May 2014 Issue

CdS Sunrise

May 2014 R

Corona del Sol High School | Tempe, AZ | Vol. 36, No. 7

Track takes 1st at state

Story by Andrew Eversden | Photo by Kelly Zimmer At the conclusion of the 2013 state track meet, in which the Aztec boys track team finished runners up to Brophy, there was only one thing on the returning varsity athletes’ minds: win the state track title in 2014.

On Saturday, May 10, that goal became a reality, with the boys track team winning the state title with 89.5 points, finishing 26.5 points ahead of Desert Vista, which scored 63 points. “(Winning) was just a state of joy and happiness,” head coach Tim Kelly said. continued on page 20

table of contents

in this issue of the Sunrise...

3

11

13

32

Mr. Smith goes to Washington for the last time

Competition Government takes ninth place in the nation while competing in Washington, D.C.

Corona named A+ school

After a tedious application process and a nerve-wrecking visit, Corona was named an A+ school

Graduating Early

Three students discuss the positives and negatives of graduating high school a year early

Athletes prepare to play at collegiate level

Seniors who received athletic scholarships are featured on pages 32-33

Graduation Speakers

Meet the academic and senior

34 speakers for the 2014 graduation ceremony: Daniel Karbon and Anna Pelley

37

Senior Superlatives

Check out who seniors voted for in categories such as Best Smile, Most Athletic and Most Likely to Change the World Front cover photo by Kelly Zimmer

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 Online Photo Editor Kelly Zimmer Online Sports Editor RJ Micks Staff Brenna Bochenek, Natasha Burrell, Tony DeLorenzi, Andrew Eversden, Joseph Macias, Bridget Manning, Sara Montano, Kevin Park, Carson Pyatt, Katelyn Stys, Johnny Waddell 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

2  May 2014

Letter from the Editor

Jacqui Marzocca | Editor-in-Chief

This will be my last Letter from the Editor. This will be the 29th paper I have been a part of and the only word I can think to describe how I feel is “weird.”

So many changes have occurred in my life throughout high school, but my constant has always been the security and love that I could find with my journalism family. I feel like I would be a completely different person if I hadn’t found this passion and grown in it.

I cannot choose one moment that epitomizes the best part of this experience, but there are a few standout memories that will always stick with me. One being interviewing someone and watching that person talk about what they love and become wrapped up in this passion and just go into a trance; it’s an absolutely incredible thing to witness. Another moment was at this year’s state championship basketball game sitting on press row at Jobing.com Arena surrounded by people who share this passion and love with me, watching the orange sea of Corona students sway back and forth and then as that last buzzer went off watching the excitement, pure adrenaline and happiness radiate from the players and the crowd. These are the moments that make me realize that I really do bleed orange. Wherever I go in life, I will carry these experiences with me because they’ve really helped shape the person I have become.

I have learned so much here from countless teachers. A few teachers really stand out to me as making a difference in helping me to form the person I am, especially my journalism adviser, Kris Urban. Not only has Mrs. Urban taught me everything I have ever desired to know concerning journalism, but has also been like my second mom. I don’t know what I would’ve done without her guidance at some points of this journey. Another teacher I would like to thank is Mrs. Katie Carver for always giving me advice when I needed it and being for always being such a source of sunshine whenever I saw her.

Mr. Sean Thornton, you’re awesome; I always appreciate the laughs your sarcasm provides. Finally, Mrs. Amanda Johnson, you are so kind and have always given me such great advice.

There have been so many extraordinary teachers who have made a huge difference to me, so to all of you, thank you.

I feel like high school is a time for learning. I have acquired knowledge not only in the educational sense, but also in many other ways. From journalism, I have learned patience, the importance of learning that it is impossible to do everything yourself, major communication skills, and that, no matter how hard you try, you will never be able to please everyone. From peers, I’ve learned so many lessons. We’ve all gone through things in high school that maybe were not what we wanted or something super embarrassing or a time in which we looked around and realized we are the only ones who have the power to make ourselves happy. These times have taught us who we are and have given us a foundation to grow further.

Though things are about to drastically change, I will always remember my time in high school with positive memories.

Thank you so much for reading the paper, Corona. My staff has put so much time, love and passion into it. I’ll be leaving it in extremely capable hands. I think the most important thing we can take out of high school is that even when things are not perfect, we have to push through. As Robert Frost once said, “In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.” 

news R

Comp. Gov. places 9th in the nation

Josh Ambre | Online Managing Editor

“I would say they (the judges) were fair,” Smith said. “Were they As the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. has stood at the center of much of America’s history. But on April 26-30, the city had a unique role challenging? Absolutely, because that’s their job. They are as passionate to play in shaping the history of Corona del Sol, with the Competition as most of the students. They’re very supportive of the program and Government team earning ninth in the nation during the We the People curious about the issues. It may come off as aggressive, but I read it more as passionate.”

National Finals.

Though the question of who is more passionate about government, “We were really pleased with making the top 10,” senior Nick Martinez said. “I think this is definitely the peak of our performance, and the students or the judges, remains a toss-up, there can be no denying the team’s strong opinions about the outcome of their performance in it’s probably the best we’ve done as a team the whole year.”

Going up against more than 50 other teams nationwide, Corona’s the national finals.

Many members are disappointed team had little room for error as it with the ninth place ranking, especially competed in the initial stages of given the fact that it is Smith’s last year the national finals on April 26-27 at coaching and teaching at Corona.

George Mason University. During “I wanted us to get fifth place at that time, the team was responsible least for Smith’s last year,” Roland said. for answering one question per day, “He’s retiring, so we really wanted to after which it moved on to compete go out with a bang.” in the top 10 on April 28—an outcome However, certain members feel that most members had expected all that Corona’s fierce competition in along. some way justifies the end result.

“I think we expected it because “Not only are we a public school,” we pretty much schooled everyone senior Julie Song said, “but we only in the first two rounds,” senior Megan have a one-year program. A lot of Rowland said. “We felt pretty good schools have four-year programs.” about it.”

Regardless of the team’s ranking, Competition Government coach Smith’s pride for the team remains Timothy Smith also had faith in the constant. team’s performance at this stage of “The growth I’ve seen in this team the competition. is astronomical,” Smith said. “Where “The team was stellar in the first we began this year and where we round,” Smith said. “I had a pretty good finished this year—it’s like we climbed feeling we were going to make the top a mountain. I’m so proud of them.”

10.”

As for Smith himself, the team’s Above all, Smith cites the team’s trip to Washington held special positive work ethic as the source of significance, as he will be retiring at its success going into the national the end of the school year. finals. As always, the team researched “I told the team that it’s a bear and rehearsed its topics with the getting old because you get more help of Corona alumni, but this time The CdS Comp. Gov. team poses on the steps of the U.S. Supreme emotional,” Smith said. “I did get very it also enlisted the help of trained Court Building. The team took advantage of their downtime in sentimental about it, and in a very professionals.

D.C. by visiting famous government landmarks. Photo courtesy of special way, just because there was a “We did a formal practice on April Laraib Mughal realization that this would be my last 8th and brought in lawyers from all talk. Those things became more difficult, but it was a joyous time.” over the Valley,” Smith said. “We practiced every night at the hotel.”

During his retirement, Smith plans on remaining active in Corona’s Though the team was well prepared for most aspects of the competition, the relentless questioning of the judges during the Competition Government team and may even apply for a job at a national finals caught some members off guard, despite Smith’s touring company in Washington, D.C. “I do want to be part of helping the team,” Smith said. “I’ll help Ms. warning that such was the nature of the competition.

“They (the judges) were a little harsh,” Rowland said. “One unit in (Ali) Rund next year and come back as a judge. I’d like to catch up on particular got ripped apart. They kept getting cut off, but that’s their job some of the reading that I never have time to do, visit with family, just to hammer you. If they don’t like your answer, they’ll be like, ‘stop right the little things. There’s a lot of possibilities.”

Whatever happens, Smith is sure to cherish the warm memories he there, that’s not what I was looking for.’ When we practiced, he (Smith) has of his time coaching the team. definitely didn’t do that, so it came as a shock to some people.”

“It’s been a great run, and like I said, just to be in the finals two years Smith agrees, and feels that the judges’ apparent aggressiveness in a row is not something that a lot of coaches can say.” R may have been perceived wrongly by some team members.

May 2014 R3

Rnews

Students recognized as Tempe Top Teens

Brenna Bochenek | Staff Writer

This year Tempe’s YouthFest celebrated its 17th annual awards banquet honoring the top 10 teens from schools across Tempe. All around Corona, the staff recognized young men and women who have greatly contributed to the school.

Theses students have shown exemplary efforts in academics, athletics, arts, music, citizenship, community service and demonstrating social conscience. Corona’s Top 10 Teens were seniors: Patrick Askins, Casey Benson, Jake Busby, Kahara Hodges, Miruthula Jegadsan, Laraib Mughal, Nathan Rodriguez, Josh Stovall, and Dalton West and junior Julia Maisel.

West was nominated by business teacher Michael Lohmann, who believes that West epitomizes his personal vision of a “Top Teen.”

“Dalton is one of those students whose character traits are admirable,” Lohmann said.

Another nominee, Maisel, was nominated by Jayelee Dorris for her exemplary behavior and inspiring leadership as a Corona Sol Buddies copresident.

“Julia puts her heart and soul into activities involving our special education students,” Dorris said. “She is a model leader for her peer officers and the buddies themselves.”

Dorris believes Maisel to be one of the few teens who is able to completely take themself out of the equation and do something just for the kindness of doing it.

“You can see she would rather do for others than have something done for herself,” Dorris said.

“Julia has grown into a beautiful person with a heart that is open for all to enjoy.”

Maisel was pleasantly surprised and even a little shocked to receive this recognition.

“It was really cool to be recognized because I wasn’t expecting it,” Maisel said. “It’s one of those things where they’re (teachers) watching you and you’re not aware of what’s going on.”

At the Awards Banquet, Maisel enjoyed hearing the stories of her fellow nominees and felt lucky to be recognized alongside such outstanding individuals.

“I was grateful to be considered at least somewhat on the same level as they are,” Maisel said. “Honestly, I was just honored to be in the same category as them.” R

4 R May 2014

Nye wins photography contest with inspired photograph Sapna Daryanani | News Editor Photography has undergone in the photography category for his considerable change with the photograph, “Peace and Quiet,” which is development of different techniques, and of a perched hummingbird. several of Corona’s photography students Several photography students had the opportunity to explore a wide received honorable mentions: juniors range of techniques by participating in Ray-Ann Galindo and Bailey Nelson, and the second Annual Congressional District seniors Hannah Byrd, Ashley Ellis, Anna 9 Art Contest. This contest produced a Stadmiller and Olivia Van Vleet. handful of award winners from Corona, While the Corona photographers including senior Sadera Nye for a first-place photography award.

