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Crimson. PASO ROBLES HIGH SCHOOL 801 NIBLICK RD. PASO ROBLES, CA 93446 OCT. 04, 2019 VOLUME 82 ISSUE 1
Gasping for
AIR
Vaping on and off campus hits record levels pg. 16-20 SUPERINTENDENT SHARES PLANS FOR DISTRICT
Curt Dubost plans to set PRJUSD back on track
PG. 04
HEAD IN THE SOUNDCLOUDS
The person behind the soundcloud rapper Lil Cxs
PG. 08
KEEPING UP WITH THE BIG CATS
Two PRHS freshmen step up to varsity for the Fall 2019 season
PG. 29
| NEWS
News Briefs
FISTS & MOBS
Exponential club opportunities Students use Club Expo as a way to learn more about clubs that they may be interested in
Misunderstandings and mobs rise out of lunchtime altercation, stirring crowds and campus emotions
by TJ Rothbauer, News Co-Editor
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n Sep. 13th at lunch, PRHS held a vivacious Club Expo to kick off the year. Jubilant emotions were scattered throughout the quad as Bearcats gathered around to explore the vast number of clubs available to them on the PRHS campus. Students were full of curiosity and wonder while searching for clubs that best suited their interests. Clubs are a great way for students to find others who care about similar subjects. “Clubs are a great way for our community
by Hannah Hochheiser, Web Director to get to learn what we’re doing in the club,” junior Rebekah Premenko said while advocating at the FCA group. It also gives clubs a chance to bring themselves into light and get more students to find clubs that they may not have been informed of without the expo. “It’s a good opportunity to showcase different clubs,” sophomore Kelly Oyler said. Club Expo helps everyone, from freshmen to seniors, to find and learn about clubs that they’re interested in.
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physical altercation occurred on Wednesday, Sep. 18, 2019 between a group of students and an individual. This scuffle followed a prior incident from Tuesday, in which an altercation occurred due to the usage of a racial slur at lunch. Wednesday’s fight was a continuation of Tuesday’s altercation. This fight was broken up within ten minutes by PRHS staff. However, throughout the fight, uninvolved students encircled and engaged with it, complicating with staff intervention in the altercation and creating a hazard to other students due to the sheer number of students spectating or stirring up trouble. Police were called in following the fight in order to break up the large mob of students and to ensure they did not become full-fledged safety hazards. With fifteen minutes of lunch remaining, students were told to go to directly to their fifth period classes early in order to prevent further altercations and break up the mob.
While most students did as instructed, a large group of students moved from nearby the Gil Asa gym to the 100s building. This group of students was met by police officers – some of which were detained for questioning before being released. A student of African American descent was allegedly one of the first students detained, according to some spectators, which enraged many in the crowd, who interpreted the moment as racially triggered. Many students began chanting expletives at the cops. According to school officials, this police action was not a racially instigated incident and the unnamed student in question has allegedly tried to quell the rumour that it was. The only injuries were minor ones sustained due to the mob of spectators rather than the fight itself, according to administrators.
CHAOS AT LUNCH : Students form GOOD GAMBLES ON FRIDAY (left to right) : Friday Night Live students Jaime Portugal, Sandra Medrano, Tyler Dunn, Spencer Degnan, Rudi Esqueda, Angel Dalool and others have their booth set up with information to give out to students, along with a fun activity to go with it.
Photos by Rayvin Wulfing
advocates Holly DiSimone, Mairin McNerney, and Audrey Hughes show off their booth and what they do in their club.
WEB POSTS
Shiny HEADS FOR CANCER AWARENESS
Photo by Anonymous
Check out more news posts at crimsonnewsmagazine.org
PRHS teachers Matthew Carroll (before and after), Chris Cline, and Scott Harvey supported Childhood Cancer Awareness Week efforts by volunteering to shave their heads if students at PRHS raise over $2,000. The spirit week lasted from August 16th to the 20th, and students raised over $3,500. Floral Club sold flowers and arrangements, raising $1,800 towards the goal. The money collected will be donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Photos provided by Jennifer Bedrosian
02 NEWS | Crimson Newsmagazine 10.04.19
a crowd around their hot-headed peers, with many of them encouraging the fight. Active bystanders were a large part of the chaos of Wednesday’s lunch, as some blocked school staff and police officers from intervening in the fight.
