Fraser High School - 34270 Garfield Road, Fraser, MI 48026 - Volume 51 - Issue 5- Jan - Feb 2011
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Opinions
The Flash online: http://my.hsj.org/mi/fraser/flash/
Snow day x3 The Flash Staff
Flash Staff Editrorial
Dear Dr. Richards, I think that we can all agree we needed a four day weekend. We all watched the news and saw “Lake Shore-Closed, Stevenson-Closed,” and hoped that our school’s name would pop up next. We were all glued to Facebook hoping that someone broke the news. People actually got pretty crazy as the time started to pass. I’m pretty sure that I saw prayers being sent out as statuses in hope of an extra day off. Then the news came early Monday morning that Fraser Public Schools was having a RARE snow day, and people really didn’t believe it due to the past years of having school in below zero weather and snow up to our knees. In fact, last winter somebody made a Facebook page that was titled “it could be the second coming of Jesus, and we would still have school.” So we enjoyed our Monday off, many went sledding, had snowball fights, or even a little pond hockey, but we surely thought there would be school the next day. We all heard the news about the deep freeze coming for Metro Detroit, and our hopes of back to back snow time around 10:30 that night. People were in denial at first that a school district, which is known for lacking in the amount of snow days per year, was having two in a row.
I’m gonna be honest. I didn’t do very well on my English midterm. I used all my class work and study guides to study with and I even spent some extra time with my teacher, but when it came to the exam i couldnt remember any of what I learned. I don’t want this to ruin my grade, but i think it might be too late. What do I do? -CrushedCrammer
So we thank you, Dr. Richards, for all you have done to help us get a couple of extra days off of school. To many of us, you were Fraser’s man of the week. I’m sure someone built a snowman in your honor. Don’t be quick to forget that you have three more to use. PS. Snow day number three was just as enjoyable and appreciated! Sincerely, Fraser High School Student Body
Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do about the midterm grade. What you can do, though, is learn from your mistake. Don’t give up just because you didn’t do so hot on the exam! Everybody has their bad test scores – it happens. Hopefully now you’ll be able to see what it is you weren’t prepared for and try and remedy that for the next test. It’s never too late to redeem yourself. Try different study tactics the next time and be sure to keep doing you’re homework and keep your overall grade up, so that if you do get into this kind of a situation again it won’t effect your grade too much. Keep working hard and don’t give up hope! - Jake
*Have a question you want answered? Fill out a submission form found inside this newspaper and return it to Room 1800. Maybe you’ll see YOUR submission right here in the Flash!
The stadium bleachers covered in snow after the blizzard that gave us two snow days. Photo: Kyle Lesher
Visit The Flash online at: www.myhighschooljournalsim.org/mi/fraser/fhs
Editor-in-Chief Amanda Prekaj Assistant Editors Alycia Barozzini Flash Reporters Alyssa Ayris Austin Binienda Jennifer Blair Jacob Blazejewski Bekka Bossenberger Brian Chaundy Taylor Conley Ashleigh Corriveau Jacob Gross Kyle Lesher
Megan Molloy Matthew Perry Kaitlyn Perta Emily Rooney Sam Sesko Christopher Teske Bevin Thomas Evan Tubben Joshua Victor Caitlyn Wackrow Web Editors Lucas Teske Adviser James Flanagan
The purpose of the Flash is to inform and entertain our audience, which includes the entire community, on subjects that may affect our readers. We also aim to be an open forum for the audience to be heard and make comments and observations. It is our intent that we provide this information in a clear, meaningful, and journalistic way. The Flash is a member of the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA). Editorial Policy The editorial board is the decision-making group for the newspaper staff. It includes the editor-inchief, assistant editors, and all other writers, web editors, and photographers. The board is in charge of making the decisions on what will go into the newspaper. If a controversial issue arises, it is the common assumption that there will be nothing published in the newspaper that is libelous,
obscene, copyrighted, disrupting, or advocating illegal activities. Contact Us At the Flash, we encourage letters to the editor so that our readers can cooperate with us to make a better newspaper. Any signed letter of which is not libelous, obscene, or regarding defamation or incitement may be accepted to be published. Letters are subject to edit for grammar and content if necessary. Please keep letters 250 words or less. Letters can also be submitted in the box outside of the journalism room or in the main office, as well as via e-mail to theflash@ fraserk12.org Letters to the Editor should be addressed to: Letter to the Editor, The Flash 34270 Garfield, Fraser, MI 48026
Opinions
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Jan-Feb 2011 Volume 51, Issue 5
Freshmen prepare for irst inals A heated debate Alyssa Ayris
Flash Staff Reporter
Remember the first time you took exams? If you’ve never taken them before then you’re not sure what to expect. Is it going to be hard? What should I study for and how long? The stress that students experience is agonizing. That’s where cocoa and cram comes in. “When I was a freshman, cocoa and cram really helped,” junior Erin Beversdorf said. “It taught me how to study the right way.” For the past four years, cocoa and cram has been a one-night studying session for the freshmen. Link Crew leaders and teachers gather at the high school for an hour and a half to help freshmen study for their upcoming midterms. It started here at Fraser after our school attended a Link Crew conference and got the idea from other schools that have tried it. All the subjects are sorted by sections in the cafeteria and media center so it’s easy for everyone to get help on exactly what they need. About 150 freshmen and 30 link crew leaders attended and everyone found it helpful. “I thought it helped because the link crew leaders helped me with stuff I couldn’t figure out. They told me how to study for certain things,” freshman Sarah Bauer said.
