Dexter High School 2200 N. Parker Road Dexter, MI 48130 www.thesquall.com
May 23, 2013. VOL. 18. Issue 8.
Seniors say farewell
Class of 2013 looks back on time at DHS
Pages 8 and 9
The Squall Page 2 www.thesquall.com May 23, 2013
3 4 6 7 8 9 16
Index On The web See the following photo slideshows and more at our website, www.thesquall.com
5 News Students discuss implications of teenage sex. 6 Entertainment Upcoming summer concerts attract students.
7 Sports
Off-season training keeps students busy.
11 Interactive Spread 5x5 with the class of 2013.
12 Opinion
The seven worst words in the English language.
14 Get Involved
College clubs to get involved with.
THE
16 Photostory Prom.
Squall
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Contact us at: 2200 N. Parker Road Dexter MI, 48130. (734) 426-4240 Editors-in-Chief Levi Kipke Cameron La Fontaine Head Designer Abby Mesaros Photo Editor Miranda Mors Assistant Photo Katie Vontom Web Editor Teddy Grammatico
Business Manager Erin Lashbrook
Opinion Editor Erin Lashbrook
Illustrator & Design Drew Daugherty
Entertainment Editor Dan Edwards
Graphics Jordan Romanowski
Sports Editor Nate Nuttle
Center Spread Editor Lauren Kimmel
Get Involved Editor Carolin Schade
News Editor Morgan Van Hoof
YOU page Editor Mitch Kimball
Feature Editor Aman-Vir Mandair
ext: 7407. dextersquall@gmail.com
Design Team Ben Grover Levi Kipke Cameron LaFontaine Abby Mesaros Brandon Otto Jordan Romanowski Morgan Van Hoof Staff Writers Zeke Breuninger Dan Edwards Mitch Kimball Lauren Kimmel Aman-vir Mandair Noah Mellifont Bryce Pederson
Scott Rogers Carolin Schade Zac Sharp Morgan Van Hoof Photographers Casey Hansen Lindsay Henderson Andrew Milkey Nate Nuttle Kathryn Pisano Hadli Polidori Adviser Rodney Satterthwaite
Staff Editorials:
Editorials represent the majority opinion of the editorial board. Editorials are unsigned. Columns represented the opinions of the individual staff members who wrote them.
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Feature
The Squall Page 3 www.thesquall.com May 23, 2013
English teacher says goodbye Muszkiewicz retires after 16-year career
bye to DHS, it’s not her final goodbye to teaching. After her hiatus, Muszkiewicz will begin a new poStaff Writer sition at a community college in South Haven in After 16 years of teaching English courses at the fall. Her transition into a new school won’t be an Dexter High School, Jo Muszkiewicz will enter her easy one, though. After 16 years with the district, last grade into PowerSchool at the end of the 2012she knows she will be leaving a lot behind. 2013 school year. “I’m going to miss interacting with the stuMany say Muszkiewicz will be sorely missed. “It’s a great loss for the school,” fellow AP dents,” Muszkiewicz said. “The students are funny, English teacher Mary Mattner said. “She loves lit- sarcastic, sweet and kind. Never boring.” Muszkiewicz’s conerature, and she comnection with students municates that love to has always been a special kids.” one. Essentially, MuszAccording to Moran, kiewicz said she is those who have gone retiring because she through her Advanced can. Although it’s not • She worked for Girl Scout for two years and as a Placement English Lanher primary reason writing tutor for another two years before coming to guage class leave the for retiring, she also DHS. She has taught at DHS for 16 years. school well-prepared. said the work load she • She and her husband are organic gardeners. When “Her class has helped has taken on this year their children were little, she and her husband grew with whatever stuhas taken a toll on her all of their own fruits and vegetables. She is looking dents go into,” Moran health and spirit. forward to being able to do that again. said. “It’s because she According to • She has always wanted to travel to France and her comes from a differPrincipal Kit Moran, husband has always wanted to see the Panama ent background, not the plenty of adjustments Canal. They intend to see them both in Muszkiewicz’s traditional track. Her will need to be made retirement from DHS. teaching craft will definow that Muszkiewicz • She loves Shakespeare, even having attended nitely be missed by stuis leaving. Cambridge University in England two years in a row dents next year.” “Her current pofor a Shakespeare summer program. And students agree. sition will be ab• Her favorite Shakespeare tragedy is”Othello” and her No matter who you ask, sorbed,” Moran said. favorite comedy is “Twelth Night.” there is always a positive “We’re not filling or word to be said about replacing her fullMuszkiewicz. time. It’s always bit“She is a great teachtersweet to see someone go when they’ve taught here for so long, er because of the way she connects with students especially someone like Mrs. Muszkiewicz. There’s and makes class interesting,” junior Derek Seidl, a lot of wisdom and knowledge that goes out the a student in her class, said. “She provides a special experience for students that cannot be found from window with her.” The school is not the only place where adjust- many other teachers. The school will definitely ments will be made. Muszkiewicz will be making miss her when she leaves.” Current students of Muszkiewicz are not the plenty of adjustments to her own lifestyle as well. With more time to herself, Muszkiewicz said only ones who will miss her. Past students say they she and her husband will take the opportunity to are still benefitting from everything she brought travel. In the fall, they will travel to France. Next to the table. “Mrs. Muszkiewicz has gone above and beyond on their list is the Panama Canal. But traveling isn’t the only way they plan on as a teacher,” 2012 graduate Murphy Hansen said. spending their free time. According to Muszkie- “She taught me a lot about the English language, wicz, she and her husband will be starting a garden but even more about what it is to be a truly outstanding educator. I can only hope to be as successin order to grown their own foods. And although this may be Muszkiewicz’s good- ful of a teacher as she was.”
Morgan Van Hoof
5 things you might not know about Mrs. Muszkiewicz
Photo Credit: Andrew Milkey
English teacher Jo Muszkiewicz instructs her tenth grade English class as they work through the process of writing research papers.
