Central Stampede Vol. 24: Issue 3 by Central Stampede

Stampede C E N T R A L

Jan. 19, 2018

Vol. 24, Issue 3

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Portage Central H.S. l 8135 S. Westnedge Ave. l Portage, MI 49002

IB Denmark exchange program in peril

Lack of communication dooms popular exchange trip....................................................... BY HAYD EN BER N A R D I N E Staff Writer Andrew Walsh will never quite forget the life-changing experience of traveling to a foreign country last year. Walsh, an IB Diploma senior, flew to Denmark last spring, and the experience was one that could not be matched, he said. “Stepping foot into a country completely different than your own, filled with completely different people, is an experience like no other,” Walsh said. Unfortunately for students like Walsh, the annual Denmark student exchange has been cancelled indefinitely due to an administrative change, with teacher Eric Lancaster taking over as IB coordinator after the retirement of Charles Schira. The international student exchange with Denmark has been an opportunity for students for many years. Under new leadership, the program will be taking at least a one-year hiatus. “With the transition from Mr. Schira to me, we didn’t really have one person at the school who could take ownership,” Lancaster said. “There’s so much logistical work involved, especially bringing the Denmark students here.” Lancaster, on top of being IB coordinator, teaches three classes a day. Schira’s schedule during his time as coordinator was more flexible, as he was not teaching and was able to devote his focus on students traveling to America, as well as PC students traveling overseas. When Denmark students began visiting the United States, they were required to attend school for part of the day. In the past few years, however, they have not been required to attend school, giving them more free time to explore the area. The IB coordinator’s job is to ensure these children’s safety, and Denmark students being granted the ability to roam Portage throughout the school day makes it difficult for Lancaster to safely handle the students while also teaching at the school. Despite misconceptions with the suspension of the program, there is no correlation with costs as the school district pays nothing toward the program. All expenses for students to travel to and from Denmark are completely paid for by the individual participants. Food and lodging during the trip are covered by the families hosting them. Walsh both hosted and traveled to Denmark and explains that he learned a great deal from his exchange program experience. “In Scandinavian European countries, education is approached differently and the students have a lot more freedoms,” Walsh said. “They’re a pretty happy country.” Students and parents, however, are upset over the absence of the program. Walsh feels the program is important to developing cultural awareness. “I feel like students and parents will both be missing out on a very enriching experience,” Walsh said, “especially those who would have been able to travel overseas.” Raksha Kumaravelu, a Denmark exchange student from last year, feels that the program is important to Denmark students as well. She believes that coming to America gave her fellow students an opportunity to live life as an American would in their dayto-day life. “I would never have experienced the [United States] and its culture fully if the program had not existed,” Kumaravelu said. “Meeting new people and experiencing new cultures helped me improve my identity.” Though the exchange program has been put on hold, administrators continue to stay in contact with the Denmark school officials, in hopes of reinstating the program in the future.

What’s Inside... What can you really say on social media?

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COURTESY OF SOPHIA MADDUX

Above: Senior Sophia Maddux (left) visits Skagen, Denmark, where the Baltic and North seas meet, with her host sister, Andrea (right). Right: Denmark group from 2017 poses in front of the capital building in Copenhagen, Denmark.

COURTESY OF SHARON RAYLE

4,041

Miles to Denmark

$1,800

To attend school trip

Days spent on trip

What it’s like to be a redhead

Mustangs making music

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news

Jan. 19, 2018

in brief

First semester exams are scheduled next week Semester exams are coming up next week, which means a change in schedule. Each school day lasts from 7:45 to 11:55. Two two-hour testing periods are broken up by a 10-minute passing period in between. The schedule starts with hours one and two on Monday, continues with two a day, and ends with seventh hour on Thursday, along with another two-hour makeup period for those who missed a day of testing.

The Millennium Park ice rink has opened

BRIDGET DOYLE/STAMPEDE

Ken Baker substitutes for Jason Badders in Room 1157. Shortages of substitutes may be helped due to a bill making its way through the Michigan Legislature.

New Michigan bill may remedy low number of substitutes BY SAMH ITA SUN K A R A News Editor The population of substitutes has become increasingly small recently. With teachers requesting days off for personal business or illness, they are needed now more than ever. State lawmakers are attempting to remedy the situation. Michigan has been struggling with substitute teacher levels for years. Portage has often an empty classroom because there was not enough time to find a replacement. “There are days that we don’t have a sub position filled,” said Jodi Shearer, office secretary. “We have to scramble, and it’s a different face every hour that the kids are seeing.” After the continuous battle, state Rep. Holly Hughes, R-Muskegon, sponsored a bill which would expand the state law on substitute teachers

which would expire in July. The bill would allow for retired teachers to sub for teachers without forfeiting a section of their pension. Substitute teacher Nate Frisbie supports this motion as he believes that teachers rarely leave the classroom. “It’s somebody who’s been in the classroom before who’s been a teacher,” Frisbie said. “[They] know the dynamics in classroom management. That’s one of the things that I think a lot of subs struggle with.” Senior Riley Nicolai also agrees with Frisbie and with this portion of the bill. “I have no opposition to this,” Nicolai said. “The one thing a sub has to be good at is making sure a classroom is managed. If they can do that, then there is no reason that retirees can’t do it.” Another companion bill would be introduced

along with the original. This would dispose of the substitute teacher requirement of needing 90 college credits or more. However the motion has caused some controversy. While some lawmakers believe that this is a good idea, several people here disagree. “I don’t really think that would be a good idea,” Shearer said. “[However], a day to day sub would be fine because you’re walking into a classroom where you don’t have to come up with the curriculum [and] you don’t have to come up with a lesson plan. It’s sitting there for you as you walk in the door. You’re just managing the students throughout the day making sure that they stay on task.” The state House passed both bills last summer. They have been sent to the Senate to get the stamp of approval. It is unclear when the senators are expected to take the measure up.

The ice rink at Millennium Park in Portage has opened for the winter season. The rink is open from 8 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. every day. A pair of rental skates costs $4 and skate sharpening costs $3. If you’ve decided to go more than once, a $25 punch card is available, which streamlines the payment process for both charges.

Freshmen can grab a bite and a book on Saturday

The Student Ambassadors are hosting their semi-annual Books & Bagels event in the Commons on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. This event is a great way to connect with an upperclassman and study for finals while also meeting up with friends and grabbing a good bite of brain food. The event is completely free, you don’t need to sign up and you can leave any time.

Coming Soon: The teacher talent show Portage Central’s teacher talent show is coming to the auditorium on Wednesday, March 21. See your favorite teachers act, sing and dance their hearts out for a good cause. All proceeds from the talent show will go to an, as of now, unknown charity. The sh0w begins at 7 p.m. Don’t forget to bring your best smiles, laughs and cheers for the teachers, secretaries and administrative staff here at school.

Staff targets students’ dropping standardized science scores Scheduling for the ‘18Low scores surprise ’19 school year is near teachers and learners alike BY SAMH ITA SUN K A R A News Editor Junior year is typically ranked by students as the most difficult year of high school for one main reason— standardized testing. Students agonize for years before taking the test to ensure success on these exams. However, when tested on science-related topics in standardized tests, students across the board nationwide score fairly lower than other subject areas. The national average on the American College Testing (ACT) exam in the science category is a 21, the second lowest category of the test. Not only is this trend true for the nation, but for students at Portage Central as well. However, with the wide variety of STEM-related courses offered at the school, it comes a surprise to many as

to why the school appears to fall behind in science. An explanation for the seemingly deficient science testing scores is the varying definition of “college readiness.” Standardized testing companies use basic freshman college classes to determine what score leads a high schooler to be ready for college. In college, most freshmen must take an English class, meaning the class may not be difficult. However, oftentimes science classes are not required for all college freshmen, and as a result, the level of difficulty is higher, since only those with interests in the field are taking the course. This makes it harder for high schoolers to attain the “college ready” status on tests. Assistant Principal Jason Frink explains that despite the misconceptions, Portage Central graduates often feel ready for their college courses. “Obviously, there is room for improvement, but we generally find that students are well-pre-

pared for their science classes in college,” Frink said. Biology teacher Cathy Laurencig explains that students in her class are given practice SAT tests every quarter, and are given time in class to work on the questions and discuss the answers. “I think we are doing the best we can given the time we have,” Laurencig said. “We have a lot of curriculum to cover, so when we have some days where we can present those SAT questions, we use them.” On the other hand, many students feel that the science taught in school is different than what is being tested on the standardized tests, which explains their low performance. “I think our science curriculum does a sufficient job in setting us up for science testing,” senior Julia Ring said. “I felt very prepared when I took the SAT, but was surprised when I received my scores.”

