Ramparts News Holt High School by Amy Clark

ramparts HOLT HIGH SCHOOL

OCTOBER 2012

Holt Senior High School 5885 West Holt Rd. Holt, MI 48842

VOLUME 21, ISSUE 1

Get in the Zone

Players share ways to get pumped up for the big game page 14 As the football team rushes onto the field, they put their game face on. The team finished with a record of 5-4.

Photo by Zahra Ahmad

NEWS:

Students help spread cancer awareness with sport events and by wearing pink.

PAGE 3

NEWS:

Get a sneak peak at what “Mix It Up at Lunch Day” is all about.

PAGE 3

FEATURE:

Getting enough sleep proves to be a challange for students.

PAGE 8

HOT SPOT:

Take a look at the upcoming school play, “A Murder Has Been Arranged.”

PAGE 12

SPORTS:

Look at the effects of concussions and how they impact athletes.

PAGE 16

News

October 2012

F.Y.I.

RAMPAGES YEARBOOK

The 2012-13 yearbook will be in full color. The cost is $70. No extra yearbooks will be ordered, so get your order in by the deadline. All orders go to adviser Clara Swihart in room W205.

H-TOWN STORE

Check out the school store with many brand new clothing items for the 2012-13 school year. The store also sells soft-serve ice cream with cones for $1.00 and bowls for $1.50.

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD

For all students grades 9-12 interested in science, mathematics and engineering, Science Olympiad meets Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2:45 to 4 p.m. in room W209.

PING-PONG CLUB

Social studies teacher Russ Olcheske is starting a ping-pong club this year. Beginning in midNovember, the club will meet Mondays through Wednesdays from 3-5 in the center commons. Everyone is welcome.

HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW

The craft show will be on November 17. Art work will be up for sale in the commons from 9-4 p.m. Proceeds will go towards Challenge Day.

PROM COMMITTEE

The Prom Committtee meets every Thursday in room S125. Any junior or senior is welcome to show up at 2:45 to help plan this event. The theme will be announced on November 1.

PAWNEE RANGERS

English teacher Anne Russo is hosting a new club called the Pawnee Rangers for fans of the television series “Parks and Recreation.” The club meets every Thursday from 2:35 to 3 p.m. in room W215. All interested students are welcome to attend.

VARIETY SHOW

The Variety Show will be from 7-9 p.m. on November 13 for $5. Tryouts are October 29 from 3-5 p.m. Proceeds will go towards Challenge Day.

Holt High School Ramparts

Pay-to-participate enacted this fall Extra-curricular activities adjust to change in policy Sean Bulkowski staff writer For the first time, students are being required to pay in order to participate in both athletics or non-athletics such as clubs and fine arts this fall. The athletic department tried holding off requiring pay-to-participate as long as they could, but made the change due to budget cuts. “We really don’t want to require it, but it got to the point where we had to in order to avoid cutting programs,” Athletic Director Rick Schmidt said. Payment is required for the freshman, junior varsity and varsity levels, and payments vary based on whether the students are participating in athletics or non-athletics. For athletics, payments include $50 per sport, $100 per year for an individual student cap that allows students participation in as many sports desired, and $200 per family as the total family cap. Non-athletics require an individual fee of $100 for the Fine Arts Academy, musicals and plays and a $40 individual fee for students wishing to participate in Debate, Forensics, Science Olympiad, and clubs (International, Quiz Bowl, SADD, PALs, and Peer Resistance). In addition to the new payments, the budget for each sport was cut 50 percent across the board in order to combat the school district’s budget deficit. Some are concerned how these changes

Photo by Sean Bulkowski

Practicing for an upcoming debate, sophomore Cassidy Gardner gives her closing statements. Members of the debate team and other clubs were required to pay as a result of pay-to-participate. will affect teams as they adjust. “It’s just a sign of the hard economic times, but it’s a way to keep sports, which is really important,” JV football coach Dan Knechtel said. “I just think it puts more responsibility on boosters to collect money to help with the changes.” With any new charge added it’s a question how this affects turnout. “I think we’ll lose some (players) but those who really love sports will still come out and play,” Knechtel said. Others who aren’t so optimistic about the change fear that pay-to-participate will make it more of a challenge for most kids to be able to

play. “Not every family can afford the costs,” senior Gabi Corbin said. “It sucks to see people at a financial disadvantage not being able to enjoy the sport and compete.” For students who participate in both clubs and sports, there is a total cap fee of $50 plus the athletic fee for the Fine Arts Academy, musicals and plays and a total cap fee of $25 plus the athletic fee for the rest of the non-athletics. Pay-to-participate is not yet permanent. It will be reviewed yearly and central administration will decide whether or not to continue the program.

Red Ribbon Week raises awareness SADD promotes drug prevention Courtney Houser staff writer D r u g awa re n e s s w e e k i s i n full swing, and red ribbons have taken over all around school. Also known as Red Ribbon Week, this awareness campaign is all about a drug prevention program as well as safe driving decisions and is recognized during the last week of October. “We hope that this week will provide a positive reaction to the students here at Holt, overall making our school a better place and encouraging good decision making to our classmates,” said s o p h o m o re, G ra c e Wi n g a r, a member of SADD. “Especially when

Photo by Courtney Houser

Preparing for Red Ribbon Week, sophomore Josh Urdiales cuts up red ribbon stickers. Stickers will be put at each table during lunches through the week. it comes to those who drive.” The Red Ribbon Week Pledge is an oath students make stating that they will have no use of illegal

drugs and that they will never get behind the wheel of a car if they are under the influence. Students across the country are allowed the

opportunity to sign this pledge giving their word. In honor of the Red Ribbon campaign, the members of SADD will provide red ribbon stickers at each lunch table during A and B lunches. “As a teacher I want to see my students make good decisions, and as teens they’re already exposed to distractions while driving in a car full of friends. The Red Ribbon Week will pose as a reminder that will hopefully limit these distractions by not adding drug and alcohol into the mix,” SADD advisor Kelly Sweitzer said. This week will allow students to get involved, and be a part of helping raise the awareness. Taking it one day at a time, this week will allow everyone the chance to look back and reflect on the outcome of teens driving while under the influence.

News

Holt High School Ramparts

October 2012

Students help spread cancer awareness

In Brief

Teams and clubs bring light to common illness

GERMAN BRACELETS

Students going on the German trip this spring are selling bracelets in various colors to raise money for the trip. The bracelets come in Holt colors, colors of the German flag, pink and white, green and white, blue and maize, rainbow, and the colors of the three branches of the military. The bracelets are $6 and will be available for purchase in E104 or E105.

Sydney Holmes staff writer October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and to support the cause, students are spreading awareness throughout the school. Events such as Volley For The Cure and the football student section’s “Pink Out” were held to support the cause. This year Volley For The Cure, a volleyball match to raise awareness and funds, raised $700 to donate to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, which is dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer. The game, held October 2, was a victory for Holt. Junior and volleyball team member Emily Gleason said the best part about Volley For The Cure is all the money they raised. “I love how all the profits go to Susan G. Komen; it’s a good cause,” Gleason said. The football student section showed their support as well, by having a “pink-out” for the game on October 12. All students were encouraged to wear pink to the game in order to support the fight against breast cancer. But the awareness isn’t limited to just breast cancer. The annual Ruth’s Race, held this year October 6, is dedicated to raising awareness about pancreatic cancer in honor of the late cross country coach and teacher Ruth Pridgeon. The 5k run helps raise awareness of a lesser-known cancer, while raising money for cancer research.

SILVER BELLS

Photo by Sydney Holmes

The varsity volleyball team warms up for the annual Volley For The Cure game against Jackson High School on October 2. The event raised $700 to donate to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Coach Pam Stafford said pancreatic cancer is on the rise and the race is a good way to bring attention to it. “The run helps increase awareness and celebrate Ruth Pridgeon and what she lived for, which was ‘live every day to your fullest,’” Stafford said. Students can personally take part in cancer awareness efforts by participating in events such as Relay For Life, an event that raises funds and awareness to save lives from cancer. Junior Carly Harless, a participant in Relay For Life, said she takes part in the event to honor her

dad, a cancer survivor. “My dad and family have been through various cases of [cancer], and it’s good to inform people why [awareness] is important,” Harless said. Junior Emily Krueger, shows her support by purchasing clothing that has the ribbon on it in honor of her mom, who had breast cancer. Cancer awareness is important to her and she said she feels it should be to other people as well. “It is important to teach methods of prevention and early detection,” she said. “And [support of cancer awareness] helps people who have been impacted [by cancer] know they are not alone.”

