Dexter High School 2200 N. Parker Road Dexter, MI 48130 www.thesquall.com
Alternate
page 8
reality
Mental consequences dog Iraq war veterans upon their return home
Feb. 6, 2012 • VOL. 17 • Issue 4
The Dreadnaughts’ voice
Airplane day 2012, remembering a friend page 14
Index
The Squall Page 2 www.thesquall.com Feb. 6, 2012
4&5 News & Feature Being homeless in Dexter
Taking responsibility
State law requires every district to have a homeless liaison for students in housing transition.
Forget classes, sports and NHS. One student has a commitment most of his peers don’t have: being a father.
6&7 Sports & Entertainment
page 6 Photo Credit: Mason Camilleri
Womens basketball doing work
Made for the big screen
Womens basketball began the season with a ten-game win streak. What has led to the team’s successful start?
The acclaimed book series “The Hunger Games” is getting a movie adaptation.
8&9 Center Spread Serving strong
The Squall checks in with local soldiers coming home from Iraq
The aftermath What are the effects of a decade of war?
10&11 Interactive Spread
Insights from Mr. Callaghan
A Q and A with science teacher Dave Callaghan provides insight, humor and maybe love at first sight.
The 5x5 What do the school’s self-proclaimed ladies’ men have to say about their swag?
12&13 Opinion & Editorial Guest column Senior Andrew Gibson has his say
page 7 Photo Credit: www.hungergamesthemovie.com, used with permission
about Iraq, George W. Bush and Saddam Hussein.
Time to vote
Staff Writer Colin Northrup wants seniors to vote this November.
The aftermath of teen pregnancy
Teens aren’t ready to be parents, but if it happens, the right thing to do is step up and take responsibility?
14&15 Get Involved & YOU Page
Keeping up with resolutions
How effective can New Year’s resolutions really be? Can they really be kept? If so, how?
16 Photostory
Keeping a memory alive An Airplane Day fundraiser helps keep the memory of a former student alive.
A hype weekend for all Spirit week ends with the men’s varsity basketball team beating Chelsea.
page 16 Photo Credit: Miranda Mors
Web Preview
The Squall Page 3 www.thesquall.com Feb. 6, 2012 Connor Thompson Editor-in-Chief Emily Darrow Editor-in-Chief & Head Designer Kristie Duve Photo Editor Jennifer Stirling Business Manager Alex “Mo” Mortenson Publicity Manager Carly Cash Illustrator & Design James Simonds Graphics Lindsey Lloyd Brandon Otto Kathryn Pisano Taylor Schmidt Dexter Stevens Jennifer Stirling Design Team Marissa Argiero Mason Camilleri Joel Gowen Justin Juback Chante Liu Melissa Mabry Miranda Mors Kathryn Pisano Makenzie Svihra Photographers
Graphic: James Simonds
Whoops! Our bad. The Squall strives to report accurate information. Sometimes, though, we make mistakes. If you see an error, please email us at dextersquall@gmail.com, and we will correct the error in the following issues.
The following errors were in the last issue: • Because of an editing error in the article “Consistent discipline?,” Assistant Principal Mollie Sharrar’s name was left off a quote. The quote should have read: District 504 Coordinator and Assistant Principal Mollie Sharrar said, “Any student that receives an accommodation plan at DHS has a 504 law that states if that student reaches more than 10 days suspension throughout the school year must attend a Manifestation Determination.” • Emily Tarnaski wrote the “Holiday Classics” article on page 10. Her name was accidentally omitted. • An article on Skyrim said The Elder Scrolls video game series started in 2007, but the first game, Arena, was released in 1994.
Benjamin Bruetsch Sirah Camara Dan Edwards Nicole Ferguson Theodore Grammatico II Murphy Hansen Nathan Hoatlin Levi Kipke Cameron La Fontaine Nicole Lucas Michael McGonigle Michael Mioduszewski Colin Northrup Emily Pap Emily Tarnaski Jacob Van Hoof Staff Writers
Memberships:
Contact us
Mail address: 2200 N. Parker Road Dexter MI, 48130 (734) 426-4240 ext: 7407 Email: dhssquall@ gmail.com
Staff Editorials Editorials represent the majority opinion of the editorial board. Editorials are unsigned. Columns represented the opinions of the individual staff members who wrote them.
Staff policy
The Squall is a student publication distributed to students, faculty and staff of Dexter High School. The Squall is also distributed by subscription to the Dexter community. The Squall has a press run of 1700 copies and is printed by The Argus-Press in Owosso, MI The paper serves as a public forum with student editors making all content decisions. Opinions expressed in the newspaper are not necessarily those of Dexter Community Schools.
Letters to the Editor
The Squall encourages letters to the editors. All letters will be screened for libel and obscenity. The editorial board may edit or shorten letter as long as the meaning is unchanged. All letters must be signed and include a telephone number for confirmation. Request to withhold a writer’s name will be considered by the editorial board. Letters can be emailed to the Squall staff, dropped off in room 407 or given to any member of the Squall staff.
