0809-9

May 29, 2009 Volume XIV Issue 9

Some students choose an alternative path, by going to an art school for college.

Page 7

Which teachers may not be returning next year due to lay offs.

%FYUFS )JHI 4DIPPM 2200 N. Parker Road

Dexter MI, 48130

THESQUALL

This issue funded by a grant from the Educational Foundation of Dexter

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5BML PG USBOTQPSUBUJPO TZTUFN DVUT VQTFUT NBOZ %JTUSJDU TBZT TPNF DIBOHFT OFDFTTBSZ UP IFMQ CVEHFU TJUVBUJPO Ashley Burleson staff writer

Many students take the bus to and from school, and for many parents, the bus makes their day a lot easier.

“We consider the transportation of our children to and from school just as important as their time in the classroom,” mother of two Debbie Penrose said.

But the board of education is considering changes in the Transportation Department, and these changes have some drivers and community members upset.

“Bond money was promised to the department for new buses, a remodeled and updated facility and a paved parking lot,” Sally McDeed* said. “This was supposed to be done in Phase 1, which would have been started last year.”

Many people, including bus drivers, are wondering when these changes are going to happen.

However, these changes are not the only changes the board is talking about.

“The (bus) drivers received a copy of a request for bid proposals to study the pros and cons of some drastic changes,” McDeed said.

“The number one bullet item (the district) wants studied is a one-tier system.”

Dexter transportation runs on a two-tier system. This means there are two bus runs, one for grades five and up and one for the younger grades. A one-tier system would mean all grades would ride together at one time, and many drivers are strongly against this for many different reasons.

“We know it’s got a lot of drivers concerned because it directly affects the number of hours that they work in a day,” Assistant Superintendent Mary Marshall said.

Parents who have caught wind of the chance of a one-tier have formed strong opinions as well.

“Negative social impact,” parent Kris Snow said of the decision to put all grades together on one bus run. “It’s shocking to hear that anyone is even thinking of kindergarten children riding the same bus as 12th graders. It is not socially desirable to have young kids sitting next to older kids. Even the movie industry recognizes some content is not desirable for younger audiences. If all schools start around the same time, the traffic going in and out of town will result in

gridlock. The traffic on Baker Road and Ann Arbor Street is already a huge issue at rush hour.”

McDeed agrees.

“The first run is not G-rated!” McDeed said.

“Drivers can’t control language they can’t hear nor can they pay attention to topics of conversation.”

And some Dexter citizens think a one-tier system won’t even save money.

“Buses will fill up fast with K-12 students especially in subdivisions like Brass Creek,” McDeed said. “They will probably need more buses and more drivers to get all the students in the District to school all at the same time. How will this save money?”

According to Marshall, however, no final decisions have been made about the one-tier system. In order to decide if a one-tier system would be better, she said a traffic study company has been hired to find ways for drivers to be more efficient. The school district also bought GPS units to help collect baseline data.

According to Marshall, the GPS units cost $100 a piece and were a bondable expense.

Some Dexter citizens are not happy about bond money being used for these studies.

“The rumblings are here again concerning the transportation system in our community. There is information available that the school district is using bond money to yet again conduct studies to analyze the system,” Snow said.

For a short period of time, drivers had to press a button on these GPS units on their buses when they made a stop and press the button again when they resumed moving, according to McDeed.

Four satellites transmit data on their routes including stops and turns. The software then used the data to calculate the driver’s acceleration, cruising speed and decelerations. This software also calculated how many minutes/seconds drivers spend loading/unloading students at their stops, according to McDeed.

“They collected a lot of data,” Marshall said.

“What we’re trying to do is get some baseline data that says this is how much it would cost to run the department. This is how much it would cost if we ran a one-tier system. This is how much it would cost if we ran a two-tier system.

These are the inconveniences of a one-tier system and the detriments to a one-tier system, and these are the inconveniences and detriments to

a two-tier system. Put all that on the table and again frame out what’s the right thing for us to do.”

According to Marshall the board of education is also trying to figure out what’s the right thing to do with the transportation facility. She said there has been discussion about moving the transportation facility, rather than redoing the one that already exists.

According to Marshall the cost of redoing the facility was more than what was expected. “We still don’t know where’s the right place to build it,” she said. “Should we fix it up at Marshall Road? Or should we look at possibly look at bringing it into town closer?”

According to Marshall, if the Board decides to move the transportation facility, it has to be attached to a building. “It could be attached to a school, a public bathroom, could be attached to the Proctor House off Shield Road, anything that we own,” she said.

“We as a community went through this a few years ago,” Snow said. “The consensus was pretty clear then. We don’t want the bus system in the middle of the schools. Yet here we find ourselves having to speak out again.”

According to McDeed, there is talk that the new bus garage could be attached to Wylie.

But according to Marshall, “We don’t have a proposal yet.”

Parents who have received information from a confidential source, however, are forming strong opinions.

“Our country is moving toward a better future by looking and thinking long term,” Snow said. “We voted in bond money for the schools because we know and appreciate our school system. Even in these tough times, our children’s education is still top priority. I know when I voted yes, it wasn’t for money to be spent on an issue we thought had been put to rest. That money was supposed to be spent on kids and their education. Moving a bus system so these kids can smell fumes and have less open space to play is not thinking.”

According to Marshall , however, architects have to look at any project they may do and look at the effects of that project.

“So now the question is where’s the right place to put it?” she said. “Because we have one shot to make this decision and do it right, so that’s then the challenge that we have been

kind of undertaking. We take very seriously the fact that we told the voters one thing. And if we change it, we have to make sure we are doing it for really good reasons and with plenty of input. And I think if you do that and your goal is to make sure you’re being honest and up front and efficient and a good steward of the public’s money, people will listen. And they can understand that maybe what seemed right two years or a year and a half ago that some things have changed, and we need to look at it differently.”

Although some surprises with the bond have come up, the plan with Wylie getting two drives is still being looked at.

According to Marshall, there needs to be two drives at Wylie for before school drop-off and after-school pickup, one for parent pick-up and one for the buses.

“There’s an intermixing between kids in cars and kids on buses,” she said. “It creates too much of a chaotic situation.”

According to Marshall, there are no concrete ideas yet with the many changes being discussed, and the board is trying hard to make sure they make the right move.

“We are trying to be as honest as we can be,” Marshall said. “We have to make responsible decisions that include getting some data in really uncomfortable areas for people, but their input is just incredibly important to us as we make these decisions. And when we get the data (the bus drivers) are the first people to see data to help us figure out what to do next. Then if we decide we should move forward with any of these ideas that are significantly different from what we are doing now, then we start bringing in lots of people and start asking questions and getting information from folks. And in the end we’ll craft the right decision based on that input.”

For some parents, however, the input needs to be given now.

“We need to start speaking up now as a community before more of our bond money is spent on issues we are not interested in,” Snow said.

“Money is a premium. Let’s put it to good use.

Not old issues. Local citizens should be deciding what to do with our bond money, not an outside firm that has no vested long term interest in our wonderful community.” * name changed at request of source

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News

Friday, May 29, 2009

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Although most people are now aware of the H1N1 Swine Flu due to constant daily media updates, that doesn’t mean people have all their questions answered.

According to district nurse Aileen Kernohan, this is expected. “This f lu is something we had never seen before because it is a combination of bird, swine, and human f lu; we did not know what it was capable of doing or how harmful it could be, so it’s understandable that people are concerned,� she said.

Though Kernohan sympathizes with those concerned, she feels differently about panic. “Concern is good, but there is no need to panic,� she said. �It’s silly to avoid Mexican restaurants and things like that.�

Though Junior Jenny Klein knows this concern firsthand, it wasn’t her own. “I had f lu symptoms starting on May 4 like high fever and sore throat,� she said. “The school didn’t want me to come to school on Monday.�

Even though the school urged Klein’s absence, there wasn’t further inf luence. “The school didn’t tell me I had to get tested (for the Swine Flu), but I figured it’d be a good idea since they wouldn’t let me come.�

Although Kernohan said she didn’t know about Klein’s case specifically, she did say nothing was forced upon sick students by the district. “In the initial week of the outbreak for those with f lulike symptoms i.e. cough, fever, sore throat etc. - were asked to get tested, and anyone, staff and students, with respiratory illness was asked to stay home till better,� she said. “Schools were asked to follow guidelines from the Michigan Department of Community Health and the Center for Disease Control.�

Although it sounds probable, Klein’s case wasn’t Swine Flu. “I went to the doctor with my symptoms, and they said I didn’t have the other symptoms of Swine Flu,� she said.

Despite the fact that Klein didn’t get past the doctor’s office, she doesn’t regret it. “Yeah, I think (attempting to get tested) was a good thing, but I didn’t think I needed it,� she said.

Though many people think there are elaborate measures they must take to protect themselves from Swine Flu, Kernohan disagrees. “The best thing you can do is use good hygiene; frequent hand washing, coughing into your elbow or a tissue and staying home if you have a fever, cough, or sore throat,� she said.

Though Kernohan has answered frequent questions regarding outbreaks, her answers are consistent. “I tell them to remember Karly Stanislovaitis staff writer

that regular f lu season is still in session and to keep their kids home if they’re sick and call their doctor,� she said.

