Mercy`s Own Dynamic Duo

Page 6 Fall into the summer’s best music, movies, and books.
Grab your keys and the back page of this section, Newsprint has picked some perfect summer spots. Senior Section
The seniors of the Newsprint staff say their final goodbyes to Mercy.
Newsprint
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Page 5
MERCY HIGH SCHOOL 29300 ELEVEN MILE RD. FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48336‑1409
2 June 2009 Volume 63 Issue 7
Le Professeur de l’Année
How well do you know Madame Campbell Named Teacher of the Year
MRS. SHAW
Regina Gilmour
and to guide and help the students to a#ain a level of proficiency that is comprehensible to a native speaker,” dorned with posters of she said. “I teach with compassion Parisian landmarks and and appreciation for students who monuments, the walls of try to speak in another language an otherwise ordinary classroom because I know that it is not easy and come to life. An Eiffel Tower stands it is the most difficult skill to learn.” resolute offering onlookers a taste of Most encouraged by the triumphs the intricacy of French architecture. of her students, Madame Campbell A sign says “bonjour” to incoming looks forward to the “French students. French flags with their experiences” that her classes oAen vibrant hues of red, white, and blue, share. To her, these moments show add a degree of authenticity and the thirst for knowledge that her own culture. In the back of the room, a professor noticed during her college French food cart calls to mind visions years. “ T h e y of French are taking cuisine and Paris F r e n c h pastry shops. outside the The creativity c l a s s r o o m and vivacity and to of this room is me that is a testament to i n s p i r i n g . the personality They are on and dedication their way to of Madame b e c o m i n g Campbell, the l i f e l o n g recipient of the l e a r n e r s , ” 2009 Teacher of she said.
the Year Award. Looking “It is back at her definitely like c o l o r f u l receiving an c a r e e r , Oscar or the M a d a m e Cesar Award C a m p b e l l in France,” f o n d l y said Madame Thirty‑three years of teaching experience at Mercy High School has earned recalls some C a m p b e l l Madame Campbell the honor of Teacher of the Year. of her favorite in response to winning this prestigious Mercy Campbell showed for French in all its French memories, which motive her forms. This same passion is evident to continue moving forward and award. “I am humbled to be recognized in the dedication she shows in her explore other methods of teaching in by my outstanding colleagues and teaching, and the same devotion that order to become even more effective. “I was in Paris and I was crossing administration as well as my devoted she expects from her students. “I have high expectations for my the street in the Latin Quarter,” students, ‘fantastiques.’”
The inspiration behind her students so that they can realize remembers Madame Campbell, “I passion and unique technique their potential and define what heard someone call out my name in dates back to her travels as a child. they consider their best,” said a loud voice. It was a former student Always eager to fit in with the native Madame Campbell. “I am rarely studying law in Paris. She thanked me for teaching her all about Paris, speakers, Madame Campbell envied disappointed.” Students recognize these because she was an expert guide for her father’s talent for communicating standards, but rise to the occasion. her friends.” in foreign nations. “She gives projects that are hard, Madame Campbell believes that “I always admired his ability to strike up a conversation with but fun,” said freshmen Clarissa familiarity in a foreign language will a stranger, and they appreciated LeVasseur. “She brings culture into help individuals in their careers later in life. his reaching out to them. Global the material.” With an emphasis on “Today, we are all citizens of a connections were instantly made!” Through her travels, Madame communication, Madame Campbell global community. The world is an Campbell began to expand her views also incorporates the French culture open classroom that gives everyone the ability to become life‑long of the world and its diverse culture, in her class daily. “I teach to communicate in French learners,” she said. but it was not until a fateful trip to STAFF REPORTER
A
C. Oberc
Grace Ward
STAFF REPORTER
What is your favorite aspect of teaching?
My favorite part is seeing when the kids really get it. What were you like in high school?
I was a take charge person and a really good student. I was head of everything!
What is your favorite book?
The Iliad. It is endlessly fascinating and I always see new aspects that I had not seen before. I was a lawyer for 28 years. I worked in a large law firm for the county government. Where did you go to college and what did you major in?
I a#ended Wayne State University and majored in Latin. I have masters level work in Latin and a law degree. Do you have any special plans for this summer?
Well I have a few family weddings coming up and some guests from out of town coming to stay with me. But mostly I am really excited to prepare to use a new Latin book next year. So far, what is your favorite thing about Mercy?
I haven’t sensed any meanness in the kids or faculty here. It just doesn’t seem to be a part of Mercy culture. R. Gilmour
Where did you work before coming to Mercy?
Paris during her senior year of high school that her love and devotion to the French people and culture would begin. “Paris was the most beautiful city on earth, and the French people were so amazing that I wanted to communicate more fluently, and understand [French],” she said. The spark ignited by her trip to Paris was further enflamed by a teacher during her years at Michigan State University. Dr. Freida Brown encouraged Madame Campbell to consider teaching as a possible career path, aAer seeing the passion Madame News BRIEFS
Sarah Blau
Hayley Drozdowski
STAFF REPORTERS
Sister Emily George Award
At the Senior Banquet on May 18th, Angela Haddad was pre‑
sented with the Sister Emily George Award, which recognizes one outstanding Mercy girl for her contribu‑
tions to the school and excellenece in academics, extracur‑
riculars and ser‑
vice. Mr. Jeffreys Moves On
Sadly, the Mercy community will be saying goodbye to religion teacher Bryan Jeffreys at the end of this school year. Mr. Jeffreys will be moving with his wife and baby, Lu‑
cia, closer to his fam‑
ily in Utah. He will be missed next year!
Garn Griffin Award
Jordan Mueller received the Garn Griffin Award at the Senior Ban‑
quet on May 18th. The award acknowledges one Mercy stu‑
dent for her outstanding athletic ability and sportsmanship. Jor‑
dan, who will be playing soccer at Michigan State University this fall, has been on the Varsity Soccer team for four y e a r s and Varsity Bas‑
k e t b a l l team for t h r e e years. Mercy’s Own Dynamic Duo
Rebecca Guerriero and Samantha Horsell Snag the Titles of Valedictorian and Salutatorian
Kira Boneff
STAFF REPORTER
W
W. Gervais
ho has 15 extracurricular activities, six varsity le#ers, and 98 A’s? This year’s valedictorian and salutatorian, Rebecca Guerriero and Samantha Horsell. This certainly was not an easy accomplishment for the two of them, and they were chosen out of a group of 15 well‑qualified girls. But, aAer four years of balancing school work, sports, and extra‑curricular activities, their hard work has finally paid off. Both Guerriero and Horsell participated in Quizbowl, Science Club, and the National Honor Society while at Mercy, in addition to a wide array of other clubs and groups.
Both girls expanded their world and cultural views by taking part in some of Mercy’s many enriching activities. Horsell was also a member of the Spanish Honor Society, while Guerriero was a member of Model United Nations, JCL, and Ethnic Bazaar.
everything,” Guerriero said. “And father, who she said is “one of the Furthermore, Guerriero also my mom gives me confidence to be most intelligent people” she knows.
added ITS, Forensics, and Newsprint who I am and never limit myself.”
With so much success under their to her repertoire. She was also on the Horsell credits her grandpa for belts at Mercy, Horsell and Guerriero makeup, ushere#e, both admit to and costume crews being sad to leave for Mercy’s theatrical at the end of the productions. With all year.
of these activities, it “There are must have been hard some things,” to find time to do Guerriero said, much else, but both “and more girls participated importantly some in varsity sports people, that I will at Mercy as well. miss very, very Horsell was on the much.”
varsity bowling team Both girls for all four years, and will a#end Guerriero was on the the University varsity ice hockey of Michigan team for three years next year. But and the varsity golf beyond that, their Rebecca Guerriero (le.) and Samantha Horsell have been named team for one.
approaches to their Mercy’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian, respectively.
Both Guerriero futures are quite and Horsell credit their families for much of her success.
different. Guerriero helping to inspire them to succeed.
“He still remains the single most admits that much of her life aAer “My dad always challenges me significant impact in my life,” Horsell college is unclear.
to think a li#le harder and question said. She also wishes to thank her “I haven’t really planned out my life, yet,” Guerriero said. Horsell, on the other hand, has a more distinct picture of where she wants to be in the future.
“I want to become part of some kind of international organization,” Horsell said. “I’m leaning towards a nonprofit one.”
Both girls have the talent, drive, and determination that will make them shine wherever they end up. They believe in themselves, and that is one of the most important factors in future success.
In light of their leaving Mercy, both Guerriero and Horsell wished to give some parting advice to the classes of 2010, 2011, 2012, and all those to come.
“Don’t let the possibility of failure deter you,” Guerriero said. “You might just amaze yourself.”
“Never be afraid to show the true side of yourself,” Horsell advised. “Appreciate you for who you are, no ma#er what.” Each girl has worth, talent and is a brilliant reflection of God’s image.”
2
Newsprint 2008-2009
Alyssa Selasky
EDITOR‑IN‑CHIEF
2 June 2009
An Unfortunate Name, But There You Go
All‑Star Teacher Relishes in His Final Days At Mercy
Emily Wilkins
Hayley Drozdowski
STAFF REPORTER
ASSOCIATE EDITOR‑IN‑ CHIEF
Marie Di Ponio
MANAGING EDITOR
Allegra Wrocklage
COPY EDITOR
Erin Keith
COMMUNITY AND EVENTS EDITOR
OPINIONS EDITOR
Christina Bender
FEATURES EDITOR
Jordan Mueller
SPORTS EDITOR
Alessi Nehr
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
Sarah Blau
Kira Boneff
Lisa Carlson
Carson Cueter
Katherine Dougan
Hayley Drozdowski
Erin Fitzpatrick
Regina Gilmour
Rebecca Guerriero
Cydny Henry Erica Parkinson
Erin Kirkland
Jenna Mizzi
Colleen Oberc
Grace Ward
STAFF REPORTERS
Ms. Lynn Waldsmith
ADVISOR
Newsprint, the offi
cial student newspaper of Mercy High School, is published 7 times a year. Produced by the Advanced Journalism class, Newsprint is a member of the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Mercy High School student produced Newsprint is to report noteworthy events, recognize the achievements and address the concerns of the Mercy student and broader school community while also remaining an entertaining paper that is pleasing both to read and look at in order to help promote an atmosphere of awareness, inquisitiveness, concern for others, and pride in one’s school.
WEBSITE
O
n June 12th when the clock strikes 2:35 p.m. Mercy students will be bustling out the doors, excited for their long awaited summer plans. The case, however, may be somewhat different for Mercy English and A.P. U.S. History teacher, Mr. Tom Schusterbauer. This year marks the end of Mr. Schusterbauer’s 41 year teaching career. His last day of school will be more than the excited anticipation of yet another summer vacation. It may prove to be a mix of nostalgia, anxiousness, and excitement as Mr. Schusterbauer strikes out on a new chapter of his life. Mr. Schusterbauer began teaching at 21 years of age to support his family. His first job was at a small Catholic high school which he le\ a\er three years because he found the atmosphere to be too confining. He then worked at a preschool, delivered pizzas, and worked as an orderly on the midnight shi\ at a hospital. Mr. Schusterbauer taught at Notre Dame High School for eight years before he was drawn to Mercy because of its reputation for excellence in the Detroit area, and once he heard there were openings in the English department, he applied. He found the freedom Mercy gave to its teachers in their choice of material and respect for students who were not Catholic appealing. “By the time I le\ that day, I wanted the job,” he said, speaking of the day he interviewed at Mercy. He fell in love with the creativity Mr. Schusterbauer poses behind a mountain of his famed Converse shoes. he discovered in H. Drozdowski
Jessica Jary
the school, especially the English Mr. Schusterbauer has been department. impressed with his students’ “I learned how great it was to ability to respect each other, be with a group of teachers who especially when discussing loved to read and loved to find sensitive topics in his APUSH new books, and loved to create classes. new courses,” he said. As wonderful as Mr. Schusterbauer’s 41 years as a teacher have been, he never planned on making teaching a permanent profession. “I saw this as something to do that was going on until Mr. Schusterbauer is known for his entertaining my real career approach to teaching. came along,” he noted. “When we discuss things like Yet, Mr. Schusterbauer found that, I’ve seen the kind of respect that teaching was in fact what he that they have for each other,” was meant to do, and teaching he said. “They do a beJer job both APUSH and English courses than most adults do.” at Mercy has been a perfect fit. Along with teaching APUSH, “I have absolutely loved it,” Mr. Schusterbauer has a he said of teaching the APUSH special place in his heart for course for the past six years, a his current freshman English time he considers to be one of the class. He considers their in‑class best of his teaching career.
discussions to be on par with “I loved how it forced me to any upperclassman course.
spend not just the entire summer “They are also just so much before school began, but the entire fun,” he added. six years constantly researching Mr. Schusterbauer also to find new things to give to my regards 2002, the time he was students.”
named Teacher of the Year, as one of his favorite memories of Mercy, as well as the nickname that most, if not all of his students refer to him by—“Schuste.”
