Sept. 23, 2016 Bengal's Purr Homecoming Review

Lewiston High School September 23, 2016 Vol.90 No.1

THE BENGAL’S PURR

Homecoming recap, Pages 8 & 9

Forced patriotism?

Page 13

Frank Ocean, Blonde review, Page 14

News 3 Students name new council Threats lead to new security review Friday, September 23

Student council members swore in the representatives of each class the morning of Sept. 21 in the LHS auditorium. The officers are as follows:

Associated Student Body Sophomore Class Officers President……………….……..............Emma Vigil (ASB) Officers Vice President…………....……......Emily Trigsted

Senior Class Officers

President…………………....………....Ty Austin Vice President………………….......Emily Hunter Secretary…………………….……......Dani Wren Treasurer………………............Jordan Dickenson

Junior Class Officers

President………......................Mason Bartholomei Vice President……….............................Cutler Lang Secretary…………..................…....…..Eden Gibbs Treasurer……………….......................RaeAnn Kirk

Secretary……………….…….........Kaitlyn Blume Treasurer………….......……......….....Drew Fenter

ASB Leadership Staff

Public Relations: Jacey Bacon, Kami Sledge Technical Engineers: Rylie Pecoff, Lane Scott Event recorder: Mattie Hagestad Slideshow/Video Historians: Mike Le, Jessie Hastings Promotional/Marketing: Sydnee Soderberg, Brooke Chase Cheerleader Representative: Natalie Wilson Web Page/Social Media: Saraya Flaig Utility: Ben Uptmor Compiled by Jonika Ringling with Jim Silvestri, ASB adviser.

P

President………….............................….Will Wilson Vice President………........................Grant Mullikin Secretary……………....…......................Josie Clark Treasurer……………...........................Ben Trigsted

ER IZZ IA

& D E LI

amandaegland newsassistant

The Lewiston School District administration met in late August to address security concerns due to the bomb threats that occurred in Spring of 2016.

According to LHS principal Kevin Driskill, in the meetings, “We found out that we did most things right.”

This school year the high school staff members are set to follow a new emergency program called SRP, Standard Response Protocol.

“It’s not new protocol, it’s just a new name and a new company,” Driskill

replied when asked about the way SRP would affect students.

During the May 13 evacuation of LHS, students, including current junior, Maddy Bricker, voiced their concerns over the backpack policy during the evacuation.

“They didn’t even check backpacks, and put us all in one building,” said Bricker.

When asked about how SRP would effect these policies, Driskill replied, “It depends on the situation, but we will most likely follow the SRP protocol” to leave backpacks behind.

THE BENGAL’S PURR

4 News

First day of school extends to community jonikaringling editorinchief

For the first time, LHS seniors kicked off the school year with a United Way Day of Caring. Approximately 260 seniors volunteered at 23 locations including the Lewiston City Library, the Idaho Food Bank, the Willow Center and the Jackson Baldwin Falls.

While the seniors volunteered, LHS juniors toured the University of Idaho and Lewis-Clark State College.

These activities brought a change for the first day of school, according to LHS principal Kevin Driskill.

“The first day of school has been primarily focused on Bengal Connections [orientation], which includes some seniors but really focuses on sophomores,”

Driskill said. “The college tours and the Day of Caring involves everyone.”

Driskill visited five volunteer sites.

“It was amazing to see our students working hand in

hand with our staff,” he said.

“Hard work is not always the most fun, but the level of involvement was amazing.”

Considering the size of LHS as a 5A school with 1,052 students, Driskill said he feels pride in its level of community involvement.

Mick Wimer, a retired 42-year veteran teacher of Jenifer Junior High, saw the hard work first hand with his neighbors.

“As I approached, [LHS teacher] Jeff Karlin came up and explained that [the workers] were not prisoners, but seniors who wanted to help with the landscaping!” Wimer related in an email.

He added that the effort impressed his Senior volunteers paint The United Way bulding. Photo courtesy of Christina Cahill. 80-year-old neighbor.

“He said he is glad to see LHS students who care about people… and this renewed his faith in youth,” Wimer said of his neighbor.

For students who seek other volunteering opportunities, Sophomores participate in team building LHS counselors exercises during Bengal Connections. Photo courhave more tesy of Christina Cahill. information.

Class of 1964’s crest reigns on

I think it would be cool to incorporate some of the tradition including that front As the new school year facade,” Williams told the Purr presses on, many students in Spring 2016. are getting to know the LHS Many have viewed the crest building. Yet many pieces of painted high above the main the intricate entryway structure go into the unnoticed. school, One underbut very recognized few could features of explain the building what it is the symbolizes.

