THE
PIONEER
PRESS Dearborn High School Volume 103 Corona edition 1 June 11,2021
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News
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NEWS FEATURE OPINION SPORTS ADVISER
Mike Schmitt
Editor-in-Chief Mohamad Ghader Editor-in-Chief Reem Kassir News Editor Jad Aoun Feature Editor Fatima Taleb Opinion Editor Reem Kassir Sports Editor Mohamad Ghader Photo Editor Yakeen Bazzi Photo Editor Heba Elzaghir Ad Editor Israa Saad Media Editor Heba Elzaghir Managing Editor Yakeen Bazzi REPORTERS Hawra Alhajim Ali Berro Ahmad Berry Eva Beydoun Mariam Chaaban Sara Kassem Luke Kearns Sarah Nasser Carter Peet Fatin Saad Sadie Wojtowicz Dahlia Abraham Charles Adamczyk Katia Deebajah Fatima Fakih Zaynab Jaber Hawraa Koussan Abier Saad Jazmin Ward
Email us at: thepioneerdhs@ gmail.com
That’s a,
WRAP!
WDHS Wins Three NATAS Production Awards Fatima Fakih & Jazmin Ward Staff Writers
Photo: Eman Alnakash During the making of the music video “Nostalgia,” DHS senior and director Victoria Irish checks the shot with 2020 DHS graduate actor Damion Minton. “Normally we always get a few takes of every shot, that one was of my singing on the skeeball game,” said Irish. Dearborn High School’s film and video production class won National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) awards for three entries after having the second most nominated films in Michigan on April 25, 2021. “Birdbaths” was nominated and chosen for the Best Fiction category, “Nostalgia” for Best Music Video, and “Meryl’s Book” for Best Talent. The winning productions, including all the nominated films, will be premiering on the WDHS screening, on May 20 and May 21, 2021.
WDHS teacher Adam Rauscher said it has made him proud to have witnessed his students flourish over the past several years. “The great thing about the video program at Dearborn is that students have a chance to work in it for years, and they keep growing and improving,” he said. “For me, I'd throw away all the awards if I can see even more students reach their potential.” Senior Victoria Irish served as a singer, songwriter, and director for “Nostalgia,” producer
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
June 11, 2021
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and writer for “Birdbaths,” and star in “Meryl’s Book.” Irish said she and her classmates were thrilled to be recognized for their efforts. “I’m really proud of ‘Nostalgia’, just because it’s a song I wrote, and I was able to convey a story I wanted to tell. I’m also very proud of all the other projects and everyone that had a hand in them,” she said. “I wasn’t expecting to win three Emmys at all, but everyone was really excited about it. We were all on a Zoom call watching the awards together.” Senior Alejandro Quesada starred in the one of the winning films “Birdbaths”. Quesada said that filming “Birdbaths” was very different from his other projects because of having to perform virtually. “‘Birdbaths’ was really interesting to film. I’ve been in some other projects in the past and I’ve acted before but this was definitely very different. Acting alone is pretty difficult especially when it’s just in front of a computer screen. That movie was filmed entirely remotely which was an added challenge to the movie that most professionals
June 11, 2021
never even have to deal with,” Quesada said. “Leaving DHS knowing that we won three awards is very satisfying. Not only was I able to help bring awards into our program, I was able to leave my mark in the school. Not only for me, but also of all the friendships and relationships I’ve made while at the school.“ Senior Katherine Roman wrote and produced “Birdbaths” with Irish and starred in “Nostalgia.” Roman said that “Birdbaths” was a new experience for all of them because of how Covid-19 restricted the class from meeting up in person. "Birdbaths" was a very unique experience, as all of it was written, shot, and edited completely virtual. When COVID first hit, our studio class was a little lost considering filmmaking is a very hands on activity, and there is nothing hands on about quarantining during a pandemic. We were still driven to make movies though, so that's exactly what we did. There were definitely many hurdles we had to jump over through the process, but it was honestly kind of exciting to see how we
figured out alternatives and adapted. In the end, I'm very satisfied with how the movie turned out, and also very proud to say I produced the movie,” she said. Rauscher said that overall, he is proud of how his students overcame this year's hurdles, and the ways they solved these problems with creative solutions. “This year, we stumbled constantly, but I don't want to think about that. I want to cheer on how the students in the video program stepped up and came back. Every movie that was nominated shows the signs of how they overcame the restrictions. Because they had to play both parts, they took risks in acting. Because they couldn't get close enough to mic each other, they had to build a soundscape in post [production]. And because they had to record the announcements at home alone, they had to find new and exciting ways to do it,” Rauscher said.
