“Charity Week was close this year,” Mr. Dail said. “If one person did not donate, my class would have not won. I would tell my students the importance of donating to get them motivated to donate.”

“I told my students I was one of the winners last year, and I know we could win this year!” Ms. Murphy said. “I asked the students every day for donations and brought the box around for students to donate. I think Charity Week is a great event here at HHS.”

 Ms. Murphy and Mr. Dail agreed to split the pasta party. To make things better for Ms. Murphy’s class, they would also get a free math day because of the  party.

Charity Week would have not been possible without the efforts of Ms. Gadjev. This was her second year planning out the charity at HHS, and she felt it went a lot smoother. Although the goal of $2000 was not met, HHS still collected a total of $1200.

Ms. Gadjev said Charity Week was not just about the money, but the awareness different groups promoted with their events, like Pink Out Day and the Senior Auction, which raised money for the Hurricane Sandy Victims.

This year other groups raised a total of $4,871 total. The Green Team, Think Pink, and C.A.R.E. raised a total of $407 from their bake sales. During Hat Day, HHS raised $200 and the Think Pink raised $500 from their T-shirt sales. The total amount of money raised from senior auction was $480 and the Autism Awareness Benefit raised $2500.

Luhrmann’s influence is blatantly obvious throughout almost every scene of the film, which both profits and suffers due to its lack of subtlety. Rather than delving deep into the themes apparent throughout the novel, Luhrmann merely touches on the decline of the American dream in the 1920′s, preferring to spend time developing the film’s titular character and his personal struggles and leaving the lavish visual effects to comment briefly on the corruption of the upper class. For many, his refusal to explore the depth of the issues present in the time period may ruin what made the novel so powerful. For some, however, like me, the development of its core characters may be enough. For example, in the novel, Jay Gatsby’s romanticized view of Daisy Buchanan, the woman with whom he has been in love since they were separated during World War I, served to represent Americans’ romanticized views of money during the Jazz Age. Going from rags to riches was the American dream, and the character of Gatsby most clearly exemplifies this through his own rags to riches story, which only led to more unhappiness when he wasn’t able to reclaim the life that had ended when he and Daisy were separated. This symbolism, however, remains underdeveloped and mostly left to the viewer’s imagination throughout the film.

That may seem very negative, but by making the decision to only briefly mention the abstract themes of the novel, Luhrmann allows the movie to tell its concrete story in a compelling way, thanks in part to the visual effects and the soundtrack. Throughout the movie, nearly every scene is filled with beautiful images and colors, from Nick’s night of debauchery in Tom and Myrtle’s apartment, to the gorgeous color of the pool in one of its last scenes. The wide shots of Gatsby’s house and the Buchanans’ house highlight the differences between new money and old money, and the scenes during Gatsby’s parties would be fun to flip through just as photographs, let alone to view as the setting for two and a half hours.

Speaking of the length, it could be trimmed down a bit. Luhrmann makes the interesting choice of having Nick Carraway tell the story from a mental hospital, which is neither a particularly brilliant nor an especially bothersome decision, but flicking back to his scenes several times throughout the film may take the viewer out of the story.

The soundtrack, which is largely made up of modern songs like Jay-Z’s “100$ Bill” and will.i.am’s “Bang Bang,” is one of the unexpectedly sweet spots of the movie. These songs may not convey the somber mood F. Scott Fitzgerald created during the parties in his novel, but they do bring out the over-the-top excitement and clashing styles present there.

However, the movie’s real strength is its cast. Mulligan’s tears as Gatsby pressures her to completely abandon her husband simultaneously annoy and sadden the viewer, and MaGuire is just as powerful playing a reserved, awkward third-wheel as when he passionately shouts later in the movie. Joel Edgerton’s Tom Buchanan is appropriately loathsome, and Elizabeth Debicki’s short range of facial expressions demonstrate her character’s irrelevance throughout much of the plot.