Nye, a Photography 3-4 student, submitted a photograph titled “Shy” for the contest.

This photo is a Photoshopped portrait of Nye with unattached hands concealing her face. The finished product was not effortless, nor was it completely intentional.

“I put my camera on a tripod and set the timer for two pictures at ten seconds, and then I put my arms down and then my arms up Photo Courtesy of Sadera Nye and Photoshopped away my other arms,” Nye’s picture, titled “Shy”, depicts her portrait with Nye said. “It (the final Photoshopped hands covering her face. Nye won first place photograph) kind of in the Anuual Congressional Disctrict 9 Art Contest for her was an accident. I was unique portrait. just messing around with techniques. My brother walked by works did not travel to Washington, and thought it looked cool, so I just went D.C., where the artwork of each overall with it.” district winner is featured, a few students’ Photography teacher Sarah Chelton photographs will be featured at the was impressed by the uniqueness of Congressional District 9 Office in Phoenix Nye’s photograph.

“It wasn’t your run-of-the-mill in June. This includes Nye’s and Liu’s landscape picture,” Chelton said. “She photographs, along with Byrd’s “Just (Nye) ended up going with a picture that Before the World Turns Grey,” Bailey’s “Old I loved and she worked really hard on and Flour Mill” and C.C. Stallings’ “Watkins Flowers.” These photographs will be on it turned out great.”

In addition, senior Steven Liu display alongside artwork from other was awarded a second-place prize local artists from across the district. R

newsR

New homeroom schedule Sapna Daryanani | News Editor

Students and teachers at Corona will encounter a change that is set to last for many years to come: the implementation of a four-year homeroom system. Beginning with the 2014-2015 school year, each Corona teacher will serve as the homeroom instructor for 20 to 30 students of the same grade level, who will remain with that teacher until graduation.

“It will give students an opportunity to establish a relationship with a teacher on campus, to have someone who knows the students well,” Registrar Deb Benedict said. “The students are going to stay with that teacher for four years, so the teacher will grow with the student.”

Benedict and counselor Dan Brugger, along with other administrators and teachers, served on the school’s Response to Intervention (RTI) committee, which proposed the homeroom system.

This is being set into place in order to meet requirements as mandated by educational association AdvancED. “We’re accredited by AdvancED, and there are requirements for schools to grow, and one of those is that every student has a faculty mentor or someone who serves as a role model for them,” Brugger said.

For Corona, meeting these requirements will take the form of assigning students to homeroom teachers, with whom students will meet once a month throughout the school year. A special bell schedule will be created for homeroom days, shortening classes by five to 10 minutes. The homeroom period will not last more than an hour at a time, but administrators expect this to be valuable for students.

“I know that students have lots of questions, lots of things they need to know, and it’s tough to do in a regular classroom,” Principal Brent

Brown said. “But if we had opportunities to teach or show or provide information to students at their grade level or as a school, we would have the ability to do that.”

The RTI committee is devising ideas for making the most of the time allotted for a homeroom period by providing students with information on topics that would not necessarily be covered in a typical class.

“We’re looking at maybe teaching students how to complete scholarship applications or college applications or incoming students how to take notes or what the offerings are here on campus,” Benedict said.

This time will also provide students with an opportunity to receive tutoring during the school day.

“We have a lot of tutoring programs, but a lot of students take the bus, things like that, and aren’t able to come for tutoring and then they aren’t passing their classes,” Brugger said. “And so by doing this, it does give a little bit of time, especially for students who struggle, to get that extra help.”

Homeroom will also be for teachers to go over housekeeping items with students, such as addressing dress code concerns or distributing discipline handbooks at the beginning of the year, instead of taking that time away from other class periods. The RTI committee sees a great deal of potential in providing students with a distinct homeroom periods.

“Hopefully there’s some variety in it and hopefully it’s something that is executed well, and students find it interesting,” Brugger said.

“There are so many things we can do with it and we’re hoping it goes well.” R

Journalist of the Year

Senior Manali Chavan named Runner-Up Journalist of the Year Jacqui Marzocca | Editor-in-Chief

After a strenuous application, hours and hours spent working on various journalism projects and propelling the Sunrise newspaper to new heights, senior Manali Chavan was named Runner-Up Journalist of the Year by the Arizona Interscholastic Press Association.

“I was really excited when I found out and I’m really proud about it and I’m excited for it,” Chavan said.

The application process included compiling 50 different journalismrelated projects, such as stories, videos or page design. Another aspect was writing a self-analytical essay. Chavan focused hers on online presence in journalism and social media. Finally, there was a logistics section.

Chavan had planned on applying for this award since she attended a journalism convention in San Francisco in the spring of 2013. After a friend talked about applying for it, Chavan looked up the date for Arizona and was surprised to find it was due the following week.

“I looked at the deadline and I had a week before it was due so I just decided I really wanted to do it so I’d try to bust it out in a week,” Chavan said.

Chavan joined the Sunrise her junior year and since then has been a major part in pushing the Sunrise into the age of social media as the

Sunrise’s social media editor.

“She’s worked really hard for it and I think she deserves it,” newspaper adviser Kris Urban said. “She’s brought a lot to the newspaper...a lot of our growth this year in social media has been because of her.”

Chavan has contributed not only many hours to expanding social media, but has made the newspaper flow better in various areas such as communication, organization and bringing new ideas to the table and figuring out ways to make them work.

“She’s an idea person, and when she gets an idea she works tirelessly to figure out how to implement her idea and most of the time they work out,” Urban said.

Chavan will be attending Arizona State University next year and majoring in business, though she plans to add journalism as a concurrent degree.

“I think she’s going to do fabulously,” Urban said. “She isn’t your typical news journalist, but if she takes the avenue of magazines I think she’s going to be great. And combining it with business...I think a business background will be perfect for her for magazines. I think as long as she doesn’t get jaded by the industry, she’ll do really well.” R

May 2014 R5

Rnews

Credit requirement change considered Manali Chavan | Social Media Editor

Recently the Tempe Union High School District Governing Board held meetings to discuss the possibility of lowering the amount of credits needed to graduate from 23 to 22. The school board, which raised the required credits from 22 to 23 beginning for the class for 2014, is considering whether by asking for more credits, they’re stopping students from graduating. They also brought up the fact that the state of Arizona only requires 22 credits to graduate.

“The board has a retreat every summer in which they discuss issues that have been brought to them from the people who voted for them,” teacher - librarian Justine Centanni said. “Apparently the 23 verses 22 credits came up this summer, so they thought they would dedicate some time to talking about it.”

Current Graduation Credit Requirements of Tempe Union English 4 CR Math 4 CR Science 3 CR Social Studies 3 CR CTE/FA 1 CR Electives 5.5 CR Health 0.5 CR PE 1 CR CTE/FA/PA 1 CR TOTAL 23 CR

Option 3

Keep 23 credits, but reduce P.E. requirement English 4 CR Math 4 CR Science 3 CR Social Studies 3 CR CTE/FA 1 CR Electives 6 CR Health 0.5 CR PE* 1 CR TOTAL 23 CR

The board has held open meetings where students, parents, the community and Tempe Union staff are invited to discuss the issue.

Superintendent Kenneth Baca suggested five solutions that could possibly increase the graduation rate. However, the board is not limited to these five suggestions. The issue is expected to be up for discussion in the months to come.

“While I see the credit issue continuing to be discussed in the fall of next year, I do not believe the Governing Board is wanting to rush into a decision,” Baca said. “I ask that all people keep an open mind, realizing that any change to the current credit requirements will impact many.”

Anyone who feels they have a plan that would benefit the discussion is invited to submit their ideas to Baca at kbaca@tuhsd.k12.az.us. R

Option 1

Keep 23 credits, but change how a P.E. credit is earned English 4 CR Math 4 CR Science 3 CR Social Studies 3 CR CTE/FA 1 CR Electives 5.5 CR Health 0.5 CR PE* 1 CR CTE/FA/PA 1 CR TOTAL 23 CR

Option 4

Reduce to 22 credits by reducing electives and CTE/FA/PA credit requirements English 4 CR Math 4 CR Science 3 CR Social Studies 3 CR CTE/FA 1 CR Electives 5 CR Health 0.5 CR PE* 1 CR CTE/FA/PA 0.5 CR TOTAL 22 CR

Option 2

Keep 23 credits, but elminate health classes English 4 CR Math 4 CR Science** 3 CR Social Studies 3 CR CTE/FA 1 CR Electives 6 CR PE* 1 CR CTE/FA/PA 1 CR TOTAL 23 CR

Option 5

Reduce to 22 credits by reducing electives and healthy credit requirements English 4 CR Math 4 CR Science** 3 CR Social Studies 3 CR CTE/FA 1 CR Electives 5 CR PE* 1 CR CTE/FA/PA 1 CR TOTAL 22 CR

*Students who participate in an AIA athletic program (with the exception of Chess) for 2 or more years will be awarded a credit of PE **Health will be taught within a science core class

6RMay 2014

viewpointR

Athletes deserve P.E. credit Andrew Eversden | Staff Writer After many years of student-athletes being confused as to why they must take a P.E. class to graduate, despite their hard work during and after school, the requirement may finally be changing.

At its course-proposal meeting, the Tempe Union High School District Governing Board brought up the idea of changing the required classes and number of credits for graduating. The most notable change in the new proposal for credits is that P.E. credit can be earned through participation in sports for two or more years.

The Governing Board proposed five options for changes in required credits for graduation. All these options include a motion for athletes to obtain P.E. credit for two or more years of participation in school-sponsored athletics. However, one surprising aspect of these options is the elimination of health.

Option 1: This option is similar to the requirements the school has already in which the number of credits required to graduate (23) doesn’t change. The only change is that student-athletes can earn P.E. credit for two or more years of participation in an AIA sport (this doesn’t include hockey or lacrosse). This is perhaps the best option because it will appease student-athletes upset they don’t get P.E. credit for their sport, but it also will keep most teachers employed. The only downside of this option is that some P.E. teachers will lose their jobs.

Option 2: There isn’t really a bright side in this option. In this scenario, all health classes, which is not a required class by the state of Arizona, would be completely eliminated.

