December 2013 Murmur, Waterford Kettering High School Student Newspaper by Waterford Drift

MURMUR Volume 11, Issue 3 December 20, 2013

SHOPAHOLICS Students like senior Kazarah Aho shop till they drop. Some are more conscious than others of how much they actually spend.

Contents

MURMUR Editors-in-Chief Jake Alessi & Chris Habba Webmaster Staff Graphic Designers Jordan Fujarski & Kristin Warholak Writing Coach Alexea Hankin Sports Editor Lucas Hendricks Business Manager Jordan Fujarski Photographer Tiffany Mountain Staff Writers Alexis Brady, Sarah Ciminillo, Julie Dennis, Bridget Ekis, Kyana Farrell, Catherine Habba, Charles Hendricks, Gabrielle Hilliard, Stephanie Knapp, Joshua Marko, Emily McDonald, Sarah Murphy, Janelle Santacruz, Quinten Winowiecki, Rachel Woody Waterford Kettering High School 2800 Kettering Dr, Waterford, MI 48329 (248) 673-1261

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•23•

•30•

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•8• #Twenty Three Miley Cyrus helps describe how much she has changed in a span of time as short as High School.

•20• From Bullied to Big Screen How Christy Engle uses her negative childhood experiences to produce extraordinary results.

•23• To Infinity & Beyond An up close look at room 210’s most popular classmate.

•30• Flag Football Excessive NFL safety rules have made pro football seem like flag football.

•31• Breaking the Ice Two rival schools join forces to make one united hockey team.

Sponsors Allan Asp, Debbie Campbell, Patty Cascioli, Cindy Dennis, Jullie Dennis, Hilary Ludecke, David Latimer, Yvette Latimer, Mike Malley, Margaret Grossnickle, Buddy Marlin, Carol Weiland, Custard Corner, Marissa Lyles, Mervin Nichols, Plante Moran, Anne’s Canvas

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The Murmur is printed monthly, and completely put together by the students in the Journalism class at Waterford Kettering High School. The Murmur serves as an open forum for student expression, and opinions printed are not those of the administration. Letters to the editor Letters from readers are encouraged. Letters may be delivered to room 501 or can be sent to the newspaper’s e-mail address, ketteringmurmur@gmail.com. All letters are subject to editing of grammatical or punctuation errors. Letters must be submitted with a signature. Letters with libel or slander towards another person will

not be considered for publication. Letters must be limited to 250 words. Advertising Advertisements do not reflect the views of the staff. Potential advertisers can contact the staff at the number to the left. The Murmur editorial board has the right to refuse any inappropriate advertising. Columns Columns or editorials represent the opinion of the writer. Thoughts or views which are expressed are not those of the entire staff or administration. Staff Editorials Staff editorials are written by the staff and include the combined opinion of the full staff.

MURMUR NEWS 20 December 2013

Letters

Letters to the editor To the Murmur Editorial Staff: I picked up the Nov. 13 edition of the Murmur at the fitness center at Kettering, and cringed as I read the Staff Editorial (p. 3) because of the grammatical errors. There are several instances where the pronoun does not agree with the noun to which it refers (“One pour soul” followed by “they”, “They” and “their”...”One staffer” followed by “their” and “their”...”One staff member” followed by “they” and “their”). This is not a positive way to represent yourselves as editors of your school newspaper. An error-filled editorial also does not enhance the reputation of Kettering and Waterford schools. Please consider the possibility of college admissions advisors and scholarship committees looking at your work in print or online. It might be a good idea if someone who knows proper grammar proofreads your editorials. Better yet, it would be beneficial if everyone on your staff learns the rules of grammar; perhaps you can ask your English/Language Arts teachers for help. There are also many resources online. I suggest you brush up on this prior to taking your ACT or SAT: Basic Principle of Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement: A pronoun usually refers to something earlier in the text (its antecedent) and must agree in number — singular/plural — with the thing to which it refers. Sincerely, Kate Eichhorn (Waterford resident, taxpayer, and mom who sent two children to Waterford schools) Dear Murmur Staff, The newspaper is really good. Keep up the good work. I can’t wait until the next issue. you guys should add an article on “The Simpsons vs Family Guy”. I really like your graphics; it seems like everyone is doing a great job covering stories. I’d like to see more color in the paper because some pages look dull. You guys put a lot of effort into the paper, it always has an amazing outcome overall! Can’t wait to see what you come up with next. Sincerely, Cody Kirk 10th grade

From us to you

As you may have noticed This issue of the Murmur just isn’t the same. Over the last decade The Murmur has undergone several transitions in format and look. Here’s another one. Interestingly, unlike most people who grow bigger as they get older, The Murmur as you may have known it has actually shrunk, from a broadsheet in its very beginning to a tabloid in recent years, to now a magazine style today. The issue that you’re holding in your hands marks the latest in a series of design changes. As a staff we decided that this format would allow us to keep up with modern trends in design and coverage. Don’t worry; we’ll still bring you the most complete coverage of Kettering and Waterford Township as much as possible. And of course WaterfordDrift.com is still online and updated frequently to help you keep on top of everything Waterford. We hope you like what we’ve decided to do; please write us a letter to express your feelings on the new change and anything you’d like to see more or less of. Sincerely, Jacob Alessi & Chris Habba Co-Editors in chief

Oct. 2007

Apr. 2011 Oct. 2009

Dec. 2013 May 2013

Dear Murmur Staff, HI!! I’m Cordell Mckinzie and I play MineCraft too. I really liked Charlie Hendrick’s October article obout the game and I hope you could cover more of it. Maybe you could also cover the game called “Desert Bus,” That’s a fun game to play. I want to play and make a series like your staff member Charlie Hendricks but I know we can only do so much at a time. Keep up the great work and keep digging! -Cordell Mckinzie A.K.A NinJaVersex52

Have something you want to say? Write THE MURMUR a letter Turn yours into room 501 or Email us: Ketteringmurmur@gmail.com w

WaterfordDrift.com

20 December 2013

News

Kind or “Cool”? Why can’t kind be cool? BY SARAH CIMINILLO sarahciminillo@waterforddrift.com

osters and colorful compliments decorated the halls of Kettering, with a positive vibe that was introduced to the school as a whole. This was just the beginning of the random acts of kindness among Kettering; it was the beginning of “Kind is Cool”. National Kindness Day took place on November 13, but why should that be the only day we show kindness to one another? Posters and colorful compliments decorated the halls of Kettering, with a positive vibe that was introduced to the school as a whole. This was just the beginning of the random acts of kindness among Kettering; it was the beginning of “Kind is Cool”. “We wanted a positive approach with the bullying issue,” FCCLA leader Laurel Meribela said. “The other ways just weren’t working. A change needed to take place.” Not very many people know of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, the group responsible for putting together and creating “kind is cool”. To students it may have been people are an example of the kindness that is encouraged on regular just another day with a little surprise, but to FCCLA it was a test to see basis, to make the world a better place. what ignites the genuine kindness within the family of Kettering. FCCLA prepares men and women for today’s society and helps the Instead of reading about how bullying is wrong and what not to school gain more cooperation in harmony. do, FCCLA created an inspirational entrance - a new outlook on what “Why can’t kind be cool?” FCCLA member Hannah Lewis said. really matters: being kind. “Being a bully and being mean is considered “cool”, I think it’s time to “FCCLA helps young adults develop leadership and responsibility switch it around.” skills,” Meribela said. “They also get to experience the satisfaction of The members of the group stayed after school for about two and helping others.” a half hours and created around 600 note cards with compliments on This is a group that anyone is welcome to join. FCCLA offers the them. They also used social media to spread the new phrase “kind is opportunity to show the love to one another by helping out the com- cool,” by having everyone tweet the random acts of kindness they witmunity as a team. ness throughout the day. Many people ended Bullying is a chain reaction, Last year, FCCLA put together a drive for up tweeting nice things about one another soldiers. They wrote heartfelt letters and purand using the hashtag “kind is cool”. and kindness can be too.’ chased goods they needed. The drive also al“This is how it starts,” Meribela said. “We HANNAH LEWIS, 12 lowed other people to participate as well, and are trying to get a movement in our school donations were happily encouraged. The team and spread the word. We want people to join ended up raising over $300 just in donations. in.” Another good deed that FCCLA is recognized for is helping out the Overall, FCCLA received very positive feedback from the movechildren who attend Stepanski throughout the Christmas holiday. Some ment they created. families can't afford or provide for Christmas, and that’s where FCCLA They have more plans with “Kind is Cool.” They have considered inspirationally steps in. making t-shirts and bracelets to get the word out and help with funding The group set up a “family fair” on the 7th of December, which for their group. allowed families to come in the school and celebrate Christmas with “When I do something, and I see their face, thats all I need to their children. FCCLA performed puppet shows, set up a face painting satisfy me,” Meribela said. stand, and introduced them to Old Saint Nick. This big-hearted team of National Kindness Day is an annual day out of the year to rem e m b e r what is important and needed in this society. Making a difference is as easy as smiling at a random stranger in the hallway, or complimenting someone just because it’s a generous gesture. In the eyes of our students, this school has great potential to make a change and it starts with “Kind is Cool”.

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MURMUR NEWS 20 December 2013

Waterford Mott Exclusive

Missing Mirrors WRITTEN BY MOTT GUEST WRITERS JENNA LEE & PAIGE DANIEL

Mott’s administration attempts to diminish tardies by removing mirrors

own the grey and blue tiles of Mott’s hallways students shuffle to class trying to make it on time. Like at Kettering, students have six minutes to move from one room to the next, facing a tardy if they’re late. Senior Sam Shadwell tries to find time to check herself out in the seven feet tall mirrors on her way to class. “Throughout the day I like to be able to look at myself to make sure that everything’s in place,” Shadwell said. But to Shadwell and the rest of the school’s surprise the mirrors of Mott disappeared without warning. Administration at Mott has decided to remove the mirrors due to an increase in tardies. Jason Riggs, Waterford Mott’s new principal, established the idea. While the action to remove mirrors has had somewhat of an impact in reducing the number of tardies, the students feel as though mirrors should be accessible throughout the school whether tardies happen or not.

