Issue 13 by The Tower Newspaper

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TOWER Thursday Dec. 15 , 2016

Issue 13

Volume 89

@thetowerpulse

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

Holiday concert brings happy tears and smiling faces ELLA DIEPEN ‘18 | Staff Writer urtains up for the Grosse Pointe South Choir. On Thursday, Dec. 8, the Grosse Pointe South choirs performed the holiday concert “Sounds of the Season” at the Christian A. Fenton Performing Arts Center at Grosse Pointe North. There was a large audience that was excited for the show and it was completely sold out, the choir president Zaria Aikens ’17 said. There was a mix of traditional holiday classics, some new Christmas songs, the Hallelujah Chorus and various other holiday based songs. They were performed in a variety of ways: curtain solos and duets, ballads, group and production numbers with multiple voices. Not only in terms of singing, but also regarding performance and scenery, the concert was excellent. This could be seen by the “enthusiastic”, Poli Dulworth ’19 said, and “energetic audience”, director Chris Pratt said. “Some songs are more spiritual-based and tailored to the religious view of Christmas with lyrics like ‘Jesus Lord at thy birth’ or ‘Let All with in us praise His Holy Name,’” Aikens said. “Songs like ‘Holly Jolly Christmas’ or ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’ are more for the myth-like aspect of Christmas.” Even though it may be fun to practice well-known Christmas carols, a lot of work is put in by the choirs to put on a good show. “We practiced a little more than a month, even if it feels like two years,” Pratt said. The choirs started rehearsing singing and choreography for the Christmas holiday concert in October. Dulworth said that a lot of people might have gotten annoyed because they were singing Christmas songs since October. 130 choir singers, as well as around 45 other people, such as the accompanist, Richard Wolf, choreographers Andy Haines and Annette Layman, staffers, technicians and volunteering parents were all involved in the process.

All had a very intense rehearsal time in the last few weeks. The choir had three to four-hour practices on the days leading up to the concert. All the work they put into it resulted in the performance. The intention of the concert was not only about execution and production, but the warmth of the holidays and making people happy, Dulworth said. The concert was to promote the feel and signification of community, confidence and cooperation. “I love the ability to express my emotion and ideas in a fun and exciting way. To know that you can say whatever you want and show how you feel through another instrument rather than voice when talking is beautiful,” Aikens said. “In choir, you form this special bond with so many people and become like a family. To do what I love with who I love is a fantastic feeling.” Not only do the students enjoy choir a lot, but so does the director. Their enthusiasm is probably a result of the other people’s mood. “What I like best about being the choir director is challenging the students, make them make improvements and stretch them to reach their full potential,” Pratt said. His and all the staffers’ and students’ work, energy and time that this project demanded was definitely worth it. “I am content with our performance. The students did well and the execution and transition of all songs worked well,” Pratt said. The audience enjoyed the concert a lot, as could be seen by the loud and enthusiastic applause of the standing people during the concert and at the end. “The audience was in love. There were happy tears and all smiling faces all night,” Aikens said. The upcoming concerts of Grosse Pointe South Choirs are the competition sets in January and a Broadway show in May. Don’t miss it if you want to see the choir’s room-filling sound, entertainment, aesthetic, varied stage performance and its professionalism.

TAKE A BOW | Grosse Pointe South choir performed ‘Sounds of the Season’ on Thursday, Dec. 8. The show was sold out.

PHOTOS BY ELLA DIEPEN ’18

SOUNDS OF MUSIC

String musical extravaganza showcases talent of all ages

GRAPHIC BY GRIFFIN JONES ’17

Band-O-Rama to perform holiday classics KAITLIN NEMEH ‘19 | Staff Writer and-O-Rama, a district wide instrumental concert, will take place next week, in South’s main gym. “It involves all band students grades five to 12 from the South end of the district,” Christopher Takis, band director, said. “It’s Defer, Maire, Trombley, Richard and Kerby, and the bands from Pierce and the bands from South as well. Every other year Brownell is with us, and sometimes they go to North.” Each grade performs music to show their playing abilities, and what students can CHRISTOPHER TAKIS achieve if they continue Band Director on in music. The high schoolers play well to impress the middle schoolers, and the middle school kids want to impress the elementary kids, Takis said. “It gives a chance for all band students grades five to 12 to showcase what they’re able to do,” Takis said. “It’s a good way for every single level of band to see what can happen at the next level.” The high school band students enjoy seeing how far they’ve come from elementary school, and also want to encourage the younger kids to continue playing their instruments, Hadley Hermon ’17, trumpet player, said. “I really like seeing the little kids in elementary and middle school,” Hermon said. “It’s nice to see them learn and to see them play.” The response from the crowd and kids are what the high school band students appreciate most, Connor Wood ’17, alto saxophone player, said. “I’m looking forward to playing the songs and seeing how the kids react,” Wood said. “That’s my favorite part of Band-O-Rama.”

BLAIR CULLEN ‘18 | Staff Writer Grosse Pointe North will be holding the String Extravaganza for all nine elementary schools, three middle schools and both of the high schools. “The concert allows the parents and younger string students to show what you sound like in fifth grade versus what you can sound like in 12th grade,” Mr. Gross, South’s orchestra teacher said. “The fifth graders are playing ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ while the high schoolers are playing the ‘Handel’s Messiah.”’ On Dec. 21, at 7 p.m., the district-wide concert will allow parents to see what students have been working on since Thanksgiving. Admissions will be donations of a dollar or more. “I’m really excited for this year’s String Extravaganza,” Amelia Abouljoud ’18 said. “I have been doing this since fifth grade, and it’s really fun. It’s cool to see all of the string programs put together, with all the different grades.” South will be playing three songs on their own, and then will perform with the younger schools, and they will all chime in for the last song. The string students have been rehearsing during class. The chamber orchestra who will be playing more at the concert meets after school on Fridays and a dress rehearsal will take place next week. “This week, we receive the music that we will be playing with the elementary schools,” Logan Cholody ’17 said. “ I am really confident with how we will play at the String Extravaganza.”

