Issue 3, the Black & Gold, Volume 91

Sports

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December 20, 2011

Volume 91

Issue 3

Black Gold

2011 MIPA Spartan Award Winner

Traverse City Central High School 1150 Milliken Drive, Traverse City, Michigan 49686

Newsline Feature

Seasonal serenade

Photo: courtesy of Mark Hutchison

New experiences abound with holiday volunteer projects, educational exchange programs and the everevolving Twitter on page 4.

Sticking with trimesters

Graphic: M. Kachadurian

Central will keep the trimester system for at least another year, or until administrators find a solution that meets two of the school’s main goals: saving money, and offering students more elective choices. “We want to find something where students get more options,” Principal Rick Vandermolen said, “but that also can save us $400,000.”

Seldomtone showcase

Photo: A. Hilden

Photo: S. Hutchison

A&E With a front row seat and no intermission, encounter the Nutcracker Ballet. Also, learn about students who share the magic of their art by selling it and giving it as gifts, all on page 6.

Marin Tack ‘14, Kimberly DeBusschere ‘13, Rachel Creamer ‘15, Molly Smith ‘15, Betsy D’Aquila ‘15 and Susan Roskelley ‘13 perform during Vocal Majority’s holiday concert at the First Congregational Church.

“Singing at the holidays is a great way to celebrate and share Christmas spirit,” Creamer said. “My favorite song we sing is “Carol of the Bells” because it sounds amazing in four-part acapella.”

Vocal Majority is trying to raise money for a trip to New York City to perform at the Lincoln Center.

Not your everyday fundraiser Central’s robotics team recently hosted Super Science Saturday, an event where community members got up close and personal with science and learned firsthand from Central students. The Raptors also benefited, and the first annual event raised money to fund their projects

F Kennedy Cullen Staff Reporter

Photo: K. Raymond

Last Friday night, Seldomtone performed for a crowd of about one hundred people at the Good Work Collective in a joint concert with Ratone, a band from West Senior High. Seldomtone, a band whose members include Logan Dell’Acqua, John Piatek, Jake Myers, David Stone, Graham BeVier, and Noah Mitchell-Ward, all ‘14, put in many hours of work practicing for the concert.

“It makes you feel accomplished that you did something with your talents that other people can enjoy,” guitarist Myers said.

Integrating I.B. school

Photo: S. Hutchison

Bertha Vos will re-open for the ‘12-’13 school year as a Montessori and International Baccalaureate elementary school. The baccalaureate program has never been incorporated in TCAPS schools before, but it is expanding worldwide.

“It’s based on doing projects, and teaching the same material, but in different ways,” Marjorie Rich, TCAPS school board president said. “It’s more of students exploring things on their own.”

Briefs: G. Twietmeyer

FIRST Team 1711, Central’s robotics, brought their A-game to the second annual Super Science Saturday fundraiser held Dec 10.

Gooey, noisy, colorful exhibits filled cafeteria tables and elementary and middle school students circulated, exploring the wonders of weird science. Matt Medina ‘12 manned the computer-generated gyroscope projected onto a big screen and powered by a studentcontrolled switchboard.

“It’s a very hands-on event where kids can come and experience science,” Medina said.

Students from across the district traveled to Central last Saturday to explore the marvels Super Science Saturday. Eyes widened at the non-Newtonian fluid that turned solid when pressurized, hair stood up when in contact with a Van de Graaff generator, ears perked when ordinary straws were turned into kazoos. Nathan Mikulski and Quinten McGinty, both ‘12, headed the robot station.

“We’re getting kids excited about robots,” Mikulski said.

They let students drive the robot around a padded arena, giving them firsthand experience that the team hopes will encourage students to join robotics when they reach high school.

McGinty was elated about the turnout. “They’re having a great time, and they’re learning about science,” McGinty said.

Robotics at Central operates under the organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST). The national organization prides itself in the advancement of science in schools and promotes all aspects of science and teamwork in a competitive atmosphere. Central math teacher John Failor, one of the mentors of robotics, explained that robotics uses events like

Photo: E. Cover

Photo: E. Cover

Super Science Saturday and the FIRST robotics competitions to get closer to winning the Chairman’s Award.

“It’s the top award FIRST gives out,” Failor said. “It asks ‘how does the team embrace what FIRST is all about?’” Central’s robotics team has won the “Team Spirit” award for three consecutive seasons, and receiving the Chairman’s Award would bring even more prestige to our outstanding team.

Super Science Saturday highlighted the talents of robotics students while reinforcing skills needed to become successful in the future. Michael George, teacher and mentor, beamed as he recounted how said skills transfer to the real world.

“Everything from public speaking to dealing with people face-toface and communicating, we do,”

Above: Creating slime out of Borax and glue, Lauren Marchany ‘13 and Amanda Rabb ‘14 demonstrate viscosity. “It was fun for the kids to play with slime,” Marchany said. Left: Ian Cummings ‘13 helps a student test aerodynamics. “I showed the kids how different shapes create drag,” Cummings said. The students held shapes connected to wooden poles to feel how air flows around the foam shapes.

George said.

The team plans on continuing the fundraiser and hopes to see an even greater turnout in years to come.

“Getting kids interested in robotics early on will help our program as well as programs in surrounding areas develop,” Mikulski said.

A bright idea As an additional fundraiser, Team 1711 is selling environmentally friendly LED light bulbs that last fifty times longer than conventional incandescent bulbs. If you are interested in supporting FIRST Team 1711 by purchasing efficient, cost-saving light bulbs, contact Tristan Worthington, Chief Communications Officer, at 231-633-1679.

‘Adios’ to proposed middle school language requirements After the TCAPS School Board abandoned a proposal to require world language in middle school, district officials seek new ways to meet State graduation requirements, while ensuring that students maintain maximum freedom

Lia Williams Staff Reporter

Both students and elective teachers can breathe a sigh of relief thanks to a new proposal approved by the TCAPS Board of Education on Dec. 5 that determined the district would not require world language in middle school, only highly recommend it.

Originally the board wanted to require world language for middle schoolers to jump-start the new state requirements, which mandate that every student who graduates from TCAPS, starting with the class of 2016, must take two consecutive years of foreign language.

“They can choose whether they take that in middle school or in high school, but we’re not requiring it at a certain point and time,” TCAPS Board of Education President Marjorie Rich said. “We’re trying to put in place numerous options so that they can meet this requirement without much difficulty.”

Supporters of the requirement claimed the momentum students had from taking languages in third through fifth grades should be continued, and if students took two consecutive years of language early on in middle school, they could explore additional languages or take advanced levels. But those opposed to the requirement argued that students would lose elective choices.

“As a board, we were in a bind on what to do, whether to require it so they’d have the continuity, or to make it an optional class so they have opportunities for other things in their schedule,” Rich said. “The concern about limiting electives in middle school was ultimately what made us decide not to make it a requirement.”

Staff response has been primarily positive. “What they’re happy about is the fact that it is a choice, because a lot of the middle school philosophy is about choice,” East Middle School Principal and Professional Development Director Cathy Meyer said. “I think it’s important for students to have that capability in exploring what they’re interested in and what they enjoy and what they have skills in.”

West Middle School Principal and World Language Committee member Pam Alfieri concurred. “It helps give an open pathway to the individual considering the needs of the student,” Alfieri said. “I think by providing information, students make the best pathway.”

