Teachers starting to drop 14-point grade scale
Transcription
Teachers starting to drop 14-point grade scale
NORTH Online at myGPN.org POINTE Friday, Feb. 18, 2011- GROSSE POINTE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL Teachers starting to drop 14-point grade scale By Kristin Carlson DEPUTY EDITOR KARA BAKOWSKI SPORTS Read about some of the injured athletes during this winter season. Page 4 Several teachers decided to drop the 14-point scale for second semester and return to a traditional percentage system. Others say they will drop it at the beginning of next year. “It was a little unfair (for) highachieving students because there was no difference between a 96 and a 98,” science teacher Elizabeth Ternes said. Teachers like Ternes also argue that the scale works in favor for those conscientious students who only miss one or two assignments, however it also allows a student to miss five or six assignments and still pass the class. “(The percentage scale is) fairer for all students,” social studies teacher Patrick Hicks said. “The 14-point scale has less of an impact when students take zeros or don’t do assignments, so I think it gives an unfair advantage to the students that may miss significant assignments.” A 14-point scale is designed to lesson the impact of low grades and was encouraged by the administration last fall. English teacher Diane Montgomery said she has a problem that students can choose not to complete an important assignment and still work their way up to an A- by the end of the quarter. “If I make an assignment three weights, it’s because I want my students to actually do it,” she said. English teacher Jonathan Byrne argues that the effect of the scale is going to vary from teacher to teacher. Byrne says his grades are set up so more emphasis is placed on assessments than on homework, but for those teachers who check in homework more frequently, their philosophy is going to differ. “My grades are mostly based upon assessments because it’s my job to make sure students have acquired certain skills,” Byrne said. “My job is not to decide if they know how to turn in homework.” Assistant Principal Tom Beach said, “I do see the teacher’s points, but I have mixed feelings on it because I think it’s very difficult for a student that gets an occasional zero because it becomes very difficult to bring up their grade. “If students don’t turn in a homework assignment or two it hurts them disproportionately if they’re normally a good student,” Beach said. Curtains up: Musical murder mystery ready to be solved By Michael Maas AMELIA FLYNN DEPUTY EDITOR LIFE Three hour practices. Approximately 15 hours weekly. The occasional Saturday rehearsal. For four months. Sounds a lot like the schedule of a varsity athlete. But, it’s actually the schedule for the 53 student cast members of Curtains, this year’s spring musical. The murder-mystery musical will be performed for audiences beginning on March 3 at 7:30 p.m. Two more shows will be performed on March 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m. “(The musical is about) the opening weekend for a show that is off-Broadway, and in the first night of its performance, the leading lady, who is very untalented, is killed,” choir director Ben Henri said. “The theater is t h e n A theatric mystery is in the making for this year’s spring musical and is scheduled to debut on March 3 at 7:30 p.m. Page 10 & 11 JACOB CENTALA closed for the homicide investigation to be conducted. On the way, there’s lots of false leads, lots of silliness.” Drama director Marty Bufalini said that the whole process began back in November, with more than 60 students at auditions. The process was time-consuming, but important to get right. “I was reading plays all summer long and then meeting with (Henri and choreographer Don Bischoff), and the goals were to come up with something new and fresh and different. This play first came out in 1996, (so) it’s relatively new,” Bufalini said. “After holiday break was when we really, really started to hit the stage and started doing some work. Then, November, December we were doing some character work. I’m a really big believer in doing table work where you sit and explore the characters before you even really start hitting the stage, I do that with every play,” he said. Challenges haven’t overwhelmed the production, but a decreased budget for the tech crew and a cast full of underclassmen presented slight obstacles. “We have a lot of underclassmen and so it’s taking maybe a little bit longer to bring some of them along. But, it’s going well,” Bufalini said. The musical’s success is not only dependent on the success of its cast, but also the people hidden during performances. Vocal director Ben Henri said, “(Band director David) Cleveland and I communicate a lot about how the songs go – here’s a stop here, here’s where the tempo picks up, here’s where this changes. You know, the more you practice it, the more the students get used to one another, the pit and the cast.” Although it’s fun, Henri realizes the musical takes up a good portion of its performers’ time. “You’re stretched so thin with all your commitments between sports and academics and church groups and all that stuff. The musical’s a big commitment,” Henri said. MARKTWAINMUSEUM.ORG ON THIS DAY Michelangelo Buonarotti, Italian painter, sculptor, and architect, died in 1564. On this day in 1885, author Mark Twain published his famous and controversial book The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. On Feb. 18, 1930, the first photographic evidence of Pluto was made by Clyde W. Tombaugh. Director John Hughes was born in 1950 in the city of Lansing, Michigan. He dirrected classic films, such as The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, and Sixteen Candles. UNIVERSALPICTURES.COM Bwana Devil, the first 3-D movie, opened in 1953 in New York. John Travolta, actor known best for his works in Grease and Pulp Fiction, was born in Englewood, New Jersey in 1954. In 1965, rapper Dr. Dre was born in Los Angeles when his parents were 16 and 17 years old. © 2010 North Pointe Volume 43, Issue 10 The Norsemen Nation puts the ‘fan’ in ‘fanatic’ for girls hockey By Sammy Scoggin MANAGING EDITOR H ave you ever seen a T-shirt cannon at a high school hockey game? The Norsemen Nation have. On Wednesday, Feb. 9, about 20 students sat in their usual spot on the bleachers of Grosse Pointe City Rink cheering for the girls varsity hockey team as they took on South High School. It was obvious that this was the first trial of the T-shirt gun because the shirts didn’t quite make it to the bleachers, but instead fell short onto the ice. There’s a T-shirt on the ice, pick it up *clap* *clap* There’s a T-shirt on the ice, pick it up *clap* *clap* A ref retrieved the shirt and threw it into the stands, and was applauded by the fan group who call themselves “The Norsemen Nation.” Then the girls skated onto the ice and the arena was filled with noise; noise coming mostly from one concentrated section of cheering students. The original founders of the Norsemen Nation are seniors Mike Wynne, Andrew Poletis, Mike Bowles, Steve Demers, Anthony Shaheen and sophomore Grant Shaheen. “We decided it’d be fun (to go to a game), and then we realized we were the only ones there and we got to scream whatever we wanted,” Poletis said. “Only the die-hard fans come to girls varsity hockey games with their chests painted.” And thus they began a tradition, encouraging many more supporters, of whom a good amount showed up to the South game last Wednesday. While most fans were clad in their fleece jackets, topped with their winter hat, some of the Norsemen Nation guys bared their painted chests to the icy chills of the rink. Poletis had a big “N” painted on him over a green and yellow background, while senior Will Rochte’s chest bore a blue “S” with horns (representing South) crossed out in red. What do you like about Norsemen Nation? “We get rowdy in, on and above the ice,” Demers said. “I love sitting next to a big ice cube half-naked,” Rochte said. “I get to see Emma play, because she saves the puck and makes the other team lose,” senior Kirk Dettloff said of his girlfriend, junior goalie Emma Huellmantel. “WOOOOO!” senior An- “Give me an ‘A’!” “A” “Give me an ‘H’!” “H” “Give me another ‘H’!” “H” “What’s that spell?” “AHHH!” chanted the Norsemen Nation. AMELIA FLYNN thony Shaheen said. Towards the end of the second period, left wing junior Jenn Cusmano scored a goal, and while the girls celebrated by patting each other’s helmets and shoulders out on the ice, the Norsemen Nation piled on top of each other fist pumping and high-fiving until they located sophomore Jacob Surzyn to lift him into the air, hoisting him as many times as there were goals. “What do we want?” “GOALS!” “When do we want them?” “NOW!” The arena echoed with the voices of the Norsemen Nation, screaming the nicknames they came up with for the each of the players, such as Megan “Megatron” Bergeron, Taylor “Prime Time” Moody and Jacci “The Executioner” Sherry. It was the beginning of the third period when a teenage boy ventured away from the South side of the bleachers and approached the mob of chanting fans. Trying to bring the North fans down, he revealed the shirt that he had retrieved from the cannon. It was now torn into pieces. In response, the Norsemen Nation thanked the boy and used the shredded fabric as towels that they twirled in the air and as bandannas that they tied around their heads. “We don’t care what they think about us,” Poletis said. “Even if they win or lose, it doesn’t change us. We still love the team.” Continued on Page 2 2 – Friday, Feb. 18, 2011 – North Pointe FIVE MINUTES WITH Spanish teacher Jennifer Spears By Steffi Shenouda STAFF REPORTER “Plain white vanilla.” That’s how Spanish teacher Jennifer Spears described her culture growing up. But it’s that lack of variety in her lineage that she says got her started on adapting from Mrs. to Senora Spears. “Growing up, I always felt envious of my friends that were strongly connected to their cultural backgrounds and studying Spanish was a way for me to emulate that.” Spears said that this second chance at a cultural identity “opened a lot of doors” in her personal and professional life. “Knowing Spanish has given me some really great experiences in travel and education as well as friendships. I have friends all around the world,” Spears said. After studying at University of Illinois-Chicago and Wayne State University, Spears had the opportunity to put her skills to the test by teaching abroad in Peru. “I taught English to Spanish speakers at a language institute, which was a really cool experience,” she said. “It was odd because I was younger and all my students were businessmen who were a lot older.” Spears said she enjoys teaching younger students because they are generally more excited and fun to teach. After 