Stress Takes Over Students

Feature

By Sarah VanderHeuvel

Husky Herald Reporter

  Some say high school are the best four years of your life. However, sometimes high school can be too stressful to even enjoy the best aspects of it.

  High school students are expected to perform well in their classes, have a job, stay involved, have a social life, and get eight hours of sleep a night. This is nearly impossible to accomplish, since there’s only 24 hours in a day.

  When students are stressed out, it’s hard to excel in school or any of their activities. Some believe the expectations for high school students are just too high.

  According to Sophie Reinhard (‘16), having both high school and college classes can be very difficult.

“There is way too much homework and tests that teachers don’t warn you about. I feel like I’m stressed out all the time,” said Reinhard.

  Kiana Votava (‘16) is a two-sport varsity athlete at Port Huron Northern. Soccer and basketball practices keep her super busy.

  “As soon as I get home from practice, I know I have to start on my hours of high school and college homework. It’s hard to focus at practice sometimes when I think of how much I have to do when I get home,” said Votava.

  Jordan Tomlinson (‘17) can relate. “Going from school to many different practices and games, with little to eat in between and trying to fit in all my homework, other school activities, and time to sleep can be so stressful,” commented Tomlinson.

  On the other hand, football superstar Rudy Nowakowski (‘16) loves being busy and uses his superb time management skills to fit in all his activities. “It isn’t tough managing your time if you are fully committed and strive for excellence,” said Nowakowski.

  Not only does Nowakowski find success on the field, but also in the classroom. “It isn’t hard with the excellent teaching staff and coaches helping us through the process,” added Nowakowski.

  High school can be a very stressful time and students want to take advantage of all the opportunities available to them. The best way to do this is use a time management plan and really prioritize your activities.

Headphones Take Over Class

Opinion

By Kelsey Alexander

Husky Herald Reporter

 Technology is a hard thing to keep out of the classrooms nowadays. Some teachers have been more lenient with the schools official policy on technology and others have not.

  A particular issue in the schools is the use of headphones in the classroom. Teacher’s opinions range from one extreme to the other on this particular subject though.

  Most teachers would agree with the philosophies of Mr. Marchione, who said, “As long as I am not teaching and it is their own working time, I think they are perfectly fine to use and can even be beneficial to some students.”

  Students seem to agree with this policy as well. Varun Nandamudi (‘15) said, “Mr. Marchione has a good policy on the whole headphones debate. Personally, they help me concentrate when I’m working.”

  This seems to be the favored opinion for two reasons. The headphones allow the student to get work done and it leaves the classroom quiet for students that do not prefer headphones while working.

   A few teachers, however, seem to be against it and do not allow the use of headphones. Mr. Jamison says, “Personally, I don’t really mind you using them while you’re working but I do have to follow our school policy whether I agree on it or not.”

  Maybe it is a good thing that Mr. Jamison does not allow them, because some students do tend to get off task with this extra freedom.

 “Most of the time I have my headphones in, I am not working on schoolwork. I’m usually listening to a fire mixtape,” admits Artez Hadley (‘15).

  The other extreme of the debate is letting kids use their headphones whenever they want. Although there are no teachers that will confess they let their kids do it, doesn't mean it’s not happening though.

  “I wear my headphones all the time,” said Tina Nandi (‘15) “I don’t need to listen to the rest of the world anyway.”

  The debate will go on and on in the classroom, varying from teacher to teacher. We will not be able to have a solid answer, however, until we hear the official rule from Mr. Mossett himself.

Students and Teachers Love Fantasy Football

Feature

By Dallas Chicone

Husky Herald Reporter

  Fantasy Football is taking the internet by storm! It’s a free and fun way that’s makes watching football even more exciting.

  You’re probably thinking, what is Fantasy Football? Fantasy Football is a league that you play with your buddy’s (typically 8 or 10 man league) and you draft a team of 10 NFL players and a couple players that will sit on your bench.

