Oc ci dentalist
Assault about
As women break silence about harassment and abuse, change is on horizon Girls told their stories by writing down one line to summarize their personal experiences with sexual harassment and assault. Photo: A. Hansen
W
Katie Rundio ‘18 rundiokat33@tcapsstudent.net
hat started as more common than once thought. claims against “I feel incredibly saddened that so many people have stayed Hollywood producer, silent for so long, but I empathize,” Brooke Ostrowski ‘18 said. Harvey Weinstien, has “Sometimes you don’t feel like something is abuse at the time morphed into new because you are convinced or gas lighted into going along with it, stories of sexual harasswhether for your career, relationship, or other stability.” ment and assault involving powerful The accusations of abuse in Hollywood have spilled into the men and women taking advantage political arena, with women making accusations against failed of others being released conAlabama Senate candidate Roy Moore, Senator Al Franken, and stantly. It is impossible to miss President Donald Trump. Businesses such as Netflix are taking the headlines describing how action to remove employees accused of harassment and assault abusers used their positions of from their payroll. House of Cards star Kevin Spacey and The Ranch power to degrade people suractor Danny Masterson have both lost their rounding them. lead roles due to accusations against them. The recent outpouring of News reporter Matt Lauer was fired from victims coming forward has made NBC News, and countless others who have clear that sexual abuse been accused are facing repercussions. is a problem “I hope people will be able to see how that spans the widespread of a problem this is and that globe, and that anyone can be an abuser or abused, regardall people are less of age, race, gender, socioeconomic susceptible. status, sexual orientation, fame, or any The cases in other factor,” Molly Jass ‘19 said. Hollywood and As the movement to empower victims of other places, such abuse gains traction, more seem to be findas those in the capital ing their voice to expose their abusers. -Molly Jaas ‘17 building, are getting “Women no longer need to hide from lots of publicity, but sexual abuse is what men have done to them,” Ashley Height ‘18 said. “It was not unique to these places. almost taboo to come forward with their stories, but now there is Fifty-seven percent of West students action being taken, only in some places, and there are men and report having witnessed some form of women being punished for what they have done.” sexual assault. Senior Maria JackAccording to the United States Department of Justice, 20 million son* has a first hand account of women in America and 1.8 million adolescents in America have the abuse that can take place been the victims of sexual assault. One in seven children under the in school after a student in her age of 18 will experience sexual harassment online and only 10% junior high resource repeatedly of harassers have no connection to the children they know. requested a sexual act. It is not uncommon for victims to hide what happened to them “I snapped at him and told out of fear, feeling their experience should be something private, him to stop harassing me,” or they are afraid they won’t be believed or made to feel ashamed she said, “to which he reof what happened to them. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest sponded with, ‘I see someone’s on National Network (RAINN), two out of three incidents of abuse go their period.’” unreported, and only two percent of cases are false allegations. Jackson said that instead of reprimanding the boy, “My teacher “Hopefully this has been a wake up call and we will move laughed.” forward with eyes opened to how common and damaging sexual The culture of abuse has never been more clear, and the assault is to anybody and everybody involved,” Ostrowski said. #MeToo movement caught fire after actress Alyssa Milano tweeted a “There should never be a reason to be silent. Just talking and sharcall to victims “so we might give people a sense of the magnitude of ing stories is the most powerful thing we can do to cause a societal the problem.” Since then, more people are taking notice that abuse is shift.”
“This is part of a larger movement to fight for our rights... we need to ensure that society will not ignore this movement.”
***Some names were changed to protect students
the
Honest
Traverse City West High School VOLUME XXI, EDITION 2 December 2017
Contact Us
Twitter: wshnewspaper Instagram: tcwoccidentalist Website: tinyurl.com/occi-online17-18
04
Michigan laws are changing in regard to both medical and recreational marijuana as the Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs makes changes to how medical marijuana is controlled and distributed, and pot smokers across the state continue to fight for their right to light up.
Mitch Kabbes and Claire Roelofs were selected as the “Mentors of the Month” for the ASD Mentoring class. They have both demonstrated the highest degree of excellence in working with their peers with autism.
Theater III students worked to pull together a new twist on the heartbreaking classic, Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, that students read in their tenth grade English class.
Photo: K. Rundio
06
“It was just so refreshing for me to find something so calming yet so intense.” - Maddy Medler ‘19, see article on the rowing team on page 8.
07
Four married couples fill eight teaching positions. Find out who the next married working couple will be.
Photo: K. James
08
Students are looking to the future as seniors apply to colleges and begin to hear back from their dream schools. As they turn in applications, they are realizing that their college essay, SAT scores, and GPA each play a vital role in their chances of acceptance.
05
Opinions
02
What’s Your
OPINION?
TAKING Sides
“We need it. Without it, the companies could takeover.”
The GOP pushed through a controversial tax plan that will affect every American. Grace and Parker debate the issue: Grace Clark ‘19 clarkgra92@tcapsstudent.net
P
T
he Republicans, desperate for at least one legislative victory in the first year of Trump’s presidency, have cobbled together a major tax overhaul. This version has its main features vested in the repeal of the Obamacare mandate, reducing individual tax rates, a 15% slash in the corporate tax rate, and an opening of a piece of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for drilling. The House version reduces the number of tax brackets, expands and creates a number of tax credits, repeals the estate tax, repeals a number of deductions, and repeals the alternative minimum tax. A tax overhaul is fundamentally a good idea. America’s tax system is far too broad, far too complicated, and riddled with far too many loopholes. It is a fine idea to try and reduce these complications and limit the federal government’s taxing power gradually, as per truly Republican principles and ideals. However, this is not the aim of the Republican tax bill, which will now undergo reconciliation. The aim is to spur economic growth. This is unnecessary, and it’s a populist goal, built toward the real Republican goal of reelection next year. This bill is far from perfect. However, nothing is black and white. The good that comes out of this misguided bill is satisfactory as a first step. The reconciled bill would likely include many measures that simplify the tax code, which is almost always a net benefit. Reducing the number of tax brackets, decreasing individual and corporate tax rates, and abolishing unnecessary appendages to the system are great steps in streamlining the system and reducing the appeal of tax loopholes. Repealing the unconstitutional individual mandate is also a good idea, except that with the rest of Obamacare still intact, it would prove, in practice, rather devastating. There are other issues with the bill, in the same vein as the previous example. But, it seems, this is the best the Republicans have to offer this Christmas, and, generally, the benefits outweigh the harms.
Last edition, students read Parker King and Grace Clark’s arguments on gun law reform. 217 people voted and the winner is...
Parker King
The Occidentalist
for his argument against gun law reform.
Now--VOTE AGAIN Who argued tax reform best?
After reading both sides of the issue, tell us who made the best argument at the link below. We’ll post the winner in our next edition. https://tinyurl.com/occi-tax-reform
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Hannah Ashbury Annaka Hansen Katherine Rundio
Graphic Designers: Quentin Ross Evelyn Majszak
“I think it would be very stupid to abolish net neutrality.”
