owned Manoogian Mansion.

5 7 1. “The Office�

This show involves daily interactions of a group of hilarious office employees at a local paper company. This is one of the most real life, down-to-earth shows out there with true humor. If you need a good laugh, watch this show and specifically look for instances with Jim and Dwight in them.

2. “Gossip Girl�

Based on the popular book series of the same name, this drama involves privileged teenagers who go to an elite school in New York City. The main character doesn’t ever show her face and that the drama doesn’t even surround her ... she delivers it to us.

3. “Scrubs�

This comedy focuses on the bizarre experiences the medical interns face with the help of the unpredictable staff and patients. Especially for main character, John “J.D.� Dorian. Over the season he learns the ways of medicine, friends and life.

4. “Grey’s Anatomy�

A hospital drama that enlightens Meredith Grey to relationship problems as well as building friendships with other surgical interns. In this Golden Globe-winning ABC television show, Grey struggles to maintain relationships while staying sharp at her new job. This series has won two Golden Globes.

5. “House�

House, the main, sarcastic doctor takes on many different patients with controversial illnesses that normally end up in chaos. The best part is the patients all make an impression on House in different ways, and how even though he says he doesn’t care about others, he is able, and more than able, to show affection to others, and to save lives.

2.

Illinois Governor Rod R. Blagojevich, is charged in a scheme to sell Barack Obama’s senate seat. The president-elect, who was speaking to reporters following a meeting with Al Gore about green energy and climate change, said, “Obviously, like the rest of the people of Illinois, I am saddened and sobered by news that came out of the U.S. Attorney’s office today, but as this is an ongoing investigation into the governor, I don’t think it’d be appropriate for me to comment at this time.�

3.

Eliot Spitzer, the Mayor of New York, hired a 22-year-old aspiring musician from Manhattan as his prostitute. The 22-year-old prostitute’s real name is Ashley Alexandra Dupre (though she was born Ashley Youmans), according to a New York Times report.

Pineapple Express Just another teenaged stoner movie that did quite well in the box office.

James Franco and Seth Rogen were the dynamic duo in this hilarious flick, with Franco being the blown-out drug dealer and Rogen being the one who gets them in all the trouble.

#4

4.

Sarah Palin’s (John McCain’s vice-presidential candidate) was too concerned about how she looked on television rather than winning the election. The Republican National Committee spent $150,000 since Labor Day to keep Palin- the Hockey Mom- and her family looking sharp.

5.

Jaime Lynn Spears gets pregnant by longtime boyfriend, Casey Aldridge. Spears was 16. After her big sis, Brittany’s, outrageous behavior in gaining attention, this was definitely not expected from the family. The attention was turned over to Jaime Lynn as she gave birth to baby Maddie Brian Aldridge, on June 19, 2008.

video will get a laugh out of anyone who wants to poke fun at people who watch crappy shows such as The OC.

Cloverfield

The unique film was a hit, but some people couldn’t handle the different way of the filming, causing many who watched it to have motion sickness. But the champs who did watch it know it is sweet to see some monster savagely rip through New York City.

#5

#2 Robots video by Flight Of The Conchørds

This is a sweet show on HBO, and you can see their music videos on the tube. FOTC’s best song as they describe how robots will eradicate the human race in the distant future.

#3 Why Must I Cry by Rehdogg.

This crack head sings a song about being befriended, and it’s hard to tell if he is serious, but this song is for real and hilarious.

#4 Old Gregg

“I’m old Gregg!� He likes to go to clubs where people wee on each other, and he drinks Bailey’s from a shoe.

#1 Dear Sister SNL Parody

The OC is probably one of the most hated shows in the United States, yet many weird, insecure teens love to watch it. This

#5 Jizz In My Pants

An absolutely ridiculous video. It’s a vulgar, humorous skit about a couple of men who suffer from premature ejaculation, and it’s done by some of the guys from Saturday Night Live.

Ironman In this action-packed film starring Robert Downey, Jr., the film industry finally made a good movie out of what was originally a comic series because they finally had a good plot and good actors.

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Tuesday, January 27, 2009

N A G I H MI C F O E RY U S A STAT E TR

Sports

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ing because they require less equipment.

