Issue 14

the

TOWER

Wednesday, Dec. 21 , 2016

Volume 89

Issue 14

A weekly tradition since 1928

@thetowerpulse

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

Adopt a Family brings holiday cheer to those in need for another year

MARY GRACE O’SHEA ‘17 | Staff Writer bled up and given one family, there is an opportunity to give each of South is hosting its fourth annual Adopt a Family in the weeks lead- the families a memorable Christmas. ing up to Christmas, which is a time of receiving, but also a time to “Communicating with the classes you are paired up with is key to give to those who need it most within the community. make sure that they are on track and raising money,” Distelrath said.

This tradition at South began in 2013 after getting the idea from “Also, sticking to what they signed up for, as I think it can be exciting North, who had been participating in the program for many years, to say you want to help, but then it takes more effort to go that next Grace Brandon ’18, Adopt a Family chair said. step and actually bring in money, to actually go out shopping and “Adopt a Family is a program where third hour classes help fami- put in the time to get a Harry Potter wand or an American Girl doll, lies from the North district that do not necessarily have the means to whatever it is that is going to bring a smile to those kids faces. I think provide a good Christmas for their family,” Brandon said. “So, we help communication is really the biggest thing.” by raising money, giving food, buying gifts and other holiday needs There are many families in the community that struggle to support like that.” during the year, let alone at Christmas time-- a time of many expenses, Students at South are the main components in this program, as they Brandon said. participate in donating money and food within their third hours, and “It is a stereotype of Grosse Pointe that everyone is wealthy, and evsome even spending time shopping for gifts for the kids of these fam- eryone is doing fine and we have all the money in the world, but really ilies, Laura Distelrath, math teacher in reality, we don’t see what is happening and Student Association adviser said. behind people’s households,” Brandon “The participating third hour said. “So, other people may be struggling classes take on a family and get to and I think it is really great that we have know them and learn about what they this opportunity to give back to people need to help with in order to provide who are going through a tough time right a happy holiday season for their faminow.” ly,” Distelrath said. “I think that one of The motivation to be involved in this the coolest things about this program program is simply knowing that you are GRACE BRANDON ’18 is that the students really get to take improving a family’s holiday, Roeske Adopt-A-Family Committee Chair ownership. There are a lot of teachers said. It is something special that South is that are really excited to help out, but able to participate in. they cannot do everything on their own. It is always so successful be“Freshman year, I joined SA because my siblings were in it and I cause students will really get excited about picking out gifts for their was put on the Adopt a Family committee, making me really want to family, about going shopping, bringing in that money and just really be a part of Student Association because it was where I saw that the trying to provide a happy experience for these families.” entire school was giving back and trying to make our community betPreparing the participating third hour classes to be ready to give a ter,” Roeske said. “People forget that there are people in need here, and memorable Christmas to these families involves extensive planning, this is one of those events where people help out and actually do someMaren Roeske ’18, Adopt a Family chair, said. thing. We get to provide a holiday for those that can’t on their own.”

“A lot of Adopt a Family is organizing, planning and sending out The holiday season is a time where many memories with families emails,” Roeske said. “Almost constantly there are little problems that and friends are made, regardless of each family’s circumstances, Disarise throughout the day as every Student Association representative. telrath said. It is a time to enjoy, and not dread.

All of the classes and all of the families have different issues.”

“I think that there a lot of us in this building, both staff and stuThe families often ask for basic necessities, in addition to small gifts dents, that are so blessed to have so many happy holiday memories, no for their children each year, Anthony Kolesky ’17 said. matter what holiday it is that you celebrate,” Distelrath said. “I know “A lot of families ask mainly for gifts for their children, and then that I can look back at so many memories and and just smile on those also a lot of different types of food, so we can provide them with a great moments with my family, and while the presents were fun, it was really holiday meal,” Kolesky said. “Some of them also ask for coats, hats, more of those moments with my family that I was able to enjoy. I think gloves and things like that, basically items that you have to have, they that this allows those parents and those kids to start to put aside some don’t even own that.” of those financial worries, or some of the stress that they have for the Communication is a large part of third hour classes being success- holiday season and to enjoy being with each other and be able to take ful with Adopt a Family, Distelrath said. Since many classes are dou- the stress out of what leads into that.”

I think it is really great that we have this opportunity to give back to people who are going though a touch time right now

INFOGRAPHIC BY ERYKAH BENSON ’17 INFO COURTESY OF MAREN ROESKE ’18

what’s going on in

Aleppo?

ANTON MIKOLOWSKI ‘17 | Supervising Editor ALEPPO After four years of brutal and bloody warfare between numerous rebel groups and the Syrian regime, the capital of Aleppo was seized by the forces of President Bashar al-Assad after a long and painful siege.

On Dec. 15, 2016, the forces of Assad and that of the Free Syrian Army, the original group dedicated to fighting the Syrian regime, and the largest faction amongst rebels, conducted a ceasefire while governmental units occupied the eastern portion of the 18 city itself.

S’ E N JO While power was being consolidated in the former economic powIN F F erhouse which was Aleppo, rebels across the city took to tight buses in RI G BY droves, with meager supplies on the road to Idlib, the likely destination for the HIC P A next theater of war in the ongoing conflict, according to Al Jazeera, a Qatar-based GR

SYRIA

THIS WEEK AT SOUTH... dec.

21

The freshmen class is selling $10 Mr. C’s carwash tickets in the hallway during lunch

dec.

26

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIACOMMONS.COM

neutral broadcaster.

According to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), both Red Cross and Red Crescent have been striving to ease the transition and aid the local populace in any way they can.

The conflict appears to be far from over, according to the BBC, and the fall of Aleppo does not spell the beginning of the end for the conflict-- but it is certainly a devastating blow to rebel forces (who will be targeted not only by the governments of Syria and the Russian Federation, but by other militant factions, such as the Islamic State, and by the Iranian-backed Lebanese fighting group, Hezbollah).

The Russian publication, Sputnik International, describes Assad’s victory as a step in the right direction, and a step toward world peace. Sputnik refers to the rebel groups within Syria as terrorists collectively, as does Assad.

Progressive American media outlet, Vox, claims the forces of Assad moved through the city killing and raping while closing in on rebel forces, after a prolonged bloodbath which had lasted for years in the nation as a whole and on the outskirts of Aleppo.

Many different media outlets, such as CNN, FOX and others, have reported on the events through different scopes and lenses. All seem to be synonymous in one notion, however: Syria has been ravaged, and Assad’s victory over rebels marks a turning point in a complex conflict.

Schools are closed for winter break. Classes will resume Jan. 9

10

jan.

Jostens will be handing out senior packets in the main hallway during both lunches

OPINION

2

12.21.16

The Horrors of War & Convoluted Media: What It Says About Humanity in the Modern Age Aleppo has fallen. Aleppo has been liberated. Aleppo lays in shambles. What is Aleppo? The Syrian Rebellion is over. The Syrian Civil War is just beginning. Those are the bad Muslims, these are the good ones.

You are on that side. You are on this side.

With such an entanglement that has become the modern equivalent of mass information relayed through labyrinthian tunnels of contemporary media, we find it difficult to keep tabs on the subtle variations between fact and fiction in latter-day mythos.

Media has become intertwined with every microcosm of worldly affairs; be they social, political, broadcast, or otherwise.

You find yourself tuning into your preferred platform after a long day at school, or work, or whatever your labor of choice may be.

