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October 26,2007 - Volume I - Issue 2 - Dexter High School - 2200 N.Parker Road - Dexter,MI 48130

The Rostrum‘07 If you’re 18, this November you can participate in the Nov. 6 election. Here’s some practice. Remember to vote for one in each category, and fill in your choice completely and carefully.

Presidential Elections Spread: Everything you need to know about voting - how to register, candidate profiles, two seniors support Obama.

Page 5 Page 4 Calendar - Page 8 Trends - Page 2 Urban Dress Texting

Get Involved - Page 3 Locks of Love Key Club

Puzzle - Page 6 Sports Crossword Where in the School?

uUUUUUUUPage 7 Halloween 5 x 5 Teacher Pumpkins

Parent-Teacher Conferences Turkey Break

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Friday, October 26, 2007

The Rostrum

Urban styles hits home Allison Sutter Staff Writer

"What's up?"

Sophomore Vanya Kapusansky says he wears clothing in a more urban style because that's the style he likes.

trends

In the small suburban town of Dexter, a new trend has emerged. This urban trend involves baggy pants, long tees, occasionally bling and a gangsta nickname.

So you may ask yourself, who is into these trends and why?

“I’m a gangsta, and I’m a hustla,” sophomore Dom D’Onofrio said. “I was born and raised in Pittsburgh.”

D’Onofrio, who moved to Dexter five years ago says he refuses to answer to anything other then “Dem Franchise”.

While this city trend of dress and beliefs becomes more common in Dexter, it seems that the daily life of these people remains the same as other students lives.

“I wake

up, drink some Kool-aid, eat some Poptarts, make some money ... shoot people, you know,” D’Onofrio joked.

Kapusansky’s day also seems to be similar to other Dexter students. “I go home,” Kapusansky said. “I myspace. Go chill. That’s all I do.”

These students, along with others, have adopted this new way of dressing. But they face some opposition from people who don’t believe there are “gangstas” in Dexter.

“If you have to pass a tractor on the way home, there’s no ghetto,” science teacher Beau Kimmey said. “There are no gangsters in Dexter.”

Even though these students face opposition from others, they continue to stand up for the way they dress and act. “Someone said that I was a wankster,” Kapusansky said.

“But I wear what I want to wear, I do what I want and I don’t care what people think.”

Though many of these urban dressers agree to go to stores such as Man Alive and Puffer Red’s to shop for clothes and bling, they also said they like to go to average clothing shops.

“I go to the mall. JC Penny, Lids and Man Alive,” Kapusansky said. “I bought a silver chain for $160 and a giant $40 earring.”

D’Onofrio, who goes to TJ Maxx, Marshall’s and Stefan Elslager said he sold all his bling for over 200 grand.

Living in Dexter can make life hard for those who chose to dress in a more urban way.

“It’s different being a gangsta in Dexter,” sophomore Ed Bostic said. “There ain’t nothing to do.”

Squall Staff Playlist

1. “Into the Ocean” - Blue October, Nora Green, staff writer “It’s upbeat for a song about suicide.”

Dem Franchise: Sophomore Dom D'Onofrio says even though he prefers an urban style of dress, he’s the same as any other student.

2. “Cupid Shuffle” - Cupid, Michelle Chirby, copy editor “It’s the new cha-cha slide.”

3. “Freedom” - Soullive, Scott Crompton, managing editor “Great to listen to at any time.” photos by Leah Gibson photo illustration by Candice Wiesner

y call ppl anymore when you can txt?

Texting becomes this generation's alternative to making a phone call Shantal Darotony staff writer

Back in his parents’ day, people would pick up a phone to get ahold of someone, but for senior Bret Marsh that’s too complicated. Instead he uses text messaging.

“It’s the new way to get a hold of someone during a tough situation or when you really just don’t want to talk to the person,” Marsh said. “If I need important information, then I call, but if it’s something that can wait, then I’ll just text the person I’m asking.”

Though some students like freshman Diana Freij still text instead of calling, even if they do need information fast.

“I don’t like the sound of my voice on the phone, so I usually just text everyone,” Freij

said.

