Friday, October 28, 2016
Friday, October 21, 2016
Tennis team measures successful season
After a long fall season, the varsity boys tennis team competed in the division 3 state tournament last Friday, Oct. 15, at Kalamazoo College. After several tough matches and excellent play by the team, all the hard work this season finally paid off when they emerged from the tournament ranked 7th in the state. They ended with 10 points, tying with schools St. Clair and Trenton, and winning over schools Chelsea and Marshall, among others.
Even after losing 7 seniors last year, this year’s team was full of returning players who continued to improve throughout the season. Their hard work from the past 3 months proved to be worth it at the state tournament, where many played their best tennis of the season.
Many flights made it to the second round. Notable matches include #1 singles, Jadon Engle, who lost to St. Joseph in the second round. #4 singles Jon Shaw won against Fowlerville 6-0, 6-0 in the first round, then fell to the #3 seed from St. Clair, with a score of 7-6, 6-4. And #4 doubles team Dawson Baker and Paul Buchholz defeated Coopersville in 3 sets in the first round, but lost to Detroit Country Day at 6-2, 6-2 in the second round.
The #1 doubles team of Nate Buchholz and Tyler Blume advanced the furthest in the tournament, winning their first two matches and making it to the quarterfinals, where they lost to Haslett in 3 sets, finishing the season with an amazing record of 22-2.
The seniors graduating this year are Nate Buchholz, Charlie Davenport, and Dawson Baker. Coach Blume said that the team exceeded his expectations, and is extremely proud of the team and all their hard work.
Reflections on fifth grade camp, by a counselor
By Carmen Ortega
Hemisphere Staff Writer
Those of us who attended Western School District in elementary school have priceless memories of our time at the YMCA’s Mystic Lake Camp, more commonly referred to as “fifth grade camp.”
Twenty-four Western High School students missed school this week in order to act as counselors for the fifth graders.
According to Bean Elementary principal Mike Ykimoff, the high schoolers who attend fifth grade camp are hand picked by the staff based on leadership and character qualities.
A common theme among counselors was exhaustion. Senior Megan Arntz said, “I've always wanted a career with kids but until this week I wasn't sure if I was fit for it. It was definitely exhausting, but completely worth it.”
Many counselors had never faced responsibility as daunting as caring for large groups of children. Senior George Kline commented he “got outside of my comfort zone and stayed out. I'm not usually in charge, and I like it that way, so it was certainly new to be responsible for so many kids.”
However, despite the physical fatigue, the counselors enjoyed the experience. At camp, the fifth graders have the opportunity to meet lots of new people and “grow and learn through teamwork and individualized problem solving,” according to senior Annie Tallman.
She herself “enjoyed going on the giant swing being close to nature for a few days without the distraction of media.” According to senior Riki Carroll, “It was awesome to see the many changes and similarities the camp has compared to when I was in fifth grade. A lot of the activities were the same, but some were different. It brought up old memories that I cherish.”
Although it seems like everything has changed since fifth grade, many counselors pointed out the fact they’re still best friends with the very same people they were best friends with in fifth grade.
Even though fifth grade camp changed some from when counselors attended, the bonds created there are still strong today.
Hemisphere Staff Writer
Those of us who attended Western School District in elementary school have priceless memories of our time at the YMCA’s Mystic Lake Camp, more commonly referred to as “fifth grade camp.”
Twenty-four Western High School students missed school this week in order to act as counselors for the fifth graders.
According to Bean Elementary principal Mike Ykimoff, the high schoolers who attend fifth grade camp are hand picked by the staff based on leadership and character qualities.
A common theme among counselors was exhaustion. Senior Megan Arntz said, “I've always wanted a career with kids but until this week I wasn't sure if I was fit for it. It was definitely exhausting, but completely worth it.”
Many counselors had never faced responsibility as daunting as caring for large groups of children. Senior George Kline commented he “got outside of my comfort zone and stayed out. I'm not usually in charge, and I like it that way, so it was certainly new to be responsible for so many kids.”