Both Hermon and Wood have been attending and performing at Band-O-Rama since they were in fifth grade. South will have four different bands performing at the event. “The marching band is going to open it, then the jazz band will perform, and the concert band, symphony band and the wooden ensemble will perform together,” Takis said. The bands have been preparing for this event since November, when the Pops and Pastries event ended. “They’ve been starting to get ready for it since the beginning of November,” Takis said. “We have been balancing between this and working on our festival music at the same time.” All bands have been practicing the variety of songs that they will perform, everyday in class, as well as outside of school. “The jazz band is going to be playing ‘We Three Kings,’ and then a song from ‘The Polar Express’ called ‘Rockin’ on Top of the World,’” Takis said. “The symphony band and wooden ensemble and the concert band are going to be playing ‘Africa’ by Toto. They are also going to play a version of ‘Carol of the Bells’ from the Trans Siberian Orchestra. The marching band is going to play two songs from ‘Les Miserables.’” The bands are expected to have a strong performance, and to set a good example for the next level group to follow behind them, Takis said. “My expectations are the same as they would be for any performance they give, it should be a high level of performing, they should be prepared, they should play well,” Takis said. “I expect the same thing at every performance whether it’s Band-o-Rama, a football game or a festival.” The concert is on Monday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door for $1, and there will be no advanced ticket sales.

It gives a chance for all band students grades five to 12 to showcase what they’re able to do.

THIS WEEK AT SOUTH...

dec.

Boys Varsity Basketball plays Grosse Pointe North at home at 7 p.m.

dec.

Band-O-Rama will take place in South’s main gym at 7 p.m.

AT A GLANCE:

The String Extravaganza will be held at Grosse Pointe North on Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.

dec.

The Key Club is hosting their toy drive now until the last day before break.

OPINION

12.15.16

A late winter break means less time for holiday prep

he best part of the holiday season is the anticipation leading up to the big day; the days before where kids are stress free and out of school, families are reunited and in preparation mode and everyone gets into the holiday spirit by watching movies on ABC Family. Luckily, this year South students get one whole singular day to enjoy the anticipation of the holidays before they pass by. Holiday break is scheduled so students’ last day of school is Dec. 23, two days before both Christmas and Hanukkah begin. The lack of time given before these holidays commence is a concern of many who need to purchase gifts or mentally prepare for the overwhelming sensation only extended family members can induce. Another concern applies to those who have to venture outside of the Grosse Pointe bubble for all of their holiday endeavors and therefore run a higher risk of missing school in order to arrive to loved one’s home’s in a timely, and low cost, fashion. Public transportation is likely to be much more expensive than usual, especially so near to the holidays. Not to mention, the airport will be an absolute zoo. Traveling anywhere around the holi-

OUR VIEW | Editorial days is hard enough, but trying to catch a flight Christmas Eve? Good luck. What’s worse than the lack of time prior to the holidays is the irony in the copious amount of time given after them. Students do not return to school until Jan. 9, giving them a full week of nothing but school to look forward to after New Year’s. Although many families will travel during this week off, the unlucky students left in Grosse Pointe will be left with ample time to worry about the midterms that approach so quickly after break is over, creating quite an unnecessary level of stress. Midterms always sneak up on students faster than anticipated, and losing a whole week before Christmas where little is accomplished in class does not leave students in the most comforted mindset. After break, students return to school in a more productive and compliant mindset, focused on the daunting task of midterms, much better suited for the retention of information. A better schedule would’ve been a dismissal earlier than Dec. 23 because, let’s face it, that close to Christmas, students and teachers alike are checked out and not at their peak productivity. An earlier dismissal would have allowed students and their families to travel both more efficiently and inexpensively, as well as another week of school before midterms where students are the most focused and able to retain material for their upcoming exams. We ask that the district considers these factors in coming years when creating South’s schedule. ILLUSTRATION BY SAM CANNON ’19

PRO: Never an inappropriate time for Christmas music Holiday cards are being received, Christmas cookies are being made and Uncle Eddie is showing up at the Griswolds. For many, December means the holiday season has just begun. For some, it started Nov. 1. “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear,” Buddy the Elf couldn’t have put it in better words. KATHERINE One of the best parts of the holiday season is the anticipation leadBIRD ’18 ing up to Dec. 25, and nothing builds that anticipation more than early Page Editor Christmas music. Some people listen to 100.3 on Nov. 1, while others would prefer listening to no music at all. I have developed a love for Christmas music throughout my entire childhood because Christmas has always been “the most wonderful time of the year”. Nothing brings back old holiday memories like Christmas music. I can still hear myself as a kid trying to sing “I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” for the first time. This was a little difficult considering I was missing both my front teeth.

MY VIEW

The statement “I turn on Christmas music Nov. 1” is commonly followed by a distasteful look or a groan of disgust. People shouldn’t be shamed for wanting to listen to Michael Buble or Cyndi Lauper earlier than the rest. Retail stores can also play a part in someone’s taste for Christmas music. After hearing Mariah Carey’s “All I want for Christmas” for the fifth time in the Macy’s department store, it may get a little aggravating for some. To me, it’s a constant reminder of how lovely the holiday season is. “I hate it”, “It’s awful”, and “why do you listen to that garbage?” have such negative connotations for such a jolly thing. Christmas in no way, shape or form should be put into a negative light. It’s all about spending time with your family and loved ones, not scorning the melodies that bring all of us together. The holiday season is about joy and happiness, so why be such a Scrooge when it comes to early Christmas music? Unless you want to be visited by three ghosts I suggest you turn up 100.3 the day after Halloween.

CON: Christmas music kills the holiday spirit I do not want you for Christmas. No, I will not be meeting you underneath the mistletoe. Baby I know it’s cold outside, it’s the middle of December. JACK HOLME ’17 According to Consumer ReAssociate Editor ports, 23 percent of people find holiday music vexing. Music nudges out disappointing gifts at 19 percent and is just behind seeing that certain uncle who gets too loud at 24 perfect. For me, Christmas music has always been an auditory inferno. I always end up in the car with mom listening to the same songs over and over again. Nat King Cole, “Do you Hear What I Hear?”, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”, and then Mariah Carey ten times...just for good measure. Hearing something over and over again drives me

MY VIEW

up and through the wall. Don’t take me out of context kids. I’m not a total grinch, even though it sounds like it. I still appreciate a nicely decorated tree, the cold temperatures and snow on the ground. Between you and me, I don’t care about the chestnuts roasting on an open fire. As I previously mentioned, you end up hearing the same songs on repeat. It doesn’t even have to be by the same artist. Justin Bieber, Michael Buble and Elvis are people on a long list of artists who have made a Christmas album. It seems like they’ve been beating the same dead horse for the past 60 years. We get it. You can cover “All I Want for Christmas is you”, but maybe come up with some songs you’ve actually written. It always seems that no matter how hard I try to avoid Christmas music, after Nov. 1 I can never do so. It’s like St. Nicholas is trying to put me through the wringer before grandma does at the Christmas

dinner table. “So, Jack, in your opinion, what is the optimal time to start playing Christmas music?” Oh, funny you should ask, concerned South student. In my opinion, Nov. 25 is the optimal day because it gives you a full month of festivities. You’ll have plenty of time to break out the old Sleigh Bells and attempt to hit the high notes like Mariah. Unfortunately, we don’t live in my perfect world, so people will continue to blast this hideous music from hours after Halloween to the late hours of Christmas day. Anyways, here is a tip to help avoid the common Christmas carol blues. Don’t get trapped in a car with your parents for long periods of time. An hour isn’t bad, but if Grandma’s house is over the river and through the woods there is a 100 percent chance of you becoming irritated just like the other 23 percent of people.