News
The Squall Page 4 www.thesquall.com Feb. 6, 2012
Nowhere to go State law requires help for homeless students Cam LaFontaine Staff Writer
A
Illustration: Carly Cash
ccording to the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth, 939,903 homeless children and children living in transitional housing were enrolled in public schools in 2010. The group also acknowledges that this number is likely an underestimate because not all school districts reported data to the U.S. Department of Education in 2010. The number also does not include preschool age children, infants or toddlers. What some may not realize is that several of that number are current students at DHS. The McKinney-Vento Law is an extension of the McKinney Federal Law implemented in 1987 to provide assistance to the homeless. Specifically, the law provides help and protection to homeless youths in schools. The law provides free transportation to and from the school the student attends, and requires schools to enroll homeless children even if they are missing documents ordinarily required for admission. The law further requires each school district to appoint a local homeless liaison to ensure that the school’s staff is aware of the rights of the children receiving aid, and help him or her with other necessities. According to Mollie Sharrar, Dexter High School assistant principal and Dexter Community Schools’ homeless liaison for the Washtenaw County Education Project for Homeless Youth, there are approximately ten students who are currently in transitional housing at the high school, and over 20 including the whole district. Sharrar said the Dexter district usually finds out about students in transitional housing through counselors, social workers or, if a student enrolls for the first time, through the secretary who enrolls the student in the district. But the federal definition of homelessness does not just mean living on the streets. According to NAEHCY, the definition of homelessness that must be used by all public schools includes children and youth who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. This definition includes children and youth living in shelters, transitional housing, cars, camp-
grounds, motels and sharing the housing of others briefly, due to such issues as the loss of housing, and economic hardship. Sharrar works directly with the Washtenaw Intermediate School District in the Education Project for Homeless Youth to help ensure students in transitional housing are attending school regularly and succeeding. “We help deliver school materials and essentials including clothing, help students in transitional housing with school when they’re struggling and help students apply for certain scholarships especially if they’re in sports,” Sharrar said. Peri Stone-Palmquist is the program manager for Washtenaw Intermediate School District’s Education Program for Homeless Youth; she said her job includes managing the federal grant money that Washtenaw County receives for supporting homeless students or those in temporary or transitional housing. Stone-Palmquist said there are more than 800 children and young adults who are homeless or in transitional housing in Washtenaw County this school year. The program also provides direct support to families and the 22 homeless liaisons in the county. “We work to remove barriers so students in homeless or temporary living situations enroll, attend and succeed in school,” Stone-Palmquist said. “We coordinate transportation to help keep students in the same school for the school year, even while they are moving around a lot. We help with school supplies, food, clothing referrals, winter weather gear, socks and underwear, toiletries, education-related financial expenses-such as a field trip fee--coordinating tutoring with the school and referrals to community agencies.” The Squall made multiple attempts to contact Dexter students in transitional housing, but none of them wanted to be interviewed for this article. Stone-Palmquist also said students who are homeless or in transitional housing struggle to focus on school, because they have more pressing issues after the final bell rings. “Imagine how difficult it would be to focus on academics if you had no idea where you would sleep that night, if you were wearing the exact same outfit as yesterday (or) if you came to school every morning with an empty stomach,” she said. “When anyone is in crisis, it is more difficult to concentrate and remember what you heard, so school can be difficult. When you are living in a cramped motel room or sharing housing with some friends, it can be difficult to find a quiet place to study and sleep. For our older teens who are on their own, they feel tremendous pressure to work and drop out of school.”
Feature
The Squall Page 5 www.thesquall.com Feb. 6, 2012
Stepping up Adams says being a dad at a young age is full of challenges and rewards Dan Edwards Staff Writer
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Brandon Adams
Sophomore Brandon Adams holds his son, Jace who was born on July 20, 2011. Brandon said his family’s support has been a big part of the reason he can raise his son and go to school at the same time.
When sophomore Brandon Adams heard the news last winter that he was going to be a father, he was in complete shock. “I’ve always wanted kids,” Adams said, “But not this early.” He knew his world was about to change, but he wasn’t sure if he was ready for his life to be altered like this just yet. No one in the Adams family was prepared for this situation to come about either. “I didn’t know this was going to happen. When I heard, I was upset, hurt, shocked and cried a lot,” Brandon’s mom, Stacy said. “But things have turned out much better than I thought. He’s doing an amazing job. I’m so proud of him.” Brandon says having a kid at this age is really stressful at times, but it’s not as overly stressful as he thought because his son, Jace, makes him so happy. “He brings a lot of joy into my life,” Brandon said. Also beneficial is the helping hand he gets from many different people, including his parents, the mother of the child whom he splits custody with (and who said she did not want to be interviewed for this story) and his grandmother who helps out two days per week. “I do a lot of the things Brandon can’t,” Stacy said. “I have to drive everywhere since Brandon isn’t old enough to drive, and I have to buy everything such as diapers, food and clothes because Brandon doesn’t have a job.” Still, Stacy said Brandon has been a great father to Jace. “He always puts Jace first,” she said. “If Jace is ever hungry, Brandon will go out of his way to feed him, regardless of what he’s doing or how busy he is.” And Brandon said he would never be able to support his child without his family’s efforts. I didn’t know what to expect out of being a father,” he said. “I thought I couldn’t be a kid anymore, but my family’s help has made things a lot easier for me. My parents have been really sup-
portive through all of this. They help watch him, as does my grandma.” Because Brandon is still in high school, focusing on homework and studies while taking care of a child has caused a shift in his priorities. Spending time with his friends and school work sometimes take a backseat to being a dad. “Instead of doing homework, I’ll have to watch him, and instead of hanging out with friends, I’ll have to watch him,” Adams said. “Focusing on all of these different things going on is probably the hardest thing to do”. Again, his mom has been a big help. “Since Brandon is still in school, he needs his rest so I let him sleep through the night when Jace wakes up,” Stacy said. “It’s usually me who wakes up to take care of him.” Jace means a lot to the Adams family. So much so that Brandon’s mom not only wakes up at night to help him, but she sometimes goes out of her way to look after him. “I occasionally have to re-arrange my schedule to watch Jace if Brandon doesn’t have time because of practice or something,” she said. But sacrificing some parts of his school or social life to look after his son means Brandon does miss some things teens without children can do, but he said generally his friends remain supportive. “My friends joke about the situation a lot, but they never joke about it in a mean way,” he said. “And I don’t really care. They’re funny.” According to counselor Craig Rafail, being a teen parent is a huge challenge, but Brandon has handled it better than most. “I’ve worked with two other students who have tried to raise their babies and go to school,” Rafail said. “But they did not graduate; they lost interest in school and all of their attention went to their new adult roles as parents. Life just got a lot of tougher, but it’d be for the best to continue their education.” That’s exactly what Brandon said he wants to do to make life better for him and his son. He said, “In the future I want to go to college, so I can take better care of him. He’s the light of my life.”
Sports
The Squall Page 6 www.thesquall.com Feb. 6, 2012
What you don’t know about womens basketball team song ...
“Dancing queen” by Abba
team bonding ...
