Issue 27

TOWER the

Wednesday, May 18, 2016 Volume 88 Issue 26 thetowerpulse.net

A WEEKLY TRADITION SINCE 1928

@thetowerpulse

Gross e Pointe S outh, 11 Gross e Pointe B oule vard, Gross e Pointe Far ms, Michigan 48236

Television production wins numerous awards Cusumano said her videos are focused for their school promotional video. Adon the concept that life is too short, and dison Enders ‘17, Sarah Cauvel ‘18, Meit is important to live life to the fullest gan MacLean ‘18, Dearing, Reich, Carand to the best of your abilities. rier, Hughes, Bedsworth, Boettcher, and “Personally, I believe that high school, Breen all received an Honorable Menbecause it’s only four years, you have to tion for their productions. live is as best as you In the Meijer Great can because this is Choice Film Festival, where you find out You take your work Carrier, Hughes, Bedyour true gifts and taland you’re like ‘how are sworth, and Boettchents,” Cusumano said. er were finalists for other people going to “If you’re not spendtheir PSA, Living with perceive it? How is a dif- Your Mask. The wining that time wisely, I ferent audience going to ner could win up to a believe you are kind of wasting that time, so embrace it?’ And when it $1500 Grand Prize. you have to focus on Geresy said most of does get embraced you what you can do.” these contests are state have a sense of pride.

Also at DAFT, stuwide, so any organizaSTEVE GERESY dents receiving hontion with a video proTELEVISION PRODUCTION TEACHER ors were Breen, Grace gram could submit.

Pellegrino ‘17, Des“In most of these tynee Jones ‘16, and contests you’re comLauren Michels ‘17 for their news report peting with 400-500 entries, and because on Link Crew, and Lauren Sommerville there’s not a crazy amount of categories, ‘18 for her PSA called The Power of a the competition is tough,” Geresy said.

Puppy.

Geresy said that he believes everyone Receiving merit awards Sandra Popa- had a good reaction when finding out dic ‘18, Ryleigh Carrier ‘18, Alexandra their videos won awards.

Hughes ‘17, Madison Bedsworth ‘18, “You take your work and you’re like and Joe Boettcher ‘18. ‘how are other people going to perceive At the MIPA Student Competition it? How is a different audience going to on April 21, students Noelle Prater ‘16, embrace it?’ And when it does get emJaida Orange ‘18, Taylor Stanton ‘17, and braced you have a sense of pride,” Geresy Cusumano received a first place award said. “I’m proud of all our students.”

There are six levels of Television Production offered for students at South.

Geresy said when it comes to the GPTV News broadcast, that is only a part of what the students do each day.

“What a lot of people see is only a fraction of what we actually do,” Geresy said.

He said when they’re not on the air, students are coming up with ideas, filming and editing based on the assignment at the given time.

“We do everything from public service announcements, to commercials, openers, documentaries, music videos, short films and movie trailers, so you name it and we’ve done it,” Geresy said.

“Not only are we broadcast, we are truly video production.”

This year the TV Production classes have a new editing program called Final EDIT // Grant Clement ’16 and Lucas Biernat ‘18 in the broadcast Cut Pro. Geresy said this new program has journalism room. They are editing a video for the upcoming day’s news.

LAUREN THOM ’18 // Staff Writer Twenty two students from South’s Television Production classes submitted videos and took home awards at the Michigan Student Film and Video competition sponsored by the Digital Arts Film and Television Organization (DAFT), Michigan Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA), and Meijer Great Choices PSA contest.

Videos for these competitions were submitted between Jan. and March. Results were available starting in mid-April and some are yet to be released.

Earning several awards in each competition, Television Production teacher Steve Geresy said that South had a very strong showing.

“We’ve been very consistent, and I have a lot of great students who are doing really cool things,” Geresy said.

At DAFT, many students received awards of excellence. Caroline Breen ’18 was awarded for her documentary on Boblo Island, Rachel Dearing ’17 and Joelle Reich ’19 were awarded for their PSA on character, Jeff Catrambone ’19, Sullivan Costa ’19, and Zachary Heimbuch ’19 received an Excellence award for their opener which used techniques from Star Wars, and Lillian Cusumano ‘16 was awarded for her documentary on the Fall Play and for a long-form PSA called Living Life.

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Digital Arts Film and Television Organization (DAFT) Excellence Winners

contributed to some of the student’s achievements.

“They’ve done really well getting to know Final Cut and using that as a tool for video editing and story-telling, and really enhancing some of their productions,” Geresy said.

Cusumano said that Final Cut Pro is much faster than their previous editing software, Avid Technology. With Avid it could take up to a week to upload footage she said.

“With Final Cut Pro you can just put it in, you can edit production while everything is still happening, so it’s a lot faster and there are a lot more tools that are available to use to make the project the best it can be,” Cusumano said.

Geresy said there are so many different types of productions, and the workload of any type of video is always extensive. He said students are constantly learning new techniques.

“Even the simplest videos, they take a lot of work, they take a lot of time because we are learning as we go,” Geresy said. “The one thing I can honestly say is the winning videos, the students who cared about the project and put the time into the project that was needed, they had success.”

Cusumano said she spent around one to two weeks creating and editing each video, either individually or with a group.

“I focused my attention mainly on the fine details of it so that I could spend as much time as I needed on it,” Cusumano said.

In the future, Cusumano says she wants to pursue a film-editing career, so the awards meant a lot to her.

“I’m aspiring to do as much as I can when I can, and these competitions and film fests are a great way to gain reputation and make connections and establish those connections,” Cusumano said. “So they mean a lot, that I’m blessed enough to be receiving these awards.”

Geresy said that for the students, the

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Michigan Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA) Winners

Digital Arts Film and Television Organization (DAFT) Michigan Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA) Awards

awards are more meaningful because they are more than just a grade or just his opinion of the project.

