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“If you’re going to reform education, get all the stakeholders in a room and reform education.”
The
Senator
See page 7
VOLUME 53 | ISSUE V | MARCH 12, 2013 | 6001 CASSIA ST. | BOISE, ID 83709 | BORAHSENATOR.COM
See more art by Teresa Dang on page 2
Read about the rise and fall of Borah-themed Facebook pages PAGE 4
Recap the boys basketball team’s road to the state championship PAGE 12
Dispel the myths, learn the facts about the tunnels underneath Borah PAGE 10
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Artist Bio
March 12, 2013
Optimistic photographer shows off raw talent
Photo by Autumn Whittaker | awhittaker@borahsenator.com
Senior Teresa Dang is as photogenic in front of the camera as the objects she captures from behind the camera. By Ari Anchustegui
aanchustegui@borahsenator.com “There are so many more things to appreciate in life than meets the eye and photography shows all of these little things,” said senior photographer Teresa Dang. With camera in hand she feels an overwhelming urge of excitement to
capture the moment, along with a profound calmness. “When I see something I want to photograph I think ‘ooh I want to take a picture of that and see how it turns out.’” Dang learned the ways of photography in elementary school, taking family pictures; her passion ignited in the eighth grade when she took her first Photography 1 course. She explained that since then she hasn’t been able to further her expertise due to her overcrowded schedule. “I’ve been more focused on getting the hard classes out of the way,” she said. “I am in no way a professional,” she said, humbly. “It’s just something I started gaining interest in.” Dang’s current instrument is a Canon Rebel T3I, though her first pictures were shot with a small digital camera. Her favorite images are those she takes of nature, especially ones in the sunlight. “I like the way the sun reflects on not just objects, but people too.” When editing her work, Dang uses a program called Photoscape to add effects and im-
prove her photos. “I think if you edit too much it ruins the quality of the picture; if a pictures looks really dull, then I like to exchange the colors of it.” Dang’s motivation derives from the support of people around her. Explaining that her parents constantly encourage her, she said, “I think a lot about what they went through when they were my age and it pushes me to go further.” At home, Dang is constantly snapping photos, whether her focus is her younger sisters or the outdoors. Junior Helene Dang, her younger sister, is well accustomed with her older sister’s passion and thinks that she’s progressing at a fast pace. “Each picture she takes has a different story, a different meaning to it,” she said. Additional hobbies include painting, tennis and school activities such as National Honor Society and LINK. This year she holds the position of ASB Special Projects Coordinator in Student Council. Her favorite subject is science, and aspires to work in the medical field.
Childhood friend and senior Lu Vo noticed Dang’s fascination with photography early on. “She’s moving away from Instagram, Facebook and stuff like that and doing real photography,” noted Vo. “She can use the simplest of programs, and it still looks professional.”
Letters to the Editor
The Borah Senator
Submit a letter to the editor Is your voice heard?
Submit online at borahsenator.com Email your letter to sharrelson@borahsenator.com Bring a copy to room 503
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Latino Leaders’ plan shunned This email wasn’t received in time for the authors comments to be included in the Latino Leaders news article last issue Dear Ms. Mckernan, Thank you for your clarification. The original oral request we had pertaining to the DREAM Act was with regards to the school district sponsoring an attorney to meet with individual families on a consultation basis. Knowing there are very strict laws regarding school districts chilling the status of students following the 1982 Supreme Court decision of Plyler V. Doe, the district sought guidance from the Governor’s Office, the State Department
of Education as well as other school districts in the area. The final guidance summarized was: 1) the governor’s office recommends Catholic Charities 2) other students who are interested in this may have contacted Catholic Charities 3) as a public school entity we legally can not be part of the process (Plyler v. Doe) Again, the request we had received was for family legal consultations. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have further questions. -Federal Programs Consultant Molly Fuentealba
Senator should have movie reviews im only suggesting this but i think you guys should add a colum to the paper that sugests movies that students should see. it should have a colum for couples, singles, groups, and even families. it should also have the movie review and ratings. im only suggesting this but it would be nice to know what movies are the best to see. thank you for taking time to read this letter. -Sophomore Seth Baringer
Senator Staff Positions
Editor-In-Chief Savannah Harrelson Senior Associate Editor Grace Gibney Co-Junior Associate Editors Jaynee Nielsen, August Mckernan Advertising Manager Brittni Hanrahan Photo Manager Jaynee Nielsen Page Editors Cover Savannah Harrelson Senator Staff Autumn Whittaker Artist Bio Brittni Hanrahan News Grace Gibney Opinion Gustavo Sagrero Life August Mckernan Spread Ari Anchustegui Arts and Entertainment Sara Rostron Trends Alexia Neal, Tea Nelson Sports Savannah Harrelson Photo Essay Jaynee Nielsen Fun and Games Alissia Harris Staff Writers Brittany Perry, Taylor McNitt, Tea Nelson, Sarah Draze Staff Photographers Autumn Whittaker, Jaynee Nielsen, Alexia Neal Web Edition 2nd period journalism staffers Adviser Michelle Harmon
Health Services for Teens
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News
March 12, 2013
Borah pages ignite controversy, fame By Gustavo Sagrero
gsagrero@borahsenator.com From adoration to contempt, to outright LOLing, the anonymous Facebook pages of Borah High have left the Borah community (and even the nation) buzzing about its latest posts. But one thing that many may not think about is the response from administration. The Borah High Memes page was the first on the scene to make its mark. Following in the steps of other similar pages, it gave a little Internet-style humor to Borah High. Junior Casey Kawamura was one of the content producers for the page. Then came a point where he realized what he had done was offensive to some. He took down his posts and publicly apologized on the page for what he had posted. Nobody had told him to write the apology letter: “I decided to apologize when I took off the racist memes,” he said. One of them was a picture of an African child, absorbed by the things he hears about the post-industrialized world. The next to come onto the scene was the Borah Compliments page, a site on which people anonymously posted positive messages about the Borah community. “Our goal is to help spread kindness throughout Borah,” said one of the anonymous admins of the Borah HS Compliments page. “We thought that by creating this page we could help to make a small difference for the better and hopefully assist in making someone’s day.”
