November-December 2018

pg 10-11 Also in this edition...

-Pg 6: Editorial: you are safe here -Pg 12: Friedman elected to library board -Pg 23: Holiday movie pros and cons 1000 Idaho Ave, Portage, MI, 49024

volume 49 issue 2

www.portagenorthernlight.com

C O N T E N T S 02 December 2018

6 10

You Are Safe Here.

Our staff comes together to recognize how our school treats everyone and if students feel safe here.

Safe Spaces In School.

Clubs brings different students together to feel equally loved and be equally treated.

12 14

Friedman’s Victory.

Portage Northern’s very own teacher, Jeanne Friedman, wins the election for the Portage District Library Board.

Life With Lipodystrophy.

Junior Mallory Mattison shares her story with a disease that affects less that one in one million people.

17

Girl Wrestlers.

As wrestling season starts up, PN is beginning to get females on the team.

ON THE COVER

The Portage Northern Light staff comes together to talk about what our school does to provide safe spaces for students. On our cover, we showcase diversity with race, gender, sexual orientation, and more. Everyday we face problems with inclusion, and that is something our school as a whole needs to work to fix. It’s up to us to make sure every student feels safe and comfortable in this environment, and we hope that our cover shows that we can do this - together. No parent, faculty member, substitute teacher, intern, or any other adult will help our generation be better. Everyday we need to wake up with a more open mind, kind heart, and welcoming arms. This movement is up to us.

Letters

To The Editors

Dear Northern Light, I really enjoyed your article “You are Enough.” It was beautiful and it’s a message people need to hear. I really liked how Tomorrow needs you is in red. It really makes it stand out. The only thing I would do different is make the suicide hotline number a little bigger just to put emphasis on the fact that there is help. But overall, this article is impactful and can actually save lives.

Sincerely, Kaylynn Dodge, senior Dear Northern Light, I enjoyed your article regarding the rumor about backpack usage at our school. This issue is an important one to me and I appreciated that you chose to highlight the perspectives of the students. Although I understand that getting rid of backpacks is a safety measure, I rely on my backpack every day at school. Seeing that other students feel the same way as I do was nice. I hope to see more articles regarding issues that are directly related to the students in the future.

Sincerely, Katie Knight, sophomore Dear Northern Light, Thank you for writing the article “You are Enough.” So many people need to hear that, and it’s just such an important message. Just reading this article made me feel better about myself; you never know when a sentence is really going to connect with readers and help them through a tough time. I hope to see more articles about mental health in the future.

Sincerely, Astrid Code, freshman Dear Northern Light, I’m so glad that you wrote an article addressing depression and other mental illnesses. It is important to let people, and especially teenagers, know that they are important and too precious to take their lives because of a bully or a rough time they are going through in high school. This is exactly what your article does. It provides teens who read it with positive thoughts and gives them an opportunity to think differently. I like the fact that you talked about getting help instead of “toughening up” or “ignoring the bully,” because that will not help teens change their way of thinking. This is a very good article that addresses a problem, discusses it, and offers alternatives and solutions to the problem. I also like the fact that the article is very inspirational and ends with a positive note. More articles like this one should be written to inspire and help people.

Sincerely, Rawan Alsaedi, junior portagenorthernlight.com Spotify Instagram Twitter

Editorial Board Malcolm Gaynor sports editor

Aleja Chambers illustrator

Lexi Doll opinion editor

Sheila Mwanda entertainment editor

Keegan Tenney editor in chief

Gabbie Byers social media manager

Brianna Neuhouser web editor

Cameron Myers news editor/ photographer

Komalpreet Kaur feature editor

Snigda Narisetty creative designer

Kylie Clifton business manager Anai Freeman editor in chief

Gabe Flota Margaux Gendre

Liam Fagan Arushi Mithal

We are so happy to present to you the second edition of the Northern Light! Our staff has worked so hard to make this edition spotless before sending it out to all of you, and we want to thank you for taking the time to read it. The main focus for this newsmagazine was a topic that we as a staff felt strongly about because we feel that it is important to you, our readers. We hope that this edition encourages the student body to be more open minded and welcoming to others of all race, gender, sexual orientation, and more. We hope that these

Jimmie Cosby Jackson Graham

Dear Readers....

issues make you want to better our community and environment, especially in the Staff Editorial.

Hopefully something in this edition impacts you positively, and if it impacts you at all, please let us know at PNHSnorthernlight@ gmail.com. We would love to publish your comments online, so let us hear your voice!

The 2018-2019 NL staff is a group of hard workers that put so much time and effort into their work, and our constant flow of different ideas and unique perspectives allows a different take on normal

The Northern Light in print and online is the student produced newspaper for Portage Northern HS. It is an open, designated public forum for student expression, and the newspaper provides staff members with independent reporting opportunities and individual evaluation Writing is based on a wide variety of research for a broad and diverse audience and topics of coverage are decided by the staff and editorial board with consideration to what is timely, relevant, compelling, educational, and important to the student body. In accordance with best practice for student media, the Northern Light is not prior

day-to-day things. We’re very excited for the many editions to come, and we know that this year will be filled with new things that we cannot wait for you to experience with us. We look forward to making the paper better and better each edition as we continue to grow and learn who you are as readers this year.

Happy reading, and never forget: cover your mouth when you cough, and always treat each other with kindness.

BY KEEGAN TENNEY & ANAI FREEMAN

Policies At the NL

reviewed by administration.

Building and district administration do, however, reserve the right to oversee the paper if necessary to ensure that the mission and vision of Portage Public Schools and the safety of students and staff are maintained. As a MIPA, JEA, and NSPA publication, the Northern Light adheres to the highest standards of journalistic integrity. Photos, art, and other visual elements are created by Northern Light staff, formally designated for free use, or part of the public domain. In rare circumstances, we may use other media with the owner’s written permission.

It is our desire that our readers join the discussion

DESIGN BY KEEGAN TENNEY

Staff Writers

on our published work. We welcome letters to the editor and guest contributions, and the Northern Light will publish online all pieces received provided that they include the author’s full name and are appropriate for publication in a school setting. Letters to the editor are limited to 150 words in length and guest contributions are limited to 350 words in length. Pieces can be delivered to Amanda Thorpe’s room 3129, emailed to pnhsNorthernLight@gmail. com, or mailed ATTN: Portage Northern Light to Portage Northern High School, 1000 Idaho Avenue, Portage, MI 49024.