“It’s someone else looking at it, judging it, and finding merit in it and I think that has huge importance,” Geresy said.

“Not only do you get positive feedback from your peers, you get positive feedback from professionals, knowing that your work resonated with them, that it has meaning, has purpose, and I think that’s huge.”

PHOTO BY LAUREN PANKIN ‘16

Senior Honors night to recognize hard work, academic excellence of graduating class

47 students had a 4.0 and above throughout 7 quarters

THIS WEEK AT SOUTH

may

19

Grosse Pointe South Senior Honors Night begins at 7 p.m. in the Auditorium. <see above>

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GRAPHIC BY JA

CK HOLME ‘17

185 students had a 3.5 cumulative GPA

If it was up to her, she would invite students with ELIZABETH BIGHAM ’18 // Page Editor One hundred and ninety-one students will be 3.0 grade point or above to the event, Mitzel said.

“Anytime that you can keep acknowledged for their work at a cumulative grade point of 3.0 Senior Honors night on May 19.

Anytime that you can or above, which is a high B, for Of all 191 students, 185 will be keep a cumulative grade your whole high school career, is honored for having a 3.5 or above a fantastic accomplishment,” Mitcumulative GPA, said Student point of 3.0 or above, zel said.

Activity Director Maria Mitzel. which is a high B, for The night will consist of stuMitzel and the Student Associayour whole high school dents receiving certificates and tion (SA) organize Senior Honors career, is a fantastic gifts for their achievements, MitNight. One hundred and seven of accomplishment. zel said. these students qualify for the Phi There are many different gifts Beta Kappa, which is given to stuMARIA MITZEL students may receive, Mitzel said. dents who maintain at least a 3.75 Student Activity Director Speakers announcing awards throughout 10th, 11th and part of include Moussa Hamka, Steven 12th grade.

This year, 47 seniors qualify for the Academic Wolf, Terry Flint, and Gary Niehaus.

Both Class and SA officers, senators and ambasHall of Fame, which requires t a student maintain a 4.0 cumulative grade point for seven semesters at sadors will receive a cord, gift card, and a GP mug, Mitzel said. Academic Hall of Fame members will South, Mitzel said.

“This is probably the highest number we have receive a gift from the Mothers’ Club as well as a had,” Mitzel said. “I usually have about 30 to 36, and silver cord to wear at graduation, and some students will get a watch for a principal leadership award. we have 47 this year, which is fantastic.”

Senior Prom begins at 7 p.m. at the Roostertail this Saturday <see pages 6 & 7>

The Thursby award will be given the male and female athlete of the year and will get their name on a trophy, Mitzel said. These winners are revealed the night of the event.

Elizabeth Rauh ’16 is a class senator, qualified for the Phi Beta Kappa award, and The Athletic Booster Club Scholarship.

Rauh has worked extremely hard throughout her high school years for the things she has accomplished, she said.

“I’m really grateful for this recognition, and it is so special to receive this honor with my family and my school,” Rauh said. “I am so excited to see all of the accomplishments of my classmates because I know people do all sorts of things but don’t always get the recognition they deserve.”

The Class of 2016 has done a marvelous job and deserves all the recognition, Mitzel said.

“It’s fun to see them all honored for their hard work,” Mitzel said. “I know the night is important to the community and their parents.”

Seniors Honors Night will take place in the Auditorium at 7p.m. on May 19.

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191 total students

South Mothers’ Club Scholarship Night will take place at 8 p.m. in Cleminson and the Auditorium.

opinion // 2

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Social media should turn for more likes and less hate Twitter. Instagram. Facebook. Pinterest. YouTube.

Many students have at least one or more of these social media networks. They connect us to others across the globe, allow us to share new ideas and voice our own opinion and be who we are.

Redefined beauty and new insecurities are two major negative aspects of social media. These are especially difficult for students.

Many social media users choose to only post their best moments, aspects and pictures on media. Today, what you post matters.

The black and white filter continually posted for aesthetic reasons, the struggle of coming up with a witty (and easy-to-relate-to) caption, the constant search for more and more likes, the unspoken one (NEVER two or more) post a day rule, and the embarrassing amount of photos taken with friends in the attempt to get the “perfect” picture to post-all for one silly app on your iPhone? Instagram and many other forms of media have become a game of who can look the best, the prettiest, or the most perfect.

Social media users have become too serious with an app that was intended for fun purposes.

In addition, cyberbullying doesn’t help either. After that perfect photo is posted, filtered to perfection and captioned with “the best caption ever”, a nasty comment, even from a stranger, could be posted and could ruin someone’s day.

According to dosomething.org, almost 43 percent of kids have been cyberbullied, and 1 in 4 has had it happen more than once.

Even scarier than that, about 75 percent of students have admitted to visiting a site that bashes another student, and 90 percent of teens ignore it.

This doesn’t even take into account that 81 percent of teenagers think cyberbullying is easier to get away with than traditional face-to-face bullying, based on dosomething.org.

Anyone can see online threats are a serious topic, one which we didn’t have before the past 10 years.

Online bullies are also harder to find, using fake names or hiding any way of finding them all together.

However, there is definitely a way of bringing others online closer to you. However, this is just the issue. Judgment of others is very high, which creates never seen self-confidence issues, such as not feeling good enough compared to another user.

We need to find better ways to find cyberbullies and create a way to make sure that network users are being respectful online.

Events this year, such as controversial Twitter polls, have shown the disrespectful side of social media. We can achieve the respect needed by creating safe Internet awareness, such as taking cyberbullying as a serious offense. By showing the effects of bullying we can prevent it and show the serious costs of this important issue. With this help, we can make sure that social media doesn’t get as serious and cause issues self-confidence issues.

