The Pioneer Press March 29, 2019

THE

PIONEER

PRESS

FEATURE

7

Vaping epidemic reaches concerning levels among teenage users. Learn about how DHS is addressing the subject, and educating the community on the dangers and consequences of smoking.

Photo: Yakeen Bazzi

Dearborn High School Volume 101 Edition 6

March 29, 2019

2 News 2 NEWS 4 FEATURE 10 OPINION 12 SPORTS ADVISER Mike Schmitt

THE STAFF

Editor-in-Chief Ayah Alqusairi Editor-in-Chief Nadien Mellah News Editor Malak Almonajed Feature Editor Jenna Prestininzi Opinion Editor Ali Sobh Sports Editor Manar Daher Photo Editor Malena Rahal Ad Editors Ayah Alqusairi Nadien Mellah STAFF WRITERS Jibril Ahmed Zahria Aldhalemi Yousif Alfatlawy Narjis Alhacham Howrraa Alissa Yakeen Bazzi Heba Elzaghir Zeinab Hammoud Reem Kassir Aarin Krawczyk Zainab Radi Fatin Saad Israa Saad Casandra Zebib

Michigan

grapples

with the teacher shortage Jenna Prestininzi & Fatin Saad Feature Editor & Staff Writer

Across the United States, many states are faced with public school systems hindered by a lack of educators.

Michigan’s public school system is one of those states with a shortage of certified teachers, an issue that has developed over time and brought new challenges with it.

Many districts are struggling to recruit and retain new teachers, as a result of the education policies implemented at the state level which have negatively impact teachers.

For Dearborn Public Schools, this challenge has several implications.

There have been struggles recruiting new teachers, along with a challenging work environment for teachers.

Dearborn High School Principal Adam Martin said the teacher shortage has made the process of hiring new teachers at DHS difficult.

“Where I see it more on a global scale is when were trying to replace teachers. Last year we replaced 16 If you have teachers and we knew because of the year any questions before how much of a struggle it was or concerns, finding certain certificates, how aggressive email the we had to be,” Martin said. “So we put out Pioneer Press at postings in April and we were offering thepioneerdhs@ positions in April. Years ago we would be able to put out a posting in July or August gmail.com Follow our twitter and have 20 applicants that are certified @thepioneerpres2 for it. That pool is not where it was.”

Director of Communications and Marketing for Dearborn Public

Schools David Mustonen said the district has taken steps to combat challenges to recruiting new teachers in the past few years.

“For about the last 6 years the District has been very proactive when it comes to finding and recruiting teachers.

The Human Resource department attends several college job fairs each year and will pre screen potential candidates right there on the spot,” Mustonen said. “This allows the district to build up a pool of potential candidates for future openings. However it is still difficult to find teachers in some areas such as Special Education, Math, and Science.”

Michigan Education Association communications consultant David Crim said there are unprecedented levels of teachers quitting early on in their career.

“Historic high. We’ve never seen that many new teachers leave the profession. Generally they get in the classroom, and they teach 25-30-35 years,” Crim said. “It’s very rare the trend we see now where 20% of them say,‘Nope , I have my teaching degree, I went to college for five years and I did my student teaching but now I’m going to do something else because this just sucks.’”

DHS language arts teacher and executive vice president of the local teachers’ union David Atkins said attacks on teachers’ rights has led to the current insufficient amount of teachers in

March 29, 2019 Michigan.

“We’re going on two solid decades of assault by the [state] legislature against educators, really, including hacking away at the pension system, reducing funding in education, right to work laws that prevent us from having collective bargaining agreements,” Atkins said.

Crim said destructive policies at the state level have discouraged teachers from staying in the field.

“Teachers are overall feeling disrespected in the last decade with all of the attacks. The funding attacks, the standardized tests, and the unfair evaluation system,” Crim said. “And that’s one of the reasons the young teachers the early career teachers in their first five years feeling that disrespect and financial pinch are leaving the profession in droves.”

Mark Palise, language arts and yearbook teacher at DHS said with the way teachers are constantly being mistreated he would not encourage anyone to choose teaching as a career.

“It’s one of the most difficult jobs in the United States. It’s Underpaid and it’s underappreciated. Why would anyone want to go into teaching given the way that teaching and teachers have been vilified by our alleged leader?” Palise said.

“I don’t understand why anyone today would go into teaching by choice as a career given what's been done to us both in the press and in terms of legislation around teachers.”

Atkins said there are several ways in which he’s been treated unfairly as an educator.

“They’ve tried to break my union because they don’t want us to have power, and so you want me to have the job, you don’t want to pay me, you want me to keep paying for classes forever, and you don’t want me to have the power to bargain my own contract. You want to be able to force anything you can and then increase my class sizes, decrease my pay,” Atkins said.

Martin said specific departments at DHS have been negatively affected by the insufficient amount of teachers to fill positions.

