Vol 13 issue #5

Central

Stampede Friday, Feb. 29, 2008

’s m today o r f s d e proce efit the Half thepaper will ben MISSION news OO GOSPEL Z KALAMA Portage Central High School 8135 S. Westnedge Ave. Portage, MI 49002

Vol. 13 Issue 5

50 cents

Insider

LEED certification: an uphill battle LEED

the

BY ANDREW KRIETZ

Hot wheels

News Editor

During the past several months, many International Baccalaureate (I.B.) science students undertook a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to set the stage for a future Portage Central, its students, families and community. While the project faces a tough road, Principal Eric Alburtus is thrilled at this momentous event and agrees that the project is one to shoot for. “[When] you get that many people working on things it creates a buzz,” Alburtus said. “School board members here, parents [there], other community members here, it’s even in the paper. It starts developing a momentum in and of itself which is really, really cool.

That alone makes me optimistic.”

While both Central students and staff have been preparing for a green school, with the goal in mind of having Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, for future generations, Portage Public Schools’ administrators are taking a look at things through the eyes of the taxpayers. They are also keeping other energy certification programs, such as Energy Star, in consideration.

The student-led research to find the best material to construct the new PCHS, how to use water and energy efficiently as well as innovation in design will be presented to the Board of Education to pave the path for a green building. Ultimately, it is those seven board members who will decide whether LEED stays

Which cars make the best first buys

Page 9 Karate kids Students share their passion for martial arts

Page 14

or goes.

Assistant Superintendent Tom Noverr said he does not see LEED certification as a top priority, but if there is balance between short-term costs versus longterm savings, then the administration will definitely take it into consideration.

“The district is trying to figure out what’s the best way to go, what’s the best balance for our taxpayers and for our community,” Noverr said. “I don’t mean to make it sound like this is the top priority, but certainly energy savings and sustainability and being friendly to our environment... if all that can work together, which it certainly sounds like it can, then we’re certainly interested in that just from a dollar side of it, too. We want to make the best investment that we can for our taxpayers, not only our current taxpayers but our future taxpayers down the road, too.”

According to the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), certified buildings use 30 to 50 percent less energy, use 40 percent less water, reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 38 percent and save an average of $100,000 per year, besides the added benefits of an increase in student test performance and health.

Schools across the state are taking advantages of those savings. Schools like West O�awa in Holland and Whitmore Lake on the east side of the state have already finished the process of becoming LEED certified.

Please see

savings

40%

less water used

38%

reduction of carbon dioxide emissions

30-50%

less energy used

$100,000 average yearly savings

‘LEED’ page 2

Source: United States Green Building Council

Picture perfect...

The JV women’s basketball team ends the season with a flawless record

Shoddy or sharp?

Page 16

Herd in the Hallways

“There was no first kiss...but there is still hope lingering on the horizon.”

Inside school security

BY CHRISTIANNA GLUYS

-Senior Evann Potts on his Win-a-Date with the Stampede’s Amanda Norris p. 10

PC

?Pop Quiz ? ?

How many productions has Drama Director Kathy Mulay directed at PCHS? a) 27 b) 53 c) 40 d) 32

For answer see Kudos p. 3

How strict do you consider your parents?

Very laid-back 15%

AMNA AZAM/STAMPEDE

Super strict 10%

Stampede

News......................................1-3 hallways and city streets

View........................................4-7 opinions and editorials

Focus...................................8-10 features and lifestyles

Vibe.....................................11-13 entertainment and events

Sports...............................14-16 athletics and leisure

poll of 100 students

Fairly casual 46% Mildly controlling 29%

With 33 sets of doors leading to the outside, Officer Scott, left, admits that school security will need a major upgrade with the new PC.

Staff Writer

From Columbine to Northern Illinois University, students of all ages face frightening forms of violence essentially unheard of 30 years ago.

“In the ’70s, kids would hear threats and just blow them off,” said Ray Sco�, the school’s police liaison officer.

Times have changed, however, and now a rogue student’s rash decisions appear in the news more o�en, which makes such events all the more real and possible in the minds of students.

Because of these possibilities, school administration is considering new ways to keep students safe in this school, which has outdated technology paired with 60-odd years’ worth of add-ons.

Currently, the school has a mismatched array of 33 sets of doors that open to the outside.

“There are so many entrances into this school,” sophomore Sharon Bade Shrestha said. “It’s impossible for school officials to stop people from [threatening the school].”

Since some of these doorways have been standing since the original construction of the school, they are old, ba�ered and rusty. Some of them do not close properly against both the cold of winter and anyone who wants to get into the school.

“I had all the doors fixed, sent for repair or replacement, so they all will close,” said Sco�, but he admits most of the doors need a lot of effort to shut all the way.

Teams of school staff have put hours into researching several aspects of the new school. Sco� said the team of teachers put in charge of researching the new security has investigated major corporations and are now considering top-notch security cameras, along with an arsenal of shiny new doors.

The team wants to keep the familiar, relaxed ambience the school has, even while beefing up security, however.

They don’t want the school to be so secure as to intimidate students with a sinister atmosphere, with students surrounded by armed guards and metal detectors; rather, they want students to feel welcome in their own school.

“The building is being used all the time,” said principal Eric Alburtus. With students leaving for lunch and coming back from appointments and off-campus classes, “people are coming and going every hour,” said Shrestha.

Of course, that is not to say the school will lose its cozy, worn-in aura with the replacement of busted doors and the closing of students’ favorite back entrances.

“I want this place to be comfortable,” Alburtus said. “I don’t want to lose what we have here.”

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News

Stampede

page two

hallways and city streets

Feb. 29, 2008

Life on the streets: a fight for survival

Local homeless stuggle for warmth during Michigan’s brutal winter

BY AMNA AZAM

Staff Writer

The fierce, face-numbing wind brutally slaps the cheek of a man whose hands are wrapped in a black plastic garbage bag. As he quivers around a fire burning in a large metal can, a li�le boy hides under his long trench coat, seeking refuge against the bi�er cold.

This is not a scene from a Hollywood major blockbuster film, nor is it a snippet from a best-selling novel. This visual is from a real life situation right here in downtown Kalamazoo. It illustrates the dilemma of homelessness in Kalamazoo and the rest of the country.

According to the National Coalition for the Homeless Organization, there are an estimated 3.5 million homeless people in the United States, each enduring a constant and agonizing struggle every day. For the number of homeless people thriving in downtown Kalamazoo, the situation is very much similar to the man and the li�le boy huddling around the fire.

Forty-two-year-old Larry Desmond has been living on the downtown streets for almost 11 years now. He was forced to live in cars and near train stations because of his severe addiction to alcohol. Although Desmond is homeless now, he usually finds shelter at the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission.

“I’ve been on the streets for awhile now, but this has to be the worst year yet because of the cold,” he said. “I have to sometimes get strangers to buy me a cup of hot coffee just so my hands don’t freeze too badly.”

With temperatures reaching below zero and breaking seasonal records this winter, some of the homeless have to resort to sleeping on cold train station benches and, on some rare occasions behind dumpsters, because strategically it is the only thing that can block the cold wind

from reaching the faces of the homeless men and women.

Much like Jerry Desmond, Joanna Hayes faces the same harsh reality living on the streets in downtown Kalamazoo. Hayes is a 44-yearold who was led to the streets because of her husband’s incessant domestic violence. Hayes spends much of her time at the women’s shelter at the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission.

Hayes recalls a day this past December in which she slept on the streets every night and used bags of garbage as pillows and as protection against the freezing concrete.

“I have to sleep on the streets some of the time; people walk by with their purses and wallets all the time, but they just never look down,” Hayes said.

Like a shining light at the end of the tunnel, the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission serves as a salvation for the homeless. Ardie Clark, who works at the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission as a receptionist, used to be in charge of the women’s shelter. She was in charge of overseeing and providing her guidance to the many unfortunate homeless people that walk through her doors every day.

“It’s just sad to see some of the people in the condition they’re in, most of them used to good jobs and solid careers,” Clark said. “We do as much as we can to provide them with food, shelter and all the vital necessities.”

While there are only a few weeks le� of winter, the constant struggle the homeless people of downtown Kalamazoo endure is endless. For ways to help, you can provide private donations or you can visit the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission on their website and several support services in your area.

AMNA AZAM/STAMPEDE

BRUTAL

CONDITONS: During freezing winter nights, the goal to find warmth is crucial.

The Kalamazoo Gospel Mission serves as a beacon of light, providing shelter, food and help for the area’s homeless.

Bridging the gap...

Gym credits loosened

IB program notices dramatically low male enrollment

Students begin to look for a break

SENIORS

Current IB Diploma students

Brief ACT and MME

Junior exams begin mid-March

The ACT/MME (Michigan Merit Exam) will be administered to juniors March 11-13. Freshmen, sophomores and seniors will not be required to a�end school on Tuesday, March 11, as ACT testing that day is expected to last into the a�ernoon. On March 12 and 13, the regular school day will begin at 11 a.m. Buses will run at their regular times all three days, so any additional required transportation must be arranged by the student.

Makeup days for the test are planned for March 25-27.

Westnedge work

In

Academically consumed students will be catching a break soon in regards to their schedule. Portage Public Schools has decided to allow some students with particularly demanding schedules, such as KAMSC, EFE, and EFA a�endees and IB Diploma candidates, substitute the graduation required physical education credits for academic core classes.

The procedure for this substitution was created a�er years of parental and student complaints about the difficulty to fit in the mandatory 1.5 P.E. credits when taking such time consuming classes, especially those that obligate students taking it to travel off campus.

Counselor Jim Herm clarifies that those who are not participating in one of these special activities would not qualify unless they are “taking courses beyond the academic requirements.”

“There seems to be a lot of push to get rid of Phys. Ed. [for the other students],” Herm Continued from

Registration and certification can be a long and costly process in the short term, but if a building is constructed using proper energy techniques, the savings, both in monetary and productivity forms, can be quite lucrative.

According to the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification website, a combined design and construction review for a building can cost upwards of $2,250 while a building certification review costs around $1,500 - perhaps a drop in the bucket compared to what is saved down the road, including the local environment.

At this point, research commi�ees have collaborated and discussed what makes a green school LEED certified. Spanish teacher Bonnie Moss sees these commi�ees as a first, but vitally important, step in the process of exploring new ideas.

“We’ve traveled to different sites in Michigan to see what they have to offer,” Moss said. “We’ve been gathering notes and figuring out exactly what we like and exactly what we don’t like.”

Chemistry teacher Jon Taylor sees the many groups involved, including Central teachers,

Temporary construction aims to widen busy road Earlier this month, the Portage City Council approved a contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation to add one new lane in each direction to South Westnedge Avenue. The additional lanes, a $3.1-million project, will be added between Interstate 94 and Old Kilgore Road, with work scheduled to start in April. The widening project is expected to be complete by October.

