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September 8, 2015
Welcome Back Islanders!
Photo by Samantha Philipp
Students frequently use shared overrides to access block websites such as Netflix.
Dear Islander students and staff, we, your ASB officers, want to welcome you back to Mercer Island High School! We hope you had a fantastic summer and we’re really excited for another great school year. From laying our foundations, to planning the first week back, we’ve been hard at work this month. However, most of our enthusiasm lies in where we want to take the school beyond the first week. No leadership class would be complete without a strong vision, and we’d love to share it with you. As a class, we have a very specific goal that we hope to advance: To make everyone proud to be a part of the islander com-
Volume V, Edition 1
munity. Yes, this is a lofty goal by any metric, but the results will be worth the effort.. Our vision is an inclusive school where everyone feels that they can be themselves. Our vision is a culture where inclusivity is a virtue, and students feel like they can belong. Our vision, put simply, is a community united. This is high-stakes talk coming from a group of student politicians, but one value we hold highly is our commitment to action. Above all, we are here to serve the school, so don’t be surprised to see us outside of the classroom. While we plan on creating diverse events in which all students can participate and enjoy, you can also find our members greeting you around school or at the front entrance with a smile.
Of course, any attempt to change culture for the better needs to come from the school as a whole. The key to facilitating an atmosphere of support and self expression is for our own organization to practice transparency with you all, the students and staff. To this end, we’d like to introduce “Open ASB�. Starting in the coming months, the ASB cabinet will set up forums for interested students or staff members to come in to engage in discussion, ask questions (and receive candid answers), offer suggestions, or just learn about what’s going on from our side. Do you have an awesome idea that you want to see happen in the school? Let’s hear it! Curious about a new policy going around? We’d love to fill you
in. Feedback on how we’re doing? Always welcome. We plan to implement simple suggestion boxes around the school as well, where you can also provide written feedback. This is your chance to make your voice heard and impact the direction of the school. For as long as the school remains open, we will be working in room 301 during fourth period to serve you. This endeavor will be led by no other than Chris Twombley (whom no leadership editorial would be complete without). Not one to be scared by a difficult trial, Mr. Twombley has taken up the mantle as the new leadership class advisor this year, bringing his intelligence and dry humor along with him. We’re thrilled to welcome
him into our fold, and are excited about his contributions to the program. We are honored to be doing what we’re doing, and we look forward to working alongside you this year for a school made unified.
new additions have not only increased the aesthetic appeal of MIHS, but they have also improved the school in other, less visible ways. Getting a bond passed to fund the construction in the first place was one of the biggest challenges the district faced on the project. Their first attempt was a measure on the April 17, 2012 ballot which sought to issue a $196 million bond to help
rebuild and modernize schools on the island. If passed, the bond would have authorized the District to replace all three elementary schools and the middle school, purchase new land for a fourth elementary school, add new science labs and classrooms, make improvements to the stadium, and modernize Mary Wayte Pool.The measure was defeated, as it needed an additional 21 percent to pass.
Two years later, the District proposed a $98.8 million bond which would fund three new projects: the construction of a fourth elementary school on the North Mercer Campus, the expansion of Island Middle School, and the addition of 10 new classrooms to MIHS. At the Feb. 11, 2014 special election, 73 percent of voters approved the bond. “I think what the district did [originally] is they went too aggres-
sive and tried to put all the projects all at one time and so this go around, they decided to phase the projects and that made a difference in when they finally got it approved,� said MIHS Principal Vicki Puckett. Another challenge the District faced was the rapid timeline of the project. approved by the City.
Love, Your 2015-2016 ASB Tigar McBurney- ASB President Aidan Wang- ASB Vice President Jacque Li- ASB Secretary DB Nguyen- ASB Treasurer Brian Oppenheim- ASB PR Coordinator Luke Kenworthy- ASB Spirit Commissioner
Classrooms open their doors as contruction comes to an end by
Jane Gormley online editor
Students attending MIHS last year remember construction as fire alarms, tarps in the hallway, and noise pollution. But now, with the addition to the high school complete, the word construction brings up images of stainless steel, huge windows, and incredible technology. Besides their beautiful design, the
INSIDE
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Why the senior mural has gone missing
Bellevue High School under investigation
Obama, you’re fired!
