Central
Stampede Friday, May 29, 2009
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BREAKING GROUND
the
SPECIAL SENIOR INSERT
Stampede
Senior
issue
d, 2009
Memories, senior ads, kindergarten photos, and more...
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09
, May 29
20
OF
A closer look at what’s going down during your summer vacation
begins as students and staff alike turn dirt
URTESY
While you’re out...
A new era at Portage Central
PHOTO CO
oh nine
May 22n
ER
JOHN ZOM
Page 6-7
off the Cheers of “Go Mustangs!” kicked beginning of main construction
urtus and Kim Lummis, Larry Edlund, Eric Alb Jason Frink break ground
ANDREW KRIETZ/STAMPEDE
Whiffle Ball for Charity Mustang baseball athletes compete to raise money
Page 12
Herd in the Hallways
“I think it’d be a lot more fun if we never figured out who did it.” -Freshman Kevin Powers on the infra-red Mandrick mystery , p. 8
PC
?Pop Quiz ? ?
Q: How many students are in the senior class? a) 345 b) 321 c) 372 d) 356 For answer see Kudos p. 3
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Vibe.........................................9-10 entertainment and events
Sports...................................11-12 athletics and leisure
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Portage Central High School 8135 S. Westnedge Ave. Portage, MI 49002
Vol. 14 Issue 8
Counselor Jennifer Russell on the mend BY CARLY NAGENGAST Staff Writer Guidance counselor Jennifer Russell is expected to make a full recovery — although it will be a lengthy one — a�er suffering major injuries in a May 17 motorcycle accident. The miraculous news comes a�er many worried about Russell’s chances for survival following the accident that claimed the life of the cycle’s driver, Geoffrey Balkam, a family friend and superintendent of Climax-Sco�s schools. Fortunately, the bleeding in Russell’s brain turned out to be what is referred to as “micro-bleeding” – not nearly as life-threatening — and she also suffered a few broken bones, Alburtus said. She has been moved out of Borgess Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit and into a regular hospital room. In fact, there was talk of physical therapy — an important part of Russell’s healing process — beginning earlier this week. “To go from talking about ‘touch and go’ to talking about physical therapy in less than a week is amazing,” Alburtus said. Since Russell is a key part of the spring scheduling process for every Portage Central student and teacher, the school staff has had to work hard to keep things running, with much of the work falling on Alburtus. “You can’t replace someone as talented as her and not struggle,” Alburtus said. “It’s just been hard.” Although Russell is expected to recover, she will not be back to work this academic year. “I cannot possibly imagine she’ll be [returning to work] before the end of the year,” Alburtus said, “[but] I know she would probably want to.”
Heated election ends in virtual dead heat Even after polls close, the fight for Vice President continued BY NATHAN RANNS & MEGAN SCOTT
Pone won both the Student Council and teacher votes. It’s not a
Staff Writers personal issue against Chase; many just expressed concerns over
Mere weeks ago, the familiar white brick walls of Portage Central would have been unrecognizable. Colorful propaganda boasting slogans and the names of Student Council members running for office lined every square inch of the halls, urging students to cast their votes in the most competitive race in recent history. A new change in the voting process for Student Council elections helped solve a potentially sticky situation earlier this month. This new process, officially decided upon two weeks before this year’s election, allows Student Council and teachers to cast votes in addition to the students. According to Adviser Mark Sutherland, the only way for the student body vote to be overpowered is if both the Student Council and teacher votes overruled the student’s decision. This new voting rule, however, has caused some controversy over the vice president position. “The new voting system was not dra�ed into the [Student Council’s] Constitution at the time of the vote,” Sutherland said. “[Vice Presidential Candidate] Chase Maser won the student body vote, but Karina
his busy schedule.” The fact that the new policy was not implemented into the Constitution has been an issue of controversy, one that Maser himself has fought against. According to newly-elected President Tony Beranek, Maser was aware of the change in policy at the time of the vote and signed a petition agreeing to the conditions. “I don’t want this to look like a huge controversy caused by Student Council,” Beranek said. “There were efforts made toward Chase to make up for events. Basically, we offered that he be guaranteed a Representative position next year, but he said that wasn’t fair and that he would run like everyone else.” However, Maser decided not to AMNA AZAM/STAMPEDE run this year and did not appear on the recent ballot. According to Sutherland, he decided to focus more on his theater interests. Sutherland also expressed that, under no circumstances, would Pone’s title be stripped from her.
Story Continued on Page 2
The woman working in the woodshop said. The boys seemed shocked to see that BY LAUREL BOWERSOCK was taking the class. Freshman Tad she Staff Writer A glance into Jason Badders’ woodshop class will reveal mostly a group of young men huddled over wood saws and projects in progress. But amidst that testosteronecharged atmosphere lingers a sweet, sensitive female with the ability and creativity to impress any woodworking pro. Senior Tricia DeMint was raised in a family full of girls, but she said she was always the one in the family that did the things “the boy would have done.” She loves to sing, and plays the piano. She can also make a mean end table, earning an honorable mention in the regional competition earlier this month. But there is one link between her and woodworking- creativity. DeMint loves to do anything artistic, so woodworking is actually the perfect fit for her. While enrolling for classes for her senior year, DeMint had an extra spot to fill in her schedule. A�er looking at all her choices, she decided to take woodworking, something she had been curious about for a while but normally wouldn’t pick. “It was an excuse to do something I always wanted to do,” DeMint said. On the first day of school, DeMint was late to woodworking class and when she walked in, the class was “dead silent,” she
Drabik said his first thought when DeMint walked in the classroom was, “Wow, there’s a girl.” Because of this, DeMint was worried the rest of the year would be awkward, but these fears quickly disappeared as the boys warmed up to her. While DeMint is the only female in her 7th-hour class, “For me, it’s not weird,” she said. The males of the class may have warmed up to DeMint quickly, but they definitely took different approaches to the situation. Some just quietly pretended she wasn’t there, while others went out of their way to be more polite to her, she said. Either way, DeMint has definitely influenced and impressed the guys. TUCKER WEBB/STAMPEDE Senior Ma� Pare likes having DeMint in the class, “She’s a hard-working, perse- WORKIN’ HARD: DeMint focuses as she works on vering person,” Pare said. her task at hand. Drabik agrees: “She motivates the class.” Badders said. Classmates aside, DeMint said she Out of 150 students, DeMint is one of three really loves the class and has been quite females that Badders has taught this year. Badsuccessful in it. A�er high school, she plans ders said DeMint’s talent is probably due to her to carry on woodworking, probably not as “patience and dedication.” While other students a career but definitely as a hobby. get bored with one project quickly, DeMint spent DeMint has not only impressed her the whole year on one very involved project. fellow classmates, but also her current “She’s creative, and doesn’t get diswoodshop teacher Jason Badders, “She is couraged easily, even when things go wrong,” probably the most talented student I have,” Badders said.
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News
Stampede
page two
hallways and city streets
May 29, 2009
New school, minus auto body BY MARISSA MIARS
Staff Writer
Next year, students passing by Room 305 will no longer hear the sounds of auto body students hard at work. Instead, sounds of construction will fill their ears. The auto body shop is one of the many areas of the school that, once construction starts, will no longer be in existence. However, PC’s auto body shop and class won’t be making a comeback at the new building. As of September 2009, all auto body classes will be held at Loy Norrix High School, causing transportation to be an issue of inconvenience for a majority of students.
Setting
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“It’s not too far of a drive but is still job . inconvenient,” junior Conor Blank said. “If I have to fix my car I would need “Plus, (the class) is going to be packed.” to drive it over there (Loy Norrix),” The moving was scheduled to begin junior Travis Tigchelaar said, “which this past Monday. However, considering could be expensive because of gas the amount and size of the tools involved, prices.” this could prove to be a difficult and Not only will PC lose a useful time-consuming task. hands-on class, but also an important C ONOR BLANK The location change also means staff member. Junior students will no longer be offered the Auto body teacher Joe Woodin will services the auto body shop has offered be following the program to its new in the past, which includes jump starting home at Loy Norrix. vehicles and unlocking car doors, in “It’s a bigger shop and a nicer addition to the arduous tasks of learning facility but I have friends here,” Woodin to do everything from rebuilding engines to completing a paint said. “You grow close to the people you work with.”
