March 2012 Borah Senator

THE BORAH

SENATOR

Volume 52 Issue IV March 8, 2012 6001 Cassia St. Boise, ID 83709 borahsenator.com

Discover Repticon and the various creatures it hosted.

Page 5

Various choir talents were revealed during the Variety Show.

Page 19

Read about cover artist junior Sara Rostron and the main inspiration behind her artwork.

Page 15

“Ignorance is one of the most toxic things in the world.� Page 11

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Letters to the Editor

Borah Senator, I very much appreciate the diligent work and research that is put into the articles. I appreciate the interviews that are done regarding opinion pieces. I also recognize that, on occasion, communication can be an obstacle in expressing ideas and thoughts.

This leads to my concern. In the article, “Next year’s seniors must take math class” an opinion – mine – was conveyed incorrectly. Granted, when surprised (in this case with an interview that happened only moments after receiving my call slip) I cannot seem to enunciate effectively, or as it appears here, correctly. I’m positive Ms. Jones (the author of the article) can verify this when asked to recall the difficulty I had in thinking clearly.

My sole intent of this letter is to clarify my opinion, as I have failed to do so thus far.

First, math is a good thing, and the world needs mathematicians just as much as anything else. However, requiring two math credits during

the senior year is a big mistake. As I understand it, the intent of the law is to graduate more kids with the knowhow to become engineers, scientists, mathematicians, etc. But, many students already know their career goals before graduation. Some don’t, but many do. The future engineers are taking these math classes, these science classes before they are required to do so, possibly posing the problem of having taken too much math too soon. What about the law? The main problems with the law is that it holds back the accelerated, and it will only become a stolen elective space to those who dream of pursuing the arts, music, or any other field of work and wish to study as much as they can in high school. How does it help them?

In addition, history gives an epitome of the problem of requirement.

Every student in American public high school (including ninth grade) know the story of the American Revolution. It resulted from the power and money struggle between the colonies

Economics teacher disagrees with Wall Street article Kristin Bracewell states in her opinion piece of December 14 that the Occupy Wall Street protestors should have “gratitude” for wealthy people who generate jobs for others and that what really matters is that everyone has the “opportunity to make something of themselves.”

Well, it’s certainly hard to disagree with her that everyone should have the chance to get ahead in our society but I question whether the extreme income inequality we are beginning to see in our country should be reason for gratitude among the 99 percent not as fortunate. Rather, if you want to talk about gratitude, it is the super wealthy 1 percent who should feel grateful to live in a society that has given them the means to become so rich. Sure, their wealth has a lot to do with working and taking risks. But it also has to do with living in a society that, at least until now, has provided most of its citizens with the tools to get ahead, like quality public education.

With more cutbacks in education and

social services looming, however, it is a legitimate question to ask whether students like those now at Borah will have the same access to economic opportunity as previous generations.

And that’s why, in my opinion, the Occupy Wall Street protestors have got it right. The 1 percent should have to shoulder a bigger responsibility… and pay more… because they benefit the most in our free market economy.

By the way, I also wish to take the issue with Kristin’s description of U.S. corporate tax rates. While it is true that at 35 percent, they are the second highest in the world (Japan’s is 39.5 percent), myriad tax breaks and loopholes in our tax code make it possible for many corporations to pay far less than companies abroad do. Lastly, I wish to applaud both Kristin and Riley Tidmarsh for weighing in on important national issues and showing that Borah students are engaged in this important debate.

Ralph Bild, Economics teacher

The Borah Senator March 8, 2012

in the Americas and the government in England. Yes, the colonies were upset they had to pay taxes, but how mad do your parents get during tax season? The problem then wasn’t the fact that there were taxes, but how they were applied. Members of Parliament – who had no idea what the colonies were like (and if they did, a very limited one) – gathered together and decided how and when the colonies would pay their dues. They taxed specific things, such as molasses, legal documents, and perhaps most infamous: tea.

Think now about the math requirement or, better yet, all requirements. Ponder this: here we are in the 21st century. High schools are trying to produce intellectual and contributing citizens (which is part of Borah’s mission statement). This parallels to 18th century Parliament, who tried to generate contributing and successful colonies. In the effort to guarantee better and smarter students, more requirements are thrust upon us, the

students (parallel: taxes). Fearing this may not achieve the results they desire, they tell us when to take these requirements, thereby ensuring their completion (parallel: what was taxed).

Instead of letting the students (with the guidance of their counselors and parents) decide when to complete these courses; they do our thinking for us. Again I ask what this compilation of circumstances lead to? The American Revolution.

One final note before I finish is this: is there no opposition to this law to be heard? Or was that merely coincidental?

In closing I will paraphrase part of the staff editorial article “Americans should be able to trust media, not question” by restating: “Not only is the media fixating only on one side of an issue… their questions do not even make a difference.” I’m not blaming the journalists of the Senator; I just want to help achieve your goal of accurate reporting.

Thanks,

Brendon French, Sophomore

Senator Staff

Editor in Chief: Kristin Bracewell Senior Associate Editor: Justin Kirkham Junior Associate Editor: Savannah Harrelson Art Editor: Rochelle Rathamone Photographers: Kristin Bracewell, Korey Combs, Madisen Gerber, Emilee Rivers Text Editors: Kristin Bracewell, Justin Kirkham, Savannah Harrelson Ad Manager: Brittni Hanrahan Public Relations Manager: Ari Anchustegui Page Editors Front Cover: Kristin Bracewell Staff Page: Aline Meyer Artist Bio: Brittni Hanrahan News: Grace Gibney, Camilla Girardi Opinion: Kristin Bracewell Life: Jamie Jones, Carlee Parsley Spread: Justin Kirkham A&E: Justin Kirkham, Sara Rostron Q&A: Kristin Bracewell assisted by Brittni Hanrahan Trends: Ari Anchustegui Sports: Savannah Harrelson JV Sports: Riley Tidmarsh Photo Essay: Korey Combs, Rochelle Rathamone Fun and Games: Jacob Horton Illustrators: Andrew Adams, Rochelle Rathamone Writers: Bradley Burgess, August Mckernan, Jaynee Nielsen, Gustavo Sagrero, Ashley Corbett Web Editor: Grace Gibney assisted by Brittni Hanrahan Videographers: Zackery Thomas, Riley Tidmarsh Adviser: Michelle Harmon

Artist Bio

The Borah Senator March 8, 2012

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Artist seeks light at the end of tunnel

By Ari Anchustegui

Ars longa, vita bretis--a Latin saying from the song “Butterfly Boucher” by The Nice--translates to art is long, life is short, a favored line by junior artist Sara Rostron.

Rostron has adopted the motto due to the way it sums up her feelings.“There are so many things in life that are completely negative, but when you produce art, that art is there forever.”

One look at Rostron summarizes her uncanny creative personality; her art is a reflection of herself and her insight.

She has been seizing the world of art since childhood, though never enrolling in any school drawing courses, she was mentored by a learned artist, and took lessons from her for five years. Other interests of hers include tattooing, horseback riding, newspaper writing, and psychology.

Each seems to contribute to Rostron’s unique aura. “I try to make things more vibrant than they actually are,” she said.

She draws while listening to music, particularly Classic Rock. She explained that she almost constantly has music playing, and “the song always

Photo by Korey Combs

changes for the picture.” She added, “It has to match my mood.”

Rostron often draws animals such as owls, parrots and other birds; her pieces are realistic, although she uses surrealism.

“Her art defines her personality; all of her favorite things are incorporated,” said junior Charlie Dennis, Rostron’s childhood friend. Rostron isn’t focused on making a career out of art, but on

breaking out of the norm. Art is a way for her to learn, she said.

Her greatest inspiration is nature. Her friend of seven years, senior Dona Ochoa, said she admires the movement in Rostron’s work. “I think that really signifies how she’s growing and coming to be as a person.” She said.

Her goals are for viewers to question society.

“We always go into a tiny flow.” She explained how important it is for individuals to branch off and figure out what that flow truly is.

“Find out what you really do believe in,” she said. “Find what’s in your heart.”

And for Rostron, that is art. She describes how it allows her to maintain a balance over her emotions, “Art is always my drive, and at the end of the day, it’s my priority,” she said.

What separates Rostron from other artists is her self-motivation. “I try to dig deep into myself,” she explained. “ A lot of times artists are just so influenced by what other people do that it leads them to forget about themselves.”

She added, “To me, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel, always pull through, find what you love and make that everything.”

