SPOTLIGHT
South Hadley High School’s student-run newspaper since 1919 Volume 97, Issue 2 | Winter 2017
Staff photos by Erin Marx For more Bag the Community photos, go to @spotlight153 on Instagram
BAG THE COMMUNITY: (Top left) Amirah Sheehan-Miles and Sofia Bergendale smile for a photo while volunteering. (Top right) Community members help to organize bags. (Bottom left) Chef Ezra Bleau wheels stacks of cans to be sorted, bagged, and delivered. (Bottom right) Community member helps sort donated items.
SPOTLIGHT
Spotlight, currently in its 97th year, is South Hadley High School’s studentrun, open forum publication. Students create all content and make all editorial decisions.
Spotlight Editorial Board
Inside this issue
News 3
Features 4&5
Reviews 6&7
Student Opinions 9&10
Erin Marx Kyle Pease
Editorial Assistant Madelynne Mathers Michael Senecal
Staff Reporters Casimare Acosta Max Ferdman-Hayden Ethan Murphy Jojo Roman Trinity Sperry
Staff Photographer Sydney Fowles
Adviser Mr. B-G
Contact us Facebook: @spotlight153 Twitter: @spotlight153 Instagram: @spotlight153 Email: spotlight153@gmail.com Web: spotlight153.com Phone: (413) 538-5063 Ext. 3512 Address: Spotlight Newspaper South Hadley High School 153 Newton Street South Hadley, MA 01075 2 ABOUT | Spotlight | Winter 2017
Editorial 11
A note from the staff We are pleased to bring you the winter edition of Spotlight for the 20162017 school year. As always, you can get regular updates from the Spotlight social media, listed on the left. Our Instagram account, @Spotlight153, is our newest social media offering, and is regularly updated with pictures from school events and sports games.
Spotlight would love to publish your work, so if you’re interested in writing stories or taking pictures, please let any staff member or Mr. B-G know. We also welcome reader feedback and letters to the editor, which may be sent to spotlight153@gmail.com. A special thanks goes out to our advertisers and Easthampton Savings Bank for their ongoing support.
Marijuana legalized in Massachusetts Positive change or reefer madness?
Creative Commons image by wonderlandforever on Flickr
BUBBLERS, BONGS, AND BOWLS: The devices pictured above are used to smoke marijuana in different ways; some utilize water. Creative Commons image by dews cult on Flickr
BEST BUDS: Marijuana is commonly found in these clumps, called buds, then ground up prior to smoking.
By Carlie Williams At the end of last year, voters in Massachusetts approved the legalization of marijuana, with a 54% saying yes. Following the legalization of the drug, new laws will be enacted regarding the growing, possession, and taxation of marijuana. While residents are allowed to grow up to 12 plants per household, plants may not be grown in any area that is visible to the public. Operating a vehicle while under the influence of marijuana is illegal, as is selling or giving marijuana to anyone under the age of 21. Selling or possessing the drug on public school grounds remains illegal. The legal limit for how much a person 21 or over can have on them is one ounce, but a person may have up to 10 ounces in their home. Students and teachers have different opinions about the legalization of marijuana, with some looking more favorably on the law change, while others have reservations.
“I’m still going to smoke it the same,” said one male senior. “Nothings really changed.” Other students disagree with the law, with one female junior saying, “Recreational use is stupid, but medical use is okay.” Another senior was skeptical that the law change would have any meaningful effects. “Do as you please, because nothing is going to change,” he said. “Everyone will still get weed the same way they always have, and the age limit really means nothing. Drug dealers won’t go out of business because they don’t tax.” Teachers at the high school expressed a variety of viewpoints. History teacher Stephanie Viens noted there will likely be some confusion as the government attempts to regulate plant/ ounce limits in the homes of private citizens. Special education teacher Jeff Taylor said he thought the law change would be a good thing, because it should reduce the number of crimes and bring more money to the state through taxation. Karen Walsh-Pio, the drug and alcohol counselor at the school, said she feels the legaliza-
tion of recreational marijuana gives the false impression that marijuana is safe to use, and said she has faith that teens will recognize marijuana is still illegal for them. Walsh-Pio cautioned that the high levels of THC in marijuana and its effect on the body is still unknown. She said she hopes this legalization will spark more research into the topic, and wanted to stress that just like “big tobacco,” the marijuana industry is all about money. As a whole, with an almost 50/50 split in the official vote and with what teachers and students have to say, there are many thoughts on the new law. Many oppose it but many support it, while some support the legalization but feel it shouldn’t be as strictly regulated. But the fact remains that marijuana is now legal, and in time, adults over 21 should be able to purchase marijuana from state-regulated dispensaries.