There is honesty and dishonesty across the platform, be they left, right, central, up or down.

One station will say one thing while another says something completely different-- but your station cannot be the liars, they are not the

GRAPHICS BY RILEY LYNCH ’18

crooks, it is the other station, it is the other party-- the other people-- the other reality.

Humanity, particularly Western humanity, relies on this aspect of assurance, for they so desperately wish to be well informed, that they are often lost in the pursuit to be such. Liberals and conservatives across the states constantly fault one another for their unwavering trust in their preferred media, when perhaps, both alternatives bear equal faults which neither faction wishes to realize.

This can be seen nowhere more clearly, than in the recent crisis in Syria. Different American media outlets tend to report on the chronology and legitimacy of the conflict in different lights.

Take CNN, half of the stories they put through had little to do with the Syrian people or the strife in the Eastern Hemisphere after the breaking siege in Aleppo, but on the reactions of the American president-elect and the power plays of the Russian Federation, a Syrian ally and recent point of contention in Western media.

This is one example in a slew of them. Such media controls many aspects of thought for the average civilian, asserting positions and leanings.

We find it to be detrimental, to say the least, considering the overarching biases which can be instilled in a populace.

We cannot hope to progress further into an exuberant future while such misgivings are displayed before our ears, such misgivings which are poorly cast and poorly distributed amongst an already divided public.

These layers become shroud-like as they obscure our sight of reality in clandestine filters. We are not privy to many of the brutal realities of the world because of this shroud which constricts us and suffocates us in the midst of such world shaking catastrophes.

We don’t hear about the nauseating massacres which occur on every side of the proceeding war in Syria, we may hear about them through one lens, but never an unadulterated one. We hear talk of Syrian refugees, but we never hear why they seek refuge. To us, as the American people, their circumstance seems like a predestined disposition, that we can formulate opinions to as we see fit.

Nobody seems to be talking about oppression of the Kurds in northern Aleppo, or corruption betwixt the ranks of the Iranian-funded Hezbollah-even the identity of the leader of the Free Syrian Army remains clouded in misinformation.

We need to seek out truth in all of its facets, that may mean looking beyond our shores for what meager information we can pull from other websites, newspapers, broadcasters and publications. Perhaps next time you think about turning on Fox or CSNBC at home for your nightly news hour, hesitate-- hesitate just once, for just a moment, and think about tuning into BBC or Al Jazeera. Think about expanding your knowledge with your cultural and global identity.

We, as free journalists and as a staff of dedicated men and women, want to see a healthy and informed public, who can honestly relay the truth and work to stop the rot of polluting biases in the media, and therefore that same rooted malevolence in this international community.

‘We The People’ have spoken, now let him act This coming January along with the new year, our country will have a new president, duh.

This time around JOHN things are dramatically FRANCIS ’18 SUPERVISING EDITOR different. We, as a nation, have divided between families, friends and coworkers. We cannot mend this tear through expressing hatred or worry toward the new administration.

First, I’d like to address all the college students who attempted to skip midterms or had to escape to their campus ‘safe spaces’ in light of the general election. I’d like to point out how detrimental this is to our educational system: by allowing students in some of the top colleges to not take a midterm, the school is basically giving a big ‘F you’ to the parents of these children who are paying tens of thousands of dollars for the tuition.

More importantly, if we start to allow this type of behavior in the collegiate level, it could trickle down to the grade schools. So now we have a country of students who can opt out when they are emotionally unstable over an election.

Great.

Aren’t we supposed to be improving our education to stay competitive with countries around the world who many say are going to surpass us on the world stage?

Almost every teacher you’ve ever had will say that the reason you are learning that subject is to prepare you for the ‘real world’. College is basically the last leg of education before the real world and we now are seeing students escape to one of these safe spaces when they feel uncomfortable.

If anything, college deans and professors should be advocating controversy and polar opinions colliding. Once on

MY VIEW

their own, there are no safe spaces; becoming numb to them calls for a rude awakening after they get their diploma and move out of the fraternity house or dorm.

So all of these issues have risen up since the election, and why? Many say that since this election cycle was like no other.

They are reacting this way because of all the ‘-ists’ applied to Donald Trump (Racist, Sexist, etc.)

My question now is why are all of these Americans passing judgment when the inauguration isn’t until Jan. 20? Aren’t the liberals usually ones to call out people who judge something before it actually is enacted? I see a double standard here.

I understand the anger though, just as in 2012, when I was distraught by the re-election of our current president. After seeing the Affordable Care Act being passed-- firing of generals in favor of taking out ISIS and a growing political correctness-- I too was passing judgment on a second term for Obama. The difference-- I wasn’t asking my teachers to give me a later test date as some students at Duke University did to their professors, according to Time Magazine.

During the campaigns, people would question how I or anyone could agree with some of the things Trump said in the past as a billionaire businessman. My answer was and is this: I am with Donald Trump because the country is going in the wrong direction. My backing of him isn’t an endorsement of his character, but an endorsement for change. I want to see the next administration return power to the average, hard-working American.

My last remark toward all those who still find their head spinning after Nov. 8 is the Hollywood actors and musicians who vowed to move out of the country if Trump was elected.

Miley Cyrus, Amy Schumer and Lena Dunham or George Lopez, we all want a postcard from wherever you go (even though they probably won’t leave after all).

Letter to the Editor: Project Smile

NEWSPAPER

the

TOWER

STAFF

Dear “The Tower”, We thought it would be a nice idea to send you a letter in the hopes that it would be printed in the amazing newspaper. We have been fans for a very long time. While we have denied repeated requests for interviews over the years, we thought we would share a brief message with the school.

Project Smile is an anonymous group of students that came together to do good things at the school when times are tough. There are plenty of rumors that this is a SA group, Link Crew group, or something else, but we are not. We are students that have pledged to do acts of kindness because it is the right thing to do. We noticed Editor-in-Chief Erykah Benson* ’17 Associate Editor Jack Holme* ’17 Supervising Editors at Large John Francis* ’18 Liz Bigham* ’18 Supervising Editors Ray Hasanaj* ’18, Anton 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

that people have been sad lately and we thought we would take the month of December to bring some holiday cheer.

We have been hiding boxes of candy, hanging posters, and have something really nice planned for Friday before break.

We hope that everyone at South will take a moment and do something nice for a fellow student. The holidays can be tough on everyone, so a little act can do a long way. We hope that everyone has a safe and wonderful holiday vacation. We will be back in the spring with more happiness to share.

Happy holidays,

Project Smile

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

The Art of Gifting: How much

does the thought of a gift really count?

MY VIEW OLIVIA MLYNAREK ’19 STAFF WRITER

as I am sure that older kids do too.

Nothing says you care about someone more than a present. When you surprise someone with a gift, it shows that you not only care about that person but it also shows that you are kind and generous.

When you take the time to buy someone a gift it implies that you took the time out of your day to look for a gift for that person. I appreciate when someone gets me a gift because I know how hard it probably was to dodge all of those crazy holidays shoppers and such.

I am always one of those people who figures out that I have to get a gift for my parents for Christmas the week before Christmas. Every year it is the same, I always end up procrastinating and getting my mom some lame gift.

I know how hard it is to find someone a gift. It can be hard to figure out what is right for that person because you want them to have the perfect gift to imply that you spent a lot of time figuring out what they would like.

