THE
in the pride since 1958
Borah Senator Borah High School
Volume 50
Issue VI
April 22, 2010
6001 Cassia St. Boise, ID 83709
borahtoday.com
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The Borah Senator April 22, 2010
Senator Staff
How to send a letter to The Senator: Email your Letter to the Editor to kcorp@borahtoday.com
Editor-in-Chief: Ayla Washam Associate Editor: Megan Mizuta Page Editors: Letters to the Editor: Katie Corp Index: Ayla Washam News: Katie Helm Opinion: Megan Mizuta Center Spread: Megan Harrigfeld Life: Samantha Nelson Arts and Entertainment: Felicia Arnold Q&A: Kristin Bracewell, Kari Schuhknecht People: Kari Schuhknecht Sports: Parker Simmons Fun & Games: Mike Bingham Photo Editor: Katie Corp Assistant Photo Editor: Katie Helm Staff Photographer: Kristin Bracewell, Megan Mizuta, Ashley Rice Graphic Artists: Christine Lawson, Nick Parenti Staff Writers: Tyler Albertsen, Zulfiya Amrulayeva, Wendy Aquino, Matt Bergman, Brandie Cichy, Ali Clapier, Maricia Gaddis, Ryan Hester, Kristina Hudson, Jamie Jones, Justin Kirkham, Mersaydeze LeDesky, Becca Leija, Samantha Miller, Shane Norman Cox, Carlee Parsley, Nicole Schoenberger, Zach Thomas, Erika Vaudrin, Samantha Whittaker, Kayla Yack Text Editor: Megan Mizuta Website Editor: Megan Harrigfeld Website Manager: Jordan Rivers Advertising Manager: Kari Schuhknecht Assistant Ad Manager: Kristin Bracewell Adviser: Michelle Harmon
Senator’s Mission Statement The Senator’s duty is to inform and entertain students and faculty in an accurate and timely fashion. The paper covers events and information that affects the student body. The Senator is a non-profit organization. The Senator is published monthly by Borah High School, 6001 Cassia St., Boise, Idaho 83709. Phone 1-208-854-4370 ext. 142. Circulation 1700. The Senator is printed by Idaho Press Tribune. The Senator maintains membership in the National Quill and Scroll Society and the Journalism Education Association. Additional rates are available upon request. All signed commentaries that appear in The Senator are strictly the opinion of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the general opinion of the Senator staff. The Borah Senator received the 2008 George H. Gallup award from Quill and Scroll, the International Honorary Society for High School Journalists. The Quill and Scroll was founded by Dr. Gallup in 1926.
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The Borah Senator April 22, 2010
What’s Inside? Charismatic teacher travels to shanghai, wasn’t all that he expected Page 4
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Humble senior wins a full ride bsu scholarship Page 10
On the Cover: Artist Bio By Samantha Nelson
Senior Jessica Reif is sitting calmly by the window in the ceramics room, mulling over a trio of coffee mugs that she’s been commissioned to make. However, ceramics certainly isn’t the only medium of Photo by Ashley Rice art to which she devotes Our artist of the month, senior Jessica Reif, is working hard on one of her artistic mediums, ceramics. She is helping herself. Reif ’s life is filled with by creating coffee mugs. a seemingly-infinite vashe said. “I’m taking four art riety of art. She uses a plethora of classes now.” She also attends mediums, including the colored open studio whenever she can. pencils that were used for this issue’s In addition to her artistic encover image. She’s also used colored deavors, she’s on the Japanese pencils to complete a series of self- Club staff, as head of the dinportraits conveying different expres- ner party committee, as well as sions, such as anger, quirkiness, and Art, Community and Ecology awe. Club. But art still takes up most She sculpts, everything from vas- of her time. She can often be es to plates to masks, and she paints. seen working on one of her many She takes photos as well, giving works of art, and the huge Vansome of her friends and acquain- dals banner that hangs in the litances in Photo 1 advice on how to brary is partially thanks to her. improve their own work, and occaEvidence of her talent can be sionally writes poetry. found all around the school from “Art means everything to me,” the library to the art hallway.
Roller derby girls mean business in Boise Page 11 Index
Letters to the Editor……...........................................…………….2 News..…………….......….............................…............................................…...4&5 Opinion……….………….......................................................................…...…6&7 Spread........................................................................................................8&9 Life………......………...................................………….............................................10 A&E………….......……..................…........………….......................................…...11 Question of the Month..........................…………....................................…..12 People…………......….....................….......………………....................................…13 Sports……….....……..........................……....................................……….14&15 Fun & Games...........................................…….....................................……..16
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News
the borah senator
April 22, 2010
Teacher travels to Shanghai, decides to retire By Samantha Whittaker
Imagine walking onto a school campus in another country with guards that don’t speak your language, and you’re not welcome. This is what it was like for history teacher Harold Brizee when he visited Shanghai China in March. Although the focus of the trip was to judge a dog show, Brizee also visited Xia Ming, Borah’s sister school. “A sister school gives us insight to another county’s school system and culture while they have insight to ours,” he said. Xia Ming could be called a “magnet school,” which means it is a school that specializes in science. After a miscommunication, Brizee arrived at Xia Ming hours before he was expected. Once he achieved a small amount of communication with the guards, he was told to come back
Photo courtesy of
when they were ready for him. When he arrived at the school a second time, an English speaking teacher was there to take him to the administration offices. Brizee then presented Xia Ming with gifts, including the 2008-2009 Borah yearbook. “Gift
AP fee waivers cut cost for students By Katie Helm
With the bad economy people are finding it hard to make ends meet. This is especially hard for the students who plan to take the AP Exams that are held in May. The cost for one of the tests is $86, and gives the chance of receiving college credits. This year Borah, along with all of the other Boise schools, a donation to help students who cannot pay the full fee.
Harold Brizee
Harold Brizee visiting a pagoda in Shanghai, China. While there Brizee visited Borah’s sister school Xia Ming, and judged a dog show.
