February 2011 Issue

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February 2011 - Vo lume 73

Inside This Issue

- Issu e

Marching Band Review 6

p.3

After a year of changes, the marching EDQG UHĂ€HFWV RQ LWV VXFFHVVHV DQG looks to make improvements next year.

Crosstown Showdown

1 80 S.

Livernois

- Rochester High School - Rochester Hills M

7 I, 4830

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Read about how the boys varsity EDVNHWEDOO WHDP EHDW $GDPV IRU WKH ÂżUVW time in Crosstown Showdown history by a score of 63-48.

Young artists excel in competition Rochester students received 22 awards for individual pieces, three Gold Keys, six Silver Keys, and 13 &HUWLÂżFDWHV 7KLV UHFRJQLWLRQ LQ A deft swipe of a brush across a AP studio art teacher Mrs. Jessica canvas, and emotions can be seen McLean’s opinion, is vital for student for miles. A meticulous click of a success. mouse to edit a photo, and suddenly, a “Competing in programs like this message is clear. No matter the media, is important, because it provides kids students in Rochester have found with the recognition they deserve after ways to express themselves through all their hard work,â€? Mrs. McLean art, and simultaneously, found a way said. “In sports, you go to states to be recognized and awarded: the or nationals. Scholastics is like the Scholastics Art Competition biggest tournament in the art world. This competition awards student To be recognized at all is fantastic.â€? artwork not with medals, but with Despite this success, Fetzner feels keys. Pieces and portfolios awarded there is room for improvement. a Gold Key are considered the best “I want to step out of my own in their region, and are sent to New style,â€? Fetzner said. “It’s good to York to be evaluated with other Gold have a unique style, but I don’t want Key winners from across the nation. to get boxed in by it. In art, you have Other awards include the Silver Key, to be more holistic, you need to try to &HUWLÂżFDWH $PHULFDQ 9LVLRQ DQG %HVW expand your comfort zone.â€? in Show For some, art provides an ideal “The scholastics competition is break from the stresses of school. a national art competition for high “With out the arts, life for a student school students,â€? senior and Gold would be pressures and tension in Key Photography Portfolio winner school,â€? Moroz said. “Life would Elizabeth Moroz said. “To me, it become boring, and once something publicizes your artwork and gives is boring, there’s nothing to look you a chance to show it to different forward to.â€? people.â€? Still, for others, the arts foster However, for some, competing enrichment and skills that may not in contests like this is not about the be learned as successfully in other recognition, it is about expression. aspects of life. “It’s great that my art is going “Art and artists are greatly to be seen on a national level, but I misunderstood,â€? Fetzner said. “The really just want to show people how arts deserve as much respect as sports emotionally connected I am to my or learning mathematics, history or work,â€? senior and Gold Key Portfolio world languages. The world needs winner Emily Fetzner said. “It’s more art; it can’t function without it. Art than just paint on a canvas; for me it’s can spark debate, inspire, provide my story.â€? insight, and, most importantly, it can Award recipients’ artwork will be connect you to another person without shown in Detroit at the College of speaking. Art is communicating Creative Studies (CCS) from February without words, and is greatly under12 through March 4. Altogether, appreciated.â€?

Max Kleiner Editor in Chief

2

Gold Key

6

Silver Key

PORTFOLIOS

Senior Emily Fetzner, Fine Art Senior Elizabeth Moroz, Photography

3

Seniors David French and Eric Lonczynski splatter paint during sixth hour AP studio art. Photo by Max Kleiner

Senior Amy Yeh paints with oils during sixth hour AP studio art. Photo by Max Kleiner

Gold Key SUBMISSIONS

Senior Bailey Knudsen, Sculpture, Painting Senior Jagoda Wojtowicz, Photography

SUBMISSIONS

Senior Max Kleiner, Digital Art Senior Bailey Knudsen, Photography Sculpture

12

Senior Elizabeth Moroz, Photography Junior Jake Whitaker, Photography

Certificate SUBMISSIONS

Senior Carly Cribbs, Mixed Media Junior Emily Dziegielewski, Drawing Senior David French, Painting Senior Max Kleiner, Digital Art Painting Senior Bailey Knudsen, Sculpture

Senior Anna Parker, Drawing Senior Rosalie Shyu, Sculpture Junior Jake Whitaker, Painting Junior Kyle Wills, Photography (2) Senior Amy Yeh, Painting

From top left to bottom right: Drawing by junior Samantha Blair, painting by senior Amy Yeh, digital drawing by senior Nicholas Dauphin, watercolor painting by senior Anna Parker, photograph by junior Kyle Wills. Photos by Max Kleiner

2

News

Talon the

February 2011

Internet black out in Egypt

“Ifwasmyblocked, internet my

grades and social life would be terrible. Julian Cutraro Freshman

�

“Iirritated, would be a little but I would probably just read more.

Morganne Bentley Senior

�

“Itannoying would be because you use the internet for both information but entertainment.

Sean Peckens Sophomore

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With death tolls rising in a country in fullblown revolt, few people bothered to bat an eyelash when the Egyptian government shut down the Internet, which was supposedly in an attempt to quell anti-government propaganda that was streaming across the globe. While shutting down Facebook and Twitter seemed innocent enough, according to junior Peter Sajjakulnukit, WKH ORQJ WHUP HIIHFWV DUH IDU PRUH VLJQLÂżFDQW WKDQ just a week without YouTube. “The Egyptian government does not have the right to shut off the Internet,â€? Sajjakulnukit said. “That is partially the reason why the people are rebelling. The government is over stretching their boundaries and oppressing the people.â€? History teacher Mr. Marc Compton agrees that the Egyptian government has not done what it was set forth to do. “This is not a moral issue; it’s an issue of universal human rights,â€? Mr. Compton said. “[The government has] not followed through with upholding these so the people have felt the need to dissolve their contract with the government.â€? The issue, according to Sajjakulnukit, does not involve entertainment, but rather communication. He believes online communication falls under the basic human freedom of speech, and that denying this right is immoral. “I believe it is within a person’s unalienable rights to freely communicate with the outside world,â€? Sajjakulnukit said. “The government is completely wrong in [eliminating this right].â€? Senior Taylor Holmes agrees that the Egyptian government shouldn’t have such complete control, and that the government has extended its reach beyond what it should be. “It makes me think that the government is becoming more and more controlling,â€? Holmes said. “It’s not safe; they shouldn’t have that liberty.â€? The Internet blackout, which lasted from January 28 to February 1, has sent spirals throughout the media. The fact that the government has complete control over something that Americans have so engrained into society LV EDIĂ€LQJ WR PDQ\ 7KH TXHVWLRQ WKHQ DULVHV on whether the same theory can be applied to America. “The American government does not have the right to shut off the Internet either,â€? Sajjakulnukit VDLG Âł,Q RXU VRFLHW\ WKHUH LV PRUH RI D GHÂżQLWLRQ of the government’s boundaries and shutting off FLWL]HQV IURP FXUUHQW HYHQWV LV GHÂżQLWHO\ RXWVLGH of it.â€? Whether the American government has the right to disconnect the Internet is irrelevant in light of the fact that it is a near impossibility. While Egypt has only four major Internet providers that account for 90 percent of the nations Internet service, in America there are thousands. That being said however, the crisis in Egypt gives some leverage to other countries that are DOVR LQ WLPHV RI UHYROXWLRQ DQG FRXOG EHQHÂżW

Egyptian citizens protesting the government’s unfair treatment. Photo by James Buck

Citizens expressing their discontent with posters and marches. Photo by Takver

Egyptian flag at Egypt Uprising solidarity. Photo by Takver

from a decrease in anti-nationalism on the web. Sajjakulnukit explains how the ongoing events in Egypt might play a role in the future. “The Egyptians are regarded as one of the main leaders of the Muslim race,� Sajjakulnukit said. “When they revolt, it encourages other Muslim nations such as Iran to revolt as well.� The Internet serves a variety of purposes, some more obvious than others. Businesses that relied on international communication, or even simple product orders were hit hard by the blackout. Mr. Compton explains the importance of the web in the modern world. “The Internet has had a huge impact on the entire world similar to the printing press in the 1500s,� Mr. Compton said. “It has allowed for information both accurate and inaccurate to be easily accessed by millions for a cheap price fueling the ideas that motivate the Egyptian people.� Junior Matthew Bateman agrees. “The Internet is a gateway to practically anything,� Bateman said. “Turning it off would destroy a huge source of knowledge. The fact that the government doesn’t care is what really surprises me.�

Many, like Bateman, tend to focus on the morality of the government, but not the morality of the protestors. While many support the motives of the revolutionists’ push for democracy, often their methods are often assumed to be honorable. Sajjakulnukit disagrees. Âł7KH FLWL]HQVÂś UHEHOOLRQ LV MXVWLÂżHG \HW WKH way in which they are rebelling is less than ideal,â€? Sajjakulnukit said. “They are physically harming one another and causing various public disturbances. There are many other more subtle ways to protest.â€? Mr. Compton agrees that some of the actions by the protestors seem unwarranted. “Nothing is shocking about this revolution,â€? Mr. Compton said. “[People are] always bloody, violent, and enthusiastic. The only thing that might shock me is if Egypt is left as a more prosperous and free nation in 30 years from now.â€? Still, even as life in metro-Detroit remains relatively unchanged, the streets of Cairo are in disarray. Holmes explains why this is relevant. “This is our world,â€? Holmes said. “Even though it’s not America, we should have compassion for people around the world.â€?

