Sparks

January 27, 2011

Vol. 95, Issue 2 Gladwin High School 1400 N. Spring St., Gladwin, MI 48624

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inside Winter sports p. 48-49

 10January 27, 2011 Meadow Lanes
Sparks
My heart is torn Friday Night Open Bowl Specials
5 pm - 9 pm
“No cheer senior year” 3 games & shoes only
$6.00
10 pm - 12 am
By Aarika Mathis Quartermania
It is my senior year, and there is no $6.00 Cover Charge
cheerleading, I am going crazy! I have 426-7671 games $.50, pop $.50, shoes $.50
done cheer for three years. During the
summer we got the news that cheer and
pom were combined, by going to the
games I see no cheer at all.
Sitting in the stands looking out at
the players and seeing no cheerleaders is
heart beaking. My hands and legs are
moving in the motions of cheers. I feel
like my body is twitching, but I am
really not. I am doing the moves too, but
don’t notice it really at all until someone
says “Aarika, what cheer are you
doing?” I am not embarrassed, but
shocked, because I truly don’t realize
that I do it. When someone does that
then you know that they are passionate
about something, and I am.
Going to the two football games I did
attend were the worst for me. While I
was there I felt like I lost something.
Something that has been part of my life
for so long, it was like someone stole
something away from me. The thing I
lost was something I was very passion-
ate about, and that was cheerleading. I
LOVE it! It’s not easy at all going to
games and not cheering and just sitting
there. At those two games I did go, I had
to cheer. I did crowd cheers and
something came back into my heart. I
didn’t do it by myself because that
would be embarrassing.
Jamie Hollon (11) was there to cheer
with me, and the crowd was amazing
and cheered back. Thanks to you all. It
wasn’t the same but it felt great.
Going to the first boy’s basketball
game was hard as well; I sat there and
just shook my head, and I truly wanted
to cry. It may sound crazy, but if you are
as passionate about a sport as I am with
cheerleading, you would understand. So
many things were going through my
head that night; memories, nicknames,
and sleepovers that were at Roxie
Greenman’s house.
The only good thing about no cheer
senior year is we still have our pom
girls. To those girls I just want to say,
“You are doing a great job, keep up the
good work.”

207 Industrial Drive Gladwin, Michigan 48624

www.gladwintank.com
Phone (989) 426-4768
“Let’s go Gladwin, let’s go!” Fax (989) 426-2777
 January 27, 2011 Sparks 11
You know you’re a senior when...
You hit snooze
By Melanie Smalley

The word “graduation” instills both fear and excitement. at least four
You find the You wear
s w e a t p a n t s times before
You see freshmen
need to go towalking through the
your locker halls and think to at least twice getting up.
and bathroom yourself, “Are a week.
at least twice
they You’re not sure whether
a class period.
new?” You you’re getting wiser or

cherish
You show up to secretly losing brain cells.
class in the same You’re often seen

moment
clothes you wore in the hallway
to bed. every
with marks on
You know exactly your face from

know
the number of of high school because you sleeping in class.

soon.
days left until the You think to
last day of school. it’s going to be over yourself, “Why am I
here?” more than
You have memorized four times a day.
every poster picture
Concentrating on one
decoration thing is physically impossible.
You walk down You begin a majority of your
the hallway and sentences with “This is the last
You don’t care about
feel old. time…” or “Remember when…”
getting perfect
attendance anymore.You put off your Caffeine becomes a
homework until the necessity for staying
You pity freshmen. last possible minute. awake in class.
You voluntarily set aside a day to work on college applications, and then sleep
away the three days after submitting it.
You know the short way to every class, but you go the long way to socialize.
12January 27, 2011 Sparks
Snowboarding
VS.
Snowmobiling...
Choose your side
By Lucas Allen Andrew Kruske (12)
CJ Alward (12) “In my personal opinion, snowboarding is the superior activity. There’s just so
“Snowboarding much more you can do on a snowboard, jumps, rails, half pipes, or just cruise
is the winner in around. A snowboard is strapped to your feet, and it feels like it’s a part of your
this one, body and soul man! There’s no other sport on snow where you can hit a 40 foot jump and
snowmobiling is then board slide a massive rail on the same run. I know you for sure cannot do that on a
a rush and all but there’s snowmobile, besides, snowmobiling is more about what brand of snowmobile you have and
a much better feeling in how fast you can go on it, blah, blah, blah. Snowboarding is all about skill, and that’s the
snowboarding than main reason I like it.”
snowmobiling.
Snowmobilers and
snowboarders are two
different people.

Sean McDonald (12)

We love the feeling of flying helplessly in the air. On a snowmobile “...snowmobiling definitely.
you can go for miles, while on a snowboard go to a big enough resort Snowmobiling you can go wherever you want as long as there is
and you can go for miles and get a workout in. Not saying snow. You can go way faster on a snowmobile too. It’s so fun to ride
snowmobiling is bad but it’s more of a preference to snowboarding.” through the trails and in the U.P. Snowmobiling is way better.”

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 13

Florida here
January 27, 2011 Sparks
By Aarika Mathis

we
Spring Break 2011
come
Ashleigh Caudle (13)
“Over spring break a couple of
friends and I are going to go to
Florida. We are going to just go
and relax, lay out, go swimming Libby Zelt (11)
,eat and walk around and enjoy Jamie Hollon (11) “Over spring break my
the weather. I have been there “I am hoping to go the Florida with parents’ friends are flying
before, but I was little. I don’t my best friend and her parents. My my family down to Kasie Dicken(11)
remember much. We will be best friend and I will be in a diffrent Florida. While we are For spring break, I am
staying in the Holiday Inn close car following her parents. I myself down there, we are going flying to Florida with
to a beach. have never been there but she has to be building them a Morgan Mitchell (11),
Hoping to been there a few times. We will be house!” Cameron
make lots of staying in a hotel, hopefully. If not, Croutch(11),and
memories.” then we’ll stay with her grandma. We Kaitlin Farling (11).
want to go to have fun and make a We will be staying at
lot of memories for our senior year Morgan’s friends house
and visit her grandma.” and hopefully staying
at least one night at a
Holiday Inn, baby!”

William J. Ballard General Dentistry

324 West Cedar Avenue
Gladwin, MI 48624

Visits By Appointment 426-4597

Don’t forget flowers for your

Lyle’s
Valentine

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high school on Monday, February 14

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(989) 426-8532 • 109 W. Cedar Ave. (next to McDonald’s)
14January 27, 2011 Sparks
Dude, what are you doing?!?
By Becky Noteboom
Everyone has a smart little comment when they see a funny picture. People laugh when they see this picture. So, with his permission,we decided it would
be funny to have some students write some of the comments they thought of when they saw this picture.
“There’s nothing “Justin Greenlick (11)
like the taste of is thinking real hard.”
snot in the morn- -Dakota
ing.” Hamilton (12)
-Jeremy
Crosby (11)

“Justin’s not picking

boogers. That’d be
“Justin loves a disgusting. He’s just
tasty treat before itching his
lunch. Some ginormous brain.”
boogers and -Alex Iciek (11)
snot.”
-Kegan
Smith (11)

“I told him not to shove the “Justin Greer (11) watches

quarter up his nose, but no, “Justin Greenlick (11) pre- intently as Justin Greenlick
he wouldn’t listen to me, tends to be a submarine that (11) digs for some gold.”
good going! You’re going to is aiming the torpeoes at an -Melanie Smalley (11)
be digging for a while.” enemy ship.”
-Katie Burrill (11) - Jacob Pleiman (11)

Favorite season
by Alex McArthur
Mallory Willford
(12)

Lynn Heil, Spanish

“My favorite season would have
and English to be spring. In the spring it is
teacher perfect weather; not too warm,
“Winter! I love fresh snow and Olivia Pleiman not too cold. Also, in the spring,
Amber Harper, math
the chilly air. My husband and I (14) track season begins, and I can’t,
and computers wait to start pole vaulting again.”
love to ski, snowshoe, and be “My favorite season would have
outside. Plus, there’s Christmas.” teacher
to be summer. I can actually wear
shorts and tank tops without
“Summer. I love the warm getting cold. I love to go running
weather and beach. I go to the and swimming during the summer
beach, play volleyball, and hang because it’s fun, and it also keeps
out in the sun.” me in shape.”
 January 27, 2011 Sparks 15
Tattoo Stories By Jordan Armstrong

“It took a little while to convince my parents to let me get a tattoo.

I had to promise I wouldn’t get anything big, and it had to be
somewhere you couldn’t see. My parents didn’t want it to affect any
of my future job plans. Ever since I was a little girl, I have always
loved butterflies, I think they’re beautiful. So I drew my tattoo and “The date is for the day my
went to Black Ball in Midland. There was a very good looking man friend died, and the reason I
with an English accent who made some changes to my tattoo and got animated diamonds was
redid it. I got it on my right shoulder-blade. I knew nobody in the because my friend said it was
world would have my tattoo, it’s unique. It makes up part of who I the first tattoo he wanted
am. I don’t believe I will get another one because I don’t want to because it’d be sweet. I got this
regret having them in the future, but I love the one I have!” on my left shoulder-blade.”
-Dayna Bunton (11) -Courtney Kowalski (11)

“My father and I went to a gun

shop to put a scope on a rifle.
After that, we visited a tattoo
shop just to see what was there.
I ended up getting a tattoo of a
dragon crawling up my right
arm. It didn’t hurt that bad.
This was done at Addictive Ink
“The story of my tat starts in my
in Sanford.”
kitchen with my mom. I said ‘Mom,
-Santana Molinari (13)
can I get a tat?’ She said, ‘No.’ so I
said, ‘Fine, I’ll wait two months and
get it when I’m 18.’ So she said
‘Fine, I’ll go with you.’ We went to
the tat place and got my tat. I got
my last name on my left arm. That
thing hurt so badly. I’m never
getting another one.”
-Mike Nash (11)
“I have a lot of tattoos, but my
favorites are the chest piece, and
my last name on the back of my
arm. They’re both meaningful, but
the back of my arm tattoo means
the most because it’s my last name.
It may be just a name, but it is a
name that’s been passed down from
one generation to the next.”
-Josh Johnson (11)
“My husband loved eagles; he
was in a leadership scouting
organization; they were named
The Eagles. At the cemetery,
after he died, a bald eagle flew
above the service. So, I decided
on Rob’s birthday, I would get a
tattoo of an eagle flying over the
ocean. I got it on my ankle, and I
have had it for six and half years
now.”
-Kathy Cunningham (teacher)

“My brothers and I were

getting tattoos, and we all
“On my side I have a tattoo decided to get the same ones.
about my mom. She passed We all got the Chinese symbol
away from cancer. On my back, I for brother. I got mine on my
have a cross, and later down the left wrist, and I got a cross on
road I’ll put someone’s name by my right hand in between my
it.” thumb and my finger.”
-Rowdy Grigsby (11)
16January 27, 2011 Sparks

Getting to know Mitchell Woods

aspiring
student
author
By Stephanie Mogg
Mitchell Woods (13) is currently
writing a fantasy book, Legacy of
Agnelus, a fantasy story about a smith
who gets caught in an unfinished war
between the king of an ancient empire
and three forces known in history as,
the Dark Ones.
Woods has an old styled weapon
called a claymore. “It’s a weapon used
in the olden days to fight off unwanted
visitors. It has a leather or cloth handle
and metal hand guard, sometimes
engraved with the clan’s name that
forged the weapon. It has a very long
blade like an obelisk.”
Woods aspires to be a writer and
publish his very own fantasy collec-
tion. So far he has nine pages in his
book.
“I get my inspiration from sources
such as books, games, and Norse
legends. For example, one of the more
significant plot points is the revival of
Hel, the Scandinavian goddess of
Niflheim, an equivalent of the under-
world. The story is currently nine
pages long, with only the most basic
elements of the exposition complete
thus far.”
To write, Woods aims for quiet
focus. “I usually find a secluded room
on the weekends in which to write or
meditate on what to write about. The
latter is what happens more often,
because I hold myself to a fairly high
standard. If a sentence doesn’t flow
like quicksilver, it won’t see the light of
the day. I also employ the technique of
thinking several sentences ahead of
what I’m planning, and this makes the
writing process slow but interesting to
read. Of course, a hint of natural talent
helps. I really enjoy those hours alone
with my thoughts. It’s my whole-
hearted belief that such is my calling.”
Kristen Bully
and her dream to be a chef
By Stephanie Mogg
In her mind, Kristen Bully (11) can see
her future perfectly clear. She will
graduate from high school this June and
begin pursuing her career in the culinary
arts.
“I’m going to MMCC for the first year
or two of college. Then, I plan on
attending a university. However, I am not
sure which university I will be attending
or want to attend. I’d one day like to
open a high-end restaurant.”
“I want to open a restaurant in a large
city. I’m not sure which city yet, but I
want to open it in a city, because there
are more people, which means more
potential business.” In preparation, Bully
is enrolled in the CTE Hospitality and
Food Services class offered at Beaverton
High School. She attends with 6 other
Gladwin students five days a week for
three hours a day.
Legally blind with very limited sight,
Bully explained it may take her more time
to create her dishes, but taste doesn’t
require sight. Though some kitchen skills
are a challenge, Bully doesn’t shy away
from any of them.
“Cooking looks easy from a distance,
but in reality, it really isn’t. Being blind
makes it a difficult task. It’s even more
difficult when I can’t see the numbers for
the measurement on the measuring cups.
It makes the preparation process take
longer than most of the students in the
class. It also takes longer for me to read
the ingredients because of the small print
on the box. I mess up a lot, and I have to
redo some of the ingredients for the
food.”
“All this is would be simple enough
being able to see,” but not seeing has
never stopped her from doing what she
loves to do.
“I get frustrated because it takes me
longer to finish the food I cook for an
assignment, but I try not to let the timing
get the best of me.”
Bully will continue to chase her dream
of becoming a chef and owning her own
restaurant.

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 January 27, 2011 Sparks 17
40 WordsF
By Alex Reeds
Sialoquent Have you ever heard a word that was so crazy, you could
spitting while speaking

u
hardly believe it was English? One so mind boggling, tounge

rp
twising, that your brain couldn’t even process it? Well, here’s

ht F or hy
a list of my favorite brain scattering words. Most of these

Fig
came from these awesome sites:
*Savethewords.org
a port
able w *Worldwidewords.org
ater c *Weirdwebsites.info
ontain

A Comeba c k . . K
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g
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n

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Ra
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f cou
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t
g that li ing

c
ves in a at
cave rog e to
tAbibliophobia
Hobbledehoy

a
the science o
f
ershoo

l
Buumm b

h y
brella the fear of running out of reading material

P
an awkward of ill mannered young boy an

ster Oocephalus
Gongoozle

Mug
g

an
lly slimikin Q
ed

ind
ust an egghead

wum
o
r

u
e t

ep
’t b

n aer
n

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ca

S
o small and slender

de
p
e wh to

nt
eon

i
ask

tat

po
som

lit
Floccinaucinihilipilification

iti
e

cia
Nub Stiricide
the estimation that something is valueless

n
to stare at

ic ivaga mules
the act of an icicle falling from a house

n
of mov
d
t
e ing

Flibbertigibbet
car n
e ia thro

a silly, flighty, or scatterbrained person

om dical
tert ugh
clou
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us ds
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este

rel
ating
to
M Er a completely useless person Nthe day be fore y

ike l
a he i n a
hog c e o
tortiloquy
dge
us arachibutyrophobiae
a dishone
st speech
the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth

hin n a tey egr

Calacugh noise unremacadamized
l
having not been repaved with macadam
to f o
eign te
to an i
llne
ss

Misdoctakleidist
a person who dislikes practicing the piano
18January 27, 2011 Sparks

My New Year’s resolution was…

By Katelyn Govitz
Jenna Hilts (11)
Nathan Jarosiewicz (11) “I’m stopping
“I stopped drinking pop, but I procrastinating and
don’t know, because, man, I love being lazy at times.”
pop!”
Lance Dimond (11) “My resolutions
for this year are: find a job;
Alicia Coats (11)
snowboard at least four times a
“My New Year’s resolution is I’m not
week, no pop and continue to not
complaining and I’m striving to be
eat fast food at all. I’ll try my
more positive about my situation. We
hardest to keep these goals”.
all could use some extra positively”.

Brittani Feuerstein (11)

“...running every day. Who am I
Caitlin Simpkins (11)
kidding? I never keep my New
“I stopped eating at fast food
Year’s resolution.”
restaurants because it is really bad
for you.”

GLADWIN CLINIC

Gladwin Auto Salvage & Sales 1206 North State Street

989.246.2311 phone
 January 27, 2011
Friends ffor
or life, w
life e call our
we selv
ourselv es Sa
selves vages
Sav
By Melissa Jakubczak
Savages. Yes, Savages.
A savage is defined as “a person
regarded as brutal, fierce, or vicious.”
We go way back Katelyn Govitz (11)
and I.
We first met in seventh grade, and
that’s when it all began. Ever since then
we’ve been Savages, attacking people
left and right making up crazy sayings
and noises. We have been inseparable.
We were born two days apart, her on
November 11 and me on November 9. Our
mothers just so happen to be two days
apart, too.
We were destined to be Savages.
Savages have an odd but purposeful
way of life. We say strange things like
“Gutta gutta gutta,” “Ahhhhh yessssss,”
“Shaaat up,” “K, cya bye.”
We’re pretty much a big deal.
We’re always running around attacking
people out of no where. One of our most
common attacks is saying, “Ahhh, yesss,
fear exposed...
By Andrew Kruske
papyrophobia
People all over the world are forced to
live with countless irrational phobias. My
“phobia” is a kind of papyrophobia, or
fear of paper. More specifically, wet
paper.
Yes, I know, it’s completely ridiculous
and makes absolutely no sense, but it’s
true. It’s not so much that it scares me, it
just frustrates the crap out of me, and it
makes me incredibly fed up to even write
about it. I don’t really know why, but it
just annoys me, beyond belief.
I realized this a few years ago. I always
knew it bugged me, but I thought I was
kind of normal. But one day, I had a book
that got some drops of water on it, and I
gutta, gutta” with our fingers pinched
together and an evil grin on our faces.
Someday you might be privileged
enough to see it, and you’ll know.
Even when my fellow Savage and I are
apart, I still feel her presence and call her
on the phone and attack her.
Although we are the only Savages,
there is a leader to our little pack. Her
name is Mrs. Katie Hintz, and we like to
refer to her as Sasquatch! Fortunately for
us, she is with child and that little babe
will soon be a Savage just like us!
Sadly, one of our group moved away.
Everyone else called her by her human
name Ms. Chrissy Hager. We inducted
her into the Savage life and she became
one of us. Not just anyone gets to be in
our group, but we saw something special
about her that we just couldn’t resist. She
was an original psycho, and we loved her
for that. Unfortunately, she left us at the
end of the year, so it’s just us three again.
We have attacked many people in our
as simple as the paper this is printed on
just could not even stand to hold it, look
at it, or even think about it. Needless to
say, I did not finish reading it. I just kind
of freaked out about it, and everyone
thought it was pretty strange.
And that’s because it is strange, I
know it’s weird, but I can’t do anything
about it.
But it’s not just books or magazines;
it’s even more than that. One of the worst
things is when those price stamps are
stuck on shampoo bottles. It’s just so
aggravating; they get all flaky and
disgusting, especially after they are in the
shower for months. They just fall apart
and stick to random parts of your shower.
time of being Savages, but our biggest
rival that we have yet to attack success-
fully is Govitz’s older sister Mandy
Govitz (08). She’s a psycho and is always
alert and on to our little plans to attack
her. But one day
S4L: Savages 4 Life
we will be
successful and
catch her off
guard, muahaha.
Also another
innocent by
standard would be Manny Sheets (12)
better known as Rico, gets attacked by us
on occasion, but he’s learned to cope
with our craziness.
Our theme song is “Check it out, by
Nicki Minaj” because it’s awesome and
obnoxious just like us.
A few quotes we like to live by are:
“Life’s a beach, and I’m just playing in
the sand;” “If you even dream about
beating me you better wake up and
apologize;” “Champions aren’t made in
It just feels absolutely repulsive to touch.
It’s so gross! It gives me shivers just
thinking about it.
I’ve had several traumatic experiences
because of this strange fear. Once, I was
just sitting around in my driveway with
one of my good friends, Brandon Lagalo.
There was a soaked paper towel stuck to
the driveway, and he noticed I was
avoiding it. So what did he do? He picked
it up and chased me with it! How horrible
is that? I still remember how it felt when
he hit me in the back of the neck. It stuck
there.
Another bad experience I’ve had with
this was at a friend’s house. His brother
Sparks 19
the gyms. Champions are made from
something they have deep inside them —
a desire, a dream, a vision,” “I used to be
legit. In fact, I was too legit. I was too
legit to quit. Now I’m not legit. That must
mean I must quit. Peace out stay sweet!”
Don’t let me fool you, the Savage life
isn’t easy. Not just anyone could handle
being one of us, but don’t be jealous; it’s
not for everyone.
Go join some other club.
is kind of a spaz, but usually it’s enter-
taining. He took a sheet of paper and
shoved it inside his glass of water. After
letting it soak for a few minutes, he threw
it at me. But the worst part was that he
drank the water after that, even with all
the stray pieces floating around in it! It
was straight up white! He didn’t care; he
drank it.
So, you should take two things away
from this article. First, people all around
the world all have extremely strange
phobias, and most of the time, they have
no explanation, so get used to it. Second,
get that stupid wet paper away from me.
It’s straight up nasty.
2 January 27, 2011 Sparks

Check it out!
By Melanie Smalley
Library
Renovations
Readers who have avoided the school
library thinking there was nothing good to
read there can think again. For many years,
Events being planned
GHS library has been in dire need of new in the library:
books. There haven’t been any major 1. Lunch in the library
additions to the library since the high school featuring student musi-
moved to the new building. Superintendent cians/vocals (once a
Rick Seebeck and the School Board agreed month on Thursdays).
that it is time for a change. Before the First one is scheduled for
upgrades, hundreds of books had been January 27th.
untouched for years. Now librarian Jackie 2. Flying G Film Festival-
Gilliam is dusting off those out-of-date student produced films,
books and replacing them with brand new movie classics shown
ones. during lunch of film-fest
With a $100,000 budget, big changes are week.
coming. About 4,000 new books were
bought for the library.
“I am really excited about getting all of the new books and
getting all the old volumes off the shelves,” Gilliam said. “I’m
also excited about the new look; it’s so open now. It’s all so
exciting!”
Other additions to the library include new shelves, new
counters for the computers, two new display cases, and three
new tables. Because there is not a comfortable place to read in
the library, eight new lounging chairs and four new couches
will be added.
“Our goal for the library is to give students a nice place to
read and do their work,” said Superintendent Rick Seebeck.
“We’re trying to get more of a Barnes and Noble feel to the
library so students will want to be in there.”
To create that atmosphere, new artwork is being added with
a Flying G flair. Replacing the Columbia spaceship mural, a
three-dimensional Flying G will be created.
Gilliam is hoping to get all of the changes done by
mid-February.
“I’m looking forward to being organized and having a
fresh perspective on the ‘media’ center,” Gilliam said.

