The Sailors' Log (Feb. 2021)

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as TWICE NICE Behind the play of senior quarterback Brady Rose (right of trophy) and senior lineman Bryce Sikkenga (left of trophy), the Shores football team won its second straight state title. This time, due to COVID protocols the team had to wait until Jan. 22 to defeat Warren De La Salle 25-19 at Ford Field. See page 12 for story.

2 February 11, 2021

Dark Side of Positivity

editorial our voice

Toxic positivity fails to acknowledge emotions

I

f there’s something we can all agree on, it’s that the past year has been a difficult and challenging one.

The pandemic has changed many lives, from prolonged isolation, loss of school, sports seasons, gatherings with friends and family, loss of loved ones.

The 180-degree turn our lives have taken has all had negative implications on our mental well-being.

For many people going through a difficult time in life, they are often told phrases such as “stay strong,” “keep going,” “put on a smile,” or “there’s always someone Column that has it worse than

by Mia you.”

Dickson, I have also become a staff writer victim to this mindset.

During the depths of quarantine, I decided that this ultra positive mindset would be the best way to cope.

Like many, the loss of school, sports, and social interactions; as well as stress from the outside world led to difficulty.

Instead of acknowledging this, I decided to just keep going and pretend nothing was wrong.

Those going through difficult times are expected to slap a smile on their face and keep going through life, but it needs to end.

Emotions, good or bad, are meant to be felt.

Clinical Psychologist Dr. Jaime Zuckerman defines toxic positivity as “the assumption, either by one’s self or others, that despite a person’s emotional pain or difficult situation, they should only have a positive mindset.”

By telling someone in a difficult time to just “be happy,” “everything happens for a reason,” “just look on the bright side,” their emotions are being invalidated, and their feelings of grief or sadness are being pushed aside.

This leads to them feeling guilt for Editor-in-Chief Bailey Graham Managing Editor Emily Kuznar Staff Holli Brus Delaney Buckner Maya Cooper Mia Dickson

emotions that they shouldn’t feel guilty for.

By telling someone struggling to “just be happy,” they are being encouraged to push their emotions deeper and deeper, which will do far more damage later on.

If you have a friend who is struggling, avoid these.

Widespread use of toxic positivity also intensifies the stigma around mental health: a stigma that needs to be broken down.

Toxic positivity in society pushes away the conversation of mental health which leads to more and more people not seeking the help they need.

Using toxic positivity shames someone for expressing their emotions Mike Meekhof Olivia Nunnery Grace Opsommer Maddox Schaner-Follett Ali Sewick Samantha Sewick Brady Whalen Adviser Warren Kent III

The Sailors’ Log

that should be felt.

Instead of using false-positive mantras to help those hurting, be there to support them. Let them know that you are there and listening to them.

Validate their feelings and ask them how you can support them instead of just throwing artificial sayings on them.

Help them break through their own internalized toxic positivity as well.

Let them know that it is OK to cry, be sad, or upset for however long it may be.

Encourage them to find healthy coping mechanisms such as talking to a professional, journaling, or exercising.

Encourage them to practice kindness, patience, and compassion to themselves.

Being kind can make the biggest impact As if times weren’t already tough enough, tragedy always seems to strike when we’re already at a low point.

The death of senior Brennan Dethloff seemed to hit everyone hard, regardless if people knew him or only knew of him.

But if there’s one lesson that can be learned from his life and legacy, it is the importance of kindness.

Everyone has heard the phrase “be nice” thousands of times, but as simple as it sounds, it’s truly the most important thing we can do for each other. You never really know what someone is going through.

Kindness can take place in many forms.

Whether it’s saying hello to someone you normally wouldn’t, checking in on a friend you haven’t talked to in a while, or giving someone a compliment, you can turn someone’s whole day around. Sometimes, even the smallest of actions can make the biggest impact.

As much as you think you know about someone, you never really know exactly what a person is going through, both physically and mentally. Some people are just better at hiding these things. Just because someone isn’t outwardly showing signs of struggle doesn’t mean they aren’t experiencing hardship.

Especially in today’s atmosphere, small acts of kindness can mean the most. Given that most of last year was spent in isolation, having that ability to connect with people can be life-saving.

At the end of the day, people just want to be heard. So make sure to check in on “your” people.

These times are difficult for everyone. Sometimes, it feels like the weight of the world is on our shoulders; however, sometimes a little of this weight can be lifted by reaching out to someone.

So please, remember the importance of kind words. You can turn someone’s entire life around by letting them know that they are heard and appreciated.

If you ever feel like you are in an emotional crisis or emotional distress, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-2738255, which is a 24/7 service.

The Sailors’ Log is a public forum for student expression distributed freely to students and faculty of Mona Shores High School.

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

How to communicate with the staff: • Email: kentw@monashores.net • Website: www.thesailorslog.com • Facebook: Mona Shores Publications This edition of The Sailors’ Log was printed by the Argus-Press 201 E. Exchange St. Owosso, MI 48867

editorial

The Sailors’ Log

February 11, 2021

3

Land of the Free?

Over-populated prison system rooted in racist policies

T

he United States is supposedly the “Land of the Free,” but is it, really?

In a country promising liberty and justice for all, it is shocking that the United States only makes up 4.4 percent of the world’s population, but it houses about 23 percent of the world’s prisoners.

Additionally, the prison population is overwhelmingly made up of people of color.

The issue of mass incarceration

By Emily is not a new one.

Kuznar, Many, including Managing me, were blind to Editor the truth behind the U.S. prison system.

While Black men make up only 6.6 percent of the U.S. population, they account for 33 percent of the prison population. With a strong percentage of prisoners being made up of people of color, we must ask ourselves, why?

In order to look at the issue of mass incarceration, it must be traced back to its origins.

The first instance of mass incarceration of people of color began following the Civil War. After slavery was abolished,

many newly-freed Black men were arrested for minor crimes, like loitering, which put them into prisons with inhumane conditions.

They were also expected to provide free labor to rebuild the South’s failing economy.

Jump to the Civil Rights Movement, an extensive amount of arrests continued to take place at movements. Even though the Civil Rights Movement led to many arrests, none of them were sustained for long periods of time.