With the economy the way it is right now in the state, athletic budgets are being affected greatly, Robinson said. “We have less money than we did two Kurt Miller staff writer years ago,� Robinson said. “Things are tight right now.�

Tom Barbieri, gym teacher and football coach, said his sport receives adSome people may argue that all equate funding. school-sponsored sports should re“I believe the football program receive equal funding, ceives enough fundbut Athletic Direcing,� Barbieri said. tor John Robinson, “Could we use more? said sports should be Yes.� funded based on their It may seem that needs. the football team re“The (athletic) budceives a lot more fundget is not black and ing than other sports, i8F IBWF MFTT NPOFZ UIBO XF EJE white,� Robinson said. but with the cost of UXP ZFBST BHP 5IJOHT BSF UJHIU SJHIU “I don’t have a written equipment, the sport budget. Coaches come requires more fundOPX w to me and tell me their ing. needs, and I try to give “I have to replace them what they ask helmets and shoulder +PIO 3PCJOTPO for.� pads every year,� Rob "UIMFUJD %JSFDUPS Robinson said he inson said. is given a set amount Barbieri also said of money by the state there are many other each year, and he diexpenses for the footvides that money up ball program. based on each team’s “(The) main exneeds. Sports like football need more penses are bus transportation, referfunding to cover costs for shoulder pads ees, player camps, food to feed players, and helmets, whereas sports like swim- coaching salaries, clothing for coaches, ming and cross country need less fund- cameras, film and computers,� Barbieri

said.

The football team does not receive all of its funding from the athletic department though. “About two-thirds of the funding of the football program comes from the athletic department,� Barbieri said.

According to Barbieri, the remaining costs are covered by the touchdown club and the athletic boosters.

On the other hand, sports like cross country and tennis require little funding, according to Robinson. “I have to replace the nets (for tennis) about every four years, but that’s about it,� Robinson said. “The players wear collared shirts, so they buy their own shirts.�

According to Robinson though, sports like hockey will most likely never be a school-funded sport. “We don’t have an ice rink,� Robinson said. “(The hockey team) spends about $15,000 a year alone on ice time.

The cost of equipment is very expensive.�

Although hockey will never be added into the athletic budget, one sport that may is lacrosse, according to Robinson. Lacrosse is becoming a very popular sport, and schools like Pioneer and Huron have varsity teams.

The main concern with creating lacrosse as a varsity sport is having facilities, according to Robinson. “Lacrosse is one sport that we are looking at,� he said.

%BODF UFBN DPBDI TUFQT EPXO each month. I also plan to act as an adviser to the team. I nis said. will help them with things such as costume ideas, themes Shipley said she knew the reactions of shock would be for routines, making them aware of workshops and competi- widespread. “The team was somewhat stressed when I gave Although the varsity dance team has gone through sev- tions that are available in the area, and the overall organiza- them the news of my resignation,� she said. “Change is always hard no matter what the circumstances are, so I knew eral hardships including the departure of a coach and a rap- tion of the team.�

Even though Shipley still remains a fixture for the team, there would be some uneasiness.� idly declining roster of dancers, it has not affected the team her resignation as head coach was her choice. “I decided to Though Shipley’s leave was both shocking and difficult in the ways some might expect. for the girls, Shipley said the decision was no easier on According to junior and dancer Megan Jones, changes resign as head coach to pursue other avenues in her. haven’t yet sunk in. “Our old coach still comes in to help us my life,� she said. “I plan to start taking ballroom “My decision to resign as head coach of the dance with routines a few times a week,� she said. “And we still dance lessons and see where that genre of dance can team has been a bittersweet decision in my life,� have ( former assistant coach) Ashley (Clark) there to help take me.�

Although Shipley’s resignation was she said. “Coaching the Dexter dance team us.� was my first job as head coach. I have Though Clark provides assistance, she hasn’t taken the planned, that didn’t lessen the team’s shock. coached the team for eight years. I feel reins completely, according to former head coach Joanne Jones said she was “shocked and surprised� very fortunate to have worked with so Shipley. “In no way do I want to cut all ties with the dance at the sudden news. “Joanne gathered evi"GUFS B XIJMF * BDDFQUFE many wonderful students and parents.� team,� she said. “ I still plan to choreograph routines for eryone after practice one day and told us Despite the stress of departure, howthe team and work with them on routines the first week of it was hectic for her to juggle teaching and IFS OFXT CVU XIFO * m STU coaching,� she ever, Shipley knows one thing was always IFBSE TIF XBT RVJUUJOH * said. “Plus, certain. “(At the time of my departure) she’s still I knew we that we had a tight knit group XBOUFE UP RVJU w young, and of girls that are passionate about dance,� wanted to do she said. “I saw a team that had worked other things.� well and respected one another. I saw a T h o u g h group of girls that were a family, and I Jones chose knew they wouldn’t let things fall apart to stay after no matter the circumstances.� the news, she Both Valdmanis and Jones agree. Alinitially had though the ways that Shipley’s departure doubts. “Afcould affect the team are unclear, Jones ter awhile I accepted her believes the team will come out stronger. “It’s only been news, but when I first heard about a week, so as of yet we haven’t had struggles,� she she was quitting, I wanted to said. “But when we do, I think we will come together.� quit,� she said. “I didn’t want Valdmanis echoes that. “I think not having the coach to do it anymore.� there will definitely strengthen the team bond,� she said.

And she wasn’t alone. Se- �They’ll have to rely on each other.� Furthermore, Valdmanior and former varsity dancer nis said the remaining girls have no desire to give up.

