1. TOWER
Volume 83 | Issue 20
the Wednesday, March 30, 2011
in this issue
ECO FRIENDLY
Marion Berger ’11 takes on
an independent study in
environmental sciences. For
...a weekly tradition since 1928 coverage see page 4.
Grosse Pointe South High School • 11 Grosse Pointe Blvd. • Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236 www.thetowerpulse.net
state allows 16-year-olds
to start donating blood
lowering
(Copy Editor) collections by a minimum of 20 percent
cOnOr buckley ’12 at each high school,” said Timm. “Right
now high schools and colleges account
Michigan now joins 33 other states in for about 12 percent of our total collec-
the
allowing 16-year-olds to donate blood tions, which is probably close to 12,000
to the Red Cross with a signed parental units a year, so, if we can increase that
consent form, Donor Resources Repre- by a couple thousand units a year, it is
sentative Carmen Timm said. very significant in Michigan, especially
“This is a huge opportunity for us to in southeast Michigan. We don’t collect
help us become self-sufficient just in our enough blood in our area to service our
region,” said Timm. hospitals.”
limit
The law was signed by Governor Jenni- Students who are at least 16 years old
fer Granholm in January, Timm said. The can donate at any Red Cross Blood Drive
law had been pushed by the Red Cross for location as long as they have the signed
quite some time previous to its passing. parental consent form and meet the
“We’ve been petitioning for it for a long height and weight standards to donate.
time, but it was just a matter of red tape Boys must be at least 110 pounds if
that was the Michigan law,” said Timm. they are over 5 feet tall, while girls must
“So, we had to get it approved by the Gov- weigh at least 110 if they are over 5-foot-
ernor and it’s taken this long in order for 6, Timm said. Donors must also bring
her to sign the bill. So we’ve been hoping picture identification.
for it for a long time, but it finally got “It’s a good, new law,” said Rielly Whims
through all the red tape.” ’12. “At 16, you should be mature enough
The Red Cross’s southeastern district to decide if you want to donate blood.”
of Michigan comes up roughly 100 to All 16-year-old donors are first time
200 units short a day, the hospitals need donors, so Timm understands that a few
approximately 900 units a day, Timm said. students may be nervous. If someone is
One unit is equal to one pint and with the a first time donor, Timm recommends
new law enacted, Timm hopes that blood staying hydrated and eating a large,
donations will go up 20 percent. healthy meal before giving blood.
“We hope that this will increase our
BLOOD DONaTION REquIREmENTs
BOYs: GIRLs:
at least 110 at least 110
pounds if over 5 pounds if over
feet 5-foot-6 Information according to Gough ’11
Factbox by Annie
Red Cross
Graphic by Eric Huebner ’11 and Katelyn Engel ’12
Grosse Pointe sorority Musical makes move
works to make difference toward smaller, more
(Staff Writer)
WeS cIMMarruStI ’12
comical production
(Web Editor)
When most people think of a sorority, thoughts arise of social MarcuS Hedenberg ’11
groups of college students. However, Grosse Pointe sorority Tau Beta is
an organization for women of all ages devoted to charity, philanthropy If listening to harmonious melodies while
and service, Tau Beta Juniors Adviser Laura Krueger said. laughing doesn’t sound enticing, then being
Tau Beta has a resident senior membership of 455 women in addi- able to participate as an audience member
tion to the 34 junior members (young women aged 15-18) who are should amp up the value of attending “The
committed to volunteering their time and resources to make the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,”
Greater Detroit community a better place, Krueger said. which starts Wednesday, April 6 at the Per-
“My commitment to volunteerism began as a young girl,” said forming Arts Center.
Krueger. “My parents and teachers encouraged me to volunteer and Based on the Broadway play of the same
make a difference when I was a student.” name, the comedy deals with idiosyncrasies
Passing the legacy on to Tau Beta Juniors, Krueger said she advises of participants in spelling bees, Director
the high school members. An example is Tau Beta Juniors Co-Presi- Ellen Bowen said.
