The Viking Voice

Chasing The Dream

admin — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:04:12 +0000

Da’Shawn Bibbs
Reporter

Junior Jaleel Canty says that two years from now he sees himself at a Big Ten school playing football on a scholarship. Canty came one step closer to his dream this November, when Football Recruiting Analyst Tom Lemming came to Everett High School to invite him to the Junior All- American Camp in Phoenix.

The All-American Camp is made up of the top 300 high school football players in the nation.

“When I was recruited I felt honored; [it’s a] once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be invited to such a prestigious event,” said Canty.

His high school coach is excited for him, as well.

“I’m happy Jaleel had the experience with other players in the country,” said head football coach Marcelle Carruthers.

Canty left December 31 to arrive in Phoenix and returned January 4. At the “combine,” which is a place to test your positions in football. Canty ran a 4.47 40, the fastest time out of all the 300 players. “I need to improve my footwork, leadership and overall football instinct,” said Canty.

Jaleel said that playing with others that have the same talent level as him or better was a unique experience.

“It was humbling. It shows where you are as far as how good you are, it’s very competitive,” said Canty. “No one wants to be out-shined; competition brings out the best of you.”

While there, he also did benches, shuttles, verticals, drills, 1 on 1 competition, positions and also attended The Semper Fideles Bowl Game to watch college athletes and was recognized during half time.

“The combine was run by Marine Corps, they preached about improving yourself as a man before football, because football doesn’t last forever. Core values such as honor, commitment, [and] courage,” said Canty.

If Jaleel makes it far, he plans to play for his favorite team the Philadelphia Eagles. Most importantly he learned that overall it was a great experience.

“I’m thankful for the people who helped make this possible for me: Mr. Carruthers, Mr. Keyton and Mr. Word,” said Canty.

4 Questions

for Carruthers & Canty

Jaleel and Mr. Carruthers answer questions about their work together as player and coach.

What is it like for Jaleel on the team?

J: Sometimes it’s hard, [the coaches] expect a lot, not just on the field but setting examples and being a leader for my teammates.

C: [Jaleel is] very competitive.

What kind of player is Jaleel?

J: Best player in the area, aspirations for best in the state. There’s lot I need to work on. Every day I try to become a better person and athlete.

C: Very driven, gifted, intelligent player.

Describe Jaleel’s character.

J: It’s what’s in your heart. It’s what you do when nobody is looking. You can’t really explain character.

C: Good character; works well with others.

Where do you see the Everett football team next year?

J: Undefeated 9-0 and state title. Were going deep, state championship,

C: As far as the players work, they will need to be committed with themselves. If not, they will be very unhappy come October.

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Get the girl: Your 4-Step guide to proper approach

admin — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:17:50 +0000

Bre Hoskins
Features Editor

Ever heard : “Are you a parking ticket? Cause you’ve got fine written all over you.” Or maybe you’ve been hit with the: “Did it hurt? (what?) When you fell from heaven.”

Smell you later

To ensure you don’t screw up your chances there are some preparatory steps you should apply before even approaching the girl. Hygiene is a major factor in how the girl will react to your attempt at game. The worse the hygiene, the worse the reaction and vice verse. Smelling putrid and having halitosis is definitely not the way to go if you want to win a girl over.

“If you’re going to approach me, don’t have bad breath,” said senior Alexus Brown. ” I will [call you out] and make you feel dumb.”

When your breath is minty fresh and your body is smelling Axe-nice, you are ready to approach the girl. However, not only what you say affects the reaction, but how you come off does as well.

“Don’t act cocky,” said Baker. “That’ll hurt your chances too.”

Now you smell great and have confidence without having too much. Now it’s time to make sure you’re looking fine.

LOOK THE PART

You may not think so, but what you’re wearing also affects your chances of winning the girl. If your personal “swag” isn’t on its A-game, the girl will jump to conclusions about you in general. In a perfect world, people wouldn’t judge based off of looks, but this is reality and the first impression counts more than anything.

“I like a guy that cares about how he looks,” said senior Jasmine Jackson. “You have to take care of yourself or you give off the [impression] that you’re a bum. And I don’t want a bum.”

When approaching a new girl make sure your looking your best.

“The first thing[s] I look at when a guy walks up to me are his shoes and his smile,” said senior Jessie Kiel.

A bright smile with some relatively straight teeth and trendy shoes are great ways to work your way into her heart.

So you’ve got fresh breath, smell wonderful, and you’re rocking the Concords and a snapback, the next step to success is knowing what to say.

MAKE HER GIGGLE

Girls love to laugh. They love to laugh about stupid stuff, they love to giggle to each other, and they especially like when guys make them laugh to get their attention. And if the joke is good enough, that’s exactly what you’ll get. Pickup lines are OK, but aren’t that widely used. It’s best to just be original with your game. Say something that’ll make her laugh but also compliments her at the same time.

