North Pointe, Vol. 49, Issue 4 - Nov. 9, 2016

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ON CAMPUS PAGE 4 Students prepare food for the Sunrise bake sale.

NORTH

KATIE LINK

POINTE

GROSSE POINTE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 9, 2016

SI NC E 1968

Waterford Township opposes refugee resettlement amid country-wide controversy By Alex Harring, Lindsey Ramsdell & Sofia Ketels EDITORS & STAFF REPORTER

When sophomores Hasan and Hussain Ali moved to the United States from Syria in November, 2011, it was easy for them to find a home in Grosse Pointe. However, it wasn’t until the brothers were fully integrated into the U.S. that the unexpected happened. The Syrian Civil

War, now in it’s fifth year, began. “It was just getting started in small cities, and then it started escalating over time,” Hussain said. “I was little, so I was like, ‘It’ll go away over time,’ but then it started getting worse.” For other Syrian immigrants seeking a place in the U.S., this process has gotten tougher. Waterford Township, a community in Oakland County, passed a resolution on Monday, Oct. 24 stating that the township

SPORTS - PAGE 11

If you care about something so much you are willing to do anything to succeed, that’s dedication. That’s something to admire. @thenorthpointe www.northpointenow.org

VOLUME 49 | ISSUE 4

wants to abstain from participating in the federal Refugee Resettlement Program. Although this measure has no legal backing, its purpose is to make known the city officials’ stance on the refugee situation. “The board passed a resolution that said they do not want to accept any refugees from Syria,” social studies teacher Dan Gilleran said. “The problem with all that is that it’s completely moot because the refugees are clearly a

SPORTS - PAGE 11 The football team dominated Lakeview High School Friday, Oct. 28, winning 49-7. KENNEDY WILLIAMS

Calendar... 2 News.......... 3

On Campus... 4 Life.................... 5-6

On Pointe... 7 Reviews.... 8

federal issue. So it’s a local government trying to take a stand trying to get their opinion out ... (a nd)let other people know, other politicians, state politicians, national politicians. So this is where we stand.”

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IDEAS - PAGE 7 I never looked up to any pro athletes because they seemed like some sort of unattainable goal. Editorial..... 9 In-Depth....10

Sports...11-12


2 – Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016 – North Pointe

NEWS

Refugee policy CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Because of the turmoil and terrorism in Syria, there has been an influx of immigrants seeking refuge in the U.S. and many other countries throughout the world. Until last month, Michigan had the greatest number of Syrian refugees in the nation. California just surpassed Michigan with 1,500. Southeastern Michigan is a popular destination for refugees. According to Gilleran, the large Middle Eastern population in Metro Detroit attracts lots of immigrants. Refugees often find themselves in Troy, Dearborn and Clinton Township after being successfully vetted through the government, according to the Detroit Free Press. The Department of State and Department of Homeland Security will then choose a location for the refugees to resettle by coordinating with nine national non-profit relocation organizations. According to the White House, for refugees to enter the U.S. for relocation, they must first undergo rigorous background checks and examinations. This begins with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees taking iris scans and interviewing all potential relocation candidates. Those deemed eligible move on to be interviewed by the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, the National Counterterrorism Center and the State Department. If they pass all background checks, they are examined by a doctor. Any potential refugee with a disease such as tuberculosis or other highly contagious diseases will be denied entry. Each potential refugee is checked against global terrorism databases to ensure no terrorists enter the U.S. As in depth as this process seems, the Waterford Township board of trustees believes it is inadequate to protect against terrorists entering their community. In protest of the resettlement program, the township passed the resolution stating that they will not actively partake in the the program until it is revised to protect citizens from a terrorist threat. But Waterford’s efforts carry no legal weight. The refugee resettlement program is completely controlled by the federal government, so states and local governments have no power over their participation in it. Gilleran said the township is just letting their opinions on the topic be heard by higher government offices. Kathy Jensen and Nancy Rieth teach English Learning, a district-wide program that helps students learn English as a second language. Most of their students are in exchange programs or are immigrants or refugees, like Hussain and Hasan, and some still speak their native languages at home. Over the course of their careers, Jensen and Rieth have worked with several refugee students, some of which hail from Syria. “Most of them do come from challenging backgrounds. I would say the majority of them do,” Jensen said. “Not this year, but we’ve had them in the last couple years from Syria.” Jensen said they have students of different nationalities year to year depending on what’s happening throughout the world, such as the refugee crisis. While Hussain cares about the severity of the war in Syria, he understands the fears of those in Waterford and the passage of the resolution.

ALEX HARRING

“I can see how it is a good idea,” he said. “There could be terrorists coming in acting as refugees, so I guess it’s good for the safety of the people.” Still, the situation is complicated. While he sees both sides of the argument, he still has family in Syria and doesn’t like the idea of them potentially being denied refugee status because of a scared government. “Of course I wouldn’t feel good about it,” he said. “(The war) is getting bigger, and I care about it because I still have family over there.” Contributing: Ritika Sanikommu

Anthropology students search for artifacts in Detroit By Michal Ruprecht ASSISTANT EDITOR

DIGGING IN THE D | Anthropology students dig in hopes of finding buried artifacts. “We got down and dirty in the mud, and (we got to) really dig up some of the old past of Detroit, so it was lots of fun,” senior Garrett Clark said.

DIGGING IN THE D | Students search for artifacts.

SHUFFLING | After digging, senior DJ Mattes searches through the dirt looking for artifcats.

ALL ABOARD | The former Michigan Central Station in Corktown Detroit, now known as Roosevelt Park, was the site of the dig.

Anthropology students dug deep into Detroit’s history-rich soil hoping to find artifacts that would paint a picture of the past. On Monday, Nov. 1, seven students joined the Wayne State University Anthropology department in its four-week-long dig at Roosevelt Park in Corktown, Detroit, home to the former Michigan Central Station. “Things went better than I actually expected,” social studies teacher Barry Mulso said. “It was a beautiful day. the kids had a great time.” During the 1830s-90s, many Irish households flourished in Corktown. However, after the decision to build a train station there, a large number of those dwellings were removed, leaving artifacts behind. By uncovering those remains, students were able to recreate life in Detroit back in the late 1800s. Senior Lily Adzigian’s father, who volunteers at the digs, helped Mulso organize the trip. Mulso has taken kids on digs before, but this one was different. “We originally thought that we were going just to go watch them do it,” he said. “The instructor of the class wanted to involve the students in the dig, which is really cool. We are literally having some hands-on experience with it.” Throughout the trip, students followed procedures that day-to-day anthropologists use to preserve artifacts they excavate. In addition, students explored physical and cultural anthropology. Both types gave students a comprehensive view of the field and what one would do as an anthropologist. This real-world experience aided senior Garrett Clark’s understanding of what a career in anthropology is really like. “We got down and dirty in the mud, and (we got to) really dig up some of the old past of Detroit, so it was lots of fun,” Clark said. “It (gave) me a better idea of what really being an anthropologist is like since I actually did some of the digging myself.” During the dig, students unearthed a variety of items,like bricks, goat bones and buttons, that helped them learn more about Detroit’s history. When Adzigian discovered artifacts, she was amazed by how much paperwork was required to document the location. “It was really interesting,” she said. “It’s more of being specific of how you find stuff, and you can’t just go and dig stuff, you have to go by layers, which was kind of a surprise, and then when you find something, you can’t immediately take it out. There’s a lot more paperwork than I originally thought.” By utilizing the fragments, students found out what people ate and owned in the past. This allowed them to further learn about the standard of living in that society. Mulso said this is a great way for students to experience what’s it like to piece together an anthropological puzzle to create a snapshot of Detroit’s past. “This is interesting stuff,” Mulso said. “As you dig down, you start to see the layers of life that have occurred on those locations overtime, and it is just like looking at a timeline. Through the stratification of the soil, you get to see what happened over time as well. As you dig deeper, obviously artifacts will get older, and at a certain point you’re going to stop seeing those. You kind of paint a picture (of) the history of the city in that area during that time frame.” After the trip, both Adzigian and Clark want to take an anthropology class in the future and wish to pursue it as a hobby. Since only half the class went on the trip, Mulso wants more students to go in future years because it is a rare opportunity. He also hopes to repeat the trip next year because he finds many students gain a passion for anthropology when they actually experience it. “Those real-world experiences usually translate into something solid, something concrete for people to kind of wrap their brains around,” he said. “I feel it’s my duty to kind of spur that interest and give them as much information as possible to figure out what they want to do. Contributing: Syeda Rizvi

ALL PHOTOS BY BARRY MULSO

LISTEN | Anthropology students gather around to listen to instructions on digging up artifacts from a Wayne State University Anthropology professor.


NEWS Chem Club students embark on hands-on experience Science teacher Steve Kosmas re-implemented Chem Club two years ago. His goal for the club is to combine both the understanding of chemistry and leadership in the classroom. Kosmas has been incorporating innovative learning opportunities for students at local science fairs and museums. Members are encouraged to learn all aspects of science and teach what they learned to younger students. Senior Ben Sliwinski has been a member of Chem Club for the past two years and not only enjoys what it has to offer, but also the opportunities it has provided him. “Right now my favorite part is that we are able to do research down at (University of Detroit) Mercy,” Sliwinski said. “A couple other Chem Club members and me are doing research at U of D Mercy for chemistry under their department chair.” Students were given the chance to work alongside Mark A. Benvenuto, a U of D Mercy professor. Three Chem Club members are able to work with Benvenuto and experience up front the impact science has on the world. The research the students are conducting focuses on testing coins and attempting to create a ligand, which is a molecule attached to a metal atom. With the use of high-tech equipment like x-ray fluorescence to determine what kind of elements coins contain, the project could ultimately result in the ability to remove metal that is in water. This would benefit relevant issues like the Flint water crisis.

