North Pointe-Volume 51-Issue 4-Nov. 7, 2018

INSIDE

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Varsity Cross Country teams contiue on to state meet with elite level runners.

COURTESY OF SARA MICHALIK

COURTESY OF PRESTON NAVARRE

POINTE

NORTH GROSSE POINTE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL

EVENTS

MEET THE COACHES NIGHT Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 6:00 a.m. in the cafeteria THANKS GIVING BREAK Wednesday, Nov. 21 through Sunday Nov. 25

INSIDE "I'M JUST

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BE ABLE TO PUT

SOMETHING BACK INTO THE

WORLD AND EXPERIENCE

NEW

THINGS

AND GET OUT OF

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COMFORT ZONE." PAGE 2

"IT IS

SO COOL TO SEE HER SET

GOALS, AND GO

"GET AFTER

INFORMED THEM, AND AND MAKE WHEN SHE YOUR VOICE HEARD. WE MAKE THEM CANNOT SHE JUST AFFORD RECOVERS TO LOSE AND JUST

DOESN’T

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THEM KEEPS TRYING.” PAGE 7 PAGE 6

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 7, 2018

Trump administration title IX proposal prompts controversy

By Abi Murray

fears the impact that decisions like this could have on transgender youth.

“You’ll see a lot of children who are transgender and After hearing the Department of Health and growing up feeling scared and feeling isolated,” Human Services announcement, that gender may Wilson said, “feeling like they can’t do anything, be something definitively determined at birth that they're stuck.” without genetic evidence to prove otherwise, Although junior Michael Kehrig said that the Diversity Club advisor and social studies teacher subject of gender can be a murky one, he does Dan Gilleran immediately wanted to help students not see this distinction as such a dramatic affair. understand the potential change in Title IX. “I think the definition of gender can be “What I would like to do with the kids is get compared to anything else,” Kehrig said. “If the some background information on it. So we know government can ask you what race you are, and exactly what we're talking about, as opposed to “I that's not considered a breach of constitutional heard this” so we know specifically what they're rights or pursuit of happiness, then asking your asking,” Gilleran said. “The interesting thing (birth assigned) gender is not a breach.” about that is it could extend beyond Health and Because exploration of gender is such a new Human services so the Justice Department or the discussion in our world today, Kehrig sees this Board of Education could look at it.” distinction as a positive way to set a standard Gilleran began Diversity Club 15 years ago while the validity of each gender is considered to ensure students had a space where they could and explored. feel included, no matter income, race, sexual “I think that kind of says something, if the orientation, or physical and cognitive abilities.

Department of Health (and Human Services) is Diversity Club also serves the purpose of having a saying “Hey, we need to set a standard,” Kehrig forum where any student can speak their opinions said. “I don't think it's unjust, or it's just out in a safe environment. of the blue for the President to want to set a Senior August Wilson joined the club his standard for gender, because they're expressing freshman year after coming out as transgender in that there's an issue.” eighth grade, and appreciates that he can speak However, Gilleran fears the message this freely without fear of criticism and interact with change may send to transgender students, students who he wouldn’t otherwise have of not being accepted or represented in the talked to in a LGBTQ friendly space. government, and the outlet it could create for AUGUST WILSONS Upon learning about the proposed discrimination before the students graduate redefinition in Health and Human services, DRAWING NEW LINES| Senior August Wilson uses art to illustrate what and enter the “real world.” However, Gilleran it is like to be forced into a gender that is not right. Wilson worries that targets over 1.4 million documented of the reprocussions that will come as a result of Trump's bill. “He's believes communication is the most important transgender Americans, Wilson was very putting transgender peoples' lives in danger by forcing them to use part of the potential Title IX change. disappointed in president Donald Trump.

“I think the key to all this is communication a bathroom that doesn’t match who wthey identify as," Wilson said.

“Back when Trump was running for with the administration, with counselors, with your office, he said that he is going to protect the parents (and) with teachers. Nobody wants to be LGBT community, but what he is doing isn’t protecting in 2016. He has since also banned transgender individuals surprised, and I think some of the issues that people have them, it’s hurting them, especially the transgender from serving in the army and lifted protections that allowed with transgender (people) is that they don’t know,” Gilleran community,” Wilson said. “He's putting transgender transgender students in public schools to use the bathroom said. “It's a learning curve for so many people, and so people’s lives in danger.” they identify with. obviously it puts that student in a difficult position, because This is not the first Obama-era law regarding the Wilson believes gender is something determined by an they constantly have to educate. But I think that’s the civil rights of transgender Americans that the Trump individual, and is unable to understand how transgender nature, unfortunately, of what people are going through.” administration has rolled back since entering office self-expression could be interpreted as harmful to others. He STAFF REPORTER

Strikes construct inconvenience for commuters

By Michael Hartt & Kylie Duke PAGE EDITOR & INTERN English teacher Jonathan Byrne said that commute has been doubled, or even tripled on some days, due to what he calls an unsatisfactory timeline of the completion of the I-696 road construction project. This extended timeline is due to the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association’s workers strike.

Byrne, who lives in Troy, said his commute has been horrendous since the project first began in May. “The drive home is awful, and has been ever since the construction started,” Byrne said. “It takes me an hour and 15 minutes to an hour and 30 minutes to get home now from what used to take half an hour.”

MITA implemented the work stoppage on September 4, after they failed to reach an agreement with the state of Michigan over workers’ compensation and salary. The MITA

“

It takes me an hour and 15 minutes to an hour and 30 minutes to get home now from what used to take half an hour.

Jonathan Byrne ENGLISH TEACHER

@thenorthpointe www.northpointenow.org

“

SPORTS AWARDS NIGHT Nov. 13 & 14 at 7:00 p.m. in the PAC

NORTHPOINTENOW.ORG

Gender selection

UPCOMING POPS & PASTERIES Saturday, Nov. 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria

SINCE 1968

strike affected not only major freeway projects, but also hundreds of smaller road construction projects throughout the state of Michigan, a few of which were in Grosse Pointe.

The workers returned three weeks later and continued construction on roads. Michigan is attempting to make up lost time by having construction workers take on additional hours, with some workers being forced to work 7 days a week, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Byrne is most concerned that the project will not be completed by the end of fall, and will be stalled because of winter.

“I was concerned because I know that we live in Michigan and that winter would get in the way if they delayed any past when the project was supposed to be done,” Byrne said. “So when they were on strike for more than a week, I knew that it couldn't be completed before winter started.”

