When the lockdown alarm suddenly blared through classrooms and hallways of North on Dec. 19, students and staff alike were filled with fear. Some found it difficult to adapt to a situation that was not a drill, including English teacher Paul Golm whose first thought was “Is this the real thing?”
Although it was later deemed that the lockdown occurred due to a false active shooter threat, in the moment, Golm immediately rushed to the door to protect his students from any possible threat.
“I remembered my training and moved to act swiftly,” Golm said. “I immediately checked if my classroom door was locked and deployed nylon cordage to ensure the door stayed shut.”
Less than one minute after the threat was received, officers from the Grosse Pointe Shores Police Department, located 0.8 miles away from North, arrived at the school and began to secure the building. They were followed by GPW Detective Miles Adams and his team from the Grosse Pointe Woods Police Department.
“I was working with another officer securing the gymnasium and the pool side of the building, and once the school was secure, we met together and discussed lifting the lockdown,” Adams said. “I investigated who made the threat while the other officers were determining how to get everybody back to normal status.”
In light of an increase of school shootings in recent years, especially the close-to-home Oxford High School shooting in 2021, the lockdown was a terrifying 30 minutes. From 12:35 p.m. to 1:05 p.m. students were unaware of what potential dangers were in the building and were left to think the worst as “lockdown, lockdown” was repeated over the PA.
The typical protocols practiced in lockdown drills translated to most classrooms, but because the lockdown occurred during late lunch, students in certain areas of the school were unsure of where to seek safety, as that information was not previously communicated directly to students. A group of students in the lunchroom were ushered into the North Store, where lockdown protocols were not followed, according to sophomore Alexandria Noyd.
“It was chaotic in there,” Noyd said. “There was music playing, people were playing video games and the lights were on. People were not sitting down like I would usually do for a lockdown.”
Typically during lockdowns, teachers and students are instructed to turn off the lights and move away from doors and windows. Additionally, in classrooms on the first floor, the blinds are to be shut. This protocol has been practiced throughout the school year, however,
being in a state of uncertainty as to whether or not the situation was a drill elevated the fear many students felt, including senior Rita Shemmai.
“My experience was very nerve wracking,” Shemmai said. “Not knowing what was going on added to the stress. I texted my friends and family to let them know what was going on, even though the only information I had was [based on] assumptions.”
Directly following the lockdown, parents were notified and students were released at 1:45 p.m. for the remainder of the school day. Shemmai appreciates how the situation was handled, but believes the school can still better equip for the future.
“I believe that we could take lockdown drills more seriously,” Shemmai said. “Teachers should shut the blinds and lights off during the drill, so that it translates to a real life scenario. I also noticed that other teachers barricaded their doors, so I believe that should be enforced [during a lockdown] too.”
After the source of the threat had been identified and the lockdown had been lifted, Adams, police officers and members of North Faculty met to discuss the lockdown and changes that were important to implement to increase safety at the school. Adams notes that police training has expanded, and students can expect to see him operating in the building in the near future.
“We have training and we train for active shooters,” Adams said. “We are equipped with better equipment to deal with these types of situations as well. Hopefully soon I will be able to have an office in the building, so random days throughout the week I'll be here working. That'll give a little bit more security from a law enforcement officer.”
Although the event caused distress, the inconsistencies present throughout the lockdown served as a lesson to Assistant Principal Geoffrey Young, who plans on improving training and protocols in the event of future lockdowns.
“I think for the next [lockdown] drill, we will focus the training to emphasize safe shelter locations for students, especially when students are in the cafeteria and parking lot,” Young said. “We want to use school messaging systems to communicate with students during a crisis, as soon as we possibly can. I also want to create an easy ‘what to do’ sheet for students that we refer to frequently during the year, so that the information is constantly on students' minds.”
Even with a detailed plan in place, every situation may differ, which is why Adams believes that safety starts with the students, who must prioritize transparency over convenience.
“We have to do the best we can to prepare students,” Adams said “If they hear something they should speak up. As long as we continue to teach our kids to speak up and not worry about consequences, I think we can get ahead of the issue.”
We have to do the best we can to prepare students. If they hear something they should speak up. As long as we continue to teach our kids to speak up and not worry about consequences, I think we can get ahead of the issue.
MILES ADAMS GPW DETECTIVE
This state-wide change to curriculum will come into effect starting for freshman entering high school in the year 2028.
The main goal for the new financial literacy requirements are to assure that Michigan teens will have financial confidence and a general understanding of their finances. Business teacher Brian Levinson expresses the important benefits of taking a finance course, as it will be helpful in the future.
“Regardless of what you go into, whether you are a doctor, architect or a sales person, you are going to have money to manage,” Levinson said.
Similar to Levinson, financial advisor Melissa Fradenburg also believes learning how to make wise financial decisions is essential upon approaching adulthood.
