February 2022

Photo by Holly McDonald

THE

TALON ROCHESTER HILLS, MI // FEBRUARY 2022 // VOL. 84 ISSUE 5

Read about love, aesthetics and more in this month’s issue of The Talon!

PAGE 2 || NEWS

THE TALON || FEBRUARY 2022

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH February allows for the celebration of diversity JUSTIN LAL

STAFF WRITER

Black History Month is an important annual observance celebrated every February. Originating in America, it is a time to acknowledge and celebrate historic African-American figures who made great achievements and impacts on society. It is also a time of remembrance and acknowledgement of atrocities and hardships experienced by black people throughout history. The month is also a good time to learn more about black history and why it is so important.

In an interview with Junior Malik Bakari, who’s currently the Vice President of the RHS Debate Club, he expressed his opinion on this topic.

“I find that black history month and the month of February is an opportunity for people to learn about African American history, especially as it applies to America and America’s past. “But having it condensed into a month isn’t necessarily the best thing to do, because it might get people to feel that the month is all you need, and I don’t think that’s the best course of action.”

Black History Month in its early form was known as “negro history week”. It was created by Carter G. Woodson in 1926. Woodson was an African American historian and founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Today, February is celebrated in recognition of black achievement and to remember and remain aware of the reality of systemic racism.

Self-education is essential and can help people improve upon themselves. Learning about African American history can help people be kinder and more empathetic. It can also help to strip away prior

prejudices and racial biases when people are more knowledgeable about their history. Reading and learning about black history through books and/or social media is an easy and accessible way to self-educate.

If more people were better educated and aware of the suffering and injustices imposed upon black people throughout history, maybe our society would be a more loving and peacefully coexisting place.

You may be wondering: “what can I do to help and positively participate in celebrating Black History Month?” Well there are a number of things we can all do to make real change and support black lives. Donating money to black charities and organizations is an easy yet effective way to help. A few organizations include The Loveland Foundation, Campaign Zero, Black Visions Collective, and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. These groups work to create a safer and more equal world for African-Americans, and they actively provide aid and support to people in immediate need and victims of racial injustice and violence. Donations of any size from anyone can always help.

Black History Month is a time for not only remembrance; but education and growth. Another important and helpful thing you can do during Black History Month is to listen and learn from the black community. Put your own possible reservations and ego aside and just listen. Try to understand and see the realities of racism and why so many people are outraged and demand change.African American. Fill it with love and compassion, and take some time to think about and maybe learn something new about black history.

Graphic by Canva

ARTISTS PERFORMING IN MICHIGAN Live music performances return, gathering fans JENNY KIM

FEATURE AND DESIGN EDITOR

Photo Courtesy of @dualipa Instagram

Photo Courtesy of @billieeilish Instagram

Artists around the world are returning to perform on stage in front of their enthusiastic crowds. Some very well known singers are heading towards the Metro Detroit area, gathering excitement among their listeners.

Dua Lipa is going on her The Future Nostalgia Tour, at the Little Caesars Arena on Feb. 25. Lipa is also a model; but her musical career started in her early teens, where she made covers for other artists on YouTube.

Since then, she has been nominated for many awards, and has won several of them as well, including the Grammys.

Tyler, The Creator is going on his Call Me If You Get Lost Tour at the Little Caesars Arena on Feb. 28. He covers many roles in the music industry, including: rapper, songwriter, producer, and visual artist. Outside of his rape has also been casted on a couple TV shows.

Billie Eilish is going on her Happier Than Ever, The World Tour at the Little Caesars Arena on Mar. 12. Eilish gained attention after her debut single Ocean Eyes, in 2015.

She grew immensely from that point, being nominated for 17 Grammy Awards and

winning seven of them. Her brother Finneas, is also a singer-songwriter, so they often perform together as well.

Conan Gray is going on his North America Tour, at The Fillmore Detroit on Mar. 27.

Gray grew on YouTube from making covers of other songs, which later resulted in him releasing his own songs and albums. His single Heather was a very popular hit amongst teenagers.

Tate McRae is going on her North Photo Courtesy of @conangray Instagram American 2022 Tour at the Saint Andrew’s Hall, in Detroit, on Apr. 5. McRae is an award-winning contemporary and ballet dancer, who grew her platform during the pandemic.

Olivia Rodrigo is going on her Sour Tour at the Masonic Temple Theatre, on Apr. 23.

Known for her role in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Rodrigo released her album SOUR last year, in May 2021.

This debut album quickly became a favorite for teenage girls, as it was mainly about heartbreak and youth.

Photo Courtesy of @oliviarodrigo Instagram

PAGE 3 || NEWS

THE TALON || FEBRUARY 2022

MR. ROCHESTER RECAP Skyler Janiszewiski takes the crown MEGAN SPLAN

LIFESTYLES EDITOR

As the anticipation from the audience fills and the lights dim, the nerves and rush flows through the contestants veins.

The curtains draw back as the names are announced and the spotlight is shown on them. The crowd cheering and yelling their names, it makes it hard not to crack a smile.

For senior Skyler Janiszewski, this was a big moment for him in his high school career. As the confetti cannon went off and the crown was placed on his head, he was overfilled with complete joy and was smiling ear to ear.

“It was very surreal because it was almost as if my mind was like, “okay, I don’t know what this feels like,”” said Janiszewski. “I almost felt as if I was recording it as it was happening. It didn’t really feel like it was real. Like no doubt, but it was so surreal that I was just kind of blank at that moment. I was like, whoa, this is actually happening! I felt a lot of wonder and amazement as this happened. I just never saw myself in that position, and it was an amazing moment.”

Along with experiencing that big moment, he also described how the feelings were backstage with the guys.

“It was more fun being backstage than for a show because I didn’t have to think in my head, what comes next? What comes next? It was a simple layout,” said Janiszewski. “And what made it more fun than that was the fact that there weren’t a bunch of people that were nervous. It was a bunch

of people that were excited instead of nervous and you just fed off of each other. And we were really, it just kept growing and growing and growing. And then not to mention, I think the crowd played a big part of it as well because the crowd was the best crowd I’ve ever had in my life.They just helped to build that energy level even stronger every time and it just made the excitement grow even more. It was a wonderful, pleasurable experience backstage with these guys because they’re all awesome people. They’re all really cool that I’ve got similar interests to them, and I think they’re all really cool guys.”

After interviewing one of the judges, Mrs. D’Addario, she described her experience as a judge along with Skyler’s performance.

“The most unique part of the experience of being a judge was having to focus on specific areas of each contestant’s performances and having a front row seat to each one,”said Mrs. D’Addario. “My favorite act was Skyler’s Michael Jackson dance! It was pretty spectacular to watch! His outfit, hat, and glove really completed the performance.”

Along with having a new judge in the competition, we also asked previous judge, Mrs. Kay for her thoughts on the performance.

“I have been to previous Mr. Rochester competed as an

Photos by Megan Splan

audience member and worked the ticket sales,” said Mrs. Kay. “Being a judge, I definitely felt more involved with the actual event and felt pressure to view this event more critically per the scoring categories than just an audience member. I also enjoyed getting a chance to see the behind the scenes of this event and observing so many of the hard-working students [and staff] that were involved in the making of this event. I had an absolute blast being part of the event.”

