Winter Sports

Lauren Schumacher

“The best part of gymnastics… is seeing each other succeed. We're always teaching and helping each other; the support and love that we all have for each other is amazing, and it makes the sport unbelievably fun,” junior Olivia Waymouth shared on this year’s gymnastics season so far. With members from all four grades, the varsity gymnastics team has been a winter staple in Plymouth athletics for years.

Our girls gymnastics team competes in many meets from December into March, and this year we have four chances to support them here at home on - January 12 & 29 and Feb 6 & 19.

Along with this year’s season of gymnastics getting off to an exciting start, the wrestling season is also underway!

When asked about standouts from this year’s wrestling season, Coach Ryan Rust explained that, “We have a very young team this year… But it has been a fun group to work with because they show up every day with a good attitude and work hard to improve. We are only 9-7 right now as a team, but this group will be much better in a few years.”

The wrestling team is largely made up of underclassmen, with 18 freshmen, 9 sophomores, 3 juniors, and 1 senior. Mr. Rust, who has coached for twenty-five years, encourages students to come and support, even if they don’t know about wrestling, saying “if you show up and watch and sit next to someone who can explain it to you, it starts to make sense.”

Hopefully many of you were able to attend yesterday night’s home wrestling invitational, but if not, no need to fear! You still have three more chances to see our boys here at home - January 8, 19, & 26.

As any student athlete will tell you, playing sports in high school is almost always so much more than just the sport. Junior wrestler Diego Garcia said that “being part of a team makes you want to work harder, and it’s nice knowing these people have your back.”

Jenna Abberger, a sophomore member of varsity gymnastics, also shared enthusiasm for her sport, saying “it's exciting to master new skills, and learn new routines for each event.”

Swim Team

Emily Greer

On December 11, 2018 the Plymouth High School Swim team is having a swim meet against Warsaw. Last month the swim team had their first practice, but before practice they have to meet up because the pool is a 20 minute drive from Plymouth. This forces the swim team to make a bigger time commitment than most of the other area swim teams. The swim team has been doing this for seven years now, and with the new pool under construction the team is extremely excited to finally have a home meet again. The team’s shirt says “End of the Road” because this is the last year without their own pool. Other differences include their training. They are doing more sprints and lifting weights. The team’s main goal is to be stronger, faster, and to dominate everyone by performing as team players.

Freshman Kelsey Vanlue said, "This is my second year swimming but I am a freshman for the high school team. I also swam on the Sharks before coming to the high school team. I am looking forward to growing and getting better. I swim the medley relay, the 200 medley relay, 400 medley, 200 free, and the 400 free."

Sophomore, Ava LoMagro, said, “I have been on the high school swim team since freshman year, but I have been in club swimming since I was five. Some of my favorite parts about this year with the swim team is how close we’ve been able to become. My goals for this year are to break 26 in the 50 freestyle and break six minutes in the 500 freestyle. I love being able to do my favorite sport with some of my favorite people, and can’t wait to continue with this sport.”

Junior, Cameron Riddle, has been on the swim team for three years, but has been swimming for 12 years. His favorite part of the swim team is the memories, friendships, and working hard. Cameron’s goal is to do what his team needs, and do it to the best of his abilities. His quote is “We can compete with anyone, let’s do our best” -Coach Senter

Senior, Daniel Stauffer, said, “I have been on a swim team for ten years” His favorite part of being on the swim team is seeing how much he has grown as a swimmer from starts to now. Daniel’s goal is to improve his 50 and 100 freestyle. His quote is, “Just keep swimming”

One of the high school swim coaches is Ms. Church. This is her fourth year coaching the Plymouth high school swim team. She was asked to compare this year's to her first year and her response was, "It feels more relaxed rather than hectic like before." Coach Church has a big swim background, and this year she is training alongside the students. By doing so, she can understand when the students are pushing to hard such, when they need a little bit of confidence in themselves, or if they need to be coached harder. Coach church says “I feel more like a team captain rather than a coach."

Immigration 101

Alexa Orozco

America has been known as the melting pot of the world. Immigrants from Mexico, China, and Europe make the U.S diverse in cultural and ethnic groups. Along with this diversity, a mix of public opinion also arises calling a need for information. La Voz Unida or “The United Voice” saw this need in the community and scheduled an Immigration Talk on November 15, at the Plymouth public library for the community. Norma Rodriguez, key organizer for La Voz Unida, called to the public to come to the event.

Rodriguez said, “The city of Plymouth is at about 25% Hispanic/Latino comprised of Mexicans, Hondurans, Puerto Ricans, Guatemalans, El Salvadorans, Dominican Republicans, plus other Spanish speaking immigrants. With everything seen or heard from the media regarding immigration you may be asking the who, what, where questions.”