“It was only in the past couple of years that I saw it for what it was: a sign Erin Fitzpatrick
STAFF REPORTER
Angela Haddad
DESIGN EDITOR
SCHOOL
of affection,” he said. “I love hearing it in the hallways.”
Mr. Schusterbauer has touched many Mercy students, as well as staff members. “He is a person with great insight into what it means to be a human being and also into people—he sees things in people that others miss,” said religion teacher Mrs. Ann Lusch. “He has maybe had a greater impact on his students than anyone I know,” she added.
Junior Michelle McCarthy is one such student. “His lectures are one of the few that I can stay awake in,” she said. “They are interesting.”
Sophomore Allison Vogler also praised Mr. Schusterbauer for his teaching. “He really helped me understand the material we covered in class,” she said. While much will be missed by Mr. Schusterbauer, he can easily define the single thing he will miss the most. “I will miss the kids, they are the only reason I am here,” he said. “I love being in the room with them, laughing with them, being serious with them, and seeing them grow.” Mr. Schusterbauer’s plans for retirement include spending time with his children, traveling, reading, watching movies, and aJending plays at Stratford. He also intends to work as a bartender at Dick O’Dowds in Birmingham if a smoking ban is passed Michigan.
In one of his Facebook notes, Mr. Schusterbauer disusses why he finally decided to stick with teaching as a career. “I wanted, I wanted very much, to maJer.” According to the raves of both students and staff, the infectious laugh Mr. Schusterbauer sends reverberating across his classroom, and love for his students, his mission was accomplished. Playing in the Big Time
Mercy’s Sports Superstars Take Their Talent to College
Carly Sevald
Jenna Mizzi
STAFF REPORTER
S
tar athletes are a common fix‑
ture at Mercy. Come fall, how‑
ever, several will be scoring goals, swimming laps, and shooting hoops on new turf. Below are a few soon‑to‑be college stars, with a full list on the right. Score! Sport: Diving
College: University at Buffalo
Major: Elementary education
“I am looking forward to the new opportunities and experiences diving will bring in college.”
SWIM
Anna Vandecaveye ‑ St. Mary’s College
Eileen Fredendall ‑ Wayne State University
Megan Gegesky ‑ Ohio University
Kaitlyn Jefferson ‑ University of South Dakota
Maura Nicholson ‑ St. Olaf College
Gillian Staudt ‑ University of Toledo
Alex Swies ‑ University at Buffalo
Alexa Milewski ‑ St. Louis University
FIGURE SKATING
Bianca Pomponio ‑ Miami University of Ohio
Maura Malone
SOFTBALL
Sport: Lacrosse
College: LaSalle University
Major: Nursing
“I think the transition into college will be easier. I will have a whole team of girls to talk to if I need anything.”
Hannah Atkinson ‑ Indianapolis University
BriJany Stallworth ‑ Howard University DIVING
Chandler Foster ‑ Lake Forest College
VOLLEYBALL
Mackenzie Bickes ‑ Holy Family University
Sarah Wojcik ‑ Albion College
Newsprint’s website is lo‑
cated at mhsmi.org. Click on Life at Mercy and follow the Newsprint link.
BASKETBALL
Marion Rodriguez ‑ Concordia University
SOCCER
Jordan Mueller ‑ Michigan State University
SKI
EDITORIALS
Natasha Mason
Lauren E. Smith ‑ Saginaw Valley State University
Karen & Kristen Malloure
Sport: Hockey College: Grand Valley State University
Major: Natural Resource Management/Education (Karen)
Major: Nursing/Psychology (Kristen)
College: Denison University
Sport: Swim
Major: Undecided
“It’s going to be very different from swimming in high school, and I am very excited for the new people I will meet.”
“I’m really excited because I can be a part of something I’m familiar with in a new place.”
‑Kristen K. Malloure “I am looking forward to the new challenge and new people. It’s a fun way to stay active.”
‑Karen
K. Malloure N. Mason LeJ ers to the Editor must b e s i g n e d , s u b m i t t e d on deadline to the S12 Journalism office, and are subject to review for libel, profanity, and other inappropriate content as deemed by Newsprint editors.
C. Sevald LETTERS
TENNIS
M. Malone
N e w s p r i n t e d i t o r i a l s represent the majority opinion of the editorial b o a r d . T h e y d o n o t necessarily represent the opinion of Mercy High School administrators, staff , or students.
Karen Haubert ‑ Grand Valley State University
3
2 June 2009
WORLD
“Quake Tourism” Thrives in China
Tourism promises to revive earthquake‑destructed Sichaun Province
Sarah Blau
STAFF REPORTER
O
This year alone will see the creation of a “quake lake” of Tangjiashan, which developers hope will become a destination for boating and vacation.
Another developer, Fan Jianchuan, plans to install earthquake simulators as a part of his museum in Dayi.
“The room will shake, the ceiling will collapse, the sounds of people screaming will come out of speakers,” Jianchuan said in 2009 article for National Public Radio. “Just like a Hollywood movie.”
A laser tag park has already b e e n built in the boston.com
n May 12, 2008, a terrible earthquake decimated the Sichuan province in China and leW 90,000 people dead or missing. The quake’s one‑year anniversary saw towns still in ruins and people without homes, schools or businesses. However, it also saw a huge boost of what has come to be known as “quake tourism.”
Quake tourism is exactly what it sounds like – tourism that profits from an earthquake or other natural disaster.
Within the past year, several quake memorials have been built, including Donghekou Quake Relic Park, and another half‑
dozen are in the works. While many people see the resulting tourism as a benefit to Sichuan, offering more job opportunities and economic recovery, many survivors are opposed to the recent influx of tourists. “These visitors are walking on top of our relatives,” said Gao Zeyou, Civilians of the Sichaun Province si3 through piles of rubble. Stonewall Riots
Souter Steps Down,
Sotomayor Steps Up
Sha$ered Windows and Billy Clubs Segue to Vibrant Parades F
Grace Ward
STAFF REPORTER
orty years ago this month, an unassuming bar in New York’s Greenwich Village erupted was first widely used and in the direct aWermath of the event that the first gay pride rally was organized. area, called Counter Strike. Camouflage‑clad players chase each other through “ba7lefields” that weave through the quake ruins, shooting just steps away from annihilated homes. It is this kind of commercialization of the quake site that has many residents – and experts – concerned.
“There is some blindness in developing The square indicates the epicenter of the 2008 earthquake relic earthquake.
tourist programs, Peterson. as people are in a hurry to “I understand that they need jobs make a profit,” said Li Mingde, and money coming in, but having a professor at the Chinese earthquake simulators is turning Academy of Social Sciences in people’s real, horrible experiences Beijing, in a recent USA Today into a game,” agreed junior Lauren article.
Madison.
While it is universally Despite their feelings about the acknowledged in Sichuan commercialization, most residents Province that the tourism of Sichuan Province have no plans to has brought the beginnings leave the area. Many rely on the money of a much‑needed economic coming in from quake tourism. Most revival, many question to what feel strongly connected to the area, extent this “quake tourism” in spite of the recent tourist craze. will go.
It is home, and it is where family “Playing war games in members and homes have been lost. an area where so many died That connection to the province is seems really insulting,” said something that will surely outlast the Mercy sophomore Lizzie quake tourism craze.
sjtufa.org
a resident of Beichuan, a city that was almost entirely demolished in the quake, in a recent USA Today article. Many echo his sentiment, causing some tension between Sichuan leaders and the residents.
However, many residents see the new museums and memorials as a way for people to remember those lost in the earthquake. It has also – as promised – provided jobs for many of those displaced by the quake.
A much more significant point of conflict is the construction of other tourist a7ractions besides museums.
alive following the riots. According to the New York Pride website, hundreds of thousands a7end this Justice’s R etirement L eads t o A ppointment of First Hispanic Justice
Lisa Carlson
STAFF REPORTER
activist Paula E7elbrick.
Sotomayor’s most famous ruling to date is her ruling that “saved onia Sotomayor was announced baseball” by ending a long strike as President Barack Obama’s that treated to destroy major league first appointment for Supreme baseball. She ruled in favor of the Court, making her the first ever players.
Hispanic justice to be nominated. Sotomayor had been selected from She will take David Souter’s place on a widely acknowledged group of six the bench when he retires in the fall if that made the President’s “short list” her appointment clears Congress, as for Supreme Court. Among the five is expected.
women and one man on this list was Sotomayor, aWer graduating Michigan’s own Jennifer Granholm.
valedictorian of her class, went to Granholm, however, says that she Princeton on scholarship and then had no interest in the job and did not studied law at Yale. She brings meet with President Obama aWer the with her the most federal judicial short list came out.
experience of any judge on the “I’ve said repeatedly, I’m really Supreme Court in the past 100 years focused on being governor of and more overall experience than Michigan because we have such a any judge in over 70 years.
crisis at this moment. I really intend Sotomayor’s views on to serve out my term,” Granholm controversial issues like abortion said in an interview on MSNBC‑TV. and gay rights have not been tested Jon Kyl, a prominent Republican in court yet. However, her own senator, had earlier threatened a filibuster from the Republican party against overly liberal candidates. However, Sotomayor is expected to be conservative enough to avoid conflict. She was earlier appointed to the U.S District court by the first George Bush, showing a history of bipartisan appeal.
Souter has served almost 20 years on the Supreme Court since his appointment in 1990 by President George H.W Bush. Notable rulings include voting to uphold both Roe vs. Wade and the ban on prayer in public schools. Souter, 69, was the 105th Supreme Court Justice and Supreme Court Justice, David Souter, only the 6th bachelor to ever sit on was the nation’s 105th justice.
the stand. S
sunfollower.files.wordpress.com
Gay rights protesters and police collide during the 1969 riots in New York City.
usinfo.org
opinion on abortion rights has generally been in line with the pro‑life movement. Planned Parenthood and pro‑life groups alike have hailed her appointment becausee they feel she has a good understand of personal rights and the use of precedents in deciding court cases. Gay rights advocates also view her appointment positively.
“In choosing Judge Sotomayor, the first Latino candidate for the Supreme Court, President Obama has made a strong and appealing nomination that should and will receive the support of those commi7ed to equality for lesbians and gay men,” says gay rights 3
latina.com
march every year, and though it is known to many New York residents simply as the “Parade”, organizers maintain that the event will be known as a “march” until the LGBT community is allowed access to full civil rights. In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, HOP has organized an event that promises to draw worldwide a7ention. According to The New York Times, city officials collaborated with coordinators to promote the march on a large scale and ensure a successful celebration of tolerance and progress. Though more subtle than back in the sixties, discrimination based on sexual orientation continues in American society. Forty years have gone by, but prejudice and fear still seem to grip some people in our modern age. However, the Stonewall Inn remains a bold testament to the irrepressible and universal demand for equal protection and civil rights. nycgo.com
in a spew of hatred and backlash as The New York Gay Pride March, one the gay community violently clashed of many such events held around the with police. Years of strict oppression world in the month of June, was the and unfounded arrests culminated in first of its kind. a protest that raged for three nights Heritage of Pride (HOP), a aWer a raid on the Stonewall Inn nonprofit organization, has been provoked long‑existing tensions. By responsible for the New York Pride the time the streets had cleared, 13 March since 1984. According to its protestors had been arrested, many more wounded, and a group of individuals united only by common experience had been bound tightly together. This incident of uprising has come to be seen as a pivotal moment in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights movement. Prior to the summer of 1969, few were openly gay due to the long‑running tradition of noticeable homosexuality being met with discrimination. The modern day Stonewall Bar.
According to a case study conducted by Columbia University, website, Pride events “are organized the Stonewall Riots marked the for and on behalf of all lesbian, gay, beginning of the gay liberation bisexual and transgender individuals movement as we now know it and and groups, and all others who transformed the oppression of gays support the struggle for the liberation and lesbians into calls for equal of these communities.”
rights. The original march was held in It was during the protest at 1970 by a group of grass roots activists Stonewall that the term “Gay Power” eager to keep the spirit of rebellion Sonia Sotomayor is Barack Obama’s nominee to replace David Souter on the Supreme Court bench.
