i s s u e t w e l v e | v o l u m e l x x v i Thursday, February 23rd, 2017 STUDENT-PRODUCED # SINCE 1940 Thank you to all readers of The Tower who attended the fundraiser at Chipotle on Feb. 16! We appreciate your continued support. j o h n a d a m s h i g h s c h o o l news adams adams sports OPINION: A review of the drama Adams enjoys vast musical Senior Spotlight: Stephanie Conservatism in the age of department’s “A Christmas Carol” success at ISSMA Portolese, swimmer 2 Trump 5 7 8 apart of the girls varsity soccer team for four thank Antwon Jones, Weston Lambert, and years. has been playing soccer since the age Kyle Harvey for seeing his potential and al- NATIONAL of four and her position was center midfield. ways pushing him to be the best player as well Burnett believes that soccer is beautiful, the as person that he can be. SIGNING DAY: game is all a creation, and is not made of Jack Driscoll has been playing football for plays and set ups. Since Burnett’s sophomore seven years, three years for Pop Warner and ADAMS’ year, she has been the team’s MVP. Her favor- four years for Adams. He enjoys football ite memory is bonding with her girls at the because of the hard work, brotherhood, and SUCCESSES team’s cabin trip and laughing endlessly. Bur- dedication that comes along with it. Jack nett had three college offers” one from IUPUI, has received six awards throughout his high KAYLAN PARKER and KENNEDI KYLE - Northern Illinois, and Western Michigan. She school career: All State Junior Offensive line, REPORTERS made the decision to attend Western Michigan All State Senior tight end, All State Senior De- because it is a very successful program and is fensive end, Defensive MVP, and Academic All- National Signing Day was on February 1, a medium state school not too far from home. Conference. He also shares the same memory 2017, and five student athletes from Adams Burnett would like to thank her best friends of beating Mishawaka his junior year with participated in signing to a college for their re- Caroline, Mia, Mary Cate, and Gabs for their Burgess. He received offers from Valparaiso, spective sport. On behalf of JA, we would like support and love. She would also like to thank University of Indianapolis, and walk on offers to congratulate the following students: Kaitie her parents for allowing her to grow academi- for Ball State and Bowling Green University. Derrickson, Mary Claire Burnett, Andrew Bur- cally and athletically, and a special thanks to Jack made the decision to attend Grand Valley gess, Jack Driscoll, and Felix King. Coach Mac for pushing her to work harder and State because they have a great team and it is Kaitie Derrickson has been a member of the for being her role model. a great school. Jack would like to thank Coach volleyball team at Adams for four years as li- The first senior football player we would Jones, Lambert, Harvey, his parents, brother bero and backup setter. One thing that gained like to congratulate is Andrew Burgess. Bur- Liam, and teammates (especially Alec Breiler). her interest in volleyball is that it is a team gess was the quarterback of the John Adams Felix King has been playing football since the sport, but everybody on the court has their varsity football team. Burgess has been play- age of four. King likes football because of the own objective to do. In the past two years, ing organized football since eighth grade. He competition and the enthusiasm of it all plus it Derrickson has received three awards- one of enjoys the game of football, because of the is a fun sport where life lessons are taught and them being for sportsmanship, and the second environment of a big game and playing under great relationships are made. King previously being MVP of the team. Her favorite memory the lights. Burgess has received five awards attended school in Chicago before transferring while playing at Adams was during the Bre- over the course of his high school career. The to Adams. His junior year he received team men game when the team won a very exciting first one is most improved, the second is 2nd MVP and All- Conference. This past season as contest as the set ended 30-28 which resulted team all NIC, during his junior year. He re- a senior he received an All- Conference award. in a win for Adams. Derrickson had two offers ceived the other awards during his senior year, The most memorable moment for Felix was to play volleyball in college: one from Indi- the first award being offensive MVP, second ending the regular season with a win against ana Wesleyan University and the other from for 1st team all NIC, and lastly Burger King Saint Joe, proving Adams has the best football Glen Oaks Community College. On signing Outstanding Student Athlete. Burgess’ favorite team in South Bend. He received offers from day, Derrickson made the decision to commit moment is beating Mishawaka the first time University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Quincy to Glen Oaks Community College because it in 23 years last year. Burgess had offers from University, Robert Morris University, Saint is a very small school that is like a family and Kentucky Christian and Valparaiso, but he Ambrose University, Northwest Missouri State, a handful of teammates from her travel team will be attending Eastern Kentucky. Eastern but he committed to Mckendree University. will be attending as well. Derrickson would Kentucky was the best choice because many Felix would like to thank his family for sup- like to thank her family for the love and the other schools wanted to change his position. porting him in his football career since he was support throughout the past four years. She The coaches from Eastern guaranteed that he young. He would also like to thank all of his would also like to say a special thanks to her would stay at the quarterback position. When coaches past and present, and new friends at co-captain Cleo Barnes and her coaches who he visited the campus he fell in love with Adams and old friends from Chicago. always believed in