September 29th, 2017

Right Hand - Odd number page

the

fresh faces

15

Coach Emily Leffingwell helms the JV boys soccer

STEM school

japan exchange

money in sports

team

depression

Midland High School | September 29, 2017 | Volume 40, Issue 1

Left Hand - Even number page

in this issue volume 40 | issue 1

arts/entertainment

sports

Freshmen are in symphonic orchestra for the first time in the history of the program.

osteosarcoma, succeeds in swimming.

4 Freshman Orchestra

Lauren Gullo has overcome anxiety and depression to become a drum major.

15 Coach Vince A former NFL pro helps the football team.

16 Coach Leffingwell

6-7 Financial Distribution

opinion

5 Lauren Gullo

news

The Athletic Program allocates money to sports programs as fairly as possible.

8 P.A.T.H.S. Program

5

A new program at the school provides struggling students a new way to study within a comfortable environment.

9 STEM School

Midland’s new elementary school has implemented a modern curriculum.

features

10-11 Depression

A student dealing with depression comes forward, sharing how male stereotypes affect mental health.

14

9

14 Katie McGovern A freshman, who lost her leg to

12 Japan Exchange

Two students traveled to Japan for a brief exchange over the summer. They share their different cultural experiences.

13 Mr. Wenzell

A new assistant principal comes to Midland High, excited to show his Chemic Pride.

The JV boys soccer team experiences change under a female coach.

17 Editorial 18-21 Columns 22 Album Reviews

The Focus reviews popular new music.

23 Focus Tries THEATRE A staff writer auditions for the play.

editors

Editor-in-Chief | Gwynne Özkan Managing | Hope O’Dell Features | Elizabeth Mammel News | Holly Stauffer Sports | Hannah Smith Arts/Entertainment | Hailey Surbook Opinion | Danielle Julien Web | Hadley Morden Photo & Design | Fischer Genau Ads | Olivia Freidinger Exchange | Josephine Kuchek Adviser | Jim Woehrle Printer | The Argus - Press

p ub l ica t i o n p o l i c y

15 8

2|

4

Focus, established in 1977, previously the Vic Tribune established in 1936, is the official school sponsored newspaper of Midland High School. Focus is published monthly by the journalism classes at Midland High School and is distributed free of charge. It is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA), the Michigan Interscholastic Pres Association (MIPA) and Quill and Scroll. Adviser membership also includes the Journalism Education Association (JEA).

Focus is designed as a forum for student expression and as a realistic lab experience. Court cases like Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier (1988) have restricted this right to free expression. As a result of the Hazelwood case, Focus may be subject to prior review by Midland High School administrators, who legally reserve the right to pull or censor articles and/or graphic elements (artwork, graphs, photos) planned for publication. Focus and its adviser(s), editors and staff writers, however, reserve the right to contest the challenge of an administrator who attempts to censor and/or remove an article or graphic element.

Administrators who attempt to pull and/or censor must provide reason on the basis of obscenity, if the article infringes upon the right of freedom of speech or rights to privacy, and if it and/or graphic elements are irresponsibly or inappropriately presented.

Letters of the editor are welcomed and encouraged. Letters are required to be a maximum of 250 words in length and must be signed to insure that the writer’s intent is serious. Any letter that is unsigned or uses a pseudonym will be refused. Focus reserves the right to edit letters as long as the writer’s opinion is unchanged and the facts presented in the letter are kept intact. Focus also reserves the right to remove from the letter the name of the individual toward whom it is directed or oriented.

September 29, 2017

| FOCUS

Left Hand - Even number page

THE BULLETIN

Photo from ABC News

news brief:

Many NFL football players took a knee during the National Anthem during football games on the 24th to protest racial inequality and President Trump’s response.

student section: hawaiian Many MHS students showed up dressed in hawaiian gear to the football game against Mt. Pleasant on Sept. 15.

via Instagram

warm glow

Artist: Hippo Campus Date Released: Sept. 12th

snow

there is about a 97% chance that if a girl says “haha omg stooppp” after u make fun of her, she wants to have ur offspring @kenzie_strasser

When you step on a Lego while marching @josh.danielson

September 29, 2017

|

FOCUS

Artist: Angus & Julia Stone Date Released: Sept. 15th

|

3

Left Hand - Even number page

Out of a class of 25 eighth grade orchestra students, freshmen Olivia Carpenter and Jeffrey Root were chosen to participate in symphony orchestra after Orchestra Director Anna Mamassian initiates a new change allowing freshmen to audition. Olivia Freidinger | Ads Coordinator & Lexy Lang | Staff Writer & Lillian Moore | Staff Writer

DOUBLE-BASSIST

Jeffrey Root Q: What are you most excited about for this upcoming year?

A: “One thing that’s fun is that it’s my first

time being in an actual bass section. In the past, I’ve been the only bass in the orchestra, and so it’s nice to be able to play with other people -- as well as the challenging music, it will be fun to be pushed a little more than I was in middle school.”

Freshman Olivia Carpenter plays her viola. Photo: Fischer Genau

Q: What’s your favorite thing about being in orchestra?

A: “My favorite part is just the music; I just love playing music.”

Q: Do you plan to pursue a career in orchestra outside of high school?

A: “Yeah. I’d really like to be able to play

after high school -- in college, and maybe even after college. I’m not sure if I’d do classical orchestra or jazz, maybe both. I’m hoping to play, though.”

Q: Do you feel like it’s harder to be a freshman in symphony?

A: “I feel like it’s only harder if I let it be Freshman Jeffrey Root plays his double bass. Photo: Fischer Genau

harder -- if I let it get to me. If I just don’t think about it and put myself on an equal mental playing ground as the other people, then it’s just a normal challenge.”

TEACHER’S TAKE

“

I came from another very strong orchestra program, and I wanted to give them those opportunities. These are the type of people where if you have that type of talent, how could you ever say, ‘No, you can’t audition for the top group in high school,’? I grew up where people were always allowed to audition . . . Why make them be in a class where they’re going to be held back? Here, it’s not even about holding other kids back, or pushing other kids forward; it’s about making sure they’re being challenged wherever they are. Those people that are in concert orchestra are being challenged by the music that I’m giving them, but then [Carpenter and Root] proved that they are ready for that next step

4 | arts/entertainment

Olivia Carpenter Q: What are you most excited about for this upcoming year?

A: “Probably the more difficult music -- pushing me. Before,

I never really had to practice much. I know that sounds bad, but this year I’m going to have to actually put more effort into it because there’s higher expectations.”

Q: What’s your favorite thing about being in orchestra?

A: “The people in the class are more like family than a class. It’s more social. Everyone’s just really close. Last year, it was like I could go to anyone for anything. It’s not like any of them are my best friends, it’s just you know that they always have your back.”

Q: Do you plan to pursue a career in orchestra outside of high school?

A: “I might play if there’s a small college orchestra, but I wouldn’t go to college for it.”

ANNA MAMASSIAN

up in challenges. They’re there, they’re pushing, and they’re making it happen.

VIOLIST

”

Q: Do you feel like it’s harder to be a freshman in symphony?

A: “Yep! It’s pretty intimidating, because everyone’s been playing

for so long. Like I said for last year, everyone was so close and it’s like that with them too. Me, going in there, I feel like I’m adopted into their family -- it’s kind of weird, but super nice. Kind of intimidating, but nice.”

September 29, 2017

| FOCUS

Right Hand - Odd number page Despite challenges with mental illness, senior Lauren Gullo has worked hard to be successful in band, and has been chosen as one of the marching band drum majors this school year. Bitsy Mammel | Features Editor & Josie Kuchek | Exchange Editor

T

he day senior Lauren Gullo found out that she was going to be a drum major, she was all nerves. The year before she had applied but was not chosen. This year she was afraid to be turned down again.

“I was really really nervous because the chances of getting drum major are really slim,” Gullo said. “There’s a lot of people who run and they can only choose four people and everyone running is super qualified and great.”

Since she knew that the odds weren’t exactly in her favor, Gullo tried to soften the potential blow by trying to convince herself that history would repeat.

“I was preparing myself to not get it because that’s what you’re supposed to do,” Gullo said. “I didn’t want to end up being disappointed if I didn’t get it.”

However, former drum major Jordan Gonder announced her name as one of the next drum majors. Throughout his speech Gullo found herself relating more and more to what he was saying, and by the time her name was called Gullo said she knew he was talking about her. Her nerves were replaced with tears of validation, since the work she had done from all of her previous time in band had paid off.

“I realized just how much band means to me,” Gullo said. “In that moment I felt so loved and I felt like all the work that I had done had finally amounted to something.”

The hard work it has taken Gullo to become a drum major signifies much more than just her contribution to the band. When Gullo was eight years old, she was diagnosed with anxiety and depression.

Her parents w e r e concerned with symptoms that had become p r e s e n t throughout the time span of a few months.

Gullo had become nervous about things that hadn’t bothered her before, had difficulty eating, struggled to perform seemingly simple tasks, and had less energy than most children her age.

“As a kid you’re supposed to have a lot of energy,” Gullo said, “and I could barely keep my head up at my desk.”

Throughout the past decade, Gullo has had fluctuations of her mental health. She’s dealt with days filled with no motivation, feeling like she can’t breathe, or feeling sick for no specific reason. Gullo’s anxiety and depression have affected her in school the most.

music over mind

Senior Lauren Gullo has played saxophone in band since fifth grade. Two of the other drum majors this year also play saxophone. Photo: Fischer Genau

“Something that has been really difficult [is] missing school and not really having a valid excuse or reason to be gone,” Gullo said. “Then having to deal with making up things and teachers who aren’t very accepting of you missing class.”

Although anxiety and depression still affect Gullo, she’s always looked to music and band to help her. Band class has served as Gullo’s safe space, where she’s never felt judged or pressured to be anything but

to the band.

