OCCIDENTALIST $ M Seniors Mason Gratton and Hallie Snowday take part in Urinetown, this year’s fall musical. Page 6.
The Election Edition
Senior Odin Soffrodine celebrates the Patriot Game win with the team’s trophy. Page 8.
Photo: T. Crowley
Photo: T. Crowley
VOLUME XXI,
3
Traverse City West Senior High
EDITION 1
Catorce to Quince Photo: M. Bowman
Battle on the ballot Hope Thompson
thompsonhop04@tcapsstudent.net
Athena Sanchez celebrated her Quinceañera last year. Sanchez is one of many young girls who participate in the traditional coming-of-age Hispanic celebration of turning 15.
New Sci-Ma-Tech Photo: C. Hansen
4
A new Sci-Ma-Tech program comes to the West side, evening the playing field with crosstown rivals at Central High School.
Mamma of all shows
6
The Mamma Mia production at Old Town Playhouse encourages both students and teachers to embrace the arts.
7 Ready takes 5 Photo: T. Crowley
An influx of students in AP Government lands one teacher with five AP classes.
8
Sports
arijuana is already in Michigan. People are using it for medical purposes, but at the same time, there are people, including teenagers, risking fines, suspension of their driver’s license, and jail time by using it recreationally. Proposal 1 on the mid-term ballot will change the way the plant is used for everyone. If Proposal 1 passes on Election Day, then punishments for users over 21 will no longer be a threat as long as they follow county and state regulations. The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol (CRMLA) is optimistic about what this proposal would mean for the state of Michigan. “There’s two key positive impacts,” Josh Hovey, spokesperson and Communications Director for the coalition said. “First is ending 20,000 unnecessary arrests.” In 2015, over 23,000 people were arrested for crimes involving marijuana in Michigan. That’s 58% of all drug arrests for that year. In Grand Traverse County, arrests involving marijuana crimes accounted for 71% of all drug arrests in 2015. Additionally, 81% of these marijuana-related arrests in Grand Traverse County were for possession. “So we’re spending millions and millions of dollars of tax money to arrest people and put them in jail for possession, and that will end,” Hovey said. “You’re going to save millions of dollars of law enforcement resources on one side. And then on the other side, you’re going to generate hundreds of millions of new dollars in tax revenue from the sale of marijuana.” In their efforts to enlighten the public on legalizing marijuana for recreational use, the CRMLA used data from an economist to predict revenue from marijuana taxes in Michigan within the next five years, should the proposal pass. Their analysis suggests
New generation of
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that by 2022, medical and adult-use marijuana sales will generate more than $160 million in revenue annually. This revenue would come from the tax on marijuana, which is set at 16% for recreational marijuana in Proposal 1. Thirtyfive percent of the revenue would go to K-12 education, another 35% would go to road and bridge maintenance, and the remaining 30% would go to local governments. “That’s hundreds of millions of dollars more than we’re collecting now,” Hovey said. “It’s a significant help. It’s not going to fix the problems, but it’s at least contributing toward the solution.” However, Healthy and Productive
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Michigan, an antilegalization committee, points towards data organized by National Families in Action on their website. National Families in Action refers to the fact that in Colorado, the taxes that were implemented on recreational marijuana in 2014 generated $21.5 million less than what was predicted. Circumstances may be different in Colorado, though, as they were one of the first states to legalize recreational marijuana, whereas Michigan’s ballot initiative would follow legalization in nine states. Proposal 1 has been adjusted according to successes and failures in those states. “We looked at what worked in each of those states and what didn’t,” Hovey said. Since legalizing recreational marijuana in 2012, Colorado has had to fine-tune their regulations on labelling products
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containing cannabis. “They had to go back and change their law afterwards, but we’ve already learned from that lesson,” Hovey said. “We’ve incorporated packaging requirements and give the state really broad authority to ensure that businesses aren’t marketing to kids.” Although the coalition has taken steps to try to prevent increased teen use of marijuana in the case of the proposal passing, there are still those who believe it will be easier for adolescents to acquire this drug if it is legalized recreationally. “Underage use would be the only problem,” senior Derrick Schwind said. He plans to vote “yes” on Proposal 1. “I do feel like since it would be easier to get, that kids might use it more often when they’re younger, which is bad for the developing brain.” Those who oppose the proposal consider the data that shows that marijuana use can be detrimental to the brains of teenagers, even more so than alcohol, as evidenced by a Canadian study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry in Oct. 2018. In addition to damaging short-term memory, cannabis harms a young person’s long-term cognitive abilities and sense of response inhibition- meaning that teenagers who regularly use marijuana are at a greater risk of developing addictions later in life. Still, studies concerning whether or not legalizing marijuana increases adolescent use largely suggest that the legal status of cannabis has no significant impact on the amount of teens who use it. Continued on page 3
TERS
Students of the next generation decided on whether to vote. Joseph Lyons lyonsjos13@tcapsstudent.net
T Photo: R. Sack Volleyball Coach and alumn Hannah Pohlman returns to West after beating cancer.
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he youth vote in America is statistically lower than any other age band. That makes the youth a lackluster platform for politicians to care about. The problem is on a national scale, but the answer to that problem is on a personal level, and stakes never seemed higher. Seniors Zoe Meyering and Jasmaun Bullard Meyering share strong political views but neither of them will cast a vote on the Nov. 6 ballots. Bullard did not register because she did not think she was informed enough for the responsibility, and Meyering won’t turn 18 until after the mid-term elections. “I think it’s really common that one vote doesn’t matter, but the thing is that if we all were to have that attitude then it becomes less and less true because the fewer people who vote, the more power each vote has,” Meyering said. She feels it is very common for people to complain about who gets elected. “It’s ridiculous to complain about those things when you are not
using your voice.” Meyering does think that 18 year olds are informed about the issues, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to checking boxes at the polls. “I know many young students who are better informed than many of the adults I know.” Bullard has a more laid back approach to politics, and while her family isn’t very involved in the political process, she feels it is important to vote if you to be informed about the issues. “If you vote when you’re young then you know what to vote for when you get older, when your age group becomes the majority,” she said. A recent study by the PEW Research Center indicates that the 2016 election was determined by a large number of non-voters, mostly between the ages of 18 and 24. AP Government teacher Tak Ready is putting in his due diligence to encourage young voters to head to the polls. “Well the youth have traditionally voted more democratic so there would
probably be more liberal politicians elected,” Ready said about young voters. “Politicians would have to listen to the youth and start working toward their needs and wants, because right now they know youth don’t turn up or don’t vote so they would have to start policies that matter to the youth.” Ready believes every vote matters for the continued existence of democracy. “If you don’t vote you have politicians elected for good hair or the best commercials,” he said. “I think Margaret Mead had a good quote for this; ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.’” The youth vote is a variable that can swing elections. The data proves this, the logic proves this, but the students with the power may have doubts about their own ability to make decisions that matter. If students really wants to make change in government, then one way to do so is to bring their voice to the Midterm elections on Nov. 6.
The Occidentalist
Opinion
TAKING
2
SIDES
Should Brett Kavanaugh have a seat on the Supreme Court?
NO
OPINION?