Screenshot by Grace Gibney | ggibney@borahsenator.com
The most recent Facebook page to spark debate, Lion Confessions, received national attention. Additionally, its content led to several other Treasure Valley high schools creating their own confessions pages, for example, Brave Confessions (Boise High). The screenshot was taken the day before the page was unavailable. Its origins were inspired by the pages of other compliments pages. “Yes, one of us got the idea from the Eagle page and then talked to the other two about being admins.” “Participation from others varies,” said a site administrator. “Some days we don’t have anyone submit compliments and some days five or more are submitted.” Like many of the pages, they rely heavily on the participation and viewership of the community. “I think that it is a cool page and a nice idea,” said the anonymous founder and manager of the
now infamous Lion Confessions page. But the Confessions founder highlights another subject when it comes to non-affiliated entities representing schools: “The only thing that I don’t agree with is the fact that they are using Borah’s name without Borah’s permission. I got heavily criticized for naming this page ‘Borah Confessions’ in the very beginning and was forced to change it after receiving multiple threats in relation to copyright violations.” The Confessions founder continued, “I don’t think that it’s very fair that no-
body has said anything to them about their name, just because the concepts and/or themes are different.” School Resource Officer Steve Kincheloe confirmed school officials haven’t censored the Borah Compliments page the way they have with the Confessions, because administration doesn’t have a conflict with the Compliments page borrowing the school’s name. The Lion Confessions page has not just reached Boise’s local news, but national news as well, having a small story on the Home Living Network. When Kinchloe first found out about the Confessions Page, he said he already knew there was a trend in schools for this type of activity. Boise State University and University of Idaho were both mentioned. “Part of me was like, ‘those guys need to tone it down’,” when he first read the posts. Kincheloe also gave the website administrators what he called a friendly warning, telling them to change the “Borah” name. The Confessions page admin said, “Yes, he was very upset when I first created the page. He sent me multiple messages trying to get me to shut it down, but I knew I wasn’t doing anything wrong so I decided to keep the page going.” The rise of these kind of pages may be a fad, but they highlight a new dynamic in the way schools manage their appearance. And with such open forums like Facebook, Tumblr and others, it’s becoming a lot harder for them to keep their appearances up.
Chess Club prepares for annual tournament By Alissia Harris
aharris@borahsenator.com Sweaty palms, intense stares, the sound of the buzzer and the opponent stating checkmate. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, the chess club gathers together to prepare themselves for the state tournament this Saturday at the Boise Vineyard. Although the club members have been repetitively playing each other to better their skill
and knowledge of the game, the team has faced some challenges. “The biggest struggle was the major decrease in active members, because a majority of the team were seniors last year,” said Houston Bentley, senior. “At the beginning of the year the club only had two active members. The team didn’t expand until sec-
ond semester, and the club has now accumulated eight members.” The Chess Club has been preparing themselves for the state tournament since the day they heard it was coming up. Last year the team had a mix up and confusion so Bentley was the only member who had the opportunity to compete. The excitement of
three members going to the tournament was very apparent in Bentley’s voice. Three seniors -- Bentley, Blue Greear, and Austin Carter--are all on their way to the state chess tournament. They’ve practiced, and completed their steps to achieve their United States Chess Federation Membership, which allows them to participate in chess tournaments.
News
The Borah Senator
Proposition 1 is back again
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Shoe donation free-for-all
By Savannah Harrelson
sharrelson@borahsenator.com Despite Idaho voters rejection of Propositions 1, 2, and 3, the Idaho legislature is trying to integrate parts of statutes back into law. New proposed legislation includes numerous senate and some house bills. Some of them are exact wordings from Proposition 1. Ideas reintroduced include House Bill 164, which states that if an agreement is not made on a teacher contract by June 10, teachers will be forced to take the district’s “last best offer.” According to the Idaho Education Association, Senate Bill 1096 is a revised version of Proposition 1. It allows school districts to revise teacher contracts and salaries on a year-to-year basis, making each teacher an “at-will” employee. Although the bills only relate to Proposition 1, Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter has created the Task Force on Improving Education. This group meet to discuss the broader areas of education.“The goal is to move education in Idaho forward for our students, our educators, and the businesses, colleges and universities that receive the product of our K-12 system,” said Gov. Otter in a December 2012 press release from Jon Hanian.
Photo by Jaynee Nielsen | jnielsen@borahsenator.com
On Feb. 14, 300 pairs of shoes were donated. Shoeapalooza allowed any Borah student to get a new pair of used shoes. Sophomore Cooper Smith headed the donations by gathering all of the shoes. Parents Susan Dennis and Missy Wheeler helped plan the event. Many students walked out with one or two pairs of shoes.
Common Core standards impact classrooms Students can expect to see changes in class schedules by next year By Jaynee Nielsen
jnielsen@borahsenator.com Many teachers have gone to district meetings to discuss curriculum changes that will happen next year. Common Core is changing the standards in math and English, for all grade levels. AP Physics and AP Calculus teacher Vic Hofstetter said he thinks the change is for the better and the curriculum is what the schools need. Common Core is purposely legislated to prepare students for their future. According to corestandards.org, the legislature wants to “ensure that students make progress each year and graduate from school prepared to succeed in col-
lege and in a modern workforce.” Common Core is focused on problem solving and not just regurgitating information when a test comes around. In math classes, students are trained to substitute and memorize equations, what the pieces and parts are and what is needed to get to the correct answer. For example, students are trained to know the equation of a line (y=mx+b). Students know that
m is the slope, but that is not all of it. There is no background or reasoning as to why it is the slope. It is a daily routine to solve the same equation over and over again. All a student needs to do is put the correct number in and solve. This way of teaching does not spell everything out for the student. It makes them have to figure out which equation is needed and then solve.