This means that all health teaching positions will be eliminated. Since many health teachers are also coaches, some coaching positions would also be eliminated and may cut into the success of school’s athletic programs.

Another downside of this option is that science teachers would be asked to teach health curriculum in their already crammed curriculum. Elective credits required to graduate would increase from 5.5 to six credits to maintain the 23 credits to graduate, although the state requirement is only 22 credits. The only bright side of this option is athletes receiving credit for two or more years of participation in school sports but unfortunately that would eliminate some P.E. teaching jobs.

Option 3: This option decreases P.E. credit from one credit to half of a credit, making it a one-semester class.

Health would still be a one semester class and P.E. and health could possibly go hand-in-hand. The elective credit required to graduate would increase from 5.5 to

six credits due to the decrease in P.E. credit requirement. Since P.E. is only a semester class in this option, athletes would only be required to participate in one year of school sports to gain the P.E. credit. This option seems like a “do-nothing” option, just switching around the required credits to graduate for no apparent reason.

Option 4: Option 4 is a terrible option. This option decreases the number of required Fine Arts/CTE/Practical Art credits from one credit to half a credits. This would also decrease the funding for some of Corona’s most popular programs, such as band, choir and yearbook.

This option also decreases the total number of required credits from 23 to 22, the state required minimum. Athletes would get P.E. credit for two years of participation in high school sports.

Option 5: This option also eliminates health class, thus eliminating jobs and forcing science teachers to teach health in class. Elective credits decrease from 5.5 to five credits, which would also decrease the number of jobs for teachers and decreasing the funding for elective classes. The number of total required credits to graduate drops to 22 and athletes would get P.E. credit for two or more years of participation in sports.

Out of the five options, the first option appears to be the best option, both for the district and for the student-athletes who take their sports and school seriously. From the district perspective, it wouldn’t have to eliminate as many jobs and popular school programs would not become underfunded.

From a student-athlete’s perspective, option one allows the student to play the sport they enjoy for two years while not having to worry about taking a P.E. class during the school, allowing them to take more classes that they want to take. They also wouldn’t have to take summer school P.E. giving them extra time in the summer to work out before it gets too hot.

The district is finally addressing an issue that has baffled studentathletes for years. Hopefully, the district will pass the first option and give the athletes the credit they deserve. R

Cartoon by Rebecca Ericson

May 2014 R7

AR E YOU I NTE R ESTE D I N DESIG N?

The Summer Design Primer is a hands-on introduction to the architecture, interior design, industrial design, landscape architecture and visual communication design disciplines. The five-week course taught by Design School faculty at ASU will help you explore fundamental design principles and introduces basic design skills such as: sketching, creative thinking, model construction, managing visual information and adobe creative suite applications. In addition students will meet design professionals and visit design offices.

For more information, visit: http:// communityschool.asu.edu/design/summer.php

The Design School

8 R May 2014

Architecture Industrial Design Interior Design Landscape Architecture Visual Communication

Summer Design Primer June 16–July 18, 2014

life & timesR

Dress code gets a makeover Site Council to clarify rules covering boys tank tops, girls shorts, stretch pants Natasha Burrell | Staff Writer As fashions change, so must the language of Corona’s dress code.

The current student dress code states that “Proper dress for boys will include shirts with sleeves (no tank tops).” The site council is looking at revising that rule for the 2014-2015 school year. ““The dress code just provides a basis for how students should dress so there is no distraction in the classroom,” teacher-librarian and Site Council member Justine Centanni said. “The issue is the tank tops for boys. It’s all about the wording.”

Next year, boys may be allowed to wear tank tops as long as they aren’t too revealing. Bro tanks used to be allowed on campus, but in 2012 the dress code was changed, which caused frustration among the students.

“It’ll be nice to be able to wear tank tops especially when it’s really hot outside,” junior Eli Imadali said. “They’re really comfortable. A lot of people have tanks and so its kind of useless when we don’t get to wear them.”

The issue with boys wearing tank tops is that many of them are revealing as the entire sides of the shirt are cut out.

“There are many kinds of tank tops for boys and we’ll be OK if the boys wear tank tops, not bro tanks,” Principal Brent Brown said. “We want to change this because it isn’t fair that girls can wear tank tops and guys can’t. There are some nice ones that boys can wear.”

The dress code will also be reworded for the ladies as well.

According to the current dress code, shorts and skirts must past the “pointer finger” rule, meaning they must be longer than the tip of a student’s pointer finger.

“It’s hard to find and wear clothing for the ladies that passes that rule and it usually isn’t followed,” Centanni said.

This policy is hard to enforce when everyone is different.

“We’re getting rid of that,” Brown said. “It’s too hard to enforce.

What we want is for everyone to just be covered up. Some girls have short arms and some girls have long arms. “ Wearing pants like tights, yoga pants and leggings has also been an issue because of the confusion as to what classifies as “stretch pants” as defined in the dress code.

“There are many kinds of stretch pants,” Brown said. “If you’re going to wear tights of any kind, they need to be of an appropriate thickness so you can’t see anything. “ Over the summer, more slight changes and rewording will be done to the dress code to make it easier for students to follow while still keeping it classy. R

May 2014 R9

10  May 2014

newsR

Corona receives A+ rating The Arizona Education awarded Corona on first try

Devika Sharan | Managing Editor After months of hard work and endless hours of preparation, Corona del Sol was named an A+ school, awarded by the Arizona Education Foundation.

“I got a phone call and a couple follow up emails,” Principal Brent Brown said. “The phone call was to let us know that the committee had decided that Corona del Sol was deserving of the A+ award.”

Leading up to this announcement there had been a lot of anticipation because of the amount of labor that went into the application, planning for the visit and the committee work.

“We were just all hopeful that we would get a call like that,” Brown said. “Not everyone gets it on their first try. They (the foundation) made that very clear.”

However, Corona was bestowed the award on its first try and the foundation gave many reasons as to why, ranging from how welcoming the campus was to how wonderful the students and staff were.

“They loved the positive campus feeling; how clean, safe and inviting it was,” Brown said. “They really praised the students for how communicative they were and how knowledgeable of our campus (they were). They loved how they saw that we really truly bleed orange.”

The next step was for Corona to be presented with a banner to display on campus, letting everyone know of the A+ Award.

“They (The Arizona Education Foundation) come out to the school during a planned visit and they present a banner and gifts for the school for becoming an A+ (school),” Brown said.

This planned visit was on May 2, on which a double assembly was held where dignitaries who put the event together, committee members, the community and all others involved were present.

Along with the assembly, a block party was held in each hallway to

commemorate this occasion.

In three years, Corona will have to reapply for the A+ award, starting over with the extensive application process. However, before giving out the award, the foundation gives tips that the school may want to work on for the next time.

“As they went into all of the classrooms they were hoping to see more activities, student-centered instruction going on and less, what they call ‘sit and get,’ where the teacher is instructing the whole time,” Brown said. “They want to see teamwork and team building and partner work and other activities like that.”

After these few nuances are fixed, Corona can again apply and wait to be awarded the A+ award again.

“I knew we were an A+ school and I was pretty sure we were going to get it,” Brown said. R

Above: Principal Brent Brown and Activities Director Jim Bell present the banner given to the school for the A+ award to the students at the special assembly on May 2. Corona was awarded this on the first try.

Left: Assistant Director for the Arizona Education Foundation Mandy Kalish gives Brown the $500 awarded with the banner.

Photos by Devika Sharan

May 2014 R11

12 R May 2014

Graduating Early

life & timesR

Students graduate from high school in three years

Natasha Burrell | Staff Writer Spending three years in high school sounds like a dream to some but is a reality for seniors Yael Ozair, Olivia Bedner, and Maddie Szjana. Some people decide to graduate because they feel like they have outgrown high school, they plan on taking a year off, they want to get ahead on their career or just because they simply have enough credits. For Ozair, it was a mix of reasons.

“Last year, I felt like I was ready to go to college, I didn’t need an extra year,” Ozair said. “Having that extra year meant that I would get a head start on my career.”

Ozair plans on becoming a dermatologist and wants to start her career path as soon as possible.

“It felt good to get everything done and it was very rewarding and I’m glad I did it this way,” Ozair said. “The fact that I’m going to Arizona State University early with a scholarship makes me glad.”

It may be hard for some to deal with the shock of skipping a grade but for Ozair, the transition was easier.

“A lot of my friends are graduating and they are all very supportive and I just cannot wait to get my life started,” Ozair said.

Senior Olivia Bedner had an ulterior motive for graduating early.

“I was talking to my guidance counselor about what I wanted to do and the only thing holding me back what how much school I was going to have to do plus I wanted to travel,” Bedner said. “I am going to Brazil for six months.”

Taking a year off to travel is what many students dream.

What keeps them from doing sometimes is that when they come back from their journey, they will be a year behind.

But graduating early will keep Bedner on track to return to her class after her trip.

“I going to Brazil mostly for fun but I will also probably take some classes to see what their schools are like,” Bedner said.

For senior Maddie Szjana, graduating early was a great plan to get ahead on her education and be with her friends.

“Most of my friends graduated last year and I only had to take senior English my senior year so I just got it out the way my junior year,” Szjana said.

Skipping a grade isn’t always easy however.

“I kind of feel left out of senior activities because I don’t really know many senior sometimes but it was worth it to be out of here early,” Szanja said.

Graduating early means students have to do extra schooling whether it be take a zero hour, night school, or get some of their classes out of the way in summer school.

It also means that there is less room to take fun classes and students may not have as much time to participate in extracurricular activities.

Ozair is in the marching band and helps manage the Holly Hope club while at the same time taking extra classes.

“Getting all my classes done last year was kind of a challenge because it was such a huge load,” Ozair said. “But I already got most of my core classes out of the way so I only had to take a few classes outside of school. It was hard though because my time in night school was time that I could’ve spent studying for my other classes but I ended up getting straight A’s last year.”

Bedner, Ozair and Szjana all were satisfied with their decision to graduate early despite some of the stress it caused.

“Even though I’m graduating early I still was able to have a great senior year. I made a lot of senior friends which I really love and I still had time to do track this year,” Bedner said.

Graduating early can be a daunting task but has been positive experience for juniors turned seniors that wanted to get ahead. R

(Left to right) Olivia Bedner, Yael Ozair and Maddie Szjana are juniors, turned seniors, who made the decision to graduate early. Graduating early for these seniors is a way to get ahead in life and go to college early or to travel. Photo

by Sara Montano

May 2014R13

Rlife & times

Bastille provides new sound Manali Chavan | Social Media Editor

Bastille, a musical group of four men, is known around the world for its distinct sound and story-like lyrics. During their recent tour to America, they’ve made numerous appearances at American music festivals, such as Coachella and American TV shows, such as Saturday Night Live. However, Bastille’s success in the American music industry was not without time, patience and a countless number of performances.