The prison population was at a plateau until the 1980s.

At this point, the term “war on drugs” was popularized by Ronald Reagan.

“During quarantine, I’d say that I changed by trying out new things. I changed my hair color completely, and I took more time to work on myself. The biggest change I’ve seen in myself since quarantine is definitely my lifestyle.” – Lauren Jenetzke, senior “I learned to appreciate my health. It’s something that I will never take for granted again. Further, I also learned that taking a break is okay. While I wasn’t necessarily the most productive while in quarantine, I tried to be more productive in taking care of myself.” – Simran Tumber, junior “During quarantine, I learned that I get bored really easily, especially since I couldn’t see any of my friends or family. It felt like I was going insane. I also realized that I really do like going to school.” – Kady Alm, sophomore “Over quarantine, I learned the value of time with my friends and extended family. I have found an increased love for music, and I loved having time to discover new artists.”

– Maggie McCarthy, freshman

The truth of drug use was accurate, but the flaw behind the plan to end drug abuse was that it was viewed as a crime issue rather than a public health issue The discrepancies in arrests were clear.

The once rhetorical, now literal, war on drugs was escalated by the introduction of crack cocaine. While powder cocaine had initially been the cause of concern, it was largely an issue in suburban, mainly white communities. Crack cocaine was seen as an inner-city issue taking place in mainly Black neighborhoods.

However, the sentencing

What did you learn over quarantine?

lengths for possession of crack cocaine were much longer than those in possession of the powder form, which led to large numbers of Black people being imprisoned for drug-related offenses.

And thus, the prison population jumped nearly 300,000 people.

While these issues date back hundreds of years, they are still prevalent now.

Slavery is the root of the Prison Industrial Complex. And while slavery ended with the 13th Amendment, a loophole clause in the amendment says slavery and involuntary servitude is illegal “except as a punishment for crime.”

Believe me, I know this issue is complex. But that is only an overview of the years of events that have gotten the United States into the mess we’re in.

Jump to present day, and the same familiar false narrative of Black criminality continues to be portrayed in the news, media, and other outlets of entertainment.

I am frustrated by this history, and I hope others are too.

But more than anything, I feel guilty that I am unable to solve this problem. I feel helpless that as a 16-year-old, there’s not much

Q the big

In each edition of The Sailors’ Log, eight students will be asked their opinion about a current topic.

I can do. I feel angry knowing that despite any laws put into place, a Black person will still be more likely to be viewed as a threat than their white counterparts.

In addition to the intensely disproportionate rates of incarceration, released individuals continue to face obstacles once released. In many states, a formerly incarcerated person can’t vote, they often have difficulties getting employment, and they have many barriers to face in regards to receiving housing and financial aid.

I recognize that this is not going to be solved by everyday citizens. Ultimately, it is up to our government to resolve this issue.

This doesn’t mean that citizens should just sit back and observe.

Education on the subject is the key to understanding how to solve it. There are hundreds of books, documentaries, and articles at our fingertips so that Americans can become informed.

I can accept that this issue is bigger than me; I can’t accept remaining silent while watching it happen. So, I will continue to educate myself, hold conversations, and listen to those who have more knowledge.

“I learned that school isn’t my entire life, so I tried focusing on and improving myself. I adopted some new productive habits, such as meditating, meal planning, going to the gym daily, and having a more confident mindset.” – Minh Nguyen, senior “During quarantine, I learned how much I appreciate spending time with friends. Not being able to see them made me recognize how important they are to me.” – Alden Crago, junior “The most important thing I’ve learned over quarantine is how to appreciate the little things and look at the bright side. I’ve changed my habits by working out more and trying to stay in shape.” – Victor Wu, sophomore “One thing I learned about myself during quarantine is that I’m a very antsy person.

Usually, I’m out and about during the day at school or practice. I just never realized it until I had to sit inside all day.” – Luke Emmons, freshman

4

review

Love February 11, 2021

The Wedding Planner

One hundred percent, one of the cheesiest movies I have ever watched, and 100 percent one of my favorites. Even if my sole reason for watching this movie is Matthew McConaughey, who plays Steve Edison – WORTH IT. Mary Fiore (Jennifer Lopez) is planning a big wedding when she almost gets hit by a car. In true rom-com fashion, she’s saved by this incredible guy, Steve.

Spoiler alert: he’s the fiance whose wedding she’s planning. Hitting every single cliche marker, this movie is the

sweetest and most heartwarming movie ever.

I never tire of Mary’s confidence growing as she chooses between her love and the marriage her dad has lined up.

The character development?

Absolutely iconic. All I want is to be a bridesmaid for Mary because I absolutely love her through this entire movie. As one of my comfort movies, this is most definitely a classic Valentine’s Day go-to.

The Edge of Seventeen I expected an absolutely awful plotline and terrible acting. However, I fell in love with Hailee Steinfeld, who plays Nadine, a high school student who cannot stand to see her best friend fall for her brother.

The acting in this movie is absolutely incredible. It feels so real for a high school setting and not the craziness that most movies portray.

The humor and the realistic struggles of high school added to friend drama and sibling rivalries make for the best plotline.

Texting mistakes with a boy you like?

Check. Socially awkward (and hilarious) situations that always come with high school?

Someone Great

Set It Up

want to be friends with the people on my screen. Every time I picked a favorite line, another just as quotable replaced it.

The entire movie made me want to befriend these girls just so I could go on a crazy trip. It’s the type of Valentine’s Day movie I can watch without being nauseous of some couple cliche on my screen.

This screams girl power, and the commentary does not shy away from anything less than stomach-hurting humor. In honor of those single people on Valentine’s Day, there’s no way anyone doesn’t love Someone Great.

We start off strong by meeting two assistants Harper and Charlie (played by Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell, respectively) to affluent CEOs, who are both set out to get their bosses off their back. How? Simple: set them up.

One late night after meeting each other, forcing their bosses to fall in love seems like an easy plan to get their lives back, right? Wrong. Weeks of plotting, planning, and scheming, a set-up is in motion.

This comedy is full of laugh-till-I-cry dialogue and countless cheesy moments of love and pizza, so it’s no surprise that the ratings are through the roof. This Netflix original made me love rom-coms again.