dent Allie Warren ’11. To spice things up, the musical hosts a vast Photo by Paula Friedrich ’11
For almost five years, the membership of Tau Beta has been working assortment of personalities, Bowen said. GOODBYE, GOODBYE (From left) Juliet Harvey ’12 and Maddie Berschback ’11 perform the
at The Center for Discovery with the children and families of The Chil- “This show is really about the different final number “The Last Goodbye” during a rehearsal for “The 25th Annual Putnam County
dren’s Center, Krueger said. stories of all the kids,” said Hannah Sparrow Spelling Bee” last Saturday. The characters in the musical will tug on audience heartstrings, said
“It (volunteering) has really opened my eyes to what I have in my ’11. “Every character has a different back- Hannah Sparrow ’11, who plays Olive Ostrovosky.
life,” said Warren. “A lot of these kids we help have rough parental situ- ground and story, and through their song,
ations and that is something most people take for granted.” you get to know them as human beings, not Olive is only one of the personalities that letting audience members partake in the
Looking ahead, Tau Beta has its sights set on its largest annual fund- just as the stereotyped, freaky speller kids.” will appear on stage. Andrew Pytel ’11 said experience, Bowen said. Some audience
raising event: Spring Market, Krueger said. This year’s Spring Market Sparrow said her character, Olive he plays the role of Mitch, a comfort coun- members will be interviewed to join the
will be held May 12-14 at The Grosse Pointe Club and is open to the Ostrovosky, is an enormously shy, confi- selor whose job it is to console the kids when spellers on stage. Seats on stage will also be
public. Proceeds from Spring Market go to the Children’s Center. dence lacking and socially inexperienced they lose. sold for $30, so audience members can be
middle-schooler. “I’ve done a lot of comedies part of the interactive experience without
tau beta “You start getting really attached before, but this one is different spelling themselves.
to characters like Olive,” said LOOk INsIDE! in that the jokes come purely Tickets are on sale at Posterity: A Gallery
in the beginning Sparrow, “because her parents For more on from character interactions,” in the Village as well as online through the
don’t much care for her and she ‘Spelling Bee’ said Pytel. “They’re not choir website www.gpsouthchoir.org, said
•Tau Beta was founded in 1901 by four female high school
doesn’t have any friends, her intentionally funny but their Bowen. Performances begin on Wednes-
student: Eloise Jenks, Hildegarde Meigs, Margaret Snow and check out pages awkwardness makes it funny. day, April 6 with a special edited version of
social skills are inadequate and
Marian Stinchfield.
she carries a dictionary around all 6-7 “ the show for elementary and middle school
•Their first full-fledged project was in 1906 and consisted of a
day and that’s her best friend. There’s Notably, the musical is also host students. General audiences can attend
diet kitchen under the direction of the Visiting Nurses’ Associa-
even a song dedicated to the dictionary. It’s to several freshmen in big roles, includ- from Thursday, April 7 to Sunday, April 10.
tion aid.
Factbox by Paula Friedrich ’11 and Wes Cimmarrusti ’12
really emotional and I actually feel for her ing Jack Daley ’14 as Panch, Bowen said. Tickets are $20 for the main floor, $15 for the
Information according to member Laura Krueger because of what she’s going through.” Unlike past shows, this one is notable for balcony and $10 for students and seniors.
(we saw this)
Student Council
What people are talking about... (this week)
members from
various grades
pose at their state
(in Sports) (in the Office) (across town)
conference on The University of Michigan’s The 2011 Metro Detroit Elizabeth Berkley, an actress
Monday. The slogan
Hockey Team has made it to National College Fair will be best known for her role as
for the conference
was “Our Moment the Frozen Four. They will set up in Livonia tomorrow. Jessie on “Saved by the Bell,”
is Now.” be competing against North Check with the Career spoke to an audience of about
Photo courtesy of
Freshman Class Dakota next Thursday. Resource Center for more 650 girls from Grosse Pointe
Adviser Carrie information. North and 50 from South this
Halliburton
morning at North.

2. 2 OPINION Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Lower blood donor age
I began watching these to get a better under-
standing of the literature, since the imagery and
emotions expressed gave me a visual to put with
diction that was too complicated for my seventh
maximizes participation
grade mind. Now that I have read enough of
these Regency Era books, I can enjoy the novels
and film versions separately, finding situational
differences and deciding which actor I like best
Joining numerous other states, the Michigan government’s as Mr. Darcy.
decision to allow 16-year-olds to donate blood is beneficial to the I have always enjoyed writing, but my
community and to the hospitals that need the blood supply. idea of a career path involving English has
changed just about as much as King Henry VIII
Currently, the district that Grosse Pointe is a part of, the South-
eastern district of Michigan, is very short on blood. It needs all
mY VIEW changed wives. So when I realized the option of
becoming a screenwriter for period dramas, I
the help it can get for its hospitals that are lacking the necessary
stock of this life-saving elixir.