Back-to-school movies
Features > Page 2
Sports > Page 3
Opinions > Page 6
Campus Life > Page 7
2
FEATURES
Update on construction (cont.)
by
Jane Gormley
online editor
The addition to the high school was planned, built, and completed within the span of two years. While this is what Brandy Fox, construction manager at Mahlum, described as a “pretty typical schedule,” it still meant having workers at the school all hours of the day and night. Along with the actual construction, there were also many improvements to the property the school had to make in order to get the project approved by the City. “We had to have sidewalks put in, light posts put in, and we had to plant more than a couple hundred trees,” said Puckett. “When you look at what they did, it’s a major workover.” The inside of the building, though, is where most of the improvements were made. The new classrooms have speaker systems in the ceilings which are connected to one of the most exciting pieces of technology that has come with the new additions: an amplification system. Now, teachers and students can wear a small microphone around their neck and it will amplify one’s voice throughout the entire room. This system makes it much easier for students to hear during presentations from their peers and can help teachers who struggle with being heard over the chattering of high school students. “There’s a lot of research that supports how an amplification system in a classroom increases student engagement and makes a difference in their atten-
Photos by Jane Gormley
The new classrooms will accommodate the growing number of students at MIHS.
tion to detail,” said Puckett. These systems will also be in-
stalled in all new classrooms at the middle school and in every classroom at Northwood, the new elementary school. The new classrooms are built to be more conducive to the type of learning MIHS is moving towards. This includes more group work and group learning as working in a team is one of the employability skills Puckett has highlighted. The classrooms also set up an environment that allow for technology to be used as a constant part of student learning. “The new rooms have a lot more outlets. If you take some of the tables apart, they actually have outlets in them which will let you have your technology plugged in and on the table,” said Puckett. Throughout the project, ASB and staff were asked what they wanted to see in the new additions and some of their suggestions made it through to the final building. One such suggestion was for more daylight. The new classrooms have large windows and some even have skylights. With all the shades up, so much daylight shines into the rooms that the lights are not necessarily needed. Another two things both students and staff asked for was more indoor benches and an outdoor classroom. The outdoor classroom is located to the right of the main entrance and is filled with the same benches as those found inside the building. However, these are no ordinary benches. Numerous trees on the property had to be felled to make way for the new construction. So, instead of wasting the wood, the school
Goats graze on Mercer Island
saves money on weed clearing while also helping the back page editor environment by refraining The Mercer Island School from using pesticides and District strives to be envitrucks to haul the weeds to ronmentally sensitive. From the dump. placing compost and recycle Tony Kuhn, Director of bins around the school, to enMaintenance and Operacouraging students to walk tions for MISD said using or take a bus, Mercer Island the goats was intended to High School teaches stuserve more as a green dents to consider the eneffort than a cost-savvironment. ing move, although purIn keeping with this chasing goats, instead of philosophy, when MIHS renting, made sense. Reneeded to clear overclaimed wood from the grown blackberry plants teardown of the North and ivy from school Mercer gym was used to grounds, MISD purbuild the goats a shelter, chased three goats to saving materials from eat through the thickets. our landfills while meetWith their 4 chamber ing a need. stomachs and an insaWhen the weather Photo by Jessica Waller becomes too rainy or tiable desire to nibble anything resembling a Goats eat away at the vegetation surrounding the school. snowy, and the landplant, goats are in high scaping is completed, demand for this sort of work. Moe, have made quick work the goats will be housed These goats soon drew the of the brush by the football with a district employee attention of neighborhood field at MIHS and fertilized who has a nearby farm unchildren, and signs were the area, too, with their drop- til their services are needhung on the chain-link fences pings. It’s a win-win: MISD ed again next spring.
by
Jessica Waller
by the high school reminding admiring onlookers, “Please don’t feed the goats.” The goats serenaded the MIHS marching band during their annual band camp, much to the delight of the students and faculty. These fluffy laborers, named Larry, Curly and
made the decision to repurpose the trees by turning them into benches. “We knew how important trees are to the community,” said Puckett. “That’s just part of being green for the school.” One of the biggest changes that came with the new addition is not only a physical change but one of culture. “Some of the feedback we got from students is that they didn’t like to go down to the special education wing because then people think they’re dumb but special education is not at all that way,” said Puckett. The school has moved some of the special education classrooms into the middle of the building
mihsislander.org
so that students won’t feel as separated. “We were also looking at equity as far as, are students with disabilities getting similar physical educational spaces as students without a disability,” said Puckett. “I couldn’t say they were at the beginning. Now they are.” The total project cost was about $11 million. This included, among other things, construction cost, sales tax, architect’s fees, permitting and utility fees, and utility connection fees. In regards to more construction on Mercer Island schools in the future, Fox believes that, “while that’s totally up to the board, I think a lot of that will depend on the success of this bond. You know, how fiscally responsible we are, how well we execute, how well we spend the taxpayers money, and about how interested people are in taking the next step and doing more to the schools.”