  You draft 2 QB’s, 2 RB’s, 2 WR’s, 1 TE, 1 FLEX, 1 Defense, and 1 Kicker. You compete every week against one of the people in your league. The way you win depends on how the NFL players perform week to week.

  “I enjoy fantasy football because it adds more flavor to watching football,” says Jacob Gaddis (’15) “Even when YOUR team is losing, you may have your star QB on the other team so you keep watching the game even if it’s a monster 35-7 blowout and as much as your buddy’s yell and scream to change it, you won’t because you need those fantasy points.”

  A lot of fantasy players have a pool of money and the winner of the league will win the money. Last year Mr.Becker took home his fantasy Championship and boy was he happy!  (If you need any fantasy advice Mr.B is your man)

  “Fantasy football is huge in my family,” Brett Manis (’17) says “I’m in a league with my family so it keeps us close and causes some disagreements. There’s nothing like a little smack talk to my brother after a nice victory!”

  NFL players even play fantasy football. Earlier this season, New York Giants Tight End Larry Donnell benched himself on his fantasy team. Bad news for him because he had 54 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns! Donnell ended up losing his week because he didn’t start himself.

  “I love fantasy football,” says Brad Maynor (’16) “I’m in a league with 7 of my friends and we all get together on Sunday afternoons and cheer on our players while smack talking our opponents. I really hope I take home my league this year!”

  Fantasy football gives watching football a new meaning. Sign up today!

  

PHN Helps Adolescent Girls From Across the World Through Girl Up

Feature

By Sarah Vanderhuevel 

Husky Herald Reporter

  When you hear about the club “Girl Up”, you might think that it is a feminist group or just another

extracurricular activity. However, this is not the case, Port Huron Northern chapter of Girl Up was started this year by three students: Megan Burns (’15), Aishah Ahmed (’16), and Sophia Ahmed (’17).

  Since it is relatively new to most students at Northern, I asked them to give a brief overview of what Girl Up is all about.

  “Girl Up is a United Nations sponsored campaign that works toward the equality of education,

healthcare, and basic human rights for adolescent girls in developing countries,” said Burns.

  “Our goal is to educate our community, advocate to our government officials, and fundraise. By doing this, we can supply school supplies, vaccinations, medical checkups, birth registration, and scholarships

to poverty-stricken, adolescent girls”, added Ahmed.

  This is not some “girls are better than boys” campaign. Girl Up is about fighting for girls that do not have the ability to do so themselves.  By donating time and money, this organization strives to make a difference in young girls’ lives all over the world. Students at Northern, both girls and boys, are encouraged to take part.

  Not only is it for a good cause, it is also a great way to meet other students and get involved. “What I love about Girl Up is that it encourages teens to take a stand for something that is affecting adolescents just like them,” said Burns.

   “It is a fun way to meet people who have the same passions as me”, commented Anu Nandi (’15). She definitely got to meet some students like her, as the attendance was over 30 people at the first meeting.

  If students at PHN can learn anything from Girl Up, it is that what we have should not be taken for

granted. Education is a PRIVILIGE. In countries like Malawi and Guatemala, some girls can’t be worried about their education.

  Their first concern is what they are going to eat today or protecting themselves. Girl Up hopes to change that.

  “If we start paying attention to the world around us now, soon we will be able to change it. I hope that one day we can fully erase the ignorance of what goes on outside our town” said Burns.

Students Give Their Opinion on Free Lunch at PHN

Opinion

By Austin Richardson

Husky Herald Reporter

  When you look at the line ahead of you and have to decide on whether or not it’s worth waiting the extra time just to grab some lunch you might want to factor in the grant given to Port Huron Northern that gives free lunch and breakfast to the students.

  Every student has the opportunity to leave lunch with a full stomach but how does this truly affect Port Huron Northern students and their lunch time routine.  “I personally haven’t taken advantage of the free hot lunch but I’ve noticed that the lines are longer and the lunch room is more crowded but it’s nice to see everyone getting a healthy lunch” said Justin Gaddis(’17).

