The Pepperbox
October BOX BRIEFS October 6th: Homecoming Parade
October 7th: Volleyball Tournament
October 6th: Homecoming Dance October 28th: ACT Testing October 6th: Homecoming November 4th: SAT Testing October 7th: SAT Testing November 9th: End of Term 2 Want to advertise or buy a mail subscription to the Pepperbox? Email Business Managers Drie Lynn Roberts at pepperbox@nohum.k12.ca.us !
EDITORIAL STAFF Marley Tavernier-Fine Editor-in-Chief
Rachel White Online Editor
Peter Shao Editor-in-Chief
Parker Gray Sports Editor
Jazmine Fielder Art Editor
Riley Martel-Phillips Sports Editor
Fiona Murphy News Editor
Lilly Raschein A&E Editor
Chloe Stemler News Editor
Marlie Thornburgh A&E Editor
Noah Thorwaldson News Editor
Cassie Flint Photo Editor
Jacquelyn Opalach Feature Editor
Zara Elloway-Wonenberg Opinion Editor
Noah Thorwaldson Online Editor
REPORTERS/STAFF Rachel White Social Media Director Drie Lynn Roberts Business Manager Riley Martel-Phillips Jr. Business Manager
Reporters: Izaac Smith, Haley Hill, Hannah Pereira, Brandon Taylor, Jordan Viera, Jeremiah Owenby
IN THE BOX Archives 3 New Teachers 4 Fire 5 Fall Sports 6 Lunch 7 Environment 8 Sister Schools 9 Unity/Panther Pride 10 Locker Rooms/Speak Up 11 Taking a Knee 12 Social Media 13 Homecoming 14 Ag 16 Exchangers 17 DACA 18 Sister Cities 19 Hoco 20 Freshmen Officers 21 Arcata A’s 22 Bucket List 24 Silent Film/MAKERS 25 Superintendent 26 Hallways 27 Questions regarding editorial content of the Pepperbox should be directed 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 WittenLehman
FROM THE ARCHIVES A clip from October 6th, 1983, showing that for as long as AHS students have been driving cars, there’s been plenty of clunkers.
Drie Roberts
Business Manager
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hroughout the 50s through 80s the Pepperbox featured a “Tiger Chariot” and its owner, a car that stood out among the others. In this issue we decided to honor the tradition, and Wyatt Coonrod’s classy ride was an obvious choice. Wyatt’s shabby chic ride is his prize possession. His small, white truck has a working radio and windshield wipers that do sometimes work. His car hits the high speed of 50 mph on the freeway, making his ride extremely safe and reliable, as he always drives under the speed limit! Wyatt’s car has an interesting history, he bought the car with no speakers, and soon after refurbished the sound system making it high tech and modern with his homemade custom wood panel speakers. This vintage clunker is all Wyatt needs, “I hope my car will run for a long time even though it has 300,000 miles,” Wyatt says. Wyatt informed us about his car’s history saying, “a lot of the 300,000 miles were done running from the cops south of the border smuggling drugs”. He believes this because there were tons of hide away places perfect for stashing the “Good Good”. This smuggling vehicle was topped off with a Mexican flag sticker on the inside, and a transformer sticker on the hood.
Drie Roberts/PEPPERBOX
HOMECOMING - Students Issue Warning: “Warriors, BEWARE!” Even back in 1989, the Pepperbox still made sure to capture the spirit of homecoming in its pages.
The Pepperbox | Page 4
News
Friday, September 6th, 2017
Meet the teachers, old and new Rachel White Online Editor
Rachel White/PEPPERBOX
Rachel White/PEPPERBOX
Emily Adams smiles as she sits at her desk in her office.
Rachel White/PEPPERBOX
Jeff Boydstun poses for a photo in front of the gym.
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eff Boydstun is a full-time P.E. and Health teacher in the Nohum School District, he teaches his first period at Arcata High and he teaches the rest of his classes at Mckinleyville High School. His last job at Arcata High was in 2012, and he has been teaching for 26 years. Boydstun is from Huntington Beach, CA and likes to go bass fishing in his free time. He became a teacher because he comes from a family of teachers and wanted to coach football, and despite not currently coaching, it seemed like the right career choice at the time and still is. Boydstun’s favorite color is red, and his favorite spot in Humboldt is his house, when the time is right.
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mily Adams is a part-time counselor (A-E, here on Monday 8am-12pm and Tuesday-Thursday), but due to Ms. Olsen’s absence she is temporarily full time (A-I). She was hired at the beginning of the second semester last year and has been working at Arcata High since February. She is currently working on her Master’s Degree. Adams is from San Bernardino, CA and likes to participate in spoken word poetry, rock climbing, and has recently been busy planning her wedding, causing most of her hobbies to be put on hold. She became a counselor because of an experience when she substituted as a counselor and she felt as though she had found her calling. Adams’ is partially color blind, but her favorite color is blue when she can see it and her favorite places to be in Humboldt are Moonstone Beach and Patrick’s Point.
Danielle Lehman discusses an article with a student in her journalism class.
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anielle Lehman is a fulltime returning English and Journalism teacher. She taught at Arcata High in 2004 and was last here in 2014. She left to get her Master’s Degree in English Education at Columbia University while she was a writing coach at Berkeley. During her absence she also did digital storytelling. Lehman is from the Livermore, CA (East Bay) and likes to hike, run, read, write, go to the movies, and see live music in her free time. She became a teacher because she loves working with teenagers and she feels like she’s making the world a better place by helping students find their voice. The job also lets her be creative. Lehman’s favorite color is turquoise and her favorites spots in Humboldt are Moonstone Beach and the farmer’s market, when the sun is out.
Rachel White/PEPPERBOX
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imberlin Demlow-Phillips (recently married and transitioning from the name Phillips to Demlow) is a full-time Marine and regular Biology teacher in the Nohum School District. She has first period biology at Arcata High and her other classes are taught at Mckinleyville High School. She has been teaching for 14 years. Demlow is from Eureka, CA and a Eureka High School graduate. She likes to paint on her free time, but most of the time she is busy with her three kids (ages range from 3-9) and their activities. She became a teacher because of a biology study group in her third year of college when one of her peers told her she would be a great teacher after explaining something to the study group. After she did some research on the career choice, she decided it was the right fit. Demlow’s favorite color is purple and her favorite spot in Humboldt is Wedding Rock at Patrick’s Point.
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News
Friday, September 6th, 2017
Burning up the North Coast Jacquelyn Opalach Feature Editor
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he Northwest is on fire. Maybe you knew it but didn’t realize it until you stepped outside some Sunday morning in late August to find yourself immersed in musty smoke and thinking about s’mores. It was hot but not the kind of hot we Humboldtians look forward to. The air gave off an unpleasant insulated mugginess that promotes a sort of uncomfortable sweaty feeling. Or maybe the fires went unnoticed by you until that football game was cancelled due to the smoke. Maybe you tried to take a trip to Redding to soak up the last few moments of summer, but couldn’t because the 299 was closed. You’re probably also aware of the current hurricanes occupying the Gulf of Mexico, but you may not know just how connected these hurricanes are to our local whether. Jason Ownbey, Director of Fire Equipment and Fleet Maintenance Operations of the US forest service, explained, “Fire
When it comes down to wildland firefighting where seconds count, those seconds may be the difference between life and death . . . When you’re hired to be a firefighter, you’re basically being hired on to do a job that is inherently dangerous. - Jason Ownbey seasons can somewhat be linked to weather patterns going on in the south. Anywhere where there is large air movement, especially in the hurricanes, it disturbs the weather patterns in different areas. It’s a butterfly effect, if you will.” Among other services, Ownbey currently deals primarily with controlling forest fires. He offered a perspective of the fires that many of us cannot comprehend; as coastal high schoolers it is not too difficult to avoid the actual fire and just
Photo courtesy of Jason Ownbey
Fierfighters trek through the forest after a fire.
US forest service fierfighter at work. observe from a distance. But firefighters, true to their name, must face the heat in times like these, for the sake of protecting “life, property, and resources.” Firefighters are obviously vigorously working to combat all the fires right now. Ownbey discussed the intensity of firefighting: “It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” he described. Firefighters are “expected to get up and run a chainsaw or swing a tool for 48 or 72 hours, with minimal breaks, no sleep, hiking up and down 60 percent or 70 percent hills while carrying a hose.” Firefighters must maintain excellent physical condition. “It’s a life change when you become a fireman. You have to maintain a physical status and a good sense of diet to help you get there, because when it comes down to wildland firefighting where seconds count, those seconds may be the difference between life and death,” Ownbey said, “and as extreme as that may sound, the truth of it is that the probability is really high that something can go wrong. When you’re hired
Photo courtesy of Jason Ownbey
to be a firefighter, you’re basically being hired on to do a job that is inherently dangerous.” The recent rain has helped fire control immensely, but locals can lend a hand as well. It’s really not so difficult to help prevent forest fires. You only need to be aware of your surroundings. As Ownbey put it, “Be responsible. Be accountable of what you do.” A lack of consciousness and responsibility has resulted in some of the fires the northwest has seen this year. Ownbey elaborated, “The current fire in Junction City devastated millions of dollars worth of property loss. The way that fire started was people that were recreating were towing a trailer, and they were dragging a chain. So how to prevent? Being smart.” Hopefully in future years individuals will be more mindful of the dangerous consequences that can accompany ignorant actions. Think twice before you walk away from a campfire or toss a cigarette out the window, as these mistakes have been known to ultimately devastate hundreds of acres of forest.