Lewiston A plaque High School left behind crest, left by the behind by class of ‘64 the class explains of 1964. it all. This The crest polished has been a red plaque prominent hangs on piece of The class of 1964 donated this crest the east pride on the painted above the North entryway of library wall building for the LHS building. Photo by Grace Eller. and reads: nearly 52 “On a torse years. of the first and second. A Ben Some, including Athletic gal Tiger proper. The crossed Director Corey Williams, hope rifles and campfire represent that the crest will remain a the junction of the Snake and piece of LHS for many years to Clearwater rivers where Lewis come. and Clark camped. The pall is “If, in fact, they decide to wide at the base to signify that go new, instead of renovate, Lewiston is a seaport. The torch amandaegland newsassistant

and atomic symbols represent Science and Education.The winged foot symbolizes ath- A group of seniors pick up trash as a part of Day of Caring. Photo letics. The Bengal Tiger is the courtesy of Christina Cahill. school mascot.”

0000 0000 0000 0000 0000

VALID THRU

Debit

12-18

MR. BENGAL

release

your inner Bengal LHS Bengal debit cards are only available to P1FCU members with an active checking account.

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Sports 5

Friday, September 23

Bengals win Battle of the Bridges second year in a row kailtlynhinkley sportsassistant

A 110-year football rivalry between the Clarkston Bantams and Lewiston Bengals survived another year of intense competition, this year at Adams Field in Clarkston.

The 2016 Battle of the Bridges showed the true colors of the Bengal vs.

Bantam clash with the Lewiston Bengals breaking records and beating Clarkston, 55-21, Friday, Sept. 16.

The varsity Bengals secured their lead just 10 minutes into the first quarter with wide receiver Jaret Driskill and a 5-yard run.

“It felt good because Clarkston is a huge game and it›s my senior year, so

it makes it even better,” Driskill recalled.

Along with winning Battle of the Bridges for the second time in three years, senior quarterback Colton Richardson and senior running back Keeshawn Clarke broke the record for most touchdowns in Battle of the Bridges, according to Bengal players.

The dynamic duo scored five touchdowns with a whopping 395-yard total.

“I just didnt think I did that good -- it was mostly Keeshawn and my line making me look good,” Richardson said. “I just didn’t expect it.”

The Bengals take on Sandpoint High School Friday, Sept. 23, at the University of Idaho Kibbie Dome in Moscow, walking in with a 5-0 lead.

“My hopes are that we go out there with 100 percent

The Bengals line up for the kickoff at Adams Field in Clarkston during Battle of the Bridges Sept. 16.

Photo by Kaitlyn Hinkley.

focus and go bury them,” said senior wide receiver Riley Way when asked about the upcoming game.

Blinn returns to VB court for LHS graceeller photoeditor

Even before Savannah Blinn became assistant coach for the LHS varsity volleyball team this fall, she had already made an impact on many players’ lives.

Before coaching, Blinn played at the college and professional levels, as outside/right side in Austria and at Gonzaga University.

Blinn’s volleyball career all started the summer before seventh grade, when Jenifer Junior High School held a summer clinic, before tryouts.

She then played through junior high school and at LHS, where she played middle at the varsity level for four years. During that time, her achievements included winning All-American for her exploits with Gonzaga for two years in a row.

During her sophomore year Blinn started sending recruitment videos and letters to a number of coaches around the nation. Gonzaga University showed a large interest in signing her due to her unique height of 6’3’’ and her outstanding high school career. During her junior year she signed her letter of intent with the Spokane school. After graduating from LHS in 2011 she dedicated the next four and half years to volleyball at the university.

Blinn graduated from Gonzaga in December 2015. After she graduated college she played professional volleyball in Linz, Austria, for a short period of time. But when she returned from Linz, she decided that was the end of her volleyball career, she said.

“In my heart I was finished competing,” Blinn said. “But

I didn’t want to give up the game completely, so coaching has been the perfect fit.”

She now is the assistant coach for the LHS varsity volleyball team, working with head coach Kelly Harwick.

Assistant coach Blinn

Blinn coaches hitting and blocking, and teaches the players many things she learned throughout her volleyball career.

“She’s a goddess,” senior player Meg Woods said of Blinn. “She is a gift to have here for my last year.”

XC team off to strong start trevanpixley sportseditor

The Bengals varsity cross country season officially began Thursday, Sept.1. After the Bengal boys team placed 10th at state competitions in October, the team includes three state returnees: senior Austin Byrer and juniors Joey Perez and Sakti Woodbury.

The girls team placed 11th at state as a team in October. The new school year brings two of the team’s state returnees, junior Miriam Ames and sophomore Kaitlyn Blume.

At the first meet of the year, the Post Falls River Run on Sept. 1 the boys took first as a team. Byrer placed first with a time of 16:55, Perez took third with a time of 17:09 and Woodbury placed ninth with a time of 17:54.

The girls team failed to place as a team at this meet. However, Blume took third overall with a

time of 20:52.

The team’s second varsity meet took place in Farragut Park in Athol, Idaho, at the Timberlake Farragut Invitational.

The boys placed second overall as a team with Byrer placing first as an individual, coming in with a time of 15:55.

Perez placed seventh overall with a time of 16:30, and Woodbury took fifteenth with a time of 17:16. However fellow Bengal, junior Connor Turpin, came in 16th place only 1.8 seconds behind Woodbury.

Byrer, who has earned first place honors the first two meets of season claims, “The varsity boys team has had a great season and we should continue having a great season moving toward districts.”