(Annie Gough ’11) wondered why I had never thought of it before.
Combining my love for old this literature
With the new law allowing 16-year-olds to donate, the district’s
Novels inspire look
and writing my own pieces would be for me,
supply could increase greatly. This is tremendous considering that in every way possible, a dream job. Obviously I
local hospitals come up roughly 100-200 pints short per day. Now would move to England, since that is where all
that a possible 20 percent increase could occur within high school
donations, these hospitals will get closer to the necessary amount at future careers of these productions are made. Would I mind
that? Not in the slightest; I’ve been searching for
a justification to move across the pond anyway.
of blood supply.
As I sat swaddled in a blanket in front of the And yet, there’s not a part of me saying “I
People in need of emergency care and blood transfusions will
television screen, these words overwhelmed my am going to graduate from college, move to
be helped immensely. It is a win-win scenario for all of those mind: “I could do that.” England, become a screenwriter for period
involved. I had just finished watching the BBC adap- dramas, own a cute little cottage and live
VIEWPOINTE When running it’s annual
Blood Drive next year, South’s
tation of Elizabeth Gaskell’s 1850s novel
“Cranford” and had moved on to the behind-
happily ever after.” This is because I am aware
that things may not work out that way. I may
( )
Staff Editorial National Honor Society the-scenes features. The two screenwriters, not be as talented as I predicted at the job, or I
should keep this new law who combined dialogue directly from the text may just find a career that suits me even better.
in mind when planning. In past years, only seniors were able to with their own creative contributions, searched So why even have this dream job in mind
donate blood, and as anyone who was involved with the Blood through periodicals and encyclopedias from if I’m not going to immediately pursue it? I
Drive knows, even with this small number, the event gets con- that era of England to create a script that was guess I’d like to think of it as my fallback plan,
as authentic as possible. Watching this process, something everyone should have. If somebody
gested. Sometimes students are out of class for multiple hours that
I realized not only could I do that, I would love starts chasing an ambitious career that turns
day. Now juniors and even some sophomores will want to help to do that. out to be uninspiring, why not go back to the
out the community and donate blood. For years, I have found great enjoyment and thing that will make one happy in life, that he
A possible solution to this issue could be adding a second Blood sanction in the novels of those like Elizabeth or she is excited to wake up to every morning?
Drive to South’s calendar. The days could be split up alphabeti- Gaskell and Jane Austen, my favorite author. It just seems that sometimes life unfolds a step
cally as to create a more feasible and manageable schedule for I have seen at least one version of every Jane at a time, but when it doesn’t, one might as well
donations. Austen novel turned into film as well as others. have a dream to aspire for.
Ultimately, the new law permitting 16-year-olds to donate with
a signed parental consent form is a great way to help local hospi-
tals and students should realize that the school-run Blood Drive
is not the only opportunity do so. Hospitals are always willing to
(reviewed) Jane Eyre
accept donations, so new donors should take advantage of this Most students who go to the mysterious Mr. Roches-
see “Jane Eyre” in the next ter (Michael Fassbender). He
chance to do good.
two weeks will be scrambling was her employer while she
for last minute Taste of the worked as a governess.
Arts credits before the quarter As Jane gets closer to Mr.
What you thought: ends. Humanities students, Rochester, she gradually
What do you think of however, should not be the becomes aware of the sinis-
the drug dogs searching only audience members for ter secrets lurking beneath
this fantastic period piece. the surface of life at Thorn-
What do you think? students?
Charlotte Brönte’s “Jane field Hall. This does not stop
be part of a poll! It’s a great idea! The more Eyre” has inspired many adap- her, however, from falling
To vote, go to our website the drug dogs come, tations, but this version of the hopelessly in love with her
www.thetowerpulse.net the more they can catch love story sets itself apart from employer.
and find this week’s editorial students. all of these, mostly because of The 2011 “Jane Eyre” does
in the features section. There 17% its structure. Instead of being not neglect the love story, but
you’ll be able to vote on this told in typical, chronological it also focuses on the more
week’s editorial question. It is a waste of time and order, director Cary Fukunaga gothic and creepy elements of
money for the amount of Artwork by Ted Berkowski ’12
tells the vast majority of the Brönte’s novel. “Jane Eyre” is
student(s) they caught. plot through flashbacks. past events, from her miser- a fantastic movie for a girls’
83% Through the film, Jane Eyre able childhood at Lowood, a outing or a date night.
