Vol. 25, Issue 3
Jan. 18, 2019
POLL: Does cramming work?
Yes 66% No 34%
@CentralStampede
See page 5!
Portage Central H.S. l 8135 S. Westnedge Ave. l Portage, MI 49002
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Seasonal depression takes a toll on students BY ASHNA MEHRA Editor-in-Chief It’s negative five degrees outside and you can’t leave your house. Exams are just around the corner and you haven’t prepared. The sun sets at 5 p.m. and the days feel like nights. Worst of all, there’s still five more months left of school. With all of these factors falling down on you at once, it makes sense to feel an overwhelming amount of discord with your surroundings. So it should be no surprise to us that around our school, hundreds of students are falling into what we call seasonal depression. Seasonal depression is a disorder that causes people to feel down during the winter months, particularly between November and March. The cause of seasonal depression is still unknown to scientists, but many speculate that it may be because of a lack of sunlight. Because the winter days are shorter, people get less exposure to light and therefore their mood lessens. However, this disorder is not the same thing as “just feeling sad.” While many may take depression as a joke, or say that it isn’t real, depression is not something that can be simply brushed off. Statistics from medically reviewed journals show that anywhere from 14 to 20 percent of American adults experience depression due to the change in season. Along with adults, students experience seasonal depression as well. Teacher Kayleen Grand says that she has noticed signs of this throughout our school. “I think there’s definitely this vibe that goes around the school during the winter months,” Grand said. “And it’s more than just students: teachers also struggle with staying motivated and feeling like themselves.” Common symptoms of seasonal affective disorder are the following: sleeping a lot yet still feeling tired, craving sweets and carbs, having low energy levels, losing interest in activities, having trouble concentrating and feeling sad often. Junior Jada Thrash said that although she may not have full-on “seasonal depression,” she definitely experiences these symptoms and can understand this disorder to an extent.
“During the winter months, since I haven’t seen the sun all day, I just feel like coming home, lying down and not doing homework,” Thrash said. “Then I just keep putting it off, staying up late and the cycle never ends. I feel like my mental clock is just off during these times.” Students at our school such as sophomore Lauren Darsow also attribute this feeling towards more than just the weather. She says that this time of year is especially hard academically. “I think that a part of the reason that people aren’t as energetic during these months is because students, especially freshman, are starting to get stressed about the upcoming semester exams,” Darsow said. “Also, you’re only halfway through the year and you’re kind of over being at school.” Senior Katie Deming also finds it hard to stay motivated during these winter months because of both the weather and the schoolwork. “When I walk into school, everyone’s just sad and depressed, and then when I leave school the weather is just like that too,” Deming said. “Because of that, it can be really hard to find joy in things.” Luckily, there are many ways that seasonal depression can be helped. Grand, Thrash and Darsow all suggest going out and doing physical activities to help alleviate the symptoms. I think that people who are physically active have an overall better experience,” Grand said. “Even if you’re not involved in sports, it’s still important that you’re actually getting some type of physical exercise.” Deming also suggests surrounding yourself with people who have a positive outlook on life. “When you spend time with people who are optimistic, it helps you find the good in the little things that happen throughout the day,” Deming said. “Instead of focusing on the big things that are hanging over your head (like it being cold for the next six months), it really helps to focus on the little things that make your day better.” To anyone who is feeling these symptoms, just remember that soon enough, winter will be over and we can enjoy the warm, sunny days of summer once again.
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What’s Inside...
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Students’ travels over break
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DC or Marvel?
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Girls basketball season recap
news
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How to mend your seasonal depression LIZ WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Jan. 18, 2019
in brief
Exam week is approaching
Spend time with family and friends
As the semester comes to an end, that also means that first semester exams are fast approaching. Exams begin on Jan. 21 and will continue throughout the week. Every day will be two exams, starting with first and second hour on Monday. Thursday will only be the seventh hour exams. There will be a Books and Bagels event in the commons on Jan. 19, where the student ambassadors will be helping students study for their exams.
Surround yourself with people you love. Spending more time with family and friends can actually relieve stress and have a positive effect on your mood. It has also been proven to increase self esteem and help you live a longer and healthier life. When with family and friends, try doing an activity you enjoy to create a positive atmosphere. Continuously hang around people who keep a smile on your face and encourage you to be consistently happy.
Go for a walk We all need to clear our heads every once in a while and a walk is the perfect way to do that. A nice stroll on a nearby trail can allow you to take in the nature and beauty around you. Getting a little fresh air may help you relax and help fuel your soul. Walking also boosts endorphins that can reduce stress hormones and alleviate mild depression. Staying active on a regular basis can ease anxiety and release good chemicals in your body like dopamine.
South Haven Ice Festival
Listen to music Listening to a few of your favorite songs can also set your mind at ease. For many of us, music is an escape. It can inspire us, motivate us and connect to us in many different ways. It allows us to embrace our feelings and refresh our minds. Music can touch our spirits in ways we sometimes don’t even understand. It often distracts us from the negative situations around us and lets us focus on our feelings.
The 26th Annual South Haven Ice Festival is taking place Feb. 1 to Feb. 3. This event includes looking at ice sculptures, tasting chili, watching or participating in cardboard sled race, ice skating, curling, flinging frozen fish, horse-drawn carriage rides and shopping in local shops. The cardboard sled race will take place at the Coast Guard Hill on Saturday afternoon. Frozen fish flinging will take place on Saturday, Feb. 2, near the South Marina. Adults pay $5 and kids pay $1 for each fling. The farthest flinging adult wins half of the cash and every child receives a prize. This is one of the most popular festivals in the area, so be sure to stop by for some winter fun!
CommmuniTEEN 2019 Meditate with a friend Meditation has been proven to help anxiety and stress. This is an efficient way to get rid of negativity and improve your mental health. Meditating can help you feel calmer and more relaxed. It can strengthen your inner peace causing you to feel more stable and serene. Meditation also increases levels of serotonin and endorphins which trigger a positive feeling. It may help you understand your feelings and enhance your sense of perspective.
