The
In the Pride since 1958
Borah Senator Borah High School
Volume 50 Issue VII May 19, 2010 6001 Cassia St. Boise, ID 83709 Borahtoday.com
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Letters to the Editor
The Borah Senator May 19, 2010
Teacher shares opinion on national pride, Borah spirit
Dear Editor, I would like to take this opportunity to comment on your article on the Pledge of Allegiance and to express my pride in the Borah student body. The old saying that “the road to hell is paved with good intentions” is certainly applicable to the law that dictates the Pledge be said everyday in the Idaho public schools. It had been my observation that this practice, however well intended, has had the opposite effect that was its intent at inception. Patriotism cannot be achieved through the constant recital of words without the addition of deeds. False patriotism is a dangerous thing and the most dangerous citizen is one that warps him/herself in the symbol of this great nation and declares “My nation, right or wrong.” Patriotism comes from the heart and an understanding of what this nation represents. One of the most powerful statements to come out of the 2001 terrorist attacks on our nation was made by a lady from India when she simply spoke that “there is only one America.” These words spoke volumes about what this nation has to offer the world. Until the citizens, young and old, understand that responsibility misguided laws will only serve to make that understanding more difficult. Repetition dulls the mind and creates a block to understanding
Senator Staff Editor-in-Chief: Ayla Washam Associate Editor: Megan Mizuta Page Editors: Letters to the Editor: Katie Corp Index: Ayla Washam News: Katie Helm, Samantha Whittaker Opinion: Megan Mizuta Center Spread: Megan Harrigfeld Life: Sam Nelson Arts and Entertainment: Felicia Arnold Q&A: Kari Schuhknecht People: Ashley Rice Sports: Parker Simmons Fun & Games: Mike Bingham Photo Editor: Katie Corp Assistant Photo Editor: Katie Helm Staff Photographer: Kristin Bracewell, Megan Mizuta, Ashley Rice Graphic Artists: Christine Lawson, Nick Parenti Staff Writers: Tyler Albretsen, Zulfiya Amrulayeva, Wendy Aquino, Matt Bergman, Brandie Cichy, Ali Clapier, Ryan Doyle, Maricia Gaddis, Kristina Hudson, Jamie Jones, Justin Kirkham, Mersaydeze LeDesky, Becca Leija, Samantha Miller, Shane Norman Cox, Carlee Parsley, Nicole Schoenberger, Zach Thomas, Erika Vaudrin, Kayla Yack Text Editor: Megan Mizuta Website Editor: Megan Harrigfeld Advertising Manager: Kari Schuhknecht Assistant Ad Manager: Kristin Bracewell Adviser: Michelle Harmon
that which is most easily learned through experience, experience that people at the high school level have limited opportunities to gain. Unless one has seen the world, it is difficult to appreciate what we have and how important it is to work at maintaining our rights and privileges. It has been sad for me to watch the sophomores (with which I have the opportunity to work) dwindle in their participation in this required act. The enthusiasm is gone and I fear it has been replaced by an attitude of complacency. Hopefully an enthusiasm for love of country will return. Before I am accused of being anti-American I want to remind the readers that I spent 25 years of my life protecting and defending the Constitution of this great nation and I still get goose bumps when I see “Old Glory” waving in the breeze. I choke up when I hear the National Anthem and while I may not agree with everything that is said about this nation I will, and have, defended the speakers’ right to speak. I will be buried in the Idaho National Cemetery with full military honors and will go with pride in my duties and my country. O.K. now for the positive stuff. I was so proud of the student body and the variety of those selected to receive Senator’s Choice recognition that my buttons almost popped. A couple of years past a del-
egation from our sister school in Shanghai visited Borah. One of the delegation remarked, “This is a special place.” She was right on, this is a special place and it is students and staff that make it special. How privileged we are to have such a diverse group of young men and women as students. How fortunate they are to have this experience that readies them for the world that awaits them. Leadership, as shown at the Senator’s Choice, comes from throughout the student body with an equal distribution among all students. You are to be congratulated on the level of acceptance you have shown. This is not a part of the curriculum, yet you have assimilated it as a natural thing to do. This ability will serve you well in your adult life. I sleep well at night knowing the future is in such good hands. What can I say about the staff at Borah other than thanks for your help in making this a special place? Leadership by example is a trait that runs through the adults that are a part of this great school. How I will miss you all.
History Teacher Harold R. Brizee Colonel, U.S. Army (Ret) -Letter recieved April 26, 2010
Admin has William E. Borah Scholars math problem
Dear Editor, It’s very obvious to me, now, that our administration is incapable of doing basic arithmetic. It had been said that less than one-half of 1 percent of graduating seniors will qualify as a William E. Borah Scholar. This year, there are 11 W. E. B. Scholars. Hmm… Let’s do some basic math here. If 11 seniors are .5 percent of my graduating class, then the class of 2010 would have 2,200 students. That’s more than currently attend Borah! My senior class has about 450 students this year.
According to the administration’s numbers, only two students would be W.E.B. Scholar, but it is nearly five times more. What kind of school is this if our administration can’t even do simple math? Congratulations to this year’s 11 W.E.B. Scholars, but it’s pretty clear to me that our administration would not qualify to be a W.E.B. Scholar. Senior Alex Peters -Letter recieved May 12, 2010
Senator’s Mission Statement The Senator’s duty is to inform and entertain students and faculty in an accurate and timely fashion. The paper covers events and information that affects the student body. The Senator is a non-profit organization. The Senator is published monthly by Borah High School, 6001 Cassia St., Boise, Idaho 83709. Phone 1-208-854-4370 ext. 142. Circulation 1700. The Senator is printed by Idaho Press Tribune. The Senator maintains membership in the National Quill and Scroll Society and the Journalism Education Association. Additional rates are available upon request. All signed commentaries that appear in The Senator are strictly the opinion of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the general opinion of the Senator staff. The Borah Senator received the 2008 George H. Gallup award from Quill and Scroll, the International Honorary Society for High School Journalists. The Quill and Scroll was founded by Dr. Gallup in 1926.
The Borah Senator May 19, 2010
What’s Inside? Team Tators placed 16 of 343 teams in a worldwide robotics competition. Page 4
Index
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Letters to the Editor…….........................................................…………….2 News..…………….......….............................….........................................................…...4&5 Opinion……….…………....................................................................................………6&7 Spread......................................................................................................................8&9 Life………......………...................................…………...........................................................10 Arts &Entertainment………….......……................................................................……...11 Question of the Month..........................…………..................................................…..12 People…………......….....................….......………………..................................................…13 Sports……….....……..........................……..................................................……….14&15 Fun & Games...........................................……...................................................……..16
On the cover: Artist bio By Samantha Whittaker
“I wouldn’t consider myself an artist,” said sophomore Ryan Doyle. “It’s just something I do that turns out pretty cool.” Thanks to her uncle, she has held an interest in art from a young age, but she has chosen to keep it as a hobby inPhoto by Katie Helm stead of taking art class- Sophomore Ryan Doyle proves to be a well-rounded es. student. Along with creating her art, she plays junior Although it was origi- varsity lacrosse and plays in Borah’s jazz band. nally a gift for a friend, the inspiration for the yond “the style of art.” cover piece came while Other than art for enjoyment, Doyle was “just messing around.” “I don’t have a set plan when I Doyle also completes visual projects. sit down to draw it just becomes what Past projects include paintings and a it wants to,” Doyle said. The origi- mural in Sun Valley. Despite being undecided about her nal black pen drawing took hours to complete, and, like most of Doyle’s future, Doyle said she will continue to keep her eyes open for opportunities work, has two sides. Right side up faces and a stairway in art. “It’s something I do for enjoycan bee seen, but, turn it upside down ment, but, if I make some money on and the stairway becomes part of the the side, that’s cool.” Doyle’s laid-back approach to life sky while the faces become grass in which a woman is standing. Doyle is reflected in her art and may be the started with a face and built around edge she needs. The world is proving it, never envisioning a meaning be- to be this artist’s canvas.