This year was considered another success just as the previous years had been. Cookies, fruit snacks, and hot cocoa were provided for everyone that came. Fewer freshmen attended this year but the ones that went were very invested in their own studies. There were also fewer students trying to roam the halls. There may have been less time, but more results were seen. “We know which classes to focus on and how to better meet the needs of the kids. Shortening it lends a
sense of urgency to get things done and that’s very important,” Mary Thompson said. Everyone that has attended cocoa and cram in the past wishes they could go again. It’s a great way for everyone to study together to get all the information needed for the exams. Link Crew leaders will always be there to help the freshmen with whatever they need. Always remember that Link Crew has got you covered.
Link Crew leader Lyndsay McCarver assists freshman, Rachel Moore. Photo: Alyssa Ayris
Flash Staff Reporter
The chilling wind and biting winter cold cut through students and teachers alike during these months. But at least the school will be nice and warm, right? Not always, as many have noticed over the past year. The school has many classrooms plagued with heating problems so varied that it can be freezing cold in one room and unbearably hot in the next. “It sometimes makes it really hard to concentrate. When the room is either really hot or really cold it really seems to affect everyone’s work.” Mark Levos, a senior who has several classes in rooms like this, said. As of yet there seem to be no plans to fix this problem, but does anyone even know what the problem is? I spoke to several students who gave
all sorts of theories, from blocked vents and bad insulation to computer fans and crowded classrooms, but no one seems to know exactly what causes the issue. “I don’t really notice it myself; I just know people complain about some rooms more than others. There are more important things the school should worry about fixing before they worry about that.” Senior Jared Osentowski said With the problem lasting for so long, some have begun to wonder if a problem even exists, or if these are just the random bugs that can be expected with any system. If that is the case, it should be a simple thing to fix what some consider a hindrance to their learning experience. If it’s something more serious, it can only help to fix the problem before it gets any worse.
Some students have resorted to wearing gloves to warm their hands in the cold classrooms. Photo: Christopher Teske
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News
Some things money can buy The Flash online: http://my.hsj.org/mi/fraser/flash/
Christopher Teske
Flash Staff Reporter
The Fraser High School board of Education is proposing a $19.9 million dollar bond to support various needs for improvements throughout the district. The board has decided that now is the time to innovate technology and move Fraser Public Schools into the 21st century, while at the same time funding various safety essentials for students. On November 22, 20l0, the board elected to vote on the bond February 2, 2011. The sole purpose of this bond is to assist in funds to upgrade facilities on all buildings and acquire advanced technology to better aid in the learning experience of Fraser’s students. Dr. Richards, the superintendant of Fraser Public Schools, is sure this will benefit the district. “We see this time as fit to pass this bond, because we see the need for improvement,” Dr. Richards said. Without a doubt, one of the most interesting and exciting components of this bond is the funding for new technology. Dr. Richards has a vision to innovate online classes so Fraser can open its doors to school of choice
Jake Gross Flash Staff Reporter
This year’s musical is upon us and it would seem that, lately, the Phantom of the Opera is the talk of the town. Fresh off of the stages of Broadway, the rights to Phantom made their way onto the high school musical circuit only just last June. Fraser is one of the first schools in the entire state of Michigan to bring the Phantom of the Opera under the spotlight. Work on the FPAC’s take on the show began way back in the early weeks of the school year and has just recently kicked it into overdrive as opening night draws ever closer. Performers, directors, and stage workers alike have been running themselves ragged to put on a great show for the audience. Everyone’s pouring all they have into the show, be it rehearsing on early dismissals
students without overpopulating the school. One of the bond’s provisions calls for an upgrade in computer software and models. Also, the use of technology, such as iPads and Promethean boards, will help students who are visual learners. “Visual learning is a great thing because the material is right infront of you. It really helps me grasp what I’m being taught,” Junior Seth Thibeault said. This bond also has a plan for an auxiliary gym to accompany the current gym. The needs for the gym are called upon for three reasons: academics, athletics, and security. The concept of a new gym aids in decreasing the size of gym classes. Also, it will allow for more students to engage in physical activity while in gym class, this will allow more room for activity amongst weight training classes, which includes jump rope, running, and conditioning, and will keep these activities out of the hallways. An auxiliary gym will allow teachers much needed space to provide engaging lessons on the importance of physical fitness. One of the most important components of the 2011 Bond is
when everyone else gets to go home or coming in for five hours of practice every day after school. Some of the lead actors even went so far as to dye their hair to better match that of their character. Senior Josh Coates, cast in the role of the eponymous Phantom, transformed his once-light head of hair into the sleek, jet black style of his character. “We figured it was best to dye it instead of having to deal with wigs,” Coates said. This applies to multiple other leads, as senior actresses Makenzie Frodle and Emilianne Gross and junior actress Emily Gietzen died their hair for their roles in Phantom as well. The Phantom of the Opera is making its way to the stage of the FPAC for the last weekend of January, the 29th and 30th, and the first weekend of February, the 4th and 5th.
