Inside this issue of CdS Sunrise... classes will be offered at Corona next year. 3 New With registration right around the corner, see which ones might be right for you.
holidays are usually meant to spend time 12 The with family. Take a look at how some students celebrate a little differently.
and tea are popular drinks among 16 Coffee Corona students, especially during the winter.
Check out the pros and cons of both and decide for yourself.
and social media 18 Cdssunrise.com are great ways to stay informed on everything happening around campus.
basketball season will 20 This feature new rule changes regarding contact between the players.
Callan Little takes to the soccer field 23 Senior after sitting out last year due to transfer ineligibilty.
Letter to the Editor In your most recent edition of the “CdS Sunrise”, October 2014, you reported on two foreign language programs offered at Corona del Sol - Spanish and French. I was disappointed that our third foreign language was not represented - German. All levels of German, including Rio Salado Dual Enrollment classes and Honors, are taught at CdS. The German program is alive and kicking. I hope that you and your staff will complete your story for the next edition with an article about the German classes. Vielen Dank! s
Frau Gish, E056 2 | December 2014
Letter from the Editor With the holiday season approaching, we all have a lot on our minds. From cramming for finals to worrying about gift shopping, it’s easy to get caught up in the million thoughts swirling around our heads. The season proves to be more stressful than relaxing for some. The end of a semester does not necessarily signify a hiatus from work - projects are assigned in addition to the impending task of college applications. However, it’s easy to get caught up in our day-to-day tasks and lose track of what’s really important. The holiday season isn’t meant to induce stress; this season is the time for family and reflection. No matter what holiday you celebrate, they all have one thing in common - spend time with family. It’s difficult for me to fathom that I will only be living at home for a few more months, so I’m cherishing every moment. In this issue of Sunrise, we take a look at what the holidays and family mean to different people around campus. Diverse backgrounds and different celebrations allow us to appreciate what we’re celebrating and who we’re celebrating with. Spend time with family, savor the cool weather and have a fantastic break. Be sure to keep an eye out for our next issue sometime in February. s
Aashini Choksi
Corona del Sol Sunrise Staff Editor-in-Chief Aashini Choksi Online Editor-in-Chief Carson Pyatt Managing Editor Andrew Eversden Online Managing Editor Katelyn Stys News Editor Nikki Hinshaw Opinions Editor Megan Marples Life & Times Editor Brenna Bochenek Sports Editor Johnny Waddell Clubs Editor Zein Sy Photo Editor Max Butler Graphics Editor Patrick Dietz Social Media Editor Katelyn Stys Business Manager Patrick Dietz
Online Sports Editor Johnny Waddell Staff Courtney Baldenegro, Anita Daryanani, Kajal Dave, Tanner Kujawa, Maria Martin, Hailey Myers, Kasey Ruthardt, Joshua Staples, Patricia Stoica Cartoonist Lindsi Kerrigan Adviser Kris Urban Front cover design by Patrick Dietz
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
New classes to be offered at Corona next year Carson Pyatt | Online Editor-in-Chief As registration approaches, students are often unsure which classes they want to enroll in, or even which classes are being offered. Four new and unique classes are being offered next year. In addition to brand new classes, additional levels of existing classes are being offered for the first time next year. Sports Journalism 1-2: In this course, open to freshmen through seniors, students will learn to report, write and photograph sports for print and online journalism, as well as learn how to cover sports from the social media angle. “With the range of excellent sports offered on campus, it’s the perfect opportunity for students to get practical experience in the field of sports journalism,” journalism teacher Kristen Urban said. “Students will have the opportunity to have their work published in the Sunrise and online at cdssunrise.com.” Introduction to Animation 1-2: This course will be offered as a beginning level class that will teach students animation tactics and skills. Much focus will be placed on claymation, anamatics, and action figures.
“[The class is] largely going to explore and experiment with the fundamentals of stop motion,” Forbes said. “This comes with learning about composition, storytelling, shot types, lighting and more that all comes with TV 1-2 and Digifilm 1-2.” Exceptional work created by the students in this class may have the opportunity to be featured on [cdstv]. There will be a course fee of $25 if a student is enrolled in this class. Sports and Entertainment Marketing: This semester-long course will provide students an introduction to marketing concepts regarding sports and entertainment. It will feature software called Virtual Business that allows students to virtually run a business. “Students will be virtually running a sports stadium facility during a football season,” business department chair Mike Lohmann said. “They will have to manage functions such as selling tickets, running stadium concessions, parking lots, staffing facilities during events, social and digital media marketing and player and entertainment contracts.” Students in this class have the opportunity to compete in the DECA online Virtual Business competitions and attend DECA nationals. Hospitality and Tourism Marketing: Another semester-long course, this class will help students learn marketing concepts regarding hospitality-related events. “Students will be virtually running a hotel resort property for a period of time,” Lohmann said. “They take care of everything from room rates, food service, staffing, special events, and guest services.” This class will also offer the opportunity for students to compete in the DECA online competitions and nationals. TV Production 7-8: This class will give students the opportunity to take another year in TV Production. Whereas before there was only a third year offered, now students can take the class for a fourth year with Ben Forbes. TV Production includes writing scripts, using cameras to record and creating pieces to air on [cdstv]. This course will include a $25 initial fee and is offered only to people who have taken TV Production 1-2, 3-4 and 5-6. Digital Filmmaking 3-4: Digital Filmmaking, which consists of creating and editing film pieces, will now be offered at a higher level than 1-2. Forbes will be teaching a Digital Filmmaking 3-4 class with a fee of $25. French 9-10 and Honors French 9-10: Corona will now offer another year of French to students. While previously the highestlevel French class offered was Honors French 7-8, students can now enroll in a regular or honors 9-10 class. Since middle schools do not often offer French to students, the highest level for most is Honors French 7-8. If there are very few people who enroll in the 9-10 level, the class may be combined with a 7-8 level class. s
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Aztec Achievements at the AIPA Tanner Kujawa| Staff Writer
Last spring, Corona journalism students had the chance to submit their best stories or photos of the year to the Arizona Interscholastic Press Association for award consideration. Many students, many of whom have graduated, submitted their work to the AIPA Fall Convention at Arizona State University on Oct. 27th. More than 600 students and advisers attended the convention. Corona students came home with 16 total awards, including everything from “Superior Portrait” to “Excellent Feature Story,” and The Sunrise won first place for best newsmagazine.