PALS to host ‘Mix it Up at Lunch Day’ National event seeks to reduce divisions between students Zack Gilliland editor-in-chief Mix It Up Day is one of the many ways students can meet someone new. During lunch on October 30, students will be asked to mix it up and sit with other students they don’t normally sit with. Mix it Up at Lunch Day is a national campaign launched by Teaching Tolerance, a group that is dedicated to “reducing prejudice and improving intergroup relations”, founded 11 years ago. This activity encourages students to seek out people they don’t normally interact with. “The goal for this is to get as many students to participate as possible,” counselor Rebecca Fedrigo said. “We really want to mix it up and get involved.” Some new studies have shown that this

interaction across group lines can help reduce prejudice. Biases and misconceptions can also fall away when students interact with those who are different from them. Students have also identified the cafeteria as the place where divisions or group lines are clearly visible, according to mixitup.org. “I guess in a way group lines can be drawn, but I mean, I’ve never felt like I couldn’t sit in a certain place or something because of “group lines,” senior Elizabeth Haubert said. “I just sit with the people that I’m the most comfortable with and will have the most fun with.” This year, Mix It Up at Lunch day is going to be a little different. Students who participate in the activity will get some candy. One of the activities is going to involve a form of BINGO. Students will be given a sheet of paper that is set up like a BINGO board and then move around to find people with the same words. The twist is if a student is sitting on the east side, they will have to move to the west side to find someone. The activities that will be happening is a good way for students to learn how to interact with people they don’t know, giving them experience for the real world.

Come celebrate the 28th Annual Silver Bells in the City Friday, November 16 in Downtown Lansing. Events include an electric light parade featuring the HHS band, which will kick off the celebration at 6:10 p.m., the lighting of the State Christmas tree at 7:20, a live concert hosted by Radio Disney, and a firework show at 7:30. Those who are interested can also register for a 2.5 mile fun run which starts at 5 p.m. in front of the Capitol the same day. Costumes are encouraged.

ACT PRACTICE WORKSHOP

All students planning on taking the ACT in the near future can take part in an ACT workshop to help prepare for the real test and improve scores. Participants will learn test-taking strategies, take a practice test and receive scores back all in one day. Two workshops will be offered this year. The next available workshop date will be held on Saturday, November 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. the cost is $60. Those interested are encouraged to sign up in advance. Go to the guidance office for more information.

GIRLS ARE POWERFUL

Photo by Zack Gilliland

Students socialize in the east commons during A lunch. Mix it Up Day hopes to encourage students to sit outside their comfort zone. “Mix It Up Day at Lunch day is a positive experience in my opinion. Students should participate, to learn something new and you can meet new people,” Fedrigo said.

Girls Are Powerful (GAP) meets every Wednesday from 2:30-4. The purpose of GAP is to give girls the opportunity to talk about issues that most teenage girls face. GAP is to help members be able to talk about issues in an open environment, and learn to take a positive approach when dealing with tough issues.

News

October 2012

Holt High School Ramparts

Semester scheduling requires everyone to adjust Elective classes feel effects of schedule switch Kylee Voorhis staff writer In order to save the district money, administration announced last year that the high school would be switching to semesters this year, after five years of being on trimesters. Students are feeling the effects of the change, and some students and teachers have expressed worry about what this change may bring. The reason for switching was entirely about saving the district money. This switch will save the district around $100,000. The State of Michigan has reduced funding to schools for the last few years. Last spring the Holt School District predicted a $3.3 million budget shortfall for this school year. A recent Ramparts survey shows that students are most concerned about the exam schedules with semesters. Students will have 12 exams rather than 18 for the whole year, however the 12 exams will be over more material than the trimester exams were, meaning students will have to retain a half of year worth of material and the

length of the exams will most likely be longer. “I like semesters; 12 exams. Less exams mean less stress,” junior Kailee Barnes said. Although terms may be longer, students will only have six days of exams for the whole year instead of nine. Students schedules now only have 12 spots to take core and elective classes. Core classes take up eight slots which leaves only four elective classes for the whole year, which can cause some issues for students getting all their credits early and students making up credits. If taking a language, students only have the chance to take two other elective courses. Sophomores who are enrolled in both a language and music elective aren’t able to take any additional electives. While no classes were cut, some students have lost the chance to take desired electives, while still trying to get their credits. It could be harder for students who need to make up failed credits, trying to take their core classes, make-up classes and desired electives, which can’t all be taken in the same year. “Holt High School continues to offer a full range of programs,” Principal Brian Templin said. With elective classes being weeks longer, it gives more time

Schedule Preferences Ramparts surveyed students about what type of schedule they like best 26.3% dont care 41% prefer trimesters 32.7% prefer semesters

Source: Ramparts survey of 110 students

for teachers to teach more skills, do more projects and activities and go more in depth with their lessons. Teachers’ lesson plans can be longer and more in depth to make sure students fully understand concepts. Students and teachers also get to know each other better and get a better feel for how they teach and learn. Most teachers are used to the semester schedule and are defaulted to it. “Teachers will get to know their students better and develop more of a relationship,”Templin said. Longer classes also gives students more time to bring up grades if they

Photo by Kylee Voorhis

Showcasing early semester artwork, students in elective art class decorate the south hallway with color wheel painting projects. The semesters change gives students more time in classes to complete these projects. fall behind. With more time and more assignments in the grade book, having failed one assignment won’t make as much of an impact on the overall grade. Overall, some students are happy with the change back to

semesters. “Not so much rush to fit all of the material into a trimester, so we have more time,” Barnes said, when asked what she thought she would like most about the switch.

News

Holt High School Ramparts

Election takes the spotlight Students give opinions on the issues covered Maya Fews feature editor Every four years one election has most of the nation’s attention: the presidential election. This election has current Democratic President Barack Obama running against the Republican nominee, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. As Election Day on November 6 draws closer, voters are deciding on a candidate to support. This election impacts everybody, not just those who can vote. Although the voting age in this country is 18 years old and most of HHS will not be able to vote in this election, students are finding other ways to be involved and aware of what is going on. “This will be our country in a few years. We will be the ones in politics, in the economy, in the houses. We need to know about who is running our country, what they are doing, and why they are doing it,” senior Melanie Kroll said. Both candidates have incorporated some of the nation’s most pressing issues into their platform. Some of these issues include the current state of the economy, the health care reform bill and social issues like same-sex marriage and women’s rights. “Education policy and the issue of economic growth and jobs in the future affect the next generation. There are unanswered questions about what jobs will be available in the future,” social studies teacher Hannah Cappelletti said. The struggling economy has

Photo by John Paraskevas/Newsday/MCT

President Obama and former Governor Romney greet each other before the October 16 debate. The debates are used to influence undecided voters. been the main focus of many people, including both candidates. Many factors make up the structure and problems of the economy. The issue of tax cuts and who should receive them has been a topic that has come up in speeches and during the debates on deciding if the wealthy should keep their tax cuts that were established during the Bush Administration. “Everyone should be taxed the same, regardless of income, so one economic status isn’t favored over the other,” senior Paul Guilfoyle said. The second issue that has also been known for controversy is how to reduce government spending and lower the federal deficit. The current economic situation is something that cannot be fixed overnight. Both candidates have acknowledged this problem, but both Romney and Obama have come up with different solutions to decrease government spending. “America is at a crossroads. We could continue on being socially dependent on the government providing versus the old system of trickle down economics,” junior Chandler Stewart said. This past June, the Supreme Court

upheld the National Health Care Reform Act. The act has not been implemented yet, and the passage of the Health Care Act has had people praise and condemn it. “Preventative medicine from Obamacare keeps people out of emergency rooms instead of people not being able to afford what insurance companies would charge if this bill wasn’t passed,” senior Quinton Kustasz said. The subject of health care reform has opposing viewpoints on the role of government in health care. The election is being used in classrooms as a learning tool. Assignments are being made to connect the election with topics learned in class like comparing methods of persuasion in the nominees’ advertisements. “Students are going beneath the surface by being able to articulate arguments made by the candidates using evidence. And looking at how Congress will be balanced, how bills will be passed if Obama is reelected for a second term or if Romney wins,” Cappelletti said.

