Bucs' Blade November 2019

the

blade

Troubling breathalyzer policy pg. 8-9

Volume 75 Issue 2, bucsblade.com

GRAND HAVEN HIGH SCHOOL

November 26, 2019

EDITOR IN CHIEF

blade

the

STAFF Sam Woiteshek

A WORD FROM YOUR EDITORS

Morgan Womack

MANAGING EDITOR Caleb Berko

FEATURE EDITOR Sophia Jaeger

PHOTO EDITOR Addy Wachter

BUSINESS MANAGER Nicolas Twa

REPORTERS Mike Baldus Camille Berko Macayla Cramer Natalie Dupuis Grant Engelsman Paige Horist Emily Jarrell Mercedes Mancilla Emma Manzo Cameron March Ava Monasmith Grace Montgomery Gabi Nadeau Grace Ostric Adrienne Parcheta Benjamin Pease Nick Rice Brendan Vander Meer Jacob Welch

PUBLICATION POLICY The Bucs’ Blade is a student-produced news publication that publishes information relevant to the times as well as material that is essential to the overall well-being of its readers. It is The Bucs’ Blade’s responsibility to cover school, city, state,

Hi readers, This is Sam. Morgan was in Washington, D.C. for a national journalism conference when I wrote this.

Last Thursday, to say the least, was hectic. Originally, the plan was for our staff to proofread pages for any errors. That lasted all of five minutes because of a transformer.

No, not the Optimus Prime kind, the electrical ones that run our building. Essentially, one of them blew up and the school lost power.

Now, I don’t know about other classes, but much of Blade’s operations runs on wireless internet. We need Google Chrome and Google Docs for almost everything we do. However, without power this was obviously not an option.

So we took out our chromebook, and used them flashlights to read in the dark. Call it crazy, but with the brightness turned all the way up it is an effective strategy.

Nevertheless, the pages were proofread. The next step in production is to implement the edits and send them to the printer. Unfortunately, this had to be done on the school district’s Wi-Fi to access the network drive, so there was no way around the electrical dilemma.

Here’s the kicker: the power outage happened at the worst possible time. Morgan were gone, so I was primarily forced to make the tough calls, with great help from Caleb. Our adviser, C.E.. Sikkenga, was gone, which is a blatant problem. And the deadline for pages to go the printer was in five hours. Collectively, we were about to raise our white flags. We would resume design the next day and you, the reader, would receive this edition after Thanksgiving break.

However, we do not give in that easily. We are Buccaneers and we don’t let power outages stop us. Caleb and I made a few calls. We were able to go to Central High School’s “cyber room” and use their internet. This meant that we could still send in this paper to the printer in time and it is the reason you are reading this before the holiday.

The scenario was a perfect embodiment of our staff: we are resilient, dedicated to our craft and committed to giving you a fantastic paper.

So, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, thank you. Thank you for reading this letter, the articles on the following pages and future issues to come. Power or not, your readership will always be the energy that fuels this publication.

Happy Thanksgiving and may electrical be with you. Go Bucs!

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The Bucs’ Blade operates as a designated public forum for student expression. The Editorial Board consisting of student editors is the sole decision-making and policy setting body of

Sam Woiteshek CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF

Morgan Womack CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF

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CONTENTS 3 - STAFF EDITORIAL: Right to breathalyze students 4 - OPINION: Athletes should be paid to play 5 - OPINION: Spelling packets and Christmas decorations 6-7 - CLASSROOM & COMMUNITY: News 8-9 - Breathalyzers 10-11 - Therapy dog at Rosy Mound 12-13 - Building a bus 14 - Physics curriculum changed 15 - Exchange student perspectives 16 - Sipe films video 17 - FASHION: Streetwear 18-19 - REVIEWS 20-21 - Ackerman’s swimming career 22 - Immink’s coaching 23 - “Calling It Like I See It” and coach Smaka 24 - PHOTO STORY: Musical

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Grand Haven’s student publication of community significance since 1927

November 26, 2019, www.bucsblade.com

Save your

breath

Breathalyzer policies at other area high schools

All school dances will have breathalyzer testing done on a random basis at the entrance to the dance. Any student who refuses to submit to testing will not be allowed to attend the dance or activity.

Current breathalyzer policy is an unnecessary imposition on student rights to property and privacy, needs to be changed

S

ometimes you have to make a change.

The school should be basing who receives Most of the time these changes are a PBT on reasonable suspicion instead of for the better. Especially when some- a randomized method. This means that if thing has reached a point where it’s someone acts as though they’re intoxicated, so obviously in need of transformation that they get breathalyzed. If the admin wants to you’d have to be brain-dead to miss it. breathalyze us, they better have reasonable In the case of Grand Haven High School’s suspicion to do so. breathalyzer policy, truer words have never Other school districts in our area handle been spoken. As the Blade has discovered this issue with different approaches. Mona through rights advocates, legal experts and, Shores bases their PBTs on the reasonable more importantly, the stususpicion method. They dedents, what the adminisfine it as impaired speech tration is doing right now or coordination, or odor of is dead wrong. It’s discrimialcohol on breath. Comparnatory, arbitrary and everyatively, Fruitport and West thing in between.

Ottawa do not administer So why the PBT (prelimPBTs. inary breath test) in the first If they trust their stuplace? Simply put, the addents, why can’t our school STAFF ministration feels it’s necdo the same?

EDITORIAL essary to keep students safe As it stands now, GHHS while at a dance. is mimicking Spring Lake, Support 6-0 But any reasonably where the admin staff bright student can come to choose a number one the conclusion that they could just choose to through ten and then systematically distribdrink after the dance, so as to not get caught. utes PBTs. That would allow an intoxicated In order to actually work to solve the student to possibly walk into the dance withproblem of underage drinking, the school out ever being tested. should make an effort to target students for Let’s face it: random breathalyzation is this activity. not real. It’s GHHS’ unfounded claim at enwww.bucsblade.com, November 26, 2019

suring students have a fun, safe night. Oh, and it makes them look good in the public eye too.

Besides the issue of reasonable suspicion, there are rights that must be read to you before a PBT is administered. Do Grand Haven students receive them?

No. Per principal Tracy Wilson, students only get the reassurance that everything will be alright and work out. What legal merit does that have?

Further, the policy is outdated in relation to other social issues. As teenagers, we live in an era where vaping is more prevalent than smoking cigarettes, where people would rather get high on marijuana than drop acid.

And where drinking is less and less cool every day. Just ask Wilson, she’ll tell you there hasn’t been a drinking incident at a dance in several years.

As students, we should be asking ourselves: what the heck is going on? We’ve been getting slighted for years without ever realizing it. We hope the story you’ll read later on in this issue clarifies this policy.

For now, there is only one conclusion we can make: the school’s breathalyzer policy is unnecessary in its current state. If administration genuinely wants the students to enjoy the dances and keep them safe, they

Grand Haven’s student publication of community significance since 1927

No current breathalyzer policy

No current breathalyzer policy

Students suspected of using alcohol due to observable behavior are subject to a PBT. Observable behavior is defined as impaired speech or coordination, or odor of alcohol on breath.

THE BUCS’ BLADE - 3

It pays to play NCAA’s long-awaited rule changes allowing athletes to profit off of names are coming

W

ell college sports fans, it’s happening. The NCAA is working on making a plan that allows college athletes to profit off of their likenesses. It has been long-awaited, but it’s almost here.

This means the potential return of the NCAA football and basketball games by EA Sports, which is something fans of the series of games and college sports fans all together have been eagerly waiting for.

But it’s more than a video game. It’s deeper than fans. It’s athletes in general being affected.

Now, most college athletes already get a free and some even simplified education. They get all of the officially licensed gear exclusive to the program and all of the attention that comes with being a college athlete.

But there’s also the hurdle of paying these athletes for using their names and likenesses.

This is against the rules for now in the NCAA, which was a highly debated topic, until now.

All of this said, athletes deserve to be paid. Sure they get all of the benefits of being at a high-caliber school, but they should at least have the ability to profit off of their likenesses.

Likenesses are a fancy term for the names of the athletes. Anything that has the athlete’s name on it. Let’s say you meet an athlete at an airport. You want his or her autograph, but they’re in college. They cannot give you an autograph, according to current NCAA rules.

The NCAA may mask it as just “names and likenesses”, but it’s more than that. That’s what they want you to think; that it’s something that can be hidden under the rug. The NCAA needs to allow athletes to be able to receive money, especially to help others.

Take Ohio State’s Chase Young. He’s a star defensive lineman for the Buckeyes football team who took out a loan to help get his girlfriend to watch him in the 2018 Rose Bowl.

Young promptly paid off the loan, yet is facing consequences from the NCAA because it’s a violation of their rules.

This is unnecessary on many levels. Yes these are stars in their respective sports, but they’re also college kids. College students who don’t play sports can take out loans and receive gifts. Why can’t athletes like Young?

Probably the most absurd violation that the NCAA found out about was at the University of Oklahoma.

According to an article on mentalfloss.com, three athletes enjoyed some pasta at a banquet for graduation in 2013. They apparently ate too much pasta for the NCAA’s liking and didn’t follow the NCAA’s guidelines for such actions. Each athlete had to pay $3.83 to make up for it.

As impossible as that sounds, it’s true. Players are punished for going up to the food table for seconds. Other people are going to do that this Thanksgiving and they won’t have to pay for it.

In other words, there’s no law that tells someone that citizens of the United States cannot receive money or enjoy the biggest bowl of pasta they want.

Most college athletes are from the United States. Athletes are not above anybody in the hierarchy of citizens. They’re just like us. They’re just people trying to make it to the big time.

Even though most athletes that play college sports receive scholarships, there are also students who play without a scholarship and barely get any playing time. Those student-athletes are called walk-ons.

