Issue 5

TOWER the

Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015 Volume 88 Issue 5 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

Bouda wins state-wide Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Award

PHOTO BY LIZ

OLIVIA FREDERICKSON ’16 // Staff Writer Earth science teacher Lisa Bouda received the 2015 Outstanding Earth Science Teacher award (OESTA) presented by the Michigan Earth Science Teacher Association (MESTA) last Friday.

“What makes an outstanding teacher is a lot of things,” OESTA chair member Jay Sinclair said. “Mrs. Bouda definitely puts the students first and has done amazing things.”

Sinclair said Bouda has had a distinguished career, regularly putting together activities and events, such as field trips, to increase students’ interest in earth science.

One of her colleagues, Ardis Herrold, said, “I have had the pleasure of accompanying Lisa on two summer field trips with students to Arizona. She initiated these field experiences to build excitement in the program. She has for many years taken her students on day trips to Canada as well.”

Bouda is also heavily involved in MESTA, Sinclair said. Not only her work with students but all her further involvement in the subject makes an outstanding teacher.

“I love GPS kids. I think they’re awe-

some to work with, but my subject is just so cool. I’m really passionate about it,” Bouda said. “It’s always changing, and I love to see kids get excited about what I’m excited about, I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Bouda also advises the ski club and said she enjoys getting to know students and seeing their personalities outside the classroom environment.

“I’m always hurried, and I don’t have time for the fun stuff, so that’s what I like about the clubs and just going to games and parades,” Bouda said.

Over the years, other Grosse Pointe School District teachers such as Shawn McNamara in 2005, and Art Weinle at Grosse Pointe North have received this award, Sinclair said. When putting together the nominations this year, her colleagues questioned why Bouda had never been selected before.

“She is always working to improve her course and craft,” Science Department Chair James Adams said. “She continuously strives to provide an experience that is both rigorous and fun so that our ninth graders learn to do science and love it at the same time.”

BIGHAM GRAPHIC BY LIZ BIGHAM

Students, teachers prepare for Free Press Marathon “I am a pretty goal-oriented person, and so are the LINDSEY CLARK ’16 // Staff Witer Running for its 37th consecutive year, The De- ladies I am working out with,” Walsh-Sahutske said. “We troit Free Press Talmer Bank Marathon and Half will keep ourselves accountable more because if we are not ready when it comes time for it, we would feel kind Marathon will be held Oct. 17-18.

The races include both an international and do- of rotten, so that way we will keep actually waking up at mestic half and full marathon, 5k, marathon relay five in the morning to walk.”

Walsh-Sahutske is looking forward to joining new and a kids’ fun run.

This year, multiple South staff and students will runners in the half-marathon.

“I am most excited to be walking with a couple folks be participating in the event. Math teacher Laura Distelrath, science teacher Lisa Bouda and coun- who haven’t done it yet because it’s super fun for people selor Beth Walsh-Sahutske will be competing in the to experience seeing the sunrise over the bridge or gointernational half marathon. Bouda, Distelrath and ing through the tunnel,” Walsh-Sahutske said. “It’s just a Walsh-Sahutske have all previously run the Detroit really cool vibe.”

In addition to the teachers running the marathon, half marathon.

“I have participated in the Detroit either half or some students have also committed themselves to the race. full in some capacity for the last “I’m doing the international half probably five or six years,” DistelMy main goal is that marathon. I really want to beat my rath said. “I like the half because it keeps me in shape and keeps this is something that time from last year. That’s mainly me motivated, but it is still doable MIPA can do every year what I’m excited for,” Ella Koss ’16 said. and doesn’t consume my life.” and that different peoIntensive training schedules in The international marathon ple can take up the volving months to prepare have takand half marathon routes include cause and that we are en ahold of the participants. In order a run across the Ambassador to reach success, preparation is imhelping kids Bridge, in the tunnel to Canada portant for the runners. and through Windsor.

PETE LEBLANC “Training started on Aug. 1,” Koss Bouda and Distelrath both ANTELOPE HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER ’16 said. “This is my second year so I agree that running over the already have the same training. It is a bridge is the most memorable little different this year because I have cross country, so part of the race.

“I love going over the bridge and seeing the I just have to make sure I work in a long run that’s insunrise,” Distelrath said. “It’s a really pretty view of creasing mileage every week. On a Sunday, after a meet, I have to get in three to five miles during weekdays and Detroit.”

Bouda decided to sign up to run the half mar- that increases closer to five miles.”

Seniors Kitty McKay and Olivia Wouters decided to athon because it helps motivate her to run.

“It keeps you going,” Bouda said. “I have a hard up for the international half marathon, running their time running in the heat, so I need something to first half marathon together. McKay, who used to compete in triathlons as a child, has always wanted to do a motivate me through the summer.”

Bouda’s goal for the race is to finish in under two half marathon. McKay and Wouters are hoping to run the race in just above two hours. hours.

In honor of Jeff Nardone, the former South jourThe main motivation for Walsh-Sahutske to keep training is not to get swept up on the end of nalism teacher and Tower adviser who passed away in 2013, some journalism teachers are also running the half the group of runners.

marathon in order to raise money for a scholarship for the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association summer workshop that Nardone was so involved in.

Pete LeBlanc, adviser of “The Titan Times” magazine at Antelope High School in California, was a friend of Nardone’s, is glad to be raising money in his memory.

“I’m very excited because basically the money that we are raising is to provide scholarships for kids to the MIPA summer workshop who otherwise wouldn’t have the means to go,” LeBlanc said. “And then providing that in Jeff ’s memory. So far I’ve raised $1,050. I am hoping to raise $1,500.”

Sara-Beth Badalamente, adviser of the newspaper at Ann Arbor Huron High School and organizer of the scholarship fundraising, said she looks forward to running the half marathon while supporting the cause she so strongly believes in.

“For me, my goal is just support,” Badalamente said. “Knowing what Jeff has done for people like me ,it is to keep his memory alive and knowing that the money raised is going for something I believe in and he was so active with.”

According to LeBlanc, the hope is to fundraise for the scholarships every year and make the scholarships annual.

“I know that I am not going to be able to do this every year,” LeBlanc said. “My main goal is that this is something that MIPA can do every year and that different people can take up the cause and that we are helping kids while also honoring the memory of Mr. Nardone.”

