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international academy central student newspaper
Students Take to Twitter Over Snow Day All local school districts were closed on February 2nd for a snow day except Bloomfield Hills and West Bloomfield. In response, students antagonized on Twitter, and caused several hashtags like #BeforeWBCloses to trend in Detroit. by Lauren Ward (‘15)
FEBRUARY 2015 Vol. 10 Issue 5 $0.00
IA Juniors Host Food Day Students purchased tickets in order to sample foods from different cultures for the Class of 2016’s fundraiser. by Alison John (‘15) For the first time at the International Academy there was a food day after school on January 16, 2015. Students purchased tickets in order to explore foods from different cultures all in effort to support the junior class. With five dollars, one had the ability to buy five food items from whatever culture they wanted. Furthermore, there were free drinks, such as American classics like Pepsi and Coke and Indian classics, like mango lassi. Afterwards, everyone was full and pleased with the opportunity to explore foods that they would have never tried in the first place. The food day took many of IA’s » continued, pg.4
How to Make the Most Out of Second Semester Students tweeted humorous memes to express their antagonization over not getting a snow day (photo credit: Costa Stavropoulos, Twitter) “We were so ripped off!” “Better do that homework I wasn’t planning on doing…” “That moment when the superintendent doesn’t come through for you.” All of the above are examples of tweets and thoughts on social media after the many times the seemingly inclement weather ignited hope in students everywhere. Students all over Oakland County got their hopes up for a snow day several times in the past month. Some expectations were met and others were disappointed, especially after performing classic snow day rituals like flushing an ice cube down the toilet, wearing your pajamas to bed inside out, or putting a spoon under your pillow. Many students
started using Twitter to voice their anger. The last possible snow day that ended in the nightmare that is going to school particularly upset students in the West Bloomfield school district. They used this anger to start the trending topic “#BeforeWBCloses” on Twitter. They wrote about extreme or seemingly impossible situations and then added “#BeforeWBCloses”. Students from other schools even started using the hashtag, replacing WB with their own school’s name. Several news outlets caught on and featured the hashtag, showing off tweets and interviewing students. This fame did not reach students in Bloomfield Hills, who used Twitter much differently during this snow day crisis. Within IA’s school district, students also took
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more inside
Humans of IA [P.6]
(Photo credits (left to right): Sophia Kim, Zsa Zsa Bellagio, Omar Kafri)
C’est la Haute Couture [P.5]
A new semester brings with it new goals, which can lead to a new and improved you. As the second semester starts at International Academy, students reflect on what they are looking forward to for the second half of the year. by Finnley MacKillop (‘17) For most IA students walking into school on the first warm day of August, the bitter cold temperatures of January and the second semester was just a distant dream. Distractions such as the beginning of high school, two sciences, the ACT/SAT, and Group 4 were on their mind and students were not thinking that far ahead. However, now that the new semester is upon us, IA students are beginning to reflect on new classes -- the beginning (and end) of language culture class, health class, TOK, and product teams – and what lies ahead. » continued, pg. 3
Model United Nations [P.7]
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World news
staff PRINCIPAL Ms. Lynne Gibson
ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL Mr. Christopher Smith
FACULTY FACILITATOR Ms. Sarah Clancy
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jenna Wang
SCHOOL NEWS EDITOR Eleanor Khirallah
WORLD NEWS EDITOR Rana-Armaghan K. Ahmad
FEATURES EDITORS Sydney Rosen Alayna Wong
ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS
Obama and Modi meet in New Delhi, India (Politico)
President Obama Visits Indian Republic Day Parade In the Parade, one of the most celebrated events in all of India, President Obama was recognized as the Chief Guest. by Aakash Beesabathuni (‘16) President Barack Obama visited India on January 25th to attend the Indian Republic Day Parade. He went to negotiate some economic policies with the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. The Indian Republic Day is highly similar to the Thanksgiving Parade that occurs in the United States, but at a significantly larger scale. The event is nationally broadcasted and is observed throughout the world. In the Parade, President Obama was recognized as the Chief Guest. Due to the the significance of the
Chief Guest the Indian government has taken many precautions to ensure that the President’s stay in India is safe. The Indian government has taken many precautions to ensure the safety of the President. The main safety precaution taken was the installment of several security cameras in every block of New Delhi. This alone has cost the government of India a great deal of money. However, this was not the only cost that the Indian government payed for the security of the Obama. In addition to the cameras, the Indian government also placed many secret-service like agents in the Republic Day Parade. Other than attending the Indian Republic Day parade, President Obama also accomplished several other tasks. One major development is the mutual agreement Prime Minister Modi and President Obama have set in working together to combat the effects of Climate Change. The U.S.-India Partnership to Advance Clean Energy (PACE) umbrella program was one result of the talks that occurred between Modi and Obama. » continued, pg.4
Saudi Arabia Appoints New King After the death of former ruler Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, the new king of Saudi Arabia, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, faces a number of challenges. by Omar Ilyas (‘15) Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has died after ruling the Saudi kingdom from 2005. He died after suffering from a lung disease at the age of ninety years old. Many world leaders converged at Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, to offer their condolences following the death of King Abdullah. The president of the US, the Iranian foreign minister, the Russian prime minister, and the prime minister of Ukraine were among the many that offered their condolences.Many of these leaders cut short important meetings to attend. he first is ensuring the succession passes smoothly without any brutal fights for power within the royal family. In the past, there have been disputes amongst the royal family about succession. With over 2,000 influential and high end members in the royal family, it is surprising that so far no internal power struggles
have been made public. The second challenge King Salman faces is the ongoing threat of jihadists. Saudi Arabia is sandwiched between Al Qaeda in Yemen and the Islamic State in the north. In order to combat this threat, Saudi war planes joined the US led coalition in air strikes against IS. However, many citizens in Saudi Arabia are not pleased with this. There has been a spike in antiWestern sentiments because many Saudis feel that their government is killing innocent civilians in Syria and Iraq. In the last few month, there has been 4 shootings within the Kingdom. These shootings have been aimed at American contractors. Right off the bat, King Salman faces the challenges of keeping these extremist groups in check while keeping the spirit of the people with the government.
