December 19, 2014. VOL. 20. Issue 3
Adderall What is it?
Photo Credit: Aurora Christensen
With classes becoming more rigorous, many students are finding it harder to concentrate and turning to Adderall. Dexter High School 2200 N. Parker Road Dexter, MI 48130 www.thesquall.com
Jonathan LeBlanc
Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 12:34:04 PM Eastern Standard Time
00:23:32:a0:1b:c7
Friday, December 19, 2014 The Squall Index 2 3-4 news Dexter Cityhood and Marijuana localization
online Stories:
5 Editorial Happy Squalladays
Video: Crazy Black Friday
13 Entertainment Letter to santa
ALBUM Review: Black Veil Brides IV
15 Entertainment Christmas movies
Curling Club Team Hockey Team Preview
16 Entertainment netflix
Michigan State Basketball
17 feature christmas birthdays
10-11
18 Interactive christmas 5x5 19 Infographic best and worst of 2014
7 Photo by: Cornelis Kayser
Editors-in-Chief: Noah Mellifont Zac Sharp
Illustrators: Kurtis Hansen Chandler Van Fossen
Head Designer: Sydney Swigart
Design Team: Peyton Stimac Kate Mesaros Ashley Sobczak Danny Mitchell Mika Brust Tucker Swan Kyle Murphy Sam Ketzner Antonio Strang Austin Walt Mariah Maier Carsten Vestergaard Joie Graves Sarah Lynch
Web Editor: Jon LeBlanc Business Managers: Reagan Maisch Sydney Swigart Adviser: Chris Mackinder
Phone: (734) 426-4240 EXT: 7407
Jonathan LeBlanc
Photo by: Aiden Marvel
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. Morgan Schwanky Caden Koenig Jaehyun Han Aiden Hochrein Cam Kantola Elle Jansen David Merz
Staff Writers: Kyle Doyle Lexi Heath Ben Kill Reagan Maisch Maddie Kurcz Conor Van Dusen Reggie Swoverland Amanda Fileccia Mike Bradshaw Gigi Saadeldin Nick Collins Caroline Burdick Darion Mayrand Ryan Pyle Brian Condron Truman Stovall Jannik Hilpisch Nick LeBlanc Adam Sikorski
@DEXTERSQUALL
8 20 Photo Illustration by: Tucker Swan
Squall Staff
Photo Editor: Chris Ryan
Video Game Review: Pokemon ORAS
Photo by: Aurora Christensen
6 Photo by: Aurora Christensen
Video Game Review: Five Nights at Freddy’s 2
Photographers: Derek Wittenberg Bre Pierce Aiden Marvel Aurora Christensen Kimi Camara Katie Fischer Claire Ward Cornelis Kayser Casey Orr Miya Loudermilk
@DHS_SQUALLER 2200 N. Parker Road, Dexter MI, 48130
Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 12:34:04 PM Eastern Standard Time
00:23:32:a0:1b:c7
Staff Policy: The Squall is a student publication distributed to students, faculty and staff of Dexter High School. The Squall is also distributed by subscription to the Dexter community. The Squall has a press run of 1700 copies and is printed by The Argus-Press in Owosso, MI. The paper serves as a public forum with student editors making all content decisions. Opinions expressed in the newspaper are not necessarily those of Dexter Community Schools. Letters to the Editor 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 may be edited for length and unprotected speech. Requests to withhold a writer’s name will be considered by the editorial board. Letters should be 300 words or fewer.
THE SQUALL Email: dextersquall@gmail.com
Friday, December 19, 2014 The Squall News 3
It s official: Dexter is a city Photo Illustration by: Mariah Maier
Gigi Saadeldin Staff Writer On November 4, 2014, the citizens of Dexter had the opportunity to forever change their village. They took it. After eight years of establishing boundaries and drafting the charter that was ultimately approved under the state’s Home Rule Act, Dexter took the final step in establishing cityhood. With a vote of 955 for cityhood and 814 against, Dexter has begun its transition from a village to a city. Dexter’s switch into cityhood was a narrow victory, showing just how divided the community was and still is. “I don’t think the economy is going to change much,” Washtenaw County Sheriff Jeremy Hilobuck said. “We’re still going to have all our small businesses. Dexter has always been a great place to live. The transition seems to be extremely smooth, and I think that our town will really benefit from this change.” Dexter High School senior Delaney Garcia could not vote; however, if she could she would have voted against the proposal.
“Now that we’re becoming a city I can’t say that I live in a village anymore, and that makes me sad,” Garcia said. “I just don’t want to see my town change.” Dexter can begin to expect changes starting in the spring of 2015 according to former Dexter councilman Paul Cousins. Some of the changes that Dexter will have to make include hiring an assessor, pointing out committees for the tax review board and elections, and changing the name from ‘village’ to ‘city’ on truck, signs, and letterhead. Starting in July of 2015, due to the summer tax bill, taxes which include all city, school, county, library, community college, and the intermediate school district will be collected by the city. “Currently, we are paying taxes to two different townships: Webster Township and Scio Township,” Cousins said. “We vote at two different townships, and our village is basically run by two different townships. Now that we’re a city, paying taxes and voting will be more efficient because they will be in one place. “Annually, we pay Scio and Webster Township a total of about $344,000 so that they can organize the way we vote and the way we pay taxes. Now that
A COMMUNITY COALITION PREVENTING DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIORS IN DEXTER YOUTH
r e v ne
Source: 2014 MiPHY data for Dexter Schools.
dread strong
ter e x e D of ns hav tee drahnokl. alco
SRSLYdexter.org | (734) 593-6974
A community coalition established to prevent destructive behavior in Dexter youth, with support from St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea, Chelsea-area Wellness Foundation and the Drug Free Communities Support Program.
