Volume 83 Issue 4

-James Washington - Tom Torlakson - Lia Nelson- Maura Harris -

www.thepepperbox.com

The Pepperbox

February IN THE BOX

BOX BRIEFS ACT: February 8th ASB Blood Drive: February 12th Valentunes: February 13th-14th Presidents’ Break: February 17th-21st End of Term Four: March 7th SAT: March 8th Want to advertise or buy a mail subscription to the Pepperbox? Email Business Manager Hannah Christen at ahs.pepperbox@gmail.com!

Like us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/AHSPepperbox Visit us on the web: www.thepepperbox.com

EDITORIAL STAFF Piper Bazard Editor-In-Chief Gillen Martin Editor-In-Chief Lauren McCoy Managing Editor River Sween News Editor Sara Davis Junior News Editor Zoe Ziegler Feature Editor Errol Funk Sports Editor Brooke Coelho Junior Sports Editor Vera Heidmann Opinion Editor Rachael Green A&E Editor

Gabe Schneider Art Director Austin Schuler Graphic Designer Hannah Christen Business Manager Mickenzie Grubb Online Editor Suzannah McFarland Copy Editor Kira Burnett Copy Editor Alex Yeoman Executive Producer Nash Karp Director Indigo Davis Photo Editor Jesse Bareilles Assistant Photo Editor

REPORTERS Lauren Blake Lizzie Fernandez Hannah Finley Skyler Wrigley Austin Schuler

Talena Graham Alexandra Harris Lexi Jacomella Alexandra Perry Neel Rao

Alex Rialet Delaney Rice Brooke Schafer Brian Then

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

The Interviews The Activist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 The Foreigners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 The Inmate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 The Environmentalist. . . . . . . .9 The Senior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 The Former Editors. . . . . . . . . 11 The Freshman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 The Dancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 The Conductors. . . . . . . . . . . . .14 The Leader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 The Legend . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16-17 Habitat Restoration . . . . . . . . 18 Common Core . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Wildberries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Career Speaker Series . . . . . . 20 Prom Fashion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 New Years Resolutions. . . . . 22 Sports vs. Academics. . . . . . . 23 Winter Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Sketchy Hotels. . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Pomegranates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Tardy Policy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Spring Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Winter Concert. . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Snow Globe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Valentunes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 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.

Advisors

Shelley Stewart Danielle Lehman

FROM THE ARCHIVES

BEHIND THE COVER

Originally published: April 1971 Junior prom has been a long standing tradition at AHS. In the early ‘70s, it was held in the “cafetorium,” featuring a live rock band and 75 cent admission. In keeping with tradition, the junior class is once again hosting a prom this year, although admission may have inflated just slightly.

Check out some prom fashion tips on page 21 and take note of the prom king and queen nominees featured on the back cover!

The cover for our interview issue features two of our interviewees: Spencer Frankel posing alongside his car, and Madii Bazard perched on the top of it. In the above picture, Madii gets a piggyback ride to the parking lot from editor-in-chief Gillen Martin, just prior to the cover photoshoot.

EDITORS’ BOX We’re back from winter break, we survived first semester finals, and now we’re here to bring you the fourth issue of the pepperbox, right in time for Junior Prom! Not only are we featuring prom nominees and tips to get your perfect dress, but this is also our interview issue! Our interview candidates are only the most influential and interesting people that our campus, our community, and even our state (check out page 15 for an interview with California’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction!!) have to offer. From freshmen to staff members, Spencer Frankel to Elaine Cunha, these articles will unravel the mysteries of those around you. Check out what some of our recent graduates are up to, and gain new insight into the legend that is James Washington. Also in this issue, we have expanded our arts and entertainment section. You’ll find reviews of music events, both local and out of town, along with previews of what’s soon to come. Have a great February break, and stay tuned for the next issue. We’ll see you in another month!

-Editors-in-chief Piper Bazard and Gillen Martin

Quotable.

“Justin Bieber needs a spanking...”

-History teacher Dave Filippini to his AP Econ class in response to the teen idol’s arrest on January 23rd at 4:00 A.M. on charges of drunk driving, resisting arrest and driving without a valid license.

“America: a mixture of media-consumed, overfed, prideful white folk that enjoy watching men get beat lifeless on 100 yards of turf.”

-Junior Morgan Brown’s opening sentence to a paper on the “American Dream” for her AP English 3 class.

11

Days until Presidents’ break

23

Days until Jr. Prom

395 Dollars raised by the Global Solutions Club Beard Bid

“The “yee-haw” in the bulletin was a turn-off.”

-Sophomore Max Wrigley on the country-themed Sadie Hawkins dance and why he didn’t attend.

1,087

“I’m like the Ron Swanson of Arcata High.”

Dollars raised by ASB in a change drive for Heifer International

-Math teacher Will Bagnall to his first period Calculus class regarding his plan to destroy America’s banking system. For those of you who don’t know, Ron Swanson is a fictional character from the tv show Parks and Recreation who is a staunch advocate for reduced government.

17 3 Girls varsity basketball record (as of press deadline), wins to losses

Framable.

Senior Brooke Coelho’s creative method of asking fellow senior Chris Cherms to the Sadie Hawkins dance at break on a sunny January day.

Photo Courtesy of Brooke Coelho

Empty laptop boxes stand stacked on the library counter following the recent arrival of the new laptop lab. These new machines will be available for student use, and were purchased to support new Common Core standards (see pg.

19).

Piper Bazard/PEPPERBOX

Science teacher Jason Simms shows off his Hunger Games inspired beard, grown as part of a fundraiser for Global Solutions Club.

Piper Bazard/PEPPERBOX

The Pepperbox | Page 6

Interview

Thursday, February 6th, 2014

The activist: Ranjan Hatch Lexi Jacomella Reporter

R

anjan Hatch is a 27 yearold volunteer in his second year of involvement with Six Rivers Planned Parenthood’s Spare Change Program. Ranjan has been volunteering with our local Planned Parenthood and working with AHS students since 2005.

He facilitates teen clinic on Thursdays and provides educational appointments, STD testing, and other educational and helpful services.

Currently, he has degrees in Cellular and Molecular Biology with minors in Ethnic Studies and Chemistry and is planning to continue his career in health care by attending medical school in the next year. In the future, Ranjan wants to be a primary care physician in a rural setting, whether in America or abroad.

Pepperbox: What steps lead you to working at Six Rivers Planned Parenthood?

Ranjan Hatch: Six Rivers offers unique experiences for volunteers where they can have direct patient interaction without having a medical degree so you can essentially be a counselor, you can be a health educator or an options educator, so you get trained on the job.

PB: How many males work in the clinic compared to females?

RH: Well, right now, there are two, maybe three males, working in the clinic and there are roughly upwards of forty to fifty women.

PB: So what is it like being a male in the clinic?

RH: In a lot of ways it's really empowering because you get to provide a voice for your sex, I guess,

and you get to be in a position that a lot of males aren’t. You can be an advocate for women’s health care here, and you don’t really get that opportunity that often.

PB: What other services does Planned Parenthood offer?

RH: Well, we provide education to the community through Spare Change. We also do classroom teachings in a four-day curriculum. In the clinic, we provide outreach services to a number of sites throughout Humboldt County. We provide options education where we discuss what options someone would have if they are pregnant and then the clinicians see any male or female about anything that’s reproductive health care related. It can be anything from birth control to IUD’s to Nexplanons or oral contraceptives.

We also provide vasectomies here, and we do Essure procedures.

PB: What is the most rewarding part about working in the clinic?

RH: I think helping others have more clear of an understanding of what their options are, whether that be treatment for something or helping them understand what the best birth control option is for them. Educating people is really empowering.

PB: What is Spare Change in your own words?

RH: So Spare Change is a peer education and teen theater troupe.

We effectively teach in seventh and eighth grade classrooms, specifically to address bullying, stereotypes, healthy relationships, and drug and alcohol abuse.Also, Spare Change will perform skits that they write at the beginning of the year to educate their peers in a more creative way.

PB: How do you like working with teenagers?

RH: Hahaha, I love it! It’s the best part of my life! It’s great because it provides me with the opportunity to engage with the youth instead of patients so it’s really awesome!

And working with the youth and Spare Change, I think we have a lot more flexibility in what we do, how we teach and how we learn.

I think we have a really good system in place and I hope it’s as rewarding for the youth as it is to me.

PB: How do both the youth and fellow community members get involved with Spare Change?

RH: We hold try-outs throughout the local high schools and then we have call-backs and then we make our selection for the upcoming year. A lot of what we do at Planned Parenthood definitely relies on volunteer support and it’s always welcome, they just need to ask.

PB: What kind of impact do you want Spare Change to leave on middle and high school students?

RH: I want Spare Changers to have a very personal impact where they’re able to teach the youth and really have a sincere impact on them and their learning experience. I feel like if you’re just learning from a teacher you can’t have this… I mean, you can have a relationship with a teacher but it might not be as meaningful or as personal, and I think when we’re talking about bullying and sexual harassment and stereotypes it’s something that isn’t always included in the curriculum. I want Spare Changers to show that they can have an impact on the youth, and to advocate that their voices actions are powerful.

PB: Why is it that you volunteer your time to work with Spare Change?

RH: At first I didn’t really know what I was getting into, but I think that’s true for any new member of Spare Change. As I started to become involved in the group, I saw it’s much more than providing education to other people. It helps you figure out who you are and what you’re capable of and really the impact you can have on other people.

PB: In what ways do you believe both SRPP and Spare Change can improve?

RH: I think extending our services beyond just our community would be huge because we are a smaller clinic and we do have limited resources. We effectively only teach those who are directly around us.

I’d like to see that in other schools and other districts.

PB: What can the community, especially teens, do to support SRPP and Spare Change?

RH: Support our work and listen to our work. I feel like by understanding what we do and learning from what we teach they can better understand themselves and I think that effectively would help the community a great deal and it would better the community. I’m not saying that everything what we teach is what everyone should do and learn but I think its really helpful to break down your own stereotypes and have a greater look at your actions.

PB: Would you say that this work is your passion?

RH: Yeah, I would. I mean I love coming to work almost every day, but I really like healthcare and this is part of that.

Thursday, February 6th, 2014

Interview

The Pepperbox | Page 7

The foreigners: AHS exchange students Alex Rialet Reporter

Questions: 1. Do you think changing your host family is a good idea to see different habits?

2. How do you feel about living for one year far from your family and friends?

3. How often do you speak with your family and friends? Do you miss them?

4. Who takes the place of your family during your exchange year? Why? a. Host family b. Exchange student c. Friends 5. What do you do for true holidays normally? What are you doing this year?

