The Squall, December 2012 issue

Dexter High School 2200 N. Parker Road Dexter, MI 48130 www.thesquall.com

Dec. 14, 2012. VOL. 18. Issue 3.

2012

Year in review page 8 and 9

The dangers of drunk driving page 5

Index On the web

The Squall Page 2 www.thesquall.com Dec. 14, 2012

4 6 7 8 11 14 16

See the following photo slideshows and more at our website, www.thesquall.com

4 News

Bergen awarded

6 Entertainment

James Bond over the years

7 Sports

Lacrosse coach resigns

8 Center spread

2012 year in review.

11 Interactive Spread 5x5 Santa’s elves Q&A with school rock

14 Get Involved

Weekly activities such as Windbreaker Wednesday.

THE

Squall

16 Photostory

Best holiday decorations.

Cover Photo Credit: Emily Darrow, Nhat V. Meyer, Douliery-Hahn and Multimediaimpre.

Clarification on editorial cartoon from last issue:

Letters to the Editor Policy: The Squall encourages letters to the editors. They can be emailed to dextersquall@gmail.com, dropped off in room 407 or given to staff member of The Squall. Letters over 300 words may be edited for length. All letters may be edited for grammar and unprotected speech. Requests to withhold a writer’s name will be considered by the editorial board.

Contact us at: 2200 N. Parker Road Dexter MI, 48130. (734) 426-4240 Editors-in-Chief Cameron La Fontaine Levi Kipke Head Designer Abby Mesaros Photo Editor Miranda Mors Assistant Photo Katie Vontom Web Editor Teddy Grammatico

Business Manager Erin Lashbrook Illustrator Drew Daugherty Graphics Jordan Romanowski Center Spread Editor Lauren Kimmel News Editor Morgan Van Hoof Feature Editor Aman-Vir Mandair Opinion Editor Erin Lashbrook

Entertainment Editor Dan Edwards Sports Editor Nate Nuttle Get Involved Editor Carolin Schade YOU page Editor Andrea Scheffler Design Team Ben Grover Sydney Swigart Jagger Davis Brandon Otto Guy Burke Staff Writers Aman-Vir Mandair

Editorial cartoons often include elements of personification and hyperbole. Our editorial cartoon last issue was intended to display two stick figures representing the AP and IB programs clashing. The purpose of the cartoon was NOT to display an AP student physically harming an IB student.

ext: 7407. dextersquall@gmail.com

Dan Edwards Kaitlyn Eekoff Luke Hannah Mitch Kimball Lauren Kimmel Tracy Koenn Kenzie Mader Jacob Rich Carolin Schade Andrea Scheffler Zac Sharp Parmeda Sokansaj Morgan Van Hoof Zeke Breuninger Colin Meldrum Scott Rogers Noah Mellifont

Ben Breutsch Photographers Jack Donevan Casey Hansen Kathryn Pisano Haley Quinn Olivia Stagg Bryce Pederson Andrew Milkey Kyle Vandusen Nate Nuttle Aubree Whitley Lindsay Henderson Adviser Rodney Satterthwaite

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.

Memberships:

News

The Squall Page 3 www.thesquall.com Dec. 14, 2012

Students feel pressure of standardized testing Levi Kipke

Co-Editor-in-Chief Freshman Ben Waymann studies in the Learning Lab.

Photo Credit: Jack Donevan

Learning Lab aids students Kaitlyn Eekhoff and Andrea Scheffler Staff Writers

Freshman and sophomore students who are failing classes are encouraged by administrators to attend a program called The Learning Lab, where they can be assisted with homework in a classroom-like atmosphere.

Assistant Principal and head learning lab coordinator Mollie Sharrar said, “It is a program to benefit ninth and 10th grade students who are doing poorly in classes. At the end of each month, we look at students’ grades. Students who are failing one or more classes, especially if this is repeated throughout their grade history, are contacted. We send a letter to their houses and let them know what the program is and strongly recommend they attend.”

Led by Brian Thomas, a substitute teacher, along with National Honors Society tutors, teachers and community members, this program provides aid for struggling students Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Learning Commons.

Thomas said, “There is so much chaos during the school day with six hours, and it is easy for students to get lost. This program gives them an extra hour to get organized, get extra help and get work done that they might have otherwise not done. It provides a great learning environment as well.”

While too early to see any significant progress, Thomas suspects The Learning Lab will turn out to be a success.

“The Learning Lab isn’t a forced environment. It is structured to benefit the students,” he said. “They can listen to music and learn in their own unique way. Students want to come now; we have made academics enjoyable.”

A freshman Learning Lab student, who agreed to be interviewed only if the Squall didn’t use his name, said, “I have caught up with my late reading for English along with being able to finish my homework and some of my missing work.”

And Thomas said the beauty of The Learning Lab is that it provides many opportunities for struggling students to improve their grades as well as improve their organization.

Thomas said, “This program is something I could have used while I was in high school.”

His pencils are sharpened. His desk is empty.

His ACT prep book is underneath his desk, worn out and used often. His feet tap anxiously underneath his desk, until he takes a deep breath. After all, he’s an expert.

He’s already taken it four times.

For senior Ben Garwood, taking the ACT more than once wasn’t a matter of scoring poorly the first time. But taking it more than once did make it easier to improve his score and make him more comfortable doing so.

“I think taking it more than once helped me to improve,” senior Brett Garwood said. “Each time you take it, you become more familiar with it, which makes it easier and less stressful.”

Garwood is only one of the 1.6 million high school students nationwide who take the ACT. And standardized test results have become one of the main parts of a student’s education that college admission offices look at.

Since 1960, students in all 50 states are provided the opportunity to take the ACT. This means that scores from Dexter High School students are set side by side not only with other schools around the state, but also around the country, something counselor Gerry Holmes sees as a positive aspect of standardized tests.

“ACT testing gives us a national view of how our students are doing,” she said. “We’re able to assess our students’ performance over time by comparing our scores to other scores around the country.”

So why has Garwood taken the ACT four other times besides when he took it with the school? The answer is simple. He wants the highest score he can get, so he keeps taking it with the hopes that his scores will improve over time.

“I got used to the test and the types of questions that were asked because I took it more than once,” Garwood said. “This made it easier and helped me improve my scores.”

Garwood, like many other high school students planning to go to college, strives for the best score he can get because of how important this single test is to his future.

Colleges tend to look at three things when they’re considering admitting students, according to Holmes: their academic record (GPA, transcript and class rank), their extracurriculars, and finally, their ACT or SAT score.

This means that one test determines a major part of a student’s future, which is a definite drawback of these tests, Holmes said.

“I worry about when kids have take such an important test on a certain day,” she said. “They might have not gotten a lot of sleep the night before, and they might still be drowsy

How long is the ACT? Just over four hours for the ACT without the Writing Test, including administration instructions and breaks.

Actual testing time is 2 hours and 55 minutes, broken down as follows: English: 45 minutes Math: 60 minutes Reading: 35 minutes Science: 35 minutes The ACT Writing Test adds 30 minutes to the testing time when they start taking the test. Any number of factors could determine whether a student is having a good or bad test day. It happens that a great student has a bad test day and does worse on the test than they had hoped.”

A student is allowed to take the test as many times as he wants, and colleges will only look at their best score. However, each extra test costs money.

The 2011-2012 basic registration fee for the ACT is $34, while registration for the ACT Plus Writing costs $49.50.

