November Rostrum

R The Rostrum

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rugs

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exter

Is Dexter Over

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the edge

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November 13, 2009 VOLUME III ISSUE 3 DEXTER HIGH SCHOOL 2200 N. PARKER ROAD DEXTER, MI 48130

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trends

Friday, November 13, 2009

Twitter catches on Sirah Camara

Staff Writer

When senior Chris Riecker went abroad a couple years ago, he said he experienced meeting new people, learning a new culture and opened a Twitter account. “One of my friends suggested it,” Riecker said. “Most of the people I met had Twitters instead of Facebooks, so I got a Twitter when I heard, so that I could stay in touch with them.”

After having a Twitter account for a couple years, Riecker said it’s still a little confusing however. “It’s like Facebook but still really different.”

Twitter is a mix of instant messaging, e-mail, Facebook and text messaging.

The point is to answer the question, “What are you doing?” Then your friends or “followers” can respond, and you can see their responses.

Twitter is similar to a Facebook status update, but on Facebook your friends are able to comment on your status and on Twitter your “followers” are able to respond to your Tweet. You can find people on Twitter by typing in their full name or their e-mail address.

“I only follow about five or six people from DHS on Twitter,” Rieker said.

“I still haven’t found the friend who suggested it to me.”

Many people who have Twitter accounts use them to stay up-to-date on athletes or celebrities. “I Tweet about Modern Warfare 2 and to Chad Johnson,” junior Matt Muchmore said.

Junior Taylor Garcia also opened a Twitter account to follow a celebrity. “I made one to follow Adam Brody,” she said. “I openly stalk him.”

But that’s not the only Garcia opened a Twitter account. She also used her account for journalistic purposes. “I went to a Michigan Interscholastic Press Association workshop, and they had us make a Twitter so that we could practice writing our leads in 144 characters.”

Many teachers have Twitter accounts including Photojournalism teacher Barry Mergler.

“I had one during the summer for a class I was taking at Michigan State University,” Mergler said. “I deleted about one day after the class because having having a personal Twitter serves no purpose for me.”

Towards the beginning of the school year, Merlger said he did start a Twitter account for the yearbook class which keeps the community and the staff updated on what’s happening for yearbook.

Mergler said these Tweets inform everyone about the deadlines for pages and other important information regarding the yearbook.

“I will Tweet about deadlines but not about what my kids had for dinner,” he said.

Mergler also said he manages the account but sometimes asks students if they have anything for him to post on it.

“Usually no one has anything they want me to post,” he said. “We also follow MIPA, AP Style Book, New York Times and the Lens.”

Black Friday bargains cause anxiety, stress Caitlyn Rize

trends editor

Wading her way through masses of people at Kohl’s department store, sophomore Victoria Pepper checks her watch.

It’s 5 a.m. the day after Thanksgiving and Pepper is standing in front of two women fighting over the one designer dress in each women’s size that is priced at half the original.

Realizing the potential World War on the brink of erupting, Pepper quickly turns around and walks through a line of people toward the dressing room to try on a few tops she picked out.

It’s at this point that Pepper realizes the line she just

waded her way through is actually the line for the dressing room. Pepper trudges back to the racks to hang up her two tops. She’s not willing to wait an hour and a half to try them on.

“You walk in the door and there’s the line,” Pepper said.

“It’s just ridiculous. That and how loud it is.”

Ryan*, a worker at Kohl’s, said the store usually gets around $400,000 more in sales on Black Friday than on a typical sales day. He also said that the store begins preparing weeks in advance and workers have to get to the store at 3 a.m. on Black Friday.

“We’ve been pretty lucky,” Ryan said. “Thankfully we haven’t had any big mishaps in the store.”

Across America, however, not every store is quite so lucky. In 2008, two significant events broke national news,

occurring early on Black Friday. In New York, nearly 2,000 people stampeded through a worker-made chain into a Wal-Mart store, breaking door hinges and trampling over anything and anyone in the way. A 34 year-old temporary worker was pronounced dead after the stampede, and four shoppers were injured.

In California, a shooting broke out in a Toys “R” Us store, resulting in two men being killed.

