Arrow 2021 Issue 2

December 18, 20204Volume 914Issue 2

ARROW Utica High School447255 Shelby Road Utica, MI 483174www.uhsarrow.org

2020 CSPA Silver Crown Award Winner & MIPA Hall of Fame Inductee

news feature sports

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REMOTE LEARNING

Teachers use Student Support Time to offer one-on-one assistance.

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PAGE 2 3TABLE OF CONTENTS 3ARROW 3DECEMBER 18, 2020

CONTENTS 3

4 6 8 9 CONNOR FROBERGER PHOTO

COVID-19 AC TIVITIES PUT TO A HALT BYco ntinuation of Governor Whitmer explains the t illn ess. guidelines put it place to preven E HOURS NEW WAY OF GETTING SERVICrv hours during the Students share how they earn se ice lingering pandemic.

AYED OUT HOW THE 2020 ELEC TION PL20 th a major Politics were a major part of 20 , wi election taking place.

TH IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL HEAL , and UCS has rld wo e th on ll to on n ke ta s ha 20 20 mental health resources available.

CROSS COUNTRY AT STATES s, led by senior Boys cross country went to states.

Carson Nicoletti beating record

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FIND EXPANDED COV FROM EVERY PRIN ERAGE T EDITION, NEW STORIES, RE CENT SPORTS SCORES AND MORE AT WWW.UHSAR ROW.ORG.

NEWS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

DECEMBER 18, 20204ARROW4NEWS4PAGE 3

UCS STUDENT HANDBOOK CHECK OUT THE HANDBOOK FOR UPDATED GUIDELINES

COVID shuts down school building, social activities continuing to take action, UCS hopes to determine the safest time for the students and staff to return to school COVID already has made strict rules and guidelines buildings. and recently the Interim Superintendent, Robert Mon- “Returning back to school is based on a gradual proroe, spoke about why school has been shut down. cess,” Monroe said. “This would allow us to develop Governor Gretchen Whitmer also announced three health and safety factors and make the necessary adjustweeks of restrictions for Michigan, which have been ex- ments.” tended into January.

Returning to school won’t be “Last week it was clear that an easy, and it will take some time in adjustment was needed,” Monroe order to plan everything out and said, “based on how the growth comply with the new restrictions. in COVID-19 was affecting our “In fact, last week as we reschool communities and our turned,” Monroe said, “a large overall district operations.” group of the cases doubled.”

As COVID numbers rise, UCS Some students, like sophofelt it was not the right time to remore Nadeen Rashed, were surturn to school. prised when the plan to return uticak12.org/return_to_school/u_c_s_c_o_v_i_d_19_dash “The risk level has risen to E,” board source back to school was announced.

Monroe said, “the most severe “I was honestly very shocked, level.” and even though I was excited, Due to the risk level for students and staff being so I had a feeling it wasn’t going to happen because of the high, the board of education has been monitoring local cases,” Rashed said. “I didn’t think it was a good idea becases. cause it was going to be hard and near impossible for all “I should also mention that we are in constant com- those kids to social distance and stay in classes that long.” munication with the Macomb County Health Depart- Students feel surprised, nervous and excited to return ment,” Monroe said, “as well as educational leaders from back to school, while some are fearful. For now, classes throughout the region.” and social activities will have to remain on hold, while By remaining in contact with the right people and some are staying optimistic for the return to school.

JOSHUA RHODES

REPORTER

Student support time added into schedule group support, or even clubs and activities,” Lietz said in the morning announcements for Nov. 11. “These uses are After two months of a schedule with back-to-back as endless as your creativity to figure out what you wanna classes, Student Support Time (SST) was implemented do, so please think about that time as your opportunity into students’ schedules Nov. 11. to get the additional support that you need to make sure On regular school days, SST happens after first/fourth you are successful in your academic endeavors.” hour from 9:10am until 9:40am. During this 30-minute Numerous students have found SST beneficial. time period, students can meet up with teachers in class- “I think it’s a great way for students who are behind on es where they need extra help, or simply ask questions work to catch up on it,” junior Junior Alexis Plonka said, about assignments or grades. “and a great way for kids who are Wednesdays students go to caught up on their classes to have every class, which is shortened a small break before class.” down to 30 minutes so that SST SST may seem like it’s only can be for the rest of the school about the students, but it has also day from 10:45 to 2:15. been very helpful for staff, such as On the Utica High website, Utica math teacher John See. He there is a spot where students can believes SST has been good for fill out a request form to meet students and it takes away stress. up with teachers of their choice “SST has benefitted my studuring SST. Students are allowed dents through reducing some of to make multiple request submisthe work, which then reduces sions. some of the stress of complet Many students, however, ing everything,” See said. “I have choose to contact their teachers seen a lot more homework assigndirectly to meet up. ments turned in, which increases Utica Principal Thomas Lietz grades. I have also seen more stufrom home, math teacher John See helps hopes that SST will be beneficial Working students during Student Support Time. john see dents reaching out for questions in different ways and encourages courtesy photo and ways to increase their grades. students to use this time approOverall, SST has been a good priately and in ways that it will most benefit them in thing for students.” school.

It has been shown that students’ adjusted schedules “It is our goal that SST will become a very productive with SST has been academically beneficial for them and way for students and staff to meet for assessment make- gives teachers a way of helping their students individualups, study sessions, additional one-on-one, or small ly.

ASPEN HALBHUBER

SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris and President-elect Joe Biden celebrate after declaring victory in the presidential election in Wilmington, Delaware, on Nov. 7. los angeles times/tns photo

Mock election predicts Presidential winner ABBY WILLIAMS

REPORTER

Millions of citizens across America exercise their right every four years when the presidential election rolls around.

People of all ages, from people who just turned 18 to people well into their 80s or older, can vote to choose who they would like to elect as president.

Utica High School hosts a mock election every year to encourage students to participate in the democratic process.

This year, students received an email on Oct. 30, inviting them to participate in the mock election. Polls could be filled out anonymously and were open until Nov. 3.