Senior mural missing
jokes that only apply to a few students in the grade, editor in chief therefore not illustrating the As students begin the class as a whole. Perhaps 2015-2016 school year, one more seriously, some imagof the first things many will es symbolize innuendos and notice is the lack of a senior other not school-appropriate mural for the Class of 2015. events. Because the mural is conThe decisions not to pubsidered a final goodbye and lish the mural has raised a chance to leave a mark on questions about the past the school, it seems strange murals as well as the future. that such an important piece There are some implications of memorabilia would be from the fact that the older missing. murals, who have similar The creation of the 2015 problems as the one from last senior mural year, remain created a stir displayed in at the end the commons. of last year, Given that when stuthere was litdents and adtle resistance Photo by Helena Shield ministration Senior mural from the Class of 2014 those years were not able against the to come to an agreement over publication, it seems that the what should be included. lack of a 2015 mural is a reThe ASB officers, in an at- sult of students’ inability, or tempt to compromise, polled perhaps refusal, to comply the seniors, asking whether with regulations set by the they would be happy with a administration. collage including everyone’s With some students worpicture. The seniors voted ried that the lack of a mural against the proposition. The is a step in eliminating the art class, as usual, proceed- traditions and school spirit ed to paint the mural, but for which MIHS is known for, when it came time to mount it is important to note that on the wall, it was rejected the mural is not going away by the administration. Many forever. In an effort to make seniors were able to view the the murals a positive reflecmural after the senior party. tion of a class as well as more “Since murals are public inclusive, the administration and can be seen by every- is working on a procedure one they must meet commu- that will be satisfactory for nication and public display everyone. standards. We want to work “The process that the mutoward a mural that is a rep- ral will go through is being resentation of the entire stu- restructured this year. Right dent body and is an example now, there are no specific deof Integrity-Innovation-In- tails until we meet with the spiration,” said Associate student leadership. We want Principal Henterson Carlisle to avoid the inappropriate Senior murals have had pictures and innuendos on a history of controversy. the mural that do not emMany pictures on the old- body our school motto” said er murals represent inside Carlisle. by
Helena Shield
September 8, 2015
SPORTS
Q&A: Bellevue High School recruiting scandal by
Richard Chess
editor in chief
A recent article published in the Seattle Times uncovered a possible athletic recruiting scandal occurring at Bellevue High School. According to the article, several students attended a private high school where tuition was often covered by the football team’s wealthy supporters.
have included playoff-run bans, coach suspensions or expulsions, and required monitoring of team operations. Bellevue School District is reviewing the incident, and may also terminate employment with anyone it believes has violated school, district, KingCo, or WIAA rules.
Q: If the allegations are true, what penalties may BHS face?
Q: What was the quality of education the students received at the private school, The Academic Institute?
A: The Bellevue School District has turned this issue over to the WIAA, which will name an independent investigator to weigh the allegations against the football program and its boosters. In previous similar incidents, sanctions
A: The article describes the accounts of several students who attended The Academic Institute. Darien Freeman, a student at the Institute who went to play at the college level, said that tests were easy because he could use notes. He also believes
that his instructor left the school midway through the semester. The school director gave him a book from which to learn, and he was eventually given test questions. It does not appear that BSD violated any laws; it is unlikely that anyone within The Academic Institute will face criminal charges for failing to educate its students. Q: College profiles of athletes such as Myles Jack and Max Richmond indicate that they attended BHS, even though they went to The Academic Institute. How? A: It was a common practice for attendees of The Academic Institute to enroll at BHS for their last semester so they could graduate with a diploma from BHS.
Hit the road, Jack! And don’tcha come back by
of at least $100 million. The M’s chose the candidate responsible for several top prospect picks with the Milwaukee Brewers, such as Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun. Clearly, their motive behind signing him was to bring someone who could rebuild the team through prospects. Nearly every one of Zduriencik’s prospects has
Richard Chess
editor in chief
“Anyone who knows anything about rebuilding from the ground up---it takes five to seven years,” said Seattle Mariners General Manager Jack Zduriencik in a radio interview in May 2013. When asked whether one could judge a GM’s performance, after five to seven years, when he has taken over a situation like Z has taken over in Seattle, Zduriencik responded, “No doubt.” This 2015 s e a s o n Photo courtesy AP/Ted S.Warren marks the seventh time Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik was fired on Aug. 28 after 505-595 record. Zduriencik had the failed. With the exceptions of opportunity to build the club Kyle Seager and Brad Miller, into a playoff team. Yet, here they have all produced below we are again, with the third average, mediocre numbers. worst record in the American The figure below shows all League. His long-awaited of Zduriencik’s first round firing from the City of draft selections as GM of the Seattle should be celebrated, Mariners. something fans have not Even his free agent been able to do in a long time. signings were weak. Instead Zduriencik was hired by of acquiring a set of talented the Mariners in Oct. 2008 players to form a wellto replace Bill Bavasi, who rounded team, Zduriencik became the first GM in MLB splurged on top-tier players history to allow his team to in hopes that they would lose 100 games with a payroll make up for the obvious
holes. When Robinson Cano was on free agency two years ago, Cano asked the Yankees for 10 years/$300 million. The Yankees said “sayonara” and waited for him to come down to a more reasonable offer. Somehow, the Mariners figured spending top dollar on one player would solve all our problems. The team jumped into the negotiations, finally coming to a 10 year/$240 million agreement. Maybe the Mariners forgot about the nearly identical Alex Rodriguez signing that left the Yankees stuck with an aging and deteriorating player. Either way, Cano is guaranteed his money through the age of 40. What exactly did Z do for the Mariners besides leave us with a team of busts? This organization is in serious need of revamping, and the firing of Zduriencik should only be the start of an entire front office restructuring. Since he was hired, the Mariners have the fourth worst win-loss record in MLB. Of the teams with the ninth worst records in this span, the Mariners were the last to replace its GM. Hopefully the team will find a replacement that is able to find good, mid-tier players by using sound judgement instead of aiming blindly in the draft.