Focusing on the issues Ramparts surveyed 101 students about what issues are the most important in the election. 9% said the two wars

5% said women’s rights 17% said health care 8% other issues

68% said economy

October 2012

Viewpoints

October 2012

Holt High School Ramparts

Our View Pay to play on a positive note

Take a stand or take a seat

HS is now taking part in Pay-to-Participate. Due to the reduced funding for schools from the State of Michigan, the school is charging a fee for students to take part in certain extracurricular activities. These activities include sports, The Fine Arts Academy, the musical, plays, Debate, Forensics, Science Olympiad, and several clubs. Clubs with no charge are clubs and activities without a paid adviser or coach, and activities as class requirements. We at Ramparts believe that the shift to Pay-to-Participate is unfortunate but a needed change to the school. If it weren’t for this shift, some clubs wouldn’t be running. So although students do have to pay, it ensures that the club they want to be a part of will run. Last year, many clubs were in danger of being eliminated because the school could not afford them, but now with the fee these clubs will not have to worry. The controversy with Pay-to-Participate is that some students may not be able to pay the fee. Although the charge may be high for some students, there are ways to help students pay the fee. Students paying for what they participate in saves the school money, and there are exceptions to those who can’t afford the full fee. There is a half fee for recipients of free and reduced lunch. There should, however, be some system where scholarships could be worked out for students who would like to participate and can’t afford to. There might be some students who don’t qualify for free and reduced lunch, yet they still can’t afford to join a club. This system isn’t new to schools around us; they have been charging for extracurricular activities for years. HHS is just recently joining these schools, and the charge is less than other schools charge. The biggest worry with this shift is the scare that students will stop participating because the fee is there whether they can afford it or not. This could decrease the amount of people joining the club and it could overall affect whether the club is up if there aren’t enough students. Pay-to-Participate is helping the school and ensuring certain clubs to continue. This isn’t a permanent change and it will be reevaluated at the end of the year. If it were up to us we would suggest keeping Pay-to-Participate but also having options and scholarships for those who can’t afford the fees.

ramparts Editors in Chief:

Managing Editors: News: Opinion: Features: Hot Spot: Sports: Staff Writers:

Adviser:

Zahra Ahmad Zack Gilliland Kayla Lovely Hannah Marsh Maya Fews Cody Worden Noah Goldblatt Sean Bulkowski, Abby Cousineau, Rachel Dillingham, Nadia Gedeon, Sydney Holmes, Courtney Houser, Anissa Martinez, Stacie Skinker, Kylee Voorhis, Bryce Zippi Amy Clark

Editorial Policy: Ramparts is published by the Journalism class of Holt High School. The newspaper serves the students and staff of Holt High School and as a connection to the Holt-Dimondale community. The objective of Ramparts is to publish a factual, informative and entertaining newspaper, and to provide a forum for the expression of diverse viewpoints. The opinions and views expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the administration, the adviser, or all Ramparts staff members. The editors reserve the right to reject any material that is libelous, obscene, or poses an immediate and material disruption to the educational environment. Ramparts prints letters to the editor and guest editorials as space allows. Letters must be typed, less than 200 words in length and signed. The editorial staff reserves the right to edit for length. Ramparts will not print letters that are obscene, libelous or that target an individual. Advertisements that are obscene, misleading, or illegal to minors will not be printed. Ramparts reserves the right to reject any advertisement. To place an ad, contact the adviser or the Ramparts staff at (517) 694-2162. Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/MCT Campus High School Newspaper Service.

Courtney Houser

Pledge reinforced by new law

e c e nt l y , a n e w l aw w a s brought into the light of the Michigan Legislatures. This is a law that brings up an old ritual from grade school that to some, was easily forgotten. The Pledge of Allegiance had come and gone. It was something that a lot of us had no remembrance of since eight grade year. It completely vanished as soon we walked through the doors of the Ninth Grade Campus, and without question, a lot of us just moved on. The Michigan Legislature recently passed the Pledge Law that requires every public school classroom in the State of Michigan to display a flag

and offer students the opportunity to recite the Pledge of Allegiance every day. The law will go into effect in the 2013-14 year. Looking back to when I was in elementary we knew nothing about the Pledge. We simply learned how to say it, not what it stood for. As middle school came around, we were a little more knowledgeable about this allegiance, not that teachers took the time out to break it down for us or anything. So when another early morning came around, the announcements sounded. On cue, the whole room rose. All except one. It was like the world had turned upside down. “This kid is a rebel,” I told myself. But that wasn’t exactly it. He didn’t believe in God, and at the time, I’m sure most of us didn’t even know what “under God” really stood for, so we just passed by it without any thought. That morning was my first encounter of a religious belief against The Pledge of Allegiance, and after that day more and more students began sitting instead of standing. After this new law passed, certain locals had appointed these legislators due to the controversy towards “under God” because it conflicted with their beliefs.

America being known as “one nation” is true, but we need to remember that we are one nation made up of many different religious and cultural beliefs. In 1954, under a bill signed by President Eisenhower, “under God” was added in. Since then, the Pledge is known as a prayer to some, so before this new law was passed, the Government made sure to add “opportunity to recite,” letting the ones with beliefs that go against the Pledge know that it is not required. It is clear that two words have a lot of impact on a thirty word recitation, and although some may think so, the importance of the Pledge isn’t to recognize a religious belief but to remember the coming of America and the birth of a free country. As we grow older, the opinions and beliefs we have may change over time. It’s especially important knowing that only you are in control of what you believe in. I’m not saying if you are against the Pledge to ignore it completely, because it is part of American history, and it doesn’t just pose a reminder of God, but the remembrance of the free nation “we” Americans live in.

Dear students, Welcome to the first issue of Ramparts newspaper for the 2012-13 school year. We have 12 new writers to the staff this year, each providing a new perspective on reporting. Our staff is ready for a great year of keeping you informed of all the important events and issues. This space is reserved for you. Please write us a letter-to-the-editor and tell us your thoughts. Feel free to comment on anything you would like, whether it’s about how we are doing our job or any issues in the school, community or even nationally. We’d love for you to drop your letters off to Mrs. Clark in room E221. Thank you, Zack Gilliland Zahra Ahmad Editors-in-Chief

Viewpoints

Holt High School Ramparts

Presidential election matters Hot or not? Students and our future candidates

Cody Worden

The Presidential elections affect everyone, not just a few people. The Presidential election affects the whole country and the whole world. But we deal with students going around acting like it doesn’t affect them. News flash: it does affect us and already has. Look at the “healthier” lunch choices we are given, like wheat bread instead of white. The government is changing everything around us, and we are just sitting there complaining, like we can’t do anything. But we can. We can make the biggest difference out of everyone. We are the future, and it’s time we act like it. We sit around waiting for someone to stand up and say something, but guess what? It’s time we take a stand, and find out about who Obama and Romney really are about, what they

believe and how the United States of America should be run. Obama and Romney represent very separate views. Here are a few of those views. One is that Obama is in favor of same-sex marriage rights, while Romney is against samesex marriage and wants to amend the Constitution to stop same-sex marriage. Also, Obama supports illegal immigrants who are already in America becoming legal citizens, while Romney would rather people who are illegal immigrants stop coming into America. Obama is also pro-choice, while Romney is pro-life. Last but not least is when it comes to health care, Obama believes everyone deserves health care even if they cna’t afford it, while Romney wants to end Obama’s Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Did everyone know all of that? Or did you just go off of what your parents were saying? Did you make the choice yourself? Everyone is so worried about the future because our generation is so enthralled with technology that we cannot possible take a stand and make the choice for our future,

“

but guess what? We can, put down your phone. Stop checking Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, Instagram, or whatever social networking site you are using, and get involved. Find out about the candidates, and what makes them tick .Want to find out Obama’s past and how he was when was a state senator? If you want to research Obama go to BarackO bama. com. But if you want to research Mitt Romney and see what he was like as a business man and the Governor of Massachusetts, go to MittRomney.com. It’s all about whom you agree with and share the same views with. If you don’t like the candidates who are funning, then don’t vote for them, but always vote if you are 18 years of age or older. We were given the right a long time ago to actually be able to vote, and we don’t want to ruin that. We are the future, and it’s time we started acting like it. It’s time to know our candidates almost more than we know ourselves. You may not be able to vote, but if your family members can, push them to vote on November 6.

We are the future, and it’s time we started acting like it.

”

Trick-or -Treating: Trick-or-treating can be lots of fun, and you’re never too old for free candy.

October 2012 Passing out Candy: Passing out candy doesn’t go with the Halloween spirit. There’s no fun in passing out candy to kids when you’re still a kid yourself.

Question of the Month

If you could pick anyone to be president, who would it be and why?