Winter 2017 | Spotlight | NEWS 3
Meet the newest staff and faculty members
Ryan Caster Band Director
Ryan Caster became the band teacher at the high school after graduating from UMass Amherst with a degree in Music Education. This job is much different than his first one, he said, which was cleaning NASCARS for a racing school in Rhode Island. During his own high school experience, Caster enjoyed the sense of community and being able to preform with people who had common interests. He also throughly appreciated the Star Wars soundtrack. One accomplishment he is most proud of is being invited to Austria with the UMass trumpet ensemStaff photos by Erin Marx ble during his senior year. PIANO MAN: Ryan Caster loves hammering the His favorite part about being the band teacher is that he keys of any piano he comes across. gets the best of both worlds. Not only does he get to teach and inspire students, but he also gets to be an artist and continue to create music.
Jenya Kushin
Counselor and Work-Based Learning Coordinator If you’re a student in the Connections program, you already know Jenya Kushin. She was born in Far Eastern Russia in 1977, and moved to Moscow at 18 to go to college for linguistics. She decided to stay there when she got a job and eventually met her husband, a native of Springfield, MA. After moving to the Untied States with her husband, Kushin was a stay-at-home mom for 12 years. She then decided to get a degree in psychology from Westfield State University and become a guidance counselor. She said she loves being a counselor; it is her favorite job she has ever had. Kushin gets satisfaction out of helping students find colleges, build resumes, and decide their career paths. Outside of school, Kushin has many hobbies, which include dancing, hiking, going to art museums, and spending time with her family. She has three sons, aged 15, 12, and 9. BUILDING FUTURES: Kushin avidly dedicates herself to helping students prepare for life outside of high school. 4 FEATURES | Spotlight | Winter 2017
‘Rogue one: A star wars story’ sTAYS TRuE To THE beloved Franchise
Star Wars photos from Lucasfilm
By Kyle Pease “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” released last December, is the newest movie in the Star Wars franchise. Set before the events of “A New Hope,” the very first Star Wars film ever released, the movie tells the story of the team that stole the Death Star plans that Vader is hunting in “A New Hope.” The story follows Jyn Urso and the companions she picks up along the way as she embarks on a very personal mission to steal the plans to an unknown planet killer that fans know as the Death Star. The movie begins with introducing many of the main characters as they are in the present time: Jyn Urso who is a fugitive of the Empire; rebel captain Cassian Andor; and Imperial defector Bodhi Rook. However, they meet more companions on the course of their journey, including a witty droid and a blind staff fighter who is one with The Force. The movie is terrifically different; it has all the charm of the previous films, but takes on a darker, more desperate tone. It does feel like a hopeless mission
while you watch the movie, even though you know the plans do indeed if you’ve seen “A New Hope.” So how does the movie create tension if we know the mission is a success? By creating such compelling characters, the tension lies on if they make it or not. And it does succeed, as not one of the main cast is unlikeable by any means - in fact they are very easy to get attached to because of how relateable they are. All of them come from a troubled past that many viewers can relate to, and these flawed heroes are very similar to many watching. Perhaps the best part about this new Star Wars film is that it is not a typical Star Wars film. The film is not about the Jedi, or the Skywalkers. It is just about a random group of rebels. This break from the Jedi story is a welcome breather, and even serves to expand and liven the galaxy a little. For example, the Rebellion gets so much more fleshed out than they were in the original trilogy, they really do seem like a ragtag group of fighters who
can be extremist at times. This serves to not only make “Rogue One” an excellent film, but also improves the original trilogy they prelude. The film accomplished telling a very exciting and deeply personal story while also improving the universe that so many know and love, providing a new view with which to watch the older films and gain a better appreciation for the characters, their mission, and the galaxy.