Monali Desai Alaina Valente
OPINIONS EDITOR Abrar Quazi
SPORTS EDITOR Max Totsky
BACK PAGE EDITOR Anna Hoppe
CONTRIBUTORS
Rana-Armaghan K. Ahmad Aakash Beesabathuni Omar Ilyas Alison John Evan Kolin Finnley MacKillop Richa Shah Rajaa Shoukfeh Kenan Sinan Alexander Trombley Lauren Ward Eve Washington
Interested in writing or reporting for The Overachiever? Email us at iaoverachiever@gmail. com with your pitch or idea, and we’ll make it happen! Keeping the spirit of the people directly correlates with the reforms that King Salman will provide. Currently, the government has yet to find a proper way to allow protests and reforms. The Saudi government has abused its anti-terrorist laws to punish the critiques and to silence the reformers. Often times, the people punished only want transparency in the government and human rights to be » continued, pg.4
features
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The Tradition of Valentine’s Day Every year on February 14th, people exchange candy, cards, and flowers with their Valentines. What many do not know is the mysterious history behind this lovely holiday.
by Richa Shah (‘17) Valentine’s Day is named after the Christian martyr, Saint Valentine. A martyr is someone who faces death due to religious or other beliefs. There are actually three saints recognized by the Catholic Church named Saint Valentine, and all three were martyred. Because of this, there are several tales of the origin of Valentine’s Day. The most popular tale is that Valentine was a priest during the third century in Rome. The emperor at the time believed that unmarried men made for better soldiers than men with wives. Therefore, he banned marriage for young men. Saint Valentine thought that this was an unjust law, so he illegally continued to perform marriage ceremonies. At the end of the 5th century, a Pope by the name of Gelasius officially named February 14th “Valentine’s Day” to honor Saint Valentine’s efforts. Now that we have touched on the historic roots of Valentine’s Day, let’s delve into how it became the holiday that it is today. It was not until the 1300s that people started associating love with Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s letters were first exchanged in the 15th century. In European countries, the celebration of this day began in the 17th century, and by the 18th century, it became common for friends and lovers alike to exchange small handwritten cards and notes. Valentine’s Day trended in the U.S. as
Semester (CONT. P.1)
well. In the 1840s, the production of Valentine’s Day cards began. With this advancement, Valentine’s Day expanded to become the commercial holiday that is celebrated today. Printed cards became the norm, being much more convenient for people to give. The economics of love is definitely sweet according to the National Retail Federation which reports that Valentine’s Day contributes approximately $17.3 billion to the American economy. Over 62% of Americans will take part in celebrating this day of love. According to the Greeting Card Association about 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent per year, 85% of which are bought by women. The most popular recipients of these cards in order are teachers, children, mothers, wives, sweethearts and pets. Men are reported to purchase 73% of all flowers that are purchased for the occasion. 220 million roses alone are exchanged in the U.S.! Over 36 million heart-shaped chocolate boxes are purchased and 8 billion of the classic heart shaped candies, coined “conversation hearts,” are eaten. The most popular items exchanged on February 14th are cards and chocolate, although 4 billion dollars will be spent on jewelry. Cards and chocolates are nothing though compared to the 6 million couples who will get engaged on Valentine’s Day! All in all, Valentine’s Day is the second largest greeting card holiday, only after Christmas. Whatever gestures you choose to take part in this Valentine’s Day, you can be sure that you are not in it alone! Enjoy the love, and sometimes the sappiness, surrounding this day and don’t forget the history that falls before what we know this holiday to be today!
