the
New laws are driving students craz y
Dexter High School 2200 N. Parker Road Dexter, MI 48130
April 29, 2011 Volume XVII Issue 8
Senior Survivor Page 8 Senior food auction
Womens water polo
Page 6
Page 5
New Driving Law Leaves Students Torn
Students say the restrictions could force them to chose between school and the law but sheriffs deputy says that won't be the case
Connor Thompson
managing editor
The state of Michigan is implementing a new law prohibiting drivers with level two graduated licenses from driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. without being accompanied by a relative or fully-licensed driver over the age of 21. In addition, drivers with level two licenses may not drive with more than one passenger under the age of 21 unless they are related or are traveling to their place of employment or to a school-related event. The new law was created in response to evidence that higher numbers of passengers increase risk. According to the Michigan State Police, crash risk for teenage drivers increases incrementally with one, two or three or more passengers. In addition, drivers aged 16-24 constituted 14 percent of drivers in the state of Michigan but were involved in 36 percent of total crashes. School liaison deputy Jeremy Hilobuk will be responsible for helping to enforce the new law but says it shouldn’t be that much of a burden on students or their families. “We won’t be starting any special patrols (to enforce the law),” he said. “As we go, if we see a bunch of kids driving late, we’ll pull them over. But we won’t do anything extra.” Also, due to the law’s exemption of commuters, Hilobuk said students who drive to school, including those who carpool with others, should not be affected. However, some students with extracurricular activities that are not affiliated with the school may have problems. Junior Matt Munzel participates in the Great Lakes Water polo club, an independent group unaffiliated with Dexter Community Schools. Weekday practices end at 9:30 p.m., giving athletes such as Munzel who drive themselves to practice, only 30 minutes to get home. “I’m usually out past 10,” he said. “I have water polo practice two nights during the week, and I go out during the weekends. Ten (as a deadline) is really early; midnight is more legitimate.” Hilobuk, however, supports the law. “This should make young drivers safer,” he said. “We didn’t have this when I was a new driver; if it had, it would have made us more conscious of who was in our car, and we would have had more and better experience driving. Also, some newer drivers get their licenses in the summer. They might not have to deal with bad weather at first which creates false confidence. Regardless, Munzel said he’s not sure the law will affect him. “I go out on weekends, usually past 10,” he said. “I might have a lot of kids in the car with me.” And Hilobuk agrees that it may be difficult for police to tell between teens who are breaking traffic law and those who are driving to extracurriculars or late-night jobs. But, he said, police officers will try to use common sense when choosing who to pull over. “We’ll check whatever they say,” he said. “If they say they’re going to a school event, we’ll double-check. If we see kids driving early in the morning, we’ll probably assume they’re driving to school. We have seen that more young drivers get in an accident when there are more kids in the car. This law should make young drivers safe.”
Photos by Claire Berger
Inspirational Quotes of the Week
How to Prepare for the Weekend
“Some people are like Slinkies: not really good for anything, but you still can’t help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.”
•Wake up •Go downstairs •Eat cereal •Go to the bus stop •See your friends •Choose a seat •Party •Party •Yeah.
“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.” “There is an art, it says, or rather, a knack to flying. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.”
Looking for something to do?
Copeland Auditorium • Dexter April 29 • 7:30 p.m. April 30 • 2:00 PM & 7:30 p.m. May 1 • 2:00 p.m. Adults $10 • Students $8
2
NEWS
Friday, April 29, 2010
The buzz around semesters was increased recently with a rumor about Superintendent Mary Marshall calling for a change in scheduling. These reports were dispelled by Mrs. Marshall herself when she said, “I have not asked the high school to switch to semesters, but I know they are actively looking at what can be done to improve scheduling”. Earlier this year, it was thought
NEWS briefs
Michael McGonigle
staff writer
that maybe Dexter High School would switch Satterthwaites have baby boy that to semesters next year. It was later reported because of transition requirements, the school adviser Rod Satterthwaite and his wouldNewspaper need more time so according to Dean of wife Julia welcomed a son, Micah, to the world on Students Ken Koenig, semester scheduling is March 22. ‘slatedAtto8gopounds in the 412-13 school year’. ounces, he was the“Mary most anticipated teacher baby since English teacher Marshall has confidence in the high school staff Kristathe McDonnough gave said birthMr. according to make best decision” Koenig.to senior Cara Kovall. If fact, debate ensued among the newspaper staff when they saw a photo of Micah. Lines were drawn as to whether the baby was “incredibly” cute or “ridiculously” cute. Either way, Satterthwaite said he’s loving the time he gets to spend with the little guy. “He makes really funny facial expressions,” Satterthwaite said adding that eating and sleeping are two of Micah’s favorite hobbies. As for what he hopes for the future of his first son, Satterthwaite said, “I hope he finds his passion and is successful at whatever it is he wants to do.”
Despite rumors school will not switch to semesters for 2011-12 Rumors that Superintendent Mary Marshall was going to force the high school to switch to a semester schedule next year are false according to Marshall herself. “I have not asked the high school to switch to semesters,” she said. “But I know they are actively looking at what can be done to improve scheduling.” Earlier this year, Principal Kit Moran proposed a schedule which would be a semester schedule with a 6-hour day and a zero hour. However, Moran said this schedule would not be implemented until the 2012-2013 school year. Dean of Students Ken Koenig confirmed semester scheduling is slated to go in the 12-13 school year with Marshall’s support. He said, “Mary Marshall has confidence in the high school staff to make the best decision.”
Jazz choir participates at states Next Thursday, the Jazz Choir will compete at the state festival. Senior Nate Killian said he is excited about this opportunity. “We went to district festival and got the rating ‘excellent,’” Killian said, adding that state competition for choir isn’t actually a competition against over schools but more of a showcase. Killian said judges grade performance on a scale of 1-4 and assigned labels such as an excellent rating. Killian also said the real honor comes from just being invited. Many schools who want to be invited to the competition aren’t.
Womens swim has top GPA The womens swim team had the highest overall GPA of any team in its division, which is a big honor according to junior Hailey Sheets. “We work hard, and it pays because he have the number 1 GPA in our district, and we won SECs for the 13th straight year in row,” Sheets said. According to sophomore Callie Swan, some of this success comes from the toughness of the team and its early-morning practices. She said,“We’re all really dedicated because we have to wake up really early and jump in a cold pool every morning.”