“I definitely think it’s worth the money and the time to take the ACT more than once, junior Louie Kurcz said. “It’s so important to my future that I don’t want to mess up, so I’ve already signed up for three different tests this year because I want to make sure I do well.”

This stress to get the best score possible that both Garwood and Kurcz feel is common among high school students, according to Holmes.

“I get a little nervous about how heavily we’re emphasizing standardized testing,” Holmes said. “I worry about it stressing kids out too much.”

However, Holmes said she has seen overall improvement in the students’ scores since the ACT was made mandatory for all students.

“When students know they’re going to be tested, they tend to try harder,” she said. “Every student cares and wants to get better scores. I think a number of students, given the option, would not take the ACT because they think it’s only for smart kids. But now that everyone takes it, we sometimes have a student who pulls a 23 on the ACT, who previously thought that they could never have gone to college, and when they realize that they can, they’re surprised in a good way. I’m delighted when I see this effect.”

Although Garwood’s situation wasn’t this extreme, he still feels the effects of his ACT score when applying to colleges.

“I scored a 31 and I feel that helped me get into college,” Garwood said. “The best part was improving my score and achieving the score I wanted.”

News Bergen a Hall of Famer

The Squall Page 4 www.thesquall.com Dec 14, 2012

Carolin Schade & Zac Sharp Staff writers

Photo Credit: Casey Hansen

Girls swim coach Corey Bergen jots down information during a meet against Skyline. Bergen was recently inducted into the Willow Run High School Hall of Fame after being nominated by an anonymous parent of a swimmer.

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Swim coach and AP Government teacher Cory Bergen was recently inducted into the Willow Run High School Hall of Fame.

His nomination came from an anonymous Dexter swim mom, who submitted her nomination two years ago.

The committee finally reached its decision this past summer.

Bergen said he found this experience to be humbling.

“Nobody sets out to win awards, but to be recognized to have contributed and done good to the community is rewarding and a tremendous honor,” he said.

Bergen has many qualities that may have been the reason for his nomination. After law school, he worked for a free legal clinic helping disabled people who did not have the money to get help.

A young boy from Baltimore was an important case for him. The house this boy grew up in contained lead paint which resulted in damaged brain cells. Bergen fought to obtain services at John Hopkins Hospital because the boy’s family couldn’t afford his medical treatment.

“In our legal system, people who have resources are at an advantage,” Bergen said.

This is one of the reasons why Bergen enjoyed working for the legal clinic, he wanted to “level the playing field.”

Although Bergen enjoyed making an impact as a lawyer, he wanted to focus on what made him happy. Before entering law school, Bergen had worked as a swim coach for high schoolers. Wanting to get back into coaching then lead him to become a teacher.

And Bergen has had a successful track record as the Dexter swim coach. The women’s swim team won the state title in 2002 and has won the SEC 15 years in a row.

Bergen won the Michigan Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association (MISCA) regional coach of the year in 1999 and state coach of the year in 2000, 2001 and 2005. He was Michigan High School Coaches Association (MHSCA) state coach of the year in 2002.

Along with winning the coach-of-the-year award

Dexter Rugby Football Club Try Rugby this winter in our gym sessions. Saturdays after Winter break For more info go to... www.dexterrugby.

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Q and A with Lauren Daugherty, Class of 2010 and current swimmer at Michigan State Q: What has Bergen done for you?

A: Bergen has always told me to set goals that go far beyond what I believe I can accomplish because he knows my true potential better than I do myself. Dexter swimming is known for its strong leadership in balancing athletics and schoolwork, and I have carried those values into college.

Coach Bergen gave me my first real opportunity to be a leader in and out of the pool. The experiences I have had while being on the Dexter High School swim team have helped shape who I am today as a leader. I had a very positive experience swimming for Dexter High School and a lot of my positivity is directly related to Coach Bergen.

Q: How has he impacted your life?

A: Bergen has never looked at me as just a swimmer; he has always been involved in other aspects of my life as well. He was very reliable when I needed someone to talk to either on the pool deck or in the classroom. Bergen was always there for his athletes and students no matter what the situation was.

Q: What qualities make him a good coach?

A: I learned through high school swimming that a team is not able to function if they don’t have a good relationship with their coach. Bergen always made a point to get to know each swimmer and create an individual bond with everybody. numerous times, Bergen was the recipient of the Matt Mann Award in 2006, the highest award given by MISCA for continued leadership, contributions and service to Michigan High School Swimming.

Bergen said, “It’s great to be recognized by my peers.”

Feature

The Squall Page 5 www.thesquall.com Dec 14, 2012

I’m not as think as you drunk I am

Consequences of driving impaired can be serious Jacob Rich & Morgan Van Hoof Staff Writers

Yes

Editors note: Five students were sources for this story, all of whom agreed to be interviewed only if they could remain anonymous. For the purpose of clarity, their first names have been changed and their last names omitted.

No, and never will No, but it could happen

Have you ever driven drunk?

33% 52% 15%

Have you ever been in a car with a drunk driver?

33%

53%

16%

Have you ever been too drunk to drive and chosen not to?

27%

46%

29% *Survey of 102 juniors and seniors 16 or older

Now a DHS senior, Erin was no stranger to parties and drinking. But this night she had been drinking all night, and it was time for her to head home.

She thought her driving was fine, until she hit the curb. At first she didn’t know what happened. Then she noticed the gash in her leg.

She called her boyfriend, but he said he couldn’t come, unaware of the gravity of her situation. Not until she sent him a picture of her wound did he finally come to pick her up.

“I regret it, and I felt so stupid,” she said. “I should never have driven drunk and should have just called my mom instead. My mom understands, and said that if I ever need a ride for some reason she’ll come pick me up and not ask questions.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one million high school students like Erin drank alcohol and got behind the wheel in 2011.

But getting behind the wheel intoxicated puts lives in danger. Thirty-one percent of teen drivers killed in car accidents had been drinking alcohol according to the CDC. When passengers are included in this statistic, the percentage rises to 60 percent.

Also, in 2012, 10,288 driving deaths could be attributed to alcohol-impaired accidents. This accounts for nearly onethird of all crash deaths in the United States.

Based on these statistics, many students are at risk. This seems to be backed up by a school-wide Squall poll of 102 students, ages 16 and older, that indicated 33 percent of

Illustration Credit: Drew Daugherty

students have driven under the influence of an illegal substance.

Jack, a senior, is one of these students.

“I’ve driven drunk a couple more times than I should have,” he said. “I mean, I’m not proud of it, but there was no one else more coherent, and I can usually handle myself pretty well. I wouldn’t do it again if I had the option, but yeah, it will probably happen again.”

Students like Jack may think the consequences of drunk driving are not permanent, but they should think again according to school liaison deputy Jeremy Hilobuk.

“Not only can you get your license suspended for a while, but a DUI will stay on your criminal record, and colleges are going to look at that,” Hilobuk said.

Many times, though, students aren’t thinking about the consequences of drinking and driving, and neither are their passengers.

Senior student Abby has not only driven after drinking, but is also a frequent passenger in cars driven by drunk drivers.

“Last weekend another student and I stopped for pizza when we were on our way home from a party,” Abby said. “(The drunk driver) didn’t realize she was looking at me instead of the road for so long, and we almost ran into a tree.

We swerved so we didn’t hit the tree, but then there were these people walking on the side of the road in full camo. So we swerved again, and almost hit a car coming from the other way.”

This type of risk-taking and experimenting with drugs and alcohol is nothing new, according to Hilobuk.

