Senior Profiles pg. 2
Supreme Court Decision pg. 6
Goodbye Late Starts pg. 8
Tumultuous Ticket Quandary pg. 5
The Bolt
thebolt.dearbornschools.org
MAY 2009
EDSEL FORD HIGH SCHOOL
DEARBORN, MI
Can You Hear Me Now?
A
By CAMERON SHANE
s the entire school should know by now, teachers and administration alike have recently started cracking down on students for their usage of cell phones and mp3 players during school hours. Their pursuit to ban such electronics from being even the slightest bit visible has resulted in many students taking extreme caution before popping in ear buds or checking a text message at the risk of having their beloved electronics taken away and submitted to the office. “I think it’s stupid that
they’ve been stricter about phones lately because everyone still uses them anyway, and people aren’t going to pay attention one way or another, however I have found myself to be less likely to pull out my phone just to check a text because I don’t want my parents to have to come in to get it back for me,” said Brandon Evans, 10. Many students have shown feelings similar to Evans, and one sophomore offered an unlikely solution to the predicament. “I use my Zune and my cell phone almost every second I can in all of my classes, but I think that the best way to stop students from using them would be to say that we can use them because then I wouldn’t feel like I have to disobey,” said Alejandro Pardo, 10. As displayed by Evans and Pardo’s comments, an overwhelming portion of students are in protest with the newly reinforced rules, however one student has managed to find light at the end of the tunnel. “I don’t necessarily like not
being able to text in class, but that students don’t completely I think it’s good that we’re understand the obviousness of not allowed to because it’s a their actions. huge distraction sometimes “Kids drive me crazy with and I think my grades, and my their cell phones because they parents, appreciate any extra think that they are all slick concentration on my work,” when they have them out, said Brianna Cabut teachers ruso, 9. what “Taking someone’s know With students they’re nearly all on the phone away brings doing,” same side, the Mrs. me joy because said opposing force Schuck. is clearly the What kids think they can teachers. But how the future do whatever they holds for do they really feel about phones cell phones want...” and mp3 players and mp3 in school? One math teacher players at school is uncertain, made her opinion loud and as it cannot be known whether clear. teachers with continue their “I agree with our policy stand against electronics, or because using phones during just become apathetic with the school is a distraction, and it upcoming summer break. detracts from the learning proA tenth grader blames the cess. Taking someone’s phone teachers less than appealaway brings me joy because ing classes for the continued kids think they can do whatproblem, and offers yet another ever they want and break the unlikely solution to this issue. rules without getting caught, “If school was more fun and that makes it fun to see no one would have a reason to them get in trouble,” said Ms. bring an iPod and that would O’Rourke. solve the school’s problem. As expected, O’Rourke I only take mine out when was not the only teacher who I’m bored and I think it’s the had something to say about same for everyone else, and it cell phones being used couldn’t be that hard for teachduring school. New ers to add more fun activities to the school, this his- into their lesson plans,” said tory teacher believes Craig Henderson, 10.
Features Congratulations EDSEL FORD HIGH SCHOOL
MAY 2009
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By HANAN MURSHED here do you see yourself after college or even after high school? Edsel Ford has a handful of seniors who are off to an amazing start in life. This doesn’t mean it’s too late for anyone else. The Bolt wants to recognize these hardworking 2009 Thunderbirds. Congratulations to the class of 2009 graduates and remember Go Thunderbirds!
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Name & Age
Laila Ali, 18
GPA
3.99
College Attending in the Fall
Wayne State University
Chosen Major and Why
Biology leading to a degree in pharmacy; I like chemistry and biology and I wanted a job in the medical field.
Role Model
My family has inspired me throughout my educational career and I believe that their confidence in me is what helped shaped the individual I am today.
Words to Live By
“It is better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret.”- Jackie Kersee
Advice to underclassmen
Don’t slack off and take advantage of all the opportunities Edsel has to offer because in the end it will pay off.