Memorial garden to honor Kevin Sullivan Colin Northrup
Staff writer
The greenhouse at Dexter High School won’t be so lonesome anymore, because soon there will be vegetable garden outside room 383. Digging will begin on Saturday, May 7 for this garden called the DHS Sullivan Learning Garden. The purpose of this garden is twofold: to contribute to the curriculum and to honor 2010 graduate Austin Sullivan’s father Kevin, who died of cancer. The chief driving force behind the project, Austin’s mother Lori Sullivan said, “Kevin loved gardening. After his third cancer recurrence, he became very interested in the relationship between food and health.” Lori said she wanted to honor her late husband and help students become better food consumers, so the garden seemed to be a natural connection. She said, “(Kevin and I) often talked about getting gardens at Dexter Schools so that kids could learn where their food actually comes from.” She also said the motivation to build the garden at DHS is partly because her daughter Madeleine will be a freshman next year. Lori said, “I wanted the garden at a place where she could participate. High school is where students are making their own decisions about their food. There is a committee of 15 parents, teachers and students working to make this a reality. There’s a lot to be done and so much potential for a variety of classes to participate in the garden.” Health teacher Shirley Bitters, who is involved in the planning of the garden, said a local landscape architect has agreed to design the garden area. According to Bitters, plans may include a hoop house, which would allow for year-round growing, and a garden shed.
She said, “Foods teacher Pam Hintalla and I aren’t exactly sure how the garden will be incorporated into the curriculum. We’re still in the early planning stages. We could have something like a lasagna garden or a pizza garden, growing things that you find in lasagna or pizza.” Bitters also said that some students have expressed interest in being involved including senior Anica Zadrzynski who is an avid photo courtesy Lori Sullivan While visiting Niagara Falls in 2009, Austin, gardener. Zadrzynski said, “Every spring my dad and I go Kevin and Madeleine Sullivan capture the moment. Lori Sullivan, Kevin’s wife is to Eastern Market in Detroit. spearheading a garden at the high school to We buy all kinds of fruits, honor her late husband’s memory. vegetables and flowers for our home garden. I want to help plan the garden so others can work on it after I graduate.” Any students who want to help out with the garden on the May 7 workday should email Lori Sullivan at kevandlori@chartermi.net. The work session will go from 8 to 2 to and the project includes a raised bed, filling the beds, creating pathways with woodchips and fencing in the space. In addition, a fundraiser will take place on Friday, June 10 at Zingerman’s Roadhouse to celebrate the last day of school and raise money for the garden. RSVP by calling 734-663-3663.
District continues to debate IB Natalie Collins
Staff Writer
In November the Board of Education voted down implementing the International Baccalaureate program until the 2012-2013 school year. This decision was made because the board said it wanted to educate the community on the program and make sure it was the best fit for the school district. After the decision was made Principal Kit Moran said the IB Programme is a very attractive program which has a lot of international appeal. However, he also said it is not the only option for students and costs money. “Right now we are trying to do more with less,” he said. “The big question still remains to be, is this the right thing for Dexter? We are not going forward next year. The IB is a big organization, and I want to get to know the people more. Right now we are working on Teacher Training. We will also be doing this over the summer.” Regardless, French teacher and IB chair Kim Lund said she is excited about what the IB Programme has to offer. “We are already on the IB website as an IB school,” Lund said. “We even have colleges recruiting people. The University of Nebraska has even sent us things showing us credits students can earn by taking IB classes. The IB Programme really allows a lot of flexibility for teachers. IB does not set the curriculum like many people think. It offers many optional topics. This leaves a lot up to teachers on what to teach. The curriculum is also always being revised about every five years. This helps keep the information fresh.” Lund also said she thinks the IB Programme is a great option and is excited to start since she thinks administrative support is there for the
program. “The board made a resolution last may,” she said. “Mr. Moran and Mrs. Marshall have had a lot of support since then. And we are going full speed ahead now. The original problem with the IB Programme was fitting in music.” And from the perspective of many supporters of the music program, IB would take away from the music department. However, this isn’t true according to Moran. “The original problem was that IB takes a certain amount of hours,” Moran said. “This left no time for band. By changing back to semesters, this would help band fit into the schedules of the kids who want to do the full IB Programme and band.” However there is a catch. Band students would only be able to be in the band of the hour their schedule allows. This would eliminate the choice of what band the student would participate in. Some think an additional option for students aspiring to participate in the IB Programme is a new high school opening in this area called Washtenaw International High School, an allIB high school at the old East Middle School building which used to be apart of the Ypsilanti school district. “The school is set to open in the fall of 2011,” Lund said. “However, there are no sports or transportation.” This school will also just be starting out with freshmen and adding a class every year and not offering an IB Programme until 2013. The opening of Washtenaw International as an IB Programme does raise some concerns for Moran. “We might have to make Dexter a school of choice,” he said. Under a schools of choice program, people who do not live in the district could attend Dexter schools. As far as opposition to the IB Programme
in Dexter schools, Moran said the interest in Washtenaw International shows there is community support for and interest in the IB Programme. “There was 100 slots at the school, and they are all full,” he said. For her part Lund said those who oppose the IB Programme don’t have all the facts straight. “The opposition we were receiving was just a few people making a whole lot of noise,” she said. “Many people running for the school board are running because they think that the IB Programme is a poor use of money. The IB Programme won’t cost any more than what we are already spending or if we decided to get more AP classes. People have been throwing around that the IB Programme would cost half a million dollars. This is not true. It only costs about $10 thousand to renew authorization every year. When we start the program, there may be a few more minor expenses but nothing anything close to half a million dollars.” Much of the opposition in the district has come from parents who appear to be concerned about the appeal of the program to the district at large. In a letter to the editor concerning the IB Programme that was published in the Dexter Leader Jack Carlson said, “The only real benefit of the IB program over our current advanced placement program occurs if your child plans to attend a university overseas. There are only 20 IB schools in Michigan because they are cost prohibitive with benefits for a very small number of students.” No matter how much money the program costs, though, Moran said a more important consideration is what is best for the greatest number of people. He said, “Kids need to make choices. Parents need to realize that we can’t have everything. We aren’t a have-everything society anymore.”
Alumni Association membership can provide benefits for graduates Brent Kellenberger
staff writer
Among the many things the The DHS Alumni Association does is helps graduates stay in contact with each other after they get out of high school, something that may not seem that important now but will once graduates have been gone for a few years according to secretary and Alumni Association trustee Dori Gross. “When you are in high school, most students are eager to get out and move onto the next phase of their lives,” Gross said. “As a high school student, the last thing you are thinking about is returning back to Dexter High School some day or losing or keeping in touch with old friends. But eventually, you do wonder and look forward to seeing people and what they’ve been up to.” The Dexter High School Alumni Association was created in 1905 when a group of former students decided to arrange a banquet to catch up with other alumnus. They invited other alumnus who went to DHS, and the first banquet was held on June 10, 1905 at the Dexter Opera house. In addition to banquets, the DHS Alumni Association holds other events such as concerts and class reunions and the association is run by a volunteer group of graduates who serve as the Board. The entire association has active members back to the Class of 1935 and has over 800 members, according to Gross.
