Douglass: Thank you, Detroit Public Schools
(05/13/15 4:02pm)
By Kaleb Oates Staff Writer
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By Kaleb Oates Staff Writer
By Cheyenne Gamble and Juanita Steward Staff Writers The seniors at Detroit International Academy for Young Women decided to change up graduation this year. In all the nine years of the school’s existence, the class of 2015 will be the first to have a traditional white gown ceremony. This is a commencement tradition practiced by other all-girl institutions across the nation. Notre Dame Prep located in Towson, Md; Philadelphia High School for Girls in Philadelphia; and Spelman College in Atlanta, have white gown ceremonies. “I think having an all-white graduation is a little too much, especially since we can’t really wear what we want,” senior Tyesha Jones said. “I would rather wear my cap and gown like the classes before us.” Cap and gowns will be worn at the baccalaureate ceremony days earlier. “My senior year is different because we’re changing whatever we can to make this year more memorable and accomplishing all we can,” senior Alexandria Wyrick said. “I think everything about this year is different,” senior Kandace Major said. “We have more to do and our events are not located at the school.” DIA’s annual Mother Daughter Tea will be held at Andiamo's Italian Restaurant Riverfront, located inside Renaissance Center.
By Christopher Turner Staff Writer As with other schools, Loyola High School has many outstanding students. One such student is senior, Travis McClendon. Travis is known throughout the school and the high school debate community as an outstanding debater. In McClendon’s four years as a debater, he’s managed to earn more than 20 medals and trophies, and won multiple debate tournaments. This year, McClendon achieved earned another accolade when he was ranked with superior distinction for the National Speech and Debate Association. McClendon is now ranked in the top 10 in the country by the NSADA. He was also named All-State in Michigan for debate. McClendon has competed at national competitions at Harvard and Yale. In addition, to his already long list of accolades McClendon, and his debate partner, senior Anthony Williams, traveled to Los Angeles during the spring break to compete against students from all over the country. During the time before the tournament, McClendon constantly said the phrase “I’m too national for you,” whenever someone approached him. The mantra paid off. While in Los Angeles, they beat the teams from Baltimore and Rhode Island. Even though the regular season is over, this isn’t the end of Travis’s debate career. He has an upcoming tournament that will decide if he’ll be able to go on to Dallas this summer to compete against other students in the nation. “Debate is a passion that I have,” McClendon said. “I love to speak my mind whenever I can, and debate gives me that opportunity. Also, whenever I can challenge myself mentally, instead of physically I will. That is why I enjoy doing debate.”
By Daisha Posey and Tito Madison Staff Writers Pershing High School Seniors took part in the annual pinning ceremony April 16 with their parents and teachers in attendance. Senior pinning is an event where seniors are acknowledged and awarded a pin for being on track to graduate in June. “Senior pinning is important because it is a tradition that is widely practiced as a recognition of these students who have overcome so much to reach the journeys end of an arduous four years,” said Pershing counselor Shanna Shepard. In the auditorium, parents were visibly proud and supportive of their student receiving their pins. “Senior pinning to me means getting honored by parents and staff and being recognized because my accomplishments,” said senior class president Kaitlin McQueen, who plans on attending Oakland University. “It meant a lot to me to have the support from my family, Seeing their faces while I was on the stage made me excited, since I was emotional because my mother wasn't there to celebrate it.” Just last year McQueen dealt with the loss of her mother. Her brother was on hand to pin her. At Pershing, parents or a family member are able to pin their child, and Moesha Mathews’ mom, Sandra, was on hand to pin her daughter. “It was an honor to see her receive her pin because it showed she is accomplishing great things,” said Sandra Mathews. “The senior pinning means that I am finally a senior,” said Moesha Mathews, who received Emerald Scholarship from Eastern Michigan. “And that I have accomplished my goals but also that I have more work to do before I get to graduation.”