“So math, sciences, for some of the electives, woodshop, foods, art, there are just not a lot of people that are going into that industry and some of the

3 News

March 29, 2019

Across the United States, many states are faced with public school systems hindered by a lack of educators.

Michigan’s public school system is one of those states with a shortage of certified teachers, an issue that has developed over time and brought new challenges with it.

positions in April. Years ago we would be able to put out a posting in July or August and have 20 applicants that are certified for it. That pool is not where it was.”

Director of Communications and Marketing for Dearborn Public Schools David Mustonen said the district has taken steps to combat challenges to

“Hire more teachers, pay them more! Our work demands more pay. Most people don’t realize that teachers have three jobs: classroom instruction is a full time job, as is prepping, as is grading”.

-Mark Palise

Many districts are struggling to recruit and retain new teachers, as a result of the education policies implemented at the state level which have negatively impact teachers.

For Dearborn Public Schools, this challenge has several implications.

There have been struggles recruiting new teachers, along with a challenging work environment for teachers.

Dearborn High School Principal Adam Martin said the teacher shortage has made the process of hiring new teachers at DHS difficult.

“Where I see it more on a global scale is when were trying to replace teachers. Last year we replaced 16 teachers and we knew because of the year before how much of a struggle it was finding certain certificates, how aggressive we had to be,” Martin said. “So we put out postings in April and we were offering

recruiting new teachers in the past few years.

“For about the last 6 years the District has been very proactive when it comes to finding and recruiting teachers.

The Human Resource department attends several college job fairs each year and will pre screen potential candidates right there on the spot,” Mustonen said. “This allows the district to build up a pool of potential candidates for future openings. However it is still difficult to find teachers in some areas such as Special Education, Math, and Science.”

Michigan Education Association communications consultant David Crim said there are unprecedented levels of teachers quitting early on in their career.

“Historic high. We’ve never seen that many new teachers leave the profession. Generally they get in the classroom, and they teach 25-30-35

years,” Crim said. “It’s very rare the trend we see now where 20% of them say,‘Nope , I have my teaching degree, I went to college for five years and I did my student teaching but now I’m going to do something else because this just sucks.’”

DHS language arts teacher and executive vice president of the local teachers’ union David Atkins said attacks on teachers’ rights has led to the current insufficient amount of teachers in Michigan.

“We’re going on two solid decades of assault by the [state] legislature against educators, really, including hacking away at the pension system, reducing funding in education, right to work laws that prevent us from having collective bargaining agreements,” Atkins said.

Crim said destructive policies at the state level have discouraged teachers from staying in the field.

“Teachers are overall feeling disrespected in the last decade with all of the attacks. The funding attacks, the standardized tests, and the unfair evaluation system,” Crim said. “And that’s one of the reasons the young teachers the early career teachers in their first five years feeling that disrespect and financial pinch are leaving the profession in droves.”

Mark Palise, language arts and yearbook teacher at DHS said with the way teachers are constantly being mistreated he would not encourage anyone to choose teaching as a career.

“It’s one of the most difficult jobs in the United States. It’s Underpaid and it’s underappreciated. Why would anyone want to go into teaching given the way that teaching and teachers have been

UPCOMING EVENTS -Spring Break April 1- 5 -SAT April 9 -Work Keys April 10 -Poetry Slam for a Cause April 18 -No School (Good Friday) April 19 - M-Step April 23 -Late Start April 24 -Senior PromDearborn Inn April 28 -Thespian Banquet May 1 -Marking Period Five May 5

Every 1 in 5 teachers leave after their first 5 years of teaching.

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Feature

March 29, 2019

Keeping up with Will Coleman Heba Elzaghir Staff Writer

Student Emmy nominated TV personality and host, chef, and producer are roles DHS graduate Will Coleman worked for throughout his high school years and continues to pursue.

Will was able to lose over 100 pounds just from healthier eating habits and preparing his own meals, which sparked his career as a chef. He then took his cooking skills to the next level by creating his own cooking videos and uploading them on YouTube.

Will has accomplished more than people usually do at his age. He has had segments on Fox 2 Detroit News where he demonstrated his cooking and shared his tips and tricks. He had a show called “Will’s Big Kitchen,” which was produced by WDHS. He also published a cookbook called “Seconds Please,” in November 2016.

After graduation, Will moved to Chicago to attend Loyola University and develop his career. Recently, Will filmed his new show called “Chef Will Coleman in the Windy City,” which is a series on YouTube. In this show, Will explores and learns from Chicago’s culinary world, visiting restaurants around the city and trying their delicious foods.

We recently caught up with Will to see where this path has taken him since his departure from Dearborn.

Q: What is one of your biggest

accomplishments since graduating from DHS? A: “I am proud of being able to attend college for something that I am in love with, while also being able to still pursue my passions.”

Q: Why did you decide to film a show?

