Vol 11 issue #2

Central

Stampede Friday, November 4, 2005

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

Vol. 11 Issue 2

50 cents

Wave Future of the

Backpacks lighter as CDs replace history textbooks

BY AMANDA VANDERMEULEN Assistant Editor

KEVIN KEY & SEAN CLEARY/STAMPEDE

WINDOW

TO THE F UTURE : Seated at a computer, freshman Jenny Kilduff (above) uses the history department’s new textbook software: “The Americas: Reconstruction to the 21st Century.”

With technological advances moving at the speed of sound, it’s no wonder technology has revolutionized the classroom.

From laptops to E-boards, teachers continue to integrate technology into their courses.

Now, history teachers have incorporated new tools into their teaching style.

All freshman history books — honors and regular — are stored on one CD along with review activities such as flash cards for vocabulary, practice tests and interactive charts.

Anne�e Whitney’s history and government classes check out the CDs when they need them to review, continue the lesson or complete homework. They “make it easier on kids that don’t read as fast” because they have the reading assignment on CD, Whitney said.

She added that the CDs haven’t negatively affected the curriculum nor have they led to more or less reading assignments.

Freshman Kelsey Ray, a member of Whitney’s Modern American History class, said that instead of doing homework with the book, we “have to do material in

class or even find websites” regarding the topics studied.

Ray finds “preparing for tests is difficult because I like to re-read the chapters and because I don’t have a book, I can’t.”

She agrees that some students find it difficult to access the program.

Although Whitney maintained that the CDs have an overwhelming positive influence on the students’ study habits and curriculum, she emphasized the importance of the hard copy textbooks also, due to technological failures and glitches.

Also, roughly 25 percent of Whitney’s students do not have the ability to access the program because either they do not have computer access or their system is not updated to sustain the course. Whitney is certain “once the community gets behind this and everyone has a computer,” the CDs can be implemented more assertively and the course can rely more heavily on the program.

Textbooks on the computer “are the wave of the future,” Whitney said. Eventually, she would like to see the Portage Public Schools website contain all the CD programs online so students can access them without hassle, similar to university online classes. For now, Whitney said she is pleased with the shi� from heavy textbooks to more advanced tools.

IB diploma boom projected for 2007 If juggling schoolwork, extracurricular activities and free time seems an easy endeavor, why not go all out for an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma? That was on the minds of as many as 24 juniors seeking to pursue this prestigious honor, the largest junior class ever to take on the challenge.

“I’m pre�y excited about such a large turnout of IB diploma juniors,” IB Coordinator Nancy Pederson said. “A larger number provides a support system and allows students to bounce their ideas off each other.”

The IB diploma program is a rigorous aspiration. Candidates take at least three higher level (two-year) classes and three standard level (one-year) classes during their junior and senior years. On top of this, a 4,000-word essay and a 150hour community service requirement are added, just to ensure the intensity of the program. Nevertheless, a large amount of juniors hope to be a part in this rewarding program.

Pederson sees this large group as role models for future classes. This certainly applied to junior Emily Wagner when diploma students came in to talk to her class when she was a freshman.

“It really inspired me how dedicated

they were,” Wagner said.

This dedication has now transferred to Wagner as she takes on this same challenge. She admits certain aspects of the program are a li�le “out of [her] comfort zone,” but she sees many positive aspects to this program.

Even with the positives, financially, some people may question the logic of paying for an expensive program. But. Tom Vance, community relations manager for Portage Public Schools, said the program is here to stay.

“The main cost for IB is the professional development provided for IB faculty; but the program remains the hallmark of the district, since we are the only single public school district in the state accredited with IB,” Vance said.

“There are private high schools with it, like Detroit Country Day, and there is a group of districts that got together in Metro Detroit to form a combined magnet type IB program.”

With this reassurance, many students receiving the diploma find happiness in the ability to achieve college credit, bypassing “boring” entry-level classes. For junior Michelle Smodic, the IB diploma is an important tool for college admissions, as she desires to a�end the University of Michigan.

UofM, which uses a point system for admissions, awards points to stu-

I nsider The

Herdin theHallways

“...We know we sang well, rocked, entertained and that’s what gives us a sense of something greater than ourselves.”

---English teacher Jeff Rehm on the longevity and success of his band Johnny Apollo, details on p. 9

IBby thehour

IB Diploma Candidates

1sthour

Number of Students

BY KATE PENNINGTON Assistant Editor

FST

2ndhour IB German

3rdhour IB Physics Year KEVIN KEY/STAMPEDE

dents graduating from academic schools offering advanced classes. Both Portage Central and Portage Northern fall into the four-point category, as they demonstrate strong honors and advanced courses for students.

“I’m looking forward to [the challenge],” Smodic said.

She notices the increased intensity of her classes, but, at the same time, finds them more interesting. Wagner, also on the varsity swim team, notices her free time being strained. But she takes a positive outlook, knowing things will

4thhour IB English

ease up.

Junior Brent Zeitler has a similar attitude. Involved in high school and club soccer, he sees this as a helpful tool. The hours he spends during game time can IB Psychology be put toward his action hours. (One of three parts to his service requirement.)

“I’m excited that there are so many people [in the program],” Wagner said.

IB History She sees a tight group of students in this together. Zeitler sums it up pre�y well for most candidates when he says, “I’m ready for it. I know it will be a lot of work, but I’m ready.”

Hon. Economics

5thhour 6thhour 7thhour

page 6 Sportin’ ink • page 9 Hollister sets up shop • page 11 Tingley: Cycling star

8 page

How do you like your Thanksgiving Raw 5% turkey?

100 students surveyed

Chihuly who?

Internationally renowned artist on exibit at KIA

NOLAN FLYNN & KYLE SHERMAN/STAMPEDE

Vegan 7%

Smoked 47% Shaved 6% Honey 34%

2

News

Stampede

page two

hallways and city streets

Nov. 4, 2005

ducking and dodging

madeadifference

BY KATE PENNINGTON

Assistant Editor

Mongooses, Crackerjacks, Turkey Sandwiches and the Spanish Inquisition took over the school gymnasium on Oct. 15. While this may seem like a crazy dream, these are actually just a few of the 13 teams that participated in this year’s Portage Central Dodgeball Tournament.

Divided into two divisions, the second annual National Honor Society (NHS)sponsored Dodgeball Tournament took place on this competitive Saturday. While throwing a dodgeball at your teacher is a sure incentive, it is not the only reason people showed up. This year, proceeds went to the Red Cross to help Hurricane Katrina victims.

Over a month of planning went into this event and the outcome was a success as, in the end, a li�le more than $1,000 will be donated to the Red Cross. NHS Adviser Kent Baker felt the tournament ran very smoothly and right on schedule.

“Last year was very enthusiastic, but this year was much more organized,” Baker said. “It was successful because we are going to help a good cause.”

Volunteers sold T-shirts and refreshments while graciously welcoming donations. Senior Megan VanDeWalker, NHS member and refreshment chair, knew how important this money would be.

“The day that I turned on the news and saw and heard of the destruction going on in New Orleans, I knew it would be really important to help people rebuild their lives,” VanDeWalker said. “The Dodgeball Tournament is a good, effective, fun way to get people involved and caring in this cause.”

Freshman Taylor Kimbrel, team captain of the Mongooses, took a moment to comment during a rest period.

“We’re having a great time,” Kimbrel said. “Mr. Baker would throw dodgeballs at us in class and then I became a mongoose.

Then, I got a team together and we became ‘the Mongooses.’”

Taking a serious tone, fellow Mongoose and freshman Josh Meyer sees the need for this tournament.

“The people down [in New Orleans] need the money much more than us,” Meyer said.

The tournament was taken very seriously among other competitors as well and resulted in a final showdown between Team Thunderdome and the Crackerjacks, with the Crackerjacks taking home the victory.

This tournament helped continue the dodgeball tradition, brought the school community together and most importantly helped a great cause. There is even talk of another tournament in the spring.

“I am leaning toward yes,” Baker said. “But it comes down to [an] NHS leadership decision.”

Whatever that may be, one tournament took place this year and certainly showed that with organization and active participation, volunteering can go a long way.

KALLIE ASHCRAFT/STAMPEDE

WIND IT UP: Senior John Nguyen throws a dodgeball during a recent NHS-sponsored tournament designed to raise money for the Red Cross and Hurricane Katrina victims.

New eligibility rules in place for 2005-06 Recent policy designed to place focus back on academics News Editor

Senior Shannon Hill has a full plate this year. She’s involved with Forensics, NHS, Rotary Club and is currently performing in the “Li�le Women” production.

Now. she has another issue to concentrate upon.

Hill must now worry about being eligible for all the extra-curricular activities she’s an intrinsic part of.

Eligibility policies have always been an issue with athletes. When a student is failing, he or she is automatically ineligible for school-related sports.

What most students aren’t aware of is that this year these policies also apply to all other extra-curricular activities that were never regulated before.