Name & Age
Kim Mattern, 17
GPA
3.0
College Attending in the Fall
Western Michigan University
Chosen Major and Why
Theater or video editing because I enjoy musical theater and being on stage but besides that, I love filming and taking different clips and putting them together in a movie. The finished project is editing. Entertaining people is a great thing to do for the world when the world is in such a bad state.
Role Model
Anyone who has the guts and patience to make it to Broadway (it’s not easy!)
Words to Live By
“Sometimes it’s just good to tilt your head to the right gaze off into the distance and let your mind go.” -J.D. from the T.V. show Scrubs
Name & Age
Anese Yaffai, 17
GPA
4.0
College Attending in the Fall
University of Michigan Dearborn
Chosen Major and Why
Pre Med so I can help others, it’s highly encouraged by many, and it’s a field that is always growing and needs more people.
Role Model
My parents because they push me to do my bes and taught me what I need to know to be successful.
Name & Age
Annika Doner, 18
GPA
4.23
College Attending in the Fall
University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Words to Live By
Chosen Major and Why
Environmental Science because I want to help keep the Earth clean and clean up all the damage humans have done.
La ilaha ilallah, Muhammed rasool allah which means there’s no God but one and Muhammed is God’s prophet. Always have an open mind.
Role Model
Advice to underclassmen
Franklin D. Roosevelt, he did what he thought would help the country through it toughest times, even when the Republicans tried to stop him.
Words to Live By
“It’s hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.“ -Roy Disney
Advice to underclassmen
Get ready to apply for colleges and scholarships. It’s a ton of work but it may be worth it it.
Features Class of 2009! EDSEL FORD HIGH SCHOOL
MAY 2009
Name & Age
Mary Clutter, 17
GPA
4.1
College Attending in the Fall
University of Chicago (where the fun goes to die!)
Chosen Major and Why
Mathematics with a premed intent because math is the only thing I’m good at and I’m really interested in diseases and alternative medicines.
Role Model
Dr. Temperance Brennan from the T.V. shoe Bones because she is ridiclously smart and nerdy and she’s the best in her field.
Words to Live By
Advice to underclassmen
“Where do masters find their apprentices? Not on CraigsList...I checked.” -Dr. Sweets from Bones “I don’t know what that means.” -Dr. Temperance Brennan from Bones If you want to have to do when you have to do it, a time will come when you can do what you want when you want to do it.
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Name & Age
Megan Filipowski, 17
GPA
4.02
College Attending in the Fall
Spring Arbor University
Chosen Major and Why
Professional Writing; I want to use my gift of words to benefit others and share my experiences with the world. I feel that I connect better with people through the things I write and maybe one thing I say will have an impact on someone somewhere.
Role Model
My mother and grandmother. They are both strong women and have always been there for me. They’ve showed me what hard work can accomplish and that no goal is out of reach. They remind me that I can always reach the stars.
Words to Live By
“Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” -Babe Ruth Take risks, you can’t steal second with your foot on first. Do more than talk, say something.
Advice to underclassmen
Don’t be afraid to be yourself because you’ll find the people that will walk with you in your journey through high school and maybe beyond. As Dr. Suess says, “Be yourself and express your true feelings because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”
Name & Age
Cindy Wan, 17
GPA
4.17
College Attending in the Fall
University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Chosen Major and Why
Biomedical Engineering because I’m intrigued by the idea of developing new medical technologies, and I’m choosing to take advantage of my gift in math.
Role Model
My grandma. She put herself through college and beat down those who stood in her way of success.
Words to Live By
No matter what your mom tells you, you are not the best and you are not the most amazing person in the world. Learn to make the most of what you are and prove to yourself that you deserve to be in this world.
Advice to underclassmen
Honestly, you are going to end up working for a high school nerd one day. No one gives a crap how cool you think you are now if you’re going to end up living in a van down by the river
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Sports MAY 2009
EDSEL FORD HIGH SCHOOL
PAGE 4
Softball Hits It Out of the Park
By LORI BOETTGER
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his year’s varsity softball team is off to a good start; having a new coach and a new field has not set them back one bit. The var2009 Varsity Softball Team sity softball team’s new coach, Mike Moyer, has formerly coached the varsity baseball team at Ypsilanti and is now a teacher at Lowery Middle School. The girls have played ten games with a record of 5-5, beating Crestwood twice, Redford Thurston, Romulus, and Annapolis. They lost to Redford Union, Romulus, Taylor Kennedy, Woodhaven, and Melvindale.