While Kernohan was busy handling questions and soothing concerns, Principal Kit Moran was doing his part as well. “We have a plan in place if anything was to happen at DHS,� he said. “It’s existed for as long as I’ve been here, and we are constantly revising and adding things to it.�

A l t h o u g h the plan details everything from extra hygiene measures and education to the alternate locations for sick students, f lexibility is a component. “Although it’s required by law that every school has plans for things like f lu outbreaks, fire drills, lock downs and such, every plan is different depending on the school,� Moran said.

Though Moran thinks communication is the most crucial aspect of the plan, it presents challenges. “Communication is most important, but it’s difficult because it’s always changing,� he said. “ We are always trying to figuring out the best, fastest, ways to communicate with parents and students. What do we do if school closes? How do we accommodate things like AP testing? If we mess up on that, it will be our biggest mistake.�

Although potential mistakes carry a heavy weight, Moran is pleased with everyone’s reactions to the scare. “I think, so far, everyone has done a great job; we (the staff) met as soon as this became an issue, and we are on top of it.�

Illustration by Alex Everard

Kernohan agrees. “The school has taken proper precautions to protect students; there have been extra cleanings, and Maria (the day custodian) has been extra diligent about cleaning doorknobs and desks and such. We are also sending sick students home and monitoring the level of sickness; secretaries in the office are paying close attention to see if there are any unusual patterns of attendance as well,� she said.

Even though quick action was implemented, Kernohan cautions against complacency. “The f lu scare in 1918 was mild, but then it came back more virulently,� she said. “This could potentially happen and we could see it come back stronger next winter. Students should remain aware what is going on so they can prevent becoming sick and they know what to do if something does happen. This virus is brand new, so we can’t really predict what will happen and if or when it will return.�

$ISZTMFS DPNQBOZ NFSHFT XJUI 4 Q " 'JBU Caitlyn Rize staff writer

On April 30, 2009, President Obama announced Chrysler LLC’s plan to avoid liquidation and merge with S.p.A. Fiat to combat bankruptcy during the ensuing recession. The plan, according to Obama, is for America’s third largest automotive manufacturer to “not only survive but thrive� in partnership with the Italian automotive company.

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne, according to the Detroit Free Press, will do whatever it takes to see the success of both Fiat and Chrysler, even if it comes down to offering up his position as CEO. In the end, however, Chrysler will be at loss.

Before merging, Chrysler was forced to make significant labor-cost reductions in the American and Canadian unions. Marchionne called for the U.S. and Canadian Chrysler to match the labor costs of Germany and Japan, or Fiat would walk out on the merger deal. “There is no doubt in my mind,� Marchionne said. “We cannot commit to this organization unless we see light at the end of the tunnel.�

Given a month for United States and Canadian plants to make their decision, Chrysler agreed to the proposed terms in fear of bankruptcy and potential liquidation.

Now, it’s time for the cuts.

People working in the auto industry across Michigan have found themselves in rough economic times. Many have left Michigan to work elsewhere, and even more have been laid off.

Bruce Spencer, father of sophomore Nick Spencer, works as a Vehicle Dynamics engineer for Jeep products. Although he feels confident about the stability of his job, Spencer says there is always a possibility of being laid off. “Several years ago I would have said my job

is very stable,� Bruce said. “However, with the current state of the economy and Chrysler, I am less confident these days.�

Regarding the merger specifically, Spencer said he doesn’t know any more than what is in the news. “With a company as large as Chrysler it is not possible for management to tell us information regarding the state of the company that has not already been reported to the press, as this would likely become public knowledge very quickly.�

With or without specific knowledge of the merger, the Spencer family knows things have to change around the household because of the economy. “As with most families, the down turn in the economy has caused us to be more aware of how and what we spend our money on,� Bruce said. “His job is safe, but the company could go under,�

Nick said. “We have to budget. We have enough money for necessities, but we can’t overspend.

We can’t just go out and buy all new computers or something.�

In agreement with his son, Bruce said, “We have not been able to do some of the things that we did frequently in the past without much thought as to the cost such as going out to diner, going to the movies, going to get ice cream at DQ, home projects, etc. These are all things we have to consider more now than we did in the past; and, as a result they do not happen as frequently.�

Because of the struggling economy, especially in Michigan’s automotive industry, Spencer’s family considered moving to North Carolina or Indiana this past summer. “All our family’s here,� Nick said. “We like it in Dexter so we stayed.�

Even throughout the economic woes, the Spencer’s are still finding ways to remain positive. “I am fairly confident,� Bruce Spencer said. “As long as Chrysler is still in business I will have a job�

Photo illustration by Lauren Daugherty

8015 Huron Street (734)426-1990

Patrick McLaughlin, APR

P:734.255.6466

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patrick@caldocommunications.com v

3

News

Friday, May 29, 2009

News Briefs

by Erin McAweeney Paintball Unknown trespassers entered Dexter High School and paintballed the school’s walls, ceiling and windows on April 27. The security alarm and police responded between the hours of 12 and 1 p.m. Unfortunately, the intruders had already fled the scene. School cameras captured images of the offenders, but the faces were unclear. Although this is suspected to be a senior prank, Principal Kit Moran is skeptical because there were no “Senior ‘09s” or other clues that a senior would have left behind. Moran said The intrusion raises problems with the school’s security system and the equipment will be reviewed for the next year. Moran said, “It was an eye opener.”

Wolsefer won’t be back next year

Illustration by Gabe Altomare

4PNF UFBDIFST NBZ OPU SFUVSO OFYU ZFBS EVF UP QJOL TMJQT

*O UIF QBTU DPVQMF PG XFFLT TPNF UFBDIFST IBWF SFDFJWFE OPUJDFT TBZJOH UIBU UIFSF JT B DIBODF UIFZ DPVME CF MFU HP EVF UP TISJOLJOH EJTUSJDU GVOET Marshall Kellenberger staff writer

On April 27, the Dexter Board of Education voted in favor of notifying nine teachers that they were being placed on lay-off status. Three of the teachers notified work at the high school: science teacher Daniel Witte, math and English teacher William Maddix, and physical education teacher Michael McHugh.

“Although we sent layoff notices to nine teachers, we anticipate we may only have to lay off two or three teachers,” Superintendent Rob Glass said. “We are always sad to have to issue layoff notices, but we have had to look at ways to reduce our expenses.”

According to Glass the district’s budget currently is about $36 million. The district plans to have a balanced budget this year, but next year the estimated revenue is expected to be about $1.5 million short.

If the district lays off two to three teachers, it will reduce the district’s spending by about $130,000-$195,000. But depending on the number of teachers leaving the district, for retirement or a new job, the district might not have to lay anyone off.

In this economy it’s difficult for many Americans to feel secure about their job, and the teachers at Dexter are feeling this insecurity too.

With the automakers in financial trouble, many families are moving out of Michigan in search of employment. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, since July 2005 Michigan’s population has dropped by more than 90 thousand people.

With the number of families in Michigan on the decline, schools in the state have been losing students. In fact, Detroit Public Schools have lost 42 percent of their students in 10 years.

In Michigan, schools receive funding from the government based on how many students are en-

rolled in the school. The number of students at school on student count day gets reported to the state, and in return the school receives a certain amount of money per student. The amount varies from school to school, but Dexter High School receives about $7,500 per student.

And while Dexter High School has been less affected by families moving out of the state than other schools in the state, enrollment in the district hasn’t exactly skyrocketed.

“We’ve been maintaining our enrollment level,” Principal Kit Moran said. “But with inflation, our costs are rising and our income is, for the most part, staying the same.”

According to Moran, some of the district’s biggest expenses are health care for teachers, textbooks and technological equipment. With the costs of these things rising, the districts budget is getting tighter. In order for the budget to be balanced, cuts must be made in different areas. And one of these areas is school staff.

According to Moran, the teachers feel uneasy about the layoffs. “When I let everyone know (about the layoffs), there was a very nervous feeling in the room,” Moran said. “One of the worst jobs as a principal is letting people know they might be out of a job.”

“It’s really not a good situation for anyone,” Witte said. “At this point the only thing you can do is just deal with it and take it as it comes.

“I would characterize this as a nuisance,” Maddix said, “I just went through the ordeal of finding a job two years ago. All the research, forms to be filled out, interviews, etc. It’s just such a big process. I’d much rather spend the summer planning how I can be a better teacher next year than searching for a new job.”

Even though the layoff notices have already been sent out there is still hope that no one will have to lose their job As Glass said, “We may not have to layoff any teachers at all.”

Former math teacher Tracy Wolsefer submitted her letter of resignation on March 19. She will not return to her teaching position in the fall of 2009.

According to the resignation letter, Wolsefer’s husband’s job has moved her and her family to California. However, the move may not be permanent and in her letter she wrote, “I hope that if, and when, I return to Michigan you would consider hiring me if a math position opened up. I cannot express how much I will miss my colleagues and students.” Wolsefer taught in the district for seven years.

Squall staff returns triumphant Twenty-three MIPA awards were given to members of The Squall on April 28 in Lansing. The award ceremony is sponsored by the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association. “It was the most individual awards we have ever gotten,” said Rodney Satterthwaite, The Squall’s adviser. Among the 23 awards, four first places were given to Dexter.

These were to senior Jake LaRosa and junior Morgan Quist for their pro-con freshman and senior relationships article, junior Candace Wiesner for her front page design, senior Chas Sloan for his page design for “The Dexter Leader”, and junior Gabe Altomare for an editorial cartoon. As well as individual awards, The Squall was one of the 39 schools in the state given a Gold Award for it’s overall context, appearance and writing.

