Dec 14 2015 - Farwell Area Schools

The Talon
Farwell Area High School Newspaper
Volume 17, Issue 5
December 14, 2015
Advisor: Amy Rohdy
Journalists: Michelle Boyd, Juliet Dean, Marissa Gassel, Kelsey Jones, Halaina
Laverty, Haley Lewis, Alexis Osborn, Alonna McDowell, Jacob Riffe, Meigan Sian,
Jamee VanSicklen, Dani Hanna, Kali Wilkerson.
Got Milk? Our Wrestlers Do!
At the beginning of this season, the wrestlers received a Chocolate Milk Grant via Mrs. Valerie Beardsley. They will
receive free chocolate milk the whole season along with coolers, t-shirts, and mini giveaway prizes. The wrestlers plan to
use this grant to keep them healthy and in shape to go after another District Title and to send more wrestlers to the
State Finals. Drink up, boys!
BIG Wins for Girls Basketball!
(Left) Sophomore
Vanessa Foster
caused trouble for
the Evart Wildcat’s
JV.
(Right) Freshmen
Hunter Sponseller
was the lead scorer
for Varsity against
Evart with 12 points.
Good job girls!
The JV and Varsity Girls’ Basketball teams both kicked off the season with a win in the home opener against Evart. JV
won 43-10 and the Varsity won 48-34. Both JV and Varsity have been working hard to show the community and the
conference what they’re really made of. Their fast paced game forced turnovers for Evart and made easy baskets for the
Eagles. Hunter Sponseller led the Eagles with 12 points and 8 steals. Marissa Gassel had 6 points and 6 rebounds, while
Grace Saupe, Shay Stalter, and Alysha Luster chipped in 5 points each.
On December 2, the girls faced Chippewa Hills. The JV was in control for the first three quarters, then in the fourth
quarter Chippewa Hills caught up and took a three-point lead in the last minute. Kourtney John scored a three in the last
few seconds to send the game into overtime! The JV took control again and won 44-39. The Varsity game was much like
the JV, where our girls were in control until the fourth quarter. Then Chip Hills Varsity gained a five point lead, but the
girls didn’t give up. With hard work and a winning free throw from Emily Vaughan, the Varsity won 36-35. Emily earned 7
points on the night with 7 steals. Dani Hanna, Marissa Gassel, and Alysha Luster had 6 points apiece, while Lillian
Albaugh chipped in five points.
The Lady Eagles took on the Harrison Hornets on December 4. The JV team beat the Hornets easily winning, while the
Varsity team took a tough loss 56-47. Leading the Eagles was Marissa Gassel with 11 points and Dani Hanna with 10.
Emily Vaughan netted 9.
On Thursday, December 10, the Lady Eagles took on the Meridian Mustangs. The JV girls started out strong and held the
lead, but Meridian wasn’t going to have it. The Mustangs caught up to the girls, and they were tied for half the game.
While battling it out towards the end, JV girls ultimately fell to Meridian, 33-28. The Varsity girls started off with fire
underneath their feet with a good lead at 17-8. By the third quarter they were tied 29-29, after a Meridian surge.
However, that wasn’t going to stop our girls. They took the game back and won 55-38. The high scorers for the game
were Grace Saupe and Rio Risbridger with 10 points each.
The Lady Eagles are the team to watch this winter. The Varsity is a mix of experience with six seniors, coupled with
some very talented underclassmen. This year, they have height, speed, and depth. The JV has strength too in numbers
and speed. Going into this next week, both teams are 3-1 overall, and 1-1 in conference competition.
Boys’ Basketball Summary
The JV and Varsity boys traveled to Pinconning for a scrimmage to
start their winter season. Pinconning was definitely a bigger team
in height, but the boys still played with them. Austin Maxey
stated, “We definitely have some things to work on, but overall I
think we played alright.” Although they didn’t keep official
scoring, it was obvious that the JV had outscored Pinconning, and
the Varsity was pretty even. Keep up the good work for the
season, boys!