It’s not too far of a drive but is still inconvenient.
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Class to move to Loy Norrix
high hopes for new salon
Entreprenurial experiment turns into a growing business BY SARAH MANIS
Staff Writer
For senior Shelby Robinson, hair was just something she cut off of Barbie dolls as a child. But that passing fancy with fashion dolls eventually turned into a meaningful career. She now co-owns a full-service salon, Blonde Ambitionz. Robinson’s experience with cosmetology was minimal at the beginning or her junior year; however, the sound of cosmetology gave her an initiative to take classes. Robinson started her education in cosmetology through the Education for Employment (EFE) program as a junior. Last June, Robinson and her sister-inlaw decided to take the plunge and go into the salon business together. “The opportunity was thrown in my face,” Robinson said, “and I feel you should take advantage
of every opportunity.” Robinson took that opportunity and ran with it. She and her partner now own a full-service salon. Including her and her partner, there are five certified stylists. Offering hair styling, manicures and pedicures, massages, spray tanning, and waxing, Robinson said they hope that Blond Ambitionz will soon offer tanning. It’s located on 2729 W. Michigan Ave., off of Howard Street and near the WMU campus. Senior Mary VanderVries is a client of Robinson’s and has been there frequently. “She’s awesome,” VanderVries said. “She’s really dedicated; I’m very proud of her.” Robinson’s friends and family support her decision in starting a career while still in high school. This support helps her with her success, she said. Robinson’s motivation, commitment and determination help her run her business everyday.
ON HER OWN:
Senior Shelby Robinson gives a customer a new look. Her home studio (left). Busy with customers (opposite), Robinson works hard The salon is located near Howard Street (right).
SARAH MANIS/STAMPEDE
SARAH MANIS/STAMPEDE
Working toward cleaner water BY OMO OGBOMO
Staff Writer
A child dies from water-related diseases every 15 seconds according, to Clean Water for the World, a non-profit organization in Kalamazoo. Speech teacher Randy Borden works with this charity to try to curb this statistic and keep the world’s children and adults healthy and hydrated. In 2007, Paul Flickinger, the executive director, wanted to take the work and ideas of Jerry and Judy Bohl, residents of Otsego, and globalize them. In 1995, the Bohls travelled to El Salvador with a church group where they saw impoverished people living with unclean water. They wanted to do something to help, and came up with the idea of sending simple purification systems to rid the local water of bacteria and providing communities with a sense of pride. “Just recently I met with the board members and other people to help build about eight systems, it just takes about a Saturday to get it done,” Borden said. The systems go to areas that meet several criteria: having 300-600 people living within the community, reliable electricity, a water source, and someone who will take the responsibility to maintain the system. Each purification system has a standard co�on filter (found in most homes) and a UV light bulb which needs to be replaced periodically. Given that the entire purification system costs between $650 and $1,500, donations cover the entire cost of the unit,
Brief
although progress is being made to find other means of acquiring money. Volunteers in the community and around the world will soon be able to help in other ways. “On our new website that’s launching soon, there will be an Adopt-a-Drop program that will allow people to give $25 in a birthday or anniversary card to help pay for a system in the name of a family member or friend,” Flickinger said. While most teenagers may think they can’t do anything to bring change to our world, Clean Water for the World has opportunities to get involved. “We love to have volunteers help us assemble the systems, it’s very easy to do,” Flickinger said. “We always have li�le chores that need to be taken care of.” Clean Water for the World is also trying to gain support from PeaceJam to incorporate their mission into World Water Day, which is celebrated every year on March 22nd. “I love this organization because it’s completely nonprofit; 95 percent of the funds go towards buying the materials to build the purification systems,” Borden said. “Anyone with a li�le free time can do so much. These systems really help kids get a good education because if they aren’t sick from water-borne diseases all the time, they can go to school more o�en.” Interested students and teachers should e-mail the organization at cleanwaterinfo@gmail.com for more information on how to donate funds or volunteer their time.
continued from page 1
Student Council final vote settled Despite the discrepancy in the vice presidential election, all of the officer positions for next year have been decided by voters. President Tony Beranek, Vice President Karina Pone, Parliamentarian Mari Schoolmaster, Treasurer Paul Lee and Secretary Mara Benne� all have strong and positive outlooks on next year. Perhaps the most ambitious of them, despite moderate setbacks, is Pone. “I really want to focus on giving back to our community,” Pone said. “They elected to provide us with a brand-new school, and we owe it to them. I want to band with business and strengthen Problems, Investigations and Negotiations [PIN]. PIN has been very productive, and that’s what was used to fix the pothole in the junior parking lot.” PIN, an o�en under-the-radar program, works to solve problems associated with the school, specifically the recently filled potholes. With all controversies se�led, Student Council members say they are ready to progress and make preparations for next year. Following this school year, an energized panel of officers will emerge, a new Constitution in tow. “In the end, Student Council has a good idea of what would best benefit the school and we [Student Council] want to assure that next year all the controversies will be se�led and everything can be resolved to move forward,” Sutherland said.
•Mon., June 8 - 1st and 2nd hours •Tues., June 9 - 3rd and 4th hours •Weds., June 10 - 5th and 6th hours •Thurs., June 11 - 7th hour and makeup exams The first exam session will be from 7:50-9:40; the second, from 9:5011:40.
The Kalamazoo County Substance Abuse Task Force is taking a new approach to fighting crime in schools. You can now use the Text-a-Tip to report drugs and other crimes. Using a cell phone, dial CRIMES and then type KZOO to report the crime. When texting, include the crime, location of the person commi�ing the crime, and the name of person commi�ing the crime if known.
Library’s Teen Fest celebrates start of summer The Portage District Library will host Teen Fest this year, June 18, 7 to 11 p.m. at Celery Flats Park. Celebrate the end of the school year and the beginning of summer with the Portage District Library. There will be karaoke, dancing, photos and more. Visit the library’s website for more information about the library’s summer activities.
art fair
The final exam schedule for all underclassmen for the second semester is as follows:
County offers Text-aTip for crimes
teen fest
Final exam schedule for second semester
text-a-tip
final exams
In
Fun in the sun: KIA Art Fair begins June 6th The 58th Annual KIA Art Fair, the second oldest continuously running art fair in the nation, will be held on June 6th. The Art Fair will be in Bronson Park from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
-Laurel Bowersock, Marissa Miars, Kristina Krautmanis
News
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Stampede
page three
hallways and city streets
Testing boundaries
May 29, 2009
Students have opportunity to test out BY KRISTINA KRAUTMANIS Staff Writer This spring was the first time students were able to test out of subjects in school and receive credits for those classes. Before this semester, students could test out of a subject, but they could not receive credit for the course on their transcript. Though it was possible to start testing out this semester, next year will be more official, according to the guidance office. During exam week, if students signed up prior to April 23, they can arrange another time to take an exam from any class. If the student passes with a 77.5 percent or higher, they can receive credit for that course. Because of this new opportunity, it is possible to obtain more than the maximum 28 credits. Teachers that teach the same subjects will now have to make their tests virtually identical, and teachers from across the curriculum have been scrambling to do that. “They’ll have the same objectives, but they can vary a li�le,” Counselor Jim Herm said. Herm also said that this brings the a�endance policy into play. School policy is that if a student has exceeded 10 absences, and
does not have a note from a doctor, he or she cannot receive credit for that course. With the new policy, however, students can test out of a class without ever a�ending that class. The main reason for testing out of a course would be to obtain those additional credits for a transcript. College admissions are very competitive, and demands in college are harder than ever. If a student has prior knowledge of some material, this new policy could benefit the student by giving her more credits than classes she actually took. Another avenue for this new policy is simply re-taking an exam. If a student fails a class, they can try to test out at another time, and possibly pass. This new policy has not been too common this spring because it has just recently been added. Next year, however, it will affect juniors and seniors trying to finalize transcripts. Junior Andrea Hoffman likes this idea, adding that, “[If you test out], you are trying harder, and trying to stand out.” Some students believe this new policy will only hinder them in the future. Testing out of a subject that a student really doesn’t know could cause problems in college. Not many subjects can be learned and fully understood in just a
Forensics at states BY RACHAEL LEFEVRE Staff Writer
Not many people can say they’ve been to a state championship. However, this year’s forensics team, who placed 6th in the state finals, can proudly declare their trip to the state finals successful. The forensics team is no stranger to state-level competition. The team placed fourth overall in 2007 and fi�h overall last year. With a relatively small team of only 41 participants this year, the team’s topsix placement is a feat in itself. Besides the overall sixth-place team finish, participants in several categories snatched up titles. Junior Katie Corbit and senior Lucas Beachler received 3rd place for their Duo, freshman Grady Sertic received 6th place for his Informative, senior Ziggy Neal received 5th place in Poetry, senior Grant Miars received 3rd place in Prose and the Multiple The Lion King received 4th place overall. With 15 out of the 41 participants newcomers to forensics, the team had a lot to learn. A�er a somewhat rocky beginning, the team was able to pull through and obtain a rewarding title. “We started off rough, but had a terrific finish,” coach Theresa Mills said. “[It’s] really a testament to these kids who worked so hard.” The team faced fierce competition at States, and the intensity of competition surprised some participants. “Once we got through Regionals Mrs. Mills warned us, ‘we’re not out of the park yet- there’s still States,’” sophomore Ryan Quick said, a member of the multiple. “Competition was a lot harder than we thought it would be.”