13 years of teaching here, Spears said she’s sure her choice was the right one. She’s now focusing on a different aspect of teaching by attempting to instill in her son Bryson an interest in the language that came so easily to her. “He likes it now, but he used to hate it!” Spears said. “He would get angry if I tried to speak to him in Spanish!” Spears is relieved that her son, a first grader, is finally embracing the language she loves and plans to further his exposure with a trip to Mexico during break. Grosse Pointe North High School EDITORS JENN CUSMANO NATASHA ERTZBISCHOFF AMELIA FLYNN MANAGING EDITOR SAMMY SCOGGIN DEPUTY EDITORS: Kara Bakowski, Kristin Carlson, Emma Huellmantel, Andy Klingensmith & Michael Maas ASSISTANT EDITORS: Francsesca Ciaramitaro, Chris Janson, Rachel Premack, Danny Schrage, Caronline Schulte & Alex Sumnik STAFF REPORTERS: Brian Abud, Jacob Barry, Connor Holm, Jamie Jankiewicz, Kylie Johnston, Drew Konczal, Maria Liddane, Micaela Liddane, Kelly Mason, Kit Maher, Lauren Semack, Sarah Sherer, Steffi Shenouda, Natalie Skorupski, Tia Tsakos, Mike Wynne, Trevor Duncan, Julia Guest, Emma Mathews & Blake Moncur FACULTY ADVISER: Andrew Taylor Grosse Pointe Athletic Club KARA BAKOWSKI Left to right Kristina Kamm, Hannah Kadrich, Jeremy Harr, Robert Cobau, Claire Schreiber and Katie Murray represented North at the all-state honors choir performance. Students qualify for all-state honors choir KYLIE JOHNSTON Jennifer Spears explains the different time conceptions in Hispanic countries. “If they say they’re coming over at five, they usually mean six or seven.” What’s your favorite movie? If I’m looking for a laugh, anything Adam Sandler. My favorite family movie would be Finding Nemo. We watch that a lot at my house. What’s your favorite Spanish dish? My favorite Spanish dish would be arroz con pollo, or chicken with rice. It’s from Peru, so I had it a lot when I worked there and I just love it. What are some of the places that you’ve traveled to? Over time, I’ve been to Belgium, Spain, Mexico five times, Guatemala, Peru, obviously, Puerto Rico and all over the United States. Do you have any hobbies outside of school? I like to cook and watch food shows on T.V. My favorite dish to make is a Cuban recipe called ropa vieja, or old clothes. If you saw it you would understand. It’s very sloppy looking, kinda a jumble of meats and things. What’s something that you and your son like to do together? (Playing) Superheroes. It’s always changing, what he likes. Right now it’s Ultraman, from a Japanese cartoon. The North Pointe is edited and produced by Advanced Journalism students at Grosse Pointe North High School. The views expressed are solely those of the authors or the student editorial board and do not reflect the opinions of the Grosse Pointe school system or its employees. Editorials represent the view of the Editorial Board. Other viewpoints express the author’s perspective. Comments regarding the news or viewpoints expressed in the North Pointe should be directed to the student editor, who is responsible for all of the newspaper’s content. Letters to the editor are encouraged. The editor can be reached by e-mail at: [email protected] or by calling the North Pointe newsroom at: (313) 432-3248. One copy of is available free to all community members 18 times per year. Additional copies may be purchased. Our editorial policy and advertising rates are available online at: myGPN.org. 335 Fisher Road, Grosse Pointe (313) 886-8590 [email protected] Student Rate: $35/mo. The North Pointe also subscribes to McClatchy-Tribune Information Services, which provides national stories and photos. Stock artwork is licensed from iStockphoto. com or sxc.hu. The North Pointe is printed on 100 percent recycled paper. Please recycle this copy. CONTACT US 707 Vernier Road Grosse Pointe Woods MI, 48236 Phone: 313.432.3248 Fax: 313.432.3257 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: myGPN.org Judith T. Lipinski, M.D. David S. Balle, M.D. 18050 Mack Ave. • Grosse Pointe, Michigan 48230 phone: 313-886-2600 • fax: 313-886-2099 www.grossepointedermatology.com Hours by Appointment Pregnancy Aid Feeling confused? Pregnancy Aid offers free pregnancy tests and confidential counseling to anyone in need 17325 Mack Ave. Across from Staples, on the Detroit side 882-1000 On Jan. 1 and 2, students from North’s choir program participated in the state honors choir competition. This competition was used to determine who would be a part of the allstate honors choir. All together eight students took part in the honors choir system. Six choir students emerged among top vocalists at the state honors choir in Grand Rapids. Originally auditioning in October for the regional honors choir, the six made it through multiple regional competitions and auditions to make it to the state honors choir. “We auditioned in October for regional honors choir and then we went to our regional C honors choir if we made it,” Claire Schreiber said. “There we had an audition for the state honors choir.” The vocalists went through the choirs at regionals as if on an elimination staircase. After each audition and separate choir, singers were eliminated and choirs were compressed. From the four choirs at the regionals, to the one at the all-state competition, the vocalists are under a lot of pressure to do their best. “It takes a lot of practicing,” sophomore Jeremy Harr said. “The biggest thing is auditioning for regional honors choir because you have to know all of your songs and you have a month or two to learn them all. You don’t know what part they’re gonna have you audition for so you basically have to have all five songs memorized.” Judges take a more indepth look at performances and vocalists need to take into account everything from voice tone to continued fromPage 1 Memberships: Michigan Scholastic Press Association Columbia Scholastic Press Association National Scholastic Press Association Where Your Skin Care is What We Care About General Fitness Training Sport-Specific Performance Programs Individual & Group Training STAFF REPORTER Norsemen Nation Grosse Pointe Dermatology Associates, P.C. Get Fit, Stay Fit! By Trevor Duncan The Norsemen Nation even gets the parents into it. Last year Cheryl Cusmano, Jenn’s mom, painted her face for playoffs. Cusmano says that she would gladly do it again, she’s just waiting for the Norsemen Nation to bring her paint. “The Norsemen Nation are the most phenomenal high school cheering section I’ve ever known. They’re positive, encouraging and a whole lot of fun,” Cheryl said. “Sometimes they make our ears ring, but they always make us smile.” Another hockey parent is also a big memorization in order to influence their scoring. They separated participants into groups based on their individual scores at states, Schreiber said. After the audition, participants were separated into all women’s choir, all men’s choir or the mixed choir. “We don’t have auditions (for All-state) so it’s not how you’re going to do, it’s how the choirs going to do,” junior Katie Murray said. Participating in the allstate shoir will be a bittersweet performance, of the six who competed in the state honors choir, only five made it to the all-state honors choir. “I was really excited because I had a lot of my friends there that I knew,” junior Schreiber said. “It would be a lot different without them because you wouldn’t have anyone to hangout with, or go out to dinner with afterwards.” Norsemen Nation fan, Emma’s dad Mike Huellmantel. “I love the way they sang the National Anthem when the PA system broke down, and they always keep it clean and in the right spirit,” he said. Towards the end of the game the guys even begin to chant to the coach, Scott Dockett, repeating his name and flailing their arms expectantly hoping that he will wave back. “Dockett! Dockett! Dockett!” “It’s great that they come out and support us,” Dockett said. “They are very brave to come in here and take their shirts off in the cold arena. I like them, personally.” North Pointe – Friday, Feb. 18, 2011 – 3 ON CAMPUS North disappoints in rivalry game By Mike Wynne STAFF REPORTER COURTESY OF RUSS CHAVEY Local doctor Russ Chavey took the North Pointe to new heights during his climb of Mount Kilimanjaro in December. His effort was dedicated as a fundraiser for the district. Doctor’s climb raises more than $20,000 to support district technology use After a comeback-win against defending state champions Cranbrook High School, the first place Norsemen were ready last week for their Wednesday night matchup against rival South High School. The Norsemen hoped to pick up where they left off earlier this season when they handed South a 2-0 shutout victory. The Blue Devils would not be denied, however, jumping out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first period to take the momentum from the home crowd. League scoring leader Jenn Cusmano, a junior forward, tried to spark a comeback with a second period goal. However, that would be the first and last goal for the Norsemen as the Blue Devils would extend their lead by two, win- ning 4-1. “It was a wake-up call for us,” forward Sara Villani said, adding that the team is working on improving their on-ice communication. “We wanted to win that game but we didn’t have the momentum,” she said. The Norsemen still hold first place with a 15-2 record. They finish their season this weekend with two road games. Area doctor Russ Chavey’s climb of Mount Kilimanjaro brought in donations tipping the scales at more than $20,000. The 19,341 foot-tall mountain is the highest in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. Chavey challenged Grosse Pointe residents to donate $1 per foot, which was given a 200 percent match by the Boll Foundation, a local charity. Chavey kept in touch with Grosse Pointe students during his climb through Twitter and by blogging. The venture took four and a half days to go up the mountain and another one and a half down. The climb is one piece in a technology fundraising effort coordinated by the Grosse Pointe Foundation for Education, which is currently in the midst of the largest initiative in their history: “a matching campaign to accelerate and enhance the district’s technology plan,” according to the foundation’s Web site. Upper left: Sophomore Sara Villani chases a loose puck. Upper right: Sophomore Natalie Skorupski rushes to keep the puck in the offensive zone for the Norsemen. Senior John Balle has recently become this year’s recipient of the Pointer of Distinction award in the youth category. This award recognizes a youth in Grosse Pointe who has over-achieved in service as well as accomplishments. Balle was nominated for the award by Jill Davenport, one of the advisers of Impact Club. In applying for the award, Balle was asked various questions about leadership, pride and community. Balle says that the majority of his answers