Why it’s easy to fall into a slump during winter months BY LAUREN McCOLLEY News Editor January and February seem to last forever and they are two of the most gloomiest months of the year! With them dragging on so long, it is no surprise that people are more depressed during this time of the year. It is easy to fall into a slump during this time because the sun is hiding behind the clouds, leading people to have a lack of vitamin D, which is proven to cause depression. Unfortunately, lack of sunshine is not the only factor preventing people from living happy lives. Exams additionally take place in January, as if students are not stressed enough with regular schoolwork. This can cause people to lose motivation. Students, in addition, are just coming back from Christmas break. This means they have to
wait until mid-winter break before getting another rest. This long stretch in school can generate hopelessness in a lot of students who feel that school may never end until the summer! During this long period of cold, stress and schoolwork, it is important to stay positive. Think about the good things that happen during January and February. Try catching a basketball game with a group of friends. Instead of stressing about exams, make the process fun by creating study groups with peers or set yourself up in a coffee shop with some nice hot chocolate. Creating goals for yourself will also give you motivation to get things done. Goals give you something to look forward to and, if you are feeling down, then this is just what you need. Do not make them crazy, unreachable goals, but make small ones that are easier to complete. This will help you feel accomplished during a
dreadful time of the year. Falling into a slump is very easy to do because a lot of people feel bad for themselves at times. For example, if you just got dumped with a bunch of homework for the weekend, do not put it off. The weather is too bad to make excuses, so you might as well grind it out while you are stuck indoors. Feeling bad for yourself gets you nowhere, it just prevents you from succeeding. Instead, motivate yourself. Have a good attitude about what you are doing in your life right now. You cannot reach your goals if you are stopped by feeling bad about your situation. Falling into a slump is very easy, but it can also be very easy to get out of. If you have a good attitude about life and look forward to the future, you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.
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CommuniTEEN 2019 is taking place on March 20 at 6:30 p.m. at Portage Central High School’s Auditorium. The goal of this event is to connect family, peers and community, and to encourage the Portage community to read together. This is an opportunity to connect readers face-to-face with authors they have read. This year’s common read is “The Testing” by Joelle Charbonneau. Come out and enjoy this opportunity with others among your community!
Theater production upcoming The theatre department has announced their February production of the new Broadway musical “Big Fish.” The showtimes for this musical are the following: Feb. 1, 2, 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 3 and 10 at 2 p.m. You may purchase tickets at the Portage Central Box Office, which will be open from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday starting on Jan. 14. You can also purchase them online at www.pchsperformingarts.org starting on Jan. 14. Student and child tickets are $16 and adults are $18. For more information, call the Box Office at 269-3235270. Get your tickets soon and come support the theatre department at their production of “Big Fish!”
Parent-Teacher conferences Parent teacher conferences will be on March 11 and 13 from 3:30 p.m.-7 p.m. This is a great opportunity for parents and teachers to talk about the successes of our students.
news
Jan. 18, 2019
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World Views BY ASHNA MEHRA Editor-in-Chief
School Exams are starting this Monday! Exams are worth 20 percent of your semester grade. As far as the food situation goes, there will be breakfast available before exams begin, and lunch available after. There will be a 10 minute break between each exam. If you want to see a breakdown of what score you need to get the grade you want, check out centralstampede.com
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Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is this Monday. There will be a Martin Luther King Jr. memorial gathering to commemorate MLK at the. The event is organized by the City of Kalamazoo, Gryphon Place, and Western Michigan University. The organization suggests that volunteers take a “day-on, rather than a day-off.” At the event, a nominated student will be given the Annual Dr. Lewis Walker Social Justice Youth Award
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently signed a non-discrimination directive, banning discrimination against LGBTQ state employees in Michigan. This directive is a step towards achieving equality and dispelling prejudices. The signing took place in Ferndale, MI on Jan. 7, 2019. Ferndale mayor David Coulter was there to support Whitmer’s signing. The effects of the directive will begin to be seen right away throughout the state.
Country World The January U.S. government shutdown was the longest shutdown in American history. It began on Dec. 22, 2018 after the U.S. Congress and President Trump were unable to agree on funds for the 2019 fiscal year. The shutdown stemmed from Trump’s demand for $5.6 billion to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. Democrats rejected his demand which led to further conflict. The shutdown has affected over 800,000 federal workers.
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Journalist Jamal Khashoggi was once a royal insider, but soon became a critic of the regime of Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He first disappeared on Oct. 2, 2018 when he was last seen entering a Saudi consulate in Istanbul. At first, Saudi Arabia denied any involvement with his disappearance. But Khashoggi was soon found to be murdered, and the truth of what really happened is still a mystery.
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School policy bans food from being redistributed BY CAROLINE MAIER Staff Writer Teachers are not allowed to take food from the cafeteria tables or lunch room due to the encouragement from the USDA for schools to have a ‘share table’ in the school. The teachers are not allowed to take the food because not all students are able to access the food. A share table is a place where students can place the food that
they don’t want instead of throwing it away, and in return students who see something that they want on the table are able to take it. District administrator for meals, Susan Livingston, explains the reasoning behind the share tables in the lunchroom. “The share tables were started to assist with reducing waste in the garbage,” Susan Livingston said. “As well as help students who were still hungry after grabbing lunch and
needed something to munch on during the school day.” But students are leaving their food on the utensil table; therefore, teacher Cheryl Tucker would take the leftover fruits and bring them to her classroom for students to eat if they ever got hungry. “When students left them hanging on the counters where they get their forks and knives I would just take them from there put them in a bag and bring them back to my
room” said Tucker. “Then, when students want something to eat in my classroom I would give them a banana, apple or orange or whatever I collected down there” Tucker is not able to take food from the cafeteria anymore because if she does, the district has the possibility to receive financial penalties from the USDA if the food is not accessible to all kids. Tucker says that she does not like the rule because the food is going to
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the kids in the long run and she is giving them food when only when they get hungry. Not only does the high school want the share tables to be in place, but the elementary school and the middle schools are highly encouraged to put in place these share tables for the kids. The elementary schools are mainly being used for students who cannot afford snacks at snack time or forgot to bring one.