Pepper says she hasn’t witnessed anything of that savagery, but she has seen a few heated arguments. “I’ve seen two ladies fighting over a coat before,” Pepper said.

“The older lady fell over, and I thought a riot was going to erupt!” *Source agreed to an interview only if The Squall agreed not to use his last name

get involved

Friday, November 13, 2009

Dance marathon replaces the Halloween dance Sarah Molnar

Staff Writer

Instead of a Halloween dance, student council has organized a dance marathon. According to English teacher and student council adviser Debora Marsh, “(The Halloween) dance has always been a problem because kids often rather go trick or treating with their friends or attend Halloween parties. The Halloween dance is small and not as fun as the others we have at school.”

The dance marathon was held Nov. 7 from 8-11 p.m to help raise moneyfor various children’s hospitals.

“The University of Michigan has a group called Dance Marathon, and it is a group that strives to raise both funds and awareness for the children in need of pediatric rehabilitation,” Marsh said. “They provide funds to C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor and Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, to enrich the lives of children.

“The first-mini marathon was held at Mill Creek Middle School and for the past three years students at Mill Creek have worked to raise money for pediatric rehabilitation and have stood on their feet for three hours, engaging in various activities and dances.

“Mill Creek Middle School has started working and raising funds for the organization a few years ago and we are now starting,” Marsh said. “All over the Ann Arbor area schools and organizations help out to raise money.”

The theme for the dance was the ‘80s and students could attend in an ‘80s -themed wardrobe.

According to Marsh, it was a night to remember.

“Well, it’s a dance, and that’s always fun,” she said.

“Then there’s the fact that it is a fundraiser for a really good cause, and that’s another reason to come. Finally, everyone loves to dance to ‘80s music.”

Tickets were $5 pre-sale and $10 at the door. “Spread the word,” Marsh said. “It’s a good time for a good cause.”

District library offers teens unique programs Connie Yam

Staff Writer

The Dexter District Library allows the public to check out books, magazines and use computers. But it also provides programs that all can get involved in. These include Wii games and arts-n-crafts.

Julie Darling is the Young Adult Services Librarian at the Dexter District Library.

She plans, organizes and implements all the programs.

She also selects all the young adult books for the young adult book room.

“Last month I had an all-ages program, where people could come try and beat U.S. expert chess player, Rey Santiago, who played up to 12 people at once in chess. We had people ages from 8-60 play him, and no one beat him,” Darling said.

“Some of our programs are just for fun and to give teens an excuse to hang out at the library and maybe check out some of the materials on their way out, like our movie nights or our Aikido Workshop where you can try out martial arts,” she said.

Programs like these are also designed to send the message, according to Darling, that the library hopes teens will feel comfortable and welcome.

She also hopes that they will want to come to the library to hang out, do their homework, check out books and other materials and maybe go to some of the programs.

“And some are programs designed to inspire teens to read more like our Chocolate & Books for Teens program and our Summer Reading Program,” Darling said. The programs gives out prizes like gift certificates, Detroit Tigers tickets, iPods and a whole lot more, according to Darling.

Some of these programs are funded through the Friends of the Library Book Sales and some from the Library’s general operating budget. This allows any participant able to join in for free all year around, according to Darling.

“There is a limited amount of space for some of these programs, like Aikido martial arts program (which) is only offering 20 spots. When there are limited spaces we require registration,” Darling said. “I would love to see more DHS students come into the library.”

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Stuff for teens at the Dexter Library Thursday, Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m.

Teen movie and popcorn night. “Spirited Away” will be showing.

Saturday Nov. 21, 1-2 p.m.

Books and chocolate for teens. Brings friends and eat chocolate while discussing literature.

Saturday, Nov. 28, 2-4 p.m.

Rock Band 2 will be open for ages 10 and up.

Key Club makes Mott Dolls for trauma patients Jack Nixon

Staff Writer

Key club is the oldest and largest service program for high school students, an organization dedicated to teaching students leadership and how to help their community and schools. There are 250,000 student members in over 5,000 clubs across 30 nations.

This year, like last year, Dexter’s key club is working with the Children’s Miracle Network to make Mott’s Dolls, where members of key club will sew and stuff dolls to give to trauma patients at Mott’s Children’s Hospital. “It makes me

feel good helping kids getting ready for surgery that might be scared,” freshman Jillian Hook said.

