Turning over a new leaf Strategies for a fresh start this school year academically, socially, and mentally page 7
VOL. 56, ED. 1
PORTAGE NORTHERN HIGH SCHOOL
NOV. 2025
FROM THE EDITORS Dear readers, Welcome to another year of the Northern Light! Thank you for reading our first edition of the 2025-2026 school year. As a staff with many new members this year, we’ve been working hard to make this the best edition yet. From taking photos at football games to tracking down students for interviews, our staff has been doing it all, and we couldn’t be more excited to share our November 2025 edition with you. We encourage you to turn over a new leaf this school year and read The Northern Light!
NL Staff 2025-26
Editors in Chief Riya Bhatt Kenna Hulick Creative Editor Madeleine Duhn Copy Editor Drew Collins Website Editor Ana Van Dyke Social Media Manager Layla Carpenter Associate Editor Sophie Amberg
Staff Writers:
Sukanya Dunbar Reese Graham La’bria Hawkins Trinity Herrera Morgan Heyn Madison Ream Anna Svetkoff
About Us - 1
NL POLICIES 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 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 on our published work. We welcome letters to the editors and guest contributors, 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, 3.121, emailed to pnhsnorthernlight@gmail.com, or mailed ATTN: Portage Northern Light to Portage Northern High School, 1000 Idaho Avenue, Portage, MI, 49024.
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Photo by Trinity Herrera Photo by Madeleine Duhn
Photo courtesy of Jim Cottrell, Action Exposures
IN THIS EDITION 4 Chapters continued: six
clubs continue the array of student activities Story by Kenna Hulick, Reese Graham, and Morgan Heyn; design by Kenna Hulick and Ana Van Dyke
OPINION
5 Students should not be
paying for parking and lunch passes
F RONT COV ER
The front cover defines each of the Northern Light’s editions before even flipping the first page. The staff brainstorms a multitude of ideas to ensure the cover embodies the aesthetics and writings within its pages. For this edition, creative editor Madeleine Duhn illustrated the fall themed design, developing a unique and cozy environment to welcome readers into the Northern Light’s first edition of the 2025-26 school year. This cover connects to our center feature which asks students and teachers alike on their outlooks on the school year ahead of them. “I was inspired by the theme of turning a new leaf,” Duhn says. “I felt that the image of someone flipping a new page in the park visually displays this idea. Plus it gave me the chance to illustrate the beautiful fall trees enveloping Portage these days.”
3 News briefs
Design by Sophie Amberg and Madeleine Duhn
NEWS
Story by Labria Hawkins and Sukanya Dunbar; design by Madison Ream
Story by Layla Carpenter and Anna Svetkoff; design by Layla Carpenter
Photo courtesy of Imaginarium Pictures
ENTERTAINMENT
11 Consciously chic Story and design by Sophie Amberg
12 Simply fall: students’
favorite fall entertainment Story by Kenna Hulick and Madi Ream; design by Ana Van Dyke
A C K C OV ER 6 Protect the right to protest BEvery year, the Northern Light Story by Reese Graham; design by Riya Bhatt; illustrations by Madeleine Duhn
FEATURE
7 Turning over a new leaf Story by Madeleine Duhn, Ana Van Dyke, and Sophie Amberg; design by Madeleine Duhn
SPORTS
9 Swinging for states Story by Riya Bhatt; design by Drew Collins
selects a back cover design that is continuous throughout each of our editions. This year, the staff selected a crossword to create an interactive puzzle for the Portage Northern students to enjoy. This piece connects all of the articles together, as each answer is found among them!
Visit us online at portagenorthernlight.com View our instagram @portage.northern.light Listen to our Legendary Light Podcast on Spotify!