Badalamente encourages all to donate to the scholarship fund.

“The biggest thing is if you believe in scholastic journalism and if you knew Jeff Nardone, he had more to do what he could but what he did with the short time he had was amazing,” Badalamente said.

“If anyone would like to donate towards the cause, I am sure it would be appreciated.”

To donate to the Jeff Nardone MIPA scholarships, visit LeBlanc’s page at www.crowdrise.com/ MIPA2015/fundraiser/peterleblanc.

New counseling receptionist brings success LAUREN PANKIN ’16 // Supervising Editor Having served as a Navy medic in Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom, South’s new receptionist Lisa Armentrout ‘86 is ready to embark on a third mission: helping students succeed, one smile at a time.

“I think teenagers are hilarious,” Armentrout said. “So now I have around 1,600 teenagers I can joke around with.”

Since her first day on Monday, Oct. 5, Armentrout said she has enjoyed meeting South students.

“I like to mess with students on that thing and make them say ‘open sesame,’” Armentrout said, laughing as she buzzed in a student on the outdoor video security system. “It’s very fun for me.”

After the retirement of former receptionist Kathy Herzog in late September, Armentrout was selected to fill the position, counselor Aja Perales said. Perales was part of the interviewing team which hired Armentrout.

“We really enjoyed her personality,” Perales said. “I think she understands, through military experience, how to stay calm and how to take different resources and pull them together, how to strategize. The counseling office gets really busy sometimes, and I think that will help her.”

Following a 20-year military career, Armentrout retired for 10 years to take care of her children, she said. Now, they are in fourth and seventh grades, respectively, and attend Kerby and Brownell.

“I thought it was a great opportunity because I love South,” Armentrout said. “It works really well being on the same schedule as your kids.”

When Armentrout was last a South student, Reagan was pres- MRS. ARMENTROUT ident, boys wore mullets and attendance was lax, she said.

“It’s so fun to see how the attendance works here now, because when I went to South, if you were here second hour, you were considered to be here the whole day,” Armentrout said.

This familiarity with South helps Armentrout connect to students, she said. Gesturing toward Allyson Hartz ’16, Armentrout said she went to school with Hartz’s parents.

“There are all these students here whose parents I grew up with,” Armentrout said. “I think it so hilarious because I can tell them, ‘Hey, you look like your dad when he was your age.’”

Visiting the counseling center last week was a joy because of Armentrout’s friendliness, Paige Swegles ’16 said.

“Mrs. Armentrout is very welcoming,” Swegles said. “She was very helpful with scheduling appointments. Overall, she made the process of visiting the counseling center less stressful.”

Armentrout said connecting with students is the key factor in doing her job successfully.

“I like being around people,” Armentrout said. “It’s very enjoyable for me.”

IN THIS ISSUE Namaste Flip to page 3 to learn about the new yoga club.

Rock-n-roll Check out page 5 read about students’ concert experiences.

In style Head to pages 6 and 7 to check out South’s best styles.

opinion // 2

Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015

PSAT, ACT Explore provide valuable testing experience The PSAT and the ACT Aspire, required pre-tests for the SAT and ACT, are essential in preparation for the standardized tests that loom ahead, considering that South does not offer a class specifically for test prep.

High scores on the ACT and SAT reflect a student’s knowledge and growth and are keys in a successful college search-- so why doesn’t South offer test preparation outside of these practice tests?

Of course, many teachers take some of their own class time to teach test-taking skills, but a day or two of preparation can’t equate a course in test-taking. Even then, though, the test skills learned in class might not be specifically for the ACT or SAT. For instance, in AP Language and Composition, students are often tasked with completing short practice tests and essays, for which the instructors give advice on how to do better.

And though PSAT and ACT Aspire pre-tests provide practice for the same skills and knowledge that students will encounter on the real tests, they are not as valuable as a class and an educator.

In theory, scores from these pre-tests will predict a student’s level of achievement on the official ACT or SAT and will show targeted areas that

students can work on improving. However, they aren’t as effective as a comprehensive SAT or ACT prep course due to their brevity.

These tests, obviously, have considerable value and should be taken seriously, but they are simply not enough. In a time when test scores and academic performance are weighing on students more than ever, a course in testing would be prudent.

One reason success on these practice tests is important is because students have the opportunity to earn scholarships. For consideration,students must score especially well on the test and have a history of academic merit. Students that otherwise would not have been exposed to the chance for scholarship money are given this opportunity by taking the required PSAT. Scoring in the top 1 percent on the PSAT can lead to an opportunity of becoming a National Merit Scholar, a prestigious award that looks very impressive on transcripts.

Adequate preparation due to skills and content learned from the preliminary tests gives students a greater chance of receiving a high score on the ACT or SAT, which then opens the window for the potential of other scholarship opportunities.

Ultimately, we believe that standardized

OUR VIEW // EDITORIAL

CARTOON BY ABBY FERRY ‘16

pre-testing can help to prepare students to the point where they feel ready and confident in their skills to take the “real deal” head-on. However,

Opposing viewpoints argue the value of the PSAT requirement College is viewed as a step forward in education, and an imLiam portant part Walsh ’18 of acceptance into a college is a student’s test scores, most importantly the SAT. While there are plenty of practice test books and tutoring opportunities available for preparation, our school offers the most valuable practice; the PSAT. While every time taking the actual SAT can prepare a student to do better on the next attempt, the PSAT is a less costly way to prepare. For families who cannot afford the luxury of taking the SAT multiple times, the PSAT is a great alternative.

Although it is an accurate predictor of one’s true SAT results, the PSAT tests students based on what they have learned in freshman and sophomore year, unlike the SAT, which tests students on material covered throughout the latter half high school.

If students take the SAT sophomore year, then there may be questions on the test that they won’t understand. The PSAT makes the information within the test more accessible by only including material that students would have encountered before junior year.

The PSAT acts as a measuring stick for high schoolers around the country. It gives an accurate representation of your place among the thousands taking the SAT. Colleges looking solely at factors like GPA is very counterproductive for a high achieving school like South. It isn’t fair to compare someone from a lower end high school with a very high GPA to someone from a harder school like South in harder classes with a lower GPA. The ACT and SAT solve this problem and are equal platforms for everybody.

They level out the playing field and let smarter students show their true colors.