6. How are true holidays without your family?

7. What’s the bigest difference between America and your country?

8. What is your favorite thing about America? Best and worst moments?

9. How did you get interested in having a exchange year?

10. Do you participate in an extracurricular activities?

11. Tell us one thing people probably don’t know about you?

Fadi Ayoub (Jordan): 1. No, because when you change your family too much, it's hard to get close to them.

2. It's not hard, and I feel more independent.

3. I video call my parents twice per month. I text my friends every two days. I miss them a little bit.

4. The exchange students take the place of my family because they understand how I feel.

5. Every year I do Christmas with all my family and some friends with a big Christmas tree and an epic celebration. I celebrate first here, then I go to San Francisco

with my host family.

6. I feel something is missing for Christmas.

7. I think the biggest differences are the weather, the population, and the religions.

8. The best moments are with my friends, and the worst are when I get cold and I cannot do anything.

9. My friend told me a story about his exchange year, and it gave me the desire to do one.

10. Out of school, I play basketball for fun and rock out.

11. I'm friendly and people figure out when they talk with me.

Gokce Aslan (Turkey): 1. Yes, I think it gives you the chance to know more people with different habits and family culture. I will change my host family, and I'm so excited.

2. This year is a unique experience, but when you think about a whole year without family and friends, it's tough.

3. We decided to not speak too much, but that didn't change the fact that I'm getting message from Turkey. Of course, I miss them.

4. The three: host family, exchange students, and friends are the reasons I'm having a nice and fun year here. Obviously, they aren't taking the place of my family.

5. We don't celebrate Christmas because of our religions. We make a mix of every event for New Years Day. 6. I’m excited because it will be my first Christmas.

7. I guess the biggest difference is the culture, the food and the education.

9. Having an exchange year was my childhood dream, and it's real now.

10. With school, I used to do cross country, but it's over.

12. I guess people don't know I have great passion for living and

everyday, day by day, I am happy!

Rita Magilio (Germany): 1. Yes because you can have a totally different experience, but not if you like your family. I'm glad to not change my family.

2. It's hard, sad. You have the feeling who is really your friends, you realize who are your real friends.

3. I talk with my family over Skype every two weeks and text them often.

4. My host family is more like my grandparents, but I can't tell everything to them so I know the exchange students will be here for me.

5. We celebrate Christmas evening with all my family with gift around a big diner. Here i go to

Los Angeles with my family.

6. I feel like a part is missing for Christmas.

7. They can drive but cannot drink. Also, Arcata doesn't have too much activity in town.

8. It's a nice experience with a new culture and the opportunity to know new people. The worst part is when I feel most like the 3rd wheel.

9. I saw the scholarship flyer, I try it even if I known it was very hard to get one.

10. My extra-curricular activities are gym, hanging out with people, and cooking.

11. I not only speak German and English, I can speak Italian because my father is from there.

McKinleyville, CA

The Pepperbox | Page 8

Interview

Thursday, February 6th, 2014

The inmate: Troy Williams Mickenzie Grubb Online Editor

T

wenty-seven and a half years later, Troy Williams is a free man. Growing up in the City of Los Angeles, fourteen-year-old Troy did what anyone his age would do, he joined a gang. After being falsely accused of a crime he did not commit as a child, he struggled with the judicial system because he was in their eyes just another drop-out underage delinquent.

Now forty-five years old, after serving his sentence, he has a real chance to finally earn the restorative justice that he deserved in the first place.

Pepperbox: Can you describe the first time you got in trouble with the law?

Troy Williams: The first time I got into trouble, I was 12 years old. My older brother and I stole a kid’s mini bike. This was definitely normal... in fact, just weeks before, some older kids had stolen my mini bike. I wasn't put into the system at that time though.

conviction... a crime I did not commit. The trial was predetermined.

Everyone seemed to have a script but me... it didn't matter what I said. No one would listen to me even though I repeatedly said that I didn't do it. My words landed on deaf ears. Definitely was not a fair trial and it totally destroyed any faith I had in the system. I was considered an adult because I was in the system at the time the push to be hard on juvenile offenders came around. It wasn't so much about me, but more about a political need to be tough on crime. I stood trial by myself without parental representation and was living on my own. The DA took advantage of that and sited those facts as reason to try me as an adult.

PB: Can you describe the second time you were accused of breaking the law?

TW: The second time I was accused of breaking the law was when my dog bit a kid. I was 13.

I was arrested and charged with assault with a weapon because I refused to let them take my dog.

While I waited for trial, I was kept in juvenile hall. I stood in front of a judge every two to three weeks and would not give up my dog so I spent about two and a half months there.

PB: What was life like in jail?

TW: Life in prison was awful!

Some guards treat you as if you are nothing. Some are neutral and a few provide a little respect. I did switch prisons several times. Eight prisons in total. While in prison, I was able to take part in some educational programs. I earned 40 units of college credits, learned upholstery and I also learned carpentry. I learned that our legal system is seriously flawed, that an innocent man can be convicted for something he didn't do and that once within the system, no one really cares what happens to you. I also learned the importance of being positive, having faith in yourself, being resilient and being steadfast in the belief that there is something better around the corner.

PB: Why were you sentenced to jail for life?

TW: I was sentenced to life in prison for a first degree murder

PB: Were you released early? If so, do you know why?

TW: Yes, I was released early.

Although I served 27.5 years, as

a lifer, I could have been in there much longer. The reason for early release, aside from the disciplinary free program, was primarily that I had the help of some very determined, selfless, and wonderful people.

PB: Can you compare what it was like to be in jail to the real world?

TW: In this world, I can have fresh bread whenever I want. I can eat oranges until my stomach bursts. I can drive down the highway blasting John Coltrane.

I can eat with a metal fork. I can choose the temperature of my drinks. I can walk outside whenever I want. The possibilities out here are limitless.

PB: Do you have any advice for teens you wish to share?

TW: The best advice I can give is to remember that any hardships you may be experiencing right now are just temporary. They are a phase. If you can get through this part of your life without doing anything detrimental, things will get better for you.

Thursday, February 6th, 2014

Interview

The Pepperbox | Page 9

The environmentalist: Lia Nelson Kira Burnett Copy Editor

L

ia Nelson, Arcata High 2010 graduate, was a dynamic member of her class. From ASB officer to tennis player, dedicated student to fun-loving socialite and more, Lia Nelson experienced more before eighteen than some do before twenty-eight. And through all the difficult times and first experiences she faces as a young adult and university student, Lia keeps a smile as sunny as the SoCal school she now attends.

Pepperbox: How did you feel when you first arrived in Santa Barbara for school?

Lia Nelson: It was awful! My parents dropped me off at my dorm, helped move me in, and left the next morning. I cried for a week.

Well, then it got better and everything was great. I love UC Santa Barbara—I adjusted, like everyone will. I go to the beach a lot, which is five minutes from my dorm.

PB: How have the classes been since you’ve started?

LN: They’ve been awesome.

Honestly, I’m so happy that I go to school there because I’ve learned so much about my field, which is environmental studies. Although most of the classes are really difficult, they’re equally rewarding.

PB: What about favorite teachers?

Are there any really interesting characters?

LN: Definitely. This quarter, my teacher for classical music spoke in Czech some of the time. Every once in a while, she’d be talking and then she’d be like, “[Untranslatable exclamation]!” and go off in Czech. For one of my environmental studies classes, freshman

year, my teacher reminded me of Mr. Peters, and I was like, “Oh! Mr. Peters!” but it wasn’t him. I don’t think (laughs).

PB: Are there any classic pranks that people like to pull on freshmen or other students?

LN: There’s an undie run every quarter on the Wednesday of finals week. Everyone takes off all their clothes and runs two miles in their underwear and there are thousands of people. For one of the freshman pranks some people stay in their houses and throw water balloons. It’s a good time.

It’s a fundraiser, actually. You give away all your clothes to charity.

PB: Is there really a party every weekend?

LN: Oh there’s not a party every weekend. There’s a party every night. Every day. Last year, I got a little bit caught up in that, but I learned how to balance the social scene with school.

PB: How do you feel you’ve changed the most since you’ve got into university?

LN: I feel that I’ve become so much more of an activist since I went to college. I have joined this group called CALPIRG, which is the California Public Interest Research Group, and we basically figure out what needs to be done and what students care most about at different CSUs and UCs. We do grassroots work, but we also educate students. Most of the students on my campus didn’t know what fracking was, and so we had a whole ‘Global Frackdown’ week where we tried to spread awareness. [In October] I went to the city council meeting in Santa Barbara with over 5,000 petitions and spoke to ban plastic bags in the county. I also went to a conference

in Pittsburgh—an environmental youth summit—and talked about how to best battle climate change.

There were 10,000 people there and it was really fun.

PB: Do you have any major goals or plans for the future, or after you graduate?

LN: I am emphasizing in hydrology because water is a problem that is never going to go away. There are water issues everywhere, so hydrologists are in demand all over the globe. I also would like to travel and [work], so I could go to India, for example, which I know has huge water problems due to poor transportation and filtration.

PB: Do you have a favorite memory from Arcata High?

LN: There are so many! I love Arcata High, I really do. I talk about it at university, and they’re like, “Lia, no one cares. It’s high school.” And I’m like, “Everyone cares, because it’s awesome, and you guys didn’t go to my awesome high school.” But I do think that Arcata High prepared me for college really well.

I’m just breezing on through. A favorite memory may be working in the National Honor Society.

The first Hearts for Haiti was awesome.

Homecoming was also cool—I walked out onto the field with my parents and we were all wearing leopard print, which was really weird and

fun. Our senior flash mob was the best memory; at graduation, we all stood up and did a big dance.

PB: Anything you want to say to the graduating seniors?

LN: Don’t get caught up in the party scene too much your first year. It’s obviously okay to have fun, but you should keep your goals and grades in mind because that’s really why you’re there.

And get involved in as many clubs and groups as you can—not only does it give you more friends, but it makes you feel better. It’s nice to be able to walk down an arbor with thiry thousand people and be able to go “Oh hey!” and know people from other groups. And have fun!

Interview

The Pepperbox | Page 10

Thursday, February 6th, 2014

The senior: Spencer Frankel Nash Karp Feature Editor

& Indigo Davis Photo Editor

W

ho is Spencer Frankel?

Does he go to Arcata High? Most people hear him before they see him?

They duck out of the way of his speeding car. Questions wander in their minds. Where did Spencer come from? Is his facial hair real?

Does he like popsicles? This is it.

The interview with the most mysterious man at Arcata high.

