As graduation comes and goes, seniors look back on the past four years with a lot of relief and little regret; but after reminiscing on their cherished memories, reality starts to settle back in. Little do they know, leaving the long, torturous years of high school behind them could soon be their favorite memory yet.

Though GBHS has molded the lives of every student to walk its hallways, it’s only natural to have the feeling of hate towards all the rules and regulations strictly forced on students from day one.

“The six minute passing time will not be missed at all, “senior Temeria Gardner said.
The sense of freedom quickly comes into play as seniors get a taste of what college life will be like. Not having to wake up at the crack of dawn to get to class by 7:20 a.m. and sit in six classes with only a 30 minute lunch break will be one of the biggest and most exciting changes of all.

“I won’t miss having to feel like I’m being babysat by hall monitors and teachers all the time,” Steve Basinski said. These changes not only help with preparing for the real world, but give seniors the independence they need to survive on their own.

Another change will be their friends and relationships. Yes, seniors will miss the close friends they’ve accumulated over the years, but one thing they surely won’t miss is the high school drama. All of the “he said – she said” nonsense involving friends and enemies they have known for years can finally be put behind them before they branch out to meet new people.

“I definitely won’t miss the petty rumors and fights in high school,” senior Myrissa Ramirez said, “I’m ready to leave Grand Blanc’s drama behind.”

Even though seniors have a lot to look forward to, they still know where they came from, whether they are sick of it or not. Surely these last few weeks at GBHS will be a complete dread for not only seniors, but all students. “We need to get out of school, ASAP,” junior Joey Brown said.

Considered “one of the foremost ballet companies in the world”, the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City is considered an unlikely dream for most teenage dancers. This is not the case for sophomore Allison Armfield.

Armfield was accepted into a summer intensive program at the school based on a successful audition. She will live in NYC for eight weeks and then come back to Michigan to finish her training in Novi or Oscoda.

For being just a sophomore, Armfield’s acceptance into a world-renowned ballet school’s summer program is impressive. Her background may have influenced why she has advanced in ballet.

She started taking dance seriously at age 10 and has since taken classes in all styles ranging from ballet to hip hop to lyrical to Tahitian. Her training comes from the Northeast Academy of Dance in Oscoda, the Academy of Russian Classical Ballet in Novi, and Paavola’s School of Dance in Flint.

Even with all this training, Armfield’s love of dance came from Loree Russeau at Loree’s Dance Academy in Grand Blanc. Taking her first dance class here, she was very inspired. That inspiration evolved into success.

There are many great dancers at GBHS, yet she is one that stands out because of her passion and ability. She credits a lot of her ability to a few people.

“I’ve learned something unique and special from each of my instructors,” Armfield said. “They have made me the dancer I am today.”

Cover Painting done by: Anthony Ausgang

MGMT gained fame through singles such as dance anthem “Kids” and vivacious “Electric Feel.” Songs like these are no where to be found on Congratulations. This album is a whole new chapter for MGMT, as was foreshadowed by tracks like “Love Always Remains” and “Of Moons, Birds & Monsters.”

This isn’t an easy album to like; it takes a couple listens of the entire thing. This is how the album was meant to be, as MGMT said. The band did not release singles, because they wanted it to be listened to as a whole, instead of getting the feel of it through individual pieces.

Some might say that Congratulations is boring, but others say it is a work of art. When it comes down to it, it really depends on how much patience and time you’re willing to put into liking this album. One who listens to a few songs quickly without thought will most likely not care for it. One who sits down, listens to the album all the way through, really thinks about all the songs together and the thought behind making them, and does it again the next day, might find that it grows on them.

MGMT really took their whole persona and put it into a collection of layered guitars, drums, synths, and Andrew Vanwyngarden’s echoing vocals. While in Oracular Spectacular lyrics were mostly about fame and getting to the point of recognition, Congratulations is more of Vanwyngarden and Goldwasser sitting back and watching their success unfold.

“It’s Working” starts the album off with a punchy ’70s feel, slightly cheesy, but it works (pun intended.) “Song for Dan Treacy” follows with a similar sense, cheery and positive, hinting at a punk influence, as expressed throughout the whole album. “Someone’s Missing” is up next and is immediately likable with Vanwyngardens warbling high piched vocals. This song is emotional at first then becomes more playful as it progresses. About halfway through it moves to be an upbeat almost danceable track, one of the best on the album. “Flash Delirium” follows, the closest mimic to “Electric Feel,” but lacking much of the energy, and leads right into “I Found A Whistle,” another highly likable track beginning with guitar and finishing strongly with Vanwyngardens astonishing voice. “Siberian Breaks” is a highly criticized 12 minute ballad that takes so many different turns that one isn’t sure how many songs have played by the time it finishes. “Brian Eno” picks up the pace with a garage-punk vibe, a risky tribute to the near God himself. “Lady Dada’s Nightmare” is slower, a slightly boring track, a failed attempt at alternative musical drama. “Congratulation” finishes the album on a strong note, a well-deserved pat on the back, a tropical song that is extremely enjoyable to listen to.