North Pointe – Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016 – 3

Senior Ben Sosnowski joined Chem Club his junior year, following his passion for chemistry. As one of the three members who are conducting the research, Sosnowski believes the work has provided with him a new outlook on his future. “I would like to become an invasive cardiologist, but have backup plans of becoming a vet or chemical engineer,” Sosnowski said. “I couldn’t possibly see myself in a career that does not require science, especially since I spend so much of my time learning and applying scientific concepts. Through Chem Club, I have a way to not only learn, but to teach others. I believe that in teaching others chemistry concepts, I better understand those concepts myself.” Kosmas says students can benefit from both learning about science and mentoring others in a hands-on environment. “My favorite part about Chem Club is watching students basically take over the club and direct it in the direction they want it to go in,” Kosmas said. Sosnowski appreciates the opportunities he has been given through the club and uses what he learned as a way to influence others. “Applying chemistry to solve real world problems is something people around the world do every day,” Sosnowski said. “I want to teach people the simple truth that knowledge is power.” By Anna Post

CALENDAR QUARTER GRADES DUE Thursday, Nov. 10

FALL SPORTS AWARDS

Wednesday, Nov. 9 and Thursday, Nov. 10 from 7-9 p.m. in the PAC

GPN FAMILY CLUB MEETING Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 7-10 p.m. in the Student Union PARENT CLUB MEETING Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 7-8 p.m. in the PAC COLLEGE SELECTION MEETING Thursday, Nov. 10 from 7-8 p.m. in the Family Center

MICHAL RUPRECHT

POPS & PASTRIES

EXPERIMENTING | Senior Ben Sosnowki, Ben Sliwinski and junior Michal Ruprecht test pressure using Logger Pro. “This was the very first research opportunity for the club and is a promising start for better things to come,” Sosnowski said.

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps offers oppurtunities to seniors The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps offers a different opportunity for any graduating seniors who are interested in the military. The ROTC is a training program for students who want to pursue a career in the military. The military offers three different programs for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and the Air Force; the Coast Guard does not have its own program. “The military will pay for your education and you owe them so many years of service after you graduate and you go in as an officer,” counselor Jill Davenport said. “You spend one weekend a month in training and six weeks in the summer.” After the training, officers are required to spend five to eight years in active duty. Depending on the situation, they can either stay in the country or they will be sent to serve in a war. According to Navy recruiter Aaron Ekblad, students will not be obligated to service time until after the first year of college. For the Navy program, after completing a four year degree they will serve five years in active duty. During the course of their education, students take extra classes along with their degree, learning things such as leadership skills or military history. “If you have an interest in being an officer in the military, you’re still applying to colleges, you’re still doing the normal things. It’s just how you’re getting it paid for, is different,” Davenport said. Not all colleges offer these scholarships. However, there are several across the U.S. that do. Students may have to decide between going to their favorite college or going to one that offers this program, although there are many universities that do in fact have it. According to Ekblad, in schools with higher standardized test averages there may be one student that receives the scholarship. The scholarship is competitive, the better someone does the higher the chance they have of being picked. Qualifying students have the opportunity to receive up to $180,000 towards their degree. “What I do is talk to students and ask them how they’ve scored on either test and give them information about the program,” Ekblad said via email. “It is up to each individual to start the application process online.”

Exploring Global Issues invites guest speakers Last year, sophomores and juniors had the opportunity to sign up for Exploring Global Issues, a pilot class recently introduced to the district. Students taking the class learn about problems that are common around the world, and issues that are also prevalent in Detroit. Every other Thursday, the students of both North and South’s Exploring Global Issues classes join together to hear from guest speakers. Gilleran’s hope is that the students will be better able to understand what they learn in class by talking to someone who has experience working with those issues. “We’re trying to find people who are actually in the field who have practical experience talking about some of the issues we’re discussing,” Gilleran said. “When we talk about global issues, every global issue is a local issue on some level.” The first of the four guest speakers who have visited so far was Rev. Faith Fowler, who founded the Tiny House Project in Detroit. For junior Maddy Martinbianco, Fowler was one of the most inspiring speakers she’s heard. “She just kind of emphasized the idea that each little thing will make a difference,” Martinbianco said. “So just that everybody has to start on their own and like work their way up.” Other guest speakers have included representatives from organizations such as Gleaners Food Bank and the Sierra Club, the President of the League of Women Voters and the Macomb County Environmental Prosecutor. Almost all are from around the Detroit area, giving the topics they talk about a sense of familiarity. “It’s kinda cool seeing what people in our area have done to kind of make a difference,” senior Carmen Weinkauf said. “It all is not irrelevant stuff to us.” Gilleran hopes that the class will help students realize that everyone can make a difference, no matter how small their contribution is. So far, students have come across the message clearly. Weinkauf has learned about contributing to society and taking control of your future through hearing the speakers. “Everyone can make a difference. A lot of the people are normal everyday people,” Weinkauf said. “Like this one lady, she was like a cook before, and now she works at Gleaners Food Bank, so I thought that was kinda cool, that she took her career and kind of turned it into something else.” By Zoe Graves

Saturday, Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the gym

GPPSS OPEN HOUSE Sunday, Nov. 13 from 1-4 p.m.

PHOTO COURTESY: WHEATON COLLEGE ROLLING THUNDER BATTALION

STAND TALL | Soilders stands with pride. “Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps is actually a scholarship offered to qualified individuals based initially on their SAT or ACT scores,” Navy recruiter Aaron Ekbald said. Due to the ROTC became a scholarship, it is not displayed on Naviance. Students are still expected to apply to colleges through the proper channels. By Tarun Sanikommu

WINTER SPORTS MEET THE COACHES Monday, Nov. 21 from 6:307:30 p.m. in the cafeteria THANKSGIVING BREAK Wednesday, Nov. 23 to Monday, Nov. 28

IMPORTANT DATES for SENIORS November 21

Regular deadline for Diapers to Diplomas senior ads

November 30

Last day to order a book before prices go up Extended payment and deposit option available ALL INFORMATION AVAILABLE HERE: goo.gl/4mGv9e


ON CAMPUS Food Production prepares for the Sunrise bake sale

4 – North Pointe – Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016

By Gowri Yerramali BUSINESS MANAGER

MIXING AND BAKING| Senior Natalie Shenkosky mixes a batch of cake batter to make some cake pops for her Food Productions class. “It’s (for) a bake sale that we’re doing to raise money because we are going to have senior citizens come in and we are going to feed them so we are getting money for that,” Shenkosky said.

FACES IN THE CROWD Carissa Parada

CHOPPING UP THE ESSENTIALS | Senior Quincy Washington seperates an egg as he prepares soups for the Sunrise senior citizens. Washington believes that this event is important for the senior citizens to explore the community. “We want the residents from Sunrise to come here and we just want to work with them and let them get out,” Washington said. “I think this is important so they can get out of Sunrise and be able to come to the school and see things.”

Sitting up high among the trees in a small blind, and staying quiet to stay unseen by the animals below may seem boring. But senior Carissa Parada looks forward to going up high in the sky three times every year. Parada began her hunting career five years ago when her grandfather and uncles took her out to Algonac. She now shoots geese and deer, her best being a six-point buck. “I think hunting is good,” Parada said. “You’re not wasting any of the animals, so you’re not just killing it to leave it. You’re killing it to eat it and use all the pieces.” However, Parada dislikes the stigma that comes with being a female who hunts. “It’s stupid, I don’t think that it should be a man’s job, like I don’t think it should be something only they do, I think that girls should be able to do it, too,” Parada said. “It is unfair that it is stereotyped.” Defying stereotypes, Parada also prefers camouflage as long as it’s not pink. “I hate pink camo because it’s not camo. It’s pink.”

Aiyana Badih

Most high school students work at local businesses. That’s not the case for senior Aiyana Badih. Badih works as a waitress at Byblos Banquet Center in Dearborn, where she’s able to connect with her Lebanese heritage. Badih’s father came to the U.S. when he was 19. “I have this family that I really don’t know, and I have this identity that I’ve never really gotten to be a part of. Because of where I work, I get to experience that,” Badih said. “It’s a home away from home now because these people, they treat me like family. ” Badih enjoys spending time with her coworkers and watching entertainers dance, such as the dabke. “I wouldn’t want any other job,” she said. “I find that it is just a tight-knit community, and everyone knows everyone.”

Rob Hetzler

SALAD PREP | Senior Andrew Sanders preps vegitables for his Food Productions class.

BEHIND THE SCENES | As a part of the new Food Production class, students prepare and serve meals for a variety of organizations, such for the Sunrise senior citizens. “We’re a catering type of class. It teaches us how to cook a large amount of food and serve it to other people,” senior Kayla Byrom said. The group will serve Sunrise this Friday. “So we are going to make a bunch of soups and give it to them.” PREPPING FOR THE DAY | Junior Mar’Tzha Hurtt washes her hands before beginning her assignment for her Food Productions class. “My favorite part about the class is after a catering event when the teacher tells me how great the food was,” Hurtt said.