SOMETHING

THAT’S...

SOUR

HEALTHY A Monitoring the Future survey showed a decline in the misuse of marijuana, alcohol, tobacco and prescription drugs among teens

Pastor yells, “Santa does not exist” at kids waiting to meet St. Nick at Westgate Mall in Ohio

SPOILED

The FDA announced massive recalls on waffle mix, kettle chips and macaroni and cheese, due to possible salmonella contamination

NEWSPAPER

the

TOWER

STAFF

INFORMATION BY CNN.COM Editor-in-Chief Erykah Benson* ’17 Associate Editor Jack Holme* ’17 Supervising Editors at Large John Francis* ’18 Biz Bigham* ’18 Supervising Editors Ray Hasanaj* ’18, ‘Ton Mikolowski * ’17 Rachel Harris*, Riley Lynch*, all ’18 Page Editors Claire Hubbell* ’17 Cam Smolen*, Chase Clark*, Elena Rauch*, JD Standish*, Katherine Bird*, Liam Walsh*, all ’18 Copy Editors

Madeleine Glasser*, Lily Kubek*, both ’17 Alyssa Czech*, Sylvia Hodges*, Bianca Pugliesi*, Claire Koeppen* all ’19 Business Managers Cameron Francis* ’17 Asst. Olivia Sheffer* ’17 Photo Editors Lauren Thom* ’18 Phoebe Miriani* ’18 Online Editor-in-Chief Ariana Chengges* ’17 Web Editors Erica Fossee*, Henry Ayrault*, Kathleen Carroll*, all ’19 Multimedia/Social Media Editors Emma Andreasen* ’17 Abigail Due*, Brennan Zilhman* both ’18 Staff Writers

Adam Cervone, Charlie Denison, Conner McQueen, Emma Russell, Gillian Eliot, Jack Froelich, Jack Roma, Kelly Gleason, Mac Welsher, Mary Grace O’Shea, Michael French, Sydney Stann, Thomas Sine and William Muawad, all ’17 Arianna Pagenette, Alex Acker, Blair Cullen, Evan Skaff, Evan Theros, Griffin Jones, Ian Dewey, John Schulte, Harper McClellan, Kaitlin Nemeh, Maren Roeske, Margot Baer, Mollie DeBrunner and Piper Eschenburg, all ’18 Allison MacLeod, Amelia Turco, Audrey Whitaker, Alyssa Cole, Donald McGlone, Grace Reyes, Jacqueline Mercier, Katherine Costello, Sarah Bellovich, Sarah Stevenson, and Olivia Mlynarek, all ’19 Adviser Kaitlin Edgerton

“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 Opinion Pieces and obscenity. The Editorial Board may edit Editorials represent the majority opinion of or shorten letters as long as the meaning is the Editorial Board and are left unsigned. unchanged. All letters must be signed and Columns represent the opinions of individual include a telephone number for confirmation. staff members and outside contributors. Request to withhold the writer’s name from publication for good reason will be Editorial Board considered. Letters can be sent to the above An asterisk * denotes Editorial Board editors. email address, or dropped off in “The Tower” Room. Advertising Display adverising is sold at a rate of $7 per Professional Associations column inch, with discounts for large or Member of the Columbia Scholastic Press frequent advertisers. Advertising may not Association, National Scholastic Press advocate illegal activities or contain libelous, Association, Quill and Scroll, the Society irresponsible or obscene material. for Newspaper Design and the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association.

NEWS

12.15.16

MOSAIC MESMERIZES

PHOTO BY OLIVIA MLYNAREK ’19

Mosaic. What exactly does the word mean? The teens of the Mosaic Youth Theatre described it as something made by inlaying small pieces of OLIVIA MLYNAREK ’19 variously colored material to form STAFF WRITER pictures or patterns. The teens on stage made sure that we knew that there was a difference between a mosaic and a collage. A collage has pieces put together, but they are overlapped, and some are seen more than others. In a mosaic, each piece has its own borders as each piece is seen and appreciated for what it is. As the teens compared their program to a mosaic, it truly does reflect one. The name Mosaic was derived from the diversity of the group onstage. When I walked into the Detroit Institute of Arts Film Theater this past Saturday evening, I had no idea what to expect from this group of students. The dimly lit lobby was full of well dressed people and members of the Mosaic group who were taking tickets and passing out programs. I arrived about 20 minutes early to the show, so I thought I would have a good amount of time to read about the background of the Mosaic Theatre. I was wrong. As soon as the giant timer projected on the back of the stage read ten minutes, all of the people in the program came onto the stage and separated into a circle of two groups. I was overwhelmed by how many kids there were. I estimated there were about 40 kids. There were

MY VIEW

so many of them that the second group had to make a circle in the audience. All of a sudden the two groups started doing two different voice exercises to warm up and prepare for the show. One group was singing as high as they could and the other was doing an intense rap battle. This group made an impression on the audience before the show had even begun. It was hard to look at one place because both groups were doing something completely different. I show started I was impressed by how different and unique this program was going to be. It was not like other shows or choirs that I had been to before. In other shows, the cast was always hidden behind the curtain, and the audience was left to wonder what the cast was doing before the show and what were they like. Would they be nervous? Or what exactly would they be doing? From the moment that the teens came rushing onto the stage I could tell they were going to be entertaining and interesting. Not one teen looked just the slight bit nervous, even though they were going to perform in front of a full house. The amount of energy that they had was incredible. What they did continued from the moment that they came onstage until the moment that they left. The show that I saw was one of the first shows celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Mosaic Theater in 1992. From the history that was incorporated into the show through song, slideshows and facts, I learned how Mosaic became to be what it is today. Mosaic was created due to the lack of drama departments in the

