December 2013 by Corona del Sol Sunrise

December 2013 ď &#x2019;

CdS Sunrise Corona del Sol High School | Tempe, AZ | Vol. 36, No. 3

No.1 in state

CoronaXC

See story on page 24...

an undefeated season

table of contents

in this issue of the Sunrise... 8

From Start to Stardom

What’s the dish on the hottest TV singing competitions? We provide you with a breakdown of three shows

Holiday Recipe Cards

Four staff-approved recipes to share with your friends and family this holiday season

Driver’s Manual

Important driving tips for new and seasoned drivers alike; plus, an accident checklist for the worst-case scenario

Winter Couture

The Style Club provides us with tips and tricks for dressing for an Arizona winter

A Rare Voice

15 Sunrise staffers had the opportunity to attend a presentation by a friend of the notorious Boston Bomber

Basketball 2013-2014

A fresh look at this year’s #3peat hopefuls

Cover Story: XC takes State

Corona’s boys cross country team dominated at the state meet in November Front cover photo by Elizabeth Cheney

Corona del Sol Sunrise Staff Editor-in-Chief Jacqui Marzocca Online Editor-in-Chief Mason Kuluris Managing Editor Devika Sharan Online Managing Editor Josh Ambre

News Editor Sapna Daryanani Opinions Editor Alisa Rodriquez Life & Times Editor Aashini Choksi Sports Editor Omar Soussi Clubs Editor Nikki Hinshaw Photo Editor Elizabeth Cheney Assistant Photo Editor Max Butler Graphics Editor Matthew O’Donnell Social Media Editor Manali Chavan Business Manager Cassidy Kamerman

Online Photo Editor Kelly Zimmer Online Sports Editor Johnny Waddell Cartoonist Cassidy Kamerman Staff Brenna Bochenek, Natasha Burrell, Tony DeLorenzi, Andrew Eversden, Lauren LaGioia, Joseph Macias, Bridget Manning, Kevin Park, Carson Pyatt, Sam Rosendahl, Katelyn Stys Adviser Kris Urban

The Sunrise is an open forum for student expression and welcomes letters on all matters. The staff reserves the right to edit as required. All materials submitted for publication must be signed. Views and opinions contained herein are those of the author and not considered to be the opinions of the staff, adviser, administration or the Tempe Union High School District. Unsigned editorials reflect the views of the editorial reflect the views of the editorial board. Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/ MCT Campus High School Newspaper Service.

Corona del Sol High School | 1001 E. Knox Road | Tempe, AZ 85284

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Letter from the Editor

Jacqui Marzocca | Editor-in-Chief Sleepless nights, the constant feeling of pressure creeping up your neck and a mix of excitement and nerves are all common traits of senior year and the choices seniors must face. Throughout the past few months of my senior year, I cannot count the hours spent on preparation for the future. Many nights were spent considering the pros and cons of one college over another, studying for the SAT or applying for scholarships. The thought of college being so near in the future had a way of obsessively taking over every thought spilling out of my brain. To get into college, there is an insane amount of pressure to do absolutely everything to make you look like the best person possible. Times have changed and being a kid is now a full-time job. High school is supposed to be a time of expression and discovery and filled with many adventures that maybe just didn’t fit right. Unfortunately, to a college that looks like a lack of dedication and inability to stick with anything. These days, everything that a person does must be for a purpose. With the large number of necessary credits, there is no room to experiment or do things for fun. Everything we do is essentially a resumebuilder. But really, who does that make us as people? If everything we do is to get into college and we stick with things we despise, what does that say about our character? The biggest advice I can give to underclassmen is just enjoy the time you have of being dependent and not needing to worry about the immediate future. I knew exactly where I wanted to go to school and exactly what I wanted to do since seventh grade. I had everything planned out as far as visiting the school, making many things in my school life revolve around the major I wanted and planning nearly everything out. Then at the end of junior year, I realized that it just wasn’t for me. The school was not what I wanted and found important in the present time, and the major just wasn’t something that appealed to me anymore. So the summer before senior year, I went back to the drawing board as far as everything concerning my future went. The nice thing about college is there is room for exploration. What I’m looking forward to most is trying different things and broadening my horizons. I think the most important thing that I’ve learned in high school is to just enjoy the time I have and try to have as much fun as possible. High school flies by, so go to every sports event, bonfire, dance, concert and play possible. Take time remembering the laughter, joy, embarrassing moments and know that these are the moments that will be remembered. 

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FINISHING STRONG Corona del Sol Drumline also performs at the state competition. It played its Dawn of an Empire show.

Corona del Sol Marching Band students competed at the state competition on Nov. 16 at Glendale Community College. Corona placed sixth. Photos by Elizabeth Cheney

Aashini Choksi | Life & Times Editor CdS Marching Band has had a busy season this year, consisting of endless hours of rehearsal and numerous tournaments. The students’ hard work has paid off, though, with countless awards and even recognition at a regional competition in California. “The band has a high commitment level and tries to achieve excellence at every minute of every rehearsal,” marching band director David DuPlessis said. “Success at competitions is a byproduct of hard work on a daily basis.” On Oct. 26, CdS Marching Band placed first in the U of A Band Day in Tucson and was awarded the Milton Nunamaker Award for the second year in a row, in addition to earning a rating of “Superior with Distinction.” At the State Marching Festival held on Nov. 2, CdS Marching Band received a Superior rating once again and was recognized for its general effect, Colorguard and percussion. The Bands of America Regional Championship in California was on Nov. 9 and the Aztecs placed seventh. On Nov. 16, CdS placed sixth overall in the State Marching Championship held at Glendale Community College. In addition, it won first place for percussion and Colorguard. “We have had Monday night rehearsals almost every (week) for

The percussion plays at the state competition. It received first place at state championship. the entire marching band season (in addition to) morning practice every day except for Tuesday mornings,” junior David Morgan said. “In the last few weeks, Mr. Duplessis stayed dedicated to us and made us practice every day.” Corona’s theme for this year’s marching season was Dawn of an Empire, which was portrayed through all aspects of the band. With the help of percussion teacher Scott Werner, students were able to perform with unique instruments. “The theme was an idea from Scott Werner,” Morgan said. “His pride and joy of the show was a five-foot gong drum and about 30 other hand drums made from buffalo skin.” To further incorporate the theme into the performance, Colorguard staged an Aztec ritual. “We took on the character of being an Aztec warrior, as well as with our props,” senior Angie Mallik said. “We had torches and there was a temple in the background.” This competition marked the end of the 2013 marching band season. “Marching band has been an awesome part of my high school career and it’s cool that we (won) state three times in a row,” said senior Patrick Askins, percussion section leader. R