Both Marsh and Freij agree, however, that they only usually call two people, their mother and father. Even though they usually call their parents, each said they still text them too because their parents have the basic technique down.

Bret’s parents, Valerie and Jay Marsh, each said they like texting and think it’s a great tool.

“It’s great and helps me communicate with Bret,” Valorie said. “It is really helpful when I need to remind him of an appointment or of any changes in his schedule. I like text messaging because it’s not as disturbing as calling someone.”

Jay Marsh, on the other hand, is not so into text messaging. “I think it’s a good tool for kids,

but none of my coworkers or friends have it so I have to call them,” he said.

Although he doesn’t know how to text, he doesn’t really mind.

In fact, he said even if he did know how, he probably wouldn’t use it.

“I would only text Valorie and Bret, but I would probably hunt and peck the keys like I do on the computer,” he said.

And while they both say they know texting is the new fashion, neither of them like how much their son texts.

“It bothers me especially when I’m trying to talk to him and waiting for an answer from him,” Valorie said.

Or as his dad says, “He never can focus, and he is always clicking. It makes me want to break his phone in half.”

4. “155” - +44, Sarah Akbarifard, staff writer “One of +44s more upbeat songs.”

5. “N.Y. State of Mind” -Nas, Ryan Aliapoulios, arts editor “Poetic lyrics, claustrophobic soundscape. One of Nas’ best songs.”

The Rostrum

get involved

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Friday, October 26, 2007

Students lend a hand for charity Kaitlyn Shepard staff writer

Illustration by Marcia Grace

Chopping it off for a cause

Viola donates to Locks of Love in honor of aunt Maria Brundage graphics/copy editor

• Viola

time,” Kukkamaa said. “I also think people choose to donate because it’s a different way of giving; it’s giving of yourself.”

Senior Rachel Viola has a lot less weight on her Viola agrees. “It’s always a good feeling when shoulders these days. And on her head. you know you’re helping someone in need,” she Over the summer, Viola donated 14 inches of said. “Even if you’re not there in person, you still hair to Locks of Love, a nonprofit organization that have that feeling.” provides hair pieces for underprivileged children And that feeling isn’t unique to Viola. Jessica with long-term hair loss. “I cut it off at the end of Clark, a hair stylist at Monica’s Salon in Dexter, eighth grade, and it took me three, four years to said about 20 customers come grow it out,” she said. “I almost in per year to donate hair, and didn’t get a haircut in high another 20 customers donate school.”

It’s always a good when asked. “If the hair is long Viola said she donated hair enough, and they want it cut feeling when once before, in eighth grade. that short, we do ask,” Clark “I just grew it out,” she said, “I you know you’re said. “Some people just don’t didn’t hear of Locks of Love until helping someone think about it.” my hair was down to my butt. in need” Once the hair is cut, My cousins were talking about it Monica’s or the customer will because they also had really long - Rachel Viola, mail it to Locks of Love, Clark hair.” senior said. According to a recent When her long hair became an New York Times article, Locks annoyance, Viola decided it was of Love ends up receiving an time to donate. “It takes so much estimated 2000 of these donations per week. shampoo to wash,” she said. “The shampoo would These 2000 donations have a direct impact on disappear in two weeks. I would have to get a new hair piece recipients. Kukkamaa said hair pieces bottle every month.” enable them return to normal, everyday activities And Viola said there is also a personal side. “My like school and sports. aunt has cancer,” Viola said. “I did it for her, too.”

“One of our recipients was able to cheerlead Lauren Kukkamaa, Communications Director throughout an entire football game in the rain for Locks of Love, said this is a typical story. “I without having to worry about her hairpiece falling think many people donate because they have had off,” Kukkamaa said. some personal experience or know someone who Even though Viola’s head is lighter, she feels like has gone through medical hair loss,” she said.

High school students can also get something she’s gained something. “My aunt has given me so out of giving, she added. “Locks of Love is unique much,” she said, “and doing Locks of Love is sort of because you can donate hair, money or just your like a pay back, you could say.”

“

A cold breeze sweeps through the room while the welcoming doors of the Salvation Army open and close as the hungry Ann Arbor citizens enter and exit.