“Lauren is always cheerful, in a good mood, and she’s willing to take charge.”

Monroe said. “She’s not afraid of saying ‘Hey let’s go do this.’”

Monroe said that someone would never know Gullo suffers from mental illness when she’s in band. He said that she’s consistently proved herself to be a reliable drum major, always taking the time to look out for every person apart of band.

Fellow drum major and senior Aubrey Root believes that Gullo’s constant high energy and attitude have positively impacted the band. Root appreciates that although band can be stressful, Gullo helps others happily. “[Lauren is always] encouraging people to be the best they can be,” Root said. “She’s always there to provide a word of encouragement to someone.”

Gullo said that band has impacted her by allowing her to meet people who share the same interests as her, letting her connect with people that she would’ve never met before.

Band also gives her something to be excited about. She said that a sense of belonging helps her combat mental illness, and being with people you identify with is important.

“Everyone is just trying to find something that they’re passionate about or where they feel like they belong in,” Gullo said. “That

I could barely keep my head up at my desk.

-Lauren Gullo

September 29, 2017

| FOCUS

herself. As a result, she has formed a deeper love for the band. Her appreciation and special connection to the band is one of the main reasons why she decided to apply to be a drum major.

“I really enjoyed band and talking to and meeting everyone,” Gullo said. “I wanted to do what I could to make the band even better.”

Band director William Monroe noticed Gullo’s leadership potential since her freshman year. Her positive attitude and strong sense of confidence is what he believes makes her a significant attribute

Benefits of Music 3 Ways Music Improves Your Life Improves Mentality Individuals who are trained musically could have better memory for spoken words.

Reduces Stress Listening to music you like can put you in a better mood.

Improves Productivity Studies have shown workers perform better while listening to music.

Source: youthtune.com

5 | arts/entertainment

Left Hand - Even number page

where does the money go?

Every school year, the Athletic Department sends a request to MPS Administration highlighting the costs for the year in athletics. A budget is created in order to set a regiment for expenses throughout the year. Hannah Smith | Sports Editor & Hope O’Dell | Managing Editor

T

his year the football team received uniforms that cost more than $15,000. The tennis team’s uniforms were $1,200. It may be perceived that some sports organizations receive more money than others; however, there are a multitude of factors that are not

of Finance, Facilities, & Operations, said the school board approves the overall budget of the school district, which would include the money for athletics at Midland High.

“Typically the board does not make a decision on each individual budget item but rather considers the budget as a whole,”

In this day and age it isn’t fair to rely on the schools for all funding.

-Eric Krause

always recognized.

As another school year begins, a new budget is issued to the school to outline the year’s predicted athletic expenses. These costs can consist of anything, ranging from transportation to the annually required reconditioning of football gear.

Once the budget has been approved and athletic programs start receiving new equipment, it is perceived that the financial distribution is uneven. In reality, the athletic department has money coming in from both the MPS administration and the Booster Club, so what the money is used for depends on the source it was received from.

“Booster club pays for all uniforms and the Athletic Office prioritizes officials, facility rentals, and transportation,” athletic director Eric Albright said.

An annual budget is granted to the athletic department based on predicted costs throughout the school year. The request is presented to the administration by the athletic director and principal in the spring of the year prior, Albright said.

Robert Cooper, Associate Superintendent

Athletic Department Spending *Repair Equipment *Contracted Services *Dues & Fees

6 | news

*Requested Equipment

Cooper said.

One thing that is always a large expense presented to the school board is the cost of busing for every sports program at every level. Transportation takes up more than a quarter of the $125,000 given to the Athletic Office, Albright said. It is the largest expense that the Athletic Office is obligated to pay, but Albright said it’s an important part of the athletic program.

“Transportation is a main priority,” Albright said. “I am guaranteeing to and from transportation for all sports teams this year.”

A transportation guarantee is a new development this year, because last year some teams didn’t get buses for all of their sporting events, or they only had a bus to the event and would have to find a ride home.

Eric Krause, boys’ varsity basketball coach, chose to cut down on bus use, and had his players carpool instead.

“We chose to drive because we know how much of a financial crunch we’re in,” Krause said.

The money that would be spent on boys’

basketball buses does not go into the boys’ basketball account, it stays in the Athletic Department’s budget, Krause said.

Transportation is just one of the many contracted services that the Athletic Office pays for, and it takes up a majority of the budget.

“The bulk of all spending goes into contracted services,” Albright said. “Contracted services are paying someone else to do something for you.”

Contracted services include transportation, facility rental, entry fees, event workers, and officials.

With contracted services taking up more than 75 percent of the Athletic Office’s budget, it becomes the Booster Club’s responsibility to help coaches buy new uniforms and requested equipment. The Booster Club’s charter (found on chemics.net) states the mission of the club, “The Midland High School Athletic Booster Club (MHS ABC) is dedicated to the voluntary support of athletes and their activities that comprise the Midland High School Athletic Program.”

Sarah Hills, President of the Booster Club, said that the Booster Club splits up its money between buying uniforms for teams whose turn it is in the 5 year uniform rotation and coach’s requests.

“What we earn for one year is what we have to spend as a budget for the following year,” Hills said. “Coaches can submit requests that will help their teams. And then we propose an amount to the executive committee to try and fulfill as many of the requests as we can.”

She added that a lot of factors go into which coaches get their requests granted, and it’s really about how many athletes it can benefit.

“We take a lot of things into consideration,” Hills said. “There isn’t really a matrix we use.

It’s just basically what have we purchased in the past, and how we can make sure we allocate a little bit to each sport every year. There might be a couple years where a sport doesn’t ask for anything, so if they come in with a request it might get moved to the top. But in the end it depends on how much money we have to spend, how many requests we can fulfill while

Booster Club Spending *Uniforms *Senior Scholarships *Trainer Support

September 29, 2017

|

FOCUS

Right Hand - Odd number page still helping the majority of athletes.”

Along with providing some programs with equipment from requests, the Booster Club also provides a way for teams to raise additional funds by providing Booster Bash tickets for teams to sell. For each ticket sold, $3 goes back to the sports team that sold it.

The outside funding that is raised by each sports organization is put into an account that is monitored by Albright and the coach of that particular team.

Albright said he advises each coach to have a purchase item in mind with the money in the account to avoid a ton of money being stored in the account.

A few years ago the boys and girls basketball programs went in together to pay for a new shooting machine, Krause said.

Pam Gray, Treasurer of the Booster Club, said that she knows it may seem as though some sports get more money than others, but it is a misconception.

“I think there is a perception that some teams receive a higher percentage of Athletic Booster Club funding than others; however, that is not the case,” Gray said.

Gray said the only reason it may seem that certain sports, like football for example, are getting more money is because they have a larger roster, so they have the opportunity to sell more Booster Bash tickets.

“At times, teams receive private donations that are used to purchase items that appear to be funded by either the athletic program or the Athletic Booster Club, but are not,” Gray said.

Hills said that the Booster Club gives each team $50 initially, and then $2 per player, so

FOCUS

| September 29, 2017

that would be another reason it may seem that some sports get more money, because they have more players.

Some sports also receive donations from community members and grants.

“The school board officially acknowledges all gifts and grants given to the district,” Cooper said. “If the gift has a value of greater than $5,000 they take official action and accept the gift.”

Both Hills and Albright said that the majority of sports teams fundraise on their own, and some sports may raise more than others.

“Hockey and football are the most expensive programs per athlete,” Albright said. “So they fundraise the most outside of what they are given.”

Albright said that hockey pays for the majority of their ice time, because that can be a costly expense.

So although there has been a longstanding perception that some sports are given more money than others, that is because each team could have money coming from multiple sources, including how much they fundraise for themselves.

In addition, sports like football inquire annual updates to helmets and pads in order to stay up to date with legal procedures.

“Things are totally different than when I first started coaching, “Krause said. Now I treat it like anything we want to purchase, we have to raise the money ourselves, because the schools are in a financial crunch. The only other option is the school doesn’t’ have sports, so we have to try to do things on our own.”

news

| 7

Left Hand - Even number page

a path to success

The P.A.T.H.S. program is providing a non-traditional education to students who need it the most. Different class structure, web-based learning, and group collaboration are all a part of the newly introduced learning experience. Hailey Surbrook | A & E Editor & Devin Granzo| Staff Writer

M

idland Public Schools was losing up to 60 students per year to drop-outs, homeschooling, or schools with nontraditional learning programs like Academic Career Education Academy (A.C.E.A.) and Windover. This year, the district introduced a new program to allow unsuccessful students in a traditional high school setting another option for learning -- Personalized Academics Through High School (P.A.T.H.S.) The “school within a school” is located behind the main building of MHS in rooms 95 and 96. The rooms are in an annex connected by an enclosed sidewalk.

Jeff Lauer is the principal of P.A.T.H.S. and he’s had the program in mind for about four and half years. However, the district had him start putting it together just last year, and the program officially started at the beginning of this school year.

“I was part of bringing online learning to the district 12 years ago when we first brought on [an online educational system],” Lauer said. “[It] became a dream of mine to put something together that would be its own entity, and support the students in the district with [an] online piece. [The program] started there, but the district came to me in February of last year when I was still principal at Carpenter elementary, and it was closing.

I was supposed to go to Plymouth, but [the district] said ‘Remember the site idea you had? We want to make it happen.’”

The program is offered to a wide range of students. It is for students with attendance

8 | news

Illustration: Hailey Surbrook

issues, students who need more work time, students who might not be interested in the typical high school experience, or even students struggling with social anxiety.

Assistant principal Amy Hutchinson is in charge of enrollment and scheduling for students in the program. Hutchinson is aware of how important P.A.T.H.S. could be for a variety of students.

