Adam Schihl has been the assistant principal at Clawson High School for three years. He was offered the position at Clawson Middle School as head principal and gladly accepted the opportunity. Being around the high school for your whole career you grow attached and accustomed to the lifestyle of the grade you’re working with. It’s going to be a big change for him, that’ll take a lot of getting used to.
“I’m very excited and I think it’s a very good opportunity for my career. I’m happy the superintendent has faith in me to be able to do the job.”
Although Schihl is excited for his move to bigger and better things, he will be missing his life here at the High School. “I’m really going to miss everything. The teachers, parents and staff have impacted me tremendously over the years. It’s a big step, and honestly is right down the hall. I’m going to miss it but this is a very big chance for me to become something bigger.”
Change is good. Schihl now gets to experience a whole new career and the opportunity he received should not be passed up.When go to change in your life and get new experiences in life and get to do new opportunities. Mr.Schihl is loved by everyone in Clawson High School and everyone is sad to see him go after such a short time, but he’s doing what best for him and his family. The good thing about his move is he’ll only be 2 min away so it’ll be easy to visit him.
Senior Paper or Make it or Break it By: Nadia McNamara
The biggest assignment of the year is the senior research paper in the English 12 class. This paper counts for a huge portion of the student’s grade. Also, every part of the paper needs to be turned it on time. No late assignments will be accepted, causing students grades to drop before they even turn in the paper.
The paper can’t be started without preparation. There is research, bib cards, note cards and citations to do. Then the paper can really be started. This is a long process that some kids would rather not do. Some of the students would rather just start writing the essay on their own, instead of taking so much time on the preparation.
“I just want to write the paper and not waste time, it would turn out the same either way.” Said senior, Grace Kulesza.
For the seniors, it’s not just a paper; it’s a weight on their shoulders. Of course the paper is good for the students because it shows them what college papers will be like, but it is also stressing them out. The final paper has to be at least 6 pages long. Most students haven’t wrote a paper anywhere near that length.
“The senior paper is too long, I can’t write that much.” Said senior, Tedi Ameli.
The paper is a make it or break it situation for seniors with bad grades. This may be their final chance at graduation which makes it pretty scary for some people. Some students are really giving it all they have in a final chance at making it. These papers will bring some kids total joy and other complete disappointment. It is pretty harsh on these graduating seniors.
Final Goodbye or Seniors Last Week By: Alexis Warren
The tests are over, the weekend is done, it’s the last week of high school for the top dogs, and senioritis is at an all time high. Everyone is burned out with thoughts of summer consuming their minds. Everyone is unsure how they’re going to get through these next four days, seniors need to finish well and finish strong.
Senior Adam Bartley shared his thoughts. "I'm excited to be out of here. Ready for my summer to start. This is the last chance for my class to be together before we all go our separate ways. I hope we can end as one."
It’s an emotional rollercoaster as we leave high school. Most people know where they are going to school and are ready to pack their bags and start their new life. The future is here. People are on their own, no more school 7 hours a day, 5 days a week. This is one of the biggest accomplishments in a persons life, graduation. Everything you worked hard for since you were 5 years old, comes to now. No more sports teams, or pop quizzes. No more school dances, or gross cafeteria lunches. All these good and bad, fun and boring, happy and sad times are coming to an end. It’s a crazy feelings, but most people cannot wait to be out of here.
Senior Jennifer Pentecost stated, "The last week is so stressful. We have exams in all of our classes, while trying to put together prom and graduation. There’s not enough time in a day. I can't wait for it all to be over."
Many seniors describe it as bittersweet. As much as they want to be gone, Clawson High has been their home for the past four years. This is where they’ve had heartbreaks, and found their best friend. It’s hard for teenagers to let things like that go. As seniors walk out the door for the last time, I hope the best memories roll through their heads. Their life is about the change and this moment should be cherished.
Picture Submitted by Jacquilynn Kent
The Commitment to Change By: Alexis Warren
High School is a time for smiles and laughs, but also stress and tears. For some people they are the best years of their life, and for some they are the worst. It was a rough start for senior, Jacquilynn Kent. Until her sophomore years she wasn’t enjoying her time here at Clawson High. She had many obstacles to overcome in the past years. One day she finally came out and talked about it.
