The Sailors' Log, February 10, 2012

Volume 50, Edition 5 Friday, February 10, 2012

Ce l e br a t i n g

50 Y EARS

Mona Shores High School 1121 Seminole Road Muskegon, Michigan 49441

“I was absolutely stunned...”

Choir accompanist criminal charges still pending

By Michelle Robinson Co-Editor-in-Chief No one saw it coming.

“I was absolutely stunned...just shocked. Those are the only two words to describe my emotions at the time. Those are still the words to describe my emotions now,” said choir director Shawn Lawton regarding the arrest of Mike D’Oyly, choir assistant, for allegedly having sexual interactions with students.

It all began on Dec. 31, when a parent of a Shores male graduate contacted Lawton accusing D’Oyly. A few days

later would begin the unveiling of more evidence to support this parent’s claim.

“He’s still an innocent man until proven guilty,” Lawton said, “but as facts upon facts start coming in to prove otherwise, disbelief is becoming smaller. I am starting to come to terms with reality.”

D’Oyly, who is no longer a school employee, was charged on Jan. 25 with one D’Oyly count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC), a 15-year felony. He was also charged with two additional counts of fourth-degree CSC, which covers ille-

gal sexual touching.

Since the former student’s parent accusations, more allegations have surfaced. Two other male Shores students have come forward accusing D’Oyly of inappropriate conduct.

D’Oyly’s preliminary examination, which was supposed to take place two days ago, was moved to March 14.

As the D’Oyly case continues to unfold, choir students are not letting the disheartening news bring them down as they prepare for both the collage and spring concerts.

“When we told the students what was going on, their reactions just amazed me,” said Lawton, who informed choir Please see D’OYLY, page 10

Setting in the Snow

Winterfest deemed success

By Taylor Jones Sports Editor In an attempt to increase school spirit and participation in and at athletic events, Winterfest 2012 was created.

After the two-day event, athletic director Ryan Portenga declared the event successful.

“The first ever Winterfest was outstanding,” Portenga said. “It was a great start. Over 200 students participated in one way or another, and we had a great student-section for the basketball contest with Reeths-Puffer.”

The event was planned for two days (Thursday, Jan. 19, and Friday, Jan. 20) and was to include activities that consisted of snow soccer on Thursday night under the lights and on Friday a student-staff basketball game, chili cook-off, the varsity boys’ and girls’ basketball doubleheader, and snow volleyball on the football field under the lights.

While Thursday’s soccer event was postponed because of a lack of teams, Friday started at 4:30 p.m. with an 80-41 victory for the teachers over the students in the student-staff basketball game.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

The chili cook-off took place in the cafeteria from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., and special ed. teacher Mary VanderMolen’s husband’s chili took first place.

While the chili cook-off was taking place, the varsity girls’ basketball team beat the Rockets 54-42 with senior Sydney Tharp (12 points), senior Brigid Kiley (11) and sophomore Jasmyn Walker (9) leading the way.

After that, the varsity boys took hold of their home court advantage by winning 57-41 with seniors Torin Carlson and Andre Parker both scoring 11 points while senior Aaron Doriot added 8 points, and junior Adam Rayner had 9 points.

After the indoor events were finished, it was time for students to bundle up and head outdoors for snow volleyball and snow soccer under the lights on the football field.

“It was awesome to see everyone bundled up outside, hanging out under the lights with the music and hot cocoa and, of course, all the diving in the snow during volleyball and soccer competition,” Spiking snow sport. Freshman Mitchell White sets a volleyball Portenga said. over the net for team Brazil during snow volleyball on Jan. 20.

Please see SNOW, page 10 (Rachel Resterhouse)

page 4 Co-editor-inchief Jonah Stone and staff writer Ashley Veihl review romantic movies.

Seniors Amber Young and Jason Colella are considered “under the radar” for the many unbeknownst activities they are involved in.

page 5

Wind turbine to be put on Shores’ roof

By Michelle Robinson Co-Editor-in-Chief “It really is not supposed to be ugly. It’s at the front of the school to promote our step into the future, although it might seem ugly...”

Assistant principal Walt Gawkowski may use “ugly” to describe Shores’ new wind turbine’s appearance, but he said he knows what the turbine represents, an eco-friendly step in the future, is beautiful.

Altronics Energy of Grand Rapids donated a wind turbine, manufactured by Windtronics, to be displayed on top of the high school.

The company has offered to pay for the turbine and installation, which will take place before the end of the school year. The only cost to Shores is the $3,500 monitor to control the system, which will reside in the front foyer of the school.

At the head of the operation is 2011 graduate Andrea Partenio, who came to Gawkowski last year with the idea of putting a turbine on top of Shores.

“The reason behind starting the project encompassed many different things,” Partenio said. “I am extremely passionate about the preservation of the environment and very interested in alternative energy, but I also was looking for a way to give back to both the school and community that prepared me so well for the future.”

Partenio, who headed the Environmental Club last year, is now finishing the job she started by seeking organizations to help fund the monitor.

“We were very fortunate in the financial aspect of the project,” Partenio said regardPlease see TURBINE, page 10

page 8 Four Finger Five, a band featuring two Shores grads, is one of many who started at Shores and are now “great.”

We are who we are

2

The Sailors’ Log • Friday, February 10, 2012

e d i t o r i a l

Special Features

Famous Gaps

Everyone, like editorial editor Erinn Taylor, has an “imperfection” that makes them unique.

The following people are known for the gap between their front two teeth.

• Miss-matched eye colors • Beauty marks • Freckles • Cleft chin • Dimples • Widow’s peaks • Bushy eyebrows • Lip shape • Size of forehead • Squinty eyes • Flared nostrils • Pointy nose • Attached/Detached Earlobes • Full cheeks • High cheekbones

• Madonna, singer • David Letterman, “Late Show” Host • Condoleezza Rice, former secretary of state • Amy Winehouse, singer • Anna Paquin, “True Blood” actress • Mike Strahan, former New York Giant • Lauren Hutton, model • Danielle Evans, winner of “America’s Next Top Model” • Jorja Fox, “CSI” actress • Laura San Giacomo, “Pretty Woman” actress Photo Illustration by Rachel Resterhouse

Sources: Milliontalks.com, thefrisky.com

Unique traits should be embraced; beauty is found in differences

W

hat’s it like to have a gap between your teeth?” a girl on my swim team asked me my sophomore year.

Nobody had ever asked before. My hand unconsciously rose to cover my mouth.

But, as she looked at me, earnestly awaiting an answer, I realized Erinn Taylor that she was not Editoria l Editor trying to be rude.

“I don’t really think about it,” I truthfully answered. She nodded and turned away.

I was left wondering if people looked at me and saw only gappy teeth.

Fortunately for my state of mind, another teammate had heard the question.

She knew by looking at me that I was not completely OK. To comfort me, she told me that the question was rude and assured me that my gap was “cute.”

I thanked her and changed the subject.

But later that night at home, I began to think about my teeth again. I wondered if my life would be somehow better if my teeth were like everyone else’s.

Because everyone knows that perfect happiness starts with nice teeth. But you have to understand, I was beginning to feel inferior.

I started to notice how nice some people’s smiles are. I wanted the perfect pearly whites that everyone else seemed to have.

It is funny how a comment by one person can make one think about something that has always been there.

As I internally obsessed over my pearly whites, my newfound insecurity began to show on the outside. And of course, my mom took notice.

She has lived her entire life with gappy teeth, and tried to convince me that there was nothing to be insecure about. When I refused to listen and really got the pity train rolling, she told me that if it was that important, I could get the

your voice We want letters from you The Sailors’ Log staff encourages our readers to send letters. However, not all letters can be published, and the editorial board reserves the right to edit letters for clarity.

Guest commentaries and stories may be included if the staff feels they enhance coverage of a unique topic.

No material will be printed which is libelous, advocates illegal activity, or which is deemed to be in poor taste.

Attacking our ideas is fine; personally attacking our writers is not. Remember, everyone has the right to his or her own opinion, including you.

Please sign and submit your letters to room 501, Mona Shores High School, 1121 Seminole Road, Muskegon, MI 49441 or via thesailorslog@gmail.com.

Volume 50, Edition 4 Friday, February 10, 2012 Mona Shores High School 1121 Seminole Road Muskegon, Michigan 49441

surgery that would permanently close the gap between my teeth.

The pity train derailed.

The thought of losing my gap was scarier than the reality that people were going to notice it.

I realized how important it was to me.

It is a part of my identity.

As I realized this, I started to think about someone other than myself.

The truth is, no one is perfect. If everyone looked the same, there would be no beauty in the world.

We always want what we cannot have.

In high school, girls do a million ridiculous things in order to try to reach their own personal vision of “perfection.”

They dye their hair, whiten their teeth, get extensions, and go tanning.

And the madness does not stop in the real world. Grown women undergo potentially dangerous, completely unnecessary plastic surgeries in order to feel beautiful.

Let’s be honest, though. If everyone got surgeries to become pretty, everyone

would be exactly the same. There is beauty in differences.

Otherwise, we might as well all be completely identical. Nobody would be able to think of herself as ugly. If a zit popped up on one person’s face, it would pop up in the same place on everyone else’s. We would all hold hands and skip around meadows because we would all be just so happy to be equals.