“It’s a place for kids who not only are not succeeding in a traditional high school, but who have that psychological problem of social anxiety,” Hutchinson said. “This is a great way to allow [those students] to be more integrated into a high school as well.”

The program was made so that students who weren’t succeeding in a traditional high school setting could be successful in and past high school. Dow High senior Sydney Shumaker wasn’t happy with the conventional high school program, and she’s found that attending the P.A.T.H.S. program at Midland High has improved how she feels about learning.

“Last year I used to skip all the time and not enjoy going to school because I was so miserable, but being here I’m actually happy,” Shumaker said. “I like to come to school and when I don’t I’m kind of sad.

So [my attitude toward school has] changed a lot.”

Each student is spoken to individually about their goals, and then a program is built for them based off of what they wish to accomplish. The personalized program could involve dual-enrollment, tech-ed

programs, or even be supplemented by some programs in the standard school like art and music classes. Additionally, the class structure is different from traditional schooling. For example, in Shumaker’s case, she’s at Midland High for three hours before attending Dow High for one hour.

“I use all the things that currently exist and I combine that with our online piece of it to create their own educational development plan,” Lauer said. “It’s the plan for their graduation, and what steps they need to take that would get them to whatever they’re doing post high school.”

The P.A.T.H.S. program has given students who were dropping out or not doing well in school the opportunity to accomplish their goals and succeed in high school and beyond.

“I definitely want to graduate by the end of the year,” Shumaker said, “and Mr. Lauer’s making that a possibility for me.”

I definitely want to graduate by the end of the year and Mr. Lauer’s making that a possibility.

- Sydney Shumaker

Seniors Evan Creasman, Kristan Tirey, Dylan Draves, and Gabrielle Tirey collaborate as they work on assignments. The P.A.T.H.S. program uses online learning. Photo: Hailey Surbrook

September 29, 2017

|

FOCUS

Right Hand - Odd number page

stimulating

GROWTH The entrance to Central Park Elementary (above).

The planetarium is a purposeful element of the playground area, showing kids different constellations.

Every piece of wire is visible to students in the halls, demonstrating how technology operates in a concrete setting.

September 29, 2017

S

tudents strive to take action in hopes to create a better and more peaceful world.

The mission statement of Midland’s newest academic installment describes the progressive nature of Central Park Elementary School. Its doors opened to 780 students at the start of the school year, putting new facilities and learning methods to the test.

The student population is composed entirely of former Eastlawn and Carpenter students, as well as a pool of randomly selected school of choice applicants.

The foundational purpose of a STEM school is to ensure that all students have the chance to study and be inspired by science, technology, engineering, and math— and have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

The new STEM curriculum has been integrated with a policy of trans-disciplinary learning, or the blending of all core subjects. Principal Bridget Hockemeyer is excited to see these changes take action.

“We not only teach STEM, but we do it in a way that connects learning in the disciplines and that they are not taught in isolation,” said Hockemeyer, who serves as coprincipal with Shannon Blasy. “It allows them to wonder, question, explore, create and test out projects.”

Parents have shown approval of Central Park’s deviation from conventional instruction. Jodi Rivet, mother of a fifth grader at the school, spoke of her son’s positive feedback.

“Josh is very happy, he enjoys going there,” Rivet said.

“We were really amazed when we walked through; it was quite a difference from the regular elementary school.”

Teachers are noticing the effects of the fundamental change as well, including first grade teacher Michael Cantrell.

“I consider myself to be more of a facilitator of learning,” Cantrell said. “When students are figuring out a problem, if they get it wrong they’ll come together and brainstorm what worked and what didn’t to figure out how to do it better next time.”

Project Lead the Way is another installment in the progressive curriculum of the school that focuses on an engaging, hands-on class environment. It is composed of several learning “kits” completed throughout the year with a focus on the STEM core values.

“With this new curriculum, especially because we have so many different learning styles, each student will adapt to how they want to come up with the answer,”

| FOCUS

Central Park Elementary is a school unlike any other in Midland. Integration of STEM curriculum and other learning methods are changing the face of local public schooling. Fischer Genau | Photo & Design Editor & Ben Woehrle | Staff Writer

Cantrell said. “It’s okay to be wrong; as long as you get the answer, it doesn’t matter which route you take.”

Project Lead the Way will be implemented in all elementary schools next year. Alongside changes in curriculum and style of instruction, the newly constructed facilities have been tailored to this new method of learning.

“We have STEM makerspaces as the center of each grade level learning pod,” Hockemeyer said. “This allows learning to move easily beyond the classroom walls and into the learning lab to create, build and work collaboratively with students.”

In the halls, electrical and plumbing mechanisms are displayed, a technique to pique interest in how STEMrelated ideas operate.

“Every piece of wire is visible to the students, and walking down the halls there are labels of what they do,” Cantrell said.

The intentional design is not confined to the walls of the school. The outdoor learning spaces also extend from each grade level pod to the outside with curricular activities such as pushes and pulleys, magnetic walls, a robotic crash zone and bioswale.

Included in the playground area is a planetarium showcasing constellations and a learning hub that explains the solar system. All of this equipment is geared towards a comprehensive learning experience for students.

Faculty at Central Park are seeing firsthand the positive reception of the new learning principles being implemented.

“The amount of in-depth questions these kids are asking compared to previous years shows that they are intrigued and they’re wondering,” Cantrell said.

Hockemeyer added that students are excited to see their new school and meet their teachers.

“It is thrilling to hear the excitement and joy in their voices when asked what they think about school and to have students in all grade levels say that they think learning is fun,” Hockemeyer said.

Central Park Elementary looks to usher in a modern ideal of education.

“I think our students will be better at questioning the world around them and be actively engaged problem solvers,” Hockemeyer said. “Our students will be able to explore and understand that the world is forever changing and that they can be and do whatever interests them.”

Photos: Fischer Genau

A makerspace within a class pod.

The open space is conducive to more collaborative learning and projects.

The living wall greets students and visitors just steps from the main doors, encouraging curiosity and growth.

9 | news

Left Hand - Even number page

under wraps

Depression in males often goes untreated because of the fear of stereotypes and misconceptions they deal with. Holly Stauffer| News Editor & Kelly Craig | Staff Writer Photo Illustration: Fischer Genau

I

thought that I wasn’t even a person.”

Freshman Jack Wolfe’s symptoms of depression set in at the end of his seventh grade year. He felt pressured to fit in with the ‘popular crowd’ and struggled with feeling like he wasn’t good enough, and even physically harmed himself as punishment for choices he made that he regretted.

“It wasn’t just the way I looked, but the way I talked to people, the way I acted,” Wolfe said. “It was very minor at first, but eventually it led to self-harm and it was just overall terrible. I had a close group of friends but I felt like I couldn’t talk to them, and I didn’t really feel comfortable talking to my parents either.”

Another large part of what Wolfe is dealing with is related to the judgment he has experienced in social situations.

“I’ve felt pressured to be more than what I am,” Wolfe said. “There are people who’ve told me ‘Why don’t you do this?’ or ‘Why don’t you hang out with these people?’”

Wolfe believes that, because he is male, the pressure of what he is going through is heavier. He also struggles with uncertainty in regards to his personal identity.

“Most people think boys don’t have problems with self-image, but they really do,” Wolfe said. “I’m not the kind of guy that’s

10 | features

super sporty, or jock-like. I’m not super masculine, and I don’t really know who I am, actually. I’m just Jack.”

Outpatient Therapist Kim Sumerix from the Family & Children’s Services of Mid-Michigan Midland Center notes that he treats less men in therapy than women, which he finds troubling because of all the problems that surround males with depression. He believes that reaching out to them and beginning treatment could resolve much of this.

same time,” Sumerix said. “We know there are men out there who need help, but we can’t get to them if they don’t feel like they can come forward.”

Counselor Misty Theisen agrees that boys have a more difficult time acknowledging and opening up about depression.

“There is a stigma attached for boys,” Theisen said. “They want to seem like they’re strong and like they can handle everything. Maybe they grew up in a household where that was the message they

I felt like if I said something about it people would think I’m being dramatic or overreacting.

-Freshman Jack Wolfe

“We typically see far less men in therapy versus women, which wouldn’t be concerning if we didn’t know that men are statistically more prone to violence, substance abuse, and have a lot higher suicide rates, and are diagnosed less at the

received, but in all reality, depression knows no gender.”

When the severity of his depression increased, Wolfe turned to a friend who he trusted to help him through it, rather than pursuing professional treatment, because

he felt that he could handle what he is going through on his own. He continued to hide his situation from everyone else in his life.

“At first I was fearful,” Wolfe said. “I felt like treatment would bring out stuff that I didn’t want anybody to know, my deepest, darkest secrets. I thought it was a change I could make by myself. I felt like if I said something about it people would think I’m being dramatic or overreacting.”

Counselor Craig Hawkins said that there is a difference between how males and females respond to their emotions, and also said that stereotypes are an important factor in their reaction.

“Part of it is that males tend to hold a lot of things inside,” Hawkins said. “They don’t express their emotions or feelings as readily as females do because of the way men are [portrayed] in our culture. I think that males tend to act, and that can be troublesome sometimes when they haven’t thought things through and sought out help. Sometimes there is a stigma of weakness if males start showing their emotions.”

Part of the reason that males handle depression differently is due to the way their brains process it, which Sumerix said is unlike the way a woman’s would.

“There is a difference biologically in the brains between men and women,” Sumerix said.

“Women have a larger corpus callosum, so they

September 29, 2017

| FOCUS

Right Hand - Odd number page can process information from one part of the brain to the other more frequently than men, meanwhile, men tend to stick to one issue and fixate on it. Men move to fixing while women go to understanding.”

Sumerix has seen firsthand the gender gap in depression through his work. He recalls how one of his male patients felt after coming forward about his depression after years of leaving it untreated, and the positive impact treatment had.