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Recycling, 21st-century style Josh Ambre | Online Managing Editor the rivers. Whole cities have been polluted When the word “recycling” comes to from our electronic waste.” mind, it is almost always accompanied by Through its cooperation with Intel, images of plastic bottles, glass jars and Recycling Club hopes to remedy this paper—the usual links in the recycling situation. Intel has already piloted its cell chain. However, Corona del Sol’s Recycling phone recycling program in other high Club is seeking to raise awareness of schools including Hamilton, Perry and another category of waste, electronic waste Desert Vista. (e-waste), a major contributor of which is “Intel is trying to find legitimate often forgotten in students’ back pockets. companies that recycle electronics in the To achieve this goal, Recycling Club will U.S.,” Bader said. “They wanted to start small. be hosting a cell phone drive shortly after These companies get paid for taking phones, winter break in coordination with Intel. so it’s a fundraising project for them.” “As part of their community service, In order to promote the drive, Recycling Intel engineers are trying to get schools Cell phones of all sorts can be recycled. Recycling Club to recycle cell phones to reduce electronic will be collecting phones in a drive after winter break. Club President Maddie Szajna has some incentives in mind. waste,” Recycling Club sponsor Lorena Photo by Devika Sharan “We were going to do it just like any Bader said. “We’re (Recycling Club) doing recycle e-waste properly; oftentimes these other fundraisers, like having parties or the drive after winter break because we figured that then a lot of kids will have cell companies will opt to outsource their waste prizes for whoever collects the most cell to China and other third-world countries for phones,” Szajna said. phones that they’re trying to get rid of.” Beyond material incentives, Szanja With new versions of the iPhone entering processing. “(The goal of the drive is) to get cell phones hopes that the prospect of preserving the the market year after year, the fact that electronic waste has become a pressing out of landfills and into legitimate recycling environment will inspire widespread student environmental issue is self-evident. The facilities,” Bader said. “The workers there (in participation in the event. “We’re saving the planet,” Szajna said. “And magnitude of this issue has been further third-world countries) don’t do it (recycling) propounded by companies who do not properly. Then they just throw it (the waste) in we all love the planet we live on.” R

New club honors victim to promote kindness Carson Pyatt | Staff Writer For many, Rachel Scott is the name of one of the thirteen victims tragically killed in the Columbine High School massacre in 1999. For Corona’s Rachel’s Challenge Club, she is the inspiration behind their club and their attempts at making Corona and the world a better place. “(Rachel’s Challenge) is a national level club that was designed after the Columbine massacre; it was started by the father of Rachel,” club sponsor Teresa Hodge said. “When they (her parents) were going through her personal things and her diaries, they saw her compassion towards people who were being bullied. It’s (the club) about treating people right.” Rachel’s Challenge Club is composed of a group of students who wish to see their peers be kinder to one another and treat each other with respect. In order to spread the ideas that compassion and being nice are easy and the right things to do, the club will be painting the benches just outside the breezeway near the senior parking lot. They hope to brighten up the benches, make them look nicer and also encourage the idea that you should treat people the way you want

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to be treated. Over winter break, Rachel’s Challenge will decorate the benches, hoping to inspire Corona’s students, and hopefully people outside of Corona as well. “We thought it would be a good way to benefit and bring some color to the school, and it would be a great way to promote the club other than generic posters,” club member Cindy Juarez said. “What we are planning to do throughout the school year is to help unite and stop bullying. It’s (the club) a way to bring the school together. As a teenager, you just want to be treated the way you want to be treated. “ Juarez and the rest of the club hope that painting the benches spreads that exact idea. One idea they had was to put handprints onto the benches and incorporate quotes or messages enforcing the idea of kindness and helping Rachel and her compassion live on. They hope that people walk into school each day and are more conscious of their actions. “We hope they (students) get the message that being cool to each other is good,” Hodge said. “People need to learn to be nice to each other.”R

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Ping Pong Club reinvents for new year

photos by Matt O’Donnell

(Above) Sophmore Vice President Brandon Shieh challenges sophmore Francisco Lopez to a game of ping pong. Ping Pong Club sets up tables Monday afternoons in the breezway. (Left) (from left) Vice President Brandon Shieh, Joe Austin, President Austin Long, Mark Torrance and Jacob Quintana found Ping Pong Club. The club has been reestablished this year, founded with many changes.

“It’s a fun activity and it’s good exercise.” RBrandon

Sapna Daryanani| News Editor On a Monday afternoon, through the hustle and bustle of rushing home or getting ready for after-school activities, one might notice folded ping pong tables appearing in the breezeway. Stick around a bit longer and you will soon witness the essence of one of the most unique clubs on campus: Ping Pong Club. Corona del Sol’s Ping Pong Club has, with much enthusiasm, been revitalized for the 2013-2014 school year. What began as a few students’ wish to bring back a club that ended a couple years ago has developed into a group of more than 30 students who participate in the sport of ping pong on a weekly basis. “It’s pretty relaxed,” Ping Pong Club president Austin Long said. Long and the club’s vice president Brandon Shieh, both sophomores, led the efforts to reestablish Ping Pong Club at Corona.

Shieh, Ping Pong Club Vice President “My freshman year, I looked for it (Ping Pong Club), but it had been disbanded before I got here,” Long said. Now, with a new sponsor (Alison Rund), an up-and-coming generation of club members and even brand-new club T-shirts, Ping Pong Club is making waves at Corona. The club officers are anticipating watching their club continue to grow throughout the year, with various goals in mind. “We’re looking to buying custom ping pong paddles and a custom ping pong table,” Long said. With all these plans for expansion, Ping Pong Club continues to invite new members—experienced and inexperienced alike—to take a break from their day and play ping pong on Mondays after school. “It’s a fun activity and it’s good exercise,” Shieh said. R

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Local orchestra provides opportunities for young musicians Josh Ambre| Online Managing Editor While some students are content to confine their learning to the classroom, others, especially those who have devoted years to perfecting complex skills like playing a musical instrument, are all too eager to showcase their talents elsewhere. In response to this need, Corona del Sol orchestra teacher Alex Dudley pioneered the Tempe Youth String Orchestra, a program that has given many Tempe musicians of all ages an opportunity to hone their talents outside of school. “I founded it (the Orchestra) last year,” Dudley said. “The students come from all over Tempe ages 7 to 12. We rehearse in here (the orchestra room) on Monday nights for four weeks and then we have a performance.” Since its foundation, the Orchestra has generated a fair amount of publicity, appearing in a number of local newspapers including the East Valley Tribune, the Arizona Republic and the Wrangler. Consequently, its membership has also seen some significant growth even in its twoyear existence. “I can say we saw significant growth from last year to this year,” Dudley said. “We’ve seen at least 40 percent more growth in students.” Currently, the Orchestra boasts around 30 members from schools

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across Tempe. One such member, Corona del Sol senior Elizabeth Steele, has had a decidedly positive experience during her time with the program. “I just wanted more musical experience and something to do with my time,” Steele said. “Being able to come together with people from other schools and produce music that sounds amazing (is my favorite part).” O n c e a year, members of the Orchestra have the opportunity to Dudley d e m o n s t rate their musical ability during a concert at the Tempe Center of the Arts. Even still, much of the program’s value is derived from its ability to help students improve their musical abilities. “The music’s easier than what chamber orchestra plays, so I can get my musicality down,” Steele said. “It helps a lot with the technical stuff.” According to Dudley, this sort of music advocacy lies at the heart of the program; he hopes that by fostering it, the program will continue to attract new members in the future. “(I’m) just trying to bolster the orchestra programs in Tempe,” Dudley said. “(I) want us to actually become a part of the City of Tempe and not just a private organization.”R

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Senior Josh Stovall wrote original composition, The Prestige, played by JV Drumline.