AMNA AZAM/STAMPEDE
BIG FOCUS: Junior Steven Song concentrates as he completes his math test. Under the new policy, students might be given the opportunity to test out of their final exams. few days, and it takes months to build up each block, junior Katie Corbit said. “I wouldn’t [test out] because if I were to
Paris BY CHRISTIANNA GLUYS
PHOTO COURTESY OF DAN MILLS
STEP IT UP: Junior Katie Corbit and
senior Lucas Beachler rehearse for state competition. According to sophomore Anica DeGraff, although competition is tough, the teams bond through the experience. “States give everyone a sense of unity and pride,” DeGraff said. “When you get there…it’s like one big family.” However, despite the apparent inexperience of the team, Mills expected success at States. “[I thought] we’d place somewhere in the top six because we have a lot of talented kids here,” said Mills. “I felt at states our talents would be well rewarded.” For the participants, achieving such a ranking is an honor. “It means so much [to us],” Quick said. “Last year we [the multiple] got ninth, but coming back and doing so well this year means a lot.” As for next year’s forensics season, Mills expects great things. “We’re only graduating six seniors, so we have lots of young talent,” Mills said. “There’s lots for us to build upon.”
take a higher level class in college, I wouldn’t have the basic knowledge of the subject,” Corbit said.
2010 View Editor
In June 2010, IB French IV and V students will have the opportunity to visit what is o�en referred to as the most romantic city on Earth—Paris, France. As the Spanish students are leaving this summer for a 10-day immersion into Costa Rican culture, this trip to Paris is meant to educate French students on the historical sites and cultural significance of the city. Madam Sara Heil “This is not a senior trip; it’s not Spring Break,” French teacher Sara Heil said. “This is an opportunity for students to go on an educational trip. It’s meant to inspire them to consider spending a summer abroad or continue traveling.” The trip is planned to be a week-long excursion covering the usual tourist sites in Paris—the Eiffel Tower, the Seine River, the Louvre—but also allow students to learn about lesser-known parts of Paris as well as experience life in another country. “Seeing Paris in-depth allows fourth- and fi�h-year French students to benefit more from the trip [than touring all of France],” Heil said. While it remains to be seen the exact amount of people going on the trip, many of Heil’s students have expressed interest, and the predicted number is approximately 30 students. “I’m excited the trip is only to Paris,” junior Eric Smith said. “I like that it will be [an educational trip], so we can see the things we’ve learned about.” Unlike the France-Spain trip of 2008, the group will be able to spend entire days at one historical site or neighborhood. “One day at each site is not enough for upper-level students,” Heil said. “They would have to swallow everything in one gulp.” “We’ll be able to see all these major things [in French culture] and experience the artistic and cultural side of Paris,” Smith said. English teacher Carolyn Oudman is also expected to chaperone the trip with Heil.
Science Olympiad succeeds at states Kudos to the Science Olympiad team for placing 6th out of 48 teams at the state finals. The team of brilliant minds finished with two medals. Junior Ryan Boekloo and sophomore Paul Lee came in 3rd in the Junkyard challenge, and juniors Julia Miller and Lucas Kushner finished 4th in Herpetology.
Seniors win YWCA award Congratulations to seniors Alaa Itani and Elena Stachew, winners of the Young Women of Achievement award from the YWCA. They were two of 25 area high school and women aged 18 to 25 seniors to win the award.
Entrepreneurship Day a success Kudos to the students that participated in Entrepreneurship Day. Students selling everything from purses and jewelry to duct tape shoes made this event a hit. Students made sales varying from very small to up to $150 to $300. Next year, Entrepreneurship Day may be held before winter break so students can purchases items as gi�s, according to marketing teacher Rod Nedervelt. PC Pop Quiz Answer: A (345)
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Stampede “Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press.” First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution
page four
May 29, 2009
Our View Construction to be inconvenient, nevertheless rewarding As detailed on pages 6 and 7 of this issue of the Stampede, construction of the new high school commenced last week, and it will continue over the course of the next couple years. Our community will certainly benefit from the new school, but not without sacrifice from students as construction carries on into fall 2009. Over summer, school grounds are expected to contain a collection of mudcovered trucks and machines, chunks of old parking lot asphalt and a swarm of construction workers. Underground work, such as installing drainage pipes, is to be finished over summer. The road between the high and middle schools will be removed, as well as the pavement behind the middle school near the Stable, and the campus will generally be off-limits to students until the school year starts up again. The transportation office and bus garage are to be torn down to provide space for student parking next school year, but that is considered a lower priority in the building process and may not happen. As it is still unknown if the new bus garage at Zylma Road will be ready in time for the start of school, there may be more parking lot hassles come September. Additionally, during the school year, it is projected as many as 250 construction workers will be active during the day. Only a plywood wall in the 300 hall will separate the area students use from the construction site. The school will be providing a paved, 14-foot wide trail with chain-link fences on either side from the main building to Waylee. However, up to 300 students will be forced to endure the elements in winter ge�ing to class; due to fire regulations, the path cannot have a roof. Ultimately, the next few years will be difficult, perhaps confusing and slightly chaotic. The end result, however, is worth the annoyances and bothers, and the new high school will certainly be an investment everyone in Portage can cherish with pride.