Grace Clark
clarkgra92@tcapsstudent.net This past July, President Trump nominated Brett Kavanaugh for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. Although he was recently confirmed by the Senate, the months leading up to this vote were filled with intense political controversy that left his nomination open for debate. After Kavanaugh’s nomination, an American professor named Christine Blasey Ford came forward, speaking of an act of sexual assault during a party in high school. She claimed that Kavanaugh and a friend took her into a bedroom and pinned her down, groping her, and that Kavanaugh attempted to silence her by covering her mouth. An American judge should definitely not be able to get away with such vile acts, and one who commits sexual assault does not deserve any place in the United States’ Government. Furthermore, as many republicans are claiming that Ford is making this scenario up for attention and as a means to sabotage his advancement, it should be noted that Ford reported an incident of sexual assault from men who “became highly respected and high-ranking members of society in Washington” in 2012. Published through notes from a therapy session, Ford undoubtedly reported this occurrence many years prior to Kavanaugh’s nomination. Since then, Kavanaugh has denied every accusation and was confirmed by the republican-led Senate. Additionally, back in August, Ford was not keen on pursuing this accusation, as she believed that it would only tear her life apart. Anyone in this position would not tell lies of sexual assault, as it directly reveals one’s personal and past life. While Ford did not want to lose her privacy, she ultimately gave it up for the sake of exposing those who have committed unforgivable crimes. Despite Kavanaugh’s political successes and admirable career, he should not be allowed to serve on the Supreme Court. Our country’s high-level government should be encompassed with admirable leaders, and a man who committed acts of sexual assault should not maintain the privilege to lead in the United States.
Should Kavanaugh have a seat in the Supreme Court? “Yes. If he actually did assault her she should’ve come out earlier.” Jenna Hickey
“Yes, he has worked his whole life for his job, and 36 years is a little late to come out.” Max Grigsby
“No. I believe it should be given to someone that the people can trust more.” Margaret Bowman
“Yes, I agree with him on many things, the accusations weren’t as accurate as previously thought.” Max Winkler
Who argued it best? After reading both sides of the issue, tell us who argued it best at the link below. We’ll post the winner in our next edition.
YES
Michael Carley
carleymic87@tcapsstudent.net “Ei incumbit probatio qui dicit, non qui negat”, translated from Latin meaning, “The burden of proof is on the one who declares, not on one who denies”. The idea of innocent until proven guilty has been a foundational aspect of Western law for centuries. Today, this ideal has been enshrined in the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that the presumption of innocence is a basic human right. With all this being said, the case of Justice Brett Kavanaugh brings up a moral dilemma; Do we need proof that Dr. Ford’s claims are true, or do we accept the fact that she came forward against Justice Kavanaugh to prevent him from serving on the highest court in the land? The obvious answer is that,these claims should not be a reason that prevents Justice Kavanaugh from sitting on the bench. When we consider the fact that the events Dr. Ford describes took place over 30 years ago, it is virtually impossible to prove her claims to be true. The case, whether you like it or not, is a case of “he said,” “she said,” and because of that you can’t prove that Justice Kavanaugh is guilty. Since our legal system is built on the foundation of the presumption of innocence, Brett Kavanaugh is an innocent man. While I have no doubt that long ago, someone horribly wronged Dr. Ford, I do not believe that it was Justice Kavanaugh. Women today wield lots of power in the age of the #MeToo movement, and I hope they choose to use it to actually take down men like Bill Cosby and not as a political tool like elitist Democrats did. The day we choose to forget the ideal of the presumption of innocence is the day that our legal system will fall apart, we cannot let baseless allegations damage the lives of good people. A win for Brett Kavanaugh was a win for the democratic legal system and our constitution.
tinyurl.com/Occi-19-TS
CCI Outlook The Occi Staff has something to say about legalizing marijuana
On Nov. 6, Michigan residents, even 18 year old high school students, will be able to vote on the legalization of recreational marijuana. While there are possible benefits and repercussions that may come from the legalization of this popular drug, the Occidentalist Staff supports Proposal 1, considering the positive outcomes of legalizing recreational marijuana. Canada just recently legalized recreational cannabis on Oct. 17, leaving Michigan residents and citizens all around the nation eager to see what the future will bring for our neighbors. Canada’s own Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated there are numerous benefits to legalizing, including keeping profit out of the hands of organized crime and black markets. Estimates say that legalizing marijuana could generate 100 to 200 million dollars in revenue. Additionally, in a 2015 Michigan study, 23,893 arrests were made that correlated to cannabis. If marijuana was
legalized, it would eliminate those arrests, which would put less tax money towards incarceration and law enforcement and more money into public schools and infrastructure. The amount of money that would be generated by taxes should recreational marijuana be legalized would benefit a mass amount of Michigan residents, boosting the state into upward mobility. Finally, new jobs will result if the bill passes, as noted in Colorado where more than 18,000 jobs were created in the first year after marijuana was legalized. It is hoped that legalizing marijuana will make it more difficult for underage youth to get ahold of it by regulating it more efficiently, where users must present an ID as proof of being 21 years or older. It is a leap of faith to take such a controversial item on to the ballot, and the future may seem unclear. The Occidentalists staff feels the future is now, and the benefits of legalizing marijuana outweigh the negatives.
Cartoonist: Chloe Moser
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From the Editorial Board
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The Occidentalist Battle on the Ballot, continued page 1 Data from the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey even shows decreases in teen marijuana use since legalization. “Someone selling on the black market doesn’t have a whole lot of incentive to care about who they’re selling to, whether it’s teens or adults or whatnot- because they’re already doing something illegal,” Hovey said. “When you regulate it and license it, and force it behind the counter where people have to check IDs, that’s a safeguard that helps ensure that people aren’t selling to teen consumers. Because if they do, they’ll lose their business and lose their business license in addition to going to jail. So there’s a lot more repercussions when you have something legalized and regulated.” Schwind says that the reason he supports Proposal 1 is that with recreational marijuana legalized, there would at least be marijuana available to those above age 21 whom marijuana could help, even if their issues don’t qualify them for a medical marijuana card. “I have really bad ADHD and a few other things... weed would really help me function better on a daily basis,” Schwind said. “Lately it’s been harder to get a [medical marijuana] card to get it medically. In a recreational way it’s easier to get it than to get it sent to you or have to get it through dispensary every so often.” Currently Michigan’s medical marijuana regulations do not allow someone to be certified for a medical marijuana card for ADHD alone, as though there is some research suggesting that marijuana could treat it, it is not compelling enough for most doctors to feel comfortable prescribing marijuana. Those opposed to the proposal are not particularly worried about people using weed to ease symptoms of disorders like ADHD, but they are worried about people driving while under the influence of marijuana and increased car insurance rates in places where marijuana is sold. In Colorado, Oregon, and Washington, frequency of collision claims were up to 14% higher than in neighboring states. But for some people, the risk of people driving while high is not a good enough reason to keep marijuana illegal and criminalized. “I’m not really worried about anyone over the age [of 21] getting it,” Schwind said. “Besides driving, the worst thing you’re going to do is kill a bag of Doritos.” Even if people over 21 using marijuana recreationally are not driving under the influence or distributing cannabis products to adolescents, they will still face severe
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consequences under Michigan’s current marijuana laws. “If you have a drug conviction on your record, that can bar you from getting student loans, it can bar you from certain types of employment, and that follows you for the rest of your life,” Hovey said. “So when you look at it, it’s not just the waste of tax dollars, but the impact it will have on people’s lives for oftentimes a petty possession charge. That’s a significant human cost that really can’t be measured. That’s our main concern and that’s the real reason why we’re really focused on stopping the unnecessary arrests and ruining people’s lives by forcing a failed law.” One thing that is certain is that whether or not Proposal 1 is passed, marijuana will be used recreationally in Michigan- by adults and teenagers
PROPOSAL 1 If passed, Proposal 1 will authorize and legalize possession, use, and cultivation of marijuana products by individuals who are 21 years of age and older, and commercial sales of marijuana through state-licensed retailers. The new law will: Allow individuals 21 and older to purchase, possess and use marijuana and marijuanainfused edibles, and grow up to 12 marijuana plants for personal consumption.
