February Issue 2009

February 2010 - Vo lume 72

- Issu e7

Inside This Issue

Saying goodbye to Señora Linares p.5 After losing Mrs. Linares on February 8, students spend time remembering the great Spanish teacher.

Snow days p.4 1 80 S.

Livernois

- Rochester High School - Rochester Hills M

Students and teachers alike can benefit from an unexpected day off, although how they choose to spend it may differ.

7 I, 4830

Students use art to express themselves Using nothing but talent and Prisma colored pencils, senior Lauren Wu can turn a blank canvas into a true work of art. If, by art, one expects to see something like a man with his spine growing out of his back.

“Most of my artwork now features some gruesome subjects,” Wu said. “But I try to present it in an aesthetically pleasing way in hopes that the viewer will feel torn between loathing the image for its hideousness but also loving it for its beauty.”

With a gold key in the Scholastic’s Art competition held by College for Creative Studies, Wu is undoubtedly a talented artist and has been so for a long time.

“Most artists will say, ‘[I have done art] ever since I could remember...,’” Wu said. “And I say the same thing because it’s the truth.”

Sophomore Ashley Jacobs started drawing early as well.

“I first started really drawing in elementary school,” Jacobs said.

“My friends would draw and I thought hey, that looks fun.”

Senior Vanessa Lepore had a similar start into photography.

“It started five or six years ago,” Lepore said.” “I started taking a class at the Paint Creek Center for the Arts.”

Since that class, Lepore’s passion for photography has not diminished.

“I like taking photos more than

anything else,” Lepore said. “I’m good at it and it’s easier [for me] to take pictures than to try and draw something.”

Lepore has been accepted into the Kendall College of Art and Design where she will major in photography.

“My dream job would probably be working with National Geographic and being able to take pictures all over the world,” Lepore said.

Wu does not know where art will lead her career-wise, but she feels it will stay with her throughout life.

“Art related, I’d love to be a muralist,” Wu said. “In other fields, like science, I’d love to be a surgeon.

Putting my interests together, I’d be a reconstructive surgeon.”

Whether students plan to follow art later on in life or not, art classes and art in general tend to have positive side effects on students.

“It is a way for students to explore the perspectives of other people, learning about the different ways in which others think and act helping

to build character,” art teacher Ms. Jessica McLean said. “For some students it is a break from the daily work load and stresses that academics can bring on and thus provides students with a positive release.”

It would seem that no matter what medium is used, and whether it is a hobby or a way of life, art may be a good way to express one’s feelings.

“I love drawing because I’m pretty good at using dry media, like colored pencils, and because of that, I can easily communicate my ideas and such,” Wu said. “I like painting

Clockwise from left: “Biohazard,” “Snowleopard,” and “The Promontory” by senior Lauren Wu. Photos Courtesy of Lauren Wu

because with paint, I feel like I have more freedom and energy in the actual brush strokes so it’s just a fun thing for me.”

Some people draw and paint for money, but this is not the case with Wu. “Mostly the personal satisfaction I get from creating a new piece because

I make 95 percent of everything only for me and not because someone else wanted me to,” Wu said. “I do enjoy how people react to my art, though.

Art in general, I like the flexibility; you can turn anything into art.”

Jacobs had similar sentiments.

“The best part of art is doing what you want to do without being

Due to division realignment, RHS v. AHS and RHS v. SCHS football games cancelled How it was decided

Mr. Victor Fournier (RHS Athletic director) said: “In the OAA, no suggestions or alternatives were ever solicited. I sent one anyways thinking that our input or ideas would be welcome. It was never shared or discussed with anybody. While there is an appeal process, our objections were ignored by the committee, coaches, AD’s and principals. After being ignored four times, I felt it pointless to continue with a written appeal knowing the end result. [My proposal] may not be perfect, but I think it would have been a good starting point that would have given competitive schedules to everybody and ensured that more OAA teams have a shot at the playoffs.

Also, on the last page of my proposal were the main reasons we fought this alignment.”

Mr. Mike Jolly (Oakland Activities Association chairperson) said: “Based on all the voting any team can decide to appeal their decision. Both Southfield Lathrup and Pontiac appealed their alignment into the Red division. After reviewing their appeals it was decided that Lathrup would switch with Royal Oak moving R.O. to the red and placing Lathrup in the white. The decision to do this is [during] the minutes of the meeting in which the athletic director in your building has.”

Mr. Jason Rapp (AHS athletic director) said: “I can appreciate the situation from the Rochester standpoint. Given the current divisional alignment, RHS must play county powers Clarkston and Lake Orion. While I don’t know how the Adams team will be next year, we’ve had some strong seasons and maintaining the rivalry would force RHS into playing another highly competitive opponent in the season opener. Those are three tough games. Hopefully, the Lanse Creuse contest will be a favorable one for the Falcons.”

Ms. Wendy Zdeb (RHS principal) said: “I think it affects the whole district.

When we play our sister schools it is a community event. People who do not even have kids at either school come to the game just to enjoy the atmosphere. It is also a major event for our band programs, the cheer teams etc. It is really unfortunate that this happened and I’m extremely disappointed in the league for making this decision.”

Red division v. white division Mr. Jolly said: “It was also determined by the committee and confirmed by the coaches and athletic directors that from top to bottom the white division will be stronger than the red division for the upcoming year.”

Mr. Fournier said: “As far as the White being stronger from top to bottom - I guess that means as AD’s we did an extremely poor job of alignment.

In every other sport in the OAA, the Red division is our highest and strongest.”

How it will affect RHS

Mr. Fournier said: “The obvious downside is we don’t have a rival game and nothing in our league that even looks like one. Our Adams week will be impossible to replace.

Alignments are done every two years and we will fight to get this righted.”

Mr. Rapp said: “Old timers from the community may not like the break from tradition this year, but it really comes down to the kids and they just want to play somebody, regardless of who it is. Hopefully, both schools win week one and everybody will be happy.”

For an in-depth story about this topic, see “No AHS, SCHS football games,” on page 10 Graphics Courtesy of http://rocfootball. com/

Talon Inside the Nest Choosing the right courses

2

the

February 2010

In addition to taking Composition and Language or Composition and Literature, seniors will also have to take another English elective next year. These two quizzes will help seniors decide which course suits them best.

Literature-based courses 1. Which is more your type?

a. A handsome vampire preying on beautiful young women b. A successful young man disillusioned by his exorbitant wealth c. A lonely woman writing about death locked inside her bedroom d. A heroic king battling his mortal enemies, including a dragon e. A pair of young lovers meeting a tragic death

2. Would you rather

a. Do creative projects to prove your understanding b. Discuss the reading in class c. Develop your own voice and style d. Connect history and literature e. Perform the pieces

3. What would you rather avoid?

a. Lots of formal essays b. Sitting quietly c. Being told your poetic interpretation is incorrect d. Reading literature from only one time period e. Writers that you have never heard of

4. What do you want to gain from a course?

a. Information about what consists of a genre b. Creative expression about the last century c. Personal exploration of poetry d. A better understanding of how history is reflected to literature e. An understanding of how literature relates to Elizabethan theatre If you chose mostly ______, you should consider taking this class. a. Literature of the Strange b. 20th Century Literature c. Poetry d. British Literature e. Shakespeare

Mr. Green’s scheduling tips

•First, come up with a four year plan.

•Second, talk to the current teachers of the courses you’re considering.

•Third, talk to your parents and get their input.

•Have the knowledge of what classes are about. Choose your classes based on you interest and ability level.

•College-bound students should take courses that push themselves to get better.

Common problems

•Right now there are a lot of students and not enough room.

•The class sizes are much larger and there not as many electives.

•Students want to switch classes because they did not educate themselves about the classes. However, there are not available classes for them to switch into.

Writing-based courses 1. What would you rather do?

a. Speak in front of large groups of people b. Watch lots of movies c. Write lots of short stories d. Win debates e. Help produce a monthly newspaper

2. You would have no problem with

a. Focusing on 12 MIFA categories b. Papers and tests being the norm c. Researching, reading and analyzing short stories d. America’s greatest fear e. Interviewing random people

3. What skills do you think you need?

a. Storytelling and impromptu speaking b. Critiquing films c. Effective descriptive and narrative techniques d. Tell if someone is lying e. Removing bias while telling a story

New electives

4. What dreams do you have?

Changes in the English department

If you chose mostly _____, you should consider taking this course. a. Forensics (not the science class) b. Intro to Films c. Creative Writing d. Oral Communications e. Journalism I or II

•AP Psychology - full-year class •AP Macroeconomics - full-year class •A zero hour for gym •Two new senior English classes.

•There will be no more 12.1 and 12.2 courses.

•Instead, there will be Composition and Language and Composition and Literature.

•Composition and Language is better suited for students who have enjoyed science and math more in the past.

•Composition and Literature is better sutied for students who have enjoyed English more in the past.

a. Being the next great orator b. Writing an Oscar-winning screenplay c. Writing stories high school students will study in the future d. Win a debate against Sarah Palin e. Break the next Watergate scandal to the world

Changes in the math department

•There will be no more Advanced Algebra.

•Instead there will be Algebra 2 or Algebra A. •Algebra 2 finishes two books in one year.

• Algebra A finishes one book in one year.

Algebra B follows.

•Both Algebra 2 and Algebra A should be taken after Geometry.

Students work with technology in Journalism II. Photo by Arthur Lee

Past students act out Shakespeare’s plays. Photo by Mr. Chuck Kowal

Cheating:

New methods take form

Psychology teacher Ms. Caylan Cook looks out her classroom door and is confronted by an ugly reality.

There are students cheating on a test.

Even though students sign the academic integrity code, many continue to cheat.

“Several girls were retaking a test outside my door,” Ms. Cook said.

“They all worked on the test together.

It was disappointing.”

Even though it may be disappointing to teachers, many students continue to cheat for a variety of reasons.

“Sometimes, kids just don’t understand the teacher’s lessons,” freshman Jacob Carl said. “Then they cheat because they need good grades to get into good colleges.”

Senior Elan White offers a different perspective.

“Kids want to do well to please their parents and all that other good stuff,” White said.

Still, sophomore Austin Kilpatrick presents another idea.

“Cheating helps kids feel rebellious,” Kilpatrick said. “[It’s] like they are fighting the system.”

Students have figured out many ways to cheat beyond the traditional writing-answers-on-hands method.

“Instead of writing answers on their hands, some kids will write the answers in between their fingers,” senior Christina Ramsey said.

Another interesting idea is putting

ACT Advice During the second week of March, juniors statewide have the honor of experiencing one of society’s most innovative torture techniques, the ACT. Here is some advice to help the juniors survive their ordeal. If the process of elimination is not your best friend, become best friends fast.