Now you might be thinking; wait… aren’t these scholarships monetary? Yes. But it’s more than that. College athletes do not receive money for playing sports. They just get a free, less strenuous education to go along with everything given to them on the athletic side of things.

But walk-ons get none of this. They have to work for everything they get and more. They have to fight tooth and nail to even get that coveted spot on the roster.

Along with deserving to be paid, college athletes deserve to lead normal lives. They deserve to have gifts that they want on Christmas Day. Not gifts that follow the NCAA’s rules an.

The NCAA has taken this too far. They can’t keep blocking people from being given monetary benefits. They already know it’s happening under the table.

So please, National Collegiate Athletic Association, make it snappy. We can’t wait until 2021. Make an effective plan for college athletes to be paid. It’s for the benefit of everyone; from kids playing the games to the athletes putting in the work for the success of their team.

Opinion Nicolas Twa

4 - THE BUCS’ BLADE

Grand Haven’s student publication of community significance since 1927

November 26, 2019, www.bucsblade.com

Vocab (n): pointless, useless Vocabulary packets given in English classes are not only tedious, but meaningless too

Sitting in freshman English, the class groans as the teacher passes out double-sided horizontally stapled pages. The anxiety begins; you know what this means. This week, you’re going to have to spend precious time memorizing 20 pointless words that you’ve never heard of and are never going to use.

The students of GHHS are disturbingly familiar with the vocabulary packGrace ets handed out in English class. It doesn’t matter if you are in required freshman English or AP literature - the dread is universal.

Roughly twice a month, students are given a packet filled with words and required to memorize syllable emphasis, synonyms, antonyms, spelling, and part of speech - for a quiz.

The student then promptly forgets about the words, until they have to relearn everything for the final exam.

Let’s be honest here: how many kids actually use or even remember any of the words we receive in English class?

The answer: hardly any.

Cramming for a quiz instead of not using the words that are learned is pointless because students don’t remember material. But linguistics can’t be abandoned.

Instead of memorizing, students ought to learn vocab in ways in which they can apply the terms.

The best way to do this is through the teaching of Greek and Latin roots. But don’t take my word for it, take the evidence.

The evidence is that 60% of the English language is from Greek and Latin.

Knowing the definition of prefixes, suffixes, and roots and being able to apply that

to the word as a whole has been more useful to me than the hundreds of words I have been forced to memorize via packets.

For instance, take the word anomaly. This word isn’t common and the definition would be unknown for most. However, by applying knowledge of the Greek prefix -a (meaning not), and the Greek root - homalos (meaning even), one is able to synthesize the Ostric meaning of anomaly; defined as unevenness; deviation from the common floor.

This is easily applied to standardized tests. It is impossible to know, and unreasonable to memorize all the vocab that would appear in these circumstances.

However, by applying roots, it’s possible to gain a general idea of the definition of the word and understand it enough to do well.

Within two years of medical school, you will be required to memorize countless words, 75% of which Greek origin. Wouldn’t it be easy if your teachers prepared you to learn words by learning roots?

Simple answer: it would.

If you want to become a computer scientist, or improve an SAT, memorize roots.

If a school is encouraging its students to memorize or copy worksheets, vocab quizzes and tests are the way to go.

But I have a feeling that’s not the goal.

In memorizing parts of words that will never be used in ordinary context, students are taught nothing. The idea of vocab packets seems smart, but in reality it isn’t. But when taught the roots of words, students are given the capability to apply their new knowledge in many ways that will prepare them for the rest of life.

Opinion

DAIRY DEMOLITION: The aftermath of Dairy Treat being torn down behind a chain link fence. A staple of the town since 1969, the shop will re-open with a condo complex. (photo by: Brendan Vander Meer)

Keep GH beautiful Ice cream store closed to make room for condo complex not ideal for town’s image

The city ought to keep As you drive through its focus on the things downtown Grand Haven, locals and tourists idolyou may notice the number ize our city for- the small of iconic buildings or the unique shops and beautismall mom-and-pop shops ful downtown cityscape. scattered throughout the People are discovering town. Maybe even the comthe beauty of Grand Havpact white building with en which is increasing the polka-dots on the corner of demand of housing opHarbor and Lafayette with portunities. But for some the triangular sign atop the in order to accommodate roof with block lettering the rise, they feel we need that spells “Dairy Treat.” to build complexes withFor some of us, the shop blends in as a regular small- Brendan Vander Meer in the city that stick out, which is entirely wrong. town business, but for others, In 2018 an apartment building was conit represents the many childhood memories waiting in line for ice cream from one structed on Franklin Street, one of Grand of Grand Haven’s most quality ice cream Haven’s main streets in the city. The building disrupts visitors eyes from other localshops.

However, the polka-dots and red block ly owned businesses to the metropolis of lettering were recently ripped from its apartments.

There are many other options rather foundation by excavators and carried away by dump trucks to make way for a multi- than taking away the natural beauty for man-made eyesores. unit condo complex.

The Haven at Grand Landing ApartDecisions like this are becoming all too common in Grand Haven. It’s destroying ments is an apartment complex offering classic icons which bring thousands of hundreds of apartments just a few minutes tourists to make way for fancy condo com- walk from Washington street. The land utilized was a vacant field before the addiplexes.

Although Dairy Treat will introduce a tion of the apartments. The Haven proved new look and will utilize a storefront inside it was possible to create housing opportuthe condo complex, the argument is much nities within the city without destroying Grand Haven’s beautiful cityscape. bigger.

If Grand Haven continues down the The iconic pier, beaches and the tourism industry are a few things Grand Haven is path of condominium complexes over known for. However, the increasing hous- Grand Haven’s gorgeous downtown aura, ing complexes within the city limits could the metropolis of multi-story condos could be on your front porch. soon be a contender in those top three.

Opinion

www.bucsblade.com, November 26, 2019

WORTHLESS WORK: A student fills out vocabulary practice problems for an assignment. These packets can present unnecessary stress for students with scarce use of the words. (photo by Camille Berko)

Grand Haven’s student publication of community significance since 1927

THE BUCS’ BLADE - 5

BLOOD DRIVE SET FOR DEC. 3 GHHS will host a blood drive on Dec. 3 during all hours. Sign ups will take place during all lunches on Thursday, Nov. 21, Friday, Nov. 22, Monday, Nov. 25 and Tuesday, Nov. 26.

“The overall hope is that kids will get involved with it and realize they can help someone and become lifelong donars,” teacher Todd Diederichsen said.

Participants who are 17 and older can sign up freely, but those who are 16 need to have a permission slip signed by a parent/guardian.

“They say that one person’s donation can help three other people,” Diederichsen said.

--Adrienne Parcheta (BUCS’ BLADE FILE PHOTO)

Senior picture deadline

Senior pictures should be submitted to the Blue and Gold Yearbook on or before Dec. 1.

Students should choose their favorite picture to submit, which must include their entire face.

“It’s pretty simple,” yearbook co-editor-in-chief Jocelyn Jenson said. “They just need to remember to add their name, grade and email when submitting.”

If the deadline seems early, that’s because it is. Previously, the deadline for photos has not been until the second semester, but this year the staff wants to get a head start on designing some of their pages.

If, for any reason, a student is unable to achieve the deadline, they should submit their picture as soon as possible after it’s passed. Some leeway will be granted in that regard.

“I can see the creativity and spark in everyone on staff, we’re all excited to see how this year’s book turns out,” Jenson said.

“

Bucs’ Blade staff members Morgan Womack and Sophia Jaeger along with adviser C.E. Sikkenga will travel to Washington D.C. for a journalism conference Thursday, November 21.

They are going to the Journalism Education Association/National Scholastic Press Association (JEA/NSPA) fall convention. Every year, about 7,000 student journalists from around the country attend this national convention.

Along with the journalist conference, the group will also be able to explore the city.

“We fly in Thursday and we’ll go see the journalism museum at 7:00 On Friday, we will be in the conference sessions all day,” Sikkenga said. “D.C. is great because there is so much to do and it’s so easy to get around.”

Sikkenga will also teach several presentations for the conference, as well as being a lead judge for a journalist write-off competition.

“It’s a great opportunity to learn from the best of the best who are going to be there,” Sikkenga said.

Yo-yo club meets every Monday after school at 3:00 p.m. in room 6205. Club leader, Gavin Hubner, is planning to expand it.

“It’s going to take a while to get people into yoyoing,” Hubner said. “So, once that happens I think it’s probably going to take a couple of years to really get off the ground. To have a lot of people really interested in this would be great.”

Although not many peoplee were able to show up to the first meeting, Hubner is trying to make the most of his lonely scenario.

“I just want to make the best of what’s happening right now, I hope it’s successful,” Hubner said. “I knew it was probably going to be rough starting in the first couple times because people aren’t familiar with what this is, but if we just get a decent number of people interested in coming regularly then that’s good enough for me.”

--Ben Pease

--Mike Baldus

This program means just helping someone who needs help more than anyone else. It’s just helping people be able to do the things that they want to do. -Senior Weston Taylor

Similar to a food pantry for sports equipment, the Buc to Buc program provides sports equipment for students who may not necessarily have access to them.

The drop off area for equipment has not been determined yet, but pay attention to the morning announcements to learn when the location is picked. You can also speak with any of the student leaders who are seniors Luke Deater, Alex Kapala, Owen Ross, Weston Taylor or Evan Yasick to learn more.

--Emily Jarell

Bucs’ Blade goes to JEA

--Camille Berko

6 - THE BUCS’ BLADE

Beginning of Yo-yo club

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November 26, 2019, www.bucsblade.com

HOW WHITMER’S VETOES AFFECT US

Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently made education cuts of $16 million for technical education equipment and $3 million for online algebra, math programs

By Grace Montgomery and Gabi Nadeau

EFFECTS: “We received a cut, it’s been an amount that we have been able to live within ... 5 or 10 percent of our overall budget,” principal Tracy Wilson said.”The nonnegotiable pieces of our High School budget are items like textbooks, classroom supplies and graduation expenses.”