Students were asked to choose between Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, as well as to answer what topic mainly persuaded them to choose their candidate. These reasons ranged from the economy to the Supreme Court, similar to what influences adult voters.

“I think the mock elections are a good idea,” sophomore Sophia LaBrecque said. “It gives students an idea of what voting could be like and allows them to look into current issues.”

After the UHS polls closed, Biden won 52.3% and Trump won 47.7% of students’ votes in the mock election. The two most important issues cited were the economy and COVID-19 response.

The mock election results mirrored the results of the actual election.

On Nov. 6, Decision Desk HQ called that Biden was the predicted presidential elect, and other organizations such as the Associated Press began to do the same.

As mail-in ballots continue to be collected and counted, Biden’s number of votes slowly but surely began to rise. The numbers currently sit at 306 electoral votes for Biden, and 232 voted for Trump.

“I think it’s great to get students engaged and see what their opinions are on politics,” principal Tom Lietz said. “I think students are a lot smarter than what our electoral system gives them credit for.”

Correctly predicting the president is not unheard of when it comes to Utica’s mock elections. Students correctly predicted both Trump and former President Obama in previous years.

“I think we’re a nice cross-section of this area,” Lietz said.

“I’m never shocked. I always expect it to vary a bit.”

PAGE 4 3FEATURE 3ARROW 3DECEMBER 18, 2020

CREATING SERVICE HOUR

BALANCE

Students find new ways to navigate service requirements during COVID pandemic Teams. They are also planning activities, too. This October, for example, the group hosted an online spirit week.

Covid-19 has affected a lot of area’s in life lately, and community service is just another “It makes it a little more difficult to keep enthusiasm for spirit days, and not as many peoone to add to the list. From senior projects to various clubs, the pandemic has forced chang- ple are participating in it as well,” senior Caitlyn Wagner, Student Council president, said. es.

“Online drains us, so trying to ask students to do even more is kinda tough.”

SENIOR SERVICE PROJECT Because traditional activities have been impossible this year, Student Council has been Utica High’s senior project requires seniors to attain 40 hours of community service, sub- thinking of new ways to serve the school. mit evaluation forms from supervisors, and present a project on “Our executive board attended a virtual leadership conference in it at the end of the year. These projects are normally part of each November,” Swanson said, “to gather ideas on how to build and English class, and credit in the course is required for graduation, improve the school community environment by implementing making the service hours required, as well. virtual activities during remove learning.”

“We decided to suspend it this year because of COVID,” teach Brainstorming ideas has been a key component for the group. er Linda Kammann said. “The website is still up and running, but “It affects us positively,” Wagner said. “It allows all the students we are not requiring anything.” to develop more creative thinking skills, because we have to think If seniors want to, they can still participate in this project and outside the box for cool events.” do community service, although it is not required. Information Wagner still acknowledged downfalls. can be found at uhsseniorproject.weebly.com.

“It negatively affects us because we can’t meet in person, or bond, “In the end, I think it is better that we do not have to do serlike we usually do.” vice hours,” senior Cassidy Eskew said. “It will save some students NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY from stressing out, and it will keep everyone involved safe from Student Council isn’t the only group being affected by the panpossibly getting the virus. It’s also better for us students, because demic, National Honor Society (NHS) has also been working in the past students have been told about the project at the end of around the new online school, and as well as within the Covid-19 their junior year, and some would have their hours completed beguidelines. fore their senior year begins. We were not told about the project at NHS annually has a ceremony where they initiate new members the end of last year, so students may not have been able to or have into their group. Because this wasn’t possible, NHS is unsure of the time to complete service hours without the summer months.” how the initiation will take place.

Overwhelmed by remote learning, many seniors appreciate the “We are working on having an initiation ceremony this year,” change.

Kammann, NHS adviser, said. “it will be a virtual initiation, and “I am pretty happy to hear that service hours and the senior it will come out at the end of January.” project weren’t required this year, because it was always a stress to Changes for the group are not limited to the initiation. have to get so many hours for each club I was in,” senior Kristina “The service hours have been suspended this year because of Throne said. “It was fairly easy to get the hours sophomore year, Covid-19,” Kammann said, “although all tutoring hours are virtubut after struggline to get the required hours junior year, along al.” with all my other schooling, I was pretty worried for senior year.”

Members interested in tutoring sign up at uticahs.weebly.com.

STUDENT COUNCIL MOVING FORWARD Another group that has seen a change in service hour require Some student groups haven’t even found out what their plan is ments due to COVID concerns is Student Council. Student Counyet, such as Key Club. cil members typically help aid the community, as well as within Junior Jenna Hanson’s decorated her door as part of Student “We will be starting up sometime in January,” Key Club adviser Council’s spirit days. jenna hanson photo the school.

Joy Grieco said.

“Student Council service hours this year are being reduced,” Eager for the return to normalcy, many students are not celebratteacher Yvonne Swanson, co-adviser of the group, said. “We are mainly focusing on atten- ing the removal of service hours. dance at meetings, and participation in the activities we have put on.”

“I am not completely excited service hours requirements have been removed because In the past, students were required to meet after school once a week to plan different of the circumstances that caused it<” Thorne said. “I miss getting together to help out the events, and log hours spent helping out with various events. These events could be anything community. It was a big relief, but I hate how I am not able to help anywhere this year.” from helping decorate for homecoming, to passing out candy canes as students enter the Students agree that they’re looking forward to the return of community service. school at the start of their day.

“I have mixed feeling about the fact that senior service hours are not required this year,” “I do remember the service hours for Student Council being a major part of the group,” Eskew said. “On one hand, I am happy, because I have struggled in the past to get volunteer senior Dylan Pillivant, Student Council member, said. “But as we all know, this year is a hours. On the other hand, I am sad. I with I had the opportunity to volunteer to help out.” little different in the way we have to do things. I understand why we reduced the number of Pillivant agrees. service hours requited, and I’m grateful that Student Council has recognized our newfound “I hope we can continue helping the community, which is what Student Council does stress.” best,” he said. “I have high hopes that one day soon we can all reconnect as a community, Covid-19 has not stopped Student Council from meeting, however, as they still meet over safely in person.”

