Issue 15

the

TOWER

Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018 Volume 90 Issue 15 @thetowerpulse thetowerpulse.net

A weekly tradition since 1928

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

Farewell:

South says goodbye to teacher of 24 years

MOUNTAIN TIME DeEtte Reynolds poses in California.

Reynolds taught at South for 24 years.

ELENA RAUCH ’18 Supervising Editor

O

ver 2,000 miles away, a beloved psychology teacher lives out her retirement.

DeEtte Reynolds taught at Grosse Pointe South for 24 years. A few weeks ago, she announced her retirement and has since moved to Nevada with her husband.

Reynolds taught psychology, sociology, and AP psychology, a program she built at South.

“Psychology was a lot more project-based so we were able to do more hands-on stuff, then AP was really nice for me after a while of teaching psychology because it was a lot more challenging to start that class and teach it,” Reynolds said.

Before Reynolds came to South, there was no psychology or AP psychology. Originally, Reynolds only taught psychology, until a student approached her asking about an AP program.

“The (student) did an independent study, and then the word got out, so the next year I had two or three kids that wanted to do it,” Reynolds said.

Meaghan Dunham, a South English teacher, has been a colleague and friend of Reynolds for 24 years. In addition to bonding over the fact that they were the only redheads on staff,

DECA students set sights on states PHOEBE MIRIANI ’18 Copy Editor

S

everal students aspiring to make it in the business world competed in the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) district competition on Saturday, Jan. 13 at Lake Orion High School.

DECA is a business club at South that gives students the opportunity to compete in business-like scenarios and prepares them for future business careers.

Joseph Serventi ’18 has been in DECA for two years and competed in the district competition. Serventi won an award for group business marketing and will be moving onto the states competition, which is held at the COBO Center downtown.

“I got involved because I plan on being a millionaire with Ray. We want a Fortune 500 company by the time I turn 30,” Serventi said.

To qualify for states, students start off by taking a test related to their specific business event, then given a scenario which is judged based on how they would handle that situation.

If a student places high enough and passes the simulation, they are moved onto states, according to Serventi.

John Meier ’18, also scored high enough to advance to the state finals. He has been involved in DECA for two years.

“I joined DECA because I wanted to make new friends and I wanted more followers on Instagram. I also enjoy DECA donuts and business on the side,” Meier said.

States will be held March 9 through 11 at the COBO Center in Detroit where 5,000 students from across Michigan will be competing, according to Serventi. The ultimate goal is to make it to Nationals, which is held in Atlanta.

IMPORTANT DATES jan.

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Charity week restaurant night will be at Red Crown on Wednesday from 5 to10 p.m.

Dunham said, the two and their husbands got along very well and became good friends as couples.

“We were both very dedicated to our jobs, so that was a passionate love we shared,” Dunham said. “We had kids at the same time, and we just clicked.”

Reynolds impacted other teachers at the school as well.

Kendra Caralis, a history teacher whose room was directly next to Reynolds’, had her as a mentor teacher in her first years of teaching, she said.

“A mentor teacher, that’s somebody that helps you adjust to the school, helps you adjust to the community,” Caralis said. “There’s a big learning curve, and she I’ve been so lucky my was always helpful, always whole career to be able answered any question I to teach every day... had.”

Caralis wasn’t the only kids are there, they teacher that was able to want to learn, it’s been learn something from a gift.

Reynolds. Dunham said Reynolds helped her become more politically DeETTE REYNOLDS motivated.

Former Teacher “Her investment in the union and her investment in teachers’ rights made me become more aware and many of us on staff to become advocates for each other,” Dunham said.

John Meier ’18, one of Reynolds’ last students, said Reynolds understood how teenagers’ lives can be stressful and tailored her teaching style to make them as engaged as possible.

“She was able to make psychology interesting,” Meier said.

“Certain topics by themselves would seem boring, but she made it interesting enough so students could retain the information and not just write notes and be done with it.”

Reynolds said the students have had the biggest impact on her out of any aspect of this job. Walking into a classroom full of eager students has been a blessing for her.

“I’ve been so lucky my whole career to be able to teach every day,” Reynolds said. “To walk into a classroom, kids are there, they want to learn, it’s been a gift.”

Not only have the students affected her, but she’s affected them as well. Reynolds said the biggest way she’s impacted South is through the creation and growing of the AP Psychology program.

“I think we had one or two sections the first year we had (AP Psychology) and I’ve taught as many as eight,” Reynolds said.

“Once the class sizes got bigger, I’d been teaching seven for the last couple years. It was my full schedule.”

As much as Reynolds loved her job, having a husband who lived across the country made going back and forth too difficult.

However, she will be remembered at South.

“She makes everyone rise to a higher standard,” Dunham said. “The work she did with the AP program was renowned. She inspired everyone to do more and to be more.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DEETTE REYNOLDS

THAT’S A HIKE Reynolds hikes through the Utah terrain. She started South’s AP Psychology program.

Choir showcases competition routines in concert Thursday

SALUTE Josie Monahan, Elaina Calisi and Coco Henry, all ’20, salute the audience. They are rehearsing for their “Winter Spectacular” which will take place Thursday, Feb. 1.

PHOTO BY ADRIAN DOAN ’19 themed concert like the rest of our stuff is.”

CLAIRE SHEEREN ’20 Pointe Singers choir member Andrew Fleming ’20 is thrilled Copy Editor to show off his hard work and what the choir has been rehearsing South choirs will be performing in the Winter Spectacular all year. concert Thursday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. at the “I’m really looking forward to showcasing Christian A. Fenton Performing Arts Center. stuff, we’re looking to take to competition The concert serves as a way for the choirs because (the number is) really fun,” Fleming We will be previewing to showcase their competition numbers for said.

“It’s a very big culmination of everything to an audience what the first time, according to choir director Chris we’ve been working toward this entire year,” Pratt. They will compete in two competitions in we are going to be Fleming said.

March: Teays Valley Classic in Ohio on March competing with, Brandon added she is looking forward to 3 and Bishop Luers show choir invitational in which I think is really showing the audience what the choir has been Indiana on March 10. working on. cool because it’s not “This is a concert where we debut our “(The concert is) like a 20 minute, straighta themed concert like competition sets, both show choir and concert through set of stuff that we do, and it’s really choir music,” Pratt said. the rest of our stuff is. interesting for audiences to see what we have Choir president and Pointe Singers choir GRACE BRANDON ’18 been working on all year,” Brandon said. member Grace Brandon ’18 is excited for this Pratt said he can’t wait to see how everything concert and likes how it’s different from many comes together in this concert. of the others she has performed in.

“I always enjoy showing off our competition sets and seeing “This is our preview concert for competition,” Brandon said. everything come together, ” Pratt said.

“We will be previewing to an audience what we are going to be Tickets are nine dollars for students and can be purchased competing with, which I think is really cool because it’s not a online at www.GPSouthChoir.org.

feb.

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The North vs South basketball game begins at 7 p.m. at North.

feb.

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The Grosse Pointe South Choir Winter Spectacular starts at 7 p.m. on Thursday.

2 | OPINION

THETOWERPULSE.NET | 1.31.18

The end to a destructive cycle

L

GRAPHIC BY RILEY LYNCH ’18

arry Nassar will spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Never again will he be a free man.

Never again will he be a practicing doctor. And, in turn, never again will he be given an opportunity to molest young girls.

The former United States Gymnastics Team doctor has been sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison for multiple sex crimes, including the sexual abuse of girls as young as six years old. This sentencing followed a 60-year sentence in federal prison for child pornography convictions.

As everyone should, we at the Tower view these acts as deplorable and a disgusting violation of all basic human principles. There is no excuse or justification for the crimes Nassar has committed, and nothing can ever undo the harm he has done.

Seldom are there silver linings in cases such as this. It should be noted, however, that the more than 150 women who came forward to speak against their abuser have demonstrated tremendous bravery that goes beyond measure.

These women-- these silence-breakers-- should be the ones who are highlighted and applauded for their courage. Among those who have testified against Nassar for molestation are Olympic gold medalists Aly Raisman, McKayla Maroney, Gabby Douglas and Jordyn Wieber.

With one in nine girls and one in 53 boys

being sexually assaulted by an adult, according to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), it would be foolish to assume that the people of Grosse Pointe have no experiences with sexual harassment.

