Powderpuff game to raise money for United Way of Jackson

Powderpuff
By: Logan Howe and Kaelie Kemp
The highly anticipated Powderpuff game takes place Monday, October 3rd at 7:00pm. The Juniors girls take on the Senior girls in the annual battle. Rest assured that this game will be the most riveting game in a long time. Hallway conversation displays the intensity that the girls have for this year’s game and the referees better prepare themselves for a long and busy night.
The money that is made at the powderpuff game goes to United Way of Jackson. If you plan to attend the game, you are encouraged to pay to get in and not use your pass because the money benefits a great cause. United Way is an organization that works with local partners to make families and individuals become and remain financially stable. The money helps the families purchase basic needs such as food, shelter, and health care. So for one night, you are encouraged to pay the cheap price of only $5 to get into one game to help support those in your community who are in dire need.
Mr. Messer is the head ref of this year’s game and has enlisted an army of male teachers to keep the peace. Below is the full roster of this year’s Powderpuff officials:
Head Ref- J. Messer Umpire- D. Huntley Line Judge- S. Kim
Line Judge- B. Zeitler Back Judge- J. Meredith
“The powderpuff game offers a great chance for the girls to play a game they don’t have the chance to play.” Mr. Meredith said when describing the tradition that many look forward to every year.

Nyan Cat to be played during passing times, until the student body pays up

Nyan cat
Starting Monday, October 3rd, the Nyan Cat theme song will be payed between classes all classes. This is going to be a fundraiser for the Science Club who plan on building a wind turbine this year. Their goal is to reach $300 for this project. Donation jugs will be at both lunches that you can donate the money to or you can give your money to Mr. Rissi any time of the day. Anyone can donate, even people that like the Nyan Cat theme song can donate. The money collected will be used to buy the supplies for said wind turbine. 

-JH

Video Newsfeed 5: Ladypanthers News

Girls golf preview

On Tuesday, September 18th, he Varsity girls golf team played in a jamboree at Marshall Country Club. Teams that they played against included Harper Creek and a few others. The varsity team members who played were Madison Whiting (12), Amanda Motts (12), Rachel Mayotte (12), Hailey Cunningham, (11) Danielle Rand (11), and Rachel Polich (10). Madison Whiting shot a 53, Hailey Cunningham shot a 57, and Rachel Polich a 58. Conferences will be on Monday, October 3rd, and if they qualify, Regionals will be on Thursday, October 6th.

I also interviewed Rachel Polich, sophomore, about her experiences on the team.

• What is your favorite part about playing golf?

• Making new friends with the upperclassmen, and getting to be on varsity is pretty swell.

• Individually, what are your strengths and weaknesses?

• I’m one of the best putters on the team, and I’m pretty good at chipping too. One thing I really need to work on though is my technique, especially my fairway game.

• In 3 words, how would you describe your teammates?

• Creative, independent, and awesome.

• Favorite memory from this season?

• My favorite memory from this season was when we were at McDonald’s and Rachel Mayotte was trying to be really polite to the server, and she said “Thank you, sir” but the server was actually a woman. We were all laughing and she was really embarrassed.

• Do you plan to continue playing golf after high school? 

• I’ll probably play for fun - I’m not that serious about it.

• What are your personal goals for the rest of the season?

• My personal goal is to break 100.

- MP

Aarron Laughlin is a junior and undergoing his first season on the men's varsity soccer team.When asked what the biggest difference was between jv and varsity play was, Laughlin said that players are bigger and faster from his previous seasons on JV. Laughlin also said that the best memory of the season thus far was winning their first game against Hastings last week. “Everyone rushed the field and it was a great feeling.” The boys continued their winning streak by beating Harper Creek this past Tuesday 3-1. They also battled Lumen last night in the fierce weather but took away the win. A big congrats to Sawyer Watterson for scoring a majority of the panthers goals with a hat trick. Also Jakey Jones and Cole Morse finished the Titans off with an ending score of 5-2. Come support them Saturday October 1st home @ 12 as they take on Chelsea.