“From around 17 to the early 20s, we see a lot of kids experimenting with drugs and alcohol,” he said. “Once they reach college, that kind of stuff becomes more accessible. They may have someone of legal age who can buy it for them,” he said.

But Andrew, another senior, didn’t need someone of a legal age to buy for him. He got drunk at a party once and got a safe ride home, only to leave his house a little while later just to see what driving drunk would be like.

“It was scary the next morning when I realized what I had done,” he said. “I don’t know why I did it, and I regret it.”

Whether these students realize it or not, DHS has very specific punishment for those caught driving drunk at school functions,

according to Deputy Hilobuk.

“The school would have a set of policies if we caught somebody that was a student, and they were going to a school function,” Hilobuk said. “They would get a school discipline, which would probably be a suspension, and their parents would be contacted. If you’re 17 or over, you could go to jail because you’re legally considered an adult. Anyone under 17 can be sent to juvenile detention.

“We’ve had a couple (incidents) where (students) have made it to a certain location before we’ve gotten them driving, but we knew that they drove there,” he said. “In a situation like that, they still end up getting a ticket even though we don’t have them behind the wheel.”

Of course, there are plenty of students who have never driven drunk and would firmly stand against it, aware of the damage it causes to teenagers across the country.

One such student is Noah, a frequent partygoer.

“I’ve been the designated driver many times,” he said. “I’ve never had to decide between driving drunk to get home or not. It’s probably not the best idea to drive drunk. Not only can you hurt yourself but other people too.”

According to guidance counselor Craig Rafail, some students don’t have the same mindset against alcohol as Noah does and have come to the counseling office seeking help for alcoholism before.

“I’ve even had one of them come to me when they were drunk,” Rafail said.

“He said to me, ‘I just came to visit you,’ and I asked, ‘Aren’t you supposed to be in class?’ That was a clear message that he needed my help.”

Both Rafail and Hilobuk would agree that many teenagers think that they’re invincible, and that the dangers of drinking and driving won’t affect them.

“Dexter as a whole, as well as the surrounding communities, has a little bit of a problem with drinking and driving,” Hilobuk said. “I’d like students to make some really good choices before that kind of stuff. Really think about it. It can be life-altering.”

Rafail agreed that there’s a sense of false pride surrounding drinking in high schoolers, but for those who realize that they have a problem and need help, the counseling office is always an option.

“Looking for help is the adult thing to do,” Rafail said. “My job is to help them discuss it with their parents, because they’re worried about their parents being angry. I’m the one who comes in and says that now isn’t the time to be angry. The student needs help, not punishment.”

Entertainment Classic Holiday Movies

(1947)- In this sweet classic, an old man claims to be the real Santa Claus and is said to be insane. In the beginning of the movie, he is drunk to the point of passing out. This puts a damper on the Christmas spirit. A lawyer defends him in court, saying he is the real Santa Claus. This is definitely not a movie to watch with small kids who still believe that they visit the real Santa Claus in department stores.

(1954)- World War II army buddies, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, become a top song and dance act. They meet two sisters, Betty and Judy, who travel to Vermont to perform in a Christmas show. There, Bob and Phil meet the lodge owner, their former commander, General Waverly. This is a classic movie full of further romantic mix-ups. The movie concludes in a joyful mood while playing Bing Crosby’s famous tune, “White Christmas.”

(1990)- An 8-year-old boy is left home alone by accident when the rest of his family leaves for the holidays, and he is left to scare off a pair of robbers in creative and humorous ways. When I catch this movie playing on television, my mood is brightened for the rest of the day as I reminisce on the young boy’s hilarious pranks.

Reviews by Kenzie Mader

(2003)- A man raised as an elf at the North Pole is sent to the United States to find his father. Buddy the elf adjusts to life away from the North Pole, and Will Ferrell’s creative humor shines once again through his witty lines and innocent humor. Buddy leaves a note for his family on an etch a sketch; proclaiming, “I’m sorry I ruined your lives, and crammed eleven cookies into the VCR.” This movie is sure to make everyone with a reasonable sense of humor laugh.

(2004)- A couple decides to skip Christmas and go on a cruise after their daughter leaves for a trip, until they hear of her surprise Christmas Eve return. This is a movie filled with weird and humorous mishaps including the stealing of a neighbor’s Christmas tree, people falling off of roofs, and a bikini-clad incident in the mall when Mrs. Krank runs into her priest. It’s sure to put everyone in the Christmas spirit with its surprising yet humbling conclusion.

Happy Squallidays!

Happy Squallidays!

The Squall Page 6 www.thesquall.com Dec. 14, 2012

Craig’s James Bond is one of the best Dan Edwards Entertainment Editor It’s been over 50 years since legendary Scottish actor Sean Connery took the screen as a classy, silver-tongued spy with a lust for love and passion for action: Bond, James Bond.

The changes in the Bond films have been noticeable not only with the actors, but also culturally and politically in terms of the films’ plot and messages. Filled with many corny one-liners and blatant sexism, the Bond films have evolved over the past 50 years.

However, the James Bond saga didn’t begin on the silver screen. It began with a series of novels by British author Ian Fleming and was adapted to cinemas in 1962.

Fleming envisioned his Bond creation as a classic British gentleman mixed with a striking manly man. Six actors have taken on the role as the mega spy.

The first Bond was played by Sean Connery, a silky-smooth super-spy, with class, manipulative wit, sexual charisma and dashing good looks. He was the original that defined the role and s e t

the bar for all of the others to follow.

Connery starred in the first Bond film, “Dr. No,” and played the role in five other of the films throughout the ‘60s.

Next to play Agent 007 was Australian actor George Lazenby. He starred in only one of the installments as Mr. Bond in 1969: “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” where he becomes the only Bond to get married.

The third and longest 007 to play the role was Roger Moore. Moore took the role of the secret agent into new but familiar territory.

He played the archetypal debonair, English gentleman Fleming had envisioned who could charm a female with the flick of a wrist and could also battle some of the most iconic villains in the series such as a giant mega shark in 1977’s “The Spy Who Loved Me.” After Moore, Timothy Dalton was the next to play Bond. He only played Bond in two films, but was the first one to portray Bond as a darker and more serious character rather than the slick, smooth-talking playboy that he once was.

Dalton was an avid reader of Fleming’s novels, and his gritty performances were inspired by the books.

After taking a six year hiatus from the Bond flicks, 007 made his return in 1995 with Pierce Brosnan at the reigns starring in one of the most famous Bond films, “Golden Eye.” Brosnan got the role while waiting on set of “For Your Eyes Only” in 1981 while his wife, Cassandra Harris, was acting in it. Brosnan’s four Bond movies created a new world o f

popularity for the arrangement.

Despite the growing popularity of the series, critics thought the films were lacking in cinematic depth and thought the films had greatly suffered in quality so Brosnan called it quits.

Four years later, the next Bond was decided to be played

by English actor, Daniel Craig.

When it was announced that Craig would be playing Bond in 2005, fans of the series were up in arms at the producer’s choice saying that he was too short, Bond can’t be blonde and that Craig didn’t have what it took to take on the role.

Fans even threatened to boycott the series until the studio signed a new actor.

But the studio and Craig both had faith that Craig was the right choice. He knew the challenges and expectations that came with the role and decided he was up for the task.

Craig said he wanted to add more emotional depth to the character and made him more human than the other misogynist Bonds, where he is stripped bare and shown as a gritty, powerful and graceful human.

