May 27th Issue

THE

FOCUS

Midland High School | May 27, 2016 | Volume 38, Issue 9

Drummer Boys Sophomores Fischer Genau and Connor Robertson have been family friends since they were young, and grew up sharing a passion for drumming.

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Inside this month:

Hot spots Up North

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Softball Coach Michelle Ignatowski

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International Students Ian Andridge| Photo

SENIOR ISSUE

4-7: Hall of fame

The Focus honors the top students from eight different categories, ranging from athletics to school spirit.

8-9: Senior timeline

The most significant apps, movies, and songs, along with the most memorable events of high school, from freshman to senior year.

10: Colleges

Seniors are featured under the college they will be attending next year.

CONTENTS

11: Senior survey

Seniors share their advice and confessions, in addition to senior favorites, such as teachers and Netflix shows.

12-13: Best/worst and most likely to

The Focus presents the results of the superlative ballots, including categories like the best couple that never dated and most likely to build a wall between America and Mexico.

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ON THE COVER: DRUMMER BOYS

Sophomores Fischer Genau and Connor Robertson have been playing the drums for years, both in the Midland High band, and in their own respective rock bands. The two have grown up as close family friends, sharing a passion for music. Genau and Robertson discuss their favorite memories playing and the benefits of playing an instrument (page 8).

OP/ED

A&E

4: Up north

8: Sophomore drummers

5: Summer book reviews

9: Ballet

A closer look at some of the best cities and attractions located in northern Michigan.

The Focus reviews some of the best books to read over the summer, including a mystery, romance, and a science fiction.

SPORTS

6: Softball coach

JV softball coach Michelle Ignatowski has suffered from multiple sclerosis since she was 31, but continues to coach.

NEWS

7: NHS advisor

With the retirement of Mrs. Johnston, the 2016 to 2017 chapter of NHS is in search of a new advisor to fill her place.

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Sophomores Connor Robertson and Fischer Genau share their passion of drumming.

Dancers Emily Rohn and Sarah Jean have both been dancing twelve years, and are preparing for their upcoming show.

FEATURES 10: Summer mission trips This summer, several students will be attending mission trips in both America and internationally.

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9 EDITORS

Will Hackbarth Editor-in-Chief Megan Nylund Managing Editor Ella Colbert Features Editor Katherine Vernier News Editor Maddy Pasche A&E Editor Kayla Graham Sports Editor Kirstyn Cotton Opinion Editor

Zach Noel Website Editor Julia Quinn Photo Editor Hannah McAtamney Design Editor Lexi Costley Ads Coordinator Anna Schultheis Exchange Editor Jim Woehrle Adviser Midland Daily News Printer

CORRECTIONS:

1. We’re sorry, we spelled Alvise Inchiostro’s last name wrong 11: International students on the Humans of Midland High page last month. We make Some of Midland High’s international lots of mistakes in America. students reflect on their experiences in America and share their favorite memories 2. The basketball team actually beat Mount Pleasant by one in Midland. point in the District Semi-finals. Looks like we get a technical.

300-word rants

Ella Colbert

Op/Ed

Maddy O’Callaghan Road rage

Extremely loud and incredibly annoying

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here are few things in the world that are worse than loud people.

Annoying people in the movie theater: It just so happens, particularly in a movie theater, that people who are loud when speaking are equally as loud when whispering. And loud people, with loud whispers, also happen to enjoy talking through movies.

Sometimes, the annoyer need not use their voice to annoy. I once sat through The Secret Life of Walter Mitty while the man behind me clicked his ink pen for nearly two hours. I don’t think I heard a single word Ben Stiller said.

Annoying people at church: It may seem unkind to complain about the noisy people who are a part of our church service, but it really is unbearable. No matter what church, no matter what time, there is always a crying baby. I know that the parents cannot help that their child is crying, but when it is continuous and lasts the entirety of the church service,

I lose all empathy. Go into the cry room; it’s there for a reason. Better yet, do not bring your child to church.

Loud people at restaurants: I’ve eaten too many meals at restaurants where I could barely hear the conversation at my own table over the piercing laughter from the table across the room. There always seems to be a power struggle at a table of loud people; they compete to see who can be the most obnoxious and ring out over the crowd.

The louder each person gets, the more noise grows, and the more annoyed I get. And there is always a cackler- the person you hear tables away and wonder ‘is that her actual laugh?’

My all-time favorite is loud people during tests: There is always that one person who repeatedly hacks up his left lung, or the one who finishes her test early and flips through dictionaries worth of papers. Are you kidding me?

Loud people are everywhere. And they are incredibly annoying.

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ear people in trucks, Stop tailgating me on the highway.

Why does driving a truck make you feel like you need to be driving at the speed of light? You’re not driving a sports car. I am already going 10 mph over the speed limit, and I refuse to go any faster, because I am poor, and I cannot afford to pay a speeding ticket. I am already taking a risk by exceeding the acceptable 5 mph over the speed limit, and you bet your butt I’m not going to go any faster just so you’ll get off mine.

Also, why do you have a truck if you don’t live on a farm or have a job that requires the transportation of heavy things? That’s the entire point of owning a truck. I understand if you’re a student using your parent’s old car, but anything else is just kind of stupid.

Using your car to bully people into driving at a ridiculous speed is cruel and really unnecessary. So please stop.

Dear people in smart cars, Why? Cool that you want to save the

Gwynne Özkan

Sonja Anderson

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Stop saying things wrong

hate it when people say “I could care less” when they mean “I couldn’t care less.” The point of the statement is that you do not care at all. So, you literally cannot care less.

