Staff Report

Starting on Tuesday, April 16, South students have taken to the announcements to encourage students to attend the Rick Santorum speech and to not let this event divide the school.

Behind this operation is Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) President Langston Bowens ’13.  Bowens organized the announcement with Kelly Cullen ’13, Joey Diehl ’15 and Chris Fowler ’13, after a meeting with Principal Matt Outlaw to encourage students to attend the event, Bowens said.

There has been much hubbub made of the upcoming Santorum speech, which occurs on Wednesday, April 24. After a “temporary” cancellation, the event was back on under the condition that students had to “opt-in” to the assembly.

“I am anticipating to listen to a two-term U.S. Senator,” said Max Roeske ’13. “However, as a leader in school and as a young man in the community I’m thoroughly angered by how the issue was handled by YAF, board office, and administration.”

On Friday, April 19, Roeske spoke to the school with a different message. Sensing that the speech had divided the school, Roeske decided that it was time to act independently  of YAF.

“[It] needed to be done, divisiveness at our school is completely counter-intuitive to how I want to leave my school,” he said. “Divided is not the right course and (I) decided to step forward and step up.”

“I felt it (Max Roeske’s announcement) was a good message that people should definitely attend this event, because no matter what your ideology is it will still be enriching,” said Fowler.  “Also emphasizing that no one will pressure anyone into it. It seems that people might have gotten the idea that people are being pressured into going.”

However, some students do not care either way.  According to Tyler Wells ’14, the whole fiasco will not change people’s viewpoint on South or politics, simply reaffirm them.

“I don’t think it will change anyone’s mind, everyone has already made up their minds when this [Santorum] situation happened,” said Wells.

Announcements made by students:

Langston : This is your YAF chairman, Langston Bowens
Kelly : And this your Senior Class President Kelly Cullen.
L:We are here to tell you that we both will be attending the Rick Santorum Assembly
K: We encourage all students to attend the historic event.
L: Remember the permission slips are due this Friday! Be sure to get them signed and turn them into the main office ASAP.
K: If you want to ask the Senator a question please pick up a form in the main office.
L: We look forward to seeing you at the event!
K:Thank you, have a nice day Grosse Pointe South.

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Good morning Grosse Pointe South. This is senior Max Roeske and this is a call to unity. I know there has been much discussion on permission slips and attending the assembly scheduled for Wednesday April 24th. This has caused noticeable strife and divisiveness between students at our school and between the community. South, we need to come together and remember the meaning of South Pride. Pride in yourself, your peers and your school. I know that I am just one man and a student just like yourself. My words may mean nothing to you, but to those listening who believe in our school, remember what South Pride is and find it yourself. The power of South has always been in respecting others views and moving forward united under one Grosse Pointe South. Additionally, I urge you to not feel pressured one way or the other. Make up your own mind as to what you’ll be doing on April 24th. Thank you for your time, have a wonderful Friday and enjoy the weekend.