February 9, 2010 by Borah Senator

The

Borah Senator In the pride since 1958

Borah High School

Volume 50 Issue IV February 9, 2009 6001 Cassia St. Boise, ID 83709 borahtoday.com

Letters TO THE Editor

Volume 50 Issue IV February 9, 2010

Senior drum major defends Borah band

Dear Borah Senator,

I am writing with regard to the letter to the editor published in the December 16th, 2009 issue, concerning the role of the band. That letter was an immature assessment of the Borah band program, its role at sporting events, and of the band participants themselves. Speaking as a proud member of this exceptional and hard working group of students, I can assure you that no one in the band feels “high and mighty” about their role or importance at Borah High School. Certainly we possess intense pride, and perhaps an inflated ego, as our marching band recently placed first in the DIII Marching Band Competition for the first time in 18 years, and as our jazz ensemble received the highest score, or highest Superior Rating at the District III Jazz Festival. We have reason to be proud of these achievements, because they did not come easy, and the work put into these awards was an incredible feat. In the November issue of the Borah Senator, a Staff Editorial was published regarding the presence of the Rowdies at certain sporting events, while other events and activities do not receive as much attention. The article used quotes taken from an interview with the band director, Mr. Kevin Sullivan. These quotes were not used in appropriate context, and to readers who were not careful, they were incorrectly interpreted as expressions of resentment toward the Rowdies and the sports teams. Though I do not speak for the band, I am certain that there are no strong feelings of resentment toward any of the sports programs, nor do we believe the Rowdies should be obligated to attend our own band events. We would be happy to have more student and faculty support and attendance, but again, we do not feel that anyone is obligated, and those who believed Mr. Sullivan was suggesting this were

reading the article incorrectly. The author of the Letter to the Editor in the subsequent December issue made the point that the band does not truly support the football team, because we are required to be at the games, and no band member would attend such events if this requirement was not in place. I have had the responsibility of being the drum major of the marching and pep bands for the past two years, and at almost every game, I am constantly asked by band students if they may sit with the Rowdies. There are times when I cannot get the band to play the fight song because they are cheering the team through an exciting moment. This is the case at every football game, and at the home basketball games at which we have opted to play. Please remember that the band members are students as well, and if they did not have the requirement to sit with the band, they would be at the games cheering and celebrating along with you. Perhaps many students wonder why the band does not play at every school sporting event. The band plays at every home football game, and even performs at half time on the field. The band also plays at about 10 home basketball games throughout the winter. The reason we do not do more home basketball games is because of the coach’s decisions about the turnout to the game, and because there are many band related conflicts throughout the winter. The band does not attend any other sports for Borah for three reasons. First, there are not many sports that have game structures that are conducive to the amount of time the band can play. We cannot perform during the actual game, and there aren’t many sports with short quarters or periods that give the band time to play in between. Second, there are not very many facilities where the band can play that ensure the band’s comfort, safety, and safety of

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the instruments. Most instruments cost hundreds of dollars, and the risk of having them in areas where they can be damaged is high even at the football and basketball facilities. And finally, it is not fair to ask a body of students to make such a commitment to come to so many sporting events over the course of the year. We are happy to come to several, but truly it is unfair for every member to be required to come to all the games, when many are considered unimportant or not as competitive, as determined by the coaches. This brings me to my final point. To the author of the December Letter to the Editor, I must ask you not to disrespect our activities, or the incredible amount of hard work that we put into creating such a successful ensemble. The Borah High School band is one of the best in Idaho. We have had the pleasure of participating in community parades. We have received Superior Ratings at Jazz and Symphonic Festivals for many years. Our jazz band made a special performance at the Rachel’s Challenge presentation at the Idaho Center. It has been featured at the Boise Music Week Concert. Our pep band had the pleasure of being requested to play for the presidential candidate, Barack Obama. To us, our supporters, and to many, many people in the school, in Boise, and in Idaho, our work continues to be far superior to that of anyone else in Idaho. Our music is not boring. Our work is not boring. Do not presume to make these opinions, or share them with others until you come and see for yourself the beauty and excitement that we create through practice and sheer skill. If you do not wish to, then please have the courtesy to keep your opinions about the quality of our music and the people in our ensemble to yourself. -Senior Drum Major Maureen Lavelle

Senator Staff

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: Ayla Washam Life: Megan Harrigfeld Arts and Entertainment: Felicia Arnold Q&A: Kari Schuhknecht People: Megan Harrigfeld 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: Lisa Garrard, Ryan Hester, Christine Lawson, Nick Parenti Intern Writers: 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, Samantha Nelson, 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 Adviser: Michelle Harmon

Letters Volume 50 Issue iV February 9, 2010 Student questions if rowdies are completely school spirited, inspiration to student body I have a few things to say to Miss Kara Perry, the wonderful individual whose letter to the editor was featured in the December 16, 2009 issue. But my words aren’t only meant for her; they’re meant for everyone who perhaps shares her opinion. You say that band concerts are boring. I don’t particularly find football games exciting. I’d much rather go to a band concert and listen to what you call “boring” music than have to sit through a football game. If you’re a Rowdie, you should want to be a Rowdie because you like to encourage people, not just because you like going to sports games. If that’s your only reason, you may as well quit. You can’t just sign up for something like that and only embrace one aspect of the job. If you did that in any paying job, you’d be fired. Band, orchestra, art, writing, and drama programs at Borah are being stomped on by the sports programs. Let’s face it: the majority of students who actually come to any of our (the theatre department’s) shows are required to

for English. The rest of the audience is made up of parents and teachers. Sports teams should be thankful that they have the support of most of the student body, no matter how unfair it is. Even the choirs tower over us. And let’s face it, ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ was less of a theatre-choir collaboration than just the choir’s personal musical. The Rowdies (or, at least, Miss Perry) seem to have this high-and-mighty attitude that they can support whoever they want to support and ignore the rest of us. That’s a really twisted way to think, for a group that’s supposed to be inspirational and supportive. Yes, that’s right. You read correctly. It is not the non-sports programs that are acting high-and-mighty. It’s you. What would the world be like if people, whether through jobs or acts of kindness, only decided to help people they personally liked? My suggestion is to stop and think before pointing fingers next time. Junior, Sam Nelson

