Issue 20

TOWER TOW the

Wednesday, March 23, 2016 Volume 88 Issue 20 thetowerpulse.net

A WEEKLY TRADITION SINCE 1928

@thetowerpulse

Gross e Pointe S outh, 11 Gross e Pointe B oule vard, Gross e Pointe Far ms, Michigan 48236

fighting the divide

A

Racial slurs posted on Instagram photo leads to consequences and discussion in the community

n Instagram photo showing four South students with the N-word written on three of their bodies was posted last Saturday, March 12.

Tia Fowlkes ’16 first saw the photo late Saturday night and felt disrespected, she said.

“I was in shock that they would do something like that,” Fowlkes said.

Fowlkes commented on the picture, and the student who posted the picture would not admit it contained a racial slur. After the poster was persistent that she was not being racist, Fowlkes decided to tweet out the post, she said.

“I was hoping to make people well aware of situations like this, because people always say racism doesn’t exist or racism doesn’t happen. Maybe it doesn’t happen to you, but it happens to so many people at this school,” Fowlkes said. “I wanted to make it less of an accusational moment and more of an educational moment.”

Principal Moussa Hamka became aware of the incident through students tagging him on Twitter, he said.

“On Sunday afternoon I started to look into it and traced it back and became aware of the picture and the very emotional and real response of the students,” Hamka said.

Hamka’s first step was to call the students who expressed their displeasure with the post, as well as the students pictured and their parents. An e-mail was sent to South staff on Sunday night about what had transpired, Hamka said.

After meeting with the students and their families on Monday, the students pictured were given a five-day separation from school. There were additional consequences given to two students who made threats towards those who spoke up against the Instagram post, Hamka said.

“When other people said, ‘racism doesn’t exist,’ it didn’t matter because I knew that it had never When other people affected them first-hand,” Fowlkes said. “So if they can’t relate, their opinion didn’t matter to me. said, ‘racism doesn’t From where I stand, I know racism affects me toexist,’ it didn’t matter day.” because I knew that it The students pictured and the students who dehad never affected them nounced the photo on Twitter met to discuss the first hand. incident, Hamka said.

“Each of the students pictured expressed their TIA FOWLKES ‘16 willingness and eagerness to meet some of those students affected,” Hamka said. “I think it worked out because the kids apologized. I think that all sides did a great job.”

The students pictured also met with the Black Awareness Society for Education (BASE), Hamka said. “ I forgive them for their apologies, and I just hope something

like this doesn’t happen again,” Fowlkes said.

Hamka made an announcement during the school We have to accept day last Tuesday in an effort to address the incident.

“We must all come together, regardless of our difthe consequences and ferences in race, religion or politics to promote tolmove on. We can learn erance, compassion and acceptance,” Hamka said in from our mistakes and the announcement. become better people Last Tuesday the National Association for the Adfrom it.nt. vancement of Colored People (NAACP) also had a MADDIE KOLOMJEC ‘18 press conference at South to address the event and commend Hamka for his handling of it.

Maddie Kolomjec ’18, a sister one of the students pictured, said she hopes people are able to move Photo by LAUREN PANKIN ‘16 past this instance and use it as a learning moment.

“We have to accept the consequences and move on. We can learn from our mistakes and become better people from it,” Kolomjec said.

None of the students in the Instagram photo wanted to comment for this story.

The school is committed to providing a safe learning environment for everyone, including both those pictured and those affected by the photo, Hamka said.

“If you make a mistake, that is OK. We will only judge you on how you respond,” Hamka said. “There’s more than MAKING AMENDS// Students involved reach out to apologize enough love and com- for their actions at a BASE meeting. South is working with passion to embrace all BASE to create open discussion on the topic throughout the community. students.”

Fowlkes hopes the community will learn to address racism head-on in the future, she said.

“It should be handled in a friendly manner. You can’t fight hate with hate,” Fowlkes said. “We shouldn’t forget that this happened, but we should grow from it and grow together as a community.”

First Shakespeare monologue slam to take place speech that lasts around two to three minutes long.

Participants have a an endless variety of options to choose from; they can choose any the numerous monologues written by Shakespeare. Pankin ruled that the monologues can be gender neutral, meaning that a girl can read a boy’s part and a boy can read a girl’s part.

“They can either memorize it or they can use notecards or a sheet, but they receive extra points on the score sheet, and this is an opportunity to perform it,” Pankin said. “They can bring props, they can wear funny costumes, whatever they think that can do to woo the judges is fine as long as they read the speech.”

Pankin is aiming for four judges to critique this event. The judges will consist of John Clexton, a librarian at Ewald, two South English teachers Meagan Dunham and Ericka Henk.

The fourth judge is still undecided, Pankin is on the search to find a local Shakespeare enthusiast who can contribute their input to the local Shakespeare community.

“It is very unique, it is different, it is the first time.

This is kind of a national competition and if we get kids involved this year, we could grow,” Dunham said. “Anything that gives young people a chance to be on stage or work articulation and performance strategies and overcome stage fright and do things that will transform into real world skills for them,

COMING UP AT SOUTH

06

april

march

25

No school for students or staff for spring break. School resumes on Monday, April 4.

which I think is amazing” James Alltop ’16 will be participating in this event and he will be performing Benedick’s monologue from the play “Much Ado About Nothing”.

Alltop said that he chose this monologue in particular because it is from his favorite Shakespeare play and Benedick is the most entertaining character.

Alltop has many years of experience on the stage after performing in plays during his sophomore and junior year on top of musicals during seventh and eighth grade. This monologue is a unique opportunity for Alltop and other students for that matter to use their acting skills, Dunham said.

“Lauren was organizing it and she is a friend of mine,” Alltop said. “I also enjoy acting and Shakespeare especially, so that went hand-in-hand.”

The second half of the night is noncompetitive ,which gives an open-mic feel and includes numerous creative presentations, including non-judged monologues, Shakespeare inspired music and original poems and sketches that incorporate the Shakespearean theme.

“I have someone reading an original poem that is loosely based on Shakespeare. I know that Monaghan’s classes expressed some interest because they wrote Shakespeare sonnets, and some kids want to read those,” Pankin said. “I have some really interesting fight scenes where two of my friends wanted to do the death scene from Hamlet and they

The first annual Shakespeare monologue slam will be held in the auditorium at 7 p.m.

are acting that. Also, I am trying to get a few musicians that will perform some Shakespearian era tunes. I wanted to make sure that it was a good balance of entertainment and competition.”

Pankin and Dunham both agree that Shakespeare plays a tremendous role in modern culture in every society and in every era.

“He is timeless and universal,” Dunham said.

“But what he does with conflict of races or creeds or circumstance can translate for any society. He had that ability to allow his work to pretty much be dropped into any culture and have relevance.

Since Shakespeare is so prevalent in today’s society, Pankin said that this event is going to celebrate this classic writer, incorporating modern flairs in order to both entertain and engage the audience.

“Shakespeare is not just some old stodgy white guy; he can be made really fun and he can be made contemporary and compelling,” Pankin said. “We are making someone who is commonly labeled as a dead white guy and making him something that teens and adults can relate to.”