Krista Valdmanis said five or “Knowing the girls on the team like I do, I know that the six girls have quit the team girls that are still on the team want to be there,� she said. due to Shipley’s departure. “They want to see the team succeed.�

Valdmanis was a varsity Success and stress aside, Shipley is confident the team dancer when Shipley quit, and is in good hands. “We came up with a plan to have Ashley said there was one major fac- Clark take on the position of head coach, and I would retor that heightened the shock. main a choreographer and adviser,� she said. “Ashley was Photo by Christina Field “(Shipley) was the one who the assistant coach for the team in the fall.

Ashley Clark, former Dexter High student and dance team member, has filled the vacant coaching started the dance program at “She has always been a great leader and a person who role. She stretches as she warms up to help teach the team their new dance.

Dexter, so I was shocked that looks out for the good of the team. I think she has a great she would leave that,� Valdma- future in coaching this team.�

Karly Stanislovaitis staff writer

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9

Sports

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

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Alex Everard and Kevin Yarows Managing editor and sports editor

High school sports push the envelope photo by Stephanie Wolyniak

Doing the splits: Stretching out with the dance team, senior Peter Richter prepares for the upcoming practice. Richter said he joined the team after junior Kelsey Hart suggested it.

Caitlyn Rize staff writer

No, this isn’t the typical sports story where Peter Richter enters his own world while stepping onto the field. And, no, he isn’t in his own zone walking on to the court. Richter, a senior, is in a world unknown to half the population.

He enters girl world.

Before joining the dance team, this world was unknown to him also. Now, it’s an everyday experience.

“It’s like stepping into a different dimension,” Richter said. “I get to peer into the way girls think, the way they treat issues like guys.

It’s really interesting and eye-opening to say the least.”

Richter said the girls treat him no differently than any other dancer, however. Former coach Joanne Shipley also said Richter and the girls get along great.

“The girls are very respectful to Peter,” Shipley said. “They appreciate that he is so committed to the team and to the art of dance in general.”

Junior Savannah Surfus said she really enjoys and appreciates having Richter on the team.

“It’s fun and different,” Surfus said. “I like mixing up the season a little bit. Hopefully we’ll be able to incorporate some cool tricks into our performances.”

Surfus also said she’s accustomed to dancing with boys. She grew up at a studio and dancing in large productions.

For some girls, however, having a boy as a fellow dancer is very different.

“Practices have to be run different because we’re used to being just girls and not having a boy around,” junior Kiersten Halloway said.

While many girls like the change of pace, it can also be hard trying to help Richter to reach the same level as the girls, many of whom have been dancing for years.

“We really have to help him with the technical aspect,” Halloway said.

“Most people work for years and years to acquire the skills we use in our dances,” Shipley said. “However, Peter has a lot of core strength and is pretty flexible, so with the help of his teammates and coaches, he has been progressing very quickly.”

This is Richter’s first year as a competitive dancer, although he has enjoyed dancing for a long time. Not surprisingly, many of his

friends have noticed how much he likes to move. In fact, he said a friend is the reason he even tried out for the dance team.

“Originally I was just messing around, dancing freestyle and my friend, (junior) Kelsey Hart, made the suggestion that I should join the dance team. I thought about it a while and figured, why not?

Turns out it’s a lot of fun,” Richter said.

Hart said she’s very excited to see him perform because he fits into the dance mold so well.

“I always see him moving,” Hart said. “He’s got rhythm, and he’s always shakin’ it, so I figured he’d be a great contestant for the dance team.”

Richter said the girls have also been very supportive.

“As soon as it was official that I was on the team, they welcomed me with open arms,” he said. “They help me, constantly reminding me to point my toes. I definitely wish I started dancing way earlier because I could keep pace, and it would help with my technique.”

Being a new dancer, Richter said he knows he has a lot of work to do before becoming an active member of the team. And while he isn’t yet a game performer, he said looks forward to the day he gets to make an impact.

“I may perform some special tricks, but I’ve got a ways to go before I can try anything too drastic,” he said.

Shipley, as well as the girls, say they are excited to see what new elements Richter will bring to their routines.

“Peter has a lot of natural hip-hop ability, such as doing ‘stalls’ and break dance type tricks, so I have incorporated some of these tricks in as highlights,” Shipley said.

Richter says he is enjoying himself, even though some people treat him differently.

“I enjoy time spent around people that I like and are able to dance,” he said. “My friends think I’m a little weird for doing this, but they’re cool with it. It’s more just the close-minded and hicks who give me a hard time.”

Richter may have to go through some adversity, but most people are in full support of his bold move.

“Dance takes endurance, strength, flexibility and rhythm--things that both guys and girls can excel at,” Shipley said. “It’s not just a girl thing, and it’s not an easy sport to be good at. I give Peter a lot of credit for being the first guy to ignore what his peers might have to say and just going for it. I hope this opens the door for other guys to see that they may have potential in dance and it doesn’t mean they’ll have to look girly doing it.”