These cuts are going to negatively impact charter and private schools, so our district won’t be directly affected. The one impact our district might receive is an inflow of students who transfer from charter schools due to expenses and changes.

Online algebra classes also received a cut, which affects kids who have to do credit recovery or who have transferred online.

“There are some changes to ‘AtRisk’ funds,” superintendent Andy Ingall said. “This will likely have an impact on some math support throughout the district.”

www.bucsblade.com, November 26, 2019

Voice of the People Jacob Welch

Whitmer’s line-item setbacks The veto: an exceedingly rare power to be only used for the sake of the people, or for the Executive to act as a trustee for the people?

That’s the question at the heart of the discussion for Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s recent line-item vetoes over the 2020 fiscal year appropriation bill.

Since the inception of the veto, its original intent was to protect some political minority or another. President Grant, the 18th president and the same civil war hero, changed the face of the word in his ‘crusade against pork-barrel spending’, which is a fancy term for when a politician spends more than necessary on their district than others as a means to appease their voters. The veto has taken an entirely new persona. It’s evolution into something both to protect the minority but also to allow the President to act as a trustee - to represent the public - while at the same time doing what they thought was right.

But that’s been the federal history of the issue, and this is now in state.

The vetoes have cut the Pure Michigan Program, the campaign spearheaded by certain Republicans to bring more people to Michigan.

It’s not just limited to useless programs either, there will be hard-hitting cuts to infrastructure efforts as well - even though Whitmer campaigned on fixing our roads - and public schooling.

Whitmer is also focusing on what’s not included in the first place. In her own words, she claims to have placed an emphasis on public safety - something that is remarkably still included in the bill and still well funded - over infrastructure, education, and healthcare ironically, contradicting previous sentiments over public safety.

Whitmer has the most vetoes ever in Michigan history according to the GOP, in what she has claimed is a crusade against pork-barrel spending. This thinly veiled excuse has been used time and time again by previous leaders.

Yet it seems Whitmer’s usage of the veto was not some moral outcry against the bill, but to establish a new way for the Republican congress to communicate to her that she’s in charge.

Potentially, this mindset was already seen with Whitmer not getting her way with the road tax earlier this year, which was something that proved dire to Whitmer’s plans of infrastructure overhaul.

Let’s be honest here. When Whitmer has vetoed something over ‘public health’ but rejects further funding for healthcare, there might be an issue. Her office claims the decision was also to protect the everyday Michigander, but when you’re playing political stunts that could establish a government shutdown due to these vetoes, that’s where I draw the line. These cuts hurt rural communities who are on the end of the stick for these cuts, live off of state funding. Everyone else, as well, are impacted by these decisions in Lansing, hurting the development of communities like our own.

With the cuts to universities in state, they receive less funding than ever before while at a turning point of education. Local universities are seeing less and less students, while the University of Michigan in its 2019 annual education report has become increasingly competitive and increasingly filled with more out of state students - that missing funding hurts.

The ramifications of this bill’s changes by Whitmer have yet to be seen, but conjecture aside it seems like Whitmer’s electoral promises from the election have already eroded away.

Grand Haven’s student publication of community significance since 1927

THE BUCS’ BLADE - 7

BAD BREATH(ALYZING) Current school breathalyzing policy has potential to conflict with the law and a fundamental civil liberty

8 - THE BUCS’ BLADE

“We want a safe environment,” principal Tracy Wilson said. “If kids choose to [drink], we don’t want them at our events. When they do, it puts us in a position where we have to deal with it - we can’t ignore it.

We have a responsibility.”

She recounted that the policy has been in place for nearly 15 years, and was implemented because Grand Haven, as well as other area high schools, were having issues with students showing up to dances drunk.

Wilson also said the school has not had a problem with wasted students in a few years.

When administrators choose to breathalyze a student, they do so “randomly”.

“We typically just pick a number between one and nine,” Wilson said. “From there, we just say ‘five’ and breathalyze every fifth kid, or ‘eight’ or whatever.”

Attorney Ed Sternisha, who specializes in cases related to drunk driving, sees the school’s method of selection as problematic.

“Random, to me, is concerning,” Sternisha said. “How are they determining who’s picked randomly? To me, that’s putting all the student’s names in a hat and pulling a set number out. So I don’t believe random selection is appropriate.”

While there is no proof to assure the administration was not testing randomly on the night Striegle was tested, it does bring up a fair point: is random selection the proper route?

Instead of a randomized test, Sternisha believes the school ought to pick students for a preliminary breath test (PBT) solely on reasonable suspicion.

“Perhaps reasonable suspicion is more appropriate,” Sternisha said. “When a cop stops someone, it’s because they have reasonable suspicion that they’re doing something.” (continued on page 9)

Grand Haven’s student publication of community significance since 1927

by Cale

“Breathalyzers show the school isn’t dedicated to solving the social issue,” Kitaba said. “They just want to scare students into not drinking.”

Striegle agrees, citing current social stigmas as a reason.

“I think everybody knows that illegal drinking happens,” Striegle said. “I feel like it’s accepted and it’s not a huge thing. They don’t make it as big as they probably used to.

I know a ton of people who participate in this activity and it’s not a big deal to them. There are other things that are viewed as worse than drinking, like smoking.”

The numbers suggest otherwise. According to the Youth Assessment Survey from 2017 for Ottawa County, 32% of students admitted to having some form of an alcoholic drink in their lifetime and 13.1% admitted to smoking in their lifetime.

According to alcohol.org, an American Addiction Centers Resource, “individuals between the ages of 12 and 20 account for 11% of all alcohol consumed in the United States”. By contrast, 5.5% of teenagers are smoking nowadays, per the Youth Assessment Survey.

The effects of having an above-zero Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) at a school dance are outlined in the student policy handbook.

Each student is required to read the manual at the start of each school year. Unfortunately, few students read it so its effectiveness is nullified.

Additionally, an academy class during homecoming week was allotted to reinforcing orderly conduct and proper procedure rules at school dances with a supplementary lesson.

One of the points of the lesson was to alert students to the administration’s use of breathalyzers and their supposed purpose.

They also emphasized the disciplinary measures a student invokes if their BAC is above zero.

(photo

S

enior Olivia Striegle strolls through the brisk autumn air, swings open the shiny, metallic doors to the athletic entrance and immediately is log-jammed by a thick line of people. But there is no cause for concern - this is typical for any high school dance.

As the line crawls its way to the tables, most kids fork over their tickets, display their ID and fasten their wristbands. Striegle does the same. However, she is asked for something else, something most students weren’t asked for.

A breathalyzer test.

“I was super nervous because I’m a worrier,” Striegle said. “I freaked out, what if there was wine in the chicken I had for dinner?”

She blows into the tiny gray nozzle. After a five-second countdown, a beep sounds. Is she above the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)?

If not, congratulations, she’s not intoxicated.

Here, take the mouthpiece as a souvenir.

For Striegle, this was the first of the three total times she has been breathalyzed. She’s kept two of the mouthpieces.

With the issue of intoxication resolved, Striegle is finally able to enter the dance.

Yet she’s left with a major question: why did they pick me?

She is now tagged for the night as the kid who was breathalyzed. She knows she has no reason to worry internally, except for the social impact.

“I knew it wasn’t a big deal because I wasn’t drinking and I don’t drink,” Striegle said. “But with everyone watching me I felt singled out.”

An invasion of privacy to some, Striegle’s case brings up a topical point: how does Grand Haven High School select students to be breathalyzed?

More important yet, is breathalyzing at school dances necessary? Deputy Legal Director for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Bonsitu Kitaba thinks not.

b Berk o)

By Caleb Berko and Sam Woiteshek

PROPER

PBT

PROCESS

1. Administer of

the PBT must read “rights of the test”

2. Blow into tube, wait five to seven seconds for ample air supply

3. PBT beeps, then gives Blood Alcohol Content reading

- Officer Dana Beekman November 26, 2019, www.bucsblade.com

TUBE TIME: Public safety officer Dana Beekman holds out a preliminary breathalyzer test (PBT) to provide a firsthand experience of a person blowing into the device. The legal limit for Blood Alcohol Content is .08; anything higher is considered drunk and it is illegal to drive at that point. Beekman says most public safety officers have to wait around fifteen minutes before they can even administer the PBT. (photo by Caleb Berko)

In that case, actions to ensure personal safety are warranted.

It’s alternative motivation, Kitaba notes, that schools should be wary of violating.

“If the school receives a tip, or has observed behavior that gives them reasonable suspicion, then they should take steps to address the issue with that particular student,” Kitaba said. “When the test is random, it’s not based on any reasonable suspicion which makes it a suspicion-less search, and those are not permitted.”

Wilson claims to be one step ahead of that curve. She understands what is at stake.

“I’m not naive to think nobody drinks,” Wilson said. “If we feel there’s a reasonable suspicion of someone drinking, and there’s something we can do, we’ll do it.”

The kinds of rights students retain from the street to the schoolhouse is something of a hot topic.

When looking at the Supreme Court in the instance of New Jersey vs. T.L.O., the Court ruled that the Fourth Amendment applies to school officials, so long as the search is reasonable. Otherwise, students are within reason to expect legitimate privacy at school.

“A random breathalyzer test or searching every student’s locker without reasonable suspicion are the kinds of tests we as the ACLU would say do not abide by the Fourth Amendment,” Kitaba said. www.bucsblade.com, November 26, 2019

Q: Do you think breathalyzing at school dances is necessary?

