Arrow 2022 Issue 3

January 28, 20224Volume 924Issue 3

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

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

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PAGE 2 3TABLE OF CONTENTS 3ARROW 3JANUARY 28, 2022

CONTENTS 4

5 6 8 9 TOM LIETZ @uticaprincipal twitter photo

TEAMS CHAT DISABLED s after district Students can no longer initiate chat changes security settings.

SEASONAL DEPRESSION discover the d an , ns sig ing rn wa e th t ou ab n ar Le resources available to help.

GAN SNOW FEATURED COVERAGE: MICHI r, students hit Taking advantage of wintry weathe sledding hills and slopes.

OFF VENDING MACHINES TURNED ppear from shelves; Sugary snacks, energy drinks disaho urs. nothing available during school FEATED HOCKEY BEGINS SEASON UNyDE rd II athletes hit Fo nr He d an ica Ut of am te d ifie Un the ice.

CHECK THIS OUT

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natalie garwood photo illustration; model katherine kahler

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

JANUARY 28, 20224ARROW4NEWS4PAGE 3

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

Temporary mask mandate instituted

One of our district high schools, Stevenson High School, switched to virtual schooling after numbers Masks. Nobody likes them but everyone is helped continued to increase, despite a mask mandate. There’s by them. On Monday, Jan. 10, everyone at Utica was re- concern that soon Utica will face the same fate, but what quired to wear a mask. Principal Tom Lietz stood by the would have to happen for that to be the case? door, distributing masks to the mask“We would need to be at a very less. Why? high number of students out with One might just assume that there’s steadily rising or surging communisome sort of exact number or perty spread and new cases,” Lietz said. centage that needs to be met in order “Again, the point of the mask manto have a mask mandate. However, date is to give a couple weeks to prethis isn’t exactly the case. vent any of that from occurring.”

“For masking, there is no set numSo far, the mask mandate at Utica ber, but we’re generally trying to look High is supposed to end on Jan. 25. at our population and once we have If numbers don’t go down enough, over 10% of kids out for COVID, or students may have to keep wearing any reason, we have to take a look at them. If the rates of kids being out what is going on and what we can do doesn’t go down at all or gets worse to mitigate that,” Lietz said. despite the mandate, we may go virSome students were upset about tual for a few days, or however long it the new mandate. Some decided to Junior Sophia LaBrecque wears her mask cor- seems necessary. rectly while waiting for class to start. photo by take a little action, trying to start an emily declark With this new rule and quarananti-mask protest by not wearing tine rules changing all the time, the them whenever possible. One of the students who posted best thing one can do is watch the morning announceabout this on social media was junior Ryan Kruckeberg. ments, check your email, and check out the Utica High “No one protested but me and a few,” Kruckeberg said. website for more rules and updates if you or a family “My friends refused to wear masks, because forget that.” member gets COVID. EMILY DECLARK

REPORTER

Nearby Oxford shooting impacts students, staff with a discussion and his words of encouragement.

During the rest of the week, teachers addressed the On Nov. 30, a school shooting took place at Oxford recent events with their students.

High School, killing four people and injuring another “A few teachers discussed it,” LaBrecque said. “They seven. Students at Utica became aware of the shooting expressed their sympathy and some spoke about what to once they returned home from school and were dis- do if a situation like that were to occur.” turbed by the incident, especially due to how close the Despite some teachers talking about it, students still shooting was to Utica. wished more was done.

“I found out about the events at Oxford through a “I thought it was kind of negligent that some teachfriend,” junior Sophia LaBrecque ers didn’t discuss it,” LaBrecque said, said. “I was in pure shock, especially “since I think this is an important since it happened to close to home.” thing to discuss.”

After the events at Oxford, reports One way students want to take of copycat threats started to come in action is by pushing for more safety that targeted schools across multiple measures. districts. Due to this, many students “I would’ve appreciated more sestayed home from school. curity and police presence,” LaBrec“I didn’t end up going to school que said, “and I’d like more escape the next day because I was so terriplans for upstairs classrooms. Hypofied,” LaBrecque said. “I was fearing thetically, if we were able to implefor my safety at Utica, since somement metal detectors, I think that’d thing could happen and you’d never be a good idea.” really know, no matter how many “If I could change anything, I bought a banner and placed it along Oxsafety procedures were put in place.” UCS probably would focus more on secuford’s fence line to show their support. photo by The rest of the week was difficult utica community schools rity,” junior Zoey Lawrence said. “My for students, and the mood at school main thought is that you can’t really felt bleak and emotional. prevent them unless you listen to the students.”

“It was very nerve-wracking and tense,” LaBrecque Students feel that these events are just going to repeat said. “People were leaving school early left and right, themselves if nothing is done beforehand to help prevent and people were crying all around me. Everyone was on them. edge.”

“What happened was terrible,” Lawrence said. “I really When students returned to school following the event, wish people in America had a better solution than just principal Tom Lietz’s morning announcements opened dealing with it after it happens.”