When Journalism, Yearbook and TV Production went to Washington, D.C., in early November, many Corona students won awards. Aashini Choksi and Zein Sy won awards for journalism. Cienna Fernandez, Christine Lamont, Zi Yang Lai and Molly Joseph won awards for yearbook. Also Taylor Everts, Mikela Shanley and Makayla Merrell-Foos won awards for TV production. “I was really shocked and excited [when I found out]; I didn't know that I would rank that high,” sophomore Molly Joseph said. s
D.C. Convention
Aashini Choksi - Honorable Mention: Newswriting Zein Sy - Honorable Mention: Review Writing Cienna Fernandez - Honorable Mention: Yearbook Cover/ Endsheets Christine Lamont - Honorable Mention: Yearbook Student Life Photography Zi Yang Lai - Superior Photography: Portfolio Molly Joseph - Superior Newspaper: Sports Photography Taylor Everts - Honorable Mention: Feature Story Mikela Shanley - Honorable Mention: Broadcast Commercial/PSA Makayla Merrell-Foos- Honorable Mention: Broadcast Commercial/PSA
(From Left to Right) D.C Award winners Aashini Choksi, Molly Joseph, Zi Yang Lai, Christine Lamont, Cienna Fernandez and Zein Sy Photo courtesy of Margie DiCesare
AIPA Convention
Sapna Daryanani (grad)/ Andrew Eversden - Honorable Mention Sports Story: Success breeds success Johnny Waddell - Honorable Mention Sports Story: A test of strength Elizabeth Cheney (grad) Honorable Mention Portrait: Madi Wolf Manali Chavan (grad) - Excellent Feature: Junior starts AQ magazine branch Omar Soussi (grad) - Excellent Sports story: Dane-gerous Addition Max Butler - Excellent News/ Feature/Sports photo: Orange Man group Kelly Zimmer (grad) - Excellent News/Feature/Sports photo: Victory celebration
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Elizabeth Cheney (grad) Excellent Portrait: Grad speakers Jacqui Marzocca (grad) Excellent Newsmagazine Front Page design: Orange Man group Jacqui Marzocca (grad) Excellent Newsmagazine Front Page design Elizabeth Cheney (grad) Excellent Feature Page/Spread: Tempe Sister Cities Kelly Zimmer (grad) - Superior News/Feature/Sports photo: Hurdle victory Kelly Zimmer (grad) - Superior News/Feature/Sports photo: slam-dunk Devika Sharan (grad) - Superior News/Feature/Sports photo: High jump Elizabeth Cheney (grad) Superior Portrait: Jackie Martin
Education Abroad
Junior Kelsey Mandell is spending her second semester in Israel Tanner Kujawa | Staff Writer When you think of someone who is going to study abroad, scholarships.” you picture a college student, a few years into adulthood, In addition to the stress of honors classes and taking a chance to go and explore parts of the world that are extracurriculars, Mandell has been working two jobs. unfamiliar to study and “I work at Jimmy and Joe’s grow. Not many people and Pump it Up almost everyday,” picture a high school junior Mandell said. “I have 10-hour going to study abroad for work days on weekends working a semester in Israel. That is both jobs.” exactly what junior Kelsey Working this much is making Mandell is doing next balancing her work life with her semester. school life difficult, and Mandell “At the summer camp sometimes struggles to keep it that I go to every year, Camp up. In the end, Mandell hopes Newman, in Santa Rosa, that all of her hard work will pay they offer a program abroad off. called ‘EIE’ in Israel for four “I never get enough sleep months,” Mandell said, because I’m always working Unlike being a foreign late nights or early mornings,” exchange student, Mandell Mandell said. “The long days are says that she will be living in really hard, but I think it will be dorms on campus alongside worth all the hard work. It will be fellow American students. a fun experience.” “I will live on campus Seeing Mandell work so with a bunch of other hard to be able to have this American teenagers from all opportunity become a reality has over the country,” Mandell proved to her parents that she said. “Sophomores through really wants to do this, but they seniors all live in the same can’t help but to be worried and area.” concerned for her safety abroad. Although she will be “My family is somewhat Mandell works two jobs to save for her semester abroad. She had to supportive, but they are very going to school for 11 hours raise a majority of the money for the trip herself. a day, it won’t be all work nervous about how dangerous without a little fun. Mandell Photo by Max Butler Israel is,” Mandell said. “They will be travelling with her school while she is there. always tell me that if anything happens they will pull me right “We will go and travel to the Dead Sea, and all different out in a second; they’re really scared.” places in Israel, where we will learn on site,” Mandell said. “We Unlike her parents, Mandell said that her friends are will also take a trip to Poland and Auschwitz.” completely on the same page when it comes to going abroad. This abroad experience will not stop Mandell from “My friends are really supportive of my decision, and I’ll see graduating with her class in 2016. them when I get back,” Mandell said. “All of the credits will transfer over. I have to take ‘Jewish Not many people get to experience living in a different Studies’ and ‘Hebrew’ as well as my normal core classes,” place from where they were born, and much less a different Mandell said. “I will still be able to graduate in 2016.” country. Mandell is very excited for all the experiences yet to Although the memories will be priceless, this adventure is come and all of the memories that she will make. not going to be cheap. “I think this is a really fun and cool opportunity to live “I have to pay $10,000 of my own money [to go], and somewhere new, where I’m out of my comfort zone and trying my parents are covering the rest,” Mandell said.“ I hope for new things,” Mandell said. s
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6 | December 2014
A Snap in Time
Senior Cami Rowan uses Snapchat to illustrate faculty and friends
Carson Pyatt | Online Editor-in-Chief Snapchat has become one of the most common ways people communicate through social media. Snapchat users take pictures and can type a short caption, choose a filter, or even draw on a picture and send it to anybody in their friends list. Senior Cami Rowan has become famous around Corona for her Snapchat drawings. Using her finger for up to an hour at a time, she has created numerous creative and incredibly detailed drawings of Corona students and teachers. Rowan’s snapchats have become extremely popular among students and staff around campus. Rowan began illustrating her Snapchats because of her passion for art. “I like to draw,” Rowan said. “I was in art the first three years of high school, and this year it didn’t fit into my schedule and I wanted to incorporate art somehow this year.” Her goal has been reached, as Rowan has drawn several meticulous drawings that have spread like wildfire among her peers. Most often featured is student teacher and 2005 Corona graduate Sam Ferolie. “A lot of people take pictures of him,” Rowan said. “(Teresa) Hodge said that if you take pictures and you relate it back to history, then (she) will put it on (her) PowerPoints. So I started doing that and that’s kind of where it came from.” Ferolie has come to accept these pictures of him being posted all over social media.
Courtesy of Cami Rowan
“I didn’t know they were taking pictures of me, at first,” Ferolie said. “Then I saw that she (Rowan) had a history thing with them, so it was kind of funny. She had one of me and Mrs. Hodge as Washington crossing the Delaware. It was kind of a joke we just ran with. Now I’ll pose for her when she’s in here now that I know she’s taking pictures of me.” Courtesy of Cami Rowan Ferolie has been depicted as many different people, ranging from Uncle Sam (titled Uncle Ferolie) to Colonel del Sol (titled Colonel del Sam). Students enjoy looking at the snapchats Rowan draws. “ I love her creativeness of the different types of captions and famous people Ferolie is despicted as in the drawings,” junior Karilyn Quon said. The snapchats of Ferolie and other Corona students and staff have become so popular that Rowan has decided to create a Twitter account, @camirowan, to spread her drawings. “On snapchat, probably 70 people (added me),” Rowan said. “That’s why I made a Twitter. Too many people were adding me and I feel really weird viewing their (Snapchat) stories because I don’t know them.” Many people have suggested Rowan branch out and start doing pictures of celebrities, but Rowan is unsure if she will stray too far from her previous muses. No matter what she decides, her drawings don’t appear to be disappointing others. “She’s very talented,” Ferolie said. “I don’t know how difficult it is to do that (draw on Snapchat), but you guys have all said that it’s very hard. They’re impressive. She has artistic ability.” s
December 2014 | 7
Winter activities around the valley Kasey Ruthardt | Staff Writer Winter is an exciting time of year, especially if you’re spending it with friends, family or your significant other. With family coming to town and memories ready to be made, the best way to spend this winter is by doing fun activities or going on cute dates. There are so many things to choose from in Arizona, but in case you have a hard time deciding, here are some ideas.