Stampede Staff Andrew Krietz and Marah Klose Editors-in-Chief Nicole Chrusciel.............................................News Editor Christianna Gluys...........................................View Editor Jenny Kilduff..................................................Focus Editor Alaina Dely........................................................Vibe Editor Nate Frisbie...................................................Sports Editor Amna Azam.....................................................Photo Editor Keenan Cronyn.............................................Design Editor Assistant Editors/Staff Writers....................Zach Anderson ....................................Laurel Bowersock, Morgan Clothier, ..........................................Sarah Erdman, James Ketelaar, ................................Kristina Krautmanis, Rachel LeFevre, .................................................Amber Lester, Sarah Manis, .............................................Alex McCarthy, Marissa Miars, ..........................................Lauren Moon, Carly Nagengast, .........................Omo Ogbomo, Emma Page, Jordan Peters, ......................James Phillips, Nathan Ranns, Megan Scott, ....................Hannah Seelman, Tucker Webb, Sarah Wilsey Artists................................Bryant Girsch, Sarah Thompson Business Manager..............................................Regis Partee 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
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JAMES KETELAAR/STAMPEDE
Silly Putty a useful, Play-Doh stands fun toy test of time design editor
KEENAN CRONYN
staff writer
ZACK ANDERSON
It’s a li�le more than a half hour until lunch, my stomach’s grumbling, and I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t a bit bored. I’m at our annual journalism awards conference, and as I’m starting to slouch in my chair, trying to force a nap during the yearbook category awards, my boredom vanishes. A friend hands me a small wad of silicone that has mysteriously eluded me during my childhood: Silly Pu�y. For years, my mom wouldn’t let me near it, fearing it would end in a haircut or a visit from Stanley Steamer. Determined to prove her wrong, I embarked on a magical experience that took me to a realm of endless possibilities. Silly Pu�y is a material that’s been used for all kinds of things, ranging from an adhesive to secure tools in the Apollo missions to a more practical use, like a last-second lint brush. Play-Doh is one-dimensional, and a�er you’re done sculpting it or slapping it flat on a table, you can’t count on it for much else unless you’re hungry. Silly Pu�y’s uses range far beyond a flexible toy to collect fur or aid in astronomical adventure and instead can be used for more practical and predictable purposes. Being made from silicone, Silly Pu�y has the ability to bounce. When rolled into a makeshi� ball, one can forcibly create a perfect Ping-Pong ball in a pinch. Another common use is being able to use Silly Pu�y to literally make sketches jump off the page. Any ordinary pencil sketch can be brought to life with a Silly Pu�y transplant. The journey from paper to Pu�y brings a drawing to life and adds new depth to any ordinary doodle. The final, and possibly the most entertaining use of Silly Pu�y, would be its ability to stretch. Unlike Play-Doh, which just splits into to two separate pieces, Silly Pu�y can stretch more than an arm’s length. And look, I know it makes a mess, but I’m not seven anymore. I’m pre�y sure I can handle it. Perhaps the best part of Silly Pu�y is even a�er all this abuse, it’s always ready to go. Play-Doh can dry out and its uses are limited, but Silly Pu�y is ready to go, no ma�er what it’s been through. Its resilient nature, its astronomical applications, and its ability to keep a 17-year-old entertained make Silly Pu�y an obvious choice for the most moldable toy.
Few toys have captured the minds of people for long periods of time like Play-Doh has over the past 53 years. It is an absolute necessity to the molding of every child’s creativity and motorskills; it can also be turned into any number of non-toxic meals for those who just can’t wait for lunch. Today, if you give any student a minuscule piece of PlayDoh during class, he will be occupied the entire period, trying to create flamboyant animals that never resemble the actual thing. While most of my creations turn into elongated snakes, then are fla�ened into hamburger-shaped sandwiches, a�empting to make a penguin or a hippo can kill off as many as 20 minutes of class time. It won’t even make you sticky. Unlike its evil counterpart, Silly Pu�y, Play-Doh doesn’t leave you feeling like you need to wash your hands. Play-Doh’s overall design completely blows Silly Pu�y out of the park. It’s like an adventure for the five senses; stimulating the nose with its many fragrances, the hands with its moldable, non-sticky feel, the eyes, the taste-buds, and even the sound of it as it strings through its “Coco-Nu�y Monkey,” one of Hasbro’s many toy designs revolving around Play-Doh. Play-Doh has sold over two billion cans in the past 50 years, and it was on the Toy Industry Association’s list of most memorable toys of the 20th century. It’s a classic that has o�en been imitated, but no other imitation product has been able to withstand the test of time like Play-Doh. It still ranks among the most popular toys for anyone, but especially for students. So next time you are standing in the toy aisle of Meijer debating whether or not you want to purchase bright, fun, fragranced, moldable dough called Play-Doh, or buy that Silly stuff, please don’t let this trouble you any longer. Make the smart choice and buy Play-Doh; you won’t be disappointed.
Keenan Cronyn is Design Editor for the Central Stampede.
Zack Anderson is a staff writer for the Central Stampede.
Students
Speak Out
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achieve a balance between informing and entertaining our readers. Editorials Staff editorials are unsigned and represent consensus of the staff. The opinion of the staff is represented in the “Our View” column. The opinions of the editors, staff writers and guest writers will have bylines and will carry their own views. Letters As an open forum, the Stampede welcomes all members of the Portage community. However, the staff reserves the right to edit letters based on length and content.
“Bring back the ice “Get better DJs for cream machine, and the school dances. get better cafeteria I’m sick of ‘90s hiphop.” food.” JAMI MORRISSEY SCOTT PEARSON Freshman
Sophomore
“Work hard to get people involved in dress-up days and Homecoming.” EVAN QUINONES Junior
“Keep popcorn Wednesdays going.” ERIN PETERMAN Senior
View
5
Stampede
page five
opinions and editorials
Enough said.
May 29, 2009
Some words just don’t need repeating... ever.
staff writer
A L E X M C C A RT H Y
In the classic movie Dumb and Dumber, Jim Carrey’s character Lloyd informs his friend of the most annoying sound in the world. No offense to Carey’s comic genius, but the high-pitched wail that he lets out in that scene pales in comparison to the mindless babble that I hear every day in the halls of this very school. Students fill sentences to the brim with a nauseating mix of sexual references, meaningless drama and unnecessary obscenities. Some may call this language, but I know be�er. If English teachers (or parents) could hear the sentences that many students string together, they would undoubtedly be shaking their heads. There is a simple solution to this problem. All that students need to do is revamp their vocabulary. Deplorable words like “creeper,” “fail” and “cute” need adjustment. If used in moderation, they’re fine (except “creeper”), but please, for the love of everything that is sacred, don’t use them in every breath.
Luckily, located conveniently below this paragraph, you can find a guide to altering our collective vocabulary to something s o m e w h a t respectable. Read it. If you agree with it, that’s fantastic. If not, just make sure you don’t use these words around me. 1.“Creeper” Maybe this isn’t the most overused word, but it is definitely the worst and most annoying. Where did it even come from? When I was in middle school, I heard jokes about stalkers, but as soon as I stepped into high school, the word “creeper” crept into my ears way too much. Apparently, anybody standing behind someone else peeking in their general direction is deemed a creeper. Being called a creeper means nothing, though, because the word is just a lame excuse for an insult.
When it’s okay to use: Never Suitable replacements: Stalker, creep, pariah.
just because it is two words. It’s still worthless. To borrow a line from radio host Jim Rome, words like “fail” and all its derivatives are “uninspired, unfunny, and unreadable.” When it’s okay to use: Upon receiving less than 60 percent on a test Suitable Replacements: Pathetic! How embarrassing! 3. A certain four-le�er word that begins with an “f” Don’t get me wrong, this word has its moments. That’s all it should get, though. Moments. The more you say it, the less it BRYANT GIRSCH/STAMPEDE means. It’s like sharpening a 2. “Fail!” Of all the painfully obvious pencil; the more you sharpen it, the statements in the world, this is the more useless and tiny your pencil most painful. When I trip going up gets. Once in a while, the “bomb” can the stairs or shoot an air ball, I know really transform a good sentence into that I have failed. There’s no need an excellent and powerful sentence. to remind me of my failure. “Epic Unfortunately, it can also break a Fail” is a li�le bit of an improvement, sentence when used poorly. When
Splash into a teenage summer
Responsibility increases as you age from child to teen staff writer EMMA PAGE Summer: a period of time in which one can do whatever one pleases, take time off from homework and have the ability to relax. However, as the years go by, the definition of summer seems to change. Growing up with brothers and sisters, the summer was a time we took family vacations up to our co�age, slept outside on the porch and couldn’t remember which day of the week it was. Although we didn’t always get along, we still had fun being together, and going back to school was always a drag. But, as we get older, siblings move out of the house and we grow up, ge�ing the privilege of carrying more responsibility. Don’t get me wrong, I love being able to make my own decisions and make my own money. It’s the whole “you’re not a li�le girl anymore” phrase that gets to me. When I was a li�le girl, I used to play outside all day until I finally came home for dinner with my feet dirty from not wearing shoes and being out of breath from just chasing down the ice cream man. My mother would always tell me that I have to remember to put shoes on and not eat any more ice cream or I’ll spoil my dinner.