List

Valentine’s Day – either the most romantic day or just another Hallmark holiday.

Whether the person you love on the Feb. 14 is your best friend, a significant other, or yourself,

Check. Finding your brother and best friend together? Check.

There are ups and downs that felt natural to me. The triangle of a girl, her best friend, and her brother kept me watching the entire time, rooting for everyone at the same time.

The end of the movie gives everyone an ending that made my soul happy.

This movie is a definite must for Valentine’s Day, so I could watch something real and something that will make me laugh with a happy ending without it being an over the top romance.

Looking for something great to watch on Valentine’s Day as a single person? Look no farther than Someone Great.

In this Netflix original, women pretty much run the big screen. Post-breakup of an 11-year (oh yeah, ELEVEN years) relationship, Jenny (Gina Rodriques) and her two BFF’s go through the motions of partying...hard.

All three women, who are never sober for longer than the hours they sleep, try to figure out where their lives – and love lives – are bringing them.

With obvious laughs, loveable (and diverse) characters, and perfect storylines, I can’t help but

The Sailors’ Log

Even though the ending follows a plotline that I could have definitely guessed, I never felt like I was watching a cheesy movie. It’s one of those movies I could watch again and again just for the one-liners.

As a side character, Pete Davidson from Saturday Night Live definitely leaves his mark as the gay roommate, never leaving the screen without making me laugh. This Netflix original is surprisingly well done and definitely added to my “Cinderella, but Not Mice” list of happy ever after without all the cheesiness.

the perfect movie is definitely on this list. Ranging from cheesy to comedy to “screw you, men” type of movies, there’s a little bit of everything on Hulu and Netflix for you this year.

Movie Reviews

by Samantha Sewick, staff writer

news

The Sailors’ Log

February 11, 2021

5

Community mourns loss of senior hockey player

Parents stress need to be kind

By Bailey Graham Editor-in-Chief

Selfless. Dedicated. Kind. And goofy.

Always goofy.

These are just a few of the words that Senior Brennan people use to describe senior Brennan Dethloff, whose parents Dethloff, who died Jan. 18 from injuries he have acknowledged sustained in a one-car accident on Jan. 16. their son’s depression, “Brennan was the most kind, selfless had a tattoo “Warr;or” soul that I have ever met,” 2019 graduate that symbolized his battle Erik Hannahs said.

“He was the kind of against depression; “;” kid that could get a smile on your face used for the “i” in warrior is a or make you giggle at any time of symbol for suicide prevention. the day, no matter what mood you “It’s important for kids to were in In the light, dark, sunshine, realize they aren’t alone,” Rona or rain, it didn’t matter the and Brian Dethloff wrote in an circumstance, he could brighten email to The Sailors’ Log. “No anyone’s day. I have absolutely one talks about it, and we want nothing but good things to say that to change. We want the stigma about Brennan all around.” of having anxiety or depression Noa Bowen, a North to change. It isn’t something to Muskegon junior and a be ashamed of. It’s a disease that close friend of Brennan’s, needs to be treated just like any other said she felt the same way. disease. We want his story to be shared “When describing so that people know what a special soul Brennan, I would use he was. He was such a light in our lives. the words selfless We have said it a hundred times... just because he always ‘Be Kind.’ It doesn’t cost you anything. You put everyone else literally have no idea what people struggle before himself; with and if that one act of kindness can be g o o f y the thing that turns their entire day around.

Just be good to people. If you’re struggling with anxiety or depression, reach out. There are so many people in your lives who will help you. Even though it may seem like what is happening right this minute is forever, and you can’t see the other side, I assure you things will get better. This is not your entire life, that hasn’t even started yet. There are so many bigger and better things to come. You just need to be here to see them.”

#PutYourSticksOut. This tribute where individuals place hockey sticks on front porches to honor fallen hockey players began in 2018, and when senior Brennan Dethloff died from injuries from a car accident, those who knew him followed suit.

“The sticks out on the porch is a really cool tribute,” coach Chris Benedict said. “It started (April of 2018) with the bus accident involving the Humboldt Broncos

Senior Brennan Dethloff, making a pass in the 2019-20 season, died Jan. 18 from injuries he sustained in a single-car accident on Jan. 16.

(File Photo) because he would always smile, laugh, or do something silly to get you to laugh and smile; and dedicated because he put his all into everything he did whether it was hockey, disc golf, wake surfing, and even his relationship with family and friends.”

Showing kindness and care was an everyday thing for Brennan, those closest to him said, and he was selfless and showed compassion and love for his friends and family.

Many said he would be there for anyone no matter the situation.

“Last winter, I was having a rough time, and he Face Timed me one night for four hours, just letting me talk everything out to him,” senior Bri Wade said. “I would ask him how he was doing it, and he’d avoid it and go back to talking about me.”

Other people pointed out Brennan’s

contagious laughter, his smile, and his adorable goofiness that made it easy for him to make anyone’s day.

“My favorite thing and what would make my day is simply just when I would walk up to his house and he would open the door and do this thing he called ‘happy feet’ while waiting for me to get up the stairs,” Bowen said. “And there were many times he would be leaving my house and steal my animals out of my house and drive off with them. It was very funny.”

In addition to being a student, Brennan was a hockey player, No. 22 on the roster this year after wearing No. 4 last year.

“I’ve known Brennan since I was 7 and only started playing on the same team with him two years ago,” junior Ty Langlois said. “He’d do anything for his teammates, and he was always working to get better at the game.”

Not only did Brennan impress his teammates but his coaches as well.

“I have coached Brennan for three years now, but I have also known him and his family close for the past eight years,” coach Christ Benedict said.

“Bren was a player any coach would want to have on his team. He would do anything asked of him and do it with a smile on his face. He was a great teammate and would do anything for anyone. He would always mentor younger players.”

While Brennan may not be here, his mother wants everyone to remember the good things.

“We want people to remember his kindness, his compassion, and of course that smile of his.

It could light up a room. He loved his family and his friends fiercely. He would have done anything for any of us. He was super funny and smart. He just had so much to give to everyone around him,” Rona said. “I just wish he could have seen or felt how many people he impacted and how much others really loved for him.”

sticks put on porches in remembrance

junior hockey team in Canada.