Sophomore Amelia Schock, who recently got her driver's license, is also concerned because of the dangerous detours that have to be taken in order to get to southern Oakland County.

“I go to Somerset (Mall) a lot,” Schock said, “so I am really concerned that I will have to keep taking roads like 8 mile to get out to Troy, when they aren’t nearly as safe as a freeway.”

VOLUME 51 | ISSUE 4

News Life

AMELIA NOWICKI

English teacher Katie Maki said the strike might seriously affect her home life.

Maki has always had a long commute, especially before she came to Grosse Pointe, but now her commute has gone up to an hour. “It has affected my ability to get things done at home,” Maki said. “Like, getting certain chores done or being able to work out, because I do not have that additional hour anymore in my life.”

With MITAs demands met by the State of Michigan, Byrne said the situation is only improving from this point on, and that contractors may even have a short-term solution for winter.

“I heard that they were going to blacktop the other side of the road for winter and then in the spring, tear up the blacktop and do the actual concrete,” Byrne said. “Although it still isn’t perfect, that would help a lot.”

1 Editorial 3 Reviews 5 2 Indepth 4 Sports 6

By Hannah Zalewski & Kylie Duke

LIFE

North Pointe – Wednesday, Nov. 7 2018 – 2

Helping the world one trip at a time

By Hannah Zalewski PAGE EDITOR

With the click of a button, junior Audrey Ball submits her request to the internet.

“Would you help me help the world?” The title of Ball’s GoFundMe page shows the purpose of her request. Without the $3699 required, Ball will not be able endeavor on a volunteer trip to Africa next summer.

The program Ball is participating in is through the Global Leadership Adventures. GLA is a volunteer abroad program for teens, that sends youth all over the world to destinations such as Spain, Brazil, Bali, or where Ball hopes to travel, Ghana.

Girls Cross Country coach Scott Cooper is impressed by Ball’s ambition, and donated to the page after it’s creation 7 months ago.

“When I saw it, I thought it was pretty awesome that she was going to put herself out there and it’s something that’s pretty brave to do as a high school kid,” Cooper said. “I want to make sure that she is able to accomplish that by getting the funds that she needs — I want to be apart of that.”

Ball said she created the GoFundMe page as a means of allowing family to donate to the trip. She never expected any teachers or coaches to donate.

The trip consists of 14 days in Ghana. Ball will spend her time tutoring children, rebuilding school facilities, discussing social issues and experiencing traditional aspects of African culture.

When Ball first created her GoFundMe page she was deciding between going to Ghana or Thailand. Ultimately she chose Ghana, due to the culture experience it would offer her.

“Ghana just seemed really cool — the culture just seems very vibrant and the people seem really welcoming from what I’ve heard from video chats with other students who have gone there,” Ball said. “It seemed really interesting

Ball’s willingness to volunteer as a showcase of her character.

“I think it’s wonderful when young people do things that are going to have a global impact, such as traveling to other countries and helping less fortunate people,” Preston said. “It’s good for the population in general, but it’s especially good experience for the one that’s volunteering.”

Cooper said Ball is a “very motivated kid” and that due to her mental toughness, she will return from the trip having learned a lot.

“She’s got this quiet strength about her where you don’t notice that she’s tough,” Cooper said.

“But when she needs to be, she’s tough. She’s not real vocal about it either. She just has a quiet strength about her.”

Although she is only one-third of the way to her goal, Ball is confident she will be able to earn the rest of the money. Beyond the page, Ball has held garage sales, tutored and has done some babysitting in order to raise funds.

Ball said she finds volunteering very enjoyable and hopes to make it a career someday.

“My future career, I know, is going to be involved in helping people in some way. Whether it’s medically or even with animals or if I was to be an innovative designer that looks into solving the common problems that people face everyday,” Ball said. “I know that it’s going to be a huge, huge part of my future.”

While she is apprehensive to be attending WIKIPEDIA COMMONS a program so far from home, Ball said she is excited about the impact this trip will have on and different than any other place.” her as well as others.

Ball initially heard about the program through other “I’m just hoping to be able to put something back students in class and saw it as an opportunity to not only into the world and experience new things and get help others, but further her own volunteer abilities. out of my comfort zone,” Ball said. “It’s just something totally LRC teacher, Deane Preston, said she believes this is a new to try to come back with maybe a different mindset.” once in a lifetime opportunity for Ball. Moreover, she views

Opposing Viewpoints: GPPSS bond Safety (+) Savings (-)

By Emily Widgren and Amelia Nowicki PAGE EDITOR & STAFF REPORTER

Over the last ten years of my academic career, I have seen safety changes made.

Whether it was closing classroom doors, or having to tell security guards why you are entering the school, every protocol comes down to one purpose: to keep students safe.

The proposed school bond shares this purpose, with a large portion of the money going towards school safety. The bond will touch on safety from outside threats and will lead to money being allocated to buying new doors that lock from the inside, which they don’t right now. With this addition, students will be more safe during emergencies than they would ordinarily be with doors that don’t lock internally. With the amplified threat of school shootings, more effort towards improving student and faculty safety is vital to create a more protected building.

These upgrades, as well as many more necessary improvements, do not come without a price. The bond calls for $1.5 million, which will ultimately be paid by the residents of Grosse Pointe. While that is a substantial amount of money, residents will only see a tax increase of $13 to $25 per month. While this money will add up, it is going to be used to fund the safety of our

generation and the ones who follow.

Many students go to school scared.

Whether it be from a gun threat, other security or health concerns, the proposed bond will help calm students down because the climate is already stressful enough.

Safety doesn’t end at physical security, It also includes health. In many buildings, there is still asbestos in the ceilings.

Asbestos is an insulation material that was popular in the late 1900’s that has been found to lead to cancer. As a student who spends more time in the school than in my own home, it is essential to me that my safety is not be voted against. If people remove asbestos from their homes at the first glance, why is it still in our schools?

Like me, many students spend more time at school than they do in their own homes, but safety is often overlooked.

People want the best for their children, but when it comes to spending a small amount of money every month, people suddenly don’t want to prioritize it.

Updating our schools is vital for carrying the district forward, and passing this bond will help achieve that. Safer schools are more successful schools.

The perks that would come with the bond proposed by Grosse Pointe Public School System would include increased safety for students, ceiling and roof repair, better heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, along with even more technology, but at what cost?

First and foremost, let’s talk prices. Next to the funds “needed” for North’s pool, updated building security is the least expensive investment, costing only about $347,000. Meanwhile, all three of the middle schools would spend more than North on security cameras and locks, and South would pay over double that cost (about $820,000).

