Portrait Vol. 51, Issue 1

Shakespeare with a twist Cast and Crew prepare for the fall play

By Willa Cornillie

The theater program will be putting an unexpected twist on Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer’s Night Dream” as this year’s fall play, currently set to be performed in November.

Considered a classic, and written and set in the late 16th century, this rendition of the play will be set in the 1970s.

“If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if you took Shakespeare, threw in the 1970s, mixed some glitter, David Bowie, and draped colors and wild fashions onto it? I mean, this is it,” Alexander Smith, play director and theater teacher, said.

The play will stick to the original Shakespeare script--slightly shortened but using the same language--and using a modern setting of 1972 to make it more accessible to audiences. The play is originally a story about the marriage between the King of Athens and

the Queen of the Amazon, as well as various romance plots. But this adaptation replaces royalty with politicians and other more modern characters to adapt to its setting. The play also incorporates aspects of the feminist political revolutions occurring in the 70s.

Lila Tuell (9) was given the role of Hippolyta, the Queen of the Amazons and what she considers to be the only feminist role in the play.

“If there’s one thing I could relate to her on, it’s that no matter what, she doesn’t want to back down, but sometimes it’s hard for her to find her words,” Tuell said. “So I feel like her body language and facial expressions in the play are going to be a lot of how she expresses herself and I can kind of relate to that.”

But instead of being a queen, Tuell’s character embodies a politician in the adaptation. While Hippolyta is engaged, she frequently disagrees with her fiancé, holding

her ground and standing up for herself.

The rest of the play and characters tend to focus more on romance, and the hilarity of it. With frequent misunderstanding, a central point is the comedy of miscommunications between characters. Zoe Yingling, who plays Hermia, one of the “lovers” describes her character as being in a kind of ‘love square’.

“She runs away, and this love potion stuff happens and people start liking other people,” Yingling said.

“And it’s just like, really confusing to her, especially because she doesn’t know what’s going on. So she’s kind of left in the dark for a lot of the play.”

Yingling is looking forward to her first ever leading role in ELHS theater, long awaiting an opportunity to partake in the program. She’s been reading her lines and getting to know the ins and outs of her character, and practices along with the rest of the cast in almost daily rehearsals to prepare for the show nearly two

months away.

Though rehearsals have just recently begun Sept. 12, both cast and crew are well on their way to being prepared for the shows, beginning Nov. 18, and encourage anyone interested to come check out the show.

“If I had to boil it down to one thing; seeing Shakespeare how you don’t expect to see Shakespeare,” Smith said. “You’re not going to see people in togas and like fancy classical Elizabethan garments.”

By Jade Westjohn

Club leaders hosted the annual Club Rush outside of the student union on Sept. 13 and Sept. 14 to convince students to join different clubs with signs, bowls of candy and megaphones.

Tyrah Daniel (12), co-president of Black Student Union with Ky Bey (11), felt that she was carrying on the legacy of the club through her leadership. Still, she knew it was always different every year.

“I think the only thing different about it this year is we are teaching about how the black character should be because we are trying to override the stereotype that has been put on us,” Daniel said.

Student organizations invite new members at annual recruitment event

This year, there have been new clubs participating in this event. Some of the newer clubs include “Be A Positive Somebody,” Sydney Isham (12) is president of this club.

“We learn positive coping skills for ourselves and hope to be able to teach our peers soon,” Isham said. “Our first meeting we decorated journals and talked about the benefits of using them.”

Even though Josci McNary (11) joined Students For Environmental Action club her freshman year, the club wasn’t active until her sophomore year. This year she

ended up wanting to be a part of that leadership.

“My freshman year it wasn’t really vocalized, you know it wasn’t really a club because COVID hit,” McNary said. “But I’m definitely hoping to become a part of it and be a leader this year especially because I am an upperclassman.”

The club helps recycle at the high school and is trying to find better ways to enforce picking up trash.

McNary wants to see students living a “greener” life at the high school.

“We’re just kind of acknowledging that this high school produces a lot of waste and we’re trying to fix that,” McNary said. “And we’re trying to come up with better ways to enforce the recycling and picking up trash.”

When William Kuhl (11) joined Model UN his sophomore year, he really enjoyed it. But he wasn’t able to keep up with the work, which led him to leaving the club last year. This year, he was excited to rejoin it.