10 PN players with determination
Story by Trinity Herrera; design by Trinity Herrera and Riya Bhatt
Contents - 2
InBRIEF
The news you need... simplified
Portage District Library features collage artist as maker-in-residence
Story by La’bria Hawkins and Sukanya Dunbar; design by Layla Carpenter and Madison Ream
From the field to the finals: marching band ends season on Nov. 1 at Ford Field Story by La’bria Hawkins and Sukanya Dunbar; design by Layla Carpenter and Madison Ream
The Portage Northern Marching Band show, “Somebody That I Used To know”, features the wood winds. Photo courtesy of Imaginarium Pictures.
The Portage Northern marching band has had a busy month, from their crowd-riling performance of “Somebody That I Used to Know” at homecoming. To their Huskie Marching Band Invitational, which welcomed 25 different bands from across Michigan to Portage Northern High School. The Portage Northern Marching Band received a score of 80.6 at their home invitational, but didn’t receive a placement because they were hosting. If you missed any of these events don’t worry there’s still
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plenty ahead—“The PNMB will be performing at Grand Ledge High School in the MCBA Prelims Competition, as well as setting its sights on State Championships at Ford Field on November 1st! The music department has our annual Holiday Collage performances on December 12th at 7 pm, and December 13th at 2 pm,” shares Marching Band instructor William Muffareh. The Marching Band has put in lots of hard work this past month to show their husky spirit.
Laura Weiler is a renowned local collage artist known for her striking analog and digital work, which has appeared in Cosmopolitan, Road & Track, and numerous online art journals around the world. In January 2021, she co-founded the Pacific Northwest College Collective (PNWCC) with fellow artist Kellette Elliot, creating a hub that supports collage artists of all experience levels. Throughout this September, the Portage District Library partnered with Weiler for a community collage initiative, designed to make art more accessible. The program offered hands-on workshops and take-home art kits, encouraging participants to explore their creativity, at home and in person. “I love collaborating with the Portage District Library because it lets me co-facilitate with enthusiastic, dedicated staff who create opportunities for people to connect with each other,” said Weiler. Her partnership reminds others to experience art, not just observe it.
Participants at the Portage District Library explore their creativity in collage art. Photo courtesy to Laura Weiler.
CHAPTERS CONTINUEd: Six clubs continue the array of student activities Story by Kenna Hulick, Reese Graham, and Morgan Heyn; design by Kenna Hulick and Ana Van Dyke
Environmental Club
Members eat donuts and drink apple cider at Environmental Club in Poulsen’s room on October 15. Photo by Kenna Hulick.
“I think it’s really important for people to learn how to take things into their own hands and…develop a passion for the environment. - Dallen Ekola-Labra
”
The Environmental Club has returned to PN under the leadership of juniors Dallen Ekola-Labra and Kenna Hulick. Advised by science teacher Daniall Poulsen, the club encourages students to make movements to protect the environment. a new addition this year, members will be able to form committees focused on a specific aspect of the environment. Both presidents decided adding committees allowed for more change to be initiated. Hulick runs a committee this year that will focus on oceans and marine life in particular. Ekola-Labra agreed, commenting, “I think it’s really important for people to learn how to take things into their own hands and…develop a passion for the environment.”
Photo courtesy of Environmental Club Instagram
MORE CLUB STORIES ONLINE! ENVIRONMENTAL - HUSKIES DEMAND ACTION - DEBATE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP - FRENCH
HUSKIES DEMAND ACTION Huskies Demand Action (HDA), a chapter of the national program Students Demand Action, allows students to share their opinions on prevalent political issues such as gun violence in the community. Led by junior Riya Bhatt and sophomore Madeleine Duhn, and supervised by history teacher Joseph Wood, the club plans to educate and encourage students to make their voices heard in a supportive space. Junior member Jessie Mastin expressed the importance of joining, “I feel like having a space where we can discuss this and be more informed about it is really important to us, especially in times such as this, where everything seems to be a lot riskier and it’s a little scary to talk out.”
“ ...Having a space where we can discuss this and be more informed about it is really important to us... ” - Jessie Mastin Huskies Demand Action members meet in Joseph Wood’s room for the frst meeting of the club on September 17. Photo by Madeleine Duhn.