A new system in place that was piloted person who is ineligible. last year in which the same academic What this means for Band Director standards that previously only athletes Pat Flynn is that there are certain weekend have been held to now apply all other extra- competitions that ineligible students curricular activities wouldn’t be able as well. to participate These activities in.

These What we’re trying to include band, choir, performances are debate, drama and not required by do is not stress the even journalism. the curriculum. kids out to the point “You’re not “What we’re they just give up. going to be ineligible trying to do is for a class,” not stress the PAT FLYNN Assistant Principal kids out to the Band Director Denny Roehm said. point they just “Ineligibility only give up,” Flynn applies to anything said. that’s beyond the While the policy has many naysayers, senior Shannon curriculum.”

Pre�y much anything that’s not required Hill agrees with the new guidelines. by the district curriculum is off-limits to a “I think extra-curricular activities are

Brief

“

“

BY MALKAM WYMAN

a privilege and that you should earn that privilege,” Hill said.

Roehm reviews the grades of all students in extra-curricular events every Thursday a�ernoon. According to Roehm, now there is a “grace period” that allows students time to get their grades back up.

If students are failing one class, then they’re on Probation 1, which allows them one week to get their grades up. Probation 2 is when students are still failing the same class and are given another week to improve.

The third week of failing is when students become ineligible and cannot participate in anything extra-curricular.

There may also be a point where a student becomes ineligible automatically if they’re failing two or more classes. However, once a new semester begins, everyone starts over with a clean slate and they’re eligible again.

Probation1

Allowed one week to get his or her grades up

Probation

2

Given a second week to improve

Ineligibility Student is now ineligible after three weeks

A�er a two-year hiatus, the morning announcements are now being read over the PA system again.

Semi-retired teacher Rod Nedervelt reads the announcements every morning at the beginning of third hour.

Previously, announcements were read by teachers off computers, but the system was faulty, at best.

Administrators hope this medium of conveying information is more effective then the last two years has been.

BILL

PA announcements back after two-year absence

LABOR DAY

The transition from the MEAP test to the ACT as the preferred form of standardized testing for juniors will not be initiated for several years beginning with the Class of 2008.

In the future, this year’s sophomores will have to take what is called the Michigan High School Merit Exam (MME), a test whose key component is the ACT that’s taken nationally. TheMME has additional sections including a Social Studies test, a Science test and also a Work Keys section all scheduled to replace the MEAP.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ACT tests to substitute MEAPs for the Class of 2008

PA

All students are cordially invited to “Twilight in the City,” Portage Central’s Winter Semi-Formal Dance, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 3, from 8 to 11:30 p.m.

Tickets will be available for purchase from Nov. 28 to Dec. 2 during the lunch hour. Tickets are $8 per person. Tickets purchased at the door are $10.

The semi-formal is sponsored by the PTO of Portage Central and will be held, as usual, in the gymnasium.

TEST

Tickets available for annual Winter Dance

NEW MME

WINTER DANCE

In

Education bill mandates school after Labor Day

Governor Jennifer Granholm recently signed a bill forcing districts to begin school a�er Labor Day. This means that those three-and-ahalf days of school before Labor Day will now be a regular part of summer starting next school year. The idea was to increase the tourism profits by giving Michigan families another extra week to travel across the state.

Now, school admininstrators are working out how they will meet the state required hours for next year.

-Briefs compiled by Malkam Wyman

News hallways and city streets

3

Stampede

TIMES

behind the

page three Nov. 4, 2005

Kudos!

National magazine recognizes Mustang debate team The speech and debate program recently received recognition in a national publication. The Rostrum is a national magazine of high school speech activities and is produced by the National Forensic League. The Portage Central speech and debate program was listed as one of the top 100 programs nationwide, ranking 93rd out of 2,700 participating schools. The League recognizes students who participate in speech activities including forensics, debate and student congress.

Senior volleyballers get Olympic-size experience

KEVIN KEY/STAMPEDE

Out-dated site slowly getting back up to speed Surf’s

BY MALKAM WYMAN

News Editor

Many students and parents use the Portage Central website for an assortment of reasons.

Whether for checking on sports schedules, reading announcements, or finding a teacher’s e-mail address, the school’s website has become a valuable resource over the past several years.

But some of those utilizing the site may have noticed that the website has been somewhat unreliable as of late and are wondering when it will be fixed.

Business teacher and freshmen football coach Mike Meyer is working on it.

“I’m trying to figure out how the old web design guy had it set up,” Meyer said. “It’s like a maze.”

The “old web design guy” is former dra�ing teacher Paul Murray, who originally took three years to construct the website.

However, Murray and his wife le� the district last June

for teaching opportunities in Arizona. According to Meyer, the architecture of the website is so complex that only Murray truly knows how to work it.

The issue with this is that it may take a good deal of time before the website is up to par.

Either way, some feel quite strongly about being up-to-date.

“It is important for the website to be updated for us to get information we need,” senior Jake Elzinga said.

Elzinga added that it is obviously be�er for the website to be more efficient, especially when so many students use it to check for announcements, teacher e-mail addresses and grades.

Principal Eric Alburtus states that it is not reasonable to expect Meyer to be able to get the website up and running the way it was.

“Time is the issue,” said Alburtus, who indicates that every school in the district receives $500 specifically for website development.

“And teachers struggle with time.”

Meyer added, “Have patience. It will be corrected soon.”

157

Up

number of days since the Class of 2005 graduated

$500

funds allo�ed by the district specifically for website

17

number of broken or dated links on PCHS home page

Congratulations to seniors Brianne Stowell, Inta Grinvalds and Kaity Gormley who took second place in a volleyball tournament in the USA Junior Olympic Volleyball Championships in Salt Lake City over the summer. They competed with the club team FarOut, based out of Grand Rapids.

Teachout makes appearance as extra in TV show

Kudos to Jenna Teachout for making an appearance as an extra in the hit television series “Prison Break” which aired on Monday, Oct. 3.

Teachout participated in three or four scenes that were filmed in a section of the O’Hare International Airport in Chicago. This was not Teachout’s first brush with fame.

Her father appeared in the heartwarming football drama, “Rudy,” and the Teachouts have been called frequently for other films and shows such as “My Best Friend’s Wedding” and “Miracle on 34th Street.”

-Stampede staff

Celebration begins for theater renovations

BY SAMAH CHOUDHURY View Editor It came, it saw and it is well on its way to conquer.

Celebration Cimena’s arrival in place of the previous United Artists Studio Theater has certainly taken the movie-going experience to a new level for the Portage community, according to Todd Hiler, manager of the new Celebration Cinema Theater.

“We’ve retrofi�ed the stadium seating, added digital sound in each theater, a new box office entrance, 15 screens, with a brand new concessions stand on the way,” Hiler said. “It’s a whole new place.”

And that claim does not go undefended.

In the past, a common complaint against United Artists was its limited selection, cleanliness, meager sound system and poor seating. Apparently, no one was a fan of the towering woman in the seat directly in front

who wouldn’t stop giving the whole theater audience a running commentary during the entire movie.

However, the new seating works so that each row is higher than that before it (which was present in UA as well, however, these seats are even higher than the previous arrangement and incorporate rocking seats).

It is positioned to put the viewer between the two seats directly in front so as to prevent the classic scenario of the basketball player taking the seat in front of the kindergartner. And that woman with the running commentary is virtually harmless with the digital surround sound.

Junior Shaan Jaggi is one of Celebration’s avid aficionados.

“It’s definitely much be�er than UA [was],” he said. “The theaters are larger, and the maintenance of the entire building appears to be be�er as well. I’ve already been there at least six times since its opening.”

The only criticism so far has been ticket prices. For children, seniors and college students with ID the price is $6. Highschoolers, alas, end up paying the standard price of $8.50.

But that hasn’t stopped people from coming. A�endance numbers are already higher in these few months than they were during United Artists’ reign. So what keeps people coming back?

“There’s something here at Celebration for everyone. We appeal to all ages and audiences,” Hiler said.

So could Celebration take on the Kalamazoo 10 as possibly the most popular theater in southwest Michigan? Hiler is hesitant, but you can hear hope in his voice.

“That’s yet to be found out,” he said.

“But watching the numbers, anything’s possible.”

ROMY BOND/STAMPEDE

POPCORN,

PLEASE!: Teens wait for the start of the next movie at the newly-renovated Celebration Cinema.

STUDENT COUNCIL Portage Central

Just a reminder that

Breadlift

is coming up November 19.

Your 2005-06 Portage Central Student Council.

Working for you!

Room 403

Turn in those T-shirt idea forms to Room 403!

4

Stampede “Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press.”

First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution

page four

View opinions and editorials

Nov. 4, 2005

Our View PA announcements warmly re-welcomed What serves as only a vague memory for seniors and a mere old wives-tale for underclassmen has become a startling reality— in the form of Mr. Nedervelt at 9:38 am.

Yes. The P.A. announcements are back.

Ge�ing the word out via read-only announcements has been quite a difficulty for the school over the past two years. Overlooked by some teachers in their haste to start class, simply forgo�en beneath a pile of papers, or in some cases, not even acknowledged upon reading, announcements essentially became a hassle for most.