Lead singer Dan Smith was originally a solo act, writing and creating most of the music found on Bastille’s first album, Bad Blood. Later, he brought aboard drummer Chris Wood, bass and guitar player Will Farquarson and keyboard player Kyle Simmons. Bastille’s name derived from Bastille Day, the French national day, which happens to fall on the same day as Smith’s birthday. Together, the four men began playing local gigs and eventually worked their way up. The band spent about four years recording, performing and building an Chavan poses with Farquarson after the interview. She was invited backstage during audience.

Last year the band made its debut to America with a successful tour. They returned to the opening acts to talk with the band England to discover they had been nominated for four BRIT Awards. Of the four nominations, member. Photo courtesy of Manali Chavan Bastille walked away with the award for best breakthrough artist. Now they’ve returned to America this year with an even bigger tour and eyes set on a sophomore album.

We were given the opportunity to talk to Farquarson about the success of the band and what they have in store for their fans.

Photo courtesy of Bastille

How did you become a part of Bastille?

I lied my way in. I met Dan, we had a mutual friend and he was performing on his own. He was looking for a bass player, but he also wanted someone who could play guitar and piano and sing. I could sort of play guitar, I’d never played piano before and I’d never sung, but I just lied and said I could play all three.

The day after I kind of went for an audition and he said, ‘We’ll have you play some songs on the piano.’ So I went out and bought a piano and a month later I had to play a gig. Of course, he (Dan) knows I lied now.

14 R May 2014

You guys are working on your second album now. How is that coming along?

Good, we’ve done 17 songs so far. It’s quite hard logistically because we’re so busy, so we’ve taken to bringing out our producer Mark. I like the new stuff. It’s always exciting as a band to do new songs. The first time we didn’t have any guitar on, so I’ve been pushing to get more guitar. It’s quite different, but hopefully Dan’s voice and songwriting sort of ties it all together so it’s still very Bastille.

life & timesR Who’s your favorite artist to cover?

I love to cover anything by Rihanna. Everyone thinks I’m joking— she is exquisite looking— but every song she’s ever released is a massive hit and she’s just been doing that for 10 years.

You guys are pretty relaxed back here. Are there any pre-show rituals you do?

We actually do vocal warm-ups. We had like three lessons with a vocal coach that were helpful, but three lessons are only going to get so much.

Is there anything you wish you could bring on tour with you that you’re not allowed to?

I want to bring a cello— I play cello— but it’s hard to fly a cello across the Atlantic it turns out. I keep meaning to buy one, but there’s not really anyone to play it in front of without annoying everyone. So maybe if we got a bit bigger I could have a cello and a room to play that in.

You guys have toured all around the world. What’s different about performing here in the United States?

It’s bigger, you have to drive a lot more. In terms of the people, the audience seems more friendlier. We meet a lot of people after shows; they seem more into the whole band thing.

What’s been your favorite venue to play thus far?

I think probably the best one for me, is not really the venue per se, we played Alexandria Palace in London, which is a 10,000 capacity show. We did that at the very end of our tour and my dad came, my girlfriend came, my friends came and it was like a home gig. We had signed two-and-a-half years ago and the gig we got signed off the back was 200 people and we couldn’t believe we sold that out. So two years later to be playing for 10,000 just up the road was surreal.

When you went outside today there were fans lined up across the bridge. Was there anyone you had the same feeling about when you were younger?

Red Hot Chili Peppers. All I ever wanted to do was meet Flea (Michael Balzary). I never have, but maybe I will some day.

What’s your favorite part about performing?

Sometimes I think this is such a privilege and I don’t think any part of it, I think the whole thing. Everyday I can’t believe I get to do this for a job. Getting to get up on stage every night and play musis and that’s my job is silly— it’s not really a job, is it?

What are your plans for the future?

I think doing some more albums, keep touring. I think we just want to keep doing this as long as we can. R

May 2014 R 15

Rsports

#44

Sophomore carries on brother’s legacy Nikki Hinshaw | Clubs Editor Although in the past lacrosse has been a sport often overlooked at Corona, teams within the past few years have been making an impact with help from talented players and a strong program. With kids feeding in from the Aztec Youth Lacrosse Program and family members picking up this newly popular sport, Corona has built up a strong team that went far in the playoffs.

Sophomore Daniel Sion is someone who has been involved in the sport mainly because of the opportunities the Corona club provides for lacrosse players. For Sion, it has become not only an outlet for exercise, but a means for bonding with family. His brother, Corona graduate Paul Sion, also shares the love for the sport, along with another family member.

“My dad played in high school and college and he got me into it,” Sion said.

Sion has played lacrosse for five years, spending the last two on Corona’s varsity lacrosse team.

“Daniel is a starting defenseman on varsity,” varsity coach Greg Baudo said. “He is an integral part of our team and a large reason why we have been so successful this year.”

Daniel’s brother Paul, who graduated in 2013, spent three years on varsity.

“Paul was a starting varsity midfielder during his career with the Aztecs,” Baudo said. “Paul was our go-to guy when we needed to clear the ball.”

Although they differ in positions and role on the team, the brothers do share the jersey number 44. “(Paul) used it when he played so I thought I’d take it over,” Sion said.

In addition to their common number, the brothers share some qualities that are recognized by both coaches and teammates.

“The Sion brothers have a great work ethic,” Baudo said. “They show

Daniel Sion plays strong defense against Horizon High School. Varsity lacrosse won 15-11 at its last regular season game on April 26. Photo by Kevin Park

16RMay 2014

Daniel (right) congratulates brother Paul (left). Paul was named an AllState Midfielder in 2013. Photo courtesy of Deb and Mark Sion up to all team events and give 100 percent effort no matter what. They are a great example to their teammates of what it takes to play up on the varsity level.”

Paul, who was named an All-State Midfielder in 2013, has had a large impact on Daniel’s triumphs on the varsity team.

“He really set me up for the coaches and the upperclassmen,” the younger Sion said.

Although most of Paul’s history with the team has had a positive impact on Daniel, being related to such a successful player comes with certain standards of play.

“A small part of me has high expectations for Daniel based on what Paul was able to do for us,” Baudo said. “Since Dan is only a sophomore, I think he will be following in his brother’s footsteps in the years to come.”

Sharing lacrosse has been a special part of the brothers’ relationship, as sports are a hobby they both enjoy.

“It gives us something to talk about and share time with,” Daniel said. “We can always relate to each other about it and support each other (and) go to each other’s games.”

As Paul attends ASU, Daniel is constantly reminded that his brother will always be associated with him and lacrosse, proven by his nickname to teammates, “Baby Sion.”

“People that know my brother call me that just for being his younger brother,” Sion said.

Athletes who have played alongside the two brothers notice the qualities they possess that allow them to be skilled players. “(They’re) really good and they both work really hard,” junior midfielder Jacob Weber said. “They’re more disciplined than most of the guys on the team.”

Paul has chosen a path that doesn’t include lacrosse outside of high school, but Daniel is already contemplating extending his playing time.

sports R

“Since Dan is only a sophomore, I think he will be following in his brother’s footsteps in the years to come.”

R Buado Photo courtesy of Deb and Mark Sion

Brothers Paul Sion (left) and Daniel Sion (right) sport Corona lacrosse gear. Paul, who graduated in 2013, passed on the jersey number 44 to his younger brother Daniel.

“(I want to play) through high school (and) possibly in college, but it between siblings runs deeper than the one that any other teammates share. really depends where I’m going,” “I really enjoy coaching Sion said. brothers,” Baudo said. “You really Daniel is thinking about get to develop a special bond with the future, but is also optimistic the brothers, and even though the about the present. This year’s older brother graduates first, you team holds a record of 9-5, still have the younger brother despite injuries riddling senior ready to step up.” top scorer Garret Howell and The Sions’ involvement in the adjustment to additions of a shared activity has helped eighth grade players from the them grow both as people and Aztec Youth Lacrosse Club. as athletes. They have benefited “We are really good,” Sion from the experience, and because said. “I feel like (we are) probably of their talents, the team has the best in a while. We are benefited as well. probably going to go deep into “Quite simply, the Sions lead the playoffs.” by example,” Baudo said. “They With nightly practices might not be the most vocal of and multiple games a week, it takes an immense amount of Daniel Sion cradles the ball as he carries it upfield. Daniel, who plays players, but they always give determination for the players to defense, played an essential role in the team’s journey into the second round maximum effort while on the field.

This forces everyone else on the secure the seventh seed out of of playoffs. Photo courtesy of Deb and Mark Sion field to elevate their game.” the 24 teams in the state going With a solid past and a bright future, Aztec lacrosse has been into the playoffs.

“It takes up a lot of time so you don’t have too much time to do improved by the Sion brothers’ involvement. Without the collaboration between the two brothers, abilities and skills might not have reached other activities,” Sion said.

However, the benefits are worth the dedication it takes to their potential. Paul’s influence will continue to help foster Daniel’s skills for the sport and inspire teammates with experiences from a family participate in this sport. “(Lacrosse is a) fast game, always intense,” Sion said. “(I like) the soon to leave a mark on Corona’s history. “(Paul taught me to) try as hard as you can and always give 110 friendships you make.”

These reasons are what drive the two brothers to play. The bond percent in what you want to do,” Sion said. R

May 2014 R 17

Rsports

Sophomores take 2nd in national tournament

The Arizona Hockey Union Knights taking a team picture after their national title game. George (#40) and Mullins (#31), both play goalie on the team.

Photos courtesy of Joshua George

Nikki Hinshaw | Clubs Editor

I

n the valley of the sun, there are certain activities and sports that aren’t associated with the implied climate; ice hockey is one of them. With temperatures soaring frequently above 100 degrees and an obvious lack of natural ice, it is safe to assume that success in this sport would favor states with more accommodating environments.

Despite these odds, two Corona sophomores, Joshua George and Bryce Mullins, have brought home a second place title in a national hockey tournament.

George has only been playing for the Arizona Hockey Union Knights for a year, although he has been playing hockey for seven years, while teammate Mullins, who has played hockey for five years, shares a longer history with the team.

“I used to play for them before they were even called the Knights,” Mullins said. “Then I moved teams and then I moved back to them.”

The level of skill that the team possessed sent George and Mullins, both goalies, to the Arizona Hockey State Championship, which remained the only obstacle in their way to a national competition.