The JV and Varsity Boys both opened their season with a loss to
Evart. The JV team had great ball movement, but the inexperience
of the team, along with Evart’s great defense proved to be too
much for the JV boys. The Varsity team lost a few players early
this season with ineligibility and injuries. The boys put up a good
fight, but struggled to keep possession of the ball. Austin Maxey
had a great opener leading the team with 17 points, but was
unfortunately not enough to push for the win. In the JPC opener
against Meridian, the JV team lost 25-53. The Varsity also
struggled with a final score of 24-61. Both teams are 0-2 overall
and 0-1 in conference competition. This week, the Eagles face
Coleman, Roscommon, and Gladwin.
Farwell Bowling Strikes up the Season
The boys started off with a few decent wins for both of their Baker games, and won one of their regular games against
Gladwin. The boys’ second team put up a good fight, but lost the second regular game. Caleb Brown had a great start
with a high game! The girls also started with one close Baker game, but ultimately lost to Gladwin. Against the Clare
Pioneers on December 12, the girls had a real nail biter going into the 10th frame. After a tough fight, the Eagles lost to
the Pioneers by just 5 pins. The boys beat Clare 24-6. Cj Fiedler was the top bowler with a score of 205. The next
competition is December 19.
Competitive Cheer Places
Fourth In First Competition
Competitive Cheer had their first competition of the
season in Houghton Lake on December 12. The girls
took fourth place in their division. The team
welcomes back several veterans along with new team
members. They are hoping for a great showing this
year and a shot at qualifying for Regionals. They
compete in Shepherd on December 19.
Meet the Winter Sports Teams!
Girls’ Basketball:
Introducing the seniors and their season goals:
Dani Hanna: We’ve had a young team throughout my entire basketball career, and this year we’re going into it with six
seniors who are very experienced. I’m looking forward to having a great season and hopefully we can pick up some wins.
The friendships and memories I’ve made throughout basketball can never be replaced and I look forward to creating
more in my final year.
Marissa Gassel: In high school, basketball has just been a part of me. It’s one of the most important things to me and is
going to be hard to give up. I’ve played basketball with these girls for a long time and I’m excited for this season. Goals
for me this season are to break a record, get all conference, and have a winning season, shocking the conference
compared to last year.
Alysha Luster: Throughout this whole journey, I have met some of the greatest people in my life. We push each other to
do better during each and every practice, and I hope for that to show this year. My goal for my senior year of basketball
is to have all of that hard work pay off. Let’s shock the conference!
Shay Stalter: Basketball has always been a huge part of my life. My high school experience with basketball has been an
amazing journey. Through this journey, I have learned a lot of team building skills, the meaning of teamwork, and I have
made a bond with my teammates and coaches that could never be broken. My goal for this year is to take what team
building and teamwork skills I have learned over the years and put into action for my senior year and show the
conference what Farwell basketball is truly made of.
Meigan Sian: Throughout High School, Basketball has meant a great deal to me and has shaped who I am today. I’ve
played the sport with these girls my whole life, and I never want it to end. We have a very experienced team compared
to the past years, and I can really see us going far. My personal goal this year is to break the school record of most
assists in a game, and my team goal is to beat Clare.
Emily Vaughan: My high school basketball career has created so many great memories for me. I am really looking
forward to this season with the team that I have played with since I was little. I am so excited to show everyone how
hard we all have been working. My goal for my last season of high school basketball is to work hard and have our team
be the best in the conference.
UNDERCLASSMEN GIRLS ON THE VARSITY TEAM: Grace Saupe, Rio Risbridger, Lillian Albaugh, and Hunter Sponseller.