The association is currently working on a project called the Alumni Connection, which is an initiative to collect current contact information on as many alumni as possible. With this information the Alumni Association can contact former DHS students with information about upcoming class reunions, as well as news, projects and events of the Alumni Association. “Dexter is truly proud of its schools and graduates and we wish them the best in their years beyond DHS,” Gross said. “We also hope that most will hold fond memories of school and friendships and will want to continue to keep in touch in the years ahead.” The Alumni Association also gives out scholarships to seniors, and the association focuses on students in the 2.0 to 3.5 GPA range in addition to looking at a student’s contribution to their family, school and community and what the student can take away from the experiences. To sign up for the program, students must fill out an application form which can be obtained in the office, and then copies of the filled-out applications are provided to organizations offering scholarships. The Scholarship Committee meets to review the applications and chooses which students they will interview. Ten to 12 students are usually chosen for an interview, and interviews usually take about 10-15 minutes. Next, the committee members rank
applicants on their answers to the interview questions and their previously filled out applications. Three to four scholarships are usually given out, but if the committee believes the candidates are too close to choose between, they may give out more scholarships. If three to four scholarships are given out, the scholarships could be worth $1,000 each. If more than four seniors are chosen, the amount will be reduced so that the extra students can get scholarship money as well according to a document from the association. “Scholarships have been offered for many years,” Gross said. “It is definitely something the association will continue. It allows alumni to help others in the school become successful. Helping the school and its students is what it is all about.” Gross also strongly encourages students to get involved with the Alumni Association after graduation. “Any graduating senior will know what I am talking about the first time they return home after graduation and come to a football game, parade and watch the band, watch a play or whatever. The minute you walk in the school you will get that feeling of what it means to be a DHS Alumni and no longer a student,” Gross said. “Once you are a part of DHS, you are always a part of DHS and welcome here, and hopefully proud, to say you are an Alumni.”
3
Feature
Friday, April 29, 2011
Jas Obrecht: A hometown rock journalist Taylor Garcia
commemorate the life of his own boyhood idol, Jimi Hendrix. Having interviewed hundreds of famous musicians throughout his career, Growing up in the Detroit area, rock journalist and Dexter Obrecht said he is one legend he regrets never having had the chance resident Jas Obrecht had discovered his passion for writing by the to meet. “The 25th anniversary of his death – to the day – his dad asked second grade. It wasn’t until he found himself working at a job that he disliked, however, that fate rang, presenting Obrecht with his dream me to co-write his memoirs, which we named My Son Jimi,” Obrecht said. “It’s funny how my childhood idol and I came together through job. After receiving a call from Guitar Player Magazine, Obrecht his dad later in life.” Through this process, Obrecht said he received was offered a position as an editor. He immediately jumped on this valuable parenting advice that he has embraced when it comes to opportunity and flew to San Francisco, leaving his life behind in parenting Ava. “On several occasions,” he said, “I asked Al to talk about his role in Michigan for two decades. Because of this life-altering change, the opportunities, he said, were endless. “By learning to write, I’ve been encouraging Jimi’s talent. What I learned was that he basically gave able to have kind of a dream life of interviewing famous musicians, Jimi what he needed – a guitar when he asked for one, a stereo, and going on the road with people like Santana, the Rolling Stones, Jeff some records – and advised him to find his own style. After that, he got out of his way and let him play. So you better believe that every Beck, U2 and Van Halen, writing books and cover stories. “Imagine, for instance, that you love films,” he said. “You are living time Ava’s wanted an instrument, I’ve gotten it for her. But what’s your life today, get hired Friday and by Monday you are interviewing most important to me is that she finds something she wants to do with Johnny Depp, and on Tuesday you are out to lunch with DiCaprio. her life. Whatever that is, she’ll have my love and support.” Even though the job with the Internet music magazine folded after I did the something similar in popular music. That was my life.” Obrecht’s success was instantaneous, and soon he found himself to be a year, he said his wife and Ava love living in the Dexter area, and here Obrecht found another passion besides music journalism: teaching an in-demand rock journalist. Given his first assignment for “Guitar Player,” Obrecht attended writing courses at Washtenaw Community College. Obrecht said at the Day on the Green Festival, where he was quickly shot down by WCC, he tries to use his passion to share the power of writing with his intended interviewee, Pat Travers. Frustrated that he may have each of his students. “Teachers should be in the to return to the business of inspiring people – magazine empty inspiring them to want to learn, handed, Obrecht to want to be their best, and headed to the onsite to ultimately to make their life basketball court to matter,” he said. “And learning shoot some hoops. to write can open doors and It was here that take you places that you can’t Obrecht received even imagine while you’re still in his first major break school.” in the world of rock The life of a journalist, journalism, landing Obrecht admits, is not overly an interview with glamorous, but he does have the then-unknown advice for aspiring journalists. guitarist, Eddie Van “You need to be strong, centered Halen. “Karma dealt and comfortable spending most its hand, and I ended of your waking hours in front of up shooting basketball a computer screen. Interviewing with the best guitarist and concerts – that’s 5 percent. since Jimi Hendrix,” Hard work by yourself – 95 Obrecht said. “After percent. But it’s a great life,” he we were done, I told Obrecht (right) conducts a June 1978 in San Francisco with James Gurley, the pioneer psychesaid. him about Travers delic guitar and a member of Big Brother & The Holding Company. Completing most of his work in blowing me off, and Eddie asked me to interview him instead. This turned out to be his his home office, Obrecht said he enjoys the flexibility his career in first nationally published interview. After that, many well-known writing allows him. And, during the ups and downs of Michigan’s indecisive weather, Obrecht said he never has to worry about driving guitarists wanted me to interview them.” In rock journalism, it is almost impossible to create something into work on a snowy day. brilliant if you know nothing about music. Obrecht understood this, In addition to teaching at WCC, Obrecht spends and said he used his own personal musical understanding to his the majority of his time writing articles for advantage. his website, www.jasobrecht.com. Lately, “There’s something that I feel is important, he said. “If you want to Obrecht has begun to re-transcribe his write about music, you should be able to play an instrument. Eddie old tapes and do new interviews with Van Halen was playing the guitar and giving me tips while I was musicians he admires. interviewing him. He never would have done that if I didn’t play the “It began,” he said, “when I guitar also.” became concerned about the Along with being part of the rock music scene, Obrecht’s daily life fate of several large cases was filled with many temptations of the rocker lifestyle that could stored in my basement. In have easily thrown off his focus and drive for journalism. them are close to a thousand “To make it as a writer in almost any field,” he said, “you need tapes of interviews with a literal discipline first and foremost. With music journalism and celebrity who’s-who of modern music, journalism in general, you also have to be able to say no to all the each one unique. I realized that distractions, which in my line of work, especially in the 1970s and’80s, no one besides me really knew included offers of drugs and sex, compliments, swag, you name it. I what was there, and that when once asked Keith Richards what was the most dangerous aspect of my time was up, they’d probably fame. ‘Believing it, man,’ he said. ‘That’ll get you every time.’ And he’s eventually get tossed out. I felt this right. Getting a big ego can stop you dead in your tracks.” material was too historically valuable to Although Obrecht’s career was prosperous, while he was living in be lost, so I decided to start sharing them San Francisco, he and his wife, Michelle Obrecht, never felt entirely at with the world.” home. In 1999, Obrecht was offered a job to edit an Ann Arbor-based The online stage of his journalism Internet music magazine, which he accepted, making the move with career has opened many doors, his family to Dexter. “Dexter has been a great town for raising our allowing information to be daughter, [sophomore] Ava, who’s attended all the public schools and exchanged rapidly and has many great friends here,” he said.” We love Dexter’s community globally. With the spirit and small-town nature. In many ways, my wife and I prefer it volunteered to San Francisco. In Dexter, I’ve never heard gunfire on the streets or help of had to worry about kids accidentally stepping on a used hypodermic needle. Everywhere we go, we run into people we know. Dexter has a good library, wonderful schools, a nice downtown, Busch’s and Country Market right across the street from each other. All that’s missing is a great Mexican restaurant.” When Ava was a toddler, Obrecht was given the chance to
Staff Writer
An image from June 1978 shows Obrecht and Eddie Van Halen after Obrecht interviewed the then-unknown guitarist. The two met by chance after Obrecht failed to get the interview he’d been planning for that day. It was the first interview Van Halen did with a rock journalist.