Sparks Lucas Allen

Editors in Chief:
Melanie Smalley
1st Hour: Editorial Policy
Sparks is a publication produced by the Gladwin High
Stephanie Blonde, Jodi Brothers, Jade Cameron, Sean Campbell, Brandon Dadacki, School Newspaper and Publications classes at 1400 N.
Copy Editors: Timothy Sandridge Tiffany Delamater, Darin Dupre, Rebecca Flynn, Austin Greer, Megan Gross, Jaime Spring St., Gladwin, Mich. 48624.
Josh Elston Hoffman, Sarah Hollobaugh, Caleb Hortop, AJ Jewell, Andrea McAulay, Alexis Sparks provides a journalistic learning experience for
students and is intended to inform and entertain readers.
Sports Editor: AJ Jewell McIntosh, Mike Nash, Penny Price, Kirsten Rhodes, Rashell Vorachek, Matt Stories are researched as fully as possible to provide
Becky Flynn Wilson, Jenna Woodruff accuracy. Any errors will be promptly corrected.
Advertising Managers: Sean Campbell Letters to the editor are welcome and should be
AJ Jewell directed to members of the Sparks staff. The editorial
Jaime Hoffman 7th Hour: staff will use discretion in editing letters and guest
Business Manager: editorials for grammar and clarity. All letters are subject to
Becky Noteboom Lucas Allen, CJ Alward, Danielle Anderson, Jordan Armstrong, Garrett Buzzell,
laws governing obscenity, libel, privacy and disruption of
Sean Campbell, Jeremy Crosby, Katrina Croutch, Mallia Cuddie, Brandon Dadacki, the school process, as are all contents of the paper.
Advisor’s Assistant: Brandon Dadacki Emerald Eagle, Josh Elston, Justin Emeott, Katelyn Govitz, Megan Gross, Eric Height, Opinions in letters are not necessarily those of the
Dale Bragg Melissa Jakubczak, Kristin Keen, Andrew Kruske, Aarika Mathis, Alex McArthur, Stephanie staff, nor should any opinion expressed in a public
Advisors: Mogg, Becky Noteboom, Justin O’Laughlin, Alex Reeds, Timothy Sandridge, Melanie forum be construed as the opinion or policy of the
Jeff Goodwin administration, unless so attributed.
Smalley, David Welke, Ashley White, Hunter Young
 20January 27, 2011 Sparks

On being a senior...
By Jordan Armstrong
Being a senior most definitely has not
hit me yet. I can still remember my
freshman year. I can remember how I felt
walking into Gladwin High School, so
nervous I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t
know where anything was and barely
knew the majority of upper classmen.
Seems like just yesterday, but in reality
it’s been about 3 and a half years.
Now, being a senior, I know where
everything is at, I am not nervous to
come to school and have made more
friends. It has been a big change from
freshman year to now.
For me high school has been an
experience; life lessons, some for the
better and some only to learn from. I
know I will most likely miss high school
after I’m graduated; the dances, football
games, and other little things that I
wouldn’t think I’d miss, but I really will
when it’s all said and done. Yes, I can
still attend football games but it won’t be
the same. Sometimes you hear that
people don’t keep in touch after high
school, I hope that doesn’t happen to me.
After high school I do plan to further
my education in beauty. I’m going to go
to a cosmetology beauty college close to
home. I don’t want to move too far away
at all. I love this little town we call
Gladwin. After cosmetology school, I
plan to take business classes, so one day I
can manage my own salon. Hopefully I
can fulfill my dreams, become a hairstyl-
ist and succeed. My advice to under
classmen would be to enjoy your high
school experience. Get involved so you’ll
have memories to cherish. You’ve all
probably heard it before, but I’ll tell you
again, it goes fast!
The Bosco
Sticks
By Justin O’ Laughlin
Oh, Bosco Stick, I miss your cheesy goodness. I thought we would go
through high school together. I thought I would enjoy you each and every day
until graduation. I thought we had the perfect relationship; symbiotic. I loved
your deliciousness, and you fulfilled my black hole stomach. We were perfect
together. Then, lunch changed.
One bite and you have a cheesy mouthful of delicious goodness. A year ago
this was my dream, to go to school and get my hands on a bag of cheese-
filled- Bosco-stick goodness. Oh, how I miss those days. There was no getting
tired of taking a Bosco stick and dipping it in honey mustard. People may
think that it is gross, but you’ll never know until you try. From time to time I
would mix marinara and ranch as well.
I have a story for you, Bosco Stick. “Once upon a time there was a little
boy, lost and confused, until one day he stumbled acrossed a building filled
with people. The little boy took one waft and fell to the ground with extreme

~2011~
hunger. Then, someone helped him up. It was a strange fellow, tall, skinny,
with no arms, legs, feet, or hands, nothing. Then it took the boy to a short line
and this lady handed him a bag of three sticks filled with cheese. ‘This is
where you will find all your answers and dreams,’ it said, disappearing into a
mist. When the boy took a bite, his face went aglow and he started to cheer
because he was so happy. He told everyone about these amazing things called
Bosco Sticks. That boy soon went to other buildings like the one he was in
and told stories of this Bosco Stick who had saved his life.”
You can buy Bosco Sticks at Gordon Food Service at 1511 Joe Mann Blvd,
Midland.

Graff Motors
Freestyle
Hair Salon
MENS, WOMENS & KIDS
Haircuts • Perms • Coloring & Highlights
Shampoo & Style • Conditioning Treatments
And so much more! Graff Gladwin, located off M-61 in Gladwin, offers
JoAnne Ware, Owner & Stylist 940 State St. • Gladwin great low prices and specials for all New Chevrolet,
Becki Richmond, Stylist (989) 426-4848 Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, & used cars to all our
Sheri Dimond, Stylist neighbors in the the Gladwin area since 1987.

A
A place
place to
to BE
BE YOU!
YOU! 989-426-9292
January 27, 2011 Sparks 21
Not busy Thursday mornings?

try Art Club!

By Melanie Smalley

Gladwin Driving School LLC

Segment I and Segment II classes at
Gladwin Community Arena
(989) 426-7815
or
www.gladwindrivingschool.com
Asbestos, mold, and lead abatement contractor
Go ’s
Pat and Brenda Airbets
22January 27, 2011 Sparks
21 crazy things to do in the mall
By Katelyn Govitz
1. Walk in a single-file line, in step with the person in front of you.

2 When you come to the benches in the middle of the mall, walk on top of them instead of going around them.

3. Ask the salespeople in the stores where the uniforms they wear can be bought (for example, in Bath and Body Works ask
where you can buy their vests)

4. Ride a hobby-horse around the mall, holding the reins and yelling, “Whoa Betsy!”

5. Talk in third person at all times.

6. When walking down the center of the mall, point at nothing and start laughing hysterically.

7. Wear camouflage and sneak around like you think no one can see you.

8. Be a still model in the store that doesn’t sell clothes.

9. When asked if you need help continue yelling out “WHAT?!?!”

10. Wear a fake sheriff badge and carry around a stack of Post-it notes, writing up tickets and warnings to people walking down the mall.

11. Randomly throw temper tantrums

12. Walk 5 feet behind someone at all times. When he/she enters a store wait at the entrance of the store until he/she
comes back out.

13. When walking, walk in a perfectly straight line, only turning at 90 degree angles.

14. When asked “May I help you?” bow or curtsey.

15. Accuse someone of stealing your bag.

16. Say punctuation out loud. For example, say, “Ma’am comma would you please help me find a pink comma red comma and blue
shirt question mark?”
17. Buy one jelly bean at the candy store and have them weigh it.
18. Ask the cashier if you could ring your purchase up.
19.In the food court ask if this seat is taken and then walk away.
20.Sing opera-style everything you would normally say.
21.Carry a rubber ducky with you. Pet him, talk in a baby voice to him, and set him down gently on the counter when you pay.

Endless Journey Internet

851 James Robertson Drive
Gladwin, MI 48624
989-426-3610

www.ejourney.com
January 27, 2011 Sparks 23
Why do we love Facebook?
facebook Home Profile Friends Inbox

By Ashley White

Wall Info Photos Vidoes Notes +

Write Something...

Share

Megan Strait (12)

View Photos 1. I love Facebook because of all the drama. There’s nothing like logging in on a Sunday afternoon to
catch you up on the latest drama.
2. I hate it when people post emo statuses, and when someone asks what’s wrong, they reply with, “I
Send a message don’t want to talk about it.” Obviously you do or else you wouldn’t broadcast it to everyone you know.
Also, the fact that my mother has Facebook and thinks it’s an open opportunity to play 20 questions with
Poke everything that’s going on in my life…awkward.
3. The funniest thing I’ve ever posted are probably movie quotes that are too inappropriate for the
Subscribe school newspaper…classic.
4. Every day. It’s not like you get 23 notifications a day, so what else are you suppose to do? Apps are
sketchy, so I just see what everyone’s doing, in a non-creeperish way.

Justin Greenlick (11)

1. I love it 1. I love it because some of the stuff people say.
because.... 2. I hate it when it doesn’t load.
3. Everything I post is serious business.
4. Never, that’s creepy.
2. I hate it when....
CJ Alward (12)
1. I love it because it’s fun to know what’s up in the lives of people.
3. Funniest thing 2. I hate it when people “like” stupid posts.
3. There are too many to come back to.
ever posted... 4. Not much, just kind of go around and see what’s up.

4. How often do you Stephanie Blonde (11)

1. I love it because I love just talking with my friends on it, and I can communicate with my family
facebook stalk? from different states that I never see.
2. The only thing I dislike is when people start or put drama on their walls or others’ walls.
3. Well, I don’t think I have ever written anything funny, but my friend Katelyn Govitz wrote a very,
very long story on my wall basically talking about random things.
4. I hardly ever Facebook stalk, only if I am bored.

Becky Flynn (11)

1. I love it because I can talk to my friends and family that live in a different city or state and also talk
online with friends when I have questions or am bored.
2. I hate it when people fight on Facebook or go on and on about how bad their life is, also when people
stab you in the back with what they say on it.
3. I’m not sure. I don’t post a lot of stuff because people don’t need to know what I’m doing all the time.
4. Not a lot. I get bored and just go looking at friend’s profile, but I do it maybe every other week, if that.
24January 27, 2011 Sparks
POEMS
Collected by Penny Price

How far would you follow me?

Unholy Ghost
By Andrew Anderson
Faith has now left me
I no longer grasp hope
No god to protect me
My mind cannot cope
With this reality that has left me so cold
A merciless wasteland
So dead, so dark
I can feel my soul leave me
Into a ravine without end
My eyes turn to black
Due to the pain I am in
My heart has stop beating
I’m neither dead nor alive
I’m but an unholy ghost
trapped forever in time
Forever in time
I am destined to stay
Watching those around me
The hunters, the prey
Those who fear death
and those who fear life
and those who are trapped
Those plagued by strife
I watch for eternity
Each day without rest
With no one beside me
I shall bear this crest
The crest of death
Deemed by the reaper
To those who shall never leave this place
The crest of death
Worn by the seeker
To find someone
To love, to hold
I’m but an unholy ghost
Given no chance at dreams
Stricken down to my very own hell
An unholy ghost found not by the reaper
But by the reality
that I have found so cold
A nightmare to most, dreamt by few
Isolated and scared by pain
No longer with soul, no longer with love
And forever played by hate.
By Andrea McAulay
How far would you follow me?
Into the depths of the sea
Where you can no longer breathe
The light fades from your eyes
Your body’s cold next to mine
The Dying How far would you follow me?
Into the flaming fire
By Marena Dassay Where it’s burning so bright
The flames are there to console the fear
The saddened Your screams echo in the night
How far would you follow me?
Those who stand alone Into an absence of all time
The ones who only fear to live longer Where feelings fade one last time
The pains erased from your mind
This is all they know Your struggle over, along with mine
They are the dying How far would you follow me?
Into the abyss, that I see
Waiting for the curse of the end to take them Where you fall endlessly
The ground expanding in your wake
They wish not to be bothered by the living
You reach toward the sky, a good-bye
Only want to reside in their resting How far would you follow me?
Tired of life they had onced lived When death is my eternity
In the end you will see
They watch as it passes by This is how I kill you
Calling out to the reaper In the process of killing me
That will bless them with death
As a cold hand of their last breath passes over
Their dead eyes will remain open
Watching both life and death for eternity
Forced to see the grief of others
And the gates of evil before them.
Light
By Katie Burrill
As I lay awake for timeless nights
I sit and think in the surrounding
Silence as you enter my life the sun
Rises over the horizon the ice encircling
My broken heart begins to melt
A burning warmth suddenly engulfs
Me as I bask in its light for this
Is exactly what I have been searching
For you have given me a purpose
For I’m no longer left feeling low
You have broken the silence I now
Hear the music you brought me light
When I could not seek it on my own
You were daring enough to fit the pieces of my iced and
Broken heart back together
You are my savior you are my hero
I don’t know how I will ever repay you, but I can give you
My heart and everlasting love.
 January 27, 2011 Sparks 25
Slave ride
POEMS
Collected by Penny Price
By Jessica Lewis
Two of a Kind
Ahh, the setting off her colors of gold, by Dan Menzies
Ahh, the wind blowing, bringing smells from home, It feels like my life is just a matching game
Ahh, the water splashing, ‘round the edges of our boat, Going from one place to another
Ahh, the night, closing our day like a coat, Everything is exactly the same
Ahh, how the birds o’er the water sail, People and places are the same as each other
Ahh, how the sound matches the name of the whale, Then there was you
Ahh, how we dream of things well beyond our grasping, I thought I’d never meet another one
Ahh, how yet it’s not enough to keep our dreams from lasting, But it wasn’t true
Ahh,when white men talk, it is time to hold our tongues, You and her same pain, same story, not done
Ahh,when we get blamed for what others have done, Like her
Ahh, when God’s grace does deliver us through, You have a broken family, depression issue’s
Ahh, when our ‘masters’ cannot tell us what to do All a blur
Ahh,yet we dream and wish upon our stars, You and her in my mind are one not two
Ahh, yet through our troubles, we find comfort through each other, I felt the gaping hole in my chest
Ahh, yet all around, our ‘duty’ is our bundle As I ran, fled from the scene, my home, my nest
Ahh, still after whipped, we continue with a grudge, You’ll never understand
Ahh, still every day we work in the sludge, I saw all your pain
Ahh, still we’re treated with respect from our kind, Tried to help you but I tried in vain
Ahh, still a decent white man, none could ever find, There was nothing I could do
Ahh, the sun setting off her colors of gold, I let you in hoping to take your pain away
Ahh, the wind blowing, bringing smells from home, To close to me
Ahh, the water splashing ‘round the edges of our boat, I know you were but there was nothing left to say
Ahh, how this sentence brings my story to a close. And now you see
Even though now I am fine
I still cried my heart out deep inside
My heart I was strung up in twine
By Lisa Crandall But it broke and slowly died
Now I am back and stronger
My heart is everlasting Still but there’s a problem here
By Laura Perry I won’t break my will, I refuse to cry another tear
it only grows in strength.
To see the love I have for you, Because although you two are the same
His eyes make me tingle, There’s one difference now
and to know you love me too.
His smile brightens my day, Me, I’ve changed and your to blame
His hugs make me warm, Still you sit there and wonder how
But his laugh makes me laugh. But it doesn’t matter to me
I love the way he is good with kids, You two are the same
I love the way he is awesome with my family, That’s all I can see
I love the way he loves me, Nothing to claim
But his love is the most amazing thing. She smile’s like you
It’s amazing when he speaks his mind, She laugh’s like you
It’s amazing that he pays attention to me, She cry’s like you
It’s amazing the way he holds me close, She looks at me like you
But it’s most amazing when he doesn’t let go. So the only different is me
I like the way he buys me flowers, And it has to be enough
I like the way he tells me I am beautiful, Because my heart can now see
I like the way he thinks I am funny, It only breaks for love and stuff
But I like the way he is good with animals.
26January 27, 2011 Sparks

F INDING
PLACES
It’s not always the easiest to go to
high school ....and be you.