While the decision saved elective choices, some argue that students may have trouble meeting the language graduation requirement. Julie Puckett, board secretary and curriculum chair says it may not be so hard for students to fulfil the requirement.

continued, page 5

2 Opinion Graphic: J. Murray

Joe Murray

Editor-in-Chief

School: Lock-downs -- This is not a drill

After a week with no less than three lock-downs at local schools, you might want to consider taking those pesky drills a little more seriously.

On Dec. 5, Blair and West Middle School locked down after a man, believed to be carrying a 20 gauge shotgun, was at large. Police apprehended the man without incident and classes resumed.

Four days later, Traverse Heights also locked down, prompted by a false tip that an armed man was headed to the elementary.

Although both instances were precautionary and nobody was injured, this isn’t the environment we’re accustomed to. We aren’t Flint or Detroit.

That’s not to say Traverse City isn’t a safe town anymore, but following a northern Michigan summer littered with crime and the now-infamous downtown murder-suicide last spring, three school lock-downs in less than a week is disconcerting to say the least. We can only hope our town doesn’t lose its secure, small-town feel.

Local: No laughing matter -Comedy Fest cancelled for ‘12.

The Traverse City Comedy Arts Festival is normally a welcome relief from the winter blues, but the annual event won’t happen this February. After officials from both the Comedy Festival and the Traverse City Winter Microbrew and Music Festival couldn’t resolve a petty scheduling conflict, the public payed the price in losing the Comedy Festival this year. Co-founder Michael Moore claimed that Sam Porter of Porterhouse Productions, who puts on the Microbrew Festival, insisted on holding his event the same weekend as the Comedy Festival, despite an agreement the two reached after last year’s festivals fell on the same weekend. Moore made a copy of the agreement available to the public. Moore cited rowdy audience members who disrupted last year’s comedic acts after apparently indulging themselves at the Microbrew Festival; he also said the comedians’ and venues’ limited schedules made it impractical to move the date.

It’s easy to see why the for-profit Microbrew Fest would benefit from the non-profit Comedy Fest’s large crowds.

However, even after Traverse City Mayor Michael Estes convinced the Microbrew Festival to relocate to the Grand Traverse Commons, which would segregate the downtown Comedy Festival from Microbrew Festival attendees, Comedy Festival officials said that it was too late, to hold the festival.

At this point, Moore seems to be trying to prove a point instead of putting on much-welcome midwinter event for the public. But in the Sandbox School of Life, both local powerhouses need to learn to share their toys for the good of the community members who sustain their projects.

National: Penn State scandal stains Paterno’s legacy

the Black & Gold

When Jerry Sandusky, former defensive coordinator for Joe Paterno’s legendary Penn State football program, was charged with allegedly sexually abusing eight boys from 1994-2009, the public was quick to react to the sensational headlines.

Even more notable is the allegation of Paterno’s egregious lapse in judgement when he didn’t notify authorities about the incident, which a graduate assistant reported to him. Paterno’s “I should have done more” for the victims, rings hollow. This abhorrent failure to speak up all but negated his sixty-two years of service at the helm of Penn State’s storied football team. It’s the fall from grace that we’ve read about in countless Greek tragedies.

Though Paterno reported the incident to his athletic director, criminal actions demand more, and the university ousted him in the wake of the scandal.

But should one mistake, no matter how atrocious, overshadow a six decade legacy of success and respect? The Penn State scandal isn’t groundbreaking. Sandusky is simply the latest addition to the lengthy list of well-respected sports figures who fell from the public’s esteem to become the tabloid fodder of the moment. Like Tiger Woods before him and, most recently, Syracuse head basketball coach Jim Boeheim, whose assistant coach is accused of sexual assaulting two ball-boys, Paterno is the master of his craft. This doesn’t justify his mistake, but Paterno should be remembered as a masterful coach and sportsman who made a horrible mistake at the end of his prolific career, not a man who ended his career with a horrible mistake and only just so happened to be the winningest head coach college football has ever seen.

Traverse City Central High School Black & Gold Dec. 20, 2011

Our View

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that the principal had a right to know what the students were saying. “It was important for the organization to be aware of the comments their students were making,” Jones-Sontag told the Kansas City-Star on Wednesday. “It’s also important for students to recognize the power of social media, how lasting it is. It is on the Internet.”

A student’s controversial While it is noble for the govtweet sparks attack on ernor’s office to be concerned about students’ edification, the First Amendment; free rules regarding social networking are best left to parents’ speech prevails discretion. Let’s leave the governor to governing.

Charged with governing an entire state, one Eventually, the governor’s would think Brownback’s staff would have office apologized for their overreaction, and more important issues than to ensure that school officials issued a statement saying Sulliteens play nice on Twitter. While Sullivan’s use van wouldn’t have to apologize. The principal, of the verb “blows” may have bruised governor, and student all could have learned the governor’s ego, one would something from this Tweet, but the matter hope that an elected ofgot so blown out of proportion that they ficial would clean were only concerned with defendup the boo-boo ing themselves and couldn’t see their mistakes. If, after being contacted by the governor, the principal had just discussed the impact that Sullivan’s words had on the school’s reputation, instead of telling her to apologize, Sullivan could have learned something about the permanence of the Internet. But given how she was attacked by the head of state and her principal, how could anyone expect her to do anything but defend her right to free speech?

Although none of the parties involved were able to learn anything from the arGraphic: N. Mulvaine gument, it did provide a lesson, and entertainment, to the public. While not giving license and get back to work, not tattle to the kid’s to post anything one desires (there are laws principal. against libel), this affirms one of the tenants In defense of the backlash the governor’s that our country was founded upon, our First camp received from both the national media Amendment-- if you have an opinion, speak and the public, Jones-Sontag told the media it.

Tweetin’ up a storm

Last month, eighteen-year-old Emma Sullivan was listening to Kansas Governor Sam Brownback speak at a Youth in Government school event when she tweeted, “Just made mean comments at gov. brownback and told him he sucked, in person, #heblowsalot.”

Little did she know, her Twitter account, previously focused on Edward Cullen and the new “Breaking Dawn” movie, would become the subject of national news.

Brownback’s communications director, Sherienne Jones-Sontag, found the tweet during a routine search of Twitter for the governor’s name. Jones-Sontag notified the Youth in Government director, who then contacted Karl R. Krawitz, principal of Sullivan’s high school, Shawnee Mission East. Although Sullivan never spoke to Governor Brownback as she claimed in her tweet, she was still summoned to the principal’s office.

There, Principal Krawitz strongly suggested that Sullivan send an apology letter to the governor -- the principal had even conveniently outlined talking points for her. Sullivan announced on her Twitter that she had no plans to comply with the principal’s wishes, and her thousands of new Twitter followers, drawn to Sullivan through extensive media coverage, supported her. She tweeted, “I’ve decided not to write the letter but I hope this opens the door for average citizens to voice their opinion & to be heard! #goingstrong.”

While Sullivan’s diss of the governor was admittedly rude, this overblown scenario could have been avoided with a little common sense, and cooler heads from the governor’s staff and the principal. At the time of her original tweet, Sullivan’s Twitter account had only sixty followers -- not exactly high-profile.

Kids behind bars: Puritan values at their most extreme A kid calls a teacher “cute” and finds himself with the label of “sexual harasser.” Where has the common sense gone in handling innocent cases of childhood misbehavior? The Black & Gold investigates the decline of rationality in American elementary schools

Ivy Baillie

Staff Reporter A sub is in charge in a fourth grade classroom in Gaston, North Carolina; it smells like kids and glue and pencils and sweat. Nine year old student Emanyea Lockett pulls out a coloring book and comments to his friend that he thinks a teacher is “cute.” Before he has time to put his crayons away, Lockett is suspended on grounds of sexual harassment, a concept he can’t even comprehend.