A: “I decided to film my new show, “Will Coleman in the Windy City” because I wanted to give viewers an inside look at what Chicago has to offer. When outsiders take a look at Chicago, they are exposed to its alleged violence, though there is so much more to offer. There’s loads of food, fun, outdoor events, and just a cool city to explore.”

Q: What’s something you’ve learned from having your own show?

A: “I’ve learned how to build a team, manage a team, and finally how to turn a vision into a reality. Creating a show is no easy ride. It

Photo: Will Coleman Production Team

hour work days, and bringing a smile to viewers’ takes dedication and tons of hard work.” faces, then this is the industry for you.”

Q: In what ways was filming the show challenging?

Q: What are some goals you would like to A: “I would definitely say some things accomplish in the culinary industry? that are challenging when it comes to creating

A: “There’s so shows are getting a many! I want it all and team on board that “When outsiders take a look at one day I will have it. It’s will put their all Chicago, they are exposed to its crazy because when I tell into your vision. people that I want New For me, I will not alleged violence, though there York Times Best Selling start a show with is so much more to offer. There’s cookbooks, cookware someone who is collections, national not 110% on board loads of food, fun, outdoor television shows, and because that one being able to headline events, and just a cool city to person has the food festivals, people ability to make explore” look at me like I’m nuts. the show less than But that’s perfectly okay.”

-Will Coleman great.”

Q: Do you have Q: How advice for anyone who is looking into becoming a do you view the television industry after filming chef? something of your own?

A: “My advice to anyone who is pushing A: “This industry is definitely not for to become a chef; I would say that you must everyone. If you’re afraid of someone telling love your work, even when it’s not perfect. Also, you, ‘no’, it’s not for you. If you are not okay with you must love every person and every single adjusting your ideas and visions for anyone, not ingredient you use, whether it’s the salt you use to an industry for you. the right olive oil in your skillet. Finally, trust the Though if you love to work with people, creating process and keep your dream alive.” work, bringing your visions to life, appreciate 15

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Feature

March 29, 2019

“Into The Woods”: DHS theater heads in a new direction

Photo: Sophia Palise During a performance of Into The Woods on March 22, 2019 Left to right: Senior Lilian Marsh, senior Noah Goddard, Sophomore Sophi Wheeler, sophomore Nora Karoub.

Aarin Krawczyk & Zainab Radi Staff Writers

The lights turn on, the curtains open and the beat of music silences the audience. Into The Woods, a musical meant to be different, challenges all of the actors to perform in their best ways. The musical is a mix of wishes and desires, family and choices, sending out many important messages to the audience.

Dearborn High School theatre program performed Into The Woods as the 2019 spring musical. The musical is based off of multiple fairytales that come together to give one big story. This season’s musical seemed to take a new path. Instead of a more modern musical this year they went for a fantasy with more singing than dancing. Many performers have talked about the way they feel about this change.

Musical director and theatre teacher Gregory Viscomi said the aspects of this musical will push the students to do something different.

“This musical was chosen because we felt it would be a challenge to the returning talent we knew we had in theatre and music programs.

And we also felt it was different that some of the more recent musicals we have done,” Gregory

said.

Senior and actor of the witch Katie Garber said the vocals in the musical are pretty demanding which made the show more singing based then dancing.

“This show has a lot more singing in it and barely any dancing, so it’s a slightly different process than normal. Usually we spend time about 50/50 with singing and dancing, since the music of this show is so challenging it’s more 90% singing and only 10% dancing,” Garber said.

Viscomi said there is diversity in several aspects of the musical.

“This story is a fantasy and could be set in many different time periods so it gives us more options in the costuming and scenic design. It also deals with many different and somewhat diverse characters,’ Viscomi said. “I thought that was nice aspect of it.”

Sophomore and ensemble member Alex Quesada said this musical shows another way to tell the classic stories.

“This musical is different from other ones because it takes stories you already know but puts them together to make a new story,” Quesada said.

Sophomore and cast member Adriana Viscomi said this role was her dream and she wants to give the character what it deserves.

“I really try to work hard on the many sides that the Baker’s Wife has to experience. The Baker’s Wife is one of my favorite roles ever (one of my dream roles, actually) so I really strive to put the most effort into making my character the best it can be,” Adriana said.

Junior and Narrator Caroline Giedeman said her tone of voice and confidence are a huge and important part in the musical.

“The Narrator, in my interpretation, is an all-knowing third party. Playing a role that supposedly knows the fates of each character means I need to appear confident and important,” Giedeman said. “My appearance, my tone of voice, and my purpose in the show are all very different from all of the other characters.”

Wheeler said the performance exceeded her expectations and the audience appreciated the multiple aspects put into it.

“I thought the musical was going to be good but overall in the end I honestly think it turned out amazing. I think everyone in their individual roles passed my expectations of what was possible in that amount of time,” Wheeler said. “I think the audience enjoyed it because there were many different feelings and stories that the musical portrayed but they all had the same theme which really tied it together.”

