by orionontv | Jun 10, 2024 | Feature Writers
Learning with Lex: Beginning College During a Pandemic.
By Lexi McKinney | June 10, 2024 | Feature Writers
For context, I write to share my life as a senior in college, ready to pursue a career in Journalism and Media Studies with a Specialty in Broadcasting and a minor in Communication. The last few years have been a rollercoaster for me as I balance a job in advertising and sales, my last few semesters of college, and my favorite part (being an intern) while reflecting on how I got this far when a pandemic shifted the direction of my education in the blink of an eye.
Where do I even begin? First and foremost, I remember sitting in my AP Psychology class, eavesdropping on the students around me, discussing a virus that could take the world by surprise. I refrained from reading between the lines because senior year of high school trumped any barrier that tried to get in my way. Hearing of this Coronavirus meant shutdowns, political quarrels, and uncertainty. Only a few weeks later, the world would feel like a never-ending episode of House – chaotic, messy, and complicated except this episode lasted way longer than 60 minutes.
I woke up to text messages flooding my phone explaining that senior year of high school was ending almost immediately, and with that news, college was awaiting me. The uncertainty ate at me daily as I waited to log onto Zoom meetings to start my first year. I expected college to be a mix of going out and about, meeting new friends, and being in a classroom, learning from hands-on experiences. This was the furthest thing from my reality.
My routine seemed more of a daily chore than anything else. Professors who specialized in lectures at the university began to adapt while sharing their knowledge through long PowerPoint presentations, and at least three students per class complained that the Zoom meeting was lagging. Many of my assignments were pass/fail because they could not flunk you for not understanding all materials when trying to figure out how to survive when the world was flipped upside down was a top priority.
This first semester felt like I was teaching myself how to learn all over again because navigating through a computer screen and attempting to lock down my laptop to take exams was just strange. I completed lectures back-to-back in my bedroom four to five days a week and somehow managed to move forward against the odds. At the time, I had patience because there was no social sphere anymore. In lecture, I dreamed of going out for a car ride even if it was only to pick up groceries, because it felt normal again.
The biggest challenge during this time was not the materials for me. Passing a Sociology class or writing three papers for an English course was the easy component. It was the uncertainty of how I was supposed to work, devise a plan to land a role for a competitive internship, compose a solid resume, and graduate on time because nearly all students lost motivation when it came to finishing a college degree remotely.
I remember completing the first year of college hanging on by a thread. I was tired and so driven to be successful there was no time to worry about anything else. The months blurred together, the seasons were just reminders of deadlines, and patience thinned after the numerous attempts to be in a classroom again. While the career I chose is flexible, I struggled to understand if college would ever be the experience I dreamed of.
As I sit here today, I remind myself how many times I assumed that I would not pass a test, get an A in a class, or accomplish the goals I had from a young age. It felt like the longest mile, but if I did quit, there’s no telling where I would be now. What is beautiful about perseverance is seeing yourself outgrow old obstacles, which motivates you to want more. While this is a condensed version of what seemed like a million years, in my next article, I plan to explore my own experiences while learning in general during a pandemic. On a deeper note, I will explore the raw and honest memories of the classes I was required to take while sharing if the college experience was worth all the investments.
by orionontv | Jun 10, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Sunday June 9th at 5:45 PM
We’re into the final week of the season. Here is the Girls Softball State Quarterfinal and Girls Soccer State Semifinal Previews.
Softball
LAKE ORION vs Lakeland @ Marysville
INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting matchup of two teams that have very strong softball traditions. The Eagles are coming off a sweep of Troy Athens (15-0) and Bloomfield Hills (8-3) by a combined 23-3 which gave them their first regional crown since 2012. This will be Lakeland’s biggest test of the postseason as they face a Dragons team that has been battle tested and been put through the gauntlet. Lake Orion beat Stoney Creek and Macomb Dakota by 5-4 scores in the district and regional finals respectably. The winner of this State Quarterfinal matchup will see either Hartland or Ava Bradshaw and South Lyon in the State Semifinals at Michigan State.