Precisely for the better understanding of the public, La Voz Unida held the event filled with informative flyers and posters with testimonies, including from senior Dayana Galeano and sophomore Nancy Garcia-Pena.

Garcia-Pena, U.S citizen and daughter to two immigrants, started her testimony reflecting back on how her father and mother came from Acambaro, Guanajuato. Her father, after living in the United States for years, obtained residency and convinced Garcia-Pena’s mother to join him in America.

Garcia-Pena said, “My dad wasn’t able to receive an education because my grandma and grandpa didn’t have enough money to send 5him to school. He had to drop out in sixth grade, and come to the U.S., just like many people, in search of the American Dream. “

Garcia-Pena then went on to tell what motivated her family to move to America.

Garcia-Pena said, “At that moment, my mom was five months pregnant with me, and she decided to leave it all: her parents, her friends, her country, to give me the opportunities and education she didn’t have because of the lack of money and jobs. “

Garcia-Pena’s parents were in the process of obtaining residency for Garcia-Pena’s mother when the judge told her she could either stay in America and move to a different location where the ICE couldn’t find her or move back to Mexico and stay for a bar of ten years and then re-apply for residency. Garcia-Pena’s mother left voluntarily on May of 2010 in order to spare her family the traumatic event of watching her get deported.

Garcia-Pena said, “My mom and I have been separated for eight years now. I currently live with my dad and my mom lives in Mexico with my brother, who, just like me, is a United States citizen. He doesn’t want to come to the United States because he says he doesn’t want to leave his mommy alone, which stops him from learning the English language and receiving the education he deserves as U.S. citizen.”

Referring to the upcoming holidays, which are times usually filled with joy, are somber times for Garcia-Pena.

Garcia-Pena said, “I feel like no one knows what it feel likes to be seperated from someone you love, until you’re in that position. Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner, to some of us these holidays are full of happiness and joy, but to others, including myself, these holidays are hard. They remind us that that our family is broken. “

As her right as a U.S citizen, Garcia-Pena plans to go through one of the immigration pathways of petitioning for her mother. Because Garcia-Pena is an U.S citizen, her mother is an immediate relative of a U.S citizen and eligible for a green card.

Garcia-Pena said, “When I turn 21, I will help my mom apply for her residency because trust me, that woman deserves it. To many people, she may be an alien, an illegal, a criminal, but to me, that warrior is my mom.

Dayana Galeano, a DACA student herself, told her story about coming to America and applying for DACA. Dayana and her parents arrived from Honduras on October 2004 when Dayana was only four years of age. Galeano received a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation when former President Barack Obama announced the policy which began accepting applications on August 15, 2012.

Galeano said, “On June 15, 2012 the lives of hundreds of thousands of young adults including mine changed. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals [DACA] was officially passed.”

In order to apply, the individual would’ve have to been of age 15. Galeano, about 12 at the time, remembers being excited for the opportunity and sent in her application on September 12, 2015. For Galeano, the process took about 5 months and the application fee was $465, which included an application for a Form-I-765,an Application for Employment Authorization, and biometrics. Along with this, Galeano had to pay a notary of $200. After sending the application, the applicant waits for three to six months and pending approval from the Department of Homeland Security, will know if they have been approved. All this process needs to be repeated every two years.

Galeano said, “DACA has opened many doors of opportunities for me and hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients and not only bettered our life but has made a huge contribution to the United States economy”

Galeano then went on to mention how according to a Center for American Progress report, DACA recipients are contributing to the economy by buying cars and first homes creating more revenue for states and localities through sales and property taxes. Along with this, DACA students are creating new jobs and spurring economic growth by starting their own businesses.

As a senior, college is right around the corner for Galeano. However, as a DACA student, Galeano is ineligible to receive federal student financial aid. Therefore, in order to raise money, Galeano went to work during the summer at a factory job in Bremen. Galeano worked from 3:30 p.m to 2a a.m., resulting in standing for almost 12 hours.

Galeano remembers the experience and said, “Everyday I went to work and all I could think about was my parents and how much they have been through just so my siblings and I can have a better future. I complained about working in a factory for a couple months while undocumented immigrants do it every single day.”

La Voz Unida plans to hold future events for the public, much like this one, beginning next year.

Be Informed- The World Is Counting on You

Immigration Terminology To Know

DREAM Act- Stands for Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act

Legislature proposal that would have granted legal status to undocumented immigrants that came to America as minors and attended school.