her. it. Andrew would like to thank his parents The next signee is Mary Claire Burnett, and family for all the support and guidance known by her friends as MC. Burnett has been throughout his journey. He would also like to 2 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2 3 RD , 2 0 1 7 THE JOHN ADAMS pull a Herman Cain and be far from my mind by, say, February 2017. I went to the Iowa Caucuses TOWER CONSERVATISM - the first primary in the union - and fangirled S T A F F in the age of over Marco Rubio from the press box at his rally EDITOR-IN-CHIEF in Des Moines. A month later, when Rubio was Mariah Rush TRUMP gone and the lockscreen on my phone was no ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF longer his face, I spread the New York Times’ Kaity Radde OPINION endorsement of John Kasich like the plague and MANAGING EDITOR KAITY RADDE - ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF prayed that people would vote for him over Ted Alice Goulding Cruz (who falls under the same category of con- LAYOUT EDITOR Being a self-described “independent conserva- servative as Mike Pence), ever ignoring Trump. Kaity Radde tive” in South Bend, the glorious blue dot on After the primaries, I was disappointed. And REPORTERS a red state, isn’t the easiest thing in the world. in a perpetual “I-told-you-so” state over my Casey Carroll And, while my acute aversion to party labels feelings toward party labels, because I certainly David Engel deprives me of the ability to speak to the issue wasn’t lumped in with the Republicans who Brendan Hayner-Slattery personally, being a Republican in South Bend - were now synonymous with Trump, but that’s Alicia Koszyk especially now - probably isn’t too easy, either. beside the point. Hillary Clinton, though, wasn’t Kennedi Kyle The Tower, as regular readers know, tends to a bad option, as far as I was concerned. She was Hunter Melanson lean left. The fact that its conservative voice - moderate; I felt that in another life, we would Abby Myers me - is decidedly moderate and utterly disgusted be friends who often got into debates but gener- Kaylan Parker by Donald Trump hasn’t helped. However, I’m ally agreed that political extremism was danger- Taylor Waldron writing this op-ed in the ous and America was ADVISOR hope that other conserva- great. Samantha Lewis tives can see that Trump “I thought that all Many conservatives does not define the word disagreed. Obviously. just because he is the Americans, If it were 1980, I tried EDITORIAL POLICY president. to remind my Republi- Before the 2016 elec- regardless of ideology, can relatives who had The Tower is a student-run newspaper publica- tion cycle, I thought the resigned themselves to tion and a voice for the Adams student body and biggest difference be- could go for a good a Trump vote because staff. Letters to the Editor must pertain to Adams tween the broad ideolo- they were well-behaved gies of conservatism and ‘U-S-A’ chant and lifestyle, student/staff opinions, or local issues. Republicans, Hillary liberalism in the United Clinton would probably Letters to the Editor must be sent to slewis@sbcsc. loved the ‘New States - and, to paint with be the one with an R. k12.in.us, or submitted physically to room 1831 or the broad brush I tend Colossus’” after her name, and you mailed to John Adams High School, 808 S. Twyck- to reprimand others for would vote for her - not enham Dr. using, Republicans and the man-child who just Democrats - was cut and dry. Small government became a Republican a few years ago. versus big government, and other small things Editorials are written by the Editorial Board of The Aside from hoping to reach conservatives who separated them but they all generally fell under Tower (comprised of Mariah Rush, Kaity Radde, and support or defend Trump only because they feel that category. I thought that all Americans, re- the pull of party allegiance, there’s a broader Alice Goulding) and are designated as such. gardless of ideology, could go for a good “U-S-A” idea that I hope you, dear reader, can take chant and loved the “New Colossus” - that “give from this. Party labels and the unwillingness to me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses confront things you see as wrong because they yearning to breathe free” was not controversial. come from something within “your party” have I also vehemently believed - and believe - that The Tower thanks the South Bend Tribune for print- matured into devastating blows to the integrity conservatives lie on a spectrum, with most clus- ing services. of our political system. Wrong is wrong, regard- tered relatively near the two extremes: moder- less of whether it has the label “conservative” or We at The Tower also request that readers consider ates, like John Kasich, and people I have no way “liberal.” donating to help pay for the printing & production of describing besides “religious zealots who ap- It’s that line of thought that can see “nasty of our newspaper. Your donations will help the ply the Bible to things like baking cakes for gay woman” as a bipartisan, ideology-blind rallying growth of a voice for the local community; your people but not to things like helping desperate cry. It’s that line of thought that can allow you refugees,” like Mike Pence, who should prob- help and contributions are greatly appreciated. to support a Rubio and a Clinton simultaneously. ably be in a different party altogether. I thought And it’s that line of thought that will begin to the John Kasichs vastly outnumbered the Mike heal the national division that all of us have Pences. grown up with. And I, like so many others, laughed off the pri- mary candidate Donald Trump, expecting him to THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23 RD , 2 0 1 7 news - 3 sentiments, expressing that she was “saddened school is bad, they fail. If a bad public school that somebody with so little experience work- stays in existence, they stay around.” BETSY DEVOS: ing in public education and working with kids Throughout