Contrary to what some IA students may think, there is little to fear about the second semester. For freshmen and juniors, new classes can provide a refreshing change from the daily grind, sophomores will find a return to the universally appreciated Adventure Challenge class, and seniors will be able to enjoy the unique pleasure that comes from knowing that only one semester of high school remains. With the second semester, some seniors may also experience the onset of the infamous “senioritis.” The Overachiever asked seniors to share their thoughts about second semester and senioritis using the hashtag #IAsenioritis. Here are some of our favorite tweets:
@Siena_Beattie: New trend among IA seniors: Scarves that double as blankets and pillows #IAsenioritis @MonaDesai22: #IAsenioritis when you fall asleep in school so much you keep a pillow in your locker @Siena_Beattie: My one and only goal for the semester is now to be featured in the #IAsenioritis section of the @ IAOverachiever Senioritis isn’t the only thing on the minds of IA students. For the rest of the school, the concerns are about things other than whether or not the blanket in their locker is soft enough. “I have a very crippling fear of heights that will not serve me well when it comes time to do the ropes course. I am going to be super scared the entire time,” said Peter Barr (‘17). “I’m pre-stressing about the stress that I will be stressing about when it comes to worrying about the IB next year,” said Mai-Ly Tran (‘17). When asked about exciting parts of second semester, Lilli Celovsky (‘16) said “I’m both excited and scared of all the internals. We can pick out topics, so that’s fun.” “I am excited to go to the ropes course in AC,” Elizabeth Flatoff (‘17) said, echoing a common sentiment among the sophomores. She also added, “I
It can be hard to resist the effects of senioritis, but second semester is no time to give up! (Wordpress) am excited about doing the scuba enrichment this year.” Finally, students were asked about rumors they have heard about the second semester. “I’ve heard that second semester will be harder because of finals,” said Sanya Verma (‘18). Despite these worries, though, she concluded with some words of wisdom: “I am worried about nothing because everything will turn out fine at the end!” That’s certainly something even the best of IA can forget as we wade through second semester. So if you’re ever feeling down later on in the new semester, remember that all of your hard work will pay off at some point, and that despite things you might think about semester two, not only is the whole school going through it together, but in the end, “everything will turn out fine.”
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Snow Day (CONT. P.1) to Twitter to release frustration. Some tweeted at Rob Glass, our superintendent, while others tweeted at BHSchools, the Twitter account dedicated to Bloomfield Hills Schools. The tweets range from the typical sadness experienced at the lack of a snow day to complete rage toward administration. However, administration stood up for itself, using Twitter as a way to “connect” with the students and give them a lesson about their online footprint. In a reply to one person who decided to vent about BHS not having a snow day, the BHS twitter replied with a letter explaining what leads to a snow day, and when the students replied back about not needing its “sass”, BHSchools replied, “No ‘sass’, just facts. If you’d like to learn more, feel free to email or call. 140 characters makes it difficult.” Another student quoted a tweet from one of last year’s snow days and made it seem like it was in 2015, to which the BHS twitter replied,
Saudi Arabia (CONT. P.2)
“im·per·son·a·tion: an act of pretending to be another person for the purpose of entertainment or fraud. #thinkbeforeyoutweet,” even utilizing a hashtag to make students see how tweeting isn’t always the best choice. There are differing opinions about the lack of snow days this year, ranging from “you don’t need any snow days, I walked to school in three feet of snow back in the day!” to “I shouldn’t have to risk my life in inclement weather to go to school.” While some may agree to disagree, it can be said by everyone that nothing compares to the snow days we got last year during the Polar Vortex. Full weeks were taken off from schools around southeast Michigan, causing some schools to add days to the end of the year to make up the time lost. Around school, people have been saying things like, “Man, I wish we had all those snow days like last year,” or “I had so much more free
Food Day (CONT. P.1) King Abdullah’s funeral procession in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia (Haaratz.com) established. King Abdullah was a slow reformer, but was praised by the West for being a key mediator in the Arab Spring uprisings. Seeing the opportunity, many activists are urging King Salman to do more to protect free speech and freedoms for women. King Salman has pledged to keep the conservative, oil rich country on a steady course toward freedom. He vowed to “remain, with God’s strength, attached to the straight path that this state has walked since its establishment”. In order to remove uncertainty over the transition to the next generation, he has named
his nephew second-in-line to the throne and has made his son as the defense minister of the world’s leading oil exporter. This was highly praised and has caused some to remark that the Saudi family has handled the succession without even a hint of crisis, however only the future will tell what is in store for this country. However, many analysts are convinced that nothing much will change in Saudi Arabia. King Salman is 79 years old and some experts argue that he is suffering from dementia and possibly Alzheimer’s disease. Nonetheless, the world hopes that Saudi Arabia gets the best
India (CONT. P.2) PACE aims to reduce several effects of climate change and also establishes a set of guidelines that Indian power companies as well as factories should follow. The trade relations between India and the United States also strengthened due to President Obama’s visit. India throughout the twentieth and primarily in the twenty-first centuries has risen to be a great world power competing with nations such as China. The Indian economy, in fact, is predicted to rise exponentially over the course of the next decade and may even surpass the
Chinese economy by 2050 according to The Economist. This increase in economy will only make India a more dominant world power in the future and as such other nations are trying to come to terms with a potential future superpower. President Obama went to further improve the economic ties between America and India. In President Obama’s term, the trade occurring between Indian and the United States is estimated to be over one hundred billion dollars annually, the highest it has ever been.
time last year because of the snow days last year,” and it can be unanimously agreed amongst most students that more days off school would be great. Snow days serve as a much needed break during the week for people to binge watch television shows, hang out with their friends, or simply relax for a bit after the consistent routine of waking up, going to school, doing homework, and repeating it all over again. Long story short, students at IA and all over Michigan are really hoping there’s a snow day soon. The next snowfall could either bring more rage tweets or a blessed snow day, so we will just have to wait and see.
