Arrow 2022 Issue 1

October 29, 20214Volume 924Issue 1

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

3 5 9

HOMECOMING RETURNS

Student Council hosts outdoor activities.

Pages 5, 6-7

Stay connected. connected.

Follow our online news.

PAGE 2 3TABLE OF CONTENTS 3ARROW 3OCTOBER 29, 2021

CONTENTS 4

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D COVID RESTRICTIONS RELAXE d makes masks District ends one-way hallways an s. optional, following county guideline LET THE COMPETITION BEGIN with outdoor s rn tu re s sse cla e th of sh cla al nu An games at the stadium.

OMING FEATURED COVERAGE: HOMEC inates with the lm cu ek we t iri sp ed em -th od wo lly Ho first dance held outdoors.

AGE THEATRE RETURNS TO THE ST year, new fall Following COVID cancellations last play is sure to attract audiences.

DOWNTOWN UTICA SPOTLIGHT: NEW MURAL IN eh se wall.

Junior lends artistic talent to fir ou

SARAH MONTICCIOLO COURTESY PHOTO

CHECK THIS OUT

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NATALIE GARWOOD PHOTO

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

OCTOBER 29, 20214ARROW4NEWS4PAGE 3

NEWS

CHIEF CONNECTION CHECK OUT THE ONLINE SCHOOL STORE, LED BY DECA STUDENTS, TO ORDER MERCH.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

New parking lot rules implemented

New signs where added to alert drivers to these tew parking rules, and students were notified that they must While all students were able to obtain a free parking follow guidelines to be able to park. pass last year due to COVID, this year students needed to “The parking lot clears at least ten minutes quicker apply and pay a fee. This wasn’t the only change, however. than it did before,” Lietz said.

Parents dropping off their students Students driving must have obfound that the north entrance is “turn tained a parking pass. right only” during peak traffic.

“If you’re driving without a pass, “Traffic is actually moving better you will forfeit you right to get a than it ever has,” Shelby Township liaipass,” Lietz said. “Please don’t do son officer Leslie Heisler said. “Turnthat.” ing the exit into right turn only at the

Drivers completed a form to end of the day has really cut down on obtain a pass, and a map was given our accidents and problems.” to show students where they were al While vehicles can enter via 21 lowed to park. Students are NOT able Mile Road or the north entrance, exto park in the faculty parking lot, Wiiting is a new change for some. ley Elementary School, visitors area, “You’ll have to be patient and and any other unauthorized areas. come early if you’re dropping off,” New “Turn RIght Only” signs were installed this Students with attendance issues, year for those leaving at the north exit. photo by principal Tom Lietz said in an email. madison ratcliff including tardiness, or discipline “If you wait until 7:15, your student problems may not be issued a permit. will be late as you won’t be able to get into the lot. Please Additional rules include a speed limit not to exceed 10 plan accordingly.” mph in the parking lot, careless/reckless driving is pro There was also a change for pick up. hibited, and excess noise will not be tolerated.

“Parents CANNOT enter the north entrance after Once they arrive, students must lock their cars and go 1:30,” Lietz said in his email. “That entrance is an exit only into the building. They will not be able to return to their as buses line up.” cars in any part of the day.

MADISON RATCLIFF

REPORTER

Students joined community members to cover offensive grafitti under Hall Road in Utica. photo by natalie garwood

Downtown Utica tunnel gets a makeover NEVAEH TANNER

REPORTER

Students, teachers, and friends gathered in downtown Utica to repaint the tunnel and rid it of obscene graffiti.

“It’s a new fresh start for downtown,” junior Athena Gorney said.

“I was happy to see people come together.”

Senior Alexis Daniels painted a huge face the height of the tunnel’s wall, with one green and yellow eye, and the other one black with a rose in it. She included thorns running down a crack in the tunnel wall, and a really big smile with sharp teeth showing.

“I wanted to give more character

to a part of the city and thought doing so in the tunnel and through my appreciation of art would be a way for everyone to get something out of it,” Daniels said. “There was no inspiration for my design; I just looked at the wall, put some paint on it, and went where my brushes took me.”

Junior Sophia LaBrecque’s contribution was an orange with colors bursting out.

“It’s a very gratifying feeling knowing that people go past your artwork every day,” LaBrecque said.

“I was inspired by different music and art that made me want to create.”

While the artists wanted to beautify their community, they were disappointed to learn how quickly it

was vandalized.

“I have not yet returned to the tunnel, nor have I been able to finish my work, if it is still there to finish,” senior Mallory Kort said “Those who vandalize the tunnels should consider what it means to make art and to picture themselves in our position, because they too are capable of making something special.”

Kort wanted to leave a mark on her city and provoke some thoughts through her work.

“I began painting two of my characters whom represent order and chaos, justice and betrayal,” Kort said. “Neither is portrayed as good or bad, and it is up to the viewer to choose for themselves.”

All secondary UCS students are issued Dell laptops, and this year the district offered insurance. photo by juan avalos

Laptop insurance optional UCS offers upfront protection plan to guard against damage, theft JUAN AVALOS

REPORTER

Students who have broken their school-issued computers aren’t loving the $300 in debt to pay off. For those who invested in the $15 insurance plan, it’s a problem they don’t have to worry about.

“It’s good the district is at least offering insurance, but I don’t think students should have to pay for it because it’s a requirement to have a laptop,” sophomore Josh Guitar said. “Accidents happen, so I think we should be allowed one free pass before having to pay for the damages done to the computer.”

