Dexter High School 2200 N. Parker Road Dexter, MI 48130 www.thesquall.com
Dec. 22, 2011 • VOL. 17 • Issue 3
The Dreadnaughts’ voice
Girls got it
pg 8/9
Boys aren’t the only ones looking for a 10 point this hunting season
Divers start fresh this season
pg 6 Photo Credits: Kristie Duve (hunter), Miranda Mors (diver)
Index
The Squall Page 2 www.thesquall.com Dec. 22, 2011
4&5 News & Feature Inconsistent Discipline
Thai exchange students
Some students struggle with strict rules and punishments. And some teachers say things aren’t strict enough.
DHS has three foreign exchange students from Southeast Asia. Here’s their story.
6&7 Sports & Entertainment
pg 5 Photo Credit: Karn Jitsukummongkol
Rookie divers join team
Game of the year
A number of new, inexperienced divers are making a splash by joining the team this season.
Students have become addicted to Bethesda’s new fantasy RPG. Here’s an inside look at the game that continues to enthrall players with diverse dragon-slaying fun.
8&9 Center Spread Girls who hunt
Several female students transcend gender stereotypes and enjoy a sport dominated by men.
Anti-hunters
While the tradition of hunting is thoroughly entrenched in Dexter, some residents want it to go.
Hunting information The latest news on hunting, hunters and hunting seasons.
10&11 Interactive Spread
Must-see movies
The 5x5
Staff Writer Emily Tarnaski breaks down three movies that are as essential to the holidays as mistletoe and snow.
Don’t worry, you’re not seeing double! The Squall is featuring twins in this month’s 5x5!
12&13 Opinion & Editorial
pg 10 Photo Credit: christmasmovieslist.com, used with permission
Winter break Is it the most wonderful time of the
year? Staff Writer Jacob Van Hoof thinks so.
SOPA
Staff Writer Nathan Hoatlin voices his opinion about SOPA and Internet censorship.
Hunting
The editorial explores the issue of hunting: is it ethical? How does the tradition affect the environment?
14&15 Get Involved & YOU Page
Luminaries light up
The ultimate snowfort
As the holiday season approaches, Ann Arbor Street and Baker Road light up with bright, festive decorations.
Here’s a crash course in the art of snow warfare that Sun-Tzu himself would envy.
16 Photostory
pg 16
Madrigal dinner Photo Credit: Miranda Mors
Choir students don their best pantaloons and gowns for their annual medievalthemed celebration.
Web Preview www.thesquall.com
Check out the new and improved extension of The Squall’s print publication!
The Squall Page 3 www.thesquall.com Dec. 22, 2011
Contact us
Connor Thompson Editor-in-Chief Emily Darrow Editor-in-Chief & Head Designer Kristie Duve Photo Editor Jennifer Stirling Business Manager Alex “Mo” Mortenson Publicity Manager Carly Cash Illustrator & Design James Simonds Graphics Lindsey Lloyd Brandon Otto Kathryn Pisano Taylor Schmidt Dexter Stevens Jennifer Stirling Design Team Marissa Argiero Mason Camilleri Joel Gowen Justin Juback Chante Liu Melissa Mabry Miranda Mors Kathryn Pisano Makenzie Svihra Photographers Benjamin Bruetsch Sirah Camara Dan Edwards Nicole Ferguson Theodore Grammatico II Murphy Hansen Nathan Hoatlin Levi Kipke Cameron La Fontaine Nicole Lucas Michael McGonigle Michael Mioduszewski Colin Northrup Emily Pap Emily Tarnaski Jacob Van Hoof Staff Writers Rodney Satterthwaite Adviser
Memberships:
Mail address: 2200 N. Parker Road Dexter MI, 48130 (734) 426-4240 ext: 7407 Email: dhssquall@ gmail.com
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.
Staff policy
The Squall is a student publication distributed to students, faculty and staff of Dexter High School. The Squall is also distributed by subscription to the Dexter community. The Squall has a press run of 1700 copies and is printed by The Argus-Press in Owosso, MI The paper serves as a public forum with student editors making all content decisions. Opinions expressed in the newspaper are not necessarily those of Dexter Community Schools.
Letters to the Editor
The Squall encourages letters to the editors. All letters will be screened for libel and obscenity. The editorial board may edit or shorten letter as long as the meaning is unchanged. All letters must be signed and include a telephone number for confirmation. Request to withhold a writer’s name will be considered by the editorial board. Letters can be emailed to the Squall staff, dropped off in room 407 or given to any member of the Squall staff.
News
The Squall Page 4 www.thesquall.com Dec. 22, 2011
Illustration credit: Carly Cash
Consistent discipline? Special classifications can lead to more lenient discipline for some Cameron LaFontaine Staff Writer
I
“
ncidents including the stabbing of a student’s hand with a pen and the throwing of a weight on a student’s foot have created an environment which has caused some teachers to question the enforcement of student disciplinary policy. Administrators however, say some of the questions those teachers have are a result of lack of information on the teacher’s part regarding individual students’ special education classification. One such student, a junior who got suspended last year for puncturing another students hand with a pen, was said he was suspended until the end of the year for the stabbing. He then went to another school in Ypsilanti where he said he was suspended for possession of an illegal substance. After that he said he started to take online courses provided by DHS, came back to DHS but was suspended again for throwing a weight at somebody. He is now back at school full time Despite his violent behavior, this student said he appreciates the school’s willingness to give him multiple chances.