Or we could just be happy with the hand our genetic makeup dealt us.

Because when all potential for ugliness is removed, so is all of the potential for beauty.

And there is beauty in differences.

There is beauty in curly hair and straight hair, brown eyes and blue eyes, and in teeth with and without gaps.

So every morning, I remember to be thankful for my wavy hair, brown eyes, and gappy teeth because it is who I am.

And if that girl ever asked me about my teeth again or anyone else for that matter, I would truthfully answer, “You know? It’s really awesome.”

Teachers need to show announcements The end of second hour has been pre-ordained for a specific purpose – watching announcements.

In order to ensure this will not interfere with class time, this hour has been increased by five minutes.

However, teachers tend to use these five minutes for purposes other than listening to the school news, usually more teaching.

Although we understand that school is where students come to learn, with so many

our vo i c e extra-curricular activities available at Shores, hearing the announcements is vital.

How else are students going to know about club meetings and game times if they are not allowed to listen to the announcements?

We know that this works both ways.

Students sometimes talk during announcements,

Editors-in-Chief Michelle Robinson Jonah Stone

Sports Editors Taylor Jones Rachel Swartz

Photo EditorS Cole Myhre Rachel Resterhouse

Editorial Editor Erinn Taylor

Fine Arts Editor Franny Kromminga

Profiles Editor Emily Grevel

Center Section Editor Mikayla Day

Feature Editor Kendal Brown

On-Line Editor Jonah Stone

annoying teachers and causing them to fill those five extra minutes with teaching.

Not only does talking during the announcements bother teachers, but it also irritates those of us who actually want to hear what is going on.

So students, shape up and listen.

And teachers, give a second chance.

Because being in touch with what is going on in school is definitely important.

Staff Jake Bordeaux Andrew Kromminga Carlin Rollenhagen Sydney Tharp Ashley Veihl Kelley Wheeler Shea Wilcox

Ce lebrati ng

50 Y EARS

Fine Arts Editor To t h e mentally prepares for auditions

3

EXTREME

T

practically everyone is to have this curious little thing called confidence.

Though my previous example applies to those of us inclined towards the fine arts, the achievement of personal confidence applies to virtually every area of school and life.

For example, confidence is useful in interview to get jobs, and in those jobs to continue succeeding. Confidence can mean being sure of your abilities in sports, or perhaps being comfortable when presenting something in front of a class.

Confidence overall helps keep a grip on personal identity and importance, even in the toughest of circumstances.

Perhaps because of its innumerable uses, confidence is extremely difficult to build. it’s been a journey for me to get the confidence I have, and I’m still known to lose it at an audition or rehearsal once in a while.

There is no “key to confidence.” It takes work and introspection to find for most.

And, a lot of the time, those who appear most confident are the ones who had the toughest time building it up.

These are often the ones, too, who are still susceptible to the insecurities that, say, an important audition can bring out.

“I’m excited, not nervous.”

Mantras for keeping confident Artwork by Amy Peterson

This, too, shall pass.

You make your own success (or destiny, or fate, or happiness).

What doesn’t kill me will make me stronger.

The world is mine, and everyone else is here by my permission.

Others need permission from you to make you feel in any way subordinate.

Nothing is impossible.

“I’m not nervous; I’m excited.”

I want to succeed more than I am afraid to.

There’s nowhere to go but where I will take myself.

There’s nothing for it but to go out and get it done.

The Sailors’ Log, which is advised by Warren Kent III, is a public forum for student expression distributed freely to students and faculty of Mona Shores High School.

Artwork by Amy Peterson

GOP needs moderate candidate

A

s a future voter, I have a multitude of concerns regarding the current lineup of Republican candidates. From what I have seen, they often spout charged words that holds no place in a free, peaceful society, and what will that speech result in?

Not one winning the general election.

I have always supported the candidate who could change things for the better, and Barack Obama was that candidate, but the slow-moving government halted many of the programs I supported of his, and those that I did not support were hastened through the legislature.

Jonah Stone I understand that this is not necessarily our commander- Co-Editor-In Ch ief in-chief’s fault, but I admit, I was looking for a fresh face to bring about change.

What was it that I received when asking for this change? Nothing from the Republican Party.

What I did get was hateful speech directed at every group: those whose sexual orientation is different from my own, those who live past the U.S.’s southern border, and those who educate our children.

I have seen audiences boo a homosexual American soldier and none of the candidates supporting him; ideas of an electric fence on our border being proposed from multiple candidates; and the idea that teachers need to be paid less with fewer benefits from almost all candidates.

I, though I did not wish it, received these views from all sides with no sign of stopping.

This is not how you win an election.

Being moderate wins an election because the bulk of American Voters hold opinions on both sides of an issue.

The Sailors’ Log can be found at the following on-line sites: • www.thesailorslog.com (contains current stories, photos, etc.)

• www.monashoressports.com (contains current Sailor sports information) • Email: thesailorslog@hotmail.com (provides readers with a way to communicate with the staff)

I doubt the highly organized LGBT community would vote for these Republican candidates. I doubt the fast-growing latino community would be likely to vote for these Republican candidates. I doubt that any group who is offended by these candidate’s remarks will vote for them.

And insulting groups of people is not how you garner support for a campaign in the general election.

Of course, in the race to be the nominee, aka the Primaries and Caucasus, these nationalistic views and hate-filled speech may excite longtime registered Republican voters but may seem crazy and racist to those who have not chosen a side in the political battle.

When looking at the polls for the states already having held their primaries, my claim is now refutable. It seems as though being moderate does not win a general election anymore, at least in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina.

When a man like Rick Santorum who has compared homosexual relations to bestiality can win a primary, I know our nation is in trouble.

When erecting an electric fence to keep out fellow humans is the most attractive option to an audience, I know that I will find no solace in the opinions of my fellow Americans.

Barack Obama seems to be the most moral choice for my views of equality and brotherhood, and this opinion is further fueled when I hear Ron Paul talking about making prayer mandatory in our schools, and Newt Gingrich saying families on welfare and medicaid simply need to get a job.

The only candidate in the Republican race that I would ever vote for is Steven Colbert’s persona, and he is running in a joke campaign.

Colbert is more moderate than the Republican candidates, and he is TRYING to be an ultraconservative.

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Our Voice is the opinion message selected by the editorial board of The Sailors’ Log. Your Voice is the opinion of our readers. All letters to the editor must be signed.

The Sailors’ Log is printed by Hi-Lites Graphics, Inc., 1212 Locust Street, Fremont, Michigan 49412.

The Sailors’ Log • Friday, February 10, 2012

here seems to be an audition every other week here at Shores, and with every audition come the inevitable cases of audition nerves.

For myself, I had a particularly important college audition for New York University, and I was faced with a problem: I’ve always been a huge sufferer of involuntary nerves. In fact, I normally abstain from using the words “nerves” and “nervous.”

I‘ll usually substitutesomething positive instead.

So the phrase “a nervous wreck” might Franny Kromminga become Fi ne Ar ts Editor “asn excited ball of constructive energy.” Or perhaps “nervous tension” becomes “overwhelming creative potential.” Or even “shaking with uncontrollable nerves” becomes “trembling with irrepressible... joy.”

Yeah. Joy. That’s what it is.

Usually when I have an audition looming on the horizon I won’t tolerate those N words.

For me, so-called “nervousness” is a state of mind, and I control it through refusing to acknowledge its existence. Though I have my methods, the only surefire way I know to get past nervousness for

e d i t o r i a l

4

e n t e r t a i n m e n t

Dinner

and a

Since the start of the motion picture, the world has watched people fall in love on screen. After decades of cinema, the love story has become a constant in Hollywood; here are some of the best of the past two decades, and The Vow, which opens today.

The Sailors’ Log • Friday, February 10, 2012

Titanic is a movie where it is known, almost immediately, how high of a caliber it is.

James Cameron’s historical romance is the secondhighest grossing movie of all time below Cameron’s own Avatar, is the winner of 11 Academy Awards, and helped to change how we look at that tragedy of April 15, 1912, that claimed 1,517 lives.

Titanic was released in 1997, and it remains one of the best love stories.

The movie is, at its core, about two people who meet for the first time and instantly fall head over

Titanic heels for each other.

Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio portray Rose DeWitt Bukater and Jack Dawson, respectively, and give convincing performances as passengers aboard the RMS Titanic on her maiden voyage.

But where this movie really shines is in its direction and effects that serve as the centerpiece of the movie’s final half and provide a glimpse into the past with every scream and gruesome death that occurred on the Titanic.

Winslet and DiCaprio’s performances were good, even netting

The Notebook

Winslet an Oscar nomination, but the 11 Academy Awards it received were not for acting; those awards were for the atmosphere that drives the movie from the scrambling of the passengers in the opening scene to the tragic final shot of the Titanic as it breaks in half and sinks to the bottom of the ocean.