“It was the best decision I ever made. If only I had done it sooner.”
The 18 year old softball star had more to worry about than getting good grades in school. It was the first semester of sophomore year when she was about to break down. She was going through more than you could ever imagine. Like most girls, Jacquilynn wasn’t the best at talking about her feelings. She didn’t see the point of venting to anyone, because she knew it would not solve the problem, nothing would solve the problem. High school is a tough road, especially when you have struggles outside of it. She finally caved and went to the office to have a meeting with Mrs. Ewick, the schools guidance counselor. She let everything out, and her one and only regret is that she waited so long.
“My relationship with my parents improved like crazy, I had more opportunities to see my friends, and my grades increased. It was a miracle.”
She describes her situation with the word difficult. She has now got to enjoy her last two years of highschool with the weight lifted off of her shoulder. Jacquilynn plans to attend Oakland Community College until she can attend Michigan State University. The change she made two years ago has given her many opportunities today. With going to high school and keeping her grades up, to playing sports, and working a job at Hardees in Hazel Park, Jacquilynn’s schedule is crazy. She stressed the fact that if anything is bothering you, you should talk about it. No matter how big or small it is, nothing bad will come from letting it out. Everyone should learn something from Jacquilynn Kent. There is always someone there to talk to, whether you see it or not. If something is on your mind, Speak up, it will benefit you in ways you wouldn’t think possible!
Erin Shrum and Jared Ocampo
#Promposal By: Alexis Warren
Prom is right around the corner, and the wait is now over for students to get asked by their dream date. It’s the most important dance of the year. It’s one of the biggest events of a high-schooler’s life. It might not be a big deal when you get older, but right now- it’s all we have to worry about.
“It’s been on everybody's mind for months. It has to be a perfect night,” senior Erin Shrum stated.
Now a days, boys and girls have to go above and beyond to ask their special someone to Prom. The phrase, “Promposal,” has recently been favored among high schools to describe the extravagant ways people are asked to the dance. From posters, jewelry, balloons, flowers, and food; the students of Clawson High are on the right track this year. Hoping for a “yes” or at least a like on instagram, you must be completely creative and do something nobody else has!
Jared Ocampo was one of the first to ask his significant other: “ I asked her after she won her softball game! The poster read, “Hey #3, Will you go to prom with me?” I thought it was pretty clever, but I had to do it before anyone else stole my idea. Oh, and she said yes!”
Almost everything has been done, it’s super difficult to be creative and do something nobody else has. Look it up on YouTube -- 53,00 videos have been posted of them asking their date, or of them getting asked. Nobody is sure where the word started, or when exactly.
Eric Stephenson, Senior, expresses his thoughts on the topic. “Every year there’s more pressure to do it better. It’s become a really big thing. If you do it big, and you do it in public, there’s a pretty good chance that she’ll say yes!”
So boys, time is running out. Get those creative juices flowing and start planning the perfect Promposal. It can be over the top or short and sweet. The key to a perfect prom starts with the perfect date. The key to a perfect date starts with the best promposal! It’s a night to remember, so make sure you do it right!!!!
Some extra cash, at what cost? By: Nadia McNamara 28 March 2014
Are jobs for high schoolers helping or hurting the students? According to newsok.com, one in four high schoolers over 16 work a part-time job; 3 million nationwide. From ascd.com, the majority of students are only earning between $4.25 and $6 per hour. At that rate, it’s a very slow pace income that is supposed to help them pay for very expensive college.
Also stated in newsok, students who work more than fifteen hours a week are more likely to have issues with low grades, smoking, drinking, and drug use. The student may not even have time to complete homework or study. If they have too much on their plate, it may be why they start looking for drugs as a way to relax.
“Work sucks, but it’s gotta be done,” said Senior Matt Pike.