Pepperbox: Who is your favorite faculty member?

Spencer Frankel: Definitely Mr. Peters is my favorite faculty or Mr. Williams also. Mr. Williams is the man plain and simple.

PB: If you were an animal, what animal would you be, and why?

SF: I’d probably be a cat because they’re badass. Like jumping up s*** all the time and killin’ birds and stuff haha.

PB: What are your goals in life?

SF: I have like millions of goals.

But probably someday be able to own just like so many cars, like every kind collectable, fast,

I

t was brown....

and all other kinds.

PB: Do you drive slow?

SF: Oh my, I think everyone knows that I don’t drive slow.

Ever.

PB: What is your dream car?

SF: My dream car is a hard one. I have a lot of dream cars.

But probably an r35 gt-r with a tune. 0-60 in 2.9 seconds. [chuckles] Oh my god.

PB: Do you prefer your music to be quiet?

SF: It depends on what mood I’m in but mostly loud music is better, my subwoofer has broken so much stuff in my car.

PB: What are your plans after high school?

SF: If not going to college, buy some land somewhere and become a gold miner. I really

Indigo Davis/PEPPERBOX

Spencedog d-o- double g posted up on his ride, with sick glasses and sophisticated facial hair. people.

F

eed the people.

want to be a gold miner. Watch the show Klondike, so good.

PB: What is your dream facial hair?

SF: I want a handlebar mustache, pulled out, waxed, and then a goatee, pulled out, waxed. I want to look like a dirty Frenchman.

PB: What is your inspiration?

SF: Gandhi. Definitely. Feed the

was brown...

PB: Who is your celebrity crush?

SF: Rebecca Black, for her amazing musical talent. Today is Thursday, tomorrow is Friday.

PB: What makes you mysterious?

SF: What doesn’t make me mysterious? Everyone thinks that I’ve lived here my whole life, but I was born in New York.

PB: Where do you like to go to lunch?

SF: Well I usually go to Westside because it’s typical, but if I’m feeling fancy I get Gas Station Chicken (Chesters). I am gas station chicken.

PB: What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream?

SF: I didn’t try it, but I saw mushroom flavor one time and it looked really interesting. It

PB: What’s your nickname?

SF: Oh, my nickname is Spencedog. Or Spencedog Millionaire.

Spencedog d-o- double g. But I prefer Jeff.

Thursday, February 6th, 2014

Interview

The Pepperbox | Page 11

The former editors: Forrest Lewis and Elaine Cunha Gillen Martin Editor-in-Chief & Piper Bazard Editor-in-Chief

B

oth graduates from the class of 2013, Forrest and Elaine led the staff as co-editors to produce some of the most well-written and beautiful papers in Pepperbox history. They have left their marks on this publication through sections such as quotable, framable, and “from the archives” while also leaving the Pepperbox (which they inherited with on several working computers) with a fully functional lab and surplus of advertising money for years to come.

After graduating at the top of their class, they both went on to attend prestigious colleges. Now in their second semester, they are both living in Boston, Elaine studying at MIT and Forrest studying at Harvard.

Pepperbox: What is your favorite part of the college experience so far?

Elaine Cunha: The people...they’re all nerds, but they’re cool nerds.

They’re all just really genuine, well-rounded people.

Forrest Lewis: The diversity. I enjoy being so far away from home and meeting people from all around the world and having roommates from all different states and countries. For me personally, I feel like I’m learning so much more outside of class than in class, and in college classes aren’t what is important. They’re like something you do on the side, but all the learning takes place in conversations that you have with people you meet in the dining hall and around campus.

PB: What do you miss most about

high school?

EC: I miss my friends from back here. I miss people, like Lehman.

I miss Mr. Peters. I miss having personal relationships with all my teachers. [At MIT] I had a class with 500 people in it. I don’t think that’s a bad thing, but having personal connections was just something that was nice about high school.

FL: I miss the community feel, knowing everyone. I know it sounds weird to say, but I miss the parking lot atmosphere, looking around, recognizing everyone’s cars. When you move away there’s no way to explain to your peers who Mr. Johnson is, or just all these quirky characters that if you reference to someone else at Arcata High they know exactly what you’re talking about without explanation. You just can’t explain these things.

EC: The other day I found myself trying to explain who James Washington is.

FL: Just stop [laughter].

EC: I got two words into it and just gave up.

kids and had the same best friends from preschool to Jacoby Creek and on. You just have to accept that even if you know these people for four years that will never touch the fourteen years you’ve known someone else.

EC: I don’t know, for me at least I wouldn’t say that those [college] friendships can’t touch the friendships I’ve made over the past fourteen years or so.

PB: What’s the most questionable food you’ve eaten in college?

FL: I don’t eat it, but the dining hall all the time serves swai fish, and I googled it once and it doesn’t exist. I don’t know anyone who’s caught and made a swai fish while fishing. It’s essentially like catfish I think.

EC: ...I had an essentially raw hamburger at Tasty Burger...

PB: Have you done anything Journalism related in college?

EC: I went to a couple meetings for The Tech, MIT’s newspaper, and I was going to be a copy editor, but their deadlines are on really busy days for me. The timing just didn’t work out.

FL: I’ve been writing for the Crimson. I just got elected as a news editor at the end of last semester, so I will start being officially on board next semester.

EC: What’s your major?

FL: Good question.

PB: What do you miss most about Humboldt County?

EC: Mexican food...the trees...I miss being in a really tolerant community that cares about environmentalism.

FL: I miss just knowing everybody around town and running into people when you’re at the grocery store, or Esteban’s, or wherever.

Having that very personal relationship with all your teachers in high school. That feel of Humboldt that you can’t really imitate anywhere else.

EC: I think it’s good to not be here anymore...to carry those traits with me to another community.

FL: It’s also fun coming home after a semester and knowing and realizing that nothing has changed when you’re here. All your friends, all the buildings are the exact same.

PB: What’s the hardest part about the first semester of college?

EC: I guess that first week was just really overwhelming. Just realizing how much I had to do and how I had to completely organize my time.

FL: College is a little bit different in terms of making friends. I’ve found that it’s difficult to make friends in class, you see them maybe two or three hours a week in huge lecture halls and maybe you sit next to them once or twice and it’s hard to make those core connections. Over a semester, I may consider them my close friends now but we really don’t know each other well. It’s not like Photos courtesy of Elaine Cunha and Forrest Lewis at Arcata High where I grew up Elaine Cunha (and friend) and Forrest Lewis enjoy life as college with the same tight-knit group of

freshmen.

The Pepperbox | Page 12

Interview

Thursday, February 6th, 2014

The freshman: Madii Bazard Hannah Finley Reporter

A

brave adolescent? An alien from an alternate galaxy? Who is Madii Bazzard anyway? Madii is an effervescent freshmen at Arcata High School who creates her own, awesome definition of normal! From no-shoes-Thursday, to her ultimate desire for adventure and space travel, Madii is a bold teenage girl who flaunts her individuality.

Pepperbox: What are your wardrobe must haves?

Madii Bazard: Well, I just got these rainbow suspenders, and they make me really happy. Basically just anything with rainbows and sparkles or glitter; lots of colors.

PB: What is your goal or purpose for “No-Shoes-Thursday”?

MB: Sometimes I just feel like my feet are trapped in cages, and the cages are my shoes and they just need to break free and wander around barefoot. I love to wander around barefoot because it makes me feel connected to the earth and the ground. I just need one day a week to not wear shoes!

PB: What are some of your longterm goals?

MB: Well, my long-term goal is to get off this planet and go have an adventure somewhere else. I also want to write a book and find the meaning of life PB: Some say that you claim to be an alien, what are your thoughts on this?

MB: I do claim to be an alien because I’m actually from a different planet and I have a human body but I’m trapped in this human body. I wasn’t always in

it and I have all these memories of being on my other planet. It was like this colorful world with mountains of Jell-O. Some people I’ve talked to about it think it was a dream, but I really don’t think it was because everything about it just felt so real. In my dreams I’ve communicated with aliens from my other planet and they’ve explained things to me like why I’m on Earth.

MB: Colorful.

PB: What is your dream job?

MB: I want to be an astronaut and possibly become one of the first people to visit Mars.

PB: Do you have ideas that could improve Arcata High School?

MB: Paint the buildings rainbow.

PB: What advice would you give teenagers?

MB:Well, sometimes I’ll see people who look really normal, but I feel like inside they aren’t like that and it makes me really sad. I would hate to have to live like that, and I think you should just be yourself because it’s going to make you a happier person.

PB: What were you on Halloween?

MB: I was the T.A.R.D.I.S. from Doctor Who. It’s a blue box that’s bigger on the inside than the outside, and it travels through space and time.

PB: What is society’s biggest flaw in your eyes?

MB: It has a lot of flaws. Mainly the fact that it makes everybody want to be the same.

PB: Do you believe in aliens?

MB: Yes, of course I do, because the universe is so big and they have to be out there somewhere. I think it’s like a fact that aliens are real!

PB: What’s your favorite animal?

MB: Kind of a long list: unicorns, potato bugs, pigeons, any kind of

alien, platypuses, and squids.

PB: Do you believe unicorns are real?

MB: Of course. I believe a lot of things are real, humans just aren’t very observant.

PB: If you were stranded on an island, what three things would you have?

MB: A boat, a spaceship and a time machine combined into one.

PB: What’s your biggest fear?

MB: I have a fear of normal people, never dying, and being stuck on earth forever.

PB: What is your fondest memory?

MB: Things that happen to me in my dreams.

PB: Where are you from?

MB: Another planet in another galaxy.

PB: What do you believe the future of the world holds for mankind?

MB: I’m hoping that humans will develop better methods of space travel and go to other planets.

PB: I’ve heard that you’re interested in philosophy, could you please elaborate on some of your beliefs?

MB: I’m sort of obsessed with trying to find the meaning of life, because I don’t know why I’m here and I don’t know why the universe exists. I want to find answers. Sometimes I don’t sleep for days because I’m searching for answers.

PB: If you could describe yourself in one word, what word would you choose?

Gabe Schneider/PEPPERBOX

Madii shows off her outfit complete with rainbow acessories.

Thursday, February 6th, 2014

Interview

The Pepperbox | Page 13

The dancer: Maura Harris Alex Harris Reporter

S

he’s a class of 2011 graduate from Arcata High School, she majors in dance and sociology, and she’s danced in Chicago and New York. She also happens to be my sister. See what happened when I interviewed her to discuss her favorite Arcata High memories, college successes, and her wish to meet Beyonce.

eventually I do plan on entering a graduate program for sociology.

PB: What advice do you have for high school freshmen?