opinion
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Jan. 18, 2019
Government shutdown—what we can learn Last Saturday, the partial government shutdown reached another dismal record: the longest-ever shutdown in the history of the United States. President Trump’s demand for billions of dollars to fund his campaign promise of a border wall triggered the dysfunction in Washington, claiming that it would create a barrier against illegal immigrants streaming over the Mexican-US border. Americans all over the country have heard about the effects, whether it was
the 420,000 federal employees working without pay, or the vandalization at several of our beautiful national parks. And even in Portage, Michigan, more than half of a thousand miles away from the nation’s capital, some members of our staff felt the effects—family in trouble, a family member unable to do something important, or seniors that cannot process FAFSA (financial aid).
staf f editorial
Ashna Mehra Bryan Cassem Editors-in-Chief Kaoru Murai Website Editor-in-Chief
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.
Ella Steele, 9th
Griffin Colosky, 10th
Payton Spicer, 11th
Saketh Thota, 12th
I think it should be donated.
Don’t force people to take fruit.
I feel they should give the leftover fruit to homeless shelters.
Thrown at my face.
It should be donated to a local food bank...Or, give them to the Baking Club so they can make a bunch of pies!
Drink a lot of coffee and cram for as long as possible.
Hand-write you study guides, use flashcards or Quizlet, and get a good night’s sleep.
2. What do you think is the best way to prepare for exams? (p. 5) Studying in advance.
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.
3. What do you think is the best way to increse the chances of a snowday? (p. 7)
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.
4. How did you spend all your free time during Winter Break? (p. 6)
The Central Stampede
Portage Central High School 8135 South Westnedge Ave. Portage, MI 49002
Mrs. Braford
1. What is your opinion on what should be done with wasted fruit in our cafeteria (p. 3)
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.
Phone: (269) 323-5218 Fax: (269) 323-5290 Room: 2116
CBS News reports that 59 percent of Americans are against the wall—seems to utterly ignore the struggles of the 380,000 furloughed federal workers, and their families. Above all, if President Trump wanted the wall so badly, why couldn’t he have pressed the contentious issue when the Republican Party controlled both houses of Congress last year? We are not here to offer clear-cut solutions. But we plead that the government acts quickly on this.
five on five
central stampede Lauren McColley .......................................News Editor Ethan Lee ..............................................Opinion Editor Bridget Doyle...................................Student Life Editor Paige Berry...................................Entertainment Editor Zach Bumgarner & Jack Juday.................Sports Editors Lauren McColley.......................................Photo Editor Carter Colosky & Ethan Campbell...............Video Team Staff Writers: Ranya Jamal, Maggie Farrell, Daaren Bukhari, Elizabeth Williams and Caroline Maier Business Manager: Ethan Lee Adviser: James Phillips
What can we learn about this saga of bitter partisanship that reigns Washington? That politicians can’t get anything done, even as our representatives and government officials look not only incapable, but foolish and halfwitted. Remember, Congress was still getting paid during the entire ordeal. And their own lack of bipartisanship for what many have claimed to be a “pet project” of Trump’s—
Putting a spoon under your pillow.
Hanging out with my friends.
Study and get good sleep.
Hope for as much snow and ice as possible.
skiing and spending 4. Going time with friends and family.
To study at a cafe with no technology or friends.
Putting a spoon under your pillow and ice cubes in the toilet.
New Years Eve with Ranya Jamal!
Flush a spoon down the toilet and sing the Super Smash Bros Brawl theme while hitting the shoot dance very aggressively.
Pray.
When I got my first epic victory royale in my favorite game, Fortnite.
Spending time with my delightful children. (Hi Jenna!)
I watch Tik-Tok and “Try Not to Laugh” compilations.
Drink coffee and read something uplifting. I also might get a good nap in!
5. What do you do to boost your spirits when you feel down ? (p. 2 ) Listen to music.
Watching Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.
Cry and try to pass time by listening to super sad music alone. And also singing by myself in the car.
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Jan. 18, 2019
opinion
5
What’s the right way to study? Freedom of Cramming:
Preparing:
BY BRYAN CASSEM Editor-in-Chief
BY CAROLINE MAIER Staff Writer
Every high school student has reached a point where they don’t feel prepared enough for an upcoming test, and this is typically due to a lack of time or motivation to study. This often leaves students cramming information into their brain the night before, or in some cases, the hour before, which is exactly what their teachers told them not to do. However, as an IB Diploma candidate and senior, I can attest to the fact that cramming will eventually become a necessity at one point or another, and that this is okay because it can actually be an effective study habit. This being said, cramming is obviously not the best study method, yet it is necessary and it still works. When it comes to exams, cramming does not always work, but paired with some prior knowledge and a little studying beforehand, it can go a long way. I normally prepare for my exams a bit in advance, but for every exam I always try to cram more information in right before the assessment as well, and I have always found that this helps. Students are never going to have enough time to devote to studying throughout the week for every single class, which is the primary reason that cramming exists in the first place. This is not the perfect studying method and should only be done when necessary, but it oftentimes is, and as long as one is attentive in class and does their work, it can certainly yield success.