Beat to your own drum

Photos by Kelly Zimmer

Brenna Bochenek | Staff Writer For many people, music is an important outlet to express themselves and help them through troubled times. That is definitely the case with senior Josh Stovall. For as long as he could remember, music has been one of his main interests and has helped him as he was growing up. “It was rough growing up. My mom passed away after a seven-year battle with cancer,” Stovall said. “Music was the one thing that really got me through everything.” After the tragedy, Stovall came to Corona for the beginning of his freshman year after moving from Glendale. “I didn’t really know anyone, and I hated everyone for a while,”

Stovall said. “Music got me through it; I just kept playing music and listening to music.” This year, Stovall was given the opportunity to have one of his own compositions performed at the Fall Percussion Concert. Stovall has written a few arrangements of pop songs in the past, but he hadn’t created something of his own until this year when percussion teacher Scott Werner appointed Stovall as the artistic director of the JV Drumline show. “I think even I shocked him (Werner) by writing an original piece,” Stovall said. “I don’t think he realized how much the whole experience meant to me.” Stovall wrote his original composition over the course of a few months. “I loved doing it so it wasn’t some lame homework assignment,” Stovall said. “It’s more of a hobby to me, something that I love doing.” He started working on the piece as soon as Werner gave him the assignment and didn’t decide it was finished until the day before he handed it in, but it was well worth it. “Immediately when I heard it I thought ‘Wow that’s a really cool piece.”’ Werner said. Perhaps the hardest part of the writing process is coming up with an appropriate title. Stovall’s song was originally titled JV Drumline until Werner gave it a much better name, The Prestige. “Coming up with a name was actually harder than writing the music,” Stovall said. “Mr. Werner came up with the name while they were filming the intro videos for the concert.” “We did a concert about magic, so we wanted to fit the piece into the theme of the concert,” Werner said. “The song was also in four movements, and each movement of the song had a name that was related to magic and tied into the theme.” Finally the time came for Stovall’s song to be performed in front of a live audience. It was an experience that Stovall, and the students who performed his piece, will never forget. “It was really fun learning and performing a song that was written by someone we actually know,” sophomore Nicole Oberbillig said. More than 30 students from the first-hour percussion class worked to learn their parts and perform the piece for the concert. “Having my piece performed in front of a live audience was an amazing experience,” Stovall said. “But even cooler than that was having my music played by such talented students.” Since music is such an important part of his life, Stovall plans to continue composing songs in the future. At the moment he is writing a piece for his ASU audition, where he is applying to the school of music. One day he hopes to compose movies score and write for professional drums corps. “I’ll just see where this takes me in the future,” Stovall said. “As long as I’m doing something with music, I’ll be happy.” R

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life & times

60 Minute Superstars Manali Chavan | Social Media Editor

With a spoonful of talent, a pinch of a sob story and a dash of drama, television music competitions have easily captivated audiences across the nation. Since the first major singing competition, American Idol, was aired in 2002, a number of different shows have emerged in competition. Straying from the original idea of contestants performing against one another with the hopes of winning a recording contract, shows today have embellished their competitions with unexpected twists and turns. That being said, of the three most popular singing competitions, which one dishes out the best superstars? Each show’s recipe for success has been broken down to reveal which one is not only captivating America, but creating today’s biggest superstars. 

American Idol

Kelly Clarkson After winning season one of American Idol, Clarkson has experienced much success, such as winning a Grammy award and singing at the 2012 Presidential Inauguration. Photo courtesy of UPI/MCT

28 Ingredients: Contestants between the ages of 15 and Directions: Detroit; Atlanta; Boston: 1. Audition contestants in Salt Lake City; San Francisco; Austin, Texas and Omaha, Nebraska Las Vegas round by having 2. Have contestants compete in Hollywood Week and the their own songs. The write them perform in solo acts, group acts and even chosen contestants will move on to the semifinals. decide who is eliminated. 3. From the semifinals on, have the audience of the show a contestant who where , There is also a possibility of a wildcard contestant failed to qualify is given another chance. on a weekly basis and center 4. Broadcast the finals live. Have contestants perform continue to vote until a will their songs on each week's theme. The audience winner is chosen.

Judges

Simon Cowell Demi Lovato Kelly Rowland Paulina Rubio

Host

Mario Lopez

Past Winners

Tate Stevens: Season 2 Winner Fifth Harmony: Season 2, 3rd place Finishers

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Judges

Jennifer Lopez Harry Connick Jr. Keith Urban Randy Jackson (in-house mentor)

Host

Ryan Seacrest

Past Winners

Kelly Clarkson: Season 1 Winner Phillip Phillips: Season 11 Winner

The X-Factor

Ingredients: Contestants 12 years or older Directions: 1. Audition contestants in Los Angeles; New Orleans; Charleston, SC; Long Island, NY; and Denver, Colo. 2. Group contestants into four categories: Boys, Girls, Over 25's and Groups. 3. Go through the Four-Chair Challenge: Each category's acts must perform one by one and their mentor will decide whether to give them a seat or send them straight home. They may be switched out with someone else in their group later on. But only the four left in the seats at the end will continu e on. 4. Have the final 16 contestants compete in live performances until a winner is announced, according to America's votes.

life & times

The Voice Ingredients: Contestants 15 years and older Directions: 1. Have contestants go through blind auditions. They must perfor m a song while the coaches' chairs are turned away from them. If one of the coache s likes their voices, they will press a button to turn around their chair. If two or more coaches turn around, the contestant will decide who they want as a coach. 2. Have the coaches, along with help from celebrity advisers, work with their teams. 3. Go through the “Battle Rounds'' by having coaches put two of their team members against each other by singing the same song in front of a studio audience. At the end of the performance, the coach chooses a winner. However, the loser can be stolen by another coach, as coaches have two steals during battle rounds. 4. Go through the “Knockout Round'' by pairing team members against each other, but only allow them to find out who they're competing against minute s before they perform. Each contestant will then sing their own selected song while the competitor watches them. The coach will chose a winner and the loser will go home. 5. Go through live performance shows by having the top contestants from each team compete against each other, each week, during a live performance. The television audience will vote to save their favorite. The two contestants with the lowest number of votes will be sent home each week, until a winner is decided.