Titanic is an astounding movie, and it caters to all interests. My taste is not for love stories, but the film still appealed to my own tastes; this movie will entertain even those that enjoy heart-racing action movies, and because of that, it remains a constant in my list of the best movies to ever hit the big screen. – Jonah Stone, co-editor-in-chief

A Walk To Remember

Based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks, A Walk to Remember is the tale of how rebellious Landon (Shane West) transforms into a thoughtful boy in order to impress a girl named Jamie (Mandy Moore).

Needing help with his lines in the school musical, Landon asks Jamie to work with him, and the two begin spending time together on Jamie’s one condition: “Promise not to fall in love with me.”

Inevitably, Landon confesses that he’s broken his promise and has fallen for her, and the friendship blossoms into a deep relationship.

A Walk to Remember is the perfect movie. As the story progresses, you wish that love like theirs actually existed. – Ashley Veihl, staff writer

Introduced through friends, Noah (Ryan Gosling) and Allie (Rachel McAdams) spark up a heated romance in Nicholas Sparks’ The Notebook.

Allie’s parents forbid her from seeing Noah and ship her off to New York while Noah enlists.

When Allie becomes a nurse for wounded soldiers, she meets Lon, and the two are engaged and move back to the town where Allie and Noah met. This leads to the reunion of the past lovers, who re-spark their relationship.

The Notebook is refreshing. It breaks away from the over-used conflicts spanning a few days by having the characters’ love extend over many years and triumph in the end. Sparks’ novel has become a classic in cinema. – Ashley Veihl, staff writer

This Month’s

Game

Fantastic 4

Album

The Vow

It’s almost Valentine’s Day, and love is in the air. All around, one sees half-priced flowers, excessive amounts of chocolates, and, of course, romantic movies.

Coming out today is Michael Sucsy’s The Vow, starring Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams (above).

The Vow is a typical “chickflick” with a heart-wrenching love story but with an added twist: the boy must win the girl over not once, but twice.

The movie begins with Paige (McAdams) and her husband Leo (Tatum) involved in a car crash. Leo walks away with barely a scratch while Paige has no memory of the past five years or her relationship with her husband.

Drawing strength from his past vows to love her forever, Leo does whatever he can to bring back Paige’s memory.

Saying, “I gotta make my wife fall in love with me again,” Leo attempts to win back his sweetheart in new and various ways. – Ashley Veihl, Staff Writer

By Jonah Stone, Co-editor-in-chief

Book

TV

Saints Row The Third

Album Raises New and Troubling Questions

The Hunger Games

Doctor Who

The third game in the Saints Row series sees the Saints crime organization experiencing competition to their media empire in the form of a coalition of rival gangs named the Syndicate. The player must reclaim the city of Steelport through any means necessary and with any level of absurdity needed. The rudeness of this game may turn some away, but the experience is one to remember.

They Might Be Giants continues its career of producing great music with the help of trumpets, keyboards, accordions, and synthesizers in its new album of rarities from the band’s earlier days. Following three children’s albums and a recent studio album Join Us, this entry continues the stellar musical quality with remixes and releases of older music to create a unique listening experience.

The survival of the fittest is the showcase in this series by Suzanne Collins where teenagers are forced to fight to the death with other kids from neighboring districts.

This post-apocalyptic scenario portrays the effects of a tyrannical government on an impoverished people. Collins creates a world in which her characters can have the motivation to succeed in the cutthroat sport they are forced to partake in.

This BBC show may be unfamiliar to Americans, but the near 50-year-old series is dear to the hearts of many Brits. Over the years, there have been six reincarnations of the series and 11 actors playing the title character. This sci-fi series follows the adventures of a time lord named the Doctor and his interactions with different creatures in odd situations within time and space.

5 Where are they p

Colella excels as leader in multiple school activities Colella is not without support.

“My family influences me a lot with all the extracurriculars I am involved in, especially Youth Group,” Colella said.

For many, getting into the Christmas spirit Colella said he is proud of the hard work is putting up a tree and decorations and lisand success he has had at Shores with his tening to Christmas music. proudest moment being when he placed For senior Jason Colella, stepping second at the national BPA competition last into the Santa suit is what gets him in the year in Management, Marketing, and Human “Christmasy” mood.

Resource Concepts.

“The first time, no one else wanted to With his rich high school experience, he be (Santa), so I volunteered, and it was fun, has wise advice for the student body. so I made sure I was (Santa) both times this “Just do it. Take the risk and join the year,” said Colella, who played Santa twice clubs,” Colella said. “Join many of them. If for Amnesty International and once for you don’t like them, just stop going. They National Honor Society. “It’s neat to see the are worth a try.” kids’ reactions.”

Colella has yet to decide what college he Colella spends a huge amount of time serwill be attending next year but said he hopes vicing Shores and the community. to study finance or economics with a double “I need things to do; I like to have a say major in Political Science. in what happens, and I like to be involved Everyone knows the Wherever the road takes him, though, and do nice things for the school,” Colella his hard work and dedication at Shores said. “And if I get recognition, I do, and basketball star, the student will not go unnoticed. if I don’t, I don’t.”

“He has enthusiasm for learning, Colella has found many ways to congress president or the amazing singer he is proactive about grades, and he make his voice heard and to be a is helpful,” BPA adviser Sue Lorey leader. He is involved in Business in school. But what about those people said. “I will miss his positive attiProfessionals of America, Math tude and strong work ethic.”

Club, Amnesty International, Staff Writer

who work just as hard, if not harder; put in just

Jason Colella

as much time, if not more; and are not recognized

Amber Young

by their peers as much as the “stars”?

Meet seniors Jason Colella and Amber

Un

d a R e

by staying…

de r

th

ar

…

Young, who strive to make a difference

Profiles Editor Senior Amber Young wants to make a difference.

Her last year in high school is no exception. Aside from AP classes, Young also demonstrates an impressive schedule of extracurricular activities dedicated to making a difference.

“My goal for this year is to be able to make a lasting difference at Mona Shores,” Young said.

“I hope to inspire more people to get involved in our school and join organizations, such as Student Senate, to help get their voices heard.”

Apart from working as the secretary for Student Senate, Young also holds leadership positions as the president of the National Honor Society and leader of the Science Club.

“The most rewarding thing about having these leadership

positions is the difference I have been able to make in our school and community,” Young said.

“Giving other people joy and laughter or fulfilling their needs and desires so they can enjoy their lives despite the difficulties they may face is what makes me feel happy.”

Young’s busy schedule doesn’t stop there. She also participates in tap, jazz, ballet, pointe, and lyrical dance at Cassell Dance Studio. Aside from that, she plays the piano and the violin, teaches lessons, and plays the piano for St. Luke’s Lutheran Church twice a month.

“My favorite activity is playing the piano,” Young said.

“Although I don’t really have adequate time to practice as much as I’d like, it is very relaxing and helps me be able to share music with others through my lessons and job as a church pianist.”

Young is also a member of KICK and she volunteers at the

Red Cross.

“KICK is probably my favorite because I absolutely love helping kids, and I will definitely be dealing with kids in my career,” Young said. “KICK is great because everyone in the organization really loves it and cares about raising money and putting on events to help kids in our community.”

What’s next for Young after high school? She said she plans on majoring in biochemistry and neuroscience and hopes to become a pediatric specialist and intern in a Third World country to help give children access to medical care. She said she would also like to study abroad in a French-speaking country.

Young’s dedication to hard work and making a difference in the lives of others comes from the influence of her mom.

“My mom influences me because she is such an incredibly hard worker and is so dedicated

Class of 2003

Profession Adjunct Professor teaching U.S. History at Muskegon Community College

Favorite High School Teachers “I actually have a three-way tie. I really enjoyed having Mr. (Jeremy) Andres for U.S. History, Mr. (Dean) Jewett for World History, and Mr. (David) Droski for English 9 and Critical Aspects of Film. They were great teachers who really cared about their subjects and students.”

Favorite part of job

Young works to make a lasting difference at Shores

By Emily Grevel

Stephanie Jannenga

to her job as a doctor,” Young said. “I hope to be just as dedicated to my job as her someday.

Seeing the positive difference she makes in people’s lives confirms my desire to become a doctor too.”

Like her mother, Young said she hopes to inspire others to work hard and make a difference and stresses the importance of trying new things.

“Don’t be afraid to try something even if your friends aren’t involved in it too. Putting yourself in situations where you don’t know anyone is so important for the future,” Young said. “I wouldn’t be involved in a lot of things that I am in if I didn’t put myself out there. Be willing to try new things especially early in high school because it can help you find your passion. Many of my extracurricular activities have shaped who I am and helped me decide what I want to do with my life.”

“I obviously enjoy the teaching itself, but I think one of the best parts is when students want to delve deeper into a historical topic and tell me what they’ve learned about it outside of the classroom.

The most rewarding thing about my job is when students tell me they like, or at least appreciate, history more after taking one of my classes.”

Advice to students “Take as many opportunities to get college credit while in high school, whether that be through AP courses or being dual-enrolled at the community college because the cost of going to college and graduate school can become very expensive very quickly.”

Activities involved in at Shores Orchestra, Choir, and National Honor Society Information compiled

by Emily Grevel, Profiles Editor

The Sailors’ Log • Friday, February 10, 2012

Student Senate, National Honor Society, and Robotics Club at Shores.