The event is going to be free of charge and is open to the public.

The Shakespeare monologue contest is April 6 from 7-9 p.m. in South’s auditorium. Students who are interested can talk to Pankin, who said she can help select a monologue if needed.

12

april

CHRISTINA AMBROZY ‘16 // Staff Writer While immersed in her independent study focusing on Shakespeare, Lauren Pankin ‘16 will be hosting this event in effort to get the Shakespeare community involved and in an entertaining and engaging fashion.

Pankin’s independent studies advisor, Danielle Peck was a strong influence in order for Pankin to step outside of the box and learn about Shakespeare through numerous outlets besides reading his books, Pankin said.

“While I was in London, some of the teachers that I studied with held similar events at their schools,” Peck said. “When I heard this, I realized that it sounded like a fun way to get students to bring Shakespeare to life. I knew that Pankin would be the best person to make this event a reality.”

Peck proposed that Pankin should organize the Shakespeare monologue contest through the English Speaking Union, which makes a similar event a national contest. However, the Michigan Chapter is not active in this contest, so Pankin was unable to do the contest through this program.

In response, Pankin said laughing, “Hell, if they are not doing it this year, I’ll do it, and I will make it fun.”

The night will be divided into two parts: a competitive portion where students will perform a monologue, which is a significant and elaborate

SAT, MME and PSAT testing will take place for grades 9-11. No school for seniors.

opinion // 2

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Recent events illuminate need to foster conversation, bridge gap in racial education

L

ast week, an Instagram picture of three South students posing with the N-word written on their stomachs became national and international news which emphasized that the fight for racial equality and understanding is far from finished.

While race is a contentious topic to discuss, it is clearly an unresolved issue not only in Grosse Pointe, but in the region, state, and nation.

According to the 2010 census, only 3.3 percent of Grosse Pointe residents are black, while 93.2 percent are white; Hispanics, Asians and various other races make up the other 3.5 percent. After recent events, it is clear that the lack of diversity of our community has had an effect on students.

Because of this lack of diversity, there appears to be a gap between our students. Race is rarely brought up in classroom discussion and thus, students have little to learn from. This is the reason for the gap: lack of understanding that can only be bridged by education and open discussion. The education students receive from South is incredible, and we are fortunate, but there is a hole that needs to be filled.

What three of the four students had written on their bodies may have been intended as a harmless joke. But the language they used is not a joke. The significance of the N-word has come from years of oppression and injustice, and its use only serves to reopen wounds that are not fully healed yet.

Teachers must take the initiative to start conversation in classrooms, parents must take the initiative to start conversation at home and students must take the initiative to start conversation among themselves. Talking openly and honestly

OUR VIEW // EDITORIAL

Parent commends ‘Breaking the Cycle’ issue, encourages further discussion on substance abuse

about the problems of the past and the problems of the present is the only way to come to a point of mutual respect, agreement and understanding.

We have already started on the path. For the first time at South, Black History Month was honored in classrooms at least once a week, and this situation has started discussion in the classrooms, hallways and homes. While this is a start, only 5.3 percent of students on our Editorial Board (comprised of 19 sophomore, junior and senior students) said they learned anything related to Black History Month in one class, 26.3 percent in two classes, 47.4 percent in three classes and 15.8 percent in four classes. These numbers are low and give us much room for improvement as a school.

As an Editorial Board, we sat down together to engage in the same conversation and see where it would take us. The honesty of the discussion fostered an environment in which everyone felt comfortable sharing their opinions and ideas, an environment that promoted awareness. This type of communication is the first step to a deeper comprehension and empathy for everyone.

Let us learn from this situation with the four students, and rather than let it divide us, let it unify us as a school and community. Let us find common ground to improve ourselves, our school, our community and our world. Let us not demonize the students involved with the photo, but rather forgive them and realize that their actions are a result of an ignorance that can be overcome if we work together.

It is important for all of us to recognize the hardships that the African-American community and entire country have overcome, and the ability for us as a community and as a nation to continue to move forward. Having difficult, honest conversations on race is a good place to start.

Letters to the Editor

I just finished reading “Breaking the Cycle” (March 16) cover-to-cover and couldn’t put it down.

I am so impressed by the sincerity and honesty of the students, alum, staff and parents who contributed.

What a beautiful effort to help our precious young people. I hope everyone who sees it will take it as a reminder of how much we parents love you all and want you to grow up strong and be well.

Especially the piece by Riley Lynch, who has all the right stuff to be a superstar journalist. She’s talented and has the guts to dig deep. She has what it takes. You go, Riley. Some day I know I’ll be saying I knew you when. I am sure your heartfelt words are touching lives in ways you might never know.

Thank you to the entire Tower staff for dedicating an issue to helping people. Hopefully, it’s a lifeline to someone who needs help right now. And the good news is there is so much help available.

There are 12-step meetings that work miracles, offering support and complete recovery to people struggling with addiction of any kind. There are special ones just for young people, right here in Grosse Pointe.

There are separate meetings for teens whose lives are being affected by their parents’ drinking or drug abuse.

The meetings are free. Nobody asks who you are.

It’s a safe place to talk or just listen.

More information is available from Alcoholics Anonymous: aa-semi.org Keep up the good work.

NEWSPAPER

the

TOWER

STAFF

Yours sincerely, Margaret Carroll Grosse Pointe Farms

Column on racial slurs only perpetuates stereotypes, political correctness agenda

Racism still exists

I am writing a letter to the editor because upon reading Lauren Pankin’s opinion piece titled “Student reflects on use of racial slurs on social media” I was very taken aback by the absolute political incorrectness of it. The language of the article ignored the fact that all this does is affirm that black people are “N-words” and promote black stereotypes.

The article says “All I would advise is for the students to do precisely what they wrote on their bodies: to love black people.” All this does is promote racial segregation. These students clearly had the N-word written across their bodies and used the heart to symbolize love in a satirical manner. If these students did precisely what their bodies said, they’d continue what they’re currently doing. This article implies that black people are “N-words”, which is absolutely not true.

The article goes on to say that these students should “love black people” by volunteering in the majority black city of Detroit and appreciating black artists and musicians. First of all, it was completely ignored that the students should first right their wrongs among the black students at our very own school and black people living in our own community. This did not happen in Detroit, it happened in Grosse Pointe and all four kids are South students.

Suggesting they assist those living in Detroit makes it seem as if black people in our own community do not exist. Sure, it is a fact that Detroit is majority black. But there are also white as well as many other minority populations living in the same poverty as those who are black. If these students do decide to serve those in need it should not be because they are helping black people, it should be because they are helping the less fortunate.

Moving on to the appreciation of successful black people, this sentiment was not properly expressed. Being an avid fan and supporter of black musicians and a hip hop culture buff, I have come to find that these people’s talent has nothing to do with the fact that they are black. It just so happens the hip hop movement has so many successful black figures because of the stories they can tell having experienced discrimination and struggle. But take Eminem for example, he is not black. However I would argue to say he is (or at least used to be) better than thousands of his black counterparts. Not because he is white or they are black, but because he is talented and hard-working. Suggesting these students love those who are black by appreciating things created by black people does not put an end to racism.

