The Bucs' Blade May 2019

the

blade

HAND-CRAFTED OPPORTUNITIES

Sisters Maddy and Lauren Streng sell homemade crafts to send kids to school in Haiti pg.19

Volume 74 Issue 6, bucsblade.com

GRAND HAVEN HIGH SCHOOL

May 23, 2019

the

blade STAFF 74

EDITOR IN CHIEF Maddie Monroe Chris Hudson

FINAL WORD FROM YOUR EDITORS CONTENTS OPINION

NEWS EDITOR Caleb Berko

LIFE EDITOR Morgan Womack

ARTS EDITOR Sophia Jaeger

SPORTS EDITOR Jack Reus Sam Woiteshek

PHOTO EDITOR Carlos Rappleye

REPORTERS Mijan Ahmad Nizam Micayla Cramer Paige Horist Emily Jarrell Mercedes Mancilla Nick Rice Nicolas Twa Lexi Tater Ashton Voorhes Addelyn Wachter

PUBLICATION POLICY

The Bucs’ Blade is a student-produced news publication that publishes information relevant to the times as well as material that is essential to the overall well-being of its readers. It is The Bucs’ Blade’s responsibility to cover school, city, state, national and international events and issues that affect the concerns of the campus, its students or its readers.

The Bucs’ Blade operates as a designated public forum for student expression. The Editorial Board consisting of student editors is the sole decision-making and policy setting body of The Bucs’ Blade and has final say over all content decisions.. The adviser and administration have a non-review role and may offer advice on sensitive issues and will offer criticisms as warranted after publication but the Editorial Board reserves all rights to determine what material shall be published. Editorials represent the collective opinion of The Bucs’ Blade staff.

Well, this is it. My last letter from the editor and my last piece I will ever write for the blade.

In the past, editors have used this as a way to say a few last words to Grand Haven High School. To inform them of issues they find important, or give well wishes to next years staff.

But I want to say thank you.

The blade room has become my sanctuary these past three years, the cave where I go to hide and get work done or avoid all my “friends” during lunch. I honestly don’t think I would have made it without this incredible paper and the people who are apart of it.

When I first started high school, I was pretty lost.

It wasn’t until I joined the blade that I felt I had a place I belonged. This paper gave me a path. I realized after my first week on staff that I loved journalism, and that it’s something I want to do for the rest of my life.

So I want to say thank you to the past staffs, for making me feel welcome and included, and for helping me create great journalism that I will forever be proud of.

I want to say thank you to C.E. Sikkenga, for pushing me to always put out the best work I can, even when it sucks and is difficult. And for always reminding me to not be sorry, but be right.

I want to say thank you to the students and staff at Central High School, for welcoming Chris and me into your halls and telling us your story. It was one of the most memorable experiences I have ever had.

I want to say thank you to Leslie King, for giving us the time to tell your story, and for letting us share that with Grand Haven High School, so they too know the horrors behind human trafficking.

I want to say thank you to Chris Hudson, my amazing co-editor in chief, for keeping me on track this year and always reminding me to check my folios.

I want to give one last thank you to Grand Haven High School, for being an enthusiast of the student press, for allowing us to create a great paper, and giving kids like me a place to belong. Please never let it go.

--Maddie Monroe

I guess this is the end of my last rodeo; the victory lap has reached its checkered flag.

And I gotta say, while writing my last piece ever for the Blade, I really see what a ride it was.

I’ve been apart of this Blade family for four years and looking back, I’ve come to realize just how different each year, each experience for that matter, has been for me.

Joining the “mix” second semester of my freshman year, I knew my little Jacob Sartorius-esque self was in for it. With my sister as the Editor-in-Chief and on a sports staff of just juniors and seniors, there was little hope not to get chirped.

But through it all, I learned from some of the best and didn’t have that fear of upperclassmen some have; I was lucky enough to cultivate bonds with each staff member that shaped who I am today. Thank you staff 71.

As my sophomore campaign came, growing pains of finding a new chemistry were apparent, yet that opened a door for leadership for our new staff. Taking advantage of that opportunity, I developed my own capabilities of how to help and direct others. From what staff 72 taught me, I chose to challenge myself. For that, I say thank you.

My greatest leap on Blade was going to a full-time editor in my junior year. Picking up the sports editor duty tested my will and perseverance. At times, I questioned if I still wanted to keep going.

Through it all, my reporters on the sports staff and fellow editors, stuck by my side and were there for me. They showed compassion, care and a belief that I could do more.

In tough instances, they stood by me. I owe you one, staff 73.

And now, as I bid adieu to staff 74, everything’s come together. I’ve learned more from my staffers than ever before.

I took on the highest role possible, Co Editor-in-Chief, with the greatest counterpart I could’ve ever asked for - thank you Maddie “Marker” Monroe. I doubted myself this year at points, sure, but that was matched with persistence; helping us become an award-winning publication again.

For C.E. and every person I’ve been fortunate to work under, words can’t do justice for what you’ve done for me.

Blade will forever be apart of me. And for you readers who have stayed with us over the years, thank you for making the Blade apart of your life too.

--Chris Hudson

The Bucs’ Blade Maddie Monroe CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF

Chris Hudson CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF

@Bucsblade @thebucsblade

Letters and submissions: Opinions expressed by individuals and in letters to the editor represent those of the author. Letters to the editor should be typed, double spaced and must include the author’s name, signature and class or position. Names of individuals may be withheld upon request, pending a vote of the Editorial Board. Letters may be submitted in hard copy to room 0205 at Grand Haven High School or via email at bucsblade@gmail.com. All letters are subject to review by the Editorial Board. Letters will not be edited except to fix space limitations. Should the Editorial Board deem a letter to be potentially libelous or containing content inappropriate for publication it will return the letter to the author with an opportunity for corrections. The Editorial Board is solely responsible for these decisions. Letters need to be received one week prior to print publication dates to be included in print.

2 INDEX

3. Staff editorial 4. Biodegradable plastic opinion

NEWS 5. Briefs 6. Boys bathroom update

SENIOR EDITION 8. Survey 9-11. Columns 12-13. Map 14. Opinions 15. Wills 16. Senior year photos 17.What to pack

LIFE 18. Deaf rapper Q&A 19. Streng profile

ARTS 20-21. Reviews

SPORTS 22. Shumaker profile 23. Chamberlain Q&A

PHOTO 24. Irish band May 23, 2019, www.bucsblade.com

CULTURE OF ACCOUNTABILITY

Illustration by Maddie Monroe

In order to prevent another “bathroom situation” we need change in attitude

I

t’s fifth hour. You just drank two cartons of milk for lunch and filled up your water bottle twice today. Your teacher is in the middle of their lecture and it hits you: you’ve got to go.

Frantically you race to the nearest boys’ bathroom, hoping to find the sweet relief of the urinal. There it is, within distance and … some immature teenage boy is urinating on the floor next to where you’re supposed to be aiming.

What do you do? Do you call the boy out and say “hey, knock it off you jerk,” or do you quick calculate your chances of being found “not guilty” in social court for snitching?

It’s an easy choice, right? Police yourself and your peers while retaining full access to the bathrooms, or don’t.

For those of you fellas who don’t know, it’s basic common sense: get in, get out, don’t screw around. The concept is elementary; a kindergarten student knows as much. Why is that so hard to understand?

The actions of a few have forced the administration’s hand and we’re all left to suffer the consequences now. By allowing the issue to perpetuate, we have brought punishment upon ourselves.

Simply put, the bathroom fiasco is just a surface-level flaw. A change in culture is what’s really needed. If we want to avoid being treated like children, we have to make sure we don’t act like it and don’t turn a blind eye to those who do. That means the negative connotation that comes with snitching has to go. Once that is addressed and everyone unites against the connotation, you should be surprised with the turnaround you see here.

Snitching is simply calling others out for what they’ve done wrong.

Snitching is not wrong. Snitching holds everyone accountable. And the bathroom situation has taught the student body a valuable lesson: if you don’t hold others accountable for their actions, everyone loses out.

That’s not to say that you only snitch on people to get them in

“

“ Sophomore Ethan Jhamb

Senior Miguel Castelan

I thought it was very immature but I feel like the students should’ve done more about it before it got to that point where people had to ... get involved.

“

”

The bathrooms should be kept clean. Young people should take care of them, like the people who did it. There has to be consequences for them.

www.bucsblade.com, May 23, 2019

trouble. You snitch because you have a part in this. You are partly responsible for the issue by not holding others accountable.

In the military, members serve with honesty and integrity. If they know about a peer who is cheating or cutting corners but they choose to do nothing about it and avoid the problem, then they shoulder part of the blame. For some, the consequences could spell expulsion, but for those who hold their colleagues accountable, they’re esteemed.

We ought to hold ourselves more accountable and mirror the actions of our active duty members given the uncompromising standards they hold themselves to.

Perhaps if we took a look at things more broadly, we’d see this dilemma with the bathrooms is just a symptom of a larger, more complex problem with the culture at GHHS. It’s time to take accountability and more importantly, action to ensure this doesn’t happen again.

”

It got people who weren’t personally involved with any of it grouped in with the rest of the people that started all of it.

I kind of felt like it was dumb, but at the same time it kind of helps eliminate the problem.

STAFF EDITORIAL Support 8-0

“

I think it’s necessary. I think the kids should’ve gotten in trouble in eighth grade before they came to the high school.

” ”

Sophomore Tom Yonan

Freshman Connor Dalman

EDITORIAL 3

KIDS

IT’S BETTER IF IT’S BIODEGRADABLE Pollution’s effects are not only affecting humans, it’s also changing the animal population

THESE

DAYS “Kids these days” phrase being used in the wrong context, when not looking at the bigger picture

I hate the phrase “kids these days.” Saying “oh, kids these days” undermines an entire generation of thoughtful, intelligent and creative children.

Would it be okay if I walked into a nursing home and said, “Oh ew, the elderly these days”?

No, obviously it wouldn’t be because that’s rude and encompasses a whole group of people who could be very different than the specific group that I was examining in that particular instance.

“Kids these days” are living on a melting planet.

“Kids these days” live with the threat of being shot at every time they walk into school.

“Kids these days” are experiencing the world like no other generation has.

Maybe I’m biased. Yes, of course every generation is different, and has faced different challenges. But you can’t deny it, there is something different about growing up in a time where the Earth is a ticking time bomb and you are told every day that you and your generation are suddenly in charge of fixing race relations, political polarization, a broken social security system and also getting your math homework done on time. Again, yes, every generation has had their problems to fix, but most of those weren’t created by people who are going to die before they have to solve them.