Photo: Eman Alnakash
During the filming of “Nostalgia,” senior Katherine Roman, 2020 DHS graduate Chloe Rahal, senior Victoria Irish , and 2020 DHS graduate Damion Minton star in the music video. “We were just mesmerized by the arcade, it was so cool and we were really lucky to be able to film there,” Irish said.
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June 11, 2021
Administration Changes Graduation Ceremony To Account For COVID-19 Fatima Fakih Staff Writer This year’s annual commencement ceremony is scheduled to be held June 12, 2021. However, unlike years past, this year graduates will be split up to attend two different sessions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first ceremony is at 11a.m. - 1 p.m. with the students whose last names start with letters A-G. The second ceremony is scheduled to be at 2pm to 4pm for the students whose last name begins with letters H-Z. Each senior is permitted two tickets for admission to the ceremony. And for those that don’t go in person, there will be a live stream of the ceremony. In order for students to receive their tickets, they must attend the commencement rehearsal. Dearborn High School principal Adam Martin said the reason the administration decided to go forward with the ceremony was to let the students and their families experience their last step before going into the world as adults. “There’s two reasons, number one is culmination of 12 years of work, kindergarten through 12th grade, you’re kind of moving toward this pinnacle event, and it's an important day, I think there, because it's kind of like that first
accomplishment and having your diploma gives you access to things that not having it doesn’t. So there’s also that it's like a right of passage. The other thing too is, even outside of the K-12 education thing, most kids are 17 or 18 years old, that are walking across the stage, so it’s also a transition into adulthood for a lot of our kids, which is an important piece too,” Martin said. “I love the fact and feel really blessed to be able to experience that for kids and for families, kind of as an audience member.” Martin also said the ceremony provides a special moment for parents and their children that is hard to replicate. “One thing I loved last year was, and I’ve said this to others here, the same way a parent looks at a kid when they walked into kindergarten for the first time is the same look of love and fear that they had when their kid was walking across at commencement,” Martin said. DHS Secretary Terry Moslimani said nothing is set in stone and the arrangement of the ceremony could change. “There was a mandate that we couldn’t have more than a certain amount of people at one time, so now that that’s lifted, we’re looking into
changing,” Moslimani said. Moslimani said the effects from the COVID restrictions didn’t stop last year's commencement from turning out great. “Last year's event, I thought was a success. We did the best thing we could for the students to make sure that they were happy and to incorporate their families involvement in it. The only thing I would’ve changed was at the end of the circle year drive where we had the balloon arch, that slowed the line down a lot. So other than that I thought it was beautiful,” Moslimani said. Senior Marwa Almansuri said she had feared that the administration would decide to not go through with the ceremony. “I’ve looked forward to graduating my whole life and when the whole pandemic started I was afraid we weren’t going to have a graduation ceremony. Now that I know we are, I've never been so happy,” Almansuri said. Almansuri said she doesn’t mind the arrangements made as a result of the COVID restrictions. “It’s better than not having one at all. I wouldn’t change anything because it’s for our safety,” Almansuri said. Photo: Dearborn Public Schools
Photo: Dearborn Public Schools
On July 12 2020, The Senior Class had a final sending off with a drive through graduation. It was the last time the seniors would see their teachers and the school.
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Socially Distanced Dancing?
Class of 2021 Student Council plans prom despite limitations. Katia Deebajah & Sadie Wojtowicz Staff Writers
Photo: Luke Kearns
Senior Class President Maya Beydoun talks with Student Council member’s Taylor Berry and Nadia Abbas about how they will be setting up this year’s prom dinner.