Most impressive, predictably, is Leonardo DiCaprio, who takes the viewer through a world of different emotions: hope as he pines for Daisy, happiness as he has a glimpse of what he desires and pity as he pathetically keeps up hope when there is little. DiCaprio’s first appearance onscreen is as surprising and pleasant as Gatsby’s appearance is in the novel, and an outburst he has at one point shows off his acting chops as he shudders violently, his face reddening and his hair hanging hectically over his forehead.

Ultimately, “The Great Gatsby” should be considered a great movie, but not a fantastic work of art. It succeeds at retelling the plot of its source material in Luhrmann’s unique and fascinating way, but it seems to have little to say in regards to the novel’s overarching themes and commentary on the Jazz Age. Still, for many, like me, the phenomenal acting, the stunning visual effects and the well-executed plot itself will be enough.

Reid Muscio, a senior at NFHS, had nothing but great things to say about this wonderful charity event.

“I have been to NEMF every year since I was a freshman,” Muscio said. “I’m excited to be able to DJ the charity event this year.”

Natalie Poretti, a junior at NFHS, had a great time at NEMF.

“Everyone shows school spirit,” Poetti, 11, said. “It’s super fun, and students love to participate.”

Not only NFHS students attend the event. High school students around the city are welcome to come if they have a guest pass.

“This is my second year going to NEMF, and I’m so excited for this year,” Julia Wang, 12, said, prior to attending. “They play great techno music, and the fact that they donate money to kids with cancer makes it even better, of course.”

If you’re looking to spend some of your spare cash on a charitable cause and have an exciting night, then make sure to hit up NEMF in the coming years. It’s held every year at the end of April. For more information, talk to NFHS teacher Mr. Hecker or Mr Ozar.

“It [hockey] is my major sport and my center of focus,” Devlin said. “[But] when it comes to a potential girlfriend, hockey doesn’t necessarily have to be important to them.” A date for him would only have to be fun and relaxed, and he thinks it should should be an activity that is fun for both him and his date.

Devlin’s friends, however, seem to disagree.

“She has to like sports, or she’s not going to like Eamon,” Jacob Korczyk, 12, said.

Outside of school activities, Eamon enjoys hanging out with friends, reading, watching television and listening to music. He has not decided what university he wants to attend when he graduates, but he will be studying environmental science and policy. His friends and brother have high expectations for his future.

“He is going to be rich someday,” Nate Williams, 12, said.

When it comes to prom, Eamon isn’t sure whether he wants a date or not, but he’s open to an exciting night. When it comes to Eamon’s choice for girls, he wants something simple: a nice girl who is smart and interesting.

Korczyk has a different idea, however. “Eamon needs a tall and athletic girl, because he’s tall and athletic,” he joked.

Charity week was a great success this year, especially for senior Dylan Krauthofer, who donated $80 in the Senior Auction towards getting attention of his date: Hannah Shammami.

“I had her best friend convince Hannah that she was going to buy her, and we ended up having a bidding war, ” Krauthofer said. “I was nervous, but I’m so glad that it worked out.”

While some people like to go big, others took the opportunity for a more private ask, like long-time senior couple Tyler Miller and Paige Kondek.

“It was our one-year anniversary, and I took her out to a very nice dinner,” Miller said. “At dinner, I gave her a big box, and she unwrapped it. On the inside was ‘Will you go to prom with me?’”

“I said yes, of course!” Kondek said.

Luai Fakhoury, 12, took advantage of the few days without rain this spring to ask his date to prom. Decorating a huge banner with the words, “Amy, Prom?” and taping it up above the patio doors definitely caught senior Amy Lindberg off-guard.

“I had just parked in my space and was walking towards the doors like any other normal morning, and when I saw the sign I was  super surprised!” Lindberg said.

Bailey Allshouse, 12, asked his best friend Lindsay Cannon, 12, through decorated cupcakes.

“I hit a road block because I told her I brought them to school to hand out to everyone, but she didn’t want one at first,” Allshouse said. “It took some convincing until she finally saw what was on it.”

