LON GBOAT

The lunch bell rings on the first day of school, and as is expected of that first meal recess, a flood of students forms a cur-rent, enveloping every-thing in its path. Some struggle to weave their way to the front while others keep their leisurely pace

as they meander into the lunchroom. The deluge of people shape into a pool of hungry bodies that is a line only in name. As they file into the assembly line to re-ceive food, they are about to be introduced to a new and curious concept: fruit by force.

What is this new system, and how can we come to

FRUIT on page 2

Fruit by forceSchool lunch sees adjustmentby Zach Hebel

Friday, Sept. 28 6 p.m Homecoming Parade

7 p.m. Viking Marching Band Dream ShowFootball vs. FowlervilleHomecoming Court

Saturday, Sept. 298:30 p.m. - 11 p.m.Homecoming Dance

VIKI

NG

photo by Sierra Dove

Senior Aaron Laatsch wipes beading sweat off his brow on the hot and humid afternoon of Sep. 6.

A seemingly normal match for Laatsch has al-most finished, as he won the first set 6-1 and now leads the second 4-0. Yet there is more attention and

buzz surrounding the Vi-kings’ number one singles player as he looks to close out the remainder of his match against Owosso.

“I had my usual focus and I wasn’t paying at-tention to what was go-ing on, or what I was about to do,” Laatsch said.

Laatsch powers a match-winning forehand passed

DETERMINATION on page 3

DeterminationTennis star finds swing

by Patrick Gifford

9.28.2012 Haslett High School Volume 18 Issue 15450 Marsh Road Haslett MI 48840

The sky is filled with blue and purple balloons. The track glows with the shimmering light of hundreds of candles. Sadness permeates the air as the Haslett com-munity mourns the passing of Emily Rapson, who was to be a junior at Haslett High School.

For junior Emily Kaczmarczyk, the most moving part was walking around the track with all the candles. “It made me cry,” Kaczmarczyk said. As the mourners marched around the track, candles clasped in hand, the emotion was palpable. Although the grieving was

by Reid Fowler and Nick Lemmer

UnifiedTogether despite tragedy

UNIFIED on page 2

Homecoming 2012

July 9 candlelight vigil for Emily Rapson

2 September 28, 2012 Viking

intense, it was hard not to feel an underlying sense of appreciation for what the community is doing.

“It brought Haslett closer together,” junior Alexia Sa-bec said. “Everyone knew the Rapsons somehow. It affected everyone, not just a group of people.”

Although her passing from cardiac arrhythmia was unexpected, the Rap-son family quickly found help and support from the community.

“A lot of food has been delivered, a lot of flowers,” freshman Michael Rapson said. “A lot of people came over and helped my mom. Just a lot of support.”

As news spread of Em-ily’s passing, support for the family organized over night. T-Shirts and brace-lets were sold, and money was donated to the family. Emily’s classmates stepped up to help them move in to their new house in Haslett. Some students found them-selves in a new position.

“I’ve started hanging out with her little sister, so she doesn’t lose her older sis-ter,” Kaczmarczyk said.

A candlelight vigil took place on July 9, only two days after her passing. “It was really touching, show-

ing how much they care about our family,” Michael Rapson said, “to have actu-ally organized something, pass out all the candles and balloons and put mon-ey into it.”

As Haslett rallied around the Rapson family, a change could be felt in the attitude of several students towards the community.

“It makes me appreci-ate living in Haslett more,” junior Brooke Flemington said, “to see that they can all come together for some-thing.”

For Michael Rapson, his sense of appreciation to-ward the community has grown.

“It really showed how much Haslett cares about everybody, every student, every person,” Rapson said.

Although Haslett still la-ments the loss of Emily, a stronger sense of commu-nity has arisen from this tragic event. In the words of Kaczmarczyk, “I used to think everyone was separate, but now we’re all one.”

understand it?Lunch at school is a pro-

cess thoroughly engrained in my head after years of travel-ing the same route every day. I took a spot in the line and waited for what felt longer than previous years.

Upon arrival to the lunch counter, I grabbed a tray with a slice of pizza, and moved to the register when I was greet-ed by the familiar voice of the lunch lady.

“Fruit or juice?” At first, I turned down the offer, be-cause of the lack of fresh fruit, but when I started to walk, the question became more com-manding.