“They told me, ‘I feel like I had a better sleep last week than I have in 50 years,’ because these things had been haunting him for so long,” Sumerix said. “[Men] like to think that there’s other causes than themselves for their depression. Accepting that it’s a problem is difficult for most men,” Sumerix said.

Both Sumerix and Hawkins want men and boys in situations similar to Wolfe’s to not feel pressured to keep their mental health a secret, and agree that society embracing males opening up more is the solution.

“It’s important for men to realize that they don’t have to deal with this on their own and that there are plenty of resources available to them,” Sumerix said. “We don’t want them to turn to other alternatives such as substance abuse or suicide because they feel like they have no other option.”

Sumerix and Theisen agreed that everyone should get treatment as soon as feelings of sadness or depression begin to concern them, and that it is best to receive it as soon as possible.

“I think waiting complicates the problems for them,” Sumerix said. “Men will wait a lot longer to seek treatment because they deny it for so much longer. Women are easier to reach out and ask for help than men most times. [Men waiting to receive treatment] can lead to more addictive behaviors, or they can dig a big enough hole that they can’t get out of it. Most men wait until the hole gets too big.”

Theisen said she helps students with becoming aware of the concerns that can arise from depression, even in the early stages.

“I try to be a support system for them,” Theisen said. “But I also try to get them to see that they need to see someone sooner rather than later, because if you don’t take care of the underlying issues, when you get older it’s going to start building.”

Hawkins said that boys experiencing hardship in terms of dealing with their depression is still a significant problem in need of more attention and awareness.

“I would like to see males feel more comfortable with expressing their emotions,” Hawkins said. “Whatever we can do as a society or as a culture to promote that, whether it be in the media or social media or family structure, I think it takes a lot on several levels to help men feel comfortable expressing their emotions.”

Although he has not yet received treatment, Wolfe said that he does not discredit the benefits of psychiatrists and also notes that his symptoms have improved with time.

“It always gets better,” Wolfe said. “Pain is temporary; pain doesn’t last forever. And you can always find people to talk to, whether it’s a counselor, whether it’s your best friend, your parents, there’s always someone to talk to and you just have to make sure you find the right person who never gives up on you.”

FOCUS | September 29, 2017

depression by the numbers

common causes of depression

of suicides are committed by males

20%

of people experience symptoms of depression in their lifetime

one in eight men will experience depression at some time in their lives.

80% of substance abusers are male

Source: menshealthforum.org.uk

Source: health.harvard.edu

features

| 11

Left Hand - Even number page

journey to japan

White and his host siblings pose in a ninja village. Photo Courtesy | John White

I

n a matter of three weeks, junior John White became a ninja, a giant, and a middle school athlete. It all started with an application with the Sister City Exchange Program of Midland.

“The application was really easy; it took me maybe an hour to fill out,” White said.

White’s application was selected and he then went through an interviewing process.

“They asked us a series of questions and most of it was about what we think of Japan and why we were interested in the program,” White said. “They just wanted to get to know us to see if we were the correct candidates to go over.”

The program administrators briefed those chosen for the program on Japanese customs and history. White was briefed on customs, such as how to greet others.

“For the old people, instead of shaking their hand, you have to bow to them,” White said. “The grandmother bowed to me right as I got there, so I had to bow and it was a little uncomfortable.

When White arrived, he had to go through customs at the airport. He and the other representatives were questioned by officers.

“The officers who were doing customs spoke a little bit of English but they were very confused on the fact that we were doing a home-stay,” White said. “They were really skeptical about us because we were American teenagers.”

White made it out of customs and went on to be welcomed by his host families.

“It was a really cool experience because everybody was so excited to see us,” White said. “Everyone just wanted to get to know us right away. They had welcome signs for each of us.”

White had three separate host families, and each week he switched from one host family to the next. White had the best experience with

12 | feature

his last host family - a family of four with two daughters.

“Their father became my best friend for the week,” White said.

“Each night I put him through some workouts that I do, which was fun. We also went on morning runs daily, which was really difficult but it was nice to be able to see the scenery.”

Although he enjoyed himself, White still experienced a few struggles. Within each of his families, besides his second family, there would be one person who spoke English. He used Google translate the whole week with his second family in order to communicate with them. In addition to communication issues, White was a foot taller than most Japanese people which meant that he constantly hit his head in doorways and would have to bend down frequently.

“There really wasn’t any downside to anywhere I went, except everything was outside in the sun and everything was hot and humid,” White said. “The humidity would be from 80 to 100 percent each day. One time I actually ran with the middle school track club and I did like two 400s and then on the third I lined up on the line and I told them I couldn’t do anymore. I needed to sit down and get some water. It was really different adjusting to that [the climate].”

On one of the days, White went to a ninja village. White dressed up as a ninja along with his two younger host siblings.

“I actually got featured on national television in Japan while I was there,” White said. “The parents wanted me to dress up with them [the parent’s children] while we walked around. One of the national news stations was there and they interviewed me about why I was interested in ninjas. It was embarrassing, but it was cool.”

White really enjoyed his time in Handa and misses his host families. White is able to stay in contact with them through a Japanese app. They text him often and he makes an effort to stay in touch with them.

3

Over the summer, juniors John White and Justin Witt took a trip through the Sister City Exchange Program of Midland to Handa, Japan. Hadley Morden| Web Editor & Will Shaffer| Staff Writer

W

hile on exchange, junior Justin Witt found a second family, redefined his perception of Japan, and took part in Japanese traditions.

After making it through customs with his fellow representatives, Witt was met by all three of his host families. Witt said that he was hit by a wave of heat and humidity, which really surprised him.

“I saw this amazingly beautiful Japanese landscape, which was so much more beautiful than what I expected. It was open plains and rice fields, and, honestly, I expected it all to be this huge, congested city. So, it was really, really cool to see that,” Witt said.

Witt rotated between his three host families.

“I think my second host family I was closest with,” Witt said. “In a matter of only a week I was able to truly feel at home with them. We had such immense interest in each other’s cultures, that multiple evenings were spent discussing various elements that we all found unique. I had a great time experiencing life with my younger host siblings, and even though they were 4 and 1, and we didn’t speak the same language, we had so much fun together.”

In Witt’s travels, he visited a castle in Osaka, took the bullet train to Tokyo, and went to the third host family’s home temple.

“We went to their home temple, and that’s where everyone comes to pay respect to their relatives in the middle of August,” Witt said.

“So there were people coming from all over Japan because that was a town where they were born. We actually went inside their temple and I was surprised that they let me participate because I had no idea what was going on.”

Witt said all of his Japanese hosts treated him like an equal.

“I couldn’t communicate with most people but other than that they were incredibly welcoming and always willing to have me participate in their traditions, and quite frankly I think they were really excited to see that somebody from a foreign country was really interested in learning about their culture,” he said.

After leaving Japan, Witt’s second host mother gave birth. He hopes to go back some day and meet the baby.

“I really feel like I want to visit now, because they [the second host family] have their new baby, and I would just love to be able to share that experience with their family,” he said.

To read more about Justin Witt’s experience in Japan, scan the code to the left.

To read more about John White’s experience in Japan, scan the code to the right.

1

2

1) Witt smiles with his host family at the Kanezaki Summer Festival. 2) Justin holds his second host siblings, Sara and Haruki.

3) White and his last host father enjoy ice cream at a Baskin Robins in Japan. Photo Courtesy Justin Witt and John White

September 29, 2017

|

FOCUS

Right Hand - Odd number page

striving for excellence Matthew Wenzell takes over as new Assistant Principal for Midland High School Alyssa McMillan | Staff Writer & Hannah Woehrle| Staff Writer & Spencer Isberg | Staff Writer

A

ssistant Principal Matthew Wenzell is one of four boys in his family. His three brothers and his father are all police officers. But like his mother, he decided to pursue a career in education.

“I’ve got three other brothers; they’re cops. My dad’s a cop,” Wenzell said.

“Matthew was mamma’s boy.”

After graduating from Saginaw Valley State University with a masters degree in education leadership, Wenzell served as an elementary school assistant principal for half of a semester. After that, he worked at Arthur Hill High School, his almamater, for four years and then traveled over to Thompson Middle School for one year. Before coming to Midland High, Wenzell worked as a principal at Macgregor Elementary School in Bay City. The opportunity to come to Midland was something Wenzell just couldn’t turn down.

“Midland has had a tradition of excellence since I was in high school,” Wenzell said.

While at Midland High, Wenzell said he would like to continue that tradition, and strive to make Midland High the best school possible. He wants to do this by continuing with what is working, and make the changes that need to be made in order to continue succeeding and raising the bar.

“Midland High should be a place where kids can be successful in a variety of different ways.” Wenzell said. “What defines success to me may not define success for someone else” Wenzell has had experience dealing with kids who are at a disadvantage either at school, at home, or who are dealing with personal struggles. He brings that experience with him to Midland High.

September 29, 2017

| FOCUS

Midland High School Principal Jeff Jaster said Wenzell is passionate about working with kids who may be struggling in school..

“That includes students who may need special services, and students who come from backgrounds that maybe have a higher risk of not graduating,” Jaster said.

“He’s very passionate about helping those kids and making sure they have a chance to be successful” Special Education Teacher Elaine Mahabir agrees that his past experience will benefit Midland High. She said there won’t be much that Midland High will throw at him that he will not be able to handle.

“He’s worked in schools where he’s gotten to work with a lot of different types of students and he brings a background of knowledge of the different types of students he’s worked with that he can use and apply to kids here at Midland High School.”

Mahabir said. “It’s nice to have someone step into that position that has a lot of experience and background knowledge to bounce ideas off of and give suggestions on how to move forward” Wenzell emphasized on how smooth his transition has been, and he attributes that to the staff, students, and parents. The sense of Chemic Pride was one of the first

things Wenzell noticed when he arrived this summer.