In addition to assessing a student’s preparedness for the SAT, the PSAT offers another incentive. If students do well enough on the PSAT, they may be qualified to receive a scholarship from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Some will argue that tests should not control our lives. But, in a society where the ACT and SAT are so important, why not take a free test that can help you to see how you will do on it? You could try to rebel and say that the standardized tests aren’t that important, but why risk it? The PSAT is given to you for free and it helps you to prepare for a test that most would consider pretty important. There’s a reason people remember their SAT and ACT scores over test scores like the MME.

MY VIEW

NEWSPAPER

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TOWER

STAFF

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4.0. 36. 100 percent. 2400.

We live and die in numbers.

Everything seems Maren to be dependent Roeske ’18 on our scores.

Grades now, college coming up and it seems our entire future rely on standardized scores.

Starting in eighth grade, the PSAT begins to control our lives. And again sophomore year it rears its ugly head, telling us whether we will do well on the real SAT. But these tests matter less and less. Wesleyan and George Washington University are the latest of a number of colleges to drop entry exam requirements.

Even Harvard thinks they are overrated.

“People make too much of test-score differences,” Harvard’s Dean of Admissions William Fitzsimmons said in an interview with “Time.” “People with the very highest test scores coming into Harvard do a little better than those with the lowest test scores, but they don’t do a lot better.”

So if the PSAT and SAT aren’t as important as we are told, why are we taking test after test of bubbled-in blasphemy?

Money, obviously. Our grades have become a business. And the education economy is better than ever.

States $1.7 billion every year on K-12 standardized tests, according to the Brookings Institution.

Both the State and students keep forking over money on these all important tests. For example, on Princeton Review sessions for the PSAT can cost anywhere from $2,700- $6,600.

Besides financial pressure, students also face performance pressure and intense stress over their scores. Proctor instructions on standardized tests apparently include instruction for when a student stress-vomits, according to “Mother Jones”.

Three hours are supposed to tell us if we are going anywhere in life. With one’s future riding on that time, the need for stress vomiting is understandable.

But it is only a false perception that the results are the end-all-be-all of admissions. Former Bates College Dean of Admissions William Hiss and researcher Valerie Franks found in a 2014 study that one’s high school GPA--even at poor high schools with easy curriculums--are better at predicting success in college than the PSAT. Constant testing is meaningless; colleges don’t care anymore, they are less about students and more about money and overall they don’t say much about students.

Yet the PSAT and others like it still loom over us, saying they matter.

But people are finally listening to what students have been saying for ages: the PSAT sucks.

MY VIEW

CON

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

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

supplementing these pre-tests with preparatory courses would maximize students’ potential for success.

COLLEGE CONFIDENTIAL Tips on juggling college apps with a fun, successful senior year

Ohio, I had heard it was a good school, but was just like the stereotype of Grosse Pointe--snobby, rich and preppy. I visited there and discovered that the atmosphere wasn’t as similar to Grosse Pointe as I iniCallie tially thought. There were many diverse Zingas ’16 programs, I loved the people there and the Being a senior in high school was sup- campus was beautiful. Visiting completely posed to be one of the most carefree and changing my mind about applying there, exciting experiences of my life. I was sup- and I believe it is wise to actually walk posed to skip class, park in the S-lot and around the campus to get the full effect of take blow-off classes. At least that was the college life there. what I’d heard from seniors in the past.

Applying early decision has both benHowever, my expectations were far efits and drawbacks. If the university is from accurate. College applications filled your top school and you know you want my schedule and took up time I was using to attend, commitment should not scare last year to study for the ACT, leaving me you. Additionally, applying early decision just as busy as a junior. increase chances your chances of getting It was exciting to finally start applying in, because in general, colleges accept a to my dream schools, but these appli- higher percentage of early decision applications left me with a million decisions cants than regular decision. This could be about where I wanted to go and what I the deciding factor in your admission to a wanted to do with my life, none of which dream school, and the only thing that can I had answers to. Senior year was hold you back is the commita lot of growing up in a little ment to it. Personally, I think amount of time, but now that every student should apply I’ve finally reached my deearly decision to their top COLLEGE cisions about where I’m apschool, if it is offered, beCONFIDENTIAL plying and when, the ride cause schools like this are has gotten a lot easier. I usually the most competwould recommend thinkitive in the country and it ing about what colleges to could be the extra push a apply to and visiting earlier student needs to be admitso the pressure to choose what ted. to do about college does not sneak Another option I would recup on you. ommend is early action. Early action It is both exciting and scary hitting the is like early decision, although it is not “submit” button to send everything off to binding and the student does not have to colleges. I have only done a few applica- withdraw any other applications after betions so far, but I want to finish as soon ing admitted. Although applications have as possible. Some colleges start looking as to be submitted earlier, applying early soon as the application is submitted, and shows colleges that the student is on the I have found it is advantageous to get the ball and ready to attend the college, and essays out of the way first, because the rest it is advantageous because colleges report of the applications will be a lot easier. back with the status of your admission By far my most challenging question earlier. The college will report back early, was whether to apply early-decision to many before the winter is over. I believe Northwestern. The early decision option is this system is valuable and it allows stulegally binding, meaning if I am accepted dents to feel secure. I recommend doing to this college, I will be forced to withdraw as many early action admission choices as all other applications and enroll at North- possible, because there are no drawbacks western. other than getting the application in early.

This is why deciding early can have If one school does not stand out as a consequences. I am still on the fence about “dream school,” it is advised to do as many choosing early decision, and for any stu- early action applications as possible, and dents in the same position I would recom- stay away from the binding early decision. mend visiting and extensively examining The college process is long, and it will the programs before making the final de- take a while for everything to be completcision. It is hard to find a place that I am ed. It is important not to procrastinate guaranteed to be comfortable at without with the work and decision making espeknowing much about it besides statistics cially. Getting things done early will make and reputation. life a lot easier and senior year carefree like For example, when I visited Miami of it should be--as carefree as I was promised.

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

MY VIEW

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.

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

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

Request to withhold the writer’s name Columns represent the opinions of individual from publication for good reason will be staff members and outside contributors. considered. Letters can be sent to the above email address, or dropped off in “The Tower” Editorial Board Room.

An asterisk * denotes Editorial Board editors.