Detroit School System. Programs were being eliminated due to the lack of support and funding. Over the years Mosaic has not only had an impact on the community, but it has had an impact on the people who have done the program. Mosaic has changed people’s lives. People who never thought of going to college were given the encouragement to go and build a future they thought they would never have. Mosaic has helped build a future for people who thought their life was at a dead end. Each song and story that was told was different but showed how it had an impact on the program. In addition to performing all over Detroit over the course of the 25 years it has been around, Mosaic has also traveled all over the world. In the show the students told of their life-changing Some of the pieces performed were from award winning plays that were written by the Mosaic Program and had won and were put up for many nominations, including an Emmy. Another thing the teens did was they expressed through songs and their own personal stories and feelings of how Mosaic has given them love that they thought they would never have or see again. The Mosperiences of performing everywhere from the Apollo Theater in New York City to Copenhagen Denaic Theatre has not only shown people in Detroit what they can do, but they have also gone all over the world to represent Detroit and show people how great we are. Over the course of the new year, the Mosaic Youth Theatre will continue its 25th year anniversary. To check out the list of their upcoming performances you can check out their website at http:// mosaicdetroit.org.

Peer 2 Peer promotes positivity PIPER ESCHENBERG ‘18 | Staff Writer Four years ago, 12 seniors had the idea to help link students and help them get to know those that work in the special education room better. From that idea, Peer 2 Peer was formed. Peer to Peer is a club based on getting its members interacting with special needs students at Grosse Pointe South. Today, Peer 2 Peer has about 80 members from all grades who meet regularly with special education students. Students may participate in activities like Christmas shopping, going to football games, going to homecoming together or eating lunch. “There was a desire and need for our students with special needs to have opportunities for social interaction with others in the school,” Dorisann Martinuzzi, club director, said. Club member Brookelle Mathieson ‘18 said students can also sell popcorn in the hall at lunch on Wednesdays, which helps to pay for a camp that special education students have the option of attending. “My favorite part about Peer 2 Peer is the great oppor-

GRAPHICS BY GRIFFIN JONES ’18

tunity to get to bond with special education students,” Mathieson said. Melody Balos ‘19 has a first hand experience with autism in her own home. Her older sister, Michaela Balos ‘18 has autism and is nonverbal. “She can’t tell us how she feels, but I imagine (Peer to Peer) makes her (Michaela) feel more included, like part of the typical student body,” Balos said. “I’d say it affects special needs students in general by making them feel really included and get a better skill set at how to interact with students at social gatherings. That’s a place where special needs students have a lot of trouble, so Peer 2 Peer is helpful.” Although Peer 2 Peer is often on the announcements, not all students at South are familiar with the club. “I never really knew what the club (Peer 2 Peer) did. It interested me though, I just did not know how to get involved,” Cassidy Gontko ‘18 said. For students who are interested, please contact South adviser Deborah Teolis.

Detroit staple gets a new face SARAH STEVENSON ‘19 | Staff Writer he Huffington Post calls Detroit the “All-American Comeback City”. With a multitude of buildings being rebuilt, redesigned and refurbished for many purposes, like the construction of a new high-rise building on the old J.L. Hudson’s department store site, the city will look forward to potential prosperity. For long time residents, it will be a great step into the future of Detroit. According to Historic Detroit, it was the second largest department store, next to Macy’s in New York, was a place that created memories for many people living in the Metro Detroit area. J.L. Hudson’s was located off of Woodward Avenue and included 32 levels with 25 of them retail, 51 passenger elevators, 48 escalators, and was 2,124,316 square feet, according to Historic Detroit. J.L. Hudson’s construction was completed in 1946, closed in 1983 and imploded in 1998. Between those 37 years of the store being open, Hudson’s was well known during Christmas time. With the visiting of Santa and the toy store on the same floor, it was a huge attraction for both parents and kids. Anne Stafford, a resident of Grosse Pointe, remembers the memories created at Hudson’s with her family during her childhood. “We had a tradition before Christmas as kids, every year our parents would take us down...and we would go up to one of the high floors and they had Santa waiting,” Stafford said. “We would wait in line and we would see Santa and tell him what we were excited to get; it was just a really fun thing to look forward to.” Thomas Moxley, former Grosse Pointe residient, and once an employee for Hudson’s during the holiday season, still remembers walking in and what the store was like around Christmas time.

“(During) Christmas time, on the way in you could see the fellas on the streets selling hot chocolates in a little cart...and (the elevators) had elevator operators with uniforms with gloves so they would take you up and down,” Moxley said. “On the twelfth floor, they had the toy department where Santa Claus was in the winter. It was nothing compared to today, it was just so big and so many people would be coming.” The building had to be closed in 1983 On the twelfth floor, due to the they had the toy de- loss of sales, partment where San- the decrease populata Claus was in the in tion in the winter. It was nothing Detroit area compared to today, it and the growwas just so big and so ing amount many people would be of suburban stores, accoming cording to the THOMAS MOXLEY Detroit Free Hudson’s Employee Press. The corporate offices still remained in the building until it was sold to Windsor company in 1990 and began to become a distressed looking building. The building was imploded on Oct. 24, 1998 and cost $12 million. The city later built an underground parking garage on the site and it remains there today, according to the Detroit Free Press. “Well, it was certainly sad. I love the idea of refurbishing buildings for a different purpose if they can’t be maintained,” Moxley said. “Most people who were associated with it thought it was pretty

“

mature that there was not enough effort to try to help it survive and to help it to become something else that’s not that department store.” The site has been empty, except for the underground parking garage, until plans of a new development emerged in April 2016. Dan Gilbert, businessman, was approved to build on the old J.L. Hudson’s site and is planning on the building to have modern architecture, according to the Detroit Free Press. The city agreed to sell the lot to Gilbert for an estimated $15 million, according to MLive. The new high-rise has yet to have exact numbers on the cost, but it will include many gathering spaces for not only companies, but also affordable housing for the community. The senior associate and architect at Gensler, Steve Farrelly, believes that another great building like this will add great things to the city of Detroit. “(It will be) another great icon and piece of architecture that generally helps create a new evolving image for the rebirth of the city of Detroit, but it will also be a new development for people to get engaged into and the amenities to be provided for workers, people who live down here and visitors,” Farrelly said. According to

the Detroit Free Press, the construction for the new development is supposed to start in April 2017 and will be finished in the spring of 2020. “I think that Dan Gilbert is doing some amazing things in the city and for the first time in so many years, people want to go down to the city, they’re attracted,” Stafford said. “There’s a big turn around which I never thought would happen.”