To many people, the Mr. Rochester Pageant is a very unique and special experience because most schools don’t do anything like this.

“The crowd was a huge part of that and just how responsive and how, like just how energy filled they were,” said Janiszewski. “But another big part of it that made it so awesome was that what made it so special was just how I felt.

I could truly show this audience my heart. And I felt like I could be completely vulnerable in that sense and that I could be real. And I can also be comedic and I can be all. I felt like I could be a colorful person in front of this crowd and I did not feel the pressure. It didn’t feel as if I was being judged. I felt like this desire to just explode.”

PAGE 4 || FEATURE

THE TALON || FEBRUARY 2022

15TH ANNUAL CROSSTOWN SHOWDOWN Falcons and Highlanders go head to head After a long night at Oakland University’s O’rena on Feb. 4, the Rochester Girls Varsity Basketball Team had a clean sweep against Adams, with the final score of 48 - 25; and the Boys Varsity Team took a tough loss, ending with 61 - 41.

Crosstown Showdown has been a long tradition between the Rochester Falcons, Adams Highlanders, and Stoney Creek Cougars, going into their 15th year. This year, the game was between Rochester and Adams; and the student sections of both schools radiated school spirit, wearing royal blue and gold, showing the clear division of rivalry.

A lot of preparation is needed to host this event, especially since it is not at either of the high school buildings. The group of administrators work together to make it an enjoyable time for everyone.

“The biggest thing is trying to coordinate what we do between Adams and Rochester,” RHS principal Mr. Wrinkle said.

“Bringing and making sure the marching band is there for that, dance team, cheer team, and all the basketball teams. It’s harder to coordinate all that so it takes a little bit longer [to prepare].”

The bleachers at the O’rena were packed with students, parents, alumni, and many other spectators. Both student sections made sure to keep the energy flowing in the uplifting environment. The Rochester High School student section, Soldiers of Fortune, also known as SOF, makes some preparations in order to keep the spirits moving.

“All of us go to Tyler’s [house] three hours before,” senior Chirag Mishra said. “[We get to] the school parking lot [early] so we get a good spot.”

In addition, they listen to music to keep their adrenaline rolling before the start of the event. With the SOF’s lead, the rest of the student body follows them, but not only do they help keep the student section alive, they also prepare our games.

“We make the themes [for the games] and the chants to get the crowd going,” senior Kenneth Barnett said.

They create unforgettable moments for everyone to enjoy and spend time with one another. The SOF boys love what they do.

Their enthusiasm to be able to lead the whole school really shows their Rochester pride.

“It feels amazing being able to present our energy and help other people step outside of their comfort zone,” senior Shane Arbour said.

To add more excitement to this event and make it a memorable experience for all attendees, the admins incorporated t-shirt cannons, pom-poms, and big head cutouts of the players.

“We’re always looking to try to add different things that mimic a college student section,” Mr. Wrinkle said. “That’s the big thing we want to do for you guys here, to make sure that it is an inviting place for all Falcons to go, but there’s also something new every time you’re there, or a different experience that the other schools don’t offer.”

Photos by Erielle Ocampo and Jenny Kim

THE TALON || FEBRUARY 2022

PAGE 5 || FEATURE

GIRLS

JENNY KIM

FEATURE AND DESIGN EDITOR

The Girls Team stole the spotlight on the court while playing against Adams, winning by almost double the score, 48-25.

“The girls did a great job,” Varsity Coach Thurston said. “They were energetic from the moment we all got on the bus to come over to OU.” After countless practices with the main focus on the offense line, the two first-year freshmen players paid off their hard work, both scoring double digits during their time on court.

“We wanted to get Kiely Robinson and Alice Max the basketball in the paint,” Coach Thurston said.

The defense line also worked together to show proficient plays, holding back the opposing team’s offensive players.

“We always work on our defense,” Coach Thurston said. “Defense is what the girls really take pride in. We held Adams to eight points in the second half of the game.”

The team is showing off their skills this season, with a record of 12-2; and are undefeated in the OAA White title.

“We are off to one of the best starts since the 2008 season,” Coach Thurston said.

“This is also the first time we swept Adams since the 2008 season. We have won 10 straight games.”

Every game encourages the players to do even better in the next game. After making it to the District finals the last two seasons, the team hopes to achieve bigger this year.

“Our goal is to win our League and bring home at least a district championship,” Coach Thurston said.

The enthusiasm from the SOF and the cheer team boosts the players’ motivation.

“When they are at the games, the girls notice; and their intensity picks up when the SOF is going crazy,” Coach Thurston said.

This season will specifically be a memorable one for all the girls, as the successful season slowly comes to an end.

“As a coach and especially for the players, we are not looking forward to the season ending,” Coach Thurston said.

The team is heading to districts on Mar. 4, in hopes to bring home a championship.

“This is a special group of girls who work hard, want to win, and enjoy being around each other on and off the basketball court,” Coach Thurston said. “We set our goals high and right now, we are on pace to reach them.”

BOYS

ERIELLE OCAMPO

OPINIONS EDITOR

The Rochester Boys Varsity Basketball Team got defeated by the Highlanders, 61-41. It was an intense game with an equal amount of effort on both sides. Although the Falcons lost, the team was still optimistic about their season and how to improve for next time.

“The game allowed us to reflect and look at some areas that we need to improve on,” Coach Evola said. “As a team, we have raised our level of play in practice and we have had more of a sense of urgency. It has been very competitive and fun.”

Playing a sport with a very heavy influence on team communication is very important when working together. From practices to outside team bonding, the boys have shown growth throughout the span of a few months.

“We are having a good season so far,” Coach Evola said. “There are a few games we wish we could have back, but the amount of growth we have had since day one has been really good. I think we have a great group of guys, and the coaches are having a lot of fun getting in the gym and working with the team daily.”

The team appreciates the support from the falcon student section as they play throughout the game. “‘We love the support from the student section, cheer and dance teams, and the band.

They bring great energy to the gym and make it a fun environment to play in,” Coach Evola said.

With a few more games before the boys go off to districts on Mar. 7, the team is working hard and anticipating the big day.

“Every team makes the State Tournament in basketball,” Coach Evola said. “We are working towards improving our record to try to earn a bye (this is where they advance to the next round without competing) in the first round. We have a tough, but winnable district. We are excited to keep working toward our goal of winning a District Championship.”

The outcome of this game created a window of opportunity for the team, we can’t wait to see how the rest of the season goes.

Photo by Jenny Kim (left) and Erielle Ocampo (above)

PAGE 6 || FEATURE

THE TALON || FEBRUARY 2022

HUMANS OF ROCHESTER

Sophomore Justin Washington shares his love for photography BRICE BOGGAN STAFF WRITER

When we as people are having fun, we like to capture the moment in some way, whether that’s telling another person to keep the memory fresh, or maybe writing about it. Sophomore Justin Washington likes to keep the moment through photography.

Washington is a man with hopes of making a name for himself. A relaxed guy with a nice personality, he runs a social media account called Jusseeds where he posts his photographs. To capture Washington’s story, we have to dive deeper into his life and the origins of Jusseeds.

