Issue 23

the

TOWER

Wednesday, May 2, 2018 Volume 90 Issue 23 @thetowerpulse thetowerpulse.net

A weekly tradition since 1928

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

‘Ms. D’ stepping down as Student Association adviser, as replacement search begins VICTORIA GARDEY ’20 Copy Editor Laura Distelrath, better known as “Ms. D”, is stepping down as Student Association (SA) adviser next year after more than nine and a half years.

“It (SA) has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” Distelrath said. “But, it also takes a huge amount of time, and I’m looking forward to just pursuing other activities, both personal goals that I have as well as looking for other ways I have to get involved at South.”

Distelrath said she first became involved in SA because she loved her experience on her high school’s student council and was inspired to create the same experience for others.

“I think high school is such an influential age and between freshmen year and senior year. A lot can happen to discover who you are as a person and what your strengths are, and I saw Student Association as an outlet for that,” Distelrath said.

Gwen Hudson ’20, a first-year senator in SA, said she was very surprised to hear Distelrath is leaving.

“Working with her for the past year has been very rewarding and it’s taught me a lot,” UNITY FOREVER Ms. D and Student Association members pose under the pride flag on Unity Day Hudson said. “I’m glad I experienced it.” from Spirit Week last year.

PHOTO BY MARGOT BAER’18 Julia Hudson ’20, a second year senator on SA, said she will miss Distelrath’s sense of things when you know it’s time to step down. It’s like had as students in the math classroom, but most of humor and dedication. passing the torch on to someone else.” them I haven’t had that experience. Just getting to “I was shocked, but I understand because it is a Distelrath said her favorite part about being know kids outside of the classroom, having those big commitment and it’s very stressful, especially adviser is the relationships she has formed with conversations about what they’re passionate about when kids don’t cooperate,” Julia said. “But it’s also students. and what they want to do with their life and seeing really rewarding, and I think it’s just one of those “It’s a really interesting role. Some of them I’ve them grow,” Distelrath said. “It’s been amazing to see

Fifth annual suicide prevention walk to be hosted at South Walsh-Sahutske as well as four South students, including Josie Monahan ’20 and Gabriela Moncivais ’20 who, Grosse Pointe South will hold according to Walsh-Sahutske, are its fifth annual Out of the Darkness working very hard to lead it and walk to raise awareness for mental make it a major event. health and suicide prevention on “We really want to make it a May 10 at 10 a.m., according to walk community-wide event because it’s a coordinator and counselor Beth school event; we hope to have a lot of Walsh-Sahutske. students,” Walsh-Sahutske said. “But Walsh-Sahutske said the walk’s this is not an issue that is limited purpose is not only to raise awareness to students, and we’ve really been for those struggling or affected by touched by suicide from the adults mental health, but also to fundraise in our community. I would like for the school and the American community members of all ages to Foundation for Suicide Prevention come support it so that we can shine (AFSP). light on the problem.”

“Half of the money we raise stays Monahan agrees and believes here at the school and the other there is a reason for everyone to half goes towards national efforts,” attend the Out of the Darkness Walk, Walsh-Sahutske said. “In the past no matter a person’s relationship two years, we’ve expanded it more with mental health. to be a wellness fair so we have lots “Anyone can walk, even if they of other outside groups that come in don’t have a personal connection to looking for local options for health it or is affected by mental health,” and wellness in the community.”

Monahan said. “You can walk The wellness fair is coordinated by because you support the cause, because you have family members or friends in it, or because who’ve been affected by it.”

According to Monahan, there are many ways to register for the wellness fair and INTO THE LIGHT Eve Feldman ’17 and a friend during check-in, stand in front of the rock, painted for the aneach walker will nual walk last year.

PHOTO BY ERYKAH BENSON ’17 receive beads to KARI RONNING ’20 Staff Writer

IMPORTANT DATES may

03

Boys varsity lacrosse plays at 7:30 p.m. for the cross town rivalry against North.

Senior students receive scholarships from Mother’s Club

wear during the event.

“There will be all kinds of different beads that you can wear at the event that correspond to different reasons for why you are walking,” Monahan said. “All you have to do to sign up is go to AFSP.org/GrossePointe and you can register there as an individual or as part of a team, so there are a lot of different clubs and sports teams who are grouping together to walk.”

Moncivais believes the wellness fair is not only a great way to get involved in the community and make a difference, but also will allow a person to find resources for bettering one’s health.

“Once you’re finished with the walk, we will go back to the gym if it’s going to be a bad day, but if not it, we will stay outside,” Moncivais said. “There will be a wellness fair or resource fair with people from the library with books on bettering yourself and learning more about suicide prevention.”

Moncivais supports the Out of the Darkness walk because it brings awareness to the effects of mental health and encourages one to make a difference in the community.

“I think people should walk because there is power in numbers,” Moncivais said. “If we have as many people as we can then, we will show others that we want to make a difference and it’s something that’s really affecting teens and adults all over the world. Mental health is something we should be focusing on rather than turning away from.”

may

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that growth and to be a part of that journey and the relationships that I’ve formed have a special place in my heart.”

Next year’s SA president, Lucy Burgoyne ’19, said she will miss Distelrath after a great past three years working with her, and was shocked to find out she is leaving.

“She really cares about the students and you can tell that. She puts a lot of work into SA,” Burgoyne said. “I’m excited for (the new adviser).

I’m sad Ms. D is leaving, but with a new adviser, me and the other (executive board) members have a chance to change things up a bit if we want and that’s an exciting opportunity, but it’s still unclear what the future holds.”

Distelrath said being with students outside of the classroom has allowed her to form unique relationships with her SA students.

“I don’t have my own kids, but for some of the kids that have gotten super involved with SA, they’ve kind of become my kids and so it’s been very rewarding for me to get to be a part of their life,” Distelrath said.

Distelrath said assistant principal Cindy Parravano emailed the staff about the position opening and Distelrath hopes the administration hires someone in May. Distelrath also added the executive board for next year is a dynamic group of people, so she feels confident everyone will have a great next year.

“The important thing for everyone to remember is that it’s Student Association, so it doesn’t really matter who the adviser is,” Distelrath said. “The adviser can be a great person to lend support and some guidance, but ultimately the group is run by students.”

ANNE MUAWAD ’20 Page Editor Every year since 1932, when the first Mothers’ Club scholarship was awarded, scholarships have been given out to several students from the graduating class.

This year 88 scholarships were given out.

“Each year we use one-third of our annual income to offer financial support to our graduating seniors. Each year, the amount we give is different based on our annual income. Our annual income is comprised of money from our dues and from our fundraisers. This year the amount Mothers’ Clubs used for scholarships was $26,390 and the total scholarship amount, including community scholarships, was $56,600, according to Mothers’ Club president Mary Jo Harris.

According to Elise Whitney ’18, the application process entails multiple steps in order to be eligible to win a scholarship.

“First, you have to send an email to Mrs. Wholihan to explain your extracurricular activities; tell (us) what you do and your school accomplishments. Then, there was the interview where they asked you questions about things about your time at South, how you think you’ve affected the school, and what you want people to remember about you,” Whitney said.

According to Ellie Connors ’18, her experiences with leadership are what helped her earn a scholarship.