If you say, “I could care less,” you are saying that you care. Because you have to care a little to be able to care a little less.

Also, I hate it when people say tomato like “toe-mah-toe.” Hush, you aren’t a fancy British socialite. Just say tomato. Not that hard.

It’s “one and the same”, not “one in the same”. Because there’s one, and there’s an identical one. Not an identical one inside the first one.

Don’t say “baggel” instead of bagel. It drives me crazy. Only one ‘g’ means you have to make a hard ‘a’. Would you say “abble” instead of “able”? No. You can do something on purpose, but you can’t do something on accident. You can do

something by accident.

“Libarry”. No. “Espresso” means strong coffee. “Expresso” is not a word at all, so stop saying that.

“Conversating” is also not a word.

“Conversing” is.

I really hate it when people overuse the word “like” and the word “literally.” Have you ever tried to listen to a conversation in which one person expresses that they are like, literally dead and like, literally starving every four seconds? It’s excruciating.

“Colonel” is pronounced “kernel.” Not “kol-on-all.” I actually heard the radio host of 102.5 mispronounce that the other day while talking about Kentucky Fried Chicken.

I mean, I would love to say that I speak perfectly all the time, but I don’t. (Not quite).

So yeah, I guess I have a few flaws.

But at least I don’t say “baggel.”

environment and all, but I think my friend’s obese cat weighs more than your vehicle.

Didn’t you hear the story about the woman in the smart car who flew off the Mackinaw Bridge on a windy day?

And why do you go so slow in the left lane?

It’s fine that you’re all passive and peaceful, but please do so at the actual speed limit. I’m late for work.

Dear bikers on the side of the road, Oh my god, please stop. I love that you’re getting your exercise, and I admire and applaud that, but what’s the point of being in shape if you’re just going to get hit by a car? I get so nervous that I’m going to hit you that I start shaking. This only makes me swerve the wheel more, which increases my chances of hitting you and killing you. I really, really don’t want to do that.

Please go on the sidewalk. I know you’re not supposed to, but it’s a stupid law, and nobody follows it anyway. So for the sake of my sanity and your safety, stop.

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Personal Discretion Advised

he majority of my mornings begin witnessing couples sucking face and being engrossed in each other’s mouths.

This is not the ideal start to my day, but I, as well as the rest of the student body, have no choice in the matter.

Whatever you like to do in your free time is your business. But when it’s done aroung 1200 people, newsflash, it becomes our business too.

When I first spot two students groping each other in the halls, sound effects included, I try to ignore it. This proves useless, because chances are, turning my head to the left guarantees either of the following: a couple with their foreheads pressed together, standing silently, staring intently at each other, or a lustful duo swapping saliva. Turn to the right and I witness two lovers pushed up against a locker.

Love is meant to be warm and happy.

It in no way needs to be tainted by your publicized tongue baths and love bites. PDA not only causes extreme discomfort to peers, but it’s just inappropriate. Eyeball Alley is not a welcome mat for you and your significant other to physically lie on top of each other and smooch.

Did I miss the signs in the hall encouraging you to grab each other’s behinds during passing time? Was I absent during the announcement urging you to straddle your boyfriend/girlfriend during lunch? No. People are trying to eat. Except no one says anything because it’s awkward and shouldn’t need to be said. But I’m saying it now. Button up your shirt. Keep your hands and your tongues to yourself.

Honestly, just be conscious of those who aren’t as infatuated with your partner as you are. You’re in love, we get it. We don’t need further convincing.

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Northern sights

OP/ED

A glimpse of some of the finest attractions in northern Michigan. Ian Andridge | Staff Writer & Hannah Smith | Staff Writer Pictured Rocks: Pictured rocks stretches along Lake Superior’s shoreline for over 40 miles.

Tourists have the opportunity to hike over 100 miles of sandy beaches and pristine trails. Pictured rocks offers 5 star hotels and cabins, but if you’re feeling one with nature, there are drive-in and hike-in campgrounds. While enjoying the stunning views of Lake Superior, there are plenty of picnic areas in the parks along the water.

Petoskey:

Petoskey offers a wide range of activities, including taking a dip in glistening Lake Michigan and gazing at the Victorian architecture.

The crystal-clear water and sandy beaches are some of the many beautiful pieces of landscape. If you don’t want to actually step foot in the water, the Harbor is a relaxing place to watch the boats pass by. Along with the serene landscape, the familyowned shops along the water provide a warm feel for tourists. While visiting Petoskey, make sure to stop by the treasured downtown, where you can enjoy 170 of the most unique and elegant restaurants and stores.

Sleeping Bear Dunes:

The picturesque landscape known as the Sleeping Bear Dunes provides a view from 400 feet above Lake Michigan. The breathtaking view from the sandy bluffs is a great place to get some fresh air.

While hiking through the forest, there are many opportunities to witness the gorgeous wildlife and hear the birds sing. Whether you’re canoeing through the lake or visiting the Manitou Islands in Lake Michigan, the view will not disappoint.

This National Lakeshore stretches 65 miles along Lake Michigan’s shoreline and is a great place for water activities.

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Tahquamenon Falls:

Tahquamenon Falls State park is close to 50,000 acres stretched across 13 miles. The park contains the Tahquamenon River which holds the largest waterfalls east of Mississippi. The park is easily accessible and presents a quiet, tranquil environment.

