The Evolution of Mercy Uniforms

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MERCY HIGH SCHOOL 1 APRIL 2011 VOLUME 65 ISSUE 5
29300 W. 11 MILE ROAD FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48336
The Evolution of Mercy Uniforms
Uniform policy changing to enforce more cohesive appearance
ABBEY LOVAT
SPORTS EDITOR
LIZZIE PETERSON
MANAGING COPY EDITOR
W
ith the record now
set
straight
and
many worries of the
future about Mercy
uniforms put to rest, Administration
has officially announced uniforms
changes that will be enforced starting
at the beginning of the 2011-2012
school year. Changes were not made
without first addressing the student
government in a meeting that took
place in the beginning of March.
President Cheryl Kreger began
the meeting by explaining to Student
Council and Human Relations Council
(HRC) the reasons why they were
discussing uniforms and thinking
about making changes. When former
alumnae and parents received the
news that she would be returning to
Mercy as president, they began to
discuss
with
her
their
concerns about the
current uniforms.
“The
only
group who didn’t
voice
concerns
was the student
group,”
said
Dr.
Kreger,
which is why
the
meeting
was called, to
get input from
the
students
themselves.
One major
question that
parents
and
alumnae raised
was if there
still even was
a uniform at
Mercy.
Many
girls
choose
to wear their
uniform
in
a
way that does not
follow guidelines
printed
in
the
agenda books, and it
became increasingly
difficult to try and get students to
stick to these uniform guidelines.
The administrative team did not
want to make any major changes.
They wanted everyone, including
students, to support the uniform
policy that Mercy does have.
Principal Carolyn Witte also
dispelled some rumors that have
been circulating in school for
months. She said that the skirts
and blouses will remain the
same. She also said that students
will still be allowed to wear any
type of shoe, as long as it does
not resemble a slipper and it
does not come above the ankle.
“I wore saddle shoes when
I went to Mercy,” Dr. Kreger
said, “and I would never make
you girls wear such ugly shoes.”
Mrs. Witte and
Dr. Kreger then
presented
S t u d e n t
C o u n c i l
and
HRC
with
some
changes that
they
were
considering
in order
to
get
student
feedback.
T h e y
talked about
possibly
having the
quarter-zip
sweatshirts
as the only
sweater
option,
a n d
requiring
s o l i d
black knee
socks or tights
for all grades.
Dr.
Kreger
addressed
four points of
emphasis. First,
she
wants
the uniform
to be cost
efficient. Second, a good feeling or
tone in the school is desired. Third,
a small amount of individuality is
permitted, but it must be controlled
and within the uniform guidelines.
Fourth, and most importantly, the
goal is to simplify. Mrs. Witte and Dr. Kreger were
willing to discuss and consider student
input. They really took interest in the
opinions of the student government.
The students voiced their opinions
respectfully, and they represented the
interests of the student body as well.
Thus, a few minor changes in
the uniform policy will begin to be
enforced at the beginning of the
2011-2012 school year. These
are being introduced
to maintain a uniform
policy while allowing
certain options, but
reducing
the
number
of
options. The
skirt
and
blouse will
remain the
same, but
students
will now
only be
able to
w e a r
w h i t e
or black
s o c k s
or
black
tights with
no pattern.
Anything
worn under
the
blouse
will not be
allowed to be
visible, even
if it is solid
white. The
two sweater
options
have been
narrowed
down
to
the quarter
zips
and
the v-neck
uniform
sweaters.
Over
the
last
decade
alone,
the
uniform
policy
has
changed
dramatically.
“Out of all the Catholic schools,
we had the most liberties,” said ’00
graduate Nuverre Naami.
She recalled that
any solid color polo or
button down shirt was
legal under the code.
Additionally,
any
solid color socks met
the rules, though some
students got away with
stripes, Naami recalls.
Hats and scarves
were
also
allowed to be
worn
during
school.
“We
were
t h e
last
class
t
o
have
all
the
freedom,”
Naami
said.
“The year after
we graduated
they made the
change
to
the
white
shirts,
so
you could
say
we
did have
all
the
freedom.”
Students will have the freedom to
wear any shoes they like as long
as no outside fur is visible and the
top of the shoe is below the ankle.
“The new uniform policies are
reasonable and still allow everyone
to express themselves, but just
in a way that unifies each
grade and the school as a
whole,” said student council
member
Laura
Williams.
Since the classes of 2012 and
2014 already own the uniform
they will be wearing next year,
they will be allowed to wear
any other style of
sweater that they
have already
purchased
for one year,
which may
include the
crew neck,
vest,
or
cardigan
s w e a t e r.
Though
Mercy girls
h a v e
always
followed
a uniform
policy,
the
policy
has
undoubtedly
changed
throughout
the
years.
W h e n
President
Kreger ’66
attended
M e r c y ,
saddle shoes were
mandatory for each
student. Since then, the
shoe policy has evolved
to include any close-toed
shoe that does not
rise above the ankle or
resemble a slipper (have
fur). Any color, any
pattern is acceptable,
which
allows
for
personalization
and
individual
expression
within
the
uniform.
Pictured: Mercy students
wearing uniform variations
in 1989, 1998, 2011, and the
refined uniform for fall 2011.
With Hearts on Their Sleeves
CHERIMA CHUNGAG
STAFF REPORTER
M
r. William Gervais,
assistant principal of
Mercy High School,
and
senior
Teresa
Rotondo-- two completely ordinary
individuals who have accomplished
extraordinary deeds through their
promotion of human dignity, service,
option for the poor, mercy and justice.
Their compassionate and benevolent
actions have been recognized by the
Mercy community in the form of
the highly respected and honored
2011 Heart of Mercy award.
“I was moved when each
name was called,” said Ms Jonell
Linskey, Dean of Students. “Each
recipient so deserves the Heart
of Mercy. They truly create and
reflect who we are as a community.”
“By affirming the contributions of
others, a nominee communicates an
inclusive atmosphere for all to share
in the portrayal of the values,” states
the guidelines for the Heart of Mercy.
Eligibility for the award is open to all
members of the Mercy community
who have emulated the five Mercy
values of justice, service, mercy, option
for the poor, and human dignity
11
in their day-to-day activities. A
Nomination Committee comprised
of members of Administration,
Pastoral
Ministry,
staff,
the
Student Council President and a
Sister of Mercy diligently work
to choose the year’s student and
staff Heart of Mercy recipients.
Every
aspect
of
Mr.
Gervais and Rotondo’s life has
truly been colored by God.
“He works behind the scenes...
quietly, selflessly.” “He has a
passion for justice.” “He helps
students appreciate the richness
of diversity in one another.” These
are just a few of the comments
said about Mr. Gervais, but his
influence on the Mercy community
extends
far
beyond
that.
Mr. Gervais has spent the last 42
years of his life faithfully serving
Mercy High School. He played an
integral role in the realization of the
new science labs and has tirelessly
worked with Human Relations
Council since its inception.
“Mercy High School has been
such an integral part of my life over
the last 40+ years that receiving
the Heart of Mercy Award really
places a stamp of approval and
affirmation for my involvement and
days until
Sweepstakes kick-off
20
commitment to this great school,”
said Mr. Gervais. “I am humbled at
receiving this wonderful honor.”
“He has worked so hard for so
long and has done so much behind
the scenes,” said Mrs. Carolyn Witte,
principal. “He is very unassuming. He
doesn’t bring attention to himself. This
recognition was so well deserved.”
Similarly,
Teresa
Rotondo’s
worthiness of the award is palpable.
Her enthusiasm for faith, her
kindness, and her humble nature
are evident as she walks down
the Mercy hallways each day.
“When a kid like Teresa wins this
award, it makes my Heart of Mercy
award even more special,” said
science teacher Mr. Gerard Meloche.
“I didn’t particularly want this
award,” said Teresa Rotondo. “I
don’t need glory for being a good
person. The most important thing
is that I know that I have done
good works and that God knows.”
Rotondo’s mega watt smile and
bubbly personality have brightened
many days at Mercy. Her kind
words, deep involvement in the ProLife Club, and compassion for every
soul she encounters makes Teresa
an obvious choice for the award.
“God definitely motivates me to
days until
Spring Break
Photos by Cherima Chungag
Teresa Rotondo and Mr. Will Gervais win the Heart of Mercy Award
The Heart of Mercy recipients, Mr. Gervais, left, and Teresa Rotondo, right,
are joined by family members to celebrate this joyous occasion.
be a good person,” said Rotondo.
“I think we really only act like
our true, God-intended selves,
when we are doing goodness.”
By upholding these simple,
yet profound Christian values,
Mr. Gervais and Rotondo have
inspired
the
students
and
staff at Mercy High School.
“We definitely honored the two
48
days until
senior prom
people in the Mercy community
who deserved the award most,”
said senior Bridget Johnson. “I was
ecstatic that Mr. Gervais finally
got appreciation for all that he
does and all that he is. I cannot
even imagine how any person in
this world is better suited to the
award than Teresa. She has the
biggest heart of anyone I know.”
62
days until
end of school
2
SCHOOL
Sweepstakes Is Here
How
well
doyou
...But where is the money going?
mr. morgan
Q:
A:
What is your favorite book to
teach and why?
The Catcher in the Rye and
The Great Gatsby. It really just
depends on my mood which
one is above the other one.
Q:
E
ach year, we sell our hearts
out to meet our fundraising
goals for the Sweepstakes
Drive…but where does all
the money really go? The answer is
more complex than you might think.
According to Mr. Thomas Sklut,
Director of Advancement at Mercy,
the sweepstakes drive goes toward
what he refers to as the “bottom
line.” The bottom line is composed of
a multitude of things, including the
tuition fund, building and operating
costs, as well as basic funding for
the education of all
girls in the
school.
What made you want to
become a teacher, any
inspirational teachers?
A:
Yes. The most inspirational
teacher I had was an English
teacher, shockingly enough,
that I had my junior year of
high school. He was just a
really cool guy. He was able
to discuss literature in a way
that related to all of us and
we could understand
what he was saying.
Q:
A:
erin pienta
STAFF REPORTER
What do you do on the
weekends and in your free
time?
I grade papers and prep for
the following week of class. Or
I’ll hang out with my brother
or every once in a while my
friends. Most of them are
married now and have their
own obligation but sometimes
they can “get free” to get
together and just hang out.
Q:
A:
Q:
A:
Q:
A:
What were you like in high
school?
I’m the introvert with my
friends. I’m not the one who
actively pursues conversation
or is the center of attention.
I’m more off to the side and
watch things happen. I was
the same way in high school.
What is your biggest pet
peeve?
When people don’t take
responsibility for their actions.
What type of music do you
most often listen to?
Always and forever I love
the Beatles. They are by far
my favorite group. I really
do have a wide range of
things that I like. Every once
in a while I latch myself to
a cool new song that’s out
there. It really does depend
on my mood what I listen
to. If I’m in a really excitable
mood I listen to something
more fast paced but if not
I’ll listen to something a
little
more
melancholy.
Q:
If you could give the world
one piece of advice, what
would it be?
A:
Stop killing each other.
Q:
A:
What is your idea of the
perfect date?
I would want it to be
something first and foremost
that she would be interested
in. I would try to find out as
much as I could in advance
(not that you need to scrutinize
the person you’re dating)
and just try to do at least one
thing that’s unexpected that
she would enjoy. It would be
something clever that would
make the evening somewhat
memorable in some way, just
so that she would perhaps be
interested in going out a second
date. That’s what I try to do.
stephanie dilworth
opinions editor
M e r c y ’s
tuition does
not
cover
all the costs
of educating a
single Mercy girl.
In fact, it takes
$2,000 more than the tuition per girl to
provide her with a Mercy education.
On top of the additional cost
for each girl, Mercy gives out over
100 scholarships each year for
girls to attend Mercy. Sweepstakes
helps supply some of the $400,000
given to the scholarship fund each
year. The scholarship fund allows
Mercy to build a more diverse
population, as many different
girls can benefit from the fund.
“Diversity is really important to
who we are and what we do,” says
Mr. Sklut. “That is one of the ways
we ensure that there are many levels
of diversity at Mercy High School.”
The Class of 2006 holds the record
for raising the most money during
the Sweepstakes Drive in their year
of graduation—coming up with just
over $160,000. The Class of ’06 is also
the only class in Mercy history to
win all four years of the Sweepstakes
Drive. Since then, numbers have
skipped for Sweepstakes, dropping
as low as $144, 000 last year. This
is, of course, in part due to the
failing economy of recent years.