Choosing between two answer choices is much easier than five.

1.

Be prepared for lots of charts, graphs and data tables in the science section. It is all about your ability to read and interpret data, not your knowledge about quantum mechanics.

2.

Learn how to read fast. There are four rather lengthy reading passages in the reading comprehension section. The less time spent reading, the more time you have to actually do the questions.

3. If you are having trouble with a math problem, try plugging in the

answers back to the original problem. Call it reverse engineering.

Some students may cheat to complete schoolwork by writing in pen in between each of their fingers. Photo Illustration by Arthur Lee

answers inside water bottles.

“Students just lift the wrap surrounding lots of plastic bottles, like Gatorade or water,” senior Alycen Wiacek said. “Then, they put in a cheat sheet and rewrap the original layer. They can just look at the cheat sheet through the water bottle.”

The creativity of this method may not always be rewarding. English teacher Mrs. Ashley Painter explains her views.

“I didn’t even know that was possible,” Mrs. Painter said. “But I don’t let students have anything on their desk during a test anyways.”

Senior Natalie Debuscherre presents an alternative view on students’ innovative cheating methods.

“In the time and energy spent trying to cheat, kids could have actually learned the material,” Debuscherre

said.

With teachers patrolling their classrooms during tests and the academic integrity code in effect, students are still trying to prove that cheating will always be an ugly attribute of high school.

“There is no way to prevent cheating,” Ramsey said. “Kids will always find a way to cheat. The only prevention method I see possibly working is public humiliation. Just let them cheat. It will only hurt them later.”

The end of a semester is a time when students’ weeks of cheating may haunt them in the form of a final exam.

“Cheating is only a temporary solution,” Ms. Cook said. “Eventually, it will come back to bite you in the butt.”

4.

Get a lot of sleep. Having a clear mind in the morning will be more helpful than staying up all night studying.

5.

Eat breakfast. The brain needs lots of fuel. Don’t load up on garbage either. A dozen glazed donuts will be hurtful in the long run.

6. Don’t stress out. If you spend too much time freaking about how a test

will affect the rest of your life, you probably won’t do too well. Relax. Take a deep breath. Approach each problem calmly.

Important ACT dates in March

9th - ACT, only juniors come to school 10th - Michigan Merit Exam (MME), juniors arrive regular time, everybody

else has a late start day

11th - MME, same as the 10th

Inside the Nest

3 Anatomy class dissects cats Talon the

February 2010

Anatomy and physiology teacher Ms. Erin Harris is sitting at her desk quietly grading papers before school starts. She takes advantage of her time because, in less than two hours, the classroom will be bustling with the chatter of students dissecting cats.

“I feel students medically or nursing-bound will have an eyeopening experience on how the body functions,” Ms. Harris said. “I think taking this course will give them a leg up in college.”

Senior Shannon Stratton is one of the students learning much from her cat.

“I thought I would pass out just being around a dead animal,” Stratton said. “But it ended up being really easy. The best part is seeing all of the pictures and diagrams come to life in front of you. It’s really interesting how the cat’s anatomy is so much like a human’s.”

Even though the students are learning a lot, the cat presents many challenges.

“Oh man, to be completely honest, it took me three days to touch it,” senior Ashley Brees said. “And even on the third day, I had to make a classmate grab my hand and hold it down until I realized it wasn’t a big deal. It’s ridiculous, but I didn’t want to hurt the cat. (Yes, I know it is dead.)”

This experience is not new. Ms. Harris also had a similar experience

Two students in Ms. Erin Harris’ anatomy class dissect a cat. Photo by Arthur Lee

Senior Richard Bryant opens and searches the insides of a cat in Ms. Erin Harris’ class. Photo

by Arthur Lee

when she was in high school.

“During junior year, I had a huge problem with the cat dissection,” Ms. Harris said. “It was only at the time because I had just gotten a kitten.”

Beyond getting over the initial reaction, certain cats are also more difficult to work with.

“The worst part is that I’ll be constantly worried that my cat has as much fat tissue as muscle,” senior

Richard Bryant said. “That is actually pretty terrifying.”

Some students scrape away fat while others are busy investigating muscles. At the end of the hour, there is no sign that dead cats had graced the classroom tables. However, Ms. Harris has one last point to make.

“I have one huge pet peeve,” Ms. Harris said. “I hate it when I find pieces of the cats in the sinks.”

Seniors Shannon Stratton and Ava Oleksiak dissect a cat in anatomy. Photo by Arthur Lee

Drug Dogs Searches: Sniffing Behind Rochester Lines K-9’s are annually brought into Rochester to assist officers in the search for illegal substances that students may try to bring to school

As principal Ms. Wendy Zdeb spread the word of a partial lockdown over the PA, junior Billy Klotz was confused. He wondered if it was a serious matter, until he heard about a dozen dogs barking from a distance. At that point, he

knew exactly what was coming.

“I think the drug searches have a valid point to them,” Klotz said.

“It’s meant to protect the kids from drugs and to bust those who break the law.”

The K-9s that were brought in are trained to sniff out specific drugs.

“There are certain dogs that are trained to sniff out specific drugs,” Deputy Alyssa Gooding said.

“Some are trained to find bombs, while others, like the ones that are brought to the school, are trained to find marijuana and cocaine.”

These drug searches are not easy to schedule and it takes precautionary steps to set up.

“The K-9s are scheduled months ahead of time,” Deputy Gooding said. “The school has to carefully

prepare for this. Searching a school is not a serious threat for these dogs; usually the dogs are out on cases that are more important than searching a school.”

According to sadd.org, 50 percent of teens have tried an illicit drug before they graduate high school. A small handful of those students bring illegal drugs to school to sell or use.

“The dogs coming in are for the safety of the students,” sophomore Jack Glancy said. “Some students come to school with illegal drugs and look to sell them to others. With the dogs coming in, these law-breaking students can potentially get caught.”

Most drugs that are found at school are found in students’ cars, and when they are found, there are serious consequences.

“If drugs are found, I have to confiscate them,” Deputy Gooding said.

“After I confiscate the drug, I have to field test it. If I find out its marijuana, cocaine, or any other illegal drug, the student could potentially be charged with possession of an illegal drug.”

These dogs protect the school from illegal drugs.

“The school is only protecting the students,” Klotz said. “Ms. Zdeb and the staff are trying to do the best they can to ensure that we have a future of good choices.”

A new semester brings higher hopes and goals Before the bell rings, freshman Amanda Deel makes sure that all of her folders and binders are in order.

Since it is the exciting start of a new semester for Deel, she wants to make sure that she stays organized and focused.

“The most important thing for me to remember this semester is to be organized,” Deel said. “That will probably help me get better grades, which is something I’m really hoping for now.”

Organization seems to be a common goal shared among both students and teachers.

“I’m really hoping to stay organized this semester,” English teacher Mrs. Ashley Painter said. “I want to try to eliminate confusion among my students, and I’m excited about the opportunity to kind of start all over again.”

Others feel that this semester is not anything to get too anxious about, especially for the junior class.

“I’m not really excited for

this semester any more than any other semester,” junior Colleen McGoldrick said. “And I am really not excited about junior testing days.”

There also may be some things that students will miss from the previous semester.

“The way my schedule was last semester worked well when I had to take exams,” McGoldrick said.

“This semester, I will have to take my chemistry and math exams on the same day, which will be stressful.”

But with a full semester behind them, many students seem to have gained insights on how to improve for this semester.

“I’ve learned to take advantage of all of the free time that you have,” junior Katie Steffens said.

“This semester, I’m going to try to find a balance between sports and schoolwork.”

Others learned different lessons.

“From last semester, I learned that I need to make sure not to cram the night before tests and exams,” Deel said. “Instead, I need to start studying a few nights before.”

It seems as though there are many students who hope to improve their

Sophomore Elijah Gallaher finishes up a test in the hallway during school. Photo by Emily Hayward

performance in school.

“My goal is to get into the University of Michigan,” Steffens said. “I know that it’s important for me to remember that I have to keep my grades up if I want to get accepted there.”

For some, attaining these goals may not necessarily mean studying

more.

“I really want to get a 3.0 GPA,” junior Aaron Walker said. “My goal is just to not pull any all-nighters working on projects and to make sure that I ask for help if I don’t get something instead of waiting around and not understanding it.”

Not all of the effort, however,

comes from students.

“I want to help my students succeed,” Mrs. Painter said. “This semester, I’m really going to try to spend time with students who are struggling in order to help them do as best as they can.”

While many seem to be focused on academics this semester, some may have other goals as well.

“I want to make sure that I get active in clubs once basketball is over,” Steffens said.

Although not all students wish to achieve the same goals, it seems that the most important thing is that they work to the best of their abilities.

“This semester, I’m really going to try to work hard,” McGoldrick said. “But I’m also going to partner that with a plan that is logical to me and doesn’t involve any overthinking.”

Overall, it seems that many are embracing second semester with a hopeful attitude.

“Some of my classes last semester were hard for me to get good grades in, so I’m glad I’m done with them,” Deel said. “I currently like all of my classes and all of my teachers; I have very high hopes for this semester.”

4 Inside the Nest Talon Heavy snowfall brings relaxation the

February 2010

Teens pleasantly surprised for the first snowday of the year, which allows them to hang out with friends and catch up on sleep

Still overly tired, senior Charlotte Fertal barely manages to roll out of bed and turn off her alarm, preparing for yet another day at school. But as she goes downstairs and begins to eat her breakfast, she overhears the news: due to the six inches of snow that had fallen the previous night, Rochester Public Schools will be closed. Fertal smiles, then goes right back to bed.

“I absolutely love having days off; they make me so excited,” Fertal said. “I live for those days, really, because having a schedule at school is kinda boring, and it’s nice to get a break and sleep in.”

While Fertal catches up on sleep during her days off, some students make other plans.

“I love to just hang out with my friends,” sophomore Colleen Boreo said. “It’s so much fun to go sledding all day and then be able to walk inside and have a big cup of hot chocolate on a day where you don’t have any other plans.”

For some, however, these unplanned days may lead to boredom.

“The worst part about having a day without school is being bored,” senior Alice Waldron said.

“Sometimes, it’s like I have nothing to do.”

Although it may seem like a challenge at first, many believe that these individuals can find something productive to do with their time away from school.

“Days off can be a great way for kids to catch up on schoolwork,” math teacher Mrs. Lisa Gotko said.

“These days tend to be kind of slow days, which can be really nice for kids to be able to just relax and take the time to get some extra work

done.”

Regardless of what teens are actually doing on these days, they seem to be happiest with the simple fact that they are not in school.

“The best part of having the day off is not having to worry about school,” Boreo said.

“You can just sleep in and relax.”