To avoid a scene, I grabbed a juice and wondered what

just happened. This is a new addition to

the lunch canon, where fruit was always available, but not placed directly in your face, seemingly without a choice to take or not.

Reasoning behind the lunch changes isn’t just a school choice; it’s a federal law.

The Healthy Hunger Free Act of 2010 is a piece of leg-islation that is in motion as of the 2012-13 school year in all Michigan K-12 schools. Ac-cording to information from new Food/Nutrition Director, Lynna Hassenger, there are changes in the amounts of grain, meat, fruit and kinds of milk students receive in accor-dance to grade levels. Every-

thing is now USDA-certified. Why should you care? This

is the reason why you’re asked if you want to buy a fruit or juice every day. Also, it isn’t “required” you buy one; if you don’t buy one, you’re charged for every individual item a la carte. The smarter choice is to buy a fruit or juice, and if you don’t want it, buy a juice and give it to someone.

Don’t buy an apple and waste it, because there are fewer fruits than juices, and they can’t be salvaged despite what some people may think.

A few more notable changes: 1% milk is offered, in addition to skim and skim chocolate. One-half of the grains served per week must

be whole grain rich, which explains wheat buns on the sandwiches.

The changes introduced with the Healthy Hunger Free Act of 2010 are the most dras-tic changes to the program since it was established over 70 years ago, according to Hassenger.

However, it may be hard to see now because the laws are still in progress, and are going to evolve as years pass. It’s still being ironed out and many people don’t know the exact specifications of the law yet.

Schools receive reimburse-ment on the healthy lunches by serving the fruit, so every-body wins when you buy it whether it’s eaten or not. Plus,

the only reason fruit seems to be forced on us is it’s easier than explaining to every stu-dent over and over.

Throughout the changes, there are still things that re-main the same. The lunch bell

rings, we grab our trays and eat whatever it is the chicken sandwiches are made of. But the fruit is a welcome addition to the ebb and flow of mo-notony.

Unified continued from page 1

I always said that you made me a better person.

From the beginning of our friendship I looked to you as a best friend. But even more than that, you grew up next door to me as a sister. I miss you so terribly every single day. Yet my sadness always seems to be overcome with fond memories.

Seeing how we basically lived together, countless inside jokes fill my mind when I reminisce the good times. I will never forget the walks we took, the Barbies we played with together, or the many sleepovers we had.

It still doesn’t seem real to me, that just a few short weeks ago, we were finally doing what we said we would always do together… getting in shape together. Well Em, it’s safe to say, I did it a lot better while you were there by my side.

I hope this wasn’t a weak impression because it was a lifelong inspiration to live life to the fullest for me. My best friend didn’t deserve this. I would do anything to have her back.

Kady McMahon

Letters to EmilyFriends appreciate and remember

Fruit continued from page 1

Hey Em,It’s been almost three

months now, and not a day goes by where we don’t think of you.

We miss your contagious laughter, your beautiful smile and your bubbly personality.

Life isn’t the same without you. We can’t believe that less than six months ago the three of us were at your surprise 16th birthday party and you were still on your medication for your broken nose, so you were so confused as to why we were at the hotel singing to you. That night was one of the best nights of our lives: Running and leaping around the parking lot, opening your presents and having a nice heart-to-heart between the four of us.

We miss those times we had together and it hurts knowing we’ll never have them again. We’ll love you forever Em and we’ll never forget you.

Emily Tinney, Klaudia Holland, and Vivianna Giesen

Editor-in-ChiefErik Frobom

FeaturesQuinn Alexander

NewsNick Lemmer

OpinionsReid Fowler

SportsPatrick Gifford

PhotographySierra DoveNick Gregory

Design EditorsZach HebelAmy Baumgartner

Staff

The Viking Longboat is a monthly publication of Haslett High School, 5450 Marsh Road, Haslett, MI 48840. It is published by the fifth hour Newspaper Production class and Journalism class. The Longboat has been established as a student run public forum circulated within the school and to subscribers in the com-munity and outside the school district. The Longboat is a member of the National Scho-lastic Press Association, Jour-nalism Education Association, Columbia Scholastic Press As-sociation and Michigan Inter-scholastic Press Association. The publication is an eight-time Spartan award winner and CSPA gold medalist.