When freshman Rob Hetzler saw something more than just plastic spinning in the fan in his room, he needed to figure out what made it spin. “I took apart a fan and found the motor and stuff, and I ripped a couple of wires,” he said. “It was an interesting experience because you end up with this motor. It was an inch tall, and I kind of didn’t know what it did. All I knew is that this is what made the fan turn.” This passion for understanding how things work fueled his interest in robots and their blueprints. Hetzler began coding at Parcells when he joined their robotics team, the Blown Fuses. He now belongs to Gearheads and says he enjoys coding because it gives him a hands-on experience with construction. “A computer has its own language that it thinks in and knows, and we have English as our language, and coding is like the middle ground in which we can understand,” Hetzler said. “It’s kind of like a third language, and we can kind of learn that language, and the computer kind of knows that language, and a person can tell the robot to do something in that language, and the robot will try and do those things.” By Trevor Mieczkowski

ALL PHOTOS BY KATIE LINK

FIVE MINUTES WITH

Library assistant Renee Borowicz By Jaqueline Squillace INTERN

RENEE BOROWICZ

SPENDING TIME WITH FAMILY| Library Assistant Renee Borowicz poses with her husband and her tw o sons James and David. “They’ve changed everything, from being single and you only think about yourself,” Borowicz said. “And how I said my extra activities revolve around them, they play sports, they’re heavily into sports, most of my activity is driving them around, going to their sporting activities and things like that.”

From shuffling her children around to their sporting events to working her first job in almost two decades, new library assistant Renee Borowicz’s schedule is booked. She has a daughter, Ashley, who is a sophomore at Wayne State University and two sons, David, a freshman at Grand Valley University, and James, a middle schooler at Pierce. “I don’t really have time for hobbies,” Borowicz said. “My hobbies mostly revolve around my kids. Most of my activity is driving them around. I attend their sporting events and things like that.” She said that having kids changes everything, especially after being on your own your whole life. Adjusting to having to take care of three other people besides herself was a challenge. For Borowicz, parenting is very time consuming. For the past 19 years, she was a stay-at-home mom and raised her children. “Since my kids are older, I got out of a routine,” Borowicz said. “When they were babies, you were

in a routine. Once they got older, I didn’t really need to do as much for them, so working again gets me back into a routine of having to go somewhere in the morning and do things where, you know once my kids were all in school, I kind of got out of that.” While parenting takes up a majority of Borowicz’s life, she said it can be very rewarding. “My favorite part about being a parent is watching my kids grow up and become independent.” Even though she is new to the staff this year, she hasn’t had much trouble adjusting to the new environment. The students and staff have welcomed her with open arms. “I feel very welcome here,” Borowicz said. “All the students are wonderful, the staff and everybody I’ve met here are very nice and welcoming.” While most of her time is spent either at school or taking care of her children, she still manages to find time for herself. Some of her favorite activities are reading and watching movies and TV shows. “My favorite show to binge-watch is ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’” Borowicz said. “I just discovered Netflix this summer. That’s why I’ve been rewatching ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’ I’ve been loving it now.”

All-time favorite movie “Gone With the Wind.” I guess I just love Scarlett in that time period when women were actually women, and they wore the big dresses and hoops. All-time favorite book “Gone With The Wind,” It was a good book as well as the movie. Travel wish list I would love to see Egypt and to see the pyramids. I think that would be a great place to go, to see all the pyramids and all the history. What’s your favorite kind of vacation? My favorite vacation is just to relax, just to go somewhere and relax, and sitting on a beach and just doing nothing. Books or movies? I know I work in the library, but I’m a big movie person. I love movies. I think because I’m a visual person. I love to read, but I usually like to watch a movie first before I read it in a book.


LIFE

North Pointe – Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016 – 5

Woman on a mission

2007 Alumna’s passion for running and charity takes her to Djibouti

By Montana Paton & Syeda Rizvi EDITOR & INTERN

After years of running varsity cross country for North, 2007 alumna Betsy Graney’s passion brought her to Djibouti, Africa during the week of Oct. 16 to donate running shoes to girls in need. When Graney found out about the GirlsRun2 organization and their donations to the girls running track in Djibouti, she contacted her running sponsor, Gazelle Sports, to help support this program. To her surprise, they donated 22 pairs of new running shoes as well as a variety of clothing items. Not only did Gazelle Sports donate, but Graney also received donations from Grand Valley State’s Cross Country team, for whom she ran when she was in graduate school there. “The primary goal of the group is to encourage girls to continue their education with the secondary purpose of competing in track and field and road races,” Graney said via email. “GirlsRun2 helps to empower the girls, to show them they are capable of anything, while also helping to change the culture’s view of women.” Currently, GirlsRun2 is the only running club in Djibouti that focuses on training young female athletes for track and field competitions. It’s a non-governmental organization project that is sponsored by Local Initiatives For Education. LIFE is a humanitarian aid organization that works mainly in the Horn of Africa. Its main goals are to prevent poverty, preserve health, advance education and promote social welfare through activities like track or field. LIFE works with civic authorities and communities to recognize initiatives that aid in the growth of development of local neighbourhoods to meet the needs of people. To be part of the team that receives the donations, the girls must currently attend school. GirlsRun2’s main focus is to promote education for women to help them avoid poverty, create jobs for the future and avoid human trafficking. Graney’s trip included two free checked bags with her flight. “It was a big relief when the suitcase with all the donations weighed in at 49 pounds and wasn’t over the weight limit,” Graney said. “My friends, family and work supported my trip financially as well, so I’m very grateful that they helped make this experience possible for me.”

RUNNING FOR A CAUSE | Betsy Graney runs in front of her group as they train by running through the roads in Dijbouti. Although Graney didn’t speak the same language as the girls who received the shoes, she said their gratitude was clear. “They were used to running and living barefoot or in sandals, so the shoes felt heavy and hot,” Graney said. “It was taking them some time to get comfortable in them.” Graney stresses that shoes are an important part of running and preventing injuries. She hopes that the donations will protect the young runners against this. Working on a third-world continent has been eye-opening for Graney, and she said seeing how the girls live put her life in perspective. The girls’ meager resources and old, torn clothes they wore at practice made her reflect on her current lifestyle. “I’ve heard the message that ‘we don’t know how rich we are’ here

GETTING SITUATED | Graney gives out shoes to a member of GirlsRun2. “They were used to running and living barefoot or in sandals, so the shoes felt heavy and hot. It was taking them some time to get comfortable in them,” Graney said.

New policy bolsters change in By Emma Brock & Katelynn Mulder EDITORS

For the last three years, senior Alanah Herfi has been used to passing out treats to students as part of her student government campaigns. But Student Association revised the campaign standards last April, and they go into effect with this year’s elections. This change in Herfi’s campaign is something she believes will positively affect the whole council. “Throughout the years our (class) council primarily stayed the same, but we’ve had a lot of problems with people handing out different things, and it makes it way more competitive and not as focusing on the values,” Class of 2016 president Alanah Herfi said. During her freshman year campaign, Herfi used a combination of traditional advertising and treats. “I made sure to print out flyers and put them up the first day you could put them up and make the big poster and take advantage of every opportunity I had,” Herfi said. “I made some chocolate covered pretzels and handed them out with some logos, even though you can’t do that anymore.” One of the biggest changes to guidelines is that candidates may no longer pass out treats to their peers. The only objects candidates will be allowed to pass out will be election buttons. Student Association adviser Jonathan Byrne said the main problem with people handing out treats was that candidates and their parents spent far too much money on these campaigns. “Students who had the ability to buy things were given an advantage over people who didn’t,” he said. Other than money being a problem, Byrne also said it led to some students basing their decisions purely on who gave them what rather than who would do the most for the school. Herfi has run for student council every year of high school, and she has relied on food and other treats as part of her campaigning each time. So, when the revised policies were announced, Herfi had to look for alternative ways to win over

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF BETSY GRANEY

in America so many times,” Graney said. “But I truly understand that now.” Encouraging the involvement of females in sports is something Graney holds very close to her heart. “Giving the girls an opportunity for future employment and to avoid human trafficking are two of the biggest reasons to promote education and participation in sports,” she said. “There is also an overarching opinion that women should stay in the home and that running is harmful for women. GirlsRun2 helps to empower the girls, to show them they are capable of anything, while also helping to change the culture’s view of women.”