A 4 mile hike seperates the upper and lower falls, a shuttle is also available.

Rent a row boat for the day and paddle over to the island to get a new perspective on the lower falls. Besides the radiant views, the park has a pub where people can enjoy great food.

Tawas:

Tawas is a great place to enjoy a morning sunrise off of Lake Huron. Located on the north side of the Tawas Bay, it is accessible to the lake. With a population of a little under 2,000 people, the small town provides a family feel for tourists to enjoy. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, the bike trails capture the true beauty of Michigan’s natural landscape. The bike trails are over 10 miles long and pass by the Tawas Point Lighthouse. While enjoying an ice cream cone, the pier is a great place to go on an afternoon walk.

Ian Andridge & Megan Nylund & Kirsten Warner | Photos

Poolside page-turners OP/ED

Three different genres of books are reviewed just in time for summer vacation. Kady Volmering | Staff Writer & Lillian Mohr | Staff Writer

Stolen by Lucy Christopher

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he only thing on Gemma’s mind was escaping her parents and finding a decent cup of coffee in the middle of the Bangkok airport. Her family had stopped for a short layover when Gemma ventured off from her parents, met a handsome, older guy named Ty, and never came back.

16-year-old Gemma Toombs tells her kidnapping story in the form of a letter in the novel Stolen by Lucy Christopher. The novel opens with Gemma talking directly to her mid-twenties kidnapper, Ty, describing their first meeting. Then Gemma takes the reader to their first conversation in a coffee house, and from there the plot quickly escalates. Ty manages to drug Gemma, disguise her in different clothes, and drag her onto a plane heading to Australia instead of to Vietnam, where she was supposed to be traveling to with her parents.

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

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ick Yancey introduces a new twist to the genre of the recently popular science fiction in the novel The 5th Wave. Yancey does so by introducing an alien invasionbased plot. The main character, Cassie, was a typical 16-year-old high school girl who played on the school’s soccer team and had a major crush on the most popular boy in school when the 1st wave hit, knocking out all electricity across the world. Rumors swirled and speculation begun as a gray ship hovered in the sky as a silent, mysterious threat to life as everyone knew it.

Now, after the death of her mother in the 3rd wave and father’s death in the 4th, as well as the capture of her younger brother, Sammy, Cassie believes she is the only human left on earth and that the Others have dominated the rest of the population. But, Cassie continues to fight for her life in order to keep her promise

to Sammy to unite themselves as the last of their small family.

Along the way, Cassie faces obstacles she must overcome—and surprisingly finds a companion named Evan Walker to help her on her journey.

Cassie has to choose whether to trust Evan, or continue on her journey alone as she has throughout the various waves. Trusting Evan could mean certain death, but continuing on her own in the wilderness will eventually lead to her death as well.

Cassie has to make snap decisions that affect a lot of people. She can be compared to the other heroines that have recently been popular such as Tris and Katniss. She is another strong and independent female, empowering young girls everywhere to accomplish tasks on their own.

Throughout the novel, the story is told through several different views, each starting with a new section in the novel. The layered narration is vital to the story, though might seem confusing and irrelevant at first, but ties together in the end.

Yancey creates witty and sarcastic characters who are easily relatable to teens reading the book, despite the far-fetched topic, and also adds some comic relief.

Overall, the book is fast paced with intense situations throughout. Sensitive readers may find some parts of the book rather gruesome.

But, the plotline will keep you reading and wanting more. The 5th wave is part of a trilogy, followed by The Infinite Sea. The final book of the series, The Last Star, came out May 24th, 2016.

The next thing Gemma remembers is waking up in bed with severe nausea in a hot, sticky room she does not recognize. Ty dragged her into the middle of the nowhere in the Australian desert where he’s built a makeshift house and shed—with no other human life in sight and a hardly workable car and captured camel as the only way of escape. Gemma now has to learn to live with no outside resources and more importantly, to live with her kidnapper.

Christopher brings Gemma’s story to life through her descriptions of the desert scenery and Australian heat. Christopher takes the time to make sure the weather and landscape is described in the first twenty pages, enabling the reader to see through Gemma’s eyes as she’s experiencing the new environment first hand.

She keeps the reader on the edge of their

seat by adding twists throughout the plot.

Making the decision to write the novel in letter form was an interesting choice that gives the reader the opportunity to see Gemma’s thoughts and reactions of her time with Ty as she recounts it, and adds to the suspense of the novel.

Christopher’s character development reveals Gemma and Ty’s conflicting loyalties and complicated relationship. Gemma and Ty have very different characteristics from each other, which makes the story of their evolving relationship interesting and will keep the readers guessing after every chapter.

Overall, Stolen is a book of adventure and exhibits how drastic relationships can change given certain circumstances. Christopher is able to put her own twist on a common topic of abduction in order to create such a unique and unique plot.

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

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n Jennifer Niven’s heartbreaking teen romance novel, two unlikely high school students cross paths in an unexpected way. Violet Markey, a once well-known cheerleader, finds herself in a predicament when she is found on top her school’s bell tower, six stories above the ground. There, she meets the school’s oddball Theodore Finch, who is sitting on a ledge nearby. He begins to talk to her and repeatedly asks why she plans on jumping, which she vehemently denies and insists on letting everyone know that it was her who convinced him not to jump in order to keep her reputation.

