Yearbook tradition to end - My High School Journalism

The
Volume 55, No. 24 The student voice of Southfield High School / Southfield, Michigan
50¢ February 50¢ 2008
http://www.myhighschooljournalism.org/mi/southfield/shs/
Yearbook tradition to end
Yearbook course gets cut from school curriculum
By Tania Keys
News Editor
The removal of the Yearbook
class from the school curriculum
ends a 55-year tradition.
Students and staff learned
of the change when students
registered for next year’s classes
and discovered that Yearbook
class was not listed among
options on the course selection
forms.
“It’s disappointing because
it’s an annual thing,” said
Winfred Hatten, a junior who is
a member of the Yearbook staff.
Senior Camille Armstrong,
who is also a member of the
Yearbook staff, said, “I feel
that it’s unfair because all the
other (graduating classes) had
a yearbook class.” She said
yearbooks allow students to look
back at memories.
Counselor Patricia Yorke
said the school district has been
trying to align Southfield High’s
curriculum with Southfield-
Lathrup High School’s
curriculum. Lathrup only offers
Yearbook as an after-school
activity, which Southfield High
could also do, Yorke said.
Yorke denied that the class
was axed because of a $48,000
publishing debt that the yearbook
has been accumulating since
By Tania Keys
News Editor
The front wing of Southfield
High School formerly known as
O House will next year house
the new University High School
Academy, a small school being
created for advanced students,
said Southfield High Principal
Michael Horn.
This new “school within a
school” will emphasize science,
technology, engineering and
math classes, Horn said. It will be
a high school especially for the
students who graduate from the
new Levey S.T.E.M. (science,
technology, engineering and
math) Magnet Middle School
program, Horn said.
Senior Dezia Harper says,
“I think that the new school is
2001.
Yearbook Adviser Faydra
Nelson confirms that the
yearbook is in debt for a
“substantial amount” and says
she was not informed as to why
the class was pulled.
Nelson says Taylor
Publishing Company will not
release last year’s yearbook until
the debt is paid.
Josten’s will print this year’s
book, according to Principal
Michael Horn.
Nelson went on to say
that she has enjoyed being
the yearbook adviser for the
last three years. She says she
inherited debt with the position.
a good idea because it will give
the smarter kids a chance to mix
with other (smart) kids who have
the same goals as them.”
But junior Tori Thornwell
says that Southfield High already
has advanced classes. “I think
it’s just a waste of time because
we already have a school. It’s
pointless.”
To attend the school,
potential students will have to
fill out an application, write a
personal statement and take a
placement exam.
The school will offer courses
such as Mandarin Chinese,
Advanced Placement classes,
dual enrollment classes where
students can take college classes
as well as high school classes,
performing arts classes and
technological studies classes. The
Photo by Ramona Fisher
Yearbook woes: Senior Yearbook staffer Camille Armstrong
holds a copy of the 2006 Blue & Gray yearbook. Students can
no longer sign up for Yearbook production as a course.
Southfield plans new high school for gifted students
Photo courtesy
of Southfield Public Schools
In charge: Marcia Williams
has been named as Dean of
University High School. She
previously was principal of
Southfield-Lathrup High.
school will also offer chances to
study abroad.
University High is just
for Southfield Public Schools
students for the time being,
said Sarena Shivers, director of
curriculum for the district.
The school will be able
to hold up to 400 students and
is expected to have 100-125
freshmen in its opening year,
according to Shivers.
Shivers said the district
decided to have a school for gifted
students because “it is important
to provide opportunities for
students at every level of
academic performance. Prior
to the creation of the new
high school, Southfield did
not have a secondary program
specific for students who need
a more rigorously challenging
and accelerated learning
enviornment,” Shivers said.
University High will
have trimesters instead of
the traditional two 18-week
semesters that Southfield High
has, Horn said. Trimesters are
12-week card markings.
In order for students to stay
in the program, University High
students must maintain at least a
B average, Horn said.
Parents also have to be
involved if their son or daughter
is going to University High,
Horn said. They have to sign a
commitment form which says
that they will attend at least four
PTA meetings a year, as well
as volunteer for school events.
They also have to complete a
parent statement to go with the
application.

2 The Southfield Jay / February 2008 News
News Briefs
Beauty pageant
seeks contestants
Students can compete in a pageant to
be named Mr. and Ms. Southfield High.
The pageant is sponsored by the Class
of 2008 and art teacher Makini Ahket.
Any student regardless of grade may
participate in this annual competition.
Preliminary judging will be held on Feb.
12 in the senior lunch room after school.
Ten finalists will compete on Feb. 29.
- Vaniece Jenkins
BPA to showcase
popular prom attire
Business Professionals of America
(BPA) is scheduled to host the annual
Prom Fashion Show at 7 p.m. on Mar. 20 in
the Southfield High auditorium. Students
will be modeling clothes from Elegant
Lady, David’s Bridal and Sam Michael’s
Menswear. Tickets are $5 in advance
and $7 at the door, said junior Mischelay
Roberts, who is a show organizer.
The proceeds will go toward funding
the BPA National Leadership Conference
on May 7-11 in Reno, Nev.
- Shar’Nika Little
Students create
class schedules
For the first time, students were able
to go onto the computer program Zangle
and register themselves for the classes
they wanted.
“It’s easier because I can see what
I’m enrolling myself into,” said freshman
Shacira Dobbs.
In the past, students selected classes
on a paper course selection form, and the
counselors entered their requested classes
into the computer.
Counselors are still involved in that
they consult with students before sending
them off to schedule themselves, and
some staff members and students were
stationed in the computer lab to show
students what to do. In the end, the
students had the freedom to select the
classes they wanted.
-Tania Keys
‘Rhythms, Rhymes and Rhapsodies’
Actors prepare spring musical
By Gabriele Jackson
Staff Writer
This year’s spring musical, “Rhythms,
Rhymes, and Rhapsodies,” is an original
work written by Drama teacher Brenda
Perryman.
“I wrote this play to give us something
a little new to do,” said Perryman, who
has written many other works, including
poems and newspaper columns for the
Southfield Eccentric. “It actually worked
out well.”
Perryman describes the musical
as “a fantasy” about three curious high
school students named Donna, Lisa, and
Dunicious, who are transported back in
time to the 1920s.
They find themselves in a theater in
Harlem, New York. At the theater, the
three time travelers get to interact with
Harlem Renaissance legends such as poet
Langston Hughes, singer Bill “Bojangles”
Robinson, writer Zora Neale Hurston and
singer Josephine Baker.
Students in the play will perform
famous songs by these legends, creating a
musical review of hits from past decades.
The roles of the three time travelers
will be played by junior David Shepherd,
junior Jerica Jamerson and senior Jenae
Hope. Shepherd will portray Dunicious,
Jamerson will portray Donna, and Hope
will portray Lisa.
Many other students have been cast
as singing, dancing Harlem Renaissance
legends in the play.
Audiences will be able to hear hit
oldies like “Blues in the Night,” “Take
the A Train,” “Mr. Bojangles,” “Stormy
Weather,” “Ain’t Misbehavin” and many
other songs, Perryman said.
As a special treat, said Perryman,
the entire cast will be learning the Lindy
Hop, which is a popular dance that
originated in New York City in 1927.
The dance involves excessive movement
and improvisation of African American
dances.
Perryman said she met one of the
original Lindy Hop dancers, Norma
Miller, and based one of the characters in
the play on Miller.
Junior Darius Jordan has been
selected to serve as student director of the
play, and junior Jasmine Lee will serve as
assistant director.
Stage notes
“Rhythms, Rhymes and
Rhapsodies”
Mar. 14 and 15 at 7 p.m.
and Mar. 16 at 3 p.m.
in the Southfield High School
auditorium.
Tickets $7 for adults
and $5 for senior citizens
and students.
See Brenda Perryman
in room O-121A
for tickets.