JV Girls Basketball Players: Kourtney John, Brittany Parker, Aliyeh Wyatt, Katheron White, Sydney Sybert, Olivia Lake,
Breann Young, Mariah Norbury, Vanessa Foster, Megan Marhofer, Jenna Odykirk, Harley Crawford, and Kendall Hickey
Boys’ Varsity Basketball:
Introducing the seniors and their season goals:
Austin Maxey: This basketball season is way different from the past years. Jake Riffe and I are the only seniors this year,
and we don’t really have any size. That is not going to stop us from being successful this season. My season goal is
simple - win a basketball game. My whole basketball career, I have won 1 actual game. I believe this team will give me
my first high school career win. I am going to go hard the whole season, push everyone to their max effort, and by doing
so, we will be successful. We will also be a fast paced, running offense, due to no size on the court. Effort and Attitude
is this year’s expectations.
Jacob Riffe: This basketball season will be fast paced and a running offense. It will be a new way of Farwell basketball.
Coming into my second basketball season under a new coach, I see that we have the potential to win games. In all of my
4 years of high school basketball I have not won a single game. My goals for this year are to have a winning record.
Everybody will be pushed to their max by Austin and me. Even if we do not win I want to walk out of that gymnasium
knowing my team I laid everything we had out there on the court.
UNDERCLASSMEN BOYS ON THE VARSITY TEAM: Anthony Yonts, Joel McComber, Hunter Turner, Gabe Luster, Scott
Lucia, Austin Tigner, Collin Maxey, Michael Dunkle, and Logan Osborn.
JV Boys Basketball Players: Nathan Ringwalt, Michael Paholak, Jacob Graves, Dylan Wilson, Ryan Marhofer,
Travis Bauer, John Dienberg, Brian Pritchard, Logan Burch, Dyllan Rendere, Carl Turner, Adam Torr, and Tyler
Bauer
Varsity Wrestling:
Introducing the seniors and their season goals:
Clay Forfinski: Although my ultimate goal is to eat as much as possible without becoming morbidly obese, my other goal
is to do well at the state tournament individually. I want to help my team go as far as possible.
Garrett McQuiston: This year our team is in a very good position to do great things as long as we all stay dedicated and
healthy. My goal for the team this year is to win a regional title and take our wrestling program to state for the first time
in school history. Individually, I’m aiming for the top of the podium at state finals. Whatever the outcome of this season,
I’m sure that I will have many fond memories with this great group of guys.
Justin Norbury: Farwell wrestling has completely change my life. It has tremendously transformed me both mentally and
physically. I do not wrestle because I enjoy it, but to reach my goals and become a better person. This year I plan to
reach my goal of being a state qualifier.
Brenden Smith: Wrestling has been part of my life since I was 6 years old. This will be my twelfth year of wrestling and in
setting my goals past expectations. I want to place within the top 3 in the state this post season. Our team has more
experienced wrestlers this year. I never knew why I wrestled until I realized how much I enjoy the sport and how much
of an impact we can make on the school. I hope to have many memories to remember this year that can last a life time.
Archie Burbank: This year Farwell Wrestling has the best chance at going far into the post season it has ever had. We’ve
developed skilled athletes who push harder than our opponent. I look forward to winning regionals as a team and
qualifying for state as an individual.
Austin Sandel: I want to try and find some way to trick the scale to think I am at my weight. More importantly, I want to
go as far as I can individually go, and I want the team to go as far as they can go. Also, I would like to have a positive
record.
UNDERCLASSMEN BOYS ON THE WRESTLING TEAM: Justin Ringle, Peyton Barnett, Jay Thrush, Cole Forfinski, Jacob
Swarthout, Dustin VanSicklen, Chandler Skornicka, Glenn Beardsley, AJ Frizzell, Nick Wixson, Jake Swarthout, Jesse
Woodman, and Kevin Vanbuskirk
Varsity Boys’ and Girls’ Bowling:
Introducing the seniors and their season goals:
Cj Fiedler: I have been bowling since I was knee high to a grass hopper. I really enjoy bowling and find it to be a lot of
fun; the competitiveness is my favorite part. I’m hoping the team makes it to states this year. I think we have a really
good chance. If I can’t get into collegiate bowling, I would like to join a bowling league and continue to play for a long
time after I graduate.