HAVING FUN | Graney poses in front of the resturant with the same name as her sponser Gazelle sports. “It was rewarding to see the girls learn the sport I love,” Graney said.

campaign trend

the voters. She said communication between her and her peers is a main key in campaigning and that this year’s campaign regulations will have a lasting impact on future councils. “I think it will positively impact their council to make sure that the people that are elected are elected fair,” Herfi said. “And that their council will be very productive because everyone elected is going to be elected almost purely for their friends, their connections, and the people they’ve talked to, what they do, what they value and that will just make it a way stronger council.” Freshman Clare Loch, who won the election for class secretary last week, found that campaigning for student council and using only buttons and flyers for promotion was not costly, but it was time consuming and made it harder for students who were campaigning. “Campaigning is hard in itself because you’re putting so many hours into it,” Loch said. “My family friend owns a button press, so I made handmade buttons. I just passed them out to all the freshmen.” Loch notes that although she did have a button press at hand, cutting the paper and making the buttons was a long affair. But, she found that even though the campaign restrictions could be time consuming, they also made her and the other candidates, like Lyndsey Kluge, think outside the box. Kluge, the new freshman class president, created a geofilter for her ca mpa ign, and Loch believes that future campaigning will involve even more social media interaction. She said the geofilters were really creative. “A lot of people responded just because (of) social media,” Loch said. “Snapchat is a big deal in Grosse Pointe, and especially here. Everyone uses it, and I think it was really clever because she knew everyone would see that.” Innovation as well as interaction may prove key in future elections, but Herfi said the changes will be positive. “You’re not allowed to hand out anything,” she said. “That definitely puts a dent into people’s plans, but part of me really enjoys that because it makes the campaign way more honest. It just helps you think to vote for who you think deserves it, not who gave you something.”


FEATURE

6 – Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016 – North Pointe

The stream surge If Netflix is the most popular streaming service, why didn’t it go home with any Golden Globes? On Jan. 10, Amazon Studios won two Golden Globes for its original series, “Mozart in the Jungle.” Netflix and Hulu were nominated but didn’t win. Watching television shows and movies has morphed from cable into streaming online. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Instant Video and Xfinity TV are among the sites that allow members to watch an unlimited number of shows and movies anywhere they have a connection. According to Tech Insider, Netflix is the most popular streaming service with 35.67 million subscribers. It provides access to a variety of shows and movies commercial free starting at $7.99/month, is available on most devices, from smartphones to video game consoles, and can be used on up to four devices at once. Most of Netflix’s shows are more dated, but it still has more content. The majority of students polled were in consensus that Netflix was the best streaming service because it is commercial-free and offers a wide variety of shows. Junior Josie Ciaravino is among that majority. “They have the newest TV shows and the widest variety of shows and movies,” Ciaravino said. “It takes awhile for all the episodes to get on, but once the episodes are on, it’s fine.” But even the most popular streaming service has drawbacks. According to sophomore Kuvin Satyadev, Netflix does not carry some shows he enjoys watching on cable, like “Modern Family.” Amazon Video is an included feature for Amazon Prime members, giving subscribers a wide variety of shows and movies for free. Non-Prime users can buy each individual show or movie. Prime memberships are $10.99/month, or a yearly plan is $99. The perks for Amazon Prime members are free two-day shipping, unlimited music streaming, reading on any device, free unlimited photo and media storage and free same-day delivery in eligible areas. Another option is Hulu. It has thousands of shows and movies and its own original shows. Pricing starts at $5.99 for the first year with limited commercials and $11.99 commercial free and is available on many devices, similar to Netflix.

Hulu

By Caitlin Bush, Allison Lackner & Lyndsay Kluge EDITOR, ASSISTANT EDITOR & INTERN

Most TV shows and movie watchers feel that these streaming sites are more relaxed and take up less time than having to sit through commercial breaks during the show. Streaming services have few to no commercials, making the viewing experience more pleasant and convenient. The commercials usually play at the beginning of an episode of a show, if at all. Although this feature may be good news for binge watchers, it isn’t for cable companies, businesses and organizations that profit from commercial breaks. Having this luxury is nice, but if viewers continue to avoid the advertising that television shows and companies rely on, ad revenue will dry up along with production funds for new TV shows. According to www.marketingcharts.com, TV advertisements brought in $65 billion of annual revenue in 2013. It is estimated to bring in $83 billion in 2018 because ad pricing will increase to compensate for the scarcity of ads. People are also drawn to TV streaming apps because no cable is needed. All anyone needs in order to keep up with their favorite show is to sign up for a streaming service, pay the monthly charge and have internet access, which is already a common necessity. Choir teacher Ben Henri doesn’t have cable and instead opts to use streaming services to keep up with his shows. “Things like Netflix and HBO now have incredible original programing,” Henri said. “And it’s commercial free, and it’s less expensive than cable, so I’ll take it.” Some streaming services such as Hulu, Amazon Video and Xfinity TV have the shows uploaded just hours after the show’s original air time. Amazon actually makes an episode available for viewing as soon as it starts airing on TV. This is convenient for users with busy schedules because it allows them to follow their show on their own time. Netflix releases full seasons all at once, and for shows that are not Netflix originals, it may be harder for a viewer to stay up to date. Streaming allows viewers to fit their shows into their own schedules rather than being stuck to the schedule set by the cable channel.

Which subscription service do you use most frequently? Netflix

Cable declines as millennials seek alternative methods to watch TV

87%

5%

Xfinity

5%

Amazon Video

3%

127 students responded via Twitter poll, 48 responded in person EMMA BROCK

Evolution of streaming services 1972

Comcast was first offered to TV viewers. EMMA BROCK

1997

Netflix started off as a DVD mailing company.

1998

Netflix was launched as a website that allowed people to watch shows and movies online

2006

2007

2008

Amazon was launched to the public online with the name Amazon Unbox.

Hulu went live on the internet and began to beta test the website.

Hulu was released to the public online.

2010

2011

Comcast announced Comcast and Samsung Xfinity as the new Electronics CO, Ltd. announce brand for technology a prtnership to bring Xfinity platforms and products. TV app to devices.

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY: TECHCRUNCH.COM, CRUNCHBASE.COM, AMAZON.COM, BUSINESS.COMCAST.COM

NETFLIX.COM

ACCOUNT NEEDED: Yes, with a one-month free trial SHOWS: 1,197 TV shows MOVIES: 4,335 movies AVAILABLE ON: Smart TVs, streaming media players, game consoles, set-top boxes, Blu-ray players, smartphones, tablets, PCs and laptops PLAN: Basic $7.99/month, Standard $9.99/month, Premium $11.99/month HULU.COM

ACCOUNT NEEDED: Yes, with a one week free trial SHOWS: 1,894 TV shows MOVIES: 3,552 movies AVAILABLE ON: Smartphones, tablets, mobile browser, gaming console, media players, TVs and Blu-ray players PLAN: Year one $5.99/month, after one year $7.99/month, no commercials $11.99/month AMAZON.COM

ACCOUNT NEEDED: Included in an Amazon prime account, one month free trial SHOWS:1,981 MOVIES:18,405 AVAILABLE ON: Compatible mobile devices, game consoles, television, DVR, AV receiver, streaming media player, home theater/sound system and Blu-ray players PLAN: Included in Amazon Prime or $8.99/month unlimited, or pay per each individual movie/show XFINITY.COM

ACCOUNT NEEDED: Yes, to manage streaming SHOWS: Depends on location MOVIES: Depends on location AVAILABLE ON: Smartphones, PCs and TVs PLAN: Early termination fee $150 after six months, equipment lease fee $8-$10/month, installation fee varies by location EMMA BROCK


1 Movie

IDEAS “Moana,” Disney’s latest release, will hit theaters Wednesday, Nov. 23. The animated musical tells the story of a woman who sails to a fabled island with a famous demi-god (voiced by Dwayne Johnson) and is rated PG.

North Pointe – Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016 – 7

ON POINTE

Top 10 things we're talking about this week By Katie Thomas

MOANA

2

STAFF REPORTER

Album

WWW.THEWEEKND.COM

STARBOY

The Weeknd’s highly anticipated fifth album, “Starboy,” drops Friday, Nov. 25. It will feature 18 tracks including two previously released singles, “Starboy” and “False Alarm.” It will be available for $13.99.

3

MOVIES.DISNEY.COM

Event

ELF THE MUSICAL

Movie

5

FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM

Album

24K MAGIC

After four years, Bruno Mars has returned to release his album “24K Magic” on Friday, Nov. 18. The lead single of the same name was released Oct. 7, and later this month fans will be able to hear the full nine-track album for $9.99.

TWITTER @BRUNOMARS

4

“Elf the Musical” is back on tour across the U.S. and will be stopping in Detroit. Based on the movie featuring Will Ferrell, the Broadway musical will follow the same plot. It runs at the Fox Theatre Nov. 15-20. Tickets begin at $52.

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is a prequel to the Harry Potter franchise. Based 70 years before the Harry Potter series, this latest work from J.K. Rowling centers around a writer in New York who is part of a secret wizarding community. It premieres Thursday, Nov. 17 and is rated PG-13.

WWW.FANTASTICBEASTS.COM

ELF THE MUSICAL FACEBOOK

6

Event

DETROIT EXPERIENCE FACTORY TOURS

Explore the architecture, art and history of Downtown Detroit through free public tours from the Detroit Experience Factory & Pure Detroit. They take place almost every Friday and Saturday. The next tour is Friday, Nov. 11. To find out more or sign up, go to www.detroitexperiencefactory.org.

7

The Detroit Red Wings will play the Vancouver Canucks Thursday, Nov. 10 at the Joe Louis Arena at 7:30 p.m. The Canucks are currently second in the Pacific Division, while the Red Wings are third in the Atlantic Division.