Advertising Display advertising is sold at a rate of $7 per column inch, with discounts for large or frequent advertisers. Advertising ma not advocate illegal activities or contain libelous, irresponsible or obscene material.

Professional Associations Member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association, Quill and Scroll, the Society for Newspaper Design and the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association.

news // 3

Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015

Get your ACT together Underclassmen participate in practice standardized tests ELENA RAUCH ’18 // Staff Writer Within the past month, sophomores received their ACT Aspire scores. While the state doesn’t release rankings based on these scores, the scores are meant to predict how a student will perform on the ACT. “The ACT Aspire is a lot like what used to be called the ACT Plan test,” counselor Beth Walsh-Sahutske said. There’s also the ACT Explore test; these are all pre-ACT tests. The idea is that students can get a prediction of what their score would be if they continued down that same level of preparation without any additional, intentional, test preparation.”

Students have taken the ACT Aspire for themselves, so they can personally understand how the test works. However, the ACT Aspire test results are not only used by students. “(ACT Aspire results are used) for a teacher’s sake, to gather and use information on student performance to help guide their instruction,” Assistant Principal Steven Wolf said.

Evan Theros ’18 said he thinks the ACT Aspire

gives a correct prediction of how he will do on the SAT or ACT. “My brother took the Aspire test and he got the exact range that he got on the ACT,” Theros said.

“Yes, it was harder than I initially thought, but the whole standardized test helps, just that the format of the test is pretty similar.”

In terms of content and scoring, however, the ACT Aspire varies. Since it is a pre-test, it does not go as deep into content as the ACT, and it is also scored on a lower scale, Walsh-Sahutske said.

However, following in the footsteps of many other states, Michigan is switching its standardized test from the ACT test to the SAT. “It used to be that the ACT and the SAT tested different things. They had different goals,” Walsh-Sahutske said. “Now with the SAT introducing a new format, it is actually becoming a lot more like the ACT. Some of the principle people who are designing the test actually came from the ACT. Their goal is to change how the test runs.”

Walsh-Sahutske said all the work students have put into preparing for the ACT will not be for noth-

Namaste in shape: ABIGAIL WARREN ’16 // Staff Writer Before the sun rises, breathe deeply, stretch and hold the pose in South’s new Yoga Club, a calming and active way to start the school day.

Emily Fleming ’16 and Lily Hampton ’16 are two of the leading members who co-founded the club and are working with their adviser, science teacher Lauren McCulloch, to take this club to its furthest potential, Hampton said.

“Emily and I go to yoga all the time and love it,” Hampton said. “We wanted to give any interested students at South the opportunity to experience it, too.”

The objective is to get as many students as involved as they can, Hampton said. If a student loves yoga, or wants to explore and get a little more involved with yoga, this club will be the perfect fit.

The club meets every Friday morning from 7-7:30 a.m. in the gym or in Cleminson Hall. The first class was held in the gym and second class is going to be held in Cleminson, Hampton said.

Depending on what location the group likes best, the permanent room for Yoga Club will then be decided, Hampton said. A Facebook group is going to be created for the club to keep in touch with each member and communicate updates about the club. Each week, a new instructor will teach the class, which is meant to keep things changing and will allow the club to always have a “new” feel, Hampton said.

“My aunt, who is a certified yoga instructor, is going to teach the first class,” said Hampton. “Emily and I will do the second, and we were thinking about opening the opportunity to be the instructor to other members of the club, as well as having other certified instructors willing to come help.”

The guest teacher was an aspect attractive to Adam VanOsdol ’16. He said the guest instructor set the intention for the club and helped the first class go smoothly.

ing.

“Even though the state isn’t paying for an ACT, many people may chose to take that test anyway,” Walsh-Sahutske said.

Since the Aspire test is a pre-test, an overall score is not gathered by South.

“The ACT Aspire does give a ranking, but those (tests) are considered to be preparatory prior to taking the ACT,” Wolf said. “The ACT results were a 24.4 composite mean score. By comparison, Grosse Pointe North had a 22.5, Michigan’s average is a 20.1, and the nation’s is a 20.0. By comparison we did quite well. It was a big improvement from us last year.”

And South wants to keep improving their test scores, Wolf said.

“Two years ago, our score was about the same,” Wolf said. “Three years ago, we’ve improved by about a point. A point doesn’t sound like a lot, but it is quite a bit.”

A PSAT test was held yesterday as another preparatory test, since the state is switching to the SAT for all juniors beginning this year.

New yoga club to meet on Fridays, no experience necessary

Your View:

We asked South students and staff if they think practice standardized tests are beneficial.

It just kind of gets you prepared to take the test, and you get to know the types of questions and timing.

CARMELLA BATE ’17

I just don’t think they help because I’m a bad test-taker.

CHATURANGA // Yoga club will be taught by a number of different teachers, including some students and club members. The next meeting will be held this Friday in Cleminson hall.

CHARLOTTE MARTINEZ ’19

Photo by MAGGIE WRIGHT ’16

“My favorite part was doing something positive for myself before school,” VanOsdol said. “It’s so important to start off on a good note, and I was in a great mood for the rest of the day.”

Previous experience with yoga is not necessary to join. All grades, genders and levels of yoga experience are welcome, Hampton said. Just bring a mat.

“I think having a yoga club at South is going

to be great way for students to get a little exercise without having the same stress level and commitment expectation as a sport,” Addison Enders ‘17 said.

Hampton said the first class was very successful and approximately 15 students attended.

“Everyone who came loved it, and I did too,” Hampton said. “I am really excited to have this to look forward to every Friday morning.”

Footsteps Bible study group started RACHEL HARRIS ’18 // Copy Editor tend.

Founded by students to build a Christian community in the school, the new “Many people already came up to me after the first meeting and said that it student-led bible study group, Footsteps, meets in the Commons every Friday is so great to know that they are not alone,” Lemanski said. morning at 7:12 a.m.

Baratta has also noticed a difference in herself.