Sophomore Zander White

Freshman Lark Eslic

Sophomore Wyeth Traub

“

“

“

In terms of Constitutionality, this is true. However, in the instance of breathalyzing at dances with reasonable suspicion, students are out of luck. They’re likely not escaping a PBT anytime soon.

“Students have no right to a dance,” Sternisha said. “A right that the students should demand, though, is to make sure that whoever is administering a PBT knows how to use it, knows when to recognize when it’s not working properly and to understand the limitations of the device.”

Instead of stressing about being chosen to submit to a PBT at the next dance, or whether or not the device will read a false positive, Sternisha suggests students

be asking administrators when the last time was the device was calibrated, or whether or not the administrators administering the tests have basic training to use and understand the devices.

Police departments throughout the state are required by law to calibrate all breathalyzers once every month to make sure the devices perform properly. If not, the reading on the PBT will be inaccurate.

If a police officer administers a PBT to someone they believe is drunk, that test cannot be evidence in a case to convict the person of drunk driving. Regardless of if the device’s reading is higher than the legal BAC limit of .08.

“Random breathalyzers, in our

perspective, are not going to address the issue,” Kitaba said. “You might have done nothing wrong and not had any alcohol and you might not test 0.0 on a PBT. That’s because those machines have error rates. We don’t want students who are doing the right thing to then be disciplined because of technology.”

Likewise, this means students do have the right to refuse to submit to a PBT, but if they refuse, that also means they don’t have a right to enter the dance. This balances out the students’ rights with school’s rules.

“The Constitution and the Fourth Amendment protect every student’s right to privacy,” Kitaba said. “But the school does have

Yes, because the policy helps to keep dances safe and fun.

No, I think we should put faith in the students to not drink and be responsible.

No, it is not necessary and it will not actually stop people from doing bad stuff.

Grand Haven’s student publication of community significance since 1927

certain rights as well to ensure that there is an orderly administration of education, orderly environment and that it’s a safe environment.”

While it may be easy to say the policy has done its job, given the school hasn’t had an issue with students attending the dances drunk, one may wonder if it should remain in effect.

“I don’t feel like there’s a reason to spend time revamping the policy,” Wilson said. “It’s been effective and it serves its purpose.”

Yet, based on the policy and its implementation, students must ask themselves if they are being wronged or not. Kitaba, for one, believes revision is necessary.

“A policy should not be enacted ‘just because’,” Kitaba said. “It sends a message when policies like these are implemented: the administration doesn’t trust the students.”

While this may be hard to hear for some, there is a solution. With the rule unlikely to change by itself, Kitaba suggests students take action for their desired reform.

“Students need to know that they don’t just have to sit idly by or let the administration to whatever they feel is right for students,” Kitaba said. “Students need to know what their rights are and be able to stand up for them. Because today it may be a small inconvenience, but tomorrow it could be a bigger intrusion.”

THE BUCS’ BLADE - 9

FURRY FRIEND: Emmy the therapy dog constantly comforts children around the classroom by bring positivity to the school and has been a great addition to the Rosy Mound team. (photo by Grace Ostric)

Dog A gone good Emmy, a therapy dog introduced to Rosy Mound Elementary School, used to comfort anxious children

By Grace Ostric

10 - THE BUCS’ BLADE

midst a bustling, colorful, elementary school classroom sits a companion curled peacefully underneath a table and staring up with sweet puppy dog eyes. It’s hard to imagine with all the distractions that Emmy, a 16 month old golden retriever puppy, wouldn’t be barking or chasing her tail. But Emmy is a special dog with a soothing temperament.

With a light brown-sugar colored coat that is heavenly soft and round pleading eyes, Emmy’s cuteness sweeps you off your feet. She loves to romp outside and chase the occasional squirrel— just like any puppy.

But Emmy also happens to work at Rosy Mound Elementary as a therapy dog in Amy Polston’s first-grade classroom.

At the beginning of the 2018 school year, Emmy was welcomed to Rosy Mound. She was bought from Cindy O’Beirne, a breeder known for raising laid-back golden retrievers that are docile with kids.

The purpose of bringing Emmy into the classroom was to help ease the stress that school expectations bring.

“We’re just asking more and more of kids now than ever before,” Polston said.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, mental disorders in children have been increasing over

time. The staff at Rosy Mound has observed this shift in the classroom.

“We’ve been noticing that a lot of kids are coming to school with anxiety,” Polston said. “We’re having a lot of kids that are seeing outside therapist for depression and mental health issues already.”

With the idea of reducing mental health problems and invigorating the school with joy in mind, Polston and principal Kevin Blanding started to brainstorm ways to help kids.

Polston was adamant about the idea of a therapy dog, which had proved extremely beneficial at a previous teaching job in Spring Lake.

“It was so positive,” Polston said. “The kids wanted to come to school, they weren’t crying about missing mom or dad. They were just excited to come and have this lifelong friend in their classroom with them.”

Because of this promising impact at Spring Lake schools the staff decided that the school would benefit from a therapy dog. After several talks between Polston and Blanding, the idea was solidified.

The Polston family then brought Emmy home in the summer of 2018, and her integration to Rosy began the following fall. Since then, it has been progressing in a positive way.

Grand Haven’s student publication of community significance since 1927

November 26, 2019, www.bucsblade.com

LEFT: Teacher Amy Polston gives Emmy much deserved love. (photo by Grace Ostric) TOP: Emmy sits while she waits patiently for a treat. (photo by Grace Ostric) BOTTOM: When she isn’t by a student, Emmy curls up and keeps an eye on the class. (photo

by Grace Ostric)

She has completed puppy training, 4-H training, and become certified through Alliance Therapy Dogs, as well as interacting with more and more students.

“She’s definitely part of our classroom,” Polston said. “Mr. Blanding will come down and get her if a student is having a hard time. We have a new social worker now full time this year of elementary schools too. I talked with her and said, ‘If you’re meeting with a kid and think you need to borrow Emmy you can.’”

When she was really young, Emmy’s rambunctious nature often got the best of her. Once in a while, she would escape because of her too-big collar and her knack for chewing.

“She was teething and she would grab an occasional crayon but this year is better because now she’s over it,” Polston said. “She also has a really bad habit of barking at her basket.

She wants it to be empty. So now, I have two girls and it’s their job is to go over and make sure everything is out.”

Allergies were also a concern. A letter was sent out to families addressing the matter, but there was only one response out of 400 students.

However, the school came up with an easy solution.

The custodial staff cleans every night and the child was not placed in Polston’s classroom. Emmy also gets groomed www.bucsblade.com, November 26, 2019

once a month to reduce shedding and so that she can attend school without an issue.

Now that the kinks and troubles of puppy-hood are sorted out, Emmy comes to class every day prepared to learn and help. Even though elementary school and a puppy may seem like a hectic combination, everything has worked out wonderfully. And the idea of a therapy dog is more common than one might think. With the exception of the high school, every school in the district has one.

As soon as the Polston’s brought her home, Emmy was instantly adored.

Her effect was no different at the elementary.

“Emmy is a really good friend in our class,” said Sophia, a first-grader in Polston’s class. “She makes me feel very happy inside.”

The delight this dog brings to Rosy Mound is evident.

Instead of the school becoming overwhelming, the children now have a positive distraction.

“She just brings joy,” Polston said. “When I see the kids’ faces every morning, it’s so cute. The kids will enter the class.

She goes over and gets one of her toys and like she meets them at the door and there are smiles on their faces. [It] just makes it all worth it.”

Case for canines in class

8-10%

3

of students have anxiety.

Therapy dogs help combat this by lifting moods in the classroom and provoking automatic relaxants are laughter. released by petting dogs: serotonin, prolayctin, and oxytocin.

4,000

therapy dogs roughly in the United States as of 2014.

Grand Haven’s student publication of community significance since 1927

12

minutes with man’s best friend has proven to lower blood pressure and decrease anxiety.

THE BUCS’ BLADE - 11

STEERING toward the future Science teacher builds eco-friendly, livable bus for family

Photos and story by Emma Manzo

T

he sun rises over an off-white school panels on the roof. This electricity allows the bus’ owner, science teacher Laura Knochenhauer, to switch on the light inside. Throwing on her coat she steps outside into the brisk morning air with her poodle Winnie.

Soon her husband, Kase, emerges from his office followed by her son, Alton, racing to stomp on the straggling snow piles. They smile, remembering two years earlier when their bus was rows of seats and reflective tape.

This is how Knochenhauer and her husband imagine their life after completing their new home. Since May 2019, the couple has been redesigning a 40-foot Thomas flat nose bus. They plan to live in it along with Alton,+ their baby to be and Winnie. Their goal is to live a simpler and more environmentally conscious life.

“I’m excited for our son to be able to have that opportunity too because it’s something a lot of kids don’t get” Knochenhauer said.

It was the Knochenhauers’ dream to live smaller ever since getting married. In Laura’s earth science class, she asked her students what they could change about their lives to live greener. That weekend her and her husband found and purchased a bus, joining the growing “skoolie” trend.

Previously, they tried renovating a 5th wheeler and an RV with little success. A school bus provided them the space for their growing family and gave them the opportunity to gut the entire interior and create their unique vision.

Unlike the average bus, their model will have two doors allowing them to create a separate workspace where the driver’s seat and original door would be. The second door, in the middle of the bus, leads to the main living area.

In addition, the home is being equipped with almost all renewable energy, including a 1200 watt solar panel system for electricity.

The roof is made of rubber, decreasing the inside temperature by 40 degrees.

The bus will also contain a composting toilet,which allows liquid waste, along with shower and dish water to travel to a grey water tank, while solid waste is composted with sawdust, eliminating the need to empty a black water tank. All of this results in decreased water usage.

“It’s one of the two and, to me, this is like the less of the two because what ends up happening is that the waste just essentially breaks down and creates this powder type thing that you can use in a garden,” Knochenhauer said.