“I talked very specifically (in the interview) about my experience with leadership and the challenges I faced when I had to rise to the occasion, which is why I think they picked me for that award,” Connors said.

According to Harris, candidates must meet specific requirements and

Boys varsity baseball plays De La Salle at the South Baseball Field.

may

interviewers looked for certain qualities in each candidate that applied.

“Merit Scholarship applicants must have a minimum 3.3 cumulative grade point average,” according to Harris.

“Need-Based Scholarship applicants need a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average,” Harris said. “All applicants must demonstrate exceptional leadership, community service, involvement in extracurricular activities and/or work experience. All applicants must demonstrate outstanding achievement or accomplishment in some area.”

Connors is planning to use her scholarship toward her tuition and is very thankful for the opportunity given by the Mothers’ Club.

“You can apply your scholarship directly to your tuition,” Connors said. “I’m going to University of Michigan next year, and I know that my parents appreciate every little bit.”

SENIOR SUCCESS Anthony Kalogeridis of the Grosse Pointe Sunrise Rotary Club awards scholarships to Demetrius Ford and Genevieve Yarema.

07

PHOTOS BY SOLANA BRYSON ’18

All AP testing will begin, both at South and across the United States.

We can make a difference 2 | OPINION

THETOWERPULSE.NET | 5.2.18

OUR VIEW || EDITORIAL

Last Thursday, while Grosse Pointe South students walked out of the building at 10:55 a.m., the teachers remained.

That afternoon, they went through routine staff development training with an emphasis on an issue that pervades our modern society: about mental and emotional health concerns, and how our staff can better help students through difficult times.

Depression, anxiety and other similar issues have affected everyone, whether they personally experience them or know someone who does. The facts are not ignorable. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 6-8 percent of teens may have serious depression. Assuming that statistic holds true at South, then odds are that at any given moment, every class has at least one student who is suffering. We are not immune to this nationwide epidemic.

We have known about how these problems affect us for a while now. Students have been lectured and counseled, and teachers are receiving more advanced training. Despite this, students need to recognize and use their voice to make a difference as well. We at the Tower believe that all of us can help combat stereotypes, stigma and insensitivity surrounding mental illness.

One thing that may prevent students from dealing with this issue is the attitude and assumptions students make about mental health. It’s common to hear jokes about self-harm or ending their own life over trivial matters in the halls and online. However, when someone does this, they are mocking those who do suffer and making light of a real issue.

These insensitive comments can trigger panic attacks in vulnerable individuals struggling with mental health issues.

Mental illness can take many forms and is often hidden. Just because someone does not appear to be in distress doesn’t mean they aren’t, and not all who experience high stress, anxiety or depression are affected and react to the same degree. Students who have struggled with mental illness may not have revealed this about themselves for fear of being judged by their peers on baseless stereotypes. This environment only perpetuates the taboo surrounding suicide and mental illness.

Closing yourself off to an open, serious discussion about suicide and mental illness makes it harder for sufferers and survivors to be taken seriously and receive the help they need. As their classmates, we can respect those around us by avoiding triggering topics and insensitive jokes, and also do our part by changing our attitude towards mental illness. We believe students should be part of administration’s plan to educate faculty on suicide prevention, awareness and

how to respond to EDITORIAL CARTOON BY EVA MCCORD ’21 mental illness.

While kind gestures can alleviate temporary sadness, they don’t necessarily “fix” everything about a person’s mental health status. Disorders like depression, PTSD and anxiety go beyond feelings of stress and disappointment that the average high school student experiences, and deserve to be recognized as the real health issues they are.

The best course of action for anyone who feels they are struggling with more than lifes’ ups and downs is to should seek professional help and talk to an adult.

Walk which raises awareness of issues in We at The Tower encourage students our own community. We also appreciate to educate themselves about mental steps to educate teachers and staff, and health and illnesses in order to create an believe students should be part of this open, safe environment at South. We ap- initiative as well. preciate events like the Out of Darkness If you or someone you know are

The art of

reality

MY VIEW

JUST-US WELCH ’20 Staff Writer

My earliest memories revolve around art.

I lived in a neighborhood a few blocks from the city art museum and spent my Saturday mornings trying to recreate the paintings I saw tower over my six-year-old self.

I remember spending my elementary school recesses doodling with chalk, without fail, everyday. I remember being told I would be an artist one day for being able to color within the lines when I was in preschool. But those same people who told me these things no longer believe that art a decent path for me. I feel like one of the first real coming-ofage experiences is realizing all the lies adults have told you.

What once was the dream I would become a famous artist is now muddled into the fear that I won’t be stable enough to support myself. I still get the questions if I “still make art,” and the answer is no. I don’t because I thought I had that mature realization that a career in art was unstable and risky. I have taken one art class in the past four years, and it scares me I did it just to fulfill a credit to graduate.

The overbearing responsibility of finding a career that will support me and my apparent

future family haunts me as the years near my graduation. I find myself taking AP Chem instead of a ceramics class because I am terrified of being rejected from a good school and even more terrified of attending an art school where my salary would be uncertain.

Yet, the real coming-of-age for me is learning these are all lies I’ve been fed and trained to think. Many adults tell us pursuing art is silly, but don’t care to think about how the same people who act in their favorite shows, sing their favorite songs and design the clothes they wear are the same people who defied those lies.

I couldn’t imagine my life without the treasures art brings. It is just as valid as any other passion a student may carry for technology or science and shouldn’t be frowned upon by parents. I shouldn’t be discouraged to take the drawing and painting class I looked forward to in elementary school. No longer will I be afraid of choosing less practical classes just for the sake of pleasing those adults who tried to persuade me to think a satisfying path for me included reliable options. So when you see me next year with my schedule overflowing with art classes and lacking in science electives, don’t be too surprised.

ARTISTIC PATH This mural is displayed in the hallway between the IA and main building. Welch reflects on the fear of pursuing her passions.

the the

TOWER

N N EE W W SS PP A A PP EE RR SS TT A A FF FF

PHOTO BY SARAH STEVENSON ’19

Editor-in-Chief Editor-in-Chief Liz Bigham* ’18 John Francis* ’18 Online OnlineEditor-in-Chief Editor-in-Chief Henry Ayrault* Ayrault* ’19 ’19 Henry Grace Reyes* ’19 Associate Editor

Associate Editor Alyssa Czech* ’19 Alyssa Czech* ’19 Supervising Editors at Large

Supervising Editor’18 at Large Ray Hasanaj* Ray ’18 LiamHasanaj* Walsh* ’18 Supervising Editors Supervising Editors Katherine Bird*, Bird*, Katherine Rachel Harris*, Harris*, Riley Riley Lynch*, Lynch*, Rachel Elena Rauch*, Elena Rauch*, all ’18 all ’18 ’19 Biana Pugliesi* Biana Pugliesi* ’19 Page Editors Page Kaitlin Editors Nemeh*, Chase Clark*, Chase Clark*, Kaitlinall Nemeh*, JD Standish*, JD Standish*, all ’18 Adrian ’18 Doan* ’19