January and February always seem to take forever, and it doesn’t help that exams are approaching. Finals are a huge part of our grade, and for most of us, that’s the scariest part. The whole year has been working up to this one test. Students should start to study early for exams instead of trying to cram it into a day or two. I think that this is the best way for someone to study because when you start to study earlier you have more time to go over things that you don’t know or can’t–for the life of you–remember. Also, when you cram, the material doesn’t stay in your long term memory, so you aren’t as likely to remember it. So by slowly going studying over a longer period of time, it is easier to remember and apply the material you studied. It’s better to take a little time out of your day or night for a longer period of time so you walk into the final feeling confident and ready for the test. Cramming is also a bad idea because it causes more stress in the long run, and exams are stressful enough as is. By reviewing for a short amount of time everyday for a longer duration, you won’t be as stressed by the time the actual test rolls around. Trying to understand 18 weeks of in-depth knowledge for two classes hours before is going to be the death of you, because let’s be honest: if you put off studying for exams until the night before you will put it off until 10 p.m. too.
It’s a new year but still same me BY R ANYA JAM A L Staff Writer It’s been a long day. I get on my phone to just browse through Instagram and see what’s up. There’s nothing really special. I just see the typical videos of workouts I’ll never follow and model’s bodies I’ll never have, until I stumble upon a selfie of a girl with the caption, “New Year, New Me.” I throw my phone against the wall and scream into my pillow because this is my biggest pet peeve. If I could have a word with whoever posted that, here is what I have
to say: It’s a new year, not a new life. The average person lives to be 85 years old, so does it make sense that someone can become a new person 85 times throughout their lives? Yeah honey, I don’t think that seems right. It’s not just that, but simply becoming a new person just because it’s a new year is just bogus. Change requires time and effort, not just a new year. The new year isn’t some magical day that will completely make you start working out, eating healthy, and stop procrastinating. One second it’s 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31, and the next it’s 12:00 a.m. on Jan. 1. How do you become a new person in just those few seconds? And you see, that’s the thing: you don’t. You have to work! Now, let’s say this person that posted the
picture with the caption actually does change. Awesome! Congrats! But will it really last? New Year's resolutions at this point are basically January resolutions. Why even bother with resolutions if you know you can’t keep up with them. And if you think you can, you’re more likely to fall through than to follow through with them. I don’t mean to be so pessimistic, but that’s really just how it is. The worst part is that the girl that posted that, is probably going to say that exact same thing the next year, and the next year, and the year after that, but she will never actually be a new person. I guess what I’m trying to get at is that those four words are some of the most bothersome and false words anyone can ever say for the new year, so just don’t spit out that nonsense.
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press today BY ETHA N L EE Opinion Editor
As a writer for the school newspaper, I am obviously intimately familiar with our glorious and beloved First Amendment, which clearly states the prevention of a government which prohibits the free exercise of the press. As such, whenever I see tumultuous media-centered occurrences on the news, I feel like I am caught in the crossfire of a disconcerting Executive Branch that often time deals with contentious and one-sided reporters, and media outlets that attempt to uphold our rights and defend against a disorderly, to say the least, presidency. As a journalist, I think both sides have logical reasoning, and concessions to give. It is no understatement to say that everyone knows that Trump’s relationship with the press is often belligerent. In November, a widelypublicized battle of words between CNN’s Jim Acosta and President Trump made headlines; CNN fired back with a lawsuit and a judge ruled in favor. The implications were clear, and even fellow broadcast channel Fox News supported the decision. And I do too, but first, presidential feuds with the press are nothing new. Once, a U.S. president complained that journalists were “prostitutes of the mind.” Instead of a late-night rage tweet from the current leader of the free world, this quote was from none other than Democratic President Harry S. Truman (keyword democratic; it’s both sides), whose term coincided with rising public paranoia and suspicion about government officials during the 1950’s. But freedom of the press is a lodestar to a democratic government that pledges to promote individuality and restrain censorship. It is a pinnacle of freedom in the U.S. that other countries of the world look up to. And oftentimes, Trump does not help that. But back to Acosta. He was, admittedly, argumentative. And although journalists may pride themselves on being fighters of justice, they should—in this case—question the President about his views, plans and actions, and not try to correct the president about five times. In conclusion, it would be a good idea for President Trump to stop labeling all negative news reports about him as “fake” news; a quick “ctrl f” keyboard shortcut on my computer shows that he’s used the term “fake” six times in the past four days on his Twitter. That’s just a somewhat blind cry of frustration. But if Acosta and his colleagues stay more controlled, this situation would be better for all and I would welcome him back.
student life
Jan. 18, 2019
Winter break was filled with many adventures BY MAGGIE FARRELL Staff Writer
Audrey Vermeulen: Cruise
Student copes with her serious allergies BY BRIDGET DOYLE Student Life Editor
Senior Audrey Vermeulen spent her time off on a cruise to spend quality time with her family. She took the time to soak up the sun and take part in numerous exciting activities. “I enjoyed relaxing and spending time in the sun. In St. Kitts, I swam with the dolphins. In Curacao, we took a 4x4 Jeep tour,” Vermeulen said. “In Aruba, we enjoyed the white sand beaches and the crystal clear water.” Her cruise sailed around various warm locations, starting in San Juan, Puerto Rico. From there, she visited Curacao, St. Kitts and Aruba. Vermeulen`s favorite part of the vacation was spending the time with her family on her last winter break of her senior year.
Junior Sydney Libbing also went to an exotic location over winter vacation. She spent her time in Cairo, Egypt. She began her trip in Cairo and then went down the east side of the Nile River. They took boats, trains and busses to travel back up the river on the west side. “We visited the highlights of Egypt,” Libbing said. “Including the Sphinx, the Great Pyramids, the Valley of The Kings and the Museum in Cairo.” Libbing said her favorite part of the vacation was seeing the architecture of the structures considering how long ago they had been built. “I would say that my favorite part would be seeing something so astonishing and so old,” Libbing said. “It’s hard to even imagine people building the statues and pyramids and all of the amazing architecture with the simple and minimal supplies and equipment they had.” Libbing said that she would definitely go back to Egypt to have one more time to take in the sights and recommends it to anyone.