2 June 2009
OPINIONS
Should Girls Join Sororities in College?
Colleen Oberc
4
Cydny Henry
STAFF REPORTER
STAFF REPORTER
or many, entering college comes with new challenges like difficult classes, large campuses, hen entering college, students are faced with the possibility of joining Greek life. and heavy textbooks. Creating new friendships with roommates or students in the same They may consider it as a comfort zone due to the pressure and overwhelming new dorm is yet another obstacle. To combat these common unknowns, college sororities atmosphere. Although many sororities have developed well‑known and prestigious provide an opportunity to meet students with similar interests while promoting the school. reputations, they are more of a burden than a support system.
The recruitment process, traditionally referred to as “rush,” allows prospective First, sororities consume a lot of time that should be spent on studies. College classes girls to visit the different sororities a campus offers, and meet not only with are difficult and require much time and focus. Especially if a student is also trying current “sisters” in the organization, but also with other students who to juggle a job, it is very difficult to add a social organization to an already busy are looking to join. Occurring early in the school year, rush parties, schedule. Sororities are commonly known as social organizations because which range from formal events to casual gatherings, include activities being social is such an important aspect of Greek life. During and even aOer like skits and sharing personal stories, which allow students to connect the long recruitment process, pledges are required to a_end various social with one another. events that may leave them unprepared for classes which should be a top When a “rushee” passes through this preliminary process and is priority. Students go to college to prepare for their futures, but a sorority life invited to join the sorority, some requirements must be met to become is only distracts them from their studies. College is a time in a student’s an official member. These requirements go much further than the life when it is crucial to put first things first, but sororites oOen place social generic hazing which initiates an individual into the organization. events before studying, which can keep a student from fully realizing their Some schools, or even the sorority itself, require a minimum grade academic potential.
point average or community service involvement. The recruitment process may also be degrading With these prerequisites in place, prospective to a person and her values. Many sororities use members are compelled to do well within the college hazing and other stunts as a way to prove loyalty and work to benefit the community, ultimately creating to the group. In April of this year, Delta Sigma successful individuals.
Theta Sorority Inc. of Northern Kentucky Some colleges have enforced practices to tone down the University was suspended aOer severely infamous hazing process, which included excessive drinking paddling their pledges, which is a form of or other dangerous practices. Longwood University in Virginia hazing. Hazing consists of various recently closed its Alpha Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha, a sorority founded at the dangerous activities and is illegal. school over a century ago. Allegations involving underage drinking and hazing Although hazing is forbidden by led the university to close the chapter’s doors. Consequently, several sororities law, a certain level of hazing may have adjusted the initiation process in order to maintain recognition. exist when a person pledges. It is Members of a sorority are also oOen extremely involved within the school. hard to find a pledging activity Some hold offices in student government, tutor other students, or participate that is appropriate and uses good in the marching band. Many leadership positions are available within the discretion. Partaking in any type of sorority as well, giving hard‑working and intelligent girls an opportunity to pledging activity is risky and could become involved. This involvement proves that members are devoted to their school and are cause a person to get in serious trouble with her school eager to promote it. or even the law. Not only could it leave someone in a Mercy graduate and sophomore at Hillsdale College, Sarah Rogers expressed her feelings tight spot, but it could be humiliating and an arrest will about sorority life aOer joining the order of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Rogers said volunteer stay on someone’s record for a long time. opportunities, scholarship availability and alumni networking were a few of the positive aspects Beyond the recruitment process, sororities do not accept everyone into their organization. Many of sorority membership. She also mentioned the involvement her sorority has with other campus organizations even have secret requirements for all of their members which may discriminate organizations. As a member of the Panhellenic Council, Rogers against a certain race, religion, or other qualities. A now‑defunct works to maintain positive relationships with the other Greek sorority at DePauw University got in trouble aOer discriminating houses.
against and dismissing their overweight and “una_ractive” “I love Kappa because is has given me the sisters I members in an effort to improve the sorority’s reputation on never had in addition to a ‘home away from home’” Rogers campus. said. “I have met many girls that will be my friends for life.”
Not only do sorority members have to pay for tuition and out of 318 people polled
Not only do sororities allow new students to make books for college, but they must also pay dues for the sorority. connections with others, they also introduce individuals to These dues can range anywhere from $200 to $1000 and are others with similar interests and traits. Because sororities are paid in addition to payments made for the sorority house and oOen national societies, members can network with former meal plans. Sorority members also have to purchase a sorority members who can help enhance an individual’s professional badge and pay extra administrative costs in addition to sorority growth. Connections from involvement in a sorority can propel T‑shirts, jewelry, pictures, etc. a graduate into internships or other career opportunities. If a person chooses to join any Greek organization, she should Additionally, members benefit from being able to live in a be ready to face critics and judgment from certain people. It sorority house and having access to certain scholarships. Money is common for people from other fraternities or sororities, leO to a Greek society can aid a sorority sister in paying for her especially rivals, to separate themselves from other sororities remaining years of schooling. or fraternities. Some may even go farther by playing pranks or Despite the beneficial relationships and other hurting members of other sororities to prove loyalty to their own. advantages that come from being a sorority sister, there are This can cause unnecessary drama and make it complicated to some who believe these organizations prove to be detrimental to meet new people or a_end activities outside of the sorority. In the overall college experience. Because sororities are most oOen that case, student’s entire social life will revolve around just one associated with extreme partying and excessive drinking, “pledging Greek” is oOen deemed an sorority and limit her opportunities in college. unsafe and time consuming aspect of a college experience. Not all sororities, however, choose to Being a part of a Greek organization is unnecessary during the college experience. While be involved with these infamous blow‑out parties, and the final decision of whether or not to join it is true that they hold strong ties and traditions, sororities limit and restrain a college student is leO to the applicant. If a student chooses a sorority based on values that are similar to her own, from many valuable opportunities. College is a crucial time in a student’s life and should not be she can nearly be assured a rewarding and enriching experience. put as a second priority next to a sorority. F
W
PRO
CON
Mercy Poll
Emma
Craig
Shanyn Rapson
Sarah
Berger
Mr.
Skellet
Camille Butler
DO YOU THINK SORORITIES ARE HELPFUL OR HURTFUL FOR THE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE AND WHY?
Both, because you meet new people, but it is harmful to your studies.
5x5
FIVE BY FIVE
Erin Kirkland
STAFF REPORTER
Yes: 64%
No: 36%
Helpful, because my mom was in one and made a lot of friends.
I’d have to say helpful because you form a sisterhood and a good group of friends. A lot of my family members have been in sororities..
It adds to the college experience and gives a choice for women to be involved in service projects. Greek rulz.
Helpful, because it is a way to meet new people and socialize.
ARE YOU GOING ANYWHERE EXCITING OVER VACATION?
Megan Gwinn’s house.
West Virgina.
Currently no, but I would like to go to Cedar Point.
I’m looking forward to ge_ing a platinum pass for Cedar Point. I will also be going to Canada for my kids’ swim meet.
Hawaii and Chicago.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MICHIGAN DESTINATION?
Ann Arbor.
Michigan Adventure.
Coldstone.
Frankenmuth.
Beyond Juice in Birmingham. I live there.
WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL SUMMER JOB?
Ice cream shop.
Sanders store in Twelve Oaks.
I would like to work at Cedar Point because I really like roller coasters.
Pillow Fluffer.
A nanny.
WHAT SUMMER MOVIE ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO?
Harry Po(er
Up
Obsessed. It looks really good.
Up
Harry Po(er
5
2 June 2009
ENTERTAINMENT
Heat Up Your Summer
Regina Gilmour
Hayley Drozdowski
STAFF REPORTER
STAFF REPORTER
Indulge in this Summer’s Ho(est TV Shows, Movies, Books, and Songs
MO
I
n the mood for something light‑hearted and funny for your viewing pleasure over the summer? Try checking out Year One, debuting in theaters June 19th. Starring Juno’s Michael Cera and veteran funny‑man Jack Black as a pair of dopey cavemen trying to survive the pre‑
historic world aOer being banished from their village, this Columbia Pictures film is sure to be a hit. SH
M
VIE
S
C
I
f you are interested in a film that veers off the beaten path, the bi4ersweet flick 500 Days of Summer is sure to hit the spot. Zooey Deschanel stars as Summer, the beautiful girl who does not believe in true love and Joseph Gordon‑Levi4 plays Tom, the boy who is in love with her. This is not a film you can stand to miss as Rolling Stone dubs it “the top romantic comedy” of the summer. 500 Days of Summer makes its theater debut on July 17th. B
rand‑new to USA, Royal Pains chronicles the tran‑
sition of Dr. Hank Lawson, played by Mark Feuerstein, as he a4empts to salvage his medical career following a hospital trustee’s death on his watch. The series follows Lawson from the hospital to the Hamptons, where he sets up a new practice as an on‑call doctor to the rich and famous. Royal Pains de‑
buts June 4 on USA at 10 p.m. P
remiering on NBC, The Philanthropist details the transfor‑
mation of Teddy Rist, portrayed by Purefoy, from selfish billionaire to generous giver aOer the death of his young son. As Rist a4empts to purge his soul of evil and give back, he is joined by his wife, Oliva, played by Neve Campbell, and busi‑
ness partner Philip Maidstone, Jesse L. Martin of Law and Or‑
der fame. The series begins on June 24 at 10:00 p.m. on NBC. gs
n
o
S
tion
tance
ua d Circums
d
a
r
G
n
omp a
nate
BO
OK
Altegrs to Replace P Boneff
ourne Again? In the latest installment in the Bourne series by author Eric Van Lustbader, protagonist Jason Bourne reprises his role as a former government assassin struggling to overcome amnesia. AOer the assassination a4empt in the previous novel, Bourne searches for his would be killer and, while in hiding, becomes involved in a plot involving Iranian missiles and Egypt. Bourne Deception hits bookshelves on June 9. S
n
10 So
T
hat Old Cape Magic follows Jack and Joy Griffith as they plan out their futures on a honey‑
moon some 30 years previous. Now in the present, that future has mostly come to pass, as the family gathers on the Cape for the marriage of their daughter’s friend. The next year brings with it several new changes, but once again Jack and Joy meet on the Cape, this time for their daughter’s wedding. Wri4en by Pulitzer Prize winner Richard Russo, Barnes and Noble calls it “full of every family feeling imagin‑
able, wonderfully comic and profoundly involving.” Scheduled for release on August 4, this book is the perfect way to round out a summer. T
om
ss.c
dpre
wor
barnesandnoble.com
he ideal beach book, Along for the Ride, by Sarah Dessen, follows Auden, a girl spending the summer with her recently divorced father and his new family. During her stay, she is hired at a local clothing store; there, she meets Eli, a boy who allows her to experience the carefree lifestyle that she never knew. At the same time, Eli struggles with guilt concerning the death of a friend. The novel shows the internal struggles of two outsiders as each a4empts to reach out for something more. Dessen’s latest story arrives June 16. Kira EPORTER
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Summer Sounds
Need some new tunes? Here are a few albums that will give a sound to your summer. “Graceland” by Paul Simon
W
“Our Endless Numbered Days” by Iron & Wine
I
ron & Wine’s 2004 album, Our Endless Numbered Days, is perfect for lazy summer nights. Sam Beam, the main musician, singer, and songwriter of the band, brings his soO voice and hauntingly beautiful lyrics together in collaborations with other artists to produce a wonderfully calming album. The tracks on the album cover subjects such as birth, death, and forgiveness with a wise and gentle air. Beam’s whispery vocals, backed by soO acoustic guitar and delicate harmonies not only exemplify the relaxed feel of cool sum‑
mer nights, but invite the listener to sit back and watch the beauty of a sunset or children playing in the dusk. pitchfork.com
pitchfork.com
stylish collection of retro piano melodies with catchy, two beat rhythms, complete with lead singer Bri4 Daniel’s cocky lyrics, Gimme Fiction is a unique collection of eclec‑
tic, finger‑tapping tracks. Even though each song on the 2005 album has its own sound—
for example, the harsh, pounding chords of “My Mathematical Mind” sharply contrast the whimsy, fairy tale feel of “The Beast and Dragon, Adored”—this is a well executed mix connected by Spoon’s intelligent and confident form. The two members of Spoon, Bri4 Daniel and Jim Eno, have produced a quirky, clever collaboration, making Gimme Fiction great. Wonderfully fresh and delightfully original, this album is a perfect partner to any fun sum‑
mer day. ith summer comes the possibility of a warm‑weather romance, and Josh Rit‑
ter’s 2007 album, The Historical Conquests of Josh Ri(er is a wonderful collection of sweet, catchy, but also clever songs about the ups and downs of life and love. The album opens with boisterous, catchy melodies, such as “To the Dogs or Whoever,” complete with drums, piano, and lively guitar strums, but winds down with thoughtful, wise songs like “The Temptation of Adam,” a thoughtful, honest love song that blends cello with acoustic gui‑
tar. Ri4er’s influences include Johnny Cash, Leonard Cohen, and Bob Dylan. While their styles can be heard in his earlier works, The Historical Conquests of Josh Ri(er marks the evolution of Ri4er’s style to something his very own—a fun, wonderful album that is enter‑
taining and satirical, but also delicate, and deeply reflective. wordpress.com
time.com
“Gimme Fiction” by Spoon
A Erin Fitzpatrick
STAFF REPORTER
“The Historical Conquests of Josh Ri5er” by Josh Ri+er
A great album for road trips, Graceland, released in 1986, is hailed as the best al‑
bum of Paul Simon’s solo career. Simon’s skill at molding many different musical styles into a clean, creative, and thoughtful masterpiece are at their height in Graceland. Mbaqanga, a broad genre of South African pop music, and zydeco, a form of American folk music native to southern Louisiana, are combined, among others, with Simon’s own signature style. Most of the tracks are fun, whimsical, and clever, such as “Gumboots” and “I Know What I Know, ” while Simon’s collaboration with Lady‑smith Black Mambazo on the a capella song “Homeless,” and songs such as “Graceland” and “Crazy Love, Vol. II” give the album its impressive, honest, and thought‑
ful feel. A daring, accomplished masterpiece, Graceland should not be missing from anyone’s collection. handson.com
nypost.com
rash landing into theaters on June 24th is a brand new band of robots in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, the second installment of last summer’s smash hit, Transformers. Returning as Sam Witwicky is Shia LaBeouf, along with Megan Fox as his love interest, Mikaela. This time, Sam and Mikaela face a new group of evil Decepticons led by Starscream. Somehow, the heroic Autobots must find a way to save the universe and defeat the Decepticons before it is too late. This sequel is sure to be “more than meets the eye.” rottentomatoes.com
shockya.com
very girl needs a girls’ night out, and what a perfect way to start it with the cute chick flick The Proposal. This romantic comedy stars Sandra Bullock as an overly‑aggressive Canadian boss living in the United States who feigns an engagement to Ryan Reynolds in order to stay in the country. Through a few unexpected twists, the “couple” ends up in an unexpected situation. The Proposal arrives in theaters on June 19th. OW
S
E
B
TV
ake it work! Several lawsuits later, Project Runway, a show in which aspiring designers fight it out for three coveted spots in the white tents at New York Fashion Week, makes its debut on Lifetime on August 20 at 10:00 p.m. With its traditional panel of judges, including supermodel Heidi Klum, designer Michael Kors, and Nina Gar‑
cia, former fashion editor of Elle magazine, Project Runway is sure to inspire your inner designer. 6
LAST LOOK
2 June 2009
Skipped Summer
pots
S
A
Ke
lthough fresh tan lines
may look out of place in
Frankenmuth, where it is
Christmas all year round, Newsprint
has included
this and other areas in its list of must-see spots. Have a trendy snack
at the Cupcake Station or channel your inner designer, creating
a bag with recycled craft supplies. Start your engines,
you’ll be driving county to county
1. Sushi House:
for a Michigan road
Located at 9 mile and
trip.