‘LEED’ page 1

YIA sponsors a community briefing Wednesday On Wednesday, Youth in Action will sponsor a TAKE IT BACK™ Community Briefing to be held at the media center at 6 p.m. TAKE IT BACK is a national, youth-directed movement to reduce alcohol problems. At the briefing, YIA will address points from a Portage Central alcohol survey. And for the first time, more than 350 youth groups from 49 states will simultaneously hold youth-led Community Briefings to call a�ention to alcohol as the single most important health issue facing young people today.

said. “[But] I think Phys. Ed. is a valuable class in the curriculum.”

“If I want to keep all my core classes, I don’t have time to do a gym credit,” said sophomore Julia Miller, a current participant of the KAMSC program. “[It’s like] they’re punishing me for being smart.”

Others who fall outside the lines of those who might qualify for this waiver see the situation in another light.

“People who [a�end] KAMSC and are doing the IB Diploma have the ability to take a class at KVCC,” junior Megan Raedy said. “I’m not doing the IB Diploma, and I still don’t have time to take a [gym] class.”

Raedy is currently taking a Saturday class at KVCC to help fulfill her physical education credit requirement.

Such an opportunity is open to all students, but costs money and sacrifices even more time outside of school. Students who could qualify for the waiver will be notified in advance and given a chance to adjust their schedules for the 2008-09 academic year if necessary. as one of the main sources of information for administrations.

“There is a group of teachers that are working to find out all the details about what options that are available and what are some of the costs and benefits that are associated with it,” Jon Taylor said. “Our goal is to inform [the administration who is] making the decisions for the building.”

Teachers like Moss see it as a best interest for the community, but the funds may not be there to build for LEED. “[Building for a] green school, I am 100 percent confident that they will make it environmentally friendly as possible because TMP (the architect group) has already received their LEED certification from other schools,” Moss said. “[LEED] is definitely on my list of priorities, but I don’t know if we’ll be able to have the money for that.”

While the budget always stands in the way of huge projects, Alburtus notes there are to seek additional funding in the form of grants.

“LEED doesn’t exist in a vacuum, there are trade-offs,” Alburtus said. “If at the end of the day the green light is turned on to say ‘Yes, you can pursue this for sure and look for grants…’ then absolutely we’re going to do that.”

AP exam testing

The IB Diploma is an educational pathway most high schools cannot offer, giving students the opportunity to prepare for college in a challenging environment. More than likely, that environment is increasingly populated by females.

In the past four years, 72 percent of IB graduates were females, compared to this year, where 13 out of the 18 senior IB candidates are female. While it may seem more females are seeking the challenge, there are still a fair share of males participating in the IB program.

Overall, females are outweighing males in most area subjects. The only classes the males are out numbering females are in male-heavy subjects: math and science. The male population is so heavy in science that the female population is almost non-existent.

In the sciences at the IB level, more males are participating than females. In physics classes, 71 percent of students are males whereas only 29 percent are females. Physics does require more mathematics, which may a�ract more men.

However, the chemistry classes are at a 50/50 spilt and the Biology classes are 75 percent female to 25 percent male. The Environmental Sciences, just like the physics classes, also has a greater male population with 54 percent males to 46 percent females.

On the flip side, IB English classes comprise 62 percent girls to 38 percent boys. This is not only in IB classes but at the Honors level, also.

One of Rebecca Pence’s Honors 10th grade

English class only has three boys.

Regardless, “there is no impact on what we do or what we get done,” Pence said.

Pence also says she tends to have fewer males in her IB English classes, but still gets the work done that she needs.

IB English teacher and IB coordinator Nancy Pederson sees the same gender imbalance in her English classes.

“I would like to see more guys [in IB English], but it is not a bad thing to have more girls,” Pederson said.

Even with an imbalance in gender, this does not mean men achieve more in math and women receive higher scores in English.

“I would not say one gender does be�er than the other,” Pederson said.

Even though more girls are in IB and Honors English, this does not mean that females will surpass males in their classes.

IB and Honors classes are still working though their material in a satisfactory way, so much so that the imbalance in classes feels like second nature, according to some upper-level students.

Junior Emily Ruimveld, an IB English 11 student, says that having fewer boys in the class does not affect the class in a negative way.

“It’s been like this since freshman year,” Ruimveld said. “If we are reading a book [in class], girls think more romantically and guys just do not think that way. We get a different outlook in books.”

“We see different opinions and a be�er class discussion when guys do talk in class.”

Ruimveld added. “We only have seven or eight guys out of a full English class.”

Youth In Action

Staff Writer

JUNIORS

BY LAUREN MOON

BY CARLY NAGENGAST Deadline Editor

AP exams beginning in May; deadlines soon Advanced Placement (AP) exams for students are scheduled for May. Registration is currently under way. The AP exam form and payment are due to Nancy Pederson, I.B. coordinator, by Tuesday. KAMSC students should have received their AP booklets and registration forms in the mail, while calculus, statistics and psychology students here received them in class.

-Briefs compiled by Carly Nagengast

News

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Stampede

page three

hallways and city streets

Feb. 29, 2008

Young scientists hard at work Students in Science Olympiad are ‘making a steady effort’

BY JAMES PHILLIPS

Staff Writer

Competition between schools can sometimes be as old as the schools themselves.

From then on, this “friendly” rivalry takes place in many forms, which are mostly sports. However, schools do not only try to outdo each other athletically. Academics are also an area in which different schools can compete for superiority, such as the many events that the Science Olympiad team undertakes.

Science Olympiad is a large contest held between schools in which teams of 15 students perform in 24 different events involving the core sciences of biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, engineering and technology. Two students each partner up and compete in two to four events in different areas of science which they feel comfortable in. The structure of these meets resembles that of an actual sport season, with a regional competition and a top-three state level meet at the end of the season.

Marlana Bates, a junior and first-time member of Science Olympiad, participates in the events of Experimental Design, Write it, Do it and Remote Sensing. Bates is a great addition to this year’s lineup, helping their “blue” team (the equivalent of a varsity team) place 2nd out of 24 schools at the 2008 Kellogg Finishes earlier this month, which was “a lot be�er than we expected,” according to Bates. She also enjoys the whole experience thoroughly, stating that “the people are fun to hang out with and it’s fun to use science for something more than school.”

Mike Jenson, a senior and also a blue team member, adds to the success of the 15person squad. His events are, in his opinion, fun and challenging. In one of them—robot ramble—Jenson must assemble an actual robot and have it complete an obstacle course in a set time period, which is both a demanding and interesting experiment. “I’m pu�ing in a good, consistent effort,” he said in regard to his events. To keep his many trials from going wrong, great precaution must be taken, which is why studying and preparation are so critical for winning. “All-in-all, I feel very good with our preparation,” he said.

Alex Martin, another senior and long-time member, also agrees and takes pleasure in the experience. “I’ve done it for four years, and it’s a heck of a lot of fun,” he said.

Like Marlana Bates, Martin enjoys the chance to be creative with science and use it for more than just education. In regard to the team this year, he says that all is going “pre�y well.”

Science teacher Dale Freeland, the head coach of team, is proud of his students and says the team is “making a steady effort” overall. With their past record and a long list of capable members, this year’s Science Olympiad team is sure to keep that up.

On Feb. 16, the Science Olympiad team finished 6th in a field of 30 teams at West O�awa High School. Team members brought home 11 medals in the 23-event contest.

Their next competition is regionals, scheduled for Saturday, March 15, at Western Michigan University.

AMNA AZAM/STAMPEDE

SCIENCE RULES: Science Olympiad participant senior Alex Martin works on his electric vehicle. Participants also contruct other projects like small planes and robots.

Teens donate old jeans to help homeless

BY HOLLI SMITH

Staff Writer

With spring just around the corner, teens all across America will be cleaning out their closets and ge�ing rid of outdated and outgrown pieces of clothing.

Rather than just throwing away the old stuff and listening to parents gripe about how much money is going down the drain, there are a few useful things to do with old clothes that no longer fit or seem outdated.

Aeropostale recently ran a Teens for Jeans drive where teens were able to bring in their old jeans that were not too worn out. Aeropostale would then donate them to local homeless shelters. They were also offering 20 percent off a new pair of jeans for anyone who donated. “[I would do it], because I have a lot of jeans that I haven’t go�en around to throwing away and I feel bad; they’re really expensive,” freshman Lexi Georgeoff said.

This drive was to encourage teens to get involved and make a difference while helping out homeless teens across the

country.

“I think it’ll be successful because a lot of kids like ge�ing a discount,” Georgeoff said. “Parents are making us pay for a lot of our clothes now and this is a stage where we’re growing a lot, so kids will have a lot of jeans to donate.”

The Teens for Jeans campaign has sparked a trend in other stores to come up with ways to help teens get involved and make a change.

“I think they will [have a lot of success], because a lot of girls will do it,” freshman Jacob A�on said. “They’ll do anything for a lower price and especially for jeans.”

Although the Teens for Jeans campaign has ended, there are a lot of other programs going on right now and Aeropostale wants to encourage kids to make a contribution.

“I hope people will participate, because it’s a good idea,” freshman Sam Malloy said. “You’re helping people out and ge�ing involved with helping each other and the community.”

To find out about some other campaigns that are going on along with ideas about starting you own campaign, you can visit www.dosomething.org.

Two alumnae making a difference MSU student Katelyn Charbeneau, Class of 2006, is working on behalf of STAND, a national organization with college and high school chapters dedicated to raising awareness of genocide in Sudan. Charbeneau is a part of the high school outreach commi�ee for MSU’s STAND. On March 14, Charbeneau will return to PCHS with a group of fellow STAND members to inform students of how they can address this international crisis. For more information, contact Cheryl Braford in Room 306.

U-M student Daisy Howlind, Class of 2007, is participating as a dancer in the University of Michigan Dance Marathon. This non-profit cause helps disabled and handicapped kids by raising funds for rehabilitation and therapy. Howlind is mini-marathon coordinator and actively works on event planning. In fact, Howlind hopes to host an event here around April 20th. If this does happen, incentives might appear in the classroom to help support this worthy cause.

PC Pop Quiz answer: (c) 40

- Kevin Martin

Blood drive coming up in March. Hope everyone can support this great cause.

New e-mail address: pcstudentcouncil@yahoo.com

Your 2007-08 Portage Central Student Council.

STUDENT COUNCIL Portage Central

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

Feb. 29, 2008

Our View New gym credit policy sends wrong message Generations of Portage Central students have suffered through gym classes.

For many, the experience remains unpleasant; however, the knowledge that a gym credit completes one more graduation requirement is enough motivation to finish those last few laps around the gym. Gym class is simply a rite of passage to be suffered through, for all teenagers.