When someone complains about “those damn kids,” they are talking about the first gen-

4 OPINION

Illustration by Nick Rice Illustration by Nick Rice

Guest Opinion Jalen Greene eration post-Columbine. The first generation with a black president. The first generation in which climate change could become irreversible. Not only that- these are the kids who have created some of the most powerful student-led movements in history.

For example, The March for Our Lives, School Strike for Climate, the resurrection of the Youth NAACP, and even aspects of the well-known #MeToo movement were sparked by young girls (and boys) speaking up about their stories. These movements are not just things that kids are doing so that politi-

cians and world leaders will look down at and pat them on the head. They are doing them for the pure reason that they believe that is what’s right.

These are kids who have grown up on dystopian novels and anti-government sentiment.

They all believe that in some way that they are the Katniss or the Harry of their generation. You cannot raise a group of young people on rebellion-themed literature and expect them to stand down when they see something that threatens what they believe in.

Personally, I have sat in classrooms with students my age from upwards of ten different countries and talked about the issues we see in the world. While those issues may differ from person to person, one thing is obvious: the kids talking about them believe they have the power to make change. Their statements are not “I wish I could… ” but rather “I have plans to… ” I believe that this idealism, this hardheadedness is what will, for lack of better phrasing, “save the world.”

Pollution is a major issue in the world today. In every country, in every ocean, there are numerous heaps of garbage dumped into landfills that quickly migrate into the multiple bodies of water. Animals misinterpret the waste as food, thinking it will replenish their starving stomachs, while in reality the “food” is slowly killing them.

Creatures who travel to the surface of the water or near shores get trapped in the mountains of trash and can not escape. The United Nations focus group on Marine Pollution estimates that about 80 percent of marine pollution comes from landfills, while “60 to 95 percent of the waste being plastics debris” Therefore, this proves that all the plastic bags, straws, and water bottles are gradually destroying our planet along with the homes of multiple, unique species. If one of the most pressing problems is plastic, then why not try to decrease the amount of this material produced, or at least change the material used to make plastic?

More recently, according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a handful of companies are starting to transition to compostable or biodegradable plastic like Ecover, Pepsico and L’Oréal. When more and more corporations begin to follow in these footsteps, pollution in the oceans, on land, and in the air will decrease to make our environment healthier.

Sadly the numerous amount of plastic produced today doesn’t decompose, and is left circling the globe harming the

Opinion Addy Wachter worlds animals as it goes.

Along with taking a long time to break down, plastic contributes to air pollution. Toxic materials like benzene and vinyl hydrochloride help create the product but also cause cancer and once emitted into the atmosphere, pollute the air and soil.

In order to make the material soft and easily pliable, another chemical called phthalate is added. The World Count writes that plastic“is known to affect our fertility, disrupt our endocrine glands, birth defects and other health problems” .

Cost is a crucial concern for some businesses that do not have a lot of money. The company cycleWood Solutions estimates that their new product called the Xylobag, made of compostable plastic, will “cost roughly 1.5 cents per unit compared with 1.2 cents for traditional plastic bags”. Over time, this will add up. However, we would spend less money on cleanup programs and production because there would be very little waste to cleanup and the energy used to create the products would decrease, evening out

the price.

According to Connectus Funds, corporations would “no longer need to go through the processes of finding, accessing, and transporting hydrocarbons to create plastic items using this technology”, meaning fewer fossil fuels would be burned, workers would consume less from the air, and the amount of contaminants being released would go down.

When an object is biodegradable, it decomposes naturally and becomes a part of the earth.

On the other hand, compostable items are capable of decomposing by undergoing a different process called microbial fermentation. These items are “derived generally from renewable raw materials… not hazardous in production and decompose back into carbon dioxide, water, biomass, etc.” says World Centric.

Studies have shown that it takes about three to six months for both decomposition processes to finish. That may seem like forever but compared to perpetual piles of plastic sitting there for thousands of years, wouldn’t you rather have it gone after those few, short months?

Flipping a switch from traditional plastic to biodegradable and compostable plastic is unrealistic. Although, if society tried to make that gradual change over time, this planet would not continue to lose precious, living creatures or clear, blue waters.

Instead, the number of deadly mounds of waste would drop, our lungs would fill with fresh, clean air, and animals would have safe homes to live in.

Illustration by Sophia Jaeger May 23, 2019, www.bucsblade.com

Sophia Jaeger THE BUCS’ BLADE GAME POINT: The high school science olympiad team watches as awards are announced during the state competition at Michigan State University on April 27.

Science o fails to clinch nationals

Macayla Cramer THE BUCS’ BLADE CHAMPIONS: “I’m very thankful for all of the work that each person has put in whether it’s been designing pages, writing, taking pictures, editing, whatever it was,” Monroe said. “I hope that this stride continues.”

Blade staff WINS awards Student journalists from Grand Haven High School’s student publication The Bucs’ Blade earned 25 individual awards as well as the prestigious Spartan Award for overall excellence at the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA) Spring Conference on April 23.

The print arm of the publication earned the Spartan Award by scoring 920 out of a possible 1000 points on a comprehensive evaluation of three issues conducted by an out-of-state judge.

The critique noted that “the Blade provides dynamic coverage both within its campus as well as its surrounding area. The content serves a wide range of stakeholders, from students to faculty to community members -- and covers a broad spectrum of groups.” It also praised the paper for producing “fascinating, articulate, professional journalistic work.”

The award marks the Blade’s first Spartan since 2016.

Co-Editors-in-Chief Maddie Monroe and Chris Hudson found the award especially satisfying.

#

By the NUMBERS www.bucsblade.com, May 23, 2019

“I know just all the work that, not just us two, but this entire staff ’s been putting in this year, and I really felt like we deserved it,” Hudson said. “After seeing Utica pass then Grand Haven High School, the first second I was just shocked, like ‘we actually did it.’ Then it kind of hit me and I just popped up and hugged Mad Mon. I was just thrilled.”

Both students made winning a Spartan one of their top goals at the end of last year.

“With that in the back of our heads the whole year, we definitely stepped up our game a little bit and we took the things from the critique last year into account,” Monroe said. “We were making sure that we were improving on every little thing that we could.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever forget how excited those kids were when the award was announced,” Sikkenga said. “I couldn’t be happier for a group of kids, especially Chris Hudson and Maddie Monroe, our editors in chief. They’ve done so much and learned so much this year.

They deserve to savor this one.”

$7.1

million. That’s how much money was offered to this year’s seniors in scholarship money from various organizations, elementary schools, and colleges. However they only accepted $4 million.

The high school Science Olympiad team finished in fourth place at the Michigan State University state competition out of 60 teams on April 27.

“I think everyone did the best they could and we just has a lot more competition this year,” senior Thomas Draper said.

Although the team did not score high enough to continue to nationals, individual competitors scored within the top eight and earned medals in 11 out of the 23 events. Draper and fifth year senior Ronald Hodge took home first place in Mission Possible, while Draper and senior Nolan Ruble earned second place in Boomilever.

“I would hope the other things that they learned from being in Science Olympiad is that it’s not about the result that they get,” team coach Mike Reed said. “But that they’ve learned something that’s going to help them out in college.”

The team was disappointed that they were unable make it to nationals, but participants are motivated to work even harder in order to reach the increasing competition.

“The future really depends on the students here and what they’re willing to commit to, and dedicate to, and working hard toward accomplishing the goals,” Reed said.

--Reporter Emma Manzo

Middle school science o heads to nationals The Lakeshore Middle School Science Olympiad team won first place at the state competition on April 27.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling, I don’t think anyone understands,” Jacob Marcus said.

Making it to nationals is a notable accomplishment, but the team has to keep up their momentum for the upcoming national competition taking place at Cornell University on May 31 through June 1. Members assure they are prepared for the challenge and teamwork.

“You need a team to succeed, you can’t accomplish anything alone,” Marcus said.

--Reporter Emma Manzo

Sophia Jaeger THE BUCS’ BLADE CELEBRATION: Members of the Lakeshore SO team celebrate a first place victory at the state competition. They will compete at nationals starting May 31 through June 1.

is the number of students who will graduate this year from the Early College program. These students will receive, upon graduation, an associates degree alongside their high school diploma.

is the ranking Grand Haven High School received in the state of Michigan according to U.S. News & World Report. The school also got a score of 84.01/100 on the report’s scale.

12

102

NEWS 5

Bathrooms to undergo renovations

FRESH REMODEL: This is what the bathrooms will look like after the remodel is completed in the academic wing.

Pictured is the boys bathroom in the athletic wing which the school is using as a template for the remodels that will take place this summer.

“

”

-Junior Jared Franke

This is the most ludicrous thing ... I don’t blame them though, because people don’t utilize this like they should, and they don’t treat it like a public facility.

-Junior Cam Riley

”

6 NEWS

Photo Courtesy of Tracy Wilson

Vandalism has pushed the district to update and remodel bathrooms during summer break while students are not in the building By Caleb Berko

It’s kinda annoying. I’m glad we have more bathrooms now to use.

“

Photo Courtesy of Tracy Wilson

A

fter several days of limited access, boys bathrooms were reopened on May 13. Students were notified by Principal Tracy Wilson on the morning announcements.

Male students are no longer required to ‘checkin’ to use the bathrooms, Wilson told the student body over the PA. She also said that more bathrooms will be opened during this time.

“The pod seven bathroom will remain closed, but all others, one, three and five, will be opened and will not require a ‘check-in’,” Wilson said.

“However, we will still be monitoring the bathrooms and prosecuting students who choose to continue to harm our facilities.”

The bathrooms were put on lockdown due to acts of vandalism committed by a presumably small sect of male students. According to Facilities Manager Kyle Hitsman, the school has been plagued with these acts since the start of the year.

“Some of the (incidences) are vandalism, some of them are bodily fluids and fecal matter, and some others are just general destruction,” Hitsman said. “We have kids that just pee on the floor or poop on the floor and kinda just leave it.”

Hitsman said incidences of vandalism include soap dispensers ripped from the walls, toilets that have been kicked by students and are now broken and stall doors ripped from the walls.

Assistant Principal Mike Roberson, said many students have been turned in since the introduction of the ‘check-in’ system, leading to the decision to restore access.