Coaches

Adam Levine Christina Aguilera CeeLo Green Blake Shelton

Host

Carson Daly

Past Winners

Danielle Bradbery: Season 4 Winner Cassadee Pope: Season 3 Winner

Hear what Corona has to say “I’ve never had any interest in any of those shows, I only watch football” Cal Kalusney, security guard

“When someone who’s really bad is on there (American Idol) and they get made fun of, it’s really funny”

“I think it’s cool that your judges (on The Voice) choose based on their voice and not how they look”

Nilesh Bissessur, senior

Logan Hatton, sophomore

“I really like Simon Cowell and hearing his opinion of people. There are also some good artists that go on the show (The X-Factor)“ Amy Hong, senior

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life & times

Holiday Recipes

Jacqui Marzocca | Editor-in-Chief

Monkey Bread Ingredients 3/4 cup granulated sugar 2 tsp cinnamon 4 cans refrigerated biscuits 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted 3/4 cup brown sugar

Directions 1. Preheat over to 350 degrees 2. Grease Bundt™ cake pan 3. Cut biscuits into quarters 4. Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a large bowl 5. Toss biscuit quarters in bowl to coat 6. Place in pan 7. Mix butter and brown sugar; pour over biscuits 8. Bake for 40 min until golden brown. Cool for five minutes.

Chocolate Truffle Cookie Pops Ingredients 1/2 cup cold milk 1 pkg. (3.4 oz.) vanilla flavor instant pudding mix 30 vanilla wafer cookies, finely crushed (about 3 cups) 3 pkg. (4 oz. each) semi-sweet chocolate morsels, melted 1 oz. white chocolate morsels

Directions 1. Stir milk and pudding mix in medium bowl until pudding mix is moistened. Immediately add wafer crumbs and mix well. 2. Shape into 1-inch balls and place on waxed-paper rimmed over baking sheet. Freeze for 10 min. 3. Dip in chocolate and return to baking sheet. Insert lollipop stick into center of each ball. 4. Refigerate until firm. Melt white chocolate as directed on package. Drizzle over pops and refrigerate until coating is firm.

1. Banana Nut Bread 2. Chocolate Truffle Cookie Pops 3. Salted Caramel Snickerdoodles

Food prepared by Max Butler, photo by Devika Sharan

Rosemary Roasted Cashews Ingredients 1 1/4 pounds cashew nuts 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh rosemary leaves 1/2 teaspoon cayenne 2 teaspoons dark brown sugar 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 tablespoon melted butter

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Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. 2. Place the nuts on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes until they are warmed through. 3. Combine the rosemary, pepper, sugar, salt and butter in a large bowl. 4. Toss the warm nuts with the rosemary mixture until the nuts are completely coated. 5. Serve warm.

Check out www. cdssunrise.com for the pictured recipes, in addition to creamed corn cornbread, mozzarella sticks and chicken taco melts.

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Senior to play saxophone in Carnegie Hall Natasha Burrell | Staff Writer

Trey Martin will travel to New York City to perform with other high school students in February. Photo by Devika

The High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall in New York is one of the highest honors a high school musician could take part in. Senior Trey Martin, who is first chair baritone saxophone in the Corona del Sol Wind Ensemble, has been accepted and will be attending this event in February of 2014. “I got accepted because I tried out for All-State band last year and I was nominated,” Martin said. “I just sent in a video recording of me playing some special music for four to five minutes. So I played an etude that they gave me and two pieces I picked on my own. I picked an etude out of a practice book that I had and a song called ‘Elegy for Saxophone’.” This program includes talented high school musicians from all across the United States. After rehearsing for four days, the ensemble puts on a performance for an audience, which includes representatives from collegiate and professional music programs. This selective group was determined by first being nominated. “I had to do my audition which took about an hour to record so I could get the good recording that I wanted and I had to turn it in,” Martin said, “They said that they would let me know between Oct.1 and Oct. 31 and they waited until Oct. 31 to tell me and that’s when I got the email.” The ensemble of students will be conducted by Craig Kirchhoff who is a professor at University of Minnesota. He has also worked as a conductor,

Photo illustration by Liz Cheney

Sharan

lecturer and clinician in Australia, Canada, Japan, Taiwan, Europe and Scandinavia. “I feel honored to get a chance to further my skills and meet some amazing musicians and conductors,” Martin said. In addition to morning and afternoon rehearsals, the group also gets to have a little fun. “One night we’ll also go to a Broadway Show and the last day they’ll put us on an plane and we’ll get to go sightseeing around New York visiting the 9/11 memorial and things like that,” Martin said. Martin has been in the Wind Ensemble since his sophomore year and even made the symphonic band his freshman year. Martin also participates in the Corona Marching Band and has been a section leader since his sophomore year. His hard work makes his band director, David DuPlessis proud. “It is an extreme honor for Trey to have been selected for the prestigious program,” DuPlessis said. “He’s the first student from Corona to be selected and he was the only bari-sax selected from the entire country so it’s a really big deal.” Martin has been playing the baritone saxophone since seventh grade and although he plans on going into construction management, he intends to continue playing his saxophone after high school. “I love that music gets you out of yourself and you can express yourself while playing some beautiful or epic music,” Martin said. R

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Aztec Apparel: Style Club Edition Hannah Gur-Arie ‘14

Manali Chavan | Social Media Editor It’s safe to say the wintertime weather in Arizona isn’t like any other. The streets are left bare, the skies are clear and he cool temperature is accompanied by a crisp breeze. So how exactly should one dress for a winter that may not even be considered a winter? Arizona’s winter mornings and evenings are often filled with a chill, crisp temperature of 45 degrees, whereas the afternoons can reach as high as 65 degrees. It seems as though Arizona doesn’t want to find a happy medium. Luckily, a few members of the Corona del Sol Style Club have put together their favorite ensemble that is ideal for our Arizona winter. R

Is there anyone that inspires you to dress the way you do? “Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen. Courtney Clark.” What’s your favorite winter accessory? “Beanies because I like the style and mixing it with a dress and giving it a grunge look. It keeps you warm and also looks cute.” How would you describe your outfit to someone? “I’m wearing a black baby doll dress from American Apparel. I like the style, how it’s looser but still has a nice cut and I think black looks good with everything. The high-knee socks keep me warm because it’s be cold in the morning and warm in the afternoon.” Favorite stores to shop at? American Apparel, Urban Outfitters, missguided.com and H&M.

Dress; American Apparel, Socks; karmaloop. com, Shoes; Jeffery Campbell, Cardigan; Forever 21 Photos by Kelly Zimmer

Lauren Click ‘15

Maddie Primak ‘15

Is there anyone that inspires you to dress the way you do? “I like Phillip Lim and Alexa Chung.”

Is there anyone that inspires you to dress the way you do? “Lily Collins because her style’s kind of light and airy. I like casual but cute styles.”

What’s your favorite winter accessory? “My knit head band because it keeps my ears warm.”

How would you describe your outfit to someone? “Bohemian.”

