The Arcata High School
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Volume 86 | Issue 1 | October 2, 2013
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*Skyler Wrigley is not an actual plagiarist.
Cheating vs. Plagiarism | Feature Students | Chearleaders to Golf | www.thepepperbox.com
The Pepperbox
SEPTEMBER IN THE BOX
BOX BRIEFS Homecoming Week: September 30th- October 4th End of Term One: October 4th ArMack Silent Film: October 17th-19th SAT: October 5th at Eureka High PSAT: October 16th ACT: October 26th at Eureka High Want to advertise or buy a mail subscription to the Pepperbox? Email Business Manager Hannah Christen at ahs.pepperbox@gmail.com! Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AHSPepperbox
EDITORIAL STAFF Piper Bazard Editor-In-Chief Gillian Martin Editor-In-Chief Lauren McCoy Managing Editor River Sween News Editor Sara Davis Junior News Editor Nash Karp Feature Editor Errol Funk Sports Editor Brooke Coelho Junior Sports Editor
Vera Heidmann Opinion Editor Rachael Green Arts & Entertainment Editor Mickenzie Grubb Online Editor Hannah Christen Business Manager Gabe Schneider Art Director Suzannah McFarland Copy Editor Kira Burnett Copy Editor Alex Yeoman Executive Producer
REPORTERS Jesse Bareilles Lauren Blake Indigo Davis Elizabeth Fernandes Hannah Finley
Talena Graham Alexandra Harris Lexi Jacomella Alexandra Perry Rao Neel
Alex Rialet Delaney Rice Brooke Schafer Faith Steeves Brian Then
Skyler Wrigley Zoe Ziegler
Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 AHS Plagiarism Policies. . . . . 7 Cheating vs Plagiarism . . . . . 8 Confessions of a Plagiarist . . 9 Mash-Up Culture. . . . . . . . . . 10 Students Speak Out . . . . . . . . 11 Moving On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 The Plagiarism Problem. . . . 13 Board Speaks Out . . . . . . . . . .14 Teachers Speak Out . . . . . . . .13 Feature Students . . . . . . . 16-17 Changes on Campus. . . . . . . 18 New Administrators . . . . . . 19 Global Solutions . . . . . . . . . . 20 Lifetouch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Exchange Students . . . . . . . . 22 Jordanian on Syria . . . . . . . . 23 Benchwarmers . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Soccer Eyebrows . . . . . . . . . . 25 Football . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Girls Soccer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Cheerleading to Golf . . . . . . 28 Outside Lands. . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Silent Film . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Age differences. . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Questions regarding editorial content of the Pepperbox should be dicected towards its editors. Opinions expressed in this paper are not necessarily those of Arcata High School.
Advisor The Pepperbox would like to thank Western Web, based in Samoa, for printing at-cost. Western Web supports student journalism throughout Humboldt County and has made publications like the Pepperbox possible for decades. We appreciate their dedication to keeping print media alive. Western Web
Danielle Lehman
FROM THE ARCHIVES
BEHIND THE COVER
“Proud and High” Homecoming poems Left: Originally published October 26, 1973
Below: Originally published October 1966 For this issue’s cover, reporter Skyler Wrigley had his image superimposed on a background created by Art Director Gabe Schneider that might be used during a police lineup. Given the major subject of this issue is plagiarism, the Pepperbox editors wanted to find a unique way to represent the precarious situation plagiarists and cheaters alike are in, in regards to consequences and the possibility of public criticism. To read more about plagiarism in our school, see Wrigley’s article on page 9. It is also to be noted that Skyler Wrigley is NOT a plagiarist. In the above photo, you see Wrigley trying to take the cover photo himself (#selfie).
EDITORS BOX The Pepperbox returns, ready for the new and exciting 2013-2014 school year! Right in time for Homecoming, this issue is jam-packed with clever humor, awesome pictures, interesting graphics, and investigative journalism rarely seen in our feature-centered publication. Thanks to our incredible, highly talented Art Director, Gabe Schneider, the Pepperbox is once again completley re-designed with new layouts, pull-quotes, headers, and by-lines all flowing together to creat a unique, sleek, and minimalistic style. Enjoy this first issue and be sure to keep up with those to follow, which will certainly highlight the exciting happenings in Arcata High’s halls. - Editors-in-Chief Piper Bazard and Gillen Martin
Quotable. “Mr. Peters, do you know if the school has a policy on driving a horse to school and parking it in the parking lot?” -AHS senior Tristen Thron during sixth period AP Environmental Science
823 835 Arcata High’s enrollement for the 2012-2013 school year
Arcata High’s enrollment for the 2013-2014 school year.
14
6
The number of seniors lost from our varsity football team.
The slim number of seniors returning to varsity football. (see page 26)
“Miss teacher, listen to me when I’m talking, laughing like that is disrespectful. If one of your students did that you’d be pissed and not allow it. So I’ll do what you’d do. Leave, go stand in the hall if you’re going to be disrespectful. ” -NHUHSD Board Member Dan Johnson to Mrs. Angles at the September 10th board meeting during which she was allegedly scoffing at his speech in response to community members.
“What if global warming got so bad that it melted all the ice cream in the world? That would be a travesty.” -AHS geology teacher Coach Rob during first period Geology
“The journalism teacher is hella preggo.” -Youtube video “Wrappin’ up Arcata High 09” by AHS graduates Lucas Miller and Ben Desch about Mrs. Lehman being pregnant with her now nearly four-year-old daughter Lizzy. We would like to congratulate Mrs. Lehman--by the time this issue comes out, she will have had her third child. We love you Lehman!
217 226 226 166
Freshmen class members Sophomore class members Junior class members Senior class members
Framable. The 1957 Arcata High varsity football team poses for a group shot. The team will be inducted into the AHS hall of fame during this year’s homecoming.
Photo courtesy of Rob Robertson
New Dean Mark Sahlberg is given a loving welcome by Arcata High’s favorite custodian Jim Hogan.
Indigo Davis/PEPPERBOX
Members of Arcata High’s Gay-Straight Alliance flaunt their colorful attire during the 2013 Humboldt Pride Parade.
Lexi Jacomella/PEPPERBOX
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Special
The Pepperbox | Page 6
Are we intolerant? Piper Bazard Editor-in-Chief
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ollowing our return to school, the alleged plagiarism of board member Dan Johnson during the 2013 graduation ceremony was a popular topic of discussion among students and teachers. The Pepperbox was faced with the issue of whether or not to cover the events, and if so, what exactly to cover. The various student opinions on the topic culminated during our first staff meeting of the year, where it seemed each staff member had a different angle on what exactly we should be taking away from the alleged plagiarism and its aftermath. Some maintained strong positions and insisted upon writing opinion pieces, while others expressed uncertainty about the school’s plagiarism policies and curiosity about the larger role plagiarism holds in our school. In the end, it was evident what our decision would be-- in order
to have our questions answered and opinions heard, these events had to be covered. In Dan Johnson’s letter to the Times-Standard, he calls out many of his opponents for their actions, stating he is, “comfortable in the knowledge that their intolerance, so readily on display, is a far more profound flaw than mine.” But is the community really intolerant? Have the responses of our many community members and local journalists been justified? By having our staff add their own responses by publishing a series of articles on the topic of plagiarism, are we only acting as an extension of our own community’s “intolerance”? Maybe some could make that claim. So let’s take a step back and reevaluate our bearings. As students, we are tenants of an institution of learning and education. Engaging in reasoned discourse is a key part of the learning process. We have a responsibility as young scholars to participate in the ongoing
dialogue surrounding not just a key community figure, but the overarching topic of plagiarism that this incident has brought to light. As journalists, we take part in a system of sharing information through our published materials. Our journalistic responsibility is to make information known to the public, and provide informed analysis. In short, our job is to seek out and publish the truth. However, truth is not always black and white, but has many different aspects. Our goal is to cover the gray area in between. Therefore, we are aiming to publish the many sides of the issues at hand, and in doing so, we have published a variety of articles in this featured “special” section. From three of our staff members, we bring you opinion pieces from varied perspectives. We have an investigative piece in which a reporter discusses anonymous students’ motives for plagiarism, which reveals that the students on campus who plagiarize are not who we
might think they are. We bring you an article exploring the prevalence of plagiarism in pop culture, and how “original” takes on a whole different meaning to our generation. We have published direct quotes from not just one, but many board members, students, and teachers. Responding to the actions of Dan Johnson-- or any local official for that matter-- in a reasoned and non-inflammatory way is not the same as simply being intolerant. The reason for this series of articles is to further this type of discussion in the interests of informing ourselves, and ultimately creating a more informed student body. As students, and as journalists, we are bringing to light a larger context by expanding on the repercussions of events, exploring the gray areas, and providing analysis of events from a student’s perspective.We don’t want to be “the self-appointed referees of good and evil,” we just want to do our jobs.
TIMELINE
Dan Johnson delivers graduation speech
June 13, 2013
Arcata Eye publishes letters-to-the-editor accusing Johnson of of “betrayal” and “cheating.”
June 26, 2013
Johnson releases his apology letter
June 26, 2013
Community letters-tothe-editor regarding Johnson published in McKinleyville Press.
July 10, 2013
NHUHSD holds special meeting about the 2013 graduation. The community testifies, but Dan Johnson is not present.
July 26, 2013
Special
The Pepperbox | Page 7
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Confusion over plagiarism policies River Sween News Editor
D
uring an early discussion among Pepperbox staff about the events of Dan Johnson’s allegedly plagiarized graduation speech, the advisor Danielle Lehman asked students to raise their hands if they were confident they knew the school’s plagiarism policy. Three hands went up. Many staffers believed expulsion was the punishment for all cases of plagiarism at AHS. Students are generally unaware of who actually sets the policies for plagiairism. Asking about the plagiarism policy at AHS is a trick question. In fact, AHS does not have a policy for plagiarism. The school’s policy is to let departments make their own policies. Different punishments may exist under the science department than under the English department. “Teachers [enforce] it,” Arcata High School principal Dave Navarre said. In other words, an Advanced Placement English class may require citations and extensively annotated bibliographies, whereas a science class may ask for only the URL address of a website.
NHUHSD expressses intention to change plagiarism bylaws and policies .