Many would assume our affluent community should be able to support this bond, however, taxes would be raised up to an extra $25 every month in the community, and although most community members could afford this raise, GPPSS currently has a $1.8 million deficit. To many, there is no possible way that slapping on another $1.5 million worth of taxes could fix that gap in the budget, or the schools.

Although available information is resourceful, there is not yet a specificified start date for the projects. The district claims that progress will start shortly after the Nov. 6 election, but the money needed for the bond won’t appear out of nowhere.

Where is the immediate money coming from? And who’s to say that by the time work begins or ends, the

changes won’t already be outdated or unnecessary?

A common fear is that when the district begins to work on the updates, they may find other underlying or hidden problems that require fixing.

Another huge part of the bond is student health, especially when it comes to things like asbestos. Of course asbestos is dangerous, but if it was an immediate threat to students, school would likely be cancelled to eradicate or seal it. If we’ve waited this long to deal with it, there should be no problem in waiting until the district is out of the hole.

Case in point; we have enough technology to last through a zombie apocalypse. Every classroom in every school has a smart board, and every school has multiple computer labs, a set of Chromebooks, a set of iPads, stable WiFi and solid internet connection. What’s next, robots that teach Algebra I to third graders?

Although things like ceiling fixes and HVAC systems are necessary in the district’s older buildings, it’s also important to address the little things that impact students from day-to-day. What about some of the broken and outdated lockers in the middle schools? What about the wobbly chairs and carved desktops? What about the cracked sidewalks or deteriorating sports fields? If we really want to make the schools better, than we should be working to get rid of our debt, not the “outdated” P.A. Systems.

Band teacher Tom Torrento

By Victoria Wittenburg INTERN

SARAH CLINET

STEPPING INTO THE LIMELIGHT | Band teacher Tom Torrento was recently hired to fill the position of the longtime band teacher, David Cleveland, who retired last year. Torrento has always loved music because of its ability to bring people together. “Music allows people of all walks of life to communicate through a shared experience,” Torrento said. “It ties communities and cultures together, and through being part of it I have personally witnessed people at odds come together on common ground.”

New band director Thomas Torrento has had a passion for music since he was young. To him, music allows people of all walks of life to communicate through a shared experience.

Growing up, his parents always had some genre of song playing in the background, exposing him to a wide variety of music. He began trumpet lessons at Eastside music because his school, St. Angela’s in Roseville, didn’t offer instrumental music. Later, he switched to public school to further his love of music.

“I truthfully think the emotional effects of music are limitless,” Torrento said, “and the emotions one feels can be orchestrated in in a single song.”

As a student, Torrento was extremely close with his high school band teacher.

Before graduating with honors, it was his band teacher that kept him motivated and pushed him to do better.

Torrento said that he was he was able to reach his full potential as more than just a musician, but as a person, thanks to the guidance of his teacher. This in turn led Torrento to want to teach band.

“Students in the band are part of a giant family,” Torrento said. “We don’t always see eye-to-eye with each other on everything, but when push comes to shove, we rally around one another in support.”

Although this is his first year teaching at North, Torrento already has big plans for the band. For example, he is looking forward to getting more involved with the Michigan Schools Band and Orchestra Association. Torrento hopes this will allow the school to go perform at statewide events preform for wider audiences across the state.

Torrento also said he is excited to start up the marching band next year, and provide additional opportunities for his students in the instrumental music program.

“The program consists of around 130 bright and self motivated students who share in their love of making music,” Torrento said. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to pick up where Mr. Cleveland left off, and am certain that this school could be, and should be, one of the absolute best band programs in the state of Michigan.”

What is your favorite song that you have ever listened to?

I currently love any music by Ben Folds.

What is your favorite type of candy bar that you have ever tried?

My favorite candy bars that I have ever tried are Butterfingers or Heath candy bars.

Have you ever had any type of pet?

Yes, I have two dogs right now. Their names are Bella and Lucy.

Do you like coffee or tea better?

I like coffee much better.

What is your least favorite animal and why?

My least favorite animals are cats because I am allergic to them.

EDITORIAL

NORTH

POINTE

“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.”

BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY Syeda Rizvi EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Michael Hartt PAGE EDITOR

Emily Widgren PAGE EDITOR

Sofia Ketels MANAGING EDITOR

Abi Murray STAFF REPORTER

Hannah Zalewski PAGE EDITOR

Maggie Carron PAGE EDITOR

Adam Schwartz PAGE EDITOR

Amelia Nowicki STAFF REPORTER

Arzoo Chhaya PAGE EDITOR Our editorial represents the opinion of the North Pointe Editorial Board consisting of the editors above. Members who have a conflict of interest with an editorial topic do not partake in that meeting or vote.

AMELIA NOWICKI

OUR EDITORIAL

Stamina over size: my height and sports MY TURN COLIN DUFFY Throughout my life, I have been undersized. In sports, size plays a key role and being small is almost never a benefit. In seventh grade, I played third string running back for my football team. Every chance I got to touch the ball I was hit only a few seconds later. Play after play I was destroyed, and afterwards I could hear some people in the stands murmuring and laughing. These experiences motivated me to utilize my size and since that season I feel whenever I play sports, I have something to prove. I believe what one lacks in size can be made up in hard work and dedication.

My past football season, I was pulled up to varsity as a sophomore. As the smallest on the roster in weight and height, I had to adjust from playing people my own age that were bigger than me to playing juniors and seniors that towered over me. The first few times I tried tackling the other team I wrapped up at the waste. Each time I bounced off the ball carrier, I had to learn a new technique of tackling, which was to go lower at the shins and ankles of the opponent. Hitting the ball carrier below the shins is a huge advantage as a smaller player. I utilized my speed and size to hit the offensive players lower than usual and make cleaner tackles.

Typically in basketball, the power forward is usually played by the tallest players on the team. PFs are matched up with the opposing teams’ tallest players, and their job is to grab rebounds off the glass and guard the tallest on the opposite team.

In my final year of basketball, I started at PF as one of the smallest on our roster. I used my speed and strength to dominate the

Living up to our Constituion Something as basic as restroom signs may not seem like a big deal to you. The gender separation signs clearly marked ‘male’ and ‘female’ have been there since we were born. They are signs we have always followed, but this obvious distinction of genders can make some people extremely uneasy. Why? Because of the unequal treatment of transgender Americans. This has been fur ther exemplified by President Donald Tr ump’s possible new bill that would require individuals to identify only as the gender that they were born into, which would create ter rible complications for the transgender community in America.