This year, Dearborn High School’s annual prom will be held on June 21, 2021 at the Dearborn Inn. However, there will be several changes to this year’s festivities due to Covid-19 restrictions. Previous prom events have included pictures, dancing inside, and open food. However, according to the CDC and the Michigan Health Department, gatherings of more than 15 people in an indoor setting is against the guidelines. However, the Student Council did not give up as prom will still be held with the theme being enchanted forest outside at the Dearborn Inn. Student Council President Maya Beydoun said that when choosing the prom theme all members voted for the best option. “Council members pitched ideas and then we voted to choose,” Beydoun said. “Enchanted forest was almost unanimous.” In previous years, the themes have been different and so has the attendance. Usually there are over 300 guests in attendance; however, this year, expected attendance is less than half of the norm. Although these restrictions don’t create a typical dancing environment for prom, the
restrictions are to ensure the safety of the students. Student Council Advisor Stacy Rumler said that this was one of the challenges faced when planning the event. “One challeng is brainstorming and planning for the activity in place of the traditional dancing all night,” Rumler said. Activities like the photo booth will still be available to those who want to take pictures at the prom. Student Council board member Alex Quesada voiced how the student council planned activities with the principal and district. “The district is very understanding and they are working with us. And Mr.Martin he’s awesome, he’s letting us do a lot of what we pretty much want to do. He is very realistic though and very honest.” Quesada said. Senior Dania Jadallah communicated the basic differences attendants will notice. She also shared the student understanding of the prom this year. “I know a lot of people do not want to go because the tickets seem expensive for just dinner.” Jadallah said. However, with the changing mask
mandate, prom might be closer to the norm than originally thought. Quesada also spoke on the chances of having traditional activities. “Most likely we won't have to wear masks. The possibility of a dance floor is not 0%.” Quesada said. Beydoun said that the Student Council and its members determined it was important to host the event to make up for the negative year that seniors have had. “Prom has always been an end goal of the Student Council. It was really important to us that we could have a prom for our class. The class of 2021 has already missed out on so much we just want to have a nice send off from highschool for them,” Beydoun said. With this, interested seniors can buy their tickets for $75, via Eventbrite: (link below) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dhs-class-of-2021senior-prom-tickets-150119941787 Full refunds will be awarded if the prom is cancelled abruptly due to the circumstances of the changing guidelines because of Covid-19.
Sports
Class of 2021 athletes share where they will be going in the future and how their coaches helped them get there .
Commemorating Coaches Commitment
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June 11,2021
Photo, Lili Pakko
Jouheina Kleit #10 Dearborn High School
“Coach Nina was a coach like none other. Coming in my freshman year I didn’t have Nina as my coach. I wasn’t confident in soccer at all. I wanted to pursue basketball. I went into the banquet telling Nina “I don’t know if I’m going to play soccer next year I really like basketball more” then played that season with her team and fell in love with the sport. She believed in me when I never did.
Photo, Lili Pakko
Photo, Lili Pakko
Photo, Lili Pakko
Rena Arabi #11
Lila Mozham #20
Dearborn High School
Dearborn High School
“Coach Nina motivated me and empowered me in order to be a leader on the field. She pushed us in order to bring nothing but the best out of us and continues to influence us to do better every time we step on the field. I’m committed to the University Of Michigan-Dearborn to continue playing soccer.”
“My high school coach Nina has had the biggest impact on me out of all of my coaches. As a freshman, she taught me something I would’ve failed without. Keeping my composure and not talking back. In all honesty, I wouldn’t be the player I am without her by my side. She’s helped me from day 1, and no other coach has ever thought the way she did.”