By Keyonna Wash and Alayzjia Harris Staff Writers On Mother’s Day, it is time to celebrate the mothers in the world, of all types and ages. “Some people give thanks to female figures who aren’t necessarily their mothers,” junior Jakea Parker said. “This is the time of the year to give thanks to the special women in our lives or for those who have lost their mothers, [we] celebrate [our] mother figures,” junior Kahlima Williams said. There are even some young mothers that study here at the DIA. “I just never thought I’d be the one to get pregnant, especially at such a young age,” senior LaChrista Banks said. “Don’t get me wrong, motherhood is a beautiful thing. I just wish I would have waited about five more years.” Senior Ashley Myers was asked what is the most difficult thing about motherhood, while still being a teenager? “I would have to say going to school and making sure my child is safe at home,” Myers said. “I only say that because you can’t trust everybody.” Many students also use this day to give thanks to people that either play the roles of their mothers or are generally important women in their lives. “My dad plays both roles in my life. It’s not so bad though,” senior Shania Franklin said. She says by not having a mother “certain talks with my dad can sometimes get a little weird. But, then again, I know he understands me and I appreciate that.” Sophomore Danelle Bailey is in a similar situation as Franklin; she was asked who she spends Mother’s Day with since her mother passed away years before. “Because of her death, I spend it with my family, just so I can take my mind off the situation,” Bailey said. When talking about the amount of thought DIA put into honoring this special day, counselor Dena Greene-Robinson said, “even though children spend all their money, to see them smile is the best feeling in the world. It’s like you’ve made an accomplishment.”
It is a bittersweet moment as I put together stories for my last issue of FreepHigh. Saying goodbye to the Stentor, I remember when our past editor was teaching me how to submit stories and how to complete a budget. I was excited to be a new editor but I was also afraid of failing as an editor. As I look back and remember my months as a fresh new editor, I see that I have grown as a student, a writer, and a person since then. The mistakes I made, the deadlines I missed and the names I misspelled under captions have all been lessons that made me who I am today. I came to Renaissance not knowing what I wanted to be, and now I am leaving knowing exactly what I want to do with my life — be a journalist. I owe most of this to FreepHigh and the Detroit Free Press. The Free Press has given me so many opportunities’ that I have used to accomplish feats and to put me closer to my dream job and for this I am forever grateful. As I start over as a freshman at Michigan State I leave with FreepHigh and The Stentor gratitude, memories and stories.
Detroit has always been known for its grit, similar to major cities, such as Chicago and New York. Detroit’s grit and its spirit stems or rather stemmed from its people. For decades, top business owners and companies have been planning on the “revitalization” of Detroit, the comeback from the “Dark Ages,” the start of gentrification.
By James Johnson, Cody Staff Writer
By DeVaughn Humphries Staff Writer
By Ariana Taylor and Angelica Euseary Renaissance Staff Writers No one really knew what was going on. Rumors about how Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder was going to get rid of the Detroit Public Schools’ $483-million debt were spreading like wildfire. “I was just confused about everything,” said Valeria Rudolph, a senior at Communication and Media Arts High School. “Some of my teachers weren’t at school because they went and protested.” Some students heard a rumor that every school in DPS would go from public to charter. At a press conference in Detroit on April 30, Snyder tried to set the record straight. “I don’t know how anyone speculates that it would be a charter system,” Snyder said at the press conference. “It’s too bad to have them out protesting at this point. People have strong feelings ... but the real focus needs to be on what’s best for the kids.” Many teachers skipped school April 30 to protest Snyder’s plan in Lansing. While holding signs that said things such as “No more charter,” teachers chanted “55 is a speed limit, not a class size” in front of the Michigan Capitol Building. “There is no need to split the district into two to pay the debt. No one in the real world split themselves in two to pay debt,” said economics teacher Kevin Smith, who participated in the protest. “(Snyder) is just trying to confuse people.” Snyder’s plan to pay the debt is to split the district into two, DPS and a new district called City of Detroit Education District. “All I heard was that Rick Snyder was trying to turn DPS into charter schools,” said Renaissance sophomore Catera Chambers. “I don’t want to go to a charter school and after Mr. Smith explained the whole situation to us, I just didn’t understand why Rick Snyder won’t just pay off the debt. This plan doesn’t make any sense.” The debt would be paid off with a millage, which would take seven years to be paid off, after which, DPS will disappear. Funding for the new district would come from Michigan’s school aid. Snyder plans to take $72 million from this aid, which would ultimately take $50 per student from other schools. “I don’t see much difference of how it’s ran now and how it will be ran,” said English teacher Ms. Anderson. Snyder and Detroit mayor Mike Duggan would appoint members to Detroit Education Commissioner. This commissioner would be grading schools performance on a letter grade system. School with a low grade would eventually be turned in charter schools per the Detroit Education Commissioner. If legislation passes Snyder’s plan, he will have changes take place on July 1, 2016. According to Smith, teachers contract with DPS ends on July 1, 2016.