“Don’t come at a girl with wack game ‘cause she’ll think you’re wack,” said Baker.

Being sincere and yourself will get you into her heart better than a corny washed up line.

You’re looking good, smelling great, and you’ve found the words to impress her. If you actually get her to agree to a date with you, now it’s showtime.

THE DATE IS SET…

NOW WHAT?

When and where you go on a date can make or break you. If the date is too soon you either seem desperate or like she’s plan B. If it’s too far away you don’t seem as sincere. You also don’t want to go somewhere and seem like you’re trying too hard, but you don’t want to go anywhere too casual if you really want to impress her.

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Duru: College Guru

admin — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:12:14 +0000

Anessa Suniga
Photo Editor

Junior year, students begin to think about choosing their future career and what college they might want to attend. Senior year, they apply to colleges, look for scholarships and grants, and make a final decision on what the future holds after high school. Doing so can be very stressful. Any help or guidance can go a long way during this crazy and chaotic time.

“[After being accepted to colleges] it’s hard to decide which one to commit to because there are a lot of factors to think about,” said senior Elizabeth Taylor. “Things like how much tuition is, how far away the commute will be and who has the best programs.” Taylor said she plans to get a Bachelor’s degree in biology, and then go to medical school for six years after that and complete her fellowships to become a neonatologist.

Much guidance and help can be found in Room 7 in the counseling center. There you will find the new College and Career Pathways Advisor, Chisaokwu Duru.

“I help students fix college applications, do research on schools based on interest for their intended majors,” said Duru. “We try to find a fit for each student. I try to make the college application process easier. I also provide information about FASFA. I’m not only here for seniors, I’m here for the whole school. I’m here for everybody and anybody who needs help.”

Duru is at Everett thanks to the Michigan College Advising Corps (MCAC). The MCAC program strives to increase students’ chances of success in postsecondary education by focusing on the best fit and match between the students and their college choices. The advisers serve as a resource for the school as they assist high school students in navigating every aspect of the college-going process.

She has been a very big help to this year’s seniors. Her goal is to get most (or even all) of the seniors to fill out at least one application and apply to a college. She is very driven to help students with their future goals and attributions, but chances are she will not be here next year for the class of 2013. The grant only allows for Duru to be here until the end of this academic school year.

Many students said that Duru has been an asset to Everett high school, helping students make the “high school-to-college” process a lot easier and less stressful. She is very knowledgeable and very helpful. Her main priority is the success of Everett high school’s students.

“I really like Everett a lot. Everett reminds me of a mini- University of Michigan. There is so much diversity and the students are amazing. The staff are very supportive,” said Duru.

For more information, students can follow Duru on twitter at #EV_collegebound for college information, scholarships, and more.

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Marry The Night makes waves

admin — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:32:42 +0000

Irma Valdes
Entertainment Editor

Gaga has done it once again, with another sensational hit. Whether it’s liked or disliked, her new video is still a huge hit. “Marry the Night” premiered December 2 and had over 4 million views in the first 24 hours. At press time, the number of views had reached over 32 million.

“Her video is amazing,” said senior Marco Martinez.

In just a few years, Lady Gaga has become a pop idol that will appear in music history alongside Madonna and Michael Jackson.

Many artists become famous for their fashion and amazing shows, and Gaga has certainly made headlines in both of those areas. But it is her voice that sells her records, and she has sold over 23 million albums to date.

“Shes very unique, I believe that she’s our decade’s pop icon,” said junior Codi Stockenauer.

Almost every single show she has is sold out very quickly. Fans looking to attend a Gaga concert can look forward to a memorable and entertaining show, with awesome piano skills with a fantastic voice to match.

On her Vevo Youtube channel, Gaga said her “Marry the night” music video “is autobiographical… a completely true story that’s been filtered through the lens of my artistry.” Gaga was very specific on what she wanted for her video: very linear, structured, and very strong angles. The video starts with Gaga being rolled into a mental hospital with very short black hair and no dramatic makeup.The story plot for the music video is all about twisting picture-perfect moments into an absolute horror.

“I think as a young person you have this sort of icon or ideal in your mind of who you could become or maybe all the things that you aren’t and you imagine in your greatest moment that you are actually that person that maybe you’re not,” said Gaga.

As an entertainer, Gaga’s greatest fear was that she was never a ballerina, so she wanted to destroy something that in her mind was something negative about her and tell it in the music video.

“Her video was monsterific,” said Martinez.

Gaga is originally from New York city, her hometown. Her all time dream was to be able to sing in Time Square on New Year’s Eve. This year, she got her wish. Everyone knew she was going to be singing in Time Square, but many were surprised when she helped NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg drop the ball.

“I said whoa, is that Lady Gaga? She’s so beautiful!” said Martinez.

