Issue 1

the

TOWER Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016

Volume 89

Issue 1

@thetowerpulse

A weekly tradition since 1928

Grosse Pointe South 11 Grosse Pointe Blvd. Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236

Back to School Night ushers in a new year

One night gives chance for sudents, parents and teachers to be brought together

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RACHEL HARRIS ’18 | Supervising Editor arents will have the chance to walk in their kid’s shoes at Back to School Night this Thursday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m.

“Back to School night is the opportunity for parents to follow their student’s schedules throughout the day, get to know their teachers, see how their classroom runs and see what the curriculum they will be addressing in the year is,” counselor Beth Walsh-Sahutske said.

Back to School Night provides the beginning of the communication bridge between parents and teachers for the remainder of the school year, Walsh-Sahutske said. Teachers will give parents an introduction of their course and show them how each classroom runs, as well as demonstrating classroom procedures and grading systems.

“Parents can have a sense of what their student is doing in their day, so that they know how to reach out and get help if the student needs help,” Walsh-Sahutske said. “Or, as issues might crop up during the school year when parents and teachers are communicating with each other, (parents) can reference that same basic information of what he or she needs to do in order to improve or succeed in classes.”

Social studies teacher, Dennis Pascoe, said he introduces himself to Teachers are so imparents and explains classroom expectations. Pascoe conveys that he portant in shaping wants his students to be the best they can be so he can see them earn good grades, he said. our kids lives and as “I think Back to School Night helps parents to know the teachers a parent, supporting and it gives them a sense of what their students go through,” Pascoe any activity that our said. “As long as I can communicate that they can trust their kids with me, I think that’s what parents really want to know.” kids are in, makes our Back to School Night is an important event for parents to attend, community stronger.

Walsh-Sahutske said. Parents will receive a flyer in the mail, but stuANN TURNBULL dents can help their parents by highlighting their classes on a map of MOTHERS CLUB PRESIDENT South and writing down their schedule so parents know where to go.

Parents will also be able to meet their student’s counselor outside of the counseling center.

Pascoe said he enjoys Back to School Night because he gets the chance to help parents relax by explaining classroom curriculums. Pascoe takes pleasure in seeing family resemblances among students and relatives.

“I think there’s a certain thing that helps them relax and trust the people better that are in charge of their kids,” Pascoe said. “It’s also fun to see some of the things that you see in the kids, you get to see in their

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parents. Its funny and it’s fun to get to know them so that you can build that relationship.”

Mother’s Club President Ann Turnbull attends Back to School Night because it gives parents an insight of what their kids do each day, she said. It is important to meet students’ teachers, as well as how to monitor grades and assignments.

“Teachers are so important in shaping our kids lives and as a parent, supporting any activity that our kids are in makes our community stronger,” Turnbull said via email. “I love seeing the path that my kids will take each day, meeting their teachers, seeing the beautiful school and seeing my friends since I was just in high school a few years ago.”

Welcome back!

Class schedule -Introduction -Hand outs -Class rigor

GRAPHIC DESIGNED BY ELENA RAUCH

MEMORIAM:

South club remembers 9/11 in annual tribute KATHLEEN CARROLL ’19 | Web Content Manager Grosse Pointe South’s Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) Club will place 2,977 American flags on the school’s front lawn as a memorial for those who died on 9/11, each flag representing a victim during the terrorist attack.

The memorial has been a tradition at South since Sept. 11, 2011, the attack’s 10-year anniversary.

The memorial is part of a national project begun by YAF in 2003 to remember those who died on 9/11.

South’s YAF president, Elizabeth Sullivan ’17, said that the CHARLIE YOO ’17 club plants the flags at 5 a.m.

However, because Sept. 11 will fall on a Sunday this year, she anticipates the flags will be

planted Friday, Sept. 9.

Sullivan said that each year the memorial is accompanied by a school-wide moment of silence at 9:11 a.m. to remember the people lost.

South’s YAF secretary, Charlie Yoo ’17, said anyone is welcome to help -he planted flags his freshman and sophomore years, despite not being a YAF member.

“I think it’s important that not just as a school, but as a community and as a country we remember all the people who lost their lives,” Yoo said.

I think it’s important that not just as a school, but as a community and as a country we remember all the people who lost their lives.

PHOTO BY RAY HASANAJ ‘18

Financial Aid Night offers information on paying for college LAUREN THOM ’18 | Supervising Editor Financial Aid Night is an event that gives students and parents the opportunity to learn about different options when it comes to paying for college from counselors and college reps, as well as scholarships that are available and what the main colleges in Michigan provide for financial aid, according to Counselor Aja Perales.

Perales said that there is typically a good turnout in attendance among students, and, in her opinion, it is worth the time to learn more about financing higher education.

“It is super important to learn more about financial aid, as college is expensive,” Perales said. “There is a lot of information

and resources available, so it is a great opportunity to ask questions and learn more.”

Financial Aid Night will be held on Thursday, Sept. 8 for all students and parents in North’s cafeteria at 8 p.m.

There is a lot of information and resources available, so it is a great opportunity to ask questions and learn more.

AJA PERALES Counselor

PHOTO BY LIZ BIGHAM ’18

THIS WEEK AT SOUTH... sept.

08

Financial aid night will be held at Grosse Pointe North’s cafeteria at 6:30 p.m.

sept.

09

PAGE DESIGNED BY ELENA RAUCH ’18

Varsity football plays Fraser at home this Friday starting at 7:00 p.m.

sept.

15

Back to School Night will be held next Thursday at 7 p.m.

OPINION

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A FRESH START:

T

he Tower Newspaper is rooted in tradition.

We’ve been churning out papers for nearly a century. And we say it loud and proud too. “A weekly tradition since 1928” boldly printed on the masthead of every issue. It’s that consistency-- that generational pride that has become signature. While our role in the school has remained constant for decades, the evolution of The Tower is ongoing, and it’s the balance between new and old that we aim to further perfect this coming year.

You may have noticed a few changes this year stylistically.

We may be a little bolder.

We may be a little more modern.

We’re toying around with some new ideas, and we’re not afraid to experiment. While we’re a little old-school, Tower is also full of forward-thinkers. We’re not afraid to adapt.