  It’s now an option this year for every student at Port Huron Northern to get a free lunch and a free breakfast with no strings attached. The lines are a little bit longer and the lunch ladies seem a little more stressed with all the extra people  but  even though I haven’t participated in the free lunch overall I think it’s a well-rounded idea with a lot of positives for everyone” said Curtis Issacson(’16).

  “It makes me happy to see the students lining up for lunch and out of all the years I’ve worked lunch and breakfast at Port Huron Northern this is the longest I’ve seen the lines in a while and I think it’s been a great addition to everything Port Huron Northern has to offer.”  Said Lori Mathews, lunch lady.

  It could be the wide variety of food that is offered between subs and a nacho bar or even some pizza every once in a great while or just the fact that the food is free, everyone seems happy so far with the free breakfast and lunch combo offered to the Port Huron Northern student body.

   The grant given to Port Huron Northern has truly made a difference in many ways from longer lunch lines and possibly more stressed lunch ladies, to more students having full stomachs throughout the day the grant has benefited the students in so many ways  and has given a great in look to how just the smallest things can make a difference in everyone's  life, no matter who they are or who they are provided to.

Fall Fashion Walking the Halls of Northern

Feature

By Kimberley Dunkin
Husky Herald Reporter

  If you walk through Port Huron Northern High School for a day in the fall, you’ll basically see

the same outfit on every girl that passes you. The only difference is color and brand.

   In the past few years, fall fashion hasn’t changed much for females. Riding boots and Uggs

remain the main shoe fashion statement for girls this year as they have in the past few years.

  “Uggs are my favorite! They’re so comfy and never go out of style. I could never have enough”,

said Kathryn Shaw (’16).

   As for males, fashion for this season changes almost every year. Tennis shoes are always a

popular choice, but recently some new shoe choices have been superior to the casual sneaker

choice.

  Timbos have become a popular choice for fall weather, actually for both men and

women. “The shoes are the essential key to every guy’s outfit”, stated Garrett Corry (’15).

   When it comes to the actual clothing and style choices for fall, females have a wide range of

popular looks. Many women choose the common scarf, button up shirt and riding boots for a fall

day.

   However, oversized sweaters, knee high socks with skirts, and vests have become popular

and trendy this season.

   Men’s taste in style hasn’t changed much over the years. Flannels and hoodies remain to be

pretty popular. Jeans and sweatpants are definitely the dominant pant categories. “You don’t

really see guys dressing up anymore”, Chelsea Granger (’15).

   There are many fashion statements that have become common and popular for both men and

women. The North face is one brand that remains constantly popular for both genders; along

with Nike and Under Armor apparel.

  Converse has been one of the most popular shoe brands for girls and guys for many years, and

continues to be now.

   When you think to last year around this time, were you wearing the same kinds of clothing or

has it changed? Fashion evolves over time but sometimes it takes a while for new trends to catch

on.

   Besides the very few fashionistas around our school, you won’t see much differentiation

from the norm.

3.5 Assembly Honors Students

Feature

By Dylan Maheu

Husky Herald Reporter

 

Congratulations to all students that maintained a 3.5 grade point average and received an award at the 3.5 Academic Awards Assembly. This is a great accomplishment that you have achieved, especially those of you that are seniors.

   Some of you might've had difficulty in keeping up your grade point average for three years.  This article will explain what the assembly is to those of you who weren't there for it and will summarize some of what happened during it.

  “The assembly took place on Monday October 27th,” said Mrs.Maxwell, one of the staff members involved in the assembly.

 “The assembly is held to recognize the students who have a cumulative 3.5 grade point average,” said Mrs.Duman.  

  The assembly doesn’t cover the grades from the year the student received it though, it is instead for the grades from the previous year.

   This means that the earliest year that you can receive one of the awards is your sophomore year.