PREDICTION: This will be the Eagles toughest test in the postseason. Lakeland has played against fellow Lakes Valley Conference rivals South Lyon and South Lyon East. The tough schedule favors the Dragons and that’s why they’ll be heading to Michigan State for the second straight year and likely see Bradshaw and the Lions. PICK: LAKE ORION.
Soccer
ADAMS vs Plymouth Salem @ Troy
INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting matchup between two teams that have made surprising runs this postseason. Plymouth Salem had a big district final win over Livonia Stevenson in the district final. The Rocks had to see Plymouth and Plymouth Canton have deep runs but this season was their time to shine and it’s their first regional crown since 1995. Adams had to go through Rochester and Troy to get to this point. The Highlanders seen Stoney Creek make a deep run last season but it’s their time. The winner will see Hartland or Grand Haven in the State Finals at Michigan State.
PREDICTION: This should be a good one, I see the Highlanders winning this one being it’s a shorter drive from Rochester to Troy unlike Plymouth to Troy. I see Adams winning in a classic. PICK: ADAMS.
by orionontv | Jun 6, 2024 | Entertainment, Feature Writers, Music, Pop Culture
Country and rap are two genres that, on the surface, seem antithetical to each other. However, up-and-coming country-rap artist Shaboozey begs to differ. Born Collins Chibueze, Shaboozey has been making a name for himself in the music scene for over five years now, blowing up with the song “Start a Riot” with DUCKWRTH off the “Into the Spiderverse” soundtrack.
During 2024, Shaboozey skyrocketed into mainstream success when he appeared twice on Beyonce’s newest full-length album, “Cowboy Carter.” The songs “Spaghettii” and “Sweet | Honey | Buckiin’” give a look into Shaboozey’s prowess.
Beyonce and Shaboozey’s hip-hop infused country stylings have thrown some people off, it isolates the two battling demographics in the major pop music zeitgeist. Country and Rap, at least in the past five years, gave fruitlessly battled for the throne in what ‘the culture’ needs.
To get personal for a bit, I have written in other publications about the rise of bro-country and the fall of mainstream success with hip-hop. I have also in the past been very open to epic multi-genre-spanning albums (including those under the country sphere) such as Zach Bryan’s latest album, Dolly Parton’s “Rockstar” and Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter.”
Well, my socks have been knocked-off once again by a prolific, subversive country act. Shaboozey’s “Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going” is one of those ‘blow-you-away’ type albums. Spanning 12 tracks and multiple different musical sub-genres, “Where I’ve Been” carefully balances country pop, americana, country rap and a surprisingly adequate take on stomp-and-holler bro-country.
“Horses & Hellcats” starts off the album pairing twangy background guitars with a foreground acoustic guitar that gives way to the husky, deep vocals of Shaboozey. The lyrics on this track create a foreboding, epic and triumphant atmosphere – perfect for an intro.
“And there’s no way out of the life that we chose/Everyone knows where it goes/Ayy, we ride palominos like they’re SRTs/Once I pick a speed, ain’t no catchin’ me,” Shaboozey sings on the chorus.
Shaboozey paints the picture of the old American West in the modern South. A story of outlaws, steeds, and regret. This opening track gives way to Shaboozey’s breakout single, “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” it’s got everything that a great modern country song needs. Clean production, dynamic lyricism, a catchy-as-hell chorus, and a charismatic lead vocalist.
Shaboozey combines classic, southern drawl with modern bro-country aesthetics not only in his lyrics, but his delivery as well.
“One, here comes the two to the three to the four/Tell ’em ‘Bring another round,’ we need plenty more/Two-steppin’ on the table, she don’t need a dance floor/Oh my, good Lord,” Shaboozey sings on “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”
This combination of great lyrics, flow, and southern delivery gives each song an authenticity that is lacking on a lot of modern country releases. You can really believe that the stories being told here are what Shaboozey has experienced in his day-to-day life, from parties to heartbreak.