People who think the disciplinary actions are unbalanced only know a portion of the details.
”
- Ken Koenig
Dean of Students
“I’m just thankful that this school has let me back,” he said. “I’ve finally learned I’m not going to mess it up, because I’ve learned following the rules is better than not. I feel the disciplinary rules here are pretty appropriate. And I accepted my punishment.” The Squall is not naming this student because of his age. And while some teachers say administrators are too lenient on students such as this, Dean of Students Ken Koenig said many things come into play when dealing with troubled students. “I feel that the people who think the disciplinary actions are unbalanced, or inconsistent, only know a portion of the details that come into play with it,” he said. Koenig also said some teachers and students don’t know the students who have Individual Education Programs or 504 plans that protect them from lengthy punishments. IEPs and 504s are federal laws that protect students with special needs from getting extended suspensions. District 504 Coordinator and Assistant Principal said, “Any student that receives an accommodation plan at DHS has a 504 law that states if that student reaches more than 10 days suspension throughout the school year must attend a Manifestation Determination. At this meeting, a team including the student, the student’s parents, teachers and administrators must decide if the infraction the student committed was because of their disability. If it is due to their disability, then they
will face consequences that follow their accommodation plan. If the infraction was not due to their disability, their punishment follows the norm for all students.” For students without 5o4 plans or IEPs, Koenig said administrators use the Progressive Disciplinary Model approved by the board of education. The model provides for student punishment according to how many offenses a student has had. This model can be found at dexterschools.org in the Parent Student Handbook section One teacher, who asked us not to use their name because they said they feared administrative discipline if they talked, disagreed. She said disciplinary action at the school must be improved. “Although I believe that everyone needs to be offered chances to learn from his or her mistakes, especially students, I think some behaviors are simply inappropriate,” they said. “As a public school we need to draw the line at intentional endangerment of another student.” None of the other teachers approached for this story would grant an interview. Koenig, however, said the approach this teacher discusses is already happening. “If the actions of one person are affecting the safety of 1,999 other students, then we will always err on the side of the safety of the rest,” he said. “I believe that some people only see the tip of the iceberg, and they don’t see everything else. And we as administrators have to take that into consideration when discipline is given.”
Feature
The Squall Page 5 www.thesquall.com Dec. 22, 2011
Exchange student adjusts to life abroad
Photo from: Karn Jitsukummongkol
Families say they learn about the world by hosting foreign students Colin Northrup Staff Writer
When a tsunami hit in Thailand on Dec. 26 of last year, Karn Jitsukummongkol had plans to go diving near the storms. But the tsunami hit first, so Karn was spared any danger. “I’m so lucky,” he said. It’s this sense of fortune that Jitsukummongkol and the two other Thai exchange students say they feel about their year in the United States. Even simple things like American food make fellow Thai exchange student Sonwit Sakdanupap thankful for variety. He says American food is bland by comparison to Thai food, and he likes the change. “We eat spicy food every day, and it is always served with rice,” Sakdanupap said. In addition, Sakdanupap’s host family have given him a taste of life in America in other ways too. “We introduced him to American food, movies, music, theater and even Halloween,” Ted Milliner said. “Sonwit thought it was pretty strange but interesting.” For sophomore Kelly Milliner having Sakdanupap as part of her family has helped bring her own family closer together. “It’s been really different having Sonwit as part of our family,” she said. “We have been doing more things as a family which I’ve liked. They have really good food in Thailand, and Sonwit has cooked some dishes for us.” While Kelly and her family have learned about Thai culture, the adjusting to American life has had its surprises in the Milliner house as well.
Kelly said, “Since Sonwit thought it was so cold here he put milk in his room thinking it would keep just fine, but it spoiled because his room was warm.” She also said he loves snow and stayed outside in it because it was the first time he’d seen or experienced winter weather. Thailand native Kunyarat Phongsawi also brought up differences about the weather as just one of the many contrasting elements between life here and in Thailand. “This is the first time I have seen snow, so I’m pretty excited,” Phongsawi said. Doug Jackson, the local contact for AFS-USA, the organization which helped coordinate these students’ stay in the United States said students from Thailand adapt particularly easily to life in American. “The students from Thailand are especially creative and well-mannered,” he said. “The ones I’ve known have been on the quiet side, but when you engage them they are also very social and great to be around. They are always smiling. The students become part of your family. You don’t have to do anything special, just live your life and include them in your every day family life.” That is exactly what Kelly said she and her family have done with Sonwit. She said they have found the experience of hosting an exchange student to be a rewarding one in many ways. “Having an exchange student is really fun for us,” she said. “As a family we are enjoying learning about a different culture.” Her father agrees. As he said, “It helps make the world a smaller place.”
E.Rose Imagery
www.eroseimagery.com
Karn Jitsukummongkol sits in a coffee shop in the mountains of Northern Thailand. Jitsukummongkol is one of three Thai exchange students living in Dexter this school year.