5FBDIFST XIP IBWF HPUUFO OPUJDFT • Kelli Gatecliff • Rebecca Cudini • Elizabeth Treppa • Stephanie Coy

Former students arrested for armed robbery

• John Sperendi • Ryan Fisher • Michael McHugh • Daniel Witte • William Maddix

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Two former Dexter students were arrested for attempted armed-robbery on April 14. Jason Haas, 20, and Shawn Ray, 19, wearing ski masks, held up a BP gas station on Fletcher Road. They demanded money and cigarettes from the cashier.

No one was injured in the hold up. The two former students are now in custody.

They have already gone through hearings and are awaiting trials later this year.

Deputy Jeremy Hilobuk who is new to the high school but has been an officer for 14 years said this incident does not leave an impression on him about Dexter students.

“There’s good people, and sometimes people make bad decisions,” he said.

Go Dreads!

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Supports You Come for all your School needs

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THE END

Feature

SeniorsSaid...

for seniors and a DHS tradition

Friday, May 29, 2009

Bieszka

“It’s dumb that we don’t get a fun last day like everyone else before us has gotten.”

Paulsen

“I’m excited because we don’t have the walk in Germany but disappointed about the shaving cream fight being taken away.”

Nicole Minzey Staff Writer

Dealing with 1200 high school students is a task that most people would run from. Deputy Jeremy Hilobuk, however, often has to deal with the delinquents and trouble makers of the school.

There were many applicants for Hilobuk’s position to replace former police liaison deputy Paul Mobbs. The position was opened up to applicants and four were chosen to be interviewed by a panel made up of principals of other schools, sergeants from the police department and students. From that Hilobuk was chosen.

The previous school officer, Lori Butler, was only here for a short

Kristi Hughes Staff Writer

Dean of Students Ken Koenig did not want to deal with some of the same problems he did last year with the shaving cream fight the seniors had.

Koenig said, “Last year there was damage done to cars during the shaving cream fight, damage that is still there today. Police reports were filed, and we dealt with the police reports for weeks.”

So instead this year there will be an alternative.

Traditionally, on their last day of school seniors get out early and go into the parking lot with hundreds of cans of shaving cream and numerous other messy household items and make a mess of each other.

The first option proposed in place of the shaving cream fight was the senior walk.

According to Koenig, the senior walk would have consisted of all the seniors dressed in their graduation gowns, parading around the school in front of all the underclassmen, the teachers and even some parents.

Senior Ashley Sharp was disappointed when she heard the news that the shaving cream fight was replaced by the senior walk.

“I don’t think it’s set and stone, and if it is I’m not doing it any ways,” Sharp said.

Another reason Koenig said administrators

“I’m not doing it anyways.”

-senior Ashley Sharp

didn’t want to allow the shaving cream fight was some students who may not participate in the fight, instead do other things, such as, mess with cars. “(There are) 260 students.

Some don’t want to participate in the shaving cream fight, and the rest do, so it creates a problem,” he said.

Because of reactions like Sharp’s Koenig said administrators found another alternative.

“After talking to some seniors, they were negative about the senior walk. They didn’t think it would be fun, or they weren’t going to participate. We want the seniors to have fun so instead we’re having a cook out,” he said.

Koenig said the cookout will be held in the courtyard right after the seniors pick up their cap and gowns and take a senior survey. The seniors will walk out to the courtyard, and the administrators will be grilling and serving food for them.

According to Koenig, he thinks this will be a fun way for the seniors to end, opposed to the shaving cream fight which could create problems or the senior walk that seniors didn’t want.

So while the class of ‘09 will be the first class in many years to not experience the unique tradition of the shaving cream fight, Sharp is OK with the idea of a cookout. She said, “I think it’s a good idea, and it’ll be fun, but we’ll still miss the shaving cream fight.”

Wooton

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“It’s super ridiculous that they’re robbing us of the highlight of our senior year. It kind of makes me want to take something back.”

time. According to Principal Kit Moran, she made it clear to the district that she did not want this to be her permanent position.

Hilobuk said he is happy to be working with the district and is looking forward to getting to know all the students and staff. “It’s a good opportunity to get involved with the community,” he said.

He said he is hoping to be able to make an impact on the community by working as a deputy. And while he said he enjoys working with all students, his favorite age group to work with is 11-12 year olds because that is how old his child is.

There are also many difficult parts of his job. Sometimes he has to deal with students after they make life changing mistakes.

“It’s hard to come down hard on a good kid,” he said.

Hilobuk also said he has many responsibilities. He has to

“We don’t want to be paraded around. We want to run out and spray each other with shaving cream. It’s not fun being forced to do something a lot of us don’t want to do.”

monitor criminal activity, help control traffic and keep everyone in line. He also helps out with drivers ed. He talks about the police’s role in drivers education.

In addition to his responsibilities at DHS, he has some to the department as well. He has to deal with some cases from before he was a school deputy. He is also a member of the S.W.A.T. team so he still has obligations there.

According to Moran, the administration will also call Hilobuk if fights get out of control. Moran also said Hilobuk isn’t always armed, but he does have a Taser. Not all school districts have a school deputy, but Moran thinks its a good investment for Dexter.

“I like having a officer in the district,” Moran said, “someone I can consult and can keep DHS a safe place.”

Senior Jason Bishop scores perfect on the ACT Dan Flowers Staff Writer

Senior Jason Bishop knew the score he had to shoot for and the great reward he could achieve by getting it. Sitting in the ACT testing center on April 4, he recalls his previous three scores, 31, 32 and 31, just short of the 33 that would double his already $30,000 scholarship to Montana State University. And on his fourth attempt Bishop went above and beyond his own expectations, scoring a perfect 36.

For the weeks before seeing his score, Bishop tried to keep the test off his mind.

“I tried not to think about it,” Bishop said. “I just sealed it out and concentrated on other things.”

Bishop first discovered his score, online. “It was awesome,” he said about receiving his score. “ I knew it would make paying for college so much easier if I broke 33.”

Going into the test for a fourth time Bishop said there were no real changes he made in his preparation. All he had to study from was one book from his junior year.

“I just actually got in a good sleep this time,” Bishop said. “I went in and took care of it.”

Scoring a perfect 36 on the ACT is no small feat however, according to Bishops A.P. biology and freshwater bio Teacher Richard Grannis, who in is his long career at DHS has seen only two such scores.

“The timing becomes a problem for many students when testing in short periods of time,” said Grannis, who has also taught the Excel Edge ACT class for eight years. “It takes a great test taker like Jason, who can read and interpret information quickly to get a perfect score.”

Only about one in 3,300 students accomplished this feat in 2008, and, in fact, the national average ACT composite score for last year was 21.1, according to ACT.org. These national average scores were compiled from over 1.4 million tests taken last year.

There are many resources students can use to prepare for the ACT, from taking a class to practice test booklets and even online tests. However sometimes these resources may not be as helpful to some students, according to Grannis.

“I feel the class wouldn’t benefit students like Jason,” Grannis said. “It’s a great skill to be able to read and remember what you read quickly and it’s hard to teach that.”

Bishop was confident about his score before seeing it but was still surprised by the results. “I do well on tests. I wasn’t super surprised that I got the scholarship,” he said. “But I was not expecting to see a 36.”

36

36 36

36

36

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Feature

Friday, May 29, 2009

Adults with facebook, wtf?

Lisa Crompton Staff Writer

Out of the 200 million active users on Facebook, more than two-thirds of them are outside of college. The fastest growing age group is those 35 years and older which has grown 172.9 percent in 10 months.

Senior Kiersten Lorensen said both her parents started Facebook accounts a couple months ago.

“At first, I felt overprotected, but now I’ve come to terms with it. They never even go on,” Lorensen said.

Lorensen said she felt overprotected because her parents joined Facebook oversee what was going on in her life just in case they needed to do something about it.

Lorensen’s parents, also have a bunch of friends and family with Facebook accounts and Lorensen said she was surprised so many other adults have joined Facebook just

Photo illustration by Lindsay Baker

&YDIBOHF TUVEFOUT MPPL CBDL Emily Van Dusen Copy Editor

Dexter considers city hood

For many language students struggling through verb conjugations and vocab memorization, few things could be more frightening than spending an extended amount of time in a completely foreign country. For exchange student Tanja Tammisalo, the idea of spending a year on a across the world had enough merit for her to come to Dexter all the way from Finland.

“I love to travel, and that’s how I first got the idea of becoming an exchange student,” Tammisalo said. “Living in a new, different country sounded like a fun idea, and my will to gain as many exciting experiences as possible in my life made me to come here.”

For Tammisalo, her expectation for good times did not lead to disappointment.

“I’m very happy that I had this change to come here in United States and be a Dexter High School student for a year,” Tammisalo said. “This has been an awesome experience for me.”

Lori Sprague, who heads the Rotary Exchange program, said that Tammisalo’s positive experience was one she has seen reflected in many other program

participants.

“There are lots of benefits to the student,” Sprague said, “ new friendships, language proficiency, leadership development and self-reliance are all possible outcomes.”

Tammisalo, also said her stay has allowed her to further develop her sense of self. “I feel like I’m more open-minded now,” Tammisalo said. “Also, my English has got a lot better since I came here nine months ago.”

Although it was mildly frustrating at first to adapt to a completely different environment, Tammisalo said she was ultimately able to handle the adjustment.