In 2006 after “Casino Royale” was released, Craig silenced his doubters and rejuvenated the Bond series and became what many think was the Best Bond ever and made “Casino Royale” the highest grossing and most praised Bond film to date.

Craig has been in three of the films since 2006, including the newest edition, ‘Skyfall” which features Bond at his most human and a scene where Bond cries for the first time ever.

In Bond’s long lived life, we’ve seen it all. But the future looks even brighter for the series since Craig has taken it to new heights. Here’s to another 50 years, 007.

Photo Credit: davidmichaelangelosilva.wordpress.com

Sports

The Squall Page 7 www.thesquall.com Dec. 14, 2012

Scott becomes assistant Tracy Koenn Staff Writer Math teacher Dewey Scott has joined the staff of the men’s varsity basketball as its new assistant coach.

“He’s good because he’s another guy in the school,” junior Derek Photo Credit: Bryce Pederson Seidl said. “Everyone knows him and can relate to him better.”

This year, there are 12 players on the varsity team, and the captains are Seidl and senior Andy McWilliams.

“We’re a young team,” Scott said. “This year we have three sophomores on the team.”

Towards the beginning of the season, the team will travel to Traverse City for some games that Scott believes could help the team bond. “ I think that once the guys gel together, we will have a solid season,” he said.

Scott said he was first approached over the summer by Head Coach Randy Swoverland about being a part of the coaching staff. When Scott said being the JV head coach would be too much of a time commitment, since his son plays basketball, Swoverland asked Scott to consider the assistant coaching position on varsity.

Scott’s background in coaching began when he coached the freshman basketball team for four seasons, coaching the middle school team for two years and travel basketball for two years. He also was an announcer at the varsity basketball games for six years.

During games and practices, Scott said he will help Swoverland manage the team and give input to Swoverland, along with observing what is happening on the floor.

Scott will be replacing last year’s assistant coach, Nathan Tucker, who could not coach again this year because his wife had a job change that caused him to move.

Scott student taught with Swoverland and coached with him when he first arrived in Dexter. “ I am excited for an opportunity to work with Mr. Swoverland. We work well together,” Scott said.

Scott will be in charge of conditioning for as part of his duty as assistant coach.

“Hopefully this is more than one year for me, “ Scott said. “ I think we will have a good season. We may have ups and downs along the way, but I think it will be a solid season.”

Photo Credit: Miranda Mors

Coach Brian Callanan hugs lacrosse parent Julie Spuller after she reads a poem written by former player, her son Mike Spuller, at the surprise going away party for Callanan

Callanan inspired many Scott Rogers Staff Writer

Over the next four months, Dexter lacrosse will begin its extensive search to replace Coach Brian Callanan, who will soon be returning to New Jersey. In order to replace him, they will need a head varsity coach, a head JV coach, assistant coaches, a president, a vice-president and many other parents to join the board full-time, all rolled into one.

How could an organization require such a sudden renovation after the resignation of one man? The answer is simple.

There is only one Coach Callanan.

As I’ve discussed many times with my longtime teammate and friend junior Louie Kurcz, there truly is only one “Coach” in our organization.

This is not to say that there aren’t plenty of coaches that we receive instruction from. But the name “Coach” is synonymous with only one man.

Coach is the man who has built our organization from the ground up, the first person every player met at their first practice, the man who has pushed every one of us to be greater than we ever could have imagined.

I first met Coach in a place you would never expect to find a man of such intensity, valor and grit: a musical.

He brought the entire lacrosse team to the 2010 winter musical to see my brother Patrick, a sophomore lacrosse player at the time, perform as the lead. And while lots of raucous cheering and heckling was inevitable, what turned into a three-year tradition represented the undeniable support that every player received from Coach.

The jokes, the nicknames, the camaraderie, were what made us like other teams. We didn’t mind working hard

because we were having fun. And although his jokes, his nicknames and his stories surpass any other, they made Coach just like any other coach too. He loved being with the team.

What truly set Coach apart was how much he invested in his players, how much he cared about them. He was willing to put in more effort than imaginable to give us the best opportunity possible.

He was willing to fight a stubborn athletic department for months so that we could have a field to play on. He was willing to travel halfway across the country so we could spend time at the finest camps available.

Coach wasn’t ever in the business of getting an undefeated season, or winning a state title. If he were, he would have never taken a job with the unsuccessful, backwards program that was Dexter lacrosse.

Coach was in the business of building young men. He stressed the importance of hard work, of courage, of being different than everyone else. By this measure, he certainly succeeded, sending six players to college for lacrosse in 2012.

One of those players was my brother, who is a starting attackman at Hendrix College. It is a college that he admitted he didn’t have the grades to get into or the money to pay for, if it weren’t for the opportunity that Coach gave him.

But as Coach has told us many times before, there isn’t one player in our organization who can’t play lacrosse at a collegiate level. It isn’t the athletic ability that brings players to college and gives them the chance to build towards their future.

Success is really embodied in the hard work Coach values so much. It is the tenacity, the courage, the effort, the strength, that he never let us forget about.

It is impossible to name everything I have to thank Coach for or everything our organization owes him. But for all of the work he’s done, for all of the time he’s given up, for all of the greatness he has inspired, there is only one way I can think of to properly thank him.

Don’t let any of it end.

Spread

The Squall Page 8 www.thesquall.com Dec. 14, 2012

January 3rd

Number 13-ranked Michigan came into New Orleans to play the number 17-ranked Virginia Tech Hokies. Kicker Brendan Gibbons kicked a 37-yard field goal to give the Wolverines a victory in the bowl game. Junior Hemingway was named MVP of the game with two touchdown catches thrown by quarterback Denard Robinson. The touchdown passes were 45 and 18 yarders.

Beyonce gave birth to her daughter named Blue Ivy on Jan. 8 at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Beyonce was 30 and her husband Shawn Carter, better known as Jay-Z, was 42 at the time of birth. They have been married for four years and dating for 10.

November

6th Obama Wins Election

2012 Year in Review

Michigan wins Sugar Bowl

Arrival of Blue Ivy

The Squall Page 9 www.thesquall.com Dec. 14, 2012

President Barack Obama claimed a second term in office as president this November, winning five swing states and over 50 percent of the popular vote. Obama collected 332 electoral votes, to Republican candidate Mitt Romney’s 206. The incumbent Obama overran Romney in the popular vote by 347,3402 votes, and won 26 of 50 states.

5th Hurricane Sandy

Lauren Kimmel, Noah Mellifont & Zeke Breuninger Staff Writers

8th

In some ways, this year has been like any other. There was death, there was birth, there was the Super Bowl. But in other ways, this year was unforgettable. Locally, the mens swim and dive team were state champions, and none will soon forget the Dexter tornado. At the 2012 London Olympics, 38 records were broken. Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon, passed away, but that doesn’t mean that that’s the end of exploring the limits of our atmosphere. In fact, only two months later, eight million people witnessed Felix Baumgartner jumping from a capsule and falling 24 miles towards the earth. The year came to a memorable close when Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast, only a week before the presidential election (four more years). For better or for worse, this will be a year worth remembering. Assuming, of course, that the world doesn’t end on Dec. 21.