Our View Editorial In a survey of 70 people in the South community, 51.4 percent of them said they had been sexually harassed or assaulted. 74.3 percent said they knew someone who had been.

94 South graduates from the class of 2017 began attending Michigan State University (MSU) this past fall, the same institution where Nassar also worked as a doctor and associate professor and preyed on girls. According to the MSU Police Department, Nassar even continued working at the university while being investigated by MSU police and the FBI for sexual assault in 2014. He was cleared, and proceeded to victimize women.

The failure of authorities to come to the conclusion that students and children should not have been allowed one-on-one contact with Nassar is abhorrently unjust and has led to an unimaginable world of pain for his victims and

Tearing the artwork L i f e imitates art. Art is a necessary DANIEL KLEPP ’20 form of Staff Writer h u m a n expression many people do not experience enough on a daily basis. The fact that schools do not prioritize art is somewhat disturbing. Through the way the curriculum is designed, students can evade taking an art class simply by taking an extra year of a language, which is unacceptable.

Art is a diverse idea, and it promotes growth and creative thinking. Students should be allowed to get lost in imagination. Statistically, art increases creative thinking in people, a refreshing change from the constant mind-numbing routine of everyday classes, according to a study by Bowling Green State University Participating in art can also improve academic performance. According to a study by Americans for the Arts, students who participate regularly in the arts are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, to participate in a math or science fair or win an award for writing an essay or poem than students who do not participate.

Exploring art in school can build interests that can be explored after school is over and can last a lifetime.

It is very hard to play most sports for a lifetime, whereas anyone can paint for life; art is not nearly as

MY VIEW

physically taxing as any sport, and can be done almost anywhere, anytime.

Art is so vast that anyone can find something that they appreciate, whether it be music, painting or dance. It invokes a feeling of serenity not many things can replicate, and it is a relaxing state. In a society in which we are always connected to some sort of media, art is a refreshing change, one that is so different from other escapes that we tend to use.

Despite all of this, the district thinks students should not have to take an art class by taking an extra language or science class; this deprives students who would not normally take art of an experience that they would have most likely enjoyed. Students may have hidden talents they may have never discovered had they not tried new things. One will never know if they will like or dislike something if they never try it.

Art defines how developed a culture or civilization is. Art is what separates humans from animals through the ability to express emotion in an abstract manner. If they have mastered all other facets of survival, they turn to art to fill voids in their life. With human evolution, evolution in art follows. Civilization going from cave drawings to Mona Lisa is no coincidence. By not encouraging the progression of art, we are taking a step back.

Art is the ultimate form of human expression.

The district needs to consider making it more of a priority in the student curriculum, as it can only benefit the student body, and create more creatively thinking students.

NEWSPAPER

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SCULPTURES BY RILEY LYNCH ’18 Editor-in-Chief

Liz Bigham* ’18 John Francis* ’18 Online Editor-in-Chief

Henry Aryault* ’19 Grace Reyes* ’19 Associate Editor

Alyssa Czech* ’19 Supervising Editors at Large

Ray Hasanaj* ’18

Supervising Editors

Katherine Bird*, Rachel Harris*, Riley Lynch*, Elena Rauch*, all ’18 Bianca Pugliesi* ’19 Page Editors

Chase Clark*, Kaitlin Nemeh* Cam Smolen*, JD Standish*, all ’18

their families.

According to RAINN, sexual violence can lead to depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and many other mental and physical conditions. Chelsea Markham, one of the girls

Adrian Doan* ’19 Anne Muawad*, Lauren Nemeh*, Maura Shine*, Aidan Walsh*, Elizabeth Wolfe*, all ’20 Copy Editors

Ian Dewey*, Piper Eschenburg*, Phoebe Miriani*, all ’18 Sylvia Hodges* ’19, Elizabeth Flower*, Victoria Gardey*, Claire Sheeren*, Imran Siddiqui*, all ’20 Business Managers

Evan Skaff* ’18 Web Editors

Arianna Pagenette* ’18, Kaitlyn Perkins* ’18, Kathleen Carroll*, Katherine Costello*, Claire Koeppen*, Jacqui Mercier*, Audrey Whitaker*, all ’19 Dominic Dulac* ’20 Multimedia/Social Media Editors

Abigail Due* ’18, Erica Fossee* ’19

Nassar abused, committed suicide in 2009 when she was 23. Her mother, Donna, testified against Nassar on her behalf.

Living in an affluent suburb does not protect everyone from sexual assault. It is uncomfortable to think about, whether you’re a student, teacher or parent, because we all naturally want our friends, family and ourselves to be safe. The problem lies not with the environment and community one lives in, but the society and the habitual culture surrounding rape.

Rape is defined by a lack of consent. But that definition isn’t clear enough if someone doesn’t know what consent is. Consent is the principle that both parties involved in an activity are actively and enthusiastically willing to participate in said act. It’s still not that simple, though-- consent for a sexual interaction can only be given when

both parties are sober and have reached the age of consent, which is 16 in Michigan. Violating this law is considered statutory rape, with punishments ranging from misdemeanors to federal jail time.

We strongly urge readers to look beyond themselves in situations like these. Seeing is not akin to believing, and the absence of a witness to a sexual crime doesn’t mean the crime is invalid or did not occur. Be aware of your surroundings, and look out for each other. Respect the ideals of consent. And above all, never allow yourself to become desensitized to the subject of sexual misconduct. It is not a passing phase. It is not “next-day regret.” It is not a joke. It can break people. It can also make them stronger than they once were. Either way, it is undeniably real.

The Tower offers our full support to victims and survivors of sexual violence and encourage them to come forward if they are willing and able. As a newspaper staff, we are constantly striving to tell the stories of those who feel they do not have a voice. We aim to always spread awareness, and hope that in sharing this editorial we can offer those affected with an outlet and provide insight to others who may be able to prevent assault.

If you or someone you know has faced a situation involving sexual assault, please contact a counselor or the 24/7 RAINN Hotline at (800) 656-4673.

My Seniortitis is so terrible, I didn’t even care enough to write a headline MY VIEW

PIPER ESCHENBURG ’18 Copy Editor

Procrastination is obviously a big part of Senioritis, which is why I am writing this about six hours after it was due at midnight on a Sunday night. As second semester rolls around, I’ve found myself lacking the same motivation I used to possess. Senioritis has hit me hard.

During the last few years, my life revolved around school and my grades. I woke up, went to school, came home, studied, then went to sleep. This was my daily routine and I did only these things because there wasn’t time for anything else, as I was still applying to colleges and hadn’t received a n y

acceptances yet.

Then came the acceptance I cared about.

After I was accepted into the school I wanted to go to, I no longer had to worry about Tower Radio

Alex Acker* ’18 Zachary Heimbuch* ’19 Staff Writers

Margot Baer, Solana Bryson, Blair Cullen, Griffin Jones, Harper McClellan, Caitlin Miller, John Schulte, Lauren Thom, Brennan Zihlman, all ’18 John Bellamy, Sarah Bellovich, Isabella Craparotta, Oliver MacDonald, Allison MacLeod, Olivia Mlynarek, Sarah Stevenson, Arif Ulku, all ’19 Madeleine Allen, Julia Ambrozy, Daniel Klepp, Evelyn Kuhnlein, Charlie Matthews, Kari Ronning, Just-Us Welch, Abigail Wilson, Navya Chamiraju, Brooklyn Northcross, Ava Mitchell, Anna Cornell, all ’20 Eva McCord ’21 Adviser

Kaitlin Edgerton

being deferred from schools and having the college see my first semester grades. In a lot of ways, this has made school more enjoyable.

Senior year, I have been able to take harder classes that I knew I wouldn’t do as well in, as well as classes I actually care more about and find more interesting.

I took classes to learn, not for the grade. School without an overwhelming amount of stress has been a blessing.

Where Senioritis has been an issue for me is the amount of school I have missed. I believe that it is a rite of

passage for every senior to take a couple “mental health days,” meaning a day to sit in bed and binge watch Netflix; I had so many “mental health days” last semester I had to sign a contract promising that I would not miss any more class. I didn’t even know the contracts existed until I was signing it.

In many ways, Senioritis can be harmful to my academic experience in high school, but I think it has enhanced the memories I made at Grosse Pointe South and I will always be able to look back fondly at the time I spent here.