“When you think about a seed, it starts from the bottom and works its way up,” said Washington.

Washington got his first camera back in 2020 during the quarantine. At the time he was excited to get it, however thinking back it was almost like an impulse buy, and maybe not the best idea. However, he doesn’t regret it. At first, the camera sat for a month or two, not being used. Soon he thought it would be cool to try and learn how to use the camera. Washington ended up making his brand JusseedsVisuals.

He made an Instagram account for it (@jusseeds) as well as a TikTok (@jusseeds). He made the “Jus” part being half of his first name, the “seed” is from his memories of eating sunflower seeds with his nanny. On January 12, he removed the visuals out of the name because he thought that the visuals were limiting him to one thing. He started taking pictures, posting them, and learning different styles of photos and now he enjoys photography. He’s trying to bring creativity to a new aspect with his photos. He’s putting all his eggs in the basket.

“Since it’s black history month, I felt like I should acknowledge it in some way,” said Washington.

The month of February brings Black History month.

Many black families, especially this month, acknowledge black leaders, creators, artists, and more. Washington, in light of black history, wanted to do a weekly photo shoot called Black Friday. He got the name while listening to an unreleased song called Black Friday, and at the time he was in a creative mindset so he decided to make his version of Black Friday.

His first Friday was a picture of his brother. He chose his brother because he was the first to teach him about black history. He titled this photo collection “the contrast of our youth”. He chose this title because society tries to put black youth’s attitudes and mindset in the same category. In the picture, he had his brother wear white and lean on a white background to contrast against his black skin. Washington plans to do three more Fridays, showing different aspects of black history.

“This was the first my dad looked at, and he was impressed,” said Washington Washington mentioned that his favorite photo was one of the first that he took of his mother and father. In the picture, you can see his father telling his mother something, and his mother started to laugh. Washington didn’t know at the time, and still doesn’t know what was said. However, he views this as a good photo because it captures the moment that his parents were sharing.

The type of photo that can’t easily be recreated. You can almost understand what was happening, without actually being there. This was also the first picture that his father was impressed by. His father is a serious hardworking person, and is not easily impressed, so for Washington, this meant a lot.

“In today’s age, you have got to be the best to acknowledge,” said Washington.

As Washington took more pictures, he started to get into photo editing and video editing. A couple of years ago, one could grow from just a raw photo with no editing. However nowadays, most photographers that grow learned how to edit their photos. He recently got a laptop that he is now able to learn with. When learning how to use different editing programs, Washington prefers to learn the way of the app through trial and error, as well as finding each tool by himself, rather than rely on tutorials all the time. He has the mindset that he’s not always satisfied with his work, so he’s always looking for ways to make his photographs better.

“There were people there that were allowed to have cameras,” said Washington “and I’d like to get there someday.”

Recently J.Cole had a concert at the Little Caesar arena, and they prohibited any professional camera with lenses.

Washington decided that he wouldn’t let that stop him from taking pictures, and he took all of his photos with his phone. This shows how much he likes to take photos. He noticed some professional photographers that were allowed to have their cameras, and he thought to himself that it would be nice to get to that spot. He uses these people that he saw that day as inspiration. Washington said that he isn’t specifically looking for photography as a job, however, he wouldn’t mind it. He doesn’t want to limit himself to only photography.

Justin Washington, who keeps success in mind, will keep striving towards his goals, working hard to achieve them.

Photos Courtesy of Justin Washington

PAGE 7 || LIFESTYLES

THE TALON || FEBRUARY 2022

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

Researching into the reality of love at first sight ERICA PROCTOR STAFF WRITER

When it comes to stories about love at first sight, some of them can seem so unreal, like something you would read in a fairy tale or watch in a movie. Whether love at first sight is really possible, is open for interpretation.

Most people choose to believe in it or not based on their own experiences; it seems that everyone has their own stories that they can relate to the question. Some people really do have those magical stories, and others feel it could happen, even though it hasn’t happened to them yet. But can you really fall in love with someone you’ve just met?

And more importantly, do those feelings lead to a happy and healthy relationship?

According to Brides.com, 56 percent of Americans believe in love at first sight. The percentage is even higher for those people who are married or in a relationship, as 34 percent of people claim they have experienced love at first sight, according to CBS News. Previous research cited

by CBS News on the topic has found that people tend to decide if they are romantically interested in a person within moments of meeting them. This decision is made by a mix of physical and psychological feelings they have from just a first glance. From a survey of fellow Falcons here at RHS, 13 out of 15 did believe in love at first sight.

“There can be someone in this world that you fall in love with immediately, and it can be for many reasons such as looks, personality, and behavior,” said a fellow freshman.

Everyone has their own qualities and traits that they look for when they notice people. For some, that can be facial

features, and for others it can be other physical traits like height or style. However, personality is one of the most important things when it comes to being interested in someone. All of the Falcons surveyed, respondents said that personality is one of the top priorities when getting to know someone, which was the basis for those who didn’t believe in love at first sight.

“I don’t think love at first sight exists, because you have to get to know the person before you know if you really love them,” said Freshman Amelia Bohn.

Love at first sight has its downfalls; afterall, it’s possible to look at someone and fall in love but have those feelings change after getting to know them.

“Yes, you could see someone for the first time and fall for them, but then when it comes down to talking to that person, you may end up not liking them after all,” a sophomore said.

Although it seems weird, even the direct opposite can happen in love. For some, personality is the first thing they consider in a person instead of physical appearance.

“I think love at first sight is real, but most of the time, you just get noticed based on how you look, so I think it can happen, but it’s very rare,” said senior Brendan Turner.

There is one factor that almost always needs to be present for this instant love to occur, and that’s physical attraction.

According to a study published in 2017, people are much more likely to fall in love with someone they are physically attracted to. In fact, the study also found that when someone was physically attracted to another, they were nine times

more likely to report love at first sight. However, this may also suggest that a majority of people who have reported to experience love at first sight are actually only experiencing feelings of lust and not true love. Although the two words have their similarities, they mean two different things and are easily confused.

According to psychologists Simone Humphrey and Signe Simon, these two feelings activate similar neural pathways in the brain that are involved in view of the self, goal-directed behavior, happiness, reward, and addiction. So when it comes to love at first sight, one needs to take into consideration more than just physical looks.

A common reason people tend to believe in love at first sight is that they believe they see it in other people.

“I think love at first sight can happen. My grandparents fell in love one night. They met at a roller skating rink, skated all night with each other, and six months later they were married,” said fellow teacher Mr. Miesch.

“My mom and her boyfriend experienced love at first sight. They are inseparable and are just such an amazing couple. My mom has told me about how it’s just so easy to fall in love with him,” said freshman Samantha Dick.

Love can be such a magical thing. As for it happening at first sight, it’s rare, but not impossible. So if you’re the romantic type, don’t stop believing!

Photos courtesy of Canva

PAGES 8-9 || FEATURE HOLLY MCDONALD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

INVOLVEMENT IN YOUTH SPORT

The life lessons, experiences and Playing a childhood sport is an essential part of growing up for most, so many have been involved in at least one sport at some point in their childhood. However, with the growing demand for perfect performance, many youths have fallen out of sports.