Yes, that’s a nine-year-old suspended for calling a teacher cute.

Released in a letter to Lockett’s mother, Brookside Elementary stated that: “Lockett made an inappropriate comment about a female staff member. As she walked by, he stated, ‘She is fine’ in a suggestive tone according to the substitute teacher. This type of comment can be considered a form of sexual harassment.”

However, Lockett claimed that he only commented that the teacher was “cute” and never said “she is fine.” For this transgression, Lockett served a two day out of school suspension.

After the incident made national news, Brookside Elementary Principal Jerry Bostic was forced to retire. “One mistake in fortyfour years, and I’m not given the benefit of the doubt,” Bostic said. “I really don’t believe I was treated fairly.” Lockett’s suspension was immediately revoked and the school issued a formal apology.

Lockett’s case is not an isolated incident.

Recently, Mark Curran, a seven year old boy, was accused of sexual assault after kicking a

Graphic: M. Kachadurian

classmate in the groin, and in 2006 a firstgrader was suspended after sexually assaulting a fellow classmate. He supposedly touched her back in an uninvited and ‘sexual’ manner. A first grader?

Sexual assault and harassment are serious crimes. Accusing children of sexual harassment and subjecting them to a witch-trial like

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Maddy Kachadurian

inquiry damages them. Even worse than the inquiry ordeal--how does the parent of an accused child explain this? And how might the Red Letter of sexual harassment affect this child’s future relationships, and their sexuality?

The irony is that some adults who supposedly like working with children have done them real and permanent harm.

Additionally accusing children of crimes they cannot comprehend trivializes true sexual harassment. It isn’t a term that should be handed out like candy to young kids. Even the law regards juveniles under the age of 14 as incapable of forming criminal intent. These students shouldn’t be treated like criminals just because of innocent comments or acts. It’s likely that most children who make these comments are merely mimicking adults.

Cases that involve violence, such as the groin incident, should be handled as bullying cases, not sexual assault.

Taking a hard line stance on innocent curiosity in elementary school is plainly asinine.

Instead of suspending or locking kids up, sexual harassment curriculum and laws should be introduced in middle school, when most students are coming to the age where they can comprehend what sex and harassment entail.

These adults have no common sense.

See something that got your goat? Drop a letter to the editor off in F-158!

Autumn Hilden Katie Raymond

Ivy Baillie Kaytie Boomer Jeff Comerford Kennedy Cullen Connor Hansen Sophie Hutchison Hunter Kelly

Alex Korson Garrett Kosch Erin Lipp Fiona Muha Nick Mulvaine David Reinke Elena Rothney Hayley Rozema Allison Taphouse Gretchen Twietmeyer Lia Williams

Sports

Traverse City Central High School Black & Gold Dec. 20, 2011

3

Spotlight on alternative sports The Black & Gold profiles three alternative sports: bowling, girls hunting, and fencing. We explore the distinct differences of these sports and why students chose to participate in them rather than more traditional sports

Fencing

Shannon Weaver Sports Editor

Graphic: M. Kachadurian

Ever since Title IX, the debated question of “who’s better?” men or women, has dominated competitive sports. “Battle of The Sexes” celebrates the innate differences between male and female athletes.

Miranda Winowiecki Sports Columnist

The realm of Weights and Conditioning is only fully understood by those immersed in the sweat-drenched, Ychromosome dominated class. A kingdom of athletes and non-athletes alike, Weights is the Gle brothers’ domain.

In this testosterone zone, a Darwinian hierarchy is naturally established to determine who will lead stretches and running, and who gets the best racks.

In addition to age and strength, sex matters; senior guys obviously top off the food-chain, with freshman girls withering at the bottom. Territorial debates distill down to three essential realities: age, strength and gender. The eldest, fastest and strongest rule – have the props and lord over everyone.

It’s the law of the jungle, only dressed in Under Armor.

Let’s focus on the underclassmen lads first. Guys are naturally stronger than girls and therefore, will stand out.

In packs, numbers always have it: here, females are outnumbered. It’s a steep trickle down from older to younger, guys to girls. It’s also pride: what female upperclassmen (yes, men) is going to let a puny freshman dominate, after being bottom feeders themselves for two years?

Perfunctories like attendance taken, Weights is a free-for-all race to the best equipment in the best spot, proximity to mirrors preferred. The best way to stake position is to pull out the weapon that only gains value with age: the seniority card. Elder lifting partners surround coveted positions around stations – the Great Wall of China is easier to breech – as a few brave underclassmen pitifully jockey for position in forbidden territory.

If they don’t get the clenched jawed, steely eyed body language an upperclassman demands: “WE’RE UPPERCLASSMEN! IT’S OURS! FIND A DIFFERENT ONE!” They scatter. No one can argue with a golden seniority card and three years’ worth of extra muscles, and a voice barked in baritone.

The weight room hierarchy is an interesting case study in the laws of the jungle. Clip board in hand, it’s a great place to do research in human behavioral science.

Working out in the weight room is also a great way to learn one’s place.

We have the Gle brothers to thank for that.

Sword aloft, Callie Chapell ‘13 eyes her opponent’s ready stance, hears: “En garde...Ready?...Fence!” and lunges forward. After the strike, she quickly retreats, preparing for a counter attack.

“It’s one hundred percent focus in a match because it’s like a split second attack,” Chapell said. “You can’t see the foil [sword] that well, so either they hit you or they don’t and you’re just focused on retreating or attacking.”

Chappell, Julian Vandenburg ‘13, Abbey Perria ‘12, Jeremy Chao ‘15, Benjamin Kunz ‘15, Alexandra Friar ‘15, and Anna LaSusa ‘15 all participate in fencing though the Three Swords Fencing Club in Traverse City. They duel with a flexible, rectangular blade called a foil, or with an epee or sabre, which are less flexible, triangular blades. Fencers wear metallic cloth vests, a mesh mask, and a leather glove for the sword arm. A light flashes when the fencer hits their target in the legal zone, which varies for each type of fencing. Although fencers duel and practice, they do not compete locally. They travel down state for competitions through the USFA: United States Fencing Association.

“Competitions are such a big event for me because it’s a four hour drive, whereas for most other people, it’s only like a half hour,” Perria said. “All of my

Girls Hunting Ashley Reed

Associate Sports Editor Michele Boomer ‘12 sits in her blind awaiting the perfect chance to shoot the eight-point buck that just crossed her view. Carefully, she raises her rifle, aligning the target in her gun’s sight. Seconds later, the bullet discharges, racing towards the buck. Staggering, the buck drops to the ground.

“Pulling the trigger is my favorite part of hunting because it gives me an adrenaline rush,” Boomer said.

As hunting evolved as recreational sport, girls like Boomer broke the stereotype and added an influx of estrogen to the male-dominated pastime.

“A lot of people are surprised when they find out I hunt,” Boomer said, “Hunting is one of my favorite sports and I love it.”

Fayth Lautner ‘15 also decks herself out in camouflage and hunter orange.

Although a majority of hunters are male,

hard work is condensed down into this one day.”

Fencing does not attract large crowds, but it is unique and an Olympic sport.

It originated from a more romanticized era during the European middle ages of knights and sword fighting. “It’s a bit strange playing such an uncommon sport,” Perria said. “There are more challenges to overcome in fencing and I just didn’t find that as much in other sports.”

Perria is self taught. “I don’t really have a coach so I just learn from the books and from YouTube videos.”