DOWN TO EARTH (left to right) : Wilderness Club
15 New Teachers Join PRHS Staff
Lori Jordan
PRHS hired fifteen new teachers and faculty members over the summer, including Michael Whitman, Sara Ramirez, Christopher Smith, and Lori Jordan. With new teachers comes new, diverse reasons about why our staff enjoys teaching. Regarding her love of teaching math, new Algebra 2 teacher Lori Jordan said, “It is also very applicable to life; life is full of logical reasoning, problem solving, and analyzing situations.” The significant number of new teachers is a result of the district making up for the loss of retired teachers who were offered benefits for retiring early.
Superintendent dubost Shares plans for district
NEWS |
Big hopes: New superintendent plans to set PRJUSD back on track by Tyler Seidel, Social Media Director
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Goal 1
oughly 2000 students walked into PRHS on Aug. 20 for their first day of school. Just across the street at the • build trust with District Office, it was also Dr. Curt Dubost’s the community, first day of school – as the newly arrived staff, and the superintendent. students within the Though this school year marks Dubost’s district. I want people first at the head of the PRJUSD, he’s been to trust that we are involved in education fields for over 30 years headed in the right – including a tenure as superintendent of direction. San Miguel’s school district. Dubost was appointed to fill the place of interim superintendent Julian • take a look AT the Crocker; ultimately, he is replacing Measure M projects superintendent Chris Williams. and make sure that they It’s no secret that the PRJUSD are being spent as wisely has been faced with rough as possible. waters the past year. The sudden resignation of superintendent Chris Williams on Dec. 6, 2018 shook up the district as financial turmoil grew and SLO County takeover of the PRJUSD budget seemed imminent. It was during these months also that Paso • to balance the Robles High School’s former principal Eric budget + get the Martinez resigned on January 31, 2019. district on stable Reform is needed on several fronts, and financial footing, Dubost steps into a district and community so it has adequate anxious for changes and resolutions. reserves if there is any. Dr. Dubost, who attended Stanford University, revealed a brain full of ideas, thoughts, and opinions on how to help the district. He said he was excited • focus on academics for the freshness of a new undertaking, and is also and school work. With happy to be back at his soeverything else going on, called “home.” His family the primary purpose of the came to Paso Robles in 1882 district is a core academic and has been here ever since.
Goal 2
Goal 3
Goal 4
program, not all the extra stuff.
Goal 5 • work on student conduct and discipline. Students should be able to go to the bathroom without running into people that are there to do something other than use the facilities. Make sure classes are not interrupted, and figure out a way for everyone to behave.
As a result, Dubost is coming in with both reinvigorated dedication and the nuanced perspective of a community member himself. “The primary purpose to why we are here, is for [the students] to be fully prepared for whatever you want to do in life”. After working at a variety of schools, ranging from Montgomery High School in San Diego to our closest neighbors in Templeton, Dubost came out of retirement because the pull of the district he is so closely connected to was just too strong. Cristian Tinajero, a PRHS senior, wants students at the center of decisions. “The students should be the priority. We as students should have our own input on what needs to be done around the school.” Dubost agreed: as long as students speak out, their voices will be acknowledged, he said. When asked how he was planning to fix the district’s financial situation, Dubost’s response was simple: “by working together.” Dubost believes that by coming together and having a can-do attitude, the community can overcome anything in its path, although some perseverance might be necessary. As for the present, Dubost has already begun inserting new policies and new rules. Bauer Speck, the elementary school on the west side of town, has relocated to portables across the street from Flamson Middle School while repairs are being made on their campus. This action is set in place by Measure M, the bond that passed Nov. 8, 2016.
Additionally, Dubost has led the effort to table progress on the aquatics complex, which was set in motion during Williams’ years. Though planned for an April 2018 groundbreaking, the pool remains on hold with the current budget crisis that wants to raise the financial reserves of the district. Dubost is concerned the project costs over $400,000 a year to maintain the pool. The delay of the pool is more about the maintenance money the district is reluctant to commit to paying and less about affording the construction on the front end. Dubost’s excitement to begin work radiates from his deep roots in Paso Robles; he said he is thrilled to be here and ready to tackle anything that comes his way.