By Nicole Moore
Assistant News Editor
Seniors have something new to brag
about.
They now have the Senior Café - a
special lunchroom only for them.
Organized and designed by the
members of Principal’s Council, the
Senior Café took the place of the underused
Honors Café for honor roll students.
This idea of a “seniors-only”
lunchroom gives the seniors their own
personal space to eat lunch, listen to
music and share conversation among their
friends. The Senior Café is a private area
located adjacent to the Commons Area
lunchroom. Seniors also now have their
own lunch line.
Marcus Hopkins, a senior and a
member of Principal’s Council, said, “We
wanted to do something for the seniors,
so we decided to come up with the Senior
Café. I think it’s a great addition.”
Senior Dezia Harper, who also is a
member of the Principal’s Council, said,
“The Senior Café was created to show
unity within the senior class and to set
new traditions.”
The décor of the Senior Café mainly
represents the future of seniors. College
posters represent where seniors might be
headed after high school. Also, a collage
of senior autographs lines the wall.
Shortly after the Senior Café opened,
a handful of seniors had a food fight,
causing Assistant Principal Marty Bulger
to chastise seniors to appreciate their new
lunchroom. “The Senior Café will not
be closed, but seniors need to make sure
their areas are clean before they leave the
café,” Bulger said.
Senior Tasharra Barrett is a fan of the
new senior hangout: “I love the Senior
Café; it was a great idea. All the seniors
are together; we share music, food and
discussion.”
However, senior Isaiah Walton is less
impressed. He said, “It doesn’t make any
difference. It’s still a lunchroom. You’re
still getting the same lunch.” He said he’d
like it more if seniors also had a special
menu of different foods to buy.
Junior Evan Humes said the new
café is one more reason why he can’t
wait to be a senior. “I’m looking forward
to becoming a senior and eating in the
Senior Café.” He said, “It’s going to be a
great experience.”
News
The Southfield Jay / February 2008 3
Seniors enjoy exclusive café
Photo by Tania Keys
Lunch bunch: Seniors swarm to the new Senior Café, which they’ve decorated with senior memorabilia .

4 The Southfield Jay / February 2008 Editorials & Opinions
Editor-in-Chief
News Editor
Asst. News Editor
Centerspread Editor
Editorial Editor
Features Editor
Sports Editor
Entertainment Editor
Fashion Editor
Photo Editor
Webmaster
Staff Artist
Circulation Manager
Business Manager
Exchange Editor
Faculty Adviser
Student teacher
The Southfield Jay
Published monthly during the school year
by journalism students of Southfield High School
Makia Brooks
Tania Keys
Nicole Moore
Ashley Douglas
Jenae Carter
Rae Larkins
Ramona Fisher
Amber Lucy
Kayla Hurst
Personna Hover
Justin S. Johnson
Tiara Hill
Amber Lucy
Tomeka Kolleh
Vaniece Jenkins
Diane Hofsess
Agnes Soriano
Staff writers: Shar’Nika Little,
Marcus Hardwick, Quanisha
Mendenhall, Gabriele Jackson,
Justin S. Johnson
The Southfield Jay is a member of
Quill & Scroll and the Michigan Interscholastic
Press Association. The Jay is
a 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 George
H. Gallup Award winner and a Spartan
Award winner for the same years.
We welcome your letters to the editor.
Letters must be signed and may be
edited for space reasons.
Write to us at The Southfield Jay, c/o
Diane Hofsess, Southfield High School,
24675 Lahser Road, Southfield, Mich.,
48033. Or phone us at (248) 746-8963.
Our views
City needs to hold its mayor accountable for lying
If Detroit’s mayor and
his former chief of staff
lied under oath, they both
should lose their jobs, not
just one of them.
Former Chief of
Staff Christine Beatty has
already resigned, effective
Feb. 8, saying she could
no longer diligently fulfill
her responsibilities to the
City of Detroit, due to
the publicity of the sex
scandal between her and
Detroit Mayor Kwame
Kilpatrick. On the other
hand, Kilpatrick has
vowed to stay dedicated to
serving the city no matter
what obstacles arise.
This is all because
last month, investigators
found more than 14,000
text messages exchanged
between Beatty and
Kilpatrick from 2002-
2003, many of which
contained adult content,
allegedly confirming their
extramarital relations.
The new evidence
negated what Kilpatrick
and Beatty said last
summer in civil court
when, under oath, they
denied their alleged affair.
Lying under oath is
perjury, and by law, perjury
is a crime punishable by
law that could put a person
in prison for up to five
years. Kilpatrick and his
ex-chief of staff should
not be excused for this
alleged crime. The two
cronies were clearly aware
of the consequences that
they could possibly face.
Kilpatrick, no matter how
well he has served the City
of Detroit up to this point,
has to be held accountable
for his actions.
Some say that
Kilpatrick should be
exonerated from all crimes
because his personal life
should have no bearing on
how he does his job. Not to
mention, he had the affair
six years ago. However, a
crime is still a crime, no
matter who commits it or
what color you paint it. If
the mayor decided that he
was going to take a risk
that would potentially cost
him everything he has
worked so hard to acquire
-- his career, family and
reputation -- then he should
suffer the consequences of
which he was previously
aware.
Moreover, the
monetary issue has arisen
in the case of the affair.
Allegations arose when
Kilpatrick wrongfully
fired three Detroit police
officers because of their
investigation into the
couple’s affair. When those
allegations were brought
to court, the litigation fees
cost the city more than $9
million -- money the city
does not have.
Kilpatrick claims to
love Detroit, yet his actions
in this matter are contrary
to what he says. For he has
not only further hurt the
city’s limping image, but
has also cost the taxpayers
dearly, as well.
Kwame Kilpatrick,
what did I tell you
about those text
messages?
You know what?
Just for that I’m
raising your taxes!
But Ma . . .
But Ma
nothin’! You’ve
lost your phone
privileges
What was
that?
Nothing,
Mom.
Loss of yearbook class could result
in loss of high school memories
The Southfield Blue
and Gray Yearbook, as we
know it, is sadly reaching a
drastic halt after 55 years.
The yearbook class
will now only be offered
as an after-school extracurricular
activity, rather
than as a class that
meets during the school
day. With the yearbook
class removed from the
curriculum for next year,
it will certainly lose its
traditional quality.
It’s no secret that
students work harder when
they have a grade dangling
over their heads. When
the threat of a low grade
disappears, so usually
does the work effort of the
students involved.
Required classes will
likely take precedence and
deflect students’ concerns
for producing a quality
publication.
Once the class is no
longer a part of Southfield
High’s curriculum, students
who would have previously
had time to devote to the
class, will have to consider
other responsibilities.
After-school jobs, family
obligations, sports and
other extra-curricular
activities could interfere
with the creation of the
treasured yearbook.
Students will have to
choose between these other
priorities and yearbook.
The students who end
up deciding they don’t
have the time after school
to dedicate to yearbook
will unfortunately
miss out on the valued
experiences of capturing
high school memories and
documenting their time
in history. They will not
be able to take photos of
such momentous events
as school games in which
they participated and
Homecoming dances they
attended. How sad.