Natalie Reamer, 12, also believes  ”the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” She surprised her date, junior Ben Vento, with a box of  frosted donuts and balloons  spelling out “Prom?” waiting for him on the hood of his car after school.

“How could I say no to donuts and balloons?” Vento said.

The love of reading brought together prospective prom dates Rachael Bradley, 12, and Andrew Rexroth, 12. Rexroth lent Bradley a copy of The Perks of Being a Wallflower with the question of “Prom?” written out on the page with the epilogue.

Addie Rivett’s  date AntonioMcKelton,12  decorated the front hallway windows with huge pink cutout letters  and balloons and waited for her during passing time.

“I was definitely really excited and just so happy! It was really special to me and just made me realize what a great guy I have. ” Rivett said.

Whether it be a grand public announcement or an intimate private ask, remember, creativity is key in finding the perfect date to prom. Balloons, signs, Christmas lights, song composing or body paint are just a few ideas.  After all, it is a night to remember.

“We kept going in stores to keep warm,” Sophie Adama, 10, said. “It was freezing.”

“It was probably the coldest Career Day we’ve ever had,” Mr. G said. “Students kept conjuring up reasons to go inside to warm up.”

“Despite the weather, I think they enjoyed themselves,” he added. “The Tigers won 11-1. Speakers told the students about getting jobs in accounting. It changes their perspective on certain careers, what it’s like to be on the inside.”

Also, during the trip, students learned about careers in media relations, marketing, corporate sales, ballpark operations, promotions and sales. Professionals such as Rob Mattina; VP of Marketing for the Detroit Red Wings and Jared Karner, Manager of Promotions & In-Game Entertainment for the Detroit Tigers, spoke.

“I’m actually glad I didn’t go,” Lucian Gumma, 9, said. “It looked too cold, and I’m surprised it didn’t get rained out.”

The game was still on, and students sat through the cold weather. This marked the 10th year that Mr. Grzegorczyk had taken students on a Career Day trip, and in total, he has taken around 500 HHS students.

“I’m really looking forward to the next trip,” Mr. G said. “They are really enjoyable.”

Chrohn’s disease is a digestive disease that effects the gastrointestinal area. Some researchers believe that it is actually an immune problem similar to that of an allergy, where the immune system attacks harmless food or bacteria. It causes swelling and inflammation, which usually leads to intense pain.

Rubenstein began the Michael Rubenstein Fundraiser while attending Northwood University in Midland, Michigan. The fundraiser is not limited to the year round T-shirt sales, but holds a yearly event to raise extra money.

When asked what got him started, Rubenstein said that at 11 years of age, he was ready to stand up.

“I really wanted to be part of the solution,” Rubenstein said. “I didn’t want to wait around.”

His HHS guidance counselor, Ms. Traverso, described him as a wonderful person that never gives up.

“Michael is a very kind-hearted soul,” Traverso said. “The quality that helped him most is his tenacity.”

This determined attitude has allowed him to take what started off as a simple dinner fundraiser at Champps and transform it into an event with a thousand participants. At the event, they hold a silent auction, bring a keynote speaker, and provide dinner.

With 1.4 million people affected by this disease, its research will change the lives of many. Besides dealing with having to take medication and watch their diet, people with Crohn’s experience intense pain that can force people to sit out of class and other activities. Rubenstein is no stranger to this.

“I miss class and baseball,” Rubenstein said.

“Michael played for three years on varsity,” Rubenstein’s baseball coach, Mr. Lamerato, said. “His good attitude [allowed him to] push through physical disabilities. I really liked his attitude.”

Rubenstein said that the counseling office, Mr. O’Brien, Mr. Lamerato and Ms. Traverso all contributed by supporting him. In addition, his parents and younger brother play a large role in aiding him.

“[HHS] helped a lot,” he continued.

Traverso said that he would come in looking exhausted, but still worked so hard.