If put into law, this bill should under no circumstance pass. It shouldn't even be a consideration to begin with, because it creates overwhelming hardships.

Why does it seem like the more we go on, the more we turn our backs on the Constitution? Every American, regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation has the right to seek their own pursuit of happiness, whatever that may be. President Trump is planning on taking away a person’s choice of gender, who they are, and forcing people to relinquish their right to choose their identity.

However, the reality is that if this bill does not end up going through, the struggles of the transgender community are far from over. For instance, we can already see how this would affect students at school.

When all students take the PSAT/SAT, or any form of standardized testing. These tests only lists two genders for students to pick from. Transgender students can’t express who they are. If students can check multiple boxes for ethnicities, then there should at the very minimum be an additional box labeled “other,” so nobody feels unrepresented. It would allow for transgender students to express themselves as who they see themselves as, not as a gender they have never identified with.

This shouldn’t matter now. There have been countless opportunities over the years for new rules to be put into place about this topic. Trump is only worrying about the impact it will have on him in office, and if this bill doesn't pass it could ultimately lead to his downfall. He’s trying to appeal to his party and allow his base to grow as midterm elections near.

Trump is trying to gain back support from his party and accumulate more individuals in favor of supporting him and his views. With midterm elections coming up, he is attempting to regain conservative followers. He does not want to lose followers, which could ultimately be a factor leading to his loss of power or possible impeachment. Trump simply wants more voters and is using this bill in order to have more people side with him.

Anybody should be allowed to express themselves within reason. Not only does this allow them to be happy, but it enforces the Constitution. If this bill passes, it helps no one. Instead, it would create complications and add on to the discrimination transgender people face on a regular basis. The pursuit of happiness should always be in place and this goes against what individuals who are transgender live for.

The Trump administration must acknowledge this. We all need to be setting goals to help accept all kinds of people, regardless of who they are and what they believe in.

North Pointe – Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018 – 3

rebounding category every game. I took advantage of my size in basketball by being more physical and aggressive than everyone on the f loor which gave me an edge over everyone else on the court.

Everyone knows the typical cliche “heart over height” saying, but not everyone knows the living proof of this statement. Today, multiple professional athletes prove my theory. Houston Astros second baseman José Altuve is the reigning National League Most Valuable Player and stands 5 feet 6 inches tall. Altuve launches home runs 400 feet despite his height and weight. Captain of the Argentinian National soccer team, Lionel Messi is amongst the best soccer players in the world. With nearly 600 career goals, Messi lies in the Top 10 for most career goals. Muggsy Bogues, the shortest player ever to play in the NBA stood 5 feet 3 inches and weighed in at 135 pounds, and thrived in a sport where it’s a huge benefit to be tall. Atlanta Hawks alumni Spud Webb measures 5 feet 7 inches tall. Spud is the shortest player ever to win the NBA Dunk Contest. These athletes prove that size doesn’t matter if you have the willingness to overcome it.

Each of these professionals serve as motivation for those who work to achieve greatness regardless of their height. They provide a goal for young athletes who may not be confident with their size, and act as a model for them to work towards.

In the lives of many, size can jeopardize our opportunities in things like sports, but only for those who don’t work to overcome it.

YOUR

TURN:

What is your opinion about the bond? Do you support the “I feel like we shouldn’t raise taxes on people.

Some of them, their kids don't even go to Grosse Pointe, so the taxes would be raised even if none of their kids go here.”

Faith Demaray FRESHMAN

idea of raising ta xes

or

not

and why?

By Leo Peck

People who aren't voting are usually those with no kids so they don't want their money taken away. They should help as it's important to have good education, supplies and a good school.”

Nia Crutcher JUNIOR

INTERN

“I'm in support of raising taxes because I think the benefits outweigh the negatives for the environment and society.”

Ava Stander SENIOR

“I’m still undecided, but, I believe we need to update our schools and make them safer. We need to support our schools, but go about it in a less costly way to taxpayers.”

Mrs. Figurski STAFF

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Syeda Rizvi MANAGING EDITOR: Sofia Ketels BUSINESS MANAGER: Jordan Craighead WEBMASTER: Brooklyn McWhorter PAGE EDITORS: Maggie Carron, Arzoo Chhaya, Michael Hartt, Adam Schwartz, Emily Widgren, Hannah Zalewski STAFF REPORTERS: Abi Murray, Amelia Nowicki INTERNS: Giacobi Bush, Niklas David, Colin Duffy, Kylie Duke, Farrah Fasse, Ray Hamilton, Ray Jason, Julia Magnan, Leo Peck, Victoria Wittenberg The North Pointe is edited and produced by Advanced Journalism students at Grosse Pointe North High School and is published every two weeks. It is in practice a designated public forum without prior review.

“That money will go to much needed repair improvement in the district with aging infrastructure that really needs the upgrade to keep up with other... schools."

Barry Mulso SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER

Comments should be directed to the student editors, who make all final content decisions. The views expressed are solely those of the authors or the student editorial board and do not reflect the opinions of the Grosse Pointe Public School System.

We are a member of the Michigan Scholastic Press Association, Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association and Student Press Law Center. We subscribe to McClatchy-Tribune Information Services and iStockphoto.com.

One copy is available free to all community members. Additional copies may be purchased.

Our editorial policy and advertising rates are available online at northpointenow.org. The North Pointe is printed on 100% recycled paper.

CONTACT US 707 Vernier Road Grosse Pointe Woods MI, 48236 Email: gpnnorthpointe@gmail.com Phone: 313.432.3248 Twitter: @TheNorthPointe Website: northpointenow.org FACULTY ADVISER: Allison Dunn

EDITOR'S DESK SYEDA RIZVI

The flaw in our system Healthcare is no longer what it should have been. It has become a motive for acquiring wealth, transforming a concept of love and care into a sickly game of politics and power. The fact that only affluent people have the privilege of living long, healthy lives defeats the concept of a universal, moral healthcare system, ignoring the quite large population of those struggling to survive. They are given no attention because of something as trivial as their empty pockets.

We need to determine whether human beings, regardless of age, gender or socioeconomic status, should be given not the opportunity, but the right to a prosperous, healthy life. It really is not a difficult choice to make.