“We’ve had very few issues (since the mandated ‘check-in’),” Roberson said. “We’re getting lots of names because people are frustrated, and rightfully so because they should have access to bathrooms.”

Given the effect of the vandalism, age of the building and need for general upkeep, renovations will be taking place during summer break while students are not in the building.

During spring break, the boys bathroom by the athletic wing was remodeled, and will serve as a template for a redesign of all the bathrooms in the academic wing. The district is taking account for the vandalism in their planning for future remodels.

“We’re getting bids right now (for the remodel), so all of that work will most likely be summer work,” Roberson said. “Ultimately, we’re looking at things that need to be replaced, as a matter of age, and we’re taking what we’ve learned to help us in the remodel.”

On April 29, during the morning announcements, Wilson said there would be fines issued to those who were deemed responsible for any destruction of property. In the May 13 update she also suggested prosecution as an option for additional consequences.

“If we can determine that they did physical damage to the building, then they can be charged,” Roberson said. “We’ve had some issues in the past with graffiti, and what happened then was the students were billed for man hours to fix the issues, but it really depends on the situation.”

Looking to the future, Roberson believes that there is a valuable lesson to be learned.

“This is how society works,” Roberson said.

“We have rules to control the few, when the vast majority gets it and can function in a way that’s reasonable. As for this building, we treat everyone here like a young adult until you prove otherwise.

Hopefully, kids will rise to the occasion and are able to be young adults.”

NEW PAINT: A fresh coat of paint will be applied to all the walls, and any damage will be repaired.

The school is in the process of bidding for prices before they will begin any work on the bathrooms.

“

Personally, I understand the reasoning for (closing the bathrooms). Obviously it’s a bit demoralizing, but there’s consequences for our action.

-Sophomore

Aaron Brummel

”

“

It’s sad that we have to do this, but we brought it upon ourselves.

-Senior Jon Elias

”

www.bucsblade.com, May 23, 2019

WE ARE ‘19 The Bucs’ Blade 2019 senior edition

8 SENIOR SURVEY

9-11 12-13 SENIOR COLLEGE COLUMNS MAP

www.bucsblade.com, May 23, 2019

14 COLLEGE OPINIONS

15 SENIOR WILLS

16 17 THE YEAR WHAT TO IN PHOTOS PACK SENIOR EDITION 7

by the

HAVE YOU EVER HAD A CRUSH ON A TEACHER? senior class of 2019

numbers

YES: 23% of seniors NO: 77% of seniors

WHAT POLITICAL PARTY DO YOU IDENTIFY WITH?

DEMOCRATIC: 36% of seniors REPUBLICAN: 26% of seniors OTHER PARTY/NONE: 38% of seniors DID YOU ENJOY HIGH SCHOOL?

YES: 78% of seniors NO: 22% of seniors

TOP 5 DREAM JOBS

1. School Teacher; 31% 2. Engineer-related; 15%

WHAT WAS YOUR BEST YEAR? SENIOR: 56% of seniors JUNIOR: 15.7% of seniors SOPHOMORE: 19% of seniors FRESHMAN: 8.7% of seniors BEST SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM?

INSTAGRAM: 50% of seniors SNAPCHAT: 40% of seniors TWITTER: 10% of seniors

TOP 5 CLASSES YOU WISH YOU TOOK 1. Outdoor Ed. with Warner 2. AP Psych with Portenga

3. Business-related; 12% 3. iCreate 360 with Case & Jettner 4. Medical Nurse; 10.7% 4. Jewelry/Art with Sipe 5. Pay It Forward with Williams 5. Electrician; 9.6% 8 SENIOR

May 23, 2019, www.bucsblade.com

TAKING A MOMENT TO RELAX If you have known me for some time, you would know I have a history of letting my anger get to me. It wasn’t until a few months ago where I really had to have a moment to ask myself “Mijan, what are you so angry about?”

This problem has its beginning rooted back in the golden days at Griffin Elementary. One of my most infamous memories was a time in the third grade where I yelled at a couple kids for absolutely no reason.

I highly doubt that anybody in that situation even remotely remembers that happening. But I do. That’s just the kind of person I am. The wonderful thing about that, though, is the fact that it is one small incident out of many that I can use to reflect on myself and therefore better myself as a human.

Fast forward to my days here at Grand Haven High School. It was freshman year at lunch. A couple of kids were going on and on about how fast I speak. Because of my impeccable “knowledge”, my first instinct was yelling and slamming the table.

And then, there was sophomore year, when I chickened out of eating a Trinidad scorpion (which by the way, I eventually ate one later). Because I was so much “smarter” as a sophomore, my expert way to deal with this anger was to squeeze an orange onto my friend’s notebook.

Junior year, the real fun began. I could honestly go over many things that happened last year. But two big ones are what really stick with me now.

There was the time where my friend threw a quarter and accidentally hit me in the eye. Of course, I am absolutely sorry for how

I handled it now. But at the time, I just wanted revenge, so the first thought was shoving him.

And then there was the good ole calculus euchre tournament.

My partner was going on and on about how every decision I made was stupid. It had gotten to the point where I had enough and threw down my euchre cards and stormed outside the classroom.

Now, most people at this point would probably have seeked some kind of mental help, maybe at a hospital of some sort to fix this issue.

However, that wasn’t me. What made me fix my problems, believe it or not, was a bet.

Senior year, I had a bet with my friend Casey Constant. It was simply based on if I could not let my anger get to me the entire semester, or else I’d have to pay 10 dollars. Little did I know this bet would be one of the greatest things that ever happened to me.

Because I am who I am, I lasted only four days. Yet, it was the fact that I hung in for four days that changed my life. It seriously made me sit down and question “Mijan, why are you so angry?”

All this time, it was because I thought retaliating would make me satisfied. I thought “getting someone back” was always the answer.

But it’s not. You shouldn’t want to do these things for temporary benefit for yourself. Many times, benefiting others is the answer.

Take it from someone who’s dealt with these issues first hand.

Reacting like this only does more damage than it does good. That is the most important thing I learned throughout my four years at this high school and I fully came to realize it this year.

This very place gave me the opportunity to do big things; things that would even make me forget about anger. The experiences I’ve

had here are unforgettable and now it is my turn to use those moments to create change in the world.

-- Mijan Ahmad Nizam

Hau Tran COURTESY PHOTO

MY OWN WORST CRITIC

Renee Schram COURTESY PHOTO

“Hey, you’re just being too hard on yourself - lighten up.”

I first heard that sentence only a handful of days before I began third grade. I didn’t know what my Young Bucs football coach meant and simply tried to hold back my tears after a rough practice.

Over time, I’d find out that it’d be a common statement for many emotional experiences I’ve faced over the years.

Throughout my academic, athletic and extracurricular careers, I have been ruthlessly pressuring myself. Whatever I was involved in, I always felt I had to do better or what I finished with was never good enough for me. www.bucsblade.com, May 23, 2019

I was rarely proud of what I achieved. I felt an urge that I could’ve, in some way, done just a little bit more.

It’s part of a perfectionist mentality that can be both a subtle blessing and a horrible curse.

Today, yes, I do believe that I have accomplished what I needed to as a student, athlete and leader of the GHAPS family. I aimed to enhance my learning, form lifelong bonds and be remembered as an individual who went above and beyond; paving a path of success that people will want to follow.

If I was never pushing myself to do more and more - overloading each day - my personal story and this column would sound a whole lot different. Who knows - I might not even be on the Blade if my tenacity changed.

But this never-ending pressure has resulted in losing focus over the years of what I need to pause for and be proud of; it’s led me to comparing myself to my peers; considering them as competitors in nearly any thinkable aspect; it’s brought me great anxiety and fear for if I am doing enough to be “good enough”.

Case in point: as I was skimming through old emails in my inbox, I dug up one from when I was a freshman in English 9A. There I was, three years ago, losing my cool and frantically emailing Mrs. Albaugh as I stressed over one minor section of a semester exam that I could’ve botched, possibly taking my final grade down a whopping 0.3%. Real life or death circumstance, I know.

I desired having the highest grade possible so much that anytime I could lose it by the smallest of margins, my composure and entire attitude would go straight out the window.

And Albaugh spotted that: my intense self pressure - reminding me in her response to “let [myself] off the hook”. She even went further in her email to tell me how worried she was of the possible long

term effects the merciless “self-nagging” could do on my character.

I should’ve stopped in that moment and truly processed what she advised.

But for a person who has a tendency to take things literally, comments like that were for some reason, the few I’d let roll off my shoulders.

Ranging from big blunders on tests to little letdowns in a club volleyball match, it’s always my mental wellbeing that suffers the most in that instance; I just don’t have that so-called “amnesia” to wash the everyday error away and move on.

I have never known the reason for why I am like this - maybe it’s a competitive spirit or maybe it’s the environment I live in. All I know is that this topic wasn’t on the AP Psychology exam I took. Guess you gotta fix your tests, College Board.

But, going back to what I was saying: even if at points this nitpicking attitude has torn me apart, I still believe that I met the goals I set for myself. I still feel that I’ve made my youth experience a memorable one that I wouldn’t ever change.

I write this for those of you who might be doing everything just for a certain award or plan after high school. If you are stressing it all on that, relax.

You can keep pressuring yourself time and time again, trying to control your future. In some cases, luck might go your way and you’ll get what you want.

But for now, I’ll leave you this quote my sister always goes back to: “whatever happens, happens; if it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be.”

Be your own critic, but take my word: it’ll all work out.

-- Chud

SENIOR EDITION 9

I want to be me when I grow up

Maddie Monroe THE BUCS’ BLADE

Who are you?

I’m not asking that question to be “deep” or woke. It’s an honest inquiry, and there’s a million things you could answer it with. Your name, social security number, age, whatever you feel identifies you.

But for me, that question can be thornier than I like to admit.

I’ve struggled with my idea of “me” for a long time, bouncing between labels to give myself some sense of comfort. But that teenage struggle to fit in focused on the wrong thing the whole time, and centered on the societal notion of me being a “boy” or a “man”.

And I’m not a man. I’m non-binary.

Now, what the hell does that mean? I promise you it’s not some snowflake liberal plot to steal your rights away from you, or whatever. It simply means I don’t feel comfortable with the gender I was told I am from birth, and I don’t identify with the opposite gender either. Who I am on the

inside doesn’t fit with these two options.

This means that I want to use singular they/them pronouns, rather than the gendered pronouns that are used for most people.

