1

The NOIZ November 18, 2016 Volume 6, Issue 1

Sink or Sail?

Editor in Chief: Mrs. Grace Edouard Journalists: Kenzi Hesselink, Vivian Kluz, Aly Koning, Faith Lubbers, Tori Martinez, Makenna Pronk, Camron Staal, Thomas Tuinstra, Seth VanDyke

NOIZ Staff

By Thomas Tuinstra

Sleep-deprived, energy-drained high school students generally have a hard time dragging themselves out of bed for classes early in the morning. Not so on Monday, October 10, when the physics students woke up with a feeling of great anticipation for the schoolday… or was it apprehension?

As part of their studies on buoyancy, Mrs. VanBeek had assigned her students to build a boat, constructed out of cardboard, that not only had to somewhat resemble a boat, but it had to float as well. Making sheets of cardboard look like a boat is hard enough, but floating it across a pond is an entirely different battle. Consequently, there was a general sense of fear in the hearts of students since

they knew that some horrible turn of events could land them swimming in the cold, algae-ridden water. And rightly so. Judging by the look of some of the boats, it had been a last minute scramble to put something together.

After hours of building (or at least trying), countless rolls of duct tape, can after can of spray paint, it was Monday. Spectators lined the banks of the Baker pond. Not so much because they wanted to see the winners, but because they wanted to watch students sink in

despair. Unfortunately, the majority of students sailed safely from one end of the pond the other. When the race was over, there was yet more fun. All boat-builders had to carry their wet cardboard boats back to the dumpster. Finally, after all the chaos, laughter, and wet clothes, it was time to relax and enjoy some doughnuts and apple cider.

Picture above: Nolan VanderWall paddles away while Adrianna Rouwhorst supervises Picture left: Olivia Miedema and Justine Groenink synchronize their strokes

2

Student Life

Mixer 2016 By Viv Kluz

This year’s mixer was nothing short of phenomenal; it was a great way for creating lasting relationships. Involving students in a variety of games and activities strengthens relationships, which is exactly the point of the annual mixer. At the end of all the fun, there was pizza and pop for all. “A good time was had by all,” stated Mr. Carlson. Sarah Rahn added, “This was a good bonding experience.” Jon Vander Wall commented, “It was a great break from our usual studies.” Observing the games, students and teachers struck up conversations. All in all, the tradition of the mixer at Zion Christian School should continue in order to strengthen relationships and provide a positive atmosphere for both staff and students.

From top to bottom: Caleb Baker, Weston Kleyn, and Troy Inman prepare for the three-legged race Charles Baker casts a glance at the photographer while he enjoys trainwreck Seniors pull their weight in the tug-of-war

3

Student Life

By Aly Koning

ꜟBienvenida Abby!

For those who have never voyaged to exotic lands (and no, Canada doesn’t count), you’re in luck! I am about to introduce a slice of Caribbean culture right onto these pages. Recently, I befriended the Costa Rican native Abigail (Abby) Barrientos, who will be arriving in Michigan this month. Even though we are several countries and a language apart, we have many similarities. Our love of language, music, and Netflix connected us, and our vastly different cultures captivated us.

I asked Abby about herself. Her family consists of two parents, one brother Gabriel, and a cousin Nicole whom she calls a sister. She’s well connected in social media, owning an emoji pillow from Nicole, a #trendy and exclusive t-shirt from a Costa Rican Forever 21, and an explosive love for Shawn Mendes. She also listens to Twenty-One Pilots and Enrique Iglesias. Abby’s love for music extends itself to the violin, which she is learning to play. Although soccer, the main Costa Rican sport, isn’t her strong suit, she loves all dance and takes ballet lessons. She showed me her bookshelf scattered with shells and an impressive collection of

her favorite novels, such as Delirium, Anna and the French Kiss, and Luna de Sal (a Mexican novel of a girl living by the ocean). Among those she loves, one genre wasn’t on the shelf. She often steals her brother’s comic books (mainly DC) and falls in love with the daring exploits of heroes. A poster in her room even reads in English “Keep calm and call Batman”. Abby’s interests are almost as vibrant as her personality.