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Sydney Libbing: Cairo
Seth June: Hawaii Freshman Seth June spent time in the sunshine over his winter break. He and his family vacationed to Hawaii. “We went snorkeling, we went on a lot of hikes and spent a lot of time in the pool,” June said. “We spent time taking long walks on the beach.” June said that his favorite activity while on the vacation was snorkeling. He said that it was very fun to do. June specifically visited the island of Maui while they were in Hawaii. They stayed in the city of Kapalua. “I would go back again to Hawaii,” June said. “But, I'd probably want to go back for a week next time instead of two weeks.”
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As students, most of us are involved in one or two after school activities on top of all of the schoolwork and homework that we have. However, from color guard to clubs to academics, Junior Meghan Beuker does it all. “I’m in marching band Knitting Club, Rotary Club and Garden Club,” Beuker said. “I downhill ski in the winter, I captain JY-15 boats up North in Presque Isle Michigan in the summer and crew on the Ynglings.” Just like over 65 percent of juniors and seniors, Beuker is enrolled in IB classes such as IB 20th Century World History, IB English and IB Spanish. However, Beuker is unique in many ways pertaining to her talents and qualities along with her life threatening allergies “I’m allergic to milk, peanuts, tree nuts, kiwi, avocado and latex,” Beuker said. “Also cats, dogs, anything with dandruff, trees, [and] pollen.” Beuker first started experiencing issues with food borne allergies when she was around two months old. She was in daycare and one of the workers put dairy into her food. Beuker immediately had an allergic reaction. “Luckily they knew I was allergic to latex at this point,” Beuker said. “They gave me my epipen and my dad was able to come pick me up. That was scary just because I was so small.” Beuker proceeded to visit the allergist to be tested and the results came back with a staggering amount of things that she is allergic to. Despite the trials Beuker has gone through, she has the spirit of any regular student. Her love of marching band has impacted her so much as a member of the color guard. “Everyone in band puts their blood sweat and tears into the show,” said Beuker. “Just working with everyone to create something that is larger than yourself has really impacted me. It showed me how much we’re capable of despite being high schoolers.” Beuker has recently been struggling with her allergies and asthma due to vaping that occurs in the school. She has not been able to attend school for this reason and has been learning from home. Against all odds, Beuker strives to keep up with her work and to continue learning even with her allergies. “I try not to let it impact my life as much as I can,” said Beuker. “I try not let it define me too much. Yes, it is something I’m dealing with, but it does not define me as a person.”
student life
Jan. 18, 2019
7
How to bring a snow day into your life BY DAAREN BUKHARI Staff Writer
It’s finally that time of the year where Michigan blasts everyone with the all dreadful snow that we love to see. However, many of us genuinely love to see the snow because that means snow days! For most students, unless you’re a skier or snowboarder, the only exciting part about winter during the school year is the snow days that come with it. However, Mother Nature sometimes doesn’t give us as much snow as we want and we’ll end up getting close to no snow days throughout the year. But, we’ve already had a snow day in the uncommon month of November. Hopefully this means we will have more this year. Since the winter has arrived, it also means that everyone can start performing their snow day rituals. Here’s how you can get your snow days this year:
INSIDE OUT PJS
ICE CUBES DOWN THE TOILET
Everyone’s pretty familiar with this ritual and it’s quite simple. Instead of sleeping in your pj’s the regular way, if you want a snow day, you have to sleep with your pjs inside out. According to “legends”, if you sleep with them inside out, it’ll snow more overnight. I think we all want as much snow as possible during the night, so perhaps if enough kids sleep with pjs inside out, we’ll get a snow day.
SNOW DANCE The snow dance really is an actual ceremony that’s performed by Native Americans in Colorado. It’s a complicated dance, but if you do any type of dance and call it a snow dance, then it’s possible to still get a snow day.
This ritual is pretty common, but it’s as easy as putting a minimum of six ice cubes down the toilet and proceeding to flush them down. It’s a simple process and it’ll get all of us that well-needed snow day.
SPOON UNDER THE PILLOW Legends say that if you keep a spoon under your pillow, you’ll get a snow day! As kids, we all know we can get the tooth fairy to come overnight when a tooth is under your pillow. Maybe the spoon fairy can come and give us a snow day? It doesn’t matter what kind of spoon it is, plastic or metal, just put a spoon under your pillow and you’ll get your day off.
RUN AROUND THE DINNER TABLE FIVE TIMES There’s really no need for any explanation for this. Go to the dinner table, run five times, and sleep in happily the next day.
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Yaps and laps: Full of health benefits and friendship BY BRIDGET DOYLE Student Life Editor
Teachers Cathy Laurencig and Cheryl Tucker enjoy walking and chatting after school From getting a gym credit to signing to play a sport for a college, students are constantly in motion whether it’s clubs, theatre or sports. However, for teachers, it isn’t as easy to join clubs for exercise. Foods and nutrition teacher Cheryl Tucker and science teacher Cathy Laurencig began
walking together after school four years ago. “We do laps and yaps,” Tucker said. “We’re doing our laps as we’re yapping to each other, talking about school, talking about life.” Tucker and Laurencig walk two to three days a week and usually walk around three miles a day. The go around the perimeter of the school and up and down the stairs getting their heart rate up. During the summer and outside of school, they’ll both go out and walk around the Celery Flats. The main reason they started walking was due to their own health. “Teaching can be very stressful and requires us to put in a great deal of time outside of school,” Laurencig said. “We didn't want our health to suffer so we decided to commit to walking regularly throughout the year.” Laurencig came up with the idea to have them walk around after school. However, exer-
cise is not foreign to these talented women. “She exercises a lot and she’s in really good shape,” Tucker said. “She used to be a volleyball player and I used to be a weightlifter. I used to lift weights and was in a contest. Both of us enjoy exercising.” It is usually Tucker and Laurencig who walk together, but occasionally Tucker’s intern Nicole Stizlicki and Mary Knetch will come join the workout too. The idea for the walking club really brought both of these teachers together. “It’s bonded us,” said Tucker. “It’s a really tight relationship because we’ve talked about some in depth things when we’re walking.” Overall laps and yaps has provided many great and simple benefits for all of those involved in the walking group. The next time you see Tucker and Laurencig walking after school, watch out, because they have long legs and are coming fast.
