Issue 3

HOMECOMING

TIMELINE MONDAY

JUNGLE JUNIOR SPIRIT DAY

WEDNESDAY FARMER FRESHMAN SPIRIT DAY

TUESDAY STONE AGE SOPHOMORE SPIRIT DAY

FRIDAY UNITY DAY

THURSDAY STARS & STRIPES SENIOR SPIRIT DAY

LUNCH -- LAWN GAMES 2 P.M. -- PEP ASSEMBLY 6 P.M. -- PARADE 7 P.M. -- FOOTBALL GAME

SATURDAY

DANCE AT 8 P.M.

Dance tickets on sale today during both lunches for $10 The price will go up to $15 tomorrow and Friday.

SENIORS

I’m pleased that at least our best work will be shown in our final year.

GABI DE COSTER ’16

VICE-PRESIDENT

JULIANA BERKOWSKI ’16 // Copy Editor With final touches being made on their spirit day preparations, the senior class hopes to end its Homecoming career with the spirit jug in hand.

From the previous three years of experience, senior class Vice President Gabi de Coster ‘16 believes they have mastered the homecoming process and made their techniques more efficient.

“It’s very bittersweet because everything is clicking now, and it’s almost over,” de Coster said.

“But I’m pleased that at least our best work will be shown in our final year.”

From Freshmen Fiesta to

STARS & STRIPES

Sophomores of the Sahara to Justice League Juniors and now finally Stars and Stripes Seniors, Megan Gall ‘16 can’t believe it’s almost over.

“Homecoming has flown by the past three years and now we’re down to our last one,” Gall said. “I’m sad to see it end.”

With slogans like “Red, white and blue and better than you” and “I pledge allegiance to the seniors,” the class hopes to combine dominance with patriotism, de Coster said.

Tomorrow, class President Margaret Sohn ‘16 hopes most importantly that everybody has fun during their last spirit day.

And afterwards, the class has one more float party from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 778 Rivard. There will be a food truck at the final party and it will give a chance for the class to celebrate their accomplishments over the past four years.

“Seniors should come to the float party on Thursday to come together as a class one last time,” Sohn said.

And on Friday, de Coster said she has one goal in mind.

“Two words,” de Coster said.

“Senior sweep.”

Visit www.thetowerpulse.net for daily spirit week coverage.

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“Different jobs people can do are making posters, painting posters, making pom poms, putting pom poms on the float banner, rock painting and putting together the float itself,” Kuess said.

Enders encourages all members of the Junior Class to attend as many float parties as possible, she said.

“People should come to float parties because it helps you be involved with your class, show your school spirit and you can get to know other kids in the grade,” said Enders.

Visit www.thetowerpulse.net for daily spirit week coverage.

I’m proud of how our theme came together; it all worked out perfectly.

ADDISON ENDERS ‘17

PRESIDENT

JUNIORS

JACK ROMA ’17 // Staff Writer The Junior class is working hard to prepare their float for Spirit Day, Monday Sept. 28, according to class president and host Addison Enders ‘17.

“Our decorations are coming along pretty well, but we are always looking for more people to come out and help,” Enders said.

The class theme is Jungle Juniors. The class originally chose GI Juniors as its theme, but the seniors chose the theme Star Spangled Seniors, making the senior colors camo green, forcing the juniors to change themes, said Enders. But she does not think that switching themes has been an issue.

“I actually really like our theme this year, and I think it will be fun to dress up for,” Enders said.

As Monday approaches, class advisor Jenna Kuess is confident everything will be ready in time for Monday.

“I would say we were a little behind schedule,” said Kuess. “But in the last week we have caught up and we will be all set for Monday.”

There is a lot that needs to be done by that day and everyone that is participating has a different job to do, Kuess said.

JUNGLE

SOPHOMORES

KATHERINE BIRD ’18 // Staff Writer

If you didn’t come to float parties this year, you should definitely come next year.

CARLA VOIGT ’18

VICE-PRESIDENT

STONE-AGE

As spirit week looms closer, the current sophomore class of 2018 is rapidly preparing their spirit to exceed expectations.

The sophomore class’ spirit week theme is Stone Age Sophomores.

Float parties are held at 1013 Three Mile on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-8 p.m., Saturdays from 2-5 p.m., and Sundays from 1-6 p.m.

“Everyone kind of just decides if they want to do pom poms, which are the little paper things on the wire, or you can do the float or paint posters,” Carla Voigt ‘18 said. “Posters--you can

either do the backgrounds, which are purple or red, so that’s for people that aren’t as good artists.”

Alyssa Shrodes ’18 said she had a lot of fun at the float parties and recommends attending them. Food is typically provided at the parties as well, especially when they run later into the evening.

The float depicts a decaying Grosse Pointe South Tower to match the Stone Age theme, Voigt said. There will be vines around the school structure with cavemen and a pterodactyl.

Float party information is posted on the class of 2018 Twitter page and read on the announcements. Student council members also try to inform as many people as they can about upcoming dates and times, Voigt said. Student Council meetings are held on Wednesday mornings in Katherine Parent’s room, room 195.

“If you didn’t come to float parties this year, you should definitely come next year,” Shrodes said. “We need everyone in our class to come.”

Visit www.thetowerpulse.net for daily spirit week coverage.

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freshmen classmates.

“I’m hoping (my first Homecoming week) will be very fun … and make me feel more at home at South,” MacLeod said.

Being a team, working together and being respectful of fellow students has been Modlin’s focus for the class, she said.

Modlin said, “(I hope they) show school pride and have fun as they build on school traditions.”

Visit www.thetowerpulse.net for daily spirit week coverage.

My only real goal has been to get as many freshmen active and excited

CHLOE SKILES ‘19

FRESHMEN

HANNAH CONNORS ’16 // Copy Editor South’s youngest students have been preparing for their first homecoming as Farmer Freshmen since June.

The freshmen first started discussing their class theme at the end of last year, life skills teacher and class adviser Marianne Modlin said.

“I shared with the students what to expect at Homecoming and how much fun it is to show your school spirit,” Modlin said. “I also stressed that this is about the South family and not a division between classes.”

The freshmen had float parties about four times a week in the month leading up to their spirit day, Chloe Skiles ‘19 said.

“My only real goal has been to get as many freshmen active and excited about building the float as possible,” Skiles said.

“And overall to have a great first Homecoming at South.”

Ally MacLeod ‘19 said she hopes Homecoming will allow her to get to know more of her

FARMING

A new activity SA will try this year is one based on a similar tradition at Notre Dame Preparatory High School, according to Bornoty. Before classes are dismissed for the assembly in the afternoon, the pep band will march through the hallways in attempt to get the students excited.

“We are going to have the pep band all lined up,” Bornoty said. “They are going to come from the two main doors through the main building. Once you hear them, that’s when classes will start to get going, and as you enter the gym, they are going to be lined up waiting for all of the classes to enter. They will be playing music the whole time, and it will be a lot of fun just to get everyone going.”

Marching band member Alissa Martin ‘16 is excited to be a part of the pep assembly.

“We are a big part in setting the tone for the assembly,” Martin said. “It’s always just a really fun time. I just love the energy level.”

The main goal of the Friday pep assembly this year is to make everyone excited and to include more students, Bornoty said.

“Some of the things are changed so that all of the classes feel like they can participate as much as possible,” Bornoty said. “We are hoping that it is able to involve some more people, so that more class representatives can be involved. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Walsh hopes the students will respond to these changes positively.

He said, “We want to see how people react to these changes, so we can make sure people aren’t getting bored and so people want to come to the pep assembly.”

#GPSrequest

LINDSEY CLARK ’16 // Staff Writer The homecoming pep assembly on Oct. 2 will include multiple new activities and additions, as well as some old favorites, Student Association treasurer John Bornoty ‘16 said.

“There were a lot of things that were considered to change this year, so it could be as fun as possible and as entertaining as possible,” Bornoty said.

One change from last year will include new games in the spot of the relay race.

“I am not going to disclose those games yet, but those are going to be really cool,” Bornoty said. “A lot of thought went into them. What I will say is it pertains to a game you might have played as a little kid, but it is brought to life.”

SA has also planned a surprise at the beginning of the events. The assembly will still include traditions like the tug-of-war and the pie-eating contest.

“I am really excited for the There were surprise at the a lot of things beginning,” SA that were pep assembly considered to chair Liam change this Walsh ‘18 said. year, so it could “I think that will go well. If be as fun as it goes well, it possible will go great.”

According JOHN to Walsh, SA BORNOTY ’16 decided to add SA TREASURER new activities because at last year’s event, some students were bored and not excited for the relay race.

“We wanted to change things up and spice things up,” Walsh said.

Better music, better times that is Student Association’s, (SA), plan for this year’s annual homecoming dance.

“We got a new DJ this year because last year the DJ didn’t play any of the songs we wanted him to play, Lanie Fitzpatrick ‘17 said. So we got a new one, with the same company but just a different DJ.” The new DJ will now be playing modern hits because of the complaints last year about the song choice and how old the songs were.

