November 2012 Issue

Crimson Volume 72 / 11.15.12 / Issue 3

The Student Newsmagazine of Paso Robles High School

Sex.

Complicated combinations: sexting, sex under the influence, abstinence, contraception, pregnancy, and sexual prejudice.

The Bullying Section: A three

page examination of action, inaction, and stories of the new anti-hate campus movement

College Admissions: The faults and favors in the application process

Man on the Street: Students

express their thoughts on topics featured in the issue

Bearcats From the Past: Former students return as staff members

Sophomore Varsity Kicker:

Bryce Pasky rises to the occasion in his first year on Varsity

801 Niblick Rd. Paso Robles, California

C

newsmagazine

22 Sports

Cross Country boys hope to make it to State for the second time in school history.

25 Blind Date

November 15, 2012 Volume 72, Issue 3

A day in the life

Occulus Rift

Donors

On the cover: Teens sexual relations explored on pages 15-17

Cesar Chavez

Bullying awareness has took a whole new form with a new anti-bullying push by students and faculty.

Fall play

09 News

Skills USA

Culinary serves a unique way to gain both elective credit and real work experience.

Cheating

24 Food

Admin + bullying

Sophomore Lawrence Ray and Freshman Natalie Martin climbed their way to the top of the dating game.

04 07 11 13 14 18 20 28

WASC report details PRHS’s academic progress Progress noted in AP program; failures remain in CSTs, student conduct

by Lauren Reed, Feature Co-Editor PRHS’ growth and decline in areas of demographics, test scores, and student conduct from 2008-2012 is in special focus with this month’s freshly produced WASC report, produced to receive accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. It follows nearly a year of self-study, giving a profile of the school’s readiness for its sought-after six year accreditation and a look into the uncertain future of program improvement (PI).

It’s a report muddled with bad news and accented with good descriptions, undergirded by the district’s educational last place among the 11 other districts in our county, and a four year fight against the clutches of PI and for the growth of the school’s under performing subgroups.

“The WASC report is produced, on average, every six years, depending of how well your accreditation goes, and is followed up every three years,” said assistant principal Chris Jones. There will also be a follow up WASC evaluation in February of 2013 for our school.

Despite PRHS’ attempts to create a healthy learning environment, student conduct has taken a dive. Truancy days in 2011-- students with unexcused absence or tardy on three or more days-- were at an all time high, doubling since 2006. There has been an increase in drug and alcohol possession with a whopping 55 people caught during the 2011-2012 school year. Weapons possession and vandalism have both increased dramatically during the 2012 school year; 22 more people than previous years.

The report found the 2011 teaching staff is not ethnically representative of the student body, with only one African-American

teacher, two Hispanic teachers, and not a single Asian teacher. Male teacher population has been cut in half, creating a dominating female staff; same goes for the female/ male numbers for students, with 1024 females compared to 1001 males.

The number of ninth grade students getting advanced has decreased by four percent when comparing the 2011 school year to the 2012 school year. The number of students in modified Algebra Foundations has increased by ten students since the 2010 school year. The only years PRHS has met academic performance index standards was in 2009, and 2010.

“Meeting API is improving by at least one point based on how the students have done on the CST, we have been continually improving on our API, and have shown vast improvement on it,” claimed Jones.

The WASC report may send our administration into a frenzy as a result of its negative feedback, but it also contains a silver lining. Over the past five years there has been a significant increase in students taking AP tests, leaping from a mere 341 tests taken to a nearly doubled 638: the amount of one’s scored has decreased by 16, and the amount of two’s or better has increased by 107, cumulatively. Along with increasing AP tests taken and scores, the SAT and ACT enrollees have increased as well. All the subgroups are improving in CAHSEE Math, and ELA, yet the white population has continued to remain stagnant at a 95 percent pass rate for both sections of the test.

“I think the WASC report has gone well and it will help us to provide the best education possible for the students at PRHS,” said Jones.

College Night 2012 Review

Students gather to form a writing club

by Andrea Lorenzo, Sci-Tech Co-Editor

by Courtney Thompson, Opinion Editor

At the south county Cuesta College Student Center (building 500) on Monday, Nov. 5, the San Luis Obispo Community Foundation turned passion into action by bringing opportunities for students and parents to meet and speak with representatives from public and private colleges throughout the nation.

The event welcomed all college-bound high school students and their parents as an opportunity for getting familiar with the application process and requirements, local scholarships, NCAA eligibility and athletic recruiting, and writing personal essays.

Schools that sent representatives include CSU’s and UC’s, in addition to Harvard, Stanford, USC, Westmont College, University of Notre Dame, and dozens of others.

The resource table was set up by College Trips, Boardwalk College Application Guidance, and FastWeb Scholarships, among other organizations, that displayed information from application assistance to course guidance.

Every Friday at 12:22, 10 students gather in room 1012 to express themselves through writing.

Last week, the Bearcat Muse Writing Club was approved. Advisor Cynthia Schroeder and President Allison Thatcher had been working on making a writing club since the middle of last year. The Vice President of the club is junior Kaleigh Sorenson, the Secretary is junior Nick Lazzarini, and the Treasurer is junior Cordell Swanson. First of its kind in over a decade and since the demise of ZEAL, the published campus creative writing collection last seen in 2008.

A basic meeting consists of Thatcher giving a prompt and members writing for about ten minutes before they share and elaborate.

“My love for writing came in ninth grade, and this club is a safe place where we can share and discuss ideas. It is a place where you can expand your knowledge of writing,” said Thatcher.

This club already has future plans consisting of a writing a script that will be turned into a movie by a member of video production.

“I helped start this club because I want writers, no matter what level, to know they have something they can give. Practice makes perfect and that is what the club is here for. Maybe we can help people in the future with people who need help writing essays or want to even start and experiment,” said Thatcher.

News| 03

Skills from all over the USA Paso's trips and experiences at SkillsUSA

by Garett Hanlon, Reporter You’ve probably seen the posters around campus, with pictures of students dressed in the official uniform of SkillsUSA: A black tie, white dress shirt, red blazer and shined black dress shoes. But with 120 people competing this year, in a variety of competitions, what do you really know about SkillsUSA? According to their website, ”SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce.

SkillsUSA helps each student excel.” But to seniors Danny Tamayo and Grace Stokes, it’s so much more.

“SkillsUSA [has] taught me that I need to work harder if I want to achieve something” said Tamayo, who is competing for his second year in power equipment.

PRHS has been competing in SkillsUSA for eight years, according to Advisor Randy Canaday, who has served for 7 years, and taken a total of 361 students to compete, winning a myriad of medals at the three levels: Regional, State, and National. This year, however, Canaday is taking just over 100 kids, with competition categories ranging from dental assisting, to commercial baking, to prepared public speech Not only does SkillsUSA help students from around the country hone their

[BALLOT[ WHAT WAS ON THE

skills, it gives them a chance to show what they’re made of–and sometimes, that has a big payoff.

“I’ve seen people go in [to compete] for nursing that have been accepted into nursing school because of the fact that they’ve been involved in SkillsUSA” said Healthcare Competition Advisor Todd Olivera, who has been overseeing and taking competitors to SkillsUSA for eight years.

On the other end of the competition spectrum, Stokes is competing in commercial banking. She has competed in a number of different SkillsUSA competitions for four years, but has been involved through her family for ten. Not only has she won five medals across three different competitions, but she’s also won a position in the state office.

“It’s changed me so completely. I have not only been able to utilize my skills, I’ve learned to prepare myself for a working environment, and have experienced the pain of failure and the thrill of success,” said Stokes, whose family and personal involvement in SkillUSA has changed her life, and that of many others..

Randy Canaday

Update of the 2012 election; what voters decided –Aidan Farrell, Environment Co-Editor

Propositions Voting ‘yes’ means...

Voting ‘no’ means...

Passed?

Prop 30

Increased state personal income taxes on high paying tax payers for seven years and sales tax for four years. Saved money would be used to fund certain state programs.

Would not increase state personal income taxes for higher paying individuals. Schools and other state funded programs would see reduction as funds are cut.

Yes

Prop 31

Local governments would receive funding from the state, in order to develop methods of applying and utilizing state programs.

Would not allow local governments funding to implement new plans or ability to develop procedures to utilize state programs.

No

Prop 32

Unions and corporations cannot use money made from a deducted employee paycheck for political purposes.

No change to existing law.

No

Prop 33

Insurance companies could offer automobile insurance discounts to customers based on the number of years in the past five years that they had insurance.

Insurance companies can continue to give discounts to longterm customers, but can’t give discounts to customers changing companies.

No

Prop 34

No offenders can be sentenced to death. Those on death row will have sentences changed to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Certain offenders could continue to be sentenced to death.

No

Prop 35

Longer prison sentences and bigger fines for human trafficking.

Existing criminal penalties would stay in effect.

Yes

Prop 36

Offenders with two serious or violent felonies who commit a certain non-serious/ non-violent felony can be sentenced to shorter terms.

Offenders with two serious or violent felonies who commit a certain non-serious/ non-violent felony can be sentenced to life in prison.

Yes

Prop 37

Foods genetically engineered in California have to be labeled as genetically engineered.

Genetically engineered foods in California do not need specific labeling.

No

Prop 38

State personal income tax rates would increase for 12 years.

The funds would be used for school, childcare, preschool, and state debt payments.

State income tax rates would remain the same. There would be on additional funding.

No

Prop 39

Multistate businesses can no longer choose method to determine CA taxable income. They cannot pick the one that is most advantageous for them.

Majority of multistate businesses can choose between certain methods to determine their CA taxable income

Yes

Prop 40

Current state senate district boundaries would remain the same.

CA Supreme Court would appoint individuals to mark new state senate district boundaries.

Yes

04 | News

Q&A:

After the Oct. 9 surprise resignation of Erik Mckee, which was due to personal reasons, former Modern World History teacher, Dan Sharon steps up to be the second new assistant principal at PRHS. With his plethora of experience, Sharon shares future advice, past experiences, and aspirations for this school year. –Heba Elsayed, Business Team

1. What are some concerns you are focused on addressing? 5. How do you think you will fit in on campus and with the students?

“My top and most immediate concerns are to collaborate with students and staff to find solutions for chronic tardiness, truancy, and classroom disruptions.

I hope we can collectively come up with policies and practices to ensure students remain in class, and benefit from our learning environment.”

2. What are some larger campus issues you intend to monitor, solve or even celebrate?

“I hope to ‘fit in’ on campus and with students by remaining a humble, caring, respectful, disciplinarian who treats students fairly, consistently enforces school policies, allows students an opportunity to be heard, lines up intervention and support services, and takes a firm stand against bullying.”

6. How was your experience

“Issues I intend to focus on are the reduction of fighting, drug use, and bullying.

I believe this is happening and will continue to gain momentum as students and staff courageously unify to take a stand against bullies. Dozens of students and staff anonymously report incidents, due to the fact that they are serious about seeing PRHS transform into a campus of tolerance and safety.

Unified discrete student response to bullying will have a noticeable impact.”

3. Is there any advice you can give students?

“Communicate regularly with parents, and staff to ensure your needs are being met. Hold yourselves personally accountable, set lofty goals, and achieve your full potential. Make smart choices and refrain from self-destructive habits and behavior.”

4. How has your experience been at PRHS so far?

“So far, my experience at PRHS has been both humbling and rewarding.

I feel privileged to be part of the Bearcat family and have been warmly welcomed and encouraged by many.”

Man on the street Maria Guttierez, 11

Cassidy Moses, 9

at the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year?

“At the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year, I accepted a position teaching Modern World History at PRHS. In seven weeks, I bonded with a group of very dear students. As excited, as I was to accept the vacated Assistant Principal position, “breaking up” with 176 students was very difficult to do. I wish them the best transitioning to a new teacher and hope they come to my office to share their success or seek support.”

–Clarisse Dart, Health Editor

Eric Ochoa, 11

Heather Williams, 10

How do you feel about the new plastic bag ban?

Do you think a “challenge day” would be beneficial to our campus?

Do you think alcohol and drugs play a part in increasing sexual activity among teens?

Are you getting the flu vaccine? Why or why not?

“I think it’s very intelligent. My family used to not bring in [reusable bags] but now my mom saves them!”

“Yes, it would give everyone a chance to bond and get to know one another. Since we all come from different schools, it would be a great way to meet new people and form new friendships.”

“Yes because they’re influenced, and when you’re under the influence your morals, ideas, and concepts are distorted.”

“I am getting the flu vaccine so that I won’t get sick, and because I think it will help prevent it from spreading it to everybody else.”

Photos by Sarah Wilson

News| 05\

From bad to worse Hard drug outbreak closes in on Paso

by Nicolette Jolicoeur, Editor-in-Chief I affect your brain. I increase the use of the neurotransmitter dopamine. I produce an intense euphoria. At first, I cause increased wakefulness, increased physical activity, decreased appetite, increased respiration, irregular heartbeat, rapid heart rate, and increased blood pressure. But then I can cause auditory hallucinations, psychotic behavior, mood disturbances, violent behavior, delusions, paranoia, and even homicidal or suicidal thoughts. I then proceed to control your entire life and cause you to lose interest in the things you once loved. I ruin your life. I am methamphetamine.

Meth, along with heroin, accounted for 36 percent of jailings in San Luis Obispo County in 2010, according to Indicators of Alcohol and Other Drug Risk and Consequences for California Counties.

Eighty-six percent of kids surveyed picked marijuana as their drug of choice. Despite this, meth and heroin are rising quickly, according to the Healthy Kids Survey conducted yearly by the state.

Meth and heroin outbreak in North County The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office reported 44 cases that involved the heroin, for the first six months of this year. That compares to 36 in all of 2011 and 22 in 2010. Brian Beetham, a sergeant who heads the Sheriff’s Office narcotics unit, reported to the San Luis Obispo Tribune that he believes heroin has become more prevalent due to the rise in price of oxycodone, commonly known as oxycontin. Oxycontin is accepted as a prescription drug, which caused 27 of 44 accidental drug overdose deaths last year.

The use of harder drugs is on the rise in Paso Robles and the Paso Robles Police Department asks that all incidents are reported immediately.

Hard drugs at PRHS Friday Night Live is an organization in SLO county that participates at many

06 | In-Depth

Photo by Kelly Munns

schools, including PRHS. The goal of FNL is to bring awareness to teens about the effects of drugs and alcohol and the consequences that come with them.

“It’s bad that we have so many students doing meth and heroin this early in life and what [FNL tries] to do is try to open their eyes to what can happen to them when they’re under the influence of drugs,” senior Vanessa Flores said, who has been taught through FNL that problems of drugs outweigh their benefits.