The donation, which was from an anonymous donor, reduced the fee for students who qualified. The amount that was reduced depended on the amount that the student needed. The fee waivers “opens opportunities to take tests and excel” said Vice Principal, Kelly Fosseco. Over 500 tests were bought this year, a umber slightly larger than last years number possibly because of the waivers.
giving is a big part of their culture.” The rest of the visit, however, was “a terrible disappointment. ” Instead of being shown the campus as expected, Brizee spoke only with the administrators. The first 45 minutes were spent looking over the Borah
yearbook. “They were surprised that a lot of the pictures were done by students and not professionally.” One of the things that was highlighted in Brizee’s memory was Xia Ming’s pride in their girls basketball team which is “the best in all of China.” Despite the unexpected nature of the visit, Brizee believes the experience was worth it. “I think my favorite part was walking the streets of Shanghai and becoming flabberghasted.” On the long plane ride home, Brizee was deep in self-reflection. As a result, he has decided to retire at the end of the year. However, he said he would go back to Shanghai if given the chance. Brizee also encourages others to go if given the chance. However, he does have one piece of advice. He said to participate in the gift giving and bartering, otherwise they may take offense.
News Briefs
Former school officer held on bond Former South Junior High School Resource Officer (SRO), Stephan Young, plead not guilty to four counts of lewd conduct with a child on March 24. Young was accused of having sexually assaulted over 12 children in a thirty year period, according to an article in the Idaho Statesman. Young first confessed to another police officer who knew about the alleged crimes, after being urged by the officer, but pleaded not guilty in court. Investigators on the case may have found evidence Young may have molested children he knew as an SRO. Young worked as an SRO
for aforementioned South Junior High and Boise High School, and also as an Elementary SRO at Owyhee, Monroe, McKinley and Whitney between the years 1995 to 2005. Investigators are trying to locate the possible victims. Young was being held under a $250,000 bond, but went in front of a judge on April 1. He is scheduled for a pretrial conference in June, where the state will see if there is enough evidence to take the case to trial. Ada County Sheriff ’s office urges anyone with information to come forward.
Valley Visions Literary Magazine Winners Ashley Rice, Junior, Photo titled “Outcast” Claire Richardson, Sophomore, Photo titled “Houdini” Kristin Bracewell, Sophomore, Photo titled “Palm Trees” Sarah Cohen, Sophomore, Photo titled “Eternity”
the borah senator april 22, 2010
News
Music department travels to Seattle
By Megan Mizuta
The “Tour,” as the recent Seattle trip was affectionately dubbed by chior, band and orchestra students, included an estimated 200 students. The group split up into orchestra, choir, and band groups to perform several of their festival pieces for music professors at Central Washington University. Their performance was then critiqued, during which senior band member Maureen Lavelle
said the band received “really good constructive advice.” Lavelle also stated that the critique would help the band do a better job at its upcoming festival performance They met some rough driving conditions in the Snoqualmie Pass, where the bus drivers had to stop and put chains on the tires of five busses. Once the group rolled into Seattle, albeit late, they boarded the Royal Argosy for a dinner cruise around Puget Sound.
Marketing club places in state competition By Kari Schuhknecht
Borah’s marketing club, DECA, attended a Career Development Conference March 11-23 at the Grove Hotel. With a theme of “Lead the Stampede,” more than 20 students from Borah participated in marketing competitions such as role-playing, Quiz Bowl, and written business plan presentations. The competition was combined with BPA, Business Professionals of America, with more than 1500 students in attendance. This competition was State wide and determined the competitors who will fly to Kentucky to compete in nationals April 24-28. Senior Briana Gabiola entered “Entrepreneurship Written Event” with senior and DECA President Mary Shake; they presented their 15-page business plan to a panel of local judges. Shake has been in DECA
for two years and describes her time spent in the association as “rewarding.” Gabiola is a first year member of DECA and works as the manager of the Java Den, a student run coffee hut located in A-hall whose proceeds go directly to competition fees. Sophomore Tyler Higby won a first place medal and automatic spot in nationals for “Principles of Marketing.” “I thought I did really bad and then I got first place,” Higby laughed. Higby, influenced by his older brother Travis who was President of DECA during the 08-09 school year, plans to continue being in DECA. “Overall Borah did well,” Higby commented. “Half of us placed.” Borah is sending several students to nationals later this month to compete with students everywhere from Canada to Japan. Shake, Gabiola, and Higby will be among those select students who qualified and are attending the national level competition
The next day, some groups received critiques at Pacific Lutheran University, while the symphonic band received theirs from Western Washington. That evening, all students attended a performance by the renowned Glenn Miller Orchestra, which Lavelle described as a “very engaging and energetic concert.” Saturday, the group visited the Experience Music Project and Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame (EMPSFM), which is located near the
base of the city’s iconic Space Needle. Junior Matt Bray felt visiting the EMPSFM was appropriate for the music based trip, and liked the “amazing guitars and interactive exhibits.” The afternoon was scheduled for free time, during which many students visited the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, according to Bray. The group closed the evening by attending a laser light show. They arrived back in Boise Sunday morning.
Photo by Megan Gehrke
Ted Clements, Joe Winekle and Nick Blasius walk toward the EMPSFM during the Tour.