security innovations. The board has a vision for a card system which will give the district the ability to monitor on a close-knit basis. This card system allows teachers to gain access to their classrooms by swiping of cards, as opposed to using keylock systems. The card system allows administrators to restrict access to their rooms upon need. With a $19.9 million dollar bond, one might think that our district can’t afford this. The catch is that it won’t raise taxes whatsoever. The Fraser High School Board of Education has been rationing spending and has money left over from previous fiscal years. The conserved money is being used to pay for the bond, leaving tax payers irresponsible for any additional funding. With the Fraser Bond of 2011, the Board of Education is seeking to make improvements district-wide. These improvements encompass many areas including safety and security, construction of an Auxiliary gym, and technology enhancements to bring learning into the 21st century. The purpose of the Fraser Bond of 2011 is to promote district-wide innovation and it starts here!
Blueprints for the new auxiliary gymnasium. Photo: Chirstopher Teske
jPhantom cast rehearses before opening night. Photo: Amanda Prekaj
News
Slippery side-streets
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January, 2011 Volume 51, Issue 5
Slick roads lead to increased accidents. Photo: Emily Rooney
Emily Rooney Flash Staff Reporter
Don’t even think about speeding in your subdivision this winter. The city of Fraser, citing budget problems, has decided to salt only the main roads, like Garď€ ďŹ eld and the mile roads, and to let side-street drivers fend for themselves. “I hate that they’re not salting it
because for people who live there, that makes it tough to get around. It just creates a whole lot of problems for me. And they still expect us to be on time,� junior Josh Howard said. Another problem is that the city doesn’t make an effort to tell citizens to be extra-careful this year. Drivers who expect the roads to be safe to drive on allow themselves to get distracted, which can have
disastrous consequences. If drivers are aware that you could be driving on black ice, it makes for more cautious drivers and less accidents. Teenagers are especially at risk due to their inexperience. Everyone has to drive more slowly to stay safe, but distances aren’t changing. Each person has a choice in the morning of waking up to leave earlier or being late for work or school.
A Degree That Pays Off!
“How long does it take for me to get to work? About ten minutes. I haven’t heard about any of that so, as a resident of Fraser I would certainly like to be informed about that. And I just feel that we do pay a substantial amount of taxes to have that service. We’ve always had that in Fraser,� Mrs. Cable, our librarian, said. However, bus driver Alicia Tweetn
takes a different view: “I understand they have to save money. I want my job. We took a pay cut last year. I’d rather have my job, but safety is an issue, especially in places like Detroit where sidewalks are not common,� Tweetn said. Readers who have questions or comments about this or other doings of the Fraser Department of Public Works can call (586)293-1977.
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“Never let go of hope. One day you will see that it all has finally come together. What you have always wished for has finally come to be. You will look back and laugh at what has passed and you will ask yourself... ‘How did I get through all of that?” -Author unknown
Despicable Me- On July 9 2010 Universal Studios released this animated hit, opening number one in the box office pulling 56.3 million. This movie soon became the number 2 animated hit of 2010 behind Toys Story 3. It has also become the number one non- shrek/non-disney-pixar of all time in the United States and Canada. th
Fraser-Hosted Cancer Game – This year was Fraser’s first time hosting the cancer games. It was the second annual cancer game. We raised checks for well over 50 thousand dollars.
Nicki Minaj – Onika Tanya Minaj was born December 8, 1984; she’s better known by her stage name Nicki Minaj. In August of 2009, Minaj signed to Young Money Entertainment and by 2010 became the only artist to have seven songs within in the Billboard top 100 at the same time. Minaj’s album gained platinum certification a month after its release.
Looking Back…2010 Technology -Ipad -Xbox Kinect -3D TV Movies-Sequels -Toy Story 3 -Tron Legacy -Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 -The Twilight Saga Eclipse Movies-New -Inception -Despicable Me -Shutter Island -Social Network
News/Events -BP oil spill -Mining accident -Republican “wave” sweeps elections Music -Katy Perry -Nikki Minaj -Eminem -Taylor Swift Around the School -New Principal and Superintendent -Volleyball,Tennis, Swimming to states -First Fraser-hosted Cancer Game
Xbox Kinect- Microsoft launched this new gaming experience in November 2010. Created for Xbox 360, Kinect is the first controller-‐free gaming entertainment piece. Their success was based around the ideas of web cam communication and has since become a huge hit. Mining Accident – A cave-in occurred in the Atacama Desert at the San Jose Copper-‐ gold mine on August 5 2010. 33 men were trapped 700 meters below ground for 69 days. All 33 men survived and were rescued October 13.
Space Tourism- As of December, 27 2010 the space tourism society announced that space tourism will offer a one day event to about 300 participants. These participants will be high-end business, marketing, design and media oriented leaders. This annual event will bring together leaders from many areas including those building the space tourism industry, and those seeking orbital lifestyle building and investment opportunities.