GRAPHIC BY GRIFFIN JONES’18

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THETOWERPULSE.NET | 1.31.18

Community-wide event raises money for local charity throughout the week by fundraising IMRAN SIDDIQUI ’20 Copy Editor

Basketball. Breadsticks. Bracelets. For the first time ever, Grosse Pointe South and North’s Student Associations (SA) came together to host a city-wide fundraiser filled with different events, and it started on Jan. 25 and concludes on Feb. 1.

All the money raised from the event will go towards the “I Love Lucy” foundation. Lucy Loch ’17, a South alum, was diagnosed with stage 3B Hodgkin’s lymphoma. According to Laura Distelrath, adviser of South’s SA, Loch is now healthy and in college. However, her family started a fund at St. John’s hospital in her name. Both schools have a connection to the Loch family, as Clare Loch, Lucy’s sister, is a sophomore at North.

“We are really excited to raise money for this organization that is going to help people in Grosse Pointe. (The charity aids) families trying to help their children get through cancer but struggling financially with extra burdens that come with cancer,” Distelrath said. “South High School has specific events to raise money and North has some events too. We also have some joint events we are doing together.”

According to Alex Harring ’18, the secretary of Grosse Pointe North’s SA, planning for Charity Week began March of 2017. He said a lot of work has gone into this week and he You want to be able hopes stuto look back at your dents will participate high school years and as much as remember you were they can. part of this. “ Y o u ALEX HARRING ’18 want to be able to look back at your high school years and remember you were part of this. There’s no better way to get involved and supporting the cause firsthand,” Harring said. “Don’t be afraid to give things a try, especially since it’s the event’s first year.”

Charity Week consists of many different small events, according to Lucy Burgoyne ’19, who, along with Evelyn Kuhnlein ’20, is chairing Charity Week for South. Burgoyne said the fundraisers kicked off on Thursday, Jan. 25 with a fundraiser at The Hill.

She stressed how these events are for everyone in the community, not just those involved in SA. “Student Association’s goal is to plan and get these events out there,” Burgoyne said. “That way people not in SA can enjoy them.”

According to Burgoyne, on Monday there were Mr. C’s bread sticks sold during lunch, on Tuesday South’s annual senior boys’ Mr. Blue Devil pageant took place. She said on Wednesday both Jersey Mike’s and Red Crown will be donating a portion of their sales to the “I Love Lucy Fund”, and Charity Week draws to an end with the North vs. South

GRAPHIC BY EVELYN KUHNLEIN ’20

basketball game at 7 p.m. when the total amount of money raised will be announced during the game.

“I can’t wait to see the reveal during the basketball game on Thursday,” Burgoyne said. “As it is our first year, we have no idea how much money we are going to make, so that’s exciting. I can’t wait to find out.”

In addition to all those events, according to Distelrath, Charity Week t-shirts will be sold for 10 dollars during both lunches. The shirt functions as a ticket to get into the game as well. Furthermore, the class of 2020 will be selling bracelets for $1 to help

the cause. She said in order to plan such a variety of events a lot of hard work went into Charity Week, and she is ready to see the end result.

“I’m excited to see it all happen and to see how the student body responds. It’s been a lot of work, a lot of time and a lot of planning, but I’m excited to see it all come together for the first time,” Distelrath said. “I want to see what people were excited about and see what things we can improve on in the future.”

According to Burgoyne, the hardest part of planning Charity Week has been not having any prior

3 | NEWS

years to look back on. There is no reference for how Grosse Pointe’s Charity Week should look like. In comparison to Homecoming, Harring said, there is no precedent for how to improve Charity Week.

“Since it’s our first time, I know there’s going to be a lot of bumps in the road,” Harring said. “The most challenging thing is you don’t know where to start.”

All three of them emphasized the importance of community that Charity Week brings.

Charity Week would be After many years of good if it was at North, competition, and Charity Week people are would be good if it was excited to see at South, but really, what will be when we’re together, the outcome of North and the sky is the limit.

South workALEX HARRING ’18 ing together, according to Harring. He added that even as the movement of “One GP” has been pushed, there is still a lot of negative competition between the two high schools.

“I’m looking forward to people seeing the spirit of collaboration between the schools,” Harring said.

“Honestly, Charity Week would be good if it was at North, and Charity Week would be good if it was at South, but really, when we’re together, the sky is the limit.”

As this is the event’s first year, Harring said the primary goal of the event is to set a baseline for future years. He hopes feedback from the schools and community should be helpful in determining what parts of Charity Week are continued and what can be improved upon.

“We want to set the foundation. We want to set a point to rise from,” Burgoyne said. “I’m looking forward to knowing no matter how much money we raise this year, we’ll raise more and more (in the following years).”

According to Distelrath, the ultimate goal of Charity Week is to remind people of what is really important. She said generosity and the spirit of giving should take precedence over homework and trivial high school drama once in awhile.

“I think sometimes we get so wrapped up in our own lives, the immediate things that are on our lists to get done, that sometimes we forget about the important things in life, the bigger picture,” Distelrath said. “I really want South to come together as a school and feel like it’s a part of something bigger by doing something that goes towards such a good cause. I love the idea of our community coming together.”

Follow the events of Charity Week from their Facebook page, and donate to the cause by going to www.gofundme.com/GPilovelucy.

Diversity Den aims to teach acceptance at a young age KARI RONNING ’20 Staff Writer South students and art teachers are taking the initiative to bring diversity into Ferry Elementary School by putting up murals in a bare stairway. According to art teacher Kit Aro, the project, called the Diversity Den, is underway in hopes of having positive effects on young students.

Aro urged her high school students to take this under their own hands, and submit their paintings to Ferry, hoping the opportunity can inspire the young kids.

“I am definitely a teacher who encourages (others) to take advantages of opportunities. I think it’s very wise for young people to take the opportunities that come their way, that’s how they discover who they are,” Aro said.

Aro believes the diverse images on the walls will have many positive effects on the children. According to Aro, the stairway will be a place young children can play in often.

“The idea of having a space for the kids to hang out in and having images in that space will invite and encourage acceptance of one another,” Aro said.

South art student Naomi Ozormoor ’20 agrees. She submitted her artwork knowing it would inspire the elementary students, keeping the project moving and with the hopes to leave her mark on the district.

“I definitely think it’s always good to expose children to diversity early because it prepares their minds for the future and helps how they react in more mature situations when they are exposed to several different types of people,” Ozormoor said.

According to Ozormoor, she brought many elements into her piece, hoping the artwork would encourage the Ferry students to make friends with people from different social groups.

“I incorporated several different people from different social groups and backgrounds,” Ozormoor said. “They are sort of interacting and doing things that they had in common, like relaxing or having certain behaviors that kids would typically do.”

Ferry teacher Sharon Gallacher is passionate about the project she started.

She said she wanted to leave a lasting impact on young students.

“I actually woke up in the middle of the night with the idea of creating an

area in our school that could promote contribute to the positive mental and open up opportunities to learn more and celebrate the diversity of our Fer- emotional health of the students in our about each other as we celebrate diry School Community,” Gallacher said. building.” versity and learn tolerance in our Fer“My principal encourages staff memGallacher is looking forward to see- ry school community,” Gallacher said. bers to embrace their passions and share ing the project develop and grow. She is “Our students deserve access to matetheir talents and so, I was able to develop making connections with all different rials that can help them understand the this project.” sides of the district and age groups to world they live in, and to be represented Gallacher said she connects with the bring this project together. and celebrated in the art and literature idea of the Diversity Den. She believes “The goal is to create awareness and in our schools.” diversity is important to bring into schools early, because children like to feel valued for their backgrounds.

“As an immigrant from Wales, I have encountered firsthand what it is like to feel different, to sometimes feel like you don’t fit in,” Gallacher said. “The idea of having a special area is also to display artwork to promote all cultures, identities and inclusion. This is important to help all students feel valued DIVERSE ART Naomi Ozormoor’s ’20 piece of art she submitted to be put in the Diverand safe, and it will sity Den. ILLUSTRATION BY NAOMI OZORMOOR ’20

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Battle of the Brunches PARKS AND REC DINER

4 | FEATURE

THETOWERPULSE.NET | 1.31.18

had to wait about 10 minutes for a table. I loved that coffee was available while we waited, and the staff was on the ball, seating everyone quickly.

