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Grand Haven's student publication of community significance since 1927

The Bucs' Blade

Grand Haven's student publication of community significance since 1927

The Bucs' Blade

Grand Haven's student publication of community significance since 1927

The Bucs' Blade

Junior Austin Craymer and biology teacher Katy Walters share a hug after the surprise party was unveiled. Students from every grade level filled the room, including teachers, parents and administration members.

Austin Craymer celebrates being cancer-free

Carlos Rappleye, Photo editor January 15, 2018

Three and a half years into his high school career, junior Austin Craymer is finally cancer free. “I took my last chemo pill on New Year’s day,” Craymer said. “It doesn’t feel real, but I...

Digging deeper

Digging deeper

Aliyah Austin, Reporter June 1, 2017

Since this is my last hoorah, I feel the need to take a different approach to my senior column. If you know me, this should come as no surprise. During my time at GHHS, I’ve realized my passion for...

Road to refuge: Grand Haven student relives journey from Guatemala to the U.S.

Road to refuge: Grand Haven student relives journey from Guatemala to the U.S.

Aliyah Austin, Reporter March 13, 2017

 Crocodiles slithered towards the family paddling through the murky river on a worn-out inflatable motor boat. Their eyes glinted as they watched the boat float away, ready to attack.           Each...

School district takes "slow and steady path" in mental illness initiative

School district takes “slow and steady path” in mental illness initiative

Aliyah Austin, Reporter February 16, 2017

“I’ll start,” a woman across from me said after a moment of silence. She sat upright and rested her arms on the round table. “I’m here because, in 2014, my brother took his life.” The man...

GIVING UP GABBY: Senior AJ Melton snaps a selfie with his friend Gabby.  Gabby died by suicide in 2015. “Not having her here feels like there’s a missing piece of my heart,” Melton said.

Surviving suicide

Aliyah Austin, Reporter February 16, 2017

After he read the text message, senior AJ Melton’s bird-like frame crumpled on the sidewalk in front of Jumpin’ Java Coffee House. His sobs sliced through the calm June air. Memories of Melton’s...

Hundreds protested appointment of Betsy Devos in Holland on Jan. 28

Hundreds protested appointment of Betsy Devos in Holland on Jan. 28

Aliyah Austin, Reporter January 29, 2017

A march against the appointment of Betsy Devos to the office of Secretary of Education took place at Centennial Park in Holland on Jan. 28. The protest went from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and participants numbered...

Jan. 9 Town Hall on Suicide updates community on state of mental health

Jan. 9 Town Hall on Suicide updates community on state of mental health

Aliyah Austin, Reporter January 13, 2017

Non-profit social lab Extended Grace hosted a Town Hall meeting on suicide on Monday, Jan. 9 at the Community Center. This was the fourth Town Hall on Mental Illness. “Last year, the community was...

J. Cole’s album “4 Your Eyez Only” explores race in new way

J. Cole’s album “4 Your Eyez Only” explores race in new way

Aliyah Austin, Reporter December 19, 2016

J. Cole’s album “4 Your Eyez Only,” released a week ago, is a purposefully artful, raw depiction of what it means to be black in the 21st century. Simply put, Cole’s first release since 2014’s...

CORNFIELDS, COSTUMES AND CULTURE, OH MY: Throughout the year, and especially on Halloween, people don clothes and styles of cultural significance to minorities. Wearing these styles, like cornrows, and treating them as costumes is cultural appropriation.

Culture is not a costume

Aliyah Austin, Reporter November 1, 2016

Sitting at my aunt’s feet, I slouched against the stained brown couch. Her dark hands tugged at my kinky curls. She detangled each ringlet, prepping my hair for cornrows. Once I was tangle-free, she...

LOOKING FOR ADVENTURE: Library media specialist Gloria Klinger places a book on the shelf. After 30 years of working in the district, Klinger's retiring. “Even though I love my job, it’s time to take off and do some travelling," Klinger said. "I will miss a lot."

Klinging to adventure

Aliyah Austin, Reporter March 28, 2016

Under the yellow light of the library, media specialist Gloria Klinger slips past stacks of books. After gently placing tattered novels back in their homes, she meanders through the room and pauses at...

Stranded in the Andes

Aliyah Austin, Reporter February 17, 2016

I found myself stranded in the Andes. The mountains stretched up into the hazy heavens and I was drowning in electric blue. I wanted to reach toward the sky to capture the infinite freedom of the pearl...

The ghetto people next door

Aliyah Austin, Reporter December 7, 2015

The weathered blue planks of my aunt’s apartment building jutted out at me as I ambled up the grimy steps. Thinking back to our conversation from a few months ago,  I stepped over the browned blood...

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