Common Core is focused on problem-solving, not just regurgitating information when a test comes around.
Common Core will “call on students to practice applying mathematical ways of thinking to real world issues and challenges; they (the standards) prepare students to think and reason mathematically,” according to corestandards.org. Algebra and Physics teacher Debra Gough is concerned about the implementation of Common Core, which she said will make it harder for college admissions to decide if a student is actually accelerated. However, the Common Core website indicated the newly adopted state standards will not “bring all states’ standards down to the lowest common denominator,” or rather it will not lower the states’ academic criteria in any way.
Opinion Is the mathematics aspect of Common Core beneficial? 6
March 12, 2013
By Grace Gibney
NO
ggibney@borahsenator.com In the 2013 - 2014 school year, junior high students can expect to see Mathematics I, Mathematics II, or Mathematics III on their class schedule, as opposed to Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry. The change is due to Idaho now being one of 45 states that has adopted the Common Core State Standards, a national initiative to regulate the educational standards of English and Math. Although the Common Core Mathematics Standards appear to benefit students, several side effects will put students at a severe disadvantage in their educational careers. “I thought Common Core would probably be a good idea if it was done right,” said math teacher Mark Brown. “The downside is that there’s definitely a different way of teaching to it.” Brown is referring to how Common Core will combine all Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry content into the Mathematics I class. A student completes one year, only to delve further into the content in Mathematics II, and then further still in Mathematics III. According to Appendix A of the Common Core Mathematics Standards, it states “A “compacted” version of the Integrated pathway where no content is omitted...which will enable them (students) to reach Calculus or other college level courses by their senior year.” Second, Common Core does not consider students who will not be math majors in college. In my case, I was supposed to be in Calculus my senior year. I had previously taken Pre-Calculus with teacher Becky Brown my junior year. However, since I am going to be a journalism major, I do not necessarily need to have a strong background in math to be a journalist. So I opted to retake Pre-Calculus to improve my GPA and to focus more on my literature courses. I should not have to make more work for myself than is necessary, and Common Core forces such an overload on junior high students. Third, imagine having to take accelerated classes as opposed to intermediate.
Above is the online cover for Appendix A of the Common Core State Standards for mathematics that Idaho has adopted and will be implemented next year. The district policy hopes to incorporate the content of accelerated courses, such as Accelerated Algebra I and II, into the intermediate level Mathematics I course. By making all math classes meet accelerated criteria, students are not academically distinguishable from each other. And the fact is, some students simply cannot keep up with accelerated material. “It’s not fair,” said junior pre-calculus student Ashlyn Englehorn. “It’s hard to keep up with accelerated. Think of all the seniors who dropped out of Pre-Calc into Advanced Math Topics. With math, you have to stop and think through it. Your mind has to click with it. Some kids can’t keep up with the accelerated levels.” The kids who do not “click” with the program have to take an extra math period. Although the additional help is beneficial, it is a waste of elective credits that could be used toward classes that would benefit the student’s college interests. While the Common Core Mathematics Standards were developed so that junior high students would succeed with math classes in their high school career, they are actually putting students at a short-term disadvantage. Students should not have to sacrifice elective credits, academic individuality, or college interests to graduate.
Although the additional help is beneficial, it is a waste of elective credits
By Gustavo Sagrero
YES
gsagrero@borahsenator.com The new Common Core guidelines for Mathematics are meant to put the United States back on track with its worldwide competitors. It’s not a strict protocol to which schools have to adhere, according to Appendix A of the Common Core Standards for Mathematics. The national proposals allow states and even districts some leeway to change the guidelines in their own way. The basic outline requires that instead of math classes being taught as Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, they would be divvied up into Math I, Math II, and Math III. So what’s the difference? Instead of having the three separate classes, according to the Appendix, the standards take the easiest components from each (Geometry, Algebra I and II) and put them into Math I. From there, the standards take the next level of difficulty of each class and put them into Math 2, and Math 3 will have the final and toughest material of Geometry, Algebra I, and II. From there students will then go into a barrage of other classes. There will be no intermediate or accelerated classes for the Math, 1, 2, and 3. “That’s the idea” said math teacher Bill Donaldson, who had a copy of the
overview of the Common Core guidelines on his desk. Students that don’t have such great grades in the math class (below a C average) will be required to have an extra study period open so they can spend more time on their math requirements. I can understand why people would be outraged. In such a case, this will mean one less elective period, which could be the difference between losing an art class or having to take a zero hour. From personal experience, putting more time into my math work in the past has helped me enormously. With the presence of a math teacher, a tutor, or even just somebody who is on the same subject matter when I do my work is comforting since finding the answer is just a question away. So, while losing an elective period would have been a downer, this extra attention to a math class will have some benefit, not only grade-wise but in gaining a deeper understanding of the material. For now the classes will be taken at the high school level, but the goal will be to gradually have students take these classes at the junior high level. This actually makes it beneficial for both students who want to excel in math and go on to higher level math for their careers. For students who don’t really want to focus on math, the cushion of having a sound understanding of problem solving since junior high will always be there. In junior high, few know what they want to do for the rest of their lives, so having these basics covered at an earlier grade level might help students decide where to go from there. Junior high seems a perfect time for this. For me as a student in junior high, I had no clue what was going on in my intermediate algebra I class, and the thought of getting help was never on my mind; I didn’t take it seriously. I know if I had been forced to have an extra study period for that math, I would have eventually realized, “Well, if I’m here, might as well make the most of it.”