ABBY WILLIAMS

MANAGING EDITOR

@uticaprincipal twitter

New semester, new staff Staffing changes take place second semester VICTORIA VIGLIONE

REPORTER

New opportunities often lead to changes and adjustments. The start of the new semester is not an exception to this common occurrence. There are going to be many new staffing changes at Utica. Although teachers will be missed, some teachers will also be welcomed back.

On Jan. 2, principal Thomas Lietz sent out a email to Utica parents and students informing them about the new staffing changes.

“It is with a mix of sadness and excitement that I announce that we will be lending one of our veteran teachers, Mrs. Yvonne Swanson, to lead this semester,” Lietz said in the email. “Mrs. Swanson will begin an Administrative Internship as an Assistant Principal tomorrow. Having recommended Mrs. Swanson for this opportunity, I couldn’t be happier for her.”

Taking Swanson’s place in AP Government is teacher Collin Syler.

“Mr. Syler is no stranger to the AP Government classroom where he student taught and has been a tutor for the last few years,” Lietz said. “He has been working with Mrs. Swanson and will have a seamless transition forward.”

Teaching the remainder of Swanson’s classes will be teacher Ric Essad. These classes include government and economics.

Along with Swanson leaving, teacher Joy Grieco’s earlier retirement has staff moving around once again.

Teacher Ryan Hines is taking Grieco’s classes, but until he can start teaching at the end of January, long term subs will be taking his place.

Although staffing changes are not uncommon, the number of changes is dependent on the circumstances of the year.

“It all depends on the year. This year was unique because we didn’t know we were going to lose Mrs. Swanson. We knew that we need more staff because of the retirement of Mrs. Grieco,” Lietz said. “We are very fortunate to have some candidates that applied.”

Most of the new staff members have previously taught at Utica or attended school here.

What makes Utica such an environment where people want to return?

“You get a feel for the school by talking to its staff and students,” said Lietz. “Utica is a community that allows teachers to feel welcome and students to feel empowered.”

DISABLED PAGE 4 3FEATURE 3ARROW 3JANUARY 28, 2022

District changes Teams security settings; students can no longer initiate chats GRACIE WETHERINGTON

REPORTER

Student Teams chats have recently been disabled district-wide due to inappropriate activity being found in many students’ personal chats. However, all existing chats are still open and the new restrictions only affect students trying to start chats with other students with no teacher moderation.

“I know the gist of it is that new chats between students without teacher moderation has been stopped so you are no longer able to start a chat with another student,” principal Tom Lietz said. “I think at some point even the old chats will be expunged and removed from the system as well, but there is some concern that doing that might eliminate chats that teachers have started as well, and those have some value and meaning for record keeping and for other things.”

The disappointing behavior that has been going on in Teams chats has caused some teachers and administrators to change their minds on the support they previously had for keeping Teams chats open.

“There was just some really really poor choices being made. I was a huge advocate last year for maintaining those chats because I thought they had huge value, and I still think they do. However, the cost of that value has become, in my mind, too high to keep them open,” Lietz said. “If I had staff or people that could moderate chats and make sure that inappropriate things were not being said I’d love to keep it open, but I am that staff and that is not sustainable.”

Some students fail to realize that even though they have personal accounts and laptops, they do not have privacy on those school-provided apps and technology.

“They don’t realize that, despite our saying so, that that’s school property,” Lietz said. “It is school software, you don’t own your email, you know you do not own that chat and it’s not private. Anything that you say or post or share on there that is in violation of school conduct can be used against you.”

Some students may feel that this is a violation of freedom of speech, however there are rules and regulations that students agree to when using school technology and school administered accounts.

“There is a difference between freedom of speech and acceptable speech in a particular environment and behavior in a particular environment,” Lietz said. “We make those guidelines pretty clear and there are just people who are not thinking and they are assuming it is no different then their personal chat and DM space on Instagram or Snapchat or whatever else, and it is not that so it became a real problem.”

Even though specific examples cannot be released, it is not hard for students to come up with some possible scenarios.

“You can use your imagination to assume what people might have posted or shared,” Lietz said.

Online group projects are not being hindered due to these restrictions; they are still very possible and can still happen.

“If a teacher wanted to have a chat between students who are working on a project together could create that group chat which allows for that teacher moderation,” Lietz said. “Teams

was not meant for social chat. It was not meant to be Instagram school or Snapchat school, it was meant for academic purposes.”

Not only has this new chat policy affected students’ personal interactions, but has also caused difficulty for the yearbook’s student staff.

“It sucks because we have a lot of people we’re trying to interview, and we cannot message the virtual kids without asking our adviser to start a group chat,” senior Marissa Barch, editor-in-chief, said. “If there are kids out on quarantine it is hard to message them, too. It just slows down the class a lot.”

Although staff members feel that disabling Teams chats between students was necessary, students do not share the same opinion.