The Central Stampede would like to applaud the return of the P.A. system’s announcements. This smart move will open up communication between students and faculty alike throughout our school once more.

By having one simultaneous broadcast of the day’s news, teachers are given one less responsibility to take under their wings, while students have no choice but to listen. A common complaint over the past two years has been that students simply do not “hear” about cancelled

KYLE SHERMAN/STAMPEDE

Senior shirts spark scandal Shirts characterize us— Lay off: Seniors are and it’s not looking good allowed to be offensive

practice, rescheduled meeting times, or where to meet the bus for the next day’s field trip.

In the days of student-run announcements, readers had no regard for time fumbled over the microphone, and even broke out into a fit of giggles for the whole school to hear. Conversely, Nedervelt touches base with everything on the list, from club meetings to college visitation dates. His brevity (and license to edit what he reads) keeps announcements concise and to the point.

Now that leaves students without excuses, teachers without extra encumbrances and Mr. Nedervelt with something to do third hour.

Stampede Staff Dana Cronyn, Editor-in-Chief Meredith Gage .......................................... Design Editor Malkam Wyman ..........................................News Editor Samah Choudhury .......................................View Editor Lauren Stine ................................................ Focus Editor Lindsay Miars ................................................Vibe Editor Kay Tarleton .................................... Writer/Copy Editor Michelle Beranek ....................................... Photo Editor Nauman Mangla ....................................Graphics Editor Nolan Flynn ..................................................... Art Editor Andrew Rosenberger......................................Writer/Asst. Editor Amanda VanderMeulen.................................Writer/Asst. Editor Kate Pennington.............................................Writer/Asst. Editor Jake Scott..................................................................Writer/Artist Ryan Ray .............................................................................Writer Kallie Ashcraft .........................................................Photographer Romy Bond ..............................................................Photographer Sean Cleary .............................................................Photographer Chris Oppel ..............................................................Photographer Laura Smith ............................................................Photographer Kyle Sherman ........................................................................Artist Kevin Key...............................................................Graphics Artist Alicia Sperling ................................................. Business Manager

view editor

Samah Choudhury

staff writer

Jake Scott

I consider myself pre�y liberal. “No blood for oil” is practically my ba�le cry, and the First Amendment is probably stamped on my brain somewhere. That being said, I’m not one to usually stand in the way of what is theoretically known as “individual expression.”

However, recent occurrences have made me question this whole “self-expression” debacle.

With the advent of Homecoming, Class T-shirts tend to crop up around this time of year, and with them come the cutesy slogans and syrupy song lyrics about love and friendship by Tim McGraw and Tupac plastered across the back. Soon enough, we have a plethora of walking billboards to read in the halls and during class.

It’s an innocuous practice that just lately has taken a rather offensive turn.

“Kiss this class goodbye,” says the official senior class shirt; complete with our immortal and timeless Mustang… and its gluteus maximus. It doesn’t take a genius to grasp the play on words. Class, a—…yeah.

Another perhaps more blatantly distasteful shirt to be seen roaming the halls states, “Senior girls—we like it on top.”

I’m sure you do. But quite frankly, it’s embarrassing. There’s a time and place for everything—and proclaiming your position of preference at school certainly does not fit that criterion.

The original idea for the official class shirt was also a play on words: “Bored of Education.” However out of the fear of offending the actual Portage Board of Education, senior class advisers fell back on the current shirts. Someone went ahead and made a replica of the “bored” shirts anyway, and not a single concern was voiced. In an effort to stay politically correct, we ended up colliding with the very thing we were a�empting to avoid. But enough dramatic irony.

I feel odd taking a stand against something that I, under usual circumstances, fight so vehemently for. But the bo�om line comes down to this: our school is an educational forum and should be treated as such.

Here’s to some actual class in class shirts to come.

WANTED: Spirited teenage student seeking senior shirt for the class of 2006. Must be bright, colorful and unique. Should go well with any outfit and be extremely comfortable to wear. Ought to represent the Portage Central Senior class of 2006 and should have a sense of humor.

A new senior class prompts new senior shirts and it would seem that this year the school has blessed the class of ’06 with two worthy and humorous designs: “Bored of Education” and “Kiss this class goodbye.” These slogans filled with Mustang pride and a very clever play on words, perfectly sum up the a�itude of any senior class.

Surprisingly, these class shirts have come under fire for lacking class and being in bad taste.

Unfortunately, some view the puns “Bored of Education” and “Kiss this class goodbye” as a bit too risqué for our hallways. If any offense is taken by either of these shirts, then someone is clearly missing the point.

A�er all, the definition of a pun is a play on words. Yes, the word “class” is used in substitution for a semi-obscene “A” word. But these one-liners are meant to be playful, wi�y and humorous, not at all distasteful. And to be frank, seniors have earned the right to be a bit improper and provocative.

They’ve been si�ing in desks, writing papers, reading books and taking tests for twelve years. So yes, they are “Bored of Education,” plain and simple. They’re ready for that next step, ready to move on.

Senior year is a milestone, a student’s ascent into adulthood.

Senior shirts and class shirts in general are all in good fun. These shirts allow students to embrace the school spirit in their own way and style and sum up their high school experience with their own wi�y phrase.

These shirts chronicle the owner’s long and tumultuous climb through the ranks of high school and represent a victorious ba�le cry for finally making it to the top of the heap. They’re seniors and it’s their time to shine. So let them shine.

Samah Choudhury is View Editor for the Central Stampede.

Jake Scott is a staff writer for the Central Stampede.

Students

Speak Out Are PA announcements more effective than the previous year’s e-mail announcements?

Cheryl Braford .................................................................. Adviser

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.

Office: (269) 323-5218 Fax: (269) 323-5290 Room 306 The Central Stampede is a member of the Great Lakes Interscholastic Press Association (GLIPA) and 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.

“Yes, it’s not too shabby. I like hearing (them) from Ned rather than Mr. Garson.”

“Yes, I think that it will help the school. Before people didn’t have time to read them.”

“Yes, a lot of teachers don’t read them. Plus Ned is funny; it will give him something to do.”

“Yes, I love it; the way that Ned puts his own spin on everything is great.”

KYLE CLARK

ALLEN MOHR

JON PAUL

ANNEE DUNN

Freshman

Sophomore

Junior

Senior

View

5

Stampede

page five

opinions and editorials

Nov. 4, 2005

School uniforms would restore order A positive impact to school environment guest writer Alex Ray In the small town of Li�leton, Col. on April 20, 1999, students dressed in camouflage and black trench coats smuggled homemade pipe bombs, two sawed-off shotguns, a semiautomatic rifle and an assault pistol in their school. This became known as the shooting of Columbine High School.

Schools around the nation began to crack down on school dress codes. Many only took small steps, perhaps banning gothicstyle clothing. Unfortunately, it took a tragedy like Columbine for

administrations around the country to act upon this issue. Some schools ban baggy clothing, extreme make-up, camouflage, grunge wear, facial hair, outerwear, footwear and even certain hairstyles. This may cause a student a�ending Portage Central to think twice before complaining to a peer that his teacher made him change his flashy Corona sandals.

These freedoms are easily taken for granted.

Uniforms in schools have not been out of the question for numerous American schools. In fact, a 1998 study states that 25 percent of public schools in the 10 largest states either had already adopted school uniforms or were considering them. That was seven years ago.

At least a dozen states now have laws allowing school districts to make students wear uniforms. Although opponents of school uniforms argue that they violate freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution —freedom of expression, religion and privacy — the benefits seem to have the advantage.

School uniforms would restore order at some public schools.

The focus would switch from clothing styles to academics. In a school with such a variety of cultures and social classes, uniforms would eliminate these obvious distinctions. School can be taken more seriously

because kids may view uniforms as work clothes. This would also reduce violence. In Los Angeles, a 6-year-old girl was beaten to death when her a�ackers thought her red sweater showed she was connected with a local gang.

Teenagers tend to dress like others in their clique. Uniforms would reduce competition to wear a certain brand of clothing.

The peer pressures involved would decrease dramatically. Stylish clothing is o�en expensive for many parents to buy for their children.

Students wouldn’t have any reason to feel self-conscious, leading to greater class participation.

The overall environment of school uniforms is a positive one and would increase school pride. Students would be challenged to express their individuality through other means. School uniforms in public schools can help unify a school and prevent another incident such as the one at Columbine from happening again.

Alex Ray, a sophomore, is a Journalism I student. He will join the staff of the Central Stampede next semester.

Labor to start after Labor Day news editor

Malkam Wyman

NOLAN FLYNN/STAMPEDE

Car searches: A warranted policy? th guest writer

Lev i Barry

“

4

Amendment of the U.S. Constitution

“

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated...

“

The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution, the highest law in the land, states: “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause...”

To have my car and personal belongings searched without due process is a breach of this constitutional right and having “reasonable suspicion” does not constitute due process.