However, with the struggling
economy, there is also a greater
need. Sweepstakes helps close
the education gap in economic
status
and
racial
differences.
“To use Catherine
McAuley’s words, it
helps connect the rich
and the poor,” says
Dr. Cheryl Kreger
of the Sweepstakes
Drive. “It makes this
education available. It
supports our diversity.
It’s about human justice.
Reaching
out
when
we have a lot to give.”
According to Dr. Kreger,
the Drive refers right back to our
Mercy values, like option for the poor.
Some of the best ways to sell books
are to talk to parents, friends and
alumni. You can now connect with
former
M e r c y
girls
in
the
alumni
office to help make
ends meet when selling books.
Motivation
to
reach
Mercy’s
selling goals includes days off,
class rewards, and adviser parties.
Past Sweepstakes Funds Raised
$158,142
2005
$160,578
2006
$156,648
2007
$157,097
2008
2009
2010
$148,910
$144,435
Dead Poets’ Society Emerges
Four juniors bring poetry to the Mercy community
cherima chungag
STAFF REPORTER
O
h
Captain,
My
Captain,”
Megan
Yousif solemnly states
at the end of each Dead
Poet’s Society (DPS) meeting,
hand raised in salute to the poetic
genius of Walt Whitman and in
remembrance of the original DPS.
She is cheered on by the nodding
heads and snapping fingers of the
club members as Colette Berg plays
a sometimes haunting, and other
times uplifting, song on her violin.
In an effort to bring a love of
poetry to the students at Mercy
High School, juniors Megan Yousif,
Marian Digby, Cherima Chungag
and Colette Berg created the club
Dead Poet’s Society in late October
2010 in celebration of poets and
their craft in American culture.
“I think DPS is a great club
because it allows students to come
together and compare differing
ideas about poetry,” said Marian
Digby. “It has definitely changed
my perspective on poetry and has
given me a new appreciation for it.”
Despite this, Digby also believes
that the club is not for everyone.
“Meetings
obviously
center
on poetry,” she said, “so students
who do not have, at the very
least, a vague appreciation for it
will probably be unimpressed.”
Lauren Melanson, freshman,
agrees. Although she has been
to a few meetings, her feelings
about poetry have not changed.
“I didn’t like poetry before
going to the meetings, and I
still don’t like it now,” she says.
The club’s president, Megan
Yousif, named the club after the
movie starring Robin Williams.
Although meetings are unable
to take place in the middle of the
night in a cave as done in the film,
Yousif and the other club members
strive to retain the slightly gothic,
auspicious tone of the original DPS.
Meetings take place once a
month, usually on Wednesdays or
Tuesdays, immediately after school
in Ms. Michalik’s room, S-6. They
last for about an hour and feature a
wide variety of members, ranging
from poetic enthusiasts to former
poetry cynics. Each club member is
encouraged to read a poem or at the
very least comment on one during
meetings. Snapping fingers and
deep analysis of the poem always
follows. Recent poems that have
been presented during meetings
include: “Dammit I’m Mad” (a
poem written in palindromic form)
by Demetri Martin and Edgar Allen
Poe’s “The Raven”, a personal
favorite of many club members.
Although the club is small, most
members appreciate the intimacy.
“DPS’ size makes it the perfect
environment for comments to be
tossed backed and forth, beliefs
to be challenged, and ideas to
be contested,” said Colette Berg.
Forensics Without a Corpse
Oratorical team continues tradition of success
Despite the heavy competition,
members of the Mercy team
always
are
good
sports. orensics: When most people
“I love the camaraderie among
hear this word they think of
the girls,” said Mrs. Sill. “Many
crime investigation and the
girls
compete
amongst
each
TV show CSI, but for the
other but are still friendly.” girls on the forensics team, this word
“My favorite thing about forensics
has a completely different meaning. is all of the people,” said junior Emma
“Forensics is the dramatic
Stanners. “I love spending time with
presentation
of
all of my friends.” literature and public
C o m p e t i n g
speaking,” said forensics
in
forensics
coach
Kathy
Sill. gives
confidence
Students compete in
to
many
girls. six different categories:
“Seeing the girls
three
interpretive
realize
their
true
categories and three
potential is one of
speech
categories. my favorite things,”
The
three
said Mrs. Sill. “Every
interpretive categories
week,
they
unzip
are oral interpretation,
and step out of their
dramatic performance,
comfort zone. It’s
and dramatic duo. In
truly
phenomenal.” oral interpretation (OI),
“One
of
my
competitors
perform
favorite things is that
selections of poetry
nervous feeling I get
and prose. In dramatic
every week,” said
performance (dramatic)
Stanners. “Whenever
and
dramatic
duo
I go up to compete,
(duo), students perform
I feel I am going to
a memorized selection
forget
everything
of literary work, each
and fail. Then, after
student playing the role Juniors Annie Griffin and Emma Stanners perform their award-winning dramatic duo speech,
competing, I always
of multiple characters. Awkward Silence by Jay Riese.
say ‘Wow, I’m amazing.’” In
dramatic
performance, minutes to prepare a seven-minute- to begin the day of competition. Even outside of competition,
competitors perform by themselves, long speech about a current event. “I enjoy the poise and confidence members of the forensics team shine. while in dramatic duo, each
To qualify for team membership, in the girls,” said Mrs. Sill. “It’s
“The girls on the forensics team
group is composed of two people. a girl must first take Oral like Saturday is the opposite of a are the finest speakers in the school,”
The three speech categories are Interpretation. In this class, students weekday! They always come ready said Mrs. Sill. “They carry themselves
oratorical declamation, original learn about the different categories for battle , and to do their very best.” differently than anyone else.” jessica montgomery
STAFF REPORTER
F
oratory,
and
extemporaneous
speaking. In oratorical declamation
(dec), students memorize a speech
that was previously written and
delivered by someone else. In original
oratory (oratory), competitors write
an informative or persuasive speech
about the topic of their choice. In the
category of extemporaneous speaking
(extemp), students are given 30
and are able to experiment in each
to determine which they like best. Five tournaments are held on
Saturday mornings during the
months of January, February, and
March. Tournaments begin at 8
a.m., but competitors must arrive
at the school by 7:30 a.m. to sign
in. Despite the early start, Mercy
girls always arrive eager and ready
Photo by Jessica Montgomery
Photo by Stephanie Dilworth
know
1 April 2011
3
SPORTS
Sports Opinion:
Baseball Takes a Fumble
Honor
‘America’s Game’ no longer homerun with many Americans
e:
us
m
co
s.
og
bl
lh
s.
ee
nk
ya
players can make up for a loss a
few nights later at the next game.
Football players are given
one chance a week to
shine, and something
about that thrills
Americans. They are
eager to sit down on
Sunday or Monday
nights to watch their
favorite teams bring
home the prize. With
baseball however, if
they miss one game,
it’s no big deal. Their
team may be playing
again the next night,
and it’s likely they
will be playing the
same team again.
Regardless
of
whether or not
football will replace
baseball as “America’s pastime,”
it is clear that football is gaining
widespread recognition throughout
the country. While baseball may not
be losing fans, so to speak, it may no
longer be the right fit for America’s
number one sport. Baseball may be
America’s most historic sport, but
there’s no denying that football is
paving the way for something new.
Photos by Christine LaRouere
Spotlight
CHRISTINE LAROUERE
STAFF REPORTER
S
enior
Emma
Bowen cannot
wait to play
her
fourth
season of lacrosse for
Mercy High. She officially joined a team
when she was a freshman in high school.
She did not understand
the game and knew
nothing about how to
use a lacrosse stick,
but she soon picked
it up and fell in love.
“I play lacrosse
for a pretty basic reason: I think it is so
much fun;” said Bowen. “I love how fast
paced and exciting
the games are and
the whole teamwork
aspect of the game.
By playing this
new sport in high
school, Bowen expanded her group of friends and began to trust them.
“I think my teammates have learned to trust and rely on each other over
the years because that truly is the key to a successful team,” said Bowen.
“It’s great to know that your teammates have your back on and off the field.”
Emma also devotes her time to playing out of season. She always participates in indoor leagues and plays during the summer.
As captain of the team, she does all she can to influence others to perform their best, but also relies on them to motivate her.
“Knowing that there are about 20 girls that are counting on me to
perform to the best of my abilities, as I count on them, makes me want
to be the best player I can be for the benefit of the team,” said Bowen.
J
unior Francesca Sovis has run all her life, but this
is her first year running competitively. She
runs almost every day for two hours and devotes herself to breaking personal records. Sovis has played many sports that involve running,
but she wants to really focus on track and field
and see what can result from this new season.
Sovis gives tribute to her mother for her love
for running because she also ran in high school.
Her mother and father continually give her advice
and always tell her to try her best so she can become the best runner she can be. Her extended
family has also had a number of track runners
who have influenced her to take up the sport.
“My family members have been doing track
since my mom was younger than me,” said Sovis.
“I think I may have inherited the running genes.”
Not only does Sovis run to stay in shape, but she
loves being around the track and field team. They
encourage her to continue to improve as a runner. The team becomes so close by practicing every day, and they bond by attending all day meets.
“The girls are really fun to be around,”
said Sovis. “They keep you entertained.”
J
unior Paige Raymond could not imagine her life without soccer. Starting at the age of seven years old, Raymond has developed a passion for the game and is proud to be a part of
her Mercy and travel team. Whether or not Raymond ends up
playing soccer in college, she defiantly still wants to play for fun.
At first, Raymond did not want to play soccer and
was forced by her parents to participate in a league.
“My
first
coach
influenced
me
to
continue
playing soccer,” said Raymond. “She really made the sport
less of a chore and more of something I enjoyed doing.”
Raymond has been playing Mercy soccer since freshman year and
plans on continuing through senior year. She loves the idea of team sports
and really appreciates her team pushing her to become a better player.
“My Mercy team is like my family,” said Raymond.
“We have managed to develop such strong relationships on
and off the field. I love every single one of my teammates.”
Paige practices two hours a day. She gives her dad credit as the
one who continues to push her to practice and become the player he knows she can be. Raymond values her dad’s opinions and
criticism because she knows he means it in a constructive way.
“Although my dad’s sideline coaching drives me crazy and causes some
awkward car rides home, I know he is my biggest supporter,” said Raymond. “He wants me to push myself to what he thinks I am capable of being.”
J
unior Laura Williams
has played tennis since
she was ten years old
and has played on the
Mercy Varsity tennis team
since she was a freshman.
Tennis, to her, is a physical
and mental sport and helps
get her mind off anything that
is happening. When the tennis
season began in March, the
team practice from 6:00 a.m.
to 7:30 a.m. Out of season,
she practices two hours after
school at her sports club.
Williams
loves
when
the tennis season starts
because she can reconnect
with her teammates who
are there to support her in
becoming a better player.
“The team is always
working
to
boost
each
other’s
confidence,
no
matter what” said Williams. “We are so unified, and it makes
playing tennis so much more amazing than it already is.”
Williams’ influences from her coaches and parents have pushed her to improve
her tennis skills and work ethic. Even when Williams is feeling down about the
game, her coaches are always there to help her pick right back up and refocus her.
This season the tennis team looks promising due to their committed,
determined players. The team is looking forward to bonding
through morning practices and extensive Saturday tournaments.
“Call me crazy but I absolutely love my morning practices,” said
Williams. “It is such a great way to start my day and for the team to connect.”
Photo printed with permission from Laura Williams
ir
Fa
Athlete
cast a dark light over baseball,
causing many Americans to turn
their back on the clean, friendly sport
they had once grown up with.
Today, the biggest
night in sports is
Super
Bowl
Sunday—no
longer the World
Series. This year
alone,
Super
Bowl XLV was
the most-watched
program in television
history,
drawing
in
an average of 111 million
viewers. This is no surprise,
however. The Super Bowl is
known for drawing a large
number of viewers; 21 of the
most-watched television broadcasts
are Super Bowl games. The game has
turned into a sort of phenomenon,
where people who aren’t even
football fans tune in to watch.
Perhaps Americans are turning to
football for its gritty nature. After all,
with only 16 games in the season, one
loss could make or break the team,
creating an all-or-nothing attitude
toward the sport. A typical baseball
season consists of 162 games, and
although one loss is distressing,
it is not detrimental. Baseball
r
Fai
A
ll over the world,
Americans are known
for
their
obsession
with
sports.