Parker King ‘18 kingpar63@tcapsstudent.net
resident Trump has recently promised a “big, beautiful” tax cut for the holiday season. With news of the recent Tax Reform proposal passed by the Senate, there have been many flaws pointed out by the Democratic Party leader, Chuck Schumer, one being that they are “rushing to pass a flawed bill,” proceeding through the senate in only three weeks time. Personally, I do not agree with this bill, as it will encourage severe hardships for a large population of underprivileged Americans. If this bill passes, big corporations will receive the biggest tax cut ever, the people living in the middle class will also pay less taxes, and it will be easier for wealthy parents to pass property and money to their kids. However, as these select social classes rise to the top, many will fall through the cracks. If implemented, this plan will increase national debt by $100 trillion dollars. Along with this, the repealing of the individual mandate that requires all Americans to buy health insurance will be eliminated, leaving as many as 13 million people uninsured, all while taking away the student loan debt write off, forcing graduate students who receive tuition waivers to count that money as income for tax purposes, even without receiving money back. Upward mobility is already at a steady decline in the United States, and with the implied opportunity for the wealthy, it will only prevent the poor from being able to climb. The deductions for teachers to purchase school supplies will also be taken away. Although I do not agree with the basics of this bill, I do think that it contains some good components. The bill provides more child tax credit, which gives more money per family per child. Most economists have claimed that the bill is expected to spur economic growth in the United States, but these so-called pros do not make up for the impending hardships for the impoverished.
Editors:
-Corbaun Bullurd ‘19
Section Designers: Hannah Ashbury Spencer Elhart Annaka Hansen Billy Jo Kyser Kendall Marshall Alyssa Roland Katie Rundio Hope Thompson
Staff Writers: Hannah Ashbury Autumn Bockhol Constance Burnam Leona Eckert Spencer Elhart Blase Gapinski Annaka Hansen Addison Haworth
-Hayden Graves ‘18
“I don’t want it. I like using Snapchat and I don’t want to pay for it.” -Reegan Graham ‘21
“I think we should keep it because smaller businesses can grow because bigger businesses have an unfair advantage.” -Abby Gratton ‘21
“Y $8. ou mu 99 st this to ac pay site cess ”
this and limit the overall spectrum of net neutrality. To stream a video, go onto a website, use social media, map a route on a phone, or perhaps even play a game, the price could potentially vary if the vote is in favor of undoing the knot that was tied in 2015. Companies like AT&T, Comcast and Verizon would be able to block websites or content they don’t agree with or other applications that compete with their own company. ince the Internet was invented, there Ending net neutrality will ensure that has been controversy over how it only the rich have access to information, should be used, who has control over while people of color, minorities, and those it, and who should profit from this control. who live in poverty will only have access In this day and age, the Internet is used for to information they can afford. This is a practically everything; banking accounts, guarantee of deepening the divide that social media, navigation, applying for jobs, keeps marginalized groups separate from filling out college applications, communica- the elite. A recent poll by the University of tion, shopping, entertainment, and more. Maryland’s Program for Public ConsultaIn 2015, the Federal Communications tion shows that 83% of Americans do not Commission ruled in favor of net neutrality approve of removing the neutrality. under Title II of the Communications Act The Occidentalist staff believes that all of 1934 and Section 706 of the Telecommu- people deserve freedom of the Internet, nications Act of 1996. Net neutrality is the and all should have equal access. Net concept in which Internet service providers neutrality should remain open and free are required to treat all data on the Internet to all citizens of the United States. When the same, and not charge variously by who the FCC votes on whether to eliminate the user is, the type of equipment being net-neutrality, they should consider what used, method of communication, content, the public wants, not the profits of the orplatform, or application. ganizations that will profit from changing On Dec. 14, the FCC plans to overturn the current laws.
The
ugl y TRUTH
S
From the Editorial
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Knowing Native American Issues 03 Addison Haworth’21 haworthadd26@tcapsstudent.
hours with 35 students.
Constance Burnam’18 burnamcon95@tcapsstudent.
“I think Mrs. hicks has supported me well
T
by giving me opportunities
people from discrimination based on
“And she also funds sports I
race, color or national origin in programs
played and helped with graduation
that receive federal financial assistance.
stuff.”
he Indian Education program
advance my education by do-
is funded by Title Six, a Civil
ing the homework support
Rights Act of 1964 that protects
groups,” Heintzelman said.
the Indian program helps students who are at least ⅛ Native American by supporting their learning. “I feel like
Thanksgiving in a differ-
Disease had killed all of the people in
ent mind set than most
the village, so now they had somewhere to
Americans who were
stay, which eventually became Plymouth.
led to believe that the holiday was to
The Pilgrims claimed that God had killed
celebrate a big feast between the
the Indians so they would have a place to
Pilgims and the indians who
stay. Tisquantum’s graveyard village had
came to help them. Native Americans would say that the
tion program receives
“I feel like having that support group is good because you have people to relate to and make connections with people of your ethnicity.”
history textbook assessment
$200 in scholarship
is wrong.
money for every
deep in the archives of history that have
didn’t trust him either. Massasoit had an idea to ally with the
been forgotten. The misconception
Europeans and set up a trade system
of what happened has been taught
so that the Pilgrims wouldn’t attack the
ing, have a GPA of 2.0,
around the country for decades.
village. On March 22, 1621, Massasoit
The money
What was viewed as a peaceful
brought Tisquantum to translate between
memory of two diverse peoples
the Native Americans and the Pilgrims.
sharing a meal, was really what
can be used
lead to a brutal genocide of Native
to support
But Massasoit was right when he decided not to trust Tisquantum as he
Americans.
students
tried to make the Pilgrims go against Mas-
The history from the Native American
sasoit. Eventually the Pilgrims were upset
point of view involves “Tisquantum”
with him because he wasn’t fulfilling their
ing for
(known as Squanto in the Miscon-
demands, so they decided to kill him. But
things such
ception story) who was kidnapped
Tisquantum stayed and helped set up for
in pay-
as extracurricular
there is only
Tisquantum, but he stayed with Mas-
good academic stand-
attendance.
-Mckayla Heintzelman ‘18
Other villages didn’t really trust
attend, are in
and maintain good
being native
now become a base for the Pilgrims.
sasoit, a local Wampanoag leader who
The truth about Thanksgiving lies
year that they
it’s important because
manently.
by an Englishman to be sold into
winter with the Pilgrims.
a select few of native Americans in our
and other extra academic
slavery (along with many more Wam-
school,” Mckayla Heintzelman ‘18 said.
resources, including paying
panoag people). But it caused quite a
Pilgrims we stable enough to have a feast.
“So I feel like having that support group
for driver’s education and
commotion when he came into town,
Massasoit showed up with almost 100
is good because you have people to relate
graduation gear.
and a large group of Christians put
The Grand Traverse
to and make connections with people of your ethnicity.” Indian Education Specialist Mary Kay
Eventually fall had come and the
men. Edward Winslow, a Pilgrim leader,
a stop to it. Eventually he made it
also showed up with many more men
Band works with Hicks to put
out of slavery and to England,
along with many guns. The men fired
on four college visits each
and eventually back to Massa-
their guns in an attempt to scare them.
Hicks considers her role a “resource
year and students who
person” for the Native American students
qualify can attend to
that attend West. The program initially ran only in the elementary schools until 2012, when Cathy Bingham-Olson ap-
Education also has an
proached Hicks to ask if she would
after school homework
be interested in running the program at the high school level as well. In the beginning, Hicks was only at the high
encourages cultural appreciation by
school eight hours a week with only 19
holding classes and extra activities where
In the past Pilgrims would show up
students, but since then, the growth in
students can learn about authentic Native
and trade with the Native Americans, but
Americans relate Thanksgiving to the
the program has her now working 16
American foods, celebrations, and beading.
none had really wanted to stay. Often
European invasion that culminated in the
Native Americans would force Pilgrims
death of 30 million native people.
chusetts in 1619.