focused on his role as the president of Impact Club and the activities the club participates in, pointing out the various ways in which Impact Club volunteers around Grosse Pointe. “(The award) really shows the great work the people of Impact Club do, and I am happy to accept the award on behalf of the people who put a lot of time in volunteering and making the community a better place,” Balle said. Middle: Junior Jenn Cusmano fights a South player for the puck. Below: Senior forward Kailey Sickmiller battles along the boards. Sophomore Emma Ockerman has always had a love for music and all things artsy. “I owe my love for music to my dad because he introduced me to music at an early age and helps me appreciate it more,” she said. She looks up to her dad as an inspiration to be creative and express herself and help cope with life’s obstacles. “Music really helps me relax and appreciate the simple things in life,” she said. “I’m always nervous because people expect too much and listening to music helps me release any nervousness or uncertainty.” She plays guitar and listens to a variety of genres and also likes to exercise her artistic abilities by making collages, drawings and paintings. “You can find a collage in my room of magazine clippings that covers my wall. I like to decorate my room with my personality,” she said. “I can be described as artistic, musical, and thoughtful, because I’m very creative and spontaneous and I love music and arts.” Freshman Josh Champney was on the ice when he was three years old. Ever since, he’s had a passion for hockey. “What I like about it is that something is always happening. It’s very fast-paced and intense,” Champney said. He plays on the Michigan Ice Hawks, a travel team, where the season is much longer than North’s team. They have up to three practices and games a week. He travels all over for games, to places like Ontario, Ohio and Indiana. “I’ve played at all different kinds of places. I meet all different kinds of people,” he said. All throughout these trips, his dad is usually his companion and their relationship has blossomed traveling together. “Hockey helps my dad and I get way closer than we would at home,” Champney said. Gabby Burchett Strong girls and boys visit elementary schools By Connor Holm & Kelly Mason Emma Ockerman Josh Champney Senior wins volunteer award On Friday Feb. 11, girls from WILLOW and boys from Brotherhood worked together to do the Strong Girls and Strong Boys Program. The participants traveled to Mason, Poupard and Maire Elementary Schools to speak to the fifth grade students about bullying and selfesteem. There were 15 girls from WILLOW and nine boys from Brotherhood who participated. “We hope that the fifth graders can recognize that the older girls and boys have gone through a lot of the same struggles they may be facing now, and gotten through them,” WILLOW adviser Jessica Roman said. “Issues with friendships and relationships can be overwhelming, especially at their age.” The Strong Girls program was started in 2005 by former social worker Erin Williams. This is the first year that Brotherhood has joined the program. “We hope to help them have the inner strength to get through some difficult situations,” Roman said. FACES IN THE CROWD PHOTOS BY AMELIA FLYNN & CAROLINE SCHULTE BY THE NUMBERS Generally speaking, do you consider yourself a fan of MSU or U-M? Last month, a poll of 600 Michigan residents was reported on by the Detroit Free Press 33 9 percent of those surveyed are Spartan fans. percent of are fans of both universities. 21 percent of didn’t favor either university. 34 percent of those surveyed are Wolverine fans. SOURCE: DETROIT FREE PRESS GRAPHIC BY JULIA GUEST Most kids don’t know what they want to be when they grow up, but it’s just the opposite for freshman Gabby Burchett, a future forensic anthropologist. “I’m very interested in ancient cultures and I feel like studying the past will help us understand why we live the way we do today,” Burchett said. A forensic anthropologist is similar to being an archaeologist. They find bones and artifacts to study so that they can relate them to things that are used today. Burchett’s older sister, Raquel, is part of the reason Burchett wants to be a forensic anthropologist. Burchett said, “She has helped guide me in my future and my choices because she is older and has experienced more. My sister wants to be a cultural anthropologist.” “I really like watching the show Bones because it is about a forensic anthropologist who is very passionate about her job and gets a lot accomplished.” Burchett plans to travel to Mexico and South America to visit the remains of the Mayan, Aztec and Incan cultures. “The Mayans, Aztecs and Incans were more advanced than other civilizations but don’t get as much credit as Europeans,” Burchett said. By Kyleigh Mathewson, Gabrielle Shimko & Caroline Schulte ACT / SAT • Test-prep Classes • Individual Tutoring • College Admissions Counseling The only test-prep class that includes: • Free repeats and free individual help forever • Easy make-ups • Flexible scheduling • Best score improvement guarantee • Instructors with over 10 years of experience •Recommended by H.S. Counselors College Quest Since 1994 Classes held at G.P.W. Presbyterian Church, 19950 Mack Office: E4111 Andover Rd, Suite 205, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302 248-647-8378 GPN STUDENT DISCOUNTS ALL CUSTOMERS 1 MONTH UNLIMITED Level 1 $4 VHR with facials $8 High Pressure $15 Mystic Tan $12 Level 1 $29 VHR with facials $54 High Pressure $99 not combined with other offers not combined with other offers 4 – Friday, Feb. 18, 2011 – North Pointe : SPORTS Injured winter sports athletes Will Ritchie varsity basketball torn shoulder ligaments “The most disappointing thing about missing the rest of the year would have to be sitting on the sidelines during close games and not being able to put forth my effort to help my team win. My team is going to do fine without me, I will be on the sideline every game cheering them on, making sure they don’t get down.” Jacci Sherry varsity hockey severe asthma “On days where I don’t use my inhaler or breathing machine, I have severe trouble breathing. It’s a pain to deal with and many people ask why I keep playing, but no matter what pain I go through, I’m always going to play hockey. I can’t ever stop.” Brenden Keelan varsity hockey broken wrist Q & A with Kari the trainer: Most common injury in general? The most common injury that I see is an ankle sprain. “I’m not sure how long I am going to be out, but hopefully I will be back before playoffs. My doctor said I am going to need a cast for two months and I have already had one on for a month and a half.” Most common injury for girls? For girls, ACL injuries through soccer or basketball. Most common injury for boys? Patellar tendantitis. Weirdest injury you’ve ever seen? The weirdest injury I’ve ever seen was a hamstring contracture. Most severe injury? The most severe injury I’ve seen is a football player with an ankle fracture. His ankle was turned backwards and EMS was called. Anna Giordano varsity basketball tibia stress fracture Injury with the worst consequences? One girl had hip dysplasia. It took nine months to recover and she had to hope that she was able to run again. “All I want to do is go back to playing with my team. I hate being hurt, I hate not being able to contribute, I hate not being able to practice, and I hate sitting on the bench and watching.” Alex Thomas varsity cheer sprained ankle “I (was the) back spot and we had our flyer in the hold but she cradled herself too soon and when she came down, my ankle rolled. On a scale of one to 10 it hurt like a 12. I can’t cheer for the rest of the season.” BY EMMA HUELLMANTEL, CONTRIBUTING: CONNOR HOLM, DANNY SCHRAGE, FRANCESCA CIARAMITARO, KARA BAKOWSKI, MARIA LIDDANE, MICAELA LIDDANE & NATALIE SKORUPSKI MY TURN Life on the edge I have a toe pick shaped scar on my right knee courtesy of a double twizzle and my teammate Victoria. There’s a matching one on the back of my other leg and further down my shin. My ankles have scar tissue from the coarse leather boots and I get mysterious bruises everywhere. Such is the life of a synchro skater. But behind these battle wounds and the mentally and physically taxing practices where you’re sure you can’t push any harder, twizzle any faster, or smile any bigger, is the reason we all keep skating: for the chance to compete. We went into Saturday’s sectional competition hoping to regain Steffi Shenouda something we’d lost a year ago after a shaky skate, something that was rightfully ours: the title. We line up on the ice, an army of 16 identical robots, clad in gorgeous airbrushed dresses, perfectly gelled buns and copious amounts of glitter. I feel the familiar rush of nervousness and excitement as we await our chance. My mind is racing, my reflexes unsure if we’re about to outrun a pack of bears or skate our program we know like the back of our hands, but I’m seriously hoping for the latter. “The Crystallettes!” the announcer calls. We do the warm up block, our first chance to prove ourselves to the judges, and progress to our starting spots. The wait for the music seems like an eternity. Gulp. Okay, now on second thought, I’ll take the bears. I take a deep breath as the music sounds, knowing it’ll be one of the few I get for the next four minutes, as trivial tasks such as breathing tend to escape me while on the ice. But oddly, I’ve never felt so calm in my life. We’re ready. We can do this. We will. We are. We believe. The roar of the crowd is magnified a million times by the compact rink, and that intensifies the energy of the atmosphere. Our cheering section is roughly a third of the filled bleachers. It’s as if the entire audience is on its feet, willing us to dazzle them. The next four minutes are a blur of intersections, wheels, line and circle formations with fancy footwork all executed with the near flawless precision of a team that wants it. Before I know it, we’re heading off to the kiss and cry for our scores. What the announcer would say in a few painstaking moments would change our season. But I realized that’s not what’s important. We were united as a team. A team who believed, gave it their all, and went the distance. We brought pride to our team, our club and ourselves. And that was enough. You work hard every day for that one moment. You work for yourself, your coach, your teammates, and your mom waving in the stands. You work for that feeling when you curtsy and your heart still pounds after a perfect skate. And it doesn’t matter if you fall seven times, as long as you get up eight. By the time the announcer’s voice rang through the air, it didn’t matter what he said anymore. We already knew we had won. PACIFIC RIM BISTRO We feature a great selection of freshly-prepared high-quality food including sushi, sashimi, specialty rolls and a menu of fully-cooked items. 