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Sports
Friday, September 6th, 2017
Catching up with fall sports cording to Thornburgh. The team’s number one position goes to Haley Hill, and she believes that,“ Arcata High will have a fighting chance at league this year.” A rising star has also joined the team, according to Hill. Look out for freshman Kendra Flint (number three this year)as she makes her high school debut. Boys Varsity Soccer is returning this season from a very successful season last year, going the furthest in playoffs in Arcata High’s history. Captain and center back, Kirk
Cassie Flint Photo Editor
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rcata High’s student athletes have been grinding since before school even started this year. Tis the season for fall sports, and the excitement is growing as league season starts for most fall sports teams. Last year’s captains have graduated, so who will step up in their place? How will the new coaches (for football and cheerleading) measure up? Here, captains from each team give their expectations or predictions for the games leading up to playoffs. Arcata High’s volleyball program has had success in the past few seasons, winning or tying for league champions 4 years in a row. Captain Kaylin Campbell, a senior middle blocker and hitter, comments on this season so far, saying, “We’re a really talented team so I think we’re going to go a long ways this year.” The varsity volleyball’s team record this season is 13-3, losing three games during out of town tournaments. Their league record is 1-0, destroying Mack in just three games.
Cassie Flint/PEPPERBOX
Soccer captain Faith SchniederReuter playing against Eureka
Briggs, and Matt Majors have given new life to the program, leading the team to victories over Hoopa, Central Valley, and Ferndale. One of the captains, senior Anthony McQueeney, gives insight to this year's success for the football team, “This team was just born with success.” Last season, Arcata High’s Girls Varsity soccer team went undefeated in league, according to senior and captain, Hailey Dawson. With the loss of three seniors this year, will they be able to keep the undefeated record? Third-year varsity player and Captain Faith Schneider-Reuter, a forward, comments her predictions, “We’re going to have to work harder than previous years to fight and win league.” So far this season, the team has continued the legacy of an undefeated league season. Returning this year, the Girls Tennis team is hoping to win league this year after coming up short in second place last season. Cassie Flint/PEPPERBOX Marlie Thornburgh, the number Senior Parker Gray makes a two player on the team, comments, catch “We are a close team, and we are Changes have occurred for the motivated to work hard to beat Varsity football team, and new our record from last year.” This coaches, Jamal Jones, Jordan season has been successful, ac-
Cassie Flint/PEPPERBOX
The cross country team runs hard at a meet
Cassie Flint/PEPPERBOX
The #1 tennis player, Haley Hill
Hakenen predicts that the team, “ Will not lose another game this year.” Girls Golf is also continuing its program with a team of ten, with six girls attending the tournaments. This year they are second in league standings, according to
Cassie Flint/PEPPERBOX
Cheerleaders at practice
Joia Simpson, senior and two-year golf veteran, who also adds, “We are putting in the work to become better as a team and hopefully improve our scores, and beat Mack.” Along with football, Cheerleading has also gained a new head coach, Micheala Baxter. In addition to a new coach, other changes have affected the cheer team this year. The team consists of six dedicated young women, who will represent Arcata High on the sidelines at football games. Senior and the only returning cheerleader, Emily Robbins, comments on what to expect for this year’s highly anticipated half-time routines, “At homecoming we will be performing a shorter halftime routine to the best of the team’s abilities.” Arcata High’s Cross Country team, led by legendary coach James Washington, will compete this year with more ease than ever. Rival and biggest competition Mack, has an incomplete team giving Arcata an advantage. Girl’s captain Riley Martel Phillips believes, “Girls and boys teams will both get first place in division.” Past years have also proven successful for Arcata's Cross Country team because as they generally achieve first or second place in division.
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Food
Friday, September 6th, 2017
Learn about lunchtime favs Noah Thorwaldson Food Editor
Mason Nichols: Freshman Do you go off campus for lunch often? Yeah, everyday. What kind of food do you like? Mexican food and sandwiches. What’s your favorite place to go? Carmela’s. Do you recommend any cheap deals for lunch? The $5 lunch deal at Carmela’s.
Colton Foget:
Sophomore Do you go off campus for lunch often? Everyday. What’s your favorite place to go? Carmela’s. What would you consider a quick and easy lunch? Wildberries, because of their variety. How much do you usually spend on lunch? $5, max.
Melinda Schulze:
Junior Do you go off campus for lunch often? Yes, almost everyday. Do you buy food at the student store frequently? At nutrition break, I buy chex mix or pretzels. What would you recommend for those on a tight budget? Wildberries for a ladybug roll with soup, or Los Bagels to get two cream cheese bagels for the price of one on Tuesdays. How much do you generally spend on lunch? $5-10.
Mia Shope:
Senior Do you go off campus for lunch often? All day, everyday! What has been your favorite place to go throughout high school? Wildberries, because of their WILD variety. What would you recommend for people who want to get food, but are on a tight budget? Wildberries, you can get two veggie egg rolls for 2 bucks!
Arcata Eats: price, quality, and speed Noah Thorwaldson Food Editor
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icture this: you’re sitting in math class, 4th period, as the teacher talks about the Pythagorean theorem and the clock slowly ticks by. Only 5 minutes remain until you’re free to go on lunch break, and your stomach is growling. You’re thinking about going off campus for lunch, but you’re not sure what your options are, and how much money you have to spend. Need some help? Here are some local places that we have rated and given awards to.
Best Place for Your Money: Don’s Donuts and Deli Why? Don’s is a great place to go if you want something quick and inexpensive. They sell very cheap donuts ($1 for ½ dozen donut holes, $1 donuts) and they have good-quality pizza for a low price ($2.50 for a slice of pepperoni or cheese pizza, which is the size of two slices). Don’t forget the ice cream bar!
Good Quality, Big Price: Sushi Tao Why? Sushi Tao has a lot of different sushi rolls to pick from, but their rolls can get up in prices. Their least expensive roll, the California Roll, which comes with crab and avocado, is $6, and one of their most expensive rolls, the Holiday Roll, which is a California roll wrapped in eel, avocado, and salmon, is $11.
Quickest Service: Esteban’s Why? Esteban’s service is very quick: you order, sit down, and within minutes you hear your order called, and your food is ready. It takes only about 11 minutes to walk there from the school, and the wait can vary from either instantaneously up to around 5 minutes, depending on the line.
Noah Thorwaldson//PEPPERBOX
Noah Thorwaldson//PEPPERBOX
Noah Thorwaldson/PEPPERBOX
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Opinion
Friday, September 6th, 2017
The environment won’t wait, take action! Jacquelyn Opalach
Feature Editor ere in Northern California fires are so near we can smell them. Nationally, we have painfully watched Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and now Maria tear up our southern coasts. But aside from domestic national disasters, does the average American citizen really know of the global environmental crises taking place beyond our borders? We sat down with science teacher Earl Peters. With years of observation behind him, Peters had many comments concerning the environment and how it has evolved alongside human influence. He addressed this issue, stating that , “A lot of people don’t know the difference between climate and weather. Weather meaning short term and climate meaning long term. A lot of humans can’t think long term anyway. So they don’t comprehend or care to comprehend the impact of more CO2 and rising temperatures on the planet.” Some argue that climate change and the lack of attention it receives is a reflection of ignorance and carelessness. Folks who fall towards the liberal side of the spectrum argue that a lack of respect turned toward precious environment can unfortunately be attributed to politics. “Science gets denied simply because it produces things contrary to the opinions of a given set of people of a certain political persuasion.” Peters pointed out. The problem: climate change. A major cause? A lack of knowledge and a lack of concern. If this
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continues, humanity is going to be in a dangerous condition, because even though the planet will survive, humans (and all the other organisms trying to coexist alongside us), may not. “You know we’re close to the tipping point on CO2, we might be past it. CO2 is higher than it’s been in recorded history. Geo-
systems fall around the globe there’s going to be probably a lot of starvation. There’s going to be areas that were habitable becoming uninhabitable.” To think that human activity could result in an uninhabitable planet of swampiness is scary and disturbing. What can Americans do about it? The
Jacquelyn Opalach/PEPPERBOX
Teacher Earl Peters strikes a pose with his environmentally aware motorcycle while enjoying the sunshine. logically you can see that CO2 was high, and the Earth was like a swamp,” described Peters. “The thing about ecosystems is that they can only lose so many components before the whole system falls apart. And that’s been shown on smaller scales around the world, especially in marine environments. But if you’re looking at a global scale and we see eco-
sad fact of the matter is that individuals blatantly ignoring the issue may need to be personally impacted in order for expedited change to happen. “You have some people now hit by the hurricanes, who are going, ‘You know what, we should probably talk about climate change. We should talk about CO2. I hate to think that we need more of that or
we’re going to see more of that before things start happening,” Peters predicted. It’s true that in order to fix the problem, many deniers are going to need to admit the existence of global warming. Those aware, however, we can begin to make a difference. So what can you do? The problem needs more attention. Peters suggested, “People could actually write letters, you know communicate with others, really talk about the issue more. Because the silence is strengthening the people who are resistant to any change to economy. It’s ridiculous, but it’s been that way for so long.” Although some have turned a blind eye to our suffering surroundings, many have not and do make little daily efforts to fix the problem. A new conscious population has risen. More and more Americans are understanding that once we start to talk more, we can start to do more. A large segment of this population consists of teenagers. We are the future, and we have and will continue to have a ton of responsibility when it comes to the environment. So start now. Ignore the little voice in your head that claims recycling or composting or riding your bike or shopping at the farmer’s market instead of the supermarket will make no difference. Locally, we live in a place in which it is easy to be eco-friendly, so take advantage of the opportunities you have to help improve the environment with baby steps.