“Ed Helms; he’s an actor. He’s very funny and Samuel Lagunas, sophomore

“Johnny Depp. A lot of people would vote for him, and he’d look good on money.” Kelsey Lewis, senior

“Sparty because he is a fantastic mascot.” Holly Wiles, sophomore

“Morgan Freeman because he is an awesome actor and has a great speaking voice.” Adam Husby, senior

“Gerard Butler because he is hot and awesome.” Mackenzie Ketchum, junior

Corrections Cartoon by Anissa Martinez and Bryce Zippi

Ramparts is committed to printing news that is both informative and accurate. If we get it wrong, we want to put it right. If you are aware of any errors of fact in our reporting please contact us in room E221 or send an e-mail to ramparts@ hpsk12.net.

Features

October 2012

Two Cents

Hannah Marsh

Coming together as one

n 2012, the world is supposedly an understanding place. The rising generation is supposed to be tolerant, caring and accepting of other people. On the surface we all look that way. On the surface we support people for reaching out and being different. But below the surface, do we really stand by what we say? The Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) holds meetings most Fridays after school, but how many students been to one? A lot of kids can’t afford name brand clothing, but how many times do they get complimented on their inexpensive outfit? As a whole, people like similarity. We enjoy being around people who are like us, which is fine. That’s not a crime. Take a walk through the school to see this in action. There are certain groups that sit together in the commons or walk together to class. They’re friends that look like they belong together. They don’t mix with other groups; they don’t sit with a different table at lunch. The school stays segregated into small groups of friends. We laugh at TV shows that depict high school drama, but you really look at it, take an unbiased eye and watch, they really aren’t that far off point. No, we don’t have a “Burn Book” like in the movie Mean Girls, and we don’t have groups of girls ganging up to ruin a kid’s year like in John Tucker Must Die, but we aren’t united as a school. We have distinct separation among our peers. Why aren’t we more accepting of other students? Why don’t we mix up the groups we associate ourselves with? Why, why, why? Asking why does nothing. Realistically, I’m not expecting the whole school to read this article and start teaming up with new friends. I know that’s not going to happen. However, I don’t think it would hurt people to expand our boundaries. We aren’t a lost generation. We aren’t cruel and mean. We do care about others, but not about everyone. We need to broaden our list of friends. As a whole we need to accept each other. Reach out to someone new on a daily basis. Maybe you’ll like them, maybe you won’t.

Holt High School Ramparts

Sleep Tips: Results from a Ramparts survey show that students have a harder

You (don’t) Snooze

YOU LOSE

time falling asleep than staying asleep. Here are some tips to falling asleep.

Oversleeping can actually be good thing. Sleep deprivation can affect the body and mind.

Stick to a healthy sleeping schedule. Allow your body to know when to get tired. This can help you get enough sleep by calculating a bedtime that gives you eight to ten hours of sleep.

Zahra Ahmad

Editor -In-Chief

leep can easily make or break a person. If a person gets too little sleep many aspects of their lives are affected, but if they get enough they feel great. Students are getting less than the amount of sleep they should be, according to a recent Ramparts survey of 115 students. On average, a teenager should be receiving 10 to 11 hours of sleep a night, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, students who took the Ramparts survey on average only get three to seven hours of sleep. Students also said that they get more sleep on the weekends rather than the weekdays. Sleep deprivation for students a f f e c t s ma ny a re a s t hat t h e y encounter every day. Although getting the right amount of sleep is important, it is difficult when factors such as social networking, television and homework contribute to a lack of sleep. The average amount of required sleep varies with age. The Mayo Clinic also mentions teenagers should get a minimum of eight to ten hours of sleep. When students do not get the recommended amount their performance in sports and school is affected. Sleep is meant to rest the body and regenerate the body and brain. When teenagers do not get enough sleep the way they are in school gets . “It takes me a good two hours or more of laying down before I can actually fall asleep, so if I’m not in bed before ten getting that recommended eight hours is a stretch,” senior Steven Demott said. “My attention span gets affected the most, I’m terrible at keeping focus after a three-hour

sleep.” A lack of sleep will affect a person’s listening skills, attention span and performance on tests. When the brain doesn’t get the amount of time needed for it to fully rejuvenate, test scores decrease along with the ability for one to think clearly and use logical reasoning, according to the Mayo Clinic. This will also affect a student’s behavior in and out of school. “I’m usually really cranky when I don’t get enough sleep, not always in the best mood,” sophomore Ryan Gray said. Teenagers are more likely to be irritable when they don’t get enough sleep. Too little sleep can cause mood swings and behavioral problems. Everyone has an internal clock that is influenced by body temperature, sleep cycles, appetite and hormonal changes. When puberty hits, it delays a teenager’s internal clock to make them not get sleepy to 11 p.m. or later. There are other contributors to a later bedtime. “When I can’t sleep it makes the most sense to just get on Twitter or watch T.V,” junior Cypress Bell said. “I usually get in bed at 12 a.m. and then I will got to sleep around two or three.” Social networking, television and phones often add to the cause of sleep deprivation. Students find it easier to just get online until they get tired and fall asleep. The Mayo Clinic advises that technology only keeps a person up longer and does not recommend the use of it in bed. Although students think technology helps them fall asleep, it actually keeps them up. When students get these small

hours of sleep they have to find other ways of keeping themselves up during the day. “The Internet as a whole keeps me up. I’d surf blogs, stores, YouTube and music sites until morning, if my battery lasted that long,” Demott said. To cope with their lack of sleep students find other ways to stay awake during school. Bell said her way of staying up was traditional. “Coffee is a must before school if I want to stay awake during the school day and actually pay attention,” Bell said. It is often hard to change a sleeping pattern when it is established. Students that took the Ramparts survey said their sleeping patterns consist of few hours of sleep on the weekdays and many hours of sleep on the weekends. “I get around seven hours of sleep on the weekdays at the most, but on the weekends I can easily get 11 to 12 hours of sleep,” Gray said. A lack of sleep will affect a student’s life in many ways that don’t seem noticeable. However, a continuous lack of sleep is dangerous and can affect health in the long run. The Mayo Clinic says sleep deprivation is a cause of a weak immune system and impairs a student’s attention span . Not getting enough sleep has been proven to affect not only the body but the brain. Students dealing with sleep deprivation should talk to their doctors about ways to fall asleep faster if the tips provided don’t work. Photo by istock.com Photo illustration by Zahra Ahmad

Do not force yourself to sleep If you can’t fall asleep, get out of bed for 20 minutes and do something else in a different room until you are tired, then try to sleep.

Avoid naps If you cannot go without a nap try to limit it down to 30 minutes or an hour at most. It is harder to fall asleep at night when you take more than an hour-long nap.

4 Exercise daily Get 30 minutes of exercise a day at least five to six hours before you go to bed.

5 Avoid coffee and energy drinks It takes eight hours for coffee to stop keeping your body awake, so avoid this and energy drinks after lunch.

6 Do not drink a lot of liquids before bed Drinking a large amounts of liquid will cause you to urinate frequently during the night. Source: The Mayo Clinic

Features

Holt High School Ramparts

October 2012

Fall in Love h wit

Layers

Rich earth-tones complete every fall outfit from head to toe Rachel Dillingham staff writer

Boots are seeing daylight yet again as the anticipated chill of fall settles in. As the degrees drop, layers become a necessity to the school-days’ wardrobe. Fabrics, styles and patterns pile up. “Layers are versatile and they keep me warm,” senior Michael Tran said. Popular tops for guys this fall are crew necks, cardigans and zip-ups. Chilly weather allows guys to layer these trendy shirts in unique ways. “Layers are the key component to my fall style. I usually wear a tee-shirt, hoodie and a sweater,” senior Corey Williford said. Bundling up in sweaters and scarves allows numerous possibilities. Fall is the season for fashion gurus to explore their creativity. For girls, autumn is perfect weather to wear patterned tights, cute skirts and cozy scarves. “Fall is the season for scarves. A scarf is the finishing touch to my colorful sweaters, patterned tights and suede boots. They are a fun accessory and a good way to stay warm,” senior Zoe Howard said. Staying warm and looking cute is the new trend this year, especially with the varying room temperatures. Outfit flexibility is as easy as slipping on a cardigan or zipping up a hoodie. Because of layers, transition from cold to warm classrooms

Photos by Rachel Dillingham

Sporting layers and warm fall colors (from left) seniors Corey Williford, Zoe Howard, Harold Lobbins, Ana-Alicia Gomez, and Michael Tran are experts when it comes to staying stylish. Piling on sweatshirts and sweaters, tights and cardigans, colored slacks, cropped pants and button downs layered under fitted sweaters they continually wear trends in new ways. becomes instant. “A simple sweater keeps me warm and can be taken off if I get overheated,” Howard said. Earth-tone sweaters and crew necks sprinkle the halls like October leaves. Layers upon layers of warm hues bring life to the chill of autumn. Browns can be paired with spiced orange, beige contrasted with vibrant reds or dark maroons. “Red, orange, green and brown are my favorite fall colors,” senior Ana-Alicia Gomez said.

iPads invade the classroom Technology isn’t just for entertainment. Can iPads change the old educational ways? Hannah Marsh opinion editor A new era of technology has come about in the past few years. It’s constantly updating and improving. These tools can be used for anything from texting to launching a shuttle into space. We have all these advancements at our fingertips, things that could make school and work easier and more efficient, but are we using it to it’s fullest potential? A tool that’s been emerging around the high school is Apple iPads. Both the science department and the business department have purchased the tablets to aid them during the school year. “The iPads are engaging for the students,” biology teacher Lisa Weise said. “They add an element of fun to the course, and it’s something the kids are good at using.”