Olympics
12 4 seniors
players
6th
best
defense in the state
6
practices a
week
Tipping off the season Womens basketball starts off 10-1
Mike Mioduszewski Staff Writer
If you ask the players on the womens varsity basketball team why they’ve been able to start the season 10-1, each one of them has a different answer. But senior three-year starter Olivia Cares knows that she has the right answer. It’s all about intensity. “We work harder in practice this year,” she said. “All 12 of us see the court; we focus on defense, and the coaches listen to us when we make suggestions. They even are letting us play music during practice to get us up tempo.” The team’s record currently sits at 10-1, but those 10 wins haven’t been a walk in the park, according to senior Riley McDonald. One game in particular, against Ypsilanti, was an overtime slog. Eventually, however, the team got the victory, 49-44, after battling back from a deficit. “I think that we were able to accomplish this because we came together and won a team victory, with every player seeing the court,” McDonald said. Another factor that may contribute to the success of the team is its daily warmups, according to senior Annalise Dobbs. “Our assistant coach, Lauren Snider, who is a Dexter High School grad, suggested and then convinced our head coach to let us listen to music while warming up,” Dobbs said. And while it may seem minor,
McDonald also thinks that using music as a motivational tool has made a difference. in the team’s performance in practice. “It really helps us get in the mood to practice and makes us work harder,” she said. “The music we play is a mix of old school hip-hop, new school rap and sometimes even Justin Bieber,” McDonald said. Coach Mike Bavineau said the idea was student-driven, which helped convince him to allow the change in practice routine. “The captains thought it would be a good idea, and that it would help them get ready for practice so we went with it,” he said. This is not the only unique practice that the team has implemented with Bavineau. He said that whenever members of the team feel like they need to discuss issues or concerns, they meet with the rest of their teammates to find resolutions for their issues. “Recently, we just had a meeting to discuss a poor performance in a game and how we could fix it,” Dobbs said. “It really helped us and lifted some stress from the team.” The defense is currently ranked sixth in the state, which Bavineau, echoing Cares, credits to intensity. “Our team works hard in practice,” he said. “We try to make everything competitive. This allows the stuff we work on in practice to translate into the game.”
Photo Credit: Mason Camilleri
Senior Olivia Cares and Chelsea junior Riley Singleton tip-off to start the game. Both teams entered the game undefeated.
Entertainment
The Squall Page 7 www.thesquall.com Feb. 6, 2012 Levi Kipke Staff Writer
Sophomore Scott Rogers started reading the first book as an assignment for school. What followed was two weeks of shutting the rest of the world out so he could read finish the series. “I barely ever read books,” he said, “but I just couldn’t put these books down.” Rogers, like so many other students, has been entranced by “The Hunger Games,” a trilogy that tells the story of a teenage girl and her struggles trying to survive in a dystopian future. “It’s not uncommon for me to get in intense discussions with my friends over the books,” senior Tori Waidley said. “I even bring one of the books to lunch sometimes so that I can constantly be reading them.” The reason the series is so good varies from student to student, but according to Dexter District Youth Librarian Stacey Comfort, it’s the literary quality of the books that makes them so popular. “Teens are definitely the most common age group I’ve seen reading the books,” Comfort said. “I think they enjoy them so much because they are so wellwritten. The dystopian element (also) plays a part.” Student interest in the series has also risen since a trailer for the upcoming movie adaptation of the first novel was released. The movie is due to premiere on March 23. According to Comfort, there were only 10-30 people on hold for the book at any given time last year before the trailer came out. Now, however, there are 385. Waidley is one of the people
anxiously awaiting the film’s release. “I am so excited,” she said. “I’m sure it won’t be as good as the book, but I have a feeling it will be really epic. If there’s a midnight showing, I am definitely going.” But for some, there’s no way the film could compete with the original novel.
‘Hunger Games’ goes
Hollywood
Have your own? Refer to page 3 and follow the instructions. Illustration: James Simonds
“I’m not going to see the movie,” sophomore Morgan Van Hoof said. “I don’t know if I could handle seeing it after reading the book. The movie could never live up to it, so I would be crushed and forever disappointed.” Based on the trailer, though, Comfort said the casting seems to be done right. “I think that the creators of the movie have done a pretty good job picking actors,” Comfort said. “The real test will be to see how firmly the story line sticks to the book.” Rogers, however, said he will remain a fan of the series no matter how good or bad the movie adaptation is. “The story line is genius,” he said. “I’ve never read something so unique.”
Spread
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Local soldier adjusts to life after Iraq war Connor Thompson Editor-in-cheif
T
he first time Specialist Paul Ernst experienced an IED explosion firsthand, he was watching a movie on his iPod in the turret of an armored vehicle. “I wasn’t wearing my seat belt,” he said. “I was catapulted out of the turret and landed on the windshield.” Ernst survived over 100 more Improvised Explosive Device attacks during his 12-month tour of Afghanistan. While he escaped largely unscathed physically from these attacks, he, like many of his comrades in the armed forces, suffered significant psychological changes as a result of his time in the field. As the military begins its final withdrawal from Iraq, more and more soldiers like Ernst are returning home, many with permanent physical injuries or even mental injuries such Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a severe anxiety disorder. In December, the United States military began withdrawing the last troops remaining in Iraq, quietly marking an end to a tumultuous period of political strife and guerrilla warfare. Eight years after the first American forces landed on Iraqi soil, the Army is officially pulling out. For those involved, the war has irreversibly changed their lives. Today, even though American soldiers no longer patrol the streets of Baghdad, the number of troops still fighting in Afghanistan and veterans battling various health problems, mental and physical, when they return home, serve as reminders of the time spent there. The United States has maintained a military presence in Iraq since its invasion in March of 2003. In the intervening years, Saddam Hussein has been captured and executed, his Ba’ath Party-run government has been deposed and an insurgency has taken the lives of over 4,000 American soldiers according to the Department of Defense In addition between 104,000 and 114,000 Iraqi civilians died according to the Iraq Body Count project. Yet survivors of the war continue to bear the physical and psychological toll of the conflict in the form of trauma such as PTSD, even though the actual fighting has long been over. Ernst returned from his tour in Afghanistan in 2010. Though he suffered no physical wounds, he had to deal with psychological stress for several months upon his return, especially in closed spaces. “It was stressful (upon my return) being in a crowded area,” he said. “You’re used to being in control, in a place where everyone you don’t know is a potential enemy.” One day on patrol in Afghanistan, Ernst saw a young boy with what appeared to be a gun watching as his ar-