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Feature

Hanging on a lifeline Malak Almonajed & Zeinab Hammoud News Editor & Staff Writer

She was misdiagnosed with asthma, until her true health condition was revealed, cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle which causes the muscle to enlarge and reduces the heart’s ability to pump blood to the rest of the body. Zahra has been seeing the same primary doctor for her entire life. Zahra was treated for the wrong medical problem when she was four years old.

She had to have a heart transplant at the young age of 14 on Feb. 14, 2019. Freshman Zahra Alasadi’s life altering experience wasn’t only a change for her but for her sister Noor Almaliky and her mother Hana Almaliky.

Hana said seeing her daughter like this made her feel very affected, even till now.

“I felt the whole world collapse over my head. I felt like I’m not going to see my daughter anymore. I stopped thinking, to be honest with you. It's hard, it’s really hard to express my feelings at that time, and it might be over but I still have the bitter taste,” Hana said.

Zahra went to the Henry Ford Emergency room when she began having bad breathing problems, and that's when she was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy.

Hana said there was a really long process for a heart to be found which happened in a short amount of time.

“My daughter was on the waiting list for four hours. They listed Zahra at 12 A.M. and I signed the paper because there’s a process and the doctor has to vote. In the process there's A1 and B1 which means your on the top of the list if you’re on A1, which Zahra was on, meaning she was priority,” Hana said. “All the cardio and heart transplant team have to meet and vote. So, I signed the paper around like 4 P.M. and I came home. I got a call from the coordinator of the heart transplant. She said that they will be voting if Zahra will be listed as a A1 or B1. She said that it also has to pass the government so they can vote. She called me at around 10 P.M. and said that Zahra will be listed as a A1. She called me again around 12:00 A.M. telling me to keep my phone on, we could find a heart any moment, could be six months, could be eight, could be any minute from now. As soon as she said this I thought to myself, ‘How am I going to sleep?’ At 4:00 A.M. I received a phone call and she called me saying, ‘Hana we found a donor. Would you accept it or not?’,” Hana said.

March 29, 2019

Zahra’s doctor, Dr. Black holds up the banner they made her on Valeniines Day at Childrens Hospital in Detroit.

Photo: Zahra Alasadi

Zahra said she will not let this setback prevent her from doing what she loves in the long run.

“I’m not letting this stop me from doing my normal stuff, but I’m isolated in a room right now because I have no immune system so I really can’t do anything right now, but when I get out catch me playing field hockey in the fall,” Zahra said.

Amera Elhusseini, one of Zahras close friends said Zahra and her have lots of fond memories developed through playing sports together from the beginning of the year.

“When we were on the team for field hockey, we used to mess around. She used to come home with me, sit with my grandpa and play music. It was really fun,” Elhusseini said.

Noor Almaliky, Zahras sister said that this has prevented her from getting an education.

“I have to supervise her 24 hours a day for the next year since my moms always at work,” Noor said.

Hana said this has impacted their lifestyle at home drastically.

“I’ve been helping her at home by making sure she takes her meds, I have to provide extra care for her with a healthy environment, everything has to be sanitized, disinfected, change her sheets everyday and wash them, wash her clothes and towel separately, disinfect the bathroom after she uses it, it's a lot and it's easy to say but it's hard,” Hana said.

Noor said after the transplant, her bond with her sister has become stronger.

“This transplant affected me and my

sister’s relationship drastically. Before her transplant me and my sister would always fight,” Noor said. “We were never really close, but now coming from a small family and her as my only sibling, I need to take advantage because I thought I almost lost her.”

Zahra said this experience has made her want to take action and give back to others.

“This has inspired me to help others. As soon as I am medically and physically cleared to volunteer by the transplant team, I am going to volunteer at children’s hospital,” Zahra said.

Zahra lies on the bed post surgery, in Childrens Hospital in Detroit, attached to the monitors, which track her heart.

Photo: Hana Almalikt

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March 29, 2019

Cover Story

The clouds that surround us National teen vaping epidemic hits Dearborn Reem Kassir & Yakeen Bazzi Staff Writers

For a device created with good intentions, it took a turn for the worst. The concept of the e-cigarette was introduced in 2004 in China to help severe nicotine addicts get the right fix of nicotine they needed without the harmful side effects of cigarette smoking. When e-cigarettes first came out, they looked like distinct smoking products. Now, e-cigarettes are made to look like everyday items that wouldn’t look suspicious, like flash drives, cellphones, markers, etc.

According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), “E-cigarettes are the most commonly used form of tobacco among the youth in the United States.” This is due to the easy and fast accessibility teenagers have on e-cigarettes where today almost anyone can buy one.

What is an E-cigarette?

An e-cigarette is a battery-operated device that is used for people to inhale aerosol. The device produces aerosol by heating up a liquid, known as ‘vape juice’, that contains nicotine.