“The most basic thing that any public place has is a mirror,” senior Demytria Walker said. “It’s treating us like we’re prisoners; even in a jail they have mirrors.” Some students have more serious reasons to be looking in the mirror besides simply checking themselves out. Senior Meghan Webster uses the mirrors daily due to health reasons. “I have contact lenses,” Webster said. “If they fall out, I’m screwed.” In removing the mirrors, some students believe they took away more than just material objects from the students at Mott; they took away their control over their own personal image. They took the control out of the individual’s hands, and gave it to their peers. The administration at Mott had created a one day overlap where the male restrooms still contained mirrors while the girls were left with nothing but concrete walls. “They probably took the girls because girls

usually take longer in the bathroom,” senior Megan Stolp said. “I find it unfair that the guys had them longer because girls need them and typically use mirrors more.” Some believe the tardies have nothing to do with students looking in the mirrors. “I’m an honor student. I have zero tardies, nor have I ever had one in my life,” sophomore Josie Mollohan said. “I use the mirrors every day.” Sophomore Zane Harding has only himself to blame for his excessive tardies. “I never use a mirror, and I’m tardy every single day,” Harding said. Students spend the majority of their day in the school. To some, the necessity of being able to access a mirror is an expected right. Taking them away has left some of the student body disgruntled and angry. The possibility of Mott’s students regaining their mirrors is an unanswered question; for now they must wait and see.

We feel offended’ FRANCES GORMAN, 12

The most basic thing that any public place has is a mirror’

Gone in seconds. Senior Frances Gorman reacts to the missing mirrors in all bathrooms at Waterford Mott. Photo by Megan Stolp

DEMYTRIA WALKER, 12

Blank walls. All bathrooms were stripped of every mirror leaving nothing but tile.Photo by Jenna Lee

WaterfordDrift.com

20 December 2013

Feature

#SelfieNation BY EMILY MCDONALD emilymcdonald@waterforddrift.com

How the modern day photographer has learned to perfect the “selfie,” creating a new word in the dictionary

ust got Starbucks? Selfie. With your BFF? Selfie. “New hair”? Selfie. Admit it, we’ve all taken the occasional selfie just so we could post it on Twitter or Instagram. Who knew such a simple word with a silly concept would make such an impression on the year 2013. Oxford Dictionaries declared “selfie” the word of the year, and thanks to Miley Cyrus, words like “Twerk” closely followed along with Justin Bieber’s contribution of “swaggie”. A selfie is defined by Oxford Dictionary as “A photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically with a smartphone or webcam and uploaded to a social media website”. The first time the word selfie was ever used online was in 2002 in an Australian chatroom. The post read: “Um, drunk at a mates 21st, I tripped ofer and landed lip first (with front teeth coming a very close second) on a set of steps. I had a hole about 1cm long right through my bottom lip. And sorry about the focus, it was a selfie.” The popularity of selfies was slow in the start but since 2012 it has skyrocketed. With over 60 million photographs tagged #selfie on Instagram alone and countless anonymous accounts posting nothing but the face photo, it seems as if we just can’t get away from the new trend. From a survey of a 100 Kettering students, 50 boys and 50 girls, a majority of the students deemed selfies as ‘a cry for attention’, ‘pointless’, or ‘stupid’. “I think taking selfies is stupid,” said senior Andrew Lindsey, “I find it conceites that you have to take a pictures of yourself. I’d rather see pictures of a few people hanging out.”

Most of the opposing students were boys, and although they were mostly against the self portrait, more than half oddly admitted to taking and posting them on social media sites. “How could you not take a selfie?” junior Karli Saffron said. “It’s just something everyone does.” Unshockingly, the majority of the girls surveyed were big on selfies. Good hair day, cute outfit, and good memories are a few of the more perfect excuses to post and keep your followers up to date. If you can’t beat it, join it. That’s exactly the attitude of Kettering students. “I take and post selfies about once or twice a week,” said freshman Olivia Glass. “It takes at the very least 10 tries to get the perfect one.” So grab your smart phone, put on your best smile, and post your best selfie. Senior Ashley Iliades warns, “Just don’t over do it.”

How to take a “selfie” with Jonah Kase Hand 18-24 inches from face

Perfect pose

Camera Ready

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MURMUR NEWS 20 December 2013

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Teacher of 2013 Brian Wilson, a Waterford Kettering teacher and the Murmur’s adviser, was named Waterford Teacher of the Year.

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Lucky Lotto The Grapes & Hops Market on Cass Elizabeth road in Waterford recently sold a $1 Million Ticket.

Mott Graduate New GM Mary Makela Barra, a 1980 Mott Graduate, was named General Motors’ New CEO.

20 December 2013

Opinion

BY CATHERINE HABBA catherinehabba@waterforddrift.com

Miley Cyrus’s most recent actions impact the way this generation is viewed

oday’s popular music causes this generation of teenagers to look ridiculous. The music illustrates a made-up reality making it seem as if all teenagers get high, hit the club, then party all night while having absolutely no respect for themselves. Superstar Miley Cyrus is an example of an artist who is trying too hard to be someone she’s not. Cyrus was recently featured in the song “23” by Mike Will Made It along with other famous

iconic rappers in the music industry, including Juicy J and Wiz Khalifa. The video surpassed 12 million hits on Youtube and is continuously being played on the radio. The music video for “23” starts, rather disturbingly, with two rappers breaking into a school to party with students who seem more than a little too old to be in high school. It’s sad to know this old Disney Channel star Miley Cyrus, once idolized by many teenagers only a few years ago is now promoting the idea of smoking weed in a hit song. Miley raps that she’s “high off purp.” Yes, this is true, Hannah Montana said she’s “high off purp. Juicy J talks about the purple in his cup, which is codeine cough syrup. These artists are pushing drugs into the minds of their young listeners, trying to make drugs okay. The phrase “turn up,” comes up a lot, which means to get drunk or party and the music video doesn’t lack either of those things. In fact the only things lacking in the video are Miley’s clothes.

‘‘ ‘ ‘

She wears for instance, two jerseys stitched together with a silver ring keeping them attached in the middle. Miley should get back to wearing her “Old Blue Jeans.” Miley’s provocative get-up inspires younger girls to dress poorly. Miley’s first line in the song is “I’m in the club high off purp with some shades on, tatted up mini skirt with my J’s on.” She goes on rapping about how she has no respect, looks like a model, and makes a lot of money. According to Miley she apparently just doesn’t give a… you get the point. I guess we really do get to see “The Other Side Of Me.” I don’t find any of this sexy, not her voice or her outfits. I think she’s an amazing singer but this video just seems like she’s trying too hard to fit into the rap world. When she walks into the school bathroom with a cigarette in her hand blowing smoke everywhere, I find this disgusting. I understand that she is trying to break her good girl image but, at the same time, she is in a high school bathroom smoking. This does not send a good message to teenagers in school and also makes older generations think all teenagers

Miley’s positive aspects Miley’s song 23 makes me wanna put some J’s on.’ KEIRON PAYNE, 11

DARBY MCMAHON, 11

Miley’s just being herself and if its a publicity stunt, it’s definitely working.’

AMY BEAUPIED, 11

Miley’s crazy, wild, and fun.’

‘‘ ‘‘

Miley’s negative aspects

It takes a lot for people to do what she does, I admire how confident she is.’

ILLUSTRATION BY: COURTNEY CHESHIRE

smoke. Miley is taking it too far. I’m positive the number 23 stands for Michael Jordan’s basketball jersey number and the song is about wearing “J’s” but why does she have to expose her body just to tell her audience that the shoes are cool? There are better ways to get the message to her audience. The video also has nothing to do with basketball. Yes, all the rappers including Miley dance around the basketball pole but, they never actually play basketball. I see this as a pathetic attempt to try to bring out the meaning of the song. Again not sexy, just annoying. At the end of the video the main message the artists were trying to send out was that smoking makes a person look cool. Miley along with the other iconic rappers make this generation look like pot smoking partyholics. In order for Miley to actually be respected I think she needs to clean up her act and rely on her great voice, not by smoking marijuana and rapping horribly written verses. I’m not sure if she will however, because hey, “Nobody’s Perfect.”

GREGG FRANCISCO, 10

MURMUR NEWS 20 December 2013

‘It’s sad to see how much she has changed for the worst. KATHERINE KUHN, 12

‘I respected her until I saw her smoke a joint on stage. EMILY GRAUNSTADT, 11

‘Miley acts up because she wants attention. CHRIS MILNER, 12

‘Miley’s Psycho. SHAYA MASTER, 10

Opinion

CAUGHT IN THE WEB

Why “internet addiction” isn’t what you think, through the eyes of a gamer who is

BY QUINTEN WINOWIECKI quintenwinowiecki@waterforddrift.com

he internet as we know it is, believe it or not, extremely complex and has a real impact on our everyday lives. It's safe to say that our generation spends a majority of its time online. Whether it be from a computer, a game console, or a mobile device, we are constantly communicating with a vast majority of the United States and even other parts of the world. As an avid gamer, I find myself constantly thinking about them throughout the day. Do I think I am "addicted" to the internet? Heck no. I can easily turn off my computer and my phone for several hours without fail, but I tend to get a bit of a bad attitude when I don’t at least have my headphones plugged in. Though it’s widely known as a disorder, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or the DSM5, does not list internet addiction as a disorder, and the only thing relatively similar is internet gaming addiction. This means that it isn’t even considered a dependency. With people thinking that internet addiction is an actual phenomena, they start to exaggerate the “symptoms” and of an “addict.” People have often asked/ told me if I go outside because video games are a big part of my life. Just because a person plays video games regularly or goes on the computer for more than two hours every day, doesn’t mean they don’t go outside. They are arguably more social than other people, but thought not to be because of their interests and hobbies. To go along with the

judgement and ignorance of people who think they don’t spend as much time on the internet, a lot of them also seem to make it a point to let us internet addicts know we aren’t normal. I can’t remember a week since 6th grade where I wasn’t called a nerd, a “no life,” told I didn’t have any real life friends.