The bottom line is, MGMT did exactly what they wanted with this album, they had their fame, now they’re having their fun, and isn’t that exactly what they said they would do in “Time To Pretend?” We’ve got the vision/Now let’s have some fun.

Imagine walking down the red carpet surrounded by crowds of people, flashes coming from cameras in each direction. This is your senior Prom. This year’s theme is Hollywood with tons of awesome decorations to make the scene as close to realistic as possible.

Not only will there be parents and friends lined up to take everyone’s picture as they walk along the red carpet, but also professional photos by Gavin Smith will be available inside. Anyone may purchase a star like the walk of fame with their name on it for a reasonable price. The stars may either hang from the ceiling or be on the ground and can be taken home when Prom is over.

What else sets this year’s Prom above the rest? When tickets are being purchased, each student can write down three songs they would like to hear during the dance. These songs will be looked at and the songs that are appropriate will be added to the DJ’s play list so students can finally hear the music of their choice.

For more details talk to Mr. Whitacre Room 115 or any member of the Prom committee. Prom 2010 is not one to miss, so girls, start looking for your dresses because this year is going to be awesome!

Drama l: 9-12, 1 credit. Students will perform on stage and take criticism. They will work with pantomiming, theater vocabulary, improvisation, interpretive reading, memorizing and short scene acting.
“You have to be open and not be afraid to act foolish,” said sophomore Taylor Dontje.

Bible as Literature: 11-12 grade 1 credit. Students will learn about Old and New Testaments and the bible’s influence on Western culture.
“In the bible you’ll find a lot of scandalous and interesting information that you’ll never expect,” said senior Morgan Overstreet.

Multimedia Production: Grade 10-12 ½ credits. Students will be using Mac computers to create videos, learn about the media and work on GBHTV events.
“You learn a lot about videos, and it’s a fun class,” said sophomore Connor Carey. “Most people enjoy it.”

Medical Career Education: Grade 11-12. This class is an overview of the basic skills in the medical field. There are many guest speakers, field trips, job shadowing, and many hands on activities. You learn vital signs, how to measure height and weight, and the laws and ethics of the field.
“I recommend it to people who want a career in the medical field because it’s helpful, and you get CPR certified,” said senior Christina Halbeck.

Automotive Technology: 10-12, 1 credit. Students learn safety tools, and how to work on engines and brakes. Students also get NATEF certified. Students are frequently assigned to work in labs.
“It’s very hands on, and it’s a good way to work around with cars and learn about them,” said junior Brandon Hazelwood.

Hmm, this looks familiar. Oh wait, that's because I gave it to you last Valentine's Day.

Valentine’s Day brings a certain tension to the air. I wouldn’t be surprised if guys particularly loath the fact that they are ‘pressured’ to make sure that this day is perfect for their girl, and that she still wants to be with him when all is said and done. Breaking up is harder when you don’t have an incredibly good reason. Here are some reasons that should make it really easy for you girls:

1.) He spends Valentine’s Day with another girl.
Why wouldn’t your boyfriend spend Valentine’s Day with you? He shouldn’t have anything better to do. Spending this certain day with someone else shows you that she means more to him than you.

2.) He tries to pressure you into taking your relationship to the “next level.”
Any guy that tries to pressure you into doing physical stuff, stuff that you aren’t ready to do, should be dumped. He should accept that you aren’t ready. The excuse, “Ohh, but it’s Valentine’s Day,” is pathetic. No girl needs a guy like that in her life.

3.) You two agree on exchanging gifts, but he doesn’t get you anything.
What, did he forget? He shouldn’t if you’re his girlfriend; he should be thinking about you often enough to remember to get you something. This totally screams, not boyfriend material.

4.) He takes you on a date, but his eyes are glued on other girls.
Seriously dude, this is a no brainer. Any guy that does this has near to no respect for you, and is therefore not a keeper; respect is a must.

5.) He re-gifts something that you gave him.
I mean wow! If he doesn’t want to keep said present, it obviously has no sentimental value when it should. He is your boyfriend – anything he gets from you should mean at least a little something. It should be a little special to him. The only thing that would make this worse would if he knew it was a re-gift. He knew that you gave it to him, yet is stupid enough to try to give it back to you. That idiot needs to be kicked to the curb, and quick.

Multimedia students get hands on experience with all aspects of video production.