Anne Muawad*, Lauren Adrian Doan* ’19Nemeh*, Maura Aidan Walsh*, Elizabeth AnneShine*, Muawad*, Lauren Nemeh*, Wolfe*, ’20 Elizabeth Maura Shine*, Aidanall Walsh*, Wolfe*, all ’20 Copy Editors Ian Dewey*, Piper Phoebe CopyEschenburg*, Editors all ’18 Ian Dewey*,Miriani*, Piper Eschenburg*, Phoebe Sylvia Hodges* ’19, Miriani*, all ’18 Elizabeth Flower*, Victoria ’19, Gardey*, Claire Sylvia Hodges* Sheeren*, Imran Siddiqui*, all ’20 Elizabeth Flower*, Victoria Gardey*, Claire Sheeren*, Imran Siddiqui*, all ’20 Business Managers Evan Skaff* ’18 Business Managers

Evan Skaff* ’18 Web Editors Arianna Pagenette* ’18, Kaitlyn Perkins* ’18, Web Editors Kathleen Carroll*, Katherine Costello*, Arianna Pagenette* Jaqui ’18, Kaitlyn Perkins* ’18, Claire Koeppen*, Mercier*, Audrey Kathleen Carroll*, Katherine Whitaker*, all ’19 Costello*, Claire Koeppen*, Jaqui Mercier*, Dominic Dulac* ’20 Audrey Whitaker*, all ’19 Dominic Dulac* ’20 Editors Multimedia/Social Media Abigail Due* ’18, Multimedia/Social Media Erica Fossee* ’19 Editors Abigail Due* ’18, Erica Fossee* ’19

struggling, we strongly urge you to reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Redaction notice:

In last week’s issue of The Tower, art teacher Ms. Aro was mistakenly quoted as proposing a commentary on the competitiveness of the current artistic community, as opposed to the goals of South’s art department in regards to helping student artists reach their goals; the included quote was retrieved from a later unused student interview. The correct and intended quote is, “Our goal for our students is to learn who they are, what they care about, and how they can make visuals that communicate that self knowledge with skill and confidence.”

Inconsistent grading scales concerns student

MY VIEW DANIEL KLEPP ’20 Staff Writer

We have a grading system that is not standardized enough, which ultimately leads to discrepancies between grades in different classes. At one point, many have thought that the percentage you receive in each quarter is worth 40 percent, and the final is 20 percent, but this is not entirely true. Final grades are weighted by letter and not by percentage, as stated on page 55 of the Student Handbook. For example, there is no GPA difference between a 93 and a 97, because both are technically “A” grades.

This can lead to students being hurt by a faulty system. A student could receive a 92 for a quarter, and a 95 the next, which would average out to a 93.5, which is an A grade in many classes, but the grading algorithm would treat that as a 3.8 instead of a 4.0, because it takes the average between the A- and the A, not the 92 and 95.

This also raises the question, why are teacher’s scales and weightings for grades not standardized? The fact that teachers can control what Tower Radio Tower Radio Alex Acker* ’18 Zachary Heimbuch* ’19 Staff Staff Writers Writers Margot Baer, Baer, Solana Solana Bryson, Bryson, Blair Blair Cullen, Cullen, Margot Griffin Jones, Jones, Harper Harper McClellan, McClellan, Caitlin Caitlin Griffin Miller, John John Schulte, Schulte, Cameron Cameron Smolen, Smolen, Miller, Lauren Thom, Thom, Brennan Brennan Zihlman, Zihlman, all all ’18 ’18 Lauren John Bellamy, Bellamy, Sarah Sarah Bellovich, Bellovich, Isabella Isabella John Craparotta,Oliver Allison MacLeod, Olivia Craparotta, MacDonald, Allison Mlynarek, Olivia Sarah Stevenson, Arif Ulku, all ’19 MacLeod, Mlynarek, Sarah Stevenson, Arif Ulku, all ’19 Madeleine Allen, Julia Ambrozy, Daniel Klepp, Evelyn Kuhnlein, Charlie Matthews, MadeleineKari Allen, Julia Ambrozy, Ronning, all ’20 Daniel Klepp, Evelyn Kuhnlein, Charlie Matthews, Kari EvaRonning, McCordall ’21’20 Eva Adviser McCord ’21 Kaitlin Edgerton Adviser

Kaitlin Edgerton

vs.

grades are worth (although at no fault to them), makes letter grades arbitrary when in comparison to other classes. Standardized grade input by each department, perhaps, that is agreed upon by teachers in the said department would greatly enhance the level of order that is possessed by the systems.

The need to standardize the grade input system is manifest when given the many styles of grade input that teachers use. For example, a teacher may use a 13-point scale to put in grades or a teacher may use a 100-point scale. Neither is inherently correct or incorrect, but it is slightly confusing that they are allowed to coexist. The natures of the different systems make comparing grades to other classes borderline impossible and bring into question the integrity and legitimacy of grades.

I do not think it would be too

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

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

hard to implement a standardized grading system either. The transition wouldn’t be exactly seamless, as some teachers may have to change the grading styles that they have probably used for the majority of their time teaching, but it is a necessary sacrifice to bring order to a chaotic system. Not only would this benefit potential students, but it would also help in gauging teacher performance, as everything is on an even playing field. Not sure if relevant, but worth noting. These changes would benefit our grades and would bring an end to a disorderly system.

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

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

Columns represent the opinions of individual staff members and outside contributors.

Request to withhold the writer’s name staff members and outside contributors. from publication for good reason will be Editorial Board considered. Letters can be sent to the above Editorial Board Board editors. email address, or dropped off in “The Tower” An asterisk * denotes Editorial An asterisk * denotes Editorial Board editors.

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THETOWERPULSE.NET | 5.2.18

3 | NEWS

South students strut down the runway BROOKLYN NORTHCROSS ’20 Staff Writer It was a dream come true for students who wanted to try their hand in modeling as they strutted down the runway at the annual Mothers’ Club Fashion Show.

Students took on the runway in the main gym on Thursday, April 26, sporting clothes from local businesses in the Grosse Pointe community. The theme of the event was ‘Dream Weavers,’ which was shown through the decorations, visuals and music.

Cindi Portwood, the chair of the Mothers’ Club Spring Benefit Fashion Show, helped choose the theme as one of the main organizers for the event.

“We knew the choir was going

to do ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ and we didn’t want to do a straight-on Joseph theme,” Portwood said.

“There’s one song in the production called ‘Any Dream Will Do,’ and we thought that would be a great spin-off for the fashion show.”

All students were eligible to sign up as models through the Mothers’ Club several weeks ago. Then they were assigned to a clothing store to find their outfits, according to Jack Michaud ’21, who modeled for Jos. A. Bank.

“My mom actually signed me up for the (fashion) show,” Michaud said. “After the event, I’m really glad she did. The show exceeded my expectations because I had no clue what to expect. I was very impressed at the organization and professionalism of the atmosphere.”

Initially, Michaud had mixed feelings when he was signed up, but he soon began to enjoy the process.

“I originally thought the fashion show would be an event where I would embarrass myself,” Michaud said. “After getting to know some of the fellow models, I got into it and had a lot of fun. At first, I was very uptight and not very comfortable, but when the time came to walk, I was relaxed and really into the whole ordeal.”

Kate Beardslee ’21 signed herself up hoping to have a fun modeling experience while also supporting her school.

“I was excited to get dressed up because I got to choose my own outfit,” Beardslee said. “I got to wear clothes I actually liked from Beautification Station. It was fun to get dressed up and get my hair and makeup done while also being surrounded by

friends.”