14th

The cruise ship Costa Concordia struck a reef near the small island of Giglio, off Italy’s Tuscan coast. There were 4,234 passengers on board, 126 of which were Americans. Thirty-two deaths were caused by the accident. Captain Francesco Schettino was put on trial for shipwreck, manslaughter and abandoning ship prior to the passengers’ evacuation.

th

2012 Olympics Medal Count

Mens Swim and Dive State Champions

Photo/Illustration Credit: Maegan, Ronald, custom 2012, CbL62, Pumbaa80, MDGovpics, WisPolitics.com, mcmay, Roxanne King, B.R.Q, Ingo1968, Kim-bodia, Closeapple, Drew Daugherty

25th

July 15th - August 12th

In Super Bowl 46, the New York Giants beat the New England Patriots, 21-17. With 57 seconds left, New York running back Ahmad Bradshaw ran a six-yard touchdown to take the lead after the Giants went 88 yards in the last possession. Giants quarterback Eli Manning was named MVP.

The swimmers defeated their top competitors, Birmingham Seaholm, Birmingham Groves, and Holland, to win the Division Two state final. A key component to winning the title was their success in the freestyle events. In each freestyle event, they placed three swimmers in the top eight. There was even a record broken in the 200-yard freestyle relay. The team of Mark Brown, John Eber, Nate Kilian and Brennan Maisch broke the Division Two finals time with a 1:24.66. The team was led by captains Nate Kilian, Mark Brown, Kyle Franz and Jake Claflin, and was coached by Michael McHugh, who was named Division Two’s Coach of the Year.

Dexter Tornado

Forty-three year old Felix Baumgartner jumped 24 miles above Roswell, N.M. Baumgartner broke the speed of sound, jumping from a capsule that was sent into space. The jump was successful as eight million people worldwide watched the space jump sponsored by Red Bull. Felix said that after the jump he wants to retire from jumping and work in a helicopter to help people in need in the USA and Austria.

London Olympics

February Super Bowl 5

10th

15th

An EF-3 tornado tore through Dexter with winds up to 145 miles per hour. One hundred homes were damaged in the 7.2 miles of damage. That’s estimated to be $9.1 million dollars worth of destruction. There were 6,000 individuals who donated to the Dexter Relief Fund, which was able to raise $333,000. 246 families with damage from the tornados received $274,000 of that $333,000.

Classified as a category two storm, Hurricane Sandy affected multiple parts of the U.S, along with The Caribbean and The Mid-Atlantic areas. The Northeastern states were affected the most drastically. Approximately 253 people were killed in seven countries. Hurricane Sandy was the largest Atlantic hurricane in history and the second costliest Atlantic hurricane, behind hurricane Katrina, from August of 2005. Sandy caused $65.6 billion in damages. New York, West Virginia and Maine suffered the most damage from the superstorm.

Mission to the edge of space

Cruise ship capsizes 13th

March

October

Total:

U.S.A. China

Russia

46 38

24

29 27

26

29 23

32

104 88 82

In the 2012 London Olympics, The USA led all countries in total medals with 104. The runners up were China with 88 and The Russian Federation with 82. Thirty-eight records were broken during the summer games. Michael Phelps, broke the record for most decorated Olympian of all time. He now has won 22 medals in his 12-year Olympic career, 18 of which are gold.

Missy Franklin won 4 of Team USA’s 46 gold medals. Oscar Pistorius of South Africa became the first amputee sprinter to compete in the Olympic games. Although Pistorius finished last in the 400-meter semifinal, Kirani James, who ended up winning gold for the event, showed his respect by swapping race bibs.

On the other end of the sportsmanship spectrum, a Chinese, Indonesian and two South Korean badminton teams were

disqualified for purposely throwing their matches. Usain Bolt won his sixth gold medal and broke his fourth world record in the 4x200 meter relay. The womens gymnastics team lived up to their name, “Fierce Five,” when they took home team gold. The Games came to an end with more than 4,100 performers at the London 2012 Olympic Games Closing Ceremony. The next Summer Olympic Games will be in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

August

Neil Armstrong Dies

Space legend Neil Armstrong passed away. Armstrong, the first man to step on the moon, passed away due to complications following cardiovascular procedures. Notorious for his “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” quote, Armstrong was the captain of the Apollo 11 spacecraft, which broke the lunar surface in July of 1969.

July

20th 14 killed at Batman Premier About 30 minutes into the highly-anticipated film, “Batman the Dark Knight Rises,” 24-year old James Holmes began shooting in Aurora, Colo. Twelve people were killed. President Barack Obama led a moment of silence for the victims. Holmes’ outfit, consisting of body armor and a gas mask, was mistaken for a costume for the premiere. Holmes was arrested outside the Century Movie Theater after the incident.

22nd Jerry Sandusky Convicted In June, 68-year-old Former Penn State Assistant Coach Jerry Sandusky was convicted for child sex abuse after 10 boys testified that he had sexually abused them. He is serving 30-60 years in a state prison in Pennsylvania. The legendary Penn State coach Joe Paterno and president of the University Graham Spanier were fired for the way they handled the Sandusky incident.

June

Interactive Spread

The Squall Page 10 www.thesquall.com Dec. 14, 2012

Who dat?

Ever since the arrival of David Schwimmer during the filming of his movie “Trust” with our boy Blazer, Dexter High School has been a celebrity hot spot for all of the biggest names in America. The paparazzi have spotted everyone from actors to coaches, and even the world’s most famous doll. We looked for more celebrities wandering the hallways, and here’s what we found. Who knew there are famous among us.

Malibu Barbie

Hayden Panettiere

Brady Hoke

Larry The Cable Guy

Cole Sprouse

Chelsea Kearns

Darion Mayron

Colin Hanss

Jason Trinkle

Jeff Wicks

Photo Credits: Lexi Wajda, kubigula, Larinha2015, Daniel Orgen, madelineyoki, missy caulk

Q&A

with the rock

Q: What is your name?

A: D’Glester Hardunkichud Q: What was the first thing painted on you?

A: What was the first thing painted on you?

Q: Are you a male or female rock?

A: I have six feet and 37 toes.

Q: Do you ever get cold?

A: Are you stupid? I’m a rock. Cold in a scientific sense actually means nothing.

You could ask if my temperature ever drops to uncomfortably low levels, but the answer would still be no, seeing as I am still a rock.

Q: How long ago did you first arrive at Dexter?

A: I still can’t believe it’s not butter.

Q: What are your thoughts about living in Dexter?

A: They separated me from my family at a very young age and make me pay way too much money to play sports. I do not like the administration.

Photo credit: Luke Hannah

Across

Down

He’s green and hates Christmas.

Facial hair on Santa’s face.

Black rock given to naughty children.

It’s ugly and you can find it at Value World.

9 It’s white and is the primary precipitation in winter.

11 Reindeer pull this.

12 Rhymes with free, starts with a T. 15 A Jewish toy which you spin.

16 Kiss me under the ________.

17 Big, fat, red and climbs down your chimney.

2 Hint: Carols.

5 What you open on Christmas morning.

6 You bake them for Santa.

8 They pull Santa’s sleigh.

10 You make it with snow and it’s not a woman.

13 The color of Santa’s jacket.

14 They make the toys.

1 3 4 7

Interactive Spread

The Squall Page 11 www.thesquall.com Dec. 14 ,

Santa does some ho, ho, horrible things Colin Meldrum Staff Writer

There is something ho, ho, horrible about the idea of a man breaking into my house when I’m asleep and eating my food. Santa is no saint; he is a criminal on the loose.

Santa is said to spread joy across the world. Oh yeah? When I was 7, all I got was a pair of socks and my dad telling me to get a job.