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ZooLights
Everyone loves going to the zoo to see the animals, but during the winter it transforms into a winter wonderland. ZooLights runs from Nov. 24 through Jan. 11. Tickets are $18 per person for general admission or $16 if you’re a zoo member. It’s open from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. nightly. There are many different things to do other than look at the lights. You can meet the new talking Galapagos tortoise, Tortuga. The zoo also has a new 4-D theatre that shows The Polar Express. ZooLights is an amazing experience to share with anyone near and dear to you.
Glendale Glitters
Glendale Glitters is more than just a bunch of Christmas lights. It’s a huge attraction that consists of 1.4 million lights and brings in 300,000 people. This event runs from Nov. 28 through Jan. 31. The event itself is free but there are many places to shop, buy food and you can even take a carriage ride for $25. Glendale Glitters is located in the historic Downtown Glendale shopping area at 58th and Glendale
avenues. When there are no special events happening, carriage rides are available from 6 to 9 p.m. Glendale Glitters makes for a special night for the whole family.
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Photo courtesy of ZooLights
3 Ice Skating
Ice skating outdoors isn’t something that’s a common thing to do in the valley. Starting Nov. 22, CityScape is having an outdoor ice skating rink open for everyone. CityScape is located on 1 E Washington St, Phoenix, Arizona. The rink will be open daily from 11 am to 1:30 p.m. and nightly from 4 to 11 p.m. Sunday through Friday and on Saturdays it’s open 4 p.m. to midnight. Kids and adults are $12, military is $6, seniors $6, kids 5 and under $6, college students with an I.D. are $10 and groups of 10 are $10 each. So get wrapped up in your warmest clothes and enjoy a night on the ice.
Carefree Christmas Festival
During the holidays people spend a lot of money on presents, plane tickets and decorations. Sometimes you just don’t want to spend money and it’s hard to find things to do for free. The Carefree Christmas Festival is a free festival and includes an electric light parade, holiday fireworks, food, live music and 35 tons of real snow. The dates are Friday Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s located on 101 Easy St. Downtown in Carefree.
5 Photo by Maria Martin
8 | December 2014
A Night at Home
Sometimes you don’t want to go out, you just want to stay home and enjoy a nice night in. To spice it up a little and get in the holiday mood you can always invite over some friends and family for a bonfire or cookie decorating party. It’s always a great way to spend a nice cold night getting closer to people. It’ll warm you up and supply you with something yummy to snack on.
Give the greatest gifts this year Tanner Kujawa| Staff Writer Throughout the course of our lives, I think it’s pretty safe to say that we’ve all had our fair share of bad gifts. Whether they weren’t well thought out, or they were just plain wrong, gift giving and receiving is always a stressful situation. This list can hopefully give you some ideas or inspiration when it comes to picking out the perfect gift on a budget. CANDLES Are you buying a present for someone who loves to relax with the soothing ambiance that a candle provides? Candles are a great gift for anyone, and you can pick up a mediumsized candle from Bath & Body Works for only Photos by Max Butler $12.50 or two for $20. They come in a variety of scents and even some seasonal ones to help you get into the holiday spirit. GIFT CARDS If you’re shopping for someone who tends to be very picky, and you’re not exactly sure of what he/she wants, you can’t go wrong with a gift card to her/his favorite store. Some may say that gift cards are super impersonal and not well-thought, but it’s the thought that counts, right? DINNER & A MOVIE This can work whether it be for a friend or a significant other. A night complete with Chinese takeout, pizza or whatever food you choose, topped off with a Redbox or Netflix film is not only a cheap present, but you’ll make memories that will last a lifetime. YOUR FAVORITE BOOK A fun present would be to buy the person your favorite book. This is an easy and budget-friendly way for them to get to know you a little better, and it’s also a really personal and heart-felt gift. A CD OF YOUR FAVORITE SONGS If your friend/significant other loves to jam, a cool present would be making them a mixtape of all of your favorite songs, or songs that you want for them to hear. This is another cool way for them to get to know you more, and he/she also get to enjoy some pretty cool music. You can pick up a five-pack of Memorex CDs from Target for only $5.99, and you can purchase most songs on iTunes for only $1.29 each. A JOURNAL Journals that give you prompts about what to write about or what to fill out on a certain page make very unique gifts. The “My Future Listography: All I Hope to Do in Lists” journal from Target is
only $14.95, and it asks you things like “What cities do you want to travel to?” or “What foods do you want to try?” You then fill out the pages of the journal, and it kind of turns into a bucket-list-esque journal that leads to fun experiences and even better memories. SOMETHING THEY’VE BEEN WANTING Maybe you’ve gone shopping and your friend really wanted a shirt from the mall but was too cheap to buy it for him or herself. They will be so surprised and happy when they find out that you remembered about it, and took the time to get it for them. PORTABLE CHARGER Everyone’s been teetering on 5 percent battery, wondering how he or she will get through the rest of the day without their phone until they can get home and charge it. With a portable charger, they can now charge their devices anywhere and everywhere without being tied to a wall outlet. You can grab the Coleman CPX 4.5 Portable Electronics Charger from Target for only $12.99. A TREAT BASKET You can never go wrong getting their favorite things (candies, snacks, drinks, gum, etc.), and compiling it all into a basket. This basket can be accomplished with a trip to the Dollar Tree for a basket and some candy, and then going over to Fry’s or Target to pick up the snacks, drinks and the gum. All of this can easily be done under $20. AUX CORD/CASSETTE TAPE AUX ADAPTER For anyone who hates how the radio always seems to repeat the same five songs, and the annoying commercials that come along with public radio, an aux cord might be a great gift. Aux cords and cassette tape aux adapters allow the driver the freedom to plug his/her phone in, and listen to his/her music through their car’s speakers. If he/she has an aux input in their car, then the Duracell Stereo Audio Cable from CVS for only $6.99 is for him/her. However, if he/she has an older car with a cassette tape player, then the Tech & Go Cassette Tape Adapter from Walgreens for $4.99 would work well. No matter what, the person you are giving the gift to is sure to love it because you put your time and effort into picking it out. You shouldn’t stress about getting it perfect because the holiday season is about thinking of others, and even if the present isn’t spot on, the thought is worth so much more. s
December 2014 | 9
Corona students celebrate diverse holidays
Lily Corona | Staff Writer
In the United States, we have a very diverse group of people. This time of year is known as the holiday season. We all know the names of the holidays, but many of us don’t really know the meaning or origins of them. Did you know that Christmas is originally a Pagan holiday? Or that Kwanzaa isn’t even 50 years old? Maybe you don’t know as much about the holidays as you thought you did.