The Squall Page 4 www.thesquall.com May 23, 2013
News
Water treatment plant explosion kills DHS graduate Caroline Schade & Lauren Kimmel Staff Writers
Senior Keoni Koch was just leaving for his rugby practice on Monday, April 22, when he got a phone call from his grandmother. She called to tell him that his uncle had been in an accident and was being transported to University of Michigan’s hospital. Two hours earlier, only a few miles away, a wastewater treatment plant exploded. The Dexter Area Fire Department was called at 1:40 p.m. and the two firemen on duty immediately reported to the scene. When they arrived, Photo Credit: Cole Funeral Chapel it was apparent that the two Michael Koch was killed during an explosion at men who had been working on the Dexter water treatment plant . the plant had been thrown onto the roof of a nearby building. According to preliminary reports, water treatment plant employees, 48-year-old Michael Koch, Keoni’s uncle, and 23-year-old David McBride were cutting bolts off of the plant when the explosion occurred. While the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration is still investigating the cause, these preliminary reports also indicate that methane gas was released and reacted when a torch cutter was used by one of the workers. “MIOSHA is currently taking charge of the investigation,” Lieutenant Michael Grissom of The Dexter Area Fire Department said. “We are still unsure of the exact cause of the explosion.” Along with the Fire Department, the Dexter police department was alerted shortly after. This was when school liason deputy Jeremy Hilobuk heard the news through his radio. Hilobuk said he then started notifying principals and other administrators. His main concern at that time, he said, was the safety of students as they made their way home from school. “The thing that we would worry about would be if there was a chemical released which would jeopardize the safety of the area, or if there was traffic where buses couldn’t pass through,” Hilobuk said. “Neither of which was an issue.” Back on the scene, more assistance arrived to discover the cause of the explosion. Along with the The Dexter Area Fire Department, the Chel-
sea Area Fire Department and Washtenaw County Fire Department came to make sure the situation was under control. According to Grissom, it was good that Washtenaw had arrived. “Because of where the patients were at, on top of a building, we needed to use a circular stair railway. It was hard to turn and get someone down,” he said. “Washtenaw came to assist us with that.” After the men were both safely escorted to ground level, they were transported to the emergency room at U of M. They were transported via ambulance when it became apparent that it would be faster than travelling by helicopter. Keoni was not aware that both victims were transported to the hospital via ambulance and instead was under the impression that both his uncle and McBride were airlifted. “I thought that since he was the one being airlifted to the hospital he would be alright,” Keoni said. “But I found out a few hours later after practice that he wasn’t.” Keoni still has a lot of questions pertaining to the actual events of that day. “The news listed his name as the one who was declared dead on the scene, but our family was saying that he was airlifted to the hospital,” he said. This only added to Keoni’s uncertainty about the actual events of the accident. The news of the accident in general came as a shock to Keoni. “It was just a freak accident,” he said. “He was only 48 years old and still had the whole rest of his life ahead of him.” By 4:20 p.m., Keoni’s uncle had passed away from the injuries inflicted. While both the fire department and the police department are still looking into the causes of the explosion, Michael’s family members, Keoni included, are suffering from a great loss. “He always came over and helped. He spent the night, chopped wood, cleaned, fixed the tractor and that kind of thing,” Keoni said. “All in all, he was the toughest uncle.”
Feature
The Squall Page 5 www.thesquall.com May 23, 2013
Illustration Credit: Jordan Romanowski
Student perceptions on sex are often wrong An analysis piece by Mitch Kimball & Nate Nuttle Staff Writers
Let’s talk about sex. Cue the awkward eye-contact, unnerving silence and loss of words. Sex is not a new topic, nor is it an unfamiliar one - especially for high school students. Everybody hears the gossip. News spreads fast. We’ve all heard the hypothetical conversations in the hallways. “Colin and Olivia hooked up at that party last night.” “Max has had sex with HOW many people?” “Lauren just started dating him. They’re already having sex?” “Alison is waiting until marriage until she has sex.” This is common-speak. Common knowledge. Everybody knows your personal life in high school, whether you want them to or not. Sex is everywhere. In our TV shows, commercials, books. Even our high school hallways. Sex isn’t surprising anymore. Maybe it’s awkward to talk about with your mom, but it isn’t considered taboo anymore. High schoolers have sex all the time, right? According to health teacher David Teddy, this popular perception is incorrect. “Sex is not as prevalent as what most believe,” Teddy said. “Especially with teens in high school, there’s not nearly as many people involved as perception would lead you to think. This perception that most teens have sex puts a lot of pressure on younger kids, but statistic-wise, the norm is to not get involved.” The statistics that Teddy is referring to are from a poll conducted by the Michigan Department of Education in 2010 that profiled the activities of high school youth. In this poll, only 21.5 percent of students in the district reported