However, despite the physical fatigue, the counselors enjoyed the experience. At camp, the fifth graders have the opportunity to meet lots of new people and “grow and learn through teamwork and individualized problem solving,” according to senior Annie Tallman.
She herself “enjoyed going on the giant swing being close to nature for a few days without the distraction of media.” According to senior Riki Carroll, “It was awesome to see the many changes and similarities the camp has compared to when I was in fifth grade. A lot of the activities were the same, but some were different. It brought up old memories that I cherish.”
Although it seems like everything has changed since fifth grade, many counselors pointed out the fact they’re still best friends with the very same people they were best friends with in fifth grade.
Even though fifth grade camp changed some from when counselors attended, the bonds created there are still strong today.
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Opinion: When should we stop trick or treating? Never.
By Kaelie Kemp
When the leaves begin to fall and the warm breeze turns cold, we think of fall, and fall is the time for pumpkin patches, fall pictures, and apple cider.
We can’t forget about the feeling of waking up and knowing that today is the day that we can dress like a total idiots and get free candy. Halloween is the day all the little kids and even some adults look forward to because they get to go door to door and get candy from strangers. But when should we stop? When should we hang up our batman costumes and face reality and start being the ones who actually hand out the candy?
In a recent informal poll at Western High School most kids said they decide for themselves when they should stop. The poll showed that most teens wanted to stop at the end of high school. Following close behind that was the answer “never.”
For most of the students, the answer was “You’re never too old to go trick or treating. Even if you’re old no one can tell how old you really are, especially if you’re wearing a mask!”
This could have been the sarcastic teen tone or the inner kid talking at that point. Coming in last place was “beginning of high school.”
This might be a different story at other schools, but at Western High the poll tells it all. Most teens don’t want to believe that they are growing up and the fun trick or treating festivities have to come to an end.
The staff at Halloween City, a local seasonal costume store, said, “It’s all ages that come into the store. There really isn’t an age limit either, we see babies to old ladies.”
There really isn’t a certain age that we have to stop trick or treating, if you think about it, we go almost every year. If that be with our parents, with our friends or even with our own children. If there isn’t an age limit then why do we stop?
Most of the seniors at Western High School said they have a costume already picked out and ready to go.
Alec Baker for example said he is going to be “Mermaid Man,” while Tyler Jones is dressing up as “Barnacle Boy.” Both characters are from the kids television show, Spongebob Square Pants.
There have been many more such as the famous “Princess” or even a “Construction Worker." Most of the kids even said they weren’t going to dress up as much as just throw on a mask from the dollar store and go out with their friends.
In the end, there isn’t really a certain age we have to stop. The inner kid comes out of us all sometime and sometimes to make ourselves happy we break from society and do what we used to do. We grab our masks, cut the holes in our sheets, snag those pillow cases and we go get the free candy from the strangers who give us those weird looks.
Fall comes around once a year so WHS students should make the most of it.
When the leaves begin to fall and the warm breeze turns cold, we think of fall, and fall is the time for pumpkin patches, fall pictures, and apple cider.
We can’t forget about the feeling of waking up and knowing that today is the day that we can dress like a total idiots and get free candy. Halloween is the day all the little kids and even some adults look forward to because they get to go door to door and get candy from strangers. But when should we stop? When should we hang up our batman costumes and face reality and start being the ones who actually hand out the candy?
In a recent informal poll at Western High School most kids said they decide for themselves when they should stop. The poll showed that most teens wanted to stop at the end of high school. Following close behind that was the answer “never.”
For most of the students, the answer was “You’re never too old to go trick or treating. Even if you’re old no one can tell how old you really are, especially if you’re wearing a mask!”
This could have been the sarcastic teen tone or the inner kid talking at that point. Coming in last place was “beginning of high school.”
This might be a different story at other schools, but at Western High the poll tells it all. Most teens don’t want to believe that they are growing up and the fun trick or treating festivities have to come to an end.
The staff at Halloween City, a local seasonal costume store, said, “It’s all ages that come into the store. There really isn’t an age limit either, we see babies to old ladies.”