Many, however, thought the fee was worth it.

“I think this was a useful idea for some students that have accidents happen to their computers,” sophomore Robin Dawod said, “so we won’t have to pay the full 300 dollars, instead of just fifteen dollars.”

Junior Nevaeh Tanner said she learned about the value of the insurance plan a little too late.

“I didn’t think it made sense to get the insurance unless you’re throwing your computer on the floor,” Tanner said “I didn’t decide to get a computer and it broke.

Now I owe $300, and as a fifteen-year-old with no job, I don’t know how they want me to pay that.”

For many students, the threat of a high price to pay has them signing up for the insurance plan.

“I think it’s a good investment,” senior Jorge Garcia said, “in case you ever have an accident and break/lose your computer.”

Peace of mind is also an influence.

“I feel like the insurance is good,” sophomore Layan Hassan said. “People will get it, and they won’t have to be as worried about their computers, especially if something happens to them.”

Staff members are also in favor of the new plan.

“I think it’s a good idea for students in case they accidentally drop it, or if one of the keys pop off,” teacher Paula Ballard said. “Computers are really expensive, so I like the idea.”

PAGE 4 3FEATURE 3ARROW 3OCTOBER 29, 2021

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illustration by ethan smale

Following Macomb County guidelines, UCS relaxes COVID-19 safety precautions

ALEX SCHMIDT

DIGITAL EDITOR

While the world is still in a pandemic, many of the health precautions implemented during the previous school year to stop the spread of COVID-19 are no longer being implemented in Utica Community Schools.

From the start of the school year on Aug. 31, the differences were clear; school had returned to almost normal, with mask requirements and social distancing a thing of the past.

Following the Macomb County Health Department’s guidelines for schools, many restrictions were relaxed in UCS. The district released the “Essential Parent Guide for the 2021-2022 School year,” where it states masking is strongly recommended to mitigate the spread of COVID and limit the need for quarantines.

“Utica Community Schools works closely with the Macomb County Health Department on health issues directly related to our community,” superintendent Robert Monroe said in a back-to-school update. “Their current guidance is that face coverings remain an option in schools, but it is strongly recommended to use a mask for personal protection and for the protection of others.”

Instead of all entrances open so students didn’t gather in limited spaces, mornings returned to only the main entrances open. Once inside, one-way hallways disappeared, and students were free to walk in any direction. Spaced seating in classrooms, and even designated seats in the cafeteria, are non-existent this

year.

“I felt that the one-way hallways were unnecessary,” junior Allison Felice said. “We all were right by each other, anyway, whether it was us going in the same direction or not. All it did was make kids late for their classes.”

Remote Wednesdays, which provided extra time for classrooms to be disinfected and more time for students to work one-on-one with their teachers, also ended.

“Something I missed about a normal year was only having hour-long classes, but I liked having virtual classes on Wednesdays,” senior Olivia Thompson said.

“There were only four classes last year, and I like how we can see people’s faces without the masks, and I miss the Wednesdays that we had last year.”

There was no change to protocol procedures when school began.

“Students who are in contact with COVID positive individuals must still be quarantined,” principal Tom Lietz said in his back-to-school email. “Those rules are outlined on the Macomb County Health Department’s website for schools.”

The MCHD released quarantine guidelines.

“A close contact is someone who has been within 6 feet of the student or staff person with confirmed or probable COVID-19 for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over 24-hours starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic persons, 2 days before to testing specimen collection),” MCHD said.

“The determination of close contact should be made

irrespective of the use of face coverings.”

If said student/staff member meets the definition of close contact then the question that remains is, has the contact been fully vaccinated or been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 90 days? If so then they may remain in school and participate in extracurricular activities as long as they have no symptoms.

“It really sucked because on top of being really sick with COVID, I had to miss a little over a week of school which really set me behind,” junior Jenna Zions said.

“It’s hard to catch up on over a week’s worth of school work within the last few days because of Friday being the last day of this quarter.”

As the year progressed, quarantine guidelines were relaxed by the county, allowing contacts to return to school earlier if they were negative following specific testing guidelines.

“I got called out of my second hour to quarantine, and I felt my stomach drop because I knew I was going to miss so much school and be very stressed,” sophomore Daniela Cesario said. “I called my mom after reading the COVID policy email and knew if I got the rapid test and it was negative, I could come back to school.”

Because she didn’t want to miss her third hour test, Cesario went with her mother to a local CVS to purchase an over-the-counter test.

“I tested myself in the car, Cesario said. “It was negative and I bolted inside the main office showing my test results. They cleared me and I sprinted upstairs to my class.”

FEATURE INTERESTING STUFF

OCTOBER 29, 20214ARROW4FEATURE4PAGE 5

FEATURE STORIES CHECK OUT ARROW’S ONLINE FEATURE STORIES

‘Courage To Dream’ Teacher Jennifer Allore inspires students, community with her new art piece VICTORIA VIGLIONE

REPORTER

Seniors show off their class colors at the pep rally with student Alyssia Johnson holding a “Class of 22’ “ sign. photo by natalie garwood

COMPETITION DAY RETURNS

After last year’s hiatus, classes compete in annual homecoming event AUSTIN LAMPHIER

REPORTER

Before school starts, seniors enter the building after tailgating in the school parking lot.

At the beginning of the assembly, the cheer team starts things off by showing their skills and teamwork.