18584 Mack, Grosse Pointe Farms, 313-332-0050, www.blufinsushiGP.com Hours: M-Th 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Fri.-Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m. | Sun. 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. S North Pointe – Friday, Feb. 18 2011– 5 PHOTO ESSAY H LAST CS By Amelia Flynn, Brian Abud & Kit Maher STAFF REPORTERS 9 10 11 Scholastic Art Awards on display at the College for Creative Studies By Kelly Mason T 1 2 STAFF REPORTER he 2011 Scholastic Art Awards Ceremony was held on Saturday, Feb. 12, at 1 p.m. at the College for Creative Studies campus in Detroit. The artwork will be on display from Sunday Feb. 13 to Friday March 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The art show produced 100 awards district-wide including 13 certificates and Silver Keys at the middle school level, 12 Gold Key Senior Portfolios, and 75 Gold Keys, Silver Keys, and certificates at the high school level Senior George Mattingly received a Gold Key on his senior art portfolio. He also won a Silver Key in Drawing, and two Certificates for Digital Art and Painting. “(The art) was due Jan. 14, but I submitted my portfolio online a few weeks before then. It was exciting because the panel of judges’ tastes are subject to the uncertainty of the artist,” Mattingly said. For Sophomore Nadine Nahra, this was the first year that she participated in the Scholastic Art Awards. She won a Silver Key in Photography. “I was really surprised because I have never really won any awards so far in my life. Knowing that I had won an award for something that I absolutely love doing is an amazing feeling,” Nahra said. Art teacher Susan Forrest said there can be about 7,000 pieces of artwork submitted in Oakland and Wayne County, but only 1,000 will be at the awards ceremony. “It’s very competitive and there are a lot of good schools so it’s very hard to secure a spot in this art show,” Forrest said. Gold Key winners will have the opportunity to attend the National Level Scholastic Art Show in New York. 3 6 12 4 1: Senior Alexis Cobau – Element of the Artist Part 1 – Gold Key 2: Senior Christina Wyrick – Self Portrait – Gold Key 3: Junior James McNelis – Emphysema – Gold Key 4: Senior Angela Daher – A sad day in Paris – Silver Key 5: Junior Jazmin Raymond – Never Ever Land 6: Sophomore Nadine Nahra – Keepin it Green –Silver Key 8 5 7 7: Sophomore Nina Browniee – Robot Jones 8: Senior Katherine Daskas – Gold Key portfolio 9: Junior Eric Michelson volunteers at the College for Creative Studies (CCS) 10: Senior Alexis Cobau helps set up the art show at CCS. 11: Art teacher Susan Forrest, sophomore Nadine Nahra and junior Elizabeth Champney register their artwork before the show. 12: Senior Joey Kulka – Gold Key portfolio North Pointe – Friday, Feb. 18, 2011 – 6 IDEAS Editorial Board: Kara Bakowski, Kristin Carlson, Jenn Cusmano, Natasha Ertzbischoff, Amelia Flynn, Connor Holm, Emma Huellmantel, Andy Klingensmith, Maria Liddane, Michael Maas & Sammy Scoggin EDITORIAL COURTESY OF CHRIS BOWERS Putting a smile on someone else’s face Students have the power to make their school a positive place instead of a negative place everyday. At least that’s what motivational speaker Chris Bowers thinks. On Friday, Feb. 4, Bowers came to our school to talk to us about several messages, one of which being participation at your school. He told the students sitting in the gymnasium an anecdote about school vim and vigor, a story about a spirit group he called the “bleacher creatures.” These “creatures” went to every school event, every basketball game, every band performance. He and his comrades made a difference. But is he right, can one student make a difference in the atmosphere at North? Yes, yes you can. One spirited, zealous Norseman can make all the difference. Take for example “Norsemen Nation” – a group of rowdy boys that paint their chests, hoot and holler and blow viking horns, all in support of the girls hockey team. They made a lackluster group of spectators into a band of screaming banshees. They excite others and let the girls know that they are there for them. But Bowers message wasn’t just to support a lesserknown sport, but to support everything that your fellow Norseman might participate in, like Quiz Bowl or the spring musical. If you support them, they will reciprocate the patronage. That’s really what it’s all about, giving someone else a pat on the back for something they put their heart and soul in. This school is only as great as you want it to be. The pep assemblies as cheer-tastic as you make them, Clash Day as tacky as you make it and the hockey games as boisterous as you can scream. “I just like to go out and scream and yell for one of our teams, and it’s fun to paint yourself,” senior and Norsemen Nation member Sean Seaman said. “I’m sure the hockey girls love (our cheering). I mean who wouldn’t love Will Rochte and I screaming shirtless for them.” But how do I get involved? Here’s an answer for you: in any way that you possibly can. In case you didn’t take our hint, take an evening to enjoy the spring musical, Curtains, which opens March 3. Hoot and holler for your fellow Norsemen, figuratively or even literally, if you feel so compelled. MY TURN EDITOR’S DESK Challenge Day encourages permanent change Violence on and off the field “So does this mean she can wear anything she wants from your closet tomorrow?” That was my dad’s response. I had ex pla ined to him, my mom, and my younger sister Lexi how I now understa nd how fortunate we are, Francesca and how Ciaramitaro much we take for granted. I had told Lexi that I loved her. I gave her a hug for the first time since I can remember. I told her we need to appreciate each other more. And that’s all he had to say to me? I wanted to punch him in the face. That was the only thing my father had to say after the speech I had just given. A speech where I told him and my mom and Lexi everything I witnessed, everything I experienced and everything I had learned at Challenge Day. Did he not hear what I was saying? Did he not comprehend the what I had just said? Did he honestly not get it? I was baffled. I had to ask my dad why he thought it was perfectly acceptable to joke around after telling him about the most eyeopening experience of my entire life. It’s been called a “Challenge Day high.” And I was on it. After being so enthralled in the events that occurred that day, I had this fresh perspective on people and on life. All I wanted to do was tell anyone who would listen about this new-found knowledge I had. They say knowledge is power. The amount of knowledge I gained made me feel like I had the power to do anything. Who wouldn’t want to talk about that? But there was something that kept bringing me down from my high. It was reality. Okay, sure. I can say that I’m going to amend the way I live now because of what I experienced at Challenge Day. But would I really be able to maintain this new way of living once it wore off? That’s why my was dad kidding around. Yeah, he knew I was serious, and he knew that what I was talking about was serious. But, he was one of the many people who thought my kind streak would sputter out. To be honest, he might be right, along with everyone else. But it’s called Challenge Day for a reason, right? From what I recall, anything labeled as a challenge isn’t suppose to be easy. But just three hours after I was given this challenge, I was already being told I wouldn’t succeed. Some people wouldn’t take offense to that. Some would simply brush it off. Not me. I was offended. The doubt of my peers and my parents has only made me more determined. I’m determined to be the change, to live by the lessons that Challenge Day sewed into the seams of my brain. It’ll be a challenge. Sometimes I’ll slip up, nobody’s perfect. But I’ll always remember that Monday on Feb. 7 and how it changed me. And that’s enough to keep me on a “Challenge Day high” for the rest of my life. 300 WORDS: A SERIES Step dancing through life By Rachel Premack ASSISTANT EDITOR Nerves have been clutching freshman Colleen Maher’s stomach all morning. They were there since 6 a.m., when she got up, through breakfast, where she feasted on milk, chocolate Zone bars, eggs, bagels, protein shakes and Yoplait raspberry yogurt and during the three-hour car ride to Cleveland, Ohio. But now the wig and tiara is placed on Maher’s head, the sequin- and crystal-bedazzled dress is zipped up. Her shoes are laced. Her dancing mindset sets in. Maher stretches and practices her routine, seeking feedback from her dance mates. Then she stands in line, already on stage. Perfect posture keeps her arms down and her back straight, but the anticipation builds up in her limbs, the nerves make a comeback in her gut. Until, finally, it is her turn. Faces stare at her. She will never have this audience before her again; she will have only have this day to impress. She scans the crowd for her mother’s warm expression. And the music starts. COURTESY OF COLLEEN MAHER Freshman Colleen Maher holds two medals she earned at her last competition. She is wearing her full dance uniform, which consists of a wig costing between $60-$100 and a dress costing between $1,000-$1,500. That first move is powerful. The chaos which lay in her muscles all day is released. Her legs leap and kick, her feet stomp and scuff and shuffle, yet her arms are rigid by her side. Her moment in the limelight is winding up. Maher’s asthma grips her lungs; the asthma she never would have gotten had she not entered such a physically-aggressive pastime. She bows to the judges, to the musicians. She walks off, gasping for air and grasping for her inhaler. Three more performances later, Maher peeks at the scoreboard. Second place. One step too low, but the disappointment wears off. She’ll improve. This is Irish step dancing, the way she shows her ethnicity. It’s a challenge that makes her push herself beyond her limits, a challenge that has become the center of her life. Editor’s note: 300 Words presents glimpses of everyday life that often go unnoticed. This series is about real people in the North community. YOUR TURN: What are your thoughts on teachers dropping the 14-point scale? By Jamie Jankiewicz “Getting rid of the 14-point scale is smart. The percentage scale discourages laziness.” Harry Sellars SENIOR “I feel that the scale should be more realistic. The 14point scale inflates grades.” Ryan Waggoner JUNIOR “Everyone should have the percent scales because then you know what you’re getting.” Myles Harlan SOPHOMORE “The 14-point grading scale is good because it helps you and makes you not look stupid.” Andres Hensley FRESHMAN “We’ve never had a uniform grading system. Now that we have individual choice, it’s no change.” Patrick Hicks SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER I don’t know about you, but my