Sometimes I can understand why people give money as a gift though. If the person doesn’t have time to go Christmas shopping I can see where they come from. But on the other hand, giving money implies that you are sort of lazy.

I don’t like getting money because I always feel very awkward when I accept it. I don’t like when people give money because money usually only lasts me till next week, and I don’t like when people ask me what I am going to spend it on because truly I do not know and I usually save my money rather than spend it.

I always like giving people gifts because there is nothing like seeing their facial expression when you know you got them a good present this year. I know I did a good job when I see a true smile on their face and not some fake one hiding their true feelings about what I got them.

I like giving gifts because I know the person I buy for doesn’t expect me to get them anything , so it is nice when I do go out of my way to pick something out for them. I know that after they tear open the wrapping paper they will be appreciative of the present no matter the size or value of it.

I am appreciative and excited when I get a gift no matter the size.

Sometimes a small gift is nice to get though. I have to say there is nothing like receiving a gift and tearing open the wrapping paper. Either way if the gift is big or small, I am always considerate and appreciative of what I got.

No matter how you choose to give to others during the holiday season, remember there is nothing like making the person you are giving to happy by giving them something they will appreciate.

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

So which is better?

Getting money, or getting a gift? I would have to say that giving a gift is better than giving money during the holiday season.

During the holidays when you have to shop for your relatives, age certainly can be an important factor in deciding what to buy. Obviously little kids like to get presents instead of money, and

“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

12.21.16

Changing the face of beauty:

3

Organization aims to increase representation of people with disabilities in advertising

executives, and we potentially created a program Jennifer Munson, a local mother of twins, has to go into those schools to kind of influence them,” one daughter who was diagnosed with down synDriscoll said. drome and one neuro-typical son. With her husband According to Driscoll, every time advertisers working in advertising, Munson quickly developed plan an advertising campaign, they have a list of mi- a great appreciation and passion for the mission of norities that they want to make sure they market. the Changing the Face of Beauty Campaign and She strives focused on to have the bringing the disabled campaign communiand its headty added to shot clinics that list. to the DePeople troit area. who do not “Aspects KATIE DRISCOLL | Head of the Changing the Face of Beauty Campaign have exof it and getposure to anyone within the disability community ting to meet so many wonderful families and their tend to think of pity, which limits the community amazing kids, it’s promoted a great deal of advocacy a great deal, Driscoll said. Through the message of on our part,” Munson said. “It’s made us advocate Changing the Face of Beauty, the campaign aims to more vocally for representation in the media and it alter such common perceptions and open the eyes helps us organize for others to do the same.” of the public to their message and such conversaAccording to Munson, she had not originally tion. thought about how inclusion and representation in “They (people with disabilities) are not looked the media could impact the peers of children with at as being human and that’s a problem,” Driscoll cognitive disabilities. said. “We’re looking to work with one of the most Within the district, Changing the Face of Beauinfluential voices of the world, and that is advertis- ty could help to open hearts and minds because in ing. The biggest obstacle is basically changing that a district that has not traditionally included those perception of what that disability community looks with cognitive impairments in terms of classrooms, like.” there is a culture of segregation, Munson said.

The disability community is a minority in our “I think because there are still a lot of people who world and they deserve an inclusion in the advertis- aren’t on board. Changing the Face of Beauty is just ing voice, Driscoll said. one of the ways we can help them see that inclusion “We work hard to grab just a percentage of that matters and that our children have just as much a advertising voice so more people understand that right to be a part of our community and our schools we’re talking about the largest minority in the world as other children,” Munson said. right now and it’s not okay to look at them as ‘unAccording to Maureen Bur, director of secondary able’,” Driscoll said. “There (are) a lot of people with- instruction for the Grosse Pointe School District, in the disability community that are able.” the district’s aim is to give everyone a face whether According to Driscoll, the campaign is currently it be in the newsletter, emails or other forms. traveling the country, organizing headshot clinics “I think it is a great opportunity to continue to and giving aspiring models the opportunity to help put the spotlight on (the fact) that we may have difjumpstart a modeling career. They do their hair and ferences in the way we learn and the way we look, makeup, and take five quality headshots they can but from the inside we are all ready and wanting to take to town firms. be part of the Grosse Pointe Schools community,” “We believe that this is one of the quickest ways Bur said. we can penetrate the advertising industry by proAccording to Bur, even if someone does have viding stock imagery,” Driscoll said. special needs, they are a Grosse Pointe student, and Many town firms say no to people with disabili- the district focuses on making sure the communities because of their lack of requirements. They have cations that go out are representative of the student been pushing for these corporations to involve the body. community in their advertising message, Driscoll “One of the things I love about Grosse Pointe is said. my experience with students and staff,” Bur said.

“We started off in Chicago and we’re moving “We look at kids and we embrace their strengths across the country,” Driscoll said. ‘We have about and we look for ways to help them overcome any six or seven countries that are wanting to bring struggles they may have,” Bur said.

Change of The Face of Beauty to their country, the Driscoll said she is talking about the largest misame message to their advertising that there is value nority in the world and a minority that does not disin the disability community.” criminate, talking about putting that minority onto Jennifer Munson, who is also involved in the the diversity checklist, and talking about change campaign, said she finds joy in what can be cap- and change for all. Her mission is to reach equal tured and portrayed through pictures. She attended treatment like this both in schools and out. a headshot clinic at Belle Isle along with other metro “I hope someday they won’t need us to have this Detroit families, where she met Driscoll. conversation anymore,” Driscoll said.

“I almost forgot that beautiful pictures were going to be coming out of it. So when those started showing up in my newsfeed it was jaw-droppingly satisfying,” Munson said.

We started off in Chicago and we’re moving across the country.

BEAUTY IN DISABILITIES | A young girl with a disability is included in an advertisement. Changing the Face of Beauty advocates the acceptance of children with disabilities.

PHOTO USED WITH PERMISSION WWW.CHANGINGTHEFACEOFBEAUTY.ORG JACQUELINE MERCIER AND SARAH BELLOVICH was on her own perception, and she could distinBOTH ‘19 | Staff Writers guish that final link. Driscoll said she believed that atie Driscoll, a photographer, is a mother through the power of media they could make that of five boys. She received a prenatal diag- key link to push for inclusion of those with a disnosis of down syndrome for her daughter ability.

Grace, and immediately thought of the Changing the Face of Beauty was created to adcheerleader Becky Jackson from Glee, played by vocate the acceptance of children with disabilities Lauren Potter. It was an image of hope, a hope that through inclusion in advertisements, as it is beher daughter would have opportunity, she said. lieved by Driscoll that this is where the acceptance “I want independence; I want the opportunity of society begins, she said. for employment, everything my sons have in their The organization has been around for about five future,” Driscoll said. “Who knows if she’s going to meet those goals, but I want the doors open for her.”

She found that voice for her daughter in advertising. Three years ago, the Changing the Face of BeauKATIE DRISCOLL | Head of the Changing the Face of Beauty Campaign ty Campaign started with Driscoll and today, they are a sustainable, nonprofit years and has influenced over 100 companies. With organization that has created an educational pro- large-scale companies in mind, Driscoll hopes they gram for schools. will follow in the footsteps of Nordstrom and regu“As a parent of a child with a disability, I don’t larly represent the disabled community in their adstand alone,” Driscoll, founder and president of vertisements. According to Driscoll, the end goal of the campaign, said. “We work very hard, from the the organization is to promote acceptance of those minute they’re born-- we start working on indepen- involved through education to those around them. dence and pushing them to be as good as all of you, “We obviously understand that we can’t change if not better. What are we working for? What is the the face of beauty if we don’t have the future on future?” board and we believe the students in high school She came to realize how profound the media and college are the next generation of advertising

K

As a parent of a child with a disability, I don’t stand alone.

