Detroit Free Press from Detroit, Michigan • Page 77

LO CO -CO Uli-UJ EC. Trojan Star Staff Editor-in-Chief: Jeneil Johnson Reporters: Lor! Blackshear, Kenyatte East, Johnny Gaines, Eugenia Gary, Kenya Horion, Todd Johnson, Rogario Merritt, LaShanna Peltv, Tawana Petty, Anitra Smith, Chanel Slranse, Steven Thornton, Urshula Turner Adviser Melanie E. Nunn English Dept. Head: John Aldricti Principal: Elijah Porter (All editorials are the consensus of the editorial board.) 0 T1MO AM STAC ec t-Q. CO 8.: Tuesday, December 21, 1993 Henry Ford High School, 20000 Evergreen, Detroit, Michigan 48219 Vol.

8 No. 3 Spirit of Students open giving hearts, veins for Red Cross -co at P. By ROGARIO MERRITT Ford Staff Writer CP ft! lip said Archie. Archie added that if given a chance, she would donate more blood. "There aren't enough donors who come back or even enough donors in the first place." Trevor Bates, 17, decided to give blood because he wanted to give a part of himself to someone.

"All my life I have been receiving things from others. I just wanted to prove to myself that I could be giving and nothing lasts longer than a pint of blood for someone who really needs it," said Bates. Bates first impression on donating blood was mixed. "I really didn't know what to expect. I pictured a long, sharp needle that was going to be pressed into my skin, but it was like a little pinch.

Before you know it, you're done." Nicole Dale is a veteran blood donor. This was her second time donating at Ford. Dale gives blood because fers a second chance." By JOHNNY GAINES Ford Staff Writer Last month, students who happened to be in the gym found themselves drained. Not by playing sports, but by the Red Cross. For the 17th consecutive year students and staff opened their hearts and veins to donate blood and maybe even save a life.

Donated blood is used for transfusions or to help people who may have lost a lot of blood due to an accident or injury. Before the blood is used, it is thoroughly tested for disease and other flaws that could be dangerous to a person's health. In order to give blood, one must be at least 17. One student volunteer that met those qualifications is 17-year-old LaTonya Archie. Archie gave blood because she believed it could save someone's life.

She found the procedure quite easy. "I expected it to be very painful, but it was like a little pinch with a slight sting. There was no real pain," be distributed to students. pie to donate. He receives great satisfaction as coordinator because of Ford's record of having a high turnout.

"It never fails to amaze me the number of students who willingly give to such a worthy cause," said Hearshen. Dale plans to give blood as many times as she can. "You walk away feeling a little weak," said Dale, "but you end up feeling really good." In spite of all the information provided to donors before and during the procedure, there are still some who don't or can't give blood. Angela Robinson, 17, wanted to donate, but couldn't. Robinson is anemic, a common blood condition resulting from low iron in the system.

Shartisa Scott, 17, said she doesn't see the point. "What if one day you need that blood you gave away. Then it's too late. Personally, I don't think I will ever give blood because of the spread of diseases like AIDS. I don't want to take the risk." Red Cross workers insist that you cannot contract AIDS from donating blood.

The 1992-93 school year was especially difficult because of an founded rumor that several students had contracted the AIDS virus after donating blood. "We gave out tons of Brooks right cues and learning lines to produce a successful play. The cast believes that "Another Christmas Carol" is not like any other play. It Drama troupe presents holiday New nurse helps heal school's sick ROBERT BROOKS, NOV. 19, 1993 By JENEIL JOHNSON Ford Staff Writer it from the top!" That was just one of the many phrases used by Drama 3 students during rehearsal of the play "An-; other Christmas Carol." "Another Christmas Carol," written and directed by 17-year-old senior Robert Brooks III, is an adaptation of the classic "A Christmas Carol," by Charles Dickens.

However, Brooks' version is placed in a modern, urban, black setting. "We wanted to do a Christmas play, so I did some brainstorming and decided to rewrite my favorite Christmas story," said Brooks. This would have been Brooks' first time directing a play he had written. He found that being a director was a job that took patience and the ability to of being a director is being able to work with the Brooks. There was a strong sense of By CHANEL STRANGE Ford staff Writer Until now, medically fragile students and other persons who were injured or faced with medical obstacles were sent to their counselors for treatment and then sent home.

