197 items found for your search. If no results were found please broaden your search.
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By Autumn Barber
Pink Lady Press
The ladies of Detroit International Academy celebrated their annual Hat Strut for Breast Cancer Awareness on Oct. 21. The program with off without a hitch and was a success.
“Walking across the stage and actually strutting in our hats was fun,” freshman Erika Clark said.
“It was cool and interesting,” freshman Zakirah Beauford said. “Something I’ve never seen before. It seems like this school is very caring when it comes to breast cancer and the women who had it.”
“It was an emotional, yet exciting experience to see all of the women who are survivors,” social studies teacher Cetaura Rodgers said.
But some weren’t so lucky. Our own attendance agent Elizabeth Baker lost her life to cancer. In honor of her, sophomore Ariel Scandrick shared a video tribute and pink balloons were released in front of the school building.
Sophomore Iyana Major said, “… It’s emotional because this cause is personal for me.” Major said she had a family member who had breast cancer.
After the assembly, students strutted around the school wearing the pink hats.
“I feel honored to be a part of something so positive,” sophomore Maya Baker said. “We could all say that we’re learning to be strong about any hardship we may face.”
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By Latya Shackelford
Voice of the Ville
You might not be thinking about getting cancer now, but there are things you can do now to keep from getting it later. Nurse Latoya Sanders at East English Village Preparatory Academy recommends that female high school students get monthly breast exams. “Young people should also wear sun screen or even a hat when exposed to the sun as a prevention method,” Sanders states.
Although Sanders has not been affected by cancer, she knows a lot of people that have been diagnosed. St. John’s presently has several support groups available for people dealing with cancer and people affected by cancer. “Cancer is something that people have to deal with, so I consider myself a cancer advocate,” Sanders adds.
According to the American Cancer Society, cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Cancer has unfortunately affected many people throughout the United States. There are many types of cancers and any body part can be affected.
There currently isn’t a cure for cancer, yet there are various treatments available to aid in the effects of cancer. There is also support available for children whom parent has been diagnosed with cancer. Children are encouraged to talk to family members, friends and/or a school social worker.
An East English Village Preparatory Academy junior, Princess Baltimore grandmother died at the age of 84 from cancer this past September. Although her grandmother lived in Jackson, Michigan, Princess often communicated with her grandmother and traveled to visit her during the summer months. When Princess learned of her grandmother’s diagnosis earlier this year, she stated, “I was initially shocked and felt immediately sad”. Princess often was depressed as a result of her grandmother’s diagnosis. But through the support of her mother, family members and friends, she was able to talk about her feelings and overcome depression. “The last conversation I had with my grandmother, she told me to graduate from high school successfully and I plan to do just that,” Princess added.
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By Kaelyn Collins
CT Visionary
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By Danielle Anderson
The Communicator
Teenagers between 14-18 and adults were surveyed about differences between teenagers in the 21st century and those from the past. The majority responded that Generation Y (1980s-2000s) spends money boldly without any boundaries and has a social population and everything is a competition because of technology, whereas prior generations were on a different track from today’s youth because they lacked the advantages that teens experiences today.
“This generation is a microwave generation, they want everything now, they feel that media is the answer to everything, they don’t think they have to work hard, but we had to work hard for everything,” math teacher India Pope said.
The survey found older generations cared more about family, religion, and working hard.
“I think that today’s youth has enormous potential balanced with narcissism,” social studies teacher Benjamin Dirden said.
Today’s youth completely disagreed with past generations claiming technology has brought on new stressors in our world. Cyberbullying and social media has made a large footprint on how we see others.
“In the past families had higher moral values, because they were forced to avoid self-expression, like we can now,” junior Darren Bell said.
Today’s youth are in control of money, mind and decisions, and sometimes live a little too freely without restrictions because of how society is made to shape us.
“We are raised much differently than in the past, kids then were disciplined however, we are not so it leads to many complications,” freshman Taylor Griffin said.
To make a change you have to be willing to change yourself first then those around you will adjust.
“Today’s youth, they’re responsible for their future, everybody can be successful, but you have to be dedicated to accomplish your goals,” senior DaMonte Jones said.
This debate will continue as the gauge will continue to widen due to rapid changes in our society. One group believing that they are better than the rest simple due to attitude, education and technology is inevitable.
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By Hawa Rahman
Pink Lady Press
The whole school piled into the big gym while remixes of the “Pink Panther” theme song played.
Each class sat in their own section with their colors vibrantly on display for the rest to see.
Different grade levels shouted with class pride. Their noise level rose higher than the music blasting through the speakers.
Suddenly, the people in the gym hushed down. Everyone realized that a class was missing.