Jacob Gross: My goal as an individual is to go to states. I also want my team to qualify for state.
Damon Scheidt: My goal is to qualify for states as a team and as an individual. I would also like to place in states and get
my average to between 180 and 190.
UNDERCLASSMAN BOYS ON THE BOWLING TEAM: Caleb Brown, Cody Ison, Corbin Brewer, Jerricho Eigner, and
Michael Dunkle
Varsity Girls’ Bowling: There are no seniors on the girls’ team the year. Team members include Jillian Yule, Kaylee
Shook, Autumn Farnum, Amber Farnum, Rebecca Gross, Cassie Yonts, Hannah Averill, and Emma Tideswell.
Competitive Cheer:
Introducing the seniors and their season goals:
Jamee VanSicklen: My ultimate goal for this year is to help push our team to win districts and go to regionals. Cheer has
been a top priority for me since 8th grade. I have grown with the team, getting better and developing new skills and
ideas for rounds. Cheer has pushed me to do my best. Smaller goals I have for myself are to get my standing back tuck
and to be someone people can go too, to ask for help.
Michelle Boyd: My overall goal for this season is to become a better program than we have ever been in the previous
years, and to win every competition that we possibly can, but most of all win districts and regionals because we earned
it and deserve it. Some of my smaller goals would consist of being someone the girls can go to for help being a good
positive leader. Cheer has always been a big part of my life. I’m sad to say it’s my last year, but we are going make my
last year worthwhile!
Halaina Laverty: This season I would love to qualify to go to regionals. My own goals consist of finally getting my back
walk over, my back handspring and be a stable flyer. This team is solid, and I’m super excited to show everyone what we
have!
Reagan Douglas: My goal for the competitive cheer season is to go to states with my team. I also hope to have my full in
round three by the end of the season.
Jarika McDaniel: My overall goal for this season is to win districts and go to regionals. My personal goals consist of
getting my aerial and back handspring. Doing cheer has made me more outgoing and confident. It has shown me
responsibility, dedication, and how to work as a team.
Kelsey Seiter: I just want to have fun and get my back handspring, and to not have my hip pop out!
UNDERCLASSMEN GIRLS ON THE COMPETITVE CHEER TEAM: Kelsey Jones, Morgan Nestor, Lauren Kelsey, Morgan
Vanthull, Brianna McQuiston, Abby Elkins, Kaydee Snelling, Lexy Andreas, Brooke Pritchard, Druanne Marsh, and
Aleesha McCurry
Varsity Wrestlers Hit The Mats!
The Varsity Wrestling team started the 2015-16 winter season with a loss to Roscommon on December 9 with a team
score of 54-30. They defeated Whittemore-Prescott, 54-21. On December 12, the team traveled to Howell for the Herm
Wilkinson Classic. Finalists were Clay Forfinski with a 4th place finish, Brenden Smith with a pin in 1:37 for 5th place,
Garrett Mcquiston went 7-0 also with a 4th place finish. This week they compete against Gladwin, Lake City, and Evart in
Gladwin on December 16. On the 19th, they travel to Chippewa Hills for the Joe Loren Invite.
Where are you parking? Do you have your permit?
Warning: If students do not fill out a permit for parking their cars in the school parking lot, the school is allowed to tow
it. Student vehicles need to be registered in the office. When going to the office to get a sticker, let them know if you
are a dual enrolled or work study student who comes in after 8:00 a.m. in the morning. If you get a purple sticker, that
means you have to park in the parking lot by Michigan Street on the back side of the building. If you get a yellow sticker
that means that you are permitted to park in the main parking lot by the bubble and enter the building by the high
school office. NO STUDENT is allowed to park in the visitor’s parking stops. Violators of this rule WILL get towed.
Trimester 2 Has Begun!