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BRIDGET DOYLE/STAMPEDE
Cathy Laurencig and Cheryl Tucker walk in the halls after school for exercise and good conversation.
entertainment
8
Jan 18, 2019
Reviews Stampede from the
‘Stokeley’ goes hard with its bangers Ski Mask the Slump God’s long-awaited debut studio album, “Stokeley,” hits the mark in term of what fans expected—listeners are rewarded with a mix of angry vocals often reminiscent of the late XXXTentacion, and softer tunes with a mellow vibe. Rapping with a signature flow that cascades like a stream, Ski Mask’s rapid and articulate lyrics are present in tracks such as “Adults Swim,” and “Unbothered;” the latter is my personal favorite, with a modern and Atlanta-esque instrumental Songs like “Foot Fungus” and “Faucet Failure” just have a beat and flow that make you want to dance, with Ski Mask’s typical humor providing lines such as “I’m flyer than a [sic] ostrich,” in “Faucet Failure” (ostriches don’t fly). And of course, the most played song, “Nuketown,” offers swift and crisp lyrics and a video-game theme, complemented by a (rare) screaming Juice Wrld. Above all, Ski Mask gives us what he’s known for, and packages it in an entire album. We’re happy.
REVIEWED BY ETHAN LEE
‘A Thai Cafe’ is authentic and tasty The restaurant, “A Thai Cafe” has delicious and authentic Thai food along with a great customer experience. Their restaurant’s menu is based around Billy Kue’s authentic Thai recipes that have been served at numerous Thai restaurants in the Kalamazoo area for over 20 years. Before even eating the food, the first thing to be noticed is the quiet and casual ambience of the restaurant. It’s not too big or fancy, and is very welcoming to anyone in any type of attire and age. The menu is great at catering to all forms of diets as it is comprised of many vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options. They have the children’s favorite, chicken strips with a thai twist and all of the entrees can have spice taken out. The prices are very reasonable as the entree prices start as low as $8. They are extremely generous and an entree’s leftovers can easily be used as someone’s next two dinners. The most notable and important part of this restaurant is the taste of the food. The authenticity really shines through. All flavors are balanced perfectly, and all of the food is paired with just the right sides. This restaurants is notably one of the best restaurants to go to for it’s kind workers, friendly menu, generous portions, and great taste! Anyone in the Kalamazoo area should head in sometime, guaranteed to like it, even if they’ve never had Thai food! COURTESY OF KISSPNG
REVIEWED BY RANYA JAMAL
Hydro Flasks are expensive, but worth it At this point, you probably have seen people carrying a Hydro Flask water bottle around your school or campus, and gym. You probably have asked yourself at least once, “what is the hype over this water bottle?” It may just seem like an overpriced, oversized, and overused water bottle, but it is one of the best purchases you could make. Hydro Flask is also vacuum-sealed and made with 18/8 pro-grade stainless steel that keeps beverages warm for 12 hours and longer. The Hydro Flask is available in a variety of sizes, styles, and colors. Hydro Flask has recently started offering ombre colored bottles, which adds even more diversity in the already many colors that are offered. This is what sets Hydro Flask apart from other durable water bottle brands, such as Yeti. Yeti does not offer quite the amount of colors and sizes that Hydro Flask does. After much evaluation and research, buying a Hydro Flask is the best purchase you can make. The price may seem like much at $40, but for the use you will get from it, it is worth it.
REVIEWED BY ELLIE GEIB
Ratings Key
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very good incredible
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Through the show’s eight seasons, viewers become familiar with the program’s characters, such as Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, Danny Masterson, Laura Prepon, Wilmer Valderrama, and many more.
Paige’s Peculiar Pick— Watch ‘That 70’s Show’ Eclectic program set in the expressive and fun decade provides retro-hip comedy for all BY PAIGE BERRY Entertainment Editor These days, many may still be looking for a new show to pass the time, and sitcoms available on Netflix and Amazon Prime hold many options. Running for eight years on Fox, “That ‘70s Show” delivered eight hilarious seasons that rival other sitcoms such as “Friends,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “Cheers” and “The Office.” Throughout the eight seasons, viewers follow teenagers through the town of Point Place, WI and their teenage shenanigans spilling into their young adult lives. “That ‘70s Show” opens with one of the most iconic theme song sequences ever performed. This sequence shows the cast switching spots in Forman’s Vista Cruiser while singing the song “In the Street”. It is performed by Todd Griffin in season one, then band Cheap Trick for the remaining seasons. This sets the vibe for the entire show, sending the viewer back in time and establishing the mischief they make while enjoying every minute of it. The plot follows Eric Forman (Topher Grace), his neighbor turned girlfriend Donna Pinciotti (Laura Prepon), resident rich girl Jackie Burkhart (Mila Kunis), town clown Michael Kelso (Ashton Kutcher), rebel Steven Hyde (Danny Masterson) and funny foreign exchange student Fez (Wilmer Valderrama) during their times at Point
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Place High and beyond. They find themselves in many antics. Some include losing Kelso at an amusement park, theft of Fatso, the Fatso Burger’s creepy clown mascot and speaker for their drive-thru, the boys opening all the Christmas presents for underprivileged children in Point Place, dine and dashing at an extremely upscale restaurant and other crazy situations the crew themselves in. This show gave rise to many popular actors and actress’ today: Eric Foreman, one of the main protagonists for the first seven seasons, then an accredited guest on the final season is played by Grace. Grace is best known as Eddie Brock in “SpiderMan 3” and Jason Morris from the romantic comedy “Valentine’s Day.” Other breakout stars include Kunis, who later landed roles as Meg in “Family Guy,” and many film appearances including the “Ted” series, “Friends with Benefits,” “Bad Moms,” “Black Swan,” and many more. Prepon has also had extremely successful career following “That ‘70s Show.” She has landed roles in “Orange is the New Black,” Girl on the Train,” and “Slackers.” “That ‘70s Show” is definitely worth the binge over break because it full of hilarious antics and balanced with sequences of heartache. IMDb rates the show as an 8.1 out of 10, while TV.com rates it as a 9/10. With 200 episodes to enjoy, this is one show that will leave people laughing and wanting more.