RAYMOND ALTMANN

MANAGING EDITOR

FEATURE INTERESTING STUFF

DECEMBER 18, 20204ARROW4FEATURE4PAGE 5

FEATURE STORIES CHECK OUT ARROW ONLINE FOR MORE FUN STUDENT LIFE COVERAGE

AUDIO OPTIONS

Students share top picks for remote learning BROOKLYNN HATHCOCK

DIGITAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Cars packed the parking lot of Lakeside Mall’s new COVID-safe drive-in movie theatre. Movie Magic Lakeside opened with “Five Weeks of Christmas” on Friday, Nov. 20. movie magic lakeside photo

Movie Magic Lakeside opens new drive-in theatre

very common late at night in today’s society.

“I probably wouldn’t go,” senior Colin Van said. “I With all of the social distancing being required be- could just watch it at home.” cause of COVID-19, the amount of things people can Most people are concerned about safety, only willing do for fun is limited. There is a constant interest in fun to go if the proper measures are taken to ensure a minithings to do outside of the home, while remaining safe mal chance of getting the virus. from the virus that’s been spreading for about a year now. “I would go,” junior Aidan Dillon said. “Only reason One idea for an activity is drive-in movie theatres. being that most places with a high concentration of peo While students may have had to drive quite a distance ple have taken precautions such as opening up at half cato visit a drive-in theatre in the past, Lakeside Mall has pacity, social distancing and masks. turned their nearly empty parking lot into a movie desti- With more safety regulations being put into place curnation only minutes away. rently, it gives less options for ac Beginning Nov. 20, “Five tivities to do outside of the house, Weeks of Christmas” began at this makes the movie a safe option Movie Magic Lakeside, with for anyone willing to go. movie fans paying $25 per vehicle

“I would consider going to a to attend. drive in movie theater right now,” Drive-in movie theatres are junior Austin Lamphier said. “Do just like going to a regular theto the fact we are in the midst of a atre, but you stay in your car and pandemic, a drive in theater would the movie is projected on some be the best and safest option for sort of wall/screen. It’s an idea going out with a couple of friends that was very common years ago, if you wanted to. but has recently been more popu Hopefully with proper safety Movie fans enjoyed watching “Elf” during Movie Magic lar amid the COVID crisis. options, this can become a popuLakeside’s opening weekend. dylan pillivant photo “If there is proper social dislar activity around the area, and tancing occurring, then I don’t people can enjoy movies with their see a reason not to go,” junior Anthony Chirco said. “It’s friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, etc. especially important to support a business that is slowly “I would definitely go,” junior Alessandro Van Simaeys dying off, like the movie theatre business.” said. “Because i can stay in my own car and im a simp for On opening weekend, the parking area was full, but Pip Kessen.” since everyone was in their cars, it was perfectly safe.

With all this being said, the movie is a way to get out “I thought it was really cool and very appropriate for of the house safely to have a good time, and may be a fun the current circumstances that we live in today,” senior activity for movie-lovers. Hopefully many people safeDylan Pillivant said. “It was personalized and they gave ly take advantage of this opportunity amid the ongoing us popcorn to eat while we watched the movie.”

COVID-19 virus. Three different movies are available Even though everyone was safe, people may not find it throughout the weekend, with showtimes and ticket sales convenient for their lifestyle, as lots of busy schedules are posted online.

ETHAN SMALE

BUSINESS MANAGER

We all know remote learning has its challenges, and audio is not exception. Whether it’s class change bells that ring during your call, students’ microphones unmuted when they shouldn’t be, or leaning in because you can barely hear with normal household distractions happening, making sure we can hear and participate is important.

Many students find it stressful and annoying to try to hear class. Laptops seem too quiet at times, even with the volume all the way up, and home life is so loud. It could be dogs barking, family talking, or your siblings in the other room on a class call, too. It all makes it difficult to really understand what your teacher is saying.

It is no surprise that many students have lost motivation this year, even with teachers that try their best to push them complete assignments and participate in class. Of course, this is easier in-perSenior Cassidy Eskew prefers Sony son, but with remote headphones. cassidy eskew courtesy photo learning underway, participation is nearly impossible if students can’t hear what’s happening in their Teams classes.

“During school, it really is hard to keep up. I have to watch so closely to my teacher just so I can understand,” said senior Dillon Wagner. “I can’t stand not being able to hear.”

What’s the fix? Many students have found it to be much easier to connect headphones or earbuds to their laptops.

“I personally use my Airpods,” senior Annie Droelle said. “It makes it so much easier to follow along, and I don’t need to be reading their lips and having my head so close to my laptop. It sounds like how it did when I was back in school, sitting in a classroom.”

Airpods are not the only option.

“I like my Sony headphones because they block out a lot of the sound around me,” senior Cassidy Eskew said. “Unless someone is screaming, I can’t hear them.

The build-in microphone blocks out most background noise.”

Others, however, prefer to connect through their phone.

“I like to use Teams through my phone whenever I get the chance to,” junior Sophia Leming said. “I can turn on my speaker and connect it to my Alexa or any other speaker if I needed to, so I can focus more. It really helps, because the laptops are really quiet.”

It's over

PAGE 63FEATURED STORY3ARROW3DECEMBER 18, 2020

Biden officially wins Presidental election after Electoral College casts ballots

LEFT: Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris addresses the nation after joining President-elect Joe Biden in being named victors in the presidential election on Saturday, Nov. 7.

RIGHT: President-elect Joe Biden addresses the nation on Friday, Nov. 6, 2020. At the time, the winner of the 2020 presidential election had not been declared, as vote counting continued in the key states of Pennsylvania, Georgia, Nevada, Arizona, and North Carolina.

INSET: President Donald Trump speaks in the briefing room at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 5. getty images/tns photos

MACKENZIE OLMSTEAD

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

2020 has been the year of the infamous coronavirus, prote for politics. The year of 2020 was an important year for politics be would decide whether or not the President of the United States, D would transfer to former Vice President Joe Biden.