Some, however, feel that unplanned days off may actually be harmful since they may interfere with the learning process.

“Having to adjust your lesson plans is probably the worst part of a snow day,” Mrs. Gotko said. “It kind of throws everything off just a little bit.”

In order to make up for the lost time, there are extra days added on at the end of the school year if a certain amount of school is missed.

“The bad thing about having a lot of days off is the fact that you have to make them up at the end of the year if you miss too many,” Waldron said. “That can just be a pain because you’re in school even longer.”

In an attempt to avoid adding on extra days, it seems as though the district is being more cautious this year about how much they call off school. This year, February 10 and 22 have been the only unscheduled days off.

“First off, I’m not really sure if we’ve had enough snow or ice to cancel school for the most part,” Waldron said. “But I also think that the district is being more careful

creative outlet, for others, it serves a more social purpose.

“It’s a great way of getting involved with the community,” junior Michael Giedzinski said. “It gives you a chance to see the perspectives and creativity of surrounding schools, and it just might be that extra nudge someone needs to be their best creatively.”

While the purpose of the contest itself is somewhat debatable, the purpose behind creating a competition like this is clear.

“Andy Warhol once said, ‘Art is what you can get away with,’ ” Parker said. “A contest like Reflections lets the students of our state get away with what we can.”

Drawn by junior Anna Parker. Photo by Simonne Lakamper

about when they cancel because of how many times school has gotten needlessly called off in the past.”

Despite the fact that many breaks from school may not always be beneficial, it seems that they come as a pleasant surprise to most teenagers.

“We’re teenagers,” Fertal said.

“Sometimes, we just need to have unscheduled, unplanned days where we can just chill out and relax.”

Clockwise from top left: Students enjoying the snowday by sledding (Photo by Melanie Sweet); Hot chocolate is a traditional snowday beverage of choice (Photo by Emily Hayward); Junior Tom Hayward, sophomore Aaron Walker, junior Wanda Wycovitch, freshman Elise Walker, junior Austin Rhode and junior Ted Dong enjoying ice skating at the onyx (Photo by Emily Hayward).

Students express themselves through art Kids across the state showcase their artistic abilites at the reflection competition, and get involved in their communities

As junior Anna Parker picks up her paint brush and eyes her easel, she thinks of the reflection contest theme and is thankful for a way to show off her talents in a outlet other than sports.

“I think the reflections contest is important to our school because it shows the creativity students are capable of possessing,” Parker said.

“Not only can students express this through visual arts, but there are also categories like photography, musical composition, and literature.”

This year, 19 Rochester students took home awards at the district level, but still some think more could be done with this competition.

“I think the contest could get bigger, especially in the literature category,” Rochester High School PTSA Chairperson for Reflections Mrs. Karen Garr said. “Some schools encourage their teachers to require that a Reflections entry is part of their ninth grade class assignments.

I wouldn’t want to do this, but I would like to get more support for the students from the Language Arts teachers. We give the staff the theme in May before school is out, so that they could have the opportunity to give the contest a little PR.” To many, this contest serves as a

Drawn by junior Bailey Knudsen. Photo by Max Kleiner

Left and above: Drawn by junior Anna Parker. Photos by Simonne Lakamper

Drawn by senior Melanie Haberkamp. Photo by Max Kleiner

Outside the Nest 5 Remembering Señora Linares

Talon the

February 2010

Students share their memories of Spanish teacher Señora Linares, who passed away Monday, February 8 in Majorca, Spain after a long battle with cancer

She always had those stories that made your day a little brighter.

She had such a good heart and she was so strong. As a freshman, she helped me see high school as a great opportunity and ever since I’ve been inspired to be the best I can be in every class. Maria Linares will be in our hearts forever. Nada valgo sin tu amor y tu passion para enseñar (Nothing is the same without your love and passion for teaching).

Christina Ramsey, senior

Colleen McBain, senior I have never ever seen her get mad, even when students were talking, texting or cheating. Her fire story, motorcycle story and everything she said remains in my memory. I miss her already.

She was such a sweet, sweet woman. There is no doubt in my mind that she cared about every single student she had, no matter how hard of a time they gave her.

I will always be reminded of her whenever I hear a song by the Spanish artist Juanes.

Ashley Brees, senior

Spanish teacher Señora Maria Linares, RHS Aluma ‘09 Carly Szurek and Spanish teacher Ms. Beth East celebrate the end of the 2008-09 school year. Photo Courtesy of Ms. Beth East

Jennifer Day, senior Even when life was unfair to her, she smiled and played by its rules.

She didn’t complain. She didn’t quit, but only further enjoyed her life and lived it to its fullest.

My sister even called Señora her Spanish mom. Being a guy, I was a little shy about calling her “mom” and held back a bit, but I really regret holding myself back now.

But if she heard this now, I know she would just say, “Oh, it’s ok Richard, that’s how boys are.” And she would just smile and laugh because that’s who she is.

Alex Sizeland, senior Students were overtaken by her maternal aura and were shown that she is one of the nicest ladies we will ever meet and have the privilege to be around. Whether students saw it or not, she was a mother away from home to every one of them.

Everyone who she touched with her gigantic heart now has been left a share of it, with the job of never letting the love disappear.

Senior Melissa Rust She made you want to try harder, work harder, and be better, not only in her class, but in life. She was really almost like a second mom. One of my friends was going through a rough time because her mom had been diagnosed with cancer. Señora was always there to lend this person an ear. When [my friend] had Ms. Rosenblatt second semester, Señora would always come up to me and ask if she was doing okay. She is one of those teachers who just touch your life.

Señora Maria Linares and Ms.Beth East with the Advanced Placement Spanish 5 class last school year. Photos Courtesy of Ms. Beth East

She was the best teacher I’ve ever had. I like how she told us not only about the good stories in her life, but she also mentioned her flaws too. Stories like these were inspiring to us and let us know that we could overcome any battle that we face in our lives.

Charles Daniels, senior

Señora was an absolutely amazing woman. Her passion for teaching and Spanish culture greatly influenced me in deciding to minor in Spanish. Señora was not only a teacher, but a friend to laugh with, and a role model to look up to.

Gracias y te echo de menos (Thank you. I miss you).

Tyler Leppek, senior She always had a way of putting a smile on your face. I learned not only so much more about the language and the culture of Spain, but through her teaching, I learned many life lessons which I will carry with me throughout my life.

Sarah Miller, RHS Alumna ‘09 I never knew Mrs. Linares as a teacher, but as a wonderful mother of a fellow hockey player. I recall her telling me a story while we were waiting in the lobby at the Onyx.

After the story, Mrs. Linares made it clear that she had better not catch me sagging my pants. Needless to say, I listened to her. After that day, I had a newfound respect for her.

College decisions become difficult With the school year halfway over, seniors are beginning to look to the year ahead. For the lucky ones, there is a feeling of excitement and eagerness as they begin planning for their future. For others, like senior Alycen Wiacek, the stress mounts as the indecision sets in.

“The stress of not knowing [where to go to college] has definitely increased throughout the year,” Wiacek said. “At the beginning of the year it wasn’t that big of a deal to not know where you wanted to go because many students were in the same boat. By now I feel like everyone knows where they want to go and those who don’t are kind of looked down upon.”

Although it seems daunting, the decision process can be simplified.

According to counselor Ms. Jennifer O’Toole, there is a process of steps that students should consider when making that final decision.

“I encourage [students] to really explore what they want out of college and to make a list of sorts,” Ms. O’Toole said. “I worked with one student and she made a collage of her two school options. After her collage was finished, her decision was very clear. Sometimes tapping into ourselves in different ways can help steer us in a one particular direction.”

Another factor to consider when looking at schools is what career field is of interest. Narrowing down the list becomes easier when looking at schools that specialize in one’s desired area of study.

“Often times, if a student is undecided about which college to go to, he or she is also undecided about what program to study,” Ms. O’Toole said. “I think Career Cruising and Bridges are valuable resources to help students explore and narrow down choices.”

For senior Sharan Kashyap, it was

Above: Senior Alycen Wiacek has visited many college campuses throughout her decision-making process and is looking for the complete package when making her final decision.

Although officially undecided, Washington University in St. Louis (pictured above) is a top contender. Photos Courtesy of Alycen Wiacek

his interest in aerospace engineering that led him to apply to certain schools.

“I am interested in [going to] Stanford, but this is depending on whether I get in or not,” Kashyap said. “Otherwise my back-up school is U of M. Stanford is number two in Aerospace, followed by U of M at number four.”

Wiacek has also taken a lot of factors into consideration when deciding where to apply and where to go.

“I’m really not ready to give up swimming, so I definitely want to swim in college while still going to the best school academically possible,”

Wiacek said.

“Scholarships are going to make a big difference as well, but many of the schools I have applied to haven’t released their scholarship decisions yet. Also, distance from home will affect my decision because, while I do want to go away, I want to be able to come home sometimes.”

Due to the weight such a big decision, including family members in the process is strongly encouraged.

“It is always a family decision when picking a school, and should be discussed openly with the student’s parent or guardian,” Ms. O’Toole said. “I think the most important

factors are location, size of school, cost, campus activities and athletic programs, academic reputation and support services available.”

For Wiacek, who applied to 15 schools across the nation, the advice has varied.

“I’ve received so much advice; it’s hard to keep it all straight,” Wiacek said. “But mostly people tell me to do what will make me happy. I’ve had people tell me to go to a school to swim because they did the same and never regretted it, but on the other hand people have told me I can always just club swim, and to just go to school for the academic aspect.”

Sometimes the hardest part of

making the decision like this is inadvisable. Sometimes, the hardest part of making a decision like this is the realization that it will matter.

“The hardest part a couple of weeks ago seemed to be writing the essays and filling out the applications, but during my junior year it was the ACT and SAT,” Wiacek said. “Also, I worked hard to get where I am, so I guess you could say getting the grades was hard, but that was over my entire high school career. Right now, I would say the final decision is the hardest. I don’t really know where I want to go, so having one of the biggest decisions of my life looming over my head is kind of stressful.”

Entertainment

6

Talon the

February 2010

Has the time come to upadte Quidditch?

Pro It is one of the world’s greatest sports. It is difficult to play. It takes a lot of skill. Without enough experience you are almost guaranteed to make yourself look stupid in front of a decently large crowd. And to be honest, a lot of things need to change. I am of course talking about Quidditch.

There are a few main problems with this great sport, and all could be taken care of without much work or reform.

Quidditch has the possibility of taking forever, it is illegal to dunk the quaffle, and in the case of an injury the team is forced to play man down. These are problems the average wizard may not see, but they need to be addressed. The game needs to evolve from its medieval beginnings into the game of today.