The girls competed in the same meet at Farragut, taking eighth overall as a team with a notable individual effort

by Blume, who placed seventh overall with a time of 20:12.

6 Sports

THE BENGAL’S PURR

Varsity volleyball team starts out with a hit graceeller photoeditor

The varsity volleyball team is on track for a better season than last year with 6 wins since late August.

The team started its impressive season Aug. 27 at the Lewiston invite. They played six games and won against all six teams. This led the Bengal’s into the season.

In Lewiston at Booth Hall Sept. 1, the ladies played against Lake City High School, where they lost the set of three games.

“I think the season will go better than last year, because last year was a rebuilding year for us,” said senior right side hitter, Jordan Dickeson. “This Volleyball is having an outstanding season so far with an overall record of 13-4. Photo courtesy of Lewiston High School Volleyballl Facebook page. year we are pretty confident, but every game could be the season Sept. 6 at Booth Lake City High School. The energy and enthusiasm,” said game Sunday, Sept. 10, at Hall against Moscow High second theme night was senior outside hitter, Meg the Lakeland Invitational different.”

This season is more of a School. They won all three a Purple Out night at the Woods. “It is just a better in Lakeland. The team won their first game against second home game against environment.” rebuilding season because sets of games.

This season the team has Moscow High School.

For their second tournament University with an all-around the team lost a decent amount of seniors from last had some theme nights, “The theme nights that we of the season, the Bengal win. seasons players. The girls including Fun in the Sun at have bring out more people, ladies played 1 game and As of Sept. 22, the team played their second game of the first home game against and that gives us more won all three sets of the held a season record of 13-4.

Boys and girls varsity soccer season kicks off braedenkeane sportsassistant

The girls’ varsity soccer team currently holds a 6-22 record, meaning six wins, two losses and two ties.

The varsity team ended Sept. 12 with a 4-2 loss against the LC High School Tigers at Walker Field.

The games Sept. 10 against Post Falls High School in Post Falls ended in a 5-3 win for varsity and a 2-1 win for junior varsity.

The varsity Bengals girls’ soccer team played against the Pullman Greyhounds Sept. 5 in Lewiston. The game resulted with an 8-0 Senior Kaysha Bailey takes a penalty shot at Walker Field in Lewiston win for the Bengals.

Kaysha Bailey, senior, Sept. 5. Photo by Braeden Keane.

and goalkeeper for the Bengals, and expressed how she felt about the Pullman game.

“We all really came together this game to pull off a big win,” Bailey said. “Hopefully we play well enough to make it to state.” “[Pullman was] our third game in five days, so the outcome really just depends on how fresh the legs are.” James Kirk, coach of the Bengals, stated as he explained the rest of the season.

The boys junior varsity and varsity soccer teams both lost against Post Falls Sept. 10. The games resulted in a 1-2 loss for varsity and a 0-1 loss for

the JV. The varsity team’s record thus far is 3-2-1, and players said they plan on improving it furthermore.

“We need to play more like a team if we are going to improve our playing and win some more games,” said Brandon Mooers, senior and varsity goalkeeper. “We need to start acting like a team and playing like a team to really start winning games.”

Boys’ junior varsity also ended with a loss Sept. 12, with a score of 6-4 against Orofino Maniacs in Orofino. Boys’ varsity ended with a loss Sept. 14, with a score of 3-0 and JV ended with a 7-1 loss against Coeur d’Alene.

Entertainment 7

Friday, September 23

Suicide Squad packs colorful punch from start to finish tonymurillo entertainmenteditor

carlsnyder entertainmentassistant

T.M: Over the summer, I watched Suicide Squad with Carl Snyder of the entertainment section. Suicide Squad is a movie about a group of villains who are forced to work together in order to save the world. I found the movie to be enjoyable.

C.S: Yes, I thought it was enjoyable as well, but this film was far from perfect.

T.M: That’s true, Carl -- while it was imperfect, it was still enjoyable. It was definitely a mess, but it was a fun mess, nonetheless --one that excelled in thrills. It was a fun experience that put a silly grin on my face.

Characters were witty and quick to spit out a one-liner.

The film moved at a brisk pace, never leaving a dull moment.

Director David Ayer’s first DC outing takes high risks with high rewards. This means that the movie goes all or nothing.

It’s a saturated experience with little grey area. So when content works, it excels. But when parts whiff, they whiff hard. For example, the dialogue was potent, so the good lines made a positive impact. Not every line was great, but they always sat with the viewer, thanks to the great acting.

C.S: Yes, certain actors shined.

One of the standouts was Will Smith, who portrayed the character Deadshot, a hitman who never misses a shot. He brought a level of humanity to the character that was unexpected. All of Will’s one-liners were show-stoppers that captivated the audience. Even when the lines were poor, he turned them into his gold with his performance. Also, the action sequences highlighted his abilities as an action star.

Another standout was Margot Robbie, who played the character Harley Quinn.

film as the Joker. I thought that he actually did a good job with the character. Like Margot Robbie’s performance, I felt like I was actually watching the Joker, instead of watching Jared Leto. The worst thing about this Joker was that the movie didn’t show us that much of him. If we had seen more, he would’ve been one of the best characters in the movie.