It was also suggested these students join the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Why would you suggest accused racists join the NAACP? My parents are both members of our local NAACP chapter and being a member of this group takes dedication and passion for change. Joining the NAACP isn’t some easy item to check off a list and shouldn’t be portrayed as such.

I am just shocked that this piece was published. I was very disturbed by this entire situation. This article only made deep wounds deeper. Do not take this as negative. I can see how my letter could be construed as mean spirited, but all I want to accomplish is clarity.

I applaud Principal Hamka’s handling of last week’s racist incident. The school not only punished students appropriately, but also committed itself to much needed long-term solutions.

However, this behavior should be treated not as isolated, but as a product of living in a country that systematically devalues non-white bodies. To do otherwise deeply misunderstands the supple and pervasive workings of racism in American society, and in Grosse Pointe in particular.

Consider our local history. According to historian Thomas Surgrue, Grosse Pointe’s infamous “point system” – which “ranked perspective home buyers by race, nationality, occupation, and ‘degree of swarthiness,’” and excluded African Americans and Asians entirely until 1960 – constituted the zenith of post-war housing segregation. Do not shun this very recent history of a community founded upon racial and socioeconomic exclusivity (admittedly, this is not a problem limited to Grosse Pointe).

While the front page of South’s website touts the fact that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once spoke at Grosse Pointe High, we fail to mention that on the day of his 1968 speech, the front-page headline of the Grosse Pointe News read “School Board Meeting Heated”: “the atmosphere was tense” as trustee Arnold Fuchs motioned to rescind the permit to use the gymnasium for the event. He was defeated by a 5-2 vote, but Dr. King’s speech was nonetheless greeted by 200 picketers who consistently interrupted him. We need to teach this shameful history – and connect it to other current evidence of racism, including the ever-changing barricades that sully the Alter-Kercheval border.

I implore the school not to treat this incident as anomalous, but as a manifestation of national and local culture that has long been complicit in maintaining racial hierarchy. Racism lives in racial epithets as much as silences and discomfort left unexamined. Racism is not always as obvious as the “n” word written on students’ bodies, but just because racism is not glaring does not mean that it does not exist.

Sincerely, Bianca Garcia ’16

Sincerely, Emma Maniere ’11

Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Maiorana* ’16

Photo Editor Jennifer Toenjes* ’16

Associate Editors Brenna Bromwell* ’16 Emily Fleming* ’16

Business Managers Alexis Motschall* ’16 Asst. Mackenzie Harrel* ’17

Supervising Editors Gabi de Coster* ’16 Haley Vercruysse* ’16 Lauren Pankin* ’16 Sydney Simoncini* ’16

Online Editors-in-Chief Allyson Hartz* and Olivia Baratta*, both ’16

Page Editors Maggie Wright* and Zoe Jackson*, both ’16 Claire Yeamans*, Erykah Benson* and Jack Holme*, all ’17 John Francis*, Liz Bigham* and Ray Hasanaj*, all ’18

Online Section Editors Scarlett Constand* ’16, Adam Cervone* and Ariana Chengges*, both ’17 Riley Lynch* ’18

Copy Editors Brendan Cauvel*, Hannah Connors*, Julia Fox*, Juliana Berkowski* and Shannon McGlone*, all ’16 Rachel Harris* ’18

CARTOON BY JEN TOENJES ’16

Online Associate Editor Preston Fossee* ’16

Online Copy Editors Lindsay Stanek* ’16 Lily Kubek* ’17 Online Social Media Directors Emma Andreasen* and Zoe Evans*, both ’17

Staff Writers

Adviser Rod Satterthwaite

Abigail Warren, Blair Shortal, Callie Zingas, Christina Ambrozy, Elizabeth Coyle, Gennie “The Tower” is the weekly publication of the Martin, Griffin Brooks, Hadley Diamond, Advanced Journalism classes at Grosse Pointe Hailey Murphy, JD Gray, Jessica Whitney, Jon South High School. It has always been a Theros, Katharine Kuhnlein, Lily Patterson, designated public form of student expression.

Lindsey Clark, Mac Cimmarrusti, Madeline The Tower is located in room 142 in DesNoyer, Olivia Frederickson, Grosse Pointe South High School. Please all ’16 contact us at 313-432-3649.

Anton Mikolowski, Bridget Driscoll, Cam Francis, Charlie Denison, Claire Hubbell, Emma Russell, Gillian Eliot, Jack Froelich, Jack Roma, Mac Welsher, Madeleine Glasser, Mary Grace O’Shea, Michael French, Olivia Sheffer, Sydney Stann and William Muawad, all ’17 Abigail Due, Arianna Pagenette, Brennan Zihlman, Cameron Smolen, Chase Clark, Elena Rauch, Evan Skaff, John Standish, Kaitlin Nemeh, Katherine Bird, Lauren Thom, Maren Roeske, Margot Baer, Mollie DeBrunner and Liam Walsh, all ’18

Errors Factual errors will be corrected on the opinion page or in news briefs written upon request and verification.

Letters Letters to the Editor are encouraged and will be screened for libel, irresponsibility and obscenity. The Editorial Board may edit or shorten letters as long as the meaning is Opinion Pieces unchanged. All letters must be signed and Editorials represent the majority opinion of include a telephone number for confirmation. the Editorial Board and are left unsigned.

Request to withhold the writer’s name Columns represent the opinions of individual from publication for good reason will be staff members and outside contributors. considered. Letters can be sent to the above email address, or dropped off in “The Tower” Editorial Board Room.

An asterisk * denotes Editorial Board editors.

Advertising Display advertising is sold at a rate of $7 per column inch, with discounts for large or frequent advertisers. Advertising may not advocate illegal activities or contain libelous, irresponsible or obscene material.

Professional Associations Member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association, Quill and Scroll, the Society for Newspaper Design and the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association.

news // 3

Wednesday, Mar. 23, 2016

March honors National Kidney Month According to nkfm.org, obesity is a direct and indirect cause of kidARIANNA PAGENETTE ’18 // Staff Writer ney disease. It is direct because the kidneys have to work harder to Get loud about America’s biggest silent killer this March, National filter the blood of someone who is overweight, and indirect because Kidney Awareness Month.

Throughout the month, the National Kidney Foundation of Michi- obesity can lead to diabetes and high blood pressure which account gan (NKFM) takes many steps to spread awareness and prevention of for more than 70 percent of all cases.