A common claim goes around that sports have a negative impact on one’s mental health due to strict coaching or the expectation to perform well over having fun. However, according to many student athletes, getting involved in sports in one’s childhood or teenage years presents more benefits than drawbacks.

Part of what makes sports special is that they allow people to meet new friends who they share common likes with.

“Some of the best friends I have to this day are people that I was on a team with when I was younger,” senior varsity soccer player Gabrielle Chamberlin said. “Growing up and growing to love a sport with someone or a group of people is such a powerful thing and when you are able to share that experience with other people there is nothing better.”

Being involved with a team works to build a sense of community and work together to accomplish a goal.

“When students are part of a group that is working toward a common goal, they are often eager to show a coach or teammate that they are contributing in a positive way,” Coach Wood said. “So while they are improving characteristics such as motivation, commitment, and work ethic, they are actually learning many of the same characteristics that good leaders have.”

Additionally, playing sports can teach youth essential life skills that they can carry with them through adulthood.

“Participants learn cooperation, perseverance, persistence, attention to detail, to budget time and set priorities, to multitask, to problem solve, to set short-term and long-term goals, and to be motivated and a self-starter,” varsity cheerleading coach Susan Wood said.

Exercise and working out is a strenuous activity for many, but it does have a positive effect on the brain.

“When a person partakes in physical activity, they produce a hormone called endorphins,” health teacher Mrs. Amy Oppat said. “This helps a person feel better, more relaxed, and reduces stress. Regular physical activity can help a person sleep better, which is also beneficial to our ability to manage stress and anxiety.”

By producing these endorphins in humans’ brains, physical activity is seen to improve mental health and provide an outlet for athletes to manage stress.

“Whenever I’m frustrated or stressed out about something it always helps to do something physical, like go for a run, play some soccer, or take my dog for a walk,” Chamberlin said. “It helps me to level off my mood.”

Moreover, sports are very reflective of real-life situations. Being on a team can prepare an individual for what it will be like to work with a team of people, or even within a household.

“When you go out in the world, you are a part of something much bigger than yourself,” Coach Wood said. “On a sports team, the team comes before the self. Being on a team teaches you to be a smaller piece of something bigger, more important, than you.”

Being successful within a performance or a game is a different experience for each athlete, but many athletes know what it’s like to have a rewarding feeling.

“After a workout, I usually feel tired, but accomplished and motivated,” senior cross country and track runner Allison Gadlage said. “It is satisfying knowing you have completed something that is good for your body and also calms your mind.”

As hard as working out can be, the feeling of post-workout achievement not only helps one to feel better physically but also mentally.

“It gives you a sense of accomplishment and makes you feel good about yourself,” Chamberlin said. “I also like the feeling that I’m getting stronger or working towards a goal. I might be exhausted and ready to take a nap, but there is satisfaction in knowing that you did your best. It’s even better if you have someone there pushing you to do your best or go that extra mile because it holds you accountable to do your best.”

For some, getting exercise can seem like the best activity in the world, while others despise it. Either way, getting too much exercise or too little can both have negative effects.

THE TALON || FEBRUARY 2022

TS IMPROVES MENTAL HEALTH

d friendships from playing a sport “The general rule of thumb for the amount of activity each person should get is approximately 30 – 60 minutes most days per week,” Mrs. Oppat said. “If a person exercises too much, they may increase the risk of injury, muscle/joint pain, slowed recovery time, fatigue and dehydration. Additionally, when something takes up a large quantity of our free time, it may cause an imbalance of other responsibilities in our daily lives.”

There will be bad, frustrating practices within any sport, but athletes can’t let a few bad days deter them from an entire successful season if they wish to get the best experience.

“The best kind of reward is something that only you can do for yourself, not something your parents can do for you,” Coach Wood said. “It’s not supposed to be easy, life isn’t supposed to be easy. We should not be avoiding uncomfortable and stressful situations completely.

I’m still kind of old school, but you need to be pushing yourself a little bit harder, challenging yourself a little bit more, to whatever you think your comfort level is, and parents need to let that happen to produce a stronger, young adult.”

Allowing student athletes to experience winning can help to create a driven and motivated individual. When an athlete loses a game or isn’t satisfied with their performance, they learn to make self-improvements in order to have a more successful outcome in the future.

“Sports can teach ways to deal with disappointment and stressful situations,” Coach Wood said. “Athletes have many ups and downs and are constantly learning how to put negative instances into appropriate perspectives. Being shielded from unhappiness in life can have dangerous results. Athletes have multiple opportunities to deal with tough situations in a controlled environment. Tough kids turn into successful adults.”

Sports can become stressful at times; it’s not going to be a completely positive practice every day, but it still gives athletes something to look forward to in their daily routines. “[Sports make me] more stressed, but in a good way,” varsity basketball player Connor Cracium said. “It’s like having an extra class per day, but an enjoyable class that lets you work with other people towards a common goal: to win.”

Although playing a sport is another thing to add to one’s daily schedule, which may make it harder to manage time, the physical benefits and support of a team outweigh any schedule sacrifices.

“Sports can make me feel more stressed knowing I have things to do, and that is another activity taking up time in my day, but honestly, I feel that they make me a happier person,” Gadlage said. “I love going to run and talk to my friends, and find peace in the routine. There is always someone to talk to, and team bonding is something I greatly enjoy. Overall, due to sports, I feel that I have less stress.”

Playing a sport in high school has a different effect on an individual rather than playing a sport as a child. Although the stakes may be higher, the relationships are stronger and the life lessons are more abundant.

“When athletes return to a team as upperclassmen, they naturally want it to be a great season, so they put much effort into teaching, nurturing, motivating, and inspiring the new members of the team,” Coach Wood said. “They almost unknowingly pass down procedures, traditions, and philosophies of that team, and even start to sound like the coach. The coach gains a lot of leaders who can help train the underclassmen, and the returning athletes gain confidence in themselves and feel great about the fact that they’ve ‘been there’ before.”

Student athletes advise anyone who is considering joining a sport to take the risk. You never know how many benefits, life lessons, and everlasting friendships that can come out of joining a team.

“I’m surprised at how many parents would rather have their kids not be involved, whether that be because they don’t want to pick them up after practice or because they think it’s too stressful, when in fact putting kids in a little bit of an uncomfortable situation is not a bad thing,” Coach Wood said. “Being a little bit more uncomfortable is more realistic to real life. Truthfully, stressful situations are not a bad thing. We need to stop thinking it’s a bad thing. It’s very valuable to be in an uncomfortable situation. Comfort and growth do not co-exist. You cannot grow if you don’t go through a little discomfort, in any situation in life.”

Photos Courtesy of RHS Athletes

PAGE 10 || ENTERTAINMENT

THE TALON || FEBRUARY 2022

SWEET MAGNOLIAS SEASON 2 Netflix original renewed for another season ERIELLE OCAMPO OPINION EDITOR Sweet Magnolias:A Netflix original, was renewed for a second season and was released on Feb. 4. With a mix of Gilmore Girls and This is Us, Sweet Magnolias shares a heartwarming story of a small town in Serenity, S.C. Originally a book series following a close knit trio who navigate the ups and downs of everyday life as well as parenthood, this show brings a different perspective to small town life.