As a third-year participant in the annual fashion show, Tim DeGrand ’19 was eager to participate in the fun yet simple process.

“There isn’t much preparation other than getting your measurements at your store, attending a half-hour rehearsal the Sunday before, and picking up your outfit for a final fitting,” DeGrand said. “I was excited for it, and you do feel a little nervous right before you go on, but it’s still very fun.”

Although it was only his first year modeling in the show, Michaud was shocked with how much fun he had getting ready and walking down the runway.

“I would seriously consider doing the fashion show next year,” Michaud said. “Not only is it a way for students to exercise their model status, it also creates a relationship between local businesses and our school.”

WALK THIS WAY Salvatore Craparotta ’20 poses for the camera.

PHOTOS BY MADELINE ALLEN ’20

CAT WALK Tommy Daudlin ’20 poses, modeling Posh in the village.

German students plan for summer trip to Germany VICTORIA GARDEY ’20 Copy Editor

T

She planned to attend once in high school in order to experience and explore Germany.

“My whole family is from Germany and I’ve been taking this language for two years now,” Brieden said. “I think it will be a good experience to see what the culture is like for myself.”

The trip will include

his summer, 16 students will be going on a once in a lifetime trip to Germany.

German teacher Lisa Richman will be leading the trip-- her eighth biannual trip with South students. The trip is from June 18 to June 27, 2018.

Richman said You read about it in the trip will help the students improve books, but you just on their German can’t imagine it until through the full imyou’re standing there, mersion in the lanand then it feels real. guage.

LISA RICHMAN “In German German Teacher (class), we try to make real life situations and how you can handle them,” Richstops in Heidelberg, man said. “But you can Rothenburg, Munich and only make it so real.”

Salzburg.

Anna Brieden ’20, who “You read about it in is going on the trip and books, but you just can’t has been studying Gerimagine it until you're man for three years, first standing there, and then heard about it in German it feels real,” Richman said.

One while in eighth grade.

The students typical-

ly hold a pizza party in the spring to get to know each other better before they travel. Mary Jordan ’20, who is in her second year studying German, is traveling on the trip with some of her friends.

“I think it will be a lot of fun because we can all learn about the language together and learn about the culture,” Jordan said.

Richman said the best part of going is seeing the growth in the students.

“It’s part of them and part of what they’ve done and studied, the people that they’ve met and what they are going to do in the future,” Richman said.

Richman said she hopes her students enjoy the experience.

“I hope they gain the courage to explore the world,” Richman said. “It might be a little different or scary and uncomfortable, but oh my gosh, it’s so fun.”

ON THE RUNWAY Elise Whitney ’18 struts down the runway modeling Taylor Reese.

Cryptocurrency company donation leads to classroom upgrade JOHN FRANCIS ’18 Editor in Chief Bitcoin has defined the idea of cryptocurrency in the past year.

Many people are still not keen on what it means or how it works.

Social studies teacher Margaret Pierce had her first encounter with cryptocurrencies this past March in an unexpected way.

She received full funding for her classroom donation project, which was posted on DonorsChoose.org. The project, along with thousands of others that teachers around the country have posted with requests for funds, was fully financed by Ripple, a cryptocurrency company.

“It (DonorsChoose) is just a website for teachers. You make an account and then have to type up a project, followed by some questions, some general information FRESH FURNITURE Here are some of Pierce’s new tables and chairs. about your school and what is They are to promote a more collaborative working environment for PHOTO BY MAURA SHINE ’20 your classroom like. You do that students. by making a classroom profile,” what DonorsChoose projects can accomplish firsthand.

Pierce said.

After a few weeks of having her project on the site, From there, according to Pierce, your project is eswith only a few donations from local sources, Pierce saw sentially put up for bidding by anyone who visits the site. in the news that the whole non-profit had been funded Donors are able to give however much they please, and

by Ripple, a cryptocurrency company. This meant her they do not have to be in the local community to connew classroom tables and chairs could be ordered to tribute. Pierce noted that after posting her project, she help bring her ideal collaborative learning style to her then shared it with her friends on Facebook and sent class. an email to the parents of her students, asking for do“In my old classroom, I had rectangular tables that I nations. could fit together with six people at a table,” Pierce said.

Pierce discovered Donor“I really liked that layout better for student work and essChoose from fellow social pecially with the way I teach.” studies teacher Kendra Caralis, With the funding from Ripple, she was able to bring whom she had also taught with back aspects of her old classroom, which she believes in Rochester Schools before will help her students down the road in life. they came to South. After comAccording to Pierce, when she was at her previous ing here, Pierce was able to see school, they took part in working with Quicken Loans to see how Chairman and Founder Dan Gilbert designs his workspaces, which were nothing like a traditional classroom with desks and rows, but a space made for people working with one another. Pierce sees this as an edge for her students after high school.

Caden Handwork ’21, who is a part of Pierce’s first hour World History class, currently sits in the new chairs and works at a new table with wheels that allows up to six students to work together at a time.

“I think it should be used in every classroom at South,” Hankwork said.

Caralis added that no matter what each teacher decides to do for their students and classroom, these sites are helpful for all teachers on a tight budget.

“For teachers that want to add things to the classroom and don’t have the budget to do so, these websites offer a chance to add to their class things they may have not been able to otherwise,” Caralis said in an interview via email. “I think it’s very important to have these opportunities available to teachers in all districts.”

Emily’s Middle Eastern Deli

22205 Greater Mack Ave (586) 777-2256

4 | FEATURE

THETOWERPULSE.NET | 5.2.18

Any dream will do

Student content after J Cole’s “KOD”

All school musical impresses student with intricate set and well-rehearsed scenes

PHOTO COURTESY OF DJBOOTH.NET

MY VIEW

ZACH HEIMBUCH ’19 Asst. to Tower Radio

ACTION! Tommy Thams ’19 is center stage in a golden chariot. Thams played the role of the main character, Joseph.

MY VIEW

O

MARGOT BAER ’18 Staff Writer

n Thursday, April 26, at 7:30, the stars of Grosse Pointe South’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” had the audience laughing, crying and wanting to belt out the lyrics to “Any Dream Will Do.” The opening night was performed by the “blue cast,” which stared Tommy Thams ’19 as Joseph, Tiffany Furicchia ’18 and Grace Walsh ’19 as narrators and Hailey Martin ’18 as the pharaoh.

The show has little to no dialogue and is sung all the way through.

The intricacy of the set was extremely impressive and flowed perfectly with the performances.

The smooth set transitions between songs compared to those of a true Broadway show. The eye-catching costumes only added to this amazing show. The vibrancy of the technicolor coat stood out just the way it should.

The attention to detail when it came to the ensemble costumes really shown through and made the whole show seem very put

together.

There was no debate when it came to how long and hard these students worked to make sure this performance met Grosse Pointe South standards. The on-point singing and synchronized dance numbers really showed how much time and effort was spent in the making of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”

The only downfall of this production was that, at times, it was very hard to hear the performers when they were singing. This was unfortunate because the whole production consists of singing.

In some cases, it was hard to hear the cast over the orchestra and other technical problems. It appeared that major roles were wearing small microphones, but minor characters only had overhanging microphones to help project their voice. This seems like a problem that could be fixed easily in the future.