Jonathan LeBlanc
Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 12:34:04 PM Eastern Standard Time
00:23:32:a0:1b:c7
we’re a city, we can do all of what Webster and Scio were doing for around $80,000. This would save the town approximately $264,000 annually, which could ultimately save about $250 per person annually, and could save small businesses around $20,000 annually.” Many citizens feared that once Dexter became a city there would be more crime, corruption, and possibly drug sales. Some are still fearful of the looming change. “My biggest fear is that Dexter will eventually lose its small-town feel,” DHS junior Laurel Dudek said. “I love that I can see someone I know everytime I’m downtown. I don’t want Dexter to eventually be a place that has lost all its old buildings and has run-down parts.” While there are many others who echo Dudek’s feelings, Cousins believes becoming a city is a “big step” for the community. “Everyone should embrace the change and trust that everything will turn out really well,” Cousins said. “There won’t be too drastic of a difference in the community. If I were to live another 51 years, I’m confident to say that everything will generally be as great as it is now.” Welcome to cityhood, Dexter.
Friday, December 19, 2014 The Squall News 4
In High Demand Michigan cities make large strides towards legalizing marijuana
Reagan Maisch Staff Writer In the election on November 4, 2014, six additional Michigan cities were added to the previous list of two, to eliminate all local penalties for the possession, use, transfer and transportation of small amounts of marijuana. In addition to Oak Park and Hazel Park who made the decision to lift their cannabis ordinances during the primary election in August, the cities of Saginaw, Port Huron, Mt. Pleasant, Pleasant Ridge, Huntington Woods, and Berkley all voted to make the marijuana regulations in their area much less restrictive, if having any regulations at all during this election season. “This is the first election ever when people with big money are getting involved with pro-marijuana candidates and the ballot issues” said Chuck Ream, co-founder of the Safer Michigan Coalition, to the Detroit Free Press. Ream believes this is why this election seemed to have the most effective campaign, and saw the best results even with limited funds. “Most of our campaign people were unpaid volunteers, and we’re spending nothing on the usual things — no billboards, no flyers, no TV or radio This is the first election ever ads,” Ream said. Though there is much evidence when people with big money showing an increase in support are getting involved with of decriminalizing marijuana in pro-marijuana candidates. Michigan there has been very little movement towards legalizing on the Chuck Ream ballots in Dexter The truth of the matter is that the Village Council in Dexter has not discussed the topic at all since a discussion on medical marijuana a few years ago. “I believe that after this discussion we ended up in a moratorium of some sort until the rules on what local governments can or cannot do was clarified at the state or federal level,” Dexter Mayor Shawn Keough said. Since then, Dexter has seen no progress on the topic, and is looking towards keeping that trend until statewide laws are passed. While Dexter seems to be far away from legalizing, many citizens around Dexter and Michigan in general are endorsing the idea. In a recent live-operator poll conducted by EPIC-MRA of Lansing, only 1 in 4 residents (26 percent) wanted Michigan to continue its present system of criminal penalties for marijuana offenses. Nearly half of the respondents (46 percent) said they favor legalizing marijuana by taxing it and regulating it like alcohol. Another 16 percent said they support replacing criminal penalties with fines while four percent said they favor repealing all state criminal penalties for marijuana offenses. Michigan is not the only state showing such overwhelming encouragement. In a
Jonathan LeBlanc
Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 12:34:04 PM Eastern Standard Time
recent national survey conducted by CivicScience, 450,000 adults were asked if they would support or oppose a law in their state that would legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana like alcohol. The results: 58 percent of respondents said they support marijuana legalization - with 39 percent saying they “strongly support” and 19 percent saying they “somewhat support” reformed marijuana laws in their states. With such strong growth in support, it is no secret that the decriminalization of marijuana is on the rise. Four states as well as Washington D.C. have already made the drug legal; could Michigan be next?
Michigan cities with lifted marijuana restrictions
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Friday, December 19, 2014 The Squall Editorial 5
Should Ho, Ho, Ho be a No, No, No? Do you think we should be politically correct during the holiday season?
I don t really think it matters unless it offends anyone. I don t really talk to strangers, but I say Merry Christmas to my friends because most of them celebrate Christmas.