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News

The Borah Senator March 8, 2012

Event showcases the exotic

of the normal time allotment. “It’s a lot A conglomeration of geof work, but it’s really netically altered scales, wrigworth it in the end.” gling maggots, and pitch-colFeeder Source repored scorpions, Repticon is a resentative Nathan home for reptile enthusiasts Ramats is a regular and hopeful pet owners. For seller at Repticon. the first time ever, the Trea“We’re the top food sure Valley hosted a session of seller for reptiles,” he the convention Feb. 11 and 12 explained. “We ship at the Nampa Civic Center. to China and Japan Attendees came in search of and import stuff from rare pets, reptilian education, Photo by Korey Combs Chile.” and high class worms.

In search of a new Lizards are just one of the many exotic species that were shown at In order to entice students, the Repticon convention, held in Nampa for the first time. cornsnake for his girlRepticon offered a $1 discount friend, Geoff Bertwell to attendees with ia student ID. staff members and visitors. Children decided that Repticon was the place to Repticon travels the nation and gawked at the turtles, and the easily- look. “You have to make sure it has runs a convention each weekend at frightened cringed at the sight of mas- the right personality,” he added. Bervaried locations. “It’s important to sive pythons and constrictors. For the twell explained that Repticon was the find a good location,” explained Rep- most part, worms, lizards and small ideal convention to find and purchase ticon owner Billy Healy. “The venue snakes were kept in cheap, plastic exotic animals. He and his girlfriend has to be the right size, and local laws containers that dotted tables, but for purchased a genetically altered snake. have to work for the show.” He con- larger animals, glass tanks were used. “There’s only two of her in existence,” tinued to stress that in some cases, “There was a huge demand from he beamed. laws or venues prohibit the conven- Boise residents for us to come out,” Overall, Healy hopes that people tion from having exotic animals. said Repticon vendor coordinator will come to Repticon not only to purConsisting of several sellers, Dana Barr, who was hired only a chase animals and supplies, but also to armed with live animals, food, and month before the event was held. Due become more educated. “Hopefully pet supplies, and a few animal exhib- to her recent hiring, Barr called sellers they will leave knowing a bit more its, the Civic Center was packed with to try and fill the convention in a sliver about the animals.”

By Justin Kirkham

Two Lions compete in poetry slam

By Grace Gibney

As a child, poetry was nothing more than a lulling story read to their children before bed. Now, it has taken the form of easy money.

Poetry Out Loud is a national contest supported by The National Endowment for the Arts that encourages youth to memorize and recite poetry.

Top-level winners receive a $20,000 scholarship as the national champion and earn money for their schools.

Recently, Borah junior Gustavo Sagrero and senior Chanse Ward both participated the regional level of the contest.

“It was exciting to have a chance of competing at the national level,”

said Sagrero. “It was great to hear other people portray their thoughts through their poems.”

Participants audition at their local schools in front of a panel of judges.

If chosen, participants qualify for the regional, then onward to the state competition, and finally, the national arena.

Judges keep an eye out for accurate memorization and fluid tones from the reciter. English teacher Chuck McHenry, organizer of Borah’s poetry competition, watches for these characteristics when analyzing participants.

“Kids tend to get caught up in poems that rhyme and they fall into a pattern. They get into sound rather

than meaning,” he said.

Reciting a poem is a challenging experience for these competitors. “It was tense,” said Ward.

“It was really nerve-wrecking to recite poetry in front of an auditorium and a panel of judges. But it’s fun.

Everyone should get a shot at it,” the senior added “It was cool,” said Sagrero. “It was a bunch of kids that got together and hung out. It was kind of like the Dead Poets Society, but not really.”

“Poetry is our most important literature,” said McHenry. “It gets people connected more with themselves and with their world. Poetry is more about shining light rather than having light shined on it.”

Rotary Scholars Top students from district selected

By Kristin Bracewell

The Rotary Scholars have once again been picked this year, and though this honor has been around for about six years, it is still relatively unknown around Borah.

In simple terms, as History teacher Jayne Davis said, “it gets (students’) city-wide recognition.”

It is a specific night during which the top 100 graduating seniors from the Boise School District are recognized for their outstanding dedication to academic achievement.

The students, accompanied by two guests and one teacher who is identified as the student’s special educator, attend a dinner with over 500 members of the Rotary committee.

How do these Boise Rotary Centaury Scholars get picked? Strictly by their GPA. Senior Thomas Torres has been named a Rotary Scholar this year. He stated it was a way to get “acknowledgment for the hard work I have been doing.”

He said, “GPA does kind of reflect how good of a student you are but it doesn’t mean everything.” He finishes with stating that he believes that his GPA just shows he is a good student on paper.

These scholars will be awarded with a dinner in their honor April 17 in the Jordan Ballroom at Boise State. Following is a list of the 21 Borah Rotary Scholars.

Ryan Anderson Rebecca Berg Kristin Bracewell Vincent Dihn Dani Filer Megan Gehrke Brian Hanson Alexis Hepworth Shelby Hopkins Justin Kirkham Scott Khuu

Bailey Maier Lucas Morse Travis Peter Tristan Stillings Thomas Torres Savannah Tjaden Alethea Ward Chanse Ward Brooke Wimer Joe Wineke

The Borah Senator

March 8, 2012

News

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Petsmart rallies with Humane Society

By Madisen Gerber

Although it is hidden in the back of Petsmart on Milwaukee, the Enhanced Adoption Center’s success is not. Through the Idaho Humane Society, more than 67 chihuahuas were rescued from California in the middle of February and over half were adopted to new families in just a week.

Petsmart Charities specifically selected the Idaho Humane Society to represent them in the adoption process in late October 2011. The organization was offered a place in Petsmart, and, in addition, does not have to pay for utilities or rent.

“Even when it’s busy, it still isn’t as crazy as the main shelter,” commented Vince Cabrera. employed at the center. “It has a personable feeling here, as though you can relate to the animals more.”

Much as the facilities are located inside, the dogs receive more interaction with other dogs than they would at the shelter. Even the most stressed and behavioral problem type of dogs are placed here after an extensive health check. Employees report

Photo by Madisen Gerber

seeing immediate changes in animals over the next few weeks.

“The location is very centralized with more foot traffic,” said Josh Moynihan, also employed in the center. “But, I think it’s much easier for people to come to our location, less overwhelming for the dogs and for the adopters.”

Though employees play a key role in the success of the humane society, it support spreads beyond to the community.

“The volunteers help in many ways, from greeting customers and showing them the dogs and cats, to caring for the cats and dogs and supervising them in the playroom. The volunteers assist in the adoption process also,” IHS volunteer coordinator, Melanie Larson, said.

DECA gears up for March competitons

By Gustavo Sagrero

As competitions for DECA edge closer, Borah students are gearing up to take home awards and possibly go onto nationals.

DECA’s 41 students, half of marketing teacher and DECA advisor Mark Bilger’s classes, are getting ready to enter the Idaho DECA competition March 8-10. Students will test their business and marketing savvy against each other and other schools in Idaho as they see who will go to nationals in Salt Lake City.

For some, this is their first time competing, for others, their third. “The first time you get the butterflies because your talking to people in their 40s and 50s who have expectations because of their business background”, said President of Borah’s DECA club and seasoned competitor Mason Bilger. “You get your presentation, and after 15 minutes you have to have it figured it out. You may feel confident when walking to the judges, but then you freeze up. You just got to fight through the butterflies.”

The events are spread across three days and 46 different categories. The competitions begin with a speech to the students followed by the Quiz Bowl later that day, a rapid fire event similar to a game show.

When asked about what he would like students to get out of this, Bilger said, “I think the really biggest thing is the confidence. After they get through this they feel more prepared, they have more skills to be more approachable”.

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Opinion

Rick Perry’s GOP race provides a cautionary tale

The Borah Senator

March 8, 2012

Illustration by Andrew Adams

By Emilee Rivers

We’re halfway through a new election. A select few remain in the competition fighting to gain the title of President. Each has taken a different route to gain the people’s trust and respect, while one candidate, Rick Perry quickly buried himself, resulting in his dropping out of the campaign.

Citizens across the U.S. expressed their exasperation toward this candidate when his campaign aired one commercial with a pretentious message that we believe took this man out of the running.

“I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m a Christian, but you don’t need to be in the pew every Sunday to know there’s something wrong in this country when gays can serve openly in the military but our kids can’t openly celebrate Christmas or pray in school.”

We see this type of pandering as political suicide; he shot himself out of the running, insulting people across America.

Not only did this irk citizens, but it hit home, right here at Borah. Both students and teachers were awestruck by this man’s nerve; many here hoped it was some sort of cruel joke.

Junior Dani Duncan posted the video to her Facebook, letting Rick Perry’s “Strong” campaign collect the comments of other Borah students.