by Andrea McAulay
We tried the jock thing first.
Track, one lap, one lap too many.
Basketball, but we couldn’t jump
that high. Coach suggested
baseball.
Here’s the pitch. The swing. Left
there with a black eye.
In the end, we tried
nonathletics, for safety.
Pep squad, do you know how
hard it is to be happy and peppy
24/7?
So we knew we wouldn’t last.
Science Club, goggles, formulas
and lab coats.
But mistakes weren’t fixed with
erasers.
Choir, we got minor parts.
Dogs howled, cars honked, and
a little old ladies threw their
shoes.
We figured it was time to quit.
Band, drums, way harder than
they look.
We tried theater club, we’d be
the stars.
But we froze in front of a crowd of
three,
We’d die in front of a crowd of
five hundred and three.
Popularity, perfect hair, fashion
magazines.
The trend setters, the socially
accepted.
That dream fell, couldn’t be
popular.
Class skippers, not too hard.
One more day, would have been
grounded until we were 40.
Debaters, who doesn’t know how
to argue?
But it’s not ‘yes,’ we say ‘no’ Dr. Steven Trombley
‘Black,’ we say ‘white’
Explaining and reasoning, our Gladwin Optometric
answers weren’t funny.
Chess Club, not quite nerdy Respiratory Services
enough. Setups & Follow-Ups
So what was left? We needed to By Tespiratory Therapists
be ourselves.
For we’re not like everyone • Oxygen
else. • CPAP / BiPAP
Cliques, and stereotypes don’t • Nebulizer & Respiratory Meds
define we. 202 E. Cedar Ave.
•Power Wheelchairs
It’s better to be me. • Wound Care Supplies Gladwin, MI 48624
• Overnight Pulse Ox. Testing (989) 426-8272
 January 27, 2011
Kaila Kirbitz(11)
“I plan on attending Kirtland
Community College. My mom went
there and thats how I learned about
their program. They have one of the
best Criminal Justice Programs in
Michigan.”
Mariah Quick(11)
“I am attending MMCC
in the fall, and in two years
I’m transfering to Ferris State.
I chose them because they’re
good colleges for my future
career, which is criminal
psychology.”
Where will you be a year from now?
By Becky Flynn
“College for sure. I
would really enjoy going
out of state for school,
maybe Tennessee,
Kentucky or Florida. It would be
a blast! I plan on going for
general dentistry or sports
medicine. Both occupations
require 4 years plus more at a
special college that handles that
degree. Dentistry is 3-4 more
years and sports medicine is 2-3
more years. It will be hard in
school but fun in
the environment.”
-Travis Greer (11)
Sparks 27
Oh the
Oh the choices
choices
we
we must
By Megan Gross
must make
Andrea Harris(11)
“I’m attending Michigan
State University. My parents
thought it would be a great
college. After checking it out, I
Kaleb Harris (11) fell in love with it! I will be
“I think I am studying either pre-med, pre-
make
going to attend SVSU and dentistry, or nursing.”
study to become a nurse.
This decision was hard, but
it was the best out of the
choices I had, and it’s
close to my mommy.”
Alex Iciek(11)
“I’m not going to college. Come April and my 18th
birthday, I’m signing up with the United States Marine Corps!
Unfortunately, it won’t be until the following March that I’ll be in
basic training. I’ll be stuck in Gladwin for another year, but I’m
looking forward to the day I arrive at Parris Island and finally
start my life.”
“A year from now I will
be in college for pre-
med. I either want to go
to CMU or Wayne State
University. I will
hopefully become an
anesthesiologist in eight years.” “I plan on going to Mid
-Amber Wright (11) Michigan College to
“A year from now, I will study interior design and
be at SVSU taking classes preparing to transfer to
for elementary education. another college to finish my
I will be in a dorm room degree.”
studying for exams. I will -Marissa Shooltz(11)
be playing volleyball for a club.”
-Whitney Plude(11) “I will be in Slovakia
repeating my last year
of high school. I think
in this time I will be
studying for my
graduate exams, or maybe more.”
-Bronislavia Francova(11)
28 January 27, 2011
koala or
Heather Govitz (14)
WWWoui,f “I would rather have a
kangaroo as a pet because
kangaroo
they’re just better than
koalas. I would be scared that
a koala would eat me.”
Libby Zelt (11)
Which would make “I would rather have a koala
the better pet? bear so I could have a pet to
cuddle around my neck. They
are so cute!”
AJ Jewell (11)
“I would rather have a
kangaroo so he could fight off
the ravid evil monkey in my
closet. Then I wouldn’t have to
sleep with the light on
anymore.”
Crystyn King (13)
“I would like a kangaroo!
They are not legal to have,
so I am planning on buying
a wallaby.”
By Sean Campbell
Mr. M’s Pizza
Your Casual Dining Place!
Sparks
Whitney Plude (11)
“I would rather have a koala
because they look so cute and
cuddly. I love them!”
Hayden Hager (11)
”I want a Kangaroo
because I would keep it like a
dog on a leash so I can walk
around and have it kick the
crap out of random people on
the streets, like a trained dog.”
Kansas Jankowski (13)
“I would rather have a
koala than a kangaroo because
koalas are soft and cute and they
don’t jump all over the place like
kangaroos. Plus, koalas are
smaller and would probably be
easier to take care of.”
139 W. Cedar
Gladwin, MI
426-5001
Good luck girls’
basketball teams!
Go Blue!
 January 27, 2011

By Josh Elston and

Timothy Sandridge
Winter
Sparks
29

January 27, 2011
A freshman perspective on...
By Katrina Croutch
Freshman year, quick? No
kidding! So far my freshman
year at GHS has gone by very
fast! The teachers are nice
and are always willing to
help. I have learned that you
absolutely cannot slack off as we all
seemed to do in previous years. Once you
get behind, it is very challenging to get
caught back up. Seniors would always tell
me how fast it goes by, and I never really
believed them, until now. I am already half
way done with freshman year, and I’m
finally realizing that the seniors were right.
I’m growing up. I’m learning new things.
survivingthriving
and
And even though it’s tough, I love every
minute of it!!
A few words of advice from seniors
are to make good impressions on your
first day; if you act up the first day
teachers expect that from you the rest of
the year. Be involved in some sort of
extracurricular activity, even if it isn’t
with friends. Be organized! No matter
what, if you are not organized, you will
get majorly confused! Lastly, don’t rush
being a freshman! This is your last year
to finally be a “kid,” but we still need to
focus on grades, no slacking off! I have
taken this advice very seriously because I
in school
have seen failures, and the way their lives
have turned out, and that is not what I
want as a future.
High school used to seem so exciting,
but now it is just another school, only
with a lot more people. Everyone would
always say that these are supposed to be
the best four years of your life; so far
they are right, minus the little bits of
drama. As a freshman, I have learned that
seniors are the bosses of school, because
they are the oldest and have been here the
longest so they get to run the school.
People never get trash canned, and
everyone makes mistakes, just be sure
3
Sparks
you learn from them rather than repeat
them!
If there was one thing I could change
about high school it would most defi-
nitely be all of the cliques. Everyone has
their own little groups to sit at with lunch,
and when we have our passing time the
cliques are always together. People
should make friends with people outside
of their comfort zones. Don’t stick with
the preps, nerds, jocks, etc. Make some
new friends! You will most likely regret
not doing it later.

Can you see tthe

you he dif
diffferences?
erences?
By Alex McArthur

There are 10
differences...

Townsend’s (12) uniform is gone.

Can y ou
you
10. The bottom button on Shawn
missing on her shirt.
9. The girl with clarinet has the “D”
8. Nettie Richard (13) has a button missing.

find
uniform is gone.
7. Alex Gamicchia’s (13) “G” on her
wrist is missing.

them?
6. The hairband on Olivia Pleiman’s (14)
off.
5. The “A” on the Arctic Cat coat is taken
taken off.
4. The “S” on the Larry Reed’s (10) hat is
3. A silver band is taken off the clarinet.
off her face.
2. The girl with a clarinet has paint taken
on her cheek anymore.
1. Marena Dassay (12) doesn’t have the “G”
Answers:
30 January 27, 2011 Sparks

Winter Driving Tips By Ashley White

Tips
· Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
· Always look and steer where you want to go.
· Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.
· Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
· Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
· If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.
· Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).
· Take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
· Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy
road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
· Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in the snow,
not everyone else can. Don’t tempt fate: If you don’t have somewhere you have to be, watch
the snow from indoors.
· Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start
moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can
slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
· Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for
regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry.
· Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels
spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you
to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill as
slowly as possible.

Tips from AAA at http://aaapublicaffairs.com/main/Default.asp?CategoryID=3&SubCategoryID=55

NEMCSA Head Start

Serving Gladwin & Beaverton
Located in Gladwin Elementary School

No Cost Preschool Program for

3 to 5 year olds who qualify.

Call 989-246-3177 for more info.

In accordance with Federal law and USDA policy, this institution is
prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, age, or disability.

1851 Schoettler Road

Post Office Box 1065
Chesterfield, MO 63006-1065

Office Hours:
1139 E. Cedar Avenue Office: (989) 426-8461 Monday, Wednesday, & Friday
P.O. Box 367 Fax: (989) 426-2121
Gladwin, MI 48624 pattchiro@hotmail.com
7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Tuesday 8:15 am - 12:00 noon
Closed Thursday
 January 27, 2011
looking ahead to
By Katelyn Govitz
track season
The sound of a crowd of people came from the stands
and all around the outside of the track. It’s a thunder-
ing noise of people cheering for my relay team, and I’m
at states for the thirty-two hundred meter relay. I’m up
first on my relay team; here I go as hard as I can. Others
are pacing against me, so I look up.
She’s ahead of me, I only have the one
hundred meter stretch to go now. My
heart is beating out of my chest. I can’t
breathe. Every moment my legs feel as
if they’re going to give out. I just want
to give up. I can’t. I must go, and here
I go starting to pick up speed. Another
girl on my left is racing hard with me.
We’re racing for second and boom; I
wake up from my dream….
Since my freshman year in track,
I’ve always dreamt of the day that I
would go to states for track and field.
Being young, I didn’t know what goal
to aim for in track, except that I
wanted to improve my times and beat
the upperclassmen. Toward the end, I would listen to the
seniors talk about states and think how badly I wanted to
be there with them when some of them went. I decided
after my freshman track season, for the rest of my high
school career my goal would be going to states. As the
years went on I was improving my times for track, but
was not making it to states. It’s so complicated because
in track, you fight against other runners and yourself.
In track, whether you are a weak or a strong runner, I
believe, is determined by your self-concept (what you
believe about yourself). Which is, in turn, established by
your record of past performances, your body image
(what you honestly believe you can achieve in sport),
and the attitude that the significant people in your life
(such as your parents, partner, friends, and coaches)
have toward you and your participation in sport. I can
be both a weak and a strong runner. I have meets where
I say to myself, I can’t do this, and I start thinking
negative thoughts. In the end, I would fail, and when I
failed, I lost all interest in believing in my talent. That’s
what I’ve thought to myself over the last few years. I
decided this year I don’t have the time to get down and
give up on myself if I want to do something extraordi-
nary. All the time in track we say, “If you can do this
you’re a ‘beast,’” and that’s what my goal is to be before
my season is done: do anything I can to make sure I
make points for my team: to please my coaches, and,
better yet, do something grateful for myself.
I’m going to rewind and take it back to last year’s
track season; I was a junior in high school running
everything in distance and long jumping. I had a chance
at states last year and didn’t realize it until the end. At
the Beaverton invitational 2010, there were about twelve
teams at the meet, and it was the meet where everyone
on my track team that didn’t qualify yet, had a chance to
qualify for regionals. The meet started to move on and
one last
the preliminaries for the hurdles had started. First call
for the thirty-two hundred meter relay was made. This is
the first race I was in, the relay in which I started off the
race for my relay team of Mallory Willford (12), Sarah
McIntosh (12) and Ashley White (12).
My team and I got a move on, and
I started to rush around grabbing my
spikes and water bottle so I was
prepared to warm-up. “This looks
like a good spot,” Ash White said.
We all sat and started to put on the
spike shoes. A man came on the
loudspeaker saying, “Second call:
thirty-two hundred meter relay.” As
my relay team and I walked up to the
finish line, my coach pulled me aside
and said, “Govitz, you need to put all
you got out there on the track.”
I nodded my head
to her and said,
“Coach, I can’t do
this. I feel sick. Look
at how many teams there are, and they
are way faster than us. There’s no way
we can win this race.”
My coach looked at my team and me,
and said “Girls, this is what I need to
say to you: you girls are busting butt
every day. This is what you’ve been
working for all year, for an excellent
time. Just think when you’re running:
‘I’ve been working for this.’ If you girls
go fast, then I know what you’re
thinking is paying off for all those hard days of prac-
tice.”
Inspired and ready, a yell came from the track girls
thirty-two hundred meter relay line up. The order of our
race is me, Mallory, Sarah and then Ashley as anchor. I
was thinking in my head: “All I’ve been working for is
Sparks 31
what I need to race for today.” The gunman yelled,
“First runners, take your mark.”
Oh my goodness, my heart was beating. “Get set.” I’m
ready. BANG! The gun was off. Runners were all off,
and all I could think was it’s show time. I was out in
front of the pack for the whole two laps and handoff to
Mallory. We did well. All the girls finished strong, and
we won that race. At that meet we all cut our times, and
they were all under two minutes and fourty seconds. We
were five seconds away from state qualifying time, so
we were all confident for states.
When regionals came around, it was the big day, time
for us to shine. This is what we had been working for for
the last two to three weeks. We all warmed up and got
ready to go, and it was already third call for the big race.
The four of us jogged down with the other teams, and
they told us, “Just the first runner on the track, ladies.”
It was the same situation as the Beaverton invitational.
My heart’s racing, but this time even
harder, it felt like it was pounding out of
my chest. I was nervous. I felt sick, and
then it hit me this was our chance. I
turned my nervousness into focus; the
gunman yelled, “Ladies, take your
mark.” Bang!
Here we go. I went two laps hard
around, my whole relay team did, but in
the end, we didn’t make first, second, or
run a state-qualifying time. It was just a
lot of pressure all at once. We didn’t
make it to states.
This is my last year to do something
amazing, and I can’t wait to do it. I’m
going to work harder than ever this season and work my
way to states. I want to make myself proud by achieving
this goal. It’s something I’ve wanted for a long time
because before I know it, my years to shine in high
school will end.
32 January 27, 2011
To the average onlooker, it’s just a gun,
but to me it’s more.
Simply 7 pounds of forged steel and carved wood?
Yes, but you can’t weigh memories and when some-
thing is as important in your life as my gun is to me,
you can’t measure that either.
My Remington 870 pulls so much better than any
other gun I’ve shot; it seems like an extension of my
arm. I named my trusty little buddy Remi.
I have taken Remi through the muck and the mud,
and he hasn’t rusted a bit. When Remi made me mad, I
have thrown him across the goose field (which I’m not
proud to admit), and I have picked him up, cleaned him,
and he worked like brand new.
What A Pharmacy Was Meant To Be
VOTED #1 Pharmacy
Locally Owned & Operated
• FREE In-Town Delivery
•Convenient After Hours Drop Box
•Prompt & Professional Prescription Service
663 E. Cedar Ave.
Gladwin, MI 48624
(989) 426-4595
950 Ritchie Road
Located behind Pizza Hut • M-F 9-6 • Sat. 9-1 Gladwin, Michigan 48624
(989) 426-5733
By Hunter Young
I shoot this gun for everything, whether it would
be just target shooting or out in the swamp wing
shooting, I have shot it all. The most recent
adventure with Remi was a very epic duck hunting
trip with my grandpa who gave me the gun.
I love using this gun because my grandpa gave
me Remi; I cherish every moment with this gun
because it was a special gift from my grandpa and I
know he won’t be here forever, so I want to make as
many memories with the gun as possible. When I
get older, I am going to hand down the gun to my
child so they can have as many memories as me, if
not more.
Gladwin Pharmacy
FREE
In-Town
Delivery
Congratulations
132 W. Cedar Ave. • Gladwin, MI
Jordan Armstrong! 989-426-8608
Sparks
The Gun
The Model 870 has many features,
some include: a bottom loading, side
ejecting receiver, tubular magazine under
the barrel, dual action bars, internal
hammer, and a bolt which locks into an
extension in the barrel. Many other
pieces of the gun resemble the model
7600 series. Several parts of the 870 will
interchange with the semi-automatic
model 1100 and model 11-87. Although
the first Model 870 came with a fixed
choke, the 870 now comes with inter-
changeable chokes.
Its History
It all started in 1951 when Remington
first came out with the first of four
major shotguns. It started off with
fragile Model 10, made by John
Pederson. With the help of John
Browning, Pederson helped develop
the Model 17. The Model 17 served as
a base for the Model 31, and although
the Model 31 was well liked, it
struggled in the shadow of the
Winchester Model 12. So Remington
sought to make a better model by 1950,
and they did, by making the 870
Wingmaster. Remington sold 2 million
870s by 1973, and they sold their 10
millionth gun on April 13, 2009. The
870 holds the record for the best
selling shotgun in history.
Hours:
Mon-Fri 9am-6pm
Sat 9am-1pm
email: rdwinc@ejourney.com
www.rdwbuilders.com
January 27, 2011
Adrenaline and determination
By Danielle Anderson
Nearly 30 trophies are proudly
displayed in her home. More than 50
ribbons signify her success. Three belt
buckles show she is a winner.
But sadly, Nicole Holder’s (11) barrel
racing season ended early this year due to
injury. On August
30th, 2010,
Holder and
Savannah Grant
(13) decided that
they were going
to go on a trail
ride. Holder was
riding her four-
Nichole Holder
year-old gelding,
Wall-E, and
Grant was going
to ride Nicole’s
fourteen-year-old
gelding,
Commanche.
“After we get all tacked up then head
to the road for a nice trail ride, I could
have never imagined it ending the way it
did,” Holder said. “As both of us were
racing down the road, going at full-out
pace, approximatly 35-45 mph, my horse
decided that a driveway to the left of the
road looked like a good place to turn.
Well, his legs didn’t react as fast as he
thought they would, since he was running
full tilt. But after he turned, his feet went
out from underneath of him, and we both
went down sliding sideways across the
ground, while I was still on top of the
1200-lb animal. As my foot and leg got
crushed between the gravel and the huge
horse, I managed to stay on as he hoisted
himself to his feet. I still had a hold of the
reins, and as he left me there and started
to move forward, it pulled my broken
foot to the ground and applied pressure.
It didn’t seem much different. I could tell
that I had hurt it, but at the time didn’t
realize how bad it was, so I started
limping home. After about a mile and a
half, I had reached my house and could
barely get my boot off. I then realized
that my arm was bleeding everywhere, so
I got a wet rag and cleaned my wound.
After calling my mom, she hurried hom
from work and took one look and told me
that it was broken, but I argued that I
could walk on it, so it wasn’t broken.
After visiting the hospital and finding out
that it was indeed broken, we were told
that we needed to see a specialist, so we
Sparks 33
a barrel racer’s preparation
headed to a doctor in Detroit. X-rays season. But, I would have to say that the
were taken, and it was concluded that one thing I look forward to the most
there were eight different broken bones in would have to be the friends that you
my foot. I had ruptured both ligaments in only get to see at the few barrel competi-
my ankle, crushed five toe bones, tions.”
dislocated my ankle, and broken my In barrel racing, pre-season preparation
fibula up to is as key as it is in any competitive sport.
my knee. “Pre-season practice is the most
After eight to important part of the whole season. We
ten trips to usually start working out a month or two
Detroit, two ahead of our first competition; this period
surgeries and of time is critical. If you don’t get your
four screws, I horse in shape for the sport, it can lead to
am healed to a horrible season. Just like if you are
the way I’m getting ready for a school sport, you
supposed to want to start conditioning before the
be.” practices start so you’re not so sore.
Prior to her Horses are the exact same way! After
injury this getting fat all winter long, they have to
competition start slow in the spring. And if you don’t
year, she get the horses properly in shape, they are
earned two trophies and nearly 20 at a higher risk to tear muscles, get sore
ribbons, only a portion of what she hoped foot, or even develop joint problems.”
to earn. Holder’s past preparation and training
“Barrel racing has been a huge part of have afforded her the abililty to compete
my life. But it didn’t happen overnight, it at state and national levels.
started when I was 2 years old, when my “The amount of competitions that I
mom and dad got me my first horse. I race per month always depends on the
learned everything on her. When I was circuits that I run on. There are usually
about 9 years old, barrel racing caught four main circuits that I am a part of. The
my attention. Going to a trainer up north, two main ones would have to be NBHA
where she had put me on the back of a (National Barrel Racing Association) and
barrel horse, I got to experience the thrill the Rodeo circuit (Super Kicker). The
and excitement mid-August
that you get on competition
the back of a requires rides to
1200 lb horse. have earned
Ever since that points during
experience, I your show
have been season. People
racing with come from all
horses that I around the state
have trained of Michigan to
and done well compete at this
with.” one competition.
Being in From each
this sport you county, they can
have to train only send three
for a very long people to the
time to do well. But, Holder has been competition. In my class that I competed
doing this for practically her whole life. in, there were anywhere from 40-70
“There is not just one thing to look people in the class. (You are only
forward to in this sport. I look forward to allowed to compete in a maximum of
anything from friends to showing four classes) All four of the classes that I
everyone that my horse and I are a team competed in, I got in the top five, earning
that is out to win, and we prove that. The an award for each time.”
other thing that I look forward to is the
awards that you earn at the end of the
34 January 27, 2011
If you were in a band
band,, what would you play?
bass, drummer, guitar, keyboardist, singer?
“If I was in a band, I would probably
be lead guitarist, or lead vocals,
because they get the most ladies, plus
rock and roll is always a good time.”
-Josh Johnson (11)
It’s Never Too Late
Monday through Thursday, 8 am - 8 pm
September - May each year
New students accepted in September and January
Gladwin Adult Education
3982 W. M-61, Gladwin
Sparks
By Justin O’ Laughlin
“I would want to be the
“If I was in a band I think I would drummer because a drummer
switch between the drums and the can take any rhythm and
guitar. Those instruments are the make a beat out of it. I have
coolest and are my favorites on Rock a drum set, but I don’t to get
Band and Guitar Hero. Plus, I want to to play that often.”
be able to play all the awesome songs -Trei Herbster(13)
like ‘Through the Fire and Flames’ by
Dragonforce!” -Dakota McLean (14)
“I would play the guitar if I was in a band
mostly because you can make some really
sweet noises with it.” -Dustin Easlick (14)
Serving adults age 19 & older with:
• Basic Education
• High School Completion
• GED Preparation & Testing
• Computer Workshops
• Community College Preparation
989 426-4442
 January 27, 2011 Sparks 35
Things That Make You Go Hmm...
Why do we say we that slept like a baby when they wake up every two s?
hours? ”? h y do the y have belt loop
ic e s, w
e top by snap
y do “pr a c t
ll what the t th box?
Why do d o c t o r s c a
overalls are h eld u p a
d p izza shou ld be put in a square
If a roun
Can you cry underwater? Who decided that
Why do they call a building a building when it’s already been built?
sliced bread?
Brea
e best thing before
d is
squa Why i
s W ha t w as th
word abbreviat
re,
so w
hy i ? e suc
s lu h a lo
nch ng
meat
roun What came first, the chicken or the egg?
d?