“I just realized that so many people are searching for security and love in “We have had only had one worldly things, and they aren’t meeting, and I already felt that finding it, so I figured that havday that I felt so much better ing a Bible study or a God-cenand fresher and stronger,” Barattered talk could really encourage ta said. “It gave me a really good people and show that satisfacperspective to carry through the tion is found outside of material weekend.” things,” co-founder Hannah LeMeetings include a new manski ’18 said. founder of the club talking about Other founders of the group different topics every meeting. are Olivia Baratta ’16, J.D. Gray “If you come in late, like in ’16, Josh Davey ’16, Corinne the middle of the year, it’s not Chadwell ’17, Ella Koss ’16, and like you missed anything,” LeChristine Brinker ’16. manski said. “We have different “We want it to be a place that topics every week, such as how is super accepting for all grades we are called to be united, speakand denominations,” Baratta ing in love and God’s constant said. presence that are really great and Koss decided to become a really necessary to hear.” co-founder to help students And Lemanski said it search for answers about their is beneficial to be involved in a faith. community with other believers.

“I wanted to join because

“If you already have a there really wasn’t a faith-based deep relationship with Christ, it anything, and my friends and is good to surround yourselves I just felt really called to do AMEN// The first meeting of the bible study group happened last Friday at with others who are,” Lemanski this,” Koss said. “We felt like we 7:12 am. The group is open to anyone interested in participating, regardless said. “If you aren’t, it is still good should do this in case people feel of their religious affiliation.

Photo by MAGGIE WRIGHT ’16 because you are able to learn as if there isn’t anywhere to go if more about what it is like.” you are curious about your faith.

Lemanski said she hopes to conSome people don’t know where to go, and this is an option for them.”

Baratta said having the group meet Friday mornings is beneficial to students. tinue attending Footsteps and also hopes that a greater diversity of people from “One of the reasons that we have it on Friday mornings is because you prob- different groups attends to hear each week’s messages.

“I hope that students realize that the only way to live life to the fullest is livably have had all the stresses of your week done and it is just this chance to be ing with and by Christ, and I really hope that they understand that He loves you with other believers,” Baratta said. more than anyone else ever could in your life,” Lemanski said.

Lemanski said she has already noticed a difference in the students who at

If you are a freshman or sophomore those practice tests are pretty good to help you get ready for the real tests junior year. But they don’t really relate back to the curriculum I teach in chemistry.

STEPHEN KIM Chemistry teacher

I feel in a general sense that a lot of kids are over-tested and we are constantly throwing these standardized tests at them and it takes a little bit away from our teaching.

SANDI SIEMASZKO Economics teacher

Photos and information by MACKENZIE HARRELL ’17 and HADLEY DIAMOND ’16

feature // 4

Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015

EXAMINING EDUCATION:

At a TedX talk, South alumnus Charles Gibson discusses the importance of science in the classroom EMILY FLEMING AND HANNAH CONNORS, BOTH ’16 // Managing and Copy Editor Speaking on the importance of science demonstrations in the classroom, Detroit Science Center employee and South alum Charles Gibson ’06 gave a talk at the annual TEDxDetroit event last Thursday.

Gibson is responsible for the outreach department at the science center and travels across Michigan, bringing the programs they do in-house to schools, libraries and community centers, Gibson said.

Gibson attended Wayne State University, where he studied geology.

“When I first left high school, I was of the mindset that I needed to pursue a business degree because that’s how I was going to make the money,” Gibson said. “I quickly found out that that was not at all what I was interested in, so I followed what I was interested in and that started with earth sciences.

GRAPHICS BY ERYKAH BENSON ‘17 PHOTO COURTESY OF TEDx DETROIT

Q & A:

That’s what keeps Gibson going every day, he said.

“Even if I have to do a bunch of paperwork that day, I know that week I’m going to get to make an impression that will last,” Gibson said.

Gibson’s TED talk centered around the experiences he’s had performing science demonstrations for students across the state, and how it’s gotten more interested in science, engineering, technology and math (STEM).

Jerome Manning ’17 attended TEDxDetroit and enjoyed Gibson’s talk.

“I really liked it, I thought the experiments he did were cool,” Manning said. “We actually did one of the experiments he did in my chemistry class this year.”

Demonstrations in science classes have made Manning enjoy science more, he said.

“Especially with chemistry, because I

like seeing how things react,” Manning said.

Gibson cited Physics teacher Matthew McGuire as one of his biggest inspirations to go into informal science education.

“All I can remember is that after he told me what an effect I had on him, I had this huge smile on my face that must have looked phony--and I assure you, it was not phony,” McGuire said via e-mail.

Gibson hopes his talk inspires teachers to seek the resources to do more of these type of experiments in the classroom, he said.

“Everybody keeps coming up to me and saying that it (the demonstration done in the TED talk) was awesome, and we know that it’s awesome,” Gibson said. “So why aren’t we doing it in the schools, and why aren’t we doing this for the kids on a regular basis? Why aren’t all the kids getting the opportunity to see these things?”

South grad develops app

Created by Parker Roth, a ‘98 South graduate, Was Here allows you to post a picture to the app tag your location. He explains through e-mail the app and the process it took to create it.

ZOE EVANS ’17 // SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Q: What exactly is Was Here?

A: Was Here is a location based

Q: What inspired you to create this app?

A: In 2010, my friend Elena (a ’00 GPS grad) was killed

Q: What success do you want to come from

Q: What makes Was Here different from other

photo/message sharing app. It allows users to tag photo messages to the location they are at. They can also view photo/ messages left at that location. The goal is to make Was Here the world’s location based photo album.

by a drunk driver. Her family planted memorial trees at Windmill Pointe Park, and I think Patterson too. Was Here, at its heart, is supposed to help keep a person’s conversation going, to help share our memories.

apps that you can simply share a location or write the location as the caption?

the app?

A:

Nearly every day I see situations where it makes sense for people to use the app. I still fall back on the memorial uses for the app. When I hear people have lost someone they loved, I want to tell them about them app or tell funeral directions about it. It could be a good outlet for expression that helps people comfort one another.

A:

I know people review photos on Facebook, or Instagram or in photo albums, but rarely do we do it at a location or because of that location’s importance. No one pulls open their phone to look at old pictures while visiting a place of importance. Was Here changes that.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHARLES GIBSON

Mondays-Saturdays:

4 PM - 11 PM

Sundays: Noon - 9 PM

20745 Mack Ave. Grosse Pointe, Michigan

48236

Grace Community Church * 21001 Moross Rd * Detroit, MI 48236 * 313.882.3000 *

gracewired.com/alpha

313-882-1600

feature // 5

Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015

Rock on From large arenas to small venues, concerts offer diverse musical experience MY VIEW

Elizabeth Bigham ’18

M

y first concert was the Jonas Brothers, the day after my ninth birthday. My dad and I were seated in the second to last row of Joe Louis Arena to make sure the loud music

wouldn’t scare my little self.