'JHVSF TLBUJOH UFBN DPNQFUFT BU 8PSMET Marne Little sports editor

Competitive skating: Junior Alex Carr and her figure skating recently competed at the world qualifying competition in Wisconsin.

They finished fifth out of 10 teams.

Photo by Georgia Myers

Stepping onto the ice, wearing the most glitter possible, her heart races. She skates to the middle of the rink where, she stands with all 16 of her teammates in the spotlight, ready to perform their routine. Junior Alex Carr and her team have been practicing this same routine for what seems like forever and have it perfected, hoping to do the best they can under the pressure of being judged.

Carr has been a figure skater for about 14 years with the Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club. “My grandma used to figure skate, and she wanted me to take group lessons,” Carr said. “I was really into it when I was little, and I liked to compete. I really wanted to win.”

After all these years of competitive skating, Carr has moved up to a level of skating that she loves being involved in. “There are certain levels to skating, and it gets harder as you go on. I used to single skate, and I tested out of that. Now I do competitive synchronized skating,” she said.

The figure skating levels include pre-preliminary, preliminary, pre-juvenile, juvenile, intermediate, novice, junior and senior.

Carr is currently coached by Erin Donovan.

Donovan has been coaching her for three years.

“Alex is a joy to work with,” Donovan said. “Alex has improved a lot. She is much more flexible and has more confidence and grace in her skating. Alex is very dedicated when it comes to skating. She practices almost every day and takes lessons to help her improve even more.”

Carr said the competitions are the most fun. “At the competitions there’s a lot of teams from different places,” Carr said. “There are 18 people on the team, but only 16 skate at once. I love our costumes. We all get really into it and have good luck chants that get us focused.”

“Alex works with her teammates very well,” Donovan said. “Everyone on the team gets along and they help each other to reach a common goal.”

Carr really enjoys being a part of the team. “Everyone on the team gets along really well,” Carr said. “Jessica Tuzinowski is one of my best friends from skating.

There are people that do it just for fun, but if they saw how hard it really was, they wouldn’t do it competitively. You have to be willing to get hurt and fall a lot.”

Carr says skating is a great competitive sport, and she would like to see more people figure skating in the future.

Carr and the rest of her team recently competed in the world qualifying competition in Wisconsin, hoping to finish with high scores and be able to compete at the world competition this year taking place in Switzerland. “I am really positive that we will make it to worlds,” Carr said.

Along with Carr’s positive attitude, Donovan also said the team should be able to make it to Switzerland. “I am very confident that our team has the ability to make worlds,” Donavon said. “They will have to stay very focused and perform their absolute best. It is probably the hardest thing to do in our sport since only two teams can qualify, and the event is so early in the season considering the National Championships are not until March.”

Unfortunately, the team was unable to finish in a place high enough to qualify for worlds, but in the end they were all pleased with the place they finished. “We actually did really well,” Carr said. “We don’t get to go to Switzerland, but we finished fifth out of 10 teams.”

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Sports are all about pushing the limits, doing everything possible to better yourself and your team. But where is the limit? Where is the line in the sand, the mark of decency and sportsmanship that must be followed?

It seems as though high school sports have become a world of pushing the limits, a scene where decency goes out the window and winning is the only thing that matters. In professional sports, that may be the case, but the high school world should be one centered around the same thing the high schools themselves are focused on: teaching. High School sports should be focused on teaching athletes to grow into respectable and honorable people.

Yet, it is the high schools themselves that are constantly challenging what is decent. A policy of open enrollment, originally created to help generate funding for struggling school districts, has turned into a policy which enables schools to gain an advantage athletically.

Lincoln Athletic Director Sid Wright said his school’s open enrollment policy has unintentionally helped add numbers to his athletic programs, specifically football and soccer, although this doesn’t necessarily mean more talent.

Since students are allowed to go to a district even if they do not live there, coaches and athletic directors have more room to “recruit”, a word that was, at one time, forbidden in high school sports.

Schools with a policy of open enrollment allow administrators to coax students into enrolling for “academic” reasons, even though they student may only be getting attention for their athletic prowess. According to Wright, some of this recruiting has gone on in schools near Lincoln with open enrollment.

Principal Kit Moran, an avid detractor of open enrollment, said several schools in Eastern Washtenaw County lose students from each other in a vicious circle due to the school of choice system. “Willow Run loses students to Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti loses students to Lincoln, and Lincoln loses students to Milan,” Moran said.

This season Willow Run’s football team finished with a 3-5 record. Ypsilanti finished 5-4, Lincoln finished 1-8 and Milan finished 8-1 and advanced to the playoffs.

Other schools that are not open to open enrollment still push the limits. Several schools have been cited for supposedly offering athletes houses within their district to play sports, Chelsea High School’s Nick Hill was caught in controversy just last year. Rumors started that Hill lived in the Ann Arbor area yet attended Chelsea, which is not a school of choice. However, the rumors conveniently started, and ended, with the football season.