“My favorite (activity) is BPA,” Colella said. “It allows me to travel, it is fun, I do well at it, and I enjoy learning about business.”

In BPA, Colella has taken first place six times in five different categories over the past three years, and he qualified for nationals in three different categories in 2010 and 2011.

He finds out his qualifications for 2012 in March.

Colella also spends time coordinating events for NHS, participates in The Central Lakes Youth Group and Lakeside United Methodist Church Staff Pastor Relations Committee. With this heavy load to handle,

By Sydney Tharp

In each issue, The Sailors’ Log will feature various alumni to see what life is like after Shores.

r o f i l e s

Every seven m

6

c e n t e r s e c t i o n

in Michigan were

dents, bullying is lying victims will

takes its toll

even more by the

life long impacts

Senior uses bullying exper

By Michelle Robinson Co-Editor-in-Chief

“I’d contemplated

The Sailors’ Log • Friday, February , 2012

He pressed the sharp object to his throat.

“It must have been one of the worst days of the bullying.

When I went downstairs, I wasn’t planning on suicide, but when I saw the sharp object, I thought I had found the ‘solution…’”

That day in sixth grade brought senior Matthew Johnson (not his real name) to a secluded basement. It was here he contemplated removing years of pain from his so-called friends’ bullying.

“I sat with the sharp object at my throat,” Matthew said.

“I don’t remember if I actually was starting to do it or if I just thought about what would happen if I did. I’d contemplated death before, but what stopped me was knowing that if I did this, it would mean they won. It would mean I let them get in my head. And in the end, I knew I couldn’t go through with letting them break me.”

Some of those bullies had been targeting Matthew since his early elementary years. He endured the same things every day in part because he was “a nerd.”

“I was tall, skinny and was pretty awkward and hyper, and ironically, it was the other ‘nerds;’ my former friends, who were my main tormentors,” Matthew said. “It wasn’t so much of the name-calling, although that happened a fair amount, but mainly it was how they avoided me and pushed me away any time I tried to hang out with them. I don’t know why I continued trying to be their friend. Maybe it was because at the time, they were the only friends I had ever had.”

Later that week, Matthew told his parents about his pain and the events that had unraveled in his basement. Their love and concern brought him to seek psychological help.

Eventually, after meeting with middle school counselors, the bullying died down, but in seventh grade, Matthew retaliated against another bully.

BULLYING victims “During middle school, I was bullied. I felt alone and miserable. All I would do is wait to get home.

It felt safe there, kind of like a heaven.

School wasn’t safe; school was fear.

If I could go back though, there wasn’t anything I could have done differently. It wasn’t under my control.

I learned through this that the only thing that matters is you; don’t listen to anyone.”

– Nick Garvey, freshman “I was bullied my freshman year by a group of girls because I was talking to a guy who, little did I know, was talking to a girl in that group. I don’t have the best self-esteem so hearing some of the stuff they said to me really broke me down and lowered my self-esteem more than it was. I wish I wouldn’t have let it bother me as much as it did because it wasn’t worth it in the end. You can’t change what people think about you, and that’s the biggest thing I’ve learned. People will believe what they want and no matter what you do, you can’t change that.”

– Courtney Susterich, senior

what stopped me w I did this, it would

would mean I let the

And in the end, I k

through with letting

Matthew Joh

“He was extremely disresp including my bus driver and m the bullying I had put up with to my breaking point. I gave that, I just held him in a headl up; I just wanted to show him way.”

Now, Matthew has a miss accomplished all in a day’s w by sharing his story, he can he each other even if they’re not Also, he wants to get the help and let them know they support. For Matthew, that sup “I have been going to a the said. “Originally, it was to he I didn’t want to go to a ‘shrin fine by that time. After the fi different from what I though mentor and friend to me, and

East Lansing death leads to new state

By Mikayla Day Center Section Editor Matt Epling. To many people, that name doesn’t mean a thing, but for some, it’s life changing.

Epling had just finished his eighth grade year when he killed himself because of bullying.

According to the web site mattepling.com, Epling was voted best smile, best personality, and most likely to become an actor by his eighth-grade classmates at MacDonald Middle School in East Lansing.

Epling However, on his last day of eighth grade, he was assaulted by upperclassmen as part of a “Welcome to High School” hazing.

Approximately 40 days later, Epling took his own life.

After Epling’s death, his parents wanted to ensure that what happened to their son never happened to anyone else’s child.

That’s when Matt’s Safe School Law first became an idea.

The Eplings talked to representatives and

worked on making a bill to make sure all schools in Michigan had some sort of a bullying policy in effect.

On Dec. 6, 2011, that dream came true, and the bill was passed.

However, during the passing of the bill, a paragraph was added that made an exception of the expression of “sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction.”

This addition would lead to an uproar.

When the Eplings and many others heard the news of the “loop hole” in the anti-bully law, they were outraged.

Two students in Ann Arbor created a petition to send to the state house of representatives, which gathered 53,300 signatures.

The petition was to fight for clearer wording in the law of what students may not bully each other about, such as, gender, race, creed, religion, ethnic background, disability physical characteristics and sexual orientation.

The students’ petition also fights to add words

BULLYIN in the new

the law bef removed th allowed to b Matt’s S throughout schools mus This new dents who g In the p reported bu law is hopin tically.

Accordin kids is bulli students, six Bullying around on th lying have

minutes someone is bullied. Last year, students

e bullied more than 34,000 times. For many stu-

s something that happens everyday. Most bulnot report it to an adult in fear of being ridiculed

eir tormentors. The effects of bullying can make

s on ones life, and leave them suffering forever. statistics from bullypolice.org

rience to help others heal death before, but

was knowing that if mean they won. It

em get in my head.

g them break me.”

hnson, senior

pectful and mean to everyone, me,” Matthew said. “After all h already, this guy pushed me him a bloody nose, but after lock. I didn’t want to beat him m he couldn’t treat people that

sion. His mission will not be work, but he said he hopes that elp people to care more about a friend. word out to those who need can talk to someone and get pport was through therapy. erapist for a couple years,” he elp with social situations, but nk’ because emotionally I was first visit, I realized it’s much ht. My therapist is more of a we actually joke around with

e school district bullying law

making it mandatory for school officials to report bullying incidents to state offices.

Michigan’s House of Representatives ended up making an amended version of fore finalizing it. The new version he clause about what students were bully about.

Safe School Law is now enforced schools in Michigan and makes it so st have a bullying policy enforced. w law will help out thousands of stuget bullied in Michigan. past year, there were over 34,000 ullying incidents. The Anti-Bullying ng to help reduce these numbers dras-

NG ws

ng to statistics, one out of every four ied (Bullypolice.org). In a class of 25 x are being bullied in some way. g isn’t just kids pushing each other he playground anymore; types of bulnow branched out to hitting, threat-

ening, taunting, sexual remarks, stealing, online attacks, text messaging, spreading rumors, or encouraging others to leave a person out.

A Peace Warriors instructor (a class about how to stand up against bullies) has said that “it’s not the bullies we need to change, it’s ourselves. We need to make ourselves confident that we can shut them down.” Matt’s Safe School Law is the exact way to do this.

Recently, bullying has been in the news locally about a group of students at Grant High School bullying an autistic student and videotaping it to show the rest of the school. The bullies, who are “friends” with the autistic student, forced him to commit sexual acts, watch bestiality pornography and attempted to try and make him use drugs.

The student who videotaped the bullying has been expelled, and the others involved have since returned to school. The father of the expelled student stated to FOX-17 news that his son and the others gave the boy a choice to do the acts, and he volunteered to do them.

Further information has yet to be given to the public about what will happen, but the parents of the victim are trying to get the issue further investigated.

• 43% of students fear bullying/harassment in the school bathroom • 160,000 students miss school each day for fear of being bullied • More youth violence occurs on school grounds than on the way to school • Every 7 minutes someone is bullied • 77% of students are bullied verbally and physically • Boys are more likely to bully through physical intimidation • Girls are more likely to report being bullied • 42% of kids have been bullied on-line • 46% of males and 26% of females have been in a physical fight because of bullying • Approximately 2.1 million bullies and 2.7 million victims exist

types of bullying Information Compiled • Hitting

by Kelley Wheeler • Threatening and Sarah Weathers, • Intimidating staff writers • Maliciously teasing and taunting • Name-calling • Making sexual remarks • Stealing or damaging belongings • Indirect attacks (spreading rumors or encouraging others to reject or exclude someone)

why people bully?

• Strained parental relationships • Poor academic performance • Unsupportive peer networks • Anxiety towards physical appearance • Their own insecurities • To reach a sense of superiority and make up for the lack of control of other parts of their lives • Having been victims of abusive behavior before • Stress

how to prevent bullying

• Walk and sit with awareness, calmness and confidence • Leaving in a powerful, positive way • Set boundaries for yourself • Look the bully in the eye and speak in a firm voice • Don’t say something mean back • Tell teachers of what is happening

who do bullies target?