She said, “He’s a horrible man; I know there’s something wrong in this country when gays can’t get married, but small-minded, intolerant, homophobic fear-mongers like Rick Perry can be considered viable presidential candidates.”

With a stern look on her face, Art teacher, Jennifer Compton said, “It’s wrong. They should be able to have all the freedoms they want; rights are a good thing.”

We see this man as a disgrace to society, to his religion and to the people he was dreaming to rule above.

Pro: Inside tanning beds should be illegal for all minors

By Savannah Harrelson

Teenagers are often blinded by desire for luxuriously tanned skin, despite having knowledge of detrimental health risks, which is exactly why the law that would ban the use of tanning beds for minors is necessary.

Often, teenagers ignore or deny the risks associated with tanning beds, which are staggering.

The World Health Organization states that women under the age of 35 are 75 percent more likely to contract skin cancer when using a tanning bed once every month.

An article in the New York Times

by Anahad O’Connor titled “How Tanning Changes the Brain,” states, “People who frequently use tanning beds experience changes in brain activity during their tanning sessions that mimic the patterns of drug addiction, new research shows.”

It is often overwhelming for young girls to maintain self confidence in a culture where looking good is rewarded. These incentives, however, do not justify the harmful and devastating results of tanning.

“It’s so easy to get skin cancer from fake tanning,” said junior Dani Duncan, “Girls don’t just do it every so often, they do it all the time. You

may look good now, but in 30 years you’re going to have the skin of a 90 year old.”

Nurse Barb Thomas also supports the law, as a former friend of the sun and tanning bed user, saying that the use of tanning beds “is so dangerous.” She added, “The more you’re exposed, the more damage is done to the skin.”

The use of tanning beds is extremely dangerous, causing higher chances for skin cancer. This law would ultimately save lives by forcing young adults to wait until they are properly mature to decide on issues regarding their health.

yet found a direct link between UV exposure and cancer, according to Thebeautybrains.com.

Minors aren’t being chained inside tanning beds. It is a choice that each Idahoan has had, but not for much longer. The proposed bill states that until their eighteenth birthday, minors may no longer have the right to use commercial tanning salons to look dark and wonderful.

Already, tanning salons must follow state regulations, meaning that any minor must have a signature by his/her guardian for tanning services.

“It’s my choice to tan; I’m aware of the risks,” said junior Mallory Cripps, who is highly opposed to the bill. “The government shouldn’t be able to legislate my right to look the way I choose.”

Indoor tanning increases the risk of obtaining skin cancer in the later years of life. That doesn’t mean that a fake ‘n bake every now and then will doom one entirely.

In fact, an article in Thebeautybrains.com states that one indoor tan is equivalent to a hundred glasses of milk. Relaxing under the rays helps provide a significant amount of Vitamin D, a powerfully important hormone. The heat released inside the beds opens pores, and can help clear acne.

Eventually, everyone is going to get wrinkles, so why not enjoy thier youthful skin now while they are able. A nice tan is flattering on anyone, and no one is forcing anybody to use commercial tanning services. It should never be mandatory to be pale.

Con: Minors should have equal access to tanning beds

By Ari Anchustegui

Are you an unsightly, translucent pale shade? Even through the summer sun? Too bad for you, unless you’re over the age of 18, that is.

Unfortunately, House Bill 486 has been proposed to Idaho’s senate, a new unnecessary law that would make any use of tanning beds for minors a misdemeanor.

Organizations like Aim at Melanoma, a national dermatology society with a branch in Idaho, and the American Academy of Dermatology advocate the fading of underage skin and urge he Idaho State Legislature to adopt the bill.

It is “likely” that melanoma can easily be obtained by overexposure to ultraviolet light; however, no one has

The Borah Senator March 8, 2012

Opinion

Lion Tracks falls short of expectations, burdening all Staff Editorial

Lion Tracks has been controversial since the day the program started.

Students and teachers alike question its effectiveness, and wonder if there is any way that it will ever resemble its original intentions to promote college readiness for students.

And honestly, it is a common concern that these 20 minutes set aside from regular academics every other week are going to waste on talks about how Facebook affects our futures and whether there are alternatives after high school besides college.

Yes, these are fabulous topics relating to our futures, but will they be helpful? Will all students benefit or even listen? Even the best and the brightest do not listen or partake in these little lessons because they have evolved from topics on college preparation to areas that should be considered common sense.

Senior Megan Gehrke agrees emphatically that Lion Tracks began with a brilliant idea, but quickly grew useless. “I think they started something before they actually thought it through,” Gehrke said. The truth is the first few lessons were somewhat helpful, but the confusion of what this specific activity was intended to do outweigh its effectiveness.

The main question is what to do with combined classes, classes that have multiple class levels enrolled in them (sophomore, junior, or senior level students). For example, it is not at all useful to explain to seniors how to start searching for colleges when seniors should have applied to colleges by now.

Gehrke said she sees how this could be helpful for “lost individuals” who are still trying to figure out

the college path. “Ignorance is bliss,” Gehrke stated, referring to her belief that even struggling college seekers probably would not take advantage of this extra help.

This program is helpful for sophomores and juniors, in some aspects.

Sopomore Haileigh Gregory said she believes Lion Tracks is helpful because it “gets people thinking.”

She said, “I think it’s helpful for sophomores because it gets them thinking,” adding that, through this program, she has now begun to think about what college she wants to attend.

Gehrke said Lions Tracks’ initial goal had “good intentions,” adding,

ing across to exhausted students and actually get them involved with planning their future.

Lion Tracks is spiraling downward, and the initial meaning has become lost in a base of confusion and sporadic lesson plans.

“The theory is good,” Government teacher Ron Freeman explained about the program. “I think in principle it’s fine. A lot of things we could do...that we don’t get to cover in class.”

But he continued to describe how the initial idea has seemed to fallen short. He concentrates on the main, evident problem. “Mixed classes,” he said. “Each different group has different needs.” It’s too difficult to have mixed class and actually end up helping all the students. What would you cover? Scholarships? Application process?

Those are the things seniors and juniors should be concentrating on, while sophomores start searching for schools.

Freeman stated “I think it does have some potential” but he said it seemed to be a rushed process where the program started hastily, without a clear vision. If the administration sat down and got a solid idea before jumping eyes closed, the program may have ended up being more helpful then a hassle for all.

Another reason it seems to be disliked, in Freeman’s opinion, is because it shouldn’t have been on Wendesdays. He said that it had already created the image to students that they were “losing something” that was rightfully theirs, though the students haven’t lost anything.

It seems evident that the program started well, and just fell short.

Through some small tweeks, the program could live up to its porential.

“I really do feel like they bit off more then they can handle.”

--Senior Megan Gehrke “I really do feel like they bit off more then they can handle.” She said that even teachers seem in the dark about how to guide the activities.

Not only do teachers have to come up with teaching plans for their regular teaching schedules, but also provide leadership in an area potentially outside of their expertise.

The lessons that have been assigned seem to skip over the information that is crucial. It would have been extremely useful to have a specific lesson dedicated to Naviance, how to fill out the FAFSA correctly, or scholarship searches, for example.

The meaning behind this program has been lost, with no clear purpose or specific lesson plans, and confusion all around. The teachers at Borah are capable of explaining the monthly lessons but since the meaning has been lost, it is almost pointless, hence the nicknames “Lion Traps” and “Lion Craps.” It is hard to get the full mean-

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Senator shout-outs:

How do you feel about Lion Tracks?

“There is not enough time invested in it to be effective. And there is a serious lack of motivation.”

- Sophomore Eric Garcia “Lion Tracks to many has not hit its goal. Students getting held on Wednesday for lunch never has a good outcome.”

-Junior Joe Bu “I feel like the program has potential, but when it comes to us seniors it’s just too little too late.”

-Senior Brooke Wimer “I like it, if it is done right and the teachers are passionate about it. If the teacher is negative about it, so can students.

-Teacher Jermey Dovel

Life

The Borah Senator

Junior Sarah Hart composses her own music and oten displays her talents any opporunity she gets, sharing her music with the rest of Borah High School.

Musical Intentions

By Savannah Harrelson

Among the musical talent at Borah, some aspire to reach professional levels.

Senior Shane Norman-Cox and juniors Marissa Jerome and Sarah Hart plan to use their musical studies to propel their dreams of going professional.

Jerome first took hold of singing when she was four years old. Surrounded by music from her mother and grandmother, who are both pianists, she adopted singing into her daily life. Her musical resume lists participation in over 25 musicals, numerous published music videos on YouTube, and competition in several singing contests.