A warrantless search is an abuse of power by school officials who ordered the search. It should be treated no differently than an Your car is not safe. investigator entering someone’s house and obtaining prosecuting As soon as you drive your car into the school parking lot, it evidence without a warrant. Such evidence would be discredited and is no longer in your complete control. It is now susceptible to the no punishment could be made based upon evidence gained in this kind wills of school officials who can unearth whatever secrets it hides of manner. within its metal body without warrant Schools, however, have found a way or due process. around the Fourth Amendment with Under current school policy any several rulings made by the U.S. Supreme vehicle within the school campus is Court. In these rulings, the Supreme Court subject to search by school authorities determined that vehicles may be searched Under current and law enforcement. These searches without warrants if the officer undertaking may be conducted without any school policy, any the search has probable cause to believe that warrant or legal action if, according such a search is considered necessary. vehicle within the to the student handbook, there is Though it would appear that such “reasonable suspicion of a threat to a policies go violate Fourth Amendment school campus is subsafe and orderly environment.” rights, current laws allow for school ject to search and law This “reasonable suspicion” is officials to search students’ vehicles. Such determined by school officials when laws have even been designed to allow enforcement. they decide that, “from a combination school officials to search one’s person and of articulable facts and experience,” belongings without a warrant if there is such a search is necessary. These probable cause. searches are instituted to uncover Warrantless searches of students’ illegal or dangerous items, such as illegal drugs or weapons. vehicles on school property, by all means, look to be in violation of They are designed to keep other students safe and to stop the use the U.S. Constitution. Yet it appears that even constitutional rules are and dealing of drugs within the student body. allowed to be bent and twisted.

As a sophomore who just turned 16, I have only been driving Unfortunately, it seems that students have no protection against the for a few short months, but in those few months I have already “reasonable suspicion” of school administrators and their side-stepping gained a feeling of security from my car. My car is my place of of warrants and due process. safety, my symbol of independence and maturity and to have it searched because of “reasonable suspicion” would be a violation Levi Barry, a sophomore, is a Journalism I student. He will join the against me as a person. staff of the Central Stampede next semester.

Many students dream of starting school a�er Labor Day. Governor Jennifer Granholm just made that dream a reality.

Recently, Granholm signed an education bill that states that all Michigan schools won’t start until a�er Labor Day. This means there won’t be the three-and-a-half days of school the week before Labor Day. But just because students have an extra week before school starts doesn’t necessarily mean that it’ll be a longer summer. It simply means that we’ll be in school until the middle of June.

If you’re a senior like I am you’ll understand that being in school even in late May is exhaustingly warm. Imagine what it would be like to be in school in the middle of June: blisteringly hot.

According to Granholm, the legislation will “jump-start the tourism industry” which generates a measly $16 billion a year for the state.

The problem is that Michigan families won’t have an extra week to travel because the schools still need to make sure that all the designated number of school days will be met.

Some schools are conducting the change by eliminating half-days, shi�ing teacher training hours and adding minutes to daily class time. If districts have to go through all this trouble, then what’s the point?

At the moment, our district still has to coordinate exactly how this bill will affect the 2006-2007 school year. Programs like KAMSC, EFE and EFA will have to be worked with during the course of this year to accommodate Granholm’s tactical blunder.

Really, all this legislation does is make more work for people already bogged down with an overabundance of it.

There’s also the fact that the state shouldn’t even be interfering with local districts as long as they meet state requirements. Once a local district falls short of required hours of school, then the state should step in, but not if everything is fine to begin with.

As far as I’m concerned, I’ve always enjoyed the first week of school before Labor Day. It allows me a convenient period of time to adjust to the fact that I’m back in school.

Starting with three-and-a-half days allows for a gradual re-entry into the groove of a school’s schedule. Furthermore, it also gives students a chance to drop or add classes and adjust to their teachers.

I think it’s worse for a student to jump right into a full week of school that’s wasted anyway when going over syllabus, curriculum, and introductions that was previously reserved for the week before Labor Day. Quite simply, this new legislation is inconvenient and absurd. There can’t be any more to say than that.

Malkam Wyman is News Editor for the Central Stampede.

“

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page six

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features and lifestyles

Nov. 4, 2005

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Song

INKING THE DEAL: A Body Armor tattoo artist inks a black and purple heart on a local high schooler’s hip as she squeezes a helpful hand for moral support.

Skin graffiti decorates PC

BY KAY TARLETON

Copy Editor

a local ta�oo shop, walls plastered with posters of girls with painted bodies. The controversial sceams of Korn’s Dirty blasting through the speakers, somehow not distracting the artist at work. A glass counter case of body piercings, a dentiststyle chair for needle work in the corner of a room. And tray a�er tray of display ta�oos.

Body Armor Ta�oo and Piercing – junior Eddie Spicer knows the parlor well; it’s where he got part of his ta�oo.

“I got [my ta�oo] because I think they’re sweet,” Spicer said, flashing a dragon on his upper arm. “Plus it’s artistic and I love art.”

Spicer’s design cost him roughly $180, but not all ta�oos are as expensive – or cheap – as his was. At Body Armor, the

minimum price is $40, but it ranges as high as your wallet can afford, depending on the amount of skin you want covered.

“Good ta�oos aren’t cheap and cheap ta�oos aren’t good,” said Eurl, a ta�oo artist at Body Armor.

So what makes these colorful skin brands so appealing? People get them for as many reasons as there are ta�oos. And they aren’t just for students; art teacher Jill Waskowsky said her ta�oo was almost a turning point in her life. A�er being “one with nature” in the Colorado river, she realized it was “time for my ta�oo.”

“I was ready for it; it was the embodiment of the experience,” Waskowsky said. “As soon as you make something permanent, visible, it becomes a part of you and you become a part of it.”

But not everyone waits until they’re 45 and “ready.” To some, ge�ing a ta�oo is a sign of independence, boldness or rebellion.

Sierra Rich got the word “fearless” in Tebetan put on her back.

“It was something me and my dad were doing together,” Rich said. “It was just

something to represent that I’m not scared of the world.”

Ta�oos aren’t just a pre�y picture; a lot of maintenance goes into such a unique piece of artwork. “Ta�oo Goo” is required to keep the skin moisturized for several weeks, and then one can use regular lotion.

If this vital step is ignored, you’re ta�oo will heal like a scab and basically peel off.

So is pain the name of this colorful game? According to a 2004 Harris Interactive poll, 16 percent of American adults and 49 percent of 18 to 29-year-olds have at least one ta�oo. Apparently the thought of needles doesn’t scare almost half of over-18, under-30 Americans.

“It kinda works like a sewing machine,” Eurl said. “And deposits the ink into the skin.”

A customer – who was ge�ing a violet and black heart ta�oo on her right hip – said it hurt some, gri�ing her teeth as the needle danced across her hip, but not too badly.

There were no tears, only one quick yelp when the needle first touched her skin.

She may be the proud owner of a new

ta�oo, but not everyone stays in love with their ink marks. According to the Harris Interactive poll, 17 percent of Americans who get a ta�oo regret it later. In fact, the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery said that ta�oo removal procedures have increased 27 percent from 201 to 2003.

Ta�oo removal is a terrible process of lazoring that is 10 times the pain and 10 times the pay. The cost for a two-by-two inch picture is roughly $1000 to $2000. Eurl said the most commonly regre�ed ta�oos he sees are ones with names – boyfriend/ girlfriend, husband/wife.

His advice for ta�ooing seems to be what most people preach on the subject – don’t rust into things; this isn’t a spur-ofthe-moment decision.

“Know what you want; think about it,” Eurl said as he shoved sushi into his mouth a�er the ta�ooing was finished. “If you’ve been thinking about it for a while, it’s probably worth doing. Check out the place you’re doing it at first; if you get a bad feeling about the place, go somewhere else.”

tattoo

you

minimum cost for a tattoo

$40

percent of 18- to 49-year-olds with a tattoo

49%

cost for removing a 2x2-inch tattooo

$1,000$2,000

Source: Harris Interactive poll

Focus

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page seven

features and lifestyles

Nov. 4, 2005

BY DANA CRONYN Editor-in-Chief Someone has moved Dee Fitzsimmons’ cheese.

Day a�er day, lab mice across the country traverse their scientific labyrinth in search of the ultimate prize: a chunk of cheese.

This age-old tale is no different for the mice in Spencer Johnson’s widely-acclaimed self-help book “Who Moved My Cheese?” In Johnson’s version, the handsome hunk of cheese could always be found in the same location.

But, for the mice, this unwavering sense of security was one day sha�ered when their cheese was, well, moved. For veteran art teacher Fitzsimmons this New York Times best-seller became a reality as she was faced with her own test of flexibility during the 2005-06 school year.

“One day the mice’s cheese was gone,” Fitzsimmons said, recapping the story. “Just like half of my art classes disappeared.”

Despite her more than 30 years of experience teaching art, Fitzsimmons was

BY LAUREN STINE

Focus Editor

“Be nice to someone today, and don’t forget to buckle up,” These are the wise words of teacher Rod Nedervelt.