Our Thoughts
Spotlight gives “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” 4.5 out of 5 paws. The movie is a must-see for any Star Wars fan, especially those looking for something a little different than what they’re used to from the franchise.
Winter 2017 | Spotlight | REVIEWS 5
Local eats
Profiles of local restaurants high school students can afford
El Guanaco: Mexican food done locally By Kyle Pease El Guanaco, located at 50 Lamb Street, is a local Mexican/Salvadorian restaurant that serves some seriously good food. With offers like burritos, tacos, enchiladas, toastadas, and full meals, anyone enjoying Mexican food is sure to find something that they’re familiar with. There are even several good vegetarian options available. El Guanaco is affordable for students, especially with weekly burrito specials ($5 for a chicken burrito on Tuesdays and Wednesdays). The food is inexpensive, but don’t let that fool you. It is very filling with big portions, as well as delicious. It usually takes around 1525 minutes for your food to be ready, so it is a fast option, especially if you want to pick it up for takeout. El Guanaco is a must-eat for locals to at least try out, The cheap, filling food makes it a favorite for many at the high school.
BEAUTIFUL BURRITOS: Food is served with tasty simplicity.
Staff photos by Kyle Pease
HOMEY APPEAL: Inside and out, the building is very comfortable and you feel like a guest in a home.
SMALL BILLS: You don’t need much to dine on delicious food here.
Ichiban: Chinese and Japanese Cuisine
Sushi photos from Ichiban’s Facebook page
THIS FISH IS THE SHISH: Homemade sushi dishes are plated beautifully, and are as enjoyable to look at as they are to eat.
By Kyle Pease For those who have a taste for Eastern food, Ichiban at 2090 Memorial Drive, South Hadley, is the place to go. With many options like Chinese food, Japanese food, or the sushi bar, anyone who enjoys Asian food can find something to like here. The cost is 6 REVIEWS | Spotlight | Winter 2017
low and the food is great, especially with free hot tea and ice cream when you dine in, so it is the perfect place for high school students to go out to eat. The sushi comes highly recommended, especially when you sit
at the bar and watch the sushi chef make your order. With a friendly staff, great food, uncommon menu and drink options, and low cost, Ichiban is perfect for high school students who want a good meal with their friends.
Spotlight adheres to the MA Student Free Expression Law
“Freedom of expression shall include without limitation, the rights and responsibilities of students, collectively and individually, (a) to express their views through speech and symbols, (b) to write, publish, and disseminate their views, (c) to assemble peacefully on school property for the purpose of expressing their opinions. No expression made by students in the exercise of such rights shall be deemed to be an expression of school policy and no school officials shall be held responsible in any civil or criminal action for any expression made or published by the students.�
Winter 2017| Spotlight | 7
Student Opinions
‘Trevor Project’ advocates for LGBTQ teens, saves lives By Max Ferdman-Hayden
Students share thoughts on topics they’re passionate about
Outlaw experiments on animals
Did you know that the leading cause of death in the teen LGBTQ community is suicide? Thirty percent of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or even just questioning teens attempt suicide every year because of bullying from their peers. This is a major problem in our country. Even though they are a very small minority at 3.8 percent, the LGBTQ community are still humans deserving of rights and respect like all other citizens of the United States. Yet some people treat them like human trash for no reason other than they’re different. In the year 2017, society should be completely accustomed to LGBTQ people. So why are they still being attacked? There are several groups that go to extreme measures to support LGBTQ people and make them feel loved and accepted. One of these groups is The Trevor Project. The Trevor Project is a coalition of amazing people who serve on a suicide hotline for LGBTQ teens, provide general life advice, and donate thousands of dollars to teens who were kicked out of their homes by homophobic parents or guardians. One thing everyone can do to help members of the LGBTQ community is to understand and accept that they are just trying to get through life like everyone else. If this simple solution is achieved, the world would be a much more loving and happy place for everyone to live in. This is a simple problem that doesn’t need to be a problem. If we can just accept that people are different, that people aren’t necessarily like you, then we can make a difference. We can make this change and be the generation that stops homophobia.