Schedules are ready to be made for the 201819 school year. Beginning Feb. 8, counselors will visit all underclassmen to begin the process of scheduling. All students will be taken out of their English class to speak to their counselors about the classes that they wish to enroll in for next school year.

Get excited for winter Homecoming next month Winter homecoming starts on Feb. 5 and runs through Feb. 9. The entire week is dedicated to celebrating wrestling, girls’ and boys’ basketball and boys’ swimming. The theme days haven’t been decided yet, but your Student Council representatives will come to your second hour classes in the near future. At the pep rally, prepare to see some awesome lip syncs from your Homecoming court. Don’t forget your Mustang pride and spirit!

news

Jan. 19, 2018

School consquences for social media misconduct BY DAAR EN BU KHA R I Staff Writer There has always existed a gray area about school-issued consequences if situations occur outside of school and are shared on social media. Would a student be given consequences for being a part of a party out of school and having it shared on social media? Would a student get suspended or expelled for getting in a fight at the mall which is re-tweeted by hundreds? “If things do happen out of school, most of the times, I don’t have a role in it,” Principal Eric Alburtus said. “I can be worried about you, I can care about you as a student, I might even visit you and say I’m worried about you, but can I actually do something that follows through with consequences? Most of the times, no.” Here are three typical social media scenarios:

A classmate takes a derogatory video of a teacher, without his/her knowledge, then posts it to Twitter, which then gets 200 retweets. “A teacher is a private figure, and as a private figure, I have much more protection by the law than President Trump would have,” Alburtus said. “Could there be a civil matter with the student and the teacher? Yes, there could be. And could I as a school contribute to that prosecution that happens to the student? Yes, I could.” However, if the insults said about that teacher disrupts what they do in class, consequences would be given by the school.

A Twitter fight occurs between two students about political arguments which escalates into name-calling and intensive cyber-bullying, resulting in which a fight occurs later that week. “If I can prove, that this Twitter fight is a disruption to the educational environment here, then I can do something about it,” Alburtus said. The majority of the time, Twitter fights do cause a disruption when kids are constantly gossiping about it during school or bullying is done to someone due to the Twitter fight. In consideration that the Twitter fight caused a disruption to the educational environment, or to the school, then there would be consequences. It’s possible it could be a 2:50 or even possible suspension for that. If a Twitter fight occurs,and is a basic argument with no correlation to school, then the school has no right to get involved with it, and consequences cannot be met under any circumstance. “If I can’t find a locus, or something that attaches itself to school, then as school folks it would be inappropriate to follow through with the consequences,” Alburtus said.

PAIGE BERRY/STAMPEDE

Someone takes a video of a Student Council member drinking and smoking, and shares it on his story on Snapchat. The video, which gets downloaded and posted on Instagram and shared on Twitter with hundreds of retweets, is eventually shared to the school. The school has restrictions about taking illegal substances. However, it cannot control what is being done outside of school territory. “I could talk to you, I could talk to your parents about it, but I wouldn’t be able to follow through with consequences,” Alburtus said. If that situation was to occur, the school has no rights to punish you or give consequences for your action, although there might be repurcussions from Student Council itself. It would be likely police would be involved with the situation and would be handled legally. “Even though I might not be able to follow through with school consequences, police can follow through with consequences,” Alburtus said. The only school-related consequences that would be given by the school would be any obstruction of the student’s extra-curricular activities because it’s a violation of the code of conduct. “The bar for giving school consequences if you’re in extracurricular is much lower, than giving consequences for school if you are only a student,” Alburtus said.

Fundraising option for all athletics removed Math department pilots two new text books BY J ACK J UDAY Sports Editor Snap Fundraisers, an online form of fundraising for student groups, have been temporarily banned at Portage Central by the administration. Snap Fundraisers are similar to GoFundMe, where groups can raise money online. This form of fundraising has been increasingly popular, especially due to the convenience and accessibility of the internet. Principal Eric Alburtus explains that the school has taken a short break from online fundraisers to figure out where they want to go with them in the future. “I think technology has gotten further ahead than the rest of us knew exactly how to deal with,” Alburtus said. “So basically right now, the entire district is taking a ‘time-out’ to talk things through and decide when the appropriate time to use this kind of thing is, and when it’s not.” During the break, the administration will devise rules that the schools should follow when using online fundraising. “Online fundraisers are a whole new world of fundraising and because of that, we don’t really have rules established for what’s appropriate and what’s not appropriate,” Alburtus said. “I think it’s healthy for all of us to have the ground rules laid.” While online fundraising may be complicated, Alburtus is glad that the school is looking into this new aspect of raising money. “I think that this is the future of fundraising,” Alburtus said. “It would surprise me if this wasn’t somehow a part of Portage Public Schools at some point in the future.” Activities director Nikki Smith suggests there are many other ways for student groups and organizations to make money. Smith believes that

BY S YLV I E C R OT EAU Staff Writer

COURTESY OF JIM COTTRELL

Junior Julia Mellinger runs the ball during Oct. 14 Powder Puff game against the senior class. different forms of fundraising provide fun and fellowship within the school, and help raise fundraising dollars for students. “Events are a lot of fun, because they involve many people,” Smith said. “The Powder Puff Football game raised money for Breast Cancer Awareness, the Jeopardy Club had a tournament and the Ping Pong Club recently had a tournament as well.” Alburtus’ goal for the temporary ban on these fundraisers is to avoid detrimental effects on any student groups trying to raise money. “My hope is that all of the other fundraisers that we’ve always done will continue to raise money,” Alburtus said. “We do everything under the sun to scrape together funds so that we can support all the different programs here. One way or another, we’ll always figure things out.”

Math teachers piloted two different textbooks this semester, but it remains to be seen whether or not one will be adopted. Big Ideas and Carnegie Learning, the two pilots, were to be tested throughout the first and second marking periods in Algebra 2 and Geometry classes. After teachers are done with the material in the Carnegie Learning pilot, they move on to Prentice Hall, the program that PC has used for over 10 years. Both math books are built around the idea of Common Core learning standards, a program that regulates learning standards across the U.S. Big Ideas is the most adherent to the Common Core standards, but in a report by edreport.com, failed to meet most states’ CC standards, save for Texas. The Carnegie Learning sales pitch includes talk of “revolutionary curricula and results,” their website said, but pilots across the U.S. show no improvement or effects on standardized test scores. “I liked both books for a variety of reasons,” math teacher Matt Tabor said. “Big Ideas is what students used in middle school so they are already familiar with that book... Carnegie Learning is much different from what we have now, but it offers students more of a chance to work together and talk about math.” The pilots also come along with internetbased implements to heighten a student’s experience. Big Ideas’ online textbook includes embedded links to various learning tools, like tutorials and online programs, to help a student understand the content. MATHia, Carnegie Learning’s much more involved online tutor, gave both teachers and students alike problems “I hated Carnegie,” sophomore and geometry

student Lydia Swetay said. “[It] was really confusing. I liked Desmos [Big Ideas’ online graphing tool], but MATHia was really confusing.” “Most of the issues were caused because it was new technology to us,” geometry and algebra teacher Tim Halloran said. “There were some times that a website didn’t work correctly, but all technology is that way.” Whether or not there will be a new math book depends on how the students who were tested respond in separate surveys that teachers had previously sent out after they completed the pilot. If a new book is chosen, it is set to be implemented in math classes next year. “ I… think it was tough to teach Carnegie in the Honors Algebra 2,” algebra teacher Tammy Rearick said. “Some of the problems in the activities were repetitive, and a lesson that could take one day ends up taking longer.”