Those were the summer days when pu�ing shoes on and not spoiling your dinner were big responsibilities. Now, summer involves managing your time so you get in enough hours at work and remembering to fill up your gas tank, but still making room for the bonfire your friend just planned. Although school brings stress, the summer time management can be stressful at times too, although it’s more fun than schoolwork. Being a child, I always looked forward to having a car and the ability to go wherever or do whatever I liked, but I’ll never be too old to sleep in a tent outside or play capture-the-flag with friends. The summers we approach as teenagers include a variety of obstacles that sculpt us for the person we’ll be in the future. I miss the summers from when I was li�le and didn’t have a care in the world, but I enjoy working and preparing for college because when the day is done, I feel that I’ve accomplished something and grew as a person. T h e elementary school summer days to the high school summer days have changed, but the summers from when we were li�le have prepared us for now. Selling lemonade in the front yard when I was young taught me how to deal with money and talk to “customers”, and my m o t h e r ’s insightful BRYANT GIRSCH/STAMPEDE words of “don’t spoil your dinner” has helped me make decisions on my own. Going back to school is always going to be a drag, but at least I know that with each summer I gain more responsibility and confidence to guide me through life.
Emma Page is a staff writer for the Central Stampede.
in doubt, don’t say it; you don’t need to overuse it. Leave that to Samuel L. Jackson. When it’s okay to use: A�er dropping a large weight on your foot, reciting lines from a Martin Scorsese film. Suitable replacements: None 4. “Cute” Apparently, we have run out of adjectives, because nowadays, everything girls describe is “cute.” From purses to thoughts to movies, each particle of ma�er in this building is described simply as “cute.” Why? Please explain; how is a humorous story cute, or a piece of clothing cute? Maybe a dress can make you look cute, but I don’t consider fabric to be adorable in any way. Personally, my definition of cute would be a li�le child with cheeks crazy aunts like to squeeze, like Lindsay Lohan in “The Parent Trap.” An example of something that isn’t cute is Lindsay Lohan now. When it’s okay to use: When describing most babies (and Reese Witherspoon), an older person saying “Don’t get cute with me!” Suitable Replacements: Adorable, scrumptious, luscious.
Alex McCarthy is a staff writer for the Central Stampede.
To college, or not to college Some students struggle to choose what to do after high school
staff writer C A R LY N A G E N G A S T Raised by my single mother, I was brought up under high expectations. I have always been expected to take all honors classes, drown myself in extra curriculars and graduate high school with the full and sole intent of going on to a four-year university. For much of my life, the thought of anyone doing anything with their life directly a�er high school that wasn’t a college education was disgraceful and even a tad offensive. Therefore it’s a shame of mine that, truth be told, the first time I ever heard about such an option like vocational school was the summer before my freshmen year of high school. Other post-high school courses of study had never been introduced to me. Even then, they had certain connotations. For a long time, vocational colleges have at times go�en a bad reputation for being either unchallenging or producing less intelligent graduates. This usually comes from the fact that trade schools educate their students specifically on their chosen career, readying them to enter work fully skilled. Whereas, conventional universities make a point to offer a full roster of varied classes to their students; several university students change their area of concentration part way through their educational preparation. Education through a non-vocational course a�er high school can o�en take much longer, however, and therefore cost thousands more. That could be one of the most pressing issues for many families at this point in our country’s economic history. Yet many colleges offer substantial student aid, such as I’ll have to take advantage of; more and more financial aid is being given in grants instead of loans. In general, however, graduates from traditional universities have a greater income potential versus trade school graduates. It really may come down to the personal decision of whether an investment for more in the future or a more solid return sooner is more important. When the time comes for a grade school student to start planning their future, there are certainly multiple elements to take into account, but there’s no clear line which course is “be�er” than the other. How one is raised certainly contributes to the choice. All in all, one’s path a�er high school is a personal judgment for each and every person.
Carly Nagengast is a staff writer for the Central Stampede.
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May 29, 2009
l a r t n e C te e a g c i a t d r Po d areas in nstruction
May 29, 2009
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unusable after June 2009 due to construction new school
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Just two days after the last bell of the year rings, construction will be in full force. A groundbreaking ceremony on May 22 marked the beginning of the construction process for the new school, which will be ready in the fall of 2011. There are going to be many disruptions throughout the next two years until the completion of the school for events such as school concerts, drama performances and many extracurricular activities. Students may also have to walk to Waylee for certain social studies, art, electives and math classes. The school will build a 14-foot wide asphalt path to Waylee for students. A temporary parking lot will be were the bus garage and maintenance buildings are. The driveway that runs between the high school and middle school will no longer be in service once construction begins. There are big changes in store for our beloved school. Ready or not, here they come! -Lauren Moon
June
IO N: he a
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May G u
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up their s will packo Waylee. r e h c a e dt 19 t ms to hea . classroo parking lot unusable r o i n Ju
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Waylee Elem entary
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{Ready or not}
A Ch U T
Lancaster
Uhlmann
Hazen
Salisbury
Andrews
Cable Access CHS Storage
Special Education
Rayle
Lait
Technology Department
Sutherland
Cable Access
MARAH KLOSE/ST
AMPEDE
Special Education
Central Receiving Schira
Baker
Office Space
Jeffers
Flynn & Flynn
J u ly
Core of the new school wil l begin; 400 hall, part of Wayle e, bus garage and maintenance are de Put in drainage system molished. for senior parking lot and re-pav e.
400
August
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acher s will move to Waylee.
r e b m e t p Se l
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8
Focus
Stampede
page eight
features and lifestyles
May 29, 2009
JAMES KETELAAR/STAMPEDE
The case of the mysterious laser Mystery light haunts chemistry room BY JAMES KETELAAR
Staff Writer
An enigma has presented itself in Room 312. A mysterious red dot suddenly pops up on the ceiling, vanishes and then reappears everyday. The laser, coming from an unknown source, has now become a daily occurrence in the classroom of chemistry teacher Doug Mandrick. Mysteriously, the laser only appears during fourth hour, lending people to believe the cause is mortal, not supernatural. It shoots up on the ceiling for a few seconds, vanishes and then turns up somewhere else in the room a few seconds later. “I think it’s a little bit of a distraction,” freshman Kevin Powers said. “Everyone wants to know where it is, and they think it’s kind of more entertaining than the teacher.” The phenomenon hasn’t gone unnoticed by Mandrick. He said he knows more than he lets on the class. Students have their own theories about the laser’s source. “I think the original laser came from across the courtyard,” Powers said. “But now I think people are bringing their own lasers.” Mandrick disagrees. “I’m guessing it’s coming from within the class, not outside,” he said. “If it was coming from across the courtyard, the laser would refract differently on the ceiling.” However, Mandrick certainly isn’t letting it go ignored. “I pretty much know what side of the room it’s on,” he said, “but I’m not willing to divulge my hunch yet. I haven’t placed one particular student yet. Mandrick also claims he knows how to catch the perpetrator. “I’ve got a couple different plans in mind,” Mandrick said, “but we’ll leave them to be a mystery for a little while.”
But perhaps a student isn’t the crook. “My first year of teaching, Mr. Badders went around doing the same thing in all of my classes,” Mandrick said, when asked if he’d ever heard of anything like this before. Hopefully, there will be a breakthrough soon, so this infrared mastermind can be brought to justice.
“I don’t know if we’ll ever find out,” Powers said. “I think it would be a lot more fun if we never figured out who did it.” For now, the mystery person goes unpunished for these brightred crimes. The student population can only hope they don’t stay free for much longer.
A traditon of ducks in the courtyard Staff Writer
Every year, the same mallard duck chooses to build a nest in Portage Central’s vacant courtyard. Every year, she lays her eggs and within a few weeks the courtyard is rampant with fluffy, yellow, waddling ducklings. And every year these ducklings die. In April, mallard ducks traditionally return to the same nesting grounds where they have laid their eggs in previous years. Unfortunately, our mallard has chosen the vacant courtyard as her nesting ground and every season her ducklings die due to dehydration and starvation. According to the Webbed Foot Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic, an organization dedicated to helping injured and dying birds, female ducks will o�en nest inside courtyards because they are free from predators, but the ducklings usually starve before they are able to fly out. “I don’t think the vacant courtyard can support any family of ducks,” sophomore Erika Segraves said. “It is nothing but a bunch of grass and weeds.”