“Their will be better music, to get the party started, Kitty McKay ‘16 said.

“Hopefully the crowd will like it better because we have had some complaints.”

Along with the new music and DJ there will be a new way to request songs at the dance. “The week of spirit week we are going to do a twitter thing again where they can tweet and request songs,” Fitzpatrick said.

Just because students can submit songs doesn’t mean that all of them can be played. The songs that can’t be played are one’s that have swearing or if it’s inappropriate. “If there are any swear words in it or if the themes are too sexual,” Kitty McKay ‘16 said.

“There isn’t a formula because all songs are different, but Ms. Distelrath and I go over the songs.” The DJ will be spinning disks and taking requests all throughout the course of the night.

scavenger hunt The Blue Devil’s Pitchfork will be hidden on Friday morning at 7 a.m. The first person to find it will win the scavenger hunt for their entire class!

When the item is found, the lucky winner should take it to Ms. Mitzel in the Student Activities Office, and will have to opportunity to run it out in front of the whole school at the Pep Assembly on Friday afternoon. Good luck to all!

CLUES:

NEW & IMPROVED: PEP ASSEMBLY

Hey, Mister D.J.

MONDAY: The pitchfork resides within the halls of Grosse Pointe South.

TUESDAY: If the pitchfork is what you seek, on the second floor is where you shall peek.

WEDNESDAY: It would be wise to think of where you can get a drink.

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Band, Marching Band

LAUREN PANKIN ’16 // Supervising Editor This year’s Homecoming halftime show will be shaken up, not stirred.

After the football players run off the field, new drum major Alissa Martin ‘16 will lead more than 75 marching band musicians in the music of James Bond movies, band director Chris Takis said.

Following musical themes of The Beatles and The Temptations, this year’s Bond theme includes the traditional theme song, Adele’s “Skyfall” and Madonna’s “Die Another Day”, Takis said.

“I think the kids know ‘Skyfall’ the best, so it is being played really well,” Takis said. “I think ‘Live and Let Die’ is historically the best known song in the show and musically there is a lot of awesome stuff happening in it.”

Takis said the band would not be as prepared as it is without Martin’s leadership.

“Marching bands are very student run, more so than concert band or concert orchestra or symphony orchestra,” Takis said. “The drum major really is the leader of that: they delegate things to section leaders, they communicate with me non-stop and they push the idea that students really are the leaders of this group.”

With responsibility and authority come many unforgettable moments, Martin said “It’s really fun just being able to stand in front of the whole band,” Martin said. “It’s kind of cliche, but I feel really powerful.”

Joining the marching band is the color guard, a group of six girls who perform choreographed sequences in which flags are tossed and twirled, co-captain Elena Roma ’16 said. Not only has the team doubled in size this year, they have also received improved equipment.

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“ We finally got our own South silks, which are blue and gold,” Roma said. “Last year, we struggled to find flags that weren’t totally ripped or stained, but this we actually got our own sets.”

At last year’s Homecoming football game, the halftime show was cut due to other events, such as presentation of the spirit jug and coronation of Homecoming queen, Roma said. However, she said she believes the band and color guard will be able to perform all three songs this year--a highly-anticipated reward for countless hours of preparation.

Beginning in August, both the marching band and color guard began practicing the repertoire at camp, Roma said.

Weekly, the band rehearses for two and a half hours, and the color guard practices for over four hours.

Being a member of the color guard is more than just flag twirling, Roma said. Simply holding the flag’s pole in the wrong spot can ruin a performance.

“Color guard is like dance, but it’s a lot harder because you’re controlling something that’s not your body,” Roma said. “You have to know how the flag flows, especially if you use different weights or different size poles, since they’re different factors. You need a lot of patience.”

Roma said she is looking forward most to the choreography for the Bond opening theme song. The band will arrange themselves in a bow tie formation, and the color guard performs in the middle, matching their movements to the music.

Highlights will include the three captain’s solos and the trumpet solo in “Live and Let Die”, Takis said.

“One of the awesome things about our volunteering marching band is that everyone who is there is there because they want to be there,” Takis said.

Graphics and Photo by SYDNEY SIMONCINI ’16

2015

HOPE ADAMS

KITTY MCKAY

HOME COMING COURT

“It’s truly just an honor to be nominated in the first place and on court is just crazy and being queen would just be super crazy. I don’t know if i deserve it.

“I’d like to win because it would be an honor to hold the title.

Plus I can’t be Homecoming king, so it would be a good consolation.

JENNIFER TOENJES

“I don’t think I deserve Homecoming queen, I wish the car could hold our entire class.”

RUTHIE IMPASTO

GRACE REYES

MARGOT BAER

ELLIE CONNORS

FRESHMEN

JUNIORS

ODETTE PETERS

SOPHOMORES

UNDERCLASSMEN

CHARLOTTE BRECHT

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TOWER the

Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015 Volume 88 Issue 3 thetowerpulse.net

A WEEKLY TRADITION SINCE 1928

@thetowerpulse

Gross e Pointe S outh, 11 Gross e Pointe B oule vard, Gross e Pointe Far ms, Michigan 48236

“(Detection dogs) were something the former central office administration was not sure about,” Flint said.

Now that his year of observation is over, Hamka wants to ensure the community and students that he is taking all necessary precautions to make sure South is as safe as possible, he said.

“I hope (Duke) sends a message to our kids that we are a safe, secure and drug-free campus, and we are going to take all of the measures we can to ensure that students are making healthy choices while they’re at school,” Hamka said.

In order for the dogs to be effective, they must be here more often so that the multiple random searches will prevent students from bringing drugs to school, Biology teacher James Adams said.

“I think that they’re going to become part of our life here,” Adams said, “The only way that they’re a decent deterrent is that you have no idea when they may be here.”

Despite some controversy, most students and staff believe that the administration is right to conduct searches.

Even a student who frequently uses marijuana said he now thinks twice before bringing contraband to school.

“If you bring drugs to school, they are going to catch you,” the student said, “Don’t bring it to school. I smoke weed, but I don’t bring it to school.”

In addition to the dogs, other safety measures have been taken, including the “safety secure doors,” Hamka said. During the school day, from 8:07 a.m to 3:05 p.m, all students and visitors must enter through the Fisher Road doors.

Visitor parking has also been moved to the parking lot off of Fisher and card readers have been added to more doors around the school. This allows

Sick Beats Flip to page 3 to read reviews for albums that were recently released.

Around the town Flip to page 7 to learn about new restaurants.

FOUNDED

COLORED OF PE

IN THIS ISSUE

of discrimination and unfair treatment, because her husThe room was packed. Enthusiastic conversation bubbled band was of Mayan-Central American descent, she said. in the room. People stood against the walls, struggling to “Something like that would never happen today,” Santiz find a seat. Old, young. Black, white. The demographic of the said. room was a “rainbow,” as Harper Woods City CouncilwomEventually, she was happy to see Detroit and surrounding an Valerie Kindle described it. communities starting to mend relations, though the stain of On Sept. 23, the first meeting of the National Association racism lingered on. for the Advancement of Colored People in Grosse Pointe hisBut these high prospects were somewhat halted when tory was conducted at Rockefeller’s Oyster Bar and Grille. conflicts rose after the Grosse Pointe Community virtually “Fabulous,” was how Kindle described the turnout that blockaded themselves from Detroit at the end of Kercheval night. “It takes a rainbow of people in order for things to during July of 2014. change more than anything else,” Kindle said.

“It was discouraging to see what hapADVANC E There has never before been an attempt to pened with the barrier between Detroit EM TH E organize a chapter of the NAACP in any of and Grosse Pointe Park,” Santiz said.

R O the Pointes up until now, Kindle said.

“It was like we were going backBesides improving the community, the wards.”

NAACP will be a source of representaAnd there are other walls like NAACP tion, Miracle Bailey ’16 said. Bailey plays this, she said. an active leadership role in South’s Afri“I mean, they built a wall be1909 can-American Diversity Club (AADC). tween Wyoming and 8 Mile. It “I’m excited about it and I’m happy that sounds more like Donald Trump, this kind of thing is finally getting done,” if you ask me,” Santiz said, laughing.

Bailey said. “As an African-American, I feel But she is proud to see the relike, for me, I don’t feel embarrassed about it. I sponse the community has had with GRAPHIC BY LIZ BIGHAM feel like this is because it is a part of me kind of, so I such tension. feel like just being here it gives me a voice in my school, “Things are already starting to change,” Sanand it gives other African-Americans in the community a tiz said, ”I’m proud of the reaction that some Grosse voice and an opportunity.”

Pointe Park residents had to the (Kercheval) barrier.”

In Grosse Pointe Park, a community where 1.9 percent of Santiz said the formation of the NAACP chapter alone is the population is black, according to the 2010 U.S. Census, an example of change. representation, voice and communication between people “There’s a little political dance going on, and I think a are the basis for change, according to Kindle. formal setting like this allows for people to come together “It doesn’t matter what group you belong to, as long as and resolve problems.” you’re actively involved and making change and changing Briana Thompson ’16, a member of the AADC, agreed the quality of life for your community,” Kindle said. that the NAACP will solidify diversity in the community.