Photo courtesy of HDA Instagram
News - 4
Students should not be paying for parking and lunch passes
Story by Layla Carpenter and Anna Svetkoff; design by Layla Carpenter
Prohibiting students from leaving for lunch and charging them to park sends the wrong message about equality and responsibility, turning school into a place of unnecessary control rather than preparing students for adult life. Schools shouldn’t charge students just to access basic privileges. Teachers and staff don’t pay for parking, so why should we? Schools are meant to prepare students for the real world, not exploit them financially. To put this into perspective, there are 1,196 students at Portage Northern. There are two lunch periods split evenly, meaning about 500– 600 students per lunch. Allowing students to leave reduces crowding and provides more independence. Who wants to eat two chicken tenders and a piece of bread for lunch? Maybe one person. On top of that, lines are so long that by the time you get your food—if they don’t run out—the bell will already be ringing. A lunch pass is $10 a semester and $20 a year, money that could be spent on food you actually want. Some students have dietary restrictions and can’t eat school lunches. Other than a side salad, gluten-free students have no options and must pay to leave for an actual meal. Staff members can order DoorDash and eat in their offices, but students can’t, showing a clear double standard. Some may say students can pack a lunch, but there’s only one microwave
and always a line. The lack of equity shows the lunch system fails to meet student needs while limiting independence. Beyond lunch, parking is BY THE NUMBERS another basic need unfairly priced. Students must pay $20 for a pass or $40 for a Parking Pass $20.00 reserved spot just to park where they learn. It’s unPeople who have lunch reasonable to charge stupasses: 224 dents who already balance sports, jobs, and academics, especially when spots are Painted spots: 25 limited and not guaranteed. Overall, students shouldn’t Parking passes: 246 be charged to park or to leave for lunch at a school they al- Reserved spots: 48 ready attend. Portage Northern holds plenty of fundraisers; they don’t need to profit Reserve a spot: $40.00 from basic needs. These un(which includes pass) necessary costs create inequity between students and staff and stress among Painted spot: $60.00 (which students, especially those includes spot, paint, pass) in extracurriculars. Instead of profiting from students, schools should support them by not charging for parking or lunch passes. Basic needs like eating and transportation should never have a price.
Opinion - 5 Opinion - 5
Protect the right to protest Story by Reese Graham; design by Riya Bhatt; illustrations by Madeleine Duhn
right to protest “The needs to be protected.“
Opinion - 6
Turning over a new leaf Story by Madeleine Duhn, Ana Van Dyke, and Sophie Amberg; design by Madeleine Duhn
try “I always elf s y and tell m der, r to work ha re so o studying m le to b a that I’m classdo better in just t es, and no h it ug to get thro want o d I because he into retain t .” formation acy - Olivia St Senior
Academic weapons
A new year means a new academic slate, and a perfect time to turn over a new leaf; whether that be gradewise, with new extracurriculars, or developing new study habits. A key aspect to staying academically strong throughout the year is by creating an organized system to keep on top of work. A specific way to do this could be keeping a planner, whether it be physical or online, which can be used to plan out the week and set specific study and homework times. Another way to take advantage of a new leaf is to take the time to watch study habit videos, which can be found online on Youtube.
Feature - 7
There could be a specific studying method out there that helps the best, whether it be the Feynman technique, active recall, or the Pomodoro technique. Another way besides studying to advance academically is by joining new clubs and extracurricular activities. These are not only great ways to make new friends, but also to grow academically outside of the classroom. For example, Michigan Youth in Government will allow students to learn about government and participate in state-wide conferences, DECA will help craft business skills, and crochet club builds new neural pathways.Another helpful resource academically
g hat doin “I find t racur any ext vities acti ricular people you find simioy that enj to you gs lar thin can and you ose th bond on .” things
a West - Danic ore Sophom
is the NHS and student volunteer tutors. Student tutors can be super helpful to learn from because they have taken the same course and will know how to aid students for a specific course or teacher.