The science department’s iPads were bought to help students during class. The school bought enough tablets so that each lab table could have one to work with. The tablets have many different options of applications and tools that the teachers can choose to use in their curriculum and that students can use to stay organized. From attendance to virtual frog dissection, the apps can aid with virtually anything. “The technology hasn’t taken anything away from what I teach. It’s only added to it,” Weise said. Teachers aren’t the only ones taking advantage of this generation’s technology, students are jumping on board, too. “I have this app on my personal iPad that allows me to type papers for school. I can also use the calendar tool to keep everything I have to do organized,” senior Katelyn Danford said. The business department’s iPad purchase was directed at helping the teachers individually more than the classroom as a whole. “The teachers are still learning how to incorporate the new technology. They’re attending meetings to learn how to use the iPads because they’re a new addition just this year,” business teacher Jeff Shane said. iPads are a new tool being explored this year, teachers are still using how to use them to the best of their abiliities. They’re hoping that they help the students and teachers maximize learning in the classroom.

Popular sweaters and cardigans, come in an array of fallassociated colors. Some brands incorporate many of the warm shades through patterns. Patterned sweaters with unique flare are adored as well as admired. Fun flare gives coziness an unusual look that has won the hearts of many people. “The new trend this year seems to be cozy and comfortable. Girls add cute scarfs and leg-warmers, and guys use thick sweaters and loose button downs to make it versatile,” Gomez said.

Apps to look for... iTunes U

This app gives you access to complete courses from various universities and schools along with a digital catalog of free eduacational content.

Frog Dissection

Designed by Emantras, this app allows students to virtually dissect a frog. It is used by our biology teachers in addition to dissection of a real frog.

Skyward Mobile App

The Skyward app allows the user to have all the convenience of Skyward whereever they go. Check grades and attendance all with the tap of a screen.

The Calendar App

This app comes pre-loaded on Apple products. It can be used to keep projects, tests and important dates in order.

Features

October 2012

Holt High School Ramparts

Tips For Survival

Abby Cousineau

Simple Solutions

et’s face it; it has happened to us all. You unwillingly wake up in the morning to go to school, take one glance in the mirror and spot that huge, red zit plastered on your nose. Suddenly the slightest bit of enthusiasm you had is depleted. It’s already decided from that point on; your day is going to suck. I mean how are you expected to go to school, where your perfectly perfect crush awaits, looking like Rudolph? Pimples aren’t easy to hide or get rid of. Staring those nasty little things down in the bathroom mirror won’t scare them away, and popping them will just make it a million times worse. And honestly, who wants to splurge on top-of-the-line zitzapping magic potions when you have to worry about paying for gas? I know I sure don’t. So what is a broke teenager to do? You need not fear, though; I’m here to save you. Pimples are preventable and curable. There are plenty of cheap home remedies that kill zits. You can actually find the ingredients in your kitchen. So you can spare the money in your pocket, and have a fresh pimple-free face. What’s not to love about that? One of my favorites: Mix 2/3 baking soda and 1/3 water (tablespoons) into a paste, wash your face and then apply, leave it on for 10-15 minutes until dry and then wash off. Do this only once a week. This treatment will remove dead skin cells and dry out zits, but not your whole face. A few other tips: You can use toothpaste as zit cream! Just make sure it’s not the gel kind and apply it to the pimple overnight. Don’t touch your face with your germy hands, and make sure you wash your face before bed, especially if you play sports because you need to wash all the sweat away. Try these tips and see the difference. If you have a clearer face, it is a proven fact that your mood will be better and you will ultimately have less insecurities, which will positively affect how you act and do in school.

finding the

Students with jobs see benefits and stresses of work and school

Anissa Martinez

staff writer Having a job and being a student can be very time consuming, but when payday rolls around all of the hard work pays off. Many students take on the responsibility of being employed and going to school and while it may not be easy; they say it’s worth it. Most students say they get jobs for the common reason of paying for gas or just to have money of their own. “I needed the cash flow to pay for my gas and to be able to blow it on myself,” senior Cameron Eilers said. Eilers has been an employee at Texas Roadhouse for over a year. He, like many other students, has the responsibility of paying for his own gas. Between tests, studying, homework, extra-curricular activities, and even sleep, finding the time to do it all can seem impossible. For senior India Heard, this scenario is very realistic. “I currently have two jobs,” Heard said. “Wednesdays and Saturdays I work at Celebration Cinema, and on Sundays I work at Burger King.” On top of two jobs, Heard is also a cheerleader. “The hardest part about being a student with a job is choosing

BALANCE

whether to study or sleep.” Other students, like senior Teryn Henderson, can relate but have different work hours. Henderson has worked at The Pizza House in East Lansing for almost two years. Unlike Heard, Henderson works only the weekends. G e tt i ng a payc h e ck ca n b e rewarding for any teenager, but it sometimes comes with the sacrifice of Saturday nights. “At times it can be very stressful because I don’t have a lot of time to just hang out with my friends,” Henderson said. While having a job can be time consuming and stressful for a high school student, it also has many perks. “I don’t have to depend on my parents for a lot, and I like that,” Henderson said. Not only does having a job at a young age make students feel independent, but it encourages basic skills of how to interact with a customer early in life, according to an article in The Washington Times. The Michigan’s Summer 2012 Job Forecast for Michigan Teens Release, stated that it is a highly competitive environment for teens seeking summer jobs. While thinking about summer jobs right now may seem irrelevant, it could be a smart

Photo by Anissa Martinez

It’s a typical Saturday night at Celebration Cinema as senior India Heard works concessions taking orders from customers. Heard has worked at the theatre for five months. move considering how many more teenagers seek employment during the summer months. This report also said that if teens start looking early and remain persistent, their chances of obtaining summer jobs can improve. Whether it’s a job during the school year or the summer, students who are

employed can learn a lot at an early age. Not only does it prepare you for the real world but it comes with the satisfaction of your hard work. “The best part about having a job is being able to do whatever I want with the money because I am the one who earned it,” Eilers said.

Features

Holt High School Ramparts

October 2012

It’s

DECISION TIME

Time for students to decide their future

Factors for Size college Population Popularity

Kayla Lovely

Source: Ramparts survey of 78 Students

What are the most important factors when choosing a college?

news editor

e n i o r s a re f i l l e d w i t h excitement and racked with nerves. Some seniors fill out lengthy applications to their dream colleges; others are confused about which one is right for them. Seniors need quick advice, while juniors need a little push to get serious. Time is of the essence this fall; college applications are near their deadline, and scholarship and financial aid applications are on the brink of being due. Students are fumbling to mail the applications in, but some still have theirs lying around, waiting until the last minute.

University or Community College? The decision of going to a four year university or a community college is the first choice students will make. The possibility of going to a community college to take the basic required classes, and then transfering to a university is always an option. Senior Josh Sherman will be attending Central Michigan University in the fall. He decided to go straight to a university because he thinks there are better opportunities to get a job rather than starting off at a community college. Senior Emily Danks w ill be attending Adrian College. “I decided to go straight to a university because I think that the benefit of going to a private college is much greater than to a

Illustration by Justine Hidalgo

community college,” Danks said. Senior Conner Woods wants to go to a community college after high school to receive his basics. “I can get my basic classes at a lower price as opposed to a university,” Woods said. Economics teacher Alex Mann graduated from three universities: The University of Michigan, Michigan State University and The University of Chicago. He recommends that students go to a university, unless money is an issue. Health teacher Elizabeth Graf graduated from Central Michigan University, Western Michigan University, and Marygrove College. She recommends that students go to either a university or a community college based on their personality and what will fit best to their needs. Counselor Bob Bower advises that students find a college based on knowing themselves. “Know who you are,” Bower said. “If you struggle with high school, college will be 100 times harder.”