Since
its beginning in the early 1900s,
baseball has always claimed the title
of “America’s pastime.” As times
change, however, baseball may be
losing its number one status among
Americans. Football, known for its
r o u g h
demeanor
a
n
d
exciting
plays, has
garnered
its
way
to
perhaps
becoming
America’s
new
pastime.
Many factors
are contributing
to
the
declining
interest
i
n
baseball. While baseball players
remain dedicated to their sport,
football players have branched out
into creating their own celebrity
personalities, widely appealing
to American’s fascination with
stardom. Consider the controversial
name change of Chad Johnson to
Chad Ochocinco, or the number of
football players who have dated
socialites (think Reggie Bush), and
even the number of players who
have their own reality shows, like
Terrell Owens. With this, football
players are adapting to the changes
of society, whereas baseball players
remain solely athletes, as they were
when the game was first created.
Let’s also not forget the recent
scandals that have come out in Major
League Baseball (MLB). Many notable
players, like Barry Bonds and Alex
Rodriguez, lost the respect of many
fans when they tested positive for
using
performance-enhancing
drugs during their careers.
Americans were saddened to
learn their idols were using
illegal methods to enhance
performance on the field.
Other scandals have arisen,
including the use of cork
bats by legend Sammy
Sosa. These disgraces
com
io.
imb
z
:
Use
MONICA SHAMMAS
STAFF REPORTER
Photo by Christine LaRouere
1 April 2011
ABBEY LOVAT
SPORTS EDITOR
C
ollegiate
athletes
everywhere face off
the field or off the court
rules. Whether those
rules are as simple as a curfew
or as strict as an honor code,
these rules must be followed.
Regardless of talent or league,
every athlete must adhere
to his or her school’s rules
in order to be able to best
utilize his or her talents.
Brandon Davies, a Brigham
Young University basketball
player, was suspended from the
team for the rest of the season
for breaking the honor code,
and according to Carri Jenkins,
a BYU spokesperson, and his
future at the school is uncertain.
His suspension is not only
painful for him, but it also has
lead to negative consequences
for his team. Before Davies’
suspension, the BYU Cougars
were ranked No. 3 in the country.
They were vying for the No.
1 seed, but with Davies off
the team, the Cougars lost to
unranked New Mexico. This
ended their hopes of a top seed.
BYU is a private university
affiliated with the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The
honor code requires students to
“live a chaste and virtuous life.”
Students
at
BYU
are
also required to be honest,
abstain
from
alcoholic
beverages,
tobacco,
tea,
coffee and substance abuse,
and attend church regularly.
Davies violated the code,
“live a chaste and virtuous life,”
as he confessed to engaging
in premarital sex with his
girlfriend. He was apologetic,
realizing he has let down his
teammates, coaches, and school.
His coaches realize that
everyone makes mistakes, but
they also acknowledge that
consequences must be faced.
Every student at BYU, athlete or
not, agrees to this honor code.
Every student knows the
rules and expectations, and the
cost of failing to meet them.
Whether or not one agrees
with the honor code, the
fact of the matter is that
Davies broke the code, the
code he agreed to follow.
The circumstance here is not
an argument about right or
wrong. It is simply the reality
that a commitment was broken.
Though the punishment may
seem harsh, the university
held fast to its principles.
Davies undoubtedly learned
from his mistake. This story
should be an example to athletes
everywhere that there is more
to athletics than practice,
games, talent, and work ethic.
Failing to follow off the court
rules can result in scholarship
revocation, suspensions from
teams, and in some cases
expulsion. Confidence is good,
but thinking you are on top of
the world and can get away
with anything is a risky attitude.
Hours, days, months, and
years of training and preparation
spent working towards and
earning a college scholarship or
a spot on a team can all disappear
with
one
poor
decision.
This can be devastating
not only to the individual,
but also to the entire team.
The moral of this story is:
think before you act. Carefully
consider decisions, especially
decisions that can have a
profound impact on your life.
COMMUNITY
1 April 2011
Women Mean Business
Mercy to host second annual event featuring women in business
brittany puente
staff reporter
B
y attending an all girls high
school, Mercy girls learn
through their experiences
just how powerful women
can be and how much of an impact
they can make in the world. Clubs,
fundraisers, and other special events
that Mercy supports help students
get involved in their community
and make a difference. This year,
Mercy is hosting the 2nd annual
Women Mean Business Symposium,
sponsored by the Children’s Hospital
of Michigan on Thursday, April 14.
By attending this event, girls
will get the opportunity to listen
to the inspiring stories of powerful
women in the community and also
have the chance to make some
connections by asking questions
and meeting with them personally.
The moderator of the event
will be Mary Kramer, publisher of
Crain’s Detroit Business. A few of
the other panelists include Denise
Ilitch of Ilitch Enterprises’, Rochelle
Riley, an author and a Detroit Free
Press Columnist, and Anne Doyle,
a
sportscaster,
communication
executive,
and
author.
Kathleen Ryan , who graduated
from Mercy in 1987 and is now a
probate judge, will also serve on a
panel along with Jane Shallal, a 1974
Mercy graduate, who is an attorney,
and past president of the Associated
Food and Petroleum Dealers.
Between 6 p.m and 7 p.m girls
are invited to network with these
panelists while enjoying some hors
d’oeuvres and desserts. Meeting
with these influential women is
intended to give girls a sense of
future
business
opportunities.
Senior Hannah Constantakis,
who attended the event last year,
was very impressed with the
women panelists and saw them
as good role models for young
women out to make a difference.
“It was so empowering to see
Sharing is Caring
successful
business
women—
those who had made a name for
themselves, those who outshine
men in a dominantly male business
world, and those who have worked
hard to become leaders,” she said.
At 7 p.m. a panel discussion
will take place.
These women
have amazing stories to tell about
their personal success and advice
for future women leaders. Breakout sessions for discussion at each
individual table will then take place.
“In addition to having important
women on stage, we make sure
that every table has a woman
entrepreneur or leader seated so
everyone has an opportunity to
Panera Bread starts donation-only locations
P
anera Cares. It’s the
same Panera Bread cafe
filled with delectable
pastries and scrumptious
sandwiches, but with no one at a
cash register charging money for
food. Panera Cares locations have
popped up in three places in the
U.S. : Clayton, Missouri; Portland,
Oregon; and in Dearborn,Michigan.
Panera Bread’s 60,000 plus
employees really felt the need to
give back to the communities in
North America with populations
who suffer from poverty or
are in need of a little extra
support. Their solution to this
desire to give back started the
nonprofit sector of Panera Bread.
Dearborn’s
Panera
Cares
location opened in November
and is located on 22208 Michigan
Ave. in West Dearborn. Panera
decided to open its second Panera
Cares store in Southeast Michigan
because of the economic crisis
Metro Detroit has suffered through.
“Given the economic challenges
meet with them and talk with
them,” said Mercy’s Director of
Advancement Mr. Thomas Sklut.
The event will end with a question
and answer session between the girls
and the panel of women. The cost to
attend is $20 per person. Proceeds
will go to support the Mercy
High School Scholarship Fund.
“There is a huge powerbase
of women talent in the room
and it’s just great exposure to
leadership positions in southeastern
Michigan,”
said
Mr.
Sklut.
To participate in this event,
register
at:
http://mhsmi.
org/advancement/2011_
women_mean_business.
for various food
items, yet don’t
require
money.
The purpose of this
is to allow those
who truly need
food to be able
to eat, and those
who have money
to donate to their
community. They
even
encourage
volunteering
at the café in
exchange for food.
“At the end of
the day,” Shaich
said in a press
conference, “this
community
cafe
isn’t about offering
a hand out. It’s
about offering a
hand up to those
who
need
it.”
The donations
received
go
directly back to
running the Panera
Cares café. Any
additional money
not needed to keep
the shop operating
goes
to
the
community. The Dearborn location
specifically wants to donate money
to providing job training for
disadvantaged youth in the area.
“I’m excited because Panera
Bread is a business that makes a
lot of money so for them to give
back is really beneficial,” said
senior Reem Katbey, a resident of
Dearborn. “Hopefully people in
the community will be inspired
by it and they will go out and
help the community as well.”
Panera Bread has already had
great success with this program; it
plans to donate up to $150 million
in store goods to charitable groups
whose goal is to feed the hungry.
Its newest location, Portland,
Oregon, opened in late January.
“So far, people have stepped
up,” Shaich told the New York
Times. “About 20 percent of the
visitors to the cafes leave more
than the suggested amount,
20 percent leave less and 60
percent pay what is suggested.”
Although a for-profit business,
Panera Bread was originally
founded upon the value of giving.
Donations to feed the hungry are
accepted at any location; it doesn’t
have to be a special community
cafe such as the one in Dearborn.
to stay
o p e n
through this,” said
sophomore Grace Drabicki.
“I like it more than Barnes and Noble.”
However,Borders
competitor,
Barnes and Noble is not facing
financial problems. Barnes and
Noble is currently more successful
than Borders because it is able to
appeal to tech savvy readers through
its NOOK™ eReading product. The
Nook allows customers to use a
convenient touch screen to access
newspaper and magazine articles,
over 2 million books, surf the web,
play games, and even listen to music.
Furthermore, Barnes and Noble
is also more financially sound than
Borders because
its partners are
more powerful.
“Barnes and
Noble secured the
exclusive
U.S.
Starbucks partnership, a major
branding
and
traffic-driving
win for them,” said Evans.
Currently some 200 Borders
bookshops, about 30 percent of all
Borders stores across the nation are
planning to close. Borders is closing
four of its stores in Michigan. A
group of investors, led by General
Electric (GE) Capital, has offered
to loan Borders $550 million to
restructure. However, the future
of Borders remains uncertain.
Photo by Paige Taliaferro
paige taliaferro
associate editor-inchief
in the Greater
Detroit
area,
opening a Panera
Cares
cafe
in
this area was a
natural choice,”
said Ron Shaich,
Panera
Bread’s
c o - f o u n d e r
and
Executive
Chairman, in a
press conference.
“These
cafes
exist to make
a
difference
by offering the
Panera experience
with dignity to
all those who can
afford it, those
who need a hand
up, and everyone
in between. We
anticipate
that
Panera Cares will
have a tremendous
impact
on
the
Dearborn
c o m m u n i t y. ”
Panera Cares
runs on donations
only.
They
have
suggested
donation
prices
Photo used with permission from Julie Earle
4
Dearborn is home to one of the new Panera Cares. It is located on
Michigan Avenue in West Dearborn.
Last Chapter for Borders?
Financial troubles threaten a once popular book store
stephanie dilworth
opinions EDITOR
B
orders has officially filed
for Chapter 11 (business)
bankruptcy.
Although
Borders
attempted
to connect with the tech savvy
generation through its online web
site, consumers seem more interested
in
Kindles
and Amazon.com
than the once thriving bookstore.
The attempts that Borders
made to improve itself backfired
and ultimately caused the store
to declare bankruptcy. Borders’
online association with Amazon
made customers more accustomed
to having books delivered and
less likely to buy a book at the
store. In addition, Borders’ idea to
expand overseas actually increased
the
store’s
mounting
debts.
“It’s a little sad,” said senior
Rebecca Martel. “I like tangible
books but this is expected due
to
Kindles
and
eReaders.”
Borders is expected to make huge
cuts in its 19,500 staff nationwide as
it tries to re-invent itself. In order
to survive, Borders must make
substantial efforts to compete with
the Kindle and Amazon and win over
the Internet-obsessed generation.
Borders
staff
refused
to
comment about the bankruptcy.
However,
against
company
policy,
Mark
Evans,
former
Director of Merchandise Planning
& Analysis for Borders recently
explained on Quora.com why he
believes Borders went bankrupt.
Evans agrees with those who blame
the bankruptcy on Borders failure to
adequately address the internet sales
and the subsequent ebook market.
Although Borders attempted to
diversify its store by also selling
DVDs, CDs, and increased the number
of computers in its stores, customers
did not respond as well to the
changes as the company had hoped.
“Stores
were
sized
and
modeled to provide a large
music CD business which largely
disappeared” said Evans. “Borders
leased space that was too large.”
“I hope that Borders finds a way
5
WORLD VIEW
1 April 2011
Civil Unrest: Chaos in Libya
Revolution in 160 characters
Allied Forces join to aid Libya
Photographer : Louis Sinco
I
MCT Wire
C
ivil unrest and rebellions have
encompassed Libya for the past
month.LibyanleaderMoammar
Gadhafi has gained supporters,
but also opponents who began the protests.