What are some benefits of an Arizona winter? “You can still use some pieces from the summer or spring and integrate them (Left) Jacket; Zara, Top; Forever 21, Leggings; Basement Marketplace, Shoes; Guess, into your winter wardrobe.” Headband; Basement Marketplace; (Right) Cardigan; Urban Outfitters, Top; Brandy Melville, Favorite stores to shop at? Zara, H&M and Anthropology.

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Skirt; Top Shop

What are some benefits of an Arizona winter? “It’s not too cold right now so you can wear layers, but by the end of the day it’s pretty warm so you can take stuff off.” Favorite stores to shop at? Urban Outfitters and Topshop.

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Brett Hardy ‘14 What’s your favorite winter accessory? “Scarves because they’re so comfortable and warm.” How would you describe your outfit to someone? “I always wear vests and I wore maroon because it matches my shoes. I also always wear a bunch of stuff on my wrist because my buddies wear these.” Favorite stores to shop at? Urban Outfitters, Buffalo Exchange and Louis Vuttion. Levi vest; Buffalo Exchange, Shirt; H&M, Pants; Rusticdime.com, Shoes; Bape.com, Socks; Urban Outfitters, Scarf; H&M Photos by Kelly Zimmer

Kiela Chavarria ‘17 Is there anyone that inspires you to dress the way you do? “Kendall and Kylie Jenner.” What’s your favorite winter accessory? “Boots because you don’t get to wear them as much in Arizona. I like to take advantage of when I can wear them. I especially like combat boots.” Favorite stores to shop at? Forever 21, H&M and The Fashion Q.

Cardigan; The Fashion Q, Shirt; Brandy Melville, Jeans; Abercrombie, Shoes; Cathy Jean

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Kassie Lopez: Ballroom Genius

Photo courtesy of Kassie Lopez

Photo by Kelly Zimmer

“I dance jazz, ballet, hip hopeverything. I’m also a pommie.”

“You stay in that one costume for all five dances, so it has to be something you can use for all those dances. It’s a big part of your competition because if you have an ugly costume that doesn’t fit, then the judges won’t look at you.”

Photo courtesy of Kassie Lopez

“I do pro-am dance, which means I’m the amateur and I have a pro dancer dancing with me. When I compete, it’s only me competing, not me and my partner. He (her partner) just moved here from Ukraine. I don’t really get to talk to him too much because he barely knows any English, so he mainly just teaches me.”

Photo by Kelly Zimmer

Manali Chavan | Social Media Editor Cha cha, samba, rumba, paso doble and jive may seem like foreign dance styles to most, but to junior Kassie Lopez, they are the dance styles that she uses to tell a story. Lopez first began ballroom dancing the summer before her sophomore year; while she’s familiar with many other dance styles, such as jazz, ballet and hip-hop, she enjoys the fun and flirty vibe that comes with ballroom dance. Lopez began competing in ballroom dance through her dance studio, Imperial Ballroom. She competes with her pro partner, Oleksii Lytvyn, who recently moved to the U.S. from Ukraine. The two recently competed in the pro-am category at a national competition in Ohio. The long hours of practice and attention to detail have earned Lopez the title of World Pro-Am Dance Port Series Young Adult Latin Champion. R

Photo courtesy of Kassie Lopez

“I meet with my partner three hours a week and take ballroom classes. Every time I get a chance, I practice all my routines, over and over.”

Photo courtesy of Kassie Lopez

“I hope to move to New York and find a professional dancer and compete pro.”

(pictured with junior Amanda Johnson, senior Natasha Miller and 2013 graduate Madi Brown at Battery Park in New York City)

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ABC Entertainment/MCT

“I took a master class with (Dancing with the Stars professional) Tony Dovolani for fun and then fell in love with it (ballroom dance).”

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To think that he is human... Aashini Choksi | Life and Times Editor The Boston Marathon bombing is an incident that will remain in the minds of American citizens forever. On April 15, 2013, millions of people were stunned by the horrific events that took place and quickly demonstrated their support. As with similar tragedies, however, it is rare to find someone sympathizing with the suspects’ families and friends. Tamerlan and Dzokhar Tsarnaev, the brothers who are allegedly responsible for the premeditated attacks, were involved in an intense manhunt in the days following the bombing. With the zealous media coverage and inaccurate labels such as “Muslim extremist” and “terrorist,” it was impossible for anyone to give an accurate account of the backgrounds and motives of the brothers and fairly represent their views. Zolan Kanno-Youngs, a journalism student at Northeastern University and intern for the Boston Globe, was a high school friend and neighbor of Dzokhar. At a speech given at the 2013 JEA/NSPA convention held in Boston, he described his relationship to the 19-year old and the role the media plays in such monumental stories.

The day of the bombing

“My first reaction to the bombing was that it couldn’t get any worse,” Youngs said. “And then I woke up on Friday morning and saw the mug shot of my friend on the news.” As a journalism student, Youngs believed he had to correct certain facts and ensure the story the media was sharing was truthful. “I didn’t know what to feel, but (I did know) that the media was wrong,” Youngs said. “The only thing that I was thinking was that all the news (channels) were wrong.” Youngs’ aunt, Robin Young, is the host of the NPR news show “Here and Now.” On Friday morning, she called him and requested that he appear on her show. “I didn’t want any lies on the news, so I went on the air,” Youngs said. “It wasn’t a matter of defending (Dzokhar), but (rather) getting the truth out there.”

A popular kid

In the interview, Youngs described his experience throughout the bombings and his final realization. Youngs reminisced with his aunt about a prom party which Dzokhar

attended, and how unprecedented this tragedy was. “This wasn’t a kid who didn’t have a lot of friends,” Youngs said. “This could never be expected from a kid who just had that positive vibe. (There was) never anything out of the ordinary.” Dzokhar, a popular student at school, was named student athlete of the month for wrestling in February 2011. “(Dzokhar) was on the wrestling team (and) he was on the volleyball team,” Youngs said. “It is a scary thought to think that he is human, an honors student and the captain of sports teams.” Youngs also gave a video interview to clarify misleading information and wrote a piece about his experience for the Boston Globe. “I was no longer a reporter, I was a source,” Youngs said. “I would like to think that the story I told got rid of false assumptions. This was not my story and I needed to make that distinction.”