I’m not saying I don’t respect the guy. After all, he has a lot of skill avoiding the law. Santa has over a billion charges of breaking and entering against him and he has yet to spend even a minute in the slammer. Why has the United Nations done nothing to stop this madman? This guy is bleeding America like a stuffed pig, and I have the paper trail to prove it.

Christmas time puts everyone in a great mood, so when people see Christmas icons they associate them with joy. This is where he gets you. I don’t respect this guy’s style and here’s why.

What’s Santa’s cookie of choice? Fear. The man lives off of the fear of the children in the world.

Each year he comes back delivering toys for all the good boys and girls in the world, reminding each of them that their worst nightmare is still alive.

The man wears red, has animals take him everywhere, and has his eyes on everyone year round, even when they’re sleeping. Parents can’t even stare at their kids when they’re sleeping without Child Protective Services being called.

That list you give him every year isn’t for what you think.

Santa has a book filled with everyone’s desires , and everyone has an individual page. Santa has been

THE FIVE BY FIVE Sarah Fuller Freshman

following what you have wanted ever since you were able to write.

He’s your biggest fan.

I get it. Santa seems like a personable guy. He’s fat, old, has a wicked beard, but he also has something he isn’t sharing with the people of the world. He’s got a blood lust that has been covered up by Coca-Cola. Children should not worship a warlord. This jolly old man has some skeletons in his closet.

In 2001, there were over five disappearances of children in the month of December. Coincidence?

I think not. The only explanation for the missing children must be the elves workshop. Only a matter of time until they form a union.

My trail led me to Google Maps where I tried to find Santa’s workshop. No surprise, there was no factory. After receiving an anonymous tip from an elf called, “Snowflake”, I scrolled to Honduras on the map. After a couple

Illustration Credit: Drew Daugherty

Luke Hannah, Mitch Kimball, Ben Bruetsch

Casey Orr Sophomore

Sierra Lakey Junior

Bailey Mayrand Senior

Definitely naughty because I’m dating Noah Mellifont.

Definitely nice, but there’s some naughty deep down.

It’s between Santa and I.

Not very fast because you have to put love into each fold.

Well, I don’t need to say anything, because I let my records do the talking.

1.) Are you naughty or nice?

Nice, because I make good toys.

Nice, cuz’ I love my mom.

2.) How fast can you wrap a present?

Thirty seconds.

Very fast, how fast? The fast- As fast as Eminem. Get it? est this side of the Mississip’. “Rap,” “wrap.”

3.)Answer What is your favorite toy to make?

Answer Jack in the box, umm be cause ...

of zooms I found something chilling. A factory belonging to a man named “Chris K.” This was all the proof I needed.

If you want to represent yourself you have to stand with one name.

So why does he have two names, Chris Kringle and Santa? Why does he need an alias so bad? Is he trying to hide from the cartels out West?

His name can also be tied with Satan. Truthfully, I don’t see it.

You change some letters in my name and I become colon, and I can assure you I’m no digestive organ.

I have no respect for a guy who stalks children and eats a copious amount of cookies. So watch out, because this Christmas, all Santa wants is your two front teeth.

Nutcrackers.

Mrs. Claus

Answer

Answer Easy Bake Oven. The guy elves love a good baker.

If I had my way, every kid would get a puppy. I can’t make them, but I can breed them.

I was featured in the Travelocity commercials.

(long pause) Yes, there was this one time an old lady took me home and put me next to her bird bath.

The Bose 901 Direct/Reflecting Speaker System equipped with a laser light show and cup-holders.

4.) Have you ever been mistaken for a gnome?

Yes. No, I haven’t actually.

Yes, it’s the beard.

5.) Does Santa ever crack the whip on you instead of the reindeer?

OMG these are horrible ques- Yes, but only when I screw tions. No, because I’m a good up the hot cocoa recipe. elf.

Call me Rudolph.

I’m a human, you silly boy, of course not. Have you ever been mistaken for a girl baby?

Not in front of the other elves. I’m the only one who cracks the whip around here.

Opinion

The Squall Page 12 www.thesquall.com Dec. 14, 2012

Letters to the Editor This is not a drill

Time to finally prepare for the apocalypse

IB/AP editorial from last issue had some facts wrong Dear editors, I enjoyed reading the paper again today, as always! Nice job! Again.

Regarding the editorial about the IB program, three issues concern me.

1. You refer to legislators in N.H. and Minn. having written bills against IB because they say it is anti-American and promotes a UN agenda. Then you say: “That may sound extreme, but it’s still true.” Did you mean that is an extreme reason to cite for opposition to IB, or that IB has an extreme agenda? If you meant the former, that might be clear with better word choice. If you meant the latter, that IB is anti-American, then I could not tell from your article to what you were referring.

2. You said that when Rob Glass left Dexter, most of our funding left and the recession “swept in.” Actually, Mr. Glass left in June, 2010. The recession arrived late 2008, right when he started his time in Dexter.

3. And of course, you were either using hyperbole, (which wasn’t clear) or you were just wrong about the amount of funding we lost. You said we have not lost more than half our funding since Mr. Glass left; it is actually more like 17 percent.

Anyhow, keep having fun talking about education.

Sincerely, Joe Romeo, computer teacher and Dexter Education Association president

Editorial incorrectly represented the IB programme Dear editors, We, the IB Diploma Cohort of 2014, would like to provide our viewpoints in contrast to what we feel was misinformation that appeared as an op-ed piece in last month’s Squall.

•The editorial stated “a mere handful of students” are taking IB courses. There are currently 203 classroom seats filled

by IB students, in comparison to 426 seats filled by AP students. At DHS, freshmen and sophomore interest in future IB classes is significantly higher than in this year’s junior and senior classes. Also, Dexter’s Board of Education recently voted to comply with the State’s “Best Practices” School of Choice incentive and offer DHS IB as an option to neighboring students, drawn to this district because of the IB program, who wish to apply for consideration for five open slots.

•Dexter Community Schools has not “spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on IB.” (http://dexterschools.org/dexter-community-schools-fact-check/). Yes, start-up costs are associated with any new program. Anything beyond one type of educational offering shows the importance of investing in students: DHS has regular and advanced classes plus elective participation in AP, Career and Technical Education Consortium, Dual-Enrollment and Washtenaw Technical Middle College. Costs are associated with all of these options.

•IB students are not “separated from the rest of the school” any more than AP students are separated. The IB Program isn’t a Freshman House.

•The editorial stated, “kids in AP classes are successful, teachers like AP classes and so do colleges looking at student transcripts.” Similarly, IB students are successful, students and teachers like IB classes, and colleges like to see IB classes (even better, an IB Diploma) on transcripts. IB and AP classes are similar, yet different. Both are preparatory, rigorous, college level classes. At DHS some IB textbooks are AP textbooks. Some AP teachers are also IB teachers. The real difference can be seen in the educational philosophy of the two programs: IB students become knowledgeable through a more analytical, collaborative, and reflective approach.

•It is not “almost impossible” to receive an IB Diploma. 2011-2012 school year data shows that about 80 percent of IB Diploma Candidates worldwide attained their diploma.

2009 data shows that 93 percent of IB candidates in Michigan earned their diploma.

We encourage any student interested in IB/AP to go to that program’s website (www. ibo.org, www.collegeboard.com) for authoritative information. We also encourage people to talk to students who are taking IB and/or AP classes, IB/AP teachers, students doing Consortium/Dual Enrollment/WTMC, counselors, Madame Lund or Mr. Moran to help consider all options.