Test scores improve school’s rank improve upon and tweak things,â€? Ms. =GHE VDLG Âł<RX FDQÂśW FRPSOHWHO\ Âż[ LW in a year.â€? Junior Rachel Gendich said Two years ago the state of Michigan came up with the idea of a “Top to she appreciates all the hard work Bottom List.â€? Every school in the state, the teachers do at RHS to prepare including elementary, middle and high students. “I think I’m getting a good schools, would be ranked based on test performance. In just a single year, education,â€? Gendich said. “Colleges I Rochester High School has moved talk to think I’m smart because I go to Rochester.â€? from the 85th percentile to the 96th. The Top to Bottom list is based only “Elementary students are judged on their MEAP scores; same thing with on one grade level: juniors. “Our current group of middle school,â€? principal Ms. Wendy Zdeb said. “High school students are seniors, our 96th percentile judged on their ACT scores. They rating is based on their average the math and language art scores,â€? Ms. Zdeb scores. That’s how they did it the very said. “Our current ÂżUVW WLPH WZR \HDUV DJR 7KLV \HDU WKH\ group of juniors re-averaged them and actually include has to achieve a small multiplier for improvement. So on that level. if your school shows improvement you And we may grow from also get a small boost from that.â€? The improvement score of 2.6030 our Plan in reading and 3.5760 in math is what scores helped Rochester get its high percentile from rank. “I think looking at our results that is what boosted Rochester up,â€? Ms. Zdeb said. “It was the combination of good achievement and, of course, that multiplier because we have improved from one year to the next.â€? Ms. Zdeb said she is happy with the basis Rochester students have when they go to take the Explorer, Plan and ACT. “A lot of people want to take an ACT Prep class, which I don’t think is a terrible thing, but you have to have a basic level of knowledge, and then just

last year to our ACT scores, but if it’s not in line with what the kids before you got, it will look like were going down.� Junior I s h a

Williams said she feels good about the education she is getting at Rochester. “I feel very fortunate,� Williams said. “We are spoiled. Other students don’t get the education we get or the resources w e

have.â€? Ms. Zdeb has a plan for students to get even better scores. “We have a school improvement plan, and the three things we are working on are reading, science and math,â€? Ms. Zdeb said. “What we do is we look at our Explore and Plan results, which are direct indicators of our strengths and weaknesses that students will be exhibiting on the ACT. So every single year after you guys test, we look at those results and ÂżJXUH RXW ZKDW DUH RXU VWUHQJWKV DQG weaknesses, what things do we need to remediate the kids on before they test next year.â€? To Ms. Zdeb, day-to-day instruction is also key. “I really think it’s really looking at our data and making a concentrated effort on our weaknesses,â€? Ms. Zdeb said. “But the other thing is, really quality instruction every day.â€? Sophomore Devonte Jackson working on U.S. History review. Photo by Austin Bowerman

Talon the

February 2011

Feature

3

Para-pro shares unique background Now

Then When an autistic student needs help calming down, para-professional plant was shut down, Mrs. Clavette Mrs. Manon Clavette comes to take and her family moved to the U.S. him or her for a walk. When a special Of the nine GM-employed families HGXFDWLRQ VWXGHQW LV KDYLQJ GLIÂżFXOW\ that were sent to the U.S., only focusing, Mrs. four remain Clavette is there to here today. provide support. “We call Teachers know ourselves her as tough, the Quebec fair and able to connection,â€? control almost any Mrs. Clavette situation. While said. “For the many students Superbowl know Mrs. we were all Clavette now, they together. We had are unaware of her the choice to live story and how she LQ %ORRPÂżHOG RU grew up. here, and I wanted “We were in to live in Rochester the middle of because of the the woods 100 school district. I miles away from was thinking of Montreal,â€? Mrs. Mrs Clavette fishes as a child in Quebec. my son because I Clavette said. Photo coutesy Mrs. Clavette wanted to be sure “No water, no that he got a good electricity, nothing. We had to create education.â€? our own games. I think people in our As for herself, Mrs. Clavette generation have more imagination than attended University of Montreal and kids these days. We had no choice; we has a degree in special education, a had to play with what we had.â€? degree in law, and a Master’s degree Mrs. Clavette’s husband worked for in law. Mrs. Clavette described her General Motors, but when the Quebec experiences as a lawyer.

“It was fun to be a lawyer at the beginning, but DIWHU WKDW \RX DUH GRQH ÂżJKWLQJ IRU little things,â€? Mrs. Clavette said. “Also, people don’t care for the feelings of their kid when they get a divorce. They care more about the material things than their feelings. I did law for 15 years. If I wanted to go back, I’d have to go back to school because it’s not the same law in the U.S.â€? When she moved to Michigan, she became a para-pro. “I like the contact with all the students; it keeps me young,â€? Mrs. Clavette said. “I like the kids at Rochester; they are nice.â€? Though Mrs. Clavette likes her job, there are some downsides.

“People don’t really know who you are,� Mrs. Clavette said. “They think that you are just there to help so-and-so and that you don’t have any background. But they would be surprised by all the backgrounds of the para-pros. They have a lot of different experiences. They just don’t get it.� In her free time, Mrs. Clavette coaches freshman softball. “I love coaching softball,� Mrs. Clavette said. “I coach the

freshman girls because they are interesting characters. They are between the middle s c h o o l mentality and the high school m e n t a l i t y. They are funny. They think they are old and know everything, but they are still young.� Although Mrs. Clavette’s life has been full of change, she said there has been one lesson that has always remained the same: acceptance. “Never judge a book by its cover,� Mrs. Clavette said. “In my life, I have met so many interesting people. If I didn’t take the time to stop and listen to them, I wouldn’t know who they are or what they did. You look at some people and think that they don’t have anything interesting to tell you, but they are interesting people inside.�

:controversy

MTV show causes

It is no shock to see generations of the past offended by entertainment of the present. Elvis Presley’s physical movements during performances caused massive amounts of controversy in the 1950’s, Bart Simpson shirts were banned in some schools in the 1990’s, and, today, the show “South Park� has continuously raised controversy during its short time on the air. But, sometimes, even the current youth is offended. Such is the case with the new MTV show “Skins�. “I am simply appalled by the poor morals of MTV,� sophomore Rahul Vyas said. “I feel the network is endorsing low morals to the teens of

today. I found the depiction of sex featured in the pilot to be repulsive.â€? “Skinsâ€? has been criticized by parents and groups such as the Parents Television Council for its explicit depictions of drug use and sex, especially due to its underage actors. The PTC ZHQW DV IDU DV WR ÂżOH D OHWWHU WR WKH 'HSDUWPHQW RI Justice, looking for MTV to be investigated for child pornography. However, some people, such as freshman Adrianna Peruzzi, believe the controversy has been overblown. “I think even though everyone’s making a big GHDO DERXW WKH VKRZ LWÂśV QRW UHDOO\ LQĂ€XHQFLQJ anyone,â€? Peruzzi said. “Same thing with ‘Jersey Shore.’ Kids don’t look for role models in TV shows.â€? Although Junior Aaron Yanich agreed with

Peruzzi on the effects of “Skinsâ€? on teens, he found the show offensive. “It’s not like MTV is making your child star in pornography,â€? Yanich said. “I was a little offended by the show, but there’s no reason to go to an extreme like taking it off the air. That’s ridiculous.â€? Sophomore Kyle Bortak found the show to be unrealistic in portraying the lives of teens. “It was certainly raunchy,â€? Bortak said. “I think some parents will be really offended, but it’s really unrealistic in many senses. Kids that young aren’t up to anything nearly as promiscuous as the show implies.â€? 'XH WR WKH FRQWURYHUV\ RYHU Âł6NLQV´ WKH IXWXUH of the show is seemingly up in the air. Current events teacher Erik Vernon described the limbo that the show is in due to a possible lack of

funding. “MTV and the show’s producers can say that they are running the show because they want to bring teenage issues to the forefront, but the show’s future is determined by how much advertising money it can bring in,� Mr. Vernon said. “If MTV can’t get people to advertise during the show, it will get pulled.� Many of “Skins�’ advertisers, including Taco Bell and Wrigley, have already pulled their ads from supporting “Skins�. However, the opposition to the show, such as Vyas, continue to express their concerns. “I feel these sick messages will further corrupt the youth of tomorrow,� Vyas said. However, with the show’s future still seemingly in limbo, it may not stick around long enough to have such a profound effect.