However she also coaches fencing, mostly to 9-14 year old boys and a few middle-aged people. “We used to lecture to teach the younger kids, but they wouldn’t focus,” Perria said. “Now we let them fence and play games, then do individual coaching.”

At practice, fencers hone their direction changes, hand position, and parries, which is blocking an opponent.

“It is difficult when you start out in fencing because some of the positions are unusual,” fencing club instructor Doug Schultz said. “It takes a little while to get used to them, but through repetition, you can create muscle memory.”

With hard work and determination, these athletes are making a place in the community for the sport that they love.

“Fencing keeps me active and healthy in life and it is also a mind game,” Friar said. “I definitely plan to keep it up as a hobby and hopefully continue it in college.” both Boomer and Lautner enjoy hunting just as much as the next guy and have since they were young. When she was just eleven, Lautner made her first trip out to the woods.

“I am most proud of when I shot my first deer with my 270 riffle, because I dropped it,” Lautner said.

Not only is hunting exhilarating, but it’s a great time for bonding and enjoying nature. The excitement and hopefulness at the beginning of a day in the woods, followed by hours of anticipation, creates a unique atmosphere that, according to Lautner, is perfectly suited for quality time with others. In her case, it’s her dad.

“We spent more time together and we were able to connect better,” Lautner said.

Lautner finds the unpredictability of tracking deer quite an adventure.

“It’s fun because you never know when the deer is going to pop up,” she said.

Hunting has taught Lautner more than patience and the importance of aim.

“I don’t look like the kind of person who would hunt,” Lautner said, “But I am proud to be a hunter. It’s okay to be different.”

1.

Photo: courtesy of Perria family

2.

3.

Photo: courtesy of Fayth Lautner

Photo: S. Hutchison

1: Abbey Perria `12 awaits the perfect time to make her move.

“I like aggressive moves like modern disengage and short distance flush,” Perria said. 2: Fayth Lautner `15 shows off her prize after a night in the woods. “I was thinking, ‘please don’t miss, please don’t miss,’ because I was shaking,” Lautner said.

3: B-Team captain, Katie Vreeland `15, prepares to release the bowling ball onto the lane. After hours of practice at the alley, “your muscle memory will start to kick in and bowling will become more natural,” Vreeland said.

Bowling Elena Rothney Staff Reporter

Five to six days a week, Brad Wozniak ‘14 goes to Lucky Jacks after school to practice his sport.

At every meet he competes in, he aims to continue the Trojan traditions of high achievement, leadership and excellence by making a...strike?

“I’ve always thought bowling was really fun,” Wozniak said. “In basketball, there’s like fifteen people, but our team is a small group, so you get to know everyone really well.”

Even though many students haven’t heard about Central’s team, bowling is a lettered sport.

“About fifty percent of the people don’t even know we have a bowling team,” Wozniak said.

Bowling doesn’t share the same rigorous physical requirements as traditional sports, but its technical nature means there are many techniques to master.

“Practice makes perfect,” Katie Vreeland ‘12, B-Team

captain, said. She also noted that every practice is devoted to perfecting approach and throwing form.

“We start by throwing a practice game, mainly just to get warmed up,” Vreeland said, “Then we’ll work with our baker’s games.” In a baker’s game, each member on a five-person team throws two frames.

But bowling is, by no means, an individual sport. Every meet requires the team to structure themselves in order to earn the best score possible. The best team member, or anchor, will throw last in order to play the tenth frame. This way, they obtain the opportunity to strike out, gaining three strikes.

Vreeland explains the most rewarding thing about getting a strike.

“You’re not only helping yourself, but you’re helping your team,” she said.

Despite not receiving much recognition, Vreeland still feels that bowling has a lot to offer.

“I want to show everyone that there is so much talent at Central,” Vreeland said, “Bowling isn’t exactly a sport, but it’s the most fun sport a school could offer.”

Two Central seniors sign with colleges Bryton Lutes

Business Manager Ali Walker ‘12 will depart next August to Lewis University (LU), just outside of Chicago, to play basketball on a full-ride scholarship for the Division II Flyers. Despite the university’s distance, Walker is excited for the opportunity.

“Lewis is five hours away, so I won’t be able to come home a lot,” Walker said. “But I get to do what I love.”

Nerves ran high during tryouts, and Walker understood what was riding on her performance.

“You have to go out there and play your best because there are so many coaches watching you,” Walker said.

Walker, a center, has been playing basketball since the third grade and is well decorated. Her milestones have not gone unnoticed by other col-

Photo: courtesy of Polly Walker

Ali Walker ‘12 (right) leges, such as Bellarmine University and Lake Superior State University.

However, Walker’s heart was set on the Flyers.

“Playing at the division two level is going to be different from playing at the high school level,” Walker said. “I know I’m not a division one player. I just felt like the coaches and the team and the school were a great fit. They had everything that I needed.”

After Grand Valley State University (GVSU) had scouted Katie Knudsen ‘12 during both her freshman and sophomore years, university officials offered her a full ride basketball scholarship for next fall.

Knudsen is ecstatic to be a part of the excellent, Division II Lakers.

“They have a really successful program,” Knudsen said. “The coaching staff is great and the whole campus has a really great atmosphere as well.”

Even though Knudsen was nervous to try out in front of Grand Valley coaches, she was optimistic for her future.

“I knew I had to play my hardest all the time,” Knudsen said. “But I felt that no matter what happened, something would come around if Grand Valley didn’t work out. But it ended up working out and I was really happy about that.”

Photo: courtesy of Knudsen family

Katie Knudsen ‘12 Knudsen, a shooting guard, also had an offer from Michigan State University, however Knudsen felt that no school compared to Grand Valley.

“I visited MSU, but, I was hooked on Grand Valley,” Knudsen said. “The biggest challenge is going to be my size. I’m the shortest girl on the team but I won’t be red-shirted, I’ll be playing.”

North Star hockey players plant roots in Traverse City Traveling to a new school, living away from family, and being on a whole new team, the Traverse City North Stars take to the ice, proving just how far they will go to chase their dreams

Erin Lipp

Staff Reporter

Photo: K. Raymond

Skating onto the rink at 5:00 a.m., the North Star hockey players shake off their last bits of drowsiness and begin their daily 2-3 hour-long practice.

“It takes a lot of dedication,” Zach Dorer ‘12 said. “School always comes first, then training and practice for hockey. The rest of my time I spend being like any other high schooler, hanging out with friends and having a girlfriend.”

The North Stars, a junior hockey team, has been successful in sending many of its athletes to play in college on scholarship. The team consists of players ranging in ages from sixteen to early twenties.

Dorer, Seth Adams, Kyle Froese, Chris Leibinger, Kyle Loridon, Zach Nagelvoort and Kyle Schemmp, all ‘12 have come to TC from all over the state, leaving their families, friends, schools, and hometowns–all for their love of hockey.

“I knew I was coming here as soon as I made the team,” Leibinger said. “This is my dream.”

Moving from Saginaw, and living with a host family has its challenges. But Leibinger has adapted.

“Our families are really similar,” Leibinger said.

“They are great people and I’m glad I’m here.”

For Loridon, joining the North Stars was not an easy decision. “It took me about a week to make up my mind. I talked to my family about it, and they said it would be a great opportunity for me.”

Making the team was always a goal for these players because of the team’s coaches, the level of play, and the reputation of players receiving college scholarships.

“I knew it was a place where I would play a lot and have fun,” Dorer said. “Also, I wanted to become a better player and improve.”

Adams, Dorer, and Schempp have committed to Ferris State University, and Leibinger has signed with Michigan Tech University. Both are Division 1 schools.