The vocalist takes voice lessons and performs at Rockies Diner every Saturday night. She describes this experience as “a nice way to get out and keep performing.”

Jerome plans to keep reaching for her dreams. “I don’t care what anybody else thinks,” she said. “If I’m having fun doing it, them I’m happy.”

As she continues to learn guitar and build connections, she keeps one idea in mind: “I want to be somebody that four-year-olds can look up to and 95-year-olds can listen to.”

Norman-Cox, a trombone and trumpet player, aspires to integrate music into his every day life as an adult. He recently had an audition at the Berkely School of Music, and said the experience was great.

Although hopeful for acceptance,

March 8, 2012

NA provides counsel Photo by Korey Combs

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if denied he plans to play music on a cruise ship for a year before attending college.

He currently plays in a band called Voice of Reason, and they typically are hired for two to three gigs, or paid musical performances, per week during the summer. He explained the performances as good opportunities to get around and play, but ultimately, “[the gigs] just put gas in the car.” He also performs with many other bands, including the Entertainers, and even appeared with English teacher Rod Wray.

Norman-Cox aspires to be the head of a small funk band, and added that his acceptance into Berkeley would be “a good outlet on getting a funk band going.” He wishes to leave Boise, saying, “There’s no band here that can make a living just on music.”

Appearing multiple times in this year’s Variety Show, Hart explained that music is a great outlet to share emotion. “I like to do [music],” she said. “I don’t necessarily see it as work.” She described her own style as a singer/songwriter or folk type.

Hart plans to attend a contemporary music college and pursue music composition or production. For now, “I study and involve myself in music and learn more about it.”

She has looked at other career aspirations, but indicated that music is etched into her soul, “Truthfully, I’ve looked at other occupations, but everywhere I look I cannot fall into the same rhythm as with music.”

By Sara Rostron

High school is hard enough without the burden of addiction. It’s easy to lose control with drugs and alcohol, unfolding a world of hurt and chaos for everyone involved.

Many teens live this way because of little information in school about addiction and how to deal with it.

Addiction is defined as a disease.

According to psychologist Steven Hayes from the University of Nevada, “the problem may be that people think of ‘brain diseases’ as fixed and unchangeable,” while research shows that this isn’t a valid explanation.

According to AddictionsandRecovery.org, “Addiction is due 50 percent to genetic predisposition and 50 percent to poor coping skills…your genes are not your destiny.”

Three years ago, a Narcotics Anonymous group was formed at Borah for teens who have such struggles.

Help is offered through confidential adults and support from peers struggling with similar experiences.

Assistant Principal Bryce England said, “We are the ones who deal mainly with substance abuse. In fact, there’s a policy for schools that allow us by law to search anyone under reasonable suspicion. Basically while you’re here, we’re considered your parent figures. That means we’re allowed to search you, your backpack, your locker, etc.”

“If you’re caught with drug possession, it’s a five-day suspension, but there’s a suspension-reducing program called the Student Survival

Training Intervention and Support,” England said.

Josh Ritchie, transition counselor and facilitator of Narcotics Anonymous at Borah, said, “This is the group’s third year and it’s getting bigger and bigger. Space-wise it’s getting tight so you have to go through me to get approved. Kids confront me when they realize that drugs are harming their life and they have a need or desire to cut back. Ultimately we would like them to stop using, but cutting back is a start. Typically we spend more time talking about what to use instead of talking about what they did use.”

Becky Woodland, social worker, explained how teens start using.

“Teenagers use drugs as a coping mechanism when they can’t deal with what life has dealt them. It’s an easy way to cope, and it feels good, so why shouldn’t they? It also comes from stress at home… family influence impacts decisions greatly. [Ultimately], it’s a quick fix to a long problem.”

“Come talk to me or another counselor. Lots of times these kids don’t know they need help. You can tell a counselor anonymously, leave a note… sometimes a friend will even bring the person down and that’s great because they need an ally. Substance abuse is there,” Woodland said.

“Recognize the signs and be brave.

The worst thing you can do is judge or point your finger. These aren’t bad people, they’ve just been dealt a bad hand and coped the best way they knew how.”

Photos by Korey Combs Vice Principal Bryce England, Transition Counselor Josh Richie, and Social Worker Becky Woodland

The Borah Senator March 8, 2012

Life

9

Borah seniors tackle research papers

By Justin Kirkham

Well known for its substantial importance and workload, the senior paper is a culmination of hours of forethought, writing, and revision.

From topics covering the familiar areas of cell phone use, teen violence, and environmental improvement to the more exotic subject matter of the Japanese Yakuza, the history of gears, and United Nations issues, this paper spans almost every angle possible.

In the Boise School District, English 12 students are required to write a senior paper. Seniors select a topic and delve into extensive research before actually piecing together the paper, weaving commentary with citations from many sources. “It’s really a lot of drafting,” explained senior Caleb Galbraith, who completed his own senior paper during summer school.

In other districts, namely the Meridian School District, seniors are required to complete a senior project, which consists of an oral report, a paper of its own, and the actual project with hours of work and preparation.

Some seniors are thankful that they are required only to complete a research paper. “It’s a lot less work for the paper,” explained Galbraith.

“You can focus more on the writing and editing.”

Spanish and English 101 and 102

teacher, Samantha Mora, said she believes that a senior project is optimal, but not always achievable. “The project can be really valuable,” she assessed, “but it depends on how it is set up and managed.”

Mora said the senior paper is a better fit for the Boise School District because it would put a hefty amount of work on teachers’ backs. “With our huge class sizes,” she explained, “there is not a way to manage it well.”

“With the project,” shrugged senior Lyndon Curtis, “you end up applying yourself more to what you are

doing.” He continued, “When you are doing those things, hand to hand, you end up actually doing something worthwhile for the school and the community.”

Mora agreed, and further explained, “The project can be more relevant than just writing the paper.”

But she stressed, “It has to be accessible and relevant for all students in order for it to be valuable.”

Curtis is an AP Literature student, and like his classmates and students enrolled in English 101 and 102, he is not required to write, specifically, a se-

nior research paper. Instead, he completes various other research papers without the title of “senior paper.”

“If you are in a higher level class,” explained Galbraith, “you have already put forth the effort needed for the paper or even more so.”

Mora stressed that 101 and 102 students are not being let off of writing the paper. “102 is a research based class,” she pointed out. Seniors in this concurrent enrollment course are required to write three research papers, each double the length of a five-page senior paper.

“For those in higher classes, they already have that experience and professionalism required to write the senior paper,” explained Curtis, who instead focuses on other research and writing areas in his AP course to gain further experience for his future in college and on the job.

Galbraith compiled his own senior paper while also taking American Government over the summer. His instructor had students select project topics with the same underlying subject matter to ease the process of writing the senior paper for their English 12 classes. Galbraith advised, “Use projects from other classes to build towards your senior paper.” He concluded, “When choosing topics along the same lines, you add color and add more pages to your senior paper.”

adding 13 new classes to accommodate the bustling classrooms. This resulted in many students having their schedules switched around. “Students had the option to willingly change schedules,” said Cada. “If not, then we had to change their schedules.”

Along with adding new class periods, additional staff was hired. Jenny Lawrence, who was an intern for the English department first semester, now teaches, sophomore, junior, and senior English classes.

At the start of first semester, the students didn’t know me,” said Lawrence. “You take for granted the relationships you build. Kids learn better when you know who they are and they know who you are.”

At the start of semester, the counseling office adapts to the number of students. However, “it’s never 100 percent correct,” said Cada. “It’s always a guessing game. We have a projected number of students that we anticipate, but we never really know for sure.”

To avoid scheduling dilemmas, the counseling office recommends making any schedule changes two weeks before the start of second semester. This ensures schedules will be ready by the start of the semester and students can avoid the last minute rush.

“Figuring out how to create a community in the classroom is tough,” said Lawerence. “Borah is a great school. The staff and the students are respectful.”

Photo by Madisen Gerber

Seniors Rebecca Whipple, Nicole Daun, and Ryan Emry work furiously on drafting and revising their senior papers during Atkins’ fifth hour English 12 class.

“The project can be valuable, but it depends on how it is set up and managed,” -- teacher Samantha Mora

New classes added to accomodate students

By Grace Gibney

A few weeks after the start of second semester, schedules have been changed and new classes have been added. The cause: an overflow of students. “The problem was that there were too many students and too little teachers,” said counselor Cary Cada.

Numerous students experienced overcrowded classrooms. The counseling office met this demand by

8

Volume 48 Issue II NOVEMBER 12, 2007

Higher L

10 The Borah Senator

Athletes sign for full-ride scholarships

By Brittni Hanrahan

This is the most athletes in many years that have been given a full ride scholarship to a Division I university of choice.