This year senior Thomas Munson has once again organized the campaign. These dolls help the doctors tell how how the kids are cooping with their sicknesses, according to Munson. “Kids draw on them to show how they are feeling,” he said.

The idea of making the dolls was brought up last year by a member in Key Club, Abby Hess.

Now Munson thinks it will be continued each year, because it is for such a good cause. He said he hopes students will make as many of these dolls as possible, helping the

hospital connect with the younger patients.

The dolls are easy to make, Munson said, which is why most high schoolers are able to make so many. “I thought it was a good idea, and it was something I could do,” Hook said.

Students picked up stencils to make an outline for the doll. Then, after students sew two of them together, they flip them inside out and stuff them, leaving them blank so that the kids can draw a face and whatever else they may want on them.

Paciorka said, “It’s worth it knowing that every one that you sew makes a difference.”

4 How many times have you drank alcohol during high school?

Never: 62% 1-5-: 6% 5-20-: 1% More than 20: 11%

the spread

Friday, November 13, 2009

Drug Poll How many times have you smoked marijuana?

Never: 74% 1-5: 7% 5-20: 6% More than 20: 13%

Compared to other schools, where do you think Dexter’s drug and alcohol usage places? Is it at the top of the scale? Or the bottom? Why?

How many times have you used tobacco? (i.e. chewing tobacco, cigarettes, cigars, hookah) Never: 78% 1-5: 5% 5-20: 5% More than 20: 12%

dave lamore staff writer Have you ever used harder drugs such as cocaine, crack, heroin etc.?

Yes: 8% No: 92%

“Toward the top; people aren’t always vocal about it, but I hear at least one person reference drugs or whatever they did over the weekend every day.”

How many people do you know who drink alcohol or use drugs?

I don’t know anyone: 7% 1-10: 30% 10-20: 14% 20-50: 15% More than 50: 34%

“While we are not as bad as some poverty stricken and inner city schools, drug and alcohol is very prevalent and widespread.”

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the spread

Friday, November 13, 2009

is dexter

OVER THE EDGE? ny other a n a th se u g ru d re o m o say we have n e m so , e g ra ve a issue. l a e n th o ti re a n lo e xp e th to ve s o n b a m y lu a w co analysis and r’s drug use is s, te y x e e rv D su w o ts n sh s se ie re d p u ll st a u e q m S So ne? Here The o d e b re o m n ca , m le b school. If there is a pro

Drug dogs won't solve problem An analysis by Emily Van Dusen copy editor

DCRUD members had a booth at Dexter Daze. The organization was also represented in the Homecoming parade by cheerleaders wearing DCRUD shirts.

Photo courtesy of ewashtenaw.org

DCRUD can make a difference an analysis by Lauren Gagneau staff writer The community of Dexter is known for being safe and a great place to raise a family, but with drug dogs roaming the halls, some may get a different impression.

The administration has recently started new efforts to combat drugs and alcohol, such as participating in DCRUD and having police officers and their drug dogs come through the school and parking lots.

There is an impression by some that our school is overly concerned with our image of being a school filled with safe and respectful students; however, is that really a bad thing? The drug dogs are nothing new. They visited twice last year and once this year.

But why does our school need these dogs to visit multiple times when schools over twice the size of ours, such as Ann Arbor Pioneer, have yet to have them?

Pioneer has a much larger drug problem and concern than we do, but

they do not find it necessary to sniff out the victims.

“I do not understand why administrators found it necessary to bring drug dogs into the school,” senior Sara Douglass said. “Obviously, there are some people who do drugs, but it is not a big problem here.”

However, Douglass did say she understands why administrators would want to keep the school as clean from drugs as possible.

Students have been caught with drugs in their possession during the school day and were punished for their actions, but getting caught once will most likely not stop them from bringing drugs back onto school property.

The drug dogs come with good intentions, but it will take some time to see if they made an impact.

Not only is the school concerned with drugs but also underaged drinking.