One of the best parts for the characters in this movie were their introduc tions.

Each character had their own introduction, and each one had a unique aesthetic, which was an exciting way to start.

It proved that this movie was stylish and flashy, which worked well for this film.

T.M: This movie is dripping with personality and style. Ayer fills this film to the brim with charm.

There are many Warner Bros released Suicide Squad this summer to tell the stories of several DC Comic contributing facheroes. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.com. tors to this movie’s to the character yet added her played the character Diablo. flair. The cinematography is own originality to it. She fully Diablo is a gang-banger with well done with many swell stepped into her role, and in a dark history who is morally shots and pleasing sequencturn it felt like I was actually distraught. Going into this es. Striking color palettes watching Harley Quinn, not movie, I didn’t expect anything soak this movie. The cossome actress playing her. from this character, and Jay tumes were high quality, Margot’s comedic timing was proved me wrong. He showed faithful to their characters, great, and most of her lines the emotional depth of the and added to the immersion. provided a chuckle or two for character well. He went from The music augmented the the audience. She had excellent being a mysterious character experience, particularly in chemistry with her fellow cast- throughout most of the movie the character introductions. mates. All the scenes where to being a major player in All these things gives the she was interactive with the the plot towards the end. movie a distinct feel. It has Squad were entertaining. Her Jared Leto gave the most un- its own flavor, which is a sucon-screen chemistry with Will derrated performance in the culent one indeed. With all

Harley is a crazy yet likeable anti-hero, as her backstory provides sympathy for her. She portrayed the character almost perfectly, as she stayed faithful

Smith was especially grand.

Every line of dialogue between them felt natural and real.

A sleeper hit in this movie was Jay Hernandez, who

this style leaves the question if this film has any substance.

C.S: This movie definitely has substance, except for the sloppy, thrown-together, third act.

The movie had a lot of buildup, and it had so much potential to be great. The third act was unsatisfactory, partly due to this film’s main villain, The Enchantress. This character was horridly underdeveloped and was a grey area in this “all or nothing” movie. She was the only character who seemed like she didn’t belong in this movie. She didn’t contribute to the overall flavor and aesthetic. And I’m not going to even bring up that ridiculous plot device of a witch-brother. The end of this movie was just the gang fighting a faceless army, and trying to stop the ever-so generic, underdeveloped villain. This with the often-jarring tonal shifts of the movie made it hard to watch at times.

T.M: You hit it right on the nose there, Carl. The tone shifts were harsh, making it a rather rough experience at times. They proved to be distracting, removing me from the experience and ruining the immersion. This threw off the consistency and the atmosphere, which dragged down the experience a little bit. Yet, it was easy to overlook this issue and enjoy the movie.

C.S: Agreed. They were at most annoying and didn’t make the movie unenjoyable. The positives of this movie far outweigh the negatives. It was a fun movie that never had a dull moment, even when the movie wasn’t that good.

All in all, this film achieved its main purpose, which was to entertain the audience, and I’d say that it did that well.

710

8

LHS football team wins Home

Bengals defeat Bulldogs in homecoming game, 38-13 kaitlynhinkley sportsassistant

The Lewiston Bengals swept the Hermiston Bulldogs off their feet at the annual LHS

Homecoming football game, Friday, Sept. 9, at Bengal Field.

Winning Homecoming for the second year in a row called for a lot of celebration, especially

from senior running back Keeshawn Clarke.

“We pretty much just go out there and try to dominate,” said Clarke.

This approach showed

through with the game’s final score. Beating Hermiston 38-13 boosted the varsity Bengals’ confidence going into a promising seasons.

Clarke said he sees this

season as one to win because “we’ve all been playing together for so long and we’ve known each other forever,” he explained. “We’re just a special group, I guess.”

Starters number 6 Riley way, senior, and number 10 Troy Alhers, senior, hype themselves and the crowd up as the rest of the starting line up is called. Photo by Braeden Keane.

Seniors beat underclassmen; royalty crowned kaitlynhinkley sportsassistant

According to Ty Austin, senior class president, the seniors won first place by 327 points in the 2016 Bengal Olympics, Friday, Sept. 9, at Bengal Field. Seniors reigned victorious throughout the whole Homecoming Spirit Week competition, taking first in the relay races and Homecoming hall decorations.

The fierce competition between each class and the teachers called for an intense match of tug-of-war between the seniors and the staff with the staff claiming boss.

Dillion Agee, senior, swept the enormous Effie Burger eating competition. The Basic White Girl Chug champion was Amy Chase, a forestry and chemistry teacher. The winner of the Whip Cream Bubble Gum challenge was senior Tony Murillo.

Treyce Bradley, sophomore,

took gold at the entertaining Hula Girl Shake, which involved putting on a bikini and racing to see who could get the most shakes on a pedometer.

Senior Gabriella Santana and staffer Mike Jones conquered the junior and sophomore competition on the jousting mats.

The Bengal Olympics ended with math teacher Adam Uptmor naming the 2016 Homecoming royalty. Seniors Jacob Duclos and Kallie Erickson were crowned king and queen. Along with Duclos and Erickson, Levi Speer and Ty Austin were awarded as senior princes, and Meg Woods and Geonna Travis were crowned senior princesses.

Junior princess went to Maddie Haas and junior prince went to Chris Powell. Sophomores Treyce Bradley and Peyten Ely also joined the crowning this year and took prince and princess, respectively.

TOP ROW (from left to right): Sophomore Prince Treyce Bradley, Senior Prince Ty Austin, Senior King Jacob Duclos, Senior Prince Levi Speer and Junior Prince Chris Powell. BOTTOM ROW (from left to right): Sophomore Princess Peyton Ely, Senior Princess Meg Woods, Senior Queen Kallie Erickson, Senior Princess Geonna Travis and Junior Princess Madie Haas. Photo courtesy of Ridinger’s Photography.

coming game, royalty crowned

9

LHS pays tribute to injured athlete

During the third quarter of the annual Battle of Bridges game against Clarkston High School Sept. 16, senior Jaret Driskill, dislocated his elbow on a defensive tackle. According to Driskill his injury puts him out of football for three to four weeks, but the dislocation should have no effect on his upcoming basketball season. As pictured above, the entire LHS fan base, student section, supporters and athletes alike all stood in respect of Driskill after his injury. “It was amazing, just all the support I have received,” Driskill said. “I’m still with my team and I wish them good luck.”-- Jonika Ringling, editor in chief. Photo by Grace Eller.

LHS spirit hallways feature space, glam, circus

The Seniors circus-themed hallway took first place.

Sophomores rolled out the red carpet for their Hollywood themed The Junior Hallway featured retro details hall taking second page. and a Pac-Man display taking third.

THE BENGAL’S PURR

10 Entertainment

Saying goodbye to the Civic, the show must go on leahschmidt

entertainmentassisstant

At 109 years old, the Lewiston Civic Theatre is one of the most historic buildings in Lewiston.

But Aug. 10 the City of Lewiston closed the beloved structure due to safety restrictions.

Over the summer a leak occurred on the main stage. During the process of trying to find the source of the leak, employees found a truss in the theater’s roof had collapsed, which caused the building to be condemned, according to Mel Syverson, who serves

as director of Oliver! and as the new LHS drama adviser.

No one is allowed inside the building and Eighth Street beside the building is also closed for precaution.

If the building proves stable, the city will allow a few select people to enter to retrieve some expensive equipment and specially made props for the upcoming production of the play Oliver!.

“The major obstacle is the fundraising and the best way people can help is to come and see the shows,” says Syverson.

If the building is deemed

unsalvageable, the questions then arise of what will happen to the building and where the non-profit theater group will hold its productions.

Derek Renzelman, an LHS students who also acts at the Civic, says, “The Civic is in the people and not in the building.”

He knows the people will keep the Civic going even if the building is gone. As of Sept.13, the city and theater leaders have made no decisions that answer those questions, according to The Lewiston Tribune.

Maire Marran, a devoted volunteer of the Civic Theatre, shared her

ideas about how to keep the company going, and how to get a new high school built. Many people feel reluctant about pushing for a new high school because they do not want to lose historic importance. Marran suggests turning the original LHS campus into a cultural arts center.

“The main theatre [at LHS] could be rejuvenated and be leased to the Civic Theatre, but also be available for concerts, renting out [and] for special events,” Marran said. “The classrooms could become artist studios and workshops,

with classes being offered to the public.”

Meanwhile, the commercial kitchen at LHS could provide space for a culinary arts program or for businesses to rent out.

“There is actually an existing demand for such a facility in town,” said Marran, who is a homemaker in the Valley.

“The possibilities are fabulous, and the coming together of the need for a new home for the community theatre and the high school is serendipity!” Marran said.

Marran hopes to pitch the plan for review with the city.

Feature 11 Friday, September 23 Jacobs gives new meaning to classic “summer road trip” katieswift featureseditor

Brent Jacobs, a math teacher at LHS, crossed off a major bucket list item this summer.

Jacobs spent his three months

recorded on crazyguyonabike. com along with photos and everything anyone would need or want to know about Jacobs journey cross country.

“I wrote it so family and friends could read it and know

Jacobs reaches the close of his biking adventure in Oregon.

Photo Courtesy of crazyguyonabike.com

off school biking across the country. His journey started at the East coast and ended at the West coast.

During his biking expedition, Jacobs kept a blog. His progress and daily activities were

what I was doing and experiencing --. to know I was doing a lot, that I was alive,” Jacobs stated.

Although this is an incredible feat for anyone to achieve, let alone in the blazing summer

heat, for Jacobs it wasn’t his first accomplishment of such magnitude, as his blog detailed.

In the summer of 2015, Jacobs started his bucket list off with a bang, hiking and climbing through 10 states and 11 national parks while living out of his car during the excursion.

After Jacobs J a c o b s s t o p s f o r a p h o t o o p a t t h e B l u e R i d g e P a r k w a y i n V i r g i n i a . completed his P h o t o C o u r t e s y o f c ra z y g u y o n a b i ke . c o m hiking expean unfamiliar area, he said.

In his blog Jacobs listed a few dition, he felt anxious to see While Jacobs had previous reasons he decided to bike East what adventures the summer experience tri-bike training to West on this trip. First was to of 2016 would bring. for the Ironman triathlon and get flying out of the way, and Jacobs decided on biking other various small races, he second was so his family and the traditional Transamerica wasn’t accustomed to traveling friends could bring him back route with a detour through such a distance, he said. From home when he finished. southern Idaho. He skipped Yorktown, Virginia, to Florence, Jacobs’ blog is at the north Idaho section of the Oregon, the distance he trav- www.craz yguyonabike.com/ Transamerica route, since he eled by bike covered roughly doc/brentbike. once lived along that portion 4,145 miles, according to craand wanted to explore more of zyguyonabike.com.

New LHS drama director showcases dedication and talent jaceybacon opinioneditor

This year, LHS welcomes four new teachers on campus as well as a new asset to the arts department, Mel Syverson.

The new drama coach has decades of experience in theater and said she feels excited for everything to come in the 2016-2017 school year.

Syverson replaces Beth Fitzgerald Atkinson, who retired in June after 30 years in the LHS drama and English departments. The Lewiston School District award-

ed Atkinson as Teacher of the back-to-school assemblyAug.29.

Syverson’s previous experience includes a lifetime spent on stage, acting and directing at the Lewiston Civic Theatre for almost 20 years. She also started that theater’s youth company in 2010, making her

“I’m very excited to see many familiar faces, new faces and just a strong group of student l e a d e r s ,” Syverson said.

For its fall production, the LHS drama department are preparing a rendition of Jane Austen’s novel, Pride and Prejudice.

Lead actors include MadMel Syverson (left) watches as the drama department practices for the upcoming play Pride and Prej- die Corbit as Lizzie Bennett udice. Photo by Annabelle Ady.

Secondary Year in its

a familiar face to many LHS drama participants.

and Tony Murillo as Mr. Darcy.

“The script condenses the show, so it runs at a nice, more palatable pace,” Syverson said, “[It’s] a refreshing change to a classic.”

Syverson, who also works as a substitute teacher for the Lewiston School District, said she looks forward to packing the stage with new drama participants and the crowd with new fans.

Pride and Prejudice will run at 7 p.m. Oct. 13-15 and Oct. 20-22 in the LHS auditorium.

feature 12

Friday, September 23

Saying hello to a bright generation of teachers sandrakinney featuresassistant

This school year six teachers -- William Autrey, Mike Jones, Jamie Morton, Mindy Pals, Matthew Dabbs and Jennifer Spears -- will start their journey at LHS. Autrey came to LHS this year

from Pullman High School and teaches U.S. History 11 and government.

When questioned about other interests outside of school, Autrey was clear: He is a fan of cheese. “Who needs camping when you have cheese?” he said.

Meanwhile, Jones introduced

William Autrey, social studies teacher provides one on one help with a student. Photo by Sandra Kinney.

RiverPlace Counseling & Wellness, PLLC 312 Miller Street Lewiston, ID 83501 (208) 750-1802 www.riverplacecounseling.com

Providing confidential and professional counseling to the Lewis Clark Valley.

himself more emotionally.

“I am a 250-lb. man with feelings,” Jones told one of his Psychology classes on the first day of school Aug. 31.

Jones also serves as junior varsity assistant football coach, as well as a track coach. He teaches psychology, sociology and U.S. history. He previously taught for three years at Tammany Alternative Center (TAC) in Lewiston.

Morton teaches geology and ecology. She is from Jerome, Idaho, where she taught introductory biology and anatomy and physiology. But outside of science, when Morton attended high school she participated in the drama club. She went on to perform at the University of Idaho. She said she feels excited to see what the LHS drama department has to offer.

Pals teaches foods and nutrition, childhood development and hospitality. After teaching at TAC for eight years, she believes that her job as a teacher is to “inspire and empower kids to go beyond where they are right now,” she said.

Dabbs teaches English 11 and English 12. He believes his job as a teacher is to make learning fun, because “you kids will just fall asleep if it isn’t,” he said. Dabbs was born in Utah on an airforce base, but he grew up in Kent, Washington.

Dabbs humorously shared, “I am way cooler than Autrey,” and that he is a massive cheeeto addict.

Spears teaches transitions in special education. She considers herself from all over the world, because she grew up as a “military brat,” she said. She sometimes calls herself “culturally confused” since she has lived all over.

Overall, this year’s batch of new teachers expressed excitement to work with the students and staff of LHS. “I am most looking forward to working with a group of people who so far seems really friendly, polite and outgoing with each other,” Morton said.

Mike Jones, social studies teacher, comes to LHS from Tammany Alternative Center. Photo by Sandra Kinney.

Jamie Morton comes to LHS from Jerome, Idaho. Photo by Sandra Kinney.

Mindy Pals instructs class on kitchen safety. Photo by Sandra Kinney.