mored vehicle approached. The other soldiers in the vehicle began to shout at him to shoot the boy when he took aim at them. In a split second, Ernst had to decide whether the gun was real or not, whether the boy would live or not. He chose not fire. He’s glad he made that choice. The boy had a BB gun. “The BB bounced off my helmet,” he said. Ernst’s stress was brought on not only from split-second, life-and-death decisions such as these but also from lack of sleep. “The sleep deprivation took me by surprise,” he said. “You’d be on duty for 12-hour missions, go back to base and get just five hours of sleep.” Ernst said he has managed to cope with stress now that he’s back in the US via the use of internal dialogue to calm himself. And even seemingly normal situations such as getting in an elevator can call for this method of self-relaxation. “I’d be saying, ‘It’s OK. It’s just an elevator,’” he said. Constantly reminding himself he didn’t always need to have his guard up finally enabled his transition back into a civilian lifestyle. Though he no longer stresses as much about being in large or crowded spaces, Ernst said his personality has changed since his tour. “I’m less social,” he said. “I always liked the thrill of (exciting) things, but I can’t match the intensity of the military. It feels like something’s missing. It’s hard to revert back to wanting normal things, like a 9 to 5 job.” Other veterans have returned home with worse problems, including severe psychological trauma and physical injuries or homelessness, but various local organizations are working to combat this, including the Ann Arbor Veterans’ Affairs hospital and various homeless shelters. The Washtenaw County Shelter Association, for instance, provides aid to approximately 1300-1500 adults experiencing homelessness annually, nearly half the county’s total homeless population. It and the VA work together to make sure no returning veteran falls through the cracks. The Shelter Association works closely with the local VA,” Shelter Association Secretary Heather Wurster said. “We are excited about the new contract. That will secure 10 beds for vets who are homeless.” The new beds will go to the Shelter Association’s Residential program, which also coordinates medical care and substance abuse treatment. “On cold nights we open a warming center for folks to get out of the cold, and we also offer a rotating shelter,” she said. “The shelter is full, but the local churches open up their warm lobbies, mats are provided so folks have a place to stay.” This is the kind of thing more returning veterans need, according to Ernst: hope that things will get better. “I’ve helped a few younger soldiers,” he said. “I just say, ‘Hey, it gets better. The cup’s always half full.’”
Back from hell Portrait photo Credit: Emily Darrow, other photos courtesy Paul Ernst
Iraq war veteran Paul Ernst experiences overseas have lead to some difficulties adjusting to life in the United States.
Ernst and some fellow soldiers in full gear lean up against their Humvee on the Iraqi streets.
Ernst poses for a picture with cousin and Dexter graduates Courtney and Katie Young after returning home. Ernst flashes a smile while overseas.
Help your soldiers Emily Tarnaski Staff Writer
This program helps returning war veterans find work. The percentage of veterans who are unemployed is currently 13.1 percent. The Corporation for National and Community Service Committed to Recruiting Veterans is helping out AmeriCorps in their mission by hosting job fairs called “Hiring Our Heroes.” At these job fairs, thousands of former soldiers will receive jobs through AmeriCorps, including construction, providing support for other veterans and response to natural disasters. You can get involved with this program by volunteering for AmeriCorps by going to their website of http:// www.americorps.gov and signing up. The Military Order of the Purple Heart is made up of military men and women who suffered wounds in combat. This program supports all veterans and their families with many national programs like the Ladies Auxiliary whose mission is to respect and honor veterans. People can donate their old clothing, furniture, cars and toys to military families who are in need by going to their website at http://www.purpleheart.org. This is a non-profit organization that works to give deployed and returning troops ways to communicate with their families. Anyone can donate their cell phones, stationary, envelopes and letters. To contact this program, go to their website at http://cellphonesforsoldiers.com and donate money or an old cell phone.
The calling Nathan Hoatlin
Illustration: James Simonds
Staff Writer
He was inspired by his father, but the motives that have driven senior Alexander Queen to join the Marines are deeper than just inspiration. “I want the pride of being able to say that I am a United States Marine,” Queen said. “Not very many people can say that.” Still though, he has his doubts. “I am a little nervous about being in combat, but part of me is excited. I’m going to get to see a side of the world that very few people have.” The acknowledgement that they are putting their life on the line makes not just Marines, but all soldiers, something of a different breed according to counselor Craig Rafail. “When I see the kids that’ll go into the service, they are the kids who never act entitled,” he said “They display selflessness. Their focus really isn’t on themselves. These kids all have a sense of pride, honor and tradition. They’re serving for something that they believe is greater than themselves, and it sets them apart.” For Sergeant Bao Lee, this is one of the best reasons for enlisting: getting a new perspective on the world. “I’ve never actually been deployed to a combat zone,” he said. “I spent a few months on Okinawa. Joining up has really opened my eyes a lot though. You see how people around the world have to live on a day-to-day basis. It makes you appreciate your own situation a lot more.” With all the graduate options open to explore in the military, though, few Dexter parents want their kids joining up and shipping out according to Rafail. “Dexter parents don’t want their kids talking to recruiters,” he said. “In fact, it’s why the recruiters are in the hallways and not the lunchroom. But the kids who want to join, you see these kids at the meetings in 10th and 11th grade too. They know what they want to do early on, for many since they were a child.” Which makes people like Queen something of a rare breed. “This isn’t the kid who goes to their parents and demands a new car,” he said. “These are the kids who are more interested in how he can help other people, again, just absolutely selfless.” On the future, Queen is unsure but unworried. He said, “My plans after the service aren’t really set in stone yet, although I do know I want to continue to work with the law. But I know is that I want to serve. Who knows, I might even make it a career.”
What would be the characteristics of your ideal girlfriend?
Orange with spray tan, platinum blonde, can’t count past 2.
What is your ideal date?
Nice dinner. She has to pay.
What is your opinion of Valentine’s Day?
I love it. It’s the one day of the year I can buy myself flowers and take a nice bubble bath.
Describe yourself in one word. Explain.
Seductive. The ladies can’t say no.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Cats. They are so soft, furry and overall amazing.
A girl who is a good cook in the kitchen, 300 lbs. at least.
Red Lobster and a romantic movie.
Megan Fox in “Transformers 1.”
Flavor Flav
Brett Garwood
Ba
Brandon Bednarz
e h c
Noah Mellifont
s r lo
Steve Miller
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The Squall Page 10 www.thesquall.com Feb. 6, 2011
Intelligent, funny and kind. Also Preferably 18, knows how she should be able to make a good to party. YEA BOIIIIIII turkey and rye.