During the Homecoming parade, instead of wearing their uniforms, the varsity cheerleaders wore DCRUD shirts. The Dexter Coalition to Reduce

Underage Drinking is a Washtenaw County-based organization and sought out the cheerleaders to promote their cause.

Cheerleading captain Megan Westphal said her squad was chosen to promote DCRUD because “cheerleaders could help with the promotion of a brand new program. They saw cheerleaders as a way to get to word out and have us promote their cause.”

DCRUD was not something that was advertised very well throughout the school, however. “This was not a very effective effort, seeing that nobody even knew about it,” Douglass said.

In order to be more effective, there should have been an effort to alert the student body, explaining how DCRUD plans to make a difference in our school.

Dexter wants to be a safe, clean school. The efforts made as of yet to seem to be making a noticeable difference, but things could change.

But ultimately, it is the students who have to change their behaviors and make safer decisions.

When a parent sends their child to school, it’s not only with the expectation that they will come home with more knowledge; it is also with the expectation that they will be kept safe during the day so that they make it home at all.

As a way of accepting this responsibility, public school administrators have carried out detailed plans for weathering natural disasters and for closing off the building to intruders.

More recently, efforts have been made to control an aspect of student life that can destruct from within the school walls: drugs.

However, in this case, school officials must tread more carefully in terms of student rights as they attempt to blur the lines of student privacy in their use of drug detection methods like drug sniffing.

“It’s a safety issue,” Principal Kit Moran said. “We want to create a safe environment but not a prison.” Although Moran said that Dexter’s drug problem is no worse than those

at other schools, he acknowledges that drug use is a reality in a small town where people often complain of having nothing to do.

“It would be foolish to think that there aren’t drugs in this building at any given time,” Moran said. “The drug dogs probably will be back this year.”

Life management education teacher Shirley Bitters is similarly realistic about Dexter’s drug activity. “Based on feedback from my students, it’s an issue,” Bitters said. As for the best way to combat that problem, Bitters sees the drug dogs as being only part of what could be a more complete solution.

“It’s one tool in the tool box,” Bitters said. “I think we need a systematic intervention process built into our school procedures.”

It’s true that drug dogs are a step towards discipline, but are they really effective? When they came before, nothing really happened; the administration, after cornering students without even notifying their parents, failed to make any sort of progress towards the decline of drug use.

It seems largely like a way to assure parents

that the problem is being addressed, but at the same time, parents are being held at arms length when the administration goes straight for the student for a confrontation.

If drug dogs were used purely as a detection process, from which consequences and solutions could arise, change in the drug use level would be more likely.

After all, having only the detection aspect of such a complicated issue only tells the perpetrators that the administration is aware of their activities, and let’s face it: few people are going to deny the presence of drugs in our school; drug users even depend on that knowledge to distribute and acquire their stuff. Just the announcement that drug dogs are coming isn’t going to scare someone into parting with their pot; they will simply wait and do only what they are forced to.

By not following the drug dogs with more aggressive motivation (arrests, MIPs, required therapy) to change their habits, the administration is simply pretending like they are solving the problem, even though they are only proving that it’s there.

Drunk driving and MIP statistics in Michigan Thomas Griffith

staff writer

•In 2008, of 980 fatal motor vehicles accidents, 29 percent or 284 deaths were alcohol-related.

•MIPs, in some cases, result in suspension from school. This may even affect the college application process.

•A minor can receive an MIP for alcohol, marijuana or any form of tobacco

•If a student is caught at a school event with drugs or alcohol, including football games, dances and basketball games, they will be Breathalyzed and will be written a ticket from an officer if under the influence or in possession.

•A minor in possession is a misdemeanor that also comes with a fine ranging from $100- $500. Along with the fine usually comes community service and a required course.

•A minor can receive jail time for an MIP

•Receiving an MIP at school or a school event will result in a suspension up to possibly 10 days and the option to reduce the suspension given if the student agrees to get screened for addiction problems.

dexter drug use dexter drug use is NOT IS over the edge over the edge Joel Gowen

staff writer

Dexter has officially crossed the line.

Throughout recent years, DHS has risen to the top of the drug problems in the area. Drugs and alcohol are being sold in school and in our community which has taken the issue too far.