The Squall Page 6 www.thesquall.com Dec. 22, 2011
Diving in
Sports
Those new to sport must have risk-taking attitude according to coach Mark Brown “We just started season for swim and dive, so our outlook is pretty good. The talent seems pretty strong as well, and we’re all looking forward to seeing how our new dive coach can work the guys to do something great.”
Jake Claflin “We have two returning divers from last year who are continuing to improve and three new divers. This is the biggest dive team we have had since I’ve been on the team, so it’s fun to have them around.”
Jake Killian “I started diving when I was in 4th grade. Our goal this year is to go to states and make it to the top ten.”
Murphy Hansen Staff Writer
H
istorically the mens swim and dive team has produced a small number of divers. In the 2010-2011 season, for example, the team had three divers, two of them completely new to the sport. Senior Alex Mortensen, then a junior, was one of those inexperienced divers and said he tried diving almost on a whim at first. “I did it for fun,” he said. “There weren’t any returning divers, and it looked cool so I tried it.” Coach Alex Gauvin, himself a new face on the pool deck last year, said part of his job is to try to get new recruits, so he is always happy when those with little or no diving experience joining the team. “I think that it’s my job as a coach to encourage new divers to join and stay on the team,” he said. “I think that’s a high priority for any high school athletic program: to introduce the sport to new people and see if it can enrich their lives.” And when it comes to accepting new divers, Gauvin said he is not worried about their skill level. “I generally start the season with basics and fundamentals,” he said, “for both the new divers and the experienced ones, so early on it isn’t a problem. Later I think the more experienced divers push the newer ones to learn more difficult dives, and having someone to watch can be a great asset to new divers.” In fact, people new to diving can easily adapt to being part of a team because personality is often more important than skill. “What I look for most is an ability to listen and most importantly bravery,” he said. “Our sport is strongly driven by fear. What we do is scary, and the risks can be high, so I look for someone with the
mental strength to be able to handle our sport.” He cited last year’s new divers as being able to achieve great things because of their mind set, not necessarily their skills. “I think my previous new divers did so well because of the attitude they had,” he said. “There needs to be a risk-taking attitude on the team in order to get better and to progress quickly. Quite simply they need to be mentally strong and brave and willing to take a few hits, meaning smacks, hopefully. Nobody likes to hit the board, but it happens.” Knowing the mind-set it takes to be a diver and having been a new diver himself just last year, Mortensen took it upon himself to encourage other students to try the sport and has recruited inexperienced divers of all ages including sophomore Guy Burke and senior Patrick Becker. And while Mortensen helped convince him to join the team, Becker said he was looking for a laid back sport to keep him busy as a senior. “He recruited me, but it was more of a personal decision. I wanted an easy senior year and diving is a pretty laid back sport,”he said. But it may not be as laid back for some. Senior Chase Galloway joined Becker and six other seniors trying out for the team for the first time, but he chose to quit after three days of practice. “I knew I wouldn’t be diving in the meets,” he said. Regardless of what other people have chosen to do, Becker said he’s making the most of his decision to stay. He said, I’m just diving for fun, and I didn’t expect the practices to be has hard as they are. It’s still a good time though. I like the swimming community, and I’m happy I joined the team.”
Photo Credit: Miranda Mors
Senior Patrick Becker dives against Milan. Becker tried out for the dive team for the first time as a senior.
Entertainment New hit video games of 2011
The Squall Page 7 www.thesquall.com Dec. 22, 2011
Battlefield 3, is a single and multiplayer shooter game that puts the player in the shoes of a soldier in a fictional war. Players can play many different military roles such as a special forces soldier or an F-18 systems officer. The game takes place in many different places around the world and follows the story of fictional characters Sergeant Blackburn and, later, Dimitri Mayakovsky.
In Modern Warfare 3 players compete in different missions to beat the game. The missions range from eliminating enemies in a specified location to manning mini-guns and other weapons and planting explosive charges on enemy bases. Modern Warfare 3 is the third installment of the Modern Warfare series. The Modern Warfare series is the most popular video game series ever released.
Revelations is a sequel to Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood. The point of the game is to search for a weapon that is sealed within a fortress and rumored to be the key to ending a fictional war between secret societies. Players use free running to move and fight According to IGN, Assassin’s Creed is quickly becoming one of the most popular video game series in the world.
New fantasy game a hit Skyrim becomes the most popular video game of the holiday season Sirah Camara Staff Writer
Photo Credit: Joel Gowen
Seniors Deema Yuhasz and Owen Eisenlord sit on the couch while playing new video game Skyrim. The Skyrim series has existed since 2007.