Seniors partake in a human pyramid contest with Madeline Richman as the peak of the pyramid.

Students participate in a race where you dress up as a dinosaur and ride a scooter.

Student Isaiah McGarry serves as anchor for the sophomore boys tug-of-war team. photos by natalie garwood

An old tradition returned on Tuesday, Oct. 5, when competition day moved to Swinehart Field.

Last year, the annual event was cancelled while students learned remotely due to COVID restrictions. When Utica Community Schools announced that no large gatherings could occur indoors, Student Council quickly moved the games outdoors.

Originally planned for Monday, weather postponed the assembly to Tuesday, kicking off high school spirit for the rest of homecoming week with performances, games old and new, and the introduction of this year’s homecoming court.

“It was the best competition assembly we’ve had,” principal Tom Lietz said. “I think student council did a great job. Not perfect, changing it from Monday to Tuesday, but those things happen.”

Several students had complaints about the speakers, which played distorted music, and sound that couldn’t be heard.

“The speakers were terrible,” Hoang said. “But other than that, the school spirit was on point and it was pretty fun.”

Hoang, being a senior, only attended one other competition assembly before the pandemic.

“This one was more enjoyable,” Hoang said. “I think that’s because I’m a senior this year, and I actually knew what was going on.”

Underclassmen overwhelming said they enjoyed their first competition day assembly.

“I thought the assembly was fun,” junior Dean Melan said, “especially when the band was going through the halls. The whole day I was hyped and for homecoming week as a whole.”

Sophomore Regan Kelly agreed.

“I think it did alright,” Kelly said. “I mean I think a lot of people enjoyed it and it was pretty funny to watch. My favorite moment was probably just being there with all of my friends.”

Current juniors and sophomores, like Melan and Kelly, haven’t experienced the assembly in the main gymnasium since it was cancelled last year and was moved outside this year, due to COVID-19 protocols.

“I think it’s better outside because there’s more room,” Kelly said.

“I guess there’s a lot more possibility to what you could do.”

Overall, the outdoor assembly was a success.

“If I can choose anything about next year, the speakers would work,” principal Lietz said. “That was awful.”

An artist outside of the classroom, teacher Jennifer Allore submitted one of her pieces, titled “The Courage to Dream,” into The Explore Art Show. The theme is having the courage to create, without being afraid of what others think of your work.

Allore’s work is meant to encourage originality and creativity. Although people have different opinions on each other’s work, her piece represents the importance of following your own dreams and passions.

“If you don’t take chances and just stay afraid of others’ opinions,” Allore said, “your art will remain stagnant and you will never grow as an artist.”

The entire piece was made from water color, fabric paint, acrylic paint, markers and paper. All of these mediums were recycled, up cycled, and second hand materials.

“I believe we need to do all we can to save our planet,” Allore said. “There is so ”The Courage To Dream” much waste; I like artwork by Jennifer Allore to reuse things. It is helpful when you reuse so you don’t contribute to more waste.”

Not only has her art made an impact on Utica, but also in her community, as Allore enjoys making art both inside and outside of school.

“I have volunteered my artistic abilities to places outside of school,” Allore said, “like my church.”

Using what she teaches outside of school has inspired many other teachers and students to follow their passions.

“Mrs. Allore is one of the best educators I’ve worked with,” principal Tom Lietz said. “She is a great teacher because she participates in the work that she teaches. I think it’s amazing.”

Students in Allore’s art class have learned how to use their own originality and creativity and turn it into art.

“I think the fact she does art on her own time means that she is able to come up with her own techniques,” junior Veronica Schick said. “This allows students to learn less traditional and more unique ways of making art.”

Students say Allore pushes them to find creative concepts, and to make something they’re proud of.

“I like to see my students make something. I always push for originality and creativity,” Allore said.“I just have a passion to create and see where my imagination takes me.”

Although it can take courage to express yourself through art the passion to create and fulfillment will be worth it in the end.

“My passion to create is stronger than what people think of my work,” Allore said. “There will always be people out there who may not like my work and that’s ok.”

PAGE 63FEATURED STORY3ARROW3OCTOBER 29, 2021

HOLLYWOOD ecom om

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Downtown Parade

Main: The DJ set up equipment under the temporary tents behind the school, and Hollywood decorations were added. “On Saturday, I went to school with Connor Froberger, and we brought all the decorations we had prepared,” sophomore Alyssa Carlson said. “We had professionals helping set up, as well.”

Top Left: ”The dance was a lot of fun,” senior Ronaldo Ftoni said. “I was able to go with some of my friends and we hung out for a little bit.”

Middle Left: “The lights brought everything together at the dance,” senior Makenna Tribula said. “I also liked the cut-outs of the celebrities; it was a good idea for pictures.”

Bottom Left: “The best part for me was probably just being able to hang out with my friends,” junior Alex Smyka said. “In general it was all just a really great time.”

Above: Walking down Cass Avenue, the freshman football team marches through, throwing candy to all the kids lining the sidewalks for the parade.

Below Right: In a vehicle during the parade for the first time, senior Marissa Barch uses her dad’s truck to drive the senior cheerleaders through the parade. “As seniors, we all wanted to throw candy for the kids, but still be able to cheer,” Barch said. “This gave us the best of both worlds.”

Above: Smiles big, homecoming court members Anthony Bleck and Brooke Monarch throw candy to the crowds. “I was super excited to see all the kids looking at us in the parade.” Monarch said. Right: Leading the parade, the band marches to the beat.