Letters to the editor are accepted at the discretion of the editorial board. Forms of speech not protected by the First Amendment will not be published. Letters must be signed by the author and may be edited for grammar, spell-ing and style. Direct all ques-tions to the Publications Room, Room 411.

The Viking Longboat

Cory BerryMadison BradyJonah BrownBridget FarhatMichael Garnett Katelyn HarrisSunny HavensStephanie Hilker

Marcus HooperCaitlyn LaidlerSamantha LeifkerHanna LeeBreanna McGuireJordon WallingAlexa Walkowicz

FRUIT25%

VEGETABLE25%

MEAT16.7%

MILK16.7%

GRAIN16.7%

A balanced lunch according to the School Nutrition Association:

September 28, 2012Longboat 3

his lunging Owosso oppo-nent, stops and smiles. His fans and teammates erupt and come to congratulate their unquestioned leader as he becomes the winning-est number one singles player in Haslett history.

Starting tennis at age 10, Laatsch did not become se-rious about the game until age 12 when he enrolled in many group tennis classes at Court One. He later entered high school with one goal in mind: “I had my hopes set on playing number one sin-gles, it had been my dream for a while,” Laatsch said.

Playing as a freshman on the varsity team, Laatsch fell short of his hope but was slotted as a member of the second doubles team. It was an importance experience. “Freshman year doubles taught me a lot,” he said. “It helped to get acclimated to high school tennis and it also taught me how to be a good teammate.”

Fall of 2010 rolled around and Laatsch locked up the top singles spot on the var-sity team and held his own among some of the best of the CAAC. Laatsch’s first year at one singles didn’t come without struggles, how-

ever. “Sophmore year was hard

for me. It was tough being in the top spot and not get-ting many wins,” he said. Junior season was a steady improvement for Laatsch.

“I got better, both as a player and in the win col-umn,” he said.

A loss in the first round of the state tournament ended Laatsch’s junior season, and something clicked for him as he entered the off season.

“One of my dreams has been to play college tennis,” he said. “And I knew it was going to take more work to make my dream a reality.” This motivation helped to set off a game changing year for Laatsch. “I just knew I had to practice all the time. I put everything I had into tennis,” he said.

“One week I even played eight hours a day for five days straght.”

While his focus was to im-prove his best shot, the fore-hand, Laatsch also became stronger physically. “I’ve become just much more of a complete player,” he said.

“My stamina has greatly improved. I can last longer in matches than I ever could of my first three years.”

Looking back on his historic accomplishment, Laatsch can’t help but smile. “It feels amazing, I’m really proud of myself,” he said.

Much of his success can be attributed to his vast im-provement over his time in high school. A newly devel-oped mental fortitude helps to keep Laatsch focused in his matches.

“My focus has gotten a lot better. My mindset has changed a lot since my first high school match,” he said. “I now go into each match knowing I can win, as op-posed to just hoping for a victory.”

Entering the end of his final season of high school tennis, Laatsch’s swan song is sure to be special. Plan-ning on playing at Spring Arbor University next year, the senior hopes to make it past the first round of the state tournament for the first time in his career. He also is intent on leaving behind a memorable legacy.

“I want to be remembered as a great leader, on and off the court,” Laatsch said. And remembered he will be, as Laatsch will exit the high school as the greatest tennis player in Haslett history.

ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

Determination

Culture shockExchange students discuss coming to HHS

Fresh facesNew teachers join HHS staff

It’s your first day of school as a freshman and you immediately rush to your friends. Walking through the halls you ask your upperclassmen friends for directions to your next class. But, imagine being completely new to Haslett, the state of Michigan and the United States. This is the situation exchange students find themselves in. With the help of their school maps, they flock the hallways, be-ginning their journey.

Every student has those days where they want to take a leap of faith, book a flight and leave the small town of Haslett. For senior Astrid Kvendset, she made it reality by leaving Norway.

“I was tired of living in the same place with the same people,” Kvendset said. “I live in a valley and my high school has 300 to 400 students.”

Sophomore Jack Benning came from Denmark to help prepare him for the future.

“Currently, I want to be a pilot,” Benning said. “Com-ing to the U.S. will help me

get better at speaking Eng-lish.”

School isn’t the only rea-son exchange students come to the U.S. Sophomore Mai Hama came from Japan for a home stay. “I came to get the American experience of staying at home,” Hama said.