This year has seen seemingly everything turn political, largely left sides in politics, the two main opposing parties.

Trump is a member of the republican party, the right, and Joe B was Vice President from the previous administration, led by Barac A presidential term is four years, making a second term an extr If a president completes two terms, they are no longer eligible to r won the election against Hillary Clinton back in 2016, marking the president for the first time. Clinton won the popular vote, but ult gave Trump the win.

Previously, Trump was a businessman and had also been known He was famously on the cast of reality show “The Apprentice,” whic was all about challenging Ivy League graduates and entrepreneu smarts.

When running for president, the two selected nominees choose with them as the vice president. This year, Trump’s returned with V while Biden chose Kamala Harris, a United States senator from Ca Most people agreed that chaos struck during the presidential hard to keep up with the two candidates with them speaking over e dates argued back and forth for most of the debate. Biden even aske point.

With a pandemic in the midst, much of the country expanded m cord-number of Americans chose as an option. Leading up to the presidents continued to make speeches across the country as the Social media flooded with celebrities and influencers, encouragin and vote if they hadn’t already done so through the mail-in optio number this election.

On su

DECEMBER 18, 20204ARROW4FEATURED STORY4PAGE 7

ests and rallies for various social movements, and especially ecause it is not only an election year, but the election that Donald Trump, would get a second term, or if leadership in part to the major disagreements between the right and

Biden is a member of the democratic party, the left. Biden ck Obama for two terms. ra four years on top of that. run for office again. Trump e start to his journey being timately the electoral votes

n as a television personality. ch ran from 2004-2017 and urs’ intelligence and street-

e who they bring into office Vice President Mike Pence, alifornia. debate, noting that it was each other. The two candied Trump to shut up at one

mail-in ballots, which a reelection day, both aspiring ey geared up for their fate. ng their followers to go out on. The voting turnout ended up being a record breaking

nce election day finally came, it was predicted that the reults wouldn’t be in the same day, especially because not all the mail-in votes were not received yet. The votes were counted from election day, Nov. 3, lasting all the way until the winner was announced on Nov. 7. After running unsuccessfully in 1988 and 2008, Joe Biden was declared the winner of the 2020 presidential election.

Tweets, Facebook statuses, videos, and just about any type of social media posts have been shared across platforms from people expressing their opinions about Biden’s win. Many videos have been posted from Biden’s supporters of them screaming, dancing, some even crying. Biden’s American supporters, as well as people from other countries that were not fans of Trump, also expressed excitement by sharing videos of people waving flags and dancing in the streets.

However, Trump and his supporters did not share the same emotions about the results. Trump, took to Twitter to tell the world that, contrary to news reports, he had won the U.S. election--not Biden. He has since continued to stand by his claim that the election was rigged, and that he has “won by a lot,” and recounts were soon underway in some states. Before it was announced Biden had won president-elect, lawsuits were file, contesting the results. Most of these, however, failed. Additionally, Trump delayed the White House transition team from working with Biden, and at publication date, Trump had not conceded.

Biden gave his first speech since winning president-elect on Nov. 7, bringing his family and Harris out on stage to end the night. Harris has now made history not only for being the first female Vice President-elect, but for also being the first woman of color to hold the title. Harris spoke on Nov. 7 as well, right before Biden gave his speech.

“You chose hope and unity, decency, science, and, yes, truth.” Harris said. “You chose Joe Biden as the next president of the United States of America. Joe is a healer, a uniter, a tested and steady hand, a person whose own experience of loss gives him a sense of purpose that will help us as a nation reclaim our own sense of purpose, and a man with a big heart who loves with abandon.”

Harris spoke of Biden’s experience of loss in reference to his wife and daughter passing away, as well as his son in 2015. She alsogave a shoutout to her mother, who passed away in 2009. Harris finished off her speech introudcing Biden to the podium.

“I pledge to be a president who seeks not to divide but unify, who doesn’t see red states and blue states, only sees the United States, and work with all my heart, with the confidence of the whole people, to win the confidence of all of you.” Biden said. “For that is what America, I believe, is about. It’s abot people. And that’s what our administration will be all about.”

Biden shared his gratitude with those who supported him, as well as those who did not.

“For all those of you who voted for President Trump, I understand the disappointment tonight,” Biden said. “I’ve lost a couple of times, myself. But now let’s give each other a chance.

It’s time to put away the harsh rhetoric, lower the temperature, see each other again, listen to each other again. To make progress, we have to stop treating our opponents as our enemies.

They are not our enemies. They’re Americans.”

Students weighed in on the 2020 election.

“I’m pretty bummed about the outcome, but I can’t sit and blame everybody else for Trump not winning,” sophomore James Johnson said. “He gave it his absolute best and people didn’t like that. So I can still hold out hope that the election goes to the senate, but if it doesn’t I will accept the loss and move on with life.”

Several Biden supporters are hoping to see changes in the handling of the pandemic.

"I'm happy Biden won," senior Lindsey Killian said. "I believe he'll put forth action about the pandemic."

Fellow senior Mary Tuzinsky also would like more action.

"I think Trump and his team did an irresponsible job handling COVID-19," Tuzinsky said. "I will not say it was his fault for the spread, but his actions led to a large divide by mocking democratic governors and ignoring CDC guidelines by holding rallies and not to mention his complete disregard for masks. He made COVID-19 a political matter while over 318,000 lives have been lost."

Whether students supported Trump or Biden, most say they are hoping for the best.

“People will always complain about the president, so if it is Trump or Biden, it doesn’t matter.,” Johnson said. “The American people want who is going to do best to lead their country.”

PAGE 8 3FEATURE 3ARROW 3DECEMBER 18, 2020

Mental health checks aren’t taboo

From seasonal depression to ADHD, resources are available to help students feel better ALEX SCHMIDT

REPORTER

The winter blues. Many have heard about them, but few realize that it is a form of depression.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) pertains to the change in seasons. SAD tends to begin about the same time every year. For most, SAD begins during fall and continues into the winter. Less often, it may occur during spring to early summer.

