ONLINE: ‘MY NEXT GUEST NEEDS NO INTRODUCTION’ REVIEW
INSIDE: MODEL UN LANGUAGE CONFERENCE see 3 INSIDE: OSCARS OVERVIEW see 22
February 2018
Bloomfield Hills High School
school news Broadway benefit by BHSD
The Bloomfield Hills High School Broken Leg Theatre Co. proudly presents Theatre Celebrates Life: A Broadway Review & Silent Auction Benefiting Camp Casey. The Broadway Review and Silent Auction will take place, Friday February 9, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. in the BHHS Performing Arts Center. Camp Casey is a horseback riding program for children with cancer and their families. Camp Casey spreads the healing power of horses through three cost-free programs: Horsey House Calls, Cowboy Camp Outs and Outlaw Outings. Last year they provided services to 1,200 families. We would like to help them provide services for the coming year and beyond. Tickets will be on sale for $20 adults/$10 students through etix. com using the keyword BHHS. All ticket sales, concession and silent auction proceeds will be donated to Camp Casey.
parking
possibilities
Additional lot will be added next school year by KAITLYN LUCKOFF Staff Writer
A
fter the demolishment of the operations department building, 140 parking spots are scheduled to be added to the Bloomfield Hills High School lot by next school year. “The only problem was that there were a lot of parent complaints and student complaints. We do need some additional parking for the site anyways when we have big activities. We left this [operations department] building standing to wrap up our construction and finish a bunch of projects. There is no real purpose for it now,” said Brian Goby, BHSD Director of Physical Plant Services. He added
that, “It gives us the opportunity to tear it down and maximize that space with parking.” Since the building of our new school, administration and the students understood that additional parking would be necessary. “We knew all along that we needed additional parking on the site,” said Goby. “Another thing that did drive this project is we wanted to relocate the crosswalk from where it currently is to right in front of the front doors, because it’s a natural egress in and out of the building.” Although it was known that additional parking was needed, administration was unsure of where more parking spots would be added. Principal Mr. Hollerith explains how the move of the operations department has allowed for more parking.
NHS eligibility
Join the Bloomfield Hills High School sophomore students on Thursday, February 15, at 5:30 p.m. for MYP Personal Project Celebration Night. Students will showcase their Personal Projects, a culmination of their IB Middle Years Programme and focused work over the past year. There will be an introduction at 5:30 p.m. and families are welcome to explore the work of the 10th grade class. This night is also appropriate for 9th grade students to explore, ask questions, and be inspired for their own projects upcoming next year.
STUDENT VOICE How vacations form memories Editor reflects on the nostalgia of break
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andover rd.
by BHSD
MAIN ENTRANCE
Personal project celebration night
“We’ve known we need more parking,” said Hollerith. “As we try year in and year out to help people, we understand that there wasn’t going to be parking for everybody and since the operations department moved to the old main campus, which previously was the Lahser campus, we had an opportunity with more real estate to expand our parking and that’s what we look forward to doing this spring, and we will have it ready for next fall.” As a student, getting a parking pass is not an easy feat; sophomore Jordyn Shapiro explains how the new parking lot will affect her as a student driver.
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staff Lot
by BHSD
For students interested in applying to National Honor Society (NHS), after first semester grades have been reported and community service has been reviewed, the NHS adviser will send emails to all eligible students on February 12, 2018. This email will be sent directly to students’ school email accounts, and it will announce that they have met the credentials to proceed with the application process. Those who wish to be considered for membership should follow the detailed list of instructions that will be provided in the February 12th email. It will contain all forms needed to complete the application process.
Volume V-Issue IV
former operations department building
EXTENDED LOT
legal news Michigan Supreme Court orders millions refunded to teachers by ANDRES QUIROGA Staff Writer
erte. “Being that it took almost eight years has been taxing on teachers who have been waiting After a seven year lawsuit with the for that money to be returned.” Despite having made a step in state, Michigan teachers have won back three years worth of three the right direction, Blair explained percent of their annual income. how teachers still have a long way “The money was taken to cover to go when it comes to wages. “Teachers as a whole are inthe cost of retiree healthcare,” said deed, underpaid,” president of the Blair. Bloomfield Hills By the Numbers explained “Often teachers in Education Associathis country and tion (BHEA), Mary • 3 percent of income this education sysBlair. “However, returned to teachers tem are compared public school emto other countries ployees already • 275,000 public school like Switzerland pay into their pen- employees where teachers are sions. This was paid the highest an additional tax • 550 million dollars in salary in the world that was levied un- total constitutionally.” • 6-0 unanimous decision (The US is not even in the top ten). If Phillip Laliberte, we as a country the Vice President of the BHEA, gave insight as to how truly value education and want extensive the lawsuit process was. our education system to be the “The lawsuit began immedi- best in the world, we have to fund ately after they began taking the it. Currently, there is a teacher money from us and was bounced shortage that will only continue back and forth between the State Supreme Court and Appellate continued page 2 Court a few times,” said Lalib-
on campus Alumni visitation policy changes by SAMMI TREPECK Staff Writer During the school day, there is a new procedure for alumni to visit Bloomfield Hills High School: they are now required to have an appointment with the teacher they wish to see. According to Principal Charlie Hollerith, it is important that alumni have appointments if they plan on visiting teachers. “We love to have alumni visit, but
if they don’t have an appointment it can be a distraction to the teacher who is teaching a class and is unavailable,” said Hollerith. “As a part of this procedure, it allows for both students and teachers to be more productive.” The procedure was put in place not only as a result of potential distractions, but to also make the visiting process more efficient.
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Interim administrator chosen by AVA SINGER Staff Writer After five months of searching for a new assistant principal for Bloomfield Hills High School, science teacher and leadership advisor Jessica Lupone was chosen as the interim. “In, the middle of the year, [we] were not going get that many candidates, [so] the applicant pool was small. Hiring season in education starts in the Spring in March or April,” said principal Charlie Hollerith regarding the challenges due to the time frame of
the opening. “We have a time period for second semester and we needed somebody to fill that void. We [the administrative team] decided it would be a great opportunity, to see internally if there were candidates, teachers that were interested in the experience.” He added that, “Here was the perfect opportunity to build our internal leadership capacity.” In the October article “Committee to hire assistant principal,” a selected
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2 Alumni visiting policy (from 1)
if we do not change how we view, value and fund public education.”
Laliberte explained why this issue should matter to more than just teachers in the state. “Students should care about this issue because it is connected to the larger issue of the health of our public education system in the state of Michigan,” explained Laliberte. “As teacher pay and benefits are chipped away at and the teacher shortage continues to get worse, the end result will be the weakening of one of the most important institutions our country has to offer which is a quality public education for our young people.”
Lot added (from 1) “I am currently a sophomore and recently got my license. I park at the law firm next to school. I think that the additional parking spots being added will be much more convenient because I will be able to park on campus,” said Shapiro. Looking ahead, it is undecided who will be occupying which lots, but more junior parking passes will be available regardless. “I think it is going to be a combination of visitor spaces and additional junior parking permits. It could be that this becomes staff and the old staff lot becomes junior, but somehow, the juniors are going to benefit,” said Goby. “I don’t believe there will be any passes for sophomores, but it all depends on how the numbers shake out.”
Local and World News
Top Story: The Golden Globes
attendees stand up against sexual harassment
Local Reactions: Students and Social Media
Tweets: “I want all of the girls watching here now to know, that a new day is on the horizon.” -Oprah Winfrey, via Twitter
“
-Isabelle Harber, Sophomore
Following the recent sexual harassment claims against multiple women in the entertainment industry, those attending the Golden Globes this year took a stand by wearing all black and pushing the phrase, “Time’s Up.”
To view some of the Hawkeye’s Oscar Predictions, see Section B
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It is important the celebrities wore black at the Golden Globes to speak up about sexual harassment because they can use their fame to spread awareness about the issue.
It’s important that every day people and celebrities recognize that sexual harassment and gender equality are important issues that need to be adressed
“
Income refund (from 1)
The Hawkeye Highlights
-Sophie Henderson, Sophomore
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“A problem that we have when alumni make appointments during the school day is that they would go to other teachers,” said Paraprofessional Sylvana Jovani. “Unfortunately when alumni come in without an appointment we have to send them out of the building until after school hours.” According to Alumni Jake Fishkind the process of visiting alumni made it less convenient to visit. Fishkind said, “It was nice being able to catch up with my teachers, I had some really close relationships with several of them and it’s always nice being able to see them and see how they’re doing.” However, despite the new rule, the visiting alumni have been a good learning experience for the students at BHHS, according to Junior Stephanie Recknagel. In regards to the procedure, Jovani said, “I’m not sure if it the policy would change, other than unfortunately during school days while the teachers are teaching it is very difficult for us to let them in to go visit the teachers so I always suggest for them to come after school hours so they can just go and visit their teacher and friends without being a distraction to the classroom.” “At the end of the year we remind alumni about this procedure, but obviously when breaks come they want to come back,” said Hollerith. “We do welcome visiting they just have to come back at a time where teachers are available where they can help, but not a hindrance.”
FEBRUARY NEWS
North Korea sending athletes to the Winter Olympics
Metor explodes over southeast Michigan
13 siblings held captive by parents
Even though threats of nuclear warfare have been made by North Korea, the country is still sending 2 athletes to the 2018 winter games in Pyeongchang. The athletes, Ryom Tae Ok and Kim Ju Sik, are both figure skaters who qualified for the games after years of training. The two skaters have also had a chance to train with skating coach, Bruno Marcotte. The skaters have also caused the collaboration of North Korea and Seoul for the first time in two years.
Following with what sounded like a clap of thunder and what looked like a flash of lightning, NASA scientists have confirmed that what many Michigan residents heard and saw this past month was in fact a meteor. Not only was the meteor reminiscent of a thunderstorm, but its precense was also known when the meteor registered a 2.0 magnitude earthquake in the area. Experts urge residents to report any of the meteorite pieces fallen on state property to authorities if found.
After years of neglect by their parents and confirmed actions of child abuse, the 13 Turpin siblings of Southern California have been removed from the abuse of their parents. Even after being removed from the source of the abuse, the children still face mental health issues and multiple other cognitive problems. After alleged accusations of refusing to let their children leave the house or even feed them, David Turpin and Louise Turpin face multiple charges of abuse and torture.
https://cdni0.trtworld.com/w960/h540/q75/25145_USA-20180108-Golden-Globes-Black-Reuters_1515386517835.JPG http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/5a5681a37101ad292b31d92b-1190-625/2-figure-skaters-from-north-koreawill-compete-in-the-winter-olympics.jpg http://media.popculture.com/2018/01/michigan-meteor-20023197.jpeg http://d.ibtimes.co.uk/en/full/1659373/turpin-family.jpg
Interim administrator (from 1) group of community members interviewed those ond semester, the search for the right candidate who applied for the assistant principal job. must continue. Lupone will, however, have the Although 110 candidates applied, the search opportunity to apply for the permanent position. committee comprised of teachers, students, and “Obviously we expect that Mrs. Lupone is goparents remains in search for the candidate suit- ing to do an amazing job. So if it’s something she able for the current administrative team. really likes and wants to apply to continue the In order to fill the position for the time being, the position in the fall, then I think obviously that is administrative team decided the best arrangement good for all of us,” said Schultz. would be an interim. The position will be reposted in March or April Lupone described her reaction when she learned for candidates to begin the application process of her new position. again. “It’s an exciting transition because The administrative team has not felt I have been in the classroom for the any pressure to rush this process. Acpast 18 years and I have done a lot cording to the interim assistant prinof different things in terms of comcipal, Larry Goralski, it is very immittees and leadership opportunities portant to take the proper amount of and things like that throughout the time. “I think in education the leaderdistrict,” said Lupone. “I love workship of a building really helps set the ing with kids and I love working with tone, build the culture, and support teachers and so I felt like this was a the students and staff. The fact that different avenue in which I could they’re [the administrative team] gowork with both groups, students and ing to slow down and take their time teachers, but in a different way and and, in this case, give an opportunity offer something different than I have Science teacher Jessica Lupone will be to the classroom teacher, that is awethe interim assisant principal for the some.” been in the past.” To continue, Margaret Schultz, one remainder of the 2017-18 school year. Although the process is lengthy the of the current assistant principals, administrative team is confident that said, “Mrs. Lupone has an amazing relationship the right candidate will be found, and Mrs. Luwith the staff in the building, obviously so many pone will be a good fit for the remainder of this of the students know her and respect her, she has school year. great relationships with kids, so that’s a comfort “We will repost the position in March or April, level for the students to be able to have somebody we look forward to Mrs. Lupone getting that exthat we know and trust.” perience”, said Hollerith. However, since Lupone is just the interim for sec-
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FEBRUARY NEWS
Dance class hosts show Recital fosters camaraderie by ALEXIS RILLEMA Staff Writer
Photo credit: Skylar Raitt
Model United Nations team to host foreign language conference Committees will include Spanish, French, and German by RIYA DOSHI Copy Editor The Model United Nations (MUN) team will be hosting a language conference at Bloomfield Hills High School on Saturday, February 3rd. “The language conference is similar to other conferences in terms of structure; we’re going to have a couple of small committees and debate a few topics,” said Model UN Coach Matthew MacLeod. “We have a handful of committees [run in different languages]: Spanish and French, then we’re looking into possibly doing German, Mandarin, Arabic and Italian, but that really depends on the number of kids who sign up. Kids will have a chance to practice in another language and we think that it’s a really cool chance to work on your public speaking and understanding.” MacLeod believes that the use of foreign languages in the conference will serve as a way for students to focus on listening to other points of view. “It’s hard enough to see topics from another perspective, it’s even more challenging when you have to do it in a language that isn’t necessarily your strength,” said MacLeod. “We think that [the conference is] going to force kids to really slow down and to listen to what other people are saying. You can’t just respond and say what you want to say, you have to process. When it’s in another language, it really forces you to think about what people are saying as opposed to just throwing out whatever you want to
be heard. It’s really about understanding.” Senior Zack Farah, who is fluent in German, will be chairing a committee. “It’s a completely different thing to look at an issue from another country’s point of view,” said Farah. “If you look at the refugee crisis from the point of view of Germany, there’s a lot more information you get from German news and German
“It’s hard enough to see topics from another perspective, it’s even more challenging when you have to do it in a language that isn’t necessarily your strength.”