Lawrence Lazare, who’s been a webmaster for major companies, Obrecht was able to transform his homemade blog into the archive it is today. “I originally did it as a blog,” he said, “hoping for maybe 300 readers a month. But it quickly grew to where I was getting that many people every few hours, from all over the world. Luckily, Google loves us – they usually pick up the articles an hour or two after they’re posted so the site’s growing all the time.” To Obrecht, today’s online journalism is an exciting concept. “I feel strongly that this is the future of music journalism and journalism in general,” he said. “This is especially good news for young writers in high schools and colleges. This means you can start publishing yourself.” There is a lot of freedom that comes with online journalism that makes it hard for the print magazines to compete with the evolving online field, “In essence,” Obrecht said, “Lawrence and I are doing a two-man magazine. I write everything, and he handles the design and tech stuff. So basically we’ve cut out all the middlemen – the editors, copy editors, art directors, photo editors, ad people, printers, shippers and office staff. After all, how can a traditional print magazine compete with a format that allows imbedded video and audio, unlimited lengths, and instant links to other sources of info? The writing’s on the wall: it’s all moving to the Internet.” Obrecht said his website receives global hits on a daily basis, with numbers exceeding his wildest expectations. “What I enjoy most is the instantaneous reaction,” he said. “Within a few minutes of posting a new article – literally – I’ve gotten reactions from readers as far away as Indonesia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and other places across the world. When I was starting out as a journalist, this was unimaginable. You’d have to wait at least six weeks for any feedback. In this regard, the Internet is a very inspiring format.”
Photos courtesy Jas Obrecht
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4
Entertainment
Staff Playlist Name: Steve Miller Song: “In Those Jeans” –Ginuwine “It’s a weapon of seduction.”
Name: Jennifer Stirling Song: “The Lazy Song” –Bruno Mars “It’s a good jam.”
Name: Bethany Martini Song: “Little Lion Man” – Mumford and Sons “It makes me want to get up and dance.”
Photos by Hailey Sheats
Boats Getting Busy : Boats are a main form of transportation in Italy for people as well as manufactured goods. The orchestra took a trip to Italy over spring break and performed in addition to seeing sights such as this.
Name: Ray Carpenter
Orchestra takes trip to Italy
Song: “Da Rockwilder” – Method Man and Redman
Ben Bruetsch
“I’ve got a totally nonweird man crush on Method.”
Name: Carly Cash Song: “Waiting for my Ruca” –Sublime “It gets me revved up for winning.”
Name: Claire Berger Song: “I Don’t Wanna Care Right Now” -Lupe Fiasco “I dig the vibe ... thanks, Cam :)”
Name: Mike McGonigle Song: “Cad Daddy” -Rej3cts “This is Ray Carpenter’s and my song.”
staff writer
While many students went on spring break vacations to places such as Florida or Mexico, the orchestra took a week-long trip to Italy, where they represented DHS by performing in Colle di Val d’Elsa at Saint Agostino Church in Montecatini and in Florence at the St. Stefano Church in front of large audiences from around the world as well as local Italians. “The first performance didn’t go as well as everyone wanted because the orchestra wasn’t used to the high ceilings of the churches, but the second and third performances went so well that the crowd wanted encores,” junior Hailey Sheats said. The performances were not all the trip though. Most of the trip was for the experience of traveling to a different country. Besides performing, the orchestra had a lot of time for sight seeing in the cities of Venice, Rome, Sienna and Florence. Orchestra director Matthew Deloria said, “They had time to shop, eat real Italian food and just wander about the cities as well.” And Sheats really liked the time she got to see the countryside. She said, “My favorite parts of Italy were probably seeing the beautiful sights that you often see in movies and shows, but experiencing them in person is one of the most amazing things. Also, I really loved seeing how Italians live their lives and viewing the beautiful countryside on our long bus rides to another big city.” Some people’s favorite parts were not about the sights but rather learning the language. Sophomore Emily Bishop said her favorite part of the trip was learning Italian phrases like “Louis Matoka” which means “he’s touching me” and “Syswharmay” which means “marry me” and using them while talking to cute guys. Deloria said he arranged the trip to Italy for many reasons. First, he said it helps recruitment and retention for the Orchestra. Second, it provides a unique experience of playing in a touring performing group. Deloria said, “The demands of a tour like this is much different than
Close to the Coliseum : Fences prevent people from entering the Coliseum but tourists are welcome to get as close as they want.
what we are used to in our normal class. In addition, it gives us the opportunity to represent Dexter and our country in a positive light. Lots of folks in the world don’t care for Americans, and this gives us a chance to change their minds.” Finally, Deloria said he wanted to give his students the chance to see the world and open their minds a bit. The trip to Italy cost $2,300, but the students who went say it was definitely worth it. “I think it was worth the money because you don’t often get to go to such a beautiful place, and for most people that will be their only time they will ever go,” Sheats said. “Also, it was worth the money because not only did we see amazing sights, but we played three amazing concerts in beautiful churches for people from all over the world. And most people never get a chance to do something like that.”