This extends to a lot of the slower tracks on the album as well. Instead of a brazen bravado, Shaboozey displays a kind a soft sincerity in these ballads. “East Of The Massanutten,” “Finally Over” and “Let It Burn” are tracks you’d find playing beside the calm, embers of a recently put out fire at a friends’ campsite.
In contrast, Shaboozey really puts the ‘party’ In party tracks. “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” “Anabelle” and “Vegas” all bring a fun and enthusiastic atmosphere to the album and act as good singles.
While there are no bad tracks on this record, there are one or two tracks that do not explore one of those two pre-established atmospheres and feel lost in comparison.
“Drink Don’t Need No Mix” and “Steal Her From Me” both have that meandering quality to them, along with lyricism by Shaboozey that is not the most impressive.
“’Cause nothin’ last forever/And momma raised me better/See, these girls belong to the streets/What goes around comes around/And karma, she’ll haunt you down,” Shaboozey sings on “Steal Her From Me.”
Overall, this record from Shaboozey (not unlike a lot of subversive country records) has really impressed me and I am looking forward to see what road he will go down next.
by orionontv | Jun 5, 2024 | Community Event, Feature Writers, School News
CLARKSTON, Mich. – On Tuesday, June 4, 2024, 491 seniors from LOHS graduated in a ceremony held at Pine Knob Music Theatre. The graduating Dragons gathered in the outdoor music venue that has held bands such as Chicago, The Beach Boys, Blue Oyster Cult, Steve Miller Band – just to name a few.
“Pomp and Circumstance” played the graduating class in, eager to sit down and begin the ceremony, the “Star Spangled Banner” played and LOHS Principal, Dr. Daniel Haas, welcomed the guests and gave a brief introduction. A video presentation played, highlighting the seniors’ past year at LOHS.
Photo by ONTV Production Team
Next, Danielle Bresett, President of the Board of Education gave a few brief remarks.
“As you step into the next phase off your journey, I encourage you to embrace this mindset: embrace the fun in tackling challenges that seem impossible…” Bresett said. “Seize these moments with confidence and a sense of adventure, the world is waiting for the unique contributions that only you can make.”
The Superintendent of LOCS, Ben Kirby, gave an inspiring speech after Bresett’s remarks.
“Whether you are moving on to the Military, learning a skilled trade, vying for one of the over 200 jobs that will be filled at the GM Orion Plant, or moving on to college – you have the foundation to be successful,” Kirby said. “Dragons, the world is a better place because you are in it.”
This is Kirby’s last LOHS graduation as Superintendent, he recently took a superintendent position at Forest Hills Public Schools in Grand Rapids – he starts the position next month.
After a performance of “We Rise Again” by the LOHS Choir, Elizaveta Bruner gave the student message titled, “With Roots, We Grow.”
“We came to LOHS ready to make it count, and we are leaving as leaders, our diplomas will be proof. We were greeted with the ideas of strength and the ability to succeed here each morning hearing Dr. Haas telling us: make it count, be a leader – let Dr. Haas’s consistent motto live with you,” Bruner said. “There is a universal truth we must face: everything eventually ends”
Ryann Pawlaczyk gave the next student address, the leadership message, titled, “Celebrate the Possibilities.”
“Without the friends we have made over these four years, I don’t know if we would be the people we are today….” Pawlaczyk said. “Today we celebrate our accomplishments, but also the endless number of possibilities that lie ahead of us.”
Photo by ONTV Production Team
Principal Haas gave the final address before the presentation of diplomas and the moving of the tassels.
“Protect the Thunder’s entire message, is about the understanding that you are never alone, and you always have people to back you up and to be your safety net,” Dr. Haas said. “Be sure to always take pride in your accomplishments, and ownership in your actions. You’re going to do great things and remember: your LOHS Thunder is always right here supporting you – thank you, Go Dragons.”
Pawlaczyk took the stage once more after all the diplomas were presented to the graduates to finish off the ceremony with the moving of the tassels. All of the graduating Dragons moved their tassels from one side to the other to signify their accomplishment and then threw their caps up in the air to celebrate.
“Congratulations Dragons, you have now graduated!” Pawlaczyk cheered.