Bower said to choose either a university or community college based on what the student will benefit most from. “Study the college to see if they have the field of study you are interested in,” Bower said. “While universities may look better on job applications, community colleges save money.”

Money issues When applying for a college, remember that there are loans available. Whether they are from banks or the government, people who cannot get quick cash can easily borrow specific student loans and pay them back in payment plans. Ac a d e m i c s c h o l a r s h i p s a re available for those who do very well in high school, take challenging AP courses and study for the ACT and SAT tests. Many scholarships are based on grades. Students can usually receive a scholarship with a GPA of 3.0 or above. Financial aid is based

43% 25% 15% 73%

Education Price

56%

Scholarships Other

on need; the amount a student receives is based on their parents’ annual income. Apply for financial aid and double check applications for m i s t a k e s, r e c o m m e n d s C B S MoneyWatch. “Look for the best place you can go for the best price,” Mann said. “Never borrow an amount of money over the four years of college that is more than what you will make the first year of your job,” Bower said.

Size Many students will choose a college based on size. Some will want a small college with a population of around 2,000 students, or a large college with a population with over 3,000 students. Sherman chose to go to CMU based on population. “I want a one-on-one c o nv e r s a t i o n w i t h t e a c h e r s,” S h e r ma n s a i d . “ I d o n ’ t w a nt lectures.” Mann’s advice is to look for places where the teachers will help you. “Pay attention to places like Alma, Albion, and Aquinas, places where the population is around 2000 people,” Mann said. Graf suggests that students choose a college based on the pro gram t he y want, t hen t he preference of size and location.

Programs Students fret about how they do not have a major picked out. Do

41% 13% not worry though, majors do not have to be picked out upon entering college. Ac c o rd i n g t o N P R re p o r t e r Martha O’Connell most college students change their minds two to three times before they settle on a major and most colleges do not require students to choose a major when applying. One of the main factors why Sherman choose to go to CMU was because they had the program that he wants to study. He wants to become a Legislative Lobbyist. Danks wants to study either Environmental Studies, or International Business. Both of which are taught at Adrian College. Graf suggests that students figure out what they want to major in and then choose a college based on if they offer that specific program.

Where to find help The usual deadline for college applications is at the end of October. It usually takes one to two weeks for colleges to reply with results. “Spend the rest of your senior year looking for ways to get money for college,” Bower said. Whether you get money through a job, financial aid, loans or scholarships, find a way to pay for college. Students that need help with college problems can talk to their parents, friends, teachers and counselors. “ The only dumb question a student can ask,” Bower said, “is one they don’t ask.”

The Hot Spot

October 2012

That’s Entertainment

Bryce Zippi

Future Dreams

kissed a girl”, “Hot N Cold” and “Last Friday Night” are all tunes by Katy Perry that students are familiar with. The only thing the students are not familiar with is who is Katy Perry? Perry grew up in a Christian family in California. Growing up, Perry was the entertainer. People knew she was going to do something big with her life the moment she got that guitar and started writing songs. At first she wrote gospel music then drifted over to the pop world. Students can relate to Perry’s formation like when they were growing up, kids wore Aeropostale in the fifth and sixth grade and thought it was cool. Then going into high school, students nowadays wear Hollister, Abercrombie or A m e r i ca n E ag l e. That ’s w hat students did with clothes as what Perry did with music. Her family knew she had a talent and that she should go for it, even if it wasn’t gospel music. It wasn’t easy for her and Perry knew that it would be a long process until someone heard her voice. Perry never gave up. If you can work hard, you can achieve it. You just can’t give up on yourself. Perry achieved her dream and students can do the same in whatever passion they might have. Perry continued writing songs after Columbia Records grabbed her and soon made her first album debut with “One of the Boys” that was a sensational hit including the hit songs “I kissed a girl” and “Hot N Cold”. Perr y never gave up on her dreams and nor should you. If you have a passion, you should go for it and not let anything or anybody hold you back. Who knows, maybe you’ll be the next Brad Pitt, Justin Bieber or even Katy Perry. You are the only one that controls your own destiny. Don’t wait and don’t hold back because the time starts now.

Holt High School Ramparts

“A Murder has been Arranged” brings spooks Cast Prepares for upcoming production Bryce Zippi staff writer A murder mystery with ghosts is how Director Dave Runyon describes the fall play. The show is called “A Murder Has Been Arranged.” It is about a man named Sir Charles Jasper who is offered to stay at a haunted theater for the night and get two million pounds. Along the way, his long lost nephew arrives and kills Sir Charles Jasper by poisoning his drink. What turns out being a setup, ends up being murder in “A Murder has been Arranged”. This is Runyon’s first time directing a show at HHS. He’s also worked with Holt Community Partnership. “I can barely contain myself,” Runyon said about directing for the very first time. Runyon also teaches history. He has a different outlook on directing versus teaching.

Photo by Bryce Zippi

To prepare for their big performance, students rehearse a play called “A Murder Has Been Arranged.” This play is being directed by Dave Runyon. “Directing a play is like herding cats,” Runyon said. He will also do a second show with “Fiddler on the Roof” later this year. The cast members of “A Murder Has Been Arranged”. are excited to show their talents to the audiences and ready to share this experience with them. “It’s got everything: it’s spooky and humorous,” senior Megan Myers said

Practicing for a play and keeping up with school work can be very demanding at times. Sophomore Noah Fillon plays Sir Charles Jasper, and said he prepares of his role by, “practicing lines and blocking for twenty minutes”. Fillon describes his character as, “very outgoing and is a crazy old man with full energy”. Fillon was last seen in “A Christmas Carol” back in 2008.

When the actors are practicing lines and taking directions from the director, the crew members are busy working behind the set. “The crew is a group of people who works on lighting, sound and the setting as well,” senior Mykayla Tucker said. “We make the show happen.” Memorizing lines, handling props and taking directions is only half of acting. It’s also learning and understanding the playwright’s intention about your character. Senior Megan Myers plays Miss Groze. “Miss Groze is an anti-hero. She’s dedicated to her secretary for Sir Charles but has more sinister layers underneath,” Myers said. Myers was last seen in last year’s production of “9 to 5: The Musical.” She played Judy Bernly (the role played by Jane Fonda in the 1980 movie). “A Murder Has Been Arranged” will run for two weekends at the Margaret Livensparger Theater. Show dates are November 1-3 and November 8-10. Tickets are $8 for students and senior citizens, and $10 for everyone else.

Reality TV continues to draw viewers Students voice their opinions on Reality TV

“‘Here Comes Honey Boo Boo’ is my favorite reality show. I call my little brother ‘Sugar Bear’ just like the dad in that show.”

Nadia Gedeon staff writer Reality television is very popular when it comes to most high school students. There are singing, dancing, talent, and just crazy friends and families reality shows. Many students like reality T.V. because it entertains them, others may not like it at all because they believe it’s staged. The students below voice their opinions on why they like or dislike reality T.V., and what their favorite reality show is.

“I like ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Their family is entertaining, and I love Scott Disick. Watching other people’s everyday lives is more interesting compared to mine.”

Jacob Trumpie, junior

India Heard, senior

Aliana Al-Alam, sophomore

“Reality T.V. is pathetic and stupid. I live reality T.V. It’s called real life.”

“I like to watch ‘Jersey Shore,’ but I like ‘Keeping up with the Kardashians,’ too because of all the beautiful women.”

“I don’t really like reality T.V. because I think it’s fake, and the only people on reality T.V. are major stars.” Noah Fillion, sophomore

Mitchell Simon, junior Photos by Nadia Gedeon

The Hot Spot

Holt High School Ramparts

CREEPY CARTOONS Celebrate Halloween this year with a movie or two

Director Tim Burton, creator of “A Nightmare before Christmas”, produces a heartwarming 3D animated movie, being shown in theaters this month. Frankenweenie is a cute new twist on the classic Frankenstein story. After losing his beloved dog Sparky, Victor uses the power of science to bring him back from the dead. He tries to keep his scientific experiment a secret, but Sparky escapes and soon everyone in town discovers what Victor has created. Some of Victors peers who are participating in the school science fair try to duplicate his experiment on other animals, with catastrophic results. Burton’s eccentric style truly shines though in Frankenweenie.