  “The assembly will be held in the gymnasium at 7:45 am,” said Mrs.Maxwell.

  Over three hundred students received awards at this years academic awards assembly.

  Sophomores that make it to the assembly will receive a pin.  Juniors that make it to the assembly will receive a letter. Finally seniors that make it to the assembly will receive a lamp of knowledge pin for their letter.

  Several speeches were given by various people throughout the course of the assembly. These speeches included one that was given by a former Port Huron Northern graduate.

  Near the end of the assembly the foreign exchange students that we have for the year will give a speech about their experiences from while they were here.

  After the assembly a small breakfast was held in the cafeteria that was provided by the students that took part in the assembly and their parents. This allowed students to have time to eat a meal and have time to speak with their parents and friends before returning to class.

Fall Fever Takes On Port Huron

Feature

By Kathryn Brooks

Husky Herald Reporter

October has passed us there are many festivities happening now. There are many local orchards and activities for people to enjoy.

  On the twenty-fourth, many people went out to see a new scary movie called ‘Ouija’ it came in at number one in the box office. This is the first movie based on a board game.

  ‘Ouija’ came out at the right time of year but unfortunately was not the most frightening of movies out there. Therefore it received poor review, receiving two out of five stars. It is still a good pick to get into the spooky mood for Halloween.

  Over the weekend, October twenty-fifth, Sanborn had its annual Halloween stroll. This is where children dressed up and walked around to get candy. Many older kids got dressed up and acted as zombies for the children

.

  On Thursday the thirtieth, Garfield hosted Trunk-or-Treat for children to go to. Ages are elementary and younger and costed one-dollar to get in.

  For the older kids where are many Haunted Houses to go to. If you like local things there is a haunted house called The House of Judgement that is put on by a youth group.

  The house judgement gave a different view on haunted houses. First they

take the group through hell and they end up meeting the devil then the group finds a way to heaven.

  The whole point was to show people the reality of after life. Hence the name of the house.

  If you felt like traveling though you could find spookier haunted houses or even haunted hayrides which are always a joy.

  No matter what time in Fall, one can never go wrong with going to a local orchard. Whether it be apples or pumpkins, you can count on the whole trip to be pretty inexpensive.

 On October thirty-first, police had check-points all over michigan. This was a part of their campaign to prevent drunk driving.

  Police stopped vehicles to make sure everyone was buckled up. They stopped cars at one spot.

  Kids began to trick-or-treat around dusk. Due to the weather trick-or-treaters were scarce.

  Whether you’re kickin’ back or going out. Remember to stay safe this season.

Google Docs Takes Over Microsoft Programs

Opinion

By Curtis Tallmadge

Husky Herald Reporter

  Now that we've been in school for well over a month, everyone should know that we are using Google Docs for almost everything now. We have almost completely stopped using programs such as Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, etc.

  But the question is, is Google Docs actually better and easier than the traditional way of writing and doing projects in the computer lab?

  For one thing, Google Docs can be accessed any where as long as you have an internet connection, you can even check on your phone, this is a big plus over the old style, in the past you had to be on a school computer to access your work, so this is great.

  I interviewed a few students about their opinion on this new style, they all seemed to be positive about the change.

  “I think using Google Docs over Microsoft programs like Powerpoint or Word is a good thing, it’s really great being able to access something that you worked on at school at home without having to email it to yourself or use a flash drive,” said Russell Tenbusch (‘15).

  Another feature of Google Docs is the ability to share a project with someone else so they can both work on it simultaneously, this is very useful for partner or group assignments. “I had to do a group project where each of us needed to make our own Powerpoint slide about a certain topic, we used Google Docs to make a presentation and each of us worked on our slides all at the same time, we ended up finishing really quickly,” said Joe Putnik (‘15).

  Another student said “This year is the first I've ever actually used Google Docs, I’m used to using Microsoft Word and programs like that so I think it’ll take me some time to get used to it, but its pretty good so far,” said Tim Klaus (‘17).