“The habits you create for healthy living are formed in your young kidney disease. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), adulthood like eating habits and exercise,” said Dr. kidney disease is the ninth leading cause of death in Keith Bellovich, a nephrologist at St. Clair Specialty the United States. Symptoms only appear once an Teens should be conPhysicians. individual has reached an advanced stage, leading cerned. Kidney disease Bellovich said with rates exploding nationwide, to its moniker, “the silent killer”. can touch anyone at any everyone should know about kidney disease. She Kidneys play a critical role in maintaining the age. also said schools have started to take an active role human body, according to the National Kidney by offering more appropriate food sources but need Foundation’s website. The pair of organs, which MARCIE GERLACH to do more, he said are around 4-5 inches respectively, filter 200 liters NKFM SENIOR “More water, less soda,” Bellovich said, in reof blood every day, while also helping to regulate COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER gards to healthier beverage options. “It is important blood pressure and direct red blood cell producto pay close attention to healthy eating choices and tion. including exercise as part of your daily schedule.

However, unhealthy diets and obesity can lead to kidney disease, Only lung cancer has higher death rates than kidney disease comsuch as cysts, stones and cancer.

“Teens should be concerned. Kidney disease can touch anyone pared to all the other cancers, Bellovich said.

Bellovich also said he would like the community to join in combatat any age,” NKFM Senior Communications Manager Marcie Gerlach ing issues surrounding kidney disease prevention as vigorously as it said via e-mail.

Celebrities who have suffered from kidney diseases include Wolf- does cancer or heart disease.

Mary Claire Graham ’19 is an active athlete who rows six days a gang Amadeus Mozart, Gary Coleman and George Lopez, according week, year-round at the Detroit Boat Club. to the University Kidney Research Organization website.

“Staying fit and finding good balance is always a must, you need to have good moderation with staying healthy,” Graham said..

Graham also said schools should work to incorporate more prevention techniques into their curriculum because obesity is such a growing problem.

Bellovich agrees and said students are the generation who are going to have to care for the rapidly-aging baby boomer generation who will consume a large proportion of health care dollars in the decades to come.

“Students need to start learning about the healthcare crisis in America and decide what role they are going to play in improving the quality of care for lower costs for everyone,” Bellovich said.

And kidney disease is expensive. Once someone’s kidneys fail, dialysis can cost more than $70,000 per year. Should a patient receive a kidney transplant, the cost can top $250,000.

According to the CDC and the NKF, one in 10 adults have kidney disease, and most don’t know it. In addition, one in three people are at risk of developing kidney disease.

“Students need to know if they are at risk for developing kidney disease,” Graham said.

Gerlach said students should eat healthy foods, get exercise, stay at a healthy weight and avoid smoking to help to prevent kidney disease and its leading causes.

Gliding into the emergency room

Despite reports of injuries, local sources perceive hoverboard risks as less severe

22

hoverboards can carry

hoverboard fires have been reported in 17 states

[

220 pounds on average

HOVERBOARD FAST FACTS

hoverboards weigh

25 pounds on average

Jennifer K. Mertz, DDS, MS

12

[

miles per hour is the top speed some hoverboards can reach

INFORMATION COMPILED BY BRENNAN ZIHLMAN ‘18 AND FACTS COURTESY OF THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE

been an issue for some people, Dr. James Dietz, an ABI DUE ’18 // Staff Writer Hoverboard injuries rose 25 percent in Decem- orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the hand and ber 2015 and the US Consumer Product Safety wrist, has only come across injuries that have to do Commission is currently investigating multiple re- with falling off the hoverboard, versus the board itports of the toy spontaneously catching fire, though self losing control, he said.

Dietz has only seen a few brono official recalls have been isken wrists himself, but as they sued, according to cbsnews.com.

People are on them become more popular, he expects Annie McKee ‘18 was on her and they could fall off the number to increase, he said. sister’s hoverboard, a gift from “They’re like any other kind of them, there’s always this prior Christmas, when it lost of board, people fall off of skatecontrol. a chance you could get boards.

That doesn’t mean they’re “It was broken, and I didn’t hurt.” unsafe. It’s just something you know that,” McKee said. “When I could get hurt doing,” Dietz said. got on the board, it wouldn’t stop DR. JAMES DIETZ ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON While there have been reports spinning, and I slammed into the of hoverboards exploding or wall, head first.” catching fire and causing injury, Her head was split open, and she received around 30 stitches, with visible scar- Dietz said he hasn’t seen this either.

“That’s the part of it that potentially could be ring for a month, McKee said.

Similarly, Eloise Crane 18’ received a hoverboard unsafe. That’s not something I would’ve seen had it happened,” Dietz said. “The fact that people are on for Christmas, but is yet to fall off, she said.

“My dad and one of my friends have them and they could fall off of them, there’s fallen off the hoverboard pretty always a chance you could get hurt.” hard. I don’t think they’re unsafe if you know how to use them, minus the part where some of them can light on fire,” Crane said.

Although hoverGRAPHIC BY ZOE JACKSON ‘16 board technology has

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Tuesday, April 19 6:00-8:00 p.m.

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Representatives from over 100 schools and military organizations will answer questions and educate students and their parents.

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feature // 4

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

BURNING UP Whether tanning on the beach or in the booth, the dangers are real

later in life,” Manz-Dulac RACHEL HARRIS’16 // Staff Writer Hopping on a plane for winter break, Katie said. “The damage is Carene ‘17 was looking forward to time away from cumulative, so even though the Michigan winter to head to her vacation in you don’t burn, the sun’s rays over time can cause significant sunny Florida.

However, Carene had no idea that she would increase for skin cancer.”

Other main risk factors can return home from her vacation spot with third be due to genetics, Manz-Dulac said. Fair degree burns on her face.

“I was in Fort Myers for eight days, and I tanned skin, as well as those with blonde hair, blue eyes and pretty much everyday,” Carene said. “I had tanning freckles or moles are at a greater risk for melanoma.

“We recommend that you wear sunscreen on oil on my body and sunscreen on my face.” all of your sun exposed areas year round because Carene woke up one morning even if you are indoors or by in Florida after spending plenty of time enjoying the sunny weather I did so much damage a window, you can still receive damage from the UVA rays by and discovered strange bumps to my skin, and the thing the sun,” Manz-Dulac said. under her eyes, she said. is about tanning is that The two types of rays that “They had actually been blisters any damage that I’ve reach the surface of the Earth before, but they only lasted for two done, I’ve done. You both cause damage to the days,” Carene said. “I was surprised, because I’ve never burned in my can’t do anything to skin, Manz-Dulac said. UVB entire life, except for that time.” change it. All you can do rays cause more immediate effects, such as sunburns and Carene is one of the many people is change your patterns tans, while UVA rays penetrate who will experience the effects of so you don’t continue to deeper into the skin, leading prolonged sun exposure. According do the same damage. to premature aging, wrinkles, to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one brown spots, and skin cancer. out of five Americans will develop CHRISTINE HARRIS “About 80% of the sun’s rays skin cancer over the course of their SCIENCE TEACHER can pass through the clouds, so lifetime. any day when you get dressed “In addition to the immediate effects of sun tans and burn, over time, you can to go outside, you want to put SPF of 30 or higher get wrinkles,” Dermatologist Dr. Lisa Manz-Dulac on all of your sun exposed areas,” Manz-Dulac said. “Patients that have had a lot of sun exposure, said. “Also, the sun can be reflected by the sand at like those who are out in the sun everyday or go the beach or snow in the winter, so you want to use to tanning beds often can end up with leathery sunscreen all year round.”

Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher helps to skin. You can get ugly brown blotches and uneven pigmentation on your skin and most seriously, you block against the UVB rays of the sun, Manz-Dulac said. Sunscreens labeled with “broad spectrum” also can get all three types of skin cancer.”

The most common form of skin cancer is basal protect against UVA rays.

“You want a broad spectrum with minimum spf cell carcinoma, which does not spread inside the body, Manz-Dulac said. The second most common of 30, and you want to put it on a minimum of 30 form of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. The minutes before you go outside, and reapply it every third type of skin cancer is melanoma, and if not 2 hours or after swimming or sweating,” Manzcaught early, has a significant chance of spreading Dulac said. “If possible avoid the hours where the sun’s rays are the most intense, between 10 and 2.” to the body.

Manz-Dulac says that the sun is not the only source “A few significant sunburns in childhood before the age of 18 are a significant risk factor of melanoma of harmful rays to skin. Tanning booths also emit

ER C N A C -BE NE GO

this too, I would keep that peaches and cream complexion because it is gorgeous,” Harris said.

“I don’t know why we associate having a tan with dangerous being healthy.” rays that have the Manz-Dulac believes that people still choose to same effects as the sun. tan while knowing the dangerous effects of the sun “Most of the tanning booths are because they think they look better with a tan, she UVA rays, which are the rays that you can receive said. from the sun,” Manz-Dulac said. “Some of the “It is so not true,” Manz-Dulac said. “I always booths have really intense UVA rays, which are tell patients, if you think you look better with a tan, extremely dangerous.” spray tans and self tanning lotion would be the safe Science teacher Christine Harris used everything way to go.” from baby oil to tanning lights Harris said that she believes and beds, she said. tanning is an addiction, and that she “I was totally addicted to I always say don’t never believed that she was at risk tanning,” Harris said. “I did so stop enjoying life and from the sun. much damage to my skin, and “I don’t burn. I tan fast,” Harris enjoying the sun. Life is the thing is about tanning is said. “I tan dark, so I never thought that any damage that I’ve done, too short to do that. Just I was at risk, and I am. Just like I’ve done. You can’t do anything use your common sense anybody else.” to change it. All you can do is when you are outside If precaution is not used while change your patterns so you being in the sun, these risks can and use your sunscreen, don’t continue to do the same wear sun protective happen, Manz-Dulac said. Cool damage.” compresses, cool baths or anticlothing.

Now, Harris tries to stay inflammatories, such as aspirin or indoors between the hours of ibuprofen can relieve the symptoms DR. LISA MANZ-DULAC 10 and 4 or under an umbrella, of painful burns and help the skin DERMATOLOGIST and always has sunscreen, she heal. said.

“If you do notice any new or “I changed the way I travel. changing growth on your body, like I don’t take the same types of trips because I don’t a mole that starts growing or bleeding spontaneously want to be out in the sun like that,” Harris said. or itching or a new sore that doesn’t heal, then “I still enjoy the heat, I just make sure I never use definitely see your dermatologist,” Manz-Dulac anything less than 30.” said. “If they progress far enough, it is much more Carene said that after her burn healed two weeks difficult to treat, like melanoma. If you wait too long, and lots of cream and aloe later, she is a lot more it can spread to the inside of your body and may be careful in the sun. life threatening.”

“I definitely want to make sure that my face has However, the risks of extended time in the sun at least 30 on it now,” Carene said. “I think in a sense should not stop people from enjoying being outside, that it makes me really aware of how easy it is to get as long as proper skin protection is employed. burned and how careful people need to be to not get “I always say don’t stop enjoying life and enjoying skin cancer.” the sun,” Manz-Dulac said. “Life is too short to do Harris talks about the dermatology field in her that. Just use your common sense when you are Investigations in Medicine class, as well as the effects outside and use your sunscreen, wear sun protective of prolonged sun exposure to inform her students of clothing. And it will hopefully keep you away from the dangers. trouble.”

“If I had it to do over again, and I tell my students

Giving cancer a shot in the arm

As more teens receive vaccinations, HPV rates decline ticle to the body, and then the body generates antibodies against that,” CAMERON FRANCIS ‘17 // Staff Writer *To protect the family’s medical privacy, the student’s name has Clark said. “If it is exposed to the real virus, then the antibodies can attack and fight off the real virus.” been changed.

Patients allergic to any components of the vaccine, including yeast, Recent pediatric studies support the effectiveness of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines in female adolescents and young should not be vaccinated, Clark said.

“That’s really the only contraindication,” Clark said. “Numerous adults, with results showing a decrease in the prevalence of the sexually transmitted disease (STD) by as much as 64 percent in vaccinated studies have shown that it’s safe to give. It has not been found to cause any long-term neurological or fertility effects.” females 14 to 19 years of age, and 34 percent in females Merck & Co., Inc. warns against several short 20 to 24 years of age, according to aappublications.org.

I don’t think (HPV and/ term effects typical to injections. “(HPV) can cause genital warts and cervical canDespite proven success and safety, the state of cers,” Dr. Laura C. Clark, a physician at Northpointe or resulting disease) Michigan hasn’t yet amended its list of required Pediatrics, said. “It’s now being linked to genital canis something that vaccines to account for HPV, Clark said. cers and even some oral cancers.” anyone wants to deal “It would be somewhat controversial, but I Northpointe Pediatrics, located in Warren, offers with. Taking the best think we’re moving in that direction, especially and recommends its eligible patients receive Gardasil preventative measures now that more reports have come out that have 9, one of three currently available HPV vaccines. Eliyou can is probably the shown that it decreases the incidence of cervical gible patients include both males and females, ages 11 cancer,” Clark said. to 26, Clark said. best way to go.

The controversy around the vaccine is related “They (eligible patients) should be vaccinated on ROSE* to the sexual activity, or lack thereof, in preteens the early side because you want to vaccinate them berather than any potential dangers of the vaccine. fore they are potentially exposing themselves through The parental view of an STD vaccine as unnecessary has resulted in sexual contact,” Clark said.

Gardasil 9 is given as three injections over a six-month period, ac- only about 35 percent of the eligible patients at Northpointe Pediatrics cording to Merck & Co., Inc., the manufacturer and distributer of the to receive the vaccine.

The vaccine is discussed as a part of the curriculum for South’s vaccine. It works under the basic principles of any other vaccine.

“The vaccine presents a small portion of the inactivated virus par- Health Education course.

“We talk about the vaccine, but don’t really go into depth because (the students) have most likely already made that decision,” Health Education teacher Nicole Westfall said. “We talk about how the only 100 percent way (of not getting an STD) is abstinence.”

HPV shares a unit with all the other common sexually transmitted diseases, and is approached again later in relation to other topics, Westfall said.

“Sometimes when we talk about alcohol or drugs, we’ll talk about how people lose inhibitions and maybe forget to protect themselves,” Westfall said.

Genital warts is one effect of HPV that Westfall feels she can’t stress enough of to her students.