“I understand the opposing side of wanting to stop the inappropriate activity, but I do not think it is going to be as good of an idea as some people think,” sophomore Grace Jenkins said. “I think having chats with friends is super beneficial and keeps everyone in touch during the day since there is not always service on our phones. If I have a question about an assignment and my text won’t send, I know my friends will always respond on Teams since we’re always on our computers.”

Many other students share the same opinion and find the new restrictions making their days a bit harder.

“I think that the chats shouldn’t be disabled because students have conversations through them and can ask each other questions about different things they’re learning,” junior Thaddeus Kustarz said. “Also, some teachers assign group work through them and now that it’s disabled they can’t do that and it makes it much harder to communicate.”

The Teams chat restrictions have made it especially difficult for classes that heavily rely on group work and team conversations.

“I think that they should not be disabled because I know with group work, especially with science classes, where illustration by hannah lesner you’re at tables and you have to do experiments with each other,” junior Kadence Huard said. “When we go home to finish them, our group messages are deleted, so we can’t contact our team. Then you have no idea if they did it or understood it.”

Senior Emily Thompson agrees.

“I’ve noticed that in science when group members are quarantined, it is hard to talk to them in the loud classroom and now you can’t even talk to them through the chat, so it makes it difficult,” Thompson said.

Despite the majority of students agreeing that Teams chats being disabled has caused more harm then good, some students are not as affected by the new restrictions.

“I do not care,” senior Jayden Slaughter said. “I do not use Teams so the new rules do not affect me.”

Some students, like junior Dustin Gordon, even think the staff should take action instead of just shutting the whole chat feature for students down.

“Instead of turning the chats off they should put in a program to regulate what words can and cannot be sent,” Gordon said. “That way the computer would pick up on inappropriate chats before they are even sent.”

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New toy store opens Vacant building renovated into Sarge & Red’s LORIANA MANNINO

REPORTER

In a given year, about 5 percent of the U.S. population experiences seasonal depression, according to Mental Health America. photo illustration by natalie garwood; model savannah vanpamel

Seasonal depression on the rise

Common disorder affects many people’s daily lives “Compared to last year, people before were used to being at home,” Plonka said. “Now we’re back at school, When the holiday season dies down, seasonal de- in-person, which in my opinion is more draining than pression kicks in during the winter months. When the being online.”

Seasonal depression is in itself both a psychological seasons shift, many people can feel like they have a loss in energy, that they have trouble concentrating, have a and biological issue. A change in season causes a disturreduce of interest in the things they enjoy, or could have bance with the circadian system. This results in a change trouble sleeping. It is important for those who experience in chemicals within the brain and body.

For many, this condition can last months or even this phenomenon to seek help as it can alter your daily years. There are ways of helping with this issue. Taking life.

Teenagers are especially of concern as they have many certain medication that includes serotonin can help elethings that are already on their mind like school, work, or vate mood and help with sleep. Light therapy is another option, as it involves a device that even stuff happening at home. The imitates natural outdoor light. school should certainly be a way for With a condition more obscure students to seek guidance for their like seasonal depression, it is hard issues. to bring it into the spotlight more.

“We have an incredible team in “I believe seasonal depression is the counseling department,” princia topic that is especially importpal Tom Lietz said, “who will meet ant to discuss with students and with individual students, can proteens,” senior Ethan Randazzo said. vide resources, and try to help our “Throughout high school, a lot of students.” people go through a whole bunch Students, such as senior Ella Deof emotions and obstacles that can risley, agrees that students should contact their counselors for help While seasonal affective disorder can happen with let out the worst in you. But by the change of any season, it usually occurs during the talking about it on a wide scale, it with their personal issues. colder months. photo by gracie wetherington might make some more to open“Students should talk to their school counselors and people in general should talk to ly talk and be more driven to figure out a game plan. It friends and family,” Derisley said. “Incorporate things might not affect everyone, but for the group that it does, it could make a real impact.” that you love to do in your daily life.”

It makes sense for a lot of people these few months to The condition hits people way worse nowadays due to lose sleep, have a change in mood, and have a generally the affects of our current environment.

“Seasonal depression is bad right now because COVID low productivity. With Covid on the rise again, it makes is hitting hard again,” Derisley said. “A lot of us are getting the situation much worse. It is important to be there for sick, and with that it’s hard to hang out with friends and the ones who need it as it can make so many lives better.

Students who would like resources on this, or other family.”

Senior Alexis Plonka thinks alternatively on the mat- mental health issues, are encouraged to make an appointment with their school counselor. ter.

AUSTIN LAMPHIER

REPORTER

A vintage and retro toy and collectibles store called Sarge and Red’s is now open for business.

“We started collecting in 2013. We originally were just trying to raise money for adoption expenses,” co-owner Dee Davis said. “We had gone though infertility and we were trying to start a family, so we started to sell things on eBay.” They didn’t originally intend to start a business, but with a few friends’ help, they got something started.