So it was unfortunate, recently, when Portage Public Schools administrators announced a plan that would waive gym credits for students seeking the IB diploma, EFE and EFA students, as well as students who a�end KAMSC or take classes offcampus.

The Stampede believes that this policy gives those students an unfair advantage and fails to promote the “healthy lifestyle choices” students should be embracing.

Waiving gym credits in exchange for core classes, in theory, promotes a more challenging academic curriculum.

But students need to be challenged mentally and physically.

Michigan citizens are currently the most obese in the country and the education system should encourage healthy lifestyle choices, not create more reasons to avoid it.

The new waiver also exposes an elitist caste system in which IB, KAMSC and other students receive preferential treatment over the rest of the student body.

There are already options students have employed up to this point and, while somewhat complicated, they offer numerous ways for students to earn the required credits.

One cannot “waive” one’s way through life, and it’s ludicrous for Portage schools to allow students to do just that.

Stampede Staff Levi Barry and Laura Pone Editors-in-Chief Andrew Krietz.............................................................News Editor Erin Lenczycki..............................................................View Editor Amanda Norris...........................................................Focus Editor Jenny Kilduff.................................................................Vibe Editor Nate Frisbie................................................................Sports Editor Marah Klose.................................................Art & Graphics Editor Carly Nagengast....................................................Deadline Editor

Assistant Editors/Staff Writers............................................. ...............Amna Azam, Kelsey Benedict, Laurel Bowersock, ...................Nicole Chrusciel, Keenan Cronyn, Alaina Dely, ...................... Joy Duo, Sarah Erdman, Christianna Gluys, ..........Kristina Krautmanis, Kevin Martin, Alex McCarthy, .........................Marissa Miars, Katie Moffit, Lauren Moon, .............................Jordan Peters, Bri Pettis, James Phillips, ............................Nathan Ranns, Megan Scott, Holli Smith, ...........................Oriane Touzeau, Mier Wang, Irene Yearry Artists.................................Grete Grubelich, Bradley Linder Business Manager..................................................Phill Ham Adviser...........................................................Cheryl Braford

The Central Stampede publishes approximately one publication a month, primarily by the Journalism II class at Portage Central High School, 8135 S. Westnedge, Portage, MI 49002. It also uses work from Journalism I students.

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

GRETE GRUBELICH/STAMPEDE

Madame President?

America is more than ready to welcome a female to the helm

Many will not accept a woman in a position of authoritative power

graphics editor

deadline editor

MARAH KLOSE

C A R LY N A G E N G A S T

A�er more than 230 years of male presidencies, America is long overdue for change and is more than ready for such an occasion. Hillary Clinton, the obvious point of reference for this, is a strong candidate with plenty of experience in the field who just might sha�er the mold for presidents up to this point.

Despite the “glass ceiling,” female influence has swi�ly invaded Washington D.C. in the past 25 years, proving just how breakable glass is. Right now, there are 16 women in the Senate, 74 female representatives and Nancy Pelosi is the first female Speaker of the House in American history. Women in leadership positions, are much more common, as well. Currently, nine elected or appointed female leaders lead countries; in 2007, presided over 12 Fortune 500 companies. I doubt the American public, when considering this fact, would be entirely hostile toward a female president.

Acceptance is difficult to measure, though, for presidents or anyone in politics. However, a woman would put forth more initiative to start movements in the direction of change. She will also seem inherently more trustworthy, than some male politicians who have lied about policies they supposedly have at the top of their agenda.

As far as change goes, we are a public demanding change with our words, but not with our actions. By electing the same people over and over, we don’t betray even the slightest inkling that we want to alter our country’s policy. With the current administration’s approval ratings, I have no doubt we crave some kind of change. Should we desire change, we must uproot current understandings of political responsibility and replace them with our new, albeit idealistic, expectations. Only in this way can we a�ain the change we so desperately want. One of the only reasons America might not be ready for a female president is the harsh double standard and consequential resistance to any female who tries to meet the conflicting standards we create for candidates.

New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd broaches the subject of the aforementioned double standard: “Many women I talk to, even those who aren’t particularly fond of Hillary, feel empathy for her, knowing that any woman in a world dominated by men has to walk a tightrope between femininity and masculinity, strength and vulnerability.”

Hillary is blazing the way for many female candidates that are sure to follow eventually, and I have no doubt that America is ready for a female president; we just need the right contender.

At the risk of painting a juicy target on my chest for the convenience of my fellow feminists, it has come to my a�ention that some people are proclaiming that America is ready for a female president. You must be kidding me. Apparently these people haven’t been a female any time in their natural-born lives.

I sincerely believe a woman is perfectly capable of serving as president, if not more so than a man. Even though I am not a particular fan of the newest possible female president, Hillary Clinton, I am confident she would bring fresh intuition, initiative and insight to a Bush White House that has yet to see it.

However, the question remains if America is ready or not.

We’re ge�ing there, but there’s no way short of the election of a female president to say for certain that we’ve reached the “promised land.” Out of the current 100 members of the United States Senate, only 16 are women. Call me crazy, but 16 women helping to guide the country alongside more than 80 men doesn’t exactly sound equal to me.

Pu�ing aside the factors of inequality in the country for a moment, I highly doubt the public will be able to adjust to seeing a woman in an authoritative position of power. Those with the opinion that women and men should have the same rights, or feminists, have been demonized. The term “feminist” even has a negative connotation the majority of the time in the modern world.

Let’s not forget the u�er bias with which both the public and the media have swooped down upon Hillary since her newest return to the limelight. Books and articles have been published that focus on everything from her mode of dress to speculations on whether she could be a cat or dog person, all of it negative and not a word about where she stands on political topics. There is no reference to her campaign points or her opinions on the war in Iraq because people don’t seem to care for any of that; all that ma�ers is her gender.

Such literature has clearly been published just in an effort to slander her name without even caring who she is as a person.

Just the fact that she’s a woman is enough reason for criticism.

Let’s face it: it’s a man’s world. We have become accustomed to this truth and as a people, most of us aren’t ready yet to let go.

To reiterate, is America ready? Certainly not; but it’s about darn time we were.

Marah Klose is the Graphics Editor for the Central Stampede.

Carly Nagengast is the Deadline Editor for the Central Stampede.

Students

Speak Out

Do you think America is ready for a female President?

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.

“I think our government has moved socially, and I think it would be good to have something out of the ordinary.

It shouldn’t matter if they’re male or female; it should matter what they’re willing to do for our country.”

KATIE CARSEN Freshman

“I think that we’re all past that bias. It’s not a serious issue anymore.”

JUSTIN MONTAGUE Sophomore

“Of course not, because some people still don’t believe in women’s rights.”

NATE HAWKINS Junior

“Yes. Since women have the right to vote, we should be able to run for presidency. Women are under the radar and no one pays attention to them. We’re women, and we can do just as well.”

CHELSEA MALZ Senior

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Feb. 29, 2008

focus editor

AMANDA NORRIS

“Your parents are probably wondering where you are.”

“Nah…I mean, I’m already pregnant, so what other kind of shenanigans could I get into?”asks Juno MacGruff.

It’s just one of many bluntly stated, humorlaced quips streaming from the mouth of the sixteen year old in the newest teen comedy “Juno,” in which a sarcastic gumption charged young girl chooses to face a situation far beyond her maturity level with more grace and nerve then most could hope to muster.

Such characters as Juno easily lovable, endlessly charming, inescapably relatable bombard our television and possibly change our perspectives on such controversial topics as teenage pregnancy.

What can really be said? I doubt anyone would celebrate it, let alone praise its functionality nor promote the notion of a girl who hasn’t yet had the chance to figure out exactly who she is in the world have to do it with another life depending on her.

Yet it takes a brave, strong, and unyielding person to carry that life with them while the world watches through scorn pinched eyes.

Movies like “Juno,” present a pathway of sorts, a way to start conversations about tough issues without the tensions. In

such a situation perhaps it is be�er to laugh than cry, be�er to smile than sulk. Juno slaps weakness in the face and gives birth to her baby despite the undeniably difficult task of continuing high school with a six pound reminder as to another way she doesn’t fit in.

Yet there is another side to this façade, another angle to the sarcastic teen with a big heart and quick sparking tongue. The movie ends, the credits roll, but life goes on.

Juno states, “But I’m going to give it up for adoption … and what 30 or odd weeks we can just pretend that this never happened.”

Such dialogue almost makes me cringe at the idea of moving past such a colossal event with flippant ease. Even though the reality of Juno’s situation catches up with her as the human emotion blatantly translates from screen to audience from the faces of the characters a�er the birth of the baby, the movie inevitably ends.

The credits play an upbeat, hope filled song leaving a fantasy created atmosphere, but real life doesn’t have a directors cut, the credits won’t roll.

A baby changes everything, be it a blessing, or a trial, it will evoke change no ma�er what.

There are 750,000 teen girls who will get pregnant this year, some challenge that media involvement is not helping these numbers. I tend to agree that at times movies can make

pregnancy seem more like bump in the road, something to just deal with and move on from, rather than a life altering-event.

Pregnancy should be one of the most electrifying times in a woman’s life; it should be cause for excitement and joy inducing tears of happiness not sadness or anger.

But facts are facts and each of those thousands of girls are faced with a momentous decision, whether or not to have the baby.

Movies like “Juno” can inspire and encourage young girls to explore the possibilities and options out there, perhaps even helping a girl to rally enough conviction to give that life to another family in desperate want of a child.

Through the wi�icisms and oneliners, there is a heart and honesty to movies like “Juno.” The topic is real, the characters are true and rough, they hurt and feel just like everybody else. Peel back the layers of sarcasm and there is genuineness all can be moved by.

At a pinnacle in the film, a�er a heartbreaking blatant display of disapproval on the part of her father, Juno delivers a line of brilliance in saying, “I don’t know what kind of girl I am.”

And that’s it, life at its finest. Isn’t that what we are all trying to figure out? Wondering in and out of life’s most frustrating labyrinths we come out the other side with a li�le bit more of ourselves, another piece of the puzzle that makes up our own reflections, praying to God that in the end we haven’t lost any pieces along the way.

BRADLEY LINDER/STAMPEDE

Media changes teen pregnancy perceptions

Amanda Norris is Focus Editor for the Central Stampede.

Pre-teens emulate trashy celebrity habits view editor

ERIN LENCZYCKI

Walking through the mall I pass by a number of stores that are targeted for younger girls, younger meaning between the ages of six and fourteen. It wasn’t until I stepped into a few stores for homecoming week to obtain my “Dress Like You Did Ten Years Ago” outfit that I realized how wrong things really were in the world of preteens.