“In the hallways, there is a climate in this building that I have never experienced,” Wenzell said.

Wenzell added that anyone who walks the halls of Midland High has high expectations, but believes that they will be able to live up to those expectations, so long as they keep an open mind and are open to change.

“I call it grit. The ability to come every day and grind,” Wenzell said. “Sometimes, in our society, people don’t have that piece.

They don’t want to put in the work. But we’ll have to continue to push our students to work hard.”

Wenzell’s background in education has helped him get to know students and the struggles they face. He recognizes that not every student is defined by their circumstances, and that they can work hard to overcome them. He hopes to create an atmosphere of support, and he would like to take this opportunity to guide his students and build relationships with them.

“We’re a sum of our experiences,” Wenzell said, “but our experiences don’t define who we are or who we’re going to become.”

There is a climate in this building that I have never experienced.

-Matthew Wenzell

Assistant Principal Matthew Wenzell is new to MHS this year, as he takes over a position previously occupied by Kandis Pritchet Photo: Fischer Genau

Meet Mr. Wenzell

How many kids do you have?

Any Detroit Team

3 Girls & 2 Boys

Favorite sports team?

What sports have Baseball & you played?

Hockey

13 | features

Left Hand - Even number page

Since her diagnosis of osteocarcoma, Katie McGovern wears a prosthetic leg for everything except swimming and sleeping.

Gwynne Özkan | Editor-in-chief & Jacob Hartwick | Staff Writer

independence

McGovern hoists herself onto the starting block with no help from coaches, teammates, or crutches and leaps into a comfortable dive, swimming without any prosthetic. Photo: Fischer Genau

A

s freshman Katie McGovern finishes swim practice, her teammate delivers two blue crutches to her, which acts in place of her right leg. McGovern was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, in August of 2009. As a result, a large tumor developed in her knee. Her course of treatment involved excessive chemotherapy to shrink the tumor and full amputation of her right leg. In May of 2010, McGovern was announced cancer free, although her life remained changed forever.

“People will ask me, ‘What happened to your leg?’ and I will just walk away. I feel like they’re insensitive about it sometimes,” McGovern said. Although she is open about the topic, McGovern often feels people are inconsiderate.

Her swim career began at Jefferson Middle School, where she competed for two years under coach Buffy Hall after her older sister encouraged her to join. Hall’s coaching

background with McGovern from Jefferson continuing through Midland High School has allowed for a strong and comfortable relationship between player and coach. Hall said McGovern’s bright personality is her biggest strength.

“She’s vocal; She’s easy to hear, and she’s a good team supporter,” Hall said. “I don’t think anybody pays any attention that she’s any different than anyone else. It’s quite impressive to see her hop up on the block like everyone else.”

McGovern doesn’t require any special attention or accommodations in practice or at swim meets. Because of this independence, Hall sees swimming as a great sport for her because she believes McGovern can attain success.

Senior captain Maddie Allen reached out to McGovern since she was new to the team. Allen described her swim team as a family and emphasized the importance of making everyone feel welcome. Allen’s

initial impression of McGovern was her huge personality and a great sense of humor.

“She didn’t know anyone on the team since she came from Jefferson, but she still was very talkative and herself which is something I really admire about her,” Allen said. “It’s just a great quality to have.”

Allen also admires the courage and positive attitude McGovern brings to her situation, labeling her teammate as an inspiration.

“Yes, Katie only has one leg, but that’s not what I focus on when I talk to her,” Allen said. “Even though she’s really open and comfortable talking about it, that’s not a big part of her for me. We treat her like every other swimmer.”

Swimming comfortably freestyle and backstroke, Hall has high hopes for McGovern’s performance in the championship meet on Sept 30th.

“Once she’s in the water, she can hold her own,” Hall said. “She looks just like everybody else. She has a good stroke & is coach-able. I think anybody would be impressed; she just gets to kick with one leg.”

McGovern wears her prosthetic leg all day, except for sleeping and swimming, which gives her leg time to breathe. McGovern

said it’s a hassle on days she feels lazy or when she is attending swim practice or a meet because it’s difficult to take care and keep track of the prosthetic.

“I’m happy with my decision to join swim,” McGovern said. “It can get tiring and hard sometimes, but you can help yourself in the end and drop time.”

Favoring the competitive nature of swim and the team camaraderie, swimming is something McGovern is passionate about. She has liked it from a very young age, although she struggles with long distance races.

“With long distance, it’s hard because everyone is going a lot faster and I’m over here like, ‘Yay; I’m dying.’ I struggle with endurance considering my situation,” she said.

Despite her struggles, she has a positive impact not only on her team but on other teams as well. Opponents have approached her, speaking to her courage and praising her for her participation in swim despite her disability.

“At times I can see myself inspiring other teammates, and obviously I feel proud of that,” McGovern said.

“No matter what your circumstance is, you can do anything you put your mind to. It may take a little work, but that’s just how these things are—especially sports.”

I think anybody would be impressed; she just gets to kick with one leg.

McGovern comes up for a breath swimming the butterfly stroke in practice. Photo: Fischer Genau

14 | sports

-Buffy Hall

September 29, 2017

|

FOCUS

Right Hand - Odd number page

professionally prepared

Former NFL cornerback Coach Vince Agnew, takes on a coaching role at Midland High school. Agnew recently retired from pro football after playing 3 years of NFL football and 2 years of CFL. Devin Alexander | Staff Writer | Noah Jacobson | Staff Writer

F

om the National Football League to the Midland High coaching staff, Varsity football assistant Coach Vincent Agnew has acquired a key role in leading the Chemic’s defensive backs.

Agnew grew up attending Catholic Central High School in Grand Rapids, where he played as a cornerback, running back and wide receiver. Agnew attended Central Michigan University and was named the 35th best cornerback in the 2011 NFL draft , he went on to play for the Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys, and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Agnew left pro football to spend more time with his family and he felt that he already accomplished his dream. Agnew left on his own terms other than by injury or another factor that could potentially take him away from the game.

“I put myself in a good position to chase my next dreams as a journalist and a sports trainer,”Agnew said.

Agnew now coaches the cornerbacks like junior Ethan Richards.

“He definitely boosted up my confidence more than anything”, Richards said. “If

you’re not playing well, he’ll straight up tell you rather than just beating around the bush. When I’m playing really well, he gets pretty animated.”

Agnew has gained knowledge from past training and experience to sew into Midland High’s players and distribute out onto the field from playing in the NFL. However, his experience in the league doesn’t single handedly make him the coach that he is, Richards explained.

Former participation int the league in the NFL does not affect us players in any sense as far as respecting him for anything other than what he’s taught the players.

“All coaches have their own style to get through to the kids,” Methner said.

“I’ve been around different guys who have played college or pro and they’re not very good teachers. They have a hard time getting things across to their players.

However, Coach Agnew has stepped in and taken his experiences in the NFL and he’s a great teacher of the game and his techniques: teaching kids how to do things.”

At the end of the day, we are friends too and they know I will always keep it 100% real. It’s a mutual respect.

-Coach Vince Agnew

“We don’t care that he played in the NFL. I mean it’s sweet and all but he’s just very motivational and when other coaches are getting mad he’s still trying to motivate you to keep you going,” Richards said.

Coaches and players praise Agnew for his enthusiasm and overall energy on the sideline. Although his insight has been applied to various areas of the team, he has primarily introduced players different drills and concepts that the team has been incorporating with the defensive secondary.

“I believe I provide an overall understanding of the game, especially defensively, and how offenses will attack us in certain situations,” Agnew said.

On top of Agnew’s abilities as a coach, he has the capability to build bonds with the players due to his young age.

“I think having just recently left football as a player, I relate well with the kids,” Agnew said. “They keep me feeling young and we joke around a ton. I coach them hard and hold them accountable, but at the end of the day, we are friends too and they know I will always keep it one hundred percent real. It’s a mutual respect.”

Agnew is planning on helping all of the plays reach their goals throughout the season. He has high interest in what the players want and he wants to be their for their personal success in football and out of football.

“I understand that kids who play here have high expectations for themselves and I get to share my experiences of effort, work ethic, disciple, the long days and the long nights that it takes to achieve goals on and off the field,” Agnew said.

Agnew’s Career

Catholic Central High Graduate 2005

Central Michigan University 2007/2010 Signed with Miami Dolphins in 2011/2012 Signed with Dallas Cowboys for 2012/2013 season Signed with Kansas City Chiefs in 2013 Signed with Toronto Argonauts for 2014/2015

Midland High Coach

Coach Vince Agnew directs players Zach Servinski (23) and Jacob Gomola (25) against the Mount Pleasant Oilers on September 15.

Photo: Hadley Morden.

September 29, 2017

FOCUS

15 | sports

Left Hand - Even number page

new recruit

Junior Varsity boys soccer coach Emily Leffingwell is prepared for the new season and changing the scene. Olivia Barber|Staff Writer Katie Gibbs|Staff Writer Liam Grady|Staff Writer

Coach Emily Leffingwell instructs her players during a halftime speech. She reviews different formations and strategies that she wants her players to try in the second half. Photo: Fischer Genau

T

his year the junior varsity boys soccer players are experiencing a new coaching staff which includes a female coach. Coach Emily Leffingwell took over Rodrigo Barassi’s position last year for the girls’ junior varsity team. This year she is coaching the boys team for the fall season.

She has kept the team strong and plans to have a successful season moving forward with new tips to give the players and tactics to make them stronger opponents.

Leffingwell’s unique background, which includes military experience, gives her a unique perspective.

For four years she was a rescue swimmer candidate and a yeoman, an officer who performs duties on ships. She was stationed in Hawaii and went through basic training until she got an injury that put her on administrative work. She eventually became a secretary of her department and worked alongside other officers, aiding them in what they needed. During her time in Hawaii she also coached a U-8 boys team.