Friday, September 6th, 2017
News
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Sister schools stand up to bigotry Marley Tavernier Fine Jacquelyn Opalach Jazmine Fiedler Fiona Murphy Lilly Raschein Peter Shao Pepperbox Staff
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nvision a room. The smell of sweat, Old Spice, and well-worn football gear has long seeped into the walls. A circle of young men laugh, and jostle each other, exchanging the type of locker room banter that has come to be commonplace between team members. A collective understanding in the room has been established. Whatever is said here stays here. It is an unfortunate reality that locker rooms like this one are present all over the United States. Early last week, a photo of the whiteboard in the Mckinleyville High Varsity football team’s locker room appeared on Snapchat. It revealed “sixty-nine” commandments, ranging from joking and lighthearted to racist and homophobic. The picture was spread quickly among students via social media channels, and soon after an anonymous individual reported the incident to Mckinleyville High principal, Nic Collart. Collart sent out an email on Friday, September 28 to all of the parents in the school. He explained his desire to move forward as a community, while still recognizing that the team had made mistakes, and would need to face the consequences. Collart said he was “proud of our football players, who have come together and accepted responsibility as a team and who are all
working hard to make this right.” Administration banned the team from all homecoming related festivities, including the football game and the parade. They are also required to release a public statement apologizing for their actions at the homecoming rally Friday. Northern Humboldt Superintendent Roger Macdonald commented on those punishments, and the positive impact that might come of them: “Too often today, we give consequences, and then we just turn around on those that perpetuate poor choices and behavior. What pleases me about what is going on there this week is that they’re empowering those students to be better, giving them an opportunity in a restorative way to be whole with the school community.” The Mckinleyville administration firmly stated their pride for the team, despite the recent events, but that opinion is not shared by all Mckinleyville High students. “I personally think that what happened was terrible altogether,” said MHS student Ryan Auckland. “They ruined the whole team's reputation even though it was just a few people.” Another MHS student, senior Kara Burman, agreed with Auckland's opinions. “I think it was despicable of whoever wrote and posted about the discriminatory comment, but even worse is that they let their whole team suffer the consequences by not stepping up to take responsibility for their own actions,” Burman said. Students also expressed concern about why the incident happened. “Homophobia is ingrained into the culture at Mack High, and this is just a big example of it, but it happens on a smaller scale everyday,” stated Hunter Circe. “I can’t remember the last day I haven't
heard [homophobic slur] or ‘what the gay’. It’s just that common.” Students at Arcata High echo the pervasiveness of racism and homophobia on school campuses. “I think that racism and hate have always been present, but recent events and the political climate are making these things more noticeable,” Arcata High Senior Naomi Solomon said. “It’s awful that we’re seeing it so close to home,
A few of us screwed up, and I don’t have compassion for whoever wrote it, but to all who make assumptions, no, we are not all racist or homophobic and our team is more diverse than you think. My team is made up of my brothers. - Jack Modjeska but hopefully these events will ignite an awareness in our area.” Still students hold hope for the team, and believe that through this, their school can change for the better. “In my personal opinion I don’t think the Mack High Varsity team is made up of homophobic and racist kids,” stated Mckinleyville soccer player Ortega. “We have a few bad apples but that doesn't mean our campus isn’t welcoming and full of support and love.” Camden Collins, an active member of the Mckinleyville High Diversity Club, shared these sentiments, “Mckinleyville High School is now viewed as a homophobic and racist school. I believe our school is better …. than a few comments on a whiteboard.” Collins
also mentioned that the Diversity Club and the football players have plans to sit down and discuss questions about minorities and LGBTQ+ students. Mckinleyville High staff and students are planning a diversity week following Homecoming. Those on the football team spoke out about the issue and are currently trying to right the wrongs. MHS varsity football player Jack Modjeska said, “A few of us screwed up, and I don't have compassion for whoever wrote it, but to all who make assumptions, no, we are not all racist or homophobic and our team is more diverse than you think. My team is made up of my brothers.” Looking ahead, the conversation turns to one of prevention: how to make sure that discrimination like this has no place in our schools. Macdonald discussed this topic in relation to speaking up, saying, “I really think that it's not just the person that went up and wrote something, it's the other kids that are sitting around watching. I think that doesn’t just mean ‘don't do wrong things’, it also means stand up, as a friend and as a classmate when you see something wrong, even if it's not affecting you.” Collart as principal remains at the center of the discussion on Mack’s campus. He offered closing words. "I saw this as an opportunity to create a learning moment, a teachable moment for our players and our school,” he said. “With regards to the impact that words have, we need to make sure that we treat each other well, that we say things that keep each other safe, because when we don't, the ramifications are huge and hurtful. Especially with social media, they can very quickly go beyond the four walls in which they were written, and have a larger impact."
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Opinion
Friday, September 6th, 2017
Finding unity in bigotry Lilly Raschein
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A & E Editor
uring my freshman year I was dragged through three high school campuses, Arcata for two months, Mckinleyville for the rest of the semester, and then on to NPA. As you progress through high school, an odd thing happens; you become more separated from your class by the classes you take and the people you choose to be friends with. As a new student, you are tossed into the mix with all of your classmates: the jocks, the burnouts, the overachievers and such. For this reason I got to see the gross underbellies
of each school, for Arcata I saw the endless gossip, for Mckinleyville I saw more closed off cliques, and at NPA I saw their slight superiority complex. All schools though, had levels of racism and homophobia that plagued their halls. My first day at Mckinleyville High I was pulled aside by a girl I knew and she pointed at a brunette across the quad. Like you would describe an exotic animal in the wild, she told me how that girl was a lesbian. That was my first look at the apparent homophobia at Mack High. Its seen here too, I've heard people in the halls, some of my own friends describe people
as “gay” or use a slurs that are worse. The problem is bigger than just the Varsity Football team at Mckinleyville High, the problem is worldwide. Further education needs to be implemented at schools and the students who feel comfortable speaking out about their homophobia and racism need to be corrected. It's important not to look at this circumstance of “locker room talk” as just pertaining to Mckinleyville High, we need to understand that although this exact circumstance didn't happen on our campus, that racism and homophobia still exists here. Its our job to help those af-
flicted at our sister school to raise awareness and combat this. We are just separated by one school rivalry, 7.1 miles, and a 10-minute drive.
She pointed at a brunette across the quad. Like you would describe an exotic animal in the wild.
Panther pride can wait Chloe Stemler News Editor
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hen racial or homophobic comments are written, said, and spread, the response should be clear. There is no space for racial slurs in schools, or in our community. To create a place for students to feel accepted and like they belong on an equal playing field, the response to any forms of racial or homophobic slurs should be a strong and loud, “This is not acceptable.” We’ve seen the lack of this nationally, and as a community we are failing in our response. We saw it in Charlottesville, when it took President Donald Trump two days to condemn white supremacists and neo-Nazis. We saw Republicans and Democrats coming forward to condemn a display of hatred, and then we
watched as our President blamed the “many sides.” And then, we watched something else. We watched as our President went to a rally just 10 days after Charlottesville. “It's time for all of us to remember that we are all on the same team. We are all Americans” said Trump Tuesday night, August 22nd. And there’s the problem. Because just 10 days prior to his call for unity, black Americans, Jewish Americans, gay Americans were targeted by white-supremacist Americans. By neo-Nazi Americans. Those people are not on the same team. It’s easier to rally the troops, to say let’s move forward together, than to listen to those constantly marginalized. To allow the time and space for the hurt, to condemn the evil, to heal. It is easy as someone of privilege to move forward. But to those targeted, the pain and hurt doesn’t go away just because those unaffected are
ready to move forward. We must be aware, we aren’t isolated. Racial and homophobic slurs, in the form of commandments were written on a whiteboard in the locker room at Mckinleyville High School by the football team. Principal Nic Collart condemned the slurs in a statement, saying “Mack High will never condone nor allow statements or actions that alienate or harm any group or sub group of our diverse community.” But he said something else, “At the end of the day, I am proud to be a Panther!” So what are we seeing here? It’s uncomfortable to address racial and homophobic slurs. It’s even more uncomfortable when you are the one responsible for the school and students who wrote those slurs. But you know what else is uncomfortable? Being a student who is targeted by those slurs yet going to a school where the principal can say that, in the same
statement he is condemning hate, he is proud. There is no place for pride when condemning racist and homophobic commandments. We must be vigilant. The students unaffected, those who don’t feel threatened and marginalized can move forward and go about their days as if nothing has changed. But let us not forget, there are those who cannot. There are those who are isolated. There are students who feel scared. Let us not ignore and marginalize those students further by saying we are proud. Because at the end of the day, students were hurt. So allow that space, allow the time before you say you’re proud. Let those students know they are not alone. That they have a place in a community who accepts them for who they are, who stands up for who they are and who won’t take that away from them just because it’s uncomfortable.