On the Cover: Artist Bio By Megan Mizuta

The peacock painting on this issue’s cover was one of senior Mandy Hulla’s most time consuming pieces, in progress on and off since early November. The painting received touch ups until the day it was submitted to the Borah Senator: it arrived in the newsroom with wet paint. Hulla said that Photo by Katie Corp the peacock “started with a swirl.” She then “wanted Senior Mandy Hulla, this month’s cover artist, is movement, and swirls turned working on a painting of a human face in one of her to feathers, so I added a three art classes, multimedia. body.” sculpting, painting has emerged as her The first-time cover artist’s cre- favorite, though she has been drawing ative process for a painting begins the longest. With a schedule comwith the inspiration; often Hulla said prised of over 50 percent art classes, she dreams of herself painting some- Hulla said art is the “only thing I do thing, then goes into class the next day want to pursue” after high school, and ready to sketch it out. Though she has added that she intends to detail cars dabbled in other mediums, including as well.

to the editor continued . . .

Athlete finds, criticizes bias in The Borah Senator In response to Kara Perry’s Letter to the Editor in the last paper, I speak for every athlete at Borah High School. Every time a new paper comes out, each member of the student body grabs a copy to see what the biased writers, of our so called, “Newspaper Staff,” have to say. The Senator Staff does nothing but run their mouths while hiding behind their pen and paper. Last year, the “Newspaper Staff ” had issues with the, “audio steroids of the weight room.” It is hilarious that the kids that would never touch the weight room let alone any field, have so much to say! Take a step in the weight room with the intent to actually do something, and then talk to us, Pencil necks! Or if you choose not to, respect our decision to do so. Yes the football team had a rough year, we

all know that, especially since we are the people who devoted hours on end to the program, year after year. The second newspaper published this year, did nothing but hate on the football team and rowdies article after article. There is not a single ATHLETE on the newspaper staff ! Therefore every single one of you come meet with any senior on the football team, and or any other athlete at Borah High School. Say anything you feel the need to express, and maybe, just maybe, we will acknowledge you. The Borah Senator is a joke! For every member of the newspaper staff, I applaud you on your bias against Borah High School Athletics. Way to portray school spirit! For every athlete, Go Lions! Senior Athlete, Erik Diehl

Index

Letters to the Editor……...............................................…………….2&3 News..…………….......….............................….........................................................…...4 Opinion……….…………................................................................................………6&7 Spread..................................................................................................................8&9 Life………......………...................................………….......................................................10 A&E………….......……..................…........…………....................................................…11 Question of the Month..........................…………..............................................…..12 People…………......….....................….......………………................................................13 Sports……….....……..........................……..................................................……14&15 Fun & Games...........................................……...............................................……..16

News Next year’s funding reductions 4

Volume 50 Issue IV February 9, 2010

Area students omit counselor, asst. principal compete in Idaho Youth Government By Megan Mizuta

In the face of major funding cuts from the state, the Boise School District (BSD) is planning a personnel reduction, several of which will affect Borah in the upcoming school year. The two most definite areas in which Borah will feel the bite of budget cuts is in the administration and counseling departments—one assistant principal and one counselor position will be eliminated. The BSD will keep “classrooms immune from cuts as long as possible” said BSD Superintendent Stan Olson. Even as Borah welcomes a new counselor in place of Sylvia Johnson, who retired at semester’s end, the school will lose one counselor for the 201011 school year, as will Boise and Capital. The student body, which comprises some 1,350 students, will be reshuffled among three counselors, equaling approximately 450 students per counselor. Borah, again along with Boise and Capital, is slated to reduce four assistant principals to three for the next school year. Exactly which counselor and assistant principal will leave Borah has not been decided yet, and will likely not be confirmed or announced until late spring. The pruning of the BSD personnel comes after Gov. “Butch” Otter recommended a holdback of state funds allotted to public education, and State schools chief Tom Luna outlined his plan to the legislature in which he proposed ways to reduce spending, and identified potential revenue sources.

Otter called for a 1.6% reduction in the remainder of the fiscal year, as announced in his State of the State address. The Boise Education Association (BEA) estimates the holdback to equal some $2.4 million for the BSD. Although budgeting is still in the works, the BSD will feel the effect of reductions made on the state level. In a joint newsletter to employees, the BEA and BSD stated that the “…District reorganization will be made no matter the final state appropriation; it is imperative that the District reduce ongoing expenditures.” As the second largest district in Idaho, with Meridian being the largest, the BSD is in better shape than the majority of districts, said Olson. Due to its large size, the BSD can eliminate spending in areas that will have a minimal effect on students. Olson likened the midyear budget reductions to an attempt to change the trajectory of a battleship—something that cannot turn on a dime. Olson said that the BSD will stop spending, and evaluate which positions to reduce, or not refill, relative to their efficiency, although he described the process as being comprised of “not pure numbers” but rather of “numbers and situations” as “not every school is a cookie cutter.” Olson said that the BSD tries to be as transparent as possible in regard to staff reductions and relocations so that employees are “not blindsided.” The basis for selecting which employee will have to relocate is generally based on seniority, except in specific situations, according to Olson.