What does a ba
If vegetarians eat vegetables, what do humanitarians eat?
ld guy put for
“hair color” on
his driver’s licen toast??
se?
ing t h a t burns the
e a sett
Why doe o a s t e r s a lways hav
s Goofy stand up Why do t
right, an
d Pluto is
on all fo
urs?
Is IT Possible for a zombie to starve to death?
Why do dogs get m
ad when you blow
window when they in their face, yet
go for a car ride? they stick their he
ads out the

Sources:www.jokesclean.com By Katrina Croutch

www.keepersoflists.org
36 January 27, 2011
identity
1 4. Lexis Keil
2 8.Tyler Pratt
5 3
9 10
7 4
8
Date set for 8th annual 4 on 4
Volleyball Tournament
coed volleyball tournament
Get your friends together and mark
your calendar for Saturday, March 12th
for the 8th Annual 4 on 4 Coed
Volleyball Tournament
Fundraiser. Whether you
enjoy playing in the back
yard or on a real court, all
playing levels are
welcome to join the fun.
The first match will
begin at 9am at the
Gladwin High School
gym.
Coed teams must have at
least two girls on the court at a
time, but can have as many people on a
team as they want. Players must be at
least 14 years old. The tournament is
between high school sports seasons so
all students can participate. Type of
19
14
1. Katie Burrill
2. Kegan Smith
3. Joe Gagne
5. Eric Height
6. Lucas Allen 12
7. Elena Meyer
13
9. Emily Zelt
10. Lauren Damitz
11. Kaila Kirbitz
12. Kasie Dickens
13. Greta Schuessler
14. Tyler Donn
15. Danielle Anderson
16. Stephanie Blonde
17. Allyssa Kory
18. Mark Trueblood
19. Raven Koontz
6 20. Jaime Hoffman
tournament play (round robin, etc.) will depend on the
number of teams entered. Prizes will be awarded to
first and second place teams.
Players have two different options
as far as the cost of the tournament.
Players can pay $20 each OR teams can
pay $10 per player and find a sponsor
(business, group, or individual) to
support their team by contributing
$50. The sponsors will receive a free
t-shirt, have their name listed on the
back of the tournament t-shirt,
displayed at the tournament and in the
newspaper. Regardless of which option
a team chooses, each participant will receive
a free t-shirt with their entry.
Over the past several years, we have had
several businesses as well as private sponsors,
including: Gladwin Adult Education, Gladwin County
Clerk Laura Brandon-Maveal, Schuster Tax Service,
11
Sparks
17
15
20
18
16
crisis
By Becky Flynn
Graff Motor Sales-Gladwin, Burkhart-Presidio
Insurance, Hunters Pub-Bar-Tavern, Real Estate One,
Rollin and Onalee Greer Farms, Greg and Danielle
Alward, Patt Chiropractic, Endless Journey Internet,
Alward Electric, Inc., Village Flowers and Gifts,
Create-It, Simpkins Insurance Agency, Hall
Kokotovich Funeral Home and F.E.D. Corporation.
We appreciate their support and hope the community
patronizes these generous sponsors for supporting
Gladwin Volleyball. Proceeds from this year’s coed
tournament will off-set the cost for those volleyball
players attending this summer’s team camp who
otherwise may not have been able to attend.
This tournament is a lot of fun for players as well as
spectators, and benefits a great and growing program.
If interested in playing, being a sponsor, or have
questions, please contact Katrina Shearer at 426-3655
or markets@ejourney.com as soon as possible, or
before March 1st.
 January 27, 2011 By Becky Flynn
Sparks 37
30
48
47
29
23
44 21

identity crisis
22 28
27

45

26 24

42 50

46 43

25
49 41

21. David Welke
22. Nathan Jarosiewicz
23. Courtney Kowalski
24. Travis Greer
25. Storm Cole
26. Marissa Shooltz
27. Hunter Young
28. Morgan Mitchell
29. Kari Tucholski
30. Jodi Brothers
31. Andrew Anderson 41. Brian Brennan 51. Joanna Govitz
32. Cameron Croutch 42. Kim Davis 52. Desirae Taylor
33. AJ Jewell 43. Alicia Coats 53. Dominic Lake
34. Brandon Lagalo 44. Caitlin Fitzpatrick 54. Dustin Hager
35. Andrea Harris 45. Samantha Kamber 55. Brittani Feuerstein
36.Taylor Hover 46. Mike Nash 56. Zachary Schulz
37. Jordan Armstrong 47. Katie Govitz 57. Pat Ritchie
38. Kaylynn Becker 48. Melanie Smalley 58.Vanessa Batterbee
39. Chris Richard 49. Caitlin Hinderliter 59. Jill DeShano
40. Devin Lake 50. Sean Campbell 60. Timmy Sandridge

40 54
52
33

55

59
34
35
57

37 39

36 32 61

58

60

31 38 53 56 51
38 January 27, 2011 Sparks

My favorite song is... By Alexis

McIntosh

Desirae

Braxtin

Makenzie
Elena

Zelinko (12) Katie

Gorman (13) Taylor (11) Muma (14) Nash (13)

A. “Starry Night” B. “My Kind Of Party” C. “I listen to a lot of everything. My favorite

Artist: Chris August Artist: Jason Aldean artists are John Mayer and Jack Johnson. The
“It has the power pack kick of Sunny D “It’s a really great song that can relate to reason I don’t have one specific favorite song is
and makes you want to dance!” almost anyone, especially the real country that I have a new song to constantly listen to
people!” each day. It depends on how or what I feel that
day. I listen to everything from country to rap.
I’m very diverse!”
D. “You and I” E. “Just A Dream”
Artist: Ingrid Michaelson Artist: Nelly
“This song expresses a lot of passion and happiness. It “It’s my favorite song because a very
has a great voice range and I love the beat. Ingrid is special person dedicated it to me; and
an amazing, very talented composer. I got hooked on even though a guy sings it, I have related
her music when I went to the Interlochen Arts to this song somehow many times.
Academy this summer. I fell in love with Ingrid
Michaelson’s voice from the moment I heard her
music.” *A. Desirae Taylor (11) *B. Braxtin Muma (14) *C. Katie Gorman (13) *D. Elena Zelinko (11) *E. Makenzie Nash (13)

Congratulations class of 2011!

MIDSTATE RENTAL

Marv
Nash
Trucking
989-4
26-81
64
2320 West M-61
Gladwin, MI 48624
We Move The Earth (989) 426-2981
 January 27, 2011 Sparks 39
What are you looking forward to most this winter?
By David Welke

Courtney Verellen, English and social studies teacher

“...playing outside with my sons. This is the first year they’re old enough to really play. I want to take them
sledding and make a snowman. We may try to throw a few snowballs at Mr. Verellen too!’’

Kyle King (11) “This winter I am looking forward to going to Mr. David Welke’s house to do some extreme sledding. When I
say extreme sledding, I really mean extreme sledding: taking truck seats, welding them to car hoods and attaching them to the
Jeep then ride them in the field. Yeah, that’s extreme. If you haven’t experienced extreme sledding at Mr. Welke’s house, then you
are missing out big time. It’s a blast! Also, I am looking forward to going snowmobiling. I’m hoping to hit the trails this year
since I never got to last year. This winter is going to be legit! Bring on the snow!’’

Marena Dassay (12) “I’ve already gone out and bought my new skates! Many times in the
past I’d go out on the ice and stay out on my pond all day. I look forward to gliding on the
frozen pond, falling and getting back up again!’’

Justin Greenlick (11)“I’m really excited to go sledding and party it up at David Welke’s
house. It’s a blast! I’m also looking forward to being able to drive myself to school and
not worry about being late for the bus.”

Becca Ballard (12)“Snowboarding!”

Mother
Cayleen Diffin

Knows
By Megan Gross

Best
transitioning from home school to public school
Transferring to a new school is a very difficult thing to do; transferring from home
school to high school would be even harder. For many people this holds true, but not
for Cayleen Diffin (11). Her transfer from home school to high school was somewhat
of a blessing.
“I like public schools better. I’m a people person. I like to do things; home school
there was just me and my brothers. Boring!” Sure, public schools have their ups and
their downs, but can you imagine your siblings being you’re only classmates? We
love them, but all day every day can be a little extreme when it comes to bonding
time.
Have you seen the new girl? Who is she? What school did she come from? These
questions may have crossed a couple peoples’ minds her first day, but for the most
part she was well known before she had a chance to introduce herself.
“I played sports and stuff, so I knew people from here. It helped a lot; I’m horrible
at meeting new people. I would have eaten lunch alone forever but Alicia Coats (11)
was all, ‘Come sit with me.’ Hero!”
Being homeschooled for so long then switching to regular schools can really take a
toll on a person. For Diffin, having rosy red cheeks and a quiet little voice was her
downfall. “I was mighty shy when I started school. Classes were a little easier here;
my ma was a slave driver, well, not that bad.”
Think of all the differences between being homeschooled and going to a regular
high school. Your mom and dad are not your teachers; you have to wake up early to go
to school; you can’t talk whenever you want; there are more people; there are different
rules; you can’t eat whenever you want; you can’t just go on vacation whenever you
want and not worry about missing school; the list goes on and on.
Out of all these differences and which one does she pick out? Pajamas.
“I can’t wear pajamas! And like if we go on a trip I can’t take school with me, we
have to plan around that now. Oh, and we took a lot of field trips when I was
homeschooled.”
Pajama issue aside, Diffin finds much to enjoy about public school.
“My favorite part is the people, there is always something new going on, a new
adventure every day.”
Then there are our least favorite parts, “Drama and cliques.”
“Regular school is way different. If you like change then do it. Home school is way
more chill and laid back. I’d pick public though.” Diffin says..
Just because you grow up being taught differently doesn’t mean a thing. She is just
like all of us. She runs through the halls like superman, crams herself into lockers,
picks on people for being normal, and goes to a regular high school full of regular
drama just like the rest of us.
4 January 27, 2011 Sparks

Winter
Wonderland
by Garrett Buzzell
40 January 27, 2011 Sparks
as
What W HIGH SCHOOL
Like For You?
“High school was fun for me. I don’t know
By Jodi Brothers

that I fit into any one group. I played “High school was a mix of many things for me. I fit in
sports, but did well in all the academic stuff easily with most social groups and had close friends
too. I participated in a lot of the clubs, as from every click. If there was a party being thrown it
well, like Spanish club and ski club. I was was usually at my house. If I had to choose one of the
also in band until my senior year. In a word, I categories though, I’d choose “creative preppy geek”
suppose high school, for me, was BUSY!” category. The only one I didn’t fit in was jocks. I still had
- Mike Verellen (Beaverton class of 1997) many sporty friends though and went to as many games as
possible. High school was fun for me!”
- Amber Billman (Farwell High school class of 2003)
“High school was a great four years for me. There were
50 students in my graduating class and approximately
200 students in the entire high school. Fortunately, we
didn’t have titles like “preppy,” “geek,” or “jock” back
in the day at our school. Everyone knew everybody in all
the grades. I was fortunate enough to graduate Salutatorian, I was
active in sports, had a part-time job, and was involved in the “It was fun! I was in band,volleyball,
community. Back in the day, cars were a status symbol for guys and track, and cross country!”
my 1967 Cougar was special. I worked all summer and most -Lynn Heil (North Branch Class of 1993)
evenings were spent getting the “cat” ready for my senior year. The
four years went too fast! I enjoyed high school and the memories.”
- Kevin Brott (Baldwin class of 1974)

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426-9278
(989) 426-4784 GLADWIN, MI 48624
 January 27, 2011
texting + drving = deadly combination
By Becky Flynn
The lives of four families changed forever
because of texting. Four simple texts of “Yeah,”
“LOL,” “Where r,” and “Where u at,” were the
reason their lives became changed.
A girl looked down to see that her sister
texted, “Yeah,” when she looked back up she
saw that she had clipped the median, her truck
flipped and she was ejected. That sister, who
sent the text, regrets sending it and would give
or do anything to see her sister again and say
she was sorry.
A boyfriend is texting while driving home
with his girlfriend home. All the text said was a
simple, “LOL.” He only looked away every
couple seconds he looked back toward the road.
During that text he heard a loud scream come
from his girlfriend. When he looked up, he saw
a bicyclist crash into the windshield. The man
was pronounced dead on the scene. He looks
back now and thinks if someone asked him to
close his eyes for five or six seconds while
driving, he wouldn’t do that.
When he was sending that
text it pretty much was the
same thing. It takes your eyes
a couple seconds to focus
back on the road after you
have looked away.
“Where r,” changed the life
of a teenage boy. He wasn’t
driving or texting. His friend
was the one who sent the text
while driving. The boy is now mentally
challenged, can barely walk, and has slow
speech. He can’t drive anymore or hold onto his
old job. He has to take physical therapy to keep
himself moving. He and his friend were going
to the movies and the car ran into a tree. He hit
his right temple on the tree and was pronounced
dead three times on the site. He lives, but his
life isn’t anywhere near what it used to be.
A teenage girl was driving to watch a boy she
met play baseball. “Where u at,” was the text
message that took this young girl’s life. Her car
traveled across the express way median and
struck a bridge. The police officer noticed her
shoes and instantly knew it was a young girl. He
then saw the cap and gown still in the car. It
was the day before her graduation. Her cap and
gown were in the car with her when it hap-
pened, but she never wore them. She never
officially graduated high school. Her family and
friends celebrated her 19th birthday even though
she was gone.
I tell these stories not for sympathy for the
families. I’m not saying you can’t give it, but
rather you should think about what could
happen to you or your friends. As told by these
stories, you can be the driver, riding, or even a
pedestrian and be killed or hurt. You may say,
“Well, I will never
do it with someone
in the car,” but it
doesn’t always
hurt someone in
the car. Think about the man killed on a bicycle
because someone our age felt the need to text. It
may or may not be important, but if it feels like
something that can’t wait, get off the road, call
the person, and get that thing taken care of. You
can get on with your journey, and they can get
on with theirs, and no one gets hurt or killed.
Needing to stay informed and clued in isn’t
that important when it comes to risking
someone’s life. What is so important about
needing to stay in touch when you are chancing
not only your life, but everybody’s around you?
Texting and driving is the number one killer of
teens. Out of the 1.6 million crashes per year,
200,000 are while someone was texting.
Look at the last text you sent while you were
driving, or even better, look at all of them. Were
any one of them worth taking a chance on your
life, your passenger’s, other driver’s or
pedestrian’s? No, not even close to having a
reason to risk someone’s life.
Remember last year when we watched the
video made in the UK to show in their schools
the danger of texting and driving. That may
have been a fake video, but the effects would
be the same if it was to happen to you, your
friend, or your family member. If you don’t
remember or weren’t in this school, go to
YouTube and look up UK texting and driving.
It really makes a difference when thinking
about putting someone’s life in danger just for a
text.
The results of the video are so real and
gruesome that it’s really not a pleasant video to
watch. It really is very graphic and not for
children.
I also watched a video someone published on
YouTube from Dr. Phil. This teenage girl
thought she was a good enough texter that she
didn’t need to put down the phone while
driving. No, she didn’t die, but she almost hit
someone while her little sister was with her. She
hit a curb because she forgot to shift while
texting, and caused $3,000 damage. There was
a $164 ticket for going 80 in a 55 zone. She
was texting and didn’t notice the change and
also drifted forward and hit a guard
rail.
She did all this in a four month
period, which is as long as she had had
her license. She made excuses for
every single one of those and there
wasn’t a single excuse that was
justified. She didn’t tell her mom the
truth, but said, “Oh, mom, you know I don’t use
the phone in the car.” She just wanted to stay
clued in about what her friends were doing and
the new gossip.
While reading this you may say, “Well, I
really am a good texter. I only need to look
down right before I send it just to make sure
it’s right.” Well, all I can say is: Good for you!
Why are you so proud about that. You aren’t
the only person who has thought that, but the
end result there was a death, either their life or
someone else’s; it doesn’t matter because
someone died just so they could talk about the
Sparks 41
latest gossip.
I have personally ridden with someone who
texts and drive. It scares me because I am
watching the car swerve between the lines. She
won’t stop because she says, “I am a good
enough texter. I don’t need to look at the
letters, just check it over to make sure its ok.”
I have had to take my friend’s phone away
and make her let me text for her. She may not
like it, but I don’t care because I don’t want to
die. If it is really important or she doesn’t want
me to read it, then she can call them later or
stop, pull over, and take care of it then. She can
deal with me not liking her texting, even if she
is good.
The cops and families of deceased member
don’t care how good you are. It’s illegal and
you will go to jail if you kill someone, or if you
get caught before you kill someone, you will
get a fine. Think about, if someone you knew
was texting and got into an accident, how you
would feel?
I agree with the law because I don’t want to
die, and I don’t want anyone I know to die
either. We all know staying in tune is great and
we don’t like being left out. But, if it is only for
less than an hour
you will be fine. If
it’s longer, pull
over and save
everyone trouble.
If you try to use
the excuse that
your parents were
texting you, don’t. We all know our parents
would rather wait until its safe for you to
contact them. When our life is on the line just
to talk to them, they won’t care. If you feel its
important, pull over where its safe and talk to
them. When you’re done, get back on the road
and back to driving. The text may be short but
facts say that most accidents happen three
seconds after the driver is distracted.
According to a survey by The Allstate
Foundation, 82 percent of teens claim to use
cell phones while driving, and 49 percent
consider texting very or
extremely distracting while
driving. Roughly 1.6 million
teens drive while reading or
writing text messages. You
may think that hands-free cell
phones are less dangerous
while drving, but you are
wrong because the conversation is the major
distraction itself. Just think, when you are
texting, you have the reaction time of senior
citizen, even young adults. Drivers are as
impaired as drunk drivers when talking on a
cell phone. For more information on the
dangers of texting and driving go to
www.KeeptheDrive.com.
Ask yourself this question, “Is texting while
driving worth killing yourself or someone
else?” Don’t just look at how it will affect you,
think about everyone who knows you or the
person you hurt.
 42 January 27, 2011 Sparks
Staff M ck Elections
By Melanie Smalley and Andrew Kruske
Chatterboxes Most
Best Friends Fashionable

Dale Bragg and

Katie Hintz
Mike Verellen and
Josh Shattuck Emily Coté and
Prettiest Eyes Kathy Cunningham
and Tyler Foor Jill Keefer
Rockstars
Funniest Best Smile

Mike Evans and

Kathy Cunningham

Mike Verellen and Best Hair Dale Bragg and

Katie Hintz Kathy Cunningham
Todd Woodbury
and Andrea Kistler Althetic most Organized
Next All-Stars
Billionaires
Tyler Foor and
Courtney Verellen

Shyest Tim French and

Shelly Vasher

Andy Keson
Josh Shattuck and and
Kevin Brott and Jill Keefer Michelle Seiser
Shelly Vasher
 January 27, 2011
Friendliest
Sparks 43
Most Optimistic Most Memorable Laugh
Dale Bragg
and
Stacy Woodbury

most Spirited
Dale Bragg and
Dale Bragg and
Courtney Verellen
Andrea Kistler Most Likely To Run
For President
Most Likely To Be On Most Outgoing
a Reality Tv Show

Josh Shattuck
and Emily Coté
Mike Evans and
Jill Keefer
Most Technologically
Jerome Smalley
and Emily Coté

homecoming King/Queen Advanced

Josh Shattuck
and Katie Hintz
Strictest
Pat Raymond
and
Linda Stodolak

Andy Keson and

Little Bit of Shelly Vasher
Everything Most Interesting Most Passionate
Lecturer Mike and Courtney
About His/Her Job
Verellen