Here we stand at the top of the hill. We’ve come so far to get here and there’s so much left ahead. The old year is gone and over with, leaving only memories in its wake. The new year has only just arrived, full of promise and potential.
Looking Ahead . . . 2011
Nintendo 3DS- Arriving stateside in March 2011, Nintendo’s newest handheld console is taking 3D to entirely new levels. The big draw of the 3DS? 3D without any glasses! Bringing tons of titles to the table using this new technology, the 3DS is sure to take 3D gaming to a whole new level.
iPads in Classes- Coming in 2011, all hybrid teachers (teachers in charge of online classes) at Fraser will be equipped with two iPads for classroom use. This technology could change the entire classroom environment. At the very least, it will be fun.
California Power Plant- A planned $6 billion project for California was approved in October of 2010. This project for the largest power plant using heat from the sun to generate electricity was approved by Interior Senator Ken Salazar. The plant will begin its building in 2011.
Technology -
– Space Tourism Nintendo 3DS Google Me
Movies (Sequels) – - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 2 - Scream 4 - Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides - The Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Movies (New) – - The Green Hornet - Gnomeo and Juliet - Captain America: The First Avenger - Never Say Never News/Events – - Neptune completes its first full orbit since its discovery in 1846 - California will open the world’s largest solar power plant - The Universal House of Justice will announce the new Five Year Plan.
Britney Spears- The pop diva is set to release her seventh album in March 2011. Her latest single, “Hold it against me” was released at number one on the Billboard Top 100 and is still topping the charts. The new album will feature more electronic dance hits Britney is known for. She has paired up with two of pop music’s biggest producers and songwriters, “Dr. Luke” Gottwald and Max Martin.
Music – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2The last half of the final Harry Potter movie is due to release in July of 2011. The first half of the seventh Harry Potter movie was released in 2010, and together, these two movies will bring about the end of the Harry Potter movie franchise.
Around the -
Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Also returning with new albums: Britney Spears, Stevie Nicks, Bowling for Soup, Yellow Card, Green Day and many more School – New football coach Masquerade Prom iPads in classes
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Features
How to obtain the money you need for college
Samantha Sesko Flash Staff Reporter As the first semester for seniors came to a close and college applications, along with transcripts and ACT scores, were sent in, applying for scholarships became the next item on the to-‐do list. The counseling office was flooded with appointments, full of seniors questioning what to do in order to receive extra money for their college funds. On the counseling webpage, linked to the Fraser webpage, different information about scholarships is available. In addition to five listed scholarships for anybody, a scholarship attachment is available for downloading. Over forty links are listed on this document, along with an alphabetical listing of school specific scholarships. Amongst these scholarships are scholarships for just going to Fraser High School, or for going to a Fraser Public Elementary School. If an appointment is made with a counselor, more information can be found out about these scholarships. Scholarships are easily found. Besides being located on Fraser’s webpage, a simple Google search can help find scholarships, just make sure these sites are accredited. Also, don’t shed too much worry about scholarships. Usually along with acceptance letters comes scholarship applications from the
college or university you were accepted to. You can also search for scholarships on the college website. If you’re lucky enough, you will get a generous amount of money in scholarship form from that school, or if you are like some students at Fraser High School, you will receive a plentiful amount of money from a schools scholarship. Senior Bekka Bossenberger received a scholarship from Hiram College. “I applied over the summer and received my acceptance packet. A week later, I received a letter telling me that I got a scholarship. It was based on merit, based on my academics, and it covers roughly half of my tuition each year.” Bossenberger said. Listed below are three popular scholarships for high school seniors and what is needed for each one: American Cancer Society College Scholarship Programs Needed: • Cancer survivor, child of a survivor, child of a deceased cancer victim, or student pursuing a career in cancer treatment. • Plan on attending a college in Michigan or Indiana • Have at least a 2.0 GPA • Application (deadline Mid-‐ April)
Fraser Public Elementary School Scholarships Needed: • Graduating senior from Fraser • Must have attended one of the seven elementary schools for more than three years • Plan to attend a college next Fall • Have at least a 2.75 GPA • Evidence of community service • Written essay and application (deadline February 18th) MEA Scholarship Needed: • Graduating senior • Attending a Michigan college or university • Academic achievements, extra-‐curricular activities, school services, and community services th • Deadline: February 11
How to choose the right school for you
Taylor Conley Flash Staff Reporter
Choosing a college can be one of the most challenging decisions of your life. It is a key factor in your future and the opportunities that you will encounter. As a senior you have so many stresses not only from choosing a college but what field you would like to go into, where you’d like to go to school, and the environment in which the school is placed. Eventually, you will have a few select schools that you have the most interest in, but what school is right for you? Another thing you should take into consideration is what schools have the best programs for your needs and interest. There a lot of things that should be taken into consideration when choosing a college, but there are some main aspects that should help you deter your final opinion. Depending on which type of school, and field, you’re hoping to go into, that has different major aspects. You’ve done the hardest part, getting accepted. Now is the time to choose, and narrow down your options. When looking at a college, the most important thing you should