“I’m definitely harder on them, more physically,” Leffingwell said in regards to the effect her military past has had on her coaching. Her players also can see the effect of her coaching on the field. She believes that hard work pays off and she uses this when giving advice to the players.

“She didn’t want messing around and that’s a good thing because it keeps us on track and focused,” sophomore captain Jack Sczepanski said. He appreciates her efforts to keep them

going in practice and being able to make the most out of every practice.

The transition between the two coaches wasn’t without difficulties. The boys had grown accustomed to a male leader of the team. When Leffingwell took over she had to earn their respect. At first the boys were hesitant to welcome the female coach.

“It took time for the boys to look up to me since Rico had been their source of leadership in the past,” Leffingwell said.

Once she told them about her military

“She’s very interactive and she’s very hands on,” Barassi said. He thinks the way that she is dynamic in practices helps with her coaching.

She also works hard to give players more opportunities. She understands the difficulties related to sharing the turf field.

In the fall multiple sports have to share it so she is working towards making Parkdale more available to all their needs.

Leffingwell doesn’t just coach the boys to be great on the field, she also focuses on their skills off the field.

Leffingwell enjoys being able to watch the players growth throughout the season and watch them attain these skills.

One of the most rewarding things for her to watch is to see players who started off on the weaker end of the team at the beginning and then grow to be one of the best players on the team.

Something else Leffingwell has taught all her players is that they are all valuable to the team regardless of their playtime. She says that all of the cheering and support each teammate gives off the field during games means just as much as the goals made on the field.

“We are molding these kids not just as players, we’re learning life lessons on and off the field,” Leffingwell said, and she incorporates this idea into her practices everyday.

We are molding these kids not just as players,we’re learning life lessons on and off the field.

16| sports

-Emily Leffingwell background, they opened up to her and later accepted the new head of the team after seeing the benefits she has brought them.

The team is experiencing a higher win streak along with an improved overall record since her addition.

Leffingwell also plays with them at practice which helps her connect with the players, shows her knowledge of the sport, and allows her to get involved with what is happening on the field. The boys are able to see her in action and reciprocate her advice through visual aid. The players enjoy being able to have the hands-on help and see what she wants them to do.

September 29, 2017

| FOCUS

Right Hand - Odd number page

The Focus addresses...

Illustration: Noah Jacobson

he new STEM elementary school, Central Park Elementary, is in full-swing along with the new school year. Central Park is implementing new ways of teaching in hopes that young students will gain an interest in the curriculum. With this new way of teaching, many parents wanted their kids to go to the new school. The majority of students attending the new school came from the now-closed Carpenter and Eastlawn and were enrolled automatically, along with students in the regional district of Central Park Elementary. The the rest of the spots for the school were filled by school-of-choice students. Only one hundred school-of-choice applicants were selected through a random lottery system.

Many of the students who came from Eastlawn and Carpenter are considered at-risk students, with the hopes that this new curriculum will give them the boost they need to succeed. But some do not agree with the selection process, because there are at-risk children at other schools who will not get the same opportunities. We, the Focus editorial board will address this issue.

Eight of our editors were in favor of the selection process that Central Park chose to use, saying that it is impossible to pick out every at-risk child in the MPS system, and that this is a start to helping at-risk kids in Midland get on an even playing field with students who are not considered at-risk.

At-risk students attending Central Park will be given opportunities and technology that other students are privy to at home.

Another argument in favor of Central Park’s selection system is that other elementary schools in Midland were in much better condition compared to Eastlawn and Carpenter, which were the two oldest elementary schools in the district.

September 29, 2017 |

FOCUS

Now the students will have a better learning environment compared to the decrepit buildings they were being forced to try and learn in before.

Other elementary schools are implementing a new STEM curriculum into their schools, so although the children at Central Park may have slight advantage (in terms of new facilities) over students who didn’t go there, all students can benefit from a new STEM curriculum.

Three Focus editors were against Central Park’s selection system because it failed to reach at-risk children at schools that didn’t close. Although they reached a large number of at-risk students because Eastlawn and Carpenter were majority at-risk, other at-risk students will not be given the same opportunities. So many at-risk children will remain untouched by the large amount of money spent on this school. Rather than having the new STEM curriculum help them to achieve in school, in a regular school environment this curriculum could put too much pressure on children who don’t have the technology available like other students do. This could cause at-risk students not at Central Park to fail academically rather than embrace the new curriculum, because they are not given the tools or environment they need to succeed.

The STEM curriculum implemented at other elementary schools will not be as fully-developed as at Central Park, because these schools have to integrate it into the curriculum and the environment they have been traditionally providing students with.

Therefore, students not at Central Park will be getting less STEM-oriented education,

Centra

which could hurt them in the future.

Overall, Central Park Elementary’s opening led to many parents wanting their children to be enrolled, but only a certain number could. With only one hundred coveted spots available, many students and parents were left disappointed.

There are pros and cons to Central Park’s selection process of former Eastlawn and Carpenter students, students in the region, and then schoolof-choice applicants. The Focus editorial board was split on this issue, but one conclusion was made. Central Park was a step in the right direction, towards pushing at-risk kids and giving them the tools to go far so they can come out equal to students who are not at-risk.

As one Focus Central Park editor put it, “It’s about doesn’t reach all getting them to equity, at-risk students in not Midland, so some equality.”

l Park

For

T

get advantages that others don’t. But it’s a step in the right direction.

Central Park provides a large number of at-risk elementary students with technology and opportunities that they may not have at home.

3

8 to

Against 17 | editorial

@HumansofMidlandHigh

Matt Waier

Left Hand - Even number page

The last time I really laughed hard was in my AP Physics class. In the last 15 minutes of the hour, Mr. Fawcett passed out an IB, five part, three page quiz that none of us knew the answers to. We all just started looking the questions up on our chromebooks.

Maya Albright

@MATTHEWWAIER

My favorite memor y from this school year is the Bay City Central football game when it went into overtime and the student section rushed the field after we won. It was super exciting and definitely showed a lot of chemic pride. @MAYA_ALBRIGHT

18 | opinion

freaky fast but mostly freaky Gwynne Özkan

E

very day, I’d take out my cartilage piercing and slip on ankle socks. I’d fold my hair into a neat braid and tuck my bangs into my hat that read ‘JJ’ in bright red block letters just above the brim. Tying on my apron, I mentally prepared for the countless, “Hello, welcome to Jimmy Johns! What can I get for you today?”s.

It’s called a summer job. Up until this year, I’d never been a part of the food industry, or any industry for that matter. My parents always told me that school was my job, so that was my focus. But the itch for moola finally led me to fill out an application, sit through an interview, and eagerly accept a steady paycheck. Although, I didn’t realize it wasn’t just a paycheck I was accepting.

We all witness the madness surrounding this beloved chain. The drive through line floods into the street during lunch rush and we squeeze for spots in line until we’re pushed out the door. We do it all for a 30-second sandwich—freaky fast.

I was quite familiar with the madness, yes, but I didn’t realize its intensity until I was immersed. Suddenly, I wasn’t watching the lines elongate from the street, but from the glass drive through window instead, scrambling to hear whether the 88-year-old grandmother is allergic to mustard or not. Or, I was placed at the front register, directing traffic and trying to appease the preppy 21-year old who clearly had the ‘was born on third base but thinks he hit a triple’ mentality, rolling his eyes at the fact we don’t offer honey wheat bread. I was now the one handing over the subs. I was now mixed in with the madness that made those sandwiches possible.

That madness included endless ‘daily beautifications’ waiting to be checked.

Clean the soffit. What is a soffit?

Empty the treasure box. I had a lot of Jimmy John Jargon left to learn, but I was given a hint: it’s metal and it’s roommates with the toilet.

Mop the lobby. I had never wielded a mop in my whole life, leading up to the embarrassing ‘how to’ question for my

manager. I quickly earned the ‘princess’ nickname from my coworkers.

That madness spawned quite memorable customers.

A balding, grimacing grouch of a man asked if we carried salt and vinegar chips, to which I replied, “Yes, sir.” He then asked if they tasted like vinegar, to which I replied, “Yes, sir.” He proceeded to ask if the vinegar would ‘leak’ and ‘spill all over his car’ if he bought a bag, to which I replied with nothing other than a baffled expression. He ended up buying two.

I watched first-hand as a red-head became a hot head with flaming eyes, obvious that all sympathy she once had was sucked dry by her hangry feelings. Handed a sandwich without the onions she so desperately craved, her foot made nice with the brake after she began pulling out of the drive through. Getting out of her car and marching up to the window, a look of disgust burying into my body, she expressed her disappointment, dissatisfaction, and loathing of our franchise. I considered telling her that I was not the one that made her the sandwich, and that she was, in fact, shooting the messenger. I decided against it though, and instead added her precious onions.

Sadly, that madness also bred sexual harassment, and in many forms. A pair of plumbers in their mid-thirties were staring at me for far too long until they finally asked how I old I was, cursing and ‘blaming me’ for not being at least 18 for them. I handed a teenage boy his food and in place of ‘thank you’ he asked, ‘Can I throw my $1 bills on you?” Sexual innuendos became routine and I spent as much energy destroying the hope behind pathetic pickup lines than I did bagging chocolate chip cookies.

But despite all of that, the madness did its job and created sandwiches. I spent 2 months dicing onions for our tuna salad, holding my tongue for the snoots and snots of the world, and turning up my nose at the pigs who take shape as ‘men.’ Some would call those months a waste. I call them an experience, one I wouldn’t trade.

I was quite familiar with the madness, yes, but I didn’t realize its intensity until I became the madness.