Jack Porte Freshman
‘Twas the night before Christ- and there’s no school.” or if a Christian wishes a Jewish mas, and all through the town In contrast, Havah Roussel, person “Merry Christmas.” there was a politically correct ex- from DHS’s class of 2014, is JewRoussel explains that she doesn’t pression bringing the cheer down. ish and celebrates the holiday sea- feel comfortable greeting strangBut hark! Some rare expressions son in a different way. ers with a “Happy Hanukkah.” were heard: “Merry Christmas! “I celebrate Hanukkah with “I usually keep it vague with a Happy Hanukkah!” And strang- my immediate family and syna- ‘Happy Holidays’ because it kind ers could hear the heartfelt joy of gogue,” Roussel says. “Then, on of throws people off and makes every word. Christmas we go to my aunt’s for a longer, awkward discussion Throughout the USA, the typi- house because they are Christian.” if I say ‘Happy Hanukkah,’” she cal, cheery phrases utilized during Roussel thinks that people said. the month of December are being should be able to say what they This should not be the case. used less frequently. Instead, Every human being should they are being replaced by be able to greet people in a the politically correct exI think it s better to say Merry way that is more meaningpression “happy holidays.” to them because when Christmas to someone than to ful The U.S. is culturally diit comes from the heart, verse, and most can say that not spread holiday cheer at all. strangers can tell. they are proud of this fact. It s better to acknowledge that Hayter says, “I think it’s However, we feel most combetter to say ‘Merry Christthey re a person ... than to pass fortable when we talk in a mas’ to someone than to way that is pleasing to or them by. not spread holiday cheer Lindsey Hayter inclusive of every different at all. It’s better to cultural group. This is done acknowledge that they’re a in order to not offend or ostracize want when they greet strang- person ... than to pass them by.” anyone. As a result, we use gen- ers during the holidays. In fact, This sort of expression needs to eral terminology to greet family, if someone wishes her “Merry be encouraged rather than disfriends, and strangers during the Christmas” she says that she gets couraged. Sadly, it feels more like holiday season. “the warm fuzzies because some- a rebellion against the tyranny of When we refrain from greeting one shared a kind sentiment.” political correctness instead of people with a “Merry Christmas” Clearly, it’s better to acknowledge purely an expression of joy. or a “Happy Hanukkah” we are people with a kind greeting from Considering this, are the words not celebrating our differences; the heart, rather than spit out “Merry Christmas” deliberately therefore, we cannot fully pro- some general expression with a offensive? No, they’re not. When claim the season of the holidays vague meaning. paired with “Happy Hanukkah” to be jolly. Unfortunately, the Jewish popu- it’s clear that they have different Lindsey Hayter, a sophomore, lation is underrepresented in the implications in the religious sense, celebrates Christmas, a holiday US, and you don’t hear very many but overall they are both just dear to her heart. “Happy Hanukkahs” during the greetings that wish people holiday “I love it!,” Hayter said. “Ev- holiday season unless you’re Jew- cheer. So, during this month of eryone goes all out, and all of ish. However, there still should December, feel no shame in wishthe stores go crazy ... I like how be no tension felt if they wish a ing those around you “Happy Hait means lots of food and family, Christian “Happy Hanukkah” nukkah” or “Merry Christmas.”
I, personally would not be offended if someone wished me Happy Hanukkah even though I m not Jewish, because I know they had good intentions.
Leah Erban Sophomore I ve grown up with all these Christians my whole life, so it s nothing different when I hear Merry Christmas. I say Merry Christmas to Christians and Happy Hanukkah to Jewish people.
Ethan Stairs Junior Basically, people should express good wishes towards people, and no matter what words they use to do so there should be no personal offense taken.
Sophia Bryson Senior Photos by: Claire Ward
Jonathan LeBlanc
Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 12:34:04 PM Eastern Standard Time
00:23:32:a0:1b:c7
Friday, December 19, 2014 The Squall 6
Lack of athletic department funding is having an effect on sports teams Michael Bradshaw and Jon LeBlanc Staff Writer and Web Editor School Funded
Self Funded
Jonathan LeBlanc
“It’s a waste of time.” “Just because a program On the other hand, selfThat’s how McGregor has been here for a length funded sports have no deWright, a junior lacross of time, I don’t think it’s a crease in cost. This has led player, described his typical more superior program,” to fewer students wanting Saturday afternoon duties. Women’s Lacrosse Coach to play self-funded sports, While some athletes for Brian Baird said. sports such as basketball Since self-funded sports troubling. “Becoming a schooland football are practicing, receive no money from the athletes playing sports such school, they have to fund- funded sport would as lacrosse are out fundrais- raise on a yearly basis in make it easier to recruit ing trying to raise money order to pay for transpor- (students),” Baird said. “If by volunteering at Michi- tation, uniforms, and of- a student plays multiple sports in the fall and winter gan football, basketball and the school waives hockey games. Becoming a school-funded sport their participation “Anytime you would make it easier to recruit. fee or at least cuts add anything to it. If a kid plays two Brian Baird a school district, sports and comes you have to have the fund- should be distributed more ing to able to (support equally among sports to out for lacrosse I can’t cut their fee.” it),” Athletic Director and cover required costs. While Baird and many head women’s basketball “I don’t believe any coach Mike Bavineau said. sport should be a self-fund- other coaches of self-fund“When those (self-funded) ed,” Baird said. “It’s not ed sports are hoping for a sports started to come up, about women’s lacrosse, change, Bavineau said they funding was at such a place it’s about equity within our should not get their hopes within the school districts, athletic department. Trans- up too high. “At this point, any that they didn’t have the sport that’s added or ability to add more money fees should be spread out.” now, will to athletics, to cover those Due to limited funding, self-funded (self-funded) sports.” the fee for participation remain self-funded unless Others believe that just of an athlete is a require- something changes with because a sport is in its ment to fund sports. For school funding or something infancy does not mean it school funded sports, the changes with how the school shouldn’t be considered to cost to play decreases with chooses to fund different receive funding. the more sports you play. activities,” Bavineau said.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 12:34:04 PM Eastern Standard Time