  So in our school it seems as though the majority believes that migrating over to Google Docs is a welcome change that makes everyone's lives easier, this is something that everyone can get behind.

  

Mixed Choir Brings Passion To Northern

Feature

By Dallas Chicone

Husky Herald Reporter

“Its not just about singing, its a passion, its a way to escape for some. The power of the songs can express what you're feeling” says class representative Riley Snowden (‘15). “Its my way to clear my mind and do something I love” Snowden says.

  The Mixed Choir 4th hour class taught by Mrs. Vandyke is a mixed class of guys and girls that come together in perfect harmony to perform beautiful songs. The goal for the choir class is for students to learn how to read music and to perform as part of an ensemble, improve singing voices and perform in and around the community of Port Huron. The choir class is really excited for what is upcoming for them.

  “In my 4 years of choir, I think this is the best group we have ever had” says Class President Jewel Fenner (‘15) “We have the perfect sound of high and low pitches, I can't wait for our first concert!” Fenner says.

  “Not only do we just sing, but we make friendships that will last forever,” says Alyssa Robinson (‘15) “Some of my best friends I've met in choir and I can't wait to make more this year!”

  “I love choir,” Says Alex Landacre (‘16) “My passion is singing and I get to do it as a class which is awesome!”

  The Choir team has two concerts this semester as their first sneak peek concert on October 16th, 2014! After the concert the choir team invites you to an Afterglow in the cafeteria for a “Meet and Greet”.

  Their second concert is their Candle Light Concert on December the 18th at 7 p.m.

  The choir team hopes to see you all there as they will not disappoint and leave you speechless. “We would like everyone to come” says Snowden “We are putting in lots and lots of hard work and it would mean a lot if we could fill the PAC.”

  So come out and support the Port Huron Northern’s Mixed Choir class and show up to their concert on October 16th!

Wounded Warrior Game Makes Veterans Proud

Sports

By Kyle Burch

Husky Herald Reporter

On a crisp, cool, Friday in October, the Port Huron Northern Huskies took on the Sterling Heights Stallions in their annual wounded warrior game.

  The wounded warrior game is where each player on the huskies team wears a jersey in honor of a person who has served in the military. The name of the honoree goes on the back of the jersey.

  It’s a very special night for many reasons and any veterans that were in attendance and were rooting for the home team, were not disappointed.

  It took to almost the very end of the game for northern to finally get the lead and win the game but the wait was worth it.

  The game started off with the way every coach wants it to start with, a touchdown. Too bad for the huskies, it was Sterling Heights doing the scoring.

  Northerns offense couldn't let Sterling Heights offense up them, however and the huskies also scored on their first drive.

  Josh Jordan('16) said "it was great to get out there and score. They scored so we knew we had to score as well."

  Both teams scored a few more times in the first half and the score stood 28-21 Sterling Heights going into halftime.

  Mike Mahaffy ('16) stated "we knew we were going to have to score. We just had to keep it up in the second half."

  And keep up the scoring they did as the huskies scored 33 points in the second half.

  The huskies defense held at times when they needed to and limited Sterling Heights to 20 points in the second half.

  If you add that all up the huskies win 54-48 and they go home happy with the victory.

  Head coach Patrick Connell said "I'm proud of the way we played, we never gave up and fought throughout the whole game."

  Fought they did and any of the veterans that were in attendance were proud of the way the huskies played.

  The huskies were playing for the veterans and anyone who has ever served. They wanted to honor them well and honor them they did.

Huskies Finish in Top Ten

Sports

By Anu Nandi

Husky Herald Reporter

  The Northern Boys’ Tennis Team almost got their wish. In Midland, the boys tied for ninth place at the Division 1 State Championship.

   The Huskies finished the single elimination tournament with nine points, tying with four other top area teams. One star player from Northern stood out.