Jack Z’s Collection of First Round Draft Picks Year Pick #
Player
2009
2
Dustin Ackley
Traded away after five seasons of .242 BA with far worse than expected power
Comments
2010
43
Taijuan Walker
M’s lost first round selection due to signing free agent Chone Figgins (another bust)…Walker is injury prone and inconsistent. His success in the majors remains to be seen, even after five years
2011
2
Danny Hultzen
Injured for most of his career
2012
3
Mike Zunino
2013
12
D.J. Peterson
2014
6
Alex Jackson
.175 BA in 105 games this season…Enough said .223 BA/7 HR in AA this season somehow warranted a recent promotion to AAA .157 BA in A this season, but he’s only 19 so too early to call a bust
3
Sparkle Squad competes at Special Olympics in Los Angeles
being taken of them. “People from around the world were by online editor ecstatic to meet and watch Eleven MIHS students American cheerleaders,” said helped make history last June Brandon. by being some of the world’s This trip not only touched first unified cheerleaders at the lives of the 6,500 athletes, the 2015 Special Olympics but it also greatly impacted World Summer Games in the lives of the seven mentors, Los Angeles. The team, the four cheerleaders, and the known affectionately as the families of the participants. “I Sparkle Squad here at the learned from this experience high school, that no hung up m a t t e r its MIHS what life uniforms may throw to cheer your way, for athletes you should from all a l w a y s over the try and world at support the ninet h o s e day event. Photo courtesy Traci Brandon a r o u n d row (left to right): Leah Kahan, Sophia Pangallo, Patrick Laurenson, you,” T r a c i Front said Mackenzie Johnston, Cameron Orth Brandon, Back row: Kelsey Scanlan, Jared Ong,Veronica Pangallo, Riley Thompson, Brandon. head coach Holly Brandon, coach Traci Brandon, Jeffrey Pimentel Jared of Mercer Island Cheer, was Ong, one of the Sparkle contacted by representatives cheerleaders on the team, from the “Cheer For LA” said that the best part about campaign last March. From cheering at the Special that moment on, the team Olympics was, “doing the of four Sparkle cheerleaders stunts that my Cheer sisters and seven Sparkle mentors taught me and seeing what became known as Pacific other cheerleaders like me Northwest Unified Cheer can do.” Jeffrey Pimentel, and they began their journey another Sparkle cheerleader, to be one of twelve American said his favorite part of the cheer teams at the Special trip was, “getting to meet Olympics. the athletes from the other Fundraising for the trip countries, taking pictures began almost immediately. with cheerleaders from other The team sold Krispy cities, being on the field Kreme Donuts, put together during the closing ceremony, a garage sale, and raised and being with my cheer $7,125 in one month on sisters during our stay at the its GoFundMe page. The ‘big house.’” Mercer Island Reporter also The parents of both wrote an article updating cheerleaders believe that the community on the team’s this trip will have lasting amazing opportunity and effects on their children. “I urged its readers to donate to don’t think Jared actually their cause. understands what a privilege “Parents and athletes put it is to be part of such a in many hours of hard work big and important event,” to help fundraise for this said Jessie Ong. “Because trip,” said Sparkle mentor Coach Traci and the girls Holly Brandon. “But, without believed in him and made the support of the community him feel included, he was and Mercer Island Reporter, willing to try new things.” I don’t think we could’ve Jeff Pimentel had similar raised as much as we did.” comments regarding his Pacific Northwest Unified son: “Unified cheerleading Cheer’s work began with a has allowed Jeffrey to make performance in the opening friends throughout MIHS ceremonies. They shared and has helped him reach the stage with a host of social milestones with his significant people, including mentor cheer sisters.” Stevie Wonder, Michele Since the trip, the team Obama, Tim Shriver, Avril has continued meeting and Lavigne, Missy Elliot, Cody learning new cheers for the Simpson, and many past upcoming school year. Their Olympians. For the rest of the time at the games and their event, the team spent their continued work back on days cheering on athletes Mercer Island are a perfect participating in sports example of the motto for the such as unified volleyball, Special Olympics: “Let me rollerblading, and rhythmic win. But if I cannot win, let gymnastics. The team also me be brave in the attempt.” participated in one or two performances each day. Visit the MIHS Islander They would dance, lead the Facebook page to view crowds in interactive cheers, additional photographs, and finish with stunts and courtesy of coach Traci tumbling. The only aspect Brandon. of the trip the cheerleaders had not prepared for was facebook.com/mihsislander the hundreds of pictures
Jane Gormley
USEOURADVICEASYOURDEVICE
A new school year can be intimidating. Take this advice to heart from the elder and wiser to start off the new year in a positive way.