The tiny space was packed with people, but the place is designed to accommodate a group of any size. The service was excellent, especially considering the amount of people. We split an order of “I Yam What I Yam” with two fried eggs on top. The dish, like most of the menu items, was available vegan, gluten-free and nut free. The blend of flavors

MY VIEW

AUDREY WHITAKER ’19 Section Editor

Parks and Rec Diner, a tiny sit-down breakfast and brunch restaurant, is located in the Grand Army of the Republic Building on Grand River in Midtown Detroit. The Detroit parks and recreation department operated in the building for 40 years, hence the name. I arrived there around 10 a.m. on a Saturday morning, with a party of two, and only

was spot-on, even for such an unusual combination of food.

It’s clear the options available are carefully planned and made to taste great, no matter what you order. This dish was one of the larger servings available, and was easily split between two people; I’d say up to four could share a small serving and explore other delicious options. While their prices may be on the high side, I believe it’s worth it to support locally sourced organic produce that does good and tastes great.

“I Yam What I Yam” This is a dish at Parks and Rec Diner with sweet potatoes and home fries mixed with brussel sprouts, caramelized onions and bourbon sauce topped with two fried eggs.

ROSE’S FINE FOODS

MY VIEW

ROSE’S FINE FOODS The Silverman’s Special was made up of eggs, potatoes, toast and a side of pancakes. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere with a rustic theme.

MY VIEW

MIMI’S BISTRO

SARAH STEVENSON ’20 Staff Writer

Although there are plenty of great breakfast places throughout metro Detroit, you can never go wrong with Mimi’s Bistro. The spacious cafe on Jefferson Avenue in Grosse Pointe Park, has multiple tasty breakfast and lunch dishes that will make your mouth water. Although located on a busy street, the inside of the restaurant is quiet.

While there, I always go for my personal favorite: the French toast. Time after time, Mimi’s never fails me as they deliver a hot, sweet and perfectly browned plate of five

pieces of French toast topped with powdered sugar and fresh fruit.

Mimi’s German fried potatoes are a great side to order with any dish. They are golden brown, crispy and seasoned. Although I usually sprinkle salt on potatoes, these already had a perfect flavor from the seasoning of parsley and sautéed onions.

Mimi’s also has great dishes such as the egg sandwich. This sandwich is a great combination of scrambled eggs, a veggie patty, pesto, lettuce and tomato.

Although some breakfast foods can be unhealthy, such as pancakes, waffles or bacon, this is a fantastic and tasty option if you’re looking for a healthier breakfast.

BIANCA PUGLIESI ’19 Supervising Editor

Rose’s Fine Foods, located on East Jefferson, has the best atmosphere to eat a nice, homey breakfast. As soon as I walked in, I felt like I was in an extremely eclectic diner. The waitresses welcomed us with a smile and immediately asked if we wanted any coffee. We ordered our food, and while the wait was a bit long, being able to look around the cute restaurant definitely made it better. The rustic vibe was something really unique to this place, as well as all the natural lighting that came from the many

The service is fast and all of the workers are kind and attentive. In addition, everything is reasonably priced between 1.50 dollars and 14 dollars, but without a decrease in the quality of the food.

Another great aspect of Mimi’s Bistro is they are able to make dietary substitutions with gluten-free bread and veganbaked goods.

In addition, Mimi’s Bistro has local art featured on the walls throughout the cafe. According to Mimi’s Bistro Facebook page, they have monthly art shows featuring the art in the cafe.

If you’re looking for a fresh, local and unique breakfast place to eat at, Mimi’s Bistro will surely not let you down.

THE CLASSICS Located at 1942 Grand River Ave., Downtown Detroit, Parks and Rec Diner serves breakfast all day. Everything is sourced from local markets and made in house.

windows.

I ordered the Silverman’s Special, which basically consisted of a classic diner breakfast. It came with eggs made-to-order, potatoes, toast and a side of pancakes. The food was average; the pancakes were definitely my favorite part. They were unlike any pancake I would’ve expected from a breakfast place. They were thick and battery, but in the best way possible, as they were just the right consistency. The rest of my meal wasn’t amazing, but it definitely wasn’t awful either. The toast came with a beaubien jam inside of a small glass bowl, which was much different than the usual processed jam in a plastic package found at most diners.

MIMI’S BISTRO The French toast is served with five pieces of toast topped with powdered sugar and fruit. Mimi’s can make dietary substitutions

LOCAL DIGS Mimi’s Bistro sources from local farms and companies whenever possible. They are open Tuesday through Sunday from 8 a.m to 4 p.m. and 8 a.m to 3 p.m on Sundays.

PHOTOS BY SARAH STEVENSON ’20, BIANCA PUGLIESI ’19, AUDREY WHITAKER ’19

18 things to do in 2018 1.

Purge your closet. If you haven’t worn it in the past season, then donate it.

6.

Scrap the Sourin. Try and end your nicotine addiction this year so you don’t hold onto it for the rest of your life.

15.

2.

End your Snapchat streaks.

Especially you, seniors; don’t hold onto your high school past when you’re trying to move forward.

7. Listen to

some new music.

Broaden your horizons and try something you’ve never listened to before.

Learn how to be a better human. Don’t hide behind a screen or avoid eye contact.

Start real-life conversations Walk away with people about from drama. Getting real-life things. involved is a waste of energy that you can devote toward positive changes.

16.

The potatoes were good, and my scrambled eggs were better than I had expected. I usually don’t like very fluffy scrambled eggs, but these were cooked just right.

The prices were reasonable: I paid about 17 dollars for my food and coffee. The service was great; all of the employees seemed happy to be there, and served everything with a smile.

I wouldn’t go to Rose’s just because I was craving their food, nor would I recommend it to people looking for the most amazing food they’ve ever had in their life. But if you love a cool atmosphere to eat in and are looking for a special experience you can’t find anywhere else, Rose’s is definitely for you.

3. Eat a fruit or vegetable with every

meal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), 12 percent of Americans eat the minimum daily fruit recommendation of 1 ½ to two cups a day.

8.

Start a journal. Write down your thoughts and manifestations at least once a week.

9.

Get outside more, especially when the sun is shining. According to www.scientificamerican. com, 10 percent of U.S. adults are vitamin D deficient.

11.

Take your daily vitamins. Go to Better Health or CVS and get a daily multivitamin.

12.

or someone, chances are you’re right. Don’t be afraid to take a step back and evaluate the situation you’re in.

18.

MARGOT BAER ’18 Staff Writer

PHOTOS BY MARGOT BAER ’18

4.

Drink 2 5. Start liters of water a day. disinfecting your The CDCP found in 2013 that 43 percent of adults drink less than four cups of it per day.

phone screen at least once a day.

This will help your chances of staying healthy, and cleaning is always a good habit to form.

10. Register to vote! Seniors,

when you turn 18 make sure you do this: go to the Secretary of State, get an application and then submit it to the local city hall.

Capture moments for yourself, not your Snapchat.

Take photos of things you’d like to remember, but Trust your keep them just for gut. If you have a bad you and don’t post feeling about something them online.

17.

MY VIEW

13. Spend less

time on your phone.

Take a phone cleanse for a period of time this year-- it could be three hours, a day or even a week. Start small and see how you feel.

Be yourself. Don’t conform or change who you are as a person to fit society’s definitions of perfection.

14.

Have things to look forward to. Write these things in your journal or even make them your phone screen background.

This could make it easier to get through a hard day.

THETOWERPULSE.NET | 1.31.18

5 | FEATURE

An application on a different note

A look at the steps music students undergo during the college application process

Jarboe said.

According to Jarboe, if someone passes the pre-screen audition of the applivery fall, South’s seniors spend cation, then they would go and do a live countless hours on college apaudition.

This process of auditioning can plications, putting in the time be seen when applying to schools for muand effort needed to get acsical theater as well, according to South cepted to the schools they want. Nobody choir student Tiffany Furicchia ’18. spends more time on this process, how“You first apply academically to the ever, than the four or five students a year school, and then after that, there’s a prewho aim their applications toward music screen process where you send in videos majors, according to orchestra teacher to the school of you singing, dancing and James Gross.

“They have to do everything that an acting,” Furicchia said. “Once they look academic applicant would have to do, at those videos, they let you know if you and in addition to that, they have to play got past their pre-screen. Once you get an audition on their instrument,” Gross past the pre-screen, you schedule an ausaid. “Every school has audition require- dition for the school.”

Furicchia has applied to fourteen ments.” schools for their musical theatre proAnna Jarboe ’19, a violinist in symgrams.