“Knowing how to handle money responsibly can help [students] avoid things like credit card debt and overspending as a young adult which will set them up for home ownership, career flexibility and retirement,” Fradenburg said.
Fradenburg did not study financial literacy in high school, and she says that this led her to face many obstacles later in life, as she lacked information about important financial concepts.
“I know I could have used this knowledge as a teen,” Fradenburg said. “I graduated college with credit card debt and also missed some school loan payments in my early twenties.”
In order to provide students with the information they need for the future, the finance course at North covers various topics that aim to help students harness a basic understanding of financial and monetary concepts. These include credit, investing, savings, money management and understanding consumption. Along with these concepts, Levinson believes that one of the most important topics covered is “paying yourself first.” This means that students are taught to put their money directly into the bank rather than spend it right away.
“If you are not good at being disciplined and putting money into a savings account or into an investment, have it automatically taken out of your paycheck so you never see it,” Levinson said.
By Wren Cueter STAFF REPORTER
At North there are a wide variety of business oriented elective courses for students to choose from, including accounting and finance. Such courses are now going to be a requirement for graduation. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently signed a bill that will require all Michigan students to have a combined year of financial literacy courses on their transcripts in order to graduate high school.
During her sophomore year, senior Abby Abraham elected to take finance and had some positive takeaways. Abraham believes the class taught her useful financial skills she plans to use in the future.
“[Financial literacy is] important because we will be expected to know how to run our finances and no one will teach you unless you take the opportunity to be taught,” Abraham said.
On Dec. 30, the Grosse Pointe Community experienced an unexpected incident that took place at Panera Bread in The Village. A makeshift noose fabricated from toilet paper was found in the bathroom of the restaurant. This struck a chord with many, as this Panera Bread is run primarily by an African American staff and the incedent holds a resemblance to lynch threats of the past.
In the days that followed, additional information was released. It is known the noose was made by 4 to 5 white high school students around the age of 15 years old. The suspects have been found and are being investigated.
The incident has not deterred all customers from the establishment. Freshman Luke Leonhard went prior to the incident and has returned since.
“When I heard about it, it was terrible,” Leonhard said. “I did not expect it, but I have been there since and business has seemed the same. I am comfortable [going back there].”
However, some people advise against this casual view towards the situation. American Legal Systems teacher James Bennett advises people not to take this as a simple prank but as a hate-crime. Bennett hopes for this event to be a teachable moment for the community, and especially for students who are not aware of the fear acts like this perpetuate.
“These kids could think this is a prank, and not see how damaging this is to a person, damaging to the business, and damaging to the people that did this act,” Bennett said. “So I think that as a community, we need to come together and defend everybody. There's a line and when you're breaking the law, when you're making others feel unsafe, and when there are threats being made, it is not okay.”
707 Vernier Road
Grosse Pointe Woods MI, 48236 northpointenow.org
“Grosse Pointe Public School administrators and teachers are responsible for encouraging and ensuring freedom of expression and freedom of the press for all students, regardless of whether the ideas expressed may be considered unpopular, critical, controversial, tasteless or offensive.”
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Grace Cueter
MANAGING EDITORS
Annabelle Julien
Grace Rossman
SECTION EDITORS
Kaitlyn Barr
Sophia Dragich
Katie Madigan
Ella McCarthy
Elly Meteer
Bella Yoakam
WEB EDITOR
Jo Jackson
SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR
Christina Shea
COPY EDITORS
Madi Lucido
Mia Stephanoff
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
Alyssa King
STAFF REPORTERS
Shayla Andrews
Mary Bentley
Sage Cole
Wren Cueter
Maggie Dunn
Gabe Goode
Lilly Kline
Troy Lipscomb
Allie McIntyre
Sasha Poradun
Mia Schultz
Lauren Veitengruber
Hayley Zalewski
INTERNS
Isabella Boedeker
Sofia Gualdoni
Lauren Kaled
Stephanie Karoutsos
Allie Mattes
Connor McGrail
Gianna Roux
Jamie Wallace-Fought
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The North Pointe is edited and produced by Advanced Journalism students at Grosse Pointe North High School and is published once a month. It is in practice a designated public forum without prior review.
Our editorial represents the opinion of the North Pointe Editorial Board. Members who have a conflict of interest with an editorial topic do not partake in that meeting or vote.
Comments should be directed to the student editors, who make all final content decisions. The views expressed are solely those of the student authors of the editorial board and do not reflect the opinions of the Grosse Pointe Public School System.