(Mia Wasikowska) reflects on charity school, to her meeting Review by Katie Riddle ’11
Factbox by Ted Berkowski ’12
a lonely
“It’s kind of “I don’t like it. I just
ridiculous. People got the notice (from
are going to break the state), (and)
road
it. they should 10 p.m. is really
make it (the early.”
curfew) an hour
longer. My curfew
is 12.”
The new Michigan Level II Graduated
Driver’s License restrictions are Caitlin Rose ’11 Griffin Behl ’12
changing today. There is now a curfew “the idea seems
“I think that the
from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Also, effected curfew is harsh, reasonable, but I am
also not 16 anymore.
drivers may only have passengers under especially on
as a teacher, I
weekends. and
21 years of age if they are immediate the only one non- see what they’re
family or if traveling to or from school family member doing, but it’s like
passenger is kind extending a permit
and school-sanctioned events. Here’s of unreasonable.” instead of having a
what students think about the new law: license.”
Becky Weiland ’13 alan Vassel, math teacher Photo-op by Caitlin Moore and Alexis DeBrunner , both ’12
Graphic by Annie Gough ’11 and Ted Berkowski ’12
something that’s...
(shocking) (high-tech) (tense) (staggering) (offensive)
Everyone likes a Girl Scouts in Parma, Colleges must send out acceptance Detroit’s population After all the harm
Cinderella story: Ohio are now carrying letters by April 1. While the season has dropped to 713, former Mayor Kwame
No. 11 seed Virginia credit card readers on will bring joy for some, it is also can 777, according to Kilpatrick caused in
Commonwealth and No. their smart phones to be a very nerve-wracking time census reports. Detroit the city of Detroit, he
8 seed Butler reached the increase cookie sales. for college-bound could lose out on recently said he would
Final Four, and will face- seniors. millions of dollars lie about his actions
off Saturday. because of this. again.
TOWER
the Managing Editors Social/Contest Coordinator Charlotte Burns ’12 Editorials Errors
Mike Esse ’11* Molly Mecke ’11* Wes Cimmarrusti ’12 Editorials represent the majority Factual errors will be corrected on the
Annie Gough ’11* Alexis DeBrunner ’12 opinion of the Editorial Board and are opinion page or in news briefs written
Katie Riddle ’11* Circulation/Exchange Managers Elizabeth DiMauro ’12
Taylor Wizner ’11* Alana Dickson ’11
left unsigned. upon request and verification.
Maddie Ethridge ’12
“The Tower” is the weekly publication of Libby Krueger ’11 Meghan Flanagan ’12 Columns represent the opinions of
the Advanced Journalism classes. It has Page Editors individual staff members and outside Letters
Meg Galea ’12
Eric Huebner ’11* contributors. Letters to the Editor are encouraged and
always been a public forum of student Staff Writers Austin Jones ’12
Ted Berkowski ’12* Walter Bridgforth ’11
expression. Emma Maniere ’11*
Ava Lux ’12 will be screened for libel, irresponsibility
Emily Dawson ’11 Andrew Malley ’12 Editorial Board and obscenity. The Editorial Board may
David Harris ’12* Chris Flanagan ’11 Caitlin Moore ’12 An asterisk denotes Editorial Board edit or shorten letters as long as the
It is located in Room 142 Leah Noecker ’11* Ben Fry ’11 Ryan Newa ’12
Grosse Pointe South High School Matt Barnes ’12* Dan Gallagher ’11
members above meaning is unchanged. All letters must be
Alex Parker ’12
11 Grosse Pointe Boulevard Business Manager Sarah Harness ’11 Emi Richardson ’12 signed and include a telephone number
Grosse Pointe Farms, Somers Brush ’12* Aly Hryciuk ’11 Jen Ryan ’12 Advertising for confirmation. Request to withhold the
Mich. 48236 Maggie Jackson ’11 Christina Stavale ’12 Display advertising is sold at a rate of writer’s name from publication for good
Assistant Page Editors Jess Martinelli ’11
313-432-3649 Katelyn Engel ’12*
Dalice Birk ’13 $7 per column inch, with discounts reason will be considered. Letters can
Ally Peck ’11 Christy Flom ’13 for large or frequent advertisers. be sent to the above e-mail address, or
Lewis Thomas ’12* James Shepard ’11
E-mail “The Tower” Alex Knuth ’13 Advertising may not advocate dropped off in “The Tower” Room.