In our minds there is no one sport, activity, or program versus another. IB may not be what you choose, but it is what some of your peers choose. As IB Diploma students with only 3 months of this program under our belts, we already have a personal appreciation for the IB Mission Statement and we want others to appreciate it as well: “ ... understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.”

Sincerely, The IB Diploma Cohort of 2014

Cameron LaFontaine Editor-in-chief

“The sun’ll come out tomorrow. Bet your bottom dollar tomorrow there’ll be sun!”

Here’s a song you won’t be hearing Dec. 21 of this year. As a matter of fact, the end of the world is just a week away.

We don’t have much time, so read quickly.

According to my trusted source (Wikipedia), the 2012 phenomenon comprises a range of eschatological beliefs according to which cataclysmic or transformative events will occur on Dec. 21, 2012.

Enough scientific crap. Have you seen the movie “2012” starring John Cusack? If so, you’re already an expert!

False. You know nothing.

Experts on Wikipedia suggest that the 2012 date marks the end of the world or a similar catastrophe. Scenarios suggested for the end of the world include the arrival of the next solar maximum, an interaction between Earth and the black hole at the center of the galaxy, or Earth’s collision with a planet called “Nibiru.”

Yes, this is real. It came from Wikipedia.

The reason so many humans say the world will end is because Dec. 21 marks the end of the 5,125 year cycle of the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar, created by the Mayans. This is an absolute fact and definitely marks the end of time as we know it.

Here’s some good news and some bad news about the world ending.

The good news is you don’t have to finish your Christmas shopping. The bad news is Santa won’t be coming to town.

The good news is you don’t have to study for final exams. The bad news is you won’t be getting into college. The good news is you’ll be “forever young.” The bad news is you’ll be “forever young.”

Here’s an “End of the World Bucket List” that you need to complete between now and Dec. 21: 1. Actually let your dog eat your homework. The “common lie” that a dog ate your homework is repeatedly used according to books and television; however, many people have yet to use this excuse when forgetting to do homework. Try it on your AP/IB English or Calculus teacher and see how it goes.

2. Watch National Geographic Channel’s “Doomsday Preppers.” This can provide you with helpful ideas to survive the apocalypse and be prepared.

3. Create a “Doomsday Playlist” on your iPhone, iPod or MP3 player. This can include songs like “I Will Survive” by Glo-

ria Gaynor, “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child, or even “SoulSurvivor” by Young Jeezy featuring Akon. These songs can give you the motivation you need to survive the apocalypse.

4. Stock up on Nutella. With all the motivation you’re getting from your Doomsday Playlist, you’re going to need to start planning your survival afterward.

Spreads like Nutella can provide a quality food source after a tough day at the apocalypse.

5. Make a blanket fort. Bring out your inner child. Let’s be honest, being in high school prevents us from reliving our glory days. When was the last time you made a blanket fort? According to your childhood imagination, this could save you from the wreckage the apocalypse could bring. Give it a whirl.

6. Play some Gamecube. If the world is ending, you may as well pull out what is possibly the greatest game console known to man. Especially games like Mario Kart Double Dash and Super Smash Bros.

These games could really offer you a good time and a chance to get your mind off the apocalypse while under your blanket fort.

7. Stay up past 11. TRY IT! It’s insane!

The world is ending in a week. This may be the best fun you’ve had since learning how to write cursive in elementary school.

This may also be the worst decision you’ve ever made, so it’s up to you.

8. Try a 5-Hour Energy. As if the wonderful 5-Hour Energy commercials don’t convince you enough, here’s some more encouragement. Drink a 5-Hour Energy and you are bound to have some fun.

There are all kinds of flavors, and this could really help you go that extra mile and stay up past 11. WARNING: Use only as directed. Do not consume more than one 5 hr. energy in a 24- hour period.

9. Try enjoying a math lecture. OK, I get it. This may be the most impossible thing on the list, but try it. Maybe even give off a little smile here and there, and maybe laugh at your math teacher’s bad pun. You only have about five full school days left, so get going.

10. Watch a Lifetime movie. OK, I may have lied before. This may be the most impossible thing on the list. These movies are notoriously awful. Of course, I’m biased, but when my mom is watching one, I always have to leave the room. If you can survive through one of these movies you can survive through anything, including the apocalypse.

If you wake up on Dec. 22 and the world is not over, do not freak out. I promise that people will find some crazy way to create an apocalypse scenario, and you’ll be able to have another crack at this list. Look on the bright side, at least you’ll get to finish off all that Nutella you stocked up on.

Editorial

The Squall Page 13 www.thesquall.com Dec. 14, 2012

Our view

Standardized test scores affect college applications too much When applying to colleges, the top three components of a student’s application usually fall into three main categories: GPA, extracurricular activities and ACT/SAT score.

But why should one test be equivalent to four years of grades on a transcript or all of the hours a student spends doing community service? Unfortunately that’s the standard colleges have set to select candidates.

Should a person’s test scores even be an indication of whether or not they are accepted to a university? Probably not. Standardized test scores seem like an even playing field, but there are many other factors that affect whether someone scores well on a standardized test.

Late education researcher Gerald W. Bracey, PhD, said qualities standardized tests cannot measure include creativity, critical thinking, resilience, motivation, persistence, curiosity, endurance, reliability, enthusiasm, empathy, selfawareness, self-discipline, leadership, civic-mindedness, courage, compassion, resourcefulness, sense of beauty, sense of wonder, honesty and integrity.

These qualities are more important than a single test score and need to be evaluated on a college application. A person is more than just a number, and that should be taken more heavily into account during the college admissions process.

In addition, where a student goes to school directly correlates with how well they will score on standardized testing. Schools with more money almost always have significantly higher test scores than schools in impoverished areas. Why? While Susie is in her Princeton Review Course, George is working a six-hour, after-school shift to put dinner on the table. It’s a simple equation.

In fact, preparatory courses are an influential factor in student’s test scores. Study Point, a test prep company, promises to raise students scores by up to eight points.

However, this help does not come without putting a dent in a person’s wallet. Princeton Review’s in-class courses begin at $599, and that’s for only 18 hours of instruction.

There are positive aspects of standardized testing, however. Since almost all standardized testing is mainly made up of multiple choice components, tests are graded by a machine without bias or human error. Standardized testing

SAT/ACT GPA, Extra Curricular, etc.

Illustration Credit: Drew Daugherty

also allows the nation to see what areas we need to improve on within our education system.

But some students are not the best testers and can’t show their dedication and intelligence on a Scantron. Test anxiety and emotional changes can greatly affect scores. A 2001 Brookings Institution study found 50-80 percent of yearover-year test score improvements were caused by fluctuations that had nothing to do with long-term changes in learning such as a student’s emotional and physical state that day.

If two students are being compared, is one with a 3.6 GPA and a 28 on the ACT really more intelligent than a student with a 3.85 GPA who scored a 27? The scale just does not make sense. Hard work and dedication displayed for four years should outweigh a point or two on a standardized test.

While we acknowledge there isn’t currently another way to compare students to a national standard when applying to colleges, it isn’t fair to base admission decisions off single test dates.

College admissions offices need to take into account a person’s overall grades and extracurriculars rather than a measly test taken only a handful of times. Four years of hard work and after school commitments speak greater volumes than a single number.

Editors’ Vote Too much...............................7 Good as is............................. 5 Not enough...........................0 Not present...........................0

Should standardized testing play the role that it does in college admissions?