This has remained a tribute for hockey players who have passed away. So it was a no-brainer to honor Bren in this way.”

The Humboldt accident in which 16 people, including 10 hockey players, died was started by the team’s broadcaster, Brian Mutz, who said, “The boys might need them [their hockey sticks]... wherever they are.”

Senior teammate Cole Meyers

said remembering Brennan is important.

“I liked playing with Brennan because of the dedication he had and how he would always have your back no matter what on and off the ice,” Meyers said. “He was an amazing teammate and was there for anyone.”

At Brennan’s funeral, teams, including cross-town rival ReethsPuffer, from the area showed up for a ceremonial puck drop.

“It just shows how tight the hockey community is and how we can all come together during times like this and put rivalries aside,” Meyers said. “It was definitely very emotional for all of us to have everyone come out there.”

Junior Carter Dethloff, Brennan’s brother, has decided to play for his brother and will wear his brother’s nameplate and number for this season.

“Brennan was my best friend,”

Carter said. “He would have wanted me to keep playing for him.”

While the loss was tough on the hockey community, it brought many closer together.

“I am overwhelmed with the outpouring of support from our community,” Benedict said. “I knew Shores was special, but so many people have been there for support. I know the hockey program is grateful for everyone.”

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6 February 11, 2021

State Quarters

Junior Diego Luna didn’t exactly start collecting state quarters due to his own interest.

“When I was about 5 years old, my uncle came over to my house,” Luna said. “He handed me a big bag of quarters and a booklet. He said ‘here,’ and I began trying to collect a quarter from every state.

While he has accomplished this goal, Luna said that this wasn’t an easy endeavor.

“It took me about seven years to find a quarter from Hawaii,” Luna said. “Even though it was a difficult task, I’m very glad that I collected every one. It’s just something cool that I enjoyed doing. Plus, I’ll always have an extra $12.50 handy whenever I need it.” – Emily Kuznar, Managing Editor

By Maddox Schaner-Follett Staff Writer

While senior Matthew Murray acknowledges today’s gaming advancements, his preference for retro video game has led to a growing collection. (Photo Courtesy)

Senior Matthew Murray has dedicated his life to collecting vintage video games.

From the age of 3, he fell in love with the game’s concepts of fun and interactivity.

Later on, he decided to build his collection.

“I collect older video games, as well as their consoles,” Murray said. “I display them in my entertainment center, and on a bookcase.”

Murray said he scans eBay and other retailers to find the next game or console to strike his fancy.

Murray’s collection means very much to him.

“I really don’t like reselling my games,” Murray said. “Sooner or later, I’d want to play it again, so why sell it?”

Murray has become a video game connoisseur.

“I feel like titles of the past have stronger qualities,” Murray said. “Most of today’s games release in early access, and back

7

in the day, publishers had to hold up to higher standards.”

Murray said he feels like he is an expert at hunting down targets for purchase.

“I begin by looking at local listings on Craigslist, but if I can’t find anything, I usually end up checking eBay,” Murray said.

The consoles he values most are his Playstation 2 Slim and his Nintendo Gamecube.

“My Playstation 2 Slim is worth the most to me,” Murray said. “It got me into video gaming; my very first console.”

Creative

With more than two million Lego blocks in his collection, Senior Grant Gergen’s love of Legos is quite noticeable in his Lego room, which is comprised of blocks he has collected since the age of 7. (Courtesy Photo)

Lego collection built from ground up

By Maddox Schaner-Follett Staff Writer

The Sailors’ Log surveyed Shores’ students to see who had a collection of some sort.

We recieved numerous answers varying from coins and cards to crystals and energy drink cans. We took a peek into their lives and why they chose to collect the objects they do.

Tea Cans

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

This is exactly the case for Peace Tea can collector Junior Owen Delong.

“The design of the cans look really cool and unique,” Delong said. “I stack them on a dresser in my room to form a wall, and they almost touch the ceiling.

Delong said he found the idea on TikTok, and he hasn’t looked back since.

“I probably have over 50 right now,” Delong said. “I’ve seen tons of TikToks of people stacking them in cool ways, and I figured with how often I drink them, it would be an easy task.” – Emily Kuznar, Managing Editor

February 11, 2021

Preference for vintage games leads to collection

Snow Globes Freshman Taylor Byers seemed to have been born for collecting snow globes.

“When I was really young, I had a fascination with them for some reason,” Byers said. “My family had a lot of them around the house (which resulted in lots of broken glass), and from then on, I started receiving two every year, one for my birthday and one for Christmas.”

Byers, who has also picked up some globes on trips, said she has approximately 30 snow globes and hopes to continue collecting them.

“My favorite is one that has a dragon with gold surrounding it,” Byers said. “The color scheme of it is very nice, and I love being able to just look at it.” – Emily Kuznar, Managing Editor

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‘Magic fever’ began during 2018 campout

By Maddox Schaner-Follett Staff Writer

Freshman Noah Sutton said he is forever grateful for his fellow Magic: The Gathering players, and he is glad to have an outlet of entertainment.

(Courtesy Photo)

At least one students at Shores seems to have mastered the art of a trading card game called Magic: The Gathering.

Freshman Noah Sutton has gathered more than 3,000 of these cards, which, he said, he keeps in his own special room.

Sutton first caught the “Magic fever” in 2018 when he went on a Boy Scouts campout.

“I thought of it as a new hobby, so I started to go to Friday night magic after,” Sutton said.

“Right now, I am one of the best in my at home league.”

Sutton plays in a home league based out of Lange’s Comics and Collectibles at The Lakes Mall in Muskegon.

For Sutton, Magic is more than just a game.

“I stayed interested in Magic because you can make many new friends off it and it is very addicting,” Sutton said. “To me, Magic: The Gathering isn’t just a game, but part of my life.”

For the past few years, Sutton has built his collection by completing chores and earning cash that comes with them. Additionally, he has received a few as gifts.

Sutton, who said he has older cards worth $300, is grateful toward those who have helped contribute to his collection.