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The first home game on the new field was victorious for the Thunderbirds, beating Crestwood 9-6. That game only marked the beginning of the season; there are still many games to play at home to break in the new field. There are five returning seniors, Katrina Koehn, Stephanie Greeson, Holly Tebelman, Annika Doner, and Danielle Boettger. There are also some returning juniors on the team including Lori Boettger and Sarah Irish. Finally, there is one returning sophomore, Lauren Johnson. “It’s different with a new coach, but we are learning a lot and it is paying off in the field,” said Katrina Koehn, 12. For the most up-to-date scores and highlights, see http://thebolt.dearbornSenior captain Katrina schools.org. Koehn pitches the ball
To Play or Not to Play?
By MICHELLE GAEDKE any high school athletes hope to eventually play at the college level. Continuing to compete in athletics in college begins in high school with academics, and it is very important to be eligible to play. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Clearinghouse is set up to provide guidelines and to ensure that all potential college athletes meet the requirements. So what does it take to be eligible? First, all athletes must graduate from high school. Students must complete at least 16 courses approved by the Clearinghouse if they wish to play at the Division I level and at least 14
courses if they wish to play Division II. Next, students must meet the GPA requirement. The GPA of Division I athletes follows the sliding scale provided by the Clearinghouse and GPA for Division II athletes must be at least a 2.0. Athletes must receive a qualifying score for either the ACT or SAT, which is also shown on the sliding scale. Lastly, all college-bound athletes must complete a questionnaire and receive amateurism certification. After fulfilling all of the academic requirements, the next step is understanding the recruiting process. College coaches have strict rules, and depending on the sport, there
are different periods throughout the year when an athlete can be contacted. Coaches are also restricted on the amount of phone calls they are allowed, however, prospective athletes can call coaches at any time. Next it is important to take visits to college campuses. Athletes are allowed up to five official visits and as many unofficial visits as they like. After making a decision, the final step of recruitment is committing by signing the
National Letter of Intent. The truth is, not everyone has the opportunity to play sports at the college level. To have the best chance at making it, it is important to first meet all the academic requirements. After this take the initiative. Many excellent athletes are overlooked because they do not ask questions, do research, and contact colleges.
Editorials EDSEL FORD HIGH SCHOOL
MAY 2009
Seven Just Won’t Cut It
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Has this year’s senior class paid too high of a price for previous miscues?
By LAUREN VALLEE—EDITORIAL
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ongratulations, class of 2009!
We are graduating June 6! I hope your families weren’t planning on traveling from across the country to see you walk at commencement, because chances are, seven tickets for your entire family might just be insufficient—better tell the rest to stay home. Instead of having an open graduation ceremony, seniors will be limited to seven tickets per student, and anyone wanting to attend the ceremony will need a ticket to get in. These tickets are interchangeable; for example, if a senior only has three family members attending, they can give their other four tickets away to a friend, etc. This year, the layout for the commencement ceremony will be radically different than previous years. For the graduation ceremonies of ’06 and ’07, graduates were seated facing the goalposts, with the stage situated roughly in the end zone nearest to the school. Family and friends could choose to sit in either the home or away bleachers, and anybody was free to attend. For the class of ’09 commencement, seating will be limited to the home bleachers only, with the stage in the center, and graduates seated facing the stands, flanking the stage. This setup is similar to that of Dearborn High’s com-
mencement ceremonies, two of which I attended, to see both of my cousins graduate in ’06 and ’08. According to Mr. Jaafar, the decision to re-vamp commencement was made to create a more intimate, tight-knit atmosphere for our ceremony. Also, during the commencement of ’07, a fence was broken by a large group of people, and since less people will be attending the ’09 ceremony, it will be easier for security guards and the police force to control the crowd. I share Mr. Jaafar’s sentiment that commencement should be a dignified and formal affair, free of riffraff with air horns and obnoxious noisemakers, along with those who have no reason to attend other than to cause trouble. However, by limiting seniors to seven tickets per family, we enter into a Faustian bargain whose moral consequences clearly outweigh the benefits. Students will have to choose who from their family and circle of friends they will be able to invite, which in some cases will tear families apart. I have a relatively small immediate family, but still anticipate issues with the number of tickets we’re allotted. After a tally of who needs to be invited, I am still at least one ticket short, not even including my extended family, several pairs of aunts and uncles, and