News
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The Borah Senator May 19, 2010
LGBTQ presentation
Debate coach debateable
Safe language addressed
By Samantha Whittaker
According to a survey by the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network, 60.8 percent of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and questioning/queer (LGBTQ) youth feel unsafe at school because of sexual orientation. About 74 percent of LGBTQ youth report hearing homophobic remarks frequently or often. Because of the frequency of, such terms as, “that’s so gay,” several Borah teachers requested a presentation on how to utilize safe language. Representatives from The Idaho Human Rights Association and the Idaho Safe
Schools Coalition spoke in The Little Theater April 19. Students received a packet that included a matching activity designed to test individuals’ knowledge of LGBTQ terminology, such as gender, gender expression, and gender identity. The audience members were given a chance to check their answers before beginning something called Queer 101, an exercise that illustrates how to create a comfortable language for everyone involved. The presenters explained that every person has a biological gender and a gender identity, the gender they were born with and the gender
they feel they are. Most of the time, these are the same, but, when they aren’t, that should be respected as well. “It’s important not to make assumptions about how people identify themselves,” said Amy Hezfeld, IHRA Executive Director. This means that if someone fits a certain stereotype for LGBTQ or even straight, one should not make assumptions. Inclusive language is important, she added, as even saying something like “Who is your wife?” to a man can be offensive. On the same note, if someone is known to be a part of the LGBTQ community, it is
important not to “out” them. Coming out, or sharing one’s sexual orientation, is a very personal process and should not be treated lightly. However, there are also struggles that come with accepting the LGBTQ community, such as overcoming stereotypes one has been taught by society or perhaps even overcoming fears within oneself. Self-reflection is key regardless of sexual orientation. The LGBT community also goes through struggles on an individual and societal level, said the presenters, who also emphasized that one must accept oneself for who one is as well as hope that others do too.
Government teacher Ron Freeman won’t be coaching debate next year. Social studies teacher Andy Woodbridge had thoughts of taking over, but has changed his mind, Freeman said. Freeman’s replacement has yet to be decided. If he continued with debate, Freeman said he wouldn’t have time to take care of his wife, who has multiple sclerosis. “There is so much connected to [debate],” Freeman said. Freeman has had a part in controlling decisions dealing with debate like eligibility and rules. Freeman was disheartened by the fact that he is “giving up impact on activities.” Freeman started coaching debate at Bishop Kelly High School in 1992; he came to Borah in 2001. He has a total of 19 debate seasons under his belt.
Tators place 16 in international comp
“It’s nerve racking ...It teaches you to work hard and be on time.” -- senior, Jordan Rivers
By Samantha Whittaker
Photo courtesy of Kristi Rivers
From an aerial perspective, Team Tators’ drive team, which is the four students who controlled the operation of the “bot” while in competition, compete in the World Championships in Atlanta, according to Kristi Rivers, the mother of senior Jordan Rivers.
“It’s just a lot of fun. It’s an experience well worth it,” said senior Jordan Rivers. He’s talking about robotics. Rivers was part of a world championship team, Team Tators, that has been competing for four years and traveled to Atlanta, April 17 -19. Of the 19,100 teams worldwide, 343 competed in Atlanta on a field the size of a tennis court. A match consists of each team’s robot trying to get a ball into their own goal to score points. For the first 15 seconds, teams are not al-
lowed to touch their robot’s controls. With the help of a ball sensor on the front of its robot, Team Tators had seven balls in the goal in 15 seconds. In between matches, teams have approximately 30 minutes. “It’s nerve racking because if you have a problem you are trying to condense a two-hour inspection down to 30 minutes,” he said. Other than the matches, teams worked with mentors from Micron and HP. “It teaches you to work hard and be on time.” Team Tators placed 16.. Rivers received one of five $20,000 robotics scholarships
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the borah senator may 19, 2010
News
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Teacher receives grant, hopes to help department
By Felicia Arnold
A $15,000 grant was awarded to biology teacher Kris Ablin-Stone to conduct research on molecular biology with BSU researcher Kristen Mitchell for the next two summers. “I’m excited to work with Kristen. I’ve heard that she’s a good teacher and I’m glad that she can explain things, plus she is very bright,” said
Ablin-Stone. The grant is from The M.J. Murdock Foundation, which funds science projects in high schools. One piece of scientific research equipment is funded yearly. Murdock bequeathed money for scientific research and was the founding director. “I was interested in the grant to do research in molecular biology, which I don’t
Think before you drink By Kristin Bracewell
The traditional Senior Skip Day came and went this year at local high schools, but not without incident or the usual suspect--alcohol. School Resource Officer Steve Kincheloe said “I think (alcohol) is harmful and it’s dangerous.” Social Worker Becky Woodland agreed. “Teen drinking is a risky behavior.” She said alcohol-related events usually end in bad behavior. Security Officer Archie Wight said he believes alcohol use increases at different events. “I think that (usage increases) when holidays and school functions occur. Any event that is a social event.” Kincheloe explained how little a problem alcohol is at school, but Senior Skip Day takes place outside of school and without permission of school officials; it’s a student tradition. “Teen drinking, where it is the most harmful, where it causes the most trouble, is outside of school,” he said. Woodland said the prob-
lems she sees most with teenage drinking is that when one becomes addicted. Kincheloe agreed; “When you are younger, it is much easier to get hooked.” Teenage brains are not fully developed and have a stronger tendency of addiction from ages 16-24, Kincheloe added. Wright’s biggest problem with alcohol is when students drive drunk. “Usually you see the alcohol mixed with driving which compounds the issue. Rock climbing is safer than getting into an automobile behind the driver’s seat drunk.” “Look at the big picture. Not at what the harm it can cause you then, but how it can affect you and your family later,” Kincheloe warned. “Find an alternative to alcohol,” Wright said. He wanted students to seek something adventurous that is not harmful. Woodland explained how alcohol affects teens. “Long term ramifications and not fulfilling goals. [Drinking] is a universal problem Every choice has a consequence. Be safe and think first.”
have much information on,” said Ablin-Stone. If all goes as planned, Ablin-Stone claims that this should help the science department by adding more molecular biology into the curriculum and give students a better educational opportunity. “I think this will affect my teaching because there’s so much more molecular biology; instead of just talking
about it, we could actually show it,” said Ablin-Stone. Not knowing how her research will turn out, Ablin-Stone will be attending two national Partners in Science seminars conferences, at which she will share her and Mitchell’s research results. “I think this will bring opportunity to the science classrooms if I can bring (molecular biology) back to the classroom,” said Ablin-Stone.
Photo by Katie Helm
Biology teacher Kris Ablin-Stone received a $15,000 grant to research molecular biology.
Key Club advisor’s torch makes its way to the hands of Special Education Assistant By Kristin Bracewell
History teacher Jayne Davis has been the Key Club advisor for six years, but recently she pronounced that she is relinquishing her position to Special Education Assistant, Kylie Christensen. Davis said she is stepping down because the advisory job is too time consuming. “Kylie is going to do a fantastic job,” said Davis. “It was kind of one of those situations where I was recommended,” Christensen
explained. She accepted the recommendations and received the position. “I want to feel connected not only to possible students but people who want to be involved,” Christensen said. “I would like to really reach the students in a way that they want to get involved. [Key Club] is for everybody.” For next year, Christensen is considering a rush recruitment to persuade students to join. She said she will try to make events known so students can join at any time. “No
pressure,” she explained with a smile. “Right now, I am just kind of soaking it all in,” she said, adding, “honestly I am really excited.” “It’s the greatest thing since canned beer,” history teacher Harold Brizee said, giving his opinion on the new Key Club advisor, his student teacher from last year. “Her personality is very happy, very bubbly, very positive. She’s energetic and she works extremely well with people of different generations.”