Some symptoms might include fatigue, mood changes, disinterest in activities that may have found enjoyable before, emotional eating (eating because of boredom), oversleeping, and lack of social interaction.

“Seasonal depression is a real thing. I think, with us being in Michigan, we tend to see it more often than you would see it in Florida because you don’t get that Vitamin D as we should,” counselor Annemarie Carabelli said. “I believe that when it comes to students who are feeling that way, you could use tools from our toolbox to help you try to cope with seasonal depression. One of my colleagues has a special light in her office to help her through her seasonal depression.”

Anxiety is a commonly used term today, but many don’t know what exactly it is. There are many different varieties of anxiety. Some commonly know anxiety disorders include panic disorder (panic attacks), social anxiety, different phobias, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), separation anxiety, & Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Some symptoms of anxiety might be racing thoughts, chest tightening, lack or shortness in breath, headaches, nausea, uncontrollable shaking/trembling, fatigue, overwhelming, over thinking, irrational dread of everyday situations/activities.

“We get a lot of anxiety because we don’t have the routines we used to have, and from spending all that time behind computer,” Carabelli said. “I’m talking about students and the

adults, We don’t have the routines we use to have, and I think that makes it difficult for us, as well,” Students who find it hard to sit still, or feel as if they are always hyper may have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a neurological condition, once referred to as ADD. Its symptoms could fall into one of three categories: primarily inattentive, hyperactivity-impulsive, or both.

The severity of ADHD varies from person to person, making it challenging to make a diagnosis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and and Prevention, it affects roughly 11% of children and teens in the United States, who are diagnosed with ADHD. Mental health is becoming less of a taboo subject in today’s society, and UCS has many resources available for students in their counseling course in Schoology. KnowResolve hosts a virtual Rant Room every Wednesday for teens who want to vent with peers, and for anyone wanting more one-on-one assistance from professionals, Macomb Family Services provides six free therapy sessions for students, which are completely confidential.

Of course, suicide is not a topic to be taken lightly. If you or someone you know is self-harming, or may be considering suicide there are many resources available 24/7, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255.

Telling a trusted adult is also a great start to lifeline help and trying to work toward feeling better. Telling someone is always better than sitting by while you or someone you care about suffers in silence.

The best thing to do if you relate to the symptoms of any of these disorders or feel that you or someone you know is self-harming, is to speak to a trusted adult, family member or counselor, and to focus on coping mechanisms and “the little things” instead of staying in isolation.

Professionals remind those suffering that pain is temporary, whether it feels that way in the moment or not, and there is always someone willing to help.

Celebrating New Year’s Eve safely during COVID-19 the morning and watching the iconic ball drop at night.

“New Year’s for me is a lot of family time,” Elechicon said, New Year’s Eve. A day to spend with family and friends, “and we stay up all night to watch the live countdown from celebrating the past year of our lives, while looking ahead to NYC.” our next chapter.

Other students are not as fortunate as Elechicon and do COVID-19 has impacted all of our lives this past not have the privilege of spending the holiday with family. year, changing our outlook on everything: the way we in- Senior Autumn Baldridge said her only plan was working at teract with people, the way we go to school or work, her job. even altering our everyday tasks to a new normal.

“I don’t exactly have anything specific planned for New As New Year’s is such a meaningful Year’s Eve because of the pandemic,” holiday, most would consider this devasBaldridge said, “but I do have to work tating to their traditions, though there is that night--which I don’t mind at all behope. cause I love my job and everybody I work Throughout this year we have learned with.” how to come up with creative alternatives To many, New Years’ is a sacred time for daily tasks, and we will be able to do of reflection and celebration. Junior Jorthe same for this holiday as a final hoorah dyn Wurth said that she was spending of 2020. the holiday with somebody who has a The ball drop Is the most widely long-lasting impact on her and a lifelong known and streamed event on New Year’s friendship from her past. each year. Located in the heart of New On a regular night in Times Square, NYC, peo“I haven’t really thought much about York City, artists perform until the clock ple crowd the streets. grace leonardi photo what I’m doing that night,” Wurth said, strikes midnight and the giant sparkling “but most likely I will spend it with my light up ball is dropped from the sky. childhood best friend at her house.”

This year, the ball drop will look very different due to the Armada junior Sam Winne Describes her New Year’s resolupandemic, but the show must go on. The New York City New tion as an opportunity for self-growth, using methods widYears Eve ball drop will be held virtually and streamed for all ening her horizons and working out. to see.

For the holiday, though, she will be indulging in a nostal The students of Utica have a wide variety of ways of spend- gic final meal of 2020. ing the holiday. Junior Sean Elechicon will spend the whole “On New Year’s I plan to fill up on Capri Suns and mozzaday with his family, playing video games with his brother in rella sticks, to remind me of my childhood.”

GRACE LEONARDI

EDITOR

Netflix marathons are a good alternative to partying this New Year’s Eve. A small group of friends can get together in person or even watch movies together from their own individual homes on any service that allows streaming parties.

getty images/tns photo

With COVID-19 making its mark on the world, some escape rooms are now available virtually.

Escape rooms are good for anyone who enjoys challenging themself or anyone looking for a bonding experience with family and friends.

Kalamazoo 2019 New Year’s Fest. sophie hillmeyer/tns photo

SPORTS ATHLETES, COACHES, FANS, AND MORE

PAGE 94SPORTS4ARROW4DECEMBER 18, 2020

GET UP-TO-DATE SPORTS INFO MISS A GAME, OR PLANNING ON GOING TO ONE? FIND ALL OF THE INFORMATION ON OUR SITE

Boys varsity cross country team sprints to new level Led by Nicoletti, entire team heads to state competition for second time in school’s history “It felt good,” Nicoletti said, “but obviously I was just happy I could help the team and the program for that particular event.”