Once you go (Rebecca) Black, go back! an opinion piece by Steve Miller
features editor
Despite society’s best efforts, it seems Justin Bieber has had a larger effect on the pop music scene than anticipated. Wanna-be child stars are on the rise, along with their Lohan-esque moms. One of these stars is Rebecca Black. With the help of ARK Music Factory, she has reached pseudo stardom. ARK is a terrible record label that lets rich, spoiled girls realize their dreams of making unspeakably bad music. The goal of the record label, according to the label’s website, is to “discover” young stars. The parents of these “artists” have to pay a $2,000$4,000 fee to have ARK music factory write and produce their music for them, along with a music video. Their most recent find is Black who has been singing publicly since 2008. But when the 13-year-old released her single “Friday” with Ark Music Factory, she received over 98 million views on youtube and became a viral star. Before she was a recording artist, she was part of Patriotic Performing Group, which they performed at over 50 locations. She started singing lessons at 10, and at 11 signed with a modeling management company. And she got her start by starring in a local commercial for Puzzlecraft. But since she has appeared on such shows as “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “Good Morning America,” many interview questions have revolved around the immense hatred she is receiving online. Out of the 112 million views on Youtube 2.5 million people have voted with dislikes, countered with only 300,000 likes. And some of those likes, of course, are sarcastic because true music fans are absolutely appalled by not only her distasteful lyrics but also her blatant disregard for decent music. In fact, funnyordie.com poked fun at Black by renaming their site to Friday or Die.
Hundreds of spoofs have been made of her video as well. Some are genuinely funny while others are just trying to suck some views off Black’s popularity. Even better than the spoofs are the comments, some calling her song the worst thing ever, while others get more creative. Still, it is hard to argue with the “worst song ever” claim after listening to it. The key to Black’s success is the production. She was auto-tuned more than T-Pain’s robot. Listening to Ark Music Factory’s artists is comparable to karaoke at a sixth grade birthday party. These artists lack the raw talent, work ethic and experience to make decent music. I can not emphasize enough how bad these children are at singing. They put William Hung and Nickelback to shame. Despite the immense hate focused on her, Black is using her 15 minutes to her advantage. After she became well known, Black spent no time finding an agent, who says that she has gotten plenty of offers. Black also has plans to release an album, and is working on material at Flying Pig Production studio. The best thing to do in a situation like this, when a non-worthy person becomes a celebrity, is ignore them, since their stardom is fueled off attention along with hate. As a matter of fact, taking a position on Black and her music is a lose-lose, so please do society a favor and don’t mention her name or that specific day of the week unless necessary. She has had her taste of fame and it is our responsibility to make sure she does not become an addict. There is a popular saying: “A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.” Let’s just hope Rebecca trips. 13-Year -Old Pop Star: Following in the steps of Justin Bieber, Rebecca Black skyrocketed to fame based on a youtube single. Photo by Paul Rodriguez/ MCT
5
Sports
Friday, April 29, 2011
Baird named new football coach following Barbieri's dismissal Charlotte Morrill
staff writer
Math teacher Brian Baird has a new position in store for him: varsity football coach. Following the drama of former coach Tom Barbieri’s dismissal by former Athletic Director Scott Lucas, Baird got the job in a surprisingly mellow fashion. “The job was posted, and I expressed interest. We went through an interview process. After a few days, they offered me the job, and I accepted,” Baird said. “I went through an interview process and was hired by the school district.” Some of the drama in Barbieri’s firing resulted from the fact that Marshall dismissed Lucas after he fired Barbieri, but it is still unclear as to whether or not the two dismissals were connected. But Baird said this situation is in the past, and he is looking forward. Barbieri said he did not want to comment on his firing or Baird’s hiring. Baird has been teaching at Dexter High School since 2002, and while he has worked with the football program in the past, he stepped down as assistant coach last year due to philosophical differences with Barbieri. Regardless, Baird said his coaching is similar to his teaching style. “To me, coaching is teaching,” Baird said. “What you have in the classroom is the same as what you have on the field. I focus on all students, especially those who struggle.” Baird also said he strongly believes coaching is all about the players on the field. “I really want the kids to be accountable for each other. Hopefully it’s a lot of fun,” he said. Junior Tony Kurcz is on the varsity team, and he has been coached by both Baird and Barbieri. He said he looks forward to working with Baird. “I prefer Mr. Baird,” Kurcz said. “I had Mr. Baird as a coach for my JV year. I think it will be more organized and under control (next year).” Kurcz also said he hopes to join the varsity team again for his senior year, and Baird getting the coaching job provided an additional incentive. “I want to play football more now, because of Mr. Baird,”
Kurcz said. “I really like him as a teacher, too. I think a change in the program will be nice.” And sophomore Jacob Rich, a member of the junior varsity team, said there is a new opportunity in the coaching changes. “I’m excited to see what Mr. Baird brings to the table, but I also appreciate what Mr. Barbieri has done for the program,” Rich said. “I’m psyched to play football with Mr. Baird as head coach. But I would play either way.” For his part Baird said he looks forward to coaching and being a part of the program, but he said he knows what he will have to deal with when he starts into practices and games. “It’s going to be an exciting year full of its own unique challenges,” Baird said. “I hope students can reach the goals they set for themselves. Ultimately, the most important thing is the kids. I love teaching, and I love watching kids be successful. I want to help them achieve goals both athletically and academically.” The kids Baird cares for are also excited for the season, and Kurcz even said he has high hopes for the team in the upcoming year. “I’m looking forward to the new playbook, like the new kinds of plays we will be running,” he said. I think we could probably have a winning season next year.” The 20112012 football season begins practices on Aug. 8, and the first game is Aug. 26, which is an away game against Fowlerville. Photo by Bryce Walls, photo illustration by Claire Berger
• Baird
Rugby can be dangerous Tucker Whitley
sports editor
It was game day in 2007 for Travis Rize who was a senior at the time. He thought nothing of it. He prepared as usual and made his way to the field where he would begin his rugby game. While warming up, Rize said he knew he was at risk of serious injury but never expected it to happen to him. Little did he know, early in the game he would crack his skull open above his right ear. Rize was hospitalized and said, “My injury was a hairline fracture on the left side on my head right about my ear. I had cerebral fluid draining from my nose, which is the fluid that surrounds your brain.” Despite the seriousness of the injury he said he remembers the situation in detail. “Steve Muchmore and I were playing wings,” he said, “and he got the ball from the left side of the field. He then saw me streaking down the right, so he gave me a perfect punt across the field and the ball onehopped into my arms. With one guy to beat, I was going to try to run him over. I then put my head down, and so did he. His forehead smacked my head, and then I was apparently knocked out for like five seconds. We were playing Washtenaw, and both me and the other kid went to the hospital. I remembered everything, but the other kid couldn’t remember the last two days.” Though most people are able to deal with the minor nicks and bruises that come with rugby, longterm injuries like concussions and broken bones are a very high possibility, as rugby is played with no pads. According to Rugby Injuries, a website about the dangers of rugby, over 40 percent of injuries are muscular strains or bruising, 30 percent are sprains, followed by dislocations, fractures, lacerations and overuse injuries. And between 5-25 percent of rugby injuries are head injuries, including concussions. In youth aged 10-18 years, 35 percent of injuries are fractures, of which 24 percent involve the clavicle. Superficial injuries represent 20 percent of rugby injuries, followed
Photo by Nick Byma
Hoisted by the trousers: The rugby team lifts senior Spencer Bussineau up to reach for the ball.