July 26, 2013
Social Sciences department chairwoman Jennifer Rosebrook said cheating is “wrong and unethical.” She added that “If [she sees plagiarism], it’s an F [for the assignment].” Under more pressing events of plagiarism, “[she] would write a referral.” According to Rosebrook, “[plagiarism is] essentially academic fraud.” English department chairwoman Sue Buscher said that the department agrees on punishment for cheating and plagiarism. “[We agree that,] as a department,” Buscher said, “[plagiarism can lead to] a failing grade on an assignment.” Depending on the severity of the act, “[punishment] may or may not be a failing grade for the semester,” Buscher added. Regarding her AP class, Buscher said certain severities of plagiarism would lead her to ask the student to leave because of the college-level standards for academic integrity in her class. Science department chairwoman Cindy Condit said th policy in her department is determined by the teachers. In her class, “[Condit gives] the student a zero [on the assignment] with no makeup [opportunities]....It’s not this gray area,” Condit said. According to Condit, a student’s
plagiarism does not have levels of severity. Condit used an analogy where a student plagiarizes two sentences and haggles for leeway. Condit would not give that student leeway. “It’s not okay to steal [someone’s] car, so why is it okay to steal [someone’s words]?” Condit asked, adding that it “would be great if I had any words worth [stealing].” NHUHSD plagiarism policy is less specific than the departments’ individual policies. For example, it is only noted in NHUHSD’s website that “plagiarism or dishonesty in school work or on tests” is under “prohibited student conduct” and that “employees are expected to provide appropriate supervision to enforce....” The administration’s essential policy is the enforcement of teachers’ policies. Under the NHUHSD Acceptable Use Policy that every student signs at the beginning of the year, the use of electronic resources without citation or permission is forbidden. Yet there are no mentions of any specific punishment for plagiarism. The administration does provide its own broad policy for plagiarism, but gives choice to the teachers. If a teacher decides to give
Arcata Eye publishes NHUHSD emails, and a reveals trustees’ possible violation of Brown Act.
NHUHSD board meeting. NHUHSD votes 3-1 to ask for Dan Johnson’s resignation.
August 30, 2013
September 10, 2013
a student a zero for plagiarized work, “we would enforce that,” Navarre said “I would hope that the parent is contacted.” Contrary to popular belief, expulsion is not the definite punishment for plagiarism at Arcata High School; it is the punishment in only extreme cases. Grounds for expulsion, for example, could be an intentional act of cheating, or an act of plagiarism or cheating that interferes with other institutions or laws. Navarre refers to Advanced Placement tests as an instance where plagiarism or cheating would result in expulsion: A student takes a picture of his AP test book. The student sends it through a mass text to other students, so they get to see the test questions before they actually take the test. AP tests are isolated environments; no information about the tests is meant to leave the testing room and no information about the test is meant to enter. This act of cheating, which involves sabotaging a test or a major project, could lead to that student’s expulsion. Aware of student confusion over plagiarism policy, the administration is working on a new academic code of conduct that is meant to be more accessible. The draft is one page, and easily readable. Moreover, the administration has based the new code on George Mason University’s code of conduct. According to Navarre, “We’re right in the middle of updating it,” and “[The administration will] put that out in a syllabus.”
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Special
The Pepperbox | Page 8
Is it cheating or plagiarism? Kira Burnett Copy Editor
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any of us have heard someone (probably a teacher) insisting, “When you cheat, you cheat yourself.” If so, then our education system is full of the duped. In a recent study from plagiarism.org, 58 percent of high schoolers admitted to plagiarism, and 95 percent said they participated in some form of cheating. These high values have risen dramatically since the previous generation, and threaten to continue on an upward trend. When it comes to cheating and plagiarism, there are quite a few loud people and just as many opinions. They argue about the factors involved, the motivation to cheat, the effects of academic dishonesty, and how the scholarly criminals should be dealt with. So the writer of this article turned to one of the only neutral experts on the subject for a basic explanation of what cheating and plagiarism entail: Merriam-Webster. According to it, cheating is breaking a rule to gain an advantage or taking something from someone by doing so, while plagiarism is using the words or ideas of another person as if they were your own. It doesn’t have to be intentional. “I think sometimes plagiarism happens and the person isn’t aware of it because they’re not being instructed in how to cite a source,” explained Susan Buscher, an English teacher at AHS. But even if you forgot to put quotation marks around
that excerpt from "On the Duty of Civil Disobedience,” there are many more who opted not to remember. There are many reasons students in particular choose to do this. One is the Internet. It may be hard for my generation, who grew up with it, to realize, but the Internet is a very recent invention. Our parents didn’t have it. People ten years older than us had it, but they had to use these awfully huge, clunky machines called computers to get it. And since we’ve had it, we’ve been bombarded with information. There is so much of it, so readily available, that it can be hard to tell if it’s public domain, or someone else’s private work. Students take the information thinking that it doesn’t belong to anyone, or that they won’t get in trouble even if it does. Even so, the Internet is just a tool. The motivations to cheat come from within ourselves. Pressure is one. Take a moment to think: what are some of the greatest problems in your life? If you answer “school”, join the club (of several billion people). A vast number of students are worried about what to do after high school: how to afford college, get a job, or support their families. Of those people, many need to do well in school so that they can receive more education and get steady, well-paying jobs. Junior Hanna Burnett confirms this, saying, “There is a huge pressure to perform well; pressure from parents, pressure from teachers, pressure from peers.” On the other hand, the need
to succeed could be seen as greed. “They say that competition brings out the best in us,” history instructor Doug Johnson said, “But to get into the best schools, our competitive nature sometimes brings out less than the best.” Some people see education as a game they must “win” in. In 1998, statistics showed that 80 percent of the country's best students cheated to get to the top of their class (Cheating Fact Sheet). They wanted to come out on top, even if they had to resort to ‘alternative methods’. Even the honorable are tempted. Another reason came up often when talking about motivation; laziness. In one of her articles, North Coast Journal writer Marcy Burstiner explained why she thought plagiarism was so terrible: “It casually connects Deadly Sin #4, sloth, with the Seventh Commandment: Thou shalt not steal. Because thou art too lazy to write thine own damn story, thou stealeth from someone else.” It’s the same with cheating. Picture student A. She really wants a good grade, but the Pretty Little Liars season finale was on last night, so she didn’t study for the test. Now add a reasonably smart student who doesn’t bother to guard her scantron. And put her right next to A. Watch out, smart student. Plagiarism, and in certain cases cheating, just happens to be illegal. What this means is that so-and-so’s work belongs to soand-so, and if you use it without crediting Mr. So-and-so, then you’re violating copyright laws.
Many of the offenders just don’t think these laws directly apply to them. “It used to be, in ancient times, a person’s word was his bond. And now we seem to need written contracts, so a person thinks, well, if I’m not signing anything, I can get away with something,” Sue Buscher commented. But the law is made to apply to everyone, not just to a piece of paper. Cheating and plagiarism are seen as the bane of education. When students commit these acts, they are refusing to solve the problem with the skills and the information that have been given to them. They choose to take from someone else instead of proving their own ability, and that hurts not only the cheater but the cheated. According to freshman Robin Joyce, “It’s not really fair to anybody...then the people who actually try hard on stuff don’t get recognized.” Schools, wanting to fix these problems, have come up with various systems to prevent cheating and plagiarism. Many universities have an Honor Code, much like the ones we get in the first week of English class (see, high school does prepare you for college!). These codes are contracts that describe what is and isn’t acceptable academically. The idea is, if students know the value of their own work, and are made to focus on it, then maybe cheating and plagiarism won’t seem like such a great idea anymore. So go ahead and tattle on your neighbor, they’ll thank you in the long run. Hopefully.
The Pepperbox | Page 9
Special
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Confessions of AHS cheaters Skyler Wrigley
the objective of my article; what Reporter exactly was the motives for cheating and plagiarizing from teacher tells you to a student’s perspective? As exput everything un- pected, most of them seized up, der your desk. The and became very skeptical of familiar gut wrench- the situation, which was difing fear grips you. A test… was fused only with the statement there one? When did this come that, “their names would never up? We’ve all been there. The be published, and that no future question is, is it worth it or not? consequence would result from To cheat, to plagiarise. To be answering truthfully to everymorally correct, and fail, or to thing asked.” cheat and get a good grade? After the initial skepticism Extend this thought to a term passed about the topic and how paper: You’ve overloaded your- incriminating it was, I delved self on AP or IB classes, and into the topic of plagiarism and you cannot possibly finish this cheating. They felt that “plagiapaper without sacrificing your rism is copying word for word” final grade to some degree. You while cheating is “taking somegoogle your paper thesis and one’s idea, but not copying it difind a perfectly good paper writ- rectly.” Some students thought ten on it. Should you stream- there wasn’t a difference beline your life, copy, and take the tween the two and had the risk of getting caught and moral opinion that “either way you’re corruption, or should you plug copying” and “taking someone’s away, and hope that everything work and calling your own.” works out in the end? This line of thought then Now, are you in the right be- made me think about exactly cause no matter what you do, what they cheated on, and if I you’ll be shunned? Either it’s could find a pattern of assignthe bad grade that society looks ments that were cheated and/or down on, or it’s the hated cheat- plagiarized on. ing and plagiarizing. “Have you cheated or plagiaTo ascertain exactly why rized?” Without hesitation a people cheat and plagiarize, I resounding “Yes, I have copied” went around the school pulling or “Yes, I have plagiarized” was a wide range of students, the uttered almost across the board. stereotypical football flunky to This was accentuated by the sethe AP four point five GPA stu- verity of the assignments they dent. had copied. “Math homework,” Basically the student body was only a minor offence, but was divided into two categories: such things, like the massive the “academic” students and the “biology labs” and “history study “less academically inclined stu- guides” were capital offences in dents.” most students’ opinions. I immediately tried to explain “Why cheat and/or plagia-
A
rize?” For the academically inclined, it was clear that it was just a matter of prioritizing work and “streamlining” their studying to maximize their precious time. This answer was not very satisfying. “But exactly what might influence you to cheat and/or plagiarize?” Most students had to think, stop and rephrase, then finally, with even more prompting and encouragement, vaguely answer. From the academic students, cheating was done across the entire group. The reasons were “It’s lack of time…, my peers,” and the AP motto of “I don’t want to fail.” The smaller assignments, the “German homework”, “AP U.S. study guides,” and “biology lab questionnaires,” were most commonly copied through collective powers of “dividing and conquering.” The Biology lab discussion questions and the rate of copying always coincided with the thought that “there is no way you can finish it within the time you’re given.” Top-notch students are always under the constant academic pressure of doing their absolute best; only the best receive “A’s.” If “you don’t have time” to do this quality of work, as is usually the case, because you are “too burnt to do it at the end of the day,” then copying is the only way to “make it a lot easier.” The less academically inclined students portrayed a different view. Surprisingly about half didn’t bother to cheat. Either they were “not alright with copying and plagiarizing” and
felt it was “morally wrong” or they felt that the assignments “not helping you” were not even worth the trouble of copying because as one student put it: “If I’m not going to do it, I might as well not do it.” The ethical reasoning behind this action, although obvious, was “it feels morally wrong” and it “makes you feel like crap.” Frequently this group of students admitted to having received terrible grades or zeros because they simply chose “not to copy.” It seems that to get ahead, the academics truly put their morals on the line and sacrificed living by the high standards schools hold them to while the less academically inclined, although they sometimes cheated, felt that it was wrong enough to prevent them from doing it. The culture at Arcata High of top students that cheat and plagiarize to get ahead makes me wonder how we can stop it’s prevalence. Seemingly, AHS is no different than the 95% of students that cheat (see Kira Burnett’s article “Is it cheating or plagiarism?”). Do we focus too much on worrying about the act of cheating itself instead of the reasons students are cheating? Does the student of today have too much work to even think of finishing? Is it right that they cannot possibly hope to finish all that has been assigned? As a community, a school, a student body, we need to look for a solution for this problem, starting with the best students, and working down from there.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Special
