central
STAMPEDE
Men’s swimming and diving team splashes into season, pg. 12
Jan. 21, 2011
Volume 16 Issue 4
Last week’s blood drive a success 61 donors help save 189 lives BY TAYLOR FLECK Assistant Editor
Ford, Red Cross Coordinator of Blood Services for the Greater Kalamazoo Area, explains that there are still some loose he Red Cross and students here ends to be tied up involving parental have teamed up together for consent and health issues. Even though over 25 years to annually host the policy has passed, guidelines are not blood drives, the most recent completely ready yet. taking place last week. “We want to make sure they The Jan. 11 blood drive took place [donors] are always safe, and therefore from 1 to 6:45 p.m. with a total of 61 we are requiring 16-year-olds to have people giving blood. Throughout the a parental consent form signed,” Ford day, students gave blood with time slots said. “We are also not sure about the every 15 minutes directed by National height and weight requirements for the Honor Society (NHS) members. Nurses younger donors yet.” were present, as Even though the well as Red Cross policy has not been set representatives, It doesn’t take that in stone, students and that answered faculty say there will much effort to help save be positive outcomes questions donors might have. to this change. One lives. Besides the student, senior Amy January blood Haywood, thinks it’s a SENIOR AMY HAYWOOD drive, there are great idea. three other drives “I know a lot of scheduled for late this year, due to a underclassmen wanted to donate but recent expansion of the program four couldn’t, and I think it will help more to five years ago. These expansions, now that they know they can,” Hayaccording to history teacher and NHS wood said. adviser Kent Baker, are something that With each pint of blood drawn, up will give students “a chance to help more to three lives can be saved. Though it through their high school career.” may seem like a scary thought at first, Along with the expansion of the donating blood isn’t that difficult and is program, there will also be some new worth the time, according to Haywood, changes in place for the next drive. who has four previous donations to back Estimated to take effect in February, the her up. minimum age requirement to donate “It’s a really easy thing to do for blood will be lowered from 17 to 16. people who need [blood],” Haywood However, with younger students said. “It doesn’t take that much effort to already anxious to give blood, Karen help save lives.”
T
“
“
A WORTHY CAUSE: Above and below left,
senior Amanda Wills assists with taking a donor’s blood.
by the
numbers 24
number of volunteers that helped with the drive
60
number of donors anticipated
19
78
ALL PHOTOS BY TAYLOR FLECK/STAMPEDE
number of people who were first-time donors
number of people who showed up to donate
61
number of people who donated successfully
Meet the new hall monitor, pg. 3 • Why swords are awesome, pg. 6 • Sibling rivalries, pg. 8 • Girls’ soccer gears up, pg. 11
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Runners bare all for local charity Second annual ‘Speedo-thon’ gives back to community BY RACHAEL LEFEVRE Editor-in-Chief On Jan. 7, about 20 students clad in nothing but Speedos or Spandex and sports bras, faced 21-degree weather to take a snowy run down Westnedge Avenue. The second annual “Speedothon” aimed to raise money for the Portage Community Center (PCC) this year. They raised a total of $65 to donate to the cause. The run originated last year when seniors Brian Wise and Ryan Jankowiak came up with the idea and shared it with their friends. “Brian and I were just bored,” Jankowiak said. “I mean, what fun thing is there to do here in the winter?” The group participating grew from the original six boys to a group of about 20, including many members of the men’s swim team. Additionally, the boys invited girls to participate, allowing them to run in sports bras and Spandex. Although some were intimidated by the event, seven girls joined in this year. Despite some opposition from the boys, sophomore Sarah Benedict was determined to take part in this year’s Speedo-thon.
“I thought more girls were going to be here,” Benedict said. “I hope more girls do it next year.” Fellow sophomore Fiona Song shared similar feelings. “It’s...intimidating,” she said. “There’s so much testosterone in the air.” The group ran a route less than a mile, down Westnedge Avenue, turning left onto Shaver Road and returning to the school via Centre Street. After they finished their run, they gathered into a huddle surrounded by News Channel 3 and Kalamazoo Gaze�e cameras and shouted, “PC Pride!” 2010 alumni Adam Fahs, one of the founding members of the Speedo-thon, returned this year to take part in the run. He believes the tradition brings his friends together. “It’s tough because I’m a year older than these guys, but we have this brotherhood, and we got tight last year,” Fahs said. “We’ve become a family.” The founders of the “Speedo-thon” hope the event will carry on into the future, even at the new school. “We hope people do it next year,” senior Jason King, one of the original runners, said. “That’s what we want...for it to continue on year after year.”
Brief
news
7
6
boys started the tradition last year
girls this year became the first to participate in the run
21
dollars raised for the Portage Community Center degrees
outside during the wintry run
MORGAN CLOTHIER/STAMPEDE
NOTHING BUT
A
SPEEDO ON: Students braved the blustery winter air to raise money for the Portage Com-
munity Center on Jan. 7.
in
Poetry competition coming in February
Pizza Fest returns this February
Exams begin Monday with 1st hour (7:45-9:45) and 2nd hour (9:5511:55). Tuesday will be 3rd and 4th hour exams, Wednesday will be 5th and 6th hour exams and Thursday will be the 7th hour exam, followed by a makeup exam session. Friday is Records Day and there will be no school for students. Second semester classes begin Monday, Jan. 31.
The annual Poetry Out Loud competition will be held Feb. 2 after school in Room 306. Those interested in participating should come prepared to recite two poems from the Poetry Out Loud website. The school winner will compete in the March 12 state contest in Lansing, with the opportunity to advance to national competition and compete for a $20,000 scholarship. If interested, see any English teacher.