The
e d e mp
Sta
BY MARISSA MIARS
Staff Writer
Tweet Tweet. That isn’t the sound of birds waking you, but your phone notifying you of a Twi�er update you’ve just received. “What the heck is Twi�er?” junior Kevin Ledden said. “Honestly, what is it?” Ledden is not alone. When asked if they use Twi�er, a confused, inquisitive expression flashes across many faces. This comprehensive guide of Twi�er terms is designed to help educate the Twi�er-illiterate and hopefully open eyes to the new form of social networking site fli�ering across the nation. Twi�er: n. A social networking site based on responses to the question “what are you doing?” Updates can be sent and received via text message, a feature most other social networking sites don’t offer. Synonyms: Facebook status updates Followers: n. Friends, family members, and celebrities that can view your home page and updates, as well as reply to them. Possible followers include President
BRYANT GIRSCH/STAMPEDE
BY HANNAH SEELMAN
This problem is not unique to our school. Similar incidents have occurred in other schools’ courtyards around the country, including one at Northwestern University. The ducklings in these schools also died due to dehydration and starvation, but an elementary school found a simple solution to save the ducks. Their solution was to put store-bought duck food and a kid’s plastic pool inside the courtyard. The pool gives a place
tionary
Barack Obama, Chuck Norris, CNN News, Pikachu, Oprah, and our very own Portage Public School District. Synonyms: Facebook friends Tweet: n. An update sent to Twi�er via computer or cell phone. Synonyms: N/A
Twi�erpated v. To be u�erly overwhelmed by Twi�er updates. Synonyms: N/A Tinker: n. A way of finding out what topics people are abuzz about on Twi�er. Synonyms: Twi�er trends Pocket Tweets n. Favored tweets that can be saved to your home page by clicking the star located to the right of the text. Synonyms: N/A Tweeterboxes n. Twi�er users who abuse their tweeting privileges by sending multiple tweets every hour. Synonyms: That friend who changes Facebook statuses much too o�en.
for insects to live in for the ducks to eat, and also much-needed water for the ducks to swim in. “I believe this is a good idea because it helps save animals by giving them a home and safe place to be instead of in the streets where potential dangers arrive,” sophomore Ami Ariel said. “It also gives back to them what we have taken away: their habitat.” If this solution works and the ducks manage to survive, not only will it be fun for students to watch these ducklings grow up, but it would also create a unique and beneficial learning experience. “It would be very educational to watch these ducklings grow up. Many people pay to see ducklings in parks and to have them in our courtyard is very neat,” teacher Jim Lait said. Although our ducklings have already passed away this spring, students and teachers agree that something must be done in order to end this yearly tragedy. “They’re right outside my chemistry classroom, and they’re so adorable. It’s just really sad that we’re basically watching innocent ducklings die,” freshman Amy Ruimveld said. “Something needs to be done.”
Spare some change? Fundraising will be harder than ever in the upcoming construction
BY JORDAN PETERS
Staff Writer
Every morning, students and teachers alike scurry to the crowded 400 hallway with money in hand, ready to purchase their morning caffeine fix. On Wednesdays, the hall is far more congested due to the Drama Department’s doughnut fundraiser. Though each venue has flourished helping to raise money for both the Art department and the Drama department, both may be in jeopardy as the construction for the new school building begins next year. Starting next fall, the 400 hallway will be blocked off due to safety restrictions, which means every teacher will be relocated to either Waylee elementary or a different classroom within the school. Art teacher Jill Waskowsky, owner of Vinny’s Coffee Café, will be one of a handful of teachers moving to Waylee. “As of right now, only people who will have classes at Waylee will have access to coffee,” Waskowsky said. “I will still set up the teacher’s coffee near the office, but then I will need to go back to Waylee.” Vinny’s opened in September 2007, and it continues to supply the student body and faculty with a variety of drinks such as coffee, hot chocolate and apple cider. Though there are still plans to continue the business, the lack of space and
availability will cause issues for students who do not travel between the schools. “I really think we need to see how things go in the first few weeks,” Waskowski said. “Especially with discombobulated students traveling between campuses.” One solution Waskowsky hopes students reach will be to make time before first hour to walk over and get something to drink. Junior Analisha Santini, who will be traveling to Scotland also is worried that without the use of the 400 hall, sales will go down next year. “I know that we will have to sell at a different location next year, which stinks because there are a lot of people that walk through that hall,” Santini said. The entire cast for “Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?” hopes that doughnut sales will raise money to help pay for their trip to Scotland on Aug. 3. According to Santini, doughnut sales from this past year have been really helpful. “I can’t complain,” she said. “I didn’t know initially how much we would make, but I am definitely pleased. I’d say we’ve raised about $500, give or take.” While each fund-raiser faces the challenge of a temporary lapse in order, both parties in charge remain hopeful that students and teachers will make solutions themselves to keep Vinny’s and the doughnut sales alive next year.
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Subway
Vibe entertainment and events
Revamping a classic BY AMNA AZAM
Photo Editor
Being one of the most highly anticipated movies of 2009, Star Trek surpasses all expectations set by movie goers, critics and devoted Trekkies alike. Sticking to the original plot, the story centers around the ongoing ba�les between Captain Kirk (Chris Pine) and his nemesis Romulan Nero (Eric Bana). Director J.J. Abrams stays true to his adrenaline junkie reputation and opens the movie with a mind blowing action sequence involving the USS starship Kelvin. It’s all smooth sailing in space from there. The astonishing CGI and staggering visual effects all work together to compliment the movie’s stirring story line and grade-A ensemble cast. Although there are plenty of vivid space visualizations, Star Trek’s stellar cast also rockets the movie itself to a higher level. With Chris Pine as Captain Kirk, Simon Pegg as Montgomery Sco� and John Cho as Hideki Sulu, the movie balances all the elements of humor as well as drama to create the perfect space aged adventure. With plenty of galactic eye candy throughout the film, fans and newcomers alike will be blown away. Explosions, intense fight sequences and hook ups in space are all the elements that are sure to keep the typical audience member mesmerized from beginning to end.
Mustang Rating: 5/5
‘Wings’ astounds readers BY JENNY KILDUFF
Focus Editor
“Wings” is a magical story full of imagination. Readers of fantasy, magic and faeries will find this novel a delightful read. In the book, the main character Laurel is a faery, but she doesn’t know it - yet. Adopted as a child, the protagonist has always been a li�le different from her family and peers. A�er being home schooled her entire life, she soon finds that out when starting at a new school in a new town. Laurel makes friends with David and he helps her confront what she is. Their friendship slowly turns into something more. However, while visiting her old house she meets Tamani, who tells her what she is, and claims to be a faery as well. Tamani tells Laurel about her past and her kind, all while they develop a deep connection. The ending practically guaranteed a sequel, so get ready for a line of books with this story. The author, Aprilynne Pike, takes the reader on a whimsical journey. Love, ba�les, magic, and faeries combine to make “Wings” a book perfect for those who want to enter another world for a short time. It’s perfect for a quick read to lighten ones spirits.