The Pepperbox | Page 10
Mash-up culture in music dio, Bareilles acknowledged that she recognized “similarities” beTalena Graham tween the two songs; however, Reporter Bareilles said that drama about ou are sitting in the the issue is putting a “negative car with the windows spin on two artists who are tryrolled down, sing- ing to share positive messages.” One Direction’s newest song, ing along to whatever song is blaring on the radio, “Best Song Ever” has been acwhen something about the song cused of having the same musistrikes you. The tune, a chord, cal riff as The Who’s hit “Baba a line, and you realize that the O’Riley”; however, the guitarist song isn’t actually the original for The Who, Pete Townshend piece of music you assumed it stated: “The chords I used and was, but a combination of an- the chords they used are the same three chords we’ve all other song or another melody. Recent accusations of plagia- been using in basic pop music rism include the accusation that since Buddy Holly.” When questioned on this Robin Thicke used the tune of George Clinton’s “Sexy Ways” particular instance of alleged and Marvin Gaye’s “Got to Give plagiarism Kelly Joyce, senior, It Up” for his song “Blurred said: "I didn't like One DirecLines.” A lawsuit has been filed; tion before, and now I like them however, Thicke claims that even less." In order to avoid copyright there is no relation. The Rubinoos have made a case against infringement, Glee obtains perAvril Lavigne, claiming that her mission from the artist before song “Girlfriend” copies their releasing the song as a part of 1979 song “I Wanna Be Your the show. However, last JanuBoyfriend.” Alicia Keys is cur- ary some controversy arose rently facing a legal battle for when an episode was released the fact that her song “Girl on which included a cover of “Baby Fire” resembles Eddie Holman’s Got Back.” Jonathan Coulton, 1962 hit “Hey There Lonely who had made a cover of the hit in 2005, insisted that Glee’s Girl.” On the matter of potential version was stolen from his plagiarism in modern music, original cover. Due to the fact freshman Kiki Josang took a that Coulton did not write the open stance on the issue, saying song, he had little legal ground, that "people are just drawing in- but claimed to be searching for spiration from previous pieces a way to file a suit against the and putting their own twist on company. In order to release a cover of it." Many people have also noted a song, the musician must pay similarities between Sara Ba- a compulsory rate for use of reilles’s song “Brave” and Katy the song, which grants minimal Perry’s newest release, “Roar.” rights. If a cover artist’s music In an interview with ABC Ra- were to be used in a film, the
Y
original artist would have to consent. Therefore, Coulton can only sue if he can prove that Glee stole the soundtrack that he used, because his soundtrack was different than the original. The general copyright law, Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution grants the government the right to promote the arts, by granting musicians “exclusive right to their respective writ-
ings.” The length of the copyright is determined by the year which the item was copyrighted. Anything before 1923 is licensed for 75 years, anything from 1923 to 1978 is copyrighted for 95 years, and anything since then is granted 70 years. No matter what the law, it seems artists are going to continue to draw from music of the past.
Special
Speaks Out
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Plagiarism is horrible and it’s cheating. People don’t get credit for what they do if plagiarists aren’t caught. -William Robinson, 9th
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- Dayne Deppe, 12th
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lagiarism is wrong, and I think it’s like cheating because it’s not your own work.
- Ayden Mazzotti, 11th
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The problem plagiarism causes is often exaggerated. -Kylen Maple, 12th
ids will plagiarize more after Dan’s speech because it shows that the school isn’t holding up to it’s standards.
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- Max Wrigley, 10th
Cheat all day, er’ryday. -Hayden Parker, 12th
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- Alia Issa, 10th
What can be said about plagiarism that hasn’t already been said about Afghanistan? -Brandon Dunsing, 11th
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I don’t think it’s awful to plagiarize a sentence or two, but you shouldn’t plagiarize a whole speech. Dan’s a smart man, he could have written a good speech. -Dayna Naish, 12th
haven’t really put much thought into plagiarism.
thought it was funny when I heard that Dan Johnson plagiarized his speech. I didn’t think people really cared; I thought it was just a big story because it was so funny.
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about plagiarism
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AHS
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The Pepperbox | Page 11
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Wednesday, October 2, 2013
I
Y
es, plagiarism is wrong, but teachers are often hypocritical about it. They use sources they don’t cite too. - Canyon Robins, 10th
don’t think [Dan Johnson’s] speech was a good influence on kids who are being told not to plagiarize.
- Jasmine Goldsberry, 10th
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Special Opinion
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The Pepperbox | Page 12
Lesson learned, time to move on Managing Editor
Hannah Christen Business Manager
O
f all the events of this past summer that have been plastered across numerous newspapers and online forums, there remains one that is unresolved. The subject spurred heated debates and has left our community deeply divided. Dan Johnson was accused of plagiarizing a commencement speech by David McCullough. There, we said it. Now it is time to move on. What’s done is done. Accusations have been made, comments entered, remedies discussed. Now it is time to breathe. Take a step back. And think about what is really important. Forgiving. Dan Johnson made a mistake, we accept that. His mistake makes him human, not a bad man. In this ongoing discussion of what the next step should be regarding Dan Johnson, nothing new is being said, the same remarks have been regurgitated for an excessive amount of time. There is noth-
As high school students, this event has shown us the severe consequences of plagiarism, but that message is in danger of being overshadowed by a lesson of unnecessary fixation on aberrations.
these mistakes and how we forgive those who made them that shows the strength of our community. As a community, we pride ourselves on acceptance, and especially tolerance, but in recent months we have demonstrated nearly the opposite. There have been numerous occasions of persecution, through blogs and public displays. These misplaced anger has not addressed the issue at hand. These acts have lead to an extensive dramatization of one event. The ability to forgive mistakes is something that students are taught from a young age. However, much of what has been presented as examples for how to react to a community members mistake in recent months has not been following the guidelines of social interaction we, as students have been taught or want in our world. It is time for the community to heal, to forgive and move forward with a new understanding. Our tolerant community needs to remain so, and accept the mistakes and apologies as
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Lauren McCoy
ing further to be gained from continueing to drag his name through the mud -- only unnecessary ignominy. Arcata High is notably a tolerant, accepting place. Our high school atmosphere is typically one of welcoming and understanding. We have numerous outreach groups and clubs that work to make all members of our campus feel comfortable in their own skin. But even the tiny blip, Dan Johnson’s speech, on the ever changing news cycle in teenagers lives has brought some division to our campus. Some students feel strongly in one direction or another about Dan Johnson’s recent actions. However, many students seem to be of the opinion that his actions are no longer relevant to their daily lives and the time has come to move on. That is, if they are even aware of the conversation that is still raging in the local news. For students in the fast moving world of social media, Dan Johnson’s actions are old news. His speech occurred about three months ago, in that time 5,220 million tweets have been posted. High school students are moving on from one news development to another every few seconds, whereas the adults in our community seem to move on every few months. As high school students, the summer’s events have shown us the severe consequences of plagiarism, but that message is in danger of being overshadowed by a lesson of unnecessary fixation on aberrations. Mistakes were made, that is obvious, but it is how we deal with
they have been presented. To the people of Humboldt County, enough is enough. The bigger issue should no longer be Dan Johnson’s slip up, but instead the fact that nationally 95 percent of high school students have participated in some form cheating (plagiarism.org). Our energy and focus should be directed toward creating an atmosphere where personal achievement is more important than high achievement. Currently, getting an A is what is driving our peers, purely for the purpose of college admission, and not the basis of learning. The “children” have learned from this experience. We get it. Plagiarism is bad. Let’s move on and take the steps toward addressing the real problems and forming a better community. We would also like to add that little attention was directed to the public display of nudity that occurred at the graduation being discussed. This rather revealing act sets a poor role model for youth, just as Dan Johnson’s mistake.
The Pepperbox | Page 13
Special Opinion
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Leadership led astray and move on. Yet when this apology came, it turned a small issue into a huge controversy. In the last
that reflects my thoughts and ments. The job of learning to proves what I have learned and take responsibility becomes inunderstood. I give up my time to creasingly difficult when we do do this, but no matter how long not have adequate role models it takes, or how hard it is, I will to show us the way. Dan Johnson is a school board not take the easy way out, and I understand that for substitute someone else's words member, and as such, he has a some in our commuSuzannah McFarland duty to model responsible befor my own. Copy Editor nity – the self-appointed I understand that people make havior for students to emulate. referees of good and mistakes. A small judgement in Yet the actions that he has takast year, on June 13, evil – no explanation error, a lesson forgotten (or nev- en show that he is not equal to 2013, I sat amongst my or apology I can offer er learned), does not call for the this job, instead, he has shown friends at the Arcata type of repercussions that Dan a simple child-like desire to “get is good enough. But High School GraduaJohnson has faced. The way the even,” instead of facing his misI’m comfortable in the tion, dressed in the traditional community has responded was takes as an adult and apologizorchestra black, speechless at knowledge that their not in response to the supposed ing. Yes, some members of the the words I was hearing. I lisintolerance, so readily plagiarism, but rather, to Dan community have responded tened in growing disbelief as on display, is a far more Johnson’s actions following harshly, but it has never been Dan Johnson stood on the stage profound flaw than graduation. As students, we are right to respond to a wrong reciting, almost word for word, mine. expected to take responsibility with another wrong. We have parts of the speech David Mcfor our actions. We make mis- all been taught since childhood Cullough Jr. had given at the Wellesley High School Com- paragraph, Dan Johnson stated: takes, but when we do, we admit to “turn the other cheek,” and in When I read this “apology,” I it, learn from it, and most im- failing to do so, Dan Johson has mencement in 2012, all the while claiming it as his own was outraged. These “self-ap- portantly, we offer up a sincere shown immaturity, irresponcarefully composed letter to his pointed referees of good and apology. None of this is easy to sibility, and a profound lack of evil” that Dan Johnson labeled do, but as we become adults, it is judgement. This is not the sort daughter. As I looked at the people as “intolerant” included my more and more important that of person I want making deciaround me, I noticed classmates friends, my teachers, and my we are able to make these state- sions about my education. leaning across and muttering to community--even myself. Ineach other excitedly, as shocked stead of acknowledging the misas myself. Here was a leader take he had made, Dan Johnson in our community, one of the turned the blame from himself many charged with guiding our to the people who had dared to education, seemingly stealing say a word against him. In his another’s work, doing the very claim that nothing he offered thing we had been lectured would be good enough, Dan against doing time and time Johson clearly illustrated a lack of understanding of the public. again. I was stunned by what I saw A simple apology, without any as apparent plagiarism, and lat- “ands, ifs or buts” would have er, happy to see that Dan John- resolved the issue and restored son was called out on it. How- balance in the community. As a high school student, I ever, I expected the problem to go away with that. I felt anyone found Dan Johnson’s actions in such a position would own up especially repugnant. I dedicate to the mistake, accept the criti- hours each night to my homePhoto courtesy of The Arcata Eye cism as helpful critic, apologize work, striving to create work Dan Johnson making his speech at graduation.