Portage Northern Light 03

NEWS BRIEFS

Huskie Highlights

BY CAMERON MYERS

‘Tis the season of giving For the giving spirit of the holidays, students have started the first ever PNHS Toy Drive with the support of the Western Michigan University Nursing Association and 20 Hands Kalamazoo. 20 Hands Kalamazoo is an organization that helps provide service and supplies for mothers that are in need. They collect infant toys for mothers from Kalamazoo, Allegan, and Calhoun counties that have children up to 5 years old. “I absolutely love helping raise money or items for families that do not have what they need,” said senior Francesca Rhiel, who has volunteered her time helping making sure the fundraiser is successful. “My favorite part of the toy drive is just knowing that, or hoping that, my donation will positively impact the life of another child.”

Want the Recent Updates?

Winter collage The musical department prepared months of rehearsals to get ready to perform for the annual Holiday Collage. With your ticket, you would receive an approximate of 3 hours of non-stop musical talents from students in the band, choir and orchestra programs. Solos and small ensembles will also be performing in the big production. “I like playing solos at collage because I play for people so they can enjoy it. A few minutes before my performance, I start to get nervous but it disappears once I start playing,” said junior Justin Hamlin.

Sean Brennan, the conductor of the combined piece, “Valse del Fleurs,” practices with all the students after school. Photo by Cameron Myers.

To be or not to

Scan with your phone camera!

04 December 2018

Lighting up kzoo On November 23rd, the City of Portage hosted the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Bronson Park, where 1,000 to 2,000 people came to watch the tree glow. Before the lights turned on, the Mayor of Kalamazoo gave a speech to the public, creating the mood for the christmas cheer. The gorgeous scenery provided a wide variety of lights and ice sculptures, including the classical candy cane lane. “The lighting ceremony was so much fun!” said Junior Riley Shoemaker. “When the Mayor gave his speech, it created a welcoming environment for everyone this year. I recommend everyone to come out to Bronson park to see the light fixtures this year.”

Juniors Riley Shoemaker and Andre Walker both spend time togther at the park, taking pictures and admiring the lights. Photo courtesy of Riley Shoemaker.

be

The Drama Department is creating the production of “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged),” coming in the 2nd and 3rd week of January. The play features a small, thirteen member cast, is a comedy that pokes fun at Shakespeare. “The play is fast and funny. There is never a dull moment in the show,” said junior Ben Eiler. “Sometimes it’s really easy to get really bored with a show, but this production will engage the audience the whole time.”

DESIGN BY CAMERON MYERS

COMIC

Portage Northern Light 05

YOU ARE SAFE HERE

STAFF EDITORIAL

Safe spaces are something that everyone needs and that every school should have. Creating a culture of acceptance and genuine interest in learning about other people and where they come from is the foundation for building this kind of environment. One thing that many of us take for granted is that this begins with us: the student body is much larger than the staff, and we interact with more people throughout the day. It is not the school, but us as students within it, that has the greatest potential to make the school a better place.

School in general is very stressful, and safe spaces are crucial because it is important for someone to be able to be themselves, regardless of their gender, race, or sexuality. For the most part, the school has already done the groundwork for creating safe spaces and making them accessible for students by creating a variety of different clubs, groups, and organizations that all different groups of students can be a part of, and there are opportunities to find people similar to you in a lot of ways. From Empowered Club to Anime Club to GSA and the 23 other clubs inbetween, the school continuously tries and is open to many different solutions to the “barriers” that divide the school. Individual teachers also do their part by going the extra mile to show their support, whether it is through a sticker on their classroom window, a bumper sticker on their car, or through caring conversations with students. Nothing will ever be perfect: there will always be 06 December 2018

bullies at school, and no amount of clubs - or things the school can dowill change that. This is where we come in: it ultimately falls on the students to be decent human beings and include everyone.

PNHS has no shortage of diversity, and we’re becoming a more diverse learning community every year.

Due to prejudice and stereotypes, more representation can create division among people. While that might be the reality in the world, it’s our responsibility to make sure that it’s not the reality within the walls of NHS. Everyone deserves to feel safe at their own school, and even with all of our opportunities to be included, there are still people who feel they don’t belong. We have the safe spaces in the form of clubs, groups, and classrooms, but now we need to work together to make every space safe, and this starts with students.

In order to make a better environment, we need to intentionally expose ourselves to and interact with different kinds and groups of students, especially those who are the most different from ourselves. We might be unlike each other in many ways, but we’re all people, and we’re all Huskies, and those commonalities outweigh any differences that we might have. Spending time with each other will help us have a better understanding and ability to accept each other. If that’s too far out of your comfort zone, start simply with kindness and inclusion. Say hi when you don’t have to. When you see someone who is alone when everyone else is in a group, go talk to DESIGN BY KEEGAN TENNEY

;

them. In a school of 1300 plus students, there’s no reason anybody should feel alone.

There are some thing that the school can continue to do, too.

While the Black History Month assembly is a start, there needs to be other opportunities for other groups to let their voices be heard and their culture and diversity celebrated. We could celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, Autism Awareness Month, or the Chinese New Year, just to name a few. We do a lot to bring us together in school spirit, and that’s important, but at the same time not everyone’s the same, and that is okay. Once we start accepting that and celebrating and valuing our differences, we will be able to see how those differences make Huskie country even richer, and everyone will become more comfortable with themselves and school will be a happier place to be for everyone.

As students, we can shift the culture of the school to feel more safer very simply. Since so many of us are on social media, we could stop or slow the spread of untrue rumors and malicious statements by assessing information before we believe or spread it. We can choose not to like posts that are unkind and hurtful to others. We can be more aware of the things we post and how they might impact others. It’s easy to repost, retweet, and comment; if we could make it that easy to be kind to one another, we would be taking an important step in the right direction.

S

NO E H AV

NOVEMBER

BY KOMALPREET KAUR With every new year comes a new wave of fun and crazy internet challenges, some as ridiculous as eating Tide pods or swallowing spoons of cinnamon whole, and others, like No Shave November, being more fun and lasting.

Each November, for 30 days, people all around the world take on the challenge to not shave any hair on their body for an entire month. This is widely noticeable in the male community as gentlemen go from a cleanly-shaven face to a barely visible scruff or, for the fortunate few, a full blown long beard. Women, however, also participate: after all, it’s less work! Some girls might feel pressured to ignore No Shave November just because society expects a certain image of them, but junior Malia Sinkler disagrees. “Every-

one should have the right social consciousness: the and feel liberated to shave origin of the challenge acor not shave whatever tually springs from cancer and whenever they want,” awareness. Since many canshe says, even though she cer patients lose the hair chose not to participate on their body, through the herself purely out of a gen- spread of the ailment and eral dislike for body hair. vigorous treatment, this This challenge should be challenge inspires people to viewed as a welcome relief embrace hair as a blessing by both men and women instead of something to be as it is one less thing to do taken for granted, while alin the shower or in the mir- lowing it to grow in its wild ror before work or school in and free form. Many people the morning. Math teacher even donate the money Derek Dee, who was nearly they saved from skipping unrecognizable after grow- their hair maintenance rouing a full-on beard, said, tine to fund cancer research “Skipping on shaving is a and to help patients pay nice chore I don’t have to medical expenses. Some complete daily.” Despite not people even use it as an opshaving for a month, oth- portunity to donate their ers didn’t have the same hair to Locks of Love and appearance: “I can’t [grow other similar organizations. a beard] at this point in For more information, www.no-shave.org. time as I am only 16,” said visit sophomore Jake Clifton. Whatever one’s reason may Unknown to many, partici- be for participating in No pating can also help raise Shave November, everyDESIGN BY MARGAUX GENDRE

OPINION

“Skipping on shaving is a nice chore I don’t have to complete daily.” Photo by Margaux Gendre.