The project became a learning experience

“BUS”TING CARBON EMISSIONS: The exterior of the bus will be painted an off-white color. The family hopes to complete their sustainable bus by Dec. 2020 or early 2021. “It will give us mobility ... we could travel in the summer,” Knochenhauer said.

after Knochenhauer’s students asked to participate over the summer. They were invited on Tuesday nights until mid-August. Bates said it inspired her to plant a garden. Sophomore Kassidy Bush, another of Knochenhauer’s students, cut down on plastic use.

“I think it’s an awesome way for her to actually apply what she’s teaching in the real world and show her students that there is a way that we can make a change and reduce our carbon footprint,” sophomore Olivia Bates, one of Knochenhauer’s students, said.

Downsizing to a school bus is a tremendous change, it requires slimming down on material goods and adapting to less space. Gone are the days of long showers and space to entertain guests.

For the Knochenhauers, living a more mindful life justifies the sacrifices.

“We probably don’t know all the changes we’re going to have to make until we start doing it, but I think being more conscious of what we buy and what we bring home” Knochenhauer said.

Deciding what really matters also applies to possessions. They’ve already started getting rid of unnecessary belongings, discovering that possessions do not equate to happiness.

“I think people that live simpler lives are often enjoying life a little bit more,” Knochen-

hauer said. “Because they’re not distracted by everything that they have and own and they don’t feel like they have to live up to the standards of society.”

The goal is for their sustainable and ecofriendly bus to be completed by Dec. 2020 or early 2021. They plan to live on family property here in West Michigan. They also hope to enjoy the fact that a more mobile and efficient home will allow them to travel.

“It will give us mobility, and we can bring our house places, you know, we could travel in the summer and go somewhere,” Knochenhauer said. “And it just gives us more freedom to do that.”

Knochenhauer encourages anyone intrigued by the idea of skoolies, or simpler living in general, to start researching and contacting people who have made the transition.

“It makes you aware of the resources that you’re consuming,” Knochenhauer said. “I think it makes us a little more grounded in where we are, and reminding ourselves of what really matters.”

SEE MORE OF KNOCHENHAUER’S PROGRESS ON BUCSBLADE.COM

“I think it makes us a little more grounded in where we are, and reminding ourselves of what really matters,” Knochenhauer said.

SIMPLE LIVING: This is the floor plan for the Knochenhauer family’s bus. They hope to live inside once it is completed. “I think people that live simpler lives are often enjoying life a little bit more,” Knochenhauer said. “Because they’re not distracted by everything that they have and own and they don’t feel like they have to live up to the standards of society.”

12 - THE BUCS’ BLADE

Grand Haven’s student publication of community significance since 1927

November 26, 2019, www.bucsblade.com

www.bucsblade.com, November 26, 2019

Grand Haven’s student publication of community significance since 1927

THE BUCS’ BLADE - 13

MAGNETISM MADNESS: Walters helps engage students in magnetism project. (photo by Mike Baldus)

FORCED INTO PHYSICS

Curriculum change challenges teachers By Mike Baldus

BEST TACOS IN TOWN! Our GIFT CARDS make great stocking stuffers

305 N Beacon Blvd. (616)-844-4100 arturostacosgh.com

14 - THE BUCS’ BLADE

P

hysics teacher Katy Walters stands behind her desk, music playing in the background. Her students, filled with energy, are getting in their last few words before she announces the assignment.

Her students adjust their positions. Walters guides them through the days assignment, a “simple machines lab.”

The lab consists of pulleys and wheels, along with an online experiment. Walters does a thorough job making sure her students know how to collect the data and how to use the equipment correctly.

For Walters, a one-year experienced physics teacher, the course challenges her ability to think on the spot and make sure her students can get through it as well.

“I’ve never designed a class from scratch myself before,” Walters said. “This was brand new territory. No one’s ever taught this class. You know, there’s certain requirements the state says we have to teach, but we got to decide how we want to teach them.”

The new Michigan science standards are a close reflection of what the next generation of requirements will look like. The big change went from a student requirement to take either chemistry or physics to a curriculum where students take a semester of both.

The physics class had already been active for a year, along with an AP course, but a new semester class is more beneficial to students, according to science department chair Dennis Striegle.

The first step into action was figuring out which teachers could teach physics. Teachers should have exposure to the class. The teachers currently assigned to the course are Greg Huizenga, Steffanie Portenga, Scott Stanley, Walters, and Marcella Weldon.

The new physics teachers had to work out how the semester would play out. No one told them it would be easy and some of these teachers had not seen physics since college. Portenga, for instance, was surprised she had to teach physics. She was a biology teacher, not a physics teacher.

“Especially the first time through, it was

Grand Haven’s student publication of community significance since 1927

brand new,” Walters said “So we had no idea how it would go, if the kids would like it, or if it would work. It made sense to us in our head, but we didn’t know if it makes sense to them. So we’ve been tweaking things. And I am not super familiar or confident with the content. So that was a challenge for me too.”

The state curriculum change has made it hard for other teachers as well, like Portenga who is still adjusting as a physics teacher.

“It’s been a challenge,” Portenga said.

“Because I haven’t had physics since my sophomore year of college. And even though I had an entire year of it, I don’t remember a lot of it. So I have to relearn some of it before I teach it. So it has been a lot of work.”

The curriculum change has forced some teachers to make drastic changes to their class and do amazing things for their students.

“Fortunately we have very capable teachers, very intelligent teachers,” Striegle said.

“The science department as a whole does an outstanding job of supporting and helping one another out with ideas and techniques and resources for their teaching to be successful.”

To make the best out of the curriculum change, Walters, one of the founders of the team, shows her own emotions towards the class itself and knows it can be a struggle for her and her students. She takes the extra step into ensuring that her kids know the material for the class by asking them questions at the end of the semester and during any experiments.

“I’m pretty open with them that physics is not my jam,” Walters said. “We’re kind of in the same boat together with trying to figure stuff out. And then I always do an evaluation at the end of the semester, where they can give me feedback about stuff. Especially last year, since it was the first time. I was frequently asking ‘how do you like packets?

How do you like the lab? What do you think?

Do we do too much of this?’ So we could manipulate the class and make it as enjoyable as possible.”

November 26, 2019, www.bucsblade.com

What’s the difference?

Exchange students adapt to new education system

By Grace Montgomery

4 1 2

3

E

xchange students from around the world set foot into Grand Haven High School, overwhelmed by their new surroundings.

“Exchange students, you know, are just like any other kid,” teacher Ben Lawrence said. “They want friends, they want to feel connected. But, it’s not necessarily their job to do that. They are guests here. So we need to be better hosts.”

Exchange students deal with unfamiliarity in adapting to changes in their home life and navigating a new learning style. Lawrence helps exchange students better understand the differences between the education system in America versus other countries.

“If they don’t know how different it is, and the different expectations we have here, they might not understand how to meet the needs of teachers and grades,” Lawrence said.

The biggest difference is teachers in America have their own classrooms while the students travel from class to class.

In most other countries, the students stay in place while the teacher comes to them. They do this to avoid the logistical nightmare we all know as passing time.

Other education systems place less stress on homework and buffer point systems. Teachers give a lot of responsibility to their students. It is left to the students to understand the material taught in class.

Access to technology and extracurricular activities is limited in schools around the world. Some students don’t have access to paper and pencils. If a student wants to participate in a sport or club, they often have to do it in private rather than through the school.

www.bucsblade.com, November 26, 2019

THEY SAID IT...

1.

FRANCE

Shiam Zoutinie

2.

ITALY

Ginevra Vella

What are the major differences between school in France and school here?

What are the major differences between school in Italy and school here?

In France, we just have one group of students for every class and every day. Also in France, it’s eight hours a day. The teachers are completely different. It is much stricter. The professors are much cooler here. We have no team sports but only one and a half hours of sports per week.

The subjects are the same for all five years. [For grades,] we don’t have A,B,C. We have a scale from one to ten. Ten is the best. We do not call them by grade [level]. We call them by year. [For example,] if you’re in the first year of high school, you’re first.

3.

SPAIN

Leire Rio Rico

4.

UKRAINE

Vladyslav Adamenko

What are the major differences between school in Spain and school here?

What are the major differences between school in Ukraine and school here?

In Spain the teacher changes classes and you are in the same desk with the same people all the time. Our classes are different every day. There are not sports or clubs, you have to do it outside of school. We have optional extra math, English, and history classes.

It is smaller. We have one class with the same people. Different teachers, different subjects, but the same class, the same people. In Ukraine, we don’t have the same classes every day. Something new for me here is that I have the same classes. We have more vacation.

Grand Haven’s student publication of community significance since 1927

THE BUCS’ BLADE - 15

Focused on FILM

Senior Oscar Sipe lives life looking through viewfinders and lenses, no spare moment is left to waste while he dives head first into his passion of filmmaking By Morgan Womack

S

enior Oscar Sipe never goes home.

It’s 4:00 p.m. on a recent Friday night and Sipe isn’t out with his friends or unwinding at home like most high schoolers. No, you can find him at the LC Walker Arena chatting with his coworkers cheerfully as he sets up his equipment.

The stadium is empty, the Lumberjacks hockey game doesn’t start until 7, but Sipe is already preparing. Below the fluorescent lights and the winding wires, you can find the film crew organizing the tech and working out the kinks before filming.

This is just one of Sipe’s gigs involving video production. He also films many of the high school concerts, the Arena football team, a band called “Five Strand Fusion” and the girls volleyball games. He’s even had the experience of filming a cage fighting match.

“Kids our age, their first job is like going to McDonald’s or Wendy’s, my first job is doing drum gigs and filming hockey teams,” Sipe said.

“Life, it’ll do what it will and it’ll set me on the path but so far this seems to be the path that I am enjoying and getting paid for, so it seems like a good option.”