Growing up today is a lot different than it was when even the juniors and seniors did.

Gone are the days of playing in the woods behind your house, forming baseball teams with your neighbors and playing in the streets.

Playstations, Xboxs, Wiis, and computers have taken their place.

The replacement that bothers me the most, however, is the movement of girls clothing.

Looking through the racks of clothes at Meijer in the girl’s section, I find it difficult to find anything that I would have worn ten years ago. Every garment that I see is some sort of halter-top or a low cut spaghe�i strap with a built in bra with Hannah Montana’s face plastered all over it. What further disturbed me was the fact that there were already swimsuits set out and almost all of them were bikinis I would wear.

The migration from semi-conservative children’s clothing to garments that you could find on MTV’s Spring Break in Cancun is unse�ling to me. I understand being twelve and wanting to look like the girls in the magazines but enough is enough.

Giving girls clothes that are too mature for them will only let them know that it’s alright to wear risqué clothing for the rest of their lives.

Wearing low cut shirts and short that look more like underwear when you’re only ten is not cute, in most cases it’s al li�le disturbing and how can you expect anything else from them in later years if that’s what you’ve taught them to look and dress like in those tender years.

Some eight-year-olds even consider Lindsey Lohan and Paris Hilton to be their role models. This only causes the children who idolize celebrities that are known for their less than angelic behavior to act, dress and behave like the celebrities.

I strongly believe that we should work together, whether you’re an older sibling, a neighbor, a friend, or even a future mother or father; to teach children the proper way to dress for one’s age.

I’m not telling you to go home and cover those in your lives under the age of sixteen so that no part of them can be seen but their face, but I do believe that a more conservative wardrobe would be fi�ing.

There’s nothing wrong with looking cute, but there’s a difference between looking cute and looking disgraceful.

Erin Lenczycki is View Editor for the Central Stampede.

ERIN LENCZYCKI/STAMPEDE

Get a room!

Public displays of affection should be kept private staff writer

JORDAN PETERS

BRADLEY LINDER/STAMPEDE

If anything can generate disagreement between students and faculty, it’s Public Displays of Affection (PDAs). Teachers, hall monitors and other staff members in general busy themselves each day by enforcing proper student conduct and continue to separate students they believe to be acting inappropriately.

According to the student handbook, “students are expected to conduct themselves as responsible, mature adults. Failing to abide by the policy results in disciplinary action pertaining to detention or one- to 10-day suspension.”

Although this statement is printed as a basic principle, it remains unclear as to what it means precisely. Students argue about what specifically qualifies as “inappropriate behavior” and whether or not their actions warrant harsh punishments. Hall monitors are especially determined to halt inappropriate

behavior because it’s their job. Judging from this, it has apparently become inappropriate to casually hug someone and hold hands in the hallway.

However, students are also to blame for the recent sternness. The phrase “there is a time and place for everything” comes to mind when I see couples leaning against lockers or walls while kissing.

School is not the place for intimacy, and though it is perfectly acceptable to have a boyfriend or girlfriend and casually hug or hold hands, it is not appropriate to ferociously make out at school. Perhaps if it wasn’t for extreme inappropriate behavior, faculty members wouldn’t find it necessary to enforce strict rules.

To all students in relationships, I urge you to pick another se�ing for your physical relationship and follow the student conduct code. As for the faculty, unless a student is displaying a behavior that is crude and inappropriate, it may be wise to become more critical on what actually warrants punishment for PDA.

Jordan Peters is a staff writer for the Central Stampede

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opinions and editorials

Feb. 29, 2008

Drawing the line: religion in education Administrators must pinpoint the fine line during the debate deadline editor

C A R LY N A G E N G A S T

The saying goes that one should never talk about religion because “you never know who you’re going to offend.” This seems to suit politicians and authority figures, especially when it comes to the subject of separation of church and state and even when the issue becomes more localized, such as with education.

Our student handbook freely references rules against and punishment for discrimination or harassment of age, gender, race and even sexual orientation. Yet religion is only mentioned two, maybe three times, and when it is mentioned it is with no detailing whatsoever.

Therefore, how are our students to know where the limits lie?

Interpretation of laws dealing with the separation of church and state obviously varies from group to group. However, there is a significant difference between what some religious extremist parties would like to believe and what truth is.

One of the largest controversies under this heading is teacher-led prayer in school. Law currently forbids this, even if the praying is voluntary for the students. This activity would be incredibly unconstitutional according to separation of church and state because teachers are considered direct representatives of the state. Teachers, being human beings like the rest of us, are certainly allowed to express their own beliefs in class but may not present them as fact or degrade another religion.

Extremists opposing the law rage that it unjustly abolishes the right to practice religion in school. This is complete hogwash.

Students still have the right to conduct prayer on their own or in groups as long as it is non-disruptive. The law is simply there to keep the government from being misrepresented as biased toward one religion or another.

Another commonly misunderstood and argued point is the teaching of creationism versus evolution. Those opposing current laws

JORDAN PETERS/STAMPEDE

claim that teaching only one theory, whether inadvertently or purposefully, dismisses the other. To the contrary, both theories are legally allowed to be taught in public schools.

Creationism may be taught, though not taught as fact, in comparative religion or social studies classes. However, only the theory of evolution or other scientific explanations of life on Earth may be taught in science class because it adheres to the subject.

This is beyond sensible; it is generous.

While views of religion may in fact be charged

challenged and warped to suit our society’s changing code of morals.

Separation of church and state is a mandatory precaution against discrimination and negligence in public schools. Anything short of dissolving the concept will fail to strip this ideal from our culture. A�er all, it’s important to know not only where the line can be drawn for you, but for your government as well.

as personal family heritage or responsibility, as native languages other than English have been in many cases, it has been accepted as suitable subject ma�er for school. Anybody who argues otherwise is simply looking a gi� horse in the mouth.

The current laws set forth to regulate separation of church and school may be victim to interpretation in parts, but that should not detract from their overall sincerity. The laws are accurate and just. While they are also fi�ed perfectly for the time being, they are always

Carly Nagengast is Deadline Editor for the Central Stampede.

Home sweet home

Overbearing parents ruin picture-perfect home life staff writer

I R E N E Y E A R RY

Parents…can’t live with ‘em can’t live without ‘em. I know that’s a li�le cliché, but it’s true. They can get on your nerves a lot, but you know in the back of your mind that you need them.

They always seem to find out everything that you tried to keep secret.

They can be so strict that they’re

the ones who plan out your daily lives.

Strict parents are the worst when it comes to school, and it can be a major problem. Sure, school life and home life are different and should be kept separate, but some parents intertwine them and make school a large priority in any type of life that you may have.

Some parents are so uptight about school that they would ground their kids if they got a B on their report card. It’s good that parents want you to succeed and do well, but a lot of the time, they’re just stressing theirs kids out and too much stress can do more harm than good.

I think parents should give their kids a break every once in awhile because they have to do this whole “school” thing for 13 or 14 years (counting kindergarten and/or preschool). You can’t tell your parents that they don’t know what it’s like; trust me, I’ve tried, because they have gone to school too. But what they have to realize is that school these days is much more difficult. Some of the things in our curriculum, our parents never even knew about.

Kids might want their

parents to be strict on them (if they aren’t already) with homework as sort of a motivation, but it’s harder to start having your parents be strict on you since you wouldn’t be used to it.

A lot of kids are used to their parents’ strictness on them with school; it’s just a daily thing for them.

I think everyone’s parents’ should be strict in some ways. Strictness is a positive, if used in moderation. Parents should worry about their kids’ grades but only to an extent, just as long as they know that you’re trying and not deliberately ge�ing bad grades.

Either way, there will always be strict parents out there. Some might be good for others and some may be too stressful. I say that a�er you graduate high school and college and get a great job, you’ll be thanking them.

Irene Yearry is a staff writer for the Central Stampede.

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opinions and editorials

Feb. 29, 2008

ACTING

OUT OF LINE GRETE GRUBELICH/STAMPEDE

Celebrities frequently abuse drugs and alcohol, yet their choices are our examples

NICOLE CHRUSCIEL It’s difficult to avoid perusing the gossipfilled pages of tabloids and falling into the world of alleged love affairs and emotional breakdowns. Ecstatic fans thriving on the always-prosperous drama lurking in the corners or Tinsel town are provided a source with enough details to sustain hours of discussion through tabloids.

Unfortunately, these tabloids revolve around all scandals—the sex, drugs and rock n’ roll—particularly the drugs. Pages upon pages of who’s checking into or out of rehab

speculated to be addicted to a number of drugs Hollywood.

The Hollywood ‘good girls and boys’— as well as participate in outrageous drinking celebrities such binges and partying until the as the High wee hours of the night. ...Perhaps seeing our School Musical What kind of messages idols fail just makes us feel cast, Miley are these so-called ‘stars’ better about ourselves, and Cyrus and the sending their followers? that’s why we care.

Jonas brothers— With the a�ention to drug are beginning to usage increasing with, are drugs becoming more common and accepted shine brighter as their clean, sober images provide proper role models for America’s in our country?

Drug abuse across the country is a youth.

These respectable celebrities provide problem; perhaps Hollywood is making this epidemic easier to accept and rationalize if the hope that not all of Tinsel Town is decaying stars to whom we look up to and idolize are into the corruption of drug abuse; some sober shining stars still hold some dignity also struggling and failing.

Or perhaps seeing our idols fail just makes and carry some hope. us feel be�er about ourselves, and that’s why we care.

As our generation’s idols kill brain cells and fade away, new, perhaps more innocent Nicole Chrusciel is a staff writer for the celebrities present a more decent side of Central Stampede.

“

“

staff writer

this week, it’s addicting to hear the celebrities’ addictions.

What drug is Britney Spears abusing today? Is Lindsey Lohan really addicted to cocaine? Why do all these celebrities flaunt their careless, destructive lives? Are they really that unconcerned about the message they are sending? Why are the drug and alcohol binges, the excessive club hopping and the elaborate party filled nights so amusing to us? But more importantly, why do we even care?

We care because these are the people we used to look up to. In 1999, Britney Spears’ hit, “Hit Me Baby One More Time,” could be heard echoing through hallways and streets as her many followers recited the lyrics, wishing to become the next hip shaking “it” girl.

However, now Spears can be found on covers of magazines, constantly drugged and drunk; a shadow of her former squeaky-clean image.

Lindsey Lohan, once an innocent, adorable Disney star in The Parent Trap (1998), is

The conquest of the west An exchange student shares her experience staff writer ORIANE TOUZEAU Everything has started with a phone call: “You leave in 4 days, direction Michigan. Have fun!”

No time to think, no time to regret, just enough time to pack and to say goodbye, and I was already on the plane. Eight hours of flying, three hours of waiting – mostly spent ge�ing lost, one more hour on a plane and Hallelujah!