by head injuries and sprains. Of the head injuries, 44 percent are concussions. Rugby injuries are one of the main reasons people don’t play the sport, according to sophomore Anthony Bell. “I don’t want to get hurt for football,” he said. “If I do play, (rugby) I probably will.” A fear of rugby has arisen, and for good reason too, according to Bell. And Dexter High School strength and conditioning coach Mike McCarthy said rugby can be dangerous too. “It’s not a good alternative sport, because it is so risky,” McCarthy said. “There are enough injuries in football, so if you take pads away from football, you would have rugby. For my football players, I would recommend waiting until your senior year to play rugby. If they do so, they won’t have to worry about being hurt for another sport.” A dangerous sport for some, but a fun, hearty game for hard-nosed players like junior Mishael Bingham. He said, “It’s a great game, and people shouldn’t fear it. If someone plays, then they are already expecting what could potentially happen. I would recommend this sport to any tough individual who wants a free pass to rough someone
Womens water polo makes great strides Taylor Schmidt
water polo, the team had a strong amount
staff writer of seniors. However this team is much more
Since she was a freshman, senior water polo captain jen Himle said the water polo team has shown great strides. “Compared to my previous seasons, this team is a lot more connected. We act more like a team,” she said. “Since we have overnight tournaments on the weekend, we usually hang out with one another in our hotel rooms to get to know each other better. We have prepared more for this season by having two practices a day, one in the morning and one after school. Having practices twice a day allows us to practice more on the specifics and put in a better workout. Also, both teams of junior varsity and varsity are split pretty evenly. There’s no one on varsity that doesn’t deserve to be there.” As a co-captain, Himle said it’s her and the other captains’ role to set an example for the team. “We’re in charge of organizing what to wear on game days along with informing the team on any changes dealing with that day,” she said. Head coach Brian Semple agrees and said this year’s team is a much more improved team compared to his previous four years as the head coach. “What makes this team different from my previous years is the mix of classes,” he said. “When I first started coaching women’s
diversified between the classes.” Another strength on the team this year Semple said is the leadership from the senior captains. “These girls set a great example to the team,” he said. “They possess both the qualities of leadership and of the game itself. The weekend tournaments we have really allows the girls to bond. Since we have them just about every weekend, these girls spend most their time together on the weekends by hanging out in their hotel rooms or going out to eat for dinner.” The team sits at a record of 15-4, and each of their losses could have easily been a win, Himle said. Finally, Coach Semple said his team has improve a lot this season. “Each and every game we’ve lost this year was by a margin of one,” he said. “There’s been no team that we have been blown out by. I’m proud of where we stand at currently, but my hopes for the season are to finish on top of the districts first, then make it into the state tournament second. What we need to do to accomplish these goals is to win in the key match ups between Pioneer and Skyline. This team is filled with great determination and passion, I see them being able to finish on top this season.”
Looking to pass: Senior Cassandra Cowhy looks to make a pass to an open teammate. Cowhy has been playing for three years.
Making the steal: Senior Jen Himle works to steal the ball when on defense. Himle is one of the team’s four captains this season.
A job well done: Dexter and Chelsea shake hands after the game. Dexter won the game 9-2.
Blocking the ball: Senior Emma Keen saves the shot during the Chelsea game. Keen, along with junior Hailey Sheats are the goalies for the Varsity team this season.
Photos by Claire Berger
6
Get Involved
Senior food auction: Nicole Minzey
Friday, April 29, 2011
Big hearts, bigger stomachs
staff writer the auction. The rest of the food at the auction was donated by DHS
Every year, NHS puts on the senior food auction as a way to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy and Cystic Fibrosis. This year’s auction raised $2,300, making it the most successful food auction that NHS has ever held. Muscular Dystrophy is a genetic disease that causes the break down and weakening of muscle tissue. The disease is fatal because it eventually causes the muscles vital to life to be too weak to function. There is no known cure for the disease, and half the money raised at this auction went towards searching for the cure to this disease. Cystic Fibrosis is a disease that effects the entire body and causes disability and eventually death. The most serious symptom of the disease is difficulty breathing. There is also no cure for this disease. The other half of the money raised at the senior food auction went towards this cause. At the food auction members of the senior class gather in the commons and bid on different food items that are up for auction. To attend the auction, students must first purchase a ticket that serves as their pass to leave class during that hour. The tickets cost one dollar and were available during lunch the week before the auction. The money from the tickets sold went towards purchasing food for
staff members. The auction is put on every year by NHS, and this year the chairs were seniors Paul Parker, Ryan Sikorski, Parker Latshaw and Andrew Herring. The chairs dressed up in bright green vests and auctioned off the food to the seniors. The chairs also were responsible for selling the tickets at the lunches and going to Value World to purchase their attire for the event. “Being an auctioneer was really fun because we all got to have fun with each other and be part of a memorable senior experience,” Parker said. But it wasn’t only fun. Latshaw said he knew the event would be a lot of work but volunteered regardless. “I thought it would be a good opportunity and (Parker) convinced me to do it,” Latshaw said. The food was then auctioned off in packages. For example, a pizza, two liter of pop, and a plate of cookies would go for $50. For senior Jen Himle, this event was a bargain. “I only spent about $20 at the auction,” she said. “I pooled my money with the people sitting at my table and we got pizza, pop, cupcakes and pita and hummus. It was a really great way to raise money for charity while having fun with my friends.”
Giving instructions: NHS adviser Cheryl Wells gives instructions to seniors before the auction begins.