And if there’s one thing that the staff of The Tower Newspaper is good at, it’s adapting. The past four years alone have been a testament to that. We’ve mourned the loss of beloved adviser, Jeff Nardone, and have had three adviser changes in this short time alone.

Saying goodbye to former adviser Rod Satterthwaite was one of the toughest things we had to go through this past year.

We were so lucky to have had him as our moral compass. We wish him luck in his new school, and we miss him. Immensely. So much so that we have a personal grudge against the

9.6.16 PAGE DESIGNED BY CHASE CLARK ‘18

New leadership means change, while still sticking with tradition

entire state of California for stealing him away from us.

Grudges, however, melt away. And that bitterness dissipates easily when we have someone as fresh and bright as Kaitlin Edgerton, former adviser for The Aquilla and the Madison High School yearbook, as well as a 9th grade adviser at Bloomfield. We’re excited for what’s ahead of us this year, and all of the work we have yet to accomplish.

So much talk of the future. What’s next for The Tower?

The real question is, what’s next for you? That’s what journalism is about. The faces. The public. The people. It’s about the lineman, the club president, the artist, the poet, the orchestra player.

It’s about the anxious, the angry, the proud, and the passionate. Whoever you are, we’re here to tell your story.

The reality of it is, this sandwich of papers may well end up on the math room floor or crammed and forgotten in someone’s locker. But if this reaches your hands, we hope that you read something from our paper and are informed or moved or concerned or inspired, because it would mean that we have done our job.

We’re not just a paper, we’re a tradition. And we plan to carry on this tradition, while also being open to change, as we always have been, and we’ll produce, week by week, a reliable student source for community, national and world news. The torch has been passed to us, and we plan to carry it boldly.

OUR VIEW || EDITORIAL

Crossing new borders:

GRAPHIC BY RILEY LYNCH ‘18 GRAPHICS MANAGER

SOMETHING THAT’S...

Senior’s mission trip to Cuba MY VIEW

CLAIRE HUBBELL ’17

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PAGE EDITOR

NEWSPAPER

the

TOWER

STAFF

rior to this summer, I had never believed in omens -good or bad. Seeing a rainbow through the window in the IA building as the teacher is passing out your math test? Probably still going to bomb it.

Finding a penny on the gym floor as you walk into try-outs? Yeah right. Have fun on JV again.

To me, these little signs were nothing more than coincidences meant to trick people into having false hope or a bloated sense of confidence.

Until the moment that changed my mind forever.

Now, if you’ve made it this far in my column, congratulations to you, but surely you are wondering: what does any of this have to do with the headline? I thought this was supposed to be about her trip to Cuba? So, despite my long introduction, I’ll finally begin weaving the tale of my memorable trip overseas.

The expedition began with me and a group of my 40 other travel companions, most of which were members of Grosse Pointe Memorial Church, which organized and sponsored the trip. As we were flying from airport to airport, I began to feel apprehensive for what the future held in Cuba. Will the communist government hold me hostage for being a child of democracy? Will the citizens of Cuba execrate me for my American background?

My privileged suburban self was fearing this impending wave of culture that I didn’t know I so desperately needed.

There I was, sitting on the luxurious airport carpet, admiring my tevas, and pondering these fears. Taking a second to distract myself from my nerves, I looked up and saw none other than political icon and public failure Jeb Bush.

In that moment, I knew that this sorcery was no coincidence. As he walked by, he glanced over at my starstruck self and I was immediately cured of my prior anxieties. This was a SIGN. This was a good sign.

This was a positive omen sent down from the heavens to quell my worries and show me that I would have an excellent time in Cuba.

And an excellent time it was.

Over the course of a week, my group and I had the opportunity to provide service to the kind citizens of Cuba as well as learn their beautiful culture and experience their scenic country. We painted a daycare center, attended masses, ate Cu-

ban food, harvested different fruits, taught vacation bible school, planted coffee trees, shopped in open air markets and even learned traditional Cuban dances. One day, we even got to spend hours on a beach in Varadero that looked like one of those Microsoft desktop backgrounds.

However, what stuck out to me the most was not the rich taste of the food or the beauty of the beaches -- it was the friendliness of the people.

Here, when I make eye contact with strangers in public, they either immediately look away or make an effort to physically distance themself from me. Normally, one might just chalk that up to me looking scary or maybe smelling weird, but I now know that is not the case at all. We walked miles through the thick and humid 100 degree streets of Havana. So, there my crusty self was, drenched in sweat, walking around the city, and despite my grotesque exterior, everyone I saw still greeted me with genial smiles and cordial hellos. I was amazed.

In Cuba, it was no mystery that I was an outsider. With my SPF 100+ sunblock and LL Bean cargo shorts on, I was a dweeb. A dweeb that stuck out like a sore thumb wherever we went. Yet still, the locals would constantly go out of their way in the streets to come over and strike up a conversation with us. From city to city, this attitude of friendliness and welcoming was always present.

Upon my return to the States and normal life in Grosse Pointe, I am reminded of the disappointing reality that is our reclusive society.

If you’ve made it this far in reading my column (which I doubt anybody other than my mom has, so thanks mom) I guess you must be a pretty big fan of what I have to say. With that said, I will leave you few loyal readers with a final piece of my unsolicited advice as a takeaway from my column so I can say that it actually has a purpose. Whether you’re walking down the hallway today during passing time or waiting in line for cookies tomorrow, I hope you will remember this story and the friendliness of the Cubans and maybe smile at a classmate walking by. Or if smiling is too much maybe just acknowledge their mere existence. Whatever you do, don’t just look down and pretend to be on your phone while you fumble around opening random apps because, sincerely, you’re fooling no one. I know, I know, I’m asking A LOT, but I promise you that making the effort will always be appreciated.

Always remember, Jeb Bush once smiled at me as he was passing by. And if this past year has taught America anything, it’s that if Jeb Bush can do it, anyone can do it.

Editor-in-Chief Erykah Benson* ’17

Fall is swiftly approaching, and that means pumpkin spice lattes and sweater weather ... but that also means the dreaded chill of winter is upon us.

The Heidelberg Project in Detroit is closing due to vandilization, according to the Detroit Free Press.

HOPEFUL

A dog swam more than 6 miles and walked a dozen more to find its family after falling overboard into Lake Michigan, according to Fox News.