the campaign, DeVos showed no and families that truly need [it] has been ap- enthusiasm for Trump, who nominated her for pointed.” the position last November. A Jeb Bush turned ADAMS The lack of experience Ms. Stanton spoke to Marco Rubio supporter, DeVos called the presi- stems from DeVos’s career in Michigan. DeVos dent an “interloper” who “does not represent TEACHERS REACT has never attended a public school, nor has she the Republican Party.” During the 2016 election ALICE GOULDING - MANAGING EDITOR ever worked in a public school before. She chose season, DeVos and her husband donated 2.7 not to send her children to public schools as million dollars to Republican candidates and On February 2, Betsy DeVos was confirmed well, and said in the past that public schools are organizations, according to The New York Times as Secretary of the Department of Education, a “dead end.” A graduate of Calvin College, a (DeVos has donated more than 200 million dol- joining President Donald Trump’s cabinet after small Christian liberal arts college in Michigan, lars to Republicans throughout her career, a fact weeks of contentious debate, and by a slim the Michigan billionaire has instead spent her she admitted to in her Senate hearing). 51-50 vote in the Senate. Vice President Mike career promoting charter schools and voucher Mrs. Hernandez – and most of the edito- Pence, president of the Senate, had to break programs, which allow parents to take their chil- rial boards of national newspapers – believes the tied vote himself, the first time in American dren out of a public school and place them in a that she bought her way into the position; Paul history that a Vice President has intervened in a parochial school, using funds that are diverted Kingston, Economics teacher, finds sentiments cabinet appointment. Clips from her confirma- away from the school corporations. like Ms Hernandez’s to be based solely on parti- tion hearing went viral in the days afterward, DeVos served as chairwoman of the American san allegiance. In regards to the national outcry especially one in which she told Connecticut Federation of Children, a group she founded, after her initial confirmation, Kingston said, “I Senator Christopher Murphy (D), who has been where she supported political candidates who mean, she was appointed, she was confirmed a champion of the gun control lobby after the supported the expansion of voucher programs by the Senate– what else are we going to do? Sandy Hook mass shooting in his state, that she and attacked any candidate who did not. She’s I think the left needs to pick and choose their believes guns should be in schools to “protect also a veteran fundraiser for the Reformed battles… You don’t have the votes in the Sen- from potential grizzlies.” Senate Democrats – Christian community, whose schools she tends ate!” who currently hold 46 of the 100 seats, plus two to overwhelmingly favor over public schools, Nevin Longenecker, Biology and Science Re- independent senators who caucus with them – judging by her donation record. DeVos believes search teacher agreed with Mr. Kingston, stating were able to convince two Republicans to vote that voucher programs allow students to re- “there are philosophical differences between against her, but it wasn’t enough to halt her ceive religious schooling that isn’t monitored the Democrat and the Republican approach confirmation. by the government, which she’s said in the past to [education]...people would be upset either Teachers at Adams expressed regret and “sucks.” way [if she were appointed or not].” Heath wariness over her confirmation. “My immedi- IB Math Studies teacher Marilyn Arney finds Weaver, IB Philosophy, History, and Theory of ate reaction to her confirmation was anger… the appointment “concerning,” stating that “[De- Knowledge teacher disagreed: “She obviously [as an educator] I am leary of what she will do Vos] has a long history of trying to eliminate wants to see students fail...that’s what happens and what she will be able to do,” said IB Spanish public schools in favor of vouchers and private with the implementation of charter schools and teacher Becky Hernandez. IB Spanish teacher schools...as a public school teacher, that’s scary.” vouchers...I’m pretty sure most people don’t and sponsor of NHS Cecelia Stanton had similar IB Physics and Civic Air Patrol teacher Dan want to see that.” Walsh believes that DeVos’s stance on charter She’s only been in office two weeks, but DeVos schools means that she will work has felt more pushback during the short period to “take away from something than most Cabinet officials receive during their that’s working [public schools] to entire term. After visiting D.C. public schools give to something that’s not work- and subsequently criticizing its teachers for hav- ing [charter schools]...robbing ing “receiving” attitudes, thousands of teachers from [public schools] to make took to social media to share their own stories of other rich.” self sacrifice and giving regarding their careers. Not all teachers, however, were “President Trump’s swamp got a new billion- against DeVos’s appointment. “I aire today,” read the statement released by the don’t know that I disagree with Democratic National Committee after DeVos’s her policies… I agree with the Senate confirmation. Though it is still uncer- idea of vouchers and magnet tain what is in store for public education on the schools and charter schools.” said national level, none of the teachers interviewed IB English teacher Mark McCown. conveyed a sense of optimism about the future. Citing his past teaching experience Mr. Weaver concluded by saying “the worst case at private schools as his reason scenario is that she does to the entire country for not being “scared” of alterna- what [she fought for] in Michigan – they in- tive forms of schooling, McCown crease their charter schools and voucher pro- believes that DeVos’s appointment grams and statewide success for students actu- will allow for more vetting of ally goes down. So, the