Quiet In Consideration: Super
intendent Curt Dubost listens in at the 9/24/19 school board meeting while PRHS Drama announces their upcoming performances.
Photo by Tyler Seidel
10.04.19 Crimson Newsmagazine | NEWS 03
| NEWS
New policies for old places
NEW POLICIES : Six new policies have
worked their way into the 2019-20 edition of the PRHS student handbook, including restrictions on bathroom usage.
Photo by Jaclyn DiMatteo
Restrooms and parking lot now off limits and strictly supervised
by Ashley Paulsen, Sports Co-Editor
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ix new school policies were implemented this year students to leave in the event of emergency,” Sharon said. New security cameras and surveillance have also been to improve student and staff safety, creating less opportunities for illegal activities on campus and strengthened in hopes by staff that students are less likely to misbehave if they know that their actions are monitored. correcting behavioral issues. All visitors and students are now required to enter and exit One of the most discussed new policy changes is the limitation through the office during school hours, to of bathrooms during instructional time, ensure that visitors get passes and that with only the 400 wing and Gil Asa students’ departures and arrivals are recorded. bathroom open when class is in session. According to Sharon, this means that staff can Regulations mandate that security guards more efficiently account for all students in the take post outside bathrooms to prevent case of an emergency. students from vaping and violating their One of the most controversial policies from bathroom usage during class. The new last year – the ban on parking lot entry during changes on the bathrooms are long term school hours – is being even more strictly and will most likely remain through all DAN SHARON, ASSISTANT enforced for the 2019-20 year. current Bearcats’ high school careers. “I left my food in my truck one day and I was “The purpose of these policies is to PRINCIPAL parked right in front, and they still wouldn’t let increase student and staff safety and improve corrective interventions for students struggling to me get it. I didn’t eat that day, which made me tired, and since I meet their educational, personal, and career goals,” Assistant play sports, I had no energy at practice,” junior Chris Harris said. To help keep students out of the parking lot, the alarm bars Principal Dan Sharon said. Admin installed crash bar alarms into the gate on the side and were placed on the side gate, as well as staff monitoring the side the front of the school, which sound loudly when opened during gate and parking lot to ensure students leaving have passes. school hours – “to avoid outside threats from entering and allow Anyone who violates the parking contract multiple times will
The purpose of these policies is to increase student and staff safety...
have their vehicle towed. The reason this was put into place is to prevent students from loitering and participating in illegal activity, but also so that security can see if any suspicious persons are trespassing in the parking lot, and stop any problems before they get out of hand. The last change put into effect at the beginning of this year is the new Academic Re-engagement Center (A.R.C.) program. This program resembles an in-class suspension, however, rather than making a student sit around and do their own work without resolving the problem, the ARC program is goal-based, giving students access to outlets to help with anger problems, drug addictions, and other interventions. These new changes will not be going away — most are permanent and “long overdue,” Sharon said. So far, “these policies have reduced off campus violations and unauthorized departure from campus, and have greatly reduced discipline infractions related to violations in restrooms and parking lots,” Sharon said.
climate now, school later
PRHS students organize community strike during school at Paso Robles downtown park on Friday, August 20th by Rayvin Wulfing, Arts & Entertainment Editor
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n Friday, Aug. 20th, close to 40 PRHS students is opposed to the “Student Climate Strike.” Arend participated in a student-led strike at the Paso believed there should be a “consequence” for students Robles Downtown Park. The student-organized who are skipping school on Friday to participate in strike invited the community to participate in scheduled the strike. 17 minutes into the talk, Wulfing called in events such as petition signing, student speeches, singing to explain the reasoning behind the location of the and chanting, guest speaking, student comments, and strike, and why it was scheduled for a Friday during closing speeches. From 9am-12pm, over a hundred school, saying, “We get a better communal response if we do it downtown, where we individuals showed up to participate, can invite adults and people who including an activist as young as 10 We are trying to are passionate about it, so that we years old. The strike was primarily can inspire and influence the adults led by seniors Ysabel Wulfing and Liz be in unity with all to vote.” She continued by stating, Phillips, who spent countless hours the other are trying to be in unity with preparing for the day and conducting movements that are “We all the other movements that are meetings with students interested in happening happening globally. It’s not just participating in the event. globally. happening here, it’s happening On the Monday before the strike, in about 185 other countries and KVEC radio host Dave Congalton there’s thousands of movements invited Carmen Bouquin and Emmet Ysabel Wulfing, 12 Arries from SLO County Youth For happening this Friday, and we want Environmental Action to speak about 16-year-old to be a part of that.” In the future, students plan on bringing petitions Swedish activist Greta Thunberg’s global strike. During the conversation, PRHS School Board Member Chris to the school board to bring attention to how the Arend called in to declare his opinions on the matter. school district can be more environmentally friendly Arend questioned the “student-led strike,” stating the by offering vegan and vegetarian options at lunch, kids would leave school just to play “hooky.” Following eliminating prepackaged utensils, and transitioning the conversation on Monday, Congalton invited Arend from single use plastic water bottles to reusable back to the show on Wednesday to describe why he aluminum bottles sold in lunch lines.