South America for service experience

stove project” and constructed guinea pig farms that the town could use as a source of food. In Peru, guinea pig is somewhat of a delicacy to the local people. I got to try it on our last night in JOHN FRANCIS’18 Patabamba and it wasn’t half bad.

SUPERVISING EDITOR Battling altitude and homesickness in Patabamba was outweighed by the Walking into Detroit Metro Airport sadness of leaving on our last day, afon the day of my departure I couldn’t ter we went out and hand picked quihelp but feel anxious about the next 14 noa and were set to say goodbye to our days ahead of me. wonderful host family.

I was heading to Peru.

We then took a train ride into the I went to Peru through a program city Aguas Calientes, where we stayed called Adventures Rolling Cross Counfor one night.

Around 4:00 try (ARCC). a.m.we woke up to see the Once I flew into the Misunrise around Machu Picami International Airport, The exception-- at the end of making the chu. The intense sun inched I met my leaders Riley and its way past the mountain cocktail, the chef dropped a whole frog Sam, one of them held out tops. their hand and asked for my in the blender.

It was the most beautiphone. For the duration of ful sunrise I’d ever seen, and the trip, my iPhone 6 stayed with that my trip to Peru felt in a waterproof bag along fulfilled. with 16 other phones.

After Machu Picchu, we We took two more flights, one to we made it to Patabamba.

The host did our second segment of service at Lima, the capital of Peru, and the other family greeted us with wide smiles and a small school helping them construct to Cusco, where we stayed our first two a traditional Peruvian song.

Once the a greenhouse.

Giving the community nights. In Cusco, we went on a city-wide rooms were divided up, we got ready a greenhouse could help the children scavenger hunt similar to The Amazing for our stove building service the next going there learn about agriculture, but Race. During our time running around day. also give them food to eat at the school’s town, we stopped in a market where First, we made mud stoves. The lunch. the challenge was to drink a smoothstoves had a bottom chamber for wood Going to Peru, seeing how all these ie made almost entirely of fruit. With to burn and a water pipe that would different people lived, showed me one exception, at the end of making make hot water.

It was nice giving a something: that even with some of the the cocktail, the chef dropped a whole town something they could use to cremost basic items needed to live lacking, frog in the blender, and everyone in my ate meals and hot water (for things like these people are still happy where they group’s jaws dropped. being able to use warm bathing water are because they’re surrounded by their No one wanted to take a sip, let quickly). friends, family, and some of the most alone drink the whole thing, which During the three full days we spent beautiful landscapes in the world. needed to be done in order to move on in Patabamba, we completed the “clean

Associate Editor Jack Holme* ’17 Supervising Editors at Large John Francis* ’18 Liz Bigham* ’18

Business Managers Cameron Francis* ’17 Asst. Olivia Sheffer* ’17

Supervising Editors Anton Mikolowski * ’17 Rachel Harris*, Riley Lynch*, Ray Hasanaj*, all ’18

Photo Editors Lauren Thom* ’18 Phoebe Miriani* ’18

Page Editors Claire Hubbell* ’17 Cam Smolen*, Chase Clark*, Elena Rauch*, JD Standish*, Katherine Bird*, Liam Walsh*, all ’18

DISCOURAGING

Peruvian Perspective: Senior travels to

Copy Editors Madeleine Glasser*, Lily Kubek*, both ’17 Alyssa Czech*, Sylvia Hodges*, Bianca Pugliesi*, all ’19 Claire Koeppen* ’19

Online Editor-in-Chief Ariana Chengges* ’17

LOOMING

MY VIEW

to the next station. So, I stepped up and downed the remaining three fourths of the frog-fruit drink. All I could taste was the fruit.

Next came a bus ride to the city of Pisac, where we stayed at a hostel with great views of the Andes Mountains.

We savored the night in Pisac, because come the next day we would start our first leg of service in a remote mountain village known as Patabamba, which can’t even be found on Google Maps.

Once we drove on winding roads up mountains, nearly falling off the side,

Staff Writers

“The Tower” is the weekly publication of the Advanced Journalism classes at Grosse Pointe Adam Cervone, Charlie Denison, Conner South High School. It has always been a McQueen, Emma Russell, Gillian Eliot, Jack designated public form of student expression.

Froelich, Jack Roma, Mac Welsher, Mary The Tower is located in room 142 in Grace O’Shea, Michael French, Sydney Stann, Grosse Pointe South High School. Please Thomas Sine and William Muawad, contact us at 313-432-3649. all ’17 Arianna Pagenette, Alex Acker, Blair Cullen, Evan Skaff, Evan Theros, Ian Dewey, John Schulte, Harper McClellan, Kaitlin Nemeh, Maren Roeske, Margot Baer, Mollie DeBrunner and Piper Eschenburg, all ’18

Web Editors Erica Fossee*, Henry Ayrault*, Kathleen Carroll*, all ’19

Allison MacLeod, Amelia Turco, Audrey Whitaker, Caroline Baratta, Donald McGlone, Griffin Jones, Grace Reyes, Sarah Bellovich, Sarah Stevenson, and Olivia Mlynarekn, all ’19

Multimedia/Social Media Editors Emma Andreasen* ’17 Abigail Due* ’18

Adviser Kaitlin Edgerton

irresponsible or obscene material.

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 Opinion Pieces or shorten letters as long as the meaning is Editorials represent the majority opinion of unchanged. All letters must be signed and the Editorial Board and are left unsigned. a telephone number for confirmation.

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

An asterisk * denotes Editorial Board editors.

Advertising Display adverising 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,

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

9.6.16

3 PAGE DESIGN BY JD STANDISH ‘18

ANTON MIKOLOWSKI ’17|Supervising Copy Editor

A

s summer began, Presidential Candidate Donald Trump swept the remaining primaries, unopposed in the GOP field after the suspension of John Kasich's campaign in

A

GRAPHIC BY ERYKAH BENSON ‘17

fter taking in the major remainder of caucuses in early June over presidential candidate and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton took a commanding lead over the race to the Oval Office. early May. On July 12, Sanders endorsed Clinton on national teleA smattering of other American independents and vision, many longtime Sanders supporters still championed Republicans would go on to endorse the outspoken Trump his proclaimed political revolution or looked towards independent campaign, including Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan. candidates such as Jill Stein and Gary Johnson. The overwhelming After long anticipation, Trump announced his running mate majority of Sanders supporters chose to back Clinton, up to 90 on July 15, Tea Party advocate and Indiana Governor Mike percent according to a poll taken by the Washington Post during Pence, who had formerly endorsed the Democratic National ConvenTed Cruz, was confirmed for the tion (DNC) in July.