Farmington Roads, Sushi
House offers a variety of
both raw and cooked sushi
at reasonable prices.
ns
in
gt
on
10
2. Cupcake Station: It seems c u p c a k e
bakeries are all the rage these days, and Birmingham
is certainly not behind on the trend. Stationed on
Old Woodward Avenue, this shop is the perfect
spot for an afternoon treat.
3. Edsel & Eleanor Ford House: Visit this historic
home previously owned by Henry Ford’s son
Edsel and his wife. Tour the lakefront grounds
adorned with vintage cars and incredible
architecture from the early 1900s.
4. Arts & Scraps: Located on Harper Street
12
11
in Detroit, Arts & Scraps provides over 300
recycled materials with which to make unique
crafts.
5. Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit
(MOCAD): A chic sampling of Detroit’s art scene,
this museum highlights what is modern in the
cultural center.
2
7
6
8
6. Bee’s Knees: In the center of downtown
Northville, Bee’s Knees provides pre-made
pottery for customers to paint.
1
9 3
5
4 13
7. Kensington Metropark: For swimming,
boating and natural trails, Kensington Metropark is the all-inclusive
summer spot.
8. Rolling Hills Water Park: In Washtenaw County, this water park
is one of the best around containing three water slides and a wave
pool.
9. Han-Di-Dip: In the small radius that is downtown Livonia, Han-
Di-Dip ice cream provides a variety of summer treats from
malts to chocolate dipped bananas.
10. Roast and Toast: Located in downtown
Petoskey, Roast and Toast offers
breakfast treats and lunchtime
specials with an eclectic
atmosphere and coffee list.
th
Fr
nmu
e
k
n
a
11.Frankenmuth: Not more than two hours from Mercy is this
quaint little town, home to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland
and Zehnder’s restaurant.
Compiled By:
Colleen Oberc
STAFF REPORTER
Erin Kirkland
STAFF REPORTER
Graphics By:
Kira Boneff
STAFF REPORTER
Regina Gilmour
STAFF REPORTER
12. Birch Run: One of the largest outlet malls in Michigan, Birch
Run is home to more than 100 stores.
13.John King Books: Featuring books young and old, John King Books
in Detroit offers three stories worth of good reads and textbooks.
7
2 June 2008
Comics
Presenting the
ST
A
SU RR
PE IN
R
G
SE TH
NI E
OR
S
Emily
Super Seniors Marie
As we wrap up the 2008-2009 school year, the graduating
members of the newsprint staff share a few words about the past
four years, and say goodbye to the Mercy community in the paper’s
traditional senior good-byes. We hope you enjoy our comic book
style of this year’s senior section of newsprint.
a
l
e
g
An
r
a
C
n
o
s
Becca Alys
sa
n
a
d
r
A
llegr
o
J
a
Christina
Jes
sica
Ale
Katherine
Erica
Erin
ssi
The Class of
2009!
8
2 June 2009
JUSTICE LEAGUE
Take A Mental Picture
T
ake a mental picture Marie.” Through the
years, my mom always reminds me to take
mental pictures of life experiences that a
3-by-5 print from Walgreens wouldn’t do justice
to. Maybe it was the smell of coming home to
a house filled with the scent of freshly made
pasta sauce. Or maybe she wanted me to remember
exactly how it felt to be surrounded by family
and be given an endless supply of love. Whatever
the situation, she taught me to appreciate
moments in life and remember them always.
Most of our life is a series of images.
They pass us by like exits on the highway. But
sometimes, a moment engrains itself in us as it
happens. We know that that moment... every part
Marie Di Ponio
of it... will live on forever. A picture can
MANAGING EDITOR
take us back to that moment and help us to recall
all the details and the people surrounding us which create an irreplaceable
picture. As I approach graduation, I’ve realized that my time at Mercy is
now limited. But instead of just having a normal picture, a mental picture
can take me back to that moment that I never wanted to forget.
Without the loving girls that fill this school, Mercy High School would
just be a shell. The happiness and excitement that my classmates have makes
it worth coming to school every day. We’ve gone through high school together
and over these past four years, we have become sisters. In the pictures we’ve
taken together, we might not have had perfect hair or makeup and been posed,
but to me, those pictures are perfect. These pictures represent meeting your
friends in the morning and signing in together. These pictures stand for all
the times you walked in late to first hour, even though you had ten minutes
to get there, just because you wanted to talk to your friends for just a few
more minutes.
Our pictures show the laughs we had together on off hours while putting
off our homework for just another hour. These pictures show the heart-toheart conversations that could develop even when you only had a few minutes
to talk. When I was having “one of those days,” my friends were the ones who
made me laugh so hard that my stomach would start to hurt. I can’t imagine
what I would have done without the hugs while passing each other on the
way to class or the days when I could act a little weird and still know my
friends love me for who I am.
My friends are not the only ones who have changed my life over the past
four years- and no, I’m not talking about the cafeteria food. I’m talking
about the teachers who have reached the deepest parts of our soul and made us
learn with more than our brains. Our teachers made us learn with our hearts.
In return, we were able to form a deeper understanding of characters like
Billy Bibbit from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and why he has scared
himself into acting much younger than he actually is.
Or maybe we were finally able to understand how the HIV virus slowly
destroys a person’s immune system. Whatever the situation, our
teachers made us search for more than the words just shown in our
textbooks. We always felt overwhelmed by the amount of homework
and tests we had, but our teachers
were always encouraging us,
not only in school, but also in
life. I can’t count the
amount of times I’ve gone to see
teachers just because I
needed someone to talk to and
no matter how busy they
were, they would listen and give
me advice. No, I don’t
have pictures of these memories,
but
I
replay
these
exact experiences in my head
over and over because
of the wisdom and knowledge
I’ve learned from my
teachers.
These pictures, sadly
enough,
are
pictures and memories
of the past.
And a mental picture,
is simply an
image. Memories fade
slowly
just
as pictures do. So,
even
though
my mental pictures
will only be
memories, I will be
able to close
my
eyes
and
be
right back at
home in the Mercy
hallways,
surrounded by my
f r i e n d s
whenever
I
need
to.
A picture may
be
worth
a thousand words,
but
the
moments I’ve shared
with the
people I love are
w o r t h
much
more.
To
my
sisters
in
the
Classes
of
2009, 2010, 2011 and
2012 –
I love you all dearly
a n d
smile for th camera!
The Storm
A
few days ago, I woke up before my alarm went off. The sun was
shining through almost every leaf-filled tree branch. Pinkish-purple
clouds painted the sky with vibrant strokes of color. Creation was
at its best. I jumped out of my bed, grabbed my camera, and went outside to
capture the image. As soon as I stepped outside, goose bumps ran up my arms
and down my back. The wind slammed my front door shut in its fury. I looked
to the west and saw a gathering multitude of gray cloud that would blow over
in my direction. The wind swayed the newly blossomed flowers in various
directions until petals fell off. I did not feel like taking a photo anymore, and
became somewhat upset. I did not know why I was so sad then.
Angela Haddad
The truth, though, is that a storm is rushing my way, ready to pour down the DESIGN EDITOR
heaviest tears. I can already see my parents a few months from now. They will be
wrapping their sturdy arms tight around my body on an early September morning. Mom will be unsuccessfully
trying to hold back her tears and Dad will give me a long hug and a kiss on the cheek. My stomach will knot up,
but I will smile and say “I love you. Everything will be okay.”
But, the truth is that I do not know if everything will be okay. I have no reassurance for what the future will
hold, and the only definite thing to me is what I am leaving behind—the people I love the most. In three months
I will leave my home to live in a dorm room the size of my current bedroom. I will no longer see my siblings every
day, no longer hear those four other voices that filled the house with shouts and perfect laughter.
Giovanni won’t be there to show me the “totally awesome” paper airplane that he built on his own, nor will I
have the chance to see his new karate moves or those adorable dimples.
I won’t hear Adriana’s flawless impersonation of Masi Oka from the show Heroes, and I’m going to miss the
nights when Lilly and I stay up late trying to help each other memorize French words in “old-man” French accents
in preparation for that huge exam Madame will be giving out the next morning. Maria, to whom I look up and
completely love,
will not be there making mouth watering, home-made lemonade or cuddled up on the couch
next to
me watching a scary movie.
Lately, it seems that everyone is counting down the days until school ends.
B u t
with each day marked down, we are another day closer to
leaving behind a school filled with the people and things
we love the most. I hear girls rejoicing about no more
papers, tests, and homework.
In that rejoicing, however, I hear distant echoes
of sadness reminding me that along with “no
more assignments”, there will be no more of Mr.
Jefrreys’ hilarious jokes and calming meditations
to help me start my day, no more stopping by to
say “hi” to Ms. Waldsmith in her office.
No more extended sign-ins with out-dated
music. No more sign-ins. No more getting
almost run over by a yellow scooter. No more
view from E-3. No more “Hey Hey Hey Happy
Birthdays”. The list goes on and on.
On June fourth, the day of graduation, I will say
good-bye to my teachers, whom I have grown to love and
admire. Good-bye to the teachers who influenced my life,
who challenged me to think deeper and harder than I have
ever done before,who inspired me to be greater than I ever
dreamed of becoming, who were more than teachers to me.