Electric cars are our future
By Jojo Roman
Over 100 million animals are experimented on with dangerous chemicals every year, and 92% of products and drugs tested on these animals are hazardous to humans. Rats, mice, guinea pigs, cats, dogs, and monkeys are experimented on for companies like Tide, Chapstick, Febreze, Windex, Clorox, Lysol, Arm & Hammer, Glade, Avon, and Dove, to name a few. During these tests, the animals are burned, crippled, poisoned, and sometimes even killed. Animals should not have to risk serious illnesses or death for your cleaning products and cosmetics. There are many groups that are trying to stop this. One in particular is PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals”. What they do is protest and campaign against the U.S. government’s HPV chemical testing program designed to test thousands of chemicals on animals. Something you could do to help is stop buying products tested on animals. You can read labels to check if they are. Bunny by AlexanderN on Flickr There’s plenty of brands that don’t test on animals like E.l.f Cosmetics, Kat Von D, Too faced Cosmetics, Urban Decay, Jeffree Star Cosmetics, Wet N Wild Cosmetics, Paul Mitchell hair products, Jason hair products, VO5 hair products, and others. Although they may sound unfamiliar, they are cruelty free. Doing this will (hopefully) catch the attention of the many companies that experiment on animals, and stop them from hurting millions of animals that don’t deserve the pain and suffering.
Start school later
Students and staff would benefit from later opening By Casimare Acosta
During the 2011-12 school year, (the most recent statistic) only 17.7% of the nation’s public middle, high school, and combined schools met the 8:30 a.m. start time guideline set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control. Nearly 40% of schools started before 8 a.m. Many kids want later school days. Why would anybody want to wake up as early as 6 a.m.? Some students may wake up even earlier. We should start school at a later time to improve the sleep schedule for kids across America. Many kids don’t like getting up really early to head off to school. Studies show that when kids get 8.5 to 9.5 hours of sleep, they can fully start the day off refreshed and ready to go. So to start the day at a later time like 8:30 or 9 a.m. would help middle and high school students be more content. Starting the school day too early can lead to depression, lack of sleep, higher rates of obesity, and motor-vehicle accidents among teens. Having school at a later time improves Sleeping student by Pragmagraphr on Flickr
8 OPINIONS | Spotlight | Winter 2017
Tesla Model S from Tesla Motors
By Ethan Murphy
With natural minerals running low, and the growing human population, we must take the right precautions right now to preserve natural resources and the fate of our planet. Gas-powered vehicles are one of the greatest consumers of oil. One of the most effective ways to reduce our oil consumption is to make the switch to electric cars. They run off of electricity which is completely Eco-friendly. Because electric cars do not use gas, they also do not produce harmful emissions, and they reduce noise pollution. Companies like Nissan and Tesla are also known for making electric cars. One helpful website is www. conserve-energy-future.com, which will provide you with further information and answer any specific questions you may have. Although not all students can drive at the moment, they can still make suggestions to parents or anyone interested in buying a car. We can control the outcome of our future, but it has to start now. Gas powered cars play a role in air pollution and also give off greenhouse gases. It is time to phase them out. When gasoline is burnt, it evaporates and then releases gases such as carbon monoxide, which then play a big role in global warming and the greenhouse gas effect. Scientists predict that we have approximately 53.3 years of oil left if we continue at our current rate of consumption. We hold the fate of our planet in our hands. What will you do with that responsibility?
many issues with kids coming to school. Having that extra hour or so gives us kids more rest. People are rushed by early times. We will have less to worry about now that we have extra time. Having the time increases when kids go to school, and will not just improve attendance, but also overall satisfaction. The school day should start later; it doesn’t just give us more time, but solves issues that many people commonly deal with. Students will be able to learn more effectively, as they will actually be fully awake during school hours.