Chad Donahue
and
Katie Hintz
Jerome Smalley
and Andrea Kistler
Chad Donahue and Michelle Seiser
 44 January 27, 2011
2,637,285.
Pokémon
Sparks
That’s how many copies Pokémon Black and White (for the
game, though
Nintendo DS family of handheld systems) sold on their opening
the fourth
weekend when they were first released in Japan. To put it bluntly,
this was the most amount ever sold of any video game in the
country. Quickly sold out in many stores, the demand exceeded the
generation
games did
have a sort of
Poké
&
units in stock and some fans had to wait an additional week to pick
“two-and-a-
up their coveted copies. And with 1.7 million copies of the games
half
pre-ordered, Black and White broke another of Japan’s records of
dimension”
sales. By November, the number of sales almost doubled. Black and
White were a massive success in their country of origination, and
they are sure to continue their momentum when they are released in
thing going
on. In battles,
Black
the attacking
the United States on March 6th.
commands are
The Unova region is the setting for the series’ new installment.
conveniently
This location is separated from those of the previous games by the
vast sea, giving it a completely unique ecosystem and new Pokémon.
Over 150 new Pocket Monsters appear in this new generation,
placed on the bottom touch screen of the Nintendo DS. The top screen
shows, for the first time, a full picture of the back of the player’s
Pokémon as well as a full front view of the opponent’s. Additionally,
& Pokémon does not consume a turn. Think of it as a game of
“rock, paper, scissors”, but instead of playing with rocks, papers, or
scissors, you get to pick any three Pokémon. Basically, the object of
making it not only the largest installment to the games, but also
the Pokémon are constantly moving and shifting their stances, even rotation battles is to predict which Pokémon your opponent will
making it exceed the original’s content.
when they are not attacking. All the old attacks look cooler than ever attack with and switch to the one of your three that you think can deal
Starting out with the standard Pokémon storyline, the player
with the better graphics, and plenty of new techniques were created as with the situation the best.
quickly receives his/her very first Pokémon and starts out on a grand
well. Seasonal Update
adventure to catch Pokémon and challenge the Gym Leaders. Soon
after starting your quest, you’ll encounter the villainous gang known
Triple Battles Expanding on the morning, day, and night aspects previously
as Team Plasma. Unlike the original mafia-like Team Rocket who
simply used Pokémon as a means to get what they wanted, this incorporated in the series, Black and
When it comes to battling, the most significant change introduced White introduce all four seasons
generation of villains have quite a different goal in mind; to free all
in this new fifth generation is the addition of “triple battles”; a new into game play at both cosmetic
Pokémon from people so that humans and Pokémon can be treated
battle method that you can use to challenge your friends and some in- and functional levels. The routes
as equals. Sounds half-way decent, right? However, it doesn’t take
game trainers. These battles consist of sending out half of the player’s and cities appear differently
long for the game’s characters to realize that something is a little The
six-Pokémon team at once and having them work together as a depending on the active season. Each starters;
fishy about the Plasmas. After getting further through the Pokémon Snivy,
cohesive team. The placement of the three Pokémon matter as well. season only lasts a month of real-
Gym circuit and closer on your way to challenging the Pokémon Tepig,
The Pokémon in the middle of the three sent out can attack any of the life time, allowing each in-game
League, the evil team begins to threaten all people who don’t see and
opposing trainer’s three Pokémon. However, those that are on the left season to occur three times a year. Osha-
eye-to-eye with them as they prepare to free all “enslaved” Pokémon
and right cannot attack the opponent’s Pokémon that is farthest away Certain Pokémon will appear in the watt
by force (by hypocritically using their own captured Pokémon, of
from it. Therefore, having a Pokémon on the left or right side of the wild only in a specific season. Others
course). It’s up to you, the player, to defeat Team Plasma and show
field will make it more defensively orientated, while having one in the change their appearance based upon the
everyone that people and Pokémon can live and work together as
middle will make it more offensive. current season. Areas that are blocked off
friends. And with some shocking plot twists built in, even the older
For use within both double and triple battles, brand new “combina- in one season may become accessible in an- other one. In
players will be surprised after unraveling all the secrets!
tion attacks” have been added into battles. If two certain moves are winter, for example, snow drifts may connecttwo hills and form a
What’s new about used by the same Pokémon team in the same turn, an added effect is
unlocked that benefits the user of those certain moves. The list of
bridge that the player can walk across. Some characters also make
appearances in Black and White only in a certain season. A few of
Black and these techniques that create a special synergy is rather short; only a these characters are from previous games in the series, allowing
select few attacks beneficially combine. However, the added effects
White? that the certain attacks create when used consecutively give the user a
nostalgia to enter the minds of the older players who remember them.

significant edge in battle. The High Link

The Pokémon franchise’s
“Rotation battles” make their debut as well, working somewhat
game play has been massively
similarly to triple battles. Both players (or the player and an in-game When in range of a wireless network or another DS with an in-
expanded through numerous
trainer) send out three Pokémon. However, one Pokémon is sent out serted copy of Black or White, the multiplayer option known as the
new features brought into the
to the front of the field, while the other two are placed behind it. Only High Link becomes available. This allows you to join a friend’s
series through Black and
the Pokémon in the front can attack or take damage.
White. Graphically, the game
Before each turn, the player has the option of switching
takes a step into a three-
dimensional world; the first
time ever for a handheld
his or her front Pokémon with one at the side, and then
the switched Pokémon can make its move. Rotating a Black Or White
Marena Dassay - 12 Joseph Chavez – 11
“When Pokémon Black and White come out I’ll probably get White, even though I want the white “…White, so I can get the black
dragon and with the White game I’ll get the black dragon. I’ll probably be able to trade with someone legendary. I’m looking forward to the
who wants the black dragon. The thing I’m looking forward the most is the better graphics so every- over 150 new Pokémon and what the
thing can look more 3D! Also, I’m looking forward to collecting even more new Pokémon. The only elite four will look like and what
bad thing about these games would be that the made the starter Pokémon a pig. A PIG! Who does they’ll use.”
that?”
Aaron Kopacz - 11
“…Black, because of the
fact the legendary Pokémon
Andrew Anderson - 11 looks like he can dish out Nathan Kistler - 11 “... White just because of the initial color,
some damage and the reason but then later Black for the full experience. I
“…White. I’m looking forward to the new battle why this one sounds epic to would normally be looking forward to new
styles. It’s anticipated that there will be about two or me is because there’s more Eevee evolutions, but the Pokémon Company
three new battle styles including triple battles. Not bug-type Pokémon which is decided that wasn’t a good idea so, I guess I
to mention, I can’t wait to see the new legendaries kick butt.” will just be interested in all of the new
and starters.” Pokémon.”
 January 27, 2011
mon :
&
White
By Josh Elston
game and interact with him, her, or any other players that are
visiting the host. The players can then walk around Unova together
and complete certain missions. After six missions have been
accomplished, the host alternates to a new player in the group.
The Global Link and Dream World
In Black and White, the player can upload one Pokémon from his
or her game to the Internet. With a computer and a wireless Internet
connection, the DS can communicate and sync up with the user’s
account on the Dream World website. The Pokémon from the game is
then sent online to the Dream World, in a similar fashion to how a
Pokémon was sent to the PokéWalker in
Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver.
Once in the Dream World, various mini
games are available to be played online
via the computer’s Internet access.
Additionally, through the computer the
player can capture Pokémon from the
previous generations that are not
found within the game. All of these
Pokémon have unique abilities that
essentially increase their usefulness in battle back on the
Nintendo DS. Through syncing your DS and computer again, you can
send any Pokémon caught in the Dream World back to your own
game.
The Dream World also includes a miniature house that can be
customized via the computer. The house functions much like the
secret base from previous games, with the added benefit of being
online. Rather than battling with other trainers, however, the player
can trade items with others. Additionally, ouside of your Dream World
house, berries can be grown in patches.
When playing through the Dream World, dream points will be
gained. These points allow you to perform various functions
throughout the area. Sending Pokémon from the Dream World to the
DS is the primary task that players will use these points for.
Which Version Are You Getting?
By Timmy Sandridge and Josh Elston
Andrew Davis - 13
“I plan on buying both versions of
Pokémon Black and White. I’m looking
forward to beating the game, capturing
the legendaries, and figuring out how
Dream World works. I am also thrilled
about the 5th generation metagame and
all the Pokémon battles that will take
place. Another aspect that is quite
spectacular is the new moves coming
out, including more physical electric
Justin Greer - 11
attacks, which were highly needed. In
all, I think this will be a great game that
everyone who enjoys Pokémon will be
ecstatic to play.”
You, the player,
are a more
matured
Sparks 45
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go-around 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901
than in all of
the previous
generations. In
the past, the
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playable character 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901
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around 10 years old. 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901
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your character is a
considerably older
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1234567890123 Exclusive Black City; a large White Forest; a forest 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901
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1234567890123 Locations city focusing on the focusing on the aspects 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901
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1234567890123 of nature. It is a location 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901
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aspects of technology. 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901
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1234567890123 It is a location exclusive to Pokémon: 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901
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1234567890123 exclusive to Pokémon: White Version and a quiet 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901
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1234567890123 place to battle strong first-stage Pokémon from 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901
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1234567890123 trainers that use fully the previous generations. 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901
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1234567890123 evolved Pokémon from 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901
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1234567890123 the previous genera- 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901
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1234567890123 tions. 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901
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1234567890123 Exclusive ???; an unknown ???; an unknown 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901
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1234567890123 Trainers male trainer that leads female trainer that leads 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901
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Gym. Gym. 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901
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“… White, because it 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901
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is my favorite color. I’m 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901
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amped about all the new 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901
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Pokémon. I’m looking 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901
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forward to getting an 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901
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Oshawatt.” Kimberly Davis- 11 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901
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“Hmmm… Honestly, if I had to choose between Pokémon Black and White, I 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901
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don’t know which game I would choose. In every installment of a Pokémon 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901
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game series, all the games have similar qualities. I haven’t played a Pokémon 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901
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game since Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald came out, which was a while ago. But 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901
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I love Pokémon. My brothers are fanatics, and I grew up watching them perfect 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901
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their gaming skills. Anyway, I guess I would choose Pokémon Black. Sounds 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901
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cool to me. Maybe I’ll take this installment as an opportunity to get back into 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901
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Pokémon once again.” 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901
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 46 January 27, 2011 Sparks

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky Review

By Timmy Sandridge
When it comes to video games, spin-offs are almost never as good as the original material.
Pokémon, on the other hand, has actually been pretty lucky with the polish and high-quality
gameplay of titles like Pokémon Snap, Pokémon Puzzle League and the lesser-known Pokémon
Trading Card Game for the Game Boy Advance. Heck, even the Pokémon Ranger series isn’t all
that bad. That’s why I continue to be surprised at the lackluster Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
series. It’s not as successful as the rest of its siblings, and any fan can tell it tries really hard to
stand out. Maybe one day, it’ll grow into its place, but
Explorers of Sky is just a re- minder that day hasn’t come yet.
For people who don’t know, Mystery Dungeon is the series with the following plot: “I’ve lost
my memory and turned into a Pokémon!” Moreover, Explorers of Sky is the remake of the second round of games in this series, Explorers of
Time & Darkness. After you take an introductory personality test to determine what Pokémon you’ll awaken as, you begin a journey as part
of a Pokémon guild, which is exactly what it sounds like: you embark on epic adventures to help fellow Pokémon, seek out treasures, and
battle other Pocket Monster trouble makers over hours and hours of semi-addictive dungeon crawling. People make a lot of comparisons
between this and Shiren: The Wanderer, but I prefer to think of it as Final Fantasy XII’s Monster Hunts — with Pikachu instead of
Chocobo. But the question is, as a Pokémon fan, is Explorers of Sky even worth your time?
Well, that depends on the type of Pokémon fan you are. Explorers of Sky does bring a few new game elements into play that weren’t present
in the last two titles, like new starter types, a bigger roster of playable Pokémon, more plotlines involving different characters, tweaked
difficulty, and adjusted gameplay rules (for example, you no longer lose all your loot if you crash and burn in a dungeon romp). But in the
end, these are all minor improvements and add-ons that don’t address the real problem of Mystery Dungeon — it’s just not a compelling
dungeon experience. In fact, the main problem I had with the last few Mystery Dungeons is that the core gimmick — the actual dungeons — are the worst part of the game. If
you’re the kind of player that draws Pokémon fan art and prints out the characters on computer paper for your scrapbooks, I’m sure that you’re probably not going to mind the
bland dungeons, cookie-cutter missions and repetitive combat.
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PokePark Wii: Pikachu’s Adventure Review

By Josh Elston
The world’s most popular electric mouse volt tackles its way into the Nintendo Wii as the star of PokéPark Wii: Pikachu’s Adventure.

Summary: The PokéPark used to be a place for friends and fun for
all of the Pokémon. That was, at least, until the Pokémon leaders of
the park got in a feud and isolated themselves from one another.
Friendships ebbed away, resulting in the shattering of the Sky Prism,
a former symbol of the park’s well being. The shards scattered
throughout the park, and if they’re not reunited soon, the Sky Pavil-
ion above the park will collapse! Play as Pikachu and stop the disas-
ter by promoting friendship among the Pokémon!

Anyone who grew up watching the Pokémon series will appreciate the effort that Nintendo put into making this fully three-
dimensional video game. Sure, the plot of the game is still meant for school-aged kids, but it is sure to cause pleasant
memories of past years to resurface when played. A lot has changed in video games since the original show aired on
television and the Red and Blue versions launched on the Game Boy, and the Pokémon Company successfully updated and
modified the childhood excitement of Pocket Monsters into this fully up-to-date experience.
The game is played with the Wiimote held horizontally within both hands, and without the nunchuck controller. This shifts
the directional pad to the left and the main buttons to the right, creating a very similar feeling as to playing the ol’ hand held
Game Boy. When playing attractions in the PokéPark (minigames that are held so that the Pokémon can play together), the
controls often change to utilize all of the different functions of the Wiimote. So that these control differences needn’t be
memorized, the game prompts how to play each attraction before it begins.
Making friends with the other Pokémon is a primary concept of the game as Pikachu tries to gather the Sky Prism pieces.
This is done by playing “skill games” with the Pokémon that are encountered. Tag, Hide-and-seek, and battling are the main
games played to befriend the other Pokémon. The battles that do occur happen in real-time with the ability to move the
directional pad and jump to dodge the opponent’s attacks.
Playing through the story is a bit simple. The simplicity, however, keeps the game moving at a fast pace and allows the fun
to keep on coming. It may not be massively in-depth, but at least it is entertaining. Playing through the different attractions
allows for more variety; however, it makes the game basically a collection of minigames. Each attraction and skill game is quite
fun, but they are just a little disjointed from each other. Nevertheless, the game sticks to its main idea well as Pikachu focuses
on trying to restore friendships and fix the Sky Prism.
January 27, 2011 Sparks 47
What do you want to do before you die? By Alexis McIntosh
Katrina Croutch (14)

“I want to swim with dolphins because I’ve always

want
wanted to do it since I was a little girl.”

Julie Lester (13)

to

“I’ve always wondered what it would be like to swim with

L Ve
sharks, so I think I’d want to do that. The reason why is
because I want to know the true feeling of vulnerability.”
before

Samantha Caffrey (13)

“Before I die, I want to meet Magglio Ordonez because

he’s my absolute favorite player for the Detroit Tigers.”

d e
Emily Govitz (13)

“..skydiving because it’s a crazy thing to do, and I’ve

i always wanted to.”

Alexandria Rowley (13)

“I want to climb a mountain, but not Mount Everest because that’s a
bit extreme, just a small little mountain would be fine. I want to do it
because it’s not too risky but yet it seems like an adrenaline rush!”

Clothing
starting as
low as $10!
Congratulations to the
2010-2011 Publications & Newspaper
staff of GHS for their outstanding
work on the SP ARK
SPARK
ARKSS Newspaper.
 48 January 27, 2011 Sparks

Right: Trevor Roberts (11) plays some good defense.

Below: Travis Greer (11) steals the puck and goes for the
goal.
Next contests: January 29, Bay Area Reps;
winter sports
Storm Hockey
February 2nd, Nouvel Catholic.

Varsity Boys Basketball

Left: As the pom
team gets ready
to perform they

Varsity Pom Pon

Below: Trevor Camanse await the music.
(12) stands on the charity Below: The pom
stripe for the G’s. team just starts
Left: Coach Kirk Taylor the routine.
huddles with the team
after a time out.
Next contests:
January 28, Harrison;
February 1, Tawas.

Varsity Bowling
Left: Dakota McLean(14)
keeps her cool and throws

Varsity Girls Basketball the ball.

Below:Kirsten Rhodes (11)
approches the line throws the
ball and hopes to get a strike.
Next contests:
January 29, Gladwin;
February 5, Farwell.

Above: The girls locks hands and

listen to the national anthem.
Right: Melanie Smalley (11) warms
up before the game.
Next Contests: January 28, Harrison;
February 1, Ogemaw Heights.
 January 27, 2011 Sparks 49
Freshman Boys Basketall

Junior Varsity

Boys Basketball
Above: Lucas Schwager (14)
looks for one of this open
teammates.
Right: Camryn Vanderbush (14)
hopes to sink his free throw.
Next contest: February 1 at
Tawas High School.

Above: Coach Mike

Verellen plans the
sub strategy.

Girls Baketball
Right: Billy Rhodes
(13) plays tough.
Next Contest:
Freshman

February 1 at Tawas
High School.

Junior Varsity Girls Basketball

Above: The Lady G’s wait for the free throw.
Above right: Coach Toyna Anderson during
a timeout tells the team the game plan.
Next contest:
February 1, against Ogemaw Heights.
Left: Jake Roza (14)
struggles to win the match.
Below: Andrew Gatz (11) pins
his opponent.
Next contest: Febuary 5 at
Roscommon.
Wrestling
Right: Dani Balzer (13)
drains her free throw
to put Gladwin up.
Below: The girls walk
over to Coach Jerome
Smalley during a
timeout.
Next Contest: February
1 against Ogemaw
Heights.
January 27, 2011
Flying G alums
turned Cardinals
still best buds
By Ashley White
A year ago, these two were sitting in
perhaps the same desks you are today,
thinking about graduation, thinking about
their last high school sports games, their
last goodbyes before college.
Now, a year later, they have their first
college semesters completed, and
Meredith Rosin (10) and Ashley Ford
(10) have already lived a college experi-
ence they couldn’t have even imagined a
year ago. These best-friends-since-birth
(literally, they were born on the same day,
in the same hospital, and their moms
were friends) room together on campus at
Saginaw Valley in Living Center South.
You think living with your best friend,
maybe you would get sick of her, but
Rosin says, “Living with Ashley is never
boring. That is for sure, she is on the run
all the time, and I do my best to keep up.
A lot of people said that you don’t really
know a person until you live with them,
and they are probably right, but I still
love living with her. Things are never
dull. That is for sure.”
Ford also seems to love living with her
best friend, saying, “Living with
Meredith at college is probably the best/
biggest adventure of my life. A lot of
people told us that it wasn’t a good idea
to live with each other. They were wrong.
It’s a lot easier, I think, knowing what
really annoys Meredith and having my
best friend with me rather than someone I
didn’t know.”
What do you think college is all about?
What do you imagine it to be like? Rosin
goes on to say, “It’s probably better than
I expected. It’s a little like summer camp
because you’re always meeting new
people all the time, and there is always
stuff to do around campus. One thing I
did not expect was the amount of
homework and study time that is needed
to get good grades.”
Ford said, “It’s exactly what I ex-
pected, crazy awesome! We can do
whatever we want pretty much whenever
we want. Within some reason.”
Ford is studying social environment,
but she will eventually become an
athletic trainer of which she said, “I will
be qualified to run with scissors.” Rosin
is studying to get her masters in occupa-
tional therapy.
We all wonder how tough college
actually is Rosin said, “My first semester
was just a lot of adapting, I had to get
used to the amount of time I needed to
put into each class. My toughest class
was probably English just because my
senior year I don’t think I had to write a
single paper and then I had to adjust to
writing papers. Also, my math class was
pretty tough just because they assigned
so many problems that were never due
for credit, but you had to do them to
know what was going on.”
Ford said, “Biology has been my
toughest so far, but it isn’t overwhelming
or anything.”
Already making college memories
Rosin said, “I have had a lot of college
memories so far; so much has happened
in so little time; it’s crazy. I think playing
intramural volleyball was probably one
of my favorite memories, or having a
dance party in the middle of the court-
yard on campus. It’s so random. College
is all about just getting up and going...so
many random trips to the store on
campus or walks around late at night.”
Of her favorite memories, Ford said,
“That’s tough to narrow down, college
overall is a lot of fun. There are people
and friends everywhere and they will
probably be up
for any
adventure you
have thought
up at anytime.”
For many,
going off to
college seems
to be a tough
thing to do, you
would miss so
much. Rosin
went on to say,
“I miss high
school a lot. I
miss the lack of
homework. I
miss volleyball more than I could have
imagined. I had so much fun my senior
year, and I wouldn’t give it up for
anything, but because it was so fun, I just
hate not being able to play in front of that
Sparks 5
home crowd. I miss all the friends and
the people that I took advantage of seeing
every day. Honestly, I never thought I
would miss high school. I wish I could
take back all those days I complained
about it and enjoyed the time I had. Don’t
get me wrong, college is great, and
meeting new people is great, but high
school is different. I even miss the
teachers! I never thought I would miss
my family as much as I do; I took
complete advantage of them. They did so
much for me over the years, and now that
I am gone I can see really how much they
did. I miss seeing people you know
wherever you go. I miss people stopping
to talk to you at the store or congratulat-
ing you after a good game when you see
them at the gas station. You know that
small town feeling we all complained
about…yeah, I miss that. I miss the
movie nights and the fall bonfires.”
Ford misses other aspects, too. “I miss
seeing certain people daily and knowing
everybody, and roaming the halls during
class and walking around town whenever
I wanted and being about five minutes
from anywhere you could possibly want
to go.”
Ford’s advice: “I wish that I under-
stood that college isn’t that much more
difficult than high school if you apply
yourself. Go
to class every
day, do your
work; maybe
even study
here and there,
and you are
golden.”
Rosin’s advice
is: “Take
advantage of
the scholar-
ships and the
opportunity to
going to Mid.
I really wish I
would have
gone to Mid through high school and got
college credits for free. I wish I would
have applied more for scholarships…the
open house money goes real fast!
50 January 27, 2011
What do you miss most about the nineties?
By Jaime Hoffman
“I miss the Ninja Turtles show. The
old classic show is totally better than “Oh, the 90s. What do I miss most? Wow, there is a lot to miss but
the new one! I would always wake up I would have to say the cartoons and Tang. The cartoons were
on Saturday morning and start my awesome! Hey Arnold!, Doug, Rugrats, Ren and Stimpy, Angry
day with an Beavers, Ahh! Real Monsters, Pink and the Brain; the list goes on and
exciting eopisode on. Those quality cartoons. They are way better than the horrible
of TMNT. It’s one stuff we have now. Now Tang was the best orange flavored drink
of my favorite known to man. Enough said. End of story. We need to bring these
shows and I still back!”
enjoying every -Cayleen Diffin (11)
once in a while.”
-Emily Zelt (11) “The sweet cartoons and
Kool-Aid! It was circulated
more in the nineties. I miss
“The boy bands! I miss the Disney
the low gas prices even
movies. I also miss movies not being
though I didn’t pay for gas.”
in 3-D. They’re so expensive! (Not
-Lucas Allen
that I paid for movies as a child, but
still!)”
-Melanie Smalley (11)

You know you’re a nineties kid if...