Senior Cody McKague signed to Weber State University on a full-ride football scholarship. His excitement is evident for his scholarship, because once he graduates from college, he will not have any debt to pay off.

“This has been my goal since I was six, to play college football. It means everything,” commented McKague. “My older brother and coaches have been the biggest influences on me and they have always been there for me through this process.”

Senior Braden Corpus also signed to Weber State. Corpus feels lucky to have gotten this opportunity because it is his

Photos by Kristin Bracewell

(Left) Senior Cody McKague signs for a full-ride football scholarship at Weber State.

(Right) Senior Hannah Schleis signs for a full-ride volleyball scholarship at Cal-Poly.

college of choice. Corpus said his main influence is his dad because he has always pushed Corpus to do his very best.

“I didn’t want my parents to pay for college so it made me work harder in school and football to potentially get a

scholarship,” said Corpus.

Senior Brittney Owens accepted a full-ride track scholarship to University of Louisville in Kentucky. Owens was first looking at University of Oregon but made her final decision to Univer-

sity of Louisville. Owens is excited for the full ride because she won’t have to pay for college and she won’t have to deal with the loans after she graduates.

Owens trained in long jump and triple jump in club and high school teams.

“College was one of the main influences because I knew if I did well it would lead to scholarships,” said Owens. “My coaches and family were also influences on me.”

Senior Hannah Schleis signed to Division 1, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, for a fullride volleyball scholarship. Schleis said past coaches along with her parents helped with the decision making.

“If I were to give any advice to a student, I would tell them to start as early as possible because scholarships go fast and getting them is a long process,” commented Schleis.

Graphic by Rochelle Rathamone and text by Justin Kirkham

Learning

Volume 52 Issue IV March 8, 2012 11

Seniors aim to learn from foreign cultures

By Justin Kirkham

Graphic by Justin Kirkham

Students scramble to qualify for financial aid

By Sara Rostron

High school is a busy time for all of us; it seems there is rarely any down time. It is important to realize that high school can be a preparation for those wishing to attend college and it is an opportune time to start applying for scholarships.

Senior Chanse Ward believes that applying for scholarships is a smart thing to do. “College is insanely expensive and people don’t realize that until they apply.

“Any money helps,” he continued.

“The more work I put into it now, the less there is later.”

Ward’s advice to people interested is to apply as early as possible for the best scholarships and stay organized.

“You can get scholarships for anything; being left-handed, GPA, talent, or whatever kind of person you are.”

Ward said that even though it is sometimes hard to manage time with other classes, it proves a challenge and remembering what you’re doing it for helps when you get overwhelmed.

If you decide to take advantage of applying for scholarships, it’s important to follow through with a plan. According to debtfreescholar.com, some tips are to “Communicate a strong character of yourself, be involved in extracurricular activities, write an accomplishments resume, and search for as many scholarships as you can.”

Career Counselor Kathi Lecertua advises to log-on to Naviance. “It allows you to see all of the scholarships available.”

She added, “Be sure to check out the Lightfoot scholarship. It’s important to apply for it earlier in the year, and many students get money through it.”

Nestled in their college years, many students hope to spend a good portion of their educational careers in foreign nations, whether they are eyeing the surrounding billboards, plastered with complicated kanji and strings of hiragana, or gazing up at the beauty of the Eiffel Tower and absorbing the rich European culture around them. Some students may aim to reside in another country for the entirety of their college education, while others design to spend a year or two studying abroad.

Senior Kristina Chavarria hopes to attend college in Japan at Tokyo University. “I’ve always been fascinated with Japan,” she explained.

With an array of countries to choose from, senior Patty Bowen aims to study abroad in multiple nations. From Korea and Japan to Guatemala and Switzerland, she wants to spend as much time as possible delving into foreign cultures. In particular, she hopes to study in France. “I just love the French mentality,” she stated. “It’s a city with a heartbeat. There’s art all over, and it’s awake all night.”

Brett Taylor, 2011 Borah Graduate and current exchange student, is studying in Suomi, Finland. “There are lots of things to gain and nothing to lose,” she explained. “It’s a good experience to go and see things from a different perspective.”

“In India, they have a completely different mentality,” explained Bowen.

“Here, time is a line, but in other countries, time is a circle. You die; you are reborn. There is never a beginning; there is never an end.” Bowen believes that it is essential for students to learn from different perspectives to enrich their own.

With the prospect of studying abroad comes several barriers that hopeful students must overcome. Senior Van George stressed that commu-

Photo by Madisen Gerber

Senior Patty Bowen hopes to travel abroad to France and see the Eiffel Tower.

nication and money are two huge factors in a student’s ability to thrive in a foreign nation. “It’s always going to be difficult to communicate in a different language, and students without funds won’t be able to do anything.”

According to an extensive article on StudyAbroad.com, there are multiple forms of financial assistance available for students interested in studying in another nation, including institutional assistance, governmental aid, and scholarships from individual organizations.

Bowen is adamant that all students should take the opportunity to at least travel if they are able. “You need to push yourself into that culture, be around that new culture, and not live in ignorance.” She added, “Ignorance is one of the most toxic things in the world.”

“I know the USA is known as the melting pot and has many diverse cultures,” said Taylor, “but you can’t really get to know [another lifestyle] until you have actually lived in that culture.”

12

A&E

The Borah Senator

March 8 , 2012

Choir depends on fundraising for trip

By Carlee Parsley

Every year in April, choir teacher Heather Prinzing and her students embark on a tour of opportunities and travel, armed with curiosity and their voices.

This year, San Francisco is the destination for the April trip. “While on tour, I try to get the colleges my students are interested in on the itinerary,” Prinzing said. “We go to the colleges not only for work-shopping the students’ voices, but also to tour the campus and give them time to ask questions just like a normal college visit.”

Four colleges are on the list this year, and, along with visits and workshops, the students will get to spend time in San Francisco, experiencing the bay and Ghirardelli Square. They will also attend a choir concert at the University of California, Berkeley, as well as see ‘Spamalot’ the Musical.

Prinzing estimates that the trip to San Francisco will cost around $350 for each student, though she is trying to keep the costs down as much as possible with money-savers like driving through the night Saturday, April 14 to save a night spent in a hotel.

“Fundraising is the most frustrating part of the year,” Prinzing said, and claims that work ethic is the main challenge.

Senior Chance Murray has gone on three choir trips in his time at Borah. “I’ve paid for most of the trips out-of-pocket because I suck at fundraising. I just don’t have the time to do it well.”

Prinzing said, “Fundraising starts the first week of school and doesn’t stop, but I still get kids coming in to ask for help when they’ve put nothing into the fundraisers we organize.” She said this year’s Variety Show brought in the most profit, with some students making over $100 toward their fundraising goals in the two nights.

Junior choir student Walter Odedo agreed the Variety Show has made them the most money so far, but right now, he said, “We’re just trying to find ways to make Photo by Emilee Rivers money.” Odedo admitted that so far this Variety show posters advertised the event that took place year, he’s paid for most of his trip out-of- mid-February, which raised a good sum of funds for the choir. pocket.

Talent show hopefuls Musicians learn from prepare for occasion gigs, hired performances

By Aline Meyer

By Justin Kirkham

Several students prepared to audition for this year’s Talent Show March 16 in the auditorium.

One of the students who is likely to be seen in the show is junior Paxton Scarburgh who said that he was going to perform a self-written song while playing the guitar.

Another possible act for the show is junior Cristian Castanos a breakdancer from the group KiKZity who won last year. He explained: “We hope for more people to come so we can inspire them to do things themselves.”

Not only do the acts have the honor of participating in the show, but they also have the chance to win a money prize of $50 to $200.

Different from last year’s show are new directors: Link Leader coordinators senior Megan Suitts and junior Brooke Huffman, social worker Becky Woodland and math teacher Bill Donaldson, who replaced counselor Dawn Tolan as organizer. Tolan is no longer at Borah.

“There will be... more creative and different acts,” Woodland said.

Junior Emmanuella Mazile is excited for auditioning and said: “I hope it will be good and I wish everybody else good luck who is auditioning.”

Judges will be Lucky the DJ from the radio channel KissFM, Tolan, last year’s counselor and founder of the event at Borah, and Brandon Nickol, also one of the last year’s judges.

Whether it be wedding ensembles or a melody for graduation, Borah’s chamber orchestra is involved in more than the average concert. Chamber performs for a variety of crowds, both paid and unpaid.