“I’m viewing this as a new chance to get into the swing of things,” Kuhl said. “I joined again because I had some friends doing it and I wanted to give it another chance.”

Also at the event was Matea Smith (10), co-president of Students

for Body Image Support. The club was created for staff and students who weren’t able to understand what students were going through with their confidence or how they view themselves.

“We do a mixture of activities and educational topics and you can just do whatever you want,” Smith said. “If you just wanna sit there that’s fine or if you’re really interested in the topics we are discussing that’s fine too it’s really just whatever you want it to be for you.’’

Smith encourages people to join the club if they’re interested in understanding how their comments might have a bigger impact than they realize, so they can look out for each other.

Quiz Bowl club, a club started in 2020 and ended in the 2021-2022 school year was restarted this year by Mona Borhan (11) and Maggie Callender (11). Borhan is excited to meet new people and to see the new atmosphere.

“I’m most excited to see the new atmosphere and meet new people, especially the underclassmen,” Borhan said. “And also trying to find different schools to have a face off with.”

Sitting on stage in the auditorium on Sept. 23, Zoe Yingling reviews her lines for the upcoming play; Midsummers Night Dream. Photo by Quinn Martin

Isham

Kate

Photo by Quinn Martin

Meeting Mr. Mayfield

By Frankie CalabreseBarton and Adan Quan

Ever since he was in high school, Shannon Mayfield has wanted to help people. Whether in law enforcement or education, Mayfield has always tried to serve his community in what ever way he could.

As the newly hired principal at ELHS, Mayfield, 61, is continuing his long career of community-oriented service. He officially started at ELHS July 1, 2022. The hire came after a complete restart of the search and in terview process, which began in early 2022 after former principal Andrew Wells announced he would retire at the end of the school year.

Mayfield became a candidate in the secondary round of searching for candidates, after an initial round left many on the interview committees unsatisfied.

“It’s really hard to walk in after Mr. Wells,” said English teacher Sheri Seyka, who was on the interview committee. “He was so connected with our students. Mr. Mayfield is stepping into pretty big shoes, but I

think he’s doing a great job.” Mayfield, who was living in Lake Tahoe, California at the time, heard of the opening from a friend in Michigan.

One of the strongest aspects of Mayfield that caught Leyko’s eye was his vast experience, as well as his confidence and passion.

Mayfield began his professional life in law enforcement, but switched to education after 20 years as a federal air marshal and Georgia state trooper. As an educator, Mayfield has worked in many different schools, from Pennsylvania to California. Despite traveling around the country for various jobs, Mayfield’s roots are still in Michigan as a graduate of Detroit Mercy. “I was sharpened and shaped in the state of Michigan,” Mayfield said in an interview.

Growing up in Detroit made Mayfield aware of the value of diversity. Because he was surrounded by people from around the world when young, he has tried to learn from their different experiences and viewpoints. His high school, Cass Tech in Detroit, was itself a testament to the diversity he values. People from all over studied and taught at the school. Mayfield has also been surrounded by people of

Mr Mayfield: An Overview

1983-1986

Patrol trooper. Black patrol state at

1960: Born 1978: Graduated from Cass Tech High School in Detroit

Sitting for an interview with a Portrait reporter, Mayfield is shown under a portion of the gymnasium floor left in the office by previous principal Andrew Wells. Photo by Gretchen Rojewski

Sitting in his office on Sept. 22, Principal Mayfield reads the children’s book he wrote titled “Clean Plate Club.”

Photo by Gretchen Rojewski

diverse backgrounds in his professional careers.

“That’s a small capsule of what the world looks like,” Mayfield said. “It taught me how to mix with people. How to get along with people, how to listen, how to encourage, how to support and how to have conversations that are challenging at times.”

All of his jobs have been valuable experiences to him.

Mayfield credits his time in law enforcement with teaching him many lessons that impact his work in education. His job was strenuous, dealing with criminals and investigating fatal accidents. The moment that stands out to him the most is the incident that made him want to quit the field. In 1985, while out on patrol, a scary situation almost forced Mayfield to shoot at two young men before he was able to deescalate the situation. He recalls how he was just driving home when the incident occurred.

“I was prepared and trained to do my job,” Mayfield said. “But I kept saying, give these dudes a chance. Once I calmed it down and got it under control, I realized my time in law enforcement is limited.”