friends who happen to be underclassmen. How does the administration expect us to choose? I cannot even imagine explaining to my cousin why she’ll be left out of my graduation. Perhaps it would go something like, “Sorry, but even though I got to see you walk last year at DHS, you don’t get to come to my commencement because you didn’t quite make the list of who gets a ticket. But hey, you’re still invited to my grad party, so that makes up for it, right?!” The commencement fiasco is yet another example of how the class of 2009 gets to continue to pay for previous classes’ mistakes. We witnessed it in the fall, when the leadership program was cut thanks to the blatant abuse of privileges by previous years’ officers, and our class officers were forced to plan fundraisers and school pride events outside of school. The last pep rally we had was limited to only the freshman class and Link Crew leaders, since eggs have been thrown and fights have broken out at previous rallies. We also experienced discrimination when we were no longer allowed a true Senior Pride Day, and had to re-name it “Senior Picture Day,” and “Senior Dress-Up Day,” since previous seniors thought it would be a smart idea to rent
limos and skip class. A recent bulletin in the school announcements specifically stated that “Senior DressUp Day” during Spirit Week was “NOT a Pride Day.” I’m sure the rest of the senior class appreciated that wonderfully helpful clarification as much as I did. In case anybody was confused, the instructions were to dress up, but have NO pride. Also, on “Senior Picture Day” earlier in the year, the class of ’09 missed out on breakfast and flowers, a luxury that former seniors got to enjoy. The class of ’09 took money out of their own class fund to purchase these items, in honor of the upperclassmen… It would have been nice to have the favor returned. Our class has become the victim of circumstances beyond our control, and I ardently refuse to accept the “this is what happened last time we did this” excuse that our administrators are so fond of. I understand that a small percentage of people tend to ruin things for the rest of us; however, I was not responsible for the destruction of a fence in 2007, and now my family and my fellow classmates are being punished for it. Whether or not this was the intention of the new ticket-limiting stipulation, it is simply reality. Continued on pg. 7
Editorials MAY 2009
EDSEL FORD HIGH SCHOOL
Got Prayer?
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By GABBY TOUPIN n a recent Supreme Court hearing the court decided that it would be unconstitutional for Coach Marcus Borden, a New Jersey high school football coach, to take part in a silent, student lead prayer with his team. This decision is shortsighted because religion is everywhere and many people don’t feel the need to hide their religious beliefs when they are in public. Borden has been fighting this ban on team prayer since November 2005 when Borden and his attorney Ronald Riccio filed a federal lawsuit arguing that the school district’s regulations were too strict. In 2006 a district court judge ruled that the school district’s rules were unconstitutional, but in 2008 the decision was reversed. When Riccio asked the Supreme Court to review the court decision they declined to hear Borden’s appeal. Since the prayers were being led by the students and not the coach, it proves that most students hadn’t been uncomfortable in this situation. Knowing that Coach Borden has been doing this with his team for 26 years allowed the students to know his reputation and what the normal pre-game By ALYSSA GIRARDI rituals would be. Students trying out for the team had to be aware that ecently, the Supreme Court forbade a high school the team participated in pre-game prayers and factor that into their football coach from pre-game prayer with his team decision to try out. due to the ban of religion in public schools. The deThe Supreme Court may have found this issue to be unconstitutional cision to rule this case unconstitutional was accurate because because of religious promotion, but how can that be when nothing prayer should remain a private act in public places such as was being said out loud? These prayers were silent; no student was schools. declaring the whole team’s prayer to any specific higher being. The Coach Marcus Borden declared that disallowing him to students all had the chance to direct their thoughts and prayers to their pray with his team was infringing his first amendment right own “god” or to not even pray at all and sit in the silence. No studentto free speech. However, the courts turned the situation athlete was being forced to take part in prayer, nor were they being around, saying that what Borden was doing is considered told who or what to believe in. Since students were not being forced to religious endorseworship a