I’m also changing my name. Carlos is a cool name and all, but it’s undeniably masculine. I’m going to go by Kennedy, my middle name and my mothers maiden name.

It would be lame to let that legacy die out by having it stuck as a middle name.

When I came to Grand Haven as a scrawny 13 year old, I was extremely confused. I knew I didn’t want to be masculine, but I thought this meant I had to be gay.

I’m not gay.

My views changed and developed, I repressed my uncertainty over who I am for a while, but it never went away. I was aware that trans and non-binary people existed, but I never had met anyone who was, and therefore I didn’t have an idea in my head of what that looked like.

This all quickly changed sometime last year, when something clicked in my head that gender is not as rigid as society tells us.

I began to reach out into new social circles, met non-binary people, and realized that it’s what I am.

While I may have been confused for a long time, I’m certain now that this is right for me. I feel an enormous sense of comfort in saying and knowing that I am non-binary, and this isn’t some longing for “teenage rebellion”, as my dad would say.

I’m still the same person that I’ve always been, nothing about me has changed except that the lens that I show myself to the world with. I still listen to the same music, make the same poorly-timed jokes and rant about the same politics.

I’m just being more honest about who I am.

- Kennedy Rappleye

Don’t care so much Recently I got a letter from myself that I wrote at the end of 8th grade, at that time I wanted to be a doctor, have a 4.0 and live in Grand Haven. Now I am majoring in journalism at Michigan State and would prefer to be broke living in a van traveling the country than spend five more minutes in West Michigan.

As I read through the poorly-written letter, filled with spelling and grammar mistakes, I realized how much I have changed.

I went into high school with a chip on my shoulder, assuming it would be easy.

That I would make a bunch of friends, get perfect grades, and have the best time of my life.

Unfortunately, that’s not quite how it went.

My high school experience was honestly pretty terrible. I went through most of it alone, I never had a close-knit group of friends, went to most dances by myself, and spent more Friday nights listening to the sound of the cannon at home than in the

football stadium.

Even though I don’t have much good advice on how to make high school not suck, I will say this: whatever you are worrying about right now, won’t matter at all in a few years. I used to care so much about what people thought about me, I am sure many of you have felt this way too, but eventually, you get over it. Some of the friends I had are the most judgemental people on the planet so if I can survive, so can you.

Until my senior year I was completely lost, I eventually learned that the people I had tried so hard to be friends with for so long, really suck. So I just gave up. In the process, I met an amazing group of people who support me and don’t suck. Which is when I learned the importance of letting go of things that hurt you, even if you don’t want too.

But everyone changes once they start high school - it’s just how life works. So another piece of advice: don’t be afraid of

change.

Senior year, I made some of the best friends I have ever had, I attended more football games, I didn’t go to dances alone.

Of course I still had struggles, I still had to deal with the people who I had tried to push out of my life, I stressed for weeks about getting into my dream school, and being editor in chief of a paper I care so much about and didn’t want to screw up.

But I grew up, I started realizing how little time I have left here and that as soon as it’s over, none of it will matter. In 10 years I doubt I will look back and wish I had done something different, because I have done the best I can. Even though I’ve had some rough patches, Grand Haven is my home, and I will always be thankful for the opportunities I have had here.

Go Bucs.

-Maddie Monroe

Julia Drabczyk COURTESY PHOTO

10 SENIOR EDITION

www.bucsblade.com, May 23, 2019

FOLLOW THE RIGHT FOOTSTEPS

Maddie Monroe THE BUCS’ BLADE

Even though it’s been four years since I first hopelessly wandered the hallways of GHHS, it feels like it was just yesterday when I was a scared freshman trying to figure out how to get to the locker room to change before my first hour team sports class.

Freshman year for me was a rough time, much like it is for everyone. It’s the first year of high school, everyone towers over you in the hallway (especially if you enter the high school at a meager 5’4) and you’re the small fish in a big pond. As small fish do, we spent most of the time worried about being liked by the big fish and trying not to be eaten alive.

However, freshman year was integral because it was a big step towards the real world. We went from being babied at Lakeshore to having to share the hallways with seniors that sported full beards and were more like adults than they were like us. It was our first chance to really LEARN from other students in the same school.

As I learned on that first day in the locker room I desperately scrambled to find, there is learning from good examples and there is learning from bad examples. Good examples being those who changed, locked their stuff up and left, and bad examples doing a whole host of stuff from axe body spray wars to getting into a fist fight during our ultimate frisbee unit.

However, freshman are admittedly pretty dumb. Over

holiday break I forgot my locker combination for my team sports locker and I had to take the walk of shame from the boiler room to the locker room with the bolt cutters. They don’t always know the good examples from the bad examples, especially when the first thing on the agenda is to fit in.

My message to those that will be the upperclassmen next year is: make sure you’re the good example when the freshmen are watching.

No, you don’t have to be squeaky clean for seven hours a day because nobody is that sane nowadays. But realize that the freshmen have a lot to learn, look up to you just for the simple fact that you’re older, and are probably the easiest people in the world to influence.

Sure, it may be funny to convince a freshman to blow up a condom like a balloon in health class (guilty of being that freshmen), but everyday life will be a lot easier if you make a positive impact on the little guys. Annoyances like the annual “freshmen not knowing how to use the hallway” dilemma will be taken care of for the most part.

I’m still convinced it’s impossible for freshmen to correctly use the hallway within the first week though.

I also have a message for the newcomers next year as well: do your best to find the best footsteps you can follow in the high school.

Or else you may end up blowing up a condom like an idiot or have to walk down to the boiler room to get those bolt cutters.

-- Ashton Voorhees

ACCEPTING THE GREEN AND WHITE

I am officially in my last week of high school, no not just high school… my last week at Grand Haven area public schools in general.

I can confidently say I’ve had quite an amazing experience in my four years here and I’ve gone through a lot of change in the process. Meeting new people, making new friends, trying new things, you know all that high school stuff. But I changed in one way I never imagined I would’ve… I turned on a life full of maize and blue, Ann Arbor tailgates and hours upon hours of cheering for what to me was a second family… University of Michigan athletics.

That’s right, arguably the most flamboyant Michigan fan in the school has converted to the Green and White side of the spectrum.

The reason for the abrupt change was because I got accepted into Michigan State University for the upcoming fall semester and I honestly couldn’t be more excited.

Though I am going to MSU next year, I will never forget what being a Michigan fan opened me up to throughout high school.

Being on the blade staff, I was alongside many wolverine fans who shared the same passion I did. We would talk about Michigan athletics everyday and these conversations could go on for hours, all these talks inspired my friends and I to do a college football podcast my sophomore year and I can honestly say that was one of the funniest moments of my high school career.

For me, I was never JUST a Michigan fan, I was also an MSU hater. I despised everything about their sports programs from Mark Dantonio coaching the football squad to Tom Izzo coaching up the basketball team.

I was always one to get personally offended by anyone willing to debate me about which school is the better school. I lived for proving those Spartan fans wrong, having wrote multiple argumentative es-

www.bucsblade.com, May 23, 2019

says in English working as hard as I could to prove Michigan as the alpha and every time my beloved Wolverines squared off against the Spartans in basketball or football I would always be the first to put up an opinion piece on the blade web account for why I thought Michigan would win.

All in all, the most important part to me about being a wolverine was how close it brought my dad and I together. We went to countless basketball and football games and truly had the time of our lives.

Many people believe sports is all about crazy fans, hating on the opposing team and that it’s just a game, but I’ll have you know it’s much more than that in our household. The memories my dad and I have made over the course of our lives road tripping to games all across the nation are unbeatable. People often don’t see the hours upon hours of conversation behind the scenes that comes with it or the hugging, the laughing, and the pure joy. Michigan athletics has done so much for me and has helped me get through so much of lifes adversity, giving me a light at the end of the tunnel to look to. Consider this my resignation letter from an unforgettable 19 years of Michigan manhood. It’s time for me to move forward to my next chapter as a Spartan, I can’t wait to wear that and Green and White every Saturday afternoon and make

COURTESY PHOTO

memories and friends that will last a lifetime.

It’s out with the old and in with the new, Go Green!

-- Jack Reus

SENIOR EDITION 11

CLASS OF 2019 NEXT DESTINATIONS ALABAMA

University of Alabama Brenner Kar Lillian Mears Ashlyn Hall

ARIZONA

Arizona State University Gabriella Amores Ethan Peters

Grand Canyon University Emma Ball Grace Platz Talia Rosenberg Grace Henion

ILLINOIS

DePaul University

Isabelle Houseman

Illinois Tech

Ashton Voorhees

Lake Forest College Katelyn Ketterer

Loyola University Katherine Pease

University of Illinois

Jack Miller

INDIANA

Butler University Annah Taylor Marlie Fraser

IOWA

William Penn University Sophia Beaudrie

FLORIDA

University of Tampa Megan Faber Trevor Holleman

Florida State University Lindsay Vander Meer

12 SENIOR EDITION

Northwood University Alli Keyser

Northwestern Michigan University

Kyra Benham Madelynn Lonnee Zach Hamm

Oakland University Avolyn Lepo

MICHIGAN

Tulip City Beauty School

Aquinas College

Courtney Clemons Katie Peterson

Haley Aldred Casey Zeiler

University of Michigan

Baker College Alex Lyon

Central Michigan University Alexis Hook Collin Byrd Miya Luckey

Cornerstone University Alyssa Spencer

Davenport University Macy Swiftney Holly Rogers Abbi Williamson Makayla Hitsman

Ferris State University Trinity Peters Alexis Harvell Kystin Bernia Tristan Couvelaire Jonathan Ray Hoekstra Tylee Knieper Epiphany Hang Ameilia Hamilton

Grand Rapids Community College Megan Wittingen Morgan Lenon Nicholas Albright Jacob Crowe Carlos Rappleye Rajvir Ghotra Christine Gilmore

Great Lakes EMS Academy Emma Slater

Grand Valley State University

Kelsie Bovee Andrew Egerer Valerie Bobeldyk Madison Price Elliot Koeppe Anna Strom Tyler Williams Madison Olsen Mailyn Miller Rylee Horton Alexa McVoy Nate Wolffis Jillian Babbit Aidan Martin Ella Beringer Kara Nelson Reilly Celestin