After the almost-shooting, Mayfield came to realize he wanted to help his community in a different way. Instead of the grueling work of law enforcement, he wanted to help the community from the ground up by relationship-building and coaching in schools.

So he went back to school at Detroit Mercy and became certified to teach, though he still credits a lot of his mentoring and disciplinary skills to his time serving in the Georgia State Patrol and as a U.S. Air Marshal.

“Law enforcement allowed me to understand what a healthy balance is,” Mayfield said. “You’re not in control of other people, you’re serving other people.”

ELHS reminds Mayfield of the environment he was able to grow up in. Whether it is the school’s slogan, “East Lansing Family,” its various traditions dating back several decades, or its recognitions for academic excellence, Mayfield is able to draw a line back to his time in high school. Mayfield also enjoys the competitive spirit in sports and activities at ELHS, something that he believes creates a better environment.

1983-1986: Georgia State trooper. One of only 15 patrol troopers in the at the time

from School

“Whenever they can academically, sports teams swimming, newspapers, yearbook, folks are competing. They are and it breeds success when you’re in that kind of an environment,” Mayfield said. “And that’s why I’m so fired up about it because it’s like it’s a continuation for me is like, I’ve been down this road. Let’s go. Let’s get it done.”

East Lansing as a city is also not new to Mayfield. Initially, he was recruited from high school football to play at MSU. Instead, his parents encouraged him to attend both a HBCU and a majority white school, with Mayfield opting for Jackson State in Mississippi and University of Detroit Mercy. Now at ELHS, Mayfield is trying to bring together all of his experiences to create a better environment. He hopes to increase student collaboration and participation in planning school events.

Mayfield is easily adjusting to his move to East Lansing. He lives with his wife, who is his high school sweetheart from Cass Tech. Living here also allows him to be closer to his two sons and three grandsons, who live in Ohio.

One of his favorite pastimes outside of school is cooking food with his wife. He noted that he pays special attention to the presentation of the food while cooking. He also enjoys experimenting with fashion, crediting his Detroit upbringing and his stylish parents, not only stylish in clothing but also in their culture and food. His infamous hat he wears was made at a local Detroit business, which his friend owns.

“All of us have a style,” Mayfield said. “I mean, Mr. Wells used to wear his comfort able shoes. I’ve been teased about it, you know, you have shoes to fill. And I joke back like, no, I want my own shoe. I want my own way.”

Mayfield’s approach to discipline is not as hard-line as some administrators. He doesn’t like environments based on punishment and extremely strict rules.

Instead, he prefers to build connections with his students, understand their strengths and challenges, and to motivate them. Most importantly, Mayfield wants students to have a voice, a characteristic he has carried with him since his teaching days.

“We have fun, you know. I was known to

1991-2001: Became a math teacher and football coach at Detroit Southwestern High School

1986-1991: United States federal air marshall. He specialized in counterterrorism, and flew all around the southeast and even internationally to protect people.

Q&A With Mr.Mayfield

Questions provided by students via the @Eastlansingportrait Instagram account.

What’s your favorite song?

‘West Coast Schooling’ by Norman Brown. It’s the tune that my wife and I danced to in our wedding.

What animal do you resonate with?

A panther, serious but playful.

What’s your favorite color?

Black. I was raised in a black family and that identity means a lot to me.

What time do you wake up in the morning? 6 a.m., with no alarm clock.

What’s your dream vacation?

prank my students. Joke with them,” he said. “I allow my students to configure their classrooms. Because it wasn’t my class, it was our class.”

This is something students have noticed as well. Evan Newcombe (12), who does announcements for the school, interacts with Mayfield regularly.

“He was like an enforcer, but also, he’s chill and funny and likes to have fun. One thing that I was surprised by is that he took lots of pride in the seniors,” Newcombe said.

Students have noticed May field attending various events, including football games, a lacrosse game when he was being hired, and marching band camp. Will Beekman (12), the student body president, is impressed with Mayfield so far.

“I think he’s a really nice guy. He’s gonna be a good leader for the school, seems to really care about the students and re ally wants to be involved with everything. Just showing up at practices and games and just seeing him in the community, really showed that he cared about our well being.”

Cairo, Egypt, so I can see the history and show my family the history.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I’ve written children’s books. I also play quite a few instru ments, like the piano.