“We had to play the state championship game, but the state playoffs were only against one team so it was really easy (to win),” Mullins said.

After their win and the title of state champions was achieved, the players set their sights on nationals, a feat not unfamiliar to these athletes. “(We) went to nationals last year as well,” Mullins said.

However, this year the players looked forward to a higher-level finish than last year’s fourth-place title with the team both athletes played on last year, the Phoenix Firebirds, and prepared extensively to improve.

“Our team had a lot of tough workouts and practices,” George said of the team that practices five to six days a week at the Ice Den in Chandler and Polar Ice in Gilbert.

Mullins took his training seriously, preparing mentally as well as physically.

“It took lots of meditation and a lot of mental focus,” Mullins added.

On April 2, George and Mullins entered the Youth Tier II 16U 2A

18 R May 2014

Division at Nationals in Reston, Va. They kicked off the tournament with a 5-2 win against the Northern Virginia Ice Dogs on April 2, then a 3-2 win against the Portland Jr. Hawks on April 3. They then won 5-3 over the Alaska South Central Wolves, setting them up for a day of intense playoffs on April 5. The games following became the ultimate factors in the fate of the team, which took emotional and physical tolls on the athletes.

“It was stressful and tiring,” George said.

With a close 2-1 win against the Palm Beach Blackhawks and a 4-3 win over the New Jersey Red Bank Generals, the Knights qualified for the final game on April 6 against the East Coast Eagles from North Carolina, who proved to be fierce competitors, sending the game into overtime.

“It was really intense and everyone was on their feet the whole time holding their breath,” Mullins said.

George, the goalie during this game, felt even more pressure due to the essential role he played in overtime.

“It was stressful and exciting at the same time,” George said. “Those are the situations that everyone wants to play in, but you have to realize what you’re playing for.”

Seven minutes into overtime, Eagles player Matt Fuller took a shot that would end the game, as well as the Knight’s hope for a championship title, adorning them with a second-place medal.

“It was disappointing to lose the last game but it was still good because we got second place in the whole nation, so that was cool,” Mullins said.

George also remained positive, despite coming up short during the final moments.

“I feel like this team has had the best chemistry out of any team I’ve played on,” George said.

George and Mullins, friends outside of hockey who share a friendly rivalry due to their shared position, appreciated partaking in this experience together.

sportsR “I enjoyed it (playing alongside Mullins) very much,” George said.

Out of 48 teams, the Union Knights placed second, with a record of 5-1, a feat that is amazing and inspirational. George finished with a save percentage of .917, while Mullins finished with a .921 percentage. The players were disappointed, but gained valuable experience and grew as athletes.

“We played the best team we’ve ever played, so that was fun,” Mullins said.

Both Corona students will continue playing hockey, although they are planning distinctly different futures. Mullins looks forward to continuing hockey, but is unsure of what team he will play on next year, and what that will mean for nationals.

“My future (is) just mostly to have fun and keep competing at a high level,” Mullins said.

His teammate, George, will be taking a more direct approach in hopes of securing a career in hockey. George will start the next school year at the Wichendon School in Wichendon, Mass., where he will develop his skills for the sport.

“Boarding school provides me with the opportunity to play a high level of hockey while still focusing on school,” George said.

With the intense training and focus George will acquire while attending boarding school, he hopes to continue the sport well into his adult life.

“I want to go as far as I can and hopefully play Division I in college,” George said.

As for the NHL, George is unwavering in his choice. “(I want to play for) the Boston Bruins,” he said without hesitation.

For now, George and Mullins will revel in their success and continue to play a sport they both love, no matter the respective paths they plan to take. “(Hockey’s) a lot more intense than other sports and people don’t really know it that well,” Mullins said. “It’s fun doing a sport that’s not normal.” R

Sophomore Joshua George plays goalie for the Arizona Hockey Union Knights during the national game. George has been playing hockey for seven years, while Mullins has played for five years. Photos courtesy of Joshua George

“I want to go as far as I can and hopefully play Division I in college.” R George George poses with the trophy alongside an executive of the national tournament. George will be going to Wichendon School in Wichendon, Mass., next year.

Sophomore Bryce Mullins makes a save in a game. Mullins and George both have plans to play in the NHL.

May 2014 R19

Track finishes on top

Rsports

Andrew Eversden | Staff Writer

continued from cover After the end of last year, the Aztecs were favored to win the state meet, especially with the return of standout seniors Tevin Mayfield and Nathan Rodriguez, who were expected to score big points in their events.

Mayfield scored in each event he ran in, finishing an unexpected fourth in the 200-meter dash, fourth in the 300-meter hurdles and winning an individual state title in the 110-meter hurdles.

Going into the 110-meter hurdles, Mayfield was nervous.

“All year I was a favorite to win and I just wanted to live up to expectations,” Mayfield said.

Mayfield lived up these expectations, winning by a margin of .three one-hundredths of a second. He also broke the school record, set by Micah Harris in 1998.

“It’s just a blessing to be able to compete and end up with a state championship in my individual event,” Mayfield said.

Mayfield scored 20 points for the Aztecs, helping to push them over the top in the points standings.

Rodriguez contributed greatly to the team cause by winning the 1600 meter run, 3200m, 800m and anchoring the state champion 4x800m. Through Rodriguez’s three individual events, the Aztecs scored 30 points, plus 10 more in the 4x800m relay he anchored. At the conclusion of the meet, Rodriguez won four state titles, a feat very few have ever completed.

“It’s an accomplishment I’m proud of,” Rodriguez said. “(I’m) honored to be able to contribute to my team so much.”

After the first day of competition on May 7, the Aztecs led Desert Vista 32.5 points to 23 points. Senior Matt Eckles tied for third in the pole vault, Ryan Normand finished seventh in the 1600, Nick Creasman finished fourth in the 800 and Rodriguez won both the 1600 and the 800.

Mayfield started off day two for the Aztecs with his state title in the 110m hurdles, scoring 10 huge points for the team. Following up

20 R May 2014

Mayfield’s performance was the Aztec 4x800m, comprised of Nick Creasman, Andrew Eversden, Andrew Truswell and Nathan Rodriguez.

They defeated Highland by two seconds, scoring another 10 points for the team.

Junior Sam Shoultz, in his first year competing in track, finished third in the high jump, jumping 6 feet 6 inches. Junior Colin Freeland finished in scoring position, finishing tied for sixth at 6 feet 2 inches.

The success of the Aztec boys continued with Mayfield finishing fourth in the 300m hurdles.

The Aztecs were in a tight team race with Desert Vista through the 300m hurdles, leading by 5.5 points. Mayfield was in the finals of the 200m dash, racing against Isaiah Ford of Desert Vista, who was hoping to beat Mayfield to help get his team back in championship contention.

Going into the race, Mayfield had one thing on his mind.

“I wanted to beat the DV kid for points,” Mayfield said.

Mayfield finished fourth, beating Ford by .28 seconds. This resulted in a one-point gain for the Aztecs, putting them up 6.5 points with only two events remaining.

Rodriguez and senior Ryan Normand, who went 1-2 respectively in state cross country, took to the track for the 3200m run. Rodriguez pulled away with two laps to go, winning his fourth state title of the night. Normand finished fourth helping the Aztecs score a huge 15 points.

Going into the 4x400m relay, the Aztecs had a lead large enough that Desert Vista would not be able to catch up. The 4x400m, run by Grant Fishburn, Creasman, Nick Van der Knoop and Nilesh Bissessur, finished fifth, closing the meet out for the Aztecs.

From there, the celebration began. The Aztecs had attained a goal they set before the season began: win the state title.

“We have great coaches and great kids,” Kelly said. “It validates things we’ve been talking about, being a part of something bigger than yourself.” R

sportsR

(top left) Senior Nathan Rodriguez runs his part of the 4x800 relay. (top right) Senior Tevin Mayfield comes in first in the 110m hurdles. (middle) The 4x800 team, Andrew Eversden, Andrew Truswell, Nick Creasman and Nathan Rodriguez win the relay for the third year in a row. (bottom left) Junior Sam Shoultz clears the 6’6’’ high jump and takes third place. Photos by Kelly Zimmer (bottom right) Senior Matt Eckles ties for third in pole vaulting.

Photo by Elizabeth Cheney

May 2014 R21

Rsports

a test of

STRENGTH Johnny Waddell | Staff Writer

Senior Makenzie Bates’ teammates have many words they use to describe their softball captain, but one word is always a constant: strong.

On April 21, 2013, Bates’ father, Joe Bates, passed away after a battle with lung cancer.

“I remember spending countless hours with him practicing outside of team practices, being able to vent to him after games and seeing him in the stands and being able to hear him talk to me as I played,” Bates said. “When I'm pitching I can hear him saying ‘leg drive’ or ‘bring your arm all the way up, don't slow yourself down on that one,’ or ‘nice pitch, Kenz’ and when I'm hitting it's ‘hit it back where it came from.’”

Bates was the main pitcher and a first baseman for the varsity softball team at Corona this season. She started playing at the age of five and has stuck with it ever since.

“After he passed away I took nine months off from playing,” Bates said. “I felt like I couldn't go on with softball without him and those nine months were some of the hardest times I have ever had to experience.

One day I got the strength to pick up a softball again and I secretly went out and threw with my sister. I didn't want anyone to know at that point because I didn't need anymore stress than what I was putting on myself.

On that Sunday afternoon I realized that softball is and always will be part of my life. It's what I love and what I'm good at and I knew that school ball was quickly approaching. I always knew in my heart my dad would be disappointed to know that I had stopped playing so to be able to be back on the field, doing what both of us loved together, I know that he's smiling down on me and so proud of what I'm doing.

When I'm on the field is when I usually feel closest to him, but there's also those days where being on the field without him there makes him seem so far away.”

A general consensus from her team is that Bates is the heart and soul of the varsity softball team.

“She (Bates) is an all around leader,” junior catcher Haley Langille

22RMay 2014

said about her teammate. “She looks out for everyone on and off the softball field. She's strong and determined to do her best all the time no matter what the circumstances are.”

Bates has been offered a scholarship to play at Scottsdale Community College next spring as a pitcher and first baseman. She plans on majoring in nursing.

“I chose Scottsdale for college because I like the campus and it's not too far from home,” Bates said.

After the passing of her father, Bates’ everyday life changed in dramatic fashion, whether it was involving softball, school or just life.