Rochester Marching Band ranks division one The season has ended for the Rochester marching band, but their school spirit still lives on. This year the band was ranked division one; the best possible score. For many, Rochester’s long history of well-ranked performances made this relatively unsurprising. And although the band has performed very well, they still face many new challenges each year. “The most challenging part about marching band is that it includes so many different things,� Band instructor Mr. Timothy Nadeau said. “We have the wind, brass, drums, color guard and the right timing. Entertaining the crowd requires all of these things, and the challenge is making it all come together.� According to Mr. Nadeau, the marching band is much more than its name suggests. There is a

lot that goes on besides just stepping in sync and playing instruments. “The marching band consists of so many components aside from just playing an instrument,â€? Nadeau said. “We have camps, parades, games and other special events, and the fact that we have all of these things is my favorite part about it.â€? The band meets nearly every morning for group practices from the end of July to early 'HFHPEHU WR PDNH VXUH HYHU\WKLQJ WKH\ GR LV solid. Junior Alex Anderson, squad leader, has been a part of the marching band for three years and understands the dedication that is required. Âł*HWWLQJ XS HDUO\ IRU SUDFWLFH LV GHÂżQLWHO\ WKH hardest part,â€? Anderson said. “We have practice every day of week except Tuesdays because of the additional after-school practices on Monday. ,WÂśV GHÂżQLWHO\ D ORW RI ZRUN ´ Whether they’re dealing with the blistering heat of the summer, or the bitter cold and snow of

The marching band performs their pre-game routine before a home football game. Photo by Aaron Kuhn

early winter, the marching band continues their practices, even using some of Mother Nature’s surprises to their advantage. “The marching band sees both ends of extreme weather throughout our season,� Mr. Nadeau said. “Even in the winter, we use the snow to help us practice our parade marching techniques.� Although being in the marching band requires a combination of technical skill, timing and knowledge of each performance, one more important aspect the judges look for is the “general effect,� or the effect that a band has on its audience. According to judging criteria, a band has done its job well if they can bring out the pride and spirit of a school. Sophomore Erica Lumsden believes that the togetherness is important to achieving this effect. “Not everyone may like each other, although the majority of us are friends,� Lumsden said. “But there are no big problems between us at all.

It’s just a fun and positive atmosphere. Judges look for music, marching, togetherness and the general appearance of it all. It’s not insanely GLIÂżFXOW WR JHW GLYLVLRQ RQH EXW LW GHÂżQLWHO\ WDNHV work and the band needs to be in sync.â€? However, there is always room to get better. “It’s a constant improvement process,â€? Nadeau said. Student leaders are working to organize their sections better. The quality of music and PDUFKLQJ LV EHLQJ UHÂżQHG WR LPSURYH WKH JHQHUDO effect. There are certainly different views on the state of the band and how their future seasons will go, but as it stands according to the judges, the Rochester marching band continues to rank highly. “I feel like our band has something special that makes us stand out,â€? Anderson said. “We have more pride. The high-set legacy from all of the strong members we’ve had in years past helps motivate the band to be the best they can be.â€?

Talon Lifestyles 4 Staff welcomes new bundles of joy the

February 2011

Emerson Remi Lamar Born: December 15, 2010 Weight: 6 pounds Measurement: 18.5 inches Story behind name: I heard the name Emerson years ago and fell in love with it. Remi we heard from a lady at Home Depot while I was pregnant. She was going to have a granddaughter and they were naming her Remi. I thought it was unique and perfect to go with Emerson. What has been the biggest change you’ve had to make in your life with the baby? Having someone depending on you 24 hours a day. Other than that, I still enjoy all of the things I did before like going out with friends or shopping. She enjoys doing all of these things, too! Overall, what are your thoughts on being a mother? It is the most amazing experience in the world. Nobody can describe it in words. You don’t know how wonderful it is until you experience it, but it isn’t something you can do on your own. You need to be in a strong marriage to support your baby!

Logan Jeffrey Hall Born: December 26, 2010 Weight: 7 pounds and 10 ounces Measurement: 20.75 inches Story behind name: [We] started with a list of 10 names and narrowed it down over a couple months. What has been the biggest change you’ve had to make in your life with the baby? Since Keegan has been born, we’ve had a lot less sleep since we have to do 3 a.m. feedings. Overall, what are your thoughts on being a father? [It was] the best decision I have ever made, other than marrying my beautiful wife!

Megan Marie Dziadzio Born: November 13, 2010 Weight: 6 pounds and 12 ounces Measurement: 19 inches Story behind name: It was a name my wife and I agreed upon which was traditional and not overly common. What has been the biggest change you’ve had to make in your life with the baby? Getting up to feed at all hours of the night. We no longer have an “us” schedule; it’s all about Megan’s schedule now. Overall, what are your thoughts on being a father? I love it, [and] I wouldn’t change it for the world. Although life is different, every moment is truly remarkable. It’s hard to imagine life without her. Even the crying and fussing makes for a cherishable moment. The big idea is, as the cliche’ goes, “don’t sweat the small stuff.”

Keegan Alfred Lotter Born: November 26, 2010 Weight: 8 pounds and 5 ounces Measurement: 21.5 inches Story behind name: Alfred is my Grandfather’s middle name. He passed away two years ago. As for Keegan, my wife and I both like Gaelic names. We couldn’t decide between Liam and Keegan. After Keegan was born I asked him (Keegan) if he ‘wanted to be named Keegan?’ He then opened his eyes. When I asked if he wanted to be named Liam he closed his eyes. I did this two or three times and he kept doing the same thing. So he had the final say in what his name would be. What has been the biggest change you’ve had to make in your life with the baby? When I get to sleep and for how long. Overall, what are your thoughts on being a father? It is AWESOME.

Angelo Edward DeLuca Born: November 30, 2010 Weight: 7 pounds and 15 ounces Measurement: 21 inches Story behind name: Process of elimination with sticky notes. What has been the biggest change you’ve had to make in your life with the baby? The biggest change is having to strategically plan every day out. Before he was born, it was easy to adjust my schedule at any moment. I now have to take into account feeding times, nap times, and day care. Overall, what are your thoughts on being a father? It’s magical! You look at your own life in a different perspective. You are now responsible for a child that is dependent on you. That means adjusting your daily routines. So far, [being a father] has been the most rewarding thing that has happened in my life.

Other teachers await new arrivals Mrs. Julia Satterthwaite, who is eight months pregnant, shows off her “baby bump.” Photo Courtesy of Mrs. Julia Satterthwaite

Mrs. Donna Lantz

Mrs. Julia Satterthwaite

Due: June 16, 2011

Due: March 17, 2011

What are you most excited about? Having a sibling for Madison, my two-year-old. I am the youngest of five and can’t imagine my life without my brother and sisters. We are all close now, even as adults. Madison is very excited about the baby, too, although I don’t think she completely understands what is going to happen.

As the date grows closer, how are you feeling? I have a 50-50 mix of excited and nervous. I can’t wait to meet my son! He’s been wiggling around in there for months, so it’ll be nice to finally get to see him, hold him, kiss him and tell him how much I love him. However, it’s my first child, and I’ve never been through the process of delivery, so I’m pretty nervous about that.