This includes the mightiest of Magic icons, Wizards of the Coast, the company which manufactures the franchise. “(I thank them) for giving me such a great hobby that I can keep learning from,” Sutton said. “Wizards of the Coast has really helped me through rough times, and I want to personally thank them for their support.”

Senior Grant Gergen has been around the block a few times – if you count 2 million as a few.

That number of blocks is the number of Legos that Gergen has in his collection.

And while it might not build him the Guiness World Record display (by the way, that is a 150-million Lego creation of Lord of the Rings in a Chinese museum; it took 50 designers three years to create), Gergen is proud of his collection.

Gergen first began his interest with Legos at age 5 with Duplo blocks.

His obsession only grew from there.

Gergen’s Lego adventure began the way many collectors’ do: the connection to his childhood.

His enjoyment of the Lego Duplo bricks, the company’s attempt to capture an even younger audience, led to an adoration of the Lego brand, Gergen said.

“At about 7, I would beg my parents for the Lego Ninjago sets,” Gergen said. “I love to reenact the scenes from my favorite movies and shows using the sets. I even enjoy designing my own sculptures for display.”

In order to grow his collection, Gergen picked up a job at Goober’s Bakery and Pastry Shoppe in order to get money to pay for his mission.

Soon, he was able to purchase more expensive sets to build up his collection.

At the age of 14, he was able to purchase the Lego Minecraft village of more than 1,600 pieces and the famous Lego Death Star from Star Wars which totals 4,000 pieces.

From the small beginnings of his collection

of Ninjago sets sprouted the menagerie of Lego genres on his shelves today. From Lego Atlantis to Star Wars, Gergen boasts a massive collection of more than 200 collected sets and an estimated 2 million individual pieces.

“I currently store my entire collection on shelving units in my room, though I desperately need more space,” Gergen said.

This Lego expert and collector seems to have only kind words for the Connecticut-based billion-dollar company.

“I love the way that this company has inspired creativity in so many people’s lives, and I would love the chance to inspire someone in the same way,” Gergen said. “This is why I want to become a set designer for the Lego company and inspire as many people as I can.

These bricks are what keeps me connected to my goals.”

Pokemon Trading Cards ideal for fantastical senior

By Maddox Schaner-Folett Staff Writer Since she was younger, senior Devon Schippers has been interested in all things fantastical.

This led to Schippers’ discovery of the Pokemon Trading Card game.

“I loved how the Pokemon aren’t 100 percent like creatures

in our world, and I’ve always been interested in out of this world things,” Schippers said.

Schippers said she has spent years building her collection up to Schippers what today is more than 521 individual cards.

“My favorite cards that I

currently possess are a Ninetales that is in Japanese and has ‘Pocket Monsters’ on the back; I think it’s from 1995,” Schippers said. “I also have a Venusaur from 1995.”

Schippers’ pride does not come without warrant. While they are valuable, Schippers isn’t planning on selling her cards any time soon.

Pokemon has become more than any mere series of collectibles

to Schippers, and she said it has become an incredibly influential part of her life even as she gets older.

“I’ve stayed interested in Pokemon because I honestly haven’t found anything else that feels exactly like Pokemon,” Schippers said. “It’s difficult for me to lose interest in the things I love.”

8 February 11, 2021

profiles

The Sailors’ Log

Flexible sophomore wows with talents

Arm-popping technique By stretching his arm out at a weird angle, sophomore Michael Hall discovered he could pop his left arm out of socket.

“Popping it out doesn’t hurt at all,” Hall said. “If I keep it out too long it gets sore, but it feels fine.”

The unique skill is much better in person since the camera doesn’t show what Hall happens in his shoulder when he pops it out.

“This trick is cool because not many people can pop joints out of place,” Hall said. “It’s decided whether you can at birth, and only my left arm can do it.” – Maya Cooper, staff writer

By Olivia Nunnery Staff Writer

Starting gymnastics at a young age, sophomore Logan Thompson has become quite the performer while bending both his legs behind his head.

Can you touch your nose with your tongue?

Can you twist your arm backward?

Can you make your eyelids go inside out?

Can you turn your thumb backward?

Can you roll your eyes into your head?

Well, if you can, you’re like these seven students at Shores who have their own unique trick.

Finger-bending flair Freshman Elizabeth Fritz learned the hard away about her double jointed index and pinky finger.

“I did it once, and I thought my finger was broken because it was stuck in that form,” Fritz said. “Then, it popped back into the way it was, and I’ve been able to do it since.”

She said she enjoys the thrill of showing off Fritz her trick and loves the reactions she gets after moving her index finger in a way unique to her.

“When I showed people, they thought it was cool and weird,” Fritz said. “It’s kind of cool. I don’t know a lot of people who can do it.” – Olivia Nunnery, staff writer

Since before she can remember, junior Elayna Madl has been able to pop her thumb in and out of its socket, leaving others enthralled.

“One day, I was moving my thumbs, and it was moving in ways I’ve never seen any one do before,” Madl said.

M a d l said she Madl loves the reactions from others when moving her doublejointed thumb.

“I love having the ability to creep out friends and family,” Madl said. “I love that it makes me unique.” – Olivia Nunnery, staff writer

Starting gymnastics at a young age, sophomore Logan Thompson has become quite the performer while bending both his legs behind his head.

“I have always been flexible, but I was also born double-jointed, so I get a lot of my flexibility from that as well,” Thompson said.

Along with being able to bend his legs over his head, Thompson is able to do other tricks as well.

“My elbows can overextend, and it will make it look like my arms are broken,” Thompson said. “I can put one

leg over my head and hop on the other.”

Thompson’s parents saw his talents and couldn’t keep him away from gymnastics any longer.

“I randomly kicked myself in the eye one day, and my parents decided to put me into gymnastics,” Thompson said Thompson said he enjoys the thrill of being able to wow anyone with his talents.

“Not very many people have the ability to dislocate their shoulder on command without it hurting, and not many people can put their legs behind their head either, so it makes it pretty special and different,” Thompson said.

CRAZY Human Tricks

Eye-opening experiences Freshman Alyssa Munson said she can make her eyebrows “walk” by raising each eyebrow one at a time, as fast as she can.

“I could always raise my right eyebrow since the age of eight,” Munson said. “I always have to have things even, so I was upset when I couldn’t also raise my left brow.”