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Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Special
The Pepperbox | Page 14
The board speaks out Suzannah McFarland Copy Editor
We have all heard the discussion spiraling out from last year’s graduation. After the infamous graduation speech our community has spoken out either against the actions of Dan Johnson and the School Board, or for Dan Johnson as a community leader. Many questioned what the event means to our student body. The main topic in question was plagiarism. We’ve heard what’s been said by the community and even our teachers, here Board Members speak out.
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In regards to conflict resolution, you must hear all sides, and always let people speak for themselves. I hope the students learned not to take any chances with plagiarism, and I hope that lesson lasts. Plagiarism is an important issue because students need to learn to find their own voice and have the self-knowledge to be able to do so. This wouldn’t have been such a big issue if it had not been for the last paragraph in his apology letter. -Board Member Dana Silvernale
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t is important to have humility, and be able to listen to people. When you have a problem, it usually donesn’t just go away; you must address it. After a mistake you need to make amends and work diligently to regain the respect of those affected -Board Member Colleen Toste
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his situation creates an opportunity to...reinforce the importance of academic integrity and responsibility... [preparing] our students for the expectations regarding academic integrity in high school but perhaps more importantly in their life after high school as well. -Superintendent Chris Hartley
* These “word people” graphics illustrate those who use others’ work and ideas to represent themselves as something they’re not.
I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, n error was made and see if I at the graduacould not learn what it tion ceremony. It had to teach, and not, when I came to die, crossed a standard that is discover that I had not not supported by Northern lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so Humboldt Union School dear; nor did I wish to practise resignation, unless District. Acknowledge it was quite necessary. I the error with an apology wanted to live deep and suck out all the that’s from the heart and marrow of life, to live so move on, not to cross that sturdily and Spartan-like as to line again. Life is about put to rout all that learning from our miswas not life, to cut a broad swath takes. and shave - Board Member close, to drive life into a c orner, Mike Pigg and reduce it to its lowest terms. We said there warn’t no home like a raft, after all. Other places do seem so cramped up and smothery, but a raft don’t. You feel mighty f ree and easy and comfortable on a raft.
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Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Special
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AHS Teachers speak out It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way I’m standing on the edge of some crazy cliff. What I have to do, I have to catch everybody if they start to go over the cliff—I mean if they’re running and they don’t look where they’re going I have to come out from somewhere and catch them. That’s all I’d do all day. I’d just be the catcher in the rye and all.
Mickenzie Grubb Online Editor
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ne of the reasons people cheat is because something is lost in the meaning of learning...They get so focused on getting an ‘A’ and not actually learning...If everyone was focused on learning cheating wouldn’t be an issue. -French teacher Davena Bagnall
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talk about [plagiarism and cheating] a lot and the integrity of it. - English teacher,Julie Angles
heating is a lie... they made the choice to gamble...[they are] only here for the grade not the education - Science teacher Cindy Condit
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lagiarism is the cancer of the academic world. -English teacher JoAnn Moore
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n an academic institute plagiarism is the worst academic crime...We need to have the board understand how hard this makes our job. - English teacher JoAnn Moore
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o credit for plagiarized or otherwise identical to another student’s work, past or present. There is no acceptable excuse for identical responses to concept questions, including ‘We worked together.’ - Science teacher Earl Peters
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would love to pass back big assignments but I can’t. I found students cutting and pasting resulting in a lot of zeros for plagiarism. I had to save them from themselves. - Science teacher Cindy Condit
We wear pink on Wednesdays. I think, therefore I am. To be or not to be, that is the question. Learn as though you were to live forever, and live as though you were to die tomorrow. Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. Give me liberty or give me death! United we stand, divided we fall. Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind. Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it ha-app-ened
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Feature
The Pepperbox | Page 16
Feature students: The Academic: Canyon Robins Nash Karp
Feature Editor Canyon Cruz Robins: mohawked soccer player, popular lady-killer, and academic scholar? Robins is among the smartest students at Arcata High due to his academic prowess. Robins is taking three advanced placement classes and two honors classes this school year: AP Computer Programming, AP Calculus, AP European History, Honors English, and Honors chemistry. He is also taking Spanish 2, and earned straight A’s as a freshman. Robins has a special talent: the ability to work on a computer very successfully. Robins first received a laptop in seventh grade. Initially, Robins learned to program to play pranks. Robins and his partner-in-crime, Owen Reiss, have become popular and feared for their astonishing pranking ability; making friends and enemies cautious when they are around technology. Robins has many extraordinary skills. He can complete a basic Rubik’s cube in under a minute. He is self-acclaimed Llama or Duck champion, a complex game of recognition requiring great talent. Robins also emails the creator of the Llama or Duck app sometimes. He, along with Reiss, are “recognized Apple developers” and the co-inventors of a pencil with an eraser that also serves as a stylus for iPhone. He had one of the top PSAT scores and scored 100% on the math section of both the PSAT and STAR test. Robins has acquired all this talent as just a sophomore. His future is looking bright and when asked about a future career, he answered, “I mean engineering would be tight or maybe I’ll own an ice cream truck.” He has a secret passion for ice cream and declares, “orange 50/50 bars cannot be topped.” So when you see Robins on campus or around town question his intelligence, give him a riddle, or challenge him to a Llama or Duck face off because he believes he will beat your riddle or question and destroy you at Llama or Duck.
The Athlete: Kyri Cossolotto Delaney Rice Reporter
Bump, set, spike it; that’s the way that sophomore Kyri Cossolotto likes it. In a rushed interview taking place in the upstairs hallway, she told me all about herself and her varsity experience. Kyri was introduced to the sport by her older sister and has loved it ever since. She started playing on a competitive team in sixth grade at Pacific Union, and was part of the Arcata High JV team last year, leading her team to an undefeated season. When asked if there was more pressure to perform on Varsity than JV she said, “I wouldn’t say pressure; I’d say more motivation to play better.” On the volleyball team, Kyri is known for being her own worst critic. “I blame a lot on myself,” she commented. “It’s really exciting to see her doing what she’s doing as only a sophomore. She just seems to fly around the court . Plus on her serves she really knows how to get it in,” says starting middle blocker Lauren McCoy. Kyri’s main goal for this season is to stay positive and encourage her team. Cossolotto’s favorable experience, being the youngest on the varsity team, is largely thanks to her upperclassmen teammates. She said herself that senior Lauren McCoy’s “inspiration is very grand, and she’s very enthusiastic.” Like many athletes, Kyri has a pregame pump up soundtrack. Unlike many athelets, this musical mix consists of NSYNC, The Backstreet Boys, and Justin Timberlake. Aside from her 1990s boy-band craze and volleyball, she also likes to draw, dance, play softball, and cheer. In the future, Kyri wants to play college volleyball if the opportunity presents itself, but for now, she is looking forward to the rest of her varsity season. Be sure to come out and support the volleyball team along with all the tigers sports teams this fall and show your tiger pride!
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Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Feature
The Arcata A’s
The Activist: Sara McGregor The Artist: Jimmy Saladino Sara Davis Junior News Editor She’s loud, spunky, fun, and the AHS superwoman of human rights. Sara McGregor, the co-president of GSA (Gay-Straight-Alliance) Club, two year member of Spare Change, and two time attendee of the Humboldt Pride Parade, is all about a step forward in rights. “We’ve already been through a civil war and a war on women’s rights.” said McGregor, “It’s time for equal rights for all humans!” McGregor’s interest in human rights sparked after watching Spare Change in 7th grade. Her dislike for ignorance motivated her to be a part of GSA and help the AHS community move toward acceptance. By getting involved with clubs like GSA, “kids can start accepting and evolving with the times and spread some change. We just need people to be involved.” stated McGregor. “Anytime someone young will stand up for something controversial, they must have courage,” Ruelon Williams, advisor of GSA, stated when asked about McGregor, “she’s conscientious about doing what she’ll do.” At a recent bake sale, GSA raised $100 to go towards future events, t-shirts, and to support equality in the community. Taking a stand toward equality has only been a positive experience for McGregor. “Being a part of GSA makes me feel good,” she explained. “Why wouldn’t I do everything I can to make more peace?” Her enthusiasm for spreading awareness can also be seen during her Space Change skits. “A lot of people don’t know how much they learn when they think they’re just laughing at our crazy acting and jokes.” Her obvious passion for equal rights won’t end after graduation; she sees an exciting future in the Peace Corp and loves the idea of being a modern “Mother Teresa, travel, and help everyone.” In the time being, you can spot McGregor at any GSA Club fundraiser in Arcata and Spare Change event where she will be sure to persuade you to spread human rights awareness with her bubbly personality.
