AlecXis Glass

Many seniors have older siblings who remember graduating at the Breslin Center. The Breslin is a large venue with more than one level, so their parents could easily see them walk across the stage. Being in a Big Ten arena made many feel they had accomplished something great. According to the Lansing School District, there are no plans to return to the Breslin Center any time soon.

A contract has been signed with the Lansing Center for the 2012 graduation. Building head secretaries, principals, assistant superintendents and superintendents have been meeting to plan this year’s celebration, and have been looking at ways to make graduation at the Lansing Center a better experience.

During last year’s graduation, the Lansing Center ran out of chairs for families and staff brought in more during the valedictorian speeches. According to Assistant Superintendent Jim Davis, the lack of chairs was something unforeseen, but something that they’ve learned for this year.

“Everett was our largest group. There were more people than we anticipated,” said Davis.

Some staff are hopeful that this year’s graduation will be better considering they know what problems may occur.

“I know there was room for improvement. Graduation at the Breslin went smoothly because we knew what to do,” said head secretary Juanita Kennedy.

Even as people work to improve this year’s experience, many seniors express doubt that graduation will be the event they are hoping for.

“Graduation is such a big celebration, and I feel like it will be chaotic at the Lansing Center,” said 2012 class president Raven Odom.

The Lansing School District has its reasons for switching locations and has hope that this year will be better.

“We want to do graduation in the city of Lansing, and the Lansing Center is the only venue in the city large enough to accommodate the people we expect,” said Davis. “[Also], our district is dealing with major budget issues. The Lansing Center is great and has a lower cost.”

Still, some students and staff have concerns about the issues from last year and don’t want those problems to repeat themselves.

“After one year [at the Lansing Center], I truly appreciate the Breslin Center,” said social studies teacher Judith Hightower. “[Breslin had] the parking and…enough space to ensure anyone that wanted to come see their loved one’s graduation could be accommodated.” Hightower also said she thought it was hard for parents to see their children at the Lansing Center.

Though news reports were said to be exaggerated, a fight that the media called “massive” broke out after the Sexton graduation, which didn’t help people see the Lansing Center as an attractive venue.

“I think the Breslin is much more secure in light of what happened after Sexton’s graduation,” said Hightower. “Overall, the Breslin is a better facility for rehearsal and commencement.”

Despite the harsh comments about last year’s commencement, staff members responsible for planning are still optimistic about the upcoming graduation.

“We are looking at how to arrange the chairs in order to have better sight-line. It’s important that people can see,” said Davis. “Even though the cost is high, we want the experience to be excellent. That’s why we review each ceremony year to year. We have had great cooperation from the Lansing Center regarding concerns.”

With Breslin Center off the table, the idea of graduating in the football stadium has become popular and many seniors would prefer that.

“I think it’s an awesome idea to graduate at the place you spent your high school career,” said 2012 class adviser Jennifer West.

According to staff members that have been in the Lansing School District for decades, graduation has been held in the football stadium before.

“Graduation in the 1970s was held at the Lansing Civic Center. In the late ‘70s, graduation was held at [Eastern High School’s] Johnson Field House,” explained Kennedy. “In the early ‘80s, Everett graduated [on] the football field. In 1991, graduation was held at the Breslin. Last year was our first year at the Lansing Center.”

Related posts:

1. 2011 says goodbye to Breslin stage By Shaquila Doss Walking across the stage at graduation is...
2. Last steps before graduation: a senior to-do list Serena Skief Reporter It’s almost time for the seniors to...
3. Everett’s own Rachel Lewis runs for Lansing School Board of Education Amber Love Guest Reporter Elections for the Lansing Board of...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

With the girl’s soccer season starting soon they are working hard to prepare for it. The soccer team did a lot better last season than they have in previous years.
“We actually did really good”, said Sierra Shepard. “We were close to a 500”.
Shepard explained that a 500 is winning half of the games and losing half of the games.
To continue improvement the soccer team started conditioning earlier. Conditioning will include running to get in shape and weight lifting to get stronger.
Goals for the upcoming season are of course to win more games. Shepard believes it can happen.
“To win more games we have to work together as a team. We have a lot of skills we just need to put them together,” said Shepard
There are other areas where the soccer team could use improvement. Not just something practice can help.
“We need to talk to each other on and off the field, better our relationship with each other”, said Julie Oviedo
If you are interested in trying soccer Shepard encourages girls to come to conditioning which is on Mondays and Thursdays from 4-5:30
The Lady Vikings are looking forward to having another great season filled with lots of success.