This year has been one to forget for many throughout the world, but, not one the Utica Nicoletti said that he plans to run at the next level, and believes that as long as a team is High boys cross country team will ever forget. having fun and enjoying the camaraderie, that success will be a byproduct.

This year, the entire boys team qualified for the state meet for only the second time in COVID-19 obviously had an effect on this season with the athletes not knowing if they school history. were going to be able to have a season or not, but Coach Berry did not let that stop the team Under the direction of coach Megan Berry, the boys finfrom training. ished in second at the county championship only finishing “Having to wear masks during warmup drills, stretchbehind Romeo, who would go on to win the state champiing, and any time they weren’t running took some getting onship. used to but the guys were very adaptable,” Berry said. “I Coach Berry said she was happy with how the team perfeel the team was very appreciative of every single practice, formed this season. knowing how our season could end abruptly at any time.

“I was very happy with this season for many reasons.

We divided the team up in smaller training groups so that First of all, we finished second at the county championship,” if anyone was contact traced, only a small group would be Berry said. “Also, we qualified as a team for the state finals, quarantined, not the entire team.” which was a huge goal of ours since summer, They ran the This year has been tough on many, and the cross country race of their lives at the regional meet in order to qualify.” team was no exception. There was a lot of uncertainty to if During this season, senior Carson Nicoletti broke the they would or would not have a season. Berry thinks that school record with a time of 15:50. He later shattered his own this season will have a lasting impact and she will be able record at the regional meet, finishing with a time of 15:29. to tell future Chieftain runners the story of this 2020 team.

“Not only did Carson break the school record, but he “I’ve never seen a team care as much as this one did. was also our first individual county champion, our first The team has a COVID-compliant “pasta party” before their meet. megan berry photo I think that appreciation for the team will become fabric individual regional champion, and our first All-state cross of the team’s culture.” Berry said. “I know I will tell future country athlete,” Berry said. “Carson is an incredible athlete and person. His devotion to teams stories of how the 2020 team overcame so many obstacles, and despite the pandemic, the sport is unmatched to anyone else I have ever coached.” still had the best season in program history.”

Nicoletti, however, focused on his team.

JONATHAN CUNNINGHAM

SPORTS EDITOR

MHSAA postpones athletic seasons

As COVID cases rise, state health restrictions pause winter sports SHEA HATHCOCK

REPORTER

The year 2020 has been a let down for all athletes. Spring athletes didn’t have a season at all, fall was postponed, and now winter sports teams are wondering about their fate, now that their season has been postponed twice due to COVID-related state restrictions.

The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) is a “private, not for-profit corporation of voluntary membership by more than fifteen hundred public and private senior high schools and junior high/middle schools which extends to develop common rules for athletic eligibility and competition.”

Recently, the MHSAA has been updating their official website with information and updates throughout these hard time due to the coronavirus.

For a while, the fall sports were playing and getting all of their games and tournaments in. But what we all saw coming was their shut down.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), siting rising coronavirus numbers, imposed new restrictions across the state, which stated, “...all school sports activities (practices and contests) are suspended effective immedi-

ately through at least December 8, or until these new orders are amended.”

All the sports that were finally playing again were cancelled.

All of their tournaments and games left were either suspended for three-weeks or cancelled until they get the green light to go again.

All winter sports indoor and outdoor practices are cancelled until further notice, as well.

As the three-week restrictions were about to end on Dec. 7, the MDHHS extended the shut down until at least Jan. 15.

Athletes are not allowed to practice as a team, so some athletes are conditioning on their own.

“I’m disappointed that my season is looking like this so far,” junior Sophia Leming said, “but I am still practicing on my own in case my season follows through.”

Athletes are disappointed that their seasons have been postponed and cancelled, missing out on playing time. The possible cancellation of seasons has been especially hard on seniors, who hope they will get to play for their school one last time.

“I was not expecting my senior year wrestling season to look like this at all,” senior Matthew Gaereminck said, “Hopefully I get the chance to play one last time before I head to college.”

“Hopefully I get one more chance to play one last time before I head to college.”

The executive director of the Michigan High School Athletic Association releases a statement about the extension of sport restrictions on Dec. 7. @mhsaa twitter

VIEWPOINTS STUDENT VOICES AND OPINIONS

O N LI N E

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STAFF EDITORIAL

Student Support Time. Overwhelmed, students find SST a much-needed addition to daily schedule.

Online learning has its ups and downs, but the biggest class, so now students have a half hour for their own use. struggle that students had was in the beginning of this Enough time to grab a snack, do your homework, study school year. for a test, or what is the most helpful: calling teachers.

Our schedules first changed by not having our normal “I really like it. Often when I have homework, or didn’t schedule of all six classes, each being a hour long. In the understand a quiz or test, I usually use Student Support fall, it changed to “A” days and “B” days, or as Utica likes to Time to get that extra help and get the chance to retake call them, “Orange” and “Black” days. In these two days, certain things,” senior Dayana Medina Forgione said. classes are split in half, having your first three hours on “I find it really helpful, especially because I find online one day and your last three on the other day, but the catch schooling to be a bit difficult and stressful compared to it that the duration of your class was now two hours long. when we were all in school and had face-to-face learning.

This was a big struggle for I don’t have anything that I dislike most students because the about SST.” classes were back-to-back with If you need that extra time to have only a lunch in between your a one-on-one with your teacher, SST second and third class. was your best friend. Many students Lectures became so tiring, ARE YOU HAPPY THAT SST took advantage of this and got the exfeeling repetitive and students WAS ADDED INTO THE A/B tra help that they needed for whichwere falling off-track. It was so ever class they were most struggling hard to fully comprehend what DAY AND WEDNESDAY with, or even for the classes that they was being taught when class SCHEDULE? had a quick question on the homefelt so long; the only thing on work. your mind was, “When is this “I use Student Support Time to class going to end?” reach out to kids with missing work or YES NO A quick fix was made when to notify them to retake a test. When Utica Community Schools I do talk to students during that time added an extra break into our schedule, called Student we usually go over review problems to reinforce the maSupport Time. terial or help them with any misunderstandings,” teacher “I use Student Support Time when I need help on Michael Cubitt said. “I do like the Student Support Time an assignment or when I need extra help to understand for sure; it gives the students an opportunity to reach out a topic. The meeting is a one-on-one call with your and get help. It is intended for struggling students, but ofteacher where there is really no pressure of you bogging ten times, unfortunately, the struggling students aren’t the down the class with excessive question asking,” senior self-motivated ones to use that time. That is the only bad Riley Greenwood said. “It is convenient, not stressful, thing about it.” and helpful. I would say that the new schedule allows Students see a very big change in their mental state me to gain bearings throughout my day and the week.” with SST added; it has not only helps our grades improve, This break comes in between the first and second but also gives our brain a little bit of time to rest.