The game is over when the snitch is caught by one of the seekers. There is no point limit, therefore the only way to end the game is by simply catching the snitch. Two problems arise from this. If your team is down by more than 150 points, then you could catch the snitch and still lose, so the seekers would likely only attempt to keep the other seeker away for the time being.

The second problem is if there happened to be a game with two subpar seekers the snitch would never be caught, and the game would literally never end. I propose two solutions: either a time limit where, if the score is tied at the end, the winner would be decided by some kind of overtime or shootout; or a score cap, where once a team reaches this score cap the game would be over, regardless of the status of the snitch. These time limits or score caps would be adjusted higher and higher as the talent level increased, leaving an exception to games like the Quidditch World cup, which

would be played traditionally.

The foul known as Haversacking is the act of having a “hand still on the quaffle as it goes through the goal post.” Essentially, you can’t dunk.

This is a problem. The game needs to be modernized, allowing the chasers to have some flash while scoring goals.

This would also call for some greater contact between the keeper and the chasers, but all this can be dealt with.

If during the game a player is injured, they are carried away while their team plays down one chaser, beater, or even without a seeker or keeper. This is simply barbaric. If the conservative Quidditch fans don’t want the rules to change too much, then the game can go to something like soccer. A limited number of total subs, and a rule that once a player is

taken out he cannot go back in. It wouldn’t change the game much; it would just create more playing time for the lesser players on a team, or not severely punish a team because a player got injured.

Quidditch is a great game that has been played for almost 800 years and it’s not about to stop any time soon. I am only suggesting that after all this time some changes to the game be made to modernize it and bring it up to speed with today’s wizarding world.

Con Undoubtedly the most famous game worldwide, Quidditch has been known to go on for months, forcing only the best of the best to take part in this game of speed, skill and flying broomsticks. Be it the beater, keeper, chaser or seeker,

each member of the house’s team has to be stronger and more coordinated than the rest.

Some believe that a game almost 800 years old could use some tweaking of the rules. But if this game has been going on for that long, why are people starting to complain now?

The first rule of Quidditch involves the boundary line. Players must not stray over the boundary lines of the field, although they may fly as high as desired.

Watching any of the “Harry Potter” movies gives one a false idea about this rule. Players are not allowed to fly away from the field and around the castle towers. If any player is found doing this the other team gets possession of the quaffle.

This rule is similar to many Muggle sports, “basketball,” “soccer,” “football” just to name a few.

There is no reason

Harry Potter Terms Beater: Two beaters per team must protect their teammates from the Bludgers, balls used to hurt the opposing team, by hitting them with a smaller baseball bat off course or towards the other team.

Keeper: One keeper per team must protect three hoops which the other team will try to throw the Quaffle through them in order to score.

Chaser: Three chasers per team fly up and down the pitch (field) passing the Quaffle amongst themselves in order to score in the other team’s hoops.

Seeker: One seeker per team must fly up and down the pitch (field) trying to catch the Golden Snitch. As soon as one seeker catches the snitch, the game is over.

Quaffle: The Quaffle is passed between the chasers as they fly down the field. It must be thrown into one of the three hoops to score points for your team.

Muggle: A person born with no magical powers and not involved in the wizarding world.

Connor McCormack: A wizard who attended Hogwarts with Hermione Granger. He had a little crush on her and would show off during Quidditch. One does not want to have any qualities that are similar to him.

Golden Snitch: The Golden Snitch is a little golden ball with wings on the side. The seekers must try to catch the snitch to end the game.

Madame Pomfrey: Madame Pomfrey is the nurse at Hogwarts.

Gryffindor: Gryffindor is a house at Hogwarts. Wizards that are placed in this house are referred to as the good guys.

Source: “Quidditch Through the Ages” by Kennilworthy Whisp

this should be changed.

The foul Haversacking can also be described in terms of the Muggle sport of “basketball.” In basketball, dunking is when a player slams the basketball into the net using their hands the whole time. In Quidditch this is called Haversacking, and it is illegal, and frankly there is no need for show-offs in Quidditch. The wizard world already has someone like that, and you do not want to be a “Connor McCormack.”

Another rule states that the game ends when one house catches the Golden Snitch and that house is rewarded with 150 points. In most cases, houses do not have anywhere close to 150 points, so whoever catches the Snitch ends up winning. This creates a false idea that when you catch the Golden Snitch you automatically win. Many wizards are trying to change this rule above any other. And I have one thing to say about that: Take a reality check and realize that Harry Potter is not God. Now, if Morgan Freeman played him, then it is understandable why one would believe him. But, that is for a different time.

Many wizards wonder what would happen if the seeker gets injured. Just like in Muggle sports, there are timeouts in Quidditch. So, if someone gets injured, that house can call a time-out and Madame Pomfrey, or someone of equal wizard medical skills, can simply fix that player. If something happens where it will take a little longer for them to recover, they can try to suck it up until the 12 hour limit. At that point, the time-outs are allowed to last for two hours and that way they can rest up and go back in when they feel better. If they choose the latter, then there is a chance the other house will catch the Snitch before the injured team does.

This can also be related to a Muggle sport called “Ice Hockey.” They call this a “power play.” It all depends on skill and what the captain decides to do. Unless the house is playing against Gryffindor, they will have a shot.

So, to all the Wizards out there who think they are going to change the rules of a magnificent sport that has been played for close to a century, watch out. There are a lot of other wizards, and Muggles, that will fight to maintain these Quidditch rules.

Talon the

February 2010

Inside the Nest

7

Coming out proves rewarding Max Kleiner Graphics Editor

Junior Connor Antenucci feared the worst from his peers when he “came out.” What he got was just the opposite.

“I’ve been treated differently, but differently in a good way,” Antenucci said.

“I’m not being pelted with food and poor manners.

Actually, now that I’m out, people seem to respect me more.

So many kids get torn apart after coming out; I was just lucky to be in a tolerant environment.”

While Antenucci was fortunate to be in an accepting environment, many others in his situation do not receive such warm approval.

“Being gay doesn’t make us dumber or less capable of anything, it’s just how we are,” Antenucci said. “People walk around thinking that gay people a r e

inferior or incompetent. But it’s because of those thoughts that make gay people [particularly strong].

There’s so much to endure when you’re first coming out, that people don’t realize the pain of it.”

Although Antenucci has been out for over three years, he still remembers how it felt to hide his true self from others.

“It seems so long ago, it doesn’t seem important anymore; the fact that I felt I had to hide my sexuality,” Antenucci said. “I was worried of what my friends would think, but I was especially worried about my dad.

I was afraid he wouldn’t accept it. He didn’t. He’s very religious; he thinks of homosexuality as a choice. I don’t see him much anymore.”

While painful, coming out was an act of self-confidence and assurance for Antenucci.

“I became comfortable with myself,” Antenucci said. “To me that’s the last step of acceptance. I was ready to come out.”

Antenucci is not the only one who has comeout at Rochester, nor will he be the last.

“The last time someone came to me to come out was around ‘06-‘07,” counselor Mr. Christopher Green said. “When he came to me, the whole ‘gay’ issue was just starting, and was widely controversial. Today, it’s not as heated a topic; it’s much more accepted now. People may not be having as much problems with it today as they did back then, but that’s not to say that problems aren’t happening.”

Some students have mixed feelings

“

I’ve lost some friends. I just had to understand that they weren’t good for me.

Connor Antenucci,

junior

”

about homosexauality.

“I don’t necessarily agree with the gay lifestyle, it’s the way I’ve been brought up,” freshman Allie Gibbs said. “But just because I don’t agree with that lifestyle doesn’t mean I can’t like the people. I love Connor; just because he’s gay doesn’t change the way I look at him.”

Mr. Green thinks it’s getting easier for students to come out as time passes.

“This school certainly has come a long way since [06’-07’],” Mr. Green said. “Kids don’t feel as concerned or alarmed about it. We have the most diverse student population in the district, and our kids are really aware and tolerant because of that.”

Antenucci has advice for others who may be in his position.

“Don’t come out for other people,” Antenucci said. “It’s not for them, it’s for you. Also, remember that it’s just high school. What people think of you now won’t matter years from now. For those of you still afraid to come out don’t be afraid.”

Photo by Max Kleiner

Inescapable embarrasing moments Whether it’s stumbling over a chair or saying something awkward, almost everyone does something embarrassing at some point during their time at RHS. Sophomore Sally Walsh was no exception.

Walking through the lunchroom, Walsh slipped on a pickle and fell backwards. As if that weren’t bad enough, Walsh lost her hold of her lunch tray and it went flying across the room.

“People were laughing, but they helped me and picked my stuff up,” Walsh said. “It was so funny! But it’s kind of pathetic too.”

Sophomore Maria Skoczylas also had an embarrassing moment at school.

“I was walking besides someone in school and my purse accidentally made my dress ride up,” Skoczylas said. “Until someone pointed it out to me, I didn’t know I had mooned the junior lot.”

Almost everyone does something stupid, although sometimes one may be lucky enough to merely observe this event.

“The funniest thing I have seen was one

Photo by Melanie Sweet Graphic by Max KLeiner

time [when] someone slipped outside and threw their book in the air,” sophomore Kate Bewak said. “Then when they went to catch it, they fell on their butt.”

People handle embarrasing situations differently.

“Well, for starters, my face immediately reddens to the color of a tomato,” Skoczylas said. “Then I try to work through it [in my head], telling myself that no one saw or heard me.”

Walsh reacts in a different manner.

“I usually just laugh it off, unless it’s something really bad,” Walsh said. “Then I feel really stupid. But usually I’ll feel dumb for a few minutes, and then I’ll realize that it was really funny.”

Whether one blushes or simply laughs it off also depends on the severity of the embarrassing moment. Skoczylas shared an embarrassing moment that is shared by many RHS students and staff members.

“I would have to say that the worst thing to [have] happen would be to fall down the mall stairs and having everyone look at you,” Skoczylas said.

Walsh agrees that the mall steps are treacherous.

“[It’s] probably because they’re so awkwardly spaced,” Walsh said. “You literally have to stare at the ground to know where your foot is going.”

Perhaps it is the strangeness of the mall stairs to the freshman class, or perhaps it is the just the fact that freshman are new to the hallways that causes Bewak to believe they are more likely to embarrass themselves.

“I think that freshman probably have the highest risk of doing something embarrassing,” Bewak said. “They are in a new school with new kids, and they don’t really know where they are going or what they are doing.”

Unlike Bewak, Walsh doesn’t feel that grade level has anything to do with whether one does something embarrassing or not.

“I think that s o m e t h i n g embarrassing always can just happen to anyone,” Walsh said. “You just have to be right there at the wrong time.”