Early Childhood Center, will start at 9:15 a.m. and end at 3:45 p.m. The time difference will enable busses to run both high school and elementary routes. Junior Roy Barrera, whose younger brother attends Hillcrest, wasn’t quite sure what to make of the later start time, but said that he was in favor of the change if it “works better for the bus drivers.” The BSD board voted to approve the change on May
10. This change will save the BSD approximately $400,000 to $500,000. BSD students can also expect a longer Thanksgiving break for the 2010-2011 school year thanks to budget cuts. The usually two-day vacation has been extended by three days into a weeklong holiday, with students and teachers out of school Nov. 22-26. Employee’s annual compensation will be accordingly reduced by three days.
Bus schedule, school days adjusted
By Megan Miztua
In light of the nearly $10.4 million reduction the Boise School District (BSD) sustained for the upcoming 2010-2011 school year, the BSD has looked to transportation costs to trim a portion of its budget. Starting next year, nine BSD elementary schools- Amity, Hawthorne, Hillcrest, Lowell, Morley Nelson, Shadow Hills, and Riverside--along with Madison
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OPINION
The Borah Senator May 19, 2010
one for the team Senator Take Gender descrimination controversy, losing streak, forfeighted Staff games culminate in player resignations from lacrosse team Opinion Staff Editorial
Opinion is taken from an anonymous survey of Senator Staff members.
Solicitor General Elena Kagan is nominated for a place on the Supreme Court. Iron Man 2 outearns the latest version of Robin Hood at the box office. Philadelphia police taser a teenage fan who rushed the field during a Phillies-Cardinals baseball game. The first permanent YMCA camp built west of the Mississippi in more than 60 years is set to open in Horsetheif, Idaho this June. The eighth annual Boise Bike Week encourages the community to break out their bicycles as a method of alternative transportation.
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In this day and age, women and men are deemed to have equal rights. Each can hold jobs of similar skills, accomplish similar activities, and speak freely. A recent sports debacle at Borah has challenged this assumption. Sophomore Sara Maras moved over to the boys lacrosse team because the boys rules allows stick contact while the girls rules do not. She sent a letter to the league asking if she could play, and, while she was waiting for its response, the boys team allowed her to practice with them. However, when the league later decided it wouldn’t allow her to participate on the boys team, some of the members didn’t want to kick her off, including the coach, so they allowed her to keep playing with them, and, as a team, agreed to suffer the consequences together. The league offered a refund of the $200 season fee, and some took this option to leave the team. This created a major hole in the team. Junior Korey Gambill, still a member, said, “My opinion is that everyone that quit didn’t quit because of the Sara issue, but because (the league) offered the
refund.” Gambill also said he believes the team’s losing streak has something to do with the “quitters’ reasoning.” One of the recent members of the lacrosse team that decided to take the refund is junior Cody Vaughan. “My main reason for leaving is because I felt like the team lost faith in the coach
Maras’ playing for the boys team has been controversial because its status has been demoted from varsity to junior varsity, meaning it only plays junior varsity games. “We get to play against some of the JV so a couple of the members are happy about that (because of the losing streak),” Gambill said. Vaughan seems a little more upset over the issue. “My plan was for it to be our year and my goal was to build the team. We worked really hard . . . and we lost our varsity team completely.” Gambill is very happy Maras is on the team and is incredibly proud she hasn’t quit. “I have supported Sara the whole time. I like having her on the team and I don’t mind the status it puts the team in. The only thing I don’t like is people leaving.” Vaughan said he doesn’t have anything against Maras, but that she should have sacrificed for the team when the league reduced the team’s status. “Toward the end, she needed to realize just because she can’t play doesn’t mean other members can’t.” Vaughan still wants the best for the team, even though he is no longer a member. “I think that anybody who wants to play lacrosse should. Don’t let other people’s opinions sway by Katie Helm you from it.”
“We worked really hard . . . and we lost our varsity team completely.” -- junior, Cody Vaughn and the coach lost faith in the team. I don’t care about the refund.” Gambill said he believes the remaining team members have actually become closer as a team. “I feel like some people have bonded because of [Sara].”
Photo
The boy’s lacrosse team lost to Rocky Mountain in its May 13 match up.
The Borah Senator May 19, 2010
OPINION
Pro: Legal Ritalin for non-medicinal use would make pill poppers face consquences
By Mike Bingham
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o apparently, more and more college students have been using Ritalin as a study aid to help them concentrate while they work. As is common when drugs are involved, this has caused a notable controversy. Ritalin is most often used to treat hyperactivity and anxiety, common symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This makes it an ideal medicine for dealing with the long, stressful hours of studying required in college. The main problem appears to be that taking Ritalin without a prescrip-
tion is, more or less, illegal, and it tends to make police and other law officials uneasy. Heads turn, people shout, and someone is inevitably hauled kicking and screaming off to jail. But couldn’t this confusion be easily avoided if we simply made unprescribed Ritalin legal? The irony is that the government has been using Ritalin and similar stimulants in the military for years. The drugs are meant to help soldiers stay focused during long missions. While it’s ludicrous to compare the importance flying nighttime surveillance runs to that of writing a college thesis, they can both lead to massive amounts of stress that make concentration nigh im-
possible. If the military is confident enough to use Ritalin on the people responsible for our country’s defense, then why can’t students use it to facilitate their performance in school? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has everything users could ever need to know about Ritalin in a convenient little document on their website. Side effects are listed as headaches, loss of appetite, nausea, and dizziness, with seizures and blurred vision in more serious cases. Unpleasant, sure, but shouldn’t it be up to the person taking the drug to decide whether it’s worth it for the added concentration? Ritalin is a federally con-
trolled substance because it can be abused and potentially become addictive. That brings up the question, though, of why tobacco, alcohol, or even caffine, all of which have the same or even greater potential for addiction, aren’t similarly controlled. The facts are easy enough to find: it took me a mere two clicks to find the FDA’s Ritalin document-- and once users understand the risks, it ought to be left to the individual to determine whether to take the drug. It’s not that there aren’t risks involved in using self-prescribed Ritalin. Certainly, people have and will wind up hurting themselves for the sake of their grades. In the end, though, it
boils down to whether to punish them further for hurting themselves. When people take Ritalin now, they’re officially breaking the law, which causes no small amount of unnecessary legal action. If Ritalin were legal, however, then those who decide to use it have to be responsible for their own actions and consequences. The best way to defend people from wrong choices is to let them learn for themselves what they can and can’t handle. As long as using mind-enhancing drugs doesn’t infringe upon the rights of others, the law ought to allow people to make their own choices about what they choose to ingest.
