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(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By Nehe-Miah Scarborough
The Howler
Her hair fell on the sixth visit. It laced the floor with short black strands of shame.
The mother I loved for 13 years fell apart one detail at a time. Overweight due to the steroids, blackened nails, bald head, cracked teeth and incessant nausea.
Reduced to nothing more than a bundle of chemicals, my mother still wore her effervescent smile. It wasn't until two years later when my first-year English teacher Mary Neville assigned the novel “The Fault in our Stars” that my eyes were opened to the pain cancer victims experience without ever saying anything.
They do this because they fear what the slightest headache means, or what the true cause of their chest pain is.
My mother often, hid behind closed doors, her face covered in a mask of serenity while on the inside, her body debilitated. To this day she still does.
It is through the world of books that children suffering from their parents´ illnesses, mental handicaps, or just plain loneliness can discover friendship.
“A book is like a good friend. It’s comforting, yet, it never judges you,” said Gabriela Gonzales, a junior at Detroit Cristo Rey.
I am not the only one who finds solace in literature. When we escape into the world of the unknown, where a fluent stroke of a pen or the click-clack of keyboard keys entices us to become something more. Something better. Something.
“Peggy Carter has inspired me to become a secret agent who valiantly defends women’s rights. She sticks it to the man!” said Juanita Zuniga, junior at Cristo Rey.
Even though students presume they choose their role models for rational reasons, some often fail to realize just how materialistic their choices are. For instance, Tanika Dunbar, a junior at Cristo Rey, said Peeta Mellark is her hero thanks to his amazing jawline.
Most of the students I talked to favor strong female characters. Gonzales said Hazel Grace is her hero-- considering she is intelligent, and strong despite adversity (I must say I agree). And Zuniga chose Peggy Carter due to Carter’s female power. She continued to explain by saying, “in Captain America, she kicks (butt).”
Readers who have completely given themselves to the art realize that we don’t choose our heroes, but that they choose us. They’ve hand picked us through their courage, their eccentricities, their jawlines, their trust and undying love.
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
Tutor program switches from elementary to high school
By Kyle Jackson and Chris Rollins
Voice of the Ville
After three years of tutoring elementary students, Leadership Development Program this year things has shifted.
East English Village Leadership Development Program underwent major changes in the program. The tutors will now be tutoring high school students. This is because of the grant with Lear Corporation is expired.
The last three years the Leadership Development Program functioned under the Lear Corp. three-year grant, which expired last school year.
“We will really miss all the stipend for tutors provided by Lear, as well as the extensive tutor training and tutor certification,” said Mr. Mark Gniewek, who leads the program.
Leadership Development is a tutoring program where students from East English Village go to Clark Elementary to tutor elementary and middle grade students in math concepts and skills it also helps the elementary students raise their grades, test scores, and help them prepare for high school.
Leadership Development has allowed high school students to earn money for each tutoring session, based on the tutor’s level of training.
Jawon Dangerfield has been a tutor in the Leadership Development Program for two years. Jawon states “the program is excellent and a great way to help students.”
“The skills they learn can (now) be used to help their fellow classmates.”
Although the previous years he received pay for tutoring, he believes, “the benefits this year is much greater because we are able to assist our underclassmen here at EEVPA.”
This year the tutors will tutor ninth grade students and students within the adjacent school, Diane Banks Williamson Educational Center.
“The students will now have to work harder with less support. Nonetheless, it will result in better test scores and grades for students overall,” says Mr. Gniewek.
Even though tutors will not get paid, it will help students earn community service hours needed for graduation.
If any students need help in any classes or tutoring contact Mr. Gniewek.
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
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From Staff Reports
Photos by Isaiah Williams
CT Visionary
On Oct. 23, two of the city’s biggest rivals and best football teams — Cass Tech and King — met at Ford Field to decide the Detroit Public School League championship.
It was a game that almost wasn’t played.
PSL athletic director Alvin Ward suspended the undefeated Crusaders after a post-game fight Oct. 18 at Cody. But after a lot of public outcry over the decision, Detroit Public Schools Emergency Manager Darnell Earley reversed the decision and allowed King to play.
And the game didn’t disappoint. More than 11,000 fans showed to watch a matchup that wasn’t decided until late in the fourth quarter, with the Crusaders edging out the Technicians, 27-25.