“I can’t [grow a beard] at this point in time as I’m only sixteen” Photo by Margaux Gendre.

one should appreciate that people all over the globe decided not to care so much about people’s judgments for an entire month and let go of the razors, trimmers, and shaving cream. Are you a girl growing your own hairy leggings underneath the safety of your skinny jeans to rebel against society, to get yourself some extra insulation for the Michigan winter, or simply because you’re too lazy to shave? Are you a guy with a single whisker or an illustrious beard? Whatever your reason and whatever your end result, you do you.

Heck, why stop now? It’s nearly polar time in Michigan; what better time to not shave than the present.

Keep it going all the way to Springtime if you want... though in our state, who knows when that will be.

Portage Northern Light 07

BY

D

OPINION

of a white C g n hri miI MITHAL st m a re RUSH as A

08 December 2018

With Christmas approaching faster than what we could have imagined, there are many people with colliding views of what Christmas should be like. Whether it is icy roads and piercing winds that over place the value of the warm holiday, or a blanket of white that compliments it even more, this debate lives on after many years. There are many reasons why people oppose a white Christmas, but the benefits of favoring one are impactful enough to make people feel a certain way that a warm Christmas simply cannot do.

In Michigan, there are many people who don’t like a snowy Christmas because of the road quality and prolonged time it takes to reach somewhere.

But snow can also be a blessing.

Snow helps create memories of wintertime that are most likely to take place when one is with their family and friends, creating a warmer home atmosphere.

There is nothing like the feeling of waking up on Christmas morning, looking out the window and seeing a yard full of snow. This isn’t just a cliche that DESIGN BY BRIANNA NEUHOUSER

children look forward to every year, but a predicament of warmth and happiness awaiting you. Snow is an element of beauty, and a demonstration of what nature has to offer for the world. It may be troubling to be out in the cold, but it only makes a home experience so much better.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Southwest Michigan had a historical probability of 61-75% for getting more than one inch of snow on the ground Christmas day. These are not the best statistics, but still can instill hope for snow on December 25th. Everyone’s interpretation of Christmas traditions are different in America, but in places where snow is possible many traditions revolve around activities in the snow, which is why large amounts people really hope for a white Christmas every year. People see snow as a happy and fun thing, which is how the idea of spraying fake snow in places where snow isn’t possible on the ground even originated.

Furthermore, according to studies done by the University of Nebraska Lincoln, a major benefit of a good shower of snow functions as an excellent insulator of the soil. So snow does not only contribute to feelings of happiness, but it helps the environment which is something most people don’t think about. Many people argue that snow worsens climate and shouldn’t be celebrated on Christmas, but snow also has significant positive effects.

Traditional vs. non traditional Christmas

OPINION

The debate is finally settled over which “type” of Christmas is better, traditional or the “out of the ordinary” celebration.

Con: a not so “merry” Christmas

BY GABBIE BYERS

The snow sticks to the ground, the ice rink is set up, and the lights are turned on in Bronson Park: this is a time that Michiganders find themselves either dreading or shaking in their boots with excitement.

The holiday season is filled with so many emotions and so many to-do lists that we forget about the little things. People tend to get so stressed out, so wrapped up in searching for the perfect gift and setting up the perfect table, that we forget just what it’s all about. The holiday season is about the laughs that are shared, watching the lights on the christmas tree reflect off the ornaments, or even just wearing fuzzy socks and watching a classic movie with your loved ones. There is no such thing as a “perfect Christmas.”

Perfect isn’t reality; perfect is a myth that has been created over the years and everyone wants to meet those expectations.

Families year after year stress out trying to make it the best Christmas yet, with parents enslaved to the kitchen prepping that perfect dinner, but it’s not about who has the prettiest China or the fanciest meal, it’s about those who are together. The little traditions that are passed through generations that our ancestors set up for us, or even new ones created that are being taught to the children of today, are what makes the holiday individual, special, and “perfect” for each family, each in their own way.

Let the snow fall, run outside like when you were five and create a snowman, get your loved ones and go have a sledding race at the nearest hill, write a letter to Santa and then celebrate by drinking hot chocolate. You already have everything you need to have a “perfect” Christmas: it’s the imperfect in each holiday that brings the family together, and that’s where the most love will be found.

Pro: sticking to the tradition

BY CAMERON MYERS

As the holidays start coming around, people start preparing for their celebration on Christmas Day. Some may consider to not have traditions because it may seem too stressful, others think traditions are a fun way to start of the holiday cheer. To me, traditions are a fantastic way to show off your Christmas cheer because they never have to be fully perfect, because no one is perfect.

Before Christmas Day, many people go out to tree farms and buy the perfect tree based on the location and size of their rooms, and then decorate it for the holidays. The tradition in my family is that we never decorate our christmas tree alone, we always have to have everyone here to build the tree. For the tree itself, it’s all fake so we have to rebuild our tree every year.

Our branch pieces are always out of order, which we try to fix, but it all fails. When finished, the tree may look unappealing to the eyes, but it’s the thought and effort that counts in our family. In the end, the confusion creates better memories together and strengthens our relationship. Traditions do not need to make everything perfect for the holidays; the failure brings out the joy and laughter every year with friends and family members.

Another tradition we do as a family is we all get together for the holiday meal and go around the table and say one thing we loved or remembered during the 2018 year.

This just makes the family feel good when we mention something kind and loving to each other during the holiday. You see, traditions don’t have to be so stressful for the holidays, it’s all about the memories and they happiness that comes about it because Christmas is about the positivity, not the negativity.

DESIGN BY ANAI FREEMAN Portage Northern Light 09

FEATURE

SAFE: The buzzing of students in the hallways between class periods, the laughs echoing throughout the cafeteria, and the squeaking on the gym floor as students play and engage in friendly competition. The collective student body interacting on a daily basis sets the tone of the memories that a student will carry for the rest of their lives. In between the high school hierarchy, the search for one’s true passions and self, and the pressures of coming of age, it can be difficult to find a space that is welcoming in a place that is also conducive to 10 December 2018

how NHS creates spaces for all students

stress and anxiety. What safe spaces exist for NHS students?