Friday, September 6th, 2017
Opinion
The Pepperbox | Page 11
Step inside the locker room Jacquelyn Opalach Feature Editor
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s a not-very-athletic scholarly girl of sixteen I’m not really qualified to comment on locker room culture. I’ve never been in a men’s locker room. So I have to wonder, along with many others, what is it about some locker rooms that promotes a certain culture that results in deplorable behavior? You can probably recall the video that was released prior to the election of President Donald Trump. The leaked audio of offensive comments referring to the assault of women. His excuse: that it was only “locker room talk.” Now Trump has labeled locker rooms and the conversation that transpires within
them with a very negative connotation. He has contributed to a culture and a setting where it is considered acceptable to use discriminatory and sickening language. I am not pointing a finger at the McKinleyville High varsity football team. I do have an opinion: what they did was wrong and offensive. However, it is true that this culture is present everywhere. These comments were not restricted to McKinleyville High, they exist in high schools nationwide - including Arcata High’s campus. Locker room culture deserves attention. It is not okay for discriminatory or otherwise offensive language to be used, especially in public spaces. It must be stressed that it is simply unacceptable, and that a call for change
in this behavior is a necessity. Teachers, coaches or other mentors of today’s youth cannot turn a blind eye to the discriminatory culture that is becoming habitual. Peers cannot continue to be bystanders. Hopefully the example that has
These comments were not restricted to McKinleyville High, they exist in high schools nationwide - including Arcata High’s campus. been set by Mckinleyville High School’s varsity football team will not be admired, but learned from. It
would be positive if the young men that were involved could move forward from this event with wisdom that is only acquired through personal experiences and mistakes. In order to halt the culture that has risen, people must first gain the understanding that racist, homophobic or otherwise offensive comments are not funny. Claiming that it was “only a joke,” or it was just “messing around” is common and an easy excuse to make, especially now that the culture has been normalized. But it needs to stop. Even if said or written in what is thought to be a private setting, the content of an offensive act can become public real quick. So be careful, and think about your surroundings and what affects your words may have before you speak them.
Speaking up, and speaking out Fiona Murphy
News Editor ecently, it has come to light that some players on the Mack High football team made a list of commandments, or as they put it “commendments”,that include racist and homophobic slurs. When we see this sort of behavior, especially from our peers, it begs the question, what would/ should you do if you saw that? Personally, I would publicly tell all of them, including the ones who weren’t directly involved, but didn’t report it, that they are ignorant, bigoted people. At least, that is what I would imagine myself doing. In reality, I have no idea what I would do. There is always the lurking thought, what will hap-
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pen to me? There is always the thought that maybe you will get ostracized or bullied for speaking up. Or you could lose a friend. Sometimes, calling people out on their behavior can cost you, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. We should report discriminatory behavior even if there are consequences. If we don’t, a culture of silence is created, making it even harder to speak out. When everyone around you is quiet, it is easier to stick with them then stand out. But, if we don't tell people what they are doing and saying is wrong, will they ever learn? It would be wonderful if people could realize on their own that what they are doing is harmful and downright dis-
Commandments of Tolerance 1. Take action 2. Acknowledge your privilege 3. Notice discrimination and speak up 4. Don’t let your fear of consequence stop you 5. Use jokes for humor, not harm If they are allowed to 6. Educate yourself on issues continue that behavconstantly, you don’t know evior then they believe erything it’s ok, even funny. 7. Put yourself in other’s shoes 8. Silence is nearly as bad as the act of discrimination rangers from rape “jokes” to the 9. Share your thoughts, but president’s silence about Char- make sure the victim is heard lottesville. It is the job of people 69. Do not allow the normalizawho care about our society to tion of discrimination speak up when something is wrong and change this culture. It might be hard, it might cost you a friend, but speaking up is necessary to better the world. Dartmouth University gusting, but in reality they probably won’t. If they are allowed to continue that behavior then they believe it’s ok, even funny. Currently, the American silence
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Protesting is a patriotic act Drie Roberts
Business Manager
“Our lives begin to end the day
we become silent about things that matter”, a quote by the great Martin Luther King Jr. Last Friday, the day of the homecoming kickoff assembly, I heard that students from Arcata High were going to kneel during national anthem, and my initial response was, why? But after thinking about Friday, I came to the conclusion that just because I have never experienced discrimination for my race does not mean others here at Arcata High have not. Many of you have probably heard about the controversy surrounding NFL players kneeling during the anthem, especially when the NFL and Trump got involved. After some back and forth with Trump and basketball player Stephen Curry last week, NFL athletes resumed kneeling in support of Curry. Trump then took to Twitter to call out the athletes for their disrespect, saying “these events have nothing to do with race.” In return, the NFL lashed back, saying these athletes have the right to the freedom of speech and expression. Former NFL football player Colin Kaepernick said, "I'm not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color... To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder." It is important to understand
Opinion that this issue is not actually about sports at all, but about African American athletes exercising their right to protest. The controversy about kneeling didn’t begin last week when Trump tweeted, but over a year ago when Kaepernick stayed seated during the national anthem. He recently made a statement saying that even today in 2017, black people and people of color are still not being treated equally. This is a race-related issue, and nationally televised events like NFL football games gives it a platform to be heard. When a national public figure refuses to stand for the anthem, it shocks people into paying attention to the cause. This is exactly what public figures have done in our past history, so this is nothing new. People were just as outraged during Martin Luther King Jr’s Montgomery Bus Boycott or his March on Washington, but today those protests of civil disobedience are remembered in American history textbooks and looked at as courageous and heroic. Martin Luther King Jr’s daughter tweeted about the protests saying “ No form of protest, even nonviolent, will be approved by people.” Time and time again I hear the debate that kneeling while the national anthem is disrespectful, but disrespect can be seen from both sides. Being tolerant enough to understand that these athletes have the freedom to kneel and support their cause is important and understanding why they are protesting is even more important. Kneeling during the national anthem is not meant to disrespect veterans or any brave person serving our country, but instead, to protest what they see as a problem in our country. The military in this country is fighting for our rights and one of our fundamental rights is freedom of speech and expression. Maybe kneeling during the national anthem is considered disrespectful to you, but that is the
Friday, September 6th, 2017
exactly the point; these protesters want to draw attention to their cause, and by making you angry they are doing just that. As a proud American, it is my right as well as yours to the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States -- the freedom of speech. Put yourself in other people's shoes. If you were being discriminated against and oppressed today in 2017 would you stand for it or kneel in protest? Author Harper Lee wrote in To Kill a Mockingbird applies perfectly to today's situation regarding race, "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view … until you climb into his skin and walk around in it."
To kneel or not to kneel Parker Gray Sports Editor
“O say can you see by the dawn's
early light What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming.” These are the words that are belted before almost every major sporting event or assembly. It is the social norm to stand, face the flag, remove a cap if you have one, put your right hand over your heart, and give respect to our nation. In recent time though, there has been some controversy over this long standing practice. When Colin Kaepernick kneeled, most people knew it had happened. He kneeled to gain publicity about the injustices of our country towards people of color. I understand that people who kneel feel wronged, but this is not the way to show dissatisfaction. Standing for the flag is a sign of respect for the men and women who fight and die to protect our
country. It is also a way for us as citizens of the United States to be unified over one symbol that represents freedom. In the not-so-distant past, there was another sports protest in the NBA. Many players wore “I can’t breathe shirts ”during warm-ups in protest of police brutality on Eric Garner, a black male. I am in full support of this movement. It was a great use of players’ first amendment rights, even though some team owners did not approve. This act of civil disobedience was an effective force, that swept social media just as kneeling during the national anthem. One argument for kneeling is that it is finally bringing light to the issue at hand. People of color are being discriminated. This is true, but the light in which it is being brought into is negative. Most people are focusing on the fact that they are kneeling, not the issues they are kneeling for. As a white, middle class male in the United States, I will most likely never receive the negative racial profiling by police that so many people of color endure. But to put it most elegantly, “You cannot fight disrespect with more disrespect” said Arcata High Senior Brandon Taylor. For people who want to be respected by their country, they are not giving respect to their country. As a member of many sports teams, if one of my teammates opted to kneel during the national anthem, I would be utterly embarrassed. Not solely for the fact that they were kneeling, but because one of my brothers felt that they had a reason to kneel. That in this glorious country they live in they feel disrespected. It truly does pain me as a patriot (not a New England fan) that people feel the need to show the utmost disrespect for this country by not standing for the national anthem.