There really isn’t a certain age that we have to stop trick or treating, if you think about it, we go almost every year. If that be with our parents, with our friends or even with our own children. If there isn’t an age limit then why do we stop?
Most of the seniors at Western High School said they have a costume already picked out and ready to go.
Alec Baker for example said he is going to be “Mermaid Man,” while Tyler Jones is dressing up as “Barnacle Boy.” Both characters are from the kids television show, Spongebob Square Pants.
There have been many more such as the famous “Princess” or even a “Construction Worker." Most of the kids even said they weren’t going to dress up as much as just throw on a mask from the dollar store and go out with their friends.
In the end, there isn’t really a certain age we have to stop. The inner kid comes out of us all sometime and sometimes to make ourselves happy we break from society and do what we used to do. We grab our masks, cut the holes in our sheets, snag those pillow cases and we go get the free candy from the strangers who give us those weird looks.
Fall comes around once a year so WHS students should make the most of it.
Monday, October 17, 2016
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Friday, October 14, 2016
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Michigan Theater in Jackson to show film highlighting problem of human trafficking
"Break the Chain," a movie about human trafficking is showing at the Michigan Theater this Friday October 14th, the movie starts at 7pm! It is free admission. For more information about the movie being shown, and details about it go to the website breakthechain.com.
Students, staff invited to enter video contest
Want to win $1000 dollars? Well if so enter the video contest, and get yourself out there! For more information and more details see Mrs. Callendar, and see her if you would like to enter. She is also willing to help with the video, and submitting the video! Also you can refer to the website https://www.worldof7billion.
Good luck!!
Courtyard project progressing
Last time we wrote about the courtyard, Emily Cole was making measurements for blueprints. The garden area, greenhouse, fountain, walkway, benches, counters and study areas were just an aspiration. Since then Emily Cole has finished all the measurements and dimensions of the courtyard. She took the idea to the principals and they loved the idea. In the meeting they were surprised she was doing it all by herself, and were eager to start. Mr. Rissi wants to turn his window into a door, so he can walk directly out into the greenhouse. If they won't allow that, he says he will just put steps outside his window. Emily also had the idea to have a group of elementary schoolers come help relocate all the crickets and grasshoppers to the biology pond. The next step that needs to be taken is getting grants from Lowes, Home Depot, and Menards. Stay tuned for updates and progress pictures throughout the year.
-SRW
Hunger Bowl II this Friday at home
Northwest is Western's rival, and has been for many years. The Northwest, Western game will be huge, the Northwest Mounties (0-7) will take on the Western Panthers (1-6). We ask that you bring donations of food to the game for your local food banks, or you can bring the food to school buildings within the districts! You can do this Monday-Friday of this week. Come out and support your Western Panthers!
GO PANTHERS!!
Friday, October 7, 2016
News and Announcements
Girls Golf Finishes 7th
On Monday Oct. 3rd, the girls golf team competed in their I-8 Conference at Bedford Valley G.C. in Battle Creek. The team was led by Amanda Motts, who scored a 95. Rachel Mayotte scored a 111, Madison Whiting and Rachel Polich both scored a 116, Danielle Rand scored in the 120s, and Maris VanGieson scored a 146. Congrats to senior Amanda Motts for earning First Team All-Conference Honors! The team scored 7th overall in the tournament, and will travel to Mason on this Thursday, Oct. 6, to compete in the Regional tournament.
Break the Chain Free Showing October 14th
On Friday, Oct. 14th, the Michigan Theater will be having a FREE showing of Break the Chain, a new film centered around the issue of human trafficking, created in association with the Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force. The show is free and starts at 7:00 PM.
Varsity Football: WHS vs Lumen
The varsity football team will face off against Lumen Christi on this Friday, Oct. 7th. It is also senior night for the marching band, where seniors will be recognized for dedicating their time and efforts to the band. So come out and support the team!