Nedervelt recently made the leap and decided to become semi-retired, thus changing his life drastically.

Instead of teaching all day long, his day begins second hour with management and ends third hour a�er reading the announcements and working on various departmental work. A�er his day of work is done, he generally goes home, has lunch, watches an hour or two of “Matlock” then leaves to get some exercise, whether it be playing golf or taking a walk at the Moors. But that’s not to say he’s not doing any work it is sometimes necessary for him to return to the school at night, and he is continuing his tradition of coming in on Sundays to

grade papers, along with taking care of a variety of teaching responsibilities.

Even though his schedule is much looser nowadays, Nedervelt is far from lazy.

“I’m still keeping myself very active, I don’t want to come home and just watch TV, it’s important for me to turn off “Matlock”, “Li�le House on the Prairie”, or whatever I’m watching and still carry on a normal day,” Nedervelt said.

Adjusting to his new schedule has been enjoyable, but not always easy. He finds it difficult to acclimate to the drastic change of being a full-time teacher, to now barely having to teach at all.

“It’s been hard for me to get used to the change,” Nedervelt said. “Before, I wasn’t leaving school till 3-3:30 and at that point I was dead tired, especially mentally exhausted from all day long teaching and grading papers. It’s definitely easier being semi-retired, although, that’s not to say I’m not still whipped by 10 o’clock at night.”

The biggest change this year is not

Nedervelt, Rod Teacher

1st Hour 2nd Hour 3rd Hour 4th Hour 5th Hour 6th Hour

Drink Coffee Management Announcements Lunch “Matlock” “Matlock”

7th Hour

Golf at the Moors

“Be nice to someone and don’t forget to buckle up.”

to be deemed “incapable” at the end of 2006 under President Bush’s No Child Le� Behind Act. This 2002 legislation asserts that in order for teachers across the country to be considered qualified, they must major in the subject they teach.

For Fitzsimmons, a WMU communications major, this meant a trip back to the classroom for her first foray into speech in more than 30 years. Despite her respect for the subject and qualifications as a former speech teacher and forensics coach, Fitzsimmons was less than eager.

“I didn’t want to do it,” she said. “I was out of the loop in terms of English. I was afraid of beating the bush to stay ahead of the students. I didn’t have the activities to embellish the experience for them.”

A�er nearly nine weeks and two sections of Speech 10, Fitzsimmons credits the supportive staff for easing what could have been an overwhelming transition. She notes that fellow teachers, including Kathy Mulay, Randy Borden and Helen Wynkoop, have provided essential assistance, sharing ideas, information and activities.

Aside from the generous staff support, Fitzsimmons’ own approach has been the greatest aid in assisting her adjustment.

“I wouldn’t say I’m exceptional, but I’m holding my own,” she said. “It’s my nature to do my best, and I will do my best.”

Her transition, however, has not been entirely painless.

Speech classes, a graduation

requirement for all students, draw a unique section of the student body, divergent from her typical art classes, which is an elective offering. This difference in demographic is evident in discipline, Fitzsimmons states, as she spends nearly 25 percent of class time reprimanding students, a first in her teaching career.

While a high percentage of “really, really sharp kids” make Fitzsimmons’ teaching experience both gratifying and enjoyable, a small fraction of her students are known to sometimes “make it difficult.”

“There’s an element of the sophomore class which is highly immature,” Fitzsimmons said. “…It’s like trying to contain a li�er of fastmoving puppies.”

By and large, Fitzsimmons claims to have beaten the rat race, learning an important lesson from her own tale.

“If you don’t stay flexible…you won’t succeed,” she said, adding, “Sometimes change can be a renewal.”

knowing as many students. Now that he’s limited to one class, he barely knows any of the juniors or seniors. On the plus side, Nedervelt greatly enjoys having his son in his class, and hopes to have his daughter in class next year as well. For him, seeing his kids is still a major priority in his life, although it is becoming harder and harder to do.

“We have such different priorities now, since my kids are now driving, I no longer have to run them around, and with playing sports and friends I rarely see them anymore,” Nedervelt said. “If it wasn’t for my class I wouldn’t see much of my son, and I’d enjoy having my daughter in a class next year.”

Despite his shortened teaching schedule, Nedervelt continues to be a favorite among the students.

“Ned is one of those teachers that truly inspires you to wake up every day,” senior Tom Chodl said. “He teaches with style, class and enthusiasm, that is why he is the teacher of the year every year, because he is just that amazing. He’s be�er than fantastic; he’s Ned-tastic.”

Whether he is teaching or just enjoying leisure time, Nedervelt is content with his life and his decision to become semi-retired.

“At the end of the day I still enjoy hanging out with my friends, Fantasy Football, yard work projects, and even going to the football games,” Nedervelt said. “I’m certainly not bored.”

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8

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page eight

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entertainment and events

Nov. 4, 2005

Exclamations of “It looks alive!” rang out in reaction to impossibly elaborate glass sculptures, or escaped in whispers for fear of upsetting glass bowls precariously

hihuly blows away

Kalamazoo audiences

SEEING

THE

LIGHT:

World-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly brings brightly-colored bowls (above) and floating glass creations (right) to the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.

CHRIS OPPEL/STAMPEDE

For more information and to get involved, contact KCAI at 343-7023.

BY LINDSAY MIARS

Vibe Editor

Exclamations of “It looks alive!” rang out in reaction to impossibly elaborate glass sculptures, or escaped in whispers for fear of upsetting glass bowls precariously balanced on a forest of pedestals.

But the most common reaction of all, “Wow,” could only mean one thing…“Chihuly in Kalamazoo.”

Debuting Sept. 25, this fabulous display of blown glass from master glass artist Dale Chihuly is the only exhibit of its kind in North America, housed at our very own Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA) until Jan. 1. This is the biggest exposition the KIA has ever hosted; it is also their most widely acclaimed by critics and visitors alike.

“The moment people turn the corner, you hear a lot of gasps and ‘wow’s—nothing can prepare you for the direct visual impact,” said Paul Stermer, public relations coordinator for the KIA. “This is the type of reaction we were hoping for.”

Stermer said the Chihuly exhibit will not only attract business for local Kalamazoo companies, it will also lead to “bigger and better things” for the KIA, from widespread recognition to the promise of future collaborations with well-known artists.

But collecting and assembling three truckloads of glass designed by the most famous glass artist of the 21st century, including his second work commissioned especially for the KIA, was no easy feat. In fact, this ambitious endeavor has been in the works for more than three years.

“People see this beautiful exhibit but have little to no concept of what’s behind it,” Stermer said. “You could think of it as planning a huge wedding or party; there’s a lot to think about.”

Stermer described Chihuly’s work as “a real treat for the eyes,” a breathtakingly beautiful array of translucent sculptures characterized by exuberant colors, exotic shapes and sizes from the intricate to the vast.

The “Chihuly in Kalamazoo” exhibit contains 10 large works, including two outdoor displays, and a variety of smaller pieces, each displayed with skillful lighting, mirrors or even installed as a ceiling above visitors’ heads.

Dale Chihuly began blowing glass in his basement studio in 1962 at the age of 20, with little idea that he would soon be commissioning private collections and public venues from the Royal Botanical Gardens in England to the White House. Unfortunately, in a 1975 car accident, Chihuly lost sight in his left eye and permanently disabled his right foot. Now lacking adequate depth perception, Chihuly depends on a team of assistants to translate his ideas into glass-blown reality.

Nevertheless, the body of work on display at the KIA has broken down barriers and attracted a diverse audience of children, students and adults with its uniquely broad appeal.

“There’s just something amazing about seeing something this big, this colorful,” Stermer said. “The way light and space strike you when you’re arm’s length away from a Chihuly—it’s definitely the sort of exhibit you have to see for yourself.”

The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts is open from 10a.m.-6p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, 10a.m.-8p.m.

Thursday and Friday and noon-6p.m.

Sunday. General admission to “Chihuly in Kalamazoo” is $12 for adults, $10 for students and $6 for Kalamazoo Institute of Arts members.

Vibe entertainment and events

page nine

ROCKS

Rehm

BY RYAN RAY

Staff Writer

“Well, now sweet sixteen’s turned thirty-one, feel a li�le tired, feelin’ under the gun…Rock n’ roll never forgets.”

In the immortal words of “Rock n’ Roll Never Forgets,” Bob Seger manages to sum up Johnny Apollo and the Saturn Seven’s theory on life: a band with all of its members—including English teacher Jeff Rehm—over the age of 40.

For 30 years now, Johnny Apollo and the Saturn Seven have been playing vintage rock at its finest. By being straightforward, crazy and dressing in wacky flamboyant costumes, the band has earned itself longevity and a loyal following of fans.

Playing ‘50s and ‘60s rock and roll, but not averse to throwing in a wacky medley or two, Johnny Apollo proves that there’s no comparison to other bands.