Gadhafi came into power after
overthrowing then leader King Idris in a 1969
coup. Gadhafi is only the second leader of the
country, and many citizens have demanded
that he step down from his position. They
had hoped for a revolution similar to those in
neighboring countries Tunisia and Egypt, but
Libyahasseendifferentresults.Unliketheother
countries, the protests turned into warfare.
Gadhafi has refused to give up power
and vows that he will “never leave the
North African nation he has ruled for more
than four decades.” He said that he would
die a “martyr.” During a recent speech
in the Libyan capital of Tripoli, Gadhafi
urged his supporters to attack those who
he believed to want to “destroy Libya.”
The uprisings began in Benghazi.
The rebels seized the eastern half of the
country by gaining the support of tribal
leaders and increasing their military.
The Libyan revolution has not only
affected the country, but the North African
region and the world as well. The death
toll is estimated to be over 1,000 and could
be as high as 2,000. According to the
United Nations refugee agency, nearly
200,000 people have fled Libya with equal
numbers going to Egypt and Tunisia.
The large flight of Libyans and foreigners
who fled from Egypt had nations across the
globe scrambling to help everyone leave. The
United States contributed $3 million to the
International Organization for Migration to
helpthenon-LibyansinTunisiatoreturnhome.
While many tried to leave the country,
the National Transitional Council, a group
of 31 representatives from all regions of
Libya, held its first meeting in Benghazi,
a temporary location until Tripoli was
“liberated” from pro-Gadhafi forces. The
Council’s main missions are to liberate
the country, represent it internationally,
draft a constitution, and hold elections.
The United States, backed by the United
CAROLINE HARTLAND
Nations, recently launched a Libyan campaign in order to liberate
STAFF REPORTER
the country. The commander of the U.S. naval forces in Africa said
f Twitter is mentioned, standard complaints
that the multiple airstrikes on Libya would continue until Gadhafi
of “nobody wants to hear what you had for
complied with the United Nations request to stop attacking civilians.
breakfast” are imminent. Perhaps rightly
Gadhafi’s compound lies in shambles after the U.S. and its allies
so, but among the necessary evils of social
attackedit.U.S.andBritishforcesalsolaunched12Tomahawkmissiles
networking and
at Libyan control
its inherent selfimportance
is
facilities,
while
the
simplistic
air forces from
idea of sharing
France,
Spain,
information
Italy, Denmark,
u n i v e r s a l l y.
and
Britain
Many
tweets
flew
missions
focus
on
to maintain a
celebrities, but
no-fly zone over
content
does
Benghazi. Actions
range
from
were
aimed
the
petty
or
at
expanding
unintelligible
to the vital. In
the no-fly zone
fact, Twitter has
over
al-Brega,
been a lifeline
Misrata,
and
in the recent
Tripoli, a region
revolutions.
that would span
T
h
e
over 600 miles.
Middle East is
The
allies
at the center of
firepower
social revolution,
depleted
the
harboring
a
Libyan air forces
chain
reaction
and has now set its
of citizen-driven
civil
wars.
sightsonGadhafi’s
Before
recent
loyal
military
developments
units. The targets
in Libya, Egypt
include armor,
was
one
of
artillery,
and
the first major
missile launchers.
revolts of 2011.
President
The
beginning
Barack Obama
of an informed
said that Gadhafi
outside
world,
“needs to go” but
though,
was
acknowledges
accomplished
t h r o u g h
that the leader
Above: Rebel fighters pray at the gate of Ras Lanuf after this center for
Twitter.
Hash
may stay in
oil production was targeted by Moammar Gadhafi, the Libyan dictator.
tags
of
things
power for longer Below: Attending a protest, a Libyan woman chants with the many voices
like
“#Jan25”
because the North to “Free Libya!”
and
“#Egypt”
African
allied
q u i c k l y
military mission
trended with news. These hash tags even
has a narrow mandate for protecting citizens.
indicated what anti-government protestors were
Opposition leaders do not want the allied forces to attack Gadhafi. planning, serving as a tool for organization.
Mohammed Fannoush says that it is the “job of the opposition.”
Tunisian revolt had already led the way in
Until the country is liberated from the warfare December, and the chief source of information
that has ravaged the country, it remains to be seen was Twitter ’s real-time accounts of civilians.
what will happen with Gadhafi and his regime. Before the actual protests, tweets of national
PhotoS reprinted with permission from
KATHLEEN ABENES
STAFF REPORTER
Disaster in Japan
unrest with the government were
available to the world while news
channels and reporters all but
ignored what was happening until
Tunisia’s leader left his country.
Overshadowed by the delayed
media
coverage
of
Egypt,
“#Libya” was trending on Twitter
and the Libyans’ opposition
against ruler Muammar Gaddafi
began. “#Feb17” offered the
bloody revolution from Libyan
youths’ perspective. Videos were
posted, showing demonstrators
facing open fire, and pictures
of brutally murdered civilians
went viral. One photo showing
the size of the bullets made its
way through thousands of blogs.
In addition to photos, videos,
and simple tweets, the Internet
allowed for Libyans to broadcast
their
own
recordings.
The
personalization of the civil war
helped combat Western and
worldwide ignorance, and petitions
for
first-world
governments
to
take
action
accumulated
thousands
of
signatures.
“I got most of my information
online, from people live-blogging,
and only read a few articles,”
said junior Jackie Wilke. “I don’t
have CNN and things, so I would
have to wait until the 6:00 world
news, really, to hear about it.”
Though
many
countries
attempted to silence protesters
by disconnecting them from the
Internet and the world, proxy
sites were shared to allow access
to Twitter, and outside nations
worked to stop the revolutionaries’
connection
blackouts.
Many corrupt leaders have been
exposed within only the past few
months, despite the positive image
that their governments show the
rest of the world. International
press has often been disallowed
to uncover any problems. The
Internet’s universal connecting has
served to pass along information
and to bring truth. As the chain
reaction of Middle Eastern and
African civil wars continues,
“#change”
seems
imminent.
PhotoS reprinted with permission from
MCT Wire Service. Photographers:
Brian Van der Brug and Carolyn Cole
A nation attempts to re-build after devastating earthquake and tsunami
Far Left: A man and daughter stand in a supermarket line waiting for it to open with hundreds of others. Center: Government officials walk down a recently cleared path in the wreckage
of the Tsunami. Far Right: A Japanese woman vists her ailing grandfather in a flooded hospital.
J
MICAH ERNST
STAFF REPORTER
ust
weeks
after
Japan
experienced a powerful 9.0
magnitude earthquake and
tsunami that devastated its
northeast coast, the country is
fighting to rebuild and regain
control of its nuclear power plants.
A state of emergency with a 20
km exclusion zone was declared
near the Fukushima plants.
After three explosions at the
power plant, workers battling
to prevent a nuclear meltdown
were evacuated because radiation
levels became too dangerous
for them to remain. In two of
the reactors, the core is likely
to have been partially melted
and radioactive steam may
have escaped the third reactor.
According to the Japanese
government,
the
estimated
death toll is around 15,000. It
has been confirmed that at least
5,178 people died and 2,285 were
injured. The number of missing
W O R L D WAT C H :
1
The last
veteran of World
War I, Frank
Buckles died on
February 27,
2011 at the age
of 110.
2
people is nearly 9,000. More than
450,000 are still without power.
In
addition,
approximately
2.5 million households still
do not have access to water.
“In the not so distant future,
it will be controlled and we will
be able to emerge from the crisis
said Japanese Prime minister,
Naoto Kan. We are making
every effort towards that end.”
However, the devastation in
Japan continues to unfold each
day. After having a Japanese
foreign exchange student live
with my mother and me this
past summer, we have a constant
concern for her well-being.
Her name is Asuka Shadishima
and she is 17 years old. My
mother and I were given the
opportunity to learn firsthand
the customs and apparent as well
as subtle differences between the
Japanese and American cultures.
For example, although Asuka
was a high school student like
me, she had never been to a
party with music and dancing.
She was always eager to visit big
malls that she had heard about,
since Japan’s vast population
does not allow for expansive
malls like those in America. She
took pictures of all our meals
because of the major differences
compared to her daily meals.
It saddens me that I have not
been able to contact her during
this disaster. Without immediate
contact to Japan, we and many
others still can only hope for the
well-being of loved ones. The
Japanese deserve the prayers and
support of all fellow human beings.
A Glance At The World Around Us
French man Alain
Robert, also known
as “Spiderman,”
climbed the world’s
tallest building,
Dubai’s Burj Khalifa,
in just six hours on
March 28, 2011.
3
Knut, the
world’s first
polar bear to be
born and raised in
captivity died on
March 19, 2011 at
the Berlin Zoo. The
cause of death is
still unknown.
4
Researchers from the
UK are developing a
brain-powered computer
system which plays music
in response to electrical
impulses that the brain
gives off. Their aim is to
help those suffering severe
physical disabilities.
6
FEATURES
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:
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E
BR
S
’
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Y
C
R
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M
A
E
D
I
GU
Spring Break
Girls strive to achiev
KATIE GRIFFIN
COMMUNITY AND EVENTS EDIT
F
t
s
i
L
g
n
i
k
c
a
P
k
a
e
r
B
g
n
i
r
p
S
AHATZER
GINARM
OR
P
E
F
F
STA
• A new bathing
suit
ou confidence to
imsuit will give y
A new sw
style.
• Sunscreen
strut the beach in
Destinati
y likes wrinkles.
n! Nobod
Stay safe in the su
Mercy girls spend
• Bronzing lotion
ing cancer.
d glow without risk
Get a sun-kisse
rials
P test study mate
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also said she observes a spike in weight an
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with friends on the beach, teens may be
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may even leave teens feeling as if they are missin
However, there are still many teens that have
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spring break is one or two weeks out of the year where
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E
ELAINA WEBER
STAFF REPORTER
very year, girls dream of tan legs and w
weather when spring break rolls around. P
tickets to Mexico, Florida, and the Bahamas
purchased with great anticipation. Daydre
of resorts and sandy beaches float past chalkboards
drown out teachers as the date approaches. But the
ditional spring break in paradise is not for every
every year, a select few young women choose to
up their relaxing spring breaks and head off on a
unteering adventure known as Alternative Spring Br
This year, 18 Mercy girls signed up to take
trip to Richmond, Kentucky, to do as many pro
in their seven days down south as possible. P
ing into a small bus on the morning of Easter S
day, the eleven seniors and seven juniors will h
out to organize, construct, and provide support
those in need. Mercy’s Alternative Spring Break
gram involves a partnership with Habitat for Hum
ity, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing mini
Habitat for Humanity works with people of all b
grounds, races, and religions to eliminate poverty h
ing and homelessness from the world. Founded in
by Millard and Lisa Fuller, the organization has s
built over 400,000 homes for the needy. However, H
tat for Humanity does not create a one-sided relat
ship between volunteers and those receiving aid.
based on volunteer work and donations of money
materials, but the receiving family must pay a down
ment and monthly mortgage payments, which are u
to build more Habitat for Humanity houses. This h
the partner families, the families receiving the aid, to
less needy and more like they deserve the help they
receiving. Partner families apply to Habitat affiliates
are chosen based on need, willingness to become p
ners to the program, and their ability to repay the l
giving the families responsibilities of their own. In
last 14 years of partnership between Mercy and Ha
1 APRIL 2011
Mercy Vacation
Locations
7
Hotspots of various Mercy girls, from
home to overseas
A
MICAH ERNST
STAFF REPORTER
re you currently in the process of trying
to plan the perfect Spring Break trip?
Escaping the cold Michigan weather is a
major goal of most Mercy students during
Easter vacation. Frequently, students prepare for trips
to Florida with friends or family. However, many
students that are stuck staying home during spring
break, when all their friends are going to beaches.
Spring Break plans always seem to be one of the
most important things on the minds of high school
and college students as the end of the school year
nears. Although Mercy’s break falls much later on
the calendar this year, students have already begun
to prepare for their trips. Vacation locations such as
Florida and Mexico are usually the most popular.
Senior Allie Rodzik is looking forward to meeting with
family and friends in Naples, Florida over this year’s break.
Her annual trip to Naples is always much anticipated.
“I look forward to going somewhere warm
and getting out of Michigan,” said Rodzik.
However, trips to foreign countries have also
become quite popular. Many students hope to
go to Mexico over their breaks because of the
beautiful beaches, fantastic food, and weather.
Although somewhat uncommon, some Mercy
students are traveling across oceans over break. Senior
Raven Richardson plans to go to Germany with family
and friends. She usually does not go out of the country
during breaks, but is very excited for the ensuing trip.