While the improvement of the community and the pro“It will just open minorities up to be more comfortable motion of diversity has been the focus in Grosse Pointe Park in being in Grosse Pointe,” Thompson said. “With the new recently, namely mending tensions between the barrier on generation of kids coming in, I think that it will give them Kercheval, this was not always the case. the message that everyone of all skin colors are accepted in “I was raised a liberal,” Helen Santiz, who has been a res- the community. I think promoting the idea is really good.” ident of Grosse Pointe City since 1969. She reflected back to The bottom line, Councilwoman Kindle said, is more a time where intolerance was the norm. “I grew up in the than forming better relationships and spreading diversity, it’s center of the Detroit, which was predominantly Jewish and about doing good work and in good will. to me, everything that was going on was insane.”

“We need to be involved in ourselves and in our commuAfter graduating from Cass Technical High School, San- nity,” Kindle said. “Because we’re Americans. We cannot just tiz and her husband moved to Grosse Pointe City, two years take our rights for granted. It is a privilege to be an Ameriafter the Detroit race riot of 1967 shook the city to its core. can. And you need to give back to your community. You can However, she and her husband were on the receiving end not just be here on this earth. You’ve got to give back.”

ERYKAH BENSON ’17 // Page Editor

NT

Due to a change in homecoming policy, classes will have a selection of posters on display throughout the entirety of spirit week.

Instead of putting posters up the morning of a class spirit day and taking them down at the end of the day, posters will be stay up around the school, Peter Lianos ’18, an ambassador for Student Association and Student Council, said. This change allows students’ efforts to be showcased for longer than nine hours.

“Each class does so much work on these posters and now their hard work will be shown for more than just a day,” Lianos said.

Senior posters will hang along the center stretch of the main hallway and So it’s not just the cross hall wall above the girls gym. celebrating one specific class, Junior posters will hang in the main but it’s looking collectively hallway center section near the seniors’ at our entire school and the and across from the senior posters in effort and talent we have.” the crosshall. Sophomore and freshman posters will hang in both the wings of LAURA DISTELRATH the main hallway and in the cross hall STUDENT ASSOCIATION ADVISER between the commons and the S building.

Additionally, the new set up means classes don’t have to make as many posters this year, said Senior Class President Margaret Sohn ’16. They only have to make 50 class-themed posters and 15 unity day posters, cutting down on the time needed to make them. It is hoped the changes will help improve the quality of posters, Sohn said .

“It’s a lot less stress and easier to create more quality posters, since more attention is focused on each this year,” Sohn said.

The arrangement will hopefully better unify the classes during Spirit week, Sohn said.

“It will bring all of the classes together,” Student Association adviser Laura Distelrath said, “So it’s not just celebrating one specific class, but it’s looking collectively at our entire school and the effort and talent we have.”

The policy changes won’t affect how the week normally would go, Distelrath said.

“The amount of work the student body puts in, the change doesn’t impact at all,” Distelrath said. “The celebrations each individual class gets to have on their day, it doesn’t impact that at all that celebrations still takes place. The way it does impact is that you get to see the entire school coming together.”

inspections and Duke will have a more prominent presence on campus, Hamka said. This includes some home football games and other events where the administration feels it is necessary. The administration is taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of all students and staff at South.

“Don’t bring stuff to school,” Flint said. “Period.”

First NAACP meeting in Grosse Pointe brings diversity awareness to community members

SOCIATION AS L F A

MAREN ROESKE ’16 // Staff Writer

the doors to be locked remotely in the case of an emergency.

“I hope the students make safe and responsible choices both during school and outside of school,” Hamka said, “but I will do everything I can to ensure that our campus is safe and that when kids come to school, they can focus on their education.”

In the future there will be more random

N A T IO N

Change in Homecoming poster policy allows for greater quality

GOOD BOY// Police K-9 unit detention dog, Duke, sits for a picture. Duke has been with the Grosse Pointe Farms Police Station since May 5, 2014. He will be visiting the school for organized drug searches periodically throughout the year.

E PL O

BRENNA BROMWELL ’16 // Associate Editor As part of an effort to create a safer environment, Principal Moussa Hamka said he has decided to bring detection dogs back to the campus after a two-year absence.

“Last year was my year of learning and observing, and this year I am taking some action,” Hamka said.

To further the safety of South, the Grosse Pointe Farms Police K-9 Unit detection dog, Duke, will be utilized throughout the year, Hamka said. The better relationship with the Grosse Pointe Farms Police means that there will be more scheduled drug searches with Duke.

“There’s been a greater cooperation between our school and the Farms police,” Flint said.

Sept. 16 was the first scheduled search of the year with Duke. The primary reason for the search was to allow Duke and his handler to get acquainted with the school, Hamka said.

“The dog was here to build familiarity and for them to get to know our campus and students,” Hamka said.

Duke is trained in obedience, tracking, narcotic detection, area search and building search. This means that he can be used for many types of searches, aside from drugs, Hamka said. The searches will be randomly scheduled throughout the year.

“It (a search) could happen any day,” Flint said. “ It’s one of those deals where administratively, for us as a team, if we feel in our workings with kids and the atmosphere in the building that it’s needed, they’re coming,” The last time the dogs were utilized was under Principal Dr. Matt Outlaw, two years ago, Flint said. Due the transition between principals and hesitation by the GPPSS administration, detection dogs were not used in the interim.

PHOTO COURTESY OF OFFICER TIM HARRIS

Detection dog works for drug-free campus

Iron Man Check out page 8 to find out about McNamara’s ultramarathon race.

opinion // 2

Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015

South’s safety precautions should be more balanced, fair for every student

W

ith the return of detection dogs after a two-year hiatus and new safety policies being implemented, administrators are sending a clear message that South will not tolerate nonsense.

Clearly, administrators have the students’ best interests in mind and want to create a safe learning environment for everybody at South. The steps that have been taken by the administration so far are beneficial for our well-being and will help to ensure learning is the primary focus each day at school.

Although it is inevitable students will abuse illegal substances, it will now be much harder for them to do so on school property and administrators want them to think before bringing anything on campus.

This is an admirable step for the administration to take.

Other safety precautions including secure doors, where visitors from 8:07 a.m to 3:05 p.m can only enter the school through the Fisher Road doors, and the card readers added to entrance doors help to ensure students and staff are working and learning in a safe environment.

However, some new or newly-enforced policies like the implementation of stricter hall pass rules seem unnecessary. Having to interrupt a lesson to get a planner signed to go to the bathroom or locker is tedious and burdensome to teachers. And if a student wants to abuse the hall pass system, he or she will find a way without teacher permission. Likely, it will be well-behaved students who never abused hall passes in the first place who are stuck dealing with this nuisance.

Although occasional detection dog searches are necessary, students who follow the rules should be able to learn without interruptions and inconveniences. The purpose of these searches

MY VIEW

Griffin Brooks ’16

MY VIEW

Blair Cullen ’18

ILLUSTRATION BY ABBY FERRY ‘16

and other added policies are to keep the school environment distraction-free so it is necessary that they themselves don’t become interferences.

It is impossible to keep track of all student activity at every moment during the school day, and administrators need to trust that the school population will be where it needs to be at the appropriate times.

However, students need to realize the power the administration has to implement new rules and take away our privileges like open-campus lunch if it is

OUR VIEW // EDITORIAL

Senior shares advice for college interviews

NEWSPAPER

TOWER

STAFF

weekly column featuring information and perspectives on the college application process, written by Tower seniors

the

deemed necessary to increase safety.

Bringing drugs to school or sneaking out of class to buy something from Farms Market might seem like it only puts individuals at risk, but in the long run, the entire student body could be affected.

Administrators are right to make student safety a primary focus.

In addition, administrators should also should consider who their policies are affecting.

While safety precautions like detection dogs and card readers undoubtedly promote safety on our campus, school officials must know where to draw the line between student well-being and being overbearing.

COLLEGE CONFIDENTIAL

Last week could have either made or broken my college experience, and consequently, my life. I had an application interview with a college admissions officer from Hamilton College, a liberal arts college in Clinton, New York.

With so many students in the country having a high GPA and being a part of countless extracurricular activities, an interview with a college admissions officer or alumni has the ability to give someone the extra push they may need to get into the college of their choice.

My experience provided a huge learning opportunity for when I have another interview, whether it is for a different college or even a job.

Before the admissions officer and I started even talking, I hit my first hurdle and had to struggle through an awkward handshake because my palms were sweaty from the nerves.

Luckily my interviewer quickly diffused my tensions, but that did not solve the problem that was in the back of my mind the whole time: what do I do with my hands?

This trivial issue actually proved to cause me a lot of anxiety because I did not want to leave them in my lap as I was talking, which is natural for me, but I also didn’t want to overcompensate and spastically fling my hands wildly.

The actual conversation began predictably, with the common questions, “Describe yourself.” “What do you want to major in?” and finally “Why do you want to go to our college?” These are not necessarily easy questions and they proved difficult for me to answer. Being interviewed is tough because you have to find the balance in positively selling your skills and abilities without boasting. Having to answer questions I did not know the answer to, such as what I want to major at college, was a challenge.