What about their social life? If a student has school, work, homework, and possibly a sport; how in the world do they make time to hang out with friends or spend time with family? Having social interactions is an important part of growing up.
“It is nice to have all the free time, especially when I can focus on baseball,” Senior David Harlukowicz stated.
Of course having a job isn’t all bad. Besides making money, some would say it builds character by teaching responsibility and independence. Also high schoolers learn important skills like time management and organization.
“It takes up a lot of time, but I love my job and the people I work with,” Senior Grace Kulesza said.
The job experience can also look good on college or job applications. Does that mean colleges are pushing for more kids to have jobs? Many high schoolers have their job to help pay for college. They are trying to meet the very high standards for an education. Also while trying to pay for college, kids need to get good grades to get in. Maybe some of the blame should fall on the college.
It is for you to decide whether or not you think high schoolers should be working part-time jobs. It’s your choice whether you'll have one or your kids will. Knowing these facts could change your mind.
Do you agree with 0’s? By: Hannah Stigleman 27 March 2014
Having good grades is a very important thing when it comes to high school, but for many students it’s a struggle to keep them up. One of the main reasons students have a hard time with their grades, or just choose to give up in school, is because many teachers do not accept late work. When balancing six classes, remembering all of your homework from when you were absent is difficult. It’s very common to forget your assignment or to not do it.
Although forgetting may seem like it’s just a small mistake, it makes a huge impact on your grade in that class. Students don’t realize how much a zero in the gradebook affects their grade. After it’s a zero, most teachers are not going to accept the late assignment.
“I think that they should accept the late work because it’s better to get some credit instead of not getting any at all. I get that they’re trying to teach us to be responsible and get our work turned in on time, but in a way we’re being responsible by taking action and trying to save our grades,” Sophomore Savannah Bedford said.
One of the English teachers at Clawson High does not put missing assignments in the gradebook as zero’s she puts them in as 55%, that way the students get some credit and it doesn’t cause as dramatic of a drop in their grade. There is good reasoning behind it, but not every student agrees with it.
Another English teacher here at Clawson has her own grading strategy.
“Late work is a debatable topic. Many times it creates more work for the teacher in order to help a student who didn’t do the work in the first place. Grades are earned not given. If a student doesn’t turn in an assignment, she (or he) can’t earn a grade,“ English teacher, Mrs. Horne, said.
It’s your responsibility to decide whether you are going to get your work done or not. It may be hard, but teachers have the authority to accept late work or not.
Animal Abuse By: Nadia McNamara 18 March 2014
Animal abuse and torture happens every day in the United States. Animal abuse is the human infliction of suffering or harm upon animals. Neglect is not giving an animal the right food, water, shelter or vet care.
According to peta.org, all of the United States have animal cruelty laws, but only 47 states treat some forms of animal abuse as felonies. There are 900 to 2,000 new cases every year of animal hoarding in the United States, with a quarter of a million animals falling victim.
Also over 100 million animals are killed in U.S. laboratories every year. From another website, dosomething.org, puppy mills are large scale commercial breeding operations that put greater priority on profits than the health of the dogs. Also dog fighting has been reported in urban, suburban and rural settings in all regions of the country.
“It breaks my heart. I don't know how someone could watch a helpless animal suffer,” says CHS Senior, Liz Struzik.
The abuse or neglect can have long-lasting effects on the animals, ranging from scarceness to aggressive behavior. Some animals can recover from these effects, but sadly they all don’t. Animals that stay aggressive or constantly frightened usually do not end up adopted and the shelter or foster family is often forced to humanely kill the animal.
“I think people get away with it too easily. The fines and jail times are so minor that it doesn't help very much,” says another Clawson Senior, Matt Pike.
Research in psychology and criminology shows that people who commit acts of cruelty to animals don't stop there, many of them move on to their fellow humans. Animal crime felonies can be as little as one night in jail and $100 fines. These criminals should also be investigated to see if they're harming anyone else. Will anything ever get better with such small charges? Only time will tell.