By Megan Harrigfeld

Borah students participated in the Idaho YMCA Youth Government Southwest Regional Convention on Jan. 15. Juniors and seniors from Borah, Centennial, and Caldwell competed to win government positions to advance to the state tournament in April. Borah students won three powerful positions, including Speaker of the House, (senior Natalia Equez), Appellate Judge, (senior Andy Ward), and Assistant Senate Floor Leader (senior Mary Shake.) “You try to give them the information that they need, but they do it themselves. It’s very studentrun,” said American government teacher Andy Woodbridge. Eguez ran for the most powerful position in which Borah was up for, which weighed down on Eguez. “I feel a sense of responsibility to represent Borah well,” she said. When students march up the steps of the Capitol to participate in the State Youth Legislature on April 22 and 23, they will be acting as effective working men and women in the legislature.

BEST reconstructs tables, bookshelves, coaches lockers By Ayla Washam

Sitting on any bench should remind students of what projects the Better Employment Skills Training (BEST) program does on campus. The Best program repaints and rebuilds, (if needed) all the benches around Borah. The projects they are working on right now are, math teacher Mike Healy’s book cabinets, building the football coaches’ lockers, and working around the commu-

nity. Overland Park Cinemas, Idaho Pizza and Honk’s Dollar are just a few of the places the BEST program works. The goal of the program is to guide students from school to the community and then finally to employment. Special education teacher Neal Jareczek believes that this allows the students to be guided into the workforce.

Photo By Megan Mizuta

Picnic tables around Borah’s quad are being repaired by BEST; the tables will be rebuilt and painted.

Volume 50 Issue iV February 9, 2010

News

Students learn skills for medical careers By Zulfiya Amrulayeva

The off-campus district wide class, Health Occupation 2, offers 80 students a chance to learn from professionals and work with real patients. Health Occ. 2 takes place at the Boise Language Academy (formerly Jackson Elementary). The class period lasts two school hours, is held in four classrooms, and offers courses for pharmacy technicians, dental assistants, certified nursing assistants (CNA), and emergency medical technicians (EMT). To take it, students may choose Health Occ. 1 as an elective class, and are allowed to have Health Occ. 2 as an off-campus class the following year. Students first study in regular classrooms. After they learn the information needed, students practice their skills in the real world. There are 75 locations they can visit, such as nursing homes, veteran

Illustration by Chris Lawson

homes, and hospitals. They work side by side with their instructors who are Registered Nurses (RNs). “This program teaches students how to work in teams and most of the learning is interpersonal: how to take care

of a person and how to show compassion,” Health Occ. teacher Kyle King said. At the hospitals, students make beds and help patients when needed. At the nursing homes, they help some elderly pa-

tients walk, set up tables for games, and follow the instructions of the nurses. “I like working with people because I meet all different kinds of people. I like helping them; I don’t think this job will ever get boring because there

is something new everyday,” senior Neptali Mejia said. At the end of each semester students have finals just like everybody else, but towards March they have a state test that, if passed, gives them an opportunity to work as a CNA. The test contains a written portion and a skilled portion. “We can actually demonstrate to them how much we learned and that’s a good advantage,” said Mejia. Students have three chances to pass the $45 test and students must be 18 to take it. If you go to college and apply to different health fields, you will have an advantage of getting into a program and having the experience,” said Mejia. “The work looks good on a resume and students have a higher opportunity of getting a job,” said King. “Students who are responsible, compassionated and dedicated should think of applying into this program.” she added.

Calculus class competes in national contest; junior student scores perfect 10 out of 10 The Borah Calculus classes are participating once again in the Continental Math League Competition. This has been a Borah tradition for the last seven years. Borah students continue to excel in this competition and have a quite Photo by Kristin Bracewell favorable national ranking, according to the math club advisor, Vic Hofstetter. Juniors David Bennett, Roy Barrera, and Zachary Garcia read to kids “I like this competition at Grace Jordan Elementary for the Read Around the World program. Read Around the World is one of three learning programs offered at because all of the competthe Grace Jordan. See related story on Borahtoday.com. ing schools in the nation are in a single division. We go

up against the big reputable selective prep schools as well as many quality public high schools.” Examples of competing schools are Glenbrook South High School and St Ignatius College Prep of Illinois, Palo Alto Senior High School and Long Beach Polytechnic of California, Roxbury Latin School and Winchester High School of Massachusetts, and others with names like Thomas Wooten High School, Gulliv-

er Prep School, and Hunter College High School. Borah consistently ranks the upper half of all the competing schools, and frequently has scored above the seventy-fifth percentile nationally. Currently Borah has one student tied for first place in the nation. Junior Ben O’Hara scored a perfect 10 out of 10 on the first of the four meets that will be held.

OPINION

Volume 50 Issue IV February 9, 2010

Post-break finals

The case for moving dead week, EOCs, end of semester stress out of the new year Staff Editorial

Downtown Macy’s prepares to close.

Four Idaho athletes set to compete in Winter Olympics.

Republicans take the Massachusetts Senate Seat. Supreme Court rules that corporate spending for political campaigns cannot be regulated by the government. Nickleback comes to the Idaho Center.

Tamarack resort expected to announce foreclosure. Avatar tops box office for seventh consecutive weekend, out-earns the Titanic. Like

Indifferent

Dislike

When school comes roll-

ing in again from an eventful winter break, there is great annoyance among students about finals. With a dead week, a time crunching consuming review week, then finally finals, many students are stressed beyond belief and their schedules are in complete chaos trying to find ways to cram in study sessions. “I personally don’t think that students get any advantages from ending the semester after break. Students wouldn’t have things hanging above their heads and many of the AP kids would have more time with the curriculum,” said counselor Silvana Stoll. The Boise School District (BSD) voted against ending semester before break about 10 years ago, according to Stoll. The problem with ending semester so early is that it would interfere with The Idaho State Fair and the 4H kids who participate in it. The fair runs the week before school begins, and fast forwarding the school year conflicts with it. Semester should end before winter break starts because not only does it affect students and the way they study, but also teachers. Teachers have to take time to

plan and put together review packets for days when instead, they could have students focus on more curriculum. “It’s really stupid that we have to wait to end semester after break. It really stresses some people out. I

Illustration

mean no one really gets any advantages out of it anyways,” said sophomore Audra Ritter. Students would benefit more if we were to end semester and take finals before winter break. With closure to the end of the semester, we have no worries until the new semester begins.