While social media does have some positive attributes, such as creating more social relationships, there are many more negatives that now dominate social media, such as cyberbullying, redefined beauty, and insecurity. This issue must be solved, and everyone can take part in that by standing up to cyberbullies and making the effects of this problem known.

OUR VIEW // EDITORIAL

GRAPHIC BY RILEY LYNCH ‘18

Student feedback key to teacher development, learning process MY VIEW Ally Macleod ’19 For years, the typical classroom scenario has been the teacher grades the student. But I think students should be given the opportunity to grade their teachers. Teachers grading students and giving feedback has historically been done to encourage students to put maximum effort into their work.

By doing this, it would not only help the teachers be better at their jobs, it would also help students understand the material and curriculum of the class more if the teacher is aware of how the class learns best. Educators would be able to improve teaching methods, while students would become able to learn more efficiently.

Some may argue that pupils could give their teachers ineffective grades and make inappropriate comments about their teachers, but in this system, the analysis would have to be more thorough.

This would indirectly force students to be thoughtful and serious in their grading responses, if

they actually want their review to be taken to heart and their issue to be addressed in the classroom setting.

Overall, students being able to appraise their teachers would be constructive for both the teacher and the student. Ideally, this situation would motivate both parties to think about their work.

Students would be in a position to reflect on what works for them in the classroom and what does not. Hopefully this information would enable the teachers to enhance the already excellent education South students receive.

I would ask students to make a request to their teachers for permission to complete a teacher evaluation. At the end of each quarter, students could complete a thorough assessment of the class so far.

These forms could also help the administration determine who would be hired back for the following school year. Teachers who received lower ratings would likely be subject to dismissal.

By integrating this information into the teacher’s educational style, students could benefit tremendously. By incorporating a teacher review, it would overall make South an exceptional school and let students have a more beneficial experience. This would be a win-win situation for all involved.

Loss of mother shows what is really taken for granted MY VIEW Kendall Volpe ‘19 We never understand what we truly have until it’s gone. We don’t know how precious a smile is until it fades, or how beautiful eyes can be until they close. We don’t see how magical a full moon is until it isn’t full anymore, and we don’t know how even a weak heartbeat is worth so much more than when it stops completely.

July 26, 2007. The only heartbeat important to me at the time, and the only one that was worth saving. The heartbeat of my mom.

My mom was the greatest person to walk planet earth. The kindest heart, the softest eyes, the BEST hugs and tons and tons of kisses that never failed to make me feel special.

She wasn’t only my mom, but she was my best friend, my secret keeper, my playmate, my everything at the time. Even when my little sister was

born, or even my little brother, my mom and I always had that strong connection.

Growing up I never understood that my mom was the closest thing to a real-life superhero. With cooking, cleaning, driving everywhere, helping with homework, keeping a life of her own at the same time and so much more she was about as close as you could get to Wonder Woman.

Imagine being six years-old, looking forward to waking up to your favorite face, looking forward to getting that huge hug, and looking forward to going on whatever adventure was planned that day with the person you love most. Now imagine being six years--old and not waking up to your favorite face but someone else, bearing news you wouldn’t ever see that face again.

No more long hugs, no more adventures, no more stories, no more endless kisses and no more Mom. It really is as fast as that. One second she’s there, and the next second, the very next one, that heartbeat is gone, and the smile fades.

We never understand what we have until it’s truly gone. Until the sun goes down and we wish it would come back up, until the last flower dies and we wish it would bloom again or when the last heart beat sounds and then the monitor goes black.

HUMANS OF SOUTH

NEWSPAPER

the

TOWER

STAFF

“Soccer. The girl with the ball was sprinting full force, and I stuck my leg out, and she ran right through my leg, and it cracked. I felt everything move and said to myself, “Ah, no, it’s just a sprain.” But then I went to the doctor and got an MRI, and I tore my meniscus, ACL and my MCL.” - Eileen Janes ‘18

“So for archery I started a couple of years ago and had no idea what I was doing. I went to Bass Pro Shop, and they helped set me up with a bow and everything I needed and I joined the South archery club. It started out where I would aim at the target, but the arrow would go every which way ... I just kept practicing and practicing at home, at school, and eventually everything started to fall into place.”

- Grant Clement ‘16

Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Maiorana* ’16

Photo Editor Jennifer Toenjes* ’16

Associate Editors Brenna Bromwell* ’16 Emily Fleming* ’16

Business Managers Alexis Motschall* ’16 Asst. Mackenzie Harrel* ’17

Supervising Editors Gabi de Coster* ’16 Haley Vercruysse* ’16 Lauren Pankin* ’16 Sydney Simoncini* ’16

Online Editors-in-Chief Allyson Hartz* and Olivia Baratta*, both ’16

Page Editors Maggie Wright* and Zoe Jackson*, both ’16 Claire Yeamans*, Erykah Benson* and Jack Holme*, all ’17 John Francis*, Liz Bigham* and Ray Hasanaj*, all ’18

Online Section Editors Scarlett Constand* ’16, Adam Cervone* and Ariana Chengges*, both ’17 Riley Lynch* ’18

Copy Editors Hannah Connors*, Julia Fox*, Juliana Berkowski* and Shannon McGlone*, all ’16 Rachel Harris* ’18

Online Associate Editor Preston Fossee* ’16

Online Copy Editors Lindsay Stanek* ’16 Lily Kubek* ’17 Online Social Media Directors Emma Andreasen* and Zoe Evans*, both ’17

Staff Writers Blair Shortal, Brendan Cauvel, Callie Zingas, Christina Ambrozy, Elizabeth Coyle, Gennie Martin, Griffin Brooks, Hailey Murphy, JD Gray, Jessica Whitney, Jon Theros, Katharine Kuhnlein, Lily Patterson, Lindsey Clark, Mac Cimmarrusti, Madeline DesNoyer, Olivia Frederickson, all ’16 Anton Mikolowski, Cam Francis, Charlie Denison, Claire Hubbell, Emma Russell, Gillian Eliot, Jack Froelich, Jack Roma, Mac Welsher, Madeleine Glasser, Mary Grace O’Shea, Michael French, Olivia Sheffer, Sydney Stann and William Muawad, all ’17 Abigail Due, Arianna Pagenette, Brennan Zihlman, Cameron Smolen, Chase Clark, Elena Rauch, Evan Skaff, John Standish, Kaitlin Nemeh, Katherine Bird, Lauren Thom, Maren Roeske, Margot Baer, Mollie DeBrunner and Liam Walsh, all ’18

“When I moved here, I drove from California to Michigan with my mom and my sister. We got stuck in the Grand Canyon. Well, not stuck stuck, but we wanted to see the Grand Canyon but got lost in the park. We ended up driving around for seven hours, and never got to see the Grand Canyon.”