Trimester one ended with two half days of final exams on December 3 and 4. The second trimester started on
December 8. This is a time for a fresh start and new classes. Make the most of it. Report cards for trimester one will be
available the week of December 14. For students with dual enrollment courses, grades/credit for these will NOT be
issued until January due to the ending date of MMCC’s semester on December 18. Dual courses will be reflected on
trimester 1 report cards. Students participating in CTE courses will not receive grades until the end of CTE’s first
semester in late January. Credit for CTE courses is issued on a semester, not trimester basis. For seniors, graduation
walking order will be determined at the end of trimester 2. This will determine Valedictorian, Salutatorian, High Honors,
and Honors graduates. High Honors and Honors walk in rank order on graduation day. The remaining members of the
Class of 2016 will walk in alphabetical order.
Snowfest Date Has Been Set! – February 26 and 27, 2016
Snowfest 2016 is scheduled for the week of February 22-27. It kicks off on Monday, February 22, with the first of five
spirit days. The assembly and game are scheduled for Friday, February 26, in between the JV and Varsity Boys’
Basketball games. The dance will be Saturday, February 27, from 8:00-11:00 p.m. in the old gym. Dance tickets will go
on sale on February 22. We will be having a nacho bar and chocolate dipping station along with meatballs,
cheese/crackers, and other snacks at the dance! Royalty will be voted on when we return from the winter break.
Students with ideas for Snowfest theme and spirit days should talk to their class representatives.
Class of 2016 Determines Class Song, Colors, Flower, and Motto
Graduation for the Class of 2016 is going to be here before you know it. Graduation is scheduled for May 22, 2016. The
seniors voted last week for their song, colors, flower, and motto. Results are as follows:
Song: Don’t Stop Believing – Journey
Colors: Purple and Silver
Flower: Dragon Rose
Motto: “Together, we have experienced life. Separately, we will pursue our dreams. Forever, our memories will
remain.”
2015-16 Yearbook Prices Go Up after Winter Break
NOW is the time to order your 2015-16 yearbook if you haven’t done so already. Yearbooks are a great way to capture
your high school memories. The cost is $35 or $40 with a name stamp. The book can be ordered and secured with a
$10 deposit as long as the balance is paid by April 5. Order BEFORE winter break!!! After the holidays, the prices will
increase to $40 and $45. Don’t delay. For seniors: Your senior pictures MUST be received by February 20. After that
date, your school ID picture will be used.
Abigail Averill Earns Centralis Gold Scholarship
Congratulations to Abby Averill for earning Central Michigan University’s Centralis Gold Scholarship. Abby, a Farwell
National Honor Society, Early College, and MMCC PTK Honors Student, was one of an elite group to receive this honor.
The Centralis Gold covers four years of tuition at CMU and qualifies her for their honor’s program. Abby plans to pursue
a degree in education.
Help the Class of 2017 Fundraise for Junior/Senior Prom!
Eat at Wendy’s Restaurant in Clare on December 16
The Class of 2017 is fundraising for this year’s Jr. /Sr. Prom, scheduled for
May 7th at the Midland Fairgrounds. It will be a Circus theme.
Thank You to the following advertisers who have helped
secure yearbook scholarships for our students. Their
donations will help provide $10 and $20 off the cost of a
yearbook for application winners.
Albaugh Excavating
City Utilities- Drainfields-BasementsCrawl Spaces-Land Clearing-Trucking
Demolition-Black Dirt-Sand-Gravel
989-424-6077
601 N. McEwan Clare, MI 48617
Owner: Bill Albaugh
641 S. Coleman Rd.
Shepherd, MI 48883
989-773-2271 or 989-615-6570
Aa
641 S. Coleman Rd. Phone 989-773-2271
Shepherd, MI 48883 Cell 989-615-6570
Bill Albaugh (Owner)
Scholarship Opportunities
Solution Reach Scholarships - $2,000 – 2 Awards (Deadline: December 18, 2015)
To be eligible for the Solution Reach Scholarship:
A) High school graduates with a GPA of 3.2 or higher and already accepted at an accredited college/university may apply.
B) There are no requirements for major or graduation date.