EDITORIAL BOARD VOTE

11

0

MARY TUZINSKY ILLUSTRATION

PERSPECTIVES

What are your thoughts about Student Support Time?

“I think that face-to-face was a lot more helpful for us students. A lot of us have health problems in our family, so COVID is a big worry. I’m happy SST is here for that extra help.”

“Face-to-face learning was a lot easier for me to get things done, but that’s why I love Student Support Time. It helps me feel like how I did when I was back in school.”

“My family is at a very high risk, and I think that us students need to take advantage of what is given to us. I am so thankful for SST and the help that the teachers give on their own time.”

“I feel that Student Support Time is a great add to our schedule. It allows time to meet with struggling students and help them learn the content needed for them to improve.”

“Because the pandemic has impacted us all and changed the way we live, I am glad that we adjusted the way we support and educate students. Adding time was the right thing to do.”

Lauren Daiek

Sophia Leming

Annie Droelle

Bryant Sebastian

Lorne Perry

SOPHOMORE

JUNIOR

SENIOR

TEACHER

COUNSELOR

DECEMBER 18, 2020 4 ARROW 4 VIEWPOINT 4 PAGE 11

OPINION SIMMI SINGH, SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Among Us. Who can you trust, and who’s the impostor in the game?

“Among Us” is a game full of manipulation and deceit.

Hitting the app store in 2018, the game has recently been taking over everyone’s phones and computers. It has recently blown up because of a Tik Toks made about the game, and everyone from around the world is tuning in to see what all the hype is about.

The game is multiplayer where there are crewmates or impostors. An impostor’s job is to annihilate all of the crewmates without getting caught. The crewmates job is to do tasks and try to figure out who the impostor or impostors are. There can be more than one impostor each game; no one knows who is who. When an emergency meeting or dead body is found, all of the players come together in the chat and try to vote for who they believe the impostors are. The impostor must use manipulation in order to appear to be a crewmate. When someone is voted off or killed, they must still complete their tasks, but cannot participate in the discussions.

“Among Us” has slowly been taking over everyone’s screentime. “Throughout the day I would just find myself playing the game for hours,” senior Landon Siatrski said. “Last time I checked my screentime I had three hours in one day just for ‘Among Us.’” With it’s addicting characteristics, the game could increase the number of hours that are spent procrastinating on homework. Most say that once they start a game, they cannot stop playing new games for hours. This then can mess with student’s grades and the amount of sleep they get.

There are colors you can choose from within the game.

The color choices expand to red, green, lime green, cyan, blue, orange, white, brown, black, and purple. The colors are used in the games chat in order to narrow down who the killer might be. They use the name of the color to question them of what they were doing at the time of the killing or when the body was found. Then the group votes on one color to vote out of the game to narrow down the search

for the impostor. Some people believe that specific colors are always chosen to be impostor. Specifically, red or white are believed to be the colors that the game chooses mostly to be the impostor. That is why people are very quick to call out others even if they have no evidence.

Within the game there are different accessories you can dress your little characters to make them more unique and fit to your liking. There are different hats you can get on your characters, “One of my favorite accessories on the game is the knight hat,” senior Brenda Watha said.

“It makes the game a lot more fun and makes it feel more designed to my style.” An in-app purchase that you could also get is a mini pet that follows you around. These little pets have become more widely purchased as the game grows more popular, and accessories are $2.99 each.

‘Among Us’ is a game of strategy, debate, betrayal and problem solving in order to accomplish victory.

Although it was made in 2018, with the sudden popularity of the game the creators of “Among Us” have decided to give the app an update to make it more appealing to its players. They now have three maps that you can choose from: the original map “The Skeld,” a larger map “The Poulus,” and lastly one smaller map “The Mira HQ.” All these maps are unique to increase difficulty, and make the game more addicting. The favorite map would have to be “The Skeld.” “I enjoy playing on “The Skeld” map because it is easier to navigate through,” junior Becca Sierzenga said. “It also has security cameras, so I can see who is being suspicious.” Overall, “Among Us” has helps teach problem solving and working as a team to get things done.

READER RESPONSE

Response to ‘My Battle With Barbeque Sauce’ I grew up with eastern Carolina whole hog pork bbq. The only thing in “bbq” sauce is vinegar, salt, pepper, a dash of brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. None of this ketchup disgusting liquid smoke infused crap.

Yuk. Completely understand your aversion. I am the same. and indeed cats rule.

Cyrena B

Response to November issue

“My daughter is in yearbook at Heritage this year and they have struggled with getting quotes and pictures being remote. Plus many of the students are in that class for the first time. She has worked very hard and I think she really enjoys the class. I shared your first issue with her so that she could see what hard work and dedication looks like and to see where this new found love could possibly take her. Thank you, newspaper students - you are helpting to inspire a younger generation as well! Way to go!”

Sarah M. Sitarski-Rice, M.A., Ed. Specialist School Psychologist

UHS Arrow Newspaper

@UHSArrow Tom Lietz @uticaprincipal Congratulations UHS Warrior on a well deserved recognition from @CSPA for their incredible work!! @uticaschools @UHSArrow

Contact information

Arrow Utica High School 47255 Shelby Road Utica, MI 48317 phone: 586.797.2305 fax: 586.797.2201 e-mail: uticapublications@gmail.com website: uhsarrow.org

Staff policy

Arrow is published monthly by the newspaper class of Utica High School and is funded by advertising. Our main purpose is to (1) inform the students, faculty and community of school-related news; (2) broaden the range of thinking of staff members and readers; (3) provide a forum for readers; (4) train the students in the functions of the press in a democratic society; and (5) provide entertaining features of interest to the students.