MICHIGAN fall ticket.

The same convention showcased POLLS At the peak of a busy week in late speeches by President Barack Obama, July, the Republican National ConFirst Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President vention (RNC) kicked off in Cleveland, Joe Biden and a plethora of other demOhio. The RNC would remain talked about ocratic figures.

Via realclearpolitics.com due to a series of speeches.

In one of the largest highlights at the The first of which was made by the wife of DNC, the American public was able to Donald Trump, Melania Trump, which was seen as run-of-the-mill see Clinton’s newly announced running mate, Virginian Senator Tim on the night that it was given, but upon the following day it received Kaine. objectionable attention when some critics claimed that it mirrored a In the days leading up to the DNC, WikiLeaks, a journalistic orgaspeech given by acting First Lady Michelle Obama at the 2008 Demonization dedicated to the publication of otherwise classified informacratic National Convention. tion, released 20,000 emails indicting DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Former presidential candidate and highlighted Wednesday night Schultz’ s methodical bias opposing the prospect of a Bernie Sanders speaker, Ted Cruz, was heckled for his refusal to publicly support leadership.

Trump, raising questions of party division.

Wasserman Schultz formally resigned shortly thereafter.

After a month of relaxed campaigning, in late August, Trump anOn July 28, Clinton formally became the first female presidential nominounced plans to visit Mexico to meet with Mexican President Enrique nee of a major party in American history, and broke a proverbial glass ceilPena Nieto. ing, in her own words at the Convention.

Trump continues to raise a heavy following of both supporters and In August, campaigning took full swing, with many local organizations critics and has risen in the polls over the course of the summer, followacross the United States dedicating themselves to the support of Hillary ing political rival and Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton by a small Clinton. August also saw the most rise to advertising in the political season on the Democratic side. margin.

TRUMP

36.8

HILLARY

45.0

South hopes for unity between students, community ARIANA PAGENETTE‘18 |Staff Writer As the new school year begins, Principal Moussa Hamka is working to make sure the district’s strategic plan is followed.

The district’s mission is to promote innovation, maximize potential and embrace community.

“Our job is to make sure everyone feels welcomed and celebrated at Grosse Pointe South High School,” Hamka said.

Valuing students is part of what counselors do at South. It’s part of creating an environment that students feel welcomed into, Beth Walsh- Sahutske said.

Counselors try to reach out to students and give them a smile, “It’s part of building the relationship in and out of the classroom.” stated Walsh-Sahutske.

And the basis of everything is a well-developed relationship, even the small things, added Walsh- Sahutske.

“It’s important because we

want people to feel like they have value and we notice that they are there and they’re important,” Walsh-Sahutske said.

“

“The more students are involved and connected beyond the classroom, the more they will feel a part of something bigger than them

Moussa Hamka Principal

It all starts in the classroom, relationships start with the teacher, said Walsh- Sahutske.

“The most powerful thing we can do (as educators) is develop relationships with students,” Hamka said.

According to Hamka, having

classroom content is important as well as talented teachers. Hamka said that we need teachers who are kind, caring and compassionate.

Having a good relationship with the teacher makes it easier and enjoyable, said Bobbie Barrett ‘18.

“I have a good relationship with my teachers, as well as my counselors. I love my counselor, he’s amazing,” Barrett ‘18 said.

South also welcomes many students by having a niche for every student’s interest with over fifty clubs, thirty-three sports and the arts including drama, orchestra, band and choir to choose from, Barrett ‘18 said.

“We have students with different interests, so we make it happen for students to feel welcomed, such as having a robotics club and the majorettes,” Hamka said.

It comes down to what stu-

dents are interested in well beyond the school day. Students had the idea of a gaming club and so it was created, added Hamka.

“It’s one of the ways we can continue to make all students feel welcome at South,” Hamka said.

“Being on cheer has given me the opportunity to find my niche and make me feel like I am part of the south community,” Barrett said.

With over 50 clubs ranging from French Club to Ufology and Paranormal club. There’s a place for everyone, added Hamka.

“We’ve done a great job at South of providing opportunities beyond the classroom for students to connect and we have to continue to offer those opportunities for students to find a niche and become part of the fabric at South,” Hamka said.

Barrett’s ‘18 advice to students is to not to care what others think and do what you want to do.

“It is important to understand who students are and showing them the value they have in them,” Walsh-Sahutske said.

According to Hamka, talking to students and making sure that everyone has equal opportunities and their voice heard is important. He feels this is something South does well and will continue to progress on as we move forward with a new year.

“The more students are involved and connected beyond the classroom, the more they will feel a part of something bigger than them. A part of the culture and the community of South. If you look our student government, activities and athletics, they are so diverse. They cut across all racial boundaries, all socioeconomic boundaries and you see kids coming together,” Hamka said.

FEATURE

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9.6.16

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO

Four students share their most memorable and favorite parts of the trips they went on this summer

DREW AGLEY ’17

COSTA RICA

Well we went to go to build houses for families that are poor and their houses were breaking down. One of the days I was able to go on a grocery shopping trip with one of them, and one of the was so like happy and she was so thankful that she tried to give one of the girls her wedding ring so that she would remember her, and I started crying in the middle of the supermarket.

SOPHIA RZANKOWSKI ’18

THEO NIFOROS ’18

GREECE

The most memorable part of the trip was getting to see all the family I have over there and of course the amazing sites.

TANZANIA

CAROLINE CALCATERRA 17’

ROME, ITALY

The most memorable part of the trip was boating along the amalfi coast with my whole family for my grandmas birthday.

My favorite part of the trip was when our group befriended a group of local girls that lived near our worksite. They were so sweet and we included them in all of the activities we did on the trip, like hiking to a huge waterfall and making Batik paintings. It was completely unplanned, but we all had a great time. It was really hard to say goodbye. They also sang to us their Tanzania Anthem, and they were amazing.