Take her out to a nice seafood dinner and never call her again.
Star watching in Montague.
Anything filmed for my show. Gotta get that money!!!
Sometimes I buy myself roses to be sent to my class to make it look like I get the babes.
We all should get the day off so I could celebrate.
Anytime you can make someone’s day a little bit better is OK with me.
I love it. The ladies love Flav!
Magnificent. I’m a stallion. I get stuff done.
Just ask Megan Fox during “Transformers 1.”
Normal. I’m average.
One word, Flavor Flav.
Buying shoes. You gotta’ keep that shoe swag up.
Soul music and adventuring alone.
I have seven children with three different women.
Watching chick flicks, eating Häagen-Dazs ice cream alone
EXTREME extracurriculars Some clubs require kids to go the extra mile
Teddy Grammatico
Staff Writer
You thought football players had it hard with summer two-a-days? What about students whose after school activities run them just as rampant, without the locker rooms.
Senior president of the drama club Taylor Petri said she spends most of her free time fulfilling her commitment to the club. “As an officer, drama basically becomes your entire life,” she said. Petri said she and other club members devote much of their time to perfectTaylor Petri, ing each of the school’s drama club president four productions every year. Every member has to help build sets for at least six hours on Saturdays, while actors spend 3-5 hours on weekdays rehearsing. Petri and the other officers are also responsible for planning all of the club’s activities. “By the end of a production, everyone is like a big family,” she said. “I personally can't imagine my life without drama.”
Senior co-Editor-in-Chief Abby Everard has spent a substantial amount of her time editing yearbook pages since her junior year. Being co-Editor-in-Chief comes at a price, however. “It stresses me out a lot,” she said. “I remember one editors’ night that went Abby Everard really late, and I had to yearbook co-editor come to school early. It was the worst night of my life.” Everard said she spends much of her time editing pages in school, and sometimes after school. “Elle (Presley and I) go through every page in the yearbook,” she said. “I wouldn’t change anything if I could,” she said, “but I didn’t know what I was getting into.”
Senior drum major Yasmeen Mansour is expected to lead the entire marching band and produce a finished product for an audience to enjoy. Being a part of the marching band requires time, Mansour said. Musicians practice their music over the Yasmeen Mansour summer, and every band drum major member goes to band camp during August. The camp is a week-long, 14-hours-a-day workout bringing the band together into a cohesive and unified group. “Each year I have a bittersweet feeling when the season ends,” Mansour said. “I am sad to end the time we all spend together, but I know we finished the season with both a great show and a new family.”
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Valentine’s Day Q & A typically leads to watching sappy movies like ‘The Notebook’ and crying myself to sleep Emily Pap Staff Writer
“
Every year, one lucky staff member is delegated the duty of writing a cheesy Valentine’s Day column. Here’s the problem: how do I advise people about how to approach Valentine’s Day when, ironically, I myself will probably be doing the same thing I’m doing now (sitting alone at my laptop) on Valentine’s Day ... for the fourth year in a row? Don’t let my lack of success in the realm of love detract you from this holiday, however. There is still hope for the rest of the females in the community. Think of it this way. My failures with guys just means that there is more to choose from for the other girls in the school. While I sit at home dreaming of a wonderful dinner/movie date with the perfect prince charming, you can be out there living my fantasy.
My failures with guys just mean more to choose from for the other girls at school.
”
Physics teacher David Callaghan
Mike McGonigle Staff Writer
Lovely day, isn’t it? Oh, yes indeed. Best day ever. What’s your favorite element? Boron, because isn’t that what I do? Do you have names for your beakers? I call them Mike, then drop them and throw them away. Jake Currie: great student or greatest student? I evaluate all my students on a scale of one to Mike. He’s not a full Mike. What’s underneath your beard? More beard. Remember: to hair is human. Where’s the furthest you’ve ever digressed? From here to there and back again. Your thoughts on Beyonce and Jay-Z’s baby, Blue Ivy? Yes.
Happy Squallentine’s Day
Want to do something romantic? Did your special someone not like last year’s gift of chewing tobacco and Nickelback mix tapes? Fear not. The Squall has the perfect solution for all of your Valentine’s Day needs. Just cut out the heart, write a romantic message on the front, and turn your Valentine’s Day into a success.
But if you’re looking for advice on how to spend your Valentine’s Day, you’re barking up the wrong tree. My Valentine’s Day will more than likely consist of me getting up late, rolling out of bed, skipping the shower and make-up entirely. From there I will most likely drive to the closest Hallmark and begin to buy myself all of the half priced V-Day cards. If no one else will say they love me, at least a piece of paper will. Next, I’ll most likely travel home where I will pop in “The Notebook” and cry myself to sleep while stuffing my face with chocolate ice cream. However, I can proudly say that I did have a middle-school Valentine. His name was Ryan, and he left a love note in my backpack one day, along with a bunch of candies and flowers. The note was kind of weird though. He talked about how beautiful my long blonde hair and sparkling green eyes were. He even spelled my name wrong. I mean, come on. “Melissa” isn’t even close to “Emily.” He asked me to meet him in the parking lot at 3 that day so he could profess his love to me, but when I went outside, I only saw one guy who was already with another girl. I still have hopes of finding him, though. I keep that note under my pillow every Valentine’s Day, walk to Mill Creek at 3 p.m. and look for that special someone. Ryan, if you’re out there, I’m still here, alone at my laptop, waiting for you.
How would you describe your eyes for the readers? I’d quote Mike and say they’re “shimmering pools of blue you can get lost in.” What’s the best part of teaching? (laughs) I guess fifth hour, watching their eager minds open to new knowledge. If you weren’t a teacher, what profession would you chose? Retired (a student walks by and says, “Banana”) or a banana. We’re not totally sure. According to President Obama, “Yes, we can.” Can we really? Yes, we can can. If my president says so, then yes we can.
CUT ME OUT!
Last question: When you’re singing in the shower, what song is it? I break dance in the shower.