Besides the obvious advice, like make eye contact and be respectful, there are some keys that made the process easier for me, and I hope these tips might help you too.

1. Bring a resume with you to your interview. After you’re done, the interviewer is going to have to write a summary of you to the admissions office. If all of your accomplishments are on a piece of paper, it is much easier for the interviewer to add them to their review than if they have to remember what you said. They may miss a few key details CONFIDENTIAL if they have to recall your credentials from memory, and it could affect your chances of getting into the school.

2. Keep the interview conversational. It is a good idea to have a few topics that you plan to bring up, but do not rehearse a speech and then state it word for word during the interview. The point is to sell yourself as a mature person ready to handle college. If you dive into a speech that sounds as if it was written ahead of time, it will seem robotic and uncomfortable.

Also, remember to be energetic and outgoing, even if that does not come naturally.

3. Research the school before you go. Every single college is going to ask the same question: “Why do you want to go to our school?” and this is not an easy question for some. There are many things that need to be taken into account, like dorm life and the types of majors offered, that influence this decision, and it is difficult to know the answer to this without researching the college. The obvious answer is “Because it is a good school that will help me a good job after college.” But the interviewer is looking for more than that. This is why it is crucial to research before going to the conversation. If you know a few facts, such as a popular event on campus that interests you or fascinating clubs that seem exclusive to the college, it makes it much easier to answer the questions.

There is no way to have the perfect interview. There will be issues that you will have to fight through. But, you must remember that the interviewer wants you to go to the school. In the end, it is important to be confident and be flexible.

This is a necessary obstacle to overcome in order to go to your dream school, but with the right preparation, it can be easily managed.

Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Maiorana* ’16

Photo Editor Jennifer Toenjes* ’16

Associate Editors Brenna Bromwell* ’16 Emily Fleming* ’16

Business Managers Alexis Motschall* ’16 Asst. Mackenzie Harrel* ’17

Supervising Editors Gabi de Coster* ’16 Haley Vercruysse* ’16 Lauren Pankin* ’16 Sydney Simoncini* ’16

Online Editors-in-Chief Allyson Hartz* and Olivia Baratta*, both ’16

Page Editors Maggie Wright* and Zoe Jackson*, both ’16 Claire Yeamans*, Erykah Benson* and Jack Holme*, all ’17 John Francis*, Liz Bigham* and Ray Hasanaj*, all ’18

Online Section Editors Scarlett Constand* ’16, Adam Cervone* and Ariana Chengges*, both ’17 Riley Lynch* ’18

Copy Editors Brendan Cauvel*, Hannah Connors*, Julia Fox*, Juliana Berkowski* and Shannon McGlone*, all ’16 Rachel Harris* ’18

School dress code illustrates hypocrisy

Online Associate Editor Preston Fossee* ’16

Online Copy Editors Lindsey Stanek* ’16 Lily Kubek* ’17 Online Social Media Directors Emma Andreasen* and Zoe Evans*, both ’17

COLLEGE

Staff Writers Abigail, Warren, Blair Shortal, Callie Zingas, Christina Ambrozy, Elizabeth Coyle, Gennie Martin, Griffin Brooks, Hadley Diamond, Hailey Murphy, J.D. Gray, Jessica Whitney, Jon Theros, Katharine Kuhnlein, Lily Patterson, Lindsey Clark, Mac Cimmarrusti, Madeline DesNoyer, Olivia Frederickson and Olivia Wouters, all ’16 Abby Ottenhoff, Anton Mikolowski, Bridget Driscoll, Cam Francis, Charlie Denison, Claire Hubbell, Emma Russell, Gillian Eliot, Jack Froelich, Jack Roma, Mac Welsher, Madeleine Glasser, Mary Grace O’Shea, Michael French, Olivia Sheffer, Sydney Stann and William Muawad, all ’17 Abigail Due, Arianna Paganette, Blair Cullen, Brennan Zihlman, Cameron Smolen, Chase Clark, Elena Rauch, Evan Skaff, Grace Brandon, John Standish, Kaitlin Nemeh, Katherine Bird, Lauren Thom, Maren Roeske, Margot Baer, Mollie DeBrunner and Liam Walsh, all ’18

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

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

Bra strap showing?

How scandalous. Three-finger-thick tank top? That’s more like it.

Ah, the dreaded dress code.

Some of the things in the dress code are left unthought by teachers, but definitely not by students.

For instance, ripped jeans are a trendy clothing staple that many high school girls have in their closet. Most pairs could hardly be considered inappropriate and are merely personal expression. Distressed clothing has been popular for years, so why does the shock factor remain? I’d prefer teachers and administrators pay more attention to their class rather than my skin and stop wasting time on “infractions” that don’t really bother or distract anyone.

The topic arose again in Mr.Wolfe’s announcement on the first day of school, leaving many students feeling surprised, because although the dress code hasn’t changed on paper, the way it’s been enforced has.

One of the many things left unconsidered is the height of students. Fingertip length inseams don’t work for taller girls, myself included. I should be able to wear what 5’2” girls can get away with.

Just because I am 5’11” with long arms doesn’t mean I should be at a higher risk for being dress coded. With my arms, the shorts would have to be bermudas to fit the dress code. Honestly, the only rule regarding my shorts that I care about is my parents’ approval.

However, according to Principal Moussa Hamka, there is a new committee called Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS). It is comprised of teachers and administrators in order to clarify dress code expectations at South and revisit the regulations every year.

While it’s great that dress code is evaluated every year, is it really fair to have teachers and administration decide every year what is and isn’t OK for students, specifically girls, to wear? If PBIS had students on the committee too, it could change how the rest of the student body saw the dress code, and maybe in a better light.

If for example a student like myself was added we would be able to consider things that the administration hadn’t even thought about; after all, they’re not living in a teenage body.

According to Hamka, most of the students he has to pull aside in the hall for something they’re wearing start off by saying, “I know,” and end with, “I brought a change of clothes.”

If I think I am going to get dress-coded to the point where I have to bring an extra pair of clothes, is it really worth it to wear? I think so. The way students dress is a means to express individuality, and that’s something worth breaking the dress code for. After all, if I am dress-coded, it’s better to have a change of clothes rather than risk the four-year-old unity T-shirts and old gym-shorts.

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news // 3

Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015

Defining Appropriate: the shoulder debate Renewing an annual debate, clothing policy enforcement divides students, administration

D SAFE

SAFE

ANTON MIKOLOWSKI ’17 // Staff Writer on’t drink at football games. Don’t get into fights. And don’t wear shorts too short.

In last week’s class meetings, the dress code was reviewed, in addition to other points in the Student Code of Conduct.

The general process concerning dress code violations, Assistant Principal Terry Flint said, is to take students into the office and offer them “a lot of options” for replacement clothing. On the other end, most students choose to call home and ask their parents or guardians to bring them a replacement article, Flint said.

Although ninety percent of students at South choose to call home, for the most part the interaction is a calm affair, Flint said.

“Most student are calm when they come in on dress code (violations),” Flint said.

However, some students do not maintain the same air of unperturbedness outside of the office, such as Megan Michaels ’17 who is in staunch opposition of the dress code.

“I hate how much they care about the dress code,” Michaels said. “Unless your outfit makes you unprepared for school and learning, you should be allowed to wear whatever you want when you want to.”

Some students say, however, they are unaffected by the dress code. John Meier ’18 is one of these. Meier said he has not noticed the prevalence of dress code violations. “[The dress code] doesn’t affect me as

much,” Meier said, “Probably because I am a guy. There seems to be a lot more restrictions on girls than guys (at South).”

Some students even go as far as to mock the dress code, such as Carl Griffin ’17. He said students should have as much freedom as possible in all matters, and considers himself to be an advocate for students rights. “[The dress code] is unnecessary. Oh! Shoulders!” Griffin said, mocking the school policy on thin straps for tank tops. “How fancy!”

Flint, however, said the dress code is completely reasonable.

“We expect our students to dress modestly,” Flint said. “We should remember to keep the dress at South like that.”

Flint also said he has not seen any different reaction in the student population to the dress code has been different than general.

According to him, it’s been business as usual.

“Every time the school year starts it takes a few weeks or months to remind the students that it isn’t summer anymore, and you’re back in school,” Flint said.

He also said students continue to violate the dress code even though they are aware of its conditions.

“We know that the dress code does not bewilder our students,” Flint said. “We generally see less violations as the year goes on and students get more used to their environment.”

BUSTED

BUSTED PHOTOS BY JACK HOLME ’17

Kids and card-markings Recent maternity leaves and baby arrivals

South students try out for music society South choir and band and orchestra students hope to participate in Tri-M Honor Society RILEY LYNCH ’18 // Pulse Section Editor

Tri-M fall induction allows students to show their skills After auditioning and being allowed to enter, students are preparing for the fall induction into the Tri-M Music Honor Society.