C) Any undergraduate student currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university with a minimum of 9 credits and a
GPA of 3.0 may apply.
Applications can be found by going to:
http://www.studentscholarships.org/scholarships/11179/solution_reach_scholarship_scholarship.php
Edith Irene (Stinchcombe) Giesler Scholarship – $2,000 – 1 Award (Deadline: December 21, 2015)
To be eligible for this scholarship a student must:
A) Interested in Elementary Education
B) Interested in Horticulture
C) Interested in floral design
See Mrs. Rohdy for an application.
Sons of the American Legion Squadron 404 Scholarship - $750 – 1 Award (Deadline: December 21, 2015)
To be eligible for this scholarship a student must:
A) Have a parent, guardian or grandparent that is a veteran.
See Mrs. Rohdy for an application.
CrossLites Scholarship - $4,000 – 33 Awards (Deadline: December 31, 2015)
To be eligible for the CrossLites Scholarship:
A) The CrossLites Scholarship is open to High School, College, and Graduate School students. As an applicant you will write a
reflective essay (400-600 words).
B) Applicants will be competing against students of their level. You may enter only one essay per application a year.
Applications can be found by going to:
http://www.studentscholarships.org/scholarship/12561/crosslites_scholarship_scholarship.php
10 Words or Less Scholarship - $500 – 1 Award (Deadline: January 29, 2016)
To be eligible for the 10 Words of Less Scholarship a student must:
A) Be between the ages 15 and 25 on January 29, 2016
B) The 10 Words or Less Scholarship is available to High School and College Students.
Applications can be found going to:
http://www.studentscholarships.org/scholarship/10258/10_words_or_less_scholarship_scholarship.php
You Deserve It Scholarship - $1,000 – 1 Award (Deadline: February 15, 2016)
To be eligible for the You Deserve It Scholarship:
A) You must be a resident of any of the 50 United States, District of Columbia or U.S. Territories.
B) You must be 16 years of age or older.
C) You must be enrolled now, or will be enrolled in a qualified high school, college or university within the United States.
Applications can be found by going to:
http://www.studentescholarship.org/available.php
Disability Attorneys of Michigan - $1,000 – 3 Awards ( Deadline: May 31, 2016)
To be eligible for this scholarship a student must:
A) Prove that the student’s parent or guardian is currently receiving disability benefits through the U.S. Social Security
Administration and/or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
B) Must be a graduating high school senior in Michigan.
C) Must have a minimum of 3.0 GPA
D) Must be attending a 4- year college or university or a 2-year community college
E) A current transcript MUST be submitted for consideration
F) A 500-word minimum essay explaining the manner in which the applicant’s parent(s) and/or guardian(s) disability has
impacted their life, education, and/or future goals.
Applications and additional information can be found by going to: www.damichigan.com/resources
Click on the Disability Attorneys of Michigan Scholarship link
“Aspiring Fashion Professional” Scholarship - $1,000 (Deadline: June 1, 2016)
To be eligible for this scholarship a student must:
A) Interested in pursuing a fashion degree at an accredited post-secondary school college.
Applications can be found by going to:
www.fashion-schools.org
- You can find the scholarship located at the bottom of the page.
“Aspiring Animation Professional” Scholarship Program - $1,000 (Deadline: June 1, 2016)
To be eligible for this scholarship a student must:
A) Interested in pursuing an animation career path at an accredited post-secondary school or college.
Applications and other eligibility information can be found by going to:
http://www.animationcareerreview.com/
Nursing Schools Almanac - $1,000 (Deadline: June 30, 2016)
This is the second annual year of this scholarship. It is for students who demonstrate a good track record of academic excellence,
particularly in math and science. They also have a passion for the nursing profession and the overall field of healthcare.
A) Open to all high school seniors who plan to pursue a college education in nursing including LPN / LVN, AND, and BSN
programs.
Applications and additional information can be found by going to:
www.nursingschoolalmanac.com (Click the banner on right-hand side of website homepage)
Winter Break: December 23rd- January 3rd