Senior Issue, the Black & Gold, Volume 91

Retro spective The Black & Gold presents . . .

Traverse City Central High School Senior Issue Volume 91 May 15, 2012

Photo: K. Raymond

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May 15, 2012

Index

Central Serves It Up INDEX

PROLOUGE STUDENT SUBMISSIONS FUTURE PLANS STUDENT QUOTES AWARDS & COMMENDATIONS ADS PROM FROM THE TEACHERS THANK YOUS THE LEEK

3 4-5, 7-9, 11, 19-21, 24-29 6 10 12-13 14-15, 22-23 16-17 18 30-31 32

STAFF Editor-in-Chief Joe Murray Managing Editor Emma Beauchamp News Editor Joe Murray Opinion Editor Katie Stanton Feature Editor Emma Beauchamp Arts & Entertainment Editors Jeannie Longton Kaitlyn McLintock Sports Editor Ashley Reed

Sports Collaborators Miranda Winowiecki Shannon Weaver Erin Lipp Garrett Kosch Leek Editors-in-Chief Rico Bastian Patrick Goodney Photo Editors Autumn Hilden Katie Raymond Business Manager Bryton Lutes Graphics Editor Maddy Kachadurian Production Assistant Kennedy Cullen

Staff Ivy Baillie Jeff Comerford Connor Hansen Sophie Hutchison Hunter Kelly Alex Korson Garrett Kosch Erin Lipp Fiona Muha Nick Mulvaine Jake Myers David Reinke Elena Rothney Hayley Rozema Allison Taphouse Gretchen Twietmeyer Lia Williams Brianna Worthington

Prologue From the editors: Joe Murray Editor-in-Chief

We chose our retro motif not for the nostalgia it evokes, but because it embodies what this year, our fleeting final days, is about. Looking to the past gives us the freedom and inspiration to launch.

Retrospective, not just retro – the latter is defined by relics: times and objects that we can reminisce fondly, but that we’d rather view from the safe distance of time past; it’s been four years since we slunk in Central’s doors for the first time, heads down, eyes averted, schedule and map in hand. Of

course, now we are quick to brag about being the first freshman to brave the halls of our high school. But admit it – in retrospect, you were terrified.

These reflective revelations define our theme – we look back in an effort to move forward. As the Fifties are synonymous with cool cars, greased hair, red lips and fluorescent diners, we distill our time at Central into synecdoches that represent four years which seemed so permanent while we were in their throngs but so transient upon reflection – in retrospect.

We will remember moments, conversations and people we were with dur-

Emma Beauchamp Managing and Feature Editor

My, oh my, what a trip it’s been!

We’ve lived a virtual odyssey since the day high school began, as meek freshman. We’ve made it through the projects and the papers, the icy roads and snow days, the pop quizzes and standardized tests, the wins and the losses, the drama and the heartbreak.

We’re done.

But how does high school translate into the so-called “real life” we’ve heard so much about? Will there be a mathematical formula for happiness?

Is there a way to analyze the symbolism in our lives?

Traverse City Central

Graphic: M. Kachaduiran

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ing these defining times – games on the field and in the Super Fan section, dances where we surrendered ourselves to the music and didn’t regret it for a second, conversations that changed the way we looked at each other and our world.

As that long-touted walk draws nearer, we stow away the moments that will define our high school experience and drop the extra baggage.

In the pages that follow, we cast one last backwards glance so we can go forth with liberating abandonment.

This is Retrospective: look back, move forward.

To the Class of 2012, this is for you.

What will we become once we escape this place that has held us captive the last four years?

While elementary school was for learning the ABCs and addition, and junior high was just about surviving puberty, high school is the time one’s personality takes shape. Each day, a new guise is worn until the inner self emerges.

These so called best days of our lives shape us for the future. Every minute we suffered through a dull lecture on the American Revolution or scratched our heads over some abstract calculus problem, we were told we were building character to prepare us for after high school.

But now it’s over. Our first steps into the real world will be messy without our teachers holding our hands along the way. Into the work force, the military, to college, what will be next? No more Advisory to plan our futures, no more RTC to punish for tardiness, no more excuses. How will the cold slap of reality feel on our fresh faces?

The Trojan way will follow us as we take the next step. What we’ve learned in these halls will last a lifetime, taking us as far as our ambition will go. With iNtegrity and Leadership at our disposal what can go wrong?

Congratulations, seniors! We’ve made it past these years of pomp and circumstance, now we’re taking the plunge.

Senior year 2012, from beginning to end

1 FIRST

“When getting ready for a game I want to look as rowdy as possible. It is like a group effect; you have got to go over the top to get everyone else to cheer.”

-Tyler Dohm

DAY OF SCHOOL – SEP 6, 2011 Photo: S. Hardin

CENTRAL V. WEST GAME – SEPTEMBER 30, 2011

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HOMECOMING – SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

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“Blockers are crucial. That block can determine a gain, or possibly even a touchdown.”

-Ryan Verschuren Photo: E. Cover

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“Being a lead in Grease has made me consider performing for people professionally. I love the feeling of being on stage and getting the feedback from the crowd.” -Hannah Rider

GREASE – NOVEMBER 10-20, 2011

5 ROBOTICS

COMPETITION – MARCH 4-5, 2012

“When I won Prom King, I didn’t think it was me, I just started cheering with everyone else. It took me a second to realize it was my name that was called.”

-Mark Jordan

Photo: J. Myers

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PROM – MAY 5, 2012

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SENIORS’ LAST DAY – MAY 25, 2012

GRADUATION – JUNE 3, 2012

8 Photo: S. Hutchison

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Submissions

Finding the ‘now’ in a stark transition

Joe Murray Editor-in-Chief

Self-imposed pressure is stifling.

As the deadline of our Senior Issue looms, I struggle to write the first words of my last piece for newspaper. It has to be good.

I remind myself that I’ve been doing this for five years, but this is my capstone issue, my final byline.

I toyed with writing an ode to the people who contributed to who I am or describing a noteworthy anecdote from the past four years, but previous drafts seemed empty and predictable. Even though these people and moments are important, they are in the past, and I owe too much to our paper to go out with a whimper of nostalgia.

This time in my life is all about the future, and while my impending launch seems like an obvious topic, I can’t write about what will happen next year and beyond with any certainty, and therefore any sincerity. There are more important questions to answer than speculative what ifs.

So that leaves the present, the now. I’ll get honest about this transitional time in my life in an effort to write a fitting finale that’s meant so much to me for four years.

But this isn’t for the newspaper. It’s for me. But I’ll let you

read it.

I’m not sure how I feel about my impending college experience. I recognize that the next phase of my life marks a time of boundless prospects, but until recently, prospects have been nothing more than possibilities, as daunting as they are exciting, for my far-off future. After the barrage of senior-year deadlines that put this year on fast forward, there are only three months until these once-distance days will be my new reality.

I’m not sure how I feel about leaving my family and my home.

I recognize that so much potential lies beyond the boundaries of Traverse City, my sheltered town insulated by pristine beaches and picturesque water that will forever define the innocence and unadulterated joy of childhood. Sometimes, I long for a new culture, new people, a new way of life. Traverse City seems smaller and more confining than any twelve-by-fifteen foot dorm room possibility could.

Still, leaving will be the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

There are moments when the

thought of pulling away from my house in a car stuffed full of dorm essentials is paralyzing. Avert mind, confront when absolutely necessary. I have a feeling my face will be pressed against the window whether the contents of the car force me up against the August-hot glass or not.

I’m not sure how I feel about leaving my friends, the best group I’ve ever had. I recognize that keeping in touch is easy, but simplicity often lacks depth, and communication via telephone and text is no exception. Friendships nurtured in the physical realm of school hallways and downtown streets often make messy transitions to the electronic realm of abbreviated messages and faceless voices over the phone. Occasional rendezvous will be moments of bliss that break up the static, and I won’t allow myself to lose the friends I have now, but I’m realistic enough to understand that these relationships will change – and that’s scary too.

I’m not sure how I feel about leaving the Black & Gold staff, the

single most important thing I did at Central. I recognize that the paper is defined by transience – high school is only so long, and it’s time for someone else to take the lead of this glorious thing.

Still, my most striking memories here will always be the all-night deadlines I somehow grew accustomed to. Edit, plan, react, “Joe, I have a question,” “Joe, what do you think?” – I loved every second of it. I gave my all to a staff who I will always be passionate about. What we did is special, something few schools do. But I didn’t spend the night at the school for the satisfaction of hot-off-the-press papers.

More than anything, I hope that between the numbingly numerous list of production to-dos, I made my mark, I did. . . something more permanent than newsprint and late nights. I fostered a forum for your ideas, and place to showcase what is excellent about all of you. We told your story.

Despite the uncertainty that inherently comes with change, apprehension only tinges my excitement, it doesn’t stain it.

Finally, it really is just as simple as riding a bike Emma Beauchamp Managing and Feature Editor

I was flying, somehow defying physics and balancing on three inch tires as I whizzed down the road. Barely a month before my seventeenth birthday, I rode a bicycle for the first time.

Sure, my parents had tried to teach me when I was younger, lighter, though as the days passed with little success, their patience and my determination waned. I was under the impression that someday it would just happen, like growing taller or falling in love.

Physically, I grew, though I never got past my fault; some part of me remained the child with road burn on her knees walking a bike. My childhood encompassed all the normal things: reading excessively, running, swimming, everything, but the bicycle continued to amaze me. I watched cyclists float down the road on their thin, rubber tires in envy.

In fifth grade, on the school trip to Mackinaw Island, I didn’t join the class

bike ride around the island. In seventh, I was forced to ride tandem with my father on Drummond Island. This was getting old.

At sixteen, in the privacy of my forested backyard, I creaked open the rusting shed doors and awkwardly wheeled out a devilishly red bicycle. It had a mind of its own, that bicycle. Saving my pride from the shame of publicly attempting to balance on the Mephistophelean contraption, I teetered, scooted along with my feet on the ground. Grass makes for a much softer landing than pavement.

I tried and tried again. Obtaining bruises, both on the body and the soul, my patience swiftly dwindled and my frustration grew. My friends could not relate, they had learned on time, with ease.

Riding this bicycle became my obsession that summer, though I refused to take my battle on the road, where prying eyes could view me. Finally, my lifelong friend, Joe Balog, offered to help me with my struggles.

This bike riding lesson left the concealed haven of my yard and started on the

corner of my subdivision, a long stretch of road. Heat radiated from the pavement and crept under my precautionary jeans.

Prior to the lesson, Joe evaluated my balance by asking me to stand on one leg and then the other.

“What happens when you try to ride a bike?” Joe inquired.

“I fall.”

“Why?” The simple question had plagued me for most of my childhood. What stopped me from performing the simple task? Determinedly, I mounted that damn bicycle and pressed hard on the right pedal. This is the point where I normally fell, but that day, my left leg landed on the left pedal and pushed. Followed by my right, creating a rhythm. I was flying. Finally.

Following this success, I bicycled every day, sometimes more than once. I intended to make up for all the carefree days of my childhood I could have been bike riding. That frustrating phrase from my childhood,“It’s like riding a bike,” finally related to me as I soared down hills and through the neighborhood.

Submissions

You know your life sucks when...

Rachael Hubbell Guest Writer

You know your life sucks when even the band kids are making fun of you. Back in junior

high, I went to a different school. Granted, the junior high, middle school years are miser-

able regardless--everyone is angsty, and no one has anything nice to say. But for whatever reason, I didn’t handle it as well as other kids. Being told that if I died, no one would care made life a little rough.

Before seventh grade, I never shut up; I could talk to anyone. But somewhere along the line, I stopped talking and I stopped expecting people to listen. I stopped knowing what to say and I stopped looking people in the eye.

By the time I entered tenth grade, I couldn’t take it anymore. Switching to Central was one of the best decisions I ever made. Here I wasn’t ridiculed daily. My pain wasn’t provoked for the sake of laughter. My “friends” didn’t belittle me for sport. I didn’t feel horribly and completely alone.

In the last three years, the wonderful people around me have helped

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me rebuild myself. Between students and staff, I have discovered people who respect me, people who care about me. I’m not just a fixture in their lives, abused or ignored when it suits them.