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Faculty Advisor: Allison Dunn
In recent years, students and teachers have become increasingly reliant on digital resources. Students begin using computers in elementary school, and typing has replaced handwriting in most areas of education. Many schools across the nation have stopped teaching cursive, opting for more modern forms of communication. Schools should prioritize handwriting over modern forms of writing, and elementary school students should learn cursive as a part of their early education. Schools that prioritize handwriting in their curriculum are doing so to the benefit of their students’ learning and memory. These benefits have been proven in many studies, including an article from ocvt.org which states, “Forming letters by hand creates a connection with the movement of the hand to the visual response of seeing the letter on the page.” The article explains that typing is not as effective as handwriting because “it doesn’t require the same fine motor skills and simultaneous activity.” Because there is no connection between the hand and the brain when students type, there is also less learning and understanding of the content. Writing by hand is also better for studying because it improves memory, according to an 2022 article published by the National Education Association. When we write things down, our brain interacts more with the content, and the information becomes more memorable. We focus on physically writing it down rather than just typing it. The cognitive benefits of handwriting make it necessary for students to learn. Because of these advantages, this skill should be taught beginning in elementary school and continued throughout a student’s education. This will allow for better understanding of content and increased learning.
Handwriting is also still a major part of high school education. For many classes, essays and assignments are still given on paper in order to prepare students for standardized tests. The
students who spent time in elementary school writing by hand can now write quickly and efficiently on high school assessments. However, those who grew up typing on their computers may find it difficult to do their work because they write slower than they type. Because handwriting is still used in high school, it is important for elementary schools to prioritize this skill. Doing so will allow students to be better prepared for high school, and it will help them succeed in their future classes.
Along with writing by hand, cursive is also necessary for students to learn. Only 21 states require that elementary school students learn cursive. Some say this is because students learn to type from an earlier age and rely on digital forms of communication. While typing is important in the age of technology, being able to understand cursive is still necessary. In school we often find ourselves reading documents or notes from teachers, or anyone from an older generation, that are written in cursive. Students in our district can comprehend these forms of writing because we learned how to read and write cursive in elementary school, while students who did not learn cursive often have trouble understanding them. These students are put at a disadvantage, and they may struggle with understanding historical documents and communicating with those in older generations. Because of this, teaching cursive to elementary school students still proves beneficial, as it is necessary for effective communication and the understanding of history. It is important for the education and success of students that schools continue to keep cursive in the curriculum.
Even though the use of technology continues to increase, it is still important that students learn how to read cursive and spend time handwriting when they are young. The benefits of traditional writing cannot be ignored and that schools should continue implementing these skills so students can become better learners and citizens of the world.
Handwriting is still important in the age of technology
ILLUSTRATION
Kaitlyn Barr
“I wish school taught us how to do our taxes” is a common sentiment expressed by those who feel that school should be teaching them life skills as part of their education. A survey from Y-Pulse shows that 23% of Generation Z students wished that they were taught auto maintenance or basics of the law, 34% wished they had learned how to cook and 32% wished they had learned traditional finance in school. I believe that students should be required to take a life skills class
in order to graduate. Although the core subjects that are taught are important for some, the reality is that many people will not use all of what they learned in school, especially if they are not going to pursue higher education. However, virtually everyone is going to need to know how to do laundry, budget, cook, do their taxes, have proper nutrition and pay bills. In 1970, schools began requiring home economics classes to teach students domestic skills. However, some schools have stopped offering and requiring these classes. In my opinion, reviving home economics classes would benefit students greatly. Although parents can teach their own children these skills, the reality is that some do not have the
time or interest in teaching their own children. By having these classes required in school, we ensure that students know these life skills.
Teaching students these life skills can also grant them a sense of empowerment and self accomplishment. When I was 13 years old, my mother told me that I was going to have to make one meal every other Sunday in order to learn how to cook. Although I initially disliked this new responsibility, it taught me two life skills in the process. Not only did I learn how to cook several recipes, but I also learned how to plan out meals, making sure that each had vegetables and proper nutrition. Learning how to cook has given me
a sense of empowerment, as well as a new hobby. It is a modern day survival skill, but it also provides a sense of satisfaction.
Although you can learn some of these things online, most of these skills, especially if they are handson, are best learned in person. If you have specific questions about something precise, such as sewing, it is beneficial to have someone next to you to aid you through the process. If school is the place where we are supposed to receive an education, then should it not be the place where we learn the skills that are most important to being an adult? In my opinion, school should be one of our greatest mentors in preparing us for all facets of life.
By Lauren Kaled INTERN
JUNIOR EMMA BABCOCK:
“I think we could try to avoid using plastic in the cafeteria because plastic can end up in the oceans, and it’s really bad for the sea creatures.”
FRESHMAN COLE MCLEAN: “The use of plastic at school stores and paper waste should be less. [We should also have] certain rules about where you should put your plastic."
TEACHER BRIAN STACKPOOLE: “I think you’ve got to research what happens in other high schools and what are some of the best practices across the state and nation.”
SENIOR QUINN ADDY:
“I think that we should use less plastic around our school because plastic is bad for the environment, and [we should use] paper [instead]."
SOPHOMORE DONELL JAMES: “North could be better with sustainability by probably having can recycling bins. I know there’s a lot of [empty] cans, so having those bins would probably help the sustainability by a lot.”