“Some of my husband’s friends donated big duffel bags with Magic: The Gathering cards, and we found out that we could sell these,” Davis said. “We could sell them individually and there’s like a whole market for it, so we just started out with the cards and then we started selling toys. With us both working full-time, we just did it on the side.”

As interesting as their store already is, the building also has lots of history.

“This building used to be the old novelty shop,” Davis said.

“It was vacant since 1992, so we bought it and renovated it.”

The new shop owners completely renewed the old building.

“It’s finally received Sarge and Red’s is located at 45157 Van Dyke a bright red face lift Ave, Utica MI 48317. photo by loriana mannino on the outside, and a total renovation inside,” Davis said. “The back half of the building dates back to the early 1900s while the front half has been standing since the 1960s.”

The building is very historic, but so are the memories inside.

“Inside has seen residences, a dentist office, a day care, and last a novelty shop,” co-owner John Davis said. “Some remember The Old Utica Novelty Shop where one could buy fake puke, stink bombs, Halloween costumes and racy cards.”

The name “Sarge and Red’s” came from their nicknames.

“He was a sergeant at the sheriff ’s office before he retired,” Dee said, “and because of my red hair.”

The toys sold there are vintage from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and Y2k.

“Where we really focus is 70s to current,” Dee said.

Their most popular collection is Star Wars products, “because we have a really good collection,” Dee said.

Their most rare product is also from Star Wars.

“We actually have one of the most rare things for Star Wars,” Dee said. “It’s the original Jawa from 1977.”

Sarge and Red’s has lots of popular products.

“The big sellers are Stars Wars, He-Man, G.I. Joe,” Dee said. “We do have a bunch of horror and wrestling figures.”

Dee also has some advice for Chieftains.

“Focus on your career being something you like,” Dee said, “and figure out how to make money from it.”

PAGE 63FEATURED STORY3ARROW3JANUARY 28, 2022 Seniors Zack Powrozek and Gavin Zbytowski are ready to hit the slopes. courtesy photo by gavin zbytowski

sledding at the U Seniors Gavin Zbytowski and Dylan Chase ride a ski-lift up to the top of a mountain. photo by gavin zbytowski

After snowboarding for a while, senior Gavin Zbytowski stands at the top of the mountain for a picture. courtesy photo by gavin zbytowski

“ courtesy photo by ethan smale

Behind the school, principal Tom Lietz’s children Charlotte and Will take advantage of new snowfall. The hill behind the ECC room slopes down toward the tennis courts, and is a popular spot for sledding. photos by lom lietz

SENIOR ETHAN SMALE It was cool to try and record this trick I was doing.”

JANUARY 28, 20224ARROW4FEATURED STORY4PAGE 7

Michiganders are

SNOW BOUND ETHAN SMALE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

With the winter season in full swing, the transition between fall activities to winter activities has begun. There are limited ways to stay active during the winter season, and as a result, many people turn to winter sports. This varies from snowboarding, to skiing, sledding, and several other activities, such as tubing. There’s multiple activities available for all types of people in order to create some entertainment with the cold whether.

Most people go out and participate in these sports for fun and entertainment purposes.

“My favorite thing to do is go down the mountain really fast,” junior Jeffrey Jones said. “I try to go as fast as I possibly can.”

Some people also find that these sports can be a good alternative to traditional exercising.

“I love the sport,” Jones said. “It really healthy and active for me.”

This is not only good exercise, but it’s also a way people choose to spend time with their friends.

“It’s always fun to go out to the mountains,” senior Anthony Bleck said, “especially with friends.”

One big negative to these sports, however, is the price of participating in all of them.

“It’s a very expensive sport,” Jones said. “Between all the gear you have to buy and the lift tickets every time you go, it really adds up.”

Even though this is the case, winter sports are still a healthy way to spend a winter, and many people choose to do so.

“I’ve been working on learning to do a back flip for a while,” Jones said. “I’m hoping to be able to learn it by the end of the winter season this year.”

Juniors Alec Prange, Caleb Muraszewski, Ryan Mondello, and Brian Pogasic take a group photo at the top of a ski mountain. courtesy photo

Junior Jeffrey Jones practices his snowboarding skills at night time in a local mountain stunt park. courtesy photos by jeffrey jones

PAGE 8 3FEATURE 3ARROW 3JANUARY 28, 2022

“Spider-Man: No Way Home,” stars Tom Holland as Peter Parker, and Zendaya as M.J. photo by sony pictures / mct campus

New Spider-Man movie takes the world by storm AUSTIN LAMPHIER

REPORTER

“Spider-Man: No Way Home” came out Dec. 17, 2021.

The movie broke records earning $260 million at the domestic box office. It made the third biggest box office opening of all time, despite the worries over COVID-19.

“It was fantastic,” principal Tom Lietz said. “Fun multiverse plot-line was done well, a lot of fun tie-ins, if you’re paying attention to other Marvel franchises. They did a fantastic job of landing that plane with the arc of the Spider-Man universe.”