I remember the show starting with the three brothers walking out and beginning with their enthusiastic, bassy hit, “That’s Just the Way We Roll”, and the crowd erupting with piercing screams. I loved everything about that night: the upbeat music, the fluorescent spotlights, ambitious crowd, and, of course, seeing Nick Jonas in person. I went to be bed that night with a continuous ringing in my ear, thinking I want more of these experiences.

Since that first Jonas Brothers concert, I’ve been to 14 more concerts, each leaving me with the ringing in my ear. Some concerts were big, some small. Some loud, some quiet. Some rowdy, some intimate.

Some classics, some unknown. I always find it so captivating to be in a room full of strangers, singing along to the same music that

brought everyone there.

Although I’ve been to lots of large arena concerts like One Direction and Taylor Swift, I’ve grown to like general admissions concerts more. There are no boundaries between anyone. General admission concerts make the experience much more personal and unforgettable.

For the 1975 concert last November, the English indie rock group created an electrifying vibe, selling out The Fillmore.

My friend and I waited outside the venue for five hours to try to get a good spot for the general admission concert. To make that sound even worse, it was also around 45 degrees and raining the whole time.

Also, during the opening act, the pushing of the crowd was so bad that I was nearly choking on feathers from a girl’s jacket that I was being forced into. It’s those types of memories that weren’t so funny at the time, but looking back always make me laugh.

Once the group went on, they performed beautifully, making their songs sound just as good live as they do on their album. Although I almost died of hypothermia outside and nearly passed out of heat exhaustion inside, the night was incredible and will never be forgotten.

Another general admission concert I attended was Zella Day. Unlike The 1975, Zella Day is virtually unknown, making the concert serene and, thankfully, only $10. The concert took place in late August

of this year in the basement of Saint Andrews Hall, The Shelter. The room had rustic brick walls, smoky vibe and is rich in history, being one of the first stages Eminem performed on.

Being in such a small venue had its perks. For one of Zella Day’s songs, she stepped out into the middle of the crowd, fans surrounding her in a circle as she sang. Zella Day’s powerful ballads and cryptic sound made the concert elegant and fresh.

I went from seeing an unknown artist to one of the best rock and roll bands of all time. My dad has been to about 25 Rolling Stones concerts. He’s a huge fan to say the least. It’s safe to say there are more pictures of Mick Jagger in my house than there are pictures of me.

My dad was able to get us two seats for the summer concert in Detroit at 14th row next to the catwalk, making us five feet away from true legends. The night was fun, energetic and loud as Comerica Park buzzed with more than 40,000 fans singing along to some of the band’s best hits.

No matter what, whether it’s a huge rock and roll show or a small concert in a basement, concerts always left me feeling such thrill and compassion. Listening to songs from a phone is just a small portion of the meaning of music. Live music brings to life the emotion and effort behind music. That’s why I’ve grown to love it.

STAGE SIDE // Pictures from various concerts including 1975, 21 pilots, Zella Day, and Rolling Stones. The concerts were attended by Elizabeth Bigham ‘18.

PHOTOS BY ELIZABETH BIGHAM ‘18

DTE concerts: the good, the bad and the party bus MY VIEW

Gillian Eliot ’17 DTE Energy Music Theatre has always catered to all genres of music, even when it was known as Pine Knob. With the choice of sitting on the lawn or under the pavilion, it’s a great venue for all ages.

Ticket prices vary depending on the artist performing, but usually lawn seats are cheaper, being general admission. But any seat is always worth the price. Back in the day it may have been Journey, Bob Seger or Ted Nugent rocking out, but now big acts like J. Cole, Mumford and Sons and Chris Brown fill the seats on weekends.

Although the name has been changed and the venue has been renovated, its location has always remained the same, and anybody who’s been to a concert at DTE knows getting there and leaving in gridlock traffic is part of the adventure.

While arriving early and tailgating in the parking lot may seem like the best option, driving oneself (with a few friends) doesn’t account for drinking and driving, and does nothing to alleviate the traffic volume heading home. Today’s teens routinely rent party buses for an exciting commute and a responsible, worry-free DTE experience.

Not that the party bus solution isn’t without its own set of issues. Long gone is the spontaneity of, “Who’s driving, man?” Instead, one of your friends has to convince their parents to sign a contract with

a bus company, leaving you to collect all the pricey DTE holds 15,274 people. Upon entrance, sebus fares. curity pats you down and checks your bag. It is a In order to keep the costs to $30 per person for cursory check at best, keeping with the open and transportation, the travel group has to grow to 25 to free atmosphere that dates back to Pine Knob -- and 30 people. While it may be different for some peo- maybe a product of the lawn seating “party” enviple, reaching that quota definitely involves inviting ronment that makes DTE so popular. people from outside of my friend group.

Teens have found ways around the minimal seWhy is that an issue? Party buses come with lots curity, by hiding blunts in their shoes or even reof rules, especially when it comes to underaged sorting to the old-school tactic of bringing alcohol drinking. As Eric Reitz from Rockstarz limousine in flasks. company said, ‘’Our worst experience was the Chris Regarding security, Bill Fillmore, event managBrown concert at DTE when teens snuck alcohol er at DTE, said, “We view underaged drinking as onto the bus in shampoo bottles.” a parental issue rather than our Yes, that was my group, on my issue. The rule is you have to be Because of general 21-years-old to drink alcohol.” parents’ contract, on my word. admission, I feel like kids I knew the people who did it, Still, each experience at DTE but they aren’t in my immedican get away with more can be different. Some may say ate friend group. Although the things, but at the same it’s their favorite venue, while couple might have thought they time, since there’s still others may think it’s the worst. were being clever, they were des“My favorite part about DTE some security, kids prob- is the social aspect of it where evtined to get busted and make the ably won’t be too crazy. night one to remember for all the eryone is out on the lawn,” Sam wrong reasons.

Rivard ‘17 said.

SAM RIVARD ’17 “When we find alcohol there No matter the experience paare three things we do: First we trons at DTE have, seating in the call the parents and tell them their child was drink- venue fills up quickly, and sell-out shows are often ing. Next we stop the ride wherever we are, and last- common. ly we may have the police get involved,” Eric said.