Entertainment

Talon the

February 2011

5

who is getting in the way of his drug monopoly. Reid and Kato use their reputation as villains as a disguise to catch their enemies off guard and just to be a little different. 5HLG EHFRPHV Âł7KH *UHHQ +RUQHW´ DQG ÂżJKWV Director Michel Gondry, however, found a great The development of the characters was with Kato (Chou), his dad’s old mechanic, as his balance of incorporating new technology and especially good. Reid is kind of guy who has no sidekick. modern settings while not drifting too far away idea what he’s doing, but Kato on the other hand, 8SRQ ÂżUVW JODQFH RI WKH WUDLOHUV WKLV PRYLH from the original idea of “The Green Hornet.â€? “The Green Hornet,â€? came into theatres this is the brains behind the operation. He builds all of Another thing that seemed to stand out about the gadgets and gizmos to assist them in battles January as a modernized version of a superhero seemed like it was going to be another awful comic from the 1940’s. The comic series about attempt to modernize a generic superhero story. WKLV ÂżOP ZDV WKH EDODQFH RI FRPHG\ DQG DFWLRQ DQG DOVR KDV DQ XQFDQQ\ DELOLW\ WR ÂżQG VROXWLRQV this masked vigilante and his sidekick was quite It may have worked out nicely with the Batman The movie did not feel completely like either of in tight situations. Kato’s brilliance and martial popular for its time. Director Michel Gondry or Spiderman movies, but “The Green Hornetâ€? those two genres. It had a satisfying amount of arts skills combined with Reid’s clumsiness and recreates this classic story starring Seth Rogan is not the kind of hero most people would think funny moments, but not to the point that it killed ODFN RI ÂżJKWLQJ DELOLW\ GUDZ H[FLWHPHQW LQ WKH and Jay Chou with a few changes to match of off the top of their head. In fact, it seemed the mood of the intense action scenes, and vise ÂżJKW VFHQHV DV ZHOO DV D JRRG ODXJK as though nobody under the age of 30 had even versa. PRGHUQ ÂżOPV 2YHUDOO LW LV GHÂżQLWHO\ D IXQ PRYLH WR ZDWFK The plot itself was actually quite different The plot did not seem to drag on at any point. In the movie, Britt Reid (Rogan) is the son of heard about the Green Hornet prior to the movie than most other superhero movies. In “The Green There is a solid balance of humor and action. The a very wealthy newspaper owner and lives the being announced this year. However, the movie turned out to be much Hornet,â€? Reid and Kato are seen from the public cinematic aspects of the movie are pretty good, life of a king, riding on the legacy of his father. When his dad mysteriously dies, he realizes that better than anticipated. Bringing back an old idea eye as villains, stirring up trouble throughout the and it has a very satisfying ending. he has done nothing but party and slack off his and adjusting it to today’s standards of cinematics FLW\ (YHQ WKH PDLQ DQWDJRQLVW DQG PDÂżD OHDGHU ! ! ! ! ! whole life. He decides to pursue his childhood LV LQGHHG D GLIÂżFXOW WDVN $QG WRR PXFK DOWHULQJ WKH of the city, Benjamin Chudnofsky (Christoph GUHDP RI ÂżJKWLQJ FULPH DQG EHLQJ D KHUR %ULWW plot line can often lead to viewer dissatisfaction. Waltz), sees the Green Hornet as a rival villain

‘Green Hornet’ turns comic classic into impressive action comedy

‘The Dilemma’ realistic, yet entertaining Katie Krako Sports Editor “The Dilemmaâ€? starring Vince Vaughn, Kevin James, Wiona Ryder, Jennifer Connelly, Queen Latifa and Channing Tatum is a comedy about two EHVW IULHQGV ZKR ÂżQG WKHPVHOYHV being tested about how good of friends they really are. In this movie Ronny (Vaughn) and his best friend Nick (James) own a small business together and do almost everything together with Ronny’s girlfriend (Connelly) and Nick’s wife (Ryder.) But their happy care free life style quickly ends when 5RQQ\ ÂżQGV KLV EHVW IULHQGV ZLIH (Ryder) cheating on Nick with a younger man (Tatum.) Vaughn and James unique laugh-out-loud kind of humor makes the situations that Vaughn faces when determining when and how to tell his best friend that he has been cheated on even more hilarious. As the PRYLH SURFHHGV 9DXJKQ ÂżQGV himself getting in even deeper situations that will just cause his best friend to become even more hurt. Throughout the movie, James and Vaughn’s characters play off each other and work well together to make the movie even more enjoyable. While the movie is funny consistently it stills reaches an HPRWLRQDO OHYHO ZKHQ LW ÂżQDOO\ comes time for Vaughn to James about what has happened. This makes the audience able to connect with what the characters are feeling and how having to hurt best friends can be really hard. The audience being able to connect to the characters in some way makes the movie even better to watch. “The Dilemmaâ€? also has realistic good ending that does not leave viewers upset or wondering, it rather leaves them laughing. This good ending is the cherry on top to a hilarious movie. !

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‘Funny as a Crutch’ is hilarious The Rochester Alliance of Theatrical Students (R.A.T.S.) is at it again with another production. This year’s one act production is “Funny as a Crutchâ€? by Rich Orloff. “Funny as a Crutchâ€? is a series of seven skits that focus on humor featuring people with disabilities. A variety of disabilities are shown in the seven skits including people in wheel chairs or with amputated limbs. All WKH VNLWV ÂżQG KXPRU LQ WKH GD\ WR GD\ struggles disabled people face. Students have been working on the one act since auditions, which were December 2. The cast of 14 was led by student director Nick Dauphin and directors Mr. Frank Gollon and Mrs. Sarah Miesch. 7KH ÂżUVW WZR VNLWV ZHUH Âł7RHV´ and “Dutch Treat.â€? “Toesâ€? is funny because of the young couple played by senior Nick Brewer and senior Taylor Devilling. The couple wants to get married, but when they tell Devilling’s character’s parents, they freak out because Brewer’s character has only nine toes. “Dutch Treatâ€? tells the story of two girls who are traveling together in Amsterdam. They meet a Frenchman played by sophomore Paul Coutilish who attempts to seduce a wheelchair-

Sophomore Allie Gibbs, junior Sarah McEneaney, and sophomore Britney Spindler perform ‘Cripperella’ in this year’s One Act ‘Funny as a Crutch.’ Photo by Caitlyn McGolderick

bound junior Danielle Clevenger, who is traveling with her friend, played by sophomore Carrie Drummond. Big laughs are had when the two girls are competing to get the attention of the casanova. The many different props used during the show greatly enhance

WKH VKRZ DV D ZKROH )RU H[DPSOH “Nellieâ€? was one of the funniest skits featured because of how hand puppets interacted with both other puppets and the titular character, played by junior Hannah Tepoorten. When the SXSSHW YHUVLRQ RI 2HGLSXV 5H[ FRPHV XS SHRSOH PLJKW ÂżQG WKH\ FDQÂśW KHOS

but laugh with the great voices he uses. Plus, sophomore Ben Simko’s LQÀHFWLRQ LQ KLV YRLFH IRU 0U 3XSSHW is simply hilarious. Over all, the play is funny and well done. !

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Bright Eyes album greatly dissapointing with a seemingly endless monologue on “Firewall,â€? a completely inappropriate way to make a listener actually feel inspired to listen to the album. Oberst’s voice sounds completely Conor Oberst, A.K.A. Bright Eyes, different from his past releases, which has cited singer-songwriters Daniel is probably an advantage for newer Johnston and Elliott Smith as major listeners, as his goat-like singing voice LQĂ€XHQFHV RQ KLV PXVLF /LNH PDQ\ can be seen as a bit grating at times. artists, both Smith’s and Johnston’s Vocally, Oberst shines on “Jejune earlier works have been held in higher Stars,â€? giving a wonderful delivery, but reverence than many of their later crashes and burns on “Haile Selassie,â€? works. Smith’s 1997 album “Either/ where the aforementioned goat voice Orâ€? is one of the most memorable, PL[HV ZLWK D KLGHRXV UHYHUE HIIHFW WR phenomenal albums to have ever create a true cacophony. Vocal effects been released, and Johnston’s 1981 also become troublesome on “Triple “Songs of Painâ€? features the artist, Spiralâ€? and “Beginner’s Mind,â€? a godWKHQ LQ KLV HDUO\ WZHQWLHV DW KLV ÂżQHVW awful song strictly because of that singing memorable songs such as vocal effect. The instrumentation on “The “Grievancesâ€? and “Pot Head.â€? Unlike these two brilliant men, Oberst’s career People’s Keyâ€? is just horrendous at peaked somewhere in the middle. times. The electronic sounds often His 2005 album, “I’m Wide Awake, featured do absolutely nothing to It’s Morningâ€? was a memorable, improve the album. “Firewallâ€? sounds respectable release, more than can be like a rejected Animal Collective song, and “Haile Selassieâ€? could be said for the majority of his releases. Bright Eyes’ new album, “The LQÂżQLWHO\ EHWWHU KDG WKH HOHFWURQLF People’s Key,â€? demonstrates this portion been scrapped entirely, as the decline quite well. The album begins guitar tone could work so well without

Conor Oberst performs live with the Mystic Valley Band in 2008. Photo Courtesy of Valarie Apperson.

any ridiculous addition. The only song really worth listening to is “Ladder Song,â€? a charming piano song in the midst of the forgettability that is this album. The only other song that does not have way too much JRLQJ RQ Âł$SSUR[LPDWH 6WDUV ´ LV simply bad. Overall, this album was an XQLQWHUHVWLQJ SRRUO\ H[HFXWHG DWWHPSW

at an average artist trying to reverse his reputation of mediocrity by trying to add a different spin on it. “The People’s Key� is meant to be skipped and forgotten. !