But thanks to Cheryl Smith, registered nurse, students who become ill at school can receive immediate attention. Smith, along with Marilyn Foley, another registered nurse, provides service to the students from the school clinic, the old science department, which is located across from the DECA store. Even though Smith has been the official school nurse for only a few weeks, she has accomplished much, such as providing first aid for school athletes and working with injured students and their parents. Smith beamed with pride when she discussed the decisions that led to her choosing a career in nursing. "I did volunteer work for the American Red Cross at Fitzsimmons Army General Hospital in the summer of my junior year in high school in Denver, Colorado," said Smith.

December 16 Choir sang at Birchwood Mall in Novi-" 21-22 Christmas picture with'', Santa ''X--' 22 Early dismissal for stiff 'J 1 meeting c. January 12 Last day to pay for senior yearbook ads 14-18 Final exams for first a semester 17 Dr. Martin Luther King; Jr. birthday, school closed 20-21 No school, semester break YES (Young Educators Society): Throughout the month of members willbe working with stu dents who are assigned to detention, They will also be assisting with; be-; havior Student Council and the National. Honor Society will be supporting needy families for the will be collecting monetary tions from staff and students to pur? phase food.

"'it'l Smith's academic background Includes degrees in nursing and health care management. She worked as a school nurse in Texas from 1980 until moving to Detroit in .1989, when she worked with preschoolers in the Head Start program. Even though Smith already has two degrees, she is pursuing higher education. At about the same time she began working as the school nurse at Ford, she was accepted at Wayne State University to begin yet another course in nursing. Foley, a registered nurse who has been working for the Detroit Public Schools for the last 20 years, stops in occasionally to offer assistance to Smith whenever and wherever she can.

But, so far, Smith has no problems in making the "The student and faculty here are so nice and willing to help," Said Smith. "So far there have been no big crises. I just love being here as a nurse and most of all I love the cookies sold in the DECA store." Students and staff will be notified of Smith's guidelines for treating the student body. -y til 'iin'itf I rmvM Self-motivation is tied to priorities. If your priorities are intact, you shouldn't have a problem motivating yourself to do things like homework, class work, or simply attending school.

These are things that should be at the top of your list for success in life. School is not the only place where you have to motivate yourself. It is up to you to ignore peer pressure and say no to what you know is wrong. Your mom and dad can't always be there to help you make decisions about what's best for you. People who want to succeed have to be people who try to succeed.

No one is going to give you anything in fife because "Nothing in life is free!" there are toys for each child and clothing for each member of the family. This year the families are averaging around 7-8 members. The project is completely handled by the cadets. They do the shopping, wrap the presents, pack the bags and boxes and deliver the items. The sense of satisfaction that the cadets receive from their actions is tremendous.

The cadets have accumulated approximately $12,000 over the past six years in their fundraising efforts. Red Cross staff prepares materials to literature discounting the rumor, but people still hesitated. It was a low turnout for us," said Joel Hearshen, a social studies teacher and coordinator of the annual event. Hearshen said each new year brings new challenges in getting peo- play is very important to them. "It's not just a bunch of books," says Mesha Lillard, a junior who feels she has done fairly well for her first year in drama.

Iris McDonald, a new English teacher and drama adviser, saidstu-dents express their creativity through acting. "There Is a large effort put forth by the students to complete the play. Everyone has a part in the production, whether it's on stage or behind the scenes," said McDonald. Charles Clora, a senior and second-year drama student, has the lead role as Mr. Jackson (Scrooge).

Clora enjoys what he does in drama. "I love acting and making people laugh," said Clora. "Another Christmas Carol" will be performed Dec. 22 at 10:00 a.m., for selected classes at Ford. The drama students hope that this production is a success and that there will be many others.

home and being on his own. "As far as I'm concerned, a military career will have more advantages because it is paying for college, and I'll receive benefits in the future," said Trotter. Counselor Reese Lakits encourages students to further their education. "There is education after high school You must continue your education," said Lakits. The primary reason for students not attending college immediately after high school is lack of money.

Shamika Carter, a 17-year-old senior, said, "If I don't get any money for college, I'll go to the Marines. A lot students say they want to go to college, but if their parents don't have any money, the Marines is good to fall back on." Aaron Robinson, a 17-year-old senior, plans to go to Motech to learn how to work on cars. Robinson stated, "I wasn't ready to take that big step because if I mess up, that could count against me, and I would have to make it up. That would cost 9' Hopeful hoop squad shoots for championship It takes self-motivation to set, reach your goals Robert Brooks III, a Henry Ford senior, was tragically killed in a car accident on Friday, Nov. 19, 1993.