6
Opinions
mihsislander.org
If you don’t vote for Trump, there will be hell toupee Isabella Murillo
should not take back Kristen Stewart. She cheated on him like a dog & will do it again—he can do much better.” How many other candidates have spoken on such controversial events? Donald Trump is not afraid to speak his mind, even if the rest of America does not agree with him. However, these occurrences often lead to the infamous Twitter disputes, in which Trump always fights bravely. Whether it be with Rosie O’Donnell, or Cher, or Megyn Kelly, or even the “Modern Family” show writer Danny Zuker, Donald Trump always calls out his “haters.” No one can defeat the Donald. The last person that tried to mess with Trump was U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, and Donald Trump read out his number on national television. Someone who makes such thought-out and clever decisions is the kind of person we need as president. The fourth reason why you should vote for Trump is because he knows what America’s biggest problem is: political correctness. It is about time that a candidate said something about all this “treating people with respect” crap! All this time that the public has wast-
ed on trying not to offend minorities and women could have been spent on preventing the travesty of Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart getting back together! Luckily, Trump has not been spending his time so Who could resist that face? unwisely. He has never hesitated to call a woman an offensive name, and he is well-known for his sexism! Imagine, with Donald Trump as our president, everyone can act this way with no consequence! Trump knows that we do not have to treat anyone besides old white rich men with respect. He has had a number of sexual harassment suits, belittled countless female reporters, tweeted “If Hillary Clinton can’t satisfy her husband what makes her think she can satisfy America?”, and even told a female contestant on his show that it would be “a pretty picture to see her on her knees.” Trump was not lying when he said he would make America great again. The last reason why you
should vote for Trump is because he has one of the most innovative and progressive immigration plans. Donald Trump famously explained his idea of building a giant wall on the border, which will be all paid for Photo by Samantha Philipp by Mexico. First of all, I think it says a lot about Trump alone that he let his five-year-old grandson pick his first and only policy plan. What a kind and humble man it takes to trust such important issues in an infant. It was especially generous of him to play along with his grandson by calling all Mexicans rapists, drug dealers, and criminals, because that claim would be ridiculously offensive and untrue otherwise, especially considering the fact that immigrants are less likely than native-born Americans to commit crimes or end up in jail. Trump is a candidate like no other, and America is finally ready for him. Vote for Trump in 2016! Don’t be a hater!
to renew the business permit of the Masonic Lodge fireworks stand. At the April 20, After decades of permitting 2015 Council meeting, Maythe sale and ignition of fireor Bruce Bassett and Counworks around Independence cilwoman Jane Brahm noted Day, the City of Mercer Ishow they witness illegal fireland should consider prohiwork discharges, across the bition of these explosives, water, in Renton and Bellevwithout exceptions. In 1994, ue. However, a survey of Fireworks Discharge Regulations for Cities in I do not un1,400 resiKing County in Order of Population Density derstand why dents deterthis argument mined that City Population Density Discharge Regulations is a credible 55 percent (residents/sq. mile) reason to updesired a Banned 5414.97 hold current ban. Instead Seattle regulations. of following Federal Way 4022.57 Banned Clearly, if we through with Kirkland Banned 3944.06 do not outlaw a ban, the Mercer Island 3488.1 Permitted on July 4 anything that City Council Banned 3355.58 is less than restricted ig- Bellevue 3329.05 Banned 100 percent nition hours Kenmore Source: 2010 U.S. Census Data enforceable, to July 4, the hours of 11 a.m. and launched a firework from his there would be no laws. Furthermore, by also allow11 p.m. In June 2005, Fire head, leading to his death. The movement to prohibit ing the sale of fireworks, the Chief Walt Maudlin presented a recommendation to the fireworks is not new to oth- City is providing people, both Council to outlaw the sale er cities. Only fourteen of on and off island, with far and ignition of fireworks en- the thirty-nine cities in King easier means to purchase the tirely. He noted that a ban County permit the discharge explosives. The removal of MI’s lone would be an “effort to protect of fireworks, and nearly all of citizens from the potential of those are in rural locations fireworks stand does not fires” and “injuries to citizens or have low population densi- necessarily mean a loss of and their property.” Still, the ties. Mercer Island is neither fundraising for the Masonic Council voted 6-1 to retain rural nor sparsely populated, Lodge, Veterans of Foreign the previously established and the dangers of lighting Wars, and Kiwanis. Debmeasures, also instructing fireworks here are more dan- bie Bertlin, the only sitting city staff to increase public gerous than nearly anywhere councilmember to disapprove of fireworks, stated that she education and enforcement else. A common argument for would want to work with the of regulations preventing discharge on public property. prohibiting fireworks is that beneficiaries of the sales revThese weak attempts to it is too hard to enforce. Ev- enue to find other sources of combat the dangers of fire- ery year, the Mercer Island fundraising. Money should works will not work. Safe- City Council debates whether not be a significant factor,