• Those who are physically weak • Sensing vulnerability • Poor social skills and few or little friends • “Body anxiety”-clumsy, afraid of being hurt, and weak • Kids whose parents overprotect them or use coercive and power-assertive discipline

help hotlines

• 1-855-790-HELP (stompoutbullying.org) • 1-734-662-2222 (teen crisis hot line) • 1-248-292-0194 (teen 2 teen talk line) • 1-800-840-5704 (teen help line) • 1-800-443-8336 (teen talk line)

shores bullying policy

“Bullying is defined as any ongoing physical, verbal, or electronic mistreatment where there is: an imbalance of power and the victim (target) is exposed repeatedly to negative actions on the part of one or more students. Examples of bullying behavior include, but are not limited to, verbal, written and electronic offensive name-calling and threats; aggressive personal contact; intimidating body language; invading personal space; and damage, destruction, and theft of property.

c e n t e r s e c t i o n

The Sailors’ Log • Friday, February 10, 2012

knew I couldn’t go

each other and get along great. Therapy is not what people think. No one should be afraid to get help.”

If someone is seeking help, Matthew wants others to know that he will be there to listen.

“I went through my pain in isolation, and I wouldn’t be able to look myself in the mirror knowing that I let someone else go through it alone,” Matthew said. “Anything they tell me is confidential. That’s a huge part of why people trust me; they know I won’t tell anyone else about it.”

Also, Matthew said he will go out of his way to lift someone up if he see’s something is not quite right.

“Anytime I see someone who looks like they’re having a rough day, even if I’ve never met them before, I make sure I do whatever I can to let them know there’s always someone they can talk to, even if it’s at 3 in the morning,” Matthew said. “I believe that is why God let me go through all of those struggles, so I could relate to others. He knew I could take it even when I thought I couldn’t.”

While Matthew said he is thankful he can share his story, it is not something he wants anyone to have to go through.

“Although I’d never wish it upon anyone, I’m glad I went through what I did,” Matthew said. “It made me a stronger person. Someone has to go through it so they can help others who are dealing with it. I guess it was me.”

Matthew said another thing people should avoid is claiming to know exactly what someone else is going through because everyone has had different experiences. In most cases, though, there are a lot of other people that have gone through something similar and are willing to help.

“I hope to be an example of how much a life can turn around,” Matthew said. “I’ve made friends through Shores music program, and more recently, a youth group. I can handle things much better now. When I do get stressed, I deal with it by working out and getting outside. When people give you no reason to live, you just have to remember there are people out there who have been through similar things, who just like you, had to take life day by day.”

facts

BULLYING information

7

8

f i n e

a r t s

Former student’s risks pay off with successful career

By Franny Kromminga Fine Arts Editor

The Sailors’ Log • Friday, February 10, 2012

Some have risked it all for their professions. This is particularly notable in the performing industry, where risks beget opportunities.

This was the case with former Shores student Carly Jibson, who was a Sailor from ’98 to ‘02.

Unable to graduate due to illness and absences, she had the opportunity to go to New York and audition for the first national tour of Hairspray.

“So yes, I threw myself a fake graduation party, not only was I not graduating or receiving a diploma but I also had no plans of college or doing summer school to be applicable for college in the fall….”

Jibson said. “Thank God it all worked out because everyone kind of forgave me for that. Though I do regret not having a high school diploma to this day and would never recommend doing it that way to anyone else, it was my destiny... and I don’t question destiny.”

Since then, Jibson has been working on several projects. She just released an album entitled Carly Jibson – Best of Me (available on iTunes), is co-producing a tour this year with three other singersong writers, and is participating in an MTV docu-series about her life, which is meant to air this summer.

She is also in negotiations for the lead in an off-Broadway musical named Fat Camp, which, she says, “is just as hilar-

Carly Jibson

ious as it sounds.”

Although Jibson has found her place in the industry, she knows just how difficult it is to be a part of it.

“Honestly, what I always tell people is this: you need to be serious about this.

This industry is not a game, and it isn’t high school,” Jibson said. “This is a business, and in this business, like any other, you have to know how to brand yourself. You need to know what it is that is special about you, something you have above everyone else and hone in on that.

But most importantly, you need to be tal-

ented.”

Jibson and her mother moved to the Shores district specifically for the benefits of the Shores choir. Even when financial troubles forced her and her mom to move out of the school district, Jibson continued attending in order to continue in Shores’ arts programs.

“I had such a great experience there and met some of the most amazing people I still am in contact with today.” Jibson said. “(Choir director) Shawn Lawton and his wife Molly single-handedly saved my life. They showed me a world

where it was safe to be who I was, where not only was I accepted but praised for my individuality. It was a place of artistic freedom and self-expression, virtues that I have carried with me throughout my life.

That school, hell, that town doesn’t know how lucky they are to have them, but the ones whose lives they’ve impacted, and I know I’m not the only one, we are the ones who have been blessed to experience it, and that makes it special.”

Jibson said she hopes to see more Shores students in her profession soon; however, she warns that it is a difficult road.

“But if you’re good, if you really got it, and there is nothing else you can see yourself doing, if you can’t live without it and you would be willing to go through periods of being poor, without health insurance, subletting from apartment to apartment, going to six auditions a day and booking nothing, watching everyone around you book work and wondering ‘why not me,’ constantly networking and playing the scene, not going home for the holidays, spending your last dimes on headshots and resume print outs and have your self esteem crushed on a daily basis because for 90 percent of the people in the industry that is what it’s like…But, if at the end of all that you still can’t imagine your life any other way...then, we’ll see you when you get here,” Jibson said. “That is why this isn’t for everyone, that strength and determination is what makes us special.”

HOW TO SUCCEED...

IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING

MUSIC Four Finger Five

Shores connections flourish

Band and Shores alumni’s success grows

By Shea Wilcox Staff Writer Featuring two Shores graduates (Mike Phillips on bass and Steve Harris on drums), as well as Joe Sturgill of Grand Haven on guitar, vocals and keys, Four Finger Five is an example of a band that is working its way up on its own.

“What I like most (about being in the music profession) is the challenges and also the support I get from being with other people that are into and trying to do the same thing as me,” Phillips said. “Musicians have a really tight-knit community.”

The band members base themselves in the Muskegon area, but they find many opportunities to travel, to play, and to visit major areas of the music scene, where they often find themselves inspired by their new surroundings.

“Last weekend, I was in L.A. at the NAMM show,

which is basically just a big musicians hang,” Phillips said.

“I met so many people from so many backgrounds. The traveling puts a different perspective on how you normally see things where you live, so it ends up helping every part of what you do.”

Four Finger Five is known for doing things its own way and going down the path less traveled. The group is not signed to any label, yet it has been able to perform sets before bands like O.A.R. and the The Dave Matthews Band.

“Lots of people nowadays aren’t being original; they’re trying to imitate someone else that they’ve seen,” Phillips said. “There’s a quote that says once you imitate someone, you become unnecessary. I try to live by that and just be my own person, my own artist, and do things my own way.”

Phillips and Harris experienced the music program at Shores and can attest to its

effect on their view of music.

“The music program influenced me a lot,” Phillips said.

“Jack Adams was the band director then, and he was the best ever. Some thought he was harsh, but he knew our potential, and I’m grateful to have someone on my back like that.

You need someone solid that won’t take ‘no’ or ‘I can’t do it’ for an answer when you’re really striving to be more than just ordinary.”

Four Finger Five is an example of a band that knows what it wants and is always striving for this. This stands out when the members give advice to fellow musicians hoping to “make it big” someday.

“Persistence is key,” Phillips said. “It’s not going to happen over night. It’s going to take years to get where you really want to be, but if you just stick with it and make sure you practice and perfect what you’re doing, you will always have a place somewhere.”

Haines Family Family is musically involved

By Shea Wilcox Staff Writer While a family may not exactly qualify as a group “on its way up,” the Haines family has made music a part of its life.

“They are really an ideal family to study when looking at what you can do musically after high school, from profession to avocation to hobby to advocacy,” band director Jason Boyden said.

Steve, the father, plays the trumpet actively in local bands and as a soloist even though he works outside of the music field.

His wife, Lisa, does the same with her saxophone and is also the band association president.

“My family has just been connected to it (music) because of the roots of my parents,” said sophomore Greg Haines, a member of the marching band.

“My dad learned trumpet in middle school, and he still plays it for gigs and our church. My mom also played saxophone

since middle school, so they got us into music as well.”

Two daughters attend Western Michigan University, where Becky is a music performance major and Laura is a business major but still plays in the band.

The family is always helping one another with music.

“Honestly, I would have to say that each member of my family inspires me in a different way,” Grreg said. “My parents are supportive of me and help me with different challenges I may have in music, and my sisters are always there to help me too.”

Being the third member of his family to go through the Shores music program, Greg has some idea of how the program affects a students’ view of music.

“The program is supportive of becoming professional with music, but it isn’t forcing anything on you if you just want to do it as a hobby,” he said. “In fact, it helps because playing everyday makes you better and keeps you in music.”

Features Editor

Choice or biological?

“If it is a choice (to be gay), I don’t remember making it.

Whatever it was that made me gay, it was on some subconscious level or some biological level.

I didn’t just one day think it was fun or a cool thing.”

Joe Allen-Black, 2000 graduate it,” Allen-Black said. “Whatever it was that made me gay, it was on some subconscious level or some biological level. I didn’t just one day think it was fun or a cool thing,” Others, like senior Martha Karel, who is not gay, said each person can make a choice about following through on those thoughts.