Matthew Macleod Model UN Coach sources. The crisis has actually affected the people there, there’s a lot of controversy and polarization surrounding the issue.” Participants in the conference will be a mix of students currently studying a foreign language in school and those who are fluent. “For a lot of students who are bilingual or speak English as a second language, this is something that they have to work
through every day,” said MacLeod. “Every day, they have to try and have a conversation in a language that isn’t their first and that can be a real challenge. It’s exciting for them now to have a chance to thrive now. There are a lot of kids for whom Spanish, French or German is their first language and they’re thrilled to now have the opportunity to kind of lead that way.” The inspiration for the conference came from a school in Minnesota that hosted a conference of a similar nature. “[Principal Charlie] Hollerith shared with me an article about a school over in Minnesota about a school that did a small Model UN conference in Spanish and we thought that was really cool,” said MacLeod. “Since Bloomfield has such a diverse language community, we thought it would be exciting to not just copy someone else but to add more languages and more opportunities.” Language teachers, such as spanish teacher, Dayana Schemel, believe that the conference is “the perfect opportunity for language students.” “We don’t have a huge Spanish speaking population here, like in Florida or California, so people don’t get to experience it as much,” said Schemel. “It’s great because in the Model UN conference, [students] not only get to speak in the language but speak in an elevated setting. Students can express their ideas and opinions about relevant topics to the world instead of just talking about likes and dislikes. I think that it’s a perfect opportunity and anyone who is able to should go.”
Every year, Bloomfield Hills High School’s dance class hosts its annual dance recital drawing in large crowds from the student body and members of the community, members of the class working hard to perfect their dance routines before the show. “We have put a lot of work into our dances, so I am very excited for everybody’s dances to be seen,” said sophomore Jessica Lan. Lan highlights that she loves this class because she wants to keep her flexibility and she also likes the small group dances. According to Lan, the class is free flowing and does not require the students to have prior dancing experience.To prepare for the show, the students start off with a short warm up, work on their group dance Sophomore Jenny together, and then Lan performs on the break off into smaller auditorium stage for and choreothe dance class’s an- groups nual recital. graph their own, original dance to the music of their choice. Overall, the girls would classify this year’s dance recital as being a success as always; the class as being a success as well because according to Lan, she met a lot of new friends.
Art showcase added Featured work changes monthly by CARLY ARMSTRONG Staff Writer Attention artists of Bloomfield Hills High School- there has been a new art showcase added to the counseling office titled, Featured Artist of the Month. Office secretary and interior designer, Liz Brack, came up with the idea. “I felt it was important to feature students artwork because we have so many talented artists within the school. This area provides an opportunity for artwork to be seen by parents and students who are coming into the counseling office,” explained Brack. Brack and AP Art teacher, Tessa Bassarico, hand picks paintings each month to be featured in the office. “Paintings, photographs, and drawings are chosen by aesthetic appeal, however, there are some restrictions: the artwork must be no bigger than 18 wide by 36 long. Additionally, the content of the work cannot be too provocative for the office,” said Brack. Previous artists who have already been featured are Sara Susanto (12), Elena Marcozzi (12), Shannon Carraway (10), Gianna Abdelnour (12), and Michael Powers (11). For more information, email Liz Brack at ebrack@bloomfield.org.
FEBRUARY NEWS
4
Test retakes are valued by some, criticized by others
Students, teachers, and counselors discuss merits by DEBRA MORAITIS Staff Writer “Hey, how did you do on the Chem test?” “I don’t know,” he sighs, “It doesn’t matter. I can always just retake it.” When it comes to exams, quizzes, and midterms, high schools across the country generally offer retakes or make-up tests for extra points. And while some students take full advantage of this opportunity to truly master their class’s content, others are noticed to disrespect this privilege by not studying hard the first time. This has prompted different responses from teachers and students around the community. “Having retaken a test before, I can say that it’s a great opportunity to have,” said junior Makena Torrey. “Retakes reward students who care about their grade and education enough to reteach themselves a subject they weren’t the strongest on.” “Helping a student succeed is really what a teacher’s job is, and I think retakes do exactly that. It’s like the sayings ‘everyone deserves a second chance’ and ‘you learn from your mistakes,’ test retakes encompass both of these ideas,” continued Torrey. Similarly, social studies teacher Amber Sturtz said, “I offer retakes because we’re
only human. Sometimes, even if you know the content, you just have a bad day and I understand that there are things that are going on. We have lives outside of school. I like the opportunity for students to come and see me, go over their mistakes, learn from them, and then try again.” However, others disagree with Sturtz , saying that retaking tests debilitates students, getting them into a routine of second chances when in “the real world” - like within a marriage, job, or other responsibility - people won’t always get a “do-over”. Junior Forest Zhang explains, “I don’t think that teachers should offer retakes as much as they do. For one, it encourages laziness, like ‘Oh I’m not going to study because there’s always test corrections or
retakes’ Plus, it encourages cramming the information even worse than before, because now you’re behind on the new work and you just need to get the assignment over with.” Regardless of the student view, retake policies are ultimately up to teacher discretion - some offer them for every test, some for only certain assignments, and others don’t offer them at all. Angela Bitterman-Wenson, who chooses not to offer retakes because she feels that students should prepare ahead of time, teaches a plethora of advanced and intermediate science classes for college and high school students. “The one time I did offer retakes, only two of the 60 students took advantage of the opportunity, meaning that I had
“I like the opportunity for students to come and see me, go over their mistakes, learn from them, and then try again.”
Amber Sturtz Social Studies Teacher
to come up with an entirely new test for only two students, who didn’t do much better anyway. However, I understand if there are retakes in another subject, like a world language,” said Bitterman-Wenson. Despite the disapproval that the concept of retakes triggers, counselor Shayna Klein shared the “clearly positive” aspects. “I feel that retakes offer a variety of benefits for students.” said counselor Shayna Klein, “They promote student investment in the learning process and I think that as an educator, the goal of the retake is for a student to better understand the curriculum. However, I do understand where manipulation of the system could play in.” Klein further expressed that it is up to the student whether or not to use the retakes fairly, and that the worth of truly mastering a concept suprasses one or two points in a GPA - that it is crucial for students to remember that the end of a certain subject’s unit should not signal the end of learning and exploring the world’s knowledge.
Anxiety over grades can induce unhealthy stress High school students at increasing risk of psychological issues by SOPHIE JACKSON Staff Writer For Bloomfield Hills senior Christina Hickson, the anticipation of getting a grade back on a test is almost unbearable. “I usually have [at the least] three tests a week. This kind of pressure becomes all consuming. After I take a test or turn in a paper I am constantly worrying about what my grade will be. It’s definitely a big source of anxiety,” said Hickson. She even admits that she “sometimes checks her grades twice a day.” Hickson is not the only one. In Kristen Lee’s article for Huffington Post “Your Mental Health is More Important than Your Grades,” she said, “According to the Anxiety and Depression Society of America, an estimated 62% of students report marinating in perpetual, toxic anxiety. This isn’t the kind of stress that gives us enough juice to perform and stay on task (known as “eustress”). And not the kind that typically comes along with today’s market conditions and rigorous standards. Over half of students are wres-
tling with the “what-if-I’m-not-good enough”, nail biting, running scared and no-room-to-breathe kind. Yikes.” According to school psychologist Dijana Micakaj, “We definitely do know that stress is not healthy for your body or for your sense of wellbeing. Stress can start causing other issues over time. I talk to students about what is more important-- your health or your grade in the class. In high school that can sometimes be difficult, with the amount of classes students are required to take.” These psychological issues impede learning according to Lee. “...anxiety is the number one culprit that impedes academic performance...And this is true for all ages and types of students... Stress can make us sick and stop us in our tracks.” Micakaj said that “grades start to impact students sense of worth and self esteem. If the kids are so focused on grades, they miss out on learning opportunities.” Linda Hanagan of KQED news also points out that “Powerful emotions attached to grades drown children’s inherent interest in any given subject.” High school students today seem to be
working harder and longer than any other previous generation-- but at what cost? Bloomfield senior Julia Caravias says, “I hope that in the future their will be a more healthy learning environment with students. I think stress is useful, in moderation, to motivate students to work hard and do better. Right now though, I think that stress and anxiety levels of students is off the charts.”
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FEBRUARY NEWS
District buys new chairs Lack of seating in LC C200 wing has been resolved by CAELAN JANSEN Staff Writer
Students will aid environment
On December 10th, new chairs were added to Learning community C 200 classrooms. This new addition will help to accommodate up to 32 students. Before the chairs were added, teachers in the C 200 community had trouble seating all of the students. “Each of the rooms are supposed to be equipped for 32 students which is the maximum number of kids that can be in a section. Some of the rooms only had 28 chairs and desks because previously, administration tried to keep class size at 28,” said teacher Frank Laurinec. “But given the increase in enrollment that we’ve experienced, as well as the attempt by administration to maximize teacher productivity, we’re being maxed out at 32 kids. So because rooms were originally equipped with 28, we needed new furniture; tables, desks, and chairs, to provide students with seating for 32.” Previously, faculty had to take away from class time to find ways to seat the correct number of students. “Before we got the new chairs, there wasn’t enough seating for our entire class,” said sophomore Erin Marshall. “People would have to bring in the high chairs from the commons and our teachers were not happy because it was distracting and time consuming.” With the addition of the new chairs, this was no longer an issue for this community. Ever since the new chairs were ordered, many students’ learning experiences have changed. “Getting the new chairs has made it a lot easier to stay focused,” said junior Lauren Rhoads. “Now I don’t have to sit on a stool or high top chair.” Within Bloomfield Hills High School, it is uncommon for new furniture to be ordered, although it does happen. “The building is only about 4 years old now so the furniture is about that age as well,” said Laurinec. “Right now there’s no need to really order new stuff, new furniture is mostly purchased when we don’t have enough of it or it malfunctions.”
by ALEXIS RILEMMA Staff Writer The Costa Rica trip will take place over spring break from April 1st to April 8th. Angela Bitterman-Wenson, AP Environmental teacher, will be taking this years group of students. According to Bitterman-Wenson, the trip is offered every 2 years and allows students the opportunity to be in touch with the environment around them. “In the past we have planted fig trees to make corridors for the animals to connect to fragmented areas, which is
“Even though this is my fifth time going to Costa Rica, every time we go I even see and learn something new.”
Angela Bitterman-Wenson Science Teacher what we are doing this year. Last trip we worked at restoring the mangrove forest along the coast,” said BittermanWenson. “This year we will be snorkeling and we haven’t done that in the past. Even though this is my fifth time going to Costa Rica, every time we go I even see and learn something new.” Sophomore Jenna Hart is one of the students who has decided to spend her spring break in Costa Rica helping the environment with other students, being able to see a variety of different plant and animal species including sloths, howler monkeys, toucans and squirrel monkeys. “I’m most excited to see all the beautiful scenery and I am going to plant trees to help preserve the mangrove forests,” explained Hart. “I’m going on this trip to have fun with my friends on spring break and to learn more about different cultures.”
faculty awards Trainer recognized by National Athletic Trainers Association Cieko wins award by STEVE KRIVITSKY Staff Writer
Teacher Recognized for Outstanding Service Special Education Teacher Meghan Gornick awarded
by STEVE KRIVITSKY Staff Writer
Costa Rica trip begins in spring
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Athletic Trainer, John Ciecko, was given a prestigious award from the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA). “This award represents the dedication of our coaches and staff to ensure that our student athletes are promised a safe environment to participate in sports. It highlights all of the extra work we do to make sure that if something bad happens, we are prepared as a staff and community to care for the injured while participating in a sport here at Bloomfield Hills,” said Ciecko. Ciecko also received funding from the Great Lakes Athletic
Training Association (GLATA) as part of the reward, which was awarded to the training staff. “I think the main thing I would like to relay is that this award is not a personal achievement for myself but rather a reflection on our team here in Bloomfield Hills School,” said Ciecko. “There are many people who are apart of this award from Dr. Glass, Mr. Hollerith, Mr. Cowdrey, and Mr. Guizzetti to our team doctors in Dr. Moeller, Dr. Rifat, Dr. Cooke and Dr. Kohen to our coaches, and most importantly to Angi Lewis and Jackie Osborn, our athletic secretaries.”
At a December school board meeting, Meghan Gornick was recognized for outstanding service. Gornick, a 9-12 Special Education teacher, was given the award by Lisa Brown, the BHHS transition coordinator. “I definitely do not feel qualified, but rather very blessed. Working with our students and staff on a daily basis is an honor. My hope is that the work of our program continues to be recognized as a vital part of the school,” Gornick said. “It is very humbling to be recognized by a coworker. I’m just doing what I love and have been called to do.”
Music students will travel to Orlando by SARAH KENKEL Staff Writer At a December school board meeting, Meghan Gornick was recognized for outstanding service. Gornick, a 9-12 Special Education teacher, was given the award by Lisa Brown, the BHHS transition coordinator. “I definitely do not feel qualified, but rather very blessed. Working with our students and staff on a daily basis is an honor. My hope is that the work of our program continues to be recognized as a vital part of the school,” Gornick said.
To learn more about the trip, contact Angela Bitterman-Wenson at abitterman-wenson@ bloomfield.org.