worst thing that happens public schools, stating that “if a is that students aren’t able to succeed.” bad charter school or a bad private 4 - news THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23 RD , 2 0 1 7 in any position in government. way that will change the country for decades. Betsy DeVos narrowly passed her Senate con- Whether it be foreign strategy under Rex Til- AN OVERVIEW firmation vote to be Secretary of Education with lerson or educational policy under Betsy DeVos, a 50-50 vote. This has never occurred before in Trump’s picks will define the agenda of the OF TRUMP’S American history, and Vice President Mike Pence United States for the next four years and per- had to break the tie, voting to approve DeVos. haps beyond. CABINET Democrats, public education activists, and even DAVID ENGEL - REPORTER some Republicans were outraged by her confir- mation, protesting throughout the night before GRAMMYS One of the primary duties of the president af- her confirmation. DeVos, as chair of the Michi- ter being elected is to assemble a team of people gan Republican Party, dedicated much effort to who will advise him on a variety of issues. funnelling money away from public schools and RECAP These past few months, President Donald Trump towards charter and private institutions. OPINION has been busy selecting individuals for this Meanwhile, private school and school voucher HUNTER MELANSON - REPORTER advocates were delighted with her approval. group, termed “the cabinet,” who will inform Anyone with basic knowledge of music, art, or him about topics ranging from national security DeVos’s family, over the years, has donated over $200 million to the campaigns of various Re- pop culture knows that the Grammys are one of to agriculture. Many of President Trump’s picks the most monumental Sunday nights of the year. have been widely accepted by the populace, publicans, including over $850,000 to the same Republican senators who voted to approve her. Showcasing the top names in music, the Gram- but some have been more controversial. These mys are where many artists first make their include Rex Tillerson for Secretary of State, She never attended public schools, her children always attended private schools, and she has mark on the music industry. On the other hand, Betsy DeVos for Secretary of Education, and Jeff already established artists tend to assert their Sessions for Attorney General. never been a teacher or held an administrative position in a school. Many have argued that she position in the growing industry. This year’s However, some of the people President Trump Grammys in particular were quite historical has nominated have sparked controversy from is unqualified to be Secretary of Education due to her lack of experience, while others have as- consisting of foreseeable upsets, as well as revo- those on the left end of the political spectrum, lutionary performances from the likes of Adele, and even some Republicans. Some have deemed serted that she will protect school choice. The protests sparked by former Alabama Beyonce, Chance the Rapper, The Weeknd, and these people incompetent and unqualified for A Tribe Called Quest. the positions they are set to hold. Republicans, Republican Jeff Sessions rivaled those of Betsy DeVos. Sessions, however, passed the Senate by The star of the night, talented singer Adele, however, have mainly voted on party lines, swept the competition in receiving five out of and all three candidates aforementioned have a slim 52-47 vote to become Attorney General, with Democrat of West Virginia Joe Manchin the five Grammys she was nominated for. Those been approved by the Senate, which votes to Grammys consisted of: Best Pop Vocal Album confirm nominees. The Trump administration’s lll voting with the Republicans. It was common courtesy to vote to approve a fellow Senator, for “25” , Best Pop Solo Performance for “Hello,” confirmation process has been characterized by Record of the Year For “Hello,” Song of the Year dramatic speeches on the floor of the Senate, but Senate Democrats could not oblige with this custom. Sessions was unable to gain a federal for “Hello,” and most prominently Album of the raucous protests, and passionate orations by Year for “25.” Despite her talent and success demonstrators. judgeship position in the 1980s because of al- legations that he had made racially charged as an artist, some critics and music enthusiasts Rex Tillerson was approved by the Senate to believe she should not have received Album of be Secretary of State with a 56-43 vote. Sena- comments. A letter from Coretta Scott King, an activist and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s wife, de- the Year and that Beyonce’s “Lemonade” was far tors were skeptical about his potential conflicts more deserving of the honor. Adele even admit- of interest due to his position as CEO of Exxon- tailed her perception of Sessions’ intimidation of black voters in Alabama. Massachusetts Demo- ted herself that she did not deserve the award Mobil, a large oil corporation. They were also during her acceptance speech, adding as well concerned about his ties to Russia, seeing as crat Elizabeth Warren read these remarks on the floor of the Senate, but she was blocked from how Beyonce is one of her greatest inspirations. ExxonMobil has a partnership with a Russian Beyonce, on the other hand, still managed oil company. Other senators were pleased with making further remarks by Kentucky Republican Mitch McConnell and other Republicans. They to take home two Grammys with Best Urban Tillerson’s vast knowledge of the world and ex- contemporary album for “Lemonade,” and Best perience with world leaders due to his business claimed that she was “impugning Sessions’ char- acter” in a widely viewed portion of Sessions’ Music Video with “Formation.” With 62 total expertise. Indiana Democrat Joe Donnelly voted nominations and 22 wins in her career, she is to reject Tillerson because of his “[previous] hearing. Those opposed to Sessions claim that