September 29, 2017

| FOCUS

Right Hand - Odd number page

STAY FOCUSED!

emetophobia

FOLLOW THE FOCUS ONLINE mhsfocus.com

Kelly Craig

D

uring the winter of second grade, my elementary school was hit with an awful case of the stomach flu.

Although I managed to escape unscathed, others in my class weren’t as lucky.

During the middle of a lesson, I can remember one kid rushing over to the trash can to puke his guts out, something that was so disgusting and traumatizing to my 7-year-old self that it became the catalyst for my now deep rooted fear of vomiting.

Since that incident, I had perfected the art of avoiding situations regarding vomit. I mastered reading the body language of people who might get sick so I knew when to split. I stayed away from amusement parks, and eating contests were strictly forbidden from being discussed.

I used to be able to count the amount of times I had thrown up in my entire life with just two hands. But as I grew up, my world and my stomach were shook up.

I never used to have a problem with my body. I have always been thin, something that has caused multiple people to point out and treat like a gift, but it wasn’t just limited to that.

My world was filled with people both insecure and obsessed with their bodies. Tabloids detailing “best” and “worst” beach bods, Kate Moss saying “nothing tastes as good as skinny feels”, and my parents working themselves to death at the gym for hours on end. All around me were people disgusted with themselves, but I was constantly reminded that I had something going for me, that I was lucky, and that I had control.

When I was 14, someone jokingly pointed out my eating habits to me at dinner once.

“You’re going to weigh 400 pounds when you’re older if you keep eating like that,” they said. Even though it wasn’t intended to be malicious, something about it sat in my gut for the rest of the night.

The thought of ending up miserable with my weight like a lot of other people in my life made my stomach flip. So, deciding to literally take matters into my own hands, I excused myself to the bathroom and shoved two fingers down my throat.

In the moment, it was unbearable. But the longer I sat on the bathroom floor afterwards, I started feeling less disgusting and more powerful.

Not only had I just gotten over a huge fear

of mine, I had just discovered a way to keep myself in check. I convinced myself that I had perfect control over myself and my weight, and this was just another way to keep that control.

One meal became twice a month, and twice a month became three times a week. Roles became reversed; on days where I wasn’t purging I was avoiding food like I had once avoided vomit.

I had laid out excuses for everything to avoid eating. Seeing the numbers on the scale fall every day made me feel accomplished, because this was the one thing in my life that I knew I had complete control over.

Only it wasn’t. And just like how abruptly everything started, it ended the same way.

After hearing about the school’s blood drive, I thought, “I think I weigh enough to do that.”

The idea of potentially saving someone’s life felt storybook to me, so the moment I got home I went to the scale. As I stared down at my feet, I found myself holding my breath like I had countless times before, only now for a different reason.

I was not in the weight limit for the blood drive. In fact, I weighed far less.

When I looked at my jarring sickly appearance, I realized that I had never been in control. In a weird sense of irony, I had turned into what I feared most, someone unhappy and searching for acceptance after being told again and again that all anyone is concerned about is the size of your waist.

It took opening up and trying sushi for the first time in order for me to move past my eating disorder. The more I started to challenge the way we talk about our appearances, the more my illness loosened its grip on me. In a world of Kate Mosses, I now take comfort in size zero bans, good ice cream, Beyonce’s “Flawless”, and people who are in confident in their bodies loudly and proudly.

I weigh enough to donate blood now, so I think I’ll give it a try. Even if one of the side effects is vomiting.

But the longer I sat on the bathroom floor afterwards, I started feeling less disgusting and more powerful.

September 29, 2017

|

FOCUS

If you would like to advertise here Contact Olivia Freidinger freidingeroe@midlandps.org

$50 (4” x 4”) $30 (2” x 4”) $30 (4” x 2”)

Air Popped!

Gluten Free!

Handcrafted Toppings made from Scratch!

BUYONE BAG, GET ONE BAG 50% OFF! (EQUAL OR LESSER VALUE) Bring coupon to:

136 Ashman Circle • Midland, MI 48640 989-486-9601 • custsvc@pop-popsgt.com

19 | opinion

@HumansofMidlandHigh

Kaitlyn Bremer

Left Hand - Even number page

My favorite place I’ve ever been to is the Pictured Rocks in the Upper Peninsula. It was truly amazing because I’d walk back into the woods and look up to see a bunch of waterfalls all above me. I felt so small but I was also surrounded by nature, which felt very comforting in a way. I just felt safe.

Luke Butler

@_KAITLYNBREMER

My favorite thing about myself is the way I can interact with people. I’m pretty good at making friends and connecting with people which is something I really take pride in. @LUKE__BUTLER

20 | opinion

everybody needs a friend Jacob May

I

was wandering down a dark aisle in an uncharted place. People surrounded me on two sides, and they were all staring at me. I was faced with a problem: who would I sit with?

During my first ride on a school bus, I met my first friend. His name was Garrett and one of the only things I remember about him is that he has an “outie” belly button. We made great memories that year. We used to pretend to be cops and firemen, and between those moments, I realized that I was proud to have made such a great friend. I was proud to graduate preschool with him, although I would go on to never see him again.

One thing that really made a difference in my life was the fact that my family moved around a lot, between apartment complexes and houses, I felt like I was constantly having to adjust to new schools and neighborhoods.

I moved into a new house and spent the first and second grade at Longview Elementary, where I made an abundance of new friends. I went to my first sleepover. And among other firsts, I understood what it meant to have a best friend.

I learned that a best friend is someone that you can share secrets with and make memories with. The best memories.

I learned that a best friend is someone that you can trust with anything. A best friend is someone that you’re glad to share your life with. At Longview Elementary, I made my first best friend. We went through the hardest parts of Elementary school together, from basic math to childhood bullies. And on an even more serious note, I helped him through his parents’ divorce.

Despite everything we went through with each other, I was moving again, and changing schools. Losing one of my best friends proved to be one of the most trying parts of my life so far.

Fast forward to Bullock Creek Middle School; I quickly realized that within the first

week there that I had been in my first clique, a group of seven.

We would talk about everything, from politics to our latest complaints about our least favorite teacher, and the occurrences in our own lives. It was like having seven best friends. These are the friends that pick me up when I’m down and dust me off, these are the friends that I hope to spend the rest of my life with, sharing our experiences.

Everybody needs friends like them.

Despite this, it was time for my family to move again, and it was hard to think about leaving my friends. On the bright side, moving schools couldn’t put an end to our friendship. We’re still the same gang that we were in the sixth grade.

My freshman year at MHS was memorable, for a couple of reasons. The best being that I made more great friends.

A group of friends unlike any I’ve ever had.

Hammocking sessions, frisbee games, and just being around them have really made me appreciate them.

Now in sophomore year, they’re always here to help me when I’m in need and even though I’ve only known them for a year, I know that they’re here to stay. We’re a tight-knit group. They made me realize that wherever I go, I will meet new people and forge great, new relationships.

I believe that everybody you meet has an influence on you. I’m glad that my family moved a lot, it has forced me to meet new people. I think friends are one of the most vital parts of development as a person, they help define you.

The friends that I have today are some of the most important people in my life; they’ve done a lot of good. I consider them to be a part of my family.

Making new friends has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done, and I think that it goes without saying that I love all of my friends. Everybody needs a friend.

They made me realize that wherever I go, I will meet new people and forge great, new relationships.

September 29, 2017

| FOCUS

Right Hand - Odd number page

don’t @ me

V

oices from Midland High

Midland High has curb appeal. It looks nice from the outside, it’s clean, very inviting, and helpful. I think they strive to keep the school’s facility going upwards for all students and athletes.

Holly Stauffer

R

ight now there are fires burning down miles and miles of wildlife and forests in many parts of the United States.

There are hurricanes destroying homes and communities of millions.

The increased number and intensity of national disasters is very recent, and the second I heard about all of it, I wanted to make a difference. I wanted people to be aware of it and understand that something needs to be done. Naturally, I turned to the best place I knew of accomplish my goal: social media.

With Hurricane Harvey trending at number one on Twitter and the wildfires in Portland, Oregon (a city holding a special place in my heart) not far behind, I added to the chaos by drafting a tweet of my own, urging my peers to save the Earth“It’s devastating to learn that a place I love so much is destroyed by a carelessly man-made fire. We need to learn to take care of our Earth.”

My passionate opinion on the current state of the environment was burning a hole inside me, and I couldn’t stay silent about it.

People often experience this feeling when something dissatisfies them, and many react the same way I did. When Donald Trump became our president, my Twitter feed exploded with heated, hateful tweets.

When the Cleveland Cavaliers traded Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics, my Twitter feed was inundated by enraged basketball fans everywhere.

No matter how trivial the subject, social media has become an outlet for opinions, both positive and negative. Anyone can share their views with their own personal audience in an instant, but the problem lies in a single question: Is any of this really making a difference?

I can tweet as many times as I want about rescuing the planet from its state of disaster, but that won’t stop the kid at lunch from

throwing his plastic water bottle in the trash can, nor will it stop Hurricane Irma from the havoc she will wreak. Conservatives and Liberals can fire tweets back and forth arguing about whether or not Trump should end DACA, but neither of them are likely to change the other’s opinion. People can call Trump a Hot Cheeto via Twitter as much as they want, but it won’t impeach him from presidency. Sorry.

When we see a tweet criticizing our beliefs, we get irritated. Yet, we so often do the same thing ourselves, and so the cycle of endless accusations and insults goes on. We see this never-ending battle everywhere, from celebrities we’ve never met to classmates we see daily. We get so caught up in attacking those who have offended us that we don’t realize that our opinions offend others too.

Most arguments online occur when one or both parties are very uneducated on the issue at hand. Most news outlets that show up on our feeds are loaded with bias to promote their agenda. With the political tension in the United States currently, the ability to immediately hit send on a tweet during a fit of rage is a very toxic thing.