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Q/A With David Vankerckhove and with Officer David Vankerckhove and MargaAssociate Principal Margaret Schultz ret Schultz
By by Jake JAKEFogel FOGEL Staff StaffWriter Writer
Sexual Har
Q- What is sexual harassment? A- Vankerckhove: Harassment, sexual harassment, sexual assault, they
Unwanted sexual adv sexual comments being or profesional ar
all have different meanings in different areas. A lot of the stuff on the news right now when we hear about sexual harassment is in the workplace, in professional areas, in other social settings. School can be a place where a young lady or a young man can be sexually harassed on a constant basis. When it comes to law enforcement, we don’t deal specifically with sexual harassment cases. So, a lot of sexual harassment wouldn’t necessarily reach the threshold of breaking the law in a criminal aspect. But it is against the law to harass someone. The definition I gave was, unwanted sexual advances, inappropriate sexual comments being made in a workplace, or profesional arena, school, etc. Something more prevalent in your age and school, is laws governing harassment and intimidation in cell-phones and computers. So a malicious use of a telecommunication device, so that’s any frightening, intimidating, annoying, or harassing done via a text message or a phone call. Using indecent language to suggest lewd acts. Repeatedly calling and hanging up, those are different types of harassments and intimidations. That’s a six month misdemeanor. And then you can use harassment involving social media. So, unlawful posting, unconsented contacts intended to frighten, terrorize, or harass. We’re talking about some serious crimes, two year felonies. I tell a lot of kids when I talk to them, “your cell-phone is considered a computer in the eyes of MI law”.
Q- In what circumstances can sexual harassment occur? A- Vankerckhove: It can really happen in any setting, like work or
school Schultz: When it’s work or school, like officer Vankerckhove was saying. it doesn’t necessarily go to the police, it usually goes to human resources or the administration. And that’s the first line of defense for victims in those circumstances.
Q- What is legal and what isn’t? A- Vankerckhove: That’s really kind of grey. Someone can make some
really inappropriate comments. But, if it’s directed towards someone in an continuous, unwanted basis. Then you may cross that line into a criminal harassment. Unwanted is definitely the big word.
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Q- How is unwanted sexual advances and rape treated different-
i
Grace
ly?
A- Vanckerckhove: In police and criminal, in unwanted sexual advanc-
es could mean a lot of things, comments, etc. Criminal sexual conduct in MI has four degrees. That’s based on how old you are, if there’s force or not, weapons, etc. So rape is definitely treated differently because you know for sure that it’s a criminal complaint whereas unwanted sexual advances may be more of a harassment thing that may not yet have jumped over that threshold to criminal.
Today 9:07 AM
I think I’ve been sexually assulted, I need help
Q-What qualifies in sexual harassment to be put on the sex offender list?
A-Vankerckhove: Sexual harassment wouldn’t necessarily get you on a
sex offender list, but any of those criminal sexual conduct degrees would get you on a sex offender list. Indecent exposure, lewd and lefitious acts. Anything that involves molestation, sexual assault, abuse, anything like that will get you on a sex offender list. [Length on the list] is usually done through the judicial branch in the courts. Law enforcement doesn’t really have any say on who goes on it and how long. But other things that could possibly get you on a sex offender list, is Child Sexually Abusive Material (CSAM). So this is when we investigate a 15 year old sophmore sending “nude pics” of him/herself to someone else because anybody 17 years and younger if they send, receive, distribute, or solicit sexually abusive material of themselves or others, it’s considered child pornography. For example, solicitation is a 20 year felony. So if you ask your girlfriend/ boyfriend to send you “nude pics” in a sexually explicit ways, that’s technically a 20 year felony. Possession of child sexually abusive material, four year felony. Distribution, seven year felony. Creation, a 20 year felony.
Please, call 1-800-656-4673 to talk with a specialist that can help you
Q- How do you prove that you’ve been sexually harassed? A- Vankerckhove: It is hard. Witnesses, definitely taking note of wit-
nesses that are around that may have seen something or heard something. Schultz: If there are text messages, we tell kids to screenshot and save everything. Vankerckhove: And record, even though there may not be witnesses or anything. Just note on your phone or write it down, when it happened, where it happened, and what time. Schultz: I think for kids too, what’s important is to tell an adult the first time you feel uncomfortable about something, tell an adult because that’s automatically going to be recorded too that you came concerned, this is what happened, so if something happens again. You’re essentially building a case almost. So it’s just really important that the first time you feel uncomfortable about something, you tell an adult.
Q- What should someone do after they’ve been sexually ha-
rassed or have had unwanted sexual advances made on them?
A- Vankerckhove: Definitely talk to an adult, a parent, someone you trust right away.
Q- How does the police/ government respond to harassment allegations?
A-Vankerckhove: We take the totality of the circumstances. Does this
iMessage
meet all of the criminal elements or at least some of the elements of harassment or any type of sexual assault or crime that may occur? We listen to the stories, we interview people, we get as much evidence as we possibly can gather on harassment allegations and make our decision from there. And then we present that to the prosecutor’s office. Ultimately, they’re the ones that decide whether there is enough to issue formal charges on someone.
Q- How do minors/ students deal with sexual harassment? A-Vankerckhove: I think a lot of minors and students should realize
that they can say stop, no, that’s inappropriate. That’s probably the number one thing to let them know it’s inappropriate and to stop. If it keeps continuing after someone asked them or told them to stop, then you’re starting to cross that threshold of where it turns criminal because that person knows it’s unwanted yet they’re still doing it. Schultz: And we’ve talked to a lot of kids when they get something in a text or snapchat or something like that that they’re uncomfortable with, then their response should be “do not send this to me anymore, I do not want this.” then you screenshot this, and if you get anymore, you’ve
iPhone and By The Numbers infographics: Hannah Halstead
Send
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vances, inappropriate g made in a workplace, rena, school, etc.
For more of Maddy’s columns, go to our website
BhhsToday.org
Changing sexual education Junior reevaluates purpose of “the talk” by MADDY MOSKUS Staff Writer
The first time my mom gave me “the talk,” it was about how to have sex. The second time my mom gave me “the talk,” it was about how to avoid sex when it was unwanted. Every new version of “the talk” has become a new way of avoiding the predator in this game of cat and mouse. All of the girls I know have been taught the same set of rules: safety in numbers, pour your own drink, don’t wear revealing clothes. It wasn’t until I found myself at a party that I realized the flaw in who is being educated. In personal experience, I have been told each and every recipe concocted on how not to be the prey. Not once have I been told not to be the predator. When a girl is taught to dress modestly, there will always be a girl wearing something that covers less. When a girl is taught to keep a clear head throughout the night, there will always be a girl less sober. When a girl is taught to travel with a group, there will always be a girl who is alone. Teaching girls to avoid the predator is code for letting the less fortunate girl be prey. This reason exactly is why society needs to shift focus from educating the victim to educating the harasser. This is not to say that women alone are affected by sexual harassment, seeing as other genders are also widely harassed, however, there has always been an emphasis on instructing women on how to avoid the unwanted touch. The saying “boys will be boys” is no longer an excuse for the laziness toward disciplining the predator. It is time to change how we have “the talk.”
Sexual harrassment conversations in the classroom Teacher discusses her strategy by MAYA ALHUSEIN Staff Writer
Teachers are connecting their teaching to the uprising problem of sexual harassment. Modern Literature teacher Marlowe B’sheart defines sexual harassment as “an unwanted interest and inappropriate based comments or questions on someone’s gender identity or someone’s body. It is unwanted and inappropriate touching, sexualized talk or initiation of any kind of sexual activity most especially when there is a power dynamic in play. In B’sheart’s Modern Literature class, students like senior, Natalie Harkonen read the novel The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been by Joyce Carol Oates, which both discuss the heavy topic of sexual harassment and assault. Harkonen elaborated on how these conversations are necessary to have during school since some students don’t understand the different aspects of sexual harassment. “A
lot of people don’t understand what sexual harassment is. Catcalling is still seen as something that isn’t terrifying when really catcalling is the underlying notion of, if that person wanted to act upon those thoughts or feelings, they could.” Harkonen explained that B’sheart always gives trigger warnings before being faced with a chapter with emotional intensity. “She explains what’s gonna happen in what chapter and what may occur, and it’s okay if you want to read that, but it’s okay if you don’t want to read that.” B’sheart’s solution to creating a safe environment for discussion is using literature to breach these heavy topics. “The challenge is that everyone is in a different place of understanding the dynamics around sexual harassment and assault, understanding what rape culture is, and how rape culture breeds sexual harassment. [Through literature] we can have that conversation and bring in the ways we can connect, reflect about that in our own lives. “
Sexual Harassment By the Numbers
B’sheart brings awareness to this important topic as an opportunity to learn and be conscious of actions.“There is absolutely nothing new about the reality about sexual assault and harassment. This has been happening for generations and generations. What’s new is that we are having these conversations,” she said. “Now, let’s be honest, let’s talk about it, and let’s talk about creating a society in which everyone feels autonomy over their body, everyone feels safe in which we have a real authentic understanding of consent.” B’sheart emphasizes the universality of sexual harassment not just for women but for everyone.“I think it’s really important to acknowledge that while girls and women are more vulnerable, are at higher risk are more often assaulted and harassed it is not only girls and women. That boys, men, and non-binary individuals all experience this. And that under a patriarchal rape culture construct most individuals end up suffering in some way or another.”
Sexual assualt is a serious and violent crime. Unfortunately, only 28% of victims report assualt to the police. Help end the violence, please call 1-800-656-4673.
25% of women are sexually harassed in their lifetime
16%
of men are sexually harassed in their lifetime
https://endsexualviolencect.org/resources/get-the-facts/national-statistics-on-sexual-violence/
60% of sexual harassments occur in the home
of sexual assaults are reported 28% OnlyOnly of sexual assualts reported to
the police turn out to be false
8
FEBRUARY OP/ED Letters to the Editor
Alumni should be
Adviser Christina Hammitt
WELCOME
Print Editors-in-Chief Brynn Elder Anish Tamhaney Web Editors-in-Chief Maximillian Helfman Jessica Kim
Dear Editor,
Print Managing Editors Habib Bello Vivian Harber Jake Weitzman Web Managing Editor Evan Stern
Illustrators Anna Hemsworth Ember Stuart Emily Wang Graphics Manager Sydney Kalt Photographers Kaylie Brooks Skylar Raitt Staff Writers Chiara Abiadal Maya Alhusein Carly Armstrong Adrian Ashtari Jake Fogel Hannah Halstead Sophie Jackson Sarah Kenkel Steven Krivitsky Darby Krugel Vikram Lakshmanan Kaitlyn Luckoff Debra Moraitis Maddy Moskus Ben Mutz Elena Ofiara Sarah Qureshi Andres Quiroga Ali Randal Alexis Rillema Sophie Sherbin Ava Singer Nick Spinale Jonah Stone Lilly Swanson Sammi Trepeck Max Wittenberg Georgia Zimmerman
I am writing in response to the article titled, “Choirs Perform with DSO.”I really liked how the article touched on the how the experience is so meaningful and I thought the article depicted the concert very well. As a new member of Chorale, I personally loved performing at the DSO. While I was onstage, I felt so honored to be singing with professional musicians. The experience is like no other and as a school we should try to incorporate more amazing opportunities like this one. Overall this article really informs readers about the true honor it is to sing with the DSO. -Jenna Hart (11)
Copy Editor Riya Doshi
Section Editors Caitlin Finerty Lara Janosz Sadie Kirshner Brendan Lynn Jenny She Maddie Wein Justin Yaker
Dear Editor,
Illustration by Anna Hemsworth
Alumni offer insight and provide opportunity
While reading the newspaper I stumbled upon the article about vaping which was very surprising because this is something not widely talked about in our school or any school for that matter. I like how all concepts were added to educate students who may not know about the topic or the harms it causes. The pictures with descriptions helps give a better understanding to what they look like and what they are used for. The student thoughts and facts on the effect it has on the body really ties the who article together. In addition the administrations thoughts on the who situation and their further actions to prevent the use of vapes in school. With all the information provided the only thing I would change would be the student thoughts because there was no insight from seniors or people who were bias on the whole topic. -Marley Huijgen (11)
What we think Dear Editor.
Recently, the Bloomfield Hills High School administration together made a decision determining that in the future, high school alumni would have to schedule appointments to visit teachers as opposed to, as it has been in the past, simply coming to visit during the school day. “We love to have alumni visit, but if they don’t have an appointment, [a part of the new policy], it can be a distraction to the teacher who is teaching a class and is unavailable,” BHHS Principal Charlie Hollerith said. “As a part of this [new] procedure, it allows for both students and teachers to be more productive.” Although feedback to this decision has been mixed, we at the Hawkeye oppose this decision, believing that student-alumni interaction and alumni visits are a core element of a school community’s well being overall. Since beginning high school, many students can note and remember seeing high school alumni visit teachers and other members of our school community, but with decision, this will be a reality to a lesser degree, for alumni must make an appointment, adding a
step that will diminish the number of visiting-alumni. And we at the Hawkeye believe that alumni visits form one of the most important elements of our high school, because they represent our high school’s legacy and impact on graduates far beyond their high school years. However, most of all, alumni visits represent values that students, teachers, and administrators in our school community actively strive for, and through alumni visits, we can gain active insight and advantages by being a member of a school community that actively invites alumni back. A frequently-referenced concept, it is known that through an active network of alumni, we can continuously build a stronger school and district community and continue to strive to reach values that can be accelerated through interactions with alumni. Instead of distracting the school process, school alumni truly enhance it by adding an entirely new dimension to school. And as a result, we should remember the value that originates from alumni.