entertainment
Jan. 18, 2019
Let me educate you about chapstick BY KAORU MURAI Website Editor-in-Chief We are in the midst of the cold, dry, desolate winter season. With Christmas in the books, many are faced with a nightmare of the dreadful cold and inevitable dryness that comes with it. It’s only natural for many pairs of lips to be cracked and parched, begging for nourishment and extra care. Please allow me, a seasoned chapstick owner and user of 15 chapsticks simultaneously (without losing any of them) guide you on your journey to finding the perfect chapstick for you.
This chapstick is the perfect companion for those who dislike the goopy consistencies found in other brands. It is guaranteed to stay in place, and not smear all over your mouth. The cool peppermint relieves rashes on the lips and surrounding areas. However, this product is not a good choice to wear outside, as the chilly wind hitting your lips enhances the menthol to a painful degree.
This product is the holy grail for chapstick purists. I am not a fan of the smell as it gives me a throwback to the days of my dissatisfaction with Happy Meal Toys. However, for those who love the slightly sweet, cakey scent, it is a joy to use. This is not recommended for those with already damaged lips, as its application requires more pressure and may aggravate your irritation. For those looking for damage prevention, it does an excellent job of providing and locking in moisture within the skin, and beautifully blocks out the drying effects of Michigan weather.
With SPF 15 and its claim to have been “medicated,” this product is perfect for those with irritated lips that need an extra hand for restoration. The product protects against the sun for those who are sensitive to light, as well as give gentle cooling relief for soreness. Highly recommended for those with damaged, painful lips who want extra protection and nourishment, and dislike the sting of menthol.
If you haven’t tried this product yet, don’t. Keep your hands off. It’s been proven that the Carmex brand has been formulating their products to dehydrate lips: promoting their sales as customers use more product to compensate for the induced dryness. Also the plastickiness doesn’t look cute when it’s on your lips. Save your money and invest in a brand that actually cares for your welfare. 0/10. Goodbye, Carmex. ILLUSTRATED BY KAORU MURAI/STAMPEDE
DC vs Marvel: What’s your opinion? BY LIZ WILLIAMS Staff Writer When it comes to superheroes, we think of two huge names that fans have debated over for years. The rivalry between DC and Marvel has been one of the most controversial topics in comic book history. This leads us to a very important question: DC or Marvel? Here’s what I think: Both universes have amazing heroes with incredible abilities, however one stands out more than the other. We might not all agree but, I believe DC is the winner because it is far more intense and creative. When it comes to deciding between the two universes, most people base their choice off of movies. Although it’s obvious that DC is better in comic books and tv shows, I can’t ignore the fact that Marvel is better in movies. However, this one category definitely does not outweigh the two and despite this fact, I still believe that DC is more superior. In a debate like this, there are still tv shows
and comic books you must consider. Marvel may be ranked higher in theaters but when it comes to tv series, DC takes the win. In the television category, DC Universe has a lot more to bring to the table with higher ratings. With shows like Arrow, The Flash, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow and more, the entertainment surely beats Marvel. In my opinion, Marvel lacks maturity and depth. Nowadays, there’s a childish vibe to most Marvel shows and a few dull storylines. DC incorporates a much darker and more appealing plot making some shows more intense than others. Because the series and comics are linked, the comics also put DC up another level. The first comic book by DC Comics was published in 1935, before Marvel which released its first comic in 1939. DC was the main and original universe making Marvel the “copycat” in the publishing game. The heroes and villains in DC Comics are also more intriguing and have more of a unique story as to how they obtained their powers. But, I do have to say Marvel does an outstanding job keeping their fans hooked
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on the extreme events that take place in their storylines. This is a debate that will never end and keep fans on edge forever. Everyone has a different opinion with different reasoning behind it. But even though us Marvel and DC fans have our differences, there is one thing we all share; the love for superheroes.
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9 What we hope the new year will bring for music BY PAIGE BERRY Entertainment Editor The music industry in 2018 was blessed with gems originating from artists such as Ariana Grande, J.Cole, Mac Miller, 5 Seconds of Summer, Panic! At The Disco and many more artists. While 2019 does not seem that it will be as promising as 2018, there are very few albums that seem extremely promising. No matter what genre anybody prefers, 2019 has something for everyone. Whether an original grunge band, empowering pop anthems, beautiful pop ballads or indie rock band strikes a cord with listeners, 2019 will bring all to the table. For those who appreciate artists from decades past, Madonna and Bruce Springsteen are to release their own albums sometime during the year. Along with the pop diva and rock legend, the Backstreet Boys will release a new album on Jan. 25 titled “DNA” after fans waited five years to receive new music from the seasoned boy band. For those who still watch Vine compilations late at night, Jack and Jack have released their second studio album “A Good Friend Is Nice” on Jan. 4. The duo have released many extended plays (EPs) over the past years, but have only released only one other full-length album in 2015. Beloved Lana Del Rey is set to release her brand new album sometime this upcoming year. Fans have been eagerly awaiting this album since her last release in 2017 titled “Lust for Love.” Another empowering woman who will be releasing brand new music in 2019 is Meghan Trainor, her album “Treat Myself” releases on Jan. 25 alongside the Backstreet Boys. Riding off their success of their cover of Toto’s “Africa,” American rock band Weezer will be dropping their “Black Album” titled “Weezer” on Mar. 1. This album has been rumored to be the contrast of their 2017 album, “Pacific Daydream” which is referred to as the “White Album” by the members of the band, as well as their fans. Only time will tell if it is a true opposite. Other notable projects that are still under development and still yet to be formally announced, one album being released by late, while very beloved artist. Prince has been rumored to have an album released sometime during 2019, yet there is not much that has been published about this release. This past year has been full of amazing music, mixed with terrible tragedy like the loss of artists like XXXTentacion and Mac Miller. In 2018, the music industry came together to produce fantastic work. This upcoming year seems to be lackluster, but artists may have surprise releases throughout the year and more titles will be announced as Jan. 1 inches closer. For music, 2019 will be a hit or miss, but I hope that some miraculous hits will arise from new releases.