FNL utilizes an early intervention in cases of students who do meth and heroine and are ready for a change. An early intervention addresses experimental use but not serious problems. With this, they show users that it’s possible to enjoy high school without using alcohol and drugs.

However, many PRHS students are taking the other route when it comes to their own drug policy. With the simple access and low prices, the hard drugs of the market are being purchased more often.

“Its not really that hard to find what you want. Just the other day, a friend and I were looking for acid. We saw a guy on the street and asked him if he knew where to get it and it was awesome acid. But you also have to be really careful. A lot of these people are very sketchy and scary,” said an anonymous junior. She reported that she rarely has to leave Paso Robles to find what she wants.

Although the effects of drug use are clear to most users, the reported pleasures seem to intrigue consumers more.

“I figured I was going to try them eventually so why not do it while I’m still young and having fun. My parents always told me stories of when they did drugs and I was just so fascinated. Also the fact that my parents were doing it made it a little more glamourous. You want to be like your parents when you are younger,” the anonymous junior said. “That’s what I wanted to do to be more like them, and I do feel like I’ve gained wisdom from it.”

44 heroin cases in

2012

36 heroin cases in

2011

22 heroin cases in

2010

Taking it into our own hands An aggressive problem tolerates no passive approach

by Maddie Berry, Photo Essay Co- Editor JHBJK From the beginning of our education, we are redundantly told the same phrase... “You can make a difference!” We are told that it only takes one person to begin a change.

Martin Luther King Jr. did it. Cesar Chavez did it. Mahatma Gandhi did it. Here, on our own campus, a crime has been committed --a hate crime against junior Heba Elsayed -- and it is imperative that a change takes place.

In an administrative directive to teachers on Sept. 11, 2012 regarding the hate letter slipped in Elsayeds locker, Principal Randy Nelson advised teachers not to discuss the situation in class in an attempt to diffuse it and keep control on student reaction to it. “My reasoning for this was let’s not make a huge deal about this. Let’s not draw attention to the individual giving them the satisfaction that they stirred up the campus,” said Nelson.

It may have been a passive or distrusting approach to the matter. Discussions and awareness are needed to eradicate bullying. But let’s be clear that Nelson is right to say now that what was done to Elsayed was a “heinous, ignorant, intolerant, racist act by an individual.”

We all need to be calling it what it is. We need to be talking about it constantly, reporting it constantly, watching it constantly-- and stopping it in its tracks.

Later that week at the Wednesday collaboration meeting, Nelson spoke to teachers--only teachers-- about raising their awareness about the incident.

But the appearance of action campus-wide soon became muddled: Assistant Principal Erik McKee resigned that week--he was heading up the case-- and PRPD took over in an investigation that, according to one memo from the department, is “still active.” But beyond a conversation with Elsayed in days after the incident, no further contact has been made with her and the PRPD investigation appears to have stalled indefinitely.

The administration confirmed they thought that once the case was passed onto PRPD, it would be handled and it was in their hands to follow up with the victim. Nelson commented, “I accept full responsibility for not making contact with Heba or her family to the degree that I could have and should have as the principal of the school. But, again, I was under the premise it was a criminal case to be handled by the police and I didn’t know what involvement I should have in it.”

Bullying section

In response to this Elsayed claimed, “I got a handshake the day of the incident, I was told they were glad I attended this school, and two months passed until I was contacted by Mr. Sharon.”

It has seemed to be a rather passive response that bothers several persons in the community and student body .

“I think that we tend to put our heads in the sand, and don’t want to acknowledge that there are problems. That’s human nature. We tend to be in denial. I teach family studies, and anytime you don’t talk about something it becomes toxic. These things are embarrassing. They don’t want it to be a big deal, but, to me, it makes our school look worse to hide the facts. When we are talking about a student population and the responsibility of teachers and administrators then we absolutely have to say something,” Home Economics teacher Valerie Poalillo said. She holds a masters degree in secondary education and counseling.

The good news is that PRHS administrators have shown renewed effort to address bullying. As soon as Assistant Principal Dan Sharon learned of the outrage committed against Elsayed, he called her in at once. It was Oct. 30, seven weeks later.

“I do think bullying is an issue at PRHS; on Nov. 1, our Safe School Committee--comprised of teachers, students, staff, parents, and community members--made bullying awareness and prevention our number one goal. We plan to gather base-line data this year so we can determine if our efforts result in fewer bullying incidents in 2013-2014,” said Sharon, who is optimistic that continued efforts will help address the issue as the year progresses.

It’s encouraging to hear such things. However, it is our responsibility to keep watching for whether effective intervention and change indeed occurs in these challenging times. Adults have had a hard time handling incidents such as these. As a student body we must follow what our Principal tells us, so, “dont just talk about it-- BE about it!”

Creating awareness is a step towards solving the problem. But, is a passive approach going to solve it over time? Bullying needs proactive leadership from all of us--no more two months delays, and no more fear.

Things must not go too far. How far will they have to go before bullying is eliminated at PRHS? Amanda Cota’s 2009 suicide, allegedly after repeated hateful treatments from her peers, is regarded by many in the community as PRHS’s most horrific bullying

incident. Another one will absolutely be unacceptable.

Spanish teacher, Jennifer Fuller, who has seen this first hand, said, “I have had students who have committed suicide, who have cut, depression, all of the above unfortunately. I don’t know if I have directly seen the impact as students don’t always talk about it.”

Bullying is alive and among us.We are the ones who hold the power in our hands to take care of it. If you hear it, report it. If you see it, stop it. If we want our campus to be a safe place, then it is our duty and obligation to put an end to bullying around us.

NOH8 ON CAMPUS: The policy towards bullying will be changing more over the upcoming months to adapt towards the recent incidents and accusations.

Photo by Anna Hernandez

A note on kindness

Am I my brother’s keeper?

I walked into Lewis Middle School with two things: a chance for a fresh start and a light blue, rolling backpack. I guess I made some attention for myself trotting around, my azure caboose at heel; enough attention to warrant that I was worth the trouble of a couple kids who didn’t have much else to do except pick on the chubby kid whose mom made him whole wheat turkey sandwiches and a bag of carrots to eat at lunch.

Looking back, (and please, excuse my boast) I was quite a spectacle to behold, worked into a righteous fury by my assailants, who would steal my lunch box, or pester me into a conniption through their pointed words. I would go forth swinging my bright blue rolling backpack like a mighty weapon, hardly ever hitting them, and endangering the local spectators. Of course, I didn’t care; I was an envoy of swift, baby blue vindication.

Two years later I finally realized that my plight was useless. It took me two years to discover that I was just giving the people who bullied me exactly what they wanted: a reaction. My natural defence, from then on, was to laugh about it. It was like magic. No longer was I the kid you could provoke into a minotaur-esque, backpack swinging rampage, no longer could they feed off my anger and emotion, because I finally slipped out of their hold. As was the way of things, however, everyone moved on to another target.

I didn’t care though, because finally I wasn’t the one everyone picked on. Why should I? So what if someone else was getting bullied, It gave me a grim satisfaction to see someone else experience what I went through.

I had friends now. There was someone to take my place, a new kid to pick on for whatever reason, maybe the luck of the draw, maybe the fact that he lugged around such a gigantic brass instrument across the quad every day, either way, it was his turn to be the new target, and I gleefully joined in on the theatrics. Suddenly I was the oppressor, I held power over this pathetic kid, his rage, induced by my friends and I was a fool to push his limits.

Bullying section

By Noah Levine, Reporter

“Let’s see him really mad, steal his backpack, that’ll piss him off” And it did, as with all of the hundreds of other cruel taunts and games we played on him. But we were getting what we wanted. I wasn’t him anymore, and that’s what mattered.

We teased him for what he wore, jeered at his passions and whispered about little things he did like we had none ourselves. We were as much laughing at his own insecurities as we were hiding behind our own.

We’re both seniors this year, and friends. Maybe we both realized what a mess middle school was but I think we can both laugh about it now. It makes for a good story to tell, as long as you can laugh at yourself about it. It also may help that I have shed my mobilized luggage container for a more generic substitute, but in either case, there’s something to be said about the principle of the matter.

Me and that kid both know something now, something learned only through the experiences we were forced through; or maybe it’s something less learned but more remembered about ourselves: fears and insecurities hidden behind harsh words and deceiving whispers veil the hurt we carry in our hearts; grudges are nothing but a sincere desire to share a pain fermented by memory and tainted through brooding. We are highschoolers, not kids, and because of that things must be infinitely more complex. I know better, however. So does my friend.

Editors Note: There is For every grievance held, every emotion bled, every word repressed and more information on every friendship torn, we have devalued the worth of an apology and forgotten Cameron Holt’s story through our pain the necessity of companionship, the importance of laughter, and on page 9 the joy of expression. We could learn something from our younger selves; we just need to remember.

Oh, and that kid I bullied? That was Cameron Holt.

Bullying| 07

On-campus bullying: We teach our children how laws during Nazi Germany and the Jim Crow South required acceptance by a silent majority. Safely separated from Bullying those eras, we condemn that majority’s cowardice and complicity. Yet we often fail to confront the acts of hate in our own back yard, thinking they have nothing to do with us. Clearly, racist antagonism and bigotry is repugnant to most of us here on the Central Coast. But what are we to do about it? Our response to hate can either feed it or starve it. A steady drumbeat of cruel actions in our county suggests we’re not doing enough. Hate is alive and well on the Central Coast, and we call upon the majority to stand up to it.

On the morning of September 11, a local high school student found a note that had been slipped into her locker.

The anonymous author (signed only “the American people”) proclaimed that s/he would celebrate her death.

The rambling, profanity-laced letter blamed her for the September 11 attacks, subsequent wars and military deaths (see right.)

This isn’t an isolated incident. In recent years our county has seen its share of hate and intimidation. We’ve seen the Easter Day arson that burned a church to the ground in San Luis Obispo (2001). We’ve seen racist slurs, confederate flags and a noose openly displayed at Cal Poly’s Crops House (2008). In 2009, we lost beautiful young Amanda Cota, who committed suicide after weeks of cruel bullying.

We’ve witnessed swastikas scratched into the door of a synagogue in Atascadero (2010). We’ve seen swastikas and racist vandalism at Mesa Middle School and repeated anti-gay graffiti on a house in Cambria (2011). We’ve endured a cross burning in Arroyo Grande outside a black teen’s window (2011). And earlier this year, we witnessed extensive vandalism and personal threats directed at a local educator because of her sexual orientation. And Cal Poly saw more anti-gay graffiti during Open House

Letter to the Editor

C

Editor’s Note: The community letter printed below and sent to the SLO Tribune Nov. 15 serves as Crimson’s monthly Staff Editorial.

weekend this year. Local teens are reporting a surge in cyber-bullying on social media, reflecting a disturbing national trend that has resulted in too much death and suffering. Even more bullying and intimidation is taking place under the radar in the form of online bullying and daily, subtle harassment of individuals based on their race, creed, nationality and lifestyle.

Our shock and outrage at these cowardly acts of intimidation must move beyond attempts to find the guilty parties and bring them to justice. These actions target and terrorize not just individuals but entire communities. Hate has everything to do with us, because bigots and bullies succeed in a culture of fear, mistrust and animosity. Long ago, William Shakespeare wrote “We hate that which we often fear.” We need to overcome our fears and differences.

Silence and inaction encourage more fear and hate. We need to speak up in defense of the victims and their familes, whose lives are shattered by such acts of hate. Hate ends when we stand up to every racist act, homophobic slur and hateful attack by saying, collectively, “Not in our school. Not in our town.” We must pledge ourselves to the promotion of diversity and acceptance. Hate ends when we embrace the richness of different races, backgrounds, beliefs and lifestyles. The lives we save may be our own.

Danica Boggs, student, ASB President Nicolette Jolicoeur, student, Editor-in-Chief, Crimson Cameron Holt, student, SAVE President Jennifer Bedrosian, teacher & advisor, ASB/Leadership Marcy Goodnow, teacher & advisor, ASB/Leadership Geof Land, teacher, PRHS Jeff Mount, teacher & advisor, Crimson Jeanne Neely, teacher & advisor, Peer Communications Randy Nelson, Principal, PRHS Dan Sharon, Assistant Principal, PRHS Val Poalillo, teacher, PRHS/Cuesta

A letter from a hate crime victim For some people, it’s a dream; for others a Letter to America. place to fear. For my six-person, humble, small-town, the Editor conservative family, it was the best thing to happen to

us—that is until the harsh reality of bigotry set in. In the land of the free and the home of the brave, American-Muslims are looked down upon, from the way we dress to the words we speak.

On the morning of Sept. 11, 2012, after walking to my locker on an already confusingly hard day, I stumbled upon a letter dropped hatefully into my locker, which reminded me of how different I really was. The author, signed only the “American people,” announced that they would rejoice in my death. The author emotionally beat me, bashing me with insult after insult.

As an American-Muslim, I’m hardly a stranger to personal attacks by intolerant, prejudiced people. To everyone who is on the outside looking into my world, the words “American” and “Muslim” couldn’t go into the same sentence—because of course, each side hates the other. Yet how can one girl who bears both titles mix them harmoniously without losing her own self identity? And How was I supposed to overcome a stereotype already etched strongly into society?

Some may say I can’t and others feel it’s no big deal. To me, it is a journey in which there are many ups and downs; a journey in which friendship is realized, community is tested, and faith is shaken. This letter truly turned my world upside down, took everything I thought I knew about humanity and broke it. I lost trust in people; I no longer could smile or even look into someone’s face without being paranoid about how they really thought about me.

My family and I have been called “terrorists.” Personally I have been harassed at school and been the victim of vandalism. Yet somehow I knew this incident was isolated, in which one person had a distorted image of my culture and me. This incident went far beyond anything I’d experienced, to the point where my family wished to pull me out for fear of my safety. And while many of my friends, teachers, and strangers in my community rallied around me in support, I still remain shaken, fearful, and distrustful.

As for myself, I don’t want revenge. I find solace in the fact that hurt people, hurt people; and if I was required to choose a punishment the author of the note would endure, I’d pick therapy. If I could tell the world, or even anyone who cared, one thing it would be this: to listen; get to know a person before you speak to tear them down. Understand that if you were to listen 50 percent more than you talk, you could truly understand a person. It’s hard to hate a person you know, but easy to bully a stranger.

—Heba Elsayed, 11

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08 | Editorial

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What they’ve been called:

NERD Cameron Holt,12

Jesus freak Cameron Andrews,12

SLUT Caitlin Knoll, 11

STUPID JD Maciel, 12

The bully beat down PRHS staff and students can agree on one thing: end bullying

by Anna Hernandez, Environment Co-Editor Forty-six students and 13 staff members attended the S.A.V.E. meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 17 to discuss what PRHS will do in regards to the Sept. 11 bullying incident and bullying itself at PRHS. It was a meeting that started an anti-hate movement campus wide and gave voices to the 55 percent of 62 online survey takers who admitted to bullying someone and the 84 percent of those people who also say that they have been a victim of bullying.