That was when fanfare trumpets began to play and the entrance to the gym opened, presenting the red and gold royalty of the Queens of 2016.
“We ran in with crowns on our heads and happy faces like the gym was our kingdom,” senior Papia Aziz said.
Cheerleaders then performed, followed by a magic show by art teacher Jeffrey Ferreri, dance performances and class battles.
Detroit International Academy’s pep rally was a chance to bring the school together and get as pumped up as possible. That was no trouble for the elementary schoolers dressed in blue. They danced and sang to every song, knowing the lyrics more than the DJ playing the music knew.
Every grade level had their own class song, each having a chance to represent their colors. It is a sight to see when so many women come together and share something that is incomparable to any other school in the Detroit Public School system.
With so much school spirit, what better way to end spirit week?
“Our pep rally definitely beat the rest,” said senior Ayesha Khatun. “We really had a good boost to get through this fall.”
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By Taylor Jenkins
The Communicator
Prospective graduates are delighted to have the Class of 2016 senior officer’s elected and in action. Senior president Jalon Nelson encourages seniors that goal No. 1 is to graduate on June 2 with college plans. Nelson said he plans to operate this senior year like a democracy.
“I believe I was the best choice, the most experience,” Nelson said. “I have good communications, remained organized, and prepared academically secure to lead. I’m a neutral party and seek to hear the voice of all of my constituents. I have been in various leadership role since ninth grade,” Nelson said.
It is no surprise that he is on a mission, stating President Barack Obama serves as his inspiration.
“I admire President Barak Obama the most,” Nelson said. “I admire his motivation, diligence and integrity. My goal was always to become class president especially since we have not had a male in the role for many years.”
Vice president Paris Brown’s goals are to help seniors have a successful school year, be efficient in maintaining grades, and have a foundation for entering college. One political figure the vice president Brown admires is Hillary Clinton
Treasurer Judy Russell Pierce offers great fundraising ideas for the senior class. She decided to run for treasurer because her peers trusted her to fundraising, market and finance. One of her fundraising ideas is partnering with Kroger to donate.
Kaylyn Wheeler, sergeant of arms, aspires to have a peaceful, drama-free, productive and fun memorable senior year. Wheeler admires Obama because he is rational, an inspiration to the country, and accomplished great things during his presidency.
De’Aira Everette’s aspiration as secretary is to keep everything in order. “I want everything on time, everyone on task, and on a mission,” she said.
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By Camilla Cantu
The Howler
The American Dream is the idea that people from anywhere can gain wealth and success with a little elbow grease and a “can-do” attitude. For first generation families in Southwest Detroit, the road to achieving the American Dream is through education.
Often Mexican born parents encourage their first-generation children to obtain their high school education despite economic pressures for them to enter the workforce at a young age. But, is it easier said than done?
Jorge Guzman is a first generation junior at Western International High School whose parents were born in Michoacan, Mexico. His parents never enrolled in high school because they had to help support their families. Today, Guzman finds himself in a similar situation.
“On some occasions, I’ve had to almost quit school because my dad loses work,” Guzman said. “Luckily, he gets back on his feet eventually. It’s sad for someone to have to drop their education for their familia. But you have to be willing to do anything for your family.”
The pressure to drop out of high school is a pattern for many first-generation students.
“My family has a construction business. They tell me that if I don’t get good grades, I might as well be like them and work in construction; because otherwise, I will never achieve anything in life,” said Angeles Cuevas, a junior at Detroit Cristo Rey.
Despite the pressure to drop out, Cuevas flourishes. She has a 3.5 grade-point average and aspires to attend college.
“I want to advance past the educational level that my parents did,” she said. “My parents are very supportive about me going to college, and they have high expectations of me. They pressure me to do my best because if I don’t get scholarships, I’m not going to college.”
But what happens to other first generation Hispanic teenagers who don’t find themselves so lucky and cannot avoid the pressure to drop out? A 19-year old high school dropout from Southwest Detroit, who asked that his name not be used, told of the struggle he had before he left high school.
“I have an older sister and brother. My brother was a really bad influence. He started doing negative stuff that was stressing out my single mom. This made me think less and less about school and more about helping support my family,” he said. “At 16, I dropped out of high school, found myself a job landscaping, and started to help out my mom. I’ve been working ever since.
“To the teens that find themselves in my position, I would tell them to follow their instincts, and then you will know what you have to do. In ten years, I hope to see myself with a GED, still working, and living a decent life.”
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By Logan Johnson
The Communicator
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By Tarek Miah, Sean Radden, and Jonathon Ramseur
The Diagnostic
The state of Michigan has made a major change in its education policy. Many people, students and teachers alike, face confusion due to this year’s sudden change of the primary college entrance exam from the ACT to the SAT. All BCHS juniors will take the SAT on April 12.
