Vol 11 issue #3

Central

Stampede Friday, December 9, 2005

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

Vol. 11 Issue 3

50 cents

An Army of

Service hours increase for NHS members

BY KATE PENNINGTON Assistant Editor

/STAMPEDE AURA SMITH KEVIN KEY & L

BY DANA CRONYN

Editor-in-Chief

It’s a war zone out there, and the enemy is more than formidable.

Wielding key chains, pencils, T-shirts and other catchy slogans, the military’s various branches are again se�ing up shop and hoping to recruit bright, able-bodied students.

While the passive-aggressive presence of military recruiters in schools is an age-old ba�le, Section 9528 of 2001’s No Child Le� Behind Act has recently given these organizations an even larger artillery.

Under President Bush’s legislation, all federally-funded schools are required to disclose the personal information and phone numbers of the student body.

This provision also provides harsh consequences for schools that refuse the o�en invasive measure, only exempting students who complete the li�le-known “opt-out waiver.”

Local recruiters, however, believe that this access is an important and significant step in the recruitment process.

“So many people have access to contact information and phone numbers,” said Demetrius Bell, staff sergeant and local Marine. “If colleges are allowed to recruit, the services should be allowed too.”

Principal Eric Alburtus, who himself served in the National Guard during college, assures that military services receive equal time in school hallways and that treatment is the same “across the board.”

Between colleges and the services, however, there is a fundamental

and notable difference in approach.

With this in mind, it is almost impossible to imagine a local university hosting a push-up contest or an Ivy-League obstacle course, but these are precisely the techniques used by the armed forces. Aside from aiding in recruitment, these policies have also raised more than a few eyebrows.

“Am I uncomfortable with some of those tactics?

Yes,” Alburtus said. “But I can understand the need for recruiting. They’re trying to sell their program.”

Bell maintains that despite their flashy tactics, the general approach is much more straight forward. “…We just take out brochures about opportunities and other technical applications,” he said. “[The Marines] are kind of like career counselors, we give them something else to think about and other avenues to learn…If they don’t want to join it’s that simple.”

In the school environment, many recruiters, students and faculty members have reached a symbiotic relationship, sharing mutual respect and consideration.

This has led many students, like senior Dan Yonker, to determine that, despite recruitment policies, recruiters deserve a place in the front lines of Portage Central.

“I don’t have a problem with recruiters,” said Yonker, who has been considering the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) as an option in addition to a�ending college.

He feels that with the potential instatement of the dra�, the ROTC would allow him to combine both education and service.

“It’s necessary to recruit, and the high schools are a good place to do it,” Yonker said. “There’s a lot of people who are not going to college but still want to do something with their lives.”

In 25 hours, one could drive straight through southern Florida, watch about 12 movies or potentially play 150 holes of golf. Yet with that said, many students have found a more productive way to spend their time.

The National Honor Society (NHS) recently increased its required service hours for new members from the previous 15-hour requirement to 25, five of which can be completed during the previous summer. The new policy will not affect the 2006 class because they joined during a 15-hour agreement.

Yet for the 2007 members like junior Ariana Pucke�, it is quite a substantial service project.

“Ten extra hours for one person isn’t a lot,” Pucke� said. “But 10 extra hours for the whole club makes a difference.”

She admits it is a heavy amount of hours but has no hesitations accepting a club membership.

“Community service always goes toward a great cause,” she said. “NHS is a great program to be involved with.”

Similarly, NHS Adviser Kent Baker sees these additional hours as a reasonable requirement.

“We’re looking to have an even greater impact within the school and community,” Baker said.

By counting hours now, instead of events, Baker sees this as a flexible situation, equivalent to “less than an hour a week.” New members do not seem to be fazed much either, as Baker hasn’t noticed a sharp decline in NHS participants. Overall, the new service requirement is seen as a positive adjustment.

“We’ve always tried to go above and beyond at Portage Central,” Baker said.

Tyler Needham: Road to recovery Following an Oct. 27 accident, senior hopes for ‘normalcy’

BY MEREDITH GAGE

Design Editor

For most, eating a sub from Jimmy John’s is a benign lunchtime ritual. For senior Tyler Needham, who was recently paralyzed in a car accident, the sandwich isn’t just a sandwich—it’s a precious sign of normalcy.

“It tasted pretty damn good,” said Needham from his room at the Mary Freebed Hospital in Grand Rapids. His brother Casey had brought him the sub, a welcome respite from hospital food.

Needham was paralyzed from the midtorso down following a car accident on Oct 27. It is unclear whether alcohol was involved.

While exact details of the incident are not available, as Needham was alone in the car and can’t remember the three days following the crash, the incident sent shockwaves through the community.

“I couldn’t believe it,” senior Kevin Ledbe�er, a friend of Needham’s, said. “We had just hung out the night before. When I went to see him in the hospital I thought I was going to pass out, I just couldn’t believe it.”

Needham’s friends characterize him as a good guy who was always willing to help out a friend. Ledbe�er called him whenever he ran out of gas. He watched “Desperate Housewives” with Nemer, even though she acknowledged that “he hates that show.”

Insider

Similarly, Nemer, Ledbe�er, and others are drink. The football team bought me a new doing their best to visit Needham whenever Game Boy thing and relatives have helped possible. out,” Needham said.

“He gave me a And visitors are thumbs-up before he always welcome. went into surgery,” “When you’re Nemer said. “He’s up here [in the hospistaying really posital in Grand Rapids] for four, six weeks, tive [through it].”

Needham’s posyou need a lot of friends,” Needham’s itive a�itude allows father, Brad, said. him to make jokes Brad and his about his condition. wife, Debbie Need“I don’t even know how I didn’t get ham, stay with Tya concussion,” Needler during the night and are o�en present ham said. “They put 30 staples in the back during the day.

When not reof my head. I guess my thick head finally ceiving visitors or came in handy.” reading the book Needham has on Michigan footno memory of some ball Coach Foerster of his early visitors gave him, Needham due to the level of spends his time unmedication he was dergoing physical on, but he is still therapy. grateful for everyFor more than four hours every day, one’s support.

Needham works on “ E v e r y o n e ’s SENIOR SNAPSHOT: Needham’s senior photo building up the arm been helping out a shows his pleasant demeanor just prior to muscles he’ll need to lot, with food, with his car accident.

the

maneuver his wheelchair on his own.

“They have me doing all sorts of things, lots of things with my arms, trying to get me back to life,” Needham said.

Ge�ing “back to life” is not easy. Needham recently returned from New Jersey a�er seeking treatment through a new study on spinal injuries.

Names were literally drawn from a hat to see who would receive treatment and who would participate in a control group where no treatment is given. Needham was assigned to the control group.

In addition, Needham contracted staph and urinary infections as well as pneumonia while in the hospital there.

“It sucks, being dependent on other people,” Needham said. “It really sucks.”

Still, there are signs of progress. At one point Needham was paralyzed from the neck down; this level has now dropped to his midtorso. He can also feel pressure around his stomach. Needham hopes to return to school sometime a�er Christmas break and graduate with his class.

“Is he going to be paralyzed for the rest of his life? Truly, I doubt it,” Brad Needham said. “There’s a lot of hope.”

As a parting remark, Needham repeats what the students hear from Rod Nedervelt on the announcements every day: “‘Wear your seatbelt.’”

Send Support your

If you would like to send letters of support to Tyler Needham, you can write to:

Tyler Needham Room 332 Mary Free Bed Rehab. Hospital 235 Wealthy, S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49503

OR sign up to send a le�er-a-day in the front hallway, near the gold office

page 5 SENIORS: Got bling? • page 9 Athena’s final chapter • page 11 New sheriff in town

Herdin theHallways

“ I feel naked without my

iPod; I take it everywhere.”

---Sophomore Marvee Turk on her a�achment to today’s ho�est gadget: the Apple iPod, details on p. 7

is for...

vegetables!

Pseudo vegetarians defend their controversial eating habits

8 page

What is your favorite holiday song?

Jingle Bell Rock 52%

Jolly Old Saint Nick Silent Night 21% 20% Carol of the Bells 7% NOLAN FLYNN & KYLE SHERMAN/STAMPEDE 100 students

surveyed

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Stampede

page two

News hallways and city streets

Dec. 9, 2005

‘Teddy Bear Bandit’ leaves its mark & SAMAH CHOUDHURY Assistant Editor & View Editor

Gnarled fur, with a hooked tooth and bruises on his le� teeth to match, a ba�ered bear has been appearing in bathroom stalls and halls alike as of late.