What students think
Guest Writers Caelan Jansen Connor Renusch Erin Schwartz Sydney Stearns
I am writing a response to the “Honoring Ingrid” by Kaitlyn Luckoff. I was very impressed on how good the story was talked about the main commons named after board president. I was most impressed about how well the story was told on how the main commons was named after the board president and the process of going through it and how it’s good for the community. Interviewing Rob Glass was very smart because he is so high up in the school and has so much knowledge. I also didn’t know that the main commons were named after the board president before this and I didn’t know what Ingrid was for. I go to school and BHHS and I walk through the commons everyday and to have such a beautiful thing named after you is amazing. I couldn’t even image what it would be like having this named after you. This informs me to know what happened with the naming of the main commons. Kaitlyn you did a great job keep up the good work! -Jacob Werthmann (11)
Dear Editor, I really enjoyedgetting to look back at the music that me and my peers have enjoyed so much in the last couple of months. Some of the songs are well known and topped the charts for weeks and weeks at a time. I think in the future you may be able to come up with more songs people listen to a lot instead of having just a couple of good ones in each genre. The way that you could do this is emailing a survey to everyone in the school so we can get an accurate representation of the music EVERYONE likes. Personally i was only a fan of a few of the songs, and I think many people would say the same. If we answer surveys, then the data being used for these news pieces can be more accurate for the people reading. -Eddie Dyla (11)
We want to hear what you think. Write a 100-200 word letter to the editor and send it to us, bloomfieldhawkeye@gmail.com
For more letters to the editor, visit our website, BhhsToday.org
“I think it’s okay if alumni come back once to visit teachers and friends, but after that I think it can be distracting.”
“ I think alumni should be allowed to visit because the school has changed a lot, so they should be able to walk around, see the changes, and reconnect with their teachers.”
-Andrea Wegner (12)
-Jane Hooberman (10)
FEBRUARY OP/ED
9
Staff Voice
Classical music inspires the unmusical Senior reflects on her brother’s violin playing as a source of interest in the genre by SOPHIE JACKSON Staff Writer I never listened to my little brother when he played the violin. He played (and still plays) constantly. Nevertheless, I was always impressed when watching his nimble fingers dance effortlessly across the strings. I would think about my fingers, small and thin like his and yet irrevocably handi-
capped when it comes to playing a musical instrument. I didn’t think they could move that fast even if I wasn’t playing the violin. But still I never listened. I got frustrated, even annoyed when the powerful notes of fortes drifted up the stairs and into my room as I tried to concentrate on homework. I tuned it all out, until I didn’t. The piece that turned my long stubborn
Finals week stress dimishes with planning Writer evaluates tendencies of procrastination, grade grubbing during last week of semester by SARAH QURESHI Staff Writer Finals week: a surplus of stress coupled with less sleep and more Red Bulls than ever before. One could say that I do not look forward to this particular week. Actually, one could say that I dread this week. Others think differently. Some see nothing but a week full of half days and opportunities to bring their grades up. However, most students, myself included, see half the day but twice the amount of studying, tirelessly calculating your grades with the help of Rogerhub, apprehensively refreshing the Zangle homepage to see if your teacher put up your final exam score. Then after all that, proceeding to beg that one teacher to round you up from an 89.5. But otherwise, I’m fine, we’re fine, everything’s fine. Finals week might as well be titled a stressfilled, sleep-depriving extravaganza; howev-
er, most finals do account for a generous percent of a class’s total grade. We can recognize the difficulty that finals week brings and anticipate the work/study load by doing a little more throughout the semester, as opposed to doing a whole lot at the very last week of the semester. We as students can place less significance on finals week by not allowing one single test to determine if our grade may fall significantly or increase in a tad bit. We can focus more on the things we learned rather than being fixated on GPAs and test scores. We should stay ahead of the game rather than procrastinating to the fullest extent and doing everything finals week. At the end of the day, I know this is easier said than done, but don’t you want to be that student at the end of the semester that doesn’t have to fall into the stress of finals because of your high enough grades will allow you to bomb your finals, but still get those A’s.
heart was Czardas by Monti. A rhapsody of sorts– the piece evokes a myriad of emotion. When I heard my brother playing it for the first time, my life began to flash before my eyes, each up and down of my life thus far correlated to the ups and downs of the musical notes. I found meaning in each shift in tempo. I also found that music, specifically classical music, doesn’t have to be about playing. The experience of listening rather, is equally as
rewarding, and can be transcendent if one is open to it. I don’t mean to make the same tired metaphor that music is like life. I do think, though, that forms of art can be a medium through which life and experience can be interpreted– and then felt more fully.
Carrying on a legacy
A poignant memory turns to inspiration
by ADRIAN ASHTARI Staff Writer The day I lost my grandmother, I was finishing college applications. Describing to colleges why I would be an ideal fit for their campuses. My grandmother had lived with us for 17 years, almost my entire life. Her absence became very palpable. Not only was there a hole in my heart, there was emptiness around the house filled with memories of her. There was no need for pictures for me to remember her beautiful spirit. Throughout the years, though she was growing older, her teachings, advice, and love remained the same. She taught me morals that I stand by today. Reflecting on her life, I was amazed by her generosity and willingness to help others. Though she was a widow, my grandmother often gave away her posses-
sions and donated charity to those in need. In particular, she would raise funds for those who could not afford healthcare. Having heard these stories so many times, I forgot how special they were. Not every family does this and is able to selflessly give of themselves. It seems that the more troubles people have, the more generous they become. Remembering this I became filled with regret. I realized that I have not done enough to help my community. Having been so engrossed in my personal goals and achieving my own milestones, I had neglected to consider other’s needs as well. My grandmother’s example echoed to me the importance of being selfless. The world has benefited from her place in it. My grandmother’s life had meant something. I wish to do the same. I inherited her legacy of strength and kindness and hope do something worthy of her name.
All Night Party Senior All Night Party Volunteers Needed Immediate volunteers needed to help seek corporate sponsorship donations (each volunteer would be assigned 1-2 corporations). Please join us for the next All Night Party meeting on Tuesday, February 6 at 7 p.m. For more information visit the ANP webpage at bloomfield.org
FEBRUARY OP/ED
1O
Music while studying: distracting or beneficial? Graphics by Sydney Kalt
Pro
Con
by ANISH TAMHANEY Editor-in-Chief The pinnacle of my academic prowess emerges when I enjoy the work I do. It’s that simple. Nothing more forcefully shatters the monotony of a gruelling workload than pursuing uplifting moments. To be clear, I don’t hold faith in the Mozart theory, that classical music is an innate brain booster for everyone. In fact, that notion has been decreasingly credible since its inception in 1973. I do assert, however, that listening to one’s own favored music, whatever the genre, is beneficial in terms of productivity and work ethic in the long run. Whether I’m jamming out to the mea-
by BRYNN ELDER Editor-in-Chief Our brains have only a certain amount of attention and productivity to be delegated at one time, and the constant sound of music in the background detracts from that productivity. When sitting down to study, my main focus is not only finishing the task at hand, but understanding everything I am reading or practicing. It seems obvious that the less amount of distractions a person has, the more productive they are. Music is one of those distractions. Some students claim that music helps them focus, and makes studying more enjoyable. But according to a study
sured pulse of atmospheric black metal or the clipped prance of gypsy jazz, my headphones are a necessity for studying. My increasing reliance on auditory rejuvenation has proven just how reliable of a tool it can be in combating assignments. Music adds a rhythmic energy to the way I work. It tunes out the drone of the world and makes studying pleasant, familiar, and comfortable. I’ll occasionally drum my pencil against my index finger or tap my foot, and those minute movements organize the flow of my productivity. Don’t just take my word for it. Countless experimental studies have illustrated the way that music enhances the temporary capabilities of the human brain.
Those minute movements I mentioned? They are a commonality in music listeners, and as one study from the American Journal of Physiology Heart and Circulatory Physiology suggested, fidgeting was an indicator of both greater intellectual and physical healthiness. According Northwestern University neuroscientist Dr. Nina Kraus, “The more we exercise our sound processing in the brain, the better the brain becomes at making sense of sound and the world around us. Music does this more than any other sound.” Moreover, this process of flexing the brain like a muscle is compounded when we combine intellectual activities with music. Think about the increased depth of your critical thinking, and problem solv-
ing skills if you are better able to sort the information of your environment. For some, adding music to their typical academic routine can be an adjustment, but one that pays off if followed to its end. Studying doesn’t have to be a solemn, formal choice to focus solely on work to be maximally efficient. Expanding the very strength of our collective focus will be crucial in a world with increasingly shorter attention spans and waning engagement, not just in school, but in any kind of work. Life can be a soundtrack, a journey, one with a rhythm as groovy as the music we hear. The continuity of that soundtrack must pervade the dullness of working if we are to become the most convivial versions of ourselves and enjoy that work.
conducted at the University of Wales, “Listening to music can damage your performance on certain study tasks.” Participants were placed in the same environment and asked to study a list of numbers. The group with music performed significantly worse, over a number of trials. A fairly well known theory known as the Mozart Effect, claims that listening to classical music, specifically that composed by Mozart, can “induce a short-term improvement on the performance of certain kinds of mental tasks known as “spatial-temporal reasoning.” But when put to the test this effect was been almost impossible to prove according to multiple studies published by Learning Scientists, practically negating any ben-
efits of listening to music while studying. It is not only the research that proves listening to music while studying as an altar-productive choice. But personal experience. In four years of high school, I have gone through waves of listening to music while studying and not. I have found that I stay more focused when the music is off and it is almost as if I can hear my own thoughts. In the times when I was listening to music, words of songs I knew would distract me, and I would find myself processing the words I was hearing opposed to the words I was reading in my textbook. The constant changing of songs also seems to prove a distractions to my study habits. Every three minutes a new sogn to
adjust to, subconsciously forcing you to refocus on your studies. And then suddenly a song comes on that you don’t like. So your studies are paused so you can unlock your computer, change the song, and force yourself to refocus once again. The constant distraction that music causes overpowers any positive experience it could add to your studies, as well as decreases productivity significantly. With the conclusion of finals and the start of the second semester upon us, try something new. When you sit down to study, turn the music down, turn the phone off, and stop the multitasking.
EDITOR COLUMNS
My journey through cinema
Films exude newfound influence for editor
by ANISH TAMHANEY Editor-in-Chief
Passion in learning is key Editor comments on the state of education
by BRYNN ELDER Editor-in-Chief
I have always loved going to the movies. The first one I ever saw in theaters was Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and I was so amazed by the image of a flying car that I stood upright in my seat and exclaimed in awe until it had vanished from the screen. Film as a narrative medium has always dominated the way I perceive entertainment, how I internalize the concept of narrative itself. Stories told through the screen permeate our minds, embed in our memories and sculpt their emotional residue in unforgettable patterns across our sensibility. The difference between fiction as a visual and as written prose is an important one; reading has always been a form of leisure for me, but never the immersive, visceral experience which film breathes into existence. Despite my long standing love of film, I have only recently begun to comprehend the sprawling logistic and artistic innerworkings that make film the necessity of social, political, emotional, or intellectual expression it is. I remember vividly the one film which overwhelmed me with joy and inspired me to un-
derstand film as a process rather than a product: Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas. Every single scene was so memorable to me, so potent with character and the kind unidentifiable cinematic prowess I had always felt but never acknowledged. This was a work of art, a meticulously crafted marvel of storytelling, a directorial vision come to life. Ever since I saw that masterpiece, I have made every attempt to become an active viewer of film. The moment the Copacabana long take began, my eyes widened. As the camera drifted deftly along, my awe only grew. I tracked its motion as the shot extended, panned, pushed into its environment. Scorsese was artfully telling a story through the lens. That’s a quality impossible to glean from any other narrative vehicle, the sheer personality of a camera’s perspective, its looming objectivity or quirky idiosyncrasies. In addition to visual storytelling, camerawork immerses a viewer effortlessly. Supplanting our own sight with another perspective, especially one we can see behave like our own eyes, tugs a viewer into its world.
Now that my eyes are opening towards film as more than simply moving pictures on a screen, my experience as a moviegoer is of great depth; I pay attention to details I would have otherwise missed. And this added effort is not a burden, not so substantially taxing that I lose those elements of cinema that I have always adored. Viewing cinema as a keen journey only enhances my interpretation, the subtle web of its interacting motifs. There are some observations I’ve made that cease to exit my mind, constantly enrich the details of certain auteurs’ work. I realize now that menace is the omniscient, gliding precision of Fincher’s camera movement, that tension is the pointed foreshadowing of Spielberg’s sound design, that visual mastery is Cuaron’s absolute refusal to cut away from an ineffably beautiful shot as seconds, minutes tick by. The truth is, no matter how much I romanticize my gradual appreciation for film, the process is not exclusive to me. For any generation of movie viewers, cinematic literacy is key to more fully conceptualizing and influencing the films presented to us.
Learning is something that everyone should have the privilege of enjoying, the type of learning done in school included. The task of learning is not something that should be forced upon students, but rather students should be taught the value of becoming a lifetime learner. With the presence of politics and business in education continuing to grow, the focus on learning must remain. In school, teachers are the foundation of learning. They are the people who motivate students to succeed, and push students to think outside of the box. This is especially important for students early on in their education. When I was in elementary school, my teachers were the reason I loved coming to school. Being shy, I often gravitated to the teacher, seeking support, and guidance. I not only learned about math and reading, but I learned how to form relationships with my peers, ask for help, and be myself, all thanks to the guidance my teachers
provided me. As a student, I can tell when a teacher has a passion for learning and for their students. The class becomes much more engaged. The students are involved in their work and eager to succeed. A teacher’s passion, in my experience, is almost correlated with a students success. But instead of learning being seen as a passion and privilege, it is engulfed in the world of business and politics. A teacher’s passion for the subject they are teaching is inevitably undermined by the common core curriculum implemented by those far removed from true educational advancement and experience. Instead of allowing kids to be taught by the most suitable methods for them, and by teachers who support students every second of every day, curriculum offered is what the government wants. Tests given are my the companies who made the best “deal” with the state.