He got involved through Grand Haven Productions, a film club at the high school.

Dennis Threadgill helped Sipe make these connections with different community organizations.

VIDEO VIGILANTE: Sipe actively looks through the camera while filming a Lumberjacks hockey game. This is just one of the events he covers during the week. (photo by Gabi Nadeau)

“He’s just a great kid, very coachable and understands it,” Threadgill said.

“Very creative and easy to get along with.”

Sipe’s easygoing attitude shines when he’s in action.

After setting up his equipment on the film stage, Sipe focuses as people begin to fill in the seats. He makes note of audience members who might be exciting to feature on the big screen. That’s his job operating Camera 3,

Sipe’s Schedule 16 - THE BUCS’ BLADE

to cover the announcements and then pan to the crowd for reaction shots during big plays.

A choral group steps onto the stage and Sipe organizes them in front of the camera, his friendly, confident voice resonating like a familiar tune.

“Alright guys, it’s going to be a great performance,” Sipe said, easing them into place.

He snaps his fingers and

taps his foot as he glances around the arena, simultaneously listening to the rest of the film crew in his headset, perhaps holding a conversation with a staff member nearby. He’s done this numerous times before, so multitasking comes easy to him.

“His personality, it helps him a lot because he can get along with anybody,” Threadgill said. “He’s outgoing, he’s very talkative and

then he’s not afraid or shy to approach a project and that really helps him out.”

As someone who wants to be involved in film in the future, this quality is essential.

Through working these gigs, he discovered he wants to pursue his passion for video production.

“It’s fulfilling,” Sipe said.

“I enjoy it. I really do love editing the videos and I like seeing people’s expressions when they see it.

If all goes according to plan, Sipe will be seeing those expressions for years to come. He hopes to pursue a career in the industry.

“I’ve never really had necessarily a goal to try and strive for,” Sipe said. “You know, you wake up, you keep going, you keep trying and eventually something will click. I seem to be at the point where something is clicking and I’m going to take that advantage.”

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

drum gigs

editing video

filming volleyball

rehearsing for Sunday

filming Five Strand Fusion

Lumberjacks

Lumberjacks and band rehearsal

Grand Haven’s student publication of community significance since 1927

November 26, 2019, www.bucsblade.com

at its finest

fashion

TRUE TO HIMSELF: Sophomore Spencer Williamson shows off his look featuring a Champion hoodie, as well as a beanie and flannel for a true-to-self authentic look. (photo by Gabi Nadeau)

New trends begin to appear in streetwear style, creating a more laid-back vibe for all

By Natalie Duipuis, Gabi Nadeau and Adrienne Parcheta

W

alking into school the beat up sneakers hit the floor, familiar faces stroll by, but the people that stand out are the ones who catch your eye, those are the kids who are bold enough to wear what they want. They’re the ones who rock what the other kid was too scared to wear, they’re the kids to set the trends not follow them.

Over this school year, the number of students who wear athleisure wear has increased. Big brands like Nike, Champion and Converse are becoming more popular. Students who have streetwear style can be seen rocking chains, neon colors and eye catching patterns and mixing and matching whatever flows, which is what is so unique and special about this style.

Junior Liam Rappleye and Spencer Williamson are two who fit the streetwear look.

They have a lot of outside influences as well as take part in thrifting which has also become a trend in streetstyle to get authentic pieces.

One of the newest trends are Nike Air Force One’s with the classic low tops being the most popular. Trend setters have opted for other versions that include high-top, colored, or patterned air forces, which take cultures in athletic vibe Nike has provided.

Sophomore Sarah Held thinks everyone should be unique with their own style. People shouldn’t follow others and should stand out with their own pieces of clothing they put together themselves, not others.

“People should step out of their comfort zone a little bit,” Held said. “Maybe choose their own style that they like, instead of following everybody else, you know?”

“People should step out of their

comfort zone a little bit. Maybe choose their own style that they like, instead of following everybody else, you know?

- - Sophomore Sarah Held

www.bucsblade.com, November 26, 2019

RE th TR (p eir r O DR ho et to ak IP: by e o Nik Br n t e A en he ir da o Fo n V rig rce an ina 1 de l A Sh r M ir F ad ee orc ow r) e 1 s s sty tea le l th fro e s m ho 19 w 81 wit h .

Grand Haven’s student publication of community significance since 1927

THE BUCS’ BLADE - 17

TWISTING MUSIC BEYOND MAINSTREAM

Rex Orange County’s new album creates emotional whirlwind

By Adrienna Parcheta

Changing the game

By Grant Engelsman

Recently, the action-adventure genre of gaming was changed forever with just one unique game. On November 15, Respawn Entertainment teamed up with EA to release their newest game, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Fallen Order is a one-player role-playing game that will be playable on PC, One and Playstation 4. The game takes the player on a journey through the Star Wars galaxy and more.

With 15 minutes of pure gameplay already released, I am absolutely buzzing over how good this game looks. If I can watch 15 minutes of a 15 to 20-hour game and see how astonishing the game is going to be, I already know that this game will keep me glued until it is completed.

The hype train already left the station with experts calling it a “game of the year contender” (PC Mag) and “The Star Wars adventure you’ve been looking for,” (Gaming World).”

The internet is buzzing over this game just as much as I am and can’t wait to see what this has to offer compared to 2017’s Star Wars: Battlefront II. With E3 releasing a sample of gameplay a couple of months ago, we were already given a peek of the graphics, combat and a little bit of the storyline. But there is still so much that this game has to unveil.

The main character is Cal Kestis, a Jedi who survived order 66 and travels throughout the galaxy to escape the grasps of the new Empire. Cal is accompanied by support droid, BD-1. BD helps players throughout the storyline.

The game is set directly after Emperor Palpatine executed order 66 and all of the Jedi are killed. Other than the couple we know did live. In movie terms, it’s put between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope.

The storyline starts with Cal trying to escape his platoon of Clone troopers that turned on him on the planet of Kashyyyk. After traveling through the dense forest of the planet, Cal continues to travel the rest of the galaxy fighting off the new sith inquisitors and breaking free from the Empire’s hands.

So, Star Wars fans, keep your eyes open because Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is turning heads and keeping people on the edge of their seats all over the world.

18 - THE BUCS’ BLADE

Two years ago was the first time I listened to Rex Orange County when my younger brother played one of his first singles, “Best Friend” in the car and I’ve been in love ever since.

Alex O’Conner, artist behind the one-man music production, does an amazing job with taking music trends and turning them into something of his own. In his newest album, Pony, which was released on Oct. 25, he does this in every way possible.

Many of the beats used in his music have a mainstream sound to them, but then there’s a twist. Multiple different sounds are used in songs, creating an illusion of multiple songs in one.

Sometimes a song will start at a slow-pace and in the next minute, it’ll transform into a faster, bouncier, beat. One of my favorite songs from the album, Pluto Projector, uses this technique in a way that enhances how the song makes you feel.

“Pluto Projector” Rating: *****/***** This song is amazing.

From the lyrics, his voice, the orchestra, it’s just an all-around great song.

Created for his girlfriend, as most of his songs are, you can feel the love from the starting note.

Pluto Projector was made with different beats throughout the verses and

chorus creating a range of feels while listening to a single song. It starts off slower and begins to pick up pace, then it slows down once again. The song offers a whirlwind of emotions as well as a whirlwind of sounds. He’ll leave you wishing you were as in love with someone as he is with his girlfriend.

“Face to Face”Rating: *****/***** This song, in particular, is one of my favorites from the album. It was another one written for his beloved girlfriend. It goes through the tender emotions he feels for his girl and how he wishes he could be with her. It also uses different sounds throughout the song which helps to enhance emotion and quality starting off slow and as the song goes on speeding up. The beat is jumpy and uplifting and makes you want to dance which I LOVE. Its an overall awesome jam perfect for a car ride past the beach.

“Every Way” Rating: **/***** Don’t get me wrong, I do love the cute songs O’Conner writes about his beloved, but this one was just a bit too boring for me to LOVE love. The song is short, ending a little after the two-minute mark, with very few, if not any, descriptive lyrics. I can’t lie, the lyrics were adorable, giving the exception for the two-star rating. In order for me to truly love this song, I would just need something a little more.

West plunges into spiritual FAILURE By Gabi Nadeau Kanye West’s new album, Jesus is King, is a disappointing release. Not only did it lack culture but it was a completely new genre of music and appeal for his household name.

Kayne’s fame started from being such an “out there” artist, not restraining how he felt, and speaking his mind like he did in his iconic track “Runaway”. With his new look it seems like he’s trying to conform to fit an older age group.

He went from rapping for the streets and rebelling against the elder, to preaching the gospel to the elders named Karen driving minivans.

The new album is in the Christian genre and at first listen I thought it was a joke, but apparently Kanye is switching it up and sharing his religious beliefs.

Listening through this album I felt shocked, as 2016 Kanye said: “I MISS DA OLD KANYE”.

I support artist decision to switch up paths and explore new sounds, for instance his beats are less intense and give more soothing calming noises.

The only song I was able to bop my head with was “Follow God”, I surprisingly liked the beat but in my free time I don’t care to listen to someone who is cocky in saying “Father, I stretch, Stretch my hands to you”. The whole album made me feel confused. If I’m going to listen to an artist I listen for the sound and message. I was not digging the switch of personality. This work made me disappointed and any interest I might once have had for Kanye has faded.

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True love shines through in Jenn Bennett’s “Starry Eyes”

By Macayla Cramer

After reading Starry Eyes you’ll never see romance the same way ever again.

I mean bathing in rivers by campfires and hiking up mountains and through caves is more Bear Grylls, an expert survivalist, and less the classic romance Romeo and Juliet. However, similar to the tragic couple, Zorie and Lennons journey through California’s backcountry comes with it’s own set of lover’s quarrels and family feuds.