Lady Gaga was very moved by the chance to live out her dream, but it was hard to tell. Like always, she was wearing something extravagant. This time, her outfit was designed by Versace, her head piece covering her face making it impossible to see her tears of joy, but her voice ratted her out. For her, making it to Times Square was something beyond her dreams.

“You know that you have really made it when you get to sing in Time Square,” said Gaga on the ABC New Year’s Eve special.

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Feeling loss? Hang in there, it gets better.

admin — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:19:37 +0000

Earin Wells

Managing Editor

According to The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, “grief” is “intense mental anguish; deep remorse, acute sorrow.”

Many people think that grief only applies when someone close to you has died, but it can also apply when a close friend moves away, when a boyfriend/girlfriend breaks up with you, or when you’re just going down a really rough path.

There are five stages to grief, according to psychcentral.com. Many people know the first phase is denial, because they heard it in a movie or their friends used it as a joke, but many people aren’t familiar with the other four.1. Denial and Isolation

This first reaction is a defense mechanism that buffers the immediate shock. We block out the words and hide from the facts. This is a temporary response that carries us through the first wave of pain.2. Anger

As the masking effects of denial and isolation begin to wear, reality and its pain re-emerge. We are not ready. The intense emotion is deflected from our vulnerable core, redirected and expressed instead as anger. Anger may be directed to the person we are grieving over. Though we may know he/she isn’t the one to blame, our misplaced emotions cause us to resent the person for causing us pain or for leaving us. We feel guilty for being angry, and this makes us more angry.3. Bargaining

The normal reaction to feelings of helplessness and vulnerability is often a need to regain control. This can present itself in feelings like:

If only I had spent more time with him/her…

I should treated them better…

Maybe we can still work it out …

Secretly, we may make a deal with God or our higher power in an attempt to postpone the inevitable. Psychcentral calls this a weaker line of defense to protect us from the painful reality.4. Depression

There are two types of depression when it comes to grief. The first one is public, dealing with the reality of what happened, realizing that daily routines (like meeting a friend after school or calling your boyfriend/girlfriend) have changed. Some may have to figure out how to react with an ex still in school or classes. This phase is can be helped by making a clear plan when you have a clear head, so you know how to face the situation. The second type of depression is more private. This part prepares us to separate ourselves from the person we cared so much about. That can mean trying to understand how our lives can go on without a loved one. During this step we usually need someone to talk to, or a hug.5. Acceptance

This step pretty much speaks for itself, but unfortunately not everyone reaches this stage. Some may not get beyond anger or denial. You may not immediately feel better, but acceptance is a big step in the process and should not be confused with depression.

Let it be known that all these phases are completely normal and in order to help get through it you might talk to a friend, a parent, or your counselor

“If it is a crisis, [counselors] are available at any time,” said counselor Erin Falsetta. “What they’re feeling is normal and what they’re going through is a hard and trying time. Things are going to get better, but it’s a slow process.”

source: “The 5 Stages of Loss and Grief,” by Julie Axelrod, psychcentral.com

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Don’t worry: juniors won’t ruin prom

admin — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:13:33 +0000

Earin Wells
Managing Editor

Before Christmas break, seniors voted for an all-senior prom. Whether that happens or not (judging from past experiences, it may not), does it really matter?

In order to have an all-senior prom, the class has to make sure that they even have enough money to do so. If they don’t make the money needed, they’ll have to invite juniors anyway. What is unfair is that if that happens, juniors will get to attend a prom that they didn’t help fund-raise for. Either way, prom is going to cost a lot.

Some seniors feels strongly that juniors should come to prom; some seniors are dating juniors. Even if the majority of the class voted for an all-senior prom, juniors who are invited are going to be there no matter what.

Next to graduation, prom is one of the most important events to seniors. It’s what you make it; if you make it lame, it’s going to be lame. Prom is one of the last things we’re going to do as a class together, so you make it how you want it to be. Most people want prom to be a special night that they spend with friends, and some seniors only hang out with juniors. They have every right to have their friends at prom.

Prom is a major event, and it shouldn’t matter who is or isn’t there. Seniors should be able to spend it how they want, rather it be on the dance floor with a pretty dress or tux, with or without a date, with or without the juniors. The only thing that really matters is how much fun you have. If juniors coming to prom means you’re not going to have fun, don’t ruin it for other people… just don’t come.

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WTH? Lansing Center graduation still upsetting to many students

admin — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:07:00 +0000

AlecXis Glass
Online Editor

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.”

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Girl’s soccer team working overtime

admin — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:01:20 +0000

Victoria Smith
Reporter

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.

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The Viking Vanguard rewards 650 students

admin — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 23:42:56 +0000

Morgan White-Villanueva
Reporter

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.

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Sophomores preparing in advance

admin — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 23:40:02 +0000

Sarah Warriner
Reporter

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.

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