Graduation : Opening The Door By: D’Juan Taylor
The big day is getting closer and closer. The day where everyone goes their separate ways to pursue their dreams of whatever they want to become. The day when friends reminisce on past memories they’ve shared during their high school career. The day when life becomes challenging. This day is graduation. I know seniors have been waiting on this day forever, and now that it’s right around the corner. It’s all starting to become bittersweet. I, along with the rest of the 2014 senior class, have made many memories with each other, and for it to come to an end is hard to sink in.
“It’s hard to think that, in a few days I won’t be considered a high school student anymore. It hasn’t sunk in just yet but I’m pretty sure it will, come graduation,” says Charles Tarver.
“I’ve always wanted to travel a lot, so maybe joining the Navy will bring that opportunity.” He added.
I talked to a few more seniors about how they’re feeling on graduation.
“It’s crazy, at the same time I’m just ready to graduate, but then I want to stay a kid a little while longer, after this I’m forced to grow up. I have to worry about college, bills, finding a place to live, and figure out what I want to be in the future. It’s scary to think about”. Jamar Vaughn, another Clawson High senior stated. “ I’m going out into the ‘real’ world now”. He concluded.
With so little time between now and graduation, all we can really do now is just wait and hope for the best for each other. High School has been a blast for me, sure it’s been some pretty tough times, but that’s what you learn from, it’s what makes you stronger as a person.
Middle School To High School By: Ramone Boothe Maurice Mitchell is a senior of Clawson High School class of 2014. He grew up with seven brothers and ten sisters, seven being older and nine younger. I picked someone that I’m not really close to interview about his transition from middle school to high school. He went to Mason Middle school in Waterford, MI. He enjoyed middle school a lot and said it’s more fun. “You had less responsibilities and pressure on you. It was all about fun and games with all your friends.”
Middle school had its ups and downs. But in his opinion, high school was more fun because of all the freedom that you have in high school. I wanted to get real personal and ask personal questions involving peer pressure in high school but he denied any relations with it.
“I’m an athlete. I only see myself as having a positive outlook on life. I want to take 5 steps forward and not take any steps back.”
In middle school is also where he found his first of many girlfriends. Of course, they were just flings and nothing serious. He really found his first real love this year in high school when he was looking for a long term relationship.
“When you’re in middle school you just have crushes on girls and mess around and don’t really take it serious. When I got into high school I actually found a girl I really liked and it felt really good. No feeling is better than love and I’m happy I found that I love all those fun and games in middle school but when you have something serious its way better.”
Running with success Claw
By: Ramone Boothe
The Clawson track team is excited about the season this year as they look to have a strong start this against Warren Lincoln. The track team has a couple veterans who’ve been running track since freshmen year and can’t wait to tackle the talent.
Senior, Jamar Vaughn shares his excitement. “ I can’t wait to get back out on the field. The weather has been holding us back, but to see the sun out means the best time of the year is approaching, which is running track with all my friends for the last time!”
The team has less returning players this year, but the players who have been running all four years are ready to step up and teach the newcomers. It’s going to be a tough season, but Clawson plans to come out strong.
“I’ve been running track since freshmen year so I know what I’m doing. We have a lack of experience this year but that won’t hold us back while I’m here. I’m going to teach the younger players as much as I can before I leave so our team can stay great for future seasons,” said Senior, Kavon Thompson.
Prom Season By Alexis Warren 27 March 2014
The end of the school year is around the corner. It’s a really important time for students, especially seniors. Senioritis is kicking in, and thoughts of spring break, graduating, and the very last time hurrah, Prom, consume the minds of upper-classmen.
Senior, Eric Stephenson shared his feelings about the dance. “It’s the last time with our class. A bittersweet feeling to say the least. I can’t wait!”
Girls are going crazy over who they are going to get asked by, and if so, how. Recently the trend of getting asked in a cute way to dances blew up. It’s on everyone's mind. The boys are nervous. Who’s going to be the first to ask? Who will have the best idea? They are running out of time to create the girl’s fantasy, and to hopefully, receive a yes.