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Opinion

7

ACT valued too much by colleges

Talon the

February 2011

The Talon Editor in Chief Max Kleiner Feature Editor Emily Hayward News Editor Nate Barton

Ever since she was eight, Emma King dreamed of going to Cornell University. She dedicated herself to academics, earning a 4.0 GPA while taking all of her school’s AP classes, and got involved in the community at every possible chance. But when the time came, King was denied admission to Cornell – not because of her academic performance or extracurricular activities, but because of her ACT score. She only scored a 25, and Cornell generally accepts students with a 30-35 composite score. Unfortunately, King is not alone. Many other students around the country hold impressive credentials, yet are denied by colleges because they fail to meet a standard score on the ACT. This should not be the case. One of the major reasons the ACT is nationally accepted is because people believe it is so universal. But in some ZD\V WKLV PDNHV LW HYHQ OHVV TXDOLÂżHG to judge a student’s intelligence. As Educational Gateway puts it on their pamphlet about the ACT, “The ACT is a predictable test. The questions and multiple-choice answers are structured in such a way that your child can learn methods of determining right answers through practice tests and test prep.â€? Because students can choose the right answer without actually knowing it, they are able to take the easy way out. Academic performance, which has been tested and proven effective repeatedly, should be given much more consideration than a predictable test. But this is not the case. According to Omega Educational Consulting president Steven Cruz, the ACT score “has considerable weight in a college application and is, in fact, approximately equal in importance to the high school transcript.â€? This makes absolutely no sense, as four years of high school is clearly not equal to one test. Rather than encourage students to pursue an education and maximize their four years of high school, the value placed on the ACT is teaching kids that it is better to memorize the LQIRUPDWLRQ WKH\ DUH OLNHO\ WR ÂżQG RQ the test. Before people place so much weight on the ACT, they need to consider how realistic it actually is. When, in the real world, are people ever required

Lifestyles Editor Melanie Sweet Entertainment Editor Katie Ziraldo

^ÄžÄ?ŽŜÄš Ć‰ÄžĆŒĆ?ƉĞÄ?Ć&#x;ǀĞ ŽĨ Ć?Ä?Ä‚ĹśĆšĆŒŽŜ Ĺ?ŜͲÄ?ĹŻÄ‚Ć?Ć? ƚĞĆ?ĆšÍ˜ WŚŽƚŽ Ä?LJ dĹ?Ĺľ >ÄžÇ Ĺ?Ć?

WĆŒĹ?ĹśÄ?ĞƚŽŜ ZĞǀĹ?ÄžÇ d Ĺ?ĆľĹ?ĚĞ͘ WŚŽƚŽ Ä?LJ ĹľĹ?ůLJ ,Ä‚Ç‡Ç Ä‚ĆŒÄš

Sports Editor Katie Krako Website Editor Aaron Kuhn Website Designer Justin Murphy Staff Writers Carolyn Berwick Austin Bowerman Steven McConnell Caitlyn McGoldrick Brian Palmer Ben Simko

!"#$"%"&'( )"$*+,$+*( -+&'$+%( ."&/0( $+&1( ŽŜ ĹšĹ?Ć? ĎŜĂů ĞdžĂž ĆŒÄžÇ€Ĺ?ÄžÇ Ć‰Ä‚Ä?ĹŹÄžĆšÍ˜ WŚŽƚŽ Ä?LJ ĆŒĹ?Ä‚Ĺś WÄ‚ĹŻĹľÄžĆŒ

Average ACT Scores at Michigan Colleges Albion College: 23-27 Central Michigan: 20-24 Eastern Michigan: 18-24 Grand Valley State: 24 Hillsdale College: 27 Kalamazoo College: 28 Kettering University: 26 Michigan State: 23-27 Michigan Tech: 25 Northern Michigan: 23 Northwood University: 21 Oakland University: 22 UD Mercy: 21 UM-Ann Arbor: 27-31 UM-Dearborn: 23 Wayne State: 20 Western Michigan: 22 to bubble in answers in a limited time frame? When are people rewarded IRU ¿QGLQJ VWUDWHJLHV WKDW ZLOO KHOS WKHP ¿QG WKH HDV\ ZD\ RXW RU VLPSO\ guessing on an answer they do not know? It is far more likely that students will face situations where they have to use their knowledge to solve practical problems or work both in a team and individually through critical thinking. Some people may say that the ACT is effective because a fair way of measuring students’ intelligence

Adviser Mrs. Julia Satterthwaite

Mission Statement

:ƾŜĹ?Ĺ˝ĆŒ ůĞdžĂ tÄžÄ‚Ç€ÄžĆŒ ůŽŽŏĆ? ĆšĹšĆŒŽƾĹ?Ĺš ĹšÄžĆŒ ŇĂĆ?Ĺš Ä?Ä‚ĆŒÄšĆ? Ĺ?Ĺś Ć‰ĆŒÄžĆ‰Ä‚ĆŒÄ‚Ć&#x;ŽŜ ĨŽĆŒ ƚŚĞ Ć?Ä?Ĺ?ĞŜÄ?Äž ÄžÇ†Ä‚ĹľÍ˜ WŚŽƚŽ Ä?LJ ĆŒĹ?Ä‚Ĺś WÄ‚ĹŻĹľÄžĆŒÍ˜

and should hold much importance. However, equal testing does not always mean fair testing. High stakes tests, or ones that hold important consequences, FDQ EH GLIÂżFXOW HYHQ LI D VWXGHQW NQRZV the material on the test. According to a study done by the School of Education at Boston College, the states with the highest high school dropout rates were also states that administered forms of high stakes testing. Even if people know the material, they may feel too much pressure to do well on just one

test, ultimately leading them to give up or drop out. When the ACT is deeply examined, SRVVLEOH ÀDZV EHFRPH DSSDUHQW 6WLOO colleges around the country base admissions decisions on the score all of the time. Is the ACT important? Yes. It can be a great tool to measure students’ progress in a standardized fashion. But should colleges consider a student’s ACT scores at the same level they consider that student’s grades? Absolutely not.

Senioritis: High school’s ultimate demotivator

Let’s face it, Senioritis is inevitable. As freshman, we’re exposed to the infection. From the moment we set foot into the foul-smelling sty of the F-wing, WR WKH ODVW ÀHHWLQJ VHFRQG DV ZH JOLGH across the stage of Meadowbrook Pavilion, fake diploma in hand, this disease will claim almost every last one of us. Turning even the most studious of students into the couchiest of potatoes, Senioritis is unrelenting, HI¿FLHQW DQG FULSSOLQJ +RZHYHU IUHW not, for there is a possible means of escape: recognizing and defending the spread of its devious little symptoms. The most obvious, and most readily contractible is the symptom of seniority, false or otherwise. Teachers and administrators are the only ones who actually hold seniority in the school system, but the seniors are the ones who believe they do. Following suit, the juniors feel senior to sophomores, sophomores feel senior to freshman and freshman feel senior to basically everything. By the time senior year rolls around, we’ve all felt senior to someone or something for so long, that we might as well be 80. Due to this, the seniority symptom is almost impossible to immunize; it’s just human nature.

Opinion Editor Amy Mackens

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. The Talon is devoted to professional journalism and fairness in all reporting. The Talon will adhere to a standard of responsible journalism and will refrain from publishing material which is legally libelous, obscene or could disrupt the operation of the school.

Letters 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. However, the following indications of Senioritis may not be so inescapable. Once the symptom of seniority has festered for about two to three years, the secondary symptoms may begin to arise: Standardized Test Anxiety / Numbness (STA and STN, respectively.) These symptoms are vicious, quick to consume a victim and reluctant to release it. STA is usually paired with long, sleepless nights, boring prep courses, heavy textbooks with no pictures, nagging parents and madness. STN, however, is more docile, characterized by aloofness towards success, excessive sleep, and generally disregard for all things important in the future. These two symptoms are directly related, more

intense periods of STA are followed, rather rapidly by excruciating bouts of STN. A vicious circle of stress and blatant indifference, the Standardized Test symptoms can easily be avoided by simply not taking any standardized tests. However, this is not highly UHFRPPHQGHG XQOHVV ÀLSSLQJ SDWWLHV is a passion. 7KH ¿QDO V\PSWRP LV E\ IDU the most devastating, known to completely expurgate all motivation within the amount of time it takes to read the opening sentence of a letter. An acceptance letter, to be exact. Yes, college applications are the fourth and ¿QDO V\PSWRP 7KH DPRXQW RI HIIRUW invested in completing the perfect application so drains the ambition of

the victim that, by the time acceptance letters are received, an entire student class can be reduced to brainless zombies. Unwilling to try, care, or even attend any sort of academic event, these zombies are drawn to school merely for socialization and should be avoided at all costs. Now, throughout this report, there may have been a few ‌ mild exaggerations. However, the disease of Senioritis is not a joke. Each day, more and more seniors across the nation begin to lose sight of their childhood GUHDP FDUHHUV ¿UH¿JKWHUV SROLFH RI¿FHUV PHJD IDPRXV FHOHEULWLHV QRW the drug-bingey kind.) and the like, all due to a particularly pernicious disease.