I then asked about her regular schedule. She informed me that every day starts at five in the morning. Her top priority is prayer. After prayer ends, she gets ready for the day. Her family allows for thirty to sixty minutes of driving time to school, which begins at 7:00 a.m. (her mom is an elementary teacher, so no late arrivals). Classes run until nine o’clock when the school provides breakfast for the students. This morning meal is not our typical pancakes and bacon, but consists of rice, beans, fruit, and coffee, Costa Rica’s main export. Then other lessons (ugh) until lunch, which is more rice, beans, fruit, and coffee. Following more schoolwork, a ten-minute break, and more classes, the two o’clock bell signals the students’ release. After the ride home,

Abby rests and finishes homework until five. At this time, there’s no major nighttime meal; the family simply gets together for dessert and coffee, concluding the day around nine. Abby is thrilled to come to Michigan although she fears the cold (don’t we all?). The sub-zero temperatures here are a far cry from the consistently seventy-degree weather in Costa Rica. Thankfully, her reservations about the temperature don’t affect her longing to see snow — a precipitation foreign to her. She is excited to meet new people. Yet, that excitement brings doubts. What if people mock her, or she forgets all her English? I assured her that her English would be spectacular and that we would be open and kind. Let’s make that statement true and give Abby a gracious ꜟBienvenida! when she arrives (from a long distance) to our Zion halls.

Aly talking with Abby via Skype

4

Student Life

Getting to Know the New Juniors By Makenna Pronk

Do you have any interesting hobbies? Kaycee Kooima: Mostly drawing. I particularly like sketching. Braeden Potter: I really like just to fix things. If you could live in any time period, when would it be and why? K: In the 1950s because there were cool hairstyles and technology wasn’t as prominent. B: In the Medieval times because not everything had been explored and you get to see new things. What is your most embarrassing moment?

K: Running into a pole while texting, giving myself a black eye. B: I don’t want to say. How is Zion different from the schools you have attended previously? K: There is no technology, so no one can cheat with his phone like I’ve

experienced in the past. Also, it’s a better environment. B: It’s smaller, and there is a place where everyone eats. At my old school

we had to sit in the hallways and classrooms. Also, the teacher/student ratio is better, so the teachers can help you more.

If you could learn any technique or skill what would it be? K: Acting. I love acting and the thrill of it. B: I cannot think of anything. What is something in your past that you are proud of? K: Being Lucy in The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe for a school play. B: Being on the honor roll and achieving a good GPA.

What do you consider to be most important in your life? K: In March 2016, I made profession of faith because I recognized how faith needs to fuel every aspect of my

life, including friends, school, work, and family. B: My relationship with Christ. What is something that people tend to misinterpret about you? K: My abruptness towards people happens when I don’t know what is going

on or what to expect. B: Everyone always thinks I play basketball. I don’t. What is one of your fond childhood memories? K: When I was two years old, my mom found me in a white chair with a green

marker and my cat while I exclaimed “I cutter kittys eyes gween.” I had colored green marker on the chair, my cat, myself, and everywhere else.

B: Going to my grandparents for Sunday dinners frequently.

5

Review

By Kenzi Hesselink

The Simplicity (Or Not) of ArtPrize

sacrifices made by man’s best friend filling the offices of K-9 units, bomb hunters, and drug sniffers, the piece effortlessly tugged at the heartstrings of the art community and general population.

Of course, much more absurd creations cluttered the crowded streets of Grand Rapids. Inspired by the daily struggles of the homeless, one man in particular earned countless head-shakes in his pursuit of artistry. Loren Naji’s creation, Emoh, looks at first like an orb of paint-splattered tree vomit. Upon closer inspection, the sphere is hollow. Inside is crammed a makeshift cot, scant lighting, and a vast collection of useless baubles capable of shaming a flea market. The most eccentric part of this creation, however, is not the blinding colors or

patchwork style; it is the fact that for the entire month of ArtPrize, Loren crams himself inside of his art. In it, he eats, he sleeps, and spreads awareness of the homelessness that inspired his creation.

Setting aside the gloomy weather that stretched over most of the event, both our day trip and ArtPrize overall were a smashing success. This year brought its best game with awe-inspiring paintings, towering sculptures, immaculate photographs, and all the absurdities in between. Catching the attention of all, ArtPrize’s 2016 offerings were anything but simple.

Five hundred years ago, painting was simple. All a work needed to be rewarded with ‘ooh’s and ‘ahh’s was semi-realistic shading and bright colors. As the centuries progressed, artistic simplicity withered, left in the dust of time with smallpox and twenty-year lifespans. Art has evolved. No longer do we gaze at intricately painted works with bug-eyed amazement. To astonish, modern art must do two things: shatter the boundaries of both creativity and sanity. ArtPrize 2016 checked off both of these boxes with flawless ease.

Wonderfully absurd, this city-wide exhibition drew in over 400.000 curious spectators, the ranks of which flooded with aspiring artists, international tourists, native Michiganders, and Zion’s Journalism class. Making the trek on a dreary Thursday, the ten of us sauntered for hours, gawking at everything from cast-iron butterflies to automobiles covered with vivid doodles.