A prime example of how Dexter is over the edge with drug problems is that we have had drug dogs come search our school. Last year, the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s office conducted a drug dog sweep through the high school and the student parking lot.

Principal Kit Moran said drug dogs were necessary after administrators found drug paraphernalia and makeshift pipes throughout the school. Moran also said that this year, the drug dogs will return.

Although students may think it is a hassle to have drug dogs come into the school, it’s a necessity to reduce the drug problem and also to protect the students who don’t associate with these illegal drugs. Other high schools in the surrounding area also participate in occasional drug dog searches including Milan, Manchester, Saline and Chelsea.

Moran said, “I respect the rights of the students and don’t want to create chaos, but I want people to stay safe, so I find the drug searches are necessary.”

So, the man in charge thinks that there is a problem, but what about the kids themselves?

Sophomore Jay Lewis said, “Drugs have noticeably gone too far in the high school. I see people with these shenanigans every day, and it’s not safe.”

We need to put a stop to this madness that teens think is just high school life and get the message across that drugs are bad. In the words of Lewis, “It needs to stop.”

Nic Miller

news editor

Having been a student here for quite some time, I know what goes down in the halls.

I can say my personal experience has not been one plagued with drugs; however for some this is not the case. But it would be stupid to believe every school doesn’t have at least a few drug users.

It is also well know that illicit drugs, as well as prescription drugs continue to be the be used and readily available in the United States and tend to be considerably more popular among high school students.

As a student, you may wonder where Dexter lies; are we somewhere comparable to a Christian Montessori or have we plummeted to the level of Detroit Public Schools?

Because I have not polled or visited other high school to comply statistics and quantitative data I will evaluate our “drugieness” from personal experience.

It is evident that students at the high school carry and use drugs; I am not going to deny that.

Although I do not know how many students use drugs, I do not believe that just because drugs are at present at the high school, Dexter has a drug problem.

Nearly every high school in the nation has to deal with students and drugs. I genuinely believe students feel safe and do not feel pressured to buy and use drugs at school; I know I feel this way.

I think the drug dogs started the labeling, of DHS as a drug school, but whatever it is that is imparting a harmful image to DHS, the truth is that we are no different than any other small-town high school. Yes, we have had our incidents, but we are in no way out of control.

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Friday, November 13, 2009

Review: 'Back to Reality' a hit

Nicole Minzey

staff writer

The Drama Club’s production of “Back to Reality” was unlike anything I have ever seen them do. It was really nice to see a play that was set in modern times.

It was also very impressive that this play was co-written by former DHS student Dave Cooper and media teacher Matt Martello. I can only imagine how much work it must take to write the entire script from scratch. It was really well put on and ran very smoothly.

While the plot was well thought out, I thought it was a little slow at parts. It took a while to get from one part of the story to another.

I found the scenes about the reality show “Living the Dream” particularly funny. It was amusing to watch the actors take on their own version of “Big Brother”.

The script really did a good job of playing up just how ridiculous reality shows like this really are. Like the challenge

where they can’t pick up their hands. What does that even prove?

I also think the people behind the scenes did a good job making sure everything went according to plan.

The play ran very smoothly and the scene changes were quick.

I also really liked how they played video between the scenes so you never just had to sit and wait. It was a very creative idea, I’ve never seen that done before.

The play had a good mix of pre-recorded stuff and live scenes.

The video segments were all really clever. I particularly liked the commercials. Mocking real life commercials was really entertaining.

The acting in the play was impressive. I really liked how every character had their own unique personality, no matter how small the part was.

I could identify with all of the characters very easily. I noticed some of the characters had resemblance to people from Dexter.

Juniors Alex Sloan, Corey Bowen, and Ruby Gramatico gave especially outstanding performances. I was very impressed.

The play was entertaining, original and a great way to spend a night.

Top Albums of 2009 “The Blue Print III” -Jay-Z This is another solid album put out by one of the greatest emcees of all time. A lot like the last two “Blue Print” albums, Jay-Z is bringing back his pompous, arrogant hip hop by rapping about what else, himself. That being said, this is a Jay-Z album and his brilliant lyrics never disappoint. There are a few things on the album which are not up to par for the course with Jay-Z, mainly the poor hooks. The album is middle-of-the-road, which is unusual for this American gangster who has released and produced countless musical genius. With features by Drake, J.Cole, Kid Cudi and Mr. Hudson, along with killer synthesized beats, this soon-to-be 40 rapper is staying forever young to end the Blueprint trilogy.