favorite part of the Super Bowl is the commercials. Don’t get me wrong, I like the football too, but any company that’s willing to pay $3 million for 30 seconds of our time is either going to really entertain us, or give us a perfect opportunity to mock their stupidity. Both of which I find amusing. The commercials this year turned out to be especially i nt e r e s ting. In one commercial, a couple sat on a park bench as a blonde runner in a sports bra Sammy Scoggin jogged by and sat on the bench next to them. The man, being a typical guy, turns to check out the jogger, to which his wife responded by throwing a full can of Pepsi Max at his head. He dodged it. But blondie did not. And as she laid unconscious on the ground, the couple tip-toed away from the crime scene. End commercial. This ad was just one of many that could be described as unnecessarily violent. There was a small pug crushing a glass door on his owner, a musketeerlooking guy who got hit in the head with a bottle of Bud Light, a man getting smacked in the face with a Wendy’s burger, Roseanne Barr getting taken out by a giant swinging log, a medieval servant getting poisoned, a cowboy taking three arrows to the chest, and lastly, a bickering family that sent their young baby flying through the air and smashing against a glass wall. I’ll be honest, during most of these commercials I laughed. But the funny thing was how insignificant the violence seemed to us teenagers, while my mom was almost in shock that they would air such things on TV. Now what I find interesting is that if my mom took a few minutes to go in the basement and watch my 10-year-old brother play Call of Duty, she would never again find a commercial violent in comparison to the Christmas present she bought her son. Society today promotes so much violence through media in video games, movies and even music videos. And when it comes around to seeing someone get knocked out by a can of pop, we find it humorous because it seems so minor in comparison to the violence we see every day. My personal favorite commercial was one where a hungry man resorted to licking a co-workers cheese-covered fingers to get his fill of Doritos. No violence, right? This shows how it’s more than possible to have commercials that omit the violence but don’t lose any of the comedy. During the game I thought my mom was overreacting and had no sense of humor, but if you really think about it, you may find that my mom has a point. Although we may not see it because of our teenage culture, if someone threw a can of Pepsi Max at your head, I’m pretty sure you would not be laughing. North Pointe – Friday, Feb. 18, 2011 – 7 IDEAS sun-kissed vs. sun-less skin Tanning debate: Should there be unlimited tanning time or is regulation a better plan? Leave the tanning to the cast of Jersey Shore began to shut. In 12 long minutes, it was done. Those 12 minutes had increased my Twenty-eight states regulate access to chances of premature aging, age spots, tanning facilities for minors. Michigan is wrinkles and most significantly, skin canone of them and to put it cer. There is no such thing as a safe tan so simply, it’s for the best. why did I lay in a bed of concentrated UV I’ve been to a tanning rays? salon before. I waltzed I justified my actions by telling myself in with baggy sweats on I’d be able to go to Gulf Shores, Alabama over my favorite white without getting burnt that year. Neverthebikini. I breathed in an less, I fried. aroma that smelled like The backs of my legs turned lobster spring break or maybe red and that was with SPF 45 on. Heat even summer; but defi- Alex Sumnik was radiating from my body. Whenever nitely nothing like cancer. someone was cold, I acted as their blanket. I paid my $18, grabbed a pair of goggles $18 wasted. and continued into the first room on the $18 wasted on a pre-tan that did absoright. lutely nothing besides increase my risk of The supposed “bed” was not at all like a skin cancer. The worst part is that no one bed. It was awkwardly shaped and while I takes it seriously. No one truly knows what lay there waiting for it to start, I had an ee- they are doing to their body. Like smoking, rie feeling. It roared to life as the side wall people understand it is bad, but they con- What we don’t know can hurt us, but leave the choice to us What would you do if you couldn’t look golden brown for your spring break adventure in Florida? According to a recent study, those who used tanning beds before age 35 have a 75 percent higher risk of melanoma. Because of this, among oth- Kara Bakowski er risks, the World Health Organization wants to prohibit anyone under the age of 18 from indoor tanning salons. If this were to become a law, you may be going to the beach looking paler than a marshmallow. However, simply creating new laws does not solve all of our problems. Laws coupled with education would be a more effective way to keep the population healthier. We begin sexual education in fourth grade in an effort to educate kids about the physical and emotional consequences of engaging in sexual activity too early. Why shouldn’t the material learned in mandatory high school health classes regarding self-preservation be taught to younger students as well? If children are made aware of the dangers of tanning, they may make the decision to steer clear of the UV rays on their own. This may also prevent them from tanning later in life, which is less dangerous than exposure at a young age, but still damaging nonetheless. Laws alone are ineffective because culture cannot be changed overnight. The best way to implement any kind of change is to start at the beginning, so that eventually all generations will at least be aware WANTED tinue to do so anyways thinking, “Oh, it won’t happen to me.” A recent study proved to the world that using a tanning bed under age 35 leads to a 75 percent higher risk of melanoma—the most deadly form of skin cancer. For me, I take this very seriously. I have a vicious family history of cancer and hearing that really puts things into perspective. We have laws set to protect us from engaging in these unhealthy, habit-forming behaviors such as alcohol, tanning and tobacco, so don’t fight it. One time could be the wrong time, so why risk everything for it? If you are really into the phrase GTL (gym, tan, laundry) or even just the “T,” wait until summer and soak up the sun naturally. Avoid the fake “Oompa Loompa” tan and all the negative effects that come with it. Just stay away from the beds. DREAMSTIME.C OM of the dangers of exposure to UV rays. It is ultimately the decision of the individual to put themselves at risk, but the government will find that no amount of laws will change the beliefs of the people. There are already rules preventing minors from getting tattoos or piercings without a parent present, yet many teens still find ways to brand and pierce themselves either entirely without consent or with a form signed off-site. These restrictions are in place for the same reason your wintertime tan may be in jeopardy: they are known to have harmful effects on the body. Teens will inevitably find ways into tanning salons because their desire to conform to society’s idea of attractiveness outweighs the little knowledge they have. Though these laws exist with our well-being in mind, they aren’t effective. Create all the legal restrictions you want, but they will be ineffective unless additional action is taken: most people will do whatever it takes to stay golden. Fridays: November 5, 2010 – General AQDay November 12, 2010 – Science/Nursing/Math AQDay November 19, 2010 – General AQDay March 18, 2011 – Leadership AQDay March 25, 2011 – Business, Accounting, Technology AQDay April 15, 2011 – General AQDay Saturday: January 22, 2011 – Athletic AQDay Join us for AQDays and learn what life is really like at Aquinas College. If these dates don’t work, we also offer individual visits during the academic year. To learn more or register, visit www.aquinas.edu/undergraduate/visit or call (800) 678-9593. 1607 Robinson Road, SE | Grand Rapids, MI 49506-1799 616 632-2900 or 800 678-9593 | www.aquinas.edu ILLUSTRATORS FOR THE NORTH POINTE IF YOU CAN DRAW, WE WANT TO TALK TO YOU VISIT ROOM B-302 Elite Driving School Est. 1990 586.778.4934 •Learn to Drive •New Segment I and II Classes Form Monthly •Teens 14.8 to 18 years of age •Pick Up and Drop Off available for Driving •Six hours of ‘on-the-road’ driving StateofMichiganApprovedandCertified for Classes & Road Tests ROAD TESTING given by ELITE DRIVING SCHOOL Private Lessons available for Teens and Adults *No Down Payment Required* Payment Plans available “A Driving Experience that’s Priceless” Visit our web page www.elitedrivingschool.org 23804 Harper Ave., between 9 & 10 mile Rd., St. Clair Shores. MI 48080 ILLUSTRATIONS BY JACOB CENTALA, CHRISTINA WYRICK AND PAIGE KOZAK 8 – Friday, Feb. 18, 2011 – North Pointe ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE PORTRAIT PLACE ON HOW STUDENTS AND FAMILIES CAN END UP WITH AWESOME PORTRAITS! Class of 2012 & 2013: SpokesModels Being Interviewed Now! Another Mr. Pata? Is there another Mr. Pata in North’s future? There could be! Marshall Pata, the son of Physics teacher Don Pata and former North Science (and now Parcells) teacher Amanda Pata joined the world mid last year, and he is growing like a weed! We don’t think Marshall’s future career has been charted out yet; only time will tell. We can all be sure that with both parents being Science teachers, Marshall will be the youngest student to memorize the Periodic Table in the history of the school system! The whole community will be able to see and comment on Marshall’s growth by visiting The Portrait Place’s new Facebook pages dedicated to images of the families of the staff of The Grosse Pointe Public School System. “My wife Mary Ann and I wanted to do something special for the Holidays to say ‘thank you’ to the entire staff of the school system for the wonderful education our sons Jonathan, Scott and Alex received,” says Ahmed Ismail of The Portrait Place, “so we decided to send everyone employed by the school system a gift certificate for a free creative portrait session and an 8” X 10” enlargement of their favorite image. We also thought it would be fun with the staff member’s permission to share the images with the entire community on Facebook.” The Ismails didn't know how to get the gift certificates to everyone so they e-mailed an electronic gift certificate to the senior administrator in each of the buildings requesting that they pass them onto their staffs. Be sure to check out The Portrait Place Facebook pages and their www.portraitplacegpw.com web site often to get a glimpse of the staff and their families as well as many awesome portraits of GPN seniors! Note to all staff members: Don’t forget to call The Portrait Place at 313-343-9060 prior to April 1st to schedule your complimentary creative portrait session. Pets and grandparents are always welcome! Personal, Professional Service Makes the Difference for the Cara Family When it comes to senior portraits, most parents and students don’t know that you do have a choice. In the case of the Cara family, they chose the portrait studio where they felt like family. “I wanted to have my senior portraits taken at The Portrait Place. I have been going there for years and felt like I would be much more comfortable working with them than with someone else,” said Liz Cara ‘11. “My experience was nothing short of welcoming, friendly and professional. Mary Ann has a good eye, and she captured my happiness in my portraits. I wasn’t forced to pose in ways that made me feel uncomfortable. I was just me! She has worked with me most of my life and really knows how to capture the best of me,” said Liz. Mrs. Cara agrees with Liz. She told us that she has always enjoyed with The Portrait Place and told us, “While the portraits I saw from the school photographer looked nice overall, the students didn’t seem as relaxed as the ones from The Portrait Place. Mary Ann and Ahmed Ismail are willing to work with the parents and the students to have the entire process go smoothly. The end result shows with the creativity and professionalism you receive.” In addition to traditional yearbook style portraits and unique, fun outdoor portraits, The Portrait Place also creates Pop Art portraits like the one of Liz Cara above and multi-image portraits like the one created for former North student Ariel Braker ‘10 below. If you’re an energetic, outgoing member of the Class of 2012 or 2013 and would like to share fun, cutting edge portraits of yourself with your friends on Facebook, this may be your lucky day! The Portrait Place in Grosse Pointe Woods is now interviewing applicants for their SpokesModel Program and will be doing so through March 10th. “The goal of our SpokesModel Program is twofold. First, we love to try new lighting and posing techniques and explore new locations for our portraits with our models so that we can create new images for our displays, website and Facebook. Second, we want students to see that senior portraits don’t have to be boring and stiff like they are from so many old time photographers. We’ve learned that once students have experienced how much fun we make the senior portrait experience and how awesome their portraits can be, they end up being our best form of advertising.” said Mary Ann Ismail, the owner of The Portrait Place. SpokesModels will have in studio portrait sessions with three or four outfit changes in April. In addition to classic clothing for the traditional yearbook portrait, casual, crazy and funky looks that are the real you are encouraged. Pets, instruments, sports gear and best friends are also welcome. As soon as the weather breaks, SpokesModels will be photographed outside at the location of their choice. Outfits for these sessions range from a casual jeans and T shirt look to formal gowns depending on the SpokesModel and what they are up for. “Last year, the most unique location we visited for senior portraits was The Heidelberg Project in downtown Detroit with Natasa Kalajian (GPS ’11). We were able If there is anyone at North who has learned how to balance things during their years at North it is SpokesModel Mina Song ‘11. The portrait above capture that, showing Minna balancing her competitive skating with her AP classes and her love of music. to capture some unique images of Natasa in vintage clothing that really reflected her individualism,” said Ahmed Ismail of The Portrait Place. This year, they are hoping to find a hardcore water skier who would like to be photographed wearing a suit or tuxedo! In addition to their indoor and outdoor portrait sessions, SpokesModels also receive an album of their favorite images to share with friends and family, their own individual Facebook page with all of their images and referral cards to give to friends and family. The referral cards will give their friends and families access to special discounts and earn the SpokesModels credits towards their portraits. Once Class of 2013 students are accepted into the program, they get the benefit of being in the program for two years without having to re-apply as long as they maintain their Facebook pages and meet other requirements. Sound interesting? Don’t wait to apply. For more information, visit The Portrait Place website at www.portraitplacegpw.com. Parent Believes in Supporting Grosse Pointe Businesses who Support our Schools “Curtains” is Coming! Mark your calendar for March 3, 4 or 5, and join us in enjoying musical comedy “Curtains” in the Grosse Pointe North PAC. Based on the original book and concept by Peter Stone, the musical is a send-up of backstage murder mystery plots, set in 1959 Boston, Massachusetts. In order to help the GPN Theatre and Drama Boosters Club raise money, The Portrait Place is donating $5 for every $10 purchase of any of their services when you present your ticket stub, so don’t lose it! The offer is limited to one ticket stub per purchase and expires April 1, 2011. If you’re involved in any North girls sports, chances are, you know the Liddane family. Micaela Liddane ‘11 (above) and Maria Liddane ‘14 are on the court and their mom, Jeanne Lizza, is in the stands cheering. Sports at North isn’t the only thing Mrs. Lizza cheers about. She also cheers about supporting local businesses who support our schools. “I am a real believer in supporting local businesses who want to help us make the community a better place for our kids. Businesses who support our schools deserve our support, especially when they provide a quality product at an affordable price,” says Mrs. Lizza. “That’s why when it came to where my daughters would have their senior portraits created, there was no question in my mind. I wasn’t going to do business outside of Grosse Pointe. I chose The Portrait Place. They offered to donate 10% of my purchases to my favorite after school activity or charity, created beautiful portraits in a friendly atmosphere and have always made all of my children feel like family when they are being photographed. How could any parent ask for more?” The Portrait Place fundraising program gives any after school activity or local non profit group the opportunity to accrue 10% of their supporters’ purchases. It’s simple to start raising money for your group. Just go online and visit www.portraitplacegpw.com and click on the “Fundraising” tab for more information. the ismail family mary ann, ahmed, jonathan, scott and alex ThePortraitPlace 20231 MACK AVENUE ~ GROSSE POINTE WOODS ~ 313-343-9060 WWW.PORTRAITPLACEGPW.COM ~ WWW.GP-SENIORS.COM 9 – Friday, Feb. 18, 2011 – North Pointe LIFE Profile: Trumpet virtuoso Charlie Miller By Trevor Duncan STAFF REPORTER One, two, one two three four! The jazz band begins to play and senior Charlie Miller leads the trumpet section with a soaring bravado, reaching high notes and commanding solos that awe the crowd. Miller has been playing in school jazz bands since seventh grade, being the section leader of North’s jazz band since his sophomore year. Besides his dynamic role in North’s program, Miller also plays outside of school, taking part in a jazz group at Wayne State University as well as sitting in with professional groups at local clubs. At Wayne, where his father and other experienced musicians perform, Miller takes part in performances with the pros. But getting away from the raucous of the band room and into a tuned, ready to play ensemble is a challenging experience for Miller. “It’s very humbling and I hear a lot from all these other people,” Miller said. “And it’s a good opportunity to just get out and practice.” Miller’s performances are most often with the Wayne State Jazz Band. He was originally introduced to the band after doing Jazz Week at Wayne State two summers ago. “Jazz week is five days. It’s four days of clinics with professionals and practicing with a big band, then on the fifth day you perform with the big band,” Miller said. Miller said that jazz week further developed his abilities to read complex jazz charts (individual songs) as well as develop his improvising skills. The music he plays with these bands outside of school is much more involved than those he experiences in North’s jazz band. But Miller doesn’t just play with the Wayne State Jazz Band, he also is involved in playing with professional bands around Detroit. It originally started when his dad got him an opportunity to play with a professional band. Since then Miller has gotten recalled for performances every once in a while. Senior Charlie Miller po TRE VOR with diligent concentra sed in a typical trumpeter fashion, complet DUNCAN e tion, stellar mouth forma tion and posture. “I usually perform every couple of weeks, not too often. Though lately with jazz in the future. First studying at I’ve been getting called more often, about college, and then hopefully turning it in to every week or every other week,” Miller a career. said. “I hope to go major in Jazz studies at The increased frequency of perfor- Wayne because there are a lot more oppormances allows Miller to learn more, and he tunities there and in Detroit for young muis able to appreciate the abilities of those sicians,” Miller said. “Also I already know he plays with. most of the staff up there.” “It’s actual jazz music, unlike some of Either way, the trumpet will be a part of the stuff we play here (at North), and there Charlie’s life far past his studies in college. are these crazy people from Detroit who For Miller, jazz is more than a course in a are really good,” Miller said. school or university, it’s a talent and pasThough Miller is graduating from sion he can carry on with him for the rest North this year he plans on continuing of his life. NHS tutoring opportunities go unused and neglected By Maria Liddane STAFF REPORTER It’s 7:10 a.m. on a school day. “NHS Tutoring” is scrawled on the white board in the library and National Honors Society members fill the room ... without a single student to assist. “One of the big goals of the National Honor Society students is mentoring and tutoring,” adviser Milissa Pierce said. NHS tutors are available every week, before school everyday and after school Tuesday through Thursday. No matter how many people show up to get help, NHS tutors are there. Tutoring also takes place in the student center and in the Learning Resource Center, during tutorials and summer school. Pierce said, “For (NHS) requirements, they can’t just tutor their little brother or sister and have it count, because one of our goals is stay in case somebody does to make sure students in show up. In the meantime, the school get the help that the tutors work on their own homework. they need.” “Honestly, I just don’t Pierce says student attendance to library tutoring think that