“We were all hyped up for the parade,” junior Abby Williams said. “We were lined up and ready to go.”

Spirit Week

photos by natalie garwood

photos by natalie garwood

Seeing double? Nope. It was just

The most anticipated event of the week, students gathered across the street at the stadium for an outdoor assembly. Due to COVID-19 constraints, administration decided to move the event outdoors, where juniors cheered on the left, seniors from the middle, and sophomores on the right. For more about

Stunt Double Monday

Show Time Tuesday

at the U. “My favorite part of spirit week was pajama day,” senior Riley Sokolowski said. “ It was nice to dress comfy after homecoming. Everyone was exhausted so it was fitting to wear pajamas.” For the first time, spirit week also continued the Monday following the weekend’s activities.

see page 5, or visit uhsarrow.org for a photo gallery. photo by andrea solomon

photo by natalie garwood

E

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ming

OCTOBER 29, 20214ARROW4FEATURED STORY4PAGE 7 This year’s homecoming queen and king, seniors Olivia Thompson and Grant Freestone, pose in front of the Hollywood photo wall with their winning crowns at the dance.

“It was an honor to be the homecoming king,” Freestone said. “I really had a great time at the dance and everyone was congratulating me.” photo by natalie garwood

ETHAN SMALE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Homecoming moves outside for assembly, dance ETHAN SMALE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Homecoming at Utica High kicked off on Oct 4. With student and staff anticipation high, lots of confusion was in the air as amid the pandemic, as things had to be changed around to follow health guidelines. Still, the week went on as spirited as ever and themes were selected to show Chieftain pride each day of the week.

“I think it’s been great,” principal Thomas Lietz said. “I think student council and everyone else that helped set up did an awesome job.

There was lots of challenges and roadblocks, but they made it work.”

School spirit was one major thing from this week that remained the same. Almost all of the students that showed up for school each day tried their best to fit the part, with some going above and beyond to show their pride.

“Utica doesn’t mess around,” senior Anthony Chirco said. “Spirit week is always the best, and really elevates homecoming week for everybody, not just the football players.”

More specifically, as Wednesday arrived, so did all of the schools maximum energy, with that day being our delayed comp day due to weather conditions. It was a loud day for the students, nonetheless.

“Quite frankly, I think was the best competition

StuCo E-Board

assembly we’ve had,” Thomas Lietz said. “I liked it outside, I think its a much better venue than the gymnasium. Hopefully, we’ll actually look to continue to keep it out there.”

As spirit week came to a close, the homecoming football game began. This was the most crowded game at Swineheart all year, and the energy reflected on the team with them winning in a landslide victory.

“The feeling was amazing,” senior Alessandro Van Simaeys said. “The whole team played with a lot of energy and the crowd was the loudest I’ve ever heard it.”

The day after the victory, the official homecoming had began. This is usually a day where all friends get together for the dance in the school gym, but this year it was outside for the first time ever, due to COIVD-19 protocols to keep everyone healthy amid the pandemic.

“I don’t think it’s safe to have a thousand kids jumping up and down in a small space,” Lietz said. “I just don’t think it’s safe.”

Regardless of it being outdoors, most of the students showed up to the Hollywood-themed dance and enjoyed it in a Hollywood party fashion.

“The dance was a lot of fun,” senior Anthony Bleck said. “It was weird because it was all outside this year, but I still had a really good time.

Connor Froberger, president

“We couldn’t really get a lot of people to decorate for the dance, so it was just me and Alyssa Carlson that morning.”

Haile Larsen, vice president “We wanted to incorporate PJ day, but it didn’t really relate to our theme, so we decided to add it on to the Monday following the dance, as a no-paparazzi relaxing day.”

Isabella Carlson, historian “The biggest challenges were the fact that this year was totally different, and that it was outside. I’m friends with people on the e-board, so it was fun working with them.”

Emma Phillips, parlimentatian “The most fun thing was coming up with the Hollywood theme for the dance and spirit week ideas. The hardest part was trying to get students’ opinions.”

Angelina Bojaj, secretary “When planning the dance, one of the biggest challenges was finding outdoor-friendly decorations that were easy to put up within a short amount of time.” photos by marissa barch ashton hill

Advertised as a day to dress “like you are going to see the stars,

Tourist Wednesday

Back to the Future Thursday

meant vacation clothing for sophomores Kylie Tomatti, Ava Lang, Kamryn Zbytowski and Gabby Van Simaeys. The halls were filled with students wearing everything from Hawaiian leis to sunglassses.

had students dressing from past decades, and senior Antonio Capalj completes his outfit with a retro Walkman. “My favorite day was the back to the future day,” Capalj said. “It was a lot of fun because I got to wear my dad’s old track suit he wore in the 90’s. Students dressed in clothing from many decades, from the 70’s to the 2000’s. photo by marissa barch

photo by natalie garwood

&

Classes united on

Curtain Call Friday when everyone wore school colors, ready for the parade and game. “Game day was a lot of fun for everyone,” sophomore Mason Brody said. “Everyone was getting prepared for it like it was the biggest game of the year.” photo by natalie garwood

PAGE 8 3FEATURE 3ARROW 3OCTOBER 29, 2021 The Tribe student section cheers for the varsity football team after a touchdown. photo by natalie garwood

Fans return to the stands following COVID restrictions MARISSA BARCH

REPORTER

As the ticket ladies open the gates for the game, the students of Utica High school pour through and race to get the front row spots of the student section. After a long year of unexpected twists and turns, protocols changed to let the stands go back to full capacity again.

