IN THIS ISSUE
the
Mercer Island High School 9100 SE 42nd St. Mercer Island, WA 98040
Features:
Mercer Island’s Therapy Dogs
November Issue
Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Permit #19 Mercer Island, WA MERCER IS SCHOOL DIST 400
November 16, 2021
4 7
Sports:
The Bellevue & Mercer Island Rivalry
Spread:
8-9
Islanders’ OffIsland Sports
14
A&E:
A Look at Teachers’ Tattoos
2 Inside ABOUT The MIHS Islander 9100 SE 42nd St. Mercer Island, WA 98040 mihsislander@gmail.com www.mihsislander.org
THE MIHS ISLANDER NOV. 2021 The MIHS Islander acknowledges that MIHS is on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present and honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.
Editors in Chief Lena Hardisty and Alex Levin Managing Editor | Honor Warburg Lead Writer | Morgan Dawson Features Editor | Hannah Howison Opinions Editor | Kate Grove Spread Editor | Lena Hardisty Sports Editor | Asha Woerner A&E Editor | Max Hense Back Page Editors | Sandra Pedersen and Mia LoBosco Photography Editor | Brooks Kahsai Business Manager | Liv Talerman Senior Staff Writer | Taylor Holshouser Social Media Team | Kat Marsh and Sam Pelter Multimedia Team | Brooks Kahsai and Braeden Nett Adviser | Chris Twombley Staff Writers Wyatt Acker, Ellie Austin, Jordan Balousek, Grant Blasko, Stuart Brown, Betty Butler, Caroline Capuano, Jackson Chang, Emily Fain, Zoya Firasta, Katie Friedman, Maddie Gaspers, Kyle Gerstel, Kathleen Gregson, Luke Harp, Julia Hauge, Gracie Hennessy, Elliot Jester, Lilly Jester, Jackson Kline, Ashwin Krishnaswamy, Irene Lee, Marley MacDonald, Arman Najafian, Bronwyn OrrBement, Susanna Radke, Shannon Rogan, Sadie Seumae, Niko Ulshin, Abby Weiss, Tiffany Zhang
PUBLICATION NOTICES
Purpose: To provide news to the Mercer Island High School student body and members of the surrounding community in a manner that accurately reflects readers’ interests. The MIHS Islander is an open student forum, and the opinions expressed within do not represent those of the high school or district administration.
Corrections: We pride ourselves on accurate, fact-based journalism. If you believe The MIHS Islander has gotten a fact or quote wrong, please contact us and we’ll print a correction in the next issue.
Ads: To print an ad in a future issue of The MIHS Islander, contact Business Manager Liv Talerman at mihsislander@gmail.com for rates and information.
Privacy: All electronic mail messages in connection with Mercer Island School District business which are sent or received by this account are subject to the Washington State Public Records Act and may be disclosed to third parties.
Nondiscrimination Notification: The Mercer Island School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities
on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, marital status, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The Mercer Island School District offers classes in many College and Career Readiness Programs, admission to which is non-discriminatory. Lack of English-language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in these programs.
features 3
239 parking spots, 785 eligible students. The trade places with me for my spot at Northwood, in high school’s lack of parking has long been an exchange for their C-lot pass.” Chatalas’ survey was not processed, so she issue, further amplified by this year’s large senior class. initially did not receive any parking and “was lucky “I wish we had more parking, for everyone’s enough to get to the school early to get an extra sake,” parking liaison Susan Robinson said. Northwood spot.” A handful of other seniors also “Unfortunately, we have to work with what we had their surveys have.” MIHS has four main lots available for student parking: C-lot, Band lot, Admin lot, and the faraway Northwood lot. All students without a spot must park along “Strip,” a street that runs perpendicular to the high school. Only five juniors received parking this year, with many seniors feeling unhappy and inconvenienced regarding their lot assignments. NORTHWOOD “I received parking at 65 Northwood this year,” senior Talia Fain said. “I paid $150 to park at Northwood and walk in the rain uphill, when people are 127 paying the same amount to park BAND in C-lot.” Many other seniors share similar LOT grievances. C-lot has long been 31 the “desired” lot for students due to its close proximity to the school, with ADMiN priority given to seniors. With a senior class ib LOT n ut sa of 408 students– the largest in a while– the io n u 16 S of shortage of spots was inevitable. sy par e t r kin g u Desperate to circumvent the inconvenient walk b y lo t a a Co t M I H S. Da t from Northwood, some students have resorted to buying and selling parking passes amongst misprocessed and were not given a spot. Not all students were willing to go to such lengths themselves. “Technically, I did not receive parking this year and have simply been parking in the lots without and I did try to obtain a spot by paying a senior,” an a pass. According to Robinson, this can lead to anonymous junior said. “I paid $200 for a spot in repercussions. “Students receive a parking ticket first. The the Admin lot.” These under-the-table parking passes have been first offense is $50, the second offense is $75, and the third is $100,” Robinson said. “If tickets going at a premium. “I actually paid more than double the amount don’t get the student’s attention, a boot will of what a parking pass costs to another student,” be placed on the car tire and/or the car will be senior Ava Chatalas said. “They were willing to towed.”