I still have to make a conscious effort to look people in the eye and meeting new people terrifies me. But I have learned to trust in the essential kindness of people.

While there are bad days, even years, they don’t last forever. If you decide to do something positive for your life -- leave toxic situations and forgive the people who have hurt you -- you won’t regret it. It will be one of the best decisions you ever make.

So even if the band kids are mocking you, even if you get staplers thrown at you in math class, even if you feel like you have no friends -- I promise, it gets better.

Juline Kotarski Guest Writer

Title of piece: Serenity Fav aspect: “Theater makeup- it made her eyes

really dramatic,and went well with the cloudy sky. The wind in the picture made it look calm.”

Inspiration: “Modeled if off of a picture with a girl with writing on her back and heavy eye liner. I wanted to try something with makeup.”

Title of piece: Many phases of happy faces Fav aspect: “I took photos of my friend Caroline (McManus).Her facial expressions are just so whimsical and wacky, so I decided to put them all onto one photo.”

Inspiration: “This photo shows Caroline’s true colors.

She is such an outgoing and wild person.”

Adventure in America Valentin Kluesener

Guest Writer

I don’t really remember what I thought I was doing when I decided to come here from Germany as an exchange student, but it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I left everything familiar behind for one year and started a new adventure.

And it really was an adventure. I remember my friends warning me before I left: “Dude, watch out that you don’t get shot in a gang fight.”

So when I arrived in small, harmless Traverse City, I was relieved that the only guns being fired here were Nerf guns. But as I would discover later, there was something true

about those gang fights. One day during Cross Country practice when we were running downtown, we decided to have a little scrimmage just for fun. All the sudden a group of worried adults hurried out of a store screaming: “Stop it! Get off each other!

Let it go!” – they thought we were really having a gang fight about territory with our cross-town rivals from West!

Even simple everyday life is an adventure, especially with all the pitfalls of a foreign language.

At first, nobody knew that I was foreign, but when your teacher tries to pronounce your name and

decides it is impossible, then everybody knows. Or when your classmates discover your German accent for the very first time.

For example, when you take the hopeless approach to pronounce the word “schizophrenia” and your friends just smile at you and respond with a laugh: “Nice try, silly German.” But I am glad that I can entertain my classmates with my innocence of English.

But best was when I asked the person sitting next to me if I could use his rubber.

The response, of course, was a huge laugh. “Sure, you can borrow my eraser.”

I will take many great memories of school home with me: friends, teachers, dances, games, Homecoming and Prom.

Thank you Central High School for making all of this possible!

Auf Wiedersehen.

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Future Plans

May 15, 2012

Seniors, we wish you the best of luck in your future plans. Congratulations class of 2012!

Please note: Due to space limitations, we are unable to include students’ transfer plans or plans beyond next year Colorado School of Trades: Hayden Pruitt

Gap year: Olivia Allen Whitney Fulton

Kendall College of Art and Design: Alyssa Zick

Albion College: Lauren Bensley

Cornerstone University: Joseph Irving

Grace Bible College: Josie Blake Morgan Carlisle

Kent State University: Alec Chereskin

Davenport University: Tasha Cunningham Addison Wanlass

Grand Rapids Community College: Nicole Palmer Kelly Wiseman

Denison University: Chelsea Saunders

Arizona State: Delaney Stevenson

DePaul University: Alexander Hushak

Art Institute of Chicago: Amanda Banton

Fashion Institute of Technology: Kendall Corso

Baker College: Tyler Lautner Rebecca Litwiller Cree McPherson Kirstie Fisher

Ferris State University: Zachary Dorer Max Golden Jordan Harnick Cristina Isac-Huggins Britney Jones Kevin Leahy Jazmine Ocanas Kyle Schempp

Blue Heron Academy: William Devereaux Caleb Thompson The Boston Conservatory: Connor McLarrin Calvin College: Veronika Schultz Central Michigan: University Kaytie Boomer Abbie Broad Chelsey Brown Brianna Burke Ryan Gemmell Shelby Harris Kevin Kelm Juline Kotarski Taylor Olson Brock Sanderson Gretchen Twietmeyer Kaitlyn Vreeland Andrew West Annica Wyskochil College for Creative Studies Detroit: Joe Cruz College of Alameda: Olivea Cooper

Finlandia University: Samantha Rowan Foreign Exchange students- Returning to homeland: Judith Beck- Germany Constanze Blum- Germany Adele Duby- France Oliver Fahrni- Switzerland Valentin KluesenerGermany Tuuli Linna- Finland Jahongul NoibshoevaTajikistan Hubert Procek- Poland Rebekka Rein- Germany Elisa Stueker- Germany Mayara TagliettaBrazil Monja Veelders- Germany Issabelle Weller- Germany

Grand Valley State: Chandler Cobb Gabriel Couturier Michelle Heim Katherine Knudsen Amanda Latham Hannah Lynch Matthew Medina Alex Philion David Philion Brianna Podsaid Nicolette Schweitzer Jennifer Serrell Reed Shea Madeline VanderVelde Hannah Weckler Hannah Wilson Great Lakes Christian College: Kathryn Kushner Great Lakes Maritime Academy: Gregory Walkowiak Hope College: Kelsey Coggins Anna Krueger Boone Marois Hyles-Anderson College: Adam Gagnon Indiana University: David Pelizzari Interlochen Arts: Academy Kin Kwan Chow Johns Hopkins University: Clare O’Kane Kalamazoo College: Esprit Autenreith Gregory Faller

Lake Forest College: Margaret DeVries Nina Radakovich

ine

Alpena Community College: Brittany Bell

Kettering University: Caleb Kelly Joshua Norris Graphic: N. Mulva

Alma College: Joseph Prokes Dorothy Switzer

Lansing Community College: Bryson Bondie

Lawrence Technological University: Brandon Busuttil Lewis University: Ali Walker Lincoln Tech: Kellen Winowiecki Loyola Marymount University: Jessica Dancer Miami University: Jake Meade Michigan Institute of Aviation & Technology: Luke Chikas Macalester College Dylan Flesher Michigan State University: Kathryn Amalfitano Keanen Armour Tia Barbera Jenna Becker Christopher Cook Kelsie Costello Kennedy Cullen Tyler Dohm Garrett Frain Joseph Friedli Brandan Goodwin Phillip Hanawalt Samantha Kaufman Connor Kerndt Emma Laird Austin Maison Brandon Mattarella

Mackenzie McKian Gabriel Morcote James Newland Travis Peck Cari Rice Geoffrey Rizor Jack Siderman Tanner Stewart Benjamin Tiefenbach Charlie Trubac Molly Walker Jaime Winters Tristan Worthington

Michigan Technological University: Rico Bastian Morgan Crocker Tate Hanawalt Peter Jurica Patrick Koro Joshua Mazure Muskegon Community College: Bradley Keller Nicholas Keller Northern Michigan University: McKenzie Brady Lauren Brennan Mark Jordan Matthew Moss Cecily Olsen Northwestern Michigan College: Knowl Adams Jonathan Asava Justin Augustson Stephanie Badour Kayla Baker Stephanie Baklarz Tommy Barber Cameron Benak Sonny Bernhardt Marilyn Berry David Blesh Madison Bluemel William Boursaw Darin Buchan Benjamin Buckel Brittany Burley Kaitlyn Bush William Challender Tyler Clark Mitchell Clement Elizabeth Cockfield Chloe Colangelo Jazmine Compeau Logan Core

Hannah Crampton Tatiana Crespo Dorothy Croissant Jon Culp Lauren Cutler Louise D’Aquila Tabetha Dauthrich Erica DeBortoli Olivia DeBortoli Kali Delaney Jaron Douglass Rebecca Dunlop Jordan Erickson Andrew Felton Eva Filliez Sawyer Fleet Larry Franklin Adrien Freundl Connor Gartland Gabriela Gavaldon Courtney Gibson John Goodrich Cody Guilbault Samantha Hall Madeline Hanbury Mathew Hanley Eric Hansen Kendra Harris Thomas Hazelwood Jozie Herrera Jon Hess Christopher Hicks Benjamin Holstad Kyle Hubschneider Zachary Janiga Corey Jones Mikayla Kelley Austin Kelly Emily Kelp Mark Klug Sara Laisure Austin Lambert Mckenzie Lamie Katie Lathrop Caylee Lautner Madeleine Lebel Kayla Lutke Thomas Lynch Jeramie Mann Garrett Martek Megan Mayfield Madison McLain Trevor Meek Alexis Micunek Patrick Miller Shelby Miller Desiree Morgan Kristine Niemi Sem Novikov Benjamin O’Connor Stevan Ortega Alisyn Peck

Cyerra Piatt Shawn Prince Emma Rademacher Michael Randall Justin Ray Alan Rickerd Hannah Rider Dallas Sanchez Micaela Schaub Miranda Scheer Kia Schwert Garrett Smith Ronald Steele Olivia Tubbs Edward Villagomez Landon Weber Dylan Werve Nicole Wolf Brooke Zeeryp Michael Zutis Oakland University: Madeline Kachadurian Miranda Belcher Olivet College: Devin Blue Penn State University: Quinten McGinty Pursuing Sports: Seth Adams- Hockey Kyle Froese- Hockey Christopher LeibingerHockey Lucas Little- Hockey Reed College: Alexander Chao Saginaw Valley State University: Kaitlyn Green Dylan Waskiewicz

Graphic: M. Kachadurian

Adrian College: Cady Lewis Matthew Wynkoop

San Diego City College: Kodie Chupp Savannah College of Art & Design: Nathan Barnard Service: Theodore DykstraArmy Andrew Groleau

continued, page 9

Submissions

May 15, 2012

From resignation to resolution Maddy Kachadurian

Three angels, forever in our hearts

Graphics Editor

After standing in one place and screaming at the top of my lungs for several minutes, telling myself that I was too good for the colleges I’d auditioned for, and devouring several tubs of Rocky Road, I accepted that I wasn’t going to be majoring in theatre my freshman year in college.

Rejection is something that every actor experiences; even the Meryl Streeps of the industry have been turned down. I have been acting since I was seven, so I am no stranger to refusal. When I was ten, I got rejected from a play because I got up on stage, started babbling and then promptly froze. I didn’t get into a musical because I sounded, I must be truthful, like a dying cat. Until this year, rejection has been a nuisance that I have dealt with, then dismissed.

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be an actress. It just made sense. When it came time to decide on college plans, I knew that I would go into theatre. The rest of my college decision, however, was not as easy.

I went through several auditions for different theatre programs. I accepted my first rejection because of the program’s exclusivity. It was the first one. They are elite, I

reasoned. I had others coming. After the second time I was turned away, I told myself it didn’t matter because I didn’t really want to go there anyway.

By the third time, I had to accept that maybe I needed to choose a different path. A raw pain grew in my stomach every time I thought about abandoning my dream of becoming an actress. After a tumultuous six weeks, I convinced myself that I was not giving up, just achieving my dream in a different way. I don’t want to downplay rejection, but I’d be lying if I said that I can’t find something positive in all of this. The more I get passed by, the more I want to nail my next audition.

I also had to admit to myself that perhaps my father was right, and for me admitting that he is right is a feat in itself. Perhaps there is more than one way for me to become an actress, there is more than one path to achieving my goals. For now, I plan to spend my freshman year with an undecided major. Maybe I’m supposed to be on the other

Tasha Cunningham Guest Artist

Cari Rice Guest Writer

side of the lens. Maybe I’ll go on to film school. Maybe I will work with actors and maybe become one someday.

The arts have dominated my life.

What I know in my heart is the arts will be my career. In ten years, when my first film or TV show debuts, I will glance back at the colleges that rejected me and know that I got wherever I am because I am resolute.

Name of piece: Nora Inspiration: “Things in nature are never perfect,

yet they are beautiful and have a reason for being the way they are. I wanted to show the beauty that comes with imperfection. A monster like Nora may never truly exist, but I believe if it did, it would have imperfections and a certain beauty to it.”

Favorite aspect: “The texture and coloring of my piece are my favorite aspects. I believe they add to what I was trying to convey.”

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We are never prepared for tragedy. It catches us off guard and we feel like we’ve been leveled by a train.