Some of these include U of M, phony orchestra, has known she wanted Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and to go into a music career since her freshSyracuse University.

She hopes to get her man year. Although she’s a junior, Jarboe Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in musisaid she has already started working on cal theatre and then aim to perform on her auditions for these music schools or Broadway. conservatories.

“When you apply to music school, “Juilliard, Eastman School of Music you have to apply to a lot of schools,” and Curtis Institute of Music are my top Furicchia said. “The programs are way schools even though they’re hard to get more selective than academics because into,” Jarboe said. “I’ve gotten an offer at there’s 20 to 25 kids in each of the classes Boston Conservatory already.” for each school.

It’s competitive. ” Jarboe has been playing violin for 11 Christopher Pratt, South’s choir direcyears. Now, she offers violin lessons to tor, agreed kids of all ages and does pit orwith FuricIt’s an experience. chestra. With her music career, chia on the she hopes to be in a professional Honestly, auditioning high comorchestra. is so fun because you petition “I love the violin. It’s all I want meet so many people involved to do,” Jarboe said. when apthrough the process According to Jarboe, the bigp l y i n g gest difference between apply- and it’s fun showcasing to music ing to a music school versus an what you can do. schools. academic one is the practicing TIFFANY FURICCHIA ‘18 “ Thin k involved. For the schools she is of the most applying to, Jarboe will send in a t a l e ntpre-screen first (a recorded audied singers, musicians, performers and tion tape). dancers in the school, ” Pratt said.

“There “Most of the schools require pieces that are already long, but sometimes if are thousands of those people auditionthey don’t give a specific piece, they say ing for perhaps 20 total freshman spots it has to be at least ten to fifteen minutes in these programs.”

Furicchia said applying to a music for one piece,” Jarboe said. “Some say school is a lot of work, as you still have to memorized, some say not, but it’s presend in the school’s academic application ferred to have it memorized.” on top of their musical one.

Jarboe is planning on applying to 10 “Just as with academics, everyone has or 11 schools, most of which are conto do the test scores, and grade point avservatories. At these music conservatoerage (GPA) and essays,” Furicchia said. ries, Jarboe said academics are of very “But with music you have to do the talent low priority, with schedules primarily part of it because you have to let them devoted to just music classes. The only know that you can sing, dance and act… non-conservatory school she is applying So it’s double the work. ” to is the University of Michigan.

However, Furicchia added since these “If you go to a university, like U of M, schools care more about a student’s muand go to the music school there, then sical talent, GPA and test scores don’t you’d have more of a mixed curriculum,”

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIFFANY FURICCHIA ’18

ELIZABETH FLOWER ’20 Copy Editor

E

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION Tiffany Furicchia ’18 applied to 14 schools in hopes of getting into their musical theatre programs. Furicchia hopes to get her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in musical theatre.

“It’s an experience,” Furicchia said. matter as much when applying. Gross go across the floor, and perform it for them in an hour.”

“Honestly, auditioning is so fun because agreed.

Despite the work and expenses that you meet so many people through the “The deciding factor is the music audition, not the GPA,” Gross said. “So a go into audition processes for musical process and it’s fun showcasing what you place like U of M, you may not need to theater and instruments, both Jarboe can do to these different colleges.” have a 4.0 and a 35 on your ACT. If you and Furicchia expressed the immense have like a 30, and 3.8, and a rocking au- passion they have for what they do. dition, you’re going to get in.”

For her pre-screens, Furicchia had to do a variety of singing, acting and dancing.

“I had to learn a classic 32 bar uptempo and then a classic 32 bar ballad.

Then I did two one-minute monologues,” Furicchia said. “Then I had to do another two-minute monologue, and then you have to learn a dance.”

Furicchia has already finished her pre-screens, as they were due in December. For her live auditions, Furicchia will be traveling to Chicago in early February through a process called National Unified Auditions, which hosts national auditions for musical theatre and acting. Schools from all over the country oversee auditions at this central place.

Furicchia said she has been working on her live audition material since July. At the live auditions, along with a solo singing and acting portion, Furicchia will have to participate in a dance call.

“They teach you a one-minute mu- FIDDLE AROUND Anna Jarboe focuses on applying to music sical theater routine, and then maybe conservatories where she hopes to play violin. She says the conservatories like a little ballet combo,” Furicchia provide a mixed curriculum as opposed to other universities. said. “You have to do it in groups, and PHOTO COURTESY OF ANNA JARBOE ’19

BLUE DEVILS BEWARE: yearly outbreak

of Senioritis has returned once again

MADELINE ALLAN ’20 Staff Writer For those who suffer from the inescapable disease commonly known as “senioritis,” beware of its side effects: procrastination, sluggishness and a short-temper for anything related to schoolwork.

Senioritis isn’t anything new to Ava Russano and Joey Ambrozy, both ’18.

They’ve self-proclaimed themselves as

and you don’t need to do work,” Russano said. “You already want to complete high school and you don’t want to continue it because you already have a plan for next year.”

Russano claims her performance as a student has rapidly decreased in comparison to her junior year, due to the common infection.

“This year, I would rather do my homework during other classes rather GRAPHIC BY EVA MCCORD ’21 than spendlong-time victims of senioritis, an illing time studying at home.

Especially ness derived from the lack of ambition since I focus on hockey almost every to excel in school.

Russano was only a month into her day, I just don’t have the time to focus senior year when she said she was in- on worksheets and getting a decent fected. After receiving her acceptance amount of sleep,” Russano said.

Although Russano’s drive to sucto Indiana’s Trine University in Octoceed has declined, and the usage of ber, she said she immediately felt her procrastination has increased, her academic ambition crumble. grades have improved due to the min“Senioritis is when you feel that imized amount of stress in her day-toyou’re going somewhere next year

day routine. to Distelrath.

“My grades have improved a lot “Typically, we start to get comments more in comparison to junior year. I about ‘second semester seniors’ or sethink I am doing better this year be- nioritis and some students will use it cause there isn’t as much stress as there as an excuse. Such as an excuse not to was last year, maybe because of easier do their homework, or not to come to classes,” Russano said. class often,” Distelrath said.

According Joey Ambrozy is anto math teacher other senior who is anxSenioritis is when Laura Distelrath, ious to leave South. you feel you’re going senior year is a “My days get more somewhere next year time for students and more boring. I just to carry out their and you don’t need to can’t keep waiting to high school legmove on. You keep askdo work. acy despite the ing yourself, ‘Why am I AVA RUSSANO ‘18 distraction of sestill here,’ or, ‘I’m ready nioritis and gradto get out of here,’” Amuation nearing. brozy said.

“I think students need to remember According to Distelrath, later in the they aren’t untouchable. Even for stu- year, sunny weather will contribute to dents who have already been admitted, the uprooting excitement of graduathere are some colleges that will check tion, and the habit of making excuses. those other grades in second semester,” “I think it is bad when they start to Distelrath said. “They should be proud use (senioritis) as an excuse and start of building a good reputation, be proud to think it is okay, saying they’re in the of their hard work, but should want to second semester of senior year or saycontinue to improve as well.” ing ‘I have senioritis,’” Distelrath said.

Similar to Distelrath’s beliefs, Rus- “You can say that, but just because you sano also believes that working hard say that does not mean you won’t have is necessary regardless of having a consequences to follow it.” plan for after high school or not, and According to Ambrozy, seniors arthat the aftereffects of senioritis can be en’t the only ones infected with seniordownplayed by diminishing stress. itis.

“I think you still have to maintain “I think almost everyone has segood grades, but you don’t have that nioritis,” Ambrozy said. “Everyone is stress factor anymore,” Russano said. cranky, tired and ready to get out of Although not all seniors have a se- this school.” cure college plan, those who do tend to use senioritis as an excuse, according

6 | FEATURE

THETOWERPULSE.NET | 1.31.18

Freshmen reflect on first semester of high school Sign language spreads support within special education EVA MCCORD ’21 Staff Writer A kind hand curling into a phrase.

A moment of realization. A smile of understanding. This process repeats itself numerous times throughout Morgan McVicar’s ’18 schedule, helping those in the special education program better understand and communicate with their fellow students.

“I walked in on my first day of Peer2Peer, and because my grandmother taught me sign language when I was young, I was able to see a student signing for his grandmother,” McVicar said. “When I brought it up to the teacher, they told me they had no idea that any students in the class knew sign language; no one knew what he was trying to communicate before I entered.”