Brooks was a devoted son, talented drama student, playwright, and a good friend to many students and staff members. His death was a loss to all who were inspired by his quick wit and willingness to offer comfort and a smile to anyone in need. The school play, "Another Christmas Carol," written and directed by Brooks, will be performed in his honor. family when the students got together for rehearsal. Everyone supported one another.

They counted on each other for coming in on the HIM want to mm prove to any doubters that we can do it. 7 7 compete as if they are individuals. Rondel Marsh, a senior who excels in basketball and football, is very confident. "We know what we have to do to win. I think this team will be more disciplined than last year, and we can win the west side and state championships." "The team is very family oriented.

We've been close for four years. We're all comedians and we treat the next person like a brother," said Maurice Taylor. Taylor is the only senior who has already signed a letter of intent He is committed to Michigan. "I am very proud," said Taylor. "It has always been one of my dreams to go to Michigan on a basketball scholarship." The squad, consisting of 10 seniors, is also team-oriented.

Carter said that the five probable starters, 6'8" center Maurice Taylor, 6'3" forward Jer-maine Johnson, 6'4" forward Rondel Marsh, 5'10" guard Dennis Reed, and 5'10" guard Antone Bell are expected to be the leaders on the court Members of the team believe there are no specific leaders to the bunch. Everyone can be a leader by encouraging and pushing one another to become better players, stated members of the team. So far, the Trojan record is 2-0. Both wins are non-league. 1 r.

James Jones, social studies teacher, and Pat Kaercher, counselor, serve as chaperones at the Maxwell House College Fair at Cobo. College is not an option for all By TAWANA PETTY Ford Staff Writer Reaching goals and succeeding in life are not obtained through laziness or lack of self-motivation. Self-motivation is the most important form of motivation. You have to be willing to do for yourself before you can expect others to want to do for you. Many times, people, especially teenagers, seem to feel that others owe them something.

When you know you haven't been doing your school work on time or you are missing assignments, why should your teacher give you the when your average is below 70 percent? What would happen if you decided to skip that party at the Grand Quarters this weekend and instead, did your homework? Would -the you earned on your last test have been an or By NATOSHA SIMMONS Staff Writer He dribbles, shoots and scores! Once again, it is time for boys basketball. The Trojan's varsity basketball team is anticipating a successful season. Fans are getting ready for a showcase of dunks, packs, steals, and NBA style play. The '94 hoop squad has been preparing for basketball since the summer and is not taking the sport lightly. "For the pre-season preparation we did a lot of running and free weights, but mostly we just hooped," said Terry Satterfield, a senior and guard.

The varsity team has high goals this year. Dennis Reed, senior and guard, said, "Our biggest goal is to win the state championship." The team's coach, William "Bill" Carter, agreed with Reed, but added, "First we have to win the City." The question that enters the minds of many fans is "What motivates a team to play well enough to win a state or city championship?" The loss to Mumford last year kept Ford out of the playoffs. The team doesn't plan to repeat last year's mistake. The loss was simply a motivational incident "We want to prove to any doubters that we can do it The team is going to be the best we can be." Teammates expect the team to perform much better this year. "We have better attitudes than the players last year," said Antone Bell, senior and guard.

"We play together as a team," said Bell. One contributing factor to the team's new attitude is confidence and team togetherness; they no longer Cadets give hope to needy By STEVEN THORNTON AND EUGENIA GARY Ford Staff Writers Not everyone goes to college. For those who aren't college-bound, there are many career opportunities. Choices include: going to trade school; enlisting in the armed forces, or going right into a working career. Students interviewed about life after high school revealed that many have plans that don't include college, at least not right away.

Calvin Trotty, a 17-year-old senior, doesn't plan to go to college. He's enlisting in the armed forces for two years. Afterwards, he'll go to college and major in criminal law. Titus Trotter, a 17-year-old senior, plans to go to the Marines. Trotter stated, "I felt that my overall grade point average wasn't high enough to attend college.

The recruiter pointed out a whole new aspect for me as far as what I want to do with my future." Trotter has been attending "pull" meetings twice a week so that he will be better prepared for leaving For the sixth consecutive year the cadets of the Air Force Junior Reserve Training Corp (AFJROTC) are sponsoring needy families in the Ford area for the holiday season. Throughout the school year, the cadets have a daily candy sale. The proceeds from the sales are used to purchase food baskets, clothing and toys for the families who have been designated by the Department of Social Services. Food baskets are complete for an entire dinner on Christmas Day and me you driven a lately?.