the.tower@gpschools.org Photo/Art Editor Kelsie Silzell ’11 Lily Koss ’13
DeMarco Havard ’12 Shelby Stone ’11
illegal activities or contain libelous,
Sam Metry ’13
Gigi Wells ’11 irresponsible or obscene material. Associations
Editor-in-Chief Copy Editors
Paula Friedrich ’11* Norman Bird ’12 Adviser Member of the Columbia Scholastic
Marcus Hedenberg ’11 Emmy Boccaccio ’12 Press Association, National Scholastic
Website Executive Editor Jeff Nardone
Nanette Motschall ’11
Max Tkacz ’11* Conor Buckley ’12*
Press Association, Quill and Scroll
Newspaper Executive Editor Emily Cervone ’12* and the Michigan Interscholastic Press
Dan Dou ’11* Association.

3. FEaTuREs
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 3
Devils around
the globe
Junior adjusts to life in shanghai
(Staff Writer) CHiNESE SuNSET
alex Parker ’12 Grace Rentschler and
a friend climbed the
Latitude: 31 degrees plus 0 minutes plus 18 seconds north; Great Wall of China
longitude: 121 degrees plus 24 minutes plus 31 seconds east. on a recent trip with
These may mean nothing to most students, but to Grace Rent- her basketball team.
schler, these are the coordinates of her new home in Shanghai, Rentschler said
China and have forever changed her life. adjusting to life in
Shanghai was easier
“When my dad told me, I freaked out,” said Rentschler, who
than expected.
finished her sophomore year at South last year. “I was think-
ing about not graduating at South with all of my friends, the
people I have always gone to school with.”
After attending two years at South, Rentschler couldn’t
picture the rest of her high school career to be much different
before her dad broke the news.
Rentschler and her parents were visiting her brother, Peter,
at Indiana University when her father made the announce-
ment that they would be moving to Shanghai. Rentschler’s dad,
who works in advertising with Ford Global Motor Company,
was offered a new job. Her world was quickly turned upside
down, but she eventually came to terms with the situation. athletics introduced her to many of her new friends, but also
“They told me enough about it in advance where I could exposed her to some interesting experiences.
forget about it for a little,” said Rentschler. The school’s sports teams are part of an organization called
This bombshell was meant to be kept a secret from those the Asia Pacific Activities Conference (APAC). The APAC
outside of the family for a period of time, but when word of allows for the teams to travel to places such as Beijing and
this spread, Rentschler’s friends were shocked and heartbro- Hong Kong. Rentschler has also played against schools from
ken, Elle Wilson ’12 said. Korea and the Philippines, among others.
“When a friend of mine told me, all I could do was cry,” said Along with sports, Rentschler is a member of the French
Wilson. “I couldn’t even believe it was real until I called her.” Club and Habitat for Humanity. She and the other members
Although Rentschler began to get used to the idea, things of Habitat for Humanity just recently took a trip to Indonesia
seemed to be working against her. Her family had planned to over Spring Break to perform community service. She also
visit Shanghai in March of last year, but she broke her collar- wrote for two of the school’s magazines. your key to
bone in a soccer game just before they were supposed to visit,
so they were unable to visit until June.
During the summer, Rentschler and her mom attended
Although she often has limited free time, a city full of inter-
esting people and fun attractions awaits her when she is able
to go out outside of school, Rentschler said. Shanghai has
china
expatriate seminars in China. Here, they were given advice stores such as Starbucks that kids often hang out at, much like
and help from those in similar situations on how to adjust to back home. But it is not out of the ordinary in the city for stu-
their new ways of living. She and her family moved to Shang- dents to head out to the nearest club where a classmate could Capital: Beijing
hai on August 8. very well be the DJ.
Shanghai is split into two sides, Pudong and Puxi, Rent- Rentschler and her family have a driver that assists them,
schler said. Pudong is the newer side where Rentschler’s but when he is not available, Rentschler often takes cabs. The
Population: 1.3 billion
school, the Shanghai American School, is located. Puxi, its drivers often do not speak any English, but she makes due by
neighbor, is where students often go on weekends for great looking up her location in a Chinese dictionary or writing it Currency: Yuan (¥)
restaurants and exciting nightlife. out as best she can.