Induction is on Oct. 5 for choir students and Oct. 7 for band and orchestra in the South Auditorium.

Tri-M is an international select music society involving middle and high school students.

With 15 participating countries and over 67,080 students, Tri-M is the biggest music society South has to offer to its students.

The Tri-M It’s of interest to me to chapter at know what can I do as a South is superintendent to support co-sponsored what your needs are as a by orchestra student. director James DR. GARY NIEHAUS Gross and SUPERINTENDENT choir teacher Chris Pratt.

“I believe it always keep me open to those who have talents that one might believe only exist at the college or professional level,” Pratt said via e-mail. “Performance and composition interests are inspired by friends and colleagues. I think Tri-M keeps an avenue open to allowing students to explore their own musical interests and then a stage from which to feature those talents. I have been surprised and inspired by many of those talents.”

In addition to having concerts approximately three times per year, Tri-M takes field trips to see the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. “(Tri-M) is a music society where people really just care

about music and are really into it, so it’s just fun to be around those people,” Alyssa Campbell ’16 said.

Approximately 35 to 40 students are involved with Tri-M at South. The chapter at South was originally sponsored in 2002

by Ellen Bowen and Dan White, previous music teachers.

In order to get into Tri-M, a student must prepare a solo demonstrating their musical skills with an accompaniment.

The solo is performed in front of the student officers of the South Tri-M chapter, including President Margaret Sohn’16.

“It’s really great to be a part of a program that gives people the opportunity to share their talents with others, especially through something as great as music,” Sohn said.

If the student is deemed able to join the society by the student officers, they are inducted in the fall. If a student needs to continue working on their music privately, they can re-audition in the spring or fall of the next school year.

“Like any honor society, these students show through the application process and subsequent audition process that they have met a high level of performance skill and achievement,” Pratt said via e-mail. “(Tri-M Orchestra) is a group of students who are achieving at a high level in the musical arts. They understand the importance of the rehearsal and performance processes. Personally, I believe it an honor to be accepted into such an organization with those who share your passion and work ethic.”

CHRISTINA AMBROZY ’16 // Staff Writer In early S e p t e m b e r, E n g l i s h t e a c h e r Melanie Lauer and Student Resource Center teacher K r y s t e n Staperfenne both gave birth and will not return for almost two months.

Staperfenne recently gave birth to her second child, David James, on Friday, Sept. 4. David has an older sister named Madison, who NEW KID ON THE BLOCK // David James Staperfenne is 2-and-a- posing for a photo. David is less than a month old. half-years.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KRYSTEN STAPERFENNE “We were keep it a surprise and find Thanksgiving. elated that we Students and staff were fortunate enough to out what gender our baby would be the day the baby members said that there be able to have another was born, ” Staperfenne can be both positive and child and give Madison said.

“We did not find negative effects in the a sibling close in age,” out the gender with our learning environment Staperfenne said.

Staperfenne will be first child either. We feel when a class room lacks a taking an eight-week it is more special to be teacher on maternity leave.

Sarah Rabaut ’19, break to spend time with surprised when the baby is born. ” a student in Lauer’s her newborn son and will Just two days before class, recognizes both return at the beginning of David was born, Lauer the beneficial and November. welcomed her newborn consequential effects of Overall, Staperfenne daughter Lucy Elizabeth Lauer’s absence. said her pregnancy was “We get to have two enjoyable, despite having Lenhardt as the newest addition to her family. different experiences in asthma, developing carpal Lucy is Lauer’s first child English class, which is tunnel and experiencing and was born on Sept.

2. fun, ” Rabaut said.

“Another a pinched sciatic nerve.

“My husband and I were good thing is that we get These past nine months very excited; we both love the pleasure of meeting did not impact her teaching schedule because kids and were ecstatic to another teacher. Some bad the second part of her start a family of our own,” things are we do not get to meet Mrs. Lauer for a pregnancy was during the Lauer said.

As opposed to while. Also, we don’t know summer, allowing her time Stapperfenne’s pregnancy, what kind of teacher she is, to relax and spend time Lauer said it was exhausting so we have to get used to with Madison. to stand and teach all day, her a little later than usual.”

It is a tradition that but overall, she had no Rabaut said that even when Staperfenne is complications or health though there are some pregnant, they wait until problems. consequences for Lauer’s the day their baby is born After spending absence, the current to discover the gender. about two months with substitute teacher, Mrs. “My husband and I did her first child, Lauer Barthel, has been a great not know that David was a boy because we wanted to expects to return around temporary replacement.

feature // 4

Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015

Hit The Club: JD GRAY ’16 // Staff Writer

Numbering more than 50, South’s array of schoolsanctioned clubs range from branches of national organizations to homegrown niche interests. A sampling of some of the non-traditional activities is offered below to pique any student fascination.

ARCHERY CLUB Katniss Everdeen, watch out. Archery Club meets after school after school March through May for 10 weeks on South’s front lawn in front of Cleminson Hall.

“Archery is more popular than Little League baseball,” member Nick DiCresce ’17 said.

DiCresce said it is a safe, friendly environment to practice and a sport that anyone can play. You don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to join, but many stay in the organization year-round to join the Junior Olympic Archery Development.

Archery is the second safest sport, just behind canoing, according to a sports injury study conducted

by American Sports Data Inc. in 2006.

PARANORMAL CLUB

WINTER WONDERLAND // Gabi de Coster, Haley Vercruysse, David Koelzer and George Daudlin, all ‘16 pose at Mount Brighton.

To discover the strange and unusual, Anthropology teacher Crosby Washburne hosts the Ufology and Paranormal Club every other Thursday in what he and members of the club refer to as the “Thunder Dome,” room 174.

“We deal with a lot of things. We go from ghosts, to time travel, to UFOs, to MothMan,” Washburne said.

According to Washburne, everyone is welcome to the meetings in his room every other Thursday throughout the year to study anomalies of the universe.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GABI DE COSTER

SKI AND SNOWBOARD CLUB

Skiers and snowboarders alike should slide in for a visit with Social Studies and Science teachers Chris and Lisa Bouda to learn more about how to join the Ski and Snowboard Club.

“The Ski and Snowboard Club gives everybody, including the students and some of the staff, an opportunity to get outside during the winter months,” Chris said.

Members meet during the winter months and the club is open to any student.

TABLE TENNIS Whether drawn in by Forrest Gump’s infamous paddle-whooshing or a passion for ping-pong, students should swing by science teacher Stephen Kim’s room, number 266, Wednesdays after school starting this winter.

“Last year for the tournament we had around 25 kids, so we’re hoping for that many,” co-founder Nick Costakis ’16 said.

“The winter is normally calmer in sports, so maybe more (students), because a lot of kids couldn’t come because of sports last year.”

POINT AND SHOOT // Students channel their inner Katniss by attending Archery Club during the spring.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GABI DE COSTER Graphics by ERYKAH BENSON ‘17

FA L L M O V IE PR EVIEW

MAC CIMMARRUSTI’16 // Staff Writer

Release Date: Oct. 16

“The Martian”

PHOTO COURTESY OF FOX MOVIES

Release Date: Oct. 16

“Spectre” In search of life on Mars, NASA sends a team of astronauts to do research on the red planet. However, Matt Damon is left for dead after a storm on the planet knocks him unconscious as he runs for the spacecraft. Believing he is dead, the other astronauts leave him on the planet. Damon has to figure out how to survive in his NASA-made home base on Mars. Can he contact NASA and find a way home? It will be interesting to see.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SONY PICTURES

Release Date: Nov. 6

“The Walk” The story of a 1974 tightrope walker Philippe Petit’s attempt to walk from one World Trade Center tower to the other on a two-inch metal chord without falling to his death. This movie could be a success for those fans of drama and suspense as fans watch Petit dance his way from tower to tower. Although this movie has no stars worth mentioning, the film could be worth seeing because of its intricate plot.

Release Date: Oct. 9 PHOTO COURTESY OF SONY PICTURES

ADMIT ONE

In search of life on Mars, NASA sends a team of astronauts to do research on the red planet. However, Matt Damon is left for dead after a storm on the planet knocks him unconscious as he runs for the spacecraft. Believing he is dead, the other astronauts leave him on the planet. Damon has to figure out how to survive in his NASA-made home base on Mars. Can he contact NASA and find a way home? It will be interesting to see.

ADMIT ONE

PHOTO COURTESY OF DREAMWORKS SKG STUDIOS

ENO TIMDA

Tom Hanks is an American lawyer recruited by the CIA to rescue a captured pilot trapped in Soviet Union territory during the Cold War. From “Forrest gump” to “toy story” it is nearly impossible to find a bad Tom Hanks movie.

Although he is not stranded on an island calling a volleyball his best friend like he did in Castaway, Hanks is playing a very serious role in my “Thriller of the Fall” movie to see.

ADMIT ONE ENO TIMDA

“Bridge of Spies”

“The Good Dinosaur”

Another soon-to-be stellar Pixar movie, this heart-warming cartoon could be another great for all ages. The classic story line for a Pixar movie is: a cute animal meets up with a young adorable child to set out on an adventure. To no one’s surprise, the plot of “The Good Dinosaur” follows this pattern. In this case, an Apatosaurus and a young boy named Arlo join forces in the world of dinosaurs.