Ranting to our followers feels powerful in the moment, but ultimately can do much more harm than good. Rather than solving the problem we’re attempting to, it adds to it. Which, in turn, develops a negative atmosphere on social media.

I understand that there is a lot of value in finding a community of shared views on social media. It can be an uplifting and unique thing.

However, there is a fine line between standing up for our beliefs and trying to force them on others. Holding back heat of the moment replies can spare a lot of unnecessary conflict.

What it really all boils down to is one thing: treating others the way you want to be treated.

Or, rather, tweeting others the way you want to be tweeted.

The ability to immediately hit send on a tweet during a fit of rage is a very toxic thing.

September 29, 2017

|FOCUS

we love it Keith Woods - parent

There are a lot of clubs to join and the people are really inviting and nice to be around.

Caryn Wenban - sophomore

in need of love Life at Midland High could be improved if the school itself was more unified, if we got rid of divisions and judgements Abby Krohn - sophomore

There’s always people who try to get students to feel like this is a home and all students are welcomed. I don’t think we are quite there yet, but almost.

Ben Younkin - teacher Reporting by Katelyn Nylund, Brady Woods, Kelsey Lerczak and Halle Sodini

If you would like to advertise here Contact Olivia Freidinger freidingeroe@midlandps.org

$50 (4” x 4”) $30 (2” x 4”) $30 (4” x 2”) 21

| opinion

Left Hand - Even number page

POST MALONE

music reviews

With new music being released every week, it can be hard to focus on something new to listen to. Here’s your guide to music released this month. Danielle Julien | Opinion Editor

Contrary to popular belief, this is in fact not a cover of Nickelback’s “Rockstar”. After posting a snippet of the song on Twitter a year ago, Post Malone’s new song featuring 21 Savage has been highly anticipated, and many believe it was worth the wait.

The first single for his second album Beerpongs and Bentleys, “Rockstar” has eerie undertones beneath lyrics about the life of an up-and-coming rockstar. Together, Malone and 21 Savage have created a song you’ll be hearing for a while, likely when you’re pulling out of the school parking lot.

ANGUS & JULIA STONE

The “South” singers released their EP Warm Glow on Sept. 12.

Comprising of three songs, Warm Glow gives Hippo Campus fans a familiar sound.

If you’ve seen the band live, the song “Baseball” probably sounds the most familiar. The song was pushed off their last album Landmark, but is still performed live. The other two songs- “Traveler” and “Warm Glow”- are full of the characteristic harmonies and melodies.

Each song is symbolized by an item on the EP cover; “Baseball” is a baseball balloon, “Traveler” is a mattress and sheets, and an ashtray symbolizes “Warm Glow”.

Warm Glow is perfect for studying, reading, driving, or any other time you need ambient music.

HIPPO CAMPUS

RINGO STARR

With twinges of The Lumineers, the sibling duo Angus & Julia Stone provide calming sounds in their latest album Snow, perfect for studying and fall drives. Released Sept.15, it marked seven years since the release of their hit song “Big Jet Plane.”

The combination of Julia’s mousy voice and Angus’ raspier tone creates peaceful harmonies in many of their songs. They utilize complex lyrics to convey messages, as songs like “Oakwood,” “Cellar Door,” and “Sylvester Stallone” reminisce on love and lovers that didn’t work out. Other songs are simpler, like “My House Your House”, which is comprised of 5 repeated lines.

Overall, Snow is a great new indie album, with many songs worthy of addition to your fall drive or study playlists.

22 | opinion

The drummer from The Beatles does it again-- he provides the same sound and feeling as every other solo album he’s made. Give More Love opens with the track “We’re on the Road Again,” a simple song presumably about how he’s making music again.

The most notable song off the album is “Laughable,” which appears to be about the state of the world today. Starr sings, “It would be laughable if it wasn’t sad / yeah laughable,” and “It’s going to hell / but not forever.” Perhaps he hopes this message will give people hope. That’s pretty laughable.

The second most notable song is a joke to say the least. “Standing Still” is very country-esque, and the chorus is literally “You don’t need nothin’ if you don’t do nothin’.” Although, if you read through the comments on YouTube, Ringo fans are living for it.

So, if you’re not already a Ringo Starr fan, this album won’t make you give him more love.

September 29, 2017

| FOCUS

Right Hand - Odd number page

Focus tries...

THEATRE

Follow my toil and trouble as I experience my first ever audition: Macbeth.

Maureen Aloff |Staff writer

I

ambic pentameter, thirty nervous thespians, and a redheaded director with a vision. These are all part of one thing: Macbeth auditions. I had never participated in any sort of theater, unless you count a MCFTA camp that I went to when I was 8 years old. So, naturally I have no idea what is going on and even worse, no idea what the premise of Macbeth even is. On the inside, I’m freaking out. On the outside, I’m just another student sitting in the Little Theater waiting for her turn to go on stage.

Drama Director Megan Applegate explains that we will all remain seated until she calls us up to the stage and tells us what part to read. We sit and we wait and we listen to Applegate walk to the back of the theater and shuffle papers, until we hear one final, decisive thud of all the papers hitting the table top.

Some of the more experienced theater kids go first, easing the pressure. They are all so in their element.

After the first round of lines are read everyone cheers and claps. The whole room seems to take a simultaneous breath in as we all feel some relief. The suspense is over.

We sit through the next few rounds of readings and everyone seems to be getting more relaxed. But then, “Mo, will you read for Banquo?” That’s when my heart starts to beat hard and fast. I think it might burst.

I step on the stage and grab a script. I can’t read the words on the paper because my hands tremble so badly. Honestly, I don’t even remember the words I read. My

voice is shaky and so are my knees as I stumble through the larger portion of my lines. Good God, Shakespeare is hard to read.

Then it is over. My pulse slows as I return to my seat. Immediately the people around me turn to say “Good job” and “You did great”. They are so supportive, all my worry goes away again. I watch the rest of the auditions and come back on Thursday for day two. Day two is easier.

The air is lighter and everyone seems to be having fun, even with the nerves.

At the end of day two Applegate gives a speech. She says “Casting a show is like putting a puzzle together, and some pieces can go lots of places and some pieces can only go one place, and some pieces are fabulous pieces that just go in a different puzzle. It really is about configuring the best way to put pieces together to have the strongest show you can have.”

With that, auditions are over. We all wait for the cast list to be posted on the “MHS Drama Current Members” Facebook page that night. Then it is up. I scroll and I scroll and I scroll and then there it was. Maureen Aloff - Soldier. Me, someone with no theater experience, got a role. I was over the moon.

If someone does not get a role they can have help in other ways. Everyone who participates in the play must also work 10 hours on set building, which is a requirement. They always need people on

Casting a show is like putting a puzzle together.

-Megan Applegate

This is a photo collage of the new and improved Central Auditorium fit together like the pieces of a puzzle. Photo: Maureen Aloff

September 29, 2017

|

FOCUS

crew, too. Lights, sound, makeup, can not be done without people backstage. And the Drama Committee is always there to help anyone who needs it.

I am so thankful that my piece could have had a place in this puzzle.

Unfortunately, my schedule is packed to the brim, and I knew before auditioning that time would be an issue, so I decided to not be part of this production. I know that my first theater experience would have be nothing but positive with the amazing theater community here at MHS. Best of luck to all involved with the show and thank you for the experience.

23 | news

Left Hand - Even number page

s u m m e r 20 17 This past summer was memorable for all the right and wrong reasons.

Adelyn Dunsmore | Staff Writer & Madylin Sherman | Staff Writer & Theo Ramidii | Staff Writer

IT

Based off of Stephen King’s terrifying thriller, IT came to theaters on Sept.

8. IT was not your basic run-of-themill horror movie. It had witty humor, compelling friendship, and a slight, but unexpected, touch of romance. Don’t be fooled though. There was blood, a horrifyingly disturbing clown, and well placed hair-raising jump scares.

However, the new movie had everyone surprised with how easy it was to fall in love with and root for the diverse group of characters. With a certain Stranger Things feel, the movie had everyone cheering for a group of kids on their own emotional journeys as they all faced bullies and their different fears together.

It was worth the wait.

eclipse The sky on August 21 was a sight to see, whether it was through a pair of solar glasses or a homemade cereal box contraption, the view of the moon passing directly in front of the sun wasa once in a century solar phenomena. This kind of eclipse had not occurred in the United States since 1918, yet fourteen states had the opportunity to watch the sun in total darkness. Although the best view was from central Tennessee, hundreds of people stormed Walmart and Meijers across the country for every last pair of solar eclipse glasses. This eclipse was a nice way to liven up and enjoy the last few precious days of summer.

Photo Courtesy | Midland Daily News

flood

The night of June 23, heavy rainfall started driving up water levels on the Tittabawassee river to more than 32 feet.

It spilled onto the streets and into homes, submerging everything in its path. This was deemed one of the worst weather disasters in Midland since 1986, with rainfall bringing waters up to record level. The aftermath resulted in expensive road work, lost homes and belongings, and the Federal Emergency Management Association (F.E.M.A) coming to help and support victims . After all the water finally drained out of the Mid-Michigan area, there were 13 million dollars worth of damages.

L. W. Y. M. M. D. Taylor Swift’s new single, “Look What You Made Me Do,” was released on August 24. This song is not considered as ‘catchy’ compared to her old, reputable country songs. Taylor seems to be singing about a boy who has done her wrong with the lyrics, “I don’t like your little games.” And, “‘Sorry, the old Taylor can’t come to the phone right now. Why? Oh, ‘cause she’s dead!’” From this, we can conclude that the old, innocent, country Taylor that we loved, will never return. No one expected her new song to be as threatening and forceful as it is, as we were expecting and hoping for Taylor’s usual catchy and flirty tone.

BEST WORST Photo Courtesy | Ian Andridge

24 | opinion

September 29, 2017

| FOCUS