The long-awaited “welcome” sign held by my host family was in sight at last. As soon as I had set my bags down I barely had four days to get my feet back on the ground for school. No need to wait five months to see the difference. I have the impression I’m on a vacation.

Homework? Em…what is that?! I even forgot what it’s like to work.

Lazy: surely the state which describes me the best now. Well, it also helps that I’ve already graduated in France. The atmosphere in classrooms is also more relaxed. Having never had a real conversation with one of my teachers according to the un-official rule “students + teachers = enemies”, I would never have imagined talking about my weekend with one here.

American schools provide a lot of activities too.

Sports, clubs, homecoming, and dances. So many fun things which make me feel like staying here longer. It is possible to have fun at school, big discovery!

But of course there are some negative aspects, it cannot be perfect. Indeed, it is the same everyday. Start at 7:50 a.m., end at 2:45 p.m., half an hour for lunch. No originality; easy to get into a rut.

Fortunately, sometimes there are snow days to make the week more exciting. I’m thinking of campaigning for “rain days” when I come back home. One day when I remember it what means to be warm. Sometimes the cold makes me wonder why I did not ask to go to Brazil?

Certainly, snow is pre�y and fun…but cold! Well, maybe I am going to get used to it. A�er all I got used to the food, and with enthusiasm. Especially for cookies and all those delicious sweets!

On the other hand, I don’t really enjoy the weight gain that goes with it…Not to panic, I will buy new jeans!

Adaptability: key word when you are an exchange student.

Change of school in the middle of the first semester? No problem, I am flexible.

Forget your former activities because here they are illegal under 21?

That does not ma�er, I will take up sewing!

Actually it is not too as hard to get used to a different way of life. To be honest, American life is be�er than I was expecting.

We all have prejudices and stereotypes, and we don’t really try to break them because it is so much more comfortable to confirm ourselves in our opinion. It is foolish to say that one’s way is more valuable than another’s, especially when you have never experienced it.

That is why I came here, and I am glad to see that some of my prejudices about this culture were found untrue. I know that I will always prefer my own culture, but it does not mean that I think it is the right and best one, and I won’t try to convince you of that. It is a question of habit, that’s all.

Oriane Touzeau is a staff writer for the Central Stampede.

PC parent speaks out about ‘Student Speak Out’

D

ear Editor, This le�er answers the question posed by Jon Harrison, sophomore, who was highlighted in Students Speak Out (“Do you think Black History Month hurts society more than helps it?”, Feb. 1). His comment was, “I don’t think it’s hurting….but where’s Asian people month?”

I read this as a sarcastic response on Black History Month from Mr. Harrison with the statement “….where’s Asian people month?” A negative rub on Black History Month was my interpretation on his brief comment.

No reflection on any of the history teachers (in fact, I think that they are doing a fine job) at Portage Central High School with this lack of knowledge on the answer to his own question.

I have included an answer to his question: Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month in May. It was signed to law in May 1990 to designate May as Asian Pacific Heritage Month and Hispanic Heritage Month begins on Sept.

15 of each year.

Personally, I enjoy celebrating the history and heritages of other cultures. It is my hope that America will continue to bless itself by embracing and including all cultures – this can be our greatest strength! Diversity and inclusion is a true blessing in all that we do.

By the way, the Stampede is an excellent school paper. I am happy that I took the time to subscribe to it. Good luck in your future and that of the paper.

Sincerely, Cheryl Gilliam PCHS Parent

BRADLEY LINDER/STAMPEDE

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Feb. 29, 2008

on

Win-a-Date finalist soars into love

BY JENNY KILDUFF

Vibe Editor

Sorry boys, but Portage Central’s sweetheart is taken. Blasting through space, soaring in air balloons and piloting flight simulators are just some of the fun and exciting things seniors Amanda Norris and Evann Po�s, this year’s Win-aDate winner, did at the Air Zoo last Saturday.

The date started off with a ride in the hot air balloons, continuing with the flight simulators, a ‘trip through space,’ a 3-D movie and a li�le bit of history. The date ended sweetly with some shared Dippin’ Dots. A good time was had by both, but Po�s enjoyed Norris’ company the most.

“My favorite part was when we held hands and strolled past all the airplanes; it was so exciting,” Po�s said.

“When I won the date, I was completely shocked and

amazed. I have always looked up to Amanda Norris and I definitely feel the date went well. I mean, there was no first kiss but usually I save those things until the second or third date, so there is still hope lingering on the horizon.”

This duo got to enjoy each other’s charming personalities while flying spaceships and fighter planes, and even while standing next to the world. While enjoying their time together, Po�s realized he was the luckiest guy on Earth.

“Amanda has an incredible personality that virtually anyone on Earth would dream of being around,” Po�s said. “To me, she is the world.”

Once again the Stampede has used its matchmaking skills to put another adorable couple together, leaving males throughout the school disappointed at not ge�ing their chance to charm Portage Central’s resident sweetheart.

SWEET

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Dots m URRENDER: (b e a a day ke for the p low) Dippin ’ at the erfect Air Zo end to o.

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!: (below) WWII EW THAT I NEVER KN s about a rn ouple lea

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KEEP YOUR HANDS FEET INSIDE THE RIDE: (Clockwise AND

PHOTOS: JENNY KILDUFF/STAMPEDE GRAPHICS: MARAH KLOSE/STAMPEDE

from left) Norris and Potts fly to space, pilot a simulator and float romantically on the hot air balloon ride.

WHERE IN THE WORLD?: (above) Potts and Norris point out Portage on the giant map.

Pick your perfect date: General Visit Days:

Special Visit Days:

Friday, November 2, 2007 Friday, November 16, 2007 Friday, April 18, 2008

Science, Nursing, Math – Friday, November 9, 2007 Leadership Day – Friday, December 7, 2007 Athletic Day – Saturday, January 19, 2008 Fine Arts Day – Friday, March 28, 2008

Don’t like our dates? No worries. We’re happy to schedule individual visits anytime between 9 and 4 Monday through Friday, and on most Saturdays during the academic year. For more information on academic programs, scholarships, study abroad, residence life, athletics, and clubs, or to sign up for your visit, go to www.aquinas.edu/undergraduate.

Aquinas College | 1607 Robinson Road, SE | Grand Rapids, MI 49506-1799 | 616 632-2900 or 800 678-9593 | www.aquinas.edu

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Feb. 29, 2008

Style

Riding in

Finding the perfect first car can be a difficult feat, especially while in high school

BY MEGAN SCOTT

Staff Writer

There are short ones, tall ones, big ones, small ones, fast ones, slow ones, dull ones and even colorful ones. No, this is not a quote from a Dr. Seuss story; it’s your first car.

Turning 16 is a memorable age that leaves a mark on you high school career. Not because of the number itself, but the fact that many teens get their driver’s license and their first car.

Nowadays, it’s common for teens to expect a brand new ride, but many of the teachers at Portage Central had to wait much longer to receive theirs.

Spanish teacher Kathy Kaakani waited until she completed all four years of college until she received her first car.

Before that, she rode a bike anywhere she had to go, including work, school and to hang out with friends.

“I never had a junky car,” Kaakani said, “I always had a bike. I rode everywhere in it.” Apparently all that riding paid off. A�er college she received a 1969 Mustang.

English teacher Rebecca Pence was not so lucky. She did not get her first car until she was 32 years of age, and purchased a used, li�le yellow Subaru. Although the car wasn’t much, she loved her li�le junker.

“It fit me,” Pence said, “I’m not very tall, I could reach the pedals. That was a big thing, I could see over the steering wheel without using a cushion.” She held onto her li�le yellow car for a solid five years, right up to the moment the door fell off.

In reality, having an expensive car would be very gratifying and nice to cruise around in on a hot summer day, but owning your own beat up junker can be just as rewarding. That ra�letrap is full of opportunities of self

expression and gives a sense of independence, especially if it’s paid for by yourself. The high probability of having an accident isn’t worth the repair costs that are associated with a new car.

History teacher Barb Barry received her car from her brother-in-law who owned his own body shop and gave it to her a�er he fixed it up as a graduation gi�. The twoshaded bright pink piece of metal was hardly anything to look at but got her from place to place.

Although that was her first car she ever owned by herself, her mother purchased a vehicle during her high school years that Barry claims, “just didn’t fit her [mother].” This 1969 maroon Mustang Fastback is one she’ll never forget.

Waking up from the dreams of shiny Italian cars, and looking past fantasies, there’s a reality. Your first car isn’t always the best you’ll have. The fact is, once you get behind the wheel, the color, the brand and the size of your rims won’t ma�er. It’s a pair of wheels; your pair of wheels. As long as it runs, nothing else ma�ers.

BRADLEY LINDER/STAMPEDE

Pinching pennies A few suggestions on how to save money on gas

BY KRISTINA KRAUTMANIS

Staff Writer

Calling your parents when you are in trouble is probably one of the hardest things to do.

It can be even harder when you have to call because you were irresponsible and didn’t have enough money to fill your gas tank.

Many teenagers spend large amounts of money on their gas bill each month, including Tyler Fleetwood, a senior, who spends about one-third of his paycheck on gas, and Katy Moharter, also a senior, who has even run out of gas before from lack of money. But believe it or not, there are ways to save money on gas.

Avoid idling when you are at a standstill, or just si�ing there with your car on, you are idling. This gets you 0 miles per gallon. Try not to turn your car on and off frequently because every time you turn your car on, it is like idling for 30 seconds.

Also, if you are stopping to get food, though you may want to sit in your warm car, go inside instead of the drive through. The good news is that in the winter, it is actually be�er for you to warm up your car, but only for a li�le while.

So go ahead and hop into a warm car in the morning.

BRADLEY LINDER/STAMPEDE

1

Check the Internet for deals. A good starting point is “www. michigangasprices.com,” which shows all the prices, thus giving you the best deals in your area.

2

Stay at a consistent speed. Avoid braking hard and accelerating a lot. Highway driving is the best for mileage because you stay at a constant speed. If you can, use cruise control.

If you are in the city, it is hard to avoid braking frequently. So try not to tail cars so you don’t have to go brake-happy.

Also, if you can, walk to your errands to save gas.

3

Plan your trip in advance. Know where you have to go and the shortest route to get there. Nothing wastes gas like frequent stops and having to retrace your steps. Using websites like “www. mapquest.com” will ensure that you know where you are going and that way you can plan your trip out so you don’t waste gas.

4

Fill the tank full.

This is tough among high-schoolers. You only have a few bucks so you go and fill your tank with that. But all you’re doing is wasting gas making those trips to the gas station. You also waste time and money.

So every time you go to the station, fill your tank all the way.

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Feb. 29, 2008

Honey, does this club make me look fat?