“The hardest part of my everyday life is not being able to see, talk and hug my daddy everyday,” Bates said. ”He was my best friend and my rock and I could come to him with anything. He was always there for me no matter what and not being able to have my strong dad in my life is definitely the worst feeling I have ever had and I would never wish for anyone to have to go through what I have had to go through. It's like there's this emptiness in my heart that will never be able to be filled with anyone or anything. “ The varsity softball team has done a lot of things to support their senior captain like putting the quote “Go Joe” on the back of some of their team shirts and having a white out in honor of him.

“Just trying to be there for her outside of softball because I’ve known Makenzie since she was young because she went to my camps when she was younger,” coach Jeep Ray said about how she tried to be there for Bates, “Joe’s passing affected her softball a lot because she didn’t pick up a ball after her dad passed away for nine months.”

“I am so thankful to have the family and friends that I have and the support that they have all given me because without them I wouldn't be where I am today,” Bates said. “No matter how hard life gets you choose your own attitude. If you wake up in the morning with a bad attitude then you'll have a bad day; wake up with a smile on your face and you'll have a good day. A smile can hide a lot. How much are you willing to hide?"R

sportsR

“When I’m on the field is when I usually feel closest to him, but there’s also those days where being on the field without him there makes him seem so far away.”

Bates

RMakenzie

Senior Makenzie Bates pitches (top) and prepares to bat (above) on April 25 for softball’s Senior Day, which commemorated her father Joe Bates. The Aztecs defeated Mesa 18-0. Photos by Kevin Park (Right) Bates and her father, pictured in in what she considers to be her favorite photograph. Photo courtesy of Makenzie Bates

May 2014 R23

Rsports

Success breeds success

Athletic achievement attracts talent in open enrollment era Story by Sapna Daryanani and Andrew Eversden

T

his year proved to be one of the most successful years athletically in the Tempe Union High School District in its 116 year history. The district won eight state titles through the efforts of Corona boys cross country, Desert Vista girls cross country, Desert Vista girls swim, Mountain Pointe football, Corona boys basketball, Desert Vista girls basketball, Desert Vista boys lacrosse and Corona boys track and field.

Not only did the district win many state titles, it also had many top finishes by other programs: Mountain Pointe badminton, and DV boys and girls track and field finished as runnersup, Tempe High made the Division-II basketball semifinals and DV boys swim finished third in the state meet.

As the notable successes of the Tempe Union High School District’s athletics this year are numerous and varied, they can be attributed to a wide range of factors. However, perhaps the foremost aspect of a district’s performance in athletics is the students who participate. Several TUHSD schools engage in an open-enrollment policy, meaning that schools such as Corona del Sol and Mountain Pointe will not turn students away if they live outside of a school’s residential boundaries.

“Our schools attract students from outside the district for a variety of reasons,” district athletic director Ken Salas said. “Many students want the excellent educational and extracurricular opportunities that our schools offer. Some students open enroll for family reasons as well.”

The effects of open-enrollment greatly benefited sports programs this year, with additions of players like Alex Barcello, who played a huge role in the basketball team’s quest for the a three-peat.

24 R May 2014

The Corona del Sol boys basketball team (top) and the Desert Vista girls basketball team (bottom) celebrate their Division I state championships on March 1. Photos by Kelly Zimmer

sportsR

“There were great coaches here and a good team,” Barcello said. “I just knew that it would be the best for me to come here.”

Another open-enrollment student who had a huge impact on Corona’s cross country team was junior Marcus Wheeler, who transferred from Chandler. He finished third in the state meet, helping win the state title for the first time in 20 years.

“Open enrollment has finally put all athletic teams at Corona on the same level that other schools have been at for years,” head basketball coach Sam Duane said.

Another benefit of having successful sports programs is that it attracts great players to help continue the dominance in our district.

For example, incoming freshman phenom Marvin Bagley III chose to attend Corona over other schools after the Aztecs won their third straight title for boys basketball. Bagley is said to be the top eighth grader in the nation and has already received many scholarship offers.

In addition, incoming sophomore basketball player Dalen Dorsey, who is moving to Arizona from Indiana, chose Corona after researching other schools in the Phoenix area.

“Academics is first and foremost, and extracurriculars are secondary,” Dorsey said.

“The main factors for picking CdS were the academic standing of the school, the course offerings, the diversity of the population that is currently enrolled and the overall grade CdS received from the State of Arizona’s Department of Education.”

Several TUHSD schools have received recognition for wellroundedness by the Arizona Educational Foundation through the comprehensive A+ School of Excellence program.

Corona, Mountain Pointe, McClintock, Tempe and Desert Vista have all been A+ School of Excellence winners within the last three years.

Corona del Sol athletic director Dan Nero attributes these schools overall performances to the communities that support TUHSD schools. “(It’s) just a great community that supports the schools,” Nero said. “They (local families) hear that the district and Corona is just that super community with so many offerings for kids, from academics to activities to athletics and everything in between. And we’re the beneficiaries of that awesome community.”

Money also plays an important role in the district’s success. Although sports programs do receive money from the school district, it’s

The Mountain Pointe football team celebrates its Division I state championship at University of Phoenix Stadium in November. The Pride’s state championship title was one of eight the district compiled this year. Photo by Mario Medrano/Voice of the Pride not an amount significant enough to promote success. Many teams create their own booster clubs to help fundraise money for their teams.

This year, the CdS track booster club hosted a car wash and a letter-writing campaign hoping to bring in money to support the program. This enables the team to attend big meets like the Arcadia Invitational and the Mt. Sac Relays in California.

“Funding is huge,” Nero said. “Without the funding it is really difficult, but our community, our parents and our support group step it up and help where the funding might be a little short.”

Social media has also had played a large part in district success. People all across the country can see how dominate Mountain Pointe football or Corona basketball is by going on websites like MaxPreps. Social media hubs like Twitter can keep the school’s fan bases updated on the successes of their school programs. Through Twitter, athletes moving into the district can stay up-to-date on the successes of their future school, as well as connect with current athletes.

“I think social media has been our friend in a lot of those things because people from far reaches—from Alaska, from overseas,” Nero said.

Many Tempe Union athletics programs are coached by top-notch coaches. Without the stellar coaching, the district would not have won eight state titles this year. Duane

has now won three state titles, following his father’s four state titles when Sammy Duane Sr. coached at Corona. The Desert Vista head girl’s cross country coach, Dr. Jeff Messer, assistant coached at Xavier, a program that won the state cross country title six years in a row, from 2007-2012. In his first year head coaching Desert Vista’s program, the Thunder won a state championship.

“They (our coaches) want to win,” Nero said. “They’re competitive, but they have excellent character and they care about kids.

If you have that, you can have a winning program.”

There are many different factors that have contributed to the success of the Tempe Union district this year. The future of the district looks bright for future success as well, with a Mountain Pointe football team that is seemingly unstoppable, a Corona basketball team that is returning some superstar players and a Desert Vista cross country team that is only losing one senior.

Overall, factors such as funding, academics and a school’s community greatly impact how well a school performs athletically.

However, the core of any sports team is its coaches and athletes. “(Winning) may not happen overnight— it takes a lot of hard work. But if you have people who love kids, want to compete, and want do it with character, that’s a winning formula,” Nero said. R

May 2014 R25

Rsports

Sam Shoultz achieves great heights Katelyn Stys | Staff Writer

Shoultz competes at the Hamilton dual meet on April 16. The Corona Boys team took first place at this meet. Photo by Devika Sharan Junior high jumper Sam Shoultz came into this spring season somewhat unknown but is leaving unforgettable.

“He came out late but jumped right into the mix,” high jump coach Tiffany Summers said.

Until this year, Shoultz only played basketball. After working hard his freshman and sophomore years he made the varsity basketball squad his junior year. One could imagine the excitement Shoultz experienced when the Aztecs claimed their third consecutive state title.

Hungry for more, Shoultz decided to try track and field.

“I just really wanted to try it,” Shoultz said. “It sounded like a lot of fun.”

Shoultz says playing basketball had definitely prepared him for the track season he has endured.

“I was already in shape coming into the season, so I really was not tired when workouts started,” Shoultz said.

One difference Shoultz noticed was the overall team atmosphere.

“There’s a lot more people in track; in basketball there’s 15 kids and you all know each other,” Shoultz said.

“On the track team there are still kids I don’t really know.”

However, Shoultz quickly found his place as a high jumper on the Aztec varsity track team. He has competed at prestigious meets including the Sun Angel Track Classic in Phoenix and the Arcadia Invitational in Arcadia, California.

At the Sun Angel Classic on April 12, Shoultz cleared 6 feet 9 inches in the boy’s high jump. This jump moved Shoultz to the number two spot in the state of Arizona.

Following up the next day in Arcadia, Shoultz cleared 6 feet 7 inches taking first in the men’s high jump. That jump allowed Shoultz to be invited back for the elite events that night.

With being such an asset to the team this season, it has left many to wonder why Shoultz did not start

26 R May 2014

jumping until his junior year in high school.

“I did (track) in eighth grade but I didn’t really want to (the past two years),” Shoultz said. “I was playing club basketball my first two years (of high school).”

Throughout the season, Shoultz has made a great impact on the teams overall rank.

“He’s helped a lot to score points but where he will really help us (the team) in the points for state,” teammate Colin Freeland said.

Shoultz has also “fit right in” on the team so far, which makes him want to continue his love for track next season.

“Everybody loves him and he is cool with everybody,” Freeland said. “Especially because it’s his first year out and he is good, he gets a lot of love.” R

Shoultz rests after his high jump. This was his first year competing in track. Photo by Kevin Park

Recap of spring sports

sportsR

Omar Soussi | Sports Editor

This spring sport season had multiple impressive teams, with baseball, softball, boys and girls tennis, and boys and girls track all making state playoffs. Despite ending the season ranked No. 24, boys volleyball just missed the playoffs.

Baseball

Boys baseball had a good season, finishing 17-11 and making the playoffs for the second year in a row. In the first round of the playoffs, the Aztecs rallied from a 4-0 deficit to tie Tolleson, 4-4, to send the game to extra innings. Sophomore Connor McCord hit a walk-off homerun in the ninth inning to give the Aztecs the win. Head coach Dave Webb knew his kids wouldn’t go down until the last inning.

“It was unbelievable,” Webb said. “They never gave up; they kept on fighting. We faced a guy who kind of took us out of our element with a lot off speed pitches and throwing really slow, we kept getting out in front, but we adjusted.”

Though the Aztecs lost to Chaparral in the second round of playoffs, senior Matt Reum looked at this season as a success.