Not only do students feel this way about semester ending later than we would want, but some faculty feel the same as well. Stoll remarked, “It would prepare students for their collegiate experience if we were to end when the colleges do.” If the school district were to change around our school schedule and match it with Bishop Kelly’s, we would have nothing hanging over our heads, and happier students and faculty. What would possibly go wrong if we were to start a little bit earlier and get out a few weeks earlier? Students around school feel like they are being pressured into studying much harder than we would if finals were given before winter break.I “ don’t study f o r very many tests, but it by Chris Lawson still puts me into a crunch when we have one week left to do some hard studying,” stated Ritter. In the next few years, the school district should consider giving students the right to vote for or against the semester ending before winter break, instead of having it be decided for them.

OPINION

Volume 50 Issue iV February 9, 2010

Con: Ada County website violates privacy By Megan Harrigfeld

Innocent until proven guilty is that faithful American mantra derived from the Fifth Amendment. Constitutionally one cannot be executed, imprisoned, or fined without the proper course of justice. Has the Ada County sheriff ’s office forgotten this? The Ada County Sheriff ’s website allows the public to see what arrests have occurred: it publishes pictures, dates, and times. The site isn’t particularly a violation of privacy considering that the Sixth Amendment provides for open and public trials, but its effect on one’s personal and professional life is uncontrollable. Simply the fact that someone has been arrested does not mean they have committed the crime for which they’ve been charged. Chief Ada County Public Defender Alan Tremming agreed. “Just because someone has been charged, doesn’t

mean they are guilty.” Until this website’s debut, the public still had this information available to them; all one had to do was go down to the clerks office and look up the arrest file. It’s no mystery that this website makes the information more accessible and appealing. Human nature temps many people, including Borah students and teachers who follow the site. “What good does [the site] serve other then notifying the public what happened?” said Tremming with an ever-so-slightly raised eyebrow. “And, of course, the public wants to know.” “It’s gotten somewhat of a cult following,” said Boise attorney Frank Walker, referring to the people who check it not for professional or safety purposes, but simply for the intrigue of seeing if someone they know has been arrested. The site turns the criminal justice system into a gossip column. With the

Ada County Sheriff ’s website, who needs Entertainment Weekly, Ok!, and People Magazine? “I would rather see people somewhat insulated from public ridicule,” stated Tremming, “It subjects the people on the website to public scrutiny.” The issue at hand isn’t necessarily that this information is going out to the public. It’s that the people posted on the arrest report haven’t even been to trial, and therefore haven’t been subject to a fair decision by their peers that the crime for which they have been charged is even factual. Although people look to see who has been arrested, some may not check to see if the charge has been acquitted. Idahoans, intoxicated by the power of knowledge, may not realize the impact on the arrested. Peers and colleagues discriminate against those who appear on the website. “There are people who look at it to see who’s in trouble, to laugh, to gawk, to stare,”

Boise attorney Lane Davis said. This website is just one contributing factor towards the lack of privacy people have in this country now, but is not quite as intrusive as some other information on the internet these days. iStars, a database also available to the public, is a site which has posted every past charge pressed upon a person in Idaho. With an address, Google Maps provides an actual picture of the house. The sheriff may as well rename the Ada County Sheriff ’s webpage BigBrother.com, because by going onto this site, Big Brother is what visitors suddenly become. Tell me Idaho, what is next? Should we be expecting to have phone lines tapped soon? Perhaps a nice strip-search every time people enter the mall? But why not, privacy being invaded left and right in this county, might as well exhaust all the rickety, dirty doors the Patriot Act opened up.

Pro: Public has right to view perpetrator info By Mike Bingham

Put yourself in the lawbreaker’s shoes for a minute. Would you want the facts of your arrest published for everyone to see? Would you want the details of your crime posted so that any random punk with even the worst internet connection can log on and find it with hardly any effort at all? Of course you wouldn’t. Now ask yourself: did you think about all this before you got totally hammered and beat that old man senseless with a chair? The main problem the Ada County Sheriff ’s website appears to pose is that it displays personal information, listing names, ages, cities, and posting mug shots of everyone who has been arrested over a certain time period. To the average law-abiding citizen, this would be a violation of privacy. Crimes, however, are not private prop-

erty. Handling them isn’t the responsibility of one person alone. Citizens have the right to know the “who,” “where,” and “what” about the illegal activities that go on around them. A criminal history can exclude individuals from certain public resources. Former sex offenders, for example, are disallowed from working in daycares and other child services. Police often depend on locals to notify them when a person is overstepping those limitations. With the names and pictures from the website, citizens and law enforcement alike can recognize ex-offenders and take the actions necessary—if any—should they ever come into contact with them. Larger crimes are often covered in larger ways. Riots, war crimes, and political scandals are published in newspapers and broadcast across the entire nation, sometimes even mak-

ing it overseas. Should these stories be covered up, too? Disallowing public access to the website wouldn’t erase the crimes that people have committed. The only difference between the local and federal crimes is the range of influence. If the county refuses to acknowledge small crime, how can the nation be expected to handle the bigger problems? Despite any social problems it may cause former criminals, the website doesn’t condemn character, only action. The arrested might not be a bad person at heart. They may even be totally reformed. It is still up to the reader to decide how they feel about the individuals on the screen. It’s likely that no one’s going to be shunned by friends and neighbors for a crime like “Failure to appear in court,” but even if they should come under some kind of social abuse, the readers, not

the website, are the cause. It’s often difficult to anticipate the exact consequences of an illegal action. But the idea is that the laws should never have been broken in the first place. The punishment and terms thereof are merely a way to make sure justice is carried out properly. When a person commits a crime, they give up their own rights by infringing upon the rights of others. Remember, there is always a victim in a crime situation; a person who suffered just as much, if not more than, the person who wronged them. This really isn’t something to feel sympathetic over. In a perfect world, no one would break the law at all. There wouldn’t be a need to inform the public if no one did anything wrong. However, crimes do happen, and the people have a right to know about them.

