CHIEF May 2019

MAY, 2019

The

PONTIAC TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL

UPPERCLASS ACTS

RETIRING FROM PTHS Thank you and good bye to all of our retiring PTHS faculty and staff!

Check out which PTHS seniors are this month's Upperclass Acts!

table of contents

03 Letter from the Editors

04 DUI Assembly

05 Cop Shop

06 Retiring fromPTHS

07 Fine Arts

10 Book Review

11 Movie Review

03

03

05

08

50

69

The

CHIEF

www.pontiac90.org

upperclassmen! Juniors, you are next- you have one year left, make it count! Seniors, you are off to the real world. The Chief staff wishes you the best of luck. We will miss you! Students, have a great summer. You deserve it. If you are interested in writing for The CHIEF, please contact Dr. Soares, Mr. Blair, Joe Gilmor, or myself!

A NOTE FROM YOUR EDITOR

By Sunn y Ho l t

Hello everyone! Thank you for tuning in to the last issue of The Chief of the 2018-19 school year. Summer is almost finally here! As the year comes to a close, remember to remain focused and end the year off strong. Freshmen, you finished your first year of high school- congratulations! Whether it was a rough or easy ride, you made it. Sophomores, you are about to officially become

Sunny Holt Co-Editor-in-Chief

N O M A D I C |

2 4

DUI Assembly By: Joseph Gilmor

Each year, thousands of young drivers lose their lives as a result of drunk or distracted driving. With summer approaching, school officials are doing their best to prevent PTHS students from becoming a statistic. For this reason, an all-school assembly was recently held in order to spread awareness of the dangers of drunk or distracted driving. During the assembly, students were given the opportunity to witness the consequences of drunk driving firsthand as they viewed a mock crash site, complete with injured victims and first responders from the Pontiac Police and Fire Departments. The site of two mangled vehicles will hopefully be enough to persuade PTHS students to distance themselves from the dangers of drunk or distracted driving, and force us to come face to face with the realization that danger exists every time we get behind the wheel. As this school year comes to a close, we here at The Chief would like to wish everybody a safe and happy summer. Remember, you put your own life, as well as the lives of others, on the line every time you get behind the wheel. Drive safe! See you next school year!

COP SHOP

This year, serving as your School Resource Officer, has been the most fun, and rewarding part of the past six years of my time as a Pontiac police officer. This position has been full of new experiences for me as a police officer, and definitely a learning curve at the beginning. The best part about being the SRO is the interactions I have had with all of you. For the most part, everyone was welcoming of me when I began here at the beginning of August. After a couple weeks of everyone staring at me during lunch, some of you started talking to me, wanting to know about my career, and showing support for my presence i the school. Thank you for that! Seniors, congratulations on your upcoming graduation! I look forward to hearing what great things you all will do. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, have a fun, enjoyable, and most importantly, safe, summer break. I will see you all in August!

By O f f i c e r Ende r l i

May is finally here! The last days of the school year are among us. For the freshmen, you are finishing your first year of high school, which for some will be the most difficult year. Sophomores, you are no longer stuck in between being a freshman and an upperclassman. Juniors, you will soon be seniors in less than two weeks, and begin deciding where you will be headed once you graduate next year. Finally, seniors, you are wrapping up the best four years of our life, not to say you did not experience ups and downs, but you made it! Some of you are going to college, some are entering the workforce right after graduation, and some of you have chosen to serve our country in the Military. Unfortunately, I only had one year to get to know some of you. Whatever it is you have chosen to pursue once you graduate, you will all do great and wonderful things.

Ofc. Brian Enderli, School Resource Officer

Retiring from PTHS

By Joseph Gilmor

As the end of the school year approaches, it is time for us all to say goodbye to the Class of 2019, along with four beloved staff members who have announced their retirement at the end of this year. Before we wave bon voyage to these talented individuals, why don’t we take the time to get to know a little bit about them? Mrs. Anne Mund, a valuable member of our school cafeteria staff, is one of four retirees this year. It’s certain that she will be missed in the lunchroom, as the talented PTHS kitchen staff members have been together for many years. Mrs. Mund is one of a small group of women who have contributed their time not only to serving and preparing lunch for students throughout the week, but also to crafting delicious meals for school events such as the PTHS Music Awards Night. Mrs. Kris Stahler has been a part of the PTHS family working as a paraprofessional for the past 25 years. She has been working alongside Mrs. Christenson in the Adaptive Living classroom for the past several years, and she has made a huge impact on the lives of her students. When asked what she will miss the most about PTHS, she said, “mostly I will miss my students and all the great teachers I have had the pleasure to work with.” As her time working here at PTHS winds down, she looks forward to spending her retirement going on trips, gardening, and spending time with her grandkids! We will all miss the positivity that Mrs. Stahler has brought to PTHS, and we wish her well in her retirement! Mr. Chuck Prong has been teaching at PTHS for 33 years, and he has thoroughly enjoyed every one of them. Born in Rochester, New York, in 1958, Mr. Prong attended East Rochester High School before earning his first degree in Data Processing and Computer Sciences at Monroe Community College. Mr. Prong would go on to earn two more degrees in Auto Technology, earning his master’s at the University of St. Francis. Throughout his PTHS experience, Mr. Prong has learned that there are “always two sides to every story”, and encourages current students to avoid procrastination and focus hard on their studies. For the last 10 years, Mrs. Ruth Ann Rodino has been teaching nursing in the LACC. Mrs. Rodino was born in Cornell, and attended Cornell High School before earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing at Northern Illinois University. As a high school student, Mrs. Rodino was highly involved within her school, participating in numerous extracurricular activities such as Student Council, FHA, and 4-H. When asked what made her career special, Mrs. Rodino stated it was the chance to make many new friends she never would have met in a different field. Mrs. Rodino says she has experienced quite the adventure over the past 10 years, but is ready to move on to something different. She encourages all of her students to take responsibility for their actions and learn from their mistakes, and can’t wait to see what the next stage of her life holds.