“My goal after this is to play at Ferris State and be drafted into the NHL,” Dorer said. “Playing for the North Stars has helped me be a better player and has given me many opportunities, such as getting a D1 scholarship.”

4 Feature

Traverse City Central High School Black & Gold Dec. 20, 2011

Cans, boxes, and food, oh my!

Collecting cans, supplies for Haiti and giving unused food to those in need, Central is conscious of helping others during this holiday season

P Emma Beauchamp Managing Editor

Holiday Projects:

The amount of food wasted in grocery stores and restaurants is horrendous.

-Tristan Worthington ‘12

Graphics: M. Kachudurian

With the Internet changing exponentially, and becoming an omnipresent part of our lives, we are tempted by its tools and toys, so much as to make us websick.

Maddy Kachadurian Graphics Editor

“I have gum on my shoe #yuck” “I walked my dog #exercise” “Math test today #failed” All of these tweets are incredibly profound, perhaps even life-changing. All conveniently relayed in less then 140 characters on Twitter.

Thank God. If that’s the best you’ve got, we’ve already heard too much.

The fascination of Twitter comes from our need to know the inner workings of our fellow humans’ lives, particularly celebrities. My, how we worship our celebrities. Knowing that Ashton Kutcher’s ‘deer’ Chihuahua Bama, who wears a smoking jacket btw, just pooped on his master’s Italian white leather sofa is crucial information we must know before starting our King Lear reduction for Shelley-Barnes.

Say mom has just asked you to wash the dinner dishes and take out the trash. Now, this is rather mundane stuff that presumably, celebrities hire professional staff for. So mundane, in fact, that the slightest distraction in the form of a Twitter check breaks up the monotony before you rinse off the spaghetti sauce.

What’s Kim’s up to? That Kardashian gang is always good for some drama.

“Just fell out of my dress #wardrobemalfunction #embarrassing” This is far more interesting than dishes and trash.

In addition to being a great distraction, the Twitterverse is a place where, at any given time, we can find out what our celebrities, friends, and even our enemies, think, want, or just might do. In fact, Twitter helps us figure these things out about ourselves. Unsure whether or not we should explore our closet yet one more time for an outfit change, we can ask the world what they think of us.

“Should I wear my pink dress or my gold sequined dress for my date #idontknowwhattodo” In the end, does it really matter how many people know what you wore?

Still, 200 followers is better than thirty. Not only do we obsess over being followed, but worse, we sulk over lost followers. Nothing ruins our day faster than realizing we’ve been abandoned #firstworldproblems.

The Internet is a modern technological marvel; after all, it brought us iTunes, but what do we use it for? To check on Miley Cyrus’ latest love interest. Or to post an update every time we get up to go to the bathroom. Tweeters don’t have any profound authority or knowledge, it is simply that we like knowing the stream of collective consciousness.

Once you are sucked in, there is no turning back. Twitter is an ultimate distraction from ourselves. This is what makes me #websick.

Sophie Hutchison ‘13 and her father Dr. Michael Hutchison worked with a team of doctors to give free dental care and set up portable clinics in Haiti. “A smile is a gift that can last someone a lifetime,” Dr. Hutchison said. “Seeing the relief on peoples’ faces and happiness after fixing their teeth, relieving pain, or creating a smile is the most rewarding thing in the world.”

Photo: S Hutchison

Patient Jimmy shows off his smile after Dr. Hutchison had worked on him.

Photo courtesy of M. Hutchison

Sophie Hutchison ‘13 watches Haitian children after their visit to the dentist.

Photo: S Hutchison

Graphic: A. Korson

Putting a competitive spin on a holiday can drive, Student Senate organized a school wide request for non-perishable food items to donate to Father Fred. First hour classes with the most items will be treated to a donut party.

“With the holidays and cold weather, there are a lot of people in need,” Anna Krueger ‘12, Lieutenant Governor, said.

“Our goal is 1000 cans and we tried to get a head start by using cans as admission to games.”

Student Senate is a student led class focusing on leadership and service projects. Holiday events such as coat drives, can drives, and buying presents for children through Child and Family Services are all things organized to aid our school and city.

“We really like it,” Molly Tompkins ‘12, Governor, said.

“We always have fun and take pride in our community.”

Not only does Senate help our area, but also sends hope to Haiti. One of their latest projects asked for school supplies, such as pens, pencils, paper, Photo: K. Raymond notebooks and markers, to send to the Gaspard School in Haiti. Olivia Luciani ‘14, Midi Battle ‘13 and Molly Tompkins ‘12, Governor, collect donated food items they will take to Father Fred. “We organized something that helps people in our community,” Luciani said.

Senate collected enough items “It feels really good.” to fill approximately one hundred boxes and hopes to buy more supplies to send an even those in need. Tristan Worthing- ishables. Similarly, our cafeteria said. Before breaks, the cafeteria larger shipment. ton ‘12 became involved in with makes use of all its resources. workers phone Food Rescue to “Our projects get the whole Food Rescue to fulfill his Eagle “We’re always looking for load up anything that won’t last. school involved,” Jeff Turner, Scout requirements. some way to use everything,” More regularly, excess soup, salSenate advisor and math teacher, “The amount of food wasted Cathy Schaub, kitchen leader, ads, sandwiches, etc. are taken to said. “Dr. Vandermolen introin grocery stores and restaurants Can Do Island, a drop in service duced the idea of sending boxes is horrendous,” Worthington for adult foster care. to Haiti but the rest come from said. “If they aren’t using it, “We try to recycle our food.” a tradition of similar projects.” we’ll pick it up from the store in Schaub said. “It’s great because The results from the lata large refrigerated truck to feed the people who live at Can Do est project have not quite met the needy. It’s a great program Island make us a big poster. It’s Senate’s goal. To make up the on many, many levels.” a nice feeling.” deficit, they are asking for more Worthington helped expand Getting proper nutrition is a donations and using their budget Food Rescue into Kalkaska simple necessity of life, though to pack more boxes, enough for and Antrim counties. Salvaged many struggle getting enough to every student in the Gaspard food products from donors are eat, let alone food with nutriSchool. spread among the various comtional value. Fortunately, pro“People are giving what they munity aid programs, such as the grams such as Food Rescue are can,” Turner said.

Goodwill Inn, Salvation Army, looking out for those in need.

Food Rescue: Father Fred and Community “It’s just a simple thing,” Recently collecting their one Meals. In contrast with canned Worthington said. “If it spread, millionth pound of food, Food food drives, Food Rescue it could wipe out hunger in Rescue of Northwest Michigan provides more balanced meals America. It’s healthy and ecosaves usable food from being as meats and fresh produce are nomical--a win-win situation.” tossed in the trash and gives it to donated along with the non-per-

Smiling through adversity

Playing children love their new smiles.

Experiencing European education Two students seized the oppurtunity to embrace European culture

Katie Raymond Photo Editor

Ellis Begley ‘14 – France:

Although Ellis Begley ‘14 has been to France eight times since he was six, he had never attended school there, or lived in Paris before. Last trimester he enrolled in l’institut du Marais Charlemagne Pollès. Begley and his mother rented an apartment in the heart of Paris close to the Notre Dame Cathedral, surrounded by French bistros, coffee shops and markets.

All of Europe and France in particular are alluring to Begley’s family because his father is an architect and his mother is a designer. Even at a young age France’s historical architecture fascinated Begley and repeatedly drew him back. When the opportunity arose to attend a private school in Paris, Begley was compelled to immerse himself into the culture.