Editorials & Opinions
The Southfield Jay / February 2008 5
The pros of keeping ‘Zoey 101’ The cons of keeping ‘Zoey 101’
By Nicole Moore
Assistant News Editor
Even though Jamie
Lynn Spears is in the
spotlight as a young
celebrity, her pregnancy
should be treated as a
personal matter and should
not affect whether she
keeps her job.
After the 16-yearold
sister of singer
Britney Spears announced
her pregnancy about
four months ago, her
starring role on the
popular Nickelodeon
program “Zoey 101” was
jeopardized.
The potential
cancellation of her
show is an unnecessary
punishment to an already
difficult situation for this
teenage girl. Canceling
her show would make this
pregnancy even harder
on Jamie Lynn, her baby
and the rest of the Spears
family.
Life for the Spears
family is already difficult
due to the celebrity status
of the sisters. Since the
announcement of Jamie
Lynn’s pregnancy, the
paparazzi intensified their
stalking of Jamie Lynn by
desperately trying to tape
and photograph her every
move and reaction.
Since Britney has been
Should pregnant Jamie Lynn Spears lose her show?
a long-time target of the
media’s aggression, Jamie
Lynn is now becoming
a welcome addition to
the media mayhem that
surrounds the Spears
family.
Because a lot of
elementary- and middleschool
age children watch
“Zoey 101,” many people
-- especially parents --
felt like it was not a good
idea to allow a pregnant
teenage girl to remain in
the starring role.
The media is making
Jamie Lynn out to be an
irresponsible parent, but
she did the responsible
thing. By deciding to have
her child, she is taking
accountability for her
actions which takes a lot of
courage, especially while
being in the center of the
public eye.
Cancelling Jamie
Lynn’s show would have
been a drastic way to
address her unexpected
pregnancy. If the network
was so concerned with
hiding it, the writers and
producers could have
looked to other TV shows
as examples of how to
handle the situation.
In the past, shows
such as “The Cosby
Show,” “Everybody Loves
Raymond,” “King of
Queens” and “Will and
Grace,” continued filming
with pregnant actresses on
set.
The network
accommodated
the situation
and worked
around the
pregnancies
in the filming
of the show
as well as the
writing of the
script.
W i t h
a little
creativity,
writers and
producers
c o u l d
easily do
the same
for Jamie
Lynn’s show.
The cameraoperators
could
tape the show
using specific angles
that would keep her
stomach area off
camera and not visible
to the television
audience. They also
could set props in
front of her to hide
her pregnancy in
different scenes.
And to avoid
Jamie Lynn’s
pregnancy from being seen
at all, the network could
just put the show on hiatus
until she has her baby.
By Gabriele Jackson
Staff Writer
Jamie Lynn Spears had
the opportunity to be a
positive role model
for young girls,
but her unplanned
p r e g n a n c y
destroyed the
ideal image of
a young, pure
and innocent
teenaged girl.
At only
the age of
16, she
announced
her pregnancy
with her 19-yearold
boyfriend
C a s e y
Aldridge.
O n c e
the children-and
family-oriented
cable TV network,
N i c k e l o d e o n ,
discovered her
p r e g n a n c y,
r u m o r s
circulated
that “Zoey
1 0 1 ”
would be
canceled.
I f
J a m i e
L y n n
c o n t i n u e s
acting in “Zoey 101,” she
is tarnishing Nickelodeon’s
family-friendly image.
What do other Southfield High students think?
The Southfield Jay asked random students whether Jamie Lynn should lose her show. Here’s what they say:
“I think that they should (let
her) continue the show. It will
get a positive image for young
teens who take care of their
responsibilities as a mother.”
~ Devante Long, sophomore
“Just because you get pregnant
doesn’t mean the world stops.
You continue doing whatever
you were doing.”
~ Khadi’jia Johnson, senior
With most of the
Disney channel’s popular
female stars such as
Vanessa Hudgens and
Christina Aguilera
choosing the more
rebellious and provocative
route to celebrity status,
Nickelodeon really was
one of the few TV channels
appropriate for chidren.
More experienced
actresses may conceal
their pregnancies during
filming, but these
actresses are just that
-- “experienced.” Jamie
Lynn’s audience primarily
consists of pre-teen, very
impressionable, fans.
And as far as writing
her pregnancy into the
script...How would you
explain that to someone
who hasn’t even hit
puberty?
Condoning Jamie
Lynn’s pregnancy goes
against what the channel
was designed for…family.
A baby changes
everything. Allowing
Jamie Lynn the luxury to
keep everything she had
prior to the pregnancy is
a mistake and a terrible
life lesson for the fans of
“Zoey 101.”
By letting her keep
the show, the network
is teaching young girls
that mistakes have no
consequences, when in
fact, they have life-altering
ones.
Furthermore, starring
in a highly rated program
takes long hours -- hours
that should be dedicated
to the preparation of her
child’s birth and care after
birth. Not to mention,
Jamie Lynn is allegedly
planning to hand off her
parental responsibilities to
her own mother. Not taking
responsibilty as a mother
could eventually damage
Jamie Lynn’s relationship
with her child. The child
will be neglected by its
mother, and Jamie Lynn’s
mother will be deemed
as the child’s adoptive
parent.
At any rate, as a young
celebritiy, Jamie Lynn
should have been focusing
more on the development
of her career, rather than
putting herself in a position
where she has to worry
about both her career and
a child.
“Zoey 101” should not
air on TV with Jamie Lynn
in the starring role. She’s a
poor role model for young
children who look up to
her. She needs to take care
of her own responsibilities
and give the title as a role
model to someone who
would take the position
more seriously and set a
better example.
By Personna Hover
Staff Writer
“She’s setting a bad example
by getting pregnant at a
young age. She should
have been more cautious
considering she has a show
that is viewed by little kids.”
~ Diamond Moore, junior