“First speaking English all the time was a little frustrating,” Tammisalo said, “but now there’s no problem with it anymore, and day by day it becomes easier and easier.”

One difference from Finland that Tammisalo noticed right away included the structure of the school system. “The school is pretty different,” Tammisalo said. “Unlike here, most of the schools

like her parents.

Principal Kit Moran also has a Facebook account.

With 279 friends and growing, Moran said he first joined Facebook because his daughter, Kelsey Moran, set up an account for him. She told him he needed to be where all the students are.

Moran has been on Facebook since last spring and said he even found friends from his high school years.

Moran also said other high school principals have Facebook accounts.

However, Moran said, “I will not initiate the friend request to Dexter students, I will only accept friend requests from them, just because I feel like that is the appropriate thing to do.”

Moran said he recently started using the Facebook chat feature to keep in easy touch with his daughter.

He also keeps up with former `Dexter students through Facebook.

“I try to get on every night to see what’s going on and keep up with the major drama,” Moran said.

Sophomore Katie Taylor’s mother, Tammy Taylor, is following the trend too. Taylor said, “A friend talked me into getting a Facebook account to catch up with a lot of our old classmates.”

However at first, Taylor’s children weren’t as excited as she was to join Facebook. From her three girls Taylor was hearing, “Facebook isn’t for old people,” and “You won’t have any friends.”

Now as she has joined Facebook, she said she’s friends with all three of her girls and thinks they are OK with her having a Facebook.

Taylor now has several of her close friends connecting with her via Facebook, and she’s finding more of her friends every day.

“I would have to say a larger number of my Facebook friends are from 25 years ago,” Taylor said.

Taylor thinks Facebook is a great way to communicate.

She said, “Everyone is so busy these days and we don’t always take the time, or have the time to just say, “Hello.” Facebook gives you that opportunity.”

don’t have any sports teams or clubs For Sprague, Tammisalo’s embrace of differences is largely what the exchange program is all about. “Students learn to appreciate other ways of looking at the world,” Sprague said. “Other societies face many of the same issues Americans do but they address them differently. Seeing how another society addresses, education, transportation, interpersonal relations and other issues makes you a more flexible thinker as you go through life.”

For students interested in becoming involved with the Rotary exchange program, there is a program for an academic year as well as a short-term exchange.

Students can make their application to the Dexter Rotary club, or can check the rotary website for further details.

“Just go for it,” Tammisalo said. “The experience is worth all of the bad times you might have to go through during your exchange. Don’t be afraid, and try to be unprejudiced for everything new.”

More Information Alex Everard Managing Editor

The transformation from village to city is underway, and it has been for the better half of the last decade, as Dexter’s population has steadily increased. Although Dexter may already seem too large for village status to some, recently official steps been taken towards achieving city hood.

With city status, Dexter residents would receive several new tax breaks due to the absence of township ties and taxes.

The village of Dexter has already held several meetings to further the process of city hood, including one on April 8 at the Dexter District Library, where members of the village obtained signatures on petitions for city hood.

Following a successful set of petitions, the city hood process will pass through the city charter, then, eventually, the governor. Voting will be held on city hood once the petitions are developed further, or if the Governor rejects the request for city hood. Petitions are in the process of being analyzed, and a minimum of 125 signatures (5% of registered voters in the Village) are needed.

Proponents of city hood say the change would be nominal, and that Dexter would retain its the small-town feel that becomes increasingly rare in Michigan.

Donna Dettling, Dexter Village Manager, believes city hood will ultimately benefit the village. “I do think this advancement will be good for Dexter.” Dettling said. “Our goal as a local form of government is to save residents money, and this move would do that” Principal Kit Moran said city hood is not a bad change for Dexter. “I think it’s sort of inevitable in the end,” Moran said.

Moran said the economic downturn will provide for a later

boost in population for the village.

“Personally, I think that once things start to turn around, new homeowners will be attracted to Dexter,” Moran said.

“People with children in third or fourth grade are going to look at relatively inexpensive, yet quality homes in the Dexter area.I think this town, and places like it, will be the first to benefit once the country’s economy, and Michigan’s economy, begin to turn around.”

Dettling said that city hood will help with Dexter residents who are currently struggling economically by reducing township taxes. “People are concerned about losing the small town feel that Dexter has,” Dettling said. “People think ‘Detroit’ and urban business when they hear ‘city’ and a lot of people don’t want that.”

Because of Dexter’s current growth, and the projected prosperity of Dexter in coming years, Moran said that city hood is something that will not be easily stopped. “I thik it will be inevitable,” Moran said.

The Village of Dexter web site states the money saved by Dexter residents will come down to around $1.50-3.50 for every $1,000 of taxable value on the home, depending on whether the home is in Webster or Scio Township. As for the money spent thus far, the village of Dexter states around $30,000 has been spent, much of it on analyzing Dexter itself to see if city hood would be a smart move.

Dettling said little, if anything, will change within the community besides increased tax breaks. “I’m confident that Dexter will retain its appeal,” she said. “However, in the end the choice is up to the citizens only. We are here to guide the community, but it is the residents who make the final decision.”

• A town hall meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Dexter Distric Library on June 6 to discuss the progress being made towards achieving city hood.

• Community members interested in moving towards city hood are in the process of collecting signatures on petitions that show citizens support city hood.

• 125 sigantures (5 percent of registered voters in the community) are required, including 10 from residents in each township (Scio and Webster).

• Pros of becoming a city are the absence of township taxes, as the change to a city would encompass both townships (Scio and Webster).

This would also allow Dexter to have a centralized form of givernment for all the area within city limits.

• The largest con of city hood, aside from the loss of townships, is the fear of losing Dexter’s small town, village feel.

6

Health

Friday, May 29, 2009

4OPU ZPVS GBVMU JUhT BMMFSHJFT Deanna Moore staff writer

Senior Jesse Liker suffers from severe seasonal allergies. His allergies are so severe that aspects of his life do not resemble those of a normal teenager. He cannot participate in the same activities as other teenagers.

For example, although he was on the golf team in previous years, when the golf season was switched to the spring, he was forced to quit. He said, “I can’t do much of any thing outside without regretting it later, because of my allergies.� “My eyes water and I end up sneezing for hours on end.�

Many people think of allergies only if they happen to have a mild case in the spring or fall. But for people with severe seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, perennial or nasal allergies, their quality of life depends on the season.

School nurse Aileen Kernohan said, “Allergies are grouped by the kind of trigger, time of year and where symptoms appear on the body. ‘Seasonal’ or outdoor allergies are basically an overreaction of the immune system to substances that are inhaled into the nose and lungs of the allergic person.�

Kernohan said this overreaction causes the immune system to release histamine, which causes symptoms such as sneezing, itching, coughing

and wheezing.

According to Kernohan, “There are three different treatment strategies: avoidance of allergens, medication options or immunotherapy (allergy shots).�

Medications can include antihistamines, decongestants, corticosteroids, eye drops and nasal sprays. “Good allergy treatment is based on the results of allergy tests, medical history, and the severity of symptoms.�

Kernohan said.

Unfortunately for Liker, his allergies are severe enough that none of the common medicines will work, and it is impossible to completely avoid all the things he is allergic to.

Recently, he gave in and went to see an allergist. First, the allergist injected him with shots containing allergens, to see what exactly he is allergic to. After about 20 minutes, the shots had taken effect. “There were just these huge lumps where the shots had been,� Liker said.

And, he said when the results came back, it was pretty much what he already knew: “I’m allergic to pretty much everything--grass, weeds, all that stuff, and especially oak pollen.�

The most common types of seasonal allergies are those to ragweed, grass or weed pollens, mold spores, and cat or dog dander, according to Kernohan.

The treatment the allergist recommended for Liker is allergy shots, to

build up an immunity to the allergens. “Basically,� he said, “they inject you with a little bit of what you’re allergic to.�

However, in order to work, these shots would be administered once a week, for life. The worst part? “They would take about two years for them to have an effect,� Liker said.

Liker’s case of severe seasonal allergies are also known as Oral Allergy Syndrome.

His allergies also limit the types of food he can eat, compared to other teenagers.

He said, “I’m allergic to the protein structures in fruit as well.�

For Liker, this was especially difficult because he actually liked fruit and ate it frequently, but now he can no longer have it, putting a major restriction on his diet. “I can only eat fruit if it’s cooked,� he said, “because cooking it destroys the protein structure of fruit. So I can eat applesauce but not apples, I can have orange juice but not oranges. I haven’t had fresh fruit in more than five years.�

Illustration by Gabe Altomare

"OYJFUZ EJTPSEFST B TFSJPVT IFBMUI DPOEJUJPO Brittany Martini managing editor

Photo Illustration by Rachel Dethloff

Her hand began to shake, her heart began to race, her breath began to shorten, and she was not in control of what was going on around her. Last May at school, senior Jasmine Injejikian experienced her first panic attack. “My hands became all clammy and I could not breathe. If the attack is more major, I can begin to scream and cry,� Injejikian said. “It was scary for me. I really did not know what was going on.�

For more than a year, Injejikian has suffered high levels of stress and an increase in anxiety. Between being involved in forensics, debate and advanced placement classes, this senior has felt the pressure of succeeding. Her increased stress, she said, was due to an overload in school work. “The pressures from school really do end up getting to me at the end of the day,� she said. “I am heavily involved in forensics and debate. Sometimes I simply get over-

whelmed.�

School nurse Aileen Kernohan understands what Injejikian is going through as an anxiety disorder “Anxiety disorders involve severe anxiety not related to a particular situation or threat,� Kernohan said. “Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress. It helps people deal with a tense situations, to study harder for an exam, keep focused on an important speech, etc . In general, it helps people cope. However when anxiety becomes an excessive, irrational dread of everyday situations, it becomes a disabling disorder.�

Kernohan understands such anxiety is common among students, and she has some tips to students regarding controlling and managing stress that comes with some disorders. “Treatment is based on psychotherapy and medications or both, usually anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medication. The medication does not cure the anxiety disorder, but it can keep it under control while the person receives psychotherapy,�

Kernahan said.