MH: High school is only 5% of your entire life. That’s always comforting to remember. And um,

don’t get caught.

PB: What was your favorite class in high school?

MH: Probably Ms. Rosebrook’s Psych/Soc. class. That’s probably where I got my idea to major in Sociology.

PB: Do you agree that “high school is the best four years of your life?”

MH: Nope. I can vouch that the last 2 ½ years have been better than the four years of high school combined and the four years of college might not even be the “best four years.”There might be plenty of other “best four years” in the future. It just depends on where you are in your life.

Pepperbox: Who would you say was your favorite teacher from Arcata High?

Maura Harris: I mean, Mr. Peters.

Even though he laughed at me everyday. I like Ms. Angles, she was great, and Mr. Johnson.

PB: Who are some people you want to meet someday?

MH: I don’t want to sound lame and say Beyonce, but…

PB: What have you been doing since you graduated?

MH: Well, attending college (laughs). I’m double-majoring in Sociology and Dance at UCSB.

PB: That’s not lame!

MH: It is, though!

PB: I mean you could have said Gandhi.

MH: That’s too cliche, and he’s dead! I’ll say Beyonce.

PB: What has been your biggest success since graduating?

MH: Well, as far as dance it was getting into and attending the Hubbard Street Intensive [in Chicago], and as far as my academic work, it was becoming a research assistant at the Autism Center at UCSB.

PB: Why Beyo?

MH: Because she’s a boss. Pretty much! Really I only thought of her because she just released her new album.

PB: What is college like?

MH: It’s a lot harder and a lot easier at the same time. But it makes you excited to learn, as opposed to high school, at times.

PB: What do you plan to do after college?

MH: Well, first I really want to pursue professional dancing. But

PB: If you were to meet your freshman self what would you tell her?

MH: Get rid of that hair. And...well you know, I did high school pretty well. Anything I didn’t know that I know now, I learned at the correct time, I think. Or maybe just...don’t get caught, again (laughs).

Alex Harris/PEPPERBOX

Maura Harris gracefully and elegantly dances on stage in a recital.

PB: If you had an album what would you call it?

MH: Oh, boy I don’t know… Little Baby Mitten. Hangers in the Closet. Starry Sheets. Cracks In the Ceiling. All options. (Laughs).

See, people will get an opinion out of that. Maybe that’s all you should print!

Interview

The Pepperbox | Page 14

Thursday, February 6th, 2014

The conductors: Carol Jacobson and Jonathan Webster Lauren Blake

I

Reporter

f you’ve ever done anything musical, at all, in Northern Humboldt, there’s a 99% chance that you know Carol Jacobson. For those of you who have no idea who she is, Carol is the maestra of the Arcata High Madrigal and Concert Choirs and the conductor of the ArMack Orchestra and the Eureka Symphony. Jonathan Webster is a HSU graduate with a major in performance piano who accompanies the AHS Madrigal and Concert choirs, soloists, and various musicals throughout Humboldt county. Even if you’re not “into music,” these two will make you want join choir just for the entertainment value; so sit back, and enjoy the ride.

Pepperbox: Where are you guys from?

Carol Jacobson: California! [Begins singing "California, Here I Come" from the 1921 musical Bombo] Okay; I was born in California, raised in California, went to Europe for 18 years and now I'm back.

Jonathan Webster: I was born in Montana; I lived in Florida for nine years, but basically grew up in the Bay Area, in Marin.

PB: What is your favorite place in Europe, and why?

CJ: I love Amsterdam because I lived there and worked there for so many years, and I have so many friends there.

JW: Stockholm; I've been there a lot, my family's from there, my grandmother lives there, and it's a lovely city!

PB: If you were an animal, what would you be?

CJ: I would be my doggy, Jonah!

JW: Homo sapiens. [laughter]

How about a camel?

PB: What would you say to people who call the Madrigal Choir the Magical Choir?

CJ: I love it because this is a magical choir!

JW: I would be furious if they called it a Magical Choir.

CJ: Why? JW: I'm just kidding.

PB: What is your favorite type of food?

CJ: French food. Champagne especially.

JW: Probably Indian food.

PB: What is your favorite venue to perform in?

CJ: The Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, it's the most gorgeous concert hall. Have you been in there? [JW: No] Oh, what acoustics and what a beautiful building!

JW: I've never really gotten to perform in a really great venue...

PB: Describe yourself in five words.

JW: Can I, like, email you? [laughs] CJ: Intense, passionate, demanding, fun-loving.

JW: I'll get back to you, soon.

CJ: That's six.

JW: Whatever, [laughs] I don't want to answer that right now.

PB: Why do you think the orchestra and choir trips are important?

CJ: I think that it really helps people, especially from this area, to see what's out in the world, and to hear the best that there is to hear, and experience the sights and the sounds and the flavors of different countries and whole different worlds. I'm convinced that it's a beautiful experience for people to have, I think it opens up worlds.

I've seen so many kids whose lives were changed that I'm convinced it's important.

JW: Absolutely, yeah, the one time I got to travel with the Madrigal Choir [to Paris] it was really inspiring how much a lot of them reacted to seeing everything they hadn't experienced before.

CJ: Cell phones!

JW: Just general laziness and not trying. I don't care if people try and aren't perfect, it's just when people don't try that I get really sad.

PB: What is your favorite performance that the choir does?

CJ: I really like them all. Every concert that they do has amazing, special moments and every concert has moments that you'd like to live over and correct!

JW: My favorite thing to play is actually your least favorite song: "Loves Me Like a Rock." Sorry about that.

PB: What is the worst stereotype you've heard about musicians or singers?

CJ: "Sopranos have no brains."

JW: That's my favorite [laughs].

There's just an attitude that musicians are really lazy, that seems to be pretty predominant, especially around here. A real professional musician is not lazy at all.

PB: What is your favorite saying?

CJ: "Excellence is a lifestyle!"

JW: "An invariably positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort."

PB: What get's you through the day?

CJ: Coffee.

JW: Music.

CJ: Oh, you liar! [laughter] No, it's true; music and coffee.

PB: What is your least favorite part about working with high schoolers?

PB: If you were superheroes, what would your powers be?

CJ: I would like to be able to sit down and sight read anything I wanted to.

JW: I can already do that, fortunately. Just kidding, I would really like the ability to find anything that I lose.

PB: If you were superheroes, what would your team name be? [long pause] CJ: The Heffalumps!

JW: Heffalumps and Woozles.

CJ: The Rockets.

JW: Team Learn Your Damn Music Kids.

Piper Bazard/PEPPERBOX

Carol and Jonathan are all smiles and laughter as they look over some music during madrigal rehearsal.

Thursday, February 6th, 2014

Interview

The Pepperbox | Page 15

The leader:Tom Torlakson River Sween News Editor

T

he policy buff. The athlete.

The California revolutionary in education. The honorary Tiger. Tom Torlakson is the Superintendent of Public Instrution in the state of California. And, in October 2013, he visited Arcata High School in a state-wide tour of schools.

While Torlakson was visiting, I asked him if he could would give an interview to The Pepperbox in the future.

Here it is, folks. We interviewed the State Superintendent. No big deal.

Pepperbox: Describe yourself as a high schooler.

Tom Torlakson: I ran track at Westmoor High School in Daly City, many years ago. Like a lot of students, I balanced my interest in athletics with studying and having fun, but also figuring out what kind of person I wanted to be as an adult.

PB: How do you see high schoolers today?

TT: When I visit schools, I see students who are engaged, connected to their peers and their communities, and ready to make their mark in the world. I see students who are enterprising, creative and looking to the future.

PB: Who inspired you when you were a high schooler and what did you aspire to?

TT: I had a great track coach, Bob Lualhati, who encouraged my teammates and me to give our best every time. It’s an outlook I’ve tried to transmit to my own students when I was a teacher and coach at Antioch High School.

My dad was principal at George Washington High in San Fran-

cisco, so education was definitely in the family.

PB: What were you interests in high school (sports, music, art, other activities)?

TT: Definitely sports! I was on the track team. I was also student body vice president my senior year of high school.

PB: How do you feel about the current state of Washington D.C. and Congress?

TT: It’s easy to become frustrated at the slow pace of change in Washington. There’s a lot of work to be done to improve education, and I encourage students to take action, being a part of the civic process, and adding their voices to those who want to see change happen.

PB: What is your favorite part of your position?

TT: Visiting schools and talking to students and teachers, seeing how learning happens in classrooms, is the favorite part of my job.

Standards explain what students should know and be able to as they make their way through school. It also means a different way of learning where students are active participants in their own education. There is projectbased learning, sharing information in groups, and a greater focus on developing critical thinking and communication skills. It means moving away from rote memorization and toward an emphasis on how students reach conclusions, and the ability to explain it verbally and in writing.

Career Technical Education is a reinvigorated focus on the skills that prepare students for college and careers. In some of my visits to schools throughout the state, I’ve seen exemplary programs that prepare students for engineering, science, communications, health and a myriad of career choices that are in high demand. Handson learning, internships in their

communities, and higher education opportunities are some of the hallmarks of Career Technical Education, and we hope every student in California can soon have this choice.

PB: What future do you see for Common Core and CTE? TT: Common Core can and should be a roadmap for educators and students, allowing teachers to be creative in how they teach and updating how students learn.

While moving toward a new set of standards is a challenge and will take teamwork, it’s an exciting time for California. As a state we’ve shown we lead the way.

Schools where students are prepared for college and career, and have an array of choices with support from business partners in the community and opportunities for good jobs, are how I see CTE moving forward. It’s a goal I’m working hard to see happen.

PB: What is the most challenging part of your position?

TT: The world around us is changing, and education must change with it. The greatest challenge we face is making the transition from the old ways of learning to new ones that will help students compete in the 21st century. Preparing students for careers that haven’t been invented yet is why it’s so important to develop the critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills that are at the heart of Common Core.

PB: Describe Common Core and CTE to someone who knows nothing about them.

TT: The Common Core State

Photo Courtesy of Jenna Anderson

Superintendent Torlakson pictured in his biography.

Interview

The Pepperbox | Page 16

Thursday, February 6th, 2014

The legend: James Washington Sara Davis

Junior News Editor &

Vera Heidmann Opinion Editor &

Zoe Ziegler Feature Editor

H

e coached for 26 years.

An avid conversationalist. Lawn maintenance extraordinaire. You may know him as the man with the white truck with lawn clippings in the back, who drives around Arcata and seems to know everyone. His overwhelming friendliness and allure attract everyone around him.

Pepperbox: What is your favorite part of coaching?