From personal experience, putting more time into my math work has helped
Opinion
The Borah Senator
School reform we are being left out When it comes to reforming our schools they’re taking everyone’s input, except for who it affects the most--the students who actually walk the halls. Ilustration by Ari Anchustegui | aanchustegui@borahsenator.com
Staff Editorial Last November, parents and students spoke against Propositions 1, 2 and 3, and in a referendum voted these laws down. Now, as these laws are gradually being put back into legislation, students are left wondering, where is our voice? No one questions that education reform is needed right now. Students are going to college unprepared, and a lot them end up dropping out. According to the National Information Center for Higher Education Policy Analysis, Idaho ranks 44th in the United States in graduation rates from college and 46th in retention rates for freshman in college. Obviously, Idaho needs to do something to fix these education problems.
Recent legislation is bad Propositions 1, 2, and 3, passed in 2011, created a large uproar across the state. Teachers and parents were angry because they were unable to have a say and take part in legislation affecting them and their children. Government teacher Ron Freeman said, “They said, ‘This is how you reduce cost,’” and they didn’t consult parents, students, or teachers. The “they” in this instance is Supt. Tom Luna and the legislators that passed these laws. The propositions angered so many not only because stakeholders didn’t get
a say, but because the legislation undermined teachers in so many profound ways. Proposition 1 took away collective bargaining rights and stripped contract rights that have been in place for decades. “It used to be, teachers couldn’t have lower salaries,” said Freeman. “If you want better teachers, you don’t make the job less desirable.” Even after the propositions failed, Luna is trying to push parts of Proposition 1 through the legislature this year.
The good accomplished After the three propositions failed, Luna and the Idaho legislature went back to the drawing board. Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter, leaning away from Supt. Luna’s Students Come First Laws, created a Task Force on Improving Education that is comprised of teachers, business professionals, and representatives from colleges. He hopes the group will come up with ideas to help reform education, whether or not the recommendations need to be enacted as laws. His task force is a positive step in the right direction toward education reform. Teachers, students, and parents all need a say in education, not stuffy politicians who think they know about education. Freeman was right on point when he said, “If you’re going to reform education, get all the stakeholders in a room
and reform education.” In order to further educational progress, all parties involved in education, need to be directly involved.
What can students do? Students need to be involved because it is ours, our brothers and sisters, and eventually our children’s futures we have to protect. We have a voice, and it’s time to put that voice to use. Although some politicians may not believe student opinion matters, there are some who truly value our thoughts. “Students need to understand that they are a stakeholder as well,” Freeman said.His advice to students: watch what is going on around you. Stay informed about issues in education, and read about current events. Over the past few months, there have been multiple education hearings at the Idaho State Capitol Building. At these hearings, one can speak personally to the legislature about opinions and concerns in education. These hearings are great opportunities for students to express their perspectives on education. The fact is, we are students, and we matter. The more time we spend proactively spreading our opinions and beliefs about education, the more likely our voice will be heard. Who better to reform education than those living and learning in these halls?
Senator staff shoutouts
What do you think about the Borah Confesssions page and all the media it has received?
It is entertaining to a certain extent, but it went a little too far. I understand it is just there to be funny, but some of the stuff posted was not. However, if you don’t like it, nobody is making you read it. -Brittany Perry, junior I think the page is incredibly entertaining. Although it contains profanity, and obvious exaggerations and made up stories, it is highly amusing to scroll through. The page is for fun and games, not to be taken literally. All of us here at Borah should be able to indulge in light hearted humor like the Confessions Page. Plus, if someone is in need of someone to talk to, they are able to anonymously let out secrets and bundled feelings! We are all human here, and the page reminds us of that. -Ari Anchustegui, senior I think that what people are writing is disappointing. Being that it’s getting so much media, people see this stuff on the news and think badly of Borah. This is not what Borah stands for. We are so much more than the stupid stuff people write on the Confessions Page. -Sarah Draze , junior I think it’s meant to entertain not to hurt anyone’s feeling. One was posted about my friend and she didn’t like it, so she asked them to remove it. They did. If someone posts something about you, you can just ask for it to be removed and they probably will. -Taylor McNitt, sophmore I think that it’s a fairly good representation of what high school is actually like these days: 33.3% is ridiculous, 33.3% is heavily exaggerated, 33.3% is taken seriously, and 0.1% is actually true. -Grace Gibney, senior
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system sees the food as destructive and immediately tries to flush it out of the body. Meanwhile, the chemical histamine is released into the bloodstream causing reactions including stomach and headaches, swelling, hives and at the worst, anaphylactic shock.
Regulations rule choices in school vending machines By Tea Nelson
tnelson@borahsenator.com
Ever felt the urge to splurge on a few sweet treats following lunch break but find to your disappointment nothing that satisfies? Over the years Boise schools has adjusted the items available in its vending machines to comply with health guidelines. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, easy access to sweetened foods and beverages leads to a higher intake of calories, which then affects overall health. Although there is no state policy, Idaho follows federal recommendations for foods sold on school grounds. Based on regulations, school officials around the country--like principal Bonita Hammer-determine what foods will be in school vending machines and sold in school stores or fundraisers during breaks and lunches. The school has complied with its vending suppliers in approving 60 percent of its snacks to meet federal recommendations. For example, the school is only allowed to serve drinks that are diet soda, water, or 100 percent fruit juice. Also, the various clubs that sell in the student stores must coordinate with the cafeteria to prevent double sales of food, such as pizza, according to Brad Baumberger, a Java Den supervisor. Hammer said it’s important for students to have choices, because healthy choices lead to healthy habits. “If all we served was sweets, students wouldn’t have the ability to exercise free choice,” Hammer said.