specific god or religious figure, by their coach, why are they ment. banned from taking this time out with their team to have a moment of Richard Katskee, silence before a game? an attorney for the Americans United for Separation of Church and State, told HighSchoolSports.nj.com, “Children have a clear right to attend public schools without religious pressures being brought to bear by school personnel.” Regardless of the beliefs of players and coaches, the values of these people should be reserved strictly for personal life. In 2005, a few Jewish players on Borden’s team complained to the superintendent about the uncomfortable ritual. These boys should be granted the right to engage in sports without having to be put into the uneasy situation of praying as a group. Coach led prayer is clearly not only unconstitutional, but morally incorrect, and the Supreme Court is justified in refusing to revisit the case of New Jersey football coach Cartoon from www.blogspot.com, unknown author Marcus Borden.
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Editorials MAY 2009
EDSEL FORD HIGH SCHOOL
The End is Near...
By ALEX SYTEK t seems Detroit has taken a break from music. Since Iggy and the Stooges, since MC5, since Motown, Detroit has never really led any sort of musical revolution, and with everyone’s focus on our economic crisis, many aren’t giving our cultural crisis a second glance. Corey Rusk announced Feb. 18 that his record label, Chicago’s Touch and Go Records, is going on an official hiatus until further notice. The name may not sound all too familiar, but Touch and Go Records has been an influential distributor in the Midwest for over 20 years, propelling independent music from in and around Michigan. Bands ranging from anyone between MTV’s favorite new act TV on the Radio and short-lived Detroit hardcore punk band Negative Approach have all made their mark through the Touch and Go name. But what does this mean for the rest of the Midwest? Being a leading distributor, the halting of Touch and Go directly affects the progress of
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other major independent labels. Worst case scenario in my mind, this leads to a chain reaction of self-destructing independent record labels throughout the eastern U.S. But I’m going to take the optimistic (and realistic) perspective and say that as long as we’re listening, they’re going to keep recording. So let’s look at the other way this could turn.
Losing one independent record label is not signaling the death of indie music altogether. If anything, this noble sacrifice is feeding the underground wave of doit-yourself production that is flooding the internet. All over the world, the country, and even Michigan right now are do-ityourself labels and distributors who focus on promoting local and obscure artists. AA Records of Detroit, and Hanson Records and American Tapes of Ann Arbor, for
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instance, are prime examples of do-ityourself labels popping up in Michigan to showcase the weird, the noisy, and those you wouldn’t hear otherwise. Homemade tapes and CD-Rs created by local artists from our own communities are reaching all over the continent thanks to the likes of labels like these. Thanks to the internet, people anywhere are able to write and record their own music right from their own home if they like, and thanks to this do-it-yourself mentality the inspiration is perpetual. Although it’s probably safe to say that most of these artists won’t be flying in private jets and sipping champagne anytime soon, that’s not necessarily the primary goal for most of these artists. But who am I to say who will make it and who won’t? As a matter of fact, just a mere 20 years ago Touch and Go Records itself started out only as a few friends photocopying fanzines and bootlegging their first live shows.
‘09 Suffers, Tickets Don’t Suffice By LAUREN VALLEE — EDITORIAL I have attended every graduation I could since I was a freshman here at Edsel Ford. I have friends whose siblings graduated in ’06, had friends of my own graduate in ’07, and unfortunately did not get to see the class of ’08 walk since I did not have a ticket to the ceremony. However, limiting attendees at the ‘08 commencement was a reasonable concession at
continued from pg. 5
the time, because it was held indoors at U of M Dearborn. Students had only six tickets per family given the change in venue, since our field was under construction at the time. I’m still trying to wrap my head around why we have to hand out tickets for admission into our brand new outdoor stadium. But it’s not just my own personal connections to the
graduates that explain my desire to attend the previous commencement ceremonies. It’s about respect for those who have gone before me and completed their high school years. It’s about school pride. Watching the seniors become graduates of Edsel Ford High School is just something that the underclassmen need to be a part of. So, my fellow ‘09ers, if
you find yourselves with any extra tickets, feel free to send them my way. Underclassmen, if you find yourselves without a ticket, I don’t blame you for considering the alternative of hopping the fence.