Internet addiction, if anything, should be considered a symptom of other disorders. From personal experience it seems like people who are “addicted to the internet,” are also the people who suffer from depression and ADHD. Things like this make me believe that it’s not a disorder, but is almost like a treatment or symptom for these things. The friends I make online have a closer bond than that of the friends that I meet in real life. I don’t hang out with friends much outside of school, probably due to the hobby itself, so interactions with people I make online are more relevant because I’m not cut off by a teacher or the bell. Though it may not be real now, this phenomenon could be in the future. Until that happens, and even afterwards, I'll still see it as nothing more than a misunderstood hobby.

Q&A How often do you check your phone during a school day? I check it around five times during the school day. What would you do if you couldn’t use your computer of the internet for a week? Honestly, I would just go outside and hang out with friends.

Corryn Montgomery, 10

WaterfordDrift.com

How often do you check your phone during a school day?

During school, just about every 20 minutes.

Probably about three times per class.

What would you do if you couldn’t use your computer of the internet for a week?

What would you do if you couldn’t use your computer or internet for a week?

For a while, I’d be really upset, but afterward I’d just draw. Charlie Davis, 10

20 December 2013

“I would go to my friend’s house. It happened before and I was pretty angry, but I went to my friend’s” Tavian Quince, 10

Face-Off

Obama Doesn’t care

he holidays are all around us. The stores and homes are decorated with an array of lights and tinsel. Everyone is anticipating the much needed break and the joy that seems to overwhelm society this time of year. However before we start dreaming of sugar plums we need to take some time to focus on something that is going to change our lifestyles long after this season has passed; Obamacare.

Why it stinks BY STEPHANIE KNAPP stephanieknapp@waterforddrift.com

The Unaffordable Mandatory Insufficient Care Act

Main objective President Barack Obama created the “Affordable Care Act” more commonly known as “Obamacare” in 2010, Congress then passed this bill on March 23, 2010. Although the idea of Obamacare sounds like it could improve the financial state of our country, it’s not good for America at all. The worst part being the fact that people are mandated to buy coverage they do not need nor will ever need. For example a man under the age of 65 is required to pay for pregnancy coverage, whether he is married, single, homosexual, or infertile. There are 10 essential benefits, according to the Affordable Care Act, Subtitle D, Part 1 sec. 1302.

((By the Numbers))

0 Republicans voted YES on Obamacare Bill

Payment

percent of doctors are considering to no longer accept government health programs due to increased regulation and less reimbursement

The more coverage you have the more you have to pay. Meaning if you didn’t have one of these coverages before, you will be paying more money now through Obamacare. The government will be receiving more of our money so that the poor can receive subsidies for their health care. The lies Thanks to Obamacare people are lacking choice. You have a tremendous lack of options because you need to have a “government approved” plan. Obamacare doesn’t give us choice as a customer, we are forced to buy what they say is acceptable. President Obama promised America“if you like your health care plan you can keep it period,” which was obviously a lie. As a top Democrat revealed on October 30, the Democrats knew all along that Obamacare would cause millions to lose health care coverage. Yet they continued to promote it

with premeditated lies such as, “You can keep your current health plan if you like it” and “your health insurance costs will be lower than a phone bill.” After promising this, millions of Americans were taken off their health plan. Obama then tried saying that if your plan changed at all since 2010 you could obviously not keep it. “We knew that there would be some policies that would not qualify and therefore people would lose their existing coverage,” said House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer. Hoyer then said “I don’t think the message was wrong. I think the message was accurate. It was not precise enough it should have been

January 28, 2010

158

Democrats voted YES on Obamacare Bill

14-1 lost insurance due to Obamacare

caveated with ‘assuming you have a policy that in fact does do what the bill is designed to do.’” Which is the same as saying lying to the public is not really wrong, it’s merely giving accurate information that isn’t not precise! Those are Democrats for you. Simply lie to the public, gain their support, and then when things go wrong, shove a gun in their face and force them to comply. That’s the entire plan of Obamacare and most socialists for that matter: forced obedience.

March 20, 2010

March 23, 2010:

Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi Tea Party groups met in President Obama signs the explains that House Democrats will Washington to protest the Affordable Care Act into law stop at nothing to pass Obamacare looming passage of Obamacare

MURMUR NEWS 20 December 2013

The website Now, the only way to actually sign up for Obamacare is through Obama’s website, healthcare.gov, however there are a few problems with this. The website is run by the common man. Your personal information is being handled by a random stranger. Another problem is the website never actually worked. Our wonderful President paid a giant Canada-

based information technology outsourcing company, CGI Health Insurance Exchange, to develop the site for an exorbitant fee, and of course the website wasn’t functional. “The morning I heard CGI was behind [Healthcare.gov], I said, my God, no wonder that thing doesn’t work,” said James Bagnola, a Texas-based corporate consultant who was hired by the Hawaii Department of Taxation in 2008 to Fox News.

Face-Off

Obama made promises that his website would be up and running without even bothering to make sure it worked correctly. Now the millions of Americans who lost their insurance plan, who were forced to sign up for Obamacare are without the insurance they need because of this lack of responsibility on Obama’s part.

Other Downfalls

million people will be on the Medicaid program requiring billions of dollars from state budgets and taxpayers by 2019

trillion dollars is added in new health care spending, expanding prohibitively expensive entitlements and creating a subsidy scheme that discourages work and penalizes marriage

State Attorneys General have filed suits to protect their citizens from being forced, in violation of the Constitution, to purchase government-approved health insurance

125

million dollars per year in new Obamacare spending includes school-based health centers and a new program to reduce teen pregnancy, with no requirement to reduce abortions

1/4

of all seniors rely on Medicare Advantage. However, Obamacare makes such deep cuts to that program that half of those covered will no longer be able to keep the coverage they have

billion dollars in new taxes will be imposed on businesses by mandating that employers provide health insurance

The Conclusion Obama wasn’t looking out for the poor and needy, he wasn’t trying to better America. All he wanted to do was ensure he would make his permanent mark on the United States. America is supposed to be the home of the free, but our freedom is being taken away, one bill at a time. Starting with the “Affordable” Care Act.

June 28, 2012

January 19, 2011

House Republicans vote unanimously to repeal Obamacare This vote was the beginning of several efforts on the part of House Republicans to repeal Obamacare

Also, Obamacare was rushed through for political purposes, not to help Americans. They voted on a 2,000 page bill without reading everything in it. Later Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the house at that time (2010) said, “We have to pass the bill to find out what is in it away from the controversy.” Now everyone is forced to buy Obamacare by the end of 2014. If you refuse to buy you will be penalized on your taxes. There are even more downfalls of this bill. Such as mandatory home inspections. “Clearly, any family may be visited by federally paid agents for almost any reason.” According to an Obamacare provision, Americans will be targeted. The Health and Human Services’ website states that “high risk” families will be picked out, however these all qualify as “high risk” families Where mom is not yet 21, families where someone is a tobacco user, families where children have low student achievement, developmental delays, or disabilities, and families with individuals who are serving or formerly served in the armed forces, including such families that have members of the armed forces who have had multiple deployments outside the United States. [Information found on the health and human services’ website.]

WaterfordDrift.com

Obamacare Ruling: It’s a Tax! Supreme Court rules Obamacare is constitutional only because it is a tax

20 December 2013

Face-Off

s winter break approaches, I think of all that the holiday season entails: miles upon miles of delicious food; giving and receiving wonderful gifts among friends and family; celebrating the glory of whatever religious beliefs your family holds; and of course, the heated misinformed political discussions most of you reading this are too “young and stupid” to participate in. (If your family is anything like mine, that is.) This year, the surefire spotlight of these delightful debacles is most likely going to be the “flop” known as the Affordable Care Act, more popularly known as Obamacare. The ACA was signed into law on March 23 of 2010, and was also that thing the government got all upset about and shut down over a few months ago. Kind of a big deal.

Obama cares Why Obamacare doesn’t stink BY ALEXEA HANKIN alexeahankin@waterforddrift.com

Main Objectives Now, the ACA’s main objective was to lower the rate of uninsured Americans, increase the quality and affordability of health coverage, and force insurance companies to cover everyone at the same rates regardless of heath or gender. It was also made to prevent insurance companies from denying or dropping coverage for people who are very ill. Through various companies, these new insurance plans would be available on what would essentially be an online “insurance marketplace”. Whoever wanted health insurance would be able to get it at whatever amount of coverage and whatever price they wanted. All the insurance coverage you want, at the click of a mouse. Sounds absolutely horrendous, huh?

Website Trouble Except there was a problem when healthcare.gov, the official Obamacare website, was opened. On day one of its opening, it crashed. Pretty hard, actually. Many antiACAers took this as an opportunity to point fingers and laugh at the Democrats’ tech failure, saying that this was obviously an omen on how the entire law would work out. While that argument’s laughable in itself purely because tech malfunctions can be fixed, I’ll also say that it’s been reported by the Department of Health and Human Services that the worst of the crashes are over. The

By the Numbers))

Million previously uninsured Americans now covered by health care expansions

5.1

Thousand Americans with pre-exsiting conditions who now have coverage

Million seniors will save

3.2

Billion on prescription drugs

The Real Answer kinks will be worked out- after all, it’s technology. It never stays broken for long. Except that’s not what happened. When politicians said “if you like your plan, you can Liar, Liar keep it,” they meant “if you like your plan, you Secondly, many Americans wanted to can keep it- so long as your insurance comknow if they could keep their current plans. pany doesn’t change anything.” There is a provision in the ACA that supAnd the answer Obama gave was yes. And then the ACA passed. And then people start- ports plans made before the ACA was passed under what is called a “grandfather clause.” ed losing their plans. Which bring us to our first bump in the The grandfathered plans are only protected if road. If Obama said we could keep our plans, they remain true to the plan they were before then why are people losing their plans? He’s a the ACA was passed according to the law. So when the ACA passed and insurance liar, cries a loud minority of Americans, a dirty companies jacked up the prices of their plansstinky liar.