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Students who did manage to get a parking pass are also facing their own share of inconveniences. “It’s a hassle to get in-and-out of any lot, and leaving C-lot looks like a nightmare,” junior Molly Rojas said. After-school traffic backs up quickly and getting off campus can take up to thirty minutes at the end of the day. Chatalas also shared how she “already got rearended the first week of school, because the spots are so tight and pulling out is so crowded.” Cars leaving Strip also funnel into the traffic backup. Since it is a competitive line of spots, students have to get to school early to even secure a place on this street. “I park on Strip and I have to wake up at 6:20 every morning and get here before seven o’clock every day to even get a decent spot,” junior Piper Pokorny said. As the year progresses and sophomores begin getting their licenses as well, this issue will only worsen. The root of the parking dilemma ultimately lies in the school’s geographical layout, which allows little space for expansion. “Because the school is located in a residential area, parking is limited,” Robinson said. “It would be great if we could build a large parking structure, but that costs a lot of money and the neighbors would likely object.” Living in a high-earning community, the majority of MIHS students are fortunate to drive a personal car– yet another perpetuating factor. With too many cars, too little space and increasing student outcry, this parking problem is set to persist indefinitely.
b in
THE MIHS ISLANDER NOV. 2021
Morgan Dawson Lead Writer
4 FEATURES
THE MIHS ISLANDER NOV. 2021
Finley & Guinness: Meet the MIHS Therapy Dogs Taylor Holshouser
Senior Staff Writer
MIHS has two therapy dogs, Finley who has been a staff member since 2017, and Guinness who joined Finley in 2020. Finley has gone through extensive training to earn his title. To support students at MIHS, he has completed obedience training to achieve his “Canine Good Citizen” certification; he also passed a test for the alliance of pet therapy. In winter of 2021, a new puppy, Guinness, was also introduced to the school. This year, he is starting his training to become MIHS’ second therapy dog. Some of Guinness’ training has consisted of socializing with students, being in classrooms, listening to the intercoms, and going about daily life in the school.
“Animals provide a level of comfort to people that humans can’t,” the dogs’ handler Andrea Confalone said. “I think some kids just come in and anxiety reduces once you get to pet an animal, when you can just take your focus off you and onto something else.” Finley and Guinness are occasionally called to duty during difficult assessments, such as finals or midterms, to ease stress and bring relief to students. In addition, they also walk around the school with students, or rest in room 311 waiting for people to visit. “It’s a highlight of my day having dogs at the school that I can visit when I’m anxious,” junior Hailey Woloshin said. When they are not busy destressing testing environments, the dogs play an integral part in helping students calm their daily anxiety. “School, especially this school, is very high pressure and being able to take a few minutes out of your day and take a break can help an immense amount,” senior Grace McCormack said. “I hope more students start to see [the dogs] because I truly believe it will release some stress and create a better school environment.” Confalone, Woloshin and McCormack’s claims are also backed up with numerous studies. Anxiety is one of the biggest issues that Photo by Liv Talerman hinder high school students’
academic success, and dogs have been shown to bring down stress levels and provide relief in difficult situations. Researchers conducted a study on 246 students from the University of British Columbia to observe the
Photos by Taylor Holshouser
effectiveness of therapy dogs on their mental health. They had students take a survey immediately before and after their time with the therapy dogs, as well as 10 hours following the meeting. “We found that, even 10 hours later, students still reported slightly less negative emotion, feeling more supported, and feeling less stressed, compared to students who did not take part in the therapy dog session,” said Stanley Coren, study co-author and professor emeritus of psychology. The research further concluded that the therapy dogs were most effective for short term benefits such as during exams or other periods of increased stress. “Other dog or animal lovers may find the dogs comforting especially in school, which is a very stressful environment,” Woloshin said. Finley and Guinness can be found in room 311 during most school hours, ready to be a comfort and fulfill their duties as therapy dog, and therapy dog in training.