4 tmas e Chris 1) Whit rosby C by Bing ell Rock by B le g 2) Jin ravis T y Rand Yourself 3) Have ittle L a Merry s by Michael a m t is Chr lé Bub nd in’ Arou 4) Rock mas Tree ist the Chr Lee da by Bren ome For eH 5) I’ll B s by Frank a Christm Sinatra as by Christm t s a L ) 6 Wham! oe by Justin let 7) Mist Bieber ecember D 8)Cold ael y Mich b Night Bublé y Snow b 9) Let it atra in Frank S ginning Be ’s t 10) I ike A Lot L k o o g to L in as by B Christm Crosby

1) Home Alone 2) A Christmas Story 3) Elf 4) The Polar Express 5) Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966) 6) Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 7) A Charlie Brown Christmas 8) Love Actually 9) The Year Without a Santa Claus 10) Frosty the Snowman

1) C a 2) Sl rriage Ri eddi des ng 3) Si tt 4) Ic ing by th e Ska e Fir 5) O t e peni ing at Ca the W ng mpu s Ma rtius on A indows dven Chri Cale stma t ndar s Eve s 6) D ecor ating the T r 7) M ee a Coo king kies 8) D e ing G corat9) C ingerbre ar ad 10) oling hous Snow es boar ding

1) Assorted tea 2) Homemade cards 3) Decorative plants 4) Gift cards 5) Money 6) Kitchenware 7) Holiday socks 8) Framed photos 9) Drawstring bags 10) Chocolate

FEATURE

12.15.16

PIPER ESCHENBURG ‘18 AND DONALD MCGLONE ’19 | Staff Writers

2) Pil sbury Reind eer or Snow man Sugar Cook ies 3) Ho liday Spritz 4) Sno w ball Cook ies 5) Pin whee l s 6) Oa tmeal Choc olate Chip Cook ies 7) Home made Chex Mix 8) Ma caron s 9) Ric e Kris py Treats 10) Th umbp rint cooki es

TOP TEN “TOP TENS” OF CHRISTMAS 1. Songs 2. Movies 3. Cookies 4. Food 5. Activities 6. Decorations 7. Cheap Gifts 8. After Christmas Sales 9. Travel Destinations 10. Traditions

1) Victoria’s Secret 2) Lush 3) Express 4) Forever 21 5) Bath Body Works 6) Starbucks 7) Best Buy 8) Foot Locker 9) Ralph Lauren 10) Calvin Klein

1) Peppermint Bark 2) Ham 3) Egg nog 4) Pumpkin Pie 5) Hot Cocoa 6) Mashed Potatoes 7)Walnuts 8) Roast Beef 9) Apple Pie 10) Feast of the Seven Fishes

1) Gin gerbr ead men

1) The Christmas Pickle 2) Outdoor Christmas trees 3) Snowmen 4) The homemade wreaths 5) Tinsel on 6) Star/Angel top of the Christmas Tree 7) Lights 8) Santa Clauses 9) Reindeer 10) Sleigh

1) Anywhere to see family 2) Skiing 3) Disney World/ Disney Land 4) Florida 5) Chicago 6) New York City 7) Bahamas 8) Canada 9) California 10) Europe

GRAPHIC BY KATHERINE BIRD ’18

1) Cutting down the tree 2) Decorating the tree 3) Putting a pickle ornament on the tree 4) Baking too many cookies 5) Hanging stockings 6) Putting out cookies for Santa 7) Caroling on Christmas Eve 8) Going to church on Christmas Eve 9)Setting out candles 10) Setting out reindeer food

FEATURE SPORTS

12.15.16 9.6.16

NOEL NIGHT: German native experiences Detroit festivities for first time MY VIEW

ELLA DIEPEN ’18 Staff Wriiter

DASHING THROUGH THE STREETS | A horse-drawn carriage rides through Detroit’s Cultural Center. Noel Night is a tradition that Detroiters have known for 44 years and counting. Ella Diepen ’18 was able to take in the downtown atmosphere for the first time on this cheerful night. PHOTO BY ELLA DIEPEN ’18

Christmas lights everywhere, a crowd of happy people out on the streets, pleasant fragrances and filled restaurants – on Saturday, Dec. 3, Downtown Detroit transformed into a Christmas wonderland. The 44th annual holiday event, Noel Night, was the occasion and it took place in the Midtown area of Detroit’s Cultural Center. Over 100 venues, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, several museums, the orchestra and the library, opened their doors to the public during this city-wide holiday open house. A variety of activities such as riding a horse-drawn carriage, shopping for Christmas presents, watching family craft activities, music, theatre, dance and art performances were offered to the visitors. One of the highlights was the long-standing Noel Night tradition: the community sing-along on Woodward Avenue led by the Salvation Army Band. Noel Night is a cultural experience that helps to get into Christmas spirit. It offers a good mood and a nice atmosphere. GRAPHICS BY JOHN FRANCIS AND GRIFFEN JONES BOTH ’18

guide Making a list, Checking it twice...Tower’s to gifting this OLIVIA SHEFFER ’16| Staff Writer

portable charger: Anyone that has an iPhone will tell you their battery life is a joke. A portable charger is a great and affordable gift to give to anyone who is constantly running on a low battery regardless of the device. Since portable chargers are so popular, they are easy to find especially on Amazon and Urban Outfitters.

ail polish: This is a great gift to give since nail polish comes in a variety of colors and it is always useful. You could splurge and buy a higher end bottle from Butter London or Chanel. Face masks: Face masks are something that are fun and relaxing to do, while making your skin look great. It is the best way to relieve stress, and provides a fun night of pampering yourself before an event or just for a Saturday night.

ologne: Cologne makes a great gift for the men in your life since there is a scent for everyone and it fits every price range. This is something that men are less likely to buy for themselves, and since one bottle lasts for over a year even with daily use it makes for a great gift. A wallet: A standard foldable leather wallet makes for a good gift since it is a durable and practical gift. These can be found from companies such as Shinola and Michael Kors.

luetooth tracking device: This makes a great gift for people who constantly lose their belongings since it allows you to leave the device in your belongings and track down where you left them. In addition to being convenient and practical, they are affordable and can be found on Amazon.