“I did not expect everything to be normal this year,” senior Ayden Salmo said. “I thought everyone would have to social distance in the stands and wear masks, but we don’t, which makes it a much more enjoyable experience for everyone.

“My favorite thing about running this student section is whenever we score a touchdown and every single person in the student section goes crazy,” Salmo said. “Everyone in the student section is just happy and there is so much positive energy.”

Seniors Ayden Salmo, Pellumb Sabashi, and Jackey DeRosa are the three student section leaders who helps lead the student section, known as The Tribe, by starting the chants.

“We all got picked as student section leaders [by the old leaders] because we are close friends and we can make the fans have a very cool experience,” Sabashi said. “Austin helped me learn the chants because I didn’t really know what it was going to be like. I had a bit of nerves for the first game, but after the first game those nerves went away.

“Initially at first I believed that we were going to only be able to have half the normal amount of fans,” Sabashi said.

“I did not expect u to have some of the largest crowds we’ve ever had.”

These leaders had a year off of not being allowed to attend games. Yet, managed to pull off running the student section well so far, according to senior Amelia Markovski.

“I think the student section leaders are doing a great job

at getting us loud,” Markovski said. “I think having a student section is a good thing so the players feel the energy and know that we are cheering them on.”

Along with Markovski, senior Alyssia Johnson also feels happy for the student section’s return.

“Finally being able to chant and be with everyone there is nice for our senior year especially,” Johnson said. “White out was the most enjoyable theme because it had so many people and everyone participated.”

Not only do the students enjoy having The Tribe back, but so does Principal Thomas Lietz.

“I love it. I think we have a great student section,” Lietz said. “I always enjoy the chants and they help get our teams fired up, and I appreciate that.”

As The Tribe continues to attend games and cheer on our school’s teams, they keep school spirit alive and everyone having an enjoyable time.

‘The Incomplete Life and Random Death of Molly Denholtz’ hits the stage CAST LIST

Erin: Julie Syler Georgia: Kaimoss Spencer Nina: Ella Derisley Michael: Doug Gettleson Tina: Jordyn Wurth Kris: Savannah VanPamel Lainey: Kadence Huard Dominic: Jack Droelle Emma: Nadeen Rashed Jane: Nadya Derosa Quincey: Sabrina Balaska Paige: Maia Suggs Julia: Hannah Lesner Ivan: Justin Landwehr Skylar: Isabella Hellebuyck Reese: Gigi Germanski Extras: Sam Stolsenfold, Mak-

enna Riggs, Brooklyn Coleman, Val Roberts, Lily Boucher, Gracie Wetherington, Olivia Pinto, and Ashlynn Gazaway

After three days of auditions, the official cast list was posted on remind and near Kaczmarczyk’s classroom on Sep. 17.

The fall play, “The Incomplete Life and Random Death of Molly “I was really excited to see I got a part,” sophomore Nadya Derosa Denholtz,” is in the making. The show will be held Nov. 18, 19, and 20. said, “but I was also nervous because I knew it was a really big re “The Incomplete Life and Random Death of Molly Denholtz” is a sponsibility. Overall, though, I was really happy to start practicing and drama that addresses teen issues, and is about how all different class- working on my part.” mates react to the death of a peer.

For Utica’s seniors, this is their last play.

“I like it because it addresses real-world This play is a little different then most since issues,” teacher Joel Kaczmarczyk said, Utica’s theater department has not done a “like in this case, a classmate dying.” performance in a while. Not only have they This year’s play was also chosen for its not done a drama in a while, but this draability for actors to socially distance. ma also addresses real world issues and gets “Going through the process of looking into emotional subjects. for a play, I was looking for something “I love that my last play is a drama. It is more COVID-friendly,” Kaczmarczyk said. a really unique experience and unlike any“I was looking for something where you thing we’ve done before,” senior Ella Derisdon’t have to have everyone on stage at the ley said. “It shows the talent of Utica’s finest same time. Since this is a bunch of small actors and allows us to really get into our scenes that make up the play, there could characters. I’m so excited to be a part of the be people working out in the halls while The cast is doing their daily warm ups like shake downs and pro- show and am so proud of everyone in it. others are on stage, and we can rehearse jection exercises. photo by natalie garwood They have definitely made my last play here three days a week instead of five.” a great one.”

Auditions for the play were held on “I think it’s really interesting because I’ve Sept. 14, 15, and 16. Sep. 14 was monologue auditions, Sept. 15 was never done a drama before,” senior Isabella Hellebuyck said, “so I’m partner auditions, and the last day was call backs. excited that in my time at Utica I am getting the opportunity to do a “I was late,” sophomore Kaimoss Spencer said, “but exceptions were drama. I also really enjoy working with and bonding with everyone in made for everyone who missed a day of school or had jobs. While au- the cast and crew, and becoming my character has been a really fun ditioning I felt very nervous, but once I was in character I was feeling experience so far.” way more comfortable with myself and around others who were audi- Tickets for “The Incomplete Life and Random Death of Molly Dentioning.” holtz” will be on sale both online and at the door.