Although Hill was not guilty of false residency, the fact that the idea was not far-fetched is a testimony to the direction high school sports are headed. False residency does go on, and for administrators and athletic directors, it’s simply a matter of getting away with it.

Private schools, like schools with open enrollment, also hold a definite advantage over public schools with the ability to attract future high school students to their superior athletic programs. Should anyone really be recruiting eighth graders, and often younger students, no matter what school they are from? Should religious affirmation be linked to advantages on the court or field?

A lot can be said about what this teaches young, impressionable children about sports and education, and which one should truly come first. Perhaps these schools do have prestigious academic programs and are recruiting for such reasons, but a system that offers such blatant athletic advantages can never be completely honest.

And the dishonesty at the top simply trickles down to the athletes themselves. Recent reports in the field of athletics show that steroid use among teens is at an all-time high, and the state of Texas recently dolled out $6 million dollars to steroid testing for public high schools.

Even general cheating and rule breaking seem to be more common than in the past. Can all this be linked to professional sports and their superstars’ behaviors? Possibly. But one thing is for sure: gone are the days of respect for your opponents, here to stay are the hidden advantages, morally bankrupt systems and conniving coaches.

So as high school sports continue to evolve, it is up to the administrators, coaches and athletic directors to decide what they will turn into.

It can return to the days of old when lessons in life and tremendous competitiveness lived in harmony. Or it can continue on its current path and turn into a world of scheming administrators and coaches, trying their best to get any advantage, no matter the cost. It is up to the rule-makers of the high school sports world to decide just that- what is the cost?

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10

Columns

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Patrick Ledwidge trends editor

Jake Larosa uPage editor

Nazi zombies more of a threat than you may think The apocalypse is more imminent than you may think. While at the dentist last week, I met Nastrodamus in a Novacane-induced vision. He told me plain and simple that I was the sexiest beast to inhabit the earth.

After briefly groveling at my feet, the philosopher informed me of the true nature of his appearance: he had come to warn me of the horrors that approached us in the near future.

According to Nostradamus, the year 2012 will mark the end of humanity as we know it. In this year, feminist extremists will create a virus that causes all men to lose all their testosterone, wear Crocs and have a passionate interest in pedicures.

Unbeknownst to them, a terrorist named Alex Shmercu altered the virus to cause all hosts to be turned into Nazi Zombies. The virus will spread like wildfire, and within a month, the entire planet will be inhabited by these flesh-eating zombies of the Third Reich.

All is not lost, however. Scattered groups will survive and resist. One of these, named The Village People, consist of me and 83 non-feminist freshman girls.

We will dwell in the heavily fortified Dexter High School. We will survive by adopting rituals of the aborigines.

We will have pow-wows, live in Teepees, drink the blood of the insolent and bring back dances without face-to-face rules.

We will defend ourselves from the hordes of zombies outside by sharpening the bars in the weight room and using them as javelins. We will also host a Bigger Faster Stronger Zombier conference.

Several years later, my wives and I will conceive 38 sons, three daughters and two zombie babies.

The sons are named Cornelius 1-37 and Jamal. Our daughters are named Hope, Precious, and Superfly. The zombie babies are made into mobiles for interior decoration.

Our society, which we refer to as The Buck Nasty Civilization, functions like a well-oiled machine until one fateful day.

As Jamal, Cornelius 1-37 and I are in the gym playing Zombie Head Parcheesi a group of highly advanced zombies find their in through a hidden corridor known as “Candy Land”.

I order Cornelius 4, 12 and 27, who are obviously my least favorite, to sacrifice themselves so Jamal, the 83 wives, the remaining Corneliuses and I can make our escape.

They do so and are devoured in mere seconds. In desperation I throw Cornelius 19 at the zombies to buy us extra time.

This does the trick, and we make our way into the band room and barricade the door. All of the wives are terrified, except for one who demands child support.

The Corneliuses are frightened as well; only Jamal and I keep our cool. That’s why he’s my favorite. A

real chip off the old block, he is.

Anyway, I soon discover the room is inhabitedby German-speaking zombie Pikachus.

Luckily, Jamal had inherited my rock-based Pokemon genetics and used the Rock Throw move for an attack that effectively wipe them out.

Our troubles, however, are far from vanquished the zombies begin breaking through the doors of the band room.

I accept this as my inevitable end and begin a hysterical confession to my freshman wives that I am really a ginger.

Just as the doors bust down and the horde of zombies pour into the band room, a bright, ominous glow fills the room.

The zombies fall to their scathed knees, utter an earsplitting screech and die. I can not believe my eyes. We have been saved, but by whom?

Then our true savior steps towards me and offers his hand. I look into his black beady eyes. He is some sort of alien life form I have never seen before.

“I am Grobulus, from the galaxy Schphincterous,” he told me.