“Since we lost eight of our nine starters from last year,” Reum said, “no one thought we had a chance. We fought hard and had a great season.”

Boys volleyball

The boys volleyball team finished the season with a 13 -19 record but failed to make the playoffs. The team, however, did end its season on a high note, winning its last game, avoiding a nine-game losing streak. Even though the team had a losing season, senior Matt Lake saw a lot of progress with the team.

“This season was a success because of the large amount of progress we made from last season to this season,” Lake said.

Boys and girls Tennis

The boys tennis team had a great season, going 11-4, winning its first playoff game against Mesquite and winning the Tempe City Invitational. The team lost to Chaparral in the second round of the state tournament, but head coach Rick Wanta was still impressed with his team.

“I was very pleased with our season finishing ranked No. 6 in the state,” Wanta said. “We knew going into the season that it was going to be one of our toughest schedules ever. Our only losses during the season were to No. 1 Brophy, No. 2 Desert Mountain, and No. 3 Chaparral.”

The girls tennis team had a good season as well, going 9-5, winning its last five matches and making the playoffs as well. Although the team lost to Desert Vista, 5-3, head coach Carol Sandvig believed the team had a strong season overall.

“We had an excellent opportunity today to seize the moment,” Sandvig said. “We lost a tough one on court six, and I can’t ask anymore out of this team.”

Softball

Despite a losing record, the softball team made the playoffs.

Though the Lady Aztecs were the 19th seed, they blew out 14th seed Perry 10-1 in the first round of the playoffs. However, they couldn’t beat Sandra Day O’Connor in a game that went to the wire, losing 6-5. Senior Makenzie Bates felt the team succeeded in a different way.

“I feel like we succeeded in that we grew as a team and our skills got better through the whole season,” Bates said. R

Tursini named Wrestler of the Year Jacqui Marzocca | Editor-in-Chief After a second consecutive state championship and a full scholarship to wrestle at the United States Military Academy at West Point, senior Ethan Tursini was not expecting another honor to come his way.

Tursini was awarded the Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award and was named Wrestler of the Year for the state of Arizona.

“It’s nice, I wasn’t really expecting anything like this so it’s a cool thing to be a part of and I’m honored to be chosen,” Tursini said.

The Dave Schultz Award is “based on excellence in wrestling, scholastic achievement, citizenship and community service.”

“Ethan has already established himself as the kind of wrestler that would positively impact a wrestling room,” coach Jim Martinez said. “The additional recognition is just another way for Ethan to confirm he has done the right things and put himself in a position to move forward at a higher level of competition.” R

May 2014R27

Rsenior section

Let’s Remember Alisa Rodriquez | Opinions Editor

Graduation is approaching and the end of senior year is coming fast. A lot has happened in the four years of high school and there are so many ways to remember those years. Check out what these seniors remember about high school.

“Some of my favorite memories have come from the baseball field and through clubs at Corona. I’ve made a lot of new friends and a lot of new experiences through the clubs and baseball.”

R Jake Busby (pictured right) “My favorite memory is probably just Sol Buddies as a whole.

Hanging out in the classroom, going to Homecoming and the Halloween party. (Basically), all of the stuff I’ve been able to do and friends I’ve made through it over these last four years.”

R Laura Rodriguez “(My favorite memory was) assassins, and just the general fun that came with it.”

R Luc Tieu

Photo by Sapna Daryanani

“My favorite memory is winning state three years in a row for basketball.”

R Katy Consoer “My favorite high school memory was being a part of Corona’s percussion program. (I liked) being an Orange Man and (being a part of ) marching band and drum line.”

R Freddie Rivers “All four years in track and field. I love everybody in that program.”

R Khahil Santiago

Photo by Kelly Zimmer

“My favorite memory of high school would have to be We the People (Comp Gov). It allowed me to learn more about the government but also work with people that I am really close to now. We’re just like one big family and it’s been a great experience.”

R Shimoli Shah (pictured right)

“My favorite high school memory was participating in the German student exchange with Frau Fullerton. I got to spend a month in my favorite country with a bunch of new German friends who I still see and talk to. I also met my best friend through this because we went on the trip together.”

R Otzma Paz Photo by Sapna Daryanani

28 RMay 2014

To the staff of the Sunrise...

senior sectionR

Senior Editors!

Mason - We made it! I remember sitting with

you at the end of sophomore year and imagining all the things we wanted to do with the paper in our time as editor-in-chiefs. You have always kept me laughing with some funny fact probably about an unknown vegetable. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you at some points throughout high school.

Manali -

Where do I even start with you?

You’re superwoman times 10 and I would have lost my mind without you this year. Not only are you an extraordinary journalist, one of my close friends, an inspiring page designer and someone I can always count on, you’re the happy, smiling Manali we all love bouncing around the room doing a whirlwind of everything at once. You’re incredible and you’ll go so far in life.

Sapna

- You are wonderful. I could always count on you this year to take on extra and go above and beyond - and you never disappoint.

There were so many moments this year where I just thought to myself “where would we be right now without Sapna?” You’ve got so much drive and passion and you will do amazing things.

Omar

- You are one of the hardest workers I have ever known. You never give up and you do everything with a smile on your face. I could always count on you to come over and tell me I was doing a great job when you knew I needed it. You were also a huge source of entertainment throughout the years! And a fearless leader at SHFT!

Liz

- You’ve been a great photo editor this year. You’re a hard worker and you take beautiful photos. You always were willing to take photos and get exactly what I wanted, as well as go above and beyond with it. You’ve always been reliable and journalism wouldn’t have been the same without the occasional T-Swift appearances.

Alisa - You’re so cute. You made the class laugh countless times with

your love of you-know-who. You are always reliable and always volunteer to do extra. You’re always there to make anyone who is having a bad day laugh and you brighten a room.

Kelly - Oh Kelly. Imagine if we hadn’t gone to Germany together

and become such good friends and I hadn’t forced you in here? You are spectacular. Your photos never fail to amaze me and your work ethic, the light and laughter you bring to the room and your Beyonce moves will be missed by everyone.

Dave - You are always good for a laugh and I can think of a multi-

tude of times in which you saved either one of my pages or took photos we desperately needed. You’ve been a source of entertainment and I’m so glad we got closer this year! You make me laugh everyday.

Josh

- Magic comes out of your fingertips when you sit down and write stories. You’ve got so much talent and sometimes I read your stories and my jaw just drops. Plus, you and Manali make my day everyday and I’m also really glad you sometimes put Kevin in his place.

Sunrise Seniors: (back) Bridget Manning, Mason Kuluris, Jacqui Marzocca, Devika Sharan, Alisa Rodriquez, Josh Ambre (middle) Natasha Burrell, Kevin Park, Sara Montano, Manali Chavan, Sapna Daryanani, (front) Tony DeLorenzi, RJ Micks, Elizabeth Cheney, Omar Soussi and Kelly Zimmer

New Editors!

I wish I had more space to write about everyone, but I love you all and I know you will continue to work your butts off on the paper and make all of us proud who have put so many hours and so much passion into it. Work hard, don’t forget to laugh and enjoy the stress of deadlines because it’s actually pretty funny looking at it now.

Aashini | Editor-in-Chief - You are going to be wonderful next

year. You are such a hard worker and I just love everything about you.

When I think of some of our best memories this year they are usually about nine at night here in the journalism room trying to convince our brains to work to finish the paper...and we always did. You are a leader and you are a ray of sunshine and you will be spectacular. There is no one else I would feel so comfortable leaving the paper with.

Andrew | Managing Editor -

You make my day with your overwhelming sass and comedic text fights in our group message.

You’ve become one of my very good friends this year and I hope you stay the great person you are. You will be a phenomenol managing editor - stay tough and don’t take any nonsense!!

Online Editor-in-Chief | Carson Pyatt News Editor | Nikki Hinshaw Life & Times Editor | Brenna Bohenek Opinions Editor | Megan Marples Sports Editor | Johnny Waddell Clubs Editor | Zein Sy Photo Editor | Max Butler Graphics Editor | Patrick Dietz Copy Editor | Kajal Dave Business Manager | Patrick Dietz Online Sports Editor | Katelyn Stys Social Media Editor | Katelyn Stys May 2014R29

Rsenior section

Class of 2014: Teacher Edition Manali Chavan | Social Media Editor

Then

Jon Evans

School Resource Officer

Now

What is your favorite memory from your first year of teaching at Corona?

Being a volunteer assistant to Coach Dave Vibber for the wrestling team.

What is one thing you’ll miss about Corona?

Working with students trying to overcome their problems.

What are your ambitions post-retirement?

Work with at-risk youth and coach wrestling.

Senior Quote: “Always do what you know is right.”

Then

Arthur Garbosky English

Now

What has been your favorite school event during your time at Corona?

Chaperoning choir trips to California and Flagstaff.

What is one thing you’ll miss about Corona?

The camaraderie of faculty and staff.

What are your ambitions post-retirement?

Travel, reading, time with grandchildren, family and friends.

Senior Quote: “This above all: to thine own self be true, and it must follow as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”

Then

Yearbook photos courtsey of Sunset

30 R May 2014

Debbie Moore P.E./Guidance

What has been your favorite school event during your time at Corona?

I would have to say the years I spent here in volleyball and athletics would have to be my favorite school events.

What will you miss most about Corona?

I’ll certainly miss the people I work with; we’re very tight down here. It’s like a family.

What are your ambitions post-retirement?

I will certainly give more time to my family. I will also donate time back to the coaching world.

Senior Quote: “If you cannot win, make the one ahead of you break the record!”

Now

senior sectionR

Then

Timothy Smith

Government & Economics

Now

What is your favorite memory from your first year of teaching at Corona?

I traveled between classrooms my first year and was able to share rooms with some exceptional teachers, including Mrs. Centanni.

What has been your favorite school event during your time at Corona?

Homecoming games and the Pops Concerts!

What are your ambitions post-retirement?

Relax, spend time with family and travel.

Senior Quote: “Do what you love and love what you do!”

Then

Mike Trimble Science

Now

Marilyn Williams

Now

What has been your favorite school event during your time at Corona?

Taking a group of students backpacking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

What has been your favorite school event during your time at Corona?

Seeing kids affirm their inner strengths on the survival trips and have the confidence to take on new challenges.

What are your ambitions post-retirement?

Continue to be at Corona under the “return to work” program.

Senior Quote: “Hope for the best, prepare for the worst, and be mindful of the needs of others.”

Then

Librarian

What has been your favorite school event during your time at Corona?

Working the sporting events and seeing students outside of school.