00:23:32:a0:1b:c7
Photos by: Derek Wittenberg
Friday, December 19, 2014 The Squall Sports 7
MEASURING UPTO
Expectations
6’6”
Senior-laden team hoping for Final Four appearance
Lady Dreads hoping to have a memorable season
5’3”
Amanda Fileccia Staff Writer With eight returning starters it is no surprise that both coaches and players have high expectations and the goal of reaching the Final Four - played at The Breslin Center at Michigan State University. “This group we have going into the season will be a good group,” senior guard and co-captain Noah Mellifont said. “But we need to have better leadership on the player front and that will ultimately create a better environment in practices and games.” After a heartbreaking 42-41 loss in last year’s districts to Pinckney the team had to say goodbye to six seniors. Three players were starters but all six were key contributors. Head Coach Tim Fortescue had to make additions to the coaching staff after the loss of Assistant Coach Mike Kedroske. “The loss of Coach K sucks,” junior guard Grant Katcher said, “but the replacements Coach Forty found like Coach Matt and Coach Fransen are great teachers. They are just as excited as we are about the upcoming season.” The 2014-2015 season officially started on Monday, December 8, against Brighton. The Dreadnaughts crushed the bulldogs with a 21-point win. Senior center and co-captain Ben Kill was leading scorer with 18 points while senior forward and cocaptain Adam Sikorski contributed 14 in the 74-53 win over the Bulldogs. “Our seniors led us and their experience showed in the way we played with poise,” Fortescue said. “We’ll take it game by game and try to stay in the moment.” The Dreadnaughts are currently 2-0 after their 57-24 win over Saline last Friday. “We all have aspirations for making a run in the postseason,” Fortescue said, “but we need to stay focused on the present and be our best each day in order to become the team we want to be in March.”
Jonathan LeBlanc
Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 12:34:04 PM Eastern Standard Time
Ryan Pyle Staff Writer
Photo by: Cornelis Kayser
00:23:32:a0:1b:c7
Dexter women’s basketball season started December 2 against Ann Arbor Skyline, with a 51-37 win. Their victory reflects the team’s improvement from a regular-season loss to Skyline last year. The team has a very strong reliance on the junior class, with an all-junior starting lineup that returns all five starters from last season. The team has high expectations and co-captain Taylor Olson is confident the Lady Dreads - currently 2-0 after a 35-17 win over Saline on December 9 - will have a successful season. “We are going to win a majority of our games,” said Olson, a junior guard. “The only team that will be difficult to play against is (Ann Arbor) Huron, who we play almost every year in district finals, and a few times during the season... They’ll be our biggest threat, but otherwise I think we can win any other game.” Dexter is currently ranked second in the SEC White Division this season behind Chelsea. The girls are very confident in their ability and believe they are more experienced and prepared than last year. “Our goal is to do really well and play as a team,” junior forward Hannah Wing said. “We want to beat Huron and Chelsea, and our ultimate goal is a district championship.” The Junior class has developed a strong relationship over the years playing together. “I’ve played with the girls since I was in first grade so I rely on them regardless and we know how each other play so it makes it a lot easier,” Olson said. “We have a very strong chemistry.” With their high ranking in their division, a successful season last year, and their powerful chemistry, there are high hopes for Dexter. The Lady Dreads hope the reward will be a championship, making this season one to remember.
Friday, December 19, 2014 The Squall Opinion 8
Beef: Eat it, don t tweet it According to the creators of Twitter, this thriving social network was designed with the intent of giving the users an opportunity to connect with people, express [themselves], and discover what s happening ; however, in Dexter High School, its recent activity has mainly consisted of tweets created with malicious intent, or in other words BEEF. Who knew you could get your daily protein from simply checking your Twitter timeline? Below we have classified tweets based on the heat they create and the char that they leave behind.
Maddie Kurcz and Casey Orr Staff Writers
These tweets have #chill. Ranging from the boasting, Hittin up the gym! , to the completely irrelevant, Just had eggs for breakfast! This is where you find out that the seemingly uninteresting kid on the curling team also enjoys hitting up the club on a Tuesday. Everyone in the Twittersphere has composed a tweet like this at least once. An active, innocent Twitter post can do no wrong, right? Wrong. Little do you know, raw meat can be dangerous too.
These are your subtweets - tweets that mention a person without using his or her actual username. A slight spark may ignite, but it rarely exceeds that. Subtweets allow the composer to blow off a little steam without starting a fire. These can range from the nonthreatening #oomf is pretty, to the semi confrontational wtf is #oomf wearing today?! Caution: do not underestimate these tweets. You never know how it s going to taste going down; maybe you added too much salt.
This is where it gets saucy. The drama you ve been hearing all day has just been verified via the most reliable source: Twitter. In order to find this perfect balance of juiciness and flavor, find yourself a touchy subject, compact your words into less than 140 incredibly specific and slightly offensive characters, and tweet it. The more popular or scandalous the topic, the more favorites you ll acquire. After it s sent, sit back and enjoy the fire that emerges before you. Bon appetit; dinner is served.
Once we get to this point, it s no longer subtle. Run to the parking lot, get in your car, lock your doors, and drive away because you re about to pick up some haters. In order for a tweet to amount to medium well status, the @ symbol is a must. But keep in mind what you learned in Mrs. Wells s chemistry class: once an organic compound endures the process of combustion, or in other words, burns, there s no way to reverse the effect.