On Saturday, Feb. 26, the seventh annual Portage Lacrosse Pizza Fest Fundraiser will be held at Portage Central Middle School’s gym from 4-8 p.m. Tickets are sold at the door or are available from lacrosse players for $8 each. Proceeds will benefit the Portage Central High School men’s team, the Portage High School women’s team and the Portage Middle School girl’s lacrosse program.
Lacrosse fundraiser
Final exams start next week
NEW PCHS
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Poetry Out Loud
Exam schedule
65
Jan. 21, 2011
This
Month...
Installing lockers Installing doors and flooring Lots of painting!
3
news
Jan. 21, 2011
New monitor graces hallways BY KYNA GARRETT Assistant Editor For years hall supervisors have been the eyes and ears of the hallways. Following the leave of hall monitor Jeff Ma�ix before winter break, students and faculty welcome a new hall supervisor, Travis Rich. Interested in what life has in store for him next, Ma�ix had worked on his teaching certificate and is moving on to the next phase in his life.
“He [Ma�ix] wants to teach, and I wish him the best,” principal Eric Alburtus said. As a former graduate of the school and assistant junior varsity football coach of seven years, Rich is not new to the halls. He graduated from Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Western Michigan with a major in physical education and a minor in health. “I want to be a teacher, and the first step is to be in a school,” Rich said. “I like helping as much as I can. If I can impact one life or change one situation, then it was worth it.”
A hall supervisor’s day entails supervising the halls, covering lunches and distributing messages among many other tasks. “I like it [the school],” Rich said. “People are starting to recognize me.” Rich hopes to gain experience from being around the students and staff. He also hopes to send a friendly and positive message while providing a helpful hand. “It’s a good step in the right direction,” Rich said.
A HELPING HAND: Hall monitor Travis
Volunteer
Rich sorts through papers for delivery.
Q: Where do you volunteer?
A: A lot of different places. I like volunteering for the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission.
Q: How did you get involved volunteering there?
A:
In my freshman year, my youth group went there, and I just fell in love with it. They have so many different kinds of opportunities to help other people.
Q: How long have you been volunteering there?
pcc
4200 W. Michigan Suite 100 STD testing Kalamazoo, MI 49006 HIV screening 269.345.0725 Pregnancy tests Call or walk-in Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Ultra sound Options counseling Healthy lifestyle classes Maternity home
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A: Four years, off and on. I’ve always kept it in mind when I volunteer.
Q: Why did you start volunteering?
A: Through youth group - we did service projects. And I’m in National Honor Society, and we have do a lot of volunteering through that.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part?
A: When you’re serving in the kitchen
there, you can interact with the people. They have people who stay there, and they usually help with work in the kitchen, and you get to talk to them and see the people you’re helping feed.
Q:
Do you have any advice for students who want to volunteer?
A: Find a cause or an organization that you feel is really doing a good job helping other people, start making plans on what you want to do and how you want to help them, and then just go through with it.
STAMPEDE
-Amy Ruimveld
central
Katherine Thelen
of the Month
MATTHEW BRANDT/STAMPEDE
Get the next issue on Feb. 24! Centre Street Subway 1256 E. Centre St. — 324-7827 Walmart Location - 8350 Shaver Road
Buy one 6” sub get one free!
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‘Speedo-thon’: more than a fad Last week’s Speedothon served as an important reminder of Portage Central’s creativity and
fiveon five 1 2 3 4 5
Jan. 21, 2011
our view generosity. This bare-all run raised money for the community and should continue for years to come. Changing what used to be just a daring act into something beneficial to our city made the run less
ridiculous. Although only a small amount of money was raised, it caught the a�ention of the local news and the community and will hopefully continue to grow. Allowing girls to take
part in the run this year is also a huge improvement. We take our hats off to those brave enough to run in 20-degree weather and encourage others to do the same next year to help with this great cause.
If the run carries on for years after its founders graduate, the Stampede hopes that the amount of people who participate and the money it raises will continue to grow and further benefit the community.
Olivia Brunt, 10th Yes, so I can save lives.
Mr. Carrow A.J. VanZoeren, 11th Arie Crane, 12th No thanks, I’m I would give blood. It’s a No, I don’t. I need scared of vampires. good thing to do. all the blood I have.
When they go into my room and mess it up.
My sister thinks she’s cool. She is wrong.
Yes, because if you’re Do you think that people should be able a ninja you need a sword. to carry swords? Are you planning on No, because I’m busy with a life. seeing “Hairspray”?
No. That’s too dangerous.
Most of the people I know already do, so it might as well be allowed. Of course I am. Garrett Gagnon is dreamy.
What would you do if Not make snow. you could make your own snow?
I would make igloos for the homeless.
Do you plan on giving blood under the new law?
Jacob Peterson, 9th No, I don’t have any blood.
What is your biggest They are annoying pet peeve about your because they are dumb. siblings? Why?
I wasn’t planning on seeing it.
My brother tries to one-up me in everything, but of course, he fails. Yes, definitely. Because Of course, the right to self they’re stylish. defense!
When they don’t take the hair out of the shower drain.
Yes, I am buying No, I’m not in it or anything. (Editor’s Note: my ticket from Dani! This is sarcasm.)
Hit people with I wouldn’t. Snow is cold, We would have more snowballs in the middle plus, I don’t like cold snow days! of July. things.