he will not protect civil rights, and they dislike the most decorated female Grammy winner in lobbying campaign to undermine the national history, and added a light load of telegraphs to security interests of the United States in favor his immigration and policing policies. In voting for Sessions, Senator Manchin claimed that he her collection this year. of Russia, Iran, and corporate profit.” Tillerson Probably the most anticipated genre of the maintained a cordial relationship with Russian “has not seen the things he’s been accused of.” Republicans claimed that Sessions had changed night for some, hip hop, came with obvious vic- President Vladimir Putin during his time as tories from Chance the Rapper and Drake. Exxon’s CEO. This is a common practice among for the better, and was not a racist or a bigot. Presidents’ cabinets often help shape their CEOs of large corporations, as they often possess CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE operations and assets in other countries. How- legacies, and Trump’s will be no different. The ever, this sets up an inevitable conflict of interest people he selects will influence policy in a THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2 3 RD , 2 0 1 7 adams - 5 Chance the Rapper proved to be the well-de- Rapper had the most lively and upbeat per- a dream, Scrooge ignores Marley’s warning and served star of the show by taking home three formance with songs “All We Got” and “How goes back to bed. Scrooge is again awakened out of the seven Grammys he was nominated Great.” His buddy Kirk Franklin, also a grammy when she is visited by three more ghosts: the for. He dominated the competition with Best winner, joined him on the gospel like track Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christ- Rap Performance for “No Problem” featuring Lil “How Great.” Following Chance was Bruno Mars mas Present and the Ghost of Christmas Future. Wayne and 2 Chainz, Best New Artist, and Rap along with The Time to pay homage to the late The Ghost of Christmas Past (Brendan Hayner- Album of the Year for his unique 2016 project Prince. The Time performed “Jungle Love” and Slattery) shows Evelyn’s miserable life as a little “Coloring Book.” The Chicago native is literally “The Bird.” Mars performed a variation of “Let’s changing the course of the Grammys; he has no Go Crazy” and moved the crowd while showcas- girl being bullied by her classmates and then as label, has never sold his music, and his music ing his skills on the guitar. Mars was the excla- a young adult choosing her career over mar- is available only on streaming services such mation point of a night that embodies many riage. Overall, his purpose was to make Scrooge as SoundCloud or Spotify. Because of Chance, memories of artists throughout the years, while repent and not make other people’s lives just as stream only albums and songs are now eligible showcasing showcasing their achievements and miserable as her’s was. for Grammy nominations, and the Grammys are contributions. Still persistent that this is all just a dream, now more accepting of a broader range of art- the Ghost of Christmas Present (Maya Troischt) ists. pays Scrooge the next visit. She takes Scrooge Regardless of Chance’s talent and impact on to see Bobbie. Looking through the window, the industry, he along with Kanye West, was A CHRISTMAS Scrooge sees how Bobbie’s family is struggling no match for the mainstream power that Drake financially. As Bobbie’s husband cannot work possesses. That’s right, Drake won the two and how she is trying to save up money for her Grammys for Best Rap Song, and Best Rap/ CAROL: RETOLD Sung Collaboration, both with his hit single ALICIA KOSZYK - REPORTER daughter’s surgery. Scrooge also sees how sad- “Hotline Bling.” Somehow a non-rap song won den Bobbie and her family feel as she cannot two Grammys that were literally for Best Rap On February 10, the John Adams Drama De- spend Christmas with them nor can she afford Song, and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. Aside partment sponsored “A Christmas Carol: Retold” to lose her job due to her daughter’s illness. from that, Hotline Bling managed to beat Kanye directed by Taylor Waldron, senior and Drama Bearing to see all this, the Scrooge still will not West’s “Famous” and “Ultralightbeam,” which Club president. Adapted from the classic novel budge helping Bobbie and demands to be taken was hopefully a mistake by the committee. by Charles Dickens, “A Christmas Carol: Re- back home. Returning back in her bed, Scrooge Those are two of the most influential tracks of told” put a fresh modern day twist on the classic finally believes she’s at peace until the Ghost 2016, yet somehow Drake’s mainstream facade Christmas tale. In this play, it featured a female of Christmas Future or also known as Death still proved victorious. Scrooge played by senior Olivia Hershberger (Brendan Hayer-Slattery) scares her. He shows Among the performing acts of the night were and included a neat plot twist at the end. Scrooge her tombstone and what will happen Adele, The Weeknd, Chance the Rapper, Be- to her if she doesn’t change her ways. Finally, yonce, A Tribe Called Quest, and Bruno Mars. The opening scene starts with the Jameson The Grammys opened with Adele performing family. Claire (Alicia Trevino) who is about to go Scrooge believes this and vows to change her her tremendously popular song “Hello” which to bed when her Grandma (Grace Potter) tells ways and gives Bobbie a raise so she can pay shook the world in 2016 and coincidentally her a bedtime story about Evelyn Scrooge. The for her daughter’s surgery. In the last part of the won three Grammys. The British singer also scene then cuts to Scrooge and Bobbie Cratchet play, we are taken back to the setting of Claire performed the tribute for the late singer George (Caitlin Wirtz) finishing up work late on Christ- and her grandma. After listening to this story, Michael. During the performance she stopped mas Eve. Before long, the true colors are seen