Christmas
“ I like celebrating Christmas because I like spending time with family that I don’t normally see the rest of the year.” Sophomore Daniel Martinez
Everyone has heard of Christmas. The celebration of Christ’s birth, right? Wrong. Christmas was originally a pagan holiday that originated in Rome. Roman Pagans held a festival called Saturnalia. This week-long festival was a period of lawlessness. The festival started off with a person being selected as a victim who Roman authorities believed to be an enemy of the Roman Empire. Throughout the week, the victim would indulge in various pleasures, and at the end of the week on December 25, they were brutally murdered. The victim was thought to represent the Lord of Misrule, and by brutally murdering them, they believed that they were destroying the forces of darkness. This is how our form of Christmas
10 | December 2014
seen today evolved from over many years. After Christ’s birth, they decided to celebrate his coming at the end of the festival. He was, after all, believed to be the messiah and thought to purge the world of evils. After many years, people forgot about Saturnalia and lost the custom of a week-long festival and instead celebrated Christ’s birth on the last day of what once was Saturnalia.
Hanukkah
“Hannukah is a nice holiday to celebrate because it’s eight nights of presents.” - Junior Hunter Byrd
Hannukah is celebrated by people of the Jewish religion. Hannukkah is an eight-day long festival, sometimes known as “The Festival of Lights.” Hanukkah is often misconceived as a Jewish Christmas, which is most definitely not the case. The Hanukkah
known today is actually much older than Christmas. The story begins in Egypt. Alexander the Great ‘s successor, Antiochus IV, was in control of the region. He oppressed the Jews severely, massacring many of them. For this purpose, two groups joined forces to revolt against the oppression by the Selecuid Greek government. Their revolution was a success and their main temple was rededicated. Not much oil was left for candles due to the mass amounts of it defiled by the Greeks. There was about enough oil to last for one day after the rededication of the temple, but instead it lasted for eight days. In order to celebrate this miracle, it was declared that an eight-day festival would be commemorated to this miracle. The holiday is to celebrate the candle, not the war. Candles are arranged in a candelabrum called a menorah, which holds nine candles. Each candle is lit one by one, night by night.
Chinese New Year
“ I like how every year there is more different and diverse food to try and receiving the red envelope.” - Freshman Jenny Zhang
In America, we go by the Gregorian calendar, meaning that a year contains 365.25 days. In China however, they follow the lunar calendar, meaning that their calendar is based on the moon’s phases. For this reason, the new year in China is celebrated at a different time than America. The Chinese New Year will be celebrated on Feb 19, and the year will continue until February 8 2016. In China, each year has a zodiac sign and animal representing that year. Anyone born in this coming new year will be born in the year of the goat. The zodiac calendar resets itself every twelve years. In China, these zodiac signs are believed to be able to tell your compatibility with others, tell your future, and much more. To celebrate and welcome the new year, many Chinese families have an important dinner with family, which acts as a reunion. After midnight on New Year’s Eve, fireworks are set off in order to scare off the bad spirits, and to grant good luck to those who lit them. The new year is also often welcomed by a deep cleansing of the home, a decoration of the home and red packets. Red packets are red envelopes that hold money and are often given by adults to newlywed couples, or elderly people to young children. It is believed that the money contained in the red envelope will keep the evil away from the children, and will keep them healthy and long living.
Cartoon by Lindsi Kerrigan
Kwanzaa
First celebrated in 1966, Kwanzaa is a holiday nearly everyone has heard of, but not many know about. Kwanzaa is a holiday created to give African-Americans an alternative holiday opposed to the traditions held in American. Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration held from December 26 to January 1. One well-known symbol of Kwanzaa is a kinara, a seven-pronged candle holder, three red candles go on the left, and three green candles on the right. A single black candle goes in the middle. Each of the candles are lit one day at a time, the black going first, the far left red candle, the far right candle, the second red candle, and so on until each of the candles are lit. Each of the seven candles represent the seven principles of Kwanzaa. These principles are unity, selfdetermination, responsibility, economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
It’s never too late to learn more about other cultures and their way of life during the holiday season. Maybe you even learned more about your own culture’s holiday and it’s origin. The point is that this time of year is one to be celebrated. Enjoy your holiday break, Corona. s
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Nikki Hinshaw | News Editor
The Hard Facts
From sappy holiday films to idealistic carols, family is one aspect of the holidays that is always emphasized. However, the presentday concept of family is plagued by divorce, separation and general pressure to ignore conflicts and fit into the “perfect” holiday mold placed upon the world by unrealistic advocates of the holiday spirit. What society fails to realize is that the stereotypical family showcased on holiday cards is often not the norm in the modern age. The fact is 50 percent of children born today will witness the divorce of their parents before the age of 18. A more unsettling truth is that even more kids are affected not by the legality of divorce but by general family conflicts that shatter the false hope of a traditional Hallmark holiday movie. From pressure to fulfill the wishes of both immediate and extended family to economic burdens brought on by the desire to spend time with all family members without regard to distance, the holidays reflect the dark and somber mood of the winter weather that accompanies it. The joyous, carefree attitude implied by good food and celebration in the company of family is not available to many children around the world as well as students at Corona. However, students are overcoming the crushing defeat of their visionary holiday with help from time and various healthy outlooks.
months of the year with the knowledge that all of the year’s conflicts and events will be thrown into one month, week or even day’s worth of visitation. The mounting stress to converse, worship or celebrate with the extended family people avoid the rest of the year often results in an unwilling reunion and a desperate dodge of all family activities. “Holidays are stressful anyways for everyone because there’s this pressure that you’re supposed to do certain things when really tradition is just what you make it and you do or choose to do,” Henson said. Flying out the great-uncle from Florida and the cousins from Pennsylvania who are barely spoken to may seem like a great idea in concept, but with the already existent stress stemming from food preparations, present ideas and possible relationship issues, trying to conform to society’s false belief that all families should be together over the holidays is an unrealistic and unnecessary feat. Sometimes simply sending that holiday card claiming to wish them a “Happy Holiday” will suffice. “Families are stressful,” Henson said. “It’s easier to avoid than to deal with what the issue is. As humans we choose to avoid (issues), then we don’t have to deal with them, but that’s not solving the problem.”