What will you miss most about Corona?

“The Library Ladies.” It’s been the best place to work. This is my family and I will miss them.

What are your ambitions post-retirement?

Taking a river cruise down the Danube from Prague to Budapest.

Senior Quote: “I never knew how much love my heart could hold until someone called me ‘GaGa’.”

May 2014 R31

Rsenior section

from high school to collegiate level

Athletic Scholarships

After pursuing a sport throughout high school, a few excelling individuals received scholarships to play their sport at different schools around the country. Athletes who received scholarships for Community College can be found online at cdssunrise.com. This list is accurate as of press time.

Athletes can continue to sign throughout the summer months. Follow @cdssunrise on Twitter for signings as they happen.

Photos by Kelly Zimmer

D-I

Soccer Arizona State University

D-I

D-I

Chloe Hacker

Glenn Farina

32 RMay 2014

Track & Field Dartmouth College

Tevin Mayfield

D-I

Wrestling California Polytechnical Institute

Nick Creasman

Lexi Bounds

Casey Benson

Basketball University of Oregon

D-I

D-I

Dive Columbia

Track & Field Colorado State University

senior sectionR

Cross Country & Track Arizona State University

D-II

D-II

Garret Howell

Ethan Tursini

Lacrosse Seton Hill

Football Colorado Mesa University

D-III

NAIA

NAIA

Jarrett Givens

Golf College of Idaho

REED BURROUGHS

Logan Dubek Basketball Sarah Lawrence

Cross Country & Track Iowa State University

Grant FIshburn

D-I

Wrestling West Point

D-I

Nathan Rodriguez

D-I

Ryan Normand

Basketball Arizona State University

Connor MacDougall

D-I

Basketball University of Great Falls

May 2014 R33

Rsenior section

Meet your 2014 grad speakers Anna Pelley

Daniel Karbon

University: Northern Arizona University Major: Choral Music Education Most influential teacher: Greg Hebert and Amanda Johnson Favorite class: Criminal Justice Book essay was written on: “The Pact because it has underlying meanings to every high schooler and everyone can relate to it in some way.”

University: University of Arizona Major: “Something in English.”

Most influential teacher: Cindy Glick Favorite class: Drama Book essay was written on: “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy because it teaches you that things don’t have to make sense to still be meaningful, hilarious and intelligent.”

Story by Jacqui Marzoccca Editor-in-Chief

Photo by Elizabeth Cheney Photo Editor

Academic Speaker

Senior Speaker

Just the idea of standing up in front of a few thousand people is a terrifying thought.

Add in a grueling application process and delivering a speech that is both personal and relatable to the audience and most people would go running in the opposite direction.

Seniors Anna Pelley and Daniel Karbon saw this opportunity as a chance to inspire the mass conglomeration of orange and yellow robed graduates.

“I’m super excited,” Karbon said. “I was really happy to be able to try out and even happier that I made it. It’s a really cool opportunity. You get to talk to everybody all at once. It’s kind of ridiculous when you think about it, having the power to talk to probably about a couple thousand people all at once. It’s kind of a lot of pressure, but it’s fun. I’m excited.”

Karbon is the 2014 academic speaker. He has an abundance of experience speaking in front of people due to his participation in drama and multiple years of speech and debate.

“I’ve always liked talking, I’ve always liked making speeches,” Karbon said. “I was in speech and debate for a few of years and I just think it would be a lot of fun. I don’t know if

34 R May 2014

I have something that important to say, but I think I could definitely make it interesting and worthwhile.”

Teachers who helped Karbon with his speech were English teachers Cindy Glick and Eileen Long and drama teacher Chris Carter.

“Everyone’s been awesome to help me out with this,” Karbon said.

Though Karbon is the academic speaker, his speech is about “being yourself and staying yourself, which is hard to do when you grow up. A lot of people when they grow up kind of lose sight of who they are so that’s just kind of what I want to talk about.”

When graduation speaker tryouts were announced, Pelley was originally not planning on trying out. Later, encouragement from her sister and her love of writing pushed her to apply. She was named the senior speaker.

Pelley’s speech is along the same lines as Karbon’s.

“It’s kind of like remembering memories that you have, but realizing that you should keep moving forward onto different things and that there are things in the future that will be better,” Pelley said.

For tryouts, candidates were required to

write an essay and Pelley used parts of that in the speech she will deliver at graduation.

“I knew what I wanted to write about was the memory thing and how it was interesting how people had certain goals when they’re younger then how they change and everything,” Pelley said. “We had to write a speech before that was totally different so I just took pieces of that (which) were kind of similar in theme and then I just put fillers into it.”

The application process was strenuous and included writing an essay then delivering it in front of panels of teachers. Writing the actual speech was the biggest obstacle for Pelley.

“I think trying not to make it the classic graduation speech and making it more personal toward yourself is kind of hard–not too personal so that people won’t understand or be able to relate to it,” Pelley said.

Pelley focused heavily on making her speech something that people would be able to see themselves in.

“I wanted people to be able to connect to it and that everyone could find something they could relate to,” Pelley said. R

senior sectionR

2014 Valedictorians and theirmentors Patric Cao and Mr. Morgan

Photos By Kevin Park

When was the first time you met?

I met Mr. Morgan my sophomore year when he was in Honors Chemistry.

What were your first impressions?

He looked like JFK! What is your favorite memory together?

HOSA State Conference my Junior year! It was his first year chaperoning for the club.

What makes him your favorite person on campus?

He’s super involved in the Corona extracurricular programs! Mr. Morgan also really helpful in running HOSA and in chaperoning for us to attend the state and national conferences.

How has he helped in the past?

Since sophomore year, Mr. Morgan has been really supportive with my scientific endeavors, whether in the classroom or with my other pursuits outside of school.

Fatima Naveed and Ms. Moore

When was the first time you met?

We met in my freshman year when I wanted to know how the rank system worked to figure out which classes to take during the summer.

What were your first impressions?

I don’t remember. But the lollipop she gives at the end of each of our meetings helped prove that Ms. Moore is the best.

What is your favorite memory together?

Junior year, I wasn’t able to see Ms. Moore often. I sent her a rose on Valentine’s Day. And later during registration, our English class went down to the guidance office so our counselors could look over our schedules. When it was my turn to go in, she got up and hugged me.

She pointed to the rose I had sent her and told me how unexpected it was and she was really happy when she got it. Seeing her happy had made my day.

What makes her your favorite person on campus?

Her enthusiasm for my successes is really inspiring. She is always so willing to help me and offer advice. She truly cares.

How has she helped in the past?

She always helped in any way. Whether from future plans to making sure I got into the classes I needed to become valedictorian to writing recommendations.

Julie Song and Louis

When was the first time you met?

The first time Louis and I met was freshman year. I started talking to him because I played badminton after school.

What were your first impressions?

He was such a nice and funny guy and I loved talking to him!

What is your favorite memory together?

I remember one time freshman year I was in a pickle about something though I can’t remember what and he literally went out of his way to take me around on his golf cart and help me.

What makes him your favorite person on campus?

He’s definitely one of my favorite people on campus because he takes his job to another level. He not only fulfills all of the requirements that his job entails, but he also goes beyond that.

How has he helped you in the past?

He is just a great guy to talk to and I feel comfortable telling him about my life and a lot of the time it’s hard for students to be able to feel comfortable talking to adults.

Amy Hong and Mr. Smith

When was the first time you met?

We met in the year 2013. It was bright and sunny day in Tempe, Arizona. We were at Corona del Sol and I was at a meeting in Mr. Smith’s classroom. I was trying out for Competition Government.

What were your first impressions?

He was a cool guy. He was really dope and chill and he really loves what he does.

What is your favorite memory together?

Our trip to D.C was definitely my favorite memory. Doing our hearings on Capitol Hill and seeing how proud Mr. Smith was the best!

What makes him your favorite person on campus?

I love Mr. Smith because he’s so optimistic. He always looks on the bright side of things and has a great passion for government and learning in general.

How has he helped in the past?

Mr. Smith helped me learn so much. Not only did he teach us about government, but he also taught us to work as a team. He genuinely loves what he does, and he’s shown me the importance of finding what I love and am passionate about to do for the rest of my life. He’s truly inspired me.

May 2014 R35

36 R May 2014

R senior section

Senior Superlatives

cdssunrise

2014

Most Likely to be a

Millionaire Y 2014 likes

Photos by Kelly Zimmer

AMY HONG CASEY BENSON

cdssunrise most likely to be a millionaire @amyhong @caseybenson

Best Smile ERIN WOCHNER TEVIN MAYFIELD

Y 2014 likes

cdssunrise best smile @erinwochner @tevinmayfield

Most School Spirit Y 2014 likes

cdssunrise most school spirit @maddiedouglas @blakejones

MADDIE DOUGLAS BLAKE JONES

May 2014 R 37

 senior section

Most Athletic GRACE ASHU TEVIN MAYFIELD

 2014 likes

Photos by Kelly Zimmer

cdssunrise most athletic @graceashu @tevinmayfield

Best Dressed HANNAH GUR-ARIE BRETT HARDY

 2014 likes

cdssunrise best dressed @bretthardy @hannahgurarie

Most

Patriotic

MALLORY HAYHURST BOONE STANLEY 38  May 2014

 2014 likes cdssunrise most patriotic @malloryhayhurst @boonestanley

 senior section

Biggest Country Fan  2014 likes

Photos by Kelly Zimmer

ZOE DAILEY COLTON WINSTEAD

cdssunrise biggest country fan @zoedailey @coltonwinstead

Most Likely to Change the World LARAIB MUGHAL KANIN PRUTER

 2014 likes cdssunrise most likely to change the world @laraibmughal @kaninpruter

Most Likely to be on SNL JUSTICE ONWORDI DANIEL KARBON

 2014 likes

cdssunrise most likely to be on SNL @justiceonwordi @danielkarbon

May 2014  39

R senior section

Most Likely to be a Corona Teacher KELLY ZIMMER JOHNNY CORONEL

Y 2014 likes

Photo by Max Butler

cdssunrise most likely to be a corona teacher @kellyzimmer @johnnycoronel

Most Likely to Win a Grammy Y 2014 likes

Photos by Kelly Zimmer

cdssunrise most likely to win a grammy @kaharahodges @blakejones

Most Changed Since Freshman Year DANIELLA OZAIR PATRICK ASKINS

40 R May 2014

KAHARA HODGES BLAKE JONES

Y 2014 likes

cdssunrise most changed since freshman year @daniellaozair @patrickaskins #TransformationTuesday