Head janitor Chris Hastings has noticed two types of these bears on school grounds.

“Either we find stickers or this kid has time to draw them,” Hastings said.

“Actually, [the perpetrator] is a pre�y good artist,” he said.

Not only found in the boys bathroom and high up hallway walls, the teddy bear has even been sighted outside. Hastings has had to scrape off stickers embellishing road signs near the school, even as far down as the Portage District Library.

While he admits removing the teddy bears takes time from his other duties, Hastings says the artist reminds him of himself as a child.

“Professionally, it is bothersome,” he said. “However, they’re not hurting anyone, unless it carries another meaning we don’t know about. As to why [the perpetrator] is doing it, it is because he can.”Hasitngs said, “Why do kids vandalize? If I knew why kids do anything, I would be a rich man.”

Meanwhile, students, as well as administrators, are amused by the sketches.

Freshman Zack Tarleton, along with his friends, has turned finding these bears into a sport. “I have two of them right now, in my locker and at home,” Tarleton said. “My friends and I are collecting them. We think

they’re cool.” O t h e r students are less impressed.

“I think they’re stupid,” freshman Kevin Roose said. “I saw one in the bathroom once, but they’re really dumb.”

Although there are no leads as to who “the teddy bear bandit” is at the present time, school policy maintains there will be certain consequences enacted.

Disciplinary action would include a suspension for 1-10 days, restitution (restoration to the previous state of the property), referral to the police, and even the possibility of a recommended expulsion.

Judging by the janitors’ aggravated tones, and the strict administrative policy for discipline, this stuffed ruffian mays soon be wearing stripes.

Norris closes the book

BY RYAN RAY

SET rejects new movie policy

BY DANA CRONYN

Staff Writer

True to form, this dedicated librarian is leaving quietly. Since 1968, Carolyn Norris has served the school with 38 years of excellence.

Thanks to her, the library has been kept up to date with the newest programs to make information retrieval much easier.

“I haven’t been here a year that Central hasn’t changed. When I first got here, we used a card catalog,” Norris said.

“I’m constantly learning how to use new equipment and making it easier for students and teachers to access knowledge.”

While watching the library grow every year, Norris constantly reflects on the needs of the curriculum and changing technologies in the library.

But keeping everything like the technology ready for use won’t be the only thing she’ll miss.

“I’ll miss the kids here the most,” Norris said. “Not waking up at five in the morning will be nice, though.”

A�er her retirement, Norris plans on

KEVIN KEY/STAMPEDE

BY AMANDA VANDER MEULEN

MICHELLE BERANEK/STAMPEDE LOOKING FORWARD: Among her books, Carolyn Norris prepares for an early retirement.

taking it easy.

“I plan on doing volunteer work at my grandchildren’s school, se�ling in my new home on Eagle Lake, maybe working in historical library,” Norris said.

In retirement Norris looks forward to having “time being on my own, I enjoy sewing, mock and kni�ing.”

“With Central’s growth, students can be a part of almost any club; but the library always remains a safe place,” Norris said.

“I make sure everyone is treated equal

and I never let anyone take away anyone’s dignity. I’ve always kept that feeling in here,” she said.

Norris’ advice for the next upcoming librarian would be to give the people a chance because it’s a great place to work.

“I work at Central because I love to, not because I have to,” Norris said. “It changes all the time and that’s what I like.”

When asked how she would like to be remembered a�er retirement, Norris humbly replied, “as a friend.”

Editor-in-Chief

students

Sexual content, drug usage, crude mature enough? language and violence may soon be coming Frida to a classroom near you. sexuality, Following the rejection of a proposal nudity by the School Effectiveness Team (SET) on and Nov. 30, R-rated movies will remain part of language school curriculum. The proposal, had it been implemented, would have placed a blanketban on all R-rated movies.

While the plan’s sweeping and Saving Private Ryan controversial nature could have generated intense an uproar, psychology teacher Chuck violence, Schira, believes the idea was proposed with graphic the best of intentions. Many hoped it would content eliminate the problem of students feeling “singled out” because their parents will not allow them to watch R-rated films.

Schindler’s List This idea, however, was not welllanguage, received by many teachers and, thus, a sexuality majority rejected the ban. and “Teachers felt their hands would be actuality violence tied with a blanket policy,” said Schira, member of the SET. “Teachers felt they could make appropriate choices; they wanted discretion.”

Instead of an entirely new policy, the SET has decided to refine its policy. Currently, department chairs are undergoing an evaluation of all movies in the existing curriculum to determine their necessity, and like the previous policy, all movies with an R-rating or higher will require a parent permission form prior to its screening.

Portage Public School District recieves a ‘Gold’ ranking from Expansion Management

The Portage Public School District was recently determined a Gold Medal School District winner by the Expansion Management magazine in its 14th annual Education Quotient (EQ) issue. Every year, the magazine ranks more then 2,800 school districts on how well they are preparing students for the workforce following graduation. In order to rank as a Gold Medal School District, the district must rank in the top 16 percent of all districts in the US with an enrollment of at least 3,300 students. The EQ determines results based on graduate outcome, Resource Index (a community’s financial commitment) and Community Index (the community’s adult education and income levels).

Long Lake visit

new teachers

Brief

IB psychology class pays a visit to homestead of communal living to broaden knowlege On Wednesday, Nov. 23, Chuck Schira’s IB psychology class paid a visit to Long Lake homestead as part of an effort to learn more about behavioral psychology. The area was structured a�er ‘Walden Two,’ wri�en by B.F. Skinner, a reputed behavioral psychologist. The area was designed as a communal living environment and has been in existence since 1971 under the management of Roger Ulrich. As an enlightening experience, many of the class’ students admi�ed that the homestead wasn’t what they expected it to be.

newest clubs

In

New clubs on the block invite students to explore creativity, “make history” In addition to the unique clubs explored on the page 3, Portage Central welcomes the newly-formed Art Club and the first-ever History Club to its halls. The Art Club, which held its first meeting on Nov. 30, plans to communicate with professional artists, organize gallery visits and even try out techniques first hand (although artist talent is not required).

For further information on the Art Club, see adviser Jill Waskowsky in room 402. The History Club invites students to “make history” of their own and currently works to define its mission and goals for the year. The History Club held their first meeting on Dec. 1; see adviser Kent Baker in room 411 for details.

-Briefs compiled by Malkam Wyman

News

3

Stampede

page three

hallways and city streets

Dec. 9, 2005

Kudos!

Fun and

fancy free

Eclectic clubs are as varied as the members that join “

I

always tell people to celebrate their geekiness.”

With these words, Math Club adviser Chris Czuk encourages students to take advantage of a recent influx of new clubs. These clubs, based on a diverse range of hobbies including math, rock music and Yu-Gi-Oh trading cards, present the student body with unique opportunities to branch out with their extracurricular activities, but first they must manage to, in Czuk’s words, “overcome stereotypes.”

“The funniest rumor I heard was that we have the teacher’s editions to all the math books and that the club is giving out homework answers,” Math Club co-leader Gina Cosgrove said. “Unfortunately, that’s not true.”

Contrary to what you might expect, the Math Club, officially deemed the Mathematics Society, isn’t all about si�ing around and discussing

equations or doing homework. In fact, preferable. Basically, if you like Led headed by sophomores Gina Cosgrove Zeppelin, come join.” and Anna Gage, the club has an admirable The Rock Appreciation Club, set of plans that range from competing in currently in the process of dra�ing its local mathematic competitions to providing constitution, hopes to bring rock music tutoring services for the community. back into the spotlight within a society Member Annaliese McGavin describes heavily influenced by rap and pop.

“When I learned that clubs can hold the Math Club as “a unique group of people that enjoy math and dances, I thought want to spend time of the idea for an doing something all-rock dance I always tell fun that’s beneficial and the club spiraled from to their future.” people to celebrate there — with But this club some strong isn’t all about the their geekiness. influence from educational benefits.

Jack Black’s “ T h e CHRIS CZUK ‘School of Rock,’” most common Math Club Adviser A�eberry said. misconception is The club’s that you have to be future plans good at math to be in the Math Club,” Cosgrove said. “That isn’t include a field trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, awards for “band of the the case; you just have to like it.”

Similarly, musical talent isn’t a month” and “song of the week” and a rock requirement for the budding Rock instrument workshop where students can Appreciation Club. learn how to play or help teach others.