Declining the right to healthcare is equivalent to denying the ability to live. According to the Harvard Gazette, nearly 45,000 people die annually because they cannot afford life-saving treatments, and over the past two decades, healthcare has cost the lives of 17,000 children because, for them, staying alive was unaffordable.

What could be worse than watching your life drain itself away because you cannot afford to live, afford to pay for the treatments of an illness you did not ask for?

What feeling could be worse than watching someone you love suffer in agony, knowing there is nothing you can do to help them? That the reason for their pain is something as trite as a lack of bills? Healthcare is treated as a political issue, where the significance of earning money is placed above human lives. We have forgotten the humanity it is based upon. There are too many instances where people talk about the time they lost their mother, daughter, father or son to an illness; times where death could have been prevented if only the materialism of money hadn’t overpowered every other aspect. Healthcare is not a luxury, but a necessity of life. To deprive anyone of this is nothing less than monstrous.

It is the time to take a stand against the sycophants of America and advance towards a society where everybody is prioritized.

Free healthcare is something this nation should be striving towards.

The Declaration of Independence is something we all hold very close to our hearts. It is one of the roots that America was built upon, stating that all Americans have certain unalienable rights, and the very first one listed is “Life.” Denying people access to healthcare and treatment is the same as robbing them of a right that has been secured for them centuries ago and for centuries to come. America is a country where every man, woman, and child has an equal right of obtaining life, liberty, and happiness. We cannot live in a country of hypocrisy that denies human beings their unalienable rights. We must work towards attaining a system of healthcare that can treat everyone who needs it. We must speak up now to save lives.

Though this is at a national level, we need to begin locally.

This starts by reevaluating who we are and what we prioritize.

Change will only go to the national level if people begin to show the need for it It starts at home.

Yes, we do need to do the obvious things of getting word out, acknowledging that this healthcare system is flawed, but it needs to have a personal effect as well. We need to realize that money only has so much importance. It makes the world go round, but personal gain should be prioritized far, far below our humanity. This constant need for money and material items is what takes out the beauty of living. Our healthcare system should be a lesson that: no matter what you can gain for yourself, something as critical as a human life should always remain on a pedestal, far, far above the materialism of anything else.

IN-DEPTH

North Pointe – Wednesday Nov. 7, 2018 – 4

climate change:

WHAT IS CHANGING AND STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO HELP GIAKOBY BUSH

By Sofia Ketles and Julia Magnan MANAGING EDITOR AND INTERN When junior Josh Iacovoni saw headlines on social media threatening irreversible climate change after the year 2030, he was hesitant to believe it. With all of the apocalyptic scenarios buzzing around in his newsfeed lately, Iacovoni had a hard time believing the severity of the claims made by newspapers, social media influencers and scientists alike.

“It’s a scary thing, but I also feel like a lot of these articles come out (saying that) “doomsday is ahead.”

Iacovoni said. “I don’t know if i fully believe it yet.”

In an Oct. 4 report from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on climate change, it was revealed that in 2030, the Earth will reach a tipping point that opens the entire planet up to levels of global warming that the panel described as catastrophic.

As of 2017, the Earth’s temperature has increased by 0.9 degrees celsius since the pre-industrial era, according to NASA’s Global Land-Temperature Index. By the year 2030, that number will have increased to 1.5 degrees, which exponentially increases the risks of natural disasters that come along with extreme levels of climate change, such as drought, floods and extreme food shortages for millions of people around the world, according to CNN. Iacovoni said that after reading articles regarding the climate change report, he started to believe that the planet was heading in a bad direction and that the claims he had been seeing everywhere were true.

However, he still believes that he hasn’t seen enough tangible evidence of an immediate climate disaster for him to fully get on board. For him, Iacovoni said that hard evidence would be in the form of an elevated amount of natural disasters and subsequent fallout, not unlike the scenarios that the UNIPCC described as the worst case after 2030.

“They do seem more convincing, but with the whole ‘it’s the end of the world’ type thing, I feel like we actually need more evidence that it’s like actually is happening.” Iacovoni said. “It’s not that I don’t believe in climate change, I just need a little more evidence.”

As the Earth grows closer to the absolute threshold mentioned in the report, the ‘evidence’ that Iacovoni described will start becoming more apparent. Climate events that have already been happening will become more frequented if the temperature rises above the 1.5 degree Celsius limit. The report read that the massive rainfalls the United States saw during hurricanes Harvey and Florence this last season would become the norm, as well as the droughts that have been plaguing South Africa.

Junior Georgia Katakis feels that the release of this event didn’t get nearly enough time in the ever-flowing media cycle for people watching the news to truly understand the magnitude of what is being said.

These predictions were made based on levels of greenhouse gases currently being released into the atmosphere. Katakis believes that a large part of the pollution causing this accelerated climate change is partially due to large corporations and industrialized society. In a 2014 report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it was found that large factories and corporations make up 21 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, with transportation making up 26 percent and electricity making up 21 percent.

However, the thing that Katakis believes is the most detrimental to this issue are the vast majority of individuals who are not fully conscious of their impact on the environment, and how they possess the power to help it. For a project in her AP Language and Composition class, Katakis wrote about how the United States produces a national average of about 4.4 lbs of garbage per person per day, according to another EPA report on municipal solid waste in the U.S. She is a firm believer that every person can play a larger role in saving the environment than they think - and that it could have a ripple effect.

“I feel as though some people are just like ‘if I do this it’s not gonna do anything because I’m just one person.’ But you’re the one person.” Katakis said, “You can make a change by spreading awareness, and people can reduce their four pounds of trash to say 3.5 which would take .5 (pounds) out of the trash, out of the landfills and if a lot of people do that, it will help over time.”

Katakis is a member of North’s SAVE club, where she works to spread awareness of the impacts of and the solutions to climate change, along with trying to improve North’s environmental footprint. According to her, one of the club’s current projects is trying to get plastic recycling back in the lunchroom since the school’s current provider no longer offers it. Another long-term goal that she hopes to see accomplished during her time at North is the addition of a solar panel to help provide the school with cleaner energy. As a member, she credits talking about her experiences here with a lot of her advocacy in the issue of climate change.

“I just talk about SAVE club a lot,” Katakis said. “As high school students, we have a lot of stuff on our plates, and it’s just a club after school for like 20 minutes (that makes a big difference).”

Junior Caroline Mrsan does her best to try and leave as little of a carbon footprint as possible. Like Katakis, she is also a believer in the philosophy that one person can make a difference in terms of reducing their waste and taking small steps to minimize their negative impact on the environment.