Stampede Staff Morgan Clothier Rachael LeFevre Editors-in-Chief Amy Ruimveld..............................News Editor Ali Fulling......................................View Editor Omo Ogbomo..............................Focus Editor Marissa Miars................................Vibe Editor Grant Walters..............................Sports Editor
Assistant Editors/Staff Writers: Evan Adams, Taylor Fleck, Kyna Garrett, James Ketelaar, Nicole Leffingwell, Tucker Webb, Chloe Westley. Artists: James Ketelaar Photo Editor: Matthew Brandt Business Manager: Jarred Bassett Adviser: Cheryl Braford The Central Stampede publishes approximately one publication a month, primarily by the Journalism II class at Portage Central High School, 8135 S. Westnedge, Portage, MI 49002. It also uses work from Journalism I students.
The Central Stampede is a member of the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA). The purpose of the Central Stampede is to act as an open forum for students of Portage Central. The staff will achieve a balance between informing and entertaining our readers. Editorials Staff editorials are unsigned and represent consensus of the staff. The opinion of the staff is represented in the “Our View” column. The opinions of the editors, staff writers and guest writers will have bylines and will carry their own views.
Letters As an open forum, the Stampede welcomes all members of the Portage community. However, the staff reserves the right to edit letters based on length and content. Office: (269) 323-5218 Fax: (269) 323-5290 Room 306
The Central Stampede 8135 South Westnedge Ave. Portage, MI 49002
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Jan. 21, 2011
Gloves vs. mittens: A heated battle Gloves are more functional
Smitten for mittens
view editor
focus editor
ALI FULLING
OMO OGBOMO
Reaching into my locker before the walk to Waylee, I feel like a lobster. My hands, which are Living in the winter wonderland known as Michigan can be less than pleasant during the stuck in a claw shape, slip off my books as I try to pry them from the stack. colder months, but it does have its perks. As the temperature drops in this glorious state the Taking off these claws, which somehow pass for hand warmers, requires winter gear makes its entrance, and the age-old ba�le of mi�ens versus gloves me to set down everything I’m carrying and pry them off with my teeth. begins. Many will say they go for function over fashion in these dire times, Finally, I can grab what I need and then struggle to put them back on but who can honestly resist the charm of a mi�en? while carrying my books. From a very young age, I have enjoyed mi�ens as my means of On another day, I bend down to tie my shoe while walking protecting my precious hands from the elements. Not only are in the parking lot. It’s a blizzard outside and by the time I’ve they ridiculously adorable, they also serve a purpose. Wearing taken off my mi�ens and knot the laces, I practically have gloves is like separating all your fingers and leaving them frost bite. on their own. They’re isolated, and sure they’re warm, but For these reasons and many more, gloves are they’re dreadfully lonely all by themselves. I could treat so much more practical than mi�ens. Mi�ens inhibit my post essential appendages in such a manner. With movement and make carrying slippery textbooks and mi�ens, they’re grouped together for warmth making picking up small objects impossible. them much happier. Everyone knows that happy hands Also, we have fingers for a reason. Humans have make for a happy winter. been ordained with them in order to work and accomplish Not only do mi�ens work for single people but tasks and they’re what separate us from our animal couples as well. In recent years a sweetheart mi�en or counterparts. But mi�ens ruin that concept and smash all “smi�en” has been created to allow people to hold hands our fingers together so that they can’t work correctly. while wearing one large mi�en big enough for two hands. Many may think mi�ens are cuter, but think of gloves Now, I know that gloves “make more sense” when it comes like all of your fingers having their own li�le houses where they’re to grasping most objects, but I think I can make the sacrifice for all warm and happy without having to rub up on all of their friends. things adorable. Those who select mi�ens over gloves are foolishly choosing fashion Mi�ens are really the closest you can get to wearing socks on your over function. Why would you limit yourself for the sake of appearance andMATTHEW BRANDT/STAMPEDE hands without looking like a loser. They allow you to look like a li�le kid without image? actually being one. There is an endless supply of mi�ens made to look like animals, making Who really wants to look like a li�le kid? You won’t find succesful business people wasting their them functional hand wear as well as a�ractive puppets. To anyone who owns sock monkey time with overcrowded lobster claws. mi�ens, you know what I’m talking about. Overall, gloves be�er for the human race. If you want to be like an animal, wear mi�ens and So do yourself a favor, go out and buy some mi�ens. Your hands will love you and so will ruin everything that evolution worked for. everyone else.
Relish tender moments in life photo editor
M AT T H E W B R A N D T
How many days have we lived just passing through life, wishing that the day would end? How many times have we heard the phrase “Have a good day!” and then we rolled our eyes and thought there was no way that today would ever be a
good one. How refreshing it is and how amazing it is when a crummy day turns into a day of marvel and wonderment. And how even more amazing it is when all that goodness comes from a simple act of true kindness. A while back, one of these amazing days happened to me. I was wearing a pin at school when it fell off, and I lost it in the sea of floundering feet. I was upset, but not overly distressed. After all, it was just a pin. I could always replace it if I really wanted, but I was still saddened. As the day went on, I forgot all about that pin, until a boy, a sophomore, I believe, (I apologize if I’m wrong, but if he is a freshman, than perhaps it’s a compliment) came to me, presenting me with said pin. He told me that he saw it fall and that he tried to return it to me, but that he couldn’t get my a�ention. I never truly got to thank him for that act of kindness, or the fact that he really made my day, nor have I go�en the chance to for I cannot find him. Yet, I still have that pin and I cherish the memory it brings. How great are the marvels of an act of kindness! Many people dedicate their lives to helping others. Yet we as a collective whole do not appreciate such service, as we sometimes
forget how much a simple smile or a kind “hello” snaps us back to that reality. In the recent past, our local society has a�empted to get the public to get more involved in random kindness. The radio station, Star 105.7, had the “Pay It Back” challenge, where listeners were asked to pay for the order behind them in a drive-thru. Multiple stories came back of how amazed people were that someone was willing to spend a few bucks just because they felt like it. Coming off of the Christmas season, more opportunities were given to us to help others. Some of us donated toys to the Angel Tree in our third hour classes and gave canned goods as well. Others donated spare change to the Salvation Army bell ringers. Many of us serve and give in many ways, and we have no idea how our actions, however small they may be, affect others. It is practically unfathomable. So be not a proverbial Scrooge in life. Give kindnesses to others. Make someone’s day by holding the door or sparing them a nickel for popcorn. Don’t hesitate to give a small kindness that may be remembered for the rest of one’s life. Just do it, and do it now.