8 Opinion Staff Editorial:

Talon the

February 2010

America lacks the relief efforts that Haiti has recieved America sends food, shelter, relief and donations to struggling Haitians while American citizens struggle at home in difficult circumstances From the news and ads, to the facebook groups encouraging donations, it is hard not to notice the hardships and challenges facing Haiti in the wake of the earthquake.

Although the much needed and gladly welcomed, it is time that the United States put more focus on its own and problems as well. There is no reason why people should be more willing to help out those across the globe before those in their own backyards.

There is no question that the earthquake in Haiti was one of the most devastating in recent history. It is commendable that people feel the need to help out as much as they did. The outpouring of generosity, especially from the United States, was massive and the coverage of the situation played a major role in that. From the newspapers to the channels focusing special attention on the rescue missions taking place days after the quake, everywhere people turned there were more stations begging for money.

If anything, it is this amount of

generosity that gives hope to the amount that could be raised for other causes if everyone unites like they did for Haiti. The opportunities are endless and they should not stop at Haiti.

There are more ways to pitch in and get involved with problems currently plaguing this nation before jumping in to other causes and countries.

There are other causes within the United States that need attention as well. From increased homelessness and poverty to the continued rebuild of New Orleans, it is about time everyone pitched it to help in their own country, in addition to others. It has been over three years since Hurricane Katrina happened and the United States is still in rebuild mode. Why shift attention away from problems that are still impacting American citizens?

Although it is a good idea to help those less fortunate, there are plenty of causes in America that could use the help just as much as the Hatians. Even places close to home, such as Detroit, could use the relief that has been sent to Haiti. But due to lack of awarness, Detroit and places like it don’t recieve the help they may need.

This is not to say that other causes do not need this country’s attention, because they do. This is merely acknowledging the opportunities this country has to do something remarkable like it did in Haiti. With everyone’s support and donations, the possibilities are endless.

Pro

With graduation requirements on the rise, certain elective classes have suffered a loss when it comes to student enrollment.

Several classes, including the choir and the band, have lost a groundbreaking amount of students s i m p l y because students can no longer afford to use up a semester class for other electives.

The semester school system is made up of two terms, each about 18 to 20 weeks long.

The trimester school system breaks the year into three periods instead of the usual two. One obvious solution to the problem the requirements are proposing is switching over to the trimester school system.

In the trimester system, a student would have some year-long classes, as well as two hours of electives that switch classes at the end of each trimester. They would also be allowed to take 15 classes instead of twelve.

The only difference between this and the semester system is that instead of two electives per hour, one could take three—allowing students to take on a larger variety of classes that interest them.

In addition to the larger amount of electives possible in a year’s time, there are other benefits. First of all, students who fail a course one term can retake the same course in a later term, usually the third term. It also creates more overall class sections each year compared to other models like the semester system. Trimesters allow easy scheduling of one-half credit

amount of time spent in the class. However, students from schools that have switched to the trimester system have commented that because it gives them a bigger in class amount of time, they have less homework in a beneficial way. Also, it would be more applicable to real world situations if a student has taken a wider range of classes, even if the time spent in each particular class was shortened slightly.

In conclusion, the trimester system in which a student may use intensive scheduling to take three courses in a single class period over the course of a year, allows students to take on a wider range of classes, prepare them for a greater amount of realworld situations, help save suffering elective courses, help struggling or failing students pass, and give students the option to take on classes they’d enjoy despite stronger graduation requirements. In this situation, the positive effects cancel out the negative ones.

Editor in Chief Jordan Hubbard Copy Editor Emily Hayward

“

The problem is Haiti is on the news all the time, but people aren’t aware of the situations in their own backyard.

James Giardina,

senior

”

“

This is no different than what happened to us with Katrina. The world helped us, now we are helping them.

Max Kleiner, junior

”

“

How can we take care of another country if our own country isn’t taken care of?

Madison Reitzel,

junior

”

“

There are plenty of things we could do to help America, but the situation in Haiti needs it more right now.

Melanie Sweet,

Con

Sixth Hour comes to a close at 2:28, students pack up their things and head out the door. Students walk to their lockers, put away their books from sixth hour, and get ready for seventh hour. If the school were to switch to trimesters, a seventh hour could be added on to the day, or if not that each hour would be longer.

With these longer class periods, as well as only two thirds of the year spent on core subjects such as mathematics and more testing, switching to the trimester system

Feature Editor Madison Reitzel Entertainment Editor Katie Ziraldo Opinion Editor Arthur Lee Sports Editors Aaron Kuhn Steven McConnell Graphics Editor Max Kleiner Photo Story Editor Amy Mackens

sophomore

”

Trimester school system classes and other possible courses.

One could argue the negative side of this option, however, arguing that this system may require the development of new courses to increase the number of electives available. But on the other hand, it may simply revive the integrity and importance of current electives that are fading—or have faded—into non-existence.

It could also be argued that this system will allow a smaller range of knowledge during each elective, given the shortened

The Talon

times would not change. This may seem like a plus for a class that does a lot of labs or in class projects and activities, but in general teachers would have a hard time holding the attention of a class for such a long period of time. Although there would be more content, what a teacher will have time to teach their classes will become irrelevant if students aren’t paying attention to learn it.

Academically, changing to trimesters would hurt a student’s high school career. Core classes such as math or English, unless at an AP level, will be taken during only two out of three segments of the year. This could potentially create gaps as long as six months without a core course. The concept of longer classes with more content will be negated by the fact that some students will be out of practice for extended periods of time. Teachers will be forced to review topics and refresh the memories of students who may not have had any practice in the course for a little less than half a year.

Although switching to trimesters may be a way for students to take more

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Mission Statement The Talon presents an open forum for student expression to be used by the Rochester High School community to promote and express thought and action.

The stories, opinions, and bylined content in The Talon do not necessarily represent and should not be interpreted as the views of the Rochester Community School Board of Education or any of its staff, faculty, or employees.

Unless otherwise noted, all stories and opinions expressed here are the views of The Talon staff which is comprised of students in the Journalism II class of Rochester High School.

The Talon believes it is its duty and right to inform, educate, influence and entertain its readers and will do this by exercising the First Amendment Rights as defined in the Constitution of the United States of America.

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Letters will have a negative effect for high school students.

From the perspective of a student, trimesters mean more testing.

With the traditional semester system, students typically go through two final exam weeks with a maximum of 12 tests during a school year. By switching to trimesters, students will have three exam weeks to go through with 15 tests per year. Having more testing at a more frequent interval will be harder for students, who will have to study for an extra exam week.

If trimesters were to take effect, there would be less class periods in a day, and naturally these periods would be longer, as the arrival and dismissal

classes that they want to take, but overall, the switch will hurt schools.

It will mean more stress and work for students on account of more frequent testing, and because of longer class periods, students will have less of a chance of retaining the information.

Also, because of larger spaces of time between classes, which will be more challenges, more class time will be spent reviewing old material than covering new subjects. All of these negative effects on students clearly point to sticking with the system we already have in place.

The Talon accepts letters to the editor from all concerned parties. The Talon reserves the right to screen and/or edit any and all letters for inappropriate content and length. All letters must be signed. Requests to remain anonymous will be considered by the editorial board.

Mailing address: The Talon 180 S. Livernois Rd. Rochester Hills, MI 48307 E-mail: jridgway@rochester.k12.mi.us

Talon the

February 2010

Opinion

9 Reversing a world of evil with kindness

Teens on Facebook: An unstoppable addiction Many teenagers around the country are using Facebook so much that it has become similar to an addiction, one that may be unstoppable

There is a sickness slowly unfurling its fingers of destruction, descending upon nations, states, cities, schools, with unrelenting

force. Once the sinister virus has gotten its disgusting digits around a population, it will never let go. This virus is known as Facebook.

If there were a scale of lethal addictions, Facebook would undoubtedly occupy the top spot, above heroin, crack cocaine, alcohol, ecstasy, acid, and low-grade beaver tranquilizers. A modern student would have a hard time finding someone who is not on Facebook, but few know the beginnings of such a terrifying, and malignant international disease.

Before the dawn of time, and by this I mean August of 2003, all alone in a Harvard dorm room, Mark Zuckerberg, in a drunken stupor no less, hatched his brainchild that is Facebook. He and some of his colleagues at the Ivy League school created Zuckerberg’s monster, although at first, it was only confined to the school in which it was created.

But slowly, news of this social network had spread, and then several other colleges had gained access to the spawn of the devil.

And so, the Facebook legacy was born. At first, the site was almost myth, little brothers and sisters listening to their older collegiate sibling’s tales of a magical machine that allowed them to keep in touch with people they hadn’t seen in years. The site had spread itself quite liberally across the nation’s colleges, but Zuckerberg wanted more, he needed more followers, so the high school version of Facebook was launched late in 2005. All hell broke loose.

More rapid than wildfire and more ravenous than resurrected zombies, Zuckerberg’s monster has now clearly ravaged the nation’s colleges, high schools, and even middle schools. The site itself had gone through changes to make itself

more appealing to its new, shallow audience. Its interface changed layout multiple times before arriving at the new, sleek, coaxing design with which we contemporary students are accustomed.

Facebook has become a lifestyle.

It now has students speaking in another language, where “I’m going to go do homework” really means “I’m going to open my backpack and put some books on my desk so it looks like I’m doing homework, but I’m really going to go on Facebook until my eyes burn in their sockets.”

The Facebook monster has quite clearly grown out of control, and at this point, there is no stopping it.

The only thing the denizens of such a sub-culture can do is wait. Just like Rome, the very foundations of the Facebook epidemic will falter and eventually crumble. The saying “history repeats itself is true.” Just look at Myspace.

Football reallignment issues Glancing through the sport stories from this issue of The Talon, topics ranged from the Olympics to Megan Goethals. One of the last articles added was about football. After finishing it, there were feelings of disgust, anger amd disappointment rocketing sky high. No, the Lions didn’t lose again. No, varsity didn’t miss another pass. It was something much worse. Next year, RHS doesn’t play Stoney Creek. And worse, they don’t play Adams, either.

No Adams. No Stoney. No way.

Way.

Without these games, the season will definitely seem incomplete. It’s similar to a song without a crescendo.

A movie without a climax. Without Adams and Stoney, there’s almost no

point to play. It is similar to the Red Sox without the Yankees, Lebron James without Kobe Bryant, U of M without MSU and OSU, or Alexander Ovechkin without Sydney Crosby.

All are key matchups and rivalries in their respective sports. And all are irreplaceable, much like the games RHS has lost.

It’s a season without reason.

Every year, despite missed tackles, botched plays and heart-crushing losses, the contests between Adams and Stoney gave players, fans and alumni a chance to cheer loud, show spirit and give students the best thing of all: bragging rights, which raise student spirit, game attendance and morale.