being sexually active. However, according to an unscientific poll conducted by the Squall staff of 45 students, the majority of teenage students are having sex. 65 percent of the students polled said that they were sexually active, while only 35 percent said that they were not or preferred not to answer. Seventy percent of polled students said that most students in the high school are sexually active. Whether or not the perception that most teenagers have sex is right or wrong, sex is a personal decision affected by more than just hormones and desire. According to one senior student, who will be referred to as Student 1, sex just isn’t a big deal. “Sex is good. It’s great,” Student 1 said. “I think people make a bigger deal out of it than it is. As long as you’re safe about it, I think it benefits both people.” Student 1 considers himself a free spirit. If he wants to have sex, he does. Why not? He almost always uses protection and doesn’t care what people think about him. Student 1 said he has slept with 11 people during high school. While perception might lead one to believe that the typical high school student mirrors Student 1’s beliefs, this is not always the case. Take Student 2, for example. Student 2 is a senior in a long-term relationship of over a year, and has yet to have sex with her boyfriend. She is supported by her friends and boyfriend and has never been pressured to have sex. Her reason to wait is religion, and she wants to save herself for marriage. “I think that it’s a decision for a person to decide on their own,” Student 2 said. “It depends on your religious views, but I think that most people probably don’t have sex in high school.” So what drives a person to have sex or save themselves
for marriage? The fear of pregnancy or STDs is always present, but with condoms and birth control, the risk is often limited. So if the risk of physical side-effects is low, why isn’t everybody having sex? Teddy says it’s all about emotions. “STI transmission and unintended pregnancy are the obvious risks, but the biggest and most common risk is emotional. It can be pretty damaging once rumors start and your reputation is hurt,” Teddy said. It’s the talk in the hallway, the same talk that fuels the rumors and perception on teenage sex, that also keeps it in check. It’s not the risk of pregnancy, the fear of STDs. Those are relevant but are over-shadowed by the fear of being judged. High school is high school, after all. Perception is everything. “I might be judged because of how many people I’ve had sex with,” Student 1 said. “It can definitely complicate things.” Student 2 mirrors his opinion. “I think people do judge other people who have sex,” she said. “It’s more acceptable if they’ve been in a relationship for a long time, but people definitely get judged.” Student 1 and Student 2 feel differently when it comes to sex, but they do share one common view: people judge. Teddy said the school could do more to help with the mental effects of teenage sex. “There’s always more we can do,” he said. “We need to do a better job with the other risks of sex, like the mental ones. Most teenagers don’t realize the responsibilities and emotional involvement that come with sex.” Once somebody calls you a “slut” or the whole school knows that you’ve just had sex for the first time, you can be hurt. Your reputation is shattered, your image of yourself harmed. Watching this happen to students over and over, whether through hallway chatter or first-hand accounts, one is discouraged from having sex. Why, after all, would anyone want to subject themselves to public scrutiny? If you’re considering having sex, Student 1 and Student 2 say make sure you’re prepared for the notorious hallway talk. Be safe, be ready and be informed. Whether it’s questioning their morals or social backlash that affects them, teens are at risk after sex. Maybe not physically, but mentally. Teddy believes teenagers need to realize the emotional effects that sex can have on them. “For most involved it is a spur of the moment thing and isn’t planned out or necessarily safe. Kids should not be left to figure it out on their own.”
Some sex stats based on an unofficial Squall poll of 45 students
65%
said they are sexually active
70 %
said they think most high schoolers are sexually active
Some sex stats
based on a Michigan Department of Education 2010 profile of high school students from around the state
21.5 %
Dexter students who said they were sexually active
The Squall Page 6 www.thesquall.com May 23, 2013
Must see shows:
Entertainment
Of all the concerts this summer, these are the best Erin Lashbrook Staff Writer If you’re looking for something to do on a summer night, look to DTE’s summer concert schedule. With over 50 artists being featured this summer, something is bound to tickle your fancy. Lawn seats are as inexpensive as $20 and fun to keep it casual with friends, but if you’re looking to shell out a few extra bucks, you can get up close and personal with your favorite stars. Here are some headliners worth making the trip for: Dave Matthews Band (July 9): Always a crowd favorite and summer staple at the DTE yearly lineup. Classic rock music and a relaxed crowd make for a great night. This tour features songs from their latest album, “Away From the World”, which came out last year. Expect a great lineup full of both new songs and classic jams, such as “Crash
Into Me.” The Lumineers (June 6): A newer folk-rock group worth taking a second look at. Based in Colorado, their most popular songs, “Ho Hey,” and “Stubborn Love” are regulars on the radio. This will be a show to look back on when the upcoming artists make it big. John Mayer (Aug. 7): A pop rock and blues artist, this personal favorite is a crowd pleaser. Also mildly attractive, just saying. This tour features songs from his album, Born & Raised, which is a musical shift from his usual style in more country direction. Go see his first tour back on the road since getting sick last year for a time you won’t regret.
Wiz Khalifa & A$AP Rocky (July 31): This concert will be packed with hip hop artists both old and new, such as Trinidad James, B.o.B, Joey Bada$$, Pro Era, Smoke DZA, Berner and Chevy Woods. With so much variety, there’s someone for every rap fan out there. Kid Rock & ZZ Top (Aug. 9-19): This may be the best deal of the summer. At only $20 a ticket, this show gives you the best bang for your buck. Spend the summer time in Southern Michigan with this rock duo for an unforgettable night.
Goo Goo Dolls & Matchbox 20 (July 6): These rock bands play the clas- sics. Everyone loves some “Iris,” and this show certainly won’t disappoint.