on by several news sites and college newspapers, including The Bowdoin Orient, a weekly news blog by Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine. But, no matter how many students are taking them, the use of these medications is, more or less, cheating. Using coffee, maybe, but using prescription drugs intended to help people, especially children, overcome such disabilities as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is catapulting oneself to a higher level than other test-takers, creating an unfair advantage no different, let’s say, than an athlete who take steroids. Not only that, but taking drugs that are prescribed to someone else is potentially dangerous, especially if the one not prescribed to use the
doctor-recommended pill has high blood pressure, a family history of heart failure, severe anxiety, or even something as simple as fructose intolerance, according to Drugs.com. Those taking Ritalin for testsare unlikely to know these dangers. If users can’t find the time to study or sleep before a test, they probably don’t make the effort to look up warnings for prescription pills they are misusing. Ritalin is one example of a drug used by students, to heighten focus and stimulate the mind with effects much like cocaine. However, just because cocaine is illegal and Ritalin is not does not make it okay to casually pop a Ritalin pill. A great number of drug alternatives are perfectly le-
gal and seemingly innocent, but still quite harmful when creatively ingested for recreational purposes. After all, an alarming number of teens make news headlines whenever they find something new and interesting to sniff, swallow, and get high with. But the government can’t illegalize an entire product simply because it’s being abused by some. Your dear grandmother shouldn’t have to give up her cough medicine just because the young whippersnapper down the street is lying outside with an empty bottle of it in his hot little hands. Ritalin is getting a bad name, similar to the declining reputations of cough syrup, window cleaner, glue, and other potentially dangerous
household substances. A great number of people need Ritalin, including those with ADD and narcolepsy, an uncontrollable desire to sleep. It wouldn’t be fair to individuals withsuch disorders if the drug was illegalized merely because some individuals swallowed the stimulant to overcome their fatigue or lack of focus to take a test or finish a class assignment. Rather than turning to drugs to pass a test, why not prepare for the responsiblilty like honest students do? Studying and getting the right amount of sleep (even if the two sometimes don’t go handin-hand) work wonders on tests, and they’re certainly a safer option than gulping down someones else’s perscription.
Con: Misuse of prescription drugs gives unfair advantage to users in the classroom By Samantha Nelson
C
ool, calm, and collected, you sit down in class on a test day, completely confident in your ability to pass this inevitable exam. But the instant the paper is slapped down onto the desk, your once-filled mind goes blank. The words on the page seem garbled, and the teacher sounds like someone speaking in tongues. But this does not alarm you. You know exactly what to do. You reach into your pocket and pull out your handy-dandy . . . Ritalin tablet? The use of prescription drugs by students has become a trend in schools across the nation, and has been touched
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Volume 48 Issue II NOVEMBER 12, 2007
Financial Heaven is just a few steps away By Megan Harrigfeld
The first 18 years of life for most Americans is surrounded by fiscal security. Parents want the best for their children, but somehow sports games, piano recitals and the dreaded sixteenth birthday when it’s time to shovel out money for that new (used) car take priority over parents’ teaching of money management. Many students head off to college with no idea how to manage their money. Here are some helpful tips for taking your first step on to that campus ground. And don’t worry; you can have these for free... •If you want to head off to the great unknown with some shopping endeavors in the future, it’s recommended that there is some money weighing down that wallet. If not, I suggest constructing a time machine and going back in history to get a part time job. If that seems too scientifically complex for you, it’s time to apply for a summer job! •There are things that you will need to buy your-
self now that mommy isn’t there to tie your shoes. Buy used textbooks. Be active, a healthy body takes less money to maintain than one supplied with a nightly visit to McDonalds. Also, eliminate vices. Beer, cigarettes, and drugs are expensive...and so is bail. •Learn the art of the cheap date. Meeting new and interesting people is fun, but taking them out to the Ritz-Carlton could put a damper on the pursestrings. Utilize Mother Nature; go out to coffee as a first date, and look in the local newspaper for inexpensive places to eat. •Propaganda from banks may try to sway your spending in the wrong direction. Don’t join the first bank shooting goodies out of a t-shirt gun or the one with the most variety of promotional pens; try joining a credit union, a financial institution like a bank but is controlled by its members, which means you are part owner in its enterprise. Also, since they are not-for-profit, interest rates tend to be lower. •College is going to bring a great deal of oppor-
tunity, as well as a great deal of credit card offerings, but try not to give into the temptation unless you absolutely need one. Having a credit card seems great in theory, but credit card companies take college students for suckers, and think students will be irresponsible with their Visas, which leads to high interest rates. •A very important part of your new pecuniary life will be organization as well as planning. Plan a budget at the beginning of every month, and track your spending by keeping your receipts and recording them in a notebook. You MUST be able to compare them with bank statements at the end of the month. •One last tip--make good choices; have mother’s voice in the back of your mind at all times. Go to classes, because chances are you are spending thousands of dollars for them. Everyone skips every now and then, but don’t make a habit out of it. Also, don’t buy on impulse. But remember, while you’re at college, have fun! You only have four more years until you take your degree, and use it in the real world.
More bang for the buck, activities for summer Photos by Katie Corp
Anything from art to athletics can be done at Fort Boise Community Center. Studios including ceramics, painting and photography as well as basketball and volleyball courts are open to the public in the summer on weekdays only. There is priority time given to youth from 2 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., which is free with student ID, 50 cents without.
Walk, run, bike or skate your way along the 10 miles of luscious trail along the Boise River. The Greenbelt is always open and free for anyone who wishes to spend a summer day with nature.
Camping with friends and family is a great way to spend summer days. The cheapest option is to camp in the back yard, or pack the car and take a quick drive up the foothills. Camping is free in some parts of the mountains, or renting a campsite is available for a small fee of about $15, which guarantees a nearby restroom and drinking water.
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Why not enjoy a hot summer day cooling off on the river? The opportunities are endless; soak your feet after a game of volleyball at an Ann Morrison Memorial Park sand pit or enter a raft at Barber Park and enjoy the six-mile river ride. Raft/kayak rentals are $15-$55, or a cheap one can be purchased at most department stores. Don’t worry about arranging two cars when floating the Boise River. Shuttles run regularly from Ann Morrison to Barber Park and back; it is $3 for a one-way trip.
For animal lovers: Zoo Boise is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. everyday. Admission is $6.50 for adults, or half off on a Thursdays. Animals are sleepy in hot weather, so arrive early to get the most out of the zoo experience. Don’t forget a camera! Also, the paddle boats are next door, available for rent by the half-hour or hour, $8 and $12 respectively.
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Volume 50 Issue vii May 19, 2010 9
Everything you wanted to know about student loans but were afraid (or didn’t know) to ask... By Sam Nelson
From tuition to textbooks, every student knows that college is going to be pricey. But are student loans really the way to go? Student loans contain land mines that the average student might overlook when applying for a loan. Unclear terms and conditions in loan documents are not uncommon. Parents and students are likely to overlook vague terms and conditions of service. Student loans have been a subject of political debate for years. The Democratic party often sees the act of lending students money as simply a way for lenders to take advantage of them. In 2009, Pres. Barack Obama proposed legislation that would substitute the current bank-based program with a new, direct program that would allocate $36 billion to Pell Grants for 10 years. Pell Grants are sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education and are meant to help students who qualify as low-income families; Pell Grants do not require repayment. A student must demonstrate financial need to receive a Pell Grant. This includes the student’s income, the parents’ income, and the household’s size. Students receive funding once per semester, or twice every academic year, to pay for tuition, textbooks, and housing. For individuals who don’t meet the requirements of a Pell Grant, special attention must be paid when
Photo by Ashley Rice
Some students must opt for students loans if they wish to further their education to college. But after college, $160,000 worth of loans might not be worth it.
applying for student loans. As StudentLoansTruth. org indicates, interest rates for student loans are low, but interest still builds up as the student is attending school. Some monthly payments can even be equivalent to half of take-home income or more. If one were to file bankruptcy, student debt may not be lessened in the same way that mortgages and credit card balances are sometimes treated. In addition, lenders are often unyielding when it comes to unfortunate life events that may or may not occur in the student’s life, such as a disability that keeps the student from working. Student loans are intended to be paid off once the student is no longer in school, but the truth is, sometimes they take a great deal of the remainder of the individual’s life to be re-
Money
Rake in assistance, be a tall duck caller!
