Volume 58 • Edition 7 • June 2020
T H E
SAILORS’ LOG Mona Shores High School • 1121 Seminole Road • Norton Shores, Michigan 49441
a FAREWELL to REMEMBER Business teacher Judy Hunt and her husband Bob wave to well wishers who drove past their house to celebrate her retirement on April 30. Because of COVID-19, celebrations like this were altered, postponed or canceled. See story, page 3.
2 June 2020
NEWS
SIGNS of the TIMES
The Sailors’ Log
Global pandemic alters educational plans By Gabby Lopez Executive Editor
It’s safe to say that the coronavirus swept through the world faster than anyone could blink an eye. First, it was as relatable as the common flu. Next, it was a deadly virus that swept through largely populated cities and spread throughout the people of the world. No one was quite as prepared as they hoped for the virus; no government, school, or individual. So, there seemed to be a big question mark over everyone’s heads for a short while. But once things started to come a little bit clearer, it was easier for decision makers to decide how things would run from that point forward.
As for the state of Michigan as a whole, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared that all schools be temporarily closed on March 13 and then executively ordered a “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order on March 28. This then led to Governor Whitmer closing all schools for the remainder of the year on April 2. The “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order has since been extended to June 12 as well. Students throughout the school district did not think that March 13 would be their last day in their classrooms. Most thought that they would see their teacher’s again before the end of the year. Throughout the month of March and forward into the rest of the year, the school as switched to online learning. Teachers and students connected through video chat platforms such as Zoom and Google Hangout as well as posting
In preparation for graduation, seniors picked up their cap and gown from Jostens as well as their honor cords and a senior gift in the east parking lot on May 1. Senior Emily Custer is handed her cap and gown by Aaron Hein of Jostens while assistant principal Kent Higgs presents senior Mitch Bailey with his gold cord. Executive Editors Morgan Cathey Paige Judson Gabby Lopez Staff Jenna Baker Holli Brus Jaylene Davis Mia Dickson Sydney Fetters
Sophia Fisher Bailey Graham Chris Horvath Emily Kuznar Sarah Roman Samantha Sewick Kye Sieffert Robby Swanker Adviser Warren Kent III
assignments on Google Classroom and Moodle. Although this school year has been extremely unorthodox, the high school’s administration has tried to make this year one to remember, especially for the graduating class. Seniors were allowed to finish instruction on May 1 and were only expected to continue contacting teachers if they were taking an Advanced Placement course and were preparing for the final exam for college credit. The graduates were allowed to pick up their cap and gowns and diplomas through a drive-through in the school’s parking lot while complying to all safety guidelines. On the day seniors were scheduled to walk across the stage at LC Walker Arena (May 26), they were given a senior send-off parade where family and friends were able to celebrate and congratulate the class of 2020.
In a drive-through fashion in the east parking lot, students were able to checkout and receive their diplomas on May 22. Senior Avery Anderson turns in her Chromebook to Joe Vlasma, who works in the technology department while senior Daniel Emmons poses with his parents after receiving his diploma. The Sailors’ Log is a public forum for student expression distributed freely to students and faculty of Mona Shores High School.
How to communicate with the staff: • Email: kentw@monashores.net • Website: www.thesailorslog.com • Facebook: Mona Shores Publications
Our Voice is the opinion message selected by the editorial staff of The Sailors’ Log. Your Voice, the letters to the editor section, is the opinion of our readers. All letters to the editor must be signed.
This edition of The Sailors’ Log was printed by The Argus-Press 201 E. Exchange St. Owosso, MI 48867
NEWS
The Sailors’ Log
June 2020 3
Dynamic Duo Bids Adieu
Business teacher, 1970 graduate, retires after making lasting impact By Robby Swanker Staff Writer For the past 25 years, Judy Hunt has been changing the lives of many, one class at a time. Hunt’s teaching days may be over, but her legacy will live long within the hallways of Shores. “It made perfect sense to retire after 46 years of working full time, on the 50th reunion year of graduating high school, in the year 2020,” said Hunt, who also graduated from Shores. “Plus, I wanted to retire while I was still doing well at school, still enjoying teaching all of you, and still enjoying my job overall. And so, it’s time. I have loved being on staff at Mona Shores. Best. Job. Ever.” Although she will be most known for her Senior Finance class, you would run out of fingers trying to count the classes she was qualified to teach. So many in fact, it might just be easier to break it down for you. Three departments. English: (9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade English with grammar, writing, lit. Included Creative Writing, Senior Writing, Applied Communications, and Drama). Social Studies: (U.S. History, Civics, Sociology 1 & 2, Community Service class). Business: (Info Tech 1 & 2, Business Systems 1 & 2, Marketing 1, 2, 3, Mentorship, Teachers’ Aides, Senior Financial Lit/Tech, started Anchor Cafe). If you think this list is long, just imagine how many classrooms she has had to move into throughout the years. “This all meant I traveled room to room for several years,” Hunt said. “I think I taught in 13 different rooms before settling