People like senior Rocco Cesario definitely agree with Lietz about the quality of the film.

“Marvel truly understands how to appeal to your emotions in that gut-wrenching way,” Cesario said. “They crafted a beautiful storyline that encapsulates the essence of Spider-Man and who he truly is. I found this movie to be

a beautiful and satisfying wrap-up of such a complex and lovable character.”

With the film having a 98% audience score on the popular film review website “Rotten Tomatoes,” it was generally well received by the public.

“Well, when I watched the first trailer, I was flabbergasted,” senior Om Bidja said. “I was stunned to see the old villains return. As I grew up watching the old Spider-Man, I was pretty excited to watch the movie. I went in with no expectations and came out completely surprised.”

When a film is this well-liked, it’s often rare to find a dissenting opinion about the topic.

“It was fine,” sophomore Sierra Lamphier said. “It was a good Spider-Man movie. I was just expecting more regarding the MCU timeline.”

The real question is why do so many people have a high opinion on the film.

“Many liked it because the movie was very nostalgic for a lot of people and it warmed their hearts,” Lamphier said.

After this movie, many wonder what will the MCU do next with the famous web-slinger. Rocco Cesario gives his input on the matter.

“I think Marvel has opened a lot of new doors for themselves,” Cesario said. “They’ve revived dead story-lines and given both new and old characters purpose. I think it was a genius move to revive one of the most beloved franchises in the MCU.” In 2022, Marvel is set to release multiple projects such as “Morbius,” “Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness,” “Thor: Love and Thunder,” and “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.” There will also be releases on the popular streaming service “Disney Plus” like “Moon Knight” and “She-Hulk.”

Sugary drinks in vending machines no longer allowed

Lietz said. “It has been less during the COVID years, but prior to that, they released funds for everything from student travel to student council initiatives at school, to support clubs Recently, the vending machines at Utica have been shut down due to the sugary drinks and activities. Whatever was needed – it was just centralizing the process.” being sold during school hours. Many students are upset because they rely on these drinks Most students do not know the reason why they cannot use the vending machines. They to help keep them awake. have been using these machines since the beginning of the year and suddenly didn’t have “I can understand why the energy drinks wouldn’t be althat privilege anymore. lowed during school hours, seeing how they are filled with “I personally think that the decision by the superintendent all these ingredients,” senior Ashlynn Gazaway said. “If the to turn off the vending machines during lunch and between school is going to cut off our energy drinks and still force us classes is a short-sighted one,” junior Eilonwy Stephens said. to wake up at five o’clock just to get here on time, allowing “Students should have a right to buy drinks with the money us to be able to have that small caffeine fix would help allow they earn and bring, and if they happen to be late to class as students to wake up a bit faster and allows us to get more a result, that is on them and nobody else.” prepared for the day.”

All schools can sell water, carbonated water, plain This entire year while the vending machines were up and milk (flavored or unflavored milk), and juices made only running all during school hours, students and staff were of fruits/vegetables. High schools can sell all those drinks breaking the rules unknowingly. There are laws against stuas well as caffeinated sodas as large as 12 ounces, but they dents having access to buying energy/sugary drinks during cannot have more than 60 calories. school hours.

“The vending machines being shut down upset me be“We were in violation of federal law on what can be sold cause I’m not able to eat before school and by the time I in schools. I didn’t realize all the machines were operationwant to grab something it’s second hour,” sophomore Melal during the day. I honestly don’t know the name of the ody Gagne said. “Another part of it is the school store line law, but it’s been in place for almost 10 years now,” principal is sometimes a little long and the only open vending maThomas Lietz said. “They have to follow strict guidelines chines are all healthy foods, and it kind of feels like they’re and can only sell certain days a week.” telling us not to eat our favorite snacks but to eat all the These guidelines require schools to follow rules, like any healthy ones, instead.”

Sophomore Loriana Mannino uses the vending machine before school. photo snack would be limited to 200 calories. Entrées sold indi- by alex schmidt Lietz agrees with the guidelines. vidually would be limited to 350 calories. All snacks in the “I have no issue with it as I don’t think the options in vending machines must be either some fruit, a vegetable, a dairy product, a protein food, the vending machines are ideal or healthy,” Lietz said. “They’re great for sugar and caffeine whole-grain-rich, or a combination food. spikes and drops. They don’t help any student, long term, manage their day. The science on “The law provides waivers for “fundraising,” and we use the school store to that end,” that is pretty clear.”

ALEX SCHMIDT

DIGITAL EDITOR

JANUARY 28, 20224ARROW4SPORTS4PAGE 9

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Hockey begins season undefeated JUAN AVALOS

REPORTER

Unified with Henry Ford II High School, athletes from Utica High’s hockey team began their season undefeated, gathering huge fan support on both their home ice and away games.

The team, however, underwent a change when coach Bob Clouston stepped down.