Volume 48 Issue II NOVEMBER 12, 2007

The Decade

8 The borah senator

Supreme Court abolishes limits on corporate political spending. Go back to square 1.

Take on the first decade of th can make it through the 2000â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s f disaster and be forced to mo technology boom and adv

2009 Pop idol Michael Jackson dies while planning comeback tour.

Direct Choose an object to represe You will advance by the nu

2008

Actor Heath Ledger died after accidental prescription drug overdose. Move back one space. Larry Craig Idaho Senator is arrested in Minnesota airport bathroom sex sting.

2007

College campus shooting at Virginia Tech leaves 32 dead. Move back two spaces.

Photos from Google Images

U.S. Vice President Dick Che accidently shoots friend wh quail hunting.

e We Lived In Twin Towers are hit in terrorist attack on September 11. Lose a turn.

Volume 50 Issue IV February 9, 2010 9

Patriot Act increases ability of law enforcement to search private information, such as telephone records and emails.

2001

Big Mouth Billy Bass becomes popular novelty item.

e 21 century. Play to see who first. Will you land on natural ove back? Or will you hit the vance? Play to find out.

tions: ent your place on the board. umber you roll on the die.

2002

War on Terrorism begins. Popular animated film Finding Nemo makes its debut.

Boston Red Sox break their curse and win the world series for the first time in 86 years. Move forward one space.

2003

2004

Hurricane Katrina hits the gulf coast and wreaks havoc on New Orleans.

2005 Facebook.com is created, and helps launch new social networking. Move forward one space. Disneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s High School Musical debates with Zach Effron.

2006

eney hile

Graphics and Board Background by Nick Parenti

Life

Volume 50 Issue iv February 9, 2010

District decides, how much snow is too much snow? By Hailey Huffield

The Boise School District’s (BSD) main goal is to keep students safe. Every morning the district considers whether to have a school day by coordinating with government agencies and the weather bureau. Information on the district website uses recorded observations from several government agencies and the weather bureau gathered early in the morning and through the night. The dangers the district considers include the buses’ capability to arrive at school and new student drivers, who drive on snowy/icy roads in their old cars that may be unable to react as quickly as needed. Snow, but also freezing temperatures, can cause major difficulties for drivers. The district must factor in if it is too cold (usually below zero) for buses to start. Five hundred and twenty-seven students have a parking per-

mit at Borah, with “the majority of them juniors and seniors,” reported Security Guard Archie Wright. Finding safe transportation to school in the snow with so many new and inexperienced drivers poses challenges. “The brakes don’t work very well so I have to push really hard so I don’t start to skid,” sophomore Carlee Parsley complained. Parsley also said she was late twice one week due to bad weather. The first school day with snow this year (Dec. 7) had 97 absent students compared to an average of 73 on a normal day. And on Dec. 11, Borah had 103 students absent for at least half of the day. The decision to keep school open with the dangers of the winter and increased absences of the student body is decided by the district. With help of the weather bureau and government agencies, the BSD calculates the crucial problem of keeping students safe.

Photo by Megan Mizuta

A student treds away in the snow in front of Borah. The Treasure Valley has had a suffucient amount of snow this season, but the Boise School District has not yet announced a disctrict-wide snow day.

Tiger Woods’ fall from grace drives opinion By Jamie Jones

When was the last time pro-golfer Tiger Woods was seen on the cover of a gossip tabloid? Woods’ recent infidelity and fall from grace has had a ripple effect in schools. With the pro-golfer recently admitting to having sexual relations with more than a dozen women, communities have become skeptical of the once cultural icon. From strippers and underwear models, to older “cougars” in their 40s, the athletic paragon has been changed from a hero with elevated status, to the average Joe; divulging in a problem nobody suspected coming. A short time ago, a fel-

low teacher and friend of English teacher Stefan de Vries was asked by a parent to take down a poster of Woods, which was hanging in his classroom. The dilemma went all the way to the administration; forcing the Jr. High teacher to either take the poster down, or talk about it. The educator made a lesson of it, reflecting everything students learn in school. The question that arose was how much cultural icons influence us. “Do athletes have the responsibility to be role models?” de Vries challenged. The former college athlete thinks that adolescents are greatly persuaded by cul-

tural heroes. “The heroes reflect culture and value. They represent the best of what you want to be,” he added. de Vries’ response was surprisingly mixed on the poster problem. He took a look back

“Do athletes have the responsibility to be role models?” - English Teacher Stefan de Vries on Woods’ sponsors and how they are handling the problem. Some are pulling away from him, but some are standing by his side. Athletic attire companies, like Nike, are fo-

cusing on his professional life. “Would I put him up on my wall now? No, not in my classroom but maybe in my house, if I was a huge fan,” de Vries said. “He violates Borah’s values.” Junior and golf team player Keawe Soares explained that Woods was the best golfer he had ever seen, but he’s already accumulated several jokes about Woods. “What is the difference between Santa Clause and Tiger?” Soares jokingly asked. “Santa stops at three ‘Ho’s’!” The junior added that the Santa joke was the most appropriate one floating around. “[Taking a break from golf] is a good idea as

long as it’s able to preserve his repuation and marriage.” Soares isn’t greatly influenced by Woods’ drama, but does respect him as an athlete. “It’s disappointing to see that his reputation has been soiled.” Sophomore Bailey Maier said, “Students usually look up to famous people’s professional lives because that’s what they desire to be. They don’t look up to their personal lives and say ‘I want to be like that.’” Maier stressed that the nation needs to focus more on athletes’ professional lives and not thrive on the attention and hype that the media highlights. “We are way too greatly influenced,” she concluded.