6
The Southfield Jay / February 2008
Features
Promise rings increase in popularity
By Quanisha Mendenhall
Staff writer
“He said, ‘Would you wear
my promise ring?’ I said, ‘Yes,’”
according to lyrics from singer
Tiffany Evans’ first hit “Promise
Ring.” But these days a promise
ring is much more than a song
title -- it’s a teenage epidemic.
In schools across America, it
has become common to hear a girl
gushing about how her boyfriend
“promised her forever” or to hear
a boy bragging about his girl’s
reaction when he presented her
with her promise ring.
The popular promise ring
can have several meanings.
Some teens give them to their
parents to promise abstinence
until marriage. These promise
rings are also called chastity
rings or purity rings.
But the most common reason
to have one is to signify that “you
are going to be together forever,”
according to Terrie Wilson of
Kay Jewelers. That’s the type of
ring Southfield High senior Paul
Estelle gave to his girlfriend,
senior Candice Kirkland.
“The night I gave it to her,
we were at Red Lobster,” Estelle
said. “She had the menu covering
her face. When she lowered the
menu, I had set the ring down
right in front of her. I promised
that I’d always stay by her side. I
promised to always be there with
her, no matter what.”
Senior Alison Albritton
recalled the night she got hers,
three months ago: “One night
while at the movies, he (2007
Southfield High graduate Sean
Young) kept saying there was
something he wanted to give me.
After the movie, he gave the ring
to me and promised that we’d
always be together. I was so
happy.”
A promise ring signifies
almost the same as an engagement
ring. Teenagers opt to give a
promise ring rather than an actual
engagement ring because some
parents may not approve of an
engagement at such an early age.
The promise ring holds the place
of the engagement ring until the
future, but it is definitely not to
be taken lightly, Wilson said.
Most of the time the promise
rings are given to a girl, but
there is no rule that says boys
can’t wear them. As long as the
ring is masculine, it would be a
good Valentine’s Day gift for a
boyfriend.
“Boys can get promise
rings,” Wilson said. “I gave one
to my boyfriend.”
Prices for promise rings
range from $100 to $1,000 at Kay
Jewelers. The Avon catalogue has
a section dedicated to promise
rings in its Valentine catalogue.
The rings are also sold at Jared’s
and department stores.

Features
The Southfield Jay / February 2008 7
Art museum attracts all ages
New interactive exhibits bring art to life at Detroit Institute of Arts
By Makia Brooks
Editor-in-Chief
Upon entering the
newly renovated
Detroit Institute
of Arts, the first
noticeable change
is the hanging display of silver
chains from the soaring ceiling
of the Great Hall.
Along with the eye-catching
arrangement, the museum also
features new technological
advancements which enhance
the overall experience. Instead
of passively looking, visitors can
interact with the artwork.
The museum features the
usual contemporary and modern
art but has included various
hands-on activities for children.
Among the most appealing is the
“Eye Spy” clip board shown in
each room. Children pull the tabs
where clues are revealed about a
specific pieces of art to find.
For the adults, the museum
has introduced a way to connect
with the art by having touch
screen computers that show
ancient artifacts that visitors
wouldn’t otherwise be able to
touch. In addition to the touch
screens, quotes by literary
scholars flash on the museum
walls.
In the Greek and Roman art
section, the sculptures and oil
canvases look life-like. It feels as
if you are peering into someone’s
eyes instead of looking at a piece
of colorful paper.
Other advancements include
the shadow figures. Shadows of
ancient gladiators, princes and
gods walk with dignity across the
walls. It’s like magic; the screen
projector is nowhere in sight.
Walking through the
building, it’s easy to become
lost in both the artwork and the
cavernous museum itself.
It isn’t until passing a
nearby window that realization
hits that visitors are in Detroit.
Outside, the city seems so busy,
while the museum welcomes
the quiet view of the unblinking
paintings.
Adults and children are
equipped with optional thick
black headphones accompanied
with an audio player. The DIA
has revamped the traditional tour
guide by allowing individuals to
listen to the history or design of
a piece of art by simply pushing
a button. For adults, the audio
tour is $8. For senior citizens it’s
$6, and for children it’s $5. DIA
members are guaranteed free
admission.
Moving from room to room,
the effort put into stylizing and
decorating is very apparent.
The A. Alfred Taubman Wing
features early Christian art.
Unlike other areas of the
museum, the room feels like a
sanctuary or a church. Across the
hall in the Manoogian Wing —
which features early American
home styles — everything is
wood. From the paneled floor to
the low ceilings, it captures the
destitution of living during that
period.
One of the most original
pieces in the DIA, Whitby Hall,
is an actual replica of an 1800s
style home. Near the door is
a stairway and a narrow hall
which shows a dining area and
fireplace. The institute is able to
capture various emotions within
each setting.
The museum has added a
contemporary eatery named Café
DIA as a companion to the older
Kresge Court Coffee Stop. Both
are able to satisfy any art lover’s
taste buds.
The Detroit Institute of
Arts is open Wednesday through
Sunday. Hours are Wednesdays
and Thursdays from 10 a.m.-5
p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m.-10
p.m., and on the weekends from
10 a.m.-6 p.m.
It’s located in downtown
Detroit on Woodward Avenue.
Photos by Makia Brooks
Light Show: Senior Kelvin Austin scrolls across a copy of an ancient Egyptian text, using a
light table. The original text hangs on walls at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
Map Quest: Young children play “I Spy” games relating to the art they can see in the Victorian
room. They write down their answers and find the art using a map in the room.