“If you like rock music, that’s good A�eberry jokingly refers to the club enough,” Club President Jessica A�eberry as “an excuse to hang out, listen to music said. “Also, a knowledge of class rock is and call it an extra-curricular activity.”

Yu-Gi-Oh Club member Richard Heidger is also familiar with the idea of forming a club for the sake of having fun.

According to Heidger, the Yu-Gi-Oh Club allows students who would normally play this Japanese strategy and trading card game at home or during school to “stay a�er school and play instead.”

Club adviser Holly Wall confirms this goal: “The idea is to get kids together who like to meet new people, socialize and challenge each other,” Walls said. “Other card games are welcome as well.”

“

“

BY LINDSAY MIARS Vibe Editor

SEAN CLEARY/STAMPEDE

SINGING LOUD AND PROUD: Front row, left to right: Andrea Smith, Michelle Ridge and Stephanie Mathias.

Back row: Gifford Reed Blaylock, Samantha Bowditch and David Stutz.

Choir members recognized for excellence On Dec. 3, junior Gifford Reed-Blaylock and sophomore David Stutz successfully earned spots in the Men’s State Honors Choir. Senior Stephanie Mathias and freshman Bowditch. Additionally, six students successfully auditioned Oct. 8 for a position in the Regional Honors Choir sponsored by the Michigan School Vocal Music Association. They included Mathias, Reed-Blaylock, Stutz, Bowditch and juniors Michelle Ridge and Andrea Smith. Of the 300 students who auditioned that day, 161 were selected.

Two alumni making strides in athletics and journalism

Alumni Dirail Flenorl, Class of 2004, is entering his sophomore year at KVCC as the basketball team’s starting forward. Coaches of the KVCC team a�ribute his progress to his assertiveness and insistent playing. Off the court, Flenorl is a psychology major and is involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Flenorl also spends time reading to 3- and 4-year-olds at Angling Road Elementary every week.

Muneesh Jain, Class of 2002, lives his life inundated in sports. This graduate doesn’t just play sports, he also writes about them. In October, Jain kick-started his sports publication, Motor City Sports Magazine, focusing on all things sport-related in Detroit. Unlike other sports magazines, Jain intends to cover sports at every level from professional to high school teams.

-Stampede staff

Drug talk draws fewer parents this time Bythe

Numbers

150

approximate number of audience members at a Nov. 2 drug presentation

350

approximate number at a meeting last spring

6

percentage of meth addicts who beat their addiction

Source: Mike Collier Portage Police Department

BY KAY TARLETON

Copy Editor

Ice, snow bird, angel dust – they sound like words from a child’s picture book. What about liquid X? Skunk? Grass?

The perfect name for villain in a scifi movie? An animal that really stinks?

Something that grows in your yards?

What pre�y li�le names for drugs that create such a nasty set problems. On Nov. 2, parents gathered in the auditorium to learn words like “bu�ons” have a deadly double meaning. Methamphetamine – meth – cocaine, PCP, GHB, heroin, marijuana and mescaline were only a few of the substances covered during this presentation.

Karon Wynkoop, daughter of English teacher Helen Wynkoop, spent a good portion of her evening speaking to the crowd of about 150 pairs of eager ears.

“I played a lot of sports, I was a preaccomplished swimmer and so�ball player.

I was 14 when I first experimented with

drugs,” Wynkoop said.

Wynkoop was one of the speakers who really hit it home for the silent room of parents as she took them by the hand and led them down the road of her life while cooking meth. For 11 years, she ba�led with her addictions until she finally was given the choice of rehab or jail. She chose rehab.

“Meth was my drug of choice,” she said.

“I liked that I was in college and could get a lot done. I lost lots of weight, I became edgy and paranoid. I lost my house – it was raided. I lost a good job. My son was the one thing that kept me living a double life. I kept trying to hide [my addictions] so once he was gone, it all started to spiral down.”

Karon Wynkoop’s son went to live with her mother who told Karon, “I’ll take your son, but I won’t take you.” Wynkoop went through long-term treatment in Ann Arbor at Dawn Farm and now works giving peer support and case management for women. “[Rehab] was hard but I was actually happy to be there because I felt there was

help and an end to it all,” Wynkoop said. “...I feel horrible about my parents because they didn’t know where I was when I was still doing drugs and at some points, I don’t even think they knew I was alive.”

Wynkoop wasn’t the only one who gave the audience a dosage of the reality of the drug world in Portage. Officer Mike Collier of the Portage Police Department told of his days as an undercover drug dealer and a member of the state “meth bust” team.

Both Wynkoop and Collier feel that awareness is the key to solving the problem, and while Portage may not be the drug capital of the world, it is home to an escalating drug scene. Wynkoop admits that her drug usage basically took place in the Portage area.

Collier said he believes presentations like the meeting will help with the problem, because parents know their kids be�er than anyone else.

“They didn’t want any press on drugs in Portage, not even good stuff like a bust because it’d be admi�ing there’s a problem,”

Collier said. “...Parents are responsible for raising their kids and [drug problems] will help be solved by education and awareness.”

Parents weren’t the only ones present at this informative presentation. Seniors Annee Dunn and Alexa Plew were among the few students to a�end. The pair hopes to start the program SADD – Students Against Destructive Decisions – with math teacher Dana Grosser as its adviser.

“We want to raise awareness,” Dunn, the future president of SADD at PC said.

“We may not be able to stop them, but we’ll be able to educate them.”

Plew said it would “really hit it home to students” if they could get a shorter version of the talk during a school day assembly.

“I think they should have focused more on alcohol because there’s more of it at our school,” Dunn said. “And I think there should be a short talk done for the students because they’re doing [these drugs] but don’t understand the effects.”

STUDENT COUNCIL Portage Central

Thanks to all for voting in this week’s

Homecoming elections!

Your 2005-06 Portage Central Student Council.

Working for you!

Room 403

Elections will continue the weeks of Dec. 12 and Jan. 9.

Homecoming is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 27.

A final thank you to all students who took part in Breadlift this year!

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

Dec. 9, 2005

Our View ‘Promise’ revolutionizes and paves the way for Kalamazoo Kalamazoo Public Schools have had their fair share of airtime—from the highly publicized uncouth remarks Derek Jeter received on his recent trip home, to the high number of fights last year at Loy Norrix—it is no wonder Kalamazoo tends to shy away from the limelight.

That is certainly no longer the case. With the newly-unveiled “Kalamazoo Promise,” KPS officials are basking in the glory that will virtually revolutionize southwest Michigan—and rightfully so.

The Central Stampede enthusiastically praises the benevolent donors of the Kalamazoo Promise Scholarship. The “Promise” pledges up to 100 percent full tuition paid for any public or community university in the state of Michigan, but the graduate must have maintained a 2.0 GPA or higher and have a�ended a KPS school for more than four years.

The general sentiment regarding inner-city schools seems to be that they are a lost cause, with few students who manage to make it out.

However, this scholarship allows KPS students to break this very stereotype and rise above previous expectations with the ultimate incentive: free college.

While Portage students are feeling somewhat impassive besides the initial “wow!” the influence will undoubtedly be felt within the next year Enrollment may decrease as more families move to take advantage of this valuable offer. A few Portage teachers may even find themselves out of jobs.

Nonetheless, the Kalamazoo Promise is a prime example of benefit outweighing the detriment. For example, imagine the wealth of scholarship opportunities that will open up for Portage students. This project is a once-ina-lifetime occasion —and the revolution it will bring to our communities is something to be watched for years to come.

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

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.

NOLAN FLYNN/STAMPEDE

No child left unrecruited?

Controversial method to Harrassment in the halls fund one’s college degree should not be acceptable

guest writer

view editor Tim Coleman

Samah Choudhury

Uncle Sam is up on the times. He knows simple posters donning Today, ba�les wage throughout America. Instead of bullets, there are phone calls. Instead of casualties, there are quotas. Military his stern face around town won’t bring in the numbers the way they recruiters are invading high schools across the United States in an used to. Kids these days don’t fall for propaganda films anymore. So a�empt to fill the dwindling number of volunteers. Under 2002’s No that’s why Mike’s on the other end. He wants to know if you have Child Le� Behind Act, President Bush authorized military recruiters ever considered the army. What, no? Well, why not? College? Well, to gather the names and phone numbers of high school students for you know, the military offers a variety of opportunities…

Twenty minutes later, you’re finally able to cut slightly aggressive employing purposes. This act also allows the military to actively Mike off. For the fourth time this week. Military recruitment tactics recruit within high schools.