The hardest part of the storm, however, will occur when I
look into the watered, makeup-smeared eyes of my friends
the day of Moving Up, and tell them how much they
have changed my life. I will have to wish the best of
luck to girls whom I have known since fourth grade.
I will have to say good-bye to girls whom I have
closely befriended this past year.
I want them to know that with every hug, I am
thanking them for giving me the best time of my
life (so far). Thank you to every girl who smiled at
me in the hall—for giving me your attention, even
for a moment or two. Thank you to every girl who
came to a lacrosse game--for cheering till the very
end, even if we were down four to none. Thank you
to each girl who ate lunch with me, walked with me
to class, and made me laugh—for making my day
better because it was spent with you. Thank you for the
unforgettable memories. Thank you for being you. I love you. I love you. I love you.
The End. I wanted this column to be inspirational and full of wisdom and insight. Unfortunately, the only thing I could think of while writing this was how much I wanted to cry at the mere fact that it was my turn to write a senior goodbye. So low and behold, this did not turn out like I wanted it to. It has a fairly pessimistic outlook on this so called “wonderful” time of my life. First of all, how am I even supposed to write Carson Cueter
this? How am I supposed to fit four years of STAFF REPORTER
emotion into a few short paragraphs? How do I describe to the underclassman what it feels like to be a senior? Once I figure that out, how do I write this without being completely cliché? All of this is impossible.
One thing I’ve learned over the past four years, well it was actually drilled into my head, is that a paper is supposed to have structure and clarity. Well, what does one do if her mind is in shambles and she has a million thoughts and emotions buzzing around inside her head, like bees swarming around a nest? How do you turn this mess into a beautifully written column full of lucidity and insight?
As I’m sitting in my living room trying to write this, I keep staring at all the old photos randomly scattered around this room. I keep thinking about all the stories my mom told me about her time at Mercy and all the wonderful memories she had. Memories. This one little world just caused me to have a severe internal conniption fit. This word literally scares the hell out of me. The fact that my experiences here at Mercy are about to forever become memories that lie in the back of my brain, just sitting there, collecting dust, waiting until the day that they will become useful again at a reunion or a dinner with an old friend. This, to say the very least, sucks. I do not want memories. I want this to keep going on forever. Some of the best years of my life are about to end, and quite frankly, I am not too thrilled about this. I wish I could be Peter Pan, well let’s just say Patricia Pan.
The song “Time Stops” by Explosions in the Sky just started to play on my iTunes. Considering that I just want everything to stop, the irony in the ability of my iTunes to perfectly select songs to match my mood physically pains me. Mrs. Lusch once told my prayer class one day that she hates it when seniors talk about “getting out” so much. She told us to relax and enjoy the time we still have here. At that moment I looked around my prayer class, into the faces of all the girls that sat around me, and my eyes began to water. It was then that I realized this would be one of the last times I would see two thirds of the girls in this classroom; my chest became heavy and I almost had an asthma attack.
How am I supposed to cope with such an intense emotional experience like that? How do you look someone dead in the eyes and deal with the understanding that you will not see her for five, 10, 15 years, or never again? It’s harsh. I’m not ready for this and I do not think I ever will be. So for the next couple of weeks of school, I’m going to slow down. I’m going to soak up as much as possible in the few hours I have left at this place. My friend Connor called me just a few minutes ago telling me how excited he was that today was his last day of school. This is the day I dread the most and I feel sorry for him that his last day came so soon. On some level, I wish Mercy could go on forever. My friend Caitlin texted me the other day telling me how she cried herself to sleep thinking about how she will not be with her best friends every day next year. This is when it really hit me that I will be leaving every single one of my best friends behind. We are all splitting up. I will not see them every day, we will not have random boring nights together anymore, and we will be forced to communicate with one another through Skype and iChat. Sweet life. Now I have dealt with this before, considering I was the only girl from my m i d d l e school to attend Mercy; however, this time it is different. This is nauseatingly cliché, but this time I will be leaving behind sisters. FML. As I was walking down the N‐hall after signing out one day, I passed Mr. Meloche’s barren room. I know that the N‐hall is being redone over the summer, so please call me clueless, but it wasn’t until then that I realized if I ever wanted to come back to Mercy in the future, everything would be different. Nothing would be like I remembered it, and it would never again be “my Mercy”. I won’t even be able to come back and step into my favorite English classroom, sit at the same cafeteria table I sat at, or get a whiff of those foul smelling bathrooms. This year is basically the last time I will see Mercy the way it is now, the way I experienced it. My graduating class will be the last to see Mercy still intact in its original state. So the only advice I have for my fellow classmates is the next time you walk down the hallway, stop and look around. Take in the smells, the temperature, the emotions filling the air, listen to all the noises around you, take a deep breath and remember everything you can, because it could be the last time you experience all that is Mercy, all that is high school. 2 June 2008
JUSTICE LEAGUE
Sincerely, Yours E
Jordan Mueller
SPORTS EDITOR
ach one of us is a brain, and an athlete, and a basket case, a princess,
and a criminal.” A group of five unlikely high school teens discovered
that one stereotype could not possibly encompass their personalities,
and to do so would be selling them short. But what took the Breakfast Club a
mere
nine hours of detention to learn, took me an entire journey at Mercy High
School.
None of the Breakfast Club’s epiphanies ring truer than this at Mercy. Each
girl is a brain, at least when she answers Mr. Meloche’s perplexing extra credit
questions that are written above the arrow. Each girl is an athlete during field day
when she suddenly finds incredible strength during the tug
of
war,
equivalent to that of a bodybuilder, just so she won’t let her class down. Each girl
is a basket case when
she realizes it’s Monday morning and she never finished her APUSH chapter for one
of Mr. Schusterbauer’s reading exams. Each girl is a princess on prom night, looking beautiful in her gown. And, each
girl is a criminal as she stealthily sneaks candy from Mr. Scalzi’s tin, even though he’s told us
time and time again that we can have candy whenever we want.
As I walked into Mercy High School four years ago, I wish I had known that. I began Mercy as a freckle-faced kid,
expecting to be classified with the other athletes. After all, I had been playing basketball, then a fall sport, with many
other girls who attended Mercy an entire month before school
began. Now, don’t get me wrong, these girls became my best friends, but as my time at Mercy continued, I became
friends with people I thought I had nothing in common with. I credit Mercy as the reason I can not nor will not stereotype
myself as simply an athlete.
I am blessed that I was forced out of my comfort zone for the first time in my life. I learned I almost always have
more in common with someone than first meets the eye. I was able to see the brilliance that Mercy girls had to offer,
such as the comedy of Kristen Malloure,
the art work of EganFranks, and the leadership of Deidre Ratliff.
At Mercy, I found a home and
I continue to find myself each day. I know, I know, it sounds cliché.
But I really feel like I have begun to
find myself, thanks in large part to the diverse atmosphere that Mercy
offers. No, I have not come close to
finding myself entirely. Hey, I’m only eighteen.
In a few short months, we will
have left the familiarity of our homes, families, and friends who
have been by our side since
day one. The future is uncertain and our opportunities seem
endless. I feel slightly reckless
because for the first time, my life will not be planned out for me.
I may not know much about
the future, but I do know that soon I will no longer be greeted
with Mr. Jeffreys’ quotes of the
day; be afraid of being run over by Ms. Linskey’s scooter; do a
secret handshake with Marion
Rodriguez when I see her in the hall; have heated discussions
at the back table in S-12
about politics, the end of the world, and Harry Potter with my
Newsprint cronies Erin Keith,
Jessica Jary, and Carson Cueter; have Maura Nicholson
save me a seat in advisor
group; or crack up in Spanish simply because I heard Brittany
Stallworth’s or Leah
Reinhold’s infectious laughter.
With precious few
moments left at Mercy, I plan to cherish each one. And as I
leave the Mercy halls
for the last time, a young woman, and still freckle-faced, I
am confident in
who I am and the friendships I have made.
So I want
to say thank you to each girl who helped make another
persons time here
special. It is because of you that the special camaraderie
of the class
of 2009 exists. Who else could stage a walkout at the
sweepstakes
assembly singing Na Na Na Na, Na Na Na Na, Hey Hey
Hey, Good-bye?
Lastly, I want to
say thank you to the teachers who inspired me while I was
here. Because
of
this rigorous curriculum, I know I am prepared for college.
Thank you to Ms. Waldsmith
who helped me find my love for journalism. Thank you to
Ms. Michalik who taught me
the
beauty and elegance of word choice. Thank you to Mr.
Meloche who made microbiology one of the
most interesting and enjoyable classes I’ve ever taken.
Thank you to Ms. Linskey who is one of the
nicest people I have ever met. Thank you to Mrs. Ewald
who taught me the power that I hold. Thank
you to Mr. Jeffreys who kept me laughing every day first
hour, an amazing feat when it’s even hard to crack
a smile so early. And, thank you to Mr. Schusterbauer who
showed me the success hard work brings and inspired me by his love of life.
W
Finally Making It Anything But
Ordinary
9
Christina Bender
FEATURES EDITOR
he random words and sketches left on
the blackboard of an empty classroom at
the end of the day. The crunching sound
sneakers make as they shuffle down a gravel
path. The smell of worms on a rainy day. Open
windows and peanut butter. I have always had
a fond affection for life’s simplicities. It was only
them.
appreciate
to
began
I
that
however,
recently,
until
“Oops,” an ordinary word with a whole lot of meaning. It is perhaps one of life’s greatest simplicities. Too
often, we are inhibited by the long lists in our agenda notebooks, and our excessive amount of
extracurriculars, that there is no time for an “oops”. In a world driven by success and perfection, mistakes
are not expected to be penciled in. I used to live my life this way: afraid of failure, and according to plan.
As I look back over the past four years, however, I don’t remember the hundreds of homework assignments,
or every swim practice. I don’t remember what I had for breakfast every morning, or each day I spent at work.
Detroit with my date on our way to homecoming
I remember getting lost in
asleep every morning on the way to school and had
sophomore year, because I fell
remember running out of gas
no idea how to get there. I
with my sister. I remember
freeway
on the side of the
in the rain at Kensington
caught
getting
learned to cherish the random
I’ve
Park.
love life’s accidents. Plans
moments, to
where’s the fun in that?
shmans,
know
to
ironic
It’s
biggest mistake is trying to
our
t h a t
little ones. I have come to accept that life
avoid the
go according to plan. In fact, in a way, I
always
will not
be that I am overly optimistic, but I believe life’s
hope it won’t. It may
more opportunities than I could ever see for myself.
accidents will open up
shouldn’t plan. That would be a weak argument
Now I’m not saying you
senior year comes to an end, I can honestly say
my
As
coming from me.
set out to do in high school. I came to Mercy with
that I did everything I had
and theatre, and on joining French Honor
my heart set on swimming,
fulfilled those dreams and more. I only wish I
Society. In four years I have
between, the moments I spent in preparation.
in
moments
the
had appreciated
me, let me share a little piece of advice. Enjoy
Although it’s almost over for
no other point in your life will you be able
the wait. Treasure the anticipation. At
try on a ridiculous prom dress. Call your
to laugh with your friends as you
may not live so close. Don’t be too busy
they
years
few
a
In
friends more.
while you have them. One day, you
to appreciate the little moments
time, and nothing will seem ordinary.
will walk Mercy’s halls for the last
I am today. Since I was a child, I’ve
where
I’ve waited my whole life to be exactly
be headed. Being in this moment,
would
I
where
be,
would
I
dreamt about who
it. I thought I would feel a little older, I
however, is not exactly the way I pictured
I suppose that’s the point. There is a lot of
thought I would have it all figured out, but
that await. For those just beginning their
excitement in the unknown, in the possibilities
an entirely new one, there is one thing
on
embarking
those
for
and
Mercy journey,
Dan in Real Life, “plan to be surprised.”
you can always plan on. In the words of
T
I ro
rhe
upe
y S
da
ery
Ev
My
hen I was little I was fixated with comics and always thought gradua.on would send me on an emo.onal roller coaster, and if I had been asked to write this six months ago I would have filled it with superheroes from Batman to sen.mental thoughts on how much I loved high school and didn’t want to leave it. But now, as my senior year draws to a close, I’ve realized none of my the X-Men and DC to Marvel. My older previous assump.ons about this .me in my life were correct. To me, gradua.on is no longer an end, but a beginning. brother and I would pretend to be these I’ve always liked to live in the present, to try to appreciate everything before it flew away from me on the whirlwind of life. Major changes scared characters with our friends running through me, the future made me nervous, and gradua.on and college were once ideas so foreign to me that I blocked all the house jumping off the stairs because thought of them out of my head. But now I am excited, not sad, to move on from high school. I can feel a sense we could fly. At those times I felt invincible of hope and an.cipa.on emana.ng from within me, the promise that my life is about to expand in ways I like I could do anything. As if I could change the never thought possible. I know that change is coming, but, instead of hiding from it, I want to meet it. world. Now watching my little brother and his friends First, let me say that I really did love high school, and that Mercy was the perfect choice for me. Leaving pretending the same thing I did when I was eight I cannot the sheltered world of grade school was a bit of a shock for me at first, but I quickly came to love high help but laugh. My ideas of heroes have now changed from school. As a freshman, Mercy helped me to shed my insecuri.es and to let my true personality shine the extraordinary to everyday people.
through without the fear of being judged. Mercy is an amazing and unique environment, and Freshman year at Mercy I came into school an awkward girl here I met students and teachers who inspired me to try my best and be myself, people who who felt like such a misfit. I didn’t have the cool clothes, or the cool accepted and loved me for who I am. Because of this, Mercy will always hold a special place hair. I didn’t feel talented or smart. Basically I had zero confidence in in my heart. myself as a person.