3x3 PPS
9
Stampede
page nine May 29, 2009
Now Presenting:
Farmer’s Alley
New theatre introduces talent to Kalamazoo
AMNA AZAM/STAMPEDE
BY SARAH WILSEY
Staff Writer
People love to watch Kathy Mulay’s school plays; unfortunately, there are only two a year here. Thanks to Farmers Alley Theatre in downtown Kalamazoo, and with the help of president and guest director Kathy Mulay, people can now go see productions all year round. Founded in the fall of 2008 by Adam Weiner, Robert Weiner, Denene Mulay Koch and Jeremy Koch, Farmers Alley Theatre has brought theatrical talent to Kalamazoo and the response has been very positive. “Being here [in Kalamazoo], we wanted to be in control of our own destiny and put on our own show,” said Denene Mulay Koch, Kathy Mulay’s daughter. “Then we met up with the Weiner brothers at the Civic doing “Ragtime”. They had the same dream of owning their own theatre space. Through a course of events and luck, it just happened.” Farmers Alley Theatre is conveniently located in downtown Kalamazoo, on Farmers Alley off of Michigan Avenue, and during this up-coming summer, it’s pu�ing on “Marvin’s Room”, “The Great American Trailer Park Musical” and “Blue’s Clues Live!” Admission is $22 (generally) and $19 for seniors and students. The theatre has greatly interested and entertained the public because of the close bond between the founders. “We all have strong opinions,” Denene Mulay Koch said. “It’s challenging for everyone to find that common vision, but we have found it because we all get along well and have lots of respect for each other.” Farmers Alley Theatre is one of many theatres in
Kalamazoo, but Denene Mulay Koch knows the community could handle another theatre because it greatly supports the arts. In order for Farmers Alley to stay competitive, it follows its own personal vision which includes: establishing themselves as the leading small independent theatre organization in the region, promoting arts education with private, close-quartered training, dedicating their venue as a place for home-grown artists to return to Kalamazoo in order to share their talent, and providing a venue of alternative programming with frequent performances. In addition to this vision, junior Bethany Schmall, a past member of PCHS’s drama department, adds, “A lot of the theatres around here like Miller Auditorium are so big and a $50 ticket could be so far away from the stage. Farmers Alley is a black box theater. It’s small and intimate, so it makes your money worth while because you can see the actors’ expressions well. You feel like you’re apart of the production.” Sophomore Anica DeGraff encourages students to do something fun and new this summer by a�ending one of Farmers Alley Theatre productions. “Farmers Alley encourages students from all high schools and colleges to take part in auditioning for roles as well as helping out back stage,” DeGraff said. “In fact, Justin DuMois was previously in a production, while Chase Maser is currently in a production. Other Central students volunteered to help with tech.” Degraff believes that by a�ending, you’ll not only enjoy an exciting show, but will also be supporting Portage Central students as well as the Mulay family.
Dinner and a
MOVIE With Alaina Dely
The years of our youth are ever changing with timeless memories. With the growing pains and self-discovery comes maturity which we all take forth into our adulthood. The nostalgic television series, The Wonder Years, captures the transition from youth to adulthood in the late 1960’s. Similar to today, dealing with social issues, as well as ba�ling those teen hormones, The Wonder Years captures young Kevin Arnold’s (played by Fred Savage) teenage years, narrated by Kevin’s adult self. With his main crush, Winnie Cooper, always on his mind, along with his older, angst-ridden brother, Wayne, always nearby to cause a li�le trouble, creates a classic TV dramedy. Between Kevin’s romantic life, as well as his family disputes, this series pushes the envelope when categorizing a family sitcom.
The series ran for six seasons while winning numerous awards and pleasing many viewers. Although you can rent the series on DVD, this TV series is one to purchase. The Wonder Years is one show that almost everyone can relate to. A favorite recipe from the Central Stampede
Wonder Bread Sandwich
1. For one person you will need 2 slic of bread 2. Spread butter lightly across both slic 3. Cover the one slice of the buttered bread with a light coating of cinnamon 4. Cover the other slice of buttered bread with a light coating of sugar 5. Put the 2 slic togher, cut as dired, and enjoy!
10
Vibe
Stampede
page ten
entertainment and events
May 29, 2009
Who’s your
perfect teacher?
BY LAUREL BOWERSOCK Staff Writer Looking past the math equations and essay questions, every student wonders what the person teaching is actually like. Once a student realizes that a teacher is actually a person too, they may wonder
what their personality and hobbies are. This probably causes students to stop listening to whatever lesson they’re on that day. But it is interesting to know what our teachers are really like. Now is the time to take a look and see if students and teachers actually have things in common. The results may surprise you.
1 Type of Food
4 Sports Team
7 Animal
2 Color
5 Type of Music
8 Sport
3 Season
6 School Subject
9 Movie
A: Any and all food B: Steak C: Chinese D: Mexican
A: Blue B: Black C: Orange D: Purple
A: None B: Pi�sburgh Steelers C: Detroit Tigers D: Red Wings
A: Country B: Oldies C: Folk Rock D: Classic Rock
A: Summer B: Late Summer C: Fall D: Spring
A: Math B: Anything Mr. Rayle is teaching C: Physics D: History
A: Dogs B: Hippos C: Fish D: Cats
A: So�ball/Volleyball B: Football C: Baseball D: Hockey
A: None B: “Caddyshack” C: “Star Wars” D: “Slumdog Millionaire”
‘May’ the games begin! BY EMMA PAGE Staff Writer If April showers bring May flowers, what does May bring? May brings the kick-off to summer with two fun holidays which are entertaining for all ages. With summer fast approaching, relaxing outside and de-stressing from work is a “must.” Luckily, May is National Barbeque Month, and the last week of the month is “Backyard Games Week.” A few exciting games to play this week include Capturethe-Flag, Cornhole (also known as bean-bag toss) and Ladderball. The object of Ladderball is to throw a string (with balls on the end)
across onto a three-runged ladder, where each rung has a different point value. These games don’t cost a lot, but by inventing your own games or building your own equipment, it will cost less and be more rewarding.
is that you can’t bend your legs when you run. We call it ‘Running Elephants Tip-toe around Round Doors.’” And why not grill some hot dogs while outside playing games? “When it’s nice, I always have the guys over for some fun in the sun,” junior Jake Bradsher said. “We grill out while we play volleyball, football and other crazy games we come up with.” While hanging out with friends you can get JAMES KETELAAR/STAMPEDE your exercise and have fun while you smell the aroma “My friends and I made up a game one time of the barbecue. So grab and it’s really fun!” junior your friends, and your fork, Zada Harris said. “It’s a mix because the last week in May between baseball, tennis and is coming to an end. football, and everyone’s on their own team, but the catch
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You are Mrs. Hazen!
Sports
11
Stampede
page eleven
May 29, 2009
athletics and leisure
April showers bring May make-ups
44
Teams try to reschedule thanks to Mother Nature BY ALEX McCARTHY
Number of baseball and so�ball games that needed to be rescheduled (to date)
Staff Writer
It’s seventh hour. Bags are packed, spirits are high and Mustang athletes are mentally preparing for their games later that day. As the minute hand creeps closer to 2:45, of various sports events due Assistant Principal Jason Frink’s voice to nasty weather this spring. jolts onto the intercom. Throughout the school, dozens “Heeeeeeeeey Mustangs,” of groans rise up as one, cursing Frink begins. Mother Nature for continuing the Unfortunately, his torrential onslaught of rainy weather. announcements Athletic Director Larry Edlund, usually end with who has been here for a dozen years, the cancellation claims that this year is the worst he’s seen in terms of weather conditions. His workload has increased enormously with rescheduling tasks. “Once we get bad weather,” Edlund said, “our phones are ringing all day.” Rescheduling games is another nightmare altogether. Edlund picks up his phone and calls seemingly half the civilized world. First he calls the opponent school, then officials (which is the hardest part), then he sets up transportation and informs the field crew of the schedule. Along with these authorities, Edlund must make sure that players, coaches, parents and devoted fans know the situation. As a result of their field surfaces, baseball and so�ball are the most Varsity so�ball record prone to cancellation. When a puddle near first base as of May 22
26-8
turns into a pond that reaches halfway to second base, Edlund is forced to call off the game. “You can run in the rain in track and you can play in the rain in soccer,” Edlund said, explaining that some sports aren’t as vulnerable to weather conditions. The varsity so�ball squad has perhaps been the most affected team this spring. The best example of their struggles is their game against Benton Harbor, which had to be rescheduled four times. For the most part, the so�ball team was to play games on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but as a result of the inclement weather, games have been shuffled around like a deck of cards. When games are played consecutively, like Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, it messes up their whole week. They can lose a bit of their rhythm due to playing a weak team one day and a strong team the next day. “We haven’t been playing as well,” junior Emily Ahle said, “but hopefully [the weather] won’t be affecting us as much [in the
27-7-1
Varsity baseball record as of May 22
-ALL PHOTOS BY NATE FRISBIE/STAMPEDE
future].” Over on the baseball field, things haven’t been much be�er. With multiple games rained out, the baseball team has been thrown “a li�le off balance,” senior Connor Byrd said. This imbalance caused a feeling of not being prepared, thus resulting in a stunning three game losing streak late in April. “Now we’re ge�ing back in the swing of things,” Byrd said of his team’s hopeful future. In the end, no ma�er what Mother Nature whips up, a team’s success depends on the tenacity and intensity that a team has. “You can only do so much when the weather isn’t on your side,” Byrd said.