In this cell phone image, Youngs speaks at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston. Over 400 people attended the seminar. Photo by

Manali Chavan

Looking Back

Once the media settled down and Youngs was able to go back to his regular lifestyle, he still ensured the full story was being told. “Accuracy and reporting and telling the whole story is the right thing to do,” Youngs said. Although Youngs took a journalistic approach and tried to remain objective in his reporting, he had a strong personal connection to Dzokhar and nothing will change that. “I will always remember Dzhokhar, a friend who embraced me for a high school graduation photograph. But it seems the young man I knew is gone,” Youngs said. R

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GEARING UP

A few pointers for staying safe on the road

Devika Sharan | Managing Editor

♦♦ Watch the road: If you don’t keep your eyes on the road then you obviously can’t see where you’re going. Don’t do anything that may cause you to look away such as: texting, eating, changing the radio station or even talking on the phone. If possible, get a passenger to do anything you need done, or just wait until you get to your final destination. ♦♦ Buckle up: Arizona is a secondary seatbelt law state, meaning that you can’t be pulled over just for not wearing your seatbelt; you have to be pulled over for another reason first. This isn’t the only reason to wear your seatbelt though. Wearing your seatbelt can help to avoid any serious injuries in the event that you do get into an accident. Luckily, many new cars come equipped with an alert to remind the front passengers to wear their seatbelts. However, all passengers should be sure to buckle up and be safe. ♦♦ Keep both hands on the wheel: According to the Division of Motor Vehicles in Arizona, it’s best to imagine your steering wheel as a clock and keep your hands on the nine and three o’clock (middle) positions. This gives you the most leverage on the wheel and can help you keep the car in its lane. If this feels uncomfortable then find a position that works best for you, but try not to drive with just one hand because you won’t have as much control over the car as you think. ♦♦ Don’t speed: Speeding is one of the most dangerous and common issues in the country. This is why it’s imperative for drivers to keep an eye on the speedometer. It’s also important, for you overly cautious drivers, not to go so much under the speed limit that you are blocking the normal flow of traffic. It’s easy if you just follow the traffic; don’t go faster than everyone and don’t go too slow. ♦♦ Use your mirrors: They’re there for a reason, not just decoration. Be sure to check and adjust your both your rearview and side view mirrors every time you sit in your car. And then actually use them. Always remember that even with your mirrors properly adjusted, there is still a blind spot. This is why when changing lanes you should always glance over your shoulder to make sure it’s safe to go. ♦♦ Watch out for pedestrians: If you hit a pedestrian with a car and then have the pedestrian hit back, which do you think will be in worse shape? Most of the time, the pedestrian has the right of way, and even if they don’t, it won’t kill you to wait a few more seconds for them to cross the road. It’s also very crucial for you to always keep any eye out for pedestrians because they might pop out anywhere, especially at night if they’re not wearing any reflective clothing. ♦♦ Use your blinkers: Man, sometimes I wish there was this device in cars to let other drivers know what direction you’re going. Oh wait, there is. So please be sure to use it, otherwise when you’re slowing down to make a right turn, the person behind you may not know and then a whole slew of problems could commence. Even if no one is around you, try to get into the habit of always using your blinker. This way when you do need it, it’ll already be on. ♦♦ Never panic: When driving, the most important thing is to always stay in control and never freak out. Panicking while driving can actually cause an accident but if you stay calm, it can be avoided. R

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(From top) Buckling up before hitting the road is a simple and effective safety precaution; bad examples of driving practices. Photos by Eizabeth Cheney

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BEING PREPARED Devika Sharan | Managing Editor

According to Forbes Magazine, the average driver will get into a car accident every 17.9 years, so if you get your license at 16, odds are that you’ll be in some kind of crash by the time you’re 34. In the event that you or someone around you is not following the rules of driving and you end up in an accident, here is a checklist of steps you should follow. R ̓̓ Stay calm: Like I said, this is one of the most important rule and step to follow where cars are involved. If you begin to panic, others around will too and the issue could escalate. ̓̓ Safety first: If the accident is minor, it’s actually more dangerous to leave the cars involved in the middle of the road and could result in even more accidents. If you are able to, you should always move your car out of the way to the side of the road and be sure to turn on your hazard lights to let other drivers around you know so they can safely pass by. ̓̓ Check for injuries and call the police: If anyone is seriously injured, be sure to call an ambulance as soon as possible. Even if it’s a minor injury, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. And always call the police no matter what, even if the other person involved suggests settling between just the two of you. In some states, it’s actually illegal to not call the police and it’s never a bad thing to get extra help. You should also call your parents just to let them know what happened. Chances are they’ve been in this situation before and will know a lot more than you.

̓̓ Don’t admit fault or assign blame: It’s not your job to figure out whose fault the accident was. This is for the police and insurance company to figure out. After receiving and giving all the necessary information and making sure everyone is OK, keep the discussion to a minimum. Anything you say could be used against you in insurance claims. ̓̓ Call your insurance company: Always call your insurance company and report the accident, preferably as soon as possible. This way, the company has your side of the story on record before the other driver files a claim (if it was your fault). If it was the other driver’s fault, you can call that insurance company and file your own claim or have your own company file a claim (in some cases it’s better to let your company fight out the battle in order to get the money you deserve from the accident). ̓̓ Don’t beat yourself up: Every driver will get in at least one, if not more, accidents in his/her lifetime. It’s not something to constantly worry over. As long as you follow the previous steps, you’ll be fine.

̓̓ Exchange information: You should always have all your driving information in you car at all times. The glove compartment is a popular place to keep important insurance and registration documents and can be easily accessed when needed, and your license should always be with you. The information you should get from the other person is his/her name, address, phone number, email, driver’s license number, insurance company and policy number. Also, write down the information about the accident itself, such as the time, location, description of the other car and a description of the actual accident. This way you’ll know all the information you need give to your insurance company. If you find yourself in accident, remain calm and see if anyone is injured. Be prepared to present necessary identification and documents on scene. Photo by Elizabeth Cheney

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Shooting for a 3-Peat

Omar Soussi | Sports Editor

With all the talent it has, Corona’s basketball team is the heavy favorite to three-peat this year. Corona has three players who have either signed or committed to a Division 1 team (seniors Casey Benson, Oregon; Connor MacDougall, ASU; and junior Dane Kuiper, New Mexico), while junior Cassius Peat is being looked at by a lot of Division 1 schools, although he plans to play college football. Several players from last year’s state championship team are back. Most of the varsity team played in summer basketball tournaments and have played with each other since they were freshmen. The team also has a very deep bench, with seniors Russ Davis and Jarrett Givens either starting or playing the sixth-man role. Freshman Alex Barcello looked good in the Hoopall Tournament, Nov. 26-29. When azcentral ranked th top 50 basketball players of 2014, MacDougall and Benson were in the top 10, ranked No. 6 and No. 4, respectively.

The team earned the chance to play in Hoophall tournament championship game against Shadow Mountain on Dec. 14 at Grand Canyon University Arena (check cdssunrise.com for updates). In the early rounds of the tournament, the Aztecs beat Mesquite (64-42), Westview (66-45) and Chaparral (50-46). After seeing the tournament and a couple of games as well, head coach Sammy Duane was satisfied with what he saw but still believes the team has work to do. “I think we’re doing some good things,” Duane said. “There are some things we definitely need to work on. We’ve not really started to click; we’re still learning each other.” Duane believes the Aztecs are going to get better very soon. “Our teams usually click around Christmas; it just takes its time,” Duane said. “We don’t want to be at our best right now; we want to be at our best come February.” Duane believes the team is doing a good job of ignoring what people think of them.