Brand. New. Lions. That's the motto that has seemingly changed the view of the Detroit Lions franchise. In previous years, fans would often say “same old Lions” as they blew another fourth quarter lead. This year, however, things have changed. Under second-year head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions have turned a new leaf and have become one of the most dangerous teams in the league. With a new locker room culture, a new offensive coordinator and front office success, the Lions look poised to turn this team into a division contender the following season.
The culture surrounding the team since the 2021 season has changed around the Lions organization, especially with new general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell. In Campbell’s opening press conference, he said, “we’re going to bite a kneecap off” making the statement that the Lions would be a scrappy team that would give it their all.
That grit and determination seemed to pay off later this season. After the Lions started 1-6, many fans figured this team would not compete for the playoffs, but for the first overall pick. Instead, the Lions rattled off several wins against better opponents by playing a brand of football that outworked their opponents, typically by going for it on fourth down. They were the team to beat.
That hustle, however, can only come with good coaching to accompany it. After three seasons with the Lions, new offensive coordinator Ben Johnson made a seemingly unimpressive team one of the best offensive teams in football, scoring at least 30 points in eight games. Coming up with playcalls that seem aggressive, yet effective. In a pivotal game against the Vikings, on third and seven, they decided to throw to their offensive lineman, Penei Sewell, to pick up the first down and ice the game in their dash into the playoff hunt.
The success that the Lions have had would likely not have been possible without the smart front office moves, especially in the later rounds in the draft. 2021 fourth round pick Amon-Ra St. Brown, has quickly become quarterback Jared Goff’s primary target. In the 2022 draft, they took Aiden Hutchinson with the second overall pick, and while he has been as advertised, sixth round picks Malcom Rodriguez and James Houston, have been large contributors to the Lions defense, especially Houston, who recorded eight sacks in just seven games. He has taken on the nickname, “Da Problem.”
The Lions look to be a tough and successful team in the coming future and with this coaching staff and young players. The sky is the limit for these Brand New Lions.
PHOTO | Bella Yoakam
When the Buffalo Bills played against the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 2, the Bill’s safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest after a hit. The tackle postponed the game to a further date leaving both teams in shock. Sports injuries are a frequent occurrence, but the severity of this incident led to a bigger conversation.
In professional sports leagues, injuries are a given throughout the season, but opportunities for extensive care are provided. However, this type of care is not as available for younger athletes. Social studies teacher Logan Nadolski believes that middle and high school athletic environments should have access to the same level of medical practice and attention.
“I think that [Damar Hamlin] is just one story amongst so many occurrences that happen not only at professional level [sports], but in middle school, high school and college,” Nadolski said. “I feel like this probably happened thousands of times in high school and we just don't hear about it.”
Some people attribute a number of the injuries that occur to improper equipment, including sophomore hockey and field hockey player Nola Keith. She has had multiple injuries, and many of her teammates have had similar experiences. While Keith believes some injuries are inevitable, proper equipment can help decrease the number of injuries.
“Everyone gets hurt at least once," Keith said. “If we had better fitting equipment and helmets [things might be different], but some of the [injuries] just come with the sport.”
Life changing injuries from contact sports, like ACL tears or concussions leave everlasting consequences
Not all major injuries have a quick recovery. Sophomore Nola Keith expresses that sometimes athletes continue to play even if they are not fully recovered. “You don't really make a full recovery,” Keith said. “Usually before you come back to the sport you're still kind of injured.”
on an athlete's body. A concussion can be extremely detrimental to an athlete’s career, with long-term risk for an athlete to develop neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease according to the National Library of medicine. Father of athletes Sophia and Eva Borowski, Mike Borowski, is weary of the potential harm from injuries, and the impact they can have on his kids' lives.
“When Sophia got hit in the head with the field hockey ball I was scared,” Borowski said. “At first I didn't know how much it hurt because she is such a tough competitor, but when I was taking her to the hospital, I was very concerned. Seeing my daughter going through that [pain] made me very nervous to have her out there again.”
With mass numbers of injuries happening in sports, a heightened concern for athlete safety is becoming more prominent. Borowski expresses the need for proper preparation for contact sports in order to keep players like his children safe.
“Parents can help their kids with proper coaching,” Borowski said. “Having someone showing them how to use and protect their bodies keeps the player protected.”
Along with parental guidance, additional education for athletes can allow them to be protected. According to Nadolski, athletes need more training and education in order to stay safe.
“I think there needs to be more education provided to players before taking those sports seriously so they know what the dangers are of playing them,” Nadolski said.
PHOTOS | Mia Stephanoff
1. FINDING HIS FIT | Starting a new sport senior year can be a challenge, but for senior Alex Agius, it turned out to be the right fit. “[At] this time [last year] I would be swimming or running,” Agius said. “I wanted a challenge and it’s definitely been hard, but this is what I’ve been looking for.”