In the end both sides sat down and ate.
But, while Tisquantum was gone, a
But, with word spreading about paradise
learn about higher educa-
deadly epidemic of hepatitis had swept
in New England, many European settlers
tion opportunities. Indian
across his area of New England. Tisquan-
came to take land.
tum went back to his home, but only
The rest of the years were filled with
to find that he was the only survi-
war, broken treaties, murder of innocent
club to support student
vor of his village. This had been
people, and land taken without reason -
learning. The program also
caused by the Pilgrims bringing
all only to end in more war.
over new diseases.
The history of the Native American people is long and brutal. Many Native
GUNS
New law allows fo the class r concealed wea rooms pons in
in schoo ls
Annaka Hansen’19 hansenann37@tcapsstudent.net
I
n 2012, just four days after the Sandy Hook Elementa-
Dekuiper ‘18 said. “But in a situation where
the district has assigned police officers to man-
ry School shooting, Senator Rick Snyder vetoed a bill
there was a criminal in the school, I would feel safer know-
age the campuses, but recently, they hasn’t had
that allowed concealed carry in public areas such as
ing a security guard or my teacher has a gun on them to be
schools because it did not allow schools to ban weapons
the funds necessary to carry on the practice. “School resource officers, or like a deputy assigned to a
able to protect us.”
on campus. This year, Senate bills 584 and 586 had come
Principal Joe Esper argues that the state doesn’t consult
school, are great for school safety, drug awareness, and a
into consideration, similar to the last one in all ways, ex-
school districts enough in making laws that could have
lot of other proactive things,” Esper said. “Schools in Tra-
cept giving school districts the ability to choose whether
such a large impact on their schools.
verse City have had that on and off in the past few years
these bills were passed, 25-12.
“One of the issues I have is that when the Senate talks about these issues, they don’t talk to schools enough,”
Views throughout the state on the topic are divided.
Esper said. “I don’t know what lobbying groups and other
and the reason for that is because there’s not enough funding from the state for it.” While the law is meant to protect students in an
While some feel safer with licensed gun carriers in
types of groups they’re talking to, but they’re certainly not
emergency situation, some feel unsafe or unsure about
schools, others feel scared by the potentially dangerous
talking to schools enough.”
the risks involved. Although the Senate’s intentions may
situations that could come from having weapons on
To become certified to carry a concealed weapon, one
be good, the country still faces many issues with gun
campus. Students and staff have very strong opinions,
must undergo eight hours of training in addition to the
violence, and it is unclear whether these bills are a step in
regardless of which side they are on .
training required to receive a concealed pistol liscense, or
the right or wrong direction. At the five year anniverisary
be a certified firearms instructor. In prior years, however,
of Sandy Hook, the debate about guns is still prominent.
“Having guns in schools isn’t my favorite idea,” Cassidy
Quarkmine
New business offers STEM opportunities for students of all ages The business name isn’t the only
Skye Payberg’19 paybergsky16@tcapsstudent.net
thing about Quarkmine that has people’s interest. The makers-space is currently located in a 30 foot tall
Teacher Phillip Leete resigned from
in to learn about sodering, coding,
pyramid in the upstairs of Logan’s
his job at West Senior High as a
and building electronics. Quarkmine
Landing off of South Airport Rd.
robotics teacher to fulfill his dream
also offers assistance to schools like
Logan’s Landing is having its
of creating Quarkmine with his col-
Elk Rapids, Suttons Bay, Kingsley,
comeback after years of consider-
league Dan McDougall. The idea for
for their robotics programs.
ation on whether to close it, and
Quarkmine started four years ago,
Leete and McDougall pondered
new businesses are coming in as the
when he wanted to reach out to oth-
the business name for a while, and
ers and teach them about robotics
when McDougall discovered that
and technology.
Google recently turned “quark” into
looking for options that she can
a word, they knew they had a name.
explore when she heard about
Quarkmine offer’s service to students and adults of all ages and
“Google recently turned Quark
buildings are rennovated. Christina Reitzel ’21 has been
Quarkmine.
gives them a chance to learn and ex-
into a word meaning small atom.
plore the world of robotics and tech-
Mine is for the first two letters of
that I would like to pursue in the
nology. Besides working in the lab
our middle names,” Leete said. “It
future,” she said. “I look forward to
to create, there are lessons throught
catches the eye, and it stands out
be able to discover and explore what
the week that anyone can participate
from all the other businesses.”
they offer.”
“Quarkmine seems like an option
Gracie Noller ‘20 works with elementary level students at Quarkmie where they learn to build their own robots. Photo: A. Hansen
The Occidentalist
or not they will allow guns on their campuses. On Nov. 8,
News
Education
N
time, the Europeans wanted to stay per-
ative Americans spent
Every student in the Indian Educa-
The federal grant money that comes to the school for
to
to leave if they stayed too long. But this
r am
r
K P Prog te fo i m or proving shel o K fic d r hs an e t pa am pr d h at ntry ar i ge o d f r o p r i n s cold ng the br ste uct zen ovi th in c s d d e th ing t f c ha f e l o e p h o h a t o r o o d s b o o u n r ge s a a r d a n me st t u s xe s e of Th e w t he t r y ne u de de n a nd d , c l i n t h an g o e cl e c e l i r b d u e d n t s t s . sh othi loth c om a c k r i n g e d s w h I t h y g ne d f ar irts ng ing e p a s u p o i s i e n , s ne e in , sh like pan t o c k s i x t h pl i w a n s u g e to ed ne oe sh try u s e . A ho e s g t t l the cold winter months approach, th of ed s, ort p o o e c cl of et s, ro t h l s t u u r a t o tee vid e ou oth th c. n d many are excited to be drinking hot ns in em for -sh es p a e n d d n ts eli g t . chocolate by the fireplace. It is hard to imagine ng he If stu irts, ona t r y d a y offi a st en sw ted . not having a warm and cozy bed, but for some, wonderce re a ude ts eat fo sk nt th ing where they are going to sleep next will be their biggest r a ed is at ss ist to g in worry this winter. an o ce . It is estimated that nearly 100 people live on the streets in Grand Traverse County, and almost 200 students in the TCAPS school district struggle with housing issues. The recent opening of the Safe Harbor Homeless Shelter is committed to changing those numbers. “What we provide is temporary overnight shelter during the colder months,” Safe Harbor Board mont
Beari
om
m un
fo rt
ity
an d
Chairman, Mike McDonald said. “The shelter that is provided includes a bed, evening meal, and access to showers. The shelter is open from six in the evening to eight in the morning.” The shelter is doing all they can to keep people safe and warm this winter. “The shelter, for one, has kept people from potentially freezing to death, which there have been instances of before the shelter opened,” McDonald said. Although the shelter is doing their part to help the Grand Traverse community, there is a required age of 18 to get into the shelter, so along with Safe Harbor, there are other shelters like Pete’s Place and the Goodwill Inn that are accessible to families and younger teens.