“So what?” I ask.

“So what?” he replies, taken aback. “So what?

So let’s dance!”

The next thing I know, I am on an intergalactic dance floor with flashing red and green lights engaged in an 83-on-1 grind with my wives. I spot Jamal in the corner macking on a young alien girl. He grins at me, and I grin back. For the first time in my life, I am happy.

The moral of the story: don’t trust feminists.

A look back at the highlights of the last four years The past four years have been ones to remember.

There have been some bad moments, but the great times I’ve had completely overshadow the bad.

During freshman year, there was a janitor by the name of Robin. We all loved and cherished Robin as one of our friends until she got fired for stealing students’ things out of their backpacks.

How could she do such a thing? Robin apparently was not the innocent, loveable janitor we all came to know.

Also freshman year, I can vividly remember strolling on the catwalk to lunch, when down below two sisters decided it would be a good idea to double team another girl.

She struggled to get away, only to be pulled back by the strands of her hair. Ouch! I had never seen a fight of this magnitude during school.

Though the Robin and girl fight fiascos were memorable, the most memorable was obviously the first day of school.

I think everyone remembers their first day of high school. Walking in the doors, I don’t think any of us would imagine these four years going by as fast as they have.

I vividly remember, surprisingly over all other things, “Romeo and Juliet” skits in American Studies, former principal Jim Bannan and his shenanigans and someone defecating in the elevator. Many of us still wonder what would motivate someone to poop in the elevator? I don’t think we will ever know.

Sophomore year was easily the most lack luster compared. Besides the epic Dexter/Chelsea basketball game, not much really went down.

Tenth is somewhat of an odd year. You just finished your first year as a high schooler, but not yet considered an upperclassman.

How are you supposed to act? You don’t want to be considered a tough guy for acting like an upperclassmen, but you want to be liberated from all underclassmen woes. Presumably, a quandary.

The first thing that pops into my mind when recalling my junior year is DPs. Last year was filled with the shenanigans students like to call “Dance Parties.”

Bimonthly Dance Parties were held inbetween class periods and usually, unfortunately, broken up by either Dean of Students Ken Koenig or Vice Principal Tim Authier.

Though these dance parties were a fun event to get away from my normal routine, the DP that took the cake was on the last day of school.

The teacher parking lot that June night was filled with euphoric students, glad to be done with school and to start the summer off with a bang.

Sensual-rave-techno music filled my ears for those three hours while I slid down the soapinfested Slip-and-Slide, trying to avoid the concrete at the end.

The road at the end of the slide would eventually be the cause of many future scrapes and bruises of those kids who decided it’d be a good idea to surf down the tarp.

My junior year was complete. And the best year of high school was to come in 90 days.

The first several months of my senior year have already been beyond superb. It truly is has been that much better than any other school year I’ve ever had.

If the disease known as “Senioritis” has not overpowered you yet, you have another think coming for you.

Thirteen years ago we strolled into Cornerstone Elementary School on our first-ever day of school.

Thirteen years ago we rocked our backpacks with only one strap over our shoulder.

Thirteen years ago we climbed on the infrastructure that was the “massive boat” at recess.

And 13 years ago we began the journey that will soon be ending for us in four months. Seniors, I congratulate you.

But there are many things we can do to not graduate. Lets do as many as we can without getting caught.

Let the games begin.

7:35-2:26 is a hands off period Walking through the halls is a battle field of couples kissing, holding hands and showing affection towards each other. Public Display of Affection, or PDA as most kids call it, has been an on going problem for years.

Some know what it is like to have a girlfriend or boyfriend and maybe even what it’s like to be in love, but I don’t care how in love you are, I don’t want to see you suck face with your girlfriend/boyfriend in the middle of the hall.

I understand holding hands, hugging and maybe even a little good-bye smooch before a class, but it is completely inappropriate to be going at it in the hallway for everyone to see.

There are only six minutes of passing time in between class. Can’t you just hold a conversation instead? Maybe do some homework? Or even go to class!

Although there may be some who enjoy watching you guys put on a show in between classes, I do not.

There is a time and a place for things like that, and it is not in the hallway of a high school with about half the school watching.

I just don’t understand why anyone would want

to sit in the corner of the hallway and practically do “it” in front of their fellow peers.

I mean I believe you are a good kisser and you totally get chicks, but holding hands shows enough affection during the school day. Can’t you just wait a few hours and do it when school is over?

The worst of the PDA is in the lunch room, our time to eat and enjoy a nice half hour break. It is annoying to look over at a couple making out while I’m trying enjoy a great meal provided to me by Dexter Food and Nutrition.

When I see a couple sitting on each other while eating, it really grinds my gears. The school has purposely bought a chair for each student to sit in at lunch, but still these people insist on sitting on their significant other’s lap and basically feed each other.