Judy Hunt, shown here reacting to a drive-by celebration from colleagues and students on April 30 past her home, retired after 25 years as a Shores teacher. into 403. Or is it 413? 401?” I think you get her point. Before she even came to Shores, Hunt had two careers. At her first job out of college, she worked on a “girl’s” staff with Youth for Christ/ Campus Life/Youth Guidance, starting in Muskegon, then Rome, Ga., and then back to Muskegon. She worked for this organization for six years. After this, she worked at Meijer, Inc., first as a co-manager at Sagebrush (sold jeans) in
Grand Rapids, then as a training specialist at the corporate office. She was with Meijer for 15 years before coming to Shores. There is a trend going on here, which seems to all revolve around the Muskegon area. Why is this? “I have so much loyalty and love for the area,” Hunt said. “I grew up here, graduated from Shores in 1970, and love the area and district, right next door to woods and Lake Michigan.” All teachers have a reason for going into teaching, and for Hunt, it is quite simple:
students. “The students are the reason I chose this profession,” Hunt said. “I’ll particularly miss their antics, smiles, and the way they looked when they ‘got’ something – when it all clicked. That’s one of those ‘Yes!’ moments for us teachers. I’ll also dearly miss seeing my teacher/staff friends on a daily basis.” Throughout her teaching career, she has tried to input some of the love and inspiration she has found in her life – God. “I went into teaching not only because I love it but also because, for me, it has been ministry,” Hunt said. “I love the Lord Jesus Christ, and hopefully, hopefully demonstrated some of His love during my years at Mona Shores. I strived to focus on the truth that life is about people and relationships. In teaching, curriculum/content is a vehicle to those relationships.” Hunt said she would also like to leave a message for the present and future students of Shores. Financially – “Save as much as possible, as often as possible, for as long as possible, and at the highest interest rate possible. Have at least 3-6 months of expenses in a savings account you can quickly get to in case of an emergency.” Opportunities – “Increase your human capital re: options and choices by getting as much education/training as possible throughout your entire life.” Employability – “Employers want to know three basic things: Can you do the job? Will you do the job? Will you fit?” Life, in general – “It’s complicated. It depends. Figure it out. Hold things loosely. Ask beautiful questions.” And finally, “Above all, always be kind.”
ALC supervisor will continue to help the community after retirement By Jaylene Davis Staff Writer Cindy Backstrom has been making an impact on and helping Muskegon learn for more than 32 years, including the past 24 years at Shores. But now, Backstrom is retiring to do travel after her retirement and keep helping the community. “I have a senior grandson that I hope to watch play soccer, and he lives five hours away, so I have missed many,” Backstrom said. “Also, I will continue to work for Laughing Tree Brick Oven Bakery and do some volunteer work for Mission for Area Backstrom people and Every Woman’s Place.” Before coming to Shores, she worked for Muskegon Public schools for eight years as a classroom assistant and as a
para-professional who ran the library at Moon School. Shores students may know her as the Alternative Learning Center supervisor who assists students with their work they are missing while in the ALC. “The best part about the job was helping, supporting, and hopefully sharing some wisdom and life tips helping the students navigate high school,” Backstrom said. “I love kids and making a difference” She also facilitates parent-teacher conferences with Sign-up Genius, gathers data for eighth-grade placement letters that are then mailed to parents, and helps seniors in achieving their graduation requirements. She said she has always been passionate about education. “I want people to know that education matters,” Backstrom said. “I want all kids to find success.” Although Backstrom found that education was her purpose, she found that her job at Shores was not all about the
education, but rather creating close bonds and memories with others. “I have some dear friends, they know who they are, that I have made here, but my lunch group of (counseling secretary) Judy Neiser, (counselor) Amorette Clausen, and (counselor) Stacy Meyers are probably my most favorite,” Backstrom said. “These ladies have been with me through my joys and sorrows and have supported me with their laughs and tears.” Along with the great relationships that she has built here, memories like the staff Christmas breakfast and selling tickets for sporting events have been influential to her. All over her memories, good and bad, along with her time here at Shores has impacted her greatly. “(Feeling needed and appreciated) has made my life so rich,” Backstrom said. “I couldn’t have had a better 24 years.”