Event

RED WINGS GAME WWW.NHL.COM

8

Event

FOOTBALL GAME

Michigan will face off against long-time rival Ohio State on Nov. 25 on Ohio State’s turf. The last time the two schools met, Ohio State beat Michigan 42-13. WWW.ESPN.COM

WWW.DETROITEXPERIENCEFACTORY.ORG

9

Streaming

THE CROWN

10

“The Crown” is a new show on Netflix that history lovers will enjoy. Released Nov. 4, the 10-episode season is available for streaming. The Netflix drama series centers around the life of Queen Elizabeth II from her wedding to present day.

On Oct. 13, Chik-fil-A opened its third location in Michigan. The latest addition to fast-food chain is located at the Somerset Collection in Troy.

Restaurant

CHICK-FIL-A WWW.NETFLIX.COM

A new league MY TURN ADDISON TOUTANT

For the last month, 16 different sports teams from around the world have been competing for a prize pool of over $4 million. But they’re not playing baseball or soccer. They’re playing a video game. "League of Legends," one of the most popular Multiplayer Online Battle Arena games ever created, has been holding its world championships at locations around the United States. This isn’t the first time it’s ever happened. Riot, the creators of "League of Legends," have been holding these world championships for this eSport since 2011. But eSports date back even further than that.

The Nintendo World Championships, one of the first major competitive gaming tournaments, was held in 1990. Since then, eSports has become a multi-million dollar industry, with a variety of organizations that each have teams for their games. There are even rivalries between organizations, no different than friction between NBA or MLB teams. This may seem ridiculous, but just take a look at the team rosters for the "League of Legends" World Championship. There are substitute players and coaches. Some players have actually injured themselves during competition. All participants have to be approved by the organization, and there are specific rules for transferring players between teams. Players do earn money from the tournaments they win, but many make a majority of their earnings from sponsorship deals. It’s like any other sport. One of the reasons sports are so popular is the idea that if you work hard and have the right equipment, you, too, could be the person playing in the stadium or on TV.

I never looked up to any pro athletes because they seemed like some sort of unattainable goal for someone who isn’t naturally athletic. eSports is different. Most people have a computer at their house, and that’s all a person needs to start playing a game like "League of Legends." There’s no need for an intense training regimen— just some technology that almost every household has and an hour or two to spare. However, a sort of stigma exists where people believe that they’re unable to play without a computer that costs a few thousand dollars, and it’s similar to the idea that you need expensive sports equipment to be the best. That’s where a few eSports have taken the accessibility angle a step further. "SMITE," another game in the same genre as "League of Legends," has two different pro leagues: one for people who play on PC and another for people who play on consoles, like Xbox One. This takes away any doubt that a highpowered PC is needed to play a MOBA, as viewers are able to play on a console they likely have at home.

WWW.CHICK-FIL-A.COM

Imagine if Nascar worked the same way. There are certain cars that are labeled as underperforming because they naturally aren’t as fast as their opposition. If there were a league of Nascar in which competitors could only use these underperforming cars, it’d be the just like "SMITE." Vainglory removes this notion entirely, as it’s an app played on mobile devices. Literally anyone can start playing these games and, if they’re dedicated enough, become a pro player competing for million-dollar prize pools, right from their smart phone. Technology has changed the way we look at sports. We are no longer in the days where people such as myself aren’t able to be a part of a team because they aren’t as strong or as fast as others. Online gaming has surpassed many sports leagues in terms of player base with the amount of professional players reaching just under nine thousand worldwide. These players put in just as much time as many other professional athletes. With a few commonplace items, the everyday person, like myself, has professional level potential.


REVIEWS

8 - Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016 – North Pointe

New Ouija reawakens old plot By Bella Lawson STAFF REPORTER

AT H

EM

OV

IE

“ O u i j a : Origin of Evil” is entertaining and interesting at best, but could have been a little scarier and less predictable. It was a big step up from the original, so horror fans who didn’t care for “Ouija” two years ago should still give it a chance.

TW

IT T

ER

@O

UIJ

Despite skepticism about the first movie made in 2014, its prequel, “Ouija: Origin of Evil,” did not disappoint. Though it makes a few references to the original “Ouija,” the plot is not difficult, and maybe even easier, to follow, so it can be taken as a stand-alone movie. Set in 1967 Los Angeles, it is basically a spinoff of the first film with much of the same plot and scenes, except featuring different actors, such as Lulu Wilson and Elizabeth Reaser, which really improved the quality of the movie as a whole. In “Ouija: Origin of Evil,” widowed mother of two Alice Zander (Reaser) accidentally invites cursed spirits who previously occupied the home into her house in an attempt to talk to her dead husband one last time. The spirits use the body of her youngest daughter, Doris (Wilson), to possess and control her thoughts and actions and give them another outlet and way of life. The main point of the movie is how the family and other members of the community must try to save Doris from the evil spirits that have taken over her body. While the music, sound and settings were all well done, there few noticeable issues with the plot and seemingly infinite, continuous storyline. Like most horror films, music and background noise played a significant role, whether it was building up to a startling moment or just interactions between cast members. The creepy music before and during intense scenes heightens audience suspense, leaving viewers liable to jump that much more when the music comes to an abrupt stop, enhancing the moment. Normally when the term “scary movie” is used, there is an aspect that keeps audience members on the edges of their seats. However, most parts of “Origin of Evil” were extremely laid back and gave ample foreshadowing for viewers to prepare for a slightly scarier situation to come. This makes sense considering it’s rated PG-13 for disturbing images, terror and thematic events. This goes to say that although it isn’t terrifying, “Origin of Evil” contains some scenes that may be viewed as graphic and cause sleepless nights. Director Mike Flanagan has assembled a talented cast who fit their roles well. Deserving the most praise is 11-year-old Lulu Wilson, who plays Doris. Wilson has had much preparation in the horror film industry for this role. She is most well-known for her roles in TV shows “The Millers” and “Black Box,” and movies “Deliver Us From Evil” and “Slumber Party Massacre 3.” Annalise Basso played Doris’s older sister, Paulina, who was the average rebellious teen who snuck out of the house to go spend the night with friends. Basso excels at the execution of teenage eyerolls and sarcasm. Although the actors were all fantastic, there were some blips in the plot which seemed to go around in an endless, predictable circle with no turn of events to keep the audience engaged. Though this may deter some die-hard horror fans, those who do not normally prefer the genre may find this more appealing.

“Ouija: Origin of Evil” Platinum Dunes, 2016 PG-13; 139 minutes

ALBUM

APP

TV SHOW

BOOK

JOANNE

BEST FIENDS FOREVER

ATLANTA

THE BOY WHO KILLED GRANT PARKER

Out with the old, in with the new. Or in Lady Gaga’s case, out with the meat dress, in with the the pink cowboy hat. Gaga dropped her sixth album on Oct. ITUNES.APPLE.COM 21, and with it she dropped her trademark outlandish outfits and signature pop sound. While it may not be what die-hard fans expect, the change may earn her some new listeners. Excluding her jazz album with Tony Bennett, it’s been three years since Gaga has released a true pop album. However, while “Joanne” is classified as pop on iTunes, it screams more country and folk. It’s the Lady Gaga-equivalent to Taylor Swift’s “Red,” a balance between pop and country. While “Joanne” is not similar to her past releases like “ARTPOP” or “The Fame Monster,” the album is able to stand on its own. This new sound better showcases Gaga’s talent. For years, she sounded just like every other pop artist: catchy songs with synthesized beats and above-average vocals. That music, while still iconic, doesn’t do Gaga justice. Her so-called fanbase of “Little Monsters” and anyone who watched her during the national anthem of last year’s Super Bowl are aware of her raw talent, but this album is an introduction to Gaga’s true voice for those who have previously only heard her on the radio. Although Gaga’s sound may be new for her, it’s obvious that she has taken inspiration from other artists. The beginning of “Hey Girl” is reminiscent of the opening chords of Elton John’s “Bennie and the Jets.” “Angel Down,” brings Lana Del Rey’s “Video Games” to mind. The songs themselves feel more emotional, and the way she sings them makes the tracks seem more personal. “Million Reasons” is a ballad in which Gaga is in a toxic relationship but still in love. Her new songs have strayed from pop singles to meaningful songs listeners can relate to. “Joanne” is a stellar album. Gaga’s vocals are strong and rich, something that she rarely exhibited in her previous work. The songs are intimate and passionate. But this album isn’t the classic Lady Gaga fans have been missing. Here’s to hoping her next album can be a happy medium.

From the company that produced the app “Best Fiends” comes “Best Fiends Forever,” a derivative of the highly addictive puzzle game. But the sequel fails to deliver ITUNES.APPLE.COM the same hook. It is a game where little to no skill is involved. In both games, the goal is to fight through a path of slugs to save Fiends, which are small insect-like characters. In “Best Fiends,” the player did so by solving “Candy Crush”-like puzzles. However, in the sequel, one simply taps the slugs to destroy them. By doing so, the player earns coins, which can be used to unlock Fiends. As more Fiends are rescued, the player levels up. Throughout the game, as the slugs are slapped enough times, various powerups can be unlocked, too. There is no aspect of challenge. While the player mindlessly maneuvers through levels, attempting to rescue Fiends, not much else happens. For those expecting it be a puzzle game like “Best Fiends,” it’s not. Because of this, it’s very easy to get bored. Despite the boring gameplay, Seriously Digital Entertainment should be commended for the colorful graphics, crisp visuals and fastpaced animation. These elements add to the experience, but the game’s obnoxious sound effects take away the spark from the game. Another problem is that the game suffers from glitches and lags at times. As the developers release new versions of the app, those bugs may be fixed, but as of now, they are evident. Additionally, the various portals are not clearly distinguished, and the levels blend together. This takes away from the satisfaction of completing a task successfully. If the goal is to download a game you can play without thinking too much and just playing for the fun of it, “Best Fiends Forever” is a good choice. It can also be played without internet connection, which is perfect when travelling. However, it is ultimately a clicker game. For mindless entertainment, this app indefinitely delivers. However, it’s better to save time and storage space by sticking to its predecessor.