On his seventh grade trip to England, senior Ian Wilson was introduced to Oblivion, the prequel to Skyrim. There was advertising all over his tour bus, and when he got home, he rented the game and instantly became addicted. “I wasted precious time most people would spend furthering their social life or doing homework on and off for four years,” Wilson said. And when he discovered a new version of this series Skyrim was going to be released, he was ecstatic. “I had a countdown started somewhere around 300 days before,” he said. Although Skyrim has become popular this year, the series has existed since 2007. This latest version of the Elder Scrolls series, Skyrim, was released Nov. 1. This role playing game’s purpose is for the player to defeat Alduin, the evil dragon who is determined to destroy the land of Skyrim. “You design your own character and customize it to use bows, swords, magic, anything,” senior Tony Kurcz, an avid player of the game, said. Along the way players can interact with every person met in the game and develop
a life. “You can visit towns and build relationships with other virtual people,” Kurcz said. “You can even join guilds, like the assassins, fighters and mages.” For the girls who have begun to complain about the game stealing their boyfriends away from them, Wilson said not to worry. “One day said man will forget to save, die and react by not playing the game for a month, so just keep holding on I guess,” he said. Available on Playstation 3 and XBbox 360, the game won the Best Role playing game at the Spike Video Awards, and the developer Bethesda Softworks was also selected as the studio of the year. Other studios in the running were Infinity Ward which recently released Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Valve Corporation which recently released Portal 2. The game sold over 2.8 million copies in November, and the company is expecting to have a large sales for the holiday season and have upped the production of the game. And all of these sales are well-deserved according to Wilson. He said, “To those who have never heard of this game yet, I don’t know what you’re doing wrong. Purchase this game immediately. You are missing out. Trust me. You will thank the Skyrim community.”
Spread
The Squall Page 8 www.thesquall.com Dec. 22, 2011
Ladies get out their bows, guns and camo for the hunting season
G N
The Squall Page 9 www.thesquall.com Dec. 22, 2011
KILL SHOT
Levi Kipke Staff Writer
Junior Emily Sobolewski takes aim with her rifle.
Photo Credit: Kristie Duve
Sophomore Cassie Klocek woke up one morning when she was a 5-year-old and looked out the window. What she saw in her yard changed her life. “I went outside on a crisp October morning at the age of 5 to see a dead, bloody deer that my dad had shot hanging from the tree in my backyard,” she said. “I then realized that I wanted this to be my future.” Cassie and her sister Alicia have both been hunting since a young age. And in addition to the usefulness of game as a food source, Cassie said she enjoys the experience of being out in the woods. “Hunting is my passion,” she said. “The best days are when I get the chance to go experience the sun beating down on my hair while I’m in the woods hunting deer. I especially like the adrenaline rush you get when you see a deer.” Hunting can be calming too, according to senior Sarah Lamb. She said hunting is a sport that consists mainly of sitting in the woods watching for deer; she finds this calmer part of the sport the most appealing. “It’s kind of peaceful, and it’s very quiet,” she said. “When you hunt, you get that time to yourself, and it’s really nice.” Junior Emily Sobolewski agrees. “The best thing about hunting is being outside and away from everything,” she said. “It’s a nice escape.” With the variety of animals Sobolewski hunts, she ends up spending a lot of time outside. “I stay occupied all year because I hunt deer, squirrels, rabbits, coyotes, turkeys and geese,” she said. “And in the summer I go fishing.” Most female hunters become involved with the sport for the same reason because it is a family tradition. “I’m the only girl in my family, and both of my brothers did it, so I felt obligated,” Lamb said. “Of course, I started enjoying it more and more each time I went out.” Competition with men is common, according to Sobolewski. “Guys think that female hunters can’t shoot as big of deer or as many deer as them,” she said. “I think they’re just jealous.” Lamb agrees. “I feel like female hunting goes against the norm,” she said. “Society thinks that men should go out and hunt. Women just discovered that they can do it, too. It’s definitely rewarding.”
Alicia Klocek
Emily Sobolewski
Photos submitted by subjects
Hunters & protesters
A G B AN
B
Cassie Klocek
Dexter residents continue a decades-old tradition Nicole Ferguson Staff Writer
Just hearing the word “hunting” makes sophomore Zeke Breuninger think about climbing a mountain with a rifle and a bearskin. This makes sense, since from hunting, Breuninger said he obtains survival skills and an appreciation for nature and its beauty. “I just always have hunted,” he said. “It’s a good hobby to have.” As a hunter, Breuninger also unknowingly gives back to the community, according to local journalist, realtor and hunter Rick Taylor. According to Taylor, hunters such as Breuninger lower local car insurance rates and strengthen the economy and sense of community. “Farmers make a great deal of money leasing out their property for the express purpose of hunting,” Taylor said. “The average hunting lease on a local farm fetches about $2,000 per season.” Michigan ranks among the top three states in the nation for licensed hunters, and millions of dollars are spent on hunting in the state. Many hunters travel to Michigan to go hunting, and some come specifically to Dexter to see the buck pole in town according to Mill Creek Sport Center General Manager Maureen Heikkinen. Heikkinen said, “It’s beneficial to
Hunting Seasons There are 10 major hunting seasons in Michigan. All are regulated by the DNR. Licenses are need for each season.
Locals protest for humane treatment of animals
local businesses. Hunters will stop in town and grab something to eat at the Pub or across the street at the A &W. You don’t even think about all the silly costs,” she said about the extra costs of hunting, “but you can ask your friends for a lot of stuff.” Hunters can spend as much as they want at Heikkinen’s store: butchering services, gun smithing services, deer calls, doe and buck scents, human antiscent and special gutting knives are all for sale in large quantities. Despite the generosity and comradeship of hunters, Taylor said he has experienced the unfriendly interactions hunting can inspire. “Hunters and anti-hunters can be a fickle bunch,” he said. “Both have very strong opinions on the matter, and it’s an issue that sadly won’t go away quietly.” But even with some animosity, Heikkinen, who is not a deer hunter herself, said hunting is a key component in population control. “By reducing the deer population, you avoid starving deer phenomenon,” she said. “Anyone who has seen a starving deer trying to eat a pine cone just knows how awful it is.” But economic advantages or not, Breuniger said it’s just cool when he learns other people are hunters. He said, “It’s just something to talk about. It sparks a conversation.”