Impose a 10-ounce limit for marijuana kept at residences and require amounts over 2.5 ounces to be secured in locked containers.
Create a state licensing system for marijuana businesses and allow municipalities to ban or restrict them.
Permit retail sales of marijuana and edibles subject to a 10% excise tax, dedicated to implementation costs, clinical trials, schools, roads, and municipalities where marijuana businesses are located.
Change several current violations from crimes to civil infractions.
ath to arathon
Allie Anglin anglinall31@tcapsstudent.net
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ath teacher Amy Farmer makes physical fitness a top priority. She has been running for over 11 years and through training for long distance races, has found a balance that keeps her grounded with family and work. “I have competed in a ton of races,” she said. “I just competed in the Michigan Ragnar. It was a 200-mile relay race from Muskegon to Traverse City. I ran about 22 miles of the race.” This wasn’t Farmer’s first attempt at racing. She has competed in Chicago, Detroit, and has completed Grand Rapids Marathons, a total of 15 races of varying lengths. “My favorite race was the Chicago Marathon,” she said. “I ran it on my 40th birthday with my best friend from high school and I finished in 3 hours and 59 minutes.” Farmer has her reasons for staying fit. “I started running because my dad has had a heart attack and quadruple bypass all before the age of 60,” she said. “His heart surgeon warned my sisters and me that we are very prone to heart disease as well. I had just had my third child and
Math teacher Amy Farmer (far right) prepares to run the Ragnar race with her team. Photo: Submitted by. A. Farmer
this really scared me.” On her journey to good health, Farmer has run toward many new challenges. While she prefers the longer races of 10K and up, and she will run any race that fits into her teaching schedule. On top of her full-time jobs as a high school teacher and mother of three, Farmer manages to make time for her passion. “It is hard to balance my time. I have run all of my marathons in the fall so that the majority of my training is in the summer. I also run at five o’clock in the morning most school days.” Her energy and enthusiasm for running may seem easy, but she has had some struggles along the way. Despite the challenges, she pushes on. “My biggest struggles have been injuries and staying motivated in the winter months,” she said. “Running has made me healthier physically. It has also made me healthier mentally. It is the best therapy I have ever had. I have also met some amazing people through running.” Farmer strives to display her dedication and inspire others to develop a love for good health, “I really want to model a love of physical fitness to my children,” she said. “I love that they see what passion I have for running. I encourage them all the time to find an exercise routine they love.” Running and good fitness keeps Farmer grounded as she balances her family and work life. As the fall and winter months creep in to Northern Michigan, she will lace up her running shoes to hit the pavement for a long winter seasons.
In-Depth Saving Soleado
3
Global Service trip to Mexico brings dogs over the border Holly Yoder yoderhol87@tcapsstudent.net
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ole was rescued, but Obi crossed first. Anyone who has traveled to Mexico is probably familiar with the problem of street dogs. Spanish teacher Catherine Hansen is very familiar with the problem, and each year takes 25 to 30 students to Guanajuato for language study and volunteer work. While students take classes in the day time, they spend afternoons working at Buen Pastor, an orphanage for girls, and also at the Corazon Canino dog refuge. “It’s important for me that students learn to serve, for them to show compassion and see how others live, especially those who have less,” Hansen said. Each year, the dogs in the streets of Guanajuato break hearts and open students’ eyes to the problems of street dogs in Mexico. With an average income just under 7,000 dollars a year, having one’s pet spayed or neutered is not a priority for many families. “It’s a cultural difference,” Hansen said. “We are not there to judge, and certainly, the Mexican people are very loving and deserving of pets.” A few years ago, the street dog problem broke Hansen’s heart, and she figured out how to get one over the border and into her home. “It was tricky,” she said. “I spent at least a month contacting airlines and vets to figure out the best way to get Obi home with us,” she said. “We had been taking street dogs into our rented apartment to feed and bathe them, and to give them a warm place to sleep at night. By the time we were ready to leave, my son was very attached to one particular dog, but it was too big to fit on the plane to bring him home.” Not willing to break a promise to her son, Hansen began looking for a smaller dog to fit in a carry-on bag, as airlines didn’t allow travelers to check dogs in the cargo section
of the plane because the heat on the tarmac during the summer months can kill animals. This last summer, trip chaperone and English teacher David Noller followed suit. “When we’re there, it doesn’t feel like a problem,” Noller said, “It just seems like there’s a lot of dogs around that you get to pet.” After working at the dog refuge, his daughter, junior Gracie Noller, asked to bring a dog back. He considered the option, but was hesitant until he was back in Michigan and his friend, Michelle DeSemoine, called to say she had found three puppies in a dumpster near her Guanajuato home. With her pleas for help, he made a snap decision, and committed to flying to her winter home in Phoenix to pick up one of the dogs a few weeks later. “I was in Phoenix for seven hours total and came home about a day later with a dog that had been thrown in the garbage, and now she’s our ‘Soleado’,” Noller said. His family calls her Sole for short. After multiple complications regarding flight cancellations, Soleado was safe at home and with her forever family, who call her Sole. Gracie never imagined she would get a Mexican pup, but hoped her dad would cave in. “I didn’t think it was going to be possible,” Gracie said. “He had said that it was a possibility, and he had already decided he was going to adopt her. Sole is adorable. She’s a really smart puppy.”
