March Edition #1 2022

Page 8: Senior Mercedes Dittmar performs a stunt at practice

THE OCCIDENTALIST

Photo: A. Rosenburg/staff

Traverse City West High School

VOLUME XXIV, ISSUE 5

IN BRIEF T

Snowcoming Canceled

he annual Snowcoming dance, organized by student Senate, has been canceled for the second year in a row due to COVID-19 case levels. Homecoming so far has been the first and only school dance since COVID began.

Due to pandemic restrictions, Homecoming was hosted outside. In fact, the last time WSH had an indoor dance was during the 2019-2020 school year.

“Senate asked about doing a Snowcoming dance a while back. At that point, we were in the peak of the omicron surge and were seeing high numbers of COVID-positive students coming into school,” principal Joe Esper said.

“Our COVID restrictions at the time-limited assemblies and still encouraged distancing and required masking.”

Despite not being able to hold a dance during the winter months, West is continuing to plan for prom in the spring as COVID-19 cases are beginning to decrease around the county.

“We are planning on prom and would consider other dances now that COVID levels are dropping off quickly and the mask mandate has been lifted,” Esper said.

Photography teacher and prom committee advisor Melissa Clone is currently holding meetings with students to discuss plans for the upcoming event in May. This year, prom is being held on May 14 for seniors only.

Despite Snowcoming being canceled, student Senate is planning one more dance for all grade levels before the end of the year.

- Alyssa Masiewicz

A

Mask Update

fter the Jan. 10 TCAPS board meeting, the board members voted to follow the mandates set by the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department (BLDHD). This means “the decision that the TCAPS directive would expire at the same time as the universal masking public order issued by the BLDHD,” according to the TCAPS Board.

Masks are no longer required to be worn on buses, though they are still recommended for everyone’s safety.

According to the Centers for Disease (CDC), “Effective February 25, 2022, CDC does not require wearing of masks on buses or vans operated by public or private school systems, including early care and education/child care programs.”

Masks will continue to be available for students and staff. The school district will continue to follow regulations of the state and local communities and change as accordingly.

The lawsuit attempting to remove TCAPS’ ability to reinstate another mask mandate was dismissed, though the community members that funded the lawsuit are in pursuit of another lawyer.

Though students and staff are not required to wear masks anymore, the ability for the board to reinstate the mask mandate is still intact and if conditions worsen or BLDHD changes their mandates, TCAPS is set to follow.

- Ashley McFadden

CONTENTS Page 2: Opinion Should the Police be Defunded?

March 2022

Page 8: Men and womens ski team makes it to states

Page 7: Wangeman wins Michigan Music Teacher of the Year Photo Courtesy: M. Clone

Photo Courtesy: M. Cronk

Bleacher Creatures Crush the Competition West wins the MHSAA Battle of the Fans for the first time in six years Kristin Taylor ‘23 caughkri46@tcapsstudent.net

T

hey are Bleacher Creatures: they cheer, they scream, they support. This year the bleacher creatures were recognized as the best student section in the state.

Every year the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA), holds a competition called The Battle of the Fans to find the most enthusiastic student sections in Michigan. This year, West advanced to the final three student sections and won first place. West won the competition back in 2016 and got into the top three finalists in 2017.

“You can think of it as basically a state championship for student sections. A state championship is a pretty big deal for any team.

Being in the finals is already a rewarding thing because our students have done a lot this year.

They’ve been very committed and gone to a lot of games and done great in all of our student sections. Winning it [is just] a cherry on top, [it’s] awesome,” senior Patrick Guiney said.

Guiney is one of the student section leaders who help organize the section. He is also a big part of keeping the crowd entertained during half time, as he is a member of the school’s unofficial men’s dance team.

“A lot of underclassmen probably don’t know this, but the men’s dance team started in 2016 when we won Battle of the Fans, and it’s been a tradition at every West vs. Central game. This is the first year we are doing it twice because we [we’re a] Battle of the Fans finalist,” Guiney said.

Since 2016, a group of men perform a dance every year at half time during one game.

However, since West advanced to the finals this year, the students decided to have the men’s dance team perform again during the game that the judges would be at for the Battle of the Fans.

Although the men’s dance team is definitely a fan favorite, it was not the only source of entertainment during the incredible halftime show. Senior Henry Melcher had his head shaved after being in the men’s dance performance.

“I said [shaving my head] as a joke about two months ago, but then we just kinda kept going with it and then all of the sudden I just kinda had to do it. We ran out of time so he only got the front, so I had a sculet,” Melcher said.

Melcher is on the men’s dance team, shaved his head during halftime, and he was also the student

who edited and made the initial submission video and the semi-finalists video.

“My favorite part [about the game] was the men’s dance team.

My favorite chant was the ‘We are the Titans’ chant [because] that one was really loud. My least Bleacher Creatures chanting and cheering at the game against Ludington on favorite part Feb. 8. Photo: E. Whiting was almost and the sound didn’t end up working, so I passing out would fix that. Also, when the men’s dance from yelling a lot,” Melcher said. team ran out, the sound stopped for some The other two teams in the Battle of the Fans reason and it kind of ruined our dramatic finalists were Midland Dow and Buchanan. entrance, but besides that it was all good,” The judges attended a basketball game where West played against Ludington.The boys varsity Guiney said.

Guiney was one of the students most basketball team ended up winning the game involved in helping the Bleacher Creatures 71-50. win the Battle of the Fans. He also has kept “I’ve heard from multiple staff members that students excited and coming to the games. that is the biggest student section West has ever “I try to just make sure that the energy is had in the gym. I mean everything was good. We at max the entire time, even if the game’s had energy the entire time, our chants were great, not going our way. We need to try to keep our drumline did a great job, our men’s dance team put on the best halftime performance ever,” people engaged and stuff like that. I do a lot of promotion for games, not only with Guiney said. the interviews afterwards and encouraging Melcher was a little worried before the game about how the student section would turn out but people to go but also going out at lunch and just talking to kids and telling them to go to his worries would very easily be put to rest. games. Keep[ing] the energy pedal to the “I’ll be honest, it was a Tuesday night game medal the entire time,” Guiney said. against not even a conference team so usually By keeping the pedal to the medal, like [not] a lot of people go. I was a little concerned.

Guiney said, West took the win in the Battle But I would say we probably had at least [400] of the Fans this year. people. We had way more people than when we “I feel absolutely amazing, I am so proud won the first time around in 2016,” Melcher said. of everyone who has been going crazy at Between the winning score, the amazing student games all year and thankful for everyone’s section, and playing Taylor Swift during warmgreat effort. However, [the] job’s not finished, ups, West definitely made a mark that night. we need to keep up the crazy energy and “The one thing I would probably change is we were supposed to play ‘We Will Rock You’ right attendance for the rest of the year,” Guiney before the team started after player introductions said.

The Fall of the Grand Traverse Mall Local mall follows trend, becoming a thing of the past

Ainsley Rosenburg ‘22 rosenburain93@tcapsstudent.net

Page 3: In-Depth Sexism in Sports

Page 4: Local News TCPD Military Vehicle Best Winter Activities

Page 5: School News Mental Health Supports West v. Central Rivalry

Page 6: A&E “Death on the Nile” Review “Uncharted” Review Cancel Culture

Page 7: Features

No longer used as a storefront, some of the empty storefronts are now used as advertising opportunities for businesses that are still open.

Wangeman Wins Award Peer to Peer Club

A man takes a rest in front of the now-empty storefront where Hollister once stood.