We wonder, how can I go on? When we are knocked down, we have to get back up, we have to find the strength to carry on. We are young. Death is for old.

The loss of three close friends from various area schools this year was very hard on us. Three great people left us too soon; all were gone within seven months. Each time I heard the horrific news, my heart sank. With each successive hit I became more broken, more lost. Just as I started coming to the other side of the light from the darkness, I’d get slammed again. As reality set in, I came slowly to the terrible acceptance that they were gone and could not come back.

Some mornings, waking up, I’d hope that these tragedies were only nightmares.

But no, reality was worse.

Going to school, knowing that they wouldn’t be there, knowing that you wouldn’t be able to smile or laugh with

them ever again, was heartwrenching. Some days we questioned whether it really happened. We spent our days in a haze of disbelief.

Going through school and life, while being torn apart, is the hardest thing to experience. Giving up was tempting. Personally, I felt like I just couldn’t go on anymore. But the times that we are broken are the times that we find out who are true friends are. When we can’t get up on our own, our friends will pick us up, and help us find our way.

And now we have three beautiful angels looking over us. Although we can’t see them, we feel them; in thinking about them, we honor their lives. These angels are by our side, and remain forever in our hearts.

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May 15, 2012

Degrees of Freedom Esprit Autenreith Guest Writer

Igniting with submission could Disrupt the big idea, that teenage eyes Are up Or down, That hourglasses Blink.

Horizon Books, The Open Space Long scenes of epic quests.

Each one of them could use the luck That might have stopped a reckless run But she is faithful Almost sure Downtown forgives our flaws, and I I grew up here. I’ll speak.

Clubs? You’re either in or out But once you’re in, you’re free.

We Hierarch to an extent, Outspokens aren’t immune.

Surefootedness can pull you far As loyalty can run His fortune favors anyone To be out loud, to speak.

Seniors, we’ve done more than that.

Slipped on slews of connotations, Stalling Stripping down

To selves which will not, cannot hide.

Alive and gaze downcast, Gaps between your fingers move Guessing what to grasp, Your lack of acting makes you brave, we’re Vulnerable. Not blind.

Working the system 101 David Blesh Guest Writer

Are you tired of classes like it’s a 9-5 job? Is Monday morning the bane of your existence?

Are the gorgeous couples of TC Central making it to first base in front of the water fountain again? If you

We invented ourselves, this time.

Going for reactions.

We Are proud of this, this game of chance, The work we’ve shaped and sent, For cautious steps and stepped on feet In a dance that everyone says for us doesn’t matter so

much.

You’re gonna miss it, somehow Perhaps more than you think This mud embellished safety, Four guesses from the brink.

Not so fast To clot this sooty march, this black‘Secondary’ learning ends but So much else does not.

Some common thread Unseen to them Come tangle up our crowds And categories. Grade divide, Three-quarters forehead to a desk We’re quintessential birds to fly, Track shoes lonely on the roof Kicked from New York City’s prom Spun for us, for last.

Such is true to walk that stage, chuck this broken eggshell high Kiss goodbye Those what-to-knows Breath to rest, stale options gone Basket woven sandbags flung Look at us, we’re Free.

Submissions

answered “yes” to any of those questions, you’re probably either a freshman, or you have yet to gain the knowledge of how to manipulate the system.

Due to the varying choices I made and paths I took while at Central, it wasn’t until this past fall where I discovered the glorious availability of NMC Dual Enrollment.

To make a long story short, it is the ultimate excuse, while simultaneously being a great investment. I

Kwan Chow Guest Artist

Name of Piece: Rosey Nose Inspiration: I like explor-

ing individuality from making portraits. Besides the image, there are always some meanings. Messages are shown in realistic style drawings. I hope to generate a dialogue between the model and viewers by invoking charcoal. This was a young model, but I made him oldlooking to show his personality, and for fun. The interesting thing about portraits is the need for drawing skill, and the skill of discovering the model by observing. The most priceless thing I have learned from drawing is how to observe others’ emotions, which actually helps me to take care of others’ feelings.

had two simple entry level classes each semester at college, all the while taking a handful of classes at Central.

Had I known about this earlier I would have taken advantage. All year I could go where I pleased and do as I pleased with the addition of earning college credit. If an authority figure presented themselves in the halls, and asked something along the lines of “where are you supposed to be?” I would gleefully respond “NMC. Dual Enrolled.”

No gimmicks, no nothing, and I was free to go 100% of the time.

In reality, I could have been on my way to the smoke-hole to reminisce about these past for years for all anyone knew.

The manipulation doesn’t stop here. I wasn’t the only one who weaseled my way out of a five-day week at Central. The students

Favorite aspect: I

put a lot of effort into showing his pride from his lips and eyes. I also like the relationship between the head, hair and background. It shows the depth. The value of the nose makes this portrait happen. I also like the proportion of the head structure.

who always park in the “hick” lot do a fine job of accomplishing this.

Career Tech Center, anyone? “Muddin” may not be my thing, but those guys over at CTC are rarely at Central.

The students who let full trimesters captivate them for all four years in this building are slowly driven to insanity by the constant smell of 14-year-olds and mindless, generic homework.

You still have time to save yourself. Join a club, play a sport, and in general, find your niche so that you can relax for the rest of high school.

Just showing up, going to class, and thinking “well, on to the next one!” will not put you anywhere. As my final farewell to the students at Central: don’t be so damn sure you have it all figured out. Think outside the box a little and remember, those who play by the rules are hardly remembered.

Student Art

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May 15, 2012

Name of Piece: “In the

Dark about War”

Inspiration: “I

was walking downtown Chicago and noticed the interesting reflections in the buildings.”

Favorite Aspect: “I really

Katie Vreeland

like the contrast in the building’s reflections. The flag is at half mast and it’s also in the shadows. It made me think about how we as citizens don’t know about war, so we’re in the dark. ”

Guest Artist

Alyssa Zick Guest Artist

Name of piece: “Stacks” Inspiration: “I had a dream of

houses growing out of houses, then I decided that I needed to get that dream on paper.” “My pieces are usually made from sharpies, water color, and chalk. I like using vibrant colors and giving things a dreamy look.”

Favorite aspect: “My favorite part is how original my pieces are.”

Future Plans continued from pg. 6

Service, cont’d: Lily McCuien- Navy Emilio Medina- Army Jacob Russell- Air Force Luke Stenke- Navy Zachary Stoops- Air Force St. Olaf College: Elizabeth Sigworth Texas Wesleyan University: Nikolaj Brons-Piché Traveling: Abbey Perria Traverse City Beauty College: Tyler Telfor Undecided: Shane Beard Michele Boomer Victor Brigham Talmage Bucco

Emily Cook Patrick Davis-Mercado Mary Dorman Andrew Durecki Melissa Feuchtgruber Ryan Green Devon Hains Trevor Holling Tara Jeffreys Matthew Jordan Dylan Kelly Tucker Knowles Kyle Loridon Preston Martin Zachary Nagelvoort Micah Oelze Emily Overmyer Ki Hoon Park Mary Raetz Logan Scott Zachary Smith Austin Solem Shawn Taylor Benito Vega Austin Vela Ryan Verschuren Calob Walter Michael Weatherholt Universal Technical Institute: Austin Grace

University of California, Los Angeles: Alannah O’Brien University of Chicago: Clark Belanger University of Michigan: Emma Beauchamp Abilene Emerson Patrick Goodney Rachael Hubbell Laura Jessmore Sophie Kelly Benjamin Lewis Katherine Lyon Ian McGraw Brandon McKee Joe Murray Trevor Osburn Madison Togrul Adam Waggoner Molly Tompkins Matthew Westerman University of Minnesota: Kaitlyn St Charles

University of Notre Dame: Michael Druskovich Caroline Smith University of Pennsylvania: Maxwell Lundmark University of South Florida: Mackenzie O’Toole University of Utah: Maxwell Collins Nathan Mikulski Christian Stone Wayne State University: Andrew Sheridan Western Michigan University: Jared Biehl Mikisha Drogowski Khanh Duong

Nico Hagar Parker Hogarth Nicole Miller Justin Moore Lauren Truschke Working Andrew Burke Jordan Floyd Melissa Jobson Nicholas Lopez Mykola Pyshnyuk Jacob Robertson Yale University Ellie Dupler-McClintock The Young Americans Alivia McCall

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Memories

May 15, 2012

“The football game against West junior year was pretty big. There was so much hype because it was for the

league title, and there was a huge audience. Even though we lost, it was one of the best games.” - Boone Marois

“My favorite memory is walking into school on the first day and looking at the fear on the underclassmen’s faces as I walked down the hall.”

- Nikki Schweitzer

“One of my favorite high

school memories was the zoothemed football game. I liked the chance to dress up like an animal and look fierce as a cheetah.”

- Alex Hushak

“Right now, my mom kinda babies me, and I’m not afraid to admit it and I’m really excited to be on my own. At college, it’s more ‘every man for himself.’ Central feels so connected. I’ll miss that atmosphere.” - Emma Laird

“During band camp, drumline started saying “That’s what she said” after everything Brumbaugh said. Example: “There’s a massive hole over there!” and “Geoff, we need your help!”

- Joe Friedli

“At an assembly two years ago there was a game of chicken, where the guys had an egg attached to their head with a pantyhose and the girls had to smash it with a fish. There was egg everywhere and it smelled like fish.” - Tatiana Crespo

“Underclassmen,

“Always park in F-Lot. Be Coach James’

friend, join basketball, and he won’t get mad at take weights so you you.” - Katherine Lyon don’t get beat up” - Clark Belanger “Get involved - that’s

“The Central-West

hockey game was awesome - we took Super Fans to the next level. Everyone was so unified and we had so much team spirit. I think it was the biggest student section we ever had. All the hockey players told us that us being there helped with the win more than we could imagine.” - Charlie Trubac

“This one time, I

asked former computer lab assistant Mr. O for a high-five. I was immediately sent to the closet for ‘extortion.’”

- Michael Zutis

I

how you meet new people and experience new things. You have to put yourself out there - you only have four years, you shouldn’t waste them.”

- Caleb Kelly

“Be whoever you

want to be, except the next Bill Gates.

I call dibs on that.”

- Nicole Wolf

“I had a lot of

fun during Grease.

I’ve done a lot of musicals before at the Old Town Playhouse, but never Central, so it was cool to be welcomed into the musical group. The last show - although it didn’t technically run well - had a lot of meaning. When I sang my last song, it was the most I had ever felt connected to it. The ending was bittersweet.” - Hannah Weckler

“In Chorale this year, we were working on our festival piece and randomly broke out in a big old rap. It was just a great moment.” Becca Litwiller

“ t was the night before our TCKSA talent show at Pyramid Point. TC West cross girls were having a dance party in the main building, so we snuck over to their cabin and tore it up. The toilet paper was our main priority, spider-webbing it through the rafters and bunk beds. We finished up with the clothes-pin items, shaving cream smiley faces and the booby-trapped entrance.” - Madison Bluemel

Submissions

Change the world

Tristan Worthington

Guest Writer

There is a common misconception that high school students cannot make a difference in our community. I have made it my mission to prove this wrong. Throughout my years at Central, I have had the opportunity to make a difference through my work with Food Rescue of Northwest Michigan and our very own FIRST Robotics team, the Raptors. Through these organizations, I have learned countless real life skills, which cannot be learned in class.

Of these, the most valuable is my perspective that things can be changed for the better.

Food Rescue is a non-profit organization, which acts as a delivery service for soon to expire food from local grocery stores, pantries and restaurants. In its four years of operation, we have rescued over 1.5 million pounds of food that was headed to the landfill, but instead was distributed to hungry people.

Sophomore year, I helped expand operations to Antrim and Kalkaska counties. The first time I volunteered in a food pantry was shocking. I was surprised by how many

Crime and corruption Shane Beard

people needed our services and by their disposition. All were extremely grateful, and although they took little food so there would be enough to go around, it was obvious they needed more. After that defining experience, I was driven to ensure that we always had enough. At the end of my project with Food Rescue, I have helped triple its scale and reach.