Overall, this year’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” was jaw-dropping impressive and intricate. The entire cast and crew should feel very accomplished of their show.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Hailey Martin ’18 sings as her role of the pharaoh.

BREAK A LEG! Tommy Thams ’19 and the cast on stage during opening night.

PHOTOS BY MARGOT BAER ’18

“A Quiet Place” ranks high, despite lack of dialogue MY VIEW ADRIAN DOAN ’19 Page Editor

There are some films that are undoubtedly better in the theater than at home. “A Quiet Place” is the perfect example, with its ironically exceptional use of sound. As with any horror movie, sound is important in building the atmosphere. In “A Quiet Place,” John Krasinski’s excellent directing and technical choices elevate the film to a new level.

The premise may seem disarmingly mundane: extraterrestrials have invaded Earth and a few remaining humans must attempt survive without society. However, the aliens add one of the film’s most unique elements.

They can only hunt and eat humans if the prey makes a sound. The film is centered around the survival of the Abbot family, kids Regan (Millicent Simmonds), Marcus (Noah Jupe) and Beau (Cade Woodward) and parents Evelyn (Emily Blunt) and Lee (John Krasinski).

The audience is thrown right into the action-- no dialogue or exposition. The opening scenes show the family scavenging in an abandoned supermarket. Nothing is said, but tiptoeing around and shelves nearly empty except notably for potato chips hint at the nature of life for survivors. While returning home from scavenging, Beau, the youngest child, pulls out a toy rocket which begins

blaring. No one says a word, but the expressions on the family’s faces says everything.

Lee rushes toward Beau as an unseen creature rushes through the forest. Lee isn’t fast enough and the loss of the child hangs over the family for the rest of the movie.

This initial excitement serves to establish the golden rule of survival: don’t make a sound; a rule that sets this movie apart from many of its genre. The actors’ impressive performances more than make up for the lack

of dialogue. Emotions are communicated through body language and facial expressions. Without characters constantly speaking and the normal sounds of life muted, everything the audience hears is enhanced. The creak of a floorboard, the rustling of corn or seemingly innocent sounds set the viewer on edge.

Another key aspect of the movie is the family dynamic. The parents struggle to give the children a normal life-- they eat family dinner with leaves as plates and play Monopoly with sewn pieces. This yearning for a normal lives leads the couple to have a baby despite the obvious dangers of giving childbirth in a situation where silence in required.

While the first half of the movie generally gets the audience familiar with the family dynamic, the second half is fast-paced and action-packed. You are constantly on the edge of your seat as the family experiences one close call after another. The contrasts of the sudden loud sounds and eerie silence leads to almost constant tension. This, in itself, makes the movie worth watching.

Combine that with the heartwarming family dynamic, and you have a must-see movie. I have to recommend this movie to everyone. It was truly amazing how overwhelming the sounds of life were after the film’s amazingly sparing use of noise.

PHOTO COURTESY OF IMDB.COM

Following J. Cole’s 2016 album, “4 Your Eyez Only,” fans were left underwhelmed due to the lack of general message, but eager for the artist’s future. Announced only four days before it’s April 20, 2018, release date, “KOD” was said to be both a continuation of the last album’s style and an expansion on overall quality.

I’ve never considered myself a huge fan of J. Cole.

Though I have listened to most of his songs, only a few of them really hooked me. I went into “KOD” with high hopes of being able to call myself a new fan. However, I was left with the same feeling that followed his past albums.

The album overall was trim, consisting of 12 songs, being about 42 minutes long in total. I always enjoy short, straight-to-the-point albums like this, so I would consider this aspect a positive.

“KOD,” short for “kids on drugs,” “king overdose” and “kill our demons,” attempts to deliver its message to the younger generation of making good choices in life and staying away from drugs.

Though this theme may seem easy to understand and get across, the underwhelming vocal delivery and general lack of focus blurred the message and left me wanting more of an explanation.

One part of the album I thought was interesting was the absence of any featured artists. Two of the songs claim to feature an artist named “kiLL edward,” however, this supposedly unknown rapper is actually still J. Cole, but with a deeper, edited voice.

Most albums nowadays are stuffed with messy features with random artists that barely ever work, so seeing “KOD” basically diss modern rap was a surprise.

The last song in the album, titled “1985 - Intro to ‘The Fall Off,’” is exactly what it claims to be; an intro to the next album for J. Cole. This was actually a song I enjoyed, as the lyrics were clear and the beat flowed effortlessly from beginning to end. The song gives me reassurance J. Cole still has the power to make meaningful songs, which is what he prides himself on. It’s just sad to see the artist’s potential was almost reached at the very end of the release.

People who listen to rap for good beats and vibe should be somewhat pleased with this album as a whole.

But, as a listener who enjoys diving deep into the lyrical meanings in songs, this was not the album for me.

I had my hopes high due to the inflated reputation of J. Cole and his songwriting skills. Superfans of the artist speak of the deep underlying themes within his songs, but I was unable to really connect to any. I know J. Cole is both a smart and talented rapper, but this album falls short with the potential it had. I will continue to stay optimistic towards J. Cole’s future tracks, as I know he can and has produced good music.

So, in the meantime, I’ll stay hungry for what J. Cole can really be within the rap game.

5 | FEATURE

THETOWERPULSE.NET | 5.2.18

A lasting bakery in a changing neighborhood

AUDREY WHITAKER & SARAH STEVENSON BOTH ’19 Section Editor & Staff Writer

WELCOMING FRONT Sister Pie is located in West Village on the east side of Detroit.

OPTIONS The bakery changes their selection seasonally.

BEVERAGE MENU Sister Pie also serves a variety of specialty beverages.

LOOKING SHARP Decorations create an open, welcoming environment for customers and workers.

SAVORY SWEETS Sister pie offers a variety of sweets including crumbly raspberry pie and pie cookies.

ON DISPLAY Trays show off the different treats that are served daily.

PHOTOS BY AUDREY WHITAKER ’19

As Detroit continues to evolve and grow, neighborhoods, both retail and residential are learning to adapt.

It was this mix in the area of West Village which drew Sister Pie owner Lisa Ludwinski to the neighborhood three years ago.

Ludwinski said her quaint bakery, located on Kercheval Avenue in Detroit, has been built up by the community that surrounds it and will make sure Sister Pie always has a home like West Village. “(West Village) was like a neighborhood contained within itself,” Ludwinski said. “The area had different businesses that would support each other and the community. It seemed like a bakery would be a good fit for that type of grid.”

Today, Sister Pie and the buildings surrounding the bakery are well kept, but Ludwinski said the area was not the same when she first began her shop. However, through the years since her business was established in West Village, she has noticed a change in developments around the neighborhood.

“When we opened, the building next door was totally disrupt and crumbled and it was just a facade of a building that had sunken in, and now that area is fully redone,” Ludwinski said. “There’s apartments above the building, retail below and there’s a community patio. That was a major change that we saw within the first year that Sister Pie opened.”

According to Reimer Priester, co-owner of Villages Property Management whose business focuses in West Village and the area that surrounds it, he renovated that very building.

“We have the lot and patio next to Sister Pie; the two story, red brick building that was recently renovated,” Priester said.

“We’ve recruited a salon to go there, Village Parlor, and we also have a butcher and a restaurant that are in the process of raising money for their build out that will hopefully start in the spring of 2018.”