Pixar films do not make a habit of disappointing audiences, and it seems like their newest film will do just fine with viewers of all ages.

Release Date: Nov. 25

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

“The Intern”

Ben Whittaker, played by Robert DeNiro, is

a retired 70-year-old who is not content with living in retirement, so he decides he needs to busy himself with the grind of work he once enjoyed. He becomes an intern at a top fashion organization. Yes, you heard that right. DeNiro is a long way from “Meet the Fockers,” and DeNiro shames his good name in the film industry with “The Intern.”

Release Date: Sept. 25 PHOTO COURTESY OF WARNER BROS. PICTURES

“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2”

Katniss Everdeen is back and better than ever in the last of the “Hunger Games” series where Jennifer Lawrence is destined to kill. For those who have been following the series, all suspense has been built up for the civil war in Panem. In an all-out revolution of The Capitol, Katniss is sure to lead Panem back to greatness.

Release Date: Nov. 20

PHOTO COURTESY OF LIONSGATE

“Burnt”

In “Burnt,” the American heart throb is a chef Bradley Cooper whose life has been ruined by drugs and is in desperate need of a major life turn around. The drama unfolds in London where Cooper takes over a once-great restaurant, which is now plummeting due to bad reviews, in desperate need of a hero to bring them back to the top.

Release Date: Oct. 23 PHOTO COURTESY OF WEINSTEIN COMPANY

reviews // 5

Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015

What’s happening in music...

“Beauty Behind the Madness” gives The Weeknd a likable persona ZOE JACKSON ’16 // Page Editor Abel Tesfaye, more commonly known as The Weeknd, began his career as a mystery. His music was as dark as his voice angelic. He operated in shadows, refusing to talk to reporters in his early days in Toronto.

His face was unknown, other than the grainy silhouettes posted on his Tumblr. Tesfaye’s first mixtape was distributed free of cost, garnering more attention once rap artist Drake posted the songs on his music blog. His next two mixtapes were later combined into a full album called ‘Trilogy’.

People began to want to know more about him, this Michael Jackson/Drake with a darker twist.

He did other albums and collaborations, but most of the public didn’t know about him until his edgy duet with Ariana Grande “Love Me Harder”.

Then came “Earned It” a song for the Fifty Shades of Grey movie soundtrack. The song, surprisingly romantic, was how I came into contact with The Weeknd’s gritty music.

When I like an artist, I really like an artist. The Weeknd and his music quickly became a mild obsession of mine, someone I could listen to anytime, anywhere.

Just in time to fuel my obsession, he released his third studio album: ‘Beauty Behind the Madness’.

It’is everything I hoped for, though some people

argue differently. Some critics speculate that the Weeknd went soft. That he sold his true soul for world fame.

“Can’t Feel My Face” was an instant chart topping hit from the new album, very King of Pop-ish, even including some of MJ’s dance moves in the video. The lyrics “I can’t feel my face when I’m with you/but I love it, but I love it” compare the euphoria of love to what it feels like to be on drugs.

One of my personal favorites “Tell Your Friends”, actually produced by Kanye West and definitely has some of West’s vibes. The instrumental is kind of old fashioned, and I think that sound accompanies his voice really well.

Perhaps unexpectedly, The Weeknd collabed with Ed Sheeran, mostly known for his soulful folk style of music. They sung together on ‘Dark Times’ a soulful track. I definitely think it was the most successful collaboration on the album, “Beauty Behind the Madness” closes off on more of a romantic note, referencing someone special. A lyric “knew you were special from the moment I saw you” is used a few times, which gives The Weeknd a more likable persona. In the song, he uses biblical terms such as “sin” and “angel” to represent who he is and the girls he typically goes after. The two are completely different, him and her. This “angel”, is truly the “Beauty Behind the Madness”.

Originality and passion meet in Halsey’s debut album “Badlands”

Lana del Rey brings a whole new depth to latest album LAUREN PANKIN ’16 // Copy Supervisor If the words “Lana del Rey” make you free-associate giggling tweens Instagramming their flower crowns and high-waisted shorts, listening to her new album, “Honeymoon,” may introduce some new, and surprisingly sophisticated, elements to her persona and audience.

Maturing into her third solo album, del Rey presents a lushly noir, Old Hollywood aesthetic--a refreshing contrast to the uptempo, juvenile sound of her sophomore album, “Ultraviolence,” which consisted of forgettable and rather shallow summer tunes. If “Ultraviolence” is Dr. Jekyll, then “Honeymoon” is Mr. Hyde.

Hitchcockian strings open the operatic, titular first track. Del Rey’s vocals float hauntingly above rumbling tremolos and soft snare drums, and this well-crafted use of instrumentals carries throughout the album. The use of breathy pan pipe adds exotic texture to an otherwise-weary “Music to Watch

Boys To,” especially as it snakes above the hypnotic sway of the spoken word section three-quarters of the way through the track.

Paying homage to hip hop and classics alike, del Rey playfully riffs on the Pussycat Dolls’ “Don’t Cha” in the trancelike track “Freak” and covers Nina Simone’s throaty jazz ballad “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” as the album’s finale. The atmospheric, “American Beauty”-esque track “Burnt Norton--Interlude” is simply del Rey reading a poem by T.S. Eliot over a wash of crackly, synthesized chords.

Since del Rey’s retro aura stems from an eclectic combination of the past 50 years of pop culture, these anachronistic nods make sense and add to del Rey’s credo of fusing the past and present into something new and personal.

Not only does del Rey subvert the idea of what is retro in “Honeymoon,” she furthers her iconoclastic idea of retelling Hollywood history from a shamelessly female perspective. As in “Ultraviolence” and

her debut album “Born to Die,” del Rey discusses love and lust with the sort of sad self-awareness most other female pop artists gloss over or altogether avoid.

As most celebrity singers do, del Rey sings about her new fame. In “Ultraviolence,” she says she wants “money, power, glory,” but in “Honeymoon,” this chant becomes a dirge. She laments critical scrutiny in “God Knows I Tried” and mourns a relationship eroded by fame in “Terrence Loves You.” These grown-up, mournful tracks reveal del Rey’s disillusioned soul lurking beneath the bad-girl bravado.

Despite her classification as a pop artist, del Rey will yield no un-remixed Top 40 hits off this album--del Rey sacrifices catchiness for mood, accessibility for introspection. “Honeymoon” isn’t the love-at-first sight connection of “Born to Die,” nor the summer wedding party of “Ultraviolence.” It’s the bittersweet moment when del Rey realized her marriage to music is ‘til death do us part.

SCARLETT CONSTAND ’16 // Section Editor Passionate spirit and an in-your-face attitude combine to create impressive tracks on Halsey’s debut album, “Badlands.”

Halsey was a previously-unknown supporting act for popular pop artists, such as Imagine Dragons, but the 20-year-old is now headlining her own tour before opening for The Weeknd later this fall.

The New Jersey native’s album debuted at no. 4 on the American iTunes charts on Aug. 28 and peaked at no. 2 before slipping to its current position at no. 19.

“Badlands” includes hits like “Hurricane” and “New Americana,” and the sound of the album is the essence of alternative-pop; synthesizers and strong beats back Halsey’s raw, electric voice to make the album’s songs come alive.

Lyrically, “New Americana” is blatant and unabashed, making the song exciting and relatable to Halsey’s young adult fanbase.

“Viral mess, turned dreams into an empire / Selfmade success, now she rolls with Rockefellers.”

The lyrics from “New Americana” illustrate the importance of how young people need to toil in order to feel confident with themselves. Halsey describes our generation as the new embodiment of the US, or the “New Americana.”

The theme of “Badlands” is ultimately clear: be yourself; however, it is sometimes over-apparent and causes some songs to be too similar lyrically and in sound, like “Strange Love” and “Young God.” Halsey makes up for this shortcoming with songs like “Control” and “Gasoline,” with a dark mood that makes them iconically killer.

“Badlands” is far from a disappointing debut for Halsey. Her stellar and unique sound ensures her success in the music business, as well as guaranteeing she’ll continue to impress and improve.

Drake and Future join to release surprise motivational mixtape BRENDAN CAUVEL ’16 // Copy Editor Last Sunday, Drake and Future released a surprise joint mixtape to the public, fittingly titled “What a Time to Be Alive.” The mixtape came out of the blue for most fans, having only been announced a few days prior to its first stream and release on Beats 1 Radio Sunday afternoon at 6.

Both rap artists have dominated media over the summer, Drake through his controversy with rapper Meek Mill over disputed lyrics, and Future with the release of his third studio album “DS2” in mid July, which included the hit single “Where ya At,” featuring none other than Drake himself.

The prerequisite collaboration was enough to assume that more Drake and Future work was in the making, but a pre-released album

cover and social media posts hinting at the joint mixtape made it more official. The new mixtape was exactly what all fans expected; pump-up songs with repetitive lyrics and creative beats, mirroring the typical model for music that future creates.