James Washington: You guys. If it weren’t for you guys, we wouldn’t have the program.

PB: How long have you been coaching at Arcata High?

JW: 26 years; this is my 26th year.

PB: How did you get interested in running?

JW: I started in AAU in Palo Alto as a 6th grader, and I run sprints at the time. I was a sprinter. And all through my life I loved to run.

And when I got to high school I sprint. Got to college, I sprint. And once I got my degree I decided that

as a Physication major, I wanted to do something different I have never done before. So I decided to coach long distance. And so basically I ended up doing something that I wanted to do cause I never done it before. It’s like a change.

PB: We heard that you will be coaching 6th grade basketball at Jacoby Creek. What inspired you to take on that job?

JW: I didn’t really want to do it because I use after cross country to start to get ready for track. But Jeannie Hassler who is that AD there, said, “hey, why don’t you come coach 6th grade.” I said I would think about it. I didn’t say I would. So, I got persuaded. She say, “Oh, yeah, he coaching.” So I saw some of the parents. And they go ‘oh, you’re going to be coaching basketball.’ And I go ‘oh.’…it’s fine, I do it one season and everything.

And they’ll learn lots to a stand point. Give me a little break of doing something different to do and everything. I’ll be nice.

PB: What sport did you excel in in high school JW: My experience was in I played football. I played basketball, ran track, and baseball. And my strength was baseball, actually. I was a better baseball player than anything. Because I felt that you don’t have to be big, tall; you can 5’8”, 5’9’ to play baseball. And at that time I was only 5’6”; I was 17, and I grew at age 20. I went from 5’6” until 5’10”. And my knees were really sore, and I stopped.

How to be James: 1. Never age.

2. Live in a pink house.

3. Own a typewriter.

And haven’t grown since.

you and eat you.

PB: What are some of your favorite foods and drinks?

JW: Water. Milk. Since I became vegetarian, my favorite food became soy strips [tofu], tofu loaf, mash potatoes, and the same thing, sweet peas, and rolls. That’s my favorite food. And bananas.

PB: How did you come to Humboldt?

JW: I came because I liked the country environment from Palo Alto. And I liked the school.

PB: What persuaded you to become a vegetarian?

JW: I took a nutrition class in high school, and I took it because it was an easy A. I can get an easy A. Nutrition! That can’t be that hard! So I goes sitting there and it was harder than I thought! I’m like, ‘wait a minute; I thought this was supposed to be an easy class.’

That’s what made me [a vegetarian] nutrition wise.

PB: Where is your favorite place to run?

JW: Hills behind Humboldt; the HSU trails.

PB: Do you run there everyday?

JW: Yes. You get a better workout.

Peaceful. It’s just, no one bothers you, and you just run. Usually a few people, ‘hello…hi.’ Keep going.

PB: What’s your favorite animal?

JW: Fish [insert great laughter].

Low maintenance, fish. I tell you.

They just swim.

PB: If you could be an animal, what would you be?

JW: Probably a fish. A gold fish.

No one would be trying to catch

PB: What is your ideal vacation?

JW: Last time I went on vacation I went to Gold Beach. I found lots of agates. I didn’t know what they were. It’s funny. I said ‘what’s these rocks. Pretty rocks.’ Or I just running, I picked them up. I get back. Put them in a bag. So I got them, brought them back here and everything and I says ‘what do you think about these rocks?’

And they go ‘you know what those are?’ I said ‘no’ ‘That’s are agates.’

PB: What is your proudest moment of coaching?

JW: Winning North Coast Sections three times. Also, winning state last year for second place.

No one at my 26 years have done what you guys have done. That’s incredible.

PB: What are your plans for coaching next year?

JW: Try to win league. Try to win all league again. Try to win North Coast Sections. And also go to state and take between 1 and 3.

PB: Tell us one thing people probably don’t know about you.

JW: I am very quiet. People think because I talk a lot and because I know lots of people. I’m a home-

4. Win two marathons.

5. Be the most well-known person in Arcata.

6. Always bring your IPOD/WALKMAN.

Thursday, February 6th, 2014

body. When I’m not doing anything, I had the phone and I won’t answer it. I know it’s bad. I like solitude is basically what it is. I like solitude. Just relaxing, reading a nice book.

PB: What is your favorite color?

JW: Blue. Yes. It’s a color for light.

To feel better.

PB: If you won the lottery what would you do with it?

Interview JW: I would build a track. I would build a nice track. We won’t have to go to Humboldt. We could just go down the hill and run. If not, I find a piece of land close, have a

The Pepperbox | Page 17

track, it be ours.

PB: Who is your favorite artist?

JW: I have so many! My favorite is Celine Dion. I love her. I tell you. I love her music. I have every song that she sang. She’s a good singer.

She’s a very good singer.

PB: We also heard you like “Blurred Lines.” Is this true?

JW: Yeah. Robin Thicke. Oh, that guy is crazy. Whoa.”

Famous James Washington Quotes:

S

tay mellow and strong and do things that are good for yourself and others.

--James Washington’s Motto, 1991

K

nees up.

Elbows back!

P

ut your shirt back on! You ain’t Hercules!

--In response to athletes going shirtless in grueling 62 degree weather.

7. Eat graham crackers and banana sandwiches 8. On occasion sneak a slushie.

9. “Put some ice on it.”

10. Drive a white truck with grass clippings.

D me!

on’t be getting all macho on

The Pepperbox | Page 18

Thursday, February 6th, 2014

News

Bringing back Humboldt Bay Lizzy Fernandes Reporter

I

f you have ever gone on Cindy Condit’s Biology extra credit work days at Shay Park or the Janes Creek neighborhood (also known as the “Spinny Park”), then you have taken part in the McDaniel Slough Restoration Project. The McDaniel Slough Project was organized by the City of Arcata and California Department of Fish and Wildlife to restore farm lands back to brackish marshes. The project took fourteen years from 1998 to September 26, 2013 and restored 212 of 280 acres of lands that used to be Humboldt Bay along with improving freshwater and brackish wetlands. It took eight years of permitting, planning, and hir-

ing consultants to begin construction on the McDaniel Slough Project. Consultants were hired to be sure the new levees would protect private properties from flooding damage and federal reviews at the state and national levels had to be approved along with environmental reviews. Permits were also needed to approve where the dirt for the new levees would come from. Construction took six years and consisted of digging up dirt to build new levees and removing culverts. Part of the reason construction took so long was because the levees could only be worked on in the late summer when it was dry enough to dig up dirt and compact it. Since the tide gates were removed last September the tide fills McDaniel Slough twice a day.

The salt water has also been killing

invasive plant species like Canary grass in the McDaniel Slough area.

Reed Canary grass has invaded Janes Creek, which flows into the McDaniel Slough. Control efforts have been made to control and kill it by many different organizations including the City of Arcata, Department of Fish and Wildlife, and other community members.

This involves pulling out invasive canary grass by hand, and if you have volunteered on work days then you know what a pain it is to pull it out. Canary grass, as Julie Neander,(Environmental programs manager of the McDaniel Slough Restoration Project) likes to call it, is a “bioengineer because it creates a natural dam.” It outcompetes with native plants, can cause flooding which can lead to property damage, decreases bio-

diversity, reduces dissolved oxygen content to lethally low levels for juvenile salmon during summer and fall, and is a barrier for fish migrating upstream to spawn.

Other than killing invasive plants, the McDaniel Slough project has opened up tide gates so Salmon can spawn up Janes Creek once again, extended estuary habitat where many different species of marine life breed, and made more habitat for seabirds and an endangered species of Goby, a brackish water fish. The settlers that first came to Humboldt were interested in the lumber industry and agriculture so they converted much of what was Humboldt Bay to farm lands by building levees, but Arcata has changed since then and is now bringing back the bay it once took away.

slinging bagels all day everyday “Well, actually from 6:30 am to 5 pm... most days”

Two-for-Tuesday!

follow us on

&

@los_bagels

Thursday, February 6th, 2014

News

The Pepperbox | Page 19

Common core: what’s next for high schools?

Talena Graham

I

Reporter

’m sure you’ve heard it. You are sitting in class one day, when one daring student dares to, bothers to question: “When will I ever use this?” There are complaints, grumbles, as the teacher informs the class that. “Yes, this is important. It’ll be important when you’re older, you’ll understand.

You’ll have some perspective.”

Still, the complaint remains. And although the information is important, student’s often don’t feel that it is because the most common way of learning is rote memorization.

As a solution, a group of educators gathered together to work on developing the standards of education to which all schools must comply. The product was the Common Core State Standards.

The Standards focus on defining what children from K-12 should learn each year, but instead of focusing on memorization, “the standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that young people need for success in college and careers” (corestandards.org). Since 2009, forty-five

states have adopted the standards, the exceptions being: Alaska, Texas, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Virginia.

Kentucky was the first state to adopt the standards, applying them to the education system in 2010; therefore, judgment on how the standards work is primarily through the success (or failures) of the system in Kentucky. In 2013, Time reported that the state’s high school graduation rate increased from 80% in 2010 to 86% currently. Although the overall changes within Kentucky are positive, testing scores within the state have not improved.

California adopted the standards in 2010, with plans to implement them in the 2013-2014 school year.

The current timeline has a set of tests ready for the Spring of 2014.

According to the California Department of Education: “Students in grades three through eight and grade eleven will be assessed via computer in English-language arts and mathematics. A small sample of grade nine and grade ten students will also participate in the Field Test.” What is the purpose of these tests? To help developers determine what does and doesn’t

work about them. Overall, developers are shying away from tests which we all know like the STAR, in favor of computer-adaptive tests will include performance tasks and questions that require extended responses” (San Francisco Gate).

Currently, the standards only have applications in math and English; however, there are plans to expand the standards to include science, and, eventually, history.

The Next Generation Science Standards were formally presented in April 2013, and since then six states have adopted them, including California. California’s connection to the standards are particularly important for the state because “a large part of the economy in California is based on science, technology, and engineering businesses and industries” (Next Generation Standards). However, the New York Times has predicted that it will take years for the standards to become a part of school systems because an entire curriculum still needs to be created, teachers aren’t yet trained, and testing standard’s haven’t been revised.

With the Common Core, the process of teaching math will be

completely re-done. As reported from the San Francisco Gate: “First-graders will get tiny tastes of algebra while learning to add, and middle school students will be exposed to statistics and geometry while still solving for X.” The English standards have been broken down into five sections: reading, writing, speaking and listening, language, and media and technology. The new reading standards have no required novels; however, students will be expected to read a wide range of classics, as well as texts on a variety of subjects. The writing standards focus on introducing opinion into writing at a young age. There is a new emphasis on speaking in an oneon-one, small group, and whole class setting. New vocabulary will be introduced not just for the definitions, b e i n cbut o n t r as o l a part of classroom conversation, allowing students to learn the definition more thoroughly. Lastly, the standards remove the mandatory learning of cursive, replacing it with keyboarding.