Munson said her eagerness to have both brows “walk” even led her young self to sit down and train her left eyebrow to raise the same way. She said after starting off raising them both slowly, Munson she has now learned to do it fast.

“It is cool to me that my little 8-year-old self sat down and trained my eyebrow to do this,” Munson said. “I would look in the mirror and push my left brow up and my right brow down, and eventually, it just took.” – Maya Cooper, staff writer

Ear-wiggling skill Hildreth

Sophomore Saraya Hildreth loves showcasing her earwiggling talent to her friends.

“I discovered that I could wiggle my ears when I was young and comparing my tricks with my other friends,” Hildreth

At age 7, junior Nadia Bishop was introduced to a boy at school who could shake his eyes.

“He told a story about a man who shook his eyes for so long that they stayed like that permanently,” Bishop said. “The story was intriguing enoug, so I had to try it.”

She said she enjoys doing this trick because she finds it entertaining to weird people out Bishop during a conversation.

“Adults usually just stare and pretend they didn’t see anything,” Bishop said. “But, kids are easily impressed and often want me to teach them how to do it.” – Maya Cooper, staff writer

said. “When my friends would show me that they’re double jointed, I’d show that I can move my ears.”

Hildreth has even done research about her trick and has uncovered a lot of facts about it.

“I’ve found that not many people can do this trick,” Hildreth said. “I’ve learned that I’m able to use muscles that have become functionless for some people over time.”

– Olivia Nunnery, staff writer

features

The Sailors’ Log

February 11, 2021

T Top op of of the the T Tree ree

Music is light at end of senior’s dark tunnel

By Grace Opsommer Staff Writer Music is often used as an outlet for people to express their emotions that are otherwise hard to describe.

For senior Vela Cabrera, the Angel of this year’s Singing Christmas Tree, this outlet is nothing less than familiar.

“Ever since I was little music had an impact on my life,” Cabrera said. “When things were rough, I would just go into my room, listen to music, and sing my heart out to songs.”

Cabrera is no stranger to the choir program; in fact, she has been in choir ever since she moved to the Shores district in seventh grade. “(I love choir because I love) meeting new friends, having new experiences throughout school with Tree and Pops, and just having something to look forward to everyday,” Cabrera said.

For some, choir can be a

competition: competing to get solos, competing to get into Singers, the top choir, but for Cabrera, this is anything but the case.

“The different choirs don’t really matter to me,” Cabrera said. “If you get into a top choir, I’m happy for you, but to me, it’s just, ‘I’m in a choir, and that’s all I need.’ I have friends in my class, I would even call them family, my choir family.”

In the midst of what seemed like a never-ending storm, Cabrera received some of the best news involving her passion for music.

“I found out that I was going to be the Angel during the beginning of winter break when I got a phone call from (choir director Shawn) Lawton saying I was picked as this year’s Angel,” Cabrera said. “I was shocked and didn’t say anything for a few seconds when he told me the good news; then, after the call ended, I started to cry.”

Being the angel has its own significance to Cabrera as she

described it as being the best thing that has happened to her in the past two years after losing both her uncle and grandfather.

“My uncle was my godfather, so it was really hard for me to take that news,” Cabrera said. “After my uncle passed away, things weren’t going too well for my grandpa. Right before I went back to school for my senior year, (my grandpa) passed away (too). I was just getting my happiness back after my uncle passed away; I was getting to where I felt like I could handle this again until another obstacle just hit my life.”

But music was one thing that Cabrera could always turn to during her hard times. And even through these difficult times, she still remained positive.

“Vela is always kind, always nice, always smiling, and she makes the class nice and lighthearted and fun,” Lawton said. “I always felt like she thought just being in choir was a privilege and a lot of fun.”

9

Senior Vela Cabrera, the Angel of this year’s Tree, which was canceled due to COVID protocols, brings an optimistic outlook to the choir atmosphere.

Choir program makes adjustments after Tree concert canceled

Retrospective

Ripple of Hope

By Grace Opsommer Staff Writer

By Grace Opsommer Staff Writer

Knowing it would be unlikely for the Singing Christmas Tree to take place in December due to COVID, choir director Shawn Lawton began looking for alternatives.

And when the Frauenthal Theatre, where the event takes place, closed, it was a done deal.

So Lawton put together America’s Tallest Singing Christmas Tree, A Look Back on local TV to provide viewers with highlights from Tree performances of the past 10 years.

“It was cool to see clips of the show from different years, and it brought back all the memories I’ve made the past two years of doing Tree,” junior Rebecca Powell said.

Lawton made sure that this year’s choir members were included too.

Along with “Siyahamba,” the

In the midst of a crazy year, choir director Shawn Lawton has been determined to carry on the Singing Christmas Tree’s 35-year legacy with a brand new performance unlike anything from the past.

Originally, the idea was to perform a “Tree of Hope” concert event in 2021, but when COVID restrictions continued, Lawton had to make a change; now, the choir program is working on a show called “Ripple of Hope,” which is scheduled to take place March 5.

And the show will not only 8include holiday tunes.

“The music we were working on at the beginning

Members of this year’s choir brave the cold weather in December to perform “Siyahamba,” which was included in a retrospective show on local TV. (Photo by Warren Kent III) classic, candle-lit processional piece, there were student specialty acts pre-recorded for the Retrospective.

“I was extremely disappointed when we could not have an

actual Tree concert,” Powell said.

“Watching the Tree Retrospective made me miss everything that made the Tree one of the most wonderful times of the year.”

of the year was Broadway, musical theater stuff, and we thought, there’s some really great songs in this that would be really cool to do in Tree,” Lawton said. “We have fantastic music. It’s a really powerful program that is very timely with everything that is going on; it’s almost scary sometimes. I’m excited to present this kind of show to people. It’s something we never do in Tree and will likely never do again.”

This new show is much more than just a performance for the students involved. It’s a way to let them truly be themselves.

“Everyone shines in different ways,” Lawton said.

“Choir is one way we can help students become stars.”

10 February 11, 2021

features

What’s in a Name?

Family, 2001 film inspires junior’s name

By Brady Whalen Staff Writer Junior Tamia Williams’ name follows a family pattern but also features a family favorite film.