*You took plastic cartoon lunchboxes to school *You owned a Bop It
*Rubber pencil grippers were the new thing *You remember watching Ahh! Real Monsters, Doug, Rugrats, Pinky
*You wore scrunchies and The Brain, Hey Arnold!, and The Angry Beavers
*Dippin’ Dots were really the “ice cream of your future” *A paper cootie-catcher ever predicted your life
*You played and/or collected Pogs *You wore stick-on earrings and slap bracelets
*They still produced VHS tapes * MASH told told you who you would marry, what type of house you
*You owned at least one Tamagotchi or Giga Pet would live in, and how many kids you would have
*Yellow, red, and blue Pokémon were the only versions made *You wanted to find Waldo
*You even know what a Walkman is *Every girl you knew had a Barbie and Ken
*You have ever ended a sentence with PSYCHE! *Your parents owned a bag phone
*You remember when it was actually worth it to wake up early on Saturday *Warheads were a substantial contributer to your cavities
mornings to watch cartoons *You owned the original Gameboy
*You still get the urge to say NOT! after every sentence...not... *You ate Lunchables
*You owned a trapper keeper *“Talk to the Hand” was enough said
*You still say “I know you are, but what am I?” *Paying $1 for gas was A LOT!
*Beanie Babies were the biggest craze *Everything was “da bomb!”
*You owned a Skip-It or Pogo Stick *You remember the Super Nintendo
*Hot Wheels were what everyone was collecting *Sega was still a console manufacturer
*You can finish this sentence: “Ice Ice, .” *The original cast of All That! was still there
*Mrs. Frizzle and Bill Nye taught you something *You remember the original Batman
*Everyone wanted to be on Slime Time *You remember Wonderballs
*Decisions were made by “eeny meeny miney moe” and “bubble gum,
bubble gum in a dish”
 January 27, 2011 Sparks 51
The Day A
Da way.
Aw
Sleeping
By Lucas Allen
Do you think you get enough sleep? Do you often hit the snooze button multiple times
as if it was the face of your worst enemy? How about stay up all night playing video
games, listening to techno music or, gasp, studying?
If you have, chances are that you are part of a growing trend of not only teenagers but
people of all ages who do not get enough sleep. According to the experts, there is no
“magic number” of hours of sleep people need as it differs from person to person;
however, it is a generally accepted theory that children and teens need more sleep than
most adults. For a few of those who have experienced some of the aforementioned
scenarios, here are their stories…

Alicia Coats (11) Michael Verellen,

“I like to sleep in the cold wrapped up in a cozy blanket. Usually I read a little before I fall into a deep
sleep. I sleep through the night and don’t wake up too easily. I have to set two alarms to wake up, yet once
I am up, I always stay awake. It has to be dark for me to sleep. I cannot take naps. I get maybe 7 hours of
sleep every night but I think that is enough because I am able to function. The longest I have ever slept
was 14 hours consecutively. I’ve also pulled all nighters; one of the reasons for them was to go Black
Friday shopping with my sister, Marina.”
Tyler Henry (11) Andrew Gatz (11)
“I don’t get much sleep but I go to bed around 12 every night and wake Andrew Gatz (11)
up between 6:22 – 7:20. On average I think. “I usually seem to fall asleep around
I get like 7 or 8 hours of sleep per night. There is no way that is enough for 10:30 p.m., then, for some reason, I
me, I need like 11-12 hours at least. always wake up at 2:30 a.m. and then 5:30
The longest I have ever slept consecutively? 16 hours, it was the best a.m. to pee. That happens every night.
thing ever! I’ve pulled a few all nighters in my day, Then I like to wake up around 9:00 a.m.
I had no reason for it, just wanted to do it.” because I’m hungry. On average I think I
get around 8 hours of sleep…yeah 8
sounds about right. Of course I think this
is enough! Also, the longest I have ever
slept in a row would be 12 hours. I even
wrote that down when it happened. That
was a great night. Yeah, I’ve pulled all
nighters. Why? Because it was just one
of those nights.”
Science & Psychology
teacher
“I definitely don’t sleep as well or as
long as I should. School pretty much
dictates when I get up, but I’m usually
not in bed until around midnight. Also,
with the addition of my sons I get a
little less sleep when they need things
in the middle of the night. On average I
get about 6 hours, but almost never all
the way through. There is no way that
is enough for me though. One time I
remember being so sick that I basically
slept through an entire day. I have
pulled an all nighter; one time was while
studying in college and then back in
the day playing video games through
the whole night.”
 1. The Porter Cable sign says Porter Porter.
2. The Ace sign has no phone number.
3. Half of the Aero logo on Ryan Grice’s hoodie is missing.
4. There’s an extra foot next to Braxtin Muma.
5. The Fladeboe Ford sign has no logo.
6. One of the squares on Stephen Donn’s hoodie is filled in.
7. The “T” on the Ace sign is missing.
8. There is an extra head.
9. The X on the wall is gone.
10. There’s an extra line on the ice.
52 January 27, 2011

(989) 387-9196
Seeking adventure? Join Venturing

Call John Fink at

Crew #7799. We are Co-ed Scouts
Venturing Crew #7799
from ages 14 to 21. It’s intense fun.
Can YOU find
10 differenCes?
Freshm

Before
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By Alex Reeds

225 Cedar Ave.

Gladwin, MI 48624
oto M

Ph: 246-1922
Fax: 426-3679
ixup
Sparks

After
 January 27, 2011 Sparks 53
Would y ou rra
you ather…..
Spend a day in the mud pit or
at the mall? By Kristin Keen

John Herbster (11)

Chuck Norris (12)
“I would rather spend the day in the mud pit mud bogging.
I mean, come on, you have trucks, mud, adrenaline and
friends.”
Becky Flynn (11)
“I would rather be playing in the mud than shopping anyday.
Ever since I was little I have loved playing in the mud. Getting
dirty head to toe, covering the jeep or starting a fight. It’s totally
worth it.”
“I would rather spend a day in the mud pit mud bogging. Big
trucks, lots of people, family and friends with trucks all muddy.
Who wouldn’t? You can play in the mud, watch people sliding
all over and see whose truck can stand the mud pit the
longest.”
Anthony Ballard (12)- “ Well honestly I have never
been mud bogging! So I guess shopping would be the
same old thing. Trying new things is always one of my
goals. So really I would want to try mud bogging all
day for the first time.

THE MIX UP
By Kristin Keen
When one name is called over the announcement, two show up. Walking down any of the four halls you are bound to pass Kyle Keen (14), Kyle King (11), Cristyn
King (13), or Kristin Keen (12). More than likely you never think twice when you see any of them, but there is a true annoyance in having one of these names. “Kristin
Keen please come to the main office. Again Kristin Keen please come to the main office. Thank you.” This is the common announcement that you hear in between
classes. Yet the hard thing about it is Cristyn King actually will probably be the one that comes to the office, since Kristin Keen thinks it’s the other Cristyn they’re
calling. This is the same dilemma for both of the Kyle’s also. So here are some basic facts about each of these four so you won’t get them mixed up also.
Getting to know them

• I would like to pursue racing Keen King • I would like to attend a music school for
voice.
Cristyn
with my motorcycle.
Kyle

• MSU is my favorite sports • The New York Yankees are my favorite

team. sports team.
• I don’t have a professional • My favorite leisure activities are singing and
favorite team. hanging out with friends.
• I enjoy riding my dirtbikes and • I used to own a flying squirrel named
hanging out with my friends. Scooter.

• I would like to go to SVSU or Ferris and

Kristin

• I intend on joining the Navy

after I graduate from school. major in graphic design or journalism.
Once I finish that career, I • My two main favorite sports teams are
Kyle

would like to either go into the Colts and the Lakers.

teaching with photography on • I like to hang with my friends, go to the
the side, or just photography. movies, play some video games and chill
• I would have to say MSU is on Facebook.
by far my favorite team.
• Riding dirtbikes and
Keen King • I went to Europe in 6th grade for a
Student Ambassador Program and I visted
babysitting my niece is about France, Italy, and Malta.
all I do anymore.
54 January 27, 2011 Sparks

Proud to be an American
Can’t wait to go extreme sledding! By Jodi Brothers
The funny thing about Americans is we America is a just country, but we put
By David Welke When it got late, to see what we all have double standards. We think innocent people in prison every day.
It all started back in January, 2010. were doing, I brought a light tower something is right when only we, According to research news.osu.edu,
My neighbor, Cody Bevins (08) and I home from work that lit up the whole ourselves, do it. But when another there are about 10,000 people sent to
were sitting in the house, thinking of field. The second party I had, Sean country does what they want we go in prison each year that were wrongly
something to do in the middle of the Campbell (11) and Devin Lake (11) had there and try to change what they do convicted. Is that just? I think NOT! We
winter. We had an an epic fail at sled because we are right are so proud to be a democracy that we
old car hood lying riding. and they are wrong. go to other countries and
around, and we After the first trial, Have you ever demand that they become a
decided to try and with Sean and Devin talked to someone democracy as well. We just
use it for a sled as the test dummies, that was complaining don’t know how to mind our
behind my mother’s they couldn’t hold about the president own business!
Jeep. on. They went flying. or the governor and We tell people not to be
After putting a The best part was we you ask them who prejudiced when in fact
few miles on that, I got it all on video. they voted for and parents in America teach
had a fantastic Luckily, no test they didn’t even their kids not to talk to
idea: attach a dummies were vote? According to gwu.edu, in last strangers, to assume that everyone is
bench seat out of a harmed in the testing year’s presidential election, only 62.3% of bad unless you know them, but isn’t
car on it, throw a of that sled. Americans eligible voted. Do they really that being prejudiced?
helmet and goggles This year, Cody have the right to complain? I don’t think Americans put people in prison for
on, and ride. It was instant entertain- and I built a new sled, with safety in so. If you couldn’t get off your lazy butt killing people, yet the government pays
ment! mind. It has a full roll cage, bucket and drive a couple miles to vote, then soldiers to kill people every day! Maybe
That next weekend we had a few seats with seat belts, full windshield, stop complaining! it is helping our country, but soldiers
friends over. It all went from there. Five plenty of padding, and cup holders. We say that we are fair and just, yet are still killing people, sometimes even
friends turned into 15, and 15 turned Yes, cup holders. girls don’t have the right to fight in innocent people. Since the war in Iraq
into 30. Everyone had a blast including This year is the seniors’ last real combat! Does that seem fair to you, has started 98,170-107,152 Iraqi civilians
my parents at every party I had. We winter to have fun before moving away honestly? have been killed by United States
had up to 3 sleds going at once and to go to college and grow up, so we’re We are hypocrites... we say any race or soldiers according to wikipedia.org.
over 10 cars and trucks in the field. going to make it the best one ever. culture is allowed to come to America and America is perfect. We are the best,
be Americans, and in the next breath tell and everyone wants to be like us.
the Iraqi’s that they need to go back to WELCOME TOAMERICA
where they came from!

Gladwin Driving School LLC

Segment I and Segment II classes at
Gladwin Community Arena
(989) 426-7815
or
www.gladwindrivingschool.com
Asbestos, mold, and lead abatement contractor
Go ’s
Pat and Brenda Airbets
January 27, 2011
Who is your
By Hunter Young
AJ Jewell (11):
“My Tiger is Brandon Inge. He
is an all around good player, he
plays third base just like me, is a
decent hitter, and is also a team leader
like me.”
Gladwin Co-op preschool Christmas Program
Reminds me why I want to work with the youth
ByAarika Mathis
Having the opportunity of helping at
the Gladwin Co-op preschool Christmas
program was a great thing. I am placed
in Kristie Bittner and Tina Raymond’s
preschool for my CTE placement. Since
I was working there around Christmas time, I was
able to help with it. I helped with songs and practiced
the songs and dance moves with the kids.
The program was to be performed in the high
school cafeteria on the stage. Before the program, I
came and helped decorate. When the kids started
arriving, I helped keep the kids under control and sit
them in their spots. When one of the three-year-olds
arrived, she didn’t want to be on stage by herself, so
Mrs. Kristie asked me if I would be willing to sit with
her while on stage. I was pleased to help our, and I
agreed to sit on the stage with her. Since I was
already sitting with a three-year-old, I was in charge
of the three-year-olds’ side. At first I thought to
myself, Oh great, this is not going to be fun.
The kids I had in my section were very well
behaved. There was only one problem. When the
Bear song came on, one kid stood up and slowly
eased his way out on the stage, and, well, he wasn’t
Detroit Tiger?
Tyler Pratt (11):
“Justin Verlander, hands down,
is the best pitcher on the roster,
and he can almost throw as fast
as me. I try to keep under 120…left
handed, backwards, underhand, on
Tyler Donn (11)
“My Tiger is Austin Jackson.
He led almost all rookies in
every category and he was on
the verge of a gold glove in his first
supposed to. After a few seconds went by, we could
see a few more kids going out there, and then a few
more, and not long after, all the three year olds were
out on stage.
I was jokingly instructed to “Grab
them and have them sit down.” I
wasn’t about ready to try to get all
those kids to sit down. So believe it
or not, it helped with them standing
up; they were able to move around
and do the moves a lot better.
This is a thing they do every year,
and this year was a good turnout.
There are other things that they do
at the program; they have the kids
sing and dance. Between perfor-
mances, organizers auction off
quilts that are made that have
silhouettes of the kids on them. The
teachers and pre-school board also
sponsor a silent auction in the back
of the cafeteria. In that auction were wreaths that came
from all different businesses around Gladwin. After
the program, cookies and milk are served. The money
Sparks 55
Landon Grove (13)
“My Tiger is Miguel Cabrera. He
hits like a flat out monster.
Cabrera is an all-star every year, and he
is always in the races for the batting
Emma Miller (12)
“My Tiger is Joel ‘zoom-zoom’
Zumaya. He throws so hard,
topping a hundred almost every time he
they make goes back to the Gladwin Co-op pre-
school program because this program is all fund-
raiser based.
I have appreciated being placed with
Kristie Bittner and Tina Raymond.
Being with them and being a part of
this program have reminded me how
much I enjoy working with kids. In
their class, I have a variety of responsi-
bilities. I am in charge of various
stations which change all the time. I also
help with writing, math work, different
arts and crafts, and playing games that
have to do with the main focus of the
week. Some days I am not in the room
much because I make copies for what
we are doing for the week. Soon I will
be placed in their class for three days,
which means I will be able to work with
four-year-olds and do different activi-
ties. I like that I am the one to start these
children in their learning.
I have wanted to work with kids for many years. I
thought being placed in a preschool program was
going to be too much on me, but really it helped me.
56 January 27, 2011 Sparks

What do you prefer..

looks OR Personality ? By Jade Cameron

“I would choose personality over looks,
but looks do help! I like it when guys are
funny, outgoing, and easy to talk to, and
they actually try and get to know me!”
~Mallory Coté (13)
“I would go with personality; you can’t just pick a guy because
they’re amazingly hot and they have the worst personality ever. You
should get to know them and like them for who they are. It is
always going to be a plus if they’re hot on top of their awesome
personality!”
~Morgan Reid (13)

“What I look for in a guy is personality; you don’t want to date someone that’s
totally boring. I like funny guys; they may not be the hottest in the school, but at
least they’re not full of themselves. Looks are important, too, though. You have to
be attracted to one another to like each other, just make sure you don’t date a guy
who acts like he’s God’s gift to women.”
~Dayna Bunton (11)

“What I look for in a guy is someone who loves
you just the way you are, a person who cares
about your feelings, and who will stick with you
even when you’re being grouchy. I want someone
who’s funny and doesn’t have to act like they’re
tough; a little sensitivity to things that matter is a
good personality to me.”
~Kelsie Nichols (12)
“I would choose personality because looks aren’t
everything, I would want a guy who would have things in
common with me, treat me well, and care for me. If he had a
good personality and good looks then that’s just a plus, but I
would definitely choose personality.”
~Ashley Schaudt (12)

Mid - Michigan Chiropractic

Albert P. Sawaya, D.C., C.C.S.P.

Vasher’s
Country
Gardens
Certified in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
“Home Of The Fruit And Vegetable” 120 Commerce Court * Gladwin, MI 48624
Contact Richard “Leo” Vasher (989) 426-6121
at (989) 426-2301
 January 27, 2011 57
Best, Worst and Wackiest Christmas Presents
Best
Sparks
By Becky Noteboom
“The past three Christmases have

Best
“Every year my grandma buys brought the strangest gifts. Last year I
me these extremely ugly shirts. got a cowbell, the year before I got a
Some have ruffles or even puffy triangle (the instrument). Then the year
“For Christmas this year my sleeves. They all seem to before that I got a spatula; at that time
mom bought me a pink HDTV. mysteriously disappear.” I didn’t even know how to cook.”
When I opened the box I said, - Chris Richard (11)

Worst
-Cristyn King (13)
‘Oh my gosh, it’s pink.’ I knew
I got a TV, but I didn’t know it “I got a pie plate from my grandma
was pink. It was an amazing because I made a pie for
Christmas.” Thanksgiving. I really don’t like
-Autumn McDunnah (12) making pies. Then, as a joke my uncle
“One year for Christmas, my
got me a hunk of coal; he also got me
“When I was twelve, all of parents bought all of us kids a go-
the karaoke machine I wanted, which
my family came over for cart. Well, I was around 5 and my
made up for the coal.”
dad decided to let me drive it.

t
Christmas. Looking back - Katie Burrill (11)

ies
After that day, no one got to ride it

k
now, it was the best

ac
Christmas ever because it because I put it in the ditch.”

W
hasn’t happened since.” -Raven Koontz (11)
-Jessica Gildersleeve (11)

Bowling: Sport or not? Matter of opinion?