high school kids are going f luctuates, to come but around in and get the end of help from a semeshigh school ter more kids,” justudents nior Tristan attend for Mora. help with “They’re end of the too embarquarter rassed. I grades and would nevfinal reer ask for views. NHS adviser Milissa Pierce help from “Some days there another could be eight tutors wait- high school student. “I just think it’d be beting for somebody to tutor and nobody will show up, ter if there was like an adult and other days there could tutoring program, where be three or four people that teachers came in to tutor,” walk in the door and there Mora said. “People would is only one or two tutors,” actually do that. They’d feel like it’s more confidential.” Pierce said. At the end of sophomore Even if nobody comes to be tutored, Pierce said, the year, any student with a tutors have an obligation to cumulative GPA of 3.25 or “One of the big goals of the National Honor Society students is mentoring and tutoring.” higher is invited to apply to be an NHS member. To qualify as an NHS member, a student must contain the four components of NHS; scholarship, leadership, character and service. “They have to show that they’re involved in the school, are involved in community service in some way and that they’re trying to become a responsible leader in the community,” Pierce said. Every two months, members of NHS are required to have 10 hours of community service and four hours of tutoring. However, members often exceed the required tutoring hours. A handful of members tutor three to four hours each week. “A sport, or a club, or band after hours counts as what we call a co-curricular,” Pierce said. “So those can count for their other hours, but it can’t count as service and it doesn’t count Water Sports Camp *Ê1ÊweekÊcamp *ÊsessionsÊrunÊallÊsummer *ÊwaterÊski,Êwakeboard,Ê Ê barefoot,Êkneeboard *ÊinÊHubbardÊLake,ÊMI NHS offering weekly ACT/MME prep Every Monday starting at 8 a.m., juniors are encouraged to come to the library for ACT and MME preparation. Both senior and junior NHS students will be available during the sessions of review. “Our hope is that actually sitting down with another student will help a student feel more confident and take advantage of a little bit of focused time before the as tutoring. They have to be able to have a combination of both.” Pierce often posts community service opportunities on her bulletin board. Members can use these volunteer opportunities toward their service hours. However, members are welcome to find their own volunteer projects as well. ILLUSTRATION BY MARIA LIDDANE ACT and MME,” NHS adviser Milissa Pierce said. There will be simple handouts to practice with, but partner discussion and support will be beneficial to any student in search of review. Junior NHS member Amy Cooper said she volunteers in her church youth group with other middle school teens. She also fills her required two hours of tutoring a month by attending two morning sessions in library. However, she said she hasn’t actually tutored anybody before. Go from no experience to barefooting in 1 week, guaranteed! ALL LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE! www.EDGEwaterSportsCamp.com 10 – Friday, Feb. 18, 2010 – North Pointe North Pointe – Friday, Feb. 18, 2010 – 11 MUSICAL IN-DEPTH 3 BY THE NUMBERS number of performances of Curtains $5 price for a student balcony ticket at the door on Thursday; $8 on Friday and Saturday 53 number of student actors 37 number of freshman and sophomore actors 16 number of junior and senior actors 27 number of students in the pit orchestra ILLUSTRATION BY CHRISTINA WYRICK med r o f r e p e b ca l w i l l i s u m y r 7: 30 e t t a s y 5 d m n r a e murd rch 3, 4 ’s r a a M e y n s o i es to t h s n T a e c c s r e e b h t m ind me by the 53- AC. We’ve gone beh about. w o n k t P o e ight n m u o p.m. in th y s e i the stor u o y g n i r b Climbing the ladder: From crew in middle school to lead role in high school By Lauren Semack dad. “He was actually discovered by STAFF REPORTER Mrs. Duffield (the show’s producer). Freshman Marty He was working the tech and she said, Brown remembers ‘You’re so cute, we have to get you up sixth grade audi- on stage.’ So they created a part for tions for Annie at him,” Marty’s dad, Marty Brown Sr., Brownell Middle said. “They got him on stage, to actuSchool. He wasn’t ally having him have a couple lines, called back, but his to then a couple lines in singing.” Marty admits that he really didn’t dedication to the look that far ahead to high school and team ultimately he wasn’t expecting to get a prime gained him an actrole in this year’s Curtains. ing role. “I was just like, ‘Oh cool, plays. I’m “I auditioned enjoying this. I think I’m going to in sixth grade, but keep going,’” Marty said. “I am defiwhen I didn’t get nitely going to do this and I might go my part I decided to to college with (acting) too.” go crew,” Marty said. Marty’s Brownell career continBut a turn of luck Fr ued, playing Crow in The Wiz and had Marty on the s a es h y reaching his big break as a lead brothway to a successth s m e s he an ful future, er, Judah, in Joesph and the Amazing itu w M at as art according Technicolor Dreamcoat. io su y n rp B r Auditioning for Curtains he deto his we ri ow ll. sed n scribed as, “tough and I didn’t think to pla I was going to get a very good part.” ge ys t s Aa But when cast in the role of Aaron, he uc r o h ni was ecstatic. ab n ig thi Marty says a major influence sp s y is his sister, Olyvia, who was ea ea ki r’s a mainstay in North prong s r o p rin ductions the past four le g ,b m years. His family is ut us ha ic a also shocked at s b l, C ee ur AM the fact that n ta EL t a in I A F ki s. LYN ng H N to e he got the role. “We’re extremely proud of him. It was so exciting for us because he tried out for the play, and our expectations weren’t high because he’s a freshman,” Donna Brown, Marty’s mom, said. “Then, when he got one of the leads, we were just like, ‘Oh my goodness!’” Director Marty Bufalini said a student’s age is not his top priority. “I cast not necessarily on class. At least 90% of your success in a show is gonna be in the casting, so I cast on what we see to be ability, some understanding of the part,” Bufalini said. “So Marty got the part because of that, like everybody else got a part, because they auditioned the best and we see some possibilities and we go from there.” Marty has nothing but great reviews from choir director Ben Henri who said, “Marty is a freshman in a big role and that’s a big challenge for anyone and he’s handling it very nicely. His voice is quite mature for a student his age. He’s getting stretched and I’m pretty sure he’s gonna rise to the challenge.” Marty’s dad said, “His future is right now is wide open. I mean if he chose acting it wouldn’t surprise me, but for him the sky’s the limit. Whatever he decides to do in life, he’s going to be very good at it. He works hard.” Blush, liner, lipstick: Mother-daughter team do it all By Michael Maas DEPUTY EDITOR During the day, Harriett Jaenisch works with cancer patients. Coordinating makeup and hair for the spring musical is how she has fun. Her daughter, senior Christina Jaenisch, works a job at Kroger after school. Helping the cast of this year’s spring musical, as well as her mom, is one of her favorite after-school activities. Harriett’s the one that makes sure every performer on stage doesn’t “look dead.” She answers the “How’s my makeup look?” question from confused freshman boys and answers director Marty Bufalini’s requests for a darker complexion on actors who might look washed out on stage. Harriett has been the coordinator for all things makeup and hair for three years. Christina has worked with her behind the scenes for two. “If I didn’t have her during the last play, I would have lost my mind. Christina’s a very organized person and she’s very calm under fire.” Christina last performed two years ago in the musical Thoroughly Modern Milly. A new job, coupled with schoolwork, caused her to stop performing in the musical and become involved in the more time-sensitive production aspect of the musical. After dabbling in costuming and rehearsal note-taking, she realized joining her mother in makeup and hair was what felt right. “I love makeup,” Christina said. “I like seeing the before and after. It’s an immediate result. For lights and sound, you have to tweak and tweak and tweak, but for makeup it’s just like ‘bam,’ their makeup’s done.” Harriett’s knowledge of stage makeup goes back to when she was in high school, where she volunteered to do makeup for By Jacob Barry & Jamie Jankiewicz STAFF REPORTERS Top left: Members of the cast of Curtains, flanked by seniors Lorraine Tarpley on the left and Caitlin Siluk on the right, rehearse their choreography. Rehearsals in full makeup and hair begin up to three weeks before the actual showtimes. Bottom left: The cast rehearses dance steps under the direction of choreographer Don Bischoff, right. In addition to Bischoff, drama director Marty Bufalini, vocal director Ben Henri and pit director David Cleveland all instruct the performers. Bottom right: Playing Jessica Crenshaw, sophomore Jasmine Scott prepares to fall to her death. Her murder is then investigated throughout the musical. some of her school’s productions. The opportunity to volunteer arose again when her daughter began participating in the performing arts, giving her the chance to do something that really interested her. Harriett especially likes seeing the extraordinary things makeup can accomplish. “I’ve had to turn Caucasian people into black people, black people into oriental people … all kinds of things are needed for the play and for that character and so sometimes it means turning someone into something that they aren’t,” Harriett said. Still, Christina loves the fact that she gets to work with her mom. She plans to be involved in some aspect of theater in college and possibly return here next year. “If I don’t know something, she knows something and if she doesn’t know something, I know something. Between the two of us, you know, we get it done,” Christina said. “Sometimes she says things I wish she wouldn’t say in front of other people, but it’s generally pretty good.” If you ask one of them, the mother-daughter duo will tell you crazy tales of changing a performer’s make-\up backstage while he was all but naked. Christina, however, still remembers an experience she had last year with a freshman. “My best experience was after the final show of last year’s performance, a freshman who once didn’t even know how to put on her own makeup was helping others and she knew so much,” Christina said. “She came up and she hugged me and said ‘thanks, you not only did my makeup for the show, but I know how to do makeup now in real life.’” Seniors outnumbered but still representing Three seniors landed lead roles in this