PAIGE BERRY/STAMPEDE

The two new math books being piloted by the Math Department, “Big Ideas” (left) and “Carnegie Learning” (right).

opinion

Jan. 19, 2018

Students: Be smart about your social media use Social media allows students to connect, stay in touch and share their lives with others. However, the repercussions of misusing social media have led many students to suffer consequences both in and outside of school. We urge students to be careful on social media and not let careless mistakes define their future. Students should be cautious about what they post on social media. Even though the school may not always do something about it, there is always a chance that the police could get involved.

The school only gets involved if the action done was disruptive to the school environment. The more that students post on social media, the more they are in danger of exposing their private lives to unwanted viewers. Students who are involved with extracurricular activities are most affected. If they post something illegal or derogatory online, the school may not always be able to suspend them – but the school can always suspend them from participating in school-related

staf f editorial

Stampede

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C E N T R A L

Isabella Wilson Bella Pedraza Editors-in-Chief Samhita Sunkara......................................News Editor Ashna Mehra........................................ Opinion Editor Zach Bumgarner.............................Student Life Editor Bryan Cassem..............................Entertainment Editor Drew Goretzka & Jack Juday..............Sports Editors Carter Colosky..........................................Photo Editor Staff Writers: Hayden Bernardine, Paige Berry, Daaren Bukhari, Ethan Campbell, Sylvie Croteau, Bridget Doyle, Grace Foster, Elliana Hamilton, James Johnson, Charlie Levy, Jack Shinabarger and Rowan Thawley Business Manager: Alyson Koh Website Manager: Kaoru Murai Adviser: Cheryl Braford The Central Stampede publishes approximately one publication a month, primarily by the Journalism II class at Portage Central High School, 8135 S. Westnedge, Portage, MI 49002. It also uses work from Journalism I students. The Central Stampede is a member of the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA). The purpose of the Central Stampede is to act as an open forum for students of Portage Central. The staff will achieve a balance between informing and entertaining our readers. Editorials Staff editorials are unsigned and represent consensus of the staff. The opinion of the staff is represented in the “Our View” column. The opinions of the editors, staff writers and guest writers will have bylines and will carry their own views. Letters As an open forum, the Stampede welcomes all members of the Portage community. However, the staff reserves the right to edit letters based on length and content. Phone: (269) 323-5218 Fax: (269) 323-5290

The Central Stampede

Portage Central High School 8135 South Westnedge Ave. Portage, MI 49002

activities. A student could go from a top varsity player, to a bench-sitter, with the click of a phone. Whether students know it or not, their social media accounts are constantly being watched by colleges, recruiters and officials. Even if they think their accounts are private, colleges always have ways of being able to see what they post. If a university is reviewing two students with the exact same credentials, and one posts disreputable pictures of themselves on social

Madilyn McCormick, 9th

Steven Starbuck,10th

media, the college will more than likely choose the other student. The goal of social media for students should be to still share their lives and have fun, all while presenting themselves as professionally as possible. We hope students will be careful about what they post on social media – especially now that their athletics are at a prime and they are nearing college years. How students choose to represent themselves to the public is more important now than ever, and a mature social media presence is imperative.

five

Nolan Fillar,11th

Kaylan Anderson,12th

Mrs. Huff

1. What are you doing to prepare for exams? (p. 6) I am studying this week and making reviews for he teachers that didn’t give us one.

I am creating a binder with all of my hours to study with.

Be at the library almost every day next week.

The in class reviews. I’m passing every class, so I don’t need to overkill.

I am trying really hard to prepare my kids so that grading is a breeze and they can feel successful too!

I stayed home and got some much - needed chill time.

I visited my family in Illinois, hung out with my own family, and read a ton!

Meeting the love of my life.

Probably my favorite part was going to the Wisconsin Dello with my family.

2. What did you do over winter break? (p. 7) I went to Detriot to see my grandma and cosuin, and my uncle and cousins in Texas.

For the first week I was at my mom’s, then we went to our aunts house, then our grandparents’ house on Christmas Eve.

I made a snowfort and slept.

3. What was your favorite part of 2017? (p. 9) Starting high school and going to my first high school camp at Mcscamp.

I would say leaving middle sch0ool. High school has a bit more freedom to choose what you wanna do.

I got to choose the classes I wanted to take.

4. What sports do you play at home? (p. 13) None.

At home I don’t play any sports.

Ping pong and sometimes hockey or football.

I play tennis and the occasional round of tag.

Depends, but my first reaction would be just leave wherever I was.

Fight them.

I love board games - Strego, Monopoly, Heads - up, and a little Doggy Doo!

5. How do you handle a heckler? (p. 14) Tell them to go away or ignore them. Nicely.

I would ask them to go away.

I shoot water at them like a cat. Just kidding I call them out for their ridiculous comments.

opinion

Jan. 19, 2018

What is the best way to take notes? Handwritten notes are beneficial for learning

BY BRIDGET D OY L E Staff Writer

Typed notes are easier to keep track of

B Y B EL L A PEDRAZ A Editor-in-Chief

While taking notes, I hear the clickity-clack of computer keys all around me. I sit there in the room of chromebooks with my book, pencil and paper. I am not technologically gifted whatsoever. I can work my phone, Google Docs, and that’s about it. This is one of the key factors of why I write my notes by hand. Writing notes has been proven to help you remember things better than typing them. According to experts Pam Mueller and Daniel Oppenheimer, writing notes is proven to help you remember things better than typing them. “Students who used laptops took more notes,” said the Scientific American. “In each study, however, those who wrote out their notes by hand had a stronger conceptual understanding.” Writing things down helps me remember more. To study for verb spelling tests when I was little, I would sit down and write the word several times. On the day of the test, the muscle memory usually kicked in, and I got good test scores. To me, having words written on a page in front of me makes it easier to visualize them on a test. The Scientific American also states that writing notes helps you summarize the lesson yourself and digest it into your own words. This makes it easier to comprehend for future purposes. Students who write on the computer have what is called a higher verbatim transcription. This is usually associated with “low retention of the material,” meaning that there was little understanding. If you understand the notes that you took, you are good to go, but if you don’t, you might have to relearn it. We’re all busy students. Even though it’s tedious, I would prefer to painstakingly write out my notes than to type them. In the long run, writing the notes will save me time in the future and make studying for exams easier. The next time your teacher begins the lecture, don't open your com-