“When my parents got married, they both ended up having the initials TLW,” Williams said. “They thought it was pretty cool, so they gave the initials to me and my siblings as well.”

However, Williams’ name holds a bit more meaning behind just following the family pattern.

“My mom wanted to give me a name with ‘Mia’ in it because she is a huge fan of the protagonist of The Princess Diaries,” Williams said. “In order to stick to the tradition, they just put a ‘Ta’ at the beginning of my name.”

For Williams, she was not always receptive to the name she was given.

“I used to really not like my name,” Williams said. “My parents would always talk about it to try to convince me that it was a good one.”

Even though Williams is a fan of her name these days, she has yet to get into the books that her namesake originates from.

“I never really got into the books,” Williams said. “However, I always enjoyed the movies. I still have hope that the third one will come out.”

Senior feels connection to ancestor Senior Lillis Lake shares her namesake with her great-grandmother.

“My great-grandmother, Lillis Katz, was an eccentric little woman, the definition of a ‘kooky cat lady,’” Lake said. “My mom first saw a picture of her when she was pregnant with me. (My grandmother) unfortunately passed a year and a day before I was born, but my mom loved her story and wanted to continue her memory.

Even though I never met her, I’ve been learning more Lake about her recently. It helps me to feel more connected to where I came from.” – Brady Whalen, staff writer

Parents’ African trip continually influences freshman

Hooker

Freshman Egypt Hooker’s name comes from a mishap her parents had a short while before she was born.

“My dad was going to surprise my mom with a trip to Egypt for Valentine’s Day, but a few days before they were supposed to leave, my mom got sick,”

Junior Freyja Warneke is named after a Norse goddess.

“My dad is part of the Norse religion.

Freyja is a very powerful goddess, so that’s where the inspiration came from.

I have known the origin of my name for as long as I can remember, and it is something that I take pride in.”

Freshman Marshall Aerts said his parents saw an opportunity that they could not pass up.

“My name is Marshall Aerts, pronounced like martial arts. My parents have never been into martial arts, but my dad thought that it would be funny to make it my name. Although I have never practiced martial arts, I might give it a try someday.”

Religious upbringing source of pride, joy for sophomore

For sophomore JT Foster-Thomas, his name has always meant something extra.

“My full name is Jeremiah Christopher Foster-Thomas. My parents wanted me to have a biblical name, so they named me Jeremiah,” Foster-Thomas said.

Foster-Thomas said his Christian faith has been incredibly important to him and his family for generations.

“My grandpa is the pastor of a church that his dad [JT’s great-grandfather] was the pastor of from 1968 until his passing in 2002,” Foster-Thomas said. “I play the drums and am an usher for the church. For me and my dad’s side, God is a big part of our lives.”

While Foster-Thomas’ name connects him to his Foster-Thomas faith, it also brings him closer to his dad.

“My nickname [JT] is because of Jeremiah Thomas but also because it is my dad’s name,” he said. “He owns a barbershop called JT’s Starting Lineup. It’s always cool when people call me JT in public and say, ‘Oh yeah, you’re my barber’s son.’” – Brady Whalen, staff writer

The Sailors’ Log

Hooker said. “Eventually, she found out that she was pregnant. They decided that if the baby was a girl, they would name her Egypt.”

Although Hooker’s parents never made it to Egypt, they hope to make it there soon.

“We hope to make it there by the end of next year,” Hooker said. “I am so amazed

by Egyptian culture. It is one of the main reasons why I want to go to Egypt so badly. I can’t wait to be able to learn more while I’m there.” – Brady Whalen, staff writer

Freshman Ka’Mya Chapman’s parents decided to name her after a famous singer.

“I’m named after the singer Mya from the early 2000s.

My parents were young, and she was my father’s favorite. Also, Ka’Mya is an African name that means capable. After I was born in 2006, it became a popular name.”

Junior Mazarine Linderman has never met anyone else that shares her name.

“My parents named me after a butterfly that’s native to Europe. They just really liked the name. To this day, I have never met anyone who shares the same name as me.”

sports

The Sailors’ Log

February 11, 2021

The WAITING Game

After long pause, winter sports set to start

By Alison Sewick Staff Writer Winter can be a difficult season to get through no matter the circumstances, but with no sports or activities to look forward to, this year has been harder than ever.

Fortunately, on Feb. 4, it was announced that contact sports are allowed to fully begin their seasons.

Todd Conrad, our Athletic Director, has been dealing with these constant changes being made, while trying to find an approach that works.

“It was really just a waiting game,” Conrad said. “We’re currently working on a new schedule since the new announcement from the Governor and MHSAA.” School administrators from Shores (and other schools) have been trying to help open the state back up regarding high school athletics and have luckily seen success with their efforts. “(Superintendent Bill) O’Brien and (principal Jennifer) Bustard,

Bowling

have been lobbying for a resumption of high school sports since the extension was announced on January 22,” Conrad said.

“They were actively advocating on behalf of our student athletes in an attempt to let them have some sort of season.”

Like Conrad, other athletic directors were trying to be optimistic about the future, but are now grateful that student athletes have the chance to compete this winter season.

“The hardest part was knowing that time was running out for our seniors,” Conrad said. “Our kids work really hard and their parents make a lot of sacrifices for their kids to have a senior year as a Mona Shores athlete. Overall, I’m just really grateful that we were able to open up Michigan high school sports and give the kids a chance to play. They’ve all been extremely strong during this and I know it’ll pay off.”

The latest announcements means winter sports could start this week.

“It’s been hard to stay positive. Having no idea what will happen is a hard thing to deal with.” – Seth Abbey, freshman

Boys Swim & Dive “Our coach keeps us motivated, and he encourages us to work harder. He has been incredible during these times and has been keeping our spirits up.”

– James Spencer, freshman

Junior Ethan Krueger, a varsity basketball player, was one of many students awaiting word for winter sports to begin.