In the right settings (locker rooms, the car, the shower) and at the right volume (loud), the whole album is motivational, easy to rap along to and definitely worth a listen. Every song on the mixtape features verses from both artists, along with a single track by each, a strange composition for an album. “Jumpman,” “I’m the Plug,” “Change Locations,” and “Scholarships” are the best songs, but all 11 songs are different and could hold more value for some listeners than others.

While fans may be disappointed with the lack of lyrical creativity and truly inspiring songs, the solution may be here in a few days. For a

year now, Drake has been hinting at his own singular album, marking his fifth studio production, tentatively titled “Views from the 6.”

The album was originally supposed to be released on Sept. 26, but work on the new mixtape with Future has clearly delayed the album’s production. Considering it has been over two years in the making, the album should be nearing its completion.

There’s no doubt that Drake’s new full album will be a compilation of the lyrical and musical creativity that some feel “What a Time to Be Alive” lacks, plus possible collaborations with The Weeknd, Future, Fetty Wap and other artists who have risen to the spotlight recently.

As Future cools down off a production high, Drake will only be ascending on the rap charts as fans wait in anticipation for his next project.

feature // 6

Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015

SAT scores: on the rise STUDY TIPS:

Get some Zs. Researchers recommend getting a full nights sleep (8+ hours) before any test.

Practice in test conditions, no electronics or music and only use College Board questions.

y stud n to lary vocabulary ry b is fu bu bula v(noun) oca is fun to study ca vocab a v o c d e vo un) ex.tIicpracticed vocabulary (no I prac ex.

Take care of your health. Eat healthy the week leading up to the exam.

Brush up on your vocabulary, it helps to put flashcards on a fridge or mirror

THE BREAKDOWN: Critical Reading:

67 multiple–choice questions 70-minute test Tests critical reading, diction and vocabulary Passage reading Sentence completion

Math:

54 questions (44 multiple– choice and 10 grid in) 70 minutes (two 25-minutes sections and one 20-minute section) Tests basic arithmetic, algebra I & II and geometry

Writing: 800

49 multiple–choice questions, 1 essay question 60 minutes (one 25 minute section, one 10-minute section and one 25-minute essay)

800 Points total

800 Points total

800 Points total

Study tips information courtesy of KATHARINE KUHNLEIN ‘16

SAT scores decline nationally but rise at South LIAM WALSH ’18 // Staff Writer

While national SAT scores have dropped to their lowest mark in the last decade, South’s SAT scores have risen in the past 10 years, according to the Washington Post.

Great teachers are a big component of South’s upward trends, Principal Moussa Hamka said.

“At South we are blessed with wonderful teachers,” Hamka said. “They keep the focus on the instruction and they keep the focus on the standards and they make sure students are learning the content they need to demonstrate mastery on exams.”

Deputy Superintendent for Educational Services Jon Dean agrees.

“I think it’s a reflection of how we have great teachers here. We have a very sound curriculum here. We have great students and families,” Dean said.

Patrick Willard ’17 said the success of South students on the SAT is also due to motivated students.

“We’re pretty smart kids, and more people take the SAT who are getting into better colleges,” Willard said.

Not everybody is prepared to take the SAT, most students are prepared to take the ACT as that is what they have been preparing for since middle school.

But in classes, there is a fine line in preparing for the test counselor Troy Glasser said.

Teaching to the test takes away from the point of a class, but not teaching to the test enough means students aren’t prepared and could potentially

AP classes moving away from text books

Teachers switch from old textbooks to Barron’s book to cutback on homework and stay up to date on content especially politics, has changed considerably since then, so I wanted a more up to date book,” Rennell Starting this year, AP Psychology teacher DeEtte said.

Nardone and AP Government teacher Michael But for a student to own the book, they must buy Rennell no longer use the traditional textbook in it themselves from Amazon. However, both teachtheir classes, and instead have switched to the new ers found ways to help their students if they are unBarron’s AP review guide. able to buy the book. Both allow students to borrow Over the summer both teacha copy from their room, Rennell ers came to the agreement that said. they needed to replace their cur“I have class sets, so they could The amount of homerent textbook with a condensed actually check them out, but work will be cut down resource in order to cover everythey don’t have to buy the book. dramatically because thing in the class’ short, semesI highly recommend it that they the book has much ter-long period, Nardone said. do, but the people that can’t or longer assignments then don’t want to, don’t need to,” RenThe reason for the switch is would be in Barron’s that Barron’s is more concise than nell said. (maker of “5 Steps to the textbook, and it is easier for The students greatly appreciate their students, Nardone said. the change because it has vastly MIKE RENNELL “Both myself and Mr. Rennell, reduced the average amount of AP UNITED STATE GOVERNMENT who teaches AP Government, the homework the students do, AND POLITICS TEACHER want to try to make the notes that Elysse Knapp ‘16 said. There is kids have to take more meanless reading, and the notes are ingful but also less time for them more efficient because the topics to take them outside of class,” Nardone said. “The are easier to find in Barron’s than they are in the guides are more condensed than the books.” textbook.

There are positive and negative consequences “I like the change to the new book because it’s the to the change. An advantage that the replacement condensed important information,” Knapp said. “It brings is the lighter homework load the students doesn’t have any of the textbook fluff. have each night, Rennell said.

Class dynamics will not change as a result of the “The amount of homework will be cut down dra- new book, Rennell said. The same amount of matematically because the book has much longer assign- rial as previous years will be covered. Each class will ments then would be in Barron’s, so it will save the continue with the usual lectures and class activities. students a lot of time,” Rennell said.

The only significant change is the level of homework Another benefit of the change is that the text- for each student. books have become dated, and the new book is up“I think the change will really help the students, dated every year, Rennell said. and I think they will like it even more as the class “Our textbook is from 1994, and social studies, continues,” Rennell said.

not do well Glasser said. “(Teachers) don’t want to teach the test, but they plan strategically for the test, like the Power of Language class where they read nonfiction so a kid can read for information and answer questions correctly,” Glasser said.

Dean agrees that teachers are a key element to success.

“If you were a district far away from here and wanted to know how we could get some of the results that South has, which are really good,” Dean said. “I would say look at our curriculum, look at our teachers, look at our great strategies they use, look at our students that work really hard.”

Hamka said he also recognizes the line of preparing for tests and the importance of it.

“We have to tow a fine line in education,” Hamka said. “We don’t want to teach the test, but we want to make sure students are prepared for that exam.”

The state of Michigan has switched from the ACT to the SAT as the newly state-mandated test for juniors, joining Alaska and Connecticut.

Another reason for the change is because of money, Glasser said.

The SAT cost the least compared to other test when the Michigan Department of Education put out a bid.

“It’s kind of hard, because I don’t think we did the ACT for long enough,” Glasser said. “It’s a change of direction for us.”

The SAT is becoming more like the ACT this year, meaning teachers are going to have to pre-

pare differently for the test.

Some changes include the writing portion being made optional, the highest possible score dropping from 2,400 to 1,600, and getting answers wrong will not take points off.

Hamka said that he is excited to see the changes in the new SAT. “The old SAT exam was more of an aptitude test, in this new format they have shifted away from that,” Hamka said.

Dean said the switch was for monetary reasons but he doesn’t have enough information to have feelings towards it, as this change is new and people are adapting.

“It’s very clear that the state of Michigan put out a bid to get testing services, which is not a bad thing,” Dean said. “I don’t know enough about the format.”

Glasser agrees with the fact that it was for money. The SAT cost $15.4 million less than the next closest competitor.

“The teachers have been teaching and using ACT material for the past years and have been getting comfortable with it,” Glasser said. “I think they’re kind of pulling the rug out from underneath us and going now with the SAT.” It’s the commitments different groups are willing to make that are the cause of higher test scores and ACT participation, Hamka said.

“Parents time and time again have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to our students and to the school.” Hamka said, “They are willing to support us. They’re willing to help

us. They’re willing to give us any resource we need to get the job done.”

The change in the SAT format encourages Hamka, he said. It is becoming more like the ACT, which the state administered before the SAT he said.

“As a school system, we are reviewing what we teach and how we teach it to make sure our students will continue to demonstrate success and continue to be accepted into premier colleges,” Hamka said.

Dean said he doesn’t care what metric the state uses to measure success as long as they use the same metric.

“It concerns me when we’re switching things because the SAT and the ACT are asking their questions in slightly different ways,” Dean said. “Our teachers have been intentionally including questions inside of their lessons that are preparing for ACT readiness, and all of a sudden, last year it’s SAT.” Students, however, are more comfortable with the ACT“I’m taking the ACT for sure,” Willard said. “The SAT is different, and I’m trained to take the ACT. It’s a standardized test and each standardized test is different.”

Dean compares deciding between the ACT and SAT to asking why we follow basic laws.

“It’s like saying, ‘Why do you drive on the right hand side of the road?’” Dean said. “I could ask you if you prefer to drive on the left, and we can talk about it and pretend you’re in England, but it doesn’t really change anything.”

YOUR VIEW

What are your thoughts on the regular text books vs. Barron’s books?