Flavorings and other chemicals, like nickel, tin, zinc, and lead are also used to make the aerosol.

E-cigarettes have many nicknames, the most common being vapes. Vapes are sold as an aid to help people quit smoking cigarettes but now, people are using them for the wrong reasons.

What is happening in our school?

The unfortunate truth is that students

all over the nation from as young as sixth graders to seniors in high school are using these vapes during school hours.This addictive and convenient form of smoking is causing more and more problems everyday for schools, including Dearborn High School.

DHS assistant principal Kelly Dear said the school and administration have found and revoked over 70 vapes, just this semester.

“Since the beginning of the semester we have had over 70 cases of vaping that we have caught and confiscated in DHS alone,” Dear said.

This may not seem like a big number, but these are the number of students that have been caught. Most of the students who vape at school do not get caught and continuously get away with it.

This has become a big issue for administration and other students. Students can’t go to the bathroom without being around groups of people vaping.

Dear said it has gotten to the point where students who have trouble going to the bathroom because of vaping will give him names of students who vape.

“I have students who come to me and say to me ‘Mr. Dear, I’m giving you a list of 20 names, please help me, I can’t use the bathroom because there is too many people in there vaping,’” Dear said.

Students are sharing vapes, or hiding the discreet devices in their sleeves whilst sitting in the back of the class. Some students have even taken vapes to their advantage, particularly Juuls, to make money.

Assistant Principal at DHS, Carol Cizek, said vaping in classes is easy for students because vapes are easy to conceal.

“Vapes are small. They don’t have a lot of aromas, if they do it’s usually sweet and that’s how teachers figure it out,” Cizek said. “But it’s very discreet, usually some people around them know what they’re doing and don’t say anything, which is hurting everyone.”

Why do people choose to vape?

The big question that has been the topic of discussion by the school administration and parents is, “Why are our students so drawn to these devices?”

Cheryl Phillips, a health program teacher from St. Joseph Mercy Hospital said teenagers are vaping because it’s the societal norm, and vaping is looked at as better for you than cigarettes.

“Vaping is trendy. It’s the cool thing to do among the young people,” Phillips said. “They don’t think it’s as dangerous as cigarette smoking and so it became the popular drug.”

A study conducted by University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research showed that in Michigan the cigarette smoking rate among twelfth graders dropped from 36.5% to only 8% since 1997. The study also showed that about 21% of the students admitted to vaping in the past 30 days, which was about double the rate from the previous year.

DHS assistant principal Marwan Salamey said vapes are easy to get and the flavors attract students.

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March 29, 2019

Cover Story

Other health consequences include high blood pressure, insomnia, irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath, lung inflammation, dizziness, nervousness, and so much more.

has multiple repercussions. From suspensions to court hearings, there are negative consequences which stay on one’s record up to when he or she is applying for colleges.

DHS’s liaison police officer Corporal Chad Hanson said the legal smoking age limit

Vaping is only the start is 18, and anybody caught with tobacco will get

ticketed and suspended.

The biggest argument students have when

Health consequences “Law is you have to be 18 or older to it comes to vaping is that it is better than smoking possess any tobacco product, whether it be cigarettes. While this may be true, regardless if

Most students don’t know what they are getting caught with it or smoking it. You get students are smoking traditional cigarettes or doing to their bodies when they decide to vape. caught with a vape, it is a $50 infraction ticket, The biggest impact vaping has on one’s and depending on the history of the student health is damaging the development it’s usually a two day suspension,” Hansen of the brain. The human brain takes 25 said. years to fully develop and so students Salamey said at DHS there are three who are smoking now still have about strikes to getting caught with any type of 10 years before the brain has entirely Vaping is trendy. It’s the cool thing to do nicotine including suspensions, tickets, and matured. There are many neurons in among the young people. They don’t think it’s even court hearings. the brain making connections to each “The first time you’re caught with a as dangerous as cigarette smoking and so it nicotine substance, there’s a two day other on a regular basis. Where two neurons meet is called a synapse, and suspension and you get a ticket from the became the popular drug. these play a crucial role on the growth Dearborn Police so Corporal Hansen will Cheryl Phillips of the brain. write you a ticket. The second time you’re

Phillips said consuming harmful caught, it’s a five day suspension and you’re chemicals negatively affects the synapse. also ticketed,” Salamey said. “And the third

“That synapse makes a time you’re caught, if you are caught a third connection by sending chemical time, it’s a ten day suspension, a ticket, and messages back and forth to each a hearing with student services at Central other. If those chemical messages are Office.” interrupted by a different chemical vapes, nicotine is still being delivered to their like nicotine, it can have a negative effect in a body. synapse,” Phillips said. “The synapse may never

According to the NIDA, a study develop at all. It might develop faulty, or it will conducted in 2017 showed that students who develop with an addiction to that chemical.” of teens do not were using vapes by the time they got to the ninth

Some might say that non-nicotine vapes grade were more likely to start smoking cigarettes know what is in aren’t harmful to the body and there is nothing within the next year.