“I try to recycle and I have a compost pile and I try to ride my bike as often as possible,” Mrsan said. “So I feel like I’m leaving my footprint.”

Because of the small actions of people like Mrsan, online influencers and people getting the word out about the 2030 deadline for climate change, Katakis said that she has hope that the world may be able to reverse some of the damage that has been done.

“We have gotten better with it, we are sort of bringing it back around because people are acknowledging it,” Katakis said. “It’s becoming more known that if we keep going at the rate we are, it’s going to happen.”

ITS GETTING HOT IN HERE | This photo shows the UV (Ultra Violet Radiation) Index of the country on Oct. 18, 2018. Many areas of the country are being exposed to levels of 4-8 on the UV index chart, which is a high level risk for injury from unprotected sun exposure.

Michigan, has a lower average UV Index than most of the country, but can still be harmful at certain points. “I haven’t been around that long but through the past years, like during cross country last year, it was a lot hotter at the end of the year versus previous years,” junior Caroline Mrsan said.

REVIEWS

5– Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018 – North Pointe

By Arzoo Chhaya PAGE EDITOR “The Hate U Give” is a racial drama-themed movie centering around police br utalit y and its effects on the Af rican American societ y.

Based off the novel of the same name, written by Angie Thomas, this f ilm is powerf ul, with ever y scene signif ying an impor tant aspect of the plot to the f ilm. This movie tells the stor y of Star r Car ter, (Amanda Stenberg) a teenager who sees her unar med f riend get shot by a man in blue and is inspired to become an activist against police br utalit y. Her stor y is not unique, it is not the exception — and that is the t ragedy.

Ever y single moment in the movie t ries to bring an understanding about what it means to be Af rican American in America today.

The movie star ts with tenyear-old Car ter getting “ the talk” f rom her father (Russel Hor nsby). It is not about dr ugs or peer pressure — it is about protecting yourself and k nowing your rights when a police off icer inevitably pulls you over. Star ting off with a moment as st rong as that really emphasizes the pur pose

The Hate U Give

of the movie. The f ilm’s stand against police br utalit y is ver y clear and moving. W hat makes it so chilling is the fact that it is not just a f ictional stor y — it is something many people in this count r y have to face on a daily basis.

“The Hate U Give” also explores the difference in lifest yles bet ween social classes and race. Car ter lives in Garden Heights, a com munit y on the lower socioeconomic side, mainly in habited by Af rican Americans.

She attends Williamson Prep, a school on the other side of town that rich and predominantly white kids attend. Car ter experiences some double standards — talking in slang made the white kids cool, but her “hood.” She hides her white boyf riend f rom her dad, who is event ually shocked to see his daughter dating someone outside of their race.

Car ter’s need to change her behavior, because of how she deems it necessar y to protect the image of her com munit y, is both alar ming and hear tbreaking. It is interesting to see the difference bet ween the t wo classes and races and it is evident in the way the

characters dress, act and talk.

Th roughout the movie, both sides of the spect r um are shown — Car ter’s uncle, who is a police off icer, talks about how he would deal with t wo suspects of different races in different ways, and it is shocking to see the role race plays in daily interaction.

There are many powerf ul moments of solidarit y against police br utalit y. The f inal scene where they show a protest is the most moving because of the cinematography. It is clear that director George Tillman Jr. is no amateur — he k nows what he’s doing. The end scene gives the aura of hopef ulness, a touching way to end the f ilm.

The soundt rack to the movie feat ures some popular t racks: “Ocean Eyes” by Billie Eilish and “Goosebumps” by Travis Scott are easily recognizable, as well as some t racks by Tupac and “DNA” by Kendrick Lamar. The music f its well with what’s happening in the scene, and all the t racks clearly show they have been selected ver y caref ully.

“The Hate U Give” has sparked conversation about police br utalit y across the count r y. The pur pose of the movie is to spread awareness and t r uly let the public see how deep t ragedies like this affect the Af rican American com munit y, and how the fear of being shot while unar med is a ver y relevant issue in their ever yday lives.

of all praise. It was interesting, funny and well written.

"The Hate You Give " (2018) Movie NYTIMES.COM

APP

TV SHOW

ABULM

MOVIE

PAKO FOREVER

BOSS BABY

SUNCITY

HALLOWEEN

Excitement and high-speed chases are the two main emotions you can derive from playing “PAKO Forever.” This app starts users off in a parking lot. The APPDEVICE.COM purpose of this game is to avoid numerous cop cars that are coming after them. Right from the start of this game, you feel a blasting sense of urgency as you are dropped in the center of the lot and have to flee away for as much time as possible. Gamers win by staying alive for as much time as they possibly can without the car exploding.

This game also offers improvements to users depending on how long they can survive. If you can go twenty seconds without your car exploding then you are able to unlock another car. The better you are at this game, the more incentives become available, such as more equipped and advanced cars, which will deeply enhance the user’s experience.

Another advantage with surviving for longer is that if you get two other cops to crash into each other, than a gift box appears which the user can take. It can be used right away to knock out more cop cars, being very beneficial, as it allows any gamer to gain a higher record time.

The music of the game also gets you into the zone.

It plays at a rapid and quick pace. This is perfect for the situation, because it allows the gamers to feel that they are actually in a high-speed car chase. It has a fast beat too, which is crucial to playing, because while playing can’t miss a beat. Otherwise you’ll be dead in an instant.

The app also keeps track of your records after each game. It updates the total seconds and number of total crashes without distractions, so you can see your improvement and how far your skills have developed from beginning to end.

One downfall however is that it is very simple and after awhile, you understand the patterns, or in this case, the course and obstacles you have to get past. It is challenging for a while, but then becomes repetitive.

This game pumps adrenaline to your heart and quick-paced movements, which would keep anyone on their feet. It involves individuals to stay on top of what their next position will be. If not, it’s game over for them.

PAKO Forever is available for purchase on the app store for free.

In October, Netflix released the second season of its original cartoon “Boss Baby; Back in Business.” The show is a follow-up to the movie “Boss Baby” which was WIKIPEDIA.COM released in 2017. The series takes place in the same town as the movie, with a very similar plot as well.

The show stars Tim (Pierce Gagnon), who though he is only 8, has a giant imagination.

Boss Baby (JP Karliak) is a one-year-old who is the “upper management” of his company, Baby Corps. Baby Corps protects the levels of “baby love” and works to keep it high.

Although it might be marketed as a kids show, “Boss Baby: Back in Business” is a creative, wellwritten show that the whole family can enjoy.