SEASON ONE RECAP: SPOILERS AHEAD

In season one we’re introduced to “The Sweet Magnolias.” Maddie Townsend, Dana Sue Sullivan, and Helen Decatur, all grew up with one another and formed a close bond in which they all end up back where it all started, Serenity. With developing a new business together to “Pouring it Out” every week, these best friends know anything and everything about one another. But each character is complex in their own way and creates a story in which many can relate to.

Maddie Townsend is the talk of the town. With an ongoing divorce with Bill Townsend, Maddie and the kids, Tyler, Kyle, and Katie, have to guide themselves through life in a gossip filled town. As the school year is starting up again, a new coach is brought to Serenity in hopes of a championship win. Cal Maddox, a former Braves baseball player, quickly becomes entangled with Maddie but she can’t seem to put in all her effort with Bill and Noreen’s new baby on the way.

With the struggles of co-parenting and trying to decipher her feelings for this heartthrob, Maddie finds it hard to balance her personal life with staying on track for the kids.

Dana Sue Sullivan is a caring single mother who knows what she wants. In season one, we don’t get to get a deeper understanding of who she really is. Some may even say she is the “forgotten one” in the trio. Dana Sue cares deeply about everyone around her and is truly empathetic about everyone’s situation. Although she is quick tempered especially with her daughter, Annie, Dana Sue truly an inspiration to all of us as to what we want to be. As she finds herself in a love triangle with her ex-husband and her produce farmer, Dana Sue struggles with what she wants to choose.

Helen Decatur is a hard working lawyer. With her mind set on helping others she quickly forgets about what she wants.

Helen is known as the hopeless romantic who also has a love triangle going on. As her ex-boyfriend comes back to town, Ryan and Helen quickly become fond of each other once again. But as a new sous-chef comes into town, Eric and Helen find comfort with one another.

At the end of the first season we are left with a cliff-hanger. With Kyle slowly going down a spiral, he finds himself angry at everyone around him. With ups and downs throughout the town, the Sweet Magnolias show the true meaning of family without blood relation.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS NEW SEASON

There are no words to describe how amazing this show is. With 10 episodes in each season, this show is truly the perfect show to binge watch. As I watched this new season, I never knew what was going to happen next. We get to have a deeper understanding of Dana Sue, see Maddie make her choice, and see Helen find herself once again. This show revolves around the aspect of growth and making personal choices. We see the hardships of Kyle dealing with the grief of his accident, Tyler with a summer without baseball, and Annie creating a relationship with the town’s “bad boy.” This show has something for everyone.

So, if you’re wondering what I would rate this show, I would give it a 4.2 out of 5 stars. I loved everything about following a small town and creating meaningful moments with one another while also drama and romance. If you are a fan of rom-coms and drama this would be a great show for you.

THE TALON STAFF Adviser: Ms. Youngs Editor-in-Chief: Holly McDonald Feature and Design Editor: Jenny Kim Lifestyles Editor: Megan Splan Opinion Editor: Erielle Ocampo Staff Staff Staff Staff Staff Staff Staff Staff

Writer: Brice Boggan Writer: Shannon Carr Writer: Jaemin Kim Writer: Justin Lal Writer: Trina Mollicone Writer: Makenzie Paul Writer: Erica Proctor Writer: Marta Svirgun

THE TALON POLICY The Talon is the official student publication of Rochester High School. We are now available both in print and online editions. Check out rochestertalon.com, @rhstalon on Twitter, @rhs.talon on Instagram and like The Talon on Facebook for more great content.

The print edition of The Talon is issued monthly during the school year and is devoted to the interest of the student body, parents and alumni of RHS. The Talon strives to create a publication that is informative, entertaining, accurate and professional.

The mission of The Talon is to accurately, truthfully and professionally report on events and issues that are of interest to the student body, entertain readers and serve as a valuable archive of the happenings of the school.

The views expressed in The Talon are those of the staff or individual staff writers and do not necessarily represent the views of the administration.

The editors encourage communications and reactions from students, alumni, parents and friends of the school.

All communications must be signed, but signatures may be withheld from publication upon request. The Talon values feedback from the community on its articles and other media. However, we maintain the right to censor inappropriate dialogue in comments.

MEMBERSHIPS

Photos courtesy of @sweetmagnoliasnetflix on instagram

PAGE 11 || LIFESTYLES

THE TALON || FEBRUARY 2022

ACADEMIC BURNOUT

The daily struggle of students across the world MAKENZIE PAUL

STAFF WRITER

Students always have something to look forward to in their academic careers, whether it is elementary students looking to attend middle school, or middle schoolers looking forward to high school. Yet, what happens when the next step means applying to college? According to Psychology Today, “burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and often physical exhaustion brought on by prolonged or repeated stress.” Academic burnout is something that most students will go through during their high school years. Freshman Abhinaya Rangarajin commented on when she thinks burnout occurs most often.

“It definitely happens [in] junior year,” Rangarajin said. “Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and often physical exhaustion brought on by prolonged or repeated stress around the 3rd quarter, like during the SAT and AP exams.”

Junior Natalie Rayce can agree with this statement. Being in her 3rd quarter of junior year right now, Rayce gave good insight into how she is feeling during the peak of her academic career.

“We’ve been doing it for a long time, but the end isn’t in sight yet,” said Rayce.

Stress and overworking are the leading causes of academic burnout among high school students. Sports in and out of school can factor into these stresses. Senior Jack Crandall not only plays tennis for the school, but is also involved in many extracurricular activities.

“During tennis season, my sport was definitely causing the most stress in my life,” Crandall said. “Now that my season is over, school is definitely weighing me down more.

I feel a lot of pressure to keep my grades up for college. My stress also comes from all the clubs and extracurriculars I’m involved in. I have a lot to keep up with on top of my schoolwork.”

Stress levels in the middle of the school year are some of the highest among high school students. AP tests, SAT, PSAT, and next year’s course scheduling all factor into the everyday stresses that students go through. Some students were asked what their everyday stress level was on a scale of 1-10.

“Depending on the day, I could say like a seven or an eight,” sophomore Brice Boggan said.

Many other students interviewed also said around seven to eight. The fact that all four grades have similar daily stress-levels is compelling. Crandall has taken eight AP classes throughout his high school career.

“Apush, AP Gov, AP Lang, AP Micro, AP Macro, AP Spanish, AP Lit, and AP Calc AB,” Crandall stated.

So how does a senior that has taken a substantial amount of AP classes have a similar daily stress level of freshman in regular classes? Mental health professionals believe that everyone processes their stress differently and in their own unique way. Whether you’re a freshman involved in many different sports, or a senior in multiple AP classes, stress and academic burnout is eventually inevitable.

Photos Courtesy of Creative Commmons and Oxord Learning

PAGE 12 || COLUMN

THE TALON || FEBRUARY 2022

LIVING IN THE MOMENT

Staying present while planning for the future MEGAN SPLAN

LIFESTYLES EDITOR As spring creeps up close, and the countdown to graduation becomes slim, my brain is almost forced to face the reality of post- high school. Although I have lived in Rochester my whole life, I’m excited to move forward onto the next chapter of my life.