For junior Brittney Jansen, whose parents’ divorce 10 years ago was heightened by her father’s move to Holland, dealing with the absence of key family members during the holidays has been hard especially with the considerable geographical distance. “He (father) is really busy with his job during the holidays (but) we see him four times a year, pretty much every year, and when we see him we always make up for any lost time,” Jansen said. “Over the summer, we’re with him for a month and we go on vacation.” Traveling during holidays represents a financial and stressful problem for kids who are affected by the physical long-distance separation of their family members. However, Tempe Union High School District Social Worker Michelle Henson highlighted the positive to being separated from the pressure of family by an understandably difficult issue of distance. “It’s harder to travel during holidays because it is so expensive, but it could go either way,” Henson said. “It could be harder because you miss not being around family due to costs of travel, but, if it is stressful, then you have that excuse.” In most situations, not limited to those of divorce, family members are scattered across states, and, as in Jansen’s case, even across countries. This makes for a taxing examination of the costs and benefits to attempting to organize the meeting of as many family members as possible. The ridiculous aspect is that the holidays represent an excuse to ignore family for the other 10 or 11
For children of divorce or separation, the demand to be with the entire family is often even greater. Senior Amberlie Shumann recognizes the conflict that arises during holidays such as Thanksgiving, as her separated parents and grandparents display their individual desires to spend time with her. “My parents and my grandparents all feel the need to try and fight for more time,” Shumann said. “Once I’m there they try to do the whole guilt trip thing where they’re like ‘but if you stay, we’ll make dinner longer or cook your favorite food.’” By placing pressure on children to blatantly pick one parent or family member over another, families sometimes
The Trials of Travel
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Balancing Time
“
Holidays are stressful...there’s this pressure that you’re supposed to do certain things when really tradition is just what you make it... RHenson
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Family pressures peak during holidays
unknowingly add to a child’s distaste of their already unsettling holiday situation. “Depend(ing) on how the arrangements are set up, I would think that they (children) feel torn having to choose or already have the choice made for them, and that can’t feel good,” Henson said. Unfortunately, positive situations are not always common, with the separation of families negatively affecting what is supposed to be a characteristically happy time of year. “There’s a lot of drama that comes with it,” Shumann said. “My parents are really good friends actually so it’s not that, but who gets more attention from me is always a problem. They’re like 5-yearolds about it,” Shuman said.
Positive Outlooks
However, despite undesirable conditions, Corona students are dealing with divorce, separation, or family conflicts during the holidays in positive ways, including benefiting from developing different views on their situations with the help of time and growth. Although schedule issues and travel conflicts prevent Jansen from visiting her father most holidays, her acquired thought process has been helpful in dealing with her parents’ divorce and her
father’s move. “It used to be harder not seeing him as much, but now it’s just like I know I’m going to see him soon again and we’re going to make up for any lost time,” Jansen said. As high school students, certain advancements in becoming an individual are expected, such as beginning to drive or acquiring more freedom with curfews. An underlying aspect of growing up is the ability to voice opinions and make individual choices, including those regarding the nature of how to split up the holidays. “As I’ve gotten older I’ve been able to tell them (my parents and grandparents) ‘Oh, I’m going to do this or I’m going to do that,’ but when I was younger it was really hard,” Shuman said. Another student who has a positive outlook on his family’s situation is junior Sabastian Molina, who focuses on the positives of his parents’ divorce. “On Christmas day I go (to my dad’s) and I get presents from my grandma, my uncle (and) my dad because they all live (in Houston),” Molina said. “Then I come home and I get presents from everybody else.”
Utilizing Communication
From appreciating the ability to spend time with family no matter the time of year, to reaping the benefits of “double the presents,” Corona students are overcoming their contradictions to the previously accepted concept of family time during the holidays. As students continue to deal with tough holiday situations, communication is always key in asserting the desired outcomes. “I always encourage young people to have an open dialogue, be real, be honest,” Henson said. “Ask (to do) what you would like to do.” As certain traditions might be dissolved along with marriages and relationships, it is essential to engage in new, fun activities to help ease the transition and acceptance of a different holiday situation. “If a kid came to me and said, ‘I want to start this new tradition,’ (I would say) ask, talk to whoever about that, suggest it, or tell them why its stressful for you,” Henson said. “I always encourage having open communication and do(ing) fun things.”
A New Definition
Family. A simple word, a seemingly simple concept. When interlaced with the holidays, family can become a figure of stress and sadness, while spoiling the holiday spirit. Altered by the common conditions of divorce, separation and tension, it is not that the meaning of the holidays has changed, but the meaning of family has. While familiar holidays were built upon the ideas of spending time with family, they were also built upon the unrealistic belief that family means a mom and a dad, children and pets, bound together by blood and legality. Like it or not, that isn’t the case in the present day. If others could reflect the positive, realistic outlooks of multiple students instead of falling victim to the romantic image of a perfect family untouched by the stress of the holidays, then maybe everyone could have a happy holiday after all. “Family has changed; the word family has changed,” Henson said. “Families look different. The traditional mom and dad is not really there any more. It could be mom (and) stepdad, single mom (and) no dad, two moms, two dads, whatever. I think the word in itself is not really there.” s
December 2014 | 13
Students embrace holiday spirit Aashini Choksi |Editor-in-Chief With the holidays right around the corner, many clubs have embraced the true holiday spirit by organizing volunteer activities for students around campus. From pancake breakfasts to food drives to bell ringing, it is no wonder why this season is the busiest time for philanthropic projects. About 200 members of National Honor Society made and distributed tie blankets to kids at multiple hospitals around the valley. Members spent a Saturday morning creating more than 250 blankets, which the officers then organized and distributed. “It was really good because kids get a warm blanket on their hospital bed around Christmas time, and it just warms my heart,” club president Hannah Watts said. However, the benefits don’t just extend to disadvantaged people in the community. “We wanted to unite the entire NHS club and all the members,” Watts said. “I wanted to use it as a team building activity on top of a service project, and (members can) get some of their hours done (as well).” For Key Club, the winter service event is the biggest one of the year. Students put on a pancake breakfast at Mckemy Middle School, a fundraiser that mainly benefits the Kiwanis Club. Members arrive early in the morning to make pancake batter and spend the rest of the day distributing the warm meals. “Throughout the morning we made the pancakes and serve people,” club president Laura Belmont said. “We helped collect tickets (and there are also) people with signs outside. We’ve been doing this for years now.” Key Club receives part of the proceeds from selling tickets, which Belmont hopes to put towards other projects. “(I wanted to) raise enough money to really make a difference in the community and really help out those kids who need it,” Belmont said. “We can even see if we can help fund other service projects.” Another project that various groups around campus partake in is the Angel Tree program. Organized by the Tempe Union
14 | December 2014
NHS members make tie blankets to distribute to children in hospitals, including Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Cardon Children’s Medical Center. Photo by Max Butler
High School District, this program benefits less-fortunate families within the district. “It was a direct way that we could give to people that aren’t as fortunate,” co-president of Revival club Rebecca Ericson said. “We wanted to participate in something that was close to home and we could impact directly.” One of the most notable service activities of the season is Red Kettle Club’s bell ringing outside Fry’s. However, the club expanded its projects this year in an effort to grow the club as a whole. “We also did the Angel Tree Program where we sorted the toys that have been donated in one event and in a separate event we gave the actual toys to the children and their families,” club president Dakota Perez said. “We (also put on) a Thanksgiving dinner down at the Salvation Army.” Corona’s Red Kettle Club was the first to be established in the nation and has set the precedent for other clubs within the