The beginning for Zorie and Lennon was sweet, simple, and easy. That’s what’s great about childhood friendships. It’s when you fall for your best friend that problems come up.

Thus, started the “Great Experiment” between Zorie and Lennon, with all the benefits of a real relationship. However, like all careless decisions, it falls apart and so does their relationship for several years.

It’s not until they are forced to go “glamp-

ing” in the wilderness, that these two are thrown back together and have to figure out their issues, especially when they’re stranded and have to find their way back home.

But just like the vivid and breathtaking background of California, the characters Zorie and Lennon take my breath away and sometimes my tears in the best way possible.

The fact these two even found each other is something straight out of a movie. Zorie during day has a borderline compulsive disorder for planning and by night is analysing star constellations. Where

Lennon’s obsession is in the reptile form, along with his side of artistic flare. But, the best part is they started out as friends, call me a cliche but I miss the books where writers built a solid foundation on friendship before starting a romantic relationship. But, it has its own set of compilations being in love with your best friend.

I just love that the majority of the time finding their way back to each other, is in the heart of the dirtiest, scariest, and messiest wilderness of California.

But messy is the perfect

way to describe their relationship, but it’s also one of the greatest love stories I’ve ever read because of it.

It’s easier to fall in love with someone when you’re both looking your best, with your hair set perfectly and when your clothes have been machine washed. For some people it’s hard to look past the sweat and dirt stained clothing, but Zorie and Lennon make it look easy.

They made me a true believer that looks are not everything when regarding relationships, they’re both so confident with each other it’s not only inspiring but thrilling.

Jenn Benntte threw away the rule book on clean romance and I applaud her for it.

I will never again be able to read romance book with a mansion settling, because to me, real romance is based on whether or not you can spend days in the wilderness together and come out loving each other more.

Worst ending to “The end of the F***ing world” Season two of the Netfilx original is a complete waste of time and not worth watching

By Emily Jarrell As it is said all good things must come to an end and the sequel to anything usually sucks. Maybe that’s not exactly how it is said but the message still holds truth. The show End of the F***ing world was no exception.

To say that season two was a disappointment is an understatement.

The storyline was weak. If the storyline was a weightlifter it would only be able to lift the bar. It lacked the spontaneous adventure that the first season is known for. There was no destination or goal making it hard for viewers to feel like anything is actually going on in the show. I want to scoop my eyeballs out of their sockets so that they will never have to see anything this terrible ever again.

The only purpose that the second season served was to tell the fans that James survived season one. But you find out that James survived in the first episode so the rest of the season had no purpose.

The little plot that is there was so stupid.

There were so many chances that the girl had www.bucsblade.com, November 26, 2019

to try to kill James and Allyssa and she didn’t take any of them. So the ending was not a surprise when she doesn’t even attempt to murder them which was dull. Also in the last two episodes the writers must have just came up with a spark of misguided inspiration in the middle of shooting the season.

Because out of nowhere Allyssa has PTSD that just appear in the last couple episodes for no apparent reason.

Lastly the love stories in this season are so messed up. Nothing makes me feel safer about going to college than glamorizing having sex with your college professors. Having sex with your college professor is not a love story it is just disturbing. They had a perfectly good love story ready to go between Allyssa and James and they hardly did anything with it and it pisses me off.

There is no point to watching season two and I would suggest not to waste your time watching garbage. James lives and that’s all you need to know.

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THE BUCS’ BLADE - 20

ACKERMAN’S ARMY Senior Kathryn Ackerman swims to success with the help of her family and coaches Story and Photo Addy Wachter

CONFERENCE 4 years All Conference 4 x 200 IM O-K Red conference champion 2 x 500 freestyle O-K Red conference champion 100 backstroke O-K Red conference champion 100 butterfly O-K Red conference champion STATE CHAMPIONSHIP 4 years All State 2 x 200 IM state champion (2017, 2018) 100 butterfly state champion (2018) Runner up in 100 butterfly (2017) Runner up in 200 IM (2016) Fourth place 500 freestyle (2016) GRAND HAVEN HIGH SCHOOL RECORDS 200 medley relay - 1:46.40 200 freestyle - 1:50.09 200 IM - 1:57.25 100 butterfly - 54.42 500 freestyle - 4:53.48 200 freestyle relay 1:36.85 100 backstroke - 56.16 100 breaststroke - 1:05.65 400 freestyle relay 3:30.40

T

he voices of the crowd become muted as her feet respond to the command of the announcer barking, “Swimmers, step up.”

The silent pressure from the audience is soon transferred into excited energy. “Take your marks” echoes throughout the pool deck. As she takes one last deep breath, the buzzer goes off and her feet leave the block as she dives into the clear water.

Senior Kathryn Ackerman started in the pool when she was six years old, learning how to float, blow bubbles and kick just like every other swimmer. Over the course of the next 12 years, she would go on to become perhaps the most decorated swimmer in school history, breaking multiple school and pool records and winning multiple state titles along the way Even though swimming is an individual sport, Ackerman doesn’t feel she’s accomplished all of this on her own.. The encouraging words from her family, friends and coaches float through her mind whenever she waits on the block or glides through the water.

“I think about my support systems when I can see them at the sides of the pool,” Ackerman said. “Seeing other people cheer me on gets me super excited.”

When she was younger, knowing that her mother Amy, her aunt Katie, her uncle Craig, her grandpa and his siblings were all star swimmers at Grand Haven High School created regular anxiety before races. She felt as if she had to live up to these expectations.

“I used to get really nervous when I was younger,” Ackerman said. “I don’t want to say it was because of my parents, but because my mom and everyone in her family swam, I feel like there was a little bit of pressure from there, but I’ve kind of outgrown that.”

Now Ackerman focuses on the motivation from her family and uplifting words that inspire her to be the best she can be. It doesn’t matter if the meet is at the high school or in another state, they are always sure that someone is there in the bleachers supporting her.

“They are so supportive when it comes to meets,” Ackerman said. “I have a lot of meets in so many different places across the country and they’ve been there, one of my parents usually go to

the farther away meets but they are at every dual meet and championship meet in Michigan. They’re always asking me how practice is going and how I feel when I’m swimming and those O-K RED CONFERENCE kind of things so they’re always checking in RECORDS on me.”

Not only does her family cheer her on 200 IM but so do her coaches. By sitting in the 500 freestyle stands during club meets, encouraging her 100 backstroke when she is given a hard set and making sure she has a well designed practice that is POOL RECORDS best for her, Coach Doug Thorne has shown endless support to Ackerman. Thorne has Countless pool records been with Ackerman for the past four years throughout the state of watching her grow through the sport and Michigan grow as a person.

“As a person outside of the pool, I have STATE RECORDS seen her become a better teammate and just an all around better person,” Thorne 200 IM - 1:57.25 said. “She is very humble, probably the most humble student athlete I have ever MHSAA ALL CLASS coached. She cares about her teammates RECORDS and the love and passion that she has for 200 IM - 1:57.25 the sport is second to nobody.”

Ackerman has seen lots of success throughout the years and has won varALL AMERICAN STATUS ious awards for her talent and effort. She 7 time All American in the has won numerous state championships, following events: broken countless records and Ackerman’s 200 IM (2016) times have gotten her accepted into the University of Michigan and qualified her 500 freestyle (2016) for the upcoming Olympic Trials.

200 IM (2017) “When she was in eighth grade, I knew 500 freestyle (2017) we were getting something special,” Thorne 100 butterfly (2017) said. “I can not describe it enough other Second fastest 200 IM high than she is just very humble. You could see from day one that she is not somebody who school female athlete in the wants to stick it into somebody’s face. But country (2018) she has an inner drive like nobody else.”

100 butterfly (2018) Now that Ackerman is officially signed to the University of Michigan, she will be OLYMPIC TRIAL CUTS two hours away from her family, friends and coaches. Even though she is going off 200 IM to this school, her support system will fol200 backstroke low her and continue to be with her.

100 backstroke “I know that my family has already purchased Michigan swimming shirts and hats,” Ackerman said. “They are excited to make the trip over to Ann Arbor to watch me.”

“I think about my support systems when I can see them at the sides of the pool. Seeing other people cheer me on gets me super excited.” --Ackerman 21 - THE BUCS’ BLADE

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COACHING: INTERNATIONAL STYLE PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: Immink instructs potential team members from all levels of high school basketball during a pre-season practice. Immink’s time across the pond and his prior involvement in guiding young athletes have allowed him to continue to make an impact on athletes that have stuck with him along the way. The Bucs open their season against Reeths-Puffer on December 13. (photo by Brendan Vander Meer)

Head boys varsity basketball coach Greg Immink brings vast professional overseas experience along with years of mentoring expertise to Grand Haven By Brendan Vander Meer

F

or Greg Immink, it was unusual to see him outside of a sports event. In fact the 3 sport athlete was described as a “shining star”

by Michigan State’s head basketball coach Tom Izzo.

Immink’s approach to the game fortified his ability to dominate against his opponents.

Although Immink’s life was surrounded by sports, he eventually turned his talents to basketball. The decision paved Immink’s destiny and allowed him opportunities and success beyond high school.

On average, only 1.1% of high school basketball players will play in the NCAA. Only 21.3% of NCAA basketball players will play professionally.

Greg Immink, however, surpassed the statistics and become part of an elite group of athletes to play professional basketball.

“It was something that I worked for for a long time,” Immink said. “I think a big

part of success is preparing for your opportunity. I was going to get one shot.

If I wasn’t good enough, it wasn’t going to happen.“ Immink’s opportunity came after his time playing at Hope College: the chance to continue his basketball playing in Europe.

“I still had a passion for basketball,” Immink said.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to play basketball for as long as I could and playing over there gave me a chance to play beyond college. I knew that you only get four years in college so I did everything to give myself an opportunity to keep playing.”