Budget cuts affect Borah
By Megan Mizuta
Budget cuts have struck Idaho’s public school system again. Following a 27-8 vote from the Idaho Senate, the public school budget was set at $1.58 billion for the 2011 fiscal year. According to information on the Idaho State Department of Education’s website, the budget is a 7.5 percent reduction from the current fiscal budget. The budget, approved by the Joint FinanceAppropriations Committee (JFAC) in early March, is closely in line with Gov. Butch Otter’s recommendation of a 7.6 percent reduction. At Borah, the library will feel the cuts, as its 2011 budget was set at zero. The current budget is about $17,900, and is used to purchase items like access to databases, books, dvds, and cds. Head Librarian Jennifer Boyd said that
in the three years she has been at Borah, the budget has been around the $17,000 mark, and that next year would “be a different mentality.” She also stated that it was “beyond weird to go from thousands to zero.” The largest reduction will come from shaving down personnel costs, and reductions in salaries and benefits. Teachers will take a 4 percent
pay reduction, and raises on basis of tenure and education will be frozen. This reduction puts the minimum teachers’ salary at $29,655. Classified employ-
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ees will also take a 4 percent pay cut. Administrators’ pay will be reduced by 6.5 percent. Again the Borah library may feel the effect of slicing personnel costs. Borah, along with other Boise School District high school libraries, may potentially lose one of its library assistants. In junior highs and elementary schools, only one parttime assistant will be hired, without benefits. The second area most affected will be in the discretionary fund, which will lose some $357 million School can also expect to feel the reduction in money allotted to transportation costs, as well as reduced funding for the Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA).
OPINION
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The borah Senator
April 22, 2010
Senator Cell phone technology Staff Why student phones should not be considered enemies of Opinion the classroom, but welcomed as viable educational tools Opinion is taken from an anonymous survey of Senator staff members. Apple’s latest gadget, the iPad, goes on sale. Boise School District libraries budget falls to $0 for the 2010-2011 school year. Volcanic ash from Iceland disrupts global air travel. Newly painted fire lanes along Borah’s parking lot mean no more parallel parking along the field. Supreme Court Justice Stevens announces plans to retire from the court. Duke beat out Butler for the basketball NCAA national title.
Good
Indifferent
Bad
Staff Editorial
U
nder the current electronics policy in place at Borah, cell phones, and essentially all other personal electronic devices have been banned from use in the building during class, break, and at lunch, and are subject to confiscation. The prohibited status of these devices is nothing new, but the policy begs the question of how much sense it makes to bar personal electronics from the school environment when the world around us is more plugged in than ever. If school is supposed to be about preparing its students to be contributing members of society, which is increasingly technology-dominated, the traditional role of personal electronic devices, particularly cell phones, needs to be revised. If the way we communicate, store and access information has changed, then the way we use personal technology in school should not be left to stagnate. We need to adapt our concept of tech use, especially where cell phones are concerned, not only because more tendrils of technology will inevitably wind their way into the school setting, but because embracing the new ways technology can be used will keep us current and adaptable, and frankly, more like the world that exists beyond the school building. Technology is not going away any time soon, and to some degree Bo-
rah has already embraced that. We use online databases just as often as we visit the reference section of the library. We check our grades online, and turn in essays via Internet. Smartboards are in use right next to white boards. When technology lets us be more efficient and effective, we need to take that opportunity.
ables distraction. But we also know, that despite the current electronics policy that every student signed, and thereby stated that they were aware of, cell phone use is still in full swing. We still text under desks and behind our backpacks. We still take out our phones in the hallway, and we certainly carry them on our person. Our teachers still have to take time to chide cell phone users and to confiscate cell phones. We still stop class and gawk when our peers are apprehended using their cell phones. It would be more effective to assimilate cell phone use into a workable relationship with the classroom than to ban them outright, especially when cell phone users flaunt said ban. Cell phones do not have to be the irreconcilable enemies of the classroom, the teacher, or of education. Traditional concepts of cell phones no Illustration by Chris Lawson longer apply, and neither The next step is to recognize cell should the methods of dealing with phones as technological resources. them. Cell phones are more than just devicThis being said, if we want to use es we talk with. We use them in ways our cell phones in class, we have to outside the conventional purpose of stop being part of the problem, and talking and texting—we use them to we must be willing to compromise. We organize, to remind ourselves of due have to treat them as tools for learndates, to send weblinks, to check spell- ing- not just a way to chat with friends ing. These are our versions of daily during time when we are supposed to planners, sticky notes, and calendars. be working. For cell phones to be a We understand that allowing cell viable technological resource and tool, phones in class may blur the line be- we have to exercise some self restraint, tween what’s acceptable etiquette and and lay off the texting. It’s one thing what’s not. We recognize that a more to ask teachers to allow us to enter due open electronics policy would make dates into our calendars, but it’s anit tricky to distinguish what entails other to expect them to put up with us responsible use, and what merely en- texting during their lessons.
OPINION
the Borah senator April 22, 2010
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90 percent attendance policy doesn’t make the grade, but showing up to class helps By Parker Simmons
D
ue to the outbreak of Swine Flu in our school and across the country, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of absences among students this year. Borah’s attendance policy calls for all students to be at school at least 90 percent of the time school is in session. Therefore, students are limited to nine absences in each class during one semester. Exceeding the number of allowed absences can result in loss of credit or promotion to the next grade. This year, however, because of multiple students exceeding the maximum limit of nine absences due to the swine flu, students’ parents were given the opportunity to have these absences excused by writing a letter describing why their child missed so many days of school. The argument regarding this attendance policy is whether it’s necessary to lose credit because of absences. Many students, including myself, have proven that it’s not necessary to be at school 90 percent of the time and still earn good grades. Hypothetically, it’s not right to tell a student, who is passing his or her classes with a “B” average, that he or she will not receive credit for the hard work completed throughout the semester because of the number of absences on record.
in class, they miss crucial insight given by teachers. They also miss help with assignments that the teacher would otherwise be able to give if the students were in class. Missing school requires students to take the initiative to go home, and spend time collecting the assignments they missed as homework. But as many people know, homework is not always the first activity teenagers want to spend their free time doing. Another factor that should be taken into account, as we saw last semester, are the reasons for which a student is missing so many days of school. Obviously, if the majority of a student’s absences are truancies, then he or she is not going to class simply because he or she doesn’t want to. In that case, the school has a legitimate reason to refuse credit, or even deny the student advancement to the next grade. Students whose parents call in excuses are usually the type of students that are still able to complete their work, especially since their parents knew exIllustration by Chris Lawson actly what days their child missed. This is common and shouldn’t result in any consequences. Simply put, it’s the grades that matter. If a stuOn the flip side, that doesn’t mean it’s not important to be at school. Let’s be real; a student that dent chooses to make his or her classes harder by is at school more than 90 percent of the time is most missing school, and can still produce passing grades, likely going to get better grades than the one who then there is no reason for denying credit or promois missing school every week. When students aren’t tion to the next grade.