Lexi Jacomella Reporter
We all know that familiar feeling, that bounce in your step or sway in your stance. As soon as the music starts your limbs acquire a mind of their own, controlled only by the beat. For us electronic music lovers, you know that the second the beat drops you go crazy; hips jolting, arms flailing, "it makes you lose control," said Arcata High Senior James Saladino, an experimental electronic artist himself. Saladino describes his music as “ice cream on a hot day but it's melted already, like ice cream soup." Since freshman year Saladino has produced songs such as Munk Junk and his personal favorite Werewolf, with the help of his brother Peter Saladino, an Arcata High Graduate, class of 2012. Saladino's love for music started young, playing cello in Pacific Union's Orchestra his fourth grade year. After relocating to San Francisco in seventh grade, he moved onto playing the alto saxophone for two years. Watching YouTube tutorials to improve his skill, he now produces electronic music on programs such as Alberton 9 and Massive along with learning the guitar and "plucking at the keys" of the grand piano in his home. "Music has and always will be a part of my life," Saladino has said. When asked what inspires his songs, Saladino replied, "Everything could be inspiration, it just depends how you look at it." Depending on his inspiration it can take him anywhere from 4 hours to 4 months to produce an original song or remix an existing song. He explains that his love for music stems from the fact that "it can always be new.” Saladino is currently working on several new projects which he posts small portions of on both his Instagram and SoundCloud accounts. Though he says that he has yet to find his sound, his unique beats are sure to entertain. Check him out at soundcloud.com/ jvsalad or on Instagram at @ jvsalad.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
News
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Measure Q still chugging along Alex Yeoman
Executive Producer
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t’s a new year. There are new faces all over the school, but it’s the same old Arcata High. Or is it? The structure may look the same, but a few key areas of the school have received a major face lift over the summer. Though the updates aren’t quite finished, the bathrooms and foyer of the gym, as well as the library will take on an all new look this fall. According to principal Dave Navarre, “the library is expected to be done later this month, and the gym is functionally complete, that is the bathrooms and the entrance are usable, but the aesthetics will not be completed until next month.” Although many teachers and students believe the remodels are behind
Alex Yeoman/PEPPERBOX
schedule, Navarre confirms that there are “no delays” at this time and the construction is, “right on schedule.” Though there are many things to excite the students and faculty, opinions are split on what will be most exciting
when the updates are finished. Mr. Navarre believes that, “the functionality of the gym will give our school a new face, especially to visiting opponents,” as he recollected on numerous times he received complaints about the bathrooms. Ashley
Kane, the AHS library aid, is thrilled “to have the entire library in the same place again.” She continued to explain how they “have been so spread out during the library because different a parts of the library have been split between the gym, room 300, and room 501.” AHS senior Hayden Parker said he is “just excited to finally have a printer again.” When it comes to construction in schools, it’s never fast. With numerous plan approvals required, it is hard to tell when construction will actually begin on new projects. The multipurpose room is up next for the Measure Q updates and with a lot of hard work, and maybe a little luck, we might just be complaining about how it isn’t quite finished at this time next year, too.
AHS welcomes new office staff Brooke Schafer
Reporter as anyone noticed all the changes that have been happening at the school? Let’s narrow it down to the office. Walking in, you will notice that Michelle Camilli is no longer working up front, but has instead moved down the hall. Camilli took over the job as the new principal’s secretary, and is enthusiastic about her new position; “I love working at Arcata High in the attendance office, so I am excited to have new challenges and have an opportunity
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to work closer to the teachers,” Camilli said. Both Camilli and new secretary Mary Dawn Ford will be running the back office together, “We are a team; we can handle it,” Ford said. Camilli’s old desk in the front office is occupied by a new vice principal secretary, Rene Campbell. Campbell worked in banking for 25 years and at a dentist’s office for eight months before coming to Arcata High. This year, she is really looking forward to meeting all the staff and students and “being a part of our big happy family.” Campbell is glad that everyone she
has met so far has been very warming and welcoming toward her, so let’s continue this warm welcome towards our new tiger!
We are a team; we can handle it - Mary Dawn Ford After working for about 27 years for Arcata High School, Norma Watson has decided to retire. When I asked what her craziest experience was, she said, “Probably when one student wanted to see how many
Habanero peppers he could eat. When he tried to do this, other students thought it would be fun and decided to join him,” Watson said. Multiple students were coming in sick, and the line was out the door. Some of these students even had to go home because they were so sick. Imagine that busy day! Only Mrs. Watson could handle that! Watson is going to miss the students most of all. She’s enjoyed her time here at Arcata High, and will surely be missed. Her last official day is February 22nd, so everyone remember to stop by and give your good-
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Wednesday, October 2, 2013
News
There are some new staff members Gillen Martin
was offered the job of principal at Community Day. After ave you noticed a only two years of principaling, new face around Community Day shut down and campus? Rusty Sahlberg did miscellaneous jobs scruff and one ear- with schools in our district, inring? Most likely telling you to cluding teaching history at Six get to class? Chances are it’s our Rivers. But now, Sahlberg is new Dean of Students Mark back at Arcata High (except for Sahlberg. After our beloved ex- teaching study skills fourth and dean Tahnia Campbell stepped sixth periods at Six Rivers). down at the end of last year, The staff happily welcomes deciding to go back to teaching him: “He’s got a great personalto get more time with her fam- ity...energetic and enthusiastic. ily, Sahlberg stepped up and re- The staff is feeling really good sumed the position. about him. I think the kids will Sahlberg has had a long his- come to enjoy his presence too,” tory with Arcata High, he even Principal Dave Navarre comdid his student teaching here. mented. Five years ago (2008), students This year, Sahlberg is tackling also called him Dean, until he our school-wide safety plan, Editor-in-Chief
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Zoe Ziegler
Reporter ith the addition of three new teachers to the staff at Arcata High, the campus just got awesome-er. Elizabeth Borges, Alex Kantner, and Jennifer Coriell— you’ve probably heard of them, or maybe you haven’t, but I’m here to introduce them to you. All three teachers already had a connection with AHS before they started working here. Kantner worked as a teacher here before he left to get his degree in Buddhist Studies at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. Now back at AHS as an English teacher, he says he is lucky to have found his way back to this part of the world. “I appreciate a community whose values are not guided by the pernicious, dominant narrative
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of mainstream American culture,” Kantner said. Humboldt has such a rich community in the arts without it being a big, busy city, and Kantner says that it really is the “best of both worlds.” Borges, who works in English Language Development, is also an Arcata enthusiast. “I love AHS,” she said, “I’m an alumni so it's a little strange being on campus again, but it's wonderful.” Coriell is an AHS graduate as well who, about four years ago, worked as a student teacher under Mr. Johnson. “I LOVE it! I can’t think anything else I would rather be doing,” she said. Like most teachers here at AHS, these three are inspired by what can be taught aside from the normal textbook curriculum. Borges decided to teach high school students for
but his main priority remains attendance and discipline. His goal goes beyond punishments. Rather, Sahlberg aims to make attendance relevant to real life: “I want to make it so kids have the skills to be reliable and get places on time when they leave Arcata High.” To do this, he and the administration are working on implementing a school-wide tardy policy (at the moment we only have tardy policies for specific classes). “Always trying to think of ways to keep kids in class,” Sahlberg commented. He is also an avid believer in clear communication “being positive and understanding, but also holding students accountable for their actions.”
“I want students to realize the opportunity they have here at Arcata High and be the best they can be,” Sahlberg said. We’re excited to have him back and to see what he will bring to the job. “Sahlberg comes with experience, he’s done the job before. He also brings positive vibes to the campus,” ex-dean Campbell said. Sahlberg said he is excited for, “Connecting with students...working on the admin team with Navarre and Monge... and just being back on the Arcata campus with its students and staff.” His love of Arcata shines clear and true, “This is the best high school on the planet.”
the same reason. “I feel that the high school age is when students really feel like they understand what type of person they are going to become, and I wanted to be a part of that process,” Borges said.
Coriell likes to look past simply memorizing dates and events. She said her goal is “to get kids who think they hate history to actually love it and to hopefully have them see why past events really do shape the world we live in today.” As for advice, Coriell says, “stop worrying so much about what people think of you, you are probably amazing just as you are!” When asked why he chose to teach, Kantner explained, “English was my strongest subject, but I am more interested in the broader development of human beings.” Similarly, Borges stated, “I chose to become a teacher because I knew I wanted to inspire students.” That was years ago, and now our teachers get to come full circle, inspiring us and believing in us, with all their awesomeness, to achieve our full potential.
You are probably amazing just as you are! - Jennifer Coriell Kantner also values progressive teaching styles. “My students laugh at me,” he said, “because I start class by ringing my bell. It substitutes the loud clang of the [school] bells that rev you up.” Kantner says he likes to give the students a “moment of silence for them to clear their heads.”
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
News
The Pepperbox | Page 20
Finally, clubbing with Simms Gillen Martin Editor-in-Chief
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ince the beginning of last year, Arcata High has felt the comical, youthful presence of a new teacher-- Jason Simms-Lee. After a wild first year at AHS: teaching Biology and Global Life Science, while acquiring an impressive student fan-base, Simms is ready to make a difference. As well as still teaching Biology and Independent Study this year (and helping out with the Pacific Union School garden), Simms will also be working his hardest to implement a new class for next year: Global Solutions Academy. Global Solutions Academy (Globes for short, to avoid sharing an acronym with already-existent GSA) will be a class centered around intrinsic motivation, meaning that Simms will be more of an advisor than a teacher. Intrinsic motivation is motivation based on being interested and passionate about what you are doing rather than just working toward a grade or doing assignments solely to get points. “This class is important because students learn best by doing. I believe some students do not have the opportunity to engage with their peers in real world problem solving,” Simms commented. The first few weeks of Globes will be spent learning about environmental and social problems and their solutions. From there, students will choose projects based upon their in-
dividual interests that they will work on (either alone or collaboratively with other students) for the majority of the year. These projects will be geared toward improving our environmental and social conditions and promoting the spread of information, “Global Solutions Academy is created to be meaningful to students because they pick and design projects that are interesting and important to them while also helping the world in some way,” Simms explained. “The project I am interested in is composting education,” said Globes member Mitchell Monge, “Many people who live in urban areas don’t have access to composting.” During one of the Globes meetings Simms stated that, “Students need to be able to do what they want to do while also being responsible.” The hope is that each student in the class will be given about two hundred dollars to start their project off with. We all hear horrifying things about the environment: we are past the tipping point, the point of no return, that more than half of the worlds initial ice has melted, that with our society’s rate of deforestation our atmosphere will never be truly pure again. “Many people hear the doom and gloom about the environment, war, and crime in the news, but this is actually the most peaceful time in recorded history. What most don’t realize is that almost every environmental and social
problem we have has a solution right now,” Simms said. Instead of only hearing the problems, Simms is trying to help spread the solutions. According to the AP Environmental Science textbook we have 50-100 years to make crucial changes in our way of life. Living in Environment (AP Edition) states that our generation is the major part of the “transition generation”, which will “decide what path humanity takes”. After proposing his idea to the Administration, Globes is lined up to become an Arcata High class next year if enough interest and funds are raised this year. To do that, Simms and a fearless group of proactive students including Dhiren Suryadevara, Mitchell Monge,
and Soloman Reinman will be running it as a club this year. “I think this is a great way for students to understand the problems affecting us and the rest of the world. We’re kind of isolated where we are in the country. I think the projects can offer solutions to address these problems,” commented Suryadevara. The club will fund raise and hopefully work together one large project. They had their first meeting on Friday, September 6th at lunch and came up with a very healthy turn out. Meetings will continue to be held Fridays at lunch. If interested in Globes, show up to a meeting or check out the website made by Simms, Suryadevara, and Monge at www.globalsolutionsacademy.org.