Hope College

Ellie Slater Whitney Engelsman Miguel Castelan Timothy Kleyla

Kalmazoo College

Ashlynee McKee

Kendall College of Art and Design Lake Superior State University

Fisher Mancilla

Lawrence Tech University Dahlia Jerovsek

Avery Strohmeyer Rachel Brouwer Kelly Olthof Allison Vantrepott

May 23, 2019, www.bucsblade.com

Michigan State University

Anna Ackerman Abigail Buitenhuis Brendan VanDeWeghe Gavin Plemon Jackson Hamm Matthew Bays Johnathan Elias Erika Suchecki Carson Wagasky Kirbey Colella Jax Plumert Jake Klahorst Christian Forbes Maddie Monroe Madison Holub Giovana Marecek Grace Veldhuizen Mason Price Jack Reus Max Sepeshy Brooke Zellman Ahmad Ahmad Nizam Faith Stevens Chris Akselberg Elizabeth Hodge Rob Francis Madeline Mahoney

www.bucsblade.com, May 23, 2019

Michigan Tech Adam Glasser Noah Deverney Zach Deur Alex Beecham Thomas Draper Nolan Ruble

Muskegon Community College Olivia Holzinger Carter Gibson Jared Handwerg Erika Pedroza Seth Taylor Mariah Yahne Jamie Snowfleet Kaleigh Batka Justin Rymal Chelsea Sportell Alex Girard Emily Klingensmith Ashley MacKay Jonathan Garland Bianca Richard Alicia Hanson Eli VandenBrand Tyler Harms Daizy Reyes Austin Cramer Lian Colbry Samuel Windberg Adam Maguire Cody Miller David Hernandez Angela Wingard

Chris Hudson Jack DeKlyen Ben Juhasz Meghan Vaibar Trevor Kalis Rachel Hilburger Olivia McMullen Alexandra Kingma Habeeb El-amir Collin Takas Mason Mahacek Bennett Lowe

Western Michigan University

Morgan Dreese Megan Wexall Emma Martin Anna Holman Jax Mast Fil Juarez Laura Slocum Emilee Schaub Cameron Brenburger Abbey VanderRoest Jasanna Tayler Maci Bradley Brianna Jhamb

MONTANA

Montana State University Macey Crowell

PENNSYLVANIA University of the Arts Kaitlyn Sowles

UTAH

Southern Utah University Canyon Hayes

Westminster College Sarah Walker

SENIOR EDITION 13

DITCH THE HIGH TUITION Go on a REAL college tour Why a college degree should be affordable for everyone seeking a higher education

Why going on an in-person college visit is more important than you think

This rapid increase of tuition making a colWhen I first started high school I would hear teachers and upperclassman talk about how un- lege education unaffordable for many families, believable the cost of college is. But I never real- causing many to go without, and in an economy ized it until I began thinking about my own higher that requires at least a bachelor’s degree for any well-paying job, not having a college education is education.

When my parents started to look at the costs, pretty difficult.

Obviously, there is no simple, quick fix to this they were shocked. Both came from average households and income levels, but neither of problem. College is expensive, and many still see them had big concerns when it came to the costs it as a luxury, not a need. But that doesn’t mean and finding financial aid. But when I started look- we can’t do anything to help it, while it wouldn’t ing at schools, the price tag was one of my biggest be easy, governments could raise taxes in order to fund public universities, or communities can concerns. offer more scholarships to aid According to the College students.

Board, “The average annual price For me, college was not an for tuition was $9,139 for an inoption. Ever since I was little state student and $22,598 for an my family forced the idea on out of state student for the 2015me that I needed to get good 16 school year.” Private schools grades in high school so I could are even higher, with the average get into a good university. cost being $31,231. This price But they never said anything only includes tuition, it doesn’t about the fact that no matter take into account the costs of what career I went into, I would room and board, meal plans, and have to take out thousands of textbooks which can add a few Opinion worth of loans. That for thousand dollars more.

Maddie Monroe dollars the 20 to 30 years after I graduThe cost of college has been ate, I will be filled with crippling increasing rapidly since the 1980s.

Mostly caused by a lack of state funding. As taxes student loan debt.

For many families this is just not an option, continue to be cut, education funding has been one of the first things to go, and financial aid can’t college is not affordable and it’s not getting any keep up. So the cost of college continues to in- cheaper. This is a big problem. With a government that refuses to tax its citizens, the college crease.

My college of choice, Michigan State Univer- has to up charge to deal with these blows, but stusity was around $4,500 in 1998. Today it is about dents are not getting any extra aid to combat this. $13,560. Almost $10,000 more in only about 10 So potentially, fewer people will get degrees.

Hopefully, this will change, and more states years.

The rate at which tuition is rising is more than and colleges will provide programs for cheaper the rate of inflation. There is a 3.1% average an- tuition, or the government will add more taxes to nual increase in in-state tuition and fees, but the give all students a chance at a college education. rate of inflation is only 1.8%.

Being able to plant your two feet on what College Tours have lost their hype, but they’re could be your future home is more impactful than more important than you think I always believed an in-person college tour was you might believe.

According to prepscholar.com, getting the pointless.

In our day-and-age with virtual tours, the idea opportunity to soak up the aroma and see it all of wasting time and money just to get the same first hand - whether it’s a dining hall or a library information with obnoxious tour guides and - will help gather a genuine opinion and a sense of place; not to mention a way to tie it back into cheap merchandise wasn’t really up my alley.

Even when my sister (of all people) took the your college application essay and why you ‘need’ initiative and tossed me into a “U of M Campus to attend that school.

It doesn’t end there. The pay-off keeps comDay” a few weeks ago - knowing that I’ve been going to Ann Arbor for almost my whole life - I ing at ya - just like the tour.

Yes, the people running the daystill didn’t feel the need to be taklong excursion might be biased and ing a day off to do it. obnoxious, yet they provide raw That’s what I thought before information on basically anything I entered the large ballroom of about their experience on campus Michigan’s Rackham Graduate as a student and as an individual.

School and could actually visualWhether you’re wondering ize myself as a Wolverine. about the quality of sandwiches or And it couldn’t have felt any where the best party is, they’ll give better. you their honest two cents. It’s anSure, the countless games and other way to get the run-down on if events; afternoons and evenings; that institution is the place for you. dinners and tailgates made me Opinion For the professional side of feel like I was a piece of the whole Chris Hudson things, putting your name and perMichigan puzzle. But, being sursonal information in the record sysrounded by your new classmates and standing with them as we, the members of tem and signing up for a tour is something admisthe class of 2023 were recognized, felt almost out sions officers take note of.

Establishing that connection between you and of body.

It’s as almost as if my life goal was achieved the university looks a lot better than another stuand I’d have a changed perspective on this uni- dent with no link at all. With colleges across the country aiming to raise their admissions yield ratversity and its community for the rest of my life.

This wouldn’t have never occurred too if it I ings - presenting yourself as an interested candikept the same mentality and believed it was stupid date means a lot to them.

So, if you have the same attitude as I did, take to go.

I already knew I was accepted into the school, the day off to get out of the Grand Haven bubble.

Feel the vibe as if you were a student there. but what I’m saying goes for the majority of you too who are trying to find that place that ignites Trust me, you’ll thank me later. the same internal spark.

14 SENIOR EDITION

May 23, 2019, www.bucsblade.com

“

I will Noah Lyle Fairfield the right to go above and beyond for at least one spirit day. Go Bucs.

“

“

“

I, Lindsay Vander Meer, will my gullibility to Kendall Cooper.

--Lindsay Vander Meer www.bucsblade.com, May 23, 2019

--Carlos Rappleye

“

I will pass on my constant “Go Bucs” sayings to Nabeel El-amir.

“

I, Jax Mast, will the honor of being first team all state to Tyler Harp.

--Jax Mast

--Brenner Kar

“

I will my ability to have pride in my own art to Lanaya Skiles.

--Jonathan Hoekstra

“

I will my goofy leadership, out-of-place one-liners and bad imitations to Sam “Slipshod” Woiteshek.

--Chris Hudson

--Habeeb El-amir

--Rajvir Ghotra

--Mason Mahacek

“

I will my pole vault poles to Eli Nelson in hopes that one day he will grow big enough to use them.

“

“

“

“

I will my carelessness to my sibling, Liam. Lighten up, bud.

--Ashton Voorhees

--Isabelle Houseman

I will the Cheese Touch to Myla Kar.

--Whitney Engelsman

“

I will my positivity, love for the environment, and XC Captain position to the ray of sunshine that is Jenna Ray.

“

I will my Easy Mac making skills to Nick Twa.

“

--Giovana Maracek

“

I, Epiphany Hang, leave my ability to fool all the teachers into thinking I am a good student to Mackenzie Gross.

“

“

“

“

“

To my younger brother, Gabe Houseman, I will you the best years of your life and the courage to step out of your comfort zone.

--Trevor Kalis

“

--Gabriella Amores

“

--Carson Wagasky

“

I will to Grant Engelsman, to follow the perfect path I have made for you here at GHHS.

“

I will my optimism, wisdom and ability to spread ideas onto Nick Rice.

“

I will all 40 career goals I scored for the hockey team to my twin brother Cooper Fox and cousin Braden Nielsen.

“

“

I will my 1/3 ownership of Three’s A Crowd to Caidan Wagasky. It’s not worth much but it’s all I have.

“

“

--Lily Mears

--Carter Gibson

“

“

--Valerie Bobeldyk

“

I, Lily Mears, will my duties as Model UN’s sneakiest spy to Sophie Sanborn.

“

I, Carter Gibson, will my intelligence and hard-work ethic to Ryder Gibson.

“

“

“

I will my uncanny ability to focus during Friday science Olympiad practice to Lindsey Hubbell.

“

“

2019 SENIOR WILLS

--Epiphany Hang

SENIOR 15

SENIOR YEAR IN PHOTOS

Carlos Rappleye THE BUCS’ BLADE BRIDGE BATTLE: Varsity boys basketball takes on their biggest rival, Spring Lake in the pirates pit. The student section filled quickly with a rowdy crowd dressed in a beach theme.

Maddie Monroe THE BUCS’ BLADE USA DAY: The buccaneer student section cheers on the football team in red, white and blue as the players continue their winning streak of 2-0. “It’s realy fun to lead everyone and seeing how that affects our team playing,” Student section captain Max Sepeshy said. “Getting a loud atmosphere is a really good feeling.”

Addy Wachter THE BUCS’ BLADE STUDENT VS TEACHER BASKETBALL GAME: Senior Bryce Taylor faces off against Josh Walters during the student vs teacher basketball game which was held as a fundraiser for cystic fybrosis.