“My coach has always taught me to keep my head high and to never let myself get in my own head. She would push me to do better and made sure we were always disciplined and always ready for whats up ahead. I will never forget the lessons she taught us and her motivation for us to become the best versions of ourselves.Which definitely helped me to reach the next level.” Commited to Oakland University
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June 11,2021 Photo; Quin Millard
Photo; Quin Millard
Photo; Quin Millard
Coach Quine has helped me excel to the next level in basketball by always pushing my limits. He always made me work morning and night even in summer. He became such an influence in my life because of how he helped me reach my greatest potential. Commited to Adrian College
My coaches always recognized me as a leader of our football team.With that comes a lot of responsibility as you have to set an example and step up to teach your teammates around you and motivate your team when things aren’t going right. Because of this responsibility presented to me by my coaches, I had to always make sure I was on top of my game and focused which led to me developing as a great player.
Coach Aaron Pfeil helped me excel to the next level by pushing me to be a leader and to always bring my teammates up no matter how frustrated I got. He gave me freedom to coach some of the younger kids which is a passion I wanna pursue in the future.
Commited to Madona University Photo;Hussain AlMusafira
Committed to University of California San Diego. My Coach helped me excel to a level where I can take the next step in athletics by always looking for ways that we can improve. He looks at how other coaches train their athletes and different workouts they may use and training plans they may follow. What is most important has been his emphasis on focusing what to do when you’re not training. He’s taught me a lot about proper warm ups and cool downs that help make you stronger. We’ve talked about my diet and what I eat, how much sleep I’m getting, and the mental side of racing.
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Opinion
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My Key Takeaways From High School Heba Elzaghir Media Editor The typical four years of a full high school experience was cut short to two and a half for the class of 2021. The drive and motivation that lots of my classmates had completely deteriorated from staring at black boxes instead of colorful promethean boards. Nonetheless, these past four years of experience have helped me grow as a person and the person I used to be has become unrecognizable. Here are some of my takeaways from my high school tenure:
I strongly believe that the adversity you face always has underlying lessons and meaning for you to use later on in your future. In addition, your fear should never stop you from doing something that is outside of your comfort zone. Experience is the teacher of all things and shapes you into the person you are. Sometimes being a little uncomfortable can be a good thing because you are opening yourself to more than you are comfortable with. We are all a collection of experiences so putting yourself in a position where you are open to more opportunities is beneficial to your character and future. I know this because of my experience as a Website Editor. Taking the risk to open a new position and allow myself this opportunity helped me gain experience for better communication and social skills. This position was an experience that allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and connect with people across Michigan who held the same position.
The future is important but not as important as the present moment. The present moment determines the outcome of our future and our entire lives are lived in the present. High school is important but not as serious as it is made out to be most of the time. Having fun in the moment is cliche but true. You never get the same moment twice so going on that trip, accepting those party invitations, and overall taking risks is something that you should open yourself to because you may not have the time for risks in the future. I know this because most of my fun memories came from saying yes to events and plans I didn't feel like going to.
Always spread more positivity to the people around you because people go through things you might not know about. One of your classmates could be grieving and the other could be battling a mental illness. In addition, high school drama is a waste of energy and does not matter at all in the long run. You are the only person who has control over yourself and what type of person you chose to be. I know this because of the many personalities I have encountered in my years who helped me realize being a good person may not guarantee that other people will. Overall, one person’s bad character should never be an excuse for yours.