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

Sports

Talon the

February 2011

March Madness:

The fever has begun to spread Teacher predictions 7R VRPH 0DUFK 0DGQHVV LV PRUH WKDQ MXVW D FROODERUDWLRQ RI WKH JUHDWHVW \RXQJ EDVNHWEDOO SOD\HUV LQ WKH ZRUOG ,W LV DQ H[SHULHQFH WKDW they anticipate and remember for the other HOHYHQ PRQWKV RI WKH \HDU ,W LV WKH FOLPD[ ZKHUHDV WKH UHVW RI WKH \HDU ODFNV WKH GRZQULJKW SK\VLFDO ZDUIDUH WKDW VKURXGV LWVHOI DURXQG WKLV LOOXVWULRXV HYHQW (QJOLVK WHDFKHU 0UV $VKOH\ Painter elaborates. ³, WKLQN 0DUFK 0DGQHVV LV JUHDW EHFDXVH LW LV WKH PRVW GHPRFUDWLF RI FROOHJH VSRUWV ´ 0UV 3DLQWHU VDLG ³%LJ DQG VPDOO VFKRROV DUH UHSUHVHQWHG DQG \RX JHW FODVVLF 'DYLG YV *ROLDWK PDWFK XSV 7KH XSVHWV DUH WKH PRVW LQWULJXLQJ DQG H[FLWLQJ DVSHFWV RI ZDWFKLQJ ´ $FFRUGLQJ WR 0UV 3DLQWHU WKLV \HDU¶V WRXUQDPHQW ZLOO EH XQLTXH ³, DP H[SHFWLQJ D ORW RI XSVHWV ´ 0UV 3DLQWHU VDLG ³7KHUH LV QR RQH GRPLQDQW WHDP VR LW VKRXOG EH H[FLWLQJ ´ 0DWK WHDFKHU DQG IUHVKPHQ EDVNHWEDOO FRDFK 0U $GDP +DFLDV LV DOVR VXIIHULQJ IURP 0DUFK IHYHU ³+DYLQJ VR PXFK JRRG EDVNHWEDOO FUDPPHG LQWR VR OLWWOH WLPH PDNHV 0DUFK 0DGQHVV EHWWHU WKDQ &KULVWPDV (DVWHU DQG $EUDKDP /LQFROQ GD\ FRPELQHG ´ 0U +DFLDV VDLG ³, H[SHFW ZKDW , H[SHFW HYHU\ \HDU QDLO ELWHUV EX]]HU EHDWHUV DQG &LQGHUHOODV ´ 7KH WRXUQDPHQW KDV SRWHQWLDO WR EDIÀH DOO RGGV $FFRUGLQJ WR 0U +DFLDV WKH XQXVXDO GLVWULEXWLRQ RI UDQNV VXJJHVWV WKDW &LQGHUHOOD ZLOO LQ IDFW EH GDQFLQJ WKLV 0DUFK ³6HHLQJ 6DQ 'LHJR 6WDWH %<8 DQG 1RWUH 'DPH DOO LQ WKH WRS ZLOO OHDG WR XQXVXDO WHDPV HDUQLQJ KLJK VHHGV ´ 0U +DFLDV VDLG ³7KLV ZLOO DOVR OHDG WR PRUH XSVHWV LQ P\ RSLQLRQ ´ )RU PDQ\ XSVHWV ZLOO EH ZHOFRPHG DV PRUH DQG PRUH IDQV EHJLQ WR GHVSLVH WKH FRQWLQXHG VXFFHVV RI IUDQFKLVHV VXFK DV 'XNH ³, FRXOG QRW EHDU WR VHH 'XNH UHSHDW DV QDWLRQDO FKDPSLRQV EHFRPH HYHQ PRUH DUURJDQW DQG IRU 'LFN 9LWDOH WR EHFRPH HYHQ PRUH REVHVVHG ZLWK &RDFK . ´ 0UV 3DLQWHU VDLG ³$OVR , WKLQN >.HQWXFN\ FRDFK@-RKQ &DOLSDUL LV E\ IDU the dirtiest coach and to see him rewarded for it ZRXOG EH WUDJLF ´ :KLOH 'XNH UHPDLQV WKH H[SHFWHG SRZHUKRXVH LW KDV EHHQ LQ SDVW \HDUV PDQ\ IDQV DUH WXUQLQJ WKHLU DWWHQWLRQ WRZDUGV %<8 ZLWK WKHLU \RXQJ VWDU -LPPHU )UHGHWWH ³, H[SHFW 2KLR 6WDWH WR ZLQ LW DOO EXW -LPPHU )UHGHWWH ZLOO PDNH D ORW RI QRLVH ´ VHQLRU %LOO\ .ORW] VDLG 0UV 3DLQWHU KDV DOVR UHFRJQL]HG WKH %<8 senior as a force to be reckoned with. ³, ZDQW WR VHH -LPPHU )UHGHWWH IURP %<8 ´ 0UV 3DLQWHU VDLG ³+H LV QRW RQ D ORW RI

Mr. Adam Hacias: Top 4 teams- Duke, Kansas, Texas, and Ohio State Winner- Kansas

Most Overrated- Ohio State Most Underrated- San Diego State

Mrs. Ashley Painter: Top 4 teams- Ohio State, Texas, Pittsburg, and Kansas Winner- Kansas

Most Overrated- Duke Most Underrated- Purdue QDWLRQDOO\ WHOHYLVHG JDPHV VR , DP H[FLWHG WR VHH ZKDW KH FDQ GR ´ 0U +DFLDV DOVR KDV KLV H\HV RQ VRPH ULVLQJ 1&$$ VWDUV ³>,¶P H[FLWHG WR VHH@ .HPED :DONHU RI 8&RQQ ´ 0U +DFLDV VDLG ³-RVK 6HOE\ RI .DQVDV LV >DOVR@ D 'LDSHU 'DQG\ WR ZDWFK RXW IRU ´ :LWK DOO WKH WDON RI )LQDO )RXUV DQG (OLWH (LJKWV RQFH IDYRUHG 0LFKLJDQ 6WDWH LV RIWHQ QR ORQJHU LQ WKH FRQYHUVDWLRQ 6RPH H[SHUWV DUH HYHQ GHEDWLQJ ZKHWKHU WKH\ ZLOO PDNH WKH WRXUQDPHQW DW DOO 0UV Painter has a different opinion. ³, WKLQN WKH\ ZLOO VXUSULVH SHRSOH ´ 0UV 3DLQWHU VDLG ³'HVSLWH D SRRU VHDVRQ WKH\ DOZD\V VHHP WR SOD\ EHWWHU LQ WKH WRXUQDPHQW $V D 6SDUWDQ IDQ , KDYH WR KDYH IDLWK DQG EHOLHYH WKDW >FRDFK 7RP@ ,]]R FDQ VRPHKRZ ¿JXUH RXW KRZ WR JHW WKHP WR SOD\ EHWWHU WHDP EDVNHWEDOO ´ ,Q FRQWUDVW 0U +DFLDV UHJDUGV WKH WRSLF RI 0LFKLJDQ 6WDWH PDNLQJ WKH WRXUQDPHQW TXLWH differently. ³+D <RX PHDQ WKH 1,7"´ 0U +DFLDV VDLG %UDFNHWV IRU WKH WRXUQDPHQW ZLOO EH UHOHDVHG RQ 0DUFK RQ WKH ORQJ DZDLWHG 6HOHFWLRQ 6XQGD\ $W WKDW WLPH OLNH D IDVW VSUHDGLQJ GLVHDVH 1&$$ IDQV IURP DURXQG WKH JOREH ZLOO KDYH WR PDNH VHHPLQJO\ LPSRVVLEOH GHFLVLRQV DERXW WKHLU RZQ bracket. “There are so many teams and so many different IDFWRUV WR FRQVLGHU DW RQH SRLQW HYHU\RQH KDV WR JXHVV IRU PDQ\ JDPHV ´ 0UV 3DLQWHU VDLG 0U +DFLDV DJUHHV ³%HFDXVH P\ ZLIH XVXDOO\ SLFNV EHWWHU WKDQ , GR ,¶P JRLQJ WR VD\ OXFN >LV WKH OHDGLQJ IDFWRU LQ D VXFFHVVIXO EUDFNHW @ ´ 0U +DFLDV VDLG 'HVSLWH WKH FRQVWDQW ZLOO WR KDYH WKH EHVW EUDFNHW WKH JDPHV DORQH DUH D WKULOO 7KH RQO\ TXHVWLRQ UHPDLQLQJ LV KRZ WR ¿QG HQRXJK WLPH WR ZDWFK DOO WKH EHVW WHDPV 0U +DFLDV GRHVQ¶W KDYH that problem. ³>0\ VFKHGXOH@ GRHVQ¶W FKDQJH EHFDXVH LW¶V EHHQ FOHDUHG PRQWKV LQ DGYDQFH ´ 0U +DFLDV VDLG