When she first settled in, living in China wasn’t as much as Although she has now gotten used to living in China, Rent-
a culture shock as she had expected it to be, Rentschler said. schler still greatly misses her friends and family back home. average life expectancy: 71 years
Shanghai is huge, and it resembles a combination of Paris, But even though the hardest part about the move was leaving
New York and other big cities. these people, she acknowledges that the entire experience is Literacy rate: 86 percent
“In Shanghai, it doesn’t feel like you’re in another country,” great for her.
said Rentschler. Breanne Reisen ’12, a friend of Rentschler’s, misses her, but
Although her classmates were welcoming, being the new also thinks the experience will be beneficial. area: 3,705,405 square miles
kid wasn’t a good feeling, Rentschler said. One thing that “Even though it was hard for her at first, I think the move
helped her is that a lot of people at the school were in her will end up being good for her,” said Reisen. “The experiences
same situation. Many students at the school have come from she’s had have been awesome and it will look great when she
Religion: Taoist, Buddhist, Muslim
America, but others have been moving around the world their applies for college.”
entire lives and come from countries all around the world. Her family plans on staying in China for three to five years, Top exports: Machinery and equipment,
“Being able to experience a different culture and being while Rentschler plans on returning to the United States to
textiles and clothing, footwear, toys and
around people with all kinds of experiences has been great,” attend college. She is considering applying to a few schools
said Rentschler. “I realize there’s a lot more out there and I outside of the country, though. sporting goods, mineral fuels
want to travel and experience so much more.” “Now that I’m out of Grosse Pointe, I’m glad I expanded
One thing that helped Rentschler to adjust to her situation my horizons and got to do what a lot of people never get the
was sports. She said she played volleyball in the fall, basketball chance to,” said Rentschler. “It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had Factbox information according to “National Geographic.”
in the winter and soccer in the spring. This full schedule of to do but has ended up being the best thing to happen to me.” Factbox by Leah Noecker ’ 11
Freshman relocates to Buenos aires
(Staff Writer) Skype allow him to communicate easier with everyone
MaddIe etHrIdge ’12 at home. Communicating with the people in Argentina,
however, is a much more difficult task.
Leaving friends and family behind to travel 5,504 “The language barrier has been really annoying,”
miles to a new home is not how most high schoolers said Whitney. “My dad is fluent but I barely speak any
expect to start off the New Year. However, for Hugh (Spanish), so communicating with cab drivers and
Whitney ’14, this was reality. people at stores has been really hard.”
On January 15, Whitney, along with Located on the southern edge of South
your key to
argentina
his parents and two younger sisters, set America, Buenos Aires is a bustling city
off for Buenos Aires, Argentina where with a hot and humid climate, a stark con-
they plan to live for the next year. The trast to Grosse Pointe life with its snowy
family left the United States so the father, winters and mild summers. Whitney said
Capital: Buenos Aires Rick, didn’t have to commute to his job he and his family are living in an apart-
in Argentina. ment in the city, about 45 minutes from
Population: 38.5 million “We had to move for my dad’s job,” said his school in the suburbs.
Whitney. “We were supposed to leave in “The weather has probably been one of
July but my dad’s company had some the biggest changes, going from winter
Currency: Argentine peso ($) legal issues getting a visa, so that delayed to summer and living in a big city,” said
it.” Whitney. “Also, taking the bus to school
average life expectancy: 74 years Having never traveled outside of the HuGH WHITNEY ’14 every day is a huge difference from
US and Canada, the prospect of moving to another con- Grosse Pointe.”
tinent came as a huge shock, Whitney said. Whitney attends the Lincoln International School of
Literacy rate: 97 percent “At first it was sad to leave and it was hard not knowing Buenos Aires, a very diverse school with 420 students
anyone here,” said Whitney. “Since they were still in from all over the world, Whitney said.
summer when I got here, I had to spend time with my “Before my first day of school, I was a little nervous
area: 1,073,518 square miles family for two weeks straight which was hard.” just because it was a new school and I knew no one,”
Adjusting to a new routine wasn’t just a struggle for said Whitney. “But once I got there everyone was really
Religion: Roman Catholic Whitney. Friend Connor Fox ’14 said he felt affected by nice and helpful.”
the move as well. Learning a best friend is relocating to Differing from South, Lincoln High has four classes a
another country is not exciting news. day, lasting an hour and a half each. Whitney said this
Top exports: Edible oils, fuels and “I was pretty sad when I found out Hugh was moving,” was a major adjustment.
energy, cereals, feed, motor vehicles said Fox. “We’ve been friends for a long time so it’s a big By the end of his stay in Buenos Aires, Whitney said
change, but we talk on Facebook a lot.” he expects to learn a large deal of Spanish and hopefully
With all the technology available, Whitney finds it’s a lot about his new home.