Photo Credit: Houston Photos, used with permission
Sports
The Squall Page 7 www.thesquall.com May 23, 2013
Sweating in summer Student-athletes train in off-season to get better Dan Edwards Staff Writer
Every fall, junior Evan Burke walks off the soccer field after school and makes his way to Al Ritt Field for football practice. Balancing school, work and sports can be difficult. But this is especially true for two-sport athletes such as Burke who, in addition to his stint as a varsity soccer player, is the starting kicker for the football team. But his work doesn’t just stop in the fall. Burke trains all year long, and this summer he has a lot planned in order to stay in top form as a twosport athlete. “I love sports,” Burke said, “And after not playing football for my freshman and sophomore year, I missed it. Then Coach Baird told me the team needed a kicker, so I did it.” This isn’t the first time Burke has been involved with multiple sports at once. He has played both soccer and football except for his freshman and sophomore years. “It was challenging doing both when I was younger, and getting from place to place was difficult.” Burke said. “The hardest part was changing in the car. But the ladies loved it.” This summer, Burke plans to attend conditioning for soccer twice a week, play drop-in soccer games at least once a week and go to a tournament in Minnesota with his squad, Club Michigan. All of this off-season training is his way of being extra prepared once the seasons officially begin. “I’ve got to train extra hard for soccer this year,” Burke said. “After we made the final four for soccer last year, we need to get there again. We will be state champs.” As for football training, Burke plans to go to the team’s practices when they begin at the end of July. “I also plan on going to that new Dexter Wellness center when it opens,” he said. And Burke is not the only student putting in extra time in the summer to become better at their sport. Freshman swimmer Elizabeth Merriman, who qualified for states in the 100 breast stroke as a freshman last year, plans to train with the Dexter Community Aquatic Club this summer. In addition to the summer time commitment Merriman is also working on a health summer diet to enhance her performance in the fall. “I don’t do any sort of weird diet, but when I train I just eat a lot of high carb foods. And some natural stuff,” she said. For head swim coach Cory Bergen, Merriman’s attitude and work ethic during school and in the summer are some the keys to her success. “She’s used to being in high pressure races since she trains year round,“ he said, “so when it came to the state meet, she really did well in training.” In addition, Merriman has set high goals for herself during next swim season, something she hopes her summer regimen will help her accomplish. “I hope to get better over the summer,” Merriman said. “Next season, I want to be in the top eight at states and finish first at sectionals. And since swimming is the only sport I do, I’m 100 percent dedicated to getting better.”
Photo Credit: Xianpang Wu
Top: Freshmen Lizzy Merriman trains at DCAC during the school swimming off-season. Left: Junior Evan Burke leaps over opposing player during a soccer game.
Photo Credit: Christopher Burke
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Spread
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Paul Ruble University of Michigan
Sarah Keen Grand Valley State University
Nate Mellifont West Point Military Academy
Katie Dawson Michigan State University
Susanna Pilkerton Dominican University of California
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I’m looking forward to having a good time at U of M but also keeping my studies up. “
I’m looking forward to being on my own.”
I’m looking forward to going to a new place and meeting new people with the same interests as me.”
Winter 2013
2010
7.0 magnitude earthquake strikes Haiti, kills estimated 220,000 people. Photo Illustration Credit: Katie Vontom
The Mayan end of the world comes and goes.
A non-scientific poll of 81 seniors
FAVORITE TEACHER: English teacher Jo Muszkiewicz
FAVORITE CLASS: AP English Language
Notable runners up: Oesch, Tracy, Parker
Dennis Desmarais gives Dexter Schools five snow days.
Notable runners up: Humanities, AP Lit, ITS
FAVORITE FOOTBALL COACH: Brian Baird 2011-2012
40 35
1 Connie Bombs explode at the Boston Marathon, kill three, wound hundreds.
11
9 5
30
Bair d Barb ieri Fish er Glen nie
EF-3 tornado tears through Dexter.
CLASS OF 2013 POLLS
Michigan men’s basketball loses in National Championship game to Louisville.
April 15
President Obama is re-elected.
Dec. 21
April 29
July 11
British Royal Wedding: Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Ravens win SuperBowl XLVII.
ments. When I did get to go to recess, it was the best of times. There was so much to do. Four-square, tag, the monkey bars and kids getting suspended for brawling in the woodchips. It was great. I’m pretty sure that all photos from our days at Mill Creek have either been burned or deemed dangerous for human eyes. Braces, bad clothing decisions, and awkward growth spurts made us the most attractive bunch in the D. This was a time when everyone discovered sports. I’m pretty certain that every person in our grade ran track at Mill Creek at least one year. And let’s not forget the dances. Walking into my first middle school dance was an eye-opening experience. I can vividly remember fist pumping to Flo Rida’s “Get Low” in a circle of sweaty middle schoolers. It was like Jersey Shore except for everyone was really pale and lanky. Through both good times and bad, our class has always been there for one another. We will always remember the friends who would have been graduating with us this year: Nick King and Laurence Carolin. These two classmates have brought us all closer together and have impacted us all in ways we will never forget. Looking back on my time in DHS, I will never forget the people or places I’ve been. Homecoming parades, “dances,” and spending Friday nights in the best student section of the S.E.C. Sandstorm, snow days (or lack thereof), and prom. Staying up until four in the morning finishing papers and learning to sleep on hard surfaces has certainly prepared me for the real world. While we all have enjoyed our time in Dexter, it’s time to say farewell. Time to start new traditions, begin new friendships, and make new memories. Goodbye DHS, and good luck.
April 8
Osama Bin Laden killed by US Navy Seals.
2012
Nov. 6
2013 Feb. 3
May 2
Spain wins 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Occupy Wall Street movement begins.
July 27
Earthquake/tsunami hits Japan.
Sept. 17
BP oil spill in Gulf of Mexico off southeast coast of the U.S.
March 11
April 20
2011
2012 Summer Olympics begin.
March 15
Jan. 15 Jan. 12
Michael Jackson dies at 50.
June 25
June 20
Pilot Chesley Sullenberger lands Flight 1549 safely in Hudson River.
First iPad released.
April 3
After spending, give or take, carry the one, 17,680 hours in Erin Lashbrook school from kinderStaff Writer garten to my last day, I think it’s about time to say farewell. It has been quite the ride, and as I move into the next chapter of my life, I will have Dexter High School to thank for making me the super mature young adults that I’ve become. As a student in Dexter schools since kindergarten, I have made a lot of memories between these glorious cinderblock walls. Who could forget the chocolate milk pouches that would inevitably end up more on your shirt than in your mouth? Or the Turkey Trot that was more like a marathon than a mile. Friendships were torn apart when our grade was split between Cornerstone and Bates. Luckily, we overcame all of the adversity of elementary school and took off our training wheels as we reached Wylie. Wylie was awesome. Renovated playground, kickball field, recess every other hour and a pool to top it off. What about that sick rock wall that we worked all year to raise money to get and never got to actually use? The elusive Wylie Wonderworld will always be my favorite place to play. After too many bee stings and splinters, the greatest play place had to be taken down. Rest in peace. Fifth and sixth grade are the lost years for me. I don’t really remember much of anything, besides having to write about a million mission state-
Jan. 20
Swine flu outbreak becomes “Global Pandemic.”