“Some shows sell out depending on who is perA few months ago I found out the hard way forming, but this past summer we had really fun that he was telling the truth. No scare tactics here. sell-outs,” Fillmore said.

I spent the night negotiating with the bus driver The lawn-pavillon mixture is another perk in to not leave us there with no ride back, while also the DTE experience, but lawn seating isn’t without dealing with my parents, who in turn also had to drawbacks. First, weather is a big factor in the endeal with the bus company, and call the parents of joyment of the concert. First, concerts continue to the offending teens. Chris Brown? Not a favorite of run rain or shine, and if you’re on the lawn, there’s mine anymore. no place to hide from inclement weather. Also, no

matter where you are on the lawn, you’re relatively far from the stage. Still, no matter what the consequences are, people are attracted to the lawn.

“The lawn is my favorite part because it’s fun and you can walk around and hang out with a bunch of people,” Michael Lesha ‘17 said.

The lawn is usually packed and the volume of people makes it hard for security to keep a close watch on all activities.

“Because of general admission, I feel like kids can get away with more things, but at the same time, since there’s still some security, kids probably won’t be too crazy,” said Rivard.

Pine Knob became DTE Energy Music Theatre in 2001. It is a part of our culture, with up to five shows a week during the summertime. It remains one of this area’s destinations for outdoor music and partying.

Now our parents, who went to Pine Knob when they were our age, are hesitant to let us go to a concert at this venue due to general admission seating on the lawn. They probably worry about interaction with intoxicated strangers just like their parents probably worried as well. But no matter where people come from, they are there for the same reasons -- to listen to music and have a good time.

In short, DTE has hosted events for decades and is a great venue. The philosophy seems to be to facilitate a true blend of letting the audience -- no matter their ages -- push the party limits, in relative safety.

There are always sheriffs on duty, and the first aid center is close by in case of emergency.

Now, if we could only figure out a good way to get there. Maybe the next generation of South will find a better way than the party bus, because it sure didn’t work for me.

feature // 6

Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015

I’ve been seeing little touches of leather or suede everywhere.

Pleated leather skirts, suede elbow patches on blazer, leather panels.

CARLY HEITLINGER

THECOLLEGEPREPSTER.COM

{blog: the college prepster}

Photos by CARLY HEITLINGER USED WITH PERMISSION

{student fashion bloggers}

This is the year of fur and brights.

RACHEL LANNEN ‘16 THEPOLISHEDPREP.COM

zoe jackson ‘16

rachel lannen ‘16

maddie mancus ‘16

FASHION: A look into how trends have evolved over time

BY KATHERINE BIRD ‘18 // Staff Writer English teacher Elizabeth Lulis ‘97 said she has seen a unique perspective on the evolution of fashion at South from when she was in high school.

Evolution: the gradual development of something, especially from a simple to a more complex form. If apes can evolve, so can fashion.

“I think (fashion) goes through peaks because we live in the ‘bubble,’” Lulis said. “We always have that prep perspective. We are always going to have that Vineyard Vines, Lilly Pulitzer, Brooks Brothers and J. Crew. But at the same time I think people transition in and out of almost where they look like they’re going out to go hiking perspective whether or not they look like they’re living in New York perspective or kind of more of an LA vibe. I think we follow different trends as we go through the building.”

Fashion: a popular trend, especially in styles of dress and ornament or manners of behavior.

Science teacher James Adams ‘87 agrees and said a lot of guys dressed in a “cliquey” way during his high school career.

“In the 80s there was a lot of preppy like pink shirts, khakis, peg legs, loafers like penny loafers all the time,” Adams said. “So I think that was a big trend back then. Jocks dressed like jocks, like sweatpants, shorts, stuff like that. I think we have some of that, but there were a lot of really preppy guys when I was here.”

Trend: a general direction in which something is developing or changing.

Adam VanOsdol ’16 also said the “prep perspective” is strong at South.

He said that even though everyone has a different sense of style, some peo-

ple will go preppy. Maybe even monogrammed clothing. But now there is more of an abundance of athletic gear being worn among guys.

“Definitely Lululemon shirts have become really popular and just like workout clothes that look good basically,” VanOsdol said. “Not necessarily sweatpants but like more form fitting workout attire.”

Looking around the school there’s an opportunity to see an abundance of Lululemon, especially among girls, specifically pertaining to their leggings.

“Leggings have played a huge role in South for the past few years and girls are maintaining that,” Lulis said.

But leggings would never have been a trend in the ‘80s nor would students have worn them the way they do now Adams said.

In addition, a rising trend that can be seen is girls showing more skin, according to Audrey Doherty ’17.

“I think that specifically in teens we show more skin,” Audrey Doherty ’17 said. “I think it has evolved to smaller clothing like tighter clothing.

But I don’t know if that’s necessarily a good thing or bad thing. When you grow up, you mature so you feel the need to dress that way.”

Doherty sees this showing of skin and wearing of tighter clothing as an element of conforming rather than expressing oneself.

Conform: behave according to socially acceptable conventions or standards.

It is possible for a trend to go out of style then come back, according to Adams.

Converse All-Stars were a popular shoe Adams said when he was younger. He finds it ironic that these shoes came back more with girls rather than guys.

Besides the preppy and athletic trend that went on, there was also a hippie era among South students in the ‘90s according to Lulis.

“We had such a unique style,” Lulis said. “We really tried to create a hippie culture when I was here. It was hilarious. Lots of Grateful Dead shirts, corduroys, bell bottoms, kids had their hair in dreads, some kids walked around barefoot. It was crazy. Heavy Birkenstocks. So you still always had that kind of preppy perspective that Grosse Pointe’s maintained, but there was a really heavy hippie culture in focus.”

Lulis said she still dresses the same way as she did in high school minus the hippie.

Adams’ experience was all the shirts had to have the Ralph Lauren Polo logo on it. For him it was a status thing because it was expensive.

“I think people have been always put together and there’s not as much of an emphasis on labels as there used to be,” Lulis said.

A common thing that is being seen is kids now not caring what they wear as much as they used to.

“I honestly think that we used to dress up more in my age girls and guys,” Adams said. “Like there were a lot more girls who wore dresses and skirts and heels where as you guys might wear a dress, but you wear tennis shoes with it.”