Just a few years ago, Michigan students were administered the ACT in the spring of their junior year. In 2016, with the launch of the redesigned SAT, Michigan decided to administer the SAT instead. This is not a coincidence, this change in test choice lies completely with money, the unfortunate but current root of education. When the SAT offered the state of Michigan, and the education system within, a better contract, students were alerted that a different test would be taken the following year. This is just one example of education being consumed by the powers controlling but far removed from education. Looking towards the future of education, unfortunately, the world is continually more focused on the politics of business and the importance of money. Students deserve to learn from teachers who love what they are doing, and are sharing their passion for learning with the students around them.
FEBRUARY OP/ED
11
Graphics by Maddie Wein
Movies: Should you stay at home or go to the theater? Film viewed on a large screen is the best experience
Staying home beats the ordeal of going to a theater
Going to theaters offers the ideal environment in which to enjoy movies
In the modern era, the alternatives are far too advantageous to be ignored
by MAXIMILLIAN HELFMAN Editor-in-Chief
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oing to the movie theatre is one of humanity’s greatest leisures. Since the dawn of the golden age of film, we have been going with our friends, family, or alone to jump into a different world and escape into a movie for about two hours. And while many complain about the ever increasing prices of movie tickets and concessions, there are many viable options available to alleviate the cost. At the end of the day, you will never be able to find another alternative to the movie going experience. My earliest memories consist of my mom taking me to the movies. Going to see The Lion King and Finding Nemo are experiences I will never forget. My weekly venture to the theatre to see whatever new film is coming out has become part of my routine, something I regularly look forward to after a hard week or school. There is incredible value to going out to the theatre, whether it be the atmosphere or the community of it, is priceless. Think of seeing the new Avengers movie or new Star Wars
movie on the massive screen with a bucket of popcorn and icee in your hand, in a packed theatre of mega fans ready for the escape and experience of a lifetime. That’s valuable. The alternative? Is plain lazy. If one truly cared about the art of film, they would choose to experience it in a place where it is meant to be viewed. Not lazily sitting at home, watching Netflix (which has a god awful selection in movies) while halfway on your phone. THAT is heinous. I would much rather spend the $20 for a ticket and popcorn and icee and make a night out of it, then sit at home and “vege.” And according to the ever increasing box office numbers in films like Star Wars and the Avengers franchise, most of America would agree. The moving going experience is never going to die. The amount of people who continue to go may waver, but that experience will never falter. Until our world is ravaged by aliens or a nuclear holocaust, people will always go to the movies in search of an escape. And the likes of Netflix or Hulu will never take that away, because when the new art and new filmmakers start to arise, they will be playing there movies in the theatre, not at home.
by JESSICA KIM Editor-in-Chief ix months after its release, I —an avid watcher of Marvel and superhero movies— still haven’t watched Spiderman: Homecoming. The reason? I hate going to the movie theater. To be honest, there’s nothing you gain from spending ten to fifteen bucks to see a movie in theater. Sure, it’s possible to watch the movie as soon as it releases to the general public, but I view money for movies in theater the same way I see in-game money to speed up waiting times: useless. Movie theaters are for mega-nerds who don’t have an iota of patience, students with far too rich parents and endless free time, or bored groups of friends who don’t have anything better to do than wander around Birmingham for a movie. Some may find the experience of a movie in theater to be worth the money alone. The truth: nope. The experience of a movie “in theater” can be summed down to furious, intermittent whispering from people who believe they’re far qui-
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eter than they actually are, and the irritating crackling of various candy packages being opened. “Theater experiences” are exhausting and more prone to give me whiplash from enjoying a movie to an inclination for third-degree murder. Think of the alternatives — Netflix, for one. Glorious, eight bucks per month, and an endless range of options, if patient enough. Ten bucks at the theater gets dubiously clean seats and a crick in the neck. Ten bucks on Netflix gets a limitless number of movies, from horror to romance to comedy. That’s only one of the many streaming services the Internet has to offer, mind you. But, fools with a name similar to Sax Pelfman may argue, movies are meant to be watched in theater. Popcorn, a community viewing, a theater surrounded by twelve-year-old dweebs who all share a passing interest in the same movie! What’s not to love! Okay, but an entire pack of popcorn at Costco amounts to a small bucket in the theater, already halfway consumed before the trailers even end. Public theaters also don’t accommodate for bathroom breaks, intrusive family crises, or friends who pester you with questions about what’s happening. Not to mention, coming from a family of non-English speakers has made me realize how few movies are geared to foreign audiences in America. On streaming services, subtitles at least allow a greater number of viewers to enjoy the movie. I’d take a movie I can watch at my own leisure and pace, an area that accommodates me, than some half-hearted experience I don’t want any day.
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By: Vikram Lakshmanan
Section B SCHOOL news Varsity Ski Team season-opener
Work Hard, Play Hard
by BHSD
The Bloomfield Black Hawk High School varsity ski team season-opening meet Wednesday, January 10th against Notre Dame Prep and Detroit Country Day was very strong. Both teams have tremendous experience, talent and depth. The boys team convincingly won both their dual meets to start the season 2 – 0. Dominating, senior captain Colin Stewart took first place with senior captain Dominic Shoha in a close second. Hunter Halstead took 14th, Nate Busch 17th and Lennert Krueger 23rd. Nathan van Duijvenboode had a hot first run (14th overall) but ran into trouble on his second run. The girls opened the season with a 2nd place overall finish. The girls crushed DCD and got edged out by the NDP girls team to start the season 1 – 1. The Black Hawk girls were also off to a very fast start with senior captain Grace Dillon finishing second overall. Ashley DiMarzo, senior captain Catherine Coates and Erin DiMarzo were all packed in together 14th , 15th and 18th respectively. Hannah Goby and Maria Yankelvich rounded out the top 25 with Hannah 21st and Maria 24th.
Jack MaherGogonis joins Greece National Lacrosse Team by BHSD
Congratulations to Bloomfield Hills High School senior, Jack Maher-Gogonis, on his selection as a member of the first official Greece National Lacrosse team! The team will compete in the 2018 Men's Lacrosse World Championship games this summer in Israel. As a member of the team, Jack will also serve as an ambassador of the sport and a representative of the people of Greece. Jack attended two tryouts - one in New Jersey and the second at Furman University in South Carolina.
Community Girls lacrosse clinic (grades 3-8) by BHSD
The Bloomfield Hills Girls Lacrosse Program will be offering a clinic for 3rd - 8th graders on Friday, February 9, 2018, from 5 - 7 p.m. at Bloomfield Hills Middle School. This clinic is for students who are a part of the program or interested in playing. Coaches along with students from the high school team will be present to run drills. Questions? Contact Emma Mucci at 248.701.2708.
online News Boy’s Varsity Hockey Team senior night For these stories and more, go to our website
bhhstoday.org
Football team recognized for high GPA by MAX WITTENBERG Staff Writer The Blackhawks’ football team received the highest GPA in the state of Michigan amongst all other schools. “I think it is ultimately what the goal is to have student athletes; student first and athlete second and to be that successful on the field and off the field is attributed to them and how hard these kids work” said head football coach Dan Loria, who prides his team on being successful in both aspects. “I always say that academics have to come first and it is a privilege to play football, but that is temporary. The odds of playing college and then professional sports are way under one percent. It is an opportunity to learn about life through sports and ultimately what happens in the class-
room is going to be your future. The Blackhawks received the award by the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association and according to BHHS athletic director, RJ Guizzetti, “They allow you to take the top 10 to 12 players for the team. They don’t ask you to do the entire team because some kids have 60 players on their team, and some will have 20. We have quite a few excellent student athletes and we ended up with one of the higher team GPAs that I have seen in a really long time.” According to senior and football player Alex Emde, playing football and getting good grades is a challenge that takes a lot of work to succeed. “It is not easy just because of how time consuming football is.
But it’s mainly just important to manage your time well because you know it is going to be limited. It is always important to take advantage of every moment you get whether you are home or playing football,” said Emde who has a 3.95 cumulative GPA and is considering multiple schools including the University of Michigan and University of Southern California. “There are many different challenges that I faced mainly surrounding football, studying and sleeping. I found out if you don’t sleep well, you do not do well the next day and it leads to a bad cycle. I always put a time limit on myself and have a schedule to be prepared for the next day.” The football team went 6-3 in the 2017 regular season, and was able to make it to the play-
Photo by Kaylie Brooks
offs and had the highest GPA for the second consecutive year. “It is really a great thing for us as educators, teachers, and administrators; we have coaches meetings as part of the fall, winter and spring seasons, and one of the things we tell them at everyone of these meetings is we’re about educational athletics, we aren’t just a sports team, a sports program, an athletic program, we are about educational athletics and we want our coaches to stress academics along as well as success on the field,” said Guizzetti. “And so, to see a team on the field like this, to not only be 6-3 in the regular season but go out and have such a high GPA it shows me that those kids, their families, the coaches, are all dedicated to the same thing we’re looking for.”
Athletes invited to Women in Sports Conference by DARBY KRUGEL Staff Writer Bloomfield Hills athletes were invited to the Women in Sports Leadership Conference on February fourth and fifth at the Crowne Plaza Lansing West Hotel. According to the Michigan High School Athletic Association, this is a conference held in Lansing every other year, and this is the first time Bloomfield Hills High School will be attending. The conference includes many workshops for both high school athletes and coaches, including “How to be a Female Leader in Sports Business,” “Injury Prevention in the Female Athlete,” and “What Winners Think, What Champions Do.” While there are many female athletes in the Bloomfield Hills community, only 12 students are allowed to attend the confer-
ence per school. Athletic director R.J. Guizzetti explained how the Bloomfield Hills girls were chosen. “I sent an email out to all of our coaches of our female sports and I asked them for some recommendations,” Guizzetti said. “The only real criteria that I gave the coaches was that they shouldn’t be a senior, because we want students who are going to be here for at least one more year if not more, and that they should be current high school athletes who coaches felt would benefit from something like this.
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Teacher inducted to Albion College Hall of Fame by BEN MUTZ Staff Writer “He was with me everyday, I had a picture of him in my locker, not that I would forget him but just that he would give me that motivation and energy when I was facing obstacles or losing games,” said English teacher and basketball coach, Vanessa Rose. “I would look at that picture and it would set greatness underneath me, and it would remind me where I come from and where I’m going.” It was this type of motivation that propelled Rose, to be inducted into the Albion College Hall of Fame in 2015, a prestigious honor that is familiar to her family tree. Rose’s Grandfather Norman Thomas “Turkey” Stearnes, is
a member of the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame class of 2000, an honor that he received 21 years after his death in 1979, and 17 years after the birth of his granddaughter Vanessa in 1983. Having passed four years prior to Rose’s birth, his legacy was left for her merely through pictures, stories, and baseball conferences.
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Basketball player bounces back Devin Wertheimer recovers from a torn ACL by BRENDAN LYNN Section Editor As he prepared to shoot the layup, a move he had made countless times before, he suddenly fell to the ground with pain shooting up his leg. “When I tore [my ACL], the first thought that popped into my head was that my basketball career was over,” said varsity basketball player and senior Devin Wertheimer. “The injury was pretty painful. I planted my right leg to go up for a layup and it felt like a ping pong ball hit me in the side of the knee and I just fell to the ground immediately. I was unable to bend, straighten or move my leg [at all]. It was a very scary moment for me. I knew it was serious when it happened just because I felt that pop in my knee.” According to Wertheimer his recovery process was faster than expected. “Before my surgery, I did two weeks of rehab, which ended up cutting one full month off of my total recovery,” said W e r t heimer. “After my surgery, I had four months of rehab to strengthen my r i g h t knee and leg again. When I started doing rehab, my right leg was half the size of my left leg due to all the muscle loss from sitting around and not being able to move my leg. My doctor told me that my full recovery would end up being anywhere between seven and nine months. I ended up recovering in six months.” Wertheimer’s full injury ended up having more complications than he initially thought, affecting his abilities and causing him to adjust his playstyle. “My full injury was a complete tear of the ACL, partial LCL tear, a complete tear of one mensics and a partial tear in my other mensics,” said Wertheimer. “Suffering [from] a torn ACL did not change my mindset on playing basketball. Due to my injury, I am not as fast and cannot be as aggressive as I used to be because I would be at risk of re-tearing my ACL. Now, I am more of a shooter, whether it is catch and shoot or off the dribble.” Wertheimer’s teammates found his injury and recovery process “hard to watch.” “When it happened, the injury was a scary sight and it looked like he was in a lot of pain,” said junior and varsity basketball player Robert Goldsberry. “The injury was definitely a major setback in his basketball career, but Devin is a very strong person and I know that he will conquer any obstacle and come back stronger than ever.” Despite his injury, Wertheimer found ways to help his team and “push my teammates to get better.” “Since I was unable to play for so long, I helped out my team in [other] ways like being at every open gym or strength workout in the summer,” said Wertheimer. “[Even though I was on crutches], I was a motivator during all of our practices. I was there for everyone and showed my face at every team activity, even though I didn’t even have to come to anything. Just being a good teammate is really all I did.”
“When it happened, the injury was a scary sight and it looked like he was in a lot of pain.” Robert Goldsberry
Perlmutter skates down the rink in a Varsity Hockey game. Photo provided by Perlmutter.
Athletes recover from multiple injuries Jaxon Perlmutter and fellow athletes share their recovery process by JONAH STONE Staff Writer The road to rehabilitation is no easy one. There are two factors needed to overcome in while recovering from an injury. The first is to heal your injured body part. The second, and sometimes the more difficult part, is to rehab your mind. Senior varsity hockey player, Jaxon Perlmutter has unfortunately been in that position more than once during the current hockey season. “This season, I have been injured on two separate occasions.” said the two year varsity player. “Once was a shoulder injury, the other I got cut in the game against West Bloomfield and ended up needing 12 stitches in my leg.” Until you’ve gotten injured, you have no idea what the road to recovery entails.