The Students in Transition Empower-
sc
ho ol s
classes. Students that are in housing
fied students in housing transitions
work, aggression, not eating lunch,
ment Program (STEP) is committed to
transitions are not necessarily living
at TC West. STEP provides things
or sleeping in class, in order to try
working with high school students that
on the streets, they just don’t have
like
and identify student who may need
are in housing
TCAPS has identified more than 200 students struggling with housing issues
transitions, and get them the shelter and resources that they need. Almost 45% of students in STEP say that
clothing, food, hygiene prod-
the advantage of fixed housing
ucts, and transportation to
and the resources that comes
and from school.
with such
Stu-
situations.
dents may
“STEP
not know
help.
students are
that some-
couch surf-
one sitting
ing, over-
next to
crowded,
them in
There has been an estimated 2,100 Safe Harbor volunteers
“We want to make sure that if students have to move they can stay at West, so we have transportation, free lunch and
they are in transition
doubled-up, living
class is having hav-
breakfast, tutoring, hygiene products,
because of financial issues, and 36%
in hotels, motels,
ing issues, but the
and we can help with school supplies
say that their immediate need is hous-
campers, camp-
district is committed
and fees,” Scalise said.
ing.
grounds, shel-
“A lot of times there’s just a lot
to looking for signs
ters, unsuitable
of uncertainty that goes on, where
housing,” Scalise
they’re going to be or stay and they get
said. “Sometimes
paralyzed by it,” STEP specialist, Jann
students live
Scalise said.
someplace with no
When a student lacks a safe place to
windows or heat.”
sleep or has no regular source of food to eat, they are likely to struggle in their
There are currently 37 identi-
Chance Wakefield ‘20 wakefielcha36@tcapsstudent.net
T
Students can donate to the Goodwill bins by the Titan School Store. When the bins get full, Goodwill picks them up and donates gas cards that can be given to students in need.
Helping students who struggle
that a
with unstable housing to stay in
student is struggling,
school can ensure they will find
the school staff
success after high school. When
looks for students
students are living in crisis, planning
who struggle with
just two days ahead becomes a chal-
things like numerous
lenge, and the STEP program wants
absences, incomplete
to help these students meet their
or missing school-
educational needs.
Going Green
marijuana.” Mark Bak, Director of
oking. Smoking. Taking Medicine. No
gan ballot. According to their website, the mission of
TCAPS Safety and
matter what you call it, using medi-
the organization is to “end marijuana prohibition in
Security said. As
cally prescribed marijuana just got a
Michigan and establish a system in which marijuana
medical mari-
bit more difficult in the area. At the
is regulated and taxed similarly to alcohol.”
same time, things are looking up for pot smokers who don’t have medical cards.
juana can be found
Either way, these two separate events will have an
in student’s homes if
enormous effect on Michigan residents.
Since 2008, residents of Michigan have been
As they consider the issues, Michiganders are
parents struggle with a chronic illness or are growers, the district has to
able to light up, as long as they are legally reg-
looking toward Colorado, where legalizing marijua-
istered to smoke marijuana for medical rea-
na has had many positive effects on their economy.
“If a student gets pulled out of the classroom
The tax revenue Colorado collects have been
in the event of an alerted K-9, by no means, and
sons. The Department of Licensing
The Occidentalist
Safe Harb
.n et
A ro lyss l an a R da ol ly6 an 0@ d ‘2 tca 0 ps stu de nt
wi nt er
rin gf or c
Ho m es
Local News
he co ld
A
STE
Ca
04
approach drug dog searches differently.
and Regulatory Affairs is respon-
so plentiful that one county used the
we can’t stress this enough, it doesn’t mean that
sible for looking at
$445,000 it collected to send students to
the student is guilty,” Bak said. “It just means the
Michigan’s Medical
college, and other money went to fund
dog took interest in the item it was sniffing. The
Marijuana laws, and the
public schools. The taxes collected on
students could go to parties, they can bring their
department set a deadline
marijuana provides more money for the
jacket or backpack where illegal things might be
that all dispensaries must
state and its communities, and the citi-
shut down by Dec. 15
zens there are reaping the rewards. Last year
while they look to chang-
Colorado had employed more than 28,000 with
going on, the scent will stay on your clothes, and even if you can’t smell it dogs have a sense of smell greater than us, so you wouldn’t have to be around
ing the laws involving the process
occupational licenses, which may have contributed
a student smoking marijuana very long to get the
of getting a license for Medical marijuana use for
to the U.S. News & World Report to rank Colorado’s
scent on you.” Even with all the changes coming in
supplying and growing. Other campaigns have
state economy as number one in the nation.
the future, it looks as if TCAPS will keep up normal
made waves as well, such as the Coalition to
While Michigan is sorting through the legalization
procedures for dealing with students who alert a
Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol. The organiza-
of marijuana, there have been some differences in
K-9. Even with all these campaigns for recreational
tion has surpassed their goal of 360,000 signa-
the school since medical use became legal.
use, and for updating the laws, there is no doubt
tures to allow recreational use of marijuana in
“At TCAPS we are trying to send a message that
in my mind that whatever the state government
Michigan, and has turned it into the Secretary of
we are not trying to bring those substances into
or even the federal decide to do, will cause a huge
State to have the issue placed on the 2018 Michi-
this environment, even including the laws around
impact,” Bak said.
Holding Hickory on to
The community works to continue local ski resort renovations
for the 2019 ski season,” President and Co-founder of Preserve Hickory, Laura Ness said. “It will cost 4 million dollars.” Preserve Hickory has already raised over $2.0 million through the generous contributions of individuals,
Logan Maloney ‘20 maloneylog30@tcapsstudent.net
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The new activities and improvements planned for Hickory are guided by a master plan that was
foundations and local businesses. With the required outside match secured from Preserve Hickory.
ith the first snowflakes flying,
developed in 2014 with extensive community input.
students are suiting up to head
Planned improvements include: a new lodge and
practices and team events. As a public park, skiing is
to the nearest slopes.
parking, new terrain park, expanded ski terrain,
very affordable and other recreational activities like
Hickory Hills Ski slope first
lighting with a new learner’s area, expanded disc
disc golf are free.
opened in the winter of 1952, on 12 City- owned
golf, new Nordic ski, hiking and running trails,
acres. Since then the city has expanded it to 125
including a universally accessible trail, a sledding
owned acres. Eventually, snow making equipment
hill and a ropes course in the works.
Traverse City West relies on Hickory for programs,
“Since Hickory first opened in 1952, over 30,000 children have learned to ski at Hickory,” Ness said. Many people around the community want to preserve
was installed so that six of the eight runs can be
While some preliminary construction and site
used by local skiers. In 2010, the non-profit Pre-
work might be underway, Hickory will be open as
look to be a hot spot this winter season and many to
serve Hickory was created to raise funds and aware-
usual this winter.
come. It is a great place for friends, families, and teams
ness to keep the park up and running.
“We expect construction to be completed in time
Hickory Hills. With the renovations, Hickory Hills will
to learn to ski and snowboard and have fun.