Factbox information according to “National Geographic.“ not as hard to keep in touch with his friends back home
Factbox by Chris Flanagan ’11 as he expected. The popular websites Facebook and

4. 4 FEaTuREs
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
-PENDENT
CO
E Independent research allows senior to
pursue passion, study renewable energy
(Managing Editor) systems, as Berger read the books “Fast ones because I like talking with my
annIe gOugH ’11 Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All peers and I like hearing their input.”
American Meal” by Eric Shlosser and AP Environmental student Connor
Read a book, write a report on it. “Slow Food Nation: Why our Food McClanaghan ’11 said that Berger
Present to the class. Read another book, should be Good, Clean and Fair” by talked about food production in her
write another report. Present to the Carlo Petrini, as well as online readings presentation to the class and that she
administrators. Write another report. to stay current. Second quarter Berger was organized and good at getting to
Most students would have a hard focused on alternative energy and eco- the point.
enough time completing these tasks nomics behind renewable energy, and is “I thought she did a really good job,”
with a teacher breathing down their now studying a guide on how to transi- said McClanaghan. “She showed how
necks and peers to help with difficult tion a town into a sustainable one. she had a passion for the environment
material. Yet Marion Berger ’11, apart “I have a crazy course outline,” and how she wanted to share it with the
from occasional discussions with her said Berger. “This semester I’m sup- students. I’m jealous of her passion.”
adviser, is all alone in this learning posed to be making a plan to make the The self-reliance that comes with
experience. campus completely carbon neutral, so an independent study can bring about
Berger said she decided in May of last we wouldn’t be omitting any carbon both benefits and disadvantages. Berger
year that she wanted to take an inde- dioxide. It was crazy. So now I’m trying said she uses her class time often to
( )
pendent study when she found that to cut our energy bills down and be read, research and every Thursday to
her first choice, Geology, would not be LEED (Leadership make a conference call
running. But signing up for this type of in Energy and Envi- to Energy Action Coali-
class cannot be done flippantly, as there ronmental Design) tion, with which she
The hardest thing
is a difficult process. certified.” has a fellowship. At the
“First you have to contact the teacher M c N a m a r a’s is trying to be same time, procrastina-
you want to work with and make responsibilities as by yourself. You tion can set in and cause
sure they’re OK with it,” said Berger. an adviser are to kind of realize consequences.
“Then talk to your counselor and get assist Berger in her “Sometimes it piles
an appointment to get it approved by research rather than how important up and I end up doing
the assistant principal and you have to teaching her the interaction is to a lot on weekends,”
draw out the course outline and every- material learning. said Berger. “I think the
thing before that meeting and give it to “As an adviser, one Marion Berger ’11 hardest thing is trying to
them. Usually independent studies are of my first jobs is to be by yourself, you kind
only a semester, so you have to put in approve her outline, of realize how important
extra work to get two semesters.” her independent study plan and to interaction is to learning.”
Because Berger wants to go into sus- make suggestions how it might be more Berger advises students to consider
tainable energy development, she said effective or ways to make it more in- how interested they are in a topic if
connecting the study with her future depth,” said McNamara. “My other role they want to sign up for an indepen-
career plans made a strong argument to is to help her if she needs any assistance dent study, as it can be difficult to find
create the full-year course. A student’s getting things for her independent motivation.
course outline must also go above and study a student wouldn’t normally be “Definitely don’t try to make it any-
beyond what any other course at South able to get a hold of; supplies or maybe thing you’re not going to be interested
would offer to have the independent data from other areas.” in; then you’re not going to gain any-
study approved by the administration. Grading for an independent study thing from it,” said Berger. “You have to
As for how one of these classes would varies on the adviser, but McNamara be really passionate about it, definitely.”