Related posts:

1. Soccer team wins conference bragging rights, competes for District crown this week Jacob Venable Reporter The Viking soccer team is one of...
2. Volleyball team continues improvement Alexus Root Reporter Volleyball is a sport mostly overlooked by...
3. Boys’ team looks to overcome slow start     By Shaquila Doss  The boys’ varsity basketball team...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Everett is recognizing students with good citizenship with a party.  Students eligible for the party are students with 1s and 2s in citizenship in five or more classes.
“We are hosting a house party,” said assistant principal Carl Word.  “Celebrating and recognizing kids with good citizenship.”
The Viking Vanguard is a group of students with good citizenship in five or more classes. So far this year, 650 students have made the Viking Vanguard. There is still time to make the next list. For the most part, students are in favor of the new incentives.
“It’s a good idea to recognize all students that are good,” said junior Lindsay July.
The students that make the Viking Vanguard will be able to choose between watching a movie, playing video games and open gym. The party will take place during fifth and sixth hour. Down the road Mr. Word is looking into going bowling as a treat as well. Maybe even going to Cedar Point for kids that make Vanguard every marking period.
With the school recognizing kids for earning a good citizenship, teachers like English teacher Christi McGonigal hope it will motivate students.
As Word put it, “Everyone can’t make a 3.0.” and the Viking vanguard is a good way to recognize the students that behave well.

Related posts:

1. Viking Success Club reaches out   By Lachonda Beasley The Viking Success Club is an...
2. It’s more challenging than it looks Sophomore Tyler Jones works on his form while practicing...
3. Credit recovery options help students fix their mistakes                by Pahoua Chang ...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

The sophomores finally got their class officers of 2014 set. The class officers are Andrea Fisher as president, Jhalycia Smith as treasurer, Michaela Keck as Secretary, Haliey Cleveland as Vice President, and TaPara Simmons as a big contributor to the sophomore class. Even though they may not be set on what they will be doing for fundraising, they do have some idea’s that they are considering.

“We’re thinking about running bake sales, doing assemblies for students to get a chance to do pies to the face for donations, selling t-shirts and also set up dances to raise money for our class,” said sophomore Class President Andrea Fisher.

Their meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month. Some Sophomores are excited about their new class officers.

“They’re really cool, and I’m glad that they stepped up to the plate to be our class officers,” said Sophomore Jacob Odom.

Corrections made from original story: TaPara’s and Hailey’s name corrected. 

Related posts:

1. Everett joins fight against breast cancer Jasmine McCullough Reporter     The month of October is...
2. “Vikings Give Back” helps community AlecXis Glass  Online Editor Maybe you’ve noticed the signs posted...
3. Cupcakes, cookies, and brownies! Alexus Root Reporter The 6th hour bell rings and you...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

The 6th hour bell rings and you are ready to get out of school, go home, and EAT.
You are rushing to the bus and you get caught by the smell of cookies and cupcakes. You turn back and there is a table full of goodies. There is no need to wait until you get home, a cupcake or a cookie is a dollar right here and now! Most people don’t even know who’s selling it or where the money goes, they just know it’s some cheap sweets for sale.
Money from the bake sale sold after school by the mural goes toward the National Honor Society. It will buy juniors NHS pins, and help seniors buy their NHS stoles for graduation. Everett wants to be able to pay for the pins, like most schools. Fundraising is a good way to get that money needed.
“I don’t have much time to do stuff but I like to help the community and do what I can to help raise money for the seniors so they dont have to pay,” said senior Vasee Xiong.
The stoles for the seniors would be originally $20, but some students can’t afford them. Every bake sale will go toward helping those students get their stoles and pins. If they don’t make enough money to buy stoles and pins for everyone the members of N.H.S will have their pins and stoles paid for and the rest of the money will go to next years fundraising for pins and stoles.
N.H.S does more than just selling baked goods. They also volunteer at hospitals and schools.
“I like helping out the community,” says senior Vasee Xiong.
Sometimes its not all about the money, but just helping our community.
So next time you see a bake sale stand, and its N.H.S buy a cupcake or a cookie and help the cause.
Who knew helping other students could be so delicious?