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FEATURE

12.15.16

BEHIND THE WHEEL: Designated driving is prevalent

and raises questions about underage drinking

Yet in the end, like Miller, Duke says the overwhelming respon- restriction to driver’s privileges and two points to the license. sibility to help a fellow human outweighs the stigma of underaged Severity only increases from there. The second offense can involve drinking. 30 days in jail and a course on alcohol education, as well as a doubled “It’s important because you’re making sure that person is getting fine. The third offense ups the fees to $500, a potential of 60 days in jail home. If you weren’t there they might get into and all of the other repercussions a car with someone who is drinking-- they’re from the preceding actions. dumb (while drunk) and they’re not checking Schroerlucke says in individuals We had to pick (a friend) up. It was who they’re going home with,” Duke said. over 21, designated driving demonbad-- like she almost had to go to the There are laws in Michigan which prohibit strates immense responsibility, but hospital. designated driving, particularly for underaged students under the given age should drivers. They could face fines and court apnot be initially consuming alcohol. JOHN DUKE ‘17 pointments, as well as license suspension. He also recognizes that over 50 O’Connor says she did not know about laws to 60 percent of documented stuagainst designated driving, and she still intends to drive her friends if dents drink regularly or perhaps experiment with alcohol at social they are suffering from the effects of impaired consciousness. gatherings. As far as punishment is concerned, assistant principal, Steven Wolf, “We find (students drinking) on occasion, usually during open says all GPPSS administrative guidelines are followed when handling house parties around big events such as homecoming, prom, gradustudent drinking, but it should be avoided in the first place. ation or when the parents may be out of town for a period of time,” “I would high- Schroerlucke said. “(Students confronted with alcohol in such envily discourage high ronments) should leave that gathering, as hard as it may be because of school students peer pressure.” A Designated from drinking,” There are many reasons why any given student might partake in Wolf said. “Besides consumption, but Schroerlucke believes peer pressure, the influence Driver the developmental of television, escapism, boredom, innate rebelliousness, instant gratifi25 Votes and health skills, cation and misinformation contribute heavily-- he does, however, say teenagers tend to the problem starts at the home. make bad decisions “It starts with their parents. Parents tend to believe that their teens Driven by a when they are un- drink because of peer pressure-- but more than 50 percent of students der the influence. said ‘getting drunk’ and simply having a good time is the major moDesignated Adults also make tivating factor in drinking, along with stress and boredom. Parents Driver bad decisions when can help prevent the underage alcohol by sending a strong message at 25 Votes under the influence home,” Schroerlucke said. “Discuss expectations with your children. 50 TOTAL VOTES because it affects Then work with them to meet those expectations. Keep communica(their) judgement.” tion open about alcohol use. If you overreact to even exaggerating-- like top to bottom of that side-- left to right-- covAccording to Wolf, teenagers often overlook the risk and conse- bad news associated with alcohol ered in vomit,” Miller said. “It was pretty funny.” quences of a particular action passively-- combined with alcohol, this use by teens in your commuMiller takes a light attitude with the incident, saying that friends becomes even more troubling. nity, you are likely not to should be able to handle the sensitive situations of other friends-“Students should not be drinking in the first place. Besides the get a full story when which is why designated driving is so important to him. developmental, health and safety risks, students can get into serious you bring up the is“I got him home safe, and it’s a good thing he wasn’t driving,” Miller trouble with the law,” Wolf said. “Those mistakes will stay with you for sue the next time.” said. a long time and may have a substantial impact on your near future.” The student A fellow designated driver, *Elaine O’Connor ’18, who tries to Wolf urges students not to drink, not only for its detriments to with a vomcome to the need of friends, whether they be tipsy or completely oblit- mental and chemical health, but also to the physical risk which it puts i t - s t a i n e d erated, says she has always been a designated driver-- ever since she students at. car, Miller, got her car. “What is worse than killing yourself in an accident, is killing your- agrees with “I’m not really asked-- people just assume that I will,” O’Connor self and innocent others,” Wolf said. that aspect, said. “I don’t drink. I never have, and I drive a huge car-- everyone fits Wolf does say designated drivers are exhibiting responsibility, but but says in it.” it is their duty to go beyond just driving any given individual home. all of the O’Connor says she gets the most requests to drive during football “DD’s should be conscious of the amount of alcohol their friends a u t h o r i t y season, and recounts one instance, in particular, that scarred her as a have consumed, so they can determine whether they should let their and comdesignated driver. parents know versus taking them to the hospital and letting parents i n g - d o w n “Last night (a friend) called me in the middle of the night, she was know,” Wolf said. “(They) should also never allow alcohol into their is intimidatcrying-- it’s like 9:30 p.m. on a Tuesday. She is sobbing, she says ‘come vehicles, because they will have to take responsibility for the container ing, especially pick me up, right now’,” O’Connor said. as the operator of the vehicle-- this will also get them in trouble with when students She was struck with surprise initially, but urged herself on and the law.” are just trying to drove over to help her friend at the given address. Wolf worries about students underestimating the severity of intox- find themselves as She was outside by her car (which she couldn’t drive), so I came ication. people in these forand got her-- (the next day) she (was) not at school-- so she’s rattled,” “Too often, teenagers overlook alcohol poisoning and it can be fa- mative years. O’Connor said. “There’s gotta be something wrong with her.” tal. I would also examine closely if my friend was someone I would “I don’t think you should Despite the experience, O’Connor says she would never refuse to continue associating myself with. Even the most strong students will drink in high school, but no drive her friends, but won’t readily accept strangers into her car. give into peer pressure,” Wolf said. matter what you do, people are gonna GRAPHIC BY CAMERON SMOLEN ’18 This has been a problem for *John Duke ’17, who says that he has Officer of the law and representative of the Grosse Pointe Woods drink anyway,” Miller said. “You need a designated driver, and I think had to drive people he was not familiar with several times after they Police Department, Detective Ryan Schroerlucke, echoes the points I’ve done the had become intoxicated. made by Wolf. right thing. “A bunch of random people got in my car once, that was annoying,” “They should not be drinking to begin with,” Schroerlucke said. I would Duke said. “I had to drop off all of them… and one time, someone Schroerlucke also says students can face severe punishment should never…tell threw up (in my car), I kind of knew him, but not really.” they be found in possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages. people not Duke explains that, in the end, it’s always worse when something “Michigan’s MIP Law” is zero tolerance, so it doesn’t matter if you to drink-in poor taste happens with a friend being designated driven, and not have one beer or five beers-- the ticket is still the same. The conse- that’s not a stranger. quences vary based on whether this is your first, second, or third or who I am.” “We had to pick (a friend) up. It was bad-- like she almost had to more MIP,” Schroerlucke said. go to the hospital,” Duke said, gravely. “She was incoherent-- I ended The first offense, according to MIP Law, will face the minor in quesup having to get my mom, she brought her inside and we had to call tion with up to $100 in fines, in addition to numerous court costs. her mom.” There will be a lengthy period of probation involved, as well as a 30 day ANTON MIKOLOWSKI ‘17 | Supervising Editor *Names have been altered to preserve the anonymity of sources. It was a late night in Detroit, a fall night-- past midnight. Robert Miller ’17 stepped into the crisp air outside of the hookah bar and prepared to drive his friend, not entirely in his right mind, home. “It’s a small bar, and as long as you look 18, they let you smoke hookah-- it’s really easy,” Miller said. “I was (at the bar) with some friends. I drove there, and drove one of them back home (to Grosse Pointe).” Miller stepped into his stout vehicle, his companion in the passenger seat, and they started on their way back to suburbia. Miller said he began to notice his friend’s inebriation quickly as the ride progressed. “I didn’t know what was wrong with him (initially),” Miller said. “He’d make a little remark every now and then-- then he rolls down the window the in the freezing cold, and I’m like, ‘Why the (expletive) are you doing that?’” Miller then said, in great detail, that his friend projectile vomited across the side of his cherry red car-- not once, but three times. “When I get out of the car, the entire right side of my car-- I’m not