Joanne; 2016, Interscope Records; Available for $15.99 at Target

Best Fiends Forever; 2016; SERIOUSLY DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT; Available for Apple and Android

“Atlanta”; FOX; 2016; TV-MA

“The Boy Who Killed Grant Parker”; Kat Spears; 2016; 320 pages available for $12.66 on Amazon

By Mora Downs

By Ritika Sanikkomu

By Tommy Teftsis

By Giuseppe Parison

IMBD.COM

If you don’t already know Childish Gambino from his name in the rap industry, then you will know him by his actual name, Donald Glover, in his new show

“Atlanta.” The FX show is set in modern-day Atlanta, and follows Earnest Marks (Glover), Princeton University dropout with a lowpaying airport job and nowhere to sleep after getting rejected by his girlfriend and parents. After learning his cousin is Paper Boi, a rapper on the verge of stardom, Marks nudges his way into becoming his manager. Although Paper Boi looks at Marks as a leech trying to cling to his fame and money, Marks uses his smarts to improve Paper Boi’s reputation in the rap industry. This show really highlights the differences between racial and social classes and ambiguity of personalities in Atlanta. The show definitely ref lects Glover’s weird and incredibly creative personality. The humor is very dry and witty. It is awkwardly funny. The show starts off with deep scenes and shots from Atlanta accompanied by a mix of old-school and current rap hits. The cinematography is astonishing when considered how clear the camera shots are. The acting is spot-on for the characters and their stereotypes portrayed in a modern, racially divided scenario. Glover shows some of the depressing parts of inner city Atlanta, and the troubling reality and hardships African Americans have in the U.S. His main goal of this production was to “make you realize what it feels like to be black.” The show portrays the varying types of stereotypical personalities in African American culture, like street, hipster and old school, and is breaking the TV charts by capturing the social, racial and economic ideologies in ghettoish Atlanta through its use of funny and witty dialog and incredible backgrounds.

Kat Spears’ “The Boy Who Killed Grant Parker” is an engaging read in the vein of coming-ofage stories like the ever classic “The Catcher In The Rye.” The story GOODREADS.COM centers around Luke Grayson. After Grayson’s D.C. private school kicks him out, he has to go live with his baptist father and cold stepmother in rural Tennessee. His poor reputation puts him at odds with his new school’s administration and the local police. Grayson starts out as a social outcast. However, when the school bully Grant Parker dies after getting into a fight with Grayson, his popularity skyrockets. Luke struggles to handle this sudden change and to hide the fact that dumb luck took Parker down. His newfound popularity forces him to decide if living in deception makes him worse than Parker. This book and “The Catcher In The Rye” share more than just their coming-of-age storylines. Both books have an immature feel to them. However, this does not take away from them. The language is immature in the sense that it’s more indicative of modern teenage speech, and allows for teenagers to be more immersed in the story. The level of relatability is very entrancing. It is a nice contrast with the subject matter as the reader witnesses the protagonist’s mature situation unfold through the eyes of a developing mind. This adds to the realism of the story. It also adds to the viability of the book and concept as a whole. Seeing Grayson being ill-equipped to handle such a complex situation with his mindset more or less fixated on blending in and how he reacts to these circumstances feels organic and leaves the reader wanting to delve deeper into his psyche. “The Boy Who Killed Grant Parker” is an intriguingly realistic take on how situations can affect and change a blossoming mind. Kat Spears knew her young adult audience of this book and made sure to shape and mold it to hit that demographic.


EDITORIAL On the right side of things

“Grosse Pointe Public School administrators and teachers are responsible for encouraging and ensuring freedom of expression and freedom of the press for all students, regardless of whether the ideas expressed may be considered unpopular, critical, controversial, tasteless or offensive.”

North Pointe - Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016 - 9

Everyone needs something to run to

BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY Lindsey Ramsdell EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Mora Downs MANAGING EDITOR

Billy Moin MANAGING EDITOR

Ritika Sannikommu EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Alex Harring WEB MANAGING EDITOR

Gowri Yerramalli BUSINESS MANGER

Caitlin Bush NEWS EDITOR

Abbey Cadieux IDEAS EDITOR

Anna Post SPORTS EDITOR

Katelynn Mulder ASSISTANT EDITOR

Sonny Mulpuri DIGITAL EDITOR

Our editorial represents the opinion of the North Pointe Editorial Board consisting of the editors above. Members who have a conflict of interest with an editorial topic do not partake in that meeting or vote. EDITORS-IN-CHIEF: Lindsey Ramsdell, Ritika Sanikommu MANAGING EDITORS: Mora Downs, Billy Moin WEBSITE MANAGING EDITOR: Alex Harring SECTION EDITORS: Josie Bennett, Caitlin Bush, Abbey Cadieux, Anna Post DESIGN EDITOR: Emma Brock BUSINESS MANAGER: Gowri Yerramalli DIGITAL EDITORS: Erin Kaled, Sonny Mulpuri, Sarah Wietecha ASSISTANT EDITORS: Allison Lackner, Trevor Mieczkowski, Katelynn Mulder, Montana Paton, Michal Ruprecht, Billy Steigelman, Tommy Teftsis PHOTOGRAPHERS: Veronica Albo, Bella DeSandy, Nicole Fazekas, Marina Gabriel, Katie Link, Erinne Lubienski, Rachel Malinowski, Alyssa McLarty, Lauren Sexton, Nya Tatum, Kennedy Williams STAFF REPORTERS: Dajai Chatman, Darcy Graham, Bella Lawson, Nathan Lonczynski, Giuseppe Parison, Asia Simmons, Addison Toutant INTERNS: Rory Angott, Elizabeth Ballinger, Amber Braker, Zoe Graves, Sofia Ketels, Lyndsay Kluge, Mariah Loper, Syeda Rizvi, Tarun Sanikommu, Jacqueline Squillace, Katie Thomas The North Pointe is edited and produced by Advanced Journalism students at Grosse Pointe North High School and is published every two weeks. It is in practice a designated public forum without prior review. Comments should be directed to the student editors, who make all final content decisions. The views expressed are solely those of the authors or the student editorial board and do not reflect the opinions of the Grosse Pointe Public School System. We are a member of the Michigan Scholastic Press Association, Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association and Student Press Law Center. We subscribe to McClatchy-Tribune Information Services and iStockphoto.com. One copy is available free to all community members. Additional copies may be purchased. Our editorial policy and advertising rates are available online at northpointenow.org. The North Pointe is printed on 100% recycled paper.

RITIKA SANIKOMMU

OUR EDITORIAL Getting a license on one’s 16th birthday is a rite of passage. It marks a time of liberation. Parental control seems obsolete, and the ability to control where one goes and does is powerful. Licenses offer freedom—but they also bring responsibility. In light of accident rates increasing in our community, the need to minimize reckless driving is even more imperative. This isn’t criticizing student drivers, but it is merely an honest attempt to minimize collateral damage. Sixteen-year-old drivers have higher crash rates than any other age group. And the more passengers in the car, the higher the death rates will be. With each increase in miles per hour, the crash risk rises exponentially. According to www. dosomething.com, the act of just talking on the phone drops our reaction time to that of a 70-year-old. As teenagers, our prefrontal cortex is not yet fully developed. This means crucial decision-making skills and reasoning abilities are not completely within our reach. This case of “teenage brain” accounts for impulsive actions and rash decisions. Reason takes a back seat. We must think about how our actions have repercussions. We set a precedent for underclassmen who are eagerly waiting for their own licenses. That is why we must own up to our mistakes. The parking lot after school is a mess. Hundreds of students rush out the doors at the bell’s signal and all try and leave at once. Accidents are bound to happen. So we need to

act like the responsible young adults we are. Driving is a privilege, and driving with reckless abandon may not seem to incite consequences in that moment, but what can happen as a result is unpredictable. Daytime alertness is also an issue. Our perpetually sleepy states account for decreased motor skills. Teens generally need seven to eight hours of sleep. However, according to the National Sleep Foundation, fewer than half of teens meet that requirement. This makes teenagers highly susceptible to reckless driving. Additional concerns are erratic Michigan weather and constant construction. Although the climate is relatively calm in the fall, when winter approaches, the prospect of danger only escalates. Parking becomes more difficult, and the state of the lot is even more chaotic. Construction takes up much of the road and makes a routine trip a stressful endeavor. We never think it will happen to us. We think that going 10 mph over the speed limit will cause no harm or answering the phone won’t be a big deal. Until the day the unimaginable becomes reality. The day we find ourselves in the middle of this inconceivable nightmare will be the time that changes us forever. Save yourself and others from these catastrophic experiences and be aware of what’s happening behind the wheel. Be safe. Minimize distractions. It’s easier said than done, but these precautions are what can determine life from death.