Friday, September 6th, 2017
Opinion
The Pepperbox | Page 12
Social media aftermath: good or bad Haley Hill Reporter
Fiona Murphy
L
News Editor
ast week offensive slurs were revealed through Snapchat, that were written by some team members on the MHS varsity football team. These photos were then sent around by students, which leading a muchneeded response from both the administration and student body. While it was good that the students shed light on the situation, they were still spreading the discriminatory message. “People who share the messages are almost as bad as the peo-
ple who write them,” AHS sophomore Iris Moyer expressed. Superintendant Roger Macdonald commented, “So on one hand you can say, that this was good, because it brought light to this. On the other hand, that image, as it expands further and further away from the community, as it becomes less personal, it becomes less effective as a tool, for the school community. That’s a very powerful touchstone for addressing disrespect, inappropriate comments, and language towards LGBTQ and the diverse population that we have.” The world is becoming a place driven by social media. Nearly everything is Snapchatted, Instagrammed, Tweeted, or Face-
booked. Without social media, barely anyone would have seen the videos of police brutality; we wouldn’t have quick access to updates on the crisis in Puerto Rico, and we might not have known about the recent mass shooting until days after the fact.
a great way to keep up with current events and spread support, it can also be used to communicate hate. Many accounts on Twitter and Instagram promote equality, but at the same time people frequently broadcast their opinions regardless of the effect it can have. Don’t pass it on, SHUT IT DOWN. Either flag Social media has bethe post, or snip it at the source. come both a blessing In the end, social media is and curse; while it is a both good and bad. It can be a great way to keep up platform for negative voices, with current events but it also allows positive discusand spread support, sion that can lead to progress. it can also be used to Most teenagers use some form communicate hate. of social media in their daily lives. We can decide whether Social media has become both to use it for discrimination or a blessing and curse; while it is for activism. It is your choice.
Homecoming Nom 2017 to 2018
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Feature
Friday, September 6th, 2017
The future of agriculture at Arcata High Hannah Pereira
F
Reporter
all is upon us and there are many trends that go with the season that our students partake in. Some of these include going to the pumpkin patch with friends or family, or maybe cozying up in a pair of Merino wool socks, possibly baking an apple pie? All of these wonderful fall items are brought to you through agriculture and the industry’s farmers. Arcata High’s agriculture program is on the rise, with many dedicated and passionate students, now totaling just over 10% of our student body enrollment. The recent increase in students involved in the program is primarily attributed to the Ag program’s teacher, Kelly Miller, now in her third year as the Ag teacher and FFA advisor at both Arcata and McKinleyville High Schools. “Ms. Miller is doing an outstanding job, especially with growing the program” Arcata High’s Principal David Navarre explained. Miller and the Arcata FFA officers had many goals and new ideas in mind for the Ag program this year, however the district administration did not expand the program’s curriculum and FFA club. There were many opportunities for enhancement, in particular, the addition of a part-time Ag teacher, thereby allowing more classes to the growing program. In recent years, there have been just two periods of classes that fall under the Ag umbrella here at Arcata, but due to growing involvement the district allotted five classes this year. However, at the beginning of the school year only three periods of Ag made it into the Master Schedule – a step up from the usual two periods, but some argue three periods is still insufficient to
meet the demands of the program. The admin combined two periods of Soil Chemistry into one period, impacting the overall flow of the class due to the substantial amount of students within it, totaling 37 students. Also, generally making the classroom extremely crowded, without enough desks to accommodate all students enrolled. In addition, an entire class, Ag
person regarding the subject, expressed dismay at the last minute changes, “These classes would’ve created more opportunities for me and things I could’ve done,” said Vanderwal, now a senior. “It definitely seems like the school is putting FFA and Ag on the backburner compared to some of the other classes.”
Economics and Government, was cut at the last minute, resulting in complicated schedule changes for a many students. Students were forced to either take the class a second time, take it at McKinleyville High, or completely drop the class, thereby removing them from the Ag program. Arcata’s FFA chapter president, Nollan Rohn, drives to McKinleyville every morning to take Ag Econ. and Gov. in order to keep his position as president (a position elected prior to the news of the class cancellation). “It’s definitely a pain going to Mack every day for the class and I miss my classmates at Arcata, especially the ones I’ve gone through the program with since freshmen year, but I know that it’s something I need to do if I want continue being the president, while not being in a class that I’ve already taken.” Rohn explained. Separating the chapter’s president from the rest of the officer team (all of whom take the 5th period class, Soil Chem.) left Rohn feeling adrift, communication between the team members difficult, and is breaking a tradition. “Compared to last year, this year will definitely be more difficult for all the officers to work together and be on the same page. Last year it was easier to communicate because we saw each other every day,” Rohn recalled. Chapter Vice President, Anthony Vanderwal, a passionate
It definitely seems like the school is putting FFA and Ag on the backburner compared to some of the other classes. - Anthony Vanderwal In an interview with the new district superintendent, Roger Macdonald, he conveyed his admiration and support for the program and the club, as well as praise for Miller, “I have seen huge improvement in the ag programs and I am very impressed by their accomplishments… Ms. Miller is doing
Arcata FFA’s officer team.
a great job”. However, since he is new to his position, and therefore was not a part of the decision making behind the schedule decisions. Arcata High’s principal, David Navarre, has insight on the matter and stated, “Prior to my arrival there was one Ag teacher at both schools, however, hopefully we can have two Ag teachers at each of the programs in the future”. Navarre also went on to explain that the idea of bringing on a part-time teacher was entertained, and even looked into three different candidates, but the proposition ended up not working out. Also according to Navarre, Miller could have gone through a process allowing her to teach sixth periods a day, however, “it just would have been too much for Ms. Miller, and not logical”. When compared to other schools in the area, Arcata and McKinleyville’s Ag programs are unique. Miller is currently the only Ag teacher in California to singlehandedly take on teaching at two schools, and advising for two FFA programs. Over the past few years, sharing a teacher has provided opportunities for collaboration between the two chapters. With increasing enrollment, the district faces key decisions regarding expansion in the coming year.
Jeny Giraud
Friday, September 6th, 2017
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Feature
Excellent Exchangers: Welcome to Arcata High Zara Elloway-Wonenburg A & E Editor
Drie Roberts
Business Manager
E
very year exchange students depart from their home countries and come to the United States to immerse themselves in American culture and the high school experience. We are lucky enough to host six diverse and talented students from around the world here at Arcata High. If you have the pleasure of meeting one of these exchange students please introduce yourselves and get to know these international students.
Zara Elloway/PEPPERBOX
Harrie Tang: China What made you want to go on exchange? “I wanted to experience the cultural differences.” What is the biggest difference you’ve noticed between here and your home country? “The arrangement and content of classes.” What is your favorite class at Arcata High? “Drama” What is your favorite American food? “Maple yogurt and cheese.”
Zara Elloway/PEPPERBOX
Justus Constant: Holland What made you want to go on exchange? “My mom and sister both went on exchange so I heard really good stories about it and wanted to experience a different country myself.” What’s your favorite thing about Humboldt? “The people” What American High School tradition do you look forward to the most? “Prom and the Homecoming floats.”
Zara Elloway/PEPPERBOX
Lynn Von Landwuest: Germany What is your favorite thing about Humboldt? “ The Hammond Trail and Moonstone Beach.” What is your favorite American food? “Wildberries smoothies and
American cookies.” What stereotypes have you heard about America, and have you found them true? “Before I came here I thought there would be cliques, but once I got here I felt very welcomed, and found that people were nice.” What is misconception that Americans have about your country? “The food. It’s not only Bratwurst and sauerkraut.”
Marlena Tavernier-Fine/PEPPERBOX
Isabella Orasch: Austria What made you want to go on exchange? “To experience something new and have an adventure.” What stereotypes have you heard about America, and have you found them true? “That everyone is fat and eats unhealthy. It’s kind of true, but not everyone is fat and some people eat healthy, especially around here.” Where would you like to visit before you go home? “San Francisco and Hawaii.” What American high school tradition are you looking forward to the most? “Prom”
Zara Elloway/PEPPERBOX
Rusydannu Bhirawa: Indonesia What made you want to go on exchange? “I wanted to know what it felt like to be a minority” What is the first word you think of when I say United States? “Free” Where would you like to visit before leaving the United States? “I would like to go to San Francisco and see the Golden Gate Bridge.”
Ghena Awad
Ghena Awad- Egypt What made you want to go on exchange? “I wanted to be able to learn in a different way.” What is your favorite place in Humboldt? “Mad River and the mall” Where would you like to go before you leave? “New York”
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Feature
Friday, September 6th, 2017
The impact of the DACA decisions Lilly Raschein A & E Editor
M
aria seems ordinary, a high school student you wouldn't look twice at while walking down a crowded Arcata High hallway. She is 16, and dresses fashionably in a black cap and a sporty jacket. When asked what her hobbies are Maria laughs and says, “Well I don't do much” but then tells me she likes to go hiking and adventuring with her friends. However Maria faces a problem bigger than a deadline in an English class. On September 5th Trump, moved to sign an executive order that would phase out the protections the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals act (DACA). This executive order threatens to uproot Maria and her brother, and deport them to a country they haven't been to in for 14 years. Obama signed DACA as an executive order during his presidency, and it currently protects 800,000 undocumented immigrants who entered the United States as young children. Many of these children have entered college, the workforce, and the military. A study by the Center of American Progress estimates that 685,000 workers would be lost, and the GDP would lose 460.3 billion dollars in the next decade if Trump repeals the act. Although Trump at first promised no amnesty for those who are protected by DACA, his views have changed since his initial announcement. As he wrote on Twitter on September 14th, “Does anybody really want to throw out good educated and accomplished young people who have jobs, and some of which are serving in the military? Really!”