“Depends on the test.

Bigger tests should be more influential.”

-Taylor Olson, freshman

Photo Credits: Kathryn Pisano

“It’s not necessary.

It’s a waste of time.”

-Kimi Camara, sophomore

“Probably.

It’s a way of knowing how much you learned over the years.”

-Madelaine Frieseman, junior

“No. One test shouldn’t determine the rest of your life.”

-Devin Wilson, senior

Get Involved

The Squall Page 14 www.thesquall.com Dec. 14, 2012

Monopoly Squad Monday

Socks and Sandals Thursday Windbreaker Wednesday

Juniors Ben Spuller, Winston, Tristin Rojek

Fancy Friday

Winston Photo Credits: Aubree Whitley

Winston, Tuzinowski

Juniors Brian Tuzinowski, Cam Winston, Freddy Burke

Alternative spirit days created just for fun Aman-Vir Mandair Feature Editor

Monopoly Squad Monday

O

n Mondays juniors Cameron Winston, Freddy Burke, Aaron Kelly and their group of friends all wear custom-made T-shirts from the Graph-X classroom.

These T-shirts all have images from the game Monopoly on them, hence the name“Monopoly Squad Monday” which Winston has participated since his freshman year.

“It’s just fun, and it’s fun because it’s a group-of-friends thing that my friends and I do, and that we’ve done for years,” he said. “It’s a unique way to show off yourself and do what you want to do.”

Monopoly Squad Monday, however, is not totally exclusive to Winston’s group. He said anyone who wants to participate needs to get a Monopoly T-shirt and wear it to school. He also said students don’t need to have a love of Monopoly or knowledge of the game to get involved.

Windbreaker Wednesday

Whether on hot, cold or even windy days, junior Freddy Burke wears his windbreaker jacket each Wednesday for Windbreaker Wednesday.

“We’ve been doing Windbreaker Wednesday for a few weeks now,” Burke said.

Burke and junior Ben Grover were shopping for jackets at Briarwood Mall a few weeks ago when they came across a cool looking windbreaker jacket. They came up with the idea of Windbreaker Wednesday two days later.

Burke in particular has several windbreakers.

“I have five different windbreakers, and all of them have different colors like black, grey and maroon,” Burke said.

In addition, Burke said that anyone could join in by wearing windbreakers each Wednesday, but mentioned that it may be problematic for some.

“Anyone can join in, but it’ll be harder for people who are doing sports,” he said. “Athletes might have to dress up on Wednesdays for their sports.”

Socks and Sandals Thursday On Thursdays, junior Aaron Kelly sports socks and sandals, and he has done this for over two years.

“I first heard about Socks and Sandals Thursday during my freshman year, along with Sweatpants friday, although that got changed,” Kelly said. “My friends and I just do it for fun.”

The trend is simple: come to school wearing socks and sandals. According to junior Freddy Burke, there is no long history behind this, and no exclusivity to it. And although it’s done for fun by Kelly and Burke’s group of friends, anyone can join in on it.

“It’s the easiest activity to do, since you just need to wear socks with sandals, and everyone can feel free to join in,” Burke said.

Fancy Friday Junior Justin King wears his fancy button-down shirt and khakis every Friday, showing off the spirit of Fancy Friday, which he heard about at the end of October.

“I heard about it from a friend who was wearing nice clothes and I wanted to know why,” King said. “He said it was Fancy Friday, so I decided to join in on it.”

On Fancy Friday, students can put on their fancy cloth-

Worst spirit day choices Participating in alternative spirit days can be fun. But we’d say stay away from these: Tacky Pimp Day: Made famous by the mens swim team, this is a definite bad idea.

Weird Wednesday: People are already weird enough.

Fart Friday: Folks release their gas all day long.

Thong Thursday: We mean sandals, of course.

Terrible Toes Tuesday: Ugly toes on display for all. Gross. ing, such as dress pants, button-down shirts, polos and sweater vests.

Although King is new to Fancy Friday, his friends have done it for more than two years. He said it’s a simple and fun way to show off your classy side.

“It feels good to look classy,” King said. “It’s better than just wearing street clothes all the time.”

YOU Pa­­­ge

The Squall Page 15 www.thesquall.com Dec. 14, 2012

From us to you: a wish list and ways to spread cheer Luke Hannah, Mitch Kimball, Ben Bruetsch

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Carols: The best way to spread holiday cheer is singing loud for all to hear.

So get off the couch, put on a coat and brighten people’s day up with the power of a carol. Who knows, you might even get a treat, or at the very least a heartwarming compliment.

Ugly Christmas sweaters: Nothing says “I’m in the Christmas spirit” quite like an ugly Christmas sweater. Not only will people be in awe by the fantastic design on your chest, but you can rock these sweaters for incredibly cheap prices. Take a trip to Value World and bask in the glorious sales.

Make a gingerbread house: Making a gingerbread fantasy house that will drop everyone’s jaw is one of the best things you can do this holiday.

Once all of the festivities come to an end, chow down, my friend. You’ve earned it.

Bake holiday cookies: Some of the best family bonding can come through the act of baking cookies. Eating raw cookie dough throughout the process is just another bonus. Now gentlemen, what better way to impress the ladies during the holidays than showcasing your noteworthy baking? And ladies, who will argue with free cookies?

Play in the snow: Go outside and frolic in the winter wonderland: start a snowball fight, make a snow angel or create a snowman. Sledding, snowboarding and skiing provide great workouts and unforgettable memories.

The list of what you can do is endless.

Write a letter to Santa: He lives in the North Pole, so what else does he have to do besides read extensive wish lists? Tell him what you want, what you don’t want, why you’re naughty, why you’re nice. Make it fun - Santa gives extra points for creativity.

Photostory

The Squall Page 16 www.thesquall.com Dec. 14, 2012

The House at Cornman’s Farm lights up the night sky during the holiday season.

A light-up Rudolph stands guard in front of a house in Huron Farms.

Vandegrifts light up village Parmeda Sokansanj Staff Writer

Brian and Charlotte Vandegrift have lived in their house at 8020 Huron Street next to the Cider Mill since 1991, and every year since then, they have helped to set the holiday mood in town by decorating their home.

Brian said, “It’s always been a family thing.

My dad always put lights up, and so I carried on the tradition with my own house. Lots of people stop by and say it looks great. We get people across the street at the pizza parlor hollering at us that they like all the lights.”

The Vandegrifts have built up their collection of lights, figurines and other ornaments by shopping at flea markets and antique shops.

Brian said, “It’s just my wife and I who put it up. It usually takes two weekends to get the stuff done.”

Inside their home is simpler: they have a Christmas tree and some common other decorations. The Vandegrifts were nominated by a neighbor a couple years ago to have their house entered in a contest on annarbor.com where the best houses were photographed and posted online.

“When we won, they sent a photographer to the house to take the picture and put it up on the site,” Brian said.

The couple decorates for other holidays as well.

Brian said, “We try to keep up with the seasons. Christmas is our favorite time of year, though.”

For more than 20 years their home has been a spectacle of the little village of Dexter, Brian said, “We just enjoy decorating. We love the village and doing something for the people and to make things look nice for the town.”

Photo Credit: Nate Nuttle

Brian and Charlotte Vandegrift’s house won an award from annarbor.com for their decorations. They have lived in their house for more than 20 years.

A house in Huron Farms uses a light tree and star to illuminate its yard.