Violet Markey was well known throughout the school. She was a popular cheerleader and was often described as a happy and genuine person. However, after her sister dies, Violet suddenly becomes unrecognizable. She is no longer the peppy

cheerleader she once was, and builds walls around her, isolating herself from the rest of society. Finch is well known for being a freak, as he often thinks of different methods of suicide. Hardly anyone glances twice at him, and he considers himself to be an outcast.

After the bell tower incident, Violet realizes that Finch is suddenly showing up everywhere she is, and she is suspicious when he signs up as her partner on a project called “Wander the State”. The two drive throughout the state of Indiana and make many happy memories from the cliché tourist attractions they wander into. Both teenagers bond over the grief and demons in their head while on this school trip, and they soon realize how much they need each other’s company. While Violet grieves over the death of her sister and wonders how she can go on without her, Theodore Finch, battles with his own internal struggles and often contemplates different methods of suicide.

These troubles bring the insecure teens closer in this beautiful albeit tragic romance novel for teens of all ages to enjoy.

Despite the genre, this novel includes humorous bits and pieces, along with profanity, which seems to tie everything together and create the perfect story. The narration bounces back and forth between Finch and Violet throughout chapters, although Finch’s perspective tends to stay in the reader’s mind more. Jennifer Niven has a similar writing style to that of John Green and Rainbow Rowell, and is simplistic and enjoyable. With Niven’s description and humor, it creates the perfect summer story.

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‘Softball keeps me young’ SPORTS

Stepping to Recovery 1992-1994: Coached softball at High

Fall of 2001: Ignatowski is first diagnosed with MS Spring 2010: Suffered a major flare-up Spring 2012: Began coaching at Midland High

Coach Michelle Ignatowski instructs the JV softball team on drills during practice. She has been coaching sports for sixteen years. Before being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2001, Ignatowski worked as a truancy officer, where she investigated students with excessive absences at school. Maddy O’Callaghan | Photo

JV softball coach Michelle Ignatowski has been living with Multiple Sclerosis for the past sixteen years. Her passion of softball has helped her take her mind off from the everyday pain that comes along with MS. Hayley Russell | Staff Writer & Zach Noel | Web Editor & Hannah Kohtz | Staff Writer

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V softball coach Michelle Ignatowski was with the Northwood Softball team down in Florida for their spring trip in 2010 when she began to lose feeling in her left leg. The numbness moved up to her back and stomach, and the pain got worse and worse until she had to go to the nearest hospital.

“It felt like someone took a shovel and smacked me right on my ribs, like I had broken ribs because I was having trouble breathing, and the pain was spreading pretty quickly,” Ignatowski said. “So here I am, in the Florida hospital while the Northwood softball team is playing their spring trip.”

This was her first major flare-up since being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2001. She was familiar with the disease and its symptoms because her aunt had MS as well. She took a year and a half to recover. The summer before 2001, she started to have some symptoms similar to what her aunt had. Ignatowski had many limbs go numb and multiple headaches throughout the day.

“There’s this really weird sensation; it’s called the MS hug,” Ignatowski said about the broken rib feeling. “It’s like having a tire wrapped around your stomach. You just feel really tight and heavy, and your legs feel like Jello.”

By this time, Ignatowski had already accepted

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that she had MS, and went to doctors who for the disease. In five years, the softball team has raised almost $5,000. This year the confirmed that she had Multiple Sclerosis.

She was very fortunate that she could still team participated in the walk and cheered on work for many more years after being diagnosed participants.

“It’s amazing to see all the people affected March and April are MS awareness months.

For the past seven years, the MS walk has by it and the emotion they show crossing the occurred to help bring awareness and raise finish line knowing they achieved something so money for the cause. Ignatowski has for the great,” Corbat said. “It gives us a good feeling past five years gotten her players involved of helping people and makes us realize what with the walk. The walk is in support of the MS some people are going through and what our coach may have awareness months. experienced.”

“I’m not much of Ignatowski a crier,” Ignatowski “It gives us a good feeling of helping has been having said. “But at the f i r s t M S wa l k I people and makes us realize what some p r o b l e m s w i t h the cognitive went to, I was people are going through and what our parts of MS. She overwhelmed with was once great at how many people coach may have experienced.” multitasking, but were supporting, as things have and how many Sophomore Emily Corbat gotten worse with people were there her MS, she has with MS. I cried.” begun to lose her Ignatowski recognizes the significance of crossing the finish short term memory.

It takes her twice as long to remember things, line for the people with MS. Sophomore Emily Corbat has participated and she has to save up her energy for games in the 5k MS walk twice, for both of the years and practices. Assistant coach Lori Monville she’s been playing for Ignatowski. Each year, has seen Ignatowski struggle with the things the team puts on fundraisers to raise money she needs to remember.

Fall 2012: Recovered 90% after flareup

2011-2015: Raised $5,000 for the MS walk “There’s no doubt Michelle gives 110 percent when it comes to coaching the team, but sometimes little things that can occur with MS can get in her way,” Monville said. “She forgets things easily and will write things down to remember, or she will tell one of her assistant coaches something that she wants to remember so we can tell her later.”

Ignatowski has had large setbacks since being diagnosed with MS. Sometimes it’s so bad that Ignatowski has to pull herself from games. Though worse right now than the MS is the Fibromyalgia and heart issues. Ignatowski said that she tries to count her blessings and not worry about the things she doesn’t have anymore. And this is exactly what she does.

“I can tell it bothers her, which is hard to see,” Corbat said. “Whether it’s because of the weather or the amount of activity she is doing.

She’s a strong lady, and works through it.”