While food is a necessity, instilling passion for science and technology is the mission of FIRST Robotics. Both food and knowledge are essential to our community. Two years ago, Central’s Team 1711 created an event called Super Science Saturday. It is open to the greater community and features fun and exciting hands-on activities.

The Raptors believe so much in what we created that we are sharing it with every FIRST team in the world. A big thrill in my FIRST career was sharing our Super Science Saturday How-to Guide with the famous inventor and FIRST Robotics founder, Dean Kamen, who made a surprise appearance at states. Perhaps because I was wearing a kilt, I was a little nervous. I braved the swarm of nerds surrounding him long enough to hand him a copy and briefly explain our concept. He loved it. Super Science Saturday is going international.

It has been a pleasure to work with such passionate and wonderful people in both of these organizations. The things you do locally affect the way the world works.

Together we will make this world a better place.

Lauren Cutler Guest Artist

Name of Piece: “Birch Foot”

Guest Writer

During my time at Central, I have witnessed some all around bad behavior. Disrespect like littering, theft, vandalism and felonious destruction of property. These dirty deeds have inspired me, opened a pathway to my ideal job: Loose. Cannon. Cop. Throughout my four years here, hundreds of calculators have been kidnapped, and do we look for them? No! Not for long enough, anyway. In the stairwell of C-building vandals run rampant and they mercilessly ripped the handrail from its moorings, rendering the passage between classes unsafe.

Not only does this subject our school to liability, it’s not nice.

The floors have been taken prisoner too. They are strewn with half full milk cartons, candy-wrappers fluttering like so many dry leaves, chucked Gatorade and Mountain Dew bottles abandoned to the elements. Do passersby bother to pick these up? No. Bad students leave these for the blind to trip over and mid-fall, they can’t even grab the handrail to save themselves. Heartless students!

All this criminal behavior has me wondering: if our small community has such a high crime rate, what about the world? We need - NAY - the world needs a hero! Said hero must of course be backed by the government, armed with a shiny badge. A big one, like a big stick. Which he will not hesitate to wield in the face of unjust hurling of a chocolate milk bottle. This hero will possess a very, very long leash, that he will use lasso-style, whenever a calcu-

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May 15, 2012

Inspiration: “I did a painting

two years ago of an old man with a tree growing from his head. I enjoyed painting it so much that it inspired me to make the subject of my concentration (a series of twelve pieces that relate to each other for AP Studio Art) the interaction between the human body and plant life. This is one of the twelve related paintings.”

Favorite Aspect: “My favorite parts lator goes missing.

Herocop needs to be charismatic, unyielding, and good to the little children, a modern day Dirty Harry of questionable honor. That is why I covet the mantle of LooseCannonCop. I pledge to enforce the laws, break no rules. . . unless I have reasonable cause, or a really, really good hunch. I am the long arm, and most of the chest of the law! I am Shane Beard.

of this piece are the negative space created by the placement of the birch trees and the way the coolcolored background complements the warm-colored flesh.”

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May 15, 2012

Awards

Cool it, Moms and Pops! You seniors have be-bopped your brains out winning all of these awards. From the hip hockey greasers to the neato nerds, you all have had your heels on fire makin’ this antsville a jumpin’ and jivin’ wonderland. We salute you hep cats for keepin’ it real and goin’ with the flow for the ginchiest four years this place has ever seen! Underclassmen, sneak a peak at this crazy list and take notes for next year

National Merit Recipients:

National Merit Recipients: Elizabeth Sigworth: National Merit Finalist Scholarship Award Winner Ellie Dupler: National Merit Finalist Rachael Hubbell: Commended Scholar

Publications:

Newspaper: The Black & Gold won a Spartan Award, the highest award given in the state Individual Awards: Joe Murray, Emma Beauchamp, Maddy Kachadurian, Kennedy Cullen, Patrick Goodney, Rico Bastian, Gretchen Twietmeyer, Kaytie Boomer Yearbook: Pines won a Gold Award, the second highest award given in the state Individual Awards: Lauren Bensley, Juline Kotarski, Shelby Harris

Debate: State Champions Debate Honor Cord Recipients: Clark Belanger, David Blesh, Molly Tompkins

Kiwanis Students of the Month: Joseph Friedli, Clare O’Kane, Katie Knudsen, Patrick Koro, Rachael Hubbell, Joseph Murray, Kennedy Cullen, Ian McGraw, Anna Krueger, Geoffrey Rizor, Tristan Worthington, Devin Blue, Nikki Schweitzer, Clark Belanger, Sara Laisure

Boy Scouts of America: Eagle Scout Award Recipients: Justin Ray, Travis Peck, Ben O’Connor, Tristan Worthington, Max Collins

Model UN: Rachael Hubbell: Highest honors for participation in crises simulations, second honors in the Special Political Committee Clare O’Kane: Highest honors for participation in crises simulations Andy Sheridan: Second honors in the Science and Technology Committee

Mathematics: Michigan Mathematics Prize Competition: Qualified finalists: Rico Bastian, Clark Belanger, Ellie Dupler, Elizabeth Sigworth Stephanie Badour: Family and Consumer Science Department Award

Students of the Month: FIRST Robotics: Rotary Students of the Month: Ellie Dupler, Max Lundmark, Ian McGraw, Molly Tompkins Trojans of the Month: Will Boursaw – Excellence, Austin Vela – Tradition, Max Lundmark – Excellence, Molly Tompkins – Excellence, Jon Asava – Tradition, Ian McGraw – Achievement, Josh Norris – Leadership, Whitney Fulton – Integrity, Joseph Murray – Leadership

The CHS Raptors: Qualified for State Finals, FIRST Robotics District Competition Finalist, Chairman’s Award at Kettering, Entrepreneurship Award Senior Team Members: Rico Bastian, Max Golden, Quinn McGinty, Nathan Mikulski, Josh Norris, Micah Oelze, Tristan Worthington

Underwater ROV: Won the Ford Family Innovative Engineering Award Senior team members: Darin Buchan, Patrick Koro

Awards Art:

13

May 15, 2012 Choir Senior Pins: Jonathan Asava, Tia Barbera, Marilyn Berry, Chelsey Brown, Tryris Byrd, Tatiana Crespo, Jessica Dancer, Louise D’Aquila, Maggie DeVries, Jaron Douglas, Mark Jordan, Emma Laird, Cady Lewis, Rebecca Litwiller, Hannah Lynch, Megan Mayfield, Alannah O’Brian, Cecily Olsen, Hannah Rider, Zach Smith, Tyler Telfor, Hannah Weckler, Jamie Winters, Sophie Kelly, Whitney Fulton

NMC High School Art Competition: Alyssa Zick: Best in show, first and third place illustration Kwan Chow: First place drawing NMC High School Art Competition Winners: Alyssa Zick, Lauren Cutler, Logan Core, Abbey Perria, Jacob Robertson Traverse Area Camera Club Student Competition: Kaytie Boomer, Juline Kotarski, Katie Vreeland, Logan Core Joe Cruz: Merit Scholarship to the College Michigan School Band and Orchestra Asfor Creative Design sociation District Festival: Merit Scholarships to the Kendall College All TCC Orchestras: Superior ratings of Art: Alyssa Zick, Kwan Chow All TCC Bands: Excellent ratings 2012 Senior Soloists with the TCC Orchestra: Gabe Morcote, Connor McLarrin, Michigan School Vocal Music AssociaElizabeth Sigworth, Trevor Meek, Kelsie tion State Solo and Ensemble: Costello, Michael Zutis Choral-Aires: Superior rating Michigan School Band and Orchestra Chorale: Superior rating Association District Solo and Ensemble Vocal Majority: Superior rating Festival: Men of Note: Excellent rating Band Members receiving Superior ratSoloists receiving Superior or Excellent ings: Morgan Crocker, Morgan Crocker, ratings: Tatiana Crespo, Tyris Byrd, Chelsey Connor McLarrin, Geoff Rizor Brown, Hannah Rider, Sophie Kelly, Maggie Sousa Award: Connor McLarrin DeVries, Megan Mayfield Michael P. Dendrinos Memorial ScholarMichigan School Vocal Music Associaship Award: Geoff Rizor tion Louis Armstrong Jazz Award: Chris Cooke Concert Choir: Excellent rating Chorale: Superior rating Choral-Aires: Superior rating FALL Men of Note: Superior rating Boys Cross Country: BNC Runners-up, Leadership Awards: Tia Barbera, Morgan qualified for the State Finals Carlisle, Whitney Fulton Girls Cross Country: BNC Champions, Music Booster Award: Jaron Douglass, MHSAA Regional Champions, 7th in the Tatiana Crespo MHSAA State Finals Ironman Award: Rebecca Litwiller Equestrian: Qualified for Districts Qualified for the Michigan Verdi Opera Football: 3rd in the BNC Competition: Chelsey Brown, Megan MayGirls Golf: BNC Champions, Qualified for field the State Finals, 10th in the MHSAA DiviParticipated in the MSU Choral Leadersion 2 State Finals ship Workshop: Tatiana Crespo, Hannah Boys Soccer: BNC Runners-up, District Rider, Zack Smith, Sophie Kelly, Jason Doug- Finalist lass, Mark Jordan Girls Swimming: qualified nine swimmers Choir Senior Letters: Matthew Jordan, for the MHSAA Division 1 State Finals Alivia McCall, Whitney Fulton Boys Tennis: BNC Champions, MHSAA

Orchestra & Band:

Choir:

Sports:

MHSAA Regional Runner-up, 9th in the MHSAA Division 2 State Finals Volleyball: 3rd in the BNC WINTER Boys Basketball: 5th in the BNC Girls Basketball: BNC Runners-up, District Finalist Bowling: B-Team Division 3 Champions Boys and Girls Cross Country Skiing: 3rd in the Nordic HS Ski State Championships Boys Downhill Skiing: 4th in the BNC, runner up in the MHSAA regionals, 4th in the MHSAA State Finals Girls Downhill Skiing: BNC Champions, MHSAA Regional Champions Figure Skating: Qualified for State Finals Hockey: BNC Champions, won 4th MHSAA Regional title

Staff: Tami Grove: accepted into the MM Choral Conducting program at MSU, and sang in the MSVMA 75th Anniversary Choir at Grand Rapids’ 7th Annual Michigan Music Conference Anna Kane: awarded the 2012 OPIE (Outstanding Person In Education) “There are so many who deserve recognition I’m truly honored.”

Eric March: graduated from Michigan State University with a Masters in Educational Technology Katelyn Patterson: graduated from Grand Valley State with a Master’s in Special Ed, will be taking on the role of AARI coach next school year “I will be working with other TCAPS AARI teachers in efforts to grow the reading initiative district-wide in our elementary, middle and high schools. Thus far, AARI has yielded robust results and I look forward to visiting new schools and helping other staff implement AARI into their classrooms!”

Pat Rutt: awarded the 2012 OPIE (Outstanding Person In Education) “I was very surprised. It is really nice to know that I am impacting students in a very positive way.”

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May 15, 2012

Ads

Ads

May 15, 2012

15

16

May 15, 2012

Prom

Graphic

: M. Ka

chaduri a

n

Photo: S. Hutchison

Courtney Gibson and friend Katie Bush, both ‘12, dance to one of the many songs they enjoyed at Prom. “The music was really good and the DJ was probably the best we have had at our dances,” Gibson said. Other than the music choice, simply having a girls’ night made the dance memorable for Gibson. “Prom brought me back to my old friends who really care about me, and I care about them,” Gibson said. “It reminded me that they were there for me.”

utchison

Photo: S. H

stine nce is Kri chool da i, the -s m h ie ig h N r st g her la mlow. Fo e tr S e e th k h Cherishin Ja it with date ht to be w r night e Niemi ‘12 m was the last nig h e d a Pro what m fact that s part of the last r class wa s hard, this being io n se r e h ext year, a w “N t .