“The Empyrean” -John Frusciante You may not know who this is by name, but if I mention he’s the guitarist for The Red Hot Chili Peppers, that may ring a bell.

Frusciante has come out with nine previous solo albums which have had moderate success but nothing comparable to the Chili’s. His new album “The Empyrean” is again less of the red hot funk Chilis fans are used to, but delivers melodic guitar riffs along with smooth vocals. It features a gospel choir, a string quartet, Johnny Marr and the Chili Pepper’s bassist, Flea. Anyone who enjoys the Chilis should check this out. It’s a nice change of pace with a beautifully tragic tale of Frusciante’s struggle with heroin and the hell it brought him.

“21st Century Breakdown” -Green Day The wild punk sound that brought Green Day success during the ‘90s has been slowly fading away since the turn of the millennium, and with the release of “21st Century Breakdown” the band has completely abandoned their roots. The bands new songs come across as classic-rock ballads that inevitably all sound the same.

The music is not bad, but the band is blown up by the media and singles like “21 Guns” and “Know your Enemy” are over-played until you don’t want to hear them anymore. It won’t be long before the music of the once-rebellious punks are filling the classic rock air waves.

Photo by Claire Berger

Juniors Ruby Gramatico and Alex Sloan starred as Brent and Kelly in the production “Back to Reality”. Reviewer Nicole Minzey found the play funny and entertaining.

Dan Flowers

entertainment editor

“Bright Side of Life” -Rebelution Since there first album “Courage to Grow” came out in June 2007, Rebelution has been climbing the charts. This Cali-Reggae group based out of Santa Barbara, established themselves with the release of their second album “Bright Side of Life”. Smooth flowing reggae beats hypnotize the mind and bring a sense of optimism, which defines the message of the band. Accompanied by steady and hazy guitar riffs, the band blends oldschool dub reggae with slow synthesized ska, breaking out from normal genres. This album is full of optimistic and up-beat tracks like “Bright Side of Life” and “Lazy Afternoon” that embrace the lightheartedness of life. If you haven’t heard this yet, it’s definitely worth listening to.

“Burn After Rolling” -Wiz Khalifa The prince of Pittsburgh dropped his seventh mix tape since 2006 with anticipation for his next album “Deal or No Deal” to come out soon. Khalifa is an up-and-coming rapper whose unique sound and stellar beats keep speakers bumping, even though he hasn’t quite hit mainstream. After singles “B.A.R.”, “The Thrill” and “When you Find” were released in October, they garnered more than 15,000 listens and 1,000 downloads in less than 24 hours, and it’s easy to see why. Young Khalifa delivers, giving listeners a full array of tracks with fresh remixes renewed style. “B.A.R.” is one of Wiz’s best mix tapes out and there is only better to come.

“Relapse” -Eminem After a brief step out of the rap game for some personal issues, Marshall Mathers is back bringing more pain, hate and truth with his incredible rhymes and explicit lyrics. “Relapse,” produced by Dr. Dre, is one of, if not the coldest album Mathers has done. Spitting about the truth behind his break from the game, the struggle of dealing with prescription pills and his hatred for what he has done with himself, “Relapse” tells all. Anticipation for this to drop on May 17 started after the single “Beautiful” and “Crack a Bottle” hit the air waves last spring. “Relapse” is sure to stir up controversy, but we’ve grown to expect that from the king of controversy himself.

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Friday, November 13, 2009

Staff Playlist “Semi Charmed Life” by Third Eye Blind “Because no one’s life is perfect, and Third Eye Blind is the best band from the ‘90s.”

Kaitlyn Shepard Features editor “Manifest Destiny” by Guster “Guster is a sweet band that I’ve heard of and you haven’t.”

Lisa Crompton Advertising manager

“The Times” by Verbal and the Kickdrums “It makes me appreciate the sunshine.”