Although things will never quite be the same around PTHS without four of our beloved faculty and staff members, we at The Chief would like to wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors, and are forever

By Alyssa Rodriguez

Fine  Arts

Spring Band Concert

The spring concert took place on May 5th at Pontiac Township High School. Before the concert, people had a chance to listen to small ensembles such as Swinging Bridges and the Jazz Band. To kick off the concert, students involved in Concert Band played songs such as “Chant and Savage Dance” by Brian Balmages and “Credo” by William Owens. This band played four total songs and then were preceded by the recognition of the senior band members. Between the transition from Concert Band and Symphonic, the seniors were recognized for all of the hard work and time that they had put into the music they played while in the band program at the high school. When Symphonic Band took the stage, they played two songs with one being titled “Skydance” by Robert Sheldon. After the first two pieces, two soloists were featured. The first solo was performed by senior Kiara Price on the bassoon and the second once was by senior Ali Schrock on the violin. To finish the concert off, symphonic band played “Pedal to the Metal” by David R. Gillingham and “Swing from ‘American Dances” by Robert W. Smith. During this last concert for the seniors, each and every participant played his or her hearts out to make a marvelous performance happen.

Spring Choral Concert

On April 28th, students involved with the high schools choir program put on their last concert of the year. While it was the final performance of the year for all of the participants, it was the final choral concert the seniors had the opportunity to be a part of. The concert began with Cantabile singing, “I Sing Because I’m Happy.” The next choir to perform was Men’s Choir, which sang songs such as “Hallelujah.” This choir then was joined by Bel Canto to form a Festival Choir for two songs. After singing with Men’s Choir, Bel Canto sang pieces such as “No Time” by themselves. In between the major groups, the audience also had the chance to listen the high school’s Route 66 Jazz Choir singing songs such as “Come Fly With Me!” Before the final group came up, all seniors were recognized for their hard work throughout their time in the choir program. To finish the concert, the audience listened to selections performed by Concert Choir which consisted of songs such as “Africa” and “Stars.” This bittersweet concert was truly one that the seniors will remember.

Upperclass Acts

Elena Pina

NICKNAMES: Laney

ROLE MODEL(S): A very important role model in my life is my swim coach, Tara Hansen. She has been a big part of my life for the past 10 years and has always pushed me to accomplish my goals. I don’t know where I’d be without her or the sport.

FAVORITE AUTHOR/BOOK: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

MOST POSITIVE MOMENT: Swimming butterfly at sectionals for the last time, remembering all the work I put into bettering myself for that event.

ACTIVITIES @ PTHS: Swimming, cheerleading, band, and Tri-M

FONDEST MEMORY OF HIGH SCHOOL SO FAR: Swimming at sectionals with my friends of many years and Homecoming weeks each year.

PET PEEVES: When students talk back to or over teachers.

3 MAJOR AREAS OF INTEREST: Swimming, makeup, cheerleading

WHAT MY FRIENDS WILL REMEMBER ABOUT ME: They would remember me as someone who was empathetic and they could talk to. They would probably also remember me as someone who was willing to do your eyebrows for you. HOW WOULD YOU SPEND $1,000,000? I would use this money to pay for school, bills, traveling, and any makeup I want. IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND, WHAT 3 ITEMS WOULD YOU WANT WITH YOU? My dog, Panera mac and cheese, and water.

PLANS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL: Attend Central Arizona College to study Radiological Technology.

FAVORITE MOVIE: Legally Blonde

MOST INSPIRATIONAL SONG: “Yellow” by Coldplay. This is a song my dad would sing to me when I was younger and it has always had a special place in my heart. FAVORITE TEACHER/CLASS: My favorite teacher is Mr. Schickel. We can both joke around with each other and he has made me feel welcomed ever since I joined band my freshman year. My favorite class would be anatomy with Mr. Nollen. I looked forward to going to this class every day because of how enthusiastic he was about teaching us.