Also, compared to students wrong with using them. their vape pens who say they don’t vape, high school students

Simone Calvas, a substance abuse who used vapes in the past month were seven prevention counselor from Beaumont Hospital said there’s no guarantee that non-nicotine vapes times more likely to report that they had smoked cigarettes when asked six months later. are truly nicotine-free, and they contain other

Phillips said when a person decides to harmful ingredients. of teens do not know vape, it is a gateway to becoming addicted to

“Companies claim now that they don’t nicotine and cigarettes. have nicotine in them [non-nicotine vapes], but what is inside their vape

“You are pre-exposing yourself to there is no way we can prove it. But there are pens, claiming it is just smoking if you are choosing to vape. Students other toxicities in there that can be equally as who are vaping now will be our next generation damaging to your body,” Calvas said. flavoring nicotine addicts who will then start smoking

According to the Food and Drug cigarettes again,” Phillips said. “We were hoping Administartion (FDA), inhaling the chemicals your generation will be the end of cigarette found in most flavored vapes is associated with smoking and now we have vaping instead.” respiratory disease. One example would be diacetyl. Diacetyl is a chemical that is added of students vape due to in food to make it taste more buttery and is Legal and school consequences harmless when used in this way. However, influence by their peers

when it is heated up and inhaled, it’s linked to a Vaping as a minor, especially in school, respiratory disease called bronchiolitis obliterans.

“It’s easily accessible to students. They aren’t having a hard time getting them from stores who sell illegally,” Salamey said. “The flavors appeal to students. They want to have the strawberry, the fruit punch, whatever it may be.”

“ ”

13.7% 66%

39%

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Cover Story

2003

Recharagable E-Cigarette

2010’s

Vape Pens

what vapes looked like, the effects they have on students’ health, how companies persuade teens to vape, and so much more. Many parents didn’t know what a vape even looked like, so this event was educational for them.

Hanson said another approach DHS’s administration is thinking about taking to minimize the use of vapes is taking away their privileges, such as rights to go to events.

“Students that want to go to dances, senior party, prom, or graduation, could potentially get those opportunities taken away from them if they get caught with a vape,” Hanson said.

What we’re doing DHS Principal Adam Martin said

administration has been educating teachers on

Since vaping has become such an big issue the appearance of vapes and things to look for in DHS, administration is taking big steps to try in a kid that has been vaping, although it can be and control the problem. hard because of how discreet the devices are.

On March 7, 2019, DHS Student Council “We’ve informed teachers on what vapes and Students Against Substance Abuse (SASA) look like, and the typical behaviors if a student’s hosted a community event for parents and teens doing that to let us be aware. But again, it’s to talk about teen vaping. Presenters Cheryl smaller than a cell-phone and it’s easy to conceal, Phillips and Simone Calvas hosted a discussion so it makes it really difficult on us,” Martin said. about the details of vapes. They talked about

Salamey said DHS administration tries to set up meetings with parents, after the students get caught in order for the parents to get educated on what a vape is and to make sure the students understands why vaping is bad.

“With the first second or third offense, we always layer an educational piece on top of it.

We like to bring the parents in here to show them what it looks like, smells like,” Salamey said. “We also like to have a conversation with the student, about the negative health aspects that they may suffer from having these chemicals in their body.”

March 21, 2019

2010’s

Juul

Pictured (above) are the different types of flavors of vape juice that may attract teens, or seem harmless.

“The flavors appeal to students. They want to have the strawberry, the fruit punch, whatever it may be,” Salamey said.

10 Opinion

March 29, 2019

The of Mr. Pioneer Fall

Narjis Alhacham Staff Writer

Senior year, it’s all about excitement, entertainment and making memories.

Mr. Pioneer is one of the most prominent entertaining events that sticks with current students for the rest of their lives. The event was cancelled Feb. 21, 2019, which was just one day before the event was scheduled to take place.

On Feb. 21, 2019 administration made the hard decision to cancel Mr. Pioneer.

After talking to the class of 2019 staff advisor, Mary Kubicek, I was informed on what actually happened. She said she sat through the whole dress-rehearsal and believed it was not ready for public viewing. The administration who was given a second dress rehearsal had the opportunity to voice their opinion and had the same opinion as the staff advisor. With everyone putting in their thoughts, Mr. Pioneer was canceled for the right reasons.

It was a hard decision for sure, but most people would have walked out and left because they were not ready. I would not want to waste my money on an event that they had two months to rehearse for but couldn’t get together to put a show that the students deserved.

I, of course, like everyone else was devastated that it was canceled and had the same opinion as everyone else. I thought it shouldn’t have been canceled at first but after talking with the 2019 staff advisor and getting all the information I needed it was obvious that most people like me in the beginning had no idea to why it was actually canceled. We all jumped to conclusions and looked for someone to blame without getting all of the facts straight.