The primary safe spaces for many students are sports, organizations, and clubs. At least 26 different clubs fill a variety of roles, including celebrating diversity, promoting inclusivity, serving others, and groups just having a good time. For most of them, a student does not have to fit a certain template of requirements to join and participate in the activities. For example, Interact Club, advised by Spanish Teacher Bryan Hill, requires no commitment for regular members. Any-

body can pop in at any meeting and take part in the community activities offered. “It is full of amazing people with their own unique personalities and it’s really something to see all of them come together to exemplify the name of the club: ‘interact’ and complete their common goal: to help the community while having fun,” says Junior David Le. “I did not know that many people in the club, but everyone gave me a warm welcome and asked what my name was and made a comfortable environment.”

FEATURE

In this way, Interact Club became a struggles, and learn about LGBT not going to judge me, and that they place that helped make a large school history,” said sophomore Naomi will likely be more aware of the classfeel small.

Randall. Senior club member Aza- room environment to make sure that Not only are there ways such as In- lea Gerhard shares: “The GSA has all students are respectful, too,” says teract Club to feel like a part of the helped me to be more open about senior Kylee Ewert. “I think that the community of Portage, but there are my identity and have pride in who I biggest way that the school feels like clubs to go to that promote inclusiv- am.” Working with the club has in- a safe place where all students can ity for a bigger idea. One of these spired Derenne as well: “[There is] learn is with the individual teachclubs is International Club, which hope that each generation is becom- ers,” said sophomore Jayce Todd. “I is run by Spanish Teacher Christy ing more tolerant and loving than feel like we all have that one teacher, Rath. “International Club is a great the generation before,” she says. even if it’s someone from another way for students from other counSafe spaces other than clubs are year, that we know we can go and tries and from the United States to all around the school. For example, talk to, and that will be there for us if learn about different activities and we need cultures,” she shares. “The way our someone club has aided the school is by creor just ating a safe, judgement free environif we’re ment in which anyone who feels that having a they want to talk about their culture bad day.” or express their culture,” says senior For International Club student leader PrinciAna Luisa Decaro-Pinto. “For me, pal Jim this club is a safe space as a person Fre nch , who was born in Mexico, having staff and English as my second language and s tu d e nt still getting used to this culture.” The interacenvironment it has created is healthy tions, for all students and the backgrounds and how -Kylee Ewert. they come from. these There are also clubs offered that things can help students struggling with many teachers strive to make their contribute to school culture, is a something pertaining to their in- classroom a zone where students can point of pride. “We have a mission dividual identity or gaining confi- express themselves fully. “I think we to make it a safe place for all studence in an aspect of themselves so all try to make our classrooms as safe dents and that has been a focus and that they can express it to others. An as possible, and to let all of our stu- a strength of our building for many example of one of these clubs is the dents know that they can come to us years. We work hard as a staff to Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) run by with absolutely anything,” says Eng- ensure to provide information to all Spanish teacher Kaitie Paynich and lish teacher Allison Grattan. “Teach- staff about how to connect with all history teacher Greathen Derenne. ers play a very important role,” says students and how to create an inclu“GSA can provide a safe place where History teacher Kim Palmer. “As a sive atmosphere in our classrooms people can talk about issues that are teacher, my most important priori- and building,” shares Principal Jim bothering them,” Derenne said. “We ties are making sure that students French. “NHS has a great environenjoy building community together feel safe and welcome when they ment and our students are constantthrough food and laughter.” Their come into class, and that it is a calm, ly changing, but with our focus on all meetings vary and do not include welcoming, and secure environ- kids that has been the most rewardopenly discussing topics that may ment.” Students notice these efforts. ing aspect of our work in my tenure make the students uncomfortable. “When I see a Love is Love sign or or at NHS.” “GSA is a place for people to find a pride sticker in a classroom, I know others who are also part of the LG- that I am in a space where I can come BTQ+ community or allies to share and talk to this teacher and they’re Portage Northern Light 11 DESIGN BY KEEGAN TENNEY

“When I see a Love is Love sign or or a pride sticker in a classroom, I know that I am in a space where I can come and talk to this teacher and they’re not going to judge me, and that they will likely be more aware of the classroom environment to make sure that all students are respectful, too.”

FEATURE

Friedman shares a laugh with her Latin 2 class as they share the illustrations that they drew to go with their Latin to English translations.

Friedman wins position on library board of trustees

BY SNIGDA NARISETTY When Jeanne Friedman, Portage Northern High School’s teachers and students alike to the many resources available Latin teacher, decided to run for the Portage District Library through the library.

Trustee, she did not think that she had the slightest chance at The importance of getting kids involved with the library winning the election. “I was literally counting my votes on my is something that Friedman feels very passionate about. “I fingers when I first started,”she said. Not only did she win, she feel that the future life of this library and of this communitygot more votes than incumbent members Donna Vandervries at-large IS the youngsters,” she said. “When students use the and Martha Pacheco and past school board members Carol library, they become adults who use the library and THIS Bale and Tom Vance. makes a stronger community.”

Friedman was quite nervous about putting her name on the Friedman has noticed that by talking to the students about ballot at first. “If you’re elected, then people like you,” said the library and getting cards to use the resources, a lot more Friedman. “If you’re not elected, that’s a dictum that the com- kids have come to her to show that they have gotten a PDL munity doesn’t see you as worthy of this position. So what card. does that say about me as a teacher?”

“A lot of kids have approached “I feel that the future life of this me about getting involved with Confidence in Friedman was high, and library and of this community at volunteering, which they didn’t with 9,777 votes, she was elected as the PDL Trustee, and she has some amazrealize they could volunteer at large is the youngters.” ing views for how to better the comthe library,”she said. She hopes to -Jeanne Friedman munities relation with the library. be able to get students involved Friedman has many ideas about how to improve the com- in programs and start volunteering more at the library. She munity’s relation with the library. would also like to get the Portage Northern Book Buddies “As an IB teacher working with my seniors on their IAs, I Club, a club which often volunteers at the YWCA (Kalamawas noticing that so many of them do not have library cards zoo’s women’s shelter) to read to the children there, working and they are missing out on all these free and amazing re- with the PDL in the summer. sources that are available through our taxpayer money,” she In the future, Friedman also wants to try to have the library said. sponsor a spelling bee for middle school students in Portage.