All editorials without a byline reflect at least two-thirds opinion of the Arrow staff but are not necessarily the opinion of the administration.

Letters to the Editor are welcomed and must be signed; however, names will be withheld for valid reasons.

Letters may be dropped off in room 205, and electronic submissions will be verified. All contributions are subject for restrictions of libel, defamation, slander and obscenity. Arrow staff reserves the right to edit letters without changing the meaning, and also reserves the right to reject letters for reasons of limited space, untimely material, or unbalanced coverage.

Arrow is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, Quill and Scroll, National Scholastic Press Association, Michigan Interscholastic Press Association and the Student Press Law Center. Some photos courtesy of American Society of News Editors/Tribune News Service. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, print copies are distributed digitally, Editor-In-Chief Mackenzie Olmstead Digital Editor-In-Chief

Brooklynn Hathcock Managing Editor

Raymond Altmann Copy Editors Oliver Gamez Ethan Smale

Social Media Editors Aspen Halbhuber Simmi Singh

Sports Editor Jonathan Cunningham

Reporters Kai Dawkins Kaitlyn Hanna Shea Hathcock Joshua Rhodes Alex Schmidt Abby Williams

Business Manager Ethan Smale Editor Grace Leonardi

@UticaArrow

Adviser Stacy Smale

@UHSArrow

@uhs_arrow

Cover by Mackenzie Olmstead Photo by Brooklynn Hathcock, Featuring senior Andrew Heck

PAGE 123SPOTLIGHT3ARROW3DECEMBER 18, 2020

SPOTLIGHT

WHO SHOULD BE IN THE SPOTLIGHT NEXT? TWEET YOUR IDEAS @UHSARROW

HIGHLIGHTING UNIQUE TALENTS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

ANIMAL LOVER

Greenfield shares passion at local shelter, encourages volunteering OLIVER GAMEZ

COPY EDITOR

In the summer of 2019, English teacher Suzanne Greenfield began volunteering with the Humane Society of Macomb and wanted to show her students that even through a busy schedule, every single person can make time to do good for the community.

The Humane Society of Macomb is a private, non-profit organization that focuses on the rescuing, rehabilitation, and re-homing of animals in need. It offers various educational opportunities as well as ways to report lost pets, foster and training programs, and support in adopting or surrendering.

“I thought it was important to volunteer my time at HSOM because they are not funded by any governmental agency,” Greenfield said, “and the organization relies 100% on the generosity of the public and volunteers to keep the facility successful.”

A devoted teacher and animal advocate, Greenfield feels that giving back to HSOM is especially important because of her personal experience with their cause.

“All of my pets are rescues, and some came from horrible conditions,” Greenfield said. “I chose to volunteer with HSOM because I think it is important to advocate for animals that do not have the voice to speak for themselves.”

But before the humane society lets anyone start working with animals, volunteers are required to do laundry, stock, and be trained to handle and care for cats and dogs.

“If I am volunteering as a canine companion, I walk dogs around the outside of the facility, give them treats, and attention.” Greenfield said. “When I work with the cats, I help socialize them by petting them, giving treats, brushing, talking to them, and playing with them.”

The Humane Society of Macomb doesn’t only house dogs and cats, though; there are also recused residents living in the barns. There are horses, goats, pigs, and barn-cat Toby that are cared for daily.

“Toby has been leash-trained with a harness,” Greenfield said, “so I take him on walks, too!”

In programs such as ‘Adventure Dogs,’ volunteers can take the dogs out for a day trip to help them decompress, as couches and a quiet space are unavailable in the shelter, and they don’t have a loving family of

their own to give them special attention.

“When I sign up for Adventure Dogs, I can take a dog in my car to a park like River Bends or Stony Creek, or I will travel to my mom’s house to have a snuggle session on the couch,” Greenfield said. “I can take dogs to my mom’s because she doesn’t have any pets and her yard is fenced in.”

Due to her notable experience volunteering with the organization, Greenfield interviewed for and accepted a position as Humane Education Coordinator in April of 2020. Since starting the position, Greenfield has developed new programs for elementary-level children to educate them on the importance of giving while also making the experience fun and enriching.

“I’m currently in the process of creating a reading program where children can come into the shelter to strengthen and practice their reading skills in a non-judgmental environment because they will read to dogs and cats,” Greenfield said. “I’m collecting books of different levels to build a library at the shelter.”

While focusing this year on helping animals and younger children, Greenfield began volunteering to showcase to her students that community service can be both fulfilling and productive.

“Although the senior service project volunteer hours have been suspended this year due to COVID-19, it is important to learn the value of giving back,” Greenfield said. “I wanted to exemplify that anyone can volunteer and truly enjoy the work.”

With each day bringing new experiences, Greenfield enjoys volunteering more and more and sharing these experiences with her students.

“I would update my students each time I volunteered,” Greenfield said, “and model example pictures and presentations to prepare them for their own senior project.”

As coordinator, Greenfield works to register new volunteers to help with the animals and her children’s programs, and believes that Utica High students are best for the part. And for those that want to volunteer, but not work directly with the animals, there are positions to help build the Adventure Dogs trail or garden.

Anyone 16 or older can volunteer without a parent present, but with parental permission. Those 13 or older can volunteer with a parent present.

Teacher Suzanne Greenfield takes shelter dog Enchilada on an Adventure Dogs trip.. suzanne greenfield photo

“I wanted to exemplify that anyone can volunteer and truly enjoy the work.”

Teacher Suzanne Greenfield hand-feeds resident horses Basha and Willow. kaelani penzien photo

Toby the leash-trained cat poses for a Halloween photo op. photo

suzanne greenfield