04 NEWS | Crimson Newsmagazine 10.04.19
STANDING UP FOR MOTHER EARTH : Sophomores Molly Came
and John Seden-Hansen and seniors Ian Grace and Christian Castro gather with other student activists at Paso’s downtown Gazebo. Students did not attend school on Friday Sep. 20th to advocate for policy changes and awareness about climate change. Photo by Rayvin Wulfing
EDITORIAL |
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THE CLASS HALF FULL This year we are choosing to have a positive mindset
chool is back in session and it’s time for another year -- and just with that statement we are given a choice: we can either snicker with disgust or get butterflies of happiness. All throughout life, situations like these are presented and we can either have a positive or negative reaction to them. We can say, “Wow, this is going to be a great year” or “I am ready to start another terrible year of school.” The choice we make can affect our happiness and overall outlook on life. It all goes back to the classic, “Do you see the glass half full or half empty?” This mindset of seeing the glass half full is important – because when everything in your life seems to be all bad, a little hope goes a long way. In a survey done by the Pew Research Center in Dec. 2018, 56% of people surveyed were optimistic for the future of the U.S. There are slightly more optimistic Americans than not, yet why does it feel like everything you hear about is bad news? We complain about PRHS implementing new policies or too much homework at the beginning of the year, which only creates an environment where we focus on the negative. In class, when it gets too boring or hard, students get annoyed and give up instead of making class more fun or finding help. When something gets too challenging, oftentimes we give up. When change is presented to us, we complain and fight instead of giving it a chance. For a society that is supposed to be happy and positive, it seems like we are the complete opposite. However, if there is that one student who takes the other route – decides to get help, keeps pushing on, and adapts to change – then someone might stop, pay attention, and start a chain reaction. In a student-written editorial for the New York Times “The power of positivity,” William Wilton talks about what a positive attitude can do.
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newsmagazine Directors
Brighton Garrett Ysabel Wulfing
Jasmine Romero Video Tyler Seidel Social Media Christia Taylor Promotions Anya Veach Op/Ed
Directors
Editors
Editors In Chief
Phoebe Corgiat Sports Cole Eberhard Web Victoria Escamilla News Alayna Hernandez Buissiness Hannah Hochheiser Web Jeremy Hunt Writing Mckensi Keller Photography
TJ Rothbauer News Malia Gaviola Op/Ed Jaclyn Di Matteo People Asusena Uribe People Maeven Perlich Chase Carmesi Declan Higgins Poli-Sci Rayvin Wulfing A&E
Photos by Rayvin Wulfing
“[Classmates] thought negatively about the assignments, and the class as a whole, as well as those around them in the class. I realized that it was because of these bad attitudes that things were taking longer to complete and that it was harder to get through school days. So I set a goal for myself: to keep a positive attitude when those around me where negative,” Wilton explained. His results were what he hoped: people began to change. It only took one positive attitude and his peers started acting differently. “I noticed that in my classes the negative attitudes were kept outside the room for the most part,” Wilton wrote. “Not only have I noticed that their attitudes have improved in general, I have also noticed that more projects are being finished on time, people are more punctual to class, and they are more involved in extracurriculars because they are more positive about what they are doing.” This is just one student who changed his perspective. Imagine if a whole classroom did it? Or a whole grade? Or the whole school? This attitude seems to have a rippling effect. How big could its impact be? Now, the world isn’t perfect and neither are we. There are some things that you can’t be positive about. Sometimes we have bad days, but if we keep moving forward it will make all the difference in the world to you and those around you. Choosing to be positive doesn’t just make your life better – it makes the people around you lives better too. Winston Churchill said “attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference,” so let’s make our attitude positive. We all could be the one student who is silently positive and makes a change.