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FEATURE

4

12.21.16

Studying slip-ups

JACK ROMA ‘17 | Staff Writer

Studying is an important part of succeeding academically, and is a way to get ahead in anything students do. Though studying can be a very simple thing to people, there are actually many types of distractions that keep students from fully processing the information. Here are 5 studying don’ts that need to be avoided.

Studying with your phone

Studying with Netflix or your TV

If your phone is constantly going off and you are constantly checking it, a half an hour of effective studying can turn into two hours of Youtube videos playing which doesn’t benefit you. Social media falls under this category as well.

This is a bad technique for studying because again it is an easy distraction and you will absorb little knowledge. Instead of watching the same episode of Friends five times in a row, no matter how great of a show it is, turn off the TV for at least a half an hour and focus on your studies.

Studying while eating

Studying in bed When studying, the place you choose to study is important, as stated above. This includes your bed.

After about 10 minutes into your study session, fatigue can overcome you and it is not uncommon to fall asleep. Studying in a well-lit place and sitting in a chair can optimize your studying potential.

Though this seems a bit ridiculous, it is true.

Having a bowl of chips or any kind of snack in front of you can be just as distracting as having the TV on. The focus of your time does not go completely to the study topic, but also your hunger and the snack you have.

How to get an “A” at South

CLAIRE KOEPPEN ‘19 | Copy Editor Whether it’s a reading quiz or a final, we can all use the “A” grade on our assessments. Follow these easy tips and getting the “A” you want will be simpler than ever.

CLAIRE Get organized, and stay organized.

KOEPPEN ’19 Having a designated place to do homework can help you to focus and COPY EDITOR get your homework done in a shorter time period. According to kidshealth.org, having a quiet workspace to complete schoolwork can help your brain to know that you’re there to finish your homework and will help you to focus faster. Keeping different classes organized in different binders and folders can also aid you by reducing lost papers and keeping messy backpacks to a minimum.

Explore different studying methods.

Some people can look at a study guide once, know all the material, and still get an “A,” but for others, it might take hours to study to earn that 4.0 GPA. Finding different resources can greatly improve one’s study habits and make studying as pain-free (and as non-boring) as possible. Watching educational YouTube videos, such as Khan Academy or Crash Course while taking notes can help to learn objectives in detail and make understanding material more enjoyable. Quizlet is also a good method of studying for some.

However, one should know that it usually works best when learning foreign languages, as opposed to math courses.

MY VIEW

Put distractions away.

Putting devices, such as your phone, away is one of the best ways to get focused. According to beyondbooksmart.com, students who put away their phones and other distractions away while doing their homework had (on average) a higher grade point average than students that used devices to take breaks while completing their schoolwork. In addition, students who had set methods of studying had a higher GPA as well.

Take breaks.

Though studying is obviously a must to get a good grade on a test, one shouldn’t cram for a test or study for hours on end. According to faculty.bucks.edu, a student should study for about 45 minutes and then take a break. This is because after the 45 minute mark, the student begins to lose focus. During breaks, play a game on your phone or stretch. Try not to go on social media, as going on for only five minutes can be difficult and turn into a much longer break than necessary.

Eat well and work out.

Forming healthy habits and exercising can be beneficial and help one to get the “A” they want. According to livestrong.com, switching to a lifestyle with healthy foods can help test scores for students. Working out can also impact your test scores and your overall grades. Taking breaks and working out is a great way to destress and clear one’s mind. In addition, creating a healthy lifestyle can give students the energy boost they need before testing. destress and clear one’s mind. In addition, creating a healthy lifestyle can give students the energy boost they need before testing.

Q & A with, Daniel Cullen ’18, South student with ACT highscore EVAN SKAFF ‘18 | Staff Writer When did you start preparing for your ACT? “I didn’t actually have a ton of prep. I signed up for the test and bought the official prep guide, but I hadn’t gotten around to looking at it much yet because it was my first time taking it. It was supposed to help me see what tests I need to practice and then really start going over things, but I guess I don’t really need it anymore.”

Who helped you prepare?

“I guess my teachers and the schools in general. The ACT was pretty much the same thing as the SAT prep we do. Then the PSAT is like the exact same type of test.”

Did you take the ACT or SAT? “ACT, but in class we do SAT prep, and then taking the PSAT was very similar which helped as well.”

Which test was harder? The SAT or ACT? “I think the ACT is naturally harder. The PSAT is prep for the actual SAT, which I think would be more on level with the ACT, but I don’t know because I haven’t taken it yet. ACT is definitely the hardest (test). The ACT is the hardest standardized test I’ve taken.”

Did you feel like you got a 36?

“I felt pretty good about it, I’m not sure if I was thinking to myself, ‘Oh you got a 36,’ but I definitely thought I did pretty well. I just wasn’t sure because they always try to trick you on this test so you never know if you’re falling into it or not. I definitely felt pretty good about it.”

Were any sections easier?

“I thought that math was pretty easy. I think the stuff I do in my regular math classes is much harder than what I did on the test. The hardest part in general was pacing. Math and science were my best sections. The English parts were 35s. It just averaged out.”

Do you have any strategies?

“I have always been with standardized tests, even back in elementary schools with NWEA I remember. All the the things our teachers tell us, the random test taking strategies; I don’t do much different than that, I guess it just clicked for me when I was actually taking it.”

Is it true that you have to retake it?

“I have not been told I have to. From what I’ve heard, my guess is that it’s if you literally get every question right. My understanding is that the ACT company, they haven’t had me retake it. My guess is that the reason to talk about it is that if you get every question right, they make you retake it to make sure you didn’t cheat. I didn’t have to do anything like that.”

What about scholarship money?

“I don’t know. I’ll find out later when I’m applying to school. I would hope so, I feel like it ought to. According to my counselor, he said it probably will.”

PHOTO BY JACK HOLME ’17

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What does this do for your college options?

“I haven’t thought about it a ton yet. I’m thinking about U of M because my brother goes there and I know it’s a good school, but I definitely have some looking around to do. This definitely opens up a ton of options, that’s for sure. Possibly Ivy Leagues-- I really have no clue.”

Arabic Culture Club gives opportunity to see the world MARY GRACE O’ SHEA ‘17 | Staff Writer he Arabic culture club was created last year as an addition to South’s diversity clubs, giving those who want to be educated on the topic a chance to learn about it.

“The club started just last year in the fall,” Amelia Abouljoud ’18 said. “It is a way to discuss the issues surrounding this topic instead of fighting over them.”

As a major worldly political issue, the discussions about the Arab culture are something students must have, Sarah Ashkar ’18 said. The main reason for the creation of the club is to educate people against the prejudice stereotypes of this culture.

“Amelia started this last year because there is a lot of tension going on in the world and we just wanted to make people educated on the good things about the Arab culture,” Ashkar said. “The more people know about a topic, the more they are going to be educated about it and they are then going to understand it, bringing about better discussion.”

Within South, there are not many opportunities to talk about cultures normally in class, Danielle Peck, English teacher and club adviser said.