Volume 50 Issue iV February 9, 2010

A&E

Disney takes inappropriate turn for younger audience By Kayla Yack

The current release of Disney’s all new movie, The Princess and the Frog, leaves some parents wondering who Disney was directing the movie at when they produced it. “It’s not like all of those little hidden inappropriate things in the older movies that you have to really look for,” parent Sheila Radtke said. While curses put upon the characters are nothing new to Disney movies, Radtke claimed that taking a classic story and adding some voodoo is going a bit too far. A frog in the Princess and the Frog saying provocatively “Unless you want more” to a young girl is somewhat disturbing, she said, even if he used to be a handsome prince. “Depending on the age of the kids, they could either find it funny in an inappropriate

way like children are prone to or not understand it at all.” Other parents agree that Disney, in order to keep both of the clashing age groups watching, has started to move away from younger ages to appease teens while still trying to hold onto the classical fairy-tale feel of its traditional movies. Many parents are worried at how far Disney will go to achieve this. Even some students are beginning to wonder. “The Princess and the Frog isn’t the first movie Disney has produced like this,” senior Jess Smith from Caldwell stated. “Like in The Little Mermaid, Ariel disobeys her father for one boy who, by the way, she doesn’t even know. In reality this would end up badly, but, of course, Disney has to give their movies happy endings.” If video games could cause children to do obscure things, Smith said, then so can Dis-

ney’s movies. Other students simply disagree. “Disney has been around since I was a baby. Sure, some of the newer movies are a bit more mature, but that doesn’t mean the children will understand it,” sophomore Kristina Hudson said. With another of Disney’s upcoming movies, Alice in Wonderland directed by Tim Burton, parents have begun to feel uneasy about Disney’s choice of movies and what it is associating itself with. Disney has done a good job at grabbing teenagers’ attention with Burton’s newest movie about Alice’s return to Wonderland. Alice in Wonderland is due out in early March and although many teens can’t wait to see it, parents aren’t so sure about. “Being a Tim Burton film the movie is ensured to be on the dark and spooky side,” ju-

nior Jessica Moor from Centennial said. Parent Kevin Yack said, “I was surprised to learn it was a Disney film. It looked like a PG-13 movie.” Although the film has not yet been rated, with its dark scenery coupled with the giant beast called the Jabberwocky, Alice in Wonderland

hardly seems to fit Disney’s criteria. “Disney has produced other Tim Burton movies like The Nightmare Before Christmas, which was a hit, sure, but they didn’t seem as dark as this one and after seeing Sweeney Todd with my daughter, I know what Tim Burton is capable of,” Yack continued.

Illustration by Lisa Garrard

April trip holds new musical opportunities

“I don’t like to compare to other schools. It’s not about how we compare to others, but how we compare to how good we were yesterday.” -- Heather Prinzing, Teacher By Shane Cox and Ryan Hester

In April, Borah’s band, choir and orchestra are teaming up to take a trip to Seattle, Wash. Trips like Seattle don’t happen too often. In fact, this opportunity only comes around every three years. For the students and directors alike, it’s an important event. Seattle is going to be a reward for all the work the Bo-

rah music program has been doing. Borah’s band program has dominated recent DIII championships for marching and jazz this year. Also, with new choir and orchestra teachers from last year, student participation has risen dramatically and the programs have received multiple superior ratings. Choir teacher Heather Prinzing remarked, “I don’t like to compare to other schools. It’s not about how we compare to others, but how

we compare to how good we were yesterday.” This year will be different than the trips before though because Borah will no longer be going under the direction of the Heritage Festival. “We’re doing our own tour and we’ll be making our own performance opportunities,” said Band Director Kevin Sullivan. With the economy down, students and families may have trouble coming up with the original $375 needed from

each student to go on the trip even with fundraising opportunities. Going independently will save students approximately $100 each. It will also open up opportunities to clinics and performances previously unavailable under the Heritage Festival. Individual programs from Borah going on the trip include Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Borah Chamber, Sophomore and Symphonic Orchestras, Squids, and also

the Ars Nova, Tactus, CDVE, and A Capella choirs. “We’re taking this trip to honor these students,” Orchestra director Stephanie Maughan said. “I mean how many kids stick with something for eight years?” Maughan has taught for a year now, making Seattle her first big trip. After chaperoning countless times for other trips, she’s excited to be going with her students.

Q&A

Volume 50 Issue IV february 9, 2010 “Read more books from the Borah library, play more games and travel more, too!” Glenda Jenkins, Library Assistant

“Be more diligent!” Rasmus Broedholt, junior “All I have thought about my second semester is that I want to have as good a semester as my last, hopefully even better. I have had a crazy start of the school year and weirdly enough school is what really brings me to life. My resolution is basically to enjoy my second semester as much as I did my first.”

Jessica Arroyo, junior

“For second semester I hope to get rid of all the unnecessary stress that I’ve had and enjoy my final year of high school!” Nicole Ankenbrandt, senior

Samantha Smith, senior “My second semester resolution is to keep my head in the game, keep myself highly motivated, and do everything adequately! To keep away from senioritis— pushing myself hard till the day I walk the line. To close this chapter of my life with a big fat smile, and ‘Proud’ written all over my parents’ faces.”

What is your second semester resolution?

Photos by Ashley Rice and Kristin Bracewell

“To Succeed as a senior, make the most of being a Borah Lion, to treasure all the great moments at Borah High and the fantastic faculty here. I’ve never had such great teachers! So my second resolution is taking advantage of this fabulous school and remember the moments I shared with the people at Borah High.” Marin Cools, senior

Shakir Gumaa, sophomore

“I used to think ‘I’m going to do better next semester,’ but I never do. Now, since I’m in TRIO, I know I can do better next semester. It’s time to do better and start life like Obama says: ‘yes we can.’”