NEWS
4 June 2020
The Sailors’ Log
Socially Acceptable
Teacher, cross country coach wins Educator of Year By Sarah Roman Staff Writer What makes a teacher great? Senior Sarah Anton said it is being able to see the love they have for their job and the care they have for their students. Those are just two of the many reasons why she decided to write a letter to The Sailors’ Log nominating social studies teacher Kyle Mireles for Educator of the Year. Anton’s letter was chosen by the newspaper staff, making Mireles the winner of the 2020 Educator of the Year award. For the past six years, the staff of The Sailors’ Log has presented the award to social studies teacher Steve Morell (2015), English teacher Roxanne Schaner (2016), science teacher Chad Martin (2017), former math teacher Kristia Whitaker (2018), and physical education teacher Roberta Edwards (2019). When Anton heard that she could nominate a teacher, there was only one person on her mind. “Mr. Mireles was the first teacher that popped into my mind when I heard of the nominations,” Anton said. “He is a great teacher and person.” Typically, the newspaper staff crashes the teacher’s classroom to present them with the award, but since school was not in session due to COVID-19, it was decided to congratulate Mireles on a Zoom call. Mireles, who is also the cross country coach, expressed his gratitude and surprise when presented with the award. “I am a little surprised,” Mireles said. “I’m humbled to be thought of so highly by my nominator and to be selected on her recommendation.” Anton shared her favorite memory from her time in class with Mireles. “He stepped out of the room for a moment to do something, and half the class
Senior writes winning nomination
As both a cross country coach and a social studies teacher, Kyle Mireles, who was chosen as the newspaper’s Educator of the Year for 2019-20, loves to have fun while imparting knowledge to his athletes and students. piled boxes in front of the door to block it,” she said. “So, when he got back, he opened the door and stared at the boxes for a second. Then he just pushed them down and continued on like normal.” Her favorite memory, which shows his sense of humor, is a great example of why Mireles is her favorite teacher. “I think it’s really great that he can joke around with his class as well as teach,” Anton said. Mireles said his favorite part of being a teacher is being the person who gets to introduce something new to his students. “(I love) sharing with them something they have never heard or seen before and watching that honest moment of learn-
ing,” Mireles said. “The kid who was only half paying attention turns to you and has a genuine look of shock, and I give them the assurance of ‘Yeah, what I just said was true, and that really happened.’” Mireles said he became a teacher because of his love of history and his social studies classes while in school despite some uncaring teachers. “I always loved history and my social studies classes were my safe place from math and science,” Mireles said. “I had some teachers who just didn’t care anymore, who didn’t make the history really live. Arrogantly, I thought I could do better, so I put my money where my mouth was. I’m really happy with that decision.”
Dear newspaper staff, In my 12 years of schooling, I have had many teachers. Along with that, many favorite teachers. I have found that, typically, my favorite teacher changes year to year. This time, however, it has stayed solid. I have known Mr. Mireles since seventh grade, but I didn’t really interact with him regularly until my junior year when I had him for World History. That year, junior year, was probably my easiest year of high school. I honestly think that is Sarah Anton because of his class. Every year I struggle with mental health. Without someone to talk to, it can be difficult to make it through the school year. Not only that, but it can be taxing to focus in class when the teachers are rather…uninterested. Many teachers that I have had seem to no longer be excited or even like their jobs. Mr. Mireles is not that. He has always seemed excited and active in his career, which made it so much easier for me to focus in class. (Not to mention that history is my favorite subject). Not only is he a great educator, but he is also an extraordinary person. He does a lot for his students. He does his best to guide students through the coursework as well as through their personal life. Problems they may be facing with family or friends, he’s there! He has helped me personally through a lot of hardships. Things like my friend’s drug problem, and more. I looked forward to his class every day. I love history, and I adored his teaching style. It was very fluid and easily understood. I almost always got an A on the tests, and I did well on the exams as well. I miss that class a lot, but I’m able to stop in every once in a while to bother him.
Junior, freshman win car, moped at virtual Ride with Pride celebration By Paige Judson Executive Editor When it comes to winning something as big as a car, it is hard to hold in all of the emotions that come with it. For junior Ethan Lee, one of the finalists for the car during the annual Ride with Pride celebration, the main emotion was excitement. “Once I was selected (as a finalist), it was Lee so awesome,” he said. “I couldn’t sleep at night, (trying to think) of the perfect number [contestants
were told to choose one of 10 numbered envelopes, one of which held the key to the car].” Lee’s pick of No. 9 proved bountiful as his key opened the door to a red Mustang during the May 8 event that took place via YouTube because of the coronavirus pandemic. “That door opened, and I about jumped in the air and couldn’t believe it,” Lee said. “I told everyone in my immediate family almost immediately. Then, I called all my friends in utter excitement.” Springsdorf The other nine finalists for the car were sophomore Drew Sandberg, sophomore Erin Sullivan,
sophomore Jacob Saxton, senior Logan Potts, senior Riley Jackson, senior Jordyn Huston, senior Connor Fritz and junior Jami Mikesell. Additionally, freshman Jordyn Springsdorf, who did not respond to numerous email attempts to interview her, took home a moped. The other finalists for the moped were senior Ramnit Saini, senior Gypsy Bates, sophomore Emma McCaskey, freshman Selena Gaskill, freshman Keasia McKinney, freshman Carlie Gelderloos, sophomore Melody Broadbent, sophomore Olivia Fouchea and sophomore Freyja Warneke. Lee said he enjoyed the congratulations everyone, and his best way to pay them back? Rides in his new car.