Pledging Allegiance: By Felicia Arnold
“G
ood morning Borah High School, please rise and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance…” In first period classes, students rise to say the pledge. Many of the students who say the Pledge of Allegiance tend to skip parts of it, for example, the word
“God’” or just not say the entire pledge at all. “I honestly don’t think God should be in the pledge because a lot of people skip it and it offends a lot of different people. People should just not care if people say it or not; some people just don’t believe in God,” stated junior Heather Schaeffer. The word God shouldn’t be in the pledge because many
Borah starts the morning with a dose of patriotism, but is it a waste of time?
of the students who attend Borah have different religious beliefs. From being Catholic to atheist, students should have a choice in whether they say the pledge. The word God was introduced in the pledge in 1954. Since then, people have been arguing about whether God should be in it. By expecting to say the pledge in the morning, stu-
dents feel like they can waste class time waiting for it to begin. “I feel that students shouldn’t have to say the pledge because it is a waste of class time. I think we should have a choice to say if we want to say [the pledge] or not,” stated Schaeffer. People who aren’t saying the pledge regularly just don’t care about saying the pledge; they either feel it is a waste
of valuable class time, or they’re just too tired to even care. When thinking about the pledge, many people figure that it is a sign of one’s patriotic duty to say the pledge and show honor to the country.Whether you say the pledge, one should keep in mind that students of all religions have a right to choose.
The Techn
8 The borah senator
Revised electronicspolicy inspires protest By Felicia Arnold
“If we didn’t goof off with our cell phones, we wouldn’t have the cell phone policy,” stated junior Olivia Perry about the revised cell phone / electronics policy that went into effect March 1. Some of the consequences of cell phone use during school hours from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. have been increased. For a first offense, the electronic device is taken away by an official employee and turned into administration. The student may still pick up the device from an administrator at the end of the day in the main office. When caught using a cell phone or electronic device a second time, not only will the device be taken away, but the student must also participate in three, one-hour after school sessions, which may include clean up duty entitled the “Borah Beautification Project.” After the third offense, not only will the student be required to participate in three, one-hour cleaning sessions, but also assigned to a three-hour session of Saturday school. Assistant Principal Bill McKitrick said the revised consequences require after school and Saturday sanctions to avoid in-house detention, which takes students out of class. Junior English teacher Michelle Harmon took a different approach with her students’ third quarter research project. “The students researched cell phone etiquette and used the research to create an essay or product that supported what they learned about cell phones in public places,” stated Harmon. Many of the students created brochures, videos, and even essays. Junior Kelci Lester created a brochure in which she pointed out the benefits of cell phones in school and society. A few of the students agreed that
Teachers see throu By Kristin Bracewell
Photo by Katie Helm
A student types lecture notes on a phone.
they should be able to use cell phones during class. Because students can text so quickly, teachers should consider having the kids take notes on their phones instead of taking them on paper. Junior Nick Parsons said he thinks the policy should happen like this: “First offense--a write up if you understood and knew you weren’t supposed to do that. Second offense--take away the phone, in-house for the rest of the period. Third offense--your parents should be notified.” The outcome of the projects shows that many of the students disagreed with the new electronics policy. However, some agreed with the new strategy. “They [students] should take into consideration that the world doesn’t revolve around them. You shouldn’t be rude, and be texting all the time. People should be responsible and considerate to people,” stated Perry. “I think that cell phone use is a privilege,” she continued. “If we act like adults, we will get the rights we deserve. As a school, we should obey the policies, and, in time, if there are no complaints, then they should lessen the rules.”
The school computers have a technical system called SynchronEyes that can be used as a tool to explain instructions to students, such as a tutorial, or to see students’ progression on the computer. This system has been in the library for some time, but was added to the labs this year without students’ knowledge. If a student needs help, a teacher can message the student, and only the student and teacher know what is happening. It helps students share documents and the teacher better explain assignments. Chuck McHenry, English teacher, said that it was set up so “in-
structors can cover a lot of ground at once.” But it can also take pictures of the students’ computer screens to see what students are really doing while they should be working, yet teachers understand that it is hard to sit and just type for an hour straight. McHenry admitted that when he gets on the computer, he spends around six minutes looking up random stuff, and then goes to work. The main question is if this system is a violation of students’ privacy. Some teachers do not believe so and a lot of students don’t either. Jenn Boyd, the head librarian, believes it could be seen that way “but computers are purchased with district’s money, not purchased to chat or play games.” Boyd believes that while students are supposed to be doing work, they are more concerned with online
nology Age
ugh SynchronEyes shopping than their grade in the classroom. Junior Jocelyn Hersom said the system is “good in the sense that it keeps you on task but it makes you feel violated.” She continued to say that it feels like teachers don’t trust students enough. McHenry did a trial run with his students where he studied what they were doing on the computer and saw some interesting things. “It’s fun to catch them doing bad things,” he continued. McHenry believes his experiment is a good test for character studies. McHenry found out interesting things about some of his students. He saw inappropriate pictures, students playing Sudoku, megahead, checkers, a web site ironically called boredsville, and neighboring students chatting back and forth through the computer.
Hersom said she plays spider solitary, checks her email, infinite campus, sometimes the Borah website or other things McHenry mentioned. Even though students play around on the computer, they seem to be somewhat working, are accountable for their work, and get their assignments in on time. McHenry, along with other teachers, understands that “if kids want to goof off, they will do whatever they can. I find it interesting what kids do.” McHenry hopes students realize that this system helps teachers help students. “Teachers are paying attention to them.”