Bear
September 10-October 26
Deer
Wild turkey
September 15-March 1
September 15-December 18
Ben Bruetsch
Staff Writer Firearm deer hunting season started Nov. 15, with students taking time off of school and parents taking time off of work to go on hunting trips. But while some look forward to hunting season, others protest what they call the killing of innocent deer. When driving down Main Street during the first week of gun season, sophomore Eden Krull said she drives defensively around Mill Creek Sporting Goods because of drivers stepping on the brakes to get a good look at the dead deer hanging from Mill Creek’s buck pole. While Krull said she isn’t completely against hunting because she knows it will go on regardless of how much she dislikes it, she is against the deer pole because of the cruelty she said it displays. “It is completely unnecessary, disgusting and absolutely gross,” she said. PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) College Campaigns assistant Amelia Jensen agrees and works actively to protest hunting on the grounds that it is cruel and unnecessary. “We protest hunting because the unnecessary suffering that it causes animals. The stress that hunted animals suffer—the ines-
Rabbit
September 15-March 31
Squirrel
September 15-March 1
capable noise, fear, and commotion— severely compromises their normal eating habits, making it hard for them to store the fat and energy that they need to survive the winter,” she said. “Hunting also disrupts migration and hibernation patterns. For animals like wolves, who mate for life and live in close-knit family units, hunting can devastate entire communities.” Hunters may believe they are doing a good deed for the environment by killing animals. However, according to Jensen, they actually harm ecosystems. “Hunting creates conditions that favor accelerated reproduction: The abrupt population decline that it causes leads to less competition for food among survivors, and ultimately, a higher birth rate, thus leading once more to the very problems that hunters claim to solve,” she said. “If our real concern is to keep animals from starving, then rather than hunting, we should take steps to reduce animals’ fertility, an approach that would help us preserve wolves, mountain lions, coyotes, game species, and other natural predators who are currently managed to ensure a steady flow of victims for hunters to kill.”
Sharp tailed grouse
Woodcock
October 10-31
September 24-November 7
Quail
October 20-November 14
Pheasant (Male)
Crow
October 10-January 1 August 1- September 30 February 1- March 31 Illustration: Carly Cash
Interactive Spread
The Squall Page 10 www.thesquall.com Dec. 22, 2011
Holiday Classics ‘Home Alone’ Every holiday season, I need to watch “Home Alone.” If I don’t, the holiday just doesn’t seem right. Made in 1990 and directed by Chris Columbus, it’s also about a boy who gets left at home when his family goes on vacation. He enjoys his time away from his family, until he realizes he wants them back. Even though I’ve seen this movie a thousand times, I still laugh at all the childish jokes like, “I’m gonna give you to the count of 10 to get your ugly, yella, no-good keister off my property, before I pump your guts full of lead!” Check it out to enjoy a flashback to your childhood.
‘Elf’ Directed by Jon Favreau this movie about a Christmas elf, Buddy, played by Will Ferrell who finds out he was adopted, takes the viewer through his journey to find his family and be accepted by them. If you don’t laugh while watching this film, you have no sense of humor. This movie is known for its infamous quotes: “I love you. I love you. I love you,”“Cotton headed ninny muggins,” and “Francisco. That’s fun to say. Francisco, Francisco, Francissssssco.”
‘Grinch’ Whether viewers watch the original “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” from 1966 or the more recent rendition from 2000, “The Grinch,” they are in for a treat. Sitting in front of the TV with the Christmas tree glowing, decorations all around, the smell of freshly baked sugar cookies and either version of “The Grinch” playing is the perfect formula for a great holiday night. Besides the plot, both these movies have good music. I could jam out to the song, “Where are you Christmas” from the new Grinch any time of year. In order to have a complete holiday season, watch both these timeless movies.
Graphic: James Simmonds
Interactive Spread
The Squall Page 11 www.thesquall.com Dec. 22, 2011 Photo Credits: Joe Shmo
Graphic: James Simmonds
How do you communicate?
N: Sometimes we can just look at each other.
Phil and Lil DeVille
Olivia and Henry Cares
Hannah and Paul Ruble
Twins
Ellie and Valerie Niedermeier
Staff Writer
Natasha and Lois Anne Drinkard
Taylor Schmidt
P: Hand signals
E: Yelling.
H: Twin Telepathy.
V: Texting.
P: We don’t, we just know.
Both: Telepathically.
L: Staring at each other.
L: Telepathically.
What is your twin power? What does your typical weekend consist of? What do you hate most about your twin?
Who is better and why?
L: We can read minds. Just sayin...
N: Tons of laughter. L: Fighting, but not mean like dogs. Just fun.
N: When she hits me. L: She’s too messy.
N: My sister because she’s more thoughtful. L: Me, because I’m the coolest.
E: Being able to switch bodies.
H: Super Strength. Both: The power of laughter.
V: We could fly.
E: Hanging with friends and partying. V: Watching movies.