No Adams. No Stoney. No way.

Way.

Many people want to know how such a decision was made. And it’s complicated. The Oakland Activities Association (OAA) board, more specifically the chairperson, Mr. Mike Jolly, said that enrollment differences between the three schools during the last school year

and just routine rotations were the reasons behind the realignment of the divisions that caused RHS to lose out on games against Adams and Stoney.

I know the number of students in a school is important and that fair rotations are at times necessary, but using it to take away a city rivalry is idiotic, absurd and just plain stupid.

A note here for RHS’ athletic director, Mr. Vic Fournier. He, along with me, is furious about the decision. Mr. Fournier, who has worked on appealing the decision, was completely ignored. I applaud him for standing up for the players, the spirited fans and students of this school that have attended and enjoyed these games, despite unfavorable outcomes. To those who decided this, the only question to ask is simply: why?

Why do away with the two biggest games of the year second and third to homecoming? Why eliminate two of the three games that fill stands, sellout concessions and skyrocket school spirit?

No Adams. No Stoney. No way.

Ask any student and I am positive that they will all say “Any break is a good break.” Clearly, I’m going to be close to 100 percent alone when I say this, but in all honesty, mid winter break serves literally no purpose.

That’s right I said it. But before you declare me a demon, hear me out.

Really, why else would mid winter break exist other than to appease

wants to be spring break so badly that nearly all four of his days are filled with “Oh what bikini should I bring on our spring break cruise?

Which kind of sunscreen and SPF do you think I’ll need in Mexico? Are we going to go to the beach a lot or not?”

Besides the fact that mid winter break is utterly useless, there’s this whole “break” thing. To need a break means that one is tired, and therefore some work has been done.

However, from the beginning of winter, we as students only learn a few extra things before studying for finals begins, which in total, takes about a month and a half, including the famous, gorgeous, and respectful winter break. Then there’s three day

After years of hardship and heartbreak, our world is struggling.

Now more than ever, people predict that our generation will self-destruct.

This may seem crazy at first.

It isn’t so hard to believe when we evaluate our world.

Evil remains all there is.

In the world we know now, kindness has ceased to exist.

People are cruel.

The thought that everyone cares for each other is a lie.

People work selfishly.

The idea that someone stood up for others and now I don’t have to – that’s all that I know.

I’m not the type to fight, I’m sure; I just can’t stop it.

The overpowering kindness I know about has disappeared entirely.

Evil is all we now know.

Kindness is a made up concept.

We are cruel and heartless.

The idea that love still exists is wrong.

Way. Along with me, many players are enraged.

“I think it’s stupid,” sophomore Ian Eickholdt said, “Those are our two biggest rivals and that losing the games that have the biggest turnouts of the season would make the football games not as fun.”

In case one still isn’t persuaded to bring back the games, let’s read what a coach has to say.

“It’s a little unfair for the kids since they can’t play their two rivals,” JV football coach Mr. Adam Clyne said.

So, there’s my argument. My view. My two cents. With it, I hope the members of the OAA board realize the major mistake they have made, eliminating games loved by the players, fans, coaches, staff, students, alum and countless others.

Maybe now they’ll listen. Maybe now know they’ll see the unbelievable choice they made. Maybe now they’ll change their minds.

No Adams. No Stoney. No way.

Way.

Cutting mid-winter break the students of the district? It’s like the superintendents pulled aside a random student and asked them what they wanted more of in the school year. Of course he’s going to say more breaks. But a break between a two week winter break and a two week spring break seems excessively idiotic.

Looking at the breaks in a personified way lets picture spring break as a “party ‘till I pass out” kind of guy, and mid winter break as the obnoxious dorky little brother.

Everyone knows that spring break is more popular and more handsome than mousy little mid winter over there. I mean, look at that extra ten days that spring has! They’re all so fun filled and sunny. Mid winter

Help understanding the column: the second part is simply the lines of the first part of the column, but read backwards (the words are the same).

This column was modeled off of the video “Our Generation,” which can be accessed from YouTube.

weekend (who also is very beautiful and tasteful) and a new semester begins. Sixteen days later we’re on break again. I’m not saying that we don’t learn anything, but whoever needs a break after sixteen days of school is either deranged or just bored.

As a solution, I propose we get rid of the break altogether. I know I know, I’m crazy, right? But get this: it’s only two days. Everyone complains about how short summer is, so why not make it longer by two.

Whole. Days. Come to think of it, summer break already has a pretty big following on twitter and I hear she’s pretty popular out West. Any more attention and spring break might get jealous.

But we can choose to turn that around, to reverse it all.

We can choose to fight for our selves. We can choose to live in a world where all of that

is wrong.

Love still exists.

The idea that we are cruel and heartless is a made up concept.

Kindness is all we now know.

Evil has disappeared entirely.

I know about the overpowering kindness.

I just can’t stop it.

I’m sure I’m not the type to fight; that’s all I know.

And now, I don’t have to.

Someone stood up for others.

The idea that people work selfishly, while it may appear otherwise, is a lie.

Everyone cares for each other.

The thought that people are cruel has ceased to exist.

Kindness, in the world we know now, remains all there is.

When we evaluate our world, it isn’t so hard to believe this may seem crazy at first: people predict that our generation will self destruct.

Now more than ever, when we look around, we are able to say that our generation, despite what people may have thought would happen, has not given up.

10

Sports

Realignment of divisions causes

No AHS, SCHS football games New divisions cause RHS to lose its games against rivals Adams and Stoney Creek, causing many to be upset due to loss of traditions and revenue for the three schools

Incoming freshman starting with the year 2011 will have no idea of the heat experienced through the longlasting rivalry between Rochester and Adams High School. There will be no Rochester v. Adams or Rochester v. Stoney Creek football games next year.

“Every two years the OAA realigns their leagues,” athletic director Mr. Victor Fournier said. “There is a football committee made up of OAA athletic directors and principals that leads this process. Strength of program and enrollment are supposed to be the two main factors in alignment. They simply went by last year’s enrollment numbers and put the eight largest schools in the Red Division. I sent in a proposal that was done based on strength of program and keeping all of the rivalries in place throughout the league. We had very little support in our objection.”

When it comes to school objections, Oakland Activities Association chairperson Mr. Mike Jolly disagreed.

“Based on all the voting, any team can decide to appeal their decision,” Mr. Jolly said. “Both Southfield Lathrup and Pontiac appealed their alignment into the red division. After reviewing their ­appeals, it was decided that Lathrup would switch with Royal Oak moving R.O. to the red and placing Lathrup in the white. The decision to do this is [in] the minutes of the meeting in which the athletic director in your building has.”

In a time already known for economic struggle, this loss will have an effect not only on Rochester High, but also on the entire district.

“As the principal I get to vote when new alignments are presented by the OAA,” principal Ms. Wendy Zdeb said. “I voted against the proposal because I felt that RHS should be playing our sister schools. Between the gate revenue and concessions we will lose about $10,000-$15,000 as a school district by not playing our sister schools.”

This change has created an uneasy feeling for many people affected.

“In my opinion it was very poorly done,” Mr. Fournier said. “The head of the committee did not share my alternative proposal with anyone. The football committee presented their league alignment with no alternative.

The process was and is a complete joke with little input or thought. I am completely disgusted with the process and the people who ran it.”

However, Mr. Jolly explains the process as a simple, fair procedure.

“It was decided by the committee to align the divisions by enrollment,” Mr. Jolly said. “This decision was brought

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February 2010

Basketball: more than free throws and dribbling

Aaron Kuhn goes to a JV boys basketball practice, experiencing what they do every day

RHS quarterback, junior Nick Bradley,number nine, drops back to make a pass down the field against Stoney Creek. The Cougars won 35-34. Photo by Bruce Byron

forward by the committee to the football coaches. The coaches voted something in the area of 20 yes and four no for the proposal. The information from that meeting was proposed to the OAA athletic directors where the vote was approximately the same. The information was then brought forward to the principals of the OAA where the vote was, I believe, 14-4.”

Adams high school is also affected by such a change.

“Maybe it will be good to have an interruption,” Adams athletic director Mr. Jason Rapp said. “When the next meeting between the two schools is scheduled, it will be with much anticipation. Old timers from the community may not like the break from tradition this year, but it really comes down to the kids, and they just want to play somebody, regardless of who it is.

Hopefully, both schools win week one and everybody will be happy.”

Next year would not have just been RHS’ 40th year against AHS, but it would have marked the 40th anniversary of the marching bands uniting at the games. The Falcon Marching Band (FMB) is yet another group affected.

“The band rivalry is also a strong, long-kept tradition,” senior drum major Matt Grabowski said. “When we play our combined half time shows, we take it a step up because we want to show the other schools what the FMB is all about. This will definitely be a blow to the FMB, but it will not affect our pride. We will still continue to be a strong marching band that the entire community can be proud of.”

Like the FMB, everyone must decide what to do now. The question is simply how to move forward.

“This decision will definitely take away a lot of the rivalry spirit,” Grabowski said. “These games are some of the biggest games of the season. Win or lose, they, along with the homecoming game, get the most attention. One thing I can be sure of is we will see a dip in attendance in football games.”

Although the decision is final, some affected hope it will change in the near future.

“The next realignment could change things and both schools could very easily be back in the same division with the rivalry renewed,” Mr. Rapp said. “My expectation is we’ll be

“This decision will definitely take away a lot of the rivalry.

These are some of the biggest games of the year. Win or lose, they get the most attention.

Matt Grabowski, senior

”

playing each other again relatively soon, however, I cannot say for certain.

Let’s hope it is soon, though.”

However, one possible solution has emerged.

“The only thing that has come up is a possible proposal to play Adams or Stoney in Week 8 which is our mandatory crossover,” Mr. Fournier said. “The crossover is based on standings in the league, [for example] second place red versus second place white. We may propose that our week eight be against a Rochester School.

Adams has agreed to support this.”

Either way it turns out, all that can be done until such a time that it is re-evaluated, is try to maintain RHS’ trademark enthusiasm and school pride.

“As far as its effect on the school, we are going to turn it into a positive,” Mr. Fournier said. “There is a chance we could see Stoney or Adams in Week eight in a crossover game. However, we won’t know until the prior week.

Also, we would more than likely see one of those two schools if we can win six games and get into the playoffs. I hope that will serve as extra motivation to rally around for our team, program and school.”

My laces are tied; I’m wearing shorts that I dug out from a few years ago. And my adrenaline is begging to flow. Then, I step out on to the court and join the players on the boys junior varsity basketball team for practice. Now, I’ve played basketball before, in gym class, in the driveway or at the park, but never competitively. Today I’m going to find out how good, or bad, I really am.