of Claire believes this is just a made up story her and restarted due to a key malfunction, because the cheap, impolite Evelyn Scrooge as she tells grandma made until the Ghost of Christmas she is Adele and she can do that. The Weeknd her co-worker Bobbie that she will see her the Future appears next to her bed. and Daft Punk delivered a futuristic perfor- next day which is Christmas. Bobbie is heartbro- “A Christmas Carol: Retold” was a great mance, performing “I Feel It Coming” from The ken by this news and tries to convince Scrooge modern-day rendition of Dickens’ classic novel Weeknd’s 2016 project “Starboy,” which should to let her stay home. Scrooge doesn’t budge and which has been adapted into many movies over have been nominated for a Grammy. the years. Overall, Waldron and the JA Drama Although the Grammys failed to recognize tells Bobbie either she will come on Christmas Beyonce’s work on “Lemonade” for album of the or she will lose her job. Heartbroken that she Department did an excellent job in their per- year, she pulled off one of the best performances cannot spend Christmas with her family, Bob- formance with creating the sets and acting. of the night with two songs “Drought” and bie agrees and heads home. Later that night, However, during the play I found it at times to “Sandcastles.” The interesting choreography and Scrooge is visited by her late business partner, be distracting to hear the actors on one side of beautiful vocals were met with praise from the Marley (Julilla Baer). The audience learns that the stage while on the other side the crew was audience. The political statement of the night Marley has been chained and tormented in getting ready for the next scene. Altogether, the was by none other than rap group A Tribe Called the afterlife for being selfish and greedy like idea of having a female Scrooge was a great Quest. Joined by Busta Rhymes and Anderson Scrooge. In her visit, Marley warns Scrooge to touch and the humorous sarcasm made a great Paak they performed two politically charged change her ways or one day Scrooge will pay a modernized play. songs from their album. Of course Chance the worse price than Marley. Thinking this is all just 6 - adams THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23 RD , 2 0 1 7 their hard work paid off, and they expect to do as well, if not better, at the state competi- MOCK TRIAL tion. “[Winning] was an indescribable feel- DUNGEONS ing….going up onstage and seeing everyone MARIAHREGIONALS RUSH - EDITOR-IN-CHIEF standing and clapping, all the long practices, AND DRAGONS all the hard work… it all paid off,” said Niki CLUB On February 18, JA continued the pattern Hakimzadeh. BRENDAN HAYNER-SLATTERY - REPORTER of excellence in Mock Trial at the regional Overrule the World, an all sophomore competition at Penn High School. Adams had Out of all the groups and activities that Adams team, took second place at regionals, shape the daily lives of Adams students, Dun- nine teams participating in the competition with five wins and one loss. It is relatively rare geons and Dragons Club is certainly one of the in which students prepare for months with a for a sophomore team to place so high, so this less well-known. It has, however, built up a court case, and write a script for each member team can only improve from here. Overrule vibrant community of students ranging from to play a witness or lawyer part for prosecu- the World’s members are Keiasia Brown, Da- freshmen to seniors that join together each week to play a unique tabletop game. Each tion and/or defense. Throughout the long, vid Engel, Sofia Lora, Ethan Lindley, Maddie almost 12 hour day, each team goes through player inhabits the role of an individual char- Lorenz, Tina Rea, Stanley Rozenbilt, and Max acter in a mix of improv acting and collabora- three separate trials, and draws teams to play Thompson. “I really didn’t think we would get tive storytelling as they solve problems and randomly at first, but later draws teams de- second, as Penn was sort of an Adams blood- confront adversaries in a fantasy setting. The pending on their previous scores. For example, bath type situation,” said David Engel. “It club is divided into several groups, each led by if a team won their first two rounds, in the really was an honor to get second as a sopho- a Dungeon Master who builds the surrounding world, setting up challenges of combat or skill last trial they may go up against a team that more team, and we hope to do just as well at also won its last two rounds. There are two that are resolved with the mark of a pencil or state,” he continued. the roll of a die. judges in each trial, who each give separate Not Necessarily, a powerful team boasting For those who attend, the weekly meet- verdicts as to which team “won” the round, seniors Amanda Brewster, Ana Mare Broden, ings offer a much-appreciated opportunity pertaining to the points acquired from a mul- Alice Goulding, Elijah Grammer, Brendan for relaxation and camaraderie. Club member titude of categories. While all Adams teams Hayner-Slattery, Robert Howard, Douglas Joe Garwood described the game as a wholly positive experience. “It’s a nice chance to de- performed exceptionally well, The Tower Moody, and Abi Trzaskowski, received third would like to recognize the top placing teams stress and hang out with friends at the end of place at regionals. They also won five trials the day,” Garwood explained. Other players at regionals. and lost one. Being five points away from win- expressed similar sentiments: that rather than Out of these nine teams competing out of ning the regional is only motivating this team, being an addition to their workloads, Dun- 24, Adams has six teams continuing on to according to Alice Goulding. “While things do geons and Dragons meetings help to relieve state in early March. This is incredible, es- shift around (the team that placed second at the pressure of their schoolwork and lives. The club has quite a history at John Ad- pecially considering only the top 11 