July 11, 2012 House Voted to Repeal Obamacare Again

American Health(( Insurance after the A.C.A

October 3, 2013 The Online Insurance Marketplace at healthcare.gov opens for enrollment

MURMUR NEWS 20 December 2013

Face-Off -making them worse than they were before-people’s plans were no longer grandfathered and were cancelled. Coincidentally, this is also not Obama’s fault. Blame your insurance companies and their greed. But that’s the biggest bump. What many anti-Obamacarers don’t want to talk about is the fact that most people will be saving money- even those with cancellation notices. (There’s an online marketplace to pick your own plan still, remember?) Those who don’t have the money will qualify for government subsidies.

26 9

Irony Our next smaller bump in the road is the individual mandate. Basically, the individual mandate penalizes those who do not sign up for health care coverage by a certain amount of time, thus forcing people to invest in health insurance. If they refuse, they’ll be forced to pay a fee. Republicans everywhere are throwing their fists in the air and calling this unconstitutional, which is funny, because Obama said in 2008 that he didn’t want an individual mandate. A Republican think tank, the Heritage foundation, came up with it. Mitt Romney, Repub-

2.5

Age young adults can stay on their parents’ health coverage

Million 19-26 year olds covered by this provision

100

Million children expected to be insured by A.C.A programs

Percent of cost due to newly covered individuals paid by federal government

Million women who will gain access to preventive/wellness services (Mammograms, breastfeeding support, contrceptives, STI screening, and more)

Percent of people already covered who will also gain access to new benefits

159

American citizens under

133

Boards, agencies, and programs created to ensure the law works as planned

percent of the poverty level will gain coverage by the health care reform

The “Dying” Job Market And finally, we hit our smallest bump, which is the battle cry of: “We don’t have enough money for this! It’s killing jobs!” The Century Foundation, a non-partisan think tank, has already stated quite plainly and against popular belief that the ACA will pay for itself- and even cut the federal deficit. It does this through tax increases, spending deductions, and fees/taxes on insurance companies. The Congressional Budget Office has already estimated the ACA to cut the deficit by $210 billion, while insuring 32 million Americans at the same time. So yes, Obamacare is terribly ineffective. Considering how it’s already estimated to have insured over 400,000 Americans through the Medicaid expansion. It’s working already. Terrible.

Words to know

A health care wordbank for all your political discussion needs Subsidy: Money granted to a person by the government to assist people who cannot afford their own healthcare Individual Mandate: A provision of the A.C.A that forces Americans to purchase health insurance; if they do not, they will be penalized. Grandfather Clause: A clause exempting certain things or people from the requirements of a piece of legislation. In this case, unchanged insurance plans from before the A.C.A. passed.

march 31, 2014

January 1, 2014

Individual Mandate fees start Medicaid Expansion starts w

lican governor of Massachusetts, first implemented it in his own state. Golly, that’s weird. It’s almost like the Republicans are bashing their own idea.

WaterfordDrift.com

Open Enrollment ends

20 December 2013

Adrianna’s tale Feature

Sophomore Adrianna Junod’s story about her tail.

WaterfordDrift.com

Q&A

What is unique about Adrianna? “Her personality, she is very outgoing and different.” Is it weird to you that she wears the tail? “No, whatever makes her happy.”

What is unique about Adrianna? “Her tail, because she is one of the only people who wears one.” Is it weird to you that she wears a tail? “No, never was.”

Chris Wilson, 11

do, is another. “She likes it and it makes her happy,” Waynick said. According to her friends, she is very fun to be around. “She is fun to be around because, she a different kind of person” junior Chris Wilson said. She isn’t the type of person who will judge people. Adrianna may not be who you think she is on the outside, but on the inside but she’s one of the nicest people you will ever met. “She is a very open person, non-judgemental, very out-going, always gives people a chance,” Wilson said. In high school, having something unique like the foxtail is bound to be a thing that people judge, and at the same time, like to see. Very few people wear a tail but that’s what makes it fun to get into. Junod wears her foxtail almost every day. “She will sit in class and pet it,” Wilson said. Junod loves her tail, playing with it and having it to show off is very fun. Knowing that she has a tail makes her stand out. Some may think that wearing a tail every single day seems like a hassle or embarrassment, but for Junod the tail means more than just a fashion statement. The tail means standing out as an individual in a school of more than 1500 others. “I don’t mean to be different it’s just me expressing myself in a way, doesn’t really mean to be different,” Junod said.

Skylar Waynick, 10

s sophomore Adrianna Junod walks the halls of Kettering heads turn one by one in her direction. Swaying back and forth behind her lays a two-foot foxtail stuffed in the back of her pants. Trotting to each class with a smile on her face, her tail is always following her. Questions arise as to why one would wear a tail to school, of all places. Junod received her tail around seven years ago but only started to wear it frequently as she began high school. Being herself is what Junod’s friends pride her on. Her friend, sophomore Skylar Waynick, knows exactly why she wears a tail. “She’s energetic, she’s funny, and she doesn’t care what other people think about her,” Waynick said. Many people wonder where she got the tail in the first place. “My mom got it for me for Christmas,” Junod said. “At the Renaissance Festival.” Adrianna just started wearing the tail to school last year as a freshman. She has had it for quite some time now. “I’ve had it for about sevenish years now,” Junod said. “I just started wearing it last year.” Wearing a tail isn’t something seen in magazines or on TV; Junod is one of her own and knows exactly why she wears it. “I wear it because it’s just kinda a fun thing to do, and just because I can,” Junod said. When Junod goes to the Renaissance Festival she feels at home and part of a clan she can relate to. “I know a lot of people at the Renaissance Fair who wear a fox tail,” Junod said. Being unique is one thing but having other people who also do the same things you

BY KYANA FARRELL kyanafarrell@waterforddrift.com

‘

I would tell any one to do what makes them happy. If you want to tell your story go ahead or if not, then don’t.’

20 December 2013

Adrianna Junod, 10

A world away from home BY CATHERINE HABBA & VERONICA LATIMER catherinehabba@waterforddrift.com veronicalatimer@waterforddrift.com

Feature

Ahmed Hassanin talks about his move to America

alking into his new home, Ahmed Hassanin is pushed through the doorway by the icy cold winds and snow left behind him. He takes off his coat, gloves, scarf, and hat and is instantly greeted by the familiar smell of tender, roasted meat during Big Holiday. He feels a sense of peace and safety while looking out his window this holiday season, something he didn’t feel when he lived in Egypt. He suddenly has a horrifying flashback. The streets are filled of running citizens, with fear-filled faces. Shaking it off, Ahmed remembers the reason why his family made the big move to America; to live an easier, safer life. This immediately paints a smile on his face. He walks downstairs and greets all of his relatives until it is time to sit down as a family and eat. Hand in hand, the Hassanin family says a prayer of thanks. While the holidays may bring jingle bells and sleigh rides to some families, others celebrate the holidays differently. When Ahmed experiences the American culture, while still celebrating his own, a new meaning is given to the word “tradition”. Ahmed is a sophomore and he and his family have just recently moved to Waterford. Because he speaks Arabic, his translator, Safira Bogus, helped us communicate with him. “The most frustrating thing about the transition from Egypt to America is the language,” Ahmed said. “I can’t talk to friends or try and meet new people because I do not know the language.” Even though language is a challenge for him, he finds other ways to make the most out of the situation. Ahmed is also adjusting to the changes in his everyday life, most of which have to deal with school. “Back in Egypt, boys and girls did not go to the same schools,” Ahmed said.

“The boys went to one school, and the girls went to a separate school. I was very surprised coming here and seeing that the schools are mixed!” In Egypt, Ahmed’s family loved to do things all together from dayto-day. “Everyday, our whole family would come over to our house and we all sat at the dinner table and ate dinner together,” Ahmed said. “Not just the family I live with, but all of my other relatives as well.” This is very different compared to the typical American family. “My family really believes that being able to sit down with your family for one meal a day is very important and shows that you care about each other,” Ahmed said. “After dinner I always play with my Ahmed eats breakfast with his family. younger siblings, and I love to just spend time with them.” When the holiday season comes around, Ahmed and his family do some very unique and interesting things that branch out from his Arabic culture. Ahmed and his family are of the Muslim faith, so they celebrate Mus- Ahmed celebrates his dad’s lim holidays. There are two: one birthday with his family. called Big Holiday, and one called Small Holiday. “On Big Holiday, we will all get together, eat cow, and pass everything we make through the whole neighborhood, and we do this to mostly give food to the poor,” explained Ahmed. On Small Holiday, Ahmed’s family makes many baked goods and treats, then passes them through the neighborhood just like Big Holiday. They also spend the whole day fasting from sunrise to sundown. Even though he’s from Egypt, Ahmed’s life isn’t that different from the typical American teenager. “My favorite thing about being in America is a feeling of freedom, because that is something I was unable to feel when I lived in Egypt, and it feels great.”

WaterfordDrift.com

‘

My favorite thing about being in America is a feeling of freedom.’

20 December 2013

Opinion

MURMUR NEWS 20 December 2013

Opinion

SHOPAHOLICS to shop, to save... or both? Students shop until they drop, but with hefty price tags some search for cheaper alternatives.