To view the speeches and ceremony in full, visit orionontv.org/watch.
by orionontv | Jun 4, 2024 | Community Event, Feature Writers
ORION TOWNSHIP, Mich. – On Saturday, June 1, 2024, the Orion Center hosted an opportunity for residents to do some late-spring cleaning, sell their old stuff, and even get some new goodies to take home. Even though summer is not yet in full swing, Orion area residents gathered in the parking lot and in the inside of the Orion Center to partake in some free, fun activities for the first Saturday in June.
Photo by Joe Johnson
A community garage sale, a puzzle swap, a toy and comic expo, and a visit by the waste disposal company “Shred-It” prompted residents and non-residents to spend some time with the community and to relieve the burden of clutter.
Over two dozen vendors gathered in the parking lot of the Orion Center to sell their unwanted items that other people would possibly take a liking too. Everything from winter sweaters and summer clothing, to books, silverware, old appliances and even plants were sold at the community garage sale.
ONTV’s Joe Johnson spoke to Jennifer Vezina, a recreation programmer at Orion Township Parks and Recreation, about the event last Saturday.
“We have about 25 vendors set up out here selling all of their wonderful things that they no longer need, that somebody else desperately needs,” Vezina said.
Photo by Joe Johnson
The Toy and Comic Expo, along with the Puzzle Swap, took place inside the Orion Center and was with tables of toys, comics, collectibles, memorabilia and other items people in the collecting world might want – kids too, of course.
“Inside we have the Toy and Comic Expo, those guys have your collectible items, matchbox cars, comic books, things of that nature. We also decided to double down on our events today, I also have the puzzle swap and I have “Shred-It” coming from eleven to one,” Vezina said.
At 11 a.m., residents lined up across the entire length of the parking lot in order to dump their unwanted paper items into dumpsters to be taken away and disposed of properly and even recycled.
Residents and others seem to have enjoyed the event and were happy to get rid of some unwanted items as well as to spend some time outdoors on a nice Saturday morning and afternoon, but how long will it be before residents can do this again?
“We will repeat this event in August, with the Garage Sale and the Toy and Comic and that… but our next outdoor event coming up is Summer Sizzle, on Thursday, June 20, from 6 to 8 p.m., and it will be here at the Orion Center out back – and that is a lot of fun for families and everything is free,” Vezina said.
Photo by Joe Johnson
For more information on events like these, you can visit orionparks.com.
by orionontv | Jun 3, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Saturday June 1st at 8:15 PM
Softball
Have projections for softball as well.
Region 7 @ Waterford Mott
TROY ATHENS vs Lakeland
NORTH FARMINGTON vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS
THOUGHTS/PREDICTION: This should be a very competitive but interesting regional. Anyone can win this regional. Bloomfield Hills outscored their two opponents in Waterford Kettering (13-0) and Clarkston (2-0) by a combined 15-0 in both games. The Blackhawks have a ton of balance heading into their game with North Farmington. The Raiders had to earn their way to a district crown by beating Groves 7-4 in the district semifinal and Seaholm 4-3 in eight innings. North Farmington has been really tested as anyone heading into this regional. Lakeland might have a case to say what the Raiders have been saying. The Eagles had to survive Walled Lake Northern 6-3 in the district semifinal and survive 10-7 over arch rival Milford in the district finals. Troy Athens has been riding with a ton of confidence. The Red Hawks knocked off arch rival Troy 12-6 in the district semifinal and 12-3 over Avondale in the district finals winning by a combined 24-9 in both games. It should be a very interesting semifinal matchup with Lakeland.
PICK: Lakeland: The Eagles have a ton of proven experience and beating a team like Walled Lake Northern should help their confidence. I think Bloomfield Hills gets by North Farmington in a really tight game. I like Lakeland over Troy Athens but also that will be close. I think experience gets the Eagles to the quarterfinals as mentioned.