“I id . le rab ” Niemi sa getting ready l, o o so memo h sc t of high d I’ll miss big even aving an ” will be le e l dances. n o o o ry h e ev nds for sc ie fr y m ll with a

Photo: S. Hutchison

sort are Zack the Grand Traverse Re Laughing their way into the dance itself, Kaufman ‘13. Beyond Smith ‘12 and Abbey t night with las his g ward to makin Smith was looking for orite part of fav uld possibly be. “My his class the best it co said. “It was ith Sm r,” ne din d ration an prom was the prepa had and the ve ha ers riences that oth fun to talk about expe ke.” ma uld wo we t tha s morie possibility of the me

Taking in their much-deserved new titles as P Mark Jordan, both ‘12, bask in the perfect top at first, but then I was just so happy I started c feel really loved.” Instead of shedding tears, J “I didn’t expect to win Prom King at all,” Jorda that it was my name and was in complete sho

Prom

17

May 15, 2012

Pho

to: S. Hut Sara Lais chison ure, Tatia n a wood, an Crespo, M d Ian Mc ax Lundm Gra Mark Jord ark, Tom Hazelan ‘12. “A w, all ‘12, congra tulate Pro ll of the g Hazelwo m King od said. u y s w o u ld “I was really have bee that it wa n great,” s Mark b happy w ecause h hen they it.” e’s a gre announc a ed t g u y Being a m and he d eserved ember o the hono f the cou r that Jord rt an felt be himself, Hazelwo surprised od knew ing electe to be on d. “I was P rom Cou three-hu definitely rt. I felt p ndred kid rivileged s, I was o paired up that o ne o next to th ose guys. f five. It was an ho ut of ” nor to be

Photo: A. Hilden

Unbuttoning his formal atti re in the mosh pit, Brady Girard ‘13 slows down and gets comfortable for a slow dance with date Brit tany Bell ‘12. “Not having all the freshman crowding the floor made it a great last dance to kick off the end of the school year,” Girard said. Getting the chance to dress up and seeing all of his senior frie nds at their last hurrah completed Girard’s night.

Photo: S. Hardin

Prom King and Queen, Molly Walker and pper of their senior year. “It didn’t seem real crying,” Walker said. “It definitely makes me Jordan cheered along with his classmates. an said, “I started cheering when I realized ock and excitement.”

Photo: S. Hutchison

Enjoying the dance atmosphere of the ‘New York Nightclub’ are Tyler Telfor and friend Tia Barbara both ‘12. One of Telfor’s favorite aspects of Prom was the chance to dance alongside her friends. “It will definitely be the dance I remember because of my dress and the before and after parties,” Telfor said.

Graphic: A. Korson

18

Teachers

May 15, 2012

Teachers bid farewell to the seniors by sharing favorite memories, offering words of wisdom and wishing them goodluck as they dance away from their adolecent years

“I think seniors should try every“One trimester thing, travel, go on every road I had Brad and Nick trip they can and take a class Keller, they didn’t think they would Ryan Verlike.” -John Failor, Math schuren, Kellen Winowiecki, and Brandon Mattarella all “Chris Leibinger edited my Spanin the same class. Between ish commands table. And it was very the five of them, there funny... And very inappropriate.”

-Rebecka Rankens, Spanish was never a dull moment.” -Jeff Turner, Math “It’s a huge transition. College

Lessons I have

accomplish so much with hard

work. They prove it every time!” -Tamara Grove, Choir Director

M

tion because I’m happy for them when they move on. It’s nice to see them and I’ll just miss having them around.” -John Sivek, Math

Work harder and smarter.

“

Never give up. Remember that some things in life will always be difficult, but if you keep pushing and learn to persevere, the rewards are great.”

-Marcie King, Chemistry

is a real balance of the fun you can have and the incredible workload. Good luck, seniors!” -Hal Lalonde, Math

“

learned: 1. Laughing always makes you feel better.

2. It is okay to “have a life.”

3. They are young adults and can

I always like to go to gradua-

“

“There are some of you that have convinced your counselor that you need to have photography every year and others of you have convinced them that you need it every tri. I am not sure what I will do next year without my full time photography students, you know who you are. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do with yourselves in the future. I will expect to see some of your names in lights. -Jamie Sandy, Art

“Special thanks to Clark Belanger and Molly Tompkins for sticking with the debate team all four years.” -Carol Roehrich, English =

“( ethinks) there is always a story to be shared–life is a series of stories. What will be yours?

OY!” -Kathryn Shelley-Barnes, English

“I’ll say what I always

say: hope for the best and prepare for the worst.” Joe Forlenza, History

I

“ have enormous faith in the futureknowing the people I know as they have progressed throughout high school. I am very heartened by this. The seniors are making a better world for my little girl and I am very grateful for their future.” -Thomas Czarny, Biology Graphics: M. Kachadurian

Submissions

19

May 15, 2012

Knowing with absolute certainty Kennedy Cullen Production Assistant

I was born knowing exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up. The world was my oyster and I yearned to ponder the mysteries of the universe in the company of history’s great minds. I believed I was destined to have my name in the history books with Newton and Einstein.

The call of the teacher to come inside from recess didn’t interrupt my incessant wonder. Even the hallmark of the school day – naptime – couldn’t slow my mind.

As I laid on the woven mats among my slumbering classmates, my mind was in the stars, racing at the speed of light.

As soon as I was old enough to press my eye to a telescope with my chubby toddler hands, I was fascinated by the cosmos. I would sit for hours in front of the television, cross-legged, chin in hands, just hoping for a NOVA special to appear on the TV prior to afternoon cartoons on PBS. Being an astronaut seemed a little risky, the vacuum of space was intimidating to even my star-gazing mind, so I decided that I would enjoy the view of the heavens from the comfort of my own

backyard.

That’s when I knew with absolute certainty that I would be an astronomer.

I could even spell it – my mother was so proud. She took me to my first visit to the observatory, where I stood on tiptoe, peering through the lens of a powerful telescope, feeling as though I could reach out and touch the stars. But the great mysteries of the Earth seemed expansive enough, so I made an executive decision to lend my budding talents to the discovery of the unknown here on Earth.

At age six, I turned my attention from the universe above my head to the record of the ages below my feet. All I hoped for was to discover the newest species of dinosaur.

That’s when I knew with absolute certainty that I would be a paleontologist.

I even researched the eras, from Paleozoic to Mesozoic, and was determined to sell my findings to the Smithsonian Institute and make a billion dollars. The years since my affair with the atmosphere had brought bigger aspirations but didn’t deter my whimsical sense of reality.

When I was ten, I continued my quest for knowledge from the astronomical to the cellular. I wanted to assist in the

mapping of the human genome. Genetics connected every facet of life that we learned about in fifth grade science class: plant, animal or fungi.

The gargantuan books I held on my little lap held the key to a whole new perspective on the way of the world.

I searched the seemingly mile-long index for pages filled top-to-bottom with diagrams of cell reproduction and DNA. That’s when I knew with absolute certainty that I would be a geneticist.

I leafed earnestly through chapters about cross-pollination, dominant and recessive traits, and Darwinian concepts and decided I would be the next Gregor Mendel.

At the end of my senior year, I have my feet planted on the terra firma, and when I gaze at the stars, I see what happened light years ago. It’s so clear, so certain. But now I am not so certain. I find myself surrounded by baffling decisions that seem to put the weight of the world on my shoulders. I have ruled out many professions, but there remains a plethora of opportunities. Instead of being with Newton and Einstein, I will be among the great minds of today.

Although I haven’t chosen a path, I have gained the privilege of a clean slate at MSU. I know with absolute certainty that every time I think of my future, I do so with the same childlike enthusiasm, the same sense of wonder as I had in my days of stargazing and digging for bones in my father’s garden. I still look upon the stars that shine with the same brilliance as they have for billions of years.

Central’s condescending seniors Alex Hushak & Nina Radakovich Guest Writers

Throughout our four majestic years here at CHS, we have been subjected to enough struggles and enough freshmen to last us a lifetime. So what better way to vent, than in a lovely feature in our senior issue that no one reads?

We hereby present to you: Condescending Seniors. . .

-Wow! You know one verse of Lil Wayne? You must be from Compton.

-It’s lunch time and you’re heading due north on the P? Good choice, the lighthouse has great sandwiches.

-You don’t get noticed enough? Just drive out of CPL squealing your tires, going 40 mph whilst blasting some Waka Flaka.

-Oh, you take multiple AP classes? Please keep whining to everyone about how hard it is to copy the same four reductions of Catcher in the Rye. -You’re a freshman you say? We couldn’t already tell by your head-to-toe Hollister ensemble.

-You have a beat up Honda? You should throw some chrome rims on it and install some “dope” subs. Chicks dig it.

-What’s that, you’re a North Star? Wheel those bitties!

-Oh, you just moved here? Please proceed to tell every-

one about how much you hate Central and how awesome your old school was. . . on Twitter.

-You got accepted to U of M? Tell us more about how smart you are; we are truly impressed.

-You have a miserable life? #TimeToTweet.

-You walk to Little Caesar’s everyday for lunch? You are definitely not a freshman.

-Awww, you want to start up assassins? We’re sure that will go smoothly.

-What’s that? You listen to dubstep? Basshead must be your favorite song.

-You play hockey? We couldn’t tell by your sick combo of unwashed flow and pea coat.

-You’re going to throw a party? When you get caught be sure to rat out every senior there. We’ll love ya!

-You’re attending an Academy event? Say hello from us to the two other students joining you.

-Oh, if we don’t do _____ you’re going to threaten us with not walking at graduation? Man, that’s going to be one short ceremony.

-You wear Toms and rock the brony tail? Where do you park your long board?

-Is that gum in your mouth? It must have been your

last piece.

-Awww, you guys are in love? Continue to make out everywhere. It’s adorable!

-Oh, you’re chillin’ at The Brew? Be sure to ask for extra hipster in your coffee.

-You have school spirit you say? Keep showing up to the student sections in street clothes and continue to be as quiet as possible. We love that.

-Oh, next year you’re gonna be a senior? SYFI

20

May 15, 2012

Submissions

An (aside) on the Art of Procrastination Geoff Rizor Guest Writer

Senior articles, due May 11th...

All we hear is senior article, do May 11th. We get it--Newspaper needs our stuff. Now. So although I didn’t technically miss deadline, I apologize to the Black and Gold who, although they often misquote everyone, put in more hours than most around here. I randomly polled students who I can neither name, nor source (it’s top secret) how they would classify the Black and Gold. I was enlightened that they thought the journalistic standard was “advanced,” “modern” and “new-age.”

Whatever the Black and Gold actually consider themselves, they stay up late compiling their stories because students procrastinate or the news changes.

They should just make up stories and nick Facebook photos. This would get them home earlier.

Then again, being interviewed four straight years, and always being misquoted, I’m not so sure that they don’t anyway.

As long as high school students are still teenagers, procrastination will still exist. Let’s be honest, regardless of teachers’ scare tactics and threats of impending doom, doing assignments the night before they are due (do?) will be just fine. Most, you can take right down to the line, say, finish at lunch or during one

Kaytie Boomer Guest Artist

of those convenient free hours (utilize those well). Although you may already be filling your free hour with a nice napping schedule, or quick 7-11 runs, instead, you should use that time dedicated to minimal academic endeavors. It will free up the rest of your day for after school when all your friends can join you for whatever you please (a free third hour is optimal).

Delaying school work will also give you time to “mentally plan and edit the assignment.” Then, when you receive a “sub-par B+ on the paper” (or F- - if you’re in Lang), you politely ask if there is any extra credit. If you’re successful, you should be able to talk your way out of doing anything extra. This shows that you care about maintaining your pristine GPA. Communication skills are key.

Even after you manage to finagle your grade, your work isn’t quite finished. Make sure you keep talking to all of your past teachers. Be polite, make small talk, show them how much you’ve learned. (If you think I mean academics, you still have a long way to go.) Because when your senior year rolls around, and you quickly lose the fight against senioritis, you need at least two teachers to still have some bit of respect for you for those recommendation letters. Luckily for me, over my four years, I was blessed with four different counselors. So when it came

time for any kind of counselor recommendation, I introduced myself, and enlightened them as to what I do with my life. All were amazed at my variety of AP classes, how I was in sports and am an avid musician. When I stated I was in almost every music group on campus, they were speechless. I wasn’t sure if that was a compliment of my talent, or if they thought I looked like a failure. They would try to figure out what I wanted to do by looking at my AP classes. Yet, these days, nobody really takes AP classes because they enjoy the subjects or want to major in them. AP Chemistry? As much fun as drawing arrows, dots, and other obscure things to classify electrons, or even trying to learn to pronounce ferricammoniumdihydrogenhypothioantimonitehemihydrate (and you thought antidisestablishmentarianism was impressive...) may be, most take the class because of Mrs. King.