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FEATURE

12.15.16

Do violent video games cause violent tendencies?

HENRY AYRAULT ‘19 | Pulse Section Editor very form of media people are connected to, and exposed to, seems saturated with stories of violence. The fictional world of gaming is no exception. All the rating systems and parental warnings aside, games today do not shy from including violence within their content. But do they promote violent behavior in those who play them? “I think that violent video games desensitize you to a point where it comes to the more violence you see, the more you kind of accept it,” South’s Television Production teacher, Steve Geresy, said. “There’s evidence to say that if you have a predisposition for violence, it feeds into it. To the average person it may not necessarily affect them completely.” While the correlation between violent behavior and violent video games has yet to be proven, Dr.Andy Przybylski from Oxford University’s Oxford Internet Institute (the lead author of a study published in the journal of Psychology of Popular Media Culture) said the fact that his study had not found evidence of a link between violent games and real-life aggression “did not mean it does not exist.” “I do think playing these video games could have an effect on one’s personality,” Brandon Peck ‘19 said. “For example, someone could be influenced by Grand Theft Auto in that they could steal a car and kill someone.” For South students who play violent games, it’s easy to get lost in the fictional story playing out in front of them. But, it seems just as easy to get over-involved in a movie, TV show or a good book. “Violent games are usually crazier opposed to something like a racing game,” Zach Heimbuch ‘19 said. “But neither of them have an effect on me after I put the controller down.” While national media has been quick to point out when a perpetrator of a violent crime has a history of playing what has been deemed a violent video game, there is no telling whether the game influenced them to act violently. For instance, the young man behind the Sandy Hook school shooting in 2012 that left 26 dead was reported to be an avid player of violent video games but it was also discovered that he may have had access to an arsenal of guns and may have had some form of mental illness. Video games are not the only source from which we can immerse ourselves in violence. “There’s many different forms of violence, and that’s what we need to consider too,” Geresy said. “Even if you watch Bugs Bunny and The Roadrunner and stuff like that-- they were trying to blow each other up,

PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST:

7 GRAPHIC BY GRIFFIN JONES ’18

they were trying to throw these big amounts of weight and create these traps. Inherently, that’s violence, but it’s shown in a slapstick kind of way.” Some even argue that the positive effects of playing video games can outweigh the negative but it all depends on the person playing and many other variables in their lives. “There’s evidence to say that if you have a predisposition for violence, it feeds into it,” Geresy said. “ I use the example of Fast and Furious, or a race movie or something along that line. If you go into a movie and you watch it and it’s charged and it’s amped up, you have a tendency, through the adrenaline to be running high, and if you hop in your car you may or may not actually drive faster than you typically would. Is it going to be for the rest of your life? No, but in that short time frame, it’s something that you’ve been influenced by what you just saw.” Others believe that there is no evidence for or against what the effects of violent video games are. “I personally have not seen any specific research indicating whether violent video games do or do not contribute to violent behavior,” Douglass Roby, South social worker said. “My professional opinion is that video games do not contribute to violent behavior. There are multiple factors at play that contribute to violent behavior, and environment is a critical piece.” Projected to be a 75 billion dollar business in 2016, video game sales have shown no signs of slowing down in our country and around the world, according to The Statistics Portal . That means the potential for more violent gaming is not out of the question. Should we be concerned about what we experience in the virtual world crossing over and affecting our real lives? “Playing violent video games like these makes me feel like I’m in control, like I’m the guy doing everything I do in the game,” Peck said. “It makes me feel alive.”

“It’s a little bit harder with the portfolio added on to the assignments, but the atmosphere of the class is the same,” Mollison said. Due to the many pictures required for the class, Mollison said often times work for school extends farther than when the bell rings. “It gets to the point where you have to always be taking pictures and hope they apply to a project,” Mollison said. Throughout her years in photography classes at South, Mollison has created a number of projects she considers her favorite. Every spring the art department puts on Art Fest, a chance for student artists to showcase their work from that school year. Throughout the year other opportunities to have their work showcased and judged comes from Scholastics, an inter school competition where students are eligible for awards based on the quality of their work. “I did a series based on the bridge in the song Colors by Halsey. It took a lot of effort and went in Art Fest. It was a big accomplishment,” Mollison said. “I put face paint on my friends to make them look like galaxies,” Mollison said. “That one won a

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KATE MOLLISON ’17

Architecture and Design | Arts and Sciences | Engineering | Management

KELLY GLEASON ‘17 | Staff Writer ooking through a lense has helped photography student Kate Mollison ‘17 focus on what she is passionate about throughout her high school career. According to Mollison, AP 2-D Studio Design, better known as AP Photo, presents students with a self guided, teacher set curriculum throughout each quarter with the purpose of improving the artist’s skills for an AP portfolio judging in May. Each artist submits a portfolio of their best work from the class, which is to be judged on a one to five scale that judges technique, the artist’s concentration and concept, what the artist can show through their photos and quality of the photos. “Everyone is a little shocked when they find out photo is harder than it seems,” Mollison said. Preparation for the AP exam starts well ahead of the submission date, allowing the artists to focus on their concentration all year. “I want to show contrast and juxtaposition, sort of a breaking barriers between stereotypes,” Mollison said. In addition to working towards the year end goal of a finished portfolio, a number of assignments are presented to the students each week as a way to develop new skills and practice ones already learned.