By Becky Noteboom
There is much skepticism over First, you must get your approach down. on the approach line up with what people ten pin and hit it hard enough on the right
whether bowling is a sport or if it is just You keep your head up, put the ball at call their marks. These are arrows on the side to send it across to hit the seven pin.
a hobby. In bowling, the basic game- your side, bend your knee, and take a deep lane that people try to shoot at to try to Once you become more advanced you
plan is that you throw a ball down the breath. Depending on how many steps you get their ball to go in the pocket. The begin to worry about breaking points and
lane to knock down up to 10 pins at take, you may start to move your ball on pocket is the area just right of the head- oil patterns. Breaking point changes at
once. Yes, you can get good scores if your first or second step. You bring it pin, for right handers (for left everything every set of lanes you go to. A breaking
you just chuck straight out and is opposite to my explanation), Brooklyn point is the point on the lane where the
it down there, bring it back and is the area just left of the head pin. ball begins to hook just enough to get the
but for people as it comes Brooklyn gives you strikes too, but you ball to go in the pocket. Oil patterns
who are into forward release are much more likely to get some nasty range from oily, so the ball doesn’t hook
bowling and and let your arm splits when you shoot over here. as much, to dry, where it hooks as much
the science follow through Once you can throw as it can possibly
behind it, it is on the move- the ball at the same spot hook.
much more ment that was most of the time, it’s Not all sports
complicated created by the time to work on spares. are contact
than that. ball. When you These are the pins left sports; some are
There are are done, you over when you don’t more a head
things called should be knock all of the pins game. That is
breaking standing at the down on the first shot. what bowling is.
points, foul line. Pay There are magazines It takes a lot of
Brooklyn, the attention to that give you expert thinking to bowl,
Pocket, whether or not advice as to how far on and bowl well.
picking up spares, strikes, splits, you can stay in the position you end in for the approach to move to There will
balance, marks, oil patterns, hook on the a few seconds. If you can’t, you’re not hit the pins. Splits are a always be
ball, and approach. The people who balanced, which generally means you need different story. Splits skeptics as to
bowl regularly have most of these terms to bend your knees more when you’re are when there are two whether bowling
down, so they know how to compensate bringing the ball forward. or more pins that are at is a sport, but to
for oil conditions, know the breaking After you have all of that down, and do least one pins space me, it is because
point on a lane so they can change it consistently, you need to figure out apart. Generally for splits you shoot at it does take hard work, just not the kind
where they throw or their position on where you should stand on the approach the easiest, or the most pins on the lane. that makes you sweat.
the approach to make the ball reach this and where your mark is. At the local The seven-ten split is the worst. It’s the
point, and know how their ball hooks so bowling alley there are seven dots on a two corner pin in the back on opposite
they can manage it. lane with five boards in-between. The dots sides. To pick it up you must shoot at the
58 January 27, 2011
Surviving a dangerous rollover wreck teaches life lessons
By Emerald Eagle
My first car accident was the most frightening
occurrence that I had ever experienced. It was June 2,
2010, a Tuesday afternoon. My cousin Cayleen Diffin
(11) and I were riding through the countryside on the
way back from her house. We had to get her clothes for
her track banquet she was attending. We decided to
take this road that we always go down that had a big
hill on our way back to town,
but it was a wet and rainy day.
I had my little mermaid
blanket with me because I was
cold and I was wearing a t-shirt
and shorts. I also didn’t have
any shoes on because I hate
wearing shoes, and I figured
that we were just going to
Cayleen’s, then back to my
house to finish watching
‘Resident Evil’ but that didn’t
happen.
I remember Cayleen was
driving and we were listening to music, having a great
time.Then we went down this road that had a bunch of
chatter bumps. We didn’t have control of the car as it
was, but then all of a sudden we hit a soft spot in the
road, and we just lost it from there.
We fish tailed it in the ditch then flipped it. I remem-
ber holding on to the passenger door screaming
Cayleen’s name while we were going sideways in the
ditch. I was out of it; I could barely hear anything that
she was saying to me. I remember her asking me if I was
alright, then I looked at the dashboard. I unbuckled my
seat-belt and crawled out of the shattered passenger
window. I grabbed my little mermaid blanket and started
going up the ditch to find Cayleen to see if she was hurt
in any way. She had to grab her phone from under the
driver’s seat to call my aunt Shari (her mom) and my
mom to tell them what happened.
I was bleeding everywhere; I had blood running
Changing schools my senior year wasn’t all I thought it could be
By Jeremy Crosby
My whole junior year, I hated
being here in Gladwin, attend-
ing Gladwin High School. I
hated knowing that I knew
everyone that walked down the
hallways in this school. I
decided to move out of my
grandparents house to go live
with my mom. I had my mind
made up: I was going to
transfer to Beaverton High School.
I remember my mom telling me, “Just because we
live in Beaverton, it doesn’t mean you need to change
for your last year of high school.” I told her that I
didn’t want to go back to Gladwin.
Yes, I have friends, but there are still those people
that have to either make fun of you for who you are or
put you down so they feel good. I am the type of
person that doesn’t care who you are, but if you’re
down my left hand and my right knee while I was pulling
glass out of it. Cayleen wrapped my finger with a shirt
she had on over her tank-top, and we walked up a
driveway that was right next to ditch and started
knocking on the door to see if anyone was home. No
one answered, so we walked back to the car.
Then, I just lost it.
Seeing that car flipped in that
ditch knowing I was just in that
accident made me lose it. Cayleen
called her mom and told her that we
just flipped the car and we needed
an ambulance, so Aunt
Shari told her to call 911
and tell them where we
were. While we were
waiting for the ambu-
lance to arrive, we came
going to judge me, then I don’t care to talk to
people like you.
Life is way too short to judge people. This is
something I was told by my aunt. She says, “Who
are you to judge? There is only one true judge,
and that’s God.” So why do people think that they
should judge you for who you are?
I thought I’d escape judgement by changing
schools, but I didn’t. I honestly hated attending
Beaverton. I wish I would have never transferred
there. It seemed to me people there were way more
judgemental than Gladwin. They just judged me
before they even knew who I was or what my name
was. My best friend who went to Beaverton was
there for three weeks, and then she got sick of the
drama of people wanting to start confrontations
with her over ridiculous stuff. Honestly, there was
drama the second week of school. I mean, come
on, the second week of school and there’s teenage
drama already? My best friend dropped out of
Sparks
across about three different people that stopped and
tried to help us.
The ambulance showed up about ten minutes later,
and I wanted Cayleen to ride to the hospital with me
but they wouldn’t let her because she had to stay and
talk to a police about what happened. Later, I found out
that she got a ticket for careless driving. On our way to
the hospital, I kept thinking that I was going to die
because I thought I lost so much blood. Before I knew
it, I was at the hospital on a bed waiting for a doctor to
arrive, so I could get the rest of the glass out of my
knee and see what was up with my finger.
While I was
waiting, Cayleen
walked in the room
and started crying,
saying how sorry
she was and how
she had thought
she killed me and
how scared she
was for me. The
doctor finally
arrived and told me
I needed nine
stitches in my knee,
and I had no skin
on my left middle finger. They numbed my leg and that
was the worst pain I have ever felt in my entire life; that
big needle going in my knee burned so badly that I
wanted to punch the doctor, but it was all over soon
enough. I got to go home about two or three hours
later. Trying to sleep that night was horrible not only
because my anxiety was still so worked up, but also
fact that I had to sleep knowing I was just in a car
accident about five or six hours before.
Needless to say, I hope this was my first and last car
accident, and there certainly were lessons to be learned
about safe driving.
Beaverton because of the drama and not having
enough credits to graduate. I wish she would have
just tried to work and stay in school, but drama is a lot
of a teenager’s life in high school.
People need to understand that kids come to
school for friends and to learn, not to be put down by
people that think they are better. I understand how
she felt because that’s how it is for me in Gladwin.
Just because people think that they are better than
others doesn’t make it fair. Some people come off as
different. So what.
My grandmother always told me growing up, “If
everyone was the same, then it would be a very dull
world, don’t you think?” Just because some people
are different, maybe it’s a good thing they want to be
different. Transferring to Beaverton and back taught
me so much. Just because some people put me down
doesn’t mean I should try to move away from that. I
have just as much right to be here as they do.
 January 27, 2011 Sparks 59
Kegan Smith LTD: Living the dream on the court
By Lucas Allen
Kegan Smith (11) is known around the JPC as a force on the hardwood floor.
As a two time captain as well as a four year varsity player, Smith is someone who
not only has the talent but the drive and leadership required for those who wish to
be known as simply “the best.” SPARKS recently sat down with Kegan and
discussed his basketball career with him.

A lot of people would say you are the

What is the most important life
lesson that you have learned from
playing basketball?
“...teamwork. You can be the best
player ever, but if you don’t work
together as a team, you won’t ever
accomplish anything. The same goes in
life, whether it’s a job or anything else,
you have to be able to work with other
people and be productive.”
best basketball player in the JPC this
year. How does it feel to have that
recognition?
“I say that it’s an honor. There have
been a lot of great players in this
conference and to be put on the same
level with some of them, well, it’s a
dream come true.”
What are your goals for your senior
season of basketball?
“Win the Distract Championship, then
Regionals and maybe make it into the
1,000 point club.”
Who has had the biggest impact on
your career and why?
“My dad and Mr. Smalley. They were
both my coaches all the way up until high
school while I was at sacred heart. They
have both taught me a lot about the
game.”

PC Game “League of Legends” delivers

action packed escape
By Andrew Kruske
Have you ever been sitting around,
thinking, “I really wish I had some
random strangers to throw knives at.”
Well then, I have just the game for you!
What is this mysterious game? It’s called
League of Legends, and it’s currently
available on the Internet for the low price
of absolutely nothing! That’s right folks,
free! It’s like the Coke Zero of video
games, if Coke Zero had a fountain of joy
coming out both sides and fiery pyrotech-
nics that blow the lid off when you look
at it. In other words, it’s free, it’s enter-
taining, and it’s intense.
But why is it so spectacular? Let me
break it down for you. The only thing it
compares to is kind of a hybrid of
capture the flag and other objective based
games, but you really have to play it to
understand it. You start out in teams of 5,
and you are assigned one side of the map.
The object is to destroy the opposing
team’s defensive towers and main base
before they get to yours. This simple
objective requires a complex balance of
attack and defense, and basically,
whoever can multitask the best will win. I
know, it sounds boring, but it’s not!
There are tons of things unique to the
game that will ensure that every game is
different than the last. First off, there are
a huge variety of characters to pick from,
and each with a different skill set. Each
of the 65 champions requires a different
strategy, so the perfect way to switch
things up is just to play as someone else.
And with new champions being added
every two weeks, running out is unlikely
to ever happen. One of my personal
favorite champions is a chick named
Akali. Akali has 4 abilities that are
unique to her, and a specific role on a
team. She is considered to be a Melee
DPS character, which basically just
means she has to be close to hit enemies,
and she excels in doing as much damage
as possible in a small amount of time.
But this also means she has lower health
than some champions, so she has to be
careful. All 4 of her abilities do some-
thing completely different, and one of
them even makes her invisible for a
certain amount of time. Sounds sweet,
doesn’t it? That’s because it is!
But that’s not all. To even further
differentiate between players in the game,
there’s an in game shop that you can buy
items from with money earned from
defeating enemy units. All the items do
something completely different, and
allow you to build a character any way
you want to. For example, if you wanted
to make a character with a lot of health,
just buy one of the many
health items. Same goes for
damage, or anything else in
the game. It’s just a level of
customization that just pushes
this game above a lot of
others. There are also runes
you can buy, which perma-
nently boost certain abilities,
and masteries, which slightly
increase certain traits or
actions.
I know, it sounds incredibly
nerdy, but it’s not! Tons of people play it,
and just because it’s not flashy like Black
Ops or Halo Reach, doesn’t mean you
should bash it without trying it. As lame
as it sounds, it actually gives you an
adrenaline rush to plan out something
with your team and execute it flawlessly.
So, just go home and download it, play
the tutorial, and play some games. When
you understand just how deep the game
is, you’ll be hooked. It’s free, what do
you have to lose?
6 January 27, 2011
On being the
new kid in school...
By Mallia Cuddie
For me, switching schools was quite
exciting. I went from having a class of
five students to a class of 150 students. It
was quite a change for me. Before
attending Gladwin High School, I went to
Skeels Christian School. Not only is
Skeels way smaller of a school, but it’s
way different in many ways.
At Skeels, the high school ranges from 7th grade to
12th grade, totalling 30 some students. Here at
Gladwin, that many students could be in a classroom at
one time. The whole school district of Skeels is also in
one building.
Skeels was like one huge family, everyone knew one
another, everyone was great friends, and everyone
knew everything about everyone else’s business. For
one class we would have to combine grades: 7th and 8th
together, 9th and 10th together, and 11th and 12th
together. So each year you would move up a grade
with your classmates, whom you had grown to know
very well.
The big difference for me switching schools was the
size of the school. At Skeels, there was one hallway
and four classrooms, and here it seemed there were so
many classrooms and teachers and people, I could
easily get lost. I was not used to this many people
coming at me in the hall at all directions. It was
ridiculous!
Also, at Skeels there were no locker coms, so getting
the hang of using a locker combination again was kind
of difficult. Even though it was quite difficult to adjust
to the new environment I was in, Gladwin High School
has welcomed me greatly and I am very thankful that I
came back to attend school here.
Let’s Keep Our
Youth Drug Free.
Keep safety in mind
Mike Shea
this winter.
Gladwin County Sheriff
501 W. Cedar Ave
(989) 426-9284
1-800-426-0911
Sparks
Cancer can affect anyone...
The day it affected
my family
When I look back to the days when I was a young on her head. I knew she was miserable, she hated
child I think of all the great memories I had, but the being bald. But each day we told her she was
one memory that sticks out the most actually wasn’t beautiful the way she was, to help her through the
so great. This was the day I found out my mom had horrible time she was going through.
cancer. For me the days felt like weeks, and the weeks,
The word still hurts when I hear it, cancer. I years; I can only imagine how my mother felt. Many
remember the day very well, like it was yesterday. chemo treatments and doctors appointments later, my
My mom came home from the doctor, my dad with mom is free from cancer. Though looking back on
her. I knew something was wrong by the pain in their those days still hurts, I know that I won’t have to
eyes. I was only eleven years old at the time, but I worry about it anymore because she is now healed.
knew something was wrong. They sat me down, tears
rolling down their cheeks, as they spoke the words
that would soon change our lives. “Your mother has
breast cancer,” my dad spoke.
Those words were ringing in my ear for quite some
time before I spoke. When I finally did speak,
nothing would come out. Tears streaming down my
face, I closed my eyes and just hugged my mom. I
will never forget that sad moment, it will be forever
with me. Days later my mom started her chemo
treatments. Doctor appointment after doctor appoint-
ment, it seemed like that was our life at that point. It
seemed like my mom was always sick, day after day,
not feeling good. It hurt me so badly to see her like
this, but there was nothing to do but keep fighting.
The day my dad shaved my mom’s head was the
worst. Each day I could see her hair thinning out, and
I knew the day would come when finally she would
have none at all. I came home from school one day,
and I saw my mother, sitting in the chair with no hair
60 January 27, 2011 Sparks

‘Small Engines’ tractor pull gets the lead out By Matt Wilson
For the first time ever, you may have heard the

pull
rumbling of tractors from industrial hall getting
ready for the tractor pull. This tractor pull was first
hour versus seventh hour of the Small Engines
classes. These two teams worked on their tractors
just to see who had the better tractor and ability to
fix a tractor from the beginning of the year. It all
came down to who could pull the other tractor over
the taped line.
There were three rounds and the one that beat
the other one two out of three times was to be the
winner. In the first round, seventh hour took an
early lead, but it wasn’t over and first hour wasn’t
ready to give up. The crowd was so pumped up to
cheer for both teams, you couldn’t tell what team
they were cheering for.
In the second round, seventh hour won again,
but just because they won doesn’t mean they
couldn’t do the last one just for fun. Out of
nowhere, first hour won the final round.
The ring leader of this tractor pull was the
industrial arts teacher, Andy Keson who said, “It is
always a worthwhile lesson when students can
actively collaborate on a project and have a
wonderful experience in the process. Next year, I
plan on changing the tractor pull to a junior
dragster competition.”

NEMCSA Head Start

Serving Gladwin & Beaverton
Located in Gladwin Elementary
School
No Cost Preschool Program for
3 to 5 year olds who qualify.

Call 989-246-3177 for more info.

In accordance with Federal law and USDA policy, this institution is
prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin,
sex, age, or disability.

1851 Schoettler Road

Post Office Box 1065
Chesterfield, MO 63006-1065

Office Hours:
1139 E. Cedar Avenue Office: (989) 426-8461 Monday, Wednesday, & Friday
P.O. Box 367 Fax: (989) 426-2121
Gladwin, MI 48624 pattchiro@hotmail.com
7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Tuesday 8:15 am - 12:00 noon
Closed Thursday
 January 27, 2011
Missing the race of the year
By Eric Height
June 4, 2010, was the
biggest track meet of the year,
states. This is where the top
athletes all gather up to
compete against each other to
see who’s the best of the best.
It’s also the most nerve-racking meet of
the year and it’s a big opportunity to be
able to make it there. It’s not every day
that you make it to states for a sport so
when you’re there you want to do the
best that you can and have fun with it too
even though it’s a competition. I was
fortunate enough to make it, but I missed
my race.
Yes, missed my race.
Missed it.
Missed the one event I had trained so
hard for.
All year round I was waiting for the
chance to make it to states. I practiced
hard all year and finally the chance came.
My time kept improving through the
season, and I was getting pumped. It was
a long road to the state competition.
Regionals came so fast, but I knew I
was ready. I had to run the preliminaries,
semi finals, and then the finals. Then the
time came for the 100 but I wasn’t
thinking of the race as the race to make
it to states; I just thought of it as any
normal race. Before we started, I was
more nervous than ever, but I knew that it
was time to give it my all. When the gun
went off at the start, I was out of my
blocks and all I remember is that
Rasheed from Bridge Port and I were in
the lead, and him having 2 steps ahead of
me. In the end, he got 1st and I got second
but I was still happy. When the 200
came, it started to downpour and they
made us run it because the storm was
getting worse. It was the most amazing
race that ive been in because of all the
rain, it was night time, the lights were on
us, and this was the race to states. I came
in fourth place in the end but I wasn’t
mad because I got to run against awe-
some athletes and that I gave it my all. I
was also excited that I made it to states in
the 100.
After the loss to Rasheed, it made me
want to practice harder than ever because
I knew I was going to have to run against
him at states and I didn’t want him
beating me for a second time. Well after
regional’s, we had 2 weeks before states.
I went out on the track everyday so I
could get prepared for states. All I
wanted to do is be able to make it in at
least the top 3 finalists and that was my
main goal at this point. The last time I
timed myself in the 100 meter dash I ran
an 11.0 and I knew that that was going to
be good enough to place at states. So at
this point I was more confident in what I
could run and I knew that when I got to
the point of the race I would be able to
run faster than that because of all the
competition. When you have a lot of
competition in a race, you tend to run
faster and lower your time.
The day before the race I decided to
go on the track and run a little bit more
before the big day. I practiced for about
an hour then I went home because it
started pouring. I went to map quest to
print off the directions to Comstock High
School. Falling asleep was not an easy
task that night, all I could think about was
states, than the big day was here. I went
with my mom and we went to pick up
Kyle King (11) and it was about 5:30 in
the morning, and we had about a two in a
half hour drive until we got there. So here
we were, Grand Rapids. When we got
there on time, nobody was there and we
thought that the meet just got canceled.
There were a few people there and we
Sparks 61
asked were the state track meet was.
We talked to a lady that was there and
she was going to go watch her son run.
She called her son, and he said that they
were in Kalamazoo not Grand Rapids.
We were 50 miles away from where we
were supposed to be, and I knew at this
point there was no way that I was going
to make it. I didn’t expect that I would
miss this opportunity like this all because
we typed in the wrong directions. We
were supposed to go to Comstock Park
High School not Comstock High School.
All that hard work for nothing, I said to
myself, just because of bad directions.
We still went to the track meet and
watched it for a little bit. We saw a few
people from Gladwin there, and I talked
to some of the athletes that I knew that
were there competing and wished them
luck.
From all of this, it made me want to
train harder and be better than I have
before so that next time I go, I actually
make it to the race and do better than
ever before, and hopefully come out on
top.
Oh, yeah, and I won’t miss the race.
I promise.

My favorite movie quote is... by Darin Dupre

“My favorite movie quote is from the movie

Grownups. It’s when the little girl says, ‘I want
to get chocolate wasted.’ I just couldn’t stop “It’s not a purse, it’s called a satchel,
laughing when she said that. Grownups is by far and Indiana Jones wears one.”
the funniest movie ever! I loved it!” The Hangover
~Allie Keys (11) ~Jessica Gildersleeve (11)

“Do or do not. There is no try.”