“With both Cass and King having a good chance at winning our respective state titles, I think it puts a good light on the PSL,” Cass Tech senior wide receiver Dwight Blakey said. “Hopefully it will draw more student athletes to both schools to keep the rivalry going strong, along with bringing in more money to the district.”
Cass Tech plays in Division 1 and King is in Division 2, so these two teams will now support each other’s bid for a state championship.
“Those brother’s who love each other must walk together,” he said,” Cass Tech coach Thomas Wilcher said. “Those brothers who hate each other must walk in front and learn to lead. Then we are working together and teaching each other. Now let’s go get these state titles.”
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By Diamond Bowers-Curtis and Autisha Brown
Crusaders’ Chronicle
The class of 2019 is ready to become King Crusaders! Members of the freshmen class are excited about becoming high school students and happy that there are more freedoms.
“High school is a big change for me; there’s more freedom, more children, and more responsibility,” said freshman Damyah Brown.
Freshman Eddie Stewart said, “I like the activities a lot and the games are more exciting than middle school.”
While some freshmen are noticing all the differences, some recognize that there are still similarities between middle school and high school.
“The food is the same as middle school and high school teachers give out more work,” said freshman Alexis Brown.
To eliminate potential problems, the school’s staff has been trained to handle behavioral problems.
“Typically with behavior issues we try to counsel the students, talk to them about issues so that we can work them out in a peacefully manner,” said assistant principal Pashawn Lee. “Our initial step is to get the student with the counselor to have a conversation. Usually we can work out situations where it’s just something that needs to be clarified.”
As Crusaders, the ninth grade staff has high expectations and work diligently in enforcing norms and expectations.
“My expectation for the ninth graders is that they are college and career ready,” said Lee.
Freshmen have their own entrance to get to Determination Drive. This is where the ninth grade academy is located.
“The focus for keeping the ninth grade separate is to make sure they have a foot to stand on by giving them their own community so that they can become a Crusader without interference from 12th, 11th, and even 10th graders,” said Lee.
The ninth grade counselor, Sonya Griggs, has a very important job moving the kids on to the next grade.
“All students should have six credits for the 23 at the end for graduation,” said Griggs. “If they need tutorial services we try to help the students.”
As a ninth grader, sometimes students may have difficult situations and need help. The counselor’s job is to make sure whatever they need is put in place. “I love high school,” said freshman Shanoria Scott.
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By Carrimia Owens
Crusaders’ Chronicle
One of the highest honors a high school football player can receive is playing in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Seniors Donnie Corley and Lavert Hill are heading to San Antonio, Texas, in January for this opportunity.
“Lavert Hill and Donnie Corley were selected because they are the best players in the country at their positions and being great gentlemen on and off the field,” said Steve Wiltfong, director of recruiting for 247Sports.
The recognition that Corley and Hill are going to receive from the bowl is grand. Colleges get to know who these two young men are, what kind of assets they will be for their schools, and see if they are the best at their position. Being able to play in the bowl and go against the best of the best from different states and countries is a privilege and an honor.
“It means a lot because I love what my team can do,” Corley said. “We put in work day in and day out to get better.”
“Donnie Corley and Lavert Hill are great at what they do,” Wiltfong said. “Donnie is one of the best receivers in the country and Hill is one of the best corners in the country.”
“I love my team, we go hard every day and have a special bond,” Hill said. “We are going to do something great this year.”
Because of their hard work, Corley and Hill have a chance to shake hands and spend a week with sergeants, generals, and interact with the brave men and women who are defending our country.
Wiltfong as well as a committee of his fellow sports journalists at 247Sports selected Corley and Hill to play in the bowl.
Corley and Hill have demonstrated the leadership that the U.S Army and the bowl look for when selecting players. Courage, character and integrity are the main things that the U.S. Army stands for and these two young men possess.
“I’m not nervous at all,” said Corley. “It’s just like every day at practice. I just go out there and work hard and do what I do.”
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By Joy Johnson
The Diagnostic
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By Nikebia Brown-Joseph
Pink Lady Press
School is back in session. Seniors everywhere are preoccupied with applying for scholarships and to colleges. Spending hours completing application seems to be as inherent to senior year as prom and graduation.
Students have a lot of different feelings regarding their senior year and near future. Senior Papia Aziz said, “I feel like I am one step closer to achieving my dreams.”
Added senior Kalimah Williams said: “I’m really nervous about applying to college. I’m undecided about a lot of things and haven’t figured everything out and I feel a lot of pressure.”
For scholarships, many DIA students plan to apply to the Bill Gates Millennium Scholars, Asian Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund, QuestBridge and Horatio Alger Association.
One of the most daunting aspects of the application process is the essay. While some applications only require one or two, others require several. Advanced Placement English at students DIA will have the chance to do a workshop focused on essay writing with the InsideOut Literary Arts program.
Recommendation letters are essential as well. A large number of applications require at least one to two letters. Some teachers have asked their students to submit a summary of all details, such as their community involvement and academic standing, that could be relevant to a letter of recommendation.
The FAFSA is another vital part of preparing for college. DIA’s college counselor Ms. Brittany Foote asks students to complete their FAFSA as a Valentine’s Day present. She also asks that they submit their out of class work experience by March as a birthday present.
Finding the balance between preparing for the future and managing the present can be difficult. It is not uncommon to see groups of students at lunch hunched over computers, or in the counselor’s office, absorbed in their applications.
However, it is important not to sacrifice your academic performance for the sake of applications.
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By Paris Brown
The Communicator
In the history of the U.S., all presidents to date have been males. And it was not until November 2008 that America elected their first African American president. Now that American citizens have that under their belts, the next possible upcoming historical moment is the election of a female president in 2016.
Former first lady Hillary Clinton and former AT&T CEO Carly Fiorina have been campaigning for president. America has undergone several changes throughout the course of the years such as eliminating segregation, legalizing marijuana and gay marriage, but the biggest question of the year would be, “If America is ready for a female president?”
Several people, including celebrities like Atlanta rapper T.I., have given opinions on the matter of whether a woman running the country would remain efficient and beneficial for all. Although the rapper later apologized for the comment, the opposing opinions have become clear.
Students at Communication and Media Arts have also given opinions on whether women are suitable for the job.
“Women have been ready to lead long before the United States existed, to say women are not capable is an insult to our founding principles of democracy,” said senior Logan Johnson.
“I believe women are capable because there are several leaders in the world whom have been raised and taught by women in which they have done legendary things,” junior London Hasstings said.
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By James Ceasar
Voice of the Ville
Many people expected the 2015 season would be magical for the East English Village Bulldogs football team. With the regular season over and the Bulldogs hosting a 7-2 record, this statement seems to be true.
The Bulldogs started the season off with a 56-20 game win over Walled Lake Central. Coach Oden and the Bulldogs have never won the first regular season game in the schools four years of existence, so this win meant a lot to the players, coaching staff and students.
The rest of the wins came against Renaissance, Denby, Western International, Cody and CMA. Unfortunately the Bulldogs hit a rough spot in their schedule when they faced Martin Luther King and Cass Tech. These were the two biggest games on East English Village Preparatory Academy’s regular season schedule. The Bulldogs lost in a nail biter to the King Crusaders. This game came down to a fourth and on play, with King stopping EEVPA on a 4th and 1 play. This stop sealed a 20-15 win for the Crusaders.
The game against Cass Tech was a tough one to swallow for the whole school. The Bulldogs came out flat, and the Technicians jumped out early and ran away with a 33-8 win.
Despite those two losses EEVPA will bounce back as they look to make a big run in the state playoffs that will lead to a showdown on Thanksgiving at Ford Field. With great player like big play wide receiver Lindrell Mitchell, quarterback Delvin Washington and the anchor on defense Andrew DeMoss Jr., winning a state championship is not out of reach. Head Coach Roderick Oden said, “We started off fast, but we hit a wall. However, we are still on track with all seasonal goals by hosting playoffs at home.”
EEVPA has great players and a very good coaching staff. People around the state should not be amazed when The Bulldogs put up a great fight in the pursuit of three Wooden Mittens, which are the trophies for District, Regional and State Champions.
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By Juanita Zuniga
The Howler
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By Alexandria Kotaran, Robert O’Neal and Wa’Jae Wadford
Crusaders’ Chronicle
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By Joi Arnold and Jahaira Maxwell-Myers
CT Visionary
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By Precious Gist
Voice of the Ville
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By Joi Arnold and Amanda Irving
CT Visionary
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By Carlisle Jenkins
The Cody Connection
In spite of the name of the program, students in Midnight Golf will not be playing golf at midnight. Instead they will be getting ready for college and adult life.
Students from all over Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties compete to be in this program, and 10 seniors from the Cody campus were accepted to be among the 250 in the program for this year.