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6
Jan. 21, 2011
Cut me some slack Bladed weapons are less dangerous than guns with Tucker Webb
When I was a baby, my dad used to hand me a box of razor blades and rusty nails to play with. Well, I guess that isn’t necessarily true. But, I do definitely remember him le�ing me play with a blowtorch. Okay, I may have made up that part, also. However, I do remember somersaulting down a flight of stairs after a long binge of The Legend of Zelda. I guess I figured that if Link could do it, I sure could. You know what I learned from this experience? Somersaulting down a flight of stairs really hurts; just because I can do something in a video game, it doesn’t mean I should actually a�empt it in real life. My point is this: Kids are really stupid. However, they also have the added advantage of being resilient, and they can learn quite well from past experiences and bad decisions. After doing something stupid, they usually understand that what they just did was actually extraordinarily stupid. It’s a radical new concept called “learning.” It’s how people grow up to not fail at life and become socially acceptable and mature human beings. People called “parents,” quite caring and compassionate people, are mucking up the great process of learning with their, “OH NO! BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HURT MY BILLY!” a�itude. This is also known as safety. Yes, safety is the enemy of this generation. Ever since the H1N1 epidemic struck last year, I’ve seen it all over. In airports, hospitals, in classrooms, and even used as a key chain on backpacks. It, of course, is hand sanitizer. This dastardly liquid has become a crutch for the paranoid masses, even to the point that girls are carrying it around and using it like it is some kind of hand lotion. It has somehow become conditioned into the minds of youth that an hour without applying hand sanitizer, is like an hour of playing around with raw eggs. While this was a good habit during the period of the H1N1 epidemic, it really isn’t a good idea now. You see, the immune system has to have some exposure to germs in order to build up an immunity. When you use hand sanitizer without giving the immune system time to build up defenses, it makes your body more prone to the germs. So this stupid new habit IS MAKING YOU WEAK. The golden age of “doing-something-because-it-looksfun” is over, and a new age of “don’t-touch-that-it will-giveyou-a-disease” is now in full swing. This can be fought against, however. Ignore the 5-Second-Rule for food on the ground, that’s for pansies; just eat it, it will make you strong. Let your hands fester in the filth for a while, it’s good for you. And lastly, go break open a thermometer and play with the mercury inside. Trust me, it probably won’t kill you, and it is super fun.
Shortly after Barack Obama was elected president, the country saw a large spike in the sales of guns and ammunition. It seems that many citizens here in the U.S. were worried that the newly elected president would be taking away their guns and wanted to stock up while they could. Almost three years later, these claims seem to have been unfounded, as there have been no a�empts made to take away anyone’s guns or deny anybody’s Second Amendment rights. Actually, that last part isn’t entirely true. One key demographic has been seriously denied their rights: the swordsmen. The debated line from the Second Amendment in the Bill of Rights says that “the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” For years, politicians, the NRA, and the general public has been debating over what exactly it means to “bear arms” and what it takes for that right to be infringed upon. Generally speaking, the debate has been applied to the ownership and use of guns, in one regard or another, and guns are certainly an “arm.” But more specifically, they are a firearm. The amendment doesn’t say the right to bear firearms; it
Tucker Webb is a staff writer for the Central Stampede.
JAMES KETELAAR
JAMES KETELAAR/STAMPEDE
Be wary of being wary
assistant editor
says the right to bear arms. What exactly about a sword isn’t an “arm?” A sword is a completely legitimate weapon and, if you know how to use one, a perfectly good way to arm yourself. So, theoretically, it should be legal to “keep and bear” swords, right? While the right to keep swords has never been infringed – you can go to the mall and buy a sword if you’re 18 – the right to bear them is far less enforced. A Michigan law clearly states that “A dagger, dirk, stile�o, or double-edged non-folding stabbing instrument of any length, or any other dangerous weapon cannot be carried concealed on or about a person, except in their own home, place of business or on other land possessed by the person.” So, while it is relatively simple to go out and get a permit to carry a 9 mm pistol “concealed on your person,” you wouldn’t be able to walk out of the house with a sword in tow. Yes, swords are dangerous. Yes, people could use them to harm others. But compare the number of armed robberies commi�ed with a revolver to the number commi�ed with a katana. What exactly is the concern behind bladed weapons? If we’re talking about danger, firearms have a greater range, more lethality, and are easier to use effectively than most bladed weapons. Now, I’m not arguing that people shouldn’t be able to have guns; I fully support anyone else’s right to carry a fire arm. But allowing guns and banning swords is like legalizing motorcycles and outlawing bikes. All of the swordsmen in Michigan need to come out and fight this: The samurai, the ninja, the fencers, the duelers, the knights, and the pirates of Michigan all need to come out of the woodwork and help us get our rights back. Say it loud: “I’m a swordsman and proud!”
focus
Jan. 21, 2011
A closer look at our exchange students NICOLE LEFFINGWELL/STAMPEDE
BY MARISSA MIARS
Vibe Editor
Where are you from/what organization are you here with?