--by Grace Buckland

Western High School Marching Band Travels to Vandercook Lake to Perform

On Monday, September 26th, the Western High School Marching Band performed in the 22nd annual Vandercook Lake Marching Band Invitational. The band performed their “Classic Vinyl” show for the final time this year, including hits from Led Zeppelin, KISS, Guns N’ Roses, and Aerosmith. With the combination of weeks of preparation and energy from the crowd, director Paul Bickel said that the band had “[the] best performance yet,” impressing “directors and audience alike.” 
Mr. Bickel also said that the Invite is very valuable for students because they can learn from the other county bands and feel recognized and supported by the community.
The WHS marching band has two more performances. One is the senior show on October 7th, which involves the senior performers to dress up in the theme of the show. This year’s theme is a mix between the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Pixar. The final show the band will perform will be on October 14th. This show will be a collaboration with the Northwest marching band. Mr. Bickel said that preparations for the final two shows are going well, but “the weather wasn’t what [he] had ordered.” 
In terms of next year’s show, Mr. Bickel has plenty of ideas, but he’s not spilling yet. Make sure to come out and support your Western High marching band in their last two performances of the season!
To see the full performance from the Invite (Western’s show starts at the 1 hour and 5 minute mark), click here: https://youtu.be/czyWDSApa0A.

--by Carmen Ortega

Register To Vote at Western High:

Reporters Nick Dryer and Jorden McKinney interviewed John Anderson, teacher at Western High School, on the clerk coming in to help students to register to vote.
We asked him a few questions about the details on how to register to vote with the clerk.
"The clerk is helping to get students registered to vote, trying to get others listed on the ballot." John Anderson said.
He also said "The benefits of having the clerk come into the school is that she can explain how the system works and how the votes go into the ballot." Registering to vote gives you the ability to vote for any office in the school district, country, state, national votes. You only have to register once and you're done forever. It only takes roughly two minutes to do, and all you need to have is your drivers license and be a United States citizen.
We also interviewed high school senior Jon Hawkey, who said "The process was super easy. It was so short, but it was also very helpful and she explained everything very well." 

Visits from college recruiters to take on new format

In an interview with Mr. Smith. We found out that there will be college visits this week during the flex for hour. The different colleges coming to Western are SAU on 9/28 and Adrian on 9/29. If you wish to have a chance to visit with these colleges you need to write a two paragraph paper on why you would like to visit with the college representative. You turn this paper into your flex teacher and then you will be able to head down to the library for a meeting with one of the college reps. 

Kim Henderson from the Greater Michigan Consruction Academy gave a presentation in Mr. Zeitlers class on Wednesday. During the presentation she gave information about the academy. The GMCA has over 30 instructors, more than 25 classes, and 11 credit offerings. If you would like more information about GMCA you can contact Kim through her email khenderson@gmca.edu.

-Dylan Reynolds and Jacob Jones

Briefs for Oct. 27

Coach B’s Driving School- ATTENTION future drivers! Coach B’s Driving School is here at Western High School. On October 31st Segment one starts and starting on November 7, segment two. To sign up or for more information, go to the Coach B’s Driving School website.

Western Fine Arts On November 3rd,4th,5th, and 6th, the showing of Midsummer/Jersey will be playing. Click the link below for the rehearsal schedule. http://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/7xeKHXypDI33oKeAUJNbPyyxv95qkazm65DnZx4c4/ed it?usp=sharing

 Chess Club Do you love the game of chess? If so check out Mr. Kim's room every Thursday from 2:40 to 3:30. You know you want to!

 Winter Sports Tryouts and Information Basketball- There is a meeting for the upcoming basketball season on November 24th in the high school commons. The meeting will last 20 minutes and for more information check out the athletic office.

Hockey- If you are interested in playing hockey this year go to the Optimist Ice Arena next Monday @ 4:00. Reminder that physicals are required. Wrestling- Wrestling conditioning starts Monday Oct 31st at 2:50.

Soccer- Please turn in your jerseys.

-Compiled by Kaelie Kemp

Tennis team blanks Lumen Christi

The Western tennis team beat rival Lumen Christi on Sept. 21.
Charlie Davenport, suffering the loss of his double partner, Noah Archer, had to find a replacement and this was Killian Soper. Despite the unfamiliar playing styles they had, they started with a 5-0 lead but lost it and then got it back at 6-3. They then strategized and played more aggressive than before and won the second set at 6-0.
 Overall everyone won except our first singles and our third singles, for a total score of 6-2. 