2. FACING UNCOMFORTABILITY | Passion for the sport is what pushes junior captain Preston Auld to take on the challenges that come with wrestling. “My favorite part about wrestling is how hard [it makes you work],” Auld said. “It really makes you comfortable with being uncomfortable.”
3. EMBRACING THE DIFFERENCES | What others may see as unconventional, Sophomore Morii Walter embraces. “I feel like wrestling has a different dynamic than any other sport,” Walter said. “You’re going to smack someone across the face, and they hit you back, it’s very different.”
4. ON AND OFF THE MAT | No matter the sport, captain Andrew Dupree is an inspiration to his teammates, including junior Ethan Bailey. “I played football on his team for two years and wrestling for three, and seeing him put all his effort and heart into it all the way to getting his first offer was really inspiring to me,” Bailey said.
5. FULL NELSON | Preparing his team for life, head coach Jaron Nelson teaches more than just wrestling moves. “[I’m] getting them to understand there will always be obstacles in their way, but that's why life is a relay, not a sprint,” Nelson said. “I am coaching the rising stars of our world.”
notes that recycling is an essential part of preserving resources, and he believes that it would be beneficial for the school to add recycling bins specifically for plastic.
“It would help a little bit if more plastic were recycled,” Bidigare said. “I throw so many [bottles] away in school and my teachers always look disappointed when they have to tell me I need to throw my can in the trash because we have no recycling bins [for plastic and cans].”
only just for driving but for all of the trash that is littered there. Especially trash from fast food after open campus lunch. The littering is a detriment.”
Last semester, Grosse Pointe contractor Jeff Russell spoke to the Global Issues class about sustainable housing. His mission is to redesign the way homes are built using eco-friendly materials instead of cost efficient ones. He is currently designing a home that will be built on Hollywood Avenue which saves energy, has natural materials and plants that promote clean air.
ECOLOGICAL EFFICIENCY | The goal for co-owners of the Refill Emporium, Shannon Sweetwood and Whitney Wagner, was to create a space where the community can shop sustainably. “We live in an age with unnecessary packaging,”Sweetwood and Wagner said. “At Refill Emporium we use as little packaging as possible and currently carry over 70 refillable products.”
In an effort to become more environmentally conscious, community members have begun implementing more eco-friendly alternatives in everyday tasks, such as automatic lights in schools, stores run with reusable containers and houses built using renewable materials.
About 380 million metric tons of plastic is produced every year, as reported by earthday.org. However, only 34.2 million of that gets recycled globally. Senior Global Issues student Jack Bidigare
Sustainability in society is important to the Refill Emporium, located on Harper Avenue. Co-owners Shannon Sweetwood and Whitney Wagner believe the change starts with awareness and early education.
“Solve a problem before there is a problem,” Sweetwood and Wagner said. “If schools focus on the environmental implications of plastic, global warming, toxic chemicals and the need for specialized recycling it will be second nature for kids to make choices that avoid harmful consequences to the environment.”
North has implemented beneficial practices related to sustainability, but some students, such as President of S.A.V.E club, Students Against Violations to the Environment, senior Zoey Crossley continue to look for ways to improve our environment.
“Automatic lights and recycling are both measures that North usually does well,” Crossley said. “The parking lot can be a mess though, not
“Sustainability versus affordability is a really big topic,” Russell said. “Affordability, typically in my business, means that people put cheap materials in so that somebody can afford to buy the house. Well, in 15 years, those cheap materials are going to fail.”
After hearing Russell’s presentation in class, Bidigare believes sustainability protects current ecosystems and conserves materials for generations to come. Additionally, pollution from wasted materials will worsen the climate crisis.
“Sustainability is balancing our current needs with saving enough for future generations,” Bidigare said. “If the current generation selfishly uses all of Earth’s resources and destroys its ecosystems or climate, the next generation and ones after are screwed.”
Although contracting comes with cost effective challenges, Russell knows that a change needs to be made in order to create a new type of living space that can last many decades.
“In my trade of work, it’s really not cost effective to [use sustainable methods and materials] and sometimes I lose money doing it,” Russell said. “[But] I try to reuse and recycle when I can.”
When it comes to living sustainably, Sweetwood and Wagner have one goal: to protect the environment. They strive to offer quality, zero-waste products to their customers, while encouraging the community to learn more about sustainable living.
“We are both very passionate about environmental conservation and reducing our carbon footprint,” Sweetwood and Wagner said. “We want to leave this planet in a better state for our children and future generations, and that can’t happen if we continue to use plastics and single-use disposables at our current rate.”
Encouraging others to start incorporating sustainable practices throughout their day to day life is something Crossley believes is very important.
“Recycling can feel like a very regular task to many people, but if done correctly, it can be a very helpful measure in living more sustainable lives,” Crossley said.