The effect of the Common Core will not be seen for many years to come; however, the change it will bring about is inevitable.

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The Pepperbox | Page 20

News

Thursday, February 6th, 2014

Wildberries: the daily mayhem Suzannah McFarland Copy Editor

W

ildberries has featured as an Arcata High lunch favorite for years.

The store is a haven for car-less students, a quick walk, and a large variety of food. The problem: everyone goes there. The walk is quick, but the crowds become a turn off. The upperclassmen with cars get there faster, but the result is just two separate crowds, and all those who drive will still clog the checkout line. Of the handful of

sophomore students I interviewed, most said they went to Wildberries several times each week. Yet there was a significant difference in the random sampling of seniors,

A good school to store relationship.

-Aaron Gottschalk

they had cars, and could avoid the lines by going elsewhere; one even

said he hadn’t been to Wildberries since sophomore year.

Yet what does Wildberries have to say about all this? How do they deal with the mass of students every day between 12:30 and 1:00? Aaron Gottschalk, the general manager of Wildberries claims that after years of the high school rush, the system has been perfected to run as effectively and smoothly as possible. The biggest crowd arrives six minutes after the bell rings, and the store is always sure to have all the registers open and all the staff on the floor.

Gottschalk estimates that they get around 100 students each day. The

store appreciates the student customers and wants to keep them happy, always being sure to stock the lunch favorites, sandwiches, burritos, candies, and, by far the most popular, the smoothies at the Juice Bar. Gottschalk emphasizes that Wildberries “wants to stay user friendly”, and urges students to make suggestions of what they would like to see at the store, also reminding them that Wildberries is a good place to work for those seeking employment. But most importantly, Gottschalk states that one of his primary goals is to keep “a good school to store relationship.”

Monday evenings at 6:30pm in the Arcata High School library.

Arcata and Six Rivers Juniors and Seniors will have the opportunity on March 12th to participate in Arcata High’s Job Shadow program. Students will need to fill out an application and turn it into the manilla folder on the Career and College Center’s door by February 12th to qualify. It comes with a first come first serve policy so the sooner you turn in your application, the better opportunities you will have. Such occupations such as Radio DJs, Hairstylists and Lawyers are available to sign up for.

Students that have completed the application and turned it into the Career and College Center must attend a mandatory orientation meeting during lunch on March 4th. Where you sign up to shadow is not the most important thing but rather the experience you will gather while dipping your toes into our local workforce. It also gives you the opportunity to make connections within our business community.

Then, on May 8th, Arcata High is co-hosting a Job Fair with College of the Redwoods. There will be booths set up by local businesses and career fields as well as a booth set up by CR. It is a great way for students to view their various options upon their graduation from high school. “Our job is to help people have options and what certain options look like,” Jim Ritter from the Career and College Center said. This is a unique opportunity where we will not only see some options laid out in front of us but we will also be able to ask questions and converse with the representatives from multiple fields in a one on one dialog.

The Career and College Center is here to help us as young adults trying to find our next step in life, whatever it may be. “This is a good place if you don’t have a plan,” Ritter said. So, if you are lost in your decision or confused on your plans, take advantage of the amazing programs our school offters to help in furthering our education or careers.

Speakers series off to a great start Lexi Jacomella Reporter

&

Austin Schuler Graphic Designer

H

igh school is a confusing time in any young person’s life. As we grow in age and maturity we are expected to make decisions that can and will affect our lives forever. Luckily at our school we have Jim Ritter as an amazing resource to help us in deciding what path we would like to follow upon our graduation. All these generously provided opportunities assist us in exploring our options in higher education as well as domesticated workforce.

The 2014 Career Speakers Series showcases post-graduates and community members’ career decisions and the factors that came into play while making them. The series contains eight presentations focusing on a diverse group of career paths. On January 27th we had our first presentation of the

series which provided insight from Arcata High alumni in the early years of their career. The next panel will be held in February 10th and is lead by Brad Tucker and Teresa Marshall concerning working in health care. The following month, on March 10th, local food entrepreneurs will share their stories of working in the food industry. On March 24th, presenters will discuss trades such as truck driving, mechanic, and building trades. April 7th will be held with local artisans that will share their insight about their careers in an artistic field. On April 14th law enforcement, fire services, teaching, and other government employees will be speaking about their job decisions. May 5th deals with Careers in Natural Resources with speakers from fisheries, wildlife, forestry, and agriculture. The last session will be on May 19th and is on the topic of entrepreneurship with inspiring stories from entrepreneurs who compete in the global marketplace. All of the 2014 Career Speakers Series will be on

Thursday, February 6th, 2014

Feature

The Pepperbox | Page 21

Get the right dress for you: Prom fashion Jesse Bareilles

Junior Photo Editor

$ 0-50 lulus.com -Find a dress you feel confident in.

-Choose a color that compliments your natural hair and skin tones.

$$ 50-100 simplydresses.com -Buy dress that shows off your best feature.

-Look at dresses that fall into your economic means.

$$$ 100-150 Asos.com -If you choose a dress with patterns choose understated and elegant ones.

-Classy is better than flashy.

$$$$ 150+ PromGirl.com -If you are looking at a nude colored dress, avoid shades that will flush out your skin tone.

- Choose shoes that don’t steal the spotlight from the dress, but compliment it.

Thursday, February 6th, 2014

Feature

The Pepperbox | Page 22

2014 New Years resolutions Delaney Rice Reporter

I

t’s that time of the year again.

The clock ticks down, the ball drops, and a New Year begins.

Although your night may have consisted of things you would hate to tell your mother, luckily January first brings a clean slate and a chance to right your previous wrongs. It’s time to un-crumple the parchment, seek out your grandmother’s quill, and get to writing your year changing goals. We’re talking about New Years’ resolutions.

Whether they’re to lose weight, annoy your parents slightly less, or to stay out of Juvie for at least twice the amount of time it took you to get in the first time, they are the first goals you make in 2014 and most likely the least reasonable. It might be difficult to come up with a solid year long goal while your judgment is highly impaired as a result of exhaustion from the previous night so we here at the Pepperbox suggest waiting until a day or two later to catch up on sleep.

Ghost ride the whip more often.

- Senior Chris Cherms

Through the legs dunk over Neel.

- Freshman Adam Huschle

Meditate for no less than 30 minutes a day.

- Sophomore Bryce Sprague

Stop wearing leggings, and start wearing jeans more.

- Sophomore Daisy Nutter

Have less of a serial killer expression on my face.

- Junior AnaMae McGoldrick

Ball out till my balls fall out.

- Sophomore Nathan Heidrick

Be less of a ratchet.

Stop wearing diapers to school.

- Sophomore Jordan Chasescott

- Sophomore Makinzi Nichols

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Thursday, February 6th, 2014

Feature

The Pepperbox | Page 23

Sports vs. academics at AHS Brian Then Reporter

& Brooke Schafer Reporter

T

he Atlantic magazine recently published “The Case Against High-School Sports”.

Although it is clear that sports unites the team players, the school, and the community, reading that article, I wondered how well Arcata High School balances sports with academics and other activities we have available here. What I have discovered is that we have so much to do at our school that I don’t think a lot of people know about. For example, we have 24 different clubs on our campus. We have French Club and French Honor Society.

Suzannah McFarland, president of French Honor Society, says, “It’s a great way for juniors and seniors to extend their knowledge of French language and culture outside of a classroom setting.” Senior Alia Brookshire says, “Global Solutions is really student run and it’s inspiring.”

Mrs. Berube says, “Sports are the limelight of the school, but academics are the backbone.” That made me think about how sports do so much for those people who participate. It’s not just a free ride.

Athletes have a lot to consider if

Sports are the limelight of the school, but academics are the backbone.

- Mrs. Berube

The positive sides of sports...

What we sometimes overlook...

· Keeps students away from doing drugs · Pays for itself · Stress relief · Good wasy to make friends · Pushes athletes to get a 2.0 or better · We have AIBT · In football, kids push themselves during hell week · Keeps students fit · Even if you’re not in sports, we have Iron Tigers before and after school

· Nobody gets acknowledged for what they do well academically · Our school has 24 different clubs · We participate in History day · We host Math Fair · We have two choirs and an orchestra · The school is creating a fine arts building · We have drama and theatrical productions · We have a jazz band and an orchestra · We have the Arcata Arts Institute · We have a school newspaper

they want to keep playing. They must maintain a 2.0 grade aver-

There is a lot of emphasis on improving our academics, but there are more outward celebrations for sports.

- Mrs. Teasley age and figure out how to make it to practice and games while still finding time to finish homework.

When I asked people how they felt Arcata High does balancing sports with everything else, people felt that we do really well, but there is more acknowledgement for athletic achievements. “There is a lot of emphasis on improving our academics, but there are more outward celebrations for sports,” Mrs. Teasley said. The school does a lot to provide a safe and happy campus for students, but it’s up to you to decide if we provide a proper emphasis for activities other than sports.

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The Pepperbox | Page 24

Thursday, February 6th, 2014

Sports

Winter sports put on hold Brooke Coelho Junior Sports Editor

& Errol Funk Sports Editor

F

rom November through the early months of spring, snowboarders and skiers often make the trip over 299 to the icy cold confines of Mt. Shasta. Some boarders are hoping to finally hit that big jump and beginners ready to learn the slippery slopes of the mountain. Many families seek that chilly trip over the weekend for a quick escape from reality and to have a little fun as well. However this winter, dry weather conditions have made this routine get away much harder. Leaving boarders and skiers forced to make the longer trips to Tahoe or Bend in order to satisfy that need for speed.

As of January 12 the Mt. Shasta Ski Resort website reported it is closed for the time being, until another storm comes through the area bringing more precipitation.

Mt. Ashland Ski park in Oregon also has the same report, waiting for more snow to open for the season. With this being one of the driest winters in recent history, it has put an impact on local extreme winter athletes. Those people who don’t participate in traditional sports, but like to hit the slopes every winter are left in a rut with fewer options; leaving an impact on their athletic ambitions as well as their wallets.

Weather forecasts for both Mt. Ashland and Mt. Shasta show no snow coming for the next ten days. In fact, for much of the next

ten days the forecast has beautiful sunny days for both areas. So for the time being, at least until Mother Nature decides to bring the mountains some much desired precipitation, these winter athletes will have to spend their weekends seeking other forms of excitement.