CONTACT US 707 Vernier Road Grosse Pointe Woods MI, 48236 Phone: 313.432.3248 Email: northpointe@gpschools.org Twitter: @thenorthpointe Website: NorthPointeNow.org FACULTY ADVISER: Shari Adwers, MJE

EDITOR’S DESK ABBEY CADIEUX

“(Companies) need to upgrade their systems more. They’ve been told this by the hackers before, they just didn’t do anything about it.”

“I feel like it’s not a right thing to... (on Instagram) if you want a page, you know you have your own followers instead of trying to take someone else’s”

FRESHMAN

SOPHOMORE

Joe Passalacqua

Mekelle Pace

“I’ve never personally been hacked ... it would be awful ... you have to go through all the trouble of getting your identity approved and everything.”

Brandon Babcock JUNIOR

YOUR TURN: What are your thoughts on hacking? By Josie Bennett & Dajai Chapman EDITOR & PHOTOGRAPHER

“Someone can know all your information in this day and age when everything is technical. That part is kind of scary.”

Sarah Scott SENIOR

“With everything being electronic now, it’s giving more opportunities for hacking. I think people need to be more aware of what they are putting out there on the internet.”

“If you think about how many things you use the Internet for and the fact that someone within minutes can shut down what we rely (on), (hacking) is scary.”

Tracey D’Hondt

Brian Shelson

MATH TEACHER

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

Pulling up to the parking lot on Belle Isle—bass thumping out from a neon-clad DJ’s speakers surrounded by eager participants donned in light-up tutus and glow sticks, I knew this was not going to be your average 5K. As a runner on the cross country team, I found it foreign enough just being at a race where everyone is singing and dancing. But that’s the norm for the Color Run, a.k.a. “The Happiest 5K.” Seeing people of all ages, races and ethnicities come together under the neon lights and booming music is almost unparalleled to anything I’ve ever experienced. This feeling of camaraderie, however, is something that all runners definitely experience. When signing up for the Color Run, my friends and I did not realize we would have to miss a cross country team event. We were conflicted, but from what we saw at the Color Run, comprised of strangers and people of all ages and backgrounds, running creates teams everywhere. The collective act of completing any run or walk creates an overwhelming sense of team spirit, even when surrounded by complete strangers. I often think about how bonding an experience finishing a 5K can be. Some of the craziest and most courageous things I have ever seen have been at cross country races. Girls throwing up mid-race, bleeding from injuries while continuing to run, weeping from sheer exhaustion at the finish line. Out-of-breath runners encouraging members of other teams to stay strong and push on, even when they need to hear it equally as much themselves. These are all things that build character—and give me hope. In a world where the everpresent aura of vehement competition can poison any forward-looking individual’s way of thinking (the presidential election comes to mind), it is refreshing to find activities that aren’t nauseating to partake in. Competition is not entirely bad, though. It can be healthy and push you to do great things you would not have done otherwise. However, what’s important is the source of that motivation. Many of the people at the Color Run on Belle Isle were not athletes. They were regular college kids, students, parents, grandparents, pre-school children. There were some serious runners, but for the most part, it was a casual event. What made the event special was that they were all finishing together. The simple act of finishing something is what makes the event special. That’s all. Finishing what you start. Cross country is an individualistic team sport. It really is kind of weird. While the team is collectively competing against other teams, runners are also competing against each other. But really, the number one competitor any runner has is the mind. At every race, each runner is striving to beat a personal record. This is what makes running such a mentally enduring sport. Mental toughness is something that can help anyone build fortitude and strength to be a better student, better worker, better human being. So go ahead and challenge yourself. Kick your own butt. You’ll be glad you did. The Color Run was fun and light and raised money for suicide prevention, which is all good. Cross country is fun, too, but not at all lightweight. It’s commitment that I didn’t always have, daily discomfort I didn’t always want and a sense of accomplishment I could never get anywhere else. The team spirit I had modeled for me by the coaches, captains, managers and runners on my team is what lingered in the air that night. Running a casual race allowed me to take a step back and realize what real success looks like.


10 – Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016 – North Pointe

IN-DEPTH

The lowdown on the FAFSA financial aid application By Katelynn Mulder & Amber Braker EDITOR & INTERN

AMBER BRAKER

More than 13 million students each year fill out the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) offered by the Department of Education. It provides them with more than $150 billion in grants, loans and funds. This makes FAFSA the largest provider of financial aid for college students in the nation. Senior Adam Schade recently submitted his FAFSA form. He believes that the FAFSA is a helpful tool, but it could be improved to make it more convenient. “I think it’s really useful, but they make it kinda hard for us to find things. Like honestly,” Schade said. “I couldn’t really tell you how to find any scholarships, so if they made it more clear and we got more help on how to get money and stuff, that would be nice.” In order to fill out and submit a FAFSA form, students and their parents need to make a FAFSA ID and then go to the FAFSA website and complete the form, which includes questions about parents’ taxes and annual income. A common misconception that may keep students from filling out the FAFSA is that financial aid is given purely based on household income. This leads some students to believe that they don’t qualify for federal financial aid. In reality, FAFSA takes into account a number of other factors including family size, possible family contributions and what college a student is attending. This information is put into a mathematical formula that determines who receives aid and how much they are given. Any student who is a U.S. citizen, has a valid social security number, a high school diploma, does not have a conviction for possessing or distributing illegal drugs, does not owe a refund on a federal student grant or is in default on a federal student loan can be eligible for federal aid. Counselor Jennifer Sherman said FAFSA is a helpful tool that some students may not use because they think they don’t qualify for anything. North even offers a financial aid night during the first two weeks of September to help make the process easier. “You have to get a FAFSA ID, which is your login. Kind of like your key to open up FAFSA, and the student has to get one, and the parent has to get one, and that is before you can start,” Sherman said. The next step, Sherman said, was to fill out the application form online which calculates if an applicant qualifies for aid by parent tax information from the previous year. So for seniors graduating in 2017, the FAFSA will look at their parents’ taxes from 2015. Students were able to start the application process for FAFSA as early as Oct. 1 of this year and can submit applications as late as June 30, 2018. However, Sherman said students should complete their forms as soon as possible so they can be first in line for financial aid. Once a student applies for FAFSA, the applicant receives an awards letter explaining federal and non-federal options for aid for every school that he or she mentioned interest in attending. Unlike many other student aid programs, FAFSA AMBER BRAKER

is based solely on financial need. When applying, grades, age and ethnicity are not considered. This means most people qualify for some form of financial aid through the federal government and need only submit an application to receive it. There are two main types of federal aid offered through FAFSA. One type is the student loan, which is only borrowed money students will have to eventually repay to the government. Another is a federal grant that students won’t have to pay back. Sheri Kam, mother of senior Clarissa Kam, received federal aid in the form of grants and scholarships in addition to having a job in college. She said financial aid helped her complete college on time. She recently helped her daughter apply for financial aid through FAFSA. Kam sees significant differences in the organization of the financial aid system from when she applied herself. “The price difference is certainly a significant shift in the college and financial aid process. Seeking out financial aid and applying for loans was not centralized and organized through one or two organizations when I was applying for assistance,” Kam said via email. “Whereas helping my daughters apply for assistance is organized, and other systems are notified through FAFSA. It is easier to verify and plan for assistance through FAFSA even though the paperwork amount and reverification process is just as intricate as it was when I was applying.” Another significant difference she has noticed is the cost of colleges. According to Huffington Post, college tuition at any typical four-year college has increased by 14 percent between 2008 and 2010 alone. “The reason why price factors into the college selection process is simply because the cost to attend college has quadrupled since I was in college for public and private institutions,” Kam said. This increase in college tuition costs has made financial aid a very important and widely used tool for many who wish to attend college. Senior Valerie Matula applied for financial aid through the FAFSA program and believes many students today do the same. “College is so expensive nowadays,” Matula said. “Not everyone has enough money to apply without financial aid of some sort.” Though financial aid is becoming increasingly important for students to be able to afford college, there is still a significant amount of federal aid money that does not get used. In fact, in 2014 over $2.7 billion in federal grant money was left on the table simply because students who qualified for it did not apply. This amount is even higher if the money from many non-federal student aid programs is taken into account. “Many endowments used for grants and college based scholarships are derived from the FAFSA form,” Kam said. “Thus, if a student does not apply for FAFSA, they are walking away from possible financial assistance at the college level, even if they do not qualify for federal assistance.”


SPORTS

North Pointe – Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016 - 11

Fall sports recap

Victory over vanity

By Sonny Mulpuri & Billy Steigelman EDITOR & ASSISTANT EDITOR

ANNA POST SPORTS COLUMN

KENNEDY WILLIAMS

MAX STALLINGS

Boys tennis The boys tennis team ended their regular season 6-8-3 and 2-2 in the MAC red. They placed second in their region, finishing only behind University of Detroit Jesuit High School. In the Division II state tournament, the team found success as four of their eight flights made it to the quarterfinals. The number one doubles team of seniors Jack Williams and Ben Zacharias saw the most success, finishing 27-3. The pair went into the state tournament as the number two seed and ended up losing to Midland Dow in the finals. The team finished eighth in the state. Head coach John Van Alst is not disappointed about not reaching the goal they set in the beginning of the season for being a top-five team in Division II. Van Alst said this team was unique on the court. “They were just one of those groups of kids that were always having a lot of fun out on the court, and they were always chuckling and laughing and had a lot of humor. That was one of my favorite things about the team,” Van Alst said. “And if there is one thing that I’m going to remember most was when the entire team was at the state finals, and we were one of the last teams they’re playing at the state finals, so it was a really, really cool experience for everybody.”