“Stop procrastinating! And also to read more non-school mandated literature.” Spencer Nelson, junior

“My resolution for second semester is to start hanging out with better people, and stay out of trouble. Better grades wouldn’t hurt either.” Shelli Warner, junior

Savannah Anderson, sophomore

“Honestly? To stop worrying about things that aren’t my problem. Why waste my life stressing out and being angry? Always smile, always happiness.”

Volume 50 Issue IV february 9, 2010

People

Borah sings high note with new jazz trio day event. McHenry said, “I blame Ms. Boyd for ‘discovering’ us.” With Prinzing on vocals, Wray on bass and McHenry on piano, this trio was an idea casually brianstomed by Prinzing and embraced by Boyd. The trio has met a few times and plans to meet more in February to prepare for the March celebration in the library. Overall, the members are excited to show students what they can do. “It will be fun for students to see that we do other things in our lives besides teach school,” Wray said. Wray and McHenry may seem like just your average English teachers, but combined together in this jazz trio, they become bonafide musicians. Photo by Katie Helm Prinzing said, “I think it’s especially Practicing their musical talents, Borah’s new teacher jazz trio poses while English great for Mr. McHenry and Mr. Wray teacher Chuck McHenry plays piano. because, to the students, they are only and English teachers Rod Wray and an English teacher . . . little do they By Ayla Washam Chuck McHenry form a musical trio. know that these two are outstanding Librarian Jennifer Boyd suggested This created ‘Prin and the 2 Zings’ musicians.” Prinzing said, “It’s not every day that choir instructor Heather Prinzing playing for next month’s First Thurs-

that we get to perform for them or with each other.” Few to no students have heard this trio, but in March, this is subject to change. “It’s cool to get to play with Wray and Prinzing. They know what they are doing,” McHenry said. Although it’s exciting, McHenry confessed he feels a little nervous. “Wray and Prinzing are actual musicians, while I’m just a piano ‘hacker.’ The only reason they’d be nervous is because they have to play with me. I’m terrified,” McHenry said. McHenry said they will be performing what he likes to call “jazz confusion.” They will be performing standard music selections. “We do not plan to play anyplace besides the Borah library,” Wray said. This teacher jazz trio is only going to perform at the next First Thursday event. Grab your seat to watch the one time show on March 2 in the Borah library.

Sports

Volume 50 Issue IV February 9, 2010

Lions strong start cools down

Coach Cada plans to shift into higher gear By Parker Simmons

Photo by Megan Mizuta

Sophomore Benjamin Tucakovic goes up for a lay-up during a home game against Mountain View. Borah went on to lose the game.

he basketball team’s strong start has evolved into a mediocre 8-9 record and placing them number six, at press time, in the 5A Southern Idaho Conference, (SIC). “It’s been frustrating lately because we started the season off so hot,” senior Craig Spjute said. “Now we are in a bit of a slump, but we have stepped it up in practice and will be looking to improve on the court,” he added. Spjute has been Borah’s most significant offensive weapon this year. He is the current leader in the 5A SIC in points per game (PPG). Earlier in the season when

Boise played at Borah, Spjute ended the game on a buzzerbeating-game-winning shot to stun the Braves in the final seconds. “My initial reaction was pure shock and joy,” Spjute said. “However I later realized we had been in position to win the game, but let the lead slip away and needed a miracle to win.” Fortunately they got that needed miracle and were able to pull out the victory. “Honestly I thought we had lost the game. It took several seconds for the play to develop and for Craig to get in position to make the play,” said coach Cary Cada, adding, “It was a great play.” Despite plenty of high points during the season, there have also been low points.

New tennis coach plans to reform team with ‘Moore’ practice By Samantha Whittaker

atrick Moore is the fourth in a line of new tennis coaches for Borah. He has returned after coaching the 2008 junior varsity season here. Currently the detention monitor at West Junior High, he also puts in a lot of time with students and players. “I feel like my job is just to be Mr. Moore,” he said. Moore has been involved in tennis from a young age and has been coaching at various schools since 2001. Moore is currently coaching seventh and eighth grade students at West. However, to rejoin the Borah team, he had to leave behind coaching West’s freshmen. “How could anyone

pass up the chance for the excitement and level of play that high school tennis offers?” he asked. The inconsistent coaching the team has experienced in the last few years does not seem to bother Moore. He said coaches must prove themselves to the team regardless of previous coaching. “If I organize our teams so that our players can accomplish their goals this season, I will have done my job.”

And how will Moore accomplish this goal? The answer is practice. A typical practice will “depend” on the time of season but will include things like physical conditioning, casual hitting sessions and challenge matches, and competitive games. Moore also said he remembers “chalk and talk” and will include that in practice as well. “Our players will have the tools, training, and condition-

“How could anyone pass up the chance for the excitement and level of play that high school tennis offers?” -- Patrick Moore, Tennis Coach

ing to achieve their goals on the court.” Not only is Moore interested in the accomplishments of the Borah team but also those of the junior high teams. He believes they are the future for Borah tennis. He is planning on asking his team to spend some time coaching the junior high players that might one day take their places on the Borah team. So how does it feel for Moore to be back at Borah coaching the players he had on the junior high level? “I am looking forward to it, but I don’t expect to keep up with them anymore,” he said. So is the fourth time the charm? Only time will tell.

“I don’t feel like we have been performing up to par and I don’t think they do either. We still have one more level of intensity we need to step up to, and I think we will,” Cada said. As the season progresses, so does the learning curve for every player on the team, especially the underclassmen that have never experienced postseason play. “We have a lot of young, inexperienced players right now, but as the season goes on, the more those young guys will improve,” said Spjute. The team is now heading into the final stretch of the regular season, looking to improve on its state tournament appearance last year where they lost to Post Falls in the first round.