Hotel Transylvania (PG) An animated comedy that is sure to bring a smile to your face (regardless of your age) Hotel Transylvania hit theaters this fall. The movie features the well-known voices of Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, David Spade, Cee Lo Green, and Andy Samburg. “I liked that it was goofy, Halloween-themed and how it still related to teens, even though it was a children’s movie,” junior Kiara Kline said. In the movie, Dracula runs a hotel specifically for monsters, called Hotel Transylvania. The hotel was made specially to protect monsters and ghouls from being disturbed by humans,

We’ve selected two people to interview and find out what music they love this

What’s stuck in family and consumer sciences teacher Kellie Sweitzer’s head?

“Give Your Heart A Break” by Demi Lovato “It’s always on the radio, and it’s also very catchy.”

staff writer

Frankenweenie (PG):

My Tunes

Style of music: Girl Power

Abby Cousineau

Get in touch with your inner kid and celebrate Halloween this year with a couple festive movies. Halloween is fast approaching, plans for trick-or-treating are beginning to circulate around the school and just in time, a few Halloween-inspired movies have hit the big screen.

October 2012

“The Scientist’” by Coldplay “It’s a slower-paced song and is very calm.” “Wop” by J. Dash “It’s my ringtone, and it’s our volleyball warm-up song as well.” “Good Girl” by Carrie Underwood “I saw her in concert.” Photo by Disney Enterprises/MCT

Victor and his parents, along with Sparky pre-experiment, sit together as a family watching a movie. They are wearing their 3D glasses to advertise that ‘Frankenweenie’ can be seen in 3D. so they can finally live in peace. One extra special weekend, Dracula invites some of the world’s most notorious monsters, including Frankenstein, the Mummy, the Invisible Man and a family of werewolves, to celebrate his daughter’s birthday. But everything could be ruined when one ordinary guy unexpectedly stumbles upon the secret resort and takes a particular liking to Dracula’s daughter.

Top five

Halloween Movies

Ramparts surveyed students on what their alltime favorite Halloween themed movies were.

Halloween

Paranorman (PG) From the inventors of Coraline comes a 3D animated comedy-horror flick. Moviegoers can go see Paranorman in theaters this month. The movie’s main character, Norman, is an anti-social boy who is bullied by his peers because of his ability to speak with the dead. The town where he lives is cursed by a 300-year-old witch, and it is up to Norman and his abnormal abilities to help save the day. “The movie actually had a lot of cussing in it, which surprised me,” junior Destinee Porter said. Porter said it was funny, but it did contain some creepy scenes and is probably geared toward an older audience.

What’s stuck in senior Bernard Pohl’s head?

HalloweenTown

Hokus Pokus

4 A Nightmare before Christmas

Coraline Source: Ramparts survey of 75 students.

Style of music: “Metal! It’s fast paced and never fails to get me going. Metal allows musical instruments to be heard, therefore the appreciation grows.” “Soothsayer” by Buckethead “I like it because it is meaningful in the way that it dedicated to his deceased aunt. I also appreciate that the song consists solely of guitar.” “Goodbye Blue Sky” by PInk Floyd “ I admire contradiction of subject matter and the vibe.” “Charley’s Inferno” by the Handsome Devil “I like the upbeat music and the deep/dark lyrics.” “World Long Gone” by Scars on Broadway “I just like the vocals...makes it interesting.” “Soldier Side” by a System of a Down “ The tone is great and vocals are awesome, as always.” If you’d like to tell us what songs are stuck in your head, e-mail a list of five songs and your comments to ramparts@hpsk12.net

Sports

October 2012

The Press Box GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

record: 4-3 season highlight: “We had Ruth’s Race on October 6, that the guys and girls cross country teams both ran in and helped set up for. It was dedicated to Ruth Pridgen, a sixth grade teacher at Hope Middle School, who died from pancreatic cancer. She was a cross country and track coach here and we all loved doing something in honor of her and in her memory,” junior Mackenzie Dudek said. in their words: “We had really good competition [on the team], and with eight girls on varsity, we’re always fighting to keep our spots,” junior Emily Krueger said.

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

record: 6-1 season highlight:“Our best moment was winning the JCC Invite at the beginning of the year,” junior Zack Hulliberger said. in their words: “We have good chemistry as a team, and hope to win conferences,” Hulliberger said. CHEERLEADING

season highlight: “Our highlight was homecoming. We didn’t have very long to prepare for it, but we somehow pulled it all together,” junior Skylar Schafer said. in their words:“We’re a family, even though it may be a dysfunctional one,” Schafer said.

FOOTBALL

record: 5-4 league standing: Third Place season highlight: “Getting to share senior night with my family and teammates,” senior Tanner Beachnau said. in their words: “Beating East Lansing while they were undefeated was a pretty cool moment,” junior Eric Potter said.

GIRLS GOLF

league standing: Third season highlight: “Shooting under par at the Jackson Lumen Christi Invite was pretty special,” junior Pader Her said. in their words: “A pretty significant moment was at Walnut Hills when I shot my personal best of 89,” junior Alexxis Van Pelt said.

Holt High School Ramparts

Get your

the head ingame

Mental preparation is key to success on the field or on the court Cody worden entertainment editor

“I don’t usually go into a game mentally knowing that I’m going to win. I mentally prepare for a challenge,” senior Emilee Mead said. In high school many students play multiple sports throughout the year and sometimes even at the same time. Mentally preparing could make all the difference. A person could either drop a pass or run a touchdown all depending on how well they prepared mentally and honed in on what they are doing. Preparation is not only physical, but it is also mental. It could mean jumping up and down yelling, “Go Rams,” or even just relaxing listening to some old school rap or heavy metal. Either way it prepares a person to be the best they can be. “I usually listen to music like metal and rock because it gets me pumped up,” Mead said. A key factor to playing your best, and achieving a goal is being focused, and if someone is not focused then it could hinder their potential to do well. “I’d have to think really hard and block it all out,” senior Aurelio Quinter ro said when it came mentally preparing. Sports are all about twists and

Photo by Zahra Ahmad

Assistant coach Jack Rarick gives his players a pep-talk during the Holt vs. Everett game on September14 game. A pep-talk before a big game is away to mentally prepare. turns, where the whole game plan is key. If you think you can do it, you will be more confident in playing. changes, and preparing helps will. When one has confidence, they 3. Visualize success. If you can someone be ready for anything. feel more comfortable playing their see yourself winning the game, you “It prepares you to be ready for sport, and can achieve their full will exude confidence. If you think anything and everything,” said potential. If you question yourself you are going to win, and you play senior Ashleigh Carr when it came to the whole time, you could mess up. your hardest to achieve that goal, how well mentally preparing helps 2. Begin preparing for your you may win. a person. upcoming game early. You cannot Whether or not one prepares According to livestrong.com there perform well if you let external the success of the team is key, and are a few ways to mentally prepare factors affect you during your game. makes mentally preparing worth it for a football game that could be Figure out that strategy and once you in the long haul. adapted to any other sport. do that it will be easier to familiarize Mead put it best, “I feel like mental 1. Have confidence in your ability a routine that you follow for your preparation gives you an insight to to play the sport you do. Confidence sport. If you know the routine, you the success of your team.”

Sports

Holt High School Ramparts

October 2012

Doubles team sets new school record

Team finishes second in conference Stacie Skinker staff writer

In Russ Olcheske’s six years of coaching, the varsity tennis team has risen from the bottom of conference standings to the top. With a record of 13-7-3, Holt claimed a second place position in conference play for the second year in a row, tying with East Lansing. As a team, Holt finished fifth regionals but did not qualify for the state tournament. “We had a good season; we just didn’t play well during regionals. It was windy and cold but that’s no excuse,” Olcheske said. “It was still a great season.” Holt bounced back quickly after losing seven seniors last year. A continued work rate is what senior captain Jason Daman said has helped them step up. “I think we exceeded expectations this year. We tied 4-4 against East Lansing, so that was one of our high points,” Daman said. “It’s been a good season as a team, and individually I’m

doing good, too.” Daman has had a solid season performing as number three singles. Freshman Joe Gilman has earned his spot at number two singles, while senior Rob Lamond held down the number one spot for singles. Doubles partners George Edelman and Robert Hull, both seniors, set a school record along the way going unbeaten in 21 consecutive matches. “I knew another win would break the school record, but I didn’t let it affect my play,” Edelman said. Before every match, the two prepared with the team and then warmed up as a pair. “Staying mentally tough through the match and getting to the net before opponents do is the hardest part about about playing doubles,” Hull said. Friends since second grade, Hull and Edelman agree that their chemistry helped them succeed on the court. The duo got together their freshman year and have been partners ever since. Hull plans on attending Eastern Michigan University, while Edelman plans on attending MSU. Both have aspirations to try out for their college’s club team.