Student service organization Key Club open to new members

Key Club meets after school on Thursdays, and other days if said otherwise. They do recycling bins, community service, and other fun activities. These meetings have already begun, and it's open to anyone who wants to join. They meet in Mrs Mayottes room at 3 o'clock Thursday afternoons.

Dearing Road closed until, at least, October

by Nicklas Dryer

There is a road closure in between the roads of Dearing and Cuff, as they are working on the railroad tracks and trying to flatten the road that meets up with the tracks. One of the workers I talked to told me that they are hoping to be done by the first of October, and there is nothing interfering with their work as of September 19th. The road is somewhat damaged by the railroad tracks, and they are trying to flatten it out enough so it no longer feels like a "ramp." From experience of driving over the tracks everyday, I'm glad they are fixing it. I always fear of bottoming out my car when I drive over it.

Video Newsfeed 4: Panther Gossip

Representatives from local businesses to speak with students during FLEX hour

On the days listed below, leaders from a variety of local businesses will visit Western High to speak with students about employment opportunities in their respective fields. Interested students should speak with their FLEX hour teachers.

Thurs. 22nd 10:30 Ganton Retirement  students take 2nd lunch

Wed. 28th BOTH 4th hours - Greater Mi Construction Academy

Tues. Oct. 4th 10:45 - Christoff Floor Coverings -students take 1st lunch

Tues. Oct. 11th 10:20  Elm Plating  students take 2nd lunch

High school students needed as fifth-grade camp counselors

Fifth graders from all three elementary schools will be attending camp in the near future. Parma and bean will be attending camp the 17-19 and warner will be attending the 19-21. Mrs. Price is still looking for senior boys to be camp counselors. If you would like to be a counselor contact Mrs. Price as soon as possible.

–Makenna Devine

Coach B's Driving School sign up beginning

For anyone interested in starting drivers training or continuing with segment two, Coach B's Driving School will be having segment one and segment two classes this fall at WHS. Segment 1 starts October 31st and segment two starts November 7th. For more information check out Coach B's website where you can also sign up for the classes.

–Dylan Reynolds

Volleyball team beats Pennfield

The Western High School Varsity volleyball team opened up the I-8 with a victory over Battle Creek Pennfield 25-20, 25-10 and 25-22. Hadlie Hinojosa led the way with 12 kills, had 4 aces, 3 digs and also 1 block. Morgan Riggs and Jena Holton each had 8 kills. Lauren Luplow contributed with 6 kills and had 9 digs. Anna Moody had 14 digs while Kerrington Curl had 31 assists. She added 5 digs and 5 aces. Overall the girls played well and were determined to win. 

Anna Moody gave us the scoop on the team this year. She said "I think we're doing pretty well. We still have things to improve on, but we're better than in past years. I think a strength for our team is that we all want to win and are willing to try our best to do what it takes to win. When we play as a team, we get energetic & are able to pick eachother up." She said about the weeknesses of the varsity team "A weakness is when we get down in a hole, sometimes it's hard for us to come out of it & we tend to lose our energy when that happens." 

–by Kendra Swaenepoel

Western Panthers to travel to Hastings

The Western Panthers will be traveling all the way to Hastings, Michigan this Friday night to play the Hasting Saxons. Hastings is an hour and 16 minutes away! Hastings is a new team in our conference this year. Both Hastings and Western are 1-3. Come out and support your Western Panthers, it may be far, but come out and cheer on our boys!

–Elaina Ellis

Panthers standing tall after tough loss

Western panthers varsity football lost to Coldwater Friday night at home. The final score was 28-14. The pressure was on with it being Westerns homecoming game but we could just not beat the Cardinals. Evan Thompson and Steele Fortress were the players that scored the touchdowns. Luke Raczkowski was on top of things with eight tackles.

–Makenna Devine

Young Americans comes to Western for clinic, performance.