Carlos Rappleye THE BUCS’ BLADE HOMECOMING DANCE: Seniors Carson Wagasky and Chris Akselberg leap into the air during the homecoming dance, with a mythical creatures theme. “It’s been exciting to be able to plan this year’s events, its cool to know what’s happening,” Student senate member Akselberg said.

CATALINA: Officers Whitney Engelsman, Anna Ackerman, Kirbey Colella, and Madison Smits pose with their graduation caps for their last dance.

“This club was the highlight of my senior year, it was truly an honor to be apart of such a special thing,” Ackerman said. “I enjoyed every moment with this amazing group of girls.”

POWDERPUFF: Class of 2019 rushes the field after they win their last game. “It’s always super fun and a perfect way to start the year and you get to know the other girls,” Senior Whitney Englesman said. “I’ve done it every year and it’s always lots of fun.”

Kyle Bush THE BUCS’ BLADE

16 SENIOR EDITION

Mercedes Mancilla THE BUCS’ BLADE

May 23, 2019 www.bucsblade.com

BRING IT OR BAG IT? Vacuum (BAG): With bunk beds and mini-fridges

covering most of the floor space in your future dorm, there won’t be a need to vacuum a foot of open ground. If, by some miracle, you have more than that available, most college halls have a vacuum on each floor. Ask your residence advisor (RA) to help you out and you’ll be saving crucial cash on something you really don’t need.

Deciding what you actually need for college in the fall? This guide can make the process easier

By Chris Hudson Foldable Drying Rack (BRING): Now some of us have never even

came near to a contraption like this (thanks mom for doing my laundry) but, now it is time to put responsibility in our own hands - literally. When you take the dreaded laundry trip and your clothes still remain a little soggy from the “topof-the-line” dryer you know each college has or for rain soaked garments from Saturday game days, the foldable drying rack will come in clutch.

Medicine (BRING): As this may come as common

Household Appliances (BAG): For many colleges, the

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sense to some, bringing just even the basic over-the-counter remedies will help you make it through your first year away in the fall. You can’t just try to “fight it off ” for the entire school year and find yourself in a close-to-death state in early November. And have fun trying to find your way to a convenience store on the other side of campus.

Just keep a steady stock of neosporin, pain relievers and cough medicine; you’ll thank me later.

average dorm size is smaller than 130 square feet - basically a tiny rectangle with walls. Knowing that, space is of the essence and having an excessively big coffee maker or a blender just won’t make the cut for room and what you actually need on a daily basis and what you don’t.

Extra School Supplies (BAG): College will finally be the

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first time that we won’t have random coloring assignments or projects that show how we can beat mental illness with marker design (sorry health class, wasn’t meant to be a shot at you). In short, you won’t need to load up on colored pencils, glue sticks or everything in-between. And you won’t look like a geek when you first meet your roommate.

Portable Charger (BRING): Many can take this for granted, but not having to purposely set up your stuff by an outlet can be crucial. Having the peace of mind to be wherever you want to work when your battery is low and not being forced to wait for an outlet to open up can lessen your work time and give you more opportunity to do what you want. www.bucsblade.com, May 23, 2019

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High School Clothing (BAG):

When May 23 comes and goes marking the end of our high school career, the same should be applied to our Grand Haven merchandise. We’ll all be a Buccaneer for life, but struttin’ your old powderpuff or Gotak club shirt to classes and games when you have a new team to root for just isn’t the move.

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Laptop Lock (BRING): I

promise there will be times when you are in a library, coffee bar or some open-space with wifi on campus and you’ll have to make a run to the “john” and won’t want to bring your computer with you every time. With a laptop lock, you’re safe by just linking it to a solid object and you’re on your way… to the bathroom or wherever.

Maddie Monroe THE BUCS’ BLADE

SENIOR 17

DEAF AND LOUD Award-winning rapper performs inclusive, accessible community concert

By Morgan Womack

ASL CHEAT SHEET

Morgan Womack THE BUCS’ BLADE GIVE ‘EM A HAND: The audience cheers as Forbes and his band file onstage. Forbes is grateful to have a band to tour with. “I feel fortunate to have traveled the world, to have played all over the place and to be able to do what I’m doing and to have a group of people that go on the road with me,” Forbes said. “I mean, that’s all I ever wanted. I just wanted to do this for a living.”

Q&A

crafting song ideas around that. Really it’s just like where I am, what I’m doing, what music is playing, it’s just all of those things have to come together. Sometimes they don’t come together and sometimes I try to force it and it doesn’t always work. A lot of the songs I’m performing tonight, some of them I’ve spent years working on, some of them I’ve spent ten minutes working on, you know, it’s just different things happen. The biggest thing for me is I can’t force it.”

Rapper Sean Forbes talks about experiences in music industry being deaf Q: How did you discover your passion for music?

“Music has always been a big part of my life growing up. I became deaf when I was about a year old but music was always something that was in our house. My parents were always sharing music, whether it was playing on a speaker or playing a guitar. Growing up, my parents would always play their music, they would always play Detroit rock ‘n’ roll, British rock ‘n’ roll and all that stuff, so I grew up listening to a lot of that along with Motown and other stuff. My experiences were just absorbing everything they were playing for me. It wasn’t until we started watching MTV and all that stuff that me and my brothers started discovering our own taste in music. We were very much into heavy metal, into grunge and hip-hop. Hip-hop is something that I discovered on my own. It was something that spoke to me more so because I’m a drummer and I always appreciated the delivery that rappers would convey in their music. For me it wasn’t so much about the lyrics themselves but the rhythm

18 LIFE

Morgan Womack THE BUCS’ BLADE Morgan Womack THE BUCS’ BLADE SIGNING UP: Forbes signs lyrics at his concert. . “I want people to ... say, ‘wow, that’s some amazing music’ not ‘oh look there’s a deaf rapper,’” Forbes said. “Yeah that’s who I am and of course I embrace that, but it’s also about the music.”

of how the lyrics were expressed. Obviously, I loved reading the lyrics and observing the lyrics but for me it was always about that rhythm pattern because when you hear somebody sing it’s a very different experience than hearing somebody rap.”

Q: How does your songwriting process look?

“The songwriting process sometimes starts with just a lyric, but sometimes it’s inspired by the music. My producer Jake Bass will give me a couple tracks to listen to and I’ll just gravitate toward one of them and just start, you know,

Q: What is the importance of accessibility in the music industry?

“I’ve been a big advocate for accessibility from the creation of the Deaf Professional Arts Network, a nonprofit that I formed back in 2006 with the goal of making music accessible for the deaf and hard of hearing community. It is important, you know. It would be nice to see more and more shows that were accessible with words on the screen. One time I went to see Eminem and he had lyrics things on screen. He obviously saw what was up with what I was doing so he applied it to one of his songs, you know, where you could see everything on the screen. I wish more artists would do that because I think they fail to realize that, yeah it’s beneficial for the people that can hear but most people who go to concerts have a hard time hearing everything in general anyway. If you could do these little things that would really make a show even more spectacular more accessible without trying to be accessible.”

Illustration by Morgan Womack

silent applause

Illustration by Sophia Jaeger

music

Illustration by Sophia Jaeger

rock ‘n’ roll

May 23, 2019, www.bucsblade.com

CRAFTING futures

Junior Maddy Streng, sophomore Lauren Streng use creative business skills to provide education opportunities for kids in Haiti

By Emma Manzo

L

auren Streng and her older sister Maddy read a letter that traveled all the way from Haiti, from the hands of a young girl who has the opportunity to attend school thanks to their support. Her grateful words remind the sisters of the momentous impact they are having on the lives of Haitian children not only by providing them an education but by releasing them from their oppressing poverty.

“I like seeing their goals as well, because a lot of their goals are something that they can take and go on to help other people,” Lauren said. “I think that’s really neat, because like they’ve been through a lot and yet they want to turn around this experience to be able to help other people.”

Through collaboration with Grand Haven’s St. Patrick-St. Anthony Catholic Church and its sister parish in Haiti, Lauren and Maddy have been able to provide 31 scholarships throughout the six years they’ve been working on their Haitian Education project. As they continue their mission they constantly strive to increase revenue in order to sponsor more students.

“This year we’re hoping to raise enough to sponsor seven more students,” Maddy said.

Without support, most Haitians will wind up working in mines where the strenuous labor shaves years off their lives. It costs $250 every year for one child to go to school, with steeper prices of $500 to $2,000 for higher education and career paths.

“We have some kids who want to be like engineers or accountants and we also have one who wants to be a nurse,” Maddy said. “So it’s very exciting to see their goals and what they want to accomplish.”

Not only do the Haitian students receive an education from their donations, they are also supplied with basic necessities including clean water, free lunch, clothes and school books.

This isn’t the first time Lauren and Maddy have dedicated their time and effort to a cause. Ever since they were old enough to man a lemonade stand, charities have been benefiting from their contributions. Their church’s scholarship program was in desperate need of sponsors when Lauren and Maddy’s mom, Kristi Streng, challenged them to take the next step in their journey of generosity and support the education of Haitian children.

“I thought it would be a good lesson just for my girls how to give back, how to give back to other people, how to be aware of the circumstances of people in other countries versus how blessed we are here,” Kristi said. “I have to say it’s given them insight into volunteering everywhere in our community and further.”

After partnering with the committee and with the help of their whole family, the sisters developed their own individual program that grew to be a bigger success than either of them could have imagined. Maddy paints and Lauren taught herself how to sew products such as rice therapy packs and pillows, to transform their lemonade stand into a prospering business.

“I think the fact that we can use both our time and our talent to benefit other people is something that is not only beneficial to us, but also to them,” Maddy said.

In order to grow their business the sisters had to overcome a lot of adversity.

Not everyone understood their cause and discouraged them from continuing, but Lauren and Maddy learned how to handle customers and any other obstacles that stood in the way of their goals.

“It’s time consuming for one thing at different points where we are just like, on top of school work, think about how the business is doing and, like, meeting the demands of the business,” Lauren said.

Lauren and Maddy, only teenagers in high school, have learned how to manage a real business, including money management skills and how to balance their products with supply and demand.

“Just knowing that you’re helping other people and that you’re actually changing lives,” Lauren said, is their real motivation for the Haitian Education project. www.bucsblade.com, May 23, 2019

Morgan Womack THE BUCS’ BLADE CUT TO THE CHASE (ABOVE): Junior Maddy Streng cuts fabric to prepare their DIY rice packs to sell at craft shows and the Coast Guard Festival.