especially when we can find other ways to support those fine organizations. It’s time for our councilmembers to start acting responsibly. Even though it appears the majority of residents want these explosives banned, the minority are uneasy about the loss of their sacred bombs. Our councilmembers appear to be more interested in political
objectives than the obvious safety benefits of a prohibition. If Mercer Island suffers a serious injury or death of a resident, is the Council going to suddenly switch its opinion? Why do we always have to wait for something bad to happen to effect change in our laws? The time is now for our Council to start considering residents’ safety its top priority.
by
opinions editor
The 2016 presidential election is approaching quickly, and until 2020 when Kanye finally runs and rightfully establishes his dynasty, our votes matter. That is why I have taken the time to write this persuasive article urging you to vote for one of the most overlooked presidential candidates in the running – Donald Trump. I know what you are thinking: is electing Trump as president worth the cancellation of the best show on TV, “The Apprentice?” Yes, yes it is. Because Trump will bring change to America with his progressive and completely sane ideas – and he will probably make “The Apprentice: White House Edition.” The first reason why you should vote for Donald Trump is because he is an inspiration. For example, despite not having any background in politics, Trump is polling at 40 percent with Republicans! With Trump as my role model, I feel as though I too can do anything I want to do. I can just go to the nearest hospital and ask to perform open-heart surgery and about 40 percent of doctors would let me!
Anything is possible with Donald Trump as president! The second reason why you should vote for Trump is that he is a genius. The Donald seriously has it all figured out. Maybe in your science classes you have heard a bit about this nasty rumor called “global warming.” Well Trump totally debunked it, and America thanks him. Global warming is a complete lie! Donald Trump explained everything: the myth of global warming was invented by Chinese to hurt U.S. manufacturing. Can you imagine the amount of thought and research put into that conclusion? The Donald has proven himself to be not only an entrepreneur or politician, but also a SCIENTIST. He really is the whole package. The third reason why you should vote for Trump is that he understands the public. I can honestly say that Donald Trump just gets me. Unlike other candidates, Trump has always been active on social media; his tweets sound like those of a personal friend with an unwavering obsession with E!. The Donald is not afraid to talk about the issues that matter. Back in 2012, Trump tweeted, “Robert Pattinson
Santa Claus: you’re next by
Richard Chess editor-in-chief
ty education has increased across the country, yet people still burn their bodies and die because there is no easy way to prevent people (often children) from igniting fireworks in a totally irresponsible manner. To the point: This summer a New England man
in S a n
September 8, 2015
CAMPUS LIFE
Senior dances at Cornish by
Lily Clugston campus life editor
modern partnering, jazz, Pilates, composition, and a college preparation class where we focused on the college application process specifically in dance,” said Vanderwall. The classes are all taught by a mixture of Cornish College staff as well as local choreographers such as Michelle Miller. “She was our modern instructor and I loved her classes!” Jamie said enthusiastically. Miller also helped start Velocity dance
Senior Jamie Vanderwall spent three weeks of her summer twirling across dance floors at a rigorous dance intensive at Cornish College in Seattle. She, along with about fifty other students who passed the dance audition, undertook classes ranging from classical ballet to modern dance to jazz and even took some college preparatory classes as part of the program. She first found out about the program from a good friend, “One of my friends is studying dance at Cornish next fall, and that’s how I found out about the summer program since Jamie Vanderwall regularly takes classical ballet. she had done it with a friend the year be- and is a founding member of fore,” Jamie explained, “I’ve the d9 Dance Collective, an been to other ballet inten- all-women repertory group sives before in Vancouver, which is based in Seattle. British Columbia, and Long Most of the staff who taught Beach, California, but I had at the intensive have long never been to an intensive resumes filled with various with other dance styles! It accomplishments in dance. was definitely a jump being Besides just the dance placed in the higher levels classes, Jamie took compoof modern and jazz since sition classes every day disI didn’t have as much ex- covering what exactly an perience in those styles.” arts college, or any college Jamie went to her audi- really, looks for in a potention with a friend. “It wasn’t tial dance major. “Our teachcompletely stressful be- er had us work on resumes cause the audition for the and Common App with a program was just a normal focus on dance. I hope to miballet class. We wore num- nor in dance, so the college bers on our leotards and the prep class was really useful!” Director of the program took As part of the composition notes throughout…by the class, Jamie also had to creend of the day I found out ate a two minute long solo that I had been accepted!” meant for college auditions Her day, which starts at since most colleges require 9 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m., a solo in their dance major rotates through a five-class applicants portfolios. “At the per day schedule covering all end of the three weeks, we different types of dance. “We each performed our solos and took ballet, pointe, modern,