Region 8 @ Lake Orion
LAKE ORION vs Utica Ford II
Macomb Dakota vs New Baltimore Anchor Bay
THOUGHTS/PREDICTION: I watched the State Champs Softball podcast and they were very high on Macomb Dakota and the accomplishments they have had this season. Yes the Cougars have a new coach in Shelby Weeks and have had a great season which included a 7-5 win over Lake Orion at Lake Orion. The Dragons are coming off an emotional 5-4 win over Stoney Creek and their star ace Erin Flynn. Utica Ford II really wasn’t tested in their district. The Falcons won over Macomb L’Anse Creuse (15-0) and Fraser (10-6) by a combined 25-6 in their two district games. New Baltimore Anchor Bay has been up and down all season. The Tars won their district over Port Huron Northern (18-0) and Romeo (3-0) by a combined 21-0. Macomb Dakota has beaten New Baltimore Anchor Bay this season in MAC play. These four teams know each other quite well.
PICK: Lake Orion: The State Champs Softball Podcast has Macomb Dakota winning this regional. Now I respect their opinion but I don’t agree with it. I think Lake Orion comes out of this for a few reasons. I think they will beat Utica Ford II in a very competitive game. The Cougars should have no issue with New Baltimore Anchor Bay now that could change. Lake Orion should be motivated after falling to Macomb Dakota earlier in the season. The Dragons beat the Cougars in the regional final last season which featured an insane catch by Ellie Britt in that game. The loss to Lake Orion was the Cougars motivation earlier in the season. This could be a very interesting and very tense regional.
Region 14 @ Trenton
HARPER WOODS vs Carleton Airport
Dearborn Divine Child vs Riverview
THOUGHTS/PREDICTION: These are some very familiar teams in this regional particularity three of the four you kind of expected to be here in this regional. The Pioneers weren’t really tested in their district. They won by a combined 30-0 over Detroit East English Village Prep (15-0) and Detroit Denby Tech (15-0.) Harper Woods will have a really difficult task against a solid Carleton Airport program. The Jets knocked off a very good New Boston Huron program 4-3 in 12 innings in the district semifinals and a really good Trenton team 7-0 in the district final to get to this matchup. The second game should be very interesting between Dearborn Divine Child and Riverview. The Falcons had no problem with Detroit Martin Luther King and Dearborn Henry Ford in their district. The Pirates had no issue with Dearborn Heights Robichaud, Southgate Anderson and Dearborn Heights Annapolis outscoring their three opponents by a combined 45-2. This should be a very interesting regional over in Trenton.
PICK: Riverview: The Pirates were a machine in both of their district games and is a proven powerhouse. Dearborn Divine Child and Carleton Airport should give them games but at the end of the day it will be too much Riverview here for them to move on.
Baseball Regional Semifinals
SEAHOLM vs Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit @ Seaholm
This should be a very interesting matchup between the Cubs and the Maples. Seaholm became an honorary member of the Catholic League. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit wasn’t really tested in their district after winning by a combined 23-1 over Ferndale (13-1) and Southfield Arts and Tech (10-0.) Seaholm was very impressive in their district outscoring Royal Oak (10-1) and Troy (8-1) by a combined 18-2 earning back to back district crowns. The winner of this game will meet either Birmingham Brother Rice or Orchard Lake St. Marys in the regional final at Wayne State.
ROCHESTER vs New Baltimore Anchor Bay @ Stoney Creek
This is a very interesting matchup of two teams that haven’t really seen on another. The Falcons are coming off winning the Lake Orion regional knocking off Adams 6-1 in the district finals. The Tars earned a hard fought 4-3 win over Romeo in the district finals. This should be a very interesting matchup as mentioned in Stoney Creek. The winner will meet either Grand Blanc or Flushing at Grand Blanc in the regional final.
Girls Lacrosse State Semifinals
BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs Brighton
This is a very interesting matchup between the Blackhawks and the Bulldogs at West Bloomfield. Brighton has had Bloomfield Hills number and has been impressive this postseason after winning 19-11 over Northville. Bloomfield Hills had to survive Troy in overtime 13-11 in their regional final. This should be a very interesting matchup to watch as mentioned.