The Haitian Education project appears to have a long life ahead of it. In the future, Lauren and Maddy plan to hand down the responsibility to their younger siblings and other family members who will continue to spread awareness for their cause.

SEW WHAT? (LEFT): Sophomore Lauren Streng sews fabric together for rice packs. “I hope everyone finds a passion and goes after it and and helps in whatever way they can,” their mother Kristi Streng said.

Morgan Womack THE BUCS’ BLADE

Anyone looking to support Maddy and Lauren’s cause can visit their website: haitaineducation. wordpress.com

LIFE 19

REST

Dying company releases finale season of Walking Dead but fails to measure up

By Mercedes Mancilla Being the dystopian nerd I am, a good zombie apocalypse game will always grab my attention. In fact, the first ever game I bought with my own money was some cheap first person shooter zombie game.

There’s just something about that cliche apocalyptic story that inevitably peaks my interest. So when Telltale Games released the first Walking Dead game, I was immediately hooked.

After that I had to endure an entire seven years of waiting for a breaking, bankrupt company to produce a mostly disappointing ending to an iconic game.

If you haven’t been keeping up in the gaming world, The Walking Dead is an episodic, comic stylized, adventure game by Telltale Games and Skybound Games.

Normally zombie games follow a similar storyline of some white guy killing zombies while also trying to pursue his hot companion.

This series is different though.

Each of the four games in the series follows a similar film-like story where you periodically have choices on what to say or do. Players are also faced with exhilarating fight and adventure scenes where the main character, Clementine,

is given a set space to explore, talk and/ or fight.

Clementine is rational and impressionable meaning every move you make dictates how she grows up throughout the games. Telltale has created a character in which almost anybody can relate, she’s not the annoying child in most survival stories.

The idea of raising a child comes back in the last game The Walking Dead: The Final Season. Clementine has now grown up and is a teenager. In previous games she had fought to get back AJ, a child who a group member had in the midst of the apocalypse.

AJ is now Clementine’s responsibility to raise and keep safe. Raising a child is already hard, but now she’s a young mother figure in what seems like the worst situation possible.

The player navigates the beginning of the story where AJ and Clem are alone in search of a place to stay. Due to what seems like a never-ending train of unfortunate events, the duo is now stuck at a boarding school.

This last game once again emphasizes the importance of relationships and good parenting, reiterating the message and story line of the first game which

had captured players hearts.

The character development is spoton with each character becoming more human as the game proceeds. You get attached to the characters easily and are thrown off when the game moves on.

There are plot twists left and right but they don’t feel excessive. Each one has its place and contributes to the feel of the game. Most of them are very unexpected but appreciated.

The graphics also stick to Telltale’s reputation of gorgeous backgrounds, amazing character design and flawless movement. The gory scenes also weren’t too realistic but are still stomach churning. There were moments where I stopped playing and soaked in all the meticulous work put into the art and animation.

What really makes this last game stand out is the fact that it’s an ending to - like I said before - an iconic series.

A lot of pressure is built up on these ending scenes and although the entire game was exciting to play and heart wrenching, I finished it with a feeling of disappointment. My problem with the series is the ending, so if you haven’t played the game and want to I’d say avert your eyes: a spoiler is on its way.

I’m a fan of a heartbreaking tragedy, when something that I’ve put time and feeling into breaks me I weirdly love it.

The last game does a great job of retelling the first game without making it too repetitive and in the end the player is waiting for that breaking moment of when Clementine dies in the end just like Lee in the first game, the entire group in the second and Javi’s brother in the third.

Just when you think the end credits will roll you are brought back to the boarding school where most of the game took place. This ending scene has AJ walk around the broken down school and interact with the surviving characters.

At this point I’m sobbing my eyes out.

The character who I’ve become so attached to over the past few years has just met the same fate as all the characters do.

Yet to my disappointed surprise, AJ stumbles upon one last character: Clementine. An audible gasp escapes my silent sobs. The moment I’ve been waiting for, the sadness I’ve prepared myself for is now nothing.

I’m not saying I wish Clementine died but I had been expecting this moment for so long and awaiting that heartbreak that I feel somewhat patronized, like the developers and story authors said “F” your feelings and produced the most cliche plot twist possible.

Endgame changes the game for the marvel universe If there was one word to sum up Avengers: Endgame, it would be WOW. Just when you thought Infinity War raised the bar, Endgame completely changed the way you thought about the past twenty one movies.

There will be no intentional spoilers as I’m sure a lot still haven’t seen it, although there may be parts of Infinity War in this review.

Directors Joe and Anthony Russo continue their reputation of creating solid films that all started with Captain America: The Winter Soldier. They conclude the “Infinity Saga” with an action-packed, story-filled finale that made fans like me satisfied while other fans may feel like the Russo brothers left some characters in a tough spot.

This film brings the original six Avengers to the forefront after the events of the last movie. Captain America (Chris Evans) and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) star with their wits along with their conflicting personalities.

With the new comical emergence of dynamic duo Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Korg (Taika Waititi), this isn’t the end for comic relief. Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), as well as Rocket Racoon (Bradley Cooper), put in masterful comedic performances.

With pop culture references aplenty, Endgame has a way of keeping the comedy from the movie and from current fads so that all moviegoers can relate with this

20 REVIEWS

By Nick Twa

movie.

How would the mainstays of the franchise deal with the effects of the losses of Infinity War? That’s what this movie looks to answer and it does just that with perfection. Fixing the devastation of the snap of Thanos (Josh Brolin) was their goal and to get all of their friends back.

The gut-wrenching emotions are a focal point in this marvelous feature. The best parts are those where there are polar opposites of crying and sheer joy with the action and callbacks to past movies.

Moviegoers who might have not seen all of the other 21 Marvel movies may be at a little bit of a disadvantage with all of the references, so it might be a good idea to see at least some of them before seeing this one.

But for avid Marvel fans, this is a dream. For people who are concerned with the three hour and one minute run time, don’t be because time flies with all of the fun antics and action. Although pre-movie bathroom break planning is recommended.

The sooner, the better would be my advice to see this movie to avoid any spoilers.

They don’t call them “spoilers” for nothing. So grab your seven dollar popcorn and your five dollar soda and enjoy this movie while it’s on the big screen.

May 23, 2019, www.bucsblade.com

Wretched

romance

After promotes abusive relationships under the guise of love

By Macayla Cramer

I

’m surprised this book got published, even more that it got a frickin’ movie deal.

I sure as heck wouldn’t give it one. Obviously, the creators behind the scenes were in desperate need of a cheap romance.

Good thing After fell into their lap, because this book fits the bill to the T. The sad part is this book wasn’t hopeless. After started off as a potentially decent fanfiction on Wattpad, an online publishing website, that earned eight million likes. However, the editors and publisher royally screwed up. They literally copied and pasted the Wattpad version, changed the cover, then hit print. I checked.

Is this what the world has come to, where the publishing industry cares more about what sells fast over good authentic

literature with more than a halfthought of plot?

I’m over the redundant cliche: good girl meets bad boy, the girl gives up everything for the guy after the first week. And if you’re going to do it, at least add some depth. In this case, the novel is written from the point of view of a naive college freshmen, Tessa Young. As for the guy, Hardin Scott is the rich bad boy with a cool car, a love for reading and a passion for self destruction. When they meet, embers are set to a blaze and Tessa’s world is set on fire. One will say passion another could say the inevitable burn that can only come for one’s true first love.

Don’t get me wrong ladies, I was smitten with Hardin. I mean a bad boy with a hot bod, an English accent, and he loves

www.bucsblade.com, May 23, 2019

reading too. Are you kidding me?! Yes please! I fell so hard for his danger attitude, I read halfway through the second book.

But while reading After, I saw the book for what it is: an abusive tale on self delusion painted over with the word love. The story has predictable characters with poor decision-making skills. I would sigh for effect, but I’ve wasted enough breath on this book.

Anna Taylor has potential to be a real author, but she’s just not there yet. I don’t understand how she had the audacity to portray a toxic relationship into a hot and caring love story.

Hardin Scott is an abuser and trust me when I say it’s difficult for me to say that because I fell into Anna Taylor trap: feeling bad for the abuser so they come off as the victim skit. Have to applaud the author for that one, because she created a highly addictive novel. I was completely hooked, line, and sinker but I had to come up for air; After is suffocating.

As readers we shouldn’t be encouraging this type of novel. After is a slap to literature’s face. At this point, I don’t know rather to laugh or cry. It serious ticks me off that teens all over the country or picking this book up and reading everything wrong with relationships and are manipulated into thinking this is real love. It’s disgusting, it make my stomach curl and my blood boil thinking about all the minds that are being twisted because of this dimwit author. Seriously, does she know nothing about love or does she simply not know how to write? Either way she should be veto for the literature world.

After is a disgrace.

OPENING JANUARY 2019: ICEBOUND: THE ORDEAL OF THE SS MICHIGAN

Tri-Cities Historical Museum provides a full calendar of family fun each year!

To become a museum member or to find out more about our programs, exhibits, and events, please visit our website at www.tri-citiesmuseum.org.

WINTER HOURS

TUES - FRI 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

SAT & SUN- 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

REVIEWS 21

Carlos Rappleye THE BUCS BLADE HEY BATTER BATTER: Shumaker hits a home run in one of the games of a doubleheader against Rockford in a matchup where she dominated, throwing a no-hitter and shutting the Rams out in the two games played. Her commanding presence at the mound as well as at the plate highlight the way that she plays on a regular basis, confusing opponents and making them have to change their gameplans.

FROM THE PLATE TO THE MOUND

Junior Madison Shumaker uses double-edged sword playing style to stump opponents

By Nicolas Twa

W

alking up to the mound, junior Madison Shumaker stares down the batter.

Getting ready to throw the pitch, she winds up. Strike. Flyout. Swing and a miss. These outcomes are something that she sees on a regular basis, notably on Tuesday, May 7 when she threw her first no-hitter against Rockford.

Stepping up to the plate is the same for Shumaker. Her game face on, imagining the ball flying out of the park.

The clanging of the bat signals that she’s hit it. This is normal though, as it’s just another day at the ballpark.

These special skills gave Shumaker the opportunity to play at the varsity level earlier than expected.