E: It’s kind of hard to pick the worst thing about her.
O: Super welding and math capabilities. Overall dominance.
H: Spending as much time apart as possible. Both: Cage Fighting. P: LLLLLL
H: I don’t know if there is enough time for that.
V: She’s bossy.
P: Her evil side.
E: Me because I try not to be as mean.
H: Definitely me.
V: Me because I’m more understanding and don’t freak out about little things.
P: There is no argument, it’s me.
H: Everything. O: What don’t I hate?
H: Me, I was born second. Saving the best for last. O: Me, I was born first.
P: We can make a mean odor. L: We can actually talk ...
P: Adventuring with our friends Tommy and Chuckie. L: A lot of screaming, crying, and eating
P: She looks too much like me. L: He smells terrible.
P: Me because I don’t bite the hand that feeds me. L: Me, because I know how to get what I want.
Opinion
The Squall Page 12 www.thesquall.com Dec. 22, 2011
The most wonderful time of the year Jacob Van Hoof Staff Writer
I appreciate summer vacation, spring break, fall color day and any other time we get away from school. Any span of time with little to no commitment is always welcomed. Given the time of year, however, I cannot help anticipate the two- week break from school coming up so quickly. Winter break is undoubtedly the most fun and undervalued two-week period of the year. Yes, better than any part of summer break, better than spring break, better than any other 14-day period, ever. First of all, winter break features multiple holidays gleefully celebrated everywhere with family and friends. Almost everyone I know, regardless of religion, loves the holiday season. From Christmas to Kwanzaa to Hanukkah to Ramadan, there is some form of celebration for everyone over break. This is a time of selflessness, joy and appreciation. I’m getting to the age where giving has become more gratifying than receiving.
Watching the face of someone open a well-thoughtout gift is heart-warming. Not to mention, watching little kids fly through unwrapping presents and obsessing over Santa Claus, while I reminisce over those days as a young Jacob, brings a tear to my eye. Running downstairs to see the plethora of gifts sitting under the tree and waiting impatiently for my parents to finally allow me to tear them open is one of my greatest memories. I once even fell down the stairs, rushing too quickly to look at the gifts awaiting me. In an attempt to refrain from getting too sentimental, I’ll stop there. In addition, New Year’s Eve always delivers a wonderful post-party to round out the festivities and welcome in the new year. This year’s New Year’s Eve parties should be especially awesome since it will be the last chance we get; usher in the year of 2012, have a good time and try not to think about the fact that the world is ending in 12 months. Winter break also brings some of the most exciting football games of the year. The NFL season winds down while the heat of the college bowl season comes in early January. We get to see the best teams duke it out for different honors, while also enjoying the downfalls of teams we dislike.
Watching a rival sports team fail when it matters most in a lesser game is almost as satisfying as watching one’s favorite team win, especially when my own team -- Wisconsin -- is in the Rose Bowl once again and not expected to emerge victorious. Unfortunately for everyone, the start of the NBA season will also headline winter break this year. On the plus side, I can easily ignore the atrocity that is professional basketball by simply not watching. Seeing one inevitable choke job from Michigan State in their bowl game is enough for me; I don’t need to see LeBron James and the Heat do the same thing in a more boring sport. These are just some of the many magnificent things the break offers, as the two-week period provides at least something that could bring joy to just about anyone: no school, celebrations, winter activities, sports, holiday spirit, presents, food and lots of alone time. Winter break is amazing. Enjoy it while it lasts. Illustrations by: Carly Cash
SOPA must be struck down Government attempt at Internet censorship goes too far Nathan Hoatlin Staff Writer
Free speech, one of the pinnacle values of American Independence could very well have died in November with the introduction of SOPA in the United
States Congress. SOPA, the Stop Online Piracy Act, is designed, according to its supporters, to stop websites illegally offering copyrighted material as well as other sites deemed “harmful” by the United States government. Wasn’t the Internet created so that people could share information freely? Since Aloha Net in the 1970s, the Internet has never been controlled by any one country or group of people. Granted certain countries censor sites that they deem unfit for their citizens to see, but I never dreamed that the land of the free would join this group. I understand that piracy undercuts American businesses. People get caught
stealing multimedia often, and it’s common for people to use torrent sites as well. But where does the line blur at what is piracy and what isn’t? What’s to stop the Government from blocking sites like Facebook and Twitter next. The information we freely have access to now could take days, if not weeks, to access in the future, requiring all the right government permissions and clearances. With the Internet censored, what will keep the government truthful? Where will we hear the news if the next time we open up our favorite news provider we see a “Censored by the United States government” page message? If we can’t obtain information truthfully, how can we believe what we are hearing? SOPA is bad policy and should be struck down before it ever reaches the desk of the President. Information is and always has been free in the United States. Since the inception of our country, the First Amendment that our forefathers bled for has protected our right to information. This amendment should still protect the future, as we all have a right to an uncensored, truthful Internet, no matter how harsh it may be.