“Physical rehabilitation from an injury is repetitive. It revolves around, stretching, resting, and slowly easing your way back into your sport once you’re ready,” explained Perlmutter, the top defensive scorer on the Blackhawks. The mental part is never that easy. For some people, when you come back from an injury, your body may be healed, but your mind might not be. You might be hesitant to jump right back into the sport that got you injured in the first place.” Overcoming an injury requires more than just physical rehabilitation, says sophomore varsity hockey player, Colin Segasser. “What got me through this injury was a realization. I realized that the only person that can hold me back from coming back stronger is myself,” said Segasser, a first year Varsity athlete. “Rehabbing yourself mentally is crucial, and if you don’t believe in
yourself, rehabilitation isn’t possible. Simple as that.” Senior Devin Wertheimer injured his ACL, MCL, and meniscus last spring. The thought of being out for his senior season for the varsity basketball season hindered him. He knew he needed to work hard in order to recover, so when he finally was cleared to play, he had only one feeling. “Excitement. I was finally cleared to play after a long period of watching from the sidelines. When my doctor told me that I was ready to play, I felt a sense of accomplishment, because of how much work I had put into rehabilitation,” said Wertheimer, who hopes to make an immediate impact on the Blackhawks. “I know I am completely ready to play, and nothing is going to hold me back from doing big things this season.”
FEBRUARY SPORTS
SPORTS COLUMN Senior shares what it feels like to fail in competition by CHIARA ABIADAL Staff Writer As an athlete, when competing, I want to be successful in winning my wrestling matches. However there have many times when I have gotten pinned. Sometimes I walk off the mat feeling there is room to improve and I am motivated to work harder in practice. Then, there are other times where I am devastated and think what’s the point. The ref blows the whistle and it’s over, I shake hands with my opponent and the coaches, I walk off the mat and sit off to the side. Head in hands, trying to ignore everyone, holding back tears. In competitive sports
“It can help remind us that we are only human and we are not infallible.” some athletes feel failure is not an option. When I do fail I get angry, however, if I show that or do something that is unsportsmanlike and my team gets penalized. Time and time again I see wrestlers get upset and can’t keep their cool after losing a match. What young athletes need to realize is that, with practice, self improvement will show. When a young person is faced with failure they often give up or displace their feelings onto others. I’ve learned to talk to someone if I lose a match and it gets me down. I go to my mom when I feel I didn’t do my best at a meet and she reminds me that some matches will be harder than others. There are many wrestlers who have been wrestling for a lot longer than I have, even though I am strong and I work hard in practice, there are still guys who are stronger than me. I will get matches where they are inexperienced and it won’t matter the weight, however when they know what they’re doing it becomes more difficult. Failure is a universal thing everyone experiences at some point in their lives. It can help remind us that we are only human and we are not infallible.
Abiadal faces an opponent on the mat. Photo provided by Chiara Abiadal.
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Mrs. Rose hall Of fame (from 13)
“I was very thankful to have my grandmother in my life, she’s 95 years old so through her and though a lot of learning and reading and going to baseball conferences and going to the baseball hall of fame and talking to former baseball players I learned a lot about my grandfather,” said Rose. “He was the number one driving force in terms of how to overcome obstacles personally and athletically.” According to Rose, her love for the game was a product of NBA 2k, Michael Jordan, and the Boston Celtics. “Even things like studying plays on NBA live and 2k would help me work on my game, I used to study Michael Jordan and the Boston Celtics not just in terms of their shooting ability but also studying what their coaches advocate philosophy wise,” said Rose. For Rose, being a student in the film room, and weight room was as important to her as being a student in the classroom, something Rose claims is a full time job. “Basketball is a full time job,” said Rose. You devote 10 to 12 hours a day to your craft, whether its watching film, lifting, practicing, and of course you are going to study and eat and rest, you have to in order to keep going but everything in your day revolves around basketball.” According to Rose, basketball was more than a game, it was a lifestyle. “Basketball becomes a part of everything you do, the way you walk, the way you dress, the way you talk, it’s everything that you think about,” said Rose. Rose’s 2005 team at Albion made it to the NCAA tournament sweet 16 and was inducted into the Albion college hall of fame just 10 years later, at the earliest possible opportunity. Rose claims that she couldn’t have kept her focus without the help of her grandfather. “He helped keep me centered, because in college there is a lot of distractions, people drinking, people partying and it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle,” said Vanessa. For me, I knew basketball was a once in a lifetime shot and I wanted to give it my first and my last. However Rose says that it isn’t her grandfathers hall of fame status in the game of baseball that pushed her, it was his ability to be a positive person despite the segregation he endured. “He was able to play in the negro leagues as a professional which if you know anything about the jim crow era, segregation was rampant and that was probably the ultimate challenge for any human being at that time,” said Rose. “So to be able to do what he did, and still be a positive person and persevere, I just really tried to mirror that legacy because I know that I’m the dream that he had in terms of living out some of those things that he was never able to see.” Being inducted into the Albion college hall of fame meant more to Rose than accolades, it meant that she was one step closer to her grandfather. “When I heard the name hall of fame, those words meant to me what my grandfather had achieved,” Rose said. “Obviously it’s not the same in comparison to being in the national baseball hall of fame and being in the Albion hall of fame but just those three words meant a lot to me because I can’t see my grandfather or talk to him, so to be mentioned in the same breathe as him is probably one of the best achievements i’ve accomplished in my entire life.” Though Rose never met her legendary grandfather, she mirrors what he stood for in herself everyday. “His legacy taught me not to have bitterness, not to have resentment, not to focus on the negative things in life. That’s how you stay present, and that’s how to keep focus when it comes to mentality,” said Rose.
Leadership conference (from 13) I asked them to send me the names of some of the students that are leaders because for something like this, it would be nice to have the leaders to attend so they come back and are likely to share it with their teammates.” There is a huge variety of activities and learning experiences offered during the two days of the conference. Mr. Guizzetti said “With it being such a diverse event, so many different things for them to experience, I’m hoping that they will make sure that they hit as much of it as they can. I want them to experience all of it, and I’m hoping that with the variety of students that we’re bringing that each of them will find something there that really impacts them and that they think they can bring back to us and to our sports teams.” Junior Taylor Wiewiora, an athlete chosen to attend the conference, thinks that the Women in Sports Leadership conference is important for BHHS to participate in because
it is a great opportunity for girls to come together and learn how to lead in a place and culture that is often male-dominated. Swim coach and technology and design teacher David Zulkiewski, adds another perspective about why this event is important to attend. Zulkeiwski said, “I think any opportunity for professional development is good for anyone. Being a leader in a high school sport can be tough at times, and to know how to better handle situations, especially with all the social media nowadays, just the way we socialize, and talk, I think it’s good for our future captains, future leaders, any teammate, it would be good just to learn new ways of talking, communicating, working with others.” Unfortunately, the Bloomfield Hills female athletes will not be able to attend the conference this year, due to over-enrollment. However, they hope to attend in the future.
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For more sports stories, go to our website
BhhsToday.org
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FEBRUARY SPORTS
Winter SPORTS Update Boys Basketball
After winning back to back games leading the Blackhawks into winter break, the Men’s Varsity basketball team was defeated in all three games played over break, in addition to losing to Saline in the first game back. This seven game slide pushes the Blackhawks to 3-9 on the season, however Varsity Head Coach Phil Kurajian says the team’s attitude has stayed the same. “We have the same attitude that we try and bring in every day, every practice, every game no matter the score,” said Kurajian. “We have to work as hard as we can, continue to get better, trust the process and the results will come.”
Girls Hockey Coming off of a 7-0 win against DCDS-Marian, the Bloomfield-Birmingham Hockey Team improves to a 6-7 record at the midpoint in their season. “My hope is to create a strong bond within the team in order help us trust and rely on eachother throughout the rest of the season. I feel like this will help us improve as well.” stated the team’s captain, Lily Kirkman. At the beginning of the season, the Bloomfield and Birmingham team merged. Their next game will take place on February 9th, against Ladywood at Plymouth Cultural Center at 7:30pm
Girls Basketball The Girls Varsity Basketball team is well on their way to districts with a 6-4 record as of January 24. The most recent game against North Farmington High School ended with a loss but according to junior Grace Getz, the team is working hard to redeem themselves. “Our team is working hard at improving from our mistakes in our defense and offense so that we are prepared for more important games at the end of leagues so that we are ready for districts”, Getz said. The next home game is on February 2nd against Lake Orion high school.
Boys Swimming and Diving Following having three divers in the top 30 at states last year, the Bloomfield Hills boys’ swimming and diving team begins its season. The team has qualified for three relays for the Michigan Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association competition. This year’s highlights include a five minute and four second finish in the 500 yard freestyle by Noah Ziegler. Furthermore, a 59.55 second finish in the 100 yard back by Tommy Paulson and a 23.09 second finish for the 50 yard freestyle by Sean McGowin. Captain Sean McGowan said, “I’m anticipating this year’s championship meets everyone expectations. As everyone has put in a lot of work this season and everyone is doing well. As a team, I hope we all get better should that be through better endurance, techniques, or different factors.”
Wrestling The Boy’s Wrestling team has gotten off to a decent start this year, but they hope to continue on with their past success in the last couple of years. The team is currently has two wins against three losses. Senior Varsity team captains Shawn Cunningham and Ben Schuster have helped lead the team to success with their veteran leadership. Ben Schuster is trying to slim down to the 135 pound weight class from the 140 pound weight class. Sophomore Varsity wrestler Ben Perry said, “We have beaten a good North Farmington High School wrestling team.
Figure Skating The figure skating team, coached by Paul Bellantuono, “is one of the most unique sports teams that is available.” Junior skater Meredith Parr, explains that the reason for this is because of the fact that the team, consisting of about 23 students in 9th-12th grade, practices two times a month for the entire school year. “Since the team figure skates individually around four to six hours a week, during mandatory practices for school, all they have to do is prepare for the competitions,” said Parr. “We have about two competitions a year plus states (assuming we make it) and have placed first state championship overall many times, and plan on this year as well.”
Bowling The boy’s bowling team has played games against OAA Red division rivals Clarkston High School, Oxford High School and Lake Orion High School. The Blackhawks bowlers have a 147 point or higher on average. Team leaders include Junior Derek Terner with a 184.58 score per game through 12 games, and Senior Carson Davis who has a 185.00 average per game.
Photo Credit: Kaylie Brooks, Jonathon Fischer, Lilly Swanson, Emma Ramsey
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FEBRUARY FEATURE
Bernard enjoys time with Peruvians while coming up with the idea for ‘Coats for Cold.’ Photo Courtesy of Kaela Bernard.
Personal Project focuses on Peru
Sophmore collects for South America after inspiring trip Graphic by Kaylie Brooks
Cyrptocurrency craze takes over Online money is gaining popularity around the world and in the classroom by JUSTIN YAKER Section Editor In recent months, cryptocurrencies have catapulted at exponential rates in price but most people don’t even know what a cryptocurrency is. “I kind of saw an opportunity, really just to make money at a more rapid rate. I figured this summer was about the time to get into it because it had been around long enough to show some stability for some people to figure out what it is,” said teacher Andrew Mikolajczak. “It hadn’t been around too long that the market was already flooded with people. I got into it around June or July.” Senior Tom Guimberteau has been involved with cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin, the largest and most well known cryptocurrencies, for four years. “Four years ago, some friends and I started a bitcoin mining company. We stopped mining bitcoin around two years ago and shifted to investing,” said Guimberteau. “My first investment was in Bitcoin. But in the past month, I have invested in Ripple, Ethereum, EOS and ETOP.” According to Mikolajczak, he became a fan of the cryptocurrency Ripple through outside sources, specifically news articles. “There were a ton of outside sources I used. It was nothing more than just reading news
articles on cryptocurrencies. For example, of investors in cryptocurrencies use technical what appealed to me about Ripple was its idea analysis to analyze whether they should invest of how it makes bank transactions happen a or not.” “Bitcoin was on the rise and I had been lot faster, especially if you are crossing from one international currency to another, say US watching it for a long time. I believed it could dollars to euros,” said Mikolajczak. “Then you grow more than it already has and finally felt keep reading news articles and you find out it was time to invest. I didn’t want to put that some companies like American Express are much money into it at the time. I decided to put $100 in as a trial run interested in Ripple; to see how it would go,” Amazon is interested said Junior Benny Felin Ripple. The more “Just be aware, that lows. ”I plan to keep this and more news you read and the more anything you invest, you money in Bitcoin because and more informa- have to be prepared to lose there is not much risk with $100. If I continue to feel tion you have and the everything.” optimistic about Bitcoin or better decisions you another cryptocurrency can make.” progressing forward, I will When making input more money in when vestments in crypthe time is right.” tocurrencies, Guims Mikolajczak detailed the emphasized the sigrisk you are getting into nificance of technical when you invest in cryptoanalysis. “I know a lot about blockchain; I made my currencies. “If you are going to invest, not just in crypown cryptocurrencies. You got to do your research. Aside from that, investing is different tocurrencies, but anything, I would treat it a from learning how the things actually work. A similar form as gambling. You go into it the lot of people don’t really understand what it full expectation that you may lose everything,” is, but they invest in it regardless,” said Gui- said Mikolajczak. I would say the younger you mberteau. “I am going to become a chartered are, the better of a time it is for you to invest. market technician. I am basically a profes- This is because, if you are younger, you have sional in technical analysis, which is this one more time to make money if you do lose evschool of thought for investing. The majority erything.”