country, proving that assistance and help can come in all forms. “(My goal is) to continue and grow the Red Kettle Club,” Perez said. “I know that we’ve been collaborating with other schools because our Red Kettle Club is the first one to exist in the nation and now there are new schools popping up with them. We’re helping them out and getting them started.” Other clubs are doing service projects as well, including Second Helpings, which will be making and distributing food to the homeless, as well as a donation box by Spanish Honor Society. “We are collecting donations to help fund students that are in need (and) help them out in the holiday season,” Spanish Honor Society President Shay Busse said. Corona’s selfless outlook is not limited to volunteer-oriented clubs. Individuals as well as classes are encouraged to participate. It’s never too late to make a difference. s
Testing my patience
Why homework should be as important as test scores Zein Sy | Clubs Editor You’ve studied for hours on end. You feel confident in your work consistently, you can still drop letter grades for flubbing a test. abilities and make sure to get a full night’s rest. You’ve made the While tests are great at determining whether you retained what flashcards, you ate a nutritious breakfast of orange juice and toast you learned, to some they cause an incredible amount of anxiety. Not and you rush to school. everyone is a test-taking ace and after almost every test I take, I see As you enter your classroom and sit in your seat, you feel a multiple people having to stay after school because they were unable tension in every inch of the room. The bell rings and the teacher to complete it before class ended. begins to hand out the tests. You write your While homework assists in test name neatly at the top and right as you preparation, students are not always begin everything you’ve done for the past comfortable taking tests. I can often let month leaves your head. Desperately, you the pressure of tests affect my judgment give it your best guess, despite none of the and make me second-guess my answers, questions having anything to do with what something that never occurs when you learned. I’m doing homework. Have you ever A week later you receive a graded test experienced a moment where you got with a bright red “D” in the corner. This the same answer in a row three times and example is great at describing why test couldn’t shake the feeling that you made a taking lacks the ability to properly gauge mistake? I know I have. This doesn’t mean one’s knowledge. After all, it’s happened to that tests are unnecessary, just that they me more than once. shouldn’t determine students’ final grades. Homework is a regular part of high One approach that could lead to a more school. We are given it so often we hardly balanced curriculum would be placing a even notice. If that’s the case though, higher importance on homework. Typically, why is it worth so little? Classes such as homework is graded on completion rather Biology, Math, History and English place an than accuracy. This, compounded with extremely low importance on homework, the low value of homework, encourages valuing it at no more than 10 percent of students to ignore it. By doing this they student grades. At such a low value, its no become less likely to study and have a wonder that homework is often ignored. higher chance of failing. If homework’s This hurts students not only because value was increased to around 40 percent their daily efforts are largely ignored, but of the total grade, students would be more also because this homework is critical to willing to do it. test success. Despite homework counting Replacing completion credit with for less, it is one of the most important ways spot-checking can give teachers a better to improve test scores. But if that’s the case, idea of who understands the material and why is it so frequently brushed off ? allows them to better assist those that are To me, homework is a daily chore that struggling. With tests having a reduced has to be tackled much like any other value, grades will be more stabilized, task. While it helps retain knowledge of a instead of the polarizing drops of high lesson, homework can take hours of time value tests. to complete with a full schedule. Some There’s nothing more aggravating homework assignments stretch multiple than studying only to fail. Not only do pages, but are only given a single day to your grades drop, but you also feel that Cartoon by Lindsi Kerrigan complete. Sometimes it doesn’t even serve your time spent studying was a waste. This a purpose beyond being busy work. Homework shouldn’t be an makes it extremely important that homework is granted a higher endurance run in patience; rather, it should serve as a quick, concise importance in school. Some students may argue that higher valued reminder of what you learned today and how you can apply it. tests are the definitive way to determine academic ability, but To make up the rest of student grades, tests are given as much decreased value helps to create a balance between the two, one that as 90 percent of a grade. Not only that, but final exams account for is sorely needed. There may be some complaints here and there, but a whole 20 percent of semester grades. This means that even if you to me, improved grades are well worth the sacrifice.s
December 2014 | 15
Tea vs. Coffee Tea
Kajal Dave | Copy Editor Tea has a lot of things that coffee doesn’t. You either like coffee or you don’t, but it’s different with tea. Because it’s so versatile, a lot of people like it. There are hundreds, if not thousands of blends of teas. The four main types are green, white, black and oolong. Unlike coffee, these blends actually taste different from each other. You can’t say an orange spice tea tastes the same as a mango white blend. Because there are different flavors, there’s more variety for people to enjoy. I like all types of tea, but some people prefer a certain type. I know someone who swears by green tea and thinks it’s the meaning of life, and someone else who thinks it tastes like grass and prefers black tea. Within the different types of teas are different ways to fix a cup. I personally enjoy a cup of English breakfast with milk and sugar, which is really weird to some people. Green and white teas aren’t typically paired with milk or cream, but sugar is optional. And then there are the people who add lemon to their cup, or go the extra mile and mix black tea with lemonade. In the South, sweet tea is popular. There’s a cup of tea for every type of palate. Besides being customizable, tea had some great health benefits. White tea may help prevent cancer, diseases, and obesity. Green tea promotes fat oxidation and also decreases the chances of developing cancer. It contains fluoride to help your teeth, decreases chances of heart disease and decreases stress. It can even help cells recover from radiation. Tea also fights “free radicals”, which are basically molecules that contribute to aging and disease, so there. You can get your free radical fighting power from a source other than coffee. Tea also gives caffeine, but actually hydrates you instead of dehydrating. And if you don’t want caffeine, there are varieties that contained little or none.
Tea is fun to drink. Really. You take the easy way of microwaving some water and plopping a tea bag into a mug, but where’s the fun in that? There are whole afternoons people dedicate to High Tea. A High Tea is basically a really fancy, and fun, tea party. There are little sandwiches, decadent desserts and amazing scones. You basically sit for a few hours drinking tea and eating really good food. Of course, you can’t do that every day, but a nice afternoon tea is easy to achieve. I find a few cups on a rainy day, or a sunny one, to be very relaxing. I won’t lie, I feel very fancy when I drink tea from my teapot. But tea doesn’t have to be a fancy thing. It should just be enjoyable.s
Photo illustration by Katelyn Stys
There’s a cup of tea for every type of palate 16 | December 2014
Coffee is definitely my cup of tea
Coffee Anita Daryanani | Staff Writer Coffee. I’m almost certain that you’ve tried it at some point in your life, no matter the form it was in. If you agree with Kajal with her praising tea, I’m here to filter your mind. Coffee is the second most popular beverage (aside from water, thankfully) and this fact is not that surprising when you think about it. Globally, coffee has become a staple for a variety of reasons. Let’s start with the origins of coffee, shall we? First, coffee is actually a red berry before it is a bean. Meaning, yes, coffee does indeed grow on trees. I’m bean honest here. So it must have health benefits, right? Time to brew up some facts! Coffee contains several antioxidants that help the body fight chemicals called “free radicals.” As a result, coffee drinkers have low risks of acquiring illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease, Type II Diabetes and heart disease. Also, coffee is packed with a latte of nutrients. A single cup of coffee contains, but is not limited to, riboflavin, potassium and manganese. Additionally, coffee consumption can even help burn fat. Studies have shown that drinking coffee can boost metabolism up to 11 percent, so might as well drink up! However, do so in moderation. The lethal coffee dosage is 100 cups, which I’m sure will not be a problem to avoid. But just in case, please be aware of that. Understandably, coffee is in fact delicious. One of the major associations of coffee is caffeine. Caffeine increases adrenaline levels and releases fatty acids from tissues. The result? The body responds by increasing physical performance, thus making it feel more awake. On average, it takes only 10 minutes for the brain to react to coffee consumption and begin feeling alert. So if you need something quick and easy to wake you up or help keep you focused on your lovely late-night homework assignments, coffee is a simple solution. Coffee is decadent. It’s rich, silky and flavorful. Not only can it make a perfect winter beverage, but it can also be enjoyed just as much iced coffee in the hotter months (also known as 90 percent of the year in Arizona). But if plain coffee isn’t your thing, never fear. Try adding unique spices, creams, syrups, or even melted chocolate.