FEATURES 5
THE MIHS ISLANDER NOV. 2021 Some students at MI are taking a front row seat in helping their peers practice school spirit. For senior PHOTO BY MAX HENSE Marcella Va n A i r e , selling custom made MIHS gear through the company Hype & Vice has been her way of spreading that spirit. Compiling an impressive collection of MI custom gear since her freshman year, VanAire PHOTO COURTESY Marcella vanaire has always been wellequipped for spirit days. However, VanAire noticed that while most students shared her enthusiasm for school pride, they lacked the resources to show it. So to combat this, she sought out a company where she could order and design merchandise for students. “Hype and Vice were allowing custom orders so I started by talking with them on different shirt designs we could do. I would post polls on my Instagram to get feedback on various designs and colors to put on halter tops,” VanAire said. “After I knew that people were interested, I sent the design to them and quantities for each maroon or white shirt, then packaged and delivered them to people’s mailboxes or doorstep.” VanAire’s commitment to her business has paid Sandra Pedersen off in big ways around campus. Students can be Back Page Editor seen sporting these halter tops everywhere, from
football games to spirit Friday’s. Hoping to build community and unity and MI, VanAire views this partnership as a success. “Doing this has taught me a lot about the effort and communication it takes to design and sell a product,” VanAire said. “It really helped me get creative with ways to market what I was selling and how to get people’s attention through various ways of advertising.” Beyond her passion for school spirit, VanAire is hoping this partnership will help prepare her for the retail-related career she hopes to pursue in college. “What’s great about Hype & Vice is that I can continue to be involved with them through college but this also ties into the fact that I want to
Graphic COURTESY Marcella vanaire
major in marketing and entrepreneurship. So this was a great opportunity for learning how to market and sell.” School spirit has given VanAire an outlet to pursue her interest for business in an original and personal way. For VanAire, she aims to encourage other students to embrace school spirit and get involved, whatever that looks like.
beyond the student store: A senior’s Independent spiritwear line
6 FEATURES
THE MIHS ISLANDER NOV. 2021
MIGB Legend Mentors Youth in Return to Program Alex Levin
Editor in Chief
MIHS Girls Basketball legend Anna Luce, who graduated in 2017, has returned to Mercer Island and will serve as an assistant coach for the Mercer Island Select s e v e n t h grade girls team. A f t e r playing f o u r years on varsity at MIHS and leading t h e team to a state championship during her senior year, Luce was recruited to play at
Dartmouth U n i v e r s i t y. While at Mercer Island, Luce bested 12 school records, including points scored in a single game (38) and total career points (1700). Photo Courtesy Anna Luce
Luce will now use her high school and college experience to further improve Mercer Island Girls Basketball. “MIGB has just been such a big part of my growing up,” Luce said. “I have always been, in the back of my mind, hoping one day I could coach and be back in the program, and this was the perfect
coaching in a full-team atmosphere. “[Coaching is] a very different skill set,” Luce said. “The love for the game is still there… [but] I’m coming in with not a ton of experience.” However, despite her lack of coaching experience, Luce will draw from her vast knowledge of the game and the lessons she learned while playing, such as the importance of hard work and collaboration. “Our motto growing up playing basketball… was always ‘play hard and have fun,’ and that’s kind of what I want to instill in the girls,” Luce said. “No one is expecting any perfection, [and] you don’t have to be the best player out there to contribute, but everybody can bring a different aspect to the game.” In addition to helping the team succeed, Luce will look to serve as a mentor to the younger players in the Mercer Island Girls Basketball program. “I think there’s so many lessons you can take from athletics and apply to the workplace and to other aspects of life, and so I’m excited to be that mentor for them,” Luce said. “I know I looked up to my coaches so much growing up, and I want to be that in return.” While not every young basketball player will continue in high school and beyond, Luce’s presence as a coach should provide her players with an example of how to play with dedication, while continuing to enjoy the game. “Ultimately, basketball is a sport and people are playing it because they find enjoyment in it,” Luce said. “When you’re starting from so young, it should never be a burden, so I just want them to go out and give their best effort, and have a good time doing it.”