While sign language is used primarily amongst the deaf or hardof-hearing, the language can also be used as a visual tool for those

who have trouble fully articulating themselves through words, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD).

“Sign language is one mode of communication that can assist students who are non-verbal; other communication modes are using/ pointing to objects, pictures or words,” speech-language pathologist Dorisann Martinuzzi said. “Sign language is a very visual form of communication and requires both people to be looking toward each other.”

Many teachers and student helpers-- referred to as LINKS within the Peer2Peer program-- involved in the special education department feel as though creating either a club or class that would teach students sign language would be a great opportunity to unify the student body, according to Martinuzzi.

“Communication is an essential part of who we are, what we think and how we relate to others. When

one is not able to communicate, it impacts every part of who they are,” Martinuzzi said. “(Sign language) allows us to take steps to educate ourselves on ways that we can bridge that communication gap.”

McVicar additionally encourages students to learn sign language in order to relieve the pressure or frustration students can feel in response to being unable to fully communicate their needs and wants.

“If more of the students did know sign language, they could all communicate their feelings with others as well,” McVicar said. “Some of them do have trouble speaking because they cannot find the words they want to use.”

According to the Learning Disabilities Association of America, learning disabilities cannot be cured or fixed, making them lifelong challenges for those who possess them. That said, the key to achieving success despite one’s disability is by adapting and educating others on ways to help cognitive skills such as

speaking less of a challenge, such as learning simple ASL phrases such as “hello” and “how are you.”

“Signing is a language that benefits many people, such as those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, those who are non-verbal or struggle using verbal language,” Martinuzzi said. “Having a club available to help others learn sign language with opportunities to practice would be a great opportunity.”

Through sign language, McVicar aims to make communication and understanding accessible to everyone, allowing for all students to feel welcomed and heard in their community.

“The only difference between the ‘average’ student and one in the special education program is that their brains are simply at different paces,” McVicar said. “Their brain is not slower, or less intelligent, it’s just developing differently; we as a community all deserve to learn at our own paces.”

South alumni look back on MLK visit to South in 1968 PHOTO COURTESY OF GROSSE POINTE HISTORICAL SOCIETY far and were not moving as far or as fast Streets filled with protesters, police cars coming as the younger down the streets and excited and respectful people generation. filling the area were all a part of the day when The 60s age Martin Luther King Jr. came to speak at Grosse was a time Pointe South High School. of youth The mood in Grosse Pointe at that time was very rebellion in high and energetic, according to John Denler ’68. a major way, “Grosse Pointe was very tense. Probably the and they were most tense I’ve ever seen it, and I grew up here. The arguing for Civil Rights Movement was underway and the Civil and pushing Rights Act was only a few prior, and Detroit had just for things weathered the riots,” Denler said. “(That) year was the older very much on edge. All of the Pointes in ’68 were generation much more white than they are today.” had never Not only was the energy high, but strong tension accepted and was felt in the community as well, according to Bob saw no reason Button, retired Tower advisor. to accept,” SALUTATIONS King welcomes a student to the stage during his ’68 speech, in “It was a period of a great deal of tension,” Button Button said. which he discussed a peaceful interracial community, according to Denler. said. “It was also a great period of excitement and “But I think very much played into what a lot of young people the impact of a totally different place 50 years ago. People kept were dealing with at that time.” the speech and King’s remarks, what he had to say an eye on black people in shops. There wasn’t total Although not being able to attend the speech, in the speech, did much to at least move people to acceptance. We got away from that. In large, I think Button said the support for Dr. Martin Luther King understanding and accepting that point of view they were more accepting not of just black people, Jr. was very high, and for the first time. Probably the first time but of all people.” respect was shown by The Tower staff took their stance on the racial Grosse Pointe was those views were really brought into the most people in the area. community in a major, significant way.” subject by doing work with Denby High School in “The thing I very tense. Probably Bringing peace together in communities Detroit, according to Button. remember most about the most tense I’ve and unity, according to Denler, was the “The Tower staff worked out an exchange with it was the tremendous ever seen it, and I main idea of the speech King wanted the newspaper staff at Denby High School in support for (the speech), people to understand.

Detroit, and the first step in a community that had grew up here.

“I was not able to attend, was for the Tower staff to not been open to Civil It was a period of a JOHN DENLER ’68 but from what I understand, go over to Denby and to Rights and integration,” his speech and points were great deal of tension. It join up with the newspaper Button said. “Although, about peace among races, was also a great period staff and attend classes and there was anger and frustration from the protesters working together, everyone be human of excitement and very share lunch and to spend who lined the streets. Many of them got into the and togetherness,” Denler said. “It was much played into what the day with students gym and tried to disrupt the speech. They were very about evolving together as humans to there,” Button said. “Among vocal, but they were not popular.” a lot of young people bring betterment to the communities.”

South students, there was a Teen rebellion during that time period was very were dealing with at Between the two different political huge fear of the unknown high, and not accepted by the older generation, that time. groups, people who came from Grosse as well as excitement at the but the speech brought an understanding to the Pointe to see the speech take place BOB BUTTON possibilities of when they community, according to Button. came out of respect, according to Former Tower Advisor went into the library at “I think the older generations had not moved as South alumni, Tom Ludwig ’69.

Denby. They were talking “The group about popular culture, they itself was definitely an outside were finding out that they had all kinds of things in group and my impression of common, that they had no idea was there.” the Grosse Pointe residents Students at school were not as interested in the who attended, did so out of speech as much as other people, and didn’t get respect and desire to hear a political, according to Denler. great man speak.” Ludwig “The athletes, which were the kids I was basically said. hanging around with, we didn’t give a hoot,” Denler According to Denler, said. the community altered for Even though not everyone had the same black people in the area, excitement about a legend coming to speak in and became somewhat more their neighborhood, the people who witnessed the accepting than before. speech were enthusiastic, according to Button.

“There was a marked “When they got to the Martin Luther King decline in tensions. There speech itself, there was a great deal of enthusiasm to was a greater degree of be apart of the experience,” said Button. acceptance, not totally

CHECK IT OUT Martin Luther King Jr. received a $1000 check for though, ” Denler said.

“Down speaking at South. PHOTO COURTESY OF GROSSE POINTE HISTORICAL SOCIETY here in the Village, it was

JULIA AMBROZY ’20 Staff Writer

MAURA SHINE ’20 Page Editor

A

fter the first semester of high school, most freshmen have a good idea of what the rest of it will be like. Things like homework, eating lunch or finding classes are all common place now, part of a new student routine.

Since the second semester has begun, Hope Whitney ’21 has learned to manage her time better, particularly because middle school did not require as much dedication to homework.

“Coming from St. Paul, there is a lot more homework here. (However), the transition was surprisingly easy,” Whitney said. “High school is a lot easier than I imagined.”

High school offers new opportunities and allows people to be introduced to people they never would have met otherwise, according to Whitney. For example, she would never have met her newfound friend Kate Skupien ’21 if not for South.

“Just being together everyday for just a few hours made us a lot closer and we got to know each other a lot better,” Skupien said.

Sports at South are super fun, I started field hockey having no prior experience, but it was really fun to play and the coach was great, along with the people.

HOPE WHITNEY ’21

Balancing studies and sports can be difficult to manage and requires lots of dedication and hard work. The new and heavier homework load is hard at first to navigate, according to Whitney.

“Having sports seven days a week, it’s been hard to manage my homework and I don’t have a lot of time to relax,” Whitney said.

Playing on the basketball team was another way Whitney met people and formed more intimate bonds with her peers. Playing on a team grants more opportunities for freshmen to meet fellow freshmen or upperclassmen, according to Emma Naporano ’20. Naporano claims that the relationship goes both ways, and states that having freshmen on your team is also an opportunity to give them guidance.

“I would usually give them advice when they asked me for help, but I didn’t want them to think I was bossing them around since I was older,” Naporano said.

According to Whitney, coaches make starting a new sport much easier. The coaching staff can make a student love a sport or hate it, but Whitney said her athletic experience at South has been very enjoyable. Playing sports for one’s high school is more competitive than other leagues and offers students an opportunity to improve their game, according to Whitney.

“Sports at South are super fun,” Whitney said. “I started field hockey having no prior experience, but it was really fun to play and the coach was great, along with the people.”