Thus, coffee is customizable to what you like. It’s almost as if you can espresso yourself just through your coffee choices! Also, coffee shops are abundant. There’s at least one on every major intersection, so whenever you feel like having a cup, you’re in luck! In addition, having coffee can be a social thing. Gather your friends and have a chill hang out in a coffee shop while savoring your delectable beverage. Having a “High Tea” party, as stated by Kajal , isn’t something that can just happen a morning before school nor is it something that teenagers commonly do when they want a casual get-together. Coffee is therefore more convenient. Coffee is definitely my cup of tea. I have already poured on several “grounds”-breaking facts. What more do you want? Other than a cup of coffee right now, of course. But the final decision is up to you: Which do you prefer? s
Photo illustration by Megan Marples
December 2014 | 17
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Senior Dane Kuiper shoots a jumpshot against Chinle on Tuesday, Nov. 25. The Aztecs won the 2014 Hoophall West tournament over Shadow Mountain, 79-74. Photo by Max Butler
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Last year’s final dance show proved to be a big hit among students. Dancers of all levels participate in dance productions. Sunrise File Photo
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Bordow strikes into captain role In her second year on varsity, Bordow looks to play a bigger leadership role Johnny Waddell | Sports Editor In her senior season, girls soccer captain Emily Bordow looks to be a leader on the field for a team full of underclassmen. “As one of the captains of the team I have to help lead the girls and show them how we do things in the program,” Bordow said. “But I really try to provide a fun and welcoming environment so that everyone can enjoy the season. We have a really talented team this season and one of our strengths is our underclassmen. We have a ton of good underclassmen, three sophomores, two freshmen, and two juniors in out starting eleven, and they will have a good year developing as players and leaders.” The girls soccer team, much like most teams at Corona, has a family aspect to it. “My favorite thing about soccer is the team,” Bordow said. “I love the girls and how close we are. When we win it’s such a fun celebration together. I play club for Alliance, so I have 2 teams that I am close with.” Bordow plays left striker on the field, and is considered a leader of the team by coach Matt Smith. “Emily is a great leader, one who encourages others to follow by engaging them and making them feel important,” Smith said. “She takes responsibility for her actions without taking herself too seriously. I truly enjoy her and having her as a part of the Corona soccer program.” Bordow is also talked about highly by her teammates. “Emily is the nicest and funniest person on the team,” sophomore Grace Rayburn said. “I love her. She makes playing soccer for Corona so much better. When asked about playing soccer at the next level, Bordow said that
she has had some interest from small community colleges. “I’ve thought about playing college and I have some interest from Chandler Gilbert Community College,” Bordow said. “I think I’m just going to play in intramural leagues through college and try to focus on my academics.” Playing a sport as a kid is mostly a hit or miss thing with most kids now a days. Sometimes kids play it for the experience, others develop a love for the game that they play. “I’ve been playing soccer ever since I was little, about 12 years,” Bordow said. “I started playing because my parents wanted me to, but I fell in love with it and decided to keep playing.” Most athletes find a motivating factor in a person or thing for their sport. For Bordow, she finds this in her best friend and teammate, senior Jenn Carty. “My friend (Carty) always pushes me the most, she always encourages me and tells me to be confident,” Bordow said. “She’s really good at challenging me to play at the best of my abilities and to work harder and be a better captain and teammate for the younger girls.” The Aztecs look to build on their season last year, losing 2-0 to the Hamilton Huskies in the first round of last year’s playoffs. “This years team is young, we only have four starting seniors so the majority of the girls are younger,” Bordow said. “Last year’s team was amazing but this year we changed out lineup and are really offensively minded so we’re hoping to capitalize on all of our scoring opportunities. Obviously I’m hoping that we win state, but as long as we make it far and enjoy the whole season, I’ll be happy.” s
“As one of the captains of the team, I have to help lead the girls and show them how we do things in the program.”
R Emily Bordow
Bordow attempts a rainbow trick with the soccer ball. She is a 2-year starter on varsity. Photo by Maria Martin
December 2014 | 19
Basketball rule changes implemented this season Andrew Eversden | Managing Editor New rule changes are going to alter certain aspects of this basketball season, most drastically on defense. Over the summer, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) made three rule changes to high school basketball. The first rule change deals with the “kicking violation” where a player kicks the ball with the area below their knee. This rule extends that area from the top of the leg, down to the knee. The second rule change allows players, when a free throw is being shot, to enter the lane after the ball is released by the shooter. In the past, players had to wait until the ball hit the backboard or the rim to enter into the lane to contest for a rebound. According to the NFHS, the reason for the rule change is to make free-throw calls easier for referees. “1) (For referees) attempting to watch the ball strike the ring or backboard while simultaneously attempting to observe if any players/free throwers violate the lane-line restrictions, and 2) insufficient time for the perimeter official(s) to obtain optimum angles on the players involved in rebounding a missed try,” said the NFHS press release. The most drastic change to basketball this season affects the defensive part of the game, where a new rule bans players from touching the ball carrier almost at all. “The following acts will constitute a foul when committed against ball-handler/dribbler: 1) placing two hands on the player, 2) placing an extended arm bar on the player, 3) placing and keeping a hand on the player and 4) contacting the player more than once with the same hand or alternating hands,” the rule change reads. The rule hopes to eliminate “excessive contact” from the game of
Dane Kuiper defends Shadow Mountain guard Michael Bibby. The Aztecs defeated Shadow Mountain, 79-74. Sunrise file photo
20 | December 2014
basketball, citing that basketball is a non-contact sport. The rule has been very controversial as players, coaches and parents learn the rule change. However, Corona basketball coach Sam Duane Jr. likes the new rule. “It will be truer to the game,” Duane said. “Skill comes into play now more than physicality.” Kuiper forces Shadow MounSkill is one thing Aztec basketball tain guard to lose control of the ball. He helped lead has plenty of, especially with the the Aztecs to a win in the addition of freshman Marvin Bagley III. Offensively, Duane believes the rule Hoophall West tournemnt. Sunrise file photo benefits the Aztec offense greatly. “If they really stay true to this rule, then it will give our guys more space,” Duane said. “If guys can’t use their hands, then that will open us up.” On defense however, the Aztecs will have to adjust to the new rule. Players like senior Cassius Peat and sophomore Alex Barcello like to play physically on defense. “In practice, we’ve talked to him (Barcello) a lot about how we can no longer use our hands,” Duane said. Barcello says that the rule change will not affect his style of play too much this season, but he will have to make some adjustments. “I am pretty physical, I like to get into people’s heads,” Barcello said. “I might have to back off a little, but I’m still going to keep the intensity and keep playing how I’m playing.” The consistency in the enforcement of the new rule is a concern for Duane. He knows that the referees are going to call tight games early in the season, but says that might not last long. “College basketball started implementing this last year. Early on there were so many fouls and as the year went on they started letting them play more,” Duane said. “But early in the year you’ll see a lot of fouls.” Duane doesn’t see the game changing that much due to the new rule. Scores won’t be any higher, there will just be more free throws and fouls. “There might be more free throws but I don’t think it will changing the scoring at all,” Duane said. “I think the teams and players will adjust.” The first few weeks are going to be a learning experience for the basketball teams around the state, learning how tight the referees are actually going to call the rule change. Inconsistencies in refereeing will lead to in-game adjustments for the Aztecs as they look down the road to their fourth straight state title. “Our guys will have to learn to adjust to the ref,” Duane said. “It just depends on how they really call it.” s