September 23, 2016

Opinion

13

Bacon Bits: Students need to analyze pledge jaceybacon opinioneditor

It’s hard to tune into any news source or social media outlet lately without hearing some type of controversy regarding the national anthem. But let’s put those issues aside for a moment to address one closer to home -- an issue so close to us that we address it every morning like zombies, regurgitating a message of forced patriotism.

If an LHS student were asked to recite the Pledge of Allegiance there is a good chance that each student would know every word. But how many of them have ever thought about what those words mean? Or, like so many other Americans, how many people only mumble the words, conditioned to think that it is the right thing to do?

Students go to school to learn subjects such as math, science, English, history and … patriotism?

It shouldn’t be hard to understand that forced patriotism isn’t patriotism at all, but schools still allow an environment that has the potential to guilt students into aimlessly pledging to a message that is outdated, confusing and wrong.

Before writing this off as a personally offensive attack, pause and take a long hard look at the words that are so controversial “I pledge allegiance to the

flag of the United States of America.” The opening line should be enough to make one think about its exact words. Does every American really give loyalty to the superiority of a piece of cheap fabric?

“And to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible . . .” This is perhaps the most controversial line of the 31-word pledge.

Nearly 10 percent of American adults say they don’t believe in any god, according to the Pew Research Center. That makes many of those who say the pledge liars. But for a high school student, perhaps the one thing worse than being a liar is being called out in a class for not following the proper procedure with a hand over the heart, mumbled words and lie. Isn’t it easier to just sit down and keep one’s personal beliefs personal?

one’s way of life, behavior, or political views. To blindly agree that no one is oppressed in the United States, one must be listening to the same news reporters as too many o t h e r Americans bec a u s e there are citizens being mistreated or even killed over minor issues because of who they are or where they are from. If the word “justice” doesn’t present a moral dilemma to an American in this era, there in lies a serious problem.

Did convicted rapist Brock Turner receive justice by first only being sentenced to six months in prison and then actually serving only three months? It’s the crimes such as this

zen, or a line about justice that has been historically and currently inaccurate.

If saying the pledge is one person’s form of support for the troops, it’s time to consider other ways to express patriotism.

It’s time to stop forcing patriotism on kids. It’s time for Americans of all ages to feel free to sit down (or stand up) for what they believe in. It’s time to take real action right here at home.

People can focus on the national anthem when they can meaninglessly mumble the words to all four stanzas, but for now, Americans should think before they pledge their allegiance.

“If the word ‘justice’ doesn’t present a moral dilemma to an American in this era, therein lies a serious problem.”

“Forced patriotism isn’t patriotism at all.”

Many Americans might not want to think about the last line at all, but if it’s not addressed they may seem ignorant to the issues that the nation was built on.

“With liberty and justice for all.” Liberty is defined as the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on

culture, and many others, were oppressed from the very beginning of the United States. Garcia is

that make “justice for all” just one more lie.

Another way to look at this line is from the perspective of someone who has a personal understanding of oppression.

Kieran Garcia, a sophomore at LHS, decided to start sitting through the pledge around seventh grade when he started understanding that his

a Native American (Nez Perce) and says that he will not stand for a pledge that represents a country that was built by the murdering of his people.

Not all Americans’ ancestors were murdered, mistreated and enslaved.

Many people stand for the pledge to honor the American troops around the globe. First of all, the troops selflessly put their lives on the line for what they believe in, and they deserve thanks. Hopefully they believe in more than a piece of fabric, or a line that insinuates that religion makes a good citi-

Jacey Bacon

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Send your letter to the editor to bengalspurr@lewistonschools.net.

THE BENGAL’S PURR Purrcussion: Frank Ocean’s Blonde wanders, ponders

14 Entertainment tonymurillo entertainmenteditor

From his 2012 debut to his most recent Blonde release, Frank Ocean’s story has humble beginnings.

Ocean first broke out onto the music scene as a member of the hip hop group Odd Future.

He then released his first studio album, Channel Orange, in 2012 and took the world by storm. The album earned six Grammy nominations, one of which Ocean won.

But afterward, Ocean disappeared from the music scene, releasing little music.

Throughout that time he announced his work on a follow-up album, yet the new album failed to materialize.

Many fans cracked jokes about Ocean dying. He had vanished from the music world.

But after four years of waiting, Blonde arrived Aug. 20. Much has happened since 2012.

How have these things affected Ocean, personally or as an artist? What does Ocean have to say? How is the new album?

Does it live up to Channel Orange?

On this new album, Ocean takes a different musical direction than expected.

Ocean takes the minimalistic approach of building a lot out of a little. This record contains little percussion, making a subdued sound, and Ocean creates ethereal experiences out of little instrumentation.

This results in a pleasant and mellow sound. It pushes R&B in new artistic directions and will prove influential over time.

This sound reflects Ocean himself and his inner workings.

“Nights,” a solid track from Blonde, offers simple and pretty guitar work. Ocean’s vocals work well to create a soothing sonic experience. However, towards the tail end of the song, it shifts and begins to wander.