teams regionals last year ended up not placing at all continue on to state. However, one senior JA ams, with groups stretching back for years at state), Adams will most likely be holding and changing as members graduate and new team, Post Truth, placed 12 in the competi- onto the state champion trophy another year... students arrive. In the last few years, however, tion, but happened to be “wildcarded” or while we were disappointed, it’s only moti- the club has grown noticeably in size, add- “bubbled” in to going to state, due to their vated us to practice intensely these next two ing additional groups to accommodate new high scores. Adams took places one through weeks,” said Goulding. members. “I was surprised,” remarked Game Master Theodore Banik, “by how much group three, six and nine (as well as the number Other JA teams going to state are Law and twelve wildcard team) at the competition. sizes have grown over the last few years as Murder with sixth place, Notorious M.O.B more people have found out about it.” The Dead Precedents, an all junior JA team, re- with ninth place, and Post Truth with twelfth club now runs three games with five to eight ceived first place. Consisting of juniors Patrik place. players each. Bauer, Alex Blad, Ben Fecher, Naomi Freel, The state competition in Indianapolis will Although this year’s games are already Michael Garcia, Niki Hakimzadeh, Logan be on March 4 and 5. In the past few years, underway, those interested in joining the club in the future are encouraged to get in con- Reimbold-Thomas, and Mia Utayde, Dead the state winner has been an Adams team, so Precedents was the only undefeated team in tact with one of the Game Masters: Douglas hopefully this year will be no different and we Moody, Stuart Mayfield, or Theodore Banik. the regional. “We prepared to do well and we will have a team go to Nationals to represent Meetings take place every Wednesday after- were confident going into the competition Indiana. With these competitive teams in the noon in Ms. Woodward’s art room from 3:00 that we would make it to state, but I don’t mix, it looks like there will be stiff competi- to 4:30 P.M., and students are welcome to stop think we fully expected to take first,” said Ben tion just among the teams from JA, only mak- by for further information. Fecher. After hundreds of hours of practicing, ing for a more interesting state competition. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2 3 RD , 2 0 1 7 adams - 7 shop quartet said, “I am so happy to have the performances at ISSMA. Silver medals were also opportunity to perform at state with my amaz- awarded to Robert Howard for his trombone ISSMA ing show choir friends and awesome director, solo and Zach Thomas for his baritone solo. CASEY CARROLL - REPORTER Doc!” A record was also set when 4 JA piano Stewart McGowan was awarded bronze with his solo performers all received gold medals. Lara alto saxophone solo. In group one ensembles, The John Adams high school band, orchestra, Chuppe, Maria Clear, Mylee Finley, and Max three golds were given to Eileena Davidson, and choir all took on ISSMA, the Indiana State Thompson all received gold medals for their Josette Wright, and Emily Shemesh for their School Music Association, on February 4, 2017. piano performance. All of these vocal perform- flute solo, as well as fourteen to the large string The John Adams Choir members and piano ers will go on to the state contest in Indianapolis ensemble; including Amelia Chuppe, Safra Are- students earned 75 gold medals and six silver on Saturday, February 18, to perform at Perry valo, Caroline Pitts, Claire Stowe, Sarah Sass, medals at contest. For group events, the show Meridian high school. All piano solo gold medal Kate O’Brien, Alyssa Dang, Hannah Curl, Cor- choir’s Madrigal, show choir’s large girls ensem- winners will perform at Perry Meridian middle wynne Pugh, Zoe Bonnell, Olivia Hershberger, ble, and show choir’s large boys ensemble all school the same day. Madlean Koehler, Katherine Driver, and Douglas received gold medals. Vocal solos by Aliyah Ar- The John Adams’ band and orchestra students Moody. The large brass ensemble, including zadon, Maria Clear, Mitchell Caponigro, Rachel also won a plethora of medals in their solos and Daniel Shemesh, Caitlin Dunlap, Robert How- Casper, Martell Green, Tessa Griffin, Kennedi ensembles. Josette Wright won a gold medal ard, Julilla Baer, Elizabeth Mellor, Zach Thomas, Kyle, and Emily Murton all received gold med- for her piccolo solo. Eileen Davidson, Emily Chris Vreugdenhil, Ethan Goodrich, and Ethan als as well. The boy’s barbershop quartet was Shemesh, Josette Wright, and Zoe Gezelter all Davis-Dhoore, received eleven silver medals for performed by Logan Reimbold-Thomas, Irene’e received gold medals for their flute solos. Gold their performance. The group three ensemble Shema, Zach Fernandez, and Thomas Han. The medals were also given to Basil Thurin and brass trio (Zach Thomas, Renee Nerenburg, girl’s barbershop quartet was performed by Abigail Myers on clarinet, Daniel Shemesh on and Ethan Goodrich) were awarded three gold Amara Ball, Rachel Casper, Hannah Mihut, and trumpet, Renee Nerenburg on baritone, Amelia medals. All of the events will perform at state on Aliyah Arzadon. Rachel Casper, who won gold Chuppe, Claire Stowe, Safra Arevalo, and Emma February 25, 2017. medals performed “Poor Man Lazarus’ in the Kirner all on violin. Olivia Hershberger, Zoe Everyone at The Tower would like to con- girl’s ensemble, “Homeward Bound’ as a solo, Bonnell, and Madlean Koehler on cello, Max Mc- gratulate our choir, band, and orchestra students “Hark! All Ye Lovely Saints Above” in Madrigal, Coy on snare drum, and Max Tompson on bass on their accomplishments and wish them luck at and “Dream A Little Dream of Me” in a barber- also received gold medals for their amazing solo state! 