For some students, the thought of college is a scary thought and it can be overwhelming or stressful to even ponder upon. Applying for college alone can be stressful, but I’ve found that it’s important to enjoy what you have and live in the moment.

Some very special moments from this year, for example, is performing for Elf The Musical. I had never done the theater program here at Rochester and I had spontaneously decided to audition. Although I was very timid at first, I found myself in the end with great friendship and having great memories. My favorite memory was running on stage for our bows opening night and receiving a standing ovation. I remember smiling ear to ear and the best part was being up there filled with the purest joy next to some of my closest friends.

Another memory I cherish was during the second quarter. During this time I had my third lunch with all of my friends from middle school. Having lunch all together was a very rare experience, so during this time I knew to cherish it because the likelihood of us all having lunch together was unlikely. I have so many good memories at lunch, from the laughs to being there for eachother through whatever we were going through, it was definitely one of my favorite parts of high school.

Another memory I have is experiencing all of those memories from my classes that make me smile just thinking about. For example, I always laugh thinking about the crazy discussions me and my classmates would have in my 2nd hour, AP German class. We would talk about some of the most wild things for about 30 minutes. They always relate to our topics in class, but somehow one of my classmates always relates it to Kanye West.

Although I love having these moments, I can’t help but think about the future too. I cannot wait to receive my diploma or to experience prom. I think that a part of living in the now is also planning for the future, so that way when it comes you feel more prepared.

I have been a very organized person since I can remember. I mean just ask any one of my friends and they can tell you all about my color coated planner. Because of this skill I have, I applied to several colleges before even starting my senior year, and within two months I had heard back from almost all of those schools.

I think that preparing for college mentally is also important. I realize that moving away from home can be a scary thought for some students, and I can definitely sympathize with that. Over the past summer I went on a mission trip to Bozeman, Montana for 7 weeks.

I went to a bootcamp prior to the trip for 2 weeks. There the organization trains you and prepares you for the field. Throughout my time in bootcamp, I learned so many amazing skills,Whether I would use these on the field or not. I learned how to lay bricks, tie steels, carpentry (the kind without any electric tools), different songs and puppet shows (to perform to kids on our trip), and how to make balloon animals. I think that the hardest part of boot camp was committing to it and stepping on to the airplane.

Photos Courtesy of Megan Splan

I remember arriving at the airport in Florida and it started pouring down rain. I have lived in Michigan all my life, and I had never experienced a storm like this. There was lightning everywhere and the rain fell so hard on my head, it left bruises on my back from smacking it so harshly. Once we unload our taupe bags and sign in, we had to turn in our phones. I realized some people in this world or even school have never gone maybe one day without their phone. I was one of those people, and when I handed in my phone I asked when I would get it back. They told me soon, but reality was I wouldn’t be seeing that thing until I was about to go through security on my flight home. I remember sitting there soaked and I just started crying. I was 16 at the time and I had never left home for more than 5 days. I had no phone to call home from, I didn’t know anyone, and I was what felt like all by myself.

As I sat there crying I looked up and saw another girl across from me sobbing and hugging one of her leaders. It then clicked to me that I did have people I could lean on. So I stood up and started looking for my leader. Once I found her I explained my situation that I was going through and she understood completely. Although she didn’t realize I was 16 until my 17th birthday, the 10th day in boot camp (yes I had to spend my 17th birthday away from home and in a boot camp with strangers), we built a relationship that was very comforting.

I look back on that experience and realize how amazing we are as humans. By that night I slept soundly like a baby and I had stopped crying.

The important thing to remember when going through change, I believe, is relying on people that you can trust. I think this is important because once you build those stable friendships/ relationships where you can always have someone there to support you. At the end of my trip I remember saying goodbye was the hardest part of it all. And although I met half of these people crying my eyes out and scared, I can always look back on that experience in my life and remember all of the crazy adventures we went on. Like the time our tent site got flooded from the crazy rain storm. And instead of sitting crying and feeling defeated, I remember helping shovel mulch on the mud to create a harder surface. And then going into “woods” (a bunch of dead palm trees and vegetation) looking for palm fronds (the dead palm leaves) and meeting one of my closest friends on the trip, Candice. We laughed and talked about this crazy experience, we had both agreed that the rain water was a better shower than the Alligator Lake.

So I think that even though some experiences may seem scary or intimidating, the risk can most definitely be worth it in the end. And even if it doesn’t seem nice at first, building those relationships can help in the long run. And that’s why I believe living in the moment with those friendships/ relationships can be the best thing to do when going through senior year.

PAGE 13 || LIFESTYLES

THE TALON || FEBRUARY 2022

THE RISING TREND OF BEING ‘AESTHETIC’ Social media’s influence on style, decor and lifestyle HOLLY MCDONALD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Generation Z is known to be influencers on social media and trendsetters across all generations, most notably through fashion, music, and style. One of the newer terms frequently used isn’t really a new term at all, but has turned a corner from an obscure, unknown word into its own popularity: aesthetic”.

The term aesthetic is not a new term; in fact, it was added to the English language in the 1800s. Aesthetic is defined as “concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty,” according to Oxford Languages.

Being aesthetic, especially on social media, has come about as a recent trend. Use of the word fits a wide umbrella of topics, including style, fashion, decor, and more. Often focused on specific color pallets, many types of aesthetics have a unique element that separates them from the others.

“Having an aesthetic is knowing your voice,” senior Eden McCullough said. “Aesthetic to me is a brand of selfexpression! An aesthetic is a collection of colors, images, and moods that make up how a person creates their home atmosphere and their look. It can also tailor the activities a person does—they may do certain things because they fit in their ‘aesthetic.’ Having an aesthetic is a way people want to be seen and stand out.”

Having an aesthetic sense of style is one of the biggest ways the aesthetic trend has risen to fame.

“An aesthetic style is creating a wardrobe that reflects a person’s point of view,” McCullough said. “Textures, colors, prints, and patterns will differ with each person’s specific style. The spectrum of different style aesthetics is huge. Lots of people make it up as they go, and it changes with them.

Knowing your style is a way to amplify your heart so that others know what you’re all about.”

Aesthetics can be individual or based on a pre-existing trend. Many aesthetics can be found on social media if one is looking for inspiration.

“An aesthetic is when you wear or accessorize with a certain style,” senior Evie Ansari said. “In other words, it

means your style is based around a certain aesthetic, like based on colors or type of clothing.”

Aesthetic styles are often defined through fashion trends.

For example, the Y2K aesthetic follows pleated skirts, chunky boots, plaid corsets, and other clothing worn in the early 2000s. Back in the early 21st century, singers like Avril Lavigne became a trendy icon during that time. Today, famous people and influencers have helped to bring this trend back to life, such as Olivia Rodrigo.

“I find it very interesting that trends come back,” fashion design teacher Ms. Shelby Klein said. “As I get older, I am seeing trends with clothing and styles returning from when I was a teenager, which wasn’t that long ago. When I look through photos of my parents at my age in the late 70s, it’s really interesting to see that a lot of the same styles are being replicated.”

Fashion trends come in waves. The cycle of fashion is evident in today’s clothing through the return of highwaisted jeans from the ’90s or flare jeans from the ’70s.