GIRLS SWIMMING AND DIVING

Photo by Sydney Holmes

At the Holt Invitational on September 15, senior Jason Daman serves the ball over the net. The team placed first in the invitational.

Junior Her shatters school records Abby Cousineau staff writer

Photo by Abby Cousineau

Practicing at Eldorado Golf Course are members of the varsity golf team. The team advanced to the state tournament for the ninth consecutive year. Sunnybrook Country Club. Despite the windy conditions, the girls finished in third place, qualifying them to go to States. Holt shot an overall score of 398, right behind Rockford who scored 386, and East Kentwood who won first place with a score of 381. “I thought we had a chance to win it, it was really nerve-racking, but we ended up getting third place,” Coach Doug Harkema said. “They kept the streak alive and made it to States for the ninth year in a row. I’m proud of that as a coach.”

BOYS SOCCER

record: 11-7-3 league standing: Third place season highlight: “The East Kentwood game, knowing that we could’ve beaten the number one team in the state. I thought we played really good,” junior Zach Hernandez said. in their words: “It was a fun, fought season and I wouldn’t pick to do it with anyone else but my teammates. I love you guys,” senior Alex Hadick said.

Girls golf tees off at state match again

The girls golf team had another impressive season this year, winning third place at regionals and making it to the state tournament for the ninth consecutive year, all while junior Pader Her reset the school record book on their way. The State Tournament was held on October 19 and 20 at MSU’s Forest Akers Golf Course. The team got 14th place at States this year with a total score of 761. They made it to the state tournament despite having no seniors on the roster this year. “The team did the best they could. They struggled this year, but it’s a new experience for them, and I know that next year they will improve,” Her said. The Division One State Regionals were held October 11 at Hudsonville,

The Press Box

Her shot a 77 on October 19 and a 75 on October 20, placing her among the top 10 individuals and a third place finish individually with a score of 152. She also broke a school record early in the season with her score of 70 on an 18-hole round of golf, which is two under par. “I improved more than I thought I would this season. My score has lowered and my short game has improved a lot,” Her said. Her is not the only player who saw growth this season.

“I’ve improved; my skill has gotten better. I still struggle with the mental game, though. I’m not exactly where I want to be, but next year it’s go time,” junior Alexxis Van Pelt said. Harkema attributed the young t e a m’s s u c c e s s t o t h e c l o s e friendships the girls have. “The team is so strong this year because they want to be together, they all really enjoy practice,” Harkema said. Teamwork was another factor that carried them through the season. “We are really close and we learn different ways to hit shots from each other,” junior Katie Harmer said. Van Pelt agreed. “I learned something new every day. There is always something new to learn in golf,” Van Pelt said. The team is looking ahead to next season and planning to build on this year’s success. “We lost three of our best players last year, and it affected us score wise,” Van Pelt said. “But we gained new players this season who have shown a lot of talent, so next year should be another great season.”

season highlight: “Getting to watch some of my teammates set new records,” junior Sarah Shaffer said. in their words: “It was really cool to beat Okemos in the 200 free relay,” junior Jenna King said.

VOLLEYBALL

record: 21-13-4 league standing: Third place season highlight: “Beating Grand Ledge in three games on their senior night after they beat us last year on our senior night. It was like revenge,” junior Emma Sluiter said. in their words: “I like our team a lot this year. There’s lots of talent and we all get along. We performed better than any of us thought,” senior Julie Shallman said.

BOYS TENNIS

record: 13-7-3 league standing: Second place season highlight: “Finishing second place in CAAC in a good conference with Okemos and East Lansing was a really big deal to us,” Coach Russ Olcheske said. in their words: “We would go at each other’s throats every practice so when it came game time, we’d try to outperform each other which would make us play better,” junior Justin Green said.

Sports

October 2012

Holt High School Ramparts

Athletes deal with sports-related concussions State passes new laws to protect students from injury

SIGNS OF A CONCUSSION

Medical experts say these symptoms are possible evidence of a concussion.

Noah Goldblatt Sports Editor Ju ni o r Ni ck Big e low wa s at football practice in 2011, when he was hit in the head by two players while being tackled. Senior Troy DeLong was running upfield last season during a lacrosse game, when he was hit from behind in the head by an opposing player. Junior Vincent Rawlings was woken up on the football field on October 2 and told he was involved in a helmet-to-helmet hit, though he has no memory of the play, and he now cannot remember the specific day where he suffered the concussion. Ju n i o r D o u g H a l l b e g a n a wrestling match in February 2012, only to wake up in an ambulance, after being kneed in the head during the match, an event he has no memory of, one month after being choked out during a separate match. Four different athletes, one common injury-a concussion. A concussion, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, is a minor traumatic brain injury (TBI) that may occur when the head hits an object, or a moving object strikes the head. This is one of the more dangerous injuries in sports, as it is possible to have a concussion and not realize it, and if a second concussion occurs while the victim is still healing from the first one, there can be brain swelling or long-term changes in the brain.

Headache Memory Loss Sensitivity to Movement and Light Black Flashes in eyes Dizziness Disorientation Fatigue Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Photo by Noah Goldblatt

Watching from the sidelines, junior Vince Rawlings sits out the October 12 football game against Jackson. Rawlings suffered a concussion October 2 and was not cleared to play by trainer Steve Pingston before the game. There has been new focus on concussions lately, as the state, in conjunction with the school districts, has tried to stop and help students with with concussions. T h e at h l e t i c d e p a r t m e nt i s trying to prevent, and deal with concussions, undergoing new concussion awareness training mandated by the state, and regulating the return of athletes to the field, as written in the two

Don’t Miss This Girls Volleyball October 30

The varsity volleyball team will be playing against Coldwater at Coldwater High School at 6:30 p.m., come out and support the team.

Girls Swimming and Diving November 1, 2, 3

The varsity girls swimming and diving team competes in the CAAC meet at East Lansing next week. Diving begins on Thursday at 6 p.m. Swimming begins Friday at 6 p.m. Finals for both swimming and diving begin at 2 p.m. Saturday.

new laws recently passed by the Michigan State Legislature. These new regulations only allow students to return to the field with the written clearance from a medical professional. Concussions can cause epilepsy and also greatly increase the risk of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s Disease, (a disease that is a disorder of the brain that leads to shaking and difficulty with walking, movement, and coordination) and other brain diseases that become more prevalent with age. These disease can happen regardless of the severity of the concussion. Concussions can also cause m a n y d a n g e r o u s s h o r t- t e r m symptoms, as reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. After Hall suffered a concussion during his match in February 2012, he suffered the effects for the next three to four months. He had memory loss, issues with dizziness and dis or ientation, recur r ing headaches and bouts of slight

You don’t really “remember how it happens. ” -Vince Rawlings

depression. DeLong had recurring h e a d a c h e s, a n d e x p e r i e n c e d fatigue and sensitivity to light. After his concussion, Bigelow had issues with light sensitivity, blurr y vision, and reported black flashes in his eyes. “[My] last memor y is the hit, then waking up in the trainer’s office,” Bigelow said. He said he has no memory of the time that passed during his blackout. Rawlings cannot recall anything from the day of his concussion. “You don’t really remember how it happens,” Rawlings said.

He also repor ted dizziness, memory loss, and sensitivity to movement and light, symptoms that Bigelow, DeLong, and Hall also suffered. After each concussion, though, all four athletes reported going to see athletic trainer Steve Pingston. “[You] can’t stop concussions, they’re like the common cold,” Pingston said. Despite that, the trainer’s office goes to great lengths to prevent concussions, Pingston said. They help athletes recover by educating at h l e t e s o n h ow c o n c u ss i o n s happen, and if a concussion occurs, holding out athletes as long as necessary until symptoms subside. Pingston says a lot of concussions are reported every month, and while the athletic department does as much as possible to promote safety by teaching proper tackling and working on strengthening neck muscles to avoid injuries, concussions are still inevitable. In spite of that, there is also a dedicated staff of student trainers at hand whenever needed to treat injured or concussed athletes. For athletes like Hall, Rawlings, DeLong, and Bigelow, however, getting back on the field, healthy or not, is the most important thing. “When you’re out, all you want to do is get back on the field with your bro t hers,” Big elow said.