Have you ever heard the saying, If you can t handle the heat, get out of the kitchen? Well, let s just say it s reached that temperature. The full on twitter war has begun, the @ symbol is flying, and the beef is getting just as roasted as those involved. Did you know one of Maddie s biggest secrets? Of course you did! And if you didn t, refresh your feed because you, my friend, are already 26.9 seconds behind. Generally a steak of this caliber turns into a hearty three course meal with a side of @ITS_kimitime. Call Maria, because it s about to get messy.
Twitter may be free, but it seems to be costing Dexter High School a fortune. Let s just make things clear, here. If you re going to serve up filet mignon, make sure your @$$ can afford it.
Jonathan LeBlanc
Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 12:34:04 PM Eastern Standard Time
00:23:32:a0:1b:c7
Photos by: Aiden Marvel
Friday, December 19, 2014 The Squall Opinion 9
The Michigan voters folly: Forgetting education
Antonio Strang Staff Writer
Hey, did you vote this November? I didn’t, because I’m not old enough (Go figure). But for some of you out there, those who may be more of age, I’ve got the rundown on how the voting turned out. Speedrun through the Midterm Elections for Michigan: Ready, set, go. The 1st through 4th, and 6th, 7th, 8th, 10th and 11th Districts of Michigan went to the Republicans while the 5th, 9th, and 12th through 14th Districts of Michigan went to the Democrats. Overall, the score stands at Republicans 9, Democrats 5. The Democrats took a major loss in the midterm elections nationwide, as well, with Republicans now controlling both the House of Representatives and the Senate. But, in respect to Dexter and its community, a Republican-dominant State and Federal Government poses a great threat to school-age children. Major budget slashes on public schools are typical of the GOP’s style of spending money. Mr. Jaime Dudash, a DHS history teacher and lifelong Republican, commented on such budget cuts, saying “Due to the budget cuts, I’ve seen a gradual increase in class size, and budgets for additional classroom supplies freeze or decline. In 2010, my average class size was 26 students. This year, it’s 30. It really leads one to ask: When do we reach the ‘tipping point’, so to speak?” Dudash also did not hold favoring views of Michigan’s educational future. “Because of the budget cuts, I expect to see class sizes keep going up. Sadly, these increased class sizes will become too much, and some of the best teachers, or most experienced teachers, that Dexter has may start to leave.” It already happened back in May of 2013, when Michigan Republicans passed the Education Omnibus Budget (House Bill 4228), which slashed $400 million from the School Aid Fund to be diverted to what was termed only as “other budgetary items.” Senate Democratic Leader Gretchen Whitmer denounced the passing of this bill saying that, “I [Gretchen Whitmer] don’t think it’s a coincidence that over the last two years under Governor (Rick) Snyder and Republican rule in the Legislature, our public schools have endured an historic $2 billion in cuts and been defunded to the point of failure, and now we are finding out about Snyder’s secret assault on public schools in favor of pushing privatization and for-profit education corporations.” This will, in time, have a strongly negative effect on Michigan students, particularly those between the ages of 12 and 18. Why? In 2030, when this age group is grown up, they’ll have to pay prices of upwards of $205,000 to send their kids to school, according to US News. College readiness will also see a slump in the future for Michigan students. Given the way the world is moving, a Master’s Degree 20 years in the future will provide the same benefits as a Bachelor’s Degree does now. This means that Michigan families will have to pay even more to ensure their children can have a decent quality of life. Furthermore, the social environment in Michigan schools is likely going to take a turn for the worst, as well. A few weeks ago, the Republican-led Michigan House just passed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which would let individuals or businesses pursue being exempt from government regulations they feel violate their religious beliefs. This is a nicer way of saying they don’t want to have to serve Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Questioning (LGBTQ) people if it goes against their religious practices. Much of the opposition for this act has termed it to simply be a “license to discriminate,” a term coined when a similar debate rose up in Arizona over similar legislation. This will strongly affect the older LGBTQ Michigan students - 17 to 22 year
Jonathan LeBlanc
Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 12:34:04 PM Eastern Standard Time
2015 United States Congress Breakdown
54 Republicans 44 Democrats 2 Independents
Photo Illustration by: Sam Ketzner olds - because this Act means that there is a possibility that those students will have a challenge finding a job or shelter because of businesses now having the right to discriminate. The Deputy Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, Leslie Fritz, stood with her department against such a notion. “We believe government should, to the greatest extent possible, accommodate the religious beliefs and practices of each of its citizens... However, a religious accommodation can never be used to justify harming the rights of others.” So, though Michigan (and America, for that matter) is in for a rough ride these next two years, Republican-dominant leadership will have to be tolerable, but not much good can come for Middle-class Americans if they elect politicians who are notorious for cutting school budgets as a byproduct of Fiscal Conservatism. If the budget of Michigan Schools is cut down too much, the system will reach a tipping point, and fall apart. Sadly, it is likely that only then will the new Michigan Government realize that students can’t achieve a better quality of life with money alone.
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Friday, December 19, 2014 The Squall Feature 10
Adderall : Eat. Sl Putting Adderall in perspective at D Noah Mellifont and Kyle Doyle Co-Editor-in-Chief and Staff Writer
What is Adderall?