“We don’t get caught up in what anyone thinks; we just focus on what we need to do each day as a team and a staff and try to get better,” Duane said. “The goal is to be the best we can be in February and we will focus on that.” The team’s quest for a three-peat has not put any stress on the coach. “There’s no stress whatsoever,” Duane said. “It’s a new year, it is a new group of players and this team will have to find their own identity and that will be a process, but there’s no pressure on us.” Benson also believes that there isn’t pressure for them to win. “We just want to play every game as hard as hard as possible and everything will take care of itself,” Benson said. Givens believes this team could be one of the best teams of all time. “We have something special going on and if we take advantage of it then we could be one of the best teams ever,” Givens said. R

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Corona del Sol Basketball Seniors Photos by Kelly Zimmer

#33 Arnold

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#15 Benson

#50 Davis

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Findlay Prepatory versus Corona Omar Soussi | Sports Editor

The marquee matchup on the Corona boys basketball regular season schedule is against a school that has just 11 high school students. They all play basketball, and they are ranked No. 1 in the nation by USA Today. On Saturday, Jan. 4, the Aztecs will face Findlay Prep, a nationally known “basketball school,” operates under the Henderson International School in Henderson, Nev. Maxpreps and StudentSports rank the Pilots No. 2. Nationally, Corona is ranked No. 21 by Maxpreps and No. 47 in a preseason poll by StudentSports. The Aztecs didn’t make the USA Today preseason rankings. “We tried to get it set up with them,“ Corona head coach Sam Duane said. “It’s something we wanted to do.” Since 2007 when Findlay Prep was founded, the Pilots have compiled a 189–13 record and at some point every season, they’ve been ranked No. 1 nationally. Corona, on the other hand, has achieved a 152- 55 record during the same period and was nationally ranked just once in that time span (38th), during the 2011-2012 season in which Corona won it’s first title under Duane Jr. Senior Casey Benson said he looks at this game as a good challenge for his team, but it’s not the most important game of the year. “It’s a great opportunity to play them and

see where we stack up against one of the best teams in the country,” Benson said. While Duane admitted the game against Findlay Prep will be a good barometer of the team’s talent, he also said it’s not the most important game on the schedule. “I don’t think any game is more important than any other game,” Duane said. ‘It’s just like any other game. It’s a good opportunity to see where we’re at, and a good challenge for us to play against a very good team, but there’s a lot of games down the road that’ll be more important than that.” MacDougall is excited to play the Pilots. “They’re a good team and it’s a good test for us and I can’t wait to play them,” MacDougall said. MacDougall has had first-hand experience playing against the Pilots after playing them last year while he was with Westwind Prep. “They’re a really good team,” MacDougall said. “Definitely a different level and we’re going to have to play at that level.” He believes his experience will give Corona a helping hand. “Since I played them, I can tell my guys what to look for, what to expect,” MacDougall said. Junior Dane Kuiper, like MacDougall, is enthusiastic to play Findlay Prep.

“I’m so excited,” Kuiper said. ”It’s going to be a good challenge for us. We’re going to play our hardest and see who comes on top.” Experts might look at this game and assume Corona is the underdog. That doesn’t matter to Benson. “We go into every game wanting to outwork our opponent and it doesn’t matter who we are playing,” Benson said. Findlay Prep already started off 13-0 this season (as of press time) beating schools all over the country. Findlay Prep has just one player who has committed to his university: senior Craig Victor III (University of Arizona), but the Pilots still have a lot of talent. Junior Horace Spencer is ranked No. 46 in 2015 ESPN 60, senior Rashad Vaughn is ranked No. 17 in 2014 ESPN 100 and senior Jonah Bolden is ranked No. 70 in 2014 ESPN 100. The Aztecs are confident they’ll do their best to get the win. “I’m pretty confident that we will win,” senior Jarrett Givens said. “That’s the attitude you have to have when playing a big school like Findlay Prep.” The game will be played in a new facility at the Rancho Solano Ventura campus in Scottsdale. Rancho Solano is a sister school of the Henderson International School. R

Photos by Kelly Zimmer

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Save some cash, get a free transit pass. If you live in Tempe you can ride transit for free. To get a youth transit pass, stop by the Tempe Transit Store at 200 E. Fifth St. For a list of required paperwork, visit www.tempe.gov/tim or call 480-858-2350.

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PEDAL TO THE MEDAL

Devika Sharan | Managing Editor Normal high school students spend their four years honing their skills and figuring out what they want to do with their lives through their classes and extracurricular activities. However, junior Sterling Cling sped ahead of the crowd and has it all figured out; Cling is a racecar driver. “It’s just a hobby I have, and it’s what I’ve done my whole life,” Cling said. “Just like how other kids play baseball or football.” Oftentimes people know what they

like to do and what they want to do, but taking the first step is always the hardest part. “When I was little, I raced dirt bikes and gocarts, so I just started and worked my way up,” Cling said. “My dad raced when I was little so I just kind of raced too.” Many students can relate to the woes of the tedious after-school job or the time consuming hobby that always seems to cut into time that could be spent on the piles of school work. “My parents make sure I have all my work done and sometimes if I have time I can go work on my stuff,” Cling said. Despite the tire-screeching, death-defying stunts that audiences are exposed to on television, Cling maintains that racecar driving is not as dangerous as it seems. “It’s really not that dangerous because

of the safety equipment they have,” Cling said. “There’s not very much chance you’ll get hurt.” Now, any job or hobby comes with a known agreement that many hours will be put into it until the work gets done; in this aspect, racecar driving is no different. “There’s probably at least 36 hours that goes into getting ready,” Cling said. “But it takes not as much as my time but also other people’s time to get my stuff ready.” And like very few adults, Cling has been able to make his hobby a career; something that others can only dream of doing. “I race in a series that races all in the western half of the states,” Cling said, “and I race two or three times a month.” As one can imagine, any thrilling job or hobby comes with many great memories. One of Cling’s more memorable times racing was winning a national race at the simple age of fourteen. “I’m the only 17 year old that’s racing against guys that have done it their whole lives,” Cling said. “And it means a lot to just see how far I’ve come.” R

Junior Sterling Cling races and competes in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series. He has been racing for six years. Photos courtesy of Sterling Cling

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leads boys soccer squad

His natural leadership abilities and the example he sets is essential for the team.

“

Johnny “ Osgood

R Coach Dan Salas

Mason Kuluris | Online Editor-in-Chief The boys soccer team finished last year with a 7-1-0 record placing them fourth in the standings, and it hopes to increase its standing this year. The start of this season for Corona boys soccer team has been picking up speed with scrimmages and daily practices. The tryouts went well, and the boys who made the team began their practices in order to prepare for their first game, which the team lost against Sandra Day O’Conner High School on Dec. 3 with the score 1-3. One player in particular is preparing for the season and getting ready to play his last high school soccer season: senior Johnny Osgood began playing soccer three years ago. The 2010 World Cup held in South Africa, where Spain won the Cup, sparked his interest in the sport. His other sport, football, began to become less of his focus and soccer came into the spotlight. When he first played for the team his sophomore year, he was brand new to the sport, having only ever played once before in third grade. “I learned a lot, listened to Coach Dan Salas and survived the season,” Osgood said. Salas had much to say about the player, including how Osgood has improved his comfort level around the ball and moving on the field. “He knows what to do with or without the ball,” Salas said. Since that first year playing on JV, he has moved up to playing the last two years on the varsity team, and now leads the team during practices as co-captain with senior Grant Galan. “His natural leadership abilities and the example he sets is essential for the team,” Salas said. As a senior, Osgood is a strong leader. “The seniors take charge, but everyone leads the team mostly,” Osgood said. “It’s a group effort.” Osgood’s teammate Galan had a few words to say about the player as well. “He does a lot of the leadership,” Galan said, “ Johnny has a really good chemistry with the other guys.” With a new set of varsity players coming up from JV, the team for this year the boys will start the season strong. “The team this year has all new leadership,” Salas said. “I’m excited to see how they work together.” R

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Senior Johnny Osgood juggles the soccer ball. Osgood has been playing soccer since sophomore year. Photo by Elizabeth

Cheney.

Rowe balances life with sport

Rsports

Lauren Lagioia | Staff Writer

It’s no secret high school students are and just for herself. “I love the team. The past four years have under pressure to preform academically, but what happens to a student when you add a been the best years so far,” Rowe says. “We have so many traditions. We all work hard for competitive sport into the mix? Corona senior Hannah Rowe has had each other, and the coach makes the sport to learn how to balance a social, academic fun.” One important factor in Rowe’s success and athletic life for the past 10 years playing competitive soccer. This year she is currently at balancing sports and school has been the enrolled in four AP classes, one honors class pursuit of her hobby, ceramics. “I have never thought of giving it up,” and her third year of ceramics. Most days, she balances an eight-hour Rowe said. Rowe also participates in a number of school day, a two-hour practice and more than two hours of homework a night—not to mention game days that don’t begin until 6 p.m. two to three times a week. “I take it class by class, and complete the easiest tasks first,” Rowe says. “And I can’t do homework before soccer; I’ve always been that way.” This year will be Rowe’s fourth consecutive year playing midfielder on the varsity soccer team. But her season is never over; she continues to play club in her off time and keeps herself in shape exercising off the field. She does have one rule however: Weekends Rowe symbolizes the balance of studies and socare strictly off limits to out of practice workouts cer. She plays center midfield for Corona. Photo by Elizabeth Cheney.

extracurricular activities including National Honors Society (NHS), National Charity League (NCL), and she is president of Corona’s Clay Club. “I love a challenge,” Rowe said. Given her academic prowess, it’s no surprise she hopes to study mechanical or metallurgical engineering in college. Still, she is indecisive if she would like to play soccer as well. What is clear, however, is that Rowe will miss her high school soccer team. “I love the school season even more than club,” Rowe said. “We are like a family.” Her recommendations to other students balancing sports and academics are to “take care of yourself, know that school comes first and to play hard. Your sport is your release.” Head soccer coach, Matt Smith is amazed by what Rowe undergoes. “If there is anyone in this world who wants to criticize student athletes, I’d invite them to meet Hannah Rowe,” Smith said. Corona girls’ first soccer tournament was on Dec. 9-14 and their first regular season game will be at Mountain View on Dec. 16. JV begins at 4 p.m., and varsity at 6 p.m. R

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Victory for XC

After an undefeated season, XC took 1st at State, 6th in Nike Cross Regionals. Elizabeth Cheney | Photo Editor

Nathan Rodriguez, Ryan Normand, Marcus Wheeler and other placers pose on the podium after the state meet.

Aztec State Meet Results 1st 2nd 3rd 20th 22nd 30th 66th

Nathan Rodriguez Ryan Normand Marcus Wheeler Patrick Cullings Blake Fischer Slade Sumners Andrew Truswell

15:29 15:32 15:36 16:34 16:36 16:58 17:28

On Nov. 9, Corona boys cross country took I was just really happy to have been that close Country Regionals. With an undefeated season and a state championship under its belt, CdS first place in the Arizona state cross country to him.” Normand was only only 3 seconds away cross country had high hopes for regionals. championships for the first time in 21 years. “It is very special to have an undefeated “We knew it was going to be between us from the state title. It’s this hard work from and Desert Vista for the championship,” senior Normand that’s encouraged Rodriguez to season. It just doesn’t happen much in any sport; it gave us high expectations for Nike champion Nathan Rodriguez said. “So we just maximize his potential. “Ryan ran great; he has always pushed Cross,” Smith said. “We had been ranked tried to play our cards right to come out on Nathan to do his best,” head coach Pat Smith third in the southwest region (prior to the top.” competition).” Obviously, the team played its cards better said. With a sixth place team finish, CdS cross In addition to being state champion, than right, with Rodriguez placing first, senior Ryan Normand, second, and junior Marcus Rodriguez has been named azcentral’s cross country did not score high enough to continue onto nationals. country runner of the year. Wheeler, third. “I’m definitely disappointed with it,” “It’s definitely rewarding,” Rodriguez said “It’s awesome,” Rodriguez said. “No other school has ever done that (taken first, second about the state championship. “It’s awesome Normand said. “I think the weather had a huge and third) in Arizona history. It was a dream since I’ve been working towards it for four impact on it, because we were not prepared to race in that; we had been preparing on hard years now.” come true.” Shortly after the state championship, CdS surfaces all year.” The last Corona state championship was The weather transformed the course into 21 years ago, when Ari Rodriguez, Nathan cross country began to gear up for Nike Cross a mud run, creating a terrain difficult for Rodriguez’s father, ran for CdS cross the runners to cope with. country. “It was horrible conditions and we “It’s very unique,” Nathan said. didn’t have our chance to show our “It’s truly gratifying to keep the state potential to the other state teams,” championships in the family, with Rodriguez said. extraordinary teams that helped us both Smith, on the other hand, was proud reach such an accomplishment.” of the performance of his runners. Rodriguez ran the 5K race in 15:29, “I wasn’t disappointed; we ran which was slower than his personal best against some outstanding teams from of 15:08, but still fast enough to place the southwest on a very muddy course, first. which Arizona runners aren’t used to,” Corona’s runner-up, Normand, was Smith said. extremely content with how he placed Despite a disappointing finish at personally, as well as how the team regionals, Corona’s boys cross country scored as a whole. still remains undefeated and the 2013 “We’ve pretty much been Arizona state champions. consistently placing in the top five; to “It was a great season,” Normand have the top three in state was really nice,” Normand said. “I was definitely Rodriguez, Normand and Wheeler run toward the finish line said. “We had one of the most dedicated satisfied. I was only a couple seconds during the State Championship. The three placed first, second groups of athletes we’ve ever had and I’m proud of them.”R behind Nate, and he’s a great athlete, so and third respectively. Photos by Elizabeth Cheney.

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