Retail relief BY JACOB ALESSI jacobalessi@waterforddrift.com

Senior Kazarah Aho frequently shops to stay fashion forward

he sound of click-clacking high heels rings from her feet, her new dress sways back and forth on her body, and the designer hand bag she carries hangs precariously off her wrist. Down the shiny and glamorous aisles of Urban Outfitters, senior Kazarah Aho relieves all her worries with a little retail therapy. It’s obvious to say that shopping’s a part of everyone’s lives, but to shop often for more than what is simply needed is the practice for Aho. A “shopaholic” is simply that: a compulsive shopper. Aho can rely on clothes to brighten her mood; shopping can turn any bad day into a good one. “Clothes in general make me happy”, Aho said. “Shopping can make any day better; if I’m sad or feeling down about myself I can just go to the mall and forget about everything.” After some time not getting new clothes, Aho insists on replenishing her collection. Her mind focuses on the want for those new pants, the bag she saw online, or the skirt from Free

WaterfordDrift.com

People she absolutely needs. “When I haven’t shopped in a while all my clothes look blah,” Aho said. “It becomes impossible to find something to wear. I mostly can only think about my need to go shopping.” Using coupons or worrying about the price aren’t things Aho is interested in; she takes other factors into account when picking out what to buy. “Coupons are a lot of work,” Aho said. “Usually I just use cash. You really have to evaluate the price, usefulness, and quality {of the clothes} so it depends on what the item is worth altogether.” The retail queen herself never goes too long without whipping out the money and buying new stuff. She admits to buying clothes, shoes, and other accessories at least every week. Aho along with many others will forever be considered a shopaholic, while she always upholds her own style she’ll constantly be in need of more. Shopping is more than what’s on the price tag for Aho; it’s her life.

20 December 2013

Opinion

Breaking the brand

Do YOU

Teens can still be in style without thinning their wallets

BY GABBY HILLIARD gabbyhilliard@waterforddrift.com

op? like to sh

‘ ‘ ‘ ‘

s the snow covers the ground, students walk into school bundled and trendy. Their lockers become their new closet. Stuffed to the brim with varsity jackets, wool pea coats, knitted scarves, and warm mittens. In only one year fashion completely changes amongst the halls. Girls trudge to class with combat boots strapped to their feet and infinity scarves draping from their necks. The guys on the other hand show off their comfy crew necks, and colorful jeans while putting in effort to look like a famous Ralph Lauren model. All at a decent price, learning how to save each penny while still looking fashionable. It’s better to shop smart rather than simply blow your money on clothes. Why buy a sweater for eighty bucks right now when you know you can practically get the same one for less than half the price at a different store. Let’s face it, we’re in highschool, yes we still have to look fashionable. But that doesn’t mean people still have to present themselves behind an expensive brand like it makes them better in some way. Fashion is fashion. Whether it’s from Urban Outfitters or Salvation Army everything’s still clothes. I think I can speak for most high school students when I say we’re pretty much all cash conscious with our money now. Between car payments, cell phone bills, and saving for college we don’t have that extra dough for high end clothes. Keep your wallets a little fatter this winter and stay away from the big brands. It’s not about what you wear but how you wear it.

Steven Marshall, 11

Shopping relieves stress and makes me feel good, when I shop I’m able to change up my outfits.” Ashley Iliades, 12

No, I am a very impatient person. I hate walking all around. When I see something I like I buy it quick and get out.” Sahara Holly, 12

No, I never go shopping. My mom is usually the one to buy the clothes for me.” Elliot Morgan, 11

Anthropologie “Arslan sweater coat”

→

Shopping SMART

Getting new clothes is fun, I like to show them off at school.”

→

When student expenses rise with car and college funds cheaper alternatives can be chosen for clothes, all while maintaing the same great style.

.99

$198

MURMUR NEWS 20 September 2013

Marshalls “designer pea-coat” $44.99

Opinion

Prime time W BY CHRIS HABBA chrishabba@waterforddrift.com

alking into a physical retail store is a thing of the past as online retail is dominating the world one step at a time. Amazon’s CEO Jeff Bezos recently unveiled in an episode of 60 Minutes that the future of shipping will not only lie in the sky, but be carried by robotic drones. The new service would be called Amazon Prime Air, and in an estimated four to five years the packages ordered by Amazon customers could arrive on what Amazon is calling a Drone. Drones are octo-copters which have eight blades and are completely controlled using

Up, up, and away. The Amazon “PrimeAir” drone consists of eight propellers which will possibly deliver your packages in less than thirty minutes in the near future. Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

Amazon plans to change the way we shop forever with items from online to your porch in 30 minutes

GPS. These drones are designed to carry packages five pounds or less and deliver them right to shoppers’ door step within a half hour of placing the order. Amazon claims that one day the Amazon Prime Air vehicles will be as normal as seeing mail trucks on the road today. I like the idea but am also curious to see the logistics behind this plan. The company currently offers free two day shipping when customers subscribe to an Amazon Prime account for $79 per year and as a subscriber customers also get the opportunity to pay only $3.99 per item to get next day delivery.

Urban Outfitters “Frye Arkansas lace-up ankle boot” 9

.9 $169

As an avid Amazon shopper myself, I enjoy all the great benefits my Amazon Prime account has to offer me. I frequently use my two day shipping benefits whether I’m buying a t-shirt or a new TV and I am the type of person that wants my stuff as quickly as possible. If this all comes together it will change the way people shop forever, however, there’s a lot of things to take into account when thinking about Prime Air. First off, excessive shopping could become an issue. Amazon works by storing customers credit card information so the checkout process is easy and simple. Cus-

Nike “n98 Track jacket” $150

Old Navy “Men’s active wear”

DSW “Combat boots”

$17.50

$35.99 w

WaterfordDrift.com

tomers can at any time checkout without ever re-typing the magic numbers that have to ability to drain their bank account blind. Another issue would be robbery. People are stealing from inside houses, what will stop them from stealing that brand new package they just saw dropping down on someone’s front door. With such a bizarre concept it’s hard to say if Amazon can really pull through, but taking into account the seriousness of their CEO I think they’re able to do it. Amazon Prime Air will change shopping forever, though only time will tell if it’s for the better or worse.

20 September 2013

Profile

Y m OOD rift.co EL W aterfordd H C A BY R oody@w lw rache

From

i b o ed t

od hildho c e v i at er neg outcome h s e s y ngle u traordinar E y t s i ex hr cher C roduce an a e t to p How nces e i r e exp

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ehind room 403 exists an environment full of laughter and learning. Leading the room is Christy Engle, teacher/movie star. Engle was recently cast in a role in “The Bully Chronicles”. Growing up was a tough task for Engle, a troubled family life surpringsly related to the movie she was a part of. “My life was not always easy,” Engle said. “My parents divorced when I was six, my dad was an awful alcoholic who continually lost his jobs, and we grew up pretty poor.” While her step-dad was smoking weed daily, treating the family like dirtbags, and creating an awful living environment, Engle finally expressed her anger with the situation and got kicked out of the house at just 14 years old. “By October of my tenth grade year, I was shipped off to my dad’s for a few weeks, and then off to live with my alcoholic aunt and uncle in Bad Axe, MI.”

n e e r g sc

‘

Engle said. Adjusting to her new life was a challenge. Engle faced bullying as a daily routine. “It was tough,” Engle said. “Kids were really rude to me. I was ostracized for being new, and ridiculed on a daily basis for being different.” As Engle’s resentment grew, her hope for a better life grew along with it. “I cried every night before bed,” Engle said. “I wondered many times why it had to be this way,” Engle said. She knew deep down that with the proper tools of knowledge and understanding that she could one day get out of the hell called home she was residing in. Although Engle went through an enormous amount of pain, she was influenced by all of the mean, controlling and arrogant people she interacted with throughout her childhood. “They taught me what not to be,” Engle said. “Thank you, Jerks!” Looking back, Engle said she was clearly was suffering from depression, but there was hope. Engle quickly learned that sometimes self motivation is all you have. “Self-help and motivational books assisted in my growth as well.” Engle said. In her film, Engle takes a role that acts as the mom of a bully. She can use her past experiences from when she herself was bullied to understand the part. “Most of my experiences with bullying took place in the high school halls,” Engle

said. “I took my inspiration for playing the role of the bullying mother by capturing the essence of what I hated.” “I studied controlling people and incorporated their hatred into my character.” Enlgle is nothing like the character she played, therefore she had to study others to truly get into her character. “After filming I was depressed for about two weeks,” Engle said. “I dont care what people say, being bad feels bad.” Engle never had her parents’ support throughout the hardships she experienced in her life. “My parents weren’t there.,” Engle said. “Not one iota. I did it all alone. Nobody came to my open houses, parent-teacher conferences, or sporting events. Nobody cooked us meals. I lived on Doritos, Pepsi, and bologna.” Although she did it alone, Engle realized that self motivtion and a postive attitude are the best weapons you can have against the bullies of the world. “Adopting a positive attitude has been instrumental in overcoming obstacles. It, like education, is another powerful weapon.” Engle said. Christy Engle is living proof that your circumstances do not define who you are. Her life experiences have taught her that she has more power within herself than anyone could have ever taught her. “In a nutshell, life is short and sometimes very difficult, but you have the power to overcome all of its obstacles,” Engle said. “Be a dreamer. Stay positive. You create your reality. Make it good!”

MURMUR NEWS 20 December 2013

Feature

How did you pass AP?

A breakdown of how the AP minds got through some of the hardest classes offered

BY KRISTIN WARHOLAK kristinwarholak@waterforddrift.com

itting in class and furiously scribbling down the words the teacher is saying might sound familiar to certain students. Some will go home after a tough day just to study for the huge test they have the next day. These classes are graded on a 5.0 scale, so in that circumstance, a B is acceptable for some. For these frequently called “over-achievers” there are around a dozen of these challenging classes to take. And a couple hundred students are taking them. This is college level. These are AP students. “Taking an AP class is really hard, but I’m glad I took it,” junior Mallory Verch said. “I like the challenge.” AP stands for Advanced Placement and these classes are graded on a 5.0 scale. If you achieve the seemingly impossible, and grasp an A in an AP class, you will get a 5.0 averaged into your GPA. AP classes can also count for college credits, but with a catch. An AP student has to take a college level exam and achieve a specific score (which varies for each college) in order to get the credit. Simply taking the class will prepare you for college, but you won’t gain the credit. “Students should take AP classes because it’s beneficial and it gets you at a faster rate,” senior Cassie Mistrzak said. “I’m not gonna lie, though; they are difficult.” The difficulty in AP classes comes in many forms. Not only do AP students have to work hard in class, but they have to spend tons of “homework time” studying and reading. “The work-load is a lot more than I’ve ever been used to in the past

Gou Oishi

Jenni Renas

Matt Okaiye

Mallory Verch

Nate Holsworth

Amanda Juntunen

Lauren Tewes

Rachel Cruz

Josh Alicea

WaterfordDrift.com 20 December 2013

pass AP?