Not only do I feel bad for the rest of the table that has to sit there and watch the couple eat on each other’s laps, but I feel bad for the guy who has to eat uncomfortably under his girlfriend. Let the man eat. You can get off him for at least 30 minutes and give him some space.

But maybe I’m not giving all you couples a chance.

Maybe I just don’t understand what true love is. I

Brent Muse get involved editor

guess I never thought true love was making out in front of everyone.

I don’t know if you want people to know you are in love, or if you can’t just hang out without kissing.

But thanks for letting me know because I was getting really worried about your love life.

Then there are those kids who do that gosh darn freak dancing at the school dance, and look where that got us.

For those who don’t have a lover or who do and choose not to suck face with in front of everyone, thank you. You can still love someone and have a good relationship without showing affection in front of your peers.

So if you are without a girlfriend or boyfriend and you wish you had one, look at the bright side, at least you don’t look like a moron sharing tounge pleasures in front of everyone.

11

Editorial

#BJMPVU JT MJGFMJOF GPS DPNNVOJUZ As our country gets deeper into a recession, it

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Scott Crompton

seems more companies are being bailed out. This time, it hits closer to home as the Big Three, now

MANAGING EDITORS:

called the Detroit Three, are receiving a loan from

Alex Everard, Brittany Martini

the federal government, hoping to get them back

EDITORS

on their feet.

DESIGN: Candice Wiesner FEATURES: Kaitlyn Shepard ENTERTAINMENT: Kyle Boren OPINIONS: Olivia Scheffler PHOTO: JoJo Parin, Lauren

The good news is, car owners are trading in their luxury cars for American-made cars with companies based in Detroit, an indication that

Daugherty

SPORTS: Kevin Yarows HEALTH: Ally Sutter TRENDS: Patrick Ledwidge uPAGE: Jake Larosa

consumers and the companies are becoming more confident.

Consumers are also buying more cars and fewer

NEWS: Nicholas Miller GET INVOLVED: Brent Muse COPY: Emily Van Dusen

trucks, so even with lower gas prices, the failing economy may have finally taught us that we don’t have to rely on gas-guzzling Hummers to get us

DESIGNERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS

from point A to point B. The real point is how this loan can directly *MMVTUSBUJPO CZ (BCF "MUPNBSF

affect and benefit students. With many parents

The auto executives tying the immediate need

working in the auto industry, whether it be directly

for government assistance to the recent economic

This is why we think the bailout, or “loan”, will

through the companies, in auto parts or in careers

crisis makes it seem as if this is a sudden issue

benefit us. We can’t change what the executives of

such as with journalism, these careers can be given

and a consequence of Wall Street. The truth is, the

the Detroit Three are earning, but we can control

another chance through company restructuring

auto world has been struggling for several years

whether or not innocent, hard-working people can

and careful planning the loans received though

without necessarily making it public, making it

keep their jobs .

the fed.

seem as if the reason for their “recent” downfall is

Some people may argue that the auto industry’s zero success has been an ongoing problem, not a

a result of the failure of Wall Street.

lose their job?

Through the company restructuring and more careful planning implemented with the loans

Even if this is the case, we still think it is

received though the fed, more people will be able to

unfair to workers on the assembly line, and other

keep their jobs as well as their sense of belonging.

Rick Wagoner, chairman and CEO of General

components of the industry to lose their jobs for

You can raise a family on a five-figure income.

Motors, said in congressional testimony that GM

being lied to for some time, with no fair warning

You can certainly raise a family, if not dozens of

has reduced their annual structural costs in North

to find other jobs throughout the years. Why is it

families on an $8 million-a-year income. But you

America by 23 percent, or $9 billion, since 2005,

fair for money-hungry executives to keep earning

can’t retain a sense of belonging with no income,

and would continue to reduce them for a total of 35

millions a year when someone such as a factory

which is why the loan will benefit students and

percent, or about $15 billion, by 2011.

worker would be earning just a fraction of that but

their families.

sudden one. So why help them now?

$BO MPWF TVSWJWF UIF EJTUBODF Tricia Humitz Staff writer

Kaitlyn Shepard

Anna Aiken, Val Argiero, Lindsay Baker, Ross Chamberlain, Rachel Dethloff, Shannon Gronvall, Luke Hattie, Kelsey Heilman, Jason Lomax, Georgia Myers, Daniel Newell, Kyle Oberle, Ashley Sharp, Kevin Sheaffer, Chas Sloan, Ashley Soares, Christian Wiesenberg, Stephanie Wolyniak.

ADVERTISEMENT MANAGERS:

Kelsey Heilman, Morgan Quist, Ariel Star.