Standing behind the counter, senior Gina Steffey looks down at the pot of chicken noodle soup in front of her as she fills bowl after bowl full of soup. And even though it’s a school night, and she still has math homework and a test to study for, she is happy just to know she helped.

“Volunteering really makes you feel like you did something good for someone else,” Steffey said. “You feel like you really made a difference.”

Club adviser Amy Raus and Steffey, along with other students from Key Club, spend some of their time after school working at local soup kitchens as one of their weekly projects. Members of Key Club work on a lot of different projects in the community. These projects have to do with what the members are passionate about, Raus said.

“Members are really able to do what they want and help out with things that they’re passionate about,” Raus said. “One year we had a group of girls who were really passionate about animals so they went and volunteered at an animal shelter and helped out there.”

Since Key Club is a community service-based club that encourages its members to volunteer, the club has done several projects in past years that have greatly affected the community, according to Raus.

“We really show people that we have a great student body,” Raus said. “We do care and want to make a difference, and I think that really shows.”

These projects include Dollars for Darfur, Ann Arbor Walk for Kids and bingo at Mott’s Children Hospital.

There are many reasons students join Key Club ranging from how it looks on college applications to family tradition. However, Steffey said the major reason she joined was because of how performing community service makes her feel.

“The volunteering is really eye-opening,” she said. “It gives you a feeling of accomplishment, like you really made a difference in someone’s life.”

All of the volunteering has not only affected the community, but has given the student volunteers life lessons that will follow them through life, according to Raus.

“We are a very fortunate community,” she said. “It’s a real eye-opener for the students, and it makes them appreciate what they have a little bit more.”

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Friday, October 26, 2007

the spread

Three Democratic hopefuls

Hillary Clinton Birthday: Oct. 26, 1947 Chicago, IL. Current Job: Senator from New York Family: Married to former President Bill Clinton. Daughter Chelsea Platforms Abortion: Supports abortion rights Immigration: Supports the building of a 700-mile fence along the Mexican border Iraq War: Supports de-authorizing the war. Opposed the Bush plan to increase number of troops in Iraq. Supports a cap on the number of American troops in Iraq.

Same-sex marriage: Opposes same-sex marriage but believes it should be up to the states to decide. Opposes a Constitutional amendment to ban same sex marriage.

Taxes: Opposes the Bush tax cuts. Also opposes extending the tax cuts through 2010.

Barack Obama Birthday: Aug 4, 1961 Honolulu, Hawaii Current Job: Senator from Illinois Family: Married to Michelle Robinson, Children: Natasha and Malia Ann Abortion: Supports abortion rights Immigration: Supports the building of a 700-mile fence along the Mexican border Iraq War: Opposed the use of the military in Iraq Opposed sending additional troops to Iraq Same-sex marriage: Opposes same sex marriage but does not support a Constitutional amendment. Supports civil unions Taxes: Oppose Bush’s tax cuts.

John Edwards Birthday: June 10, 1953 Family: Married to Elizabeth Anania. Children: Jack, Emma Claire, Catharine, Wade Abortion: Supports abortion rights Immigration: Believes the border should have tighter security. Supports a system to help some illegal citizens to get legal status and citizenship Iraq War: Says voting to use military force in Iraq was a mistake. Opposes sending more troops to Iraq.

Same-sex marriage: Opposes same sex marriage and a Constitutional Amendment to ban same-sex marriages Taxes: Opposes Bush’s tax cuts

The Rostrum

The Rostrum Ask a Republican

Ask a Democrat Q: Why would you vote Democratic?

A: “Because there are fewer people who want to invade other countries and believe that torture is a good tool also they don’t bring things like abortion and gay marriage into the picture.”

Q: Whose Your favorite Democrat?

A: “Dennis Kucinich because he believes in most of the stuff I do and to me he makes up the least amount of stuff.”

Q: What do you think of the Democratic candidates?

A: “Kucinich and Gravel are good, but I’ m a little disappointed with

Q: Why would you vote Republican?

A: “I am pro-life and believe Republicans have a better stance on illegal immigration and foreign policy. I also agree more with Republicans values and fiscal policy”.

the others because Gravel is different from all other candidates, and as said Kucinich believes in he things I do.”