Vice president and program director David Gamlin has been with the Midnight Golf program since its first class in 2001.
”The purpose of Midnight Golf is to help young people be successful and do it in a way that gives them life skills and training in things they may not normally have a chance to learn,” Gamlin said.
Program secretary John Ambrose said Midnight Golf helps fill in some of the gaps for young people.
“The road to adult life is a lot smoother for young people if they know they have mentors and a network of adults and peers they can call upon,” Ambrose said.
Cody DIT college adviser Tanya Borachi encourages students to apply to the program because of the opportunities it brings.
“Mentors are carefully selected and tend to be Detroit hot-shots, so students make important connections that lead to internships and jobs,” Borachi said. “And students in the program can get lots of scholarship money.”
Midnight Golf keeps close ties to its graduates. Many alumni return to give back by becoming mentors or guest speakers.
Sharde Fleming graduated from Cass Tech High School and Midnight Golf in 2010. In 2014, she came back to Detroit after graduating from Howard University. Now she’s a mentor at Midnight golf.
“I gained networking traits and confidence from Midnight Golf, and I learned to never count myself out. I can honestly say Midnight Golf was the program that set me ahead, and I chose to be a mentor to set others ahead of the game like me,” Fleming said.
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By John Michael Gonzalez
The Cody Connection
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By Nikebia Brown-Joseph
Pink Lady Press
According to the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov), here’s how to stay healthy this flu season.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
When you’re sick, stay home whenever possible to avoid spreading illness.
When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. If this is not possible, use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By Mark Buford, Gregory Freeman, Zahid Salam and Sean Waters
The Diagnostic
The class of 2019 are not the only new faces in the halls of Benjamin Carson High School this year. Several changes have been made at the front of its classrooms.
Among the newcomers, Kwaku Kwakyi takes the reins in BCHS’ Algebra II classes. Tasked with teaching mathematics to most of the 11th grade students at BCHS, Kwakyi plays a pivotal role in the future of the school, especially teaching its largest class.
“So far, the students are good. Overall, they are very good,” said Kwakyi, expressing that his students create a comfortable environment in which he can teach.
BCHS World History and African American History teacher Shannan Lockhart, who has taught at the school since it opened in 2011, sees the new teachers as a great fit in the staff.
Though seeing familiar faces at the front of the classroom can certainly benefit students as well, Lockhart believes that this year’s changes have been positive for the school.
“This year, overall the new teachers are very good,” said Lockhart regarding the new hires. “The morale of the staff is very high this year.”
Beyond changes in the classroom, there have also been shifts at the administrative level.
For instance, with Brenda Belcher’s promotion to network leader, former Dean of Culture Charles Todd assumed the position of BCHS principal at the beginning of the school year.
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By Elijah-Juan Pearcy
Eye of the Hurricane
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By DeiVion Drew, Lamonie Dudley, Alanna Greenlee, Tiona Jones, Chantel Oliver and Daijah Sims
The Diagnostic
Benjamin Carson High School seniors cannot help but think “Ready, set, go!” as they prepare to zoom off in what is an action-packed final year of high school for most. Many face mixed emotions, but are they ready?
Many students manage to not melt under the pressure.
“I’m not nervous about going to college. I feel like it›s going to be an amazing experience for me,” said Ibrahim Bilesammi, a senior at BCHS.
As the seniors attend college fairs, events like the upcoming Decision Day on Oct. 31, and even begin to receive college acceptance letters, it can tend to ease the senior year stress in many of the students.
However, BCHS senior Gregory Crawford thinks otherwise. “I’m not too nervous, but I’m mainly worried about the workload and being in a brand new environment.”
To combat these common anxieties, BCHS offers many college and test preparation classes, programs, and training to get them ready for that big jump into the “real world.” For instance, as a science and medicine high school, many seniors have been on a track towards a career in the medical field for the past three years, engaging in internship programs and other opportunities made available through partnerships with the Detroit Medical Center and the Henry Ford Health System.
Overall, though, much of the BCHS class of 2016 find themselves more than ready to begin to follow their own path, whether it be college, the military, or wherever else their heart leads them.
After all, according to BCHS senior Ma-Kayla Jackson, it is only right for them to lead the way.
Jackson said, “I mean it’s senior year! Who wouldn’t be happy? I am ready for everything that comes next. Life starts here and I’m ready for my future to begin.”