Students on the Global Service trip feed a street dog in Guanajuato, Mexico. Photos above: Top, Sole, bottom, Obi. Photo: C. Hansen
Catorce to Quince
The long awaited day comes for a Quinceañera A Quinceañera is not just about a party, it also includes a mass, as Mexico is a predominantly Catholic country. he event of a Quinceañera is one of the “I had a mass at 10:00 am, which was very most important occasions in Hispanic early for me,” junior Athena Sanchez said. culture. At the celebration of blossom“My dress was mint color and my ‘Damas’ ing into womanhood, the festivities are deep were pink.” with tradition and glamour, but behind all The Quinceañera’s Court of Honor is comthe rhinestones and big hair, the pressure of prised of young girls, or Damas, and their having a perfect party can be overwhelmchaperones, young men called Chambelanes, ing for some girls. While the celebration of Escortes or Galáns. The actual party is turning 15 years old is the most anticipated what’s most important to many of the girls day for any Hispanic who have Quinceañeras, girl, a quinceanera can and they are loaded with be as big as a wedding, tradition. Most incorpoand requires a lot of rate specific dances as a planning. symbolic way to present the “My family had to plan young girl to the commumy party for a year and a nity as a young woman. half,” freshman Jennifer “I danced with my dad, Contreras said. “I had it got really emotional. He mixed emotions about started to tear up,” Contrewhat I was doing, I felt ras said. There is also the -Junior Athena Sanchez nervous, excited, and I La Ultima Muñeca, or the felt like my heart was dance of the last doll, in about to pop out of my which the mother hands her chest.” daughter a porcelain doll and the quinceanThe stress of planning a quinceanera era will dance with it before presenting it to includes many things, including the pressure a young guest, to signify she no longer needs to look perfect in a puffy, layered dress and her childhood toys. holding a substantial weight of hair. Quinceañeras are a once-in-a-lifetime event “My theme was Paris and my dress was that most Hispanic girls look forward to. red,” she explained. “My dress was heavy, Though there may be tension towards the and, I had to wear heels at the same time so beginning, at the end, la quinceañera feels it made walking a little bit difficult for me.” like dreams are coming true for her.
Saraisa Guzman guzmansar66@tcapsstudent.net
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“Hanging out with my court and all my friends, being really happy, was the best part.”
The Occidentalist
News
Funding from Fox
4
Local business steps up to support students
Brendan Sonnenburg sonnenbebre61@tcapsstudent.net
I
n September, a school bus parked in front of Fox Grand Traverse Motors, waited to be filled with food for students who struggle to have healthy snacks during their school day. It’s no secret that schools across the nation are underfunded. TCAPS receives the lowest per pupil funding grant from the state, despite having higher maintenance costs and a higher number of students in the free and reduced lunch program, than some of the higher funded schools throughout the state. To fill in where funding is lacking, local businesses are stepping in to ensure all students have equal access resources. TCAPS Partner in Education Coordinator, Karen Hertel, knows the need, and works with local business who
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est and Central High Schools have been in fierce competition since they split just over 20 years ago. Whether it is in the arts, in academics, or on the sports field, West and Central are rivals. For about 10 years, Central has housed a SCIMA-TECH program that has seen many great successes, and some students on the west side of town have open enrolled to Central in order to participate in the popular program. “By the time the students graduate, they have developed a resume that includes high academic courses, project-based learning, realworld applications, in-depth scientific research, and a valuable internship in their area of interst,” Sci-Ma-Tech Coordinator Heidi Maltby-Skodack said. “This translates into acceptance into many prestigous colleges and univeristies throughout the country.” Technology teacher Mark Skodack helped establish a SCI-MA-TECH program at West in 2018. “We’re connected to Central, so we’re getting feedback from there about what worked and what didn’t,” Skodack said. “They’re kind of like our mentors.” SCI-MA-TECH is essentially advanced science, math and technology classes, in addition to student opportunities in national competi-
want to help. “TCAPS has approximately 500 homeless students and the need for food and snacks is great,” Hertel said. “We have over 10,000 students, over 40% of which are on free or reduced lunch.” In September, Fox Grand Traverse Motors stepped up to help out. Local residents filled a school bus, parked in front of the automotive business, with food and snacks. The collected food was distributed to different schools in the district to fill the needs of its students. Customer Service Concierge for Fox Grand Traverse, Natelee Zehner, has coordinated with many non-profits to support the community, and has helped organize many fundraisers for TCAPS. “We wanted to be involved in our community and take care of our community as much as we can,” she said. “ No child should suffer with a hungry belly, and no teacher should have to suffer the expense of feeding their entire class room.” For the month of July, Fox Grand Traverse also donated to TCAPS’ summer programs and is the area’s largest donor for Toys for Tots each tions such as the American Math Contest, the USA Biology Olympiad, and more. “There’s a lot of rigor built into SCI-MATECH. Students apply to the program because they want the rigor, they want to be challenged.” The program caters to people who plan on working in a STEM field and is built to help students work toward that goal. “It’s a great opportunity for the kids to have a focused curriculum that was designed for
Fox Ford Motors supports many community agendas, and has worked with TCAPS schools to support student learning. Photo: Submitted by N. Zehner.
holiday season. As student count day totals came in, the district reported 9,658 enrolled students, an increase of only seven students over the previous school year. The TCAPS district receives the lowest funding of $$7,871 per pupil, despite $12,765 average spending per student in Michigan. October 2018 count day numbers will account for 90% of the 2018-19 school year per pupil funding allocation from the state, and the other 10% is calculated
based on the February 2018 count day results. The districts also receive some federal and other grants to help fund the yearly educational costs. As the school year continues, and costs of equalizing the learning field for all students increase, the district is grateful for the support of the local businesses through the Partner’s in Education program. “I think what’s most important to share is how easy it is to do something good,” Hertel said.
ogy class because I get to learn CAAD and we are learning different ways to plot data.” The specialized curriculum of SCI-MA-TECH incorporates an added technology class. SCIMA-TECH also offers internships and many extracurricular activities like VEX and FIRST robotics teams. The internships are required for SCI-MATECH students and occur over the summer months when students will work with local businesses and will apply what they learned in school. Symposiums are also held for the students, as well as specialized field trips and visits to universities with strong STEM programs. “Sophomore year we have a symposium with kids testing out their theories, seeing what works and what doesn’t,” Skodack said. “It’s a good opportunity for even patents that the kids can get.” At the end of the last school year, TCAPS held meetings concerning the upcoming program, and students were asked to apply. SCI-MATECH participants will earn 4.0 SMT Science Credits, 4.0 SMT Math Credits and 3.0 SMT Technology Credits, all of which will be Honors and AP level. Application for incoming ninth grade students will be available at the beginning of March on the Sci-Ma-Tech website.
RUNNING ROBOTICS
Real Science New SCI-MA-TECH program provides opportunities to students, balances program offerings with Central
Switch to standards based grading offers opportunities, challenges Taylor Smith smithtay56@tcapsstudent.net
“Standards based grading helps me because I can see where I started, and how I have grown to be at a better place.” -Junior Gracie Noller, Manufacturing Technology Academy
Remy Germaine germainerem52@tcapsstudent.net
them,” Skodak said. Freshmen Owen Hansen applied to Sci-MaTech last year. He wanted to be in a program that challenged him, but also allowed him to focus on subjects of interest. “The program requires me to be in all honors classes, but I really like the required Technol-
Setting the A standards shift in grading procedures has some students panicking. Standardsbased grading uses a grading scale that records mastery with scores from one through four, replacing the traditional percentages that students are accustomed to. In standards-based grading, receiving a one on the grading scale is equivalent to an F and a four is equivalent to an A. It is a useful method that helps teachers further track their students’ growth, and encourages students to try harder since they can see where they started out, as well as lay out clear, small learning goals that will help them improve. It benefits both students and teachers because students can track their growth more easily toward improving their understanding on a topic. SBG breaks down the subject matter into smaller “learning targets,” and as long as students show growth by mastering them, their grade will reflect their growth and they will master the bigger unit goals. With the new grading changes, there are some students who are struggling to understand how it works because of the way it looks in PowerSchool. Students and parents who open up the gradebook will see a number scale out of four, and it may not show the percentage. Additionally, it is expected that most students will earn a one at the beginning of a unit as they struggle with new material. “I like that it’s based on what a student can do instead of being penalized for what they’re still struggling with,” German and Phsycology teacher Claudia Riedy said. The whole system is based on improving and demonstrating mastery, not on what students can not yet do. Reidy has been researching SBG and is one of many teachers implementing the new grading system as a way of supporting her students’ growth in her classes. “The bullseye is the goal, so we’re looking at how close did you get to the goal,” Reidy said. “Are you at the bullseye? Can you hit the bullseye
Technolgy teacher Mark Skodack runs the after school robotics programs for both VEX and FIRST. While the VEX teams are already competing, new teams are being formed for FIRST. According to Skodack, students in robotics gain realworld skills that will help them in the workplace, with college scholarships, and with keeping up with 21st century skills. Students interested in joining the FIRST robitcis team should see Skodack in A216.