As the current eighth graders prepare to become freshmen, Whitney has some of her own advice for them.

“I would tell incoming freshmen not to worry too much and just stay organized,” Whitney said. “Also, don’t take up the whole hallway.”

WORKING HARD Hope Whitney ’21 manages her time with sports by doing her homework in her tutorial.

PHOTO BY MAURA SHINE ’20

d r

r

-

e

d -

Choosing Choosing

THETOWERPULSE.NET | 1.31.18

7 | FEATURE

*There are many more electives available at South; see the Program of Studies

your electives* Interior Design Honors Journalism sor, Kaitlin Edgerton, students are guaranteed to become better writers.

“I took honors journalism because I want to be apart of The Honors journalism is more than just a writing class. It’s an Tower and I really enjoy English,” Olivia Martell ’21 said. experience filled with photography, design and various types of To be able to take advanced journalism and be apart of The journalism all combined into one.

Tower one must take honors journalism first, according to EdAccording to honors journalism teacher and Tower Advigerton.

“Right now we’re learning InDesign, that’s really fun.

I like learning about all new things. In normal English class, you wouldn’t learn how to write in a journalistic style,” Martell said.

According to Edgerton, she truly believes the class helps students become more organized, develop problem-solving skills and improve their writing abilities.

“It’s a fun class and you learn a lot of skills you wouldn’t in other classes. For InDesign, I took graphic design in 8th grade so it was kind of easier for me and I know most of the other people haven’t taken graphic designing or computer programing classes before and you kind of get all that and English mixed together,” Martell said.

Students can and should have a voice. According JUNIOR JOURNALISTS Honors journalism students practice to Edgerton, if a student is a big picture type of techniques that prepare them to join The Tower staff. person and can question the world, then they PHOTO BY HENRY AYRAULT ’19 would be a good fit for honors journalism.

GRACE REYES ’19 Pulse Editor in Chief

Innovative Technology

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE Students listen to a lecture from social studies teacher, Meg Pierce.

INDEPENDENT INNOVATION The students work on an independent learning assignment at their own pace.

PHOTO BY ADRIAN DOAN ’19

Anthropology Anthropology is an interactive, semester-long social studies class that offers a study of human beings.

The class has limited homework, as most assignments are completed during class time. It also includes many interactive projects, according to teacher Meg Pierce.

“I think anthropology is important to study because it gives us an understanding of who we are as humans and why we are the way we are,” Pierce said.

Although Sarah Wholihan ’20 didn’t initially plan on taking anthropology, she wound up enjoying it after taking it during the first semester. She said she would recommend taking the class as a junior or senior since not many sophomores take the class.

Wholihan said the most valuable thing she learned was about the diversity of people.

“I learned how everyone has different cultures and values different things,” Wholihan said.

Another highlight of the class for Wholihan was the final which consisted of creating her own civilization.

Pierce said the class enjoys a field trip to the Detroit Zoo every year to see the primates during one of their many units.

“We’ve got units about archeology, primatology, evolution, the different various human species and then we get into cultural anthropology at the end,” Pierce said.

Pierce feels the cultural aspect of anthropology is important so that one can gain an understanding of the people around them.

“I think it’s just fun to learn about human beings and ancestors and where we came from, and think back to our roots,” Pierce said.

Photography Photography is a year long class at South with the goal of teaching students how to use the elements of design to create photographs.

“In photo, we not only learn more about composition and the elements and principles of design, which is the backbone to every thing we do in photo,” photo teacher Margaret Rose said.

Students are also taught other skills besides how to take pictures using a camera.

“We learn how to use Photoshop

Organic Chemistry Organic chemistry is a slower-moving course that prepares students for college science classes.

It’s a year-long class that is more focused on living organisms than regular chemistry, according to teacher Jessica Wiesler.

“What we try to do is take the first semester of a college organic chemistry course and stretch it out over a year essentially,” Wiesler said.“Then, since it’s an elective, we add in some fun units as well.”

Students interested in getting a head-start to specialized science courses will find the leisurely-paced class invaluable, according to current student Shreya Rana ’19.

“I like the class because we go at a

really slow pace,” Rana said. “If you don’t get something, then it’s not like in college where you’re automatically failing.”

The exposure to the concepts is essential to any student who wants to into a scientific field, according to Wiesler.

“Organic chemistry is a weeder course in college,” Wiesler said. “The idea is in high school, if you can get some exposure to it, you’ll be more successful when you get there.”

The course is meant to expose students to medicine, nursing, pharmaceuticals or engineering, according to Wiesler.

“It’s not like super easy, but it’s not super difficult,” Rana said, “I’d only recommend it if you want to go premed.”

VICTORIA GARDEY ’20 Copy Editor

PHOTO BY CAMERON SMOLEN ’18

HARPER MCCLELLAN ’18 Staff Writer

With just one class per day, interior design is a class few know about. However, there is more to the unknown elective than pretty pillows and throw blankets.

“We do all sorts of things; deciding what design you like… what fits your personality. We also learn how to design for others,” interior design teacher Taylor Barczyk said.

According to Barczyk, she learned about interior design while studying to become a life skills teacher, but it became a passion of hers from there. Most students who take the class want to learn more about design, and enjoy Barczyk’s activities.

“I thought (interior design) would be fun, and I wanted to know how to decorate my room better,” interior design student Sarah Bingaman ’21 said.

Part of the interior design course is finding out dimensions of places like college dorm rooms, and designing them to the student’s preference.

“For our final, we do a dream home project,” Barczyk said, “We come up with our idea of a ‘dream home,’ and (the students) design it.”

Although it’s an elective, interior design, as a semester long class fulfills half of the fine arts credit students need to graduate.

“The teacher is really nice, and I like the activities we’ve been doing,” Bingaman said.

Interior design is a great course for creative people who enjoy teamwork, but it’s also a potential career opportunity for students who have the skill set, Barczyk said.

“People should take interior design because design is in our everyday life… and it just helps you figure out yourself, and the talents that you have,” Barczyk said.

ABIGAIL WILSON ’20 Staff Writer

JUST-US WELCH ’20 Staff Writer

The seemingly hidden door to the wonders of the Cotton Innovation Center (CIC) leads to a world of innovative technology classes Grosse Pointe South has never seen before.

The innovative technology elective, known as iTech, is the introductory class in a series of four courses Micki Buksar-Cecil teaches at South. “(iTech) really is technology 101,” Buskar-Cecil said. “You learn about the different tech to be able to invent or create ideas or projects; to be innovative.”

Within a semester, students learn about block coding, 3D computer aided design (CAD), design software, Tinkercad and create apps with MIT app inventor, according to Buskar-Cecil.

“It really is getting a taste of the different technologies they will have to use to be able to create new projects,” Buskar-Cecil said.

Soleil Garcia-Johnson ’20 is thankful she learned the insights on the design process in iTech.

“One thing we learned is that technology is about to become very customizable, especially in 3-D printing,” Garcia-Johnson said. “You can design your own products.”

They both recommend the class to anyone who is interested in learning to think in a new way and encourages those who have the availability to follow through the path of the four courses, iTech, iDesign, iCreate and iCap, because the need for technology is growing.

“Technology is ever-changing and it will continue to evolve,” Buskar-Cecil said. “Students now can be the driving force behind that... I’m happy to be apart of the change.”

AVA MITCHELL ’20 Staff Writer

to edit photos we have taken,” Ashley Strong ’20 said.

According to Rose, students can come into the class with little to no knowledge about photography and even only a semester in, students will feel like photographers.

The students learn the technical components of taking photos and editing them. “(Students) learn how to compose, how to use rule of thirds through landscape, deep depth of field and shallow depth of field,” Rose said.

There is photo one , two and three at South, and students can move

onto AP Photography.

“Hopefully by the end of this, they feel like their own true artist,” Rose said. “Or they have connected somehow to what they want to say and how they want to say that to the viewer visually.”

Strong said her favorite assignment was a midterm project where students were required to take portraits that convey a message.

“You are an artist and you do have a personal voice, as everyone does.

But with photo, you have a vehicle, and ways to expressing that voice,” Rose said.

MOLECULAR MAGIC “Orgo” students take notes in class. The class features many engaging labs for the students.

Physiology

PHOTO BY LIZ BIGHAM ’18

LAUREN THOM ’18 Staff Writer Physiology is a semester long science course designed to educate students on different systems of the human body, taught by Christine Harris.