But despite all the memories and good .mes here, I know it is .me to go. This Fast-forward to my senior year and I am no longer so shy I won’t say hi feeling comes from more than just a severe case of seniori.s and the fact that, to the to a friend in the hall because the person behind them might look at me funny. frustra.on of my teachers, I have been mentally checked out since spring break. It Now I know more about who I am with each passing day, and I feel confident in comes from the fact that I know high school is not necessarily real anymore. This being myself around others. If someone thinks something is wrong with who I am then world of school dances, class projects, and sweepstakes drives through which they are not worth being around. We are all equals and no one is ever the best or the my parents pay the way is no longer realis.c to me. I oIen wondered why Allegra Wrocklage
brightest, but they are each unique. Uniqueness is what makes each person beautiful and Americans hold the experience of high school in such high regard, but I think I COPY EDITOR
we should be confident in this.
finally have the answer: high school is the first and last .me in a person’s life My happiness has grown so much as Mercy as my confidence level has also increased. I when she can begin to experience the real world while s.ll being protected. And, while I have enjoyed my attribute this growth to my superheroes. Those girls who I became friends with over the past four high school experience to the fullest, I know it is .me for me to step outside its sphere of protec.on. years who like me for me and not because of the material things I own.
The future will always freak me out. I think that’s just the kind of person I am. College Freshman year I remember coming to the freshman picnic nervous and shy. I had not wanted to go and will be new, different, and probably the opposite of everything I I had begged my mom to let me stay home. I went and I met my first friend at Mercy—Taylor Moore. Taylor expect it to be. Thinking about it s.ll makes me n e r v o u s , has always had confidence and I could instantly be myself around her. Taylor made me feel beautiful for but for once it’s a good nervous. I’m excited to meet new who I was. While I was less nervous to begin school I still thought I would have no friends in class. I was wrong. people, have new experiences, and expand m y In Mrs. Pauley’s biology class seventh hour understanding of the world. I’m going to I met two of my closest friends—Hannah make plenty of mistakes, but hopefully I’ll Redigan and Stephanie Bodien. Once again these get some things right.
girls were not afraid to accept me for who I was. I know that you only get to They did not make fun of me for being as awkward as experience high school once, I was, and they even loved me for it.
and that I should savor these As freshman year ended I was still as quiet as I had last few weeks while I can. been since freshman year, but I was no longer nervous going Gradua.on is a unique to school or unhappy being there. Sophomore year only improved. experience, and as the I joined the Quiz Bowl team after hearing an announcement about end draws near I am tryouts. Trivia was something I always had loved, but something I had trying hard to keep also always been embarrassed about knowing. I joined and met three these thoughts girls there—Sam Horsell, Mary Walle, and Rebecca Guerriero. These girls were in mind. But proud of the knowledge they had. They made me laugh and they were people for the first t i m e who truly cared. If I had a bad day I could talk to Mary or hear a joke from Sam in my life, the only thing or Rebecca. They would make me laugh so hard I would cry. We even worked really I can think about is the well together as a team and took second in the novice division that year. future. I know that there are Junior year I returned to Quiz Bowl, but I also joined other things at school like still many things that I do not Newsprint. There is a camp at Michigan State every year that Newsprint staffers go to over the summer. The summer before junior year I went. I did not know who I know yet, and that I am s.ll very unprepared, would be rooming with except that it was a Mercy girl, and I was not familiar with any of the other girls except for Rebecca. I lucked out that week and roomed with but I want to step out from under the shelter Alessi Nehr. Alessi and I would stay up talking late some nights about everything imaginable. She was funny, and I could also make her laugh. By hanging out with her I of high school. I want to meet the real world, got to become close with the other girls, such as Emily Wilkins . Alessi and Emily made me feel so confident that when I went back to school that year I was no longer afraid for beNer or worse, and try my luck out to talk to people I did not know so well, and I would even go out of my way to say hi. there. I have no idea what will happen, Junior year I also met Jackie Winterbottom who is someone who has a quiet confidence. I learned from her that I do not have to be and I can only hope for the best. In a loud or try to get attention to be confident. Confidence is only they way you view yourself not how others view you. Jackie has that quiet way, high school has already ended confidence. She is happy with who she is and I learned that it was okay to be quiet that it did not make you weird or mean.
for me. Being a second‐semester My senior year is the year I truly have come into my own. I am no longer afraid to speak in front of a group or talk to someone sitting by senior is a unique feeling, as if themselves in the media center. I have friends that are from different classes. Friends that like me for who I am. I am still friends with all of those I hang suspended between superheroes that I mentioned above, and I am still meeting them even this year. One such superhero I met this year is Julia Kowalski. Julia and I were the end of this life and the Kairos leaders together. We had never been friends though we had mutual friends. Julia is so funny, and makes me laugh every time I see her. She can also beginning of a new one. be serious and loves so many people even those who may not love themselves. She makes me feel good about who I am because she is just in touch with her Gradua.on may just faith as I am and isn’t afraid to express this. I have learned to not be ashamed of the things I love to do such as being on my youth group’s leadership team.
be another ritual, Once again I met another hero at the Journalism Camp at MSU. I also met Junior Erin Fitzpatrick this year. Erin is different. She is someone who can see who but the one thing I others are and who can instantly become best friends with you. Erin and I did not feel like being a part of the big group dance that was happening one night and we do know is this: sat outside talking for almost the whole dance. We talked about things I had never even told some of my closest friends. There is something about Erin that makes you aIer it, life want to open up to her. I can tell her anything and the response she has makes me able to share some of my experiences with other people.
will never While I have named a few of my heroes at Mercy they really are endless. Every Mercy student in the past four years, teacher, and staff person is my hero. They have all be quite given me the assurance that I can be who I am. I see in the hallways that other people to have been affected likewise. From the bounce in Hannah Redigan’s walk which she is t h e not embarrassed to have, to the soulful sound of Francesca Chejina singing. From Alessi Nehr’s dad buying a dozen bagels for what we have dubbed “Bagel Day” in the Media Center same. to pow-wows in the Newsprint lounge. Every person in this school has influenced my confidence and my happiness with each passing day. For this I cannot thank Mercy enough.
Erica Parkinson
STAFF REPORTER
10
2 June 2009
Superwomen
(who make a difference)
SUPERWOMEN
Silver Spectre -Departing Words
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Emily Wilkins
ASSOCIATE EDITOR IN CHIEF
W
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v
in
n
n
r
a
“frustrated.”
I have learned how to use my A.P. Bio book
e
a
ta
h
is
r
,
b
th
e
e
u
y
c
o
l
lu
o
b
t
hman
d of c
olorfu
is true. I
you wan e. But this good uld have happen with most of y re we
as a pillow. I have learned how to work the light board,
that fres itials out of c y door as a kin
w
g
fo
o
o
in
e
n
n
w
b
m
k
lo
a
ly
in
h
I
ts
b
d
c
stu
at I,
enri
roba
their
paren
do a time step, and PDF. I have learned that you can
e group
om cut
realize th
my faith
ately, it p
s by our
study ro put them on th
unfortun hool made me ly placed for u ool and practice to play
get away with eating lunch in the library if you do it in
e
d
sc
h
n
g
iv
a
sc
is
in
,
c
o
in
e
g
m
High
d
ll
e
s
e
e
y
th
silent study, and that orange creamsicles are only 35
work
in a cag ys going to do w rm. I was alwa
e
g
m
in
r
o
v
o
h
li
o
d
o
been
as alwa
my math
my unif
it to the
w
r
n
k
I
cents in the cafeteria.
a
c
o
.
e
u
rs
rn
w
st
a
,
o
e
d
it
an
ld st
were b
ought w
anda on
y the law
etting go
I have become a little bolder, a little stronger, a
wrote Jw estroyed it and th ith my
,’
‘J
and obe . W hen I was g
a
t
u
o
e
niors d
n roofs w arr y
bit
more defined.
nd I cut
se
o
a
e
t
il
si
e
th
the gam
n
to
’N
e
two H
day wh
at I like
Jenny O
But the most important thing I will carry down
e it every le ever. I know th ent to get the last a witch.
ow
ad
h
m
e
z
re
li
d
a
e
an
not re
the aisle with my diploma and roses out into the
iest peop rs. I know that I w ot dressed up lik
n
id
I
n
.
d
g
fu
I
in
.
e
in
k
e
a
y
th
n
were
as pla
had m
the sta
d to bre
ay have
“real world” is the memory of the people here.
e; they
rd
now I w
nd look at ight and may or m sprint juniors trie arr y Potter
ird grad
k for wa
t even k
friends a
n
H
ew
id
g
N
m
in
e
My fellow classmates may not leave a mark on
st
at
th
in the th a game I did no te; though I loo
a
s
c
n
k
y
d
e
o
it
e
h
o
rs
rt
b
w
a
a
r
r
V
e
st
la
in
Pott
year on
of laughte
e seniors
r
.
Mercy for centuries to come either. But they
e
d
th
io
e
far I was olded, it is too
g
n
ie
d
e
g
th
d
n
ju
ll
n
a
I
t
o
y
ri
a
t”
e
I know
iremen
en m
nic th
are suff
self in c
ost of m
have left an impression on me.
have be to redefine my been. It is iro e I was in
g
m of requ w that I spent m ow more people
o
in
o
y
d
R
t
e
n
ri
z
o
“Th
as
ali
nce
From the time I frantically rush out of
em. I kn lia Kowalski. I kn the back of Newsp she has
th
to a cha at a cage it h ge made me re e or drugs
n
o
s
spell
g with Ju on. I know I sit in ’s mouth because
bed
at 7:47 A.M., to when I snuggle up
in
But wh put me in a ca ages of violenc ges. We
h
g
in
u
ra
la
soccer
l ever let
h is my b
into c
a Selasky
n that
r y of ca
again with my five pillows and A.P. Gov
n they wil mes out of Alyss Brittany Stallwort u to avoid
a
educatio people are born won the lotte hardwired us
th
re
o
m
co
at
e fl
me
m. I
has
book, my day is full of some of the most wonderful people I’ve ever
ord that
I know th lmost faked swin ried at the
strains
one. So ver escape fro ugh our cage
at every w way with words.