Social life
When a new school year begins, it’s normal for students to feel lost in the wave of new experiences. However, a good way to combat the fear of the unknown is to embrace it. Whether it’s new classes or teachers, adjusting can be hard. However, with all of that change comes new ways to connect with people. If students find themselves burnt out or bored throughout the
Students and teachers discuss their motivations and personal techniques for maintaining a strong and promising school year.
“I unfortthink we can unately ly over get realw with ju helmed way th st the i in the ngs are and w world, to say, e have fix eve ‘I can’t but he rything, little cre in my orner the of try to world, I can be a fo good.’” rce of
“I just moved to the US, and I felt like I turn over a new leaed f-- starting a new beginnin g exploring new, ideas, trying different thin and meeting n gs ew people” - Michelle Kos gey Senior
- Kim Palm Histor er y Teache r
year, joining a new extracurricular is a perfect solution. This comes with numerous benefits, such as meeting new people, learning a new hobby or sport, or even just finding something enjoyable after a long day at school. During fall, football season is at its high, and games are a perfect time to hang out with other classmates. When talking to other people in the stands, there’s always someone to laugh with or take photos with, even if there was little conversation before. As the new school year begins to fall into place with routine, it’s important to maintain a balance between classes and social life, as both are vital to keep up with.
Maintaining mental health
Having a new school with new classes and friends can take an extreme toll on mental health, causing stress, which is why being in the right mindset for the beginning of the school year is vital to success.A key aspect of this mindset is knowing when to quit to avoid burnout. Signs of burnout can include changes in appetite and mood, a lack of motivation, and a decline in school performance. If students begin to notice these signs, then they should look at what they have on their plate, and what they are doing every day and maybe cut back on a few things. Mental health matters, so students should re-
member to be kind to themselves and do things that bring them joy every once in a while. Finding someone who will always be there to listen if they need it is important as well; this could be a school counselor, a friend, or a teacher. Students should talk to someone if they notice burnout creeping in and mental health declining. Turning over a new leaf can be easier for some but challenging for others. Looking ahead to thrive in this school year can be crucial as it sets the stage for the upcoming years. However, change is always possible with the right academic, social, and mental goals in mind.
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Swinging for states Story by Riya Bhatt; design by Drew Collins
Senior Brooke Randall taking a swing at the Portage Central tournament on September 15. Randall qualified for the state tournament after placing 4th overall at regionals. Photo courtesy of Jim Cottrell, Action Exposures.
T he Varsity Women’s Golf Team, coached by former Portage
Northern teacher Chris Andrews, shined at the regionals tournament on October 6, 2025, in Muskegon. The team finished 6th overall out of 16 teams, and while the team didn’t qualify for the state tournament as a whole, senior Brooke Randall qualified individually with a score of 83 strokes on the 18hole course. Randall’s qualification came down to the last hole and made for an exciting moment for her on the course. “I had to make a birdie on the last hole to make it, and I did,” shared Randall after the tournament. “So it was very exciting, I really enjoyed it all.” As per Andrews, Randall has been working hard the whole season to qualify for states. “Brooke has been a four year varsity player and improved through the years…” Andrews shared. “[She] has worked hard for a chance to be an Allstate golfer.” Randall added that one of her highlights from the year was
Sports - 9
when she got her season-best score of a 75. Also at the regional tournament, sophomore Madeleine Duhn placed 21st overall individually, with a score of 92, making her the second highest scorer on the PN team. “I had a really, really rough start,” Duhn said about the tournament, “but I was able to pull it around and I ended up playing really good golf at the end.” The varsity regionals team included three seniors in their last seasons of golf at PN, each expressing appreciation for their team and the environment they’ve been in during the tournaments. “I definitely think my favorite part about being on the team is just the environment, and being around all the girls…” senior Maryn Falk shared. “We all just get along so well, and our coach is just super fun to be around.” Falk competed at regionals alongside Duhn and Randall, placing 59th overall. Senior Lily Ray, who completed the team at the regional tournament, shared a similar sentiment to her teammate. “I really enjoy being with my friends all the time, and then just getting ice cream after every tournament,” she shared. Duhn also expressed her love for her teammates and her team, even through rough tournaments. “Even when we play like bad golf, at the end of the day we can still make
each other laugh and have a good round,” she said. “I never go home upset from a tournament because of my teammates.” Randall participated in the state tournament on October 17 and 18 at Grand Valley State University, placing 50th with a score of 180 over two days. “It was really exciting because I only [went to states] freshman year with my team,” shared Randall, “so I really wanted to get there individually this year and have the chance to have that as my send out, my final tournament.” Randall started off with a higher score of 94, but managed to score lower in the 2nd round of the tournament, getting an 86 to bring her to 50th place. “My first day was rough,” she said. “I was just really nervous for like being there, and I was really excited, but my nerves got to me. But the second day was much better.”