year’s Curtains, as they prepare for their future endeavors. PHOTOS BY BRIAN ABUD & AMELIA FLYNN AMELIA FLYNN Senior Christina Jaenisch and her mother, Harriett, team up to provide the volunteer service for the hair and makeup involved in this year’s musical. Harriett said the night of a performance, “there’s a lot of adrenaline. But by the time the actual play time comes around, (cast members) know what they’re supposed to look like and what they’re supposed to wear.” Seniors Greg Hicks, Katie Maggart and Caitlin Siluk earned major speaking roles in this year’s Curtains. Outnumbered by underclassmen, these three seniors are making the most of their last year in high school theater. Hicks plays Christopher Belling - an eccentric, pompous and condescending man, he says. He’s the director of the musical within the musical. Hicks was late in jumping on the theater train. He was in the chorus his sophomore year and that was just enough to get him caught on his newest obsession, theater. “You have to have a certain ego to be interested in theater,” Hicks said. “You really have to enjoy putting yourself in the spotlight and showing people what you’ve got, and hopefully you’ve got some kind of quality that people enjoy.” This year’s musical has presented interesting situations for its actors, as they play characters within characters. “I’m always Nikki,” senior Catlin Siluk said. “I have to remember I’m not Caitlin playing Nancy. I’m Nikki playing Nancy.” Nancy is her character in “Robin Hood” which is the musical going on within Curtains. Hicks says this aspect means he has to be much more careful on stage. “You have to watch your character a lot more closely, even being in chorus or a small character,” Hicks said. You have to pay attention to what you’re doing because there’s that one person that will be watching you. Then when the whole audience is watching you, you have to be extra, extra careful.” Maggart plays Carmen Burnstein, who is the producer of the musical within the musical. “She’s really tough and an independent woman. She doesn’t take no for an answer and she kinda runs the show. She’s the boss,” Maggart said. Although the long rehearsal hours seem tedious, Siluk says they also serve as a great stress reliever. “When I’m having a rough day, I sing a song,” Siluk said. “Theater lets you escape into being something you’re not” While all three agree it’s sad to think the end is near, Hicks and Siluk are grateful for everything they’ve learned here. Maggart plans to continue theater in college. “I’m gonna miss (director Marty) Bufalini and (vocal director Ben) Henri. I’ve learned a lot from everyone and everyone is doing really well this year so I’m going to miss it,” Maggart said. “I’m gonna be doing this whole play thing in college so it’s not like it’s gonna be the last time I’m doing it. I’m gonna miss the atmosphere.” From left to right, seniors Greg Hicks, Caitlin Siluk and Katie Maggart rehearse for their last high school spring musical. PHOTOS BY AMELIA FLYNN 12 – Friday, Feb. 18, 2011 – North Pointe LIFE SONYPICTURES.COM Seth Rogen, as the Green Hornet, and Kayto, played by Jay Chuo, out-run the antics of Russian crime boss Chudnofsky in this new action-packed movie. Enter the Hornet: A theater full of disappointment By Andy Klingensmith It has been nearly 38 years since martial arts legend and actor Bruce Lee died of what doctors diagnosed as “death by misadventure.” Although the cause of his death is widely speculated, the sane theory proposes that he underwent an unfortunate reaction to painkillers. Many even believe that Lee may have finally submitted to a fighting technique known simply as the “Touch of Death,” which was delivered to him several weeks before. Nevertheless, I’m sure either party could agree that the work Bruce left behind was inspiring for action stars everywhere. That being said, I doubt that sub-par action films like The Green Hornet are the kind of results Bruce would like to look down upon from his dojo in the sky. The story of Britt Reid (played by Seth Rogen, who also co-wrote the script), begins after his newspaper tycoon father threatens to evict him from his playboy-esque garage lounge if he sees him in the paper for his excessive partying again. Soon, his dad is mysteriously killed by an allergic Genre: Action reaction to a bee-sting. Alone in the world, Britt Rated: PG-13 Starring Seth befriends Kato (played Rogan, Jay Chou by Japanese pop star Jay & Cameron Diaz Chuo), the leather-jacketdonning mechanic and Directed by Michel Gondry cappuccino-expert. The two begin a friendship committing rowdy misdemeanors, but after Kato takes on a group of gangsters in the streets of Los Angeles single-handedly, they begin to live a childhood fantasy as crime fighters. Complete with a list of cliches consisting of a souped-up ride, masks and a bit of Asian flare, the too-typical crime fighting duo take on L.A.’s baddest. This crime cleanse pits them against the crime lord Chudnofsky, played by Oscar-winner Christoph Waltz, an Austrian actor famous for his role as Nazi S.S. Colonel Hans Landa in the 2009 Quentin Tarantino film, Inglorious Basterds. Previously, as the German officer, Waltz was hypnotic in both delivery and character, and he even earned his first Academy Award. Yet this time, Waltz was wasted. His unsuccessfully humorous presence only served as an excuse for conflict and as the movie progressed, he became increasingly laughable as a stereotypical mobster. Furthermore, while we’re on the topic of wasted talent, the film was apparently directed by Michel Gondry. This was surprising as it seemed his future would be bright after directing the mind bending 2004 masterpiece Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, but it looks like that forecast may be incorrect. Known for his visually inventive style, he disappoints with zero style and a lack of originality. Instead of creating something unique, Gondry and Rogen team up to create what is at first a comedic buddy movie, but begins to turn into a self-mocking parody of superhero and golden age martial arts movies that becomes a monument to everything “meh” about movies. Not even Kato’s black leather jacket will scare me into changing my mind about this one. Mean Girls 2 Lady Gaga Justin Bieber: Never Say Never Mr. Sunshine DEPUTY EDITOR D+ The Green Hornet C- A- B C Rated PG-13, Drama Born This Way Rated G, Documentary Wednesday on ABC at 9:30 p.m. Mean Girls 2 is a sequel to the original Mean Girls, but is a made-forTV movie. The film stars Jo Mitchell, (Meaghan Martin), the Vespa-riding new girl who ABCFAMILY.GO.COM sports blue and pink streaks in her hair. Despite her hatred of it, Jo is pulled into drama because of her outspoken personality. Jo turns down an invitation to hang out with the “Plastics,” and the top dog Mandi (Maiara Walsh) decides to take her down. The ensuing battle with Mandi results in cruel pranks and Jo starting her own group, the “anti-Plastics.” This movie is just a copy of the original Mean Girls, with different actors. You would expect some new antics and original abuse, but Instead of following up with Mean Girls’ story line, Mean Girls 2 has an identical plot as its predecessor. Admittedly, the acting is good. However, if you are comparing this to the original Mean Girls and were hoping for a follow up, you will be disappointed with this lamely attempted clone. By Marie Burke After much anticipation, Lady Gaga’s new single, Born This Way, is not a disappointment. The track’s upbeat instrumentals resemble those from Madonna’s LADYGAGA.COM 1989 pop hit Express Yourself, while the vocals are splashed with a style that is most closely related to that of musical artist Cher. However, with all aspects combined, the track is undoubtedly Gaga, even if it is not as musically unique as her past singles. After a thrilling 90s-esque chorus with a pounding bass line, she breaks into an interlude similar to one that occurs in Dance in the Dark, a track from her most recent album, “The Fame Monster.” All of the lyrics preach self-confidence and beg listeners to believe that “Whether life’s disabilities/ Left you outcast, bullied or teased/Rejoice and love yourself today/’Cause baby you were born this way.” This is an overall catchy tune that will undoubtedly be a hit at parties, and it has paved the path for a promising album, which will be released in May. By Kara Bakowski “Bieber Fever” hit Hollywood on Feb. 11 in Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, the highly anticipated documentary of the small town boy’s journey towards JUSTINBIEBERNEVERSAYNEVER.COM the top. Viewers are shown everything from Bieber’s videos on YouTube to his sold-out concert at Madison Square Garden, plus they’re given a taste of what it’s like to be on tour and loved by millions of people. Die-hard fans will not be disappointed by this first-hand account and will drool over the exclusive footage. However, those who have not yet caught the pandemic will want to keep their barf bags on hold. If you’re on the fence, save yourself the nine bucks; watch some YouTube videos, listen to your iPod and call it a night. This movie is cute and inspirational, but it’s been done before. No matter how entertaining, a movie was not necessary to tell the story of this teenager’s life. So unless you’ve got a bad case of “Bieber Fever,” check Never Say Never off you’re list. By Kit Maher My mother taught me if I don’t have anything nice to say, to not say anything at all. So I guess I can’t write too much about Mr. Sunshine. Ben Donovan (MatABC.GO.COM thew Perry) plays an egotistical hotshot sports arena manager, who doesn’t give a care in the world about anyone but himself. His boss, Crystal (Allison Janney), is also slightly self-absorbed and a bit eccentric, which causes for some crazy mishaps as the show goes on. These characters and the rest in the show seem intended to be humorous, yet the pointless concept of the show overshadows any comedy. The episode seemed disoriented and the different scenes did not fit together perfectly. The scenes were jumbled and almost too complex for a comedy. The jokes had to be thought about to be understood fully and then lost the comedic value by that time. The show has potential for future laughs, but the premiere episode did not do it any justice. FREE By Dayle Maas to sing to report to rock to petition Thanks to the First Amendment, you can be whoever and whatever you want to be. The North Pointe Editorial Board celebrates Freedom of the Press during national Scholastic Journalism Week, Feb. 20-26, 2011 Join us online at 1forall.us Take a stand for the First Amendment. North Pointe Editorial Board: (front row) Amelia Flynn, Natasha Ertzbischoff, Jenn Cusmano, (middle row) Kara Bakowski, Francesca Ciaramitaro, Sammy Scoggin, Emma Huellmantel, (back row) Michael Maas, Kristin Carlson, Andy Klingensmith, Connor Holm & Maria Liddane