multiple times? Are you close to the bullseye? Are you barely on the target, or not on the target at all? And as long as you can get on target that’s where you want to be, because you want to be on the target and then you can work on getting closer to the bullseye.” Reidy said that as long as the student is working towards their goals then they are going to receive credit for the assignments. Students in her class are learning that SBG allows them plenty of opportunity to improve their grade if they work to master new topcis. “It’s kind of like if we explained [the topic] in more detail, she would give us a higher grade,” freshman Alaina Mikowski said. “It’s not really confusing, it’s just a different way and I think it’s kind of cool.” Reidy is noticing that most of her students are adjusting to the new grading system, but understands why some students struggle to adjust. “Students have told me it’s a lot clearer what they have to do to get a certain score. Students like that they can redo stuff, they like that it’s very focused,” Riedy said. There are drawbacks to the method, however, Reidy said. “The negative or the frustration that I’ve heard is about PowerSchool, which I understand, because the PowerSchool program at this point doesn’t do exactly what we want it to do, and I am frustrated by it too,” Riedy said. The PowerSchool program does not enter the grades in how they should look at the moment, but the district is working to accomodate the SBG format because so many teachers are using it. She also notices that SBG is helping more students stay engaged in their learning, even when they start off with struggles. “I have seen students who have expressed that they don’t really like school, and they don’t want to try because they don’t do well in school. When I gave my first assessments last week and they did a lot better than what they thought, it was really powerful to see they were achieving something, maybe it’s not perfect, but achieving something, I think SBG makes it easier to get started, and it is great as a teacher to see that students who said they hate school, maybe don’t hate it as much.” As students adjust to the changes and teachers work to tweek their grading systems, SBG is likely to become a regular thing in classes.
School News
The Occidentalist
STEP-ing up in success Students in transition find support through the STEP program
Savanna Yuncker yunckersav12@tcapsstudent.net
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tudents with the odds stacked against them are less likely to be successful in high school. According to ChildFund International, 30 percent of children raised in poverty do not finish high school, and students who do not earn a high school diploma by age 20 are seven times more likely to be persistently poor between ages 25 and 30. Also, students who grow up in poverty complete fewer years of schooling and earn much lower income than people who did not grow up poor. The TCAPS school district has 424 students who are living in housing-transition. Knowing the issues that students who lack a consistent home life face, the district is committed to helping them succeed with STEP (Students in Transition Empowerment Program). “We provide free breakfast and lunch, transportation, and we make sure students can get enrolled without paperwork,” Jann Scalise, STEP Coordinator said. We provide tutoring and academic support. I help get kids computers. I give them backpacks, school supplies, shampoo, and clothes. We have a clothing pantry, we have a food pantry, anything to make a student successful at school. We want to make sure there is a level playing field where they have all those options.” Scalise wants students to know that even if a student moves, they can still attend West Senior High according to the Mckinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. This act allows STEP to provide transportation if a student qualifies for the program and is having to move due to a housing issue. In the US, 62% of youth in housing
transition have reported being depressed. I could stay with for the school year, so that “Kids are never in trouble when they is what I am doing,” Plamondon said. “I have come in and talk to me, I’m only trying to a place that is quiet that I can come to after help them,” Scalise said. “So they do get school and sit down to do my work without a lot of counseling and support from the interruptions. I am actually much more combeginning to the end. We are not doing fortable living where I am now than I was at one on one therapy daily, but what we do home. I don’t have a dad constantly yelling in the STEP program is that we refer to and screaming at me for no reason. When resources outside the school, or provide I get home now, I can sit down and do my that supwork and port here at not have to school,” worry about While who’s going 30 percent to yell at me, of children when they raised in are going to poverty do yell at me, not finish and why.” high school, Planmondon Scalise is believes proud of the STEP how many program has of the stubenefited dents she him. works with “It has are finding helped me success. out a lot,” The Titan Pantry allows students to pack bags of foods, toiletries, and school supplies to “Last he said. “For take home as needed. Photo: Taylor Smith year, 95 example, Mrs. percent of my students graduated and Scalise has been keeping on me about my 90 percent of them had college set up classes and making sure everything is going for them, whether they had a full ride or well for me. She’s like a mom, but at school. a majority of their college paid for,” she I also get free breakfast and lunch.” said. “I follow all the seniors [in STEP]; The STEP program is helping many who what their grades are, what’s happening, are in different positions in housing, making just to make sure that they are successful. school a difficult thing to wrap their head Our success rates here, are way above the around. STEP however, makes school a safe National average, and in Traverse City and comforts students where they can sucbecause of the STEP program.” ceed in their studies and prepare them for Senior Zachary Plamondon is a student life after high school. that benefits from the STEP program. **Student name has been changed to protect sources “To start, me and my dad really never Donations of food, school supplies, and toiletries are begot along, we started arguing and it lead ing accepted in the Titan Pantry in the counseling office. up to me leaving,” he said. “I had a friend Students in need may visit the pantry as needed.
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students get help with any of their writing needs. The Writing Center’s purpose is to be a safe space for students to work personally with instructors in order to reinforce self-confidence in their writing skills, and to help them become more comfortable with the writing process in general. “We know that writing asks students to pull together a bunch of different skills in one place and we know that a lot of students need help with that on all levels,” Rintala said. “So, we wanted to make sure there was a place they could go to get that. We also know that alike struggle on a daily sometimes basis with work related to it’s difficult writing. The scores from the for teachers to 2011 National Assessment of support every Educational Progress found student in that three-quarters of 12th Ella Rintala their room and graders lack proficiency in meet them where they writing. In an effort to help students rintalaell75@tcapsstudent.net are with writing, and to develop these skills, colleges and so this is a setup that high schools around America have allows for one-on-one help for any student established Writing Centers. In recent years, that needs it.” English teachers Kelly Rintala and Chelsea The Writing Center is open for students evGrisenger, have ensured that students who eryday during all three lunch periods in room struggle with the writing process have a place A102. Students can come in at any point of to get help by establishing a place where trong writing skills are critical in almost every workplace and real-world scenario. Having strong writing skills can be the difference between getting into a good college, getting a good job, having a successful career or not being offered any of these opportunities. Unfortunately, writing is simply hard. As a matter of fact, many students and adults
The
RIGHT to
WRITE
The Writing Center is in its second year, and students are finding success
Silencing the Ring
Jerek Whitman whitmanjer02@tcapsstudent.net
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tudents are losing contact during class. A new cell phone policy is giving a clear message; cell phones have been a distraction to learning, and the new policy is helping teachers keep them out of the classroom. The new policy requires that when a student is caught with their phone in class, it is immediately put into an envelope and delivered to the neighborhood office to be picked up at the end of the day. The policy leaves no room for arguing, and there are no second chances. Some students are not happy about the new policy, but some feel the change is a good one. “I like it because it helps me focus on my work more,” sophomore Billy Thomas said. “I get a lot more done without my phone, but it’s
their lunch to analyze any work involving writing that they are struggling with or would like to talk over, no matter the state the work is in or what class it is for. “We can help students at any stage of the writing process,” Rintala said. “We can help those who have a blank page in front of them and have no idea how to get started on the writing assignment. We can help students who have written a sentence but know that they have to write four paragraphs.We can help students, polish (their work) with grammar and spelling and organization and those fine-tuning things as well.” Regular use of the Writing Center has helped students show improvements in their work ethic and writing abilities. “A lot of students that regularly use the writing center then regularly turn in essays that they would otherwise avoid,” Rintala said. “We see improvements in style and voice in writing with students that come back a couple times with an essay.” Senior Libby Jewel has come into the Writing Center almost every day, and she highly recommends it for any student whose goal is to be accepted into competitive colleges. She said she has shown a lot of improvement in her writing with the help of Rintala and Grisenger. “Last year in AP Lang, I would re-write essays and I would always come back to the Writing Center to get help for them, and that definitely helped my grade.” A trip to the Writing Center can easily be built into any student’s monthly, weekly, or even daily schedule. Students just simply need to arrive and either Rintala or Grisenger will persistently help them achieve their writing goal.
also kind of annoying, and I kind of want to be asked for help in creating a consitent policy on my phone.” that all could follow. Teachers were seeking Despite the new policy, students are finding a policy that made taking a phone away ways to use them in class. Some have tried from a student easy, so not to take acting like they are getting something from time away from their learning their bag to take a quick look at a text invironement. message, and others have used it under Head Principal The the desk without beind detected. Joe Esper got tak sch “Yeah, I think everybody has on board right ste es a ool sneaked their phone at some point away, and bo pt in this new policy,” Thomas said. worked with o d ld w “It’s really hard not too. It’s staff to implement it dis e tra h th al hard to resist.” a plan that would ac e ph The school decided to be acceptable to most on tio n make the new cell phone teachers. While the cla es in of policy after meetings new plan added consisssr oo the with teachers about tency to help back teachers m how they were interwho struggled with classfering with learnroom managment related to ing. After several sudents using cell phones, the teacher meetings, it new written policy didn’t actually became clear that many change. were fed up with phones and “We changed the procedure for the distraction they created, and how we handle cell phones,” Esper
5
Clubs PB&J
Tamie Rosenburg advises the Pray, Believe in Jesus club on Tuesday mornings at 7:30. “I like my club because it’s a safe place where there are people you can relate to and you don’t feel alone,” freshman Megan Holm said.
She’s the First
Aimee Cole and Kate Heydlauff advise the “She’s the First” club. The club meets on the second Tuesday of the month. “I like She’s the First club because it is for a really good cause. We raise money for groups of girls to be the first to get an education in third world countries,” Teagan Cleghorn said.
Nerd Haven Athens wing Principal Andy Wares advises the Nerd Haven Club. It meets on Fridays after school. “It is the kind of place where people of many different interests can get together and can relate to each other and talk about different things, to get to know each other,” Morgan Reems said. It is not unusual for members to argue which is better--Star Trek or Star Wars, or discuss a sci-fi thriller.
Fashion Club
Art teacher Julie Keck advises the Fashion Club. The club will start in November, and members will help plan, create and produce the annual Trashion Fashion show.
Fan Fiction Club “Me and my friends thought it would be fun to try something new,” Club President D.J. Wood said about the new Fan Fiction club. “We were making fun of fan-fiction and how there was not a club yet, so we decided to start one.” Social Studies teacher History teacher Karlee Humphry advises the club, which meets on Fridays at 7:40 a.m.
said. “So in schools there are kind of layers to things. There’s state law and then as a district we set policies. The policy hasn’t changed, and the existing policy is you don’t have phones in instructional spaces.” .Most teachers feel the new policy is fixing their cell phone woes. “I love the new phone policy,” Math teacher Tamie Rosenburg said. “Students are less distracted than last year and I’m not constantly telling students to put phones away which takes away from instructional time. The learning environment has definitely improved. I also like that students are still able to use their phones in the hallways and at lunch. The fact that location determines a student’s ability to use their phone makes it easy to regulate for students and teachers.” Other teachers regret not not being allowed to use them in class for learning oportunities. Regardless of whether students and staff support the cell phone policy, it seems to be working and is here to stay.
Arts & Entertainment
Urinetown
The Occidentalist
6
“It’s one of those [shows] that wouldn’t be complete without every single person.” - Hallie Snowday, Senior
“The musical’s question that it brings up is: what does it mean economically and societally if things were to be free and available for everyone?” - Jack Rusinowski, Junior
Top left: In “Look at the Sky”, the rebels, led by Mason Gratton as Bobby Strong, look forward to a better future. Center: Mason Gratton ss Bobby Stong and Hallie Snowday as Hope Caldwell embrace in the Act 1 finale. Top right: Hallie Snowday and Jack Rusinowski perform in thier musical numbers. Bottom right: Mason Gratton and Ensemble enthusiastically sing in “Run Freedom Run”. Middle: Grace Clark and Daniella Castillo use expression to give an emotional performance. Photos: T. Crowley
This year’s Choral-Aires Musical, Urinetown, brings politics to the stage Tasha Hilborn hilborntas25@tcapsstudent.net
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n this politically charged mid-term election season, the fall musical was a hit as it poked fun at all the key points of the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, bureaucracy, and of course, politics. Cast member Bailey Noble said that the musical inspired some political discussions between rehearsals. Before doing the first read-through, the cast discussed the real meaning behind the musical. Sometimes, the conversations at rehearsals turned toward politics. “To really understand our characters, we really had to relate it back to current events,” Noble said. She said the cast members often reflected on the water crisis in Flint as they considered the meaning of the musical. Noble was a member of the ensemble. The popular off-Broadway musical was first produced in 2001, with music by Mark Hollmann, lyrics by Greg Kotis, and was nominated for 10 Tony awards. While the musical is a satire, with comedic tones that made the rehearsals and performances entertaining, there were still some challenges to making it happen. “It gets frustrating because sometimes we forget what
we did the day before and we have to redo it like five times,” senior Caleb Wilkins said. Along with the struggle of memorizing the scenes, there were even more difficulties behind the scenes. “When it’s into tech week with eight hour rehearsals, that’s when it gets difficult and that’s when it gets really frustrating because we should have it down by now.” While working through these frustrations and difficulties, Wilkins said the performers relied on a former Chorale Aires singer’s advice as they pushed on through. “[Performers need to do] what former senior Darrion Matthews said; ‘You can’t go 50% ‘cause when it gets to the shows you’re only gonna be 80% ready. But if you go 100% in rehearsals, you’re gonna be like 130% at the show and it’ll make it that much better,” Wilkins said. Darrion came in to help the cast at rehearsals. Urinetown uses the backdrop of a twenty-year drought that has caused a severe water shortage, making private toilets an impossible luxury, as a way to expose corruption. In the story, all restroom activities are done in public amenities controlled by a mega-corporation, and oppressed masses wait in long lines at the poorest, filthiest urinal in town where they must pay to use the bathroom. Suddenly, the song with a funny title, “It’s a Privilege to Pee,” has a
The Mamma of all shows Blase Gapinski gapinskibla42@tcapsstudent.net
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Mamma Mia brought together students and staff to perform the popular Broadway hit based on the 1970 pop group, ABBA.
he end of the summer and early fall had students and teachers rehearsing together to put Gillespie played Bill Austin, one of Old Town Playhouse,” she said. on one of Broadway’s most recogthe possible dads. The performance at the downnized musicals, Mamma Mia. The . “I was mostly excited about singtown theater was a little more musical was based on the songs of ing for this production because it work than those held at the school, ABBA, a popular disco band from gives me joy,” Gillespie said. “Its so in part because it involved travelthe 1970s, known for its long lasting fun and it’s something I like to do ing for rehearsals and weeknight hit, Dancing Queen. The musical because it gets me performances. first premiered in 1999 in London, out of the regular Also, the sold out with the storyline formed from the stuff. It’s just someshows required an group’s top hits, including Mamma thing for me and added weekend of Mia, which was a number one hit there are so many performances. in 1975. As students and teachers benefits; the friends, “It’s a little were rehearsing, the sequel Mamma the accomplishment. difficult to do Mia 2: Here We Go Again hit the It’s good for my ego, both [school and theaters, and adoring ABBA fans and people go ‘oh the musical],” helped it reach $34 million box ofyou did a great job!’. Creamer said. “I’m fice debut in the U.S., which helped It’s all great stuff and a little sick right the performance at the Old Town - Chemistry teacher, Patrick Gillespie Im doing it for the now because we Playhouse sell out each night. joy and I think our do five shows a Chemistry teacher Patrick Gilwhole point of beweek which can lespie wanted in on the action. ing here is to be happy, joyous, and be hard when we have already had a “It was a spur of the moment decifree, so that’s why I enjoy it.” six week run and it has been hard to sion knowing that I love to do this get homework done. stuff,” he said. This is Bbut balancing it is not his first time doworth it.” ing an Old Town PlayCreamer enjoyed house production. He her experience of had been in two other working with other performances there; students and teachCompany, a Broadway ers to bring the perproduction,and Calformance together endar Girls. Gillespie outside of the school. enjoyed working with “You think it students that he has would be a little bit and has had in the weird at first but, past while rehearsing it’s actually really and performing great because you get “It was great to see your friends in working with other a different light and students but I had to Cast members of Mamma Mia perform at the Old Town Playhouse. Photo: Submitted by its nice getting to watch what I said in H. Creamer know people beyond the dressing room,” what you think of he said. Senior Hannah Creamer, also them,” she said. For this producwanted in on the action for her first Creamer has set her sights on mation, Gillespie was one of the three mainstage performance at the Old joring in the performing arts after possible fathers in a love triangle Town Playhouse. graduating. She plans to attend the that resulted in Sophie, a young “I have been in a lot of musicals University of Southern California woman who dreams of the perfect for the school but I have never been for arts, screenwriting and film wedding, one that includes her in a mainstage production at the acting. father walking her down the aisle.
“Our whole point of being here is to be happy, joyous, and free.”
more cynical meaning, and the musical takes a more political tone. Students in the musical ran with the political theme. “It’s kind of like today’s government where people revolt against government choices but the government doesn’t really care,” Wilkins said. He has been involved in musicals for all of his high school years, but this performance, in particular, really spoke to him. “It just feels like you’re part of another family,” he said. “We’re all working together for one big goal; to entertain people. Being a part of something this big really helps you prepare for later on if you want to do something like this.” What may have seemed a musical comedy to some, Urinetown actually had a complex plot that left the audience thinking about bigger, world concerns. For the audience, it was thought-provoking, as well as entertaining.
See photo story on the fall musical, Urinetown, at the Occi-Online @ tinyurl.com/Occi-Online
Venom
VIE REVIEW O M
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enom, the movie about two beings from different planets who suffer the same problem, being losers, did not lose Marvel fans. In the long awaited movie, Marvel character, investigative journalist Eddie Brock (played by Tom Hardy) attempts a comeback after a Sol Medwed-Cohen scandal, but becomes the host of medwedsol84@tcapsstudent.net an alien symbiote that gives him a violent super alter-ego: Venom. Along with a few of his symbiote buddies, Venom and the leader of the symbiotes, Riot, (played by Riz Ahmed) come to rule over Earth, infecting everyone with their kind. After a run in with Eddie, Venom decides he likes Earth too much, and Eddie is just too fun to be with to destroy it. They then decide to coexist with one another, and make a deal to work together to stop Riot (played by Carlton Drake) from completing the task. After it all ends, the two become friends, though their relationship is still at odds much of the time. While most Marvel movies smash the box office opening weekend, Venom took some hard hits from critics, saying it was “Tone-Deaf” and “A hard mess”. Marvel fans remained loyal, however. With this Marvel movie, I must side with the fans. Venom is a masterpiece. Its chock-full of action and comedy, and it has a dark, rich tone and plot. Its acting is phenomenal, with a great performance from Tom Hardy. The movie is also the perfect setup for the next two movies in the Venom trilogy. Fans felt Venom deserved his own movie with a strong plot after he was tossed aside in Spider-Man 3, without much character development. Venom, the movie, allowed this to happen. Overall, the movie is good and there may be some minor flaws, but at least it is better than the Spider-Man 3 movie.
Sports
The Occidentalist
8
Left: Junior Mack Marinoff cheers on the fans as a member of the Bucket Brigade. Center: The Varsity football team shakes hands with Veterans before the Patriot Game. Right: Cheerleaders pump up the fans during the Patriot Game. Photos: T. Crowly
A game to
REMEMBER
The varsity football team plays to honor their country and those who have served.
Ammon Howse howseamm67@tcapsstudent.net
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unior Zac Tokie, the defensive and tight end for the Varsity football team was honored to play in this year’s Patriot Game as a way of showing his support for his uncle and grandfather. Tokie was honored to play in front of some of his family members, some who had served. “My Grandpa was in [the service] and I didn’t know he was going to be there,” Tokie said. “I was very surprised and it was
very cool.” The chance at beating the school’s biggest rivals, the crosstown Central Trojans, was appealing for Tokie, but for the Patriot Game, it was more about honoring those who served than it was about winning. “I like the football part, but it’s bigger than football,” Tokie said. “We get to respect the troops and give thanks to them.” The Patriot Game has been held since 2012 at Thirlby Field, and this year’s game ended with the Titans as the victors with the score of 21 to 14. While the West-Central game has always drawn huge crowds, the Patriot Game brings the entire community together. As the rivals battle it out on the field, the marching bands performed together, playing Amazing Grace with the local band, Grand Traverse Pipes and Drums, to honor the Veterans. The fans purchased commemorative T-shirts in blue and red to raise money to support families of Veterans, and the players from both schools lined the field as one team at the ceremony to honor the men and women who serve. Former coach, Tim Wooer started the Patriot game upon hearing that one of his players from his time spent coaching in Kingsley--Justin Hansen, later a sergeant in Afghanistan, was killed in action. Wooer wanted to do something to honor him, so he joined forces with Central to create the Patriot Game that would donate all of its funds to veteran charities. This year’s charity was Warrior Sailing, a national organization that started in 2013, that is designed to help heal and strengthen Veterans who are dealing with physical or mental challenges after serving.