The Pepperbox | Page 21
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Feature
Life touch vs. Arcata studio Nash Karp Feature Editor
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ast year, like many Arcata high students, I wore black. It just happened to be picture day. This was the day when many students among myself and I were infected with floating head disease. Floating head disease is defined as when the background of the photo matches the color of your upper body thus resulting in a floating head. This is related to hairless head disease (when your hair matches the background) and no face disease (when your skin color matches the background). These severe diseases occurred last year when Arcata high switched from Life Touch to Arcata Photo Studios. Arcata Pho-
cause I’m a “flow with the wind” kind of guy, I claimed my ID and walked away thinking this would be the last I would really see it. However, many students were not as forgiving of the situation as me. Photos were purchased by family members to be cherished forever were now eye-grabbing portraits for the wrong reason. The buzz of Arcata High was about the photo disaster bringing humorous joy to some and confused inquiries to others. Even as I continued with my life, I saw people noticing my ID, but it was not for my stunning half-smile I’ve perfected over many gruesome years of practicing with selfies. I would use my ID at many local stores to get a generous discount. I would watch as the clerk looked at my ID, looked back at
Even as I continued with my life, I saw people noticing my ID, but it was not for my stunning halfsmile I’ve perfected over many gruesome years of practicing with selfies. - Nash Karp
to Studios decided to implement a black background behind the students’ cheesing faces. When I received my student identification I was shocked at the results. My body-less portrait grazed the small, framing square. The only indication of my body was the small panda on my sweatshirt, barely noticeable. But be-
me to check for a body. I carried floating head disease wherever I went. As I walked into the gym this year to take my last high school photo ever, I spotted the usual set up of lights and cameras but the employees were wearing Life Touch shirts. My floating head disease has now been cured. Instead of a floating
head I will have a classy, tiltedhead portrait where I smile like an angel in front of the cheesy backdrop with the Life Touch logo in the corner. Sorry small business but corporation beat you out. But this time the better man won for the right reason; they were better. It is a true David vs. Goliath story where Goliath crushes David. Arcata Photo Studios is still an incredible studio that has many suc-
cessful portfolios of senior, wedding, family, and much more photos but when it comes to the usually tacky school photo: Life Touch won. I hope Arcata Photo Studios will eventually find success in the area of school photos and I wish them good luck in their future endeavors. However, Life Touch has won the battle, and my face and body will grace their finished product.
Photo courtesy of Arcata Photo Studio
Photo courtesy of Arcata Photo Studio
Sophomore Max Wrigley Senior Nash Karp poses for his flaunts a floating head for last school picture last year. He appeared as a disembodied head. year’s school pictures.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Feature
The Pepperbox | Page 22
New faces at Arcata High Lauren Blake Reporter
Rita Maglio - Germany
What’s something that’s very different about America? In P.E. we would never walk laps in Germany!
Julius Thoben- Germany
Estela Cabezas - Spain
Robin Bonn - Germany
What’s a misconception that Americans have about Germany? That everybody wears lederhosen.
What’s a stereotype you’ve found true about Americans? That you stereotype people (Jocks, preps, etc.)
What’s your favorite American food? Fried chicken What’s the first word you think of when I say “United States”? ‘Murica
Gocke Aslan - Turkey
Alex Rialet - France
Sven Fischer - Germany
Fadi Ayoub - Jordan
What’s the worst someone has said your name? “Goat cheese”
What’s your least favorite American food? Chocolate and cheese
What American stereotypes have you found to be true? That they’re lazy
What’s the worst stereotype you’ve heard about your country? That we go to school by camel
The Pepperbox | Page 23
Feature
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Fadi Ayoub on Syrian refugees gion as it has become. Now in Jordan, “some people want the News Editor United States to strike Syria or almost three years, [and] some people don’t.” Now, Jordanians are closely images of wounded ciwatching the events in Syria, vilians -- men, women, and children -- have and dealing with the crisis is been broadcast into the United “getting routine.” Fadi’s close States. Viewers heard, watched family does not watch a lot of and read about children who news. His relatives, however, were playing in the street dying do. “[The news] is always on because of nation-wide shelling. Syria [in Jordan],” Ayoub said. Fadi spoke of the future of They heard, watched, and read about the rebels taking control Syria: “I think [the civil war] will of major cities like Aleppo and last for a year and a half. And Homs, and running through then al-Assad will be killed.” He “sniper alleys” to safely move went on to say that he thinks through the city. For almost the Muslim Brotherhood, an Isthree years, the Syrian govern- lamist political party known for ment under President Bashar its harsh restrictions on womal-Assad has been at war with en’s rights and brief leadership its people; and the conflict has of Egypt, will then take over. Syria’s future will also afaffected the surrounding counfect Jordan. “Jordan will fit for tries, such as Jordan. Fadi Ayoub is an Arcata High three million [people],” Ayoub School exchange student from said. However, more Syrian Zarqa, a city near the center of refugees means more demand Jordan. Life in Jordan is “Nor- for Jordan’s resources. Accordmal,” Ayoub said, “it’s peaceful.” ing to the United Nations RefJordanians wake up, eat, and ugee Agency, 516,000 Syrian go to work or school. They wait refugees reside in Jordan. That for their primary meal: lunch. population is the second largest In school, students from every among countries near Syriagrade attend the same classes. -larger than Egypt’s 110,000, According to Ayoub, “Each Iraq’s 160,000, or Turkey’s 459,000. The only country grade has the same classes.” Fadi is also from a country with a larger population of Syrwith the second largest popu- ian refugees in Lebanon, which lation of Syrian refugees, and has 712,000 refugees. “I think the fourth largest border with we will need more food for the refugees.” Ayoub added, “A lot Syria. According to Ayoub, the Syr- of Syrians will replace Jordaian crisis was not watched as nians’ jobs.” Ayoub relates the closely in the beginning as it Syrian refugee crisis to the earis now. The Jordanians “were lier Palestinian refugee crisis in making...jokes,” Ayoub said. Jordan. Threats in the Middle East, They didn’t believe Syria would be as revolutionary for the re- perceived or real, have generat-
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New exchange student Fadi Ayoub poses in front of Arcata High. ed a fear of Islam in the United States. Since the attacks of September 11th, the fear has grown exponentially. Ayoub wanted to remind us, that “the media gives a wrong view of Islam.” Though Ayoub is a Christian, he recog-
nizes that skeptics fear Islam because of the acts of the few and not the beliefs of the plenty. He suggests that those who fear Islam should go to a Muslim country to find out what Islam truly is.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Sports
The Pepperbox | Page 24
Benchwarmers: Stars on the risers Hannah Finley Reporter
& Neel Rao Reporter
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he tension is palpable in the air as the score is tied with a mere ten seconds remaining on the clock. The Arcata Tigers score the final touchdown to win the game and the crowd roars with excitement. As the field begins to clear, congratulations are expressed where they are due. However, what about the people that didn’t start in the game or have the chance to lead the team to victory with the final touchdown? Who gives the unfortunate few who were condemned to the bench--the superb sideliners, if you will-the recognition they deserve? Well, it’s about time to sit back and admire, not the lead scorer for once, but every other member that contributes to the team. Recognize the determination of Jessie Sloss, one of 10 freshmen on the Arcata JV volleyball team, who has been playing for three years. Although she is not yet a starter, she makes her own contributions to the team. Jessie believes that she contributes to the team by pushing other people in practice, and having a positive, up-beat attitude toward the game when she isn’t out on the court. When Jessie was asked about her opinion of the starting lineup chosen by the coaches, she claimed, “I think they’re play-
ing deserving players and going off of how the player performs in practice; it’s fair.” However, she also expressed a desire for more minutes on the court. Jessie denies ever having to ice her butt after long games spent on the bench, but it’s hard to believe that one could simply walk away so easily from that incredible feat of athleticism. Zoe Elloway-Wonenberg is a bored, broken benchwarmer. Well, not exactly; she actually doesn’t mind not starting and believes the coaches do a satisfactory job of playing people fairly. Overall, Zoe agrees with the starting lineup. Zoe’s worst complaint about being on the sidelines is the view from the bench. Her view of the court became a quite heated topic as she described how the coaches and refs would stand directly in front of her, obstructing her view. Zoe also mentioned, “I hate how many of the fields at HealthSport are lopsided so you can’t see the whole field from certain angles.” #TheStruggleIsReal Contrary to the beliefs of the JV volleyball coach, Janna Walsh, many may argue that the role of a benchwarmer is insignificant. According to Janna, “Team unity and positive reinforcement from the bench can be a teams strongest attribute.” Players that don’t start can still push others to play hard in practice and keep the team positive during games. Janna also mentioned former AHS student athlete Taylor Gleave, manager
Errol Funk/PEPPERBOX
AHS varsity volleyball players warm the bench during a long game. of the varsity volleyball team sity volleyball team to win the for three years after an injury league championship. The JV prevented her from playing. and Varsity coaches both agree Gleave largely contributed to that a player on the bench can the team by rallying the team be just as important as a star on as well as the crowd. She never the court. So next time the score allowed the atmosphere on the is tied and the stress level is at court become negative, even an all time high, take a second to when the score was unfavor- sit back and appreciate the enable. Her constant cheering and thusiasm and positive attitude support helped lead the var- of the players on the bench.