Like Crossley, the Refill Emporium focuses on the environmental impact of single use plastics, according to Sweetwood and Wagner. They express that a little goes a long way when it comes to repurposing plastic.
“Instead of throwing away laundry
detergent jugs, shampoo bottles, or even orange juice containers, you can bring those containers to our store and fill it with any product of your choice,” Sweetwood and Wagner said. “We believe that every little bit helps when it comes to preserving our planet. By reusing what you already have and refilling your empty containers with products that you need, it helps to keep unnecessary plastic and waste from filling our landfills.”
Continuing to introduce sustainability is something that Crossley hopes will be taken more seriously. Practices at home are beneficial, but sustainable practices are something that need to be addressed by those in charge according to Crossley.
“I would like to see more global leaders first of all acknowledging climate change more, and then taking real action,” said Crossley. “Action
in dramatically reducing [our] ecological footprint is better than just talking about it.”
One plastic bottle takes up to 450 years to dissolve chariotenergy.com
Detroit is the 24th most polluted city in the nation lung.org
Of the 40 million tons of plastic waste generated in the U.S. in 2021, only five to six percent was recycled weforum.org
PHOTO | Courtesy of SF Studios
If you are looking for a sweet, heartfelt and uplifting movie that perfectly portrays the novel it was inspired by, “A Man Called Otto” is the film for you. Premiering in theaters on Jan. 13, this movie is the second film adaptation of the 2012 novel “A Man Called Ove.” Tom Hanks plays a grumpy old man named Otto who grieves the loss of his wife, but learns to appreciate the ups and downs of life with his neighbors and friends.
When I read the novel, I loved how the author combined flashbacks with present-day descriptions of the characters. I learned about Ove’s past and got a better understanding of his motives and values in the present. I also loved how the author portrayed a grief-filled story with elements of optimism. Showing Ove’s development as well as his relationships with the other characters left me feeling uplifted and inspired.
Similar to the book, Otto prides himself on critiquing store employees, doing daily “checks” for parking violations around the neighborhood and scoffing at the “idiots” on his block. He initially plans to end his life in order to reconnect with his late wife Sonya. Through the course of the story, however, his plan gets derailed as he is introduced to
new neighbors and feels obligated to help them with their problems.
Toward the beginning of the movie, just like in the book, Otto is introduced to an energetic couple who has just moved into his neighborhood. The woman, Marisol, immediately introduces herself. Despite his repeated attempts to push her loving personality to the side, Otto begins to care deeply for Marisol. The two become close friends, and Marisol’s daughters even nickname him their “Abuelo Otto” towards the end of the movie.
I loved how the movie focused on Otto’s friendship with Marisol, and how she brought out the best in him. Her sparkling personality and exciting energy contrasted his anger, bitterness and grief. She would tease him about his negative attitude and always tried to make him smile, delivering homemade food and insisting that he teach her how to drive. I appreciated that their friendship was a central part of the movie, but I wish the movie developed Otto’s other relationships more. The book, which emphasized the backgrounds and stories of these other characters, did a better job of humanizing them. Characters like the real estate agents and even Otto’s longtime “enemy” were afterthoughts in the
movie, although they played a central role in the book. I wish these subplots were incorporated more. However, I loved how the movie incorporated flashbacks of Otto and his late wife as well as the special moments between Otto and his neighbors that made the grumpy old man show his sentimental and endearing side. These elements of the book were memorable, so I was excited to see how they manifested in the movie. Otto’s reflections of the past were sweet and emotional, and they made his bitter actions more understandable.
I was also pleasantly surprised that Hanks portrayed Otto’s transition from a bitter pessimist to a loving friend so well. His acting was fitting for the role, and he made the book version of the character really come to life. Hanks’s depiction of a depressed old man was somehow endearing and lovable.
The actors made the memorable characters from the book shine through. I found myself laughing at Otto’s obnoxious requests and tearing up at the emotional flashbacks. This movie depicted tough issues like mental health and grief in a way that was uplifting and inspiring. Even with its somewhat cheesy moments and sad ending, this movie left me feeling heart warmed and appreciative, just like the book did. I rate it 4.5/5 stars.
By Katie Madigan SECTION EDITOR
Featuring a wide variety of cruelty-free skincare, beauty products and bath bombs, The Beaute Loft located on Mack Avenue in Grosse Pointe Woods is the perfect place to purchase clean, sustainable bodycare products. Additionally, the shop hosts workshops where guests can learn how to create self care products. After testing out numerous body butters and lotions at the sample bar, I decided to purchase an orange and vanilla scented body butter. It left my skin feeling soft and smooth and smelling fresh and citrusy. Overall, the meticulously decorated shop and the sociable owner made The Beaute Loft worthy of 5/5 stars.