7

GRAPHIC BY KATHERINE BIRD ‘18

Q & A: Senior Visits Tanzania

Elizabeth Sullivan ‘17 shares her two-week experience in Tanzania as a volunteer CAN YOU GIVE A LITTLE QUICK SPIEL OF HOW YOU GOT INTO THE PROGRAM AND WHAT THE PROGRAM IS? So I volunteer at Beaumont and I was researching medical programs outside the country that I could volunteer in. My friend told me about this program her brother did a few times. I think he went to the Czech Republic and a bunch of other countries. It was with this group called Gap Medics. I researched them and I saw they had one in Africa, and I’ve always wanted to go to Africa and help out in the hospitals. So I signed up, I saved up all my nanny money, because I nanny every day after school.

There [in Tanzania], I stayed for two weeks. I volunteered at local hospitals. The first week I worked in the outpatients department, which is their emergency department. The second week I did pediatrics, and we just like shadowed doctors and learned about how they did their healthcare.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION WHEN YOU GO TO TANZANIA? Well, I flew in at 10 p.m., and then I drove from the airport to the hotel that we were to stay at the first night. And, honestly, I was pretty scared when I first got there because I was in a taxi with a Gap Medics worker, and the roads are crazy. People are just walking up and down, running in front of cars. There are motorcycles going everywhere and the cars are just really crazy, and that was really scary to me.

Actually, the neo-natal was my favorite part. Whenever there were sick kids or premature babies, they would undress the mom and the baby and put the baby on the mother’s chest, and tie it around them and like cover them up in a lot of blankets, so it’s warm against the mother’s heartbeat. And once the babies graduate from that stage they go into a room that’s like 100 degrees and they just lay there, like, covered in blankets, and it was just very interesting to see how [Tanzanian doctors] cope without all the technology we have. I don’t have one moment that I love the most, it’s just the whole experience.

RIGHT, LIKE WHEN IT’S A BIG EXPERIENCE LIKE THAT, IT’S HARD TO JUST PICK ONE THING. BUT MOVING FORWARD, DID THIS PROGRAM HELP YOU NARROW DOWN YOUR CAREER INTERESTS? Well, I used to tell myself that I want to do my residency because I want to either go into pediatric oncology or neonatology, so I used to tell myself that I want to do my residency in Africa, and I want to help them as much as I can. But like after going there, I don’t really want to go to Africa. I would definitely go back just to see a tourist, but I don’t think I can be like a working doctor in a hospital, because, like, I want to help them, but it’s sort of -- you can’t really because they way their culture is. The doctors, they don’t really respect their patients. Like, they want to help them, but they do not treat them well.

And when you’re in a taxi, you’re not allowed to put the windows down. You can, but the don’t really want you to because a lot of people will reach in the car and grab at you or your purse or something. But once I got to the hotel, it was really nice. There was actually a wedding going on there and it was really pretty. And I had like a traditional Swahili meal, which was really good.

I did a night shift one time, and a mother is not allowed to scream [during birth] because she’ll curse the baby. And the mothers don’t get drugs when they are giving birth, and they weren’t allowed to scream so if they did [the doctors] would slap them, and I was thinking, “Oh my goodness!” If a patient could not afford anaesthetics during surgery, they don’t get it. A guy had his leg amputated. He had, like, two pills, but he wasn’t under or anything which is like crazy to me.

I BET YOU GOT TO MEET A LOT OF LOCALS. DID YOU PICK UP ANY SWAHILI? Yeah, I learned how to say thank you and how to greet people. Because when you greet someone, everyone just says ‘Jambo!’ and you reply ‘Sjambo’ and we learned how to say things like ‘cool’ or ‘what’s up’. And when you greet a doctor, I would say ‘Shikamoo’, because it is like ‘Jambo’, but for someone who is higher up than you. I just learned basic terms.

Also, it’s very unsanitary. I don’t think I can work on a patient and knowingly give them infection. I definitely still want to be a doctor, and it was cool to see how they had their healthcare, but I just couldn’t work in that environment. This one patient came in and was bleeding all over the emergency room, and when he was transferred to surgery they just cleaned the floor with water. They don’t have enough money to get disinfectant.

AND WHAT WAS THE MOST MEMORABLE PART OF THE TRIP? Oh, that’s really hard. I don’t think there’s just one moment. Being in the house with everyone was amazing, but also the hospital was really cool. I thought the emergency center would be really hard for me to see, because there are like, motorcycle accidents and malaria cases, and I didn’t think that I could do that, but in the end I think the general ward was the worst for me, because I would walk into the general ward and it was a big room and it’d be like thirty kids and a mom. I didn’t see any fathers there. I think that was the most memorable part, just seeing how dramatically different it is over there.

THERE WERE DEFINITELY SOME TERRIBLE PARTS, BUT THERE WERE GOOD PARTS TOO, RIGHT? Yeah, like I definitely learned a lot. In the emergency room we would have like twelve patients a day with our doctors. They would tell us what happened and then they would explain exactly everything that is going on, so I definitely learned a lot about medicine. I think it will help me a lot for college. And it was really cool to see hospitals and stuff, but I have definitely seen a lot so far over there. I loved the experience.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ELIZABETH SULLIVAN ‘17

NEWS

9.6.16

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Link Crew welcomes, provides support to incoming students at freshmen orientation

PAGE DESIGN BY LIZ BIGHAM ’18

JACK HOLME see their freshmen ’17 | Associate Editor succeed and are there to anLink Crew Leaders create a hu- swer any questions and help in anyman tunnel as freshmen file into the way, don’t be afraid to ask them.” gym. The freshmen search for a helping Incoming freshman Hannah Blanzy ’20, hand to usher them through the first step had limited experience with navigating South of their high school career, and that’s where prior to orientation. “All I knew prior was how to South’s Link Crew comes in. get to the gym and the pool,” Blanzy said. “I’m glad “The goal (of Link Crew) is to make the transi- (Link Crew Leaders) got to show me where some of tion from Middle School to High School an exciting my classes are.” and fun experience,” Calyx Turco ’17 said via-email.