“I tell the kids that sometimes you can’t see them (the warts),” Westfall said. “They’re internal, inside the body, and they have no idea that they have them.”

Rose*, a female student at South who requested her identity be kept anonymous, was vaccinated largely in part of her mother’s diagnosis with cervical cancer from HPV. “We’ve both been aware of (the vaccine) and she’s talked to me about it,” she said. “We thought it was a good idea to get.”

Having close ties to the issue, Rose* said she believes vaccination is important.

“I don’t think (HPV and/or resulting disease) is something that anyone wants to deal with,” she said. “Taking the best preventative measures you can is probably the best way to go.”

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feature // 5

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

the (March) madness

Jack Froelich ‘17 offers his advice to getting a near-perfect bracket The NCAA Tournament, also known as March Madness, is the time where many sports fans come together and watch all the craziness in awe. Upsets are what drive the greatness of this event. When double-digit seeds are able to knock off higher seeds to move on, led by that one underrated player who we all will know after he drops 30 on that #2 seed in the first round, that’s classic sports action. Great guard-play can lead any team to the Final Four, and guards such as Shabazz Napier, Trey Burke, Kemba Walker and Derrick Rose all in the mix to have a great tournament. In addition, Buddy Hield of Oklahoma and Denzel Valentine of Michigan State are the players you’ll hear a lot about this month. So here are my tips for your quest to an ideal bracket. But let’s be honest, no matter how much you think you know, you will NEVER fill out a perfect bracket.

Ride the overall #1 seed to Final Four: Considering seven of the last 11 overall number one seeds have made the Final Four, it’s safe

/ ws ne

to say that this year’s team isn’t capable of the same thing. The Kansas Jayhawks are arguably the most balanced team in the country. They have the option to drop it in down low to senior forward, Perry Ellis, and let him go to work on the block or leave it for their guards Frank Mason, Wayne Selden and De’Vonte Graham to create for themselves. It will be difficult for the players to achieve these goals, since they potentially have to face off against loaded Maryland and second seeded Villanova, both awaiting in regionals.

Take at least one #12 over a #5: This is a very odd key to filling out a bracket, because why should the #12 seed win? Over the past

/3

two tournaments, six of the eight #12 seeds have won their first game. This year, there are a ton of great 12 seeds that are set up perfectly to steal a win in the first round. Yale, Arkansas Little Rock, Chattanooga and South Dakota State are all great teams with each of them having 20+ wins to go along with under 10 losses. Although all four of them have the potentially of winning, I only see one of them taking home the upset.

Arkansas Little-Rock went 29-4 this season while dominating their conference but this is not more of a reflection of them but Purdue. Guard play carries teams come March and Purdue has a dreadful backcourt. Their whole team is their pair of seven-foot centers, AJ Hammons and Isaac Haas. These two big men were two of the most intimidating forces during the regular season, but if you double them and force the guards to make plays, you’re in good shape.

Stay away from Villanova: Making it to the tournament every year since 2009, the Wildcats have only made it past the first weekend

once, and that was in fact the 2009 season where they made it to the Final Four. Playing in one of the weakest power conference in the country, #2 seeded Villanova cannot be trusted against teams like Kansas, Miami and Maryland to make it to the Final Four in Houston. Coming off back to back seasons where they have been bounced in the second round, they are destine for it to happen again. A potential match up with Philadelphia native Temple in the second round, it all sets up perfectly for Temple to knock off top dog Nova.

Roll with Izzo’s Spartans: You might as well. The guy lives for March, you could give this guy the Spartan’s chess team and he will still

find a way to win a couple games and send them to at least the second weekend. Making this the MSU’s 19th straight tournament appearance Izzo has had 13 of those teams make it to at least the sweet 16 with an astonishing seven of them making it to the Final Four. Turning over now to this year’s team, the Spartans are led by my player of the year candidate, Denzel Valentine. MSU can shoot lights out with Bryn Forbes and they can also dump it down low to big men Matt Costello and Deyonta Davis. This is probably Izzo’s most talented team and that is the scariest thing I have ever said. Izzo plus a player of the year equals cake walk to the Final Four. So if you’re a Spartan fan, buy your tickets for Houston because it’s happening’.

Don’t you dare pick a #16 seed: Do not kid yourself, it will not happen for a while, and when it does, you will not be able to predict it. Not only has it never happened before, but I cannot remember a time when a game was even close between the two teams. Unless you are a fan of that #1 seed’s school and are desperately rooting for the upset, because whenever it happens, it will be history, and who does not want to see history? Usually between a 20-50 point victory, so until I see a game under 10, I will be a believer anytime soon.

As I pointed out, a perfect bracket will most likely never happen, but that is not what drives all of us. It is being able to hang out with your closest friends, kick back and watch in awe.

[GOING MAD] We asked four people how their brackets are going so far and here is what they had to say

Chez Lou Lou Salon is

honored to be the official salon for the Grosse Pointe South Fashion Show

MICHAEL ROSE ’16

ELISE BOLLENBACHER ’16

Half of my final four went out in the first round of 64.

This is my first year doing it, and I’m currently winning my family bracket, so I guess you could say I’m doing good.

ELIZABETH RAUH ’16

JAMEY DALEY ’17

My bracket was really good except for the State loss.

My bracket was just terrible this year. Simple as that.

INFORMATION COMPILED BY JON THEROS ‘16

spring sports // 6

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

baseball

PHOTO COURTESY OF GPS BASEBALL

CALLIE ZINGAS ‘16 // Staff Writer After their Final Four finish at States last year, the boys varsity baseball team is hoping to win a state title this spring.

“This year we expect nothing less than another Final Four appearance,” returning varsity player Alex Parthum ‘16 said. “I guess the season would be a bit of a disappointment if we didn’t make it back there considering we will have another excellent team.”

Although the boys lost seven of the nine starters last year, winning a state championship still seems feasible, Parthum said.

“We have a lot of returning players and a lot of good incoming juniors that were on JV last year that I think will help out our team tremendously,” Parthum said.

Fellow returning varsity player John Bornoty ’16, said he agrees with Parthum and is hopeful for the season, he said.

“We are going to take every game and play it as hard as we can to make it to East Lansing for states,” Bornoty said.

The baseball team will also be adding an all new pitching staff to help them reach the state championship game, as well as a training trip to Florida.

“We usually have about 24-26 people on the team so we will split our team in half and just scrimmage each other in Orlando,” Bornoty said, “It’ll get everybody a good chance to get warmed up and ready to go for the regular season.”

This and the new pitching staff is expected to help the team to their goal of a state title.

“We were right on the cusp last year so We just we gotta go back and finish the job this year,” Parthum said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GPS SOCCER

girls soccer

OLIVIA FREDERICKSON ‘16 // Staff Writer Last week, the girls varsity soccer team began their season with tryouts and their first official practice on Thursday, March 17, captain Aubrey Leggat ‘16 said.

“This year the captains are myself, Madison Vallan ’16, Katherine Bird ’18 and Cameron Zak ’18,” Leggat said. “Our job is to motivate the other players and help our team do the best we possibly can while having fun.”