jazz and modern pieces [in a showcase for everybody].” Of course, since the intensive is located at Cornish College, the program is supposed to mimic actual college courses letting the students get a feel for what attending an arts college feels like as well as working on improving dance techniques and overall musicality. “It was [also] cool because different intensives for band and arts and theatre were going on at the same time and it was really cool to see the different programs g o i n g on [at once]!” W h e n a s k e d what her favorite parts of the proPhoto courtesy Maeve O’Briant g r a m w e r e , Jamie immedi- a t e l y replied, “I loved learning different styles of dance and working with different Cornish instructors and local choreographers.” For other prospective arts majors or just those looking to improve their skills along with others just as passionate about the arts, consider attending one of the Cornish programs next summer. Cornish hosts programs in other media besides dance, such as theatre, music, visual arts, and photography. “It’s also a great way to meet new people with the same interests as you because I got to know the girls really well and we all really bonded together! The night before the final performance we all hung out on the waterfront and went to Red Robin and the Ferris wheel which was super fun!” Jamie added.
Back-to-School movies!
by
Samantha Phillip
spread editor
Ten Things I Hate About You This perfect back to school film expresses the lunacy of high school cliques. The film’s screen play is heavily influenced by Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew.” Even the character’s banter includes actual Shakespearean quotations. The film itself tells a bittersweet tale leaving a lesson in its wake; don’t be afraid to be yourself.
The Breakfast Club
The Criminal, the Athlete, the Basket Case, the Princess, and the Brain. John Hughes’ iconic film examines the still-existing stereotypes that are placed on high schoolers. The movie begins with, five very different students entering detention only for all to leave as changed individuals. This movie has charmed many for generations because of the lesson it gives; despite our differences if we all work together for a common goal, we can accomplish anything.
High School Musical Although MIHS may not be a singing high school (While students at MIHS may not spontaneously burst into song, saying MIHS may not be a singing high school makes it sound like the actual school is a singing building), High School Musical will get you excited for the typical high school experience you have always dreamed about. This light hearted Disney movie reminds all of us that despite our differences we are “all in this together.”
Say Hello Dolly!
by
Jane Gormley online editor
This year’s fall musical will be one of the most classic, traditional, and character heavy productions our school has seen in a long time. Audience members will find themselves thrown back into turn of the century New York City and all the chaos that comes along with that time period. Hello Dolly! first hit the Broadway stage in 1964. Based on the 1955 comedy, “The Matchmaker,” Hello Dolly! is a slapstick look into the meddlesome shenanigans of the matchmaking widow, Dolly Gallagher Levi. In her search for a wife for grumpy half-millionaire Horace Vandergelder, Dolly makes it clear that she sees herself as the most appropriate bride-to-be for the wealthy businessman. These two soon find themselves accompanied by a colorful cast of other characters. Barnaby Tucker and Cornelius Hackl, clerk and head clerk of Vandergelder’s Hay and Feed Store, get caught up in the lives of hat shop owner Irene Molloy and her assistant, Minnie Fay. All the while, Dolly is working to set up Vandergelder’s weepy niece, Ermengarde, with Ambrose Kemper, a struggling artist attempting to win the approval of the half-millionaire. As the plot thickens and the lives of the show’s many characters become more and more intertwined, Dolly’s skills as a professional meddler are put to the test. Hello Dolly! is the fourth musical MIHS drama teacher Daniela Melgar has co-directed at the high school. Her past productions cover
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a large range of genres and this year’s musical is no different. Compared to the edginess of Rent (2013), the lightheartedness of Tarzan (2014), and the darkness of Sweeney Todd (2015), Melgar describes Hello Dolly! as the “most traditional and classic musical I have done so far.” However, the show will not only bring a new genre to the MIHS stage but also a new aspect of theater we did not get to see much in past productions: dancing. While Hello Dolly! is not completely centered around dance, it does play a larger role than it has in the past. “I wanted to try something new, and as this is an educational institution, I think it’s important for students to have different theatrical opportunities. It helps them to learn and grow as performers.” Melgar’s explanation of the switch from a spring musical to a fall musical is simply that this show requires extra rehearsal time. “There are a lot of people involved in the show, and we just need a bit more time,” said Melgar. “Putting the show in the fall gives us a little more uninterrupted rehearsal time.” Sign-ups for auditions have been up since Sept. 1, and the auditions themselves will be held Sept. 14 and 15. More information can be found on Melgar’s teacher website. To students considering auditioning, Melgar has this advice: “Pick a song that makes you comfortable and that showcases your strengths. Remember that in a musical, you are also acting when you sing. So please make sure to think about acting the words of your song. Have fun!”