I’m really excited to play volleyball. My volleyball team is really nice and I’m looking forward to it."
Looking back, moving forward
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS 2009
Obama is inaugurated for the first time.
I’m looking forward to learning what I’m good at and finding a future career.”
41
FAVORITE “OTHER” STAFF MEMBER: Dee Braden
Tim Maria Dee
Interactive
The Squall Page 10 www.thesquall.com May 23, 2013
THE FIVE BY FIVE
Noah Mellifont, Zac Sharp Staff Writers Photo Credit: Kathryn Pisano
Coin Hanss Senior
Teia McGahey Senior
Nate Wing Senior
Valerie Manners Senior
Andy McWilliams Senior
What things will you miss most about DHS? The great and powerful Mrs. Muszkiewicz.
My friends, because I won’t see them anymore.
Messing with Maria.
Talking to Tim Wise every morning for relationship advice.
Booty shorts.
Almost running into Marshall Kellenberger in the parking lot.
Getting caught by Connie when I skipped class.
I tripped up the stairs once. I did not like that.
I wish I could say it’s been fun.
Why couldn’t you just look the other way?
Keep it sleazy.
What is your worst DHS experience? Nortons, everything about them.
My car got broken into junior year. I lost 100 bucks.
What would your final words to Connie be? Peace Brotha’.
Lighten up a lil’ bit.
What is one sentence to describe your DHS career? High school is half knowledge and half B.S.ing.
It’s been a rough four years, but it’s prepared me for life.
The longest four years of my life.
Four years of pointlessness.
Four years of booty chips.
I was a weird freshman, but I’m more normal now.
I have a lot more facial hair.
How have you changed since you were a freshman? Harder, better, faster, stronger.
I now don’t care what other people think.
I’m not as fat anymore.
Q&A Connie with
Q: Which senior messes with you the most? A: Connor Kearns. Q: Which senior will you miss the most? A: Andrew Milkey Q: What are your final words to the seniors? A: It’s been a great four years, gonna miss you all!
Q: How do you feel when giving people detention? A: Don’t shoot the messenger. Q: What’s something most people don’t know about you? A: I do have a sense of humor. Q: What do students do that bugs you the most? A: When they don’t clean up their lunch tables.
Q: How would you say you’re looked upon by the Q: How does riding around in the Gator make you feel? seniors? A: It makes me feel free. Like I’m a kid again. A: I don’t care. Q: How would you describe yourself in three words? A: Fantastic. Bubbly. Outgoing.
Opinion Lauren Kimmel Staff Writer
The Squall Page 11 www.thesquall.com May 23, 2013
Here are the seven worst words in the English language
I have a friend. I know, surprising right? Like all good friends, he has his flaws. He’s a know-it-all, a brown noser (English teachers love him), and he never seems to be around when I really need him. Finally, he can be a real dic ... tionary. Dictionary. ‘Cause that’s what he is. Meet Merriam-Webster.
there? Yes? OK good, moving on then.
1. methinks
This shouldn’t even qualify as a word. First of all, there are no vowels (annoying right?), and it’s rarely, if ever, used. It’s suddenly not surprising that the dictionary is so thick when terms like this make the cut.
Not only is this an annoying word, it’s not even good grammar. If you don’t know, “methinks” means “according to me,” as stated by Merriam-Webster. However, according to Urban Dictionary (another good friend of mine), it’s merely “a really pretentious and annoying way to say ‘I think.’”
4. psst
5. OMG
2. literally
This is actually a fine word. Useful, straightforward spelling, rolls off the tongue nicely: what’s not to like? Unfortunately, this word is being used incorrectly. Some common misuses of the word are as follows: “I literally might die,” “I literally hate everybody,” “I’m literally about to shoot someone,” and my personal favorite, “I literally had a heart attack.” After hearing that last one, I once felt really guilty that I didn’t visit someone in the hospital, and I asked them how they were recovering ... that’s a mistake you only make once. If you’ve ever misused this word, don’t feel down on yourself. No matter how much you abuse the word “literally,” Brits will always abuse it more.
3. medieval This is one of those words that I will never ever remember how to spell. And I’m usually a pretty good speller. I don’t mean to brag, but I was the seventh grade spelling bee champ. No big deal. Anyway, “medieval” (mideival? medeival? mideval?) is my kryptonite. Now I know what you’re thinking, “Come on, Lauren. It’s simple. I before E, except after C.” Well guess what? It’s not that simple. Now I’m going to throw some statistics at you, but try to stay with me here. I comes before E 6,339 times in the English dictionary. E comes before I 2,346 times. That means the age-old rule fails 25 percent of the time. That’s just enough to always be in doubt of my spelling. If the “except after C” part is factored in, the rule fails 74 percent of the time. I know that was a lot of numbers, but are you still
grade.
Most of our parents grew up in the ‘80s. If you’ve ever seen a picture of your parents in their “hay day,” then you’ve probably done the normal thing and burst out laughing. I like to go the extra mile and make fun of the phrases of the era as well. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said, “Ugh, like, gag me with a spoon, right mom?” in a high-pitched valley girl voice. I have this sneaking suspicion that words like “OMG” are going to be the ammunition the next generation will be using it against us. And now this embarrassing sector of our culture has been permanently documented, like a treasure for our children to stumble across someday, along with our facebook posts and Photo Booth pictures from seventh
6. deets/ridic
There are more condensed words being added to our vocabulary, but that wasn’t enough. Now they’ve also been added to the dictionary. No, not the urban dictionary, the dictionary. At this rate, just about every word with two or more syllables will be shortened over time. Think of how our kids will be speaking. This is how I imagine our conversations: Teen: “Tod Laur refu to tell us the deets. It was ridic til the sitch got cray.” Us (through gritted teeth): “Honey, how many times do I have to tell you. If you’re not going to speak English, don’t bother speaking at all.” Talk about a language barrier.