GRACIE WETHERINGTON

REPORTER

OCTOBER 29, 20214ARROW4SPORTS4PAGE 9

SPORTS ATHLETES, COACHES, FANS, AND MORE

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Powderpuff football, cheer returns said. “It wasn’t a competition, but I did so may cartwheels and had the best round-off. We would get so hype every Painted nails, hair braided, makeup on. Is this anyway time someone scored.” for a football player to act ? Is Watching the girls play got the this anyway for a football playcheerleaders really intrigued in er to act ? It is if it’s the powder the game, senior Anthony Bleck puff game. wanted the seniors to win just as “It was actually scary going bad as if he was playing. up against the senior girls,” ju “I cheered my heart out,”Bleck nior Abby Fifield said. “They said. “I learned how to do a cartkept saying how they were gowheel and everything for this, ing to beat us and score on us.” and when the seniors took the “Touchdown!” the anlead I just kept getting more, and nouncer yells as senior Madi more into the game.”

Bajis runs into the end zone.

As the seniors were over 6 “I actually did not follow the points ahead, senior Sophia right play both times I scored,” Meguid used the skills she pracBajis said. “My friend Alyssia ticed on her own. just told me to go for it, so I did.

“I watched YouTube videos With a strong desire to beat of how to be a center,” Meguid the juniors, senior Alyssia said. “I passed the ball through Johnson takes the lead. my legs to the quarterback, that “I just read the vibe of the must be why we kept scoring.” field,” Johnson said. “I would After the juniors had a big tell my friends to just go and touchdown the seniors still took score because I knew they the lead. The cheerleaders threw In the air, senior Dylan Chase performs the toe touch he claims up their best stunts, and the could do it.”

As the senior score got high- to be the best on the team.. photo by natalie garwood crowd enjoyed what they called er, the cheers on the sideline “some light hearted fun.” got louder.

With a final score of 34-12, the senior girls were victo “I was clearly the best cheerleader,” senior Dylan chase rious in this year’s powder puff football game.

BROOKE MONARCH

REPORTER

Homecoming proposal Pink shirt, pointed toes, ready for a hair bow, senior football player Darren Welch prepares his cheer routine.

‘Learning cheer for powderpuff was really different from learning football,” Welch said. “It was a lot of repetition.

However I saw a big opportunity for this. I knew it was the perfect time and place for my plan.”

At practices the boys were turned into the cheerleaders they always knew they could be. However, they were ready for their own twist on things.

“I was a cheerleader that was helping the boys learn to do it all,” senior Lauren Manzella said. “When Darren told me he wanted to ask his girlfriend to homecoming on the sideline I was so excited.”

Practices quickly were forced to become more planned out by the coaches. The boys were trying to set the stage.

“We learned how to do a knee stand since I couldn’t fly,” Welch said. “The plan was to go on two of the guys knees, stand up on them and hold up the sign. It was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be. I had to make sure I was standing on the right part of their legs, and even had to learn to chant the cheer. But I knew it was all going to turn out the way we wanted it to.”

Game day came quick, and the new cheer team was ready to put on the show.

“I held up the sign, stood on the legs the best I could--I knew I looked funny, but it was all worth it when I heard from beside me, “YES!”

Welch breaks school football record

With the season still in play, 1,516 passing yards rank at the top

ANTHONY FLOWERS

REPORTER

Senior Darren welch rolls out of the pocket to find his receivers down field. photo by natalie garwood

with,” senior Anthony Flowers said. “If it wasn’t for his amaz On the field, starting quarterback Darren Welch plays for ing passing skills we wouldn’t be where we are without him.” his team, which claims to make him play harder as a family. Welch’s ability to make reads and get the ball to his receivWelch currently has a total of 16 touchers, as well as his focus in the pocket, is downs and holds the school record next level. with 1,516 passing yards, while also “Darren is a great quarterback and leading the Utica Chieftains with a 5-4 I expected nothing less from him,” jurecord. nior Tommie Boyd said. “He’s been my “It is a great accomplishment for quarterback since I was a freshman him and I’m very proud of him,” coach and he’s my guy, so I’m proud of him; Matt Marulli said. “He has worked very he deserved it.” hard and has done a great job of mak The team has pulled through and ing plays all season and being the leadmade it to the playoffs versing Romeo er of the offense” in the first round.

“It was a very special game,” Welch Making it to the play offs felt great said, “but breaking the record I couldn’t because it doesn’t happen often at utihave done it without my amazing reca,” Welch said. “I’m hoping to win the ceivers and strong line.’’ first playoff game in school history and Last season, Welch only started a Senior Darren Welch drops back and reads the coverage I’m feeling very confident about it.” few games, and ended his junior year to find his receivers. photo by natalie garwood Off the field, Welch has a 4.0GPA, with three touchdowns and 411 yards. and is trying to figure out the future.

Fans and teammates are amazed by how much this young “I have plans to go to Michigan State University to get a quarterback has improved. business degree,” Welch said. “I’m ready to play on the next “Welch is the best quarterback I’ve ever stepped on the field level.”

VIEWPOINTS STUDENT VOICES AND OPINIONS

O N LI N E

PAGE 103VIEWPOINTS3ARROW3OCTOBER 29, 2021

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STAFF EDITORIAL

Conflicting opinions over the new attendance policy. Some say it teaches responsibility and discipline, others say it’s unfair.

Our news staff is can’t decided whether we believe the such as not completely understanding what counts against new attendance policy is a good idea or not. A majority of you and what doesn’t, and that is what is causing so many the staff does not support the new attendance policy, but a people to oppose it. small amount of us agree with it.