“I believe sexuality is not a result of a person’s genes,” Karel said. “I do not necessarily believe it is a conscious choice, but I do believe

2

celebrity crushes With Valentine’s Day approaching, The Sailors’ Log staff asked students about their top two celebrity fantasies.

“Ryan Reynolds because he was really funny in The Proposa l, and Ryan Gosling because of The Notebook.”

Miranda Shafer, freshman

“Megan Fox because she is a babe, and Kate Upton for the same reason.”

Nate Dew, freshman

“Josh Hutcherson and Darren Criss because they are ver y attractive, and both are extremely talented in more ways than one.”

Trinda Noren, senior

“Channing Tatum because he is just hot,

Embracing who you are High school is difficult enough. When it comes to being different in a place where everyone else seems the same, it can be easy to hide things about oneself, especially when that difference is being gay.

and Patrick Dempsey because he is ver y attractive for an older man, and he is a doctor on Grey’s Anatomy.”

Courtney Guest, senior

“James Franco because he is sexy, and Shia LaBeouf because I have been watching

Senior boy shares hardships of being gay in high school

I

’m gay. There, I’ve said it.

Printed in black and white and plainly seen.

For some people, being open with who they are is one of the most difficult obstacles in their lives.

A lot of people are afraid that their orientation is something that defines their entire lives, but in reality, it only defines a tiny detail of their entire self.

For me, I’ve Rollenhagen grown so much from where I was and where I am now.

In middle school, I was ridiculed for attempting to be myself. At that time in my life, I was not “out,” and I didn’t really know where my life was heading.

I was often made fun of for dressing the way I did or for the way I spoke, which often led to someone telling me I was gay or a faggot. Hearing someone say that to me on a weekly basis began to make me believe that it would just be easier to become what everyone says I am.

When I reached high school, things became a little easier.

Most people kept to themselves, and I did not have to deal with people giving me crap for anything. If I did hear anything, it would be from a few upperclassmen who clearly didn’t have anything better to talk about than a little freshman.

As I progressed through freshman year into sophomore year, I was able to be myself. I joined choir, and that’s where I realized that I could truly be myself and receive no judgment

because it was one big family. I became really close with most upperclassmen, and I knew these people would be my best friends for life.

Moving through sophomore year, I began to develop strong feelings for one of my best friends. I thought maybe it was something people just feel when they become close friends with someone, but it eventually turned into more, and we began dating.

He was my best friend, who in turn, became my boyfriend.

When I came back to school my junior year, my secret had been out for a while, and nothing was different.

Nobody treated me differently; if anything, I was treated better, and nobody ever gave me any trouble.

This was a time I felt com-

pletely safe and open to the world. I was no longer hiding something that had been kept in the dark for so long, and it felt phenomenal.

Through all of this, I learned being myself is the one thing I can do. I can’t be afraid to be vulnerable and take the risk of being honest with myself.

Shores is a liberal school stuck in a conservative town, and sometimes, being a homosexual invites conflict to it. But with the support of everyone around me, I am able to be who I truly am and not live in fear.

I am gay, and this is something I am proud of. This small detail of my life is not something that defines who I am completely.

It is something that only makes me who I am today, and I would not change anything.

him in movies and on TV for years. He is really talented.”

Lindy Torvinen, junior

“Emma Stone because her red hair is pretty, and Mila Kunis because she is hilarious, and I like funny women.”

Noah Dykstra, freshman

“Jessica Alba because she is a babe, and Betty White because she has so much experience in her career. ” Dayton Robar, freshman

9

f e a t u r e s The Sailors’ Log • Friday, February 10, 2012

When Joe Black was a student at Shores, he had a secret.

His secret? He was gay.

“It’s difficult to really feel like you’re getting close to people if you’re hiding a secret,” said Joe Allen-Black, a 2000 Shores graduate. “I always felt like I was hiding something from people. I had known I was gay for a while before I came out.”

Allen-Black, who was Joe Black in high school before he married his partner in 2008, is clearly not the only student from Shores who has come out despite the negativity that comes along with it.

“The only thing holding me back was my nerve,” said Allen-Black, who was editorin-chief of The Sailors’ Log his senior year.

“I was much happier once I came out. I also got a lot closer to my friends and family and gained a lot more confidence in myself during the process,” Allen-Black came out Dec. 26, 2001 but said he wishes he could have mustered up the confidence to do it sooner in his life.

“There’s something to be said for finally telling people what’s going on in your head,” Allen-Black said. “Looking back, I wish I had gotten that feeling earlier in my life.”

While Allen-Black struggled with his decision to come out, others struggle with the origins of homosexuality: is it a choice, or is there a biological base?

“If it is a choice, I don’t remember making

a person always has the choice to deny homosexual feelings.”

With growing interest, scientists have dedicated a lot of time and money into research to try and discover if there is in fact biological proof of homosexuality.

According to Journal of Andrology in September 2011, there is a gene that could potentially be responsible for homosexuality.

In addition to the debate between biological and choice, homosexuality is also a hot topic among the religious community.

“My faith in God does play a role in my beliefs on homosexuality. I do not believe it is wrong to be attracted to someone of the same gender, but I do believe it is wrong to act on those attractions or to entertain them,” Karel said. “In the Bible, God says homosexuality is a sin. I will be the first to recognize that I am a very sinful person; however, because often the topic of homosexuality is at the center of a discussion, people misinterpret Christianity as only an attack on gays and other topics of interest.”

Regardless of one’s beliefs, homosexuals are part of society and the only question is if one chooses to accept the fact or not.

“I’m proud of who I am and of my friends who have come out and been happy even at times when it might be difficult, and trust me, there are times it is difficult,” Allen-Black said. “But I can’t imagine making a choice to be gay. As far as I know, it is who am I, and it’s who I have always been.”

ou r t o p

By Kendal Brown

y

Regardless of opinion, homosexuality is here to stay

When Nature Calls

10

n e Environmental Club improving school one step at a time w By Michelle Robinson “There are so many little, environmentally friendly s things that can be improved at this school Co-Editor-in-Chief

The Sailors’ Log • Friday, February 10, 2011

Science teacher Shelia Hunt, who is also adviser of the Environmental Club, has seen first-hand just how uneducated students are about the environment’s current crisis.

“I had to move my recycle bin by my desk so students would stop treating it like it was a trash can; it’s just shameful,” Hunt said. “There are so many little, environmentally friendly things that can be improved at this school that people don’t even think about.”

The Environmental Club is working to get the ball rolling on pushing Shores toward a more eco-friendly environment.

that people don’t even think about.”

Shelia Hunt, Environmental Club adviser Members started with a fundraiser to pay the expenses for Shores future Wind Turbine, but they are now trying to raise money for better recycling methods and environmentally safe cleaning supplies.

“We literally started with nothing,” senior Lauren Starke said. “But with our

D’OYLY Continued from page 1 students on Jan. 6 that D’Oyly would no longer be working for the school. “And other than that day, there have been no discussions or questions; they come in, they sit down, and we start class just like we used to. They’ve been ridiculously calm and respectful about the whole thing.”

One of those choir students is senior Amy Marsh.

“I really admire how Mr. Lawton and the choir staff have held their heads high throughout this; it was probably harder for them to handle this than any of us,” Marsh said. “During a bad time, our choir family has pulled together and kept each other strong. We are a school that is known for its performing arts, and I hope the community can look past this situation and still see us

SNOW Continued from page 1 Since it was a competition, there were, of course, winners to the snowy sports.

Each team that entered the competitions was to pick a country name and dress like the country they represent.

Ghana won the soccer tournament on penalty kicks, and Jamaica won the volleyball tournament, cleaning the field of 15 other teams with a win over Brazil in the finals 30-24.

“It felt good to win (the volleyball tournament),” junior Kyle Peterson said. “It was fun to win with my friends because that’s who I wanted to win with. Winterfest was a lot of fun because a lot of people were there. It was fun

hot chocolate fundraiser and other activities, hopefully we can get some money to support the steps were trying to take to better the school.”

The club’s hot beverage fundraiser, which took place Jan. 12-17, raised about $50, enough money to ensure members

as we are. Every school has its problems, but we still are and always will be the great Mona Shores choir.”

Like Marsh, principal Jen Bustard has seen just how much a trying event can bring together a whole school.

“There is no doubt that this is an emotional thing,” Bustard said. “But what has really been inspiring is watching the choir unit in a time of pain. It just shows the perseverance these kids have; it shows that we can overcome anything.”

As evidence continues to come out, the choir family, including senior Cody Munford, is staying close knit as they cope with this difficult situation.

“We all sincerely saw this man as a good person, so it’s been rough to deal with this,” Munford said. “Right now, we’re just trying to get through this, doing the best we can without our pianist.”

Lawton too is taking the pain day by day.

hanging with a bunch of friends, listening to music on the football field. There was good music selection. Next year, I hope to see more people for snow soccer and maybe do snow sculptures.”

Next year, Portenga said he wishes to continue this new winter tradition, but this time have a few more changes to the sporting events.