Coaching softball has given a larger purpose to Ignatowski’s life. She said she is grateful for each day that she can come to practice and games. She hopes to continue coaching for many more years if she can.

“Softball keeps me young, it keeps me in tune with the kids, it keeps me close with my school,” Ignatowski said. “Softball gives me so much life.”

Upholding the tradition NEWS

After Bonita Johnston retires, there will be a need for a new National Honor Society coadvisor. MHS teacher Anthony Gates hopes that he will be able to fill this position and have the opportunity to work with focused, intelligent, and responsible students. Kirstyn Cotton | Opinion Editor

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or Anthony Gates, hearing that there would be a need for a new co-advisor of Midland High’s chapter of the National Honor Society for the 2016-2017 school year was very exciting. Gates, who has been a teacher at Midland High for two years, said that being an advisor would be an amazing opportunity to work with focused and responsible students who want to make a difference.

“When I heard that there was going to be a need for an NHS advisor following this year, I was super excited about the potential to be more involved at MHS,” Gates said. “I was immediately drawn by the opportunity to work with focused, responsible, and forward thinking young adults who share the same excitement Junior Salome Do votes for who she wants to be the 2016-2017 National Honor Society officers. On top as I do with regards to making a difference of new officers next year, the National Honor Society will be getting a new advisor. Chloe Gall | Photo not only at Midland High, but also in the local community.” community service.”

Johnston for eight years, is looking forward NHS’s current advisors are Brendan Smith Senior Hannah White, this year’s NHS vice to the new ideas that a new advisor can bring. and Bonita Johnston; Johnston will be retiring at president, had the opportunity to work with He recognizes, however, that it will take him the end of this school year. Smith, who has been Gates at the officer morning meetings and at and the new advisor some time to figure out an advisor for nine years, said that the role of an monthly meetings. She said that he would be a system that works well for them, similar to advisor is to oversee all of the society’s activities, a wonderful addition to the National Honor how it was for him and Johnston when they first monitor students’ grades, and work with NHS’s Society because of the passion and interest that started advising together. vice president to ensure that all members are he displays.

“I don’t think it will be a difficult transition, fulfilling their required service hours.

“I worked with Mr. Gates a bit at the executive but things will certainly be different,” Smith “[The advisors] oversee all NHS activities, meetings and monthly meetings, and I think said. “Mrs. Johnston and I have worked very which means that we work with the officers well together for 8 years, and we tend to and members to plan meetings, help know how the other will respond to certain committees establish timelines and know situations. It took us some time to develop a “If I am selected as the new co-advisor, my system that worked for us, so it will take time what work must be completed, and send opportunities for service and scholarships main goal is to look at how we can deepen for the new advisor and I to figure out what as they become available,” Smith said. best for us, too.” the pool of resources that are available to the works Although the application process has not If Gates is selected to be the new National NHS members.” yet been completed and he does not know Honor Society co-advisor, he is very excited for sure if he will be the new advisor, Gates Teacher Anthony Gates about the impact he will be able to make, has already begun to think about what his not only on the students, but also on the goals would be as advisor. community as a whole.

“If I am selected as the new co-advisor, my he would be a great asset to NHS as the new “The best feeling in the world is the feeling of main goal is to look at how we can deepen advisor,” White said. “He’s really enthusiastic being a part of something bigger than yourself the pool of resources that are available to about everything that NHS does and he was and knowing that what you’re a part of is NHS members in terms of guest speakers and always willing to do whatever he could to get making an impact beyond what you yourself informational presentations,” Gates said. “This ready to take on the daunting task of filling Mrs. could as an individual,” Gates said. “That, to is so that they feel well informed as they look Johnston’s shoes.” me, is the most exciting aspect of being an NHS toward college admission, career decisions, and Smith, who has been co-advisor with advisor.”

Meet the

2016-2017

NHS Officers

Matthew Gordon President

Hope Kessler Vice President

Ashton Doyle Treasurer

LeeAnn Rielle Secretary

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Drummer boys

A&E

Bios by the beat

A closer look at two of Midland High’s best drummers.

Sophomores Connor Robertson and Fischer Genau started playing drums in elementary school. They are both part of drum line and play in their own rock bands. Maddy O’Callaghan | Staff Writer & Paige Murphy | Staff Writer & Hope O’Dell | Staff Writer

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Robertson practices playing the drums for one to two hours every day. His biggest musical inspiration is his father, who he played in a band with when he was in elementary school. Ian Andridge | Photo

Name: Connor Robertson Favorite song to play: “R U Mine” by the Arctic Monkeys Favorite memory: “Every memory since I can remember since I started playing. It’s been a gift from God.”

Genau started playing due to the musical influence of his family. His mother played the clarinet at Central Michigan University and she wanted Genau to have the same opportunities. Ian Andridge | Photo

Name: Fischer Genau Favorite song to play: “Dollar Bill” by Hippo Campus Favorite memory: “This year’s music fest so far because it’s the first time in years I’ve played a drum kit with a band.”

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ophomore Connor Robertson recalls and we’re not melodic,” Fischer said. “It just the awkward placement of his hands makes sense for us to be our own separate and feet and the foreign feeling that unit, because we do stuff that’s completely his brand new drum set brought him as he different.” played it for the first time. At only six years Fischer enjoys the alternate aspects of old, he had graduated from banging on pots playing the drums in his own band. and pans with wooden spoons, and began his “In our band, we can be a lot more creative,” career as a drummer.