Amelie Semelink: Aachen, Germany; Into Exchange Essi An�ila: Jarvenpaa, Finland; YFU (Youth for Understanding) Flora Russo: Bicenza, Italy; STS (Student Travel Schools) Irene Rondón: Venezuela; “None, I’m staying with my uncle.”
What made you decide to come to the United States?
Amelie Semelink: “My best friend’s brother did it; he told me it was fun and I should do it.” Essi An�ila: “I wanted to learn to speak English, get new friends, a new experience and learn a new culture.” Flora Russo: “My brother did it four years ago.” Irene Rondón: “I wanted to learn fluent English.”
How does the school system here differ from back home?
BEST
OF FRIENDS: Seniors Amelie Semelink and Flora Russo are friends here, but are from different countries.
Amelie Semelink: “Back home we don’t choose classes until grade 11, we don’t have 7 hours and we don’t have different lunches. Overall, it’s easier but there’s more work to do after school.” Essi An�ila: “It’s easier and there’s more freedom. The teachers are less strict.” Flora Russo: “Here is much easier.” Irene Rondón: “Here I can choose my classes and I have to change to a different classroom every hour.”
How has your diet changed since coming here? Amelie Semelink: “I think I’ve gained weight.”
7
Essi An�ila: “I’ve gained weight here. There is less fast food in Finland and it is more expensive. I never ate out.” Flora Russo: “I’ve gained 11 pounds. In Italy there isn’t as much fast food, and we use olive oil instead of bu�er.” Irene Rondón: “Not much, I am still living with Venezuelan people so we eat what Venezuelan people usually eat.”
Are your friends here different from the ones back home? What about the activities you do together?
Amelie Semelink: “Not really. At home we go out in town in the evening where as here we stay in more.” Essi An�ila: “Pre�y much the same. But in Finland the driving age is 18 so we use trains, buses, walk or bike.” Flora Russo: “In Italy, we just hang out and walk around downtown. Here everything is far; you have to take a car to get anywhere.” Irene Rondón: “In my country, I used to hang out with my friends right after school at a mall that wasn’t too far from our school. Here I’m always rehearsing for “Hairspray” and I have my friends there rehearsing with me.”
Hey Mustangs, Be sure to sign up for our volleyball tournament coming up Sunday, January 30th! Get some friends together and form a team today!
Stay classy PC, Student Council
focus
8
Jan. 21, 2011
Sibling rivalry: Battle of the ages BY TAYLOR FLECK
Assistant Editor
Holly Krill
Ryan Krill
Color: Blue Ice Cream: Mint Chocolate Chip TV show: “Criminal Minds” Height: 5’10” Eye Color: Blue Hair color: Light brown Music Artist: Taylor Swift Favorite Song: “Fifteen” by Taylor Swift Aspirations: Become a teacher or national champion diver. Biggest pet peeve about sibling: He sings really loudly to my favorite songs.
Color: Baby Blue Ice Cream: Vanilla TV Show: “Castle” Height: 6’4” Eye color: Blue Hair Color: Brown Music Artist: None Song: None Aspirations: My biggest aspiration is to play Major League Baseball. Biggest pet peeve about sibling: She takes forever to get ready in the morning for school, or get ready just in general.
Ashley Hoy
Color: Navy Blue Ice Cream: Cookie Dough Sport: Horseback riding TV Show: “Friends” Height: 5’3” Eye Color: Blue/green Hair Color: Brown Music Artist: None Favorite Song: None Aspirations: to become a nurse. Biggest pet peeve about sibling: When she uses my things without asking.
Courtney Hoy
Color: Blue Ice Cream: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Sport: Horseback riding TV show: “Bones” Height: 5’1” Eye Color: Blue/green Hair Color: Brown Music Artist: None Song: None Aspirations: Ph.D. in animal science. Biggest pet peeve about sibling: She makes plans about both of us without consulting me.
Ashley Owen
Color: White Ice Cream: Mint Chocolate Chip Sport: Cheerleading TV Show: “Jersey Shore” Height: 5’4” Eye color: Brown Hair color: Medium Brown Music Artist: Bruno Mars Favorite Song: “Like a G6” by Far East Movement Aspirations: I want to be working with health sciences. Biggest pet peeve about sibling: He’s always grumpy and plays video games a lot.
Randy Owen
Color: Blue Ice Cream: Superman Sport: Football TV Show: “Two and a Half Men” Height: 5’8” Eye Color: Hazel Hair Color: Brown Music Artist: Wiz Khalifa Song: “Over” by Drake Aspirations: to be a physical therapist. Biggest pet peeve about sibling: She always yells at me to get up in the morning but I’m always ready before her.
ALL PHOTOS BY NICOLE LEFFINGWELL/STAMPEDE
the
Weekend Pass
an all-access guide to what’s happening this weekend Beginning tour of the hit TV show “Las t Comic Standing”
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Saturday 8 p.m.
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Harlem Globetro�ers Volume 16 Issue 3
“Last Comic Standing””an
Best of 2010: Top eight albums you haven’t heard BY EVAN ADAMS
Staff Writer
“The Suburbs”- Arcade Fire: ‘The Suburbs’ is Arcade Fire’s third and most impressive album yet. It is an exploration of American family life and rural development through loud, powerful and vibrant anthems. Arcade Fire stays true to their diverse fan base and shines as 2010’s strongest musical collaboration.
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“This Is Happening”- LCD Soundsystem: This third album from James Murphy as LCD Soundsystem explores further than other albums from the ordinary and one dimensional techno music we know today. Though superficial at a glance, tracks like “Drunk Girls” and “You Wanted a Hit” takes us into a new realm of electronic dance music we never knew could exist in electro-clash. “The Age of Adz”- Su�an Stevens: Through the use of banjos, moody electronics, deep bass and drums that burst like the end of the world, ‘The Age of Adz’ solidifies itself as the most unique album of the year. The 25 minute track ‘Impossible Soul’ is one of Su�an’s boldest accomplishments of his entire career.
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“The Orchard”- Ra Ra Riot: The combination of Ra Ra Riot’s incredible urgency with their heartfelt sound truly keeps this 1980’s inspired album at the top of its game from beginning to end. The use of consistently climactic synthesizer pa�erns and rhythmic basslines ensures every track stays fresh and crisp.
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“Lonely Avenue”- Ben Folds & Nick Hornby: No twists or new tricks here; Ben Folds yet again releases an exquisite album featuring some of the best piano compositions in the music industry today. With Nick Hornby by his side, Ben Folds creates a simple and catchy album without a single flaw. “The Colossus”- RJD2: Arguably the most underappreciated name in Hip Hop today, RJD2 blends R&B and electronic beats into his first self produced album for his label. ‘The Colossus’ is the most exhilarating piece of hip hop beats composed in 2010 surpasing competeing artist Ratatat. Few realize how strongly RJD2’s tracks impact mainstream Hip-Hop. “American Ghe�o”- Portugal. The Man: Known as one of the most creative rock bands of their time, Portugal.The Man’s inventive tracks and unique sound make their new album, ‘American Ghe�o’ their best yet. With a sound like nothing you’ve ever heard before, this band deserves to be recognized for their consistency of producing hit after hit. “Infinite Arms”- Band of Horses: Though lacking behind their highly acclaimed album, “The Funeral”, “Infinite Arms” will leave no true Band of Horses fan unappeased. The album brings back the classic components that make this young band one which will dominate the indie music industry for years to come.
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Mustangs strut their stuff Michigan winters are nasty, and staying warm while looking cool can be a challenge. Here are a few Mustangs who pull it off with style. TEXT BY MARISSA MIARS/STAMPEDE DESIGN BY MORGAN CLOTHIER/STAMPEDE
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vibe
Jan. 21, 2011
Senior Anica Degraff keeps warm in a sweater dress, matching tights and leather boots (not pictured).
Junior Kaghen Miller sports a tye-died scarf, adding spunk while keeping protected from the cold.
Math teacher Kathleen Myers dresses up a casual look with a trendy sweater and hoop earrings.
Quick Hits Movies The Green Hornet 3D Michel Gondry Action/Crime BY TUCKER WEBB Coming out of the movie theater, I was pleasantly surprised that “The Green Hornet” wasn’t as bad as I was expecting it to be. The over the top action scenes worked, but they dragged on far too long and failed to offer anything one has not seen before. Everything from the plot to the characters were cliché and presented poorly. Also, there were many li�le moments that due to either bad editing or just sloppy directing, become horribly distracting, such as the moment where Jay Chou’s character seems to punch through an entire car. Seth Rogen’s writing helped the movie along with many laugh out loud moments, and James Franco’s cameo in the first five minutes was inarguably the best part of the whole movie. Overall, although “The Green Hornet” fails as a great superhero movie, it succeeds in being another semi-funny movie under Seth Rogen’s belt.
Music Music James Blunt “Some Kind of Trouble” Alternative BY EVAN ADAMS James Blunt won’t be offering much gratification to his fans in this shallow and soulless third album. The album features multiple mind numbingly repetitive pop tracks with countless references to “rainy days” and “watching the sunset.” Li�ered with distasteful melodies and pop- style beats, the album fails to explore interesting sounds and instruments. Instead, we are subjected to track after track of guitar rambling behind a standard vocal feature. Blunt strives to capture a progressive folk essence in tracks like “Stay the Night” but falls short and quickly succumbs to the ease of poorly compounded pop music. Blunt discussed the albums background and prefaced the release of it saying he wanted to move away from writing “sad songs about poor old me”. The result is an album with nearly every track centering around a typical love story we’ve all heard over and over again since age five.It’s now becoming painfully obvious to the music industry that James Blunt will always be remembered as the one-hit wonder responsible for, ‘You’re Beautiful’.
10
vibe
Jan. 21, 2011
Pumping up the volume Pit and tech crew play key roles in show
Middle schoolers join ‘Hairspray’ chorus
BY MATTHEW BRANDT Photo Editor
BY CHLOE WESTLEY Assistant Editor
dorks and renowned community guests put on their part of the show below where the performers dance and act. “The music we make in the pit is absolutely essential to the musical,” senior Brianne Hughes said. “Along with the singers and dancers, we help the energy keep flowing. We help provide the mood, atmosphere and a beat that you can’t help but tap your feet to.” As Hughes knows, the pit is not the pits. It’s a great group for students to be a part of. “We get to be an unseen, but very heard part of the musical,” Hughes said. “We get to know the cast and show alike, behind the scenes. The pit is an unforge�able and fun experience.” The pit and tech crew form an integral, but unseen and underappreciated group that work just as hard at what they do as do those on the stage. As freshman Hanna Rumora puts it, “Without the pit and tech crew, there is no musical. No. Musical.”