Injejikian does indeed do some of the recommended techniques. And

GBDU CPY • Symptoms of a panic attack include an increased heartbeat, shortened breath, and uncontrollable emotions. • Students who think they have such symptoms should seek help from a teacher, counselor or doctor. • Students who desire to seek help can keep a log of things to do that make them happy Source: Aileen Kernohan

she said there are things she can do however to recover from the stress. “I take medication and see a therapist on a regular basis. It has helped a lot,� she said.

Not only does she take medication and see a therapist, but she has started a log of specific things to do every day. “I started this log where I write down things that I can do that make me happy,� she said. “These are things I can do and instantly feel better altogether and happy. I have to do at least two things on the list once a day. The list makes me calm down and helps me deal with my emotions in a positive manner.�

Kernohan said students who experience symptoms similar to those of Injejikian should talk to someone about the problems they are experiencing. “If a student is feeling that anxiety is interfering with their lifestyle and normal functioning, they should talk to their counselor or school social worker or nurse,� Kernohan said. “These professionals can help refer students and their families for treatment.�

7

ARTS

Friday, May 29, 2009

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Taylor Neely staff writer

Autumn Campbell: Kendall Chappell’s art teacher and inspiration

When she’s filled with frustration from a stressful day at school, senior Kendall Chappell said she often takes her anger out through art . “When I get frustrated, I can get it out on canvas,� Chappell said.

Many people are able to find comfort in art; many more just simply enjoy it. Chappell, however, is going to college for art.

According to art teacher Autumn Campbell, there are several colleges in Michigan with strong art programs, including The University of Michigan, Kalamazoo and Eastern Michigan University. The Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), along with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), Ringling and Pratt are also good art schools in the country.

Colleen Hill staff writer

Certain colleges specialize in certain fields of art. New York University, for example, has an strong film program. “There are hundreds and hundreds of art careers,� Campbell said. With technology advancing, more and more careers are opening up. “Graphic designer, movie set designer, creative director and video game designer are just a few of the new careers in art,� Campbell said. There are also many, slightly more traditional, career paths in art including architects, professional artists, art teachers and museum curators.

There is a close connection between drawing, painting and creating art and the reducing of stress, according to About.com.

Art can help to take someone’s mind off of whatever is stressing them, clearing their head of all their problems.

There is also a certain meditative quality to art. According to About.com, being entirely engaged in something can bring about a “near meditative state,� referred to as “flow�. Also, creating art as a hobby is beneficial. It can help balance someone’s life style. Art can help create much-needed down time. “I’ve done (art) for a long time. I’m good at it, and it’s something I like to do,� Chappell said. She is one of the only seniors who will be majoring in art in college and

Art by Kendall Chappell

will attend the University of Michigan. Past graduates who have also gone into art school or majored in art include: Jacklyn McNally, Megan Mead and Geo Rutherford.

While at the U of M, Chappell said she hopes to pursue a career as an art therapist. An art therapist helps others take out their frustration and stress through painting, “The paintings are supposed to make people feel better,� Chappell said.

An art therapist must be trained in art as well as therapy. According to the American Art Therapy Association, art therapy is believed to be both healing and life-enhancing due to the creative process of art. Chappell is also looking into the career of a professional artist.

Chappell has been enrolled in the high school’s art program for all four years. She also was enrolled in art in middle school. She said, “I really got into it when I was 9- years-old.�

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Senior Rob Spiegel is counting down the days until Rothbury. Spiegel said he’s extremely excited to see some of his favorite bands with a group of friends he loves to hang out with. “We all went together last year, and we had a really good time,� Spiegel said.

Spiegel said he is especially looking forward to seeing bands like G-Love and The Dead.

This year’s Rothbury Festival begins on July 2 and runs through the fourth. Bands playing at the event will be: The Dead, Cold War Kids, John Butler and Girl Talk.

The festival takes place over a four-day period with activities such as the Sherwood Forest, Think Tank and The Tripolee Dome.

There is also a place for people to camp.

Think Tank is a speaking event where people discuss joining the green economy.

The Sherwood Forest is a path in the forest that people can walk through. At night it becomes a light show with surprises, live performances and games. “Last year on July 4 we watched fireworks,� said senior Hadley Stoll. “It was a lot of fun.�

The festival also has clubs around in The Tripolee Domes. Here people can stop by for a club experience and listen to the beats global DJs. Also, people can witness live performances by musicians and light shows.

Spiegel said he will be at the event for the

entire four-day weekend. “We might camp out at the Rothbury site or see if we can get a cabin to stay in,�

Spiegel said.

The ticket price for the full weekend is $249.50 plus ticket fees of $23. The two day pass is $125 plus ticket fees of $17.50.

Out of each ticket bought, $2 of that money will go to the Grant Township Improvement Fund.

Senior Travis Rize said he is looking forward to the event. He said he is excited to see the bands and hang out with his good friends for a long weekend. “If it’s as good as last year, then it should be a really great weekend,�

Rize said.

Rize said he is looking forward to getting out of the house for a couple of days and spending the weekend with his friends. “I think the guys of our group will be sleeping in the cabin,� Rize said. “I’m not sure what the girls are doing.�

Rize also said he is stoked to see all of the artists that are performing at the festival. “I pretty much like all of the bands going to the festival,� he said.

Stoll said she is extremely excited for the event but is still nervous. “Last year we stayed in a cabin but this year we are camping out,� Stoll said.

Stoll said she isn’t

much of an outdoorsy person and camping out for the event will be something new for her. “It costs like $5 to shower, and it’s really crowded but it will be worth it,� Stoll said. “I don’t want to feel gross like a hippie.�

Stoll said even though the tickets for the event are expensive, she still finds the price to be decent.

Stoll said, “Since some of the money made by the tickets are for a good cause, then the price is OK.�

Photo illustration by Valentino Argiero

8

Sports

Friday, May 29, 2009

Scott Crompton editor-in-chief

Football will improve with new game attitude As this is my last article in this award-winning student publication, I decided to write about something I truly care about: the varsity football program. I was captain this past season, and despite our horrendous 1-8 record, I am proud of the work we put in to building a team.

We patched up the holes in last year’s 3-6 team. We built a team. However, it did not seem to matter in the end because we did not win. At all. Hell, we barely beat Lincoln.

Is there someone to blame for this terrible season? Does it all fall on mine and Mike Szymusiak’s shoulders for not leading our team to success? Or, is the blame on the players alone for not getting the job done?

I do not know where we went wrong. I wish I knew, but I have an idea. To me, the players did everything they could. We worked our butts off. To me our poor performance has to fall on the coaching staff. In every other level--professional and college-success and failure of a team lies on the coaches’ shoulders.

Maybe I have it all wrong. Perhaps the true purpose of high school sports is to build character and prepare kids for life in the real world beyond Dexter. Of course, that is an aspect of school sports, but is it supposed to be the main objective?

The players think differently. We want to win. That is our purpose in playing high school football. I went into this season with the expectation to finally turn the football program around and start building some tradition. Let’s face it, the only Dexter football tradition is losing.

Sure we have team building stuff, but all that is off the field.

The only tradition we have on the field is never forgetting how to lose. We have won 13 games in the past four years out of 36.

That includes two of Dexter’s best teams, including one with Jeff Ziegler (class of ‘06) who went to Michigan as a preferred walkon. It also included a forfeit by Pioneer.

Players have carried the good teams. When we don’t have a star, we lose the majority of our games. Even when we do have a star, it takes one who went to play Division I college football to give us a winning season. Our coaches should lead us to victory rather then the players.

In order for Dexter football to turn around, that needs to change. We need a coaching staff who knows how to win. Our coaches can build a strong community program but not a winning team.

Looking at winning programs in the pros and college. They all have coaches as the face of their team, not players. I do not want to look back on my high school football career and only remember the trademark Ziegler to Beneke fade pass or the classic accidental whistles on the Johnny Benjamin’s option. I like to think I made some memories of my own, but they are all losing memories.

I have a dream that one day this football program will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We want to win.�

I have a dream that one day on the gazebo steps of Dexter, the sons of former Dreadnaughts and the sons of former Bulldogs will be able to sit down together at the table of victory.

I have a dream that one day the community of Dexter, a community sweltering with the heat of a losing high school football team, sweltering with the heat of reputation, will be transformed into an oasis of champions and domination.

I have a dream for the future.

I want the best for this program because I love it. There needs to be a drastic change. The only way to do that is to learn how to win, which has to start from the top. Including the athletic program. I hope for the best for you guys next year.

Illustration by Gabe Altomare

Parent coaches in high school athletics: fair or not?