Page 8: Sports Skiing to States A Great Year for Cheer

Contact Us

Facebook: wshoccidentalist Instagram: wshoccidentalist Website: wshoccidentalist.com

Jonathon B Pub’s facade stands strong while its business crumples to ashes.

Rumors of rent being too high circulated as many stores are no longer in business at the mall.

Throughout the mall, signs saying “all the feels,” cover up many of the dark reflective windows, relics of previously successful businesses.

wshoccidentalist.com

March 3, 2022

OPINION

THE OCCIDENTALIST

Should the Police Be Defunded?

NO

TAKING

YES

Anna Childs ‘22 childsann71@tcapsstudent.net

2

A

s the brutal death of George Floyd and subsequent prevalence of the Black Lives Matter movement rose to media attention in June 2020, the notion of defunding the police was questioned throughout America. Though police reform has been attempted in the past, it has failed time and time again given the untouchable nature of the police and their inherent effect of enforcing systemic discrimination. The most effective measure to decrease crime, police deaths, and poverty in underprivileged communities is to defund the police entirely and replace them with local crisis responders more properly equipped to handle situations of varying severity.

Historically, the police have served to perpetuate inequality. Policing Policy Advisor for the ACLU Paige Fernandez divulged, “American policing has never been a neutral institution. The first U.S. city police department was a slave patrol, and modern police forces have directed oppression and violence at Black people to enforce Jim Crow, wage the War on Drugs, and crack down on protests” (ACLU). Nowadays, their purpose has strayed very little. Poverty, race, and policing are deeply intertwined, and many aspects of poverty have been criminalized, including sleeping in cars or public places, begging for money or food, public urination, shoplifting, and many other things those in poverty do when they don’t have the privilege of their own living space. In addition to poverty, the immense presence of police in Black neighborhoods labels these spaces as particularly in need of policing. Over-surveillance in these areas also leads to disproportionate arrests of Black citizens, resulting in harsher policing, and so forth (New Yorker).

Many argue that the police are necessary for keeping crime rates low and upholding a sense of safety within society. However, police are entirely unequipped to handle the majority of social issues in local communities and often respond with inappropriate levels of force. When petty crimes and even mental health crises or domestic disputes are addressed with fully armed policemen, all that results is more death at the hands of those meant to keep our citizens safe.

The American Public Health Association stated in 2018 that “almost 10 percent of all homicides in the U.S. are committed by police.” Regardless of the crime, police should ultimately solely be there to de-escalate a situation and bring suspected criminals to be tried and charged. They should never be granted the authority of judge, jury, and executioner, which has become all too common.

Past attempts to reform and moderate the police force have ultimately failed. Many cite body cameras and de-escalation training as a less extreme alternative to complete police defunding, but these have been proven to be ineffective. Body cams are regularly turned off by police and have failed in decreasing violent behavior, instead increasing surveillance of those being policed. (American Friends Service Committee). Time and time again, it has been demonstrated that members of law enforcement can use and abuse their power, being protected by law and the systems of racial and income inequality that have remained in place for decades. Ultimately, if we are to see progress in our country in terms of community-wide safety and security, we need to address the root of our social issues locally and at the hands of real experts instead of combating them with unnecessary violence.

Henry Melcher ‘22 melcherjon45@tcapsstudent.net

SIDES

D

efunding the police. Let’s just take a moment to think about that statement. We should completely abolish the system in place which keeps peace and order by arresting the miscreants of society. It really seems like a bad idea that will only result in higher crime rates and less stability across the nation. But this is only speculatory right?

Unfortunately this is actually happening to police departments around the country. Ever since the death of George Floyd, the “Defund the Police” movement has spread around the country. Democrats are calling for the dismemberment of the muscle of the justice system which has egregious consequences.

I think we can all agree that there are some bad eggs around the world. They may be in your classroom, your work, and can even be in the police department. Those bad people should undoubtedly be dealt with as the law permits. But politicians have put the blame on all police in the United States, and have cast a bad image of one group based on the actions of a small few.

That type of thinking gets really problematic very quickly. A study from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has shown that police departments across the nation have moved away from “proactive policing,” which is patrolling the streets and making connections with the community to catch crime early or even prevent it, to sitting back in fear of media evisceration. A retired Chief of Detectives from the New York Police Department (NYPD) said, “Nobody’s getting arrested anymore, people are getting picked up for gun possession and they’re just let out over and over again.”

The arrest rate in the nation has plummeted by 24 percent because police are afraid of bad publicity. Consequently, the rhetoric of anti-police led to 18 percent of officers quitting, and a 45 percent increase in retirement rates. Because of this, the murder rate across the nation jumped up by 30 percent after a long period of lowering murder and crime rates. Americans are now afraid which has resulted in the rate of purchasing firearms rising dramatically.

But police departments are systematically racist! They arrest more minorities! Well half of that is correct, minorities do commit crimes at a higher rate. That is not a commentary on their culture but their circumstance; poorer communities tend to have higher rates of crime, while those areas are usually dominated by minorities. For the “policing disparity” to be cleared up, more opportunities should be presented to those underprivileged communities. By pulling out all police presence and leading those areas into anarchy seems counterintuitive. Democrats actually have a lot to gain by villanising the police. By tricking people into thinking the police out to be these blood hungry racists, it is really easy to get minority voters on your side by “vowing to protect them” when in reality the vast majority of police officers just want to serve their community.

But we live in a democracy, so if that’s what the voters want then so be it. Maybe my conventional train of thought is completely outdated for this innovative liberal society. Wait, but only 18 percent of Americans support defunding the police. On top of that, the amount of Americans who want more policing in their area has doubled. So that raises a new question. Why is this even a discussion? Where are all of these anti police rioters coming from? How are democrats able to push this narrative? Those questions reveal bigger issues than “defunding the police.”

Who argued it best?

After reading both sides of the story, go to The Occidenatlist website to vote for who you think argued best.

wshoccidentalist.com/category/ opinion/

cci Outlook Bathrooms stay locked as student frustration grows

A

ccording to The Occidentalist staff, locking the wing bathrooms at school has no real benefits. In the past year, many students at West have grown concerned about the routine locking of restrooms during school hours. The reason behind the locking has varied, but is commonly cited as preventing vaping, drug use, and other illicit or inappropriate activities. The school has taken many measures in recent months to combat this issue, in particular, by adding QR codes to bathroom doors to allow students to document any perceived illicit activity while inside through OK2Say. However, the addition of locking “extra” bathrooms to cut down on these activities is more of an obstacle to students’ education than an aid.

The process of searching for an available restroom and having to wait in line because of the higher concentration of people takes valuable time away from classes and is a hindrance to both teachers and students. Having enough

time to use the restroom during a passing period is virtually impossible, making class time trips the only realistic option. Teachers and students alike don’t appreciate the disruption to class time that students having to leave and reenter the classroom creates, and limited restrooms make this issue even more prevalent.

Those who participate in the illicit activities that have driven this change will find ways to get around the system, and in doing so have exacerbated the problem of limited space for students who really need to use the restroom.

The only viable way to prevent this behavior is to continue with the use of the QR codes, and potentially include more education to discourage students from it into the curriculum. Regardless, making it more difficult for the majority of people who don’t engage in these activities to find bathrooms is placing an unnecessary burden on innocent students, and ultimately causing more problems than it attempts to solve.

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Send us an e-mail with questions, story ideas, concerns, or requests to: wshnewspaper@tcapsstudent.net or drop your letter to the editor in the main office.

Letters to the Editor must be 250 words orless.