Because it is a children's show, the plot basically stays the same throughout the whole series. In the movie, Boss Baby attempted to raise levels of “baby love” and prevents puppies from hogging all the world’s affection. In the first season of the show, Boss Baby did the same thing, only with kittens, and now for the second season, it's all about preventing world love from going to elderly people. Boss Baby and Tim go on an adventure every episode, with the help of their friends, to attempt to keep elderly love down and baby love up. The team solves problems in interesting and hilarious ways.

Although the plot is very similar in each episode, the show does a good job of keeping old material fresh — it never felt repetitive or boring, and because of the hilarious writing and various styles of animation, it's sure to keep audiences’ attention.

As well as providing vital lessons for children to learn about teamwork, social skills and trusting one another, the show adds in quite a bit of humor. The writers slip in a lot of jokes for adults, mostly including things about the current political climate. These jokes give the show originality, being that it is something that people of all ages can enjoy.

“Boss Baby: Back in Action” is a must-watch show that is sure to keep the whole family entertained with it's interesting storytelling and fantastic humor.

Following his strong introduction to the music scene with “Location” and his equally successful debut album “American Teen” in 2017, Khalid has released his newest ZINEUSKADI.COM hits in his Extended

Player (EP) “Suncity.”

With both “Suncity” and “American Teen,” Khalid has taken the music industry by storm and is continuing to make himself known as he expands his versatile sound.

“Suncity” includes seven songs in total and only one collaboration with singer Empress Of, which is surprising because he has done a number of collaborations in the past. For example he has collabed with Billie Eilish on “lovely” a highly emotional and heart wrenching song. While also working with Benny Blanco and Halsey on “Eastside” a fun bittersweet tune about growing up.

It also has two vocal-less interludes “9.13” and “Salems Interlude,” which pay tribute to his hometown of El Paso, Texas. He is very fond of incorporating where he lived in his work and it seems to be a common theme.

For example, the cover art for the smooth and effortless track “Better” which was released before the Ep on sept. 14 is a rotated mountain range like the ones in Texas.

For the most part, his songs feature guitar and piano presenting the laid-back vibes Khalid is known for. Due to the chill atmosphere the songs create its not ideal for someone looking for a lively time, but for those who are interested in a nonchalant vibe this Ep is it. Each with carefully crafted lyrics and occasional somber tone all help build that mystical, love-struck aura. The sound is similar to his other music but features less upbeat tracks.

Every song is very unique and has the potential to top charts. With the title track “Suncity,” his sound ranges from Latin pop to a mix of R&B pop and even a slight hint of country.

The EP is a way for Khalid to explore his own voice and try to find the happy medium between R&B and pop. Although it is a good mix of genres and contains quality music, it’s important Khalid doesn’t get redundant. However, when he does find the middle, it will make him an even more powerful artist and open up a entirely different door for him and his audience.

After 40 years, Michael Myers (James Courtney) is back for “Halloween,” scaring viewers all around the USA. This movie revisits UNIVERSALPICTURES.COM the original “Halloween” from 1978. Victims that survived are now thirsting for revenge is this sequel, which was released on Oct. 25.

Myers got ahold of his iconic white mask after being held captive in a mental facility and making a brutal escape. Once he finds the mask, the silent rampage begins. No mercy, more destructive than ever. His last “incident” included six victims, one surviving, but now that killcount seems fairly insignificant, increasing dramatically later on in this film. No one has ever heard him speak and no one has ever seen his face. His true identity has never been revealed. The new version of “Halloween” is more exciting, revolving around a fast-paced plot compared to the 1978 film. Viewers should familiarize themselves by watching the original film for background information.

The iconic “Halloween” theme music meshed in throughout the movie builds incredible tension. When you hear the music, get ready to jump out of your seat.

This film relates to the original movie, giving some background context if you have seen it, but it is not necessary to see the prequel to understand.

“Halloween” is rated R, so parental permission is required, not because of vulgar language but due to a decent amount of gore.

This is the perfect movie for teens to watch at this time of year, if your stomach can handle a little gore and some jumpscares.

This movie is a great alternative to see with your friends Halloween night, and get in the spooky spirit.

"PAKO Forever"; 2018; Available to download on app store for free

"Boss Baby"; 2018; Available to watch on Netflix

"Suncity"; 2018; Available for purchase on ITunes

"Halloween"; 2018; available in theathers Movie Rated R

By Adam Schwartz

By Jordan Craighead

By Maggie Carron

By Giacobi Bush

SPORTS

6 – Wednesday, Nov, 7 2018 – North Pointe

UPCOMING GAMES GIRLS VARSITY ICE HOCKEY Away Game against Northville High School on Sunday, Nov. 11 at 4:30 p.m. in the gym

The Long Run

Sophomore Preston Nava rre creates new record

By Adam Schwartz PAGE EDITOR

For sophomore Preston Navarre, a member of the boys Cross Country team, the Mac division race on October 18 was a special one. Navarre ran a 5 kilometer race with a time of 16.08 seconds, breaking the past sophomore record set by any student at North.

BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL Away game at Divine Child High School on Friday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m.

BOYS VARSITY ICE HOCKEY 7:50 p.m. home game at East Side Hockey Ice Arena against University of Jesuit High School on Friday, Nov. 30

BOYS JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL Home game against Chippewa Valley High School on Tuesday, Dec. 4. at 5:30 p.m. in the gym

BOYS VARSITY SWIMMING Home meet at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 4 at the pool against Avondale High School

Taking a look at the cross country season and their outstanding achievements.

THE EXTRA MILE | Varsity runner Preston Navarre at a race. “Running with the upperclassmen just being a sophomore, looking at them last year when I was freshman just looking at how fast they were and how fast they could run... and now this year that’s what I’m doing.” Navarre said.

“When I run, I just kind of do my thing. If I break a record then I do it. It didn’t really seem like I broke a huge record. People are like it was amazing, but to me, it just felt like a normal race,” Navarre said. “I’m just doing what I have to do, kind of like if someone saves the day, they’re not doing anything they’re just being a normal person.”

Navarre said being a member of Cross Country has provided him many opportunities to improve his social skills and teamwork. He said he has gained many friends, which has boosted his confidence level while in turn improving his growth mindset.

In addition, English teacher and head coach of the boys Cross Country team Diane Montgomery, feels that Navarre is getting great running experience and sees much potential for him in the future, especially since he is already running with the senior captains.