Volume 50 Issue Vi April 22, 2010 9
Technology is a way of modern day living
By Mike Bingham
Let’s face it, technology is always getting smaller and smaller, faster and faster like water spinning around in a toilet bowl. As poor a metaphor as it may be, this is good news for the busy students of today, as much of this technological growth is perfect for helping them work more efficiently. The most prominent evidence of classroom efficiency is the cell phone. Phones and other cellular devices have recently seen a colossal explosion in the number of programs and applications they can utilize. Digital calendars and other graphical organizers help remind students to get work done on time. Dictionary, thesaurus, and calculator functions are available to speed up the work process while maintaining quality. The advent of texting has so greatly increased the speed at which people can input characters that new keyboards have been developed to mimic the layout of a cell phone keypad. The Internet, widely considered
the student’s most valuable asset, can now also be accessed by phone, allowing it to be called upon in almost any kind of situation. The Internet, too, has evolved to meet students’ needs. Research information is available in excess, and can be easily cited in the correct format with web sites like easybib.com and citationmachine.net, both of which offer templates and guidelines for MLA style citations. Collaboration is easy and effective thanks to online messaging and chat. Files can be created and stored in online servers to be shared with colleagues later. Online schooling programs can now simulate entire classroom experiences, often in real time, allowing students to take extra classes or make up those they currently lack. From simple mechanical pencils to a worldwide information network crammed inside a space no larger than that of a candy bar, technology is naturally conforming to the necessities of being a student.
Teachers keep up with rapidly changing reality of digital world By Ayla Washam
Graphic by Nick Parenti
Technology in the classroom is a taboo in some schools, but Borah is not such a school. Teachers are embracing the technology around them, even though funds may not be able to keep pace with demand. Spanish and Composition teacher Samantha Mora said, “It’s great, because a lot of people at Borah are technologically active.” She added that with economic fears, might add additional obstacles. Head Librarian Jennifer Boyd said that Borah English teachers will “immediately do the next thing.” She said
that the teachers usually embrace the next new concept in technology. Of the 20 school days in April alone, Mora is signed up for the library media center for at least one of her classes 11 times; during a month where four days are excluded due to ISATs, this means Mora is using technology in the media center 11 of 16 days, or 70% of the time. Senior Maggie O’Hara said, “A lot of the things I didn’t know how to do, I now know how.” O’Hara said that she wasn’t very technology minded, but, with the Composition classes, she has really bridged the gap and can now use such experience in the future.
People
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The Borah Senator april 22, 2010
James Durbin:
Young Marine of the Year By Jamie Jones
Photo provided by James Durbin
This picture of junior James Durbin was taken in October of 2009 before he received his Young Marine of the Year ribbon.
Many here at Borah would be surprised to know that fellow classmate James “Jimmy” Durbin has such dedication towards his role in the Young Marines Program. All of his work, in fact, has earned him the title of Young Marine of the Year. A family friend encouraged young Durbin to join at the age of 10; “Everything we learn prepares us for the future,” Durbin said. “I began to learn the Marines’ core values of discipline, teamwork, focus and leadership skills.” Long before the award this year, he conquered an intensive military boot camp, which tested both his physical and mental stability. He explained that it was tough, but he graduated at the top of his group with notable honors. “I was striving to be a leader and looking for a challenge and some adventure,” he said. “I was very eager to get promoted.”
From there on, Durbin attended Leadership Academies, collecting many awards and leading his unit to three division drill competition championships. After almost two years in the program, he began to realize that his efforts were not only about him anymore, but rather about the Young Marines under his command. Recently, with the title of Division Six Young Marine of the Year, Durbin travelled to Guam with Veterans from WWI to Vietnam during the 65th anniversary of Hiroshima. The group toured the island, while veterans shared stories. “They were all very emotional,” he said. “You could tell they went through a lot on the island.” “It’s awesome [to be Young Marine of the Year]! It allows me to give back to the program,” said Durbin. “It also gives me an opportunity to give back to what they’ve taught me.”
Senior wins full ride, college ambitions grow By Kristin Bracewell
Physics teacher Debra Gough, senior Joey Whitney’s teacher for two years, said that he is “always very thoughtful to other people, lets other people express their opinions.” She explained that he is a multitalented student who tries to be the best at what he does. Whitney participated in a BSU science day where he took a test and won fifth place, earning him a full ride scholarship to BSU. When asked if he was considering BSU, he said “heavily”; but he is also interested in the College of Idaho and is wait listed at the University of Chicago. He wants to be a doctor,
but isn’t certain which kind. Since sophomore year, Whitney has been taking art classes, specifically ceramics. “I don’t know if I would call myself an artist, I just like to play with clay,” he said. Whitney fully believes he is going to continue in art and pursue his passion of being a doctor at the same time. Gough believes Whitney is “well respected by classmates, as well as teachers” because he is a good team builder. She continued to praise him by claiming he practices manners and is very courteous to everyone. Gough said, “He can do almost anything he wants. You can just tell he will go far and won’t be conceited about it.”
Photo by Katie Corp
Senior Joey Whitney stands in front of the Periodic Table in chemistry teacher Mark Westcott’s room. Out of all AP Chemistry students, only Whitney received a 5 on the AP Chemistry exam last year.