Just getting away is good enough for Richardson,
similar to the sentiments of most other Mercy students.
“I don’t care about the climate when I
travel over spring break. I would just like to be
somewhere other than home,” said Richardson.
On the other hand, there are always students who
stay home over breaks. Usually it is more important
to older students, such as seniors, to travel for break.
Those that do not, like senior Ronni McGee, try
to keep an optimistic attitude because, in general,
students are just thankful for a break from school.
For students staying close to home it may be beneficial to
study, possibly investigate college choices, stay in shape for
your spring sport, and just enjoy the break and Easter holiday.
Every Michigander knows weather is unpredictable, so
in the event that there is still snow on the ground during break,
it may be fun to go sledding during spring break as well.
“Over break I plan to stay home, relax, and enjoy the
cold weather,” said McGee jokingly. “Going out of town
is not quite the major concern to me as it is for others. I
like to travel more in the summer and unlike some, I’m
not fretting and stressing now over trying to plan a trip.”
k: Survival of the Fittest
ve the perfect bikini body
TOR
s less about a relaxing getaway with friends, and more about
y.”
This time off is meant to give students a relaxing break from
ver, it is possible spring break may be adding an additional stress.
heanxietythatmanyteensfacepriortospringbreakinaninterviewwiththeNewYorkTimes.
rt to obsess about weight and body image,” said Maine.
Maine
nxiety every year among her younger patients before spring break.
uick way to get a bikini-ready body. Sometimes the quick-fix is an unhealthy
ny times it is a combination of both. Although one may initially lose weight
any teens do not think about the lasting effect it has on their body and mind.
countless
hours
on
an
elliptical
machine
leaves
the
body
ake one irritable, tired, and unfocused.
Instead of having fun
sidelined by the lingering effects of this pre-spring break ritual.
ressure of being thin for spring break. Come March, the talk around school
ore about getting ready for vacation. This can make it seem as if everything
ative body talk can become contagious and can lessen one’s self-esteem. It
ng out on something if they don’t join in the pre-break weight loss rituals.
not lost sight of what spring break is truly about: fun and rejuvenation.
pring break. I’m happy with how I look,” said senior Jessica Danowski.
ther girls feel to look “perfect” for spring break. It’s important to remember that
e students can recuperate from stress and have fun with friends. Spring break is
c fake tan. Sacrificing one’s health is a big risk to take for a short week in paradise.
ion: Habitat for Humanity
d their spring break helping those in need
of 18 girls to complete a number of tasks assigned to them
by Herman Newton, a pastor in the area affiliated with
Habitat
for Humanity.
In their
seven
days in
Beattyville,
K e n t u c k y,
the volunteers
completed
f o u r
major
projects. To
start,
t h e
girls
built a
walko u t
porch
for
a
woman
w h o
w a s
homebound. The volunteers set up six chairs
across
the wide porch and framed it with plants so that
in fair weather, the woman could enjoy the outdoors without needing assistance to leave her home.
“I get choked up when I think about the second project,” Dennis recalled during her inPhoto printed with permission from Judi Dennis.
warm
Plane
s are
eams
s and
e trayone;
give
volreak.
e the
ojects
PackSunhead
t for
promanistry.
backhous1976
since
HabitionIt is
and
payused
helps
o feel
y are
s and
partloan,
n the
abitat
for Humanity, a sense of unity and companionship has blossomed.
“These people appreciate the time that we give them, and I appreciate the
time these
kids
give
us,”
said
Pastoral Minister and Associate Sister
of
Mercy
Judi Dennis.
This will be
Dennis’s fifth
year on Alternative Spring
Break, and
in her time
working with
Habitat for
H u m a n i t y,
she has fallen
in love with
the program.
“It’s hard
to
describe
how uplifting it is to see
these
people,” Dennis
said. “When
I, who have
so little monetarily,
can
give
with
my
hands,
it
shows
that
time
is
more
precious
than
money.”
Time is what the girls will donate – and lots of it. Waking up
early in the morning and working on various projects until four, the
work day can seem long and tiring. Last year, Dennis, her 31-yearold daughter Sarah, and a volunteer parent, traveled with a group
terview.
“The lady we helped was amazing.”
At the bottom of a mountain lived an elderly lady in a
small home without protection against flooding. Whenever water came down the mountain, from a storm or from
ice melting, it ran like a river into her home. Armed with
only a broom, the lady tried without success, to sweep
the rush of water off her porch and away from her home.
“I sweep and I sweep and I sweep, but the water just
keeps a’comin’!” the lady said, according to Dennis.
Her sweeping could not stop the water from invading her
house, warping her drywall and destroying some possessions.
The group of volunteers built a trench around her house to
carry runoff water away from her home, preventing future
damage. They also tore out chunks of drywall and siding and
replaced it, taking with them the evidence of struggles in the
past. They gave this spirited lady hope for a safe, dry future.
In two other homes, the crew replaced aluminum roofing
and made dry wall repairs. They helped their instructing pastor organize his tool shed and tools, worked at Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore outlet to raise money for future projects, and
grew as women of faith. Somewhere in this busy mix, the group
found time to have some fun, visiting local state parks and
museums and attending a dinner put on by the local church.
After so much time together, the group of girls that goes
on Alternative Spring Break comes back a family. Dennis still
keeps in touch with the first group of girls she traveled with.
By the last day, the girls are usually exhausted. It takes
an exceptional amount of work to do what these young
women do. The girls trade their Easter Sunday dinners
with their families for a pit-stop at Wendy’s, and they spend
their break sweating and working instead of swimming
and laying out. But after all the work is done, the knowledge that they have helped people in need outweighs
any former wishes of sandy beaches and tropical tans.
“Spring break has become a time to relax and think about yourself,” said Dennis. “To give it up for other people, I think, is an
amazing thing. I applaud these girls and admire and respect them.”
8
paige taliaferro
ASSOCIATE EDITOR-INCHIEF
dana fouchia
DESIGN EDITOR
lizzie peterson
MANAGING/COPY
EDITOR
LIZ KENNEY
WEB EDITOR
katie griffin
COMMUNITY AND
EVENTS EDITOR
stephanie dilworth
OPINIONS EDITOR
rachel anctil
FEATURES EDITOR
ABBEY LOVAT
SPORTS EDITOR
kate johnson
ENTERTAINMENT
EDITOR
KATHLEEN ABENES
MEGAN BOLTON
KELLIE BRUE
CHERIMA CHUNGAG
KATHRYN COSTELLO
MICAH ERNST
CAROLINE HARTLAND
CHRISTINE LAROUERE
KRISTIN LE MARBE
GINA MAHAZ
JESSICA MONTGOMERY
ERIN PIENTA
BRITTANY PUENTE
MONICA SHAMMAS
ELAINA WEBER
STAFF REPORTERS
Lynn Waldsmith
ADVISER
Newsprint, the official
student newspaper of
Mercy High School, is
published 6 times a year.
Produced by the Advanced
Journalism class, Newsprint
is a member of the Michigan
InterscholasticPress
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
More Newsprint can now
be found at our new website newsprintnow.net.
EDITORIALS
Newspr int editorials
represent the majority
opinion of the editorial
board. They do not
necessarily represent the
opinion of Mercy High
School administrators, staff,
or students.
LETTERS
Letters to the Editor must be
signed, submitted on deadline
to the S12 Journalism office,
and are subject to review
for libel, profanity, and
other inappropriate content
as deemed by Newsprint
editors.
H
igh school students seem to be paying attention to one thing right now: the future. Whether
it be spring break, summer vacation, or graduation, many students seem desperate for a
fast forward button. There is something about this time of year after all the snowflakes
have turned to puddles and small tastes of summer air that compels people to yearn for
something new. Students seem to view the future as the holder of happiness and the present is just
a nuisance, a roadblock, or just something that no longer matters. Now is when the burden of the
many tests, quizzes, papers and projects seems heavier than before. Many students proudly declare
that they have entered a state of apathy in which they “just don’t care about school anymore.” But
the present does matter. Don’t be so obsessed with the future that you lose sight of the beauty of
what is now. Go outside. Don’t miss school for “sick days” because you’ll regret it come graduation
day. Don’t miss school because that is one less day you have to see how many friends you can
fit at a table in the media center. It is one less day that you can stroll down S hall and take in the
glorious music drifting from Mr. Baker’s room. And seniors, it is one less day to sign in and out
with the adviser who has been looking out for you for the past three years. Your life doesn’t get
put on hold even though it seems that way when you’re waiting for spring break. Don’t rest
your head on your desk during class. Listen even though it is hard and you
are tired. You might learn something. There are teachers at this school who will
make you laugh or at least smile once during class no matter what mood you’re
in. Don’t ever keep your cell phone in your blouse pocket in Mr. Meloche’s class
because he is one of those teachers. Put your cell phone in his sandbox every day
and pay attention or you will miss out. And love that every time you go to one of
Ms. Robinet’s classes you are entering a sarcasm zone. Don’t be too tired to sit this
one out when your English class discusses a new book or your APUSH class gets
into a debate. Do not
rush from class to class or stumble along in an “I don’t
want to be
here” kind of way. Look around at the girls with messy
buns and makeup-free faces and see the beauty in their
confidence in themselves. And join in
every time you’re in the cafeteria when
the “hey, hey, hey, happy birthday”
chant begins. This is our school. Our
time. Don’t waste the present while
you’re
daydreaming of the future.
Illustration by Kate Johnson
Along the Way
Life’s Economics
SHANNON CARPENTER
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
A
pril 1st. All college
decision letters must
arrive today. Seniors
have
been
hunting
down the mail carrier for the past
three months, hoping that he or she
will deliver a large, thick envelope
from Insert Big Name University
Here with their name on it. We
have been anxiously awaiting these
decision letters, but now it is our
time to turn the tables on said
universities and accept one of their
offers. We have exactly one month
to send in our enrollment deposit
to the college of our choice. Thirtyone days until we finally take our
education into our own hands.
It’s a little unsettling, to be honest.
April may be one of the most
stressful months for seniors, as
we face an onslaught of choices
like these when we most want to
be carefree. Teachers and parents
are expecting us to take full
responsibility for our actions and to
make a plan for our future. After all,
many of us are 18 now, legal adults.
Everyone is firing questions at us and
waiting for us to make a decision. I
promise you, seniors, you have the
ability to handle this on your own.
Our every little word or action
has shaped us to be the people
we are today, to be prepared to
make the decision we are expected
to now. Whether consciously or
subconsciously, we have been
making decisions since the day we
were born. Back then, however,
their impact may not have been so
profound or their consequences
so great. One day early in our life,
we decided to finally stand on
our own two feet and walk. In the
second grade, we shared our PB & J
sandwich with the new girl in class
who was sitting all by herself at lunch
and we became the best of friends.
In middle school, we really
believed that being unique made
us weird so we changed our hair,
style and attitude to fit in with
the “cool” crowd. At Mercy, we
faced our anxieties and went out
for the field hockey team in hopes
of meeting new friends, even
though we had never played before.
Our lives have been full of
opportunities to choose who we
want to be in this world. And with
every opportunity, there inevitably
comes failure. Yes, you will almost
always face the consequences of
your mistakes, but without them,
would you really realize that your
actions were wrong? Everyone
has done something that they
wished would have turned out
differently or that they regret.
It is useless to dwell on our
missteps because if we allow
ourselves to be consumed by our
past decisions, we only risk the
possibility of unconsciously making
those same mistakes again. Choices
are habitual and bad decisions can
escalate to bad habits. The only
way to end the cycle is to take a
step back and assess the current
situation. Economics certainly isn’t
my favorite subject, but I have
learned one valuable term: sunk cost.
Sunk cost refers to economic
decision making, but it can
encompass our daily lives as well.
The term means that you overlook
factors that have already occurred
when making a new decision
because you cannot change them.
For example, upperclassmen often
agonize over the college application
and enrollment process and realize
that maybe they should have put a
little more effort into their classes or
done a few more extra-curriculars.
Maybe then they could have been
accepted to their dream college
or received a better scholarship.
But what’s done is done and
now, when you are deciding which
college to attend, do not settle and
let your high school record define
the future of your education. Do not
start to believe that you aren’t good
enough simply because you weren’t
accepted to your “reach” school.
You should use this realization to
work harder in the future. College
is about starting anew and deciding
who we want to become and how
we will choose to achieve our goals.
High school will be a sunk cost
when we walk across our new
campus this fall. As college freshmen,
we will be faced with an abundance
of opportunities and challenges and
the chance to face them on our own.