Related posts:

1. Juniors getting closer to senior year by joining Honor Society Pahoua Chang Reporter On May 25 at seven o’clock in...
2. Nonstop Fundraising! Jasmine McCullough Online Editor Everett seniors are back at it...
3. Campaigning, Cupcakes and Crowns combine to create memorable homecoming hen you come back to school there is always one...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Victoria Smith
Reporter

The Vikings Give Back recently helped at Volunteers of America. Participating in this community service opportunity were class officers Raven Odom and Amanda Robertson and seniors Pedro Alvarez, AlecXis Glass, Jasmine Jones, Stanley Pates and Robert Warren.

Vikings Give Back is a relatively new club it was started this school year and helping out with it is guidance counselor Ms. West. The club objective is to help in the community as much as possible.

During their trip to Volunteers of America they served food to the less fortunate.

“It humbles you and makes you appreciate everything”, said Amanda Robertson.
“It was an eye opener”, added Raven Odom

Other community service events The Vikings Give back participated in are volunteering at Cavanaugh Elementary helping out in classrooms. They also visited a retirement home.

If you are interested in being apart of this club you still can. Ms. West in the counseling can give you more information.

Related posts:

1. Food Drive Chasity Nelson Reporter “I am very excited about the food...
2. “Vikings Give Back” helps community AlecXis Glass  Online Editor Maybe you’ve noticed the signs posted...
3. Viking Success Club reaches out   By Lachonda Beasley The Viking Success Club is an...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Left to right - Morgan McIntre, Victoria Smith, Velnique Bowman, Alexus Brown, Da’shawn Bibbs, Da'Reese Aikens, and Aneysa Rogers

Victoria Smith
Reporter

After the cheerleading coach quit in the middle of football season and the team was left without a coach, Robin Smith didn’t hesitate to step up and take the open position.

Robin Smith has worked in the Lansing School District for eight years. Many students know her as Mrs. Smith from her being a substitute teacher in the district. In the 2008-09 school year she worked at Everett in the student center as a parent teacher coordinator. For the last three years she has worked with the 21st Century after school program.

Mrs. Smith is the mother of current Everett senior Victoria Smith and the mother of former students Cameron and Cullen Smith.

Originally Mrs. Smith only had plans to coach for the remainder of football season. But she grew to love the team and couldn’t leave them hanging.

“I couldn’t leave them without a coach, cheerleading is what they love”, said Mrs. Smith.

The cheerleaders are happy to have someone new who is open to new ideas and lessons to what they have to say.

“I like her she is much better than the old coach and helps get stuff done”, said seniorTaylor Dixon.

So far there have been no complaints, and the Everett cheer team is looking forward to a drama free season.

Related posts:

1. Cheerleaders stick together, even without a coach Da’Shawn Bibbs Reporter Over a year after the cheerleading team...
2. Getting into the swing of a new coach By Alan Yang As this season continues to have...
3. Girl’s soccer team working overtime Victoria Smith Reporter With the girl’s soccer season starting soon...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Wouldn’t it be nice to own a Kindle or Nook? For those who like to read, these e-readers are at the top of their wish lists. And if your one of those people then this is something you want to know. With the help of the L.E.A.F Grant that Special Ed Teacher Regina Bluemlien and Librarian Teacher Renee Lyons wrote, there is a chance to win one of those prizes.