She also mentioned that while she feels her family had been She also hopes the high school can use this possible opportuutilizing the library well, she had come to find that there were nity to have students in the NHS program (and others) to do many more educational and recreational resources available things like run clinics to help students improve their spelling for use. Her goal as the the PDL Trustee is to form stronger skills. connections between the library and schools by exposing 22 December 2018

DESIGN BY SHEILA MWANDA

FEATURE

Lighting the Northern Menorah:

how two Huskies celebrate Hanukkah

BY KYLIE CLIFTON

Commonly regarded as a always lots of food too, like Christmas twice in my life, like saying prayers, lighting festival of lights, Hanukkah, any good holiday. People once with friends and anoth- the candles, and giving gifts, which is the Hebrew word for play games and enjoy qual- er time with my father’s fam- but instead of doing it at a “dedication,” is the celebra- ity time with family, and ex- ily. It’s neat! I honestly can’t temple or synagogue, we do tion of a miracle in history. change gifts which is a fairly see myself getting that into it at home.” The celebration According to Jewish Agency, recent influence brought on a holiday like a lot of people can be different from person it is a holiday celebrated by by the popularity of Christ- do, but I do love how excit- to person, or family to fammany: there were about 4 mas.” Morrison explains that ed people get about it. The ily, as Morrison explains: “I million adherents of Judaism Hanukkah is celebrated more whole tree in the house thing live with just my mom, but in the U.S. as of 2001, which like Veteran’s Day as opposed is cool too, but I’m more than we make an effort to light the accounts for approximately to Christmas. satisfied with a menorah and candles each night! Typically, 1.4% of the US population. we get the gift giving out Hanukkah is a holiday origi- “Hanukkah is not really what people make it of the way the first night nating from around 200 B.C., and it’s always nice to get out to be, it’s nowhere near as sacred a holi- into when Jewish people fought a holiday spirit, even against Greek persecution. day as Christmas is to Christians,” though it’s sometimes in In modern times, Hanukkah November!”

- Noah Morrison is a prominent and imporHanukkah is far from tant holiday in Judaism, even simply a festival of lights; in the halls of Portage NorthCommonly, Hanukkah isn’t fried potato pancakes!” it’s a celebration, a chance to ern. Senior Noah Morrison the sole holiday celebrated Much like any holiday cel- come together, an acknowlshares his own celebration within the winter season. “I ebration, there is not simply edgement of your faith, and of the holiday: “Hanukkah is have celebrated Christmas one concrete way to celebrate anything that is wanted for not really what people make with my Dad’s side of the Hanukkah. Manson shares: those who celebrate. Amidst it out to be, it’s nowhere near family because he is Chris- “To celebrate Hanukkah, the busy and often moneas sacred a holiday as Christ- tian. It is sometimes awk- most people go to a temple or tarily-motivated holiday seamas is to Christians,” he says. ward going to church on synagogue, say prayers, and sons, Hanukkah continues to “Today, most Jews celebrate Christmas with him because light the menorah, a candle bring families together for all by lighting the Hanukkah I don’t usually go there, but holder that has 9 candles, of the right reasons. [menorah] each night in re- I make it work,” says senior for 8 days and light a candle membrance and celebration Robert Manson. Morrison every night. My family does that we’ve survived!There’s has a similar story: “I’ve done most of the same traditions

DESIGN BY KYLIE CLIFTON ILLUSTRATION BY HAiLEE CLARK

Portage Northern Light 13

FEATURE

One in a million

Junior Mallory Mattison opens up about her incurable disease Lipodystrophy and her conquest to not let statistics define her ability in school.

BY: BRIANNA NEUHOUSER

14 December 2018

“I am constantly in pain and nauseous… it’s not a curable disease.” Junior Mallory Mattison has been suffering from partial acquired lipodystrophy for five years. This disease inhibits the creation of the hormone leptin, which tells people when they’re full.

As a result, patients never feel full.

Mattison also experiences other symptoms, including an enlarged liver and spine, and an overall lack of body fat. There is also a high risk of pancreatitis, due to the high number of triglycerides. Triglycerides are the main parts of natural fats and oils.

With an increased number, fatty tissue can build up and cause swelling. For some patients, such as Mattison, diabetes is also an increased risk due to the fact that the pancreas is affected by lipodystrophy.

Everyday, Mattison takes 10 or more pills and hopes not to go to the hospital. This disease is incredibly rare, only afflicting about 300 people worldwide. It’s hard because I can’t really look forward to anything because there is a good chance that I’ll miss it,” she says. She was really excited to see Les Miserables in the fall, but due to all her medication, she fell asleep during the play and missed the plot.

Overall, these afflictions haven’t stopped DESIGNED BY: ANAI FREEMAN

her, especially in her school life. She stays on top of her classes and her grades by having her teachers and classmates send her the work that she misses. Her counselor, Amy DiMaggio, also checks on her and ensures she gets everything she needs. As one of the most fragile medical cases in twenty two years, Mattison remains an inspiration to DiMaggio. “Working with Mallory has truly been an honor,” she says.

Because she is very open about the disease, her peers don’t treat her any differently. “She is really positive, despite what she’s going through,” says junior Eve Bradley.

“She inspires me. . . knowing how strong she is.”

Mattison has a strong support system to get her through the tough points when she’s in the hospital for days on end. “I have a lot of support from my friends and family, but I also trust in God,” she says. Mattison is exceptional: she overcomes significant medical issues and maintains great grades and a positive outlook on life. She doesn’t use her illness as an excuse to work less, but rather as a motivator to work harder, and she sets a high bar for other Huskies to aspire to.

FEATURE

THE REALITY OF BEING A

TEEN DRIVER

BY MARGAUX GENDRE

Many students have their driver’s license, which puts them at higher risk of getting into a fatal car accident. According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), in 2015 alone, 2,333 teenagers between sixteen and nineteen years of age were killed and around 195,000 were injured in motor vehicles crashes. Sadly, as the years pass, the numbers continue to increase, which makes car crashes the leading cause of death and injuries for teens in the U.S.A. With such high numbers, it is certain that almost any teenagers knows at least one person that has been in a car accident. On the second of December 2018, a group of Portage Northern students who were coming back from having lunch got involved in a collision. “We had the right of way going through an intersection, and a guy in a huge truck ran through a yield sign and smashed right into the front of Colin’s [Gilmour] van,” recalled senior Neal Truitt.

Unfortunately, the impact caused some injuries to the friend group. The driver,

senior Colin Gilmour, suffered the most from the incident. “I had pretty bad whiplash and got a second degree burn on my right wrist from the airbag. The other people in my car were bruised from the seatbelts,” he said.