“I was already familiar with the language,” Begley said.

“Their way of life seemed a lot more appealing, and the French people are very attentive to others.”

Although at first Begley spoke passable French, in an educational setting, language was even more challenging. “There are only so many times I could ask how many brothers and sisters my friends had, before I became boring. But in school I always found a way to get my idea across.”

Because the school did not have a cafeteria, Begley roamed the streets of Paris during his hour long lunch period, visiting local bakeries and Greek restaurants.

The architecture, food, friends and lifestyle all captivate him into returning. “Being in France is like you’re in a different world,” Begley said. “I would Photo courtesy of the Begley family like to return In France, Ellis Begley ‘14 (far right) quickly to France to acclimated to the new environment and attend a univerenjoyed speaking the language with sity and become his new friends. “Momo was my closest fluent.” friend,” Begley said. “He was always interested and included me.”

Chris Bennett ‘14 – Norway:

In the countryside on the coast of the Norwegian Sea, Chris Bennett ‘14 fished and swam off a rocky bluff, spending quality time on weekends at his family’s quaint cottage. With multiple family ties--grandparents, and an aunt and uncle who live in Norway--Bennett spent his first trimester in the city of Trondheim, Norway, attending the Trondheim International School.

“It was great being away for awhile and absorbed in a new environment,” Bennett said. “I really liked the location.”

Enrollment at the International School required that Bennett apply by interview. “Students come from all over the globe,” Bennett said. “They create a completely diverse atmosphere.”

Compared to the teaching style of Central’s staff, teachers were more relaxed and assigned less homework. Students had the freedom to venture off campus to enjoy an extended hour and a forty-five minute lunch period. Bennett particularly enjoyed an Italian restaurant that was a short walk.

Like Traverse City, Trondheim was similar in size and on the water.

“A main difference however, is that people walk everywhere they go, which made transportation during lunch quite simple,” Bennett said.

Norway has extensive mass transit systems, so there are less cars, and instead the streets are filled with walkers and bikers.

“During my stay, I saw, at best, only ten pick up trucks,” Bennett said.

“A lot of small European cars were driven.”

Bennett plans to return to Norway not only for family and because he likes it there, but he is also a Norwegian citizen.

“Because of the accumulated of time I’ve spent in Norway, I’ve gained citizenPhoto courtesy of the Bennett family ship,” Bennett Fishing on the Norwegian Sea, Chris said. “I’m conBennet ‘14 caught many Cod and the oc- sidering going casional crab. “The food was awesome,” to a university Bennett said. “ They ate a lot of fish and there.” less fast food then the U.S.”

5

Fashion Five days, five ways

Traverse City Central High School Black & Gold Dec. 20, 2011

: es oto Ph g Jam e Gr

Autumn Hilden Photo Editor

Showing off their apparel throughout the past week, Abigail Stanton ‘15 and Daniel Fedor ‘13 display their creative and unique style with their outfits. Whether they dress casual or classy, they are sure to stand out in a crowd.

Abigail Stanton ‘15

Most of us just buy our clothes, but a few of us make, design

“Johnny Depp is my inspiration, even though he is a guy,”Abigail Stanton ‘15 said. “Actually, let’s just say I’m what his girlfriend would look like.”

Micaela Jankowski‘13

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Photo: A. Hilden

Snipping and cutting the delicate fabric of her Homecoming dress, Micaela Jankoski ‘13 sews her work of art. “My mom taught me how to sew,” Jankoski said. “It’s really cool to actually make your own clothes.” Being Inspired by famous designers like Valentino and Dolce and Gabbana, Jankoski parallels their styles. “I love the look of flowy dress,” Jankoski said. “They’re really fun to make.”

One day, Jankoski hopes to own a clothing store of her own. “I really want to open my own store like H&M,” Jankoski said. “I would take things from the runway, but make them more affordable.”

Kendall Corso ‘12

Daniel Fedor ‘13

Photos: A. Hilden

“My mom has sort of a European style,” Daniel Fedor ‘13 said. “When I was little she would dress me with that kind of style, so then I guess it just kind of stuck.”

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Photo: Brandish

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Photo: A. Hilden

Clicking down the hallways in her high-heel boots, Kendall Corso ‘12 looks more like a model from a magazine than a student in high school. “Vogue has always been an inspiration to me,” Corso said. Going into fashion merchandise at FIT, Corso has had nothing but encouragement from her family. “My mom definitely encouraged me to follow my dreams,” Corso said. “Ever since I was little, fashion has just been everything to me.” In the near future, her aspiration is to be a buyer in New York. “All I hope is that I’m successful and just really love what I do,” Corso said.

Alec Chereskin ‘12

Photo: A. Hilden

As Alec Chereskin ‘12 looks through his plethora of GQ magazines, he aspires to design the clothes worn by models. Inspired by his older sister, Kerry, he imagines owning his own clothing design business with his sister. “She reads a lot of Vogue and really just got me into the whole aspect of fashion,” Chereskin said. Owning a business with his sister has always been a dream for Chereskin. “Once, we went to Wal-Mart to buy sketch books and colored pencils to design,” Chereskin said. “She would do the advertising and I would draw up the actual clothing designs.”

Photos: A. Hilden

Foreign Language continued from front page “We have a fairly significant percentage of seniors who haven’t taken a language, and then a smaller percentage of juniors, and smaller sophomores, and smaller freshmen,” Puckett said. “The majority of kids are now are self-selecting into a language. Over time, we’re going to see fewer students choosing to wait until ninth grade to take a language, but we’ll probably have to consider what we’re going to do with those kids to transition them back.”

One way they will encourage the continuation of foreign language in middle school is by giving an ‘accumulative assessment’ to fifth graders learning a language to track their progress and inform parents and students as to the best option for continued language.

“A small percent of our students will find it very challenging, and so we’ll just have to be very careful in how our counselors and teachers advise these students in their class selections as they go forward in high school,” Rich said.

Rich hopes to help this process along and fulfill the language requirement; options include offering a variety language classes in middle school that students may take all year or semester, or on an alternating day basis, along with other electives.

As the debate about middle school language requirements evolves, the board is gearing up for discussions about a kindergarten through second grade world language program. The TCAPS Board of Education will discuss this in January. Regardless if the district follows through with expanding its elementary language curriculum, board members say they are trying to make it easier for students to meet the language mandate.

“We just want to make sure they can have that requirement and walk across that stage when they’re a senior,” Puckett said.

6 A&E

Traverse City Central High School Black & Gold Dec. 20, 2011

Dancing to the sounds of Christmas

With the Christmas season in full-swing, some of Central’s students were practicing to take part in the Dance Center’s production of The Nutcracker Sophie Hutchison Staff Reporter

Lauren Ward’13

“

My favorite part about performing in the Nutcracker was how accomplished I felt after giving a good, clean performance. It’s easy to express yourself when acting in a ballet because you use your whole body. It’s also a bit less nerve wracking than singing or acting because you don’t have to memorize lines and say them out loud.”

Paige Harrigan’13

“

Madelyn Morley’13

My favorite part is the feeling I get after I finish my solo, everyone is clapping and there is so much energy. The most challenging part for me was my solo. In ballet you don’t have to remember lines, you just have to remember moves, and moves and choreography come naturally to me.”

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

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I’ve always wanted to play the Arabian Princess and I liked how the choreographer made the dance to suit the things I do best.

In ballet we use the entire body to act and have to exaggerate our moves so the audience can understand what you’re doing because unlike a play or musical, you can’t talk.”