Zigging, zagging, missing The first thing coach Andre Harding has us do is this zigzag thing. We shuffle down the court, run a little, do some more shuffling, some more running, again more shuffling, then a final sprint back down the court. I was actually pretty good at it, but despite my believing I’m athletic, I was short on breath after a couple rounds.

After the zigging and zagging, it was time for something I actually had a chance to be good at: free throws.

Sophomore Kurt Apostol and I head to a basket, and he’s shooting first.

He goes two for two. I then take the ball, dribble a few time, then shoot. The ball goes up, flutters through the air, and I … miss.

I recover the ball, then dribble again a few times, put my arms up and shoot. And I … missed again. But at least this time the ball hit the rim.

“That was pretty good,”Apostol said.

“Just try to put your arms up more.”

So, yet again, I dribble, put my arms up more and shoot. I miss. Sorry, Apostol, I couldn’t make your advice work.

“Put your legs into it when you shoot,” Apostol said, giving me more advice.

I dribble, dribble again, look at the hoop and another miss. Sorry again, Apostol.

After Apostol takes his two shots, now making him eight for eight, I again try to make my first free throw. Stepping up to the line, I dribble, shoot and … SWISH! I made it, my first free throw of the day.

After my first moment of triumph for the day, coach Harding ends the shooting and moves on to the next drill.

Numbers For the next part, it’s blue on white, starters versus secondary. Since it is stuff that is way too complex for me, I head to the sideline. They talk about three on four plus one, three on three, five on four. Just confusing number after number, and I’m no

math whiz. They work on passing, shooting and coverage.

For the majority of the drills, white is winning, making picks, passing correctly, scoring points.

All the while, the starters are missing shots, passes and, like many Toyotas, malfunctioning. Coach Harding shakes his head, walks in circles and even asks “the Lord to come down and help us.”

But, in the end, blue prevails.

They come from behind, win and get to watch the reserves run sprints. Following a short, muchneeded water break, the team gets together for maybe the funniest part of practice.

Queen of the court There’s bumping, blocking, swatting and more bumping. One could say it’s a rough game. I’m even warned by coach Harding to “play at my own risk.” Despite the words of caution, I, being the dumb person I am, step in line.

The game is simple: three players try to get three points by shooting layups or shots near the basket while the other two do anything to stop them. The game is constant, never stopping. There’s bumping, blocking, swatting, more bumping, with maybe a head butt or two. Did I mention bumping?

Finally, it’s my turn to get in.

I jump, block, swat. After a few bad shots, all the players waiting to get in, start cheering me on, encouraging me to not give up, to keep fighting and go after the ball.

Just make one is all I’m thinking.

One and you’re done.

But, unlike the free throws, I couldn’t prevail, and the other two guys make three before I even make one. Once we finish the final drill, the practice is all but over. All that’s left is final free throws and the huddle.

The center of the circle Following the final free throws, (I made three out of eight), we get into the huddle and all put our fists up.

The “good” guys are in the center, “not so good’ in the back.

I’m way in the back, letting the real players take the center until coach Harding interjects, “Aaron, you get in the middle and lead us. Falcons on three.”

Instantly, I feel almost like a part of the team. I head to the center and yell, “ONE, TWO, THREE,” with everyone joining in on “FALCONS!” I get some high fives, collect my stuff, then head to the locker room to get my final quotes. As I walk out of the locker room, I hear someone say, “Wait up.”

I turn around, and see Apostol jogging down to me. “I got to give you the complete team experience.”

He slaps my butt. I say, “Thanks” and walk out.

I want to thank coach Harding and all the JV players who let me in to their world for one practice. And I appreciated the cheering, even though I only made four baskets.

And Apostol, thanks for the slap.

But I’ve got to say, it was a little weak.

Megan Goethals: 2010 Gatorade National Girls XC Runner of the Year Senior Megan Goethals had no idea what was in store for her on February 3. She was in Anatomy when a camera crew and a Gatorade spokeswoman paraded in, awarding her the 20092010 Gatorade National Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year. Following the presentation was an assembly in her honor which all fall and winter athletes attended.

“The assembly was awesome,” Goethals said. “I was so shocked because I really had no idea that it was going to happen.”

In addition to the award, Goethals

is also in the running for the overall Gatorade Player of the Year award and will be flown out to Hollywood to attend ESPN’s ESPY awards where the winner will be announced. Her parents and coach Mr. Larry Adams will also be flown out as well.

“It’s a chance of a lifetime,” Mr. Adams said of the trip. “You get to mingle with superstars and support Megan at the same time.”

According to Gatorade’s website, the award is given to students who excel in academics and athletics.

“She has accepted every challenge thrown at her and has been successful,” Mr. Adams said. “She respects the sport and her opponents, and she never gives up. She feels she would

be cheating herself if she did. She has the opportunity to have a very successful college career and possibly a professional running career. She is very adept at understanding practice goals and race strategy.”

This strategy was especially showcased at the Footlocker National Cross Country race where Goethals outleaned her opponent to win what was called the closest race in Footlocker history.

“Honestly, the way that she won that national race [sets her apart from any other athlete],” principal Ms. Wendy Zdeb said. “I’ve been in athletics my entire life, and I just think that race and how she comes from behind is incredible.”

Regardless of the amount of awards and titles she wins or the records she breaks, Goethals never forgets to thank those who have supported her and continue to do so.

“I just wanted to say thank you to everyone at RHS,” Goethals said. “You all made everything really special and I will miss everyone next year.”

And as much as her fans have made her experience special, it is hard not to notice the effect Goethals has had on RHS during her time here.

“When Megan graduates in June, she will leave RHS as the best female distance runner in the state of Michigan since cross country and track began,” Mr. Adams said. “I am lucky that I got a chance to be a part of it.”

Boys national XC champion, sophomore Lukas Verzbicas, with Goethals after winning.

Photo Courtesy of footlockercc.com

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February 2010

Sports

11

“

Detroit sports has a dark future

JV boys basketball on the rise

Sophomore Kurt Apostol practices his lay-ups during a practice. Photo by Aaron Kuhn

Sophomore Kurt Apostol plays defense against Kyle Wink at practice. Photo by Aaron Kuhn

He dribbles the ball, then takes 20 shots from the three-point line.

After that, sophomore Nate Barton moves up to the free throw line and takes 20 more shots. Despite the extra practice, the boys junior varsity basketball team is struggling.

“Our record doesn’t reflect our play,” Barton said. “We have a lot to work on.”

The team is 5-9, but still hopes to improve, agreeing with Barton, citing extra practice on defense and more work to improve ball handling.

On the other hand, coach Mr. Andre Harding says there is a lot more to be done.

“Every part of our game needs to be improved,” coach Harding said. “If we neglect [to work on] something, then you lose your skills.

Working on everything makes one become a better player.”

In the process of working on everything, the team has also worked on overcoming its disappointing season.

“I’m disappointed because we have more potential than what we have done,” sophomore Mike Santavicca said.

Since a .500 season is in sight, many players hope they finish strong, and achieve that goal.

“We’re getting better, but there are still things that need to be worked on,” sophomore Kurt Apostol said. “[Hopefully we] win the rest of our games.”

Coach Harding seems to agree.

“We’ve underachieved,” Mr. Harding said. “[But] we want to be a better team, and we won’t accept anything less than a winning season.

Barton thinks that the way to improvement is through defense.

“As a team we need to be better at rebounding,” Barton said. “Also transition defense, because it’s part of what is causing us to lose.”

We’ve underachieved, but we want to be a better team, and we won’t accept anything less than a winning season.

Mr. Harding, Head Coach

”

Along with rebounding and defense, others think that the team needs to focus on playing hard for the full game.

“We need to work on defense and winning,” Apostol said, “And not being a one-half team.”

One-half means playing their best for only the first half. Maybe that is the reason behinds the team’s current four game losing streak.

“My goal is for the team to not lose anymore games,” Santavicca said.

A way the team has worked on improving lately and all season long is the team’s goals that all players have committed to memory.

“Our goals are being good at defense, have good chemistry and win,” coach Harding said. “Or as our shirts say D.W.C.” With those goals and players striving to win, one can be certain that they will try to improve.

“Hopefully we get better,” Barton said. “We win, have a good season and have fun.”

Barton takes another shot, then another and another. With them, he’s improving himself, the team he is a part of and making the team’s future bright.

Olympics influence high school athletes Inspired by the growing popularity of the Winter Olympics, RHS students work for excellence

Senior captain George Holt goes to the locker room to get ready for hockey practice and instantly the jokes on him are already flying.

Since his favorite player is Sydney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins, some people may not admire his hero.

The Penguins did, after all, defeat the Red Wings in the Stanley Cup finals. As the Rochester United hockey team does its warm-up laps, discs can be heard from all ends of the ice. With the Olympics nearing, it will provide other possibilities for trash talking among the team.

“The guys are always joking around with one another so the Olympics should be really fun,” Holt said. “I am already prepared to be messed around with

for liking Crosby.”

Rochester varsity hockey coach Dave Underdale admires the winter games for serving a different purpose rather than just serving up jokes. He said the Olympics help generate excitement for the sport of hockey among his players.

“The guys follow the NHL pretty closely, and many of the Olympic players are from the NHL,” Underdale said. “When you are more familiar towards the players, I think it creates more excitement towards the games and hockey.”

However, the hockey team is not the only ones anticipating the Olympics. The ski team is also very enthusiastic about the games.

“I am very excited, and I love to watch it because you rarely see skiing on TV,” senior captain Mallory Smith said. “I really admire the skiers because I know how crazy it can get just at Pine Knob, and I cannot imagine going down the slopes at 70 miles per hour.”

Sophomore Sarah Rich, who is also on the ski team, said the athletes in the Olympics motivate the team to train even harder.

“If the American team does well, it will push us

Two skaters practice their routine during practice. Photo by Simonne Lakamper

Gina Desico practices a spin during a session. Photo Simonne Lakamper

A city once known for the success of its professional sports has many reasons to be embarrassed. Not only has Detroit been hit hard by the country’s economic crisis, but it has also been devastated due to lack of success in the sporting world.

2008 was the worst season of all time for the Detroit Lions.

It was also the worst season in the history of the National Football League (NFL), as the Lions became the only team to finish the 16-game season without a win.

Few cities would be happy to see its team win two games in 2009, but Detroit fans saw it as an improvement. The Lions have not made the playoffs since 1999, and it doesn’t look like they will break the trend of losing anytime soon.

The Detroit Tigers made it to the World Series in 2006 where they lost to the St. Louis Cardinals. Since then the Tigers have progressively worsened, and finish last season with a record of 86-77.