Particularly outstanding was an exhibit titled Wounded Warrior Dogs, which netted this year’s grand prize of $200.000. Carved from wood and sanded to a glossy finish, the display showcased six canines, all proudly sporting amputations, deep groves in their otherwise immaculately shaped forms, and limbs cocooned in gauze. In the center of these hounds rested a dog-sized casket smothered in a wooden American flag. Intended to represent the

6

Sports

Kickin’ and Killin’

By Camron Staal and Seth Van Dyke

Zion’s Boys’ Varsity Soccer team was arguably one of the best Zion Boys’ Varsity Soccer teams of all times. Their record and distance into the district tournament may not have backed up this claim, however, they were definitely a great team. Unfortunately, the players had a rough start. After one win, the team went on a five-game losing streak with all of the games ending close. Boosting their confidence, the team proceeded with a five-game winning streak after their losing streak. Their final record was 8 wins, 9 losses, and 2 ties.

This team was large in number with a great amount of talent. Colton Pasma led with 18 goals. Willem Pettit, the team’s center defender, made the All-District team, and Nate Moorman, the keeper, received an

honorable mention. Nate particularly stood out since he had 116 saves in goal and also put 8 in the back of the net as an offender.

Together, the soccer players learned the necessity of focus and teamwork. Whenever the squad showed up to a game unfocused, it was evident in their play. In the same way, if they did not work as a team, they did not do nearly as well as they could have done if they had worked together. In addition to meeting several personal goals of coming out on top of the conference and district, players learned many important lessons. This season was undoubtedly one for the books.

While the soccer team was kickin’ it, the Girls Varsity team was killin’ it. This year, the team finished with a respectable record of 26-15. Even though the girls had a splendid season, they sadly lost in the first round of districts to Holland Calvary, the team that eventually ended up winning districts. Despite losing three games to one, the Zion girls still put up a fight. The first two games went in the opposition’s favor, but our team put forth great effort in the third game in order to win one. Unfortunately, Holland Calvary proved to be just too difficult, knocking Zion out the tournament, winning by 10 points. Three seniors led the team that consisted of a plethora of juniors and sophomores. Although the end was anticlimactic, Zion still had a fantastic season.

7

Reflection

Awareness

Vituperation. Yes, it seems like an odd word, but as a matter of fact it has a rather serious and powerful meaning. Vituperation is a fancy way of saying “verbal abuse”, “castigation”, or “violent denunciation”. As Christians, we need to refrain from taking any part in verbal abuse, whether actively or passively. Without a doubt, we have all either been a witness to or a victim of vituperation; it will transpire wherever you are, and you need to be aware of it. Even in our small Christian community, it is sadly all too familiar. People come in all different shapes, sizes, races, and personalities, so don’t let anyone make fun of you. It’s simply the way God created you to be. No one has the right to judge you: you’re not a book to be judged by its cover. Remember, your face isn’t a mask; there is no need to

By Victoria Martinez

hide it. We are all God’s children who bear His image. God has commanded us to love one another, respect one another, and treat each other as we wish to be treated. No one knows the storms you will encounter in life. No matter how rough the storm, don’t let your head fall; hold your head high. Be strong and courageous, do not let others bring you down. Isaiah 40:30-31 proclaims, “Even the youths shall faint and be weary,

and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” There is bright hope for the day to come. Go before the Lord and pray for the strength that you need to live each day. Reassuringly, the psalmist writes in Ps. 46:1-3, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling.” All things are possible through the Lord our God! When you feel weak, seek the Lord in prayer. Ask for strength, ask for wisdom, ask the Lord to forgive those who have wronged you. You can never pray enough.

8

Short Story

The Good Samaritan By Faith Lubbers

Tara curled up against an alley wall, her arms around her shins in a desperate effort to keep her body warm. Because of the newly fallen snow which coated the ground, her clothes were damp and did little to ward off the cold. Her unprotected hands and feet were numb and frostbitten. To distract herself from the sharp winter air, Tara allowed her mind to wander. It took her back to her childhood when she was a young girl, barely seven, suffering from the sudden death of her parents. She had been kicked out of the orphanage because there was not enough food to satisfy her hungry stomach. So, to save both food and money, she was turned out to the streets. Nobody wanted to take in an orphaned street rat so she was left on her own. Now, at age sixteen, she was hardened by life on the streets and avoided by all the townspeople.

“Hey!” a rough voice barked, violently forcing her from her thoughts. Recognizing the source of the voice, Tara’s chest squeezed with fear. Thom, the leader of the notorious town gang, loomed over her, a cruel, amused grin spread across his stony

features. Over the years, Thom had amused himself and his men by bullying her.