W A R N I N G
HOT
election topics:
What your
politicians and
pop culture icons
have to say about
this year’s hot
election topics
This year’s presidential candidates,
along with your favorite celebrities,
weigh in on the issues that matter
most to the American people. Here
is a collection of memorable quotes
gleaned from news Web sites, as well
as popular songs.
“I understand the frustration caused by our mistakes in this war. I sympath
with the fatigue of the American people. But I also know the toll a lost war
on an army and a country. It is the right road. It is necessary and just.”
~ John McCain, Republican
Immigration
“If we can get a credit card application done within hours, it shouldn’t take
get a work permit to come here and pick lettuce. So part of my plan is tha
borders. You don’t have amnesty and sanctuary cities. You do have a pat
back here legally that would take days, maybe weeks, not years.”
~ Mike Huckabee, Republican
Health care
“If we spend so much, why does the World Health Organization rank the U
States 31st in life expectancy and 40th in child mortality, worse than Cuba
Croatia? Under my reforms, all Americans will have access to comprehen
preventive care, which will save money in the long run.”
~ Sen. Hillary Clinton, Democrat
Information compiled by Ashley Douglas, Jenae Carter

ize
takes
years to
t we seal the
hway to get
nited
and
sive
and Tomeka Kolleh
Economy
*People are working harder for less and they’re seeing costs go up. So what I want
to do is get the long-term fundamentals right. That means that we are investing in
education and infrastructure, structuring fair trade deals, and also ending the war in
Iraq. That is money that can be applied at home for critical issues.”
~ Sen. Barack Obama, Democrat
Gay rights
“Homosexuals are essentially incapable of procreation. They cannot mate.
They are not made to do so. Therefore the idea of marriage for two such
individuals is an absurdity.”
~ Alan Keyes, Republican
Education
“If you look at my state… they started testing our kids to see who was succeeding, making
sure that failing schools were identified and then turning them around. We care about the
quality of education. I want to pay better teachers more money. Teachers are underpaid, but
I want to evaluate our teachers and see which ones are the best and which ones are not.”
~ Mitt Romney, Republican
War in Iraq
“I think people were misled, and I think people are fighting
a war that they didn’t know they were going to be fighting,
And I think they were misled by people who should have
been asking questions and weren’t.”
~ Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks
“We’re in this big debate about the future of our immigration laws,
which is colored by the often negative media portrayals of Latinos
in television and film. Mexicans contribute an enormous amount to
our society, economically and socially.”
~ Eva Longoria, actress
“Many people living off welfare
Hoping things get better next year
But I’m covered in tears
so many sick without health care.”
~ Sean Kingston, “Change”
“Let me tell you ‘bout hard work
Minimum wage with a baby on the way…
Let me tell you ‘bout hard work
Building a bed out of a cardboard box.”
~ Pink, “Dear Mr. President”
“I was raised around heterosexuals,
as all heterosexuals are -- that’s
where us gay people come from ...
you heterosexuals.”
~ Ellen DeGeneres, talk show host
“Think about how you would feel if you lost 50
percent of your bank account right now. We
should be pretty upset that 50 percent of our
students are dropping out.”
~ Kanye West, rapper
“Here comes the rain again, falling from the stars.
Drenched in my pain again, becoming who we are.
As my memory rests, but never forgets what I lost.
Wake me up when September ends.”
~ Green Day, “Wake Me Up When September Ends”
“As a human being, I find this situation intolerable. As an
immigrant, I find it offensive. And as an American citizen,
I find it disheartening. The work that these immigrants do
directly affects the health of the U.S. economy.”
~ Salma Hayek, actress
“Every resident of the United States must have free, universal health
care for life. All health insurance companies must be abolished.
Pharmaceutical companies must be strictly regulated like a public utility.”
~ Michael Moore, “Sicko: Michael Moore’s Health Care Proposal”