‘A tradition of excellence’ must and can continue for years Sports Editor
N AT E F R I S B I E
Tonight will undoubtedly be one of the great memories of my high school academic career. A�er graduation, I will start a new life—the college life. I feel the perfect way to put a cap on the last four years is to show my gratitude to Portage Central High School. I was talking to a coach here, whose team had just won a close game over a squad that shouldn’t have even competed with us. During
our conversation, we started discussing if “ugly wins” are bad for a team or not. In the end, we both agreed that when a team has high expectations and an extremely rich tradition, anything less than perfection is not acceptable. In the same way, Portage Central High school has had “A Tradition of Excellence” that gives a feeling, at least to me, that anything less than personal perfection is not adequate. When I talk about perfection, I’m not talking about doing everything the exact way it should be done: without mistakes. But I’m rather talking about competing at a level that is to your standard or higher. Perfection in the truest sense of the word does not exist. We make mistakes constantly throughout each and every day. Vince Lombardi once said, “Perfection is not a�ainable, but in our chase of perfection,
we can catch excellence.” For the past four years, excellence became a way of life, not just for me but also for every athlete and every senior. Thus, it’s time for the junior class to lead, to continue that tradition of excellence. The Blue and Gold, (not to be confused with the nasty-looking maize and blue), is something special. It carries a tradition, which entitles pride and determination. This school has changed so many lives, and I’m grateful that I was lucky enough to a�end this school instead of that one school across town. This community has embraced Portage Central and has shown its dedication to excellence in approving last year’s bond proposal. As each year goes on, excellence becomes a standard. But in all areas of life, whether in athletics, in the classroom or elsewhere, we
must still continuously chase perfection. When excellence becomes the norm, the opportunity to do something special is lost within our everyday activities. Do not become satisfied and don’t become apathetic to the history we are involved in here. Each graduating class sets an example for the next. The young will forever look to the older for guidance and wisdom. Wisdom is shown by the results it brings. Continue to advance this school’s history and continue to strive for perfection. God bless every Portage Central student student for the past four years, and thank you…for everything.
Nate Frisbie is Sports Editor for the Central Stampede.
12
Sports
Stampede
page twelve
athletics and leisure
May 29, 2009
Gillam grabs track glory Junior shatters discus and shot put records
ALEX MCCARTHY/STAMPEDE
BY MORGAN CLOTHIER
LAUNCHING PAD: Junior Patyn Gillam works
hard at practice, preparing herself for states.
Staff Writer
Junior Patyn Gillam is unstoppable, breaking school records in both shot put and discus this track season. A�er never having touched a shot put, Gillam broke the school record last year and managed to break even more records this year. Not only did Gillam break the shot put record during her sophomore year, she broke it again twice as a junior along with breaking the discus record this season. This is Gillam’s second year participating in track and field but she regrets not partaking in it her freshman year. “I regret not taking Wytko’s advice to do it my freshman year,” Gillam said. “I would be a throwing goddess by now.” The school’s record in shot put was Samantha Alban’s 38’4.5” in 1997 and remained that way until 2008. Gillam, as a
sophomore with no experience, threw a 39’0’. This year, Gillam overcame her previous record by adding on an extra six inches. With lots of practice and hard work, Gillam was ready for the Big 16 Conference meet. With a throw of 40’9.5”, she defeated all of her prior throws. “Coach Mick Enders still owes all the throwers food for me breaking 40 feet,” Gillam said. “We made a bet.” The school record for discus throw was 115’1” by Carrie Schonveld in 1996. Gillam beat the record by three and a half inches, making a new record of 115’4.5”. Gillam plans to continue li�ing and practicing to improve her records and possibly continue to outdo her self. “I have come a long way, but there’s always more to improve on,” Gillam said. “I am hoping to break my records at regionals or at states this year, and if not then I still have next year.”
-COURTESY OF JON ZOMER
BOYS TAKE ALL: Juniors John Westerhouse and Nate Schutter high-five at the close of the first ever Baseball-Softball charity Whiffle Ball matchup. The baseball team emerged victorious, 6-5. In the second game, the seniors trounced the underclassmen 5-0 in two innings. Roughly $150 was raised for the Portage Community Outreach Center.
Fly Fishing Club gets a chance to experience the ‘Great Outdoors’ BY AMBER LESTER
Staff Writer
The wind blows gently across their faces, they hear the sound of water running past slowly and the tiny plunk of a bobber hi�ing water echoes across the stream. This is the hope of the Fly Fishing Club: to one day hit the streams and fly fish in the great outdoors. The Fly Fishing Club was started this year by two freshmen, Clayton Raifsnider and Luke Dobson, along with teacher Jason Badders. “Some of the students and I were talking about how we are all sportsmen,” Badders said. “We hunt and fish. We were talking about starting a club to get students involved in the outdoors.” The club is designed to teach students how to tie flies and eventually fly fish. “We learn how to fly fish, tie
flies, and have fun,” club member and freshman Ryan Perry said. The club is relatively small right now containing only five students, freshmen Rob and Ryan Perry, Dobson, Raifsnider and Jacob Shearer. However, in the years to come, there is hope of expanding the group and students will get more involved. Badders also plans to take club members on field trips in the future. “Our ultimate goal is to take kids to the Pere Marque�e.” Badders said. The Pere Marque�e is a very beautiful and popular fishing destination located near Baldwing, MI. Badders hopes to fish at more than just local areas; he has big dreams for the students. “Maybe [we’ll] go to Montana when the kids are seniors,” Badders said. With high expectations and many students involved, there is hope that
the club will grow and become more well known. With the sky as their limit, students hope to accomplish much more than just having fun while tying flies; they want to learn about being involved with the outdoors. “[We] were just kind of joking around at first,” Dobson said , “but we had a whole lot of friends interested so why not teach them how to tie flies and fish?”
FLYING HIGH: Clayton Raifsnider
(right) and the rest of the club (above) prepare to fish outdoors.
Thank you!
NATE FRISBIE/STAMPEDE
We could not publish this newspaper without the generous financial support of our 2008-09 subscribers, advertisers, and donors, as well as our loyal readers who purchase single copies of the Stampede throughout the year. Eric Alburtus, PCHS Staff The Beck Family, Portage Matthew Beck, PCHS Rick Beauregard, Portage Cathy Brennan, PCHS Staff Sara Brown, PCHS Staff Beth Chodl, PCHS Shirley Clancy , Portage Elayna Creed, PCHS Lisa Creed, Portage Leslie Darling, PCHS Staff Mark Duncan, Portage Angela & David Erdman, Portage Phyllis Frisbie, Portage Rob & Naomi Frisbie, Portage Don & Jane Fritz, Portage John Griffioen, PCHS Dana Grosser, PCHS Staff Sara Heil, PCHS Staff Lisa Jepson, PCHS Staff Adel Johnson, Columbia College, Chicago Toni Jones, Portage Torie Jozwicki, PCHS Bette Kienbaum, Portage Cydney Kilduff, Kalamazoo Bob & Becky Klose, Portage Larry & Sally Klose, Portage Melanie Kurdys, Portage Eric Larson, PCHS Erin Lenczycki, WMU Laura Levene, PCHS Robyn Levene, Kalamazoo Josh Little, PCHS Kim Lummis, PCHS Staff Austin Maguire, PCHS Jordan Mann, PCHS The Mathews Family, Kalamazoo Richard Mayoras, Kalamazoo Paul Morgan, Portage Bill & Judy Morrison, Portage Rod Nedervelt, PCHS Staff
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With gratitude, The staff of the
Stampede