How’d you

Cassie Mistrzak

and I’m expected to be more independent because the teachers don’t help you as much,” junior Courtney Thomas said. “There is a lot of reading in AP.” Some students have different opinions on the difficulty of AP classes. While they know that focusing and studying is essential, they didn’t feel that they had to devote 40 weeks of their life to a book. “AP classes are kind of hard, but they’re not as hard as you’d imagine them to be,” junior Jenni Renas said. “You do get a lot of homework that takes forever to do though, and you have to pay attention.” Other AP students have a different opinion. Some people will go home and spend a good chunk of their free time, studying. “I try to read the sections we learned in class every night,” sophomore Chris Thompson said. “I study for two to three hours on Sunday nights because I always have a test on Monday. It’s just a lot of studying and reading.” Some students believe that certain AP classes are easier than others. Senior Gou Oishi believes that students should only take AP classes that benefit their college career. “Not all AP classes are necessary,” Oishi said. “Some are irrelevant for what you’re going into so you should only take what will help your future. Don’t just take them because you’re interested in the subject.” AP classes for some are “rip-your-hair out” classes, but for others, they are the equivalent of an honors class. AP classes are a challenge for most students, but many students realize the benefits of it and endure the struggle.

Feature

BY JOSHUA MARKO joshuamarko@waterforddrift.com

Sleeping Fever Cold weather affects all aspects of students’ abilities to focus in school

ummer days are sunny and warm, but as winter and fall make their way into Waterford, days become dark and cold. Along with the weather and seasons, students’ mental states tend to decrease as they tend to sleep in past when their alarm clock tells them to and arrive late to first hour. Knowing that you have to get up before dawn and go out into the cold puts your mind in a place where you may ask yourself, “Why can’t I just lay here all day long?” “It is unexplainable to have to wake up so early in the morning,” junior Zachary Percival said. “I find it really annoying to follow the same routine everyday.” A poll taken by students here at Kettering shows that bad weather affects their performance in many ways. Grades are more likely to drop, kids are more likely to catch a sickness and miss school, and kids’ attitudes towards teachers and classmates are at their worst. Something about looking outside day after day and seeing pouring rain or several feet of snow does something to students’ moods.

All of us have been in a classroom when a big clap of thunder strikes and most of the class stops listening to the lesson, and one conversation begins throughout the entire class. Or when the first sprinkle of snow drops, it only takes one student to look out the window for the entire class to join in. Teachers can also see how bad weather affects their students. “I do think that during the holidays, students tend to slack more often,” said English teacher Sandra Pylvainen. “I notice that they are more excited about the holidays which makes it difficult for them to settle down in school.” Outdoor distractions are not the only problem when it comes to students slacking in school. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a real syndrome in which people lack exposure to the sunlight in cold seasons, which makes them depressed. “I have to miss school from time to time because I can’t even function in the morning, ” sophomore Ciara Marhle said. “Sometimes I go to bed at 6 pm and I am still exhausted when I have to get up for school.” People with this syndrome, and some who do not even have it, feel less happy during cold seasons. Multiple doctors have tried different ideas to cure this syndrome, and the most effective cure that has been claimed to work is anti-depressants. The winter season for most families is all about joy and laughter in the snow, but for many high school s t u dents a decrease in activity level and learning experience occurs.

The Early Birds 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00

What time do you wake up for school? Survey taken of 20 students

5:30 5:30 5:30

5:30 5:30 0 5:3

5:00 5:00

Teacher Mike Roemensky

Teacher Meredith

“I get up extra early in the morning because I like to excersice, and when it is early, nobody is really in the gym.”

“I get up extra early in the morning because my threemonth-old baby is always hungry.”

MURMUR NEWS 20 December 2013

Montgomery

To Infinity and

Feature

Beyond

An up-close look at room 210’s most popular classmate BY ALEXEA HANKIN alexeahankin@waterforddrift.com

hrough the Grumpy Cat adorned doorway of room 210, in a classroom filled with decorative rubber chickens of every personality, sits Monica Bandlow. She’s otherwise known to juniors and seniors as the teacher of much revered subjects of Precalculus and AP Calculus. Within the last few months, the students of Mrs. Bandlow have seen many oddities within room 210: Chanting in unison “thou shalt not divide by zero;” posters that exclaim things like “I like math, it makes people cry;” Bandlow’s weird obsession with rubber chickens. They’ve seen it all. But now, there’s a new addition to Bandlow’s room. Infinity Faster. No, that’s not some weird math joke. I’m referring to room 210’s most well-known companion: Bandlow’s pet turtle. Some time ago, a student informed Mrs. Bandlow of a turtle they’d found in a dumpster. She took that turtle in, but she’s resting at home. Word got out that Bandlow had rescued a turtle, and another student in possession of a turtle they didn’t want asked Bandlow if she’d take that one in as well. Grudgingly, she said yes. “Bandlow’s the most caring person you’ll ever meet,” said Andrew Knuuti, Algebra teacher. “She will never turn anything away.” This has been confirmed. “I’m a big sucker for animals,” Bandlow said.

‘

But she wasn’t always positive about keeping the turtle. “When I went to the pet store and they told me it was going to be about $200 [to take care of the turtle] I was like nope,” Bandlow said. “And here I am, about $200 later into a turtle.” When inquired about the name, Bandlow shed a little light: Infinity Faster is a joke between her and her Calc students. “The students were working with infinity, but couldn’t understand the concept of infinity and infinity quicker, so it became infinity faster,“ Bandlow said. “Her nickname is just Infinity.” One of the most beloved aspects of Bandlow’s class pet is that Infinity does not just stay in her tank all day. Bandlow lets the turtle roam freely around classes at certain periods of the day and allows students to pick her up and play with her. “When I got her, she was overweight from being in too small of a tank,” Bandlow said. “So I do it because it lets her get exercise. I also had to put her on a diet.” Though, as high schoolers go, they’re a very off-task bunch. One has to wonder, does it affect how much her students pay attention in class? “She’s definitely a distraction, I’ll give you that,” Bandlow said, laughing. “But the kids love her. They really do.” And at the end of the day, maybe that’s all that matters.

What the students think...

Bandlow’s turtle is super fly.’ CAM HALLS, 11

‘

It’s cool, but I’m afraid I’m going to step on it.’

CHRIS MILNER, 12

WaterfordDrift.com

20 September 2013

ister ISTER

Feature

Not only sisters, but best friends. Emily and Taylor DeRousse find themselves closer than ever.

BY LEXI BRADY alexisbrady@waterforddrift.com

s we turn the pages of our teenage lives, we are finding out that some days are simply harder than others. Family issues, back-stabbing best friends, broken hearts and failed tests; we’ve all been there. But, thankfully, we don’t have to go through these trials alone. Freshman Emily DeRousse and senior Taylor DeRousse are lucky enough to have a best friend and sister wrapped into one. “It’s an amazing feeling,” Emily said. “Taylor is not only my sister, but she’s like my other half.” Fortunately for Emily, Taylor shares mutual feelings for her younger sister. “It’s freaking awesome. I couldn’t be luckier,” Taylor said. “Honestly, I don’t know what I would do without Emily. She is my world and I would do anything for her.” About three years ago, the sisters were told some devastating news. “In 6th grade my parents told us that they were having problems and that my dad was moving out,” Emily said. “And that was hard.” “Sometimes it felt like we lived out of my car and we were just visiting our houses,” Taylor said. “Taylor and I needed each other the most because it seemed like we didn’t have a mom and dad at the time- they were going through so much too,” Emily said. Thankfully through all the hard times, the girls had each other to rely on. “Emily is always there when I need something,” Taylor said. “It’s like we have telepathy because we always know what the other is thinking and feeling and it’s really nice to have her to lean on.” Taylor must have been reading Emily’s mind because she feels the same way as well. “Taylor really helps me keep my head up when I’m down on myself,” Emily said. “She knows more about me than anyone else.

It’s great having her around.” When the divorce was finalized last year, the DeRousse sisters realized that they have created an unbreakable bond with each other that will last a lifetime. “Today, Emily and I go back and forth from my mom’s house to my dad’s,” Taylor said. “So we really do only have each other.” Now that the girls are attending school together they have the chance to get even closer. “I like having Taylor here at school with me because if I don’t know something she can help me because she’s been there longer and knows more,” Emily said. “Because Emily is my best friend, having her in the same school really helps me get through the day,” Taylor said. “I always have her right by my side, I can always count on Emily to cheer me up.” From the days in the crib, to high school, these girls have gone through everything together and it’s done nothing but pull them closer and help their relationship grow. “There’s always those days where we just don’t get along, but it’s only for a day,” Emily said. “I feel like we’re just one person in two different bodies,” Taylor said. “It’s nice because whatever happens, I know she’s always going to be there.” Emily and Taylor DeRousse are sisters by fate, and friends by choice.

Q & A with Michelle Harness

Are you able to see first hand the girls bond in the classroom? “Yes. Taylor seems to look after her sister, Emily, and they really seem to enjoy eachother’s company. They’re very supportive of eachother.” Have you ever seen siblings as close as Taylor and Emily before? “It’s a rare thing. At this age there’s a lot of sibling rivalry, but I don’t see that happening a lot with the two of them.”