For more hilarious musings from students about the snow day, check out Tweet of the Month on the Back Page! Although this number may seem high, the amount of trade occurring between the United States and India is still significantly less than the trade occurring with the United States and China. President Obama has introduced several initiatives in order for the trade occurring between India and the United States to increase. The negotiations in regards to trade will also increase the number of jobs in both countries by several thousand. These negotiations include the Export-Import Bank’s involvement. The Export-Import Bank will be financing one billion dollars in order to support the American import business in India. According to a New York Times financial analyst, the effects of the Bank’s involvement will most surely benefit both nations In another initiative, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) will support lending to small and medium businesses across India. President Obama’s visit to India will surely strengthen the relations between the two allies and will also help India develop into a more prosperous country faster.
Food Day (CONT. P.1) upperclassmen students back to freshman year when everyone brought in foods from their culture in history class and also to the days where the school was actually permitted to sell samosas after school once a month. Dishes were organized based on the region they came from. Foods available included sushi, egg rolls, guacamole and chips, samosas and noodles. Additionally, there was a dessert table that had both American staples, such as pie, and ethnic desserts such as jalebi. Although many of the foods were things people usually stray away from, they were encouraged to try it because of how cheap it was. Many students began to give away their unused tickets because they were so full after solely trying a few things. Overall, food day at IA was a success. The junior grade earned hundreds of dollars for themselves, and everyone was given an opportunity to enjoy foods that they may have never had the opportunity to try before.
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entertainment
IA in Vogue See what’s trending this season on the runways and in the hallways of IA.
C’est la Haute Couture
by Payge Lindow (‘17)
From Atelier Versace’s form fitting dresses to Dior’s sequined catsuits, couturiers challenge the fashion limits and set the standards for what we will see, not only on the red carpet, but also what will evolve to be the very pieces that hang in our wardrobes.
by Rajaa Shoukfeh (‘16)
Like a ride on a magic carpet, haute couture is something we can only fantasize about. Last month, during the final week of January, fashion houses from around the world gathered in the fashion capital of the world to showcase their Spring/Summer 2015 pieces. The models were clad in timeless designs that exuded a fierce Parisian aura. Christian Dior graced the catwalk with Raf Simons’ touch of graphic layered sequins, lace, and tulle. With the hum of David Bowie in the background,
the show took on a very playful yet futuristic mood. Chanel bloomed on the catwalk, quite literally. The show took place inside a gargantuan terrarium centered around life-like grey and white paper flora. The blossoming paper buds embodied the essence of the elegant silhouettes being displayed. Chanel’s Karl Lagerfeld channeled languorous summer afternoons through a dusty pastel palette. The Versace collection, on the other
Midwinter Break Ideas
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Winters in Michigan can be dry, harsh, and incredibly cold, and we’re stuck with the freezing temperatures almost all winter. Don’t lose hope though, as there are still things to do thought the winter weather!
by Eve Washington (‘18) Ice skating at Campus Martius Bundle up, rent some skates, and make your way out onto the ice. While the rink can get crowded, it is a entertaining experience to skate under the lights and enjoy the energy of of people skating around the rink. Campus Martius is located in the the heart of downtown Detroit and you can enjoy the sites of the city there. Meridian Winter Blast At Meridian Winter Blast, will find activities for everyone interest. People can sit inside and drink hot cocoa, listen to musical performance by talented artists, or enjoy some free ice skating. In the past there has even been small carnival rides at the fair. The event is sponsored by a variety of organizations, so the tickets are cheap.
With February comes mid-winter break, the Super Bowl, and President’s Day, but best of all--Valentine’s Day! With this day comes lots of hearts, roses, pink and red. Celebrate by wearing colored jeans, a glittery shirt, or a heart t-shirt. Pair your outfit with heart shaped earrings or a floral headband. If you really want to go all out, get red polka-dot Nike shoes. Don’t forget to ms. clancy get a gift for that Ms. Clancy’s burgundy jeans are a trendy way to bring some special someone! color to the white outdoors. For him: crew socks Her adorable giraffe sweater with fun patterns, pairs well with her tall black or a classic looking boots. Her gold Alex and Ani bangle an up and coming watch. For her: jewelry trend, shows how heart shaped stylish Ms. Clancy really is! sunglasses or bold,
Afterwards, you can grab some food at a classic restaurant like Lafayette Coney Island, or stop by another site in the city. Downtown detroit Museums People can visit the famous Detroit Industry Mural by Diego Rivera at the Detroit Institute of Art (DIA). There are also many exhibits that highlight history and art techniques at the DIA. They often have specials. Every Sunday, the DIA hosts a “family day”, where you can find craft activities, and special performances. Perhaps celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Charles H. Wright African American History Museum by taking a tour through their recreation of a slave ship to celebrate black history month. Or try your hand at science at the Michigan Science Center and work on your physics. » continued, pg. 6
fun jewelry. Whether Valentine’s Day is all about your valentine, your friends, or all about you, be sure to grab some stylish gifts this month for those you love (and don’t forget chocolate)! Aleks Pavlovich (’17) Aleks matches Ms. Clancy in his burgundy jeans! His classic gray sweater and collared shirt are the perfect pair.