7. moist This is your stereotypical annoying word. My list just wouldn’t be complete without it.
Illustration Credits: Drew Daugherty
Opinion
The Squall Page 12 www.thesquall.com May 23rd, 2013
Without the help and dedication of the DHS faculty, I would have never found who I am or have been able to explore my creative side. Here’s some of the work I was able to able to produce because my teachers cared more about me than test scores.
This is a piece I call “Wonder.” I made it using Photoshop skills I learned from Mr. Satterthwaite.
This is a photo I call “Clover.” I was able to hone my photography skills by Photojournalism class.
An excerpt from “Celoso,” a story from Creative Writing ... As you step forward, feeling as though you can be prepared this time, the feeling, eerie as ever, begins to haunt you as you go forth, each moment passing, regret festering in your heart. You wish for a recourse, a return of chance, a gleaming shred of hope, distance growing greater. As you lament, you begin to conceive a plethora of scenarios, what you could have accomplished to diverge fate from its course, shifting in your favor, your actions no longer sound. You desire for that second chance, that moment for retribution, the words stuck upon your tongue, your idleness perceived as choice, wasting away the precious moments, their abandon cutting into you, leaving you bloody. As the pearls of dejection fall upon the cool floor, spattering a model of loss, your flesh growing cold beneath you, you stumble upon a choice, an action with no reprise, turning back no longer an option, doubt consuming you as all begins to degrade, others coming to succor you. They bring comfort, embracing you when none other shall, helping you forward, speaking words of truth quietly into your ear, reassurance at hand. Their actions, setting you forth, a step towards hope, a glance towards redemption, a cleansing of chance, an action for you only, your choices becoming your own, your actions, freed.
Jordan Romanowski Graphic artist
DHS provided me so much When I first asked the editors if I could write this column, I never believed that I would be given the chance. I mean, I’m one of the designers. I just make the pages look nice. So, I’ll never really understand why I was given the space in this award-winning newspaper. Nevertheless, as I write this farewell, weary and tired from 13 years of school, from the insurmountable amount of projects and work, ready to sleep for the rest of my life, there is nothing left for me to say but thank you, Dexter High School. Thank you for providing me one of the greatest learning environments I will encounter, for always pushing me to step forward, to take control and succeed. Thank you for all of the amazing friends who I have come to know. Their support means everything when times have been tough. Thank you for making me want to come to school, where I am challenged every single day, and where I am told that I can do so much more. Thank you, to my fantastic teachers, for putting up with my crap (and my terrible handwriting), and showing me that some things cannot be taught, but must be experienced. Special thanks go to Mrs. Bauer and Mr. Satterthwaite for going above and beyond their roles as simple purveyors of knowledge to show me that there is more to life than just sitting back and relaxing, and providing me the insight to become successful. Without Mrs. Bauer’s guidance and friendship, I would have given up on my academic learning a long time ago. I never would have gotten the chance to design for the Squall if Mr. Satt hadn’t shown me Photoshop at the beginning of the year. Mr. Satt’s teaching showed me that there is a space for the magic in my head to go and to put it down into a blog that I still post new stories on. Other teacher thanks go to Mr. Mergler for encouraging me to create and perform some really great music at the Battle Of The Bands in April. And those of you who do not know Mrs. Jones, I would highly recommend a class with her. She is an amazing teacher and quite creative with her hands-on lessons. (Ever heard of blowing up a watermelon with rubber bands?) That’s quite a bit of amazing work. But it’s nothing more than what Dexter has given me. I’m proud just to say I live in Dexter; I couldn’t ask to be part of a better community. Nowhere else do I see an entire community that goes out after a major natural disaster and assists in every aspect of the recovery. Now I can say with pride that I actually was a part of the amazing Dexter community. Ever since I moved here in 7th grade, I have enjoyed every minute of being here, whether it was going to the Dexter Library, going to a football game or standing in line at the Dairy Queen with my friends. I’ve yet to come across a nicer group of students. I’m not sure how I can say goodbye, to finally put down my pencil and move on. High school has been one of the greatest experiences in my life, and I wish to leave my fellow underclassmen with some advice: cherish every moment you have here, with your friends and with your family. You can only go through high school once, so make it count. Make your mark and enjoy the little things. Personally, without the influence of the great Dexter High School and its students and staff, I wouldn’t be where I am now, moving forward with my graphic design career and beginning to establish myself in the major DJ scene. Without this amazing place, I may have just ended up being a structural engineer. A boring, lost structural engineer.
For a sample of all my work and a link to my creativity blog, scan this QR Code with your smartphone.