“I’m really proud of my brother for his fundraiser,” Jacob Rubenstein, 9, said. “He puts a lot of time and effort into making a truly remarkable night. He’s been very busy lately, with preparing for his fundraiser and everyday demands of college life, so this event helps us get closer.”

Jacob Rubenstein demonstrates that no one can do it alone. He also contributed by selling T-shirts at HHS and is following in his brother’s footsteps by playing baseball.

“He has an eye for business, and a sense of what to do and [does] it,” Traverso said. “He inspires parents and children.”

At HHS, Rubenstein focused on marketing and business, skills that helped him greatly. With a growing website and the hopes of expanding to a foundation, he is using the talent he has in a way many couldn’t imagine.

This year three hundred people attended, a huge increase from 2009′s one hundred.

With the support of loved ones and his perseverance, Michael Rubenstein will surely make a difference in the world.

Balfour Yearbooks are evaluated in several areas: theme development, layout design, photo content, secondary packages and cover design. Balfour only honors 12 percent of yearbook staffs with this recognition.

The HHS yearbook will be recognized in the 27 edition of the Yearbook Yearbook. Yearbook Yearbook is a yearbook that honors yearbooks throughout the nation. It features designs and stories from schools around the country.

The editor-in-chief of the yearbook staff is Catherine Washington.

“It’s nice because it’s my senior year, and it feels good leaving the school with a book that is very well done,” Washington, 12, said.

Yearbooks can still be purchased at Balfour.com.

Dylan Krauthofer, 12, took everyone off guard and caused an uproar in the cafeteria when he bought Hannah Shammami for $80 and then asked her to prom.

“Priscilla Asekome actually gave me the idea,” Krauthofer said. “I was excited, but a little nervous.”

Not only did Krauthofer buy Shammami for $80, the most that a person was sold for, but he also donated another $20 for charity.

“I was really happy,” Shammami said. “I kind of figured he was going to ask me because he told me not to say yes to anyone else. I was taken off guard by how he did it, though.”

Connor Rubin was sold for a total of $75.

“I felt really good because it was for a good cause,” Rubin said. “I got to support charities to help our community, and I also had a lot of fun.”

When asked if he would do it again, Rubin said that he would in a heartbeat.

“It was a really good feeling to be bought for that amount of money,” he said. “I hoped I would sell for a good amount, but I didn’t expect it.”

Not only was it fun for those who participated, but also for those who watched.

“It looked really fun and entertaining,” Emily Washington, 10, said. “I can’t wait till next year.”

All in all, the senior auction this year was a success. Every year the auction gets more exciting and interesting, so next year’s will definitely be one that students won’t want to miss.

With a handful of brawny tough guys, like Channing Tatum, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Bruce Willis, this movie reminds its audiences that no matter what, an action-packed sequel can in fact be identical to all the others. With explosion after explosion “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” picks up after the President is taken over by an impostor, who plans the destruction of the U.S. with the use of—yep, you guessed it—cliché nuclear warheads.

There are many new faces. With Roadblock, Duke, Jaye, Flint, Storm Shadow, Flint, Jinx, Snake Eyes, Cobra Commander, Zartan and Destro, it is hard to keep up with who is whom and who is doing what. It’s just like the setting, which jumps around constantly, from the White House, to the DMZ on the Korean border, to a nuclear facility in Pakistan, to Indus Valley desert, to an east German mining shaft, to Tokyo, to somewhere in the Himalayas, to a satellite somewhere out there. It begs the question: how exactly is the team getting around?

The G.I Joe’s areonce again pitted against the Cobra, and their leader, Destro,  after their home base is destroyed. Teammates and close friends are slaughtered, but the deaths aren’t impactful because they happen so fast. The ‘deaths’ depicted are entirely ambiguous. For example, one of the main characters is killed off in the first half-hour, and the movie leaves open the possibility of the character returning in the next film by not showing him actually die.

As always, the film leaves open the strong possibility of a sequel. Audiences can indeed assure themselves, judging by the ending, that the next G.I Joe can be just as bland as this one.