be considering is the programs they have to offer. You should be able to find exactly what you want in this school, not just something that is in the general field of study you’re interested in. After all, you are paying to go to school here; you should be getting your money’s worth. Most colleges do offer a variety of majors for you to choose from but there are often majors that aren’t offered at a general university. After exploring your options you will find that there are specialty schools that do fit your needs with a curriculum that suits you. You will find schools that offer a concentration on a certain field or fields of study. For example: Journalism, Law, and the Fine Arts, to name a few. After narrowing down your choices once more, there is another major thing you should take into consideration, location. Are you willing to go out of state? Or would you rather stay closer to home? You need to look where the colleges are located. Some are located in rural or urban settings. Which will fit you more? Next a incredibly important factor is housing. Is there on-‐campus housing? Or is the housing more
apartment style? Or are you going to still be staying at home with your parents? A lot of choosing housing differs from person to person. Living on your own is a huge responsibility, are you mature enough to balance the responsibilities of living along: doing laundry, paying living expenses, maintaining a clean living environment and still be able to keep up on your studies. Living alone may even mean you need to acquire a job to pay for your essentials. You often hear your fellow peers say “I can’t wait to get out of my house; my parents are driving me crazy. I will be able to do what I want when I want.” Are you taking into consideration that you will have to buy your own groceries, toilet paper, toothpaste, soap, and any other amenities you will need? Are you ready for that responsibility? This is even more relevant from students planning on going out of state. You will not have the luxury of your parents bringing your care packages every weekend when you run out of shampoo or quarters to do your laundry. Lastly, is this college housing in a good, safe area of the town? Sure dorm life may see great but not every dorm is the five start
resort that you’re hoping it to be. Your dorm may be over a mile away from the school and you will have to rely on the school’s transportation to commute every day. Lastly, aside from programs of study, location, and housing there, are many other things to take into consideration. For example, how is this school ranked among other schools in the country? Compare the schools and which one is actually the better option. Sure, one school may have great housing and be in an ideal location, but verse the other school, the ranking is higher. You need to think logically and what school in going to be the most beneficial to your future. Some of the best schools in the country aren’t just Ivy League schools. There are thousands of great schools around the country. In Law, some of the best colleges to consider looking into are Yale University, Harvard Law School, Stanford University, and Columbia University. As far as Journalism schools go you should look into: Ball State University, Boston University, Syracuse University, and Northwestern University. If you’re looking into Art
schools there a quite a few choices for you. For example: Otis College of Art Design, College for Creative Studies, Kendall College of Art and Design, or The Art Institute (which are located all across the country.) Other noted colleges that you could take into consideration would be Princeton University, University of Michigan, and Rockefeller University, among many others. One of the most important things to remember is to find the college that is right for you!
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New Year, big changes Megan Molloy Flash Staff Reporter
A new year is a time for discovery, a time for new experiences and adventures, and a time for change. A new year’s resolution is one way of preparing yourself for a new year and a way of motivating yourself to do what’s been put off the previous year. To some, a new year’s resolution is a chance to change themselves or something about their lives, to many others, its just nonsense. “My new year’s resolution is to lose a few extra pounds and overall, get healthier,” sophomore Marissa Szczensy said. It seems to many students at Fraser, that a resolution is just a silly promise that is almost never met. “They’re somewhat cliché because there is not point in waiting until the new year to make a change. If you really want to change something in your life, it shouldn’t matter what day of the year it is,” junior Arielle
Jan-Feb 2011 Volume 51, Issue 5
Martin said. For those who make resolutions it’s often hard to keep their promise to themselves. “I just step on the scale. Actually I just try to make goals for myself and keep in mind that spring break is coming up soon,” Szczensy said. It may seem that new year’s resolutions are a dying fad; however, the new year is a good time to step up and motivate yourself to do something meaningful in your life. If you’re trying to keep your goal it’s often helpful to write down what your goal is and list ways of keeping your resolution. Post this list somewhere you’ll see it everyday and keep in mind the importance of your goal. You could also make a pact with a friend who has the same goal. If you’re both working for the same thing you can help motivate each other. It will make reaching your goal much easier. There’s a long year ahead and making a resolution is one way to make it count.