Or take further journeys to find their winter escape for thrill.

However there’s no need to fret, with so many alternatives to your typical snowboarding and skiing you won’t be running out of things to do in these dull winter months.

We are recommending branching out and trying new things. Hit the sand dunes with a sled and get your fix, if sledding isn’t really your thing try stair boarding it’s a rush. Seasoned stair boarder Luke Graves gave us his views “Honestly I don’t even know why I go to the mountain anymore, it’s just such a rush when you drop in on a five stair, nothing can compare” Graves explained. With so many people devastated by this lack of powder we’ll just have to wait and see and hope for the best looking into the future.

However there’s no need to fret, with so many alternatives to your typical snowboarding and skiing, you won’t be running out of things to do in these dull winter months.

We are recommending branching out and trying new things. Hit the sand dunes with a sled and get your fix. If sledding isn’t really your thing, try stair boarding-- it’s a rush. Seasoned stair boarder Luke Graves gave us his views “Honestly I don’t even know why I go to the mountain anymore, it’s just such a rush when you drop in on a five stair, nothing can compare” Graves explained. With so many people devastated by this lack of powder, we’ll just have to wait and see and hope for the best looking into the future.

Brooke Coelho/PEPPERBOX

Luke Graves dropping down the AHS staircase due to the lack of snow.

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Thursday, February 6th, 2014

Opinion

The Pepperbox | Page 25

Pomegranates: Fruit of the gods

Lauren McCoy Managing Editor

T

here, in the middle of the produce section, upon a raised pedestal lay a mountain of the glorious pomegranate fruit. Weaving your way to the abundance of deep red and maroon spheres, you question whether or not such an enticing object could be real, or if you are swimming in a fantasy of sweet dreams. Grasping in your palm a pomegranate of such ripeness, it is nearly ready to burst forth its succulent seeds right into your mouth.

However, you still feel a lingering resistance to such an astonishing work of art. The poking and prodding necessary to coax the perfectly sweetened and tangy treasures from the heart of the fruit is considerably time consuming. Also, the pomegranate is often times rebellious to human consumption and acts out by spouting its blood onto nearby surfaces and clothing to mark the battle ground and to make known the struggle. Despite the challenges pomegranates do

pose, the reward far exceeds the risk.

According to Greek mythology, there was even greater risk attached to eating pomegranates for the goddess Persephone. The daughter of Demeter, goddess of the Harvest, Persephone had been kidnapped by Hades and taken to the underworld. While there, Persephone ended up enjoying six seeds of a pomegranate. Because of this, she had to spend six months of the year in the underworld. It is during these six months of her daughter’s absence that Demeter mourns in despair, and makes the earth barren.

Just as Persephone was unable to resist the incredible taste of even just six seeds of a pomegranate, many people would be willing to trade a few bites of the succulent fruit even if it meant spending six months of their life in the underworld with Hades. Anyone who understands the marvelous, mouth watering qualities of this fruit could not give Persephone a hard time for dooming humankind to a few infertile seasons.

Pomegranates truly are a fruit of the gods, for once the first jewel is popped into your mouth, there is a powerful explosion of magnificent juice splashed throughout.

Although mining for these gems does require patience and experience, the process can be therapeutic and allows you time to reflect on the bigger things in life. For

Grasping in your palm a pomegranate of such ripeness, it is nearly ready to burst forth its succulent seeds right into your mouth.

...[they allow] you time to reflect on the bigger things in life. For example, who will tell Juan Pablo they love him first in this season of The Bachelor?

example, who will tell Juan Pablo they love him first in this season of The Bachelor? As you stand nose to nose with a faultless pomegranate in the middle of the produce section, you are overcome with the realization that you must possess this masterpiece of nature. There is no feeling like that of beholding a bowl of those glimmering rubies and the anticipation for that first pop. So you leave the store with fifteen of the jewel-filled spheres.

The transcendent qualities of pomegranates place them at the top of my list of favorites.

Jesse Bareilles/PEPPERBOX

Safeway lies at the end of a journey to find the fruit of the gods.

The Pepperbox | Page 26

Opinion

Thursday, February 6th, 2014

Hotels are sketchier than you think

Vera Heidmann Opinion Editor

F

riday, November 25th, 2011. What started out as just a typical day in sophomore year oblivion turned into a traumatic night that I will never forget, as long as I live.

Two years ago, the Arcata High girls Cross Country team traveled to Fresno to compete in the State Championships. If you have ever driven to Fresno in one day, you most likely know that the drive is no walk in the park. I would use only two words to describe it: excruciatingly boring. After ten long hours on the road, we finally made it to the hotel. We rushed in, dumped our stuff on the floor, and went out to dinner. (I would like to personally give a shout out to the amazing restaurant “Sweet Tomato.” If for some insane reason you ever decide to vacation in Fresno, that is the place to be).

When we got back to the hotel, we had some time to actually check out our rooms. What did we find?

One of the many, many locks on our door looked like it had been ripped clean off. There was a sign on the door warning us not to go outside in the late hours of the night. It’s a hotel. What could happen? Are we going to get stabbed and/or shot if we step outside or leave the already broken blinds over our window open? There were also these suspicious, dark stains all over the

carpet. For the rest of my life, I will never know what those stains were. Beer? Blood? I don’t want to know. I was pondering all the possible creepy-crawlies I might meet when I pulled back the covers of my bed. I was thinking that maybe I would just sleep on top of the covers... never mind that it was freezing in the room. Meanwhile, one of my roomies darted out of the bathroom, and gave us the announcement about the brown

I know people who are terrified of being alone in a hotel room. This fear is completely understandable, no matter how old you are. spot in the bathtub. I remember that brown spot well. It still gives me nightmares two years later, to be honest. I will go out on a limb here and guess that someone probably gave birth in that bathtub. Or maybe, somebody got stabbed. Oh, and of course, that lovely bathroom was crawling with species of bugs that I’m pretty sure have not been discovered by science yet.

I realize that this little story makes me sound like quite the wimp. Say what you want, but I’d like to see you drive to Fresno for ten hours and then stay at some

Vera Heidmann/PEPPERBOX

“Come play with us, Danny...forever, and ever, and ever...” hotel where you can’t sleep because, along with the cockroaches hiding in the corners, there are probably ghosts of all the people who have been murdered there watching over you at night. Okay, so I’m a wimp. Deal with it.

If you think about it, the whole idea of staying in a hotel is a little bit sketchy. Don’t get me wrong, hotels can be extremely fun, but no matter what, there is no getting past their sketchy element. Even if it’s the fanciest hotel in the universe, you never really know what happened in that comfy hotel bed you’re sleeping in, do you?

On that note, I know people who are terrified of being alone in a hotel room. This fear is completely understandable, no matter how old you are.

There is also the prospect of being stuck inside of a small space with your family for a long period of time. With my family, it’s usually only a matter of days before we start tearing each other apart, mentally. We will all probably kill

each other one of these days. I only believe this because my mom made me watch “The Shining” a couple of months ago, and it was life-scarring (remember, I’m a wimp). The elevator will fill with blood. There will be two creepy ghost girls in the hallway, asking you to play. And whatever you do, don’t go in room 237. In fact, just don’t watch “The Shining” and you can continue to live in your land of oblivion where hotels are bright and beautiful, and represent no sketchiness whatsoever.

That sounds like Paradise. In other words, it sounds like getting to be a little kid again, which is something that almost every high school senior wants to be at some point.

It still gives me nightmares two years later, to be honest.

Thursday, February 6th, 2014

Opinion

The Pepperbox | Page 27

Aren’t detentions great?

Skyler Wrigley

T

Reporter

he roof tiles counted and every defect in the floor found, one’s mind tends to wander as to why the tardies, the cuts, the steps toward a “truancy” happened. Technically, according to the Dean of Students, Mark Sahlberg, “the state of California considers three tardies and three cuts a truancy. Our policy, it’s easy in comparison.”

This revised tardy policy is a new addition to Arcata High’s rules of all things concerning lateness and cutting class. As the policy stands, after one tardy a fifteen-minute detention is received, then a thirty-minute detention for the next one, then a one-hour detention for each subsequent tardy. The icing on the cake is after seven or eight tardies, a Saturday school comes

The idea of what tardies are supposed to represent is totally viable and just.

What’s wrong is just the punishment.

into effect. Then it’s all up after six weeks. In other words, the policy resets to zero. Students now have the privilege to a second go at receiving detentions or Saturday schools.

The idea of what tardies are supposed to represent, the incentive to be on time to class, is totally viable and just. What’s wrong is the punishment.

If you can please regress one mo-

offense. You’re late to class three times. You now have the punishment of sitting in the office.

Despite this intellectually stimulating environment being the best way you could spend their period of reflection, it doesn’t really invite much productive insight into how our teenage minds might be able to cope with the idea of being on time any more than when the detention began.

The state of California considers three tardies and three cuts a truancy.

Our policy, it’s easy in comparison.

Mark Salberg, Dean of Students ment, remember back to a time you were caught red handed doing something that was questionable, whether it was being late, or raiding the jar of cookies. Hopefully, that innate guilty feeling that is ingrained in most of us arose, and made you think negatively of the “crime-to-be” before ever committing it. For those of us who never even had a sneaking premonition of guilt though, the punishment was the next best thing to the prohibitive features of guilt.

When punishment is talked about, usually it’s related to the offense.

The current chastisement is exactly the opposite. This tardy policy currently is incongruent with the

A productive solution: Make the punishment reflect the offense.

Some students skip class because they want to avoid attending.

Many think, “Why go to class, if I won’t even learn from it?” This reasoning, should influence the punishment. If the student skips a class, why not drop his or her grade for that respective class and volunteer an assignment that parallels the current curriculum, and has the added bonus of raising his or her grade back to ground zero?

With this model, no time within the confines of the office counting floor and roof tiles would ever be served. No! Now time would be maximized for learning.

Of course, those who do not care about their grades, their futures persay, will always skip class, will always not do the work necessary to further their academic career.

But those people are not the people that this solutions is proposed for. This complaint and solutions is lodged by the students who do care about their schooling.

If a student cares about his or her grade, the ultimate average decider for a successful career in the future, he or she will do the assignment. Usually the truancy has been committed as an accident, a simple mistake. But, whatever the reason, a dedicated student should have the chance to make it up.

And if punishment is set in place as time to reflect on our mistake, this solution will pound it into our heads. It creates a consequence which makes more sense than a “punishment that does not reflect the offense,” as the current detention model represents.

The solution provides a punishment that does reflect the offense.