However, military recruiters in school are not infringing on have taken a turn for the worst. No Child Le� Behind Act has always seemed like somewhat of a sketchy piece anyone’s rights. Students have the choice to of legislation, its real entailments buried join the military, there isn’t a dra� forcing beneath syrupy declarations of freedom them to enlist. Students also have the choice President Bush auand education. Now it appears that NCLB not to talk to the recruiters and forbid school has made it so our schools must turn over from giving out their person information to thorized military recruitstudent contacts lists on demand to military military recruiters through the “opt-out” recruiters or risk losing federal funding. policy. An important benefit of having the ers to gather the names This ultimatum is far from unfair—it’s military in high schools is the money that the and phone numbers of undemocratic. We’re breaching our rights school district receives. School districts rely to privacy—for what? So we can go fight a on the federal government for about 6 to 8 students for employing war that’s ostracized worldwide? So we can percent of its budget. write off ten years of our life?

Without military recruiters in schools, purposes.

The ways students are ge�ing recruited there would be fewer volunteers, and less isn’t quite so decent either. Complaints from monetary funds for schools to utilize for students have been filing in: complaints education. There are also incentives for many young students to join the military: up to $40,000 of college tuition of recruiters utilizing intimidation, deception and manipulation to is paid, discipline is instilled and training is given for a variety of conscript students. People even argue that they set their sights on “vulnerable” groups. But there aren’t specific vulnerable groups of different careers that recruits can utilize outside of the military.

Some students have few options a�er high school, but the kids here at our school. We’re all vulnerable. Most of us aren’t over military in schools gives these students something to work for: the the age of 18… and we’re still in high school.

Quite honestly, none of us are ready to sign off a fi�h of our chance to become a be�er person.

In the land of the free, everyone has the right to choose whether life on a whim that comes to you in the school’s cafeteria at the li�le they want to go into the military. At this time, recruiting presents this booth they’ve set up. Indeed, some students will enlist by graduation. choice to students and prevents a mandated dra� by maintaining However, never should a student enlist because they feel compelled to. Our inalienable rights do include the freedom to choose—to higher enlistment rates.

Therefore, despite the many protests against the military’s choose without deception and without obligation. presence in high schools, this system ensures our freedom of choice Times have changed. And Uncle Sam and Mike are going to need to tone down their plan of a�ack. during a time of war.

Tim Coleman is a Journalism I student and will join the Stampede staff next semester.

Samah Choudhury is the View Editor for the Central Stampede.

Students

Speak Out Do you think that the Kalamazoo Promise will affect Portage Public Schools?

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.

“Some might move to KPS, but others will be happy because KPS doesn’t have a very high graduating rate.”

EMILY RUIMVELD Freshman

“Yes, because Portage people may start trying to push for it to happen here.”

KELSEY NEDERVELT Sophomore

“Yes, everybody is going to get angry in Portage because they don’t get a scholarship.”

CHRIS HIGGINS Junior

“Future students down the road may switch because they want the money but other than that, no.”

JARED LEMMERMEN Senior

View

5

Stampede

page five

opinions and editorials

Dec. 9, 2005

“One small step for man...”

KYLE SHERMAN/STAMPEDE

One giant, expensive leap for America guest writer

Matt Vellom

George W. Bush thinks that NASA should put men on the moon again. He thinks this would be a good way to spend $ 104 billion in taxpayers’ money.

But why should we send more Americans to the moon?

Bush says that it is the next step on our way to Mars. This raises the following question: Why do we need to go to Mars?

Many Americans have the idea that once we get to Mars, we could then proceed to colonize the planet and eventually relocate

our excess population to live on it.

This view has been accelerated by science fiction novels and by several Hollywood motion pictures. What people tend to forget is that these stories are fiction, not based on facts. Theories, but not facts.

It is safe to say that if we ever could get to Mars, it would be highly impractical. The price would be high, the journey would take a long time and only a small number of people could make the trip at once.

The costs far outweigh the benefits.

My opposition takes root in my dislike of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as a government agency altogether.

When NASA was established in 1958, the U.S. government had legitimate reasons for creating such an organization.

The space race of the Cold War era was on between the United States and the U.S.S.R. and it was in the best interests of the U.S. to show superiority over the Soviet Union. To the rest of the world, this would not only be a U.S. victory, but a victory of capitalism over communism.

The human race didn’t know very much about space in 1958. As one of the superpowers of the world, the United States felt an obligation

The photograph we didn’t publish A newspaper’s precarious position during tragic times editorin-chief Dana Cronyn Glancing toward the bo�om of the front page, you won’t find a flashy headline complete with clever puns. Nor will you find a fancy fact box, an explanatory graph or even a big color photo.

The relatively subdued coverage of senior Tyler Needham’s recent car accident does not, however, decrease the importance or significance of his story. Instead, the Stampede feels that this understated coverage respects the Needhams during their difficult time and allows his story to stand alone.

Needham’s story brings about a fundamental debate, that has plagued newspaper staffs for years.

The question centers around whether it is a paper’s job to present the reader with harsh facts, or to downplay controversial or disquieting stories. We feel that our treatment balances these two interests, giving readers the information they deserve while taking into consideration the family involved.

to use its resources and technology to further the world’s collective knowledge about the solar system and universe.

It was legitimate to create a government-funded agency to oversee space exploration. But that was 1958.

In the present day, the government should not be spending its citizens’ money on things as unnecessary as space travel. I say unnecessary because that is exactly what it is. If NASA was to stop launching shu�les and there were no more space missions, the effect on the average American would be virtually nonexistent.

The government should spend NASA money on much more important agendas, such as education. They should leave the funding of missions to the numerous corporations in America that would no doubt jump at the opportunity to put their name on something as visible as a rocket being launched over live television.

Matt Vellom is a Journalism I student. He will be joining the staff of the Stampede second semester.

Jostens exploits graduation vibe editor

Which you?

tassle is right for

Lindsay Miars

During an interview in Grand Rapids, staff photographer Sean Cleary did take a series of tasteful photos to run alongside the story, however, a�er careful consideration it was decided that the story should run unaccompanied. This decision in particular was difficult to make. There is much truth in the statement:“a picture is worth a thousand words,” but in this case we felt few of them reflected the kind of positive message Needham expressed in his interview. We did not want the permanence of press to forever cement an even slightly unfavorable image of Needham as he prepares to return to the hallways following winter break.

It is with these factors in mind that we made the decision to run Meredith Gage’s story with a standard photo, and we feel strongly that her writing can speak for itself.

The final product, however, would not have been the same without the cooperation of the entire Needham family and we would like to thank them for their understanding. We anticipate that the reporting has effectively served the Stampede’s dual purpose and hope that Needham and his story’s important lesson do not go unread.

If you would like to respond to our coverage we encourage readers to drop of a le�er off at room 306 or in front office. We look forward to publishing your response in future issues.

Not unexpectedly, senior year carries with it a rather long list of demands. 24 credits? Required. College applications? Necessary.

Senior photos? Relatively standard.

Class of ‘06 bling? An absolute must.

Actually, despite what the Jostens company may try to convince you, none of us really need a “status” tassel, a shiny key ring or glowin-the-dark boxers to validate the fact that we are, or will eventually be, graduating. In fact, all I want is a cap and a gown; no foil border name cards, no expandable memory book and no jewelry.

Surprisingly though, this feat is a lot harder than it sounds.

If you look around, Jostens doesn’t exactly have a lot of competition – no other companies to offer us a be�er deal or be there when we miss each “this-is-your-last-chance-ever” Jostens deadline.

In fact, if you want to show up to graduation with a cap and gown that matches the rest of the student body, Jostens is the only choice.

Perhaps this monopoly has given them a li�le too much leeway in their advertising campaign. It’s not necessarily the products themselves, but the way in which Jostens presents them to its customers. You practically need a microscope to find the cost of a simple cap and gown, not to mention the navigation required just to avoid accidentally ordering a plaque or a hoodie.

Personally, it’s not my idea of “ge�ing into graduation” to spend $240 on an “essential” package featuring 100 “Foil Border Name Cards” (small pieces of paper that say your name), 150 “Envelope Seals” (gold stickers) and a “Senior Memory Book” (yearbook…but with blank pages), hoping they’ll throw in the cap and gown.