“When are we going to stop tolerating what’s going on here?,” said history teacher Mark Bradford at the Oct. 18 S.A.V.E. meeting.

Senior Cameron Holt, Students Against Violence Everywhere President, said “S.A.V.E.’s main goal is to oppose violence and bullying in all forms. We aim to make our campus a safer, more tolerant place for all students. We take steps against bullying and we say that we won’t tolerate it at our school.”

A skit, a pledge against bullying, the formation of a student court, and a Challenge Day were included in the ideas brought up at the Oct. 17 meeting. Challenge Day, a day where students come together to break down barriers, has not occurred at PRHS in the last four years, yet students at the S.A.V.E. meeting regard it as a necessity.

“We need Challenge Day because of how separated our school is, no synergy whatsoever, not to mention the violence and racial slurs generated throughout the school. Challenge Day would melt those and destroy the hate,” said senior Cameron Andrews who heads the Leadership’s bullying committee.

Peer and Psychology teacher Jeanne Neely, students, and S.A.V.E. continue to discuss a February Challenge Day, the bullying continues to take place.

“Bullying for me began early in elementary school and persisted throughout middle school. I will occasionally hear a comment directed toward me as an insult, but I’ve learned to not let it get to me,” Holt said.

Holt is not alone. Junior Caitlin Knoll has had a similar experience.

“In the past I’ve been called things like ‘slut’ and ‘whore.’ I chose to change schools because of it. It was really tough, but I’ve learned that you have to be comfortable with who you are, or you will always be vulnerable to what others have to say about you,” said Knoll, who left Mission Prep in 2010.

School has undoubtedly become the location of bullying, where 98 percent of the 53 surveyed have suffered from bullying at school. Ironically, 68 percent have been bullied by friends, and 38 percent at home. On a scale of 1-10, one being rarely and ten being everyday, students on average feel that the bullying level at PRHS is a five.

In regards to his own experience with bullying, senior Junior Daniel Maciel said, “It makes me feel as though I’ve done something wrong in a way that makes others dislike me.” Although the names he’s been called have hurt, he reminds others that “no matter what happens, no matter how bad you feel, always remember who you are.”

To some, cutting, puking, and suicide all appear to be solutions. Seventy-two percent of those surveyed say they or someone they know have thought about self harm and 70.5 percent say they or someone they know have actually hurt themselves in search of relief.

“A friend of mine used to cut herself to release pain from within, I knew there was something that needed to be done in order for her to feel secure and all right,” Maciel said.

Social media is shedding light on the dark topics of depression, self-harm, and suicide which are triggered by bullying. “If You Really Knew Me” videos on Youtube bring up 223,000 results as of Nov. 1. Holt says these videos are both “powerful” and “moving.”

Knoll watched Jonah Mowry’s “If You Really Knew Me” video and said “it’s a heartbreaking realization that he’s not the only one going through situations like that. I feel that if everyone watched that video, we might be a little nicer to each other.”

These videos, combined with the growing bullying problem at PRHS and the lack

Teachers on bullying: “Bullying is not a right of passage for young people, it is an assault on another person and their identity, and if it goes on without intervention, it can result in a person’s Josh Gwiazda death by suicide. If you are the subject of bullying you must know that bullies are weak inside. They are inflicting their own worst fears about themselves on others that are easy targets. Stupid people step on other people to try to make themselves appear larger than they are. If you are being bullied, find someone you trust and talk about it. Find an adult in your life to help you make it stop and to hold the bully accountable. It is not OK to let it go on. You are being attacked, and nobody deserves that.”

–Ceramics teacher Josh Gwiazda “Most kids don’t talk about [bullying] because they’re afraid to... I asked my classes if they have ever been bullied and I would say ninety percent raised their hand...I raised my hand.

But if they can confide in someone, a friend, teacher, parent, anyone, it helps make it more bearable or understandable and if they need help, they can get what they need.”

–Dance & Leadership teacher Jennifer Bedrosian

How to report bullying PRHS protocol 1. Tell an adult at school and an adult at home.

2. Call the school at (805)269-1500.

3. E-mail the school principal.

4. Fill out an incident report.

5. Use the bullying form on the school web page or at http://tips.wetip.com 6. Call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-855-86BULLY of administrative action, have caught leadership’s attention. While administration is concerned about the amount of tardies, Andrews, head of leadership’s bullying committee, and his team are concerned with the amount of students who don’t feel safe coming to school due to bullying.

They, along with other students on campus, wore shirts saying “no hate”, “stop bullying”, and “free hugs” on Oct. 26.

“Along with our flyer and shirt campaign we’re putting up a mural of local and national bullying stories,” said Andrews. “No student should come to school afraid or feeling unwanted.”

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255

Bullying|09

COLLEGE admission

FAULTS Racial profiling and costs should earn college a rejection letter

by Angela Lorenzo, A&E Editor and Rachel Cole, News Co-Editor

The letter that could determine your fate, at least as far as college, is concerned, could very well be your rejection of the way colleges actually choose to pick their students.

Racial Preference With acceptance rates ranging from 6.3 percent for Harvard, to 99.8 percent of University of Texas-El Paso, according to US News and World Report, juniors and seniors nationwide are scrambling to earn an acceptance letter from the schools they’ve always envisioned. Students are retaking the SAT, ACT, stressing over AP classes and tests just to get a leg up.

Ironically, one factor that cannot be studied for, retaken, or earned, is racial preference. Colleges such as the University of Texas at Austin claim that it is their right to create a diverse population of students, but the location or family that you are born into should not be a sign of worthiness for university.

Junior Ruan de Nysschen, who came to the United States from Boksburg, South Africa when he was ten years old, feels that colleges favor a culturally diverse student demographic. “It’s not fair to white people,” de Nysschen said, despite being born out of the United States, and being positively affected by a college seeking for a mixing pot of races.

After the 2003 case Grutter vs. Bollinger, the Supreme Court legalized universities taking race into account when considering a student’s application, citing the institutions right for diversity. This right has been under fire with the Supreme Court case Fisher vs. University of Texas at Austin; Abigail Fisher, is suing the University of Texas for not accepting her because of discrimination against her for being white.

“I don't think any school says: let's get more Latino kids or let's get more women,” said counselor Sandra Buck-Moyer, “some schools do look at who would offer the most to a campus that already has many of one type of student-whatever their race, income or sex. I agree that can be a factor that benefits schools in many ways.” Buck-Moyer added that CSUs and UCs do not use race as a factor.

Although creating a cultural mixing pot of students may be interesting for learning in the classroom, it’s unfair for a white student with a 4.3 GPA to not get into their college of choice, but an otherwise equal “colored” to take their spot.

College costs College can cost anywhere from over $100,000, to just a few hundred dollars per year, but that isn’t even the part that everybody struggles with. It’s eventually paying all this money back.

Sure, someone can get student loans and scholarships, but the loans have to be repaid and the

10 | Opinion

scholarships don’t cover nearly enough for most people.

Of course, this depends on income, job opportunities, and what college was picked, but what almost every young adult can agree on is that paying up to $52,000 per year for Harvard, and this is only if your income level is between 48 thousand and 70 thousand per year, is still a ridiculous fee after all the scholarships.

However, there are colleges like Cuesta, costing roughly 900 dollars per year, but maybe, some say, not giving you the first clue about real life away from home.

“I think that we will have more opportunities if we go to college,” said sophomore Devon Holze, who took the PSAT as a sophomore because, as she said, “I definitely think it’ll be helpful to study, so I think I’ll do better next time.”

Holze, along with approximately 3.5 million students around the country took the PSAT on Saturday, Oct.20, hoping for an extra chance to win a merit scholarship. The National Merit Scholarship program said that, out of these 3.5 million almost 10,000 will win a scholarship from their program alone.

Sophomores Parker Gray and Jenna Rogers also took the PSAT, both needing to gain a little extra help early on in the race for special packages. Rogers said, “(I needed) experience so I could do well for scholarships.”

Gray agrees, “I need scholarships. I think that it’s worth it to take the PSAT to get them.”

Journalist for Time Magazine, Andrew Rotherham, writes in his article, Actually, College Is Very Much Worth It, that students who only participate in part time college and then drop out make a median salary of $712 dollars per week, while students who graduate and then get a job make an median salary of $1038 per week.

Rotherham also wrote that only 14 percent of college dropouts whose parental salaries were in the bottom fifth of American salaries will make it into the top two fifths of American salaries. On the other hand, the college graduates can expect 41 percent to make it to the top two fifths when they start at the same position.

So is college worth the cost? Many say yes, while many others disagree, but in the end, only the student can know if college is right for them.

Graphic illustration by Sydney Matteson

A stringent stand An inside look at cheating in AP classes

by Jonathan Kisch, 12 I have never gotten anything less than an A in my AP classes, I have never flunked an exam and above all I have never cheated; although I have not gone without the accusations. I do not know the adrenaline rush of cheating and I certainly do not know the battle with morals as a product of it. I do, however, know first hand what it feels like to be cheated off of. Wandering eyes bore into my exams, and soft whispers find their way to my ears: "What did you get?" "How did you do #2?" "Can you help me on this one?” The cheating tactics I have witnessed are not always implemented by average students; they are used by the top 10 percentile of my grade. In other words, I have seen three of the top five students in the senior class cheat.

“It appears that higher achieving students, athletes, and politicians are inclined to cheat at a higher rate… this seems to be a by product of a competitive nature gone bad. The average student isn’t concerned as much with his or her grades or compelled by competition to cheat as frequently… the stakes aren’t high enough,” said PRHS English teacher Anne Spohnhauer, juxtaposing the rates in which she has witnessed higher achieving students cheat to the rates in which average students cheat.

In all 13 honors and AP classes I have taken during my high school career, there has always been some level of cheating evident. The methods employed by my fellow AP students are not hard to identify.

They include, but are not limited to using cheat sheets, cell phones, and sharing test answers between class periods.

“I looked up from my test to think and when I looked around the room I couldn’t believe my eyes. I saw the girl in front of me looking directly at a test adjacent to her, a boy with a cell phone in his lap and a few students obviously communicating,” said senior Daniel Hipp, recounting his experience of taking a test in the back of his AP Calculus class.

The issue of cheating is not unique to our high school campus. In a random survey conducted by ABC Primetime in 2002, 74 percent of 12,000 high school students admitted to cheating on at least one examination over the duration of one year. Being a cheater seems to have become too commonplace and is no more a terrible stigma that students fear.

“Cheating in all arenas has become rampant because a large part of society defaults to the ‘everyone is doing it’ cop-out,” said Spohnhauer.

Unfortunately, levels of cheating will not subside. There will always, to some degree, be groups of students willing to forgo good morals and cheat. From Lance Armstrong’s steroid scandal to our classrooms, it is evident that cheating is commonplace. The true testament to the detriment that cheating causes in our society will be seen in the next generation of doctors, engineers, and leaders that receive their degrees without truly earning them. Only then will society realize its mistakes, and take into account the importance of taking a stringent stand against cheating.

Guest Writer

...‘College’ continued

Do you need it or do you earn it?

Students all over the country fight for prestigious honors and awards, hoping to be the lucky 19 percent to get the scholarship for academics, the .7 percent to get the scholarship for athletics and not have to worry quite as much when they head away from home.

Michelle Singletary wrote, in her article Get real on scholarships, that these and other statistics, coming from the book “Secrets to Winning a Scholarship” by Mark Kantrowitz, are small but very realistic and not insurmountable.

However, even trying your hardest might not prove to be enough, as in the end, it may be need over merit. Are scholarships given out to the students who try the hardest or the ones who feel want the hardest? Maybe both?

In the U.S., valedictorians can win a scholarship from $100 to $40,000,according to scholarships.fastweb.com, while not everybody has to be in the top ten of their class to get a scholarship.

Getting a scholarship may depend on some of the most unpredictable, meritless points possible. There is a scholarship, called the Southpaws Only scholarship, that only gives their money to left handed students who want to attend Juniata College. Another scholarship that doesn’t completely give their students money for any specific work is the Big and Tall scholarship from Tall Clubs International, that gives money for being above 5’10” for a woman and above 6’2” for a man.

Another commonly contested deciding factor is race. In the last twenty days, the Supreme Court has seen a case that will decide whether or not race can be used as a factor in choosing candidates for spots in college. Abigail Fisher has claimed that she was unfairly discriminated against because of her race. Her belief is that she would have been accepted had she been of a different racial origin. This same contention is held by many about scholarships.

Are race, height, weight, and other meritless facts the deciding factors in scholarships?

It turns out that there are specific scholarships awarded based on merit, others on race and different requirements.

If you want to get a merit based scholarship there are plenty out there. With the President's Merit Scholarship for academic merit, ASC Athletic Talent Grant for athletic merit, the Memphis College of Art and Design for artistic merit, and many others just like these, there is always some scholarships out there for merit.

However, there are some scholarships that do look at the needs of a student financially as well as merit, or indeed, look only at completely meritless qualities such as the scholarship that only applies to students with the last name Zolp, the scholarship that can give you money for having a milk mustache, or the scholarship that awards those below 4’9” tall.

Scholarships can be awarded to almost anyone. It doesn’t matter if you have merit or just something unusual about you or even if you mostly just need the money, you can find a scholarship out there for you.

Photo by Andrea Lorenzo Graphic illustration by Sydney Matteson

Opinion|11

To the beat of their own drum Local bands offer teens a unique and accessible take on music

PK

Nada Rasta

by Sierra Mosely, Front Page Editor

by Andrea Lorenzo, Sci-Tech Co-Editor

The 400 capacity concert room in SLO Brewing Company posed no challenge for the 462 music fans braving the crowds to see PK, a local indie-rock band, on October 27. PK has been together since 2009, when band members Travis Hawley, Matt Depauw, Nick Fotinakes, Mikel Van Kranenburg, and Rico Rodriguez got together.

PK has been rising in fame ever since 2010, when they independently released their first full length album, Into the Roaring. Since then, they have released three singles and one EP, The Lost Boys Sessions, and are in the process of creating a new album.

“They are by far my favorite band,” said sophomore Corey Bryan, who said that his favorite part about PK is “how they’re not above hanging out with their fans after every concert.”

PK’s personal connection with its fans is noticed and appreciated. “Its always an almost family bond that they share with each and every fan,” said Bryan, who has attended six PK concerts.