Sports
The Pepperbox | Page 25
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
The return of seasonal mohawks Brooke Coelho Junior Sports Editor
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ohawks. A trendy hairstyle that leaves both sides of the head shaven and a nice strip of hair down the middle. It’s a popular “do” that gets overlooked, but not by the boys soccer team! Why does the boys soccer team sport the fashionable look each fall? Is it for team bonding? The stares? Or is it for the looks? Usually done before a sections game or pre-season, the seasonal cutting of the mohawks have been a part of team spirit since 2007. Senior Dayne Deppe refers to it as “a pledge”. A once-ayear team bonding experience where the upperclassmen have the chance to shave underclassmen’s heads. And what better place is there to do just that, but at a spaghetti feed. It’s not a quiet environment at this spaghetti feed, boys bring their clippers, questioning begins about who shaves who and who’s going to mess up. The first swipe of the clipper grazes the hair on the side of the head, hair trickles down to ground and the shaving commences. There’s loud nonsense between underclassmen and strategic planning amongst the upperclassmen. Cutting the mohawk is one thing, but what’s the reasoning behind it? In the words of senior Chris Cherms, “Its tradition and we just carry it on like the seniors before us did.” The old tradition of mohawks still continues to live on. The new tradition of shaving
the eyebrows and fades is just making a break through. Georgie Cavinta, a senior on the boys soccer team says, “We did the eyebrows to leave something behind. A legacy.” Who got the blunt of the worst? Some say Collin Townsend others say Zane Stromberg, but who’s really to say, senior boys did chop their hair. “It’s different.” Collin Townsend said. Zane Stromberg describes his mohawk as awful. Now the cutting of the mohawk is more for team bonding than anything else. Unlike in the past they got them for luck. Going around school can be tough when your hair is unevenly shaven and fades aren’t straight. Students question why the boys soccer team does the mohawk thing and they’re certainly are positive and negative reactions. “Dear God why?” Delaney Rice questions. While on the other hand AnaMae
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t’s over-rated, it takes away the focus from the game, what matters is what happens on the field. - AHS graduate Casey Coelho
McGoldrick believes that mohawk cutting is a good thing for team bonding. But what do former players of the Arcata High Boys soccer team believe, 2010 AHS graduate and former soccer player Casey Coelho said,
“It’s over-rated, it takes away the focus from the game, what matters is what happens on the field.” There are some that choose not to get a mohawk like junior Russ Taylor; “it’s more aerodynamic”. Although it may seem arrow dynamic to him, some feel that the team lost because of him. From the positive and negative reactions, the boys soccer team carries on the mohawk tradition with no intention of having them for luck. They choose to get mohawks. The seasonal shave of the mohawk is simply for team bonding, not for looks. Right: Senior Georgie Cavinta flaunts his shaved eyebrow.
Jesse Bareilles/PEPPERBOX
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Sports
The Pepperbox | Page 26
Football Suffers Loss of Seniors Photo Editor
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Indigo Davis/PEPPERBOX
Many of this year’s players are new to the sport, and experience is key.
Shown above from top left to bottom right are Connor Cox, Tyler Courtemanche, Brandon Dunsing, Ethan Bush, and Logan Minnick, the five returning varsity players from last year. “Many of this year’s players are which will hopefully form an new to the sport, and experi- even stronger team next year. ence is key,” Filippini also said. Cox urges students to still come The loss of 14 seniors defi- to games and show their supnitely leaves the school won- port. The Arcata High School dering how our football season football team will always be inwill go this year. Do last year’s spired and motivated by the Big underclassmen have what it 5 winners of 2012, and incomtakes to step into the shoes of ing Andrew Deharts and Aleric the starting nine seniors? This Stones will try their hardest to year is a rebuilding season, follow in their footsteps.
- Coach Dave Filippini last year’s team was undefeated because they had a lot of experience, and had all played together since they were in youth football. He also expressed how much he appreciates this year’s seniors being out on the field. Filippini said the 2012-13 team is in a “slow rebuilding process.”
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ourteen seniors + nine returning starters = 12-0 record in league and one game away from state. Arcata High School’s 2012-13 football team was undefeated, with the quarterback, the entire defensive line, and the tailbacks all being seniors. Last year was the first time in eight years that the team had hosted a sections game. So far this year the team is 0-4, having only nine seniors on the field. This leaves many of the student body wondering if our team can bring us success again. Some of the seniors from last year have moved on to play college football. Aleric Stone, Arcata High’s 2012-13 linebacker and running back, now plays for College of the Redwoods. “It’s hard to play without my brothers,” Stone said, when asked what it’s like to be on a different team. Stone said that winning the Big 5 last year “fueled his thirst of blood.” Edgar Madero, Arcata’s defensive and offensive lineman, also plays for College of the Redwoods. Andrew DeHart, last year’s star offensive lineman and linebacker, has moved on to play football at Cabrillo Community College. Arcata High’s 2012-13 team became family after having an undefeated record in league. Arcata High School junior, star running back, and linebacker Connor Cox said, “We have...9 seniors on our team and only 5 returners.” Tyler Courtemanche, Ethan Bush, Logan
Minnick, and Brandon Dunsing are the only returners from last year. This means that many younger classmen will have to step up and replace the lost seniors. Ethan Bush also stressed the fact that not only did the team lose seniors, but they also lost a coach. “The loss of Coach Sanchez affected our team a lot. In my opinion he was the best defensive coach I’ve ever had,” said Bush. Coach Sanchez was crucial setting up the defense with last year’s undefeated team. Although Sanchez is gone, the team still has a strong coach, Dave Filippini. Filippini believes
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Indigo Davis
(707) 826-0559 P.O. Box 2041, Mickinleyville CA, 95519
The Pepperbox | Page 27
Sports
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Underclassmen dominate the field makes or breaks a team." With such a young team Junior Photo Editor there are three freshmen in the oes age really mat- starting lineup. Vanessa Holter? It seems like the land--“Monster” as her teamanswer to that ques- mates affectionately call her--is tion is a definite, no, at one of the three, said, “It’s excitleast when it comes to the girl’s ing and feels good starting.” varsity soccer team. “It’s a step up from what I’m “We are a young team, but used to playing” said Freshmen we are playing beautiful soccer.” Ashley Quigley, who is used to Patrick Stranahan, the third playing against girls her own year coach of the girl’s varsity age and size. Now the 5’2’’ freshsoccer team stated, smiling at men is going up against girls 4 half-time of their match against years older, 6 inches taller, and Ferndale, on September 11. The team came out with a 12-1 win Nash Karp/PEPPERBOX over the Wildcats. I think the new Freshmen Ashley Quigley, Vanessa Holland, and Maya Zambas The team has a spotless refaces in the line kick around a soccer ball during P.E. cord in league so far this year. “I think the new faces in the up this year are line up this year are almost like almost like secret secret weapons, you can throw them in and our opponents weapons, you have no clue what to expect can throw them from them. I think it’s a total advantage--something most in and our opof the other teams we’re playponents have no ing against don’t know how to handle”, Claire Bareilles, one of clue what to exthe three captains, stated in an pect from them. interview. “So different”, is how seI think it’s a total nior captain Brooke Coelho deadvantage. scribed this year’s underclassmen-dominated team from last year’s senior-dominated team. - Claire Bareilles, 9th The roster went from having ten seniors to having ten sophomores and from having three freshmen to having three ju- 50 pounds heavier. “I’m ready niors, two of which are in play- for the challenge.” Quigley stating condition. ed with a giggle. Assistant coach and German Come out and support your teacher Carolyn Bradish-Ba- Arcata girls varsity soccer team, reilles believes that, “age doesn’t and you can decide for yourself affect a team’s quality,” but “ex- if the youngsters have what it perience and skills are what takes to win league.
Jesse Bareilles
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Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Sports
The Pepperbox | Page 28
Cheerleaders discover golf as a sport Sports Editor
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riple bogies and the smell of fresh cut grass, might not be the first thing you think of when you hear the word fun, but with blossoming newcomers Makayla Orlandi, Taylor Mckenny and Morgan Brown, fun is exactly what this year is on the AHS girls golf team. These ex -cheerleaders have been making a name for themselves lately on the course. Without the help of a caddie, the ladies have to haul their clubs around for eighteen holes, but after enduring a few seasons of cart wheeling around a gym floor and getting hoisted up into the air, this is just a walk in the park, literally.
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Our threads are unmatched: argyle sweater and skirts, golfers just have more swag. -Taylor Mckenny, 12th
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Although only a month has passed since they have gripped their first club, they are on the road to success: “For a new group they are improving sig-
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nificantly; if they played year round they could be good. In our last three tournaments, our scores have been getting
I like to live a normal life, getting out of practice at nine p.m wasn’t really working for me, golf has also been less dramatic -Morgan Brown, 11th
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Errol Funk
increasingly better,” girls golf coach Troy Ghisetti explained. The question still remains, why the switch to golf? But it’s simple: “I like to live a normal life. Getting out of practice at nine p.m wasn’t really working for me, golf has also been less dramatic,” Morgan Brown said. Along with being able to have a life, there are other perks that come with playing golf. There are relaxing afternoon practices which are nice, and their outfits. “Our threads are unmatched: argyle sweaters and skirts, golfers just have more swag”, Taylor Mckenny said simply. Golf seems to be a sport consisting of players aimed at self success, however an alliance has formed between the three ex-cheerers and Willow Smith; they call themselves the “Fab Four”. When asked about the nature of their group members they said, “We’re a group of prestigious, attractive and highly narcissistic golfers destined
Errol Funk/PEPPERBOX
Seniors Makayla Orlandi and Talor Mckenny pose with their golf equipment in front our fine school. to do great things. Our motto: we get holes in one on and off the course”. There may be a little bit of added hype about how good they actually are seeing how three out of the four have only played for a month, but that’s beside the point Moving forward this season the Fab Four will do their best to make additions to their game. However reminiscent of their cheerleading past, they’ll have to set aside the emotions and
carry on for the betterment of the team, “I’ll miss performing in front of the of people,” Orlandi said. Even though the girls won’t exactly be LPGA ready by season’s end, there will still be a love for the game. “It’s only been a month and half since I started playing, but I’ll lace up, hit the driving range and sink my puts long after my high school career is over,” Orlandi said. The future is looking bright for our newcomers out on the course.
Opinion
The Pepperbox | Page 29
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Stereotypes and age differences in high school Sophomores: They ooze with bad energy. As second year students, sophomores think they know everything about high school, and they absolutely despise freshmen, even though they were one only three months previously. The highlight of sophomore year is most likely getting your driver’s license, then Vera Heidmann stealing the parking spaces of Opinion Editor the upperclassmen. Did you nyone who hasn’t know that “sophomore” means been living under a “wise fool” according to original rock their whole life Greek roots? knows about the stereotypical high school social f it’s spirit day, food chain. and you’re wearSeniors: ing orange, Sit at the top, fearless of high school, but fearful of next year. somebody might They think four years of high mistake you for a school is definitely too many. caution cone. And They can feel the pride of being a senior...at least for the first let’s be honest, peofew weeks. The epidemic of seple arent afraid to nioritis will continue to infect run over those. new batches of seniors every year until the end of time. Juniors: Even with the year of stressing Freshmen: and testing looming over them They flounder at the bottom of like a dark rain cloud, juniors the social pyramid. They are stay positive. They are over the either too afraid to even look slump they might have had dur- at an upperclassmen, or are too ing sophomore year. They final- obnoxious for their own good. ly get to be an upperclassmen. They try hard to fit in, but are Does that mean not caring in automatically hated because the slightest, and giving every they walk on the wrong side teacher hell? Maybe for some. of the hallway, block the lockHowever, most juniors are too ers, and meander really slowly busy staying up all night, every through the middle of the parknight, to do their homework for ing lot where the cars are suptheir five AP classes. How could posed to drive. Seriously, if it’s they even find the energy to be spirit day, and you’re wearing anything but thoroughly ex- orange, somebody might mistake you for a caution cone. hausted most of the time?