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Humans of IA
Couture (CONT P.5)
Inspired by Brandon Stanton’s “Humans of New York” photo blog, “Humans of IAC” aims to share the stories of students and staff at the International Academy Central.
hand, captured the rush of summer through bold fabrics and intricate cutouts. The curtain closed following fashion house Ralph & Russo’s show on January 29th. With that the ephemeral shows came to an end, leaving everyone reminiscing over the glamorous designs and waiting for them to resurface on the red carpet. In fact, it was not until haute couture begun appearing on the red carpet that the public grew consciousness of the final tier on the fashion cake. Though nearly everyone is vaguely familiar with the term, there is still a general air of confusion surrounding what haute couture really is and how something qualifies as haute couture. The literal translation of the French term is “high dressmaking” which stems from the fact that each couture piece is hand and custom made for individual clients. With all the intricate beads and delicate fabrics, it often takes hundred of hours to make a single piece. And though there are only a handful of couture clients out there, it still serves as inspiration to other designers. Pieces will often start off as couture and then evolve and trickle down to department stores. In order to qualify as a part of the elite 23 member haute couture circle of the fashion world, designers must be inducted into the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. This
What’s your story? by Sophia Kim (‘17)
For a long time, I’ve really been interested in Japanese culture, including music… One time I played at a concert in a garden outdoors. We got all dressed up and we’re playing and people would come around because they heard the music and just wanted to find out who was playing. But when they saw [me], a non-Japanese playing… the little kids would say, “Oh, gaijin!” ‘Gaijin’ means foreigner, and they would point and say that several times.” - mR. GLenn (math grad)
organization was founded by Charles Worth, the first ever couturier. After a designer or fashion house is inducted, they must fit the following requirements: 1. Must cater to private clients and hold one or more fittings 2. Must establish an atelier based in Paris with 20 full-time employees 3. Finally, they must present at least 35 looks at both of the two annual haute couture fashion shows.
After fulfilling the above prerequisites, a fashion house may be considered as haute couture. So how much does it cost to call a couture piece your own? Well, there is a reason why couture clients are so scarce, and that is because the starting price of daywear is at $10,000. However, more intricately embroidered pieces could cost several hundred thousand dollars. It’s easy to get lost in all the zeros on the haute couture price tag, yet the president of fashion at Chanel, Bruno Pavlovsky, claimed that haute couture has seen an increase in business in the past years. Though the magic carpet ride suddenly feels more likely than owning couture, this type of fashion will continue to play a role in inspiring other designers and setting seasonal trends.
Break (CONT. P.5) Other museums you can visit include the Detroit Historical museum, Cranbrook museum, and the Henry Ford museum. Rouge River FACTORY Tours On these tours, you can see a step by step layout of the production line of creating Ford cars especially the F-150 truck. In the tour, visitors learn about the history of Ford through videos and a small gallery of classic cars. Also visitors can see the production line through a 4D video, and walk above the factory itself. It’s amazing to see the complexity and amount of effort it takes to build one vehicle, from rapidly painting the separate cars,
attaching windows in seconds, and finally attaching everything together perfectly. There are also unique experiences like learning about the“green”initiatives, and future of Ford. ski hills Like many of the skiers and snowboarders at the International Academy already know, there is another great option for winter fun. Try visiting a ski hill like Alpine Valley, Mt. Holly, Pine or Knob. Whether you have skied or snowboarded in the past or not isn’t a concern, as there are lessons for beginners interested in learning, plus a warm ski lodge when you’re all done.
“What have you prepared for IFAF?” “We’re playing ‘Evolution of Music’. So, it’s a bunch of songs, from a Scottish jig to “Secrets”. Awrod saw a video on YouTube and we thought it was pretty cool, so we wrote it all down by ear.” - ALEX MARSHALEK (‘16)
Ice skating at Campus Maritus in downtown Detroit in the wintertime (Flickr)
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opinion
A Grade Above
Model UN: A Great Experience For All Model UN provides a great experience and opportunity for students to learn how the political world works and functions.