“I think I will shorten the games to 21 points and maybe go with an expanded field with single elimination next year in the winner’s bracket, but still have a consolation bracket,” Portenga said.

“I would like to expand to having a ping pong tournament and possibly a bowling tournament, but we’ll see what we can arrange with dates and all. Yes, there are some things we can do better... but it was a great start.”

could start planning future projects.

“Someday, I hope the club promotes enough awareness about this issue so we are able to raise plenty of money to power the whole school with wind energy,” Starke said. “I’m sure that won’t be for a while, but even the little things, like recycling our water bottles, can make a big impact.”

Like Hunt and Starke, senior Claire Wilson has high hopes for the club’s future, school’s eco-friendlessness, and classrooms’ recycle bins.

“People don’t always think about the place they live,” Wilson said. “We can’t live without this planet, so we need to take care of it, or someday, it might not be around for us to take care of.”

“I’m going through the biggest emotional rollercoaster of my life,” Lawton said.

“There’s days where I’m really optimistic and know I have to get through this, and other days, I don’t even want to get out of bed. I was close to this man; I knew him, or at least I thought I did. Some days, it’s hard to cope with that.”

The shock felt by Lawton, the choir program, and the rest of the school is likely to stick around for some time while the D’Oyly case continues to unfold. But Bustard said she knows the school can handle anything.

“I am not oblivious to the fact that our school has been in the news a lot in the past couple years,” Bustard said. “We’ve overcome so much adversity, and while you’d think it’d tear us apart, it’s impressive how much these events have brought us together.

We’re addressing the problem, finding the solution, and growing. That’s how we do it here. And like always, the show will go on.”

TURBINE Continued from page 1 ing the donation from Altronics. “It just shows how much green energy is needed today when organizations are willing to do something for free.”

The largest donation for the monitor came from the class of 2012 Student Senate representatives. With money raised from dances and fundraising, the class was able to contribute approximately $2,000.

“We wanted to finish what the school and last year’s senior class started,” said senior Madi Deur, who is president of Student Senate. “It’s a great mini senior gift to the school from our graduating class.”

Although the turbine will only be able to produce enough energy to power the monitor itself, Deur, Gawkowski, and Partenio are optimistic that it will serve as a small stepping stone toward a whole school powered by wind.

“Hopefully, the wind turbine will not only educate students about alternative energy but will also serve as a step toward a more environmentally conscious community,” Partenio said. “One small turbine could open doors to all kinds of ways in which we can make a difference.”

Can’t find a story you think The Sailors’ Log staff should have covered? Well, look no further than www.thesailorslog.com. Look under the tab “Daily Coverage” for stories we covered that did not make it into this printed edition. Here is a quick overview of those stories. from Tuesday, Jan. 3

from Monday, Jan. 9

from Thursday, Jan. 12

from Thursday, Jan. 19

New Year resolutions become reservations

Where is the snow?

Writing Club holds its first meeting

AP Biology students analyze DNA

The New Year brings all new excitements, along with new plans to better ourselves. – by Kendal Brown, features editor from Wednesday, Jan. 4

Mock interviews help with job potential

Sleeping till noon, wearing pajamas, playing video games, watching movies, all words to describe a teenager’s life while on break from school. – by Mikayla Day, center section editor from Thursday, Jan. 5

College looks promising to senior

There is something exciting to me about the idea of living off pizza rolls and Ramen noodles for the next four years of my life. – by Emily Grevel, profiles editor from Friday, Jan. 6

BPA successful at regional competetions

Eleven members of BPA placed at the Regional competition and will advance to the state competition. – by Taylor Jones, sports editor

Mother Nature seems to be more than a little bit confused as of late. Looking outside, I notice that the weather seems more suitable for an early fall day, not a mid-winter. The sun is shining, the grass is green, and walkers have ventured outside wearing only light jackets to protect themselves from the “weather.” – by Erinn Taylor, editorial editor from Tuesday, Jan. 10

Coaches start program for female athletes

Shores is now offering a semi-optional workout program for female athletes in their off-seasons. This program will enable female athletes to utilize the weight room as well as our trainer from 3 pm to 5 pm every Tuesday through Friday. – by Rachel Swartz, sports editor from Wednesday, Jan. 11

Biology lab has editor happy with results

I see nothing. I look down at this petri dish in front of me and what do I see? Nothing. The petri dish was a component of an experiment completed by my fellow classmates. - by Jonah Stone, co-editor-in-chief

The Writing Club will meet every other week on Wednesdays in adviser Michelle Brower’s room, 300.

– by Michelle Robinson, co-editor-in-chief from Friday, Jan. 13

Allegretto Notte teaches music to students

Science teacher Jen Adams’ students conducted a lab experiment called “DNA finger-printing “ with her AP biology students Thursday, Jan. 19. – by Sarah Weathers, staff writer from Friday, Jan. 20

There was a reversal of roles at the high school during the yearly event Allegretto Notte: the usual high school students became teachers and brought in students of their own whose ages ran from 3rd to 9th grade. – by Franny Kromminga, fine arts editor

Being muscial is a necessity for writer

from Tuesday, Jan. 17

Writer details ways to deal with stress

Writer laments about not having a license

The most exciting birthday people, but not me, would say is their 16th birthday; most, still not me, are finally allowed to get a driver’s license, the key to freedom.

– by Andrew Kromminga, staff writer from Wednesday, Jan. 18

Science students create artificial airbags

Being young drivers, some students have experienced major accidents. – by Carlin Rollenhagen, staff writer

As a current soprano in the Shores choir, music is part of my schedule every day. Not only is music a class for me, it’s a necessity. – by Kelley Wheeler, staff writer from Monday, Jan. 23 It’s that time of year again. Seniors are starting the ordeal of scholarships, and in about a month, juniors will be facing the ever-looming ACT. – by Shea Wilcox, staff writer from Tuesday, Jan. 24

Writer expresses love for cats

It’s an old debate between brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, and even the animals themselves: which is better, cats or dogs? – by Ashley Veihl, staff writer

Energ y Education Prog ram Recently, the school board took proactive steps to reduce the amount of money the district spends on utilities by adopting a policy stating the priority of energy conservation and entering into a partnership with Energy Education.

“This will not only save significant dollars, but as we all know, the cleanest unit of energy is the one that is never produced,” said Jan Noel-Smith, directorpublic relations of Energy Education. “By using less energy, the district will save natural resources for the future and produce fewer greenhouse gasses.”

Collage Information Performing Arts Presents Saturday, Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m.

Performing Arts Center Tickets $7 adults, $3 students/children Tickets sold at Meyer Music on Sternberg Road, the high school front office, and box office the day of.

Student Recog nition Prog ram A total of 24 students cited for a “Random Act of Kindness.” These students have been personally recognized and thanked, no matter how small the act.

This month’s winners of Subway gift cards are junior Marci Northuis and freshman Lucas Cooper.

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if t h e w e at h er c o o per a t es, th e Muske go n ar e a be c o mes a…

Winter Sports Complex provides fun for all

By Rachel Swartz Sports Editor

Winter Sports Complex prices

If the weather ever cooperates, go check out Muskegon’s own winter wonderland, the winter sports complex.

The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex, which began in 1983, is the focal point for winter recreation in Muskegon County, executive director Jim Rudicil said.

This complex, which is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and located in the Muskegon State Park at 462 Scenic in North Muskegon, was built by and for the people who had a bigger idea than just another park.

“The dream began when a few people conceived the idea of building a luge and bobsled run that would serve as an Olympic-training site,” Rudicil said. “By 1984, community support grew into a love affair with the luge.

Countless hours of labor and thousands of dollars of construction materials and equipment were donated to see the project completed.”

While in the process of creating the luge track, another idea dawned; they wanted to create a lighted cross country ski trail.

“With a $400,000 state appropriation, the project was underway almost as soon as the concept was presented,”

Mulligan’s Hollow For skiing or snowboarding, Mulligan’s Hollow, located in Grand Haven, is the place to be. Daily lift tickets are $12 on Thursday and Friday and $16 on Saturday, Sunday, school holidays, and snow days. Lessons and lodging are also available. There is a charge of $60 for a beginners lesson.

Boys’ Basketball (4-9) Shores snapped a three-game losing streak last Friday and will host Kenowa Hills tonight. Senior Torin Carlson has paced the offense.

Competitive Cheer The Sailors won the Shoreline Invitational and recently tallied their highest third round and overall scores of the season at the Lowell Invitational.

Luge costs $40 for a 2½ hour learn-to-luge clinic.

To cross country ski, cost is $7 for a daily trail pass and $5 to rent skis. To ice skate, cost is $4 and $4 to rent skates. It is $3 to rent a hockey stick, $2 to rent a hockey puck, and $1 to rent a helmet. Snow shoe rental costs $10, and there is a $3 charge for a sled rental.

Rudicil said.

Not only did it take the state appropriation, but approximately 175 individuals and businesses donated in order to “adopt a light.” This made five miles of ski trails possible to light.

“Volunteers from local utilities and trade unions gave their time to complete the longest lighted cross country ski trail system in the Midwest,” Rudicil said.

In the winter of 1985, both the luge and the lighted cross country ski trails were operating. Five years later, in 1990, both the sports lodge and the ice rinks were added.

“Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Muskegon

State Park is one of the finest winter sports centers in Western Michigan,” Rudicil said. “The complex boasts one of three luge tracks in the United States and is operated and designed for introducing beginners to the sport of luge.”

Although the weather has not been ideal for a Winter Sports Complex, many students at Shores enjoy going out for some winter fun.

“I love ice skating there because it’s outside and it’s pretty in the woods,” senior Sarah Hunt said. “It’s nice as opposed to an indoor facility because I like being outside, and I can go in by the fire place and warm my toes.”

While Hunt takes advantage of the three outdoor ice rinks, junior Jacob Baker said he enjoys racing at 35 mph down the luge track.

“I like the luge. I went so fast down that ice track. It was awesome,” Baker said.

From ice skating, luging, bobsledding, cross country skiing, and snow shoeing, the Winter Sports Complex has something for everyone, even those hockey players out there.

“My favorite part was playing some pond puck on the ice rinks because it’s always a nice surface,” junior Connor Deur said. “You don’t have to find a house to play at, it’s pretty cheap and a lot of fun.”

Other local winter destinations

L.C. Walker Arena

Double J Ranch

Double J Ranch, which is located in Rothbury, offers snow tubing down a 660-foot run, mushing lessons to prepare for dog sledding, and sleigh rides. But if you are looking for a break from the cold, you can also venture inside to the indoor water park for some fake fun in the sun. All this fun

comes at reasonable prices as well.

Snow tubing is $18 for adults (13 and up), and $12 for kids (12 and under) for a day pass. Sleigh rides are $15 per person and for a day pass at the indoor water park it is $25 for anyone 42” and up and $20 for anyone under 42”.

Open skates are held at the downtown Muskegon arena on most Saturdays from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Admission is $4, and skate rental is $4. To find more information and whether there is an open skate on the day you are looking to go, visit their website: lcwalkerarena.com

Sports Shorts Shores hosts Kenowa Hills tonight.

Girls’ Bowling (11-0) The No. 4-ranked team in the state have an 11-0 record and have won the OK Black Pre-Season Meet and the Union Invitational.

Boys’ Swimming (2-6) While the Sailors have a losing record, individual times are lower than last year. Juniors Kyle Willson and Keith Otto have led the team.

Wrestling (11-8-1) Senior Matt Nowak and Nick Hendricks both won conference titles. Individual districts take place tomorrow.

For more up-to-date sports action, go to www.monashoressports.com Hockey (11-8) Juniors Reed Hrynewich and Adam Ulfsax have led the Sailors Shores heads to Trenton this weekend.

Boys’ Bowling (10-1) The Sailors lost their first dual meet

but have reeled off 10 straight wins.

Shores won the OK Black PreSeason meet.

Girls’ Basketball (7-6) The Sailors struggled last week, dropping two conference games.

The Sailors’ Log • Friday, Febuary, 10 2012

Winter Wonderland

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Student-Staff Basketball Game

The Sailors’ Log • Friday, February 10, 2012

To start the Friday night of Winterfest, the teachers of the middle and high school came out to scrimmage against students in a friendly game of basketball.

The teachers took hold of the game by winning 80-41.

“To the students’ credit, it is very difficult to play in a game with so many players on a team,” high school P.E. teacher Joe Shaffer said. “The students had at least 25 players, and the teachers only had eight.”

Teachers and students both had their own fun highlights of the night, Shaffer said.

“My personal highlight was making a NBA range three-point shot over Brett Kurant,” Shaffer said. “He told me all day that he was going to shut me out, and that didn’t happen. For the students, the highlight was Jacquez Clay hitting a threepoint shot early in the game. Overall, it was a great game and a lot of fun.”

Girls’ Basketball Game

Chili Cook-off Taste testing.

Community participants taste the chili that was presented by others, including winner Mark VanderMolen, the husband of special education teacher Mary VanderMolen. (Cole Myhre) Spicy, sweet, any kind of chili one could think of was at the chili cook-off during Winterfest.

In an attempt to raise money for teacher grants so teachers can get new supplies, the chili cook-off was created.

Twelve kinds of chili were in the running for chili champ.

The winner, Mark VanderMolen, the husband of special education teacher Mary VanderMolen, received a plaque and $500.

“He is an excellent cook,” Mary said. “And although this was his first ‘official’ contest, he has been creating great food for friends and

family for a long time.”

After testing all of the chili, votes were cast.

Ballots were counted and the winner was announced during the boys’ varsity basketball game.

Regarding the cook-off, $604 was raised for teacher grants. With that, teachers can get new supplies and materials for their classrooms. “(The high school is) very excited to have the high school win,” princiapl Jennifer Bustard.

“Mr. VanderMolen’s winning chili recipe secured the win for the high school.”

The varsity girls’ basketball team defeated cross-town rival ReethsPuffer, 54-42.

“I have to give credit to Puffer,” coach Brad Kurth said. “They had the game of their lives. I’ve never seen a team hit four threepointers using the backboard. They came out with a great first half, but we took over in the third quarter with a 16-4 run.”

Seniors Sydney Tharp (12 points) and Brigid Kiley (11) and sophomore Jasmyn Walker (9) led the offense.

Despite the mistakes, the girls learned a valuable lesson after this specific game.

“We learned to come

Getting defensive. In addition to scoring 9 points, sophomore Jasmyn Walker showed she can play defense. (Rachel Resterhouse) in with the same intensity as we do against other people,” Kurth said. “The lesson learned is to always have mental focus and come in read. We can’t come in thinking we are too good to play them.”

The first ever Winterfest was deemed a success.

Winterfest took place Friday, Jan. 20. The festival started with a student/staff basketball game and continued throughout the night with a chili cook-off, basketball games, and snow volleyball and soccer.

Information compiled by sports editor Taylor Jones and staff writer Andrew Kromminga

Winterfest 2012 Boys’ Basketball Game It’s sophomore Adreon Billups with the break away and…he slams the ball! The crowd goes absolutely wild!

This scenario, even though it was negated by a foul, became reality at the varsity boys’ basketball game when the boys beat Reeths-Puffer 57-41.

“The highlight most would say was sophomore Adreon Billips two-handed dunk off a steal. What most people don’t remember was the unselfish play by (senior) Aaron Doriot that got him open,” coach Nick Bronsema said. “Aaron ran in front of the defender and was called for a foul. His intentions were great. It didn’t count, but that resembled everything we want out of our players. Aaron sacrificed his body and chance to score so that Adrian could get his dunk.”

Despite this individual highlight of the game, the team came together as a whole instead of looking out for themselves, Bronsema said.

“The guys came together and played as a unit,” Bronsema said. “You can have the fastest car in the world, but if it doesn’t have any gas, then it isn’t very fast.”

Senior Andre Parker agreed with coach on how well they played as a team.

“We played really well because we actually played as a team,” Parker said.

“I think 12 people were in the box score instead of five or six like usual.”

Parker and senior Torin Carlson led the offense with 11 points. Doriot had 8 points, and junior Adam Rayner added 9 points. At the half, the Sailors were ahead 35-25. Shores out-scored the Rockets 14-

Up, up and away. Heading toward the hoop, junior Dmitri Demetriou goes up for a shot. (Cole Myhre) 5 in the third quarter and headed into the fourth quarter with a 19-point lead.

“We could always do better on defense and be more talkative,” Parker said. “It helps the team get better when we talk more.”

For Bronsema, winning against the cross-town rival was the icing on the cake for Winter Fest 2012.

“The Winterfest event was outstanding.

The coordination of the event was fantastic. Thank you to the administration and to the athletic department especially for planning such a wonderful event,” Bronsema said. “Also, our players want to thank the supporters in the student section as they played a big part in our win.

The stands were packed and our team had a definite home court advantage.”

Laughter, yelling, and music were all one could hear if one was to go by Shores Friday night, thanks to athletic director Ryan Portenga.

Starting right after the boys’ varsity basketball game was the first snow volleyball tournament.

The tournament consisted of 16 teams, including more than 70 participants who played their hardest to try to become the champions.

Standing in snow and hitting volleyballs back and forth doesn’t seem like the best way to spend a Friday night, but to the few who did, they had a blast.

By the time the finals came, Team Jamaica and Team Brazil used its hard work, beating four teams to make it to the finals.

After a long, cold game, there was finally a winner. Team Jamaica won the snow volleyball championship title.

“We’ll run Winterfest next year,” Portenga said. “Just need to pick the right dates.”

Soccer in the snow would seem like a crazy idea, but that’s exactly what four lucky Shores teams were able to do at Winterfest.

During snow soccer, there were only four small teams playing for the championship.

“Students were skeptical as to how

Snow Volleyball Spiking snow sport. Two snow volleyball teams battle for the championship on the football field under the lights during the first ever Winterfest. senior Gabe Lundgren (left) blocks the volleyball to prevent his team from falling behind. Team Canada (below) blocks a serve from team Jamaica. (Rachel Resterhouse)

the event would go,” athletic director Ryan Portenga said, “but in the end, everyone loved the activities.”

In the finals, team Ghana and team Germany played for the title.

After a long game, the winners were decided. Team Ghana was able to take the victory.

Snow Soccer