Lucas Teske Flash Staff Reporter
An encouraging poster found near Fraser’s cafeteria. Photo: Alycia Barozzini
No after school activities. No clubs. No dances. Nothing other than 7:30 to 2:18 classes. That could be an unfortunate reality for Fraser High School. These sorts of activities aren’t funded by the district and cannot be funded with the bond being passed. All of your favorite after school activities and events are funded strictly from fundraisers and out of pocket donations from generous teachers and parents. Without those, extracurricular will cease to exist. Scared of losing your favorite events? Well you can be… but you shouldn’t have to! Along with the generous donations from teachers and parents, there are numerous fundraisers such as selling cheese cake, pizza, cookies, and the
much anticipated Moonlight Madness Auction now going on its 4th year. Many types of items will be available at this auction ranging from school event press seating, to tickets to a sport’s game. There’s surely something for any Rambler to be found at this auction! Mostly services and events will be auctioned off. There will be services like Driver’s Ed, swimming lessons with Mr. Peach, basketball lessons with Mr. Kuppe, tanning packages, and fun events such as golfing with Dr. Richards. There will also be physical items to be auctioned off such as sport’s tickets, autographed sport’s memorabilia, front row seats to band and choir events, and press box seating at football games. Most items auctioned start at a $5 minimum and can stay at the price or go up depending on the popularity of the
item. The auction will be on Friday, February 25, 2011 from 7 p.m. to midnight and hosted at the Vintage House 31816 Utica Road, Fraser. There will be a ticket fee of $25, which will offer hors d’oeuvres, pasta bar, a chocolate fountain, beverages, and dancing. No students will be allowed (only the parents) and no ticket proceeds go to school funding. Only sales from the auctioned items will go to the district. So FHS parents come and join us to win many once in a “school time” opportunities for your Rambler! My personal favorite would be the golf with Dr. Richards… I’d love to win that! But please remember: if you want to keep our clubs, activities, dancing, and reserved parking, come down to the auction to support our wonderful Fraser High School!
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The Flash online: www.my.hsj.org/mi/fraser/flash/
Entertainment
It started with a video game... Bevin Thomas Flash Staff Reporter
It started as a videogame. Tron, an arcade game in the famous Flynn’s arcade run by Kevin Flynn the leader of Encom. Kevin Flynn was experimenting on a game, with the intent to change people lives. One day, he went missing leaving his company and his investments to his son Sam. A couple years later, Kevin Flynn’s close friend and partner, Alan explains to Sam he received a page from his old pager. The page was from Flynn’s Arcade, which has been disconnected for 20 years. Trying to find out what happened, he suddenly gets beamed into a different world. While fighting his way through the world, he finds out that this is all a game. Starting to play the game, he runs into his father…or so it seems. Later, he finds out that it’s not his father, but only a copy named Clu. Almost destroyed in battle, Sam was rescued by Quorra, who is later found out as the apprentice of Kevin Flynn (Sam’s Father) and taken to a secret
hideout. When they reached the hideout, he found his father, his real father. Telling the story about what happened and what went wrong, he explained the only way out, was The Portal, the only exit in the whole game. When I viewed the movie I liked the story behind it. The character Sam was a courageous risk taker, and an admirable character in the movie. The movie started out with a mystery saying that Kevin Flynn is missing. The beginning grabbed me and got me interested almost instantaneously. This movie did contain action and adventure. This movie can be viewed in 2D, 3D, and IMAX 3D, one of the best quality experiences ever! It was a great movie, overall experience and story line was great!
“In an imperfect world, I was created as the perfect weapon. My purpose is clear: spread, infect, destroy everything in my path.”
Photo: Courtesy of Disney.com/TRON
“I just want to be perfect” Evan Tubben Flash Staff Reporter
The things we do for perfection, and the insanity that comes with it. Darren Aronofsky explores this theme in a wildly provocative, seductive, haunting way with his latest film Black Swan. From examining the effects of drug addiction on people’s lives in the cult classic Requiem For A Dream, to showing the hardships and heart of a broken down man in The Wrestler, his most recent effort is easily his most creative, unique, and daring. Not many filmmakers would even dare consider making a dark psychological thriller about a rivalry between two bisexual ballerinas… Let alone master it. Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman) is a fragile, shy ballerina. Ballet has consumed her life that’s controlled by her ultra-overbearing mother. Famed ballet director Thomas Leroy decides to bring his vision of Swan Lake to the stage, but he needs the
perfect “Swan Queen”. One who can portray the innocent beauty in the White Swan, but also her evil twin, the dark, promiscuous, menacing “Black Swan”. After given the Swan Queen role, Nina is a perfect match for the White Swan. The character is essentially her. However, the black swan role is hard for Nina to grasp, she cannot transform into such a character. And thus her pursuit for perfection begins, as it consumes her. There is a feeling, an atmosphere created by this film that I have never seen before. It’s the epitome of absolute beauty and horror, and the result left me in awe. Clint Mansell, one of the greatest composers of our time, easily gives his best composition. It perfectly captures the hectic, pulse pounding tone of the film, while accenting every bit of intensity found in the dialogue and acting. Natalie Portman gives perhaps the greatest female acting performance of all-time. She is the
Swan Queen. Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, and Barbara Hershey provide fantastic supporting performances as well. The ensemble is hands down the best of the year, and Hershey is just horrifyingly scary as Nina’s obsessive mother. In addition to the score, the cinematography, and art direction are also top notch. Technically, the most well put together film of the year, no contest. The rivalry between Nina and Lily (Kunis) is great in itself, but the real rivalry is between Nina and herself, as she struggles to become this new person. The story builds and builds as it becomes more layered and complex, as the grand finale acts as a crescendo of chaos to end the film in absolute perfection. The Black Swan speaks as a metaphor for Nina’s character as well as the theme. Overall Black Swan is one of the greatest cinematic experiences I have ever had. It will shock, awe, mesmerize you, and leave you speechless. It’s beautifully disturbing.