This San Luis Obispo based band has been recognized and published by Rolling Stone Magazine as 1 of the top 16 unsigned bands in the nation, and has opened for bands such as Aerosmith in 2010 and Angels and Airwaves in 2011.

Junior Sydney Throop, who has been to a PK concert, thinks that “they are really talented and amazing musicians.”

PK has toured mostly in California, but has had shows in Arizona, Texas, Oregon, and Washington.

The band has performed with bands Twin Atlantic and most recently From Indian Lakes. Their music is available on iTunes, their website, pkband.com, and Spotify for online listening.

The overcrowded, standing-room only concert began to sing along as PK played the popular song “The Catch”. Travis Hawley reached out to the crowd surfing teens before jumping into the crowd himself. PK’s unique sound and image have turned this local band into a local treasure.

With a reggae likeness, Nada Rasta is a local band that brings Dub Rock to the central coast, opening for big name artists like Steel Pulse, Ziggy Marley, and Super Villans.

The band started out as Greenribbon, a punk band that in May of 2010 became Nada Rasta. A motivation for becoming a rock reggae band came after the song “Ragamuffin” premiered as a song for the soundtrack of the 2006 movie “Potheads.” Ruben Urtiz, currently lead vocals, then began the idea for the ‘reggae project’.

Nate Wallace, on the keys and vocals, described how Nada Rasta became increasingly popular.

“In the very beginning, Cayucus Taverns used to give up a weekly set up on Saturday and Sunday nights. Every other week we’d be playing through all our songs and practice there. We’d be on stage from nine at night until around 2 in the morning.”

Since their start at the Taverns, Nada Rasta has played over 200 live performances and performed for crowds of thousands. “Everyone in the band’s favorite place to play is at SLO Brew. It’s homebase for us really. We’ve opened for other bands there, like Tomorrows Bad Seeds. That was really cool; we kinda model their rock,” said Wallace.

“I think the most fun we’ve ever had playing was at Pozo opening for Ziggy,” said Wallace, enthusing about the energy that the crowd of thousands projected. “It was so incredible. People were throwing shirts and would come running.There were so many people just feeding us energy, and that’s what we’re most known for - our high energy”.

Agreeing, senior Nick Stair said that Nada Rasta is “a different brand of reggae with a little more energy.” He heard about them from his piano teacher, Wallace.

Nada Rasta band members include Wallace and Urtizon, but also Chase Kossack on drums and guitars, Chris Boyd on drums, Rudie Bonefinger on the bass, and Paul Hanna on the lead guitar.

Though Nada has had gigs from Oceano to Eureka, they have yet to branch beyond the state limits.

“We’re trying to get into major places in California before we breakout.”

As far as competition with other local bands, Wallace said that it isn’t a problem. “We all share contacts. If one of us can’t play a gig, we call another up and tell them to fill the open spot. The competition is not with the local bands; it’s with the big bands”.

The band has released two albums already, with over 20 original songs and has another album underway. Their albums can be purchased through iTunes, through their website, and in a few select stores.

CROWD SURFING: (above center) Travis Hawley, lead singer crowd surfs at SLO brew.

CATCHING ON: (above left) The five member band, PK, has been together three years.

REGGAE ROCKERS: (above right) Local reggae band Nada Rasta has released over 20 orginal songs since forming in 2010.

Photos used with permission from Travis Hawley and Nate Wallace

12 | Arts and Entertainment

‘Our Town’ brings high hopes PRHS fall production is in full swing

by Kelly Munns, Managing Editor

As opening night creeps into focus in a mere 14 days, performers and production crew prepare for the 1930’s flashback in the fall production, “Our Town,” by Thornton Wilder.

Since the cast list was released Sept. 21, approximately eight hours of rehearsal per week has taken place for the three act fall production, “Our Town.” Twenty-seven cast members depict the lives of average town citizens in the 1930’s.

“This is a very beautifully written show with ‘real people.’ I think our audience is going to come away very impacted,” drama teacher Marcy Goodnow said.

This will be her fifth production since taking over the drama department in 2010.

“The story is just so honest and you can tell Thornton Wilder poured his heart into every sentence.” senior Colby Bales said, who has been involved in drama for three years.

Because of Bales’ character, he has to memorize the most lines of the production.

“I play the Stagemanager. Essentially, he’s the narrator of the play, speaking to the audience about the town, people, and sometimes even playing different characters within the story. He’s there to express Thornton Wilder’s ideals to the audience as well as direct them through the everyday life of the town of Grovers Corners,” Bales said.

In addition to the main cast, 20 students will be a part of the production crew working behind the scenes with lights, costumes, sound, and props.

“Our Town” will come to our stage Thursday, Nov. 29, Friday Nov. 30, and Saturday, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 2 at two p.m.

“The cast includes many new comers that will blow you away,” Goodnow said.

“Come and see it!”

Graphic by Sydney Matteson

Great music is out there, but most is unheard of. Many incredible albums have flown under the radar. If you put your ear to the ground and listen, you’ll hear pure gems.

COSTUMING THE CAST: (above) As opening night creeps closer, the Our Town technical crew is working to get costumes, lights, sounds and set pieces ready. Juniors Stephanie Ellsworth, Caitlin Knoll, Morgan Rehner, and seniors Tristan Ferris, and Rebekah Webster rehersal the final act in the play. Find out how the play ends by seeing it Nov. 29, 30, and Dec. 1, and 2.

Photos by Angela Lorenzo

There are some indisputably awesome things in this world, and among them are Canadians, twins, and rock bands. Thus, if there is any logic in this world, Canadian identical twin duo Tegan and Sara are more awesome than any. With the cool of Canada, punk, and an unparalleled stage presence of rocking yet adorable sisters, Tegan and Sara harmonize in beautiful, bittersweet rock that is sure to provoke a reaction.

Using catching guitar and piano riffs along with their passionate and synchronized vocals, Tegan and Sara sing odes to heartache that are at once invigorating and sympathetic.

This identical duo, playing together since they were 15, have released four albums in their five year career, each with high acclaim. However this band hits their stride in their third album entitled “The Con.”

Artist: Tegan and Sara Album: The Con (2007)

Recommended Song: Back in Your Head

The album is a masterpiece of electrifying anthems filled with teen angst and heartbreak.

Songs like “Relief Next to Me”, a vibrant description of a complicated relationship joined with fast lyrics and twangy guitars, and “Call it Off”, an ode to the end of relations coupled with soft guitars and tender vocals, unite to create a turbulent harmony. This effect perfectly matches the ever-changing feelings linked to a connection gone sour.

Although their subject matter is largely based off the cold and confusing feelings of destructive relationships, listening to Tegan and Sara doesn’t amplify those well-known feelings but rather eases them. With intimate lyrics and powerful rocking rhythms Tegan and Sara connect to the universal feeling of heartache.

Arts and Entertainment | 13

A man to remember:

Cesar Chavez

Barack Obama dedicates monument to monumental advocate in Keene, CA

by Lauren Reed, Feature Co-Editor President Barack Obama dedicated a monument in Keene, CA , on Oct. 8, 2012, to the deceased Cesar Chavez as a memorial for his efforts to defend Latino farm workers rights.

Countless American men and women have challenged oppression and injustice to create a freedom unlike that of any other country, and Chavez is celebrated as one of these renowned individuals.

“I think it’s about time that the executive branch recognize Chavez’s contribution,” said history and video production teacher Stanley Cooper.

Cooper lived and worked on the Ahtanum and Crewport labor camps in 1960s Washington during his senior year in high school: thematically and chronologically close to Chavez’s work, 964.1 miles to the south. Cooper taught and encouraged the children of the field workers to work hard on their education.

Chavez founded the National Farm Workers Association in 1962 because he sensed the need for a change. The association worked towards bettering working conditions and granting greater compensation for the agricultural laborers through peaceful strikes, boycotts, and marches. The NFWA led their most effective boycott called The Grape Boycott, where the members of the association and the Latino farm workers around California boycotted the Schenley Liquor Company, who owned the vast majority of the vineyards in the San Joaquin Valley until the 1970’s when they were finally forced to sign a contract that gave their workers better pay and working conditions.

“I was surprised to see port-a-potties and resting areas for [the field workers], because before Chavez there was nothing out there,” said Cooper, who recalls having to go outside to a pump to get fresh water during his year in Washington.

Chavez’s legacy is very evident in Paso Robles wine country. Senior Juan Espinoza, who has been working for Adelaida Winery on their vineyard for over four months,

Danae’s dish A spicy, season dinner worth the weight

by Danae Ontiveros, Photo Essay Co-Editor

Chili-Rubbed Turkey

STEPS: Toast chiles on high heat in skillet for two minutes. Turn once. Put

chiles in small bowl. Cover with 1 cup of steaming water and let soak for 20 minutes. Transfer chiles and liquid to blender. Add orange juice, honey, 25 cloves of garlic, oil, 1 tbsp. of salt, and peppercorns. Puree.

Preheat oven to 500. Season turkey with salt. rub on chile mixture and stuff turkey with onions and oranges. Place turkey in roasting pan and roast for 30 minutes. After half hour, reduce heat to 325 and cook for 30 minutes. Next, remove pan from oven and flip turkey breast side down. Continue cooking until meat reaches 165 degrees. Then, lower heat to 150 degrees and transfer turkey to a baking sheet.

Pumpkin Empanadas STEPS: Dough: Mix flour, cinnamon, and sugar. Add shortening and mix.

Anise Tea: After boiled, add tea to dough. Make 3” balls of dough, then add pumpkin mix in middle of dough and fold in half.

Pumpkin Mix: Cut pumpkin into pieces and place in a pot. After it cools, scrape pumpkin off of peel with a spoon and place it in a pot. Add cinnamon and sugar to pumpkin and boil until thick. Place mix in middle of dough tortilla, fold in half, and press dough with fingers. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

A MONUMENTAL FIGURE: The nation’s first site to honor a contemporary Mexican American, the Cesar Chavez monument is located in the Tehachapi Mountains in California.

has been able to relish in the after effects of Chavez’s courage.

Espinoza says that they get three breaks throughout the day: one at around nine a.m., which lasts for 15 minutes, then another one at around one p.m., which lasts for 30 minutes, and lastly one around four p.m. that lasts for another 15 minutes. Espinoza says when you’re working ten hour days in the heat of the summer the breaks are welcomed.

The monument will be a place for the American people to pay their respects to Chavez’s life and freedom driven movement.

Brussels Sprouts with Chorizo STEPS: Boil a large pot of salt water. Add brussels sprouts. Cook for 10 minutes,

strain, and drop in a bowl with water and ice. Strain again after five minutes. To make chorizo, heat oil in a pan and add chorizo when oil starts to smoke. cook until crispy. Now add in brussels sprouts and cook it with chorizo three minutes.

Add in chicken stock and butter and let simmer for three minutes.

Roasted Calabaza

STEPS: Preheat oven to 350. Mix cloves, cumin, and canela in a skillet and

toast it until fragrant.

Corn Bread

STEPS: Grind corn until crushed coarsely. Set aside

and preheat oven to 325. Mix butter in a mixing bowl and add sugar. Beat eggs in. Combine dry ingredients with creme. next, fold in corn into batter and add cheese and chiles. Bake for 55-60 minutes.

For the entire recipies and instructions, visit www.crimsonweb.net

14 | El Otro Lado

Photo used with permission by Gabriel Cardenas Photo used with permission of Christian Waerson

Danae Ontiveros

release your

INHIBITIONS?

EX

Crimson delves into the minds of students and explores the world of sexting, sexual prejudice, abstinence, pregnancy, and sex under the influence.

Teens having sex under the influence of drugs and alcohol

by Anna Hernandez, Environment Co-Editor

Does it matter whether you are a one-night wonder or an abstinence-is-the-answer kind of person when drugs enter the equation? “[Sexual activity under the influence] comes up quite a bit in different units like relationships. Most assaults have alcohol or drugs as a component either from the victim or the perpetrator or both,” said health teacher Robin Rose who has taught health off and on since 1984.

In a survey of 182 PRHS students, 29 said that they have had sexual intercourse under the influence of one or more drug. Twelve of these students said that their decision to partake in the action would have been different had they been sober. One such student claims that they would not have had sex had they been clear-minded.

“I regret it 100%, I don't want to be in a situation again where I don't have control,” said one anonymous student, who had taken ecstasy and marijuana prior to sexual activity.

Under the influence includes a lot more than alcohol.

Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it slows down your central nervous system. Sixty-one percent of 208,112 11th graders who took the California Healthy Kids Survey have had alcohol at least once.

Marijuana, the most widely abused illegal drug in the U.S., is composed mainly of THC, which enters the bloodstream and can affect everything from memory to pleasure. Forty percent of those 208,112 students have used marijuana.

Stimulants, such as cocaine and methamphetamines, make the user more alert and energized and over time can result in irregular heartbeats. The “rush” that comes from a stimulant is often deceiving to the user. Nine percent of these students have taken a stimulant. “[At the party] everyone was doing it, I wanted to have a good time,” said one anonymous student who had attended a highschool student composed party.

Twelve percent of those 11th grade students who have taken alcohol or drugs have had unwanted or unprotected sex under the influence, while 26 percent of them don’t even remember what happened or had passed out.

section continued inside >> Photo and Graphic Illustrations by Sarah Wilson

Center | 15

SEX 52%

19%

65.5%

of female teens who have sexual intercourse will get pregnant, resulting in over 1 million of high school males pregnancies each of male teens and 50.7% and 48% of high of female teens who were year. school females in the sexually active reported nation have had sex. condom use.

58%

Students affected by the Virgin-Whore Complex

31.2%

of teens say it is not acceptable for high schoolers to participate in sexual activity, even if of male teens and 18.5 % of precautions are used for STDs and female teens used drugs or alcohol during last sexual pregnancy. intercourse.

by Courtney Thompson, Opinion Editor

The word “virgin” has been finagled into having a derogatory connotation. Promiscuity degrades women. In today’s society, there is no medium between these two extremes and it is having a great impact on the female gender. This is known as the Virgin-Whore Complex.

Being a virgin in today’s society is seen negatively by others, and the irony of the situation is that if you’re not a virgin, then you’re seen just as negatively but as a whore.

“I believe this is totally out of line. Who is to judge a woman on whether or not she is sexually active?” said junior Shelby Van Wagner, who researched feminism for a school project.

According to an article in the NYT by Stephanie Rosenbloom, “an entrenched sexual double standard is not easily uprooted. A promiscuous single man is lauded for being a player or a stud, but a woman who sleeps around rarely is.”

Out of 182 students surveyed, 138 said females would most likely abstain from sex.