Social Media has influenced many people to purchase the popular perfume and cream created by Sol de Janeiro. The company was founded in 2015 and is known as capturing the beauty of Brazil in a bottle. The name “Sol de Janeiro” comes from the Portuguese phrase “Sun of January.” This brand has recently become very popular because of its light weight formula and soft vanilla scent that leave you smelling delicious. Not only does Sol de Janeiro create amazing smelling scents and cream, the company is also gluten and paraben free creating a safer scent with many less chemicals for people to enjoy and love. The Sol de Janeiro bottle is a hard one to miss. The scent “Pistachio and Salted Caramel Pistache” comes in a very vibrant yellow container with “Brazilian Crush” written in all caps largely across the top of the bottle.
The Brazilian Crush perfume mist is the most popular fragrance sold by Sol de Janeiro. The scent contains a mist of heavier vanilla, salted caramel and light pistachio. This mix is a very fresh and strong fragrance, but at the same time is also very light and airy. The scent gives off a summer vibe and is an iconic forever scent. Unlike other perfume mists, the Brazilian Crush mist is a forever scent because of its natural smell and clean airy feel. The perfume’s unique scent
will last you around five to six hours without applying multiple times. The Brazilian Crush mist is not only meant as a typical perfume, but can be sprayed on hair, clothes and body to receive this delicious lingering smell.
Alongside the perfume you can purchase the matching moisturizer known as the “Brazilian Bum Bum Cream.” The cream has a soft scent and includes a gourmet blend of heavier vanilla, light almond, and light caramel that becomes more subtle when applied onto the skin. This isn't just a typical body cream, it has a thicker, silky paste that when applied leaves a shiny moisturizing finish. My skin is left smelling fresh with a vanilla aroma and soft because of the rich absorbing hydrating elements.
Immediately I would give both the Brazilian Crush perfume and Brazilian Bum Bum cream a 4.5/5 stars. The compliments I've received represent the quality and smell of both the cream and perfume. The price for the 240 ML fragrance is $38 which is reasonable for how large the bottle is and how popular the company is currently. The cream price comes in at $48 for 240 ML. The only downside I found with the products is that the cap of the cream doesn't stay on tight and slides off easily.
Located near Eastern Market in Detroit, Cutter’s Bar & Grill is the perfect place to go after a long day of shopping and exploring the city. The menu features a wide variety of bar food such as burgers, wings and catfish bites. Beverages from the Detroit brand Faygo can also be found on the menu, which perfectly complemented the hamburger and side of seasoned hand cut french fries that I ordered. The bun was buttered and toasted, which paired with the fresh vegetables on top and made this burger one of the best in the area. Overall, the friendly waitstaff and upbeat atmosphere makes the restaurant worthy of 5/5 stars.
After a warm welcome by the store dog, I was blown away by the diverse amount of vibrant yarn featured at Parker Avenue Knits, located on the Detroit riverfront. The shop offers in person knitting and crocheting lessons. I purchased a high quality “hank” of Blue Sky Fibers yarn, which the owner graciously offered to spin into a “cake”, free of charge. While spinning the yarn, she demonstrated the process and also recommended hand spinning techniques to do at home. Overall, the helpful employees and peaceful energy in the shop makes it deserving of 5/5 stars.
By Kaitlyn Barr & Lilly Kline SECTION EDITOR & STAFF REPORTER PHOTOS | Kaitlyn Barr & Lilly Kline
Not many people can say that they own a company before they can legally drive a car. However, sophomore business owner James Shefferly is one of the select few. Shefferly intends to officially launch his clothing brand, Horizon Peaks, at the end of January, where he will be selling clothes that are primarily targeted towards skiers and snowboarders. Horizon Peaks’s products include sweatshirts, sweatpants and hats. Eventually, the company hopes to expand to ski coats and snow pants while continuing to maintain affordability. Their thick sweatshirts will be $45, while regular sweatshirts will cost $30, windbreakers will be $60 and crewnecks will be $35.
The origins of Horizon Peaks sprang from a late night phone call from a friend. The last thing Shefferly expected when he answered his close friend Chris Runk's phone call in the middle of the night was a business proposal.
“[Runk] called me up one day really late at night, like one o’clock in the morning, freaking out telling me that ‘we need to start a company, we need to start a company’,” Shefferly said. “We just came up with this clothing company because we’re all really into skiing.”
Little did they know, their phone call was the beginning of something bigger. After deciding what to sell, Shefferly had to figure out how to make their idea
a reality, which meant designing products, creating a brand design and name and learning to pay taxes.
To help make the idea a reality, Shefferly and his business partners, Jack Sendoykas, Louis Macres and Chris Runk, divide the workload and all contribute to the business in varying ways that allow the company to run smoothly.
“I handle all of the money, I handle making the website, I handle all of our communications with our supplier,” Shefferly said. “[The others] also help with the ideas, the designing of all of the clothes, advertising and just getting our name out there.”