“I looked up to my coaches so much growing up, and I want to be that in return.”
opportunity to do so.” While Luce has helped run a variety of basketball camps and one-on-one sessions before, t h i s position will be her first t i m e
sports 7
THE MIHS ISLANDER NOV. 2021
Bellevue-MI Rivalry Goes Out of Bounds Kate Grove & Asha Woerner
Opinions Editor & Sports Editor
As MIHS students return to supporting their team in-person, rivalry tensions are at an all-time high. The Mercer Island-Bellevue competition has been particularly heated, especially for sports that draw larger student sections, often leading to unsportsmanlike conduct on both sides of the ball. During COVID-19, the majority of MIHS students and athletes spent 539 days away from The Jungle, creating a buzz of excitement this fall to support their teams. “Right now coming out of COVID-19, my personal interpretation is [that] we’re hungry for those events and for those things to come together, and there’s a little bit of pent-up excitement,” MIHS Principal Walter Kelly said. However, neither school has channelled this energy into positive actions during their athletic matches. Instead of encouraging peers, MIHS fans targeted Bellevue as a school and verbally harassed their students. “You see fans thinking that because they bought a ticket to the game [that] means that they have this major influence over the outcome and they have to play some sort of role,” MIHS Boys Basketball Head Coach Gavin Cree said. “Fans need to understand that they’re there to enjoy the game [and] support. Targeting other people is never okay and it doesn’t help our team at all.” At the Bellevue vs. MI football game on Oct. 1, there were several instances of serious and inappropriate behavior, including allegations of racism towards MIHS students, Bellevue fans urinating on the MIHS field, disrespect to Bellevue’s Liberty Bell by MI fans (which tolls for fallen students), booing Bellevue’s band and drill and chanting “no means no” toward a Bellevue player.
“Those were actual incidents where individuals were making mistakes which were subject to school discipline,” Kelly said. “Both Bellevue and Mercer Island have addressed that with students who participated and we have worked together on that.” However, when it comes to the “no-means-no” chant and the racist actions, more healing is necessary. “First, if and when there is
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Graphic by Lena Hardisty
m
someone who is a victim of sexual violence, it is not our place to hide it, but it is [also] not our place to exploit that as a school,” Kelly said. “I don’t know if there were any victims that were in the audience and I know that the student body at large didn’t go ask for permission [...] to [...] express this.” The MIHS school administration has reached out to the BHS administration to inquire about the allegations of sexual assault, and as of now there is no active police
case on the matter. The racism directed at several MIHS players impacted MIHS students on a deeper, more serious level than normal rivalry behavior. Both schools are now working to address this incident after the MIHS administration was informed by students, not by BHS officials. “[Bellevue has] owned [the racial slurs that were said]. They have apologized, they are changing that, [but] it doesn’t undo the words of the harm,” Kelly said. “I appreciate our students being upstanders, [and] I appreciate our students [...] not retaliating.” MIHS’ next step is to address its school image, especially at these rival games, where a larger fan base participates– even at away games. “[We must] make sure that we are always representing ourselves in the best way because the moment we don’t, it reinforces any negative stereotype,” Kelly said. BHS and MIHS administrations are working together to create an environment for players to succeed and fans to enjoy rivalry games with positive energy and good sportsmanship. “We are working with their ASB [and Bellevue’s] captains, and we actually have already met with [the Bellevue] athletic department,” Kelly said. In the future, students can look to athletes and coaches for guidance on how to exhibit positive fan spirit. “Nick Wold and I are excited about partnering up with Bellevue and developing a PSA video around what’s great about our rivalry and what should be emphasized and how we want our fans to support us when they come to our games,” Cree said. School rivalries can be positive, engaging and motivate all MIHS student-athletes, but as a school there is hope that actions will improve and that the student body will act in a manner that respects other schools.
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Photo Courtesy Noelle neiderman
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uy -Ao Gar
I am going into my second year of playing competitive beach volleyball for the Dakine volleyball club. Throughout this past year, I have built relationships with players all over the country. From California to Florida, the relationships that have formed through competition have made this an incredible experience. One of my favorite parts about the sport is getting the opportunity to travel and meet people around the country!