Are you an underclassman looking for a little peer-to-peer guidance on school, life, and everything in-between? Welcome to The Overachiever’s new advice column, where you will find helpful tips and encouragement from a grade (or two) above. by Zoe Hunter (‘16)
by Rana-Armaghan K. Ahmad (‘16) Hello IAers! Welcome to February! February is a special month, filled with events such as Black History Month, and President’s Day. However February is better yet known as “the love month”, thanks to the heavily advertised Valentine’s Day. This month doesn’t have to only be about love, relationships, and heart-shaped boxes of chocolate only, though. Here are some ways in which you can radiate positivity and spread the love this month of February. Compliments “It’s always the compliments from people you love that mean so much” -Maria Bamford A little compliment can go a long way. By simply saying “Hey you look nice today” or “I really like your [whatever]”, it’s genuine compliments like these that can make someone’s day. Most people IA students attending MUMUN (University of MIchigan Model UN) conference (Photo credit: are hesitant to compliment someone because Omar Kafri) The International Academy Central recently in an endeavor to solve world challenges they are too shy. Still, random, spontaneous went to a Model United Nations conference at the by mimicking the real United Nations. compliments are the best because they come off University of Michigan Ann Arbor. Our students Our IA students were very excited to embark as more sincere. represented a diverse group of countries this conference. Wehbe Alzohaili (‘16) stated, including Belgium, Colombia, Portugal, Qatar, “I am going to make sure that my committee Kindness and Vietnam. Each student had an opportunity proceeds with precise parliamentary “Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in to go out of their comfort zone and help solve procedure. Even if I have to correct the chair.” thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving the many problems that affect our world today. MUMUN was the first big conference for creates love” - Lao Tzu On Thursday, we walked into the school, Kenan Sinan (‘16), who exclaimed: “It was a Kindness comes in many forms, so the possibilities carrying our luggage and bracing our minds great bonding experience with old friends are endless. By being kind to someone, you’re not for Model United Nations. The Model United and new friends as well. I met a lot of like only helping them feel better, but you’re helping Nations Conferences at the University of minded people from around the Midwest.” yourself as well. Seeing someone happy and Michigan (MUNUM) joins hundreds of The conference was a great experience for knowing that you had something to do with that person’s happiness is a feeling like no other. politically minded students from the Midwest » continued, pg.9
State of the Union
2014 was a busy year for the United States, and the nations agenda for 2015 seems to be no different. Are the plans proposed in Obama’s speech going to better our nation?
by Alexander Trombley (‘17) Rebekah and Ben are two hardworking American couples who have toiled and struggled throughout the countries recent depression, and have come out stronger because of it. They symbolize the American people rising from depression to a victorious future. This very future was discussed by President Obama on January 20th, 2015. The nation’s agenda organizer, President Obama, outlined key problems and shortcomings in the State of the Union Address. To begin, the president spoke about the falling numbers of unemployment, troops in Afghanistan, freedom from foreign oil, and the necessity for improving schooling for the country’s youths. He also outlined his policies and plans for the future. However, were these points a good or a bad thing for America’s well being?
First off, Mr. Obama presented his idea of middle-class economics. This came down to making everyone feel equally safe and secure. To the president, this means raising the minimum wage, providing more affordable childcare, and changing the current paid-leave laws. All of these solutions are like double edged swords since they also bring problems of their own.Raising the minimum wage means that low income families in the country who often do the most rigorous physical labors, will be able to afford more and live a more comfortable life. However, forcing the flow of money out of the hands of the employers inherently means that either fewer jobs will be available or prices for goods and services will rise to meet demand. Providing child care will help parents trying » continued, pg.9
Appreciation “The root of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness” -Dalai Lama Appreciation can be a heart-shaped box of chocolates. Appreciation can be a nice letter, poem, thank you card, or kind statement too. Letting someone know that you appreciate them, for all the big and small things they do for you, goes back to kindness. Appreciation shows that you care! Listen (& Reflect) “When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen” -Ernest Hemingway If someone comes to you with a problem, listen. And listen good. It’s reassuring knowing that someone is there to hear about your dilemma, because it shows that someone cares. By reflecting I mean genuinely listen to the other person, and make it clear you understand them. We tend to listen for the sake of replying. By giving your own opinion, it’s like the conversation isn’t about the other person and their issue anymore. Instead make it known (after the person is done talking of course) that you understand, and fully support them.
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Sports
The Top 7 NBA Players This Season The 2014-15 NBA season has been a year filled with talent at every position; young and old, rookie and veterans. However, these seven stars have stood out above the rest.
by Evan Kolin (‘18)
Student Athlete of the Month Every month, an exceptional student athlete is chosen to be recognized in this column. Meet February’s student athlete, Hannah Moreno, a sophmore who is already playing #1 singles for her high school tennis team! by Adrienne Joe (‘16) Name: Hannah Moreno Grade: 10th Sport(s): Tennis Name of High School/Other Teams: Groves High School Varsity Tennis YEARS PLAYED: 7 years
(National Basketball Association)
Stephen Curry, PG, Golden State Warriors This sixth-year superstar has been nothing short of magnificent this season. Always recognized as a great shooter and one of the best offensive players in the game, Stephen Curry has transformed his defense this season. He currently leads the NBA in steals, with 2.12 per game. Although most of his offensive stats are actually on the decline this season, Curry has still been able to do what is most important: win. If Curry keeps it up, Golden State could also be home to the NBA’s MVP. Anthony Davis, PF, New Orleans Pelicans In just his third year, Anthony Davis is having a season for the ages, leading the league in blocks with 2.9 per game and placing third in scoring with 24.5 points per game. Davis also leads the NBA in a stat called PER, or player efficiency rating, which measures a player’s per minute productivity. The young forward has already established himself as one the league’s best at 21, showing plenty of promise for the future. James Harden, SG, Houston Rockets After winning the Sixth-Man Award during his final season with the Thunder, Harden has become a perennial superstar since he arrived in Houston. He leads the league with 27.6 PPG, and is on pace to set career highs in steals, assists, and rebounds. He will have to lead his Rockets to a few more wins to really challenge the MVP title, but Harden is still one of the NBA’s most feared scorers. LeBron James, SF, Cleveland Cavaliers After taking his talents back to Cleveland, LeBron entered the season with high expectations after forming another Big 3 with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love. So far, this season has been a huge disappointment for the Cavaliers, as they currently have a 26-20 record making them the fifth-seed in a weak Eastern Conference. Despite this, James himself has still compiled an impressive individual campaign. Chris Paul, PG, Los Angeles Clippers Paul has always been one of the most efficient guards in the league, and has done nothing but prove himself again this season. The 6-footer leads the NBA in assists to turnovers ratio, with 9.8 assists per game (third in the NBA) compared to only 2.2 turnovers per game. The star from the State Farm commercials has solidified himself as one of the most consistent players in recent memory, and all we can do now is watch and see what he does next. John Wall, PG, Washington Wizards Wall entered the league in 2010 as one of the most athletic young players the association had to offer, and he has only developed his game from there, taking a 23 win Wizards team and leading them to the third seed in the East this season. Wall is second in the NBA with a career high 2.07 steals per game, and leads the league with 10.2 assists per game. If Washington continues their winning ways, he may join Curry and Harden as one of the favorites for the MVP award. Damian Lillard, PG, Portland Trail Blazers After bursting onto the big stage with an outstanding rookie season in 2012-13, Lillard followed up with a remarkable sophomore campaign last year and continues to shine here in 2014-15, setting a career high with 22.0 PPG. Like John Wall, this athletic phenom is leading his young team to the third seed in the highly competitive Western Conference. Honorable Mentions: Jimmy Butler, DeMarcus Cousins, Kevin Durant, Marc Gasol, Kyle Lowry, Jeff Teague, and Russell Westbrook.
What made you want to start tennis? Well, my parents when I was really young, they had me and my sister try out a bunch of sports. Swimming, gymnastics, ice skating, tennis, basketball, soccer...They told me to choose my favorite sport, and I chose tennis. It was the most appealing to me, and I loved the feeling of getting the ball over the net. I was always really excited to get on court. What’s a memorable moment you’ve had while playing tennis? There are a few, really good shots that you remember for the rest of your life. I mean, one time, I sliced the ball. It landed right over the net, then it bounced back on to my side! I literally started jumping up and down, it was crazy! What tennis do you do outside of team practice/ games? Lately I’ve been really busy, but I still keep up with groups and classes during week, and matchplay. During the summer and fall especially, I play a lot of individual tournaments for USTA. I usually play local tournaments, but I’ve played a few regional tournaments as well. How do you prepare for those tournaments? I look at the draw and I find out who I’m up against, and make strategies based on their game. Sometimes I even print out little note sheets with tips. And then, I set up my snacks- usually fruits, granola bars, and chocolate. I also bring my jump rope with me to the tournament, and I do a bunch of stretches. Lastly I always have a special lesson with my coach where we only play out points, and we talk about strategy and how to build the point. What’s the most difficult part of tennis? In matches, its the mental aspect staying focused and not getting put down. Sometimes you’ll lose the first set, and its really hard to get back up on your feet and make a comeback. It’s something I have to work on a lot. Does your future involve playing tennis? Definitely. I hope to play college tennis, but if not on a team, I will still play on the side and play throughout adulthood, because it’s my favorite thing to do.
If you would like to nominate the next Student Athlete of the Month (it could be yourself!), contact Adrienne Joe at joe.adrienne45@bloomfield.org!