BY KEVIN MARTIN

Staff Writer

Everything that happens in high school is building towards a key that opens the door into the college world.

Grades are extremely important and accompanying them is a list of extracurricular activities.

This list is extremely crucial because it gives you an extra edge over fellow applicants. Although quantity looks good, a high schooler’s schedule will not allow him/her to join everything they would like to. Deciding which activity suits you is important for both recreation and recognition.

No club or sport is be�er than another, but the role you play in that group is very important. Colleges like to see leadership and decision making authority within the organization. Anyone can be a member, but taking extra initiative in the group stands out.

Guidance Counselor Jim Herm sees extracurriculars as a great way of spending time with fellow students and an opportunity for exchanging ideas and knowledge. Interaction is an important element within the club and can benefit all members including yourself.

“Activities outside of school involve what you brought to that club, what you did in the club, what you took out, and how it has changed you,” Herm said.

Another main factor is commitment. If you have a ton of single year/season timeframes with different extracurriculars, it is going to look like you can’t commit to something for a long time. This is frowned upon by admissions offices since you are applying for a rather large commitment called college.

An a�er-school job looks good as well. A job shows that balance can be achieved between school, home and work.

Jobs that involve your career interests are eye catching. This will look like you are preparing for college classes and gaining experience for an a�er college career.

Sports always look great and going an extra mile can go a long way on an application.

Achieving All-State, being a captain, playing a key position, or being on a varsity team draws more a�ention as well.

Volunteering receives a high amount of respect and the role of your community service is important.

Anyone can help in an event, but organizing a particular activity is a step up.

Herm emphasizes leadership as a huge factor of extracurriculars.

“Most people are natural followers and not leaders.”

Herm said. “Once they are in front of people, they are out of their comfort zone but a�erwards say ‘I wish I would have done that sooner’.”

The amount of time you spend on extracurriculars ma�ers just as much as other factors. If you only spend one hour a week with Student Council, it will not look very impressive and may suggest a lack of involvement or sincerity.

Colleges are looking for extra curriculars to show that you can go beyond the average school day. Remember to choose activities you enjoy and want to, not just things that you hope will get you into a more prestigious university. Activities with leadership, hard work, and dedication receive more kudos than normal and it is never too late to get involved in some of these.

MARAH KLOSE/STAMPEDE

Sophomore with leap year birthday turns four

BY MARISSA MIARS

Staff Writer

Portage Central’s resident toddler has a big birthday today. That’s right, sophomore Sean Magee has turned 4.

Magee will celebrate his sweet 16th today, but because he was born in a leap year on Feb. 29, he is officially just 4 years old. Although most years he celebrates his birthdays on March 1st, this year he is fortunate enough to honor his real birthday. While the other three years are rather uneventful, every fourth year is a big date for Magee and his family.

As far as how he plans on celebrating the event, Magee said, “I’m throwing a party and everyone is invited, as long as they bring presents.”

Magee is definitely not alone in his celebration. There are currently 4.1 million other “leapers” in the world today who have beaten the 1 in 1,506 odds against being born on a leap year. Some famous leapers include Ja Rule (rap artist), John Holland (inventor of the submarine) and Superman himself.

There’s no doubt that Feb. 29 is a significant day in Magee’s mind, but it is also a significant day in history. Since 1288, it has been a leap year tradition for women to propose marriage on Feb. 29. If the man declines the proposal, he must pay a fine, ranging from a kiss to an extravagant gi� such as the iTouch.

Other significant events that have taken place on this day include Ha�ie McDaniel becoming the first black woman to win an

Oscar in 1940 and Hugh Hefner opening the first Playboy Club in 1960.

Long-time friend, neighbor and fellow sophomore Patrick Drabik describes Magee as athletic, caring, and energetic. Much like a 4-year-old, Drabik confesses that Magee can be very unpredictable.

“One time he came over, took a shower, took our food, and le�,” Drabik adds with a laugh.

Although Magee claims to act like your average 16-year-old, he admits to thinking of himself as only 4 years old. If you’re up for a laugh, just ask Magee to act his age and you may find him “bringing in a lollipop and binky” and se�ling down in a car seat on his way to Jungle Joe’s.

Vibe

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entertainment and events

Haveyou Herd?

E������������ R������ ���� ��� S�������

‘Cashmere Mafia’: Your Wednesday nights will never be the same Meet Zoe Burden (Frances O’Connor), Caitlin Dowd (Bonnie Somerville), Juliet Draper (Miranda O�o) and Mia Mason (Lucy Liu), four fabulous girlfriends starring in ABC’s new series, “Cashmere Mafia.” The show follows the glamorous lives of this fierce foursome, who have maintained a close friendship since their Ivy-League business school days.

Though the topic is hidden beneath wi�y remarks and sassy comebacks, “Cashmere Mafia” in essence shows the truth about women in the workforce, proving that despite their appearances, these dynamic women truly can have their cake and eat it, too. Be it out-marketing a fiancée for a promotion, or negotiating a multimillion dollar merger while simultaneously planning a four-year-old’s birthday party, the characters show women everywhere that it’s okay to beat the boys every once in awhile.

With killer outfits and trendy drinks in hand, the best friends tackle sexuality, cheating husbands, scandalous nannies and the occasional breakup with a “meet-upfor-lunch, the-usual-place” text. “Cashmere Mafia” provides viewers with enough gossip, controversy and intrigue to engage everyone, from tomboys to girly-girls.

Take “Desperate Housewives,” “The Devil Wears Prada,” “Sex and the City,” serve them in a martini glass, and you will find a great way to spend your Wednesday nights. “Cashmere Mafia” airs at 10 p.m. on ABC.

-Laura Pone

Rating:

‘Definitely Maybe’: Definitely a cute must-see We all hear about our parents’ love stories, how they met, fell in love, and usually they leave out all the difficult reality of heartbreak and “grown-up stuff.” William Hayes is going through a difficult divorce with his daughter, Maya’s, mother, who doesn’t understand what went wrong.

Maya is well beyond her years. A�er her first day of sex-ed class, she’s ready for the reality of her father’s love life, not the mushy fairytale version.

He agrees to tell his story but changes some names and facts, so she is le� to figure out who her mother is in the end.

There are three girls, all very different: Emily, Summer and April.

Emily is the sweet, college sweetheart with mother-like qualities. Summer is the intellectual journalist, a very old-fashioned and romantic character. April is the quirky “coffee girl”; she is always the best friend who secretly (though obviously to the audience) has strong feelings for Will.

Maya takes notes and has an opinion of all the girls. There are li�le twists and turns in the story, like occasional interruptions from precocious li�le Maya, and bits of watching the rare bond between Will and his daughter add pizzazz to the film.

The storyline gets a bit complicated, but it’s still pre�y easy to follow. Although it’s not the ideal movie for a “macho” guy, it’s a cute classic. Original and refreshing, this movie is well worth your money.

-Laurel Bowersock

Rating:

Feb. 29, 2008

And the Oscar goes to...

Who the teacher is can make or break a class for students. In fact, students choose classes for that reason alone. A Stampede poll of Portage Central students found many weighing in on their favorites in a variety of categories. Some “Oscars” were obvious, while others came as a surprise to all. This red carpet affair may not have Johnny Depp or George Clooney, but it still brings out the shining stars of Portage Central.

compiled and written by: Sarah Erdman

Most Fashionable Winner: Mrs. Kaylor Runners-Up: Mrs. Palsrok, Ms. Steenbergen, Mr. McNeal, Ms. Remynse Mrs. Kaylor sets trends in a tough field of competitors, and according to sophomore Shannon Cleveland, it’s not because she stands out in the style category.

“I think she’s fashionable because she fits in more with the students,” Cleveland said.

Most Knowledgeable Winners: Mr. Baker / Mr. Taylor Runners-Up: Mr. Smith, Mrs. Hoffman, Mrs. Kaylor, Mrs. Huff, Mr. Engels

Best Sense of Humor

All teachers are knowledgeable in their own fields, but this required knowledge above and beyond their subjects. Students feel that Mr. Baker and Mr. Taylor are knowledgeable in many fields of study.

“I’ve had teachers that seem like they are reading from a book, while Mr. Baker seemed able to elaborate,” junior Melissa Sparow said.

Winner: Mr. Badders Runners-Up: Mr. Uhlmann, Mr. Lancaster Funny teachers always make class fly by and are much more delightful. Students love to laugh, and Mr. Badders’ room is always filled with laughter.

“He always likes to pick on students, but they know he’s kidding,” senior Shelby Collier said.

Best Handwriting Winner: Ms. Steenbergen Runners-Up: Mrs. Braford, Ms. Remynse It’s somewhat hard to learn when one is constantly questioning a word on the board, or the entire board is covered in a student’s worst nightmare, so best handwriting is a category that is honored. Many people want cursive out of the school system, but it is what won Ms. Steenbergen this award.

“She does a lot of loops; it’s really elegant!” junior Katie Martin said.

Most Dedicated Winners: Mr. Rehm/ Mrs. Tucker Runners-Up: Mr. Hoopingarner, Mrs. Huff, Mr. Tabor, Mrs. LaVasseur Many students have to make up tests or come in late for some extra help, but the teacher needs to be available for this to happen. Not all teachers stay a�er school, but on the other extreme, some stay until the wee hours of the night.

“I come here for track, and Mr. Rehm is still here! It’s like, ‘What are you doing here?’” junior Katie Martin said.

*Poll of 100 students (all grades) * Over 30 teachers were nominated for each category *When there are more than three runners-up, it becomes a tie

Most Flexible Winner: Mr. Chambers Runners-Up: Mrs. Hazen, Mrs. Sykes, Ms. Remynse Tardies, among other procrastination acts, are major obstacles for students, so it’s wonderful when a teacher is just a li�le lenient.

“I think it depends on his mood. If you have a good reason (for being late), I think he’s flexible,” junior Katie Martin said.

12

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Stampede

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entertainment and events

Feb. 29, 2008

Portage Central ‘s

Leading Artists

BY BRI PETTIS

Staff Writer

GRETE GRUBELICH/STAMPEDE

That chronic doodler si�ing next to you in math may not be the next Picasso, but he may be one of many who prove that amazing artists can be found in unlikely places.

Junior Bryant Girsch is one Portage Central artist recognized by his peers for his talents; he draws whatever seems to pop into his head, which mostly deals with the expression of human emotion.

“I’ve always been an artist, I don’t ever remember ‘starting,’” said Girsch, who concedes that he is not sure if he would like to draw for a profession.

“Most of the careers that I’m looking at have something to do with art, but I don’t want something that I love to do to become a job,” Girsch said.

Although some people might think that drawing is easy to do and most of us have the ability to doodle or trace, Girsch free-hands his drawings.