“There’s nothing that bothers me more than walking into a bar and you can’t tell the band from the people,” said Rehm, who assumes the identity of “Woody Bridges” in the band. “With Johnny Apollo, you don’t get that.”

Perhaps that’s why the band has such die-hard fans. Usually “greaser”-inspired, Apollo and the Saturn Seven also enjoy playing typical ‘50s music from “Happy Days” to Jerry Lee Lewis.

“Although the band is fun and wild, the music always comes first and remains serious,” Rehm said.

“When the band walks off stage, we know we sang well, rocked, entertained, and that’s what gives us a sense of something greater than ourselves. Our main goal is to make people walk out and say ‘wow.’”And watching this spectacle surely makes people want more.

“The only thing be�er than listening to Li�le Richard’s greatest hits, is playing his greatest hits,” Rehm said passionately.

On Saturday Johnny Apollo and the Saturn Seven will be playing a hurricane Katrina and Rita benefit taking place at the Allegan Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m.

9

Stampede

All proceeds made at the concert will be given to the American Red Cross, and the goal is to raise $10,000. The Performing Arts Center is located at Allegan High School and is considered to be one of the finest new auditoriums in all of Southwest Michigan.

With three tiers and plush seating for a thousand, there’s no be�er place to watch Johnny Apollo and the Saturn Seven open up for local country legends Four Wheel Drive. Doors open at 6:30; $5 for students and $10 for adults.

WOODY BRIDGES:

English teacher Jeff Rehm a.k.a.

Woody Bridges plays a mean bass. Johnny Apollo will be performing Saturday in Allegan.

Nov. 4, 2005

New Hollister store provides jobs, jeans

BY RYAN RAY & MEREDITH GAGE Staff Writer & Design Editor Never fear, distressed jean and polo lovers: Hollister Co. is coming to town.

“I’m really excited for the new style,” junior Justin Grubka, who cites Finish Line and Abercrombie and Fitch as some of his favorite stores, said. “And I won’t have to drive for an hour to get there.”

Previously, the nearest Hollister store was located in Grand Rapids. The new Crossroads Mall location means a shorter commute but worries some students.

“I really love Hollister clothes, but now I’m worried that I won’t be as original because everybody will be [wearing Hollister],” junior Elyn Grant said. “But the store always smells really good!”

Along with all of the new clothes, Hollister provides job opportunities for many students. Junior Laura Kuda is among the 150 new employees.

“I’m looking forward to working with friends and I get 40 percent discounts on clothes,” Kuda said. Kuda and the other employees a�ended a three hour orientation to learn about their new job.

Foldyourpolos

Hollisterstyle

Lay out polo and straighten wrinkles.

01

Fold bottom up behind shirt twice.

03

Fold both sides behind shirt.

02

Spray with authentic Drift™ Hollister cologne and display.

04

NAUMAN MANGLA/STAMPEDE

Area bands play through ‘WindandRain’

SEAN CLEARY/STAMPEDE

ROCK OUT: (Above)

The local band Vinny Keys, signed to WindandRain, plays at the second annual Dana Hall Fest.

BY LAUREN STINE

Focus Editor

The words “wind” and “rain” may merely sound like aspects of weather, but in reality, they also make up the name of senior Vinny Trierweiler’s new record label.

Over the last two years Trierweiler has not only been a member in two bands but has also recorded and promoted bands

around the area. A�er gaining experience and knowledge in these subjects, he decided it was time to get himself more organized.

Shortly a�er the start of his newest band, Asphodel Fields, Trierweiler started up his own label called WindandRain records.

Trierweiler runs his own studio out of his family’s basement. There he records various groups, runs band merchandise, and masters demo CD’s. One unique

feature he has added is a monthly compilation CD featuring bands regardless of their affiliation with WindandRain, which is sent out to major and indie labels across the country. Through this feature, he is hoping to gain recognition for small-time groups in and around the area.

“There hasn’t been much going on in the music community in this area for a few years now,” Trierweiler said. “WindandRain is my a�empt to make a swi� change.

There were a few bands floating around, trying their hardest to play shows and get their music out, but they didn’t have the resources. This is where I came in.”

So far, WindandRain has a lot of positive feedback from various labels.

WindandRain also hosted a “my band is be�er than your band” contest where the winner of the competition had the opportunity to tour with the label’s bands for a week.

WindandRain is not yet affiliated with any major record label but is rapidly becoming one of the largest record labels in southwest Michigan. It is always accepting demos and interviews with new bands, and is not limiting it self to any one genre.

Currently WindandRain consists of the

bands Vinny Keys, Asphodel Fields, A Few Miles North and Ender. The label may shortly be welcoming the rap group James Thurmas, consisting of seniors Jim Mone�e, John Sco�, Nick Lobel and Colin Reis. Regardless of how popular a band may be, it’s Treirweiler’s goal to try and accommodate everyone.

“All the bands on WindandRain help each other out with booking and promoting.

It’s a big happy family. Everyone does what they can for one another,” Trierweiler said.

Most of the label’s income comes from recording non-WindandRain bands and the monthly compilation CD. In one month alone Trierweiler raised over $1,200; a�er only three weeks of existence, WindandRain became the number one Michigan Myspace site in terms of visitors.

“It’s awesome to realize you’re a part of something bigger than just yourself and your music,” drummer Nik Beighler said.

“Even if it’s not a major record label, we’ve really got something here.”

Bands looking to book an interview with WindandRain Records or simply fans wishing to buy merchandise may visit their website at www.windandrain.vinnykeys. com or contact Trierweiler.

KVCC

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page ten

entertainment and events

Nov. 4, 2005

‘Little Women’ delivers

BY LINDSAY MIARS

Vibe Editor

Louisa May Alco�’s “Li�le Women” is a daunting, 500-page classic all li�le girls are expected to start reading somewhere around the age of 10. In reality, most girls can’t make it past the first few chapters, myself included.

In this new Sands Hall adaptation of “Li�le Women,” however, presented by the Portage Central Drama Department, there is never a dull page.

Initially, the low-key nature of this selection seems a surprising departure from the high-energy comedies of the past few years, but the comedic experience of both the cast and the director, Kathy Mulay, has anything but disappeared.

The relationship between Laurie, played by senior Andrew Franks, and Jo, played by senior Lauren Meyer, provides consistent humor throughout the production, with ridiculous romps around the stage and more than one mock swordfight. The rest of the cast serves up their fair share of laughs as well; most notably senior Amanda Montgomery as the hilariously cranky Aunt March.

Aside from some initial uncertainties about the age roles of each character, the family dynamics quickly and successfully fall into place. Each of the four March sisters bring a different personality to the table, effectively brought to light by the actresses

that play them.

Senior Katie Munn gives an exceptional performance as the eldest sister, Meg, whose motherly influences never fail to charm those around her. Jo (Meyer), the feisty, tom-boyish sister, is the narrator and most dynamic of the characters, carrying the story seamlessly through its emotional highs and lows.

Beth, played by senior Shannon Hill, is the heart of the March family, adored from the start but soon forgo�en as the other characters leave the house to live out their own busy lives. Senior Megan Nemire skillfully portrays the youngest March, Amy, including her unexpected transition from spoiled, obnoxious li�le sister to respectable wife and mother.

In the second act, the story matures right along with the characters. Laughs are o�en replaced with tears as the pace of the plot slows but manages to maintain the interest of the audience until the final scene, which wraps the story up neatly and ties it with a big, sappy ribbon.

Despite the show’s tireless a�empts to make you feel like you’re reading (the elaborate set literally resembles a large, open book and the 2½-hour runtime is worthy of Alco�’s epic novel) the pages turn rapidly and the audience rarely feels weighed down. Overall, the excellent cast captivates and entertains far more than one would expect from the less-than-intriguing title.

RYAN RAY/STAMPEDE

GATHER ‘ROUND: Clockwise from left: Seniors Shannon Hill, Megan Nemire, Katie Munn, Lauren Meyer and Allie Morris share a heartwarming moment on stage during the final week of dress rehearsals for “Little Women.”

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CD: Fiona Apple “Extraordinary Machine”

Television: “Arrested Development”

Restaurant: Cheeseburger in Paradise

When you think of apples, it’s possible you think of the fruit or maybe even the ridiculous name actress Gwyneth Paltrow chose to give her child; but it may also bring to mind the singer/songwriter Fiona Apple.

Fiona Apple recently released her first new album in six years, “Extraordinary Machine.” During production, Apple faced a major dilemma when her label, Epic, held off the release in 2003, but because of Fiona’s devoted fans, the album was finally released.

This album doesn’t stray too far from Apple’s previous CDs; although her collaboration with hip-hop producer Mike Elizondo adds something different.

The change, however, is not overwhelming. A prime example of this is “Tymps (The Sick in the Head Song),” which successfully combines Apple’s smoky voice and amazing talent on the piano, with hiphop influences.

Since Apple’s debut album, she has clearly matured.

“Extraordinary Machine” is the perfect blend of both her previous albums with new aspects. “O’ Sailor,” is a prime example of this combination with its bluesy undertones. The maturity in her music and particularly in the lyrics is o�en reflected in references to her recent breakup with director Paul Thomas Anderson.