GRIFFIN BROOKS ‘16 AND EVAN SKAFF ‘18 // Staff Writers

PETER LIANOS ‘18 The Barron’s books are a lot more straight forward whereas the regular text books give you information that you don’t always need.

MURIEL STEINKE ‘18 It’s too much work to take notes in the regular text book because there’s too many words and too much information.

DEETTE NARDONE It seems to be going well. The transition has been smooth. Most students bought their own copy, but I was worried at the beginning.

STEPHANIE SCHERVISH’17 I think it’s stupid that we have to buy one. I think we should be able to get a Barron’s book when we get our other textbooks at registration.

Information & Photos courtesy of JD STANDISH AND MARGOT BAER ‘18

Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015

detroit eats

feature // 7 GRAPHICS BY ZOE JACKSON ‘16

BETH COYLE ’16 // Staff Writer

Five places around The Motor City you probably haven’t tried but should

1. Dime Store Location: 719 Griswold Street #180 Price Range: $4-$12.50 Hours: Monday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

What to try: Sausage hash: homemade pork sausage, bell pepper, onion, avocado, crema and spicy ketchup. Topped with diced potatoes,two eggs over easy and an English muffin.

2. Townhouse Detroit

3. Rose’s Fine Food

Location: 500 Woodward Location: 10551 E. JefferAvenue son Avenue Price Range: $6-$24

Price Range: $7.50-$13

Hours: Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Hours: Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What to try: Townhouse burger: 7 oz. custom blend of 28-day aged steak cuts, prepared daily and hand-pattied to order on an authentic plugra butter brioche bun.

What to try: Poodle platter: two poached eggs over sautéed garlicky greens, with spiced potatoes, and a slice of toast dressed with house ricotta and jam.

4. Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails Location: 15 E. Kirby Street Price Range: $8-$20 Hours: Tuesday through Thursday 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-10:00 p.m., Friday 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5-11p.m., Saturday 5-11:00 p.m., closed Monday & Sunday What to try: Duck confit with barley risotto, grilled mushroom, blueberry

5. Central Kitchen & Bar Location: 660 Woodward Avenue #4A Price Range: $5-$28 Hours: Monday through Wednesday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Thursday through Friday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

What to try: Central Burger: fried pickles, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, bacon, and bistro sauce on a brioche bun.

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Classes Monday-Sunday Schedule online: www.livingwatersyoga.com 63 Kercheval Avenue Suite 20 Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236 313-884-4465

sports // 8

Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015

IRON MAN

Science teacher placed fifth in age group this Saturday

Sink or Swim:

Devil’s Week improves endurance, skills

Being on the swim team for the past four years, the middle of the season has always Olivia Fredrickson been marked with ’16 the notorious Devil’s Week.

Devil’s Week typically starts off every year on Monday with 100 100s, which translates to 10,000 yards of swimming for three consecutive hours. Freshmen on the team usually react to this large amount of swimming with hesitation and the question, “Why do I swim?”

There is nothing to make the opening day of Devil’s Week sound better except the fact that our mothers feed us afterwards, which, by the way, is always worth staying the whole practice.

Swimming is one of those sports that makes you unbelievably hungry. Basically, everything from tacos to pasta is offered to us after each practice.

The same type of practices have been shuffled up through the week during the years. Although, the next practice, this year, was lactate day. Lactates are repeated intervals of sprint swims, so we’re all just swimming as fast as we can with short rests in between each swim.

This year we did lactates a little differently though; our coach gave us the names of rock bands and race horses, and our coach would pick one of us to decide which one was which in order to receive a shorter sprint. If we guessed wrong, we would swim a longer sprint.

It actually wasn’t that hard because once we figured out the trick, we realized each name was the opposite of what we thought. I have to say, this was pretty entertaining.

When one of the names had the word “harmony” in it, it became clear what the trick was. Even though many of the names were obvious, our coach did trick us a few times.

In order to keep the week somewhat interesting, the next day each lane had to pick its practice sets from a chart given to us by our coach.

The practice was a Snow White theme, so on the charts the categories were named Magic Mirror, the Seven Dwarfs, etc.

We had to pick one practice set from each row and column. There were also a few blank spaces, which were mystery.

My lane actually chose our sets and mystery sets very well and the practice was pretty manageable. We also got to get out of the pool a little earlier because we had a meet the next day.

At the meet, though, I wasn’t so lucky. My main events are usually short sprints such as the 50 or 100 yard freestyle swims, but at our meet, of course, out of all the meets of the season, I had to swim the 500 freestyle.

The 500 freestyle is the longest swim in the whole meet at 20 laps. The people who swim it are usually good at it.

When I was swimming it, I was really worn down, but it could’ve been worse.

The last day of swimming was finally here, but it was also the same day as the North vs. South football game. Luckily, we only had to swim two hours ‘til 5:30 p.m.

Ironically, this being the last practice had the theme of Survivor, the TV show.

There were six sets on the board, each being equal to 1,000 yards. Each class got to pick a set to get rid of and then our coach would pick one for us to swim.

The practice seemed to go by pretty fast by using this method, and also because everyone was just too excited that it was Friday and there was a big football game.

Although, our coach had to remind us several times that we were swimming for the time given and that we had to take advantage of it.

After the last four years of swimming for South, I felt it was necessary to make this last day count because when I was a freshman I also asked myself, “Why do I swim?”

Now I know. Although Devil’s Week isn’t as fun as I would like it to be, my teammates, friends have always made the season as a whole fun, and I guess my coaches too.

MY VIEW

GENNIE MARTIN ’16 // Staff Writer Six hours and 42 minutes.

This was the time it took for science teacher Shawn McNamara to finish his 50 kilometer ultramarathon race this past Saturday. Starting at 6:15 a.m., McNamara ran throughout Pinckney and Hell, Mich. until he finished around 1 p.m.

“It’s all about pushing your limits,” McNamara said. “That has motivated me to see how far you can go and how far you can push your body until it says no more.”

McNamara said he signed up for the race last spring and spent the summer training after completing two other long distance ironman races, one in Louisville in 2012 and the other in Canada in 2014.

The actual race was 31 miles, five more miles than McNamara had ever run. In addition to the long distance, there were obstacles on the course that were challenging as well.

“Out of the 31 miles, about three of the miles were on flat land,” McNamara said. “With the terrain, the landscape and the typography, you couldn’t run very fast.”

McNamara’s hard work ethic helped him secure 5th place in his age group, which is an impressive accomplishment according to cross country coach and gym teacher Steven Zaranek said.

“To finish that race is awesome, just the fact that it’s 50k and through trails, through all kinds of terrain and hills and water and everything,” Zaranek said. “Very few people on this planet are able to do something like that. It’s one more example of when Mr. McNamara sets his mind to do something, he gets it done.”

The way he got it done included a summer training schedule of varying distance runs.

Shorter runs were five to six miles, medium distance runs were from 8-11 miles, and long runs were something longer than 12 or 13 miles, McNamara said.

“I slowly built up my mileage by doing half marathon distance runs and then full marathon distance runs,” McNamara said.

During his long distance runs, McNamara endures different physical and mental challenges.

“The first couple miles you are aware of what’s going on, and you’re in the race, but after a while, which is the cool thing, you kind of get into the zone.

You kind of get into this thing called flow, and time just kind of fades away and you just run,” McNamara said. “Before you know it, you’ve run an hour.

You’ve run two, three hours. After about three, four hours that’s when you’re starting to run out of energy. That’s when the fatigue is starting to set in.

McNamara said that while running gets difficult towards the end, the finish makes all the hard work worth it.

“It’s amazing because it’s a celebration, and the race itself is basically a celebration,” McNamara said. “I’ve done all the training. I’ve put all the work into it, so it’s really a reward.

Looking forward, McNamara said he is already searching for his next challenge.

“If something really crazy and cool comes up,” McNamara said, “I’ll always consider it.”

Graphics by JOHN FRANCIS ’18

SPORTS UPDATE

SPORT // Girls Cross Country Record: 7-0 Team Traditions: The night before a race the team has a pasta party. Also, all 110 girls gather in a huddle before races.

Captain’s Quote: “The season is going so well. The girls on the team are wonderful people, great athletes and amazing teammates.” -Hope Adams ’16

SPORT // Volleyball Record: 2-2 Team Traditions: Pasta parties before every home game and district T-shirts Captain’s Quote: “I am excited for this season because I know that our team is capable of doing a lot, and we just need to work on getting some of the basics perfected,” -Kate Satterfield ‘17

SPORT // Boys Tennis Team Traditions: Pasta parties before quads and tournaments, fruit gushers, bagels Captain’s Quote: “I think we are doing pretty well this year. We are winning the matches we need to be winning, and we are fighting hard.” - Kevin Dietz ’16

INFORMATION COMPILED BY RACHEL HARRIS ’18, CALLIE ZINGAS AND OLIVIA SHEFFER ’17 PHOTOS BY CAM SMOLEN ’18, JULIANA BERKOWSKI ’16 AND RACHEL HARRIS ’18,