“The two of the leaders that came to me about starting this club are both of Arab-American descent,” Peck said. “If you think about it, there are not many times where we talk about our heritages and our cultures in a structured way in school, so it is a place for people who might identify as (Arab-American), to have a place to talk about it.”

The club has also given an opportunity for students of other values to join and learn through intelligent conversation about the Arab-American culture, Peck said.

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GRAPHICS BY ERYKAH BENSON ‘17

General prejudices of the Arabic culture increase as people, specifically students, become more alert to the world’s issues and start to grow opinions, Abouljoud said.

“I faced discrimination for my culture a little bit when I was younger, towards my family especially when we were hanging out with other kids and such, but I feel like I have faced it more in high school,” Abouljoud said. “Kids are more aware of what is going on in the world and they know what is happening, so then, they think that all Arabs must be terrorists because of 9/11 and events such as this. They know everything.”

The type of students who are wary of the culture, and have questions regarding it are exactly the students the club needs, Peck said. The club is open to all students who are willing to join.

“We welcome students of all persuasions,” Peck said. “We need diversity to speak on the topic.”

A fundraiser with proceeds being sent to an organization assisting child refugees in Iraq held captive by ISIS was just held by the club, Abouljoud said. The donations go toward giving the children food, toys and supplies.

“We do mainly fun things in the club, because I think that the uplifting side is just learning about the culture,” Abouljoud said. “Almost every meeting, one person from the club will make a PowerPoint about something from the Arabic culture that they have learned through something like the Internet or news, for example. Last year, we went on a field trip to the Arab-American museum.”

Meetings are every other Thursday at 7:15 a.m. in Ms. Peck’s room.

FEATURE

12.21.16

5

A YEAR IN REVIEW Election

Captain America: Civil War

iPhone 7

Harambe Zika

Flint Water Crisis

Vladimir Putin Suicide Squad Deadpool Dallas Virtual Reality Glasses Obama’s last year Bashar American Pharoah ChiGo Colin Kaepernick Police Shooting al-Assad Orlando Shooting Clowns RIP cago Cubs Vine Finding Dory Hurricane Matthew Simone Philando CasDetroit Biles Water bottle flip tile Colin Rose Tigers Lemonade: Beyonce Drake: HIV cure Views Gene Wilder Brexit Zootopia Moana Stranger Things close Ryan Lochte Year of the Monkey Hillary Clinton Self-driving Prince The Weeknd: Starboy cars Nancy Slither.io J Cole: 4 your eyes only Lin-Manuel Reagan Aleppo Rogue Kid Cudi: Passion, Pain, Miranda Hoverboard Scalia One David Bowie and Demon Slayin’ recall Gaza The Jungle Mohamed Ali Alan Rickman Brussels Detroit Public School Sick-ins Usain Bolt transgender Book movie Zootopia bombings Hamilton Dylann Roof Refugees Alton Sterling Michael Phelps bathrooms DNC/RNC Castro Brazil soccer team

Rio 2016 Pokémon

Donald Trump

DAPL

Local hotspot: CORKTOWN Nearby places to shop, eat, and explore H

ello Records has got to be the best place for anyone looking for vintage vinyl. I’m no expert by any means, but Hello Records has a huge selection (for such a tiny store) of everything from jazz and rock n’ roll to 80s punk, indie and techno.

The cramped shop is jam-packed with crates, shelves and stacks of records, but despite it all, is still organized and offers a huge selection and variety. It’s important to add that Hello Records wouldn’t be what it is without its staff. They’re friendly and happy to help whether you’re looking for something specific, something new, or just having a look around. The best part is, they really know what they’re talking about. Hello Records buys and sells all things music related, vinyl, posters and memorabilia. They’ve got a pretty good turnover, so there’s something new and unique anytime you visit, all for a fair price. Check out Hello Records on facebook or visit www.hellorecordsdetroit.com online for more information.

Astro Coffee

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Hello Records

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stro Coffee is the perfect place to stop for a hot coffee, cocoa or tea on a cold winter afternoon. Astro sources their coffee bean roasts from a variety of roasters all around the country. Their menu changes regularly, depending on what’s available from where and when, but no matter when you visit or what you order, it will always be delicious.

Astro also serves a selection of sandwiches and baked goods made in store with locally sourced organic produce. Astro Coffee’s adorable home-y feel, with beautifully intricate chalk art on the walls, mismatched chairs and tables and a couple plants make it the perfect place to escape the snow and warm up inside and out. Check out ASTRO COFFEE on Facebook or www.astrodetroit.com online for important info in hours and products.

ohn K. King’s Used and Rare Books is the biggest bookstore in Michigan, a sign outside says it’s the number 2 bookstore in the world, and is included in Bob Eckstein’s “FOOTNOTES* From the World’s Greatest Bookstores” in 2016. Established in 1965, King’s Books soon outgrew its small storefront, and in 1983, moved into the four story, 26,192 square foot building at 901 West Lafayette, formerly the Advance Glove factory. Saying you could get lost among the shelves at King’s is no exaggeration, the employees literally hand you a map when you walk in the door. But fear not, the staff is always around to help you find what you’re looking for. King’s prices are fair and typically pretty low.

For me, a visit to king’s books is about more than just the books, it’s about exploring all the floors and rooms and aisles and shelves and crates, standing under the dim, flickering florescent lights, thumbing through the yellowing pages of some ancient book. A visit to Kings is any booklovers dream. Check out @officialjohnkingbooks on Facebook or visit www.rarebooklink.com online for more information.

John K. King’s Used and Rare Books

Mercury Burger and Bar

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ercury Burger and Bar, located on the corner of Michigan Ave. and 14th Street in the heart of Corktown, Detroit’s oldest surviving neighborhood. Mercury has become a favorite in Detroit not only for its burgers, but for its fun, laid back atmosphere and vintage flair. The restaurant has a huge variety of burgers to choose from, everything from a classic lettuce, tomato, pickle and onion burger to seasonal specials like the Rudy, a reindeer venison burger, and even an “Eastern Market” black bean burger and the portobello burger for the vegetarians in your life. If burgers aren’t your thing, check out the sandwich, coney dog and soup/salad options on the menu. A side of fries to share is always a good idea, especially when they’re fried to perfect crispness in lard and seasoned or smothered with chili and cheese. Top it all off with a milkshake for dessert.

Check out Mercury Burger Bar on Facebook or mercuryburgerbar.com online for more about Mercury.

INFORMATION & PHOTOS GATHERED

BY AUDREY WHITAKER ’19

DECK TH FEATURE

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Pro Tips to Gift Giving

JACQUI MERCIER ‘19 |Staff Writer

S’WELL WATER BOTTLES Water bottles are a great gift option for pretty much everybody, but especially for athletes and moms. A popular brand are S’well water bottles. They come in a wide variety of different patterns, colors and sizes. They are well known for keeping beverages both warm and cold for long periods of time. A mid sized, 17 ounce bottle costs $35 and can be purchased online.

FRAMED PHOTO A framed picture of a family member or a close friend and you is both sentimental and inexpensive. Be sure to choose a picture that brings back fond memories and you’re sure to place a smile on their face. Between printing a photo and purchasing a frame, this gift can cost anywhere from $5 to about $20 depending on the quality of the frame.