Seasons play a role in what clothing you wear. You might be a little cold if you walk out in shorts and a tank top in the middle of winter. With fall weather approaching we see chunky knit sweaters and cardigans coming back Doherty said.

Adams said, “I think clothing is kind of an interesting thing because it tells you something about the person of where they are at that time.”

feature // 7

Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015

on the street

On Trend Tower staff writers went around during lunch and captured some of the diverse fashion at Grosse Pointe South.

Major trends for this season include skirts, leather, boots, vests, long sleeve dresses and dark nail polish colors for girls. Major trends

for boys this season include vests, cowl necked sweaters, khakis and v-necks.

Fall fashion is all about self expression in the transition between warm and cold weather.

Don’t be afraid to play with different colors and textures this season.

Photos by GRACE BRANDON AND MOLLIE DeBRUNNER, BOTH ‘18

sports // 8

Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015

Full speed ahead: Girls XC continues legacy all the facts

28-0 league record

3/4

of invitationals, they placed 1st

Statistics from the girls cross country season so far and the Wayne County championship

Anna Piccione received first place

2

nd

in the Wayne County championship PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE ZARANEK

Cleats on the ground, head in the game

Varsity soccer team qualifies for district tournament CAM FRANCIS ’17 // Staff Writer In a quarterfinal matchup, the boys varsity soccer team will open district tournament play on Monday, Oct. 17 when they host Cousino High School. Despite a 2-6-1 league record, the team is optimistic.

“We’re gonna win districts,” head coach Francesco Cilano said. “I’ve been saying that since day one.”

The team will need to win three consecutive games to accomplish that feat, starting with Cousino.

“They (Cousino) scrimmaged the JV team last year and just barely won,” goalkeeper Morgan Clevenger ’17 said. “I think they’ll be an easy match.”

As for Cilano’s comment, Clevenger agrees.

“I expect our team to win (districts), no doubt about it,” Clevenger said.

Teamwork and confidence will be the focal points of the remaining practices before districts, Cilano said.

Third year varsity player and captain Garrett Weidig ’16 said those adjustments need to take place on offense.

“We have really good defense,” Weidig said. “Sometimes we have trouble scoring.”

As for teamwork, the boys will all be on the same page come Monday. The team has pasta parties every Sunday during which they study game strategy, Weidig said.

“We take extensive detail in figuring out the team that we’re playing before the game,” Weidig said.

The team feels prepared for the most part, according to Matt Moran ’19. Although he’s only a freshman, Moran is familiar with the situation.

“It’ll be a tough challenge but the team’s ready for it,” Moran said. “I know how intense it is because my brother used to play,” Moran said. “I think we have a good chance to do well.”

Moran also added the home field advantage should play a big factor for them.

“Everyone should come out and support us,” Moran said.

Cilano said he is eager to see his team shine.

“They’re working hard. They’re listening,” Cilano said. “We’re gonna step up at the time we need to. The boys, they’re gonna do it.”

The team plays at Dakota High School tonight.

They end their regular season on Friday at North with the annual Wounded Warrior game.

Fanning the flames: South’s

student section spurs team to success MY

VIEW

Mac Cimmarrusti ’16

Smiles. High fives. “Congrats, dude!”

It is shocking how happy people are with us after winning--the very same people who loved to say, “You guys suck”, and who wrote us off after we were 1-2.

We were told our coaches were the problem. Apparently, it was all their fault we were losing. People loved to explain to me how we lost the first two of three games because our coaches were not calling the right plays.

My teachers spouted their expert football opinions in the classroom, talking about what schemes and position changes should be made. Somehow their teaching degrees also made them qualified to coach a football team.

Where were they when we completely revamped the offense after week two? There was no one who congratu-

lated the coaches when we exploded in week four and five, combining for 57 points.

Does it get to me, people hopping on the bandwagon after bashing our team for the first three weeks of the season?

Absolutely not. It is a part of fandom.

We start winning, and everyone becomes the long-time fan whose great-grandfather was a Blue Devil.

I am not mad about people magically becoming fans of a football team that is winning. The irony is just too perfect not to talk about.

I mean, people who would talk about how we were the worst team South has ever had are now stocking up on their school spirit gear to support a playoff run from the stands.

The atmosphere of the games has changed, too. It was dull from start to finish in the terms of cheers during our first two games, despite a home crowd.

The last four have created a home field advantage.

Take one of North’s quarterbacks. It was evident that our fans rattled him after his first pass went for an interception taken to the goal line. Our fans let

PHOTO BY JEN MAIORANA ‘17

him hear it too.

He was not playing in a friendly atmosphere, which probably had something to do with his two for eight passing, including two interceptions and zero touchdowns.

Eisenhower’s star quarterback played in front of our homecoming crowd and had two turnovers and zero touchdowns, after his offense previously averaged just under 24 points a game.

Coincidence? Or is our newly-rejuvenated student section that bad-a--?

Some would argue it’s not just chance, it is our defense, which averages just shy of 10 points against a game.

And they are probably right.

With nine of 11 starters on defense being seniors, it makes it very hard to be a quarterback.

And speaking from experience, it is a huge advantage to play in front of a crowd that is screaming every minute of the game.

The school is changing. People are hopping on this giant ball of snow that is the football team, and it has turned into an avalanche.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KRISTIN MALLEGG

SPORTS UPDATE

SPORT // Boys cross country Record: 4-10 Captains Quote: “Our hardest competitors the rest of the season would probably have to be Sterling Heights and North.” -Matt Wholihan ’16 Expectations for season: Make it to states

SPORT // Girls volleyball Record: 2-3 Captains Quote: “We had a few rocky games towards the beginning of the season but we have finally figured out what works on the court.”- Kate Satterfield ’17 Expectations for season: Make a good run in the state tournament

SPORT // Girls field hockey Record: 4-5-2 Captains Quote: “Our team has definitely become a close family, and every player is dedicated to the team and working hard to improve their skills.”

-Becca Adams ’16 Expectations for season: Work hard and win the next three games

INFORMATION COMPILED BY CAM SMOLEN ’18, JULIANA BERKOWSKI ’16 AND CLAIRE HUBBELL ’17 PHOTOS BY LAURA WHOLIHAN, JULIANA BERKOWSKI ’16, AND CLAIRE HUBBELL ’17