“We go out of town,” nodded junior Christie Echols, bassist. Chamber participates in a tour each year, and is going to Portland to compete this year. “We play harder pieces, and in turn, have more gigs,” Echols explained.

“The rest of the orchestras are not as involved in the community as chamber is,” commented junior violist Caitlyn Brilz. Chamber is, according to the junior, supposed to be dedicated enough to participate in various gigs, earning both personal funds and funds for the orchestra and its upcoming purchases and tour.

Seniors Kellina Breakfield and Nick Outhenthapanya, cellist and violist respectively, find that such gigs and performances prepare them for their future careers an musical opportunities. “It gives us a general idea of what to expect and how to behave,” assessed Breakfield.

“When we work with weddings, we work with a concert master instead of a conductor,” Outhenthapanya explained. “We have to be more visual.”

Echols hopes to one day be part of a full symphony, and being in Chamber Orchestra teaches her how to work with others in a group, or a “family” as she called it. “It prepares me for my future when I do these rinky-dinky gigs,” she concluded.

The Borah Senator March 8, 2012

A&E

13

Romance blossoms in ‘Almost, Maine’

By Zackery Thomas

In the little town of Almost, Maine, nine love stories unfold.

Love is the main theme, whether it is an unknown, a newfound love, a romantic spark, or a dying flame, the stories each held their own meaning.

Prior to its debut, Feb. 24 - 25, senior Claire Richardson said, “I think this production is real, and everyone can relate to it.”

The play starts with a couple that confesses their love toward one another. It goes on to tell stories of many couples: some who have moved on with their lives, others who are starting new lives with someone they love.

“The improvement was immense from the rehearsals,” said senior Brian Madrid, who directed the lights.

“The intensity was much higher with a crowd,” said senior Sawyer Williams. “Of course the crowd laughed at things that weren’t originally intended to be funny, and didn’t laugh at the parts that were.

But that’s how plays work.”

The play was fast paced and characters each had their own story behind them that developed in the vignettes in which they appeared.

Writer’s Corner: Alysia Henderson

Creative writer and blogger, sophomore Alysia Henderson enjoys sharing her opinion on various topics in her writing. Read more about Henderson and her passion for fiction and poetry at borahsenaPhoto by Emilee Rivers tor.com.

“Everything started because I had this massive crush on a guy who liked poetry, so I decided to write poetry too.”

-- Sophomore Alysia Henderson

Photos by Korey Combs

(Left) Glory, played by junior Alexia Neal, searches for her deceased husband to mend her broken heart.

(Right) Ginette and Pete, played by junior Emily Clark and senior Sawyer Williams, rekindle their relationship.

“I feel like the crowd got the emotion from us.

They reacted well,” Williams said. The relationships were real on stage and you could see, even when senior Stephen Winter made a small improv off stage.

Junior Anna Kennedy said, “It felt pretty good, but it’s hard to judge when I’m acting.”

A big part of this play had to do with chemistry. Responding to another performer has to come

naturally, especially when romance is involved.

“I’m not thinking about the audience,” Kennedy said. “I’m concentrating on how my character is being impacted by what my partner is saying.”

Drama teacher Heather Pirus’s first solo production with theatre has come to a conclusion as the actors presented her with a token of thanks in the form of a flower.

By Gustavo Sagrero

my glasses and then put them back on, switching back and forth making sure there was a difference.

Sometimes I thought there was some effect, but in reality, not really.

The much anticipated 3D saber duels were a little flat. The battles between Darth Maul and QuiGon Jinn were somewhat memorable, but weren’t highlighted by the 3D effect. The only depth that could be easily noticed, or assumed in these duels, was the abyss which the body of Darth Maul fell into after his defeat.

If you’re curious about watching the film in theaters, having that movie-going experience, then go right ahead.

Although you may have already seen it, there’s still a little movie magic left in the film, but don’t expect too much. Although it may say 3D near the title, it’s still the same movie just with a little more flair; flair that doesn’t seem to last long, but flair nonetheless.

Star Wars falls flat with a hint of flair in recent 3D premiere With the 3D release of Star Wars’ Phantom Menace, old school fans groan as new adopters of the Star Wars universe sit in their seats to watch the show.

The initial Star Wars Trilogy marked a milestone in popular American cinema effects. The initial releases and even the more recent releases, with their sense of sci-fi pioneering, have created a following that has become notorious. So what has changed over these years?

The 3D has been implemented somewhat well; it doesn’t make the story any better, but the pod racing scene is a treat for all in the theater. Plot holes aside, the Naboo resistance and Trade Federation space battle that took place above the planet Naboo was also neat.

Like the majority of 3D movies, the nuance of the innovation faded away quickly. I had to take off

14

Q&A

“I am hoping to go down and visit my aunt in Sacramento, CA, Since I haven’t seen her in ages and she is going to take me to visit some colleges in Cali!

- Senior Wendy Nelson

The Borah Senator

“Training for an MMA tournament in Las Vegas.”

- Junior Russell Hipple

March 8, 2012

Going to Las Vegas for a College showcase for soccer hoping for some coaches to come and recognize me for scholarships then flying to Arizona to tan in the sun and be with my cousins.

- Junior Katie Irusta

What are you planning on doing for Spring Break?

“My father (Mr. Henderson) is getting married that week and I’m trying to get as many past students, basketball, softball, and golf kids to come and support him. My father has no idea about me getting so many to come.

It should be fun!” ~Sophomore Alysia Henderson

“ I am getting my wisdom teeth pulled.”

– Sophomore Aidan Miller

“ My family and I are going on a road trip through Utah, where we’ll visit University of Utah, and end up in Reno, Nevada, where my parents got married and we’ll be visiting University of Nevada at Reno. I’m super excited. I love my family.” ~ Junior Sarah Aalbers

“ I am going to Las Vegas to play in a soccer tournament, to get college coaches interested in recruiting me for their college.”

- Junior Brandi Leatham

The Borah Senator

March 8, 2012

Trends

15

Leg wear found as a potential threat

By Ari Anchustegui

Gr

Risks are taken daily by all living beings; to live is to risk.

A c tivities such as driving a vehicle, eating unhealthily, even stepping outside, are the type of common actions we take for granted, including what we wear.

Skinny jeans and pants have been trends for decades now, many victims unaware of disadvantages of such a

constricting fashion.

The term, “There is a price for beauty” is commonly heard, as well as “ Beauty can be painful,” but to what extent?

A condition called Meralgia Peresthetica, most commonly known as “tingling thigh syndrome” is a re-

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sult of wearing pants

that are overly tight.

It occurs with compression of the outer thigh nerve (femoral cutaneous), a nerve that extends between the knee and the spinal column.

Compression can cause permanent numbness in the thigh if ignored, according to veindirectory. org School Nurse, Barb Thomas, was surprised she hadn’t heard of the syndrome. “You play, you pay,” she said. “Children could come to me saying that they like to go hit their heads on trees--don’t complain to me about something you did to yourself.”

MayoClinic.com listed

symptoms that include: pain on the outer side of thigh and sometimes knee, burning sensations, tingling, or numbness, multiple sharp pains in thigh,

pain in groin area, sensitivity to touch, and hypersensitivity to heat.

Conditions have been reported to become much worse when jeans are worn with heels.

Aisha O’Leary, a senior

who has obtained her CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) and is working on her pharmaceutical technician license, stated, “There is a health risk if a size six is trying to fit into a zero. Wear pants that fit you.”

Although recovery requires several weeks, or even months, Sam O’ Neil, a junior and a self-confessed skinny jeans addict said, “Skinny jeans are my life--without them I am nothing,” he said. “I will never stop my complete obsession with them.”

“I like the fashion, even if it’s risky,” he added. “After all, everything is unhealthy in some way.”

and unfocused to be called music.

It sounds like someone is pressing every single button on a DJ turntable.

“You need a lot of skill to put together a dubstep song,” disagreed Williams. “It gets you pumped up and contains lots of energy.”

He said bands like Zedd and Kill The Noise are darker than most music and have harder tones.

“It’s a lot louder than normal,” he added.

Some electronic bands, like The Crystal Method or The Prodigy, mix up the patterns they play to keep listeners on their toes.

Dubstep songs have a very

repetitive and predictable pattern.

They are annoying especially when they are played louder than they should be.

Compared to other forms of music, dubstep songs are too over the top.

Though there is a select group that passionately hates dubstep, enough people like it at Borah for it to become a popular trend.

Anyone who isn’t a fan of the genre may avoid dances that play dubstep, and perhaps stuff their fingers in their ears to buffer the music before the announcements.

Whether or not people like it, dubstep is officially apart of Borah.