Dr. Montoya, a Spanish teacher at Arcata High is against the president's repeal of DACA, and his comments fall in-line with the findings of the Center of American Progress. “These students will change the future of the United States in a very positive way,” he said. “Contrary to popular belief even undocumented immigrants pay taxes, and they make contributions to the economy, to the community.” Montoya’s comments raise the issue of California and its culture. He is quick to address the effect this act will have on the communities all over the US. “It's going to be very traumatic if DACA is taken away from these people,” he stated. “It doesn't make sense that we are pushing them back to their country and destroying their families, destroying their communities and the sense of diversity that is actually the essence of being American.”
These students will change the future of the United States in a very positive way - Dr. Montoya Dr. Montoya's fears seem to echo data found by the US census office. As of 2013, 43% of Californians spoke Spanish and more DACA ap-
Lilly Raschein/PEPPERBOX
Those in the DACA program by state by thousands. All statistics are courtesy of Pew Research Center. As you can see, California is affected to a larger degree than any other state. plicants live in California than any other state. California Senator Kamala Harris agrees with Dr. Montoya, tweeting on September 8th, “The DACA repeal should make us look in the mirror and ask, ‘what kind of country are we?’ Let's pass the DREAM Act & prove we are a good one” Harris expanded on her views of the act in her address to congress, “We have got to stop playing politics with these kids,” she stated, “ The reality is rescinding DACA is just simply wrong. We are talking about a population of 800,000 young people, we have 220,000 in California alone.” California's state government follows Kamala's ideas. A new legislation that was proposed before Trumps inauguration was passed through California senate on September 16th. This bill which is likely to be signed and passed by California governor Jerry Brown makes California a sanctuary state,
thus protecting those in DACA. This bill, although not supported by some sheriff departments, would protect California’s 2.3 million undocumented immigrants except in the case if they committed a crime. Superintendent Roger Macdonald addressed the concern of deportation and explains how the Northern Humboldt school district has implemented its own resolutions in response to tensions involving immigrants. “A resolution was passed about this being a safe haven school district … we want to make sure our schools are safe for everybody,” he said. “If any family is feeling like they need help we want to provide advice and services to help make sure our families in need have them.” He stresses the amount of importance being placed on this issue and promises that, “We aren't going to have any green vans pulling up in the parking lot, and we want this to be a safe place for families.”
Friday, September 6th, 2017
Feature
The Pepperbox | Page 19
DACA Dreamer, dream on Lilly Raschein A & E Editor
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aria is 16, she dreams of becoming a midwife, and her favorite subject is English. “I want to be a midwife nurse” Maria told me with a small smile across her face. “Well since I was little I really had an obsession with babies, so if I could become a midwife I could spend a whole lot of time with babies … I was there when my cousins were born and my siblings were born.” When Maria was young, her parents made the brave decision to pack their things and move
to the United States to pursue a better life for their young family. “When I was born [in Mexico] we lived in a small house and it was really crowded because we had a lot of people living with us … we had our own room because I was just born and then the other people slept in the living room.” Maria was two when she came to the United States. “My dad, he knew some people from here, so his friend gave him a job as a carpenter” Maria said. When I ask about the Dream Act Maria’s face becomes more serious, “At the age of 15, my mom started the process of getting it [citizenship] so I could
get it,” she said. Maria’s lawyer has told her she isn’t of danger of being deported because she is currently getting her citizenship but the same might not be true for her little brother. “My brother he is about to turn 15, and he is not in the process of it so it's going to affect him a lot.” I ask her about hardships she has faced and she pauses, telling me about a time her family lost their house when she was too young to remember and how her mom quit her job to take care of her and her siblings. Maria tells me that, “It's hard at first because you don’t know anybody but as you get older you will know lots of people and
you will have more privileges” She said. “He [Donald Trump] is taking away a lot of things, we came here for a better life, and he is taking away our privileges.”
Lilly Raschein/PEPPERBOX
Maria showing off her smile
Communities c onne cting Fiona Murphy News Editor
R
ight now, in America, we are growing more distant from other countries. Isolating ourselves from our neighbors. Now more than ever, we must look for ways to reach out to other countries, and the Sister City Project allows us to do that. The Sister City Project was founded on May 21st, 1986 by local Arcata community members, including former Mayor Thea Gast. It was the height of the Nicaraguan Revolution, with the Contras and Sandistas battling for power. U.S. President Ronald Reagan had cut off financial aid to Nicaragua, but was still backing the Contras, saying “They are the moral equal of our Founding Fathers.” The Sister City Project was founded to
promote peace and understanding with Nicaragua. Despite the distance between Camoapa and Arcata, we share many similarities. Both cities are relatively rural, and rely mostly on farming for an economy. Both cities are also the home of a university. The similarities don't stop with the characteristics of the city, but extend to the people. With technology becoming more and more prevalent, Camoapa teens are exposed to the same thing as Arcata teens, making us very similar. Despite our similarities, Camoapa is in a third world country, and the Sister City Project is doing their best to help out. A few years after the Sister City project was created, the founders drove a yellow bus, full of supplies, from Arcata to Nicaragua. “It broke down about a bajillion times,” the IBlock party organizer remarked. That was the first of many proj-
ects. The Sister City Project raises around $10,000 annually. That money goes toward scholarships, school supplies, financial support for families, and infant care. Leftover money is saved to use on big projects. In the past, a pharmacy and a basketball court have been built. Currently, Engineers Without Borders has been helping the Sister City Project build Camoapa’s hospital a well, so they can have running water. Every few years, either Arcata residents or Camoapa residents will go on exchange to visit the other community. These exchanges are available to community members to help promote cultural understanding and make connections. “One of my main goals of my trip was to interact on a deeper level with scholarship students in Camoapa,” said NPA alum Misha Feral. The point is to promote peace with another country. As Katrina
Alex Torquemada
A watercolor painting of Nicaragua
Suarez, the IBlock party organizer, said “It is harder to be at war with someone when you know them”. The aim of the Sister City Project, of course, is to connect with another community, make friends, and spread peace.
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Feature
Friday, September 6th, 2017
Homecoming Nominee Guide: Homecoming Maya Carlin & Aiden Meyer: Freshman Class happenings Roman Schlichting & Aralia Bair: Surfrider Emma Harris & Finnley Bourne: Interact Quinn Parker & Caitlin Murphy: Chess Club Kestrel Hewson & Mia Shope: Girls who Code Marley Tavernier-Fine & Peter Shao: Pepperbox Kaylie McCracken & Demetri Patterson: Junior Class Andrew Cavinta & Tessa Nutter: The Zoo Marlee Anderson & Justus Contant: Sophomore Class Sky Wingate & Parker Gray: Athletics Scott Ballinger & Tatyanna Keeling: German Club Henry Dernedde & Ashley Foster: FFA Kaylin Campbell & Austin Kadle: Senior Class Christopher Lima & Camy Smith: Life Skills Ora Folden: Book Club Naomi Solomon & Nancy Marshall: SAGA Anthony Vanderwall & Hannah Henry: ASB/Leadership Braden Hall & Skylar Celeste: AAI
2017- 18: Freshman Class Elections
Chloe Stemler
News Editor omecoming is a time we all come together as a school to celebrate old and new beginnings. Some students have been dreaming about being named Queen and King all their high school careers. The process of nominating homecoming royalty at Arcata High has changed. Instead of running through ASB, or voting boxes like prom is, students in clubs nominate the seniors they want to be homecoming king and queen. “ I think it’s good because then it’s like more people participating and it’s like a different system than prom, there’s more diversity,” Freshman Kendra Flint said. Others also feel it incorporates more students into the homecoming celebration. “[The process] gets more diversity,” Junior Mira O’Barr commented. “[It’s] a better system” Junior Emily Silk remarked. However, some are not as in favor of this new system. With clubs nominating royalty, there are many more students nominated, with 15 couples this year. “[Last year] it made it kind of drag on,” Junior Francis Ford said. “I do think it’s kind of lame, it makes it too many,” said Senior James Manion, “But it gives everyone a chance.” The system gives many more seniors, from different groups, the chance to be nominated. We wanted everyone to have the opportunity to nominate, and be nominated. The kids in life skills have a chance, we want to give everyone a chance,” ASB President Hannah Henry said, “I feel like it’s been good, everyone’s being represented.”
H
How Many?
Freshman ran for President
Freshmen ran for Vice President
Freshmen ran for Secretary
Freshmen ran for Treasurer
Freshmen voted President, VP, and Treasurer
“
Voted in the 2016 Presidential Election
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Feature
Friday, September 6th, 2017
Meet the Freshmen officers Riley Martel-Phillips Sports Editor
Riley Martel-Phillips/PEPPERBOX
Freshman class officers Zoie, Jazzy, Rheese, and Madison
W
alking through the halls of Arcata High this year you may have run into disoriented looking freshman, or walked past the multitude of brightly colored posters advertising their campaigns. This year’s freshman class is not only is one of the biggest we’ve ever seen, but also has had one of the biggest class elections. After many intense campaigns, four new class officers were voted in. Here’s a quick look at what the new class officers are like.
Trustees, Executors, Conservators, Agents for Finance & Healthcare
Lisa K. Hansen clpf, ncg & Matthew A. Pereira clpf, ngc
Managing the financial and healthcare affairs for our community’s elder and special needs populations Everyone age 18 and over should have an advance health care directive. Do you? Visit agingwithdignity.org to learn more about “The Five Wishes,” our national advance directive.