Opinion
The Squall Page 12 www.thesquall.com Feb. 6, 2012
12 reasons seniors should vote in 2012 Colin Northrup Staff Writer
This is a important year because I will graduate, but there is another event happening a few months afterward. You may have heard of it - a presidential election. For those of us who will turn 18 before the election, it’s our first opportunity to exercise some real adult freedom. But what is the big deal? Does one vote matter? If you are politically apathetic and think you’re already tired of hearing about the upcoming presidential election, let me give 12 reasons to pay attention and exercise your right to vote. •Politicians pay more attention to groups that vote. Older Americans vote in larger numbers and get more attention because they do. If you want our leaders to pay attention to issues that affect young people, like the cost of college tuition and job availability, you should vote. •Because you can. Many people around the world cannot vote and have no say in their government. People die trying to get democracy. If you love the freedom we have, vote. •Democracy only works when the people -- young and old -- participate in the process. In the last presidential election, only 49 percent of registered voters 18-24 voted, compared to 69 percent of registered voters 45-64 who showed up at the polls. •The next president will affect four to eight years of your life. Do you plan to go to college? Get a job? Get married? Have kids? Pay taxes? Buy a house? Our leaders make decisions that will influence the lives we have yet to live. •Prove old people wrong. They think we don’t care about politics. Until the last presidential election, nobody took the youth vote seriously. In 2008, President Obama rocked the youth vote on the way to the White House. The Internet, social media and a new sense of activism attracted youth volunteers who otherwise wouldn’t have been involved in the political process. •People died to give us the right vote. From from the Revolutionary War to the war in Afghanistan, brave men and women have fought to defend the principles our country was founded on -- including the right to vote. •It’s easy. You have to be 18 before the election and register 30 days before election day. You may have already registered when you received your driver’s license. To get more information, go to the Secretary of State’s office or web site at http://www.michigan.gov/sos/. Register by Oct. 9 in order to vote in the Nov. 6 presidential election. •You will feel like a part of the world. Primaries and caucuses are already happening in states such as Nevada and Maine. •You will have something to talk to your parents about. Seriously, it is your choice who to vote for, but they will appreciate your asking their opinion. •Surprise the political experts. They underestimate the youth vote. Let’s show them up by showing up in big numbers at the polls. •If you don’t vote, you can’t complain about what’s going on. Be a part of the process, instead of complaining and doing nothing. •You get a cool sticker. When the last time you got a sticker for doing something good? Fourth grade? You may be wondering how to get started being politically involved. First, get registered. Second, think about the issues that are important to you. Finally, do some research on the parties and candidates who match your views. You can turn to the internet, watch the debates, read the news and talk to your friends and family. If you want to do more, you could even visit your candidates’ local offices and volunteer. But whatever you do, Class of 2012, remember to vote if you can. Make your voice heard, because every vote does matter.
Student ignorance is appalling While listening to a presentation in class one day, I heard a fellow student say, “Saddam Hussein attacked America on 9-11 so we invaded Iraq to take him out of power.” When I heard this, I was appalled. However, when I looked around, I realized that only a handful of other students noticed this blatant factual error. Thankfully, Mrs. Doss later corrected this false remark by stating the truth: “Saddam Hussein had nothing to do with 9-11.” This incident shocked me, and I began to examine how someone could come to a conclusion such as that. As I thought about this statement more and more, I felt that I had to set the record straight. I decided to write this to shed the light on what really happened before, during and after the Sept. 11 attacks. I am not trying to say that President Bush is behind 9-11. I am just trying to enlighten others to the truth. What Bush knew before the attacks; why we chose to invade Iraq; who made money off of the war; and how we are affected by this war. Students need to know the disgusting truth of the cover up, denial and consequences of these attacks. First of all, to set the record straight and to establish a base, the former chair to the Counter-Terrorism Security Group, Richard Clarke, said it was “obvious that Al Qaeda attacked us (on 9-11).” Osama bin Laden was the founder of Al Qaeda, which is a militant Islamic group located mainly in Afghanistan. Before the war, the Bush family had close economic relations with many Saudis, including the Bin Laden family. However, the Bin Laden family, which is one of the wealthiest and most powerful families in Saudi Arabia, had split off most relations with Osama long before the time of the attacks. The Bushes and Bin Ladens were both investors in the Carlyle Group, which invested in defense contracts. Shortly after the start of the war, when the U.S. increased its defense spending, the Bin Ladens and Bushes profited from the war. They profited because the Carlyle Group received more money from defense contracts. Three days after the attacks, 24 members of the Bin Laden family were flown back to Saudi Arabia - while many other flights were grounded - without being questioned by the U.S. government. Halliburton, a major defense contractor, posted a $3 billion profit in the 2005 fiscal year. Dick Cheney (George W. Bush’s Vice President) was the former CEO of Halliburton. Also Bush obtained some very important information before the attacks. Condoleezza
A guest column By Andrew Gibson If you’d like to write a guest column, please email it to dextersquall@gmail.com and include your name and phone number for verification purposes. The Squall reserves the right to edit the columns for space, unprotected speech, mechanical errors and content deemed inappropriate according to The Squall’s editorial policy.
Rice stated that Bush was given a security briefing on Aug. 6, 2001 titled, Bin Laden Determined to Attack Inside the United States, containing information that Osama Bin Laden was planning to hijack planes. Bush did not seem to have a security enforcement response to this memo. After the attacks, President Bush had a meeting with the Counter-Terrorism Security Group chair, Richard Clarke. Clarke said that in “an intimidating way,” President Bush told him he “wanted us to come back with word that there was an Iraqi hand behind 9-11.” He said Bush repeatedly asked questions about Iraq and very few on Al Qaeda (the group behind the attack). So with his plan already hatched, Bush decided to declare Iraq and Saddam Hussein culprits of the attacks. Bush claimed that Saddam had “weapons of mass destruction” even though months before, Dick Cheney, George Bush, Condoleezza Rice and Colin Powell said that “Saddam presents no danger.” Bush had no real evidence to start a war with Iraq, yet we have had to suffer the consequences of this war for the past nine years. We have had to sacrifice our freedoms and almost 4,500 American service men and women have given their lives in Iraq alone. In order to keep us scared, the government developed a threat level system and passed the Patriot Act which gave up many of our rights protected by the Constitution. This is wrong and people must realize this. Students must begin to realize what really happened instead of listening to the propaganda on Fox News or repeating what their parents say. I hope more people begin to see the tragedy behind 9-11 and the War on Terror, not only in the lives lost, but in the loss of freedoms, trust and transparency in our government.