  Chris Adams (‘17) was the last remaining Husky to stand and compete in day two of the tournament. Adams, the number 3 seed, outlasted Steve Forman of Troy (the number two seed)  2-6, 6-3. 7-6 (4) and found himself competing in the finals for a 2 singles state title.

  Adams, who received the three seed even after losing only one match this season, had lost only one match all season. This upset was to Koushik Kondapi of Novi, in a three setter at the beginning of the season,

  Adams sadly fell to Kondapi, the undefeated one seed, once again, with a score of 6-4, 2-6, 6-3. “He had a tough loss, but there is always hope for Chris. I wanted to be able to see him win this year (that was another goal), but next year,” said teammate Varun Nandamudi (‘15).

   “When Chris plays, he gives it his all. He was so much fun to cheer on, and I think every other fan from Northern would agree,” said Abhishek Tekumulla (‘17).

  Although Adams’ defeat was somber, day one was one to remember. Johnny Betrus (‘18), the number three singles player from Port Huron Northern, pulled off a major upset.

   Betrus, who was not even seeded going into the state finals, lasted until the quarterfinals. He defeated the number three seed from Grand Blanc (who was projected to make it to day two)  in straight sets ( 6-3, 6-2).

   “That match was definitely the best to watch,” said Clay Wilson (‘15). “, Johnny went out there and pulled off the biggest upset of the tournament in my opinion.”

  Also winning matches for Northern was number one singles player, Franklin Brozovich (‘16). Brozovich defeated Holland West Ottawa (6-1, 7-5), before falling to eventual state champion, Tim Wang of Novi.

   “Franklin is a great captain, and he is a great example of how we all need to act at States. There are a lot of nerves, but we have to work through them like he did,” said Nandamudi.

   The Huskies will graduate four seniors from their lineup this year. However, be prepared for next year, as all of Northern’s singles lineup, which includes Nishaan Makim (‘18) will return.

  “Next year, I hope we can work on our doubles once again. I think we will have a strong singles lineup, but once again, the doubles teams are the ones that could place us even higher next year at states,” said Tekumalla.

Changes over 50 Years at Port Huron Northern

Feature

By Dylan Maheu

Husky Herald Reporter

  For 50 years, Port Huron Northern High School has been a part of our community. But this year is a mark for something special. It marks the 50th graduating class of Port Huron Northern.

  Port Huron Northern was originally built in order to, as the name implies, serve students in the north half of the school district.

 The site that was chosen for the school to be built on was decided on February 14, 1963. The final construction plans for the high school were finalized and approved on April 17, 1963.

  The first principal of Port Huron Northern, James Overly, was originally the assistant to the principal of Port Huron High School. He was appointed to his new position at Port Huron Northern during May, 1963.

  There have been quite a few changes in the school over the years.

  When Port Huron Northern first opened, students had to ride the city bus to get to the school.

  The media center only had between 4,000-5,000 books in it originally compared to the number that is present now.    

  The media center has also had many changes done to it over the years, mainly with the addition of two separate computer labs onto it.

  The Port Huron Northern radio station WORW aka “The Wave” is a student run station that first started broadcasting in 1972. There have since been recent changes that allow the station to broadcast on a constant basis.

  When Port Huron Northern first opened, it had a special sewing class available for female students.

  There has been some some remodeling going on in the school these past few years. The school board has been trying to update the schools facilities and some work has also been done in the school’s cafeteria and gymnasium.

  The school’s performing arts center was also just built nine years ago in 2005.

  Classes themselves have also changed in recent years. “One of the biggest changes in the last few years has been the courses required by the district,” said Mrs. Brennan, the school’s account clerk.

  “We have expanded our advanced placement program extensively and our online schooling has seen some growth as well,” said Mr. Mossett, the principal of Port Huron Northern.

   There will be events that celebrate the 50th Anniversary accomplishment throughout this school year, including a reunion for all current and former teachers that was held at the Homecoming football game on Sept. 26th.