“I love when trends are timeless,” Ansari said. “It makes the idea of thrifting and up-cycling not only ‘in’ fashion but promotes an environmentally friendly standard. Plus the different styles of jeans are all cute and fit different body types which allow anyone to wear jeans and feel comfortable.”

Another aesthetic trend that is brought about through fashion, but can also be represented in decor, or a lifestyle in general, is called cottagecore.

Cottagecore is similar to what it sounds like; it has to do with cottage life, rural areas with rolling hills, and fields of flowers. A cottagecore aesthetic can be like The Little House on the Prarie but with a modern twist. Cottagecore can also be represented with decor through house plants, beige and neutral colors, open windows and natural light, and lots of light and white undertones.

Since there are so many types of aesthetics, and the image of what is pleasing is subjective, that means it’s easy to find

different examples all over social media.

“When I think of an aesthetic Instagram, I think of images that have a similar look and design,” McCullough said. “A lot of accounts have a theme that sticks to a color palette. Some choose black and white, some go with more vibrancy. It all depends on the person and how they want to express themselves. Also, an aesthetic Instagram can be defined differently from person to person. My perspective on aesthetics may look totally different from someone else’s outlook.”

Social media has a huge influence on one’s lifestyle, especially their sense of style.

“Social media is one of the most influential places where one finds inspiration for style,” Ansari said. “Social media is where many compare themselves to others, but it can also be a source of inspiration. I find a lot of my inspiration for outfits and style from Pinterest.”

Instagram is one of the easiest platforms to find inspiration for style and aesthetics. “ An aesthetic Instagram account might mean to have the perfect flow of colors and poses to some but to me, a true social media presence should not be based on how it looks but the contents, the happiness and lovely moments we hold dear,” Ansari said.

Just like trends can change, aesthetics can change as well.

“I think that aesthetics can definitely change over time,” Ms. Klein said. “There are always trends coming and going within the design, but also with personal aesthetics. As you get older and discover more of yourself, you begin to define what your aesthetic or vibe is with your style.”

At the end of the day, it can be difficult to determine whether a person’s aesthetic is truly the way they live or just a picture they paint to look pretty for social media. “[Being aesthetic is] a lifestyle absolutely—if it’s authentic,” McCullough said. “It makes up the way a person lives. If it’s just a pretty picture, it takes away the depth. Selfexpression is the way a person truly lives.”

Photos courtesy of Canva

PAGE 14 || SPORTS

THE TALON || FEBRUARY 2022

SUPER BOWL LVI

Rams win first title in 22 years after comback over Bengals ERICA PROCTOR STAFF WRITER

Each year in the beginning of February, sports fans gather together and enjoy the allamazing Super Bowl. The commercials, half-time show, and events surrounding the day make the game enjoyable for everyone, sports fans or not. That’s why it’s the most watched sports event in America.

The Super Bowl is the annual playoff championship game of the National Football League and has served as the final game of the NFL season since 1966, replacing the NFL Championship Game. It has been traditionally held on the first Sunday in February, however as of this year, the game will take place on the second Sunday in February. The winning team is awarded with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, named in honor of NFL coach Vince Lombardi, who led the Green Bay Packers to victories in the first two Super Bowl games.

The day of the game is now often referred to as Superbowl Sunday, or Super Sunday.

According to CBS sports, the Super Bowl has become so big that over 200 countries now televise it and around 100 million people tune in each year to watch it. It is said to be the most watched sporting event in America, over events like the MLB all-star game, the NBA all- star game, and March Madness.

Parties are a very common occurrence for the game, with food and where fans can come together to watch the game. Wings are one of the many foods consumed on the day, as 1.42 billion of them were sold last superbowl. All ages can watch the Super Bowl, as there is so much more to it than football, but it is most commonly watched by adults and young adults.

Not everyone is rooting for the Rams, however.

“I think the Bengals will win because they haven’t won a Super Bowl in a very long time, and I think as the underdog they can really make an upset,” said a sophomore.

One of the things that make the Super Bowl so amazing is the famous half-time show, which no other half-time show can compare. Each year, there is a different high-profile entertainer that performs as the show tries to outdo itself from the previous year. The halftime show in this year’s Super Bowl featured rappers Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, and Detroit rapper Eminem, along with “Queen of Hip Hop Soul’’ Mary J. Blige. The show was very entertaining and the talented rappers even threw out some songs for the adult audience as well. It was a performance that everyone could enjoy and the rappers certainly delivered.

After a long game of lead changes and suspense, the Los Angeles Rams took home the Win and the Lombardi Trophy with a 23-20 victory over the Bengals. After a massive stop by the Rams defense to shut down the Bengals from taking the lead in the last minutes, the Rams took a knee and called it a game. The Most Valuable Player of the game went to Rams wide receiver, Cooper Kupp. Kupp had to step it up after teammate wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr had to leave the game after a knee injury mid game. Kupp most certainly stepped up and finished the game with eight receptions for 92 yards, and two clutch touchdowns. The game was nowhere near a boring one and will most certainly go down in history.

This year, the Super Bowl took place on February 13 and featured the Los Angeles Rams playing the Cincinnati Bengals at Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles, home to the Rams. The Bengals had a 13-7 record this past season and were led by rookie quarterback Joe Burrow.

The Bengals had not gone to the Super Bowl since 1988, when they lost to the San Francisco 49ers. Since it’s been such a long time, the team and its fans were ecstatic and hoping to come out with a win.

The opposing team, the Los Angeles Rams, had a 15-5 record and were led by former Detroit Lions quarterback, Matthew Stafford. The Rams also had the spread on their side as they were favored by 4.5. The Rams will be seeking their second championship win, following their win in 2000. They also made an appearance in the Super Bowl in 2019 and played the New England Patriots, but lost 13-3.

“I think the Rams will win the game because Matthew Stafford has done well there and I think he deserves a Super Bowl ring,” said a freshman.

“I think the Rams will win because, since I’m a Lions fan, I think Matthew Stafford was a great quarterback for the Lions and for the Rams, and I think he can lead them to a win,” said sophomore Richard Collins.

For fans like us that live in Michigan, the Rams have a lot of support coming from Stafford’s old home in Detroit. According to Detroit News, only 5% to 10% of people from the area are rooting for the Bengals.

“I think the Rams will win because the Bengals offensive line is pretty bad, and with the good defensive line of the Rams, I think the Rams will have the edge,” said a freshman.

Photos courtesy of CNN sports

PAGE 15 || ENTERTAINMENT

THE TALON || FEBRUARY 2022

ROCHESTER HIGH SCHOOLS SKI TEAM

A new season brings a bigger team than ever JAEMIN KIM

Photo Courtesy of Rochester Ski Team

STAFF WRITER

The Rochester High School Ski team slides into a good season at Pine Knob Resort.

With the new season of the Ski Team, many newcomers are making this year the biggest team they’ve had in years.

“The season is going really well so far,” team member Eva Herrmann said. “We are staying consistent with scores and we are having a good time and being connected as a team” The team is very supportive of each other, making sure everyone feels welcome.

“We support each other in a lot of ways, especially on race days when tensions are high.