Sixteen said virginity for females is considered sacred or that society rejects promiscuous

}

*Statistics taken from 2008-2009 California Healthy Kids Survey

}

}

Family Planning misconceptions

11%

of students have used a Planned Parenthood clinic.

by Angela Lorenzo, A&E Editor

“You will get pregnant and die,” the words from the popular 2004 movie Mean Girls, echoes from teen students when teachers begin to talk about abstinence and the importance of safe sex.

Twelve percent of freshman and 13 percent of juniors in all of California had been pregnant or gotten someone pregnant at least once, according to the 2011 California Healthy Kids Survey.

Family planning clinics provide resources, services, and information that can help a sexually active teen.

“A lot of parents were raised to be abstinent, and sex is a taboo subject with their kids. But [their kids] should have a place to get resources. It’s not fair for a teen to be limited because their parents won’t talk to them about it,” junior Meredith Butz said.

The SLO County Public Health Department in Paso Robles—located at 723 Walnut Drive— offers birth control, emergency contraception, pregnancy testing, pap smears, mammography referrals, STI testing and treatment, and HIV testing, free of charge if the patient qualifies for Family Planning Access Care and Treatment (PACT), the state-wide service offered for women and men over 13 wishing for confidential treatment. This health department sees

Students share their views on abstinence

49%

of students want to abstain from sex until marriage. *Results taken from a survey of 182 students

16 | Center

by Carly Cargill, News Co-Editor

}

Decisions that last a lifetime

To be, or not to be? Abstinent, that is. Whether a couple is on a romantic dinner date, or a rowdy group of friends are hosting a crazy all-nighter party with 100 guests, teens have a crucial decision to make: to stay abstinent or not.

Staying abstinent can save teens from pregnancy, STDs, and even heartbreak. Admittedly, they may feel enormous pressure from media and peers that can make “kids feel like they’re freaks if they aren’t sexually active,” according to Freshman Health and P.E. teacher Brian Kerr, who has been teaching at PRHS for 30 years.

One anonymous student said that he or she wanted to abstain from sex, “not only because of getting pregnant or getting a disease, but also because waiting to have sex until marriage is fully giving yourself to the one you marry...it would not be the same if you have already given yourself away to someone else once before.” Forty-eight percent of 182 students surveyed said they want to abstain from sex until marriage.

At PRHS, 138 students out of 185 surveyed, believe that females are more likely to abstain from sex, while 14 students believe that males are more likely to abstain. The reasons why females would abstain varied from “self-control” to “pregnancy” to “sexual desires”.

}

“In my opinion you don’t have to be married to have sex,” said Jonah Kassir, a freshman at PRHS. Sophomore Abigail Venturini feels the opposite about the issue.

“I’m probably going to try to wait until marriage, but you never know because it’s kind of a thing where you can get caught up in the moment and people can’t really help themselves, so you can’t really judge someone on what they believe,” Venturini said.

Others, like junior Nathanial Harris, claim to stand in the middle of the issue.

“Well, I think it’s based on your beliefs. I think if you think the person you’re dating or talking to is the right person then you can have sex, but if not you should wait ‘till you’re married or wait ‘till you find the right person,” Harris said.

The California Department of Education prohibits the “abstinence only” education, and requires that health teachers teach the other methods of contraception, like condoms and birth control.

Regardless, contraception can be unreliable, while abstinence always works.

}

Prude or slut?

females.

Junior Delaney Drake agrees with Rosenbloom.

“I have seen and heard this complex being used too many times on campus. You only have two sides of the spectrum. Either you are a prude or a slut, and it is forcing students to choose which title is less derogatory. It is a social perception that needs to be stopped,” Drake said.

Health teacher Brian Kerr also agreed.

“Promiscuous girls are called all kinds of horrible names. Promiscuous boys are looked up to. It is much harder on girls. I don’t think there is a promiscuous girl on Earth with a high self esteem,” Kerr said.

Junior Austin Kirby doesn’t think it only happens to females.

“I’ve seen [this complex] happen to both, but usually it happens more to girls than guys.”

He explained that it happens “possibly because girls are held to a higher standard.”

}

by Analia Cabello, Reporter and Sierra Mosely, Front Page Editor With one click of a button, a simple risque text or naughty picture can become someone else’s property—and escalate into a scandal that could not only ruin a person’s image, but also cause legal ramifications that can hurt both the sender and receiver. Modern technology such as cell phones and internet have facilitated the transaction of sexual messages or pictures between people.

Out of 182 students surveyed at PRHS, 45 students admitted to having “sexted” previously, while 127 students said they knew someone at PRHS who had sexted. Fortyfive percent of students said that they knew someone who had experienced negative effects from sexting.

Photographing a minor who is engaged in a sexual act, requesting or distributing a “sexually explicit” picture of a minor, or tricking a minor into sending compromising pictures is considered a crime, and the teen will be required to register as a sex offender, according to mobilemediaguard. com. A picture sent is not guaranteed to remain private; in worst case scenarios, the picture could go viral and be forwarded to large numbers of people. However, despite the possible risks, PRHS students continue to have mixed opinions about the consequences and benefits of a racy text.

“I think [sexting] is awesome, if you’re legal and you’re not sending pictures underage... and if there’s a lot of trust in the relationship,” said PRHS senior Abbi Harrison, who knows approximately a dozen people who have sexted. “Sometimes [sexting] can be a really bad idea, like if you’re sending full pornographic pictures—when that’s completely illegal—but in certain situations and hypothetical stuff, I think it’s a good way to have a sexual relationship with a partner of yours, and I think it’s kind of cool.”

“A lot of my friends were embarrassed about it,” Harrison continued. “But if they’re

20% of students think 18 or older is an appropriate age to have sex.

*Results taken from a survey of 182 students

The secret strife of sexting

The services of Paso’s local family planning centers

approximately 130 teens each month for family planning and STD testing, according to public health aid Margo Medina.

“If teens know where to go, they will be able to make better decisions regarding sex,” said Medina, who also does outreach to get members of the community aware of their options. “The knowledge is important, even if the person doesn’t need to use it.”

“Newer patients come in most often for emergency contraception and then continue to come for regular contraceptives when they learn about what we do,” said Medina, who’s been working with the SLO public health department for 12 years.

Planned Parenthood is another family planning center that serves women searching for help and is also the only clinic in SLO county that offers abortions.

“It’s important to know about sex and your body,” said Butz, who started learning about Planned Parenthood when she realized the controversy and attempts to limit access to abortions and birth control.

Eighty-six percent of PRHS students feel that access to free, confidential family planning services is a positive option for teenagers, according to a survey of 182 students.

}

Behind the assumed privacy of a screen

in a trusting relationship, [then] they’re like, ‘Oh, yeah, its just one of the things we do to get closer.’”

Typically the recipient was a significant other, although some used it as a way to send a not-so-subtle message of interest.

“It’s sort of like the twenty-first century version of really raunchy flirting,” Harrison said.

For the friends who have gotten caught sending or receiving questionable messages, Harrison named phone restrictions—such as an incapability to text or send picture messages—and the standard grounding as examples of parental-inflicted consequences.

Freshman Dru Irwin has a different opinion. “[Sexting is] personal stuff that could go viral and never truly be deleted,” she said.

Irwin strongly advises against sexting and says that “even if you are in a relationship, if it ends nastily the person might suddenly turn on you.”

Although freshman Michael Nottenkamper has never participated in sexting, he insists he would withhold judgement if a friend confided in him that they had sexted.

“It’s their choice to go sexting. I wouldn’t think of them any differently [if they sexted].

What they choose to do in their own home is fine, as long as they don’t bring it to me,” Nottenkamper said, who believes most teens decide to engage in sexting because “maybe they love each other, want to have fun, or experiment.”

Junior Mitchell Keller labels sexting as “ridiculous,” but like Nottenkamper, he wouldn’t allow knowledge of one’s engagement in this activity to alter his view of them as an individual.

“If someone I knew was sexting, I’d do my best to explain the consequences,” Keller said. “I wouldn’t think of them any less.”

Photo and Graphic Illustrations by Sarah Wilson *Results taken from a survey of 182 students

25%

of students have participated in sexting.

Center

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BYOD to cheat?

Smart phones making an impact on cheating

­by Summer Volle, Reporter

Shifting eyes, sending picture messages of tests, and texting multiple choice answers to I suspected it but haven’t been able to catch them,” Spanish teacher Jennifer Fuller said. I classmates are suspicious activities of students who have crossed the boundary lines of honesty caught a girl texting her multiple choice answers to the boy who was sitting behind her.”

In her class, Fuller allows cell phone use occasionally for flash cards, but doesn’t tolerate and used their phone to cheat on a test.

With the new encouragement of BYOD on campus–“bring your own device”– students have cheating and says that she usually tries to stop the misuse of phones before it has a chance to happen. the ability to use their technological devices during break, but with this privilege “I don’t think that cheating was made worse by the BYOD; I think it was already comes the likelihood that those devices, with Google and picture messaging, have going on because it was something more hidden, and people were already bringing become the perfect, school approved, handheld “cheating” devices. their devices. It’s just that now they’re using them more in the open,” Fuller said.

Three teachers interviewed believe that cheating with phones is an ongoing issue Math teacher Kerstin Riggenbach felt that since BYOD started in 2011, she that needs to be addressed on campus. Two out of the three teachers said they have has seen the same amount of cell phone activity in her classes and confiscates an caught students cheating with their phone multiple times. average of three phones per week.

History teacher Mark Bradford has physically caught never caught a student trying to cheat on a test before, between 15 to 20 students using their phones to cheat in his My policy is when you cheat with your phone but“I’ve it doesn’t mean that they haven’t tried,” Riggenbach said. class and believes, beginning in the last couple of years, that you get a zero on that assignment, you get Sophomore Erica Binkele confirms Walter’s opinion kids are addicted to their phones, wanting to text and socialize your term letter grade lowered one whole grade that it’s easy to use your phone in class. with their friends on Facebook even during class.

“Honestly it is extremely easy to text in class; all you have “Students want to Google the answers; they want to text their and I require a parent conference to do is put it behind a book or in your bag. Either teachers friends what the questions are, what the essay prompt is, or what Mark Bradford, History teacher just don’t really care or have no idea. It’s really sad how easy the pop quiz is. They copy study guides; they text answers and it is to get away with it. You can’t go into a class and not see at are very quick under the table. I can often times see them when I’m trying to focus on least 10 kids on their phones,” Binkele said. lessons, but I’m also constantly focusing to see if they are off task,” said Bradford.

Students may see cheating and using phones in class as an easy and simple out Sophomore Chloe Walter said that every teen uses their phone in class for many in place of studying or doing homework, but some teachers take the issue very purposes, including “texting their parents,” a fib that she believes students use. seriously.

“When a teacher asks you to take out your phone and look something up, it gives us “My policy is when you cheat with your phone you get a zero on that assignment, leeway to slip a text in. Sometimes it’s as simple as saying you’re studying flash cards you get your term letter grade lowered one whole grade, and I require a parent on Quizlet or [you’re] on My Big Campus looking at blogs from [your] teacher when conference,” Bradford said. really, you are on Facebook, Instagram, or another type of social media,” Walter said.

Four of five teachers surveyed believe cheating is an ongoing issue and needs to be addressed Teachers have found the issue of newly allowed technology to be a “double-edged sword,” by the administration. It is evident that cheating with phones is a common practice of students in that the positive attributes are mirrored with negative attributes.

“I have completely caught one person cheating in my class, but there have been times where on campus and a schoolwide issue that merits the attention and action of the administration.

“

“

Resurgence of virtual reality: Oculus Rift Over the years, virtual reality projects and devices in video games have usually started out as a promising concept but fall flat on their face. Problems range from devices costing up to $100,000, being compatible with only one or two games, or lacking quality; a problem in the device that can cause headaches and nausea, hearkening back to the age of the Nintendo Virtual Boy. Furthermore, if a major corporation creates it, the device will probably only support games made by the company; not so with the Oculus Rift. Thanks to the website Kickstarter and the fledgeling company Oculus, a future with shining virtual reality is possible for every console and every home.

The Rift is a virtual reality headset, in the form of a pair of goggles, and is used to greatly enhance the sense of immersion in video games. The device itself transfers the use of a mouse or joystick used to change views throughout a game, to actually using your head and eyes to view the virtual environment.

Oculus, the company creating the Rift, initially planned to raise $250,000 for their Kickstarter campaign on August 1st. The product was met with rabid support, raising nearly $2,500,000 by their

20 | Sci-Tech

by Ryan Frank, Sci-Tech Co-Editor

deadline of Sept. 1; thus ensuring the Rift’s future as an affordable gaming component.

The Rift will be supported by Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, iOS and Android, although no formal statements have been released about the Rift being programmed on console devices.

The Rift stands out from the rest of the virtual reality market with its unparalleled 110° field of view and its precise acceleration combined with its ultra low latency; thus enabling the device to move at exactly the same speed as your head. The device is also built for performance with its low-fatigue design which allows players to enjoy the device for long play periods. Although there is no definite price yet, Oculus reassures that it will be within a price range affordable to most gamers.

With its fantastic sense of immersion and the prospect of an affordable super-device, Oculus seems to be on the path to turn some heads with of the release of their nextgeneration product.

Graphic Illustration by Jordan Nevosh

Epilepsy (ep·i·lep·sy)

a neurological disorder distinguished by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions, associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain... for some while still juggling high school.

O

vercoming bstacles

Junior Jennifer Adamson conquers Childhood Epilepsy

by Sarah Wilson, Center Editor “Am I going to die?”

These were the first words six-year-old Jennifer Adamson could utter after waking at 3 a.m. on Feb. 19, 2004 to find her bed surrounded by three policemen, two firemen, two paramedics, and her panic-stricken mother. At first physically unable to speak for approximately 20 minutes, the policeman’s simple question— “What is your name?”—was unanswerable for Adamson, who couldn’t find the ability to do more than mumble.

Adamson, now a junior, would later find out that she’d had a seizure in her sleep, the product of Childhood Epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a disorder characterized by occasional malfunctions in the brain recognized as seizures, and can be spurred by lack of sleep and television among other things, according to www.patient.co.uk. Childhood epilepsy is diagnosed in those under the age of 18. If she continues to have seizures after she turns 18, her doctors will diagnose her with a different form of seizure disorder.

“It was hard to move, but it was really hard to talk. That was what scared me the most. It wasn’t that all these people were there; it was that I could hear what I was trying to say, but not being able to actually say it... it makes you go into a panic,” Adamson said. “You know something’s wrong and it’s weird not having control over your body. That was what really, really scared me.”

Adamson’s first confrontation with epileptic seizures resulted in her first ride in an ambulance, and the worry that a seizure would happen again. Approximately two months later, it did.