- Sam Mcleod ‘19 INFO COMPLIED BY KENDALL VOLPE ‘19

Adviser Rod Satterthwaite “The Tower” is the weekly publication of the Advanced Journalism classes at Grosse Pointe South High School. It has always been a designated public form of student expression.

The Tower is located in room 142 in Grosse Pointe South High School. Please contact us at 313-432-3649.

Errors Factual errors will be corrected on the opinion page or in news briefs written upon request and verification.

Letters Letters to the Editor are encouraged and will be screened for libel, irresponsibility and obscenity. The Editorial Board may edit or shorten letters as long as the meaning is Opinion Pieces unchanged. All letters must be signed and Editorials represent the majority opinion of include a telephone number for confirmation. the Editorial Board and are left unsigned.

Request to withhold the writer’s name Columns represent the opinions of individual from publication for good reason will be staff members and outside contributors. considered. Letters can be sent to the above email address, or dropped off in “The Tower” Editorial Board Room.

An asterisk * denotes Editorial Board editors.

Advertising Display advertising is sold at a rate of $7 per column inch, with discounts for large or frequent advertisers. Advertising may not advocate illegal activities or contain libelous, irresponsible or obscene material.

Professional Associations Member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association, Quill and Scroll, the Society for Newspaper Design and the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association.

news // 3

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Kercheval Dance brings dance to the 313

I

the desk to keep the studio orgaALYSSA COLE ’19 // Honors Journalism Student t was finished. The project that had been in progress for months. nized, while Tracy and Adam are busy teaching classes.

Her dream was ready for business.

Although it probably was a Tracy Halso Gapczynski opened up the new Grosse Pointe dance studio, Kercheval Dance, located in the village of Grosse challenge to start a new dance Pointe Farms in the summer of 2014. Gapczynski said she want- studio and have enough dancers ed to share her love of dance with young dancers from the metro De- to run classes, as well as create a competition team, the couple troit area.

Tracy and her husband Adam Gapczynski are both dancers from worked hard to help the business Michigan. They went to college together at the University of Oklaho- evolve into a large, and continuma, both danced throughout college and then later moved on to per- ally expanding group of young form on cruise ships and work as professionals for other companies dancers.

“I love the Grosse Pointe comas well.

They eventually got married munity. My family grew up here, and moved back to Grosse Pointe and I’ve lived here since I was a There have been a lot where they opened up Kercheval toddler,” Tracy said. “There are of positive improvements Dance. After a short period of families that I know that have to Kercheval Dance. There time, they gained a large number their kids in our Kickstart classes, were a lot of new students of dancers at the studio, and are and those connections make the still attracting new dancers at a business a close family. I’ve come this year, and everyone is to love all of my students, with all so nice, so when I come to rapid rate.

Opening a new business in of their different strengths.” the studio I feel at home.

Halso-Gapczynski was not Grosse Pointe could be tough, ABBY BLYTH based on the fact that many going through this process alone KERCHEVAL DANCE STUDENT businesses in the area have been though. She not only had her pararound for a long time, and ents’ help, but her husband was HAPPY COUPLE // Tracy Halso Gapczynski and her husband Adam opened up the new Grosse new businesses might take time to evolve. However, the Halso-Gap- a major contributor to the stuPointe dance studio, Kercheval Dance, in the summer of 2014. Tracy wanted to share her love czynskis’ business has had a successful outcome, especially for just dio’s progress as well. They have of dance with young dancers. worked together the whole time opening not too long ago. to make the Tracy grew up in Grosse Pointe, and graduated studio have from Liggett University School. She danced her whole I was very interested The studio just opened in the summer of 2014, so they have a group a fun and life, and when she applied for the University of Oklain Grosse Pointe of dancers who have been there since the beginning, and have seen the positive vibe. homa, she was offered a scholarship into their ballet Theater, but I was more studio’s progression.

“To work with Tracy is a pleasure,” Gapczynski program.

“There have been a lot of positive improvements to Kercheval interested in dance said. “She is great with kids and very knowledge“Growing up in Grosse Pointe as a dancer was a Dance, ” student Abby Blyth said. “There were a lot of new students company work. able. She spends a lot of time caring about her great experience, but there weren’t very many opporthis year, and everyone is so nice, so when I come to the studio I feel students, and I think that shows in the classes she tunities for dance,” Tracy said. “I was very interested Tracy Halso Gapczynski at home. ” teaches.” in Grosse Pointe Theater, but I was more interested in KERCHEVAL DANCE TEACHER Tracy and Adam see themselves teaching dance and owning the The Halso-Gapczynskis teach the majority of dance company work. I always tried to take advantage studio for the rest of their lives. They both share a passion for dance, the dance classes offered at the studio. There are a of master classes and dance conventions to improve.” which makes working together every day very easy to do. few other teachers that work occasionally at KerTracy’s parents also help out around the studio, The Kercheval Dance staff has a vision of their goals for the studio, cheval Dance, but Tracy and Adam like to teach as they have been involved with her dance life and and their goals for the dancers individually. commitments. They help by keeping the studio clean, and working at most of the classes themselves.