Sophomore Madeleine Duhn (left) and senior Lily Ray (above) compete at the varsity women’s golf Portage Central SMAC tournament on September 15. Both Duhn and Ray went on to participate at the regional tournament on October 6. Photos courtesy of Jim Cottrell, Action Exposures.
PN PLayers with Determination Portage Northern Huskies tackle success on the football field Story by Trinity Herrera; design by Trinity Herrera and Riya Bhatt
Portage Northern football play- player growing up. And I wanted ers remain focused as the season to be like him, but my dad wanted nears the end. As they enter the me to go further than him, and I final stretch, their determination is wanted to be something more, through the roof, focusing on the so my goal is to try to get to that future ahead of them. Division 1 level…” said Brown. Senior Gregory Patrick shares Brown has been playing football his motivation to continue play- since he was young, originally for ing football. “My motivation is just fun, but realized he was sekind of doing it rious about for my family… it. “...I liked it my dad and my as I got older uncle and everyand as thing that they have given me opportunities in football kind of paying them - Senior Gregory patrick back.” Football has been an important part of Patrick’s life. I wanted He has been playing football since to hit the third grade. Patrick plays as m o r e , an offense tackler on the Portage I kind Northern High School football of wantteam and plans to attend the Uni- ed to just versity of Notre Dame after his hit people left senior year. “Yeah, I’m going to play and right.” Similar at Notre Dame, so yeah, and obvi- to Gregory Patrick, ously I want to play pro too. That’s Brown shares that his a big goal for me. And that’s what parents have helped motivate him I’ve dreamed of my whole life,” Pat- throughout this season. He also rick said. Notre Dame is known as shares another motivator for him one of the most selective universi- during the season. “Probably the ties in the country, admitting just most important reason [I do this] 12.5% of students overall annually. is God,” he says. “I do this through Though he has been playing foot- him, I do this through Jesus all the ball all four years of high school, time. I pray to him. I don’t pray to Patrick shares a skill he aims to win, I pray to go ahead and perimprove. “I guess the skill that I form at the best level of where I would improve on would be, just can [go].” This is also Brown’s first like my run blocks. Pretty generic year playing high school football as thing, but just improving in that a a freshman. “I’m really excited to lot would be important for me,” be playing throughout these… I he says. hope I can get to the highest level I Alongside seniors, the freshman can in D1, but like, you know, we’ll team moves forward to take their see where life takes me.” next steps into this season to begin Portage Northern football playtheir new journey. Freshman foot- ers across the team agree on a ball player Lavarr Brown is follow- similar challenge that comes with ing in his dad’s footsteps.“...My dad football. Senior player Karson was a Division 2 college football Schafer refers to it as “mental as-
“That’s wHat
I’ve dreamed of my whole life.
”
pects, physical aspects, probably just the overall aspects of it.” For freshman Domick Zorbo, who plays alongside Lavarr Brown on the freshman team, his biggest challenge is “...the level I’m playing at, you know, going from middle school to high school ball, I don’t know, up in the level of skill.” Multiple players mention similar challenges throughout the season, whether those challenges are going to college to play football, or continuing to play football in high school. Every game has been full of tough challenges, but those challenges make us grow. With the season coming to an end, all players have already started to prepare for what’s next to come.