Prior to this year, all high school juniors sat down to take the ACT every spring as one of the many crucial parts of the college preparation process. However, according to the Detroit Free Press, the State of Michigan made a three year deal worth $17.1 million to make the SAT the official high school assessment for college entrance. The deal was struck because the newly redesigned test is said to be more aligned with Common Core Standards.
At Benjamin Carson High School, the long-standing system of ACT prep courses have been changed to SAT prep. As a result, BCHS SAT prep teachers, like Michelle Nelson, have had to adapt to the transition.
She believes, though, that whether the changes are going to be difficult for students “depends on the student.” Some students might find the new format helpful, while others may find it challenging.
Many students, especially juniors, find themselves asking why the state would change the test when most of their learning up to this point has been based on the ACT.
“They wanted it to be more reflective of what the students can do,” said Nelson when asked about the reasoning behind the transition. “The ACT is centered more on what they have learned.”
While the SAT is certainly different from the ACT in format, most schools will continue to accept scores from both exams.
Even though the SAT will be the official test provided directly through Michigan high schools, Nelson added that students should still take the ACT on their own time.
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By Robert Williams
The Cody Connection
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By Rikiya Anderson, Brianna Coleman and Lonnie Wymes
The Communicator
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By Nathan Lymon
Eye of the Hurricane
For five years, the Douglass Academy football field lay dormant.
After the field pipes were stolen from the middle of the field, potholes formed on the turf. But the Douglass Hurricanes players continued to play on it, which further damaged the field and some players were injured.
“I had tore my ACL, my hamstring and dislocated my kneecap,” said Kenneth Burns, Douglass senior and varsity football center.
So Douglass spent five years of traveling to Northwestern High School to play “home” games, but this year, Douglass has its football field back.
“I feel like I can now fully represent my school by playing on our own home field instead of going to another high school to play,” said Burns.
Junior running back Deon Butler said it is great having home fans “come cheer for us.”
“People I see at school everyday come out supporting me and not nobody, or students from another school,” said Butler. “It makes me feel like I can do better and show off for my teachers.”
Douglass staff also can walk across the parking lot instead of driving to another school for Douglass’ home games.
“It’s much more convenient for home our games because it’s easier for us to just walk across the field because, for one, we’re at home field advantage and we’re more comfortable here and tend to have more people on our own team,” said Dexter Hicks, Douglass Dean of Students.
Douglass football players say they feel more motivated now when playing true home games.
“Yeah, it’s definitely a boost. That’s why as of this year, principal (Berry) Greer, Mr. (Ronald) Collins, (1st Sgt. Laverne) Rush and myself chose, for home games, to cook food or have food catered for the football team, just to show them how much we support them,” said Hicks.
Said Burns: “Throughout the whole week, I’m practicing on that same field and when we finally get to play, I feel like I’m at home.”
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By Jennifer Gonzalez-Hernandez
The Howler
Every student at Detroit Cristo Rey has a full-time, corporate position and works one day a week. Not a typical description of a high school student, but it is a requirement for students to attend the school.
“Cristo Rey is a place of hope” principal Susan Rowe said. “It’s goal is to provide a quality Catholic, college-prep education for students who are challenged by the effects of poverty. It is a place that encourages students to believe in themselves and strive for excellence in all aspects of life.”
The work-study program allows students to see first hand how the real world works. Students are placed in entry-level corporate jobs at companies such as General Motors, Chrysler, Clark Hill, Art Van and Madonna University.
Cristo Rey students work a regular eight-hour day once a week, and businesses like GM offer to pay the school a fee for that student’s work. A portion of the fee goes toward the student’s tuition as well as school operation costs. This arrangement helps make the Catholic school tuition affordable.
The Corporate Work Study Program has also helped contribute to the school’s 100% college acceptance for four consecutive years. Cristo Rey develops students in and out of the classroom. Students learn how to interact with professional adults, like the coach of the Red Wings or a lawyer for General Motors. All freshmen participate in summer training, students learn how to introduce themselves, shake hands, tie a tie and answer the phone – skills many students don’t develop at 14.
“I love the involvement I have with the different groups, the friendly environment and the work that I am given.” said senior Diego Barajas, an employee at Fiat Chrysler. Barajas has worked at Fiat Chrysler since he was a freshman. He is a part of the supply chain management group there.
Cristo Rey also has many events where they reach out to the community for help to continue providing affordable college-prep education and an even bigger perk is students are invited and usually one or two students will give a speech.
Since Cristo Rey students work one day they only attend classes for four days a week. To make up for the missed day in class, the curriculum is structured so the school days are a bit longer than other schools. A regular day at Cristo Rey starts at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m.