gold key and was my first major project.” Every spring the art department puts on Art Fest, a chance for student artists to showcase their work from that school year. Throughout the year other opportunities to have their work showcased and judged comes from Scholastics. This award is due to what Mollison said is the result of putting herself out there and taking photos both in and out of school. “I think she is a really creative student who thinks deeply. Her art reflects an intellectual and soulful depth that is really rare in a high school student,” Mollison’s photo teacher, Kit Aro, said. Dedication to the arts has also created a bond amongst the AP photo students, resulting in what they consider to be a pseudo family. “Kate has always been a really hard working, creative person,” classmate Jack Hensien ’17 said. Continuing with the photo program for multiple years has allowed Mollison to see her own skills grow, as well as the skills of her classmates. “It’s about having fun and getting the work done, but also remembering that this is an AP class,” Mollison said. “Photo is the one thing that has made sense throughout high school.”

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Possible is everything.

How AP Art student Kate Mollison ‘17 is building her art portfolio to prepare for judgement in May

THE VIEW THROUGH THE LENS | Here are a few of Kate Mollison’s photos that are featured in her portfolio. It includes a self portrait, a silhouette and hands that symbolize lyrics and putting everything in arelastionships

5th

100+

Academic programs

SPORTS

12.15.16

Max Box: a knockout Max Box has 18 punching bags.

Placed across from Edible Arrangements and Joseph’s in Grosse Pointe Woods is the boxing gym, Max Box. The gym offers a unique experience for all levels of boxers.

MY VIEW KATHERINE BIRD ’18 PAGE EDITOR

’m no expert at boxing, but for the one class I’ve taken, I highly recommend Max Box. The atmosphere of this place is very welcoming. You walk in and you’re greeted by the instructor on staff at the front desk. The instructor I had, Mac, was very informative and corrected bad form. He was a great instructor. In my opinion, he added to the great experience I had during the class. Inexperienced people are welcomed too. A lot of the moves take a couple of times to attain, but the class is an hour, so it’s not an issue. The class will leave people sore afterwards for sure, but it gives one a great sense of accomplishment.

Classes are held Monday through Friday at 6 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Blue Devil’s Boxing held on Fridays at 4:30, and is a class reserved for South students only. Saturday classes are at 8 a.m., 9:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. On Tuesday and Thursday, Athletic Classes are held at 4:30 p.m. and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. On Tuesday and Thursday, Athletic Classes are held at 4:30 p.m. and Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

Punching works the same muscles used to play hockey, tennis and golf. Boxing improves power, speed, agility and balance.

I recommend purchasing a pair of wraps after the first class if one plans on attending another class. They’re $8 but provide unlimited use. Nothing is wrong with the wraps they provide, but it’s convenient to have a pair of your own. There’s no need to worry about purchasing boxing gloves because they have more than enough pairs that students can borrow. Once I was doing the moves correctly and working up a sweat, I felt like a real boxer. In reality, I probably looked ridiculous while attempting to execute the movements, but overall I felt great after. If you’re looking for a sufficient way to get a great workout in while getting rid of stress at the same time, I highly recommend Max Box. The classes are held Monday through Saturday with varying times between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Max Box is located at 20957 Mack Ave.

Max Box provides gloves for athletes to use. Gloves can be ordered. Gloves are sold for $60 and come in red, blue or black. INFO COURTESY OF MAX BOX FACEBOOK

Wrist Wraps are sold for $8. INFO COURTESY OF MAX BOX FACEBOOK

GRAPHICS BY JD STANDISH ’18

Cross country captain hits the ground running with Team Michigan track team DONALD MCGLONE ’19 |Staff Writer

Q: WHAT DOES BEING ON TEAM MICHIGAN MEAN?

A: “Being on Team Michigan means you have to place in the top 12 of seniors in the state.”

Q: HOW DO YOU ESTABLISH THE TOP 12?

A: “The top 50 seniors in the state are invited to race, then the top 12 are chosen.”

Q: HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE A PART OF TEAM MICHIGAN?

A: “Being part of Team Michigan is real exciting, I didn't really think I would make it, but I was going to try.”

Q: WHERE DID YOU PLACE? A: “I placed 11th.”

Q: OUT OF THE 50, HOW MANY CAME TO THE RACE? A: “I think 45 showed up.”

Q: DID YOU KNOW ANYONE ELSE WHO WON?

A: “No, it was kind of different because normally you see the girls over and over.”

Boys Varsity basketball team begins with slam dunk LILLY KUBEK ’17 |Copy Editor The boys varsity basketball season has just begun with many team highlights and goals to look forward too. “We are working really hard,” varsity player, Jon Rogowski ’17 said. “Competitive practices and tough games are scheduled for the preseason.” While the team hasn’t set specific goals for the upcoming season, according to coach Troy Glasser, they intend to win specific games to reach an annual goal: winning the state championship. “We are carrying nine seniors this year, which is kind of unique,” Glasser said. The team is training hard to win a championship and go far in districts and states, Rogowski said. “We practice a lot and scout the other teams,” varsity player, Adrian Iafrate ’17 said. The team played Woodhaven on Tuesday, Dec. 6 and won with a final score of 71 to 65, Iafrate said. Their next game is scheduled for this coming Friday, Dec. 16, against Grosse Pointe North at home. “Our first goal every season really is to beat Grosse Pointe North-- that is a true rivalry game,” Glasser said. The boys next game will be Grosse Pointe North this Friday in South’s main gym at 7:30 p.m.

7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 16 vs. Grosse Pointe North

Q: HOW IS CROSS COUNTRY SPLIT ACROSS THE STATE?

A: “It’s split into nine regions.”

Holiday Tournament: GPS vs. Stoney Creek at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27

7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 10 vs. Utica Stevenson

Q: WHO DO YOU RACE NOW?

A: “We will race in Ohio against the seniors from Ohio, Illinois and Indiana.”

Holiday Tournament: Brother Rice vs. Plymouth at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27

Q: A POWER MIDWEST BATTLE WOULD YOU SAY? A: “Yeah, a Midwest battle.”

Q: WAS IT A GOOD RACE? A: “Yeah, it was fun.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF REANNA RAYMOND

2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016 vs. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, 2017 at Dakota

Holiday Tournament: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29

Holiday Tournament: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29