Editorial
The Squall Page 13 www.thesquall.com May 23rd, 2013
Our view
Voters were right in OKing push toward becoming a city On Tuesday, May 7, citizens in the village of Dexter voted on whether or not to proceed with the process of becoming a city. The vote passed 460-408. We agree with the decision of Dexter citizens to continue the process of becoming a city and think the village should proceed until the measure is complete. Becoming a city would give Dexter more independence and allow it to govern itself instead of being controlled by Webster and Scio Townships. The process would also provide financial benefits to residents and the city itself, as Dexter residents would no longer have to pay township taxes. The only apparent drawback of becoming a city would be the possibility of losing the small-town feel Dexter possesses. However, Dexter fits much better into the category of a city based on population compared to the rest of the state. Reports also show a lack of change in character has been evident when other villages have made the transition to a city. Becoming a city would not only earn Dexter more respect on a statewide level, but it would provide for a level of independence that can not be achieved while we are under the scrutiny of townships. As a city we would elect and write our own City Charter and have more control over our future. We would also hold our own local, centralized elections. Despite the benefits, many citizens remain skeptical about the extra cost of transitioning into a city. However, the committee estimated that all costs would be covered by the administrative fee collected by the city, as well as revenue collected from Webster and Scio Townships. The committee included in their final report the estimated yearly surplus of $66,344 resulting from becoming a city. They also estimated annual savings from $120 to $682 on tax savings for residents, based on location and property value. According to the Village of Dexter City Study Committee, Dexter had approximately 3,500 residents at the end of 2006, which was within the top 10 of the 260 villages in Michigan. This estimate was also larger than the population of 133 of the 273 cities in Michigan. Dexter has also grown since, with an estimated population of 4,067 in 2010 and 4,106 in 2011, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Many residents of Dexter appreciate the small town feel that Dexter has now, and are worried that it will be lost if Dexter becomes a
Photo Credits: Casey Hansen
city. However, Dexter can no longer be considered a small village compared to others and fits much better into the category of a city. The benefits of becoming a city also far outweigh the drawbacks of a simple name change. We also think that very little would change in regard to the feel of Dexter, only the name would. The committee included in their final report an interview with representatives of the City of Chelsea, to ask if the general feel of the city changed and if the citizens noticed much of a difference. The committee reported them saying “very little had changed with regard to the character or ‘feel’ of Chelsea since becoming a city and the transition was seamless to residents.” We think the effects would be very similar in Dexter, with citizens not noticing any considerable difference in character or personality , and we encourage all residents to support the transition from village to city.
Illustration Credit: Drew Daugherty
Editors’ Vote Do you support Dexter becoming a city?
8...............................Yes 4................................No
Do you support Dexter becoming a city? “I don’t because the town is really small, so it wouldn’t be right.”
Alexis Passimani, freshman
“No, it has always been a small village and becoming a city would bring a new reputation, and it wouldn’t be as good.” Von Heath, sophomore
“Yes. It’s getting bigger.”
“I don’t really support it. We are right next to Ann Arbor, so I don’t see the point.”
Brandon Adams, junior
Kylie Boyd, senior
Get Involved
The Squall Page 14 www.thesquall.com May 23, 2013
Students, professors offer college activity advice Aman-vir Mandair
Greek Life
Staff Writer
Students are often overwhelmed during their first year in college. Although studying is important, chances are that you’ll get bored of college very fast if this is all you’re doing. So many college students try to pick up another activity along with their college interests. Every college has its own array of clubs, so the activities presented here are narrowed down as the most commonly joined organizations in college across the nation, according to USA Today.
Intramural Sports Kalamazoo College freshman Ray Carpenter was never able to play sports in high school, primarily due to his busy work and school schedule. In the fall, however, he decided to play ultimate frisbee at Kalamazoo, which is an intramural sport common to many colleges across the country. Intramural sports are walkon sports, and require no prior experience, although some may or may not have tryouts. They range in difficulty and intensity from sports like ultimate frisbee to the more competitive sports like rowing and sailing. According to Carpenter, intramural sports are great activities for students to relieve stress, and are great alternatives for both new athletes and former high school athletes who do not have sports scholarships. “We only practiced three times a week, but the practices were never very intense,” he said. “Overall, it was an excellent experience and a great stress reliever.”
Illustrations Credit: Drew Daugherty
On the other end of the intensity spectrum, however, is rowing. According to science teacher and former Eastern Michigan crew member, Susan Spence, college rowing involves very intense early morning practices and tryouts, along with supplemental workouts each week. “We practiced Monday to Saturday each week between 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.,” she said. “We also had to do two hours of weight training each week, along with two hours or cross training.” Rowing is a college sport that involves different divisions and competitions against other schools across the nation. It is also an Olympic sport. Because of this, Spence said that it limited her academic scheduling times to a certain extent. “It reduced the range of times that I could take for classes,” she said. “But it was worth it. I had a lot of fun being on crew. It was a lot of work, but a lot of fun.”
Ferris State sophomore Johnny Bairactaris joined the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity during his freshman year. He is now an active member and helps initiate kids into the fraternity. Fraternities are named by Greek letters, and according to Bairactaris, the most famous fraternities are Alpha Phi Alpha, Phi Beta Sigma, and Pi Lambda Phi. The whole point of a fraternity is to provide a family atmosphere and brotherhood among a group of guys, and the same goes for a sorority. Bairactaris said. “For a lot of kids in college, they travel a long way from home, often from other states or even countries, and so joining a fraternity helps them to find a family atmosphere where their frat brothers look out for them.” Bairactaris also said that to join a fraternity or sorority, students have to go through a pledge, which involves trials that can be harmless or harmful depending on the college. These trials are often drinking challenges, but some fraternities can take it very far, such as encouraging the newcomer to tattoo his or her hand.
According to University of Michigan professor of Sikh Studies, Arvindpal Singh, who has had many fraternity students take his classes, the prominent role of drinking and partying can cause those students to perform badly or worse than other students in academics. “The role of a fraternity or sorority depends on the individual and what he or she wants to get out of it,” Singh said. “There are many students who want to be part of fraternities prefer to be part of a social group and are looking more towards the social aspect of college. Those who detest these groups, on the other hand, prefer to be more independent. But the fraternity and sorority students I have had are no different than any others.” Bairactaris concurred with this. “Drinking and partying is a big part of frats,” he said. “But the scale is amped up depending on which college you go to. If you go to a top-tier university like the University of Michigan, frats will be less party-based and more intent on forming a social group. But if you go to Arizona State, prepare to party.”