Alex Dobbs Get involved editor

“3” by Britney Spears “Britney can do no wrong in my eyes. The more the merrier.”

Morgan Quist Staff writer

“Believe the Lie” by Umphrey’s McGee “Umphrey’s is a sweet jam band that is awesome live. I would know.”

Max Berry News editor

“All the Right Moves” by OneRepublic “It’s a catchy tune, and the lyrics have truth that we can relate to.”

Megan Kim Staff writer Photos by Ross Chamberlain

Dexter students in ‘Nutcracker’ Dan Flowers

entertainment editor

Ma ny hig h school g uys spend t heir Sundays in t he fa l l on t he couch watching footba l l a nd procra st inat ing homework , but for senior Aust in Su l liva n his Sunday consist s of a n a l l day rehea rsa l of choreography, r un-t hroug hs a nd cr it ic s.

Su l liva n a nd 10 ot her Dex ter st udent s have been rehea rsing a nd prepa r ing for t he Yout h Da nce Theat re of Michiga n’s presentat ion of “ The Nutcracker Ba l let,” which w i l l be show ing Dec. 5-7 at Chelsea Photo by Lindsey Gagneau Hig h School’s Per for ming A r t s Junior Ben Wilson rehearses for a scene in The Nutcracker. This version of the holiday classic C omplex. will debut on Dec. 5 at the Chelsea High School Performing Arts Complex.

Su l liva n wa s f irst int roduced in t he produc t ion when his sister bec a me involved t hree yea rs ago. A f ter work ing t he da nces a nd get t ing a feel for t he spot lig ht. “ There behind t he scenes for t he la st t wo produc t ions, he w i l l is a lot to remember,” he sa id, “a nd since one of t he f ina l ly be stepping out on stage a s a da ncer t his yea r. g uys major pa r t s involves lif t ing, t iming is ver y “I helped out back stage for t he la st couple yea rs,” impor ta nt.”

A lso appea r ing in t he ba l let w it h Su l liva n a re he sa id. “It wa s rea l ly f un, a nd t he g irl-to -g uy rat io doesn’t hur t. A f ter la st yea r, t he da ncers told me t hey junior Ben Wi lson a nd his brot her Nat ha niel, a t houg ht I wou ld be good at it, so I decided to g ive a f reshmen. The brot hers have been in t he produc t ion for f ive yea rs a nd live for t he t hr i l l of opening nig ht t r y.”

Since ma k ing t he t ra nsit ion f rom crew to c a st- per for ma nces . “I’ve been doing it (da ncing) for so member. Su l liva n ha s been work ing over t ime lea r ning long,” sa id Ben, “t he idea of not being in it ha s never even crossed my mind.”

Embracing t he cha l lenges t hat da nce br ings, Ben sa id he is consta nt ly work ing on f i x ing sma l l problems to improve his qua lit y a nd st yle. “L i ke my head,” he sa id. “It’s ha rd to k now where to focus it a l l t he t ime.

Ever yone ha s t hese lit t le t hings t hey work on.”

O f course t here a re ot her ma les in t he ba l let, but t here a re on ly a couple ot her hig h-school-aged g uys in produc t ion who a re not f rom Dex ter, accord ing to Ben. “ There a re lit t le k id s a nd older g uys,” he sa id.

“But we ma ke up a signif ic a nt propor t ions of t he g uys in t he produc t ion.”

The c a st ha s been lea r ning t he choreography a nd rehea rsing for t he ba l let since September, a nd t hey st i l l spend a lot of t ime per fec t ing t he t iming of t heir movement s t hroug h repet it ion a f ter repet it ion, accord ing to Ben. “Da ncing is f ind ing t he combinat ion of st reng t h a nd cont rol a long w it h a r t ist ic movement s,” Ben sa id. “It’s somet hing specia l to ma ke t he lif t ing look a lmost ef for t less.”

The mont hs of prepa rat ion have been v igorous a nd t ime consuming. Spend ing a ny where f rom si x to eig ht hours r unning t hroug h t he lif t ing movement s, k inest het ic st retches a nd da ncing, t he c a st is put t hroug h a n intense workout ever y t ime t hey set foot Photo by Lindsey Gagneau on stage. “ There is def initely more exercise involved Senior Austin Sullivan works to perfect his performance for The Nutt ha n people t hin k ,” Su l liva n sa id. “A nd I li ke lif t ing cracker. Sullivan began working behind the scenes with The Youth Dance Theatre of Michigan before taking on a performance role this g irls rat her t ha n weig ht s.” year.