Fischer said. “We’re writing some original “I was never forced to play the drums or stuff, and we can craft and that kind of thing, music in general, but my dad has always been which is really cool. There isn’t as much a musician, so he inspired me,” Robertson technique involved. It isn’t rigid. I’m the only said. “I wanted to be like him when I was little. drummer in my band, so it’s a whole different At first, I wanted to play guitar because that’s field.” what he plays, but I eventually gravitated Through his years in marching and rock towards drums. It’s really freeing. Whenever band, Robertson finds that the drums are I’m angry about something, I can go hit on vastly different from any other instrument. drums. It’s a very limitless instrument.”

“Drums are really easy to configure and After receiving his first drum set, Robertson personalize in many other ways than other began taking lessons at Fulkerson Studios instruments,” Robertson said. “Not only with downtown. His passion quickly grew as he how they look, but how they sound and how began to become more familiar with the drums they are set up to play.” and chose to extend his talents to percussion Like Robertson, Fischer recognizes the in the Northeast Middle School Band. After drums differ from instruments that focus on a year in concert melodic aspects band, Robertson of music. The two started a band often practice the with his brother “It’s really freeing. Whenever I’m angry about drums together, and cousin. collaborating something, I can go hit on drums.

“My brother on music and It’s a very limitless instrument.” and I had always showing each been playing other new skills together, and they’ve acquired.

Sophomore Connor Robertson we always knew Fischer, who that we wanted feels that he is to start a band,” still learning and Robertson said. “We started getting more developing his skills, finds this to be one of the serious the past few years. We’re starting to most enjoyable features of playing the drums. do original material.”

“I like that playing the drums is getting a Similar to Robertson, sophomore Fischer little more complicated now,” Fischer said.

Genau has been playing drums, both in band “It’s easy to just bang on the drums and play and in his personal time, from a very young really fast, but now that I’ve matured, it’s fun age. His mother, Sue Genau, wanted him to to try new stuff, like finding new rhythmic pick an instrument to play during elementary patterns to make it a little more melodic and school. interesting.”

“I told my kids that I didn’t care what Both musicians plan on continuing to play instrument they played, but they had to drums, both in the marching band and in their choose one and we would support them with own bands. Fischer said that he doesn’t plan lessons, instruments, and anything else they on seeking out music as a career, but would needed,” Sue said. take an opportunity if it arose. Robertson, Fischer and Robertson have always been however, plans on seeking a career in music. close family friends, and have had similar Despite the challenges that drumming has experiences playing drums. Both joined the presented, he finds it to be an overall amazing MHS marching band their freshmen year, experience. and find it to be a rewarding experience “There was probably a point where I wanted despite the difference from their personal to give up,” Robertson said. “Learning any bands. They both find the drum line to be its new thing is going to be hard at first, but I’ve own family unit. always had a passion for music so I’ll always “We’re the backbone of the marching band want to keep doing it.”

Staying on pointe

A&E

Emilie Rohn and Sarah Jean have both been dancing ballet for twelve years at Gina Beebe’s Dance Studio. Sonja Anderson | Staff Writer & Chloe Gall | Staff Writer

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tretching is first. The group of girls line up at the bar in clumps, holding pirouettes and plies, lit softly by the light from the studio’s picture windows. Sophomore Emilie Rohn and her company lace up their pointe shoes and prepare them for rehearsal, as they’ve done a thousand times before.

Rohn has been dancing ballet since she was four, and though the art form is very difficult and demands a lot of time, she has yet to lose her passion for it.

“It’s hard to explain,” Rohn said. “I’ve been doing it for so long, and it’s so difficult, but I love it so much. I like how elegant and graceful the moves are, and since I’ve been working at it my whole life, it just comes naturally to me.”

Rohn dances at Gina Beebe’s Dance Studio, and currently practices two to three times per week, with a typical session lasting around two or three hours. Right now, the company is preparing for their next show, which will take place in June.

Rohn said her instructor, Gina Lewandowski, calls their performances “ballet theatre,” because they don’t just dance to a soundtrack; there’s a storyline involved.

“We don’t really do ‘traditional ballet,’” Rohn said. “We kind of put on a play, but instead of acting or singing, we act through our movements.”

The company will be performing Aladdin and the Magic Lamp this June, and it will not be the first Disney-related story Rohn has been in. Last year, she danced the part of Wendy in their Peter Pan show, and was allowed to fly across the stage using a harness. She recalls it as one of her favorite memories involving dance.

Sophomore Sarah Jean, another dancer at Gina Beebe’s, also had roles in the Peter Pan show. Both Rohn and Jean agree that what makes the shows great is the unity of all the

different elements of production.

“I love getting to see the shows come together,” Jean said. “The hair, makeup, and costumes always make the show seem more real.”

Jean has also been dancing ballet since she was four years old, and has been on pointe since she was in the eighth grade. Pointe shoes have a flat toe that allows dancers to hold their entire body weight on the tips of their extended feet, and it requires developed leg and calf strength.

Breaking in a new pair of pointe shoes causes dancers’ feet to blister and sometimes bleed, but they have to keep dancing so that their feet can adjust. She agrees that dancing is a beautiful but difficult art form.

“It’s very flowy and calming, but at the same time it’s hard and you really have to put effort into it,” Jean said. “When I was little, I would always dream of being on pointe. Now that I am, I feel like I’ve grown as a dancer.”

Lewandowski believes that part of the reason ballet has been able to persist for so long as a timeless art form is the precision, discipline, and beauty of dance. She said both Rohn and Jean possess these qualities, which are what make them great ballerinas.