Photo Courtesy of Heba Elzaghir
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Feature
June 11, 2021
Thinking Outside the Box Bella Kubitskey brings art to life
Zaynab Jaber & Jazmin Ward Staff Writers
Dearborn High School’s Art Department awarded Bella Kubitskey as Senior Artist of the year on April 16, 2021. Each year the DHS Art Department holds a contest for senior artists. Participants are required to turn in fifteen pieces of different artwork. The artwork is evaluated by a rubric, which only the judges have access to. Bella said she uses art to stay focused and remain calm. She has enrolled in over six classes during her time at DHS. Some classes included Intro to 3D, Ceramics, Advanced Ceramics, Photography, etc. She has also experimented with many styles of art such as ceramics, sewing, macrame, jewelry, embroidery, Painting with acrylic, charcoal, and graphite. Bella said that art has always been a major part of her life. “When I was little I always wanted to just be an art teacher,” Bella said. “As I grew older that obviously changed a little, but throughout middle school, it was always something I wanted to do, to go into art.” Bella said some of her most fond moments from her early school career were centered around art. “I have a lot of memories of making sunflowers back in elementary school with my art teacher,” Bella said. “ Like every year we did a different project with sunflowers and indifferent artist style, and so I specifically remember doing a Vincent Van Gogh Sunflower.” Visual Arts Teacher Monica Kubitskey said that Bella’s willingness to learn and expand her ability is what tends to set her apart from other students. “She has the ability to not be fearful and plug right through,” Kubistkey said. “Like if you are doing paint, if you are doing clay, if you are doing any type of medium she actually masters the medium first, and then she puts in what she’s thinking she might want to do.” Kubitskey said she was most proud of Bella when Bella started experimenting with art alone. “If I go back to third grade when she would watch things and start creating them in my basement without any direction whatsoever,” Kubitskey said. Kubitskey said aside from sharing the same passion for art, Bella also took courage and creativity after her. “ She thinks outside of the box. She’s more continuative as far as imagination flowing, has a million ideas and then, isn't afraid to try them,” Kubitskey said. “Even if it was a nonsuccess rate it's always like, ‘Hey this looks fun, let’s try it!’ She is very quick to jump in and be excited about something even without knowing what the outcome will be.” Ceramics teacher Jennifer Domino taught Bella for two classes, Ceramics, and Advanced Ceramics. “ I had her for the two ceramics classes and what she did was that she wanted to have something original,” Domino said. “ Everyone else is making a pinch pot, that may be felt safe and comfortable and you can see she did something very elaborate. She had courage to do something different.”
Photo Courtesy of Bella Kubitskey
“Memento Mori” by Bella Kubitskey. Made from acrylic paint and embroidery floss.
Photo: Jazmin Ward
“Stolen Shoes” by Bella Kubitskey. 2D Graphite drawing.
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Domino said Bella’s creativity is what allows her to be successful. “She’s polite. She comes in prepared,” Domino said. “ She always tries to think out of the box. She’s not looking for the example that she’s going to copy. She’s going to do her own thing and it’s going to be spectacular, and I believe that mindset probably carries over in all her classes because that is how I see creative people to be.” Photography teacher Niki Cassidy had Bella in her class for a semester. Cassidy said during the short time she had Bella in her class, Bella showed great integrity, and was obliging towards other classmates. “She wasn’t easily distracted, she pretty much stayed focused, and she was super supportive of other students,” Cassidy said. Mia Abbas, one of Bella’s closest friends, said Bella’s adventurous and open personality is what sets her apart from her other friends, “Bella is always willing to go out and try new things that my other friends won’t do,” Abbas said. “ For example, I mentioned I wanted to do all these crazy fun things like skydiving, and nobody besides Bella wanted to try it. She is always open to wacky ideas like that and that is a quality I appreciate about her the most.” Abbas said she was glad that Bella’s talents were acknowledged during The Senior Artist Contest. “I was really happy for her,” Abbas said. “I’m really glad that she got recognized for her own work because some people cast her as like her mom does her work when it’s really not.” Senior Mya Makled has been Bella’s longtime friend since they met in Kindergarten. She said Bella’s passion for art is remarkable. “Like she once spent over 9 hours I think on one piece,” Makled said. “She had to stay home from school once just so she could finish it for school, and she ended up acing it.” “Art meant a lot to me through the years because not only did it serve as a break from schoolwork, it also helped me feel closer to my mom and it gave us something we could do together,” Bella said. Bella will be attending Wayne State University and majoring in biology to pursue a career in Forensic Serology. She said will still use art as a form of escape and to keep herself calm while working on her major.
Photo: Bella Kubitskey
Newspaper Weave Dress by Bella Kubitskey. Made from newspaper and fabric. Photo: Bella Kubitskey
“Chaffinch Island” by Bella Kubitskey. Made from magazine and polymer clay.
Photo: Bella Kubitskey
“Painted Nails” by Bella Kubitskey. Made from plaster.
Photo: Bella Kubitskey
Coil Pot by Bella Kubitskey. Made from ceramics.
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