Organization has never been my strength. It takes a close second to handwriting in my list of weaknesses. Every year, I start out with neatly labeled notebooks and folders with the intention of placing every worksheet and assignment in their coordinating section, as well as rigorously organized notes complete with different colors. However, about six weeks into the first quarter, my neatly organized binder turns into a mess of papers and my notes deteriorate into scribbles. This was until the introduction of my laptop. A whole new world of organization and neatness was opened up to me when my teachers first allowed me to take digital notes. With a simple click of a button, I can organize my notes into color coded folders and even organize those folders into more folders. Thanks to the nearly unlimited storage available to me in my Google Drive, my notes will never be lost and are always available to me in an instant. Previous to my digital transition, my notes from three months ago were never to be found. Now my notes from three years ago are only a click away. As a person who suffers from terrible handwriting, the neat characters formed by my computer are thousands of times more legible and visually appealing. The awkward slant and curvature of my words have disappeared to form symmetrical sentences and perfectly parallel lines. Not to mention the size and font of my notes can change at any given moment to emphasize important concepts and ideas without the pesky task of erasing, or the marks of highlighters bleeding through to the other side of the paper. The most notable advantage to typed notes is the speed at which you can write things down. You not only have enough time to write down the information on the Powerpoint, you also have enough time to actually listen and understand what the teacher is saying instead of frantically trying to copy down the whole slide before he or she changes it. Typing your notes also allows you to access all the knowledge of the world right at your fingertips. With all of time you save by typing, you can easily look up additional examples, models, diagrams, pictures and definitions to enhance your notes and help you remember the content. For all of the unorganized, poor penmanshipped, slow-writing, yet diligent students out there, the switch to digital will transform your classroom experience and produce organized, thorough notes to ensure impeccable grades.

puter. Pick up your notebook and a pen or pencil and start writing. Trust me: your brain, your grades and your parents will thank you. COURTESY OF MPM SCHOOL SUPPLIES

COURTESY OF GOOGLE DOCS COURTESY OF CREATIVE CONTRAST

Working at a restaurant is an eye-opening experience B Y D R E W G O R E T ZK A Sports Editor

Ten months ago, I was dirt broke. I struggled to pay for the essentials in life, ranging from gas to a brand new Nintendo Switch. With my wallet empty, I went on a job search that landed me an

interview with the general manager of Latitude 42. Since landing the position of host at this local brewery, I’ve established the belief that every man, woman and child in the United States and beyond should, at least for a short period in their life, work in the restaurant industry. It is one of the most unique experiences a person can partake in, and the relationships and memories you gain are things you can’t find in any other setting. One of the first things you realize upon finding yourself on the opposite end of the host stand is that you’ve been a difficult customer your whole

life. Habits like being frustrated at a long wait time and tipping a measly 10 percent are now the things that can make your shift hell. The relationships that enter your life by mutual struggle are some of the strongest you will have in your life. Whether it’s your work mom or your 19-year-old fellow hosts, working in a restaurant brings employees together like no other industry can. The people that surround you at a restaurant will become some of your best friends, whether you realize it or not. Mutual respect and relationships are benefits of the restaurant industry, but the most important

thing you can gain from working in this niche is the experiences you’ll have. At the end of the day, you won’t remember the long, stressful hours of a Saturday rush, or the rant of a dad after being told he will have to wait for a table.You will remember the things that make every restaurant unique, whether it’s the booming voice of your sous chef yelling obscene phrases or the quiet moments in the closing hours of the night. I believe that everyone should experience these things at least once in their lives, as they will be some of the best memories they will ever have.

opinion

Jan. 19, 2018

facebook

isn’t just for middle-aged moms BY ISABELLA WILSON

Editor-in-Chief

When my alarm goes off in the morning, I initially read my texts, open Snapchats and scroll through Twitter and Instagram. But before I crawl out of my blanket cocoon, I open up the greatest social media app around– Facebook. Though Facebook has lost its appeal to the majority of adolescents, the site has only improved over the years. Firstly, Facebook provides the perfect medium for sharing photos in mass numbers. With the album-sharing feature, I can organize each moment of my life into categories. As a result, freshman through senior year can be separated within a few clicks of a button. It’s easy as ever to find a specific moment of high school amongst hundreds of other photographed moments. Additionally, Facebook is the simplest and most convenient of ways to keep in touch with long-distance relatives. Relatives might not be able to witness your successes in high school, but they can easily comment on your photos about how proud they are of you. There is no greater feeling than being told how outstanding or beautiful you are by a relative you haven’t seen in five years! Plus, if you want to stay in touch with your relatives, but not scroll past their political posts or overbearing messages, Facebook allows you to

mute their posts from your feed while still remaining friends. While scrolling through Twitter becomes stale after a few minutes, Facebook finds new posts with every refresh of your feed. Facebook is littered with cooking recipes, DIY life hacks and miracle stories. Thanks to its user-friendly features, I could land on Facebook for hours at a time with the wide range of content available. Not only does it revive funny videos, but it often presents videos based on your personal watch history. After watching one seemingly interesting video, Facebook recommends plenty of others for me to indulge in. Lastly, Facebook is the perfect platform to share educated opinions on global matters. With only a few characters available, a tweet doesn’t suffice the strong need for people to explain their beliefs. Facebook allows individuals to express these beliefs in a sophisticated manner, while reaching a broad spectrum of readers. Thanks to Facebook, I’ll never forget a birthday again. The site is one of the most crucial to have, especially to keep in touch with friends after we graduate. While I am the minority in saying so, I continue to believe that Facebook is the greatest social media platform available.

How to spend your free time during exam week

Tips and tricks on how to make next week as successful as possible and stress-free

BY JACK SHINABARGER

Staff Writer

It’s that time of year again: the week that makes every IB student jittery. The week that strikes fear into every freshman’s heart. The week that seperates men from boys, women from girls, losers from winners. That’s right ladies and gentlemen and octopi, it’s final exam week. Depending on the classes you take, final exams

can be a real pain in the you-know-what. Spending two hours on a test twice a day can drain anyone, unless you’re Mr. Baker, the almighty brain that powers this school and half the population of Portage. But let’s be honest here: exams are pointless. They are now 20 percent of your final grade, but percentages are stupid and will misguide you. A 92 percent is still as much as an A as a 100 percent. Twenty-six percent of American adults think the sun revolves around the Earth. The Atlanta Falcons blew a 28-3 lead. What does all this mean? Who knows. So unless you’re either a) a freshman or b) a wuss, you won’t be studying for your finals. This means you will have a plethora (what a nice word) of hours to kill while a quarter of the school develops PTSD. What can you do with all these hours? Here’s what I suggest: Since exam days end around noon, that will

give you three more hours to burn than usual. After spending all that brain power on tests, your body will need some energy to recuperate. In those three hours, you can cook nine frozen Digiorno pizzas, which are considered highly nutritous brain food in fraternities across the nation. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and shove those babies in there, one right after the other. Using Digiorno’s Pizzeria Primo Pepperoni Pizza (Jesus crust, what a name), the combined calories of all nine pizzas would amount to 11,160 calories, which should be just enough to make up for the energy lost writing in answers and filling in bubbles. Okay, so maybe you’re not a frozen pizza type of person. Getting some pure Michigan air never hurt anyone. There are plenty of winter activities one can enjoy besides shoveling out their driveway or sliding around driving down South Westnedge. If you

have a couple dogs and a pair of cross country skis, then “skijoring” may be the thing for you. This Norwegian sport involves using dog power to pull the skier along the snow. Harness up your pups and hold on tight as they pull you across the frozen ground, knowing that somewhere Al Gore is smiling at your environmentally-friendly way of transportation. Winter is also the season of loneliness. The holiday spirit can just as well be the huge weight of depression on your shoulders. Add that to the stress of exams and your overall health and appearance will take a nose dive. Having bags under your eyes for five days isn’t normal. You’re not a raccoon, Barbara, go see a doctor. In all seriousness, final exams are not worth the stress. Instead, utilize the half days and do the things you love. Whether it be eating Digiorno’s pizzas or using odd ways of transportation, it will all be worth it.

student life

Jan. 19, 2018

Students go away for their exotic holidays BY BRIDGE T DOYLE Staff Writer Winter break could not have been any shorter, especially for these students. Senior Anjana Krishnan and sophomore Skylar Shelner spent their break in the sun in exotic places such as

Belize and Costa Rica. Freshman Isabel Kurien spent hers in the rugged mountains of New Zealand. These opporitunities made for excellent vacations and fantastic stories to tell.