I know some people do appreciate the all-in-one approach to graduation gear, but those who don’t feel like they need it or don’t have the money shouldn’t feel pressured, or for that ma�er, confused about what purchases they actually need to make.

Jostens needs to simplify its process with a more straightforward approach, one with less of the frills that degrade the sanctity of graduation by making it feel like a middle-school magazine sale.

Dana Cronyn is Editor-in-chief of the Central Stampede.

Lindsay Miars is Vibe Editor for the Central Stampede.

When are you graduating? a) b) c) d)

2006 Two Thousand 06 ‘06 2 0 0 6

You’d describe yourself as: a) b) c) d)

spirited classic glamorous practical

How much are you willing to spend? a) b) c) d)

$10 $6 $12 $9

Mostly Mostly Mostly Mostly

a’s: Mascot b’s: Souvenir c’s: Status d’s: Key chain

6

Stampede

page six

J nesing for

Java

BY KATE PENNINGTON Assistant Editor

drinking coffee, Badders and comrades would occasionally sneak Folder’s coffee grounds to dine on and fulfill their As the workload increases and the overwhelming coffee cravings. hours in the day seem to slip by, it is no His desperate plans don’t stop there. wonder so many people are turning to Driving a stick shi� to work, Badders pours coffee for its stimulating li�. But is this his coffee in his ‘unbreakable plastic water caffeinated beverage beginning to control bo�le,’ in order to efficiently shi� and sip our daily routine? simultaniously.

Starting as early as 5:30 a.m., biology “I have to put the lid on real quickly teacher Jason Badders drinks anywhere and then shi� again,” he said. from five to 12 cups of coffee a day. An This need for coffee has also spread avid fan of Starbucks, to younger Badders claims he generations. couldn’t imagine a Freshman day without coffee, as Danielle Ritsema he would take on an looks forward to irritable and grumpy her 7 a.m. cup of demeanor topped off coffee, seeing it as with a headache. a great way to start “It would be off her morning. miserable,” Badders “You just need said. it,” Ritsema said.

Interpreter Leslie Going to Beaners LESLIE DARLING Darling has similar nearly two times interpreter feelings. A strong a week, Ritsema advocate for Verona has been known to and Breakfast Blend, write IOU le�ers Darling drinks between six and eight cups to friends when the craving becomes too of coffee a day. much for her favorite coffee treat: an apple Known by her closest friends as “The caramel frappuccino.

Stalker of Juan Valdez,” Darling cherishes Although preferring different flavors, her daily intake. all three coffee lovers seem to agree upon “I wouldn’t feel awake or ready for coffee’s powerful effects. work without [coffee],” she said.

So, as this new day begins, it’s no Badders completely understands this wonder Darling woke up this morning to a desire as he reflects on his days in boot steaming cup of coffee “with French vanilla camp. Forbidden by his superiors from and sugar added.”

“

KEVIN K

EY

& LAURE

N

SMITH/S

TAMPED

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I wouldn’t feel awake or ready for work without coffee.

“

Dec. 9, 2005

Focus

Java Jones for?

What do you

French Vanilla Cappuccino

French Vanilla Coffee

Carmel Bliss from Gloria Jeans

Sipping Town about

McDonald’s

Beaner’s

Speedway

Burger King

16 oz.

24 oz.

$1.20 $.89

16 oz.

16 oz.

$1.89 $1.20

McDonalds

Beaners

Speedway

Burger King

Focus

7

Stampede

page seven

features and lifestyles

Dec. 9, 2005

Now hear this:

BY LEVI BARRY

Guest Writer

Mp3 players have become more than just portable music devices.

They have given rise to their own sub-culture, especially with society’s tech-savvy teenagers and young adults. Millions of people use mp3 players, the most popular by far being the iPod. With the iPod and other similar devices, people are able to listen to music at any time, anywhere. They can listen in school between classes, on a bus ride or even just walking around the mall, and with the vast amounts of storage space and long battery life of such devices, they are able to listen nonstop for hours.

“I feel naked without my iPod, I take it everywhere,” sophomore Marvee Turk said. “I love putting on my headphones, picking my favorite songs and tuning out the rest of the world. Listening to my iPod helps make boring class periods fly by!”

There is, however, a dark side to this love affair, something that Apple, Sony and other manufacturers fail to advertise. That problem is premature hearing loss induced by long periods of listening to loud music.

Recent studies have shown an increase in noise-induced hearing loss in young adults.

This pattern, in the baby boomer generation, was caused by the increased use of home and car stereos. Hearing loss that would normally be found in a 70-year-old man is now seen in 40year-olds. A study in the Journal of Pediatrics showed that an estimated 16 percent of 6- to 9-year-olds show early signs of hearing loss most likely caused by loud sounds.

“Teenagers have an innate sense of ‘it’s not going to happen to me’, a feeling of invincibility,” said Kelly Palsrok, health teacher. “[Teenagers] don’t think that far ahead. They don’t realize [listening to loud music] can do long-term damaged.”

The danger for our generation comes from the length of exposure that mp3 players allow. Battery life of players allow for 20 or more hours of listening time without having to recharge or replace the batteries, and, unlike CD players, listeners don’t even have to stop to change CDs. This is extremely problematic since the severity of hearing loss caused by loud sounds is determined by the duration.

“I think [iPods] are great because they make students better workers, but students need

Recent studies show iPod dangers

to listen in moderation,” Palsrok said.

Studies have shown that people exposed to 85 decibels for eight hours tend to develop hearing loss, and every time the sound level is increased by five decibels, listening for half as long will produce the same amount of hearing loss. One example would be mowing the lawn. The lawn mower noise is about 80 to 85 decibels. Listening to an iPod on top of that adds another 20 decibels. That’s in the range of 100-105 decibels. That sound level shouldn’t be maintained for more than eight to 15 minutes.

The majority of mp3 owners listen for far longer than 15 minutes, however.

Sophomore Kyle Patenaude said he listens to his iPod for five hours per day at half to full volume. That is more than enough to cause permanent hearing loss, but he, like many, feels more cavalier about the problem.

“I’m in

love with [my iPod] and won’t stop listening until I can’t hear anything.

As long as you’re not deaf, you’re still truckin’,” Patenaude said.

Research shows that mp3 players cause hearing loss, but many are unaware of, or simply choose to ignore, the warnings of doctors and audiologists. iPods and mp3 players may be causing an epidemic of hearing loss in today’s generation, an epidemic that could create an entire society more concerned with the batteries in their hearing aids than the music in their iPods.

PUMP

UP THE

JAMS:

When asked why he loves his iPod, Sam Marvin said, “What?”

Raising

theBar can cause 8 hours premature deafness

130 decibels:

maximum volume on an iPod

ecibels: 90dmaximum

level experts say iPod should be played

KEVIN KEY & LAURA SMITH/ STAMPEDE

KEVIN KEY/STAMPEDE

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Stampede

T

page eight

features and lifestyles

Dec. 9, 2005

een spending An inside look at teen shopping habits

BY LAUREN STINE

SEAN CLEARY & NAUMAN MANGLA/STAMPEDE

Focus Editor

There are some things money can’t buy, for everything else there’s MasterCard.

This slogan and many others have become teenagers’ anthems. With credit card companies targeting younger and younger prospects and online shopping on the rise, today’s teens spend more money than ever.

Many teens not only have part-time jobs, but also receive money regularly from their parents, giving them extra miscellaneous spending money.

Junior Emily Fell is no stranger to this idea. She holds a steady part-time job and is given a weekly allowance to pay for extras

such as food and gas.

“On average I spend about $50-$70 a week,” Fell said. “I get some of that money from my job at Abercrombie but about $30 of that comes from my parents. I usually go shopping at least once a week, spending my paychecks until I just run out −sometimes spending up to $200 max.”

Today the population rate for Generation Y has reached numbers as high as 32 million, and they have become the largest group of teens in the nation’s history.

Due to this, in the past five years teenage spending has jumped up from $122 billion a year to $172 billion, according to Teenage Research Unlimited.

Between expenses such as gas, food and weekend entertainment, teens spend an average of $91 per week. Surprisingly, teenage girls spend on average $5 less than teenage boys per week, says Teenage Research Unlimited.

Junior Brenna Gieber prefers shopping online and has been doing it for years.

“I o�en prefer shopping online because there’s a bigger variety,” Gieber said. “It’s easier to pick out something you like if you don’t have to use up all your energy going from one store to the next.”

Internet shopping has become the

new wave of the future. Teenage Internet usage is rising and with the ability to use credit cards 24 hours a day, 7 days a week the opportunities for buying are endless.