Q: Which Democrat do you think will win the 2008 election?

A: “Hillary Clinton because people are tired of Republicans and because she was a senator and has experience."

• Anderson

Q: What do you think of the Republican candidates?

A: “As I said before I haven’t had time to look them over but what I’ve heard they sound pretty good.”

Q: Which Republican do think will win the 2008 election?

A: “John McCain because he has a lot of experience in politics.”

Q: What do you think of the Hillary Clinton’s stand on the voting issues?

A: “I think that she seems to handle the issues, but I don’t think she will follow through."

• Kish

Students canvassing for candidates Alexis Sobczak staff writer

Part of growing up for senior Alex Hess meant developing his own political opinions. And while Hess developed his view of politics, he stumbled across Senator Barack Obama speaking at the Democratic National Convention on TV in 2004.

“What America needs right now is to be united,” Hess said. And he said Obama, one of the candidates running for the Democratic nomination for president, is the man for the job. “He has a world view that others don’t,” Hess said. “His mom is a white woman from Kansas and his dad is Kenyan. He lived in Hawaii when he was young but did most of his schooling in Indonesia.”

Hess’s friend, senior Andrew Monson, shares similar political views and also saw Obama speak for the first time on TV during the Democratic National Convention in 2004. “He really captured the spirit of what America craves, and it seemed like he knew what was wrong with the United States and how to fix it,” Monson said.

Monson said Obama has plans to fix health care and to get our troops our of Iraq which appeals to him. “He wants to create universal health care, and he also wants an immediate withdrawal from the war in Iraq,” Monson said. “He has also proposed bills in Congress that would increase standards to help stop global warming.”

Its not just Obama’s plans that are appealing to his supporters. They also like his attitude towards political parties. “He is less partisan and crosses over divides (between parties),” Hess said. “Obama has tried to unify the country by supporting a bill to remove troops from Iraq and has also taken a stand on abortion.”

Monson and Hess both say Obama’s race may turn some voters away, but that only keeps them more interested. “It’s a good time for America to demonstrate how we’ve gotten past the civil rights injustices,” Monson said.

Q: Who’s your favorite Republican?

A: “Since it is still early I haven’t had the chance to look over the candidates so I don’t know yet.”

Hess agrees and added, “Mitch Albom said on his radio show that America isn’t ready for a black or woman president. I think it is the right time, and I have faith in the country to make the right decision.”

Hess also said people should judge Obama by his actions, not by his race. “He makes ethical decisions, not just by party lines,” Hess said.

When people say that they dislike Obama because of his race or his political party, Monson just shakes his head. “You’ll always get that with people who disagree and won’t listen to what a candidate says and just vote on Democratic or Republican, black or white,” Monson said.

Some citizens have criticized Obama saying that he doesn’t have the experience in Washington to be president. Monson disagrees and said Obama tries to stop corruption in the government. “He’s trying to be a new generation of politics,” he said. “He doesn’t like bickering between parties; he doesn’t want funding from lobbyists and only takes donations from voting supporters.”

Both Hess and Monson are active supporters of their candidate. They even participated in national canvassing day on June 9. “We signed up on his web site, and he sent us materials like buttons and stuff,” Monson said. “We advertised it on Facebook, and about 15 people came. We went around downtown Dexter and to some of the neighborhoods.”

National canvassing day is a day when supporters of various candidates go around their town and try to gain support. They can do this either by going door to door in neighborhoods or by walking through town holding signs and handing out information about their candidate.

Monson thought people might not be welcoming of their open support of Obama. “People in Dexter are more open and accepting than we thought,” Monson said. “We only got one negative reaction, but it was a good experience.”

Both Monson and Hess are behind Obama one hundred percent. Hess said, “If he’s on the ticket (in 2008), then as of now (I will vote for him).”

Q: What do you think of John McCain's stance on the voting issues?