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Kate Barnum Isabelle Baumann Anna Childs Delaney Cram Ella Rintala Anna Sperry Will Stanton

Editors-in-Chief:

Alyssa Masiewicz Ashley McFadden

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From the Editorial Board The Occidentalist is the official student produced

newspaper of news and information published/ produced by WSH newspaper students. The Occidentalist newspaper has been established as a designated public forum for student editors and reporters to inform and educate their readers. As well, it will not be prior-reviewed or restrained by school officials prior to publication or distribution. Advisors may and should coach

Staff Writers: Riley Ashbury Brenna Baldwin Kate Barnum Isabelle Baumann Anna Childs Cici Copenhaver Delaney Cram Landon Foster Lily Galnares

and discuss content during the writing process.

Because school officials do not engage in priorreview, and the content of the Occidentalist media is determined and reflects only the views of the student staff and not school officials or the school itself, its student editorial board and responsible student staff members assume complete legal and financial liability for the content of the publication.

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Karlee Humphry

wshoccidentalist.com

IN-DEPTH

March 3, 2022 THE OCCIDENTALIST

3

Misogynistic Comments Begin to Wear Down Female Athletes Female athletes speak out against misogynistic remarks made by their own peers

Isabelle Baumann ‘22 baumannisa91@tcapsstudent.net

I

t’s a Friday night and the gym is filled

at all. Senior Megan Lautner explains that

Fans game was the big focus that week, but we

to make their own decisions about what

with hundreds of Bleacher Creatures

since the girl’s and boy’s teams are usually

still had two home games this week that no one

game they choose to attend, but at least just

decked out in costumes for the men’s

away for each other’s games, the girls rely on

knew about. We know they have a lot of stuff

publicizing that there is a girl’s game and there

basketball game, they erupt in cheer after

the students not participating in the sport to

going on, and that some of them are trying, but

is an option to go instead of it just being an

show up for support.

it would be nice to see a bit more support from

‘add on’ to the boy’s games,” Hewitt said.

every basket, perform memorized chants, and rush the court to celebrate the win. It is the kind of night they will all remember long after

“West has always been known to have a huge student section compared to the rest of the

them,” McKenna said.

The Bleacher Creatures, with the energy they

Other women’s teams have had similar experiences as well. Senior Kaylee Niezgoda is

their time here at school, especially

a member of the varsity women’s

the players. But if we go back a few

soccer team at school. Last spring,

hours, for the girl’s basketball game,

she overheard many hurtful,

the scene would look wildly different.

misogynistic comments made not

Fewer students, quieter cheers, and

only about their team, but about

more criticism.

their competitors as well.

In the past month, the critical

“[Some students] were calling

comments about women’s sports

out other girls on the field and

seem to have reached a peak. Junior

making fun of them which made

Ainslee Hewitt, a varsity basketball

me uncomfortable. I just know

player, recounts her experience

that if I was in their shoes, I

FEMALE ATHLETES SPEAK UP.

playing in the “Oxford Strong” game on Feb. 4 at Central High School, and how members of her team overheard comments from the student section while they were playing.

would feel awful,” Niezgoda said. “They were making fun of how some of the players ran and going after their appearances. I understand that they were trying

“The student section was right

to distract them, but tearing

behind [our bench] and the entire

someone down when they are just

game they were saying things like,

trying to compete is not the way

‘girl’s basketball isn’t even that

to go about that,” Niezgoda said.

good,’ ‘they suck,’ and that the

The comments made towards

people in the student section could

female athletes have been

do ‘better than us.’ It got to the point

growing in severity, and they are

where my teammate and I had to turn

beginning to notice. Niezgoda

around and tell everyone to be quiet,

believes that students need to start

it was that bad,” Hewitt said.

Senior Ally McKenna, another

holding their peers accountable Graphic: I. Baumann/staff

so the student sections can create

member of the women’s varsity

a positive environment for all

basketball team, felt the tension on both

schools in the [Big North Conference]. But for

bring to each game, help teams win, as their

the sidelines and the court. These negative

the girl’s games, they are all ridiculously small.

encouragement instills a sense of confidence in

comments weigh down on the athletes, more

At our last home game there were only four

the players on the court.

than students realize.

Bleacher Creatures who showed up,” Lautner

“We all get super frustrated and down on ourselves when we hear [negative comments].

said.

Although Senate tries to feature all of the

“Senate even said in their [Battle of the Fans]

athletes.

“I have heard some of my peers make similar remarks about our own teams, calling players ‘flat as a board’ and making fun of their

video that the student section can help our

appearances. It doesn’t do any good to point

teams win. That morale and support helps us

out these things ever, and it is especially not

The game is a lot harder than it looks, and

teams at school equally, some members of the

so much, so when we see nobody we just think

relevant to how they are performing on the

those comments while playing, especially

women’s basketball team feel that their sport is

that no one really cares about our sport since

court,” Niezgoda said. “I understand people get

when they are coming from your peers, doesn’t

often overlooked.

we don’t have that extra encouragement,”

angry and caught up in the moment, but it is

Hewitt said.

important for us to realize that we are all still

make it any easier. Sometimes it feels as if

“I know it isn’t the student senate’s fault, but

[the students] don’t even want to be there,”

recently one of our team members, who is also

McKenna said.

a student senator, asked [Senate] to promote

down to the students as they are the ones who

the players and to think about how we would

Most of the time, the team is not impacted by

our game and they only promoted hockey, ‘’

make up the sections.

feel if people were making these rude remarks

the comments but by the lack of any cheering

McKenna said. “Obviously the Battle of the

Gender Discrimination Around the World

Hewitt does note that ultimately it comes

“At the end of the day, people are going

teenagers, and put ourselves in the shoes of

about ourselves,” Niezgoda said.

Recognizing West Female Athletes

Ella Smith ‘22 smithell54@tcapsstudent.net

I

n women’s sports, the usual topic of conversation is focused around equal pay.

According to Forbes, “The women’s [U.S. women’s basketball team] is ranked No. 1 in the world, yet they are paid at a rate of just over one-third of what the men get.”

The discussion has shifted to the U.S. women’s soccer team who won the World Cup in 2015 and found out they were being paid quarter of what the men were earning.

The team filed a gender discrimnation lawsuit against US Soccer. Because of this lawsuit, the women’s players received a significant raise, increased game bonuses, improved per diem stipends, better travel benefits, and more financial aid for players who are pregnant or adopting.

Lately, the conversation has changed to include any and all minority figures in sports, including women, people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and many more.

Most recently, Timothy LeDuc, the first nonbinary athelete, competed at the Olympics.

While figure skating has historically been the most inclusive of the Olympic sports, it still has been a struggle for all athletes who don’t “fit the norm” to be accepted in their respective sports.

“I’ve had some amazing people in my life help me through that journey. But I hope when people see my story, they aren’t saying, ‘Timothy is the first nonbinary person to achieve this level of success in sports.’ It’s that queer people can be open and be in sports.

We’ve always been here, we have always been a part of sports,” LeDuc said in an interview

with The Associated Press earlier this month.

During the most recent Olympics, Mikalea Shiffrin, a decorated U.S. alpine skier, had a rough couple of runs and was disqualified from her two best events, the slalom and the giant slalom. People are criticizing NBC for airing the aftermath of the events, where Shiffrin sat on the course for more than 20 minutes with her head down.

Many people have taken to social media to share their thoughts. “Show some empathy,” said one response on Twitter. NBC was “shaming” Shiffrin said another. “Torturing” her. “The relentless hype machine has claimed another victim,” one commenter wrote.

The 2020 Summer Olympic games were the first games where transgender athletes competed and this game had the highest number of LGBTQ+ athletes compteing, with over 160 competitors across a wide range of sports.

In addition to that, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will no longer use testosterone levels to determine whether or not an athlete can compete. The IOC’s new guidelines advocate instead for policies that disqualify transgender athletes if they have a demonstrated competitive advantage. This moves away from the old policy, where trans athletes needed to have testosterone levels below 10 nmol/L, said in an article, The Wesleyan Argus, by Cameron Bonnevie.

In the end, athletes of any minority have been proven to have a significantly harder time proving themselves in any aspect of their professional career.

The girls ski team huddles together after winning MHSAA Divison 1 Regionals on Feb. 15. Photo Courtsey: M. Cronk

Senior Madison Neu spikes the ball at the volleyball district finals. Photo: A. Rosenburg/staff

The girls varsity 8+ catch their breathes after finishing a 3,000 meter rece. Photo: P. Masiewicz

Sophomore Ava King and Senior Elliott Smith hold the plaque after their race in Gaylord. Photo Courtesy: M. Church

Sophomore Mikayla Thompson dribbles down the court during the game against Petosky on Feb. 28.

Photo: A. Rosenburg/staff

wshoccidentalist.com

March 3, 2022

LOCAL NEWS

THE OCCIDENTALIST

New Addition to the TC Police Traverse City Police Department spends big bucks on new vehicle

Peter Worden ‘22 masiewicaly20@tcapsstudent.net

C

4

oncerns within the Traverse City community and halls of school have grown over the recent approval of the purchase of a Bearcat Armored Rescue Vehicle on Jan. 26. Numerous members of the community have railed against the purchase with roughly 200 emails being sent to county commissioners back in December when purchasing the vehicle was first proposed.

“I mean we’re a small town so there’s no real need, like we don’t have any heavy crime that warrants the use of a military vehicle, so I’m not sure why we need to have that,” senior Charlie Slawnik said.

The sheriff’s department and its supporters on the other hand, view the armored rescue vehicle as a necessary tool for the continued protection of Grand Traverse County.

“I think that if it’s gonna make the police officers safer doing their job then I think it’s a good purchase and I think it will make us safer,” junior Ella Maratea said.

Until recently, the sheriff’s department had to share Graylings Bearcat with various other counties. This slowed down potential rescue efforts as the vehicle was often two to three hours away. It also made planning protection for popular events such as the Cherry Festival

challenging.

“Of course, you look at all these critical infrastructure like schools, hospitals, and then you look at the drawing of special events in the community as well, so that armored rescue vehicle has been coming over and staged for special events for years. We know there’s a need for it or there could be a need for it so that’s why it’s staged here, it’s just we needed one here all the time,” Captain Chris Clark of the sheriff’s department said.

Clark drafted a narrative for the county commissioners prior to the approval of the vehicle detailing the ways in which the vehicle can help serve the community.

“God forbid you’re in your house and your neighbor decides to start shooting up the neighborhood and you can’t leave and in order for us to safely get you out of the house we need to use an armored rescue vehicle,” Clark

said. “Well, if it’s coming from Grayling it could be three hours before we could get you safely out of the house,” Clark said.

Unfortunately, it seems that the safety of civilians and law enforcement officers are oftentimes in danger from threats in the county. Clark explains in his narrative that there have been numerous high-risk call outs such as “a situation we responded to in 2021 where a subject with multiple drug-related warrants was in possession of a stolen vehicle, and assaulted his brother with a handgun,” or “In early 2019 a suspect had barricaded himself undercover on a frozen lake and discharged a weapon after setting his parents’ house on fire.”

These events show a clear need for an armored rescue vehicle because while one was used, it took hours to arrive from Grayling for some of the mentioned scenarios.

“I think that if it’s gonna make the police officers safer doing their job ...and I think it will make us safer,” - E. Maratea

Another possible reason for the purchase of the vehicle would be for possible VIP visits such as when former President Trump visited Traverse City back in 2020 as part of his campaign tour.

“Such events show the need for our area to obtain an up-to-date rescue vehicle that offers protection from ballistic and explosive threats and four wheel-drive capability in order to protect our operators and civilians during all incidents,” Clark said.

On the other hand, concerns over the funding of the vehicle were at the forethought of many minds as the bearcat cost roughly $260,000.

Such a large amount of money could be used to improve infrastructure and public services for the community.

“That money could have been used in much better ways, like increasing social programs funding I would say. Definitely not just increasing the militarization of the county,” Slawnik said.

Whether or not the purchase was justified remains a highly contested issue as violence across America continues to affect our day-today lives. What can be said, however, is that both sides have the county’s best interests at heart.

Arabic Food with a Vegan Twist Hexenbelle offers more than just great coffee and treats Anna Sperry ‘23 sperryann01@tcapsstudent.net

Hexenbelle, a mix of all sorts of cultural dishes, but primarily Arabic, is a vegetarian restaurant in the Warehouse MRKT close to downtown. Although it may be hidden from Front Street, it is definitely worth it to take a trip over.

The atmosphere is very open. They have a pink and white theme with books, games, and plants covering the shelves. When the weather is warmer, there is a patio to enjoy your food.

Inside, there is a limited number of seats, however, it doesn’t seem to get too crowded.

When you first walk in, the staff is very friendly. There is no table service and customers are expected to place their dishes in a bus bin. The menu is online so be sure to bring a phone.

There is a display next to the cashier with some of the pastries such as their vegan brownies, gluten-free tahini cookies and an Arabic savory pie, fatayer. Traditionally stuffed with meat, the Hexenbelle take of fatayer is nothing short of amazing. It is pastry dough, spinach, a combination of spices and herbs and feta cheese. The dish is served warm on simple plating.

In addition to the fatayer, I got the breakfast

Graphic and photos: W. Spence/staff

pita. It is pita bread stuffed with eggs, potatoes, and a combination of vegetables. The blend of chipotle from the eggs, spices from the potatoes, and scallions really compliment each other. However, I couldn’t taste the peppers or cabbage. The breakfast pita is served at the perfect temperature. When I go back, it is something I would definitely want to get again.

Next, drinks. Hexenbelle has various options from a basic drip coffee to guava soda. To avoid an extra charge of 75 cents, bring your own cup if ordering an iced coffee or iced latte.

The cappuccino is definitely something I would get again. It is not too sweet or bitter.

The latte is also good. There isn’t anything special about either of these drinks but they are good basics. Finally, the damascus gate drink was the best thing I ordered. At the first taste, you may notice the spices: cardamom, clove, and saffron. These spices make the drink very unique as well as the hint of rose. The sweetness from the rosewater keeps you coming back for more. Just like the food, the drinks are served at perfect temperatures.

I would recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a sweet place to study, meet with friends, or just enjoy the food and atmosphere.

Customers enjoy the friendly enviroment at Hexenbelle. Photo: A. Sperry/staff

wshoccidentalist.com

March 3, 2022

SCHOOL NEWS

THE OCCIDENTALIST

5

Cross-town Competition Using West and Central rivalry for a good cause Delany Cram ‘23 cramdel37@tcapsstudent.net

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he ball hits the crevice between the rivalry begin? rim and the backboard, bouncing “In th[e] first couple years it was very much a back onto the court as if in spite. Cha- friendly competition,” West principal Joe Esper os surges as the players race to catch said. “[When they] did the split[...]everybody the rebound. Four hands lock onto the orange who was a senior had gone to school for freshsurface, fingertips fiercely digging into the man, sophomore, junior year with all the peoball’s little grooves. Titan and Trojan struggle, ple at the other school. So whether you were a jaws locked and feet planted, not daring to be the first to break. It’s a mere matter of seconds before the referee puts a stop to the conflict with a single blow of a whistle, but in that moment, the decades-old rivalry was raw on their faces, encapsulating the rift dividing Traverse City over court lines.

“There’s definitely a rivalry between us ‘cause we’re so close,” junior Bethany Schutte said. “We know a lot of The West and Central girls basketball teams face off at the Oxford Strong game on Feb. 4. Photo: D. Cram/staff the people from Central, especially from volleyball because I play with them on Central senior or a West senior, you knew all the off-season. So, it’s kind of a rivalry when the kids on the teams of the other school.” we’re in-season but also I’m friends with In the beginning, though there were now two them.” buildings, students hadn’t yet fully formed a The competitive nature of the Traverse City school identity completely separate from the student communities has found a crucial balstudents across town. ance with the overall community of our town.

“There was concern about having West and While there are plenty of opportunities for Central students and teams on the same camWest and Central students to compete against pus when the building opening was delayed,” each other, there are just as many opportunities Rosenburg said. “Honestly though being for them to work with each other. This makes together was not the odd part—being divided for a complicated rivalry of Thor and Loki was.” proportions.

As time went on and this familiar bond “TCC and TCW were rivals immediately,” weakened with new student bodies, the rivalry World History teacher Daniel Rosenburg said. strengthened as well.

“I was an assistant football coach at West for “I think in the middle of 2008, 2009, 2010 it the first 11 seasons. Just like today, there was was probably the most intense, a true rivalry, no game that coaches and players wanted to and I mean rivalry in the sense of Michigan win more than the game against the Trojans. versus Ohio State,” Esper said.

Attendance of fans and student interest was This competitive relationship is certainly not always higher at West-Central competitions.” exclusive to sports. In fact, all aspects of stuTraverse City has had two major high schools dent life seem to build heavily on the contrast since 1997 and, at this point, the rivalry has between the high schools. been expected and assumed. But, how did this “Central has the Raptors and Robotics

Putting Mental Health First

team, we have the West Robotics team and in actual people in the schools are. I think from a normal years they’re both going to competicommunity stand-point since it’s been 25 years tions,” Esper said. “I’ve seen that in bands and you have die hard Titans and you have die hard choirs and orchestra[s] that balance between Trojans and they always want to talk about a collaborative relationship and that kind of how one side is better than the other,” Esper competition.” said. “But when it can’t be us [that wins], I’d While at first glance, an expected and encourrather it be Central than Gaylord or Midland aged rivalry might seem strenuous for students or some other team that’s not part of our comto maintain, within the schools it is seen more munity.” as a motivation and learning experience as The student bodies definitely understand that students come into society. sentiment, as they demonstrated at the basket“No matter your type of participation, winball game on Feb. 4 remembering the Oxford ning always involves discipline, growth, effort, tragedy. some setbacks and successes,” Rosenburg said.

“There’s lots of times where the student sen“Regardless of being athletic, co-curricular, or ates and the student sections have collaborated academic events, the habits and lessons learned and they’ve actually gotten some pretty cool competing against a rival are long-lasting.” stuff done. But, they probably wouldn’t have Of course, though staff members want their students to defeat Central head-to-head, their primary goal is to bring the best quality of education to students of either school.

“A number of times a year, our teaching staff meet,” Esper said.

“A lot of our teachers that teach AP classes only have time set aside on early release days and[...]they’ll meet with the teacher that teaches the same thing as them at Central.

The teacher relationship is definitely very collaborative.”

The rivalry was bred out of the desire to have more opportunities open for more students, and though competitiveness is entwined with that, it makes the school communities stronger as a whole.

“I think there is a great amount of respect between the teachers, coaches, and administrators across town. We can relate to each other - the challenges and rewards of the work we do with students and in the West’s Adeyo Llemoblade defeats a Central wrestler. Photo: A. community are similar,” Rosenburg Kuschell said. “But, you also know that we’d like to see our kids outperform theirs.” been able to get done on their own, if just one In fact, when it comes to sports in particular, school’s doing it,” Esper said. “So, Friday’s Central is perhaps our greatest rival because of game and the Oxford benefit is nice because how close we are to them, an opposing school I feel like we’re moving back a little bit to that is still part of our community. normal stuff.”

“Some schools we want to beat more, like On Feb. 4, the West and Central basketball Cadillac,” Schutte said. teams jogged onto the court in matching While this sentiment is supported by plenty T-shirts, navy blue with bright gold letters of students and staff in the school, it might still declaring “Oxford Strong.” Though each team be lost on the wider Traverse City community, still fights for victory on the scoreboard, we all which continues to fuel the rivalry. remain bonded as one compassionate and con“I think the community is more, now that nected community. we’re 25 years in, in the rivalry mode than the

Mental Health Matters It is never a bad idea to check in on someone or even yourself!

The importance of reaching out

Shelbie Gray ‘23 grayshe45@tcapsstudent.net

O

ne in every three high school students done a lot of staff work outside of school on struggle with some kind of mental these topics as well and we know that it is imhealth issue. Going through high school portant for students to be able to process things can be a very stressful and hard experience. and understand that they are having additional When students are struggling, sometimes challenges now,” said VanLandschoot. all they need is to know someone is there to High school can be hard for students that are help and understand how hard things can get not fully aware of what they want to do in the throughout the years. future. For many students high school is better “My role is to help students with transitionwhen they have classes ,that allow them to ing through high school. Every student has explore what they want to do with their future. their own individual path. I help with selecting “Making it more known to people that it is classes, study habits, test preparation, college okay to struggle, it is okay to seek help. I think advice, relationships, and just anything a stuone of the most important things for students dent can experience through high school,” said that have come through high school is having guidance counselor Ashley a connection to school in VanLandschoot. some way other than the The struggles high school academics. Newspaper is “Hopefully everyone has a great example, music is students are facing now are extremely different from how someone they can start another one, theater and they were when staff was in talking to and just know drama, athletics. Having high school. With COVID, something other than just you’re not alone,” social media, and numerthe school part of it that - A. VanLandschoot ous other things, sometimes makes you connected to the students don’t feel like adults school is super important understand the struggles they just to build that trust and to face. help with those relationships,” said VandLand“I think they should educate themselves more schoot. and start acting like they actually want to have Unfortunately, in many cases there is a stigma this conversation with the student and not just attached to struggle. In some cases students like they are forced to,” said senior Olivia can feel like showing their hurt can be a sign Norton. of weakness so they often steer away from Although it may not be easy for adults to talking about their struggles. It is very common understand the struggle students are facing, for students to feel alone and like they are the that hasn’t stopped them from trying their best. only one struggling. Although it may be hard, Over the course of the last few years, staff has opening up is not only good for the person who come together in an attempt to help understand are struggling but it can also be helpful for who students’ struggles and brainstorm ways they they are opening up to. It allows both people to can help us. feel like they are not alone.

“The last couple of years we have been doing “Making it more known to people that it is more with [mental health]. With the pandemic okay to struggle, it is okay to seek help. Talk to and different things of that nature I really think those people who care about you, your family Mr. Esper has done a good job as far as making members and seek support,” said VanLandmental health a topic for everyone. We have schoot.

THE TRUTH 1 in every 3 high school students suffer from mental illnesses. Many students don't know who to talk to and normally end up not being able to talk to anyone.

THE 5 SIGN 1. Long-lasting sadness or irritability 2. Extremely high and low moods 3. Excessive fear, worry, or anxiety 4. Social withdrawal 5. Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits

Ways to help your mental health 1. Talk about your feelings 2.

Keep active 3.

Eat well 4.

Take a break 5. Accept who you are

Help is always available 1. Suicide Prevention Lifeline : (800) - 2738255 2.

Mental Health Services (800) 662- 4257 3. Crisis Tet Line : Text HOME to 741741

It is never a bad idea Checking in with your friends even if they seem happy could help someone you didn't even know needed it. It is always important to take care of yourself.

Graphic: S. Gray/staff

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A&E

March 3, 2022 THE OCCIDENTALIST

6

“Death on the Nile” Comes Alive in Theaters Ainsley Rosenburg ‘22 rosenburain93@tcapsstudent.net

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uns, knives and boulders turn the waters of the Nile River crimson with blood as detective Hercule Poirot, played by Kenneth Branagh, rushes to discover the killer in this sea-sickening murder mystery: “Death on the Nile.”

Beginning with a flashback to Poirot in World War I, this sequel to “Murder on the Orient Express” stays true to form with its outstanding cinamatography. Gritty black and white textures fill the screen as part of Poirot’s backstory comes to light. While the coarse-imaged cinematography was excellent, this scene should have been cut.

The development of Poirot’s backstory is alluded to, but never resolved. Since “Death on the Nile’’ is another installment of Agatha Christie’s novels, this backstory is unnecessary as the audience is already familiar with Poirot’s body language and character. Incorporating this scene into the initial film would have been a much better placement for this insight to his past.

Stained with the blood of Poirot’s past, the movie takes a long time to pick up. As did “Murder on the Orient Express,” “Death on the Nile” sets the scene, characters and tensions before commencing the unfolding of the plot. Unlike the former film, more settings are explored before finally ending up on the waters of the river. By doing so, impatience takes hold as the major conflicts won’t occur until the characters are stranded on a boat.

Both new and familiar characters take the screen in a star-studded cast. Gal Gadot plays newlywed Linnet Ridgeway, while controversial actor and accused cannibal, Armie Hammer, plays her new husband Simon Doyle. Jacqueline De Bellefort, the love-sick ex-girlfriend of Simon Doyle, is played by “Sex Education” actress Emma Mackey.

Letitia Wright also appears in the film as Rosalie Otterbourne, yet another suspect. Poirot’s sidekick in the previous film, Bouc, played by Tom Bateman, is back with an even

A daring travel mystery that’s both a novel and a major motion picture shows that nothing is quite what it seems

greater presence than before.

However, with this packed cast, the film makes use of silence just as much as actual dialogue. Silence with music, and silence altogether provides room to contemplate the killer as dramatic pauses allow for the highspeed conversational clues to take a rest.

Accompanying the cast brimming with talent and exquisite cinematography is an equally phenomenal soundtrack. Patrick Doyle’s compositions make up the original score. Doyle’s music also accompanied “Murder on the Orient Express.” Providing an air of mystery relevant to the Egyptian setting by way of music compels the mystifying plot.

In contrast to the music, the set is lacking at times. While the actual boat and costumes are marvelously depicted, the CGI landscapes of Egypt are not. A stark distinction between the palpable boat and the fraudulent scenery constructs an unrealistic undertone to the story. Without a concrete surrounding set, the legibility of the mystery becomes blurred—more fantasy than mystery.

Following the culprit’s reveal, a jaw-dropping final scene wraps up the loose ends from the first installment just as precisely as Poirot’s conclusions. Not as meticulous, Branagh’s depiction of Poirot’s mannerisms falls short of his performance in “Death on the Nile.”

While his morals remain largely identical, Poirot himself relaxes his

Cancel Culture: The Good, The Bad, and its Impacts on Society Cancel culture affects trends

Kate Barnum ‘23 barnumkat65@tcapsstudent.net

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he term “cancel culture” is a twentythings that may not be true or right,” Thomas first-century phenomenon, though said. it originated in the seventeenth and Disney movies are being canceled not only by eighteenth centuries. Not only are people bethe viewers but also by the Disney team. These ing canceled for racial slurs and offensive or movies include, Dumbo, Peter Pan, Swiss problematic remarks, but so are everyday items Family Robinson and also The Aristocats. for portraying inappropriate or racist images or These movies were blocked on Disney+ for meanings. kids under seven. They were removed from the “I think that celebrities getting canceled is kids section but still remain in the adult seca very broad thing. They could be getting tions. The reason Peter Pan was canceled was canceled for things like discriminating againt due to the depiction of Native Americans. The minorites or others in Native Americans in the same industry as the film were referred them,” junior Gabbie to as “redskins.”

“Not only are people being Thomas said.

The outdated content Not only have people canceled for racial slurs and in mention may be been canceled, but offensive or problematic remarks, showcasing a lack of so have some foods. but so are everyday items for consent or negative Foods such as Uncle depictions of cultures. portraying inappropriate or Bens, Aunt Jemima, Dumbo was canceled racist images or meanings,” due to hurtful stereoand Mrs. Butterworth.

These have been types. canceled for various “The crows and - K. Barnum reasons including racmusical number pay ism of the people and homage to racist images on the packaging. There are many pros minstrel shows, where white performers with and cons that come out of cancel culture. blackened faces and tattered clothing imitated According to Britannica, “Callout culture and ridiculed enslaved Africans on Southern gives a voice to disenfranchised or less powerplantations,” Distractify.com said. ful people,” Britannica said as a pro to Cancel Swiss Family Robinson has been criticized Culture. It also states cons too. “Callout for King Louie, who is an ape character that’s culture amounts to online bullying, and can clearly a Black stereotype. The Aristocats incite violence and threats even worse than the movie was canceled because of a racist depicoriginal offense being called out.” tion of one of the alley cats.

There are more cons than pros when it comes Cancel Culture has been around for a long to canceling things, “it [cancel culture] is time and has created a world of trouble for quite immature in it’s judgment and causes some people, even if it makes it clearer for the more harm to racial classes than good in that rest of the world, whether it be their followit promotes more fear than understanding,” ers or random on-lookers who are pulled into onourmoon.com said. the drama. Based on the patterns of increased “The positives of canceling people is that not immersion of cancel culture into everyday life, as many people will follow and support them cancel culture isn’t likely to fizzle out and die for doing bad things, the other positive is that like many “trends” do. the person wouldn’t be spreading as many

movements and desire for perfection.

Either a continuation of how the previous mystery affected his lifestyle, or a poor portrayal by Branagh, Poirot is no longer quite the man introduced on the train.

Sexy at times, deadly at others, “Death on the Nile” leaves you trusting no one, not even the renowned detective himself. Intricately weaving together greed and love, the film is a grim tale of corrupted devotion.

“Uncharted” Falls Short in Theaters

Based on the video game series of the same name, the film serves as a prequel to the game Lauren Tkach ‘23/Eva Lawson ‘23 tkachlau71@tcapsstudent.net

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ust after the success of “Spider-man: No setting, closeups of the actors, or intense Way Home,” Tom Holland finds himself action scenes, the camera work captivates the in the world’s number one movie yet viewer’s eye. The movie grabs your attention again. After plenty of anticipation, “Unwith every twist and turn and there is never charted” made its way to theaters on Feb. 18. a boring moment. If you’re a big fan of “InThe movie is based on a popular PlayStation diana Jones” or “The Goonies,” you should video game that definitely check shares the same this movie out. name and was Unfortunately, released in 2007. critics seemed The game follows underwhelmed Nathan Drake with “Unchartas he hunts and ed,” leaving discovers historilow ratings cal treasures and from Rotten artifacts across the Tomatoes and world.

Metacritic.

The characters However, this and plot transhas not deterred late nicely to the the public from movie, with Tom enjoying the Holland playing film, with most Nathan Drake, audience ratthe main charings appearing acter, and Mark on the higher Wahlberg playing end of the Victor “Sully” spectrum. The Sullivan. Other major critique recognizable faces that people are can be spotted in leaving is that the movie, with the movie’s Sophia Taylor Ali, Photo Courtsey: CineMaterial.com plot strays too from “India Sweets far from that and Spice,” and Rudy Pankow, from “Outer of the video game. While that may be true, Banks,” appearing alongside the leads.

“Uncharted” remains a fascinating film on its The loveable protagonists deal with betrayown. It certainly proved its appeal, grossals, secrets, and danger along their quest. ing over $51 million on President’s Day Despite being an action film, “Uncharted” weekend alone. It’s surprising success has sneaks in comedic lines and scenes from sparked questions of a new franchise. After various characters. These moments fit nicely the plot twists and cliff-hanger ending, many with the movie’s energy and provide a clear speculate that there will be more to come in contrast from the times of excitement. the adventures of Nathan Drake.

Whether it was panoramic views of the

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FEATURES

March 3, 2022 THE OCCIDENTALIST

7

“And the Music Teacher of the Year is...”

Choir teacher Erich Wangeman is the Michigan School Vocal Music Association teacher of the year Anna Sperry ‘23/Wave Spence ‘23

W

sperryann01@tcapsstudent.net

est is known for having a great selection of amazing teachers.

One, in particular, is choir teacher Erich Wangeman, who was recently recognized as the Michigan School Vocal Music Association (MSVMA) teacher of the year.

“It took luck [to win this award]. Pure, complete luck,” Wangeman said.

Wangeman has been a choir teacher for 31 years and of those, nine have been at West.

Wangeman has earned his spot as one of the most beloved staff members.

“I’ve had Mr. Wangeman as a choir director since seventh grade so he’s definitely shaped my voice and my experience through choir,” senior Connor Cote said.

Wangeman has had an impact on many of his students and the choir program itself, making it a place singers can feel comfortable and confident.

“He is so inclusive, he values every single person. Not just those singers who you’d say are the ‘best singers,’” choir teacher Wendee Wolf-Schlarf said. “That positive inclusiveness makes the West choir family inviting and makes our students feel valued like they have a place.”

Although Wangeman has left an imprint on the TCAPS choir program, he was not expecting to win the MSVMA teacher of the year award.

“I’m older now and you get to a point where

they forget about you which is fine. [But] then they [said] ‘and the teacher of the year is’ and there’s this pause and I wasn’t even expecting to hear my name,” Wangeman said. “It was an amazing surprise.”

It would be hard for the MSVMA to forget

organization, which has had a truly significant impact on his personal and professional life.”

Along with serving as the association’s president, Wangeman has an impressive record in competitions and awards.

“His programs have been recognized by

Wangeman plays the piano in the fall concert on Oct. 28 of this previous fall. Photo Courtesy: M. Clone

the name Wangeman because of his role in shaping the organization and being a leading member of the Michigan choir teachers.

According to MSVMA.org, “he has served MSVMA as president and he continues to be an active and grateful member of the

receiving prestigious education grants from National Geographic and the Weill Institute at Carnegie Hall,” MSVMA said.

Even with the impressive list of achievements, he has stayed the same, stupendous choir teacher for all of his students,

and continues to strive for excellence.

“This is like one of those unbelievably awesome things that happened that I and anybody of the other 12 [nominees] would’ve deserved. So it wasn’t my goal, I’m honored and I’m humbled,” Wangeman said.

Wangeman’s great attitude and kindness do not go unnoticed.

“I can’t be more proud of having Mr. Wangeman as a colleague and a friend and I’m so excited that he has gotten this recognition because it’s long overdue,” Wolf-Schlarf said.

Though he was recognized in MSVMA, teacher of the year is not his ultimate goal.

“It would be kinda fun to go to the Super Bowl of choirs again,” Wangeman said. “It’s great if you get selected [because] you have already made all the cuts through the state, region, and the national level, so maybe someday, we’ll give it a try.”

Wangemen wasn’t expecting this award, but the benefits of receiving it last throughout the year.

“It’s a nice recognition that your peers appreciate what you do and how you’ve contributed to choral music education at the state level beyond what we just do in Traverse City, which is awesome,” Wolf-Schlarf said.

Although Wangeman has influenced many different people from students to coworkers, they all agree on one thing: “He’s just a good conductor and people want to listen to him,” junior Lexi Gratton said.

Librarian by Day, Artist by Night

Librarian Megan Olsen has two pieces of her artwork selected for an exhibition at NMC

Ella Rintala ‘22 rintalaell75@tcapsstudent.net

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walk through Northern Michigan woods inspires wonder. The eye may be drawn to the color of the sunlight filtering through sharp green summer leaves or the gradient deep of a lake on the horizon.

One could also break down the landscape even further, finding motion and excitement in the lines and shapes at the core of the scene’s perception. Such artistic curiosity in

One of Megan Olsen’s artwork pieces, “Working Ladder,” displayed in the 2022 NWMI Regional Juried Exhibition.

Photo Courtesy: M. Olsen

Michigan’s nature is captured in West librarian Megan Olsen’s artwork.

“When I make art I’m recalling an image, like birch trees or the way when you’re out in nature and your feet are moving across the ground,” Olsen said, “I’m trying to interpret images or pieces of nature that have flashed in my mind, or help the viewer experience the moment I experienced.”

Two of Olsen’s pieces were selected by a jury to be displayed in the Dennos Museum from Jan. 23 to May 29. The art hanging in the museum has come after a long road of her being creative.

Olsen studied ceramics and printmaking, the art of transferring images from one surface to another, in college. Print designs are often stamped onto paper with ink, an experience which has a great influence on Olsen’s art today, including in the color palette.

“I’m pretty true to black and white. I think that comes from being a print maker, I like that high contrast. I love the rich, inky blacks,” Olsen said.

Olsen also incorporates print-making inspired techniques into her pieces, one of which is creating her own stamps out of found materials such as tape dispensers.

“Printmaking is about multiple editions from a main plate, so using the stamp techniques keeps me in connection to printmaking,” Olsen said.

When crafting her artwork, including her mixed media art in the museum, Olsen must think about how all of the piece’s components work together.

“I’m thinking about the balance of the piece,” Olsen said.

As a mother, Olsen is balancing many things personally as well. It takes time and patience to create art, both of which can run thin for parents.

“When you’re a mom, life gets so busy,” Olsen said, “You get encompassed in your children and little things you have to do.”

Because of her many spheres of responsibility, she hasn’t had the opportunity to have her work displayed in a show in more than a decade, which is why getting rewarded for finding time to focus on her art is so gratifying for Olsen.

“I feel honored that the juror chose my work.

It is a nice validation to do something like this, that I was so dedicated to for so long before I had kids,” Olsen said, “It feels good to try and rekindle the love, making time for myself.”

Conversely, Olsen has applied her artful focused life to motherhood, passing on her creative expression to her children.

“They’ve always been good at art and crafting, ever since they were little, I’ve always done projects with them. I’ve always tried to foster that in them,” Olsen said.

Olsen hopes those that get a chance to see her

Megan Olsen’s mixed media piece “Tires on County Road” one of her pieces displayed in the 2022 NWMI Regional Juried Exhibition.

Photo Courtesy: M. Olsen

artwork at the museum will interact with it the same way one interacts with nature, like how one might ponder a tall tree on a hiking trail.

“I would hope that they stop and spend a moment with it instead of just walking by.

Art is so subjective, so I feel like if someone is stopping and interested in some way, then that’s a success,” Olsen said.

Student Creates Mental Health Club

The Peer Support Club was formed to help students in their daily lives Will Stanton ‘22 stanton43@tcapsstudent.net

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tudents face many challenges throughout their day-to-day life, whether at school or at home. These challenges can impact student’s mental health and stop them from being able to fully enjoy their lives. Senior Lucas Watson started the Peer Support Club at school in order to provide a welcoming place where students can talk to others about their struggles and learn how to cope.

“Being alive and going through the day to day can get tough. You have to learn how to deal with your emotions and all the stuff that’s coming into you at once,” Watson said.

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted almost every aspect of life, and normal things like going to school or being able to see friends and family have become less certain in the past two years.

“Particularly over COVID and quarantine, kids are spending a lot of time alone. They haven’t been able to go out as much. Friends and family and people are feeling pretty terrible because of it. And so I wanted to give

people an outlet to voice those feelings to other students who are probably going through similar experiences,” Watson said.

TCAPS has been trying to educate students about mental health, but Watson believes the methods they are using aren’t as effective as they could be.

“I don’t think the slide show presentations they do are particularly great. I’m in the classroom and I hear kids talking during the presentation,” Watson said. “It’s just not a great way to get people focused on something like that, just showing them presentations with slides and talking, it has to be something a little more hands on than that. Which is also partly why I did what I did because I wanted to provide that because, of course, the school has lots of other things to focus on.”

Watson hopes the club will expand in scope as more members join, but he believes it is hard to convince people that the club is something that could help them.

“I think lots of people have this idea about

mental health clubs and therapy in general and that you need to be, like, really screwed up or like have some serious problems or really awful trauma to consider it. And that’s not true. You can come and, you know, just talk about what’s been worrying you in your daily life,” Watson said. “You don’t have to feel horrible all the time because it can be helpful regardless.”

Although the club doesn’t have many members yet, junior Lily Tapia believes that clubs like this help break down the negative connotations associated with mental health.

“I think it’s important to remove the stigma around mental health and just have a place where people can talk and be more open,” Tapia said.

Any students interested in joining the Peer Support Club are welcome to participate in B108 on Wednesdays after school.

toms-foodmarkets.com West Bay•East Bay•14th St•Interlochen•Northport

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SPORTS

March 3, 2022 THE OCCIDENTALIST

Skiing into States

Both the girls and boys ski teams will be racing at states for the division one state title Emilia Shoemaker ‘23 shoemakeemi93@tcapsstudent.net

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how good you are at it. Some of the skiers bign Feb. 15, the ski team took a big gest challenges when it comes to racing is the win with both the boys and girls pressure that comes along with it. teams winning first place at the “The pressure, getting in the gate and knowMichigan High School Athletic ing that you have to have a good run for your Association (MHSAA) Regionals. This means team to that both qualify,” teams will freshman now be Olivia racing at Bageris states for the said. division one A lot of state title. For the racers some, this on the competition team have was their last, been skiing but for others since the it was their day they first. Freshcould walk. man Dilyn They love Mohr was the sport able to be a and the part of all the memories practice and and new hard work friends they that the team make along has been Both the boys and girls ski teams pose after regionals. Photo Courtesy: M. the way. putting in for Cronk “It’s really this moment fun to miss the whole day of school and then and as an underclassmen getting to be a part of get to go hang out with friends while still skisuch a momentous event. ing, but being with the whole team [in general] “It’s really cool to get the experience young is really fun,” Bageris said as an underclassmen and just be able to grow The MHSAA skiing championships have and see where the team goes as I get older,” been around since 1975 and have worked hard Mohr said. to keep its traditions around for so long. It all Racing can be a challenging sport no matter started with a club made up of 50 kids from

Cadillac High School in 1948 who competed against teams from Traverse City, Manistee, and Leelanau. These competitions were heard about throughout Michigan and soon became known as Regionals. Where teams from all over Michigan compete to take a spot at states where they will race to take the name of State Champs. “[It was] talked about since at least 1959, the idea of a ski state championship was pitched to the MHSAA in 1966

“It’s really cool to get the experience young as an underclassmen and just be able to grow and see where the team goes as I get older,” - D. Mohr

by the Ski Coaches Association from both peninsulas,”according to the MHSAA website. “72 schools across the state sponsored skiing, and in June of 1974, MHSAA Executive Director Allen Bush announced plans to sponsor the first state ski meet.”

This year the team worked hard, faced obstacles, and learned new skills and in the end won regionals and are now on their way to take on states with two trophies and the name of regional champs behind them.

A Great Year for Cheer

Cheer team supports basketball team and helps get crowd hyped up Ainsley Rosenburg ‘22 rosenburain93@tcapsstudent.net

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SPORT RECAP Rival Schools Come Together to Support Oxford

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he horrific tragedy that took place at Oxford High School continues to reverberate among students in Michigan, a spirit-rattling ghost walking the halls and whispering around the school communities.

On Feb. 4, West and Central high schools decided to use their typically popular rivalry basketball game to raise money and awareness for the victims of the Oxford shooting. West vs. Central games usually have a lot of emphasis in the Traverse City community, rivals as natural as the University of Michigan and Michigan State.

However, this game began with both teams pouring onto the court in a single sea of navy blue shirts and bold, golden letters declaring “Oxford Strong.”

It was a magnificent display of the true intentions behind the game, and a reminder to the local community that even during competition, it’s important to remain united.

Even once the game was underway, the student sections continued the spirit by dressing in Oxford’s school colors, with West wearing navy blue and Central sporting yellow. The Central’s marching band also performed Oxford’s fight song during halftime of the boys varsity game.

Although neither West girls nor boys went home with a win on the scoreboard that night, the bucket blitz was able to raise a substantial amount of money for the Oxford victim and memorial fund.

- Lauren Tkach and Eva Lawson

LaFleur Rolling to D1 States

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lthough the team as a whole came short from qualifying for team States on March 5, Traverse City West Varsity Bowler, Jordan LaFleur, is returning to the Division One Singles State Finals and will compete on March 5, 2022.

“The season has been going great, although it has had it’s ups and downs, I am excited to see how it ends,” LaFleur said.

Lafleur competed at the event last year as well and hopes that her previous experience, along with her extensive training, will help her find success this year.

“States is super intense, there are lots of super talented athletes who have very high averages so it is a pretty nerve wracking experience. Hopefully since I competed last year as well, it will be a bit less intimidating this year,” LaFleur said.

- Isabelle Baumann

STATS Freshman Miah Lessner smiles while leading stretches.

Feb. 25: Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Cadillac 41-46 L Feb. 25: Boys Varsity Hockey vs. Saint Francis 0-4 L Feb. 25: Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Cadillac 35-52 L

Cheerleaders lift flier senior Mercedes Dittmar into a celebratory pose between quarters.

Feb. 28: Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Petoskey 32-18 W Watching sophomore Quinten Gillespie prepare for a free throw, the cheerleaders wait in anticipation.

COMING UP *All spring sports tryouts begin March 14.

Check your TCAPS email for more information about tryout times for your sport.*

Mar. 5: Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Elk Rapids Senior Meg Holm, sophomore Claire Hull, and freshman Joy Kithinji dance in synchrony.

Senior Meg Holm and junior Riley Fontenot clap while watching the team score another basket.

Mar. 9: Boys Varsity Baseball vs. Midland