Missing you from Costa Rica as nce w perie he x e e t “Th nd ing, a hamaz ere breat w w sa s n w e e vi ev g. We he top takin t rs on and glacie ountain ” m it. e f h rt o of t up pa d e k i h

“In B e ins, a lize, I saw n Maya to se d it was i e how ntere n rusting there diffe re f in a l rom here nt it is ot of . pove .. they liv rty.” e BRIDGET DOYLE/STAMPEDE

COURTESY OF ANJANA KRISHNAN

It’s better in Belize

Greetings from New Zealand

Greetings from New Zealand “The coolest thing I saw was a mother sloth slowly crossing the road with its baby.” KAORU MURAI/STAMPEDE COURTESY OF ISABEL KURIEN

COURTESY OF SKYLAR SHELNER

student life

Power to the redheads BY E LLIAN A H AMILTO N Staff Writer

Everyone has been told “you’re one in a million,” but has anyone ever told you you are 140 million out of 7 billion? Welcome to what it means to be a redhead. “I like having a color that is different from the norm,” sophomore Alyson Miller said. It is definitely a different hair color, as only 2 percent of the world have luscious red locks, making them essentially the unicorns of the world. Everyone thinks of Ireland as the redhead capital, but Scotland has the most percentage of redheads at a staggering 13 percent. Sophomore Keelan Smith said one of the craziest redhead stereotypes he has heard of, is that “we are Satan’s spawn.” For many years, the Romans believed that slave owners who had redhead slaves had taken flames from hell and the redheads had to be burned as witches. Apparently the myth has not gone away, and redheads are still jokingly called Satan’s children. Another myth is that because of their sensitivity to the sun they are vampires and soulless. Greek mythology says that gingers are vampire; hence why people say they “have no soul,” enior Carson Hodge said. This is yet another wonderful myth fiery redheads are still commonly told today.

“I have been called ‘carrot’ by my neighbor who I have known for a very long time,” Miller said. “Ginger” is just one of the common nicknames for redheads. Many of the other nicknames include red, freckles and lobster. Another stereotype is that all redheads are outgoing and wild, but it all depends on the person, not the hair. Some redheads can be crazy due to their crazy fiery locks, and some can be shy because they have different hair from everyone else. “You are viewed as a dork for a lot of your younger life. You’re expected to be either really wild or really hyper or a geek and a dork,” Smith said. Redheads are known for their pale skin and freckles. This is due to this mutant gene called melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R). This gene is only in redheads, making them mutants. This gene gives redheads red hair, pale skin and more freckles. This gene is responsible for the way redheads get burnt so easily. Thanks to the MCR1 gene redheads have to wear sunscreen even if they go outside for a minute. “You get burnt so easily, you don’t really tan, you are just pale 24/7,” Miller said. “If you step out in the sun you get sunburnt, even for a minute, sunburnt instantaneously,” Smith said.

Jan. 19, 2018

Redheads are mutants who do get burnt very easily but are rare like majestic unicorns, but don’t stare into their eyes, you may fall in love (yet another redhead stereotype).

Senior Carson Hodge, Sophomore Allyson Miller andShophomore Keelan Smith show off their fiery red hair.

Risking the fall to fly Sophomore Noah Schuring defies extremes while motocross racing across the country BY E TH AN L EE Special Writer Slapping on a neck brace, boots and goggles may be atypical for most athletes. Yet for Noah Schuring, wearing protective gear for his sport is not only a way a life, but a necessity that could possibly save his life someday. Schuring, a sophomore, is one of the few elite high school motocross racers in the country. Motocross is a form of off-road racing through many obstacles on a closed course. Obstacles include dirt ramps, mud and gravel. Motocross ranks as one of the most demanding sports in the world, with riders being more fit than most football athletes, according to a study done by the National Athletic Health Institute. His father, a former professional racer, inspired Schuring to his first Schuring poses with his bike.

mount a bike. Schuring started to race in 2007 at the Dutch Sport Park in Bloomingdale, and shortly after, suffered his first injury while ridinga broken finger. However, a broken finger didn't keep him out long, as he continued to race and hasn't looked back. “My favorite part about racing is the thrill of winning and the adrenaline rush,” Schuring said. “When I win, I know that I beat everyone and I know that I am the best.” And win was what he did. Schuring was crowned the champion in the Supermini and Mini Sr. Races in 2016 at the GLMX Series, a state competition. Adding to his impressive resume is placing fifth at the Oak Hill National Supermini 1 in Texas earlier this year. At Loretta Lynn’s Amateur Motocross Championship, Schuring placed 36th against the best riders in America “and the world.” “I love to hit corners and jumps perfectly,” Schuring said. “There is no other feeling in the world like hitting a rut perfectly. When I hit a big jump, I feel like an eagle soaring through the air.” As to a mentor, Schuring said that he looks to professional racer Ryan Dungey. “He is my favorite racer because he is consistent, humble and rides the bike really good,” Schuring said. “He is the most fit physically and mentally. He is also one of the most successful racers of all time. At one time I had the same trainer that he had.” Fame and glory from racing comes at no small price, however. Racing equipment for Schuring costs $700 from head to toe, and with a $5,500 cost of an average bike, racers look at a hefty

sum especially when hotel, airfare, and traveling expenses are considered. Yet, as Schuring said he is a “pretty decent rider,” sponsorships offer large discounts. Price is not the only sacrifice that motocross racers have to make. For a high school racer sacrifices are also made in school. “Overall, I have missed over four months of school [in my career],” said Schuring, who has traveled to states such as Alabama, Florida and Texas in the past. “Just last year if you added up all the days, it would add up to a month. Other than committing to getting schoolwork done, being at the level I am racing at [requires sacrificing] family, friends and leisure.” Kaleb Schuring, the brother of Noah and a former racer himself, said he agrees. “Noah misses lots of school,” Kaleb Shuring said. “I go with him most of the time; however, it's tough to make up all the school work. My dad never stops supporting my brother. However, my mom does not feel as strong about the sport.”

Schuring holds a prize and is interviewed after a successful race.

Addressing safety concerns, Noah Schuring said that motocross is only dangerous if the rider is careless and unprepared, as experience and proper equipment should be able to prevent most injuries. “As you can see, motorcross at the level 1 race is not a redneck mug bog,” Shuring said. “It is very elite and prestigious; you have to commit yourself all the way or else you won’t make it. You have to travel all over, and constantly train. It is the ultimate test of both man and machine.”

student life

Jan. 19, 2018

A recap of a year since Trump’s inauguration BY B E L L A PE D R A Z A Editor-in-Chief Tomorrow is the one year anniversary of Donald Trump’s inauguration to become the 45th President of the United States. In response to this, the significant events of the past year are recapped below.

Jan. 21, 2017 Four million people attend the Women’s March protesting the new Trump administration. This was the largest single-day protest to occur in U.S. history.

Jan. 25, 2017 President Trump signs executive orders to build a wall along the border of the United States and Mexico.

Jan. 27, 2017 President Trump signs an executive order restricting entry to the U.S. from several Muslim majority countries for the next 90 days.

Feb. 3, 2017 A federal judge blocks the week-old executive order restricting entry to the U.S. from the seven Muslimmajority countries previously banned.

Feb. 22, 2017 President Trump reverses Obama administration’s guidelines instructing transgender students to use the bathroom of the gender they identify with.

Dec. 6, 2017 Recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and makes plans to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem.

July 25, 2017 Senate Republican bill to repeal and replace Obamacare fails. Aug. 26, 2017 NFL player Colin Kaepernick sits during the national anthem prior to a game sparking national debate. President Trump suggests NFL should ban kneeling during the national anthem.