Photo: Courtesy of www.foxsearchlight.com/blackswan
Sports
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Sports + School x Studying = Stress Jennifer Blair Flash Staff Reporter For a high school athlete, the sport they play is a medium for relieving stress, making friends, and having fun. Between the petty drama that comes with all high school experiences, studying can be hard for any normal student, however the stress of physical and mental exertion in practices and games can have athletes finding time to study and pass exams can becoming more difficult. As far as grades go, Fraser High School athletes have been pretty good at keeping their grades up. To be eligible to play, you cannot have more than 3 D’s. At least twice during the season most teams are required to fill out eligibility forms so coaches can make sure everyone has acceptable grades. Even though many of our student athletes have no trouble pulling off passing grades at mid-terms, many other students are having trouble fitting everything into their schedule. Studying for honors, AP, and regular classes can be difficult: dedicating hours to going over material you (let’s be honest) barely remember. Tying to
relearn everything you forgot from the early months of school, all in the hope of at least getting a C in the classes you struggle in. And for our athletes after a long, hard practice, studying can be a rather difficult thing. “Studying or doing homework can be hard at times, especially after a long practice but it’s just another thing I have to do so I work through it,” said JV basketball player Ally Morton. According to www.stressfocus. com, more than not, most teenagers experience the effects of being too
January, 2011 Volume 51, Issue 5
stressed out during their high school years, but according to our parents we have no reason to be stressed out right? Between homework, boyfriends and girlfriends, drama with friends, and everyday practices that come with sports, we have more than enough to be stressed about. Our parents are always pushing us to do better than we already are, of course they are just looking out for us, but they also cause more unneeded stress and lead us to think we are not good enough. Stress can cause anxiety, difficulty in concentrating,
loss of sleep, depression, disturbances in memory and loss of appetite, all of which are detrimental for any high school student. Just think how hard it would be to pass your classes with no sleep, difficulty concentrating, disturbances in memory and a big game the next day. So to take some of the edge off, try managing your time better, plan specific times to study, and not always after you’re brain-dead after a long practice. Make time right after school or before practice. Also, don’t study too much at
one time, only study enough so that it will stick with you. Use your seminar time wisely. Don’t waste it talking to friends, buckle down, and review your notes and go see teachers if you are having trouble with a certain subject. You can also ask your fellow team mates to help you study. Studying is more fun when you have a buddy! To relieve stress, exercise is a great thing. When active adrenaline stores are released causing relaxation. If you feel yourself becoming too overwhelmed, take some time to do something you enjoy like listening to music or taking a walk; but no matter how much stress you are under, find a healthy way to get rid of it. Do not turn to drugs. The effects will stay with you forever and often times they only make it worse. Talk to a counselor if you need help finding ways to relive stress and visit these websites: www.stressfocus.com www.helpguide.org www.conqueringstress.com
Which is more important? School or sports? Photo: Lucas Teske
All it takes is all you’ve got Kaitlyn Perta Flash Staff Reporter
The snow fall, e temperatures drop, and athletes are forced inside for a good workout. However, what choices do they have? Athletes can either try out for basketball, wrestling, or become their own personal trainer and hit the workout room. What if he or she doesn’t make the cut, or that person isn’t too fond of getting up close and personal with a sweaty opponent, or decides to skip out on a workout for a day or week or two then March comes and they are out of shape for their spring sport? What else can Fraser athletes do? Well, they can lace up their running shoes for a season of indoor track. The season typically kicks off the Monday after Thanksgiving and ends a few weeks before the outdoor season, giving year-long runners time to rest their legs. Now, just because the word “track” is mentioned doesn’t mean the participants have to particularly enjoy running--they don’t even have to run! True, there are meets once a week but track coach, Robert Wingert , has stated they are not mandatory.
“We never require anyone to compete in the meets. It is strictly optional and fun,” Wingert said. To clear up another common misconception about indoor track: It is a club sport and not a part of the athletic department. Since indoor track is not directly affiliated with Fraser Athletics, people cannot earn a varsity letter. Runners benefit from the campuses they visit and the coaches they are exposed to during the meets. In the past, races have been held at U of M, Michigan State, Macomb Community College, Albion, Central Michigan, and Eastern Michigan. It is a great way to start planning the future for the road ahead. Writing down “indoor track” looks good on a college application. Indoor track is open to all athletes ages 14 and up, and signing up does not sentence you to outdoor track in the spring. I repeat indoor track athletes are not forced to compete in track for the spring nor are spring track participants required to partake in indoor. Indoor track is fairly new to Fraser High School. It started back when coach Rob was hired several years
ago and for the past 4 or 5 years Fraser has been training under the team name ‘Macomb Swift” .This year the name has been changed to “The Next Level” track club. For those interested in signing up, practices are split into morning and evening sessions. Mornings begin at 6 and evenings run (did you catch the pun?) from 4 to 5:30. Practices are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in the workout room. There is no charge for anyone to participate. The conditioning done for indoor track is different than the regular spring season training. “Without giving up any secrets, I can say there are several stages of the program. Most of it consists for some weights, sprinting, and other tools to develop, speed, strength, and explosiveness,” Wingert said. Still unsure if indoor track can benefit you? Ask two-‐time national qualifier, Mike King. “There’s running for fun and running for something. With indoor track, you can achieve both,” Macomb College sophomore Mike King said.