“Skinny jeans are my life--without them I am nothing.”

--Junior Sam O’Neil

Don’t let the bass hit you on the way out

By Bradley Burgess

Photo found in Flickr Creative Commons. Taken by Kyrck.

“Dubstep” has now become its own genre of music, and like it or not, it’s taking over.

From school dances to morning announcements, dubstep songs are now unavoidable at Borah.

“I try to play a different song everyday. If I have a new favorite song, I’ll play it,” said Senior, Sawyer Williams, who controls the music that plays before the announcements.

“I try to play the song with the most energy to wake everyone up in the morning.”

When compared to other electronic bands, dubstep is just plain noise. It’s too loud

Each year children in North America spend over half a billion dollars on chewing gum. -Brahm Hernick Media

16

Sports

The Borah Senator

March 8, 2011

Bball team prevails as SIC, 5A champs

By Savannah Harrelson

Winning 23 games in a row, the Borah Lions took both the district and state titles, and are now able to call themselves the 5A Southern Idaho Conference (SIC) champions and the 5A state champions for 2012.

“I still can’t really believe it,” commented senior Ben Tucakovic about their record breaking season. This Borah team was the first in history to have 25 wins.

Their journey began at districts, near the end of February, where the team stood in first place in the 5A SIC with a 19-1 regular season record.

The first district game against Vallivue took place on Valentine’s Day at Rocky Mountain, where the Lions triumphed 53-42.

The Lions then advanced to semifinals against Eagle, a team with a 13-8 record, which proved a tough fight

for the Lions. Eagle held onto the lead until late in the fourth quarter, where Borah secured a lead by only a few points. As the fourth quarter buzzer rang, the score was tied, and the game progressed into overtime. Within the last seconds of the four minute overtime, with the score tied, sophomore Isaiah Wright drove to the basket, missed the layup, and senior Braden Corpus tipped it into the hoop, creating a Borah win within the final second of the game.

In the district championship game Feb. 24, the Lions faced Mountain View, the only team Borah suffered a loss against during the regular season. Borah took charge of the game, holding the lead the entire game. As the fourth quarter ended, the Lions won the game 51-44, and each member of the team cut down a piece of the net.

As district champions, the Lions geared up for the state

tournament, with their first game on March 1 against Coeur d’Alene. Down 1-11 in the first quarter, Borah picked up momentum, with the Rowdies help, and overcame this 10 point deficit to win 49-44.

This win advanced the Lions to the semifinals with their match-up against Timberline, a team Borah already defeated twice during the regular season. The boys secured a lead throughout the game, and triumphed 58-44.

Now, the Lions faced their largest battle all season: the state title game. Their opponent, Post Falls, a strong team from Northern Idaho, seemed it would be a tough battle for Borah. With two three-pointers from Tucakovic to start off the game, however, it was clear the Lions would hold on to the momentum. Releasing their powerful defense, Borah held even the strongest Post Falls players to minimal points. Securing a firm lead

by halftime, the Rowdies and crowd kept the atmosphere alive as the Lions rolled over Post Falls, finishing the game with a 49-31 victory.

Junior Cody Spjute said, “It didn’t really hit me that we won the championship.”

Wright, who is starter on the roster, said, “I wouldn’t really want to win [the championship] with any other group of guys.”

The Rowdies, camouflage in tow, helped propel Borah in their victories throughout the district and state tournaments. Winning the 2012 Sportsmanship Award, Borah was awarded for their high spirits and fair treatment in aspects of the crowd fairness, cheerleading, and administration.

“I’m happy for Coach Cada,” said Tucakovic.

Tournament wrap-up

Districts: Feb. 14 vs. Vallivue (Quaterfinal) - Win 53-42 Feb. 18 vs. Eagle (Semifinals) - Win 43-41 Feb. 24 vs. Mountain View (Championship) - Win 51-44

State: March 1 vs. Couer d’Alene (Quaterfinal) Win 49-45 March 2 vs. Timberline (Semifinals) - Win 58-44 March 3 vs. Post Falls (Championship) - Win 49-31

Borah grad invited to NFL combine Ultimate sport trendy this season

By Riley Tidmarsh

Every year around 300 of college football elite players gather in Indianapolis, IN to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine with hopes of proving themselves worthy of getting drafted by an NFL team.

The NFL will be scouting numerous stars, but Borah alumni will be watching out for former Borah athlete Caleb McSurdy.

McSurdy started as linebacker at Montana University, racking up nearly 300 tackles and a Second Team Big Sky conference selection in 2010.

According to nfldraftscout.com, McSurdy is ranked as the 18th best linebacker headed into the NFL draft.

Montana Head Coach Robin Pflu-

grad is very excited about the prospect of his player being drafted into the NFL. “I am really excited to see him come out and play hard, and again, bring those leadership skills that he does such a great job with,” he said via Facebook interview.

Leadership skills such as these are why he was so well known at Borah, as he was a team captain during both his senior and junior year.

McSurdy was also a track athlete as well, throwing shot put.

McSurdy is very excited about the prospects of playing in the NFL. “I’m extremely excited. This is something that I could have only dreamed of, and I feel very honored and thankful.”

By Camilla Girardi

If numbers are any indication, Ultimate Frisbee is popular this year.

Senior Cameron Connor said, “It’s something different from all the other spring sports. Also, it’s fun but still competitive.”

He said he plays because of “all the cool people on the team,” and considers it an intense activity.

Senior Tracie Curl instead really likes how “we don’t have refs, how we can coach ourselves.”

She’s been playing since sophomore year and it’s just a fun sport to her. According to Curl, last year there were two junior varsity teams and a varsity team, with 14 to 20 people each. But this year, more than 50 stu-

dents, mostly sophomores, are expected to participate.

Tryouts were 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 21, 23, 27, and 28 at South Jr. High.

Practices are every Monday and Thursday at South, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Every player provides his/her own transportation.

Science teacher Alex LaChance is the head coach for the entire season, and is aided by other assistant coaches.

Tuesday games will begin March 6 at the Optimus Youth Complex, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 14 athletes will compete in the Hat Tourney Saturday, where players sign up individually and teams are formed by randomly taking the names out of a hat.

State competitions are May 5.

The Borah Senator March 8, 2011

Sports

17

New, returning sports arrive for spring

By Grace Gibney and Brittini Hanrahan

Boys Golf

Practices are held after school at 3:30 p.m. at Hillcrest Country Club.

The State tournament will be in Idaho Falls this year. Senior Alec Huskinson said he hopes that the team “plays well and wins a couple tournaments.”

The boys team is led by Coach Ron Freeman.

Disc Golf

Disc Golf came to Borah through two inspired seniors, Zackery Thomas and Kyle Hines.The organizers of the team thought that since Disc Golf is popular in the valley, that it should be brought to high schools. They hope that it will be seen throughout the district and get other schools to make a team as well. Tryouts consist of people coming out and playing. Disc Golf is a slow pace sport that is casual and competitive for anyone with any skill level. As the club grows, there is a plan of a tag system for competition through Borah.

Graphi

Baseball

Rugby

Rugby is a new sport at Borah and therefore is virtually unknown. There are no conventional tryouts, but prospective players are encouraged to come out to practices. Rugby is often mistaken for football, but it different from football. In rugby, the players are allowed to be more physical, the games last longer, and to score the players must forcefully place the ball in the tri-zone (known as the end-zone in football), among other things.

R

Try-outs took place Feb. 24-25.

Practices are after school at 3:30 p.m.

Two to three games a week are scheduled. The Buck’s Bag Tournament happens during spring break. Team members look forward to a good season. “It’s hard to get worse than last year,” said pitcher and outfield Parker Dial, junior. The team is led by Coach Wes McAllaster. The Summer Classic series for high school teams gears up during the summer months.

a mo n e

Girls Golf

R o c he l l e

The track team is confident about taking one of the top three positions in the state track meet. The girls plan on being successful in field events while the boys plan on specializing with the running events. The future season looks promising for track this season. The tryouts for track are nontraditional. Whether or not an athlete makes varsity is determined by attendance at practice, GPA throughout the season, and improvement in the event during meets.

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Practices began on Feb. 24 and will continue every day after school. The team practices at Hillcrest Country Club and Indian Lakes Golf Course.

All events with other teams are on Mondays and Tuesdays after school.

The district tournament is May 8 and the state tournament is in Pocatello the following week. The team will have free lessons with professional coaches from Indian Lakes on Thursdays. Coach Amy Everson is excited “to have a full team filled with young players.” The team is seeking more members that have their own set of clubs.