$chool with a $alary
05
Students learning about starting a new business are also learning what it means to earn a paycheck Holly Yoder ‘19 yoderhol87@tcapsstudent.net
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through Northern Michigan just north of Traverse City. The students designed sweatshirts and long sleeve Tshirts that include a logo with a life preserver around the lower and upper peninsulas of Michigan. The sweatshirts sold for $35 and the Long
sleeve Tshirts for $20. Students in the class approached potential buyers to take orders, and also sold during the lunches and online. Part of the business included choosing a cause to support, and after some research the class chose to donate a dollar to The Alliance for the Great Lakes for every
Mrs. Minor and two student mediators, Maddie Ross and Maisy Majerczyk, discuss problem-solving in the Mediation Center one morning. Photo: H. Thompson
Mediation Nation Resolving conflicts at school is now easier than ever
Evelyn Majszak ‘19 majszakeve91@tcapsstudent.net
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Sales-Service-Financing-New & Used ONLY THE BEST 3464 N. U.S. 31 South Traverse City, MI 49684 (866) 799-1016
A student investigates the “Common Application” website to learn more about applying to colleges. Photo: C. Smallwood
College Application
OVERLOAD
Students struggle to complete their college applcation to get into their perfect school Billy Jo Kyser ‘19 kyserbil92@tcapsstudent.net
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pplication season is here and colleges are on the lookout. Seniors strive to make the perfect application to apply to the university of their dreams. Many students and people looking into college don’t always consider the less thought of concepts to look into. There is more to a college than just the program they provide. “The list can vary widely, but there is more than just the program to choose, you should consider location, size, cost, and setting,” Counselor Tom Ford said. Among the list of things that matter most on their application include grade point average and SAT and ACT test scores are near the top of the list. Also, taking more rigorous classes, like honors and AP will boost a student’s chances at getting into the school of their choice. “If your grades freshman year are not great but you show growth, that will look good,” Hayden Graves ‘18 said. “Above all, colleges want to see you challenging yourself.” It’s not just grades that are key, however. Colleges tend to seek personality and are looking for candidates that are well rounded. The amount of applications sent in to admissions office is immense, so the college essays areessential for making applicants stand out. “It’s hard to see someone’s personality behind all of the numbers, so that’s why the essays are super important,” Graves said. Graves is applying to U of M, Franklin University Switzerland, Middlebury College, George Washington University, Northwestern, and has been accepted to Michigan State University. “It’s hard to tell what they want from you, it’s a constant mind game of What do they want from me? Will I be enough? What more can I do to prove myself?” Graves said. “Schools like U of M, for example, are known for being ‘the leaders and the best’, so it should be clear to the applicant that admission is looking for people demonstrating strong leadership skills.” Students are turning to Common Application, which allows students to complete one application that can be sent to more than 700 schools. According to the Common Application website, The total number of applications submitted through Nov. 1 was 1,518,131, which is an increase of 20% from the year before. Students applying to colleges on The College Application site can also complete the FAFSA forms to apply for scholarships and financial aid. Also, applying “early decision” can often provide a noticeable bump to a students’ chances of getting into their number one choice if they are willing to commit to that school from the start.
The Occidentalist
tudents having problems with their peers or teachers now have options. Student mediation is a place where students and teachers can get help when there is a conflict. They meet in the Mediation Center located in the library. Mediation, by definition, means to intervene in a dispute in order to resolve it. All problems dealt with in the Mediation Center are strictly confidential and will not be discussed with others outside of the mediator and the people involved in the issue. The Student Mediation program is run by students and supervised by librarian, Genevieve Minor. “The practice comes from the Restorative Justice movement and the idea behind it is that we don’t need to be punished for the things that we do wrong or the mistakes that we make,” Minor said. “We need to fix [the problems], we need to repair those mistakes that we’ve done.” Minor feels that the current education system does not lend itself to a “repair and rebuilding”. The new program is designed to help students resolve issues before they escalate into more serious issues, and pairs student mediators who are trained to understand the types of conflicts that arise between their peers.
A typical mediation meeting puts those in conflict on one side of the table and on the other is the mediator. All involved have a chance to give their side of the story, by giving their “statement”. The mediators will then paraphrase back to gain some understanding of what the problem is. Each person involved gets to talk and respond until there’s nothing left to talk about. The mediator will then ask the students involved what they need to do in order to solve the conflict. Settling disputes can range from saying “I’m sorry” or for a more serious infraction, like theft, giving back or paying for the item. The mediators will then write up an agreement for all involved, and when all is said and done, the conflict should be resolved and a process laid out to move forward. Being a mediator is a serious job that requires training. Students who are picked complete a three day training over the summer or, if they didn’t hear about it until school started, they are trained for twentyone hours after the school year begins. A list of mediators can be found outside the Mediation Center. Any student or staff who recognizes a conflict at school can contact Ms. Minor, Ms. Olsen, or their neighborhood principal to request a mediation meeting.
sweatshirt and t-shirt sold. Student Andrew Richardson ’18 is grateful for the real work experience the class is giving him. “Nowadays in highschool you see a lot of classes that are teaching you things that might not necessarily apply to basic life skills,” he said. “This class teaches not only essential information, but life skills as well. It takes a great amount of optimism to be able to function with a group of people. They get a feel for the necessary balance between optimism and leadership.” Richardson plans on incorporating what he has learned in the business class into his own career one day. “It’s one thing to just take the class, but it’s another thing to take everything that you’re learning and apply it,” Richardson he said. Mrs. Dakoske’s Business class isn’t just about learning content and testing on it. Instead, it’s about acquiring skills that are essential for everyday life. Students in her class experience optimism, teamwork, support, gain communication and leadership skills, become better organizers, and learn how to handle responsibility while problem-solving. Students leaving her class have the soft-skills required to function in the real world, and are also have a little extra pocket change as reward for their hard work.
School News
tudents in Mrs. Dakoske’s “Marketing; How to start a Business” class take home not only homework, but also a paycheck. “We learn textbook type material on what it’s going to take to start a business and run a business,” Dakoske said. “Then we actually apply it by starting a business, coming up with a product we want to sell, the name of the company, how we’re going to sell it, and then selling it. Selling is the big thing.” While the curriculum is taught by Mrs. Dakoske, the students take the lead and build a business together by applying what Dakoske has taught them. Volunteers from the Junior Achievement Program come and mentor the students in the process of starting their business. Students earn a paycheck , which is distributed by the Junior Achievement Program, for their work, but also income for commission on each product they sell, which is a great motivator for students to get out and sell their wares. Working through disputes within the company helps to build life skills. After debating through each detail of the product, students came up with a unique way of showing support for saving the Great Lakes. Their company name, 45° NORTH, was chosen because of the parallel running
Curtains Drawn
06
The Crucible plays again, more than 50 years after original showing Hope Thompson ‘20 thompsonhop04@tcapsstudent.net
The Occidentalist
Marvel Villain: Hela Alias: No known other name BACKSTORY:Hela was born in Jotunheim, the land of the giants. She is the child of Loki (albeit a different incarnation who died during a previous Asgardian Ragnarok) and the giantess Angrboda. When she came of age, Odin appointed her as the Goddess of the Dead, giving her sovereignty over the dead in the realms of Hel and Niflheim. POWERS: Asgardian Physiology, Superhuman Strength, Superhuman Durability, Superhuman Stamina, Superhuman Speed, Superhuman Agility, Supernatural Connection, Life and Death Manipulation, Weapon Manifestation, Structure Manifestation, Armor Manifestation, Necromancy, Master Combatant, Master Sword woman, Arcane Lore Expert, Leader
DC Hero: The Flash Alias: Barry Allen BACKSTORY; Before he was the Flash, Barry Allen was a simple forensic scientist for the Central City police department, until lightning struck in the most literal sense. Barry was struck by lightning while he was in his lab, the force of the shock blew him back into a cabinet full of chemicals, knocking him out. When Barry woke up he had super speed, and he decided to use his powers to stop crime and hopefully free his father from prison. POWERS: Super Speed. aN Interesting fact about the hero: Barry isn’t the only Flash. There’s Jay Gerrick, the original Flash who was given his powers by the Greek god Hermes. Barry has a sidekick, Wally West, who is known as Kid Flash. In the comics, when Barry died, Wally took up his mentor’s mantle and became the Flash, and was even faster than Barry ever was.