By Ikeya Lake and Abriana Walton Cass Tech Staff Writers Courtnee James got an early start in the journalism field thanks to the High School Journalism Program. “During my freshman year I became interested in the CT Visionary newspaper staff, under the direction of Pamela English,” said James, who graduated from Cass Tech in 2009. “I joined the staff and wrote throughout my time at Cass.” James worked her way up to co-editor of the CT Visionary by the time she was a senior, and she was also on the yearbook staff. “Working on the yearbook and newspaper helped expand my creativity beyond words.” said James, who also worked as a Detroit Free Press summer apprentice in 2008 and 2009. After graduating from CT, she went to the University of Michigan on a full tuition scholarship. Studying communications, she learned the science behind the media such as the effects of the media on body image. Even though Michigan does not offer a major in journalism, she gained skills that lead her to her current career in journalism. James began her professional journalism career in broadcasting, but after a couple of years discovered that she wanted a job that was more creative because she enjoyed writing. “I worked as a sales assistant for a little over a year, but I wasn’t being challenged creatively,” she said. “I was able to submit some of my work, including articles from the FreepHigh program, to land a position writing for Jacksonville Magazine as an editorial assistant in January of this year.” James offers this advice to young writers: “Hone your craft. Develop a voice and be consistent. And most importantly, be thorough in your writing.”
As captain of the robotics team, I’m appreciative of the experience and knowledge gained throughout my years. Since being a member in ninth grade and now as a senior, I’ve learned valuable skills that has helped me to transition successfully throughout my high school years. Being a member of the robotics team has made a difference in my life by keeping me actively involved in a various competitions and working together as a team. Most importantly, I have developed my leadership skills and value the importance of being a leader. I believe I will always be a step ahead of other students in engineering and technology because of my vast experiences. I have participated in many, many robotics events and competitions. I remember my first event as a ninth grader, which was my most memorable. The event was “Rebound Rumble” and although we did not qualify for the national competition, I was asked to participate in the event with another team. Most recently, we entered the “Recycle Rush” event in Waterford. It was it my last time as a leader. Our robots was successful and even though we did not place, I enjoyed my final competition. I will miss my team members, as well as my mentors, Andrea Minor and Maria Ruby Padiernos. I’m happy that I had the opportunity to be part of something big. I have learned valuable life lessons and had the pleasure of meeting exciting people.
By Kiara Duncan Staff Writer Teens can’t count on getting a summer job at a fast food restaurant anymore. Detroit has long had a summer job shortage, but according to a recent story on WDET, Michigan’s youth unemployment rate is now the highest in the nation, at 59%. To address the problem, companies have begun to reach out to schools and provide summer jobs. STEaM program coordinator Chad Segrist said DIT’s community partners want to help, and understand that working with schools will improve the workforce for the future. “Our partners know we have to prepare students with the skills necessary for when they move past high school,” Segrist said. Detroit Youth Energy Squad (D-YES) will hire 15-20 students for jobs that teach fundamental work skills along with a chance to help people in their communities. The workers spend 30 hours per week for six weeks in teams that focus on environmental issues including helping people make their homes more energy efficient, cleaning neighborhoods, and improving green spaces in the city. Last summer, DIT senior Maranda Patterson searched for jobs and did the call back process but never had any luck. She ended up working for D-YES and loved the job because she was making a difference while also getting paid. She also said she learned work skills that would be useful for any job. “Working there taught me to voice my opinion more and also how to communicate my ideas correctly,” Patterson said. Go Green sustainability coordinator Gibran Washington works with the Cody DIT Green Team throughout the school year and with D-YES in the summer. He encourages Green Team members to apply. “To get the most from the job, if you come with the mindset that you want to take something from it, you gain knowledge,” Washington said. In addition to an hourly wage, D-YES workers earn a scholarship of $1,212.44 at the end of the summer program that can be used at any postsecondary school. Several other partners will be hiring teens this summer. Detroit Manufacturing Systems, Student Conservation Association, and Greening of Detroit will each provide 10-12 STEaM related jobs, and CCS Community Arts Partnership will hire 12 students from the Cody Campus to work on public art projects inside the school and out in the community.