1995: Earned his master’s degree in educational administration from University of Detroit Mercy

1991-2001: Got a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from University of Detroit Mercy

2001-2006: Assistant Principal at Birmingham Groves High School in Michigan

2009-2012: Assistant Principal in Manheim Township in Pennsylvania

April 2022: Heard about the job opening at East Lansing High School, and applied

2012-2021: Worked at Tahoe Elementary School in Lake Tahoe, California, brought art murals to the school.

Center • 5 What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? My dad once told me, “Be who you are, but be better than who you’ve been.”

Admiring the portrait, Mayfield shows off a hand drawn picture of Emmett Till, which was a gift from a past student. The portrait hangs on the principal’s office wall, and is special to him because the student had no prior art experience. Photo by Frankie Calabrese-Barton, courtesy of ELi

Talking with Frankie Calabrese-Barton (12) in his office, Principal Mayfield rests in his office chair on Sept. 22. Photo by Gretchen Rojewski

A breath of fresh air

New student adapts to school in a new country

By Quinn Martin

Laura Abishevh (10) was standing in her kitchen in her home in Almaty, Kazakhstan when she got a call. It was from her mother informing her that she got approved for a program in the United States and that Laura could come with her.

“I jumped,” Abishevh said. “I jumped in happiness, it was one of the most important moments of my life.”

After transferring to America in May, Abishevh adapted well to American school and culture. There are some major differences between school in America and school in Kazakhstan that make it difficult for her, but overall her experience has been positive.

Overcoming the language barrier and transitioning from speaking Russian to English is one of the biggest challenges Abishevh has faced so far.

“It is a really, really annoying problem for me because sometimes I really want to talk with other students, but I can’t reply to them because of my language barrier,” Abishevh said.

She is using her time here, however, to hone her language skills.

“I’m trying... to improve my English every day, because I learned a lot of words as I communicate

with everyone.”

Her mother, who is studying at MSU, also expressed the difficulty of trying to learn surrounded by a foreign language, Abishevh said. It is even harder for her mom because she doesn’t have the same school atmosphere where she can improve her English skills.

“She told me that she can understand only 50 percent of what [the students and teachers] say,” Abishevh said. “I think it’s much easier for me because I can communicate and I have to communicate and I have to understand everyone at the school and it’s much faster to learn language here than in university.”

Other families have also come from Kazakhstan for the same program and have all gotten to know each other and become friends they can rely on.

“We are kind of support to each other,” Abishevh siad. “We go together for some events because if I could be here alone, I think I would be more shy because I had no friends here before, but with them, it’s much easier to find things.”

Before coming to East Lansing, Abishevh traveled all around the US going to places like New York and Chicago. Even with all the traveling, she still finds East Lansing as her favorite place in the US.

A fresh start

New ELHS students tour the school at new student orientation

Story and photos by Allison Treanor

On the brisk Tuesday morning of Aug. 16, a few hundred freshman (and all students attending East Lansing for the first time), filed into the night activities entrance, with a mix of terror and relief, for the ever-exciting new student orientation.

The new principal, Shannon

“I really like this town because it is really really beautiful and the nature here is really picturesque and I love the fresh air,” Abishevh siad.

In Kazakhstan, she wasn’t able to experience her natural surroundings to the extent she has because of living in a populous and polluted city.

“I didn’t smell [fresh air] in my previous country. From my city you can see a lot of beautiful mountains, however there is a lot of traffic and people and the sky is not open,” Abishevh said. “I think it is a big problem because of all the pollution and other stuff.”

School events are something she looks forward to because she finds them more exciting than those in Kazakhstan.

“We had something like a homecoming but it was different, not as good as here,” Abishevh said. “At my previous school there were not as many students so we didn’t have anything as big as homecoming.”

She spends extra time creating vlogs on her YouTube channel about her experience here.

“I only have several vlogs but my first video is from the first day of school to show my friends how I’m living here,” Abishevh said.

Despite the fact that she is

attending school in America, Abishevh still completes all of the school work for her 12 classes in Kazakhstan. She needs to keep her grades up to prepare for important tests at the end of the year in order to get into university.

“This year for me is very important, because at the end of this year, I’m gonna pass some exams like the SAT and my very important exams at the end of this year in my country, that are connected with university and my future,” Abishevh said. “Now I’m studying in two schools for that and I’m preparing myself much harder.”

Abishevh’s classmates in Kazakhstan are still ahead of her regardless of her hard work to keep

up. They have already had to pass exams that she is missing out on due to being in the US.