While Girsch prefers the silence of his sketchbook, Zada Harris, a sophomore and lifelong dancer, prefers dancing at basketball games on the school dance team. She started dancing when she was 3.

“I think my parents were annoyed and wanted me out of the house and doing something else,” Harris said.

When she first started dancing it was just ballet. Harris was commi�ed to ballet, but she found that there was no interesting music and

that it is kind of boring. She says that school takes up a lot of her spare time, but she gets her homework done before rehearsals even though sometimes school must be precedent.

“I have to skip dance class occasionally if I have school or a big test coming up,” Harris said. She hopes to keep moving forward with dance.

Collin Pompey is another example of someone who is very talented, but a li�le modest when it comes to his artistic abilities. Pompey, sophomore, is a guitarist; he mostly plays progressive ambient rock.

Pompey finds his inspiration in everyday life, he said, but was initially inspired by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

“I heard the Red Hot Chili Peppers for the first time and knew right then that I wanted to play bass, except I don’t play bass, I play guitar,” he said.

Pompey does not feel that he is neglecting his music. When he is just walking around school or doing something non-music related, all the lyrics and rhythms that he uses for his music flow through his head, and he tries not to lose the inspiration.

“I practice my instrument whenever I have time,” he said. “I don’t neglect that, but when it comes to writing the lyrics down I try not to force it.”

Pompey says he is hoping that music will take him somewhere, but he plays his music because it makes him who he is. “Definitely, most definitely, but I think my music is more for myself.”

Students like Girsch, Harris and Pompey prove that art can come in many forms, entertaining us with their passions.

Prom

is coming.

Make sure your flowers have

Remember we are now accepting Le�ers to the Editor in room 306

style.

corsages * boutonnieres * custom orders*

6330 S. Westnedge Ave. (269) 327 6733 www.hardingsmarket.net

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entertainment and events

Feb. 29, 2008

The

of the

return

LP

While CD sales fall by the minute, our generation is searching through our parents’ collections of vintage records to satisfy our need for music.

GRETE GRUBELICH/STAMPEDE

BY KEENAN CRONYN

Staff Writer

With technology moving at a rapid pace, some consumers in the music industry are taking a step back. They’re taking a step back to the pre-‘80s, when CDs hadn’t been created yet and millions of songs weren’t just a few clicks away.

These days consumers in the music industry have decided to blow the dust from their grooves and purchase LPs, more commonly known as vinyls. With new technology making great strides and a few other helpful characteristics, they’re on their way up.

During the early 1900s and into the early 1980s, vinyls dominated the music market. But with the introduction of the CD, many consumers began to play to a different tune.

Dinner and a

MOVIE With Alaina Dely

Every month, Alaina Dely explores the worlds of spices, herbs and exotic flavors that go hand in hand with a film everyone should see at least once in his or her life.

This issue, Dely reminds you of a new age classic that will bring you to the edge of your seat and back again and a tangy Asian dish that’s simply irresistible.

At first many complained that the high notes were too high and the lower notes were distorted. Even with complaints, the vinyl began to disappear.

But even in a music industry where digital music dominates sales and CD sales are rapidly falling, the LP is making a comeback.

Many audiophiles have argued they simply sound be�er, and others will say that they connect the owner with history.

In sophomore Hunter Rencis’ case, the sound quality is unmatched. “I just started collecting a few weeks ago, but already I can tell the difference,” he said.

According to a Rolling Stone article in late 2006, many people agree with Rencis. Sales figures at the end of

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2006 showed that the sales of LPs had increased by nearly 10 percent.

Another force that could add to the recent push behind LP sales is the integration between common music programs and vinyl players. The most recent players allow a USB cord to upload your vinyl collection to your favorite music program then straight to a CD or iPod. That convenience alone may sway the entire music market.

Many recent artists offer LPs and can be found in more and more stores. With great strides made in technology and some sentimental strings still intact, LPs are on their way back.

If you’re in the mood for an emotional, funny and heartwarming film, “Garden State” is your movie.

A depressed Andrew Largeman (Zach Braff ) is a high-profile TV star who recently learns of his mother’s death. It is hard to imagine Largeman as a TV actor based on his muted personality. He returns to his hometown in New Jersey to a�end his mother’s funeral, where he reconnects with some of his childhood friends.

Along the way, he meets a new friend, Sam (Natalie Portman), a wild, off-beat character. As the movie continues, Largeman learns life lessons, while he develops a romance with his friend Sam. Though “Garden State” has an unfocused plot which switches from one random adventure to another, the characters’ experiences and lessons learned are both powerful and heartwarming.

4 1

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athletics and leisure

Feb. 29, 2008

Minis

Back on the right track

ustang

hockey

Record: 10-8-2 Past: Regional playoffs Next: With a win on Tuesday, they would be playing in the Regional Championship Players to watch: Max Taylor, Todd Miller, Bre� Bergy Coach:Jim Murray

“

swimming Record: 6-4 Past: 109-76 vs. K Central Next: Friday 2/22 vs. Portage Northern Players to watch: Ryan Karnemaat, Ryan Umberger Evenn Po�s Coach: Jim Shafer

“

We’ve all practiced really hard and every day we know we’re going to win.

“

RYAN KARNEMAAT senior

NATE FRISBIE/STAMPEDE

women’s basketball Record: 11-10 Past: Feb. 18 vs. Kalamazoo Central, won 32-28, Feb. 20 loss to PN in district semi-final Next: season complete Players to return: Bri Russel, Shelby Humpries Coach:Ma� Tabor

“

We have a team saying: ‘We’ve been making bread.’ sophomore

KRISTINA KRAUTMANIS/STAMPEDE

“

SHELBY HUMPHRIES

AS ONE:

The men line up, wraping their arms around each other during the National Anthem before the Northern game.

Men’s basketball team returns to winning ways

BY ALEX MCCARTHY Staff Writer

the team strives to fill their role, “He gets the energy going, whether it’s the starting point and gets me ready to play,” guard, back-up center, or just a Clark said. player in practice.

While the players have had The game clock struck 0.0 While the experienced a huge impact on the winning as the ball plunged through players are a large part of the ways this year, there is no doubt the hoop, giving the win to the team, all of the newbies have that second-year coach McNeal Mustangs, 53-52. A�er fighting contributed greatly, all in has had an enormous influence hard through regulation and different ways. on the Mustang basketball overtime, The starting program. the men’s Instead of telling players point guard, If I’m working basketball team Casey Pra�, how to play the game, like many finally brought hard, my team’s has brought a other coaches do, McNeal puts down the going to be that loads of trust in his players. great deal of Sturgis Trojans much better.

“He realizes that we can run skill to this team to win their stuff on our own,” senior Ian with his slick third straight MATT CUTLER ball handling.

Graham said. senior game.

Before McNeal asks for feedback Most transferring to about both game situations and students know Mustang country, Pra� a�ended player matchups during the that for our men’s team, wins our rival school to the north, games. He also has confidence have been few and far between which gives him a li�le extra that his players will both for the past few seasons. This incentive to beat his former understand the game and handle past January, however, for the themselves responsibly both on team. first time in five years, this and off the Another Mustang squad won thrice in a player that has court. row (Jan 15, 18, and 24).

It’s been a McNeal’s been a bundle There are many reasons for of energy on the main focuses this team’s rapid improvement, great season in team is junior since arriving but a few of them stand out to terms of changing Kyle Clark.

Clark at his alma both players and coaches. ...work ethic. is a team player mater are One aspect that has who wants to having a improved greatly this year is COREY MCNEAL head coach positive help his team team chemistry. Before their a�itude and in any way games, one can see them working hard. possible, and his laughing and joking around Before the season started, players antics on and off the court are with each other, showing that showed their determination always good for a laugh. Clark this isn’t just a bunch of players a�ributes some of his on-court and enthusiasm by giving 100 going out on the court; it is a percent at the voluntary offenergy to his excitable coach, bunch of friends. Everybody on season workouts.

Corey McNeal.

“

“

“It’s been a great season in terms of changing a�itudes (and) changing work ethic,” McNeal said.

While the coach has taken note of the sweat that these players have given to the team, the players themselves have noticed a huge change in each other’s dedication. Day in and day out, these guys impress each other with their hard work in practice and in games.

“If I’m working hard, my team’s going to be that much be�er,” senior Ma� Cutler said.

The team avenged their early season loss to Portage Northern by bringing down those Huskies on Feb. 15. The Mustangs pulled together and fought hard until the final buzzer, be�ering PN by just a basket. The win, which kept a packed house on the edge of their seats, improved their win total to five. As of Feb. 18, the invigorating victory was the first in their division in three years.

“We’re definitely on the right track,” McNeal said, “to bring Portage Central back to having a respectable basketball team.”

6-13

Varsity’s record going into district play

Martial arts takes form in Central students

BY KELSEY BENEDICT

they’re doing.

William Golombisky, Shaw’s teacher and a fi�h degree black belt and master instructor with Tae Park Tae Kwon Do, and Master Mike Freshman Amanda Shaw stands 5 feet 2 Kadrovach, a forth degree black belt who owns inches, but she’s not worried about her height. and operates Walker’s Tae Kwon Do, in Portage.

She’s an artist, and Tae Kwon Do is her art.

They have something in common: Their love Her reason for taking up Tae Kwon Do? of TKD. Both are long-timers in the martial arts.

“I wanted a fun exercise,” Shaw said. “And Golombisky has practiced for 27 years; Kadrovach something to help control my temper.” started at the age of 25 and has been practicing in Shaw is a white belt (a beginner) in a sport Portage for over 10 years. The similarities between called Tae Kwon Do. “Tae” means “kicking, the two teachers are their beliefs: that Tae Kwon Do jumping, or using the feet,” “Kwon” refers to focuses on health, self-defense, and discipline of “striking or using the hands,” and “Do” means “A the body and mind. way or path through life.” Tae Kwon Courtesy and respect Do is, therefore, “The Way or Art of are points that Thompson striking with the hands or feet.” TKD Just because stresses, as do all of the is pre�y evenly balanced – both on you’re small you instructors. Basic things, punching and kicking as well as used can still stand up like bowing when entering offensively and defensively. to people. the classroom, or dojo, is Junior Stephanie Meyers, a brown AMANDA SHAW expected, and students are belt at Walker’s Tae Kwon Do, has been freshman taught never to interrupt the in TKD for four years. Originally, she master. started to help develop her ice skating.

In traditional sports like “I’ve never had to use it outside of baseball, it’s all a team effort. TKD, Karate, and Tae Kwon Do [class],” said Meyers.