Follow her Chemistry Twitter.

Totally worth it.

Make sure to invest in these AP classes, they sound difficult, but the teachers are quite experienced (Failor and Shelley-Barnes’ scores are through the roof) and also make the classes quite entertaining. The life stories and lessons actually apply (unlike Taylor Series). Plus B/C Calculus is the only class where you can take a highly difficult math problem, and cover it up with your thumb and pretend it doesn’t

Name of Piece: “Life Process” Inspiration: “My sister asked me to be there for home birth and I thought it would be cool to capture the moment. I felt really bad, she was screaming and I couldn’t do anything about it. But I cried

exist (see “Heaviside”). Also, the more AP classes you have, the less chance you have of missing one of those highly important required gym classes. When you miss gym, you have to fill out the yellow make up sheet. I personally feel terrible doing this, because it’s hard to match the effort and “physical intensity” of a cardio day. (Shuffle 30 seconds, walk 90 seconds....Really?) The closest thing I’ve found is carrying around the neglected textbooks in your backpack. Rumor has it that the Bio book is an excellent makeshift ironing board.

But teachers know a lot more than you think. They know it is no coincidence that all of the cafeteria scholars in 5th hour, do far better than those in poor souls in 1st hour. Nobody believes you can get 100% on a quotes test over the entire book.

They see you texting, and see you glancing down in desperation, up for inspiration, and to the paper next to you for all the information (Senora Lynch has X-ray vision and supersonic hearing, as well as extreme “drawsomething” skill). So while we may think we know

it all, these teachers have seen everything. You’ve got nothing new, and can’t say anything they haven’t heard. (Unless you managed to spill acid and severely burn yourself. I’m not sure if they have seen that one yet...) These teachers put up with the sass, senioritis, excuses, and drama year after year, but still are dedicated enough to help you, whether you deserve it or not.

I’ve learned a lot in my four years at Central. I would like to thank all of the students, teachers, coaches, and school community who have helped me through high school. I would love to see each and every one of you at graduation (assuming you can survive another year of Pomp and Circumstance).

when I saw the baby, it was definitely a once in a lifetime moment.”

Favorite Aspect: “It makes a collage that tells a story of how it happened and the emotions that were there.”

Submissions

A call to arms, my fellow Trojans Tanner Stewart Guest Writer

My fellow Trojans, I must have a word with you, Super Fan to Super Fan. When I was but a wee little freshman, I was shaking in my boots when I first experienced “The Zoo.” The day that I saw our seniors moshing, chanting, and disregarding Leyndyke’s commands, I became completely infatuated in becoming a Super Fan. Never had I thought that one day, I would be coordinating the insanity.

I was not thrust into the position of leading the student section alongside the legendary Tom Hazelwood and Ian McGraw, but I felt I had a duty to do such a thing. One must rise on such an occasion. And this is the fact that I stress to you all today. When you become a student at Central, you inherit a duty to devote your time into cheering for the Trojans.

None can withstand the fury of the Trojans en mass, nor can any handle the collective roar of our voices bearing down upon their shoulders. We Trojans are known on a state-wide level for our student section. This is a hard-earned legacy that rivals the athletes we cheer on.

SuperFandom fame comes from many hoarse voices, obsessing over

costumes, much purchasing of war-paint and bling, bruises, and the baring of one’s naked skin in subzero temperatures. Friends, one must train to endure such a task.

So now Brothers and Sisters, it is time for your senior brethren to pass the mantle. The tradition is now all on you.

You are the leaders of tomorrow; the power and soul of the Super fan is now in your almost capable hands.

Yet with great power, comes great responsibility. The pressure that comes with being a Super Fan is great, but excellence doesn’t come quietly in the night; one must train for greatness. Never Fear! Trojans do best under pressure.

You will achieve excellence, and you will make us proud. This I believe.

Super Fans, it is essential that you attend every game that you can to boost the morale of our Trojans as they defeat any who oppose us. Many of my athlete friends have described to me the positive effect we have on our players and this needs to continue.

So, Trojans, release the lion caged within. Let it roar. Let it shake the very ground beneath our feet. Never shall the Trojans be silenced, never shall they be contained.

Eva Filliez Guest Artist

Name of piece: Lily

Inspiration: “It

was the colors of spring when they were first peaking out.”

Favorite aspect:

“The color and the lighting of the piece are my favorite.”

Nicole Palmer Guest Artist

Name of piece: Frosted in a Wine Inspiration: I walked outside to my front yard and saw the glistening frost on the leaves. It reminded me of sparkles.

With the frost, the

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May 15, 2012

leaves were turning from fall to winter and I thought the photo captured that very well.

Favorite Aspect: I thought the colors were really vibrant, a pretty orange.

Limitless Max Golden Guest Writer

High school is supposed to be a time filled with challenge and discovery, yet on the brink of my graduation, I am reminded just how much more I wish I would have done to reach my full potential. But my fear of pushing myself and ending up in failure held me back, whether it was academics, volunteering, or being involved in more groups. It shouldn’t be this hard to recall one profound moment where I really pushed past my limits.

I’m not saying I did nothing, because I wouldn’t trade my time with the robotics and cross country teams for anything. I made great friends and learned how to push past some of my fears. But I should have done more activities like these. I worried a little too much about my limits. I should have volunteered more, done more outside of school. Not only did I not do enough outside of the classroom, I didn’t challenge myself academically. I took an AP class, just one, because I was too worried about not being ready to handle more. A heavier load of those classes would have taught me how to manage time better, how to be a better student, how to break the barrier.

I will be fine in college, but I just wish I was going in feeling little more experienced.

Spending my last four years holding back has taught me that I will not just take the easy option. In confronting our fears, which always reside at our limit, in surpassing this, we find our true potential, and we surprise even ourselves.

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May 15, 2012

Ads

Ads

May 15, 2012

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Graphic: N. Mulvaine

Graphic: R. Bastian

Graphic: N. Mulvaine

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May 15, 2012

Submissions

Precipitous path to one’s dreams Whitney Fulton Guest Writer

“I know they say, you can’t go home againI just had to come back one last time.”

-Miranda Lambert As I approach graduation, and the threshold of my adult life, I am burning with anticipation and excitement. I have been blessed with the best of family, friends and educational opportunities.

These are granite, golden, precious to me. Now, the world awaits, and I am ready.

I have a dream. But there are some things I must take care of before.

My second step to my-

professional life is earning my Bachelors Degree in Industrial Design from an arts college, with a minor in music and performing arts.

My first step is taking a “gap” year off between high school and college to allow time for seasoning, to gain wisdom, experience and employment. These are necessary in order for me to grasp adult responsibilities. Also during my gap, I will get a taste of the rest of the world. I will travel, experience freedom, smell things exotic, hear foreign tongues, embrace the unknown.

These are the real work

of my career.

Throughout my life I will continue my trips into Haiti to help the needy, and there I will return during my gap. My connection to this land is strong, as is my desire to make a difference, one child at a time.

My dream is to have my own design studio within a few years of college graduation. My travels will inspire my future career--the main object of my gap.

I feel that each foray into things foreign takes me farther from my home in more ways than geography, but such is the precipitous path to one’s dreams.

Preparing for the future Andrew Felton Guest Writer

The past four years at Central Senior High prepared me for the future education. I am ready for college because my family pushed

me to achieve. When my time comes to leave the nest, I’ll fly high beyond the clouds.

My first leap will be college at NMC where I plan to major in chemistry. Then I hope to transfer to either to Northern or Central for biochemistry.

As I am about to jump into my future, my emotions are jumbled; at any given moment I feel happy, excited, and even worried. Happy because I look forward to a better future, excited because I want to see how college will change me, worried because I know this will be different.

Friendships change with distance; college is a leap into the unknown. What I do know is that I’m going to make my college experience memorable.

School didn’t really prepare me for the real world but it taught me the value of education and here I also learned the value of real friendships.

They’re the ones who are at my side through thick and thin.

School taught me how to be organized with the deadlines, homework and extracurricular activities. My top secret strategy for handling homework is to first look at the assignments, next check the due dates and arrange them, and then I spread the workload throughout the week and complete it. Make sure that you have fun in between the assignments or you’ll become the Hulk halfway through the week.

Between work and fun, spend time with your family. My family helped me become who I am today.

We went through some rough times but we bounced back and made many sacrifices. My dad stopped going out to spend time with me and my brother. He helped us with our homework. What he taught me was to strive for greatness.

School prepared me for more school, but my family and friends taught me how to live in the real world.

Words of Wisdom: “Those scenic drives on the peninsula that my senior class is so fond of is going to be both what I miss the most, and what I look forward to at NMC.” - Stephanie Baklarz “Keep at your dreams, and number one, stay in school.”

-Tyris Byrd “Don’t get ahead of yourself. Also, take advantage of dual enrollment.”

- Kelly Wiseman “Definitely invest in yoga pants.”

- Annica Wyskochil

Lucas Little Guest Artist

Name of piece:

“Photographers Reflection”

Inspiration: Kyle Froese

was my real inspiration, but being in Photography class was probably what pushed me to taking this photo. It was a fun day and by fooling around this picture just came out on a typical day in class.

Favorite Aspect: The reflection is the main focal point, it REFLECTS my personanlity.

Submissions Name: The Purple Leaf

May 15, 2012

Handbag

Inspiration: I used two pieces that were connect-

ed based on the Central ideas of nature. I wanted to represent being able to go into the woods and being inspired by nature.

Favorite Aspect: I liked putting in myself

in the shoes of the nature girl scene. I had a lot of fun with that.

Whitney Fulton Guest Writer

Name: Whitney Fulton

Inspiration: I made

these pieces is the idea if a girl walked out into the woods and made fashion items, what would she use? I’m obsessed with nature, and leaves, and I wanted to put that into my art.

Favorite Aspect:

The colors and fairytale costume feeling.

Memories made, legacies left Zach Dorer Guest Writer

Changing schools and moving away from home at just 16 was the last thing on my mind going into my high school career.

When I first found out I would be moving to Traverse City to play hockey, I was in shock. I knew I would be leaving all of my closest friends and family.

However, I knew this would open a door to meet new people and advance my hockey career.

After attending Central both my junior and senior years, I would not change anything but Central has changed me in many ways. I have made a lot of new friends and enjoyed all of my teachers. I have also become more independent since I live away from my parents.

When I first came to Central I noticed how people were always happy and more laid back than people at my old school. It was easy to make friends right away because everyone seemed very friendly, which also made it very easy to fit in right away.

The legacy I want to leave at Central is being known as a good athlete who is easy to talk to, and a good friend. Being a North Star is part of my identity, but it’s not the only thing I am because I also play on the baseball team. I also want to be remembered as ZD because that is what a lot of people call me.

Central has been a lot of fun and it has taught me a lot of life lessons. I am very thankful for the opportunity to come here and finish high school. Central

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The senior year musings of a transfer student Devon Hains Guest Writer

I have only attended this school for one year. I grew up in Elk Rapids and went to school there until two thirds of the way through my junior year.

On my first day, I came in late to a class. After announcing to the teacher and the class I was the new kid, out of nervousness I asked the teacher: “Is there anywhere I should s**t”? Of course, meaning “sit” the whole class, including the teacher, had a good laugh.

Having only attended here for one year I can’t say I have participated in anything other than required classes--not one sporting event, movie night, or dance. I am not attempting to be rebellious or anything, I just don’t feel like I have found my place among the student body.

From time to time, I still eat

lunch alone in the cafeteria. Not the ideal senior year.

I wasn’t the most productive student as an underclassmen but I am improving. My main focus is to get my diploma from this school and be on my way. Switching schools was an eye opening experience to the social world of high school.