This problem isn’t exclusive to “Nights.”

Blonde often loses focus. It meanders, overindulging in minimalist emotional expres-

sion. One can understand and respect this creative decision -- Ocean intended the music to enhance the lyrical content and the amount of himself that he has poured into this record.

Blonde makes a statement by not deliberately attempting to make a statement, and the music reflects this mentality.

But this does not change the fact that the music doesn’t live up to the bar that Channel Orange set. It often tries to sound like background music until Ocean’s vocals come in an attempt to pack an emotional punch. This isn’t always effective and results in a frankly boring record.

Oftentimes, Blonde dips into sounding uninteresting -- far from accessible and too spacey for its own good. The album provides a laborious task to listen to from start to finish. This record doesn’t need hooks and mainstream appeal but it could use a little kick in the pants. The addition of dialogue-heavy interludes doesn’t helping either.

Lyrically, Blonde offers a mixed bag. As an R&B superstar, Ocean appears vulnerable, exposed and honest through his words -- introspective and emotional. At its best, Blonde offers raw poetry that takes the listeners on a trip to Ocean’s mind. On album highlight, “Ivy,” Ocean sings, “I ain’t a kid no more. / We’ll never be those kids again.” It’s obvious Ocean has been through difficult times, giving him plenty to say.

Blonde provides a blend of the poetic and the blunt, which make for a satisfying recipe. Too many times, however, Ocean’s words remain too vague to make an impact on the listener. Other times, the lyrics just don’t feel important as Ocean seems to want them to. For example “Solo” comes across as a glorified weed song.

Evidently, Ocean put lots of effort into this project. He spent much time crafting a piece of art ripped straight

from his soul. For that, Blonde earns its points. This is no lazy record. One can appreciate the effort and heart that went into this album. The ideas and thought behind this album as a

whole are an accomplishment in of own. The thought behind Blonde deserves applause, but Ocean flawed the execution of his ideas. For this, “Blonde” earns seven out of ten points.

710

Friday, January 15

Letter to the editor

Variety 15

Dear Editor, My name is Megan Beidler. I’m a junior at Lewiston High School and this letter I am sending you is for the City of Lewiston. I believe that everywhere in the city there should be every kind of wheelchair access, even at the schools [ . . . ].

It affects me personally because I can’t keep up with my class when they go on walks because I have to use a totally different route [ . . . ].

I almost took a nose dive in my electric wheelchair at LHS. [ . . . ] It affects others and their families because it makes it so [ . . . ] they walk as a group almost everywhere they go, even to restaurants, so no one gets lost in the crowds.

Megan Beidler

Fall spices up student lives with seasonal drink annabelleady featuresassistant

With fall just around the corner, many students are grabbing the tasty seasonal drink: the pumpkin spice latte.

The flavoring isn’t just limited to beverages.

Anything can be pumpkinspiced, from bread and cookies to ice cream and much more. Some weird pumpkin spiced things include gum, burgers, potato chips, and salads.

According to Starbucks. com, the drink gained its popularity in 2003 when the coffee company “noticed the success of The Pumpkin Spice Latte trend gained momentum in 2003.

Photo courtesy of gmoinside.org. other seasonal drinks.”

Peter Dukes, a Starbucks director of espresso Americas, developed the pumpkin spice latte flavor and Starbucks tested the final recipe in the fall of 2003 in Washington, D.C. It was a hit from the beginning.

Students at Lewiston High School were asked if they like the seasonal drinks. A majority of them said yes and a lot were on the fence about it. Maddie Birdsell, senior, said, “I just don’t like pumpkin, I just don’t like the fact that I can carve something and also eat it.” which is understandable.

“I like pumpkin spice but I wouldn’t order it,” Rachael Yonge, senior, said.

The pumpkin spice latte, dubbed as PSL by fans, can include 47 to 116 grams of sugar, according to. And Delish.com reports that people tend to spend $1.14 more in stores when ordering the drink.

For 11 years the Starbucks recipe remained unchanged, and Starbucks did not use real pumpkin as an ingredient but instead a mix of spices. In 2015 the company added pumpkin puree to the sweet drinks.

Starbuck’s originally wanted to call the PSL drink the “Fall Harvest Latte,” according to Starbucks.com. Starbucks and other coffee companies now offer the PSL in 50 countries.

Meet the staff Editor in Chief……………............….............................….......Jonika Ringling Managing Editors..........................................Jacey Bacon, Katie Swift News Editor...........................................................................Jonika Ringling Features Editor & Chief Copyeditor................…................Katie Swift Opinion Editor & Copyeditor.......................….....….............Jacey Bacon Sports Editor……………..….........................................……..........Trevan Pixley Entertainment Editor..............................................................Tony Murillo Photo Editor....................................................................................Grace Eller Web Editor & News Assistant......................................Amanda Egland Sports Assistants....................................Grace Eller, Kaitlyn Hinkley, Braeden Keane Entertainment Assistants.....................Leah Schmidt, Carl Snyder Features Assistants.........................Annabelle Ady, Sandra Kinney Adviser………...............................................…...………………..….Charity Egland

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