By Megan Harrigfeld
In this economic climate, students are finding it harder and harder to find ways to afford a college education. But don’t fret, it’s also easier and easier to search for made-to-order scholarships based on some rather unique qualifications. Scholarships.com is one website that lists scholarship offerings. A survey on the site helps match qualified students to niche scholarships by matching answers to questions that include but are not limited to whether one has allergies or a relative with Alzheimer’s, to prospective career interests, enjoyment of billiards, duck calling, and an interest in papermaking. “If you’re 6’3” and above, you can get a $5,000 scholarship,” said sophomore Brock Holubetz. Another scholarship offered to people above the height of 6’2” is the Tall Clubs International Scholarship, offering a $1,000 scholarship to a participant who writes a simple essay entitled “What it Means to be Tall.” Milk can be good to the student body, and wallet, with the Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year award, which awards a scholarship to the students who excel in academics and athletics, as well as leadership and community service, while sporting a milk mustache. Juniors Ashley Rice and Cameron LaTulippe said they plan to attend next year’s prom with outfits made of duct tape in an attempt to win one of the 20 scholarships sponsored by the Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest. Look for LaTulippe’s tuxedo next year because according to him, “My [tuxedo] is going to be totally rad.”
the borah senator May 19, 2010
haps the most important event of the year for anime fans in Idaho. It is a convention, a mass gathering of anime and manga fans from the area, some even from Oregon, Utah, and Colorado, for gathering and mingling with fellow geeks. It may seem like a simple concept, but going to conventions is more of a lifestyle than a hobby.
Idaho has three big conventions a year – Anime Oasis, Tomodachi Fest, and Fandemonium. The first two are anime conventions, and the last is a general convention that caters to nerds of all sorts. There are some convention activities that most conventions will automatically have, such as a dealer’s room, to buy anime-related goodies; an artist’s alley, to sell, take a look at, and buy local anime art; and an events hall, where actors, bands, and other VIPs can meet their fans. Perhaps the biggest part of the convention experience is cosplay. Cosplay is the act of creating a costume as an homage to one’s favorite character. These are usually very elaborate, and may include a flurry of sewing machines, wigs and wig caps, and makeup smears the week before the convention. Cosplay requires a lot of preparation, and it’s not unusual for attendees to start working on their costumes for next year the day after the current convention is over. Anime Oasis runs May 27-30 at the Grove Hotel and Qwest Arena, and tickets are available at the door for anyone who may be interested.
But we were here, and committed to having lunch. So we took up a two-person table in the corner of the café, our only other fellow diners a nearby family. As we took up our menus, things started to look up, as I saw no mention of gravy, although I did spy a breakfast choice that offered spam in lieu of a chorizo. My lunch companion and I ordered hamburgers in favor of the spam, mine a BBQ burger, and hers a cheeseburger, both
with fresh cut french fries. The food arrived quickly, hot out of the kitchen, and completely made me forget my fears of gravy and spam. The plate was sizable; no portion control will be forced upon the customer here. Fries covered the entire plate save for the space occupied by my BBQ burger, which--although missing the pickle and tomato, as I declined them when ordering--was complete with toasted bun, moist pat-
Photo Courtesy of Eric Smart
A group of cosplayers pay tribute to characters from Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle, a fan-favorite series.
Anime Oasis: A nerd’s paradise
By Sam Nelson
You know who they are. They group together in the hallway outside the library, reading their backwards books, and this time of year, they’re usually talking about something called Anime Oasis. Now, that’s odd. What on Earth is an Anime Oasis? This strange entity is per-
Life
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Boise Bike Week rolls in with style By Megan Harrigfeld
yet to come. Tonight, there is a Recumbent Rally at Julia Cyclists from around the Davis Park, along with two valley are banding together other events. Friday, come as one this week. May 16- to the Bicycle Block party at 23 is Boise Bike Week, a week four o’clock in the same two dedicated to highlighting blocks closed off every Satthe Boise cycling commu- urday for the Market. Free nity, with bike parades, free Merchandise will be given t-shirts, and more. at all events, which can be “It’s an event to encour- found at boisebikeweek.com age people to get out on Borah’s biking comtheir bicycles,” said Trea- munity is starting to come sure Valley Cycling Associa- out of hibernation. Biology tion (TVCA) president Walt teachers Kris Ablin-Stone Sledzieski, “and to help peo- and Stefan deVries both are ple remember why cycling is avid supporters of cycling such a powerful and positive to school. Although deVrthing for the environment ies does it “probably not and our individual health.” enough,” Stone bikes freTVCA is a non-profit orga- quently from school all the nization that has sponsored way to her home in Star. the awareness week for the “I try to ride at least two to past six years. The first two three days if I can.” Stone years were ran by Ryan Hen- plans on participating at least best and Tracy Wilson, who one day in Boise Bike Week. founded the event. “We really do live in a The wheeled-week had its nice place to ride a bicycle” eighth year celebrated with a is something to keep in mind kick-off Vintage Bike Swap. according to Sledzieski. Now Even though it is well into get out that rusty two-wheelthe week, the best events are er already and ride.
Chef’s Hut is definitely lunch-worthy By Megan Mizuta
I entered the Chef ’s Hut with a certain amount of trepidation, afraid that this café, tucked into a small business plaza by Bishop Kelly, might smother all things edible in a puddle of gravy, in the manner that small-town diners so often do. The cans of spam, along with some spam paraphernalia, that were displayed on the counter admittedly did little to ease my fears.
ty, crunchy lettuce, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, Chiver’s BBQ sauce and toothpick through the middle to keep it all together. The fries were the potato lover’s ideal, with a little of its skin still on; some were thick cut and filling, while others were crispy and thin to the point that they curled into crunchy Cs. Soon the only evidence that remained of both my and my lunch companion’s food were a few fries we were
simply unable to cram in, and an extremely well used paper napkin on my part, a large accomplishment for two usually light-eaters. But that was simply how good the food was. After stopping on our way out to chat briefly with the owner, Dan Dore, we concluded, that in spite of the spam decor, a return visit would be necessary, both to try out the breakfast menu and as a new destination for a long-lunch Wednesday.
the borah senator May 19, 2010
A&E
One lie, three people, Novel: one big manipulation
“City Island”: Prison guard reveals life changing secret
“Try to remember the moment when all the stupid innocent things you thought about life and love, all the things you thought mattered, all the things you thought were true. . . try to remember when they all turned out to be lies.” –The Lie, a novel. From the author of The Average American Male, Chad Kultgen released another novel in 2009, The Lie. His new novel is focused on male characters, and the only female in this novel is considered a “faceless whore.” The Lie takes an amazing, but inappropriate turn for a younger male audience by going into specific details of underage drinking, extreme sexual contact, and, of course, explicit language. Kultgen not only digs deep into the minds of teen-
When prison guard Vince Rizzo reveals his biggest secret to his new acting partner, he unconsciously sets off a chain of events that turns his suburban life into total chaos. Rizzo manages to uncover a painful past of Tony, the son he left 23 years earlier. He decides to take the ex-convict home, from the correctional facility to his dysfunctional family: hottempered wife, Joyce; young stripper/ex-college student daughter, Vivian; and witty, but obsessed son, Vince Jr. Tempers flair as secrets unravel concerning where Rizzo really is on poker night, why Vivian flunked out of college and why Vince Jr. really has an obsession for plus-sized-women.
By Felicia Arnold
agers, but also takes an indepth look at college students and sorority life at Southern Mehodist University. Characters include Brett Keller, the manipulative rich male with a disdain for women, his best friend since the third-grade, Kyle Gibson, a science dork, and Heather Andruss, a sorority girl with a lie that could destroy the life of both men. The dialogue makes the reader actually feel what the characters are thinking and talking about. The writing pulls readers in by explaining why each of the characters should be held at a distance, and why the reader will despise them by the end of the story. The story is told from the three students’ points of view, and the reader realizes how someone, anyone, can ruin
one’s life with one little lie. Kultgen has crafted a disturbing fiction with interesting characters and a shocking end to the chapters. This novel will teach how a university can be a real lesson for male freshmen. It’s a cautionary tale about how some women are able to manipulate men.