The accident made an impact in the minds of the students present during the crash. “It affected me by making me really sore and more conscious about how I drive and my surroundings,” said junior Thomas Leasure, who was also involved in the accident. Truitt also noted that as physically difficult as the experience was, it was a good reminder and lesson as to why it is always important to pay attention to the road, even as a passenger.

The topic itself of motor vehicles crashes has been talked about around school recently for the simple reason that this happens to be the most dangerous season to drive in: winter. Teenagers are the most likely to get involved in car accidents during the winter as they are still inexperienced and reckless, even in new environments. It is important

that student drivers start realizing that when they are not being cautious on the roads, they are putting their own lives as well as the lives of others, in danger.

Look ahead to the taillights of the car in front of the one directly in front of you to predict sudden stops, don’t slam on the breaks, look for a safe place to steer off the road if necessary, and don’t be distracted by your technology or other passengers. Keep a safe following distance and drive at a safe speed. The life you save could be your own.

It is necessary for any young driver to take the precautions needed for the road, weather, and traffic conditions.

Doing so will make lives better, prevent many injuries, and make the holidays -and insurance bills- more enjoyable for everyone.

195,000 [teenagers] were injured in motor vehicles crashes

DESIGN BY MARGAUX GENDRE ILLUSTRATION BY SNIGDA NARISETTY

Portage Northern Light 15

SPORTS

S

ts Minut r o e p

Holiday sports With m l o M c l a Why sports games on holidays are a good thing

By Malcolm Gaynor The winter holidays are a welcome break for many workers to relax at home with family. However, in the professional sports industry, this relaxed family time is the perfect opportunity to increase TV viewership.

Holidays are normally a time for family traditions and relaxation. Holiday sporting events can stop athletes from having a chance to participate in these family gatherings. Professional athletes do not have this opportunity no matter if they have a game or not. For example, NFL players who do not have Thanksgiving games can only hope that coaches grant them a half day of practice to return home sooner.

Also, former NFL player Matt Bowen remembers microwaving up dinner with a couple teammates during his first Thanksgiving as a pro. “It’s a welcome break from the grind,” Bowen recalls, “But it wasn’t the same. Not even close.” Holiday sporting events may seem to hurt the families of the athletes, however, the pressures of professional sports rob young athletes of family holidays regardless.

The experience for veteran athletes during holiday games can be a little different. For many NBA players, spending Christmas with their children depends on whether or not they have a home game.

“I won’t be with my family on Christmas, unfortunately,” Laker’s star Lebron James said in 2016. “So, no, we have no traditions. If I can get a home game on Christmas, then we’ll have a tradition.” Despite not having a home game, there are ways to avoid a lonely Christmas. Holidays are less about a specific day and more about family and togetherness. Former NBA star Chris Bosh remembers celebrating Christmas with his family a couple of days early, before a road trip. “They never even knew it wasn’t Christmas,” he said.

Despite a couple key differences, NBA Christmas games and NFL Thanksgiving games do not harm holiday celebrations any more than having the day off. This leads to the most important question of all: do sporting events during big holidays hurt fans?

Professional sports are keen to take

advantage of a day when the majority of its audience is free from work or school.

This season, all three Thanksgiving NFL games received over twice as many views as the average Thursday night matchup.

However, the most important reason to have professional sports games during major holidays is that sports bring people together. Holidays are often large family gatherings amongst people who may not see each other all that often. Sports are more likely to break the ice or spark conversation than to create divisions.

Watching sports is not an isolating activity. It is most often done in a full living room, bringing the family together. Holiday sporting events such as Thanksgiving football are so popular because they are used to enhance family gatherings and bring people together.

This Christmas, don’t feel guilty flipping on the TV and checking out the NBA. Whether you’re just looking for casual background noise or you’re a diehard basketball fan, there are more benefits than drawbacks to tuning in to holliday sports.

Viewers per game

According to Sports Media Watch, this year’s Thanksgiving games (red, blue, and gold bars) were three of the four most popular games of the week, and were all over twice as popular as the average Thursday night game.

16 December 2018

Design By Malcolm Gaynor

Throwing down with the guys:

SPORTS

Girls take on wrestling for the first time in school history

BY LEXI DOLL

W

inter sports have begun and Portage Northern wrestlers couldn’t be more excited to start their season, but this year is even more exciting than before, with three freshman girls joining the team.

Caroline Jacobson, Ashlynn Conley and Samantha Elder are breaking barriers and becoming the first girl wrestlers for Portage Northern.

Many assume that a girl wrestling a guy would be extremely uncomfortable, but that isn’t exactly the case. “It’s only weird if you make it weird,”

Elder says.

She luctant at first, she boys she wasn’t instarted wrestling decided wrestling timidated. Conley last year, but has was for her. “It was says, “I was used to it grown up around always cool seeing from before. I didn’t the sport and can’t him on the mat and really think of it see herself without at first I didn’t think much I guess.” Being it. “Triston [her old- much of it, but as I female Conley has er brother] started started to get older faced some uncomwrestling when I was I started to feel more fortable male figures. “I don’t really in second grade.

I helped out as a “If you’re dedicated, care, it’s actually tapper, but I knew the results you get kind of funny,” Conley says referring to I wanted to be out are what you’re guys being uncomon the mat, taking looking for.” fortable wrestling people down,” she her. says.

-Chris Furlong The returning Jacobson startboys think having ed wrestling last year as well and also of an interest in the girls on the team grew up watching sport myself,” says will be a good learning experience. “You the sport. She often Jacobson.

Conley grew up in can tell the coaches watched her brother wrestle while she a house full of ac- are being more conwas growing up and tive boys so when scious, instead of though she was re- it came to wrestling just saying things

like ‘guys’ or ‘gentlemen.'" says Senior and co-captain Cameron Migliaccio. "In a way, it’ll make us more mature.”

Coach Chris Furlong is excited to take on the season with the three girls along with the rest of the team and is “hoping that we compete each week and get better week to week.” Furlong believes that in some cases the ladies work harder than the male counterpart: “If you’re dedicated, the results you get are what you’re looking for,” he says.

Top: (from left to right) Samantha Elder, Carrie Jacobson, and Ashlynn Conley pose for a picture at their first high school meet; Left: Elder takes down an opponent in a recent meet; Right: Jacobson wrestles in a middle school meet. Photos courtesy of Carrie Jacobson.

DESIGN BY GABE FLOTA Portage Northern Light 17

SPORTS

Football, basketball, and track... oh my!

Junior Tyus Vang-Shoniki dominates on the field, the court, and the track

BY GABBIE BYERS “I feel that putting in the work in practice is very important because you get better from from it as an individual but you also get closer to your teammates allowing them and you to trust each other,” says junior Tyus Vang-Shonoiki. Unlike many other student athletes, Vang-Shonoiki isn’t just putting in the effort during a single sporting season: he’s a hard working, three-sport athlete.