10 The Southfield Jay / February 2008 Sports
Finally!
New fieldhouse opens
Open house: The Girls’ Varsity Basketball team played the first game in the new fieldhouse on Jan. 22.
Text and photos
By Ramona Fisher
Sports Editor
Southfield High’s long-awaited fieldhouse had
its grand opening on Jan. 22, with the Girls’ Varsity
Basketball team being the first to play.
Despite the jazzy new facility, the Lady Jays lost
the first game played in the new facility to Troy High
School, 33-39.
However, the Boys’ Varsity Basketball team
rescued the excitement of the new gym with a 64-58
win against Dakota High School the very next day.
The new fieldhouse is the final phase of a fiveyear,
$48 million construction and remodeling effort at
Southfield High. The first phase was the new football
field, followed by a second phase of new additions and
improvements to the school building, and finally the
new field house.
The construction was done with taxpayer-approved
bond money.
“I love the new gym” said starting forward Skylar
Miller, a senior of the Girls’ Varsity Basketball team.
“I feel honored to be the first one to play in the new
gym.”
The grand opening consisted of many festivities
such as face painting, decorations by Principal’s Council,
and half-time performances by the cheerleaders, the
Pom Pon team and the marching band.
“With our new fieldhouse and artificial turf football
field, we’re finally on a level playing field with other
area schools,” said senior Brannon Bass.
Jersey City: At the opening game in the new
fieldhouse, Southfield High retired Ira Newble’s
jersey. Newble plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
He could not attend, but his parents attended.
First dibs: Senior Breanna Rogers (holding ball)
was among the first athletes to use the new court.
Sports briefs
Math teacher goes pro
Math teacher Vernon Burden plans to take his
football career to the next level. Burden has been drafted
by the Flint Phantoms, an indoor professional football
team.
Burden says he will
be able to handle both
football and teaching.
“Me playing in either AFL
or AAL will not affect my
job at Southfield High,”
Burden said. “The biggest
and hardest task for me is
getting back in shape.”
Burden played
football for Southfield
High and the University
of Findlay, in Ohio, before
he accepted a teaching job
Vernon Burden
at his alma mater three years ago. He says he has been
training and working out for two years to get prepared
for the All American League or the Arena League.
- Marcus Hardwick
Wrestler chalks up wins
Although junior
Michael Chappell-Orange
is one of the wrestling
team’s smallest wrestlers,
he is No. 1 on the team.
Orange, who wrestles in
the 125-pound weight
class, boasts a personal
record of 21-10.
“Wrestling is my
Michael Chappell-Orange
passion,” said Chappell-
Orange. “I want to be a
champion, so I’m going
to do whatever it takes to
be one.”
The wrestling team’s overall record is 9-8.
- Marcus Hardwick
Girls dunk boys’ record
With a record of 13-3, the Girls’ Varsity Basketball
team is outshining the boys’ 10-6 record so far this
season.
“I’m happy for us because we work together as a
team,” said senior Krystal Perryman.
“I hate that they (girls) have a better record, but it is
true that they work better together as a team. However
we are starting to work better as we develop,” said junior
Tim Keith.
Both teams are in preparation for districts and
hopefully the playoffs.
- Ramona Fisher

Sports
Injury of the month: Derrick Green
By Tiara Hill
Staff writer
Junior Derrick Green finally pushed his knee
past its breaking point, resulting in his having to get
reconstructive ligament surgery.
While playing basketball with friends after school,
Green’s knee popped out of place for the third time.
“They called a foul on me, and while I was just
standing there, it just popped out, so I just popped it back
in,” said Green.
Green said, “This actually isn’t the first time my
knee popped out. The first time it popped out I was
playing basketball. I was doing a spin move when all of
the sudden my knee felt weird, so I think that’s where it
all started.”
In December, Green had knee surgery. “They
basically said my ligaments in my knee were loose, and
after the second time it pops out, you need surgery,” he
said. “I just popped it back in and kept going, but from
popping it back in, I was really hurting myself,” said
Green.
He later learned from the doctor that popping it back
in was the wrong thing to do. The doctor “was able to fix
it before I had permanent damage,” Green said.
Though Green does not play for Southfield High’s
basketball team he has played for Beachwood’s Recreation
Center and for Levey Middle School’s basketball team.
He’s getting around on crutches while recovering
from surgery.
“Everything’s slower with crutches,” he said. “I do
get to leave class early, but I’m trying not to get used
to it since I want these crutches and cast off as soon as
possible.”
Green is expecting to have a full recovery by the
middle of the summer. In February, he is scheduled to get
his cast removed. He is then to start physical therapy to
strengthen his knee.
The Southfield Jay / February 2008 11
Two sign football scholarships
By Kayla Hurst
Staff writer
Blue Jays soar away to bigger nests
Photo by Marcus Hardwick
Signing day: Seniors Johnathan Lamb (left) and Kayon Swanson sign letters to play college football.
Two seniors have learned that dreams really do
come true.
The dreams of football players Johnathan Lamb and
Kayon Swanson came true on Feb. 6 when they signed
their national letters of intent to play college football.
Lamb signed to play for the University of Toledo.
Swanson signed on with Southern Illinois University
“It’s outstanding and a dream come true,” said
Principal Michael Horn. “I am very proud of them.”
Their signing was held in the school library in front
of an audience of parents, staff and students.
At the signing, Southfield High also acknowledged
senior basketball player Skylar Miller, who signed her
letter of intent earlier than the football players. Miller
will shoot hoops for Central Michigan University.
Miller and Lamb are currently dating, and Lamb
publicly thanked her for her support when he gave a
short speech to the crowd.
Even though Lamb and Miller are going to attend
separate schools on athletic scholarships, they still
expressed confidence in their relationship. Lamb said,
“We love each other, and we are going to do our best to
stay together.”
Miller’s family sat in the front and watched proudly.
“I feel blessed and I am very proud of her,” said mother
Shelly Miller.
Football Coach Tim Conley praised the three stars
for being scholars as well as athletes. “They don’t just
play basketball or football; they are involved in a lot of
activites,” Conley said. “They are excellent students.”
The three of them seemed aware of the excellence
that they’ve achieved. “I’m really excited, and I worked
hard for this,” said Swanson. “I am just ready to go.”
Photo by Personna Hover
Sidelined: Junior Derrick Green