The Borah Senator april 22, 2010
Theatre Diary
A&E
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Archipelago: a look behind the scenes By Sam Nelson
You decide, one evening, that you would like to go out. Seeing the posters in the hallways, you think you’d like to go to the theater department’s production of ‘Archipelago.’ You purchase tickets at the door, wander into the small theater, and take a seat. You chat with the person next to you, and skim over the crimson program. When the lights go out and the curtain sweeps open, you simply sit back and enjoy the show. Now, if you were to rewind the scene to about two hours prior to the doors opening, you would see an entirely different theater. The actors are running about, pulling on costumes and lathering their faces with makeup. They’re making sure all of their props are in their proper places, and taking a few final bathroom trips. Some hearts are pounding, and they’re all doing their best to meditate themselves into character. The crew is checking the sound systems, making them ready to release the show’s variety of sounds, and setting up a witty slide show. Everyone is work-
ing tirelessly to pull this show, the show they’ve been working on for the majority of the year, together. The production wasn’t easy, by any stretch of the imagination; the cast was plagued with difficulties. The few people who quickly learned their lines were
The cast became very close through spending so much time together. hindered by those who didn’t manage to. Almost every single member of the cast was ill at one point or another, sometimes spreading the sickness. Because of these difficulties, the date of the show was pushed back several times. However, no show is without its rough spots, and those unlucky moments couldn’t exist without wonderful ones. In the time it took to prepare the production, the cast, entirely female, became very close through spending so much time together. The family-like atmosphere sometimes served as
a relief from the hard, repetitive work. The scenes were developed thoroughly, often changing dozens of times before they were presentable, but they all ended up as such. Theater is trying, but rewarding, work. On the night of the first show, a plethora of problems presented themselves. Scene changes weren’t fast enough, lines were forgotten, the audience was silent in times of comedy, and whispers were heard backstage. True, the first weekend of the show wasn’t very memorable, for performers and audience members alike. The second weekend made up for it brilliantly. Transitions were smoother, less lines were forgotten (and when they were, improvisation seamlessly took over), and the audience was filled with chuckles. Half of the actors carried flowers backstage as costumes were shed and street clothes donned again. On the night of the last show, as the last bow was taken and the house lights flickered back to life, an overwhelming feeling came over the cast. Some were grateful, some were gloomy, but one thing was certain: a great show had been performed.
Talent Show
Students sing opera, dance, play piano, create video claymation, use Lady Gaga karoake in this year’s talent show Junior David Vilchis imitates Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance. By Kristin Bracewell
Photos by Katie Helm
As “Slow Me Down,” by Emmy Rossum is played, junior Melissa Lee delivers a passionate performance through her choreography.
This year’s talent show was a success for portraying students’ gifts. The acts were filled with music and dancing, and even claymation, which won sophomore Andrew Adams first place. Junior Zach Buker and senior Emily Clark cranked out opera, a difficult genre to sing, and both acts were amazingly good. Two opera songs in a high school talent show was a bit overwhelming since operas are usually in Italian and most of the teenage audience didn’t understand the lyrics. The rock band Statim and the A cappella group
Cluster Chord seemed to rouse the crowd. Senior Jennifer Bracewell had an engaging act. She translated Dolly Parton’s song into her own version, still country, and inspired the audience to clap along with her. Junior David Vilchis’s impersonation of Lady Gaga captured the crowd’s attention. The original rap by senior Andrew Garcia was a treat, for he and the audience both connected to the song. Lastly, sophomore Justin Kirkham’s piano performance was so elegant; his hands flowed fluidly over the keys.
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Q&A
The borah senator april 22, 2010
If you lost all access to technology for one week, how would your life be different? Photos by Kristin Bracewell & Katie Helm
“If I lost all access to technology for a week, my life would be a little more boring. Just to see friends or talk to people, I would have to write a letter.” Abby Scott, sophomore
“I think I would focus more on sports and school because I wouldn’t have other distractions.” Joe Wineke, sophomore
“Having no technology for a week would be a challenge for sure! It would be a great lesson for people to learn to be more personal and self sufficient.” Jennifer Bracewell, senior
“Life would go on, but I would severely miss my music and my cell phone. I know some people who actually believe they couldn’t survive without it.” Marie Gerard, junior
Life
the borah senator April 22, 2010
Roller derby offers opportunity for Boise women to do extreme skating
By Megan Harrigfeld
Little does the city of Boise know, but walking around just like any other civilian are the “tough skinned” Treasure Valley Roller Girls, members of a roller derby based in Boise, and the only one so far based in Idaho. The Treasure Valley Roller Girls are “a group of awesome women who like to kick ass, and be athletic and cool,” expressed player Aubrey Hollingshead (who has yet to pick a roller name, like her teammates such as Dawn of the Shred and Scarlet Danger). The league started in 2006 and now consists of over 30 sassy female skatingwarriors, and these ladies mean business. These ladies come from diverse backgrounds, from lawyers to accountants, stay-at-home-moms to restaurant managers. But only one thing matters when they take their skates to the track-
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they are instant sisters, and aggressive athletes. “It’s a mix between women’s rugby, and Nascar,” said referee Speedbump. “Roller derby in general is a sport that promotes female empowerment,”stated player Dawn of the Shred, “It’s a beautiful thing to be able to wear a short skirt and fishnets and be able to hit people, it’s a great stress relief.” Just getting their Woman’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) membership makes them eligible to play against over 470 teams nationwide that are part of the association. See them in all their fishnet, miniskirt glory for their first game April 24 at Expo Idaho. Photo By Katie Helm
Dawn of the Shred takes the position of jammer during a spring practice derby.
High school bands support benefit concert By Kristin Bracewell
Ever since the earthquake in Haiti, many people have banned together to help, including local high school bands. All profits from the March 18th concert were given to Haiti. Seven bands, including Critical Reform, Malicious Intent, Workin’ on Fire, Travis Mcdaniels Band, The BoDo Brothers, Cluster Funk, and Borah’s own Statim, joined the cause. Juniors Connor Photo By Katie Helm Miles, Miles GearFrom Left: Junior Thomas Van Peursen, high school graduate Aaron Sloan, junior hardt, Ryan Dennis, and Thomas Van Peursen Ryan Dennis, and junior Miles Gearhardt, along with junior Connor Miles on drums, play in their band, Statim, to raise money for Haiti. are from Borah. Its lead
singer, Aaron Sloan, graduated from Centennial last year. The band played three of its original songs titled Fire Fight, PSR, and Mind Read. When asked why they decided to participate in the concert, Dennis answered “We’ve been seeing a lot of things on the news and we felt bad. We thought it would be a good cause.” Sophomore Erica Albertson was a little disappointed in the turnout because she believes there was a lot of advertising for the event. Dennis didn’t mind. “Because we are all high school bands, there weren’t many peo-
ple there.” Albertson still liked the atmosphere of the place. “It was good because I felt comfortable.” Albertson’s closing words were, “it’s definitely a good idea to support local bands.” She liked the concert idea because she believed in helping Haiti. Dennis said the band decided to play because “Whenever we find an opportunity to play to help other people out, we go for it.” He was happy about being able to do what he loves while helping other people. Overall, the concert was a success, as it enabled local bands to play and raise money for those in need.