Track

Tennis

Feb. 24 tryouts turned into daily, after-school practices from 3:30-5 p.m. The Pasco Tournament is scheduled for the middle of March, while the District and State tournaments will be held in May. Pat Moore, teacher, along with parents Curtis Eggie, Dave Umberger, and Bruce Gostovich are coaching. Varsity player Reuben Mulhern, junior, said he anticipates a season filled with young players.

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Softball

During tryouts on Feb. 24-25, 14 girls were accepted onto the varsity softball team. The players hope to have a better record than last year and improve their playing. “I think that we are going to have a lot of potential coming into the season with new coaches,” said,junior Emmery Smith.

Boys Lacrosse

Practices started Feb. 24, and are held near the previous Language Academy building. The team expects enough players for a varsity squad.

The Tablerock Tournament takes place in April and features numerous teams from Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Captain and senior Joe Wineke anticipates a great season.

Drag Racing Practices will begin late April.

Teams from Treasure Valley Schools such as Middleton, Eagle, and Borah compete every other Friday at Firebird Raceway in Boise. The team’s season continues throughout the summer until the end of September. Captain Christopher Northup, junior, is seeking members. New members must supply their own racing equipment.

Girls Lacrosse

This year the girls lacrosse team will be playing at the varsity level. According to senior Toree Tuck, there is a seemingly impressive turnout of girls this year, but the team could always use more. The girls will be playing hard, having fun, and learning the sport. The girls enjoy going out trying their hardest even if they don’t win.

“Girls lacrosse is a great way to meet new people and challenge yourself. It rocks,” said junior Esther Roedel.

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18

JV Sports

The Borah Senator

March 8, 2012

Boys hoops star weighs in on season

By Aline Meyer

The Borah JV basketball experienced success during this year’s season with only three losses. For this year’s state varsity tournament, junior Joe Nelson was moved up to help the Varsity team. Nelson, one of the center players on the jv and varsity team, explained why Borah’s jv team had such a memorable and productive year. This interview was conducted before Nelson was moved up to the varisty team for district and state.

What was your favorite memory of the basketball season?

“My favorite part of the season so far – all of it has been so great. Also the bonding with the team and the hard work we’ve put in, in the season.”

Describe your least favorite memory of the regular season basketball play?

“Definitely the three losses. Mostly losing against Centennial in the regular season.”

What was easiest for you during the season?

“The easiest thing about the season was just hanging with my teammates and having fun with my friends and definitely winning.”

How did you like the basketball team this year?

“I loved our team this year. A lot of cool guys this year and our coach was awesome.”

If you are playing next season, what are your hopes/wishes/ goals?

“Borah State Champs! My goal is to be a state champion.”

What was the most difficult lesson for you to learn during the season?

What did you take out of the season?

“Working hard and winning while working hard is fun.”

“For me the hardest was to learn to not let other things affect me like the refs, to just let my game stand for itself and to not get angry about the things I can’t control.”

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Is there anything you would like to add for the reader?

“Thanks for the support and I’m looking forward to next year.”

Photo by Korey Combs

Junior Joe Nelson helped lead his junior varsity basketball team to a 17-3 record and played varsity for the state games.

Cheer ends on sour note

By Riley Tidmarsh

After spending numerous hours working towards them, the junior varsity cheer team has recently had their competitions cancelled.

“There just weren’t enough teams signed up for them,” said cheer adviser Kylie Christensen. “The girls are definitely very disappointed. It was the culminating point for the team, and they worked a lot for them.”

The junior varsity cheer team did get to cheer on the sidelines of the varsity basketball games, but many members were really looking forward to competing.

Junior Haile Hylton said she was disappointed. “I spent a lot of time cheering to not compete.” Hylton also said due to the competitions being cancelled, she felt the season was a waste of time and money, and that the hours of practice spent working towards competition seemed to be pointless.

Sophomore Hannah Jasper said

many of her teammates appeared to be very mad about the missed competitions. “We worked all year for this, and I was disappointed that we aren’t going to compete.”

“I’m looking forward to next year,” Christensen said when asked about the upcoming year of cheer. “Stuff happens, and it’s unfortunate that this was out of our control, but next year will offer a fresh start for the team.”

The cheer team is looking forward to next season as well. “We do have camp that starts soon. I’m really excited about that,” Jasper said when asked about what her other plans were for the season.

Hylton also seemed to be moving past the cancelled competitions. “The varsity team still has competitions, and many of us girls will be going to those.”

The cancellation of the cheer competitions were a bleak moment in the cheer season. Just like any other sport, competing is the main goal, and this could not be accomplished this year.

The Borah Senator March 8, 2012

19

Photo Essay “This year was great; a lot of really good acts...a lot of good talent.”

-Junior Jordan Hanks

“It’s very student run. Everything that was seen was done by us.”

-Senior Kelli Chiles

Choir struts talent

The annual Variety Show, sponsored by Ars Nova and Tactus, staged acts ranging from piano solos to dance numbers and showed off the many talents of Borah’s vocal department.

The show itself opened and closed with the number “Hello, Goodbye” by The Beatles and featured songs by other famous artists like Adele, One Direction, and Sara Bareilles. Performers also premiered Ars Nova and Tactus members’ original songs, such as junior Paxton Scarburgh’s “Sights Unseen” and junior Sarah Hart’s “Chaos.”

The mood was kept light by the Master of Ceremony pair, junior Luke Brandt and senior Sawyer Williams. The theme of the night was “Cannibals” as Williams and senior Dona Ochoa attempted to escape the grasp of our flesh-hungry performers during Glee’s mash-up of Micheal Jackson’s “Thriller” and The Yeah Yeah Yeah’s “Heads Will Roll.”

Photos and text by Korey Combs

“Variety Show is the one time for Ars Nova and Tactus where we can go up on stage and just be completely crazy. It’s just really cool how we can create a show that has a little bit of everything.”

-Senior Angelica Pupko

“My first Variety Show was scary because it was my first time performing by myself in front of a crowd.”

-Sophomore Riley Armstrong

20

Fun & Games Borahscopes

The Borah Senator

Aries: (March 21-April 20)

It may be wise to listen to what words others have to lend you before embarking on impulsive ideas of your own. Rational decisions could seem like the best choice right now, but time spent to make the right selection will be time well worth your while.

Taurus: (April 21-May 20) If you don’t for see your current actions affecting your future, think again. Being too careless could ultimately doom your long-term plans. If what you truly desire is in view, you will make ultimate sacrifices to obtain it.

Gemini: (May 21-June 21) You have had your fair share of disappointments; if your sour attitude hasn’t rotted entirely, a new happiness is very near in your path.

Let the past give you hope for what excitement is ahead of you. Old grievances can now become lessons learned.

Cancer: (June 22-July 22)

Now is a very good time to try out new things and explore the dusty

By Ari Anchustegui

Graphic by Rochelle Rathamone

areas of your mind. You have little to lose by investigating new cheerfulness. You owe it to yourself.

Leo: (July 23-Aug. 22) If what you acquire doesn’t stroll your way automatically, don’t drop your hopes to waste. What you are hoping for will happen all in good time. A positive stance is bound to get you where you anticipate going.

Virgo: (Aug. 23- Sept.23) If you genuinely thought that moping around and whining over what is done with is going to bring you success, I am not-so sorry to disappoint you. A pathetic lifestyle simply builds more glum to your

already molding plate.

Libra: (Sept. 23- Oct.23) Do you truly believe those you love are going to stay present in your life with the way you’ve been acting?

The chances are slim. If you care, it is vital you show just how much.

Pride aside.

Scorpio: (Oct. 24- Nov. 22) If you have to question whether you’re choosing correctly, choose that which includes no questions. You are overworking your mind, and overcomplicating each thought. Let your inner will take the reins for awhile, and ease into a complacent way of living.

March 8, 2012

Sagittarius: (Nov 23.- Dec. 31)

There will always be differences in opinion, no matter the setting.

Accepting that is a great challenge for you, a challenge that needs to be overcome. Maintaining an open mind, and tolerating others’ views does not mean you will face losing your own.

Capricorn: (Dec. 22- Jan. 20) It’s high time for you to speak your mind. For too long you have been holding inside delicate issues.

Emotions need to be expressed for conflicts to be surpassed.

Aquarius: (Jan. 21- Feb. 19) Your loyalty and responsibility will be rewarded; don’t forget to maintain the morals for which you are praised. Thoughts of the past may stir change for you. Don’t allow yourself to lose sight of the present.

Pisces: (Feb. 20- March 20) You are utterly aware of what you want, but your desires aren’t entirely what you need. Go beyond your greed to feed what is essential to you.