Cycl
Beach Volleyball N o e ll e N e id e r m a n
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One cool experience I always love to tell is how I was flipped a game winning puck over the glass by former Thrasher Ilya kovalchuk. The Atlanta Thrashers were a new expansion team in the NHL in the early 2000’s (unfortunately they no longer exist as a franchise in the NHL) and it was my first NHL game as a kid. Ilya Kovalchuk is an olympic gold, internationally renowned Hockey player. He is one of the best to lace up skates in the NHL and that day he flipped a 10 year old (me) a 6 ounce puck. ... No matter what age, skill level of play, or knowledge of the game, you can always enjoy hockey.
Hockey
Eric Gorski
My sport is competitive cycling for Fount cycling, a racing for 10 y my sport is no the school be me to new of Mercer favorite t having a s not being with othe may do th
Photo Courtesy Eric gorski
Sam Pelter & Honor Warburg
Social Media Team & Managing Editor
Mercer Island Hig participate in a sport o rowing
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I row Rowing Ce rowing since 8th grade. an outside of school sport with people I wouldn’t know my horizons to many different the Mercer Island bubble. The be the long commute to Pocock traffic but crew carpools make the drive more fun. I am so excited that I will get to continue rowing next year at the University of Pennsylvania and get to train with rowers from around the world. Photo Courtesy evan Humphrey
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One thing I want people to know about my sport is that racing is not just a sport. It’s a lifestyle. I live my life based off of racing, and almost everyone else who I race against does too. I’ve met the most awesome friends I could have, and their parents and other adults that help out and come to the races are like aunts and uncles to me. And, of course, getting to drive is always fun.
s g and I ride and have been years. I like that ot connected to ecause it exposes people outside r Island. My least thing about not sport at school is able to connect er people who he sport here.
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Samantha Schwarz
Another thing I love about it is working with my dad and other ‘uncles’ to help improve the car and my driving, and all the teamwork that goes along with it, and seeing all our hard work at the end of the night.
Photo Courte sy Samantha
f-Island Sports
gh School offers 27 sports teams, but many students outside of the school. We interviewed six athletes, from g to racing, to hear a bit about their sport.
w for Pocock enter and have been My favorite thing about doing is the ability to form friendships otherwise. It has also widened ways that people live beyond only downside can in Seattle
Rowing
Evan Humphrey
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Schwarz
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Rugby is an amazing sport about teamwork, leadership and sportsmanship. It’s also safer than it looks!
Another very important aspect of rugby is that it is a very gender balanced sport. The Washington Rugby community, for example, has done a great job establishing both mens, womens and co-ed rugby teams for all ages all around the state. It’s wonderful to see how communities in the state and around the world are so supportive of women's rugby.
Rugby
Jordan Wiseman
Photo Courtesy Jordan wiseman
10 COLUMNS & CARTOONS
Sam on the Sam Pelter
Social Media Team
Welcome back to Sam on the SAM, where I tell you guys the new and exciting things happening over at the Seattle Art Museum. On Oct. 15, the museum introduced an exhibition showcasing the collection of Seattle-born artists, Richard E. Lang and Jane Lang Davis, called Frisson. The collection will remain at the museum through November of 2022. Frisson is made up of 19 pieces which stayed in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lang as they were collecting. The couple bought their first work of art in 1970 and finished the collection in the early 80’s when Richard passed away. Pictures of their home adorned with the pieces in the collection are displayed at the museum along with a video of Jane Lang Davis’s Photos by Sam Pelter daughter talking about her mother’s collection. “The Langs were vital supporters of the city’s cultural institutions, including the visual arts, music, theater, and the ballet, leaving an extraordinary legacy for the benefit of future generations” reads the introduction at the entrance of the exhibition. The collection features works by post-war modern artists, including Francis Bacon, Lee Krasner, Clyfford Still, Philip Guston, Joan Mitchell, David Smith, and others. Together, these artists form a strong lens through which to view of post World War II Europe which creates a moving experience while viewing the collection. However, the stand out pieces to me are the portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Lang which the couple gifted to each other on special occasions. Richard surprised Jane with a portrait of her by iconic pop-art artist, Andy Warhol. “Richard Lang commissioned [Warhol] to create a double-panel portrait of Jane Lang,” says the description of the painting. Instead what ended up happening was, Warhol insisted on bringing Jane to his studio and having a private photoshoot with her. The first time Jane saw the portrait was at Warhol’s 1976 exhibition at the SAM, Andy Warhol: Portraiture. After this event, Jane suggested a portrait of Richard and commissioned Alice Neel, a visual artist known for her portraits of ordinary people. She executed her painting of Mr. Lang in her Medina home and the work captures the movement of a late Mr. Lang as he entertains at his home. These two works made the collection stand out for me because it showed the Lang couple’s love of the arts and each other. The exhibit is absolutely worth a visit and an amazing addition to the SAM’s collection.