After Adamson had her second seizure and doctors were sure it was Childhood Epilepsy, the major testing began. Adamson had her blood drawn monthly.

“The scariest thing [was] probably the tests. They put a giant needle up my arm. I was only eight, so [I was] like, ‘Oh, I look like a robot!’” said Adamson, who also lied in an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine and had 15 EEG (Electroencephalography) sensors glued to her head.

“I am proud of my daughter for how she handled all the extreme medical testing. She was a tough little girl,” Adamson’s mother Neatia said.

“I’m fine with getting my blood drawn now because every month I had to get my blood drawn,” Adamson said, whose doctors praised her as a child for not being afraid of the needles.

“Needles aren’t scary; there’s someone controlling them.”

As for the uncontrollable seizures, Adamson may not have to worry about epilepsy anymore, but her eight year-old brother William may have inherited a legacy Adamson never wanted to hand down. William had his first seizure on June 8 this year. Since he has only had one, doctors cannot confirm that he has Childhood Epilepsy, but the possibility still worries the Adamson family. As for herself, Adamson has been seizure free for three years and has not had to take medication for six years.

“I’m really glad it’s over. It was a lot to go through at such a young age,” Adamson said.

With over 1,000 seizure-free days behind her, Adamson looks toward her future with the hope of perpetuating that number.

S

urviving eizures

Junior Brandon Wilson defies epilepsy

by Heba Elsayed, Business Team Eighth grade is a time where pre-teens ponder and prepare for the coming years of high school; but for junior Brandon Wilson, eighth grade brought anxious thoughts of living with epilepsy.

“Where am I? Am I okay? Am I going to be able to live?” Wilson asked after waking up from his first epileptic seizure, an event he can’t remember .

Epilepsy occurs when permanent changes in brain tissue cause the brain to be ‘too excitable’, The brain sends out abnormal signals, resulting in repeated, unpredictable seizures. Until Wilson turns 18 he will continue to take Keppra, a 1000 mg. bi-daily pill that suppresses seizures. The pills are $200 a prescription, each about the size of a peanut M&M. “I don’t remember what happened, I blacked out five minutes before... my friend Michael Roberson says I was talking to him. All I remember is flashes of where on the floor, on the gurney, and in the ambulance,” Wilson said, whose family was prepared for the event because Wilson’s uncle struggled with epilepsy as well.

While Wilson might not remember the event, which happened his last year of middle school, junior Michael Robinson remembers quite clearly.

“I looked over and he slumped over in his chair, it slid away and he fell on the ground. At first I didn’t know what was going on, then when I saw he was seizing I jumped up and called the teacher over and she had us push everything away like chairs, and desks. Then we went outside while she stayed with him. That’s when the fire department came,” Robinson remembers of the day.

After arriving at the hospital, which Wilson and his family attend every time he has an attack, they found no solace in information about the ambiguous disorder.

“The doctors don’t even know what causes it. They didn’t really explain epilepsy to me or what causes my seizures,” Wilson said. He had his second seizure three weeks later.

“They will start bringing me down slowly and see if I have more seizures, if I don’t they will try and take me off [the medication] completely,” Wilson said, who has had a total of four seizures in a span of one year. He explained that if he does have more seizures, he’ll have to stay on the medication for the rest of his life.

“I’m not affected by lights or flashing or anything like that,” Wilson said, who fully enjoyed last Springs dance Morp and the more to come without worrying about his illness.

“I know him better now. I know to watch out for him just in case he’s acting strange so I can get him help,” Robinson said, staying strong after the shocking experience he had watching a friend struggle with epilepsy.

Despite Wilson’s struggle and the vague nature of his specific epileptic disorder, he continues to be strong and optimistic about his future; “I’m not scared of it I just wouldn’t want another one. I’ve lived with it for a few years so I’m fine.”

Photos by Sarah Wilson and Danae Ontiveros

Health| 21

Influenza Immunity Flu vaccine debate year after year

by Andrea Lorenzo, Sci-Tech Co-Editor Influenza season brings not only the zealous dependence of hand sanitizer and wary watch over those that cough, but also reignites the yearly criticisms of flu vaccinations. Although every individual is at risk or infection, the option to vaccinate brings concern to some parents and repeated explanations from doctors.

Every year individuals and parents opt out of vaccinations, administered through an injection or through a nasal spray. Reasons range from allergies to the immunization and to beliefs that the vaccines have no effect at all.

“Severity varies from year to year. Although the common cold can be an annoying illness is rarely fatal in most people,” said Jeannette Tosh the Infection Control Director at Twin Cities Community Hospital in Templeton. Tosh said that about 36,000 people die from influenza, in perspective with the five to twenty percent of the total population that contracts the virus, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The flu is not the common cold, and poses a risk of complications, from respiratory and even death that may not exist with the typical cold virus.

“Everyone should be screened for an egg allergy, which is used to make the vaccine,” said Tosh, who explained that those with allergies to any of the vaccine components should not receive the influenza immunization. “Anyone who ever had Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a severe paralytic illness, should consult their doctor before getting the flu vaccine. People with severe to moderate illness, fever or infections, should wait until they recover before getting their flu shot”.

The flu vaccine is administered by injection or by a nasal spray . Both provide the immune system with proteins from the virus, which are the components that trigger the human immune system’s production of antibodies against the virus. The antibodies that are produced by the body are what prevents the virus from infecting body cells and making an individual sick. Because only fragments and proteins are injected, not the actual live virus, the vaccine cannot make a person contract the flu.

“People think it makes them sick,” said Internal Medicine Dr. Shannon Berry, who sees many patients that reject the immunization. “They get the flu vaccine and if they get sick two weeks later, they blame the shot. It’s the whole human mentality that links the sickness to the vaccine. The likelihood it makes people systemically sick is very low, but if someone’s fourth cousin once removed’s wife got sick after the vaccine, they become afraid”.

However, despite the disclaimers and warnings, Tosh said that “Not getting a flu shot can put a person at risk for becoming severely ill with influenza and risk complications or death”.

INFLUENZA PROTECTION: According to Jeannette Tosh, the Infection Control Director at Twin Cities, not getting the flu vaccine puts you at risk.

Photo used with permission from Samantha Celera on Flickr

22 | Health

– Jordan Nevosh, Business Team

Bearcats among us

PRHS staff reflects on what changed most since they were students

by Kelly Munns, Managing Editor, Jenna Wookey, Food Editor, Danae Ontiveros, Photo Essay Co-Editor, and Clarisse Dart, Health Editor

Years at PRHS: 15

Randy Nelson, Principal I remember when I came [to PRHS, we] didn’t have a computer in my classroom. Now every teacher has a computer and a lot of teachers have document cameras or projectors. The increase in availability of technology is a great thing.

SMILING SPIRIT: PRHS Alumni and discipline clerk Monica Armas poses in front of the discipline office. This is Armas’ first year as a clerk.

Photo by Kelly Munns

Striving to make a difference

Years attended: 1981-1984 Years at PRHS: 16

Derek Stroud, Econ. & Gov. Kids today don’t have a true belonging to the school and what it means to be a bearcat. They have lost a great opportunity to appreciate what it like to be a bearcat. I wish we could get back to those days.

Bearcat graduate Monica Armas now works at PRHS

by Kelly Munns, Managing Editor After graduating in 2004, PRHS Alumni Monica Armas found her way back to the bearcat campus to make a difference as the new discipline secretary.

As a high school graduate, Armas was still undecided as to what she wanted to do, but little did she know that she would end up right where she first started. She enrolled in Cuesta College to complete general ed classes, studied abroad for six months in Australia and Indonesia, and travelled to other countries including Canada and Singapore before finding her niche in the education career path. Armas states that working with high school students on a daily basis is her calling.

“Everyday there’s something new and it keeps me on my toes. It’s challenging but fun,” Armas said, who plans to return to Cuesta College to get a degree in education. “I just hope I can make an impact on kids in the short time they’re here.”

Some days, being a secretary can be overwhelming.

The endless high-pitched ringing of the office phone, the mountain-high stacks of paperwork to be completed, and the anxious teenagers waiting to be scolded are factors that affect Armas from 7:55 a.m. to 3:12 p.m.

Prior to Armas’ new job, she worked as a Paraeducator

for English teachers Joy Brunner, Maggie Roberts, and Edward Arrigoni last school year at PRHS. “She was great! She really wanted to help students understand the material and was patient and kind with them,” Roberts said, who teaches freshman English and Yearbook.

Armas now works alongside her former teachers including art teacher Kelly Clark, who at the time taught history, and AP English teachers Aaron Cantrell and Stephen Arnette. As a freshman, Armas was involved in water polo and cheer her sophomore and junior year. “[Armas] was bright-eyed and intelligent,” Cantrell said, who taught Armas her senior year.

“I was really social and I had a lot of friends,” Armas said.

“I loved high school. I would do it all over again.” Her love for the school and the students is what drives her to come to work everyday.

“I think she has a great personality for the job of Discipline Secretary,” Roberts said, who has lots of faith in her abilities.

“She doesn't take the job lightly and makes the kids feel at ease even though they're in trouble.”

Years attended: 1999-2002 Years at PRHS: 2

Gaylene Ewing, Biology There are more AP classes now with more elective classes offered. There was a giant lawn where the 100 building is now where we used to have a car show every year. Taco Bell was on campus. I only knew five people who had a cell phone.

Years attended: 1996-1999 Years at PRHS: 6

Jon-Paul Ewing, Anatomy There is more concrete, less lawn and more buildings, less dances. There are more awesome biology and anatomy teachers and more beards!

Feature| 23

Culinary Arts glazes its path on students’ lives The Culinary Arts Academy offers a unique off-campus elective experience that can impact future careers

by Clarisse Dart, Health Editor

Two classes of nearly 30 Paso Robles High school students are driven by bus every day to spend as much as 114 minutes at a time learning the basics of the food industry. The Culinary Arts Academy, located on Golden Hill Rd., is a unique facility that not only serves as a learning academy but a commercial kitchen and cafe, giving the students a completely hands on experience during their enrollment in the program.

The kitchen of the academy, its “classroom”, is nothing like what most students are used to. The lines of chrome counter tops and sinks reflect the professional air that is carried in both product and process of the program.

“They can walk out of here and get a job as a waitress or a line cook, maybe even a basic baker. If they apply themselves, they are prepared to go out and get a job right away,” head Chef Phillip Riccomini said, he has taken culinary students to place in national Skills USA for as long as Skills USA has been happening.

The two period length class teaches everything from catering, table service, nutrition, costing procedures, and basic and advanced cooking skills. The Academy Cafe is used in conjunction with the curriculum to give the students the real experience of working in the food industry.

“This class gives you a [professional] place to learn how the restaurant business works… I’ve learned to take initiative, something that will make you somebody that employees want to hire,” said senior Tori Wilson, who is planning on both competing in waitressing for Skills USA and minoring in culinary in college. This is her first year participating in the Culinary Art program. “[My] favorite part is probably being able to make food and eat it! The most useful thing I’ve learned is how to properly use a knife,” said senior Shiv Patel, also in his first year.

The classes tend to be smaller, giving each student focused attention in the already highly involved and hands on class.

“I believe this class teaches life lessons and that each class becomes a family,” senior Noah Yoshida said. “I’ve learned there are times when you can enjoy cooking and have fun, but also to work fast and efficiently and to always clean as you go.”

Yoshida has been in the class all four years of high school and received Gold medals at both regional and state Skills USA competitions, and went on to nationals in Kansas City last year.

Yoshida expressed that Paso Robles is “blessed” to have Chef Riccomini taking students under his wing, his time and dedication part of what made him fall in love with the class. “[I enjoy] working with the kids and watching them learn.You see kids walk out of here after knowing they were successful and see that smile and that pride on their face... I enjoy watching the kids be proud of what they’re doing with their hands,” said Riccomini, who has been the Chef at the academy for 14 years.

The culinary classes staff the Academy Cafe entirely, open Tues.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., working in the kitchen as well as serving and waiting tables. In addition to the Cafe, the students also cater events. “[It prepares them for working in the food industry] more so than almost any other vocation we offer at the high school because we serve the public on a daily basis, and that’s what’s so realistic about this course,” Riccomini said.

24 | Food

Making the Perfect Pumpkin Pie

Culinary Arts Academy students show step-by-step how to make a delicious pumpkin pie for the season

1.Set out all of the ingredients. The ingredients consist of 16 oz. of pumpkin, 2/3 cups sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 3 eggs, 5 oz. evaporated milk, and 4 oz. milk.

1

2.Roll out the dough (dough can be bought at any grocery store) and place it in the pie tin. Senior Natalie Evenson places the dough in the pie tin and cuts off the excess dough from the edges.

2

3.

Pour the pumpkin ingredient into a bowl. Senior Marina Perry uses a whisk to make sure no pumpkin ingredient is left behind.

3

4.

4 5

7

Pour in the spices: sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.

Also pour in both milk ingredients and beaten eggs. Senior James Evans cracks an egg with ease then keeps it in a separate container to beat with a whisk.

5.

6

Mix all the ingredients together. Senior Donovan Stolle uses a whisk to mix the ingredients together into a smooth, thick texture.

6. Pour pumpkin mixture into the pie crust until there is just a halfinch of dough (crust) still showing.

Senior Catharine Christensen uses a whisk to pour the mix into the pie dough.

Photos by Jenna Wookey

7. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and cook the pie for 45-50 minutes. Chef Phillip Riccomini holds a baked and finished pie ready to eat!

Tying a knot

Blind daters climb high at Crux Climbing Gym

by Laura Callahan, Fun and Games Editor As if first date jitters weren’t bad enough on their own, add hanging by a cord thirty five feet above the ground to the equation and hearts will be racing—or rather, climbing.

Sophomore Lawrence Ray and freshman Natalie Martin scaled fifteen different rock walls at Crux Climbing Gym in SLO on Saturday, Nov. 3 when they met for a blind date. The two greeted each other with a hug and hopped in the car, both excited and anxious to start climbing.

“I went rock climbing at the fair a couple times and once in Germany,” said Martin as the two compared their climbing experiences.

“I’m a fast learner at rock climbing, “ said Ray, who had climbed at Crux once before when he was ten.

During the thirty minute drive to SLO, the couple laughed about the iPhone 4s’s GPS voice. “[The voice] just gives me the creeps,” Ray said. While on the topic of driving, they discussed permits, driving lessons, and cars.

“My dad has a Lincoln that I want to drive once I get my license, but it doesn’t have any seat belts,” said Martin, who admits that she has “a thing for old cars”.

Finding a common interest, Ray told Martin about his ‘57 pink Lincoln and El Camino.