Feb. 7, 2017 Vice President Pence casts vote to confirm Betsy DeVos as the Secretary of Education.

compiled by BELLA PEDRAZA/STAMPEDE

Your name’s influence BY G R AC E F O ST E R Staff Writer Every incoming freshman prays that their locker won’t be located on the third floor. The trek up four flights of stairs at 7 a.m. is entirely unpleasant. However, the fate of students with first floor lockers and third floor lockers all depends on your last name. “The walk to the third floor in the morning is exhausting,” senior Esmee Zondag said. Having a locker on the third floor is either a benefit or a drawback depending on your class schedule. If majority of your classes are on the first floor, having a locker on the third floor is very inconvenient. If most of your classes are on the third or second floor, you’re in luck. Students with a last name starting at the end of the alphabet not only have a locker on the third floor, but they tend to go last when choosing an order. Typically, teachers choose to organize class with alphabetical order. Therefore, students with last names starting at the end of the alphabet will

always go last. “When we have presentations in class, I usually go last if it goes by alphabetical order which is an advantage of having my last name,” Zondag said. If you tend to procrastinate, like most, going last will most likely make you more stressed out. If you do not procrastinate, then you will have more time to practice and perfect your presentation. On the other hand, students with a last name starting at the beginning of the alphabet have complaints as well. “I don’t like having to be one of the first few to present for speeches,” freshman Mario Abbott said. With a last name starting at the beginning of the alphabet, students are able to exit the building quickly at the end of the day after going to their lockers. “I do like being able to go first for other things like picture day or being able to the leave quickly after school,” Abbott said. Whether you fall in between A or Z, every last name has its perks and setbacks, so you should learn to accept and appreciate your last name.

entertainment

Reviews Stampede from the

New ‘Insidious’ movie does not impress

Jan. 19, 2018

Artist of the month: Baths

“Insidious: The Last Key” was released on Jan. 5 and this film was better than the second and third movies, yet it failed to reach the standards of horror film fanatics. In this fourth chapter of the “Insidious” series, the start of the movie explores the beginnings to demonologist Elise Rainier and how her abilities pertaining to the supernatural emerged. Throughout the movie, the atmosphere was quite terrifying, yet it did not reach the same level of intensity that the very first installment of “Insidious” reached. The franchise focuses solely on the overused jumpscare and does not focus on something truly terrifying. The plot was mundane and the ending of the movie was left on a cliffhanger, making people believe there will be a fifth installment of the series.

REVIEWED BY PAIGE BERRY COURTESY OF BATHS

‘Paddington 2’ warms hearts of many

BY IS A BEL L A WIL S O N Editor-in-Chief

“Paddington 2” was released last week in theaters, and it follows up the story of the original “Paddington” movie. These movies, mainly targeted for families and young children, focus on the story of a young talking bear and his bizzare adventures. Throughout this film, there are many odd yet interesting and bold characters who all possess big personalities. Every character is unique and humorous in their own way, which makes the movie that much more enjoyable. The movie is also full of imagination and creativity which is very engaging for the viewer, too. Overall, “Paddington 2” is an extremely touching movie and Paddington himself is one of the most adorable characters in any children’s movie of the past decade. Although the movie is primarily intended for kids, Paddington and his loveable family can easily please any audience.

Though not a new band, Baths released a new album, titled, “Romaplasm” in November 2017. Baths features a new age, electronic vibe to underscore their clever lyrics. While some new songs are upbeat and dance worthy, other tracks allow listeners to ease into the beat and relax. Baths is the perfect artist for the winter blues of January and February. The band has written music suitable for all listeners, even those who deny liking electronic music as a whole.

Attend

REVIEWED BY BRYAN CASSEM

Kesha surprises listeners with new album Though not highly anticipated, Kesha recently released a new album titled, “Rainbow.” The album includes 14 new, original songs by the once-loved artist. The album was unlike any of Kesha’s old tracks, and instead felt like a raw, personal letter from the artist herself. The lyrics were personal and created a new understanding toward the artist’s feelings and ambitions. Several songs were recorded with only acoustics, and there was not a noticeable autotune over Kesha’s voice. In this sense, songs like “Spaceship” seemed more natural and mature. Kesha did, however, include a few songs with her old spunk, such as “Let ‘Em Talk.” The pop tunes remind me enough of middle school days to remember Kesha for all of her former glory. Overall, the album was one with surprising quality. Kesha is clearly trying to create a new image of herself, and is succeeding in doing so.

Ratings Key terrible very bad

average very good incredible

Chelsea P. NURSING

REVIEWED BY ISABELLA WILSON

Motivated college-bound high school students can earn free college credit through the Early College program at Kalamazoo Valley.

To find out more, contact your high school counselor and visit www.kvcc.edu/earlycollege.

Jan. 19, 2018

entertainment

How to be romantic on a budget

Winter production ‘Chitty Chitty Cheap date ideas for students with no money to spend Bang Bang’ is coming soon BY ZAC H BUMGA R NER Student Life Editor

As cuffing season drags along, you may be wanting a place to take a special someone on a date; however, not everyone can afford the luxurious and expensive tastes that they desire. Luckily, the greater Kalamazoo area is filled with restaurants and activities that are enjoyable and affordable. When wanting to enjoy the winter wonderland, head over to Millenium Park and go ice skating. Rental skates are only $3 and it is $4 per person for open skate. A grand total of $14 for two for an incredibly fun night is well worth it. Portage offers a variety of good breakfast establishments for a good price. Breakfast at Tiffiny’s and Michelle’s both offer filling meals and nothing on their menus is too expensive. You can always be creative as well. Senior Sarah Denison recalls one of her favorite makeshift dates. “We had a picnic at Al Sabo, I brought fruit and snacks and he brought Taco Bell,” Denison said. “We

BY K AORU MUR AI Social Media Editor The Portage Central Theatre Department has begun its annual preparation for the much-anticipated winter musical. This season, they will be bringing to life on stage the old classic, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” The show originates from a 1968 film created in Britain, and involves an exciting plot centering around the adventures led by eccentric main characters, the Potts family, and their rundown car nicknamed Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Leading cast members include senior John Hart as Caractacus Potts and senior Kate Morrissey as Truly Scrumptious. This year, there are more than 50 performers in total including the children’s cast, and they have put in as much time as humanly possible to prepare for what will be a large scale production filled with ample music and lively dance numbers. Sophomore Audrey Scanlon is one of the eight lead female dancers who contribute to ramping up the exciting atmosphere in the show. “This show has a great music score, so everyone will find at least one song that will be stuck in their head for days after seeing the musical,” Scanlon said. Aside from the magic happening on stage, lots of work will be done by the backstage crew and the orchestra pit. This show features an especially large amount of technical elements, which includes a special appearance of a flying car. The tech crew is going to be a vital part of breathing life into “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” now more than ever. Live musicians will also be providing music this year, playing the musical score backstage for every scheduled show. According to Scanlon, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” is a unique show, with a fast-moving plot featuring several different locations illustrated on stage. “It will be a great show for the whole family, and so much fun to perform in,” she said. The musical will be performed for the first two weekends of February at the Portage Central High School auditorium. Show dates and times include four 7:30 p.m. shows on Feb. 2, 3, 9, 10 and four 2 p.m. shows on Feb. 3, 4, 10, 11. Tickets can be purchased the day of or online with prices being $16 for students and $18 for adults.

walked around with my dog until we found a good spot and ate.” When the weather begins to warm up, drive-in movie theaters can be a solid option for a good price. “Another time we went to see ‘Despicable Me 3’ and ‘Cars 3’ and ate popcorn in the trunk of his car with a bunch of pillows and blankets,” Denison said. Some dates can come at no price at all. Junior Eli Potts prefers hanging out at home to relax and watch a movie. “It is free, and if you both enjoy the same kind of movies it can be fun,” Potts said. “No matter what Jaclynn and I do we have fun, so going somewhere isn’t always necessary.” If you’re looking for a good bing session with your date, Netfilix is always full of great television series. If you already have a Netflix subscription then buying some candy or popcorn can turn a lazy night into an enjoyable one. Anyone without Netflix can head to a local Redbox and pick up a movie for $1.25. There are affordable options for everyone in Portage looking to do something with their special someone.