Andrew Mikolajczak Science Teacher
Student finds the best in his two dads Sophomore explains growing up with two fathers by CAITLIN FINERTY Section Editor Homosexuality and coming out is a struggle that many students have to face, but sometimes the student isn’t dealing with the life himself but rather his parents are. “I came along because [my and my brother’s birth mother] was pregnant again,” said sophomore Adam Pearlman. “She worked as a bartender and she was always mingling with guys so she has had a lot of kids. I was born in 2002. She contacted my parents to see if they wanted to adopt me and ultimately they did. Both my brother and I were adopted at birth. It is normal for me to have my two parents: my two dads whereas for other people, if they saw that it may be kind of weird or not normal.” Adam’s parents have been together for over 30 years and have adopted two kids, Adam and his half brother Noah. Together they have raised the two boys. “I think that we have provided [Adam and Noah] with a very stable, nurturing upbringing. For them its normal to have two dads,” said one of Adam’s fathers, Tom Pearlman. “I think they are lucky to be growing up in an environment that is more accepting than when I was young. I think they have encountered an occasional cruel comments from other students. I think generally they have had
a fairly normal upbringing.” According to Adam, he has faced some challenges in school because of his parents but usually wants to keep his outside life to himself. “I have had a couple of instances where I have been called out for having gay parents and that has led to physical contact. Since I started here I have decided to keep it low key. If I am having a friend over I might say, ‘oh by the way I have two dads but it’s not going to be anything different, just as a heads up.’ One time this year, a kid found out that I have two dads and he said some insensitive remarks and we got into a fight over that,” said Adam. John Kalina, Adam’s other father, believes that children should be cared for, no matter who it comes from. “The most important things for children are loving, caring parents. They have to have the time patience and resources to properly raise their children,” said Kalina. Saying something similar is his son. “It doesn’t really affect me because kids look up to their parents and I look up to my parents,” said Adam. “There is no difference between [having a mom and a dad or two dads] other than it is different genders. They are still role models to me, they are still supportive of everything I do. They are my parents and that is the bottom line.”
by SARAH KENKEL Staff Writer As she packed up boxes stuffed to the brim with hats, gloves, and clothes, she knew that she would be making a difference. Sophomore Kalea Bernard is a member of the learning community that history teacher, ErinCervi mentors. Her personal project is the donation of all kinds of supplies to the people of Peru. “When I was hiking, I was talking to my tour guide and he was telling me about this yearly trip that he takes to the village,” said Bernard. “I thought it sounded like an amazing personal project idea and it was a perfect idea because I wanted to help others. I am pretty passionate about it.” According to Bernard, there were some problems with her original ideas because of Peruvian regulations and shipping problems. “My original idea was to collect hats, gloves, and scarves to send to Peru to help a village. My idea had to get switched because Peru has certain regulations and my shipping requirements didn’t fit [the idea],” said Bernard. Erin Cervi, a history teacher and mentor for students during the personal project, explains that the “most important part of the personal project is that it is personal and that we see every single student do it in a different way.” “Mrs. Cervi has been there for me the entire time. She was the teacher that gave me the idea for ‘Coats for Cold’,” said Bernard. According to Cervi, “Kaela changing her “I thought it project idea was actually sounded like beneficial in an amazing the long run. I think there personal projis a misconception about ect idea and it the personal was a perfect project that it is all about idea because I the product,” wanted to help said Cervi. “It others.” is about the process and being reflective as well as learning from it. It is more about the process she went through from changing her original idea of donating items to Peru to eventually donating items to ‘Coats for Cold’.” Along with Cervi, classmates were able to contribute to the worthy cause by donating extra items around their house. “I had a lot of people in Learning Community B that really helped me,” said Bernard. “When I was making announcements to classes, they would pass it on and donate items themselves.” Sophomore and friend of Bernard, Sari Kellman, did her best to help as much as she could. “I helped Kaela with her personal project by giving her a hat and a pair of gloves to donate for her personal project which she got inspired from when she went to Peru,” said Kellman. Although Bernard was not able to complete her originally goal of sending the donated items to Peru, she explains how she “really does want to help them” and still wants “to get it to Peru.” “They have nothing and to just help them and give each person a hat would mean so much.”
Kaela Bernard
Noah and Adam Pearlman share a hug with their parents, Tom Pearlman and John Kalina. Photo provided by Tom Pearlman.
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Student faces the challenges of diabetes Junior shares her condition and the lessons she learned by CARLY ARMSTRONG Staff Writer Along with the obligatory pencils and binders that every student keeps, junior Emma Pooler also carries a life-saving hormone everywhere she goes. “I was diagnosed with diabetes the day after Halloween,” said junior Emma Pooler, who was diagnosed with Type I diabetes when she was eight years old. “I was just upset, thinking ‘Why me?’” Pooler has Type I diabetes, meaning that her pancreas does not produce insulin, a “Now I have h o r m o n e to go through that helps glucose the process of enter cells pricking my to provide finger four to energy. “Now I eight times a have to go day, carrying t h r o u g h the process a bag with me of pricking everywhere I my finger to go, and making four eight times sure everyone a day, cara is aware of my rying bag with disease.” me everywhere I go, and making sure everyone is aware of my disease,” said Pooler. “I had to take shots and prick my finger. I didn’t want to do that in front of everyone. I was trying to hide it at first and I was the only kid with it so I felt that no one understood.” Pooler’s mother found her outlook on Emma’s diagnosis to be one that changed as time went on. “I was initially upset for Emma,” said her mother Sarah Hooper. “I knew how it would affect her life and that the disease is long term. However, I knew that we all face obstacles in life and how important it was to stay positive.” Emma was able to keep that mentality and take a “lighthearted approach” to her diabetes. “Now I know how to take care of myself a lot better than other people without it,” said Pooler. “I just learned to be healthier and to be aware of everything that I put in my body. Now I like to make jokes about it. I know it can make some people uncomfortable or feel bad but I just think it is good to laugh about it.” Emma’s experience with diabetes has changed her sister Hannah Pooler’s outlook on life. “The important lesson that we can all take from this is that we all face obstacles in life,” said Hannah. “We can either let them stop us from moving, or we can adjust like Emma. There is always something that we can do to find the good and the humor in any type of situation.”
Emma Pooler
Sofi K signs the shirt of a fan. Photo provided by Wish Upon a Teen.
Junior partners with Wish Upon a Teen Student gains new perspective on and off stage by ELENA OFIARA Staff Writer Singing with a purpose, Sophia Washer, also known as Sofi K, has devoted her time to the Wish Upon a Teen organization for the past three years. “I became a part of the Wish Upon a Teen family in 2015,” said Sofi, a junior. “I was accepted in as a celebrity ambassador. Wish Upon a Teen is a small, non-profit organization that specializes in helping children with long term illnesses such as cancer and spina bifida. It allows the children to enjoy the experiences and milestones that typical teenagers get to achieve throughout their middle and high school years.” Wish Upon a Teen works to helps teenagers in nearly 70 hospitals nationwide. “We’re very lucky to have Sofi,” said Nancy Sovran, the executive director of Wish Upon a Teen. “A lot of the teens don’t go to school because they’ve been so sick, so they’re isolated from their friends
and family, and they feel out of touch with everything. Sofi shows them so much kindness and compassion which makes them feel not so alone, which is beautiful.” Sofi goes to visit the teens in the hospital at least once a month. “I have become so close with a lot of the kids,” said Sofi. “The severity of their illnesses changes from case to case, but they’re all pretty happy and pretty content. Also, I’ve learned how to deal with death because of this kind of experience. The hardest girl that I’ve had to lose was last year. She was the first person who I met when I started with Wish Upon a Teen. I was in the hospital myself when she passed so I couldn’t say goodbye and I couldn’t go to her funeral.” Sofi’s mom, Linda Washer, works to support Sofi’s career and involvement in Wish Upon a Teen. “I am unbelievably proud of Sofi with her spending so much time and energy working with Wish Upon a Teen,” said Linda. “The teenagers that are involved in Wish
Upon a Teen are amazing teens who just want to live a normal teen life but can’t, so what Sofi does with them and does for them is absolutely amazing.” According to Sofi, her participation in Wish Upon a Teen has given her a new perspective. “Wish Upon a Teen has changed me as a person. I have a different outlook on life as a whole and on teenagers facing these illnesses,” said Sofi. “We know how hard it is just to be here everyday and deal with this everyday, but they have to deal with trying to do this and trying to stay healthy and survive and that’s crazy. They are really strong, stronger than a lot of us here, and just watching what they go through everyday and how they deal with it so effortlessly inspires me, my music, and to reach out to people here at BHHS to get them involved.” To get involved, you can visit Sofi’s social media pages (@sofikofficial) or email Nancy Sovran at nancy@wishuponateen.org.
For more student features, go to our website
BhhsToday.org Students excel in competitive dance School Dancers dedicate immense amount of time to their art by LARA JANOSZ Section Editor Beneath the sparkling leotards and pointed pink shoes, there is more to competitive dancing than meets the eye. “Dancing is not just some after school thing that you do and it’s something that you really have to be dedicated to. It’s something that takes a lot of time and a lot of effort which I guess people wouldn’t normally think,” said senior and competitive dancer, Emily Hooper. “Sometimes it’s not fun cleaning and going through 4 hour rehearsals...you still have to go in [the studio] and take notes if you are injured. Like, while you watch a class you have to sit down and take notes. When you’re sick you still have to go in there and
take notes on the numbers and watch what people are saying and also what they are learning that day.” Hooper is one of many competitive dancers that attend BHHS, many of whom are dedicated to their sport and attend multiple competitions each month in addition to being a full time student. “I dance for more than 12 hours a week,” said sophomore and competitive dancer Alexandra Sergakis. “I dance because I love to do it. I think it is a great thing to do to get away from school work and just spend time not doing school related things.
Dancers are usually at the studio most days of the week...it’s like it’s our second home.” The girls, spending multiple hours at a time in the studio, go through much more than just pirouettes and plies. According to Sergakis, there is a lot of pressure that comes with dancing, both on and off stage. “The hardest parts about being a dancer is that there are days full of ups and downs. Some days when you try really hard to get into a part into a dance and you don’t make it, you kind of feel hurt. Another thing is when you keep constantly s e l f - c r i - tiquing yourself when looking at yourself in the mir-
“The hardest parts about being a dancer is that there are days full of ups and downs.”
Alexandra Sergakis
ror, feeling like you’re not good enough, comparing yourself to other people in the room,” said Sergakis. Seeing the work pay off in competitions and at practice means a lot, according to both of the girls. Despite some of the hardships that dancers face, dancing provides both a therapy and learning lesson for aspiring and current dancers everywhere. “Learning that type of dedication and that hard work, it really applies to all aspects of your life,” explained Hooper. “You’re dedicated to dance so that also translates to how you are dedicated to school. You’re really good at working with a team since dancing is really like a team sport. You learn how to work with a team and it’s really cool.”
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1: Teacher, Suzanne DeAngelis happily performs with students: Alexa Oslund, Claire Linzell, Grace Weaver and Hela Desai; 2: Dancer, Kat Carter, gracefully executed her solo; 3: Sophomore Drake Burgess and Freshman, Olivia Dubre perform their amazing duet that they had practiced for a very long time; 4: Senior John Garrett, livens the audience up with a performance where the spotlight was on him. His humorous personality made the crowd cheer and ended up with a standing ovation from the audience; 5: Senior Arin Champati and Junior Grace Weaver gave the performance of the night. Their dance was perfectly rehearsed and incredibly entertaining to watch. Photos: Georgia Zimmerman
Students chose alternate plans after graduating high school College is not always the next step after receiving a diploma by SADIE KIRSHNER Section Editor For 89 percent of Bloomfield Hills students, their next plan after High School graduation is receiving a college degree and majoring in something that they will stick with for the rest of their lives. However, for seniors like Seth Ratajski and Jack Jenney, their lives will go through an entirely different path. “I decided to join the military because I don’t have enough money to pay for myself to go to college, let alone my siblings either and my dad’s not gonna help us out. So, by joining the military, I could possibly earn enough money to pay for my brother and sister to have a chance at college,” said Ratajski. “It’s also a great resume builder. On top of that, I feel like if I were to go with college and rack up debt, all I’m gonna do is sit around and waste time with my friends. Instead of doing that, I kind of just want to make some money.” According to bls.gov, “only around 20 percent of all students enlist immediately after being handed their diploma. “I chose [to enlist] for a couple reasons, the main one being that I decided, last year, that I wasn’t going go to college and pursue trade school. When I was talking with the recruiter, while doing active service, to get my entire apprenticeship done in my four years of service as well as getting extra training done with the military. So, I decided that going that route is probably better than doing the standard five year apprenticeship program because that allows me to get a lot more done in a shorter period of time. The best training I could get,” said Senior Jack Jenney who is joining Seth on the path to become a Marine as well. However, just because someone wants to
join the military doesn’t necessarily mean that they are automatically in. Just like applying to colleges, there is a long process that is required to be a recruit. “Before you can even apply, you want to be physically fit. I attempted to apply before I was physically fit and they didn’t even entertain me the idea of being a marine,” said Ratajski. “So, I came back later, 30 pounds less, and even though I was still technically overweight, I scored a high score on their version of the ACT/SAT and they were so overjoyed, so they immediately signed me up for a lot of different stuff. I’m contracted for eight years, four years active duty, four years
reserve and I ship June 25th to my bootcamp which is the The Marine Corp on Parris Island in South Carolina.” Not only is Ratajski leaving Bloomfield Hills, but he will sadly also be leaving his two siblings, Sophomore, Liv and Freshman, Luke Ratajski. “Having a brother going into the Marines is almost like having a sibling going off to college, it’s just a little different,” said Liv. The difference is that there is a bigger chance that something might happen to him when he ships off. Otherwise, I believe that going into the military is not only a smart decision for his future but a great way to make life-
Seth Ratajski poses with his platoon. Photo provided by Seth Ratajski.
long friends and create a passion out of what he’s doing.“ Joining the military doesn’t always mean that you’re going to be fighting in combat, there are many different specialties within the military that a person can apply for. “As of right now, the jobs that I have signed down that I would like to perform are metal working, repairing and wrecking military bases while you’re working overseas or domestically,” said Jenney. “We work on those bases, whether it’s pipe fitting, metal working, other stuff and depending on where something is needed to be put up will determine if I will be in the center of combat.”