MURMUR NEWS 20 December 2013 2013

Lights on Lukas Lukas Jacob’s journey to being a star

Profile

BY JANELLE SANTACRUZ janellesantacruz@waterforddrift.com

oud powerful words rush out of his mouth as he speaks to his fellow cast members, “Come on guys, energy, energy!” Bouncing up and down, taking deep breaths, fixing the chord to his microphone with only seconds before the band down in the pit starts to play the opening number, Lukas Jacob takes a step onto the stage. “I remember coming to Kettering in third grade to audition for what I thought was a talent show,” Jacob said. “It turns out it wasn’t a talent show, but really auditions for ‘Francis Little Bear Woman’ and it was the opening for the new auditorium and the first production in it.” Jacob did not have the lead but he had a minor part and was very happy with it, as you think any third grader would be after getting a role. “Since I’ve known him, I’ve know he’s liked acting.” Junior Rebecca Loden said. Throughout the years, Jacob’s love for music grew more and more. In fifth grade Lukas started to play the flute, and this was the way he’d be able to start playing saxaphone once he got into middle school. As a freshman, Jacob auditioned for a James Franco movie, but did not get the part. “I actually met James Franco, it was awesome,” Jacob said. This is his senior year, and he has accomplished many things. Luka’s plate is full being in chamber choir, theatre, and a drum major. “My parents and the Kettering faculty really help me,” He said. “They’re what inspires me to keep moving forward.” Jacob plans to study theatre and film for his minor, then transfer to a different college and get a masters in the medical field, though he has not decided where to go yet. “I’ve been thinking about studying radiology,” Jacob said. “But whatever comes my way would work.”

WaterfordDrift.com

Jacob is also a role model to many underclassmen. “He’s a great person to look up to,” freshman Joseph Haynes said. “I met him when I started band and ever since then I like to think of him as my brother. “ There’s a lot more to him than you may know. “I think my will to succeed kind of sets me apart from other people,” Jacob’s said. “Everything I’m trying to do in highschool effects what I want to do for the rest of my life.”

My parents and the Kettering faculty really help me. they’re what inspires me to keep moving forward. LUKAS JACOB, 12

20 December 2013

Feature

Rebel with a cause BY BRIDGET EKIS bridgetekis@waterforddrift.com

Individuals speak up against what is putting them down

kidding to a stop, carving snow out from beneath his skate, freshman Theo Geotee sparks an idea in his head. Pausing practice, Geotee mentions a hockey play that he thinks will work to his coach. Rejecting Geotee’s offer, coach instructs him to conAgainst the grain. Freshman tinue with Theo Geotee has gone against the play his coach in hope of a better he said to do originally, also hinting to Geotee that he shouldn’t bring it up again unless he wanted trouble. Angered, Geotee knew that this play would work since he used it in prior games, but according to his coach he was wrong. Geotee stuck to his guns and continued to voice his opinion on the play he had mentioned, but to his disadvantage, he was benched for three minutes in the game the following day after practice for his incessant pestering. High school students, have a lot of responsibilities. With these responsibilities come a variety of rules and regulations. Bosses, teachers, coaches and other forms of authority are always in students ears telling them what to do every minute of every day. Just like in Geotee’s experience we don’t always agree with what they have cut out for us.

“In order to get what you want in life, you have to break some rules,” freshman Sydney Spurlock said. Many would agree to Spurlock’s opinion, where would life be if we didn’t have rule breakers? Rules are made for a reason, and they also have to be broken for a reason as well. “I would break a rule to make a change, but not just to simply disobey,” senior Lauren Kozlowski said. Furthermore, people feel obligated to break a rule when they are unhappy with a situation, or they feel offended by a restriction. “When the rule or restriction gets involved with my personal bubble, then I know that I have to do something about it,” said Kozlowski. Now these types of views may not apply to everyone. As for athletes, they don’t always have this same sort of freedom to go lollygagging about how they feel to their coach. Geotee’s example was a demonstration of this. Other athletes have similar opinions to just like Geotee. “Sometimes I don’t like the plays my coach makes because I feel like they are to centered to the right or left,” said freshman Jimmy McFadden. McFadden doesn’t like the plays his coach makes, but that doesn’t give him the freedom to tell the coach what to do. “If I were to tell my coach I don’t like something I think I would be punished for speaking out against his idea,” said McFadden. Many people like McFadden feel silenced under their coach’s rule, and punishments don’t make good impressions on coaches so athletes try their best to hush up. Athletes are trained to go by their coaches rule, and whatever the coach says goes, but at home it’s a whole new ball game. “I don’t always make the best rules as a par-

Involving history

‘

ent,” David Hiatt, U.S History teacher and father of two said. “I want my kids to tell me if they feel that a rule is truly unfair.” With each rule that is made there is always two sides: the rule maker side, and the rule follower side. As Hiatt said, he doesn’t always make the best rules as a parent; just like Hannah Montana said back in 2007 “Nobody’s Perfect.” “I don’t go against my parents rules because in the end I’ll probably be grounded,” sophomore Tony Navarro said. Many teens wonder if there’s ever room to compromise on a parent’s decision. Hiatt votes yes, but Navarro thinks otherwise. “I try to talk things out with my parents, but it usually doesn’t work because they are set on their ways,” said Navarro. Many teens feel obligated to hush up when consequences are involved with their actions. But that doesn’t mean they all do. “Whenever I go against the rules for a reason there is either one of two outcomes that comes along with it,” junior Kakuan Williams said. “If the outcome is good in the situation and actually beneficial then I feel pretty good, but if the outcome takes a turn for the worse I feel pretty immature about the decision I had just made,” said Williams. Williams takes risks in order to get what he thinks he deserves. He takes into consideration the results of his actions, but still follows through with them anyway knowing there could be good or bad. Breaking regulations has its ups and downs. Sometimes one is muted by authority, while other times one is influenced by their own thoughts. “Going against my coach made me angry and disappointed in myself,” Geotee said. “I learned that in life you should take in what someone says and really think about it.”

History teachers at WKHS voice their opinion on figures who helped influence U.S history by going against the rules.

Nelson Mandela was very successful. Even though he was in prison for a long period of time, he still came out on top to become South Africa’s leader.’

Mike Roemensky

MUMUR

‘

Rosa Parks is an important figure in U.S history, and she shows that people shouldn’t be pushed around.’

MURMUR NEWS 20 December 2013

Kyle Sharrard

True meanings

happy togetherness

prayers

faith

Junior Joshua Schwimmer sums up Hanukkah in seven words

presents

of the culture in which we live, while at the same time being able to admit all of the bad things. “I do believe that people have lost the point of Hanukkah,” junior Joshua Schwimmer said. “They get tunnel vision on the newest electronics that they are blinded from the true meanings on why they are receiving these gifts in the first place.” While celebrating a different holiday during December, Junior Naomi Smith also understands and embraces what Christmas is all about. “When Christmas is brought up, I think of celebration mostly, both of Jesus and the holidays aside from the religious aspect of it,” Smith said. With religion aside sophomore Michael Groat believes the holidays are more of a bonding experience with your loved ones rather than just getting presents from them. “In my opinion holidays are about spending time with your family and friends, we think of them by getting presents and new things which is okay,” Groat said. “I’m not saying we should stop getting things, just stop being so greedy.” After all the turkey’s been eaten, every present has been unwrapped, and all the dreidels have been spun students dig deep to understand what’s really being celebrated on their own holidays.

hope

ost students at Kettering get excited over Thanksgiving because of the food, and they think of presents when Christmas is brought up. As the years go on, people start to forget why the holidays are even here in the first place. “I believe our generation is confused about what the meaning of holidays are,” junior Alena Sauro said. “I feel we make everything about us, and that’s not what it should be about.” Most Christians would agree that Christmas is supposed to be about celebrating Jesus’s birth. Some may say it’s the time of the year where families come together and spend time with each other. Senior Sahara Holly believes that Christmas is more than an excuse to get presents. “I do think that this generation has lost the true meaning of Christmas,” Holly said. “Now it’s all about getting, not about giving or about family and being together like it used to be.” Christmas is not the only holiday that people tend to take advantage of. sophomore Meghan Secaur voices a common perspective on Thanksgiving. “I believe that most people think of Thanksgiving as a day to eat a lot of food, with myself included,” Secaur said. While families stuff their face with turkey and mashed potatoes it’s hard to say they exactly know where the holiday was originated. “Thanksgiving is supposed to be about being grateful for what we have and who we get to share it with,” Secaur Said. Towards the end of every year junior, Joshua Schwimmer prepares for Hanukkah with his family, all while taking in the true meaning of dedication for his religion. Hanukkah is supposed to teach the Jewish religion that they need to be grateful for the good parts

look hard to find the true meanings of their own holidays.

wonderful

BY JULIE DENNIS Students juliedennis@waterforddrift.com

Feature

‘

Christmas is supposed to be a religious holiday. We celebrate it for the presents, me included.”

Meghan Secaur, 10

WaterfordDrift.com 20 December 2013

Half the h lidays Feature

Having divorced parents takes a toll on a student’s Christmas BY SARAH MURPHY sarahmurphy@waterforddrift.com

h, the holidays. A time when siblings build snowmen in their front yards while their mother brews hot chocolate inside. Stockings are hung over fireplaces, and trees are wrapped with Christmas lights. Letters are sent to Santa in mass quantities, and gifts begin to pile up beneath the Christmas tree. These are the times we spend with our families, laughing and talking over the past year. But in today’s society, families rarely spend Christmas as happy and whole as the Hallmark cards suggest. Many families spend Christmas running from one house to the next. This is especially true with divorced families. “I go to four or five different houses to celebrate Christmas,” junior Shelby Thompson said. “On Christmas Eve I go to my grandpa and step-grandma’s house- my mom’s parents are also divorced and remarried. Then we usually go to whoever has Christmas that year in our family and celebrate with everyone. Then we go to my aunt’s or back to our house to celebrate with the family. Then on Christmas day we celebrate with just the four of us in the household, then I go to my stepgrandpa’s side of the family.”