8

health

Friday, November 13, 2009

Stress builds as final exams approach

Deanna Moore

Staff Writer

For senior Aileen Wroth* finals are especially stressful. She said studying is not easy to manage, particularly for students who, like herself, are in advanced classes or who are busy with non-academic responsibilities.

Wroth, who already has stomach and anxiety issues, said, “I’m really busy day-to-day with music and AP classes, not to mention the clubs I’m a part of, so finals are just overwhelming.”

And with the implementation of trimesters, there are five more finals per year than under a semester system. Wroth said, “Trimesters have just made finals exponentially more stressful—now there are more finals, more things you have to know.”

According to counselor Kristie Doyle, stress-related incidents occur much more frequently around finals. “There are more kids with anxiety, more panic attacks and more illnesses, which also adds to the stress,” she said.

The biggest challenge, Doyle said, is that students, especially underclassmen, just don’t know how to study anymore. “It’s important not to cram,” she said. “Start studying in small increments a few weeks before finals. That way you will retain the information, and that lowers anxiety because students feel like they know it.”

Wroth said that her preferred way to study is to reread or rewrite her notes. “I try to recreate discussions in my head,” she said.

Another often overlooked way to study is the before or after-school study sessions offered by some teachers. “Take advantage of these,” Doyle said, adding that teachers will often give hints as to what will be on the final during such sessions.

As for managing stress, Doyle suggests deep breathing right before the test, while Wroth takes a different approach. “To deal, I read, play video games, or go outside—I’ll walk around, or go roller blading,” she said.

However, Wroth’s efforts sometimes just don’t work. “One time,” she said, “I was so frustrated with finals and everything I had to get done that I started throwing things; I tore everything off my shelves.”

But she didn’t keep this up long: “Once I was done throwing things, I got sick, but then I just promptly went and finished my homework.”

For this year’s finals, Wroth faces the added problem of starting a new anxiety medication.

She said, “I can only pray it will work during finals.” *source agreed to talk to The Squall only if her name was changed

Healthy choices for the holidays Coleen Hiil

Co-Health Editor

The holiday season is on its way and everyone is looking forward to stuffing their faces with their favorite foods. However, sometimes those choices aren’t always healthy. This holiday season try eating some healthier choices. Here are some examples to get you started.

Good: Apple turnover sundae

Bad: Hot fudge sundae

You’ve just eaten the big Thanksgiving meal and now dessert is on the way. If you’re reaching your hand towards a delicious hot fudge sundae with 300 calories per serving, stop yourself. Try eating an apple turnover sundae filled with yogurt, apples, grape-nuts and cinnamon.

Bad: Mashed potatoes

Good: Sweet potatoes

Nothing goes better with gravy doused turkey than mashed potatoes. But mashed potatoes are full of butter and milk. Instead of having a heart attack with every bite, try having fresh sweet potatoes, without the brown sugar. Sweet potatoes provide an excellent source of Vitamin C and potassium and are only 140 calories per serving.

Bad: Sugar cookies

Good: Apples

Thanksgiving is when the sugary holiday cookies start coming out and people can be so tempted to take 20 of them. Save your body from the 130 calorie snack with 40 from fat.

Eat an apple and help your sweet tooth. It’s a great nutritional snack. Just remember an apple a day can keep the doctor away.

Good: Green beans

Bad: Yams with added sugar and butter

During Thanksgiving people tend to take huge helpings of their favorite dish, whether it be stuffing or yams. This year try putting a little less of the heavy calorie foods on the plate and reach for those healthy delicious green beans. Green beans provide an excellent source of Vitamin A, C and K. They also are full of iron and calcium.

Photos from: bfeedme.com, sweetsensations.net, thistensweightlossplans.files.wordpress.com, blogchef.net, tasteofhome.com, zedomax.com, find.myrecipes.com, zeek.net; used with permission