look on a college transcript, Berger said said he grades Berger on the weekly Passion for environmental studies
it essentially comes down to the indi- progress meetings they have, as well as is not something Berger lacks, as her
vidual’s work ethic and progress in the reports she would write about books peers can plainly see.
course. she read first semester and presenta- “I think she could make a really
“I’m sure wherever Marion goes next tions she gives. good teacher if she chose to do so,”
year, if they question that credit, she’d Berger said she presents to the Assis- said McClanaghan. “She knew it (the
sit down with them and present what tant Principals Brandon Slone and Joan information) so well she could just talk
she has learned, and I don’t think they’d Murphy at the end of each semester and about it.”
have (a doubt) in their minds that she to McNamara’s Advanced Placement McNamara said that Berger has been
definitely used that independent study,” Environmental (AP Enviro) classes able to handle the class well and gain a
said science teacher and adviser Shawn whenever she is studying something lot of knowledge she would not other-
McNamara. relevant to the class. wise find in a class at South.
While Berger’s future course study “Well I fainted during the assistant “She did really well,” said McNamara.
concerns the environment, she said she principal one (presentation),” laughed “I’ve been impressed.”
focuses on certain aspects each quarter. Berger, “but it’s just a little nerve wrack-
First quarter was concentrated on food ing. I don’t really mind the AP Enviro
5%
Components
Food and drink
of a
carbon 22%
footprint services:
car
13% 27% manufacture
and delivery,
14% 18% Home public
Home and services,
energy: gas,
personal and
Recreation oil, coal and
effects financial
and leisure Transportation: electricity
public, private services
and holiday
flights
Graphic (left) by Annie Gough and Emma Maniere, both ’11
Factbox by Taylor Wizner and Emma Maniere, both ’11
Information according to carbonfootprint.com

5. FEaTuREs
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 5
kickin’
it
Phot
o by
DeM
arco
Hava
rd ’12
Kickboxing provides fun
3
way to stay in shape
(Staff Writer) provided additional benefits, Reimer
caItlIn MOOre ’12 said. Kickboxing requires more coor-
dination and muscle. It also provides
Learning to throw punches and kick lessons in self defense.
reasons to properly might be seen as aggressive “In terms of cross country and track,
cross-train
by some, but for others, kickboxing kickboxing will help me to become
provides numerous benefits, Abby faster and increase my endurance,”
Reimer ’12 said. said Bissa. “I already feel stronger.”
Along with Reimer, Carolyn Lanza Knowing self defense is something
’12 and Annalise Bissa ’13 have started than can be useful anytime, Lanza
to take kickboxing lessons to have said. Kickboxing gives athletes proper
fun while staying in shape, they said. punching and kicking techniques.
1
All three run cross country and have It also helps to build endurance and
INJuRY PREVENTION found a second sport they can enjoy
together. Kickboxing is an attractive
teaches how to have quick feet.
“I now know how to defend myself
By mixing in weight-lifting, swimming and other exercises, cross-training can improve running sport because of the intensity it pro- and if I ever get attacked, I know I will
endurance without wear and tear to muscles used in running, such as the knees and ankles. vides and also the fun it provides. have a chance in defending myself,”
“We wanted to do something said Reimer.
together to stay in shape,” said Lanza. Self defense is just one of the
2
“So far it has been really fun and we reasons to start kickboxing, Bissa said.
REHaBILITaTION get good workouts.” This sport teaches how to avoid and
While injured, cross-training exercises such as swimming, water running and elliptical riding Kickboxing provides a workout that deflect attacks.
is beneficial and enjoyable, Reimer After joining to stay in shape
can help keep up fitness until normal running can be resumed since they simulate the cardiovas- said. It involves endurance, which is a together, the three said they have
cular demands of running. large part of cross country, and it also accomplished much more than that. It
targets skills that are not associated has provided them with skills that are
with cross country. useful throughout life. It has become
3
“I didn’t want to do yoga and I hate another interesting and fun sport that
running in the cold but I wanted to they have in common.
GREaTER FITNEss stay in shape for cross country and “I love kickboxing,” said Bissa. “I fell
Cross-training can increase running power, endurance and decrease the amount of fatigue felt because I may run a half marathon,” in love with it on the first day because
after physical exertion. said Reimer. “This (kickboxing) it is fun, difficult, rewarding and an
seemed like a fun option.” experience we can share with each
Factbox by David Harris ’12 Although the trio is already involved other.”
Information from runnersworld.com
in cross country, kickboxing has
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