Who would win: DC or Marvel? Vote @ the link below
https://tinyurl.com/OcciPoll2017
“I do get bruises quite often and so do some of the other girls that have to throw themselves around,” said Ella Stewart ‘20, one of the girls who plays Mary Warren. These injuries only attest to the level of devotion this cast has to the play. The cast, crew, and pit have all sacrificed hours of their time to make this show the spectacle that it was. “It is literally blood, sweat, and tears that we’ve put into this show,” said Kostrzewa. In addition to blood, sweat, and tears, the cast has put their hearts into the show as well. The emotion they bring to the stage is honest and real, so striking that it makes the audience’s own feelings come to the surface in response. “My goal is to give one person chills. My opening night I made a person in the audience sob with the last scene, so I was like ‘Oh, yes!’” said Quigley. The performances were altogether astounding, impressing the audience and the cast members themselves. Ultimately, the phenomenal way in which the actors and actresses displayed the heavy emotions and darkness of the show gives justice to Arthur Miller’s timeless piece.
Spencer Elhart ‘19 elhartspe12@tcapsstudent.net
Justice League, the The acting in the movDC film made to ie was phenomenal. Gal rival Marvel’s The Gadot, who plays WonAvengers, did just der Woman, especially that. hit it out of the park. The There are five big fight scenes in this film heroes in this team, were almost perfectly choat least three of which reographed, and the music should be instantly was spectacular. recognizable to the auThe main plot of the story dience: Wonder Womwas the team trying to stop a an, Batman, The Flash, villain named Steppenwulf, Cyborg, and last but not better known as the Planet least, Aquaman. Destroyer. He’s an interesting Batman and Wonder character, and had a true vilWoman, who had already lainous aura about him. He felt been introduced in the DC like a really good challenge for Extended Universe, play the newly formed hero team to their roles in making the face off against. team perfectly, and help adFor fans of DC, the movie also vance the story with traits they has small hints towards other exhibit in past movies. movies that may or may not be The new cast of characters introduced to the movie universe includes Aquaman (the trident sometime in the future. yielding Atlantian with a super For example, there is a scene destrength), Cyborg (the half-man picting a Robin suit in the Batcave. half-machine with a genius level The uniform has ‘The joke’s on you, intellect), and the Flash (the man Bat,’ painted on it, hinting that the with a fast mouth and even faster Joker may have killed Robin in the feet, and my personal favorite). past.
UE
Meet the Leads
Elizabeth Proctor, experienced firsthand. “One of the things that’s really special about my role is just how strong Elizabeth is as a character. She forgives her husband for cheating on her,” Kostrzewa said. The other actress who plays Elizabeth Proctor, Elisa Quigley ‘18, was especially moved by the compassion that her character had for her husband as he went to hang. “The sheer emotion that goes with it, the bawling my eyes out at the end of the show, that’s what’s special about it,” Quigley said. Elizabeth Proctor’s husband, John Proctor, is not only a cheater, but also a very violent man, which created another level of intensity in the play. “There’s certain scenes where John Proctor throws women onto the ground and screams in their face,” said Jack Rusinowski ‘20, who portrayed John Proctor. “As much as that’s really awkward, you have to do it because it’s what’s required to do the show well.” The scenes that Rusinowski addressed have led to some mishaps and injuries for the actresses who are attacked by Rusinowski’s character or other characters.
Just AG ice
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rthur Miller’s The Crucible is timeless. Not only for the profound, tragic emotions it evokes in anyone who reads it or watches it on stage, but for its dark themes of adultery, violence, perjury, and unjustified persecution. The cast of West Senior High School’s The Crucible portrayed these sinister matters with sincerity and talent while showing how Arthur Miller’s menacing themes are prevalent in more modern times as well as in earlier eras. “It’s not in 1692 puritan Salem,” Grace Loftus ‘18, Student Director of The Crucible, said. “We dropped the whole colonial America vibe and brought it into the fifties.” The time change to the fifties brought even more meaning to this production, as it made The Crucible’s relevance to more modern times obvious for the audience. “It shows how Arthur Miller’s themes, the allegories that he uses, and everything he addresses can translate to literally any time period you want to use it in,” said Avery Kostrzewa ‘18, who played Elizabeth Proctor in the show. Kostrzewa mentioned themes like include adultery and cheating, which is something that Kostrzewa’s character,
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Arts & Entertainment
Desaré Ferris ’19 and Hayden Holmes ’18 act as Tituba and John Hale respectivally. Jack Rusinowski ‘20 plays John Proctor. Women claimed to be witches point up, as if blaming a spirit. Photo Credit: K. Rundio.
Sol Medwed-Cohen ‘21 medwedsol84@tcapsstudent.net ment through its colorful comedy com-
However, there were a few problems. One of the biggest downfalls is the rush of the characters and story. Justice League comes into the DC Universe too early, before audiences get to know Cyborg and Aquaman. The film introduces a lot of characters in a short amount of time, which makes it difficult for the audience to get attached to the characters. Right as the audience is getting to know them the movie ends. In comparison, before The Avengers was released, Marvel had already created stand alone movies for half of the team, leading to fans already having a connection to the characters. The plot also felt rushed. It would’ve been an amazing story if only it had been in two parts, or built up to more. Despite its downfalls, what the movie does well, it does amazingly. This movie was leagues above Batman v Superman.
get to be the villain that she deserved bined with intense battle scenes that to be. Still, her action scenes were are action-packed. marvelous, so all can be forgiven. Thor: Ragnarok, the next chapSpoiler Alert: Thor: Ragnorok is simiLoki is back, helping his brother, ter answers the question “Where lar to the original Thor, in that Thor Thor, while looking like he could still were Thor and Hulk during the gets cast down into an unfamiliar be up to his old tricks. Civil War?” planet and has to live without his The best character of the movie While Tony and Captain America hammer. is Korg, played by director Taika were battling it out, Thor was hangThor then meets a girl, has to go Waititi. ing in chains on the other side of the back to Asgard, and when he reThe duality between Hulk and universe, which is where the movie turns he has to fight a family memBruce Banner is different in this opens. ber on the rainbow bridge. movie, so fans get a new look The story’s villain, Hela, has come to It’s almost exactly the same into their favorite green hero. take Asgard, the home of the gods, and movie, although this one is more While the movie is filled with will destroy anyone who gets in her way. comedic and includes an appearentertaining moments and huAlthough this sounds serious, director ance from Hulk. mor, it could have a stronger Taika Waititi has made one of the funniest An added benefit to Ragnorok emotional content. Marvel movies to date. are the new characters, includThe point of Thor: Ragnarok The tone and mood always stays extremeing the Grandmaster (Jeff Golddeals with troubled pasts and ly light so if you’re looking for some serious blum), Skurge (Karl Urban) as selfish rulers, and the only soemotional depth, you’ve come to the wrong the character who doesn’t know lution is revolution. place. what side to take, and Valkyrie The Asgardians must deBut if Marvel fans just want to have a great (Tessa Thompson), the lone stroy the Foundation, and time, Ragnorok should bring loads of enjoyAsgardian warrior who’s lost start over. They must move faith. on as a new family because While Cate Blanchett is an Asgard isn’t a place, it’s a amazing actress, she didn’t people.