Everyone sees and knows the actors and actresses. Everyone sees their faces and their actions on the stage. Everyone laughs and cries as they perform. They are amazing – the very best at what they do, and they enjoy doing it. But they couldn’t do it without their unseen colleagues: the invisible tech crew and the omniscient pit crew. To some, these valuable members aren’t seen as important. Some say that a musical doesn’t need them. The actors and actresses can do it themselves, they say. Yet, a musical is like a car. If a car has no engine, it won’t run. Everyone sees the car, but not many see the engine and how it helps the car propel itself forward. The tech crew sits behind the scenes, invisible and everywhere. They are the wizards who scale the rafters, center the spotlights and help those on stage to move from scene to scene. These admirable ninjas of the theatre make the stage work. “To me, [being in the tech crew,] has the benefit of being ‘in’ the musical, but without having to struggle through all of the tedious rehearsals,” senior Elena Po�s said. “I love working with the tech people and having the responsibility of the show resting on my shoulders.” Another unseen group of the theatre are those in the pit. They provide the MATTHEW BRANDT/STAMPEDE music for the musical. They are an assorted, mix’n’match PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: Matt Jensen, senior Matt Robinson group, the “Brady Bunch” and junior Alicia Williams practice at a recent “Hairof music. Band geeks, orch spray” pit rehearsal.
Mulay rents authentic costumes to improve show BY CHLOE WESTLEY
Assistant Editor
This year’s musical, “Hairspray,” is taking the extra steps to create an authentic production. Similarities to the original Broadway musical include the script, dance moves and even directorial help. But in order to make this production one of the most visually authentic musicals in years past, director Kathy
While normally the stereotypical drama students take up the department’s limelight, for the past two years the musical’s cast has diversified, transitioning from football players to middle schoolers. This year’s production of “Hairspray” calls for a more multicultural cast, something Portage Central does not easily provide. But through the use of Central Middle School as an extra resource for actors, the cast members known as “Motormouth’s Council,” have increased. Brother and sister duo, 12-year-old Savonna Rush and 13-year-old Carl Rush, joined as part of the chorus. Because Central Middle does not have an annual play, the students involved are experiencing the stage for the first time, offering them training in the drama department. “Instead of sports, it’s a fun new experience,” Carl Rush said. “Everybody does sports, but not musicals, so I’m thankful for the high schoolers for not treating me like the new kid and being patient.” Although there is an obvious age, and sometimes height difference, the older members have taken in the younger ones as part of the musical family. “We eat with them and hang out,” freshman Alaina Haworth said. “We treat them the same, but at the same time, we know to help them along.” Challenges Savonna Rush has experienced include memorization, transportation and the stress of working at the fast practice pace. “We are thankful that the high schoolers are really nice,” Savonna Rush said. “I like that when I get older I’m not going to be so nervous being the new kid, because I won’t be as new.”
Mulay has purchased Broadway-based costumes. To dispel the rumors that have surfaced, the outfits are not from the famous New York production, but instead are partially from Walled Lake Western, the only other high school to have done this musical in Michigan. Also, Mulay purchased select costumes from a costume house that usually buys retired Broadway outfits. “The costumes were very expensive, but they will add to the magic of the theatre that we want the audience to experience,” Mulay said. Each costume purchased for this production was based off the original Broadway collection, in order to capture the 1960s fashion trends.
CHLOE WESTLEY/STAMPEDE YOU CAN’T STOP THE BEAT : Above, Savonna Rush takes part in rehearsal for “Hairspray,” participating in a dancing session.
“The fashions were ridiculous in the sixties,” freshman Kari Gluys said. “It was all about the bright colors and big hair. These costumes are going to transport the audience back to that time era.” Actors, such as Freshman Joe Lunay, hope the costumes will make the cast feel more empowered and professional. “They will help inspire us to capture the essence of the show at a professional level,” Lunay said.
“Hairspray” premieres Feb. 4 at 8 p.m. Vouchers can be purchased from any cast member and are $11 for students and $14 for adults. Call the box office for more information: 269-323-5270.
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sports
Jan. 21, 2011
Women’s soccer to come back stronger in 2011 BY GRANT WALTERS, NICOLE LEFFINGWELL Sports Editor and Staff Writer The meeting filled with dozens of women soccer players and young hopefuls is silent. The question is asked by Coach Pat Norman: What is our main goal for the season? A slow murmur echoes through the room, almost rehearsed: ”To win the state championship.” Portage Central Women’s Soccer, the power-house team that won the Division I Girls Soccer State Championship in 2009, is hoping to get a matching trophy and a nationally ranked spot this year. The Mustangs have been recognized on a state level as one of the biggest threats year after year, and will not lack emotion towards this year’s season after losing to Plymouth in the state semi-finals in 2010. With their first scrimmage March 19 against East Kentwood, the months of January and February provide crucial conditioning time for the girls. “Right now we have conditioning going Monday through Thursday,” senior Meghan Sokolowski said. “We have two indoor teams going, where we are playing other high school teams.” The concept of conditioning pre-season is hardly unique, but some of the ways women’s soccer get their bodies in shape
are, for lack of a be�er term, creative. “We are going to do kickboxing and weightlifting as well,” Sokolowski said. The pressure that will be placed on the “underclassmen,” or new varsity players, is going to be immense. The reputation of PC Soccer will paint a big target on the backs of their jerseys, and excellence will be expected from them in any matchup of the regular season. Conditioning in the upcoming months will also be crucial bonding time for the senior leaders and the incoming varsity girls. “[The seniors] always make sure it’s organized so we are always doing something,” sophomore Liz Sha� said. “They are good influences on the underclassmen by conditioning so that when the underclassmen become seniors, they will know what to do.” With an expected varsity squad of eight plus seniors, the team looks stacked with both talent and experience, including three first-team All-State athletes Paige Wester, Charlie Socia and Taylore Peterson. Women’s soccer kicks off their regular season at home vs. Ba�le Creek Lakeview April 18, and although it seems far off, the Lady Mustangs are extremely anxious to come back stronger than last year and regain their state dominance. “Hopefully we win another state championship and we get ranked in the nation,” Socia said.