Though we may stumble a little
along the way, there will always
be another decision to be made, no
matter how seemingly insignificant,
that could change everything. You
may not be able to fully predict its
outcome so think carefully about
your actions, but don’t overanalyze
it if things don’t end perfectly.
Life’s decisions sometimes result in
a sunk cost; move on with awareness,
and choose again more wisely.
Staff Column
Photo by Dana Fouchia
SHANNON CARPENTER
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Staff Editorial
Photo by Dana Fouchia
NEWSPRINT
2010-2011
1 April 2011
OPINIONS
Change for the Better?
I
LIZ KENNEY
WEB EDITOR
love to watch old-time movies
and to see those black and
white images of how life used
to be. My, how things have
changed. What always amazes me is
the characters’ ability to wear high
heeled shoes, pearls, long dresses or
skirts, and blouses day in and day
out, without even batting an eyelash.
Though only it is simply actors playing
the part, these old films give the
audience a glimpse into the everyday
wardrobe of generations past.
Today, most girls would not
give a second thought to wearing
sweatpants, a t-shirt, and a messy
ponytail to run an errand. Oddly,
years ago, this sort of dress would be
taboo and no one would even think
of leaving their home without being
properly attired. In today’s world, we
might pass a woman sporting a dress
and nicely done hair thinking she
must be going somewhere special,
but this was not the case years ago.
By contrast, a person from long
ago passing by another wearing
grungy sweats and a wrinkled t-shirt
might look down upon that person.
Time always brings change.
Clothing and the level attention
toward one’s outward appearance
is certainly one of these changes of
the times. However, is this a good
change? No, I believe that this aspect
of everyday life has been changed
for the worse. Of course this is not to
say that I would prefer to wear long
skirts, rather than jeans day in and
day out. Rather, I feel that a person’s
outward appearance sends a message
to the people around him or her. I
have witnessed mothers walking
their kindergarteners into school
wearing their big pajamas and fluffy
slippers; though extremely funny
at times, this is not acceptable. This
sort of sloppy attire in public sends
the message of I’m too busy to put on
jeans and a sweater. The people around
me are not important enough for me to
take ten extra minutes to dress properly.
This
subconscious
attitude
demonstrates subtle disrespect for
oneself and for others. By making
no effort to show care toward
oneself, a person fails to make
himself or herself a priority and
even demonstrates the attitude
of I and those around me are not
good enough to look presentable.
And let’s face it, one often feels
more confident when she knows
that they put a little extra effort
into herself that morning. Selena
Gomez, of all people, puts it just
perfectly in her song, Who Says?
The refrain goes, “I’m no beauty
queen, I’m just beautiful me”
This being said, you are young,
so live it up. Love your looks and
doll yourself up as much as you
can because as a young woman,
you are at the pinnacle of your
physical beauty. And as hard as
one may try to sustain it, youth
does not last forever. However,
this reality is okay. In fact, this
reality is truly beautiful because
when you get wrinkles and gray
hair, you will always have the
treasured memories of your
younger years. How would you
like to remember yourself? Would
you prefer to remember your
young self looking like you just
rolled out of bed? I certainly would
not. Rather, I want to reminisce on
the days when I used every day
as an opportunity to rejoice and
relish in the outer beauty that
God has blessed me with, in the
same way He also blesses every
other human being on this earth.
Of course there is nothing wrong
with wearing a messy bun and
sweatpants on a stressful Monday
morning, when all you want to
do is get through the jam-packed
day of tests and assignments that
lies ahead of you. We all have
those days, but these days should
be minimal because they are
only exceptions to the rule. This
exception does not permit laziness
in one’s everyday wardrobe.
In no way does looking
presentable mean purchasing
and fashioning off the latest and
greatest trends. In fact, this is
entirely off the mark. Rather, you
should love the natural beauty
that God has given you and focus
on this. Do not allow yourself to
compare yourself to those around
you. Thrive in what you love
and your perception of beautiful.
It simply means putting a little
effort into one’s appearance and
taking pride in your outer beauty,
to help yourself and others notice
the inner beauty that lies beneath.
So who knows if people like
Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth
Taylor’s reasons for dressing up
included loving the life and the looks
God gave them, but this sounds
like a perfectly good reason to me.
In the wise words of Selena, “You
have every right to a beautiful life.”
P RO / CON
9
OPINIONS
1 April 2011
Would you be in favor of a more cohesive uniform policy that would
put more limitations on uniform options?
S
FIVE BY FIVE
5x5
abbey lovat
Sports EDITOR
ome students cringe at the idea of being forced to wear the same
thing each day, but the reality is that uniforms make things easier
for students. They may become even more unhappy if additional
restrictions are imposed upon what they already consider a strict dress
code. However, a stricter uniform policy would be more beneficial to students.
Uniforms establish a sense of equality among students. Those who do not
wear designer clothing are not made to feel inferior to students who do have
it, which helps prevent social barriers between students. According to the U.S.
Department of Education, uniforms even decrease the amount of theft in a
school because students do not have any designer items with them that could
be stolen by their classmates. However, if uniform policies are not strict enough,
students can still show off certain expensive styles that may cause other students
to feel jealous over what they do not have, like an expensive pair of shoes.
Students want to feel free to express themselves with how they dress or
with what they accessorize with. Restrictive uniform policies may prevent
kids from doing this, but putting so much emphasis on what to wear to
school should not be a major concern. Students are at school to learn and
look presentable just wearing the uniform they are supposed to wear.
Certain uniform requirements are set in place so that students do not
coming to school dressed inappropriately. Lenient dress codes allow
students to come to school possibly wearing their skirt too short, their shirt
unbuttoned, and possibly just too much skin showing. When a student
dresses like this, it looks trashy and gives the school a bad reputation.
Students will also try to test boundaries if the uniform policy in not
specifically spelled out in the rules and this will take the uniforms further
away from how they were originally intended to be worn. If the rules are not
stricter, then it becomes harder to enforce a uniform policy at all. Students may
argue with teachers that the rules do not specifically say they cannot dress a
certain way, and they will probably get away with dressing however they
choose. The uniform policy should be stricter to avoid conflict at a later time.
Offering only one or two options of what a student can wear with her
uniform also makes it easier when buying a uniform. Having different
sweater options and endless choices of socks and tights may make a student
feel compelled to buy it all, which is a waste of money. It is unnecessary to
have all of those things, and it would make it much simpler to just offer one,
maybe two, choices for students so they do not spend more than they need to.
Narrowing down the choices also ensures that all students will look truly
uniform. Multiple options can cause many variations of the same uniform
to emerge, which somewhat defeats the purpose of having a uniform in the
first place. One purpose of uniforms is to ensure that each student comes
to school dressed appropriately in order to create a positive image for the
school. It is not an inconvenience for students to wear exactly what the
school has instructed them to wear. When everyone is dressed properly
and fairly similar, it creates a positive, professional image for the school.
Schools do not create strict uniform policies to make students miserable.
Schools create uniform policies simply because they want to eliminate any
problems that could arise if students were given too much freedom in how
they dress. They also want to cut down on how much is spent on uniforms or
anything else worn to school. A stricter uniform benefits the entire student body.
Tyler parlor
The weather! It’s not
too hot... and not too
cold. It’s my fav season
because everything is
like a picture outside, its
perfect!
I’ll be in California
playing
basketball
with
my
Amateur
Athletic Union, AAU.
team in a West Coast
Tournament!
have uniforms but we can
still express individuality
through different
accessories.
- Karina Nordstrom ‘11
”
Our current uniform code
“should
be more strictly
enforced because people
take too many liberties with
how they dress.
- Amy Nabozny ‘12
”
Yes:
60
No: 511
We should be able to
“express
ourselves with
variety. ”
- Jordan Sutton ‘13
constantly break
“ Students
uniform rules and are not
getting punished, so if it
was more strict it would be
more fair.
- Lauren Melanson ‘13
”
U
Rachel anctil
features editor
niforms are great. Uniforms give students the opportunity
to go to school and not worry about what they have to
wear. They do not have to worry about looking fashionable
in front of their peers. They do not have to stress if their
alarm does not go off and they have to rush to put clothes on for school.
They make decisions in the morning simpler. What will I wear today?
Hmm, I’m thinking, my uniform. And when one feels the need to mix it up
a bit, one can change tights, or hair. No great revamping is necessary.
Uniforms at Mercy High give girls the opportunity to become
comfortable in their own skin, and gain a self-confidence that is
not derived from their wardrobe or the ability to dress themselves.
When uniforms become too strict however, there can be adverse
repercussions. When a student has to worry about violating the
uniform code too much, it can become distracting. Part of creating a
successful learning environment is promoting comfort. There is nothing
comfortable for a girl walking down a hallway knowing that people are
picking apart her appearance to ensure that it fits their criteria. A student
should be able to sit in class and not feel self-conscious, or scrutinized.
Students will be more apt to pay attention and participate in
class, if they aren’t worried about how their educator perceives
how they are dressed. It is easier for a student to focus on
learning when she feels respected as she is, and not just as some
arbitrary image representing the institution of Mercy High School.
Uniformity offers the unique opportunity to forget what everyone
is wearing, but take that too far and it will do just the opposite.
When a student puts on a uniform and knows that it has to meet
excessive expectations, it adds stress instead of subtracting it.
A critical part of who people are lies in how they express
themselves. Having fewer restrictions allows students to establish
their own identity while still following the rules. Self-expression
should never be an enemy to a society, but an asset. Sufficient
guidelines are in place so that this concept is not abused, and
therefore no further action is necessary. The purpose of high school
is to mold students to be their very best. Eliminating the opportunity
for students to make some decisions about how they appear
squelches individuality and free thinking instead of fostering it.
Ultimately, every student will leave high school. She will then
be held accountable for dressing effectively in the workplace. She
will equip her wardrobe with professional attire that provides her
the greatest opportunity to be taken seriously and respected in
her field. But for now, this is a place of learning, a place to equip
oneself with knowledge and social skills, not a place of scrutiny.
Furthermore, high school is not a workplace, it is a pre-workplace.
Not even that, it is pre-college, and college is pre-workplace. Students
have the rest of their lives to cater to these standards. If Mercy truly
wanted to emulate the “real world,” students would be paid to be here
each day (and overtime, naturally for homework and extracurricular
activities). Until Mercy is prepared to dole out paychecks to students
every two weeks, the idea of stricter uniforms should be erased.
Mikhaella Norwood
MRS. shea
meghan tarrance
W h a t ’s y o u r f a v o r i t e p a r t a b o u t s p r i n g ?
The weather getting
warmer and softball
starts!
The smell of the ground
when it’s wet when the
sun comes out.
I like the good weather
and boys come out at
spring time.
whitney morey
Photos by: Abbey Lovat
One of the things I like
“about
Mercy is that we
Lizzie Peterson
managing/copy editor
The leaves coming back
on the trees.
Where are you going/what are you doing for spring break?
I will be playing
softball some more. It
doesnt really end.
I’m going to visit my
husband up north in
St. Joseph. He has a
new job there.
Studying for the AP
Chem exam. I’m going
to cuddle up with
good old Herman, my
science book.
I’m going on a mother/
daughter trip to Spain.
W h a t i s y o u r f a v o r i t e A p r i l F o o l ’s m e m o r y / p r a n k ?
My fav was last year
when my class had a test
in 1st hr. We all skipped
class and hid in the
school’s basement. Our
teacher and the principal
were so confused!
I’d be a bird, a pretty
one, because birds can
fly! They can travel to
wherever in the world
they want and they get
the chance to take in all
its beauty.
For Lent I gave up
homework
and
studying! Just kidding.
No, I gave up Kool-Aid,
because I really drink
too much of that!
I dont really have one
that I can remember.
In France, then they
tape paper fish on
each other’s backs and
everyone is walking
around with fish on
their backs.
I’ve never celebrated
April Fool’s.
The one I’m planning
this year for Abbey
Lovat…bahahahah.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
A monkey because
I would be a toucan
I think it’d be pretty
Panther,
beautiful,
because they are so
cool just to climb
sleek catlike.
colorful and they love
around and chill
themselves.
anywhere I wanted
to.
W h a t a r e yo u g i v i n g u p / d o i n g f o r L e n t ?
I gave up pop for
Lent and I’m running
on the treadmill
everyday.
Wheat products.
I don’t celebrate Lent,
but if I did I’d give
up all TV minus the
Military Channel to
prep for APUSH.