DEFINING DANCE: DEFINING DANCE: A South student’s take on dance as a competitive sport

MY VIEW

E

Alyssa Cole ‘19

ver since I was little, I’ve experienced people doing a mocking, obnoxious imitation of dancing. People think it is easy and boring, which is the opposite of the truth.

I’ve heard, “Oh you do little twirls” and “Oh you kick your legs” in a tone that is not out of admiration.

These comments don’t bother me, but what does is when people say that dance is easy, and when they say it is not a sport.

According to dictionary.com, the definition of a sport is “an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess, and often of a competitive nature.”

Being a dancer on a competition team, I know firsthand that dance involves all of these characteristics and more.

Dance includes an immense amount of physical activity.

I go to dance almost every day, and I take a variety of classes which all involve strength, technique and a passion to improve skills.

I take 5 ballet classes a week, which are each an hour to and hour and a half long.

I also have to do very difficult stretches in order to become more flexible.

This is just like any other sport, but I don’t recall football players ever being concerned with keeping their shoulders down, their chin up, their legs straightened, their arms rounded and their feet pointed all at the same time.

And these aren’t even half of the key concepts that dancers have to apply to progress.

Not to mention the fact dancers strive to achieve perfection in their technique and also their facial expressions and performance on stage.

Now I am not saying I don’t respect football or any other sport similar to it, but dance should not be cast on a lower scale than any of those sports.

Competitive dance includes everything required in the definition to be a sport, and I can not stress enough, that it is most definitely not easy.

A common argument I have heard is dance is a performing art, and therefore it can’t be a sport. Of course it is a performing art.

However, it is different than other performing arts because it involves so much strength and physical capability to develop

PREP WORK // Alyssa Cole ‘19 practices her dance moves. Cole has been dancing since she was little and takes five ballet classes a week.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALYSSA COLE ‘19

Competitive dance includes everything required in the definition to be a sport, and I can not stress enough, that it is most definitely not easy.

ALYSSA COLE ‘19 new muscles, flexibility and other factors that are important to a good dancer.

Just because it is a form of the arts does not mean it can’t be considered a sport. It can fit into both of these categories, which makes it that much more impressive and difficult.

Dance can be performed for entertainment in a show or in a competition to compete against other teams. Other popular sports are played for the exact same reasons, to entertain and for some healthy competition.

So what makes people think that dance is not hard and that it is not worthy of being called a sport?

Basically, they think that dance is simply holding on to a barre and standing on your toes and then dropping into the splits occasionally. I hear this mainly from boys at my school, who play other sports.

One example of this was when I was in middle school. Boys would always make fun of dance and say how weird it was.

To all of the people that think this, I personally invite you to come take one ballet class at my studio, and see for yourself, because I guarantee that it will be nothing like the way you imagine it now.

You will have trouble memorizing long, complex combinations, and then you will have to execute it with all of the desired technique.

If you even make it this far, you will then feel the different muscles working and burning as you stretch and hold positions that may look easy, when in reality, they are incredibly tough.

Along with all of the physical intense training in dance, it is a year-round activity.

Unlike most other sports, dance never stops. Most sports have their specified seasons, where they participate for a month or two, and then the sport is finished for the year.

Some examples of these sports would be football, baseball, field hockey, lacrosse and more. Dancers work through every month of the year, with no off-season.

Try doing 20 perfect pirouettes the next time you are on the football field.

feature // 4

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

LOOKING FORWARD:

Long-time teacher Christine Norris offers a critique of the future of classroom life

Erika Lundell ‘08 was at South before the athletic building was built, including the new pool. She said the old pool, which is now the commons, was gross and way too small to have swim meets.

“People on swim team were mad because they never had a legit pool to practice in,” Lundell said. “We had our home meets at North’s pool, (the school board) built a new one the year I graduated, so we never got to use it.”

Cholody said the atmosphere of the school was welcoming and that the teachers were the best.

“My classmates were friendly for the most part,” she said. “As usual, there’s always certain friends that prefer to sit near each other or talk to each other in class, but we were always friendly to one another.”

She said every teacher made an effort to engage and get to know each student, while encouraging conversation.

“I remember always reading the most relevant novels in Mr. Nardone’s English class and learning how to take the best notes in Mrs. Norris’ AP History. I’ve used the not-e taking skills all through college,” Cholody said.

Norris said students are nicer to each other now compared to what she has seen in her past teaching experiences.

“On the one hand, I think that they’re kinder than they’ve ever been before. Kids are nicer, less likely to take offense, at least my students. I think we’re tolerant which is something I like very much,” Norris said.

Classes today have a taken a turn, having a different dynamic than years ago, Julia Lundell ‘17 said.

“Of course all classes are different, but there is definitely a noticeHANGING UP THE JERSEY // AP European History Teacher and AP United States History teacher Christine Norris finishes up her able amount of disrespect towards teachers, especially when someone last year of teaching. Norris has worked here at South for 19 years. is on their phone and the teacher tries to take it from them. Some will PHOTO BY ARIANA CHENGGES ’17 even fight against it,” Lundell said.

ROWAN THOM ’17 // Honors Journalism Student Lundell also said phones can be very disruptive to class. “(Students) have that larger social outlet where you can reach more “When a group of students are on their phones, istory teacher Christine Norris, has seen a loss in writing people, and I don’t feel like it was as cliquey then, it is very hard to pay attention and stay focused beability and attention span with her students since the age in the dynamics that I see in the hallways among Kids are nicer, less cause the teacher starts yelling and getting frustratof technology strung into our society. students,” Lulis said. ed with the class,” Lundell said. likely to take offense, “(Students) are a lot more cavalier about their phones, A major change that was noticed by past stuLogan Cholody ‘17 said his classes vary based on but even talking to each other I never used to have to ask somebody to dents was with new developments in the school. at least my students. different aspects. stop talking so I could continue,” Norris said. “As nice as my students Courtney Cholody ‘10 attended South when the I think we’re tolerant “Some of my classes have very talkative students. are, and they are, I do now and it’s odd to me.” athletic building and student commons were being which is something I We’re always being told to stop talking or lower our Norris said even though teachers are encouraged to use technology built. like very much. voices.