Placing a bid: Seniors Dan Stafanski and Laura Steavenson raise their hands to place a bid on pizza. In this round Stafanski won the bidding battle.
Serina Bidwell and Zaryn Jennings helping out at the the Food Auction
Photos by Merve Oztoprak
Reaching for the cake: Seniors Olivia Taylor, Lindsey Allen, Laura Taylor, Julie Cohen, Kaitlin Gotcher and Kayla Chenault each buy a piece of cake during the auction. Together the senior class raised over $2,300.
• Andrew Herring
Follow us on for daily updates: dhs_squaller and “like” us on check out The Squall website:
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7
Opinion
Friday, April 29, 2011
Squall The
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Marne Little
MANAGING EDITOR: Connor Thompson
EDITORS NEWS: Kevin Skiver DESIGN: Claire Berger FEATURES: Steven Miller ENTERTAINMENT: Nicole Minzey PHOTO: Kristie Duve SPORTS: Tucker Whitley TRENDS: Sirah Camara GET INVOLVED: Lisa Crompton COPY: Ray Carpenter WEB: Emily Darrow WEB DESIGN: Rachel Lomax
DESIGNERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Travis Chaffee, Bethany Martini, Merve Oztroprak, Drew Richardson, Caroline Rossini, Carl Schimmel, Nina Smith, Michelle Stone, Bryce Walls
MANAGERS ADVERTISEMENT: Lisa Crompton
STAFF WRITERS Benjamin Bruetsch, Natalie Collins, Dan Edwards, Murphy Hansen, Brent Kellenberger, Charlotte Knoerl-Morrill, Michael McGonigle, Colin Northrup, Brandon Otto, Toliver Rogers, Taylor Schmidt, Jennifer Stirling
TWEETER Carl Schimmel
CARTOONIST Carly Cash
ADVISER Rod Satterthwaite
POLICY:
Marne Little
Kevin Skiver
Red Wings event reminds me of journalism’s lessons
Kit Moran is watching you
editor-in-chief
news editor
As I sat with more than 50 other student journalists from around the state at Detroit Red Wing’s High School Journalist Day, I realized how the world of journalism has shaped who I am and impacted my life. I watch students from other school scratch notes on to their pads of paper and, as this year’s editor-in-chief of The Squall, I’m reminded of how journalism has become my life. Journalism has given my a new outlook on life: When I attend events or I think about certain issues, I look at them from a journalistic point of view. I think about what kind of a story I could write about the issue, how many different angles and types of views I could capture. It’s also lead me to pay closer attention to current events and how they are reported. It has even influenced my beliefs by helping me see multiple sides of a story. I’m always thinking visually too, considering what would make an interesting picture and what the best angles would be to take the photo at. I think of what would be appealing to my readers and how the design should be laid out to continue giving The Squall an award- winning edge. Journalism has opened opportunities for me: Over the past summer, I volunteered at the American Red Cross with the SwimA-Cross program where I was given the position as the public relations coordinator. I wrote articles about the events for Heritage Newspapers, and I wrote press releases that were sent out to potential participants. But the reason I was able to do this was because of my journalism experience with The Squall. I now know that I will always be welcome as a volunteer back at the chapter to provide my journalistic skills. All of this came back to me, as I said earlier, on March 8, when I was given the opportunity to attend the Detroit Red Wings High School Journalist Day. At the event I participated in four different press conferences with Detroit media members such as Kevin Allen of “USA Today,” Jennifer Hammond of FOX 2, Red Wings radio play-by-play announcer Ken Kal, and players such as Chris Osgood and Henrik Zetterberg Listening to these people speak I was reminded what it’s like to be a journalist. It’s not an easy job. You have to be observant to get the story and assertive in order to get interviews, have your questions answered and be able to get the right angles for photos. And you have to listen to everyone else’s questions, which could have nothing to do with what you want to ask. If you don’t have a recording device of some sort, good luck, because writing every single thing down can be tough and tiring during three hours worth of interviews. I also learned that the life of a journalist can also be very time-consuming because your editor could need you somewhere to report immediately, and your job depends on it. And the deadlines can be daily rather than monthly at The Squall. But even though it can be strenuous and demanding, it’s a part of who I am. Journalism has taught me about my rights: The “Clean Up DHS” blog controversy last spring also had a large impact on me. The blog criticized students’ writing and complained about material the bloggers didn’t think suitable for their children. As managing editor during the start of the blog and as current editor-in-chief, this controversy impacted my decisions as an editor and taught me how to stand up for my rights as an individual and as a school organization. Attending school board meetings about a district publication and production policy taught me how to take a stand and be a voice of my school’s student publication. I thank these concerned parents and the school board for giving me the opportunity to learn from an experience involving censorship and the rights and responsibilities of free speech. All of this and more reminded me, as I sat at Red Wings Journalism Day and watched students throw their arms up in hopes their questions would be answered or hear a pushy girl from another school brag about other journalistic events she’s attended, of this great opportunity I’ve been given and how journalism has shaped me and will stick with me forever.
THE
all
Egypt, Libya, Syria … Dexter? Students of Dexter High School, I believe it is time to let the domino effect of the world reach us and overthrow the dictatorship that now plagues us here in our fair school. The evil William “Kit” Moran has become far too obsessed with his possession of power. He maintains a close relationship with the masses so that they forget his oppression, but it’s far too obvious what Moran’s intentions truly are. The Big Brother posters in many rooms make light of the situation so students are brainwashed into thinking they’re merely a joke. But the Freshmen House is more proof of Moran’s scheme. The young have been isolated so their minds can be molded early, and Freshmen House English teacher Andrew Parker is the head of the entire operation, rambling on in monotones that students may not think they’re paying attention to until his words drill their way into the ears of the students and brainwash to become one of Moran’s drones. The Big Brother operation throughout Freshmen House, which is where a teacher puts a student’s name on the wall (with their offense next to it) when said student shows he/she is not completely under Moran’s control, is yet more proof of this scheme. Every time students begin to think for themselves, their name are posted on the wall to remind them of their insubordination. Moran realizes as students get older a sense of individuality is inevitable, particularly among students who didn’t go through the Freshmen House. Parker and his fellow Freshmen House teachers can’t teach everyone. However, bounties are put on students’ heads when they exhibit individuality. They are hunted down by his secret police, Connie Agostini and Dee Braden. These two epitomize good cop-bad cop. The student body can figure out who is who for themselves. Once students exhibit more individuality, however, Moran must take matters into his own hands. He talks to students (usually juniors and seniors) who he thinks are going to attempt to overthrow him and plays the good guy, laughing it up while plotting their demise in his head. Moran’s second in command, Ken Koenig, is another example of the secret state that resides in our district. While Moran makes an attempt to reach out to the masses, Koenig is his ruthless, right hand man. No one else can wear pink polos and be so cruel. Whether it’s handing out a detention, expelling a student or executing three, Koenig will do so without batting an eyelash. Koenig is the hammer and the reason Moran can keep such excellent public relations. Mollie Sharrar, the newest addition to Moran’s team, has kept a low profile since signing away her soul to Moran’s tyranny. She has talked to students and developed relationships with some of them. However, she is not to be underestimated. Sharrar has the potential to take over for Koenig. There have been attempts to overthrow this regime. The Cookie Revolt of 2008 was a valiant effort. However, we now need these models of forward thinking on a larger scale. We must protest against school lunches, the tyrant’s main source of income. The administration has made this impossible by not allowing students to leave for lunches, masked by the excuse of it being “for our safety.” However, I urge all students to bring lunches from home and stop supporting the evil rule we have let ourselves fall under. If we allow this dictatorship to continue, the student body will be completely brainwashed. The masses must be rallied before it’s too late. We can’t allow Moran and his henchmen to oppress us any longer. It’s time to rise up and take control of what is rightfully ours. Our school has allowed this evil reign to continue for too long. Anarchy is the only way to remove Moran and his henchmen from power.