Editorial
The Squall Page 13 www.thesquall.com Dec. 22, 2011
Hunting regulations need to be updated more often Deer hunting has been a staple of Michigan culture since the Great Lakes region was settled. However, what once was a necessity is now a regulated pastime. Though still popular, hunting now has strong moral opposition from various groups including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals which tries to not just end violent treatment of animals, but also reform industrial practices and increase gun control. U n f o r t u n a t e l y, the issue of hunting is far too inflammatory on both sides of the argument to lead to much compromise on the matter: hunters defend a cultural practice, whereas animal rights groups vehemently fight wanton violence. Both sides can make an argument on reasonably strong moral grounds. And in the present political climate, the issue looks to be intractable for a long time. In the interest of finding a constructive solution to the problem, consider the deer population, often toted as a reason to continue to allow widespread hunting. Before Michigan created a deer hunting season in 1895, the deer population plummeted with the heavy influx of settlers. However, as the local herd grew, it began to cause problems of its own. According to the state of Michigan, over 60,000 vehicle crashes involving deer occur each year. Furthermore, the 2 million-strong herd also takes a toll on local crops. In this case, hunting can be justified to prevent wide-
spread famine among deer. However, excess hunting can harm, not just deer, but the entire ecosystem. Balancing a delicate ecology is no easy task. It would be ridiculous to suggest that one decision made or law passed now will be helpful in 50 or 100 years. State governments should be constantly reevaluating the effectiveness of their own legislation, and they should especially be encouraged to do so frequently with hunting legislation. The state should legally define the point at which the deer population would be considered too low or too high, taking into account a changing ecosystem and natural deer population growth. If the current system of hunting seasons causes an imbalance in the deer population, then state legislators are responsible for changing it. Regulations themselves should be changed on a regular basis, much like federal and state budgets. Considering the fluid nature of the ecosystem, an annual evaluation of its general state would be reasonable. In making new laws, governments should work to maintain humane treatment of deer, preventing both over hunting and starvation. If the state equally weighs both needs, then it will come to an acceptable and humane resolution each year.
What we think:
State governments should often update old regulations on hunting based on an accurate census of animal populations.
Illustration by: Carly Cash
What do you think about hunting? Freshman John Bauman
Sophomore Alisha Anderson
Junior Andrew Milkey
Art teacher Autumn Campbell
“One shot, one kill, son.”
“Eww, hunting is absolutely disgusting.”
“To really get good, you must become one with the wild.”
“If done well, it is more humane than the Tyson Chicken Company’s raising and murdering practices.”
Get Involved
The Squall Page 14 www.thesquall.com Dec. 22, 2011
With the onset of winter, The Squall has been beset with fearful letters from readers. These cries for help all concern the same thing - a terrifying scourge that affects students everywhere: snowball ambushes. But never fear, readers, The Squall is here to help. Here are two quick and easy tips to consider when building your very own protective fortress of snow and ice. Soon, your attackers will be running for cover from a barrage of powdery white destruction launched from the ramparts of a castle that even the White Witch of Narnia would be proud of. 1) Size Matters Intimidation is the most important deterrent of snow-based assault. If potential attackers approach your position only to find themselves confronted by 20-foot high solid wall of ice, snow and gravel, they will be hard pressed to find a way through.
How to build a snow fort
2) Use Advanced Weaponry The average snow goon group is disorganized and badly supplied; often, raiding parties go unarmed, gathering supplies as needed. This is a fatal weakness that must be exploited. A snow catapult can be made with a wide shovel, a strong axis of rotation and a good counterweight. Traps can be made by filling holes in the terrain with fresh snow that snow goons will fall into. It is important to note that The Squall does not approve the use of punji sticks.
NHS lights up downtown Emily Pap Staff Writer
Because of her love for the town and her desire to give back, Erin McKillen has helped make luminaries for 12 years including running the luminary-making workshop for the past 10. McKillen who graduated from DHS in 2000 and currently teaches kindergarten in Ann Arbor, said she loves working with people and volunteering. Apart from the luminary workshop, she volunteers with the Dexter Area Historical Society by giving tours of Gordon Hall and helping with Civil War Days. She is also a team captain for Relay for Life. “Dexter is such a special place to live,” she said. “Volunteering reminds me of how lucky we are to live in such a great community.” Enlisted to join the luminary workshop initially by Bruce Waggoner, a local historian whom she met while creating a video of the history of Dexter for a high school video class, McKillen said Waggoner asked her to
carry on his wife’s legacy. “Bruce was afraid to see his wife’s hard work end,” she said. “He asked that I made sure it continued. It’s become a tradition for me for me to carry on their legacy in the village at Christmas.” Busch’s and Country Market donated the plastic and paper bags used to hold supplies that create luminaries. The rest of the items, such as candles, were purchased with Chamber of Commerce Funds as well as the few donations that the Luminaries workshop receives each year. McKillen said, “There were several meetings that occur before the actual work day. I met with the Chamber Contact, Mariah Fink, to plan how we were going to spread the word about Photo Credit: Emily Darrow
volunteering and organizing supplies.” In addition Key Club and National Honors Society, along with the Mill Creek CS & L class, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and other various community volunteers also help out. Senior and NHS member Paige Driscoll said, “I always have a lot of fun helping out. It never feels like work. It feels more like arts and crafts for a good cause.” Fellow senior and NHS member Julia Dupke agreed, saying the luminaries “add a much-needed spirit to Dexter. The town would be pretty boring without them during the holiday season.” And this is why McKillen continues with her work on this project. “I am hopeful that we get back to covering the entire village with lights once again,” she said. “We had some issues with ordering supplies this year so you will notice it’s much smaller than usual.”