Alexander Dobbs Staff Writer

In high school athletics family ties often overlap on the playing Barbieri also emphasized the importance of volunteer parent field. Whether it be through parent encouragement, booster club coaches in the overall success of the high school football program. support, or even a coach, high school athletics are synonymous with “I feel that parents coaching in high school athletics is a good parent interaction. thing,� he said. “Their involvement helps the program in an area Many coaches say that without their support, these athletics would that is hard to get coaches and often the school can not afford to pay not be possible. coaches. Their help makes the program better.�

And although parent interaction is often necessary for the success However, sometimes parent support in high school athletics can of high school athletics, when parents overstep their boundaries and have consequences and cause conflicts, with other athletes on the take their positions too far by showing fateam feeling as if certain players receive special voritism towards certain players, extremely treatment due to parent involvement. negative results can occur according to These negative parent-player interactions raise some players. the question of whether or not it is fair to other However, according to Athletic Director players on the team to allow parents to coach their John Robinson, Dexter does not prejuchildren in high school varsity athletic sports. dice against the use of parental assisFor some members of the baseball team, this is tance and parent volunteer coaches in its the case. i1BSFOUT BSF WFSZ JNQPSUBOU UP athletic programs.

The conflict has caused drama among some UIF GPPUCBMM QSPHSBN 8F TUSFTT “We do not discourage volunteer players on the team and stress for all involved accoaches,� said Robinson. “We are at times cording to one player who asked to remain anonyUIF 'PPUCBMM 'BNJMZ w going to get volunteer coaches who hapmous for fear of reprisals. pen to be parents. We need their involve“This experience is ruining my love for the game ment for our programs to be successful.� of baseball by bringing unwanted politics on to the )FBE DPBDI 5PN #BSCJFSJ And parent interaction with their chilbaseball field,� this junior said. “(The coach) shows a degree of favoritism towards certain players over dren in high school sports often times does end positively. the rest of the players on the team.�

Tom Barbieri, the head football coach, However, Robinson said he has heard no comsaid he has encountered many parents plaints about the hiring, the baseball program or who have been extremely successful the coaches on the team. and extremely beneficial to his program as “I talk to (head varsity baseball) Coach Greg coaches on the field and as volunteers off the field.

Berklich on a regular basis, and he assures me that (the coach) is a “Parents are very important to the football program,� he said. “We good guy, and that (Berklich) is in control of all of the playing assignstress the Football Family. In order to help create a family atmo- ments on his team,� Robinson said. sphere, parents are needed to prepare pre game meals, after game Berklich and the coach in question both failed to respond to e-mail snacks and many other contributions to the program. Parents do requests for interviews. many things that the school needs help with filming, game workers, repair lockers in the locker room, disinfect the locker room, etc.� *Name changed at request of source

'BDUCPY • Football and baseball are the only two major sports at Dexter High School that currently have parent coach-player relationships at the varsity level. • Volunteer parents coaches are permitted at Dexter High School, whereas at other area high schools parent coaches are not permitted. • The Dexter High School athletic program has never fired a coach based upon a parent-player relationship according to Althetic Director John Robinson.

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9

Sports

Friday, May 29, 2009

6NQJSJOH IPU KPC GPS UIF IJHI TDIPPM TUVEFOU Ian McCarthy staff writer

Walking out into the field with the dirt under his feet and basking in the smell of ball park hot dogs, senior Andrew Whitaker takes the field. But he is not going to play. He is going to work.

Whitaker, who works for the Dexter Little League baseball and softball program, is going into his fifth year as an umpire.

Most of the Dexter Little League baseball games are held at the Mill creek baseball fields. Then the Softball games for Dexter Little League are either played at Creekside or the high school.

Whitaker said umpires receive a flat of payment per each game they umpire, and they receive the money in cash, which means no taxes. “It depends on the age level,� Whitaker said. For third and fourth graders, which are minor league games, we get $20 dollars. Then there are the majors games, which is fifth and sixth graders, and for those we get $25 per game.�

Each game lasts a maximum of two hours, which equates to a little over $10 dollars an hour, cash.

Almost all of the teenage umpires who work for Dexter Little League are either playing baseball or have played at some time during their lives.

This makes the job much easier because not as much job

training is required, seeing as most of them already know many of the calls, according to Whitaker. “I ump because I enjoy being around the game, and it pays very well,� Whitaker said.

Junior Alex McMurray, who is not an umpire but is a baseball player, sees how easy the transition from player to umpire could be.

The rules for Little League do not differ much from the rules that McMurray plays with in high school.

There are pitch counts in little league depending on the ages and also the lengths and measurements of the fields are different. “It seems like it would be pretty easy job for someone who has played baseball. All the rules are the same, and it couldn’t be that much of a difference,� he said. “Although umping pays extremely well, it is not as much of a cakewalk as it seems� Whitaker said. “There is a lot of stress during the game, and the pressure to make the right call is always present. “Even though it may seem meaningless to a 17-year-old teenager as to whether or not you make the right call in a 12-year-old’s game, to that kid it is everything. That is their game seven, win or go home, and the umpires are reminded of that often, sometimes the hard way.

“I made a call a home plate, and I called the kid out,�

Whitaker said. “The coach then goes over to a parent who was videotaping the game from behind the plate. Then the coach argued with me for 15 minutes while watching the slow motion replay.�

The most convenient days for high school kids to work are on the weekends which may be the biggest reason why so many kids are umping.

Saturdays are the big day for umping with at least double headers available, four hours and $40 dollars. “It makes sense. Younger people, high school kids, are gonna be able to move better and therefore get to the play faster so that they can be in the best position to make the call,� McMurray said.

Many of the umpires who are now in high school were there for the first years of Dexter Little League as players and now their the umpires. “I would say Little League feels it’s important to keep former players involved in the game by allowing them to be umpires,� Whitaker said.

Whitaker loves the job and wouldn’t trade it for anything. “It’s a great job.� he said. “It’s not very difficult, and it pays very well.�

4UVEFOUT USZ PVU BMUFSOBUJWF TQPSUT Max Berry news editor

The feeling in the air when school gets out for summer is a glorious one to experience. For many students it heralds the beginning of months of care-free fun few or no resposibilities and endless free time. Most students capitalize on the great summer weather by getting together for pick-up football or basketball games, and others hit the golf course to enjoy a day on the links.

A select few, however, take it upon themselves to seek out their own unique athletic experience. These alternative sportsmen may be pioneers in a new and unknown sport, or they simply have decided to follow a tradition in an activity that goes beyind the average team sport.

As the hot sun beats down on him, junior Christian Wojcinski zones in and sets his mind on one thing: scaling the huge rock wall in front of him. Free climbers such as Wojcinski stay active by traveling around and finding different places to climb. “I’ve been climbing since I was a child,� Wojcinski said. “I started when I was maybe five or six.�

Wojcinski’s love for climbing lies in the individual aspect, as well as the rush of pure adrenaline that accompanies the climb. “It is up to you alone to complete the climb. You can’t rely on anyone else,� Wojcinski said. “At times you have to cope with the height and really control your fear.�

Senior Jason Bishop is another avid climber who often integrates the sport with other favorite outdoor pastimes, such as mountain biking and trail running. These sports are all relatively obscure activities, but Bishop still enjoys participating in them. “Climbing is a great mix of physical and mental skills,�

Bishop said. “The fear of injury is a real challenge to overcome and succeed.�

The adrenaline-filled experience is a common influence on the choice of sport for both Wojcinski and Bishop. However, some more casual athletes prefer a more relaxed experience to while away their summer.

It is common to pass the park in Loch Alpine and witness participants in another sport, one which is perhaps more common and more casual than these intense individual sports: Ultimate Frisbee, a tradition on college campuses and among people who enjoy challenging physical exercise with a dash of social interaction.

Often sophomore Carl Schimmel can be found playing

Ultimate Frisbee in Loch Alpine with his friends until lack of sunlight forces him to stop. “Ultimate (Frisbee) is a great sport. It requires a blend of skills,� Schimmel said. “You have to be able to run like a soccer player, jump like a basketball player and break coverage like a wide receiver in football. Besides, it’s just fun to play.�

Schimmel also plays Ultimate Frisbee after school with the Ultimate Frisbee Club, headed by math teacher Will Maddix.

They meet after school to play pick-up games in a fun, noncompetitive atmosphere.

There are, however, ways to combine a love of the outdoors with a low level of competition. For example, when the clock strikes noon on Saturdays during the summer, a group gathers outside the Pinckney Recreation Area to prepare for a relatively unknown sport: orienteering. A sport based in hiking, orienteers use maps and compasses to find their way to their destinations. These particular outdoorsmen hail under the orange and white flag of the Southern Michigan Orienteering Club.

They get together their compasses, backpacks and other hiking gear and analyze the maps that indicate their goals.

Each group determines the bearing of the point they must first reach and they set off. Among the enthusiastic crowd is Principal Kit Moran. “It’s a great time,� Moran said. “It’s more of a combination of a regular race and using your brain. The question isn’t can you find the place but also can you get there fast?�

Moran said he and other fans of outdoor activities are wellsuited to orienteering. He also said that he enjoys the social aspect of the sport. “You really get a sense of comraderie,� Moran said. “Even among opponents, the competition is pretty relaxed.�

Photo by Lindsey Gagneau

The utimate: Sophomre Alex Sloan plays Ultimate Frisbee. Math teacher Will Maddix advisers the club which meets after school.