With the large amount found in high schools and colleges around the world, many only know adderall as the “concentration drug”. Adderall is a drug that contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, which helps stimulate the central nervous system. They affect chemicals in the brain which cause hyperactivity and impulse control. Its main use is to treat cases of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. The drug causes the user to have increased concentration and productivity for 4-6 hours at a time. Approved for usage by the FDA in 1996, Adderall was derived from a popular weight loss drug in the 90s called Obetrol. During a formula modification in 1996, the pharmaceutical company Richard Pharmaceuticals, found that the changed formula caused the user to have an increase in concentration. This, along with an increase in children being diagnosed with ADD or ADHD, gave Richard Pharmaceuticals the incentive to create a new drug to help treat this growing disorder. It was approved for sale in February 1996 and was soon mass produced. By 2013, 10 different companies sold their own variation of the drug.
Benefits and Side Effects:
Stated previously, Adderall is a drug that helps concentration. The use of Adderall, whether it’s prescribed or not, has benefits. Attention disorders like ADHD are sedated for a time depending on the strength of the prescription. Adderall prevents fidgeting and increases the ability of focusing on certain tasks. This helps people with ADD or ADHD perform normally when doing tasks. However, Adderall can be abused. Usual signs of overuse are nausea, dry mouth, anxiety, mood changes, insomnia, headaches and dizziness. In serious cases, or overdoses, one may experience irregular heartbeat, confusion, tremors, muscle pain, kidney failure, brain hemorrhage, circulatory collapse, compulsive behavior, pulmonary hypertension (increased blood pressure in the lungs), not being able to urinate and, in rare cases, death.
Tales from the life of a Pres
Dexter High School junior Maverick Le Did I remember to brush my teeth? Did bat it. “It kinda drowns everything else nationwide, according to the Center fo tention that can drive some to self med lives without distraction. “Before, I wo learning, “LeSchack said, “Now, It’s nic
Counselor Point of View:
To a counselor, any drug is not to be ha believer that it helps students in their a diagnosed with ADHD at age 38. “I do teens nationwide using the drug withou rise. “If you are caught with just one pi be severe.”
Non-Prescribed User:
“It really does make you a more productive and positive person,” says an anonymous source at DHS. “I take Adderall to make everyday tasks like going to work and school not so miserable.” It’s common in high schools and colleges to hear or even see students take Adderall although they may not be prescribed. Like this source, many take it for large tests or other work related issues. “Obviously if you’re taking a lot of it for the high, then it can be dangerous, but if you take a normal amount to be more productive I don’t think its a bad thing at all.”
Misuse prescriptions
30-40% 30-40% Adderall
Prescriptions
60-70%
Non-medical use of Adderall among high school students on the rise:
14.00%
2009:
10.00% 8.00%
2010:
6.5%
2013:
Statistics from: cerebralsuccess.com
Jonathan LeBlanc
5.4%
12.00%
Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 12:34:04 PM Eastern Standard Time
7.4% Statistics from: monitoringthefuture.org
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6.00% 4.00% 2.00% 00.00%
At le
Statistics fr
Friday, December 19, 2014 The Squall Feature 11
Sleep. Study. t DHS
Adderall’s
f a Prescribed User:
averick LeSchack wakes up every morning, with thousands of thoughts buzzing around his head. Did I do all my homework? teeth? Did I leave the oven on? Every morning. Every day. LeSchack has a mild case of ADD. He uses Adderall to help comthing else out,” LeSchack said, “and I can focus on the one thing being talked about in class.” He along with 11% of students Center for Disease Control, feel the same effects everyday. Nothing is able to get done due a constant lack of focus and ato self medication via illegal substances or even suicide. Adderall helps people like LeSchack make it through their everyday ore, I would always have something stuck in my head, like a song or a story or anything else but what I was supposed to be w, It’s nice because I no longer have all that clutter of miscellaneous information.”
View:
t to be handled lightly, especially prescription drugs. But in the case of Adderall, Craig Rafail, a DHS Counselor, is a firm in their academics, but it can also be used negatively. “It is a good thing, but it can be used for bad,” said Rafail, who was 38. “I don’t think it’s a huge thing, but you would be foolish to say its not happening here at DHS.” With seven percent of ug without a prescription while at school, Rafail is prepared to make sure the number of students using at DHS does not ust one pill, it’s going to be considered the same as if you have any other drug on you,” Rafail said. “The consequences will
EFFECTS:
Long term use can increase the chance for some of the following side effects Sleeping disorders Chronic headaches Stomach pain Dry mouth Weight loss
Statistics from: themaneater.com
Have you used Adderall...?