“Sarah and Emilie are both very hard working and committed,” Lewandowski said. “They both exhibit many fine qualities as dancers and as individuals in their daily lives.”

Rohn also acknowledges dance as a classic, ageless art. She attributes that to the pure passion she has for it, passion that most other dancers experience as well.

“The love for dance is so strong,” Rohn said.

“You just never want to stop doing it. And when you teach other people, they develop that love, and I guess that’s why it has been able to go on for so long.”

Additional reporting by Ellie Jensen & Bradan Bukaweski

Sophomores Sarah Jean and Emilie Rohn attend rehearsal 2-3 times per week at Gina Beebe’s Dance Studio. The girls often practice partner dancing, routines involving male dance partners and lifting. Maddy O’Callaghan | Photos

9 | FOCUS | MAY 27, 2016 | mhsfocus.com

Summer of service

FEATURES

Pastor Jeff Andridge is one of the main coordinators for the mission trip to Sumpango, Guatemala, this summer. In addition to planning this trip, Andridge has gone on several other trips around the world, such as this one to a Christian Center for the Deaf in Jamaica. While there, Andridge’s team helped build a school for the deaf where they could learn a new trade or skill. Jeff Andridge | Photo courtesy

For juniors Lauren Siegmund and Anna Wright, the beginning of summer vacation means preparing for mission trips. Both girls began attending mission trips the summer after their freshman year, and have continued to serve every summer since. This summer, Wright is participating in her first international mission trip. Cara Spencer | Staff Writer & Gypsy Worrall | Staff Writer

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unior Lauren Siegmund stared down at think that they’ll get AIDS from being said. “Also, one of our former students is the overwhelming piles of clutter in every around them, so we’re going to go down working on staff at the Guatemala site. After corner of the room. Along with the mess, she and help them.” much prayer, we stepped out in faith that was accompanied by Linda Sue, the home’s In addition to expanding the church, this is where God was leading us.” kind-hearted resident. Six hours later, the Wright’s team will volunteer at a nearby While making sure all aspects of the trip room was not only clean and organized, HIV orphanage, build home additions for have been planned for, Andridge also wants but the two had bonded over old stories of overcrowded families, and have many the trip to be enjoyable for the students. For Linda Sue’s life. opportunities to share their faith with Wright, this will be her first international Siegmund had been the only volunteer Guatemalan families. While this may sound mission trip, and she is optimistic about its willing to take on the task of clearing the exhausting to many students, Wright enjoys outcomes. inside of her resident’s house, while the what she has received from her past mission “We’ve been warned about diseases we rest of her team improved its exterior. As trips. might get in Guatemala, so we all had to part of Trinity Lutheran Church’s annual “I’ve been involved with my youth group, get some shots,” Wright said. “But I really summer mission trip, Siegmund, along Xtreeme, since ninth grade, and I really don’t think there will be any negatives. [I’m with 35 other high school students, had looking forward to] experiencing the traveled to Waterloo, Iowa, with the intent lives of people in a third world country of improving low-income neighborhoods.

“Sometimes they’ll bake us cookies or invite compared to what we have here, but Since her freshman year, Siegmund has spending time with the kids. us to lunch. It’s so interesting to see how they mainly attended four mission trips. While she That’s going to be super sweet.” have so little but give so much.” enjoyed becoming closer with the people While this may be Wright’s first in her youth group, her favorite parts of mission trip out of the country, she has the trips are always the gratitude shown been on past trips to New York City

Junior Lauren Siegmund and Butler, Pennsylvania. Similar to by those they helped. “[I look forward to] seeing the reaction on Siegmund, the focus of these trips have their faces,” Siegmund said. “Sometimes been on home repair, as students take they’ll bake us cookies or invite us to lunch. love reaching out to different cultures and part in fixing drywall, painting, and building It’s so interesting to see how they have so people in general,” Wright said. porches or wheelchair ramps for people in The upcoming trip is through Next need. little but give so much.”

Previous mission trips have taken Step Ministries, and Pastor Jeff Andridge Andridge believes that students should Siegmund to areas such as New York of Midland Evangelical Free Church is participate in mission trips because of the City; Charlotte, New York; Muskegon, one of the main coordinators. In order to long-lasting impression they leave. He Michigan; Waterloo, Iowa; and this summer, plan a successful mission trip, Andridge considers them to be a vital part of expanding Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. While the trips must organize financial details, as well as students’ horizons and showing them that through Siegmund’s church send students transportation, lodging, and food. Andridge their help is needed everywhere, not just in to locations inside the country, Junior Anna must also work with other coordinators Midland.

Wright is preparing for her mission trip to to decide a location, this year’s being “It broadens their world view. It exposes Sumpango.

Sumpango, Guatemala, this summer. them to the work of God in other parts of the “We were desiring a cross cultural world outside of Midland,” Andridge said.

“In Sumpango, we’re going to build a school onto a church,” Wright said. “Most experience for our students and we have “It is God’s plan to expand His kingdom and of the kids have AIDS, and the people there worked with a wonderful ministry which students can be a part of that work.”

When it comes to the true value earned 10 | FOCUS | MAY 27, 2016 | mhsfocus.com has a work going in Guatemala,” Andridge

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from mission trips, Siegmund shares the same opinion as Andridge.

“I would definitely encourage other students to go,” Siegmund said. “It’s a really great way to meet friends and to meet other people across the United States. The trips are really rewarding.”