March 12, 2013
You Are What You Eat
The Borah Senator
Food allergies
Developing a food allergy later in life rather than just at birth is becoming more ordinary By Alexia Neal
aneal@borahsenator.com
You suddenly notice a gut-wrenching ache in your abdomen after you eat your favorite food: a steaming plate of cheesy nachos with salsa and sour cream. Funny, you just ate a plate last week and felt, well, fine. Now, as you run to the bathroom, stomach heaving, you wonder where you went wrong. More than 15 million Americans have a food allergy, according to the Food Allergy Network. Developing a food allergy later in life rather than just at birth is becoming more ordinary. Senior Krysta Neill discovered her food allergy in the sixth grade. She noticed certain fruits such as bananas, watermelons and cantaloupe were giving her allergic reactions like hives, itchy throat and swelling. Neill said the proteins in the fruits are similar to the proteins in pollens to which she is also allergic; therefore her body rejects them. Food allergies can affect more than just the immune system. Senior Reuben Mulhern started noticing his gluten allergy as a sophomore. His running time for cross-country was decreasing drastically. After several visits with a doctor and blood tests, results showed he had an iron deficiency caused by the gluten allergy. When a person with a food allergy intakes the allergen, the body is unable to absorb certain nutrients, like iron. After cutting gluten from his diet, Mulhern said he has more energy for daily life and his running times have gone back to normal. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, 90 percent of all food allergies come from the common eight allergens: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, and wheat. The immune system can be triggered by just the smallest amount of the allergy-producing food; as little as one eighth of a teaspoon. The
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Life
March 12, 2013
Tunnels explored, rumors debunked By Gustavo Sagrero
gsagrero@borahsenator.com What comes to mind when you hear of the Borah tunnels? Rats? Cold War age bomb shelters? Cockroaches? A few Borah Senator staff members, including me, had the chance to go down into these fabled realms and figure out what is actually going on, and from what we’ve seen -- not very much. Even staff writer, senior Alissia Harris, the one who ecstatically suggested the story idea, enthralled by the novelty of the mysterious tunnels, wasn’t very impressed by what she saw. “I’m disappointed,” she said, as the group (only five were allowed under) walked back to the newspaper room from its tour. Looking with disillusionment at newspaper adviser Michelle Harmon, she wailed, “You should not have let me come!” But, that’s not to minimize what’s going on down there. Walking from east to west through the dimly lit over-glorified crawl space, we saw sewage pipes, water lines, data lines, and electrical wires crossing alongside the north side of the low 5”5’ ceiling. Sometimes a water or sewage line crossed our path, and we’d have to either duck, or step over a pipe. The best way to compare what purpose these tunnels serve is a comparison to the human body: if the buildings on campus are the muscles, skin, and skeletal structure, the security office the eyes, and
the brain its offices, the tunnels are the vertebrae, cardiovascular system, and intestines. Imagine this setting: It’s a dark night; the cold biting wind whistles through the cracks in the main hall doors; a full moon blankets the quad in a sickly white, casting ominous shadows of the bare branches into the hall. The camera cuts, and we now see the girls basketball team descend into the tunnels in a game of scavenger hunt. They feel their body temperatures rise little by little, and moisture develops on their brows as the heat from the boiler washes over them. Their little game of scavenger hunt isn’t so lovely now. Rats scamper away as the caverns of Borah High open up and the girls let out a bloodcurdling scream. Perfect opening scene for a raunchy horror flick, right? Well, it kind of still is. Just take away the rats (we didn’t see any), replace the word caverns with crawl space, and remember to duck or else one runs the risk of a faceful of lead pipe. Also the part of a girls basketball team being in the utility tunnels is actually true. A few years back, senior Tori Schoonover was one of the girls to participate in a team scavenger hunt that required the team go down into the utility tunnels. As they ventured deeper and deeper into the East wing of the tunnels, it grew smaller and smaller. “They aren’t as bad as I thought they’d be,” said Schoonover.
Photo By Jaynee Nielsen | jnielesen@borahsenator.com
Utility pipes run along Borah’s underground tunnels.
Senator Shoutouts: Why do you think Borah has underground tunnels? What are they used for? “Borah has underground tunnels so that the rat scientists that are running secret tests on us can study our habits and behavior in our natural environment.” Annika Moffett, junior
Photo by Jaynee Nielsen | jnielsen@borahsenator.com
Junior August Mckernan writes her name on a pipe alongside others from years past.
“For maintenence and emergency situations.” Anna Kennedy, senior
“Borah was built by mole people.”
“Maybe for ninja turtles.”
Ellen Young, junior
Ryan Day, sophomore
Arts & Entertainment
The Borah Senator
11
Music honor society allows students more opportunities, chance to wear cords ggibney@borahsenator.com A new honor society has begun on campus. Tri-M, an international music honor society, has a new chapter started by Orchestra teacher Christa Rowland. “At one of the district meetings it was brought up by Caldwell’s music instructor and I thought it was a cool organization and that we should do it here,” said Rowland, the advisor of TriM. “It’s a great way to recognize those people who are excellent musicians.”
To be inducted into Tri-M, students must meet the following criteria: a B average in a music class and a C average in all other classes; perform in an approved solo, duet or ensemble; and demonstrate character strengths. As a reward for their dedication and service, chapter members wear pink cords at graduation. It is also expected that chapter members participate in volunteer hours at concerts, performances, and other music events. “The students will sit outside, hand out programs, collect donations,
Boise Art Museum exhibit features four from Borah gomery. When asked what her reaction was when she got chosen she stated, “Oh, I Four Borah students’ artwork will got accepted to that. But later I was like, appear at the Boise Art Museum this yes! I got accepted to that!” spring. Junior Kali Anderson was also picked “I never thought that people would for the drawing section of the BAM be paying to see my artwork,” said ju- show. Anderson talked about the artist nior Abby Whiffen, statement she had one of the artists to write to explain who qualified for what her message the juried show. She was and the purpose emphasized how for her drawing. much of an honor Of her two pieces, it is to have been Anderson was surselected. Other artprised which one ists include senior was selected. “That Crystal Davis, senior drawing was not the Diana Montgomery, piece I expected to and junior Kali Anget picked.” After derson. Their pieces asking Anderson will be displayed in if she was happy the Seventh Biennial with the result, she Juried Art Exhibisaid, “ I was defition at BAM March Photo by Jaynee Nielsen I nitely pleased that 21 – May 5, titled jnielsen@borahsenator.com the piece was recogHigher Ground. Junior Abby Whiffen created this mask nized though--it was Whiffen described in response to her friend being bullied. nice to know my art the moment her art was good enough teacher saw her finto be publicly disished mask, one of the two pieces of played.” hers accepted. “I was so excited to see Davis, one of the four artists who apmy piece, and when my teacher took it plied for BAM, also qualified, but as from the kiln he told me I had to enter it the only Borah student to go for phoin the BAM art show!” tography. Davis explained the vigorous Montgomery was also selected with process of entering her photo into the her single drawing of a fish she created art contest; choosing which photo from last summer. Montgomery expressed a couple hundred to enter, editing the the moment she found out she was se- photo to add some flare, completing the lected. “I felt really good, and I had entry form, and writing her artist statereally worked hard on it,” said Mont- ment.