Internet shopping is o�en easier because it involves less effort, and the packages are sent directly to your front door.

According to the International Labor Organization, Americans work on average 36 hours more now than they did 10 years ago. Because of this it’s easier for teenagers today to spend more money because their parents are busy with work and have less time to monitor their spending habits.

Also, many teenagers are becoming increasingly less concerned about saving for their futures because their parents already have it covered.

“I could easily live with just the money my parents give me, but with my job I have lots of extra spending money to buy whatever I want,” senior Chris Heimrich said. “It’s easy to spend a lot of money when you recognize that even if you blow it all at once, you’ll earn it all back within a week. I’m also not worried about saving money for college when I know it’s already being taken

Mom says, ‘Eat your

BY RENEE PATTEN

Guest Writer

If you consider yourself a vegetarian but eat chicken or fish, beware; there’s a chance rigorous vegetarians will a�ack you in packs.

There is a wide spectrum of individuals who consider themselves vegetarians. The two most widely known are vegans and

vegetarians. A�er these and their subheadings, terms to define vegetarians become iffy. One term is “pseudo vegetarians”. However, many questions arise as to whether or not this controversial group has any right to call themselves true vegetarians or not.

The International Vegetarian Union (IVU) is an exclusively vegetarian non-profit organization, whose primary purpose is to promote vegetarianism.

The organization’s experts define pseudo vegetarians as those who, “Claim to be a vegetarian but aren’t, and eat less meat than an average person.”

Typically a pseudo vegetarian will eat chicken or fish.

Others agree with the IVU. Cara DiJulio, a senior, has been a vegetarian her entire life, as her

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

parents are vegan and she was raised with a no-meat diet.

“If you eat meat, I don’t think you should call yourself a vegetarian,” DiJulio said. “To me, fish is still meat,” Junior Dominic Armstrong, who has been practicing vegetarianism for two and a half years, agrees.

“It’s hypocritical to eat meat and consider yourself a vegetarian,” he said.

Others take it to the extreme, comparing calling yourself vegetarian but eating meat to gay males dating girls.

Junior Betsy McInnis, however, advocates the pseudo vegetarian lifestyle.

“I claim myself as part vegetarian because I do the best I can,” McInnis said. “I agree with all the ethics on why vegetarians chose not to continually eat meat and I partake in helping the cause.”

There are problems, however, with being a vegan or vegetarian. The main difficulty is the lack of protein in the diet.

This is why McInnis still eats some meat.

“My mom was unhappy with me when I was a vegetarian, so I had to partially give it up,” McInnis said. Her mother feels it’s unhealthy for McInnis to stop eating meat

care of for me.”

With extended mall hours and holiday sales, the Christmas shopping season is in full swing. Teenagers have already begun seizing the moment and pu�ing their credit cards and cash to good use.

“Working at Abercrombie, I see just how busy the mall gets during the holiday season; there’s teenagers and their parents everywhere,” Fell said. “It’s also a big shopping time for me because I get a holiday discount at my job which comes in handy not only for my shopping but for Christmas gi�s too.”

egetables’ when she has her entire life ahead of her.

Cheryl Tucker, a foods teacher for 10 years, agrees.

“Gradually decreasing meat and adding soy, more fruits, vegetables and whole grains will be much healthier,” Tucker said.

Although pseudo vegetarians may still eat meat, they obtain other benefits from being a vegetarian. They consume less cholesterol, have a lower risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity and hypertension. Simply because they consume a diet low in fat and high in fiber.

Tucker says that to be a vegetarian or pseudo vegetarian is a profoundly healthy life choice. She believes meat stays in the system for seven days and processing this meat deprives the body of energy. Tucker suggests eating less meat and more soy since it contains heaps of nutrients.

Participating in this lifestyle requires a lot of energy and persistence. People who may want to participate in vegetarianism but aren’t ready to devote themselves completely, may se�le on pseudo vegetarianism. With this solution they can both live side by side.

Vegetarian Stats

6

percent of households with at least one person doesn’t meat, but eats fish.

5

perecent of households with at least one vegetarian

6 percent of Americans avoid eating red meat Source: www.Vegsoc.org

Vibe

9

Stampede

page nine

entertainment and events

Dec. 9, 2005

aving Athena MPEDE

Y/STA

KEVIN KE

BY MALKAM WYMAN

News Editor

Saturday, Nov. 12 marked the end of an era for the downtown area when storeowner George Hebben closed the Athena Bookstore for the last time.

The store first opened in 1944 and has graced Kalamazoo with its unique appeal as a locally owned bookstore for nearly 61 years.

Hebben had already decided to close the store in the spring and retire. However, unforeseen events caused an earlier closing than anticipated and Hebben was finally forced to keep the doors locked.

Prior to the closing of the Athena Bookstore, Benjamin Jones decided to march his own crusade to save one of the last local bookstores in Kalamazoo.

Jones coordinated a new organization dubbed Save Our Book Shop (SOBS) and sat down with Hebben to discuss alternatives to closing down the store.

“Basically, the premise is we need to get the cash flow going to get the store back on its feet,” Jones said.

Jones devised a plan to have 2,000 SOBS subscribers to donate at least $10 a month for 17 months to help get the store up and running again.

“I’ve always believed very strongly in shopping locally,” Jones said. “I try to take a long term view of where the money goes a�er it leaves my hand.”

As the days rolled by, SOBS participants began to realize that they were nowhere near their goal of 2,000 donations which made for a tearful farewell on Saturday, Nov. 12.

“I think [Hebben] is slightly embarrassed that he’s the focus of all this,” Jones said. “To have it come unraveled like this is obviously hard on him.”

Hebben’s involvement in the community and Athena’s influence as a locally owned bookstore deserve special thanks for 61 years of service.

Local bookstore forced to close after 61 years, despite efforts

MICHELLE BERANEK/STAMPEDE

THE END: Painted with the unfortunate words:‘Closing 50% off,’ the window of the Athena Book Shop in

downtown Kalamazoo shows a group of still dedicated customers as they mourn the store’s final days.

Stampede

Speak your mind.

Now accepting Letters to the Editor in Room 306.

Look Your Best for the

Holidays!

Call 324-3227 to schedule your appointment with stylists Marilee Menser or Brandie Fridley!

All PCHS staff & students receive the salon

1112 E. Centre Ave. Portage, MI 49002

20% off all haircut, highlight and/or color services during December & January

10

Vibe

Stampede

page ten

entertainment and events

KYLE SHERMAN & NOLAN FLYNN/STAMPEDE

Dec. 9, 2005

NOLAN FLYNN & KYLE SHERMAN/ STAMPEDE

MOVIE EDITION theitlist

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Harry Potter of and the

Line

Goblet Fire

As a faithful fad-follower, whenever a new Harry Po�er movie debuts, I shell out $8.50 for the cause. This was the case with the newest installment of the Harry Po�er rage: “Harry Po�er and the Goblet of Fire.”

This engrossing film follows Harry as he learns the ways of magic and women. Harry takes part in a contest between Hogwarts and two other schools: the French academy Beauxbatons and the Bulgarian school Durmstrang (home to the “best seeker in the world,” Viktor Krum).

The contestants must complete in, and win, several challenging tasks to recieve the esteemed Goblet of Fire.

Up until now, I have found the movies to be contentedly mediocre and maintain that they fail to capture the essence of J.K. Rowling’s absorbing novels.

Yet “Goblet of Fire” proved to be superior to its counterparts and breathed new life into the Harry Po�er phenomenon. This installment followed the book more closely than the previous movies, and came complete with a darker mood and more sophisticated humor.

The movie was mostly action and the plot was fast moving and intense. As a result, certain aspects of the film seemed too overdone and seem best le� between the pages of a fantasy novel.

As time goes on between filming, the actors are less believable in their roles and this lack of believability crippled the film. I had a hard time believing that Daniel Radcliffe, the actor playing Harry, was only 14.

In fact, all the characters appear well beyond their years. The “dashing” Robert Pa�inson also appeared more mature than his character, Cedric Diggory, should.

However, the film’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, and “Harry Po�er and the Goblet of Fire” has turned me, a casual Po�er follower, into an avid fan. If you’re wondering if the film is worth $8.50, the answer is yes. I only wish I could cast a spell and make the price come down.

The History Channel isn’t a favorite of most high school students. Then again, neither is Lifetime. Both networks take an extreme—one stoic and scholarly, the other dramatic and romanticized—and run with it.