For anyone who knows Apple’s work, it’s impossible to find a “hit” song on her album because that’s not her music. Her music takes time to appreciate and repeated listens, but the end result is incredibly satisfying.

For those Apple fans who have eagerly waited six years for her new album, you will surely not be disappointed.

If you’ve ever le� your TV set to Fox for more than 15 minutes, you’ve surely heard about the sitcom “Arrested Development.”

Centered around the hilariously dysfunctional Bluth family as they try to rescue the family business and get their father out of jail, the show has garnered thousands of glowing reviews and five Emmy awards, including “Outstanding Comedy Series.”

Airing Mondays at 8 p.m. on Fox, the show differentiates itself from the other sitcoms on television with its huge ensemble cast (led by Jason Bateman, who starred in “Dodgeball” and “Starsky and Hutch”) and unique use of a single, handheld camera for filming. Despite the high praise, “Arrested Development” is the focus of constant speculation regarding its placement on the Fox lineup due to its dwindling audience; it would be a pity for such a great show to be cancelled.

Jimmy Buffet likes his with le�uce and tomato, Heinz 57 and French fried potatoes.

A good hamburger is as American as it comes, but many claim it is hard to find a decent burger in Kalamazoo.

Cheeseburger in Paradise (CBIP), a nationwide chain of restaurants, has singlehandedly solved the whereto-go-on-a-first-date dilemma with its opening on West Main in Kalamazoo. A break from the normal pub-style restaurant ensured the restaurant’s success.

CBIP incorporates a tropical party atmosphere with backyard grilled flavor perfect for a party.

The wait staff dons festive leis, Hawaiian shirts and sunglasses and the theme continues in the elaborate décor. Small cabanas line one wall with individual booths inside while fishing poles and lifejackets hang from the ceiling. Jimmy Buffet would be proud.

The classic “Cheeseburger in Paradise” burger is included on the menu just the way Jimmy Buffet would have ordered it complete with the signature pickle on the side. Along with the extensive burger menu, crab cakes, ribs and salads are also offered.

The wait for a seat was long. Our party of two waited for 40 minutes before being seated and even a�er we were seated, it was another ten minutes before our waitress appeared. However, once I ordered the signature “Cheeseburger in Paradise” burger, it was prepared quickly and it was well worth the wait.

Cheeseburger in paradise is located at 5609 West Main Street.

reasons to tune in 5 1

2 3 4

The Bluth family has a new lawyer named Bob Loblaw.

Go on, say it.

Charlize Theron guest-stars as an English preschool teacher/spy, complete with her own theme song Tobias, the sexually-confused Blue Man Group wannabe, is no longer bald thanks to 4,000 new hair plugs

The twisted relationships of “Laguna Beach” have nothing on the infatuation cousins George Michael and Maeby have developed for one another.

5

There’s less of the emphatically annoying Buster to hate now that he’s lost an arm due to an unfortunate swimming incident.

-Lauren Stine

News About Your School District Stay informed... ● Page

5 every Monday in the Portage Gazette

● The

-Meredith Gage

-Amanda VanderMeulen

E-Z Way Driver Training “Developing Safe and Skilled Drivers Since 1979”

SEGMENT 1

SEGMENT 2

CERTIFIED ROAD TEST

CLASSES LOCATED AT PORTAGE CENTRAL AND PORTAGE NORTHERN

District web site: www.portageps.org Enroll online at

www.ezwaydriver.com OR CALL 372-3300

Sports

11

Stampede

page eleven

athletics and leisure

Nov. 4, 2005

Distance Going the

PHOTO COURTESY DAVE TINGLEY

BUILT

FOR

SPEED: Senior Tingley, a competitive cyclist, trains for upcoming race with a smile on his face. His daily training regimen includes a 20 mile trek to Vicksburg.

Adversity sparks a new passion

BY DANA CRONYN

Editor-in-Chief

When first introduced to senior Dave Tingley, it is hard to imagine this thin, lanky and humble figure as an intimidating force on the football field.

This now-humorous image would have been a reality, until Tingley received his first bicycle during eighth grade.

From that day forward, Tingley’s been cycling nonstop, meanwhile advocating the many virtues of the activity.

“It’s be�er for my body, for the environment and for my wallet,” he said.

Tingley’s passion for cycling began on a whim, when he started taking day-long cycling trips to Three Rivers.

Shortly therea�er, this simple recreational hobby flourished and Tingley

began competing in regional competitions in Wisconsin, Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids, notably taking first in his age group at a Wisconsin triathlon last June.

For Tingley, the motivation behind these competitions is simple.

“I just really like to push myself, to push my limits” he said.

Most recently, Tingley competed in the 50-mile MSU Championship course, deciding to participate in race the just a day prior to the actual competition.

Tingley stumbled across the opportunity a�er discovering a flyer in a local cycling shop and believing himself to be “in pre�y decent shape,” he decided to compete for the sheer enjoyment and challenge of the activity.

“There were kids in the race with $2,000 to $3,000 bikes who were on

professional teams,” Tingley said, adding, “I came there looking all raggedy…but it was just fun to go out and ride.”

Even more miraculous than Tingley’s effortless athletic prowess is his ability to compete following a 2004 car accident.

The accident occurred on Jan. 6 as Tingley and his family returned from a funeral only to be struck by a semi-truck, pu�ing Tingley in a coma and followed by intense physical therapy.

While Tingley is back on his feet following the accident, he still feels the residual effects, suffering from knee injuries which limit his athletic capabilities.

Although Tingley was forced to forgo his usual participation in cross country, fortunately, biking is among the few physical activities he can still pursue.

“I am just really, really thankful that

I can still do something to stay in shape,” Tingley said.

As of now, Tingley intends on biking less for competition and more for recreational purposes but still manages to set aside time each day for cycling. Tingley crams in 20 miles of daily training, biking out to his EFE class in Vicksburg.

Even further down the line, Tingley sees himself joining a cycling club in college to maintain his enthusiasm. He intends on a�ending a small, Christian school in Wisconsin, coincidentally known as the mountain biking capital of the world.

As for the football team, it is debatable whether his presence is missed on the front line; however, Tingley’s story is a motivation for athletes everywhere.

“For me, biking is something I can do for the rest of my life,” he said.

big wheels keep on

turnin’

20

miles

of training daily

50

miles

biked by Tingley in a Michigan circuit race

1

st

place Tingley finished in a Wisconsin Triatholon

Freshman Martin leading the pack

BY RYAN RAY

KALLIE ASHCRAFT /STAMPEDE

STAR POWER: Martin relaxes after the Portage Invitational meet.

Staff Writer

Freshman Katie Martin is surely giving everyone a run for her money. With her first year ever on a cross-country team, Martin built herself quite a record, and running 3.1 miles in 20:03 proves that she can keep up with the best of her teammates.

“All I think about when running a race is staying right next to Laura Haskins,” Martin said, also citing seniors Katelyn Charbeneau and Lisa Keyte as influences.

“It’s a mental sport and I have to keep on thinking about running hard.”

Running seven days a week has become a ritual for Martin. “My goal is to

get gradually faster,” she said.

The coaching staff views Martin as someone who has the potential to be one of the Mustangs’ top cross country runners.

“Katie has a future like her smile… bright!” Coach Dan Wytko said. “She ranks right up with some of the top freshmen girls that I have had the pleasure to coach.

We hate to put too much pressure on her by pumping her up so much, but we also want her to be able to enjoy running as long as she can. Sometimes running can become a labor instead of a passion. We hope that she always enjoys it.”

Wytko said Martin is coachable; a prime example of this was at the St. Joeseph Invitational, and Wytko asked her to make

a 30-second surge. She immediately sped up and moved from 10th to 4th place.

Martin caught the coaching staff’s eye back in eighth grade.

“She looked like she was very raw and not challenged very o�en,” Wytko said.

“During the 800, she would sit behind a runner for 1.5 laps, then sprint to the finish, winning very easily. What impressed me is that she could run below 2:30 and not even be pushed. So a strength that I see is that she has a lot of talent to work with.”

Fortunately, Martin still has three more years to flourish.

“A�er I run, the way I feel is amazing and I know I accomplished something,” Martin said. “The sport is so fun.”

Minis

With a near-perfect season, Portage Central’s men’s soccer was scheduled at presstime to take on Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central this past Tuesday.

The Mustangs blanked rival Portage Northern last Saturday, 3-0. They are now 20-1-4, and although the team has players from all grades, the seniors are carrying the team to victory. Will Perry, a senior defense player, thinks that, “[the team] has amazing potential.”

The team has made it to states almost every year since the team’s coach, B.J. Snow started three years ago, an indication that achievement can only be a�ained by team work.

“Every player, whether he is on the bench or on the field, has stepped up in order to win these games,” Snow said. “Our true strength is that [the team] has players that can and will step up in order to win.”