The Young Americans are a group of people who travel the country to show kids the power and impact of music. They are located in California and want to help lift up kids through music. They came to Western High School to help the students put on a show. Started September 18 and goes to September 20.
The show starts Tuesday night 7pm at the Western Auditorium. Come out and show your support for the students that have been working hard for the past three days to put on a show. 
According to Aislinn Meszaros, The Young Americans is a group of young adults that are from California but are based in Michigan. They travel the world and get students to sing and dance to build skills in leadership and teamwork. They perform tonight (Tues, sept. 20) at 7:00. $12 for adults and $8 for students.

–by Jacob Jones and Joe Hendrickson

Powder Puff football announcement

If you are a junior or senior lady panther you are eligible to compete on Monday, October 3 at 7:00 pm on the WHS football field. Look for Noel Nagy, Riki Carroll or Annie Tallman to sign up. You must submit a parent waiver to play. T-shirts are $15 and due tomorrow (9/20) by end of day. This is for all coaches and players. Who will dominate the field this year? It's up to YOU junior and senior lady panthers. 

In an interview with Rachel Mayotte, a senior on the golf team, I asked them a series of questions from where do they think they will go in the season to what they need to work on.

Q: how is the season going for you guys?

A: it's a little rough but I know that we will get it eventually.

Q: how far do you think you guys will go?

A: we will try our best to make it to regionals.

Q: what do you need to work on in order to get better?

A: out short game. We do have a good team and good motivation

Q: is there anything that we should know about the team?

A: we are determined, striving for one goal to be a better team by the end of the year.

For more scores go to www.westernpantherssports.org for the latest golf, football and other sports news!

-by Kaelie Kemp

Cross country teams running through middle of season

        The Western High School cross country teams traveled to MSU to compete against 45 other teams, and are looking forward to their I-8 League Jamboree meet this Tuesday.

The Western High School cross country teams competed against fierce competition in the Spartan Invite at Michigan State University this past Friday. Out of 45 D1 and D2 teams, the men finished 18th overall, and the women finished 27th overall. The top five runners for the men were sophomore Gezahegn Starr (17:11), seniors Lake Buseth (17:45), Tyler Robertson (17:50), and Tristan Kellar (18:06), and sophomore Collin Patrick (18:26). Coach Sharp mentioned Starr as “consistently [being] our lead runner.” She also noted Patrick, who is running at speeds two minutes faster than he was at this point last season, and is filling the very important 5th spot on the team.

On the women’s side, freshman Quinn Natschke (20:34), sophomore Rachel Vogt (22:00), freshman Olivia Hubbard (22:03), senior Noel Nagy (23:13), and sophomore Molly Chinavare (23:18) scored for the Panthers. Natschke had her season’s best time and just missed a medal. Hubbard and Vogt have also been valuable additions to the team, according to Coach Sharp.

The I-8 League Jamboree is coming up on Tuesday, September 20th. Currently, the team is ranked 2nd in their region. To make their goal of getting to states as a team (which hasn’t been done in almost 10 years), Coach Sharp said they need to “concentrate on getting our 4th and 5th spots closer in times to our top three.”

~CMO

Panthers Run at Spartan Invite

This past Friday the varsity boys and girls cross country team traveled to the Spartan Invite to run against D1 and D2 schools. Gezahegn Starr came in first for the panthers with a time of 17:11 and for the girls, Quinn Natschke posted a season best of 20:34. Friday, September 23rd, the boys and girls jv team will be at Ella Sharp for the Jackson Invite and varsity will be running Saturday morning. 

-Grace Buckland

Video Newsfeed 3

Both of Jackson County's only National Merit Semi-Finalists are Western students

Western seniors Sam Memon, left, and Jacob Kuntzleman are National Merit Scholarship semi-finalists. (Photo by The Pride)

Congratulations are in order for two WHS seniors, Jacob Kuntzleman and Mustafa "Sam" Memon,  for being named as a National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists.Jacob and Sam  are the only two National Merit Semifinalists to qualify this year in Jackson County.  Western High is so proud of these two hard working students.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition meant for both recognition and college scholarships.  Students qualify primarily according to their Preliminary SAT (PSAT) standardized test scores.  Approximately 1.6 million juniors took the PSAT in hopes of being named one of 16,000 semi-finalists nation wide.

National Merit Semi Finalists are invited to compete for the status of becoming National Merit Finalists who are announced in February.  Merit scholarship monies are only awarded to National Merit Scholarship Finalists.