With this, you miss class, you do the work, not the office time.

The solution provides a punishment that does reflect the offense. With this, you miss class, you do the work, not the office time.

The Pepperbox | Page 28

Thursday, February 6th, 2014

A&E

Eurydice: Love and the underworld Zoe Ziegler Feature Editor &

Talena Graham

E

Reporter

urydice tells the story of the myth of Orpheus from the perspective of his wife, Eurydice. The play begins with the wedding of Orpheus and Eurydice. During the wedding, Eurydice meets a man who claims to have a letter from her father. On her way to retrieve the letter, she trips and dies. She then goes to the underworld where her father teaches her about her life because she has forgotten it. Near the end of the play, Orpheus arrives and Eurydice is faced with the decision of leaving with him or staying in the underworld with her father.

Eurydice...is “a story of young love and the steps people will go through to keep it together.”

Ms. Zapper, the director, is the woman behind the show. Though she is the new AAI drama teacher this year, she has been directing the annual show for Six Rivers Charter School drama for the past nine years. She has co-directed and choreographed lots of shows; from Little Shop of Horrors to one in cooperation with Del Arte. Needless to say, she has a plethora of experience.

This year, she decided to go modern. Sarah Ruhl, the playwright of Eurydice, is relatively new, and there aren’t many people who have heard of her plays. This, combined with the fact that the play is usually meant for collegelevel or adult acting, is going to add a nice challenge for the drama students of AHS and SRCS. Emmy Owen, who plays the Lord of the Underworld, chose her character because of the challenge it would present. “I wanted to broaden my range of skills before I go off to college,” she said. Also, Zapper wanted to make it interesting, not just for the students, but for any community member or theater goer who will want to go.

Eurydice (2003), by Sarah Ruhl is “a story of young love and the steps people will go through to keep it

together,” said Zapper. It is loosely based on the story of the greek play of Orpheus and Eurydice, though with a strong modern twist. As a Greek play, it has choruses that help with transitions between scenes and involve the audience.

This play’s chorus --made up of six actors--comes in the form of a group of stones. Tristan Ford, who plays Eurydice’s father, said: “The cast this year is amazing, and it’s going to be awesome.”

Eurydice is the perfect example of how involved each part of campus is with each other. This year, AAI is playing a huge part in the productions. The music of the play will be composed by its music program,the costumes and the masks designed by its art program , and the set designed and crafted by AAI students participating in the year-long set design workshops.

Opening Night is April 4th, at 7 PM. Following productions will be on April 5th and 11th, both at 7 PM, with the final play on April 11th; a matinee at 2 PM. Tickets are $8 for students and $10 for adults.

Whether you are a regular playgoer, or just interested in some great entertainment, go and support the AHS and SRCH students at this year’s annual spring play.

The cast this year is amazing, and it’s going to be awesome.

Cast: Eurydice: Kayla Kossow Her Father: Tristan Ford Orpheus: Joey Lawrence A Nasty Interesting Man/ The Lord of the Underworld: Emmy Owen A Chorus of Stones: Big Stone: Philip Throssel Little Stone: Karrisa Bradley Loud Stone: Isabella Loch Stone: Malia Balin-Woodward Stone: Casey ONeal Stone: Ashlyn Mather

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Thursday, February 6th, 2014

A&E

The Pepperbox | Page 29

ArMack Orchestra chills the audience Sara Davis

Junior News Editor

W

inter Break. Those words can make any highschooler giddy with glee for those two heavenly weeks of vacation. We all anticipate that last day of school in December not only because it feels like one big excuse to eat our weight in sugar and play White Elephant, but because we know after that day it’s officially break. Accompanying this is the ever so wonderful Winter Concert.

During this season of traditions and sharing, nothing would be quite complete at Arcata High without the long standing custom of the Winter Concert, this year held in the MPR on December 20th.

Thanks to the plethora of musical talents on campus, we were gifted with the energetic moods of the orchestra, mellow tones of the ArMack Jazz Band, soulful voices of the choirs, and the rhythmic beats of the AAI band. The Winter Concert not only kicked off the start of break, but it also settled in that cozy and peaceful holiday atmosphere we all love to snuggle up in.

This year, the beloved ArMack Orchestra performed Polovtsian Dances by Alexander Borodin, excerpts from The Nutcracker by P.I. Tchaikovsky, Troika by Serge Prokofieff, and Symphony No. 9 by Beethoven. Most in the audience recognized the famous ‘cheery’ melodies from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, but it was Emma Zierer, junior, among others performing, who especially “liked the ending of Symphony No. 9 [because] it was really satisfying to play.”

Most unknown on campus was the groovin’ ArMack Jazz Band. Alec Perrone, junior, felt

that “overall, the set had a good combination of swingin' songs as well as slower jazz pieces.” The use of improvisation and tasteful solos throughout their performance truly made theirs one to remember, and was a terrific opener to the Winter Concert.

Known as the season of hope and giving, the holidays are also known as the season of love. And perfectly tying in with Winter Break was the Choir’s performance of "Seasons of Love," a song from the Broadway musical Rent, written and composed by Jonathan Larson. Sophomore Noelle Shaw was not the only one to think that “the choir sounded absolutely beautiful.” Excitement flickered through the MPR as the popular tune began to fill the room, enticing several to sing along with the performers.

Adding spice to the Winter Concert was the AAI band with "You Really Got A Hold On Me"

by Smokey Robinson led by junior Dash Rowe and senior Coelho Hill,

and a hauntingly wondrous European folk song impeccably sung

by Hill. Both performances left the audience awestruck and impressed. The emotion and power behind Rowe and Hill’s voices were magnificent, to say the least.

Two words: Winter Concert.

Those words can only mean the excitement for one hour of pure musical talent. And for one hour

in 2013, we all witnessed the awesome and awe-inspiring musical genius of the ArMack Orchestra and Jazz Band, the Arcata High Choirs, and the AAI Band. From Tchaikovsky to Smokey Robinson, the Winter Concert completely captured every angle of the holiday season, leaving everyone ready to grab some hot cocoa and cuddle up with family.

Piper Bazard/PEPPERBOX

AHS musicians practice their vocals for the Winter Concert.

The Pepperbox | Page 30

A&E

Thursday, February 6th, 2014

Snowglobe: a perfect end to 2013 Alia Brookshire Guest Reporter

O

n the evening of December 29th, crowds poured into the football field of Lake Tahoe Community College for the music festival known as Snowglobe. This threeday event, concluding on New Year's Eve, featured over forty-five musical artists. While heavy on EDM (electronic dance music), the lineup included a variety of musicians including Zion I, Snoop Dogg, and even Beats Antique, an unconventional world fusion group.

Looking into the crowd, I could see a seemingly countless number of fuzzy animal-esque hats, "rave shades", and various signs and flags. My personal favorite was a vegetable shaped sign bearing the painted-on message "TURN UP."

Seeing Snoop Dog live was a spiritual experience.

Each day came with a certain sort of routine. After pulling on multiple pairs of socks and waiting ridiculously long for breakfast in South Lake Tahoe, my friends and I would arrive at the festival around three or four. The crowd tended to be sparse earlier in the afternoon, which made moving around quite a bit easier. During that time, we would survey the area, check out bands we hadn't heard of, secure good spots for sets we were looking forward to, or go and get food.

The food offered was actually not bad, there were vendors that sold a wide variety of food, including "White Guy Pad Thai." The biggest

flaw in the dining at Snowglobe was that a piece of pizza was eight dollars, and therefore the only food I ate within the festival was a tomato which I stole from a pizza booth's display.

Later in the day, the crowds filled in incredibly fast, as more well-known bands began to play.

Most electronic artists went on around five or six, resulting in the most intense dancing and boisterous crowds occurring then. My friends and I were at the very front of the crowd for Luminox, against the bar, which created a number of large, deep scarlet bruises across my legs. Worth it. Most of the festival goers carried a shared love for music, and high levels of energy and enthusiasm. As stated by a tie dye-clad, bearded gentleman whose shoulders I was lifted upon, "We're here to rage, boys!"

As the sun set below the tall, snow covered trees which framed the event and the temperature dropped into the low teens, the music scene took a subtle change.

The sounds of electronic music faded to make way for more mellow, well-known artists, such as the one and only Snoop Dogg. Seeing Snoop Dogg live was a spiritual experience. Ever since viewing the film “Mac and Devin go to High School�, I have always regarded Snoop Dogg as a sort of personal hero of mine. Snoop Doggy Dog's unmatched style ensured that he put on a performance that was truly life changing.

On the third and final day of this amazing festival, after Snoop Dogg's set came to an end, the closing act was Cut Copy. Cut Copy is a mellow, indie electronic band hailing from Australia, with a hint of 80's disco. It was also one of the few bands at Snowglobe which used actual instruments. Initially, I was disappointed at the relaxed, trippy attitude of Cut Copy, as I

Photo Courtesy of Alia Brookshire

Photo Courtesy of Alia Brookshire

In the above photos, Alia (bottom picture, middle, hair swinging) and friends commemorate 2013 on New Years Eve by vibing to Luminox. was expecting something more energetic for the last performance and to greet the New Year. However, their sound quickly caught on, and for the last hour of Snowglobe, the crowd swayed together to the strange rhythm. We all shouted along with the countdown, and when it reached midnight, the

sky was lit up with a spectacular display of fireworks, illuminating thousands of people, who had been unified for the past three days, dancing and celebrating together. Snowglobe was a perfect end to 2013 and a truly unforgettable way to spend the start of a new year.

Thursday, February 6th, 2014

A&E

Have a Special Valentine?

The Pepperbox | Page 31

Why not send them a...

Valentune

Songs Include:

8 Days a Week - The Beatles Stand by Me -Ben E King

Everything - Michael Buble

Sh Boom Sh Boom - Crew Cuts I’m Yours - Jason Mraz

Count on Me - Bruno Mars Songs are $15 for the first and $5 For every additional song to the

Same person. Include flowers for $5 and chocolate for $1.

CONTEST!

For more information contact ArMack

Email Your Best responses for the game to Ahs.Pepperbox@Gmail.com

Orchestra members or call (707) 633-5551

Best Responce will

WIN

a Free Valentune!

Prom Nominees The Juniors Eilish McNulty

Morgan Brown

Elise Ford

Russ Taylor

Ben Luu

Kush Rawal

The Sophomores Karin Finney

Johanna Anderson

Lizzie Fernandes

Wyatt Garrett

Soloman Reinman

Max Wrigley

The Freshman Iona Mahony-Moyer

Eva Abrey

Claire Bareilles

Cannon Russell

Will Robinson

Max Gambin