Not only are there new changes within the business aspect of West Village, but also the residential part as well, according to Crain’s Detroit Business.

A new mixed-use development building, The Coe, began construction in December and will contain 12 residential units, including townhouses and apartments, and 1,200 square feet of retail space, according to Crain’s Detroit Business.

Ludwinski says because of these developments, there has been an increase in the number of people living and working in the area.

“I actually started a new neighborhood business association last January and the number of people who I hope the growth in have joined each month West Village continues has been significant,” Ludto be at a grassroots winski said. “People are level and includes looking to be in this neighborhood.” the local families and In addition to the inentrepreneurs who crease in residents, Ludhave always called it winski says more people home. are wanting to get involved in a different place like BRIDGET MCDEVITT West Village.

West Village resident “A lot of people are coming from other places and are interested in the neighborhood because there’s kind of a bit of an eye on it, but then there’s businesses and business owners that live in this neighborhood,” Ludwinski said. “ I live two blocks away and other business neighbors I have do the same thing. I do think the community itself, especially in terms of retail, has been wanting these different places to go to.”

Bridget McDevitt, a current resident of West Village, decided to move to the area after the connections she made with the community.

“I was working part time at Live Cycle Delight cycle studio in the spring, then I joined the Villages soccer team in the summer,” McDevitt said. “I really enjoyed the sense of community and wanted to keep up those relationships. So, I moved to West Village in November and began working at Detroit Waldorf School in Indian Village.”

McDevitt said she loves how welcoming and kind everyone is in West Village, and hopes the businesses in the area continue to stay in the neighborhood.

“I hope the growth in West Village continues to be at a grassroots level and includes the local families and entrepreneurs who have always called it home,” McDevitt said.

Ederique Goudia, another business owner in West Village, runs Gabriel Hall - a restaurant and music venue.

Goudia says she decided to build her business in the Detroit neighborhood to provide customers with more options, and businesses with more revenue.

“West Village will become a destination where people can come over and eat dinner at Gabriel Hall and then head to Sister Pie for dessert,” Goudia said. “I think we’ll add to what’s already going on in the neighborhood to help everyone to be more successful and profitable.”

Goudia believes her business will have a positive impact on the neighborhood of West Village.

“Development does bring more people to the area. I think us coming into the neighborhood, it will bring more people to Sister Pie or Brix (a wine bar in West Village) so we can all share an increase in traffic,” Goudia said.

Due to these recent developments, Ludwinski hopes to get the community more involved for what is in store for the future of West Village.

“I think conversations need to be happening directly from the community members to the business owners,” Ludwinski said. “I think it would be really powerful and just make this neighborhood what everyone kind of wants it to be; that could be a bunch of different things and you only find that out by talking to other people.”

6 | FEATURE

THETOWERPULSE.NET | 5.2.18

Advanced Placement tests to begin May 7: Bring along added stress for students ALYSSA CZECH ’19 Associate Editor

A

dvanced Placement (AP) tests-- the exams for each AP class South offers, which gives students the opportunity to potentially test out of the course at the college level-- will be offered May 7 to 18, and with them comes schedules packed with studying and added stress.

“With an AP course, a lot more classwork comes with it; more tests, more homework and overall, it’s just stressful especially with the exams coming up,” Lucy Burgoyne ’19 said. Burgoyne is enrolled in five AP classes this year, and took two classes last year.

“The month leading up to exams is when it all starts to come in… now you have five big tests all coming up in the span of two weeks, it really builds up.”

Michael Willard ’19 is taking six AP courses this year, took two his sophomore year, and one his freshman year. He said he took the classes because he wanted to challenge himself, gain some college credits and also be able to have a lighter workload starting in early May, right after the AP tests are completed. “(I took so many AP classes) because I felt those are the hardest classes offered at South, so therefore the most challenging, and because of the fact that they are the most challenging and cover the most material, I will therefore learn the most from those classes,” Willard said.

Willard said it is important that students who are going to take a challenging schedule filled with honors and/or AP classes must be willing to do the work that comes with it.

Caroline Mancus ’18 took AP Psychology and AP U.S. Government and Politics government her

junior year, but did not take either test, and she did so they can score themselves and see how they did,” not take any AP courses this year as a senior. She Theisen said. said many of her friends similarly took AP classes For Theisen’s AP Chemistry students, the month last year, but not many of them are taking AP’s their of April is designated for review, and over four days, senior year. the students complete a full AP practice test.

“I took the classes because AP Psych seemed reAccording to Burgoyne, her teachers prepare ally interesting and I wanted to learn more about her well year-round for the AP test for most of her the brain and stuff. I took AP Government because classes, but she doesn’t feel as prepared for certain I like history and social studies, so I wanted to chal- ones, and has to re-learn most of the information lenge myself,” Mancus said. “I didn’t take the tests from the first semester courses. She said for certain because I knew I wouldn’t do classes, such as AP Lang, there is well because I’m not that great not much to study, but for othat test-taking so I didn’t want to er classes, she buys the Crash waste my time.”

Course books to prepare her, With an AP course, a lot and decided to start studying In AP courses, preparation for the AP test in May is done earlier than she did last year. more classwork comes throughout the year, according Willard said he uses his notes with it; more tests, to Burgoyne, Willard, AP Enand for certain classes he uses a more homework and glish Language and Composition guidebook, such as 5 Steps to a 5, overall, it’s just stressful to prepare. Over the years of tak(Lang) teacher Danielle Peck and especially with exams AP Chemistry teacher John Theing AP classes, he has found that isen. taking practice tests and making coming up.

“The general flow of the year sure he understands what he is LUCY BURGOYNE ‘19 leads you to being successful on learning throughout the year is the exam,” Peck said. “Then of extremely important. course we do specific practice “I pay attention in class every questions: impromptus, multiple choice. We set up day, making sure I know the material throughout the class to help (students) succeed, but I think just the year so that if I do not know it, I will either ask generally on how to help (students) become better the teachers afterwards or YouTube different profeswriters.” sors so I can learn it a different way, so I don’t get Theisen said for every chapter through the year, caught behind,” Willard said. he finds previous AP questions that deal with that Both Willard and Burgoyne said around the time content to give his students exposure to and practice of the AP exams, their stress level increase, and for the AP test. while they both tend to get seven to eight hours of “We have, before each test, what I call a ques- sleep a night on average, they sleep less as exams tion-answer, and part of that day we practice old AP approach due to studying and stress. questions, and then I show them the scoring rubric “I would say I do sleep less,” Willard said. “When

I get nervous for anything, I sleep less; it’s just who I am.”

According to Theisen, he doesn’t see his students being any more stressed around the time of the test in particular, but that they are stressed for the entire year.

Theisen said his students typically come to him after the exam saying they were well-prepared for it.

Peck said it differs every year, but generally students feel they did well, and she likes to see when they are confident in their skills.

“Regardless of the outcome, if they feel good after having taken the test, I think that’s good,” Peck said.

According to Peck, the AP Lang test does a nice job of measuring students’ ability to write, and she approves of the exam.

“I actually do believe in the AP Lang test,” Peck said. “The test makers themselves have adapted to student needs and best practices for students throughout the years. If you look at a test from 20 years ago it’s going to look completely different because students and communication was completely different 20 years ago.”