Editorial
The Squall Page 13 www.thesquall.com Feb. 6, 2012
Knowledge is best pregnancy defence Three in 10 teen girls in the United States will become pregnant at least once before the age of 20. That means about 745,000 teen pregnancies each year. If you are having unprotected sex or are using some form of birth control, being sexually active comes with consequences. And, unfortunately, many teenagers are ill informed when it comes to sex, and knowing how to prevent teen pregnancy and the contraction of sexually transmitted diseases. A baby can change your life in the blink of an eye. Young women who become pregnant lose a great portion their freedom and, often, some of their friends. Children can also be a great financial burden to many teen moms. If the baby’s father decides to stay and help raise the child, he may need to take a job to provide for his new family, restricting his freedom as well. Additionally, eight out of ten teen fathers do not marry the mother of their child. This shatters many teen mom’s dreams of having the baby’s father around, either for themselves or for their baby’s sake. Also, parenthood is the leading reason teen girls drop out of school. Half of teen mothers graduate from high school. Only about 2 percent earn a college degree. An astounding one-fourth of teen moms have a second child within 24 months of the first birth, partially explaining why many do not finish school. Not only does a baby change a teen mother’s life forever, but a baby who has a teen mother is affected as well.
More than half of all mothers on welfare had their first child as a teenager. Twothirds of families begun by a young, unmarried mother are poor. An even harder statistic to swallow is the daughters of teen mothers are three times more likely to become teen mothers themselves. When you become a parent, especially as a teen parent, it’s important to step up and provide for your child, love them and shelter them. Running and hiding from a situation as overwhelming as a child coming into this world will only cause more problems. When you make an adult decision, you must face adult consequences. And while the ultimate responsibility lies with the teen who chooses to be sexual active, the mass media is partially at fault. Many movies and television shows glorify and promote sex. “Glee”, for example, has pushed many boundaries. But one episode last November might have sent some people over the edge. The episode “The First Time” featured two high school-age couples having sex. Celebrating sex on a popular show can cause teens to feel as though it’s necessary to have sex. And while there are shows out there that try to show the hardships that come along with teen pregnancy, including “16 and Pregnant” and “Teen Mom,” these shows often portray a false depiction of what sex
What we think:
Even though parents and teachers need to educate teenagers more responsibly and honestly about sex, ultimately teenagers need to make more responsible decisions.
and teen motherhood is actually like. The media may make it seem like everyone around you is having sex, but in reality not everyone is. The media creates hype and excitement when it comes to sex. But what the media doesn’t show you are the strong emotional feelings that come attached with sex. If you develop deeper feelings, that can lead to emotional hurt. When it comes to something like sex, taking your time to make a decision is important. There are many ways to prevent teen pregnancy, and many teens have heard par-
ents, sex education teachers and even religious leaders preach abstinence. They do this because it is the only 100 percent effective way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. But if you plan to be sexually active, it is imperative to make sure you and your partner use protection. The most important part in preventing teen pregnancy and STIs is a knowledgeable, honest, trusted adult teens can talk to. Then it’s up to the teenagers to use this information to make responsible, informed decisions.
Does the media over sexualize our culture? Freshman Alea Atwell
Sophomore Tony Argiero
Junior Mitch Kimball
Senior
“Yes, it does promote sex. Reality shows often show how things are for those people/characters, not necessarily for the viewers. It depends on what you are watching.”
“Yes, the media promotes sex. I’ve worked in business and sex sells. It sells to younger generations, older, any gender, it doesn’t matter. Anyone who’s good-looking in an ad will sell.”
“They do not promote sex, they promote sexuality. How they represent it is true because it is on everyone’s mind and is a big part of our society today.”
“Yes, the media does promote sex. Most movies have some sort of sex scene, and I feel like they sugar coat it sometimes. There’s always a fairy tale ending, which never really happens in real life.”
Christina Condron
Get Involved
The Squall Page 14 www.thesquall.com Feb. 6, 2012
Remembering Laurence Airplane Day fundraiser to be held at Foggy Bottom cafe
Jacob Van Hoof Staff Writer
For the second year in a row, seniors Ali Bowman and Sam Griffith, with the help of ONE Club, will celebrate Airplane Day in honor of former student Laurence Carolin. This year’s event will be held on Feb. 2 at Foggy Bottom Cafe from 6 to 10 p.m. Airplane Day is a way to remember Carolin, who passed away in 2010 after being diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor at 13-years-old. Carolin passionately devoted his life to fighting extreme poverty across the world, and Airplane Day aims to continue those efforts. Griffith lived with Carolin, who was adopted from South Korea, when he was younger and said she developed a bond with him extremely quickly. “Laurence inspired me,” she said. “He wanted to make a difference and help the people who really needed it more than he wanted to help himself. I just want to carry on his dream and make people aware of the extreme poverty that exists in this world.” Airplane Day began with Carolin’s family as a celebration of the day he came to the United States from South Korea. Now Carolin’s community of friends celebrate his life through this event, hoping to raise awareness and continue his mission. Lisa Carolin, Laurence’s adoptive mother, was approached by a friend, Donna Turner, about furthering Laurence’s cause after his death. Everyone close to Laurence, and Laurence himself, supported the idea, and thus the celebratory effort to increase awareness about the extreme poverty in Africa was born. And this awareness is a main part of the event according to Bowman who said it is not necessarily about the money raised.
“We hold the event to teach people about the cause and make them aware rather than to raise money,” she said. In addition to informing others, Laurence played helped raise over $20,000 for various charities like Nothing But Nets, Girl Up and the UN Foundation. Laurence also donated the $5,000 the Make-A-Wish Foundation would have used to help him meet U2 lead singer Bono, his favorite musician, to the UN Foundation instead. And partially because of this act, Bono agreed to meet him anyway. “Airplane Day is held to continue on with Laurence’s valiant efforts,” Bowman said. “He believed it was our responsibility as privileged citizens to help out others in need, regardless of what divides us.” “Laurence taught me about selflessness through his way of living,” his mother Lisa said. “He did not take the freedom and comforts of his life for granted. He also taught me how to live with grace even when he felt physically ill.” Bowman also said Laurence was adamant about the continuation of his efforts after his death; he wanted others to make the most of their lives just as he had. “He realized that a person’s opportunity for success depends largely on birthplace, because he could just as easily have had a much less privileged life somewhere else if he hadn’t come to Dexter,” Bowman said. It’s in this spirit of helping others that Griffith and Bowman hope to continue with Airplane Day. “Laurence knew he had only a short time to live after his diagnosis,” Griffith said. “He made the most of that time, so we believed it was only right to continue holding Airplane Day annually to commemorate Laurence’s dedication.”