By Sarah Draze
sdraze@borahsenator.com
set up, that sort of thing,” said Rowland. “We are also planning on doing a bake sale, so people to help man the table. Tri-M is a great way for us to volunteer people to help out at those events.” However, if a student does not meet the criteria after induction, they then go on an inactive status until they are allowed back into the group. Many students have found Tri-M to be another step forward in pursuing their musical interests. “I joined TriM because I wanted to volunteer more music stuff,” said senior bassist Christie
-town B s
fort Tree hit
By Grace Gibney
By Ari Anchustegui
aanchustegui@borahsenator.com The eventual arrival of spring is accompanied by Treefort Music Festival, March 21-24. According to the festival’s Twitter page @treefortfest: “Treefort is a multi-venue music festival in downtown Boise featuring national/ regional/ local emerging artists.” This will be the second year. Treefort takes place within various venues
Echols. “I already do that a lot anyways, and this just gives me another opportunity to do it.” Other students joined Tri-M simply because they share a passion for music. “I applied to Tri-M because I really love music,” said junior Kevan Ash. “It’s what I want to do with my life, and it’s one thing I can do to further myself.” Students who applied to Tri-M will receive a letter informing them of their acceptance. The first meeting of Tri-M is today during lunch. The induction ceremony is scheduled for April 7 at 7 p.m.
in downtown Boise. “Last year it was something really new that nobody else knew of,” said junior Baeleigh Hamlin, who volunteered for the festival last year. According to treefortmusicfest. com 13 venues have been chosen. Allages venues will be The Main Stage, The Linen Building, The Crux, and El Korah Shrine. Ages-21-and-up venues include The Neurolux, The Red Room, Pengilly’s Saloon, The Reef, Tom Grainey’s, Grainey’s Basement, Spacebar Arcade and China Blue (who will have two stages, one in the main room and the other in the lounge room). With extended marketing beforehand, the first tier of tickets are sold out. Over 250 artists are booked to play Treefort 2013. Headlining bands performing on the main stage total 18 artists, including Boise’s Youth Lagoon.
One senior, one junior qualify for Poetry Out Loud state competition By Joy Wilson
jwilson@borahsenator.com Two of seven Borah Poetry Out Loud competitors earned a finalist spot with other Idaho finalists in February. Senior Gustavo Sagrero enjoys Poetry Out Loud and has competed for two consecutive years. “I like it because I like poetry and storytelling,” said Sagrero. “You can give your own spin to other’s words.” Sagrero will compete against junior Tyler Lopez and students from 17 other Idaho schools in hopes of earning a place to compete for the national title. English teacher Chuck McHenry, Borah’s Poetry Out Loud adviser eight years running warns that Poetry Out Loud is very specialized. “It sounds really cool, but it daunts some kids. Five dropped off this year alone.”
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Sports
March 12, 2013
Taking state
Senior shines with LAX stick in hand
The boys basketball team finishes season with two championship titles, 25-1 record For the second consecutive year, the Lions won the state and district championships and only suffered one loss the entire season. On March 1, The boys defeated Rocky Mountain in the 5A state championship game, 47-44. Most of the game was within a handful of points, both teams battling to take the lead. At halftime, the score was 21-19 with Borah ahead. The game remained close until the closing minutes, as Rocky Mountain fouled players, allowing Borah to extend its lead and finish with the win. “We came together as a team, saying we need to finish this,” said junior Isaiah Wright. Game leaders include Wright, with 21 points, and senior Joe Nelson, with 10 points and eight rebounds. To qualify for the championship game, Borah had to defeat Madison and Mountain View in the quarterfinals and semifinals. “All three games we played were
tough ones,” said Wright. “We had to fight through all three of them.” Borah also took home the 5A Sportsmanship Award. This award is given to a school that demonstrates exceptional sportsmanship in the state tournament. Borah has won this award for the past three years. “It’s always fun to have the fans out there screaming their heads off,” said senior Zak Studebaker. On Feb. 22, the team defeated Rocky Mountain 33-29 to become the 5A Southern Idaho Conference (SIC) district champions. The game started out tough for the Lions, as Wright sat out part of the first quarter because of an injury. In the second quarter, the Lions intensified its defense, and at halftime led 18-16. Although the lead passed back and forth between the two teams, Borah pulled out the win and became district champions for the second year in a row. Borah held the district tournament this year, giving the boys the homefield advantage. “One of the best parts was being at home, playing at our house,” Studebaker said.
Junior Isaiah Wright goes up for a basket.
The team poses on the court for a picture with its 5A state championship trophy.
By Savannah Harrelson
sharrelson@borahsenator.com
Photo by Jaynee Nielsen | jnielsen@borahsenator.com
Senior Dani Duncan loves to release her energy on the lacrosse field. By Brittany Perry
bperry@borahsenator.com
Photos by Jaynee Nielsen | jnielsen@borahsenator.com
Senior Zak Studebaker stretches toward the basketball hoop.