Image from Google
By Jamie Jones
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Everyone’s sneaky plans are exposed and result in a hilarious plot. This predictable yet funny film, viewed at the Flicks, is set in the quaint fishing town of City Island; a community located on the outside of the Bronx. This clever production unveils the magnitude of secrets and hidden pasts that individuals desperately hide from their peers and loved ones. Eventually, the insight that the truth is easier to handle than the good intentioned lies is evident; the new family of five returns stronger than ever, feeling connected. Vivian confesses her career as a stripper and Rizzo gets the part in a major motion picture, also owning up to his life-long aspiration as an actor.
Local bands creatively manage music market By Megan Harrigfeld
Life on the road for a struggling musician is filled with cheap food, cheap gas, and even cheaper band mates. The evolution of The Beatles, a local band from Liverpool, went from playing in the pub every night to becoming the catalyst of rock-and it was, as they say, a long and winding road. Logan Hyde, vocalist and guitarist of We Won the Science Fair said that members may have to put as much as $100 monthly into their music, along with the money they make from shows. “We use
what we make to make the [music and outreach] bigger.” All money made from merchandise is directly allocated to finances, such as more merchandise and touring funds. OneRepublic singer Ryan Tedder encourages bands to go on tours to reach a bigger market, commenting that the biggest idea struggling bands need to come to terms with is the fact that they must leave the nest. “People get so attached to their small town,” said Tedder. “These artists will never actually have careers because they were too scared to leave.” In the digital age today, more ways are available for
bands to gain attention than simply touring. However, with so many creative outlets, the myriad to choose from is sometimes overwhelming to the artist. Many independent artists opt for iTunes. “It’s good to have [the music] out there,” said Hyde, “[iTunes] makes it easier for people to buy it.” Although local band Apple Horse has yet to put its music on the site, drummer and sophomore Bryan Konkol agrees that iTunes is a good way to get music to the public. But putting music on iTunes isn’t free. For every 99 cent download, iTunes’ cut is 35 cents directly from the artist, ac-
cording to mixedcontent. com. Also, keep in mind that iTunes doesn’t always accept independent artists’ applications for iTunes. After waiting for months without a reply from iTunes, artists can mosey on over to CD Baby. CD Baby is a music service “run by musicians for musicians.” CD Baby has operating costs, with a $35 entry fee, as well as a 9 percent commission. As an online distributor, not only does CD Baby put a musician’s music on iTunes, but also Rhapsody, Napster, MSN music, and more. Before an album is distributed to the online (or physical)
market, there has to be an album to distribute, which can weigh down on bands who are trying to make a name for themselves. “Right now the pressure is to get down to California to record our new demo,” said Konkol. “After that, there is going to be a lot of pressure to go on tour and make contacts.” Apple Horse plans to release the demo in late 2010. All options for bands these days can be an advantage as well as a drawback. Artists possibilities are seemingly endless, but the goal has always remained the same, to get music out to the public, reaching ears everywhere.
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Q&A
The borah senator may 19, 2010
Choose one word to describe your time at Borah and explain why that word sums it all up.
Photos by Ashley Rice
Success “I have no regrets leaving Borah. I challenged myself in AP classes, went to basketball & football games & participated in Link, lacrosse, and NHS. I was actively involved.” – Kelsey Farley, senior
Unforgettable “I chose this word because I learned so many things here at Borah. I made friends that I’ll never forget and laughed with people for no reason at all. I think the best days of my life were my high school days. I got to experience so much here, and for that, I’ll be forever thankful.” – Allison House, senior
Steps “It’s a process and an experience— some good, some bad— but what I’ve come to find is that you take it all a step at a time.” Ian Obermark, senior
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Limited “I don’t know about anyone else but my time at Borah went by really fast. I find myself almost regretting some things: wishing I would’ve pushed harder in school work, wishing I would’ve tried out for this sport or joined this club. High school was my time to shape who and what I’m going to be in the outside world. It’s almost time to start the BIG timer— THE TIME OF LIFE.” Teil Millett, senior
Bizarre So many things happened this year that I never thought would. Making friends that I never would think that I would be friends with and growing apart from the people I wouldn’t ever imagine I would have. I’ve changed so much from who I used to be and I’m glad that I did. Some of my worst moments took place when I was at Borah but so did some of my best. All the shocks and “scandals” that took place at Borah just added to the weirdness of it all. Nothing turned out the way I thought it would and I couldn’t be happier about that. Ashton Rehn, senior
Enduring “It’s difficult to stay happy and focused in high school. The first year was the most exciting, but the last two years have been alienating and boring. High school is immature, and that’s why its been enduring. It’s enduring to go to a place everyday where you feel like you don’t click with anyone except for a few students that don’t drink and are mature and actually want to break the stereotype of today’s ‘typical teenager.’” Sebastian Sturdevant, senior
”
Crazy “It’s crazy how fast this year went by. It’s crazy how many people have changed. It’s crazy how this short time allowed me to gain and realize who my true friends are and who aren’t. It’s crazy how you already know in your mind who is going to move on and make a difference. It’s crazy how life and school is so much different then how you imagine it. And lastly, it’s crazy how many memories you leave with, and how much you have accomplished.” Tori Miller, senior
The Borah Senator May 19, 2010
People
Senior raises money for 8-year-old
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Condition tugs at E-man’s heart, his Make-A-Wish is to go to LEGOLAND
By Kristin Bracewell
In life, people try to make a difference, to start a change. One Borah student is trying to accomplish this task and get the rest of her classmates involved. She is trying to raise money for a young boy who is fighting for his life. Senior Tashina Fleming has joined together with Make-A-Wish foundation to bring more happiness to a little boy’s life. Emmanuel, also called E-Man, an 8-year-old boy, was diagnosed with Tri-
cuspid Atresia, an illness caused by a missing or undeveloped heart valve. EMan has had many surgeries, but this condition is chronic. His life expectancy is 50-60 years for the disease can take his life in any form, including a heart attack. Fleming explained that EMan is “very outspoken and has a flamboyant personality. Really goofy.” His personality goes along with his wish: To
go to LEGOLAND. She introduced E-man to Borah at an optional assembly in April, where he stood on the stage with a microphone and explained, “Thanks for having me here and for giving
A man named Joseph has wanted to overthrow the Ugandan government for 24 years, but no one will pay attention anymore. So he’s resorted to kidnapping children ages eight to 14 and training them to be soldiers. Child soldiers are simply shells of what they used to be after being forced to witness their parents’ murder so they won’t run home, forced to watch their friends die beside them and being told that if they don’t take that gun and kill 20 people today, they’ll end up dead too. But at night, hundreds of free children travel to nearby towns to sleep, so they have a chance of escaping abduction by the rebels. These children are called night commuters, and think of this routine as mundane as brushing their teeth--they’ve done it all their lives. According to Ugandan officials in the film, no one
keeps track of the number of children kidnapped, families displaced, or people left dead after the rebels attack, but the estimates are 640 civilians killed, and 800,000 displaced. Everyone in Uganda has learned to live with the war. In fact, sometimes the people don’t act like there is a war going on; children dance in the streets, they sing, they play, as the adults go about their business. “You are a voice to the voiceless. With every dollar you give, you are helping every child who is fighting to survive in Uganda,” Ochaka said. Along with Ochaka, the Invisible Children brought Tony, a boy they met and filmed in Uganda nine years ago. Now, Tony, a student enrolled in the Legacy Scholarship Program, has graduated secondary school and is well on his way to reaching his
me an excuse to be out of school.” The high school audience laughed. Fleming explained her goal is to inspire students to donate money for E-Man’s wish. “It’s hard for one person to spread the word,” she said. She is trying to raise $5,000 for airfare, hotel, meals, souvenirs, and the main event, LEGOLAND. Make-A-Wish Foundation Development Manager,
Michele Larson, said, “When we get a wish, the whole family gets to partake in it.” Emmanuel’s family will travel with him. “I wanted to impact the youth of Borah. Any student can make a difference,” Fleming said. “It’s been really hard to raise this money. If students could please just donate. Even a penny would be great.” To donate to E-Man’s wish, students may stop into the office and put their extra change into the box labeled for Make-A-Wish.
dream of being a music producer. And he never would have gotten here without donations made by people here in the U.S. Tony had nothing but good things to say about everything; his mentor, Ochaka,
the people with Invisible Children, and all of us here. “Be a transition person,” Ochaka asked as the crew’s time ran out. “A transition person is someone who stops the flow of bad things. The world needs someone to end this flow.”