8 - sports THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2 3 RD , 2 0 1 7 Columbus were both named ALL-NIC 2nd team Portolese headed to the JA pool to continue her and Teaonna Miller received honorable mention. swimming career, and was not disappointed. GIRLS The team will also see 9 of their players gradu- “Swimming in high school was just so much fun. ate this spring. I was able to be as competitive as I wanted, I BASKETBALL really began to become the athlete I am now,” Portolese said. And compete she certainly did. MAKES IT TO Portolese claims her “main events” as the 200 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT IM and 100 breaststroke- and she holds Adam’s SECTIONALS school record for both. “When I broke my first TAYLOR WALDRON - REPORTER STEPHANIE record it was unbelievable… I knew I could do it, but it was beyond crazy when it actually The 2016-2017 girls basketball season was PORTOLESE happened,” she explained. “The ones after that momentous for the Lady Eagles. For the first MARIAH RUSH - EDITOR-IN-CHIEF were equally as exciting and unbelievable,” she time in twelve years, the John Adams Girls Bas- continued. ketball team made it to sectionals. This was also High school is normally regarded as a stressful As for her future plans, Portolese plans on the first sectional for the girls’ coach, Leon Scott. task, no matter the person undergoing the four majoring in biology and chemistry at IU Bloom- In the first round, the girls beat Mishawaka year marathon. But what about high school in ington, and is most likely headed towards High School with a score of 67-51. It was the addition to participating in a year-round varsity becoming a doctor. However, she does not plan first sectional win for Adams since the 2004-05 sport and numerous extra-curriculars? What on pursuing swimming in college, and cites this season. In the second round, the Lady Eagles about maintaining A’s in a rigorous IB program last swim season as “bittersweet.” “This is one of faced Michigan City. Senior Maddie McCon- while maintaining your sanity and social life? the only things I’m finding hard to leave behind, nel noted, “Beating Michigan City was tough Stephanie Portolese, a senior swimmer for JA, both because of how much fun I’ve had and how considering they have a player that’s at least is an impressive rarity - she can check off all of much this team has meant to me and because 6’3.” Kaylan Parker led the team with a total 20 these boxes. this year did not end the points scored, followed by Sam Jankowski with Although this would way I had hoped,” she 13 points, and Maddie McConnell with 10, sum- make many others said. “I encountered both ming up the 63-51 win for the girls. go insane, Portolese great experiences with Saturday, February 4, 2017 was filled with regards swimming as “When I broke my first my team as well as health anxiety and excitement for the girls basketball something that is just issues which took away team. McConnel says, “The locker room was natural for her to do. record, it was from my athletic ability. wild before the start of the game. When we Now a three time state But all in all I wouldn’t came out we were all running around, pumped qualifier, Portolese unbelievable… I trade it for anything.” up, ready to play. We even danced before the began swimming for Whether it is continuing game with the cheerleaders.” The girls were the YMCA swim team knew I could do it, but to swim while encoun- elated to see so much JA parent, faculty, and after taking lessons for it was beyond tering health problems, student support. McConnel says, “South Bend years, and has con- or cheering on her team really showed out for us that night.” Senior Kay- tinued swimming for crazy when it at meets and coming lan Parker agreed saying, “There were players, over a decade. “I keep in for an early morning coaches, students, and parents from other South coming back because actually happened.” practice, or conquering Bend schools who drove all the way to LaPorte it’s what I know, it’s an achievement outside to support us.” something I loved,” of the pool, Portolese is In the final round, playing for the sectional said Portolese. Perhaps known to be resilient and title, the girls fell short and lost to LaPorte with consistently winning races and breaking records reliable by her team- a final score of 53-48. Even though they lost, (her first high school record was broken during mates and friends. McConnel says “We never quit. At one point we her freshman season) has something to do with However, swimming is not Portolese’s only were down by 13 and we came back strong and her dedication, but nevertheless, it appears as athletic ability. For the past few years, Porto- played as a team.” She continues, “Up until the if the pool was just where she belonged. “It was lese has participated in a week-long bike trip, end, we still stayed together, as a team, held my proverbial rock,” she continued. “I’ve always covering over 400 miles, in addition to the our heads high. We all we got, We all we need.” swam, and I couldn’t imagine not [swimming].” months-long training that goes into the trip. With tears in their eyes, the girls gracefully left Regarded universally as one of JA’s best female In fact, Portolese intends to participate in the the LaPorte gym with respect for themselves swimmers, Portolese is one of the few swimmers Little 500 bike race down at IU Bloomington and the game they played. This tough, final loss that comes in early before school to morning during college. Although JA’s swimming season does not minimize the many accomplishments practice, and goes back again after. Some days, is over, Portolese has headed back to the YMCA the team made this season. On top of making it’s quite possible for those select swimmers to to begin another swim season with a different it into the final round of sectionals, the girls never see the sun. team, where she first began to swim. There truly finished off their regular season with a record of After swimming for her YMCA team, the Sting- is not an off-season for this immensely talented 14-7. Seniors Samantha Jankowski and Reniya rays, throughout elementary and middle school, athlete.