“It was very tough seeing coach retire after three years,” senior captain Michael Priebe said. “He has been a great mentor and leader for me, as I know he has for others.”

New members of the team also feel the loss.

“The coach leaving really shocked me,” sophomore Zander Baumann said. “I didn’t know him as long as other players did, but all I know is that I really trusted him leading our team.”

Coaches Ric Essad and Evan Gizinski are now leading the team.

“Overall we have had a great season,” Gizinski said. “This has been one of the most talented teams the program has had in many years, and it’s exciting to see the hard work from all the players pay off.”

The team has a few standout athletes that have contributed to the teams success.

“Our goaltender, Zack Robert, has been a huge part of this team since he joined this season,” Gizinski said. “Austin Fertik has also had a breakout year and has been one of the most improved players from last season.”

This year’s team is led by captain Preibe, and assistant capGoalie Zachary Robert is prepared tains Nick Allen, Brandon Mayer and Trevor Touchton. home ice. photo by natalie garwood “For defense,” Gizinski said, “our captain Micheal Priebe has done an amazing job leading the team and keeping the players focused.”

Priebe has embraced his role as captain.

“It’s truly an honor to wear the C on my chest,” Priebe said. “It felt great being captain for

my final year playing with the team, and to be able to lead a very talented team to a winning season.”

Essad is happy with how the team has been progressing.

“It’s good to see the players enjoy and play the game together,” Essad said. “Even with losses, they are wins because they played their best. It’s great to see that their friendship is strong and good, too. Our main leader this year was Micheal Priebe, and he did an amazing job keeping our teammates on a high level on and off the court.”

Teammates are looking forward to the remainder of their time on the ice.

“I’m very happy with the season so far,” junior Zack Roberts said. “I’m excited to finish the season strong.”

Baumann agreed.

“I love the experience I’m getting,” he said. “We had a great season and I’m excited to be playing for Utica and Ford.”

Senior Nick LaRose is enjoying his final season.

“All four years have been exciting,” senior Nick LaRose said, “but this one has been the best since it’s my senior year, and especially since we make every game competitive. Also, we have a chance to tie for the MAC title, so it just makes it worth it.”

Other seniors agree.

“Honestly, this year has been probably the best year playing for Utica Ford Unified hockey,” senior Frank Valenti said.

“We have seen a major increase in skill level and in talent, especially this year which has also given me the ability to connect to my lifetime brothers I can call my teammates. Being a senior I am truly grateful to spend my last year of high school to block the puck on the team’s hockey with these amazing people.”

The team captain is also enjoying his final year on the ice with his teammates.

“The team means everything to me,” Preibe said. “These guys are all my brothers, and I’d do anything for them. This is truly a special group of guys on this team.”

HOOPIN’ IT UP ON THE COURT With the season still in play, girls varsity basketball is on the way to an amazing season outcome ANTHONY FLOWERS

REPORTER

During a timeout, Coach Tom McDonald’s team huddles up before heading back onto the court. photo by natalie garwood

The Utica Chieftains girls basketball team is having an outstanding season. Halfway through, they have only lost one game. The chemistry and the ball movement between the girls has been amazing, with a lot of returning players and a couple of younger players that are learning to adapt to the varsity level.

“So far the season has been going really well,” senior Madison Bajis said. “We lost our first game to LCN, and we are going to play them again and win.”

Senior Ana Cvetkovski agrees.

“The season so far has been amazing,” Cvetkovski said. “We have a great team, and I can’t wait to see what the feature brings.”

Due to COVID, last year the team was only able to play half the games of the normal season. This year the girls have shown improvement, and have been working hard together to make up for the games they didn’t get to play last season.

“I would say this season is everything we wanted last year and so much more,” junior Natalie Shtogrin said. “We have great team chemistry, no one is selfish, and we all have gotten so much better individually to help set us apart from our competition.”

“I think the season is going great so far,” sophomore Sarah Fromm said. We have a lot of the same players as last year and a few new people, but we really work well together well and move the ball good as well. I think we all work hard and practice to get better not just for ourselves but as a team.”

The varsity team is an amazing set of individuals with the way they have been playing, and when the time comes to play L’Anse Creuse North, they’ll be ready.

These girls are amazing alone, but fans agree that when they come together and work as a team, they are unstoppable.

“Our season is going great and is really enjoyable,” senior Lina Rea said. “We all want to get better every day and we work hard to push each other to our limits, which puts us on the path to success.”

VIEWPOINTS STUDENT VOICES AND OPINIONS

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STAFF EDITORIAL

Was disabling Teams chats a good idea? New chats between students are no longer allowed.

On Jan. 10, Utica Community Schools disabled the Some students were being randomly messaged by kids ability for students to create new chats with other students in the district that they don’t know, or were being added on Microsoft Teams, and our news staff does not agree to group chats with random people (one of our editors with this decision. was added into a group chat with a few second graders The decision only affects new conversations, so stu- and frequently called by them, for example). Taking away dents still have the ability to send messages to people they the ability to message students you haven’t communicated have messaged in the past, but cannot contact people they with before fixed all of these problems. have not messaged on Teams before.