Sports
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March Madness: By Parker simmons
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arch Madness has come and gone for the 2010 men’s college basketball season. The number one seeded, Duke Blue Devils, went up against a number five seeded, Butler Bulldogs, in the national championship and won 61-59. Although neither team was expected to make it to the national championship game, Duke is historically known as a college basketball powerhouse, having previously won three national championships. Butler on the other hand, had never played for a national title, and this made
The Borah Senator April 22, 2010
Expect the Unexpected
for a David vs. Goliath match up. The whole game was close with each team going back and forth with the lead. In the final seconds, Butler’s Gordon Hayward attempted a half court shot that would have won the game but came up just short as it rattled out of the hoop and Butler lost the game. It is Dukes fourth national title and it’s first since 2001. The hot topic during March Madness are the brackets that thousands of American’s fill out each year, predicting who they think will win each game, leading up to the national championship. Possibly the biggest reason
for the bracket’s popularity is due to the fact that it you don’t have to know anything about college basketball to fill out an accurate bracket. Guessing is your most effective weapon. Leading up to the start of March Madness however there is plenty of sports analysts feeding the public as much news and statistics we can handle. This is senior Tony Buzzini’s way of deciding who he thinks will win or lose. But even Buzzini realizes the importance of guessing. “Listening to analysts is a good way to learn about all the teams and their abilities, but I also resort to going with my gut most of the time,” said Buzzini.
having a lot of new players.” Chaney added, “The season is looking up; everyone is coming together as a team---I believe will finish strong because everyone is improving, and I think we have a good shot in districts.” Borah tennis seems to run in the families so to speak. Seniors Jordan Rivers and Kathleen Umberger both have younger siblings that play on varsity. Rivers said, about playing with his younger sister, freshman Emily Rivers, “It’s not bad, it’s kind of fun.” Umberger, whose sister is freshman Julia Umberger, said about playing with her, “It’s really fun. We are best friends, so it really motivates me to play to my maximum potential.” Also, Seniors Justin Armstrong and James Whitlock (who is out this year with an injury), both have siblings that play on the team.
Armstrong’s younger brother, sophomore Jason Armstrong, and Whitlock’s younger sister, Freshman Megan Whitlock, both play for the squad. Megan said, about playing for the first time on varsity: “I have gotten a lost closer with the people on the team because of all the positions I’ve been playing.” She also added, “They have been really welcoming to the incoming freshman, we have developed a bond, and everyone is getting better.” James also added, “We all started playing young and we all just loved the game.” James Whitlock has also had an older brother, Alex Whitlock, who previously played on for the varsity squad, but has graduated. The team is certainly developing a strong bond and with all the work that they put in, who knows what they may accomplish this year.
Tennis, it runs in the family By Tyler Albretson
The Borah Lions tennis team had an outstanding year last year finishing 9th overall in state with many of the players placing high in the state tournament. However, this year may be a different story. The team lost a lot of its players from last year and there are a lot of new faces on the team. But, this year’s team is under new leadership with Coach Pat Moore. Juniors Kelson Chaney and Zach Buker, who have been on the Varsity squad since ninth grade, believe that this year’s season has been going pretty well. Chaney acknowledged, “We’re doing semi-ok, we’re not the best ---- we’ve lost a lot of players, but every one has stepped up, and we’re improving everyday.” Buker added that, “We are doing good considering
Even Borah students got sucked into the addicting process of filling out a bracket. The Borah library bracket challenge brought together many students’ brackets and the most accurate bracket won. This year’s winner was junior Cadianne Morton, who correctly predicted the Duke Blue Devils to take home the national title. Congratulations Cadianne. Buzzini isn’t new to the March Madness frenzy. “I fill out a bracket every year because it gives me an incentive to root for a team and makes it that much more exciting,” said Buzzini. Buzzini, however, was not able to predict the most ac-
curate bracket in his group. Much of that could be due to all the upsets that took place this year. “Unfortunately I had Villanova and Kansas in the championship,” said Buzzini. One of the most intriguing upsets that took place was Northern Iowa’s surprising run to the Sweet 16 after beating number one seeded Kansas in the second round. “Kansas getting knocked out by Northern Iowa definitely surprised me the most,” said Buzzini. He added, “I never thought Duke or Butler would have made it to the national championship.” In the month of March, expect the unexpected.
Photo by Katie Corp
Senior Nate Szuch poll vaults at the first track meet at Borah. Szuch recently set the school record at 14 feet 6 inches.
The Borah Senator April 22, 2010
Sports
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Softball team looks for improvement By Parker Simmons
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Photo Ashley Rice
Coach Quane Kenyon observes his daughter, senior Kaycee Kenyon, as she swings at a pitch during a sofball game at Borah.
fter last year’s success in the state tournament, the softball team has come into this season with confidence, and looking to improve on their 2009 campaign. However, the season hasn’t gone in the direction the team was hoping as they have started with a 5-14 record at press time. Coach Quane Kenyon is confident the team will be in good standing by the end of the season. “We are working on reaching our peak at districts,” said Kenyon. Seniors comprise the majority on this year’s team, and can use their experience of having participated in last year’s promising state tournament finish. Kenyon said, “Our confidence
should be very high since we have a senior loaded team.” Unfortunately, the season hasn’t started the way some players had expected. “We have to work on filling the holes that were left when we lost important players from last years’ team who helped lead the 2009 group,” said senior McKensie Stanton. “We also have had to fight through injuries to our pitching rotation which has also contributed to the slow start,” added Stanton. Senior Kara Perry said, “One of our weakest areas is negativity. For example, when one player makes an error, it brings the whole team down.” Coach Kenyon emphasized the difference between last year’s team compared to this year’s: “We are getting along and building more chemistry with our senior loaded team.”