Our Varsity and JV teams always show up for each other’s races just to help out on the hill and be there for moral support,” Ski team captain Sarrah Tikiwala said.

With all the support they receive from each other, they’ve achieved new heights defeating Troy/Avondale United only in their first week of racing.

The team has improved over the season such as team building and forming a community with a tight-knit bond. “The team has improved mostly on an individual basis. We had a lot of beginner racers this year and the JV teams have come really far.”aTikiwala says Soon, team member Hannah Thibideau would like to see newcomers who are willing to learn and be able to uphold their sense of community. The team as a whole would like to see even the smallest thing that would help them out.

“I’d love to see support for our team,’’ Tikiwala stated. “Most people confuse the ski team with the ski club, so it would be nice to have some recognition.”

WRESTLING SEASON RECAP

Your guide to the RHS Wrestling Team: what you may or may not know MARTA SVIRGUN STAFF WRITER

As the RHS wrestling team finishes up their season this month, the Talon is providing a close-up look at what wrestling is all about. Head coach and Economics teacher Mr. Erik Vernon and senior wrestler Emilio Donato give us the details.

Students are paired with another wrestler in matches by their weight classes. Weight classes range from 103 pounds all the way up to 285 pounds. There are 14 weight classes total. Any student interested can get into wrestling no matter what size they are.

Wrestling meets consist of six minute matches: three individual periods which are two minutes each.

“You’re basically just trying to take the other person down, or in essence, just trying to pin them; put them on their back,” says Coach Vernon. To pin them down is defined when both shoulders touch the mat. In order to do that, “there’s a bunch of different moves that wrestlers learn in order to succeed at pinning their opponent,” Vernon adds.

Scoring in wrestling is made up of points earned by each wrestler. Coach Vernon explains that, “If you beat somebody by points, you get three points for the team. if you pin somebody, you get six points for the team. There’s a little more detail to earning points, but that’s a basic explanation.”

There are a total of four coaches who work with the team, and this year’s team

consists of about 30 wrestlers.

The team competes in both local and regional matches. Vernon adds that,’’ If you finish in the top four at the individual district meet, you move on to the regionals. If you finish top 4 at regionals, you move on to the state tournament held at Ford field where teams compete to become All-State.”

Donato explains how tournaments work.

“In a team tournament, there’s 14 wrestlers on each team, one for each weight class, and they each go out individually. Then based on the wins and the points they get, that determines the win for the team.”

“In the season,” Vernon adds, “the team is allowed seven dual meets, which equals fourteen meets. A team is also allowed seven tournaments. The tournaments can either be individual tournaments, where wrestlers compete within their weight class, or they can be team tournaments where we wrestle dual meets.”

This year, the team is made up of many newer and younger wrestlers. “We have a lot of freshman and sophomores in the lineup, and so we’ve struggled in some matches, because we wrestle teams that have older kids. Teams with wrestlers that have been wrestling longer have that advantage, but we’ve wrestled pretty tough this year and have been wrestling really well overall.”

Not many students realize that wrestling at Rochester High School is a coed sport,

meaning both boys and girls can join.

Currently, the team has thirty males.. Right now, there are no girls, but the opportunity is there.

“I think we have a really good group of kids who work hard. They treat each other well, and are a very close knit team. They enjoy hanging out together and being part of the team.”

Regarding what qualities or skills should make a good wrestler, Coach Vernon believes that it primarily requires discipline.

“Being self-disciplined, hardworking, and tough. Those are the things that usually make the best wrestlers.”

Being in good physical shape plays a big role as well. Coach Vernon believes that being in better shape is more important than one’s strength or build.

“We’ve had some kids who were good wrestlers, but who were not very strong.

However, they knew their moves, which made them very good technically. We’ve also had some kids who were just in really good shape and performed well because of that quality.”

Senior Emilio Donato wrestles in the 160 lb. weight class.and has been on the team since his freshman year. This year, his record is approximately 15 wins and 9 losses.

Donato explains how wins and losses affect the overall team score.

“It depends on the event we go to. If

it’s an individual tournament, my matches count toward my own score. If it’s a team tournament though and I win my match, the team gets points. The winning team is the one that received the most points based on their wins.”

Wrestling is a very physical sport and requires continuous conditioning and practice.

“I practice every day after school, assuming there’s no meets. Practice usually lasts about two and a half hours. We usually just stretch and then maybe we’ll do a little bit of conditioning, like running or pushups.

Then we start practice wrestling each other,” says Donato.

Wrestlers may or may not need to follow a particular diet that would depend on whether they need to lose or gain weight.

Donato himself said, “Me personally, I didn’t have to cut a lot of weight this year, so I didn’t really diet this year, but last year I did. It was a low carb, low salt diet where I was just trying to avoid retaining water, and also just not eating a lot to stay on weight.” “ I am pretty strong for my weight class, and also pretty flexible which helps,’ says Donato. “Also, I’ve had a lot of experience with good wrestlers, so that helps too.”

For any student, boy or girl, interested in wrestling, consider joining next winter and use this year to get in great physical shape.

PAGE 16 || SPORTS

THE TALON || FEBRUARY 2022

FULL COURT SUCCESS Rochester Girls Varsity Basketball Team raises the bar for Falcon Athletics TRINA MOLLICONE STAFF WRITER

Having two six-foot one freshmen certainly makes a high school basketball team stand out. Freshmen Kiely Robinson and Alice Max have big futures in the basketball scene. In addition, Robinson is a running candidate for Metro Detroit Athlete of the week, and Max is the #1 freshman in Michigan for pre-season rankings and 80th in the United States for pre-season rankings. These two stars are a part of the Rochester Girls Varsity Basketball team this season, including eight new players and four returners. With so many new faces, many were uncertain of how the Lady Falcons’ season would end up. With their sum of new talent, Rochester’s Girls Varsity Basketball team is unquestionably the group to beat.

Thus far, the team’s accomplishments are far from average. Currently, Rochester’s girls varsity basketball team is ranked #1 in their league. First year junior, Ella Martin, remarks on the achievement.

“I think that it reflects our hard work this season from everybody,” Martin says. “From the first girl to the 12th girl.”

Another remarkable highlight of the season occurred at the recent Crosstown Showdown game held at Oakland University’s O’Rena. Rochester came out ready for victory when faced against long-time opponents, Rochester Adams. The girls brought a tough competition and beat the Highlanders 48-25, which is a milestone, considering the program hasn’t seen a score like that against Adams since 2008.

Finishing her senior season up, co-captain Lulu Taliercio has been prioritizing the relationship between her and her teammates.

“I like that everyone’s having a good time and I feel very welcomed by the team, even though I’m a senior,” said Taliercio. “I feel like in practice, we know when to be serious and when to have a good time.”

Similarly, Martin feels that the team has done well due to the connection that they have.

“I feel like we’ve really bonded a lot and that reflects how we’re playing right now,” Martin says.

Taliercio on the other hand feels that the team’s intensity at practice is what has led them to success.

“I think we’re playing really well because we practice hard, and then we go and play hard,” said Talercio.

The amount of work that the girls have put in is unmatched. With about six to ten hours of practice per week, it’s no wonder the team has rebounded to such great heights.

Photo courtesy of Dean Allen