Whether it is sitting in her English class, or mathematics class, senior Dani Duncan would be more than thrilled to talk about lacrosse with anyone and everyone. The 2013 lacrosse season started Feb. 1. Struggling with the amount of wins last year, the team hopes to improve its record this year. There are 14 players on the lacrosse team, and four of them are seniors. “Most of our players have been playing for a while, so I’m hoping for some wins,” said Duncan. “That would be nice,” she added with a smile. Duncan has been playing lacrosse for five years, four of which have been at Borah. She plans to play for at least one more year at BSU after graduating this year. However, due to lack of time, she is not sure how much longer she will be able to play. “Lacrosse is my passion. I get to release all my anger and energy. It’s everything.” When asked what her inspiration(s) are, she replied, “It’s just something I do. It’s fun!” Lacrosse is a sport that requires one’s full amount of energy 24/7. It is necessary to show up on time, and be ready to go. The team is still accepting players this season. Duncan said the team is looking for “aggressive chicks” not “little ladies.”
Sports
The Borah Senator
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Spring sports ‘try harder to win more games’ By August Mckernan, Brittni Hanrahan
amckernan@borahsenator.com bhanrahan@borahsenator.com
Tennis
With new tennis head coach Traci Binder at the helm, the upcoming season looks to be an interesting one. Potential players donned workout gear for tryouts on Feb. 22. Binder swiveled her head back and forth, examined racquet holds and grips as she said she hopes “to get to know the kids and develop Borah tennis.” Binder has taught for 20 years but this is her first head coach position. Junior Kayla Miskiv, two year varsity tennis player, said “I hope it [the season] goes well.” Both boys and girls varsity and junior varsity teams will have their first match March 18.
Ultimate Frisbee
With Ultimate Frisbee right around the corner, coach Alex LaChance is an-
ticipating “a decent season and hopes to defend the state championship from last season.” This year for tryouts, 25 people showed up which is about the same as last year. This year, Borah will be playing against Bishop Kelly, Mountain View, Eagle, Timberline, Capital, and Centennial. Practices are held on Mondays and Thursdays with games on Tuesdays. Senior Tyler Hobson said, “I am excited for the season. I am wanting to step up into a leadership role this season.” The returning players have been getting together before tryouts Feb. 26, 27, and March 1. The first game was March 4 at the Optimist Fields at 4 p.m. “With all the new people wanting to play this year, it will be hard to establish the newbies with the veterans,” commented senior Kristian Gomez.
Boys Lacrosse
Lacrosse goalie junior Josh Nett said the goal of the team for the upcoming season is “to get as many victories as possible and progress as much as we can.”
To achieve this goal, lacrosse players have been meeting at Jackson Elementary for conditioning since the beginning of February. Nett said they have many new players joining this year, “but we also have some talent, too.” Their first official practice was Feb. 22 and their first game was March 8 against Moscow, Idaho.
Girls Lacrosse
The lacrosse team has been in a whirlwind of activity preparing for the upcoming season. Tryouts were not held since there were not enough girls to form both a varsity and junior varsity team; all girls were automatically placed in varsity. The lacrosse team started under the same circumstances last season. “This year our team will be able to work with each other really well and play off of each other’s abilities really well,” said junior Maggie Maness, lacrosse defensive player. She said their extensive conditioning has set them up for a successful season. Their first home game will be March 13 at Cassia Park versus Rocky Moun-
tain. Lacrosse coach Ohran Schlund wrote, “These groups of girls have formed a strong bond over the past few seasons and are now ready to take their place under the spotlight.”
Softball
After a disappointing last season, both varsity and junior varsity softball players aim towards a brighter future. Sophomore Kiele Newton said junior varsity plans to “try harder to win more games this year” and “bond as a team.” Softball head coach Missy Wheeler said the team’s goal is to make it to districts this year. This is Wheeler’s second year coaching at Borah. She described the varsity team as “young but skilled.” Girls flocked towards the pitching mound Feb. 22 and 23 for tryouts. Their first game was March 8 while Senior Night is April 30.
Varsity baseball concentrates Track team prepares for first meet, on its offense: hitting, pitching athletes strive to reach personal goals By Jaynee Nielsen
jnielsen@borahsenator.com This year’s goal for the varsity baseball team is to compete for an opportunity to go to State. However, there are several teams in the league that will be tough to beat. Juniors Cole Skinner, Lucas Keefe, Miles Bigelow, and Shane Layman are just a few varsity baseball players to watch this season. Layman played little league as a kid and is excited to be able to play more this year than last as a higher classman on varsity. “The pressure of a varsity sport,” said Layman is a challenge in and of itself. Games will alternate on Thursdays and Fridays; they will also alternate home and away. The next games are are against Rocky Mountain March 14 and 15.
March 14 Borah plays at Rocky Mountain, and the game starts at 5 p.m. On March 15 Borah plays a home game at Wigle Field, which begins at 5 p.m. The team will also have a tournament during Spring break, the Bag Bucks Tournament, on March 28, 29 and 30. Coach Wes McAllaster said the team is concentrating on being consistent with its offense, pitching and hitting. Also the team is working on avoiding errors, such as batting inconsistencies throughout the game and the season. Senior Austin Burgess plays varsity baseball and varsity basketball which causes him to have a late start to baseball. He has to juggle his schedule to play both basketball and baseball, especially during the first two weeks. “Knowing it is a game and getting to play against someone else (who is not your teammate),” Burgess said is the highlight of a baseball game.
By Sara Rostron
srostron@borahsenator.com Track season started Feb. 22 and will run until mid-May. Despite the loss of many talented seniors, the team is optimistic for the season and its first meet on Friday. Jeremy Dovel is both a math teacher and the track coach. He explained that there are typically 100-120 people that join each year. Their practices run Monday through Friday, 3:15-5 p.m., and an optional Saturday practice. “We have some pretty impressive sprinters this year. [In addition] we will be able to get points in field events,” Dovel explained. “We won’t just have one strong relay; we’ll have alternating teams each week.” Sam Powell, junior, is looking forward to meeting personal goals and bonding with the team this season.