Current Events MAY 2009
EDSEL FORD HIGH SCHOOL
Quiet for a Lacking Late Starts Day L S By MIKENZIE FROST ilence is usually something that is associated with school, but on this day, it is anything but usual.
PAGE 8 STAFF 2009
The Mice Slayer: Rydzik Editors-in-Chief: Megan Filipowski, Lauren Vallee Copy Editor: Deanna Suleiman Managing Editor: Lindsay Finnerty By MAY ASKAR Sports Editor: ate start has recently ended and that means Amber Kolts Layout/Web Design: goodbye to sleeping in on Wednesdays. Donovan Golich, Scott Werth Late start originally began at Fordson Seniors: High School and there are other schools who partici- Rana Alhadi, Mike Boettger, pate in late start throughout other districts for differ- Haley Bowers, Michelle Gaedke, Cedrick Gulley, Kaent reasons. So what is the exact reason for late start? It was fah Hussein, Andrew Lyon, Bianca Osbourne, Allison started so that teachers could hold their meetings in Petlichkoff, Alex Sytek, Nina the morning. But will it continue next year? Most Toupin Juniors: say that it probably will. Danielle Aguirre, Lori “I feel more relaxed on late starts, I don’t have Boettger, Safa Kaid, Mariam to worry about getting up early and being late to Mohamed, Cari Moore, Emily class,” says Jamila Mothana, 10. Moreno, Gabby Toupin Sophomores: Late starts could be used for a variety of things. Jeff Abdullah, May Askar, For example, you could use late starts for extra Mikenzie Frost, Alyssa Gistudy time, tutoring, eating a good breakfast, and of rardi, Dakota Joseph, Hanan course catching up on your sleep. Murshed, Chelsea RavasaniAsl, Cameron Shane, Jesse The disadvantages of late start are that some Shupe, Sara Yaffai students are even reluctant to go to their first hour
On April 24, students took a stand for what they believed in by participating in the Day of Silence, a student-led national event that brings attention to anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender name calling, bullying and harassment in schools. The Day of Silence started in 1996 and has been practiced at Edsel for three classes on late start. Other times, students are comyears. It has ing into their turned into the largest student- morning classes later than usual. led national “I don’t event in the dislike late United States. starts, it’s a good Students at Edsel opportunity for usually stay the teachers to silent throughout collaborate, it’s the whole day, but other students talk during class, and only going to get stay silent during breaks, such as lunch and passing more efficient time. “I do the day of Silence to show my support of les- over time,” says bian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and protest Mr. Schleif. “I love late starts,” says Mohamad Farhat, 10. the oppression against them,” states Molly Mentor, 10. To break the silence, students participated in a special Breaking of the Silence Ceremony after school. They met in a big circle and talked at once. Then the students moved to Ford Field where they shared their experiences throughout the day, enjoyed food, and watched various performances. “People need to realize that they have to be accepting of other people in the world. The Day of Silence is a good way to bring attention to all the people that get mistreated in school and out of school,” exclaims Bruce Brown, 10.
MISSION STATEMENT The Bolt staff is committed to bring the Edsel Ford student body and administration newsworthy articles that will educate, inform and entertain in a reliable and timely fashion while maintaining the district wide core values and contributing to the overall pride of our school.
EDITORIAL POLICY FOR LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Bolt welcomes your opinions on stories or editorials featured within the paper. The editorial staff reserves the right to print and edit letters. Authors of edited letters must be verified before consideration for final printing. Anonymous letters will not be accepted.