1 in 8 high school seniors report using study drugs 8th graders 10th graders 12th graders
At least once
Statistics from: monitoringthefuture.org
Jonathan LeBlanc
Past year
Past month
Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 12:34:04 PM Eastern Standard Time
Statistics from: Motts Children’s Hosipital national poll on children’s health
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Friday, December 19, 2014 The Squall Ad 12
Jonathan LeBlanc
Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 12:34:04 PM Eastern Standard Time
00:23:32:a0:1b:c7
Friday, December 19, 2014 The Squall Entertainment 13
Letter to Santa Dear Santa, I haven’t written you in a while. It seems as though this whole high school situation kind of gets in the way of a lot of things. However, I’m currently in the final stretch, halfway done with my senior year, and I’m facing a few issues that you could possibly help me out with. So, before I lay out what I want for Christmas, I want to warn you this won’t be a traditional wish list. I will not be asking for that brand new shiny bike (mainly due to the fact that I am now a senior in high school and the physical activity of riding a bike no longer appeals to me). I won’t be asking for another furby (although it seemed that every kid had one growing up, those things just creeped me out). Lastly, I won’t be asking you for that SpongeBob snow cone machine. Actually, if you could maybe throw one in, I would appreciate it; mine recently broke. Anyway, I hope the list below isn’t asking for too much. 1. I don’t know how strong your ties are with Mother Nature, but could you ask her to give us as much snow as possible this year. Actually, can we just get some snow? It’s the middle of December and we’re on the verge of having to bring our lawn mowers back out. The fact that we had a greater chance of a snow day on Halloween than we’ve had all “winter” is just upsetting. We need as many snow days as possible, because, no matter how many days get cancelled, come May 22, us seniors are out of here. 2. Can you help my school figure out how to fix our Wi-Fi? Coming in as a freshman it was somewhat respectable, but it slowly keeps getting worse. I don’t want to have to waste my data to update Twitter and see all my classmates who are aspiring rappers and their below average “two bars.” 3. Lastly, can you slow down the whole growing up ordeal? I don’t think I’m quite ready yet. I think the fact I’m writing a letter to Santa as a senior in high school is a clear sign of that. Everything seems to be moving so fast. I can barely decide what to eat for breakfast, let alone what college to attend and what career I want to pursue. So, please, slow it down a bit. I hope this isn’t asking for too much. To ensure my requirements can be met, I’ll slip a $20 under your plate of cookies. So, thanks again for taking the time to hear me out. You and Mrs. Claus enjoy your holiday. Oh, and don’t forget about that SpongeBob snow cone machine. Sincerely,
Zac Sharp Photo by: Kimi Camara
Jonathan LeBlanc
Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 12:34:04 PM Eastern Standard Time
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Friday, December 19, 2014 The Squall Ads 14
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Jonathan LeBlanc
Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 12:34:04 PM Eastern Standard Time
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Friday, December 19, 2014 The Squall Feature 15
TOP 5
I get it. It’s the first day of winter break, your mind is fried from the pre-break tests, and you just want to relax. The idea of watching a movie to raise your failing holiday spirit and erase the bitter memories of school seems like a good idea, but there are just too many decisions. Worry not, confused holiday media consumer; just sit back and let me make the decisions for you. Here are some of best movies to check out this winter break.
CHRISTMAS MOVIES Reggie Swoverland Staff Writer
rell Christmas comedy other than the fact that it’s excellent. Funny for kids and adults alike, Elf is immensely enjoyable, entertaining and exemplary. The story of Buddy the elf coming to terms with the fact that he’s not an elf, along with the escapades that follow are still really funny, and the film undoubtedly holds a special place on this list. Don’t be a cotton-headed ninnymuggins; it’s worth the re-watch. Or, if you’re so fortunate, a first-time watch.
Die Hard (1988): You can go ahead and try to convince me
A Christmas Story (1983): There are stories that tend to die
that the Bruce Willis action epic Die Hard isn’t a Christmas movie, but you’re going to be talking to deaf ears; I’m not changing my mind. The movie takes place on Christmas day, so I don’t know what more you people want from me. But even if you don’t agree on the movie’s Christmas status, it’s undoubtedly a great action movie. Seeing John McClane take down a group of German terrorists makes even my ice cold heart warm with Christmas cheer, and I know it’ll do the same to you. Yippee ki yay, indeed.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch stole Christmas (1966): I know,
Home Alone (1990): If we go back to the days when Ma-
out and become irrelevant as time goes on, eternally becoming stuck in their own time period. Then there are movies that transcend generations, and still manage to stay relevant despite their age. A Christmas Story is an excellent example of the latter, a true testament to the holiday season. Ralphie’s struggle to get a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot range model air rifle is a struggle that’s still relatable today. The film is just as charming as ever, and I highly recommend it.
it’s technically not a movie; it’s a TV special. Still, in its 26-minute runtime, it manages to fit more Christmas cheer than your Aunt Susan’s fruitcake. The 2000 Jim Carrey remake is alright, but the OG grinch is the one that’s worth your time. Dr Seuss’ classic tale is wonderfully translated into animation and is the definition of a Christmas essential.
Jonathan LeBlanc
Elf (2003): What’s even to be said about this Will Fe-
Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 12:34:04 PM Eastern Standard Time
caulay Culkin didn’t look a drug addict, we can find one gem of a christmas movie: Home Alone. What’s always been great about Home Alone is how fully it capitalizes on everyone’s childhood dreams. What, you’ve never wondered about how cool it would be to spend that much time away from your parents, using your wit and sick Macgyver skills to stop a burglary from happening? No? Okay, fine, but 7-year-old me thought it was the coolest thing in the whole world. Okay, I still think it’s pretty cool.