The point guard contacted an agent who eventually helped him get a job playing in Germany for a team called TB Weiden.

“It’s a different way of life, different culture,” Immink said. “You’re at a place where the language you speak is not the language that other people speak.”

22 - THE BUCS’ BLADE

During his second season in Germany, Immink suffered a knee injury and moved to Slovakia to further pursue his career.

“It felt pretty seamless.”

Immink said. “I felt like I was in a good spot. I think it’s about being prepared for what is ahead of you.

Had I not put the time and effort that was needed into the rehab and into the basketball stuff, it would have turned out differently.”

Immink finished his career in Slovakia playing for the next three and a half seasons, with recording one of his best. performing in the All-Star game as well as winning the all star three point contest.

“It’s a lot of work just like anything is when you’re at an elite level,” Immink said. “It’s an amazing amount of work. It’s a grind. You have to be willing to work as hard as that position requires to hold out that position. If you’re not working hard enough to be elite you find yourself

without a job real quick.”

Five seasons of playing professional basketball in Europe brought years of experience to Immink’s lengthy coaching resume. Immink returns for his fifth season as the head coach for the boys varsity team.

Athletic Director Scott Roberston commends Immink’s ability to lead by example.

“Fully invested in the program and then kids in the program, selfless in that way.” Robertson said.

“I was fortunate enough to play for some good coaches,” Immink said. “As you go through your experiences you take the things from certain coaches that you really like and think that are successful.”

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FAST FACTS - 2006 Second team AllAmerican at Hope College Top 10 at Hope in: - Assists - 310 - Steals - 150 - Games - 114 - Administrative assistant under Michigan State Men’s Basketball Coach Tom Izzo - Former head coach at Traverse City West High School - 62-26 overall record at Grand Haven (.704 win pct.)

To see more from this story including Immink’s international highlights, head to bucsblade.com November 26, 2019, www.bucsblade.com

Smaka earns 500th win in volleyball By Natalie Dupuis The match reaches and end, the Bucs’ have won against Reeths Puffer and the players begin to rush the court. As the Bucs feel great about the win and Reeths Puffer is at a low, the opposing teams begin to line up to shake hands to say “good game” or “gg.”

Coach Aaron Smaka’s team falls away from the line of hand shakes into a mosh pit of jumping and high fives around him.

More people surround him and are celebrating this exciting win. As excitement begins to build among the crowd, Smaka’s team brings out a cookie cake and balloons.

Someone then took a picture of him and his players along with the cookie cake and balloons.

Reaching 500 wins in Smaka’s coaching career became an exciting achievement for Grand Haven High School.

“I was taken aback by the way the kids celebrated,” Smaka said.

Smaka keeps close relationships with all his players, past and present. He recognizes the value that his players have and takes pride in them whether their on or off season.

Assistant coach Lauren Hamberg played volleyball for Smaka her senior year. She now works as a spanish teacher at Grand Haven High School. Hamberg says that Smaka is always there for his players.

“The amount of love and the effort he puts into each season, every year is just astounding,” Hamberg said. “I don’t know how anybody is going to fill his shoes. He spent hours and hours watching film and making sure that the girls’ mental health is there and constantly coming up with crazy new ideas.”

As Smaka continues to be there for his players, he’ll also continue to improve as a coach and improve volleyball at Grand Haven High School as a whole.

“I think that there’s not a single moment that you could call ‘the most powerful moment’ because like I said, he is an Energizer Bunny and his fuel is valuable,” Hamberg said.

Smaka, originally a baseball player and planning to play in college, had an arm injury and as fate would have it his life led him here at the age of 18.

He started playing in college and continued until he transitioned into coaching. His coaching career began in 1997 and has been an on and off experience in the past. After awhile, Smaka decided to step back and resign from coaching volleyball.

“Honestly, I had three young kids at home,” Smaka said. “My wife went back to work full time so at the end of the ‘08 season I decided to resign.”

Later in 2009, he came back for a short time to fill in for a coach that left in the middle of the season.

After being pulled back and forth, Smaka returned after Katie Walters left the team and has been coaching since. He is now the varsity head coach and is going into his eighth season back.

“I want to get better,” Smaka said. “I just love the idea of seeing kids learn the game and lessons they learned through the game and watching kids improve and get better at volleyball.”

As Smaka continues to coach, he wants others to look back at this coaching and to see overall improvements made from year to year, along with the positive relationships between the coaches and players.

“The coaches that are here I think have come through it, they understand our program and I think that’s why our program’s successful, that would even let anything like 500 happen,” Smaka said.

Not wanting to be remembered for his 500 wins, Smaka would rather be remembered for the dedication he has put into the program.

When people look back at his coaching career, he wants people to see the improvement he’s made over the years along with the way he deeply cares for his players.

“I’ve been very fortunate to coach really talented and hardworking kids,” Smaka said.

“I’m surrounded by really good coaches that helped me out. I mean, it’s cool, I get it, but it doesn’t happen without the support of a lot of people around you.”

(photo by Grace Montgomery)

1997-1999

Smaka began his coaching career for the Grand Valley girls volleyball team

2005-2008

Smaka was named the varsity volleyball coach in 2005 and resigned in 2008

1999-2005

Smaka started student teaching at GHHS and was later hired as a teacher and coach www.bucsblade.com, November 26, 2019

2012-present

Smaka came back after Walters and continues to coach to this day

2009-2012

Smaka came back to fill in during 2009, then Katy Walters took over untill 2012

Calling It Like I See It Sam Woiteshek The ultimate “Haven Rumble” Sometimes you’ve had enough.

It comes at different points for everyone. There’s a point where you’ve been pushed around so much that things look hopeless. Lifeless. Void of any meaning or worth.

At this moment, you have a choice: sit there and keep getting knocked down, or stand up and fight back. Prove that David can beat Goliath.

Show people you’re just as good, if not better than, the opponent.

I can’t tell you when that realization will happen for you, not even for myself. But I can tell you it happened to Grand Haven football.

It started with the class of 2020. Their junior varsity team went undefeated and looked to surge to the playoffs. They went 3-6 and left their junior season in a sour way, yet hungry to prove the critics wrong.

This year, they beat Reeths-Puffer convincingly 24-0. The Bucs then proceeded to lose their next four games. All hope seemed lost.

Yet, a switch was flipped in the second half of their loss to Rockford, if you ask me and people who have truly followed this team. Down 12-0 at halftime, they scored 14 points in a tough, 19-14 loss. The play was inspiring and they hung with the Rams until the end, losing only because of a fluke play.

The madness began. The Bucs upset East Kentwood, then dominated the rest of the O-K Red en route to a 5-4 record and a playoff bid.

Right there, that seemed to be enough. Grand Haven had not been to the playoffs since 2011. They had three coaches in eight years, including one season where they went 1-8. It had come to the point where we expected to fail so much that any win was extraordinary.

And low and behold, the Bucs beat Grandville 28-7 for a playoff win.

“To compete while being 1-4 and making the playoffs is something this team should be remembered by,” team manager Nick Twa said.

However, all good things must come to an end. Grand Haven lost to Hudsonville in the district final, capping an improbable run in an even more unlikely season.

Yet, one moment in that game stood out to me. As a Hudsonville players scored, he turned around to taunt senior Connor Worthington.

Worthington caught up to him and knocked him to the ground. He was followed by fellow senior Will McWatters, who had his back in case the situation escalated.

Call it solidarity, brotherhood, whatever you’d like. The matter is simple: Grand Haven football is not going to be pushed around anymore.

They play ball with the big boys now.

If you ask me, this year’s team is an exceptional example for future Grand Haven squads. They showed grit, they stuck together and believed in themselves and each other to reach their highest potential.

That’s the true embodiment of a team. I’ll take that group of 50 players any day, any place.

The great coach Bo Schembechler once said “we’re gonna believe in each other, we’re not gonna criticize each other, we’re not gonna talk about each other, we’re going to encourage each other” and that when the season is over “those who stay will be champions.”

Well Grand Haven, truer words have never been spoken. Through thick and thin, this season had the best possible success and should be celebrated for years to come.

On behalf of the students, thank you. You’ve made us believe again.

You’ve rejuvenated the program, bringing fresh optimism to the fans.

“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” they say. In the case of Buccaneers, defy the haters and punch ‘em square in the mouth. Works just as well.

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THE BUCS’ BLADE - 23

HERE WE GO

AGAIN

Photos by Addy Wachter

Grand Haven High School presents Mamma Mia for the fall musical showing Nov. 22, 23 and 24. They have been preparing since September on these two acts and have worked long and hard hours to make the performances the best they can be.

MONEY MONEY MONEY: Senior Anna Bremmer stars in the musical playing Donna the strong, independent mother of main character Sophie. “We all feel like a family,” Bremmer said. “I’ve loved getting to know everybody and learning the songs and dancing with everybody. It’s been great.”

MOTHER DAUGHTER MOMENT: Donna and the Dynamos get back together and perform during the party before the wedding. “I just want to make a lot of people smile,” Bates said. “I want other people to feel inspired. It is okay to put yourself out there. Her song is ‘I Have a Dream’ and I want other people to have a dream.”

BLAST FROM THE PAST: The role of Bill is played by senior Daniel Bremmer who has been a part of the program since his freshman year. “This year there has been extremely positive progress,” Bremmer said.

“Normally we are kind of pushed on time, but this year everything is lining up perfectly and it’s going really great.”

UNDER ATTACK: Playing the role of Sophie in Mamma Mia, senior Sophia Bates has loved trying to figure out, understand and resemble her character. “Sophie kind of resembles who I am. She is bubbly and somewhat innocent,” Bates said. “But she has big dreams, goals and aspirations and that’s just me.”

24 - THE BUCS’ BLADE

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