Despite this, a majority of our staff does not support Some of us agree with the policy for multiple reasons. the policy. One of the reasons for this is the tardy policy.

The new policy gives students a sense of responsibility, The opposer of the policy say the tardy policy can be unhelps fix truancy issues, and gives students insight into fair toward students whose parents drive them to school their future jobs. and are often late. They believe if a student knows they Most of the staff, however, disagrees. They oppose the are going to have a repeating issue regarding being tardy, policy for reasons such as believing the tardy policy is not they should be allowed to have an exception that can be being fair on students, who are late worked out with the school. for reasons out of their control, Another reason some of our believing students are being punstaff does not support the policy is ished for being sick, and feeling their understanding of sick days. that students are pressured into Many members of our staff have going to school, even if they aren’t DO YOU SUPPORT THE stated a major reason they don’t feeling well. support the new policy is because NEW ATTENDANCE The supporters of the policy they think being sick with somebelieve it puts more responsibili- POLICY? thing other than COVID-19 will ty onto students and puts them in count against them. Not everyone charge of their attendance. There has enough time or money to go are now consequences for consisto the doctor every time they get YES NO tently being late or absent without sick, so they will not always have a a good reason, which will help cut doctor’s note to excuse them. The down on truancy problems. The supporters believe stu- opposition to the policy say that it could be causing students should be responsible for their own attendance, and dents to feel pressured to go into school while they are the old attendance policy did not hold students account- sick in order to keep it from counting against them. They able. believe the policy “punishes students for being sick” and Another reason some of our staff supports the new that the school should be lenient about sick days, especialpolicy is because it will give students some insight into ly since we are in a pandemic. their future jobs. When we have jobs, we have to be ready The attendance policy is opposed by our staff a lot more and be there on time. If you are late too often, you will than it is supported, but multiple students have cited inbe fired. The supporters believe this is what the school is correct or misunderstood information about the policy as trying to teach us through the attendance policy. to why they oppose it. The supporters of the policy think The supporters think there are a lot of misconceptions that if people who did not support the policy re-read its and misunderstandings regarding the attendance policy, details, then they’d potentially change their opinion.

EDITORIAL BOARD VOTE

7

13

ILLUSTRATION BY HANNAH LESNER

PERSPECTIVES

What are your thoughts on the new attendance policy?

“It is weird because it’s very abnormal from what I am used to.”

“I think that the district did well making this new policy within the time they had, but it seems rushed to me.”

“I find it hilarious that after a pandemic when people are afraid to attend public school for their own safety, the district makes kids fear ever missing school.”

“I think that the new attendance policy is overdue. If the school is prepping students for the real world, then the school’s new policy is spot on.”

“I am happy to hear we have a new policy. I hope it works well for the school, as well as the students and parents.”

Natalya Jacobs

Christian Cummings

Kalvin Hasenauer

Jennifer Allore

AnneMarie Carabelli

SOPHOMORE

JUNIOR

SENIOR

TEACHER

STAFF

OCTOBER 29, 2021 4 ARROW 4 VIEWPOINT 4 PAGE 11

OPINION Masks in school. Should they be mandatory?

It’s a personal decision.

Nope.

With a new school year comes new problems and new rules. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges for all of us. Big or small, you have been affected by it in some way.

A major topic of the pandemic is masking. Some programs say mask up and some say no mask needed. In today’s life we deal with complete states that are against it or for it. Even breaking it down on a lower level, you have some businesses that are for or against.

Personally, it should be up to whatever you as a person are feeling to do. The respect factor needs to go both ways for both parties. Some people think that masking will be the new normal. COVID will not be going away anytime soon. No matter how we are pushing vaccines, there is still going to be a percentage of the public that will not be vaccinated.

COVID-19 will evolve into a “Get your COVID shot today” almost like a flu shot. You will walk into a pharmacy and see posters of it. Because of this, DYLAN HADFIELD some people won’t get the COVID REPORTER shot just like how some people do not get a flu shot. It should be up to the person and their beliefs.

We all have to be understanding of that for right now this is the new normal.

There are no signs of COVID slowing down for the most part. It may be cleared up by Christmas, maybe Easter, and maybe even next summer. We do not really know all we know is that we all are trying to find a new normal and just make it through. But for some this is our normal.

We are growing up with being a huge part in out lives. I would not be surprised if some people do not remember life pre-COVID. With all that being said, whether you like to mask or unmask, just do what makes you feel more comfortable.

At the end of the day it is your life and you can do what you want.

Masks are not mandatory. “Hooray!” is how I, and many others at Utica High, feel.

Of the many students I spoke to, unsurprisingly, a majority of them thought masks are a good thing, but dislike the gross and uncomfortable feelings.

“I hate masks,” sophomore Kyle Goin’s said. “They take away breathing and itch, and whenever I sneezed it would just come back in the mask.”

Thinking back to last year, after a whole day of wearing a mask, your face would be so gross, covered in whatever was being exhaled.

These bad experiences were to be expected: sweat-filled masks, hurting ears, wearing them during PE, and your skin constantly breaking out.

“Last year was horrible,” sophomore Emerson Hardy said. “It was hard to breathe, because you could never take your mask off.”

Nonetheless, many students understand why they were instructed to wear TYLER WATFORD them the previous school year.

REPORTER “I understand why we wore them,” junior Rachel Czarnecki said, “and I wore them--just not happily.”