Ia
en us re love
ll I c
d
e
iv
ti
o
n
n
g
a
d
met. And so, my final published paragraph is for them.
e
s
y
Th
z
l
h
a
e
rt
.
g
u
h
a
n
u
th
tf
f
o
M
it
h
la
o
g
ti
I
a
h
li
c
e
ss
e
g
e
w
that
n
d
s
ri
u
o
o
a
a
n
o
s
k
For my carpool of three years, Taya Bryant, who never cared that I
rst clas certain way, th stly it has been ut we are
ow that M up having fun. I
fi
ay
n
d
k
e
e
I
th
n
.
o
t
in
tw
go
say. B
g ; mo
ended
o know
think a
t
ls
in
n
a
h
e
if
n
d
always
got us to school five minutes late. For my A.P. Bio Lab Table,
I
fi
ig
th
t
n
t
w
c
n
a
u
d
o
m
o
fa
B
n
e
n
c
a
.
g
v
el as
prom
ed you ough I don’t k
.
is place
orrif yin
to beha
who comforted me during traumatic experiences involving pillbugs,
etimes fe its bars padd
a Leaping you and I love th I miss it. It is a h e the cage
s
m
Th
o
.
rd
s
d
o
e
y
L
a
ir
0
h
e
1
we m
e wit
hardw
at I lov
rget that
t to leav
saliva, and blue caps. For Allegra Wrocklage and freshman year
ough it
port; on
st being
I know th on my cage and fo on. Though I wan
sketcase’
cage; th g the
and sup and rebel again ul.
ti
k
b the ‘ba en to
st
ic
ac
lu
ti
chocolate muffin runs, for Grace Griffin and Alanna Bator for a dozen
b
ad
C
li
k
tr
e
o
n
st
o
s
o
in
y
lo
fa
c
rs
p
l
a
k
m
rn
e
a
p
il
le
e
a
g
u
b
w
re
h
a
ir
o
in
I
B
ra
n
’t
w
a
,
m
e
tee
is doesn
mixed CD’s and for Katie Griffin who laughs at all my lame jokes. For
to hard
an unbe
was
er. In Th
t Mercy ecently, I was
re
th
d
v
le
a
o
it
n
y
a
re
m
ib
e
k
ra
s
fo
fe
g
p
s
m
in
r
li
I
o
in
e
ti
f
o
it is p
is noth
d my
wns. R
a teenag
reer. I th the lead
art dies.”
e
o
re
a
e
v
e
e
d
c
h
the girls of Model United Nations, International Thespian Society,
b
lo
l
r
d
Th
u
o
to
e
n
o
r.
o
t
a
v
y
e
h
I ha
I wan
of ups
high sc
grow up ppen to you eith
d to be
and Kairos XXXI, and XXXII (yellow forever!) For the “Babies” of
ger.
s shares ave a ‘normal’
I wante team; but no,
hen you
a
a
it
n
h
e
“w
e
b
d
’t
s
te
y
a
y
a
sn
h
a
e
sa
f
M
has
heart o
ray it do
d
p
id not h chool Musical. r of the football aders were
Forensics, the “Chicks” of the drama hall, and the “Fab Five” of
te
I
d
n
I
d
e
n
t
a
a
rm
me
e sta
igh S
fact th
heerle
an the to
Barcelona. For Jessica Jary whose friendship dates back to the days
atched H s in love with th ould say those c
rleaders
tionary th
e
w
e
lu
I
o
h
v
r
c
e
re
ft
le
ll
a
of pre-school and will follow me all the way through college. For
r that fa e person that w ere are no ma
e
d
a
e
rl
e
che
t. I’m th where since th s about right.
h
g
Mr. Scalzi’s 7th hour my junior year, and snack day. For all the
ri
t
o
d
y
that’s n
at soun
en ever
m
Th
o
.
w
friends I call my sisters, and for my sister Caitlin, who I call my
rs
e
g
y
degradin ale football pla
friend. For Mr. Baker who put up with me for five semesters,
m
fe
e
for th
M r . Schusterbauer who wrote a lengthy yet touching college
recommendation and all four advisers who I’ve had in the
n
w
y
er kno
t
t
p a s t four years. For the teachers whose passion is evident,
e r c
e
b
It
chool—
home.
and who truly want to see their students perform their best.
High S
m
o
r
f
y
e
e tim
e awa
r
For my parents who support me in all I do and love me
o
m
o
m
h
t
spen
e
as my
ake an hour. Take a minute. Take a
unconditionally. And, of course, for the absolutely fabulous
I have
than I’v
e
s
k
r
li
a
s
e
y
seem
lace
second. Take a moment. Layer them
girls of Newsprint, and Mrs. Waldsmith.
t four
p
s
e
la
e
Th
h
t
house.
n
on top of each other. Eventually, you’ll
For every member of the Mercy community who has left
here in
n
o
t
w
t
o
o
ies, c
t my
get the time that’s elapsed while you’ve been
their mark on me, it will remain forever. Thank you.
ip cook n-flavor
spent a
h
c
e
t
te
cola
at Mercy. That’s all it is—just fragments of time,
for cho
m and where a
e crea
e
ic
c
la
put together piece by piece. Think about all the
y
p
d
can
es; a
ooter
people in those precious seconds. The ones you
machin ht-yellow sc
y
h
s
lu
s
ig
is a
r
b
s
y
a
know, the ones you don’t; the ones you know by
on
hallwa
e
oman
h
re
t
w
ugh
face alone, the ones you admire for reasons both
ce whe
g thro
; a pla
in
e
e
re
id
s
r
a
o
t
known and unknown; the ones you’ve never talked
ounds
l sight
backgr
norma
hey
t
to; the ones you wish you did. Within each person,
ll
s
a
a
rm
rom
m in a
there exists an enduring promise of truly unique
the
girls f
ked ar
n
ified by y
li
n
,
s
u
d
—
h
n
s
beauty, if only the time was taken to notice. If Mercy
it
ie
ll
c
r
a
e
f
e
h
S
is M r
n the
Erin K D EVENT
has taught me nothing else, it has taught me that.
r. This
lk dow
a
a
N
e
w
A
w
Y
y
UNIT
ms the
I think it started when I was a freshman, and a
ld.
Alessi Nehr
unifor
COMM EDITOR
he wor
orried
senior I had met the day of Orientation greeted me
e it in t
k
least. W that
li
e
e
h
t
c
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
la
er p
ed in
raid
as we passed each other. I remember being utterly
no oth
ot excit ting in and af
of
there is ercy, I was n
t
fi
d
elated that someone that I barely knew, let alone a
ought
t
n
h
u
a
t
o
l
e
choo
to M
ol, th
red ab
ds
a
o
e
n
c
h
s
m
c
ie
a
s
s
r
senior, had taken time out of her busy day to say hi to some ‘freshie’ who still needed a
c
f
a
High S
ll
n. I w
I first
g new
a sma
io
n
in
t
e
m
k
o
h
o
a
r
m
o
f
m
e
W
map to get around the school.
sch ol
ed;
rect
ming
e petrifi
the cor
of high
he. Co
s
m
y
ic
a
a
n
ft
As a result, I found myself making an effort to openly acknowledge people, whether I
rcy
w
d
le
y
k
t
s
sic
dm
firs
eam
the Me
not fin
on the
ports t
knew them or not. Most of the ones I knew said something back. Most of the ones I didn’t
ted by
e
e
r
g
n
,
I would ying out for s t. However,
doors
tr
did one of three things: they looked at me, but didn’t respond, thinking I mistook them for
ma
orium
us fea
o
fe at
it
li
io
d
ctually
c
y
a
u
a
a
m
d
W
e
ged
someone else; they looked at me like I should have been in an asylum; or—and this is the
nt.
an au
h thos
differe
at chan ed me that
der
seemed lked throug
n
tion th
cy was
d
reason, I think, that I still do it—their eyes lit up, and a smile the size of Kansas spread across
r
la
e
in
e
a
v
o
M
w
m
e
t
e
r
I
tr
uld W
tha
or a
when
their face as they exchanged an enthusiastic response. That was me as a freshman. Now, I
call tha
alized
that wo
iphany
rs, I re
urney
these
ake-up
jo
t an ep
w
o
a
a
n
e
—
Mento
s
k
rough
g
had to be the sophomore, the junior, and, eventually, the senior. I had to do to others what
a
li
h
t
in
w
e
n
r
e
is
o
v
in
h
t
g
d
be
o lo
as m
Now
that senior did for me.
I joine
rown t
nt. It w ce was a new
t
have g
school. eople.
y insta
n
r
d
e
ie
in
n
r
v
a
e
e
ws, las
t
It’s not that I’m some sort of attention-deprived kid who wants to be noticed. If I was, I
p
t
a
iv
e
t
x
.
th
d sorro
new p
ade it
get ac
oIm
hool e
n
h
c
a
o
m
h
s
t
w
s
t
I
it
y
h
y
n
s
w
a
ls
e
a
jo
ig
could make myself a lot more apparent than by just greeting people. Instead, it is my sincere
yw
sem
felt
zed
e gir
my h
arding
ut of m
sociali
e heart , games of ba
all—th
,
as rew
hope that maybe they’ll keep the chain going. A chain that can bring someone a little more
went o
asketb
s
ts and
all of th
I
r
r
B
a
r
p
o
essions
.
s
a
d
only be
w
u
p
e
s
n
g
w
y
a
o
m
rst
joy, a little more hope. That can maybe turn their day around. That can maybe give them a
rly su
g-aammin es and
played
Track
ver kn
e
r
u
e
t
,
,
c
p
s
n
il
That fi
s
o
y
e
l
c
r
a
c
lu
il
p
n
d
w
to
affl
ldCou
r offi
Calcu
reason to smile.
at they
ossible umes and fie
takes r
ran fo
tudent
ways th ask. It is imp
sweeps
st
clubs,
rint, S
,
o
in
s
p
c
s
n
fe
w
n
Some people think it’s weird when people they have never met say hi to them; for others, it’s
io
li
e
t
e
t
.
e
,N
even
one
ow
ting
e
d my
T be d
and Pr B.A.S.E Con
B.A.S.E
s I hav
a daun es, crazy Hall
touche
living proof that someone gives a damn. I don’t think many girls are a step away from real sorrow,
ANNO se the lesson
ighters
s
d
dbye is
s have
s
C
n
o
n
ie
a
lo
o
ly
ll
it
g
s
a
p
g
r
iv
r
t
a
io
ac
cau
SH
shin
but I know that those girls do exist. Some of my best friends have told me of their struggles with
aza
t sim
g a sen
you be
nd cru
hnic B
s, APU
oods. I
Writin
sisterh
tories a competition vie nights, Et
r thank
their family, their depression, or just life in general. I have come to understand that everyone
ic
d
io
v
e
n
n
s
e
t
r
s
r
u
a
mo
spo
Ten
ips t
e of
has some sort of cross to bear, some sort of story to tell, some part of them that’s desperate to be
ourself
Phasesecond
They
riendsh ake this mor
stuff-y
apers.
g and
s and f
a
d
m
t
t
n
a
l
a
e
r
il
r
e
noticed.
s
t
w
year p
k
e
e
I
c
r
n
n
e
s
loc
a
.
a
y
o
ff
d
b
m
ir
a
d
h
t St
, Ka
goo
fres
oming
Last year, I was a member of the varsity softball team. Most members on the team had some
ements rite a senior
ewsprin
es and
homec
orating
nounc
ever.
n the N picy-sentenc
w
n
r
o
a
o
t
fo
e
sort of job, and mine was to fill up the water jug and bring it to the field. It was terrible—the water
g
it
g
e
in
r
ing dec
in
m
s
w
y
m
h
r
o
n
o
t
t
it
c
o
f
morn
e
e
w
o
om
gm
ents
stay
tead
leaked all over every time and it felt like I was carrying a small child. But I eventually started to look
crazy h
allowin uring comm
cy will
So, ins
s
ing my
at Mer aldsmith, for
s
t
e
a
forward to it. Not because I liked being the water girl, but because I enjoyed the conversations I had
p
r
e
e
e
r
c
h
c
r
ra
you
learned you, Mrs. W
ing
ar day.
s and fo
with the kitchen and maintenance staff who worked after school.
lik, for
pasta-b t and for mak
emorie
ank
n
Micha
m
o
Th
.
t
s
il
r
c
o
M
n
es
h
,
I never learned any of their names, and I don’t think they knew mine. There was a man who did
u
s
b
u
o
s
y
c
o
t
.
y
t
r
n
m
e
e
n
c
an
ard
ude
Thank
the same, and, every Friday, told me to have a good weekend. These conversations were always brief
etter th
as a few
to try h ey, for the st
ing my
hen I w desire to do b
e want
sk
w
w
in
k
e
c
L
d
.
and strictly small talk, but they were truly one of the highlights of the season, if not the year, simply
f know
la
a
s
s
a
o
m
,
e
M
e
y
,
c
r
m
u
n
o
o
t
o
a
y
his
ort
me s
because I got to talk to genuinely good people. In my opinion, they are some of the heroes of the
Thank
love of
he imp
utting
g me t
g me a
a, for c
in
in
ic
h
iv
n
c
g
o
a
school. Occasionally, I see one of them every now and then in the halls, and I sincerely hope they know
.
e
r
s
t
r
g.
s. M
, fo
idea
wald fo
you, M chusterbauer vorite.
s smilin
how much I enjoyed our conversations.