Teams was not introduced to UCS as a messaging New chats were disabled district-wide due to students platform; it was meant for remote classes and to allow using Teams for inappropriate things, such as bullying. students to message their teachers through something This change has had a huge, other than email. Since chatting negative impact on the newspaper with students wasn’t a reason why and yearbook staffs. Messaging Teams was brought to UCS, they students on Teams was extremely argue that students can’t complain helpful for interviewing students, about losing something they were especially students that were ab- DO YOU AGREE WITH never promised in the first place. sent from school or quarantined. THE DISTRICT DISABLING People who made the policy We have deadlines that we have to change probably took students in meet, and being unable to contact STUDENT CHATS? newspaper and yearbook into acsomeone that we need to talk to count, but ultimately didn’t know can make things really stressful. what else to do other than disWe also used Teams to message abling chat.

YES NO students that were in the virtual They also argue that the staff academy, as we obviously were not in the past didn’t have things like able to interview them in-person.

Teams, so if they could do it, so can we. People who opYes, we could send out emails to students we need to pose the decision counter this by saying that it’s difficult speak to, but let’s be real: most students do not check their to adapt to one way of doing things when you’re used to a email very often. different way.

Some of our staff is conflicted on whether they fully None of our staff fully agrees with the decision, howdisagree with the decision or not. They recognize how ever. Some of us wish that different options were explored much this rule impacts us, but they also see why some- other than completely disabling it, but others argue that if thing had to be done. those that oppose the decision can’t think of an alternaThey believe that Teams was a privilege given to us to tive, then they shouldn’t complain. help with school being impacted by the pandemic, but it All of us recognize how this has impacted students in was abused by students and should rightfully be taken newspaper and yearbook, but we’ll work around this obaway. stacle one way or another.

ARROW STAFF VOTE

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ILLUSTRATION BY HANNAH LESNER

PERSPECTIVES

How do you feel about Teams chat being disabled?

“It kind of sucks because most the people in yearbook use it to interview people outside of school, and it’s hard to get interviews with out Teams.”

“I think it’s not fair because we can not talk to people, and it limits our social skills.”

Melody Gagne

Jeremiah Dunbar

SOPHOMORE

JUNIOR

“I missed privately contacting my friends. It is like a social gap in school not being able to talk to my friends.”

“It was good for group work and projects with students. It was also useful because it limits students talking in class and being distracted.”

“I would regularly have kids send me information or talk to me about situations if they felt uncomfortable talking face-to-face.

Aydin Mahmutovic

Erin Derk

Leslie Hiesler

SENIOR

TEACHER

STAFF

JANUARY 28, 2022 4 ARROW 4 VIEWPOINT 4 PAGE 11

OPINION ABBY WILLIAMS, MANAGING EDITOR Should more safety protocols be implemented at Utica? Some students don’t feel safe at school anymore.

Every student should feel safe at school. Recent events have made some students feel in danger while at school, and this has raised some concerns about our current safety protocols and what we can do to make students feel more secure at school, as I and many other students think something should be done.

One example of a safety protocol that could be implemented is escape routes upstairs.

Adding emergency exits in upstairs classrooms is something I shouldn’t even have to think twice about; there absolutely should be a way out upstairs, in case something dangerous took place at school.

Disasters like a fire or a tornado obviously don’t care whether you’re upstairs or downstairs.

Escaping from a problem like that is one reason why we should have exits upstairs, but the need for them has been dramatically increased due to a newer concern: school shooters.

Worrying about a school shooting has always been in the back of my mind ever since we did lockdown drills in elementary school. These concerns have been brought back full force due to the events at Oxford High School in November, and I’ve been concerned about planning escape routes from each of my classes in case something similar happened at Utica.

Three of my classes are upstairs, so I spend almost half of my day in an area of the school with no safe way to escape if something were to happen. The only way out is through a window, which could lead to breaking bones, or down the stairwell, which might be even more dangerous. You could be walking straight into the shooter, or you could get trampled from all the students upstairs trying to get to the exits downstairs.

Our lockdown drills in elementary school consisted of sitting in a corner of the classroom with the lights out, being as quiet as possible. In that situation, we would just

be targets. Thankfully, drills have been updated to include barricading points of entry and running from the school, but I’m worried that kids upstairs would have to hide in their classrooms like we used to do. We’d be sitting ducks in that situation, and the strategy was changed for a reason. It was ineffective and dangerous to sit in the dark and hope that nobody got into the classroom.

Something else we could do is focus more on students’ mental health.

Mental health is extremely important and I feel that it’s brushed off too often, or it’s not taken as seriously as other issues, such as physical health.

I think that both our school and our society needs to

Many students do not feel completely safe at school, and we need to do something to fix this.