“Walk the Line,” the new biopic of the late country singer Johnny Cash’s life, walks the line of being a comprehensive biography and a schmaltzy Hollywood love story. True fans of either genre will end up disappointed, but for the rest of us, “Line” is an enjoyable movie.

While two and a half hours is certainly an epic by movie standards, this running time still fails to capture the whole of the epic man himself. “Line” breezes through the death of Cash’s brother, the failure of his first marriage and his time in the military in mere minutes. “Line” instead chooses to focus on the tumultuous relationship between Cash (Joaquin Phoenix) and June Carter (a brune�e Reese Witherspoon), filled with plenty of music scenes to provide the bigger context.

Characters from music history abound, such as Jerry Lee Lewis (Waylon Payne), Roy Orbison (Johnathon Rice) and even Elvis (Tyler Hilton), but the focus remains squarely on Cash’s addictions and Carter’s a�empts to se�le him down. They meet when Carter gets her dress caught in his guitar strings backstage, and for the next 10 years they struggle with the question of morality (both are married to other people).

Impressively, Phoenix and Witherspoon sing and perform all of the music themselves. There would be no mistaking their voices for the real deal, but it’s an admirable performance that overall enhances the film. Furthermore,Witherspoon gives an impressive performance that will make you forget about “Legally Blonde.”

Phoenix inhabits the iconic figure of Johnny Cash nearly perfectly.

“I am Johnny Cash,” Phoenix says while stepping up to the microphone, and no one would dare to challenge him.

While the film appears a bit formulaic at times, “Walk the Line” is already garnering comparisons to “Ray,” the Oscar awardwinning film last year. Due to knockout performances by both Phoenix and Witherspoon, “Walk the Line” is a movie worth standing in line for.

Despite its blindingly rapid pace, “Fire” is the most sophisticated, funniest and darkest Potter yet.

6

B line M OTTO

Cash biopic “Line” is charming and accurate, though flawed.

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

5 every Monday in the Portage Gazette

● The

“No day but today:” these are not just words to live by, they appear in the lyrics and make up the major theme of the new filmmusical, “Rent.” Wri�en and composed by Jonathon Larson, this Pulitzer Prize and Tonywinning show has finally made its way to the silver screen, brought to life by director Chris Columbus.

The movie follows eight friends and the hardships they endure over the span of a year, facing the consequences of HIV and AIDS in New York’s East Village, 1989.

Mimi, played by Rosario Dawson, whose performance stands out the most, is a dancer addicted to heroin and infected with HIV. She soon falls head-overheels in love with Roger, who lives in the apartment above her and is also infected with HIV. Roger’s roommate is Mark, an inspiring filmmaker, still lusts for his ex-girlfriend Maureen who dumped him for another woman, Joanne.

Two other important friends that are part of the group are Angel and Tom, who come together over their suffering because they are both dying of AIDS. Then there’s Benny, the landlord, who brings drama and conflict to the movie because he constantly, and not surprisingly, needs the rent paid.

Although the looming fear eviction plays a major role, love and relationships make up the most compelling element of the movie.

The film’s raw emotion and realistic feelings come from the very talented cast, six of whom made up the original Broadway cast. The actors know their roles well, almost wearing them as a second skin.

What further makes this piece so meaningful is the fact that Larson never got to see his masterpiece become the success it is today. On opening night in 1996, Larson lost his own ba�le to AIDS. “Rent” deals with friendship, love, AIDS, and loss. Perhaps that’s why this film gives the viewer such a powerful feeling of love and desire to make the most out of life. Not surprisingly, this is the love that Larson and the cast share for the piece, which le� me thinking: “no day but today.”

-Meredith Gage

-Amanda VanderMeulen

8

Rent

Walk the

-Ryan Ray

9

“Rent”’s transition from stage to screen is seamless thanks to a talented cast and director.

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CLASSES LOCATED AT PORTAGE CENTRAL AND PORTAGE NORTHERN

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Sports

11

Stampede

page eleven

athletics and leisure

Dec. 9, 2005

New coach, new season and new goals

BY JAKE SCOTT

D REACH

FOR THE

JAKE SCOTT/STAMPEDE

RIM: Senior Wane Bond tears up the court as he dunks in practice.

Staff Writer

Fall is gone, the leaves have fallen and the birds went south. High temperatures are on hiatus; ice and snow have moved in. Here at Portage Central, the month of November lacks an athletic pizzazz, as Mustang fans transition from football season into basketball.

However, this year differs for men’s basketball when compared to past seasons, due largely to the addition of a new head coach, Jacob Johnson.

For any team, the hiring of a new head coach usually breeds a less-than-smooth transition between pre-season and regular season. With the transition about over, the tip-off to the men’s basketball season is around the corner.

“I’m looking forward to the season,” said Team Captain Wayne Bond. “No one thinks we’re going to succeed. I know we have a new coach but I think we’re going to surprise a lot of people.”

Unfortunately, a stigma seems to

surround teams a�er such a revamping in the coaching staff, as if they are predestined to fail. However, it appears that this year’s team has worked far too hard to let such hasty generalizations get under their skin.

One of Johnson’s main strategies for the team this year is to focus on the basics: ball control, shooting, passing and, most important of all, running.

“The practices are extreme,” Bond said. “We run a lot but we need to be tough to win. It’s hard now but it will be worth it in the end.”

Despite physical challenges, it seems most players are rising to the occasion, including junior DeAngelo Yurcek.

“Honestly, Johnson is a good coach.

Johnson works us hard and makes us be�er,” Yurcek said.

Along with the physical and fundamental elements of the game, Johnson wants his team to be just that: a team.

“A lot us haven’t played together before, so we need to learn how to talk to each other and play as a team,” senior Andrew Smith said.

eputy og D

Brings both bark and bite

BY JAKE SCOTT & ANDREW ROSENBERGER Staff Writer & Assistant Editor

There’s a new sheriff in town.

A fresh face has been seen patrolling the halls of Portage Central. This figure, which students have affectionately dubbed “Deputy Dog,” is actually Coach Jacob Johnson, selected to helm the Mustangs men’s basketball program a�er Dominic Siciliano’s departure late last year.

At the young age of 26, Johnson brings far more than just youth to the table. He has experience both competing and coaching at the college level.

Prior to his coaching position here, Johnson lived in Ohio, where he was head J.V. coach at Oberlin High School for the 2004-2005 season.

Prior to his position at Oberlin, Johnson coached for two years at Division III Case Western Reserve University and spent one year as assistant head coach at Hiram College.

Johnson made the move from Ohio a�er his wife received the head women’s coaching position at Kalamazoo College, for women’s basketball “I applied for the position at Loy Norrix, but didn’t get it, then I heard Central was also looking for a new coach,” Johnson said.

Johnson claims he was at first hesitant to take the job, a�er hearing rumors that Portage was a “very political town.”

“Coaches don’t typically like that characteristic in a town,” he said.

Johnson, also an associate Baptist minister, seems enthusiastic about the impending season but feels a few adjustments must be made in the ideology of the program.

Prior to tryouts, Johnson issued a memo stating that all potential players must practice in school colors, have a le�er of recommendation from a teacher and a copy of this year’s firstquarter grades. Johnson plans to lead his players to victory but not before keeping their feet firmly rooted to the ground.

While Johnson’s requirements seem steep, he explains, “My job is to help these kids graduate. It doesn’t do an athlete any good to graduate and not have a good education. They need a back-up plan.”

“He brings a lot of enthusiasm to the program, he’s got some good ideas, his requirements put everyone on the same page,” said senior captain Colin Norman.

Johnson also plans to take the boys back to the basics of basketball, as well as building his team from the inside out. As the head coach, Johnson wants his players to re-learn the game from the ground up, stressing the fundamentals by working on passing and playing as a team.

As far as his goals for the season, Johnson wants to make a statement this year with a strong group that can work as a team and he has also set his sights on districts.

“We’re not planning on an early exit this year,” Johnson said, “and I want to make a good push for next year, be more hands on.”

LAYING DOWN

THE LAW: Although Men’s Basketball coach, Jacob Johnson appears laid back, he has clear goals for his players both on and off the court.

NOLAN FLYNN /STAMPEDE

Minis

Men’s wrestling pins hope on the new winter season through stong goals for futher competition and new freshman class With the season quickly approaching, the wrestling team is busy preparing to make this their best year yet. “Coach Haughn and I are preparing the kids these first weeks with learning drills they will use all year; as well as developing a good a�ach strategy from our feet for early season matches,” Coach Eric VerHey said.