By Kristian Craig Staff Writer Douglass seniors Kaleb Oates, Bruce Johnson Jr., and Micheal Zellars won the state level competition of the 2015 Kenneth E. Behring National History Day Contest on April 25 at Dewitt High School near Lansing. Their victory is a first in Detroit Public School history of participation in this contest. “According to my knowledge, Kaleb, Bruce and Micheal are the first ones to go to Washington D.C. on June 14 from DPS,” said Marsha Louis, a DPS instructional specialist and long-time employee. Oates said that Douglass students and staff were thrilled when they found out they had won the state finals and would be heading to the NHD National Contest in Washington, D.C., from June 14-18. The students created a documentary on “The Leadership and Legacy of Paul Robeson.” “We chose Paul Robeson because we wanted to remind the current generation there was once a time in which all African Americans used their status to promote civil rights and to show that our race is not dumb,” said Johnson. Johnson said the legacy Robeson left behind was bravery, to get people to speak out against the injustice that they found everywhere, in any shape or form. “I was absolutely ecstatic because initially they thought they lost their concept page for their documentary,” said Douglass teacher Katherine Temple. Temple said she was proud of them for the way they confidently answered all the judges’ questions.
By Mary Lewis Wiafe and Kirk Sears Staff Writers When students were called down to the auditorium of Pershing High School last month, they were greeted by Tigers mascot Paws and could instantly tell baseball season was here. It was the beginning of the prep rally and surprise Grand Slam grant announcement. Pershing baseball and softball teams were being awarded a $5,000 grant from the Tigers and Comerica Bank. “To encourage the sport, and to provide (equipment) and support the students,” said Linda Forte senior vice president of Comerica Bank. “We wanted to inspire students and make sure they had equipment to play the sport.” This was the main reason for Comerica Bank and the Tigers to partner up and offer $25,000 worth of grants to benefit baseball and softball programs at schools across Michigan. “There’s only a little bit money set aside for sports but when you have money for sports it has to go for every sport,” said Pershing head baseball coach Anthony Degrazia. Part of the issue is the baseball and softball teams run into stems from the small amount of athletic funds left by the time spring sports season starts. “(The grant) was very necessary so we could get the equipment we needed and people will come out and support the games now,” said softball player Moneyka Murray. This grant will allow baseball and softball teams to have access to better equipment and uniforms. They were lacking jerseys, baseball bats and gloves. “With the new stuff hopefully we can match the way we play, you don't want to be a good baseball team with bad equipment,” Degrazia said. “I hope to get uniforms, helmets, shoes and catchers gear,” said Pershing baseball pitcher Malick Hacum. The Grand Slam Grant was created in 2011 to help public schools in Michigan create, expand or improve their baseball and/or softball programs. In addition, on April 18th, players from the Pershing High School’s baseball and softball teams stood on the field at Comerica Park and participated in a special on-field check presentation with spectators, the Tigers and Chicago White Sox players looking on.
By Kristian Craig Staff Writer Douglass Principal Berry Greer gave all his seniors a bow tie at their Senior Pinning on March 27. It is a tradition that began last year with navy blue and red. This year’s bow tie is forest green and orange — the school colors. “I started the tradition of giving Douglass Seniors bow ties last year because I wanted to do something unique,” said Greer. Greer said that each year he wants to do a different colored bow tie, or give them cufflinks, so that the seniors will know that the school cares about them. He said he chose to give them bow ties because it is manly neck wear. According to Greer, the long necktie was created by women to cover a man’s shirt buttons. “It feels good to know that the school cares, after being in high school for four years and knowing that I’m an accomplished senior,” said Douglass senior Bruce Edward Johnson, Jr. Johnson said he likes the bow ties, but they are confusing to tie, and he will probably wear it in the future at different events. “I really did not expect to get a bow tie from Mr. Greer, and when I got it, I did not know how to feel because it was something different,” said Douglass senior Kaleb Oates. Oates said that he liked the color of the bow tie because he likes fashion and it can contribute to his wardrobe. “I will absolutely wear the bow tie in the future without a problem,” said Oates.
By Kwanza Davis Staff Writer At Pershing High School, students’ cellphones are getting bagged and tagged at the front entrance of the building, because teachers and administrators said they believe it distracts the students from learning in the class. The bag-and-tag policy started late in March by staff members of Pershing. The cellphone bag-and-tag has been effective at times. “The policy was started because, across the school we saw students who were on their phone the most were struggling academically,” said Caitlin Kozak, STEM Lab teacher. If a student is caught in the classroom on their phone, more than once in a two-week period, they get their name written down on a piece of paper. The next day the students on the list will have their phones taken by the security guards at the main entrance. “Anywhere from 15-20 names are on the cellphone bag and tag list,” said Phil Dugliss, Science teacher. “It depends on the day. Probably about 20 students are caught with their cellphone out once and five will get their cellphone bagged and tagged.” Kozak said, referring to her classes’ cellphone usage. Some students follow the cellphone policy and stay off their phones but some students just don’t care about the policy. “I feel that it’s very pointless. It doesn’t help students nor teachers.” said Brittany Hill, student at Pershing High School. “I think phone use in classroom has gone down but we still have some work to do to make sure it’s implemented correctly,” said Kozak.
By Tayler Berry Staff Writer Every year the Michigan Center for Civic Education hosts high school mock trial tournaments in Oakland County, Washtenaw County and Lenawee County. This year, EEVPA competed for the second time in the Oakland County regionals. “Last year was a learning experience because students really didn’t know what to expect,” said coach Kimberly Holland. The other coach is Ninochk Griffin. Both teach social studies. Although EEV did not advance to the state tournament this year, it came close. EEV won one out of three cases and came within a few points of winning the others. “Students learned that law is everywhere and it can be combined with any other field,” Griffin said. Students prepared for months to prepare themselves to compete at a high-level. They attended an all-day clinic at the Michigan Hall of Justice in Lansing. The team visited the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice here in Detroit on several occasions to watch actual cases. They also practiced. Twenty Schools from Southeastern Michigan competed. Students had to learn court briefs and be prepared to defend or prosecute. Students had to learn various roles as prosecuting attorneys, defense attorneys and witnesses. They argued the case in front of actual judges and attorneys during the competition at the Oakland County Courthouse in Pontiac. Two schools place in each regional tournament to advance to the state level. State winners advance to the national tournament. The students felt that the highlight of the competition was actually meeting with all the other schools and realizing how well they were prepared. “We were grateful to attorney Danien Woodson who worked with us, prosecuting attorney, Danton Wilson, Ms. Holland, and Mrs. Griffin for their preparation, critique, and feedback. We all grew tremendously from this experience,” team captain Tatianna Henderson said.
By Brandy Blackwell and Desmond Johnson Staff Writers Ask most Renaissance sophomore or junior who their favorite teacher is, and there is only one teacher who comes to mind: Juanzetta Tolliver. Tolliver is known throughout Renaissance for her sense of humor and spunky personality. “I love Mrs. Tolliver. She is by far one of the funniest and coolest teachers I’ve had here at Renaissance,” said junior Cierra Hill. Tolliver has been teaching math for over 30 years at various DPS high schools and has been teaching for 15 years at Renaissance. After a long and successful career, she recently announced that she would be retiring at the end of the 2014-15 school year. “After teaching for 30 years, I’ve decided that it is time to pursue other opportunities, such as college teaching, tutoring or maybe moving out of the state,” said Tolliver, sighing. Tolliver has even taught some teachers who currently teach at Renaissance, including pre-calculus teacher Mr. Watts. “I’m going to miss the true ‘Math Diva’. She was one of my best teachers here,” said junior Lynarius Collins. “She was so real and so funny.” Collins isn’t the only student that will miss Tolliver. “She is such a great teacher. I’ve learned so much from her while being in her class,” said sophomore Atiya Whitehead. “I just love going to her class.”
By Jakira Murray Staff Writer