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lisa Carolin
Laurence Carolin meets U2 lead singer Bono backstage at a concert in Chicago on Sept. 13, 2010. Carolin donated his MakeA-Wish Foundation money that would have gone toward meeting Bono to the UN Foundation. When Bono found out about this donation, he decided to meet Carolin anyway.
To keep New Year’s resolutions start small Sirah Camara Staff Writer
Many people set New Year’s resolutions but fail to keep them. However sophomore Brandon Bednarz is making good on his: to stop flirting with female Taco Bell drive-through workers. “I’m going to have to control myself,” Bednarz said.
“They not only cook some quality food, but when she asks me for the mild sauce, I’m like, ‘Baby, I want more than just the sauce.’” Regardless of the type of resolution, counselor Geraldine Holmes said the key to fulfilling a New Year’s resolution is to start small. “A strategy that I use to decide on making resolutions is to ask myself the questions, ‘What would make me happier?’” Holmes said, adding that her resolution is to come
home from work earlier and spend more time with her husband and her family. “I’ve been working way too many hours after the school day has ended, and I feel like I’m neglecting my own needs and those of my family,” she said. “For people who want to change their lives and stick with a resolution, I think it may be helpful choose something in which you can see results, something you can measure over time.”
YOU Page
The Squall Page 15 www.thesquall.com Feb. 6, 2012
How to avoid work Editors’ note: YOU asked for an advice column. Here YOU have it. This is the YOU page. This advice is for YOU from our resident expert in advice giving, Mike McGonigle. Unlike most journalism, the writer is talking directly to YOU. YOU may or may not wish to take the advice. In fact, we’d recommend against it.
Ladies and gentlemen, I don’t like work. I consider avoiding work a full-time job. Unfortunately, school is a breeding ground of people expecting me to put in effort. Here is a list I’ve compiled to avoid doing as much work as possible.
Shoot for the middle ...
If you want to avoid work, don’t expect to be getting the highest marks in the class, but don’t be the kid in the class who flaunts their slack. Pretend to be engaged at least for the teacher’s sake. Don’t let them know how bored you really are. If you go above and beyond the call of duty, then you’re doing too much. Shoot for where everyone else is.
Take easy classes ...
This is the most simple and effective of my techniques. Don’t push yourself when you know you don’t want to be pushed. The more you expect of yourself, the more work you will want to accomplish. Don’t do that. Learn
that where you are now is exactly where you want to be. Ambition is the enemy of success.
Always have an excuse ...
Be on your toes and ready for any work thrown your way. You never know when an assignment or due date will pop up, so be ready to provide a cleverly crafted lie in order to sneak past any obstacle. Normally, a lie will only prolong the due date, but you’re not a slacker if you don’t procrastinate until the last few seconds.
Befriend the teacher ...
He or she will let you pass on a lot more if you’re friends. Be cool and be friends with each other. Friends let friends slack. That’s the golden rule. Teachers don’t want you to do more work than is necessary because it only leads to more grading for them. Help them help you do less.
Bullcrap, bullcrap and bullcrap ...
Just because you don’t state the right answer doesn’t mean you’re wrong. (WARNING: This
doesn’t always work for math and science). Avoid factual statements and instead use comments such as, “His sometimes aggressive attitude ... ” This statement isn’t wrong, even though it isn’t right. “Sometimes,” “possibly,” and “usually” are all tools for the everyday slacker. One caution: be careful with these techniques and moves. If you use these in the wrong way, you could go through life without ever needing to do any work at all. I’m not suggesting that. After all, these recommendations are purely for experimental purposes.
Photostory
The Squall Page 16 www.thesquall.com Feb. 6, 2012
Senior Jacob Van Hoof dives to fight Chelsea player Truman Hadley for the ball. The Dreads came out on top with a final score of 62-53.
Coming home celebrated Nicole Lucas Staff Writer
The coming home pep assembly included a dance from the JV and varsity dance and cheer teams and a choreographed dance by the teaching staff. Students also got to watch their classmates participate in a pie-eating contest, a three-legged race, a wheelbarrow race and a tug of war competition. This competition was won by the wrestling team in a close contest with the hockey team. When the tallies for spirit week were counted, the freshman class came out on top, beating the seniors in the spirit point competition. The men’s basketball team then beat rival Chelsea Friday night in a 62-33 victory, led by senior Jay Lewis’ 24 points. Annarbor.com gave the student section credit in helping the boys get this win and praised their ability to help distract the Chelsea free throw shooters with cheers and a dance performed by members of the men’s swim team when Bulldog players walked up to the free throw line.
Chelsea players shot 45 percent at the free throw line when facing the Dexter student section compared to 60 percent when facing its own student section. Senior and captain of the swim and dive team Mark Brown said his team planned to do something at the game all week. “We wanted to show our rocking bods and team spirit because we’ve been practicing killer gyrating moves,” he said. The varsity girls team, on the other hand, lost their first game of the season against Chelsea, 3026, ending their undefeated record. Junior Riley McDonald led the girls with 8 points. The weekend ended with the coming home dance Saturday evening. Only seven tickets were sold beforehand. However a group of about 20 seniors did come out to try and support the event. Senior Amanda Mayer was one of those seniors. She said she was disappointed more people didn’t show up. “I want to give a shout out to all the seniors that attempted to bring back the dances, because it probably would have been really fun if more people had come.”
Senior Drew Barnes takes on the role as a flyer while seniors Jake Haviland, Hank Dreffs and Tucker Whitley throw him up. This was part of a football team cheer during the assembly.
Seniors Charlotte KnoerlMorrill and Dan Hanrath show off their swing dancing movies at the coming home dance. They are both captains of the swing dancing club.
Juniors Amanda Lake, Lauren Wilson and Nikki Katcher break dance during their pep assembly. The varsity dance team performed again at the basketball game that night.
Photo Credits: Joel Gowen, Makenzie Svihra, Melissa Mabry