Squall
Call
The Squall is distributed monthly to 1,200 students and is estimated to reach 3,600 people with each issue. The Squall is printed by Owosso Argus Press in Owosso, MI and produced by the first hour newspaper class.
TALK BACK:
The Squall is an open forum for student expression. It accepts letters to the editor from any and all concerned parties. The Squall reserves the right to screen and/ or edit any and all letters for inappropriate content and length. All letters must be signed. Requests to remain anonymous will be considered by the editorial board.
Illustration by Carly Cash
'First and 10' law a burden “First & 10” is the newest law to hit Michigan teen drivers. And ever since the no-texting law went into effect in March, it seems the State has been cracking down on teens. First & 10 means, “Don’t exceed your first passenger and don’t drive after 10 p.m.” Teens who have graduated, level two drivers licenses--those who have received their license within six months--cannot have passengers in a vehicle they are driving under the age of 21, unless that passenger is a close family member or traveling from a school-sanctioned event. Also, teens cannot drive between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. While the law is intended to keep teens safe,
which we support, we don’t support the 10 p.m. curfew, which is earlier than what most parents set. In fact, a teen’s curfew and the number of passengers in a teen’s car should be determined by the teen’s parents, not the government. This new curfew affects after-school activities, which causes inconveniences. With many after-school activities, teens often carpool home from events after 10 p.m., and the state shouldn’t make parents go out of their way to pick their children up. For example, after The Squall is written, we have a layout night where we stay at school and put all the articles and pictures together. These nights typically go longer than 10 p.m.
Also, students with morning practices may not be able to drive to them and the mens and womens water polo team will be affected because they can’t carpool anymore. The First & 10 law prevents teens from getting where they need to be. It creates safety but at the expense of a parent’s convenience. Parents should make the rules for their teens. They should set the curfew, and they should set the number of passengers. These laws are unnecessary because they cause an uncalled for curfew and are an inconvenience to parents. We don’t need politicians involved in every element of our lives, driving included.
Photostory
R O V I V R U S R O I N SE
8
Friday, April 29, 2011
Elimination: The survivors prepare to find out who will be terminated from the competition.
The tribe has spoken: After the Senior Survivor pep. assembly, the purple team was eliminated from the competition. All of the team members gathered for a group hug to show support for one another.
Bound together: The purple team, Nate Kotsones and Kaitlin Gotcher, races to collect tissue paper
In it to win it: Anica Zadrzynski quickly wraps her arms with streamers as her partner Ryan Sikorski removes tissues from boxes.
Seniors raise almost $10,000 in attempt to 'survive' at school Toliver Rogers
All smiles: Bidwell, Zadrzynski, Marvel and Gagneau smile at the pep. assembly.
• Bidwell and Marvel
to be picked to participate. “To
staff writer be considered as a participant
Laxatives, the brainchild of senior Avery Marvel, was a running joke among the senior survivors. “He brought in food, and after we ate it, told us we had just eaten laxatives,” senior Serena Bidwell. And while there were plenty of jokes to go around, the rules were quite serious. From April 17 to April 21, twelve students were locked in the high school from morning to night without cell phones and required to sleep on the floor. These senior survivors gave up their freedom in an attempt to be the last group kicked out of the school and in an attempt to raise money for their favorite charity. To start, students had to apply
in Senior Survivor, part of your application was to choose a charity to donate all the money raised to,” senior Carl Schimmel said. “The team that wins decides which charity all the money raised gets donated to.” Survivors kept each other entertained while at the school by reading “C osmo,” spy missions and hearing student council adviser Al Snider’s laugh. “Reading Cosmo is the best part,” s e n i o r
Anica Zadrzynski said. For senior Ryan Sikorski, though, his favorite part was the laugh. And he wasn’t the only one. “Hearing Mr. Snider’s laugh is the best part. He giggles like a little girl,” Marvel said. Unfortunately, senior Nate Kotsones had a bit of a rough time and was home sick and unable to help campaign for the purple tribe, yet tried to find enjoyment in sleeping on the cold, hard school floors. He said, “Sleeping on the floor was the best part. It was like sleeping on a unicorn with five bunnies.”
Game on: Tyler Dunham practices prior to the balloon challenge at the Survivor pep assembly. The team members had to keep eight balloons in the air and from touching the ground.
We got spirit: Students cheer on the light blue team.
Survivor Facts • There were six teams of two people; a male and female paired randomly.
Team Black: Evan Oxner races to try and remove all the tissues from a Kleenex box as fast as he can while team member Kasey Swoverland has to wrap her arms with streamers as part of the pep assembly challenge.
• Boys and girls slept on the third floor on opposite ends of the hallway. • All of the proceeds were raised for the charity of the winner’s choice. • The rules stated if a contestant didn’t listen to the teachers in charge, they could be penalized.
• Koval Sneak attack: Senior Tyler Dunham kept spirited with his body suit, matching his team color, dark blue.
No hands: The Survivors had to eat an Oreo the fastest without the use of their hands. Serena Bidwell, member of the tie-dye team, concentrates as she has to start with the cookie on her forehead.
Teamwork: Members of the Camo team, Lindsey Gagneau and Carl Schimmel came in first in the three-legged race competition at the Survivor pep. assembly.
Down time: The survivors work on homework and relax in between challenges and before the school day begins. Lindsey Gagneau and Nate Kotsones spend time in the library prior to the assembly.
Photos by Merve Oztoprak and Caroline Rossini