The weight room where dedicated indoor track athelets sweat in the early morning hours, and long after school to perpare for upcomming meets. Photo: Kaitlyn Perta
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http://my.hsj.org/mi/fraser/flash/
Sports Briefs Josh Victor/Jake Blazejewski Flash Sports Reporters
BOY’S BASKETBALL There were new additions to the Boy’s Varsity Basketball team. Sophomores Erik Lockard and Frank Gregory were moved up to varsity team after their junior varsity game on Tuesday, January 4th against GPN. I’m sure Lockard and Gregory are looking forward to playing on their new team. Boys’ varsity has a current record of 4-5. Youth has been the name of the game for the team this year, with only 3 current seniors. However, many are optimistic about the future of Fraser’s basketball squad. ICE HOCKEY Boys’ varsity hockey team has four wins and eight losses. Winning their game 3-‐2 vs. West Bloomfield High School on Saturday, January 8th brought them to their fourth win. Make sure you’re there to support your boy’s varsity hockey team as they continue with league play!
Sports
Check Please! A look ahead: Amanda Prekaj Editor-in-Chief
On January 7, FHS students, staff, and Fraser families loaded up the gymnasium bleachers in their Cancer fundraiser t-shirts. The Ramblers for a Cause Cancer Fundraiser check presentation was held between the Varsity girls’ and Varsity boys’ basketball games vs. Stevenson High School. With watery eyes and proud smiles, the crowd watched in satisfaction as each check was presented to the different causes. The presentation displayed that hard work truly does pay off. Our community came together and made a difference to those affected by c ancer and learned something on the way. Checks were presented to representatives from St. John Cancer Center, Relay for LIfe, University of Michigan Cancer Research, and many more. Numerous students, athletes, and parents played a part in our cancer
week and the amazing outcome would not have been possible without such a united community and special help from athletes, band members, National Art Honor Society, HOSA, and the person who made it all happen: Athletic Director Brad Robinson. “I hope each of you can all take something positive away from this event. If you were involved in any way, you played a huge part in this and for that I would like to thank you,” Robinson wrote in his letter to the Fraser community. Watching as each check was presented was rewarding and satisfying because those checks wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the dedication of our community because together, we made it happen. The presentation was the icing on the cake of what was more than just a successful fundraiser, but a display of what we are truly capable of if we team up and work hard.
Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb.
9th 11th 15th 17th 23rd
7:00 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:00
pm pm pm pm pm
The Boys’ varsity wrestling team has eight wins and ten losses. They had a meet on Saturday, January 8th against East Detroit, division Mac Blue and they are 0-2 in that division, 2nd Troy Athen tournament 4th East Detroit. Ninth and Tenth grade is looking to start a feeder program to build for the future. Coaches Rick Julian, Eric Julian, and Sam Leto are very proud of their team.
@ Warren Mott vs. Madison vs. Fitz vs. Anchor Bay @ Port Huron
@ GPS vs. Utica Ford II @ Romeo vs. Dakota
7:00 7:30 7:00 7:30
pm pm pm pm
Feb. 11th Feb. 16th Feb. 18th
vs. Utica Ford II @ Grosse IIe @ Lamphere
7:55 pm 7:00 pm 8:00 pm
Feb. 10th Feb. 12th Feb. 16th
Team Districts Indv. Districts Team Regionals
5:00 pm 10:00 am 5:00 pm
Girl’s basketball: Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb.
8th 10th 15th 18th
Hockey:
Wrestling:
WRESTLING
Boys Swim: Feb. 8th Feb. 10th
@ Dakota @ Warren Mott
6:00 pm 6:00 pm
@ Groves @ Vassar Invite
7:00 pm 9:00 am
Gymnastics: Feb. 7th Feb. 12th
GIRL’S BASKETBALL On January 4th, the varsity girl’s basketball team challenged the Blue Devils of Grosse Pointe South. It was an exciting game with the whole crowd cheering for each team. The lady Ramblers had a slow first half and couldn’t seem to get the offense flowing, but in the second half we caught up. Rachel DeLuca seemed to spark the team when she came in and stepped up on defense and knocked down a couple of baskets. Unfortunately, we lost 37-31.The girl’s varsity basketball team is now currently 3-4.
Boys’ Basketball:
Sponsors present the checks at halftime at the game Photo: Amanda Prekaj
BOY’S SWIMMING The boys swimming team competed with Utica Ford II. At the start of the meet, everybody got in their lanes and the referee said “swimmers take your mark,” and the swimmers dove off the blocks. The swimming and diving team fought hard, and we won. The score was Fraser 100 and Ford 83. They’re 1-2 overall with a 1-0 league record.
GYMNASTICS On January 5th, the girl’s gymnastics took on Edsel Ford. Cassidy Sandifer, Ashley Lenard, Amanda Deneweth, Casey Belback, and Arrieanna Toppi did their personal best in the events which are bars, Vault, Beam, and the floor. We won 130.650-‐119.550. So far this season they are 1-1.