This society is an interesting system, and when you enter as an outsider you can really observe how things seem to work from a unbiased point of view. Overall I have met some really cool people, made some good friends, and was even reacquainted with some people from Elk Rapids. The most important lesson I have gained from my experiences here at this school is to be much more accepting of different people and what they may be going through.

has prepared me for my next step in life. I have learned a lot, and met a lot of great people and teachers who will influence me the rest of my life.

“Some hobbies I keep myself entertained with would be beat boxing, long boarding, and recently I have gotten into photography.” Above: “Perhaps one of my favorite photos I have taken yet.”

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May 15, 2012

Student Art

Joe Cruz Guest Artist

Title: “Mind and all its Friends” Inspiration: “Studying the

ins and outs of the human mind pushed me to evoke what a functioning mind would look like in paint.”

Favorite Aspect: “Lines to

create movement that represent the mind at work and colors to represent how individuals view the world.”

Title:

“The Influence of the Holidays” Favorite Aspect: “This piece investigates the possibility that the media’s interpretation of holidays could morph America’s culture.

Advertisement subconsiously controls our perception of tradition.”

Josh Norris Guest Artist

Title: Untitled Inspiration: “The inspira-

Kyle Froese Guest Artist

Title: “Net” Inspiration: “I play hockey

tion for this piece was my back window. My inspiration for this piece was wanting something that captures the soul of my home.”

Favorite Aspect: “It just kind of captures my home. I really like how it came straight from my heart.”

for the North Stars team so that’s why I took it.”

Favorite Aspect: “It shows how much hockey really means to me and it represents who I am.”

Logan Core Guest Artist

Title:

“Slice of Life”

Inspiration: “I knew the fruit was translucent and would loook interesting in front of light.”

Favorite Aspect: “I

like how the light shines through the flesh of the fruit exposing the true colors.”

Tatiana Crespo Guest Artist

Submissions

May 15, 2012

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From hardship comes valuable lessons Lauren Brennan Guest Writer

Last September sixth was finally here.

OUR senior year. We walked through the doors hoping for everything it should be—a time to take a breather, snag front row parking, have the legit excuse for senioritis. A year to rule the school. That’s what I was expecting, but not quite what I got.

Since freshman year, I had been looking forward to being a senior in marching band. Although I’d been a section leader in the flute section both sophomore and junior years, being the eldest in my section held special esteem. But about three weeks before band camp, we heard some interesting news: our band director quit. Senior year was supposed to be a fun time where we experienced kids who knew the teacher, knew the ropes, shined.

Now we had uncertainty thrown at us. However, we pulled together, and band camp still went relatively smoothly. A new director was hired, and surprisingly, we had one of the best marching seasons we’ve ever had.

About a month before school started, I came home to an upset

household. It had been discovered that my family was in financial trouble, like much of the rest of America these days.

This was the most stressful time of my life. It felt like my life was crumbling. My parents were about a conversation away from splitting. I was inches away from not going to college. And I was a tear away from losing what I knew and loved about my life.

For the first time since forever, we couldn’t attend our traditional Labor Day weekend pig roast due to the financial strain. That just about broke me. The uncertainty, the instability were unbearable. My father and I joked: “Senior year! Woot Woot.” School became a haven for me, because my coursework and school commitments were an escape.

As time passed, our situation brightened.

My parents are still together, and our financials are back on track.

As marching season came to a close, concert season approached. With a new director, came new ways of operation.

A big change was that there would be auditions for bands instead of the usual: freshman and most sophomores in the lower concert band, and upperclassman in the higher symphony band. This did not

phase me, because I was fairly confident in my flute skills. Never in my wildest dreams would I have conceived that I’d be in concert band my senior year. I had been in symphony for two years, and senior year would not be any different.

Guess what happened. Yep. After my two-part audition, I was placed in concert band. There are things I’d like to say about the audition process, but I’ll leave it at that. There are not words to describe my sadness, anger and shame.

Other than the five of us seniors who were placed in concert, no one can begin to comprehend how awful we felt. We had invested four years into the program; this felt like a punch in the gut. Although I’m still frustrated over all the drama, I’ve accepted what happened. I love all of my section, and the year with my younger flutes was a blessing. They taught me how to be a better leader.

My much anticipated senior year wasn’t what I expected. Through my ordeal I’ve learned to trust God. From my family I’ve learned the value of character, and persistence. These are gifts I will take with me the rest of my life.

Princess, rockstar, veterianian? What to be...?

Madeline Vander Velde Guest Writer

What to be, or not to be?

To be a princess, a rockstar, a moviestar, maybe a professional soccer player, or even a veterinarian, or not to be. Now, that is the question.

Hmm. If we launched our careers at the sage age of two, we would’ve already been through half a million dream fields by now.

A princess? Really? I recall the day when I knew the color pink made me nauseous; when I saw it, I averted my eyes in disgust.

Someone gave me a pink sweater, yep, I almost hurled on it. What princess doesn’t like pink? Princess Pink. I think Martha Stewart has a paint chip in that hue. Being a princess is definitely NOT a job; it’s a title--something one’s forebears’ did.

A rockstar? Ah, to arrive in a helicopter or a limo, to have men throwing themselves at me, to walk into a room and find out the party was supposed to start an hour ago, but because I wasn’t there, they waited. Having the audacity to destroy an entire floor at the Ritz Carlton and then dispatch some minion to pay for it, ordering a $400 bottle of Cristal just to spray on party goers’, spending my nights indulging in multiple bottles of 80 proof vodka, has its appeal. Yeah, I may have an occasional sore throat, or lose my hearing by the prime age of 28, but who cares? I’d have the day to sort through fan mail and find $1000 pairs of Christian Louboutins on my doorstep.

A moviestar? Swanky red carpets prepared for my perfectly manicured toes and flashing cameras wherever I went--sounds nice, complete with paparazzi scaling buildings and stalking my latest boyfriend as their job.

Being two feet away from a fan and watching as they pee their pants in anticipation to meet me. I like my privacy a little too much. No thanks.

A soccer player? Ah, to have a six-pack, thighs sculpted like a marble GrecoRoman statue. That body, man. But I must have been in a coma when I thought of that one. I barely have enough coordination to play hopscotch, let alone a ball sport with rivals bearing down on me. To make a career out of that, no.

And last, a veterinarian?

Now, we’re getting more real.

Yes, I’d have to cut open the occasional gut, move the ol’

intestines around, administer shot to a horse that just bit me, but I’d also be working with cute cuddly critters. Still, not exactly what I’m looking for.

What I aspire to be is far less glamorous, far more practical. I want to be a translator and writer.

Traveling the world, meeting new people, doing new things, now, that sounds like meaningful, interesting work.

I will be one of those people who never stops learning.

I want to connect with as many different foreign people as possible in their native tongue, to write, to express myself, to converse in multiple languages with people who have read thousands of books. That, I am certain of.

The young girl who didn’t know what she wanted to be dreamed big, and fell in love. . . with a different life.

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Thank You Molly Tompkins, Sara Laisure & Anna Krueger Guest Writers

Dear Central, We want to thank you for dressing up like every kind of animal, painting your faces and bodies, stealing the buckets from West’s student section, making jerseys and tailgating in the CPL for dodgeball, taking the fan bus to away games dressed as cowboys, giving blood three times in one year (even if it was just to get out of class or free Paesanos), and bringing in endless cans and coats to your advisory in the hopes of a doughnut party.

As your Senate executive board, we wanted to honor tradition, following the legacy of those before us, but also create traditions of our own. We wanted to unify Central through our service projects and promote Trojan pride and student events.

In Trojan tradition we had wild and fun dances, a spirited Homecoming week, and beneficial blood drives, can drives and coat drives. With a large, hardworking and experienced Senate, we also started some new projects, including dodgeball tournaments, Powder Puff and Hope for Haiti.

Although Senate has always hosted blood drives, we decided to kick it up a notch. Instead of just one or two, we hosted three, and raised $750.00 for the Red Cross Heroes campaign in the process.

Two-hundred-forty pints of blood were donated, and students enjoyed a plethora of food from local businesses who donated pizzas, sandwiches and baked goods for hungry donors. For the first time this year, we realized how much a simple high school event actually helps those in need in our community, and in organizing a blood drive and asking for food donations, collectively we accomplished so much more.

Thank you. . .

To Dr. Vandermolen, administrators and staff for trusting us, for letting us bombard you daily and for being open to our ideas. To Senate, for driving to Gray Road to pick up four pieces of trash and for showing up at endless movie nights and dodgeball tournaments after long nights of practice and homework. To Mr. Turner, especially you, for putting up with us day in, day out, keeping us sharp and for being at school all day and night when we needed you.

To Central, thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of serving you. Our underclassmen are prepared; the mantle is passed. With your help, we made manifest what at essence, it means to be a Trojan: commitment, excellence, integrity, tradition, respect, achievement, and leadership.

You made what we do possible. Our Central community is magic.

Governor Molly Tompkins, Lieutenant Governor Anna Krueger and Secretary Sara Laisure

May 15, 2012

Submissions Shock therapy for the teenage soul Juline Kotarski Guest Writer

So, all my life I’ve been a social butterfly, always moving from group-to-group, but still getting along with everyone in my grade.

But it seemed that once I reached my intended destination, my parents picked us up and moved to a new town, where I had to start my game of risk all over.

When I moved to Traverse City, I left my best friend of six years four hours behind me; making my transition even more difficult was that I came to TC in seventh grade. Everyone already had their cliques who weren’t accepting new members because they were comfortable in their established hierarchy. Instead of forcing myself into a group, I joined sports teams and clubs hoping friends would come to me. Traverse City was a different environment from little old everyone-knew-everyone-else Whitmore Lake. After a bit of a struggle, I found some kids on my bus who I had fun with, but our friendship never extended past the accordion door. The group I settled into at school was completely different; we were all the social outcasts.

Everything was great until we encountered a bigger test, high school, where we confronted more challenges, more temptation and more distraction. My group turned bad. I didn’t notice because I was too innocent, too sheltered to realize it, but I soon figured it out. They all started drinking and doing drugs, which was beyond me. This was new uncharted territory in my life. I had never heard of some of the things they were talking about, had no desire to be involved.

What is optimistic in me rationalized that this was just a phase; they would grow out of this. But as things

intensified, I started wondering why they did it. What was the point of getting higher than a kite, or drunker than Charlie Sheen so other people could demean or violate you?

I had an epiphany: we should always have control over our own actions and understand the consequences. After my realization, what had been, ‘cool that sounds like it was fun’ turned into, ‘Dear God! Are you alright? That sounds dangerous.’ My hints and appeals went unnoticed, my advice to do well, to try hard, to be safe, went unheeded. As others filtered out of the group in disapproval, I stayed, hoping they would come around, believing they would. But when one of them took acid and was taken to the emergency room, I was done. Something in me knew somebody was going to get hurt or die and, I didn’t want to be around for that.

Eventually I found my niche, a place where I can be accepted, where my ideals are respected.

This harrowing experience forced me to focus on my own identity.

Maybe I’m not the therapist after all. Maybe I was the patient and this was my shock therapy, jolting me into a better version of myself, a place where I’m comfortable.

Submissions

This one’s for you, Mom Clare O’Kane Guest Writer

What would you do if you were told the impossible, the unfathomable, and the unthinkable for a high school student so young in the world? What would you do if you were told your mother was going to die? . . .Your mother’s liver biopsy came back. There has been severe damage. They don’t know if she will make it the next 6 months.

She is ineligible for a transplant.

She’s not going to make it. I’m so sorry. . .

Would you shut down, give up, crumble, pull your hair out, scream with blinding fury at a universe so vindictive and cruel?

This world of horrors became my reality last December. My entire world imploded, priorities shifted, future vision altered, suddenly my foundation for building a future was gone. And in her place was a broken little family, struggling to find the strength to meet each day.

I close my eyes and think of my mother. I think of her warm hands brushing my unruly hair out of my eyes, her bright blue eyes lighting up whenever she caught sight of open water, her frantic cheering for Michigan Football, and the familiar scrunchie always

in place as not to impair her vision while teaching or wrangling kids. I think of her warmth, her love for my siblings and I, and her love of life so unbounded.