“DCR is special because from the custodian to the president, each faculty member wants each student to be successful and are willing to do anything possible to help,” Barajas said.
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By: Destini Clark and Jaleel Taylor
Crusaders' Chronicle
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
Alum, former Miss USA Kenya Moore returns to Cass Tech with a donation to Detroit Public Schools Foundation
By Jahaira Maxwell-Myers and Ananda Irving
CT Visionary
Cass Tech High School was founded in 1907, and has maintained a strong alumni association throughout the decades. The famous motto “#1 second to none” can be heard from just about every corner in the world. When alumni gain personal and financial successes and decide to give back, whether it be a donation, appearance or internship, it is always appreciated by the administration and the student body.
The alumni are big supporters and hold a significant position throughout the school.
On Oct. 9, Cass Tech alumna Kenya Moore visited Cass to attend a special presentation in the Grand Theater to honor and show the gratitude for her generous donation.
“I’m so proud to be back in the building, well not this exact building because I was apart of the original Cass Tech, one of the original babies,” said Moore. “I walked the halls that Diana Ross walked and Lily Tomlin and David Allen Grier. Some may not even know who those people are but I trust that you will learn who they are because they are legendary. And I am happy to be back here on this platform to say I’m walking behind those people as well. ”
Some notable alumni present were as Judge Craig Storm and Ada Nicole Smith (Alumni Association Chairperson). Also present, was legendary boxer Tommy “Hitman” Hearns. Moore’s cousin Shawn Blanchard presented her with a proclamation from the mayor’s office, where he works.
Moore donated $20,000 to the Detroit Public Schools Foundation, Moore won the Miss USA title in 1993 and finished in the top six of the 1993 Miss Universe pageant.
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, castmate NeNe Leakes challenged Moore to donate $20,000 to the charity of her choice. Moore, who was born and raised in Detroit, picked the Detroit Public School’s Foundation and later wrote the school system a check that will go toward the CT Performing Arts department.
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By Bria Cummings
The Cody Connection
Department of Health and Human Services Success Coach Diane White has turned her office into Cody’s Closet, a place where Cody DIT staff and students can donate new or slightly used clothes to give to Cody DIT students and families in need.
White, who helps families on her caseload access state and community services, was seeing an increased need for school uniforms and other items.
“Every time I see a need, I want to fill it,” White said.
Many people have already responded to White’s call for donations.
English teacher Carol Weiner posted about the drive on a neighborhood Facebook group and had a great response from people who said they’re happy to give clothes to Cody because they know their donations will be put to good use.
“They leave bags and bags of clothes on my front porch every day,” Wiener said. “I brought in 10 bags of clothes two days ago.”
Wiener said a Jewish organization heard about the donations and dropped off a garbage bag full of brand new blue jeans.
Cody’s Closet now has baby clothes, shirts, shoes, socks, belts, boots, pants, school uniforms, jackets, gloves, hats and scarves. White has also started collecting hygiene kits and book bags.
Cody’s Closet is open for students and families of DIT from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday.
(11/04/15 3:00pm)
By Kenneth Burns and Khalil Wilson
Eye of the Hurricane
Some graduating seniors have a bone to pick with this year’s late Labor Day. By state law, public schools can’t start until after Labor Day, and that resulted in a two-week delay this year, which in turn will take a bite out of seniors’ pre-college summer plans.
Previous seniors started their summers in mid-May, but this year’s class won’t finish before June 2.
“I had plans to go and visit family out of state in June, but now I have to be in class doing more work,” said Douglass senior Vincent Wilks.
While some seniors aren’t excited at having less time to enjoy their summer before college, Principal Berry Greer is on board. He said he feels that the longer Douglass students spend in class, the more improvement they will show.
“Douglass has improved in discipline, academics, and social communications skills, and the extended time gives me a chance to become a bit more close to my seniors this year and help them become young men,” said Greer.
Although seniors say they don’t mind getting a bit more acquainted with the Douglass staff, some acknowledge the schedule has its inconveniences.
“I had planned to go to a college and spend some time there but I must postpone my visit because I still have school,” said Corey Wells-Marion, a Douglass senior and basketball player who has hopes to play in college.
Other seniors say they don’t really care about the extra couple of weeks.
“It’s not that big of a deal, just another two weeks or so,” said Douglass senior football player Michael Betty.
For senior Drake Glover, the extra summer weeks at Douglass can prove beneficial.
“I feel like in all reality it’s a smart thing to do,” said Glover. “It gives us a bit more time to be prepared for our future and really be prepared for the real world we’re being put in.”
(10/26/15 7:32pm)
(10/26/15 7:32pm)
(10/26/15 7:32pm)