–by Mrs. VanRiper

Soccer team drops I-8 opener to Battle Creek-Pennfield

Last night the boys varsity soccer team traveled to Pennfield and after a numerous attempts to find the back of the net, Jakey Jones gave Cole Morse an assist for the only goal. The boys are 2-1 for conference play and will play Marshall away on Thursday.   

These Golden Tickets won't get you into Willie Wonka's factory, but still...

        Do you want to be rewarded for your good attendance and stellar grades? If you have fewer than 5 absences and fewer than 5 tardies in each class per semester, you’ll earn a golden ticket. However, if you have 5 tardies in one class and 4 in all the others, you won’t receive a ticket. Once you get signatures from all your teachers and approval from Mr. Taylor, your golden ticket can be used to take a day off during semester two. No more than 50 students per day can redeem their tickets, so make sure to plan accordingly. See Mrs. Price or Mr. Taylor for more details, and be sure to keep up with your grades and attendance.

~CMO

Spirit Day 3: Jackson Landmark Day

Volleyball team wins quad

The WHS varsity volleyball team finished Monday night with a score of 2-0 after beating Eaton Rapids 25-8, 25-18 and Michigan Center 25-10, 25-12. Hadlie Hinojosa dominated with 15 kills, 2 blocks, 3 digs and 2 aces. Morgan Riggs with 9 kills. Jena Holton with 8 kills and 5 aces. Lauren Luplow killed the ball 7 times with 4 aces and 6 digs. Kerrington Curl finished had 40 assists, 8 digs and 5 aces. Anna Moody with 9 digs and averaged a 2.38 pass rating. Meredith Luplow added in 4 digs and 3 aces. Great job ladies! 

-KS

Cross country teams compete at Lakeview Invitational, prepare to run at Michigan State's Spartan Invitational

Last Saturday the girls and boys jv and varsity Western cross country team traveled to BC Lakeview to run the Lakeview Invite.

The course was a little wet and there were a few hills that made racing difficult, but it did not stop our team from . Quinn Natschke finished 11th overall in the varsity, coming in two places away from finishing as the first freshman with a time of 20:37. Coming in for the boys first varsity competitor was Gezahegn Starr placing 5th over all with a time of 16:55. Sophomore Rachel Vogt PR’d by 1 minute and 21 seconds. 

The girls and boys varsity team will be competing in the Spartan Invite this Friday.

-by Grace Buckland

Football team takes underdog victory from favorite Marshall

Western beat Marshall last Friday night!
Western traveled to Marshall last Friday, and won 32-30! Steele ran
the ball, and scored. Connor Cottingham had 162 yards and with those
yards scored 3 touchdowns. Fortress took a knee to end the game,
Western has had an underdog victory against Marshall! This Friday
Western plays Coldwater at home, for our big homecoming game! Come out
and support! Westerns record is now (1-2)

Homecoming Spirit Week, Day 2: Tacky Tourist

Great job dressing up, tacky tourists!

 

Shelby Railer vacationing in Morroco.

Olivia Hubbard, Margie Oxley, Abby Wilcoxon and Brennan Kim are dressed for traveling to Hawaii.

Jacob Wells is prepared to go backpacking through Africa.

 

See you tomorrow on Jackson Landmark Day! Do you know your grade's assigned landmark? If not, check our Twitter @whshemisphere or our news brief: 

http://whshemisphere.blogspot.com/2016/09/jackson-landmark-day-wednesday-of.html

Monday's Spirit Day: Pajama Day

Pajama day was success. Why do people love PJ day? Because well, you don't have to pick out an outfit! It's a get up and go kinda day. 

Great job showing your school spirit, Western Panthers. 

Words and Photos by Kendra Swaenepoel

Football team prepares to host Coldwater in Homecoming Game

Western takes on Coldwater this week.

This Friday Western varsity football takes on Coldwater at home! It's the homecoming game so come out and support our team.

Western is 1-2 coming off a big win at Marshall. 

Western believes they should have one their first two games. Coldwater is the defending league champion. Connor Cottingham is coming off of a breakout game where he scored three touchdowns for the Panther team.

-Makenna Devine