Everyone was making up all these assumptions that Mr.Viscomi was the one who made the decision to cancel Mr. Pioneer but it was not him who had that decision. Mr.Viscomi was asked for his opinion by the members of the administration and his opinion was the same as everyone else. To put all rumors aside it was our administrations who made the decision.

Some might say that they canceled it so last minute why didn’t they cancel it before and

Photo: The Pioneer Press December 17, 2014, Mr. Pioneer was held in the DHS auditorium. The thirteen boys pictured above were acting out a working out skit. while I do agree that it was very last minute and a shock, it did take some time for them to actually make the decision. The staff advisor for class of 2019 watched it on her own at first and needed the opinions of the administration and student council advisor. Yes, the decision was made a day before, but it took time for them to collectively make a final ruling. Moving on, as a student body, we need to get more people involved in making events happen in order to prevent them from being canceled. As a class, everyone needs to contribute and try to help out the class president and staff advisor in any way that’s helpful.

I do hope that they bring Mr. Pioneer back because it has been a tradition for so long but if they are not prepared don’t expect the show to go on. Mr. Pioneer takes time and a lot of hard work needs to be put in to make it better every year and if they were to perform on stage

and you can see that there was a lot of things that needed to be fixed not only will it ruin it for this year it will also ruin it for next year. Many events have been canceled in the past because of lack of support from the high schoolers. For example more than 5 dances have been canceled in the time I have been here since freshman year.

If you take a look at Battle of The Torch it’s never been canceled because of the effort from our classmates and the class president. If we were to put more effort into other events we would not have this problem.

Mr. Pioneer is one of the best traditions DHS has ever made and it would be a shame if they don’t bring it back but at the end of the day administration makes the decision. A decision that was collectively put together and made for the right reasons.

11 Opinion

March 29, 2019

Mo Momo, Mo Problems.

Howrraa Alissa Staff Writer

Illustration: Manar Daher

M

omo is a terrifying doll that is claimed to ask social media users, mainly young children and teenagers to participate in challenges that range from innocuous to deadly. The Japanese artist Keisuke Aiso made the sculpture of Momo before all that even started. He destroyed the sculpture proclaiming Momo is dead. He also says that he feels responsible for terrifying parents and children around the world after the internet used his piece to prank victims. Our youth is our future and they should be preserved. It is up to us to strengthen our relationship with our young siblings so that we can be their emotional support in situations like Momo.

The majority of children love watching cartoons for entertainment, particularly on Youtube.

Many of them watch Peppa Pig, a cartoon for young children that teaches and entertains kids in many ways. Many have reported that in the middle of a Peppa Pig episode, Momo appears on the screen and asks them to turn on the gas on the stove, take their parents’ pills, and many other harmful things which could result in death. I think this is very upsetting because some children listen to what Momo says since they think it’s a character from the cartoon telling them to do harmful things. On February 14, 2019,Youtube spoke out on this tragic situation and

said “Momo appears to be much of a threat for young people and if you see any threats or harmful images, please flag the video.” People started posting videos of Momo on Youtube to scare kids and to make kids harm themselves. I think this was a message to parents that they should have a stronger relationship with their child and should pay more attention to what they do online. Young children obviously don’t know who Momo is, but parents should be aware of what their children watch on YouTube or any other media outlets.

Many teenagers have a cell phone and have WhatsApp, a popular app for calling and texting.

Many teenagers have been getting WhatsApp messages saying “I am going to kill you tonight in your sleep.” This is truly disturbing to me because people like myself have had thoughts about this at night which prevent them from sleeping. Some teenagers are getting calls and messages from unknown numbers sending images of Momo and violent threats. According to the Daily Mail, “Authorities warn the anonymous senders could be using it to steal information or encourage violence and suicide.” I think to prevent this situation, youth should avoid giving out their contact information unless necessary.

Young children are innocent and most don’t understand or think about suicide. Suicide rates are higher among teens and adults, however, “The

Momo Challenge” is influencing children to commit suicide. This has led to the loss of two innocent lives, which I find horrifying and must stop immediately.

According to the article Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, The challenge was reportedly linked to several suicides worldwide, including two children who killed themselves just days apart from one another in September in Barbosa, Colombia. The boy, 16, reportedly got his little sister, 12, involved with the game before they both died. Police found messages associated with the game on the children’s phones, reports say.

As an older sister, I am concerned with what my little brother watches or sees on social media.

I think governments should have greater control of what’s online in order to keep the global society secure and pass relevant laws to restrict misuse of social media as is in the case of Momo. I think in some areas such as Michigan, the government should take control of what’s being shared on the internet such as cyber bullying and decrease social media criminals. Also, sometimes parents are busy at work or running errands, I encourage teenagers to be familiar with what uses your siblings make of social media, and ensure they understand they should let you know if they encounter anything online that seems harmful or threatening. Young kids should also be more involved in clubs and sports to keep them away from social media unless necessary.