Turco found herself drawn to joining Link Crew due “By adding in Link Crew Leaders I’m hoping we can to her poor experience with her leader and hoped that she provide some comfort and a solid understanding of the could pay it forward. “I applied my freshmen year because school to the incoming freshmen.” sadly I did not have a good experience with my Link Crew Most freshmen stepped inside South for the first time Leader, Turco said. “I was hoping that if I joined someone else for their orientation/Link wouldn’t have the same expeCrew tour on Aug. 22nd. rience I did. I also loved the There are 108 Link Crew idea of the group and wanted Leaders to handle all 400+ into be a part of something that coming freshmen Turco said. was trying to make a change.”

“So far, this year’s leaders Gerbi has similar feelings have done a wonderful job,” as Turco when dealing with CALYX TURCO ’17 Ashley Gerbi, Learning Rethe giant step it takes going source Center teacher, said. from middle school to high “Orientation went wonderfully, both the leaders and the school. “Link Crew can really help freshmen to feel comfreshmen enjoyed themselves while becoming acclimat- fortable with the big transition from middle school to high ed with South and building relationships with some new school and it can lead to greater success for our incoming friends.”

9th graders,” Gerbi said.

The main point that Gerbi and Turco stressed was According to Gerbi, Link Crew puts on several events that the Link Crew Leaders are going to be in the over the course of the year, including study sessions freshman’s corners for the rest of the year. “I would and tailgating occasions, in order to keep personal like the freshmen to know how much their Link and social contact with the mentored freshmen.

Crew Leaders care,” Gerbi said. “They put a If students would like to begin involvement lot of time and effort into this organiza- with Link Crew the application process starts tion, because they have been in their in March/April. place and want to give them better “It’s a great thing ...to be a part of,” experience. The leaders truly Turco said. want to

The leaders truly want to see their freshmen succeed and are there to answer any questions.

PHOTO BY MIA TURCO ’19

Dear Freshmen,

WARM WELCOME | Link Crew leaders greet incoming freshmen in the main gym. Dennis Pasoe (bottom right) directs the Link Crew leaders.

MY VIEW OLIVIA SHEFFER ’17

Asst. Business Manager

Welcome to some of the best years of your life. because you get the opportunity to pursue more of Do not take them for granted. the things that interest you, whether that be anything Before entering high school I did not nearly recieve from clubs to sports. Finding extra curricular activenough advice, I just kind of assumed that since my ities that interest you is important, since they help two siblings were there already it would be an easier you find people whom you share common interests transition for me from middle to high school. with. South offers a wide range of clubs and sports Boy was I wrong. anywhere from archery club and robotics club to field High school is so different from middle school, and hockey and wrestling,; there is something for almost honestly in the best ways. There aren’t many things I everyone to pursue. can tell you that you won’t you will learn for yourself.

Aside from school, a social life is an important asBefore setting foot in high school, this is set to your high school the best possible advice I can give to any career. incoming freshmen: do not mess up your High school is great because Making friends and freshman year. meeting new people is you get the opportunity to Seriously. a major perk of high High school is important, and your pursue more of the things school, but trust me performance is a far more significant than when I say your friends that interest you. you may think. Yes, colleges look for prodo not define who you gression throughout high school, but that is are. There are few peonot an excuse to slack. Study hard and put the most ple who walk out of high school with the same people amount of effort you can into everything to make a they entered with. Drama with friends is not worth good impression. Take hard classes and try new things. the sweat, because everything happens for a reason.

Challenge yourself, and be proud of the amount of Focusing on one specific thing throughout high effort you put forth towards your achievements, but school will get you nowhere, instead focus on your futhroughout everything you must remember that the ture and what makes you happy as an individual since only person you should be doing anything for is your- that is what will get you the furthest in life. As cliche self. In the end it will not matter if you pleased others, as it sounds, always remember that everything what will matter the most is knowing that you tried happens for a reason, and never regret any and worked your hardest to succeed and that you of your decisions since they were what did what made you the happiest. you wanted at the time. Have fun Along with academics, it is also vital in high school, and always rethat you become involved within member to do your best! the school.

High school is great

THE ONES IN CHARGE check out a few of the department chairs RAY HASANAJ ’18 | Supervising Editor

HAMKA - PRINCIPAL The main function of a department chairperson is to be an instructional leader in his or her content area. At South, department chairs are members of our building instructional leadership team. The group is a cohort of learners and problem solvers and serves as the think tank for the building. They help enhance instruction and culture at South and serve as our school improvement team.

BOUDA - SCIENCE Generally I see the role as department head as a liaison between the administration and the teachers in the department. This includes advising expressing concerns the science department has, relaying info from the admin., etc.

ARO & SZMRECSANYI - ART I focus on extra opportunities unique to the Art Dept and its students, including Co-Chairing the ArtFest Committee of the Mothers’ Club with Julie Boelstler. I also facilitate various opportunities for students, such as art and design jobs in the community, various art shows, and other student-centered opportunities.

PECK & CAMPION - ENGLISH My role is with Mr. Campion, to help the department be the best it can be in a few different ways. We, as teachers, work together throughout the year to develop our practice and that’s in a program called PLC. We help teachers develop themselves throughout the year and help with students’ needs.

VASSEL & MARTIN - MATH

GRAPHIC BY LIZ BIGHAM ’18

The Michigan math competition is one thing that I run and that we try to get students to go to. Also, we are a little more spread out throughout the building, so we try to keep everbody together when we’re not as together as the other departments might be.

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The boys tennis team started its season on Aug. 9.

With multiple matches under their belt, the team is doing great, captain Patrick Willard ‘17 said.

“Everyone has really good chemistry with their partners and team as a whole,” Willard said.

The team has a few traditions, such as pasta parties before big matches and tournaments as well as a team cheer, Willard said.

They have a motto that they go by: practice hard, play harder.

Sometimes, as a punishment, the team runs a “complex,” either as a team run or a punishment, which essentially means to run around the whole block of Elworthy Field, Willard said.

The team goal is to place top ten at states, Willard said.

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HENRY AYRAULT ‘19| Staff Writer

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The b Pointe So Captains Verlinden an “Our expec White Division, The team treat full potential.

“This year we are senior leaders in key p Coach Tim Brandon this year, with key returne “This is our third year in in our conference. Our goal i Having a tight knit team thi dedicated players has turned out tion, every day.

“Very few miss practice, with tha stuff going and get stuff done,” Brand

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“When it comes to the culture and the work ethic of a team I’ve coached for eight seasons, these have hands down been the best practices of the eight seasons so far,” Head Coach Mark Sonnenberg said.