12
The Southfield Jay / February 2008
Makia’s musings
Writer’s Strike
needs resolution
Another stressful day is over finally. Collapsing
on my bed, I smile while flipping on the television. I
am overrun with excitement as I prepare to watch my
favorite Thursday night
show, Grey’s Anatomy.
Clicking the info button,
I fume with fury...
another rerun.
Since the end of
October -- when the
Writer’s Guild began
their tulmultuous strike
-- my routine television
shows have been put on
hold. What’s a young
TV addict to do? Of
Makia Brooks
Editor-in-Chief
course there’s the usual:
cuddle with a favorite
book, search the Web,
or even...offer to babysit
my young siblings.
The joy of television isn’t the diversion or escape
you feel when watching it, but the connection. It’s in
knowing that you may sit alone in your room, eyes
glued to the screen, and be able to talk with your friends
or family the next day about what you saw.
For 30 minutes to an hour, we become lost in our
favorite shows. We study every aspect of it; we begin to
relate to the characters, we enjoy when they succeed and
feel compassionate when they fail. The writer’s strike
has forecasted dark days ahead for our TV favorites.
Soon senseless reality shows and endless amounts of
reruns will plague our television sets.
America’s on-going problem of miscommunication
is taking its toll. Hardworking writers weren’t being paid
for either reruns or Internet episode play. It seems as if the
big time business execs can’t play -- or pay -- fairly. The
message has been sent and processed. For the first time
in Golden Globe history, there weren’t celebrities, fancy
outfits or a red carpet. Instead, the highly anticipated
show was a mundane press conference.
The writer’s strike even sparked a Broadway
stagehand strike which canceled most of New York
City’s Broadway plays and musicals. Hopefully one day
soon the writers will trade in their picket signs for pens
and pencils. Talks are blooming for a possible ending to
the strike, and this comforts me.
Luckily the strike didn’t alter the mid-season shows,
such as “Lost,” “American Idol” and “Kyle XY,” which
film in the summer and air during the winter/spring
season. All have more than 12 episodes to air before
they go on hiatus due to the strike.
Shutting off my television, I climb out of bed, get
into my car and head to the nearest video store. If I can’t
watch my favorite TV shows, I’ll settle with my favorite
movies instead.
By Amber Lucy
Entertainment Editor
Entertainment
Restaurant review
Crust Pizza and Wine Bar
offers pleasant slice of life
Crust Pizza and Wine
Bar in the Bloomfield Plaza
Shopping Center is a quiet, back
of the woods pizza restaurant in
Bloomfield Hills.
Even though it is an
undersized establishment, Crust
Pizza has a big name throughout
Bloomfield Hills.
As soon as customers enter,
they feel the warmth of the
open fire and smell the mouthwatering
aroma of mozzarella
and tomatoes. They can watch
the chefs prepare pizza by the
grill, which shows their honesty
to their customers.
Crust Pizza has far more
than just pepperoni to offer; the
barbecue chicken pizza consists
of chicken, corn, mozzarella
and fresh cilantro on a thin layer
of crust. It is truly a backyard
barbeque come to life.
Or try the shrimp pesto
pizza, which consists of sundried
tomatoes, mozzarella and
goat cheese. The pizza options
are creative.
Crust Pizza also has a
phenomenal variety of salads.
The arugula salad combines
shaved parmigiano, roasted
black olives and lemon pepper
vinaigrette. Or, if you’re more of
the simple type, they also have a
crispy Caesar salad.
Crust Pizza is mid-priced,
with the average meal somewhere
between $15 to $17.
On the weekends, there is
usually about a 30-minute wait.
But the wait is worth it once you
bite into the delicious pizzas.
Your taste buds will thank you.
As for dessert, you might
never have the same sweet
ending twice at this restaurant
because dessert is whatever the
chef has decided to prepare for
the day.
You may be lucky enough
to have a serving of death by
chocolate, which consists of
chocolate mousse and whipped
cream layered in a tall glass. It is
creative and original.
Our service at Crust Pizza
was exceptional. After ordering
the food, our wait was about
10 minutes -- the shortest time
I’ve ever received food at a
restaurant.
So how could this place get
any better? The environment
is romantic yet simple, which
means you could go here with a
special someone or your family
or friends.
While sitting at the
restaurant, I couldn’t help but
think that this was the first time
in a long time that I had dined in
a restaurant and did not have any
complaints. The waiters weren’t
bumping me with their shoulders
when they walked past, the food
was delectable, and the fellow
customers were civil.
Crust Pizza has changed
the game for upcoming pizza
bistros. It’s the perfect antidote
for those who are sick of Little
Caesars’ Hot and Ready’s. It’s a
better level of pizza.
If you go . . .
Crust Pizza and Wine Bar
Where: 6622 Telegraph
Road at W. Maple Road
in the Bloomfield Plaza
Shopping Center
Phone: (248) 855-5855
Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 11
a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri. and
Sat. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun.
noon - 9 p.m.
Photos by Amber Lucy
In good taste: The death by chocolate dessert (top of page) layers
chocolate mousse and whipped cream. The barbecue chicken pizza
(above) is reminiscent of a backyard barbecue.