“I’m too busy but my classmates have already passed exams in every subject but I didn’t even open them. I don’t know how I will pass exams,” Abishevh said. “During the whole week, I usually study and study and study.”

Abishevh mentioned that her classes here in the United States are much less challenging than the ones she takes in Kazakhstan.

“I already know most of the topics of the lessons so I’m just sitting and just chilling but I can practice my English and that’s really useful for me.”

Mayfield, stood in the spotlight of the auditorium, introducing administration members, slinging catchphrases, and reminding everyone that they are the future! And to please, keep your phones in your pockets.

After the nearly hour-long set of admin speeches was over, kids shuffle

out into the unknown, clutching maps and schedules like they’re hacking through the Amazon.

The air is filled with questions; “It’s so big!” -“You have this class too?” -“I heard this teacher sucks”-“Where is the library?”

Swarming around like gnats, giving a sample of the chaos that’s to come to

the school in little over a week. Eventually the three hours are up, and everyone left with slightly more knowledge, a little less fear, and the persisting feeling of wanting to get it all over with.

Enough talk, here’s this year’s freshman orientation in pictures.

Talking with her friends on Wednesday sept 21, Laura Abishevh (10) laughs in ELL academic support. Photo by Quinn Martin

Awaiting new students to guide, volunteers from NHS gather in the lunchroom.

hallways after welcoming speeches from ELHS’ administration. August 16, 2022. Photo by Allison Treanor.

New freshman Kari Richards meets the school’s service-dog-in-training, Gus.

New students get their schedules for the first time from their councilor.

A collection of stories

The game

By Sama Sakhi

Homecoming court

By Tyler Keefe

This year was the first year underclassmen were eligible to vote for homecoming court since 2019, after the pandemic canceled the 2020 election and 2021 was voting for seniors only. Several students thought this wasn’t a fair decision to make, because most freshmen don’t know many of the candidates.

The decision to give underclassmen the ability to vote was made by Student Congress. Layniee Nixon (10), the representative for the class of 2025, said Student Congress decided to allow underclassmen to vote because they expressed they wanted to be included in the voting.

“We thought it would be better to

get the opinions of the whole school,” Nixon said.

Some seniors liked the idea of allowing underclassmen to vote for the court candidates. Grace Horton (12) said she was “astounded” that she made it onto homecoming court because she didn’t know very many freshmen.

“I thought it was cool to incorporate everybody in the school,” Horton said. She ended up going onto the second round of homecoming court and was one of 20 winners.

However, not everyone thought it was a good idea to let underclassmen vote. Tate Schwartz (12) thought it was an unfair decision to allow

“We will fix what we have to for us to get on the right track,” Jackson

Eric Williams (11) was upset with the penalties they were receiving in the game,19 penalties with 125 penalty yards, and thought they still had more work to do to be better next

“I think we need to do better with penalties,” Williams said. “There were flags everywhere”

The game was close, with East Lansing nearly scoring a final touchdown to tie up the game in the fourth quarter. However, a stalwart Grand Blanc defense resisted East Lansing’s final push into the end zone, with the Bobcats celebrating the instant they got a first down with less than a minute left.

The pep-rally

By Holyn Walsh

weekend normally due to COVID-19. The rally was canceled two years ago when school was held entirely online. Last year, the pep rally and dance were outside in the football stadium.

This year, Cruz and other Student Council members planned a pep rally to help bring the excitement of homecoming back. But instead of

underclassmen to vote. He thinks that it would only be fair for them to vote if they were able to win.

“The first round of voting was basically was your name recognizable enough,” Schwartz said “Because as seniors we don’t really spend time with the underclassmen.”

Even though underclassmen were allowed to vote, some were unfamiliar or disinterested with the process of selecting senior homecoming court candidates. Being their first or second year at this school, some students haven’t had the time to learn who the older students are yet. Students like Tania Dijagah (9) didn’t know anyone on the voting list.

an environment where students can have fun, let go and not stress about classes.

“I want them to be able to feel involved even if they can’t play any of the games but to have fun watching them.”

Cruz said Overall, they succeeded in their goal.

“I just guessed based off of their names,” Dijagah said. “Other people in my grade knew older people but I didn’t know any of them.”

Before she voted, Dijagah asked other freshmen about how they would vote. To her surprise, some of them didn’t vote at all. For most, the reason was simply not knowing who the seniors were.