Christmas is supposed to be a chance to gether, they can weigh even more heavily on relax and spend time with family- peace on a heart. Earth, goodwill towards men, all that jazz- but “Christmas, to me, is more about spending with the chaos that can come with divorced time with family and seeing how big of a smile parents, Christmas becomes a whole different you can put on their faces,” Boley said. “But song and dance. with the divorce I’m not as happy or excited, “It does kind of change the meaning of because one way or the other one of my parChristmas,” Thompson ents isn’t there to see the said. “Because it’s literWith the divorce I’m not as smiles and joy brought to ally the happiest holihappy or excited, because each other.” day. Why can’t my own Senior Mario Devito has one way or the other one father take an hour or a different view on how his of my parents isn’t there to parents’ divorce has affecttwo from his life to visit me? The holidays are all ed his holiday season. see the smiles and joy we about being with fam“The divorce hasn’t bring to each other.” ily.” changed anything about my JACOB BOLEY, 11 Thompson’s parents Christmas,” Devito said. “We have been divorced just have more one-on-one since she was about time with each parent. The seven, and with the divorce rate in America as only change is their own little touches on the high as 40-50%, she is far from alone. holiday.” “I live with my dad and my mom lives right Every situation is different, but regardless of up the street,” junior Jacob Boley said. “It’s still what yours is, family is still family. kind of hard because I don’t get to see her “My parents do the best that they can and much.” make do with what they have,” Devito said. Divorces are always rough, but at a time “We are still the same family, just separated by when families are supposed to be coming to- house.”

‘

40 out

100

Kett stu ering den ts sur veyed have ced divor pare nts

MURMUR NEWS 20 December 2013

Meet the players Sports

BY KRISTIN WARHOLAK kristinwarholak@waterforddrift.com

Justin Bo n Sophomo ner re Jon Scarber Senior Number : 42 : Point Guard/ ion sit Po d oo Sh ting Guar Height: 5’8’’ Weight: 175

liam n Wil KakuaJunior

5 d/ ber : 2 Num ll For war a m S : d r n a io u Posit ooting G ’’ Sh ht: 6’3 Heig t: 225 h Weig

Eddie In glsb Senior ee Number: 22 Position: Po wer Forward Height: 6’2’ ’ Weight: 19 0

Number: 55 Position: Cent er Height: 6’3’’ Weight: 185

The Boys Varsity Basketball team started out the season with a 2-1 record with victories against Hartland and Birmingham Groves. Hover over each player individually with your smartphone’s Aurasma App to view a custom profile video.

n inso h Stor a o N Seni

Seth Terry Junior Number : 11 ard Position: Forw Height: 6’2’’ Weight: 175

s Master Jordan nior Ju er : 44 Numb r ward/ Fo : n Positio nter Ce t: 6’2’’ Heigh 155 t: h Weig

4 ber : rd Num For wa : n ’’ io 5 t ’ i 6 s Po ht: Heig ht: 165 g i e W

Jacob Netschke Sophomore Number : 20 Position: Guard Height: 6’0’’ Weight: 150

Lucas Serow Junior oky

ebb Juan W r io n Ju

Number : 32 Position: Center Height: 6 ’5’’ Weight: 1 90

er : 12 d Numb t Guar P n: oin Positio ht: 5’11’’ Heig t: 180 Weigh

MURMUR NEWS 20 December 2013

Noah Jutis Senior Number : 3 Guard Position: Point Height: 5’8’’ Weight: 135

Sports

(Flag) Football

Penalty calls in the NFL regarding quarterbacks are beyond excessive

BY LUCAS HENDRICKS lucashendricks@waterforddrift.com

s I watched the Lions play Tampa Bay, Matthew Stafford took a light hit from a Tampa Bay defensive player. The hit wasn’t even on purpose as the defender got pushed into Stafford after the throw. A penalty was assessed for targeting Stafford’s head, giving Detroit 15 yards and an automatic first down on what should have been an incomplete pass. As a Lions fan I should have been pleased with this call, but as a fan of football I was upset. Officials are trained to call hits like this penalties, protecting the quarterback way more than he should be protected. This wasn’t the only case where a call has been too protective of players. Calls against “defenseless” wide receivers are made almost every game. A wide receiver is never defenseless in my mind as long as he is wearing protective gear. The most outrageous part of this whole thing is the fact that the players are not fighting back. The NFL will slowly die out if these rules keep getting worse and the players sit back and accept

ut of

BOUNDS

them. Fines are being handed out left and right for players putting everything out on the field and trying their hardest, while some quarterbacks get paid millions to sit back and practically play flag football. To clarify the rule, a defensive player cannot hit a quarterback after he has released the ball, a defensive player cannot target the head or neck of a quarterback and a defensive player cannot hit a defenseless offensive player. “I don’t think I’m ever defenseless on the field. But you can’t hit [quarterbacks] too low, you can’t hit him too high, you can’t hit him too hard, don’t slam him too hard, don’t touch his helmet, don’t hit his arm. Play football,” Miami Dolphins defensive lineman Cameron Wake said in an interview with espn.com. The NFL is already making moves with helmets that offer max protection, so why should they make moves towards more safety when strides have already been made? It’s a series of questionable unnecessary moves that make you wonder if commissioner Roger Goodell is sane. With the outrageous fines he has given some of the players and coaches I would believe the contrary. The NFL has reached its lowest and highest points in protecting players today. The safety of the equipment has come a long way but the penalties are being called too often. I believe changes need to be made so the protection of the quarterbacks in the league doesn’t get any more corrupt than it already is.

Athletes of the month Junior Kenny Overall and Senior Abbey Bernas are the top performing athletes from WKHS in the month of December

al l

Fo wa rd

BY LUCAS HENDRICKS lucashendricks@waterforddrift.com

KENNY OVERALL Varsity hockey

ABBEY BERNAS Varsity basketball

BE Y BE AB

ER AT W

RA O VE Y N N KE

Overall has played varsity hockey for three years and he is the captain of the team. Overall was featured on the cover of Michigan Hockey Magazine.

ER AT W

MURMUR NEWS 20 December 2013

Bernas won all tourment player at one of her tournaments. In the first game of the season Bernas also got a doubledouble, 10 rebounds and 13 points.

Br ea kin g th e iC e

Sports

Two rival schools join forces to make one united hockey team. BY TIFFANY MOUNTAIN tiffanymountain@waterforddrift.com

Blades glide across the ice arena. The sound of the hockey sticks hitting the puck echo off the walls, while insults are being thrown around and students scream, “you wish you were a captain!” Waterford Kettering is playing its town cross rival, Mott. Fast forward to the 2014 season; these two squads are not only getting along but they’ve united to form one team. This year Kettering and Mott will be sharing more than the ice. They are combining their strengths, their spirits, and their fans. “I think it will help the two schools get along a bit better,” junior Waterford United Captain Ken Overall said. Though it might have been a struggle to become one team, some friendships between the rivals had already begun years before. “Last year on the ice you would have seen a bunch of guys trying to kill each other, but off the ice, some of us were already great friends,” Overall said. As smooth as riding a bike, the two teams formed friendships and began working together within a few short practices. “There wasn’t much of a division to be honest,” Overall said. “We clicked right from the start.” With a new team comes new plays and new perspectives. As coaches from both schools unite, they begin to combine their strengths and work on their weaknesses to form an unbeatable team. Candace Sereno, whose son Chase plays forward for Waterford United, agrees that this year the team will face new challenges together. “All of their hard work will force a very strong bond to get them through the ups and downs. Win or lose they will be a stronger and closer team,” Sereno said. With two amazing schools cheering behind them, students watch as Waterford United Hockey becomes something then township has have never seen before. “Everyone likes to watch a good hockey game and see their team win, and that’s our goal,” Overall said. “To win together and represent Waterford schools and athletics.” Though the journey might not be easy, the effort will be there from both Kettering and Mott players. “The best thing for us to do is play our best and work hard all

three periods of the game,” senior captain Chase Sereno said. The work each player puts in to help Waterford United Hockey thrive takes time and dedication. “We spend everyday of the week training and practicing so we can be the best team we can possibly be,” Sereno said. ‘We train on and off the ice.” While putting effort on the ice, the coaches watch as the team combines together so quickly. “They’re working together and becoming a united team instead of two separate schools,” Coach Mike Roemensky said. “It’s definitely a competition, but it’s good competition.” As we watch Waterford United Hockey improve, it’s the students’ choice whether or not they will take advantage of this opportunity to form an amazing fan base. “It’s always great to have a big crowd of fans at our games,” Sereno said. “ It pushes us because we want to show you guys how good we really are.” Though it might be difficult for the two schools to cheer together, showing their support to the players on the ice will help represent Waterford and the new team they share. “I feel putting these two teams together is better for both schools,” Sereno said. “From the start it was something we all had to get used to, but now we have become such a big family.” This year Kettering and Mott players are looking past their differences, teaming up, and scoring as many goals as they can.

WaterfordDrift.com

Two schools, one team, we stand united, we skate united, we are united.’ -Ken Overall, 11 20 December 2013

Opinion

Saved by the

BELgian

What you’ll need:

6 cups of flour 3.5 sticks of butter 1/2 cup yeast 3 eggs and 2 egg yolks 10 oz warm milk 5 bags vanilla sugar 2.5 cups white sugar 2 teaspoons cinnamon

oreign exchange student Luca Gironi shares his favorite holiday dessert from back in Belgium. “My hometown of Liege, Belgium is the only place where you can find such a delicious cinnamon waffle,” Gironi said.

Instructions:

Make the dough with every 1. ingredient except the butter and sugar. Let stand 30 minutes.

the softened butter into the 2. Stir dough then also add your sugar. your dough into fist sized 3. Divide portions and place in your waffle iron.

your waffles for three min4. Cook utes. Let cool until they’re safe to eat, enjoy!

WaterfordDrift.com

20 December 2013