COURTESY OF KYLE DOTSON

Senior Kyle Dotson and junior Macy Hayward go ice skating at Millenium Park.

Net neutrality is taking over the country BY B RYA N C A S S E M Entertainment Editor Students reacted with equal amount of alarm and confusion after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted last month to remove net neutrality. Net neutrality was intended to be a protection for consumers that was passed under the Obama administration. It was also intended to help new, small companies and media companies be able to provide their services without restrictions from broadband companies such as Verizon. The changes will be very gradual and the ban on net neutrality will not show noticeable effects immediately. New York Times added that large companies such as AT&T have promised consumers that their web experience will not change. However, significant changes may occur over time. Many students are aware that the removal of net neutrality is a problem, but they admit they do not know enough about the situation or the topic to form a strong opinion on it. “I think that net neutrality helped us keep intact a lot of the speech freedoms that are a part of fundamental liberties,” senior Liya Jin said.

“More people should definitely be aware of the fullness of what net neutrality entails, and what the implications are for themselves as an internet user in this country.” This decision will affect everyone who uses the internet on a daily basis, which is a majority of the population, so several people believe that it is a topic everyone should be concerned about and actively involved with. Junior Brady Mills stated that he does not believe the effects of the FCC decision will be as drastic as those on social media make it appear. “If losing net neutrality means scores of people can no longer use this abyss of knowledge, then I can’t say I support the decision that the FCC made at all,” Mills said. “Whatever the case, teens need to actually research the topic before restating exaggerated Twitter stats as fact, as raging over something we cannot change does absolutely no good for anyone.” No one is entirely certain what the future without net neutrality entails, but many agree that before making any assumptions it is important to be well-informed about the topic.

entertainment

Jan. 19, 2018

Student musicians show off hidden talents BY J AME S JO HNS O N IV Staff Writer

TIM SPONABLE

Senior Tim Sponable is one of our very few music artists here at Portage Central. Sponable has been singing and playing the guitar since his freshman year and has been in love with it ever since then. “I usually write when I’ve hit a low point in my life,” Sponable said. “Then I’ll write music and that will help me bounce back, then that music will reflect my emotions at that time.” Sponable wrote a song called “I Hate This,” and he posted this song to Twitter which he had never done before with any other songs. Sponable said that the song is about a girl who he was very close with. Sponable and this girl grew apart for awhile, but after he played her the song, they became friends again. “I’m glad that the thing that started out as a hobby turned into a great outlet of emotion for me,” Sponable said.

CLAIRE PENCE

Most people perfect their craft by going out of their way to be relentless at what they do. Whether that be lifting weights or running to beat your personal record, everyone has to find a way to become better. But for senior Claire Pence, writing music was something that was forged at a young age. “I started when I was 11 or 12 years old, and when my brother went off to college, he just gave me all his old recording stuff because he didn’t have room for it,” Pence said. Not only did Pence start at a young age, but she taught herself everything she needed to know in order to set up all of her brother’s old recording equipment. “I was self teaching myself how to set up things like speakers, audio files, music files and the microphone,” Pence said. According to Pence, she has not had the courage to release anything to the public until this year. But Pence said that with all of the support of the people around her, it made dropping new music an easier thing to do. Pence released a song called “Wrong From Right” on Soundcloud which Pence says isn’t based around any particular event or feeling, but more or less a story within itself. If you want to listen more to some of Pence’s music, visit the music app Soundcloud and search for the name CPTK for more tracks.

JOHN HART

John Hart, a senior, takes music to an electronic level by creating beats on his MacBook for fun and for anyone who wants to put vocals like rapping over it. Hart recently created his latest one minute and 30 second masterpiece called “Untitled Beat 32” in which he incorporates a lot of different styles and instruments. “I wanted to make a beat for someone to rap on, with a decent mix of piano and percussion, with a change of style in multiple places,” Hart said. Not only does Hart make beats, but he plays the piano and the guitar as well. Hart said that making beats is more or less (a hobby) and playing piano and guitar is a passion that he doesn’t show that much.

Future of Disney streaming is closer than you think BY PAIGE BERRY Staff Writer Disney CEO Bob Iger announced the startup of Disney’s very own streaming service releasing in 2019. Disney will be slowly removing their movies

and television shows from every streaming service within the next year. All Disney, Disney XD, Pixar, ESPN, ABC and products of other Disney-owned media outlets will be pulled from other services like Netflix, Amazon and Hulu. The only exceptions may be Marvel movies,

Netflix exclusive Marvel shows such as “Jessica Jones,” “Daredevil,” “Luke Cage” and the “Star Wars” franchise. Disney has not publicly confirmed the conditions of these two large subsidiaries and their future on rival streaming services. The public has voiced its anger and concerns on social media, but senior Charlie Finstrom loves the idea of the new service. “Disney movies were a big part of growing up for me, and recently it is seemingly more hard to be able to watch those movies without owning them on DVD,” Finstrom said. “Being able to have access to a larger range of Disney would be awesome.” Others do not think that a whole streaming service is necessary. Sophomore MJ Barnett believes that the service is not worth the money to buy another streaming service just for a few beloved television shows and movies. Many concerned members of the public are making the argument that Disney is creating this

service to solidify their position as the second largest media outlet in the world, following closely behind Comcast, who is ranked number one. Senior Kate Morrissey does not see it that way. She believes it is about the Disney creations and the pride of ownership. “Disney is absolutely making a power move with this service, and the entertainment industry will be heavily impacted by it,” Morrissey said. “We will live in a world where we can experience a Disney movie in theatre, stream it through a Disney platform and even experience the world of the film through Disney’s immersive parks, allowing the company to have complete control and profit over their intellectual property.” The streaming service is not expected to be released until 2019. The price point of the service has not been revealed either, while Disney predicts that it will be cheaper than Netflix subscriptions due to the limited selection compared to rival streaming services.

sports

Jan. 19, 2018

Swim team takes adversity head-on BY D R E W GOR E TZ K A Sports Editor

DREW GORETZKA/STAMPEDE

Senior Sam Scheffel skids to a stop after completing his first run of the evening at a race on Jan. 10.

Skiing aims to repeat success Teammate relationships form core of a young, hopeful team BY GR ACE FOST ER Staff Writer The alpine ski team has taken on this rebuilding season with grace. Team bonding, hard work and high goals all contribute to the team’s confidence going into the postseason. Despite a plethora of new members this season, the team continues to have confidence going into competition. Many new members have never raced before; however, they are improving and learning new skills throughout the practices. “We have a lot of new kids who joined the team this year who have been putting in a lot of

hard work,” senior Meghan Strader said. Strader said the team is very welcoming towards the new racers and making them more comfortable. Due to an abundance of new talent on the team this year, they hope to go far into in the postseason. Despite the fact that the team has done well at regionals in previous years, they anticipate a better outcome this season. The ultimate goal is to get more athletes to the state competition than last year. “[We] have reasonably high expectations,” freshman Will Scheffel said. Along with focusing and improving at prac-

tice, the team also values it’s chemistry. The bonds teammates have formed with each other are the core of the team. Not only does the team have a great time on the slopes but off the slopes as well. This point also aids in the chemistry of the team which leads them to perform better while strapped into their skis. “I love the energy and overall vibe of the team, everyone cheers for each other and contributes to the chemistry of our little ski family,” Strader said. The team’s next competition will be at Bittersweet Ski Resort on Jan. 24 at 4:45 p.m.