Entertainment
The Southfield Jay / February 2008 13
CD Review: Marching Band’s new CD makes debut
By Jenae Carter
Staff Writer
Drum roll, please… the
Southfield Blue Jays’ award-
winning marching band has
produced a show stopping
CD that is appropriately titled
“The Pride of Southfield High
School.”
It is the first CD that the
Southfield High band has
produced in more than 10 years.
A brilliant display of talent
by the very students who grace
the halls of SHS, this CD will
keep your heart pumping and
feet stomping to the rhythmic
sounds of the percussion, brass
and woodwinds.
The musical arrangements
on the CD were handled by
marching band Director Tom
Miller and son David Miller, as
well as by seniors Kendall Nunn
Movie review: ‘Juno’ launches new starlet’s career
By Makia Brooks
Editor-in-Chief
“Juno” — the comical story
of a pregnant loner searching for
parents to adopt her unborn baby
— was an unexpected hit. The
film touched on sensitive issues,
such as teen pregnancy, in a way
that didn’t preach nor prejudge.
“It started on a chair …”
was the opening line, set to
a soft rock song and realistic
animation.
The film opens as Juno
stomps annoyingly to the gas
station while slurping a blue
Icee. Her sarcastic one-liners
and dull expressions make the
young actress fun to watch and
listen to.
Ellen Page shines as the title
character; she is able to capture
the emotional aspect of being a
pregnant, misunderstood teen.
Despite the seriousness of her
predicament, there isn’t one
scene without comedy or tears
resulting from her monotonous
sarcasm or by watching her go
and Evan Cunningham.
The CD has immaculate
clarity, and the togetherness of
the band makes the CD flow
smoothly. The notes are perfectly
tuned (for the most part), and the
song choices are targeted toward
listeners of all ages.
The drums are especially
hearty on the CD, and the
baritones and French horns
provide a counter-melody that
will blow you away. The high
pitch of the piccolos adds variety
to the harmonizing sound of the
band.
The song selections include
oldies, like “Get Ready” by
The Temptations and “I’m Your
Boogie Man” by KC and the
Sunshine Band, to more modern
day, urban hits, like “We Takin’
Over” by DJ Khaled and “Kiss
Kiss” by Chris Brown. Listeners
will be humming tunes from the
through hardships.
Page has proved that she
means business; this is her first
major role and she definitely
delivers. She is able to hold her
own against famed actresses
Jennifer Garner and Allison
Janney.
The standout scene is when
Juno decides to tell her parents
— dad and stepmom — about her
pregnancy. With her best friend
at reach, the girl confidently
blurts it out, adding that, “in 30
odd weeks, we can forget this
ever happened.”
“Superbad” star Michael
Cera is Juno’s overly emotional
boyfriend, Paulie Bleeker. A
geeky track star with a huge
heart, Paulie’s solemn attitude
complements the outrageous
outbursts by his counterpart
girlfriend.
The Emmy award-winning
actress Jennifer Garner does
a great job as Vanessa Loring,
a wife desperate for a child
to adopt. She forms a strong
bond with Juno throughout her
list of impressive groups and
artists.
Traditional hits include
“Fan-Fare for a Common
Man” by Aaron Copland, “Star
Spangled Banner” by Francis
Scott Key, and “Hello, Detroit”
by Sammy Davis Jr.
One of the most original
songs on the CD would be
track 12, “Baritone Fan-Fare,”
composed and played by senior
Kendall Nunn. Its deep, rich
sound take listeners away from
the big band feeling to a more
relaxing symphonic tone.
The crisp, concise, rhythmic
variations of the band make for
a tasteful collection of music
made by and for the students of
Southfield High.
The CD can be purchased
in the band room from Band
Director Tom Miller at the
affordable price of $10.
pregnancy.
What sets this movie apart
from the hundreds of other
teen pregnancy stories? Juno’s
character is relatable to many
teens in her position. She doesn’t
have a sudden epiphany that
changes her perspective on life;
she doesn’t abort the baby, nor
die in childbirth. Her situation
and choices are real, and although
her opinions may be harsh or
hardcore, she sticks with them.
The outstanding
performances by Page and the
ensemble cast rightly earned
them two Golden Globe
nominations.
Not surprisingly, the film
grossed $51,667,586 in U.S.
box offices in its opening weeks,
according to Yahoo! Movies.
“It ended on a chair …”
Page narrates, as the screen
flashes to Garner’s character
placing an infant into its crib.
The progression of the story
from the pregnancy discovery
to the adoption vividly depicts
a pregnant teen’s journey
from denial to acceptance to
reclamation of her youth.
Phenomenal performances,
a touching story and an upbeat
soundtrack collectively make
Overall Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Running Time: 1 hr. 31
min.
Rating: PG-13 for mature
thematic material, sexual
content, and language.
Starring: Ellen Page, Jennifer
Garner, Michael Cera, Jason
Bateman, Allison Janney
“Juno” one of the top films of
2007, especially for high school
audiences.
Nominations: Golden Globe for Best Actress
Best Picture, and Best Director.
Academy Award for Best Actress, Best Original
Screenplay, Best Director and Best Picture.

14
The Southfield Jay / February 2008

The Southfield Jay / February 2008 15

16 The Southfield Jay / February 2008 The Fashion Page
Style profile with Christopher Robbins
Photo by Rae Larkins
Rockin’ Robbins: Senior Christopher Robbins makes
fashion his business. He’s rocking a black pea-coat
over a hand-painted button-down cotton shirt.
Employee of the Month:
Tattoo artist Kyle Baber
By Vaniece Jenkins
Staff Writer
Grade: 12
Employer: Self-employed
Job title: Tattoo artist
Job description: Designs and applies tattoos
Hours worked in a week: No more than 10
How you got your job: I like to draw, and I wanted to
do it for a living.
Your job’s dress code: Being my own boss allows me
to dress as I want.
What you enjoy most about your job: Everything. I
get to make my own hours and draw all day.
Best tattoo story: 2007 Southfield High graduate
Brandon Webster contacted me so I could tattoo his
name on his leg. As I was doing the tattoo, he was
screaming and somewhat crying. It was funny, and that
was the first tattoo I ever did.
By Rae Larkins
Features Editor
Senior Christopher Robbins finds ways to put an urban,
sophisticated spin on the school’s dress code that bans jeans and
T-shirts. His look blends elements of the baggy, loose fitting hip
hop style with urban chic.
Robbins likes to style in Girbaud, True Religion, Roca
Wear, Caesar, Coogi and LRG designs on a day-to-day basis. To
complement his wardrobe, he wears a pair of $850 Cartier black
and gold wood-framed glasses with diamonds on the bridge of the
glasses.
He usually ices his look with a pair of diamond stud earrings.
From time to time, Robbins will don his gold Rolex watch with
diamonds on the face. The watch was a gift to him from his father,
Jimmy Robbins.
He kicks the popular Air Force One shoes, made by Nike,
along with Nike boots and Timberland boots. In addition to his
kick collection, he occasionally wears Gucci loafers. He avoids
wearing the popular Prada boots that other young men like to
wear. “They’re making too many knock offs; put them Pradas up;
we doing Guccis,” Robbins said.
“I have my own style,” said Robbins. “I don’t look up to
anybody for fashion.” Robbins says he used to dress in the typical
hip hop style, but since entering high school, he added a more
sophisticated twist.
Unlike many others his age, he wears his pants above his
waist, with a neutral colored belt to keep them up, but he doesn’t
always tuck in his shirt tail, which school dress code requires. He
says that tucking in his shirt tail is not his style.
He often dresses in bright colors even on winter days. He has
a bright lime green Miskeen outfit that he pairs with lime green
Nike shoes to match. Other days he wears subdued brown, which
he says is his favorite color. Even in subdued colors, Robbins has
a way of standing out in a crowd.
Photo by Personna Hover
Tatted up: Tattoo artist Kyle “Boomi” Baber (left)covered
junior Terron Turner’s arms (right) with tattoos that Baber
designed.
According to Kayla
Shop it!
Forever 21
Smell it!
Princess by Vera Wang
Talk it!
RIM
BlackBerry
Pearl 8100
Play it!
Playstation
3
Carry it!
Guitar
Backpacks
Kayla Hurst
Watch it! Fashion Editor
“Making
The Band 4”
Wear it!
Ed Hardy Hoodies
See it!
“How She
Move” in
theaters
now
Hear it!
“Growing
Pains” by
Mary J.
Blige
Ed Hardy Hoodie
Eat it!
Bellacino’s Pizza & Grinders
DVD it!
“The Game Plan” starring Dwayne
“The Rock” Johnson
Memory book
Remember
it!
Senior
memory
books