“I wanted to impact the youth of Borah. Any student can make a difference.” --senior Tashina Fleming
Invisible Children’s club sponsors assembly By Carlee Parsley
“Freedom is best given by free people--use your power to empower someone else,” Richard Mark Ochaka told an audience of high school students in the Borah High auditorium Friday, April 23. Ochaka, a mentor for the Invisible Children’s Legacy Scholarship program, had just finished telling the audience first-hand the traumas of Ugandan life. Though the Invisible Children are a donation-dependent organization, its main goal is to spread the news about the 24-year-old war in Uganda, and help people find ways to help. The Invisible Children touring crew shared a video filmed in 2003, right after 9/11, called “The Rough Cut”. The three American college grads who journeyed to Africa created a documentary about what they found:
Photo by Carlee Parsley
During the assembly, Borah’s Invisible Children’s club advisor, Samantha Mora donated $100 to the Invisible Children’s Foundation.
Sports
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The Borah Senator May 19, 2010
This year in sports: The Big Three
Photo by Katie Corp
Seniors Craig Spjute, Josh Bundschuh, and Chris Woolley are among the top athletes in the state for their respected sport. By Parker Simmons
Senior Josh Bundschuh: In his first two years of wrestling, Bundschuh has had his fair share of ups and downs. As an underclassmen,
Bundschuh suffered a knee injury that kept him out the majority of his sophomore season. “Ever since my sophomore year, and after going through the injuries, I knew that if I could get healthy, I
could compete for the state title,” Bundschuh said. To capture the state title, Bundschuh had to get through two wrestlers that were both going after, what would have been, their third state title. Bundschuh, however, was able to come away victorious in both match ups against those pair of two-time defending state champions, to become a state champion himself. Next year, Bundschuh said he doesn’t plan to give up his passion for wrestling. “I hope to prepare for college wrestling, and later on in life, I can see myself coaching high school wrestlers.” Senior Craig Spjute: Spjute is a three-year starter on the varsity basketball squad. Last year, Spjute was a first-team all-state selection. This year had all the makings to be a spectacular season. Spjute said, “It was very up and down, but we peaked at the right time and finished
Ultimate Frisbee team eyes second state title By Parker Simmons
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ast year Borah’s Ultimate Frisbee team finished its season undefeated and state champions. This year, nothing seems to have changed. The team thus far is an undefeated 11-0 and looking to defend the state title. “Our goal since the beginning of the season has been to defend last year’s state title,” said senior Kris Adams. Thus far, aspirations are running high, although the team understands they have
not reached all their goals. Adams said, “After our second victory over Timberline, we feel like we’re on the right track to accomplishing all of our goals. However, we’re not there yet.” Head coach Alex LaChance has similar feelings toward the team and its potential. LaChance said, “There is no doubt that we have the talent and depth to win another state title.” Since Borah has been in the Ultimate Frisbee league, losing has been immensely uncommon. Over the past two seasons, the team has yet to be defeated by another lo-
cal school. Much of Borah’s success could be credited to the number of players on the team that participate in playing Ultimate outside of school and even into college. Gurley said, “I hope to either play for Boise State, or possibly even the University of Arizona.” LaChance also added, “The dedication during the offseason for this year’s and last year’s squad has been a key component of our success.” Gurley seems to be a true fan of this sport, commenting, “Ultimate Frisbee is a sport that you can only understand if you play it,” said Gurley.
third in state.” Spjute’s accomplishments this year include a state high, 23.1 points per game, player of the year honors, 1st team all-state selection, and numerous college scholarship offers to play basketball. But his personal accomplishments are only a small part of what made his season so memorable. “Playing and working so hard with a great group of guys--I really learned to love and respect them,” Spjute said. Next year, Spjute is keeping his options open, but hopes to play basketball in college. Said Spjute, “I am undecided on where to play, but I think I am leaning towards going on my two-year mission, and then coming back to play college ball.” Senior Chris Woolley: During last year’s baseball campaign, Woolley managed to end the season with 0 strikeouts and voted Under Armour pre-season all Amer-
ican coming into this season. But over all the awards and honors Woolley has received, “What I’ve enjoyed most, is playing with my friends for one last year, before moving on with my life,” said Woolley. This season, Woolley has had another spectacular year, winning Borah’s Male Athlete of the Year award, ranking as the number one infielder prospect in the states of Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana, and earning a full-ride baseball scholarship at Western Nevada. Woolley’s aspirations include the possibility of going pro, but at the same time, earning a degree in college. Woolley said, “I would love to someday play Major League Baseball, which looks promising due to the pro scouts that have contacted me and observed my games.” He added, “Next year, I’m going to play baseball at Western Nevada while earning a degree in civil engineering.”
Ranked athletes look toward success at state By Megan Mizuta
Led by strong individual athletes, the Borah Track team is headed to the May 2021 state meet. Among athletes who have put up increasingly competitive times and jumps over the season are senior AJ Boully and sophomore Brittany Owens. At the YMCA invitational earlier in the season, Boully ran a 300m hurdle time that puts him among the top 25 fastest high school hurdlers in the nation, as ranked by DyeStat.com. The time of 37.57 seconds puts Boully as the fastest 300m male hurdler in Idaho. Owens is simi-
larly ranked in first place in the girls triple jump and long jump for the state, and sits at 95 in the nation for girls triple jump. Owens, who has been triple jumping for two years, and long jumping for one, said of her national and state ranking, “It’s really amazing to come so far.” She expects the team to do well at state, citing wins in both the North Idaho Invitational, and the Boise City Meet, and a sense of developing camaraderie, saying that the team wants the win, too. The State tournament is coming up with a number of Borah representatives.
The Borah Senator May 19, 2010
Sports
South Africa benefits from the World Cup
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Diverse Borah soccer fans come together, watch the competition
By Tyler Albretsen
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he 2010 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup, which will take place in South Africa this summer from June 11 to July 11, will be the nineteenth overall World Cup on record. This will be the first time in history that the World Cup will be held by an African state since South Africa won a bid, that determined where the cup would be held. Competition for the Cup was between five nations (Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Morocco, and South Africa). The World Cup has a significant impact on the world because it’s a time where many diverse nations can unite without dealing with other economic, ethical, or social issues.