THE MIHS ISLANDER NOV. 2021
Greetings, you lovely ‘Ders, The Dudes have broken into the printing room to enlighten your naive noggins on our tubular traditions and succulent stories. Legend has it, Dudes were born way back in the ‘90s when in 1991, founding fathers Aaron Wolf, Ethan Sandler, and Scott Didrickson snagged some flags from the Luke Harp school. Joel McHale was one of the substitute Staff Writer dudes! Truly some magnificent beauties. Many of you freshies and sophies don’t know nothing about the traditions of the Dudes. It’s not your fault, though. Flip Covid. Some classic Dude traditions include camping at the school at the beginning and end of the year, cheeky skits and vids and the knighting next year’s flag wielders at the Senior Assembly. You can check out some classic Dude videos on YouTube, and hopefully we can show you guys our Oscarwinning film at some point. The Dudes are chosen at the end of each year from the junior class, and there is a strict criteria: Spirit, Kindness, and Weirdness. A Dude candidate has to show how much they love our school through their spirit, actions and being friendly with everybody. Most of all, they gotta be a true Weirdo. They gotta be able to wear a wrestling singlet and sing The Piña Colada Song in front of the entire school. You can’t be afraid to be yourself no matter how weird. When dubbing the juniors the current Dudes choose to wield, candidates are brought out in the middle of the gym and get to do their first run in front of the whole school. It’s real wholesome seeing them continue the tradition, and the runs are way more hype in the gym. After, the new Dudes are brought to the dungeon of snakes where they must fight Quetzalcoatl, god of serpents. That’s all for now, nerds. Maybe we’ll break into the printing room again. Yours truly,
The Dudeskis
Columns & cartoons 11
Lev on Eleven: MIHS Boys and Girls Basketball Deserve Equal Attendance Alex Levin
Editor in Cheif
As last year’s sports editor, one of my primary duties was to cover MIHS sports games with staff writers and educate them on how to properly write sports articles. However, because the COVID-19 pandemic condensed each sports season to five weeks and limited spectators at away games, there were only a handful of teaching opportunities. To provide each staff writer with an opportunity to cover a game, I made the most of the available home games and attended every single MIHS basketball game. Unfortunately, in doing so, I observed a disappointing pattern. During each of the four boys games, the student section was packed with fans, but during the girls games, the stands were practically empty. Both the girls and boys teams performed exceptionally well last year, with entertaining and exciting games. The boys finished with a win-loss record of 6-2, and the girls finished 5-1. And yet, despite both teams’ equally impressive seasons, the majority of our student body chose to show up for one team over the other. Even on “Quad Nights,” where the boys and the girls played back-to-back games, students either arrived only for the boys games, or left before the girls games began. This one-sided support is inexcusable. As a school, we pride ourselves on our spirit and our inclusivity, and I know we can do better. Basketball games are an exciting, enjoyable way to show MIHS spirit, but make sure to support both the girls and the boys teams this winter. And while you are at it, stop by a few Boys Swim and Dive, Gymnastics and Wrestling and Ultimate Frisbee events as well.