Jedi master Yoda
“My favorite quote is from The
~Andrew Keson
Hangover, and it’s when Stu says, ‘I
look like a nerdy hillbilly,’ and when
he says to Alan, ‘You are too stupid
to insult.’ I don’t know why it’s my
favorite, but it’s a good quote from a
“You don’t say that!” good movie.”
Step Brothers
~Brandon Lagalo (11)
~Justin Greenlick (11)
 62 January 27, 2011
County’s manger scene ignites unnecessary controversy
By Caleb Hortop
Small towns across the United States, including our
hometown of Gladwin, have displayed typical and
quaint Nativity scenes on their courthouse lawns for
decades. According to a recent Fox News poll, 87
percent of Americans don’t have a problem with a
Nativity scene in a public city area. This poll also
showed that 96 percent of Americans celebrate Christ-
mas. Politically, there is hardly even a divide, as 94
percent of Republicans support a public Nativity scene,
while 84 percent of Democrats and 82 percent of
Independents share the same support. So why do
groups like the Wisconsin based “Freedom From
Religion Foundation” continue to pick on little towns
and bring in legal brawn? I found myself asking the
same question.
Most people understand that an issue from this out of
state organization mailed a letter expressing an alleged
concern of a Gladwin citizen regarding the privately
owned Nativity scene on our courthouse lawn. They
claimed that it was against “religious liberty” for the
Nativity scene to be placed on the lawn, even as it sat
toward the corner near the sidewalk. As a person who
attended the commissioners’ meeting regarding this
issue and stood peaceable in defense of the Nativity, I
assure you that this organization was doing all they
could to pressure the local commissioners to set a spur-
of-the-moment policy in fear of an FFRF lawsuit.
Constitutionally, I would say that the Nativity was a
local expression of religious liberty, as it is privately
owned and maintained and represents the views of local
citizens. If a local citizen of the Jewish faith wanted a
Menorah on another part of the lawn, then let them.
That is religious liberty; not the prohibition of all
symbolism. Complete symbolic prohibition would be the
counter-liberty, tyrannical view point.
This year, Gladwin’s privately owned and permitted
Nativity scene stood firm throughout the Christmas
season. The Gladwin county commissioners are working
on a policy of tolerance and continued liberty of
peaceable expression on the lawn, similar to a policy
currently in place in Midland. With a policy, they believe
conflicts in the future will be avoided and citizens can
continue to be represented on a basis of protocol.
After looking into the website of this organization, it
is apparent that the take pride and purpose in barring
any form or display of any Judeo-Christian symbolism.
They apparently have annual “conventions” in which
they bloviate and rally around their funded legal team to
run around the country to strip our nation of anything
Christian and values oriented. So if all of these people
refuse to acknowledge a divine power, why do they care
if some of us in Gladwin do? It’s not as though our
churches are running around putting crosses and
covering public lands in agnostic areas. We live in a
community where over 95 percent of population
celebrates a holiday marking the birth of the Christian
messiah, and we have a humble symbol reflecting that
history and the views of our community, until a group
with nothing better to do in another state tells us we
can’t? I don’t think so. I think that we, the people of
Gladwin, can decide for ourselves what we want on our
courthouse lawn!
What is the solution the FFRF has for us? They have
their trained legal team to win the way values-omitting,
anti-popular-sovereignty institutions always win - the
courts. From rural Indiana to Gladwin, they have
brought in their big money legal teams that our commu-
nity cannot afford to combat to take our heritage and
taken-for-granted community symbolism away. How
about we have a vote instead? How about the people of
Gladwin have the chance to rise up and make their own
community decisions!
Sparks
If we back down in Gladwin over the Nativity scene,
this “foundation” will already build upon their ground-
work to ban things like the National Day of Prayer. It’s
already a link on their website. Last I checked all
religions “pray,” and in a nation with, according to post-
gazette.com, over 90 percent of the populous who
regularly pray, I would say it is an appropriate and
established day on our calendar. Certainly you do not
need a respective day to do something as simple as
praying; it does serve as a reality check to keep our
heritage and national perspective. Remember the day’s
origin, right after September 11, 2001, the largest terrorist
attack on U.S. soil. On that daunting day in our history,
you didn’t see organizations throwing a tantrum over a
Nativity scene or a cross on a public or private lawn.
You saw a nation wounded but banded together. As a
young kid in elementary school, I remember the horror
followed by a renewed national hope. Only in our values
oriented nation, the United States, can something so
tragic and terror striking bring a nation arm-in-arm and
praying together. That is why we have the National Day
of Prayer and use symbolism that reflects the views of
our nation on days like Christmas!
Legally, from what I understand, public lawns are
there to reflect the views of their citizens. Last I checked,
the Nativity scene reflects the views of more than 95
percent of Gladwin citizens. Perhaps a percentage of
citizens celebrate Hanukkah, another Judeo-Christian
holiday. That’s fine; they can display a menorah or
symbolic gesture reflecting their views. The point is
simply that displays on public lawns reflect the mindset
and values of the constituents dwelling in the commu-
nity, and for the City of Gladwin, our Nativity scene is
just fine.

Fainting incident turns into a hospital visit, burns and bandages

By Penny Price
November 15, 2010, started out as
one of the best days of the year
because, first, there was no school.
Second, it was the official opening day
of deer season. Sadly, it didn’t end as
good as it started. Little did I know,
events would land me in the
hospital.
My day started pretty normal
for not having school. I got up
around 10 a.m. and ate break-
fast. Normally I don’t eat
breakfast, but I planned on
giving blood so I needed a
good breakfast. After breakfast
I did my chores for the day.
Then it was time to give blood
so my mom and I went up to the
Harrison VFW hall where Michigan
blood was doing their blood drive.
After donating and everything going
as expected, we headed back home.
Since I couldn’t lift anything heavy
or anything like that when I got home, I
decided to change the license plate
lights on my mom’s tracker. After
being irritated with the lights, I asked
my dad to come help. He left the leaf
fire with my mom and came to help
me. Letting my dad take over
changing the light, I thought I would
go help my mom with the leaf fire.
Watching the fire
got kind of boring, so I
leaned on the top of
the pitch fork, just
watching the leaves
burn. The next thing I
knew I was on the
ground being sprayed
with a hose. I passed
out and face planted
into the burning leaves
I was watching. As the story goes, I
was leaning on the pitch fork and
then in slow motion I started to fall
forward. My mom tried calling to me
so I would get up and out of the fire,
but I didn’t answer. That’s when she
came over and dragged me out of the
fire. She called to my dad who was
working on the tracker and told him
to grab the hose. He just stood there
stunned for a few moments not quite
knowing what was going on. After
realizing what just happened, he
brought the hose to my mom. She
sprayed me from foot to head with
water so that the coals on me would
go out. As I came to, I started to
stand up and bat the water out of my
eyes. I got stood up and my mom
made me go into the house. Getting
into the house she made me go into
the bathroom to clean up my face
and hands so she could see how
bad I was burned.
Seeing that I had first and second
degree burns on my right hand and
upper lip and passed out my mom
made me go into the emergency
room. It really didn’t hurt that bad,
but when I put a cool wash cloth on
my hand and lip I could barley feel
the warmness from the burn. Well in
the questioning area of the ER I
started to pass out again, so the
nurse gave me orange juice and took
me back to a room. She took my vitals
again and my blood sugar, they said
all of them looked fine. Then the
doctor came in and asked a bunch of
the same questions the nurse did
earlier like what’s your birthday,
how’d this happen, on a scale one to
ten how much does it hurt. They all
said I have a high pain tolerance
because on a scale one to ten my pain
was about a two. By the time I could
leave the ER I didn’t really didn’t need
the cool cloth as much.
The next week was interesting. I
had a second degree burn on my
upper lip that made it look like I had a
fat lip, a large bandage on my neck
from where we think the pitch fork
handle gouged me, and for the first
couple days my right hand was all
bandaged up.
Needless to say, it was an interest-
ing experience that I’ll never forget,
and for now, I have the scars to
remind me.
January 27, 2011 Sparks 63
Outdoor Adventures
By David Welke and Hunter Young
 7.) Allyssa Kory (11) 5.) Andrew Gatz (11) 3.) Nathan Jarosiewicz (11) 1.) Emma Miller (12)

6.) Andrew Kruske (12) 4.) Tyler Henry (11) 2.) Andrea Harris (11)
7.) Jonah Brown (13)
64 January 27, 2011

a.)

d.)

e.)

g.)
f.)

h.)
c.)
b.)

4) e
3) b
1) d
2) h
6) f
7) c
8) a
5) g
ANSWERS:
Sparks

rockin’ fly kicks?


Key Club mid year review: Why they serve
By Caleb Hortop
Bimonthly this club meets in Courtney
Verellen’s room before school, as other
clubs of the same nature meet in high
school around America. At the end of the
day, what is this “club” set out to do? Is it
some high school secret society or
peculiar gathering of people with
collections of keys? The answer: neither.
Key club is the oldest and largest
community service program for high
school students in the United States,
predominantly student led. The group has
a standard council and is a high school
branch of Kiwanis International.
While many teenagers are out focusing
on self-life issues and having public pre-
conceived notion of being hooligans, the
members of Key Club are restoring the
teenage label. Key Club members are the
high school student you see around the
community ringing the Salvation Army
bells at local businesses, selling lemon-
ade at lunch for cancer research, hosting
walking/bowl-a-thons for cystic fibrosis;
the list goes on.
Most people would assume that you
they wouldn’t meet the requirements or
don’t have time for such an active
65
organization. This would be an invalid
response however, as anyone with a
genuine desire to give a little back to
their community is welcome to join and
be a part of Key Club. No members can
be involved in every initiative, but they
can make an effort to do their part
wherever they can. This year, GHS has
around twenty members contributing the
Key Club organization members had the
opportunity to explain why they serve
and how Key Club has affected their life.
Why don’t you check out a meeting
before school some Wednesday?

“Being a member of Key Club “This is my first year in Key “I am currently treasurer of Key
gives me a great opportunity to Club and I have helped with Alex’s Club and have participated in
serve the community and work Lemonade Stand at lunch and bell ringing for the Salvation
with friends from school at the attend the meetings. I’m looking Army nad Alex’s Lemonade
same time. I currently serve as the forward to next year!” Stand. I’m looking forward to
secretary and regularly make ~ Allison Kistler (14) continuing to be a part of this
meeting agendas.” service organization through my
~Brittney Roggow (12) next year.”
~Caleb Hortop (12)

Please join us for the

8 Annual Co-ed Volleyball
th
th

When: Saturday, March 12 Tournament!!! th

(between sports seasons)

Where: Gladwin High School Gym

Cost: ONLY $10 with a paid sponsor *(see below)
OR $20 per player without a sponsor (and either way you get a free t-shirt!)
Time: Play begins at 9 am for most teams
Age: Must be at least 14 years old
Deadline: Teams must register and pay by March 1st
Each team needs at least 2 girls on the court at a time. Volleyball rules apply. Type of play (round robin, etc.) depends on the
number of teams entered. There is no cost to enter for spectators.

*If your team decides to pay $10 each and get a sponsor: A $50 donation will get the sponsor’s name on the back of the
tournament t-shirt, their name displayed at the tournament and in the local newspaper. Sponsors also get a t-shirt! Sponsors can
be a business, group or individuals.
Proceeds benefit Gladwin Volleyball
If interested in playing, being a sponsor, or have questions, contact Katrina Shearer at markats@ejourney.com or (989) 426-3655 (H)
66 January 27, 2011 Sparks

Who are we?

Do you know these celebrities
1 by their real names, 14

not their characters?

By Kirsten Rhodes

13
A. Kathryn Beckinsale
2 B. Stephen Emery
3 C. Emma Watson
D. Natalie Hershlag 12
E. Hugh Jackman
F. Monroe Rathbone
G. Olivia Cockburn
H. Ryan Kwanten
I. Anna Paquin
J. Holly Marie Combs 11
4 K. Scarlett Johansson
L. Toby Hemingway
M. Sam Trammell
5 N. Robert Speedman
10

9
6

Answer Key: 1. L, 2. H, 3. E, 4. F, 5. M, 6. B, 7. N, 8. K, 9. A, 10. G, 11. I, 12. J, 13. C, 14. D

January 27, 2011 Sparks 67

By Timothy James Sandridge

and Joshua Elston
68 January 27, 2011 Sparks

acre
white fluffy By Brandon Dadacki

stuff
“Adversity draws men
together and produces
beauty and harmony
in life’s relationships,
just as the cold of
winter produces ice-
flowers on the
window-panes, which
vanish with the
warmth.”

Soren Kierkegaard
 January 27, 2011
A Black Friday
By Garrett Buzzell
I can sum up my Black Friday experience quite
simply; it was absolutely abysmal! Going shopping on
Black Friday was a terrible mistake. If you enjoy a
sleepless night and waiting in long lines
for hours on end, then Black Friday is
just the thing for you. With absolute
certainty, I can say it was an absolutely
awful experience. It’s definitely not
something I’m going to repeat anytime
soon, if ever.
I arrived in Midland at 5:00 a.m. The
first stop was going to be Target to get
the great movie deals. By the time I
walked in the store there were seven cash registers
open, all of which had lines of shoppers winding
through every aisle to the back of the store. Even so, I
made a quick search only to find nothing. I really
wanted to hit Best Buy and get some stuff for my
computer, but there was a line of people backed up
I got game
By Justin Emeott
To me, Guitar Hero is one
of the best games ever. It
can definitely be challeng-
ing. People might think that
I’m not good at it, because I
can’t see. Well, I play it
differently than most people.
So, that might be another reason why people think I
can’t play. The way I play it is instead of playing with
five fingers, I play with only two. That might sound
impossible or unbelievable, but it’s true. Now it may not
be like I could be the best or one of the best. However, I
can still take on anyone and have a good chance of
beating them. My favorite Guitar Hero game is Guitar
Hero Metallica. The game is fun. I think that some
of the songs are hard to get good scores on. One
of the hardest songs I think is “Battery.” It
is probably one of the hardest to
beat. If you’re on expert, the
hardest is “Through the Fire
and Flames,” by Dragon
Force. The song is fast, and
there is a lot of hammer on
and pull off.
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nightmare
outside of the store. Seeing this I went to the one place I
thought would still be good, Wal-Mart.
Sadly, Wal-Mart was no better. It
looked like a tornado came
through the place. It kind of
reminded me of Times Square the
day after New Year’s Day. Still, I
thought just maybe I could find
something, anything to make the
trip not a wasted one. No such
luck. Leaving Wal-Mart rather
disappointed, I was still hoping to
go to Best Buy, but there was still a line outside
the store. Not wanting to miss my chance at Best Buy,
I decided to kill some time at Meijer.
I was a little encouraged when I entered; there was
nobody to be seen. My optimism was very short lived.
The reason there wasn’t activity in the front of the store
was because there was a horde of people in the electron-
The Amp present review!
By Justin O’ Laughlin
Two months before Christmas, I was looking at
guitar amps on guitarcenter.com, and I found the
perfect amp for me that was decently priced. It
was a Peavey Vypyr 30 watt
amp. I was asked what I
wanted for Christmas, and I
mentioned the guitar amp
and told my parents they
should talk about it. Well, I
was told that we had to go
some time during Christ-
mas break to Guitar Center
in Saginaw. I read some
reviews on the amp, and it
got 5 out of 5 on 30 out of
32 reviews; the other two
were 4 out of 5. Now,
since I have the amp, I can give my own review.
When I first saw the Peavey Vypyr I was
surprised on how big it was. It was ten times
larger than my other amp. It is big! Then, I
Sparks 7
ics section. So, again, I began the all too familiar walk
to the parking lot empty handed. At this point I was very
dejected, to say the least. The whole point
was to get Christmas presents, and I had
nothing to show for it. I was going to give
Best Buy a run and leave.
However, there was still a huge line outside
of the store. That was the last straw.
Black Friday had beaten me. I turned
around and left, making the drive home
with nothing. The irony of my story lies
in the following weekend. I decided I at
least had to go back to get my shopping
done at the regular price. To my
surprise, I found everything I needed still at discount
prices. I wasted a whole day, gas, and sacrificed sleep to
get stuff I couldn’t get at the time when I could’ve went
on any old Sunday. Now isn’t that a fun way of learning
that Black Friday isn’t fun at all?
plugged it into an electrical outlet and turned it on.
Next it was time for a little light show that it puts
on. That caught my attention right away. When I
plugged my guitar in, I turned the amp
volume up just slightly; it
wasn’t even on one, and I
turned the distortion on and
was told to turn it down. It
has 24 different amp models
and it includes clean and
distortion. Also, it has 11
stompbox effects and 11 rack
effects, in which you can edit
them all. The amp has 12
presets on it, so that means
you can save any effect that
you like. At first I thought
that it would be confusing out of the box, but it
wasn’t that confusing for me. For only being $200
new, it was definitely worth Santa’s money.
225 Cedar Ave. Ph: 246-1922
Gladwin, MI 48624 Fax: 426-3679
8 January 27, 2011 Sparks

Reflecting on the Heisman

By CJ Alward
Cam Newton Legacy The Walking Sensation

Josh Shattuck AJ Jewell (11)

Who did you think would win Cam Newton! I had confidence that Cam Newton
the Heisman trophy? was going to take home the trophy.

Did you agree with the Yes, he was the best player in Yes, he put up monster numbers
choice of Cam Newton? college football this year with every game of the season.
what he did on the field.

Until it is proven that there was
Did Newton really deserve the
wrongdoing on his part, I think he
Heisman?
deserves it. Again, on the field he
was the best player out there.
Numbers don’t lie; he’s the truth,
Oregon had a tougher schedule, and
they were the better team between the
two.

What is your opinion on Cam I think he is a great dual-threat He’s the real deal, he had the Auburn
Newton? quarterback that just has a knack Tigers on his shoulders but needed a
for making key plays. surrounding cast like Oregon had.

L. Dan French
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 January 27, 2011
the
boys
Tyler Donn
The earliest memory I have with all of
us together is when we all went
fishing at Omer for Aj’s B-day
We all like to do the same stuff so we
always have a fun.
Tyler Pratt- Chilled
Mike Nash- Dork
AJ Jewell- Hyper
Hunter Young- Laid Back
I believe we all met through sports.
Baseball season.
How long have you guys been
friends?
Our favorite thing to do is just hang
out and do guy stuff.
What was the most embarrassing
memory with your friends?
I don’t really have one. They’re my
friends. I don’t get embarrassed in
front of them.
Hunter Young
Sitting in first grade with Mike,
talking about hunting and fishing (of
course). Also playing together since
tee-ball. I always had at least one of
them on my team.
What isn’t to enjoy? Everyone is
hilarious. Also, it seems like we are
doing something every weekend.
Tyler Pratt - Musician - he can play
any instrument with ease.
Tyler Donn - Worker - he can never do
anything because he works all the
time.
Mike Nash - Hilarious - enough said.
AJ Jewell - Attention-Getter - always
doing something to draw attention.
Just having classes together and
playing on the same baseball teams.
Going to Tyler Pratt’s and playing X
box and just chilling.
How long have you guys been
friends?
Just sit around and talk, also hunt and
fish.
Nicknames?
Tyler Pratt - TP, Mike - Smash,
Tyler Donn - Donn
If stranded on an island, what do you
think you 5 would do?
We wouldn’t be stranded; we’d
conquer the island with our outdoor
skills.
AJ Jewell
When Tyler Pratt was at my house,
Mike and I were playing catch with a
basketball, and Tyler Pratt was riding
my scooter. We threw it at him and hit
him in the head. We all died laughing.
We are all close friends, and we have
done a lot together.
Tyler Pratt - Singer - because he has
always sung and can lighten the mood
when singing.
Mike Nash - Comedian - because he is
always cracking a joke.
Tyler Donn - Best Friend: We have
been neighbors for my whole life.
Hunter Young - Hunter: He is always
doing something in the woods.
We were trying to rob a bank at the age
of 5 individually. It was weird because
we all met at the same bank. It went so
smooth we decided to split the money
and have been friends ever since.
We all went to Omer sucker fishing for
my birthday.
Hunt, fish or shoot something at each
other.
Nicknames?
Tyler Pratt - TP or T-Pizzel,
Tyler Donn- T.D
Michael Nash- Mikey or Mike
What was the most embarrassing
memory with your friends?
We were all in Omer and I was walking
down a hill and I fell in the water.
Sparks 9
1 friendship
5 guys
1 story
Tyler Pratt Mike Nash
The earliest memory I have had is when The earliest memory would have to be What is your earliest
we all played t-ball together. Every when we all went to Omer sucker memory or memories
year at least three of us were on the fishing on Aj’s 13th, 14th, and 15th
same team. birthday. when you were all
growing up together?
...everything about our friendship. That it has been awesome! What have you enjoyed
Each of us have distinct personalities about your friendship
that all seem to go great together.
with each other?
AJ Jewell - Unforgettable – How could AJ Jewell - Loud - because he’s AJ
you forget AJ? Tyler Donn - Ox - he always works
Tyler Donn - Hilarious – He always Hunter Young - Hunter- because he is Describe each one of
has something funny to say. always in the woods
Hunter Young - Outgoing- Always Tyler Pratt - Rocker - because he is these guys in one word
been there for me, and always wants to always playing the guitar and describe why?
do some hunting.
Mike Nash- Ridiculous – This kid
does some goofy crap.
T-ball and Baseball, we all share a love I don’t really remember because it’s
for the game. Me and Mikey have been been so long. But I would imagine How did you start
best friends since we were little school. hanging out with these
babies. guys?
Having all the boys out to my house When we took that awesome picture in Name a cool
to hang out and play Black Ops. the middle of Main Street on
homecoming day. hangin’- out-with-the-
guys memory.
Our favorite thing to do is tick each My favorite thing to do is just have What’s your favorite
other off. There’s nothing funnier than fun, and laugh. thing to do when you
making AJ freak out. Tyler Donn, he hang out?
would just sock you.
Nicknames? Nicknames for the guys?
I call them Pumpkin and Cupcake. AJ Jewell- Age
Embarrassing memory with your Tyler Pratt- T.P. One, or two, more
friends?
Stepping off the ab machine and If you 5 were stranded on an island
questions...
rolling my ankle, but it’s hard to be what do you think you 5 would do?
embarrassed around these freaks. Talk about hunting and fishing