I would be a cheetah
because they have no
natural
predators…
duh.
I’m giving up chocolate
milk…my
guilty
pleasure.
10
LIFESTYLES
Mercy Girls: After School Edition
KATHRYN COSTELLO
STAFF REPORTER
I
Photos by Kathryn Costello
t’s 5:00 p.m. on a Tuesday afternoon. Mercy girls might be working on that tough physics assignment, catching up on the latest episode of Jersey Shore, eating their feelings over the latest drama,
or wasting hours on Facebook. However, it might not even occur to you what fellow Mercy girls are doing after school. You might not even think about how your after school activities have
changed throughout the years. For most Mercy girls, each year gets harder until senior year. Different responsibilities, attitudes, and most importantly, different amounts of effort are required..
Each Mercy girl has her own unique high school experience, but many have similar stresses .throughout high school. Here Newsprint delves into each grade’s daily activities through the eyes
of a Mercy girl.
Freshman Year: The Beginning
Sophomore Year: The Busy Bee
Junior
Year:
Struggle
Senior Year: The End of an Era
Freshman year is all about meeting new
people and settling into high school. Hannah
Schmidt, a freshman at Mercy, knows all about
this change. Schmidt is a Varsity swimmer
and spends most of her time in the pool. After
school, Schmidt works on some homework,
watches TV, and then goes to swim practice.
“I don’t really have that much to do
after school,” said Schmidt. “Freshman
year isn’t really that challenging. I usually
have a lot of free time after school.”
Even though this year is not that busy,
Schmidt understands that next year will
be busier. Schmidt has heard all about the
pressures of each year. Despite this, she still
looks forward to her next three years at Mercy.
Around 4:00 p.m., Katie Coerdt is running
down the field in field hockey or tackling an
opponent in soccer. When she gets home,
Coerdt does her homework until it’s time
for dinner. After eating, she usually finishes
up more homework, showers, and then
watches TV if there’s time before going
to sleep. Compared to last year, Coerdt
said this year is definitely more hectic.
“This year is different from freshmen year
because it is more studying and the concepts
are harder to understand,” said Coerdt.
Coerdt believes she gets more homework
than last year. Still, with all the homework,
sports, and other responsibilities, Coerdt
wishes she had more time to just relax.
No matter how much one mentally
prepares, junior year is always difficult. Junior
Lindsey Tartaglia especially agrees with
this because she has cross country and track
practices after school. After practice, Tartaglia
goes home, eats, and goes online. It’s usually
pretty late when she finishes her homework,
and she often misses precious hours of sleep.
“This year is definitely harder,” said
Tartaglia. “I have a lot more homework
than freshman or sophomore year. I get
a lot less sleep than the past two years.”
Junior
year
is
much
different.
Tartaglia doesn’t have much free time.
“I used to have time to watch TV,”
said Tartaglia. “Thank God for DVR.”
During senior year, many girls often find
that they have some extra time after school.
This holds true for senior Taylor Steffl. Steffl
typically has time for a after school snack and
then watches whatever is on TV. At 6:30, she
gets ready for her daily swim practice. Before
sleeping, she works on homework, creeps
on Facebook, and talks to her boyfriend.
“I’ve had so much more fun this year than
I’ve had the last couple of years,” said Steffl.
Despite homework, sports, and other
activities, Steffl still finds some time for
leisure. With more free time on her hands,
Steffl has gone to most of the Mercy dances
this year. Steffl now focuses enjoying high
school because it’s her last year at Mercy.
A Royal Engagement
England’s anticipation grows as wedding day approaches
couple and their guests, followed by
a private dinner for close family and
friends, hosted by the Prince of Wales.
Fair Use:brides.com
W
Fasting for Lent
Photo by Paige Taliaferro
More than 50 members of the Royal
Family and 40 members of foreign royal
families will be in attendance, along with
edding bells will
over 200 members of government and
be
ringing
in
Parliament. Other guests expected
both
England
to attend are college classmates,
and the Mercy
and close relatives of Diana.
community this spring. Prince
The list includes David and
William will marry Kate Middleton
Victoria Beckham, close friends
on April 29th, 2011, along with
of Prince William; Elton John,
Spanish teacher Kelly LaBelle
a friend of Prince William’s
and fiance Nick Bickes. late mother, Diana; and Kanye
Prince William, 28, met Middleton,
West, whom William selected to
29, at St. Andrews University
perform at Diana’s 2007 tribute.
where they regularly saw each
However, seeming to be missing
other in lecture halls and tutorials.
from the list are the Obamas.
Even though they moved in as
William’s
brother Prince
flatmates as second year students,
Harry willserveashisbestman,while
the romance was not confirmed
Kate’s sister Pippa Middleton will
until photos leaked of the two
fill the role of her maid of honor.
kissing on the Casanna Alp slopes
According to reports in
in Switzerland in January 2006.
British newspapers, Alexander
If Prince William had chosen
McQueen’s creative director, Sarah
to marry before the age of 25, he
Burton, is designing Middleton’s
would have needed the consent of
gown.
Although
McQueen’s
his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth
reps deny the news, it is said
II. At 29, Middleton will be the oldest Kate Middleton poses with Prince William
Middleton chose Burton’s design
royal bride to walk down the aisle. and shows off her 18-carat ring. Their
for her “discretion, talent, and
The pair will be married at wedding is scheduled for April 29th.
quirky, feminine take on elegance.”
Westminster Abbey in London
On her ring finger, Middleton
which holds significance for the Royal
The invitations, which arrived in wears the same platinum and 18 carat
Family. Westminster Abbey hosted the pale brown envelopes on the doorstep blue sapphire diamond engagment
wedding of The Queen and Prince of those invited read, “The Lord ring that Prince William’s father
Philip in 1947, the wedding of King Chamberlain is commanded by the gave to his mother in February, 1981. George VI and Queen Elizabeth, and the Queen to invite [name] to the marriage
The
couple
will
reportedly
wedding of Prince Charles (William’s of His Royal Highness Prince William spend
their
honeymoon
at
father) and Princess Diana, as well as of Wales, K.G. with Miss Catherine Balmoral
Castle
in
Scotland.
the funeral of Princess Diana in 1997. Middleton at Westminster Abbey on
Although
some
think
they
According to BBC News, “the couple Friday, 29th April, 2011 at 11.00 a.m.” planned their wedding in regards
chose the Abbey for its staggering
Nineteen hundred invitations were to Prince William and Middleton,
beauty, 1,000 year royal history and sent for the Westminster Abbey service. Ms.
LaBelle
says
otherwise.
its feeling of intimacy despite its size.” Six hundred of those guests will go to
“We had our date first, we picked the
After the service, the Queen will the lunch hosted by the Queen, while date in December 2009,” said Labelle.
host a wedding reception for the 300 will attend the private dinner. “We are so cool the royals copied us.”
DANA FOUCHIA
DESIGN EDITOR
The
Sophomores write their Lenten sacrifices on slips of paper and place
them into the suggestion box near the reception area.
A season of alms, fasting and prayer
RACHEL ANCTIL
FEATURES EDITOR
A
round this time of year
those of the Catholic
tradition generally set
themselves apart from
others. From the girl who turns
down a slice of cake at a party, to
the guy who turns off the radio in
his car, to the man who sets aside
fifteen minutes a day for prayer,
the reason is the same: Lent.
Lent is a season of sacrifice with
the intent of bringing believers
closer to God. When people give
something up, it reminds them of
what Jesus gave up on their behalf.
Letting go of a vice can be
difficult and those few moments
each
day
when
temptation
creeps up, it gives Catholics the
opportunity to rely on the Lord
for strength and encouragement.
With the proper motivations, Lent
can be very helpful to one’s faith;
however, often in society today,
Lenten aspirations slip from a holy
experience to something shallow.
Many people shape their
perceptions of Lent around how
they can somehow perfect their
appearance or lifestyle, and God
becomes merely a secondary notion.
“I think too often we give things
up for just ourselves,” said senior
Bridget Johnson. “I want to lose 8
pounds, or I want to exercise every
day, are not bad things per se, but
you have to think about how what
you are doing will bring you closer
to God. It’s not New Year’s; it’s time
for you to better yourself for society.
It is time to better yourself for God.”
While Lent is often associated
with
only
Catholicism,
anybody
can
benefit
from
participation in this tradition.
“I
think
everyone
can
participate in Lent,” said Johnson.
Breathe In, Breathe Out
Yoga becomes a popular exercise and stress reliever for all ages
MEGAN BOLTON
STAFF REPORTER
A
s both teenagers and
students alike, we tend
to be thrust into highstress
environments
that can take a toll on our mental
and emotional health.
Constant
reminders of paper deadlines, musical
rehearsals, finding a date to A-Ball,
nagging parents, soccer tryouts,
test grades; the list never ends.
Eventually we reach a breaking point
when our bodies are screaming at us
to take it easy. Too many of these
breaking points, and some people
may find themselves looking into the
black hole of depression, panic and
anxiety. Most psychiatrists with these
types of patients would normally
recommend a medication or antidepressant, which may be harmful to
younger ages. However, there is also
a second option to consider. This
alternative is natural, healthy, and
can be done by all ages to improve
mental and emotional health: yoga.
Yoga is practiced by people all
over the world.
Religions such
as Hindu were born from yoga,
but it can also be thought of as a
general spiritual practice. Today
yoga has evolved into a way of
improving strength and well-being
through mind, body, and soul.
According to the American Yoga
Association (or AYA), depression
has a tendency of creeping slowly
into lives, beginning with breathing
patterns, which can change due to
stress or illness. But by practicing
yoga,
the
heavy
breathing
techniques used during the practice
restore oxygen flow to the brain
and other various parts of the body.
“Yoga exercises put pressure on
glands and organs, helping them
to produce the soothing, healing
chemical balance that is needed
to feel well and be well,” the AYA
website explains. “Yoga exercises
improve
circulation,
sending
invigorating oxygen to your brain
and all your muscles. The stretching
and
strengthening
movements
flush toxins from the body.”
In recent years medical researchers
have been conducting studies on
patients with depression, high anxiety,
and post-traumatic stress disorder
in connection with practicing yoga.
Duke University examined over 200
patients with mental illnesses such
as depression who practiced yoga
daily instead of taking medication.
At the end of a four week program
the patients experienced 95-100%
improvement in their well-being
without having to take prescription
drugs. A 10-month follow up on
the group showed they maintained
the highest remission rate because
of their continual yoga practice.
Mercy senior Arianna Bickle has
been practicing yoga for awhile and
says she has had some rough days
when yoga has benefited her mood.
“Taking yoga [classes] helped
to ease the mess from my head
and focus on what is important
in my life,” Bickle said.
“You
leave the class feeling a weight
somewhat off your shoulder.”
Junior Amy Nabozny pratices
bikram yoga (practicing yoga in hot
temperatures) as a way to help solve
her problems from school and life.
“Yoga is extremely beneficial
physically and mentally,” she
said. “Afterwards I feel I can attack
my problems with a clear mind.”
These girls aren’t even scratching
the surface when it comes to
yoga practicers who have found
a better peace of mind. Nabozny
encourages people to give it a try
because the results are very clear.
“I think everyone should see for
themselves what it can do for you.”
11
ENTERTAINMENT
1 April 2011
’
Why Can’t Rappers Stand Alone?
More artists collaborating and building on the success of others
S
crolling down the Billboard
Hot 100 List, it’s hard not
to notice the number of
rappers teaming up to
make a hit song. Some of these
include Chris Brown, Lil Wayne
and Busta Rhymes on the track
“Look at me Now,” Waka Flocka
Flame, Roscoe Dash and Wale on
the track “No Hands,” DJ Khaled,
Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross
and T-Pain on the track “All I
Do is Win,” and Lil Wayne,
Nicki Minaj, Tyga, Gudda,
Drake, Lloyd,
and
Jae Millz on Young
Money’s
track
“Bedrock.”
“I think
the more the
merrier,”
s a y s
Whitney
Jennings,
a junior. “I
definitely
appreciate
more
than
one artist on a
track, especially
if
they’re
completely different stylistically
like Gaga and Beyonce, Lil
Wayne and Kevin Rudolph
or Nicki Minaj and Jay Sean.”
Since 2009 it seems there has
been an increase in songs featuring
more than one artist. These
collaborations and remixes usually
do well, but why
does it take two,
three, or four
rappers taking
turns on one
song to do well in the charts?
One reason is that these
collaborations attract fans of all the
artists involved to gain purchases
and airplay. For example, fans of
Nicki Minaj may buy the track
“Monster,” even though they may
not like Jay-Z or Kanye West but
every artist on the song makes
money regardless.