Others are dead silent,.” Logan said. in the classroom, she has noticed a decrease in basic skill level from “We were all pretty excited about it,” she said.

CHRISTINE NORRIS Lulis said teachers are able to communicate fastseveral students.

“We were able to work out in the gym there, and I AP US HISTORY TEACHER er thanks to technology.

“I have just noticed how even in the last two or three years a tre- actually had lacrosse conditioning here too my se“When I first started teaching, if a student had mendous amount of less skillful writers, and it’s not just spell check,. nior year, which was a big upgrade from being in a question they would email me, but it was expectThey capitalize stuff that shouldn’t be capitalized,.” Norris said. whichever gym was available that night in the main ed that I was necessarily going to be checking my Faculty who taught at South before the outbreak said they have building.” emails at home, and I think that’s changed a little bit because we have witnessed changes in the atmosphere of the school from then to now.

Cholody said the student commons is a great place to socialize and more access to them so the communication factor is there,” Lulis said.

English teacher Elizabeth Lulis said she thinks there are less small- eat during the lunch period. er social groups from 16 years ago compared to now, mainly because “I thought it was really amazing that they kept the bottom of the of technology. pool tiles on the floor of the commons,” Cholody said.

H

NEWS ANALYSIS: The struggles of stressed students are real

I

GRIFFIN JONES ’18 // Honors Journalism Student ’m a goner. Somebody catch my breath. I wanna be known by are over-grossed with society’s perfect everything, some might still hold you.” - from Twenty One Pilot’s “Goner”. on to the better opinions of themselves.

The words “known by you” can be inferred multiple ways.

“People tend to base personality off of appearance, which would give Many might say it’s a way of saying how some want to be famous. me a different personality than I already had originally. I know who I Maybe some would think envy for a person they like. Really, am and being someone else or trying to be someone else would be the though, these words might also apply to how people want to stand out end of what defines me, the anonymous source said. “I try to be true in the crowd as perfect. But many cannot afford that luxury. and not fake like all that crap people throw out to protect their image.”

As teenagers grow into high school age and are exposed to all new But a positive image of oneself does not stop society’s effects on selfkinds of societal judgments, they will have to learn fast that in order to expression. Because of increased judgment in peers or similarly aged have society on their good side they need to fit it’s perfect image. Many, youth, many would rather fit in the crowd than express the personality mostly girls, might use makeup to either get rid of the darkening eye they’d imagined themselves with. sockets that school stress stacks on or to look like a model for those “My clothes used to be a problem for me in middle school,.” Gwynwho could truly care less. Those influenced by sports celebrities might eth Rennell ‘18 said about her insecurity of fashion and body image. “I’d choose to wear more athletic apparel in a casual way lie about where I got them from, so they seemed more rather than to actual exercise activities. expensive, and I tried to buy all name brands.”

I had no problem “I have felt insecure about my appearance and She says she’s since realized how immature a making friends or conability to do things,” an anonymous student said. thought that was and eased up on her fashion side. But stantly being bullied, Many incoming students will instantly feel the she had another opinion about her body. only sometimes, or pressure on their back not just for school work but “I was already worried about not being curvy for keeping up with the latest trends in fashion and enough, but after hearing some mean comments about anything, I was just emtechnology. my body, it only made it worse. A lot of people strive to barrassed about being “Society has built such a specific structure on be skinny, but being a thin girl myself I can say you still ‘the fat friend.’ how things should be and go, and if one doesn’t fit don’t feel good enough.” into that category, then you don’t even belong at all,” Although there are some among the crowd that have GRAYSON KENNEDY ’19 the anonymous student said. the strength to do so and be themselves, there is still a It was only recently, in the last two decades, that major amount of those who otherwise would be one of society became wired into the trap that is the Interthose people if it weren’t for the harsh society they’ve net. Now anything important that needs to become been forced into. For some of them, they have hope a thing does so within days. Social media especially places a huge pres- and they have somewhat of a silver lining, but for others, that silver sure on young adults forcing them into a social whirlpool which could lining seems to be running them through a maze with no end in sight. backlash and drown them into social obsession rather than worrying Other than them there are even those who would give up their own imabout important things like their education. age, their own personality just to fit into society’s template of perfection, But through the recent ability to create a perfect image of human by by developing an obsession with their own imperfection. But really, it’s society incredibly fast, people’s body image becomes tested. the imperfections that separate people from society’s template, so that “In middle school, I used to be fat, so I would be really embarrassed.” they might not fit, so that they might create their own cookie cutter Grayson Kennedy ‘19 said. “I had no problem making friends or con- template and cut a chunk of life out to live their way. stantly being bullied, only sometimes, or anything, I was just embarrassed about being ‘the fat friend.”’

Even in a day and age where, more than less, young people’s minds

South Answers:

@THETOWERPULSE

Have you ever felt pressured to act a certain way?

73% YES 27% NO

feature // 5

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Physics Class loops into CEDAR POINT ANTON MIKOLOWSKI ’17 Future Supervising Copy Editor n May 25, the physics classes at South will attend a field trip to the Cedar Point amusement park in Ohio in order to stimulate their knowledge of physics and prepare for a 3D recreation project of the park’s famous roller coasters, according to physics teacher, Scott Brunner.

The trip to Cedar Point is supposed to allow students to The trip challenges engage the and engages students, skills they have been it is always a positive learning experience. in class in MR. BRUNNER an enterPHYSICS TEACHER taining and modern way.