Football The varsity football team finished the regular season 7-2 with losses to only Romeo and Warren-Cousino, good enough to make the state playoffs. Senior running back Jared Jordan rushed for 1,999 yards and 27 touchdowns through 10 games, including a school record for most yards in a single game with 341. Coming into the season, the team had three goals, to North beat Grosse Pointe South in the annual rivalry game, win their league and qualify for the state playoffs. They did two of those three by defeating South 8-4 on Friday Sept. 23, qualifying for the playoffs. Head coach Frank Sumbera said the key to the team's success was the high energy they had and the fact they had many key players back from last season. “The team played as a unit and playing with a lot of intensity and drive and playing very physically on the field,” Sumbera said. “They get along very well off the field and in the locker room, so we haven’t had distraction. We’ve had very few turnovers and executed the game plan very well.” They won their first playoff game 49-7 against Saint Clair Shores Lakeview and lost to South 24-14 in the district finals.

TOMMY TEFTSIS

STEPHANIE ROY

Boys Soccer Coming into the season, a lot of the members of the boys soccer team didn’t have high expectations. Their main goal was to beat South both times they faced them. Despite tying and losing to South in the regular season, the team was able defeat them on their way to winning a district championship. “My favorite moment was definitely winning the district championship. Either between that or beating South in the district semis,” senior Max Murray said. “Both of those things combined were really big.” Head coach Eric Vanston led the team to a 10-10-2 record during the regular season, and from the day he made cuts, he told his team that he wanted to improve over last season. They were determined to do so. “The keys to achieving our goals came from the commitment of our players. They bought into the hard work that we had to put in, and they learned to play as a team,” Vanston said. “Being a team, both on and off the field, was huge in reaching our goals. This was a very tight-knit group of guys, and I think all the time they spent

Volleyball After winning regionals last year, senior leaders graduated, leaving a young, less experienced team. That inexperience led to a 14-24-2 record. However, the team still went to win the district championship, where they beat Lakeview in the finals. Senior Stephanie Roy said the team improved a lot since the beginning of the season. “This year as a team, we had a few struggles just with kind of keeping our mental game strong, but I think we came a long way since the beginning of the season,” Roy said. “I think we've improved a lot, and I think everybody contributes equally to the team.” Head Coach Chelsea Brozo’s goal coming into the season was to see her players and the team increase their skill level, which she said was accomplished. “We’re achieved dedicated players with a lot of hard work, intense practices and a strong emphasis of both individual and team strengths and weaknesses,” Brozo said.

Nothing says victory like a fresh new haircut. During the Women’s Tennis Association finals, Svetlana Kuznetsova struggled to see the ball whenever she attempted to make a shot at her opponent. Her braided ponytail kept smacking her in the face. During a timeout, Kuznetsova took matters into her own hands and hacked off the offending ponytail with a pair of scissors, resulting in a 1-0 upset. Kuznetsova: 1 Braided hairdo: 0 As aberrant as it looked, the tactic seemed to work in Kuznetsova’s favor. After beating the defending champion 2-1 in the third set of the round-robin opener Oct. 24, Kuznetsova said she did what she had to do to come out of the match with a victory. Kuznetsova’s actions may have been unusual, but they exemplify her immense passion for what she does. “I thought, ‘OK, what's more important now, my hair, which I can let grow, or the match?” Kuznetsova said during court-side interview after the match. As athletes, we do anything for the sports we love. There are times when I will sacrifice myself for the sake of a point during a match. My blood is flowing, the crowd is cheering and the stakes are high. Moments like this are worth all of the bruises. The last thing I am thinking about in that moment is if my hair is pretty enough. Whether it be diving over score tables or leaping into the stands to keep the play alive, it's the fire inside me that sparks my intense dedication for the game. My appearance doesn't matter. The sweat dripping down my face is the least of my worries. No excuses. If something is stopping us from performing to the best of our abilities, we do what is necessary. We take matters into our own hands. In Kuznetsova’s case, she favored victory over vanity. She didn't care about what her hair looked like. She was determined to win and was willing to go to extraordinary measures to do so. Her actions were fierce. Although I could never see myself cutting off my ponytail during a match, I respect her decision. It exemplifies her devotion to the game. In the sports world, especially for female athletes, one’s physical appearance often overshadows one’s athletic ability. Take Filipino volleyball player Gretchen Ho. She’s a decorated athlete whose recognition consists of being ranked in 2014 among the top 100 “Sexiest Filipina Women” by For Him Magazine and Yahoo’s Female HOThlete of the Year. One would think that a professional athlete would receive more acknowledgment for accolades such as being placed on the Philippines’ highest ranked team. Not the case for Ho. Female athletes are always looked at for the way they carry themselves. Their appearances over look their athleticism. Professional tennis player Serena Williams is constantly under criticism for her body build, her appearance and her passion on the court. Observers think her athleticism and body are “too manly” for the ideal image of women in sports. Her arms are too big. Her hair is too voluminous. How is it that Williams’ intensity is misinterpreted as masculinity? Power is beauty. Female athletes provide a balance of feminity and strength in the games they play. One's hairstyle or muscular build shouldn't determineanything. Kuznetsova’s new haircut should be astonishing enough. Not only do her actions bring empowerment to female athletes, but they also teach a valuable lesson that can benefit anyone. Gender aside, Kuznetsova’s barber skills should make you think this: if you care about something so much you are willing to do anything to succeed, that’s dedication. That’s something to admire. Sports are not about looking good at the game you play. It's about dominating in what you do whether you have a full head of hair or not.

North Pointe: Do you know why the tradition started? Valeria Matula: I feel like it’s just like a de-stresser after regionals, because it’s usually the day after the regional race., and so it’s just kind of a fun thing to do for Halloween. NP: How do you feel about the tradition?

SOCTT COOPER

COSTUMES REQUIRED | Coach Scott Cooper with seniors Valerie Matula, , Cate Troost, Erinne Lubienski, Sarah Wietecha, Grace Sexton and Olivia Francis.

Girls cross country Halloween run Q & A Team captains talk about the importance of the tradition

VM: I personally really like it, because, I just like to wear Halloween costumes, and there’s free candy afterwards. It’s a nice, easy run, and it’s fun to just run with everybody, in weird costumes, people along the streets who take pictures and videotape us. NP: What path do you guys take for the Halloween run? Grace Sexton: We just go down Mack (Ave), and then we go through the Mack (Ave)-Vernier (Road) intersection, all the way up to Hanson’s Running Shop. And then we turn right around, and we go back the way we came from. It’s from coach Cooper’s house. NP: What do you do before and after the run? GS: Before the run, we all gather, we all

congregate in Cooper’s driveway and just admire everybody’s costumes, pick out the ones we like best. And then we do the run, and then after we gorge our faces in candy in like these giant containers that are in his basement. And it’s really funny, because it’s just a huge group of girls, and we all go crazy. And then we just sit around and eat candy and talk, and then the seniors vote which costume they like best, and that person who wins gets an award. then some people always dress up in costumes that are really hard to run in. NP: What does the Halloween run mean to you? Cate Troost: It’s just kind of fun, and the nice thing about it is, we’ve already had our last race of the season, so it’s kind of like, whenever the Halloween run is, our season’s over, so it’s kind of like a “oh, you can just run” and not worry about states or pressure, or anything like that. NP: How do you feel after completing your last Halloween run? CT: It’s weird right now, because I don’t think it’s hit me yet, but it’s a little sad. It makes you really nostalgic, because you’re like, “Huh, it’s over. Childhood’s over.”


12 – Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016 – North Pointe

SPORTS

Quadruple the fun Volleyball team hosts mock tournament on Halloween By Sarah Wietecha EDITOR

BOYS BUMPING | Sophomore Billy Hoover bumps the ball. The competition was created by past players and coaches and has been happening since head coach Chelsea Brozo played at North. “It has been a friendly fun challenge ever since I played for North, our team loved it, so I decided to continue the tradition,” Brozo said.

EYE ON THE BALL | All of the teams picked a theme to dress up while playing. “We knew a family friend that knew how to embroider “The Incredibles” logo on a red shirt, and we bought some red tutus to match,” Bessette said.

ANTICIPATION | Junior Paul Ireson waits for a set to begin. Most teams consisted of two girls and two boys, but the players could pick anybody they wanted to be their partners. “My favorite thing about the volleyball quads was realizing how difficult volleyball is and how fun it can be,” Ireson said. SERVE IT UP | Junior Emma Tompkins prepares to serve the ball. “It was fun watching the boys try and play, and I liked playing against other girls on the team,” Tompkins said.

DETERMINATION | Senior Stephanie Roy and junior Anna Post get ready for the ball. “It was my last one ever and we din’t do it last year, so it just made it that more exciting,” Roy said.


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