Another reason
is to
help lesser known
artists break into
the music scene. For example, P.
Diddy’s track “Coming Home”
brought Skylar Grey to the public’s
attention, even though she had
already been trying to establish
herself as a singer songwriter ,
earning a Grammy nomination
for her work on Eminem’s
track “Love the Way You Lie.”
Finally, rappers may team up to
help catalyze a comeback. After
over a year on hiatus, Eminem
came back with a verse on the
track “Crack a Bottle.” Similarly,
his mentor, Dr. Dre, made a
cameo on the track “I Need
a Doctor” as a prelude to
a long awaited album.
All previously
mentioned
tracks
spent time on iTunes Top
Ten Most Downloaded
and experienced radio
overplay. Can there be too
much of a good thing?
Lil Wayne is a prime
example of a rapper
who has done his fair
share of remixes and
collaborations. “Weezy F.
Baby” has recorded over
725 songs and has been
featured in over 1,000.
port.com
theradre
Fair Use:
KRISTIN LE MARBE
STAFF REPORTER
At any given time since the release
of “Lollipop” in 2008, Lil Wayne’s
name has been on the Billboard
Hot 100. He also founded Young
Money Entertainment, the label
responsible for the success
of Drake and Nicki Minaj.
Young Money has consistently
released track after track featuring
its best rappers together: Lil
Wayne and Drake on “Miss Me,”
Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj on
“Knockout,” Drake and Nicki
Minaj on “Moment 4 Life,” Lil
Wayne and Drake on “Right
Above It,” the list goes on and on.
Although you couldn’t tell by the
success these songs have achieved
in the charts, most listeners are
finding the repetition tiring.
“If you’re hearing the same
rappers over and over like Drake,
Nicki Minaj, and Lil Wayne, you
feel like you can’t get away!”
said sophomore Angel Parker.
It seems the secret to a hit
song is to feature at least one
complimentary artist on your
track, but not to have their name
featured throughout your album.
Some rappers need to establish
themselves before trying to hold
their own against industry legends.
Artists like Kanye West and Jay-Z are no strangers to collaborating.
Movie Spotlight: The Last Train Home
KATE JOHNSON
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
S
o
rarely
are
modern
producers able to objectively
present a story and let it
speak for itself. Lixin Fan,
in his newest film, The Last Train
Home, proves that he is one of the
few great story tellers that can
convey sadness with the finesse of
utmost simplicity.
The Last Train Home chronicles
the lives of a family of modern day
Chinese migrant workers as they
join the largest human migration
on earth to return to their homes in
the rugged Chinese mountains for
one week.
Forced to leave their rural
homes for the promise of money
in an ever expanding industry,
Zhang Changhua, and his wife of
17 years, Chen Suqin, left their two
young children in the care of their
grandmother to pursue jobs in the
city of Guangzhou. This shocking
documentary exposes the divide
between China as an industrial
superpower and as a nation caught
on the brink of mass poverty, and
shows the struggle of its people to
retain their dignity.
Their daughter, Qin, is
consumed with feelings of anger
and inadequacy as she views her
parents’ absence as their preference
of money over her. She lives with
her grandmother and brother in a
small rural village in China, and
although both her parents and her
grandparents implore her to stay
in school, she leaves for the city
factories to live the only life that
she has been shown.
Along
with
stunning
cinematography,
Lixin
Fan’s
ability to portray his subjects as
people, instead of glorified or
exaggerated characters, makes for
a haunting masterpiece. Aided
by the use of surprising camera
angles, Fan captures the mass
emigration of 130 million people
with a surprising objectivity that
gives the film part of its unique
feel.
The Last Train Home is definitely
a film worth taking the time to
watch.
The beautiful images
it presents, coupled with the
shocking message it carries, make
it one of few movies that are not
easily forgotten.
Fair Use: FilmTalk.com
Fan’s new film depicts the hardships of Chinese migrant workers
The Chinese migrant workers are relocated by train in The Last Train Home.
The journey of a Chinese family is portrayed as difficult and frightening
STAFF
PICKS
Forever the Sickest
Parks
and Recrea
tion
Stars and guests
of Saturday Night
appear in other pa
Live will often
rts of television.
Amy Poehler follo
suit with her show
ws
, Parks and Recreati
on, matching the
quality of those lik
e The Office and 30
Rock. In fact, this
newer comedy fe
els reminiscent of
the two. For one
thing, Poehler ’s sta
rring character Le
slie Knope and
her staff film as a
documentary of
Pawnee, Indiana’s
parks and rec. m
anagement, muc
h like The Office.
Rashida Jones (k
Even
nown for her role
as Karen on The
Office), has a role
in the series as Le
slie’s best friend
The staff is just as
Ann.
unique as 30 Rock
’s. Aziz Ansari’s
character, Tom is
a self-assured pa
rty boy and ladies
man. There’s also
’
a delightfully mon
otone young
April, the very de
finition of “bro,”
Andy, the berate
Jerry, Donna, and
d
various romantic
interests. Above
all employees is
moustached Ron
Swanson, who ha
gained recent med
s
ia recognition fo
r the show becaus
of the Internet’s im
e
pressive gallery
of “Cats Who
Look Like Ron Sw
anson.” Parks and
Recreation airs
Thursdays at 9:3
0 on NBC.
-Caroline H
artland
Kids
ber Four
I Am Num
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Adele
ish singer has become a
Although Adele is only 21, this Brit
and the United States. Her first
sensation throughout both Europe
rd for Best New Artist, and her
CD, 19, led her to a Grammy Awa
ular throughout the world.
pop
was
song “Chasing Pavements”
CD 21. This album has already
Adele has just released her latest
British charts. Some songs include
charted in the top U.S. charts and
You”, and “Set Fire to the
Like
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“Rolling in the Deep”, “Someon
les Chart and an album on the
Rain”. With two hits on the Top Sing
le is the only living artist since
Official Album Chart in the UK, Ade
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the Beatles to accomplish this feat
-Kathryn Costello
Forever the Sickes
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from Texas, does
not disappoint w
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se.
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m the album, “K
eep on Bringing
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spective lyrics. Le
ad singer Jonath
asks, “Why does
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ow it keep on br
me down?” Whe
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ther you have be
en a fan since Fo
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rever the
release Underdog
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just hearing of th
u are
em now, their so
phomore album
collection of song
is a great
s that will connec
t to any listener.
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HercamtopLifeu”™sis the motto
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-Dana Fouchia
Newsprint chronicles the
search for senior _ M a g g i e
Lentz’s Hello Kitty coin
purse on page 2.
For more information on the
freak snowstorm expected to
hit during Spring Break, check
NEWSPRINTNOW.NET
Relive every winning moment of Charlie Sheen’s
breakdown on page
6 & 7.
NEWS PRINT
MERCY HIGH SCHOOL 1 APRIL 2011 VOLUME 65 ISSUE 4
29300 W. 11 MILE ROAD FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48336
Women Who Make a Difference
Boys to join Mercy for the first time in the 2011-2012 school year
M
Photo
by Kri
sti
n LeMa
rbe
ercy High School is
now allowing male
students to register
for the 2011-2012
school year and in the years to
come. Changes in the construction
of the science wing occurred last
summer and changes in Mercy’s
student-body composition will
occur this fall.
“It is vital to fully embody
Mercy’s status as a collegepreparatory high-school,” said
Dean of Students Ms.
Jonell Linskey. “The
female sex will not be
the only one students
see in the real world
and it will not be
the
only
o n e
they
see in the classroom.”
Male students will either be
transfer students from neighboring
all-boy schools or freshmen who
desire to attend Mercy. The idea
of merging Catholic Central and
Mercy was considered at one
point but the decision to make
Mercy a co-ed school was deemed
more feasible.
Some parents are dismayed
about the upcoming change.
“I don’t want my daughter
looking at some boy during class,”
said Savanna Strict. “She should
be thinking about the lesson
and focusing during school.
This will be too much of a
distraction.”
Others expressed their
utmost satisfaction with the
plan.
“Why shouldn’t boys and
girls learn together?” asked
Luke Loose. “I went to
a co-education school
and did just fine.”
Initially,
the
number
of
boys
joining Mercy may
be limited.
It is
predicted, however,
that these numbers
will
continually
increase
until
the
number
of
males
and females is evenly
divided.
Another completely
unexpected twist is
the uniform code for
Future Mercy student, Abhi Shah, strikes a signature Mercy girl pose.
Mac Attack
incoming
boys.
To
maintain
the equality
p r e s e n t
throughout
Mercy, it has
been decided
boys, too, will
have to wear
the uniform
kilts.
Their
skirts’ colors
will
match
accordingly
with
the
girls in their
respective
grade level.
Although
boys
may
not
feel
comfortable
w e a r i n g
skirts, it is
important
for
Mercy
students
to have a
cohesive look
and
boys Current Farmington students, Nick Ryba and Payton Ward, model their new Mercy uniforms.
must accept
change is their new need to confident that girls and boys will be
this. School officials hope
they will soon find wearing skirts look appealing in the morning. able to focus in the classroom and
Good-bye to the days of rolling be happier with a coeducational
to be very comfortable.
Some male students were out of bed at 7:55 a.m. and school. This is, however, a trial
If it seems as if
asked about joining Mercy and making it to the car at 8:00. experiment.
how they would feel to be a part Bathing may need to become an grades are dropping and girls’ and
everyday occurrence. Washing boys’ interests are shifting from
of the school.
“I’d love it!” said Dan Delight. and doing hair and smelling education to relationships, Mercy
fresh will now take precedence will revert back to a single-sex
“Register me today!”
school for the 2012-2013 school
The only disadvantage Mercy over being prepared for tests.
The
administration
is year.
girls may face through this
Photo by Kristin LeMarbe
KELLIE BRUE
STAFF REPORTER
Next year’s freshmen to receive MacBook Pros instead of HP Tablets
KATE JOHNSON
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
KRISTIN LeMARBE
STAFF REPORTER
T
he
next
freshmen
class will be receiving
Apple’s latest MacBook
Pro model this fall.
“Switching to Apple will not
impose any extra cost to students,” it a more appealing choice
said Freddy Mercury, a Mercy for parents to send their
High School representative. “In daughters to,” said Mercury.
fact, we think the change cost
School officials are well
less over the years. MacBooks aware of the problems of
are more dependable and we mixing
Apple
computers
believe students will be more into a solidly established
motivated to take care of them HP curriculum, but they are
which will cost both students confident that Mercy will be
and the Tech Department able to make the transition.
much less over the years.”
“We started a single class
Girls will also be able to with the HP Tablets,” said
upgrade and customize their Mercury. “And we consider
MacBook Pros,
from the size of
Adding Macbooks to Mercy’s
the laptop to the
infrastructure will also give
color, memory,
pre-installed
Mercy that extra edge against
s o f t w a r e ,
and
more.
other schools, making it a more
The biggest
difference will
appealing choice for parents
be losing the
tablet
feature.
to send their daughters to
Most
agree
that over the
years the novelty has worn this to be very much the
Consider it a
off. The ability of the tablets same thing.
needed
upgrade.”
to swivel into a notebook has much
Current Mercy students,
its flaws, and Administration
are
more
wants to move towards a however,
of
the
switch.
more conventional piece of critical
“What the heck?” said
equipment such as a MacBook.
“Adding
Macbooks
to freshman McKenzie McIntosh.
want
a
MacBook!”
Mercy’s
infrastructure
will “I
“I
would
have
taken
also give Mercy that extra edge
against other schools, making better care of a Mac,” said
“
junior Isabella Ipod. “It would
have taken better care of me!”
With the addition of MacBooks
will also come the extension
of the Tech Department to
accommodate
the
needs
of
students with the Apple product.
Plans have been made to turn
the group study area in the Media
Center into a Mac Support Lounge.
“This will give those students
with MacBooks the opportunity
to maintain their computers in
a comfortable setting separate
from the Tech Office, which only
supports HP,” said Mercury.
“Our
long
range
plans
include the expansion of the
Mac Support Lounge in the
coming
years,”
he
added.
MacBooks
will
not
be
exclusively offered to next
year’s freshmen class. For
upperclassmen
that
want
upgrade they are welcome
to it, for the same price.
Photo by Kristin LeMarbe
“
Mr. Gary Banks shows off some of Mercy’s new, high tech Apple products
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days until Rebecca
Black concert
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days until official
start of summer
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days until
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