December 2014 | 21
22 | December 2014
Little plays big role on the field Hailey Myers | Staff Writer Playing the same sport from when a person is young until they are a senior in high school is quite an accomplishment. It means that a person truly has a passion and love for the sport. Senior Callan Little has been playing soccer for 13 years and hasn’t looked back since. “I have been playing since I was 4 and I never stopped,” Little said. “I stayed with it because it was just fun and I never got tired of it.” Little transferred to Corona from Marcos de Niza his junior year. Transferring to a new school as an upperclassmen can have its challenges, but for Little the challenges seemed small, with the exception of his year of ineligibility due to AIA transfer rules. “It wasn’t hard transferring to a new school last year due to the fact that I already knew most people from middle school and club soccer,” Little said. “It was hard coming to practice everyday last year and not getting to play in the game the next day, but I did it to support my team because I love these guys and we all support each other.” Most students don’t transfer schools without a reason, and Little of course had his. “I left for the coaching,” Little said. “There was a coach at Marcos with no experience. He has played one season of soccer in his life. So I was like ‘I am out of here.’” Getting a new student athlete can be very exciting for a coach. Coach Dan Salas, the head boys soccer coach, was highly impressed by Little when he came to Corona and saw Little as a great challenge for him as a coach. “My first thoughts seeing Callan play was he is very talented, well put together, and built like a football player but moves like a soccer player,” Salas said. “It is always a positive challenge and incredibly motivating to get a player that is talented and has as many tools as Callan has. With him you have to continually change what you’re doing not only as a team, but also adjust for Callan on a daily basis so he doesn’t get use to what’s going on and he stays sharp. Its exciting to coach players like
Little defends a header by a Sandra Day O’Connor player. He hopes to lead the Aztecs on a playoff run this year. Photo by Maria Martin
that because when they do respond well it is very satisfying.” Little has adapted well to the move to Corona, the boys soccer program and Salas. “The soccer program here is a lot more organized than the program at Marcos,” Little said. “The Corona program could use a little extra like a PE class, maybe, but other than that it is good. I have learned a little more about soccer, and I feel like I have improved since coming to Corona.” A person who sticks with a sport for 13 years and still loves it all the same definitely wants to continue into college, and Little is no exception. “I plan on playing in college,” Little said. “I want to play at Cal State San Marcos and I have an offer from them. I am also visiting Colorado Pueblo.” Salas also has his goals for Little. “Callan and I have spoken quite a few times on his goals individually and as a team,” Salas said. “Not only here at Corona, but past Corona, playing into college. His strengths and weaknesses and making sure we’re focused on accomplishing those goals and overall just making sure that he continues to grow mentally in the game.” Soccer is a team sport and with that comes many challenges and benefits. Salas is looking forward to this season with
positivity. “I’m pleasantly excited about the prospect of the team,” Salas said. “They have potential but it is going to come down to their ability to be committed to the process. It’s the commitment to the process that is either going to make them or have them come up short.” Salas has his goals for this year but that doesn’t mean there won’t be plenty of challenges. Salas believes this year’s biggest challenge will be the team itself. “The biggest challenge is going to be ourselves,” Salas said before the season. “I think the talent is there. I mean the toughest completion is going to be your usual suspects--Brophy, Hamilton, and our first game is going to be incredibly tough against Sandra Day O’Connor (Aztecs lost 2-0) with them having some of the best players in the country. But overall, I’m okay with where we are at physically and talentwise; it’s just going to come down to the mentality and maturity of the team.” Little’s communication skills will be key to the success of the team along with his ability to perform and encourage his team. “He is very gentle when he speaks and it shouldn’t be confused with his ability on a field because he is not as gentle on the field as you would think,” Salas said. s
December 2014 | 23
Tanner Wilson: Student Body President
Take a look into the life of Corona’s Student Body President’s Student Council Experience
Katelyn Stys | Online Managing Editor
Q A
What is your role in Student Council?
My role is to lead all of Student Council, plan school events and charity drives, promote school spirit and to approve the existence of clubs and their events as well.
Q A
How long have you been in Student Council?
I’ve been in Student Council all four years, starting as freshman and sophomore class boy’s rep, then Junior Class President and now Student Body President.
Q A
What made you want to be a part of student council?
Definitely the idea of improving the school that we spend so much of our time at. I also love that we partake in charitable events and donate to charities as often as we can. Also, all of the fun that we have on Student Council while doing everything that we do.
Q A
What is your favorite Student Council memory?
My favorite Student Council memory has and always will be building the bonfire. Ever since freshman year, I’ve always looked forward to it. We all work extremely hard and it’s pretty exhausting considering we all come out with battle wounds (splinters) from the 500 plus pallets. Even though the labor is tough, Student Council always perserves and makes it incredibly fun in the process.
Q A
What are your plans for the school year?
We have already done Camp Corona, Homecoming, assemblies, Bonfire, and teamed up with Make a Wish club for “Team Ridge.” Next up, we have Crockett (our Christmas charity event), a blood drive, our class councils are working on dances (Hoopcoming, MORP, Prom), more assemblies, and finally elections for next year’s positions.
Q A
How do you manage your time?
I don’t…. haha, I’d say plan ahead as much as possible, but some of my best work comes out when its crunch time.
Q A
What other school activities are you a part of ? Mainly choir, NHS, and Comp Gov.
24 | December 2014
Tanner Wilson
Q A
How have these things shaped you as a person?
They have shaped me by allowing me to experience some completely different aspects of activities. I am now opened up to fact that there are so many opportunities to find out what you enjoy doing most.
Q A
What have you learned from Student Council?
I have learned mostly about improving my leadership skills. Leading a mass of Student Council kids who often disagree on many topics isn’t so easy sometimes. I’ve learned how to incorporate the majority of ideas into whatever we are deciding upon. Whether it may be as simple as a spirit day or as complex as our budget, I feel that we need to make the best choice to represent the student body well.
Q A
What are your plans for the future?
I hope to attend Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego and possibly major in political science or international studies with a minor in music.