During the first half of the 2nd semester Bluemlien and Lyons will be conducting a Read-a-Thon. The goal is to increase readership with Everett students because reading improves literacy, vocabulary and writing skills. It is a competition that includes lots of reading. Details will be announced in January when students return from winter break.

Related posts:

1. “LOL-a-Thon 4: Laugh Hard With a Vengeance” The fourth annual LOL-a-Thon was held April 21. The stand-up...
2. Art Attack! Mariah Wells Reporter The deadline for submissions to the second...
3. Kindle and Nook dominate electronic book options By Amanda Robertson If only there was a way...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

When student Durga Bhandari’s home caught fire Tuesday, December 13, she and her family lost everything, including all their treasured items. Students and staff are being encouraged to help the family by donating money to help them put their lives back together.
Bhandari’s mother told ESL teacher Dr. Robert Dalton that she was glad her family survived, but she was still very worried about the devastating loss.
Teachers and students are struggling to understand how something so horrible could be happening to Bhandari.
“I feel terrible [about her situation], she is a very nice young lady,” said Dalton.
Bhandari’s parents later told Dalton there was only enough time to rescue the family from the blaze, nothing else.
“Its very upsetting [what happened] and people should [help by] donating money, to help them get their stuff back,” said sophomore Kirsten Smalley.
Students have just as much sympathy for the family as the teachers do and know it can be very heart breaking to lose everything you own.
“I think [what Dr.Dalton is doing] is a very noble cause,” said Sophomore Jennifer Krauss.
Dalton said he knows this would be a very challenging experience for any family, and to help the family get as many of their belongings back as possible, Dr. Dalton will be accepting donations in his classroom, 139.
“I will be after school Thursday and Friday for anyone who wants to come donate, [but] Friday there will be a designee in my class,” said Dalton. Dalton will not be after Friday, because he has an appointment he must attend, but never the less, anyone can still proceed on donating money. And after, Dalton will be contacting Red Cross to help as well. After Friday if you have anything you would like to donate, you can go down to the Red Cross.
Red Cross has many locations… 1800 East Grand River avenue, 1729 East Saginaw st., and 2116 Mint road. To find a location convenient, anyone can visit their website at www.redcross.com, or contact them at (517)321-6807, this is the direct number for the Mint Road location. They are open from the hours of 8:30am to five o’clock pm.
Come give anything you can spare to give, because as Dalton says, any help is good help.

Related posts:

1. Chained exit doors may violate rules, says lansing fire marshal Serena Skief Copy Editor At about 4:00 p.m. when you...
2. Duckett steps up to encourage students   by Katie Fay After he left the world of...
3. Students participate in year’s final blood drive Justin Lundy Reporter Each year at Everett, the National Honor...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

After three months of not having a legit teacher, the Lansing School District has finally hired one. Joining the staff at Everett High School is Mrs.Knaebel!
Mrs.Knaebel is a teacher from Detroit. Dance students are excited about finally having a real teacher and not just a sub.
“I’m just happy we finally have a teacher,” said senior Velnique Bowman
Mrs. Knaebel has been a dancer since she was five years old. After high school she continued her education at Wayne State where she received a degree in education and dance education. Upon graduation from Wayne State she started teaching in various dance studios and community centers. She taught jazz, hip hop, ballet, tap, and contemporary.
Mrs. Knaebel has been dancing for over twenty years. She hopes to build up the dance program and get a lot more people involved.
“I want to show dance as an art and expose students to new music,” said Knaebel.
A long term goal for Knaebel is to see the program here at Everett grow, have a bigger company class, and maybe next semester add a dance two class. She is super excited about being hired and happy to be here.

Corrections made from original story: Knaebel’s college changed to Wayne State, number of years dancing changed to “over 20 years,” and changed information about her previous position. 

Related posts:

1. Dance program future uncertain, classes still without full-time teacher Victoria Smith Reporter Walking into class the first day of...
2. “Sex” on the Dance Floor at Everett CORRECTION: The following editorial should have made clear that chaperones...
3. Arts magnet shines at dance concert By Breiah Hopkins On December 14, all four dance level...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.