“Amusement rides are all about physics,” Brunner said, “(And) the Cedar Point trip is a great opportunity to apply the physics concepts learned throughout the year in an exciting setting.”

Brunner has said that the trip has always been a positive experience for his students, and current honors physics student, Nina Cinnamond ’17, is excited for it.

“I am so excited,” Cinnamond said, “I love roller coasters and the park.”

Cinnamond, along with any other students attending the trip, had to meet a code of prerequisites before being allowed on the trip.

In order for students to be eligible for the trip, they must have had a good attendance throughout the year and a good enough grade standing in their physics class.

O

“It’s fair,” Cinnamond said, “If you slack when you should be working or coming to class, you really do not deserve the trip.”

The students staying behind at South will be working in correspondence with the students at the park, analyzing their Riders travel at data as it comes in.

During the trip, in order to find that 176 feet per secdata for their upcoming project, stuond (120 mph) dents will be assigned to record their on the Top Thrill roller coasters live, using their phones Dragster with accelerometer data apps, as well as documentation using rides and camera images and videos.

“They will be sending the data back to group members not on the trip, who will be in class researching the rides More than 100 and processing data. The day after tons of nuts and the trip, groups will use the ac568 tons of steel celerometer and camera data to create a 3D virtual roller coaster.” were used to The roller coaster recreation build Magnum will be done in an iOS app that XL-200 has varying factors, such as acceleration, force, and speeds, that can be measured with data and made into acting physical models, according to Brunner.

“The group project is a Google Doc The Mean Streak lab write-up including background, reis made of 1.7 search, theory, data, calculations, images, million board video, and a virtual ride of the 3D roller feet of treated coaster they created,” Brunner said, “By the end, we will have a 3D version of Cesouthern yellow dar Point with accurate physics.” pine Both Brunner and Cinnamond are excited for the trip, so long as all goes according to plan.

“The trip challenges and engages students,” Brunner said, “It is always a positive experience. Except for when the power goes out. That happened last year.”

Cedar Point features more than 150 rides, shows and attractions

The Cedar Point Peninsula is 364 acres

Cedar Point hires more than 5,000 seasonal employees each summer

Cedar Point now has 50,727 feet of roller coaster track… that’s more than 10 miles

More than 12 million pounds of concrete were used in the construction of GateKeeper

GRAPHIC BY JD STANDISH ’18

MATH TEACHER AND CHEER COACH SHARES PAST ON FULFILLED DREAM SINCE JUNIOR YEAR AT NORTH ERICA FOSSE ’19 Honors Journalism Student The dog walks the person. The child disciplines the parent. The patient diagnoses the doctor. The criminal arrests the police officer. Reality becomes a cartoon.

These are meaningless compared to that of a teacher learning from the student.

Learning how to relax, learning to realize that everyone has their own lives. Lisa Kline learns something new every day from her students.

Math class starts and the room fills with chatter as Kline talks to all her students, her favorite part of teaching.

Years before when she was a student she never would have thought this is where she would be, working at her high school’s rival, working at a job that fell right into place. That is until junior year at North.

She watched as the gym filled with students and excitement wafted through the gym, everyone waiting for pep assembly to start. So much happened during that pep assembly, but the defining moment for Kline

was when her teacher showed her what she wanted to be.

Math teacher and college cheerleader Jessica Roman glided from one corner of the gym to the other, performing an amazing tumbling pass. That moment showed Kline she could do everything she wanted. She could be an amazing math teacher. She could be a high school cheer coach.

And why not?

Destiny brought Kline to South. After being a long-term sub at North, it just so happened that multiple math teachers retired at South. Coming to South and teaching math fell right into place.

This brings us back to the classroom buzzing with chatter where math is taught but also so much more.

Parabolas and polynomials are important but the knowledge of acceptance and how to sit down and relax taught to her by her students will have a life-long effect as the teacher learns another lesson from her students.

SUMMER JOBS AVAILABLE FOR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES

FULL TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE - NO EXPERIENCE Multiple job openings - various industries - wage based on assignment *Must be 18 years or older to apply.

To apply, email resume to marketing@michiganstaffing.com or call 586-751-5608 www.michiganstaffing.com

LINK // Scan the above QR code to watch a video on Kline and her story on how she chose the teaching path.

Honors Algebra II

mai-guitar.com

feature // 6

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Revised code of conduct levels the playing field CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Another addition to the extracurricular code of conduct is the responsibility for students to uphold a new minimum grade point average.

“We’re going to raise the expectation,” Dean said.

“You have to be passing more classes now with better grades. We think that holding our students to a higher standard is good.”

Since being involved in extracurricular activities is a choice and a privilege. According to Dean, they are agreeing to hold themselves to a higher standard. Therefore, the Grosse Pointe Public School System expects higher academic standards for being a student athlete than to graduate.

Currently, a student can graduate with 21 credits and a D- in every class. In athletics, however, stu-

dents can not participate in a sport with that type of academic performance, Dean said.

“We expect you to be passWe’re going to raise ing four out of the expectation. You six classes, and have to be passing more three must be classes now with better a C- or better,” Dean said. grades.

‘And I think JON DEAN those are fair DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT OF expectations.”

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES Dean however, emphasized that if a student is struggling with maintaining a certain grade point average, an early warning sys-

tem is put in place to help students get their grade lens and penalized. back up by a certain deadline. Additionally, Dean “This I think from a community standpoint, evsaid that with National Honor eryone will see every extracurricuSociety tutoring and worklar is on the same playing field and Everyone will see ing with teacher after school, everyone is being treated the same,” every extracurricular is there are also many resourcHawkins said. on the same playing es available for students get While the code of conduct is not field and everyone is reach out and get help. officially enacted until Monday, Aug. Hawkins said that the new being treated the same. 1, the current athletic code of conextracurricular code of conduct is still in place and is in effect JEREMY HAWKINS duct will alleviate many of over the course of the summer.