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Students at BHHS may be behind the counter at an ice cream store, a hostess at a restaurant, or babysit on Friday nights, but there are some students that go above and beyond by creating their own job; they start their own businesses. The ideas that they have come up with are special to them as well as the skill sets that they possess. Senior Sydney Kalt utilizes her artistic abilities to create stickers which she sells on the website Redbubble. “It’s a site than anyone can use to upload their artwork. It’s a way to put your art out there so people can see it, like an online marketplace,” said Kalt. “When you upload your artwork to the site, you set a percentage of how much you want to make every time somebody purchases it. Every time someone buys a sticker I make around 25 cents.” The teens who took the initiative have deemed up a few ideas that are interesting, but the stories of how it all began are even more fascinating. Hannah Altman, a senior at Bloomfield Hills, started her business of selling collectible toys with her parents when she was just in elementary school. “When I was at a restaurant I saw a pencil topper in a vending machine and thought everyone else at school would love them as much as I did. I came back to the dinner table and told my parents these would sell really well and that’s when Hannah’s Cool World came to life with selling collectible toys,” said Altman. “I started the business when I was around eight so I’ve been doing this for about nine or ten years. We have been successful ever since.” Their ideas may be different, but one thing that all of these students share in common: they were inspired. Benny Fellows, a junior at Bloomfield Hills, started his logo making company due to the fact that he loved to draw abstract designs. As stated before, Altman simply saw something interesting that she liked in a restaurant. Kalt
creates designs because she likes bumper stickers. “I collect [bumper stickers], and I think that they are a great memory of places you have been. They are a great way to express yourself so I always thought it would be fun to make my own,” said Kalt. “Then, other people started asking me if I can put them online and make them stickers, and I thought this is a really easy way for people to see my stickers.” The business teachers at school are proud to see young members of the community working in business. Randall Odom, one of those teachers, believes that starting a business as a high school student can only bring benefits to their future in the business world, but it takes more than a good idea to be successful. “It takes everything to run a business. You could have the skill set required, but it means nothing if you don’t know how to get along with people, interact, and are able to solve problems,” said Odom. “The fact is many times if you are great with people skills up to a certain level, you can manage within that with and get professionals, i.e. accountants, attorneys, whatever the case may be to do certain skills that are in a business that needs to be done in order for a business to be able to perpetuate itself.” The students do plan on going to college. Kalt and Altman plan on taking their developed skills to a university come August 2018. Altman stated that she plans to expand on what she was able to accomplish in high school, and she wants to apply these skills to her new schooling. “When I go to college I will for sure be studying entrepreneurship & business enterprise,” said Altman. “Although I’m still unsure of a specific major, it will definitely have to do with business and communications, so I can gain more knowledge about the world of business from a new perspective.” It’s exciting to see what the future holds for these young entrepreneurs, as well as the hundreds out there just like them.
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“I design and sell stickers on RedBubble, an online marketplace for artists. I love expressing myself throughout drawings in which people can purchase.”
Hannah Altman, 12th Grade
“I have a buisness called CoolZips and Hannah’s Cool World. We make profit by selling our Kawaii squishy toys to local customers and international wholesale retailers.”
Natalie Gould, 11th Grade
“I started selling thrifted clothing on resale clothing apps to make profit off of vintage, one-of-a-kind things that you can’t find in the stores.”
Zainab Mahmood, 12th Grade
“I started selling Snapchat geofilters afters I discovered my talent in graphic design. I have made filters for major cities like Chicago, Paris and London.” Graphic by Maddie Wein
BLOOMFIELD HILLS HIGH SCHOOL BROKEN LEG THEATRE CO. PROUDLY PRESENTS
Celebrates
A Broadway Review & Silent auction
Friday, Feburary 9, 2018 7:30- BHHS Performing Arts Center Friday, FebRUary 9, 2018 $20 Tickets-ETIX.COM-KEYWORD:BHHS 7:30- BHHS Performing Arts Center
$20 Adults // $10 Students-ETIX.COM-KEYWORD:BHHS Camp Casey is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit horseback riding organization for children with cancer and rare blood disorders.
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the hawkeye
FEBRUARY ENTERTAINMENT
Reviews This month in the Oscar nominations give us insight into our 2018 winners by MAXIMILLIAN HELFMAN Editor-in-Chief It’s that time of the year again! The 90th Oscars are March 4th, 2018 and the nominations were just announced, giving us a serious look at whether or not this year’s show will be cut and dry or full of surprises. To begin, the biggest category of them all, Best Picture. The nominees for this category are “Call Me By Your Name,” “Darkest Hour,” “Dunkirk,” “Get Out,” “Lady Bird,” “Phantom Thread,” “The Post,” “The Shape of Water,” and “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.” The front runner for this category is between Three Billboards and The Shape of Water, which is leading with 13 nominations. Three Billboards, which has swept all the other award shows in the acting category, still has a lot of steam on it’s back. Both films have very relevant stories that I’m sure The Academy will want to honor, one with a strong female lead, the other about acceptance in a world of opposition. The best actress and actor categories seem very cut and dry. The nominees for best actress are Sally Hawkins, Frances McDormand, Margot Robbie, Saoirse Ronan, and Meryl Streep. Frances McDormand, the lead of Three Billboards, has swept the other award shows, winning best actress for almost everything. The only other
person that could come in for the underdog would be Sally Hawkins for The Shape of Water simply because her performance was able to engross the audience without speaking a single word. The best actor nominees were Timothee Chalamet, Daniel Day-Lewis, Daniel Kaluuya, Gary Oldman, and Denzel Washington. The two front runners for this category are Gary Oldman for his transforming performance as Winston Churchill and Timothee Chalamet for his vulnerable, ambitious performance in Call me By Your Name. As much as I would love to see Timothee Chalamet take the Oscar, Gary Oldman (much like Frances McDormand) has swept the other award shows. There’s also the huge age difference between Oldman and Chalamet, Oldman being 59 and Chalamet being 22, the Academy often sides with the older, more experiences, actor. Besides the big three categories, the supporting acting categories are more of a shake up, as well as the many technical categories. If you want other ways to predict who will be taking the most prestigious award in Hollywood, look at the winners of the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild Award. But we won’t know for sure until the day when all of Hollywood stops to see who gets the best awards of the year. The 90th annual Oscars are March 4th, 2018 at 8:00 p.m est.
A Little Pitchy Pitch perfect delivers amazing vocals but a lackluster plot
What a welcome to the jungle
Unthreading the Arthouse Film
A rightful sequal to a classic
Masterful filmmaking: a guide by Paul Thomas-Anderson
by HABIB BELLO Managing Editor
by VIVIAN HARBER Managing Editor
by CONNOR RENUSCH Guest Writer
The Original Star Wars. Hunger Games. Toy Story. It seems as if all good things must end in three’s. However, the 3rd installment of the series lends a lackluster hand to the elongated plot line , ultimately tainting the storied legacy. In fact, that is the case for Pitch Perfect series. I would honestly rank Pitch Perfect 3 the second best in the trilogy, lacking enough authenticity to push it over the original film.. Back for a third go-around, the Pitch Perfect cast consists of the singing stars Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, and Hailee Steinfeld. Directed by Trish Sie and produced by the collaboration of four producers, Pitch Perfect 3 places a new twist on the storyline, but it often gets blurred. The story follows the Barden Bellas as they compete in the USO concert against other musicians in order to earn a spot alongside DJ Khaled on his tour. Returning with its third film in the series, Pitch Perfect’s female led cast highlighted the close-knit team of the Bellas really sold the story to the American republic. The singing in the film was impeccable. But we expected that. We wanted them to give us something more-and they did. However, it was in fact too much. The harmonies and the vocals were flawless, and some of the jokes were very funny. However, the other films were packed with more humor, leaving Pitch Perfect 3 to get the comedic scraps. And don’t even let me get started on the plot. The storyline was a reach in so many aspects. I believe you could actually see the Pitch Perfect plotline crying for help and simplicity. Is it the best Pitch Perfect yet? Not a chance. The plot got covered by the singing and it didn’t allow the audience to connect with the characters, especially in the scenes where it was emotional. Pitch Perfect 3 is available to watch in theaters all over the country and its run time is 94 minutes. If you are a fan of the Pitch Perfect series, I would say watch it. And if you aren’t, still go watch it, for it is a great singing movie applicable to every type of audience.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle plays off of the plotline from the original Jumanji, with Robin Williams, and adds a modern, comical twist. Four teenagers are transported into the Jumanji video game as avatars. Instead of Jumanji’s threats exploding from a board game like the original, the teenagers are plunged into the realistic world of the video game, a modern reboot of the venerated movie. Furthermore, the avatars are given three lives, a necessity in the wellexecuted action scenes. This modern twist leads to more comedy, action, and adventure in the movie. Spencer, the typical, nerdy teenager played by Alex Wolff is revamped into his avatar played by Dwayne Johnson. The rest of the teenagers are transformed to avatars played by Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, and Jack Black; a mix that no doubt amounts to heaps of comedy. The teens are faced with several opponents and challenges, represented by different levels in the video game. This, plus the specific strengths and weaknesses of each avatar, amount to electrifying action scenes that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Despite countless cliche scenes, the actors’ performances are what really heighten the movie’s class. The modern video game twist contributes to characters that we’ve never seen before. The eclectic cast and their wonderful performances keep the scenes, that we’ve seen in several movies prior, interesting. Outside of the side splitting humor and thrilling action, the movie is encompassed by a cliche theme of teamwork, resembling that of the original Jumanji, energized by the trademark stars and hefty budget. The video game atmosphere heightens the requirement of teamwork, balancing out the avatars’ strengths and weaknesses. Although Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle differs drastically from the original, the cast and directors have kept the spirit of Jumanji alive.
I stand by that if you went back to 1997 and told the people sitting in the theater waiting to see Boogie Nights that in 20 years, the same man who directed the cult classic film would be directing the art house, exquisite and beautiful Phantom Thread, they would call you absolutely crazy. Yet, here we are today. Paul Thomas Anderson works as director, writer, and cinematographer, allowing us to witness the wonder that is Anderson’s mind flowing onto the screen. Phantom Thread takes us back to the 1950s and places us in the shoes of Daniel-Day Lewis’ Reynolds Woodcock, a wellregarded and respected dressmaker in the heart of Britain. After witnessing his daily routine that he ever so diligently follows, Woodcock’s life and relationship with his sister Cyril (Lesley Manville) is completely thrown off balance by the introduction of a younger love interest Alma (Vicky Krieps). From there, we’re dropped straight in the middle of a fascinating triangle of characters as alliances change, tension rises, and love is hung in the balance. One of the film’s strongest elements is its characters in every aspect. From the writing to the direction to the performances, these complex and brilliant characters are lifted to life and carry the entire emotional weight of the film on their shoulders. The love story between Day-Lewis and Krieps develops quite naturally as the actors seem to grow closer together or draw farther away from each other in a heart wrenching fashion. The writing and direction of this works to compliment the brilliant yet subtle performances that truly make us feel engrossed into these characters. We as audience members are in a constant tug-of-war with ourselves as to who to root for or even like in general as the people who we had once been introduced to at the beginning of the film have changed completely. It is in these elements of filmmaking that Paul Thomas Anderson succeeds immensely in giving his audience a reason to care about what he has crafted. There’s a strong takeaway, leaving your jaw on the floor as you work to unravel what you’ve just witnessed over the next couple of days. Simply put, what you see in this picture will completely and utterly shock you. It’s nothing like the boring arthouse drama you may have expected to see from the trailers. It’s a true period piece that brings to life some wonderful gripping storytelling and filmmaking that we just don’t see anymore. I would certainly and absolutely recommend this to every lover of film. I think this is a must see in regards to creation of film and how every element of filmmaking can be used to tell a really beautiful and interesting story. It’s certainly more adult so that is something to keep in mind but to those with a passion for movies and even those looking to explore the art form a little further, this isn’t one to miss. It acts as a perfect sign off to Daniel Day-Lewis’ powerful filmography and opens the door to newcomers like Vicky Krieps. Having now been two decades since Boogie Nights was released, it would take a master class argument to debate that Paul Thomas Anderson’s entire slate of pictures including his newest, and possibly greatest addition, is something short of phenomenal.
For more movie reviews, go to our website
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FEBRUARY ENTERTAINMENT
From the Nest Every issue, the Hawkeye finds five standout faces at Bloomfield Hills High School. Here are their stories after finishing final exams.
Crossword Challenge yourself to the February Hawkeye Crossword by ANISH TAMHANEY Editor-in-Chief 1.
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Ahmed Altaii “If life is a DVD player, I’m a VHS.”
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For more crosswords, go to our website
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Cam Kinetic “You don’t need to be Michael Phelps to play pool.”
Kaitlyn Roman “My name is not Megan McManus.”
Mrs. Twomey
ACROSS 1. Back talk 3. With 10 Across, 3 Down, and 4 Down, 1975 Pink Floyd album 5. Belgian currency 6. Invasive fish from Asia 8. Having a(n) “____ over the competition” is advantageous 10. See 3 Across
DOWN 1. Look around for 2. What one might do at Boyne 3. See 3 Across 4. See 3 Across 7. Ending of most local law enforcement acronyms 9. Spiky-haired Fieri
View the answers to the December Edition Crossword here:
HawkeyeComics
“A quote and a picture is all you need?”
Cam Luyckx “Now that first semester is over… only 141 more days till summer!”
by EMILY WANG Illustrator