Junior Dillon Snyder, goalie on the Borah varsity soccer team, said, “The World Cup brings a sense of unity to the world. Everybody, even in warring countries, can come together to support their team. Essentially, the world comes together.” However, the nation feeling the greatest impact is South Africa. South Africa is currently dealing with severe economic and unemployment issues. According to the consulting firm Grant Thornton on www.SouthAfrica.info, “the World Cup will pump around R21.3-billion into South Africa’s economy, generating an estimated R12.7-billion in direct spending and creating an estimated 159,000 new jobs.” Snyder also feels that South Africa will be greatly changed, adding, “This
will bring huge economic benefits that are needed in South Africa and also it will help open the eyes of tourists to the beauty of South Africa.” But how does the World Cup held in South Africa impact our diverse community at Borah? Well, according to Snyder, “With all the African refugees and the people from the Balkan Region, everybody will be watching it together and they may befriend someone that they never knew before.” In essence, the World Cup is a time of harmony around the whole world. It gives a chance for everyone from diverse cultures to mingle with those of different ethnicities and creates a sense of bonding. The World Cup unites the world, nations, cities, and even communities such as at
before me. And ever since then I was looking forward to owning every hurdle record in the state. I’m one away. Q: How does it feel to be nationally recognized in track? A: It feels like how it feels when you eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Really good, but more often then not, you get a wad of peanut butter stuck to the roof of your mouth, which is very inconvenient. Q: Besides running track, what do you do in your free time? A: I like to draw, play piano, make spray paint stencils, and invest hundreds of hours into video games. Q: What kind of hobbies do you have? A: I waste my life away by playing video games. I also read a lot. Draw on occasion, and play the piano. Q: What do you want to be when you grow up? A: I would like to be a fireman, no wait, a police man. Maybe an astronaut or a pilot? Spiderman would be pretty cool too.
Q: What expectations did you have in mind, coming into this track season? A: My goals are to win state as both a team, and individually, and break the school record. Q: What will be your most memorable track memory? A: Hopefully winning state will be my number one memory! The track trip up to Ceour d’ Alene was also very fun as well. Q: Are there still goals yet to be accomplished? A: Yes, my times need to come down and our relay transfers need to be perfect. Q: Where do you get the inspiration to succeed in track? A: I try to really push myself mentally, but my teammates are a huge inspiration as well. Q: What do you credit your success to? A: I give credit to my coaches, teammates, and my own dedication. Q: What do you want to be
Borah High. The World Cup pushes away worldwide issues for one whole month and there is only one thing on everybody’s mind, soccer, or technically fútbol. When asked what he is most looking forward to about the World Cup, Snyder commented, “I’m looking forward to witnessing some huge upsets and spending all day on the couch watching soccer.” During the 18 tournaments that have been held before, only seven nations have won the championship. Italy, who is the current champion, has won four championships. Brazil is in the lead with a record five championships, and Germany has won three. Argentina and Uruguay also has two titles followed by France and England who have one pair each.
Athletes in the Spotlight
Senior AJ Boully Q: What were you looking forward to coming into this track season? A: I went to the record exchange on the first day of track and bought a brand new Frank Sinatra record. On my way out, I began thinking about what my goals should be this track season. Whilst doing so, I tripped, dropping the record, causing it to shatter into oblivion. Suddenly a light popped in my brain. I knew what I had to do then. I had to not only break, but shatter the old records set by my peers
Senior Challis Popkey when you grow up? A: After my time spent here at Borah as a news anchor, I have decided I would like to be a sports broadcaster. Q: Do you have any routines or superstitions before a meet? A: I always drink a protein drink and wear the same undergarments for every meet, but I make sure they’re clean. Q: What are your plans for next year? A: I’ll be attending the University of Oregon. I’m going to be a Duck!
FUN & Games
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Money for Nothin’
The Borah senator May 19, 2010
everyone looks up to *rimshot* and requires only a brief description of how fun it is to sit in the front at movie theaters and listen to people complain. But why should tall people get all the perks? A similar scholarship is given out annually by the Billy Barty Foundation to help those among us who are tired of being mistaken for garden gnomes. So, maybe you’re not tall or short. Are you fat? Could you get fat? Do you have friends who are... Okay, so you don’t want to mention it in front of them. Anyway, a quick essay on the fat people in your life is all it takes to net $1,000 from the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance. Do you write with the wrong, er... left hand? Juniata College in Huntington, Penn. offers $1,000 to advance the education of those students unlucky enough to be born backwards. Okay, I kid the lefties, but
honestly, that smudged handwriting is almost as hard to read as it is to write. Now comes the part where everyone except you has run off to pick up one of the previous scholarships, leaving you alone to look up at me and say, your lip quivering, “I’m not tall or short, my right hand works fine, and I hate the morbidly obese! If only I weren’t conveniently related to John Gatling, inventor of the Gatling machine gun!” Well, you’re in luck! North Carolina State University offers a full $18,000 to anyone who can prove themselves a direct relative of John Gatling, because... well... Does it matter? It’s $18,000! So, in closing, as you leave Borah this year, I leave you these pieces of advice: Don’t drink and drive, credit cards are not money, PLEASE don’t drink and drive, and never let yourself get discouraged, because there’s always someone out there just dying to give you cash!
Aries (March 21 – April 20) This month, your character may be tested. Make sure to act in a way that will be beneficial in the long run, not just in the moment. Taurus (April 21 – May 21) Remember, you always have a choice when it comes to the way you act. Don’t blame others for problems that for which you are responsible. Gemini (May 22 – June 21) If a recent decision has proved to be the wrong one, find a way to move around it rather than mope about the turn of events. Cancer (June 22 – July 22) Try to find a way to do what you want and be practical at the same time. Don’t just dive into something, no matter how awesome it sounds. Leo (July 23 – Aug. 21) Your mind will be fertile this month, so now is the time to jot down new ideas, or proceed with the ones you’ve had in the past. Virgo (Aug. 22 – Sept. 23) You might miss opportunities if you’re too frightened or hesitant to take them. Make confident decisions. Libra (Sept. 24 – Oct. 23) The
glass is never half empty, but always full: half with water, and half with air. Remember that even sad times might have concealed happiness within them. Scorpio (Oct. 24 – Nov. 22) Negotiate well this month, because even if plans don’t turn out your way, they’ll still result in success. Sagittarius (Nov. 23 – Dec. 22) If confronted with a problem, it may be worth your while to ask an old friend or teacher for advice. You may like what they have to say. Capricorn (Dec. 23 – Jan. 20) If you have an unhealthy attraction to something, now is the time to let it go, no matter how essential it seems to you. Aquarius (Jan. 21 – Feb. 19) If you’re stuck on a decision, try to look at the problem from a different angle, maybe even the opposite one, and see if a new solution might work. Pisces (Feb. 20 – March 20) The world itself won’t change until you yourself change, whether it’s as simple as trying something new, or as bold as participating in a protest.
SATIRE
By Mike Bingham
Ah, the school year is ending. People are finalizing summer plans, job applications are flying around like mad, teachers are busily planning how to make their dollar last through next year, and the mind of every senior has been irreversibly set to “idle.” But wait! College is just around the corner, and you haven’t paid tuition yet! Now, attending college tends to rank somewhere between the lunar landing and the Manhattan Project in terms of cost. You, of course, being an ordinary American citizen, will probably never see so much money in your entire life. Not to fear, though, because some of that cost can be totally ignored through the use of scholarships. A scholarship is a big stack of money given to college students by rich people and organizations who
desperately need to improve their corporate image. They’re a great way to reduce the cost of tuition, and you may want to know where you can get a piece of this system. Unfortunately, most scholarships are handed out to people with high grades and fancy awards (you know, the people who aren’t you?) and even competition between those people can reach Mortal Kombat levels. So where does an average joe like yourself find college money? Well, I’m about to show you some of the easiest, most pitifully simple scholarships the country has to offer. Scholarships that require little more effort than being born. The first of these comes from an organization called Tall Clubs International, a group of clubs for people who are, well, tall. This scholarship is intended for those students that
Directions to Sudoku: 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. When the entire puzzle is filled, with all the rules above, then the puzzle is solved. Level: easier
2 7
3 7
8
3
1
4
5
6
9
7
6 2
6 8
3
1
1
9 5
6
5
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9
4
9 2 8 1
BORAHSCOPES