'BDUCPY • There are separate divisions for orienteers of all ages and abilities. • The Southern Michigan Orienteering club meets every weekend in Pickney recreational park.

Photo by Ross Chamberlain

Above: A compass and a map are vital tools for orienteers like Principal Kit Moran, but speed is also important. “It’s more of a combination of a regular race and using your brain,� Moran said. The question isn’t can you find the place but also can you get there fast?�

• The Dexter Ultimate Frisbee club meets after school to play pick up games every Tuesday and Thursday.

Photo by Ross Chamberlain

Village Hair Design 2846 Baker Road (734)426-8466

10

Columns

Friday, May 29, 2009

Brent Muse staff writer

The end of the high school road

A

s graduation approaches and my high school career comes to an end, I’m taking a few minutes to think back about some memories and how I have had a great time in Dexter.

I still remember walking around in Mill Creek as an eighth grader feeling like the top of the world and the big dog of the school. And it really does feel like yesterday when I came into the high school as a freshman and didn’t exactly

feel like the top dog of the school anymore. Now I have to start all over again and be a freshman at the college level.

I hope to use some of the skills that were taught to me over the years when I go away to college, but there are some things I will never use after high school, and I am glad it is over.

The high school is going straight downhill and is apparently adopting a new “no fun” policy. We got the pleasure of getting out a week later than the seniors last year, and we got to enjoy the not-so- fun trimesters for our senior year. Also, If you haven’t heard, the school has cancelled the shaving cream and water balloon fight that has been a tradition.

So our grade got to watch the graduating class every year before us have fun and go crazy on the last day of school, but when we finally get to do it, the school won’t allow it. Real cool guys.

Although the administration has made some pretty stupid decisions and sometimes we are treated like 10-year -olds, I would still like to thank Principal Kit Moran. After Jim Bannon was principal we could have had a monkey as principal and have had a better year, but Moran came in and impressed us all.

He’s always been nice to everyone, and he’s much more understanding than some of the other administrators. Thank you, Mr. Moran, for being such a cool principal and trying to

make our high school experience as fun as possible.

The next thing I would like to thank is our athletic department. I have played on the varsity golf team for four straight years, and we have never been treated as well as other sports such as football.

We are not a major sport like basketball or football, but let me remind you that there are more sports than two at DHS. Although I can’t wait to leave the high school, I will miss many people. And the teacher I will miss most is Rodney Satterthwaite. He is the most influential teacher in this school by far. I have had the pleasure of being in Satt’s class all four years of high school, and I learned more in his classes than in any other. Not only did I learn a lot about journalism, but I had fun learning in his class every year.

He is the nicest and coolest teacher, and I have never seen him in a bad mood all four years of high school. Thank you, Satt, for everything you have taught me over the years.

I will use it all throughout my life.

Besides some of the new policies adopted that we were to follow this year, I had a good senior year, and I am a little surprised high school has come to an end. But for you non-seniors out there, good luck with the strict rules that are growing and have fun with your remaining years locked inside the school.

Correction: Mistakes in our Hudson Mills article have been brought to our attention. Hopefully this will clear things up.

-No skateboarding is allowed in Hudson Mills -Sports fields are fist come first served.

-The Golf Course is not a country club -Hudson mills is on the coast of the Hudson river -The only DNR trained staff member is naturalist Jennifer Hollenbeck -Hunting is never open to the public. Only controlled hunts on an as needed basis.

-Camping is available only for organized youth groups -There is no labor day festival -A 6 foot leash is required for dogs.

Rage extra hard at graduation parties Good food, good buddies, great times. Everyone loves graduation party season. Every weekend will consist of party hopping, eating good food and paying your respect to your fellow classmates and friends.

Come for the food, stay for the fun.

Kyle Boren Jake Larosa

entertainment editor

uPage editor

Gary Elfington, my best friend ever Life was never easy as a British elf who worked in a sandwich factory. This a fate Gary Elfington knew far too well.

Gary was a well natured elf who lived in the rural community of Elfter. He was constantly picked on during his youth for his grotesquely bad-smelling farts. His classmates used to throw him in a burlap bag and beat him with reeds, a ritual they referred to as “Garyball”.

Gary’s experiences transformed him into an evil elf at a young age and adopted the guise “The Phantom Elf”. He roamed the sewers at night, feeding on lemmings and aborted fetuses.

He would lurk in the shadows and strike innocent baby seals who had assimilated with the Elf society in the late 1600s. It was estimated that he had maimed, killed and turned into shoes over 60 baby seals.

The Elf police eventually caught on to his murder spree and arrested him. His stood trial with a guilty plea, as per his kangaroo lawyer’s request. However, he used his telekinesis powers to control the judge to declare a mistrial.

He was free, but he had only a dollar in his pocket. With that dollar he bought a scratchoff lotto ticket and won $18 million. Gary donated half of his winnings to the First Church of Satan and spent the other half on a luxurious yacht upon which he threw a party with T-Pain and Andy Samberg.

Later in his life, Gary felt remorse for his earlier deeds and sought to turn his life around.

He decided to get an education, and enrolled at Eastern Elf University. Four years later, he received a Master’s Degree in Calculus.

Gary returned to his home town where he was hired to teach Calculus at a local high school. He soon discovered, to his dismay, that the constant presence of youth reminded him of his haunted past.

To deal with this trauma, he resorted to taking out his rage and anger on his Calculus students. He had a broken heart which needed repair. He created an eHarmony account and met a beautiful woman named Alexis Schmercu.

Gary intended to court Alexis, so he bought her a pink Mini Cooper for her birthday.

Upon seeing the present, she slapped him and told Gary she never wanted to see him again.

Gary’s despair caused him to become a raging alcoholic, and he wound up homeless, huffing paint thinner in an alley behind a T.G.I. Friday’s.

One day, while passed out in a storm drain, he had a vision of a remarkable new energy source that could end all wars and save the earth from a global environmental catastrophe.

It was a method to produce endless amounts of energy by mixing positrons and antiprotons to cause an enormous, yet controllable release of energy.

Gary got to his feet and ran to the nearest phone booth to report his discovery to the Nobel Foundation. Just as he dialed the number, he was teleported to a spacecraft full of aliens from the Zorthan nebula, who intended to make an intergalactic profit from his discovery.

Unfortunately, during the ascent from earth, the rapid decrease in pressure caused his thin human skin to explode, and he was killed instantly.

I believe we can all learn from the example set by Gary Elfington. The legacy he left behind will surely inf luence generations to come.

Seniors: Enjoy summer My fellow seniors, it’s all finally over. Or is it? Our senior summer approaches, and between all the stuff that we have to do, (working, college preparation, etc.) here is a list of things each senior should do.

Go camping Camping could be the best summer activity. Nothing beats sitting around a fire on a starry night with your best buds with a boom box buzzing out some tunes. The best way to camp is near a lake with a grill and cooler full of camping necessities.

Go to Cedar Point Get a good crew of your closest pals, hop in a large car and get your butt to Cedar Point. Start from the back of the park and work your way forward. Hit up every extreme ride. Cedar Point is a necessity in the summer line-up.

Attend as many concerts as you can afford To anyone who has experienced live music on a beautiful summer evening to night know it is magical and energetic event that could be placed in one’s mind for a long time. Be it a music festival or a small concert, get your butt out there and check it out. Tailgate these events properly and increase the fun: grill out, play loud music, throw a disc.

Get money Yes, this is summer, but let’s not forget life goes on. Come fall, most of us will be on our own. Start saving up now. Put away your graduation party money. Go out and get a job. Nothing feels better then picking up a fat pay check. Having money next year will be helpful.

Go out on the lake as many times as possible We are the Great Lake state. Take advantage of this awesomeness.

Tubing, sailing, wake boarding, boating, floating, it’s all exciting stuff on the water. Whether Lake Michigan or Portage Lake on a sunny summer day, it’s sure to be a hoot.

Enjoy the last summer with the people you grew up with Seniors, this could very well be one of the best summers of our lives.

Most people here decided on what they’re doing next year. When fall comes around we will all be split up. So take this summer together and make it the best you can. And do it with all the people you have always been friends with and take it in. School is done. Now the fun part is here.

11

Editorial

all

Squall

Friday, May 29, 2009

THE

call

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Scott Crompton

MANAGING EDITORS: Alex Everard, Brittany Martini

EDITORS DESIGN: Candice Wiesner FEATURES: Kaitlyn Shepard ENTERTAINMENT: Kyle Boren OPINIONS: Olivia Scheffler PHOTO: JoJo Parin, Lauren Daugherty SPORTS: Kevin Yarows HEALTH: Ally Sutter TRENDS: Patrick Ledwidge uPAGE: Jake Larosa GET INVOLVED: Brent Muse COPY: Emily Van Dusen

illustration by Gabe Altomare

1BSFOUT DBO CFDPNF UPP JOWPMWFE JO UIFJS LJEhT TQPSUT Many parents like to help their kids and their sports teams. They’ll go to practices and assist with drills. They’ll volunteer to work concessions during the events. And this is normally encouraged because parental participation is necessary for sporting events and teams to be successful.

When parental participation gets to the point where parents try to force influence on the coaches while their child is on the team, however, that is unacceptable.

Because of this, parents should not become directly involved with the coaching of sports team’s their children participate on.