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR & parents’ concerns, who ask “We think higher expectations for ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL why students in extracurricour students are appropriate,” Dean ulars other than sports are said. “We think we have great kids, virtually free to do what they and I think our kids, and we have so want while student athletes are kept under a close many great academic support systems in place.

Coach continues legacy at South for 37th year SYLVIA HODGES ’19 // Honors Journalism “Great job today, we’ll see ya tomorrow,” he says.

The huge group of tired girls get up and run for the locker room, eager to get to their water bottles and backpacks. He gathers up papers, answers questions, helps the injured girls and makes sure everyone’s taken care of before even thinking about what he needs to get done.

And he’s been doing this for nearly 37 years.

Girls cross country/track head coach Stephen Zaranek came to South as a coach in 1979, also while teaching in the classroom.

He wore thick rectangular glasses, sported a Robert Redford haircut, and had a cross country team consisting of eight girls. That year, they finished in ninth place at regionals.

Flash forward 37 years and things are different.

He now has thin circular glasses, wears a boating hat over his graying blond hair, and just finished his

36th cross country season with 126 girls.

This year, they finished in 13th place at the finals.

Originally, his dream was to coach the boys cross country team. He fantasized about it.

But when the girls coaching job came open, he took it, seeing it as a stepping stone to coaching the boys.

A few years later, the boys coaching spot opened up. He didn’t even apply.

Coaching the girls team wasn’t a stepping stone.

It was an accidental blessing.

Each year, each season, has become routine.

Cross country in the fall, conditioning in the winter, track in the spring and training for cross country in July.

Each year brings new girls and new things to do.

But he welcomes each new season with the same joy he felt starting the team 37 years ago.

He’s there every step of the way. And he plans to always be.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SYLVIA HODGES ’19

HEY COACH // Above is Stephen Zaranek, who’s coached girls cross country and track for 35 years. Each year his schedule for coaching consists of cross country in the fall, conditioning in the winter and cross country training in July.

Student continues sport despite lack of recognition

LANDED IT // Hannah Bainbridge (left) and Skylar McCrindle (right) ’19 land drilling their routine. McCrindle has been doing synchronized swimming since she was six.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MEREDITH MCDONNELL ’19

Concussions in high school athletics on the rise AJ STEVENSON ’16 // Honors Journalism reported they had a concussion.

Six students reported that they received a Student concussion from playing sports, and three said they There it was, aired on ESPN. were not playing a sport.

It read, “Junior Seau dead at age 43.”

Of those who reported being concussed from One of the best NFL linebackers committed non-athletic excursions, three of them reported suicide.

At the surface it had seemed ordinary that receiving a concussion from a car accident.

Athletes who reported receiving a concussion another NFL player died, but after numerous were then interviewed two out NFL players died from suicide of the five didn’t even tell anyone recently, it led to speculation I am not going to about it or report a concern. among fellow sportsmen. miss a football game (for Tripp Rinke ’16 is a South What they once made a living a concussion). Is that a athlete who has been involved in off was killing them. Repetitive the realm of concussions, having head trauma was causing CTE question? one himself, but never reporting which then lead to depression, JONATHON MARTINUZZI ‘16 it.

Alzheimer’s, suicide and other “I am not going to miss a problems. football game,” Rinke said. “I A concussion is a head injury don’t want to look soft.” with temporary loss of brain function.

At first people thought that the causes of 3.8 million people were reported to have a concussion in 2012, with numbers increasing in the concussions stemmed from only sports like football and hockey, but now sports like soccer are now past few years, according to precauvs.com.

Out of a survey conducted among both athletes ranked third in terms of concussions claiming 33 and non-athletes at South, eight out of 17 students percent of all reported concussions.

N O C

MEREDITH MCDONNELL ’19 // Honors Journalism Student Skylar McCrindle ‘19 dives underwater on the count of five.

Catchy show tunes play, such as songs from “Dirty Dancing” and “The Great Gatsby,” as she emerges from the water. Quickly she tucks back and thrust her legs up into the air.

Skylar is one of 12 girls on the Blue Dolphins synchronized swim team.

McCrindle has been passionately swimming for synchronized swim since she was six. From the basics of the Ballet Leg and the complications of the Kip, McCrindle has her moves down pat.

She and her teammates celebrate the various ribbons they collect. However, talent such as hers aren’t quite recognized. Very few people even know that South has a synchronized swimming team.

McCrindle spends between two to three hours every night perfecting her moves. She land drills (where the swimmer stands on land and moves their arms as if they are the swimmer’s legs) routines until her she can’t feel

her arms. From there she leaps into the pool.

The amount of time and effort put into these moves and numbers is staggering. Hours spent memorizing which leg to kick first and which way to turn and building the large amounts of core and arm strength required to properly perform the moves.

A synchronized swimmer has to hold themselves up by only swishing their arms beneath them.

Alas, it is all for nothing.

So far this season the Blue Dolphins haven’t won first prize.

The system is rigged against them. The judges are coaches and parents of girls from the other teams.

So why even bother?

The sheer passion of the sport.

Most girls have been swimming since they were children and don’t plan to stop. The Blue Dolphins enthusiasm for the sport is unbelievable. They work hard and let nothing stand between them and their pool, where the girls flip, kick, and dive their way throughout the night.

S BY THE N N O UM SI S BE CU

1 in 5 high school

athletes will sustain a sports concussion 4 to 5 million during the season. concussions occur annually, with rising numbers among middle school athletes.

47%

of

all reported sports concussions occur during high school football.

RS

33%

of all sports concussions happen at practice.

STATISTICS COURTESY OF HEADCASE COMPANY AND THE CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION