`Conscience` of the school remembered for her

Stampede
C E N T R A L
March 18, 2016
Vol. 22, Issue 5
centralstampede.com
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Injury ends Latora’s
season
page 13
Portage Central H.S. l 8135 S. Westnedge Ave. l Portage, MI 49002
‘Conscience’ of the school
remembered for her passion
BY SOP HI A MA DDU X A ND
NOLA N CA RA N CI
Staff Writers
The death of beloved Portage Central teacher Patricia Johnson, who spent
43 years of her life teaching and retired
last June, was a shock to many students
and faculty.
Johnson passed away on Feb. 25 at
the age of 66. She was well-known as a
history teacher but also played a role in
athletics for 23 years, according to Principal Eric Alburtus.
Alburtus said he started teaching
at Portage Central when he was 24 and
taught history and German, just like
Johnson, at the time. Alburtus described
her as witty, funny and sharp-tongued,
adding that everybody is now realizing
how much of an impact she had on the
Portage Central community.
“Everyone respected her,” Alburtus
said. “She was our conscience. If you
did something that was not smart, she
would be the one to tell you not to do
it again.”
Scott Solomon, a 2015 alumnus,
said he was stunned by Johnson's death.
One of his fondest memories of Johnson, he said, was a squirrel magnet she
had in her room, which a student got
for her because the room wasn’t “festive
enough.” The squirrel even had different
outfits for each season. Solomon stated
that she was one of the smartest teachers he has ever had and that she genuinely cared about teaching her students.
“She was one of the teachers who
truly instilled my love for history and
politics,” Solomon said. “She knew more
about history than anyone I´ve ever met.”
Brian Taggett, another alumnus,
was also shocked by Johnson’s passing.
Taggett was especially fond of Johnson's
ability to teach from her experiences.
“It wasn't like she knew about it because she had watched a documentary
or read books on the subject,” Taggett
said. “She lived through a lot of experiences, and she first-hand had several
perspectives on them.”
Taggett said he and Johnson had
Courtesy of Lizzie Ulmer
Making Change: Alumna Lizzie Ulmer (left) poses with Vice President Biden as
part of her job with Everytown, a gun violence prevention organization.
Alumna works to influence
gun policy in Washington
BY DAY TON J UDAY
Staff Writer
Courtesy of Sara Brown
In Memory: Above,
Johnson walks out of
the school doors on her
final day of teaching last
June as her colleagues
celebrate her retirement.
Far left, Johnson poses
for the school yearbook
in 1974. Left, Johnson’s
squirrel celebrates St.
Patrick’s Day.
Archives/STAMPEDE Ben Miller/STAMPEDE
a close relationship built on their time
spent together in Knitting Club and
Johnson even made an appearance at
his graduation party. “She was such a sweet lady, and she’s
going to forever be a part of this school,”
Taggett said.
One teacher who was close with
Johnson was history teacher Kayleen
Grand. Grand worked a lot with Johnson
to prepare for teaching and said she was
inspired by Johnson’s persistent hard
work. She always knew what to do, and
how to do it. Her fondest memory was
What’s Inside...
Some say Fast 50 program
lacks anonymity
page
3
on Johnson’s last day of school when she
hired a limo driver.
“Her last day of school here last year,
she hired a limo driver to come meet her,”
Grand said. “They traveled around Kalamazoo to all the schools she had ever
gone to and took pictures. She went to
her elementary school, middle school,
Kalamazoo Central High School and Kalamazoo College.”
Alburtus said Johnson had a much
bigger impact than many colleagues because she interacted with so many different people. Which Hogwarts house are you?
Take our interactive quiz!
page
Over the years, Portage Central has
graduated thousands of students, but
Lizzie Ulmer is unique to others. Ulmer
lives in Washington D.C., where she
works as a press secretary for the Everytown for Gun Safety organization.
After graduating in 2007, she attended the University of Wisconsin. When
she was there, she was able to take a
summer internship in Washington D.C.
In this internship, she learned about the
various job opportunities in Washington
D.C., inspiring her to work there.
Everytown is the largest gun violence
prevention organization in the country.
It currently has three million supporters, consisting of mayors, police, mothers and everyday Americans. Their three
main core branches are Mayors Against
Illegal Guns, Moms Demanding Action
for Gun Sense in America, and the Everytown Survivor Network.
“Any time you speak about gun safety or gun violence prevention, people
often believe you are trying to take people’s guns away or restrict the Second
Amendment in some way,” Ulmer said.
“That is 100 percent not true.”
Everytown pushes the emphasis of
gun safety and gun violence prevention, not gun control. The organization
emphasizes that every day, 88 Americans
are shot and killed by people with guns,
and hundreds more injured.
Working almost a 24/7 press job, Ul-
mer doesn’t have a typical regular day.
Every morning, she must discuss with
her team of reporters the daily agenda
and what they need to accomplish for
the day. The daily jobs include anything
from writing a press statement to preparing volunteers for media interviews.
Not only is Ulmer working this full-day
job, but she also finds time to squeeze
in school. Right now, she is working on
her master’s degree in public policy at
Georgetown University. After studying
and checking emails, with her little free
time, she also said she likes to watch “The
Bachelor. “
Although Portage Central may seem
like a small piece of her journey, it played
a big part in where she is right now, she
said. PC taught her how to handle hard
work and challenged her to try new
things. Ulmer participated in many different activities such as basketball, soccer, water polo and yearbook. These
experiences helped her build teamwork
that she uses every day with her team at
Everytown.
“As a press secretary, my job involves
thinking on my feet and being creative,”
Ulmer said. “Those are all skills I started
to hone as a Mustang.”
Ulmer was a special student to the
teachers and staff when she roamed the
halls at Portage Central.
“[She had a] great attitude and great
sense of humor, but [she] was really trying to take things seriously to improve
herself, to take away as much as she
could,” history teacher Kent Baker said.
Kardashians & Robertsons
9
How they turned their names
into an empire
page
12
news
2
Bond money brings more technology
Spring Break kicks off Thursday, March 31, with a
half-day for students, and hours 1-4 meeting. School
dismisses at 10:50 a.m., but teachers will remain for
records day to end the third quarter. A full Spring
Break week begins on Monday, April 4, and school
will resume on Monday, April 11, with the fourth
marking period also beginning that day. Standardized testing for underclassmen is also scheduled for
that week.
Teacher Talent Show is
back again this year
Sharwari Salvi/STAMPEDE
New Tech: Freshman Reilly Moore and Zach Palan-Lilland enjoy the increase in accesibility to new
technology for streamlining school work.
outlet to “extend and expand” on their learning skills.
“When used properly, the devices increase engagement and collaboration, both of which translate
to higher performance and better preparation for
‘21st century skills’ students will require in college
and the workforce,” Vomastek said.
Chromebooks have been distributed in approximately 35 classrooms around the district test out the
problems and advantages these computers bring to
the table. In terms of teacher and student satisfac-
tion, most people seem to enjoy the laptops.
Sophomore Aiyla Arif believes that each student
receiving their own laptop will positively affect the
convenience of learning.
“I don’t usually bring a computer to school, but if
we’re doing a project in class that requires the internet, it’s very inconvenient to use the school laptops
because they take so long to access,” Arif said. “I think
that giving each student a laptop will allow them to
obtain resources needed quickly and easily.”
Newly-added AEDs provide safety for students and
BY A LEX BECKM AN
Staff Writer
After scoring the winning basket, 16 year old Wes
Leonard collapsed and died on the basketball court.
It was found that he had an enlarged heart and died
due to sudden cardiac arrest. Following his death
his family instated a foundation to ensure organized
youth athletic events have an automated external
defibrillator (AED) present, universally labeled and
maintained. An AED is a portable device that checks
the heart rhythm and can send an electric shock to
the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm. AEDs are
used to treat sudden cardiac arrest.
“The Wes Leonard heart foundation donated the
defibrillator outside the library because of the player
that died from a cardiac emergency,” Assistant Principal Jason Frink said.
Cardiac arrhythmias are unexpected and require
immediate medical attention, every second is vital to
an individual’s health. If you have watched a movie
that a physician says “clear” and puts paddles on
someone’s chest you are familiar with an AED.
At Portage Central the administration strategically placed AEDs to ensure that in times of emergency
any individual could potentially save a life. The AEDs
are state of the art, and don’t require a physician for
use.
“There are pretty explicit instructions on the inside of the container so I believe an untrained individual would be able to use an AED properly,” Lifeguard Ben Coll said.
The locations of each AED are at the entrances of
in brief
Spring Break week
coming soon
BY SAMH I TA S UNKAR A
Staff Writer
Imagine living a life where you never have to
handwrite notes ever again. You never have to walk
up two floors carrying your algebra, biology, and history books. A life so wonderful, students would never
have been thought to be possible, but with the passing of the bond proposal, we will be a few steps closer
to this. The new bond proposal is providing the technology department with the financial aid for their latest project- giving one Chromebook laptop to each
Portage Public Schools student.
Daniel Vomastek, the director of information and
technology systems, he leads the group of people
who decide the technology goals. Vomastek suggested the idea of every student having a laptop during the bond planning. Many groups at the meeting
agreed with the idea, therefore allowing it to become
a reality.
“We want the use of technology in the classroom
to be seamless and routine. Having to reserve carts,
travel to computer labs, etc. interferes with that, leading to the use of technology being more of a special
event than an integrated component,” Vomastek said
“This can distract resources away from quality instruction. By providing devices directly to students,
we eliminate this issue.”
Vomastek also adds that the laptops will allow
students to have more modern ways to learn. Additionally, he explains that the world is relying on technology, so “it’s about time that education follows this
as well.”
When asked how he thinks the Chromebooks will
benefit every student, Vomastek believes that students will have additional resources to access if they
don’t understand something. On the other hand, if
students have mastered the content, they have the
March 18, 2016
Trainer’s
Room
Library
Portage Central High School
Health
Room
Created by Gabe Pedraza /STAMPEDE
Charged Up: An approximate map of where AEDs are located throughout the school.
Portage Central. A metal box is mounted each spot
on the wall which contains the AED.
“One outside the health room, one outside the
library which is always accessible, there is one that is
carried by the trainer, and goes wherever she goes,
and there is one in the stable,” Frink said. “We cover
the use of AEDs in our health classes, luckily the AEDs
are easy to use. I think the most important thing for
students is to know where they are. On all the doors
in the building we post where the AEDs are located.
You’re not going to hurt somebody by using an AED,
they are smart enough not to give a shock if not
needed. The worst that will happen is that someone
might be embarrassed. There are pictures the thing
talks you through the process when you push the
button.”
Approximately 30,000 people a year die of cardiac
arrest outside of the hospital. The inclusion of AEDs in
and around highly populated areas might lower that
number.
Nothing compares to seeing your beloved teachers perform in front of an audience of students at the
teacher talent show, and you’ll get the opportunity
to watch them on Wednesday night. The teacher
talent show occurs every two years, and not all, but
most of the teachers and staff participate. There is
a small cost for admittance, and those raised dollars
will be donated to the Make a Wish Foundation of
Michigan, through Team Taylor of Mattawan.
Plans for new facilities
taking place now
The Portage Board of Education approved
new master plans last month, ushering in facility
changes that will drastically change the appearance
of the Central High School campus. The plans came
about as a result of a $144 million bond issue that
was approved by voters last fall.The new three-story
Central Middle School will be built on Westnedge, to
the west of the current middle school, but just south
of the west entrance to the gym and high school.
Additionally, a new aquatics center is planned for
the east end of the gym. The new football stadium
will be built at its current site. Since the master plans
have been approved, design work can now begin.
2016 Grad Bash prices
are set in place
Seniors who register for Grad Bash 2016 by April
1 will pay a rate of $65. After that, prices increase to
$75 for registration and $80 at the door. Registration
forms are located at the Welcome Center. Return
the forms with payment to either the main office
or to PCHS Grad Bash, Portage Central H.S., 8135 S.
Westnedge Ave., Portage, MI 49002. Any questions
can be directed to [email protected].
Author Joe Hill will
talk in Google Hangout
Famous author Joe Hill will be talking to the
public today at 3 p.m. in the Media Center. He won’t
be coming to Portage physically, but he will be
speaking through a Google Hangouts conversation.
Hill is a New York Times best-selling horror author
and is also the son of acclaimed author Stephen
King. His most known books are “Horns” and “HeartShaped Box.”
Compiled by Stampede Staff
news
March 18, 2016
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BY BEN MI LL ER
Staff Writer
It isn’t often that a world-renowned, famous individual comes to Kalamazoo. We have become accustomed to travelling to either Detroit or Chicago for
concerts, sporting events, and speeches. However,
on March 22, Neil deGrasse Tyson, a world-renowned
scientist, will be making the pilgrimage to Kalamazoo. He will speak to an audience at Miller Auditorium on the campus of Western Michigan University
about scientific matters.
Neil deGrasse Tyson is known for his many accomplishments regarding science. Specifically, he is
intensely interested in astronomy and astrophysics.
Born in New York City in 1958, Tyson grew up deeply
passionate about science. He applied his interest
throughout his schooling at Harvard and scientific
career. He has had the key roles in many educational
institutions including University of Maryland and
Princeton University.
Taking up the role as one of faces of the scientific community, Tyson has been an active advocate
of NASA. Appearing on late night TV to meeting the
president of the United States, Tyson has become
something of a cultural icon who attracts fans from
all over the word.
Sophomore Christina Cinilla is impressed by Kalamazoo’s attracting Tyson.
“Michigan is actually a hub for scientific innovation and STEM innovation, being that we have Detroit
and the auto industry. Even our own town here has
lots of innovation in medical fields, so it’s great that
we are encouraging people and prominent scientific
figures like Neil deGrasse Tyson,” Cincilla said.
Biology teacher Cathy Laurencig is also very excited to have such a prominent scientific figure in
Kalamazoo.
“Well, he’s very personable and he’s an interesting
public speaker–he’s got humor, and people can relate
to him. I’m always a fan of people who are smart and
then can still communicate with the rest of us,” Laurencig said.
A contest was held by the Portage District Library
to recieve VIP tickets to the event and meet Dr. Tyson
backstage. Senior Shawna Huang won the contest.
yes
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percent
BY C A R LY FLE C K
Staff Writer
Every teacher has his or her own views on rules
for the classroom. Most are generic, such as “be nice,”
“be respectful” or “do your best.” For some teachers,
seminar calls for a twist in their everyday core class
regulations.
The real question is, when do rules during seminar become too strict? In a survey of 50 students, 72
percent of students aren't allowed to use cell phones
in any way, 44 percent of students say they aren’t allowed to move around during their seminar, and 80
percent of students say their seminar teacher won’t
let more than three people go to the library at once.
Some students say they are frustrated by the restrictions on technology. Most teachers now have
Google Sites with information for kids to keep up on
daily assignments. To look at the site during seminar,
No
percent
yes
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percent
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there’s only one way to do it: look it up on a phone.
“If you don’t have access to the Internet, and you
need to check the Google Sites of teachers, how
else are you supposed to get the info?” senior Chelsie Morgan said. “As well as if you have nothing else
to do, what else are you supposed to do? Stare at a
wall?”
Cell phones can be a resource used to better
students’ education. The Internet has millions of resources for a wide spectrum of subjects that can help
students have a better understanding of what is being taught in the classroom.
Seminar is a class that gives kids an opportunity
to get work done, and take a small, yet needed break
from the day’s constant learning. Not to mention, everyone has assignments that will take 50 minutes to
complete.
“Students need a break from all of their studies,
and they should be able to use seminar for that rea-
son if they choose,” freshman Cam Nosal said. “Teachers should be way more lenient.”
This year, the “no more than three people in the library at once” rule has been enforced more than ever.
Some students say it seems to be affecting our school
in a not-so-positive way.
Most seminars have a full number of students in
every class. Many students believe that it's not logical
to let only the first three kids that show up to class
have a highly needed pass to the library or Media
Center.
“The new rule is dumb. Not every student has access to printers at home,” Morgan said. “If you need to
work on a paper and you can't go, then you can't do
what you need to, and then you’re deprived of your
homework.”
Although the strict policies have caused a stir up
for most students, they have been put in place to
help keep seminars under control.
Revealing the truth behind Fast 50
BY B E L LA P E DR A ZA
News Editor
The Fast 50 program’s goal is to allow students
to keep their school safe by offering an incentive, according to school police officer Ehlert. But for some
students, it is a program designed to turn students
against each other.
The Fast 50 program is an anonymous tip hotline
where students can call, text, email or contact an
administrator to notify officials of an illegal situation
such as under age drinking, theft or illegal drug use.
In return, the student is supposed to receive $50. One
student who provided a tip, however, was never reimbursed.
“After I reported a crime through the Fast 50 program, I didn't get anything [money] out of it, even
though there was definitely enough evidence,” said
the 18 year old student who requested anonymity.
“Also, people found out. It’s not reliable at all.”
Despite the promise of the cash to be rewarded,
some students intend that the Fast 50 program contains loopholes that does not guarantee actually rewarding the $50. Ehlert disagrees.
“It’s a police investigation and you’re aiding in thy,” junior Andrew Backer said. “They promise to give
that investigation, so we are not always able to pay you $50 if you totally ruin your reputation by telling
the $50 out, but we
on people, but I think
try really hard if you
rarely do they fulfill that
give information,” Elpromise.” hert said.
The common belief
According to Elamong students is that
hert, evidence such
the Fast 50 program
as stolen property,
is “just a way to catch
drugs or weapons
more kids doing bad
most likely has to
things,” senior Amanda
be recovered by the
Boelman said. However,
police for the tip to
according to Portage
be considered legitiPolice Sgt. Matt Wolfe,
mate and allow the
“student safety is the
student to be elinumber one objective
gible to receive $50.
of the program.”
Courtesy of Kalamazoo Silent Observer
Also, when students
It is unclear whether
go to receive the cash, they must go directly to Elhert
the faults of the program are a result of these conor a school administrator. This method can be hard to
flicting thoughts or the miscommunication of what
keep the student completely anonymous, despite the deems a tip worthy of a reward. In the end, it is up
best efforts of school staff. This raises concern among to the student to decide whether to report a crime if
students about the reliability of the program.
someone is truly in danger, regardless of if there is a
“This proves the Fast 50 program isn’t trustwor- possibility of pocketing $50.
view
4
March 18, 2016
Absolute guarantee of anonymity needed for Fast 50
The Fast 50 program is advertised
as a way of keeping our school safe. In
theory, a student who has knowledge
of an illegal activity could notify either
the school police officer or another
official with the reward of $50. The reality is, for many students, the money
is not worth the hassle.
The main problem with the Fast 50
program is the advertisements. On the
bookmarks and the posters regarding the program, there is always the
promise of anonymity for the student.
However, the student’s name who
reports an illegal activity is usually
discovered by other students. Most of
Stampede
C E N T R A L
Shawna Huang
Lucy Forster
Editors-in-Chief
Dayton Juday, Bella Pedraza.................News Editors
Olivia Oles..................................................View Editor
Jori Gelbaugh............................................Focus Editor
Dakotah Lilly...............................................Vibe Editor
Zach Franks..............................................Sports Editor
Kelsee Ha, Sharwari Salvi.....................Photo Editors
Staff Writers: Brianna Martinez, Theo Kizer,
Alyson Koh, Ben Miller, Kyle Palmer, Gabe
Pedraza, Samhita Sunkara, Mark Williams, Isabella
Wilson, Nolan Caranci, Alex Beckman, Carly Fleck,
Sophia Maddux
Business Manager: Ethan Dunlop
Adviser: Cheryl Braford
The Central Stampede publishes approximately one
publication a month, primarily by the Journalism
II class at Portage Central High School, 8135 S.
Westnedge, Portage, MI 49002. It also uses work
from Journalism I students.
The Central Stampede is a member of the Michigan
Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA). The
purpose of the Central Stampede is to act as an open
forum for students of Portage Central. The staff
will achieve a balance between informing and
entertaining our readers.
Editorials
Staff editorials are unsigned and represent consensus of the staff. The opinion of the staff is represented in the “Our View” column. The opinions
of the editors, staff writers and guest writers will
have bylines and will carry their own views.
Letters
As an open forum, the Stampede welcomes all
members of the Portage community. However,
the staff reserves the right to edit letters based on
length and content.
Phone: (269) 323-5218
Fax: (269) 323-5290
Room: 2116
The Central Stampede
Portage Central High School
8135 South Westnedge Ave.
Portage, MI 49002
the time the
police report
requires the
student to
be identified as a witness or source,
opposing their previous guarantee.
If the other students don’t find out
from the police report they could find
out from the long line of others that
are involved in giving the student the
reward. Not only does this betray the
student but it also compromises his
or her safety. This causes problems for
the program because students have
eventually learned not trust it.
We also have a problem with the
fact that
there have
been many
kids who provide information without receiving a
reward. This is due to the police determining whether or not the tip is worth
the $50 reward or if the reported kids
are eventually caught.
We believe that the Fast 50 program could be a valuable deterrent if
a student can absolutely trust it and
count on anonymity. If a student is
in a dangerous situation or in need
of help, they could call on this program without the fear of getting into
staf f editorial
five
Jake Maynard, 9th
on
Anjana Krishman, 10th
trouble. This way students can remain
in a safe environment due to other
students continually reporting illegal
behaviors.
The Fast 50 program has an admirable goal, but it does not have a
great execution. If students are willing
to give information to keep others
safe, they should not have to trade in
their popularity. The biggest problem
is that the students will not remain
anonymous if they desire the reward,
which compromises the safety of the
student. If the Fast 50 program can be
tweaked, we can succeed in keeping
school safe.
five
Anjan Kotekal, 11th
Allison Denison, 12th
Mlle. Flachs
1. What is your ideal field trip? (p. 2)
Going to Krispy Kreme.
Going home.
I would like to have a
fun time in Narnia with
friends.
Hogsmeade.
France.
How to become an
Animagus.
Learning to make
(and stick to) a budget.
Wherever the Sorting Hat
thinks I should go.
Is that from a book on
the AP Lit reading list?
I don’t pay attention to
those Muggles.
Botox, 72-day marriages
and being famous.
2. What is a life skill that students should learn in school? (p. 6)
How to act in an
emergency.
How to avoid procrastinating and starting your
homework at 3 in the
morning.
“Treat yo self.”
3. What Hogwarts house are you, and why? (p. 9)
Ravenclaw, because I
get good grades.
I don’t watch Harry Potter. I would rather be in
the House of Representitives.
I prefer condos.
4. What are the Kardashians famous for? (p. 12)
Their T.V. show and Kim’s
butt.
Annoying me.
Someone named RJ.
5. What’s your strategy for picking your March Madness bracket? (p. 13)
I pick my favorite teams,
and if I don’t like either
team, I go by ranking.
I choose the opposite of
what my mom picks.
Tom Burns gives great
advice.
I only watch Quidditch.
Is that football or baseball?
view
March, 18 2016
5
What should America do to control gun violence?
The Second Amendment
should not be infringed upon
BY LUCY F ORST ER
Editor-in-Chief
The Founding Fathers created the Bill of
Rights to protect democracy and to give citizens guaranteed personal freedoms and rights.
However, there is one amendment in the the Bill
of Rights that has recently come under fire. The
Second Amendment gives Americans the right
to bear arms. However, there is one important
part of the Second Amendment that people forget about: that this right “shall not be infringed
upon.” To me this means that hands down, no
matter what, my right to bear arms should not
be taken away or restrained.
The Second Amendment was specifically
created to protect people’s rights. When the
constitution was written, anti-Federalists feared
that the government would become too large
and overtake the people’s rights. The Second
Amendment was not just included to give
people the right to bear arms, but also to have
a “well-regulated militia,” which according to the
Bill of Rights is “necessary to the security of a free
state.”
The controversy over the Second Amendment is the fact that there have been numerous shootings in the news recently. Yes, these
shootings are tragedies, and it deeply saddens
The United States should
enact gun safety measures
me that our world consists of this evil, and I write
this with complete sensitivity to the victims of
last month’s Kalamazoo shooting. However,
let’s look back into history. This kind of evil has
been happening for hundreds of years, since the
days of Jesse James, Jack the Ripper or the KKK.
However, the mass media of today broadcasts
these acts of evil so heavily that they seem more
prevalent in our lives.
Courtesy ofBYahoo
Y B Sports
E N M I L L ER
Whether the Second Amendment is kept
Staff Writer
or eventually dissolved there is no doubt in my
mind that there will always be mass shootings
and violence. People will find a way to obtain
Kalamazoo bared witness to the horror guns
weapons or whatever their heart desires no matcan bring to a community. Suddenly, shootings
ter if it’s in the Bill of Rights or not. A criminal
weren’t something we simply saw on CNN hapis a criminal. Someone who wants to perform
pening in a far off city–it was happening in our
a mass shooting isn’t going to worry about
backyard. Six innocent people were gunned
whether their gun is legal or illegal; frankly, the
down and murdered in locations most of us are
law is probably the last thing on their mind. In
all too familiar with. Sadly, tragedies like this ocfact, criminals who perform mass shootings are
cur with great frequency in communities across
clearly mentally and emotionally unstable.
this country. We need to do something to preThe Kalamazoo shooting was a tragedy that
vent more lives from being lost. Not only are
hit way too close to home. This shooting makes
gun safety measures necessary, but they save
it difficult to defend the Second Amendment,
lives and protect people from being killed by
especially since the shooter obtained the gun lemaking sure firearms don’t fall into the wrong
gally. However, because of the Second Amendhands.
ment a civilian could have used his or her own
From Los Angeles to Kalamazoo, gun viopersonal gun to stop the shooter. Guns are not
lence plagues our society. It has become comchanging. Guns are not the problem. People
monplace in America to turn the other cheek
are changing, and people are the problem. We
to these mass shootings and move on with our
live in a world where citizens believe they are
lives. But now the issue is becoming more prevaallowed to express their feelings through violent and we need to enact common sense gun
lence that affects the lives of others, sometimes
regulation laws as soon as possible. More and
even innocent strangers. We need to focus less
more people–gun owners and non–gun ownon taking away guns and more on helping our
ers alike–demand action. And yet, Congress has
fellow Americans. The right to bear arms is my
done nothing. The main reason is actually quite
inalienable right, and it should not be altered or,
simple: money. The most high profile firm assoGod forbid, taken away.
ciated with gun rights and the corruption of our
national legislature is the National Rifle Association (NRA). The NRA spends millions every year
to influence votes, ensuring nothing is done in
regards to gun violence. Whenever there is a
mass shooting, the NRA deploys their army of
lobbyists to try and stop any reactionary laws
from being passed. The NRA perverts the very
idea of democracy by influencing Congress with
large amounts of money and in turn, stripping
the people’s voice in the national conversation.
There is no doubt in my mind that nearly
every gun owner is responsible and peaceful.
However, right now in the United States, it is far
too easy for a criminal to obtain a gun and that
needs to end. This is an issue that is supported
across the board. According to the Center for
American Progress, 83 percent of gun owners
nationally support criminal background checks
on all sales of firearms, while only 14 percent of
gun owners oppose them. This issue transcends
political lines but our representatives who supposedly represent the people don’t pass any
laws because they are too afraid of the NRA
coming after them, while our fellow citizens
are dying. The blood of the innocent is on the
hands of Congress who comes up with excuses
instead of preventing violence. The innocent
elementary school students in Newtown, the
students of Columbine, the young AfricanAmerican teens murdered daily on Chicago’s
south side and the victims in Kalamazoo all need
to be remembered. Actions needs to come from
their deaths–not silence. The United States of
America must enact legislation that targets gun
violence and mental illness. Now that this epidemic has touched close to home, we must urge
our representatives now, more than ever, to do
what’s right.
We need to learn to accept others’ viewpoints
B Y OLIV IA OLES
View Editor
There are certain things everyone knows not to
post on social media: your address, your credit card
numbers and your phone being a few. Add to that list
your political views. With the presidential campaign
underway, there has been an increase in cyberbullying regarding political philosophy. If you don’t believe me just take a glance at any social media site. It
is most likely littered with hate posts of some political
figure or someone’s political beliefs.
I personally have retweeted something that ended with people questioning my sanity and calling me
“Trump Lover,” as well as an assortment of names. All
I posted was a harmless conservative poll at the beginning of the political season I didn’t think anyone
would care. But, of course, this is the Internet, and
someone is always offended.
As a conservative in a primarily liberal school, I’ve
accepted the fact that it’s hard to spread my political
opinion without getting bashed. I figured social media would be an adequate place to do it, but I was apparently wrong. What I discovered was people blowing an innocent retweet out of proportion and not
accepting any other viewpoint but their own. They
were making assumptions about how I worshipped
Donald Trump when in reality, I was just supporting
the Republican Party.
Intolerance like this all starts with someone posting their opinion, resulting in an attack. This is usually from more than one person or account who act
as a widespread gang. They may never speak to each
other outside of the Internet, but in the midst of a
fight or a controversial topic, they back each other
up in every argument possible. These topics have
ranged a variety of political sore spots like abortion
and gun control. Just last month at Portage Northern
an article was published about the right to believe in
meninism vs. feminism. Individuals who did not share
the popular beliefs received death threats on social
media.
Isn’t accepting others who are different generally
a liberal concept? Democrats preach that we should
accept everyone, no matter their race, gender, body
type or sexuality, but only if you agree with their ide-
ology. If not, your opinion is viewed as wrong and
your lashed at. It’s extremely hypocritical, and this is
why primarily conservatives get attacked. Let’s make
a comparison, shall we? A Democrat posts a “Feel
the Bern” picture in support of the Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders. People respectively like it and
nobody explodes. If a Republican posts a Ben Carson
quote, the Internet goes on a world-web wide roast,
scolding the person for their beliefs.
The more people start attacking others, the more
they force their opinions down other people’s throats
Let’s be honest: no one wants to hear that. People
personalize their beliefs to a degree where they can’t
accept the fact that someone differs from them. It’s
good to have healthy debates, but we need to keep
others’ viewpoints in mind. People need to accept
other viewpoints, even if they don’t agree with them.
view
6
March 18, 2016
Don’t rain on Muslims shouldn’t be generalized as terrorists
millenials’
parade
BY REEM SHEBRAIN
Guest Writer
BY SHAWNA HUANG
Editor-in-Chief
I spend a lot of time on the Internet. Honestly,
it’s probably unhealthy. I’ve come to love browsing
links on Reddit, scrolling through the daily features
on iFunny, and watching educational videos on YouTube (I know, I know, I’m really lame). To older generations, I might as well be a poster child for the millennial. After all, the word “millennial” has come to have
a connotation of a lazy, entitled, self-centered bum
who does nothing but waste his or her time on the Internet. And every time I hear this term being used to
belittle our generation, I can’t help but cringe a little.
Older generations seem to hate on millennials
for letting their technology do all their work for them
and not doing any of it themselves. But isn’t that the
entire point of having technology? Didn’t previous
generations sacrifice so much to make our lives easier? Our parents worked hard to give us lives rich with
opportunity and advancement, and it’d be senseless
to throw that all to the wind simply because other
people think the easy way is lazy.
The term itself wasn’t even coined by millennials
– it was coined by two historians in 1991. Now, there
seems to be this trend of using the term to belittle
millennials. There’s always been something discomforting about one group of people using a term to
describe another in a derogatory light. We’ve faced
this problem many times before in our history, and
it’s never gone over well.
Yet all this negative pressure ignores the actual
problems we millennials face on a daily basis. With
the new technology we have, we’re dealing with
new pressures on our economy and our society, with
minimal guidance from past generations on how to
handle it. We’re practically on our own in trying to figure out how to use technology to change the world.
On top of all that, we’ve been told we have to
have everything like a good job, a perfect relationship, a beautiful family and a home in a quiet neighborhood with a white picket fence. We’re expected to
be broadly educated, pay off our student loans, solve
problems of climate change and political corruption.
We face a ton of pressure to expect more out of our
lives, and when we fall short of those expectations,
our place in this world comes crumbling down. We’re
treated as not working hard enough, not being smart
enough, not appreciating the hard work our parents
did to get us where we are, despite all the hard work
we’ve done to try to reach our goals.
Older generations hate us for being lazy and entitled, yet they expect us to solve all of the problems
they created. We work harder than ever to try to do
that, but we’re harshly criticized if we ever fail. As a
millennial, my opinion is less valued by society because society sees me as a good-for-nothing bum.
For most of us, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
So please, stop using the word “millennial” to
patronize my generation. After all, the future of the
world lies in our hands.
In the Western world, many people affiliate the
word “terrorism” with ISIS, some think the Middle East
and some think Islam. Usually when addressing this
topic there is no mention of other acts of violence besides those of “Islamic Extremism.” This type of mentality leads us back to the media; our main source of
“information.” The media has no longer become a reliable
source. It has become the ultimate initiator of the
Islamophobia epidemic where many of the news anchors preach about a religion that they themselves
do not understand.
The words of a white male or female have become more truthful than a colored man’s and the
acts of terror committed by a white man is justified
with a possible mental illness. And we, as viewers, have surrendered our minds and given it to the
spokesperson.
In the Westernized media, the phrase, “All Muslims are not terrorists but all terrorists are Muslim,”
has become commonly publicized. Conversely, the
FBI reports that the likelihood of a Muslim committing a terrorist attack in the United States is 6 percent,
leaving more than 90 percent of non-Muslims responsible for countless other terrorist attacks. Therefore, the generalization of “all terrorists are Muslims”
is profoundly unjustifiable.
Generalizing all terrorists as Muslim can be
proven erroneous without any hesitation- like when
pointed out that there is an overwhelming number
of terrorist attacks that have been carried out by several groups of non-Muslims. The first example, the
Ku Klux Klan (KKK), are a group of white protestant
extremists who terrorized African Americans. They
implemented racial controls on African Americans
and exercised their fantasies of murdering more than
3,000 African Americans once slavery was no longer
in the Constitution. Still until this day, they are actively recruiting.
Another example of a non-Muslim terrorist would
include Hitler as the leader of the Nazi Party which
was responsible for the mass murder of more than
three million innocent Jews. It is unjust to not affiliate the KKK and Hitler with terrorism knowing the
amount of bloodshed they have caused, it dishonors
the lives lost in such acts. They have proven to us,
through their actions, that they are TERRORISTS, and
not Muslim. All terrorists are NOT Muslim.
Have you forgotten what happened on June
19,2015, in Charleston, S.C.? Nine victims were terrorised in a historic black church by a racist white man,
Dylann Roof. Have you forgotten what happened
on February 13,2015, in Chapel Hill , N.C.? Three innocent Muslims were assassinated by an Atheist man
by the name of Craig Hicks. Have you forgotten that
both men wanted to initiate a race war, yet STILL they
are not labeled as terrorists? You have forgotten, for
if you hadn't, the slogan, “All terrorists are Muslims”
would cease to exist.
Currently, there have been a total of 42 mass
shootings in just this year. The recent mass shootings
in Kalamazoo itself is an act of terrorism which cannot be ignored. Despite whether or not the media
decides to claim that the terrorist is mentally ill, we
need to realize that a terrorist is a terrorist regardless
of race, religion, or background.
It is essential that we must reject any form of
negative stereotypes of Muslims. We must not cast
the apocalyptic behavior of ISIS, or of the KKK as representatives of the entire faith of Islam or Christianity.
Moreover.
In today’s society, many people try to claim that
the entire religion of Islam is not a religion of peace,
rather, a religion of hatred and war. However, this
claim is completely wrong and distorted. In the
Quran (the Holy Book of Islam), God orders His believers, “Whoever kills a person [innocent person]…it
is as though he has killed all mankind. And whoever
saves a life, it is as though he had saved all mankind”
(Chapter 5: Verse 32).
The next time the topic of terrorism arises, realize
that a terrorist does not have to be a woman wearing a headscarf nor does it have to be a man with a
beard. A terrorist can be anyone, not just a Muslium.
So please, let’s not generalize or discriminate against
someone different based on their religion. Not all
Muslims are terrorists, and not all terrorists are Muslims.
School should teach students life skills
BY SAMHITA SUNKARA
Staff Writer
I’m sure most of us can solve a quadratic function,
but if given the task, could you do your own taxes?
Unless you’re one of the few, most of us are pushed
out into the real world not knowing how to do these
everyday “grown-up” tasks. In school, educators are
so caught up in teaching the curriculum that they
don’t have time to instruct the basic tasks that
every student will have to face in the
near future. School should teach us
skills we need because it’s something
that all of us will eventually use, no
matter what profession we go into and
everyone can be prepared for success.
Writing out checks or writing letters is
a simple task that is so easy to learn, yet it is
surprising how little we know them. As time
progresses so does technology, which results
in the lack of proper communication skills. Some
may wonder why you would waste time and effort
writing a letter to your grandma when you can just
Facetime her? And while we do send the occasional
forced-by-your-parents thank you card to relatives
after Christmas, we aren’t taught how to properly
format a letter.
This is important for the success of any person because you may need to write formal letters to bosses,
coworkers, and other superiors in the work environment. This will make you stand out in the crowd from
everyone else. When it comes to writing checks or
balancin checkbooks, we aren’t taught how they
work or how they are formatted. Considering adults
use them practically every week, shouldn’t we know
more about them?
Students should learn more skills that are
applicable in real life so that
every person can be set up to
succeed in whatever they do
after high school. After all,
that is the purpose of
sonal communication will benefit students because
they will be prepared to walk into a job interview and
have an idea of how to formulate answers to questions in a polite and professional tone.
While our educators utilize their time teaching
us through Powerpoints, textbooks and worksheets,
students will be less prepared for the real world.
Teachers should incorporate real life skills into students’ everyday curriculum to make them better
individually and professionally. While knowing the
Amendments to the Constitution may be beneficial
to a future lawyer, it will mean nothing to a student
aspiring to be an artist.
By teaching life skills, students will learn
something they will definitely find useful later
in life. In doing this, schools will be preparing each student for success in the real
world as well. Students will be more
confident and comfortable walking into a job interview.
I’m sure I’m not the first
person to point this fault
in our education system out.
However, why aren’t we doing
anything about it? With standards
Olivia Oles/STAMPEDE rapidly increasing for job openings,
now is the time to implement these
skills. By simply altering the school
education.
We
curriculum to make sure every student learns these
are forced to present
tasks, life for them will run smoothly in the future. It is
in front of a classroom of our
a necessity for schools to start teaching real-life skills,
peers, however, we never focus on
because it is something that every student will use,
how to speak to another person in a profesand it sets everybody up for success in the future.
sional environment. Students rely on their phones
While not everyone will use the quadratic formula affor communicating to each other, but that’s not how
ter high school, everyone needs to know some basic
it works in a professional setting. Teaching intraperadult tasks.
focus
March 18, 2016
Spring break crossword
All your favorite vacation destinations
BY ISABELLA WILSON
Staff Writer
3
1
2
1
4
2
5
3
1. The whitest sand on the beaches are found in this
Alabama resort town.
2. The West Coast hot spot everyone wishes they
could visit.
3. Cash out your wallet at this shopping capital of
the U.S., and see a Broadway show while you’re at it.
4. Find Atlantis in this tropical group of Caribbean
islands.
What to expect when at Art Hop
BY S H A R WA R I SALVI
Photo Editor
When the citizens of Portage thought that this
town was incredibly boring they weren’t aware of
the mesmerizing art gallery just a drive away.
Kalamazoo’s Art Hop is an art gallery specked
throughout downtown Kalamazoo. From art dealers
to fine art, Art Hop has something for everyone.
Perfect for a date night or a night out on the town,
this free event is on the first Friday of every month
from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Art Hop features your typical art exhibit paintings, but it also allows sellers from all over the nation
including our very own locals to display and sell
their products.
Jennifer Welch is one of those local artists. Welch
and her company, Mitten-N-More, was asked to be
Urban Cottage’s guest artists during the October
and December art hop for the holiday season. She
utilizes materials such as wool sweaters and coats
that could otherwise be in the landfill and creates
pieces of art that are useful and artistic.
Through Mittens-N-More, Welch has a variety
of products such as felted wool sweater mittens,
college and school mittens, sport mittens, pillows,
felted flowers and key fobs.
“You get to share your talents with people what
you might not normally meet and get to see the
Down
1. Don’t forget to visit Mile Marker Zero at this southernmost city in the U.S.
2. This Colorado resort is a hot spot for skiing, and
will have you dying for a longer winter.
3. Head out west to this Wonder of the World located
in Arizona.
4. Spend a night with Mickey and Minnie in the happiest place on earth in this tourist town.
5. Rent the best beachfront condo on the shore in
this tropical, Mexican city.
Sharwari Salvi/STAMPEDE
Art: Artists in Kalamazoo are given a chance to
display their work every month at Art Hop.
excitement when someone purchases one of your
items for themselves or for a gift,” Welch said.
Art Hop is great way to not only to meet local
artists, but also to be involved in a trendy event that
can be enjoyed by many. Participants may grab a
bite to eat at the array of local restaurants available
in Downtown Kalamazoo. Then they can tour Art
Hop with friends or family for no cost at all.
“It is a great way to end a long week with family
and friends by just having fun,” Welch said.
Dealing with test anxiety
BY BR IA NNA MA RT I N E Z
Staff Writer
4
Across
7
Test anxiety is a very common feeling that strikes
its victims when they’re faced with an important
exam, or even a very small vocabulary quiz. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association
of America, test anxiety can result from fear of
failure, bad past test scores and lack of preparation.
Symptoms can include anything from feeling faint to
vomiting.
Many students don’t know what to do when
these symptoms strike them in the midst of answering test questions, which creates an even bigger feeling of uneasiness. With the SAT and IB tests coming
up, it’s important to be educated on the things that
could affect your test taking skills.
Just like any high school, some Mustangs suffer
from test anxiety. Sophomore Sydney Floyd experiences shaking hands and rapid heartbeat before,
during and following tests.
“It’s scary and I just want to get up and move
around, but I can’t because I’m taking a test,” Floyd
said. “When the test is finally over it just feels like a
complete weight has been lifted off my shoulder.”
Guidance counselor Todd Tarnutzer offered some
insight into what students can do to ensure that test
anxiety doesn’t interfere with their testing strategies.
“I feel like Test anxiety [is] a [very] real thing
depending on the student, and I think the biggest
factor in Test anxiety is preparation,” Tarnutzer said.
There is a wide variety of practice options available to students, more than there have been in past
years, and Tarnutzer strongly urges students to take
advantage of them. Consistent practice accustoms
students to the rigor of the exam, which can alleviate
anxiety. Changing up preparation habits, such as
studying with a partner or having a parent quiz you,
can also help according to Tarnutzer.
“The pressure comes from feeling like [a test] is
life or death when it’s really not,” Tarnutzer said.
Test anxiety isn’t a phenomena that is strictly
confined to high stakes tests like the SAT and exams,
either. People can be afflicted with these feelings of
uneasiness for any and every test or quiz they take.
Health Teacher Katie Eichstaedt suffered from Test
anxiety when she was a high school student at PC,
and overcame it with strategic tricks and perseverance.
Eichstaedt was diagnosed with Test anxiety
during her Sophomore year, and prior to it had been
having some extremely frustrating academic experiences. She recalls studying for hours on end, only to
receive a D on her tests. Finally Mrs. Taylor, formerly
Ms. Rieger, intervened and helped get Eichstaedt the
assistance she needed.
Eichstaedt used a wide variety of strategies to
help her study and to aid her in staying calm during
tests, such as color coded notes and bringing gum
and a “worry stone” to help her focus during exams.
Eichstaedt’s best advice for any student struggling
with Test anxiety is not to be ashamed of it.
“Get help, just ask anybody. I’d be willing to bend
over backwards to help anybody if they need it. It’s
so frustrating when you try your hardest and its not
good enough,” Eichstaedt said.
Sophomore Ryan Crawford also experiences Test
Anxiety due to his rigorous course load.
“[When you have Test Anxiety] you [get] very
nervous, and you [feel like] you’re going to mess
up because test are a large portion of your grade,”
Crawford said. “They’re hard to bounce back from,
especially at the beginning of a semester.”
To prevent feelings of Test anxiety, it is best to
prepare yourself beforehand. Studying in new ways
can be very beneficial; as well as deep breathing
exercises and positive self talk. But perhaps the most
important thing to remember is that you are not
alone.
“It’s okay. We’re all anxious about tests. It’s all
hard, [and] we all do it,” Floyd said. “Just know [that]
as long as you do your best, you’re okay.”
focus
8
March 18, 2016
“This is Portage Central.
Welcome to our Cribs.”
Whether it’s lion piñatas or
doors full of bizarre pictures,
teachers and students around the
school certainly have some unique
“
Compiled by Jori Gelbaugh
I have Dr. Who postcards, which I put up hopefully once a day but that doesn’t always
work out. Now I [have] some students helping me with that. I’ve never gotten them all up,
but I try. I have the Flag of Rohan from ‘Lord of the Rings’, of course. They are people who
take care of horses and I thought [of Mustangs] and I thought that was a cool connection between our world and there. It’s my favorite [decoration].
I’ve got the
Jim Henson and Kermit the Frog apple poster from the 1980’s. I
have the
‘Dark Side of the Moon’ poster, which was given to me by my
uncle, who
was also a science teacher and quotes on whiteboards from Wil
Wheaton
that I find significant.
“
“
Mr. Czuk
Math and Science Teacher
I started hanging up the scarves when we first moved into the building. I thought
that the walls were kind of boring. I started collecting scarves probably 15 years ago. In
Europe, all the teams wear - their fans wear- scarves, it’s part of what they do to support
their team. So the first couple I got were teams that I supported, [and] it’s kind of taken
off. I love Manchester United, so I’ve got four Manchester United ones. I mean they all
have kind of a cool story, I bought the Holland one in an airport in Amsterdam, so they all
mean a little something. I see a lot of soccer games. In high school,
I played soccer,
if you could call it that. I played a little bit in college, and then
I started
coaching in college. I’ve been coaching ever since - 25 years of
coaching,
so soccer means a lot.
“
“
Mr. Halloran
Math Teacher
At Portage Central, the first year I came, I decorated my room with the piñatas I first
had at Hackett. Some of them I’ve inherited from past Spanish teachers that have retired
or students who have had parties for birthdays and different things and their parents
don’t want them. I’m kind of the orphanage for pinatas. Some of them people have
bought for gifts, too, but most of them my students have made.
Bull’s Eye [is my
favorite], which kind of fits because then he can kind of also
be a Mustang.
My students made him because I really like “Toy Story.”
“
“
Señorita Reidel
Spanish Teacher
Around the room, the yerds have seasonal decorations, depending on the time of the
year. Every time the season changes, we hang something new from the ceiling. For example, around Christmas time we, hung snowflakes from the ceiling, and around graduation, we photoshopped graduation caps onto famous people and hung them from
the ceiling. We have a quote wall and a picture wall where we showcase funny things
said by staff members and funny pictures we come across while
making the
book. We have a basketball hoop and blankets in the room for
down time.
Also, we have a Christmas tree in the room, but it stays up all
year [with
different decorations]. We like to decorate the room because
it makes it
feel more welcoming and more homey. It’s a fun little activity to pass
time between deadlines that helps us all bond.
“
Sam Praeger
Yearbook Editor
ways to personalize their rooms.
The Stampede investigated some
of the most interesting decorations
in teachers’ rooms.
focus
March 18, 2016
9
What activity at Portage Central are you most involved in?
Music.
Volunteering.
Who’s your
audience?
created by Shawna Huang
“Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,
But don't judge on what you see;
I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.”
Athletics.
Forensics.
On the field, or on
the sidelines?
The world!
On the sidelines.
Science Olympiad.
What’s your biggest
goal for high school?
Get the IB diploma.
On the field.
Lead a club or activity.
My friends.
Place at the state tournament.
Just me.
All out,
every game.
How do you show
school spirit?
Passive
participation.
What’s on your
bucket list?
Traveling!
What were you
doing last night?
“The same thing we do
every night, Pinky – try to
take over the world!”
Skydiving!
Homework, unfortunately.
Hufflepuff.
What even is a
Hufflepuff?
Slytherin. Evil, or
just ambitious?
*slowly backs away*
Gryffindor.
Brawn over brains?
Ravenclaw.
You nerd.
Favorite nearby fast food locations
BY K EL S EE H A
Photo Editor
Sam’s Club
Centre
Culver’s
Qdoba
Distance from PCHS: 1.4 miles
Meal price: $8-10
Description: Enjoy a burrito, nachos,
quesadilla or chips and queso at this
mexican grill. Accompany your meal
with a CocaCola product and brownie.
Rating:
South Westnedge
Distance from PCHS: 1.0 miles
Meal price: $5-10
Description: Culver’s offers a
multitude of burgers and salads,
along with their original custard
Arby’s
and concrete mixers instead of
the ordinary ice cream.
Distance from PCHS: 0.9 miles
Rating:
Meal price: $4-8
Description: Arby’s offers a variety of Sh
av
sandwiches, desserts and sides. These
er
include their signature curly fries.
They sell Pepsi products as well as
their popular shakes and turnovers.
Rating:
Background created by Mark Williams
Melody
“[I started] working with the maintenance staff
freshman year, just cleaning up the Commons area
and taking care of anything else that needs to be
done. [The staff is] fun to hang around, so I don’t
mind helping them out and I get to move around
a bit during the day. [Outside of school] I started
riding horses about three years ago. I started riding
with my doctor, actually, because I had lyme disease
and so he took me out to his parent’s place and they
had horses so I rode out there and I’ve always kind
of wanted to ride. I enjoyed it so much that this past
year, I started volunteering out at True Vine Equestrian Center in Lawton and we help special needs
kids learn how to ride. It’s cool how horses can be
healing [because] like I said, I have lyme disease and
I had been sick, and it was really healing for me to be
on horses. I’d like to have a place of my own that has
a few [horses] where I can bring kids out and then
help [them] ride.”
Distance from PCHS: 0.9 miles
Meal price: $5-8
Jimmy John’s
Description: Wide variety of
six-inch or foot-long subs with
Distance from PCHS: 0.7 miles
several types of healthy breads,
Meal price: $8-12
Description: At Jimmy John’s, you meats, vegetables, condiments
and more. If you order a meal,
can buy either an eight-inch sub
you can also have a medium
or a club sandwich and wash it
fountain drink (CocaCola proddown with a variety of CocaCola
products. You can also ask for one ucts) and your choice of either
of their original cookies or Jimmy a cookie or a bag of Frito-Lay
chips.
chips.
Rating:
Rating:
Schuring
BY JORI GELBAU GH
Focus Editor
Romence
Royce Vaughn
Distance from PCHS: 1.3 miles
Meal price: $2-5
Description: Choose from a meal
with two pieces of pizza or a meal
with a hot dog, both accompanied by a 32 oz fountain drink.
Contrary to popular belief, you do
not need a Sam’s Club membership
card to eat lunch there.
Rating:
Subway
10
Sophomore
film phenom
headed to
Interlochen
BY OLI V I A OLES
View Editor
Despite his age, sophomore Nathan Ginter has
taken on the world of producing and taught himself
how to write, cut and publish short films. He has
created a variety of pieces from comedic claymation
films about student procrastination to documentaries about his world travels to Bali.
“I really love making art, and film seems like the
ultimate art form,” Ginter said. “It combines writing,
music and visuals to create something that is totally
unique and I find that really exciting.”
Ginter’s
artistry has not
gone unnoticed. He was
accepted into
the prestigious
Interlochen Center of the Arts
near Traverse
City for the
remainder of
his high school
career where he
will continue to
study filmmaking and motion
Courtesy of Nathan Ginter
picture arts.
Ginter’s process for producing varies depending
on the project. The production of a short film can
take anywhere from a few days to a few months. His
inspiration comes from things he observes around
him.
“In most of my movies I try to convey that things
which are [perceived as] dark or stressful can be
funny too,” Ginter said.
He also has a passion for taking photos. There
are pictures in his collections of lavish landscapes
to pictures edited with spray paint. Ginter appreciates that in a picture there is a focus on one subject
frozen in time as opposed to a film where the focus
is more broad.
He has won awards from multiple film festivals
including “Best Documentary” at Interlochen’s International Future of Cinema and “Best Film, Judges
and Audience Choice” awards for the fourth time at
the Kalamazoo Teen Film Festival. He recently was
asked to show one of his films at the Kalamazoo
Institute of Arts for the Best of the Fest film festival
that ended with a question and answer session with
other filmmakers. For his published photography,
he has had his own show in the local Art Hop. He
has also earned 2nd place for a digital photography
piece at Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s New
Media Showcase, and has been invited to exhibit his
work at Western Michigan University.
Sophomore John Hart was an actor in “Trumped,”
one of Ginter’s comedic films about our election season. “It’s really fun to be able to connect with your
friends and participate in films,” Hart said. “It was nice
because there wasn’t a script so we could improv
and have a good time.”
He hopes in the future to continue his passion in
college and transform it into a profession. To watch
some of Ginter’s work, find him on YouTube or at
www.nathanginter.com.
focus
March 18, 2016
Teachers share their history
BY C A R LY FLE C K A N D
M A R K W I LLI A M S
Staff Writers
Students may not realize that many of the staff
here have more to their story than it seems.
Though it’s crazy to picture their lives before
teaching, many teachers have had past experiences
that you may not expect.
For example, Athletic Director Joe Wallace was
immensely involved with theater and sports in high
school and college.
“My last two years of highschool, I was actually
acting in the plays. My senior year I was Harry the
Horse in the musical, ‘Guys and Dolls,’” Wallace said.
However, Wallace decided to pursue his athletic
talents after high school and became the football
coach at Grand Valley State University. Fortunately
for the Mustangs, his passion for athletics led him to
Central, but he’ll always be a theater nerd at heart.
Wallace isn’t the only teacher who has had an
interesting job prior to working at Portage Central.
English teacher Theresa Mills broadcasted radio
news overnight for WOOD radio station.
“I was responsible for taking stories off the AP
wire, rewriting them, and putting them in some kind
of logical order. I would deliver these every hour, on
the hour,” Mills said.
The job opportunity was introduced to her after
she started out as an editor for a newsletter. She got
the job offer, went for an interview and was basically
hired on the spot. Mills was always busy making
calls to fire stations, police stations, and to other
communities for information that might have been
newsworthy. The long nightly hours ended this part
of Mills’ career and set her towards teaching.
“I miss the fast pace of putting something
together, but I don’t miss the hours,” Mills said. “It
wasn’t family oriented.”
Few students know the obstacles that Spanish
teacher Janice Mazei had to go through to become
a teacher. Growing up, Mazei lived on numerous
farms in Delton with a family of eight children. The
little money that was earned from the farm wasn’t
enough to put herself through college.
Courtesy of Joe Wallace
Break
a Leg: Athletic director Joe Wallace plays the role of Coach Bolton in a production of “High
School Musical” at the high school where he used to teach.
“If we weren’t doing household chores, then
we were working on the farm. I got paid to pick
asparagus and corn. It was hard work,” Mazei said. “I
put myself through college, I was a server for a long
time at Red Lobster. That taught me a lot of patience.
People can be very rude, but it’s what I had to do.”
While some teachers had interesting past jobs,
others participated in unique past activities; physics teacher and track coach Dan Wytko was in a
fraternity called “Sigma Phi Epsilon,” or “Sig Eps,” at
Western Michigan University.
“It’s basically buying your friends. You do it for
fun, and you do it for a network. On the flip side, I
don’t hang out with any of those people anymore,”
Wytko said.
When asked about his fraternity activities, Wytko
was rather vague. “I’ll let your mind wander on that
one,” Wytko said.
All of the staff’s past experiences contributed to
making them who they are today. From fraternities
to acting, these teachers share one common thing:
the drive to educate students at Portage Central.
New forensics coaching brings success
BY N O L A N C A R A N C I
Staff Writer
Recent coaching changes for the Portage Central
forensics team include the addition of English
teacher Ashley Bowen as an assistant coach. Bowen
was a former English teacher at Portage Northern
High School, as well as a forensics coach there. In
fact, Bowen received MSCI’s prestigious award of
being named “Forensics Coach of the Year.”
The forensics team consists of 70 students. Along
with those students is the “staff of seven highly
qualified individuals,” according to head coach
Theresa Mills.
“All of the coaches are volunteering their time
and talent to helping this team,” Mills said. “We are
blessed to have so much talent helping us get ready
for the competitive season.”
This season’s coaching line up consists of Tyler
Baas, the multiple coach; Dan Mills, the broadcasting
and poetry coach; Ashley Bowen, the prose, prose
9/10 and oratory 9/10 coach; Angela McMillan, the
sales, informative and oratory coach; Alec Olweean,
the duo coach; Kaghen Miller, the storytelling and
dramatic interpretation coach; and Theresa Mills, the
Shawna Huang/STAMPEDE
Anticipation: Finalists in Informative at the Feb. 12 invitational anxiously await awards.
impromptu and extemp coach.
According to Bowen, forensics is a very valuable
activity and the best thing you can do in high school.
Bowen coached Northern to win in back-to-back
state championships.
“I am an assistant to the Queen,” said Bowen. “I
told Mrs. Mills at the beginning of the year I will do
anything to help her and to be involved, and I mean
that.”
The most recent tournament was held last Saturday, Feb. 12, at Portage Northern’s Menchinger Invi-
tational. The team took first place overall as a team,
and many students received individual awards.
“I thought [our success] was incredible,” Mills
said. “It was fun to kick butt.”
Despite this success, however, the team still feels
they have work to do to improve.
“We’re going to work on more distinct characterization,” said senior Riley Lentz, a member of the
multiple, “Jumanji.”
The team’s next tournament is tomorrow in
Holland.
vibe
March 18, 2016
Reviews Stampede
from
the
‘Fire Emblem: Fates’
changes series’ destiny
“Fire Emblem:
Fates” is the
latest entry of
a turn-based
tactics series set
in a fantasy world,
which decided to
take the Pokemon
route of releases.
“Fates” is split into three parts, the PHOTO COURTESY OF KOTAKU
first choices being Birthright and Conquest. It touts that each of these
entries is a game in itself, offering more content than previous games,
unfortunately as a result the storylines aren’t as detailed or well done as
the previous entries in the series.
What really stands out is the third path, Revelation. Featuring a story
that’s actually intriguing, and a difficulty level higher than the other
paths, Revelation really brings “Fates” closer to the Fire Emblem experience than the others. Regardless of the path itself it offers the same
gameplay mechanics throughout, anyone who picks up “Fates” is getting an enjoyable tactics game. A solid soundtrack helps tie everything
together, and while the graphics are a bit gnarly, the 2D sprites and art
make up for it. The great writing helps flesh out characters, and replayability is very high. It’s worth picking up without a doubt.
-REV I EW ED BY D A KO T A H L I L L Y
‘London Has Fallen’ is
generic but enjoyable
“London Has Fallen,”directed by Babak
Najafi, is the sequel to the 2013 film “Olympus Has Fallen.” The basis of this action
movie is that President Benjamin Asher,
played by Aaron Eckhart, is attending a
funeral for a prominent leader with several
other world powers when havoc breaks
loose.
Several world leaders are killed by
bombs and undercover terrorists. While
chaos and panic spread through the funeral attendees, Banning, played by Gerard Butler and President Asher manage to
PHOTO COURTESY OF IMDB
escape from immediate danger.
The movie is essentially Banning and President Asher trying to survive the terrorist attack and contact their offices in the USA while all
forms of communication are down. Gerard Butler is spectacular throughout the entirety of this film. Not only did he act well, he made his character seem likable and had great chemistry with Eckhart.
If you’ve seen any action flick before, you’ll be able to know how it
plays out within the first 20 minutes. The plot is predictable and lacked
any element of a surprise or twist. It almost seemed as though the makers of this movie wanted every scene to be as generic as possible. The
only saving grace for these scenes was the special effects work which did
a great job of making every explosion look real and intense.
Despite seeming like it was just another action movie, “London Has
Fallen” was indeed entertaining. Even though the audience knew what
was going to happen throughout the film, “London Has Fallen” was still
exciting and enjoyable to watch.
-REVIEWED BY KELSEE HA
Ratings Key average
terrible
very bad
very good
incredible
Being exclusive to a singular
platform can benefit games
11
BY DA KOTA H L I LLY
Vibe Editor
“XCOM” is a turn-based tactical science fiction series developed
back in 1994. More recently in 2012, it received a reboot by the name
of “XCOM: Enemy Unknown” and released on almost every platform out
there. From PC to iOS and Android, the developers managed to make
the experience work on any device someone could own, and while that’s
certainly something to be praised, it’s also something developers need
to be mindful of when crafting their games. Every device has a limit to
what it can do, given its hardware, and the limitations of these devices
can force developers to sacrifice parts of the experience to make their
games possible. But this doesn’t have to be the case.
From a consumer mindset, the idea of exclusive games is nothing
but bad, as it forces those who don’t own a certain device to have no
way of playing the game, and by extension supporting that developer
to make more games in the future. Unfortunately, the industry as it is
today is chock full of them, from the PS4’s “BloodBorne,” the Xbox’s “Halo”
series, or the Wii U’s “Bayonetta 2” whose previous entry was on both PS3
and Xbox 360. Every console has their lineup of their own special games
that can’t be played anywhere else, and while unfortunate for the industry as a whole, there is a certain upside to them.
Granted, this isn’t the typical angle being portrayed when most mention the good that exclusives do, as most of the arguments talk about
how it makes the console in question more attractive to potential buyers
if they can only get certain experiences on a specific one, or that it somehow helps build a reputation for the series. While that’s true to some extent, again see the Halo games for that particular lesson, there’s one that
you don’t see often, simply because often times it’s just not true when
it’s brought up. The idea that, because of a game being exclusive to a
platform, it can actually be significantly improved upon, thanks to various factors, and that brings us to “XCOM 2,” the sequel to the hit reboot,
exclusively available on PC.
“XCOM 2” has greatly increased graphics compared to the first, and
overhauls the story and gameplay mechanics in a big way. It puts every
match on a turn-timer so players have to rush to the objective or fail the
mission. Revamping the entirety of how the game functions, as well as
generally improving the title overall, this second entry could have easily
been done on consoles with those aspects in tact, albeit likely reduced
in their difficulty to better suit the console audience as well as cutting
down on features to reduce the cost and time of development. However,
what couldn’t have been done is the amazing mod effort put forth by
Enemy Unknown: “XCOM 2” turns the tables on the war against
aliens. They’ve taken over Earth, it’s the player’s job to take it back.
Firaxis alongside the launch of “XCOM 2.”
The game itself weighs in at 50 gigabytes (GB), and the total space
of all the tools and various textures and models released to modders to
create for the game doubles the size of the install. Mods were released
before the game even came out, and hundreds came out within just a
week of release, with the current grand total being over 1,000 different
mods available for free download and install. By combining them in different ways and customizing them with their built-in settings, the player
can make several thousands of different experiences that change how
the game plays and make it replayable hundreds of times over for hours
on end. It adds a new life to the game that might not have existed otherwise without a crazy amount of expansions with tons of content, and
considering how few games come out with these options available, it’s
fantastic to see it in a PC-centric title here.
Boasting a general improvement on the series overall, taking a bold
new direction in the series’ story, and adding a new system for replayability to skyrocket through a reliable modding infrastructure, “XCOM 2”
is leaps and bounds ahead of anything released in recent memory, and
is a very positive development. Thanks to being only on PC, it was able
to release relatively smoothly with a vast amount of changes and few
issues, while also being released in a fair amount of time and no delays.
It’s hard to not see this as anything but evidence of the benefits of being
on one platform, but be warned. This kind of practice only benefits the
game when it’s done to genuinely improve the title, as opposed to simply the developer getting paid to only release on one platform.
Young entrepreneurs are pursuing
YouTube careers as full-time jobs
BY G A BE P E DR AZA
Staff Writer
YouTube’s come a long way from the days of grainy vlogs and lip
syncs on built-in desktop webcams. From its scrappy beginnings in 2005,
the platform has grown into a launching pad for bona fide Internet celebrities. An absolutely staggering amount of successful full-time YouTubers create and broadcast videos to audiences that are often fanatically
loyal, and to many on the outside, that stature seems tantalizingly within
reach.
There are plenty of reasons YouTube has become the platform of
choice for many would-be Internet entrepreneurs. Not only is it free, but
it also has a lovably DIY heritage of people sharing everything from their
hobbies and daily experiences to videos of their beloved cats.
Whether it is unknown artists making their debut to the world or
gamers streaming their content to millions of subscribers, YouTube has
provided a way for people to create a career out of thin air.
As more common as creative ideas and popular videos circulate the
web with YouTube as their source, bringing massive amounts of attention to creators overnight. But for those who see some success beyond
the typical fifteen minutes of fame and especially those who partner
with advertisers, this attention creates a pressure for consistency and a
Stacked Up: Achievement Hunter, Linus Tech Tips and Polaris are
all examples of groups putting out high quality content for a living.
regular, episodic format that demands the same attention as a full-time
job. But can maintaining a YouTube channel really become a full-time
career and help sustain a comfortable lifestyle based off advertisements
alone? Many YouTubers lately have been having issues in terms of being
able to generate ad revenue, as well as issues with YouTube itself.
Having a YouTube career means being a self-employed registered
business and dedicating most of your time to it every day. Like any career, the life of a full-time YouTuber is not for everyone, and it requires a
passion for making good work and a willingness to persevere through
discouragement.
Although working long hours are required to bring food to the table
in many cases for smaller video creators, the fact that so many people
can make a living doing what they’re passionate about is a great thing.
vibe
12
March 18, 2016
Family empires capitalize on fame for fortune
The Kardashians and the Robertsons are two of the biggest names in reality television. However, the differences in these families’ rise to fame could not be more different. While
the Robertsons have gained their success through high morals and strong family values, the Kardashians have taken more of a risqué route when it comes to their fame. Either way,
both of these families know how to capitalize on their fame to generate not just Instagram likes, but more money than you could ever imagine.
Kardashians
Net Worth: $207 million
BY LU C Y FO R S T E R
Editor-in-Chief
Created By Lucy Forster
All the Kardashians’ job titles could consist of two words: TV personality. However, this family knows
how to capitalize on fame. The fame began with patriarch Robert Kardashian, when he joined the lawyer
“dream team” for OJ Simpson in 1994. From then on, the Kardashians continued to build their brand, without any real discernible skill or talent.
The real pivotal moment that changed the lives of the Kardashians was in 2007, when Kim’s sex tape
with Ray J was released. Soon following in 2007, “Keeping up with the Kardashians”, the reality TV show
that captures the everyday drama of the Kardashian clan, debuted. From this point on, “momager” Kris
Jenner has done everything in her power to put her kids in the spotlight. Nowadays, it’s hard to go through
the day without hearing about a Kardashian, including Kendall Jenner, the international supermodel, Kylie
Jenner, the social media mongol, and Caitlyn Jenner, woman of the year.
Kim, Kourtney and Khloe have embarked on many ventures to build their name and bank accounts. The
three sisters, both alone and as a trio, have been a part of numerous campaigns and endorsements, such
as Skechers Shape Ups, OPI Nail Polish, QuickTrim, Midori liqueur, Shoedazzle, Carl’s Jr. and Beach Bunny
Swimwear, just to name a few. It’s no secret that Kim is the most well known of the three Kardashian sisters.
Alone, Kim has released seven fragrances, a video game app centered around her life and lollipops (now
off the market). Together, the three sisters have broken into the fashion world and beauty world with the
Kardashian Kollection at Sears, as well as their clothing store, DASH. Their beauty line, Kardashian Beauty
includes hair care, makeup and hair accessories.
The Kardashians are not only TV personalities and celebrities, but they are entrepreneurs. As a family,
they have jumped into nearly every endorsement or business thrown at them. Not only has this made
them millionaires, but it has launched them to the top of the socialite tower.
Robertsons
Net Worth: $82 million
Created By Lucy Forster
Since 2012, the Robertson family has captivated TV viewers with their beards on their A&E show, “Duck
Dynasty”. Phil Robertson began making duck calls in 1972, and, along with his son Willie, he has turned the
Duck Commander brand into a multimillion dollar company. Duck Commander also makes duck-hunting
accessories, while deer-hunting merchandise is produced under the name Buck Commander.
The company is family-run, with Phil’s son Willie as the CEO, his other sons, Jase and Jep, along with his
brother Si, leading the production team. Two important non-family employees, who are heavily featured on
“Duck Dynasty”, are Justin Martin and John Godwin. Before “Duck Dynasty”, the Robertson family and their
business was portrayed on the Outdoor Channel, in the show “Duck Commander”. The Robertsons have
achieved fame, success and millionaire status through their products, endorsements and Christian beliefs.
As a company, Duck Commander purchased the name rights to college football’s Independence Bowl,
now the Duck Commander Independence Bowl, as well as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series known as the
Duck Commander 500.
Because of the fame achieved from “Duck Dynasty”, the Robertsons have been able to “brand” their family by putting phrases and funny sayings from the show on apparel. Phrases such as “happy happy happy”,
“faith, family, ducks” and “fear the beard” have graced t-shirts and hats. The Robertsons have capitalized on
the things viewers love from the show to make more money. In 2013, Walmart’s best selling apparel for men
and women was “Duck Dynasty” t-shirts. The family has collectively written ten books. Sadie Robertson,
Willie’s daughter, was a celebrity contestant on season 19 of Dancing with the Stars.
As a whole, the Robertson family has been able to use their Christian faith to build a larger industry. The
Robertsons have written devotional books, and they pray at the end of every episode of Duck Dynasty to
emphasize their overall message of faith rather than business.
brings back memories from childhood
BY LU CY F ORS TER
Editor-in-Chief
Have Mercy! If you don’t have Netflix,
then now is the time to splurge, because
childhood dreams have officially come
true. “Full House” has been brought back
as “Fuller House”, a Netflix original series.
“Fuller House” premiered its first season,
compiled of 13 episodes, exclusively to
Netflix on Feb. 26. This show is more than
just another Netflix original series. “Fuller
House” is the reincarnation of the ‘90s.
“Fuller House” is mainly based upon
the lives of DJ Tanner and her three sons,
Jackson, Max and Tommy as well as Kimmy Gibbler and her daughter Ramona
and Stephanie Tanner. But, have no fear:
Uncle Jesse makes multiple appearances,
along with some of the old favorites,
including Danny Tanner, Joey Gladstone,
Aunt Becky and the Katsopolis twins.
Oh, and let’s not forget heartthrob Steve
is back as one of the main characters.
However, Michelle Tanner makes no appearance.
Netflix did an amazing job transitioning this show from the ‘90s audience to
today’s audience. With more allusions to
sex and drinking, the creators definitely
had a mind for who would be watching
the show.
The addition of new characters to the
show also allowed for growth within the
audience. No longer is Kimmy Gibbler
the only comic relief, but her husband
Fernando adds for more craziness and
comedy.
The best part about Fuller House is the
constant allusions to other projects and
people. First, we all know why Michelle
is not a part of the show, however, this
did not prevent the cast from throwing
shade on Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen in
the first episode.
Secondly, other TV shows, such as
“Dancing with the Stars” and “The View”,
are heavily alluded to considering Candace Cameron Bure, who plays DJ, is a
part of both of those.
“Fuller House” is the perfect show to relive your childhood. If I had to rate “Fuller
House” solely based on quality and
acting, I might give it a two out of five,
but, because I am nothing but biased by
nostalgia I give it a six out of five.
sports
March 18, 2016
Latora’s season ends early with knee injury
13
Prospects of a state wrestling
title dashed by a torn meniscus
BY M AR K WI L L I AM S
Staff Writer
Junior Dante Latora’s hopes for a deep tournament run were dashed earlier this
month when he blew out his knee at the individual state wrestling championships.
Latora entered the weekend with a 40-3 record and quickly defeated his first
round opponent. Unfortunately he blew his knee out in a match he was determined to finish. Latora said his opponent was cranking on his knee until it popped.
Latora kept going until the fourth time he felt it pop, and that’s when he knew his
season was over.
Aidan Pierobon, Latora’s opponent, won the match with a score of 4-3. Pierobon is from Rochester Hills with a record of 47-4. He ended up placing 3rd overall
in the state. Latora now claims a record of 41-4. The matches that he lost at the
individual state championship following his knee injury did not affect his record
and were recorded as “Injury Default”.
Due to his knee blowout, there are many setbacks he has to deal with. Latora
feels he is coping with his knee fairly well.
“It’s the way of the sport, always having to fight through adversity,” he said.
Latora will be going to a doctor in order to find out whether or not his knee will
need an operation.
Latora hopefully expects to be recovered before nationals and says, “I plan to
come back better than ever and win a state title.”
“Dante is a very talented athlete who has set some pretty high goals,” head
coach Ken Haughn said.
Latora is not the only one in his family to have wrestled. Latora is a part of a
legacy of accomplished wrestlers. Latora’s grandfather, Carl K Latora, was a three
time mac champion in college. His father, Tony Latora, won two state titles alongside his uncle, Andy Latora. His brothers, Angelo and Dominic, were also deeply
involved. Angelo won two state titles and Dominic was a two-time state finalist
and a three-time placer.
Latora said he trains intensely with the wrestling team in order to achieve his
personal goal of state champion.
“I’ve probably trained about a good 15 to 20 hours a week and lose a good 15
to 20 pounds a week,” Latora said.
Coach Haughn goes on to explain the training, saying “Our practices are quite
intense.” The wrestlers begin the season by focusing on their technique and gradually increase the intensity of the practice as the year goes on.
Being in a family of wrestlers, Latora has to live up to the expectations and
work with the comparisons of his family. Haughn has worked with both of Latora’s
older brothers and his uncle. Comparing Dante to the rest of the Latora brothers,
Haughn sayid“Dante wrestles with a more ‘wide open’ style with a wide range of
techniques at his disposal.”
With his personal goal of winning a state title, Latora receives full support from
his family, friends and coaches.
“I fully expect Dante to be in the running for a state title this year.” Haughn said.
“He comes from a strong wrestling family and wrestles all year long. His dedication
to the sport in the off-season is one of the main reasons he has had the success
he’s had.”
Going
Kelsee Ha/STAMPEDE
the
Distance: Latora surpasses his opponent’s skill at Individual Districts (above); Referee announces Latora’s win (bot-
tom right); Latora thanks family and friends for constant support following his season ending knee injury (bottom left).
Courtesy of Dante Latora
Kelsee Ha/STAMPEDE
Analyzing stats is the way to go with March Madness brackets
BY THEO KI ZER
Staff Writer
Putting together the perfect March Madness
bracket can be one of the most stressful things one
does in his or her life.
Whether they are betting money on their bracket
or not, there is something so demoralizing about the
idea of getting a pick wrong. Though in reality, to
win one’s bracket pool they really only need to pick
the last three or four rounds accurately.
The traditional way to complete a bracket is to
fill it all out at once. However some people who are
in private or friendly pools, agree to pick round by
round. Since the tournament began yesterday and
all “normal brackets” are locked in, these next few
tips are only useful to the round by round brack-
eteers.
hot a team is, one bad matchup can
First, find out which teams have
call for a long night and possibly an
had the most success rebounding and
upset.
shooting of late. Defense does win
No matter how educated one is
championships, however the team
on the topic of college basketball,
with the most points wins, and when
they can’t have a great bracket
a team is consistently making shots,
without a little luck. Every few picks
creating second chance opportunities,
it is a good idea to take a leap of
and cleaning up the boards on both
faith and use more “unorthodox’
ends, they will have the advantage.
methods. Such methods include,
When making selections it is also a
choosing the team with the most
good idea to look at certain matchups
appealing mascot, having a young
Courtesy of NCAA
on the floor. How does one team size up
child help you, going against your gut
against its opponent? Put each team’s strengths
instinct, or simply flipping a coin to decide a game.
up against each other and figure out which one
Be careful though, once the second and third weekultimately exposes the other’s weakness. Basketball
end come around picking blindly might not be the
is a game of matchups and no matter how good or
best decision. By then, most people have seen most
teams play and should be at least a little confident
making their own selections.
This year’s bracket doesn’t seem to have any
misplaced contenders outside of the top five seeds,
unlike last year, when under-seeded Michigan State
(a seven seed) snuck their way into the Final Four.
Nobody can know for sure but it’s a safe bet that
the final four will contain teams seeded at least five
or lower. Vegas has Kansas, North Carolina, and
Michigan state with the best odds to win it all at 5:1
and four seeded Kentucky right behind them at 12:1.
Who knows, those teams might very well be the the
last four standing.
According to Duke math professor Jonathan
Mattingly, the odds of filling out a perfect bracket
are one in 2.4 trillion, so good luck basketball fans,
and happy March Madness.
sports
14
March 18, 2016
Athletes of the Month
Danie l Kuc he nbuc h
Alpine Ski
V i ol e t N i c k olae
Competitive Cheer
hoisted up in the air at a recent cheerleading tournament.
Cheer team pulls
through a tough season
BY A LYSON KO H
Staff Writer
After 14 weeks of layouts, standing tucks, and
stunts, the Varsity Competitive Cheerleading team is
proud of their achievements and improvement they
have made. Not only have they achieved their goal
of breaking 700 more than five times at the SMAC
(Southwest Michigan Athletic Conference) competitions, but they received 9th place in Districts on the
19th of February. According to senior Courtney Orr,
this is a huge victory.
“Our realistic aim is to go into Districts to beat our
own standings in the years before,” Orr said. “That’s
the mindset we’re in.”
Districts were definitely a big step-up according
to Orr, but the Cheer team’s biggest competition this
year were the meets with Portage Northern.
“This year we came close but lost. Northern is the
biggest rival because we’re both competing for who
can qualify to go to SMAC meets,” Coach Katie Eichsteadt said.
The Cheer team were also topped by the Grand
Rapids school teams in Districts, but Eichsteadt is
more than proud of how the girls have done in the
past competitions. Her favorite parts of the season
are the competitions and watching the girls compete.
“They have done awesome! We have won five
competitions this year, even with the many injuries,”
Eichsteadt said. “It has put us back, but they come
back stronger. In all my years of coaching combined,
I’ve never had this many injuries.”
With nine injuries in one season, there have been
four concussions, one broken nose, two broken
hands, one broken back, and something torn in the
knee; competitive cheer is a dangerous sport. It’s
a common joke among the cheer team to joke that
they must’ve dropped one too many spirit sticks in
the past to receive such ‘bad luck’, referring to the
popular superstition from the “Bring it On” film series.
Even with the many injuries on the team, Orr and
her stunt group has been able to accomplish many
advanced stunts, including the stunt group hiccup
heel stretch that was nailed at the beginning of the
season.
“It starts on one leg, jumps up in a split and ends
on the other leg. My stunt group and I have worked
from sideline to competitive and we finally nailed it
which was a big accomplishment!” Orr said.
Part of her stunt group, sophomore Cristina Postula reflects on the team goals that were met at the
end of the season.
“Though I had a concussion halfway through the
season, we as a team broke 700 many times, 220 in
first round and 300 in the third, and we kept working
on being cleaner in our movements,” Postula said.
Mustang Meal Deal!
Age: 18
Grade: 12
Skied For: 16 years
Raced for: 14 years
Biggest accomplishment:
Finished 10th in regionals in
slalom
Additional quote: “There are
no captains but I’d consider
myself a leader on the team.”
Vote for next issue’s Athletes
of the Month on Twitter!
@CentralStampede
MADALYNNE K. GENERAL STUDIES
Courtesy of Mikayla Larson
Pyramid Power: (From left to right) Violet Nickolae, Jenna MacKellar, and Emily Quertermus are
Age: 18
Grade: 12
Cheered For: 4 years
Biggest accomplishment: becoming a varsity cheer captain
Additional quote: “It is rewarding after working hard
for four years and becoming a
captain.”
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March 18, 2016
sports
15
Basketball team makes huge strides
BY ZA CH F RA NKS
Sports Editor
The men’s basketball season has came to a close,
and this year’s team shaped up to be much better
than last years. With a final record of 16-7, the team
completed its goal of finishing the season strong
and made a lengthy run in the district playoffs.
The team won more than twice as many games
as they did last year, where they only managed to
win six games. This can be attributed to several factors, according to the team’s leading scorer, junior
Austin McCullough.
“As a team we’ve really come together as a unit,
and we’re really working hard at sharing the ball,”
McCullough said. “ We have more weapons on offense and we’re really playing together on defense,
and it’s allowed us to improve throughout the year.”
Interestingly enough, this year’s team was composed of almost all of the same players as last years
team. The few seniors that left were replaced by a
few juniors, but other than that it remained virtually
identical. Senior captain Dan Bowditch feels that the
team’s camaraderie and chemistry have improved a
lot this year due to most of the guys having played
with each other “forever” as well as the new members being a good fit for the team.
“We’re all selfless and we all just have the same
goal to win, we don’t care about personally how
we’re doing, we just care about how we’re doing as a
team,” Bowditch added.
As the team closed the season, they wanted to
win the last quarter (5 games) with a record of 3-2 or
better, and are beginning to prepare for the playoffs.
The team is going to continue to focus on playing
together, and learning from their mistakes from
teams they’ve already played.
According to Bowditch, the team had high
expectations for the playoffs.
“My mind is on nothing less than to get to the
district final,” Bowditch said in an interview before
the playoffs had started. “ With these last five games
I hope to win this side of the conference and beat
Benton Harbor.”
The team did just that, winning the conference
with a record of 7-3 and winning three of their five
last regular season games.
They won their first two games in the district
playoffs, beating Niles 49-40 in the district opener
and Mattawan 49-34 in the district semifinals. They
then faced off against powerhouse Kalamazoo Central, where they managed to only lose by 15 points
in a final score of 65-50. This a big improvement from
last time they played each other, where Kalamazoo
Central won by a whopping 35 points.
“ We played our hearts out,” junior Raine Potts
said. “I’m content with the way this season turned
out, and I’m proud of everyone on this team.”
Sharwari Salvi/STAMPEDE
Down The Court: Junior Earnest R. Potts (left) helps carry the Mustangs to a win against crosstown
rival Portage Northern on Feb. 19.
Men’s swimming and diving makes a splash
BY KYLE PA LM ER
Staff Writer
Portage Central men’s swimming and diving
is celebrating a great season. With many student
athletes performing well, the team finished second
at the SMAC Conference meet, and did very well at
the state meet.
Many athletes helped contribute to the great
season. The team had a very strong freshman group.
Many athletes performed well enough to earn state
cuts, meaning that they met the requirements to
race at the state meet.
Once the regular season was over, individual
members of the team had the opportunity to go to
the state meet. In order to qualify that had to meet
a time requirement for their own particular race.
Several athletes represented our school at the state
meet.
Freshman Owen Miller did very well at the state
meet. He placed 3rd in the 500 freestyle for the
entire state, earning All State honors in two events.
Senior Chris Allen thinks that this is a great accomplishment, especially for a freshman.
Even though these athletes competed individually, they still will worked as a team. They did this by
supporting each other and cheering each other on.
“For everyone who make the state cuts in the
relay we all go, but most of us are really kind of competing individually. I think all of the freshmen have
at least one individual cut, I have my three, a junior
has one, and a couple of other seniors are making
Alex Beckman/STAMPEDE
In The Lane: Senior Chris Allen swims butterfly during the dual meet between Mattawan and Portage
Central.
theirs. We basically all go to compete individually,
but we all support each other as a team, for everyone who makes it,” said Allen.
The freshman group of athletes this year performed very well this year, according to freshman
Jack Liu. He thinks that the next few years will be
very interesting as they develop in swimming, and
that the future of Mustang swimming and diving will
be very interesting.
“The team is performing pretty good, the atmosphere’s good and everyone is doing pretty well. We
have a pretty solid freshman group this year,” said
Liu.
Allen believes that the season ended very well.
He thinks that everyone ended happy, and the team
gained a lot of experience from the state meet, so
they know what to expect for next year.
“I would say it was a good end to our season
because it ended with everyone happy. They either
learned from the experience or they saw what the
state meet was really like, and they saw what really
good competition was. They also saw that even
though we were there to compete and do our best,
we were also there to have fun,” Allen said.
stampede
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