Mrs. E
Thank
r alway my brain.
fa
.S
d
r
n
y
fo
a
M
s.
m
is
t
,
s
n
n
u
s
yo
I have a friend who has a far from perfect home life. It’s rough as hell. But she comes to school every
e ve
you M
ol cla
cking
s. Den
Thank
tting m
and M ellet for wra ss and thank
h-scho
le
r
r
ig
e
h
y
fo
t
a
,
day and still manages to smile every now and then. Sometimes, when I see her walking in the hallway,
s
r
Sk
fp
ine
ghe
Callan
nd Mr. obody’s bus
ower o
my tou
u, Ms.
her eyes lowered, I can tell that something’s wrong. It’s then that I’ll say something.
s who
e the p of studying a
en
m
k
ank yo
g
li
in
Th
brarian
lm
h
e
li
c
fi
a
lu
y
a
e
a
v
t
e
Sure, it won’t make the situation any easier. But it may make her forget,
v
a
r
z
s
e
e th
ch, fo
analy
logyrth.
hing m
rs. Lus
oom.
techno
wer to
if even just for a second.
self-wo
ad.
you, M Noll, for teac g me the po
e classr r and to the
h
k
t
n
f
s and b
a
o
Th
I don’t pretend to be some sort of angel who graces the halls
givin
d time nfidence
, Ms.
utside very corne
r
o
u
o
o
o
fo
g
d
y
,
r
n
h
k
e
a
r co
oug
an e
side
Than
r. Bak
of Mercy, muttering blessings and good tidings to everyone she
an-yea
me thr
g to
h me in
who cle
you, M
ve seen vering freshm y and willin
a
Thank utting up wit tenance staff .
meets. But, every day that I’m alive, I try to let those around me
h
o
h
d
a
w
a
e
w
p
s
d
r
r
in
e
r
y
e
a
t
is
id
fo
m
s
is
m
e
know that I’m aware of their existence, even if it’s just a smile in
LaBell k you to the e always two- mates and s for changing woman who
it
g
ol, and
you
team
s ar
the hall. I strive—and often fail—to not just be kind, but I want
,
Than
k
ie
s
n
p
d
a
o
n
h scho . Find
a youn
h
c
t
ie
ig
y
o
r
l,
t
h
f
m
o
y
in
n
o
e
a
r
h
d
m
u
f
om
to truly get to know other people, and, if I can, make their
h Sc
t ner
ger th
make s k you to all o
e bloss
cy Hig
m, big or the bigges
at Mer
lping m
day a little easier to get through. It may, once again, reveal
an pro
e
e
h
Than
h
m
n
t
a
o
r
r
e
y
e
t
r
fo
g
eve
e—
tball
. Big
hen I
to me the ever-present truth that everyone, regardless of
And to self-assuranc
the foo
t there
ade, w
I’ve m mbraced
orld ou arterback of
r,
t
w
io
a
n
who they are, where they’re from, or what you think you
h
ig
e
t
b
s
se
nds
into
re’s a
orld.
the qu
here ha
the frie
, “ The
r the w
know about them, has something to offer that, if you take
een or
use of t as everyone
a
.”
conque one once said the prom qu
c
e
it
b
f
o
nd
id
e
jus
the time to notice, can teach and show you the splendor that
Some
be afra d at Mercy a l embrace it
ou wer
il
tter if y nd try not to
defines the human spirit.
ne
a
w
r
I
a
m
.
le
’t
id
n
e
a
a
wo
re
afr
hav
So take time to say hi to girl you’ve never met. Smile at a girl
not be
o you a
sons I
out wh se of the les w that I will
who looks unhappy. Make fun of yourself for the amusement of
u
o
B e ca
, I kn
ho I am
others. Invite a girl sitting by herself to eat with you, even if your
ms.
d out w ide, open ar
n
fi
friends don’t like it. Don’t forget to laugh. Defend someone who
w
h
it
me—w
is unpopular. Be a confidant. Make eye contact. Tell a teacher to
have a good weekend. Sit at a table with a group you don’t know.
Thank a maintenance worker. Give a little bit of yourself.
I give you my word that it will be more rewarding than you can
ever imagine.
I
radict
t
n
o
C
e
l
Unbearab
ions
s
Arm
n
e
p
O
Wide
Take A Little Time
T
M
Elektra
11
2 June 2009
PLANET X
The Tracks of Change
R
oselva and the train tracks. Twenty‑
two lines of poetry. I was a cocky li3le freshman, and it was an extra credit assignment. Being the overachiever that I was, I took it on like another assignment.
I glared at that poem, I read that poem. I wrangled with it, stumbled through it, stomped on it, moved it around, and read it upside down until the words ran through my mind subconsciously, when I least expected it, in the middle of World History or ice hockey Rebecca Guerriero practice. My carpool probably knew that poem STAFF REPORTER by heart; my mother surely did and was sick of quizzing me. By the time the exam came, Roselva and I were the best of friends. But it’s not until now, four years later, that I really know what Roselva and Peter were discussing. Sure, I listened intently when Mr. Schusterbauer enlightened my rambunctious fi;h hour to the meaning of Trying to Name What Doesn’t Change, but I never truly understood the meaning of those train tracks until now. Mercy has been the constant in our lives, the one thing that connects us all. It is the place that held us together for four years. The parking lot, the two hallways, advisor group, the announcements, the agenda books, the bo3lenecked exits at dismissal…sometimes every day seemed the same. Days became weeks, months, years. I’ve watched one for three years, she says, and it doesn’t curve, doesn’t break, doesn’t grow.
I have watched our class these past four years, and we have grown, we have curved, we have broken. Girls have gone through experiences that others could not fathom, could not know. Friendships have been made, been broken, and been renewed. Boys have come and gone, some with smiles and some with regret. Classes have been challenging to the point of despair while others have quenched our thirst for knowledge. Paint has swirled on canvases, instruments have been strummed, and speeches have been recited to near memorization. Assemblies, dances, pep rallies, spirit weeks, sports games, more dances…the events have hardly changed, but altogether, they have changed us. We walked through each other’s lives, sometimes not e v e n knowing it. None of us are the same; how could we be? What does not change? Who does not change? I am not the same person I was four years ago. My picture is certainly different, but the change is deeper than anything a camera could express. I have felt the pain of loss, the struggle to understand, the joys of love and unconditional friendship, and the uncertainty of the unknown. I have been naïve, and I have become jaded. Poems and books have lit a torch within, opened my eyes to new sights, sounds, smells and feelings. I would not have it any other way. Whether it is shorter hair or the courage to stand up for what you believe in, whether it is an appreciation for poetry or a new group of friends, the loss of a loved one or the discovery of what makes you happy, we have all changed. Some have come out of their shells, others have learned that it is be3er to listen. But really, it does not ma3er who, what, when, or how big that change was. The truth is that it was inevitable and always will be. Embrace it. Embrace who you have become, who you will be, and who you will meet. Life is a rollercoaster. Be careful not to spill your drink. Stars explode. The rose curls up as if there is fire in the petals. The cat who knew me is buried under the bush. Change seems so climatic, so expecting. But I know that each girl, with her beautiful mind and soul, will take something with her when she leaves Storm
Mercy. I do not know what; it is different for everyone. It is a change, like the budding blossoms in spring, or a cold chill before a thunderstorm. Mercy was our train track, and we grew used to the familiar sights and sounds. But change is the air we breathe, the people we see, the force that moves us from moment to moment. Maybe the only thing that doesn’t change is the poetry. The train whistle still wails its ancient sound but when it goes away, shrinking back from the walls of the brain, it takes something different with it every time.
sprint,
ing beauty
n overwhelm e things,
w
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r
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o
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u
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o
of all of tho
ness, and ab
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o
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kn
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you don
, find Jord
fairly ce
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ed a pep talk
and individua of hearing it. If you ne
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g on this pap
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or at least s “we are all just so great n incredible year workin
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From a Dim Past To a Bright Future
PHOENIX
M
any of my memories from grade school are of being teased and
bullied. I remember two bigger girls in my class finding enjoyment in
slamming their bodies into me over and over during recess. Needless
to say, it was not a very happy time for me. Most days I would come home and
lock myself in my room crying because I did not want to go back. Quite frankly,
I hated school then.
When I came to Mercy, I had absolutely no confidence or sense of self-worth
and the only friend I had was going to a public school. I was terrified that Mercy
would be just like my grade school, except
worse. I had had seen all the horror movies
about high school girls.
However, Mercy was the first place that I
ever felt I truly belonged. I cannot remember
a single time when a Mercy girl has insulted
me or made me feel worthless. At first, I could
not believe it, but over the years I began to
open up to others and became more outgoing.
If you compared me to myself four years ago,
you would not recognize me. I have completely
changed both inside and out.
Now as I leave Mercy and head off to
college I have so many memories to take
Katherine Dougan
along with me that I truly cherish. I will
STAFF REPORTER
never forget Mr. Scalzi slamming a pipe right on my desk during AP calculus because I had
fallen asleep one too many times (something I did quite often in many of my classes), my dumb
blonde or “Katherine moments” that my bowling buddies love teasing me about, or the many
hilarious moments in Mr. Schusterbauer’s AP U.S. history class.
My favorite times have been with the bowling team. Those girls have made my life. I am
positive they will never forget the time when I got lost on the way to our home bowling alley after
three years on the bowling team. The next week, my teammate Sam Horsell drew me a map of 22
blocks and marked the locations of most of our bowling alleys, hoping I would not get lost. From
then on, I would memorize the directions to the bowling alleys including all major roads I would
pass and recite them to my teammates during practice.
Compared to most people, I am extremely lucky and blessed to have my life. I am going off to
an amazing school, The University of Michigan (GO WOLVERINES!), that my parents will pay for
completely. I do not thank them enough. If anything, I am very rude to them. I still have so much
to learn.
However, I hope that I have at least made some positive impact on the girls I have met at
Mercy. In the past few years especially, that is something I have tried to do even though I know I
have failed at times. I hope that when you look back five or 10 years from now, some of you will
remember me fondly and with good memories.
We all have our hardships to bear. If there is one thing that is finally sinking into my head
after these past four years, it is to really get to know the students in both your class and the other
classes. Each class has something amazing about them that you can learn so much from.
My best friend has always been a huge inspiration to me and has been there for me since
the first day of second grade when she transferred to my grade school. Jessica was born with
a cleft lip and palate, which means her upper lip and her palate never completely joined. She
has already undergone 32 surgeries to correct it and must have another one this summer. Once
again, she will spend another summer stuck inside recuperating from another surgery, unable to
eat any solid food. This same girl was elected in 8th grade as the class sweetheart. Even though
she has gone through so much, she is always there for all her friends whenever they need her. I
honestly do not know what I would have done without her.
To all my Mercy girls: treasure this last year or years before they are over, really get to know
your classmates, and have fun. You never know what will happen.
Mercy has honestly made a huge difference in my life. I am so thankful for everyone I have
met here and all of the experiences I have had. I went from being a shy, reserved, and insecure
girl with one friend to the absolute opposite. As Frank Herbert said, “Without change, something
sleeps inside us, and seldom awakens. The sleeper must awaken.” Well, these past four years
something definitely awoke inside of me. I cannot wait to see what the next four years of college
hold in store for me and what it will awake within me.
P.S. As promised, I would like to give a shout-out to Mr. Scalzi’s 2nd Hour AP calculus class. You
guys rock!
12
LAST LOOK
Compiled By:
Erica Parkinson
STAFF REPORTER
Emily Wilkins
ASSOCIATE EDITOR IN CHEIF
Allegra Wrocklage
COPY EDITOR
Albion College
Bailey Ahmad
Sarah Wojcik
Bowling Green State University
Marissa Allen
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Patrice Wiley
Clark Atlanta University
Up, Up, and Away
Mercy Seniors Soar to New Heights and
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University of Michigan - Dearborn
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Morgan McPartlin
Jordan Mueller
Ellen Pane-a
Deidre Ratliff
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Emily Wilkins
Dennison University
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Alexa Milewski
Felicia Flowers
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Rebecca Guerriero
Angela Haddad
Bridget Hickey
Samantha Horsell
Sophie Juncaj
Alysa Miller
Alessi Nehr
Jenny O’Neil
Erica Parkinson
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Kiersten Popke
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Jillian Rozycki
Vanessa Rychlinski
Alyssa Selasky
Lauren T. Smith
Mary Walle
Caitlin Williams
Jackie Winterbo-om
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Spelman College
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Rachel Bellono
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Sarah Fields
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Meury Machado
Oakland University
Estee Alias
Yasmin Ashford
Grace Griffin
Samantha Haddad
Chelsea Kassa
Julia Kowalski
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Jillian Lemke
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University of Toledo
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Tiffany Haddad
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University of Detroit Mercy
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Eileen Fredendall
Michelle Gappy Vane-e Garmo
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Western Michigan University
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University of Dayton
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University of Indianapolis
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University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Undecided
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