LAST WORDS OF ADVICE: “Be yourself and you’ll find your people.”

Upperclass Acts

Mark Corrigan

NAME: Mark Corrigan

ROLE MODEL(S): My Grandmother Gene Hale and my dad

FAVORITE BOOK: Of Mice and Men

MOST POSITIVE MOMENT: Playing Taps and Echo for Military Funeral to honor those who served our country. PET PEEVES: Students not watching what they are doing in the parking lot and almost causing accidents.

ACTIVITIES @ PTHS: Key Club, FFA Broadcasting, Student Council, Marching Band, Concert Choir, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, National Honor Society, Tri- M, Baseball FONDEST MEMORY OF HIGH SCHOOL SO FAR: Being selected as an usher my junior year for the graduating class of 2018.

WHAT MY FRIENDS WILL REMEMBER ABOUT ME: Wearing cowboy boots and a cowboy hat.

3 MAJOR AREAS OF INTEREST: Steam Engines, Old Farm Equipment, and 4-H

HOW WOULD YOU SPEND $1,000,000? Save and invest most of it and buy a custom Ram Truck. IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND, WHAT 3 ITEMS WOULD YOU WANT WITH YOU? Drinking water, lighter to start fire, an ax LAST WORDS OF ADVICE: “Be active, get involved, and make the most of your high school years because they go by quick.”

PLANS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL: Attend Lake Land College in Mattoon, Illinois and become a John Deere Service Technician and maybe transfer for Ag Business.

FAVORITE MOVIE: Pure Country

MOST INSPIRATIONAL SONG: “Small Town Southern Man” by Alan Jackson

FAVORITE TEACHER/CLASS: Ag Business Management with Mr. Bane

Book Review

Circe

Review by: Caitlyn Cotter By Madeline Miller

Circe is a modern take on an ancient story that highlights the differences in the Ancient and Modern societies. Miller frames the story from the perspective of the infamous witch from “The Odyssey” and is able to make you empathize and understand Circe. She reshapes the Ancient Greek myth into one that can be understood in the 21st century, a world vastly different from that of 500 B.C.E. Miller’s novel is not just some retelling of an ancient myth but the story of an Ancient Greek superwoman. Born a goddess who quickly fell in love with humanity, Circe struggles to find her place in a world that did not completely accept who she was. Miller’s story takes you along Circe’s journey as she becomes an epic goddess that slowly becomes more aware and passionate of mortality.

Film Review

Dumbo Review by: Jasmine White

The movie Dumbo is an amazing movie to see with your family, friends and especially if you are a Disney movie lover. This live action remake of the original animated movie Dumbo is just as great as the original. Dumbo has great scenes and computer animations also known as CGI. An example of a great scene is near the beginning when Dumbo did his second show at the circus and he was stuck up on a wood building where fire was surrounding him. Another great computer animation is at the end when Dumbo is flying around. The movie also has some sweet and funny scenes which makes it more enjoyable. I would rate the Dumbo movie a five out of five.

Student Poetry

A white butterfly Sits up slow moving its wings In a broken world

One that is broken Looks for healing everywhere Rather, self-healing

By Nathan Lockwood

By Joell Zavala

As the sun comes up The morning dew shines like glass The leaves start to move

Butterfly fly ‘way Take me with when I feel ‘lone In the darkness sky

By Matthew Morrison

By Carrie Vanwinkle

Ode – “Irregular Speech Intelligence”

You come with a stick while I come with a book, So don’t be surprised when I come with a hook, Back on the spear, let me guess what I took, Forth with the lecture, no numbers to dial Comfort the evil, I’m greater in vile Coming up short, no more luck, Now I’m the man of the house, let me spit like a duck

By Maxwell Washington

The Chief Staff Sunny Holt: Co Editor-in-Chief Joe Gilmor: Co Editor-in-Chief

Ode – “My Guitar”

O guitar how you bless me with your beautiful sounds The strings strumming against my guitar pick Your many different strings as I sternum each string creating a different sound My fingers making a dent as I press on the strings Making me excited every time When I’m at school I think of you When I come home you’re still there waiting for me.

Caitlyn Cotter Carson Gregory Clay Miller Luke Morrissette Madison McDormand Alyssa Rodriguez Crysta Saucedo

Lauren Smith Gabriel Travis Becca True Jasmine White

By Mason Spiker

“Ode to My Dog”

Mr. Blair, Faculty Sponsor Dr. Soares, Faculty Sponsor

I love watching my dog sleep and love watching him Peep his head out of my door The feel of the brush on his white fur While playing with him feeling his playful bite Makes me feel thrilled that I am his owner My wonderful dog Buddy Buddy is wonderful as puddy I like your fur that makes me feel warm inside OOOh! Buddy such a wonderful and cheerful and loyal dog

By Tucker Riordan

Enjoy creative writing? If you ever would ever like to see your creative pieces in The Chief , contact Dr. Soares or Mr. Blair!