STAFF WRITERS Jacob Aliapoulios, Nicholas Baron, Alex Bercu, Max Berry, Alli Bowman, John Brosch, Ashley Burleson, Garret Camilleri, Alexander Dobbs, Lindsay Fischer, Daniel Flowers, Aaron Gilman, Coleen Hill, Patricia Humitz, Marshall Kellenberger, Allison Krips, Marne Little, Krickett Luckhardt, Brittany Martini, Ian McCarthy, Kurt Miller, Nicole Minzey, Sarah Moir, Sarah Molnar, Kevin Mors, James Munson, Jack Nixon, Amanda Orr, Emily Pap, Caitlyn Rize, Michael Szymusiak, Karly Stanislovaitis, Miles Stephenson, Andrew Whitaker, Alexandria Zadrzynski.

CARTOONIST

Feature Editor

Gabe Altomare

ADVISER Rod Satterthwaite

POLICY:

130

$0/

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, so why not spice up your love life and try dating someone you won’t see every day?

Distance adds a sense of excitement and adventure to any relationship.

The sense of adventure comes when you see your girlfriend or boyfriend for the first time in months or weeks.

The butterflies in your stomach, the pounding in your heart. All the things that made the relationship fun and exciting in the beginning, come back when you see that special someone again.

This is clearly more exciting than seeing this person constantly every day. And let’s face it. That fun feeling?

That dwindles pretty quickly.

Another good reason to find a long- distance lover is the lack of drama involved. Who likes having drama- filled relationships? I know I don’t.

Drama is often created in relationships when people get sick of each other or when friends get involved. Neither of these will come easily when you don’t attend the same school.

The most exciting part of long distance relationships for not only those in the relationship but anyone around them as well, is the absence of the common PDA problem in the hallway.

Imagine a world without nauseating cases of people sucking face at every bend of the hallway. Now wouldn’t that make for a better school?

As a member of the “There are no hot guys in Dexter” Facebook group, I can understand why many girls choose to date college guys. The poor selection of single guys has left only one other option almost as bad as dating a freshman: college boys.

However, dating a college guy while you’re in high school is a big nono.

I know college guys seem so much older, more mature and seem like they lead a much more exciting life, but all of that just isn’t worth it.

Think about it. While you’re here, leading your innocent small town life, your college boyfriend is up at college. c-o-l-l-e-g-e.

While you’re studying for your algebra test, your boyfriend is attending a “study party” with the girl he met at the “library.” While you’re spending Friday night watching “Wall-E” with your little brother, your boyfriend is probably at a party with tons of other girls.

Another down side, your boyfriend or girlfriend will most likely be a few hours away. So not only will you never know what they are doing, you also won’t get to see them as often.

Dating someone in college while you’re in high school is just a recipe for heartbreak. I know you say your significant other is a good person and would never do anything with anyone while they are away at college, but can you really know?

The Squall is distributed monthly to 1,195 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.

Some material courtesy of American Society of Newpaper Editors / MCT Campus High School Newspaper Service

12

Photostory

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

DEXTER BASKETBALL 5IF NFOT CBTLFUCBMM UFBN DIFFSFE PO CZ BO FOUIVTJBTUJD TUVEFOU TFDUJPO EPNJOBUFT UIF TUBUF SBOLFE )VSPO 3JWFS 3BUT

Marshal l Kellenberger staff writer

He stands on the bleachers yelling, cheering, supporting his team. He dresses up for every single game. Senior Mike Syzmusiak is the leader of the Dreadnaughts basketball student section. “I lead the student section because it gives me something to do in the winter.� says Syzmusiak, or Smuz as most people call him. “It’s a place where you can be completely ridiculous and still be accepted.�

For every game, a theme is decided on, and every game Smuz goes all out. “My favorite theme would probably be toga night,� he said. “I was pretty much the originator of it, and now it’s a theme we participate in every year.

This enthusiasm for the game is what makes the Dreadnaughts’ student section one of the best in the conference according to sophomore Tyler Dunham. “I think that it helps the team a lot,�

Dunham said. “When Smuz gets our student section into the game, it really helps pump up the players.�

Varsity basketball player Dave LaMore agrees. “When you have the whole student section behind you it motivates you to play better. Basketball games wouldn’t be the same without Smuz in the stands leading all of the cheers,� LaMore said. “Smuz brings an energy to the game that no one else can,� sophomore Nick Orr said. “I’m not sure who’s going to take over after he graduates, but I really doubt anyone will be able to match his enthusiasm and passion for the game. I am inspired by Smuz, and I hope one day that I can be like him.� $IFTUZ Senior Eddie Zukowski gets ready for the game by chest bumping fellow teammate Nick Gonet. Zukowski plays center for the varsity team.

$BSSZ PO Senior Danny Newell carries the ball up the court searching for an open player. The senior said he was pumped to play a challenging game against Huron.

4UFQQJOH UP UIF MJOF Senior Ryan Lemasters shoots a free-throw, after beginning fouled by a Huron player. Lemasters has been on varsity for three years and plays point guard.

3VOOJOH BXBZ Junior Mike Kedroske sprints down the court looking for an open basket. This is Kedroske’s first year on the varsity squad.

Photos by JoJo Parin