For the past three years, VangShonoiki has played football and basketball and has thrown on the track

Vang-Shonoiki throwing shot put for the track team. Photo by Sean Foulkes.

and field team. With football, he was originally a defensive end and tight end, but the team needed a linebacker, so he switched to play that position on defense. Football has won his heart and become his favorite sport to play. “We get very close and it’s easy to make friends with everyone as a family/culture,” he says. His teammate Tori Jackson tells how Vang-Shonoiki 18 December 2018

enhances the team: “He’s fun to play with because he’s one of the most hard working athletes on the team,” he says.

The tireless athlete also made his way on the court the past three years as a center on the basketball team. Tyus has high hopes for this year: “My

Vang-Shonoiki holding the Divisional Championship trophy from this football season. Photo by Preston Blansly.

Last year as a sophomore varsity thrower, he recorded personal records in both events, 44’3 in shot and 111’4 in discus. When it comes to his favorite throwing event, Tyus chooses shot over disc, because of the “pure Vang-Shonoiki during pregame warmups. Photo strength and technique required.” As

by Keegan Tenney. he glides through the ring, he also makes sure to keep up in the classgoal for this year is to go to districts room, which is something that his for basketball,” he says. In addition coach is happy about. “Tyus is an exto being a fierce competitor, he’s also ceptional student athlete with a deep known for being a great student and commitment to being the best he can friend. He takes IB courses, and var- in the classroom as well as on the athsity basketball coach Ben Neal says, letic fields,” says head throwing coach “Tyus is a great athlete and an even Sean Foulkes. “He is someone that better person. He provides leadership holds himself to such a high standard by his hard work, he provides tough- in practice that it pushes others to rise ness as he is one of to meet him.” our ‘bangers down Tyus Vang-Shonoi“Tyus is a great athlete low,’ and he simply ki is a triple threat, and an even adds to the fun we but it takes more better person.” have everyday! He than success on the - Ben Neal is a great kid and we field, court, and love him a ton!”. track be an athlete.

Vang-Shonoiki ends his year throw- At the end of the day, it’s the persevering for the track team, participating ance and grit he holds within himself in the events of shot-put and discus. that defines him most.

DESIGN BY LIAM FAGAN

New girls basketball head coach Randy Grubius

SPORTS

BY MALCOLM GAYNOR

A new coach is also a big adjustment for the players. “Having a new coach means having a whole new basketball program,” explained senior Justine Corda.

This new program means a change in coaching style.

According to Corda, one change Grubius brings is an “emphasis on not being afraid to make mistakes.” This better motivates the team to learn from their mistakes and to have more confidence in each other.

Junior Trinity Dalton agrees that there have been challenges adjusting to the new coach, but the team has been able to embrace the change. “In the end we all want the same thing, which is to improve,” explained Dalton.

Team players senior Janelle Pike and junior Kayla Meadmore stay alert on defense at the December 4th game against Plainwell.

Photo courtesy of Kayla Meadmore

When Randy Grubius became head coach of the PN varsity girls basketball team coming off of a no-win season, he worried about the talent level of his new team.

After the first few weeks with the team, however, these worries vanished.

“I believe we will have a very balanced team with very Coach Gubius at the women’s basketball game against Niles on 12/7. strong potential,” Grubius said. This year’s team is very Photo by Keegan Tenney young, including just two seniors compared to five juGrubius, who has been coaching JV at Gull Lake for niors, three sophomores and a freshman. Grubius is hopover 15 years, had the experience and knowledge Athing to take this youth and carry it into future years. letic Director Chris Riker was hoping for. “Coach GruOne of the major changes that Grubius hopes to make bius had a passion for teaching the fundamentals of the to the program is to better involve younger generations. game of basketball,” Riker said. He was also encouraged “It is my understanding that for several years no varsity

by Gubrius’ plans for better involving younger generacoach has been interested to help tions in the program. “He had or get the younger players in- “Having a new coach means having a background in building solid volved,” Grubius said. “I have al- a whole new basketball program,” youth programs that could help ready invited younger players to -Senior Justine Corda feed into the high school procome to the high school and be ingram,” Riker said. volved with drills and scrimmagAfter an underwhelming season last year, the Husing with the older players and many of them have taken kies are looking for big improvements under new head advantage of this opportunity to become a better player.” coach Randy Grubius, whose major goal is to “regain Grubius hopes that this will renew the interest and apthe players self belief and confidence that they are able peal of high school basketball within the middle school to compete with any team.” basketball programs.

DESIGN BY SNIGDA NARISETTY

Portage Northern Light 19

SPORTS

s e t a d p U c i t e l Ath

BY JACKSON

GRAHAM

Huskies on ice The men’s hockey team started their season with wins over Kalamazoo United and Cadillac, and suffered a tough 5-7 loss against Portage Central in the Rotary Hockey Classic. The Huskies will look to build off of these wins as the season comes into full swing including the another matchup against rival PC on January 19th. Junior Gable Sundman has high expectations for the season. “Some goals I have for our team are to finish first in the league at the end of the year and to win the Portage Classic.” he said. The team graduated several players last season and will need new players to take on bigger roles for the team. “I’m looking forward to playing a bigger role on the team this season” said Sundman.

The Huskies will have several big games against the Kalamazoo Eagles and Walled Lake Western before their rematch against PC.

Varsity Hockey Team is posing for their group team photo when getting ready for their season. This picture is used for roster and for the yearbook team picture. Photo courtesy of PN Hockey.

Swimmin’ to success The Huskie swim team started their season with a 11071 win over Loy Norrix and a 2nd place finish at the Marshall invite. After a great start to the season, the team expects a lot for the upcoming season. “My expectations this year are pretty high, for both the team and myself,” said freshman Colin Gibson. “I expect to get 2 or 3 state championship cuts, and I think the team could place top 5 at conference and send a team of 4 or 5 to states.”

Last year, the team placed 27th at states, and senior Will Compton competed in state preliminaries in the 100 yard backstroke and butterfly. “The overall goal for the team is to place higher than we did last year and and finish with a winning record this year,” he said. The team has upcoming meets against Lakeview and the Loy Norrix Invitational.

20 December 2018

The men’s Swim and Dive team lines up getting ready to listen to the National Anthem before a meet. Photo from @pn_swim_and_dive.

e d u t i t l a x Ma The alpine ski team is getting ready to kick off their season and hopes to improve off of a solid season last year. The team is made up of 27 athletes from both Portage Northern and Portage Central.