DACA- Stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and is an Immigration policy that allows individuals brought to the United States illegally to receive renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation. Through this bill, the individuals receive a work permit and can obtain their driver’s license. In order to apply, the individuals had to have been under 31 years of age since June 15, 2012; came to America under the age of 16; and have continuously resided in America as of June 15, 2007.

Difference between DACA kids and DREAMERS are that the DACA students were eligible to apply while the DREAMERS couldn’t meet the requirements and are awaiting a Deferred status.

LPR- Stands for Lawful Permanent residents - Are “green card” holders that are non-citizens authorized to live in the United States. With the LPR, the individuals can accept employment offers, own property, receive financial assistance, and join Armed Forces. These individuals can also apply to become U.S citizens upon meeting certain requirements.

TPS- Stands for Temporary Protected Status- Intended to protect foreigners in the U.S if their home country because unsafe during the time that they were in the U.S. TPS holders are authorized to work.

Homeland Security designate a country for TPS under scenarios

1. Ongoing armed conflict, ex. Civil War
2. Environmental Disaster, ex. Earthquake or an epidemic
3. Extraordinary and temporary conditions preventing nationals from a safe return.

Refuge and Asylum - Refugee program for people outside of the United States and immediate relatives fearing persecution. An asylum programs for people in the U.S and immediate relatives in fear of persecution.

ICE- Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Mixed Status- Family has a mix of undocumented and documented/citizens members

Birthright Citizenship- Citizenship for those born in the country’s territory

Immigration Reform and Control Act(IRCA)- Passed November 6, 1986 granting pathway to citizenship to 2.7 million undocumented people and penalized employers for hiring employees without a legal work permit. Individuals that were able to apply under this act are now green card holders and many have gone on to be citizens.

Spanish Tutors

Nicole Keller

Spanish Club has transformed itself from tacos and fun to academics and improvement, as they strive to help Spanish students with language acquisition on Wednesdays and Thursdays of Advisory each week.

Two co-Presidents, Junior Kelsey Kruyer and Junior Cameron Riddle, operate the Spanish Club. Both are Spanish III students who want to make a difference in the language abilities of their peers.

Spanish is a course offered in the World Languages department. In order to obtain a Core 40 Diploma, one must enroll in at least two years of a foreign language. For those interested in obtaining the Academic Honors Diploma, one must be enrolled in a Foreign language for three consecutive years, or two years of Spanish and two years of Chinese.

Senior Dayana Galeano tutors Spanish students. Galeano said, “It is important because it allows people to cross language barriers and communicate with more people, not simply earning a grade.”

As Galeano explains, learning the skill set of another language is immensely valuable as it provides new pathways for communication.

Co-President Kelsey Kruyer said, “My advice is to take initiative when learning Spanish and even any other subject. You can’t expect teachers to tell you everything, so you have to rely on yourself to learn material.”

Kruyer continues to motivate students to seek out help with their Spanish curriculum, and if they are succeeding in the subject, then to offer their tutoring services.

Kruyer said, “My favorite part about Spanish Club is getting to know the different cultures. Spanish Club does not only revolve around Spain, but incorporates all the other nationalities that speak Spanish.”

Students who are in need of Spanish tutoring or would like to offer their services to tutor should contact Mrs. Manwaring to learn more about becoming involved in the Spanish Club’s mission.

Christmas Spectacular

Lauren Schumacher

Believe it or not, the holiday season is upon us! The perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit is with festive music, so come join the PHS music department tonight or tomorrow for the annual Holiday Spectacular! With performances from the band, orchestra, and choir, this is one event you won’t want to miss.

The shows are at 7 p.m. both tonight and tomorrow night, in the auditorium. Tickets will be available at the door for $5, and afterwards donations will be collected for Riley Dance Marathon.

Saving Lives

Lauren Schumacher

On the days of November 24 & 25, there were seven reported opioid overdoses in Marshall County alone, according to the Indiana State Department of Health. Officials say that the holiday season often brings about a spike in instances of drug overdoses and, consequently, overdose deaths.

In its’ ongoing battle against the nation’s opioid crisis, The Marshall County Health Department hosted two community training sessions on December 11th teaching attendees how to spot an opioid overdose, as well as how to save a life using Naloxone (also called Narcan), a drug that can quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. According to a 2016 CNN report, Naloxone has reversed more than 26,000 overdoses in just twenty years.

Although the anti-drug was originally only available to medical professionals, there has been a national push for easier access to the life-saving medicine. Jerome Adams, the US Surgeon General, said “increasing the availability and targeted distribution of naloxone is a critical component of our efforts to reduce opioid-related overdose deaths.” In Indiana, naloxone is available to anyone thanks to Aaron’s Law, a statewide standing order requiring pharmacies and health departments to dispense the life-saving drug to Hoosiers, with or without a prescription.