Photo Courtesy Aspen Art Museum An iconic scene in Ferris Bueller.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off What high school student doesn’t fantasize pulling off what Ferris did back in 1986? From faking out his parents to touring Chicago instead of going to school, this charming movie appeals to all teenagers. This “Back-to-School Movie” is unique because so little of the film actually takes place in school. The film celebrates three friends living life to the fullest instead of sitting in a classroom preparing for the future.
Photo Courtesy Rotten Tomatoes “Mean Girls” movie poster
Mean Girls Any movie combining the talents of Lindsey Lohan and Tina Fey is bound to be great. This 2004 movie, a teenage cult classic, looks at the delicate relations between a popular girl’s clique and the other girls within the high school. The movie’s quote worthy one-liners and famous scenes are sure to excite you for the new year.
Your 2015-2016 Class Officers! Freshman Lily Gile - President “This year I am looking forward to being super involved in the school and how much more spirit the high school has than the middle school.”
The MIHS leadership team has been hard at work all summer to help make this school year one to remember. We asked the class officers what they are most excited for this coming year, and here are their responses.
Ellie Sulla - Vice President “I look forward to leadership class and planning all the fun events, because it’s only summer and I’m already having an amazing time with the awesome kids in the class.”
Sophomores Phoebe Larson - President “I’m looking forward to the new classrooms, and all the new technology that comes with them. I’m also excited to be a sophomore, so that I’m not the baby of the school anymore!” Noonie McCann - Vice President “I’m looking forward to the beginning of the year! I love the excitement of assemblies, football games, and homecoming week.”
Caroline Young - Secretary “I’m looking forward to being able to plan a good homecoming dance and all of the spirit days!”
Ava Blanchette - Secretary “I’m most excited for the new freshmen to come in! I hope that everyone does their part in creating a welcoming environment for the Class of 2019!”
Jonathan Na - Treasurer “I look forward to the large lunch variety.”
Annie Ritcey - Treasurer “This year I’m looking forward to the assemblies and our spirit days.”
Juniors
Seniors
Mallica Cary - President “What am I not looking forward to? We’re trying to get everyone super involved this year. Homecoming spirit days are super fun and easy, so everyone should go all out for them!”
Matt Zimmer - President “I’m looking forward to Homecoming! The Leadership Class has come up with a really unique and creative theme.”
Ben Stoops - Vice President “Assemblies! The leadership team has some great stuff planned and we are hoping to be more inclusive this year.”
Alexa Bauman - Vice President “This year I know a lot of the seniors (including myself) want to keep school spirit and pride high all year long. I’m looking forward to making memories during my last year on MI!”
Cameron Cummings - Secretary “I’d like to bring out the Class of 2017’s spirit. In the past we’ve been somewhat lacking compared to the other grades, but I know that everyone’s got it in them.” Lauren Cartwright - Treasurer “I’m looking forward to increasing the pride shown at MIHS. If the student body can show support for everyone’s interests our school will be a super supportive place.”
Photo Courtesy Vicki Puckett
Top Row (right to left): Brian Oppenheim, Matt Zimmer, Luke Kenworthy, Tiger McBurney Second Row: Alexa Bauman, Lauren Cartwright, Jacqueline Li, Namya Malik, Ellie Sulla, Sophia Stribling, Ava Blanchette, Cameron Cummings, Ben Stoops Bottom Row: Lily Gile, Davis Simmons, Phoebe Larson, Caroline Lambright, Ella Green, Caroline Young, Kayla Km, DB Nguyen, Jonathan Na, Aidan Wang, Jarod Wong
Kayla Kim - Secretary “I’m so pumped to work hard and represent my class! I absolutely love people and want to make this the best year yet.” Jessica Blakeslee - Treasurer “I am looking forward to putting on one last awesome homecoming. It is my favorite time of year in leadership because so much is going on.” Compiled by Lily Clugston and Jane Gormley
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