12

March 29, 2019

Sports

Reaping

the rewards

Malak Almonajed & Malena Rahal News Editor & Photo Editor

It all started on the 22nd of February with an offer from Western Michigan University. As soon as a day later, it was Central Michigan University. Two days later, it was his first Big 12 offer from Iowa State University and then Ball State University.

Then it was Bowling Green State University, University of Cincinnati, University of Toledo, University of Massachusetts, and Cornell University.

Then he got his first Ivy League offer from Dartmouth College. A couple days later, he gained another ivy league, with an offer from Princeton University. The offers kept coming, University of Buffalo, Eastern Michigan University, Boston College University, Miami University, University of Akron, Rutgers University, and Temple University.

When he went to watch former Dearborn High School Defensive End Ali Fayad play at WMU,

Photo: Malena Rahal

he didn’t know the WMU coaches were actually watching him. They even asked him to have lunch so they could have a talk. After the whole visit, the head coach asked to meet with him along with his coaches. He could feel his heartbeat racing. They commended him for his performance and his highlight tape, they were impressed with him.

That’s when the 6’4”, 255lb Dearborn High School Defensive End was given his first full-ride scholarship offer. Colleges have been scouting Ali Saad, and he has been visiting many of them in the past month. He has received 18 offers so far, and gathered an astounding 10 in only one week, two of them being from Ivy League Schools. Saad said his first offer was what encouraged his other offers.

“Once I got my first offer, since it was a really

good school, Western Michigan University, more coaches started noticing me, and more offers just started coming in after that,” Saad said.

Saad said that he feels honored by his recent accomplishments.

“It’s a blessing to get an offer from an Ivy League school, and getting 10 offers in one week, you definitely feel blessed, it’s an opportunity that not everybody gets,” Saad said.

Saad said none of this would have been possible without the aid of his Defensive Coordinator.

“Through all of this, Coach Duda has helped me the most, and Ali Fayad with my first offer. But Coach Duda has been helping me a lot by contacting other coaches, working on my recruiting process and getting back to connections,” Saad said.

Alex Duda has served as Defensive coordinator

13 Sports

March 29, 2019

at DHS for the past three years. Duda said Saad’s film is what lead to the recent interest from various programs. “Over the years, I’ve developed great relationships with college coaches. They know DHS produces tough, coachable student-athletes. Many college coaches were blown away with Ali’s athleticism, length and physicality. Plus, when you watch his film from last year, he jumps off the screen,” Duda said. DHS Head Football Coach John Powell said Saad’s size and athleticism is also what’s attracting him to college coaches.

“The main thing that colleges are looking for is how big and fast players are. Ali is an interior

“The main thing that colleges are looking for is how big and fast players are. Ali is an interior lineman. He’s big and fast, and his tape shows just how fast he is, and he’s like 250 pounds.

The main thing is, Ali is 6’4”, he’s very tall, so that makes him different from the other guys.”

I’ll start shooting them information.” Powell said.

Saad said that when considering his offers, he looks into what school will help him pursue his medical career.

“I want to go into the medical field. I would like to become a pharmacist. I feel like out of all my offers so far, University of Toledo would be a good choice. But my dream school is the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor,” Saad said.

Duda said the recruiting process is far from being over for Saad. “Many Power Five schools have shown Ali a lot of interest, so that’s the next step in the recruiting cycle.” Duda said.

Duda said that a Power Five School is a school that is apart of the FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision).

“There are 5 conferences that are members of the FBS: Big Ten, SEC, ACC, Big 12 and PAC 12, Michigan State, Northwestern, Nebraska, Penn State and Syracuse are looking at him in particular,” Duda said.

Powell said Saad will be visiting one of the Power 5 schools soon.

“He’s going up to Michigan State on Tuesday, and that’s gonna be the first time they’re gonna be seeing him. Hopefully that goes well.”

Photo: Adam Saad

Ali Saad during his visit to Central Michigan University, representing the Chippewas.

Courtesy: Toledo Photography

-John Powell

lineman. He’s big and fast, and his tape shows just how fast he is, and he’s like 250 pounds. The main thing is, Ali is 6’4”, he’s very tall, so that makes him different from the other guys.” Powell said.

Duda said the recent events have been an anomaly in terms of how quickly Saad has gained buzz in recruiting circles.

“In my ten years of coaching high school football, I have never had a student-athlete go from 0 offers to double digit offers within a week,” Duda said. “Ali is definitely blowing up recruiting wise.”

Powell said that once Saad got his first offers, it caught the attention of other schools.

“Once you have the MAC (Mid-American Conference) level schools like Western, Eastern and Central, then other schools will start to offer.

Michigan State will offer, Minnesota, Indiana, and Boston College, they’ll hear about Ali, and

Ali Saad poses for a photo in The University of Toledo’s apparel.

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