Do y Tree

CHARGING PHONE CASES Charging phone cases are perfect for anyone on the go and for anyone who loves technology. They can be purchased at places such as Best Buy or Apple. Depending on the brand of the case purchased, they can cost anywhere from $50 to $100. Although one of the more expensive gift options, it’s sure to satisfy just about anybody.

SPORTS JERSEYS A great gift option for teenage boys and sports fans of all ages are sports jerseys and apparel. Whether it’s for a college or professional team, if you purchase an item representing one of their favorite teams or athletes this becomes a sentimental and fun gift they’re sure to love. Depending on what is purchased, prices can vary widely, but can be as low as $15 for something like a T shirt.

POM-POM KEY CHAINS Fur key chains have become extremely popular among many women, and are a sure to please, relatively inexpensive gift.

Some places to purchase them include Express, Nordstrom, or locally at Girly Girl salon. Depending on size and where it’s purchased, these can cost anywhere from $10 to $50.

PHOTOS BY JACQUI MERCIER ‘19

WHAT TO BINGE WATCH ON NETFLIX Snuggling up with a nice cup of hot chocolate and your favorite Netflix show is the epitome of wintertime. Here are some great shows to binge watch on Netflix over winter break.

BIANCA PUGLIESI ‘19 |Copy Editor GOSSIP GIRL With drama at every turn, Gossip Girl is a classic story of rich kids living in the Upper East Side. The show features many popular actors, including Blake Lively and Chace Crawford, and Netflix has all of its six seasons.

ONE TREE HILL One Tree Hill follows two half-brothers through high school aand beyond. An iconic story of family struggles and life lessons, you can expect an emotional journey. One Tree Hill made its run from 2003 through 2011, and has nine seasons.

FRIENDS If you are looking for quick episodes, but a laugh every time you watch, Friends is the binge show for you. The show follows six friends, Joey, Chandler, Rachel, Monica, Ross and Phoebe as they navigate life in New York City. The show ended in 2003 and Netflix has all 10 seasons available.

BLOODLINE A show with only two seasons, Bloodline is a perfect binge-watching choice for amateurs.

But don’t fret, every single episode will keep you wanting more. This Netflix original follows a corrupt family with a resort in the Florida Keys.

THE OFFICE The Office is a must-binge, quirky comedy with hilarious characters that is a great portrayal of daily life in a crazy office job. Not only does Netflix have all nine seasons, but also has the British version of the show, if you just can’t get enough.

STRANGER THINGS This popular Netflix original series takes place in the fictional town of Hawkins, Ind. where a local boy disappears and a mysterious girl named Eleven claims to know information about him. Even though the show only has one season so far, it’s a great binge-watching show with mysterious twists in every episode.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WARNER BROTHERS AND THE CW NETWORK

Host f warmt holida

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SARAH STEVENSON ‘19 | very year, South students that sta fore going back approaching, it to feel at home families do as much as the feel as comfortable and at h the Christmas season, acco secretary, Linda Schultz.

According to Schultz, S change students this year, that were at South last sch dents that come to South ar help get students from oth Schultz.

“The organizations that other countries call me. I’m South, and between them ( we make sure we get all o tion,” Schultz said. “The in Mr. Hamka where he will going to be able to come to information is then sent ba According to Schultz, S students to visit their fam that send the students, d travel home. Most of the not travel back home anyw school year.

“I would say if there’s a come from the organizatio to the country in the first would be where the rules k comes in, we’re just more th they get the correct educati Though most exchang home for the holidays, thei porate as much as they can into their Christmas seaso cal education, Stephen Zar exchange students, he and ’17, try to make the studen “Keeping busy is impor can call, text, Skype hom Zaranek said. “We have wo

HE HALLS 7 feature // 6

FEATURE

12.21.16 Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015

The traditional value of REAL TREES MY VIEW

TWITTER POLL @TheTowerPulse

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|Staff Writer h takes in foreign exchange ay an entire school year bek home. With the holidays can be hard for the students in a new country, but host ey can to make the student home as possible throughout ording to Principal Hamka’s

South has three foreign exwhich is low from the nine hool year. The exchange sture sent by organizations that her countries, according to

t help get the students from m kind of the liaison here at (the organizations) and me, of the appropriate informanformation is then given to approve that the student is o South. Then copies of that ack to the organization.”

South allows the exchange milies, but the organizations don’t always allow them to exchange students tend to way due to timing during the

a restriction on it, it would on that have brought them t place,” Schultz said. “That kind of follow. Where South he academic or making sure ion that they need.” ge students decide to stay ir host families try to incorn of the student’s traditions on. According to the physiranek, who has hosted three his daughter Mira Zaranek nts feel at home. rtant and knowing that they me at any time does help,” orked hard with all three ex-

change students to make sure that Christmas is a time of love, support, some new traditions and the combining of both of our families.”

Even though the exchange students are away from their families during the Christmas season, Schultz said that she has never had an exchange student ask or tell her that they want to go home or that the miss their family.

“They are well taken care of from these host families and I think these families make sure that they have a great holiday or just break and that they get the time they need,” Schultz said.

One of the foreign exchange students, Alex Krcho, a sophomore from Slovakia, said that he is going to contact his family and try as many American holiday foods as possible while also incorporating some of his favorite foods.

“Well, I’m going to probably Skype with my family and I will try your (American) food too,” Krcho said.

“I’m going to try more American style because I’ve had my style all the time. I will try to do all of the recipes from my country.”

Krcho’s host family is also trying to make Alex feel the most at home with some of his home country’s holidays with incorporating Dec. 6, which in Slovakia is Mikulás (St. Nicholas) day.

“Today...my host brothers put three packages (out) and chocolate and other stuff like sweets because we have that in my country,” Krcho said.

Krcho also said that even though he is staying in the U.S. for the holidays, he doesn’t miss his family as much as the other foreign exchange students do.

“It is important to (have the exchange student talk with their family). Sometimes this triggers sad emotions, but it has been important to stay in close touch,” Zaranek said. “Skyping has been perfect for this.”

Zaranek also said that the students that do decide to come to another country are brave and he feels honored to host some of them.

“When someone has chosen to come to another country with no choice on where or with whom, it is pure bravery,” Zaranek said. “These are special young men and women and they possess the gift of adventure and curiosity that is rare at such a young age.”

It often feels like Christmas becomes more commercialized PIPER each year. ShopESCHENBURG ’18 ping now only STAFF WRITER takes the click of your mouse, but one tradition should never change -using a real Christmas tree as the backdrop to your holiday home.

Although a real Christmas tree requires daily watering, it is the ultimate symbol of the Christian holiday.

American people have made a tradition out of owning a real tree. Whether it be decorating it with family or cutting it down with loved one, a real tree never fails to please anyone at Christmastime.

According to the American Christmas Tree Association, 80 percent of American households will bring a tree into their home during the holidays.

While there is an allure to fake trees, certain qualities of a real tree are unmistakable and unable to be replicated, such as the smell, pine, sap and the memories that come with it. It can conjure up memories of past Christmases, sledding and the winter season as a whole.

A spray-on scent on a faux tree cannot evoke the

same sense of peacefulness that is rooted in the idea of a Christmas tree and the holiday season.

Whether a person is pro-faux or pro-live Christmas tree, the scent has always been an integral part of the holiday season, shown by the increased production of pine scented candles, room sprays, lotions and so on that are made during the Christmas season.

A large reason that people may justify the decision of buying a fake tree is the belief that it is eco-friendly, but this is not the case.