Peck sees stress overall increase around the time of AP exams, but doesn’t think it is really because of AP Lang, because it is extremely difficult to cram and study right before this exam. She thinks all students should approach the test as she does: knowing that they have been prepared all year and cannot cram the night, or even the week before.

“I would say good luck,” Peck said. “But students don’t need it because they have been prepared adequately.”

May, 2018

7

8

A.M.

Chemistry

A.M.

Spanish

P.M.

Psychology

P.M.

None

15

14 A.M.

Biology

P.M.

Physics

A.M. P.M.

10

9 A.M.

P.M.

Literature and Composition None

French

A.M. P.M.

A.M.

Government & Politics

P.M.

Enviro Science

17

16 Calculus AB Calculus BC

11

A.M. P.M.

German U.S. History None

18

Lang. and Comp.

A.M.

None

A.M.

Microeconomics

Macroeconomics Italian

P.M.

None

P.M.

Euro History

Link Crew: Q & A with adviser Dennis Pascoe MADELINE ALLEN ’20 Staff Writer

LEADERSHIP Link Crew advisor Dennis Pascoe addresses a group of incoming freshmen.

This photo was taken in 2017 during the freshmen orientation day. PHOTO BY JOHN FRANCIS ’18

What is the Link Crew program at South?

“The Link Crew program is the upperclassmen mentoring the incoming freshmen and trying to help make sure they are easing into high school life.”

Why is this program at South?

“We get positive feedback from it, and I think it helps. There have been some freshmen that have been helped through it.”

What does it mean to be a Link Crew leader?

“Hopefully they take pride in the fact that they get to help others and wear it as a badge of honor.”

What are some ways Link Crew leaders help freshmen throughout the school year?

“Taking them to lunch, texting them to see how they’re doing, helping them with their classes... it just depends on the Link Crew leaders and their freshmen.”

What does it mean to be a Link Crew leader?

“As long as you are an incoming sophomore, junior or senior, anybody can do it. We are just looking for good people.”

THETOWERPULSE.NET | 5.2.18

7 | FEATURE

Stopping the stigma on mental illness RILEY LYNCH ’18

Supervising Editor “...I’m literally gonna kill myself.”

This quote and other variations can be attributed to masses of high school students as they shuffle through the halls, whether it be in regards to social drama, an upcoming test or a multitude of inconveniences.

Fleeting and insignificant as they may seem, the repetition of these phrases may pose a threat to the mental health of the people who are struggling with suicidal thoughts already. The American Association of Suicidology says suicidal ideation is a common term for thoughts about killing oneself and performing acts of self-harm, and can linger even after a brief mention of suicide.

A study by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) found that suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 15-34 in Michigan. In addition, the same study found that people in Michigan are more than twice as likely to die by suicide than homicide, which demonstrates the heightened likelihood of suicidal tendencies for students at South.

According to Beth Walsh-Sahutske, the head of South’s counseling department, people joke about things they don’t understand or things that bother them to cope. She also thinks this is detrimental to the people around them, especially since it minimizes the pain of those who are struggling.

“To minimize the frustration and pain of suicide is heartbreaking,” Walsh-Sahutske said. “There’s no quicker way to shut somebody down who is struggling than to make light of that struggle so I think it’s incredibly detrimental (to make casual remarks about suicide).”

Gail Urso, a representative of the suicide prevention organization Kevin’s Song, believes that comments mentioning suicide in any manner should be taken seriously since most suicidal people display warning signs. These warning signs can include giving away possessions, depression, feelings of worthlessness and explicitly saying they might kill themselves.

“Some people tend to think (suicidal) statements are insincere and they ‘blow them off,’” Urso said. “Comments like that should always be taken very seriously.”

Urso also emphasized the vast impact of suicide, noting that it affects dozens of people for long spans of time.

“I have heard that every death by suicide impacts over 100 people,” Urso said. “Those people include family, friends, acquaintances, colleagues, fellow students, et cetera. I recently met a woman in her 40s who got tears in her eyes as she told me about her high school friend who died by suicide.”

Walsh-Sahutske, who has Master’s Degrees in counseling and secondary education, said the impact of suicide is almost immeasurable because of how deep people’s connections are to one another. Secondary connections, such as friend-of-a-friend relationships, can also result in repercussions.

“The ripple effect of suicide is massive and it’s probably hard to even measure. Because there are so many interconnections, people have no idea of the consequences that affect any of us,” Walsh-Sahutske said. “And so when you think about all of the people that are the main networks that we’re connected to... Then your parents’ networks and your siblings’ networks, it just goes on and on and on.”

The South community is no stranger to the pain and deafening losses that suicide leaves in its wake. Last April, senior Ethan McComas took his own life, leaving behind friends and family who continue to love him today. One of those friends is Donald Vercruysse ’18, who met McComas through choir.

“Suicide has affected me personally. I was good friends with Ethan McComas,” Vercruysse said. “He was one of the people that made me feel welcome when I didn’t really know anyone (in choir). His passing gave me an empty feeling inside, as one of the kindest and happiest people I knew took his own life. His passing gave me the drive to prevent anyone from having to lose a friend from suicide.”

Walsh-Sahutske believes one of the hardest parts about living through the loss of a friend to suicide is the guilt, blame and anger that come after the person’s death, but she also stressed that a large part of suicidal tendencies come from one’s mental health status and isn’t any one person’s fault.

“It’s hard to wrap your head around the concept of somebody being in so much pain and misery that the best coping mechanism seems like it’s to not be alive anymore,” Walsh-Sahutske said. “But also, I think it is one of these things where it’s a complex issue and there’s a misunderstanding in terms of the role of the person who takes their own life’s health status, which dictates this behavior.”

To draw more attention to mental health, suicide prevention and the stigma that surrounds the subject, Walsh-Sahutske organized a

GRAPHIC BY GRIFFIN JONES’18

professional development day for the staff on April 26. The goal of the meeting was to teach the staff what warning signs to look for and the following steps they should take if they feel someone is at risk.

Walsh-Sahutske said one of the methods that will be implemented is called Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), where the person reporting the dangerous tendencies of another will find out what has been going on, guide them to get help and follow up by seeking professional attention.

“We wanted to teach the teachers, the staff and everybody from the building engineers and secretaries all the way to the administration about what they should just be alert and aware for. I thought it was a really great program. I was really impressed by it,” Walsh-Sahutske said. “The staff asked great questions that are very relevant to scenarios that they have to deal with day-to-day in our school community.”

Administrators have also approved a proposal for next year’s freshmen to be exposed to lesson plans about suicide prevention in their English classes, Walsh-Sahutske added.

“The second half of (professional development) was modeling a lesson that the mental health staff is going to be putting into the freshmen English classrooms,” Walsh-Sahutske said. “We’re going to be doing a suicide prevention presentation to all the freshman students, so we really wanted the teachers to see what we’re talking with the kids about.”

Urso has recognized Walsh-Sahutske’s dedication to mental health, and agrees that it should be a point of education for everyone, with lessons including searching for warning signs, reaching out to people and comforting those who need help.

“It is very important that we, as a society, address suicide as the public health crisis that it is,” Urso said. “Close to 50,000 people in the United States will end their own lives in the year 2018. We have to become educated as to who is at risk, what signs to look for and what to do if someone we know appears to be at risk. In schools and in the workplace, education about suicide is very important.”