Extreme Winter Sports

The men’s swimming team has battled through challenges this season, in hopes of claiming another SMAC championship in the upcoming postseason. With 50 percent of the team’s makeup being composed of new swimmers, head coach James Schafer has focused on team morale this season. He hopes to create a unified team that shares the same goal. “[Our goal is to] gel as a team so our goals can be accomplished,” Schafer said. “[These include] going undefeated in the SMAC, winning the SMAC conference, and scor[ing] in the top seven at the state meet.” Although a large portion of the team is new, multiple veterans still sport the roster. Senior Jacob Cole and junior Owen Miller are among the talented athletes that both the coaching staff and athletes hope will lead the team to victory in the postseason. “We have a good blend of top level swimmers,” Schafer said. “[It goes along] with the depth we haven’t had in the last couple years.” This depth is both a blessing and a curse for the team. According to junior Nikhil Velagelety, the diverse cast of athletes ables the team to be good at a variety of events, but great at very few. “While we have multiple swimmers that are good in their own right, one of our flaws right now is that we do not have a focused main sprinter to keep up with shorter distance times,” Velagelety said. Another factor in the air is that this season will be the last in the middle school pool. Although many celebrate this change, there is still an unconscious motivation to send the old pool off with a great final season. “With this being our last season at the middle school pool. We would like to honor and maintain high expectations we’ve had in this program,” Schafer said. The team’s next competition will take place at home on Jan. 25 at 6 p.m.

KAROU MURAI/STAMPEDE

(And how to play them at home) BY D R E W G O R E T Z K A Sports Editor

Barefoot Winter Racing Stripping down to clothes you would only wear in 100 degrees, this simple competition involves running down an asphalt road barefoot in the dead of winter. The objective is simple: reach the finish line first without contracting hypothermia. Like many options on this list, results and safety may vary.

Extreme Iceball Typical snowball fights lack impact and real danger. Instead of your usual fluff balls of snow, this sport utilizes balls of hardened ice to put your reflexes to the test. Simply place your pre-made snowballs outside of your door on a particularly chilly night (about 10 degrees should do the trick) and prepare to have a snowball fight like you’ve never had.

Cardboard Box Bobsledding Take a good, hardy cardboard box and prepare your body for the abuse it’s about to endure. All you need is a large, snowcovered hill, a box, and a few items from your shed you can use as obstacles. Set up a few obstacles with miscellaneous items to dodge, push your bravest friend down the hill and pray for the best.

Compiled by Drew Goretzka

sports

Jan. 19, 2018

How to handle a ‘heckler’ in sports Athletes discuss how they handle a rude fan, and how hecklers can affect the mindset of a player BY JAC K JUDAY Sports Editor An athlete is often faced with more challenges than just the opposing team, and the most common challenge is often referred to as “The Heckler.” “The Heckler” is defined as a member of the opposing team’s fan base who yells rude or distracting things during the contest in an attempt to throw off your play. Hecklers are very common, and in extreme cases can lead to altercations between fans or even players. Most fans would prefer if hecklers were removed from events completely, but it seems that at this point they are simply just a part of the excitement. Macie DeWise, a goalie on the women’s soccer team, has had her fair share of experiences with rude fans. “I think people yell things in an attempt to impress their friends,” Dewise said. “It seems as though they don’t really target specific people, they just kind of say what on their minds to get a reaction.” Everyone deals with adversity differently, but when it comes to rude

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fans, a player has to remember that they are representing their team. “I think the best thing to do is ignore them,” DeWise said, “Acknowledging them usually only makes their incessant yelling worse.” Although hecklers are usually fans, opposing players can also be a heckler in his or her own way. Anyone who has played a competitive sport knows that other players take the game very seriously, and they may decide to use words to attempt to intimidate the opposition. Most of the time these situations occur between two people, but when it comes to team sports, it is unlikely that the bully ends up facing more than one person. Griffin Baker is a junior on the men’s varsity basketball team, and said he has his teammates’ backs if something were to occur. “If the interaction became physical, I’m not afraid to stick up for my teammates,” Baker said, “but if it was just trash talk, I would tell my teammate to ignore them and would probably tell the other guy to stop talking and play the game.”

Women’s basketball program uses family mentality to it’s advantage BY PAIGE BERRY Staff Writer The women’s basketball program has pushed through this rebuilding season, possessing a 4-5 record. According to junior Annemarie Stacey, the varsity team continues to act as a family, performing well on the court and pushing everyone to their fullest potential. “We strive for greatness and always pick each other up when we make a mistake,” Stacey said. “We have great leaders who really carry our team and always work hard to make us better.”

Leadership and attitude are not the only thing that makes the team successful according to varsity head coach Rob Brown. “Teamwork, sacrifice, defense and fundamentals,” Brown said. “When you excel at those things, you will be successful, no matter what sport you’re playing.” Due to the success on and off the court, the coaching staff has been able to focus on individual players’ strengths to help lead the team to continual success. “This year our players did a lot of work in the offseason getting better at

their skills and that is certainly showing during our practices and games,” Brown said. “We’re able to do more things offensively and defensively because we don’t have to put as much time into skill building.” Many new plays and drills are used every practice to progress the program’s strength, but the team is not shying away from the things that made them successful in the past. “With our new press, we are able to show our defensive strengths,” Stacey said. “Without our coaching staff, none of that would be possible.” Adding to the success of the varsity

COURTESY OF JIM COTTRELL

Senior Kayla Mathieu catches a pass in the varsity game against Paw Paw team are the fresh faces to the coaching staff, adding more insight and expertise. The program as a whole underwent changes within the entire coaching staff. The varsity team gained a new part-time assistant coach, Darryl Blasingame, and the junior varsity team appointed Mike Freeland as their new head coach. To go along with the new coaches, drills and plays, the coaching staff implements goals for games, practices and the season.

One goal that the coaching staff has instilled on the program for the remainder of the season is to push the team to reach its full potential and advance late into the postseason . That is accompanied by the overarching goal that focuses on creating a championship program for years to come. The next competition for the program is tonight. Varsity takes on St. Joseph at home starting at 5:30 pm.

sports

Jan. 19, 2018

Women’s bowling looks to bounce back After early challenges, Mustang lady bowlers aim high BY J ACK SHINA BA R GER Staff Writer The girl’s bowling team looks to continue their successful project this year after achieving an undefeated record from last season. The Mustangs will have to cope without alumni Darcy Bucknell, who was named Kalamazoo Gazette Girls Bowler of the Year in 2016. However, new faces are stepping up to lead the team on to another hopefully successful year. Of the eight bowlers on the roster, only one is a returning member. Captains Julia Cooke and Stephanie Gonser, who are both seniors, are stepping up to create big plays for the Mustangs. Cooke keeps the team close together and ensures that the team is ready to play and firing on all cylinders before a match, a responsibility that is needed to come out on top. “It’s really important since we have such a small team. It can throw everyone off if we aren’t in sync,” Cooke explained. Cooke is the anchor on the team, meaning she bowls last every competition and is considered one of the stronger athletes. This is Gonser’s first year on the team, but she is having little trouble adapting to the sport. “I joined the bowling team to finish off my gym credits, but I ended up finding a game I genuinely love and meeting some new friends,” Gonser said. Both Cooke and Gonser stress that the inexperience of the newer team members does not negatively affect their performances. “Though many of us are new to bowling, we’ve all learned so much since our season started a few months ago,” Gonser said.

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Senior Julia Cooke shoots for a strike at a meet on Jan.13. Cooke is a staple of the leadership on the team this season. “Many of them are starting from scratch, which is how I also started, so I believe that with the help of our wonderful coaches the girls will become great bowlers, and will be a powerhouse in years to come,” Cooke said. Despite a disappointing loss to crosstown rivals Portage Northern in the first game of the season, the Mustangs are looking to

bounce back. The team currently sits at a record of 2-3, but with the togetherness and spirit these girls are showing, anything is possible. The Mustangs next meet is tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. against Gull Lake at Sunset Lanes.

stampede

Jan. 19, 2018

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