Cartoon by Lena Hardisty
THE MIHS ISLANDER NOV. 2021
12 Opinions
Data Courtesy Toby Swanson
or were absent. Adding to the uncertainty, some teachers did not calculate the participation in their classes or had substitute teachers who were unaware of the activity. There are also many other ways that you can Hannah Howison show school spirit, such as Features Editor attending sporting events and assemblies. striving to be a part of high school,” ASB Spirit While the lack of spirit amongst classes Commissioner Jaya Krauser said. “On the other is discouraging, it is unsurprising, because hand, sophomores have had zero days of normal sophomores and juniors may not necessarily maskless school.” understand how deep the culture of spirit runs at As underclassmen (and juniors) have not yet MIHS. fully experienced MIHS, educating them about Because sophomores and juniors were the two Islander traditions is essential. classes most impacted by 400 “[Many students] don’t understand our COVID, it makes sense spirit culture yet, because this is their that they are the least first full, in-person year. They just don’t spirited. Sophomores have have that experience, [and] they don’t know had zero days of “normal” how we do things,” Levin said. school, and juniors may Not having spirit wear is the main reason not remember how unique for people not participating in spirit days. the spirit culture at MIHS However, not having spirit wear is easy is, given their freshman to fix. The MIHS Student Store in the year was cut short. commons has plenty of spirit wear. Even “I think the freshmen are something as small as a pair of socks or really getting into spirit a face mask is more than enough to show days, are excited to be your school spirit. at a school with so many However, some students may not want traditions/events and are to wear maroon, or do not have the time
Seniors 383
MIHS Spirit Gets an Unexcused Absence
Juniors 282
Sophomores 271
Freshmen 315
The beginning of this year has been packed with the stress of getting back into things, but school spirit has been noticeably absent. School spirit allows students to share the pride, identity and community that stems from MIHS. It is integral for a fun and relaxed school environment; why else would we have a spirit day every Friday? “[School spirit] makes school just a much more fun place to be, especially now,” Senior Class President Kayla Levin said. Unfortunately, the participation in school spirit this year has been underwhelming, to say the least. I am looking at you, sophomores and juniors. The week before homecoming hosted a spirit week consisting of five consecutive spirit days. According to data collected by Leadership Adviser Toby Swanson, the juniors and sophomores were the two least-spirited classes. This data was collected throughout spirit week from third- and fourth-period classes and indicated that sophomores were the least-spirited class. However, this data is not a completely accurate representation of total spirit throughout classes, because some people have periods three or four off
THE MIHS ISLANDER NOV. 2021
Homecoming Spirit Week Participation
to attend sporting events. In this case, you can attend assemblies built into the school schedule, and follow along with the school to see if there are any events you can attend. School spirit is what keeps a school connected and keeps the atmosphere lighthearted. To support this environment, everyone should invest in some spirit wear. Many people, myself included, really like to see what other people come up with when it comes to maroon and white outfits. Seeing people decked out in maroon and white on Fridays is insanely fun and such an important part of MIHS culture, and with more spirited students the outfit 200 opportunities are limitless.
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THE MIHS ISLANDER NOV. 2021
Opinions 13
Islanders: It’s Time to Ditch the Snail Chris Twombley
Adviser
So, let me get this straight: Almost 40 years ago MIHS ditched its racially-insensitive mascot, a caricature of a Pacific Islander with a bone through their nose, went years without an icon, finally settling for a snail that is vaguely reminiscent of a school logo no longer in use? A snail? A terrestrial mollusk? A snail: Savage destroyer of garden vegetables. A snail: An animal easily stomped under foot. A snail: A delicacy but only if drowned in garlic, herbs and butter. This is the best we can do? Meanwhile, our rivals tout symbols of untamable ferocity: Eagles and Wildcats and Wolverines and Redhawks and Mustangs and Spartans and Wolves. But, no worries, we have Herbert the Snail, to whom we are so uncommitted that Wikipedia lists him (?) as our school’s “unofficial mascot.” So, are we the Islanders or the Snails? I reckon t h e r e might b e s o m e advantage to being half Muggle and half wizard. Or to being half human, half god. But half Islander, half snail? It’s embarrassing, and I can imagine no metaphor that rectifies these conflicting connotations. And, of course, the issue is m o r e serious t h a n
that. For those who say it’s too hard to change a school’s mascot, consider that many schools in our area have done so, including several in Kingco and Metro leagues. This isn’t just a matter of rebranding. It’s about taking responsibility for your history. For several local schools, including Issaquah, Sammamish, and West Seattle, the community decided to honor Washington state HB 1356 2021-22, which “P ro h ib it[s ] t h e inappropriate use of Native American names, symbols, or images
as public school mascots, logos, or team names.” Unquestionably, these moves were the right thing to do. Ironically, we’ve already done the work removing our old, racist mascot. We just skipped the part where we acknowledged our past and deliberately chose an appropriate mascot to represent the best of MIHS’ school spirit. My solution? First, we reaffirm that we are the Islanders. Next, it’s time to ditch the snail. Yes, Islanders, Herbert must go. Of course, the question remains: What is the best mascot to represent our school? For me, there’s only one, the Western Osprey, also known as the sea hawk. This noble creature is so unique that it has its own taxonomic genus; so fierce that medieval folk believed fish would turn belly-up in surrender at the sight of the bird; and so Islander that the school hosts a breeding pair of ospreys in the trees above the stadium. The osprey h a s chosen us. A n d , because I have your attention, it’s also time to change the name of our stadium, which, for my comfort, is too close in connotation to the racist logo of our past. An osprey’s nest is called an aerie. “Welcome to the Aerie!” That has a nice ring to it. A warm, spirited nest. Now, that’s inclusive.