During the offseason the Tigers traded star center fielder Curtis Granderson and pitcher Edwin Jackson for little in return.

With the trade, the organization made it clear that they are not confident in this year’s team.

The Detroit Pistons have always been a bright spot in the NBA. In 2004, the Pistons defeated the Los Angeles Lakers to win the NBA Finals.

However, last season the team went 39-43, and it has been all downhill from there. Currently, the Pistons are 18-32, and will likely not make the playoffs.

Some may argue that the Lions are a young team and are improving. While quarterback Matthew Stafford may be a glimmer of hope for the franchise, a struggling team needs more than a young quarterback to turn everything around.

The Tigers recently signed pitcher Justin Verlander to a new contract. He cannot help everything though, considering he will only pitch one out of every five games.

For the Pistons, several young players look like they may have potential. The team needs to learn how to play defense before they will start to win games though.

Sports fans in Detroit do not have much to look forward to. Detroit teams are digging themselves a deep hole, and it will be a while before they get out of it.

Left: Shaun White competes in the mens snowboard halfpipe final on February 17, 2010 at Cypress Mountain, north of Vancouver during the Vancouver Winter Olympics, February 17, 2010. Photo by Gouhier-Hahn-Nebinger/Cameleon/ABACAPRESS.COM

patriotically because maybe one of us will be in the Olympics some day,” Rich said.

The Rochester figure skaters are grateful for the Olympics for other reasons.

“I love that the Olympics promotes ice skating because a lot of people say that it is not a sport,” junior Katie Lang said. “This provides us a chance to prove them wrong.”

Almost all of the students are excited for the winter games in Vancouver, even those who do not

participate in winter sports.

“My favorite part is that it unites the world by bringing them together to have fun,” sophomore Alice LaLone said.

The Olympics also motivate George Holt because he has ties to some of the players that will be representing team USA. “I actually played with a few of the guys that are in the Olympics on the National development team back in the day,” Holt said. “So it definitely pushes me to play better.”

Graphic by: Chris Saber and Jordan Hubbard

12

Photo Story

Talon the

February 2010

Crosstown Showdown

Junior Billy Klotz tries to intercept a pass. “My favorite part [of the game] is just being in front of all the people,” senior Sean Herbon said. “It gives me the motivation to put forth my best effort.” Photo by Amy Mackens

The S.O.F. cheer to distract their rivals while they take a free throw. “[The S.O.F.] Make enough noise so that the players can hear us,” junior Brady Crites said. “Which can make free throws a chore on our side.” Photo by Amy Mackens

Freddy the Faclon cheers on the team as senior Jacob Czarnowski flexes for the camera. “Having the Crosstown rivals play in that big of an arena really puts the game on a new level,” senior Christie Nelson said. “Cheering the team on along with the S.O.F. is just a fantastic experience.” Photo by Amy Mackens

Senior Sean Herbon jumps over the competition to take a quick shot. “The fans were great,” senior Sean Herbon said. “If we had that kind of turnout for each game it would make the season that much better...if our fans start being loud, that gives us an energy boost that we can feed off of.” Photo by Amy Mackens

Sophomore Emily Mertz cheers during a timeout in the second half of the game. “It is nice to see our entire school at one event,” senior Samantha Wright said. “You have the band playing, the game going, the S.O.F. is there, the cheer team cheering. It’s so much going on at one time. You barely see anyone at normal basketball games week to week, but there are so many more people at the Crosstown Showdown. Plus it’s nice to have some rival fun.” Photo by Amy Mackens

r e v E

g n i yth

What’s Inside...

Rochester Idol, page 2-3 Facial Hair, page 4 5 x 5, page 4

The Hatchling February 2010

FEBRUARY 30, 2010 VOLUME I ISSUE 6 ROCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL

The Hatchling February 2010

2

3

RCS students show of their talent at Rochester Idol When a school program needs money, typically a bake sale will be held or a can drive initiated. However, when the RHS’s Choral Program needed a little extra cash, they went slightly off the beaten path of fund raising and hosted Rochester Idol, a program modeled after the national television show meant to show off the student community’s vocal talent as well as raise money.

“I was a skeptic at first as far as what I thought about the talent of the contestants, but after watching the show, I can say that our city is brimming with talent,” senior Zachary Davis said.

The show, which was held Friday, February 12, began two years ago with choral teacher Mrs. Jolene Plotzke, who brought the idea from Pinckney High School.

“The special education teacher from Pinckney told me about this fun raiser they

Stoney Creek English teacher Mr. Todd Miesch opens the show with his daughter Harper. Photo by Amy Mackens

were doing,” Mrs. Plotzke. “It was a one night event and all they had to do was buy tickets and hold auditions, and I thought ‘That can’t happen,’ but it really is that easy.”

Rochester Idol, in fact, has been a success since it first began, earning five grand in 2009. The money it rakes in is put to use in the choral department.

“Last year we used the money to get new choir uniforms and have a choir retreat with 90 kids,” Mrs. Plotzke said. “This year we will probably save most of it to do something similar to the retreat later on.”

Featured in the show were 22 students, from RHS, Stoney Creek or Adams. Each contestant first had to audition in front of three judges with a background in music (Todd Moses, Dave Peckens and Deena Shields) and then had time to prepare for the final performance at RHS, which they chose based on both talent and personality.

“I chose my song ‘The Way I Am’ because I’m in love with the original artist, Ingrid Michaelson and I thought that song was

TheFebruary Hatchling 2010

simple and fit my style well,” junior Nicole Armold said. “Plus, it’s well known and I thought that the audience could hum along to it.”

After hearing the acts that performers prepared, the audience voted for their favorite contestants.

“My favorite part was the performance ‘I Don’t Want to Miss A Thing,’ originally by Aerosmith, by [junior] Collin Whitfield.”

Davis said. “I love the song, and he nailed it both vocally and on the piano.”

Whitfield went on to win the competition after making the group of top five contestants consisting of Whitfield, Armold, sophomore Amanda Walker (all from RHS), senior Alexa Lusader and senior Tim McMillan (from AHS).

“One of the best parts of competing was having all of my friends involved,” Armold said. “We had so much fun backstage and it was filled with a supportive and encouraging atmosphere. It made it more of a showcase of everyone’s talent, rather than a competition.”

Junior Collin Whitfield plays the piano and sings an Aerosmith classic, “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” that was followed by a standing ovation, and later the overall win of the competition. Photo by Amy Mackens

Junior Gabe Gibbs, the 2009 Rochester Idol Champion, returned for a performance before the winner was announced. He performed “Hallelujah” by Paramore. Photo by Amy Mackens

Sophomore Sarah Brzyski acts as a double threat as she plays guitar and sings “Car Crash.” Photo by Amy Mackens

Junior Nicole Arnold shares a chair with junior Gabe Gibbs while he accompanies her on piano. Photo by Amy Mackens

Junior Britney Taylor gets into Taylor Swift’s “Jump Then Fall.” Photo by Amy Mackens

Freshman Carrie Drummond provided an entertaining rendition of “Breakaway,” despite being one of the youngest competitors in the field. Photo by Amy Mackens

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The Hatchling February 2010

As junior Michael Lordon walks to his first hour, he notices several pairs of eyes fixed on his face. To many, this may seem like an unusual event, and some may search for an explanation. However, Lordon knows that his sudden jump in popularity is due to the fact that he has not shaved his beard in several weeks.

“I am proud of my facial hair,” Lordon said. “It is an achievement and is a walking display of manhood.”

Not all high school students have the ability to grow facial hair, and sometimes that may cause jealousy. For others, it is more admiration than anything else.

“All of the original philosophers, scientists, and explorers wore their facial hair for most of their lives,” junior Mike

Kmiec said. “When I see someone with facial hair, I assume that person shares wisdom equal to Leonardo Da Vinci or Christopher Columbus.”

Junior Gabe Gibbs agrees with Kmiec.

He feels that in order to be successful, facial hair is a necessity.

“Well, let’s take a look at history shall we?” Gibbs said. “All of the powerful people in history had beards. Jesus, King Arthur, Obama; they all had beards. I want to be on that level.”

Many have debated on the topic of the attractiveness of facial hair. For junior Nicole Armold, it just depends on the person bearing the hair.

“Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t,” Armold said. “Sometimes it just looks nasty. Brady Crites is one of the few that makes it work, though.”

Junior Brady Crites has found out that his facial hair is useful for more than just

Junior Brady Crites displays his beard. Photo by Chris Saber

good looks.

“Not only does it look good, but it also keeps my face warm in the winter,” Crites said.

While students like Kmiec and Gibbs must wait for their time to come, Lordon and Crites consider it evidence of their manhood.

“I wouldn’t consider it an ability,” Lordon said. “It cannot be learned, therefore it is a gift. Many are jealous, but they will get the gift someday.”

5Fivexlovely 5:

students answer five questions for your enjoyment.

Katie Krako, sophmore

Jimmy Kingsley, senior

Wear the same socks

Back down

Buy my drinks at Taco Bell

Got a ticket before

Enjoy waking up

Amanda Niester

Gabriel Inglesias

Patrick Alvin Tallman my boo

Lindsey Konal

Dane Cook

Tiger Woods

Jonas Brothers

Mike “The Situation”

Kanye West

Justin Bieber

Overrated

A day I have to work

Precious

Pointless

Kiss me

Text me

Love you

Cutie Pie

1.I never _________

2.Who tells the best jokes?

3. Given the opprutunity to punch any celebrity, who would you punch?

4.Valentines day is_____?

5.Favorite sweetheart candy message

Sweet :)

I love you

Christian Backman, Maryiem Naboulsi, senior junior

Joe Kuznia, freshman

Q&A

Facial hair popularity is growing

Mr. Andre Harding, English teacher Favorite thing to do outside of work?

I love to golf. Golfing is my quality time. I love it. Also, I love being fit and active. And doing adult things, like having conversations about anything, even if it’s about chips.

Heroes?

Anyone who’s an innovator and the first to do something, like Martin Luther King, Jr., Bill Gates and Oprah. I think she’s pretty cool.

And cancer survivors. My wife’s best friend is going through it right now, and just received her first batch of chemo.

Hidden Talents?

I can still dunk a basketball at 38 and rising. ;-) Favorites?

Movie- “The Hangover” is pretty funny, and “Coming to America” Musician- I like hip-hop, jazz and classical Book- “The Winner Within” by Pat Riley Life lesson?

Make each day your masterpiece; laugh everyday, and find a piece of humor in anything.

One of your common sayings is, “A moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips.” If this is true, why do you send so many of your colleagues chocolate?

Because I try to make all my colleagues fat, so I’ll look better.

I’ve got a long way to go, though.

And to light up other peoples’ days, giving them a little humor.