Understanding the risks of opioids, as well as the reversing powers of naloxone, is vital in curbing our country’s growing rate of overdose deaths. The term opioid is an umbrella term for drugs including heroin, prescription pain relievers, and fentanyl. These drugs caused nearly 50,000 deaths in the United States just in 2017. Many beloved celebrities have suffered and died at the hand of opioids, including Mac Miller, Heath Ledger, Janis Joplin, Prince, and many more. In a Rolling Stone interview from August of this year, pop star Demi Lovato shared that naloxone has saved her life.

Locally, naloxone can be found at all Plymouth pharmacies, as well as the Marshall County Health Department. If you missed the MCHD training sessions on the 11th but would like to learn more about how naloxone can save lives, as well as find out about getting naloxone, you are encouraged to call our local health department at (574) 935-8565.

Christmas Reach Out Program

Quincey Hess

During the winter months, it is not uncommon to see a variety of outreach programs attempt to brighten the holiday season for those in need. Within Marshall County, two programs of this nature are Shop With A Cop and the annual Christmas Party held at Plymouth High School. According to Plymouth’s Fraternal Order of Police, Shop With A Cop is a program that attempts to bridge the gap between children and law enforcement, particularly children who have been victims of crime or whose family members have had some sort of association with law enforcement in the past.

Senior Elizabeth Mendez described her experience with the program. She said, “It's honestly a really great program because lots of families were able to get Christmas gifts and were actually able to pick out what they wanted. It was nice getting to help these families and seeing how happy the little kids were when they got their toy of choice. Shop With A Cop program was an amazing program to volunteer at and was overall very fulfilling.”

Shop With a Cop provides a select number of children within the community an opportunity to shop with a police officer . Each child receives a a sum of $100, with 70% of the funds provided for clothing and 30% of the funds provided for toys. The money is accumulated using donations from the community and proceeds from a few local auctions, one of which occurring on December 7th. The program itself will take place on Dec. 15th at the Plymouth Walmart.

The annual Student Council Christmas Party has been a staple of the Christmas season since the 1980s. This program invites children ages five to nine to a large Christmas Party. This party is funded by a variety of generous businesses within Marshall County and is aided by clubs at PHS and returning volunteers.

Student council sponsor, Mrs. Plothow said, “We hope to provide not only a very memorable day for the children who are able to attend, but a life-changing experience for the Student Council members who come together to put it on.”

This year’s Christmas Party will take place on Saturday, Dec. 15th at PHS from 10:00-2:00 p.m. ,by invitation only.

Both programs have become a fundamental part of Plymouth’s Christmas Season, offering aid to those who might otherwise miss out on the joy of the holiday season.

Shedding light on the values of Student Council, Mrs. Plothow said, “One of our #1 goals in Student Council is to give back to the community who often supports us...I am super proud of my Council kids who work hard to put this together every year.”

Christmas Student Traditions

Quincey Hess

Christmas is a holiday celebrated by millions on December 25th, historically to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. For over two millennia, this holiday has been observed and celebrated by a variety of cultures throughout the world. Christmas is celebrated both religiously by many Christians as well as culturally by many non-Christians. The traditions typically used to celebrate Christmas are a mixture of pre-Christian, Christian, and Secular customs.

Prior to the spread of Christianity, the winter months have been a focus of celebration for many ancient cultures. The Norse, who originated in Scandinavia, celebrated Yule (a holiday with many similarities to its modern-day counterpart) throughout late December and early January. They would celebrate Yule by burning large bonfires and and conducting a several day long feast. In Europe during this time of year most cattle were slaughtered due to the difficulty of feeding them in the winter months. This period was often a time of celebration as it was one of the few times people had a supply of fresh meat. Romans celebrated the mid-winter holiday of Saturnalia, in honor of Saturn the God of Agriculture. This time of year wasn’t only a time to make merry, with drinking and eating in excess being the preferred method of celebration, it was also a time in which the entire social order of Rome was reversed. Slaves would become masters and vice versa, and peasants would become the ruling class over the course of the holiday (and return to their previous positions at the end of the celebration).

Though the history of one of our most beloved holidays is a complex and fascinating subject, Ye Pilgrim was most curious about the individual customs the PHS student body has when celebrating the Christmas season. In order to find out more on the topic we sent out a survey asking a variety of questions revolving around how PHS students celebrate Christmas. One primary question involved the customs/traditions practiced by the surveyee or their family.