Volunteer Organizations Senior Greg Osberg has always been passionate about helping others and making a difference. This inspired him to join the DHS ONE club in his junior year to raise awareness about global poverty. Although he will soon be graduating, he plans to continue his efforts in college at Seattle University by joining or setting up a ONE club there. The ONE organization is an international volunteer group that spreads awareness on global poverty and collects money for aid to poor foreign nations, primarily in Africa. According to Osberg, the club was founded by former DHS students Sam Griffith and Ali Bowman in 2011 in memory of former student Laurence Caroline, who passed away in 2010. “We do a number of activities in and out of school,” Osberg said. “Some of our events include world aids day, Airplane Day, which celebrates the day Laurence flew
to America because he was adopted, and one day without shoes. We also put up informational posters around the school and have done campaigns such as beads for life, which help support Ugandan women and their families.” Osberg also said that the DHS ONE club was in contact with the ONE chapter at the University of Michigan and had communication and aid in regards to the organization of Airplane Day from many U of M students affiliated with ONE. In addition, Osberg will be looking forward to the larger scale of the ONE club in college. “We are more limited with what we can do on a high school scale,” he said. “However, the aim is still the same for both the high school and college level. I’m really looking forward to continue helping people in college.”
News
The Squall Page 15 www.thesquall.com May 23, 2013
No more village?
Voters OK move toward becoming a city Noah Mellifont & Zac Sharp Staff Writers
The citizens of Dexter voted 460-408 on May 7, to continue the process of changing the Village of Dexter to the City of Dexter. The process began in 2006. Shawn Keough, Village President, said the results of the vote showed that people in Dexter have an open-mind to explore cityhood. “I am very thankful there were enough voters throughout the village that saw the merits of evaluating cityhood,” Keough said. As for Jim Smith, who created the Committee to Keep Dexter a Village, he was very disappointed. “There are 257 villages and 276 cities in the State of Michigan. Dexter is the seventh largest village in population,” Smith said. “As a city, Dexter would rank 164th in population. We have accomplished a great deal as a village, and we compete very well with other villages in attracting financial assistance and new businesses. As a city we would face greater competition for these resources.”
As a result of the vote, a new charter commission must be formed of nine Dexter residents who campaign for the spot. Once the board is selected, they must make by laws that follow Michigan law. If the bylaws are not approved, then the Charter Commission must go back, tweak the laws and resubmit them. If the revisions are also denied, the City process would stop. “Those of us who support remaining a village will be diligent in our review of the proposed charter,” Smith said. “We will then work hard to make sure residents know exactly what the charter contains.” Smith said. Currently the Village of Dexter is split into three different places; Dexter village, Webster Township and Scio Township. If it becomes a city, it would simplify taxes and voting according to Keough. “Village residents pay taxes to the village for certain services, but they also pay taxes to the township for certain services,” Keough said. “If we were to become a city, residents would only have to pay taxes to one place.” The same goes for voting.
“When village residents vote, they go to the senior center in town,” Keough said. “I live two minutes away from there, but I have to vote at Webster Township hall. If we were to become a city, one of the advantages would be that we all get to vote closer to home. All the senior citizens over here, some have difficulty getting around, if they want to vote at a polling place, they have to go all the way to Webster Town Hall to vote. We are trying to become a city, because it would make things more efficient.” “I can understand people liking the word village,” Keough said. “It’s a cool word. There isn’t a lot of them out there. Also when people think about a village, they think of cute, quaint, safe and when they hear the word city they think of loud and dirty. In my personal opinion the people are the ones who decide that. I think we would still be a clean, cute, safe place. The Charter Commission will propose the set of laws this upcoming November and if it does not pass the council will have one last chance to edit the charter and try again. I just want people to know that there should be no fear for change, Dexter will still be Dexter.”
Photostory
The Squall Page 16 www.thesquall.com May 23. 2013
Audrey Keen hosts the Nearly-Wed game. Contestants are asked questions about their partner’s personal life to see how well they really know one another.
Photo Credit: Zac Sharp, Noah Mellifont
Junior Graham Northrup collects his winnings at the poker table in the casino area during a game of Prom Black Jack.
Juniors Sabrina Meo and Brian Tuzinowski pose for a photo-op on a model of the Titanic. The theme of prom was Hollywood.
Students walk red carpet at prom Zeke Breuninger Staff Writer
Junior Sierra Lakey has high expectations for her first prom. “At promptly 6 p.m. I expect to look out my window to see my boyfriend arrive in a chariot, but realistically his ’91 Mazda, doves to fly out of his pocket, and a fun night at DHS,” she jokes. While this image may not come true, Lakey said she still forward to Prom and its theme of “Old Hollywood,” where parents transformed the commons into a classic red carpet scene, treating students like celebrities. At prom students participated in multiple activities, such as sharing laughs with comedian Keith Fields, learning they were tone deaf at the karaoke machine, finding out if they were true high school sweethearts at the Nearly-Wed game and producing their own music video. There was also a fortune teller, putt-putt, a caricaturist and a photobooth were included. Although many people see prom as only a one-night deal, once a year, prom committee head Paula Staebler said preparations have been taking place for months. “The actual preparation begins in November/December where committees are formed, themes are given and entertainment is secured,” she said. “The
time from December till May is filled with creating, building and organizing. But for the actual evening of prom, we begin at 3p.m. on Friday afternoon.” Staebler said she a lot on her plate when it comes to coordinating prom. “My role consists of holding monthly meetings to help get everyone on the same page, securing the entertainment, coordinating the DHS custodial staff and maintenance workers, working with the administration to make sure we are following all the rules, working with student council/leadership to make sure they have some voice in the evening, and helping with the ordering of materials,” Staebler said. “Plus there are a number of things that come up along the way” Besides all the preparation leading into May, Staebler said receiving extra help is still one of the committee’s more difficult tasks. “We use the weekly update that Mr. Moran sends out in attempts to recruit some extra hands. We also try to use other email lists such as sports, drama etc. as well as Facebook. This is one of the most difficult obstacles we have.” Although not all her dreams came true, Lakey said the night still fulfilled her expectations. “We had a really great time,” Lakey said, “hopefully next year will be just as good or better.”