There is still importance that comes with masks; there is safety behind them; they’re here to be a shield; they protect everyone.

Nowadays with a vaccine rolling around, less places have been seen with people wearing masks: restaurants, school events, and grocery stores.

Even with the vaccine out there, hospitals are still having people wear masks for the safety of the patients and doctors.

Countless students see wearing masks as “uncool,” so less and less students are seen wearing them.

“It’s tough to be 15-18 year olds and stand up,” principal Thomas Lietz said. “I want to make everyone comfortable with wearing masks.”

READER RESPONSE

The fall play is in production, and you should attend I feel people should attend this play because of how the people, family, shows me and everyone involved that through the hard work we have all done the struggles seem small.

Brooklyn Coleman, Junior

Moving competition day outside should continue I liked how comp day was outside, because it gave us more room to play the games. The dinosaur game was really funny, and it was cool that we had enough room to do it. The bleachers gave us space to stand by and talk to our friends, and see everybody, too. Also, the pictures looked really cool because all three grades were together in the stands, so we were all together in the same photo.

Isabella Carlson, Senior

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. Cost per issue is $.50. Mail subscriptions are $10 per year. Digital publications available via Issuu.

UHS Arrow Newspaper

Editor In Chief Ethan Smale

@UHSArrow

UHS Arrow Newspaper

@UHSarrow Let’s go, Utica! Trent McFarland needs your vote for the Metro Detroit Athlete of the Week! @UXCBOYS

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Utica Arrow Newspaper @uhs_arrow

Managing Editor Abby Williams Digital Editor Alex Schmidt

Sports Editor Tyler Watford Social Media Manager Gracie Wetherington

Copy Editors Marissa Barch Brooke Monarch

Photographer Natalie Garwood

Reporters John Adkins Austin Lamphier Juan Avalos Loriana Mannino Riley Davey Demetri O’Neill Emily DeClark Nevaeh Tanner Anthony Flowers Brooklyn Thibodeaux Dylan Hadfield Victoria Viglione Adviser Stacy Smale

Competition Day sets UHS apart from the test! Be sure to look for more coverage on our website late this week. Link in bio. zoey.621 So much fun! marixxaexcalona marissabarch ‘s up forever! Loved it!

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Cover by Ethan Smale Photo by Natalie Garwood, Featuring juniors during spirit week

PAGE 123SPOTLIGHT3ARROW3OCTOBER 29, 2021

SPOTLIGHT

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

HIGHLIGHTING UNIQUE TALENTS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Junior contributes to new downtown mural Sarah Monticciolo partners with local artists to bring new life to Utica ABBY WILLIAMS

MANAGING EDITOR

As part of the Detroit Institute of Arts for the Partners in Public Art project, a mural was added to the side of the firehouse in downtown Utica.

Completed on Oct. 4, the mural included flowers that represented different things important to Utica residents.

Junior Sarah Monticciolo assisted David Junior High art teacher Gail Borowski with the mural, which was a popular attraction for homecoming photos this year. photos by natalie garwood

It’s not every day that a high school artist teams up with the Detroit Institute of Arts, but that’s exactly the opportunity junior Sarah Monticciolo was recently given.

Many students made their way to downtown Utica before the homecoming dance to take photos in front of the city’s many murals and artwork in the tunnel under Hall Road. One of the most popular locations was the floral-themed mural that was recently added to the wall of the Utica Fire Department, and Monticciolo was one of the students tasked with creating the mural.

“Mrs. [Jennifer] Allore told us her friend needed art students to help her,” Monticciolo said, “so we wrote our names down and Gail Borowski, an art teacher at Davis Junior High, contacted us about helping her with the mural. ” The mural was created as part of the Detroit Institute of Arts for the Partners in Public Art project, and its design includes ten different types of flowers, a firefighter’s ladder, and a silver “U.” Each flower represents something different. Amaryllis represents pride, lily represents courage, carnation represents never forgetting the city’s history, magnolia represents the love of nature, dahlia represents the dignity of Utica residents, the iris represents wisdom, tulip represents love, zinnia represents never forgetting absent friends, chamomile represents energy in adversity, and rosemary represents remembrance.

The ladder and “U” also hold meaning. The ladder stands for the city’s firefighters, and the “U” honors Utica High School. Each object and its symbolism were chosen after the Detroit Institute of Arts surveyed Utica’s residents regarding what they liked best about the city.

The project was started on Aug. 15 and was not an easy task due to the mural’s large size.

“It was difficult to do at some points,” Monticciolo said.

“It was pretty hard to see exactly what you were doing up close.”

The weather was also a challenge during the mural’s creation.

“It was really hot out,” Monticciolo said. “That definitely made painting a lot harder.”

Despite these challenges, Monticciolo, Borowski, and the rest of the artists continued to work for weeks on end.

To the city’s excitement, the mural was finally completed on Oct. 4.

The mural was received well by residents and students alike.

“The mural looks lovely and I think it brightens up Utica quite a lot,” junior Sophia LaBrecque said. “I’ve known Sarah since at least second grade. She’s a great friend of mine.

She always has been very artistic and never fails to impress me with every piece of work she creates. I love having art classes with her.”

The artists have been recognized and appreciated for their immense talent in painting.

“The artists worked very hard to make the mural as beautiful as it is, and it definitely pays off,” LaBrecque said.

“I think Sarah was a great fit for being one of the mural artists because I know she loves to make art involving flowers and can do it very well.”