7

Girls tennis hopeful about new season Emily Hayward Feature Editor

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DV ODVW \HDU ´ %\V]NRZVNL VDLG ³, WKLQN WKLV ZLOO EH DQ DGYDQWDJH WR XV DV ZH LPSURYH IURP ODVW VHDVRQ ,¶P H[FLWHG DERXW LW ´ +RZHYHU WKH FRPSHWLWLRQ WKH JLUOV DUH XS DJDLQVW WKLV VHDVRQ PD\ PDNH WKHLU JRDOV WRXJK WR UHDFK “The hardest part of the season will be VRPH RI WKH WHDPV ZH IDFH ´ 3DUNHU VDLG ³6LQFH RXU GLYLVLRQ FKDQJHG WKH WHDPV ZH¶UH FRPLQJ XS DJDLQVW DUH JRLQJ WR EH WRXJKHU ´ Despite potential FKDOOHQJHV PDQ\ s e e m WR EH H[FLWHG IRU WKH XSFRPLQJ season and the friendship formed within the team. ³2XU WHQQLV team is like D IDPLO\ ´ Parker said. “Each of XV KDV RXU own little V R P H W K L Q J ZH EULQJ WR WKH JURXS DQG we all care DERXW HDFK RWKHU .QRZLQJ WKHUH ZRQ¶W EH SUDFWLFH DIWHU VFKRRO YLFWRULHV ORVVHV DQG WHDP ERQGLQJ ZLWK WKHVH JLUOV DQ\PRUH IRU PH QH[W \HDU ZLOO EH UHDOO\ VDG ´ :KLOH 0F/HRG DJUHHG that the camaraderie on the team is one of the EHVW WKLQJV DERXW SOD\LQJ WHQQLV VKH DOVR VDLG VKH ORYHV WKH VSRUW EHFDXVH RI ZKDW LW KDV WDXJKW KHU ³,W¶V D ORW RI IXQ WR EH SDUW RI VXFK DQ HQHUJHWLF WHDP RI JLUOV ´ 0F/HRG VDLG ³(YHQ WKRXJK WHQQLV LV D ORW RI ZRUN ± SDUWO\ MXVW EHFDXVH \RX KDYH WR PDQDJH D VSRUW DORQJ ZLWK VFKRRO ± LW¶V VXFK D JUHDW H[SHULHQFH , can honestly say tennis season LV RQH RI P\ IDYRULWH SDUWV RI HYHU\ \HDU ´ Junior Farha Hanif serves the ball to a fellow teammate. Photo by Carolyn Berwick

Students idolizing athletes over everyday super heros

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think you’re pregnant? You Have Choices

Crossroads Pregnancy Center 248-293-0070

New York Yankee third basemen Alex Rodriguez fields the ball during a game. Rodriguez has been criticized for having an unconfirmed affair with pop singer Madonna. Photo by Keith Allison

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8

Sports

Talon the

February 2011

Varsity boys basketball give ‘maximum effort,’

Falcons win Showdown 63 - 48

Throughout the years of the RHS-Adams rivalry, the Falcons have often come up short. %XW LQ WKLV \HDUÂśV ÂżIWK Crosstown Showdown, the boy’s basketball WHDP ZRQ IRU WKH ÂżUVW time, proving that they are capable of beating out their long-time rivals. “We were looking to go in and compete and give our maximum effort,â€? coach John Pleasant said. “During the game the whole team stepped up. We played well and stayed composed.â€? After a 25-25 tie at the half, the Falcons started on their lead that would eventually be a 63-48 win. This 15-point lead added to the win for many like starter, freshman Jason Lee. “[The best part of the game was] the closing seconds as we held a 15-point lead when everyone from the team was pumped and the fans were going crazy,â€? Lee said. “I felt extremely happy and relived knowing that all P\ EXWWHUĂ€LHV were gone and that after a week’s preparation, the team’s hard work was put to good use.â€? Winning the Showdown, which is held each year in Oakland University’s O’Rena, ZDV VLJQLÂżFDQW IRU spectators, such as Top left: The final score of the boys varsity game against Adams. Top right: Senior Trevor Johnson leads students in the Roller Coaster during halftime of the fifth annual Crosstown Showdown. Photos by David Mackens senior Chris Saber, due to the long-awaited win. “It was amazing to experience the win,â€? Saber Jasbir Singh and Elisha Marshall ended on a “My favorite part [of the Showdown] is our multiple concession stands, and gives the players said. “The players deserved it and I know all high note as Falcons, Lee began his Showdown school spirit,â€? senior Sam Rea said. “Until this an opportunity to play at a college arena, which of the students enjoyed it immensely. It makes experiences with one. year, we had never won a Crosstown Showdown, is really cool.â€? it even more special that it happened our senior “The atmosphere was what I expected: loud, but our fans didn’t let that affect them. The S.O.F. But even with the O’Rena and the build-up of year, and I’m glad the seniors on the team could pumped up, and [I had] little bit of nervousness continues to put the Adams student section to a rivalry game, coach Pleasant stated that it all JHW WKHLU ÂżUVW ZLQ DJDLQVW $GDPV ´ knowing I was a freshman,â€? Lee said. “In regular shame and it is so much fun to see our fans have comes down to the team. Coach Pleasant agrees. game you know there will be fans, but nothing so much spirit and continue the rivalry.â€? “Outside of all the hype, it’s really a typical “The highlight for me was for sure the seniors,â€? compared to the amount of the Showdown. Saber, who is a member of the Soldiers of game,â€? coach Pleasant said. “The jitters are there, coach Pleasant said. “We are a young team, and [The game] being a rivalry makes it all the more Fortune (S.O.F.), is one of many who feel that the EXW DIWHU WKH ÂżUVW PLQXWH RI SOD\ LW MXVW JRHV we only have four seniors, but to see them beat important. I felt nervous warming up, and just O’Rena adds to the Showdown experience. back to a regular game, and truly it’s all about Adams in their last year was the most rewarding constantly looking up at the scoreboard.â€? “The O’Rena provides more room for fans, [the players]. I don’t take any shots or make the part of the game.â€? One aspect that seems to be a constant in RHS ZKLFK LV SUREDEO\ WKH ELJJHVW EHQHÂżW ´ 6DEHU VDLG passes. I give [the players] all the credit, and I’m While seniors Nick Bradley, Billy Klotz, sports is the spirit of its fans. “It also has better scoreboards, an announcer, happy with the result.â€?

Competitive cheer team shoots for state title

Seniors Emily Hawes and Megan Dombrowski fly high during halftime at the Crosstown Showdown. Photo by David Mackens

Redemption. For the Competitive Cheer team, that is what the 20102011 season is about due to Stoney &UHHN ZLQQLQJ WKH VFKRROÂśV ÂżUVW VWDWH championship last year after the )DOFRQV FROODSVHG DW WKH VWDWH ÂżQDOV “We just want to beat them and destroy them,â€? junior Nikki Wiedbusch said. “Stoney won last year because everyone else fell apart and that’s not the way to win. You should beat everyone on their good day. And if everyone has a good day, and we have a good day, then we’re going to win.â€? The team has been working to improve and ensure a good day at States after hitting rock bottom. “They are making some of the VDPH PLVWDNHV DQG , WKLQN WKH\ ÂżQDOO\ hit rock bottom at the Lake Orion invitational,â€? coach Susan Wood said RI WKH WHDP EHLQJ LQ ÂżUVW DIWHU WZR rounds, then falling to sixth in the third DQG ÂżQDO URXQG Âł7KDW ZDV UHDOO\ EDG but that was the best wake up call we could of ever had because I could tell they are different ‌ And people are more focused. We need to make all those mistakes in order to make this turn around.â€? 7KH WXUQDURXQG IURP WKHLU ÂżUVW VL[WK SODFH ÂżQLVK VLQFH LV IXHOHG E\ D commitment to excellence. “As soon as you make the team you are expected to be good,â€? sophomore Sam Lendzion said. “So, you just have WR JHW LQWR WKH JURRYH DQG ÂżW LQ DQG

blend with everyone else.â€? Weidbusch agrees and knows they’ll have to overcome the pressure to win a championship. “There’s a lot of pressure,â€? Wiedbusch said. “There is a fear that comes from within and you just have to JHW SDVW WKDW EH FRQÂżGHQW DQG NQRZ \RX can do it. To win a state championship, that would be amazing.â€? Amazing is right, since winning a title isn’t as easy as it appears. “It has always been a challenge, but people think we win it easily,â€? coach Wood said. “People at our school think we can just march home with it. We kill ourselves at practice every day. It’s true our talent level has been able to wipe out the competition in other years. This year ‌ We probably have a little less talent than other schools, but I’d like to think the experience and background of this program will help us maybe win a title.â€? With all the adversity this team has faced, to many, winning a title would be amazing. “Winning a state title would be extremely amazing because we worked so hard all season,â€? Lendzion said, Âł$QG WR KDYH WKDW ÂżQDOO\ SD\ RII WKDW would be amazing.â€? Only three of 33 girls have won a championship before, and according to coach Wood, to win another, they’ll just take it day by day. “Most of the girls have no idea what it would be like and it would be an experience they would remember for the rest of their lives because it seems so unreachable and far, far