Shefferly’s ideas were not only supported by his partners, but by his family as well. Shefferly’s father, Philip Shefferly, has personal knowledge and expertise in graphic design, and he helped to create a cohesive website and brand logo for Horizon Peaks. Although he played a large role in the graphic elements of the brand, Philip Shefferly attributes the foundation of the company to James and the rest of the owners.
“I can tell you the idea and concept for the brand story for Horizon Peaks comes directly from James [and co.],” Philip Shefferly said. “It’s great to see all aspects of business being explored by young people. My hope is continuing success and support with his venture.”
Young people wanting to get into business is a good thing, according to Phillip Shefferly. He feels that the experience can be beneficial to the aspiring entrepreneurs. CTE teacher Richard Cooper agrees and sees a variety of benefits in starting a business at a young age.
“It gets students thinking in terms of dollars and percentages, which are always good things for successful adults to be thinking about,” Cooper said. “Also, if they make their mistakes now, there is quite a big support system in place to help them as opposed to doing it in your mid thirties, forties, [or] fifties.”
On top of the website they created, the company is also planning to advertise on Instagram, Facebook and Tik Tok to assist in getting business from more than just local buyers. While Shefferly is still learning how to run a successful business and attempting to grow his abilities, he has already gained a lot from the experience. Shefferly is willing to give advice to all others hoping to jumpstart a company.
“Don’t expect to succeed, you’re going to fail, that’s all a part of it,” Shefferly said. “You have to make sure that you keep going and you just keep trying as hard as you can, no matter what happens.”
PHOTOS | Alyssa King
Da Edoardo is a fantastic spot if you want to treat yourself and your date to a fancy meal. This family-owned Italian restaurant is definitely worth the extra money, but it is the most expensive on this list. However, Da Edoardo is definitely the best choice if you want to spoil your date. They are open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, but make sure to schedule a reservation ahead of time.every day, including Valentine’s Day.
Wally’s Frozen Custard & Coffee Station is a great spot to get frozen custard for an affordable price. This budget-friendly but romantic date spot is perfect for people looking for a bargain this Valentine’s Day. They offer a variety of treats ranging from custards and Dole Whips to breakfast sandwiches and burritos. Wally’s is definitely a great option if you do not want to spend the extra money but still want a great experience. They are located on Harper Avenue and are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Valentine’s Day.
Travis Coffee Shop is the perfect place if you want a casual dining experience. Their price range is on the cheaper side, which is surprising because their food is amazing. If you are looking for a relaxed burger joint with great prices to go with your date, or even with a group of friends, Travis is definitely worth visiting. Off 9 Mile and Greater Mack, they are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day, including Valentine’s Day.
If you are wanting a nontraditional date experience, Trax N Wax is exactly what you are looking for. Located off 11 Mile and Harper Avenue, they are open on Valentine’s Day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. This unique little shop has a multitude of vintage DVDs, vinyl records and CDs that you and your date can sift through. Their products cover an expansive price range, but if you are looking for cheap vinyl that you want to try out, they do have a $1 section.
Harbor Lanes is a great place to spend Valentine's Day with friends or family. Who doesn't love a little bit of friendly competition for a great price? They charge $11 per person for one game of bowling and shoe rental. They have even more to offer with an arcade filled with fun games and a bar for food and drinks. Their hours are very accommodating, as they are open from 11 a.m to 11 p.m this Valentine’s Day.
PHOTOS | Sophia Dragich
Q: CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE GEARHEAD'S GARAGE?
A: "We had an upgrade this year. After all the construction over the summer, we moved from the front to the back where the ceramics class used to be. In doing that, we gained quite a lot of space, which is really nice because we have been able to lay out our field and our workflow has been so much easier. It is a lot safer as well since we do not have to worry about moving a bunch of heavy things."
Q: HOW DOES THE GEARHEAD’S GARAGE CONTRIBUTE TO THE LEVEL OF THE TEAM’S PRODUCTIVITY?
A: “When you walk in, you can right away tell it's a robot shop. There is a lot of scrap metal all over the place. There is a lot of black and yellow, which are our colors, and obviously quite a lot of gears. [I am] on the media team, so I make a lot of posters. I really like decorating our space, and I think that really helps the whole team loosen up a little bit.”
Q: HOW IS THIS YEAR’S ROBOT DIFFERENT FROM LAST YEAR'S ROBOT?
A: “Last year's robot just had to pick up balls and shoot them into this big basketball hoop structure. The robot this year has to grab cones and cubes. The main goal for the robot this year is to make some sort of adaptive gripper and arm, which is something that I've been working on a lot.”
Q: WHAT GARAGE IMPROVEMENTS WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN THE FUTURE?
A: “I am really happy with the space we have now. I think the whole team really agrees that this is the best use of our space currently. We are able to function the most as it is. I would really hope that the shop stays as permanent as it can be, because we are super grateful to have this space.”
707 Vernier Road, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236
PHOTO | Grace Cueter