“I am excited to run the races. It’s always fun to push myself,” said Powell. “I would really like to qualify for state in one of my events.” His best events are the one- and twomile race. He plans to attain his goals by having determination to be the best he can be. Senior Keltie Vance is going into the season with a good attitude. After a severe concussion right before state, she said that it has been hard to get her confidence back. “I want to get back into it not being scared. After the concussion I couldn’t even count to three,” she remarked. “I want to get back where I was before.” Her goals are to win state and clear 12 feet pole vaulting. Junior James (Jimmy) Lee has one simple goal, and that’s just to get better. “Dovel is a good coach because he just wants everyone to do their best.”
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Trends
March 12, 2013
Students fulfill internships for experience Several Borah students hold applicable internships to learn more about their potential jobs, careers By Sara Rostron
srostron@borahsenator.com High school students are finding ways to stand out by obtaining internships that look great on resumes and pave the way to opportunities for jobs both in and out of college. A few students involved are seniors Riley Woods, Dani Duncan, and Sheridan Day. Woods has had the opportunity to work with the Idaho Stampede. This is a never before feat for a high school student; Woods works with all college students. He knew that it was a long shot to get the internship because no high schooler has ever done it before, but that didn’t stop him from trying. “I contacted the marketing director of the Stampede. It wasn’t advertised, but I got an interview,” he said. “The thing that sold them was my resume and I dressed as best as I could. I wasn’t paralyzed with fear, I just gave them everything I got.” He works in two realms: the game floor and game operations, which is mainly office work. When he works on the floor, he makes sure that the game is going the way it’s supposed to. In game operations, he works sales and learns marketing. He said he would recommend intern-
ships to other students because they’re a good opportunity. “It is accessible, if it fits with something you want to do.” He continued, “Especially if they’re interested in businesses. It is very hands on, there are lots of opportunities both for college and job-wise.” Woods will apprentice at the Idaho Stampede until June. He is looking at a few colleges: University of Oregon, Gonzaga, and Seattle University. He plans to major in business and enter the world of sports. He wants to work with college athletics, network himself with lots of people, and then “just get out there.” Duncan has an internship through Whitney Elementary. She took Child Development last year and was a good candidate for the position. She goes to the school 3rd and 4th period where she helps run a literacy group, tutor children on handwriting and reading, and assists the main teacher with large group activities. “I suggest to do this, it’s great. Two hours feels like 10 college credits, and I get to do what I want to do for the rest of my life.” Duncan wants to attend Boise State University and major in elementary education with an emphasis on literacy and reading.
Photo by Alexia Neal | aneal@borahsenator.com
Seniors Sheridan Day, Dani Duncan, and Riley Woods share their intern stories. “It doesn’t matter what school you go to for teaching,” she said. “It matters who you are.” She is passionate about reading because of the experiences she has had at Whitney. Day interns at Morley Nelson. After taking Child Development and Teaching Professions, she signed up for the internship. She is not paid but does receive three college credits. “I love getting experience,” she said.
”I now know that I want to work with kids.” Her wish for the future is to attend the University of Idaho and get a degree in Early Childhood Development and Education. Ultimately, internships are for people that are willing to dedicate a lot of time and hard work without monetary compensation. Most places do not pay their interns, but make the participants rich in opportunity.
Student traditions resonate with St. Patrick’s Day By Taylor McNitt
“I have a lot of Irish ties, so I will call and talk to my aunts and uncles, grandmas and grandpas in Ireland. Then we will make green eggs and ham with some hot tea.” - Tyler Gagnon, junior
tmcnitt@borahsenator.com St. Patty’s Day is celebrated in many different ways. From having a meal of corned beef and cabbage, to dressing in green or building leprechaun traps. Here are some traditions Borah students and faculty said they partake in: “My family has Irish roots, but our American St. Patty’s Day involves a meal of corned beef and cabbage, a green wardrobe, and lots of fake accents.” - Ellen Young, junior
“My second grade son builds a leprechaun trap. While he is in another room, I turn everything upside down and mess up things close to the trap. I always leave a prize and some gold wrapped chocolate.” - Kate Thompson, teacher
The Borah Senator
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Fun & Games
March 12, 2013
Horoscopes Aries March 21-April 19 You’re a leader. Let someone else take the lead and maybe they’ll help you find that four leaf clover you’ve been looking for. Taurus April 20-May 20 You aren’t one to let other peoples opinions effect yours, it might be time to get that stubborn leprechaun off your sholder. Gemini May 21-June 20 You’re very talented, but don’t let it go to your head. Seek to find that magic in your life to help you understand that you have much to learn. Cancer June 21-July 22 You’re very dependent on those around you. Break down the walls and find your own pot of gold. Many riches await you. Leo: July 23-August 22 You are very self-sufficient. Keep your head up and you’ll realize you have more than just luck. Virgo: August 23-September 22 You’re very helpful. Yet, you need to realize that not everyone has your best intentions in mind. Watch out for the leprechauns in your life.
Libra: September 23- October 22 You’re not one to address a conflict. You’re cautious in many aspects. Break out of this and don’t let others trample over your bagpipes. Scorpio: October 23-November 21 You’re very observant, and not one to get involved until you know a lot of facts. Don’t be afraid to jump in and grab your lucky charm! Sagittarius: November 22-December 21 You’re a very sociable person. Yet, don’t depend on others for your happiness; you must create your own enchantment! Capricorn: December 22- January 19 You’re a go-getter, but don’t go too far; follow your own rainbow and you’ll find the gold in your life. Aquarius: January 20- February 18 You have a tendency to be rebellious and witty. You can go head to head with a small, green mischievous sprite, but he’ll most likely win. Pisces : February 19- March 20 You are very imaginative and accepting of others. Keep your imagination flowing like the colors from the rainbow within.
Directions: Each row, column and block must have numbers from 1 to 9 in them. No number can appear more than once in any row, column, or block.