Noah Adams, team captain said he hopes putting in a lot of work at practice will translate to success at the meets.

Sonnenberg’s expectation of the season is to be respectable in the MAC Red and to finish in the middle of the pack, but most importantly, show improvement with (their) young guys.

The team has two big meets coming up: The Algonac Muskrat Classic on Sept. 10 and the MAC Red Jamboree on Sept. 13.

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South’s 2016-2017 cheerleading season is kicking off with high hopes for what the team has to offer.

“I have a lot of younger girls on varsity this year,” Ms. Gerbi, cheerleading coach said. “There is a lot of new people that haven’t done varsity sideline, so that is pretty exciting.”

The team has 22 freshmen on varsity which is unusual, but really exciting, Claire Duncan ’17 said. Duncan is optimistic that the team will improve and do well this season.

“We have a lot of really great tumbling and stunting going on right now, so I’m really excited to see how that progresses,” Duncan said.

The cheer team is looking forward to the upcoming pep assembly, working hard on their team goal: team back hand springs, Ms. Gerbi said. The team is two members away from reaching their goal.

Duncan is also anticipating how much the team can get done during football season, she said.

“If we really get our game on and do well during football, we can do even better for competition,” Duncan said. “I’m excited to see how well we do now, to see how well we will do later.”

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Girls swim captain Calyx Turco ‘17 is looking forward to this season and is hoping the team will work well together to win as many meets as possible.

“We have a very strong group of upperclassmen who provide a positive atmosphere for practice and I think that makes it way more fun,” Turco said. “The whole team is made up of very talented swimmers so I believe we are going to have a great season.”

Turco said she is confident in what each swimmer has to offer this season and even those who aren’t the strongest swimmers add something to the personality of the team.

“Everyone works really hard during practice and wants to do well and that’s all you can really ask for,” Turco said.

A goal Turco said she is hoping to achieve is to create a positive and welcoming atmosphere for newcomers to the team.

“Last year I was new to the team and everyone made sure I was comfortable and felt at home and I hope I can make someone else feel that way,” Turco said.

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LAUREN THOM ‘18 | Supervising Photo Editor

The girls volleyball team starts their season off strong with record.

The team’s conditioning began early in the summer and started Aug.10, Captain Kate Satterfield ‘17 said. The tea been training ever since.

“I think we work very well together on and off the strong defense allows for the attackers to get kills,” S Off the court, the team has a great time togethe “We just got back from a team trip to Alpena team bonding and really helped all of us becom Satterfield said. “I’m looking forward to impr ships with the girls on the team.”

Chandlar Duff ‘18 said they are doing ing hard.

“Only a few new players joined the ly with the returning players,” Duff s Duff said she had many goals sh accomplish this season.

“Our goals are to win the M see what we can do in the qua Duff said.

feature // 6

Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015 JACK HOLME ‘17 | Associate Editor

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The girls field hockey team believes that they are more prepared for this season than they have been in the past.

“I think that we’ve improved the most this preseason then we have in years past,” captain Carson Dennis ‘17 said.

Tori Potter ‘19, the team’s goalie, think that practices have been very progressive, and she can’t wait to see what more practice has in store for the team as they move on in their season.

Captain Julia Gough ‘17 said that it was a big adjustment from doing nothing all summer to doing two-a-day practices but thinks the team is improving well as a whole.

The team’s largest goals are to finish in the top five this year, and beat the Ann Arbor teams.

“The Ann Arbor teams are always really difficult, which they will be again this year. But we hope to beat them, so hopefully we are just right up in there with them,” Coach Monica Dennis said.

The team plays three Ann Arbor teams this season. They will be against Ann Arbor Skyline on Sept. 1, Ann Arbor Pioneer on Sept.

20 and Ann Arbor Huron on Oct. 10.

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After last years successes as the winner of the MAC red championship and state regional title, the girls cross country team is looking to continue to work hard and have fun this upcoming season.

There are 118 girls on the team, with 38 of them being from the freshmen class, head coach Stephen Zaranek said.

“Each girl begins the season at a different level,” Zaranek said.

“We hope and we expect each girl to work on personal goals of season long, steady improvement.”

This year’s captains include Marie High, Kamryn Leonard, Reanna Raymond and Mira Zaranek, Zaranek said.

Captain Kamryn Leonard ‘17 said she believes the team’s strongest quality is their depth.

“Every year we have a large number of girls on our team, so we have people who run a race in 20 minutes and girls who run it in 40 minutes,” Leonard said. “Having girls that can run very similar times on our team helps us to earn more points in competitions and it also means that the girls are challenging each other.”

Leonard looks forward to seeing players improve their times and accomplish things they never expected they could.

“It’s a great feeling each time you can run just a little bit farther or a little faster than you have ever been able to before and I’m looking forward to cheering my teammates on in practice and in meets throughout the season,” Leonard said.

At their first meet on Aug. 27 at East China Park, the team placed 2nd out of 15 teams from the metro area.

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younger, but hungrier for success with key positions,” Mico said . said he has high expectations for the team ers. n the white division, the second highest is to win it this year,” Brandon said. is year along with hard working and t for almost 100 percent participa-

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boy’s football season kicked off Aug. 25, home at Grosse outh High school against Detroit Cody with a 14-6 win. ns this year include Patrick Nauert, Andrew Sharp, Jay nd Logan Mico, all ‘17. ctations for the season are to go undefeated in the , beat North and make it to playoffs,” Mico said. ts every practice like a game and playing to their

Boys Varsity Soccer reached the fourth round of districts last year and lost to Canton. The team hopes to reach that height again this year.

“I expect our team to have a record above .500 in the regular season and think that we will make it to regionals,” Nick Etsios ‘17 said via-email. One way that they’ll be able to reach their goal is by their technical ability.

“I would say that our strongest asset is our technical ability and our ability to build up play with quick passing,” Etsios said.

A detriment to this potential success is the stature of the players, Etsios said.

“The weakness of our team is that we don’t possess much height throughout the squad,” Etsios said. “This means we won’t be banging in many headers, and we may struggle defending corners and free kicks.”

Besides having the team being made up of juniors and seniors, the team also contains four sophomores and one freshman. The two captains that will be leading the boys are Ryan Kotas ’17 and Morgan Clevenger ‘17.