317 I Street, Eureka
707.444.9364 hansenpereira.com PROFESSIONAL FIDUCIARIES California Licensed Professional Fiduciaries #399 & #720 | National Certified Guardians
President: Madison Berube Favorite class and teacher: Math with Zamboni Favorite board game: Candyland Favorite Place for Lunch: Stars Favorite part of high school: More interesting classes and variety of people As president of the freshman class Madison wants to get everyone involved to help make decisions. Vice-President: Rheese Taylor Favorite class and teacher: English with Angles Favorite board game:
Candyland Favorite Place for Lunch: Stars Favorite part of high school: Getting to meet new people Rheese wants to get more involved with the class. Secretary: Jazzy White Favorite class and teacher: Biology with Demlow Favorite board game: Candyland Favorite Place for Lunch: Wildberries Favorite part of high school: Lunch! Jazzy wants to be more involved with making class decisions. Treasurer: Zoie Andre Favorite class and teacher: Biology with Demlow Favorite board game: Monopoly Favorite Place for Lunch: Wildberries Favorite part of high school: The atmosphere and people Zoie wants to make it a good year for the large freshman class.
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Arcata High’s feature students The Activist: Nazalin Dickerson The Athlete: Everett Halikus Jazmine Fiedler
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Jeremiah Owenby
Art Director
ophomore Nazalin Dickerson, along with her distinct name, also has an authentic personality paired with many strong and important opinions. Nazalin is a human rights activist. Last year, she personally thought up, organized, and led a walkout for equality. She led more than half of Arcata High’s student body, along with the entirety of NPA’s, yelling “What do we want?” “Peace!” “When do we want it?” “Now!” The group marched through the streets shouting and pumping their signs in the air toward the plaza, where Nazalin called for everyone’s attention and thanked them for their presence. When the students returned to school, they all filed into the Fine Arts Building, where Nazalin and Principal Dave Navarre stood at a podium before their audience. Here, Nazalin explained how she had been inspired. Later, Nazalin explained it further, “I saw walkouts happening all over the country on social media and thought they were really cool, so I called my friend and told her we had to do one!” Nazalin explained that initially, she only received negative feedback. Her friend thought it was a cool but unrealistic idea. Nazalin decided to try anyways. “I posted it on Instagram, Snapchat, and mostly After School,” she said. At the public forum Nazalin addressed issues concerning acceptance and safety for the LGBTQ community as well as females, Hispanic people, and African Americans. Along with her involvement within school, Nazalin also attended the women's march in Eureka and has spoken at three large anti-Trump rallies, two in Eureka and one in Arcata. In her everyday life, Nazalin volunteers with Teen Core, a non profit aimed at teens in order to help them receive scholarships to further their education. It also provides a safe space for teens to play recreational sports or just chill out and do their homework. When asked if there was anything Nazalin wanted to say to the student body, she replied, “Having a loud voice should not inherently be having a hostile voice. And it’s really important to speak out about what you believe in but it’s also important to start a debate where you’re going to respect the other side even if you do disagree.”
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reshman Everett Halikus is looking to lead JV Football to victory. With 2 years already under his belt, this will be his third season of football, and he is going for gold. After a small hiccup when Everett broke his hand during his first year of football, he returned more ready than ever. At running back and slot, Everett relies on his speed and agility to get past the defense, and his sheer power to break tackles. Lineman Chase Hess wanted to make it known that, “He's faster than Demitri.” He may be a freshman, but don't let that fool you, he plays with skill and love for the game. Receiver Micah Birdsall stated, “He’s the best freshman on the field.”His favorite part of being on the team are the people. He tries to bring energy and encouragement to every game. Before every game he eats his favorite protein greek yogurt and listens to his favorite pump up song Tee Grizzly’s "No Effort.” Before entering the field Everett says, “I like to keep my head clear and focus on the game.” His goal is to get 2, 500 all-purpose yards and 12 touchdowns over the course of the season, With his drive and dedication he believes that he can achieve his goal and so do we.
Friday, September 6th, 2017
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Feature
Meet the Arcata A’s The Artist: Ora Folden
The Academic: Olivia Gerving
Jazmine Fiedler
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Noah Thorwaldson
Art Director
hat do you think of when you hear the word “artist?” Maybe you picture Van Gogh, or Leonardo Da Vinci. What about the clothing designers, the singers, or the musicians? These talents are art too. Senior Ora Folden is a dedicated musician inside and out of school. Ora has been involved in Arcata High’s music program since he was a freshman, and has gotten to know the music director, Cassandra Moulton. “Ora is one of the most committed and naturally talented musicians I have had the pleasure of teaching. He is curious, knowledgeable, and encourages his peers. In addition to all of that, Ora has an uplifting and magnetic personality. When he shared with me last year that he was interested in becoming a teacher, I knew the next generation of young musicians were in great hands.” Moulton commented. All four years he has been a part of the ArMack Orchestra, as well as jazz band and last year he was involved in the new AAI Music Program. Although Ora’s main focus is the trombone, which he has played for eight years, he also plays the trumpet and is teaching himself bass guitar. When asked how he would describe music, Ora responded, “Good music is layered. Like onions.” This year Ora decided to explore the vocal realm and is singing with the Madrigal Choir. He plans on auditioning for Regional Honor Choir. Ora’s good friend and musical colleague, Mira O’Barr said, “Ora is straight up, a really driven guy with loads of charisma. I think he will get where he wants to go in life.” For the past three years he has played in the pit orchestra for AHS productions as well as playing for Jazz Band’s annual “Sweet Beats,” which is a swing dance at the D street community center. As if that were not enough, Ora is also involved in music outside of school. Ora has been apart of the College of the Redwoods jazz band since sophomore year and also has a weekly gig at Blondies Food and Drink. If you want to see this talented trombonist perform, stop by Sunday nights, or buy a ticket to the next silent film, October 12th and 14th.
Food Editor
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aking four AP classes, being Concertmaster in Orchestra, and ranking 1st in her junior class. All of this fits into the academic resume that Olivia Gerving holds. Through this all, she is a glowing individual, with a smile on her face wherever she goes. Ms. Moulton, the Arcata High music teacher, says that she is “incredibly hardworking, both musically and academically, humble and pulls up her peers, is a joy to watch play and is incredibly inspiring.” Her friends Matthew Jioras and Nayelli Zechman describe her as an “intelligent, very nice sympathetic person,” and “extremely talented, caring for others, super sweet to everyone, very spirited, and well rounded.” Giving us insight into her everyday work life, Olivia says it is “Not too hard with not a lot of homework per night.” She dedicates about two hours a night to her work, and for the level of rigor of her classes, she has surprisingly little amount of homework. She describes herself as a “very hardworking individual that likes to get things done instead of leaving it half finished,” which shows her strong work ethic. Olivia also plans to participate in Track and Field this spring. Olivia’s future goals in life are to go to a big college and then head into medical school, where she wants to study to become a doctor in pediatrics.
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SENIOR BUCKET LIST OF 2018 Marlie Thornburgh A & E Editor
Parker Gray Sports Editor
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ou have finally approached your final year of high school. For some of you, this day couldn’t have come fast enough. For others high school has become a sanctuary where you can express yourself and live your life sheltered from the real world. This is the year where your social life might take a backseat to academics. This list allows you the ability to get a perspective of the goals of your peers, and possibly yourself. Here is the SENIOR BUCKET LIST of 2018!
Drive my car in the quad -Cait Murphy Trinidad Cove -Janie Mendosa College Cove -Peter Shao Strawberry Rock -Janie Mendosa Road trip with friends -Mia Shoppe Get a scholarship -Mia Shoppe Go to a bunch of concerts -Ivy Mayer Go to a party -Matilda Simmons Get invited to spend time with the cool senior kids -Scott Ballinger Go a whole day without someone saying “Wow you're so tall” -Scott Ballinger Buy a car fix it up and sell it -Wyatt Coonrod Knock someone out in a boxing match -Kirk Hakenen To graduate, lol -Maya Wilson Get a 4.0 GPA, graduate, party and hangout with friends as much as possible -Halijah Edison Place top 3 in Sections for wrestling -Jerimiah Owenby Go skydiving -Aidan Meyer Have a legendary senior prank -Parker Gray
Beat Mr. Peters in a game of Chess -Andrew Cavinta Not get deported -Justus Contant To save money for a road trip after high school with my friends -Damian Estrada Learn how to be stress free -Kaylee Toledo Go on a road trip to another state with friends -Austin Kadle Jump over 6 ft. in high jump -Anthony Mcqueeny Show up to 5th on time -Anthony Mcqueeny Survive -Anthony Mcqueeny Get a fat squad together for a snowboarding trip -Max Mather Cut a class -Kaylin Campbell Climb the big tree at redwood park -Parker Gray Take a freshman to lunch in Mckinleyville then leave them -Parker Gray Hit 75 MPH in the parking lot -Anna Eckart Jump into the Baywood -Marlena Tavernier-Fine
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Pepperbox MAKEs Welcome to the lab
Nigella Baur
Freelance Colomnist
Marley Tavernier-Fine/PEPPERBOX
Hardcore tech user and columnist, Ella or decades, students in virtually every class imaginable have been asking the age-old question “When will we ever have to use this??” To most students, the law of sines or rhetorical devices have no plausible use in the real world. However, there is one class on campus that is sure to come in handy wherever you end up in life. Arcata High’s MAKERS class prepares students for the occupations of the future: from coding to laser cutting; circuit work to 3D printing. This colum is dedicated to the work of the students in makers and the classes surrounding it, and will be featuring their creations.