Last year Wooer returned to coach the Kingsley Stags, but he made it back to this year’s Patriot Game to show his continued support. According to Tokie, the Patriot Game stands out, and it is nothing like any other games of the season, although the drive to win is just as strong as any other game. “I wouldn’t say the playing is different, but the vibe around it is different,” Tokie said. “Before the game and after the game is way different. But during the game you just focus on football.” Senior Braden Rubinas is the wide receiver and defensive back for the team. Rubinas believes the Patriot Game will always be important to the Traverse City community. “A lot of people, veterans, and the pre-game ceremony, it just isn’t common anymore, giving respect to our Veterans like that,” Rubinas said. “It’s important for kids our age.” It’s not only meaningful to the players and students, but the entire community, which is evidence by the sold out ticket sales. “Every game is packed and unless we get a bigger stadium there’s no way more people are going to fit,” Rubinas added. To view a photo story on the Patriot Game and the ceremony to honor Veortrans and First Responsdrs, visit Occi-Online at tinyurl.com/Occi-Online
Fighting for a Comeback
Riley Ashbury ashburyril74@tcapsstudent.net
Volleyball coach Hannah Pohlman persisted through many obstacles to get where she is today.
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ancer. A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. This is the book definition of the deadly disease alumni Hannah Pohlman, at age 21, was diagnosed with. “Some of the hardest times were definitely some of my hospital stays where I was there because I was too sick to be at home,” Pohlman said. “I was in the hospital for cumulatively four and a half months. I had to drop all my college classes. I had just turned 21 two months before so I didn’t really feel like I got a chance to live that life.” Being diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a very rare type of bone cancer with less than 20,000 cases a year, can completely unrail someone’s life. For Pohlman, she wouldn’t trade anything about her life altering experience. “Maybe I can say this because I turned out okay, but I wouldn’t change any of it for the world,” Pohlman said. “I feel like the thing that changed me the most is I used to really stress about the little things that I had no control over, and they would just ruin my day and now I feel like I’m a lot more go with the flow and I don’t let things bother me as much. I used to just let people kind of walk all over me, and after being sick I’m like you know what? I don’t have time for that in my life.” She didn’t get through the horrific experience by herself, her husband Isaac Avila, who lived in the Dominican Republic while she had cancer, was a huge part of her support system and continues to support Pohlman while playing and coaching volleyball. “It makes me really happy that she’s so passionate about volleyball. After every game all she thinks about or talks about is
TITAN UP
Sports Recap
The Varisty football team made it to the first round of Play-offs, where they lost to Rockford, 18-13 Traverse City West had a playoff game Friday against Rockford. The final score 13-18 as the Rockford Rams eliminated the Traverse City Anika Dy also just won her third straight individual state championship, finishing her high school career off strong before she heads to play for the University of Michigan. Three freshmen, Becky Lane, Ally McKenna, Sara Schermerhorn all made it to Varsity volleyball, along with Mackenna Ebling getting moved up for districts, helping the team make it to the first rounnd of District’s, where they lost to Marquette. The Girls Cross Country team advanced to the State Finals after finishing third at Regionals.
how well the girls played that day,” Avila said. “I don’t think many people love their jobs the way she does.” Doctors told her she would never be able to run, jump, or play volleyball again after the months of harsh chemotherapy and having to be on many pain medicines including a morphine pump. She refused to accept this as reality. “Seeing her so physically weak but at the same time so mentally strong to beat cancer was an inspiration. It made me realize how special she is. She’s probably the most unselfish person in the world, even though she was the one sick, she kept putting everyone else first.” Avila said. Coach Pohlman talks with her team before a home game. Photo: R. Sack “It was a battle everyday for me not to ask why me? But you can’t ask that question because man’s strength and endurance. She helped you’re never going to get an answer, so when things happen her team make a 8-2 record season, and that are out of your control you can’t ask that because you will also assisted Varsity in their District seaspend your entire life looking for that answer.” Pohlman said. son, where they ended at the first round of Returning to the school to coach the J.V. Volleyball team Districts against Marquette. She plans to after overcoming so many obstacles is a true testament to Pohlcontinue coaching for next year’s season.
SISTERS SWIMMING
good for her, but I also recently beat her time in the 100 Backstroke and it was probably one of my proudest moments.” Despite breaking her sister’s record, Joci feels her sister is a better competitor. “She’s just naturally built really strong,” she added. Competing with a sister and being on the same team can be a challenge, and sometimes sibling rivalry enters into the competitive occasion. Alexis Hepler “It’s not really challenging in the fact that we motivate each other, heplerale12@tcapsstudent.net it’s your sibling and you’re competing against your sibling.” Alexa said. “It’s always that sibling rivalry and sibling annoyances where isters Joci and Alexa Baughman have been competiting against they annoy you or they do something stupid and you get onto them eachother for as long as they can remember. Whether it is for the more than you get on your other teammates, but I enjoy it.” highest GPA, or a Tae Kwon Do belt, the two play hard, but also The Triton swim team is made up of students from West, Central cheer each other on. High School, and St. Francis. The team just finished “Hell week” Competing on the swim team is no different. With an unwhere they broke their muscles down by hard, defeated season, the two are there to coach and support each repetitive drills without breaks, and have other, Jocey swimming the backstroke with some sprints and entered into “tapering” week, where they will distance freestyle, while Alexa leads the sprint freestyle on relax their muscles in hopes of improving their the team. swim times. “We are competitive in pretty much everything,” Alexa “Every practice we have two or three really said. “We’ve played similar sports our whole lives. I started hard sets, even the warm ups are two to three swimming first and then she followed me. Recently when we times harder than what it was at the beginmoved here she started taking up Tae Kwon Do and then I ning of the season. It’s very difficult and coach followed her into that, so we are pretty strong we match each Joci and Alexa Baughman take a break doesn’t go easy on us.” This unique form of from their meet at Alma in late Octoother pretty well.” Joci outranks her older sister with a black ber. Photo: Submitted by J. Baughman training gave the team an advantage and helped belt. carry them undefeated to the Conference meet The sisters have been in the pool together since childhood. on Nov. 2-3. Both swam for the TC Breakers, a local club swim team. Although they “During the tapering week the coach slowly diminishes the amounts practiced at different times because of their age difference, they were yardage, and we get more breaks,” Joci said. “Slowly we do less and at the meets to cheer each other on. Joci admits she joined the school less and every time we get more breaks. The idea is that when your team so she could swim with her sister who she looked up to. sprinting and tapering, you are expected to go a lot faster because you “She’s very, very good,” Joci said. “Whenever she does good, I feel have more time between sprints.”
Joci and Alexa Baughman swim all the way to Conference, cheering each other on the entire way
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