Photo by Trinity Herrera
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hands, necks, and ears grow cold first, it’s important to keep them warm. As someone who once hated having to wear a scarf, hat, and gloves to go outside for recess, I find myself reaching for them more and more, especially because it adds to my outfit along with preserving my warmth. However, it’s hard to just simply find a scarf, hat, or pair of gloves that catches your eye just from browsing in a clothing store. The best way to completely personalize an accessory is to create it yourself. There are countless patterns for crochet, knitting, or even reusing an old t-shirt. I once tried crochet in the past, I was not very good, yet it was interesting to learn and very peaceful. It was a great activity to wind down and have some time to myself. I attempted to create a scarf once, a daunting task that didn’t turn out that pretty, but I felt very accomplished knowing I created something purely by hand.
consciously chic T
he crisp fall air is finally upon us causing jackets, hats, scarves, gloves, and warm socks to no longer act as accessories but as necessities for staying warm. I once hated wearing all of the above, mainly due to their consistently boring colors: black, brown, and gray. While now I am prone to more neutral colors, I find myself using my warm accessories as a unique pop of personality or color to a dull jacket. Stripes are a staple, though there are so many fun, fall colors and patterns to play with in this upcoming autumn season. Long, short, black, white, plaid, solid, or fringe are all various fun choices to consider when looking for a scarf. My favorite scarf concepts from my ever-growing Pinterest board of fall clothing contains piano keys, longitudinal stripes, a funky design with hands on the end, an apple pattern that transitions from a whole to a core, a ruffled one, and even just bold colors all capture so much personality for a seemingly simple accessory. The same goes for gloves! There are plenty of knits that follow the same design concepts. Gloves even have more choices to consider when trying to find a pair. Pairs come fingerless, with a removable flap, are lightweight for brisk days, heavy for those late fall nights, or there’s even just mittens! Once the wind changes and
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with
Not only are there many patterns to choose from, there’s different ways to wear each article of warmth. Scarves have almost an infinite amount of methods to tie them, all working to serve the same purpose of personalizing an outfit. Scarves can cover the ears and the neck, flow long in the wind, some work just tucked into the jacket, or climb high up the neck. Hats can be worn in a multitude of ways, even completely substituting them with a pair of ear muffs. Personal connection to an outfit always amplifies the person who wears it. Taking stark accessories and simply finding them in a fun pattern makes a large change, showing who the person is through what they wear.
Simply
Fall
Students’ favorite fall entertainment
Story by Kenna Hulick and Madi Ream; design by Ana Van Dyke; photos by Kenna Hulick
Gavin Hoard, Freshman
Samaria Acosta, Junior
“I like it because of the aesthetic.”
“It’s my comfort show and always puts me in a better mood.”
CB Watkins, Sophomore
Lamarcus Sharp, Senior
Writer’s Picks “I love all Scooby Doo movies, I’ve loved them since before I could walk, and they’re all so nostalgic.”
Kenna Hulick Photo courtesy of Kenna Hulick.
“It has an interesting story.”
“It’s nostalgic.”
“It [Scream] just gets me into the Halloween vibe, and the first one is just a good movie.”
Madi Ream
Photo courtesy of Madi Ream.
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Ads - 13
Ads - 14
JUSTforFUN Puzzle by Sophie Amberg and Madeleine Duhn; design by Madeleine Duhn
Across 4. What is writer Madi Ream’s favorite scary movie? 5. Who did Laura Weiler co-found the PNWCC with? Kelette... 7. Where is Gregory Patrick going to pursue football in college? 9. One way to stay organized is to keep a … 10. How many new clubs are there?
Need a hint? The answers are found within the edition
Down
1. “there’s even just…!” 2. What is page six about? The right to… 3. How much is a parking pass? 6. What club helps “craft business skills” 8. Who is the women’s golf coach?