Photos: S. Hutchinson

Kiersten Reinhold’13 Sydney Johnson’13

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Putting on a show with all of my friends is always so fun. The most challenging part for me was the snow pas because you have to dance with another person and be in sync with them. In ballet there are no words and our moves are slow and exaggerated.”

“

I like seeing the progression from rehearsal to performance and how the show all comes together in the end. The hardest part was nerves and knowing that everyone is there to watch you and that you only have one time to show what you’ve worked so hard on.”

Not just a hobby, a profession Art isn’t just a past-time for these Central students. Creating and selling their own wares are an every day occurance

Kaitlyn McLintock & Jeannie Longton

Arts & Entertainment Editors

Graphic: M. Kachadurian

Whether it’s a book made into a movie, or a classic film remake, find out whether or not we think the newest film to hit the big screen is a future blockbuster, or should have been left alone. This issue, we critique the new film New Year’s Eve father, Robert De Niro, is dying of cancer. Swank struggles to come to terms with her father before it’s too late. This movie was imaginative and original, but there should be a limit Arts & Entertainment Editors as to how many big-name actors can be thrown into a single 118-minute The famous New Year’s ball drop in movie. It seems as though half of New York City’s Time Square brings the actors were cast for their benefit new resolutions, fresh starts and of the box office revenue. Jon Bon promises to lose weight. It’s difficult Jovi and Ludacris for example, to come up with an original angle to should stick to their strong suits, feature such a stereotypical holiday, which definitely isn’t acting. Sure, but New Year’s Eve exceeded our exthey can sing a song or two, but a pectations in more ways than one. leading role seems like a stretch. Save The film featured a slew of bigmore time for the real actors, most name actors and nearly as many of whom had a mere ten minutes or plots, much like the 2010 collaboraso of face-time, if that. tion Valentine’s Day, both directed by Despite the over-crowded cast, we Garry Marshall. Zac Efron, showing give New Year's Eve a thumbs-up. It off his new muscles and compaswas imaginative in the way that all sionate side, gets a lot of deserved characters and plots related to each screen-time as he consoles co-star other in one way or another and at Michell Pfeiffer, who has given times was quite hilariously entertainup trying to fulfill her resolutions. ing. Even the soundtrack got two Seth Myers and a pregnant Jessica thumbs up, but let’s not count on Biel compete for the $25,000 prize going to see any other star-packed, awarded to the couple with the first holiday-based movies. Casting18 baby born in the new year. Meanwhile, Hilary Swank’s character is in- lead actors into one movie seems to denigrate the art form. volved in her own tragedy when her

Kaitlyn McLintock & Jeannie Longton

For many starving artists, selling their artwork is a distant dream, perhaps a possibility after graduation or when their art becomes more refined, or perhaps when luck strikes. For Mckenna Cartwright ’13, however, profiting from her art is a reality. Not only does she create original hair bows, inspired by pieces she saw at American Apparel, she has taken her hobby to the next level by selling them through Zany Consignment Boutique.

“I’ve been interested in making things since I was little,” Cartwright said. “I started with jewelry, then I started sewing, now I’m on to bows.”

For over a year, Cartwright has been selling her creations, and making a handy profit; each bow sells for $7, and Cartwright nets half. Although she enjoys creating and marketing her product Cartwright is not sure if she wants to do this for a living.

“Before, when I sold other things, I would set up booths downtown,” Cartwright said. “Now that I’m selling at an actual store, it’s more like a small business, which I may consider doing in the future.”

Cartwright isn’t the only student selling her art. Madison Duensing ’13 also has a penchant for selling homemade products.

“I thought it would be a fun idea,” Duensing said, “I have a huge passion for wearing ear cuffs, they’re more creative and unique.”

Ear cuffs are small pieces of jewelry that are very similar to earrings but don’t require pierced ears. Duensing is self-taught, unlike many others artists who hone the basics in a metals and jewlery class. Rather than distributing though local business, Duensing sells directly to friends and acquaintances.

Photos: K. Raymond

McKenna Cartwright '13 models her hair bows, which she sold at Zany Consignment Boutique. Bridging the gap from practicing artist to profiting artist was easy for her. “If you have something you can make, you can always try and put your stuff out there and just see where it goes,” Cartwright said.

“Sometimes, I will walk down the hallway and see people with them on and I know it is my work and it makes me feel proud,” Duensing said.

Handicrafts make great Christmas presents, so rather than heading to the mall to buy gifts, artist Alyssa Zick ‘12, heads to the art supply store for paint. She has taken a break from selling to focus on taking a less commercialized route to her gift-giving. Zick has decided to create unique pieces of art which she plans to give to a few chosen loved-ones this season.

“It’s personally made for someone,” Zick said, “it’s cheaper, and they would probably appreciate it more ‘cause you spent more time working on it.”

While Zick is gifting this year, she has sold her paintings at Bubba’s since her seventh grade art teacher encouraged her. Zick saw this as a way to get her name out there.

“The buyer can either like it, or not

Sometimes, I will walk down the hallway and see people with them on and I know it is my work and it makes me feel proud.

- Madison Duensing ‘13 like it,” Zick said, “It’s good to have both views. Constructive criticism is good.”

Both Cartwright and Duensing have a passion for making and selling their creations, but they are unsure as to whether they are ready to proclaim art as a future profession. However, Zick is already has an extensive portfolio to send to colleges, where she plans to major in art.

“My junior year I started to go to TBA for art and at first, I was going to go into illustration but now I’m going into graphic design with a minor in illustrations,” Zick said.

Traverse City Central High School Black & Gold Dec. 20, 2011

Ads

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Graphic: N. Mulvaine

Graphic: M. Kachadurian

8 The Leek

Traverse City Central High School Black & Gold Dec. 20, 2011 real peope, real holiday cheer

Principals save Christmas

‘T

News in brief

Graphic: K. Cullen and P. Goodney

Back at the car, they heard a noise from the trailer, followed by a scream from an unknown wailer. Opening the hatch, Vandermolen had Co-Leek Editor a look of dismay, as he saw Zichael Mutis ‘12, ‘Twas the weekend before break, and all apparently a stray. through Central High, not a creature was stir“What are you doing?” Vandermolen did ring not even a fly. ‘Cept for four principals, shout. “What should you be doing?” And huddled all in their rooms, in front of their Mutis came out. computer screens, when they heard a great He held up a snare drum, and began to boom. Vandermolen, Larner, Tisdale, and weep, for little did he know what had hapBurns all were surprised, they had to see what pened in his sleep. was up with their own eyes.

The drummer boy then did say, “Yo, what’s Out to F-lot they went with great haste, the hap? I guess I laid down for a long winter’s and they were astounded with what they then kidnap. If you wonder why I’m here, for many faced. An antlered animal, unique and bizarre, months did I roam, before finding this band fell from the sky onto Joe Bakedli’s ‘12 car. trailer to call my home.”

Atop its hood the Vandermolen beast lay, void of exclaimed, “I guess movement. Most that’s alright. You agreed it was an can stay in the trailer, improvement. but only a night, as Finished with we’ve a mission for a run, Bakedli St. Nick. Quick now ran to his Ford. boy, we gotta be When he saw the slick.” new “hood ornaIt was all smooth ment” he cried sailing after things out “Deer lord!” were made clear, and To identify they finally got to the animal, Tom the pole with Santa’s Czarny was reindeer. called. “To the “Ho Santa,” lab!” declared Vandermolen said Czarny and away in all niceness. it was hauled.