Service around the world Some of the past and future destinations of mission trips through local churches.

Location: Sumpango, Guatemala When: Summer 2016 Who: Anna Wright, Jeff Andridge Location: Waterloo, Iowa When: Summer 2015 Who: Lauren Siegmund Location: New York, New York When: Summer 2015 Who: Anna Wright Location: Mandville, Jamaica When: Summer 2011 Who: Jeff Andridge

Across the globe

Meet the International Students

FEATURES

Gross Groenau, Germany Pia Schweminski Trento, Italy Alvise Inchiostro Istanbul, Turkey Mey Kaynakcioglu

Hildesheim, Germany Finja Achilles Anyang, South Korea Jiho Lee

Alvise Inchiostro Trento, Italy

Gaziantep, Turkey Cindy Bozkaya

Antigua & Barbuda Maya Gonzales-Peltier

Beijing, China Lan Jinyi Indore, India Vishwangi Vadnere

Finja Achilles

Hildesheim, Germany

Mapping the exchange Rio de Janiero, Brazil Jade Athayde & Rafael Filho

The home cities of all the international students attending Midland High this school year. To the right are three International students who shared their experience. Maddy O’Callaghan | Photos

Lan Jinyi

Beijing, China

As the school year comes to a end, the international students reflect back on how their year has been in the United States.

Extracurricular activities and new friends made for a smooth transition. Kayla Graham | Sports Editor & Ella Colbert | Features Editor

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fter spending two years living in America, junior Lan Jinyi does not want to go back to his hometown of Beijing, China.

“It’s all so good,” Lan said. “I don’t even want to go back home. I love America.”

Lan attended Bullock Creek High School last year and transfered to Midland High this school year. He said that he felt more welcomed by the people at Midland High, and felt that Midland has more opportunities for educational growth.

“I like Midland High much better,” Lan said.

“There is better education. The kids are more educated than the other kids from the country.

They are not racist at Midland High. I can actually get involved with a lot of people and be close friends with them.”

Senior Alvise Inchiostro, from Italy, also enjoyed the social aspect of the school and found it easy to make friends and feel welcome.

“People are very nice here,” Inchiostro said.

“I have never met a mean person at Midland High, they are all very nice. They help you and stuff like that, so it’s very cool.”

Getting involved in sports and other activities also helped Inchiostro get to know other students that he soon became friends with. He played on the varsity soccer team in the fall and ran on the varsity track and field team in the spring.

“I really like the people that I’m doing that with,” Inchiostro said. “I’ve always played soccer, and I love it. Track turned out to be very interesting.”

Senior Finja Achilles also said that getting fun with their friends there,” Achilles said. “You involved in a sport helped her to better adapt in can also hang out with friends after the games her transfer from Germany to America. Achilles or go to dinner.” joined the swim team in the fall.

As far as the educational experience in “It was at the very beginning of the year, the classroom, the students have found it to so I got to know some people,” Achilles said. be substantially different than their home “It was nice to have a team that was there to countries. Inchiostro said that the class schedule support me.” is different in that students at his school stay Lan found involvement in other clubs and in one classroom all day while the teachers activities, such as BPA, DECA, Electronics Club, switch classes. His school does not have passing Science Olympiad, and Key Club. Though he time breaks, or even a lunch break; students was not able to eat after school is participate in any over at around 1:05 school sports this pm. He also noticed year, he played “People are very nice here. I have never met differences in the basketball in teaching styles the community a mean person at Midland High, they are all between the two center league. countries. very nice.”

He also said “Here, the Senior Alvise Inchiostro teaching is more that he enjoyed being apart of the interactive,” student section at Inchiostro said. “In sporting events.

Italy, it is run like a college class. Also, the “I like the basketball games and football teachers here are way nicer.” games a lot,” Lan said. “I am very proud of the Inchiostro has taken a liking to his AP Biology basketball team for making it to the final eight class because of the people in the class and his and almost going to Michigan State to play. It interest in the field. was a good time.”

Similarly, Lan finds his AP Physics class to The school that Achilles attended in Germany be his favorite because of the friends he has in does not have activities like basketball games that class and his intended major in engineering. or school dances, and she found them to be a Lan finds that he understands math and science positive experience. classes best.

“The activities here are fun because everyone “For me, BC Calc and AP physics are very is supporting the team and is allowed to have easy; an easy A,” Lan said. “Government

(.2) is the hardest class ever because I don’t understand how American government works.”

Another big difference the international students have noticed is in size.

“Everything here is very big,” Inchiostro said.

“Even the streets are much bigger than they are in Italy. Here, when you don’t finish your food, you get takeout boxes. We don’t have that in Italy because the portions are normal.”

Achilles also commented on the size of the roads here, agreeing that they are larger than in her home country. She expressed the stereotypes she had heard about America before arriving and found some to be true, and others not.

“Everyone says that America is so big and that is true, including the big trucks,” Achilles said.

“You hear that so many people in America are just fat and that isn’t quite true. There are many people that are skinny or normal size. People also say Americans are really nice and polite and that’s true.”

The international students all agreed that the people at Midland High were especially welcoming and friendly to them when they arrived in America. Because of this, and the friends they have made, they find it hard to leave.

“I will miss the school,” Inchiostro said. “I really love the school. First of all, because it’s easier than in Italy and it’s a lot of fun. There are so many clubs and sports and it’s very social. I will definitely miss pancakes, bacon, and all the burgers.”

11| FOCUS | MAY 27, 2016 | mhsfocus.com