Her zest for life was what I loved about her most; her legacy of striving for excellence and learning through experience lives on in all those she touched. An eternal figure at Central Grade School, not one fundraiser or track meet passed without Mom there cheering and glowing, positively in her element, lending her hand, sharing her heart. A fierce protector and motivator, there is no way my mother would let me hide under the covers and give up if she were still around. She would have pushed me to spread my wings, take on new challenges, new experiences. As one would assume from her devoted screaming at Michigan games, Mom may be slightly miffed that I will not be attending U of M next fall.

But she instilled in me a love of travel and new discoveries, such that a global and competitive college like Johns Hopkins will offer me. That’s what she would

Dylan Waskiewicz Guest Artist

Name of Piece: Tilted boats Inspiration:

“I was walking on the harbor when I came by an

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May 15, 2012

Okay with uncertainty Gretchen Twietmeyer Staff Reporter

have wanted, for me to accept the things I can’t change and carry on with what I have. She said, “let go and let God,” which I never really understood until now.

Her spirit lives on. I trust God to take care of her, I trust her to watch over me, and I trust myself to make the most out of my opportunities. I have emerged a stronger person, with new love and respect in my life, and I thank my experiences for shaping who I am.

Thanks, Mom. I love you.

interesting boat and I thought it would be an interesting picture.”

Favorite aspect of your piece: “My favorite part about this is the variety of lines and how they drag the viewer’s eye across the paper.”

Four years can really make quite a difference. Reflecting on my high school career is somewhat overwhelming but somehow, I’ve made it here. I arrived at just 13 and I leave almost an adult. I’ve made so many new friends along the way, I’ve gotten a job, I’ve chosen a college and a career path, and I feel like I’ve been well-prepared for the next step. Everything I’ve done and every significant thing that’s happened to me throughout high school, whether in or out of school, has helped me grow.

Freshman and sophomore years, my parents were very involved in planning our new house and creating floor plans. My mom was busy doing all the designing and she let me help out with the details. This was my first taste of interior design. The whole creative process of building our family home sparked my interest and led me to choose it as my future career. Before all of the floor plans, furniture selections, and budgeting, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life career-wise. But I found the challenge of designing a room, making all the elements fit in an aesthetically pleasing way, captivating. So after a suggestion from my mom that I pursue design as a career, I knew it was a perfect fit. Something about the way different colors, textures, and patterns unite to create a mood for a whole room is inspiring.

Another thing that has helped me immensely

throughout high school was getting my first job at the beginning of my junior year. I had wanted a job for so long and had tirelessly been applying for about a year, even though I was not even sixteen yet. A few months before my sixteenth birthday, I got a call back for a job interview at Burger King. Sure, it may not be the most gratifying job, but I’ve gotten to know some great people and have saved for college. Working a fast food job also means plenty of public interaction, which has helped me come out of my shell more. Of course, that skill will help me the rest of my life.

It’s strange to think that I entered high school not knowing what I would get out of it or where I would end up. Sometimes opportunities just come your way, and things just come together, because everything happens for a reason. Uncertainty is one of the scariest things about life, but sometimes you can’t plan, you can’t design every detail and all you can do is wait to see how things work out. I’m excited to see where life takes me.

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May 15, 2012

Thank Yous

Thank you for your contributions to the B&G!

In what other class would you stay all night, call people you don’t know, or learn the fine art of ‘lurking?’ We know that all members of the Black & Gold are well versed in these actions.

To show our appreciation, read our deeply heartfelt thanks because the B&G really does make you famous! With love, well wishes, and good riddance – Emma and Joe Kennedy, aka Raina Hein What have you been doing down in the orchestra room these last four years? Thanks for always staying until the end and bringing your natural talent for delegation.

Maddy, aka Ginnifer Goodwin You’re a trooper for sticking with Newspaper for four years! We’re glad we managed to steal your heart from the stage, but we’re sure you’re going to be big someday.

Bryton, aka Spencer Pratt The one BIG aspect of this class we don’t have to think about is our business operations because of your hard work and organization.

AND you still find time to write amazing stories.

Katie, aka Natalie Portman You’re so famous that Natalie looks like you! Thanks for your consistently stellar writing, hard work and some of the funniest moments we’ve had in class. You’ll go far in this class. Yuuuuuus!

Jeannie, aka Jennifer Lawrence You’ve grown so much this year and we know you’re just getting started. Arts and Entertainment definitely is your talent, and you always make it even more creative.

Kaitlyn, aka Anna Kournikova Even when you weren’t in the class, you stayed involved and were important to our success all year long. You’re an amazing writer and have great design talent. Hopefully, you’ll meet up with Leo someday.

Fiona, aka Anne Hathaway You’re Hair page is one of our favorite focus pages we ran this year, so your months of hard work paid off. It’s been fun to see you grow into the wonderful reporter you are.

Lia, aka Michelle Kwan You are one of the hardest working people we know and you’re never afraid to tackle the most difficult story or source. You’ll do amazing things in this class and beyond.

Ivy, aka Carey Mulligan You jumped into this class headfirst and never looked back.

It’s hard to believe you’re only a sophomore. Despite frequently needing to be sequestered, you’re hilarious. YOLO!

Miranda, aka Debra Messing Thanks for staying involved all year, even with your busy schedule.

Your guidance was so important in the Sports page drama this year and we’re happy that you’re coming back next year.

Garrett, aka (young) Matthew McConaughey In your first year, you haven’t hesitated to pull the all-nighters or call half the school for whatever reason, even if you’re unsure of their gender.

Ashley, aka Leighton Meester We’ve never seen a freshman step up the way you have, especially on the Sports page! Your deadline pranks are much-appreciated breaks from the stress, though we hated keeping you so late.

Rico, aka Alfred Molina While sometimes you are THE most frustrating person to deal with, The Leek wouldn’t be possible without you. Your constant drive to make people laugh is admirable, keep joking.

Patrick, aka Conan O’Brien You are hilarious and your work on The Leek shows it. Now close Paint, put your iPhone down, open Photoshop, and use the school camera! P.S. Joe really wanted to be Prom King!

Joe Murray- Adrian Brody How do we love thee? Let us count the ways!

1.While your breakdowns are few and far between, when they happen, they are a sight to see. 2. Your fervent denials of your love of a certain choir kid. 3. You are so driven, you WOULD add eight more pages to this issue the day of deadline. 4. You’re the best EIC ever!

Emma Beauchamp- Audrey Tatou You don’t need to read a space-confined thank you to know how much I appreciate your dedication to helping me managing the complicated logistics of production. I couldn’t be happier with what we accomplished. I’m glad we’ll be neighbors next year at U of M. This won’t be the last we see of the Pub! Thanks to: Lauren and the wonderful Pines Yearbook staff for sharing Yeomans and pictures, the Record-Eagle for your quality printing, and J&S Hamburg for allowing the spontaneous photoshoot for our cover.

DOUBLE TROUBLE

Thank Yous

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May 15, 2012

Jeff, aka Johnny Galecki Thanks for sticking with the chaos that is the Pub! You’re a great writer and you’re always willing to go the extra mile to get the best quotes you can. Keep up the good work!

Brianna, aka Scarlett Johansson We love seeing underclassmen who consistently ask to be on News. You’ll go far in this class.

We’re glad you came back and hope you stick with it.

Erin, aka Ayla Kell You’re always willing to take on extra responsibility and you understanding just how much it takes to finish the paper. Your work on Sports was amazing all year.

Nick, aka Stephan Christopher Parker Your Pepsi ads are always creative and well done. It’s been fun to watch your graphics skills grow so much this year. Keep it up.

Allison, aka Taylor Swift You have stepped up so much this year and we notice and appreciate it. We hope you stick with the class because we know how much you’re capable of when you keep the final goal in mind.

Jake, aka Jason Dolley You’re absolutely crazy to do both newspaper and yearbook. Hopefully, you get added to the Y-drive someday. Regardless, you’re amazing. We do wonder how can you handle that much Missi.

Sophie, aka Miranda Cosgrove Sophie! Your photos! Your writing! You! You’re awesome!

Sometimes, we feel like you’re close to insanity, but you always pull through with exemplary work.

Dom dom!

Gretchen, aka Amanda Seyfried We’re glad you discovered news early in the year and stuck with it.

Thanks for all of your hard work and great writing. You never shy away from helping anyone who needs it.

Elena, aka Adele Your quiet countenance is refreshing amid the often chaotic scene within the Pub. With as much talent as your lookalike, you’re a wonderful asset to the staff.

David, aka Laurence Fishburne Staying up half the night to final your story when you were home sick on deadline was a show of true dedication. Your tongue in cheek opinion stories are always a joy to read.

Dr. K and Connor, aka Daniel Radcliffe and Avan Jogia Together you guys can be the most ridiculously hilarious (or is it hilariously ridiculous?) members of the staff. But your talent once you actually draw something is awesome!

Your support and accessibility all year were vital to the paper. Thanks for letting us do what we do and trusting that we would make you proud.

Melissa Yeomans- Commandant It’s a miracle that you churn out an award-winning newspaper and yearbook, teach English, and make it to six o’ clock yoga. You’re divine and we probably don’t tell you often enough.

Autumn and Katie, aka Karen Gillan and Michelle Trachtenburg Without your willingness to go the extra mile (...to Buckley), we would be lost. Both of your photography skills are excellent, and we’d not be surprised to see you working as a duo for NatGeo. Hunter and Hayley, aka Seth Rogan and Hayden Panettiere You guys are ying and yang! Your strengths complement each other beautifully. You keep this class interesting, to say the least, and you’ve both grown a lot this year.

Principal Vandermolen

Shannon, aka People Magazine covergirl You took on the Sports page at a time when your own sports were in full swing and made time to make it stand out.

Thanks for staying involved all year.

Photo: E. Cover

Mrs. Baillie and other super parents Your homemade goodies are highlight of our evening and provide the nourishment to sustain us all night long! Thank you! Thank you!

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May 15, 2012

The Leek

Disclaimer: This page is as real as it’s ever been

Rico Bastian & Patrick Goodney

This issue: A Special Sentimental Slideshow We dug up some slides to reflect on our days at Central. Here are some highlights from the last four years

Leek Editors

Sept. 2008: We meet during a chance encounter hacking Principal Leyndyke’s computer after hours. Widely considered our first investigation.

Jan. 2009: We begin to bond a lot together in the emergency room at Munson. We learned to not wear hats in the hallway the hard way.

Fall 2009: Sophomore year was a very... interesting time..

May 2010: During Senior Night at Rendezvous, we sneak onto stage to “Ric”roll the entire audience during the height of a renewed Rick Astley-fever.

Not as well received following year.

Feb. 2011: This is us in front of Ric’ & ‘Ric Laminate, our laminating business we started junior year. We specialized in laminating and laminating alone. We went out of business two hours into our first day, but what a glorious two hours it was.

June 2011: Former Leek editor Forest Walters ‘11 is seen passing us the symbolic leek torch, signifying the new era of The Leek as well as our disregard for the school’s fire protocol.

Dec. 2011: Here we are carefully orchestrating the greatest senior prank of all time. We convinced the TCAPS School Board to require all students to have a “Student-led Conference” in order to graduate.

May 2012: After a long period of procrastination, we finally get to work on The Leek at 12:30 a.m. on deadline. It was surely the worst page we ever did.

As we hang up our hats for the year and prepare for our Florida retirements, we at The Leek are celebrating. Not just for a job well done, but for the bright futures of the Class of 2012. We begin our painful, yet necessary journey into the ‘real world.’ Our current seniors are learning to say goodbye to each other and many to the town that raised us.

Some of us are moving on to the Ivy League, some to across the world, while some are staying put. As for us, Rico’s going to live with Buddhist monks, he hears that chicks dig the whole Buddha thing. Patrick is planning on attending college and then, like Steve Jobs or Bill Gates, dropping out. Seems like it worked out pretty well for them. If

there’s anything our high school has taught us, it’s to be anything but meager. Our dedication to success and our education will bring us to the forefront of our community and our country to shape not only our lives, but the lives of those people who follow.

However, one thing will always prevail and connect us as we make our own ways in the global community: a common Trojan pride.

We’re gonna add to the glory of the black and gold with the cry, ‘Come on, fight!’

Peace.

Graphics: P. Goodney