Varsity Competitive Cheer Head coach Susan Wood Senior Keli Adamkiewicz Senior Brenda Alexander Junior Nicole Baljet Junior Megan Chorazyczewski Senior Thea Dimitriu Senior Megan Dombrowski Junior Kylie Gray Senior Emily Hawes Senior Rachel Horton Senior Keli Hughes Sophomore Taylor Hunt Junior Elyse Kalil Sophomore Sam Lendzion Senior Lizzie Lenz Junior Emily Leppek Sophomore Monjoa Likine Senior Lauren Lipphardt Junior Rachel Lohmeier Sophomore Andrea Lusczakoski Senior Sarah McBain Senior Kaitlyn Mulcacy Junior Amanda Niester Senior Sam Rea Senior Ashleigh Ross Junior Jenny Scott Senior Nyelah Shah Sophomore Marissa Sulich Junior Liz Telesco Junior Alexa Weaver Junior Nikki Wiedbusch Senior Cara Williams Senior Jessica Williams Senior Julie Ziegeler

away,� coach Wood said. “We’ll take it one week at a time and for now; focus on winning the league championship, then district and regional’s. If that’s possible, then I’d say it’s possible to win a state championship, but if we don’t win those, I think our chances are pretty slim.�

ROBOTICS Photo story pg. 2 & 3 Q&A with the FEDS pg. 4 Breaking down the robot pg. 4

The Hatchling Februar y 2011

Senior Derek Martin measures the chassis frame to make sure it is the correct length. Photo by Justin Murphy

FEBRUARY 23, 2011 VOLUME 2 ISSUE 6 ROCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL

The Hatchling Februar y 2011

2

3

The Hatchling Februar y 2011

ROBOTICS

MORE THAN A BUCKET OF BOLTS

Junior Vishal Modi and senior Yashwanth Lagisetty work on the prototype electrical board. Photo by Justin Murphy

FEDS 201 combines hard work and friendship to create a well-oiled machine

Senior Derek Martin shows his arm idea to other members. Photo by Justin Murphy

The production robot’s construction depends on a series of tasks it must be able to complete at competitions. “This year’s robot has to be able to pick up inner tubes of different shapes and place them RQ D UDFN RQ HLWKHU HQG RI WKH ÂżHOG ´ 0DUWLQ said. “The catch is, the rack is more than nine IHHW LQ WKH DLU 7R PDNH WKLV PRUH GLIÂżFXOW Falcon Engineering Design Solutions there is a set starting size of the robot. Our (FEDS) 201 is “more than a bucket of bolts.â€? robot will have an arm capable of moving the The team mixes friends and charm with exact tubes as well as a fast drivetrain.â€? Once this robot has been built, the FEDS calculations to create a competitive robot. As senior Derek Martin walks into the loud room travel to regional’s, and possibly states and on one of the build days, he grabs an oreo nationals, to compete with their robot. “My favorite part of robotics is by far the for “Double-Stuffed Friday,â€? puts on his eye competitions,â€? Martin said. “It gives us an protection and gets down to work. “Robotics is more than just a bunch of opportunity to get out of town and stay in nerds getting together,â€? Martin said. “In fact, hotels, all the while spending time with other many of us aren't nerds at all. We are a group kids on the team and getting to know them.â€? But these competitions have something of dedicated students who get together every year to build a robot in the six weeks we are different to offer. “I like the format of the competitions,â€? lead given.â€? One rule the FEDS live by is “Measure mentor Mr. Louis Martin said. “They actually twice, cut onceâ€? because the smallest mistake patented it and called it ‘co-opertition’ because can throw off everything. For this reason, there we are randomly placed with two other is a process to be followed for the making of schools’ robots to compete three-on-three against another three schools, and because the robot. Âł)RU WKH ÂżUVW ZHHN ZH DUH EUDLQVWRUPLQJ you never know who they are going to be, you and mocking up different parts of the robot we need to treat all teams with respect and help want to build,â€? senior team member Megan them when you can. In the next match you Hudak said. “We split off into teams and could be competing with someone you just create prototypes to show the rest of the team. competed against. That is such a great life For the rest of the build season, everyone is lesson.â€? All this time spent together creates strong busy working on the pieces and programs of relationships. the production robot.â€?

“The friendships that you create are great,â€? Hudak said. “I try to get to know everyone on the team. I’ve already made many new friends. And since you’re there every day almost, it’s good to be surrounded by your friends.â€? One reason for these strong relationships is the level of respect mentors and team members alike hold for each other. “I am the lead mentor for the team, kind of the ‘head coach’ in sports terminology,â€? Mr. Martin said. “I like to think of the team members, both the students and the adults, as my friends. I like to push them hard to learn, mature and develop their skills, but also want Robotics to be fun.â€? These relationships can be seen in many ways, one of which being the messages and JUDIÂżWL GUDZQ RQ WKH ZRUN WDEOHV 7KH FROODJH creates an almost “memory boardâ€? including past and present team members. This is just one example of what sets FEDS 201 aside from other clubs. “Robotics involves hands on activities, logical thinking, diversity, creativity and participation in community service events,â€? Hudak said. “It incorporates everything that other clubs have into one. “ It is because of such qualities that seniors are sad to part from the FEDS. “[As a senior,] I'm both excited to leave and saddened,â€? Martin said. “I have devoted so much time towards Robotics and it makes up a big part of me. But I know it has prepared me well for my future and I'm excited to see what that might hold.â€?

Mentor Alan Wareham, junior John Wareham, senior Derek Martin and freshman Jarrett Mertz examine the frame. Photo by Justin Murphy

Senior Adam Aldrige trimming up the end of a wire before connecting it. Photo by Justin Murphy

Senior Sarah Yaqub working on a prototype gripper for this year's game. Photo by Justin Murphy

Junior Anuj Thaker works to mount a wheel on this year's minibot. Photo by Justin Murphy

4

The Hatchling February 2011

The FEDS took this robot to Atlanta, GA in 2010, and went on to place in the top 25 robots in the world. The “hook” was one of the predominant features that helped RHS to beat out other teams in the First Robotics Competition.

1. I like robotics because ...

Senior Alex Dinsmoor

Senior David Keller

Senior Matt Matson

Sophomore Laura Donald

Sophomore James Byers

it’s super fun!

of all the people who are in it.

I get to animate!

I learn a lot of stuff about robots that I’ve never seen before.

it’s educational.

Wall-E!

HAL 9000

Wall-E

R2-D2

The M.U.L.E. on Future Weapons

3. How will robotics help you later in life?

It provides me with hands-on experience.

It helps teach time management and determination.

It helped me gain a better understanding of how animating works.

You can get scholarships to pay for college.

It will help me get into my choice college, University of Alabama.

Overdrive

Breakaway! It’s the only game I’ve experienced thus far!

Breakaway; it was my first game.

Breakaway

Usually I feel fine, though the week before the due date can be stressful.

I usually feel pretty tired.

Tired, but fulfilled.

5. How do you feel during the robotics season?

Q: How did you get involved in robotics? A: Mrs. Hackerd was the sponsor two years ago (my first year). She had planned a trip over spring break to some place tropical. The team qualified for worlds that year, which were held in Atlanta over spring break. She asked me to go as the school sponsor, and she met us there a day later … I have been hooked ever since.

Q: What do you like best about robotics? A: I love getting to know students other than my own students. It's fun to be with them outside of the normal academic setting. Also- competitions are a great time!

2. Favorite robot in cartoons, TV shows or movies?

4. What is your favorite robotics game?

Robotics Sponsor Mrs. Sara Rosell

Q: What do you do as the club sponsor? A: I do a lot of different things. Mainly, I keep the finances in check since we have a large budget. Additionally, I keep attendance records and make sure things are organized/planned for our competitions.

5 x 5:

Five lovely students answer five questions for your enjoyment.

Q&A

The “Breakaway” Robot

Breakaway!

excited > stressed > excited

The best around. No one’s ever gonna keep me down.

Q: What do you like least about robotics? A: It's a HUGE time commitment! I spend hours upon hours at school or with students, but intense build season is only six weeks, so that helps. Q: Do you think students who do robotics will be more successful in the future? A: Definitely. Not only are they gaining engineering and problem-solving skills, but they are also gaining other skills that will allow them to be successful in any career. Each person on our team has a job and has to learn to be independent, but be able to communicate with other members of the team. Robotics is like a business, with different departments and personalities. Learning to navigate as an individual in a large team setting is a talent they will all appreciate in the future! Q: Anything else you’d like to tell The Talon about robotics? A: Robotics is unlike anything you will ever see in high school; it's a culture of its own. Come check us out at a competition if you can! We are at Wayne State, March 18-19.

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