The announcement for the resumption of winter sports came on Feb. 4. (Photo by Warren Kent III)

“This season has made us appreciate cheer. Kids used to complain about practice, but this year, they just want to be with their team.” – Amanda Heethuis, coach

“I found resilience in my team. They have kept me going and have kept reminding me of what our goal is: state.” – Katy Kramer, sophomore

“It’s been hard to stay motivated, but the eventual return to the mat is the main motivation for all of us.” – Gavin Stout, sophomore

Winter sports, which were supposed to originally start in early November, have yet to begin as contact sports (basketball, wrestling, hockey, competitive cheer) cannot practice or compete; however, non-contact sports (bowling, gymnastics and swimming) may begin.

On Jan. 14, it was announced that contact sports could begin practices within the following two days, and competitions would resume on Feb. 1, but those plans did not go into action.

Competitive Cheer

Wrestling

TIMELINE FOR WINTER SPORTS

In mid-November, it was announced that winter sports would resume early January 2021.

C oaches, athletes speak up

“We’ve developed a bond through hardship and missed bowling as a team.” – Caleb Leonard, junior

11

Boys’ Basketball “We all want a season so badly, and we are doing as much as we can to keep each other in check.” – JT Johnson, junior

“The hardest part of all of this is the uncertainty. Being a senior, all I want is to be out there with my team.” – Drew Southland, senior

Girls’ Basketball

“I’m excited to see our team maximize their potential when we finally have the opportunity to play.” – Mike Phillips, coach “It is super frustrating to get hit with another rock but, we are trying to stay optimistic and look at the positives.” – Riley Rosenthal, senior

On Jan. 25, it was announced that contact sports, basketball, wrestling, hockey and competitive cheer, would remain on pause for contact activities, including competition until Feb. 21.

On Jan. 30, many studentathletes and coaches, including a few from Shores, attended the “Let Us Play” rally at the Capitol Building in Lansing in an attempt to persuade policymakers to allow competition.

As of Feb. 2, there has been strong push from MHSAA, as well as student athletes, coaches and administration of Michigan high schools to let all winter sports resume as scheduled.

On Feb. 4, the MHSAA and Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that contact sports are allowed to begin both contact practices and competitions as of Feb. 8, with the exception of wrestling and competitive cheer, which are able to start competitions on Feb. 12.

12 February 11, 2021

sports

RUNNING TO...

The Sailors’ Log How Shores won its 2nd state title

With 9:30 left in the first quarter, senior Brady Rose put Shores on top 6-0 with a 12-yard touchdown run.

---------With 1:16 left in the second quarter, junior Elijah Johnson (pictured) extended the Sailors lead to 13-0 before halftime with a 9-yard run.

---------After De La Salle got on the board with 9:12 left in the third quarter to make it 13-7, senior Keondre Pierce increased Shores lead to 19-7 after a 10yard rushing touchdown with 9:25 left in the game.

---------De La Salle once again made it a one-possession game at 19-13 with 7:58 left, but Rose scored from four yards out for a 25-13 Sailor lead with 1:47 remaining.

---------The Pilots closed out the scoring with 16 seconds left for the final margin of 25-19.

Undefeated Sailors win back-to-back state titles

By Mike Meekhof Staff Writer

On a cold October day in 2019, Shores suffered one of the most humiliating losses in Matt Koziak’s tenure as head coach, falling 53-0 to crosstown rival Muskegon in a game where the Sailors had a total of negative two yards of offense.

However, two state championships later, Shores hasn’t lost since.

“You talk about humility, you’re playing really good football, you think you are (a good team too), and then all the sudden, you get put in your place a little bit,” Koziak said. “The kids were so good with their response to that as far as watching film.

You know, film, especially bad film, is like medicine. It doesn’t taste good, but you take it and get better, and that’s what they did.”

That Big Reds loss motivated Shores to win the state title after the 2019 season and again after the 2020 season, which ended Jan. 22 due to COVID-19, when the Sailors defeated Warren De La Salle 25-19 at Ford Field.

Since the loss to Muskegon, the Sailors

have won 18 straight games, including six where they were tied or trailed in the fourth quarter.

“These kids, there’s no quit in them,” Koziak said. They never feel like they’re out of a game.”

On top of that, there was more than just football to focus on, especially during this past season.

On July 29, the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) announced that football was cleared to start non-contact practices on Aug. 10. However, four days later, the MHSAA announced that the fall football season had been moved to the spring of 2021. That announcement came while the Sailors were in the middle of practice.

At the end of that practice in August, Koziak addressed his team by saying, “I don’t know how else to say it; football got moved to the spring. We can’t control it, but I was telling you varsity guys that (the MHSAA) can do all of this stuff, and we’ll still find a way to win.”

On Sept. 3, the MHSAA had a change of heart and announced that the football season has been reinstated with games starting on

Sept. 18.

“Excited, relieved,” Koziak said in September during a practice following fall football’s return. “It was great because I know it would’ve been difficult to be able to play in the spring, so it was great for the kids to be able to have their fall season.”

Following two months of football, the season was again shut down after the Sailors won a district championship against Caledonia when the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced a ban on contact sports Nov. 15.

Many, including Koziak, thought the season was over at that point.

“To be honest, I didn’t think it was coming back,” Koziak said. “(I thought) how in the world are these kids going to be able to finish.”

Then on Dec. 18, the MDHHS announced a rapid-testing pilot program that allowed for the completion of fall sports. The pilot program required that every player and coach get tested for COVID-19 three times per week.

The Sailors returned to practice, played their first game in nearly two months on

Jan. 9, and finally on Jan. 22, Shores beat state powerhouse Warren De La Salle at Ford Field for a second consecutive championship.

“These kids have been on an emotional roller coaster, up and down and up and down, the three-week pause, and then, we ask our kids to come back after weeks off without football,” Koziak said. “(It’s) a credit to these young people for being resilient and fighting to the end.”

This “fight to the end” was a team effort, but senior Brady Rose, Shores’ “Mr. Do It All,” was the leading contributor.

“This was the end of the story, the last chapter of my time at Shores, and it ended with a bang,” said Rose, who was MLive’s Player of the Year.

Now, the Sailors can celebrate something no other team in Shores history could accomplish, a perfect 12-0 season as backto-back state champions.

“It means a lot, especially my senior year, we went through a lot to get to this point,” senior lineman Bryce Sikkenga said. “The whole team did, and it feels good to know that our hard work paid off.”