Judo – the persons can work as a group, but don’t Judo, on the other hand, is a great deal of necessarily need to. defense; a smaller part offense. Judo focuses on What that means is simply this: a true martial turning your opponent’s weight/force/energy artist has been trained well enough to cover all the against them. Joe VanDenBoom has been involved bases. They don’t need someone to guard a�acks in Judo since 1992 and says that Judo and TKD’s or block their face for them if they ever have the focuses are similar: health, self-defense, and misfortune to get in a fight; they can do that on discipline. their own.

Looking at the physical parts of Karate, they Whatever the art form – Tae Kwon Do, Judo, again are similar to TKD. Or at least Okinawa Karate -- the basic principles are the same. They all Karate, located in Kalamazoo and is taught aim to achieve the same goal, though they go about

by James Thompson. Self defense, health, different ways of doing it. and discipline is generally the mindset of all “Just because you’re small you can still stand instructors. Keep your class healthy, teach them up to people,” Shaw said. to defend themselves, and hope they know what

Staff Writer

“

“

junior

TOGETHER

“

NATE FRISBIE/STAMPEDE

“

BRETT BERGY

BRI PETTIS/STAMPEDE

“

The season has been more fun because I’m not a rookie anymore, so I don’t get picked on.

ALAINA DELY/STAMPEDE

KARATE CHOP: Meyers practices her TKD as she plans to advance to the next belt level.

2.7

Miles Walker’s TKD is away from PCHS making it one of the closest to the school

10

belt levels that can be reachedin Tae Kwon Do

Sports

Stampede

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athletics and leisure

All work and no play Minis

Feb. 29, 2008

ustang

Athletes put in the time at practices, but don’t see as much play time as they would like

BY KEENAN CRONYN Staff Writer For Adusumilli it was his dream of actually playing that helped him put in the long hours and hard work. Oddly enough his dream was recently realized as he hit a threepoint shot in a recent game. Even though the shot didn’t mean much to the game’s outcome, it did wonders for his confidence.

“I mean it’s cool to finally play,” Adusumilli said. “I worked pre�y hard this season and last, so I’m glad I got the chance.”

Whether it’s all the hard work they’ve put into the sport, or the feeling of being on a team, something keeps them going.

Even though they don’t see much time on the court, it’s all worth it at season’s end.

Past: Placed 4th overall Next: Regional’s are February 22nd and 23rd Players to watch: Kara Fawley Coach:Bri�any Sla�ery, Kyle Duaahl

“

We’re all hoping to do well at regionals and then move on to states.

“

JESSICA BEACH

ORIANE TOUZEAU/STAMPEDE

senior

Past: 139 overall points Next: Regional’s, March 1st Players to watch: Nicole Olweean, Haley Hoard Coach:Bri�any Sla�ery, Kyle Duaahl

“

I want to place in the top three at Regional’s as a team I want to go to states.

HALEY HOARD junior

Sophomore Adam Fahs, captain of the wrestling team, strides into the mini-gym with a duffle bag slung over is shoulder.

Looking around, Fahs watches the closely-knit team members preparing for another rigorous day of practice; some wrestlers take time to stretch in the corner; others exchange friendly remarks with a couple slaps on the back.

Without a doubt, the season has come to a successful end.

However next year, Fahs thinks, there’s more to come… much more.

Despite being a young team, all wrestlers and coaches agree that this year has been dynamic.

Ending the season with an 810 record, Fahs feels the team is bonding really well, and a�er having a�ended a wrestling camp at Central Michigan University, the team members only grew

closer. Of course, a lot credit is given to the coaches.

“Coach [Haughn] knows a lot about wrestling,” Fahs said. “He takes a lot of time out of his family to be here, and he’s got good discipline and works hard practices.”

Junior Nate Hawkins can only concur.

“Coach is strict but fair,” Hawkins said. “He jokes, but he’s serious and productive.”

Knowing his role on the

ORIANE TOUZEAU/STAMPEDE

HUDDLE UP: The wrestling team takes a break as Coach Ken Haughn gives them a few words of advice.

The team depends on Haughn for wisdom and encouragement.

team, Co-Head Coach Ken Haughn does indeed take his job seriously. He feels that the coach should always live up to the team expectations, but more importantly, Haughn believes that the coach’s role is to provide the opportunity for wrestlers to improve.

“Speed of the group never exceeds the speed of the leader,” Haughn said.

Haughn has a lot of confidence for the team and has high ambitions for next year as well.

“We are really turning the corner,” he said.

Next season, the wrestling team is hoping to walk victoriously out of conferences and even score high at regionals.

According to the coach, there has had tremendous improvement this year, and the atmosphere of the team has not been so spirited in many years.

“The atmosphere here is great,” Hawkins said. “It’s a band of brothers.”

Next year, the team is determined to welcome the new freshmen wrestlers. Even though the majority of team is underclassmen with a few juniors and seniors, wrestlers and coaches suspect that the freshmen are ready to show what they’re made of.

Undoubtedly, next year will come with its hardships and risks, but the team members are confident and ready to do whatever it takes.

“Life is a garden,” Hawkins said. “Dig it.”

cheerleading Past: 2nd in division @Ma�awan, 2 in division @ Gull Lake Next: regionals on March 1st Players to watch: Morgan McLive, Shelby Robinson Coach:Danielle Groth

“

It’s going really well, considering we’re all freshmen on a varsity team.

MORGAN MCLIVE freshman

KRISTINA KRAUTMANIS/STAMPEDE

BY MIER WANG Staff Writer

NATE FRISBIE/STAMPEDE

Wrestlers end the year on a good note and anticpate next challenging season

“

BRADLEY LINDER/STAMPEDE

gymnastics

“

The high pitched squeaking of shoes on freshly cleaned gym floor. The pregame speeches that bellow through an empty locker room.

The late night bus rides home and the sprints in the next days practice courtesy of the mess they le� on the bus the night before.

It seems as though he has it all.

Unfortunately that’s not true. In reality Dhananjay Adusumilli has never seen a minute of a Portage Central Men’s Basketball game.

For a season and a half he practiced and traveled with the team and had never actually played in a game until recently. His official title was team manager which meant that he would do the same work, do the same drills and even travel to the same venues, but he wouldn’t be on the roster.

“Both years at tryouts they’ve told me they like my a�itude,” Adusumilli said. “But (they told me) my talent level wasn’t high enough.”

Unlike club or travel teams that some athletes play on during the off-season, high school athletic programs aren’t required to let all players play. Since there’s no real program fee, there’s no guaranteed amount of playing time.

So even if a player does make the squad they may never get the chance to play.

O�en times they’ll get to play in practice, but it’s rare to see some of them playing in games In Sophomore Mandy Mills case, she see’s the other side of the situation. “I feel like I work really hard in practice, but I can’t really prove it in games,” she said. “But our coach does what he has to do to win.”

This humble a�itude is one of many things that keeps athletes working hard throughout the season even though they don’t see much playing time during games.

bowling

16

Sports Perfection prevails on the hard court Stampede

page sixteen

athletics and leisure

Feb. 29, 2008

J.V. girls finish season 20-0; future looks bright

BY NATE FRISBIE

Sports Editor

If walking into Applebee’s restaurant on Westnedge Ave., hang a right once in the door; on the wall hangs a picture of the Portage Central 2001-2002 men’s freshmen basketball team. That picture was the last time a team at Portage Central went undefeated with a record of 20-0, until this season.

Perfection: what every coach wants, what every player dreams of, what few experience.

This year’s women’s Junior Varsity has done just that – perfection with a final record of 20-0.

“It’s just really amazing to be on a team that could do this,” freshman Maria Tomlinson said. “I’ve never done this before and this is by far the best team I’ve even been on. To do something like this, we’re making history.”

Work ethic and determination are important keys to perfection according to sophomore Shannon Cleveland.

“We worked really hard and worked as a team,” Cleveland said. “No one took the team on their shoulders, it’s a big accomplishment.”

This past season has proved JV Head Coach Sam Richards destiny. Richards applied for varsity gigs for both men and women but remains with his JV girls. This is not the first time Richards has shown his coaching abilities; he has won conference seven times since he started 10 years ago. And while 20-0 seems incredible, Richards looks at it from a program perspective.

“I think of it as the future of Mustang basketball,” Richards said. “I don’t really see it as a great winning season for us, I see it as [this]: these girls are developing themselves into varsity players. My job, as a JV coach is to develop varsity players for Coach Tabor and the future of Mustang basketball. So I see it as

ALL PHOTOS BY

KRISTINA KRAUTMANIS/STAMPEDE

UNDEFEATED: Richards and his team huddle up during a timeout in a game and make some strategy changes against Loy Norrix. a bright future for Mustangs basketball.”

All of the girls claim one of the most important reasons for being perfect is their unity and togetherness as well as Richards coaching them throughout the year.

“Everyone gets along very well,” Tomlinson said. “We have a great group of people and Richards is an amazing coach and one of the best coaches I’ve ever had.”

“We play as a team and help each other out when others don’t know what to do,” sophomore CeCe Smith said.

Richards has been working with the girls non-stop about ge�ing them to understand the game of basketball.

“I try to teach them to think as coaches, players and referees. So they understand what the coaches are thinking, what other players are thinking, what referees are thinking. There is a lot of psychology at the JV level,” Richards said of his philosophy.

71

Richards pointed out his team’s sense of humor and hard work above all else.

“They’ll work really hard then all of a sudden, you’ll start laughing about something they do,” Richards said. “I would describe them as a hard working group of girls with a great sense of humor. Everybody at one point or another has done something hilarious.”

Smith agrees with Richards about the team’s humor.

“We’re very close,” Smith said. “But sometimes a couple of the girls act a li�le crazy, like Megan [Carroll] and Lacey [Howlind]; I want to kill them sometimes.”

Along with Richards, the girls see a bright future for them and the Mustang women’s basketball program.

“It helps build the reputation of the program,” Tomlinson said of going undefeated. “If we all stick together, when we get up to varsity, it will be great.”

19.4

Most points in a game by the Mustangs- vs.

Ba�le Creek Central

45.6

Average points per game for Smith and Tomlinson combined

10

However, one of the few things this team has different thoughts about is if they are the best JV team in the area.

“We’re the best team out there,” Smith said. “As seniors we might go to states.”

“I’m not going to say we’re the best team out there because that’s kind of conceited,” sophomore Naomi Neff said. “But we’re really good and all work together.”

Going undefeated is an incredible accomplishment but to Cleveland, it will be difficult to do it again.

“At the varsity level, I know it’s going to be harder but we’re just going to have to keep working,” Cleveland said. “I feel happy but you got a lot to carry on your shoulders in the years a�er.”

Being a team through thick and thin is more important to Richards than going 20-0.

“We’re a team, win, lose or draw,” Richards said. “Whether we go 20-0 or 0-20.”

Average points per game by the team

6

fewest points scored by an opposing teamVicksburg

Number of games the Mustangs won by more than 20 points

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