sports
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Jan 18, 2019
Hockey team takes the ice with high hopes BY ZACH BUMGARNER Sports Editor
COURTESY OF KONNOR MCLEOD
Senior Konnor McLeod controls the puck against rival Portage Northern, competing for the canoe every year in the Portage Classic.
Action on the ice so far this year has lived up to all expectations. The Mustangs are off to a solid start in the conference with a 4-2 record. Their overall record on the season is 6-8. This is thanks to many returning players leading to an experienced team. Senior Konnor McLeod is not surprised with how successful the season is going. He knew they had potential. “Every opponent that looks at us is getting destroyed,” McLeod said. “They don’t stand a chance against us.” He is radiating with confidence and this is leading to the team’s success. The Mustangs are about halfway through the season. Senior Canyon Morse believes the remaining games will go as smoothly as the first half of the season. “We are playing good as a team and right now we look like one of the better teams in the area,” Morse said. “I can’t wait to see how the second half of the season will turn out.” The team is second in the conference so Morse is not wrong. The first place team as of now is the Kalamazoo Blades. “Being in second place is a positive,” McLeod said. “We just need to win more out of conference games to improve our overall record.” The Mustangs next game is tomorrow against Portage Northern at Wings West. The team hopes to pick up their second win against the Huskies this season. Playoffs will start on February 18th and everyone is rooting that this team keeps winning and never looks back. The team has confidence in their abilities, and plans to make a deep run into the playoffs.
The Alpine Ski squad competes on a different playing field BY JACK JUDAY Sports Editor Skiing on a snowy slope on a cold Sunday afternoon is seen by many as an opportunity to relax and enjoy the winter. For these students, skiing is a competition that they pour their blood, sweat, and tears into. They hit the slopes with a different mind set: to destroy their opponents in an intense race to the bottom. Daniel Grile is a Freshman, and has been skiing for nine years. He has spent most of his childhood on the slopes. “There are too many things that I like about Ski Racing to narrow it down to one concept. Between the competition and the adrenaline, its just always a great time,” Grile said. Cam Nosal is a senior, who joined the team this season. He saw the team as an opportunity to step outside the box. “I decided it would be a fun way to spend my senior year along with enhancing my skiing abilities.” Nosal said. As any good Michigander knows, the winter and its snow is a very unpredictable variable in nature. The alpine ski team knows this, and feel the full wrath of the winter weather.
Many of the team’s competitions get canceled in the early part of the season due to lack of snow. “The cancelled events affect us because we can’t practice the same as we would race, ” Nosal said, “There isn’t enough snow to set up gates the same way they would set up for a race so in that aspect it will be hard to get a good feel of the course.”
Freshman Daniel Grile speeds down the slope in a race.
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sports
Jan. 18, 2019
11
Varsity veterans bring strong potential
With several returning players the women’s basketball team hopes to have a strong postseason
The women’s basketball team lines up together before the national anthem.
Courtesy of Jim Cottrell
Junior Abby Long makes a move on the Harper Creek defenders.
BY DAAREN BUKHARI Staff Writer It’s the winter season, and high school sports have already kick started, including the girls basketball season. With a handful of games to go to, the girls basketball games are definitely some to look forward to, as they’re willing to do whatever it takes to give themselves the best season by far. “We have the potential to be a great team,” junior Maizie Brown said. “But that all depends on all of us making sacrifices for one another. By doing the little things, staying focused/competitive during practice, and staying together as a family, we have the chance of going really far in the tournament this year.” Most of these girls have been playing for
most of their life, and they’re excited to come out for another year to represent their school and play the game they love in front of their school. “Abby Long and I have been on the same team with my dad as my head coach since the third grade,” said Brown. The large difference with the team this year is that the team is lacking many seniors, and it’s definitely different, but junior Abby Lawler doesn’t seem to lose any of her confidence or fun with that. “This team has amazing chemistry and it’s always a good time to be around them, it makes the tough practices and loses bearable, and the good moments even better,” said Lawler. With playing a sport, many players get quite close with their teammates, and this season
it isn’t any different for Brown. Getting along with the team would be one of her favorite parts of playing the sport, along with the team chemistry. “I love getting together with these people nearly everyday of the week. Whether it’s during practices, games, pre-game plans, team bonding, etc., I always have a great time with them,” said Brown. Along with many players returning from last year, the girls team actually had two new players this year, who transferred from different
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Courtesy of Jim Cottrell
schools, Sophie Bench and Megan McDaid. The girls are looking forward to pushing their limits this season and have a pushing momentum that has no intent to stop anytime soon. “We are very enthusiastic about this season and think it will be one of our best yet,” said Lawler. The next game of Portage Central Girl’s Basketball will be next Monday, the 22nd of January. They will face off against Gull Lake High School
Courtesy of Jim Cottrell
Junior Abby Long takes the ball down the court against Harper Creek defenders.
stampede
12
community fundraising
Jan 18, 2019
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