Gay pride flag by SamanthaR on Flickr
Society’s pressure for the ‘perfect’ body is harmful to teenage girls By Trinity Sperry
High school is one of the biggest parts of a teenager’s life, and it can be a good or bad experience for different people. If you were to ask anyone in this high school they would probably tell you they are self-conscious about at least one part of their body. It is proven that 7 out of 10 girls feel like they aren’t good enough, and dislike themselves, according to heartofleadership.org. Everyone feels at some point like they do not rank up to someone. Girls especially face this problem when comparing themselves to celebrities and other girls around them. If you were to pick up a magazine at the grocery store right now you could probably find a few with pictures of ‘beautiful’ models and celebrities. There are millions of pictures in the world that teenagers will look at and wonder why they don’t look like them. Many of them also have issues with their weight and body. Fifty percent of teen girls will use an unhealthy way to try to lose weight by smoking, doing drugs, or skipping meals. Usually dieting won’t go to an extreme,
but some may find themselves with an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. They feel the need to make themselves look how they think others want no matter the consequences. Another thing teenagers may do is work themselves to the limit while exercising which is very unhealthy for the body. Many girls with body confidence issues need a lot of help to become confident. A group that helps is the NYC Girls Project, which promotes self-esteem and the store Aerie, which promotes body positivity. Everyone can help people with these issues by being kind to one another and not judging someone by the outside. Also, girls can help each other by complementing - rather than hating on - each other. This will allow everyone to boost their self worth. Next time you’re feeling bad about some aspect of your body, remind yourself that everyone is made different and everyone has issues. No one is ‘perfect.’
Girl in mirror by JulesV on Flickr Winter 2017 | Spotlight | 9 OPINIONS
Join a club! South Hadley High has many clubs available for students to join. These groups can be a great way to make friends and partake in a hobby you enjoy. Meet people, have fun, and enjoy yourself in any of the clubs available at SHHS. If you don’t see a club you like, or have an idea for a new one, start your own with some friends - all students need is a faculty sponsor.
POPULAR GROUPS INCLUDE: Ski Club - tearing up The Beast since 2007!
List of clubs at SHHS *Please note that some of these clubs, such as Ski Club, are not available to join at this moment, but can be signed up for next year before they begin. *
- Adrenaline (Dancing and singing) - Art Club and National Art Society - Best Buddies - Chess Club Contributed photo by Gary Hall
- Culture Club - Environmental Awareness Club
Art Club
- Game Club - Gay / Straight Alliance - Harlequins - SH*Improv - Jazz Band - Math Team
Contributed photo by Maureen McNally
- National Honor Society - Latin Club and Latin Honor Society - Leo Club
SH*IMPROV - The high school’s improv group
- Peer Leaders - Ski/Snowboard Club - Sports - Spotlight Media Organization - Student Council - Tiger Times - Yearbook
Staff photo by Erin Marx 10 FEATURES | Spotlight | Winter 2017
Annual can drive brings out the best in South Hadley community For the seventh year in a row, the high school’s “Bag the Community” donation drive was a huge success. Bag the Community has been one of the many ways our school has shown kindness by lending a helping hand to neighbors, and this year was no different. This year, Bag the Community will provide the town’s food pantry with 1/3 of the year’s food supply. Thanks to students and faculty, more food was donated than ever before, with more than 4,900 non-perishable items raised to go to those in need. Spotlight would like to thank everyone who donated and volunteered this last January. As in the past, Bag the Community
was made a friendly competition between the grades to see which one could donate the most. In first place with 1,924 cans, the seniors had a 769 can lead on the juniors, who won second place by a narrow margin of only 20 cans. The freshmen did crush the sophomores with a 859 can lead. Staff raised an admirable 432 cans, beating the sophomores by 156, and when you consider students far outweigh staff, our faculty really donated a lot. However, we all know the real winners are our neighbors in South Hadley, and everyone who participated by donating, volunteering, and supporting.
CANNING IT UP: Students and staff from the high school, along with community volunteers, worked to make the 2017 “Bag the Community” event the most successful ever, with nearly 5,000 donated items. Winter 2017 | Spotlight | EDITORIAL 11
Ugly Sweater Holiday Parade 2016
Photos by Sydney Fowles
SHHS students show off their creativity and humor in the parade, led by Vice Principal Pat Lemieux in a stunning snowman suit, pants, and tie. Many students went above and beyond, putting ribbons, candy, pictures, and symbols on their sweaters.