In this technology-savvy society, the school has been doing its part to stay current. Video announcements, ran by the multimedia productions students, have been airing since mid-March of last year.
The announcements are filmed second hour and aired third hour, running for about five minutes. Students have varied opinions about the announcements.
“The quality is horrible,” said junior Ryan LaDuke, “You can’t even see their faces. Wansitler’s GBTV is better.”
The announcements are filmed clearly, but according to anchors, the problem is what they are played on, which is Windows Media Player.
Because of time constraints, the multimedia team does not have time to make the announcements look as professional as they’d like.
“You have to be able to work fast because we only have one class period to get everything done,” said GBH-TV anchor Christina Halbeck.
The daily announcements are e-mailed to the class, giving them even less time to start filming and editing.
“In a dream world we would have a block class,” said multimedia teacher, Andrea Zech.
While some students complain about the announcements, others find them enjoyable and worthwhile.
“I like them a lot better than the announcements over the PA because students actually listen to them,” said freshmen Danyelle Shultis.
Filming announcements isn’t as easy as reading words off a teleprompter. “You have to make sure the anchors are there, get the teleprompter ready with all the announcements, do sound checks, make sure the camera angle is good, and get all the transitions and subtitles ready,” said Halbeck.
Unlike the PA announcements that were announced consecutively at the same time everyday, teachers are now in charge of showing them to their class, making the announcements more susceptible to being forgotten. Teachers are supposed to show them third hour. In a survey of staff, 62.5 percent say they show them atleasat 80 percent of the time, 12.5 percent say they show them less than 80 percent of the time, and 25 percent did not respond.
“My teacher always forgets to play them so I never know what is going on,” said senior Roseanna Rayyan, “I’m always missing NHS meetings.”
Whether video announcements are a hit with the students body or not, they won’t be going away anytime soon.

The Peer Mediation class been promoting peace all around the school. It’s the new slogan for GBHS. Peer Mediation adviser Liz Kalush-Degain and her class wanted the whole school to know how bullying can affect people.

Gabrielle “Gabe” Ford came to GBHS Dec. 14, 2009 to share her story. Gabe had a very average childhood. When she was little she loved to dance and do what any average little girl would do. But the summer before she went to high school she was diagnosed with Frederic’s ataxia, a rare genetic neuromuscular disease.

Throughout her high school years at Lake Fenton, she would get picked on everyday by her peers. She was off balanced walking through the hallways and her speech began to slur. The students at her school didn’t know what was wrong with her, but yet they still bullied her. Gabe jus remembered her high school year’s being the most difficult times of her life. She hated going to school.

Now at the age of 26, Gabe has made it her main goal to talk to students at different schools about bullying. Gabrielle also has a dog named Izzy who she looks at more than just a dog. Gabe see’s Izzy as her best friend.

Gabrielle wrote a book called “Still Standing” about anti-bullying and how she overcame it. A current teacher at Grand Blanc High School, Mrs. Tracy Stimac, was mentioned in her book. What Gabe liked most about Mrs. Stimac was that she was honest with her and she understood what she was going through. Senior Kourtney Biddle said “I like how she comes to different schools and share her story. It’s a positive thing she is doing.”

Gabrielle wants to get across to everyone that bullying can change a person’s life.
You shouldn’t bully people because they are different than you are. People should learn how to treat people the way they want to be treated.

Touch screen, quick application launch, digital compass, and camera are just a few of the iPhone’s features. This device has caught the eye of people all over but their attention may turn to a new device created by Motorola, called the Droid.

The iPhone attracts people because it is thin and light weight opposed to the bulkier-looking phones that have big key pads. A touch screen keypad can be used when the phone is turned to the side or upright. It has a 3.0 megapixle camera and a photo application that makes it easier for people to share there pictures. It also has a built in compass; the only instructions needed is to simply type in your destination and the compass locates it through GPS, WIFI and cellular towers. People like the fact that it can do a lot and still be that size.

The iPhone has 100,000 applications. An application is a specific software widget that you can download on to your phone from the iTunes App Store. The iPhone also has web access, which makes it convenient for people to use the internet at any time. “I like how I can get on Facebook whenever I want from something I carry in my pocket,” said Jesse Augustine.

The iPhone also allows people to do everything 2X faster than most other phones. “It doesn’t take 3 hours for a game to load like it does on other phones,” said Justin Hardy.

The ability to have so many applications, allows them to do a number of things most phones cant. They both have WIFI and can understand voice commands. With the newest contract they are $199. There usage plans are the same price as well.

The iPhone can do just about anything, but like everything else, it has its competitors. The Droid, which was released on October 30, is much like the iPhone but has been created with some upgraded features. “I heard it’s supposed to be better than the iPhone,” said sophomore Colleen Cull.

Unlike the iPhone the Droids keypad slides out rather than being a touch screen for those who find using the touch screen difficult and it still has a slim build. The Droids battery lasts longer then the iPhone’s and has the ability to multi task. It has a 5.0 megapixel opposed to the iPhones 3.0 megapixel camera, which takes better quality photos and makes images clearer. It also has a clearer font and a larger screen.

If that isn’t convincing enough, when magnetically placed on a dock the Droids settings are converted into an alarm clock, weather display, and music player.

Although the phones are relatively similar, each phone has advantages over the other. The battle between the two is a close match.