Lady Lions come up short on state tourney Going into the final stretch, girls varsity basketball didn’t give up on state tournament hopes. With limited time until the state tournament, the girls worked hard but did not place in the top five teams in the district tournament to qualify for state. “It was disappointing and sad, but the hardest point is knowing I’ll never play here again,” said senior Challis Popkey. The team’s loss to Capital in a play-in game officially knocked the Lady Lions out of state tournament contention. “The season didn’t end as hoped, but we all had a lot of fun, and made long lasting friendships,” said Popkey.

Volume 50 Issue iV February 9, 2010

Road To BCS: By Parker Simmons

With a 14-0 record, the Boise State Broncos finished the season undefeated and Fiesta Bowl Champions. It’s only the second time in college football a team has gone 14-0, with the Texas Longhorns doing it in 2002. The Broncos met with the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs in Glendale, Ariz. for the Fiesta Bowl. The Broncos came into the game with the number one offense in the nation and the Horned Frogs came in with the number one defense in the nation. The classic unstoppable force versus immovable object scenario made for an intriguing spectacle. However, the game went a bit differently than expected. It turned out to be a defense-powered game with a lot of big hits and few touchdowns. Boise State was able to pull out the victory with a 17-10 finish, crowning them Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Champions. The Broncos’ starting quarterback

Sports

Boise State Broncos are Fiesta Bowl champions for second time in 3 years

Photo by Katie Corp

Trophies are handed out during the Fiesta Bowl celebration at Taco Bell Arena. Bronco nation came together to cap off the 09-10 season.

and top-10 Heisman finisher, Kellin Moore, struggled with getting the ball into the endzone and overthrowing receivers. However Moore’s brilliance in protecting the ball all season long showed, as he committed no turnovers during the game. Opposing quarterback Andy Dalton, on the other hand, threw three in-

Photo by Katie Helm

Borah senior Ryan McHugh fights for the puck against Canyon County’s hockey team.

terceptions along with one touchdown pass. Defensively Boise State was able to control the entire game with a constant pass rush, forced turnovers, and held the TCU offense to just 36 yards rushing. This game has finally opened the door to huge changes in the near fu-

ture. Many sports analysts predict the Broncos could start next season as high as number two in the nation. That would put Boise State in a position to prove themselves in a national championship game. Another result of Boise State’s success will be improvement in its future high school recruiting classes. With so much national exposure, many big time high school recruits will now look at BSU as a place where they can compete for a national title and eventually take their careers to the National Football League. In the long run, this can be looked at as one of the most important elements in becoming a national powerhouse team that can be mentioned in the BCS every year. The Boise State football organization is on cloud nine. The program has never been under this big of a spotlight, money is flowing into the school, and there is not a cloud in the sky for BSUs’ journey through college football’s horizon.

FUN & Games

2010 Made Easy Bogus Promises You Can Keep! By Mike Bingham

A good New Year’s resolution is a great way to improve your lifestyle. If you’re like me, however, you probably have a hard time putting forth the work necessary to accomplish any of the resolutions you’ve made. Luckily, I’ve listed for you some common New Year’s promises along with explanations on how you can easily complete them without all that nasty extra effort. “I’m going to be healthier.” •The next time you order fast food, try to say no when they ask you if you want your meal supersized. It’s not the easiest thing to turn down, but you only have to do it once. “I’m going to work out more.” •The idea here is to never specify what exactly you’re working out. Video games are a great way to increase the muscle mass in your fingers, and you don’t even have to leave the house! “I’m going to be nicer to people.” •Two words: “I’m sorry.” As long as you apologize for whatever terrible things you do to people, they don’t count as ill-intentioned. Children use this all the time to avoid getting in trouble. “I’m sorry I ate a piece out of the steering wheel.” “I’m sorry I dropped the toaster in the fish tank.” If it works for them, it’ll definitely work for you. “I’m making more time for family.” •The problem you’ll come across here

is that the more you hang around your family members, the more they’ll wish you would just go away. Try stealing something valuable from each of them so that they have to come to you instead. “I’m going to get in touch with my old friends.” •With new social websites like Twitter and Facebook, keeping in touch isn’t all that hard anymore. However, if these sites disgust you as much as they do me, just get someone else to find your old friends on their account. “I’m going to stop procrastinating.” •I usually tell people this so I can put off setting real goals. “I’m going to apply for more scholarships.” •Technically, one is greater than zero, right? BSU’s takes 10 minutes, and you don’t even have to give your real information. “I’m going to plan out my life.” •This one is so overly vague that you could do almost anything and call it progress. Got a school schedule? There ya go! “I’m going to donate blood.” •Consider going camping near a lake sometime. The local mostquitoes’ll take that icky old blood off your hands, leaving you guilt free for the rest of the year. Sure, the itching is a problem, but it’s better than that huge needle. *shiver* “I’m going to do my own laundry.” •This resolution’s a bit of an excep-

Volume 50

Issue Iv february 9, 2010

tion. Not only is doing your own laundry difficult and boring, but also drastically inefficient. Once your parents realize just how much the extra water, soap, and electricity is costing them, they’ll have no problem letting you skip out on this one. “I’m going to get a job.” • The trick to this one is convincing people that the random chores you do around the house count as a “job.” Try using professional sounding words like “landscaping” instead of “mowing the lawn” or “childcare” when you get stuck watching one of your younger siblings. Heck, you could even pass off your math homework as “accounting” if you try hard enough. It’s all about how you sell the idea. So there you have it. With these few easyto-follow shortcuts, you’ll be

able to live as lazily as I do and still finish all those goals that looked impossible before. Happy New Year guys! WHAT!? HOW DO YOU EXPECT ME TO LIVE WITHOUT MY PRECIOUS SUDOKU!?

Before you angrily barge into our humble newsroom, smash our computers, lynch our staff, and burn the place to the ground simply because we didn’t publish a sudoku puzzle, you can still find it at: