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Loyola: Dean of students is mentor, friend

By Jakobi Lundy-Bass Staff Writer Loyola has many people on its staff, filling a variety of titles. Many of the positions can be found in every school: principal, assistant principal, counselor and teacher. Then there are those that one might only encounter from time to time: Dean of Students. Loyola’s dean of students is Wyatt Jones III, who also is a Loyola alumnus. “What really brought me back was, I felt that it was up to me to teach young men like my father did,” Jones III said. His father, Deacon Wyatt Jones II, was approached by the archdiocese to start an inner city school for young men. That school would be Loyola High School. The first dean of the school taught the current dean what he teaches the students today. “The lessons I teach the students here have long ranging effects on their lives outside of the school,” Jones III said. That’s because Jones III can be seen at many of the students’ events in support of their school as well as their outside efforts. He tries to teach students not only how to behave in school, but also how to conduct themselves in professional and social settings. He also teaches them what they need to become a successful. Jones has accompanied the young men to many events and sets the example for how they should dress, act and speak.

King: Student’s act prompts letter to King principal

By Angel Studevent Staff Writer

Ben Carson: Juniors prepare for ACT

By Cameron Campbell and London Jones Staff Writers

King: Auto show impresses fans, critics (REVIEW)

By Jonathan Hurt Staff Writer

DIA: School hosts daylong heart health event

By Nikebia Brown-Joseph Staff Writer

CMA: 'Life is what you make it, teachers can’t teach you everything'

By Wesley Mulligan Staff Writer Creating, planning, brainstorming are all gifts that lie within humans, but not everyone embodies the art of applying the gift of “creating.” Life is what you make it, teachers can’t teach you everything, and neither can your parents. The talent of creating is natural. Most of our past inventors were all creative genius. Some may think the skill is easy or even “lame,” when in reality it’s difficult, anyone can solve a few math equations or even answer article questions, if you ask me that’s mediocrity. But being given the right to construct music, art, clothing, or more with no boundary is wonderful. I sometimes get upset when people with the power to create are overlooked because people in charge are afraid of our thought processes and talent, for instance Kanye West, this man is a producer, rapper , designer and more in one but recently Nike was holding him off on designing his very own sneaker called the “Yeezy’s.” Why is that? Some say because of racial issues, but honestly I think they’re afraid of this man’s strategic work process and God given gift and ability to mold and create things unknown to this world as of yet. As an upcoming designer growing up in a family that’s creative based it caused me to think beyond people’s mediocre and society accepted intelligence and look into their thought processes, the way that viewed beauty, the way they viewed art, and they ultimately viewed life. Dante Hoard said: “Creativity is knowledge. Anyone can gather and retain information, but the ability to come up with your own concepts and answer questions unanswered before sets apart the real geniuses from the fakes. Art is expression, releasing your feelings through actions instead of words. Expressing deeper thoughts that can’t be expressed within a simple conversation. Doing what you truly want to do solely because you love doing it.” Spencer Sanders said: “Well to me creativity in the fashion industry is doing whatever ever you want, wearing whatever you want. It’s not all about following the trends or about having the latest things but about how you wear it. As a designer, I focus on things that I like first and if the people like it too then it’s a hit, but it could also be a miss. But regardless if it sells well or not, I know I designed it for myself first. Being you is creativity, and being creative is what makes us all unique. “

Cass Tech: National Signing Day

Creating a Bright Future

By Desmond Johnson and Ariana Taylor Staff Writers The Future Project kicked off in September and since then has done several things to improve the school. Renaissance’s Dream Team recently updated the new teacher planning area. The process took two days to complete. The Dream members painted and redecorated the walls with paintings, installed new lights and computers for the teachers to use. “Personally, I was very proud of our work and was happy to see the staff’s reactions when we were done,” said future project member junior Lillian Taylor. The Dream Team also started a new tradition for Renaissance called Freshmen Week. During November, the future project planned out several activities for freshmen to complete by the end of the week. These activities included a scavenger hunt where ninth graders had to find upperclassmen that meet the descriptions on their list. And the Big Brother Big Sister Ice Cream Social, an icebreaker for freshmen and seniors graders.

Makeover planned for football field

By Terrell Brown Staff Writer Douglass football players are excited about the planned makeover for its home football field. The field, which sits next to the school on the corner of Warren and 14th, has not been used for games in years. Douglass Athletic Director Shaheed Saleem said the field has been completely off limits since some players got injured on the field practicing last year. The team has been playing its home games at nearby Northwestern High School for the past six seasons. “It has potholes and its unsafe. We practice on it, but our team really don’t like to because you can get hurt,” said Saleem. “Our football field should be up and ready to play on next school year with a new scoreboard, new paint, and a whole new field without potholes.” Student Dreylong said "it's trouble not getting to play home games I think playing home games at other school gives us bad luck". Douglass football has taken its hits over the years. The field house was built around 2005 and was stripped of electrical and plumbing in 2008. In 2011, the Detroit Free Press reported most of the team’s football equipment was stolen.

Ebola hits close to home for DIA history teacher Williams

By Nikebia Brown-Joseph Staff Writer What is the Ebola Virus? The Ebola virus disease has caused much panic throughout the world this year. In March, a major outbreak began in West Africa, affecting countries including Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone. According to the New York Times, there have also been 10 cases reported in the U.S., two of which have resulted in death. For history teacher Edna Williams, it hit close to home. Williams has family living in Liberia. She says they stayed safe by following their government’s instructions, which include staying indoors, when possible and washing hands often. “I think they handled it well,” she said. “The measures they put in place to cure and prevent spread of the virus worked well.” Though there weren’t many cases in the U.S., DIA students still had concerns. “I was really worried for a while, even though I felt like people were being sort of irrational about the whole situation,” junior Ayesha Khatun said. “For now, it’s been resolved, so I hope people stop panicking.” “I didn’t really know what was happening at first. I just knew people concerned,” junior Nazifa Chowdhury. “A lot of people I saw online were making wild statements as well as a lot of ignorant jokes. I’m just glad that the whole hysteria is dying down and we can go back to being rational.” Nikebia Brown-Joseph

JROTC cadets mark Veterans Day at Elmwood Cemetery

By Munthaha Mumin and Pangley Yang Staff Writers Detroit International Academy JROTC cadets visited Elmwood Cemetery on Nov. 11 to honor those who fought our country in celebration of Veterans Day. Every year DIA cadets participate in this tribute. Sophomore Mubasshira Mumin said, “We take our time to thank our veterans because of them we can enjoy the freedom we have today. Behind each of their families is a sacrifice for their loved ones who served their country.” First Sgt. Thomas Roulhac, JROTC instructor, says every Veterans Day he visits the gravesite of his father-in-law Wood Thomas. He is buried in Elmwood Cemetery. Mr. Thomas served in the military for 18 years. Roulhac joined the military on Aug. 10, 1997 when he was 18 years old and he served in the military for 26 years. He joined the military because he needed a job. Some of his missions took him to location like Germany and Korea. For the past 20 years, Detroit Public Schools have gone to Elwood and about 32 cadets from DIA attended this year’s ceremony. Senior and cadet Jessica Hogan said: “All [of] the cadets walked around the cemetery and put flowers on the veteran’s graves during the ceremony to commemorate our fellow and fallen veterans. We stand at parade raise while we have moment of silence, then we have prayer. All of the Detroit Public Schools [represented] stand at present arms while a special school selects cadets to put roses on each veteran’s grave. There are aircrafts that fly over to represent the veterans as well. Then we go to the parade rest as they fire the cannons. It is something to experience for yourself.” Senior Shefa Begum, attended the ceremony for the first time this year. “I was excited at first then when I went there. I was sad because there were so many graves where you couldn’t see the other side of the cemetery,” she said. “It was a good experience, one I will never forget.”

Students find time for prayer in school

By Kayla Cockrel Staff Writer Over 50 years ago, the U.S. government passed a law to prevent mandatory prayer in schools. In 1962, the United States decided to reinstate the option of practicing spirituality in public schools to students. Students still have the choice to learn with a focus on their personal faith in educational settings. The State of Michigan currently has 49 privately operated Roman Catholic high schools, where students are exposed to religious study classes. Cass Tech may not offer religious studies but students can still learn and develop their faiths. Muslim students at Cass Tech assimilate daily in the north lobby alone or in groups to do just that. The Muslim faith calls for prayer and worship five times a daily, therefore each day many CT Muslim students set aside a time to pray with each other at school. Mahir Sharir, a senior at Cass Tech, appreciates school for time he gets to worship and the ability to gather his thoughts. “Praying at Cass give me a sense of peace, but it also gave me an opportunity to experience and learn things from other people of my faith. At the end of the [school] day the praying really serves a stress reliever for me.” Another participant in the daily Muslim prayer services is sophomore Shojib Miah, he sees the opportunity to worship on the school’s campus as a great amenity. “It’s nice to know that the school can provide this type of setting in which we can pray.” As a public school in a culturally diverse environment, CT finds itself with an array students and just as many varying meditations from religious views. Christian senior Brianna Taylor exercises her same right to faith as well. It is not uncommon to find her and others saying a quick prayer before a test, or a thank you for a little boost in school. “I'm very active in my church and I pray at school, mostly before test and quizzes,” she said. “Everyone needs a form of comfort in stressful times so they can collect themselves and for me, it’s my religion.” Maisha Hossain, Kulsuma Fahima, Krishana Castro and Dana Session contributed to this report.

Restoring ‘Sole’ in Detroit

By Jaylen White Staff Writer Recently there has been a resurgence in the sneaker community in Detroit. Nojo Kicks, located in downtown Detroit, is a sneaker-head/connoisseur's dream come true. Late this summer Nojo Kicks opened their doors to the Detroit community and sneaker enthusiasts across the world. The store is the first of its kind in the city. “They have an awesome shoe selection,” said sophomore Daniel Little. “I definitely like how I will not have to order any shoes from online boutique’s and stuff anymore. Their prices are a little high, but I am willing to spend the extra cash knowing I’m supporting a local business.” The store offers patrons the opportunity to purchase limited or exclusive shoes on an aftermarket scale. Shoes are slightly higher than when they are originally released simply because they act as resellers. “Our dream we all share is to change the city,” said Aaron Fields, one of three NoJo co-owners. “We just want to leave our imprint on the culture, move it forward and put Detroit on the map as a sneaker-oriented city, because we always get left out of the conversation. It’s always about New York, Chicago, L.A., Miami, never Detroit.” Nojo Kicks also has a vast display of limited edition, autographed, and 1-of-1 jerseys across their store walls. “I haven’t been in the store but I have shopped with them online and ordered a few pairs of shoes. I like what they have to offer and I appreciate that I don’t have to go to Chicago or New York to shop for exclusive shoes anymore,” said senior sneaker enthusiast Alkwandre Graves. Captions: 1219 renaissance shoes- Sophomore Janae Leslie poses in her Air Jordan Playoff 8's. 1219 renaissance shoes2- Sneaker head Janae Leslie shows the detail on her Air Jordan Playoff 8’s.

Detroit goes #BLUEFORBILLY in awareness campaign

By Angelica Euseary Staff Writer Decked out in a floral pattern shirt, not in uniform with his headphones on blasting music is how most saw Billy Watts Jr. when he was walking down the hallways of Renaissance High School. Referred to as DJ Kill Bill, his charismatic personality made him a friend to many. So when news of his death by suicide in October, it saddened and shocked the entire school. “Billy was the funniest guy I’ve ever met,” said Watt’s best friend, Princeton Johnson. “I couldn’t have a conversation with him without laughing. Without Bill I’m just not the same; I truly miss him.” Staff, administration and students have all been impacted by Watt’s death. Friends and family have decorated hallways using his famous phrases “Style Over Comfort” and “Smile, You’ve Lived.” The Renaissance social studies department gave a tribute to Watts by decorating their hallway and doors with pictures of him, honoring his life and who he was. “Billy has taught me that you should not be afraid to express yourself, even if it’s not considered acceptable by anyone else,” said senior Shane Muldoon. Renaissance’s senior class unintentionally started the trend #BLUEFORBILLY” that has spread not just around the school but throughout the city. “Billy will be remembered for many positive things,” said senior Jarae McCoy. “Blue for Billy is just our way of his presence still being with us. It’s like a way of remembering him.” At Renaissance High School, Watt’s death has raised awareness about suicide and it’s made students look out for one another. “More students are becoming responsible for each other,” said Renaissance High School’s principal Anita Williams. “Since that’s happened, students have realized ‘we are our brother’s keeper.’” Captions: 1219 renaissance blue- Students signed a poster made by the social studies department as tribute to Billy Watts Jr. 1219 renaissance blue2- Billy Watts Jr. jumps in front of the camera at lunch during spirit week photocred- Princess Onwenu

November started strong for spirited students

By Jasmine Porter and Edward Shivers Staff Writers During the first week of November, Benjamin Carson students celebrated Spirit Week. For the week before Homecoming students exchanged their usual uniforms for sports wear and dressed up as celebrities and paired up with friends on twin day. Twin day brought out the creative streaks in staff and students. Students enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate their friends by dressing alike. “It was fun to figure out who the best friends were,” said senior Amyre Byrd. Even staff joined in the fun. Many teachers paired up and principal Brenda Belcher and college transition adviser Derschaun Sharpley went to their closets in search of matching outfits. The week ended with a pep rally and touch football games between classes, with the winning class playing the staff. It was a beautiful fall day outside but some students chose to stay inside to work with U of M students perfecting their spoken word and poetry skills with the Pass the Mic group. The week ended with the Homecoming dance at DeCarlo’s Banquet and Convention Center on Nov. 7. Students enjoyed dancing and eating and cheered the crowning of Queen Keila Holt and King Andrew Moore. Sophomore Daylon Shelton said there could be small changes for the dance, like the air conditioning and the drinks but thought it was a memorable night. “I didn’t expect the turn-out or turn up,” Shelton said. It was a rare opportunity to see students out of the school setting. “Homecoming was great,” senior Chalia Cornelius said. “I was happy to see my fellow classmates dressed up and having a great time.”

OPrep students mentor youngsters in reading, writing

By Brittney Dobbins Staff Writer OPrep juniors and seniors in conjunction with the BuildOn Program, heard and have answered the Obama administration’s call for more volunteers in the community. Once a month, since October of this year, at least 15 OPrep students go to Pulaski Elementary and spend three hours helping fourth- and fifth-grade students with their reading and writing. Senior Shauntanice King said she is elated to be in the program. “The month of October and November has been great,” she said. “The students from Osborn High School already have grown close to the mentees. For the kids to be in the fourth and fifth grade they are reading books at the seventh grade level; that is phenomenal. There is so much potential in the mentees.” Senior Ashley Harris said she loves the intent of the program started by BuildOn program manager Kayana Sessoms but said “students have to take it more seriously. We are there to assist in their educational journey.” While increasing literacy is the goal of the program, King said she enjoys seeing how excited the kids become when she and her peers walk through the door. “It’s always great to work with younger children, it puts a big smile on my face,” King said. The students from Osborn were back at Pulaski on Dec 15.

Straight A’s: Cass Tech earns all A’s for academics, alumni and athletics

By Jahaira Maxwell Staff Writer Cass Tech was founded in 1908, and has maintained a strong alumni association throughout the decades. In just about every corner of the world, a CT alum can be spotted. Casstechalumni.org is developing a website to keep the CT family abreast of the goings on of the community of Cass Tech. When a graduate gains personal and financial success and decides to pay it forward to the current student body of CT, it is more than a notion to give credit where credit is due. Recently, Cass Tech alumna Kenya Moore donated $20,000 to Detroit Public School foundation. Moore won the Miss USA 1993 title while later finishing in the top six of the Miss Universe 1993 pageant. Since her pageant days, Moore has achieved success in film and production; as founder of Moore Vision Media, an independent movie production and home-video distribution company. She also founded the Kenya Moore Foundation, a charity which awards scholarships to underprivileged girls from her high school alma mater, Cass Tech. Moore is currently a cast member on the reality series The Real Housewives of Atlanta., and during last season’s reunion show, cast mate NeNe Leakes challenged Kenya to donate $20,000 to the charity of her choice. Moore, who was born and raised in Detroit, picked the Detroit Public Schools Foundation and later wrote the school system a check. President of the Detroit Public Schools Foundation Glenda D. Price forwarded an email to the administration of Cass Tech: “On behalf of the Detroit Public Schools Foundation Board of Directors, and the students of Cass Technical High School, I accept this generous donation from Ms. Moore,” Price said in the email. “Her support will be an important contribution to the arts educational opportunities made available to the students. Her thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated.” Alumnus and rapper Big Sean paid a surprise visit to Cass Tech students and his former teachers on Nov. 25. He also proposed a challenge to the class of 2016: “If every junior studies hard and receives sets a goal to obtain a 22 overall on the ACTs, I’ll come back to Cass and hang out with everybody for the day.” Cass Tech’s athletic and academic achievements Athletics CT has been on top of the charts athletically this year so far, winning City Championships in: Girls Volleyball Team — 5 Year City Champions Tennis Team — 17 Time City Champions Girls Swim Team —14 Consecutive Years City Champions Football Team —2 Consecutive Years City Champions Boys Swim Team —5 Consecutive Years City Champions Boys Cross Country Team — 2014 City Champions Boys Golf Team — 2nd place Girls Golf Team — 3rd place Academics Foreign Language Department’s tentative destinations for study and travel abroad programs: Quebec, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, France, Japan, Spain, China, and Switzerland. English Department: Palazzo Strozzi — Research Project, Italy Newspaper: Back-to-Back Ford/Detroit Free Press Journalism Scholarship Recipient ($24,000) Academics Games: State Champions CT Technology Department: $20,000 Grant from Verizon Wireless List complied by Dervon Thompson, Alonzo Grigsby and James Farley

Additional requirement has positive outcomes

By Treveon Vaughn Staff Writer Senior requirement at most high schools consist of core classes such as English, math, and science. At Loyola High School, seniors must complete one more requirement: They must attend a Kairos Retreat. The retreat was designed by students and Jesuit priests many years ago. Kairos has become a major part of Jesuit high school tradition. The word Kairos is Greek for God’s time. Theology teacher and retreat coordinator Bonney Hillen said the purpose of the retreat is “for students to improve their relationship with God.” Wyatt Jones, Dean of Students and Loyola High School graduate, said he believes the experience is the most impactful thing that students do at the school. “The experience gives the students time to reflect on the last four years of their life spiritually, academically, and socially,” Jones said. As a former student, Jones attended a senior Kairos Retreat. Jones says that for him the Kairos Retreat helped him learn that “God’s love for me is everlasting.” Jones will attend the Kairos Retreat again this year as a supervising staff member. “Being away from the distractions of the city allows God’s voice to be clear to me,” Jones said. Jones is not the only staff member who graduated from Loyola High School. Michael Black, Director of Admissions is also a graduate. Black said this senior Kairos Retreat “brought me closer to my classmates and my family. Above all, it grew me spiritually.” Black said he believes one of the best things about the retreat is that it is 100% student led. This year’s senior class will retreat at the Holy Family Retreat House in Canada in January. The retreat is over three nights.

OUR LIVES MATTER: Voices must be heard in courts and not just during protests

By Samuel Trotter Staff Writer America, land of the “free and equal.” has always struggled to uphold the meaning of some of its most famous mottos. Historical violence varies and repeats itself; its occurrence however through time is no less tragic and shocking. The constitution grants the right to pursue happiness, yet America has always managed to maintain the most prejudice judicial system, especially amongst African Americans. In 2014, it now seems that the right to live and breathe may be in question as well. We all watch the news and society right now stands as a powder keg awaiting the right match to set aflame change in the judicial system. The lives of Michael Brown, Renisha McBride, Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice have been taken away with a metaphorical license to kill. Police and citizens are getting away with killing young African Americans because of doubt, stereotypes, fear; and America is facing a wakeup call like never before because of cameras and 911 calls. But what good are cameras on police if senseless murders are being recorded and the cases are not being tried in a court of law? Twenty-five years ago, writer and director Spike Lee depicted how racial tensions arose following a senseless death in the film Do the Right Thing, following the choking death of fictional character Radio Rakim. Lee argues, “There is a bigger war on black males and that the Michael Brown case is tapping into that larger rage. I think there is a war on the black male and it’s tearing the country apart in my opinion.” The black community underwent extinction long ago, not as a race but as a people without a voice. Where are the Medgar Evers, Thurgood Marshalls and Johnnie Cochrans? Our voices must now be heard beyond protests, marches and slogans; they must be heard in the courtroom. Fighting a judicial system that is designed to protect police when they mistakenly or purposefully kill young African Americans cannot be summarized into a slogan, “Black lives matter” — the phrase that was given birth soon after the court hearing for the case of Michael Brown and Darren Wilson. However, white America respects the constitution and the laws. What we should be fighting for is true unification and equality in the American judicial system.

Geek Club: Students win cash playing games

By Shawn Miles Staff Writer Every week, the Geek Club hosts video game tournaments. These competitions consist of fighting, shooting and sports games and begin after school. Some of the game titles that have been played include: the Call of Duty series, NBA 2K15, Mortal Combat and Super Smash Bros. The entry fee to these tournaments is $5 and has a cash prize that can range from $25 to $50. So far, the main console which is played on is the PlayStation 3, but can vary depending on the game. The participants of the week’s tournament vote for the game that will be played the following week. The host of these games is a sophomore Ajanee Kelly, and the sponsors are Benjamin Dirden and Corey Stokes. The Geek Club was started by senior Montgomery Hill during his sophomore year. The club was originally known as the Comic Book Club, which also was sponsored by social studies instructor Dirden. No one took initiative in the Comic Book Club so president Hill stepped forward and founded the Geek Club. “I wanted to find a way to connect other students at my school who enjoyed geek culture,” Hill said. “Some students get excited about the tournaments and I feel that it is a good outlet for them and I am happy that I can help provide that to them,” Dirden said. “I believe it’s really fun, I believe people can make more friends from these tournaments and can get to know a variety of people and also boost one’s social skills,” Kelly said.