Personality Profile
Evan Robinson BY TAYLOR HAYNES
This Kansas native has just moved here, and plans to play on the basketball team for the second semester. Age, Height and Weight: 17, 6’4”, 205 pounds. Why did you move to Portage? “The main reason I moved to Portage was to be closer to my mom.” When can you start playing in the basketball games? “I can start playing on Jan. 18.” How do you feel about being the new kid in town? “At first I was a little nervous, but at the end of the day it’s just basketball.” What assets do you believe you can bring to the PC team? “I hope to add more athleticism and rebounding.” Favorite college sports team? “Kansas Jayhawks!”
Fridays: November 5, 2010 – General AQDay November 12, 2010 – Science/Nursing/Math AQDay November 19, 2010 – General AQDay March 18, 2011 – Leadership AQDay March 25, 2011 – Business, Accounting, Technology AQDay April 15, 2011 – General AQDay Saturday: January 22, 2011 – Athletic AQDay Join us for AQDays and learn what life is really like at Aquinas College. If these dates don’t work, we also offer individual isits during the academic year. To learn more or register, visit www.aquinas.edu/undergraduate/visit or call (800) 678-9593.
1607 Robinson Road, SE | Grand Rapids, MI 49506-1799 616 632-2900 or 800 678-9593 | www.aquinas.edu
Staff Writer
PHOTO BY: NICOLE LEFFINGWELL
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sports
Jan. 21, 2011
Men’s swimming team makes waves Taking on St. Joe head-first Sports Editor
The men’s swimming and diving team is about halfway through their season, and they hope to stay in close competition with their division rival St. Joe. “[Our season so far has been] competitive,” senior Kevin Clancy said. “Right now, St. Joe and PC are the main teams looking for the conference title. It’s pre�y much down to us two.” The dual meet between Saint Joseph and PC is scheduled for Thursday, at Saint Joe. As is true with every varsity sport, the athletes rely on the most experienced, upperclassmen leaders to motivate and show them the ropes. The senior swimmers take on that role with enthusiasm, especially under a program run by Coach Jim Schafer.
“I expect the most leadership out of my seniors,” Schafer said. “They’re good leaders, but to be in the program for 4 years is crucial. Those guys understand the expectations to win back a conference title.” The men won their last conference championship in 2007, when this year’s seniors were freshman. Kevin Clancy has been swimming for two years and is one of the leaders. Cole Rupert, Wes Kroll, John Rose and Krisada Sirinimnuakul are the other four seniors hoping to lead the team to a conference title. “The senior leadership role has become a big part of everything I do now,” Clancy said. “All of the kids are watching the seniors for leadership and direction and the coaches have been enforcing that.” “Clancy, as well as the rest of the seniors are good leaders and funny,” junior upcoming swimmer Tom Zhang said.
Coach Schafer understands his team’s personnel and knows how to motivate his athletes to succeed at meets. “My job is to keep them at a level where if the anxiety is ge�ing to them I can calm them down,” Schafer said. “If they’re not focused enough I can raise their focus level. You can’t get too fired up, but can’t be too laid
BY JAMES KETELAAR
poll of 50 students
Assistant Editor
Winter is a wonderful time of the year. It’s on record that some people have said it’s the most wonderful time of the year. It’s a time for holidays, gifts and most importantly, winter sports. But what do you do when you have a winter like the current one, where snow has been minimal and the ground has gone uncovered for days at a time? Junior Cole Boyer has found a solution of mad-scientist proportions: He makes his own snow in his own backyard. “I’m addicted to skiing,” Boyer said. “I have a miniterrain park in my backyard, and I like to ski as much as I can.”
JAMES KETELAAR/STAMPEDE
36% 64 %
back.” The men’s swim team has placed well in their dual meets, and got 2nd in a recent quad. With seven more regular season contests and the West Division Tournament in late February, the men are confident in their abilities and ultimate goal of a receiving conference trophy.
Boyer, like many Michigan ski addicts, can’t get enough time on the slopes, so he decided to bring the slopes to him. He makes the process behind it sound relatively simple: “I take compressed air and mix it with pressurized water. I run both through a series of pipes and out a bunch of misting nozzles.” That’s all it takes to make a Winter Wonderland right in your own backyard. Sadly, however, the process isn’t entirely affordable. “My machine makes about an inch of snow over an hour for a 5-by-10 foot area,” Boyer said. “It uses about three gallons of water a minute. My water bill ends up being higher in the winter than it is in the summer, when we have all the sprinklers running.” So, this may not be a solution for all of us. If you don’t have the funds to supply your own snowmaking machine, Boyer has a cheap solution too: “If I don’t have the money or for some reason I can’t make snow, I just go to Timber Ridge and ski.”
No snow, no problem
Would you rather go to...
MUSTANG SPORTS TICKER
Men’s Swimming
Men’s Hockey
Men and Women’s Basketball
NEXT MEET:
NEXT GAME:
NEXT GAME:
Jan. 27
Today
Today
vs. St. Joe
(away) Pictured: Wes Kroll
GRANT WALTERS/STAMPEDE
GRANT WALTERS/STAMPEDE
GRANT WALTERS/STAMPEDE
POOLING AROUND: Sophomore John Cubbage freestyles during the Vicksburg swim meet.
vs. B.C. Central (home) Pictured: Pictured: Aaron King Paige Wester
CHLOE WESTLEY/STAMPEDE
BY GRANT WALTERS
vs. U of D Jesuit (away) Pictured: Evan Watts