Dartmouth’s sustainability website debunked the myth around the environmental impact of fake trees, saying, “Most artificial trees are produced in China and made with PVC, a material that releases the toxic chemical dioxin during production and that cannot be recycled in most municipal recycling programs.”

Many may also believe that Christmas trees are a large reason for deforestation, but in fact real trees are raised on a farm the same way that wheat or corn is and does not actually ever contribute to deforestation.

Artificial trees may have come a long way in recent years, but it’s still evident by sight and smell that their benefits pale in comparison to the natural beauty of their living counterparts.

While an artificial tree sounds better in theory, it cannot stand up to real trees in practice.

The quick fix with FAKE TREES R e s e arc h e r s of AAFA (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America) reMIA TURCO ’19 leased 50 million STAFF WRITER people in the world have nasal allergies, a number that continues to increase.

Though picking out and chopping down a real tree may be festive and traditional, it affects more people than one my think, considering how many places a tree may pass. One may stand their tree up in their family room, where it may remain for the duration of the month. However, to move that tree from point A to B, one has to take it through the cashier, road, car, and through the house. And even after that, needles constantly fall and spread throughout the house and leave with visitors. Even if a family member doesn’t possess an allergy, outsiders can be affected just as much.

A tree is a great way to decorate a house and contribute to the holiday festivity, but the maintenance may outweigh the image. For most christmas trees, it's required to hold a gallon of water in the stand at a time. WIKIHow also lists vacuuming around one’s tree as a daily ritual. The caretaking of a tree may be

MY VIEW

compared to that of a pet, so though the lights and ornaments create a festive scene, the maintenance may overway.

Christmas trees, themselves, are a popular, American tradition. The decoration and ornament giving that comes along with the trees are classic, though the actual need of an alive tree is debatable. One may enjoy the cutting down and caretaking of a natural tree, though it’s not eco friendly, nor an easy task to maintain ontop of all other holiday madness. NCTA released that 25 to 30 million christmas trees are chopped and sold every year. In a world of increasing deforestation, the issue of the environment is important to consider when choosing a tree type. Though cutting down a tree may be essential to one’s entire tradition, the switch to an artificial will require less maintenance for you and harm to the Earth.

Christmas trees are a holiday tradition for many, especially in the United States. The festivities of picking out and cutting down a tree may be a celebratory custom, but the obstacles of allergies, caretaking, and staying eco friendly come into play when deciding between real and artificial for one’s holiday tradition.

Both the environment, and those affected by allergies, may pursue the nation to test a different custom this year.

RED, HOT CUP TRADITION ARIANNA PAGENETTE ’18 | Staff Writer A Starbucks tradition since 1997, Tthis year for the first time Starbucks red cups will be created and designed by Starbucks customers, after the Starbucks tradition of red holiday cups since 1997.

Customers created 13 designs released on Nov. 10 according to Starbucks.

Sharon Rothstein global chief marketing officer stated on Starbucks “hope this year's red holiday cup designs express the shared spirit of the holidays as told by our customers.”

Last year there had been accusations thatabout the red cup theme was removing Christmas; hoverver, according to Madison Griffin ‘18 didn’t think that it was entirely true.

“In my opinion I don’t think they meant any harm by it,” Griffin said.

Griffin is happy about this year's Starbucks red cup design and loves the festive spirit it brings.

“My favorite is the one of the snowflake surrounding the lady, they are all really cute,” Griffin said.

PHOTO BY KATHERINE BIRD ‘18

SPORTS

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Mixed feelings on gender norms for girls hockey promotes healthly conversation off the ice

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BIANCA PUGLIESI ‘19 | Copy Editor irls have to deal with a lot, on and off the ice.

According to the NHL, the number of women and girls playing hockey in the United States has only amplified since 1990, from 10,000 women to over 65,500 in 2012.

However, many girl ice hockey players believe that they experience gender stereotyping and sexism because they play hockey.

“I just feel that there is less opportunity for girls to succeed in hockey, because the Women’s National Hockey League only has four teams, whereas the National Hockey League, which is for men, has 30,” Nicole Sceglio ’19, a member of South’s girls hockey team, said.

Chris Booth, history teacher at South and head coach of the South girls hockey team, agrees that the sport’s audience favors boys rather than girls.

“My perception is that girls don’t get flack. They don’t get any negative response from kids here at the school, in terms of being a girl hockey player, but I would tell you that the school doesn’t regard our girl hockey players,” Booth said. “They don’t put them in the same category as our guys hockey team, because they would say, ‘Well, it’s probably not as exciting, there’s not any hitting.’”

Skye Keith ’17, another player for South’s team, believes that girl hockey players aren’t held to the same regard as boys are.

“It’s not that big of a deal, but a lot of people think that the boys are way better at playing hockey. People always go to the guys’ games over the girls’ games and stuff like that,” Keith said.

Maria Di Cresce ’18, who plays hockey for Detroit Belle Tire AAA, said she doesn’t see any stereotyping, but that people are just surprised she plays.

“I do not really face gender stereotypes because I play hockey, (but) some people are surprised that a girl plays hockey. However it’s rare to get that reaction,” Di Cresce said.

Anna Mary Moody ’19, who also plays for the girls hockey team at South, thinks that gender stereotyping is over.

“I don’t think that (gender stereotyping) is a problem now, just because it’s 2016 and we are kind of past gender roles,” Moody said.

Even though some players like Moody and Di Cresce believe that gender stereotyping may not occur, there is still a large gap between the amount of male and female players in the United States.

According to USA Hockey, there were 463,428 male players and only 69,744 females during the 2014-2015 season in the United States, for any team.

Sceglio believes there are more male hockey players than female players because of the affordability of hockey.

“I just feel like for some people, it’s not easily affordable, whereas dance is more affordable for girls, and a lot of parents aren’t willing to spend that kind of money on girls,” Sceglio said.

Keith agrees with the expense aspect but also thinks that it is because boy players are more popular.

“I think that it’s just that we all grow up watching guys play hockey, like the NHL is all guys and everything, and you don’t see many girls going out for the hockey team, it’s more like they play softball, where it’s less expensive,” Keith said. “We are just used to guys playing hockey more often than girls.”

Even though Moody said she doesn’t experience stereotyping, she thinks there is a reason why more boys play hockey than girls do.

“Hockey is considered a contact sport and maybe people think that guys should play it more,” Moody said.

Booth says he would coach girls and boys in the exact same way.

“I think it’s really important to be positive. At the same time, you can have a stereotype too that girls are little bit more fragile, in a sense that they might not be able to take criticism,” Booth said. “No, I think girls want criticism too. They want to be better hockey players, they want to know why or how they can improve.”

Sceglio said she hopes more girls will become involved in the sport and that more girls will have the opportunity to succeed in hockey.

She helps this effort by volunteering at Point Blank Hockey School on Sunday nights.

“Point Blank Hockey School gives girls the opportunity to play hockey, and girls of all ages, whether it’s young, like three years old, and then we have adults try it too,” Sceglio said. “It’s $10, you get the equipment and you get the ice, and you practice your skating and practice your hockey skills.”

Sceglio said hockey has made her more tenacious.

“Because of hockey, I’ve been a much stronger person and more confident as an individual,” Sceglio said.

Di Cresce said she loves the game and the people she meets while playing.