“We explore a lot of the functions of the body, why the body acts the way it does and how it is developed,” Harris said. “We try to build on the science that students have had before they get to physiology.”

Harris said she believes the class brings back some of the information students have learned earlier in their school careers and directs it back to the human body.

“I think it’s structured so that kids are able to be successful but challenged in a slightly different way that will help them once they get to college,” Harris said.

Thomas Jogan ’18 was enrolled in physiology last semester and said he took away a lot of knowledge he’ll apply in his future.

“I would definitely take this class, and I would recommend it to other people.” Jogan said. “Mrs. Harris is a great teacher and makes the class very fun and welcoming.”

Jogan said students were given many hands-on opportunities, which enriched the learning experience.

“We sliced up a mink, sliced up a heart, got some good dissections in and got to use bone crackers,” Jogan said.

Harris said she enjoys teaching this class because it’s flexible and unique compared to most classes.

“I get to see different kids for different reasons, and then I can change *CLICK CLICK* Photo students practice their skills. The class it depending on the gives the students exposure to all kinds of photography. students that are in PHOTO BY HARPER MCCLELLAN ’18 the class,” Harris said.

8 | SPORTS

THETOWERPULSE.NET | 1.31.18

WINTER SPORTS UPDATE

South’s Girls Varsity Basketball team takes on rival Grosse Pointe North this Thursday JULIA AMBROZY ’20 Staff Writer South’s varsity girls basketball team is lacing up their shoes and prepping for their game against rival Grosse Pointe North Thursday, Feb. 1.

“Our main goal is to win. That’s it.” Srebernak said.

The girls are expected to show off their skills and strong effort during the game, according to assistant coach, Jessica Coleman.

“I just want to see good effort, I want to see them take care of the ball, I want to see them play with confidence,” Coleman said.

The pressure of playing against a rival team puts stress on wanting to fulfill the school’s expectation of winning and the way the girls play, according to Anna Stumb ’20.

“Yes, I do think it affects the way we play, it definitely puts more pressure on us because we don’t want to disappoint our school.” Stumb said.

According to Coleman, with the level and the work the girls have been putting in, they should be able to put forth a high energy and competitive game.

“We are actually playing at a level where we are

starting to rise to our full potential, so my expectation is that we are going to have a very good game,” Coleman said. “It’s going to be a tough game because we’re going to their home instead of playing here.”

Heading out together as a team to a local gas station is a pre-game ritual, and should help them succeed in their games, according to Srebernak.

“We go to BP a lot as a team, so usually before the game we will get lemon water from there.” Srebernak said.

Not altering the ways the players practice will help calm their nerves and remove some of the stress of the game, Srebernak said. “(The practices) honestly aren’t that different, I think. If you make it that different then people will get nervous.” Srebernak said.

According to Coleman, the girls are fully capable of beating North, and with the right effort and teamwork, they can.

“I think we can really match up well with North.

We can beat North and we can stick to our game plan and execute it,” Coleman said. “We turn them over, we make our shots and we can beat them.”

PUTTING IN THE EFFORT The girls basketball players stand on the line, awaiting instructions from their coach. The team has kept their practice regime consistent to keep calm nerves for the high pressure rivalry game on Feb. 1.

PHOTO BY MADELINE ALLEN ’20

Girls soccer says goodbye to varsity coach SYLVIA HODGES ’19 Copy Editor

TEAM CHANGES The change in personnel will hopefully lead the girls varsity soccer team on the road to redemption. The last few seasons have not been successful.

PHOTO BY JOHN FRANCIS ’18

Girl wrestler wins her first bout in the ring “It’s not just the physical aspect; it’s more about the technique and what you know, so she knew that and came out ahead.”

Charlotte South’s team has a smaller and younger Huettemann ’19, a second year wrestler, lineup this year, with only two seniors and won her first match against Eastpointe, mostly new athletes. The team is heading 8-6. into the end of “It was nice to their season with see her win because three more meets, she’s probably the including a league Everyone felt she was going to meet, team districts hardest worker win this match, especially with and on the team. She individual all the improvement this season, districts. has the most grit too, and she never “Everyone felt so we were really happy for her, complains; she she was going to because she is always out there just works hard,” win this match, doing her best. co-captain Kal especially with all KAL NARDONE ’18 Nardone ’18 said. the improvement Her opponents this season, so we are often in the 170 weight class, although were really happy for her because she is they weigh down to 152 lbs, making her always out there doing her best,” Nardone weight class more challenging, according said. to Huettemann.

Although this was only the first win of “We have the heater going to lose as her career, Charlotte has still had a large much water weight as possible, so you can impact on the team. She saves points go in the lowest weight class possible so for the team; every time her hard work you can have the advantage of the muscle prevents her from getting pinned, she weight,” Huettemann said. also prevents the team from losing points, According to Huettemann, she studies according to Nardone. the sport more than the average player, and “What I love about wrestling is the onemakes up for any physical disadvantage on-one,” Huettemann said. “It’s not like a she may have with her weight class with sport where you stand and watch the play her technique and mentality, according to go by, with wrestling it’s always about you, coach Sterling Hermann. you have to do this but there’s also this “She learned a lot this past season, team bonding effect where they need you which is what it’s all about,” Hermann said. to win the points.”

BLAIR CULLEN ’18 Staff Writer

hasn’t had much success over their last few seasons, Carolan is confident the inconsistent coaching situation won’t affect their efforts.

The girls varsity soccer team is currently in the process of finding a new coach for the upcoming spring season.

Former head coach Chris Kelly left his position I believe we can due to overlapping have a great season if commitments, according we all pull together and to player Abigail Carolan work hard. ’19.

“I was surprised, but ABIGAIL CAROLAN ’19 I understand his reasons (for quitting),” Carolan said.

“We have maintained Kelly left his position after strong leadership through only two seasons as coach, and our captains, ” Carolan said. one was training season for “We respect and follow the him to eventually take over as leadership of our captains. ” head coach. Although the team According to interim athletic

director Dan Griesbaum, the athletic department is currently in the process of hiring a new coach.

“I am hopeful that a new coach will be named this week,” Griesbaum said via email.

Although he was reached out to, current junior varsity coach Joe Pratico confirmed he would not be taking over the varsity head coach spot.

According to Carolan, the team just needs to continue doing the good things they have been working on and continue to make a good effort.

“As a team, we need to work on finishing,” Carolan said.

“I believe we can have a great season if we all pull together and work hard.”

WINTER SPORTS SCHEDULE UPDATE

Basketball

Girls Varsity- Feb 1 at Grosse Pointe North High School: GPS vs GPN, 7:00 p.m.

Girls JV- Feb 1 at Grosse Pointe North High School: GPS vs GPN, 5:30 p.m.

Girls Freshman- Feb 6 at Fordson High School: GPS vs Fordson, 3:45 p.m.

Boys Varsity- Feb 2 at L’Anse Creuse North High School: GPS vs L’Anse Creuse, 7:00 p.m.

Boys JV- Feb 2 at L’Anse Creuse North High School: GPS vs L’Anse Creuse, 5:30 p.m.

Boys Freshman- Feb 2 at L’Anse Creuse North High School: GPS vs L’Anse Creuse North, 4:00 p.m.

Swimming

Boys Varsity- Feb 2 at Boll Athletic Center: Wayne County Dive Meet, 5:00 p.m.

Wrestling

Boys Varsity- Feb 2 at Grosse Pointe North High School: GPS vs GPN, 4:15 p.m.

Synchronized Swimming

Girls Varsity- Feb 2 at Troy High School: GPS vs Troy, 6:30 p.m.

Competitive Cheer Ice Hockey Girls Varsity- Feb 2 at Lamphere High School: GPS vs Lamphere, 6:00 p.m.

Girls JV- Feb 2 at Lamphere High School: GPS vs Lamphere, 6:00 p.m.

Figure Skating

Girls Varsity- Feb 15 at Dearborn Ice Skating Arena: GP vs TBD, 4:00 p.m.

Boys Varsity- Feb 2 and 3 at Kennedy Ice Center: GPS vs TBD, 7:00 p.m.

Girls Varsity- Feb 10 at East Side Hockey Ice Area: GPS vs. University Liggett School, 5:30 p.m.

Gymnastics

Girls Varsity- Feb 3 at Canton High School: GPS vs Canton, time TBA

INFORMATION FROM JULIA AMBROZY ’20