“Boys!” Thom shouted, causing Tara to jump. Behind him, three rough-looking men materialized. The glare in their eyes sent a shiver down Tara’s

spine. “The street rat’s cold,” he mocked. “Look at it! Hungry and shivering,” Thom sneered.

“Thom!” Tara scooted away from him slowly, a hand raised in surrender. “Please, just leave me alone,” she begged. Thom appeared to ponder over her request, but

then his face hardened. “I don’t think so,” he

answered coldly. Tara tried to get to her feet to run, but Thom only kicked her back to the ground. “Where are you going, street rat?” he asked, giving her a strong kick in the side. Using

her arms to protect her head and neck, Tara clenched her eyes shut as kicks and punches fell upon her frail body. “Hey!” a foreign voice interrupted the beating. Panicking, Thom and his gang quickly retreated. “Go, go , go!” Thom urged as they disappeared from sight. A pair of gentle hands helped Tara up. She looked up to see the town baker, his apron dusted with flour. As soon as he recognized her, he suddenly recoiled, disgust painted on his face. Tara dropped her gaze, but out of the corner of her eye she saw the baker flee. She was considered equivalent to the plague; parents warned their children not to venture too

close, and the elderly averted their eyes, afraid they would catch her non-existent disease.

With a long sigh, Tara focused on her injuries. Bruises were already beginning to form on her skin. A few shallow cuts leaked blood. While normally her injuries would be counted as minor, she knew if they were

9

Short Story

gate, pausing briefly to pet the large animal and entered the yard. Tara followed. The dog greeted his master, then ran and jumped on Tara, its large paws hanging over her shoulders.

“Oi!” Ollie exclaimed as Tara struggled under the dog’s weight. “Off!” he commanded, lightly swatting the dog causing it to return all four paws to the ground. Nodding in satisfaction, Ollie led the way inside the house with the dog following closely behind. The first thing that caught Tara’s attention was the small table in the middle of the room, which was covered with tobacco plants.

“What exactly do you do?” she asked.

“I sell cigarettes,” Ollie stated proudly.

“You sell cigarettes?” Tara echoed. “Why?”

“Everyone needs a good cigarette once in a while,” he replied by way of an answer.

“Do you smoke?” “Course not!” Ollie

exclaimed. “Do you know what that does to your lungs? No, I just sell ‘em.” Ollie paused before continuing. “I can teach you how to roll one, if you want,” he offered.

“Sure,” Tara answered, smiling slightly. Her heart relaxed as she realized that for once in her lifetime she finally had someone she could trust.

and begged him to join them in their games, and the adults often struck up conversation with him and invited him over to their homes for dinner. Now, he stood before her, fidgeting with an unlit cigarette for a few awkward seconds before speaking.

“Ya look cold, lass,” he observed, a thick Scottish accent evident in his voice. Tara only stared at him incredulously. “Ya can warm yerself at my place if yer wanting,” he offered. Tara’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. Noticing her expression, Ollie crouched to her level, groaning as he did so. “Look here, lass,” he began seriously. “Yer in a bad place right now, so I wouldn’t reco-recom-recommend turning down my offer,” he advised, struggling to say “recommend”. Tara slowly nodded. Ollie returned the nod, then straightened, but not without a loud pop from both knees. A wince briefly crossed his features before returning to a smile. Extending a calloused hand from years of hard labor, he helped Tara to her feet. She followed him tentatively through a maze of alleyways. Finally, they found themselves outside the city limits, only a few yards from a small cabin. A white fence enclosed the house and some of the surrounding land. At the gate, a large wolfhound barked eagerly. Ollie approached the

not properly treated they would become infected quickly. Groaning, Tara limped into the main street. It was abnormally empty for this time of day, but Tara guessed that most preferred the warmth of their homes rather than the chill of winter. Spotting a man with his daughter a little way down the street, Tara began to make her way towards them; however, before she could even ask for help, the man fearfully scooped up his daughter and ran the other way.

Struggling towards other townspeople, Tara only received nasty glares and scared glances. Finally, with a defeated sigh, she sank to the ground, her injured leg throbbing. Hugging her knees to her chest, she rested her head on them and watched her breath form clouds in the air. She had sat that way for several moments, breathing rhythmically, when a forced cough alerted her to someone’s presence. Ollie stood before her. He was an old immigrant from Scotland with thin white hair, covered by a faded newsboy cap. Deep wrinkles decorated his kind face. His corduroy pants did nothing to hide his bony knees, and his jacket hung from his thin body. His presence surprised Tara because he was easily the most well-liked man in town. The children crowded around him

10

Entertainment