Students shouldn’t have to worry about things like this. look at the psychology behind people that commit things such as the tragedy at Oxford. We need to notice warning signs and realize when people are crying out for help. We need to stop sweeping things like this under the rug and dealing with the aftermath of each tragedy, instead of taking action ahead of time to help prevent it.

Counselors are there for support, but they also have to deal with scheduling and other things around the school, so not all of their focus is on student mental health. I think that we could have a staff member dedicated entirely to psychology and supporting students that would be there for kids to go to in times of need.

I hope to see something done about the problems in the future, because it just isn’t okay that kids don’t feel safe.

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. Subscriptions are $10 per year. Digital publications available via Issuu.

READER RESPONSE

Response to ‘Teenage Dating’ I really appreciate this post. I have been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thx again.

Joseph Donahue, Online Reader

Response to ‘Life as a Survivor’ Hi Alice! I cannot stop crying after reading your story – it is so inspirational. I love your attitude, spirit, smile – you are a poster child for hope. I am saddened that our semester together got cut short, however, it is meeting students like you that make my job incredibly worthwhile.

I love the quote at the end of your story – I believe it to be true as well.

I send my prayers to you and your family.

Ms. Smith, Teacher

Editor In Chief Ethan Smale

Utica Arrow Newspaper @uhs_arrow

uhs_arrow Congrats to Arrow Editor-in-Chief Ethan Smale & Warrior Editor-in-Chief Marissa Barch, whose work was published in today’s issue of The Macomb Daily. henryfordiiwoodworking Great job @uhs_arrow on the article. It was fun having you in the class for the day. uticaprincipal Nice work @uhs_arrow as always.

Managing Editor Abby Williams Digital Editor Alex Schmidt

Sports Editor Tyler Watford Social Media Manager Gracie Wetherington

Copy Editor Marissa Barch

Photographer Natalie Garwood

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

@UticaArrow

@UHSArrow

@uhs_arrow

Cover by Ethan Smale Photo by Natalie Garwood, Featuring senior Lea Rea

PAGE 123SPOTLIGHT3ARROW3JANUARY 28, 2022

SPOTLIGHT

WHO SHOULD BE IN THE SPOTLIGHT NEXT?

HIGHLIGHTING UNIQUE TALENTS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

TWEET YOUR IDEAS @UHSARROW

SOPHOMORE KEEPS THE BEAT JOHN ADKINS

REPORTER

Talent bursts from Utica’s doors once again. A young drummer by the name of Matthew Hardin is a sophomore who wants to start his own band. Hardin has played at multiple spots around town already, places like restaurants, a tavern, and even a park.

“I’ve done shows at Mr B’s, Tap and Barrel, Danny J’s (when it was still around), The Red Ox Tavern, The Detroit Grill House, River bends Park, The Packard Proving Grounds, and Ciccarelli’s,” Hardin said. “I’m sure there are more, but I can’t recall all of them.”

Hardin thought he would grow up learning guitar to take after his dad, but his gut had something else to say about it.

“Originally, I wanted to play guitar because that’s what my dad plays and I looked up to him a lot as a musician,” Hardin said. “I’m not really sure what happened, honestly. Something was just pulling me towards drums, and I felt like I had to try them.”

His road as a musician didn’t come easy, however.

“There have been a lot of times where I’ll practice something for hours and I just can’t get it down. That makes me wanna kick over the drums and break all my sticks and throw them out of the window sometimes,” Hardin said. “It’s the help and encouragement from my friends and family members that have kept me going through some

tough times in drumming, and they continue to support me to this day.”

Hardin’s band, which is unofficially called “The House Band,” has many influences.

“I dabble in really any kind of music, but I think if I had to label myself as a genre, I’d say funk/rock fusion,” Hardin said. “One of my favorite bands is the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and I draw a lot of inspiration from that style of music.”

Hardin’s most exciting experience occurred during a Fourth of July show at the Packard Proving Grounds.

“That day it was in the mid-90s so it was blazing hot on stage before we even played anything. We made it through the first few songs okay, but then things really went south. Not only were the performers overheating, but so was the equipment,” Hardin said. “We were losing guitars and singing in the middle of songs because the amps and microphones were literally melting. We had to stop in the middle of the second set because we just couldn’t go on.”

For Hardin, music isn’t just about the melody; to him, it’s a form of communication without words.

“I think it’s so incredible how much you can tell about someone’s personality just by watching and listening to them play an instrument,” Hardin said. “It’s almost as if every musician’s music has its own voice.”

Matthew Harding’s talents are getting noticed

Nine-year-old Matthew Hardin tries his first drum set, that he would use for about three to four years.

Sophomore Matthew Hardin performing “Life Is A Highway” on the snare drum he uses for band.

Sophomore Matthew Hardin at his 2020 band camp during the summer. matthew harding courtesy photos

During a breast cancer awareness fundraiser at Riverbends Park, sophomore Matthew Harding’s band performs “Sweet Emotion” by Aerosmith. courtesy photo by matthew harding