When it comes to a coach’s job, he is obligated to play the best players and do his best to help the team win, regardless of who it is that plays. The coach has the most experience among the participants on the team and has the knowledge and experience related to the sport that is necessary to be in the position as head of the team.

The coach is the person trusted with preparing the players and teaching them how to play the sport properly and successfully.

Coaches don’t need parent assistants to come to practice and tell them how they should run

the team, especially if that parent’s child is on the team. This is an obvious opportunity for favoritism.

Even if a parent has an extensive background in regards to a sport their child plays, they should not be involved as a coach because it is too difficult to ensure that the parent won’t try to help his child excel unfairly. A child’s drive to succeed could be compromised by the fact that their parent is a coach because they think they are obligated to play without putting in the appropriate time.

This isn’t fair for the other players because they still need to put in time and dedication to achieve the same status on the team as the kid who has their parent as a coach. All this teaches kids is to receive rewards without putting in the appropriate time and effort to achieve it.

Parents may believe if they put in enough time and effort in regards to the team, their child should reap the benefits of their dedication. Other coaches, they say, should see how the parent helps out the team and, in turn, favor the parent’s child.

Unfortunately, all this does is harm the team and the child. The team may pass on

a more developed athlete in order to repay a parent for his time and effort which would in turn harm all of the players involved. It would also harm the child in the sense he would feel as if they didn’t have to do anything to achieve his position on the team, that him or her was simply given the spot because of what somebody else did for him. This could potentially harm the athlete’s integrity for the rest of his or her life.

Parents should participate in their child’s sports teams. They shouldn’t, however, try to become a coach and attempt to force their influence upon the team. Their bias towards their own child is something that does not need to be present among the athletes and the real coaches.

The best players should play, and the coaching decisions should be made by an experienced, unbiased coach with no direct ties to any participants. The best method with which to address this issue would be for the district to create and enforce a rule that states parents with a direct connection to an athlete involved cannot become involved with official coaching staff of that athletic program.

4IPVME TUVEFOUT BUUFOE QSPN Morgan Quist ad manager

Yes, prom may be expensive, time consuming, kind of a pain and totally blown out of proportion, but it does have its perks.

For girls, this may be more true. Girls get the dress of their choice, and a day of pampering: manicures, pedicures, hair-dos and tan-age.

Also, if you’re a girl and get asked to prom, you have your ticket and dinner paid for. Even if you beg your date to pay for your own ticket, chances are he will rebel and force you to not pay for anything. How convenient if you haven’t baby sat in awhile.

Guys may complain that prom is a waste of money.

Yes, it’s not cheap to rent a tux, but we all know you think you look ever-so-sharp in it.

And, yes, finding a date could present some problems. Sure, you could play it safe and just go “as friends” (or claim to be just friends), but think: it’s the perfect opportunity to take tacky pictures and play mini golf with the girl of your dreams.

So buck up and ask the girl you’ve had a crush on since second grade. Get creative, corny and sweet and ask her in a cool way. Write out a detention slip. Via text.

Spray paint a trailer. The possibilities are endless. It’s your chance to make a total

clown out of yourself. How could she say no? Maybe it’s not so bad after all, boys.

Girls, if you don’t have a date, you’re more out of luck.

You could go with someone you don’t even know. Or, you could end up going last minute with your friend whose boyfriend off in the military and never live it down for “going with a girl.” But you can’t diss prom until you’ve attended.

When will you ever get the chance to go to a black tie event again? And just think, you could pass your dress down to siblings, and it could become a family tradition.

Even if your date steps on the train of your dress and rips it walking into prom, just after being forced to get in and out of that obnoxious limo parked out front of the school, or your best friend spills punch all over you, it gives the dress character, thus making it more valuable.

Sure, prom may be a tickity-tack, out-of-control, super-tranny event, and might not turn out to be the best night of your life, but come on, who wouldn’t want a night full of sequins, neverending pictures, hairspray and wonder?

Prom is an event you should attend. Dexter has one of the best proms around (it is rumored to be top 10 in the country), and if you choose not to go, that’s OK. But remember, there’s no turning back the clock. Unless you’re lame and go back to prom once you’re in college.

P R O

Kevin Yarows sports editor

Walking into prom with a picture-perfect date is supposed to be the highlight of everybody’s senior year. The best night of the best year of high school. But for the majority of high schoolers, this isn’t the case.

The problem with the prom experience begins well before the night of prom with the pressure to find a date. Since prom is so dateoriented, it makes for an awkward experience if you don’t have one.

If you’re not in a relationship, there are two options: go with somebody as “just friends,” or not go at all. But even finding the right friend to go with can be challenging.

Going with somebody who you don’t know well will result in a dinner filled with strained conversations and awkward silences, while going with somebody you know too well may cause pressure to partake in unwanted activities post-prom, causing a potentially awkward situation.

But finding the right friend to go with still doesn’t eliminate spending a small fortune for a night that likely won’t live up to expectations.

For a respectable guy who buys his date a ticket, dinner and a corsage, prom can easily cost well over $100. Tack on a an extra $150 for a tuxedo, and you’re looking at a quarter grand.

For $250 I better be riding to prom in a stretch Hummer limo with Adriana Lima at my side.

Some students struggle to come

up with this money, ruining their prom experience. Prom is supposed to be a great experience for all high school students, not just the ones with enough money to afford it.

Another issue with prom is the actual prom itself. Instead of a traditional dance, Dexter’s prom has evolved into essentially a variety of mindless games.

Hollywood Squares, The Nearlywed Game and putt-putt have all become staples of prom. While they can be fun, most of the activities require a long wait which leads to boring downtime in between.

Don’t get me wrong. I appreciate all of the work parents and students put into prom, and I’m sure Dexter’s prom decorations could easily rival any high school in the state if not country. But the decorations are only cool for about the first 20 minutes.

To help make prom better, dinner should be included with each ticket. Dinner could be held in the gym, and when kids are done eating, they would just have to go one room over to get to prom.

Also, instead of the way prom is set up now, it could be turned into more of a typical dance.

All of the games could stay, but this way there would be something to do while waiting to play the games. This would help make prom more affordable by eliminating the cost of dinner, and it would make prom itself more fun.

As it stands, most kids go to prom more to say they went to prom than to have a good time.

Students stay for an hour or two and then head out to the after party. Those who do show up to prom expecting to have the time of their lives are guaranteed to go home disappointed.

C O N

DESIGNERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Val Argiero, Lindsay Baker, Sara Breuninger, Sirah Camara, Garret Camilleri, Ross Chamberlain, Kendall Chappell, Rachel Dethloff, Lindsay Gagneau, Kelsey Heilman, Jason Lomax, Daniel Newell, Kyle Oberle, Kevin Sheaffer, Ariel Star, Christian Wiesenberg.

MANAGERS ADVERTISEMENT: Sarah Akbarifard, Morgan Quist.

STAFF WRITERS Nicholas Baron, Alex Bercu, Ali Bowman, John Brundage, Ashley Burleson, Rachel Butler, Raymond Carpenter, Courtney Cook, Lisa Crompton, Emily Darrow, Alexander Dobbs, Derek Fead, Daniel Flowers, Lauren Gagneau, Aaron Gilman, Bastien Gourinchan, Thomas Griffith, Murphy Hansen. Coleen Hill, Kristi Hughes, Heather Jackson, Marshall Kellenberger, David LaMore, Krickett Luckhardt, Erin McAweeney, Ian McCarthy, Nicole Minzey, Sarah Moir, Sarah Molnar, Deanna Moore, Kevin Mors, James Munson, Taylor Neely, Jack Nixon, Amanda Orr, Caitlyn Rize, Karly Stanislovaitis, Ashley Stephenson, Miles Stephenson, Andrew Whitaker, Tucker Whitley, Derek Wootan.

CARTOONIST Gabe Altomare ADVISER Rod Satterthwaite POLICY: The Squall is distributed monthly to 1,300 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 MEMBERSHIPS: Members of MIPA since 1999 • Michigan Interscholastic Press Association

12

Photostory

Friday May 29, 2009

5SJQMF UIF -PX Sophomore Graham Low performs in his acoustic act “Highs and Lows,� one of the three groups he performed in at battle 3PDLJO UIF /JHIU Sophomore Jim Kelly shreds his guitar during Jenova’s final song. Jenova finished third in the years third Battle of the Band.

4IPXJOH 4PNF -PWF Video teacher Matt Martello shows his support for the all-girl band Vintage as they took second in their final Battle of the Bands.

5JDLMJOH UIF *WPSJFT Senior Ally Sutter adds a little electronic to Vintage’s sound with her keyboard. ,FFQJOH UIF CFBU Senior Jake Frankford rocks the bass with heavy metal group Jenova in his second Battle of the Bands. Frankford had been the Master of Ceremonies of the event prior to last January’s Foggy Bottom performance.

%S 'FFM (PPE Sophomore Jeremy Horner is comfortable on stage performing for crowds. “Untitled� has performed in many venues including Detroit night club Clutch Cargo’s.

#BUUMF WFUFSBO Sophomore Ian Boyd is a veteran when it comes to Dexter’s Battle of the Bands. His band “Untitled� has performed in the Battle of the Bands nine times since eighth grade.

&NP TDSFBNJOH Right, sophomore Avery Marvel from the band Serafine performs for the second time. %BODF 1BSUZ Below, senior Lauren Wright sings her heart out as fans rush the stage during Vintage’s final show.

Photos by Lauren Daugherty and Kevin Sheaffer