“We have a really strong team this year and Preston has been a really big part of that. The seniors that he’s now running with in competition, Will Hofmann, Garrett Schreck and Kuvin Satyadev, have been really great and receptive to having him in one of their groups,” Montgomery said. “It’s very powerful to be able to run in a pack and to have a pack of four downfront. What we have is really awesome.”

Junior Jack Day feels motivated by what Navarre has done. To Day, in addition to the natural ability that Navarre has, Navarre puts in the work and sets his mind to what he does.

“I’m really inspired by Preston because it shows that he has a lot of natural ability,” Day said. “But, he also puts in the work as well, so

it shows you can do what you put your mind to.”

Montgomery sees a lot of opportunity in Navarre in the next few years with Cross Country.

Montgomery believes Navarre is getting great racing experience with the senior captains, and said she believes he can be one of the top runners in the state by his senior year.

Above just breaking records, Navarre said that friendships and teamwork are an important part of being on a team and working together as one.

“To me, it honestly means good friendship. To me, that’s one of the big keys. You can’t just be on a team and be by yourself. Having that good bond with the other team will really help you in a race,” he said. “Not just the practice and mindset, but having people with you is a big part of actually being on the Cross Country team.”

Navarre said he can see himself with Cross Country in the future, and hopes it will help him in getting accepted to colleges if his times will allow him.

“In the future, I see myself being in the top, like my true potential opened,” Navarre said.

“Outside of high school, I can see myself running in college, potentially going to a decent college if they’ll let me in with my times. I think it could get me really far.”

Senior Sa ra Michalik brea ks old-set record

By Maggie Carron PAGE EDITOR

Senior Sarah Michalik qualified for states in girls varsity Cross Country and has been added to the list for the top 10 fastest 21 century runners at North.

“I’m very excited because it’s my first year going (to states) and it’s definitely a cool way to round off my senior year,” Michalik said.

Kickstarting her freshman year, Michalik joined Cross Country to be with her friends. She said she knew how great and how close the team developed, so she decided to be a part of it. The group takes part in many activities to create lasting connections between teammates, such as pasta parties and team sleepovers.

Michalik believes friendships within the team not only help inspire each other, but also make sure that they learn to support one another no matter what.

“My teammates give me motivation (when running). We are all just really close and encouraging to each other,”

Michalik said. “We always pick each other back up.”

Junior and fellow varsity runner Sarah Seagram looks to Michalik for inspiration and motivation to improve her running. “(While) working with her last year and throughout this summer, Sara has really pushed me to become a better runner because she is our number one runner,” Seagram said.

Since joining the team, Michalik said she worked extremely hard to get to the level she is at now. The amount of training she puts in, despite the weather being a challenge, has helped her achieve the goals she sets for the season. A big accomplishment she has made was beating her time from last year. For most, going from a runner to an elite runner is a very difficult transition, but her times prove the level of improvement Michalik has accomplished as an athlete.

“I really wanted to get a barrier breaker, which is just beating my best time from last year,” Michalik said. “That was my main goal which I accomplished. Freshman year, I started by running a 30 minute, and then I was able to run a 19.27 so I improved in my time.”

Varsity and junior varsity coach Elizabeth Michaels is not only impressed, but inspired by her runner. She enjoys how all of the runners inspire each other and put in the effort together. She is proud to see Michalik improve as an athlete and in many other aspects.

“I feel so proud and inspired. She is such a hard worker, so motivated, reflective and school oriented,” Michaels said. “It is so cool to see her set goals, and go after them, and when she doesn’t make them she just recovers and just keeps trying, which is really inspiring.”

BOYS VARSITY WRESTLING Away tournament at Ferndale High School against multiple opponents on Saturday, Dec. 8 at a.m.

GROWTH | Michalik’s coaches are very proud of her. “She has totally changed as an athlete. She has gone from a runner to an elite runner and it’s a hard transition to make but she has come a long way,” Michaels said.

QUICK HITS Varsity Volleyball with Regan Sliwinski

Senior Regan Sliwinski, who was inspired by her mom to pursue a career in volleyball, has been playing it all throughout her childhood. Her mother has inf luenced her by coaching her for many years, and has also been one of her number one supporters.

Sliwinski doesn’t just have a love for volleyball specifically, but rather for a multitude of sports. While she is interested in basketball as well, she decided to focus on volleyball year round, partly because of all the

previous training she has been given by her mother.

“If I were to play another sport, I would probably be playing basketball year round, but I play volleyball year round,” Sliwinski said. “ I have been playing volleyball all throughout my childhood, (which is why) I chose it (over the other).”

TEAM WORK | Michalik admits that her team isnpires her everyday to push to be a better runner. “We are all just really close and encouraging to each other. We pick each other back up,” Michalik said.

Three sports, with three players in three columns

JV B Soccer with Michael Villenueve

To freshman Michael Villeneuve, getting immersed in soccer is the best part of playing the sport. Playing for 8 years, he feels his connection with the sport is one that has grown over time, and one that will continue to grow.

“It’s always been a passion of mine,” Villeneuve said, “It’s always just been fun to play with people I know and get immersed in the game.”

Although the season didn’t quite go as planned, it was still a hit in Villeneuve’s eyes.

“Well, we only won one game,

but that didn’t mean the season wasn’t enjoyable,” he said.

He believes his team has come a long way since the beginning of the season and that even though the season was not as successful as it has been in the past, it was nonetheless important.

“The team still improved a lot from where it began,” Villeneuve said, which is why he thinks it was still significant, providing an opportunity for everyone to learn and grow their skill sets along the way.

By: Julia Magnan INTERN

Varsity Girls Ice Hockey with Mackenzie Stockwell Ju n ior Macken zie Stock wel l has be en playi ng ice hockey for fou r yea rs, a nd has be en apa r t of Nor t h’s tea m si nce her f resh ma n yea r.

Stock wel l was not t he f i rst g i rl i n her fa m i ly to play hockey. She says her g reatest i n f luence is her sister, who pla ns to play for col lege, a nd work s ha rd to be t he best player she ca n be ever yd ay.

“I chose hockey be cause it was a spor t most g i rls d id n’t play,” Stock wel l sa id. “My d ad playe d

when he was you nger so I t hought I’d g ive it a t r y.”

A lt hough playi ng hockey is a passion t hat r u ns t h rough her fa m i ly, Stock wel l wou ld prefer to ke ep it at a hobby a nd as not h i ng more. “I play be cause I love t he spor t , but playi ng pro has never rea l ly crosse d my m i nd.”