During the drive, Ray received a prank call from a friend asking where a fictional “Rosa” was. Martin and Ray prank called his friend back speaking in Spanish saying that they had found “Rosa.” The joke carried on throughout the day as Ray yelled “Rosa” to people on the street, which led to lots of laughter between the two.

Once the daters arrived at Crux they watched a fifteen minute video about being a safe climber, put on their orange harnesses, and received 20 minutes of instruction. Once they were allowed to begin climbing on their own, Ray confidently took on the fourth hardest wall, reached the top, and rang the bell while Martin was having difficulty scaling the wall due to her fear of heights.

“Are you scared or are you just good to go?” Martin said as Ray tackled wall after wall.

“I’m good to go! Let’s go up together,” Ray encouraged. The couple took on neighboring walls and as both reached the top, Martin offered a knuckle bump of success.

“My heart is beating so fast!” said Martin as she descended the 35 foot rock wall.

After Ray reached the top of his second climb, the couple paused for water with sore muscles and tired limbs. The two compared their dust-covered hands from the rocks, while discussing the rivalry football game between PRHS and Atascadero that had taken place the night before.

“Sometimes it helps to look at the climb first and find the right route to take,” Ray advised as the couple headed towards the rock walls again. Ray reached the top of his third climb as Martin reached the top of the wall she was conquering and simultaneously rang the bells.

“This is actually really fun,” said Martin as she began to take on her third climb, while Ray took a water break. Once she was a third of the way up Ray headed towards the walls and said, “Go Natalie! You have a head start!”

Martin reached the top, excitedly rang the bell and said, “Number two!”

“You beat me!” said Ray with an edge of friendly competition.

As Martin chose which rock wall to scale next she asked Ray which one was easy.

“Yeah that one is pretty easy,” said Ray. “Oh yeah, it’s easy, according to the professional!” said Martin who said she felt as if her arms were going to fall off. She took multiple attempts to get onto a ledge but couldn’t reach, so Ray, who was at a higher angle, took her hand and helped pull her onto the ledge.

As the daters became tired from the climbing, the date came to a close after the two posed for pictures and joked about posing as if they were on the Titanic.

The drive home was filled with references to “Rosa” and lots of laughter. It’s easy to say that although the date was a climb, the view from the top sure was great.

Rate the Date Lawrence Ray Rate: 7 A HELPING HAND (top): Sophomore Lawrence Ray reaches down to help freshman Natalie Martin get to the next closest ledge.

SWEET HEART SMILE (bottom): Martin and Ray take a break from climbing to pose for a picture.

Photos by Sarah Wilson

Favorite Part: “The rock climbing.”

Second date: “Sure.”

Natalie Martin Rate: 7 Favorite Part:

“Ringing the bell at the top of the wall and giving Lawrence knuckles.”

Second date: “As friends!”

Blind Date| 25

That’s what

TV

said

[

Do you think you know TV’s funniest quotes? Match the quote to the speaker to find out!

[

­—Stevie Stark, Reporter

1. “A realtor’s just a ninja in a blazer. The average burglar breaks in and leaves clues everywhere.

Not me. I’m completely clueless.”

2. “It’s amazing what one act of civil disobedience can do for a person.”

3. “What exactly does that expression mean, ‘friends with benefits’? Does he provide her with health insurance?”

4. “Give me all of the bacon and eggs you have.”

5. “I don’t drink hot liquids of any kind. That’s the Devil’s temperature!”

6. “Guess what? I have flaws. What are they? Oh I dunno, I sing in the shower? Sometimes I spend too much time volunteering. Occasionally I’ll hit somebody with my car. So sue me–no, don’t sue me. That is opposite the point I’m trying to make.”

Graphic Illustration by Laura Callahan

A. Sheldon Cooper, “Big Bang Theory” B. Kenneth Parcell, “30 Rock” C. Phil Dunphee, “Modern Family” D. Ron Swanson, “Parks and Recreation” E. Michael Scott, “The Office” F. Barney Stinson, “How I Met Your Mother” G. Eric Foreman, “That 70’s Show”

7. “When I’m sad I stop being sad and be awesome instead. True story.”

1: C, 2: G, 3: A, 4: D, 5: B, 6: E, 7: F.

26 | Fun and Games

Seismic shakeup PG&E proposal upsets locals, students–and fish

PG&E plans to conduct high-intensity acoustic seismic testing to analyze the local fault lines surrounding Diablo Canyon power plant this November through December if the proposal is approved by the National Marine Fisheries Service(NMFS) and the California Coastal Commission (CCC). PG&E will have to face the large amount of public opposition that has escalated since the announcement.

A research vessel will emit a sound wave of 250 decibels from 18 different air guns every 12-15 seconds over an estimated time frame of 12 days. That’s an estimated 70,000 blasts. The seismic testing, according to PG&E, would enhance their seismic knowledge of the area and give them a detailed picture of region characteristics such as angle of faults, how faults are shaped, whether they are interconnected, and further define ground motion the faults are capable of producing. Supervisor Bruce Gibson told The Tribune, “lurking behind the question of seismic tests is the larger question of Diablo Canyon and whether it is safe,” a concern that grew after the Fukushima Daichi nuclear accident caused by the Japanese tsunami Mar. 11, 2011. The information that may potentially be gathered by the testing is supposed to help “make the decision about whether to leave the plant alone, make it safer, or shut it down.”

Gibson told SLO Coast Journal, “the testing is a highly complicated proposal that raises economic, environmental, safety, and moral issues.”

He was refering to impact the local fisheries. Studies have shown that the blasts can cut fish catches by half. According to SLO Coast Journal’s article, “Offshore seismic testing will impact fishing near Diablo Canyon, but long term effects [are] unknown.”

A 1986 test in which 190 decibels were emitted from a single air gun resulted in a 52 percent reduction in catch.

There have been no studies to track the long term effects

by Devin Corea, Fashion Editor

of seismic testing, which will scatter fish, making it extremely difficult to catch them. It will also force fishermen to halt their work during the testing period. The fishing industry has already suffered reductions in catch due to low-energy studies conducted offshore since 2011. PG&E has also already violated the current permit by failing to scout ahead of the survey boat to search for fishing gear and failing to warn of possible marine impact.

Jearl Strickland, PG&E’s director of nuclear projects, told SLO Coast Journal,“PG&E contends that there is no evidence that seismic testing hurts fish populations in the long run. The sonic blasts do startle and scatter fish, but they recover within a couple of days.” PG&E had offered a $1.2 million compensation to local fishermen for the predicted losses, but it was rejected.

According to Ben Terra, a commercial fisherman of the central coast for 17 years, PG&E has been negotiating for almost a year now and is not close to any agreement on the appropriate compensation of potential losses.

PG&E’s Environmental Impact Report predicts a level A take, physical injury/mortality, to 4-22 individual whales (out of six species), 40-80 porpoises and dolphins (out of 8 species), 7-15 harbor seals, and 501-783 sea lions. PG&E has taken this into consideration and will be employing protective measures to ensure safety of marine life, including the use of protected species observers, warning signals, and the use of exclusion and safety zones. According to Terra however, studies have shown that we see about 2 percent of marine animal mortality, because the other 98 percent sinks to the ocean floor, so “no one observes it.”

Seismic testing will threaten public safety of local surfers, divers, and swimmers as they may be exposed to 160 decibel repercussions of the initial 250 blast which could seriously harm them as 200 decibels is lethal to humans.

On top of these effects the seismic testing will also violate local Chumash tribe rights and violate certain state and federal laws.

This testing is not mandated by legislation and will cost PG&E customers as their rates will increase to pay for the $64 million project.

BCASE member Hannah Stevens, who is passionately concerned about the testing, believes it isn’t necessary as “there are other ways that they could get the same information without damaging the ecosystem.”

Seismic testing is a highly controversial issue and “people who have been at each others throats before are united against it.” Ben Terra, member of Citizens Opposing Acoustic Seismic Testing (C.O.A.S.T) said.

Terra stated that, “from my experience I have come to believe the coastline from Avila harbor north to Monterey is the most rich extent of reef structure and marine habitat on the California coast and probably even the entire western coastline of the United States and to risk damaging it is crazy.”

Stevens, along with other BCASE members, have joined hands with local organization (C.O.A.S.T), to raise awareness of the seismic testing and it’s impacts. BCASE has adopted C.O.A.S.T’s petition and Stevens has sat out at lunch getting concerned students signatures.

The San Luis board of supervisors conducted a public hearing on Oct. 30 with seismic testing on the agenda to openly discuss PG&E’s proposal with the public and address public concerns similar to Vaughn’s and Steven’s. At this five hour meeting 70 community members vocalized their opposition to and concerns of the seismic testing. As a result county supervisors voted to formally oppose PG&E’s project and will outline their position in a letter to the California Coastal Commision.

Nov. 14 through 16 Coastal Commission's meeting hearing on the seismic testing coastal development permit application will take place. The end result of this meeting will determine whether the testing will take place.

Photo used with permission by

Environment| 27

International student Dilda Tolenkyzy compares her bi-continental life

by Analia Cabello, Reporter

Record unemployment in Eurozone Over the past few months multiple riots and strikes across Europe have broken out in response to the record unemployment rates and various economic problems the countries face. One strike in Greece on Oct. 18 included over 40,000 demonstrators in multiple cities across the country.

Argentina lowers voting age Argentina’s congress approved a measure on Oct. 31 that lowers the legal voting age to sixteen years of age with the key midterm elections just around the corner.

Some critics claim that this is just an attempt by President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner to gain more votes in the coming election.

Recent developments in Syrian civil war After a failed cease fire proposed by UN envoy Lakhdar Brahimin, Syria continues its 19-month conflict that has claimed over 30,000 lives. On Wednesday, Oct. 31, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton issued a statement expressing concern that the Syrian opposition leaders do not truly represent the views of the rebels.

Photo by Brigitte Maina Graphic illustration by Sydney Matteson and Cooper Austin

28 | World

“

“

by Cooper Austin, World Editor

International student Dilda Tolenkyzy set foot in the United States on of mac-and-cheese, ravioli, mashed potatoes and chicken, or pizza. She has June 12 after covering approximately 7,000 miles in 24 hours of air travel. discovered that her favorite type of pizza is mushroom and cheese.

However, she remarks that dinners in the U.S. don’t always hold the same Tolenkyzy had arrived from Almaty, Kazakhstan, to stay with Jon and Gul family importance as do dinners in Kazakhstan.

Kerey, her uncle and aunt, for the 2012-2013 school year.

“Everyone eats their dinner when they want. We don’t sit together here.”

Since arriving in the U.S., Tolenkyzy has noticed a definite difference After a meal, Tolenkyzy begins her nightly homework. between her routines. “[In the United States], I have more homework. I spend a lot of time on In the United States, Tolenkyzy’s alarm is usually set for 6:30 a.m. She spends time getting ready for school and eats a breakfast of eggs with either it, four hours maybe,” Tolenkyzy shared, adding that perhaps translating all her work into English is why it takes so long to complete. “I just eat dinner, pancakes or waffles at 7 a.m., finally leaving for PRHS at 7:30 a.m.

However, Tolenkyzy would begin her typical Kazakhstani day at 7:15 a.m. do homework, and go to sleep. In my old school, I could go hang out with friends, come home at eight, and get all my homework done.” with a cup of mango or green tea.

Although in the United States, Tolenkyzy will occasionally watch the “[In the morning], I just dress and eat breakfast. Sometimes I put my stuff in my bag,” said Tolenkyzy, adding that while many PRHS students use Discovery Channel or a reality T.V. show focused on weddings, she spent backpacks, in Kazakhstan it’s customary for girls to replace backpacks with hardly any time in front of the television in her native country.

“In Kazakhstan I didn’t watch TV much...I can say that TV shows in my bags, while boys typically use briefcases or messenger bags.

Back home, Tolenkyzy departs on the five-minute walk to school country and here are different. In my country we usually have TV shows about nature, exploring, travel, and music.” accompanied by her neighbor and former classmate Aidana.

Instead, she focuses on completing her estimated two hours of Tolenkyzy attends school at 86 Gymnasium School, which homework before heading to sleep. prepares students for a specialized education in either math or Throughout her five months in the United States, Tolenkyzy has language related careers. Those going into the math track, such as noticed many cultural differences between the two countries.

Tolenkyzy, are only required to take science and math classes, while “We really respect our traditional music, the language students focus on literature, We do this for the celebration and we play it in celebrations and weddings. language, and history. Each class lasts for 45 I know one thing for sure—One Direction minutes, a stark contrast to PRHS’ lengthier because we want to start the New periods, something that shocked Tolenkyzy Year as a new life with a new page, is very popular among teens and girls. with no offenses, new clothing, We listen to pretty much the same kind of upon her enrollment to the school. A five and with strong health. music, except heavy metal, electronic, and minute break punctuates each of the seven Dilda Tolenkyzy, 12 country.” periods. Students attending 86 Gymnasium Typical Kazakhstan holidays include School are allowed a 15 minute break to grab food between their third Independence Day, which occurs on Dec. 16; Mother’s Day on Mar. and fourth periods; however, this brief time isn’t considered a lunch, 8; Constitution Day on Aug. 31; the first day of school on Sept. 1; and according to Tolenkyzy. She noted that although the school provides the Kazakh New Year, called Nauriz, on Mar. 22. free lunch, most students use the 15 minutes as an opportunity to Tolenkyzy described the first day of school as her favorite holiday socialize with friends. because of the gifts received from relatives in honor of beginning a “[At PRHS], we have a lot of exams, and for checking new year of education, but she also placed emphasis on the Kazakh the homework, [teachers] just give you a quiz. In my school, we have to explain [the concept]. If the teacher isn’t New Year.

“The last celebration is the most important one,” Tolenkyzy said. “It’s like satisfied with your answer, they can keep you after school,” Tolenkyzy said. “You respect the teacher. Here, you can New Year in America. On this day, people who argued with each other must forgive each other and people who borrowed money from somebody don’t talk to the teacher like they’re someone your own age.”

Tolenkyzy’s Kazakhstani school day concludes at 3 need to return it until after March 22. We clean the house and around the p.m. and she is home by dinner, typically served at house, and throw away the old clothing and any old stuff. We plant trees or 7 p.m., which most frequently consists of all family any kind of plants, and we make a special food called ‘Nauriz Kozhe.’ It means members present sharing a meal. Her favorite ‘special food for Nauriz.’ [The plate] must include seven ingredients. We want dish is white rice topped with a beef and to start the New Year as a new life with a new page, with no offenses, new clothing, and with strong health.” vegetable stir-fry.