Last weekend, it was Eric Alexander, J.T. Nelson and Ko Yamamoto who each chipped in for a goal to down the Huskies. Prior to that regional final, the team blanked Kalamazoo Central 1-0. Look for further updates on the success of this year’s soccer team in future issues of the Central Stampede.

-Tim Coleman and Renee Patten

Women’s basketball continues with a strong record, a positive attitude The women’s Basketball team is off to a successful season. “I think we are ge�ing be�er,” coach Ma� Tabor said. Tabor acknowledges the fact that many talented seniors will be leaving at the end of this season.

“Hopefully the younger players can step up,” he says. The women’s varsity team is 6-6, and according to freshman player Stephanie Murray, the team is doing well. Murray has a positive a�itude about being on the varsity team. “I love playing on varsity, I look up to the other girls,” she says.

The JV team is also doing well, 7-5. Much of their success is based on good teamwork, says sophomore player Courtney Weber, “we work well.” Both players and the coach hope that the teams continue their success through the end of the season.

-Laura Pone and Adel Johnson

varsity cross country

Men’s soccer moving their way up the chain with promising players

women’s basketball

men’s soccer

ustang

Women’s cross country champs, men’s team places high at Portage invite At the Portage Invitational, the Women’s Cross Country team earned an impressive 11th place. The men’s team fought hard as well with six varsity runners having personal best times.

On the women’s team, Lisa Keyte came in 29th with a time of 19:17. For the men, senior Sam Marvin came in 32nd place. The women’s team, soon there a�er, earned the right to be named the 2005 Big 16 Conference Champions. Keyte came in 1st place overall with a time of 18:59. Also in the top 20 were Laura Haskins in 11th at 19:55, Katie Martin in 13th at 19:58.

“All season it was a goal to win conference; towards the end they started believing it was possible,”Coach Dan Wytko said. Marvin came in 6th running a time of 16:17.

“We’re shaping up to be a good team,” Marvin said, “with seven sophomores on the team, by the time their seniors there’s no reason they shouldn’t be conference -Levi Barry champs.”

12

Sports

Stampede

page twelve

athletics and leisure

Nov. 4, 2005

Eric Alexander, the next ‘Mr. Soccer’ Alexander the

GREAT

BY ANDREW ROSENBERGER Assistant Editor

If you were to meet Eric Alexander for the first time, he come across as a pre�y quiet, keeps-to-himself, average Joe. Alexander is not a bragger; he doesn’t let things go to his head.

However, just because he’s not a showboater doesn’t make him extraordinary by any means; it’s his passion for soccer that fuels his increasing popularity.

“I don’t see myself as the best soccer player in Michigan,” senior captain Alexander said. “I’m just doing what I love and that’s playing soccer.”

Starting when he was 8 and playing for Portage Lightning, Alexander gives spectators a reason to talk.

Traveling cross-state in order to play with Vardar soccer club in Detroit, when he’s not in fall season with the Mustangs, shows his dedication to the sport.

“I’ve played with Eric since I was 9 and fortunately never have had the privilege of playing against him,” senior captain Jared Lemmermen said.

Alexander has been viewed as the number one player in Michigan, favored for the Mr. Soccer award given to the MVP of the Michigan Dream Team. No one can forget his contribution to Portage Central - making it to the Division one state quarterfinals. A�er last year’s success, Alexander made some improvements on his junior game. He plans to play for Indiana University in the fall, which is viewed to be one of the top soccer schools in the nation.

A�er a�ending the Adidas Elite Soccer program this summer, he became a worthy adversary for the Mr. Soccer award.

“I knew a�er Eric’s game against West O�awa he was going to be real sweet,” junior Ko Yamamoto said. “When he took the ball from mid-field all the way in, dribbling past five other players and then scoring, he was awesome.”

Yamamoto said, “He is just crazy good with foot skills that have go�en so

LET IT REIGN: Alexander on the battle field, waging war against Kalamazoo Central.

CHRIS OPPEL/STAMPEDE

good he moves through the defense almost undetected. He’s always the one scoring those game-winners.”

Averaging more than one goal per game, Alexander has become the team’s lifeline.

“The team feeds off of him and notices the ‘leading-by-example’ approach he uses as captain,” Lemmermen said. “I’ve always been the vocal motivating captain, and

telling the team what to do.”

A�er losing to Northern on August 20, the teams need to pick themselves up and dusting off was crucial.

“The game a�er Northern versus Loy Norrix was the most challenging for me thus far,” Alexander said. “Coming off of a big loss, I didn’t want our season to start spiraling downhill.”

Moving forward and pushing the team

to keep on task, Alexander tries his best to be a coach on the field.

Portraying energy, intensity and heart, he allows the other players around him to rise up to his level through the amount of skill he puts out on the field and into his game. “I try to make everyone around me be�er,” Alexander said. “Making adjustments during the game in areas that are struggling.”

Women’s tennis: An ace at states

BY JAKE SCOTT

LET

Staff Writer

Despite the loss of a very key player, the girls’ varsity tennis team has thrived this fall, managing to turn a few heads in the process.

Overall, the team had a successful year and was able to add a few very prestigious notches to their belts. With a second-place finish at regionals and ending the regular season by claiming a first-place victory at the PC invite and the GK tournament, the Mustangs ascended the ranks and obtained a slot at this year’s state competition.

The team of 12 of Portage Central’s best players consists of four captains: Morgan Pa�erson (fourth KALLIE ASHCRAFT/STAMPEDE year on varsity), Kaitlyn Johnson, Melanie DeMint IT BOUNCE: Caitlin Lum practices her ‘A’ game. and Mari Yaginuma. The team also includes seniors

Bri�any Crawford and Michelle Roose, along with juniors Dahlia Yehia, Katie Beadling and Laura Kuda. The squad is topped off with young and talented sophomores Neha Gupta and Caitlin Lum, and freshman Stephanie Johnson.

“Our team has a lot of depth,” Kaitlyn Johnson notes. “That really helped us pull through a lot of our games, especially at regionals.”

The team managed the unpredicted victory at GK this year with a two-point overall lead above Gull Lake. With first, second and fourth doubles winning their flights, the victory rested largely on the shoulders of singles player Yehia. Yehia split her sets, but claimed total victory by winning the third set and cementing a victory for the team.

With their outstanding success, they received an invite to compete in this year’s state tournament

for the second straight year. Competing at this level, placed the team against over 20 of Michigan’s top-ranked teams. Although they did not claim victory at states this year, they played strong and were once again able to dash expectations to pieces by achieving nine overall points.

“As a team, we did much be�er than we had thought,” Kaitlyn Johnson said, “even if the points don’t show it.”

At states, one of the more striking upsets came from Pa�erson and her partner Yaginuma. The unranked yet talented duo decimated their higherranked opponent from Farmington.

The third doubles duet, Crawford and Kuda, won its first match, claiming two points. The fourth doubles team of Lum and Roose followed suit, tacking on two more points to the overall score.

Minis

The city-wide men’s water polo team, the Portage Muskies, has been making waves this season.

Key players include Aaron Weatley, Evann Po�s and Levi Barry. Unlike varsity sports, players from both Portage schools combine to form the team. While it may be difficult to imagine this combination team in light of the fierce rivalry between schools, Weatley notes the mixture is actually an advantage because “you get to meet a lot of new people.”

Po�s agrees, stating, “At heart, the school rivalry doesn’t ma�er; we’re all friends. The team really clicks.” And obviously so. At the Ann Arbor tournament, the Varsity team placed 2nd.

Because the team is young, made up of primarily freshmen and sophomores, Po�s is confident in the team’s ability to succeed in future seasons.

-Amanda VanerMeulen

Men’s golf team places second at Districts, fails to make par at Regionals A�er beating Northern to the Celery Cup, winning the conference championship and placing second at districts, the golf team was on the top of their game. they were under par and feeing good about regionals “We had a solid season up to this point, going into regionals a li�le too confident,” Alex Corbit said.

Hosting regionals at Angles Crossing, the boys were worried about the cold and windy weather.

“Almost everyone had a bad day,” head coach Chuck Schira said. “But Alex Corbit performed up to par with a 78, which is not too bad.”

The team was disheartened by the whole experience, placing eighth out of 12.

“The entire season, we never connected as a team,” Corbit said. “Regionals were the one time for us to finally come together and make it to states.” “We had no excuses, not one person made it into states individually.”

-Andrew Rosenberger

men’s football

Men’s water polo, the Portage Muskies, conquers local tournament

men’s golf

men’s water polo

ustang

Varsity football ends determining the conference tie- breaker

It’s been a challenging season for the Mustang football squad. Finishing with a 3-6 overall record, playoff hopes have been replaced with looking to prepare for next season.

“We just have to have a great off season,” Coach Bre� Foerster said.

Senior Sean Sterling agrees, stating that since the team didn’t qualify for playoffs, the end of the season was a time to focus on having fun and preparing the juniors and sophomores for next season.

According to Foerster, all fronts need improvement in strength, size and speed and that hard work during the off-season will be essential to the success of the 2006-07 season.

-Laura Smith