On May 20, South will be hosting its annual Out of the Darkness Walk, which is run through AFSP. Out of the Darkness Walks are held nationwide at various campuses and communities. The goals of these walks are to inspire a conversation about suicide, mental illness and the stigma surrounding it, as well as offer a support system to those affected by suicide.

Walsh-Sahutske organized the Out of the Darkness Walk last year and this year. Although there was no obligation to walk, Walsh-Sahutske believes it’s important to show continued support for such a universal issue.

“It’s really just a matter of coming out to show support for those who are struggling or for yourself if you struggle,” Walsh-Sahutske said. “This is a major issue in the veteran community, in the LGBTQ community, and so just coming out to walk (is important).”

Vercruysse was an active participant in the Out of the Darkness Walk last year and plans to do so this year. He said he believes one of the best ways to begin to heal after losing a loved one is to have people gather together and console one another.

“Last year, I participated in the walk and worked at the registration tables selling cookies to fundraise for the cause. The walk was a great experience, as everyone gathered together to raise awareness for suicide prevention,” Vercruysse said. “It was truly heartwarming to see everybody willing to come out for the walk. It was also nice because everyone there was consoling one another whether or not they knew each other.”

Vercruysse said he has also dealt with personal thoughts of suicide, making the cause even closer to his heart. He has learned to cope with the feelings by reaching out to supportive friends and family members, and urges others to do the same.

“In the past, I also struggled with thoughts of suicide,” Vercruysse said. “I understand the feeling of believing you are a hindrance to everyone else, so you believe it’s better for everyone if you take your own life. I know now to look for help from my friends and family when these thoughts come to mind.”

Vercruysse is hopeful that people struggling with suicidal ideation, thoughts and tendencies will find the courage and strength to get the help they need, adding that all people have worth and are loved by someone.

“I want people to know that if they’re having suicidal thoughts, they should seek help, because no matter how dark your path gets, eventually you can see the light again,” Vercruysse said. “If people have these thoughts, they should know their friends and family love them and will help them feel better.”

If you or someone you know feels suicidal, please know that help is available 24/7 at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

8 | SPORTS

THETOWERPULSE.NET | 5.2.18

New athletic website modernizes, organizes sports-related information

Boys track overcomes history, beats North GRACE REYES ’19 Online Editor in Chief

PHOTOS & GRAPHIC BY ADRIAN DOAN ’19 & LIZ BIGHAM ’18

ARIANNA PAGENETTE ’18 & ALYSSA CZECH ‘19 and they also do little stories with photos and things like that, and it’s nice to see all the teams Section Editor & Associate Editor get a little recognition through the website.”

Within the last semester, Grosse Pointe South Booth said the only way the community was Athletics has come out with a brand new website, alerted about the website was through the ebwhich allows easy access to sport schedules, easy last he thinks was sent out. Also, when someone access to registration and a tab just for coaches. clicks on the athletic page of South’s website, it Interim athletic director Chris Booth created takes you right to the new website. the website and said he is the one updating the “Honestly, it just came up in the last couple of website with the dates and photos from games. weeks. I sent it to staff, I sent it to the coaches,” “As soon as I got up in that position that’s the Booth said. first thing I wanted to do, because if you’re a parFootball player Evan Bolles ’18 said he found ent or if you’re a kid at the school, if you want to out about the website from Booth talking to him go to a game tonight, where are you going to find about it. that information? It’s not anywhere,” Booth said.

“I have heard of the website but only from Mr. Softball coach Bill Fleming said he thinks Booth who was talking about it at the Comerica Booth creating the website was a great idea. game,” Bolles said.

“It’s got all the information you need in one Lacrosse player Anna Clark ’18 said making place,” Fleming said. “It keeps it all up-to-date,

more announcements at games or putting up flyers around the school could make people more aware of it.

“It will be mostly beneficial for parents because some of them are out of the loop when it comes to events and times,” Bolles said.

Although some teams use TeamSnap, an app that allows communication an updates of events, it could be helpful for athletes who may be a part of a sport that doesn’t use TeamSnap, Clark said.

So far, according to Booth and Fleming, the website has been a positive change to South’s athletic program.

“I think it looks classy, number one,” Booth said. “We need a classy website, it’s Grosse Pointe South. It’s not perfect, but creating a website in about three or four weeks, I’m happy how it turned out.”

On Wednesday, April 11, the South’s boys track team won against one of their biggest rivals for the first time in over a decade. In order to win a track and field dual meet, one team must score at least 69 points and South exceeded that in the 4x400 relay, according to runner Isaac Kado ’18.

“We were actually expecting something pretty similar to this outcome because last year, we almost beat them, so we were hoping for a win this year,” runner Blake Weaver ’19 said.

According to Kado, South had a good lead until North made a comeback towards the end. If South lost the 4x400 relay, North would have beaten them by one point.

“Overall, our team performed very well, the distance squad only had one race that we had a point deficit. The 4x400 relay performed very well against a talented squad,” North track runner, Garrett Schreck ’19 said.

This was the first meet of Mark Sonnenberg's season coaching track for South prior to coaching at Brownell for 15 seasons, according to Sonnenberg.

“Coach Sonnenberg makes sure we are the better version of ourselves, and having that as head coach is amazing because not only does he hold the athletes accountable, but he holds the coaches accountable as well,” runner Rockim Williamson ’18 said. “Just having him a part of the team has really helped a lot more than what we think.”

According to Sonnenberg, he knew that the team became more organized and disciplined over the last month. Sonnenberg was confident yet surprised when they did actually beat their rival.

“I think it infused a lot of confidence in the guys and we are seeing it in every meet that’s happened since,” Sonnenberg said. “In our practices, guys are working hard and they want to be here and they’re realizing that the dual meets mean something and we have something to work for.”

According to Kado, Weaver and Williamson, they all believe having Sonnenberg as head coach has affected the work ethic and morality of the team as a whole.

“Being able to beat an amazing school like North as our first meet was incredible and set the bar,” Williamson said. “Going into other meets now, we know what we can do. Also, it’s early in the season, so we have a lot more room to grow.”

SOUTH STEPS UP TO THE PLATE Boys Varsity Baseball competes at Comerica Park in annual game ANNE MUAWAD ’20 Page Editor

PUPPY LOVE Davis Graham ’18 crouches down to grab the ball as it flies towards home base.

We didn’t hit very well, but the experience was something that we all will remember forever. There were a few separate times I looked around simply to soak it all in.

We definitely didn’t approach the game the way Brighton did, but I feel like it was a really good bonding moment for our team, and that game made us a better team.

JACOB BOLTON ’18

CONOR MCKENNA ’19

THROWING HEAT Jackson Lawrence ’18 pitches during Saturday’s game. The team suffered a crushing 10-1 defeat.

PUMPED UP Cameron Shook ’18 expresses his excitement about being able to play at Comerica Park-- an annual tradition.

PHOTOS BY JOHN FRANCIS ’18

I don’t believe that the score was the most important thing in the game. It was just cool to see my best friends play at Comerica.

EMMA NAPORANO ’20

BATTER UP Drew Maccagnone ‘19 scored South’s only run in the game against Brighton.

GO FOR THE CATCH Joey DiMambro ’18 leaps for a catch over first base.