Boys Tennis Recap
On Monday, October 3rd, the boys tennis team traveled to Harper Creek to compete in the I-8 Conference. Opponents in the tournament included Marshall, Lumen Christi, Harper Creek, and Coldwater. Led by head coach Doug Blume, the team fought hard and came out of the day in second place, with a score of 55. Notable matches included #1 doubles (Nate Buchholz and Tyler Blume) and #2 doubles (Charlie Davenport and Noah Archer), who each defeated Coldwater in the finals. The team travels to Trenton High School on Thursday, October 6th, to compete in their regional tournament.
News briefs compiled by Madeyn Polich
STEM Club fundraiser seeking to build on success of last year's weather balloon project
Last year on May 18th the STEM club launched a weather balloon into the stratosphere and got camera footage up 200,000 feet in the air.
See some of it in this video posted on YouTube.
Equipped with a camera and GPS, stem club launched their balloon from our baseball field. They were able to get the balloon to travel 60 miles from Parma, all the way to Canton, Mich., by raising money through fundraisers.
This year, science club is trying to make a wind turbine and they need your help raising money. Donations can be given to Mr. Rissi.
-SRW
Volleyball teams raise funds for cancer research
Wednesday, October 5th was the Volley For Hope at Western high school. A fundraiser to raise money and awareness for breast cancer, Western raised over $2,000 for Henry Ford Allegiance woman's Health Center, winning every volleyball game, raffles and much more brought our community together.
"We wanted to make sure it was a special event for the survivors and the people that are suffering and struggling with cancer right now. So we had free Tshirts for them, we had flowers for them, we had a moment of silence for those that were lost. We also had people stand up who were suffering. It was nice to see what we were doing contributed to them and helping them," said Mrs. Pack, a volleyball coach at western.
On the day leading up to Volley for Hope, the halls of the school were riddled with pink. Students and players decked out in pink outfits, hair, and facepaint.
The money was raised by collecting donations, selling wristbands, headbands and more. The event was successful in raising money and giving back to the community as well.
"We had raffles outside, so people could buy tickets and put them in the baskets. We had gift cards available, coolers with Michigan state volleyball tickets, blankets, pizza gift cards. We had all these different prizes that people could win. We also had places set up so people could take pictures and hashtag the event. We had 50/50 raffles. So that was all going on in between the games," said Mrs pack.
There was success all around. The teams, the hospitals, and with the turnout of volunteers. Countless parents, teachers, coaches and more helped out.
"We had a lot of parents and volunteers and the teams helped a lot, it was very successful in terms of volunteers, it was very successful in terms of wins for all 3 teams. But most successful for breast cancer and the Henry ford allegiance woman's health center. We raised around 2,000 dollars to support the, (the totals still being calculated) so that's awesome, very successful," said Mrs. Pack.
"Our role as coaches was to organize everything. Our girls had to get donations, raffle prizes, setting up, coaching the game and then making sure things are running smoothly. We had a lot of great parent volunteers that were helping. They took charge of the organizing and flow while we were coaching," said Mrs. Pack.
Mrs. Clawson, Kelley Mulnix, parent volunteers, our players, Mr. Hackworth, Mrs. Basset, Mrs. McCarrol are also credited for helping organize the event.
Westerns Volleyball Players always play hard. But on the night of volley for hope, the cause effected their playing.
"It was a big crowd, so that definitely changed the atmosphere in the gym. It was also all decorated and all pink. Even the other team coming in, we're kind of impressed with what the gym looked like. I think it just made it a community feel that the whole student section was there, a lot of people wearing the same Tshirts. It just felt like we brought everyone together. So they played really well because of that. We also had posters around that people were playing in honor or memory of someone who had suffered," said Mrs. Pack.
The students and players had a good time at the game as well.
"Really fun, I love how into it everyone was. I'm glad we won," said Anna Rauch.
"We won, all our teams won. The varsity game was really exciting because (the score) kept going back and forth," said Ethan Dillay.
Overall, Volley for Hope was a great fundraising event for breast cancer and raised both money and awareness for the Henry ford allegiance women's health center.
-By Sophia Wood
Seniors defeat Juniors, 13-0, in charity powderpuff football game
The seniors best the juniors 13-0 during the powderpuff football game Monday night. No one had scored in the first half, but the second half was a different story.
"It was cool to be the first one to do it." Annie Tallman said about kicking the extra point during powderpuff football.
The first half of the game nobody had scored, and after halftime still no one had scored until the 4th quarter when senior Noel Nagy ran in for the seniors very first touchdown.
Then Noel Nagy scored again in the 4th quarter as well, to let the seniors lead 12-0.
Annie Tallman then went to kick, and made the extra point!! She was thrilled.
"Powderpuff was a fundraiser for key club, and the United way." Mrs Mayotte said.
Mrs Mayotte said they raised $1,525 dollars for the key club and the United Way.
Therese Lefere said she thought the juniors would ever make a comeback? She said "Not make a come back, but after the first half I thought they might actually win because no one had scored yet." Therese also said "I was excited that we won."
The seniors had a 13-0 victory over the juniors, although the juniors were bummed, the seniors were very excited.
As Annie Tallman and Therese Lefere said "I was very excited that we won."
-by Elaina Ellis
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Open theater auditions, French Club and dress code
Attention students and actors/actress! Western Fine Arts is presenting a Midsummer/Jersey on the dates of November 3rd, 4th ,5th, and 6th. Those are the only days that you can go and view the play so cancel your plans and come on out and support your classmates!
To all of you in the French Club that are going on the trip to Europe, in order to go on the $200 trip, you must have your deposit of $95 by October 7th so don’t forget! If you have anymore questions about the trip, go see Madame Marks in room 206 or if she’s busy contact her from email @ cheryl.marks@wsdpanther.org. Don’t miss out on a opportunity like this!
Attention everyone, this is a friendly reminder of the dress code. We need fingertip length skirts and shorts. No hats and no tube tops. For questions or for the full dress code please look at the Western handbook. Thank you and have a good day.
To all of you in the French Club that are going on the trip to Europe, in order to go on the $200 trip, you must have your deposit of $95 by October 7th so don’t forget! If you have anymore questions about the trip, go see Madame Marks in room 206 or if she’s busy contact her from email @ cheryl.marks@wsdpanther.org. Don’t miss out on a opportunity like this!
Attention everyone, this is a friendly reminder of the dress code. We need fingertip length skirts and shorts. No hats and no tube tops. For questions or for the full dress code please look at the Western handbook. Thank you and have a good day.
Chess Club pwn'ing the opposition
Chess Club Information- If you would like to play class with your fellow classmates and
you don’t know where to go, they meet every Thursday in Mr. Kim's room at 2:40 until
3:30. It’s a great way to have some fun with your classmates and make new friends. Go
check it out and have fun. :) j
Check This Out...
Coach B’s Driving School
Are you interested in taking segment 1 or 2 of driver’s
training? If so, Coach B’s Driving School will be offering both courses
starting this fall. Segment one begins on October 31st, and segment 2 begins on
November 7th. Visit Coach B’s website to sign up and see the rest of the 2017
schedule.
~CMO
CP Federal Credit Union
The CP Federal Credit Union will be returning to WHS on October
6th to celebrate their 25th birthday. If you visit them on opening day, you
will be entered to win a $25 prize. If you don’t have an account, it’s never
too late to join. People who open an account before the end of October will be
able to participate in CP’s Save $5 Get $5 promotion. You can start your
account by saving $5, and CP will match by adding another $5. For more details,
visit your student credit union branch.
~CMO
Pretty Swell Panthers
Teachers can nominate students to be a Pretty Swell Panther for
outstanding work ethic, citizenship, or being a great all around panther.
Nominated students will have a 1 in 45 chance of winning $100 at the honors
awards ceremony in the spring, or a $5 Subway gift card.
~CMO
Monday, October 3, 2016
Pink Out Wednesday
Pink Out
This week at WHS, we’re wearing pink in order to raise
awareness for breast cancer. Be sure to sport your pink attire at Volley For
Hope on Wednesday and the home football game on Friday! You can pick up a
Volley For Hope t-shirt from one of the volleyball players, or a sweatband,
wristband, headband, or temporary tattoo from a cheerleader. Donations for the
Henry Ford Allegiance Health Center will be collected at both events.
~CMO
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