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And let’s be honest, people aren’t afraid to run over those. Given all of this “valuable” information, the big questions people may ask are “so what?” and “who cares?” and “what’s the big deal?” The biggest question of all should be “Why can’t we break down the stupid pyramid, and just be friends with each other?” What a novel concept. It is rare for a senior to be friends with a freshmen. It is especially rare for people in high school who have such a large age gap to date each other. Many people believe that a one or two year age gap is okay in high school relationships, but that three years is pushing it. This may seem odd, because adults who are ten or even twenty years apart have relationships all the time. However, in high school it is different, because at that age, the brain is still developing, and therefore people have very different maturity levels. Then again, who knows? Infatuation knows no age limit...within reason-
able standards of course, since a junior in high school probably shouldn’t be dating a sixth grader. Wouldn’t that be baby sitting? Anyway, in the subject of friendship, we must believe that everyone is a lovely person on the inside; even if we have to dig all the way down to their toes to find their loveliness. Because I fear angry mobs, I would like to say that, in all seriousness, freshmen and sophomores are bright and beautiful. They have been amazing this year, in fact, and they certainly deserve better treatment than they normally get. To give you a strange comparison, people are like wellpackaged fruit. When you take the time to peel away all of the ridiculous labels, and handle them with care, you get to see what they truly are on the inside. So, juniors, give a freshmen a hug. Seniors? Give a svophomore a ride. That person might be the coolest person you will ever meet, or even the love of your life, if you just get to know them.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
A&E
The Pepperbox | Page 30
ArMack’s double feature film Rachael Green
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A&E Editor
re you bored with the regular routines of Arcata? Looking for an activity to enjoy with friends? Are you sick and tired of going to the movie theatre? The ArMack Orchestra has the perfect solution with the annual Silent Film performance! With shows from October 17th to 19th in Arcata High’s MPR and October 26th to 29th in McKinleyville High’s MPR there is ample opportunity to enjoy the amazing musical talents of fellow tigers. This year’s performance will be unique to the silent film tradition in doing not one, but two incredible films. The double feature will begin with a short showing of "Two Tars" with Laurel & Hardy, then continue with the main feature, "Sherlock Holmes Jr." starring Buster Keaton. These films are both
comedies with mystery and action-filled plot twists. For those of you unfamiliar with these silent classics, here’s what to know! “Two Tars” (1928) Two wild sailors on leave (Laurel & Hardy) decide to pick up some beautiful women for an evening in the countryside. Unfortunately, they proceed to get caught in a traffic jam. The impatience of others caught in the traffic jam rises until a collision causes chaos. “Sherlock Holmes Jr.” (1924) The main character, Sherlock Jr., is a projectionist (in our genAfter two minutes [the audience] forgets that there is an orchestra there!
- Carol Jacobson eration he might be a movie theatre attendant) as well as an aspiring detective who has fallen in love with a beautiful woman. Unfortunately, he is not alone in his adoration. He and another charming young man attempt to win her over with expensive chocolates neither man can afford. In the midst of the courtship, Sherlock Jr. is accused of stealing and is banned from seeing his true love. Dismayed he goes to work and projects a movie about a stolen necklace. However, during the showing he falls asleep projecting himself into the picture as well as fellow characters. In his dream, Sherlock attempts to solve the case through a
series of comedic blunders (not to mention some classic stunts) but will he succeed?! Will he get the girl?! Amidst all this excitement we cannot forget what makes these films come to life, the music. Director Carol Jacobson works with her devoted orchestra to create a seamless performance. Each year Carol designs the scores for the performance by combining sheets of music used in the 1920’s. Even the orchestra becomes involved in this process as they cut and paste their own sheet music! After weeks of planning and hours of rehearsal, the orchestra finally comes together to see what they have created. Mrs. Jacobson states, “I think I have the most fun in the end when all the kids see how the music fits with all the scenes on the screen and with the sound effects, they
start to get excited about the movie themselves and they see what an important role they play in the atmosphere for this film.” Beyond the enjoyment students get in seeing their hard work come together, the silent film envelopes the audience. Mrs. Jacobson enthusiastically claims, “after two minutes [the audience] forgets that there is an orchestra there! They will be so involved in the story line and how the orchestra supports this whole atmosphere I think they will be blown away by what their fellow students create.” The Silent film festival has become a unique aspect of ArMack and an event to look forward to in the community. Be sure to bring your friends and family to this incredible experience!
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A&E
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Outside Lands: at land’s end throughout out the weekend, the rain did as well. On the first Reporter day, we were in the middle of he music vibrated the massive crowd waiting for through our bones, Zedd to begin his show. Heat forcing our muscles to had overtaken me and I began pulsate to the beat. The to feel dizzy, until a cool mist crowd moved in waves, herded spraying down on us relieved like cattle into a battle arena. my overheating body. As someSome “festi-goers” even baaed one who has grown up going to like sheep or mooed like cows music festivals my advice to you only adding to the effect. Faint is always have a meeting place. tones played in the background, “You make a plan but then you muffled by the infinite wind get to the festival and all s**t and tall oak trees of Golden Gate hits the fan,” explained Sara McPark. Tapestries were hung in Gregor, a senior at Arcata High branches and lights were strate- School and attendee of Outside gically placed at the base of the Lands. On the first day at the trees, enhancing the euphoric festival McGregor got lost by feeling in your chest as you frol- herself in Zedd’s very concenicked through Chocolands and trated crowd. “It was like trying into Hellman’s Hollow. After to swim upstream, like going walking down the neon framed against the current,” McGregor stairway and onto the lawn you explained. Finding anyone in are immediately immersed in those crowds is improbable, but positive energy. Surrounded by not entirely impossible. There the stages, vendors, and tens of would be times where I would thousands of people, you’ve fi- be in the crowd at a show or nally made it to Outside Lands. walking to the next show and On August 8, 2013, four I would be filled with surprise teenagers and my mother all as I passed by a fellow Arcata climbed into my Subaru For- High Student--but that was just ester and started our five hour about the only way to find peolong journey to what would ple. If your phone had enough prove to be one of the best expe- battery life when you needed to riences of my life. We all woke get a hold of someone, the likeliup bright and early and started hood of you having service was applying our glitz and glam; low to say the least. There were rhinestones were glued to our so many people texting, callfaces and eyeliner was painted ing and uploading that you’d be in cat-eye form. Then we all put lucky to get one text through. on our short shorts, boots, and After losing McGregor in Zedd’s teeny-tiny tank tops. BIG MIS- crowd we tried to tell her to TAKE. As soon as we got out of meet up at a specific ATM but our car and began out walk to confusing directions made this the park our skin was chilled by nearly impossible. We made the overwhelming fog. Though elaborate plans for the festival, the sun peeked out periodically even duck-taping granola bars
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to the backs of our fanny packs in order to sneak them in. After the first day, we realized that Outside Lands “security” was just checking for alcohol. When I was at the bar at Rudimental my friends and I began to talk to a security guard standing in front of us. He explained that the security’s only real concern is hard alcohol. For those who had partaken in a little bit too much drinking, there were EMTs stationed strategically around the crowds. Not all EMTs were there to help though. “I watched an EMT dance over to a girl curled over in her own puke, hand her a barf bag, and dance away. He could have at least given her some water!” exclaimed my mother, Kymber Mayberry, and fellow festival attendee. People in your general area become friends without giving any effort. There were so many names, numbers and stories exchanged that weekend, from the guy that put me on his shoulders at Zedd to a girl who asked us to meet up with
her at SnowGlobe. “I met someone who said they were going to guide me though life,” added McGregor. There was a constant inner battle with knowing you needed to stay hydrated and not wanting to give up the spots you worked so hard to get. Luckily, many people were very generous with their water if you ran out, especially the closer you got to the bar. “Everyone in a crowd can just join together over one song or a band, it’s so awesome!” said Arcata High junior Delaney Goodman. Though festivals of this size are expensive, averaging at about four to five hundred dollars, they are worth every penny. The people, the energy, the venues, it all makes the wonderful memories. Outside Lands was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life where I found new music to fall in love with, new people to reconnect with, and a place I can always go to and be transported back to that unforgettable weekend in August.
Lexi Jacomella/PEPPERBOX
From left to right, seniors Sara McGregor, Lexi Jacomella and Alia Brookshire enjoy the front row at Outside Lands 2013
2013 AHS HOMECOMING NOMINEES
Tigers in the USA! Team Pink Unicorn Nash: “Queen Elizabeth III” Lizbeth: “bleach blonde bum”
Team Team Archie: “bestfriend’s girlfriend” Dallas: “boyfriend’s bestfriend”
Team Georguax Georgie: “beautiful, flawless, taradactalish” Margaux: “handsome, perfect, kinglike”
How would you describe your running partner in 3 words?
Team Brosé José: “rambunctious, driven, stylish” Brooke: “genuine, jokester, stronghearted”
Team Riyden Hayden: “the best ever” Rita: “Gross, nice, stylish”
Homecoming Schedule:
Team Rocket Jimmy: “spunky, funky, fresh” Sara: “fresh, ballin’, musical”
Monday: Sea to Shining Sea
Wednesday: Tigers Got Talent Friday: Orange and Black
Tuesday: All American Athlete
Thursday: Camo/Country
Hawaiin/Tacky Tourist attire Lunch: Ship to Shore nominee game, hula hooping, and limbo Wear your favorite jersey Lunch: Hot shots and four square
Team Viver River: “sea-biscuit, book-worm, runner” Vera: “soft, welldressed, transcendental”
Wear red, white, and blue Lunch: Talent Show Evening: Bonfire 6-8:30
Team TK Tyler: “pink polka dots” Kaitlin: “good football player”
ASSEMBLY Homecoming Parade 1:00 Football game 7:30 Dance @ AHS gym 9:00-12:00
Camoflage or Western Attire Lunch: Free Barbeque & Line Dancing Evening: Hall of Fame induction 6:30