Many players graduated last year giving them a fairly new roster to work with this year, Leggat said. They also have a new assistant coach who will helps the team train harder.

“I’m most excited to make new friends and have fun together as a team,” Leggat said. “Even though it’s fun to win games, and that is our ultimate goal, it’s also fun to get along as a group. It’s really rewarding when we work well together even if we don’t win every game.”

Their goal this season is to go as far as possible, hopefully by making districts and ultimately going to States, Leggat said.

The team’s first tournament was this past weekend at South, Vallan said.

“This weekend we had a friendly tournament against other teams in our league and we look pretty good for not really playing with each other,” Vallan said. “We plan on improving on connection plays along with finishing.”

boys lacrosse JON THEROS ‘16 // Co-Special Projects Manager The varsity boys lacrosse team looks to forward to a strong season even with the loss of eight players who graduated last year.

Last year, the team lost in the state quarterfinals to Country Day, Co-Captain Michael Coyle ’16 said. However, the team was moved to Division I during that time, and now they are back in Division II. “The division selecting process is based off of school population, and last year we were division one by about nine kids,” Coyle said. “This year we were back to slightly under the population cutoff to be a division one team.”

Co-captain Griffin Brooks ’16 said he sees the move back to Division II as something that might help their state championship aspirations.

“It’s going to give us a much easier road in the playoffs because we won’t have to face the Brother Rice and Country Day

caliber teams,” Brooks said. “ We still have to face Okemos and Forest Hills out on the west side who are still good, however they aren’t on the level on the level of some Division I teams.”

This year, both Coyle and Brooks said players like Michael Lesha and Jack Brooks, both ‘17, are important components in filling the roles of players who graduated last year.

“We graduated 8 of 10 starters last year, and our big thing will be losing our attackmen and our faceoff guy, Matt Carroll,” Coyle said. “Jack Brooks ’17 will be our new faceoff guy and I know he will step up along with John Schulte ’18.”

Griffin Brooks said looks forward to a successful season.

“We have a really young team this year, so early we are just looking to get the juniors and sophomores use to the varsity level,” Brooks said. “When the playoffs come we want to make the deepest run possible.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF GRIFFIN BROOKS ’16

girls lacrosse

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TOWER PULSE

GENNIE MARTIN‘16 // Staff Writer This season, the girls’ lacrosse team hopes to succeed in regular season and make it further in playoffs, Margaret Reilly ’17 said.

“We always get out in the first round of playoffs against the exact same team,” Reilly said. “That’s going to be one of our main goals, and I think hopefully we’ll make it further than we have the past couple of years.”

With the help of the seniors and hard work, this goal can be a reality, Assistant Coach Amanda Amine said.

“As far as seniors go we are definitely looking to

Elizabeth Rauh, Ryley Kerik, Margaret Brennan and Mary Reiber,” Amine said. “Our biggest challenge will be our tough schedule; we have a lot of solid opponents (especially Bloomfield and Birmingham) scheduled this season, so we’re going to have to make sure we come ready to every game.”

Overall, the team looks to have an even more successful season than last year, Amine said.

“We are definitely looking to have a successful year this year, Amine said. “The girls are all really excited as are the coaches and were hoping to have a good time and get a lot of wins.”

sailing LILLY PATTERSON ‘16 // Staff Writer With the addition of many new members, the sailing team hopes to continue to succeed and improve this season.

“We have a really big team this year with lots of talented new underclassmen along with veterans of the team,” Emma Clutterbuck ‘16 said.

Although having many new sailors may seem like a disadvantage, captain Ben Peters ’16 said the team feels they will continue to improve and have a successful season with the help of the new and returning members.

“We have a lot of good kids from last year and the year before,” team captain, Peters said.

The team’s goal to progress even further than they did last year,

PHOTO COURTESY OF SASHA SZURA ’17

Peters said. They hope to make it to a national level instead of just reaching States.

“I think we can do it. We just need to practice more and put more time and investment into the sport,” Peters said.

The addition of two former U-M sailors as assistant coaches will be attending the team’s daily practices to help them further improve.

Many of South’s sailors attended sailing events and camps in the off season and now are bringing their new knowledge and skills to the team, Clutterbuck said.

“I think we’ll be able to learn a lot from each other,” Clutterbuck said. “My goals for the team are to continue to improve and have fun with it.”

boys track

PHOTO COURTESY OF LINDSEY CLARK ’16

MOLLIE DEBRUNNER ‘18 // Staff Writer The boys track season is already underway and the team has been practicing regularly to prepare for the upcoming season.

“As a team we are doing a lot of conditioning right now to get ready for the season, then when we are in shape we will start speed training,” Mathew Calcaterra ’18 said.

Students such as Calcaterra are taking this time to try new events and prepare to compete against other schools, and training hard for their upcoming meets, he said.

“I’m probably looking forward the most to meets because last year they were my favorite part,” Calcaterra said.

Meets will begin shortly after spring break and the team practices every day after school to get ready for their events, said Brendan Rothmann ’18.

spring sports // 7

Wednesday, March 23, 2016 MOLLIE DEBRUNNER ‘18 // Staff Writer The South rowing season has already begun, and students are on the water practicing for their upcoming competitions. Coach Dick Bell said he has been conditioning rowers since Jan. and is still encouraging new rowers to join the team.

“Due to the numbers game, we are a united team and can award varsity letters at both North and South,” Bell said via email.

The team has been preparing to compete at the Midwest Junior Rowing Championship Regatta in Cincinnati this May, as well as preparing for the U.S.

SPRING SPORTS ‘16

rowing

Rowing Junior National Championship Regatta in New Jersey this June, Bell said.

“This is a special event since all U.S. rowing colleges and universities recruit many participants from this regatta and award college scholarships,” Bell said via email.

“I am looking forward to see how well we are going to do this season. We have all been training for our spring season for months and are all really excited to see how we do compared to other teams,” captain Molly Packer ’16 said. “We want to get as many boats to nationals as possible.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF GPS ROWING

softball GENNIE MARTIN ‘16 // Staff Writer After winning 30 games last season, the varsity softball team looks for success again this year.

“We had a fabulous season, probably one of the best in the history of South,” Coach Bill Fleming said. “We won 30 games, which has never happened before, and won some tournaments and our district. We were undefeated in our league, so I think it was a great season.”

The team lost six seniors last year, Captain Lauren Sancya ’16 said.

“This year we are going to have a really young team,” Sancya said. “We’ve got five new freshmen coming in along with a junior and another sophomore coming up, so while we have a young team, we’ve still got a lot of potential, so it’s going

to be a good season.”

Sanya said the team will have to adjust to accommodate for the underclassmen.

“It’s definitely going to be a challenge because we have so many new girls,” Sancya said. “They’re going to have to learn a lot of stuff, different plays, learn the team dynamic of course.”

Despite the newer players, the same goals exist, Fleming said.