“I love playing hockey because it’s a fun, alert, quick-paced, physical game. The game is always up for grabs. It’s a sport where each shift, you have to do better than the shift before,” Di Cresce said. “Also, the friends you meet on the team last forever.”

Moody doesn’t let any stereotyping hold her back from doing what she loves.

“I love hockey,” Moody said. “It’s really fun, I like the sport a lot, and it doesn’t really cross my mind that ‘I’m a girl and I can’t play hockey,’ because anyone can do whatever they want.”

Boys basketball goes 2-2 with win over Norsemen SLAMS AND SWOOSHES | Zane Drapper pops a shot in the North South game on Friday to put the Blue Devils ahead. The win puts the Blue Devils at 2-2

PHOTO BY DONALD MCGLONE ’19

DONALD MCGLONE ’19 | Staff Writer Rivalry night, that is the best and only way to describe the atmosphere at the North vs. South Basketball game. With fans shouting both vulgarity and encouraging one could tell quickly this would be an exciting basketball game.

There was a definite tension in the room throughout the first half as both teams did battle not only with each other but with the heavy number of fouls called. Both teams played aggressively pushing the other half of the court and forcing turnovers.

Although both teams were playing like men possessed the first half remained close with North only having a slim lead which could be attributed to the large number of fouls called on south in the first half. With the score at the half being 24-28 North.

Entering the second half gave new life to Souths defence only allowing four points in the third quarter, while putting up 24 points matching in one quarter what took them half the game.

With Michael Braker 17’ making pair three’s and

Noah Davey 17’ having an excellent performance helped to propelled the stagnating offense in the second half. South would continue to dominate North up until the final minutes of the fourth, but this last minute effort had few admirers left seeing as the north crowd began to clear out with 4:18 left on the clock.

In the last two minutes of the game the South stands began to sing Silent Night in celebration of there almost assured victory over North. With the game nearing a close the satisfaction in the crowed was clear as they swarmed the court after the buzzer to celebrate the win.

“I thought are kids were just very anxious and they played out of the system and were just too excited,” varsity coach Troy Glasser said.

With the final score coming out to be 54-48 South the Blue Devils ended their Friday by beating north in both Hockey and Basketball.

Blue Devils mercy North 8-0 in beginning of third period EMMA ANDREASEN ’17| Multi-media Editor The women’s hockey team played Grosse Pointe North Thursday, mercying them at the beginning of the third period. The final score was 8-0 with a shut out from goalie Bridget Donaldson ’17.

“We worked very well as a team, and it’s always exciting to beat our rival team,” Donaldson said.

The team has a goal to beat North again in the upcoming week.

“Our goal is just to do it all again and keep playing like we did last time,” Donaldson said.

The team’s goals further along in their season is to beat their biggest rivals Mercy and Ladywood, and ultimately win states Donaldson said. With the competition so unmatched from North, the team was able to get more of their line up in.

“New players got to play which was really exciting because we are really focused on the team growing as a whole and working together. It’s the only way to keep our tradition of success going,” Donaldson said.

Overall, the girls were unselfish, they were always looking to make that extra pass, and the defense stayed active, specifically the goalie Coach Chris Booth said.

“Bridget Donaldson is probably our MVP so far this year.

She has really brought her game to a whole new level and is playing unbelievably, earning a shutout against North,” Booth said.

For the upcoming North game, the goal will be to get even more new players getting playing time in, as well as keeping the team concentrated on playing a clean game Booth said.

“The focus when playing, I’m sorry to say, inferior competition, is you have to make sure you don’t fall into bad habits, as well as getting a few girls into the lineup who deserve it,” Booth said.

The success of the game stemmed from the aggressive offense and strong defense captain Lauren Kramer ‘18 said.

“Our forwards and defence both played a solid game which helped lead us to win against North,” Kramer said.

The entire team is working hard to play well together and really click as a team, no matter who is on the ice. They are using games against weaker competition to focus on skills that will help them in tougher games, like remaining aggressive in front of the net, Kramer said.

“We kept shooting pucks at the net and got the rebounds.

We are working on making sure we are in front of the net to screen the goalie,” Kramer said.

SNIPES AND SHUTOUTS| Above: Carson Dennis ’17 and teammates celebrate after a goal. Below: Shannon McKenna ’17 stares down an opponent varsity hockey goalie Bridget Donaldson ’17 records a shut out against North.

PHOTO BY EMMA ANDREASEN ’17

BODY BREAKDOWN:

Athletes that cross-train, play multiple sports are less prone to injury throughout the season

ARIANNA PAGENETTE‘18 |Staff Writer At 3:05 p.m. athletic trainer Rochelle Mazurek is prepared with foam rollers, tape and pre rap to help athletes perform to their full potential.

Grace Foster ’18, a two-season varsity athlete goes to the training room regularly to foam roll and perform a variety of stretches. Foster tries to prevent injuries and stay in shape by training throughout the year.

“I train year round for basketball, shooting everyday along with lifting weights,” Foster said.

Three sport athletes are less likely to be injured than someone who focuses on only one sport, Mazurek said. Cross training is important for athletes to help all muscles become developed and not over develop just one muscle group.

“Cross training has many benefits, including better overall balance and biomechanics,” Mazurek said.

Mazurek said that for athletes who are about to head into their season coming off of the break season, it is suggested that it is done gradually to help the athletes’ body become in tune to the demands of the new sport. Foster knows that heading into basketball season will result with being sore for the first few practices.

With the weeks leading up to the season, Foster tries to get in the gym more often to prepare.

“The first week is the most difficult, but gets easier as it goes on. Your body just becomes conditioned to it,” Foster said.

During those first few weeks, Foster attends Mazurek’s office daily to foam roll and stretch to help with her body’s new demands as a result of the now high activity of one sport, as well as after practice to help her muscles stretch back out.

“A big component I think a lot of young athletes forget about is the cool down process,” Mazurek said.

According to Mazurek, this is a crucial part for athletes to help with recovery of the muscles and prevent simple injuries.

Calyx Turco ’17 swims for South during the fall as well as throughout the summer. With the weeks leading up to the South season, Turco tries to prepare for the season ahead.

“Leading up to the season I go on bike rides and run because once the season starts, you’re in the pool for about three hours,” Turco said.

Turco participated in cross training by doing kickboxing for a year.

“With kickboxing you’re working your core, which can help with some of the strokes, but nothing else really helped,” Turco said. “The thing that’s hard with swim is you’re just in swim shape. You can’t just try and go for a run because you are working different muscles.”

Turco said towards the end of the season athletes participate in taper, where athletes do the same intensity workouts, but less time of the particular exercise.

“It starts to get easier so your body gets used to calming down, so that it doesn’t hurt as bad,” Turco said.

Although swim is a low impact sport, injuries are still an occurrence, and most case a hard setback for the athlete, Turco said.

Having a quick pace season and multiple meets a week can be stressful to find someone to step in for you that meet.

“With one to two meets a week, it’s hard to get someone to fill your slot,” Turco said. “What’s hard with swimming is that if you are injured it’s not something you are able to continue doing, but with this you have to make sure you are still stretching and doing what you can outside the pool.”

The exciting part of Mazurek’s job is that every sport has a different common injury she said. A big part of her job is teaching athlete, whether it is stretched, anatomy or explaining why this injury developed.

“I believe teaching gives the athletes the tools to help recover and return to their sport quick and safe as possible,” Mazurek said.