Due to the early snow and the extra training, Coach Linda Kozacki has high expectations for the team this season. She wants, “to win conference and have several athletes qualify for the state finals in February.” The key to success for the team, despite being from different schools, has been their comradery. “Our team is very tight knit, it is unlike other sports, the coaches and athletes have to work together to host races” she said.

SPORTS

Senior Linus Mallet skiis downhill, competing on the alpine ski team. Photo courtesy of Linus Mallet.

Keep on Rollin’

Senior Nate Curl rolls a strike in the tournament with the Parchment bowling team. He scores some points in their tournament.

Photo courtesy of the Bowling team.

Play has begun for the bowling team as they kicked off the season with a win over Portage Central. The men won 21-9 and the women had a strong performance as well. With many seniors on both the men’s and women’s teams graduating at the end of the year, Coach Michael Schneider wants to make sure their final season ends on a high note. “With 10 graduates this season, this year is about sending this group out with hopefully another conference championship, and possibly sending some of these kids to the state tournament in March,” he said. The Huskies are undefeated so far this season and will look to improve their record with matches against Otsego and Three Rivers as well as the Huskie invite singles event on December 29.

Shootin’ hoops

The men’s basketball team is off to a 4-1 start including wins over Coloma, St. Joe and Niles. Following a 6-16 season a year ago, the Huskies have made many improvements that have lead to their recent success. “Looking forward to seeing how good we can be,” said head coach Ben Neal. “This is the deepest we’ve ever been.” The team is relatively young, including only three seniors: Devin Marshall, Cameron French, and Torian Jackson. However, Neal explains that, so far, the three seniors have been great leaders. “They know what it takes to get the job done,” Neal said. “They were there last year, all three of them played a ton last year, they know the varsity speed, they know the varsity game, and they can lead by example. When they do that that’s all we need.” The Huskies will look to keep the momentum going into games against Kalamazoo Central, Portage Central, and Otsego.

Varsity boys basketball preps and gets ready to play against Niles.

Photos by Gabbie Byers.

DESIGN PACKAGE BY CAMERON MYERS

Portage Northern Light 21

ENTERTAINMENT

BY SHEILA MWANDA The acapella spin adds a fresh new twist to these long-time classics.

An interesting aspect that I noticed is that Pentatonix consistently ends their Christmas albums with string arrangements. This is a nice contrast to all the previous vocal-only pieces.

“Christmas is Here!” is available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music and Play Music and the music videos for “Sweater Weather” and “Where are You Christmas” are on their Youtube Channel, PTXOfficial.

While “Warmer in Winter” by Lindsey Stirling was originally released last year, the deluxe edition was released this year. The hour-long album is comprised of 18 songs and is the perfect album for holiday entertainment.

The arrangements of this album allow Lindsey Stirling’s instrument, the violin, to take the spotlight while still keeping the audi///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

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On this episode of Sheila’s Showdown, we have two new Christmas albums to review just in time for the holiday season. Stay tuned to find out which one comes out on top!

Pentatonix released “Christmas is Here!” on October 26. While this is their third Christmas album, this is the first one with new member Matt Sallee. With a total running time of 32 minutes, the album includes 12 songs, including outstanding arrangements of “Where are You Christmas?”, “Sweater Weather”and “Jingle Bells.”

One aspect that makes this album unique is the distinct arrangement style. Each arrangement highlights the vocal strengths of each member while creating a single unified voice.

My favorite songs off the album are “Grown Up Christmas List” and “Where Are You Christmas?”.

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22 December 2018

DESIGN BY SHEILA MWANDA

ence engaged.

My favorite songs off the album are long time bops such as “All I Want for Christmas is You”, “Let it Snow” and “Jingle Bell Rock.”

One other aspect of the album of the album that I enjoy is the featured artists. Some notable names on the album are Becky G, Sabrina Carpenter and Alex Gaskarth from All Time Low. Their vocal talents add a healthy contrast to the violin and keep the sound of the album fresh.

In addition to listening to the album, you can watch the music videos for “You’re a Mean One Mr.Grinch”, “Santa Baby”, “Warmer in the Winter” and “I Wonder as I Wander” on Youtube.

While it is a tight race, “Christmas is Here!” is the winner of this episode. Because of its arrangements, vocals, and steller track list, this album is the perfect album to fill you with holiday cheer!

ENTERTAINMENT

Are holiday movies a tradition or a bore?

Tradition

Bore

BY JIMMIE COSBY

BY LIAM FAGAN Holiday movies are one of the best parts of the holiday Holiday movies are watched all around the world, I believe season. They reflect the wonder that comes with the holi- there is excessive repetition, a lack of originality, and limited day season for all ages. My favorite holiday movies are the new content. animated ones, like “Frosty the Snowman” and “Rudolph There is a lot of repetition in terms of holiday movies. Northe Red-Nosed Reindeer,” because they make the holidays a mally if a holiday movie does well, producers release sequels magical time. instead of creating new movies. An example of this is the I love that animated movies have vibrant, fun characters movie “Home Alone”. Even though it is a very good movie seand simplistic plot lines that are still fun for all ages. “Frosty” ries, the theme and the movie’s plot becomes repetitive. As the is made for kids, but my entire family still loves to watch it characters get older, it loses its authenticity. Another iconic every year because it perfectly captures the holiday season movie with a very important message is the movie “A Christand the fun that comes with it. The holidays are never the mas Carol” this movie sends a good message but the idea of same without Santa and his appearance in “Frosty the Snow- the movie is used again very repetitively in short movies such man” brought the movie to life. as Mickey Mouse.

There are many live action movies that capture the holiIt seems as though the Christmas movies today were made day spirit, and my personal favorite is “A Christmas Story”. decades ago. For example, “A Christmas Story” (1983) is The movie portrays something every kid has gone through one of the most watched Christmas movies. While holidayat least once when the holidays come around: to convince themed movies are being released, they are losing relevance. his parents to get him the one thing that he really wants for The last real kind of staple holiday movie that is well known Christmas. While in Ralphie’s case the item in question is a was “Elf ” which was released in 2003.

BB gun, anyone watching can relate to the story, and they Around the month of December, holiday movies are watched can remember exactly what gift they wanted so badly that around the world, however, the is limited variety and a lot of they were willing to try anything. Movies like these that truly repetition. Holiday movies are a great way to spend family capture the holiday spirit, and I can’t imagine the holidays time, get you in the mood for the holidays and are good enterwithout them. From the lightheartedness of the animated tainment for everyone. But some holiday movies are getting classics, to the relatability of the live action films, holiday repetitive and old. It’s about time someone came out with a movies are an important part of my traditions, and hopefully new good movie that revolves around the holidays. lots of other people’s. Except for the Hallmark movies. I really hate the Hallmark movies.

Portage Northern Light 23 DESIGN BY BRIANNA NEUHOUSER