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A night in the twenties Peter Shao
Editor-in-Chief As the house lights dim, strange, vaguely musical noises emanate from a corner of the room as a small orchestra tunes. Welcome to the 2017 Armack Orchestra silent film. The silent film is something that our very own orchestra has been putting on for years, accompanying a different film classic each year. So why why do you need to have a full orchestra to watch a movie anyway? Well, these films are truly just movies: moving pictures that were wildly popular before the so-called “talkies” introduced recorded sound effects, music, and talking. A silent film is a personal experience because you have a real live orchestra breathing the life into the movie being watched. The silent film has been a an event adored by the community for years, ever since Carol Jacobson started it to help fundraise for Armack Orchestra events and trips. Since it’s beginnings, the Armack Orchestra has done a huge variety of films including titles like The Phantom of the Opera, Rin Tin Tin, and The Haunted House. While the title of the films may sound familiar or not in these days, they were huge blockbusters in their time, and featured big name actors like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. Over the years, The Silent film has gained popularity in the local community as well “I attend the silent films every
year.” Tobin Rangald said, “The orchestra is excellent and the films are always entertaining. The live music really adds to the experience.” It’s loved by the community because they can participate in the music. “The crowd boos and hisses for the villains and cheer for the heroes, creating a truly interactive experience.” Tobin said. It’s not just fun for the viewers though, members of the orchestra have also expressed their enjoyment of playing in silent films. “I like the silent films because it’s a lot of fun to play them, “ Ora said, “ and it’s really cool to see all of those old movies.” The production for the silent film isn’t just fun and games though, the orchestra spends weeks practicing the pieces in the production and getting the timing right. “The pieces we play are really difficult” Eddy Kallan commented, “but they are really exciting, and the challenge of learning to play them is part of the experience.” So, how is the production put
together anyway? First, the Armack director Cassie Moulton picks a movie and get’s a score that has pieces for all of the instruments in the orchestra to play. Then, the whole orchestra spends every morning together drilling through the pieces, over and over again -- before even looking at the movie. After the orchestra has a handle on the pieces in the score, they play with Ms. Moulton’s conduction in sync with the movie. It’s tempting to think that that is easy, but in truth, getting the timing perfect is one of the hardest parts of the whole process. At the end of the whirlwind that is preparation for the silent films it is time for the performances. This year, the Armack Orchestra is playing for The General, a film about when Union spies steal an engineer’s beloved locomotive, and he pursues it single-handedly and straight through enemy lines. The showings are on September 28 - 30, October 12, and October 14.
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A sit-down with the superintendent Marley Tavernier-Fine Editor-in-Chief
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orthern Humboldt Union School District Superintendent Roger Macdonald. A title that long commands respect (and impressive lung capacity.) A title like this might fill the mind of a reader with images of professional figures in starched business suits, glowering out across polished tables as they sign very important documents. Such stereotypes might hold true in some places, but in Humboldt, we do things a little differently. Meeting with our superintendent, the first word that comes to mind is welcoming, followed by enthusiastic, and friendly. After a few emails, Macdonald and I camped out in Mr. Navarre’s office. I was eager to listen; he was eager to talk. After spending five years as the principal of McKinleyville High, Macdonald is devoted to getting to know Arcata High. Remarking on the new superintendent, Vice Principal Jim Monge said that “He brings a new vision...and we will be working with him to implement that,” continued Monge. Macdonald plans to “spend the year building relationships, observing, listening, and really understanding the needs of the school.” Chris Hartley, the current Humboldt County Office of Education Superintendent, had filled Macdonald’s position up until very recently, and so his advice to the new superintendent has 21 years of experience in the Northern Humboldt Union School District behind it. “Just to go slow to go fast. Get to know your position well, and keep students as your number one priority,” Hartley reflected, “In your
first year of taking over a big job like superintendent, you’re gonna want to spend a lot of time just learning, and just listening, without necessarily making big decisions.” We started our conversation about a hot topic at Arcata High School since the start of this school year--specifically the sardine-can atmosphere that seems to surround our campus as of late. Macdonald reported that classroom sizes this year are marginally larger, but not any more so than the district expected. It seems students will just have to get used to traffic jams and dirtier bathrooms. Toward the end of the interview, Macdonald moved away from the more mundane, everyday aspects of life at Arcata High, to a graver topic: the repercussions from President Trump and his administration’s plans to “phase out” the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA. “So first of all, I am really happy we live in California,” Macdonald
We’re not going to have any green vans pulling up to the parking lot - Roger Macdonald said. State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Torlakson, recently responded to the White House’s declarations about DACA. Torlakson released at statement to ensure that the state’s public schools and districts are firmly in support of our families. “I want to
Macdonald camps out on tiger territory let all those students know that the American Dream remains safe and secure in California,” announced Torlakson in a statement from September 5th. Macdonald is in full agreement with his fellow superintendent. “I think the narrative needs to be different. The narrative that we hear is that our immigrant population is a drain on our economy, and I just beg to differ. I believe strongly that one of the things that makes our country the best that America is, is that diversity, and so locally, what that means is that we support our families, we let them know that we stand by them,” he added. His position also corresponds with our district’s decision last year to have the school board declare us a “safe haven school district.” With that announcement, Arcata has become a “sanctuary”, where students and families who are undocumented immigrants are offered a safe and welcoming environment. “We’re not gonna have any green vans pulling up to the park-
Marlena Tavernier-Fine/PEPPERBOX
ing lot,” Macdonald stated, “We’re gonna support our families.” In the new superintendent, those feelings have not gone unnoticed. “I think he’s open to trying to listen to everybody in the district and making sure that everybody feels heard and supported,” said Monge about Macdonald’s vision for the district. Hartley also offered more advice to Macdonald in this arena, saying that “The number one commodity Northern Humboldt has is the people that work in it, and the students themselves, and so the biggest piece of advice is to don’t lose that connection with students.” It’s more than just the administration that plays a role in this sense of community that Macdonald so admires in our school, it's the entire AHS population working together. “Arcata High School is full of thoughtful teachers and staff members that believe in the diversity of Arcata; they believe in the celebration of individuals,” he said, “I know that this is a safe place for
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kids.” Arcata goes a step beyond just offering a secure place for people from every walk of life in our area, the school has a variety of programs specifically geared toward providing equal opportunities for all students. For instance, events like the Family Night for Latino students and families and the upcoming October 9th panel on College Readiness, are hosted at Arcata High, and a translator is provided so that Spanish-speaking families can benefit as well. Mac-
donald expressed happiness that these kind of events are available on campus, “It’s a-may-zing!” Finally, Macdonald highlighted changes which may be made on our campus in the near future. Over the summer, Macdonald and Principal Dave Navarre attended an event at HSU designed to improve safety in Arcata, especially for students of color. Navarre commented on their involvement with this event, saying. “We’re very excited about working with Mr. Macdonald, and we’ve already started
some summer initiatives that we’re looking forward to seeing come to fruition. There’s some exciting stuff within our district and specifically at Arcata High School.” At the summer event, a conversation opened up regarding Arcata High’s participation in the Not In Our Schools Program, which works to create safe, accepting and inclusive school communities. “If we’re talking about doing programming to make the school safe for everybody, we’re talking about our students of color, we’re talking
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about our socioeconomically disadvantaged students, we’re talking about our LGBTQIA+ students, we’re talking about everybody,” stated Macdonald. The future that Macdonald envisions echoes the attitudes and opinions already in place at Arcata High, and he made a final comment on his goals for the year, and for the school. “Hopefully I’ll be able to be more of a presence, and really help Arcata High School feel like they are heard and appreciated.”
Danger in the halls Peter Shao
Editor-in-Chief
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rcata High, we need to talk. Years ago, the halls of this great school were the image of paradise! Walking from classroom to classroom was a luxury: all of the students looked forward to a casual jaunt towards their next center of learning, AKA a classroom. Times have changed though, and over the years, the peaceful orderliness of hallway transport has been disrupted and the neat lines have become bloated to become the mess that is the current situation of passing periods. Now, in case you didn’t know, there are rules about how to transverse the network of tunnels connecting the rooms of the school. These rules exist in order to stop constant traffic jams and to protect the students from accidents.
The aftermath Marlena Tavernier-Fine/PEPPERBOX
Caught in the moment
1. Always stay on the right side (treat the hallways like a highway) 2. Walk in single file. Don’t travel in large clumps 3. If you drop something on the staircases during break, leave it. A pencil isn’t worth being trampled 4. The bathrooms are for pee-
ing, not meeting up to gossip with your friends who you haven’t seen for one entire period 5. PDA is meant for the parking lot, not the hallways 6. If you see Mr. Johnson lurking, don’t be alarmed, he only bites sometimes 7. If you see the admin while you’re in the halls during class, just don’t make eye con-
Marlena Tavernier-Fine/PEPPERBOX
tact and pretend that you’re doing something important. If you can’t see them, they can’t see you. 8. Get stuck in the middle of a friend group on the stairs at your own risk 9. Don’t mess with upperclassmen. Its survival of the fittest 10. Collisions will happen, just step over the unwitting victims, and get to class on time