In order to prepare for the season the boys have been having: captains practices, runs and lunches, Clevenger ’17 said.

“The team is most excited about the match against North and the prospect of going deeper into the state playoffs further than last year,” Jack Galsterer ’17 said.

EVAN SKAFF ‘18 | Staff Writer

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The girls golf team is off to a good start in the preseason, Emma Willard ‘18 said. The team’s first match will be Sept. 1.

The team has a new coach this year, Harrison Stackpoole.

Team traditions include going to pasta parties the night before matches.

The new freshmen are really good and we are all getting along well with the new coach, Willard said.

“We practice a lot more than we ever have in the past which of course will only help us improve,” Ellie Connors ‘18 said.

The team believes that they have improved every year, Connors said.

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Top 11 summer events A look inside this summers most memorable stories MAREN ROESKE ‘18 | Staff Writer

1. BREXIT

United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union amid calls for stricter immigration policy and more money invested in national projects instead of sending it to the EU. Following the vote, the UK faced financial turmoil, with the value of the pound crashing and stocks falling. Main proponents of the referendum also walked back on claims of savings and immigration reform. Former Prime Minister David Cameron resigned and was replaced with Home Secretary Theresa May, and while she didn’t support leaving the EU May has promised that “Brexit means Brexit.”

2. OLYMPICS

The Rio Olympics showed the American team taking home the most medals once again, winning 121 total. American athletes won 46 gold, 37 silver and 38 bronze medals. Of medals won, the majority were received by the women on Team USA. Aside from medals, the Rio Olympics saw the rise of new stars for Team USA including swimmers Katie Ledecky, Ryan Murphy, Simone Manuele and gymnast Simone Biles. Falling from favor, swimmer Ryan Lochte, amidst a controversy over a falsified mugging in Rio.

3. 2016 ELECTIONS

Summer 2016 saw the major political events of both the Republican and Democratic National Conventions and the selection of running mates by presidential hopefuls Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.

Clinton selected Virginian Senator Tim Kaine, known for strong policies on national security and his tied to religion as a devout Roman Catholic. Trump tapped Indiana Governor Mike Pence, infamous for anti-LGBT legislation in Indiana, for his Vice President pick. Controversies have surrounded both campaigns throughout the summer Trump again refused to release his tax records, calls for for Clinton to release her health records have grown in strength, Trump hired a new far-right campaign manager, sensitive DNC emails were released forcing the resignation of Party Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Trump faced criticism over callous comments about the gold star family, the Khans, that spoke at the DNC.

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GRAPHIC BY RILEY LYNCH ‘18

6. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

In a landmark case this June, the Supreme Court dismissed challenge a on the constitutionality of the University of Texas’s race-conscious admissions process, that plaintiff Abigail Fisher claimed cost her a spot at the school. The court ruled in favor of race as an admission factor, upholding Affirmative Action.

This important case was heard by only eight justices instead of nine, with Justice Antonin Scalia’s seat left vacant. Justice Anthony Kennedy, long time sceptic of race-sensitive programs, was the swing vote and wrote the majority opinion in this 4-to-3 decision.

7. SYRIA

The sustained fighting in Syria between Kurdish fighters, American, Turkish and European troops, ISIL and President Bashar al-Assad’s armies has left the country in ruins. Over the summer, UN investigations by top aid official Stephen O’Brien into violence in the major northern city of Aleppo found it to be the “Apex of Horror”, a belief shared by many internationally as a photo of five year old Omrah Daqneesh, after being pulled from rubble following an airstrike in Aleppo, went viral. The photo and Daqneesh became the face of the injustice in Syria in the midst of civil war.

8. DALLAS

Five Dallas police officers were shot down by 25 year old lone gunman Micah Johnson in response to the killing of unarmed black men by police on July 7 during a Black Lives Matter march. In addition, nine other officers and two civilians were wounded by Johnson. This violence sparked a new response movement, Blue Lives Matter, which aims to end dehumanization of police in light of the rise in criticism of police brutality.

9. BLACK LIVES MATTER

Summer 2016 saw a powerful revival of the Black Lives Matter movement after the killings of Alton Sterling by Officer Howie Lake II and Philando Castile by Officer Jeronimo Yanez just two days apart, both caught on video. Sterling and Castile were just two of many killed by police violence this past year and served as a reminder that even after two years since the formation of Black Lives Matter with the murder of Mike Brown there is much to be done to curb police brutality.

10. TURKEY

Once again France was left stunned by a violent terrorist attack as a truck driver killed 84 and injured scores more during a Bastille Day celebration in Nice. In light of the attack President Francois Hollande extended the state of emergency for three more months. Following this most recent attack, French attitudes on muslims have soured, with a ban on burkini --a swimsuit for women who wear burkas-- in towns along the coasts of France and calls for halting the influx of refugees and immigrants from the Middle East.

This summer saw political upheaval in Turkey with a failed attempt by military factions to overthrow President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on July 15. Military forces, thought to be orchestrated by US based cleric Fethullah Gulen, seized the streets of Istanbul and Ankara enforcing martial law. The coup was the result of tension arisen from the Syrian civil war, Erdogan’s authoritative crackdown on free media and the rise of his new brand of political Islam. Supporter of Erdogan took to the streets to protest and the military, without support of the people, surrendered the next day. The US claimed to have no knowledge of the coup but Erdogan questions American involvement and has begun to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising worry over US access to military bases in Turkey which serve as the staging point for America’s offensive against ISIL.

5. SCHOOL REPAIRS

11. ORLANDO

4. FRANCE

Grosse Pointe South will see new bathrooms in the main building with the long awaited redo. Additionally, thanks to a donation by the class of 2016 another water bottle fill station will be installed in the school.

Sections of the slate roof were repaired over the course of the summer as well. Outside of the building, Fisher Road faces traffic congestion as sidewalks are paved and construction on the new Farms Fresh Market building continues.

The first major event of the summer, on June 12, 29 year old security guard Omar Mateen walked in the Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, killing 49 people and wounding 53 others with an assault rifle, before fatally shooting himself. Mateen purchased the rifle, despite being on the terrorist watchlist, raising major concerns and cries for gun control. This hate crime coincided with LGBT Pride events nationally, including Detroit Pride, lending the festivities an air of mourning as parades turned into memorials.