“Come hither and Czarny found the come see my vices.” animal alive and a They greeted him, reindeer to boot, each taking turns, and belonged to a and Santa thanked jolly fat man in a Vandermolen, bright red suit.

Larner, Tisdale and Graphic: P. Goodney “It’s Santa’s, for Burns. They were sure,” Czarny did Rick Vandermolen, Jay Larner, Toby Tisdale, Bryan Burns, and Santa Claus are captured in an artist’s invited for some holler. “And his interpretation of the events at the end of their adventure. “We’re just happy we could help out,” Rick entertainment inside name is Blitzen, Vandermolen said, “It was a fun time for all those involved. at the crossing, milk as inscribed on and cookies, and a his collar.”

They took Larner’s Escalade, the band trailer round of elf tossing.

They called John Failor and woke him from in tow, holding the reindeer inside of its stow.

Offering a ride home, Santa showed them his slumbers. They needed a person to run A long drive through Canada was no big deal, his sleigh. “If we use this baby, you’ll be back a few numbers. Failor found Santa couldn’t for Vandermolen is Canadian, and that is for before Monday.” sojourn with an incomplete pack, so the prinreal.

He dropped the boys back at Central and as cipals knew they had to bring Blitzen back.

After a night driving through Canada, restau- he flew out of sight, they heard him exclaim It was right then and there they decided real rant discussions led to a stop, and they decided “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good quick, they were going to get Blitzen back to to fill their stomachs at a Manitoba IHOP. night!”

Rico Bastian

Saint Nick.

They went to the cops, but they wouldn’t believe. They said “You’re all crazy” and asked them to leave.

Tisdale’s idea for a vet went unopposed, but since it was so late, all clinics were closed.

Then Vandermolen said, “We’ll help him ourselves. He’s needed by Santa and all of his elves.”

Back to Central they did head, after buying some Monsters and a loaf of bread, for the night ahead of them would be long, and they needed their bodies alert and strong.

Burns said “A long trip up North on short notice sounded rough, but there’s no way we’re stopping when the going gets tough.”

Graphic: M. Kachadurian

Graphic: M. Kachadurian

Patrick Goodney This issue: Super Sweet Secret Santa Suggestions Co-Leek Editor

It’s that time of year again. With the holiday season in full swing, Central students are celebrating the season with Secret Santa parties, as well as the Jewish equivalent, ‘Hidden Hanukkah Harry’ parties, where students are anonymously assigned fellow students to whom they must give gifts.

Now, oftentimes, you’re at a loss: hmm, what to get Suzy? Nevermind that Suzy sits in the front of the class, snapping her gum, playing Words With Friends with the sound on the entire hour, giggling at a piercingly high pitch as she plays 4-letter words for 13 points. To save our obligatory elves time, we hired out the marketing firm of Hahlen-Otes Marketing Agency to compile a comprehensive list of perfect gifts. Herein are the results.

Quiet

Cheapest thing you can find. Or, just regift some useless gift your grandma gave you last year. They won’t complain

Brainy

Expensive route: book. Cheap route: stapled together packet of Wikipedia articles

Athletic

Deodorant (preferably Axe)

Kid who has it all

Unbridled resentment

Druggie

Something stronger

Singers who can’t sing

A sock to stuff in their mouth. Or Autotune software. Or both - after you stuff the sock in their mouth, it would be hilarious to Autotune their mumbles. A possible viral smash

Anti-social

Always popular: copy of The Communist Manifesto

Hick

Another camo hat

Your crush

Cool Hipster

From all us here at The Leek, Merry Festivus, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Decemberween

Disclaimer: The stories on this page are not intended to be factual.

Some CD by some band you saw they liked while Facebook stalking Something better than the rest of their friends Nothing. Giving gifts is too mainstream

Emo

If you need someone else to tell you, they’re not your best friend

Best friend

A razor blade. For shaving, of course

Leek staffer

First class tickets to Honolulu, and a penthouse suite at the Waikiki Hilton. Gold bars also accepted; bring the Brinks truck. We hear they are heavy.

A thirteen year old junior high student was caught with “a little something extra” in her chocolate milk. She had added Baileys Irish Cream to her carton of seemingly harmless cocoa-infused dairy product.

“I find that my special milk improves my Graphic: P. Goodney concentration. It’s a lot easier to get through the day,” she said, with slightly impaired speech. CHS cafeteria staff were shocked about the lack of security around our own chocolate milk supply.

“There are plans to install invisible infrared laser sensors that will activate daily to protect the milk refrigerators as soon as the second lunch dismissal bell rings,” a cafeteria employee said.

Plans for the lasers have yet to be approved by administration, but the distributor feels these security precautions are quite necessary.

“The risk of contamination is too great,” Prairie Farms distribution manager said. “Kids deserve the full chocolate milk experience.”

Embracing the teachings of the Grinch, a Dr. Seuss enthusiast stole a yellow Porsche and two boxes Graphic: K. Cullen of candy canes from an unsuspecting Who. The anti-Christmas caper was pulled off almost seamlessly, except for the trail of empty candy cane wrappers that ultimately led police to the Grinch-like Blark Celanger himself. Police caught Celanger parked at the end of Sugarplum lane, red-handed and red-tongued from the stolen candy canes.

“It bugs me that the Whos flip flop on their Christmas cheer values” the Grinch-like man said.

“What’s wrong with borrowing a car and some candy? Last year, they were fine without their toys and now they freak out over a single Porsche and some flippin’ candy.”

Celanger will be tried in front of Mr. May-Who and the rest of the Whoville council Dec. 24.

New York artist Olga Horvat and her family claim they are tormented by a demon, their dog Princess.

Since the family adopted the “Paranormal Pooch,” they have suffered sickness, two car accidents, and their children have been expelled from school. The demon dog even urinated on their Graphic: K. Cullen couch, an event completely unheard of. Inspired by Princess, Horvat stared selling demon-deterring necklaces priced at a reasonable $197.

“I’ve gotten a lot of people interested in buying these,” Horvat said. “It’s amazing how many people have been effected by demon possessed pooches.”

In a galaxy not so far away, Oregon resident David Allen Canterbury released his inner-dark side of the force upon three customers at a toy store.

“He grabbed one of our light sabers, and started whacking customers,” sales clerk Jeah Lurik said.

“We couldn’t understand Graphic: M. Kachadurian him because he was wearing a helmet. I mean, this isn’t Comic-Con.” No one was harmed. The store gave the victims $5 gift certificates towards any purchase after the holiday season. Reportedly one customer has filed suit, claiming post-traumatic shopping disorder. The shopper still experiences flash-backs every time he sees a Star Wars figurine. When the police subdued Canterbury in the parking lot, he continued to swing the light saber, knocking away a taser wire. Canterbury is charged with false impersonation of a Star Wars character, assault, disorderly conduct, theft, resisting arrest, and interfering with holiday shopping. At his preliminary hearing a Court Psychiatrist said, “Mr. Canterbury has the classic symptoms of a man child--irrational behavior, Star Wars obsession and living in his parents’ basement.”

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo actress Rooney Mara recounted an incident Graphic: K. Cullen during an interview with David Letterman about how she threatened a drunken man at her friend’s wedding.

Instead of jamming to cheesy ballads and waltzing with other slightly intoxicated attendants, the drunk man hit on Mara. While they were dancing, he lifted her into the air, which resulted in her hand around his throat. She forgot the cameras weren’t rolling.

“I grabbed his throat and was like, ‘Put me down.

I will hurt you.’ I guess I was still sort of in character,” Mara told Letterman.

The man was unharmed, but won’t be “getting frisky” with anyone anytime soon.