“Guys get all this stupid pressure to make sure they ask girls in the best way. It’s like a competition. I’m not taking part in it. If a girl wants to go with me, I’ll be sure to ask. But I don’t think it’s necessary to over-do it,” said Rob Foster.
The dress is the next issue everyone is stressing about. Some people go as far as spending almost a thousand dollars on a single dress. Nobody can wear the same one! Sometimes even the same color is a problem.
Morgan Rushing said, “I got my dress in February so that I would have time to get everything else together. I also had the best choices because the cute dresses go fast. It didn’t take me long to find my dream senior prom dress. I can’t wait to show everyone!”
Prom is on everybody's mind. The end of the school year is creeping up so get ready for the “promposals” and the crazy dress shopping.
Spring Break Tips By: Hannah Coakley 27 March 2014
Sunblock: Do you want to be tan? Sure, but don’t let a sunburn keep you down.
Sunglasses: You don’t want to spend the entire trip squinting.
A nice outfit: It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Cell phone charger: Even if you won’t be using your phone for messaging you may want a clock or take pictures and videos.
Drink lots of water and decrease salt intake
Do a juice detox
Join a gym and workout every day until you leave
Picture submitted by Hannah Stigleman
Spring Sports 2014 By: Hannah Stigleman 18 March 2014
The 2014 Spring sport season began March 10th. Since the snow has not melted, it’s questionable if the games and outdoor practices will still start when they are supposed to. As of now, tryouts are being held in the gym for the rest of this week.
Many of the first games begin in just a few weeks, but with the weather we’re supposed to receive, that might not happen.
“I hope our first track meet doesn’t get canceled, but you never know because Michigan is so unpredictable,” Sophomore Quintin Johnson said.
Wednesday of the same week, another storm occurred, and we received another five inches of snow; which unfortunately is giving the games a higher chance of being postponed.
“I really think that our first baseball game will be canceled due to the field conditions. It’s covered in snow; we can’t play in that!” Sophomore Donovan Stepowski said.
They may have to cancel the first few games and reschedule them for the end of the season in June, but there is still a chance they’ll have to play through the weather.
Top 3 ways to Improve ACT Score By: Hannah Coakley and Alexis Warren 18 March 2014
The ACT is one of the most important tests you will take in High School. There is so much pressure to do well because it establishes your future. Your grades will not determine how you do on the ACT. As long as you can handle the pressure, you have a better change at success. Luckily, if you are unhappy with your score, you have many opportunities to improve it.
1. Relax! You have taken the test before so you know what you should expect. 2. There are many classes you can take and/or study books you can purchase. 3. Examine your scores and talk to a teacher or tutor about what you need the most work in.
Junior Robby Jacobson said, “It was harder than I expected. We did all of that review work and tests, so I felt like I was prepared. It was a wakeup call when the five minute timer went off. I’m glad we have a chance to retake it.”
Picture submitted by Hannah Stigleman
The New Truth or Dare By:Alexis Warren 18 March 2014
A new trend roaming through the halls of Clawson High is students betting on a popular smartphone application called Fun Run.
“It’s a competitive game where you can verse up to 3 of your friends in a race,” said sophomore Grant Rushing. “If you hit a mystery box you get options of a speed boost, a saw, a lightning bolt, a shield, etc. All choices help you in the game and hurt the other players.”
Many students have started to bet things, such as tweeting an ex girlfriend, messaging a crush, or making an enemy their “Women Crush Wednesday”. It has even gone as far as asking other people to prom.
Senior Olivia Paquette shared her thoughts with us on these games. “I think people are taking it too far. They’re betting prom dates now. If I found out that the reason I got asked to prom was because they lost in a video game, I would be pretty upset. But hey, that’s just me.”
Rumor has it that student Tedi Ameli had to ask best friend, Eva Gjidoda on a date and claim his love for her.
“I didn’t know what to expect at first. It was so awkward, and I wasn’t sure if it was serious,” Eva explained to us.
Later on, Tedi broke the news that it was all because of his loss, Eva was relieved.
You can’t walk down the halls without hearing someone yell “funrun”! It’s the newest trend at CHS, and I’m curious to see what’s next.