Graphic By: James Simmonds
Holidays in other towns
Chelsea
Tree lighting ceremony followed by visits with Santa and a holiday parade.
Saline
35th annual holiday parade, floats, dance groups, bands, hired performers, animals, baton twirler.
Grass Lake Festival of lights, Santa visits, fire department collects food and toys for the less fortunate, cookie tour, parade floats.
Milan
Parade, floats, queens, horses and Santa Claus. Following the parade, tree lighting will be held.
Ypsilanti
Handmade holiday fair and arts and crafts. By: Teddy Grammatico
YOU Page
The Squall Page 15 www.thesquall.com Dec. 22, 2011
People who wear shorts in the winter ...
It’s 30 degrees out, and you couldn’t wear a pair of pants? No one thinks you’re tough for braving the winter in shorts. Wearing pants is one of those things that people do to keep from getting cold and incredibly sick. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “I’m only outside for a short time.” This argument would make sense if it weren’t freezing and you felt cold like everyone else.
People who drive a Honda Odyssey ...
I’m sorry if you drive a Honda Odyssey, but I haven’t liked your people since I could drive. What came first, the bad driver or the Honda Odyssey?
People who can’t park within the lines ...
Who to not be like A comprehensive list of people I hate
You don’t deserve to drive. Parking within the lines is a basic skill of driving. If you miss the lines the first time, have the common courtesy to move your car and pull back in. If you can’t keep the car within the lines, have your parents drive you around. The only pass you get is if you can’t see the lines because of snow. If not, take the bus.
Editors’ note: YOU asked for an advice column. Here YOU have it. This is the YOU page. This advice is for YOU from our resident expert in advice giving, Mike McGonigle. Unlike most journalism, the writer is talking directly to YOU. YOU may or may not wish to take the advice. In fact, we’d recommend against it.
People who don’t get into the holiday spirit ...
Graphic By: James Simmonds
Dear intellectually challenged people, Everyone knows I’m perfect. So any nugget of advice I can hand down to my loyal readers will only help you grow as people. However, there are some people you need to avoid being. Here are some of the people I don’t like:
People who text all the time ...
There are certain groups of the population who are in the habit of not having a conversation without a phone in their hands. I understand it’s weird actually talking to someone face-to-face, but learning the valuable skill of conversation can go a long way. Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy a nice texting conversation as much as the next person, but when you can’t focus on one thing, there is probably an issue.
The happiest time of the year is Christmas time or Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. This time only comes once a year; if you are ruining it for everyone else, then you are the Scrooge to everyone’s good time. These are some of the people I can’t stand. I have strong belief that these people should change but fortunately for these people my opinion doesn’t matter that much.
Photostory
The Squall Page 16 www.thesquall.com Dec. 22, 2011
Magical Madrigal
Choir performs Renaissance tunes Nicole Lucas Staff Writer
The choir has put on a Madrigal dinner for 19 winters. The dinner includes a performance, singing and a meal for those who attend. The meal is divided into courses, with a traditional song played during each. “The performance always tells a story of a queen and king, and we sing typical Renaissance songs like ‘Delightful Pleasant Groves,’ and we also perform some Hanukkah songs as well,” choir teacher Julie Bassett said. Students dress up in medieval costumes, and seniors get a chance to choose their outfits. “All senior girls have the opportunity to pick our costumes before everyone else, and there’s a drawing for four girls to have dresses custom made,” senior Lauren Mitchell said. The dinner is also different from other concerts because it allows interactive performances. “It’s a nice alternative instead of just doing a concert,” Bassett said. “We have kids
with a lot of talent and have drama experience as well, so it’s a nice chance for students to be more engaged instead of just singing on stage.” This year’s dinner was held in the commons for the first time. “This year we has a lot of people because we only had one show, and we had it in the commons instead of the band room which I think was a big help,” Mitchell said. This wasn’t the only change, however. Instead of doing two shows, Bassett decided to only do one large show. “We changed it to make it easier,” she said. “Two shows was too much because we had to rehearse for both shows, and it took a lot of time.” Even with these changes, the choir was able to raise about $2000 to pay the accompanist that performs at their shows. Mitchell and Bassett both agree the performance was a success. “It’s a fun way to get into the holiday spirit,” Mitchell said. “I think parents really enjoy it, which is why we do it to begin with.”
Senior Shelby Kasenow holds a candle while singing “Silent Night.” Each course during the dinner is accompanied by a traditional song.
Senior Dan Hanrath, and juniors Bobby Toth and Nate Nuttle perform during the Madrigal dinner. The choir has put on a Madrigal dinner for 19 years.
Seniors Patrick Rogers, Dan Hanrath, Taylor Petri and sophomores Robin Jackson and Kendall Buzzelli sing about saving the damsel. The choir raised a little over $2000 through the dinner.
Seniors Allison Pallo, Clare Tell, Dan Hanrath, Taylor Petri, Jamie Verbal, Megumi Fujii , Erica Scheu, Lauren Mitchell and junior Andrew Grafton gather around the piano during the senior song. Senior girls get to pick their costumes before anyone else. Photos By: Miranda Mors and Linda Hackett Kasenow