Athletes in the Spotlight
Senior Chris Woolley Q: What kind of personal expectations do you have for yourself ? A: I have worked to play college baseball and have already signed with Western Nevada on a full-ride baseball scholarship. Q: What do you want to be when you grow up? A: I would either like to be a civil engineer or possibly a coach or scout. Q: Do you set goals for yourself ? A: I would like to win the 5A SIC
player of the year award, but my number one goal is to play Division 1 baseball. Q: When did you start playing baseball? A: I started playing baseball when I was five years old. Q: What do you like most about baseball? A: I like how difficult it is to succeed. That means there is always room for improvement. Q: Who is your favorite baseball player? A: Derek Jeter. He is a great leader with amazing talent. Q: Besides playing baseball, what do you do for fun? A: I like playing basketball and hanging out with my friends. Q: Do you have any superstitions? A: Not really, I just do the same routine before I go up to bat. Q: What do you credit your success to? A: All my coaches and my parents.
Q: How did you become interested in Ultimate Frisbee? A: Sophomore year I heard about it and it sounded fun so I decided to become a part of the team. Q: What are you looking forward to this season? A: I want to win the state championship again. We have a great team so I think we can do it. Q: What do you like most about Ultimate Frisbee? A: I love the intensity it takes to succeed. Q: Besides Ultimate Frisbee, what do you like to do in your free time? A: I like to run and hang out with my friends and family. Q: Coming into this season, what kind of goals have you set for yourself ? A: My number one goal coming into this season has been to defend last year’s state title. Q; What do you want to be when you grow up?
Senior Haley Connor A: I am interested in law enforcement. Next year, after I finish my core classes at CWI, I plan on attending the police academy in Salt Lake City. Q: How has Ultimate Frisbee changed you as a person? A: This sport has forced me to become more of a stronger person in order to compete with guys. Q: What else do you credit your success to? A: The extra time spent playing in other leagues has also helped my development.
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FUN & Games
april 22, 2010 The Borah senator
An Eye for an Eye By Mike Bingham
Not very long ago, I heard tell of a new program on school computers. The software, known as SynchronEyes, was designed to link all the computers in the computer labs together, allowing anyone with the password to control the operations of any computer on which the program is installed. As a frequent operator of school computers, I was intrigued by this development, and wasted no time in setting up a meeting with the program’s design team; which ran as follows: Me: So, how much do you believe Borah’s students will benefit from the implementation of this new monitoring system? Design Team (in unison): RESISTANCE IS FUTILE! YOU WILL BE ASSIMILATED! Me (nervously): Haha! But even though the team seemed a bit unprofessional up front, I could tell that behind those pale faces and glowing red eyes was a solid determination to better our school environment. Now, there are SOME students out there who might complain about the ethics behind the program, referring to ridiculous ideals like privacy and independence, but I’m here to put all fears to rest. I mean, haven’t you ever thought about the positive consequences that this violation of solitude could provide? Neither have I, but something has to take up the next two hundred words. First, you never have to wonder if teachers are watching over your shoulder while you work. With SynchronEyes in place, you can guarantee that they’ve got your every click on their monitor no matter what you’re doing! No more having to waste time deciding between comfort and fear! SynchronEyes makes it easy to feel awkward every second you’re on a lab computer. Another great thing about SynchronEyes is the administrator’s ability
to take control of any student’s computer. Applications, files, and even the mouse cursor itself can be forcefully stripped from the current user without warning. “Tyranny!” cry the people, as if they actually believe they have rights or something. But students fail to understand just how many terrorist plots this could stop! Several totally fabricated statistics show that over 57 percent type here of high school students view terrorism as “kinda cool, I guess” when questioned for hours on end. With this massive threat sitting right on our doorstep, SynchronEyes gives teachers the tools they need to locate emails and other data that may help us locate such potential dangers. So, as we can see, SynchronEyes is a perfect addition to our school’s computers; worth every God-given right we’re perverting to keep it in place. I am fully prepared to put my support behind this welcome development; that is, as long as I know they’re watching me.
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Aries (March 21 – April 20) If you have a choice to make, pick the option that will benefit the most people, not the one that will benefit you the most. Taurus (April 21 – May 21) Don’t freak out if things don’t go according to plan. It’s going to be the process, not the result, which will benefit you. Gemini (May 22 – June 21) If you have big plans for the future, now’s the time to take action. This month will bring you good luck with your aspirations. Cancer (June 22 – July 22) There’s a time and a place to be lazy, but not now. Be on your feet and alert, or else something obvious may take you by surprise. Leo (July 23 – Aug. 21) Like every other human, you have vulnerabilities. It’s difficult, but try to embrace them rather than resent them. Virgo (Aug. 22 – Sept. 23) Some changes may be about to happen in
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a friend’s life. Make sure to be there for this person if the change isn’t a favorable one. Libra (Sept. 24 – Oct. 23) If you find yourself in a position of power, or perhaps making a big decision, make sure that your final choice doesn’t hurt or burden those dear to you. Scorpio (Oct. 24 – Nov. 22) This month, you will be confronted with something that seems chaotic, but, with patience, you can create order from chaos. Sagittarius (Nov. 23 – Dec. 22) The smallest actions can make a huge impact. No matter how unimportant it seems, greet every upcoming task with care. Capricorn (Dec. 23 – Jan. 20) This month, it’s time to go easier on others.
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No matter who is angering you, remember, to err is human, and don’t expect everyone to live up to your standards. Aquarius (Jan. 21 – Feb. 19) This month will be busy, with many tasks to complete. Do your best to struggle through them all; you’ll definitely be rewarded. Pisces (Feb. 20 – March 20) If you are looking for romance, you’ll soon find it. Conversely, remember that, even if you dislike someone, being cruel will probably bring you bad karma.