A: “From previously seeing John McCain I agree with most of his previous decisions, but there are some that I don’t agree with.”

the spread

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Friday, October 26, 2007

Three Republican hopefuls Rudy Giuliani

Birthday: May 28, 1944 Current job: Former mayor of NYC. Mayor during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks Family: Married to Judith Nathan. Children: stepdaughter Whitney, Caroline and Andrew Abortion: Supports abortion rights Immigration: Supports helping illegal citizens get legal status. Supports a high tech fence on the Mexican border Iraq War: Supports Bush plan to send additional troops to Iraq. Opposes setting a time table to start pulling troops out Same-sex marriage: Says marriage should be between a man and a woman but supports legal benefits for same-sex couples.

Taxes: Supports Bush tax cuts

Fred Thompson

How to register In order to be eligible to vote, you must be at least 18 at the time of the election, and you have to first register.

You can register to vote at your local county, township or city clerk’s office. You may also register by mail. In order to be eligible to vote, you must register 30 days in advance. If you are a first time voter and you register by mail, you are required to show up in person to vote.

Places to register: Ann Arbor City Clerk Jacqueline Beaudry 100 N. Fifth Ave. Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Dexter Township Clerk Haley B. Rider 6880 Dexter-Pinckney Rd. Dexter, MI 48130 Ann Arbor Township Clerk Rena Basch 3792 Pontiac trail Ann Arbor, MI 48105 Scio Township Clerk Kathleen Knol 827 N. Zeeb Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103 Webster Township Clerk Mary Heller 5665 Webster Church Rd., Dexter, MI 48130 Lima Township Clerk Ariene Bareis 10411 Dexter-Chelsea Rd., Dexter, MI 48130 http://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/clerk_ register/cr_clktwclk.html

Birthday: Aug. 19, 1942 Current job: Former senator, actor, appeared in “Law and Order” Family: Married to Jeri Kehn Thompson Abortion: Opposes abortion rights Immigration: Supports strengthening existing laws to prevent future illegal immigrants. Supports broadening Visa program for skilled worker.

Iraq War: Supports Bush Iraq policy. Voted for use of the military in Iraq but says the military entered with too few troops and the wrong strategy.

Same-sex marriage: Opposes same-sex marriage but says the issue should be left up to the states.

Taxes: Voted for the 2001 Bush tax cuts

John McCain

Birthday: Aug. 29, 1936 Current job: Senator from Arizona Family: Married to Cindy Hensley Abortion: Opposes abortion rights except in some cases, such as rape and to protect the life of the mother.

Immigration: Voted to approve a fence along the Mexican border.

Iraq War: Supported the use of military force in Iraq.

Wanted to send more troops into Iraq.

Same-sex Marriage: Supports marriage between a man and a woman, but says the issue should be left up to the states.

Taxes: Voted against the Bush tax cuts but then supported extending tax cuts through 2010.

Cross Word Clues:

rd

r C

ACROSS 2. Defensive coordinator for Dexter’s football team 5. The girls varsity volleyball coach 8. The Dexter varsity hockey coach 10. Plays varsity soccer and football in the same season 12. The boys varsity basketball coach 13. This sports team won a state championship for Dexter last year 15. Primary method of scoring in football 17. The quarterback for Dexter’s varsity football team 19. Cross country runner who won states for Dexter last year 23. The boys soccer coach 24. Boys cross country coach 25. Dexter’s all time leading passer

ss

W

The Rostrum

puzzle page

DOWN 1. A sport played with a racquet and a yellow ball 3. How many consecutive times has the Dexter cross country team won a state championship?

4. In the last three years the girls golf team has won this many state championships 6. Girls varsity soccer captain 7. A team sport that combines some elements of swimming and basketball 9. The girls golf coach 11. This game was first played in Springfield, Mass.

12. This Dexter sport placed second in states last year 14. The boys golf coach 16. Girls varsity basketball coach 18. A touchdown in rugby 20. A competitive team sport known for its physical roughness 21. Varsity hockey captain 22. The varsity football coach

C. photos by Maria Brundage

B. A.

D.

A. Outside bench B. Water cooler cup dispenser C. DHS bell D. Dead moth outside third floor window

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Friday, October 26, 2007

The Rostrum

5 THINGS TO DO/NOT TO DO ON HALLOWEEN DO

DON’T

1. Dress up like a hooker. Halloween is unique in that it’s the only holiday where all women’s dress code ordinances are waived. However, attempting this on Christmas could be disastrous.