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What Does Brandon Jennings’s Injury Mean for the Pistons? After a Torn achilles ending his season, does Brandon Jennings’s absence mark the end of an optimistic turn for Detroit?
by Kenan Sinan (‘16) After making the risky move of waiving Josh Smith, the Pistons made a big push, winning 12 of their next 15 games, some of which were against top teams such as the Spurs and the Raptors. Suddenly, the Pistons were only a few games away from the eighth and final seed in the playoffs. It was looking to be a comeback for the ages, until their starplayer Brandon Jennings fell down with a fully torn achilles. Since then, the Pistons have not just lost their leader and playmaker; they lost the momentum which had carried them for so long. In the 16 games he played postSmith, Jennings put up 19.8 points and seven assists per game. Without question it was possible that Detroit fans were finally seeing their first all-star since Allen Iverson in 2008. Without Jennings, the Pistons have lost their last 4 games against weak teams such as the Philadelphia 76ers. However, the issue does not lie in D.J. Augustin, the player who took up Jennings’s starting role. Rather, the fact that a young, incomplete player in Spencer Dinwiddie will take 15-20 minutes off the bench to back up Augustin is more unsettling. Stan Van Gundy has made it clear that the Pistons will not change up their already developing roster to add a 3rd point guard, but trades are not limited to players currently out of the loop. Other than trades, the Pistons could potentially call up a player from
the Development-League or sign a free agent to a 10-day contract. However, the big question still stands. Will the Pistons make the playoffs? In my honest opinion, the Pistons will make the 8th and final seed in the Eastern conference for various reasons. The race for eighth spot will probably come down to the Hornets and the Pistons, with the Celtics and Nets clearly fading out of the playoff scenario. After the departure of Rajon Rondo and Jeff Green due to all-loss/no-gain trades, it is clear that the Celtics are in the rebuilding process for the future. The Nets, on the other hand, have lost eight out of their last ten games. Their roster consists of numerous old veterans, who only get more washed up as the season progresses. As of now, the Nets are in various trade talks with teams to change up their roster. In the case of the Hornets, they could lose some ground in the playoff race with Kemba Walker out with an injury. The problem here is determining which team suffers more with their point guard out – Detroit or Charlotte? With Walker out for a minimum of six weeks, the Pistons could mount a serious push for the eighth seed.
Model UN (CONT. P.7)
some of our delegates who learned more about what they want to do in life. Arslan Raheem (‘16) had a change of heart after the conference. “Ever since I was a little boy, I hated the thought of politics and such,” Raheem said. “But when I went to the conference, I realized my view towards politics were misguided. I actually loved debating policy and looking at problems holistically while negotiating with others. I realized I found my calling.” The whole trip wouldn’t have been possible without our amazing advisor, Mr. Morrison and Ms. Zwolinski. Mr. Morrison was an expert traveller, knowing the whole bus system and places of Ann Arbor. He was able to rally kids into their rooms by midnight and then have them wake up at 6:30 the following
morning for three consecutive nights. There’s no doubt our delegates could have not maintained such discipline without Mr. Morrison. Some of the more lucky delegates were able to fine dine with our two teachers at the esteemed Japanese restaurant, The Slurping Turtle. One of the events hosted by MUNUM was an ice skating gathering for all the delegates to bond better. Many of our silly delegates didn’t know how to ice skate, including senior Mansoor Mubeen (‘15). “I knew how to rollerblade, but never ice skated before,” said Mubeen. “It was definitely a new experience and even though I fell down 15 times, I would do it again” Overall, MUNUM was a great experience. The brave souls that went to debate with hundreds
of other people learned many life lessons. It was a great bonding experience for all. The procedure in Model UN is unique because it is not purely speaking or debating. Delegates represent their country’s viewpoints and then they must listen to others. Often times, there is not a consensus on an issue and then fierce debate ensues. After compromising and negotiating, the delegates must choose who their allies and enemies are. Good writing skills are then required to write a resolution paper: an outline that answers what the committee’s given task is. Model UN is a great way to test your speaking, debating, compromising, and writing skills.
to make ends meet when juggling their jobs and their family life. However this will require the general society to pay more taxes. President Obama is also pushing for more allowance for families taking sick leave or other absences from work. This would allow workers to be safer and take care of themselves better, but it could lead to workers taking advantage of the system.
Another proposed change is to make two years of community college free for all. The president cited the reasoning behind such an action with the economic boom in the 20th century due to high school education being made free. Making the first two years of community college would ensure that families with lower incomes could afford to send their children to college to better train and prepare them for
the job market. However, such a drastic change would essentially remove the worth of a diploma, as everyone would be able to get one. Ultimately, President Obama’s proposals would work well for the lower class and in an ideal economy, but, for the rest of the real America, the changes would only serve to drag the people down.
Union (CONT. P.7)
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by Anna Hoppe (‘15)
This Month In Preview
Tweet of the Month
In regards to school district closings for the near-universal snow day on February 2nd
Phoenix Poll What are your thoughts on February?
“February is the month of my birthday so it’s easily my favorite month of the year. It is also the last full month to enjoy the beautiful white cloak that the Earth wears during winter. Not to mention it’s the last month that can feed your false hopes for the snow day we won’t be getting.“ - Rajaa Shoukfeh (‘16) “Crying alone in a pile of chocolate wrappers on Valentine’s Day.” -OLIVIA GREIFFENSTEIN (‘15)
“One fourth of the entire month is spent on vacation” - MR. DAVIES
“Short and sweet.” -JEREMY MARCELO (‘15)