PHS Librarian Traci Hilliard said, “We watch the movie "Hoosiers" every Christmas Eve late at night with just the Christmas tree lights on. Then, we have Christmas morning breakfast.”

Junior Andie Kizer said, “My family has the tradition of watching White Christmas when we get together on Christmas Eve.”

Noting a particularly unique Christmas tradition, Freshman Natalhy DeLeon said, “My family has a plastic pickle that they hide in the tree Christmas morning and whoever finds it first gets to open the first present.”

Earth-Space Science Teacher Mrs. McClellan said, “Ours are very typical. We get together on Christmas Day, with everyone at my parents, and eat an early dinner. We watch the kids open their gifts. I also travel to Colorado to see my grown sons.”

Another prominent question within the survey inquired the participant’s favorite part about the Christmas season. In regards to this question, there appeared to be a common thread throughout the responses submitted. Of the 18 survey participants, 17 acknowledged that spending time with family is one of their favorite things about celebrating the Christmas season.

Senior Olga Lozano Roldan said, “My favorite part about celebrating Christmas is spending time with my family even though I don't really say it out loud to them. I really do enjoy spending time with my family at home.”

This was followed by a question asking the surveyee’s ideal gift(s) this coming Christmas. Many responded that the joy of being with family was enough for them.

Among this group, Freshman Hannah LaVine said, “I simply don't have any. We can't afford much, and I would rather see my siblings receive gifts.”

Others were less shy about sharing their Christmas wish lists.

Junior Andie Kizer said, “ Ideal gifts I was hoping for this Christmas are a fitness watch, camera, Cubs blanket, etc…”

Senior Samantha Zechiel said, “Makeup and Butler apparel would be my ideal gifts.”

PHS Librarian Traci Hilliard said, “I enjoy giving more than receiving, but, if my husband reads this, jewelry is always a good choice.”

The final two questions on the survey asked the participants’ favorite Christmas song and movie. “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey landed first place in the song department, winning the votes of Senior Samantha Zechiel, Senior Mary Beatty, and Freshman Natalhy DeLeon. The songs “O Holy Night” composed by Adolphe Adam and “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye tied for second place (the first winning votes from Freshman Hannah LaVine and PHS Librarian Traci Hilliard, the second winning votes from Freshman Kyra Tharpe and Junior Brenna Manns). “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, landed first place in the movie department, winning votes from Freshman Hannah Lavine, Junior Andie Kizer, Sophomore Emma Kruyer, and Senior Mckenzie Whisman. The movies “Home Alone” and “Elf” tied for second place (the first winning votes from Senior Tyler Hostetler, Freshman Kyra Tharpe, and Senior Samantha Zechiel, and the second winning votes from PHS Librarian Traci Hilliard, Junior Brenna Manns, and Senior Mary Beaty).

Though gifts and gleeful celebration have their place during the Christmas season, connecting and spending time with family and friends remains one of the most important aspects of the holiday regardless of your religious affiliations or socioeconomic status. Not surprisingly, this lesson in the “true meaning of Christmas” is something that the PHS student body and faculty knows very well.

PHS Staff Holiday Traditions

Alivia Simpson

Many teachers look forward to celebrating the holidays for a variety of reasons including the first snowfall, picking out a Christmas tree, Christmas dinners, listening to Christmas music, and Christmas presents. There are so many reasons why Christmas is such a special holiday.

For the staff, Christmas is not only about food and gifts. This holiday is about coming together with family, friends, and as a community to make everyone feel loved.

Many teachers enjoy catching up with family members they haven’t seen in days, months, or maybe even years, for the holidays.

Math teacher Mr. Nordmann is a huge fun of Christmas. He said, “I love the snow, cold, lights, and decorations! I love the family time together with all my extended family! Oh, and ice fishing on Christmas break!”

Every family has a tradition and a different way of celebrating Christmas. Go Center Director, Mrs. Flynn said, “I do love the holidays, but it is the traditions and the meaning that I love! My parents always made our Christmas’ so magical and I always wanted our children to remember special things, too.”

Mrs. Flynn gathered a few students to come together and decorate for the holidays. Weidner School of Inquiry students and visitors will see a Christmas tree, garlands wrapped around the second floor, and a cozy fire by the WSOI front desk.

Like Mrs.Flynn and Mr. Nordmann, Ms. Dian loves the holidays. She has a little Christmas tree set up in her room.

Teachers are prepared for Christmas break and ready to see their students once they get back. Teachers will return for teacher work day on January 7th and students will return on January 8th.

Happy Holidays PHS!