“Freshman year I got pulled up from J.V.,” Shumaker said. “When I got there I knew I was immediately surrounded by my family.”

This family has helped her through two seasons and part of her third in high school. A member of that ‘family’ is junior Gracie Vermurlen. She

22 SPORTS

can tell when Shumaker’s on her game.

“When she’s not having the best game, we lift one another back up,” Vermurlen said. “If she’s happy then we’re happy.”

A chemistry this strong also plays into the team’s success. Shumaker doesn’t attribute her game to only one thing. She has many other facets of her game as well.

“I credit my softball skills mainly to coach John Hall and my pitching coaches,” Shumaker said. “But there’s not enough credit to go around to all of them.”

As dominant of a pitcher as she is, Shumaker still has goals she wants to achieve before her high school career comes to a close.

“I want to be all-conference,” Shumaker said. “It’s just a big goal of mine. It means that you’re a step up from where you are. You have to make sure you’re the best you can be.”

These dreams can’t be achieved without the right focus. If she isn’t

the moment, it could be the difference between a win and a loss.

“What makes me different is the mindset,” Shumaker said. “The stronger the mindset the stronger the pitcher.”

When a squad has a strong pitcher, it’s easy to win. The other team will have trouble scoring runs while yours can score freely.

The group feeds off of her game which helps them also step up theirs, which helps them win.

Shumaker’s left-handed, meaning she has to change the way she throws.

But that’s not the only different way she plays, according to senior Ashlyn Hall.

“She has the ability to separate the two halves of an inning, the hitting and the fielding,” Hall said. “As of late she has been struggling a little to connect her bat, even though at the beginning she was demanding respect with a couple home runs.”

Another was she plays in a unique way is the way she throws. Softball has a different way of pitching as she has to

make a windmill motion instead of a normal overhand throw, so she has to adjust.

“Your spins are different from everyone else,” Shumaker said. “I might roll my hand over to one side more than someone else. I’m left handed too so it’s going to be a totally different pitch.”

The art of pitching in softball is an interesting one. What Shumaker has to do compared to a normal baseball pitch will make batters unsure what’s going to be thrown at them.

“She has done a really good job of shifting her mindset so she’s prepared to take on pitching rather than getting stuck on a rough at bat,” Hall said.

Her game is something to watch as it’s something even some professional athletes can’t do. Striking out batters left and right is something she does regularly. while still keeping a positive attitude.

“She can do anything she works towards,” Hall said. “I would say that she has every opportunity to go further, only if she wants to, and I’m pretty sure she does.”

Shumaker’s Signatures 1. Favorite food: Thai Food 2. Favorite movie: Baby Driver 3. Favorite travel spot: Galveston, Texas 4. Favorite hobby: Watching Netflix 5. Favorite subject: Biology May 23, 2019, www.bucsblade.com

Calling It Like I See It Sam Woiteshek

A tale as old as time: Part II

Maddie Monroe THE BUCS’ BLADE SWING, GOLFER, SWING: Chamberlain attempts to hit the ball, shown here in his backswing. Chamberlain has been imperative to the team’s success over the years, most notably setting new personal and team records this season.

CHAMBERLAIN THE CHAMPION

Golfing phenom Tai Chamberlain dominates game, raises bar for future By Ashton Voorhees Junior Tai Chamberlain is a standout member of the golf team at Grand Haven High School. A consistent starter on the varsity team since arriving as a freshman, Chamberlain s a pivotal part of the squad He was able to reflect on his time playing golf for Grand Haven and the sport he’s grown to love through the years.

Q: When did you start playing golf?

TC: “I don’t remember exactly when, but probably around third or fourth grade when I was eight or nine years old. I started in California when I lived out there and I’ve been playing up pretty much ever since.”

Q: What made you pick up golf originally?

TC: “Well, my dad really liked golf, so I played with him. At that point I didn’t really know what I wanted to do as far as what sports I liked, but as time went on I just grew to love the game and really like to play it.

So it was mainly my dad who influenced me early, but later on I developed to like it for myself.”

Q: What’s your favorite thing about playing golf now?

TC: “A lot of things, but I like that mainly it’s just on myself. It’s a one person sport, of course for school www.bucsblade.com, May 23, 2019

CAREER CONFIDENTIAL Best nine-hole round: 35 at Grand Haven Golf Course Best eighteen-hole round: 74 at Stonegate Golf Club Favorite club: 6-iron

it’s a total of our team’s scores, but you get to play by yourself and not rely on other people for what you do. I like being outside and not being cooped up inside like in indoor sports and I appreciate being able to experience the nature of things.”

Q: What makes golf difficult to play?

TC: “Well it’s mentally tough, because you’re not always going to always have a good shot. So having to keep your mind in the game and not let the last shot affect you and look forward to the next is what makes it pretty difficult to play.”

Q: What makes a golfer?

TC: “Of course, you have to have the swing fundamentals down. But once you have the basics down, it’s basically going out and putting a lot

of practice and a lot of time into it, working on different aspects of your game. Also having the right mindset going into the days and being really mentally strong and tough.”

Q: Who’s your favorite pro golfer?

TC: “I mean everyone likes Tiger Woods, so he’s one of them. But if I had to pick my top favorite golfer it would be Tony Finau and that’s because he’s from American Samoa, as am I from a small descent. My grandpa also, so him and I always follow him, so we’d both probably say that he’s our favorite golfer.”

Q: What’s your favorite course to play?

TC: “It has to be Arcadia Bluffs up in Northern Michigan. It’s just in great condition. It has beautiful views right on Lake Michigan, there’s three or four holes where you’re basically right on the lake as you are playing. It’s kept up real nice and the views there are great.”

Q: Dream course?

TC: “I mean, probably Augusta National, everyone would probably say that’s the dream course because not many people get to play it. Everyone and the pros talk about how nice it is, so that’s probably my favorite or my dream course.”

When I was younger, my dad would take me to his golf league every Tuesday night. I’d putt with him, maybe play a hole or two and then my mom would pick me up on her way home from work. As a little guy, there was no better experience.

Then, on the weekends, I’d watch golf with my dad - unless he was at the tournament himself. And let’s not forget about mini golf or Wii golf either; I mastered both by the time I was seven. Most recently, as I set a new personal record last week - three over par - I couldn’t help but think I was somewhat paying homage to my golfing idol.

The exciting part for me is that throughout my introduction to golf there was always one player I idolized. Between the celebrations and the swagger I can only attempt to imitate, this guy had me, as well the rest of country, captivated.

I’m sure you’ve probably guessed it: Tiger Woods. Who else? There is no greater symbol in golf than Sunday red, no cooler celebration than a gigantic fist pump and no better player over the last 25 years.

Which is why last month, as Woods’ ball found the bottom of cup on hole 18 at Augusta National for his fifth Masters and fifteenth major, feelings of nostalgia were fervent throughout the country.

Personally, I did not grow up in the Tiger-dominated era. I caught the tail end of it right as I was able to fully hit a ball off a tee. The more serious I got into golf, the more surgeries Woods’ back would have.

Yet somehow I could not help but feel genuinely happy for the guy. When you think about all Woods has gone through - the surgeries, the divorce, the DUI - up until The Masters, it’s a testament to how far he’s come; he’s summited a mountain that most couldn’t (or wouldn’t).

Fittingly enough, I spent Sunday watching the tournament with my dad. We cheered and yelled at every putt, fist pumping as Tiger did on his closing holes.

In that moment, I felt “the roar.” The “Tiger effect” was in full force and in about one amazing hour, the golf world was restored to its former glory. It had achieved a perfect bliss.

CBS couldn’t get enough of it. Every shot on every hole was broadcast for us to witness and quite honestly we didn’t want it any other way. Heck, even Jim Nantz stayed silent as the crowd cheered.

“TIGER!” “TIGER!” “TIGER!” Don’t kid yourself: you felt it too. You didn’t have to watch the tournament to hear the collective victory cries from Augusta.

In the last decade, golf has dwindled. Granted I’ll always be a fanatic for the game, but the general public is not. Why is that?

The answer: Tiger. When Woods is on the course, the game of golf thrives. Ticket sales soar and viewership ratings skyrocket. In general, the sport claims a share of national prominence, leaving fans seeing red.

Stars like Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth have emerged in the past five years or so never truly captivated us like Woods did. Many of today’s golfers are stars of the game, but they are not immortals.

The best players pioneer the sport to a new level of success. That’s why ever since Woods’ decline, people have always been searching for the “next Tiger.”

As many of you saw, there is only one person right now who can both innovate and dominate. You can’t look for the next icon because most of the time, legends are irreplaceable.

The narrative of Tiger Woods remains unfinished. Everyone appreciates an underdog, but they love a good comeback more. Who knows what will come next?

Plus, Woods is three majors shy of the record currently held by Jack Nicklaus, the former G.O.A.T. of golf.

Who is current, you might ask? His name is Eldrick, but most people call him “Tiger.” And he’s pretty darn good at golf.

SPORTS 23

Across the POND, into the LAKE

"One For the Foxes" brings Irish heritage to town with performance at Loutit Library Photos By Addy Wachter

IRISH EYES ARE SMILING: Pianist Tadhg ó Meachair plays the keyboard, smiling at Hyde as she plays her violin. One of his favorite songs to perform is a duet with Hyde titled "Snowy Eldora". “It’s a piece that we wrote together a while back,” said Meachair. “It was written after the first time I went skiing in Colorado.”

SILLY STRINGS: Violinist Joanna Hyde plays a song from the album, "One For The Foxes", that Tadhg ó Meachair and her released in 2017. They get their inspiration from poems, weather or seasons, or other types of music. “You will have a dream or you will have some sort of idea,” said Hyde. “Sometimes you just zone out and things just pop into your head from years of playing.”

SINGING FROM THE SOUL: Singer/Guitarist Dave Curley sings and plays guitar alongside violinist Joanna Hyde. Curley has had a passion for music since he was little. “Music is part of the everyday life,” Curley said. “I write a lot of the songs that I sing so a lot of those are very personal and important to me. Those ones I get lost in the most.”

24 PHOTO

ONE FOR THE AUDIENCE: Hyde and Curley play next to each other to an audience clapping their hands to the beat. Both love being apart of this band and are very glad that they all met in earlier years. “We’ve got a lot of inspiration.” said Curley. “We’ve got a lot of musical inclination that allows for a lot of different scope to work on and keeps us fresh.

May 23, 2019, www.bucsblade.com