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Friday, December 19, 2014 The Squall Entertainment 16 ELLE JANSEN STAFF WRITER
HOME
GENRES
JUST FOR KIDS
YOUR QUEUE -
How I Met Your Mother
Parks and Recreation -
Orange is the New Black
American Horror Story -
FRIENDS Seasons 1-10 on January 1, 2015
Jonathan LeBlanc
Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 12:34:04 PM Eastern Standard Time
LOG OUT
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Friday, December 19, 2014 The Squall Feature 17
Merry B rthmas Ben Kill Staff Writer
Birthdays are the one day of the year that get to be all about you. For most people that’s true, but what happens when it lands on December 25th? Christmas is the least common day of birth in the United States. For the few who have birthdays that fall on the biggest holiday of the year, it can be easy for them to be overlooked or forgotten. With a school body of around 1,200 students, Dexter High School is home to only three birthdays on Christmas and roughly 15 from Christmas Eve to December 26. After interviewing two DHS students and a teacher, all three agreed that while it’s very different from most birthdays, it’s not all bad. Sophomore Marc Lopez believes that having a yuletide birthday is better. “You get twice as many presents,” Lopez said. Lopez also likes that fact that his entire family is always there for the holidays, so he gets to celebrate his birthday surrounded by a whole host of family members. Lopez says that this makes for a
better atmosphere surrounding both his birthday and the holidays. Fellow sophomore Kieren Young somewhat agreed with his classmate saying that the pros of a Christmas birthday outweigh the cons. “The extra presents are nice, I guess, but then you have to wait an entire year for more,” Young said. While Young never felt his birthday was completely lost in the holidays, he didn’t like that he never really got to celebrate it with his friends because everyone, including himself, was busy with their own families. While birthdays on December 25th aren’t easy, having a birthday the day after Christmas can also be rough, according to DHS German teacher Kathryn Schmid. As a child, Schmid felt her birthday was often lost in the festivities that come with the holidays and sometimes found herself feeling like she’d been cheated out of her special day. “No one ever forgot,” Schmid said. “We always had a birthday cake as our dessert after the (Christmas) meal and I got an extra present or two.” Most of her relatives were usually gone the day after Christmas, her birthday, so her birthday was sometimes less lively. Now that she’s older, Schmid sees her holidaybirthday as a bonus. “I always get everything on my wish list,” Schmid said. “If I don’t get it on Christmas, I know I will the day after.” After it was all said and done, one thing was clear: while it isn’t easy sharing a birthday with the biggest national holiday, it does add a little something special for those select few.
Photos by: Katie Fischer
Jonathan LeBlanc
Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 12:34:04 PM Eastern Standard Time
00:23:32:a0:1b:c7
Friday, December 19, 2014 The Squall Interactive Spread 18
THE FIVE BY FIVE Callum Reed Sophomore
Jared Scott Freshman
Caden Koenig and Nick LeBlanc Staff Writers Photos by: Claire Ward
Logan Sauls Junior
Emily Humpert Senior
The Grinch
Nice, because I like to make other people happy.
Naughty. I don’t know why.
Naughty. Stealing is my hobby, crushing kids’ spirits is my jobby.
I feel nervous.
I don’t care; I’m busy stealing your gifts.
Everything. I love Christmas!
A college tuition.
A small heart. This big-heart thing really raises my blood pressure.
Dancer, Dasher, Dixon, Rudolph, Prancer, Vixen, Cupid, Connor, Donnor.
Uh, Rudolph. Uh... that’s it.
My dog Max is the only reindeer I need.
Jake Gyllenhaal.
Huh? I thought I took those.
Were you naughty or nice this year? Why? Yes.
Nice, beacuase I’m an Englishmen and Englishmen have to be nice.
How do you feel about Santa coming down your chimney at night? Kinda creeped out.
Scared... scared.
It is pretty cool.
What do you want santa to put in your stocking? Money.
A soccer net.
Can you name the nine reindeer? Dasher, Dancer, uh... Prancer, Rudolph.
No. I only know Rudolph.
Who do you hope you find under the mistletoe this year? My girlfriend.... Oh wait.
Jonathan LeBlanc
Meghan Uren.
Channing Tatum!
Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 12:34:04 PM Eastern Standard Time
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Friday, December 19, 2014 The Squall Infographic
Highlights of
Sports
Winter Olympics were held in Sochi, Medal Count
Russia
2014 4
th World Cup Win for Germany
Russia
28 33 2 6 USA
Norway
1954
News
1974
2 States 1 District
2 cases of police brutality made national news 2
Legalized marijuana
DC
unarmed African Americans were killed by police officers in New York and MO
Ala
2 police officers faced no
n
o eg
sk a
2.7 goals per match
Or
1990
18 States Legalized Gay Marriage in 2014
35
It is now legal in total states and DC
charges for their actions
Entertainment
Top Grossing Movies of 2014
Combined these three artists released new albums and made $104 million in 2014
Iggy Azalea
Sam Smith
Health
EBOLA
16,000 cases in Africa 6,928 deaths 3 deaths in the U.S.
Jonathan LeBlanc
Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 12:34:04 PM Eastern Standard Time
Taylor Swift s 1989 album sold 1.287 million in first week
Ariana Grande
4
Technology
million iPhone 6 s sold the first day Sold out within hours
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2014
Friday, December 19, 2014 The Squall Photostory 20
Dexter lights up the night
The community comes together making Dexter colorful for the holidays. Many residential areas partake in these festivities including this Huron Farms house.
Ginormous inflatable holiday characters such as Santa Claus and Frosty are seen all around town.
This life-size nativity scene, including the manger, is set up in downtown Dexter for a pleasent reminder of what Christmas is all about.
This beautiful house on Broad Street shines bright with decorations of all shapes and sizes.
TOP: In the heart of Dexter, the gazebo is well lit and showing off its holiday spirit. LEFT & RIGHT: Huron Street is home to some of the brightest houses in town. These neighboring houses catch the attention of any passing cars.
Photos by: Chris Ryan and Aiden Marvel
Jonathan LeBlanc
Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 12:34:04 PM Eastern Standard Time
00:23:32:a0:1b:c7