Amid the celebratory differences, one special day remains the same in “For dinners in Kazakhstan, we usually have to be with family and both Kazakhstan and the United States: birthdays.

“Your birthday celebrations depend what you want to do on your birthday. eat together, and we can’t be late because that’s kind of disrespectful. A person who wants a big party can celebrate in a nightclub with their We sit together at a big table. It’s friends,” said Tolenkyzy, rushing to explain that a Kazakh nightclub doesn’t pretty fun because you can just consist of anything “bad, crazy, or alcohol-related.” Most Kazakh people avoid talk about your day or any news at alcohol altogether. “People who can’t afford a big party can organize a party school or whatever you want to,” at their house. We can also go out and celebrate in a karaoke place, go bowling, or go to the cinema. If your birthday is in winter, we usually go to a Tolenkyzy said.

American dinners that have so skating or skiing place.” far stood out to Tolenkyzy consist

STARING DOWN VICTORY: (from left to right) Senior Aidan Farrell, sophomore Zach Chamberlain, sophomore Sid Monge, senior Matthew Kwiatkowski, senior Noah Yoshida, junior Kyle Ravera, and senior Nick Stair celebrate after winning the Righetti cross country meet on 9/22.

Photo by Devin Corea

There’s no ‘I’ in team

Varsity Cross Country boys team expected to make state finals

by Laura Callahan, Fun and Games Editor, with contibutions by Devin Corea, Fashion Editor

As the fourth ranked team in California, the varsity cross country boys have a strong record that will carry them to state finals on Saturday, Nov. 24 as the second Bearcat cross country team to ever make it to state finals, where they will compete with six other California teams.

Seniors Matt Kwiatkowski, Aidan Farrell, Nick Stair, Noah Yoshida, junior Kyle Ravera, and sophomore Zachary Chamberlain make up the top six varsity boys cross country team, who have been deemed as “one of the best teams PRHS has had,” according to Head Coach Ivan Huff, who has coached cross country for decades.

The last time the boy’s cross country team won the PAC-7 Finals was in 2007, and they have only made it to the California State Finals once, in 2001. This year, Huff and the boys are confident in their abilities to make it to the state finals due to their enduring strength as a team.

“Their biggest strength is their team unity and the amount of time between [our] five guys is pretty small. This is one of the best years that we have had five guys who run close together,” said Huff, who explained that the closer the runners finish, the better score the team earns.

The boys won the Stanford Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 29, where they ran against forty other teams from all over Northern California, including six of the top ten ranked Division III teams. At this race, the time gap between the first runner, Kwiatkowski, and their fifth runner, Chamberlain, was only 18 seconds, their best race as a team of the season so far.

“In the race we are naturally close to each other. That’s our advantage over the other teams,” said Ravera, whose best time of the season so far has been 16:20 at the Clovis Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 6, where the boys finished second after the number one ranked team in their division.

At the Mt. SAC Invitational on Friday, Oct. 19, the boys finished first in their heat of 21 teams with the third fastest Division 3 team time of 1:22:08, and only 19 seconds separated the first runner, Farrell, and the fifth runner, Chamberlain. “ Sometimes you have teams where there is a front runner who is always pushing

the pace to show everybody how good he is, and it’s not good to do that all the time. You have to spend a lot of time together. [Sometimes] you have the guys who always hang back and who don’t push themselves. These guys are always together; warm up, cool down, and on the runs,” Huff said.

At the 2011 PAC-7 Finals, the gap time between front runner and alumni Zander Souza and fifth runner, alumni Matt Nottenkamper was one minute and three seconds; this year the team has shaved fourty five seconds off last year’s gap time. “[We are] really close, especially during practices. We push ourselves and that helps us to become better as a team. Last year it was mostly Souza by himself, and that was great for him but as a team we didn’t do so well. This year we are expecting to win some hardware at state finals and we are stoked,” said Yoshida.

The boys will be moving onto CIF after qualifying on Thursday, Nov. 1 in the League Final Championship Meet. Farrell led his team to 2nd place with a time of 16:19 and a 5th place finish. Teammates Kwiatkowski (8th, 16:24), Ravera (10th,16:30), Chamberlain (11th, 16:32.2), Yoshida (12th, 16:32.7), Ethan Serpa (14th, 16:40), and Austin Borba (23rd, 17:33) followed after him.

The top five scoring runners finished within 13 seconds of each other, resulting in a team score of 43, which caused Paso to lose to Arroyo Grande by a mere three points.

“I had a pretty good idea that we were going to be a fairly good team this year but I was even a little bit surprised at how well they have run so far like at the Stanford Invitational and Clovis Invitational. It’s gone a little better than I expected,” said Huff.

Since the season began in August, the boys have ran approximately 600 miles together, and with each mile the boys have remained unified as a team as they plan to do at state finals.

cross country boys varsity schedule 9/22: Righetti invitational

First place overall, Best runner: Matthew Kwiatkowski(1st, 16:24)

9/29: Stanford Invitational

First place overall, Best runner: Matthew Kwiatkowski(14th, 16:23)

10/11: PAC-7 Mid Season Meet

Third place overall Best runner: Aidan Farrell (8th, 16:43)

10/19: Mt. SAC Invitational

First place overall Best runner: Aidan Farrell (4th, 16:16)

11/10: CIF Prelims

Second place overall Best runner: Aidan Farrell (5th, 16:19) Graphic by Brandon Kearns

Sports| 29

Noah Norton

Collin Moore

Morgan Moore

Benjamin Nagengast

Seth Wilkinson

Captains in caps: seniors lead the team

[

Photos by Josh Orcutt

by Josh Orcutt, Sports Manager, and Michaela Iunker, El Otro Lado Co-Editor

The Moore, the merrier

Nothing past Nagengast

Wilkinson the wrecker

Seniors Collin and Morgan Moore watch splashes of sparkling blue water fly through the air after crowning a successful senior season.

Over the course of their last season as Bearcats, Morgan Moore has scored 46 goals, and Collin Moore 35 goals, as of Nov. 5, leading the team to a 14-15 record, putting the Bearcats in a CIF spot.

Co-captains, and brothers, the Moores have been playing water polo since freshman year. Before their freshman year, alumni Evan Norton took swimmers to games, practices, and team events, to get a feel of what they would be a part of over the next four years.

“It was fun to see all my friends playing water polo by the time of my sophomore year, so I did it too,” Collin Moore said.

Contrary to popular belief, the Moore’s are not identical twins, instead fraternal twins. They were both born on different days, the sixth and seventh, only two hours apart.

“Playing with my brother makes the game a lot easier. We communicate better than most other people on the team,” Collin said.

The two are mostly different. Collin’s side of the room is clean and neat, where Morgan’s side is messy and chaotic. Even their hair- Collin’s short, neat trim and Morgan’s long, vertical locks- emphasise their differences.

“Being teammates has sort of made our relationship better. We get to hang out a lot more. It’s just something we have in common. We try and push everyone to be better players and be the best they can be,“ Collin Moore said.

As both of the brothers look off towards college and the rest of their lives, they look to swimming for the answer.

“I’m just looking heavily to get a scholarship for swimming, specifically a D2 school,” Morgan Moore said.

As both look towards their futures, and their eventual separation after 17 years of being together, they will both remember all the good times they shared as brothers, and the memories created in water polo.

Meet senior Benjamin Nagengast.

Nagengast, standing at 6’2, has been the goalie for the boys varsity water polo team since his sophomore year.

Over the years, Nagengast has become a leader while improving and progressing as a goalie. Over the course of the season, he has recorded 242 saves, and has scored two goals this year. His drive, passion to improve his game, and dedication to the team has lead them to a successful season.

“I was mostly on varsity [in my first season as a sophomore] to practice so I could get ready for the next year, because both of [the goalies] were graduating. 2011 and 2012 were my primary years of my development, because I play in every single game and that has helped me improve as a goalie.”

This year the team has come together with a serious attitude and goal towards keeping the CIF streak going from last year.

Not much got past Nagengast.

“I am their wall. I’ve stepped up my game since last year, and I’m making better saves. I have a different view of the field, and can direct people where to go when they do not see it. This is crucial to our defence,” Nagengast said.

Nagengast leads in his own way.

“I prefer to lead by encouraging and not bossing people around, but I do tell people when they are doing something wrong. I have a perspective of their shots that they can’t see from inside the cage.

I tell them first hand, as their goalie, what will score on me and I think that helps them improve their performance,” he said.

Senior Seth Wilkinson is a major contributor to this year’s varsity boys water polo team. With his physical game strategy and defensive skills, Wilkinson brings excitement and a level of physicality that PRHS has not seen.

Wilkinson plays a key defensive roll called set guard. Defending the largest player on the opposing team is called the set.

“The first away tournament we had, I broke the set player’s nose” said Wilkinson.

This season alone he has broken six noses.

Wilkinson’s physicality has helped him succeed as a water polo player, scoring 36 goals this season. They believe their season success comes from the special friendship bond their team possesses.

“We have all played together for all four years.

We are all good friends and know each others strengths and weaknesses,” Wilkinson said.

Wilkinson feels the team improved greatly by attending the summer camp at Kennedy and also going to a water polo camp in Santa Barbara with a college team.

“We learned a lot and we brought it back and incorporated all of it. It made us a better team.”

Wilkinson choses to lead his team in his own manner.

“I’m more laid back and easier going than the other captains,” Wilkinson said. His definition of leadership is having people want to listen instead of forcing them to listen.

These attributes, plus his love for the game, makes Wilkinson a valuable water polo player this season.

30 | Sports

Varsity polo loses in first round of CIF

Varsity boys waterpolo lost in CIF to Redlands on Monday, Nov 5, by a score of 5-10. Senior Mason Keller scored two goals, while seniors Morgan Moore, Seth Wilkinson, and junior Daniel Maloney each scored one.

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People may associate boys water polo with streaking across the field at homecoming, but there’s more to them than their sculpted bodies and shiny hair. Each of the senior captains bring something different to the table. Noah Norton: a lethal left hand.

Benjamin Nagengast: Goalkeeper hands and a view over the pool. Seth Wilkinson: Physicality. Collin and Morgan Moore: a twin-style telepathy, and dual leadership. They all come together to lead the Bearcats, resulting in a 14-15 record, and a CIF birth.

Norton’s not the norm

The bright yellow ball drives up the right side of the pool as senior Noah Norton drives down with the ball, trying to keep it in control as he takes the shot. Water droplets fly through the air as the ball lifts up, with Norton’s hand rising into shooting position. The ball flies out of Norton’s left hand —the only leftie on the 14 member team— and the ball flies directly into the goal beyond the outstretched arms of the opposing teams goalie.

In his senior season, Norton has scored 49 goals, carrying the team as one of ten seniors. Norton has been dominant on the right side, better than most, considering a lefty on the right side makes him not only more accurate, but more lethal than a right hander.

Over the course of his two seasons as a varsity player, Norton has improved his shot and lethality from the right side of the pool.

“Well I’m a starter now so obviously I’ve improved somewhat. My shot has gotten a little bit better. I’ve grown into more of a team role now because I pass more than I did last year. My positioning has gotten better too, since the team went to a summer camp in Santa Barbara and trained on positioning for seven days, with two practices a day. We practiced a lot on six on five drills and that’s a really crucial role for a lefty. I think I’ve been able to help out with my left handedness,” Norton said.

As Norton looks back on his senior season, he will remember all of the great memories he’s made during his time playing water polo, and his future.

Norton wants to play waterpolo after high school, but has higher callings.

“I’m looking at playing water polo in college, but it depends on the college. A D1 school is hard enough to get on the team, and I’m not Croatian,” said Norton, chuckling.

Norton is looking at studying and getting a degree in film and screen writing.

Technically Speaking: Kicking

Sophomore Bryce Pasky goes under the microscope DON’T LOOK BEFORE YOU KICK: During the kick, the kicker’s head must stay facing the ground. If the kicker looks up before kicking the ball and following through, his foot may hit the side of the ball, knocking it off course.

FOOT ACCELERATION: One common misconception with kicking is that the kicker must have a strong leg to kick the football far. While it is true that a stronger leg will correlate to greater distance, the biggest factor in distance is not leg strength, but the speed at which the kicker can accelerate their leg.

HIPS DON’T LIE: Hip flexion, the act of swinging your femur forward, is a key component of kicking a football; it generates the majority of the kick’s power. The muscles in the hip must be relaxed while kicking; if the hamstring is tight, the power of the kick will be decreased.

PLANT:

FLEX:

The non-kicking or ‘planting’ foot and leg are just as important as the kicking leg. As the kicker reaches the ball, he takes a large step with this leg and plants his foot about even with the ball, and about one foot off to the side. This leg acts as an anchor for the rest of the body, and gives the kicking leg/foot the power to propel through the football.

The ankle on the kicking foot must stay flexed at an angle, but also must be firm and rigid, so as to maintain the utmost power.

­–Matt Tyra,

Sports Co-Editor

Photo by Josh Orcutt

Pasky’s production ­by Matt Tyra,

Sports Co-Editor

At 5’7”, 135 pounds, sophomore Bryce Pasky may not be the most imposing figure on the football field. However, his job as kicker is one that takes extreme skill, focus, and preparation. Pasky estimates that he kicks, “at least 50 kicks or higher,” on the sideline during the game. Just as his occupation takes a specific skill set, his practice regime differs from that of other players.

“I go kick on the sideline while the team does their offensive drills, then as they progress to NASCAR [a game situation drill] I wait for Coach (Rich) Schimke to yell PAT and I go kick the PAT. After that we usually do punt or kickoff. Then I stretch the rest of the day,” Pasky said, who made a 47 yard field goal in the season opener while on the JV team. Pasky’s impact with varsity has already been felt; through five games, he’s scored 21 points for the varsity team, and that number is poised to increase in years to come.

3 field goals made with varsity 326 yards kicked through field goals and PAT’s 2 kicks of 40 yards of more 47 longest field goal Sophomore Bryce Pasky Varsity Kicker

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CHANT OUT(top): Seniors strut out to the field with a chant from Remember the Titans. The seniors lost the game by three touchdowns.

DEFLECTING THE DEFENSE (above): Senior Elli Bernal tries get around junior Michaela Howard to score for the seniors. Bernal had one touchdown for the seniors.

OH SNAP (bottom right) : During the Junior vs. Senior game, senior Monica Garcia recieves the snap to pass. Garcia has played quarterback for the class of 2013 for all three years of Powder Puff.

HOLDING ON (bottom left): Junior Lexi Kuehl grabs onto Freshman Chloe Kerns’ flag during the first game. The team commonly regarded as frosh/soph changed their name to Sophresh (pronounced So Fresh). Photos by Josh Orcutt, Graphic Illustration by Jordan Nevosh