“We want to be academic all-state again. Second goal is to beat that team from the other side of town, but we never say their name,” Fleming said. “We won our league the last two years in a row and we’d like to keep that up, so that’s our third goal and our final goal, always, every year is to win a state championship.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF GPS SOFTBALL

PHOTO COURTESY OF JON THEROS ’16

GRIFFIN BROOKS ‘16 // Co-Special Projects Manager The boys golf team hopes to make up for the loss of last year’s captains through their strong underclassmen, captain Jon Theros ’16 said.

With only three seniors on the team, the majority of the team is made up of juniors, sophomores and freshmen, Theros said.

“I’m the only senior that was part of the first six last year,” Theros said. “As a result, we have some really good freshmen and sophomores, such as Colten Smith ‘19 and Evan Theros and Patrick Sullivan both ’18, that are going to be a big part of the team.”

Each Mich. golf team only six golfers that make up their varsity team, Theros said. Consequently, there is competition on the team to see who will make the varsity team.

“We have a pretty deep team this year,” Theros said. “We have about eight people going after those six varsity spots, so I think it’ll be chosen with some competitions within the team.”

The expectations for this team remain the same they have been in past years, compete for a state championship, assistant captain Teddy Schoof ‘17 said.

“With the experience of our top guys on the team from last year, and if we get improvement from almost everyone I don’t think there is any reason we can’t win states, and have the best season since I’ve been on the team,” Schoof said.

The path to the state championship starts with a tournament at the Detroit Golf Club in April.

girls track

LINDSEY CLARK ‘16 // Staff Writer The girls track and field team has high expectations for the upcoming season, with hopes of winning the State Regional meet in May, Coach Steve Zaranek said.

Despite losing many good sprinters last year, Zaranek said he still thinks the team will be strong.

“We are young in the sprints,” Zaranek said. “But we have a very strong younger group coming up in the spread to help us out.”

Zaranek also anticipates strong results in other events as well.

“We have an excellent group of very experienced cross country runners and track veterans in all of the distance races,” Zaranek said. “We are also very strong in the field events led by Kayli Johnson ’16, who is one of the top throwers in the state.”

In the Mac Red Division, Dakota High School will be the team’s biggest competitor, Zaranek said.

South hopes to win both the conference title and State Regional meet this year, continuing their eight year winning streak.

Captain Anna Piccione ’16 looks for the team to succeed as usual.

“I expect the team to be just as big and just as great as ever,” Piccione said. “We lost some really good people last year but more good people always come to fill in the gaps, so I think we will be just as strong and we will have the team unity, maybe even more.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF GPS TRACK AND FIELD

PHOTO COURTESY OF GPS TENNIS

girls tennis

OLIVIA FREDERICKSON ‘16 // Staff Writer The girls varsity tennis team has a strong team this year so far and is excited to see where the team goes, captain Madie Flournoy ’16 said.

“We are actually really close. There’s a lot of new girls and we all get along really well,” Flournoy said. “Since we have so many new girls we have a lot players that can play a lot of different types of games.”

The team had five doubles teams last year, which is 14 players, while this year they have 12 players, Flournoy said.

Since they have a young team, the team wants to focus on being match tough, captain Maddie Paolucci ’17 said.

“We are going to have a strong team this year,” Paolucci said. “We lost six of our doubles players last year but have some talented freshmen and JV players who are coming up that have practiced hard in the off season.”

Last year, the team finished in third at the state tournament, Paolucci said. They want to be able to be a strong contender in the championship again this year.

“I am really excited for the team to start playing matches and tournaments because I think that we have a lot of potential to do well this year if we work hard,” Paolucci said. “I am also looking forward to the team camaraderie because I think we have a great group of girls and we always have fun together.”

SPRING BREAK

spring break // 8

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Advice from teens, counselor: say no to the extra mojito

MADELINE DESNOYER ’16 // Staff Writer With students traveling in and out of the country this spring break, there will be an increased opportunity to drink alcohol, both legally and illegally.

“A lot of the places where many students travel, the legal drinking age is 18,” social worker Doug Roby said. “I’m sure there are even 17-year-olds who are going to Mexico or the Dominican Republic, but I doubt some of those places even ID people.”

A study conducted by the American College of Health found that the average male reported drinking 18 drinks per day and the average female reported up to 10 drinks per day during spring break, well above the safe levels of alcohol consumption.

“Binge drinking by definition is four beverages for women and five beverage for men within a two hour period,” Roby said. “People develop a tolerance for alcohol and some people have awareness of what their limit is and others don’t.”

Roby said safety is a huge key to spring break.

“People should know their limits,” Julia Barnes ’16 said, who will be traveling to the Dominican Republic next week. “Since it is legal, people are going to drink and have fun. The last thing I want is for people to have a negative experience because of it.”

When young adults become overly intoxicated,

they can experience blackouts, which means not recalling what happened, which then is a real issue, Roby said.

“What if you’re somewhere and you pass out?”

Roby said. “You could be taken advantage of in multiple ways.”

A huge thing to make sure about when going out of the country is sticking together. People need a partner, so implying the buddy system so you can keep an eye on each other is a really good idea, Eva Lianos ’16 said.

“We have to use our heads and make good choices,” Lianos said. “The first thing alcohol affects is your judgment and with moderation our judgment will be better.”

Lianos said that she’s going to make sure her and her friends stay safe while drinking by monitoring how much they are drinking, staying hydrated and making sure everyone eats “It’s important to know your limits so you don’t get out of control,” said Anna Piccone ’16. “You and your friends have to watch out for each other and to not be afraid to stop someone when they’ve had enough.”

Piccone also said to never take a drink from someone you don’t know, only get them from your friends and don’t leave your drinks sitting around

when you’re not watching.

“Many people will be staying in a resort that could be all-inclusive, which is unlimited beverage,” Roby said. “If students were paying it might be different versus getting a wristband that means you can do and have whatever you want all night long.”

According to a recent student survey, 19.5 percent of students will be staying in the country and traveling to Florida.

“High schoolers apparently don’t have a problem getting alcohol in Grosse Pointe, so why would there be a problem getting it in somewhere like Florida?”

Roby said.

At the minimum, if a minor is caught with alcohol, it’s at least a misdemeanor.

“The wave of the college kids have already came through, so there’s not gonna be that type of mix in Florida next week,” Roby said. “However, they know that this is high school spring break so will they enforce more and keep a closer eye out for minors? Possibly.”

When students are out, first and foremost never leave a drink alone, Roby said. If you set a beverage down and walk away, don’t go back, because you don’t know who’s watching you.

SPRING BREAK TRENDS

GRAPHICS BY SYDNEY SIMONCINI AND HALEY VERCRUYSSE, BOTH ’16

The Caribbean, 13.82%.

Mexico, 16.26%.

Florida, 19.51%.

Staying home, 24.39%.

Other, 26.02%.

drinking?

destination?

We asked students where their Spring Break destination is and whether or not they plan on drinking

POLL BASED ON 125 STUDENTS FROM ALL GRADES

Yes, I plan on drinking, 64%.

No, I will not be drinking, 36%.

POLL BASED ON 50 SENIORS