“The goals for this year’s team, considering that most of the wrestlers are freshman, are to grow and gain lots of experience as well as develop a strong team bond,” VerHey said. “We are very impressed with the work ethic and drive we’ve seen the wrestlers demonstrating in practice. Hopefully they will have a great season of personal growth. “ Even though the team is mainly comprised of younger students, Verhey hasn’t lost sight of the importance of upperclassman.

“We do have personal goals for our seniors and returning juniors that will surpass the team’s goals,” he said. “Bearing injuries and set backs we could have several upper classmen doing very well this year.”

Mustang Mini’s are compiled by Stampede Staff.

bowling

men’s wrestling

ustang

The bowling team looks to improve their game, go to states, and earn their keep as a first year varisty team “Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Larry Edlund (the athletic director), we are fortunate enough in being a varsity sport,” Coach Dowain Toma said. Assistant coach Carryon Fally is on the national circuit and Bill Johnson, the other assistant coach, will be joining Toma. Not wasting any time in preparation for upcoming competition, the team is knocking down pins at Airway weekly. “The team is practicing three times a week and working on ge�ing stronger,” Toma said. The bowlers are working strength in order to improve.

“Our goals are to form a cohesive team and have success at states,” Toma said.

“I am very confident that this year the team is more then capable,” he said. “This year we started a JV team for beginning bowlers to get the kids started younger and then mold them into great bowlers.”

“We’re innovators and look ahead a couple of moves. Bowling is a lot like chess, you need a strategy and a good game plan is helpful for the future.” Toma said.

12

Stampede

page twelve

Sports athletics and leisure

Dec. 9, 2005

Starting off on the right

SKATE

BY JAKE SCOTT

Staff Writer

Coach Jim Murray started coaching Mustang hockey 11 years ago, and despite so many games and varying teams under his belt, he still gets excited when winter rolls around. For this winter season, Murray hopes to duplicate and even exceed last year’s successful season. With primarily the same squad as the previous season, and a year of added maturity and physical preparation, mustang hockey is off to a great start.

“This year we had our best off-season ever,” Murray noted, adding; “We started this summer with the guys conditioning and got them into the weight room on a regular basis and that routine continued right up until tryouts. The team also had a few opportunities to get ice time this summer as well.”

Although 16 of the 19 returning players are le�ermen, with the majority of them being seniors, the team did sustain a large loss last year as well. Murray, however, is not worried and is more than content with

the amount of leadership flowing through his team.

“We have a lot of experience and leadership that should lead to a great season this year,” captain Ryan Bizzis said. “We want to continue the winning tradition.”

Even in such a competitive league, Murray feels comfortably optimistic about the upcoming season, even though the Mustangs have been pi�ed against some of the more challenging non-conference teams this year.

Due to the overwhelming successes of last year’s team not much of their game plan needs revising.

“No changes really, just to play strong defensively and win close low scoring games,” Murray said.

“The biggest goal for me and the team this year is to have fun! Aside from that I let the team set the goals although making the final four would be nice,” Murray said.

The hockey team displayed their strength on November 30 with a score of five to one over the Kalamazoo Eagles. The next home game is against the Ma�awan Wildcats at 7 tonight at the Wings’ Annex.

MICHELLE BERANEK/STAMPEDE

SKATING PAST

THE

COMPITION: Senior Jack Sandmeyer moves in for a shot.

Swimmers make waves at conference

BY ANDREW ROSENBERGER Assistant Editor

The women’s swimming and diving team has much to celebrate this year: conference champs once again.

Five years running, undefeated in the conference, this group of girls proves to be one of Portage Central’s most dominating athletic teams and a formidable force both in and out of the pool.

“The returning swimmers heard of other schools writing us off as being a weaker team than in the past,” Coach Jim Schafer said. “And that motivated them in becoming a more challenging team.”

Six swimmers and four divers qualified for states and competed in their respective events at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, where the state meet was held, but the Mustang swimmers and divers did not score high enough to be ranked.

“I’m very pleased with the progress leading from last to this year, due to the amount of kids that went from an average inner league to a top six inner league,” Schafer said. “That being the biggest difference, our team was not ready yet to make a impact at states.”

The team does show a promising future however. Displaying a solid team over the past few years, these girls have conquered the conference competition and now needs to move forward.

“Whether a team is successful at states a lot of the time depends on raw talent and

TAKE A BREATH: Junior Lauren Ahle warms up for a race. the big-time swimmers,” Schafer said. “Our team has good, solid swimmers which is perfect for conference, no big superstars, but just a solid team.”

The team has a strong freshman base to work with at future state meets. “We could make an impact at the state level with turning our solid kids into raw talent big-

MICHELLE BERENEK/STAMPEDE

time type of caliber kids,” Schafer said.

Along with a strong base, the team has good leadership through a large senior class. Amanda Vander Meulen, Sara Iseminger, Nihara Fernando, Jenna Teachout, Amanda Michael, Katie Rence, Lisa Lemmer, Kim Betz and Captains Catie Uggeri and Michelle Clancy all competed

in the conference meet, seven of whom qualified for the state competition.

“All of our seniors play an important role on the team, whether it be performance or relationship-oriented,” Schafer said. “A lot of the underclassmen look up to the seniors for an example and guidance.”

Four freshmen stand out among the rest and the team will look to them as leaders during futre seasons.

Schafer makes note of these impressive female swimmers. ”I’m very proud of all the freshman this year,” Shafer said. “I had no idea that they would do so well, especially when competing at a state level like Grete Grubelich did at Eastern. Sam Cabala, Kelsey Ray and Jaime Morton also did outstanding this year as freshmen.”

Receiving a time of 24.9 a�er the 200-relay and 56 flat a�er the 400-relay, Grubelich surpassed both her personal goals, and her previous records.

“It was overwhelming, there were a lot of good swimmers,” Grubelich said. “Being the last meet, I gave it everything and pumped myself up before each relay.”

Working well together and helping each other along the way, the team shows strong unity.

“The team was very strong in every event,” Grubelich said.

“There was always a positive mood [this season], and we are able to be competitive with each other and at the same time have fun,” she said.

Laying the

SMAC down

overall 1team rank

9 total wins number of

7dual wins number of

30-0 dual meet record for last 5years

Minis

With high expectations, the volleyball team is preparing for a successful season.

“Last year we lost the regional finals game with three seniors on the team,” Senior Kaity Gormely said.

This year with six returning seniors, the most this team has had in a while, they stand a pre�y good chance in making it to states.

“All the girls went through a 13-week conditioning program with the Western strength conditioning coach before tryouts,” Gormley said. The team a lot to live up to this season and with the right mind set already going they are looking at pre�y good odds.

“Our goal this season is to become first in the conference, like we have done five years running,” Gormley said. Along with high team goals these girls have some of their own dreams to achieve.

“A personal goal of mine is to make the fall state team like Elizabeth Haber and Liz Raschke have done in the past.” Gormley said.

“I’m the only returning junior and didn’t play much last season so I’m hoping for more game time this year,” Lindsey Wilson added.

Women’s basketball tears up the court against Mattawan rivals The Mustang girl’s basketball season has come to an end a�er a win over Ma�awan.

The third time they faced each other, the Mustangs won a 37-30 victory.

The girls got six pivotal throws during the final 1:18 to finalize the game. “A lot of teamwork was put into it and that’s one of the main things that got us into the semi-finals,” junior Ashley Buyce said.

“The team played very well for the end of the year and that’s the best thing you can do. Seniors had good leadership and helped the rest of the team. It all just came together,” coach Tom Monroe said. The girl’s basketball team finished the season with 13-9.

cheerleading

Women’s volleyball has high hopes for upcoming season and states

women’s b-ball

volleyball

ustang

Women’s competitive cheer team is poised and ready to compete Only a few weeks into practice, competitive cheerleading is now in full swing.

The team has begun training and practicing for their first competition on December 17th.

“We’ve been learning rounds, conditioning, and trying to coordinate stunts to prepare for our competition,” cheerleader Alexis Ruder said.

“I would consider this a learning year,” Ruder said. “It’s going to be a challenge without any seniors.

We also have a lot to live up to with them winning conference last year.” Although the stress is high the team is confident that they will shape up and pull off a great year.

Mustang Mini’s are compiled by Stampede Staff