1. Eat way too much candy. This is a fairly common problem on Halloween and could lead to undesired bowel movements the following day.

2. Check your candy before you eat it. Has anyone ever actually found a spiked piece of candy? Live on the edge.

Show your girlfriend how tough you really are.

2. Act immature with friends. Whether it be TP-ing, ding-dong-ditching or even crapping in bags and lighting them on fire, there’s bound to be some activity to tickle your stupid fetish.

3. Stay at home. This will surely lead to passing out candy with your drunk grandma and morally contemplating where your life went wrong.

3. Carve a pumpkin. As childish as it may seem, it can actually be spiced up by carving “Go Away” or even taking a more vulgar route.

4. Drive a golf cart. This singles you out as a loser who doesn’t waste his time walking and makes you fair game for candy projectiles.

4. Have members of the opposite sex in your group.

Nothing screams “loser” like a bunch of guys playing dress up, and a “girl’s night out” always ends in drama.

PUMPKIN CARVINGS

5. Go to Loch Alpine. This is the promise land of candy.

Just be ready to evade police brutality after 8:30.

Principal Kit Moran

Kurt Miller staff writer

Scott Santoro (11)

Whitney Otto (10)

Dan Kedroske (9)

It’s sick!

That s--- is sweet.

I think it’s kind of nasty, to be honest.

I only eat the orange part because it’s the color of my hair.

Frankenstein.

Dracula.

Hard question.

Dracula.

Dracula.

Neither. I’m the best.

I was a really hot chick.

Hmm, probably a pumpkin.

I don’t know.

Tinky Winky my sophomore year. That’s pretty cool.

I don’t dress up.

I just go as myself, and that’s scary enough.

Do you think anyone would give away an iPhone for Halloween?

No.

I hope not. If they do, I want it.

Possibly (junior) Shawn McCargar.

Probably not.

If anyone wants to come to my house, I’m giving iPhones away.

What is the maximum age you should be before you stop trick-or-treating?

43.

I don’t think you should ever stop trick-ortreating.

I probably should have stopped a long time ago.

As long as you wear a costume, people should give you candy.

There’s no maximum age.

Go until you die.

What’s your opinion on candy corn?

I don’t know. I think it’s a choking hazard.

Frankenstein or Dracula?

What’s the craziest thing you’ve dressed up as for Halloween?

Social studies teacher Jim Riethmiller

By Jake Larosa

5X5

Photo Illustrations by Maria Brundage

English teacher Deb Marsh

5. Steal street signs. If you have a dire need for a “3-Way” sign in your room, save it for another holiday.

Chucky

Dean of students Ken Koenig

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Friday, October 26, 2007

Erin Donevan (12)

Parapro Connie Agostini

uPage

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Friday October 26, 2007

Sunday

Monday

The Rostrum

November

Tuesday

Thursday

Wednesday

1

Friday

2 •First Quarter Ends

4

Bad boy for life:

5

18

• In Polish November is called Listopad

• Election Day (See

pages 4-5 of The Rostrum for tips on how to vote)

Sean “Diddy” Combs in born (1969)

11

6

12

• Vocal Music Veteranʼs Day Concert

19

13

7 • Parent/Teacher Conferences • Hockey @ Gabriel Richard

14

21

PPD No School

26

27

• Girls Basketball @ Pinckney

28 • Hockey @ Southgate

• Soccer State Finals • Cross Country State Meet • Swimming SEC Meet

10

• Parent/Teacher Conferences • Volleyball Regionals

• Hockey vs Flint Powers • Volleyball Regionals

16

17

22 Thanksgiving

23

24

29

30

• Parent/Teacher Conferences

15

Fries with that?:

• Swimming State Meet

•No School

• Hockey vs Saline

25

3

9

8

Dave Thomas opens the first Wendyʼs (1969)

20

Saturday

• Girls Basketball @ Albion • Vocal Music Three Men & a Tenor Concert

• Swimming State Meet