But some freshmen didn’t think this was an issue. For some, voting was simple. Underclassmen like Ava Lehman (9) didn’t have any confusion when voting for homecoming court.

“I do know some of the upperclassmen,’’ Lehman said. “I do sports with them and I know some of

Tobias Vanderbush (11) said the pep rally got him into the homecoming

“I haven’t really had one yet because of COVID-19, so it was nice to have a change.” Vanderbush said.

However, some were disappointed in the timing of the pep rally. Isabella Gast (9) said, “I wish it didn’t happen during excel. The rally was nice, but I would rather have had the time to work.”

Additionally, Belle Potter (9) didn’t like the way the pep rally ended.

“I thought it was unfortunate that upperclassmen started cheering ‘go home freshmen,’ she said.

Despite the ending, she still enjoyed her first homecoming pep rally.

“I thought all of the performances were a fun way to represent school spirit,” Potter said. “I had good expectations and it pretty much lived up to all of them.”

them because I’m friends with their younger siblings.”

Connections with seniors through siblings, sports or extracurriculars made voting easier for many freshmen. Being able to get to know seniors through these activities made voting significantly easier for students participating in extracurriculars. Lehman’s vote was also influenced by how well she knew the candidates were doing in their classes. For her, this was an easy way to narrow down the choices.

“It’s going to fluctuate depending on the year,” Nixon said. “But obvious [that] underclassmen want to vote every year.”

Walking up the field on Sept. 24, Grace Horton (12) and Aaliyah Morehouse (12) strut onto the track for homecoming photos during halftime. Photo by Eva Kuiper

Autumn Playlist

Scan the code to open the Spotify playlist filled with students’ favorite fall tunes!

The recipe hasmoved!

Don’t worry, you can still access our mouth-watering recipes by scanning this QR code or looking online at our website, eastlansingportrait.com

Pumpkin Muffins

by Mitchell Roberts

Starbucks fall drink review

By Frankie Calabrese Barton, Quinn Martin and Willa Cornillie

Iced Apple Crisp Macchiato

Fruit mixed with coffee initially sounded jarring and repulsive, and we were not expecting to like this. However, we were pleasantly surprised at first and the flavors worked. After a few minutes though, as the drink settled in on our palates, the aftertaste was regrettable and felt like we swallowed a headache.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Though the infamous PSL is arguably over-hyped, the sweet pumpkin mixed with the bitter coffee is still enjoyable. The latte was topped with whipped cream and pumpkin spice powder, making for a good presentation. It tastes a little artificial, and as Quinn points out, it has the overwhelming scent of a white woman’s candle.

Frankie: 8/10

Iced Chai latte with pumpkin cold foam

We can all agree: nothing beats an iced chai in the fall. The ice cream-like sweetness of the cold foam contrasts perfectly with the spices in the chai, and the pumpkin is present yet not too overpowering. Overall, this is the perfect fall drink.

Willa: 10/10

EDITORS IN CHIEF (WRITING)

ADAN QUAN

WILLA CORNILLIE

EDITOR IN CHIEF (VISUALS)

GRETCHEN ROJEWSKI

PHOTO EDITOR

QUINN MARTIN

PRINT EDITOR

ALLISON TREANOR

ONLINE EDITOR

DONALD KEOUGH

COPY EDITOR

JADE WESTJOHN

SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR FRANKIE CALABRESE-BARTON

WRITERS

HOLYN WALSH

TYLER KEEFE

SAMA SAKHI

MITCHELL ROBERTS

ADVISER CODY HARRELL

STAFF MISSION

PORTRAIT IS WRITTEN, EDITED AND SIGNED BY STUDENTS OF EAST LANSING HIGH SCHOOL WHICH SEEKS TO INFORM, EDUCATE AND ENTERTAIN ITS READERS. PORTRAIT IS READ BY STUDENTS, FACULTY, STAFF, PARENTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS. PORTRAIT COVERS SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY NEWS AND COMMENTS ON ISSUES REGARDING THESE AREAS AFFECTING STUDENTS AT ELHS. OPINIONS STATED ARE THOSE OF THE WRITER AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THOSE OF THE SCHOOL. LETTERS TO THE EDITORS MAY BE SUBMITTED TO EASTLANSINGPORTRAIT@GMAIL.COM.

Illustrations by Frankie Calabrese-Barton