Moving across the coun-try and leaving your friends and family has to be one of the toughest decisions a person can make, but for Kvendst, the transition to the U.S. has been easy. “I was always so secure and safe about my choice to come to the U.S.,” Kvendset said. “I decided five years ago to come and I have sac-rificed so much to get here.”

Even with English as a second language, it can be difficult to understand what Americans are trying to say. “It’s been hard because Americans speak very fast,” Hama said.

With Denmark 4,000 miles away from Haslett, it’s been difficult for Ben-ning living away from home. “Leaving my family and friends was the hardest part,” Benning said, “If there

was no Internet, it would be hard to communicate with them.”

Benning has been putting the Internet to good use. He has created a blog about his stay in the U.S., updating it about every three days*. “I started the blog so others can see what it’s like to be in another country and inspire them to be an exchange stu-dent in the United States,” Benning said.

The exchange students have found many differenc-es between their old school and Haslett and they are positive. “The students have so much more discipline,” Benning said. “There is no bullying.”

For Hama, she finds ev-erything to be more easy-going. “It’s more laid back and you are able to eat and drink during class,” she said. Hama was also very sur-prised that students switch their classrooms while the teachers stay put. In Japan, it’s the teachers who switch classrooms. Kvendset has found Haslett to be a very welcoming community. “I really like meeting new peo-ple,” Kvendset said.

Three new teachers have joined the staff: Ben Badala-mente, Mike Larsen and Kathryn Wippel.

“It is enjoyable to watch kids grow,” said Badala-mente, who teaches English 9 and TV Production.

Badalamente graduated from Holt High School and attended Central Michigan University.

He was a student teach-er at Grand Ledge High School where he met his wife.

He spends most of his free time with Francis, his newborn baby boy. Football and lacrosse are two inter-

ests Badalemente developed while at Central. He also likes Nintendo and watch-ing the Wisconsin Badgers, as can be seen from his classroom decorations.

Larsen spends his days moving from school to school. He teaches kinder-garten, general music, 6th grade band and high school band. Larsen appreciates the discipline band teaches. Before coming to Haslett, Larsen had 13 years of teaching under his belt.

“I wanted to be associ-ated with a bigger band pro-gram,” said Larsen.

When Larsen is not teach-ing, he spends time with his wife, Meaghan, and their

three children. Wippel describes her

first few weeks at Haslett as a rollarcoaster. Teaching two sections of Algebra 2A and three sections of Power Hour keep her busy.

Having grown up in the Lansing area, Wippel is glad to be back and close to her family. Before taking the job in Haslett, Wippel taught in Harmony, Fla.

There, in addition to teaching, she also coached basketball and softball. When softball season rolls around, Wippel plans to coach JV.

MSU football and basket-ball are Wippel’s favorite sports to watch.

ISABEL REEDSport: Swimming. Grade: 10. Age: 15. Recent accomplish-ments: Won 50 freestyle, 100 backstroke and anchored 400 freestyle relay to help team defeat presason favortite MasonFavorite part of swimming: The feeling I get jumping in the pool to start a race. Team Outlook: We’re not as good as last year, but we’re working hard to improve. Pre-Game RItual: Noodles &

Company before the meet.

by Quinn Alexander

by Amy Baumgartner

continued from page 1

*Visit Jack’s blog @ <http://jackinusanda.blogspot.com/>. Your browser will need to translate it from Danish.

photo by Molly Hubbell Aaron Laatsch winds up for a forehand in his match against St. Johns.

4 September 28, 2012 The Stern

Fall Into Success

1. Members of the girls swim team catch their breath at the end of an intense set

during a recent after school practice. 2. Senior Aaron Baetz clears the way

for junior quaterback Bryce Dickman during the first game of the year againt

East Lansing. 3. Junior Sarah Trosko leaps to spike the ball during the match against DeWitt. 4. Sophomore Anthony

Sciarini and junior Peter Miklavcic warm-up on the track during an afterschool

cross country practice. 5. Varsity soccer midfielder senior Edwin Sanchez beats

a Williamston player to the ball. 6. Freshman Kayla Harris sets up a putt

during the team’s match against Ionia.

New school year busy time for sports

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photo by Nick Gregory

photo by Nick Gregory

photo by Genna Colephoto by Kaitlyn VanCoevering

photo by Seth Carncross

photo by Seth Carncross