THOR:
Ragnarok
Strong Security The school security team brings together some new faces with experienced staff who have been at West since school opened Blase Gapinski`21 gapinskibla42@tcapsstudent.net
Coast Guard veteran Karol Garrison moved from teaching to patrolling. He had been working as a substitute, but his unique background made him an ideal candidate for the position. “I was in the Coast Guard and I used to be in the Helicopters,” Garrison said. “One time we had to bust some drug runners off the coast of California coming from Mexico. We had to fly all the way down to Mexico and track down these boats and stop them.” Garrison’s military experience prepared him for any trials he could face as a security guard. “I want to be able to have everyone’s back and make sure students are where they’re supposed to be.” John Scott is the newest member to the security staff as of this fall. “I wanted to be a security guard so I could help with the kids,” Scott said. “Working here as security is really fun. Before I joined here I was a part of the US Forest Service. My main priority is to keep all of the kids safe.”
Heather Mathie has been a security staff member for eight years, and all four of her children have graduation from West. Mathie had plenty of experience before coming to West. “I worked at NMC, then I raised four wonderful children and I worked at Long Lake Elementary,” she said. The way Mathie sees things, there is never a dull moment at a high school. “What I like most about working at West is just about everything,” she said. “I love getting to know the students, the staff here is an amazing and inspiring group to work with. I like the hustle and bustle of a busy school. It is also nice that there are so many activities and clubs available for students to be involved in.”
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Autumn Bockhol ‘20 bockholaut88@tcapsstudent.net
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our couples fill eight teaching positions, and another will soon join the ranks. The Rennies, Nollers, Rosenburgs, and Rintalas juggle family, grading papers, and staff meetings between driving the kids to school, watching sporting events, and ushering kids to ballet rehearsals. Of course, working together while living together can pose its problems, but the four couples at West manage to balance their work and home lives. “Yes [refraining from talking to each other about work] is difficult,” History teacher Jeremy Rintala said. “We try to make a point that we wait till our daughters go to bed, but it’s not always easy knowing that we have a lot of the same problems. His wife, English teacher Kelly Rintala agreed. “It is hard because not only are we both teachers, but we teach at the same school,” she said. “We make a really good point and enforce that we don’t talk about school as much as possible. We talk about other things. We have to remind each other all the time.” The Rintalas have been married for 14 years. English teacher Shannon Rennie married Civics teacher Charles Rennie eight years ago, and finds it is not hard to avoid seeing her husband at work. “Teaching is a very isolated job, so we barely even see each other,” she said. “I travel around, so I see him maybe once a day passing by,” she said. History teacher Dan Rosenburg and Math teacher Tamie Rosenburg were colleagues before becoming a couple. “It benefits us working together as colleagues, which led to our marriage,” Mrs. Rosenburg said. “It also helps to be in the same profession. We are able to support each other.” Mr.
Rosenburg sees plenty of benefits to working with his wife who he married 19 years ago. “One thing that works for us is we know what each other does in their careers, so it’s really easy to understand where the other one is coming from,” he said. “One other benefit is if we get a snow day we are all off which is really cool.” Twenty-six years ago English teacher David Noller went back to school to earn his teaching degree and join Rachel Lardie while she was finishing up her degree at Western Michigan University to become a science teacher. The couple finds many benefits to working together. “Becuase our schedules are the same, it has been easier to manage all the activities that our kids are involved in,” Mr. Noller said. “Because we know when we will both be available, we can plan ahead and make sure our kids get as many opportunities as we can give them.” Mrs. Noller likes having her husband around so she can decompress about work with someone who understands where she is coming from. “I love that we understand exactly what each other’s jobs entail,” she said. “We can bounce ideas around, have each other’s backs, and snuggle up on snow days.” The four couples are also raising families with school-aged children. One more couple will soon join the “wedded-workers” group. English teacher Matt Griesinger and Special Education teacher Chelsea Avery got engaged over the summer. According to the website Priconomics.com, after analyzing data from the US census, lawyers, farm workers and people in education are more likely to marry someone with a similar profession.
Novel Writing Former Central teacher becomes new favorite for students Alden Wack ‘20 wackald72@tcapsstudent.net
Camryn Calderwood ‘19 and Atlas Rosenburg ‘19 cheering during a pep assembely. Submitted by: C. Calderwood
Camryn Calderwood ‘19 works with exchange students during the Multi-Cultural Club to color in a 17 foot coloring page. Submitted by: C. Calderwood
Marching toWith the beat so many
options to get involved, Camryn Calderwood wants to do them all. Kendall Marhsall ‘20 marshallken71@tcapsstudent.net
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eeping busy is what drives junior Camryn Calderwood each day. She is involved with many things, including the Drumline and the musical. She is also one of the founders of the Multicultural Exchange club, participated in Key Club, and Model UN, Peer to Peer to work with ASD students, and sings in Bella Voce during Zero Hour and in Chorale during class. “Being involved as much as I can is always kind of fun.” Calderwood said. “The busier you are the better.” While Calderwood manages to balance it all, her passion continues to be with marching with the Drumline. “Students at West are so privileged to have so many opportunities to be involved,” Calderwood said. “Drumline is my passion because it has taught me discipline. Being a part of a dedicated group of people who strive to create a successful end product requires hard work but ultimately pays off.” Drumline and marching are what Calderwood loves most, and holds a special place in her heart, even though the work it requires, especially during the short summers, is the most time consuming of all of her extracurricular events. “We spend a lot of time working really hard all throughout the summer, all throughout the school year, and we become really close,” she said. The future is looking bright for Calderwood. As she explores options for her future, she is certain the music will be a big part of it.
English teacher David Hendrix reads in his free time. Photo: A. Wack
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avid Hendrix joined the West staff after spending 14 years at Central High school. His main reason for making the switch was that he wants to spend more time with his kids, Mason, Owen, and Ethan, and looked forward to simplifying his busy schedule with the move. “My boys will start high school next year and are going to start attending West.” Hendrix said. “We have baseball during the summer, basketball during the winter, and then football in the fall along with soccer.” The transition from our cross-town rival school has been smooth. “I don’t think there is a big difference between the schools, both sets of administrative teams are very strong and have lots to add.” Hendrix said. “One of the com-
monalities is that there is a great teaching staff at both schools. Teachers here along with the other side of town really truly care about students. And more than anything there is a great student body.” It’s not just Hendrix that’s enjoying the change of scenery, many students have taken a liking to Hendrix and the way he teaches. “The best part about Hendrix’s class is that you can be more open with him.” John K’Konz ‘19 said. “He’s the awkward, funny person that’s really easy to talk to and I have a really good time in his class.” Hendrix is the author of The Fifth Finger, a suspense novel that continually earns five star ratings on Amazon and Good Reads. Many students at West are reading it during their required SSR reading time.
The Occidentalist
John Brazaski has been a part of the security staff since the school was opened in 1997. “I joined the security staff because it was a continuation of what I was I doing. I was and still am a police officer for 47 years, so it was just a natural continuation,” said Brazaski. Brazaski shows pride in his job and is focusing on keeping the students and staff safe. “If I can make any changes possible, I just want to keep all of you guys and the staff safe so they can keep doing what they are good at,” said Brazaski. Brazaski is hoping to work here as long as he can so he can continue to help people daily. “I’m supposed to be here 30 years before I can retire, but in 30 years I will be 81, but it all depends on my health,” he said.
Eight teachers make four couples on staff
Features
Cody Russell has taken on a new position in an old location. Russell is a new member of the security staff at the high school he graduated from. “It’s exciting to be able to return,” he said. “I really enjoyed my time at West, so to be given the opportunity to give back to the place that did a lot for me is really great.” Russell was also one of the Freshman Football Coaches “I wanted to be a security guard because it gave me the opportunity to watch over the football players I get to coach,” Russell said. “I’m really interested in being a head football coach. It gives me an opportunity to teach kids about the sport I love. As a security guard, I probably won’t be here for long. I’m going back to school right now to hopefully get my teaching degree here.” Russell hopes to help students have a good high school career and he wants to leave with a good, lasting impression.
Wed to Work
Different strokes
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Maddie Medler jumps in boat, leaves behind basketball and soccer Alexis Hepler ‘20 heplerale12@tcapsstudent.net
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hen sports come naturally, it is never easy to pick just one, and athletes have to make difficult choices when choosing their athletic seasons. This year, Maddie Medler ‘19 quit soccer and basketball to join the rowing team.
“I have played soccer ever since I was little and this would be my third year on Varsity,
and I was a captain on Varsity last year,” Medler said. “I have played basketball ever since because of how many injuries I have acquired from playing them. Personal Finance teacher Kim Prisk poses with her first buck at the start of rifle season this fall. Photo submitted by: K. Prisk
Opening deer day Students and teachers head to woods in hopes of getting first kill in hunting season.
I started rowing this summer just to try something new, and it was such a different kind of physical workout that I just fell in love with it. It is actually so hard, and has made me gain a lot more muscle mass. It’s actually the one sport I have played that has made me feel like I’m going to throw up from working so hard.” It was not easy to exchange two sports she both loved and was good at for rowing, but Medler has found her strength in the boat.
Sports
I was little as well and this would be my first year on Varsity. I stopped playing them
“You feel so great after a rowing practice because of how hard you’ve worked,” Medler said. “Overall it was just so refreshing for me to find something so calming yet so intense.” The number of female-only rowing teams has exploded over the last decade which
Alex Rogers ‘18 rogersale77@tcapsstudent.net
puts Medler at an advantage when applying to schools and for scholarships. Schools like Ohio State University, Michigan State University, and the University of Michigan all
H
unting in America has been a tradition since the colonies, when the colonists hunted to survive. Today hunting helps control wildlife by keeping animal populations at healthy sizes, and while most hunters use the meat from their kills, form many, hunting is also a sport. For Casey Lautner ‘18, hunting is about spending time with family. “Me and my dad were sitting in a two man stand watching a bean field with a corn field on the other side and all of a sudden it was dead calm,” he said. “It was opening morning for goose hunting, so there were guns going off, then all of a sudden there was a huge buck rifling through the corn,” Lautner said. “My dad yelled and it stopped, then I took my shot.” While in the colonial days of old it was the men that took the shot, more and more women are taking to the woods to get involved in hunting. Personal Finance teacher Kim Prisk takes part in the hunting season to provide food for the family. She hunts on her own property. “We do steaks and burger, it’s the only meat we eat,” she said. “We don’t buy beef.” From Oct. 1 to Nov. 15 students head out to bow hunt, but opening morning of Nov. 15 starts the rifle season, which could be noted in the school’s attendance as many students took the day off to head to the woods to hunt for deer. A bear and elk hunt raffle allowed selected hunters to shoot at these less common yet more restricted animals. For most hunters, it is more than just bagging a deer that matters. Students and locals generally hunt for the stories they can tell, the outdoor experience of bonding with friends or family, and for some, knowing they have meat to last them the long, cold winter months. Hunting is a key part of Northern Michigan culture and students and teachers, regardless of gender, are getting involved. Whether it is for sport, a hobby, or for food, the hunting season remains a tradition for many.
The Wrestling team split in Chippewa Hills losing 46-20 and winning 51-27. Girls Bowling won the BNC Invitational hosted at Gaylord with several bowlers placing on all Conference teams. Boys Bowling placed 5th at the BNC invitational at Gaylord. Boys Varsity Hockey beat Gaylord 2-1 on Nov. 30. Girls Varsity Basketball won against Gaylord 47-45 at Gaylord on Dec. 7. Boys Hockey forward, Mark Alekseykov, was named athlete of the week on Nov. 28 after scoring two goals in a 3-2 win against Warren De LaSalle.
rowing team.
Rowing coach Gerald Semambo and Maddie Medler sit in a boat getting ready to take action. Submitted by: K. Medler
Parker Neu ‘20 neupar39@tcapsstudent.net
T
hings were shaking up on the court on Nov. 24 at the fifth annual 24-Hour Basketball game. While the previous games were played by the boys’ teams, this year the girls jumped onto the court to show they were just as tough and could handle the rigorous program. It was their time to even the budget’s playing field. Sanders Frye. “Last year, [the boys and girls team Photo: budgets] were within $500 of each other,” Athletic Director Jason Carmien said. “It’s pretty much the same for boys and girls basketball.” As fewer fans attend the girls’ games with paid tickets, funding can be a problem throughout the season. The 24-Hour basketball game raises funds for area charities, and for the boys team, and this year, the girls basketball programs will benefit as well. Greg Immink, the former boys basketball coach started the fundraiser where community members purchase court time for their chance to play against the Titan teams, ideally, keeping a rotation of players running, dunking, and passing for 24 hours in a row. While most of the boys had experience getting donations for the game, the girls worked hard to get their teams sponsored for the first time. “I’m pretty excited because last year we weren’t allowed to participate,” girls JV player Emma Lemerand ‘20 said.
Players from the girls program designated a day to try to gain sponsorships for the game. “I walked around downtown handing out flyers and asking [businesses] if they want to sponsor an hour.” While athletes want to focus on building their strength to compete, there is an urgency to earn needed funds to support the team. The girls team sold discount cards in another fundraiser, and is planning on doing more to help pay for their needed equipment and uniforms. “Girls basketball predominantly, this year, is going to focus on their summer camps to raise money for their program,” Carmien said. Of course, the backbone of the fundraiser games are the parents. “I have helped facilitate the boys getting together and contacting businesses to obtain hours, work the event, help make food, and help set up and take down,” parent Beth Kyser said. “I do it because it’s awesome to see the community and players interact in a positive environment.” As the 24-Hour Basketball Game fundraiser gains recognition and the girls jumped onto the court to participate, the community came together to support the Titans. Carmien estimated the game would bring in about $10,000 to support the boys and girls teams, as well as give a donation to the local organization, Cancer Travels.
The Boys Varsity Basketball team returns nine players to the team. The team consists of nine seniors and five juniors. Freshman basketball swept TCSF on Dec. 11. Boys won 52-42, while the girls won 47-25. All basketball teams took play time in the 24-hour basketball fundraiser after Thanksgiving day. The event added the girls teams to the event, and local businesses paid for competition time to play against the Titans.
Left: On Dec. 13, the Hockey team played our cross town rivals, the TC Trojans in the Pink Game, and although they lost 4-2, proceeds helped fund breast cancer research. Right: Guard Sierra Perkette ‘19 brings down the ball to lead the team at a home game. Photos: K. James See Mrs. Clone in A116 to purchase your yearbook for more photos and coverage.
The Occidentalist
JV and Varsity Boys Basketball started their season at the Petoskey tip-off the weekend of Dec. 8 and 9.
ested in studying optometry through Ferris State University, where there is currently no
Girls team joins boys basketball for 24-hour game
Sports Recap
Freshman Boys Basketball won against Benzie Central 70-43 on Dec. 4.
visited the rowing program and campus at Grand Valley State, however she is also inter-
Fighting for funds
TITAN UP Anna Jarvis was named athlete of the week on Dec.6 after her performance at the BNC Bowling invitational held in Gaylord.
have funding available for female rowers, including some full rides. This past fall Medler