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Le n a Har dist
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14 A&E
THE MIHS ISLANDER NOV. 2021
Mr. Smiley
Ms. Anders Mr. John-Lewis
Ms. Anders Mr. Smiley
“My tattoos are reminders of my connection with family.” Ms. Anders
Ms. Anders
Teacher
tat t o o s
Mr. John-Lewis
Read the Accompanying article here: Compiled and written by:
Sandra Pedersen Back Page Editor
Connotations associated with tattoos have seen almost a complete overhaul in the last decade. In turn the popularity of tattoos in every profession, even teachers, has skyrocketed. At MIHS, teachers use body art as identifiers, whether it be ideology, memorialization or simply in appreciation of the craftsmanship.
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THE MIHS ISLANDER NOV. 2021
Spotlight: Drama and Choir Take the Stage ng U p co mi
again. “You can kind of just feel the energy that comes from everyone being there. We’re all super supportive and excited to get back to performing,” Drama 2 student Lucas Vorkoper said. The MIHS drama and choir programs are focusing on putting on their best performances while rebuilding a community. This year, both programs will aim to get students back to doing what they love and doing it as a group. “Overall my goal is to have us create a space that is not only focused on getting a lot better throughout the year but also is focused on supporting each other as people,” Rockow said. Live music and theatre are highly-valued components of Mercer Island High School Culture that have been missing for nearly two years. Now that performing arts are back, Mercer Island has regained an integral piece of its community.
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Nov 18-20 The Odyssey
Dec 16
Winter Choir Concert
Respect Review: Hudson Shines, Film Underwhelms Alex Levin
Editor in Chief
Aretha Franklin, known for her powerful voice and her passion for civil rights, is one of the century’s greatest musicians. The “Queen of Soul,” as she is commonly labeled, has won countless musical and humanitarian awards in her lifetime. Unfortunately, while Lisel Tommy’s biographical film Respect adequately documents Franklin’s life and celebrates her achievements, the movie itself provides a rather underwhelming representation of such a brilliant career. I’ll start with the positives: Jennifer Hudson, who plays Franklin, was phenomenal. Portraying such an acclaimed, glamorous figure is a difficult task, but Hudson’s voice was nothing short of spectacular, and she allowed her audience to experience each of Franklin’s many emotions magnificently, from her childhood trauma to her enjoyment while producing music. The supporting characters were also cast wonderfully. Forest Whitaker’s performance as Franklin’s father was
excellent, as was Marc Maron’s portrayal of Jerry Wexler, Franklin’s music producer. However, for a movie depicting the life story of someone with such a successful career, I expected more from a directorial standpoint. The pacing of the film felt slightly awkward. The movie did not spend enough time focusing on Franklin’s successes and achievements, and instead dwelled on the serious, melancholy segments of her life. For instance, the movie spent too long addressing Franklin’s early career where she had no hit songs, and then promptly glossed over her creation of the song the movie was named after and the fame that followed it. To be fair, Franklin dealt with a fair amount of difficult situations throughout her life, both musical and personal. But rather than let these moments dominate the film, I would have preferred if Tommy had balanced them out with more displays of Hudson’s musical prowess as she honors the Queen. If only to honor one of the most exceptional musicians of all time, I would recommend that others watch Respect. But anyone expecting a masterpiece, like I was, should prepare for disappointment.
Jan 13
Drama 1 Semester Show
Mar 16
All-District Choir Concert D ata
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After over a year of Zoom rehearsals and performances, MIHS drama and choir are making their return to live performances. “It’s already making a difference having everyone in the same room at the same time,” choir director Annalise Rockow said. “It’s been infinitely better.” A huge component of performing arts is being able to come together as a community. There was a lack of connection with both the audience and the cast or choir during virtual performances. “Drama and performing arts are very much about that sense of community and family, so that’s one of the biggest goals [for this year],” drama teacher Daniela Melgar said. With Drama 2 hard at work for their fall show, The Odyssey, and choir preparing for a concert, performing arts are getting ready to perform for live audiences
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Kat Marsh
Social Media Team
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16 Back
THE MIHS ISLANDER Nov. 2021
Looking Back On Back
A collage of iconic moments
from The MIHS Islander’s past
Compiled by Braeden Nett and Sandra Pedersen