- CRIMSON STAFF
Student journalism at PASO ROBLES HS Editors
Maicah Cabello Blind Date Viviana Hernandez Blind Date Jocelyn Lopez Pop-Culture Emily Mathein Environment Amy Banderas Health Ashley Paulsen Sports
Specialists
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Crimson, an open forum for the exchange of student ideas, is an independently funded newsmagazine produced by the journalism class at Paso Robles High School. Crimson reflects the majority opinion of the staff and does not necessarily reflect the views of Paso Robles High School, its faculty, administration, or students. All stories, graphics, typesetting, and layouts are completed by Paso Robles High School students. We are happy to talk with you further about our content, subscriptions in U.S. Mail, and advertising on our pages.
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Adviser Jeff Mount
10.04.19 Crimson Newsmagazine | EDITORIAL 05
| OPINION
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Are AP Classes
une, July, institution August cannot be – BAM. summed Freshman up in a single class. year and the In some cases, the academic impact amount of extra curricular of your highschool activities or community work career has begun, factor into competitiveness. Colleges everyone! What’ll be that have holistic admissions consider worth it? factors other than academic achievement. AP classes are a staple in high school, by Alayna Hernandez, Business Director Stanford’s admission process, for example, advertised to freshman as a holy grail of counts extracurricular activities with academic excellence, ambition and work ethic that will score you a intellectual vitality, and academic context. Having the experience outside of couple of college credits. For seniors, APs are a streamlined study is just as important when applying. step up in the competitive application process. AP courses do train students efficiently and vigorously. PRHS courses are socratic These things are true, but don’t let these ideals in style, but the workload is in the details and the homework. The time needed to fool you. The benefits of AP are conditional and study and master harder subjects and materials add up, pushing students to adopt might not make much difference to your college the skills to manage and persevere, traits valued and needed to succeed in a college experience. course. The effectiveness of an AP experience for a high While this sets any student ahead, the truth is that the effectiveness of taking AP schooler depends on the major, the school, the classes relies on how many a student might actually take. transcript, and the class itself. Take too many and no matter how organized or interested the student may be, they Yes, taking AP will give you an academic edge. Most colleges – excluding the might lose a grip on the course, which will be noticed on lower grades by colleges. CSU system, which gives little weight to AP – look at a students academic “When you challenge yourself, you have to make sure that you’re ready for trend, the general direction of academic rigor based on the classes the rigor that you’re able to do it that you’re interested in that subject,“ a student takes from freshman to senior year. AP is a stepping Walker advised. stone to building a positive academic trend. The idea that colleges will offer credit for AP test “Most colleges will look at rigor as one of scores is also conditional. the most important things in your application. A majority of CSU colleges will offer college The NACAC, National Association of College credits for passing AP test scores. The amount Counselling, [ask this question] every few of credits varies from school to school based due years. They ask colleges what’s the most to differing curriculums. In some cases, colleges important thing in order of importance when will only grant credits for a score of 5. But, to it comes to admissions, and academic rigor is earn credits with Cuesta, students only need to always in the top three,” college and career pass the class. So, dual enrollment will offer counselor Tara Walker explained. more transferable credits to students than AP Taking AP is not the only way to stand out promises, saving more time and money. in the application process nor is it the only in Four years will be up before you realize depth class offered at PRHS. Cuesta classes, the next bell is ringing. At the end of it, the Field Study Collaborative courses, and CTE small classes full of jokes, laughter and pathways also rigorously teach content. discussions will have been worth it. The “It doesn’t have to be AP,” explained monstrous classes will have been worth it. Walker, “but, if you challenge yourself But, when stressing over the conditional in areas of interest, abilities, and skills, impacts and standardized colleges will take that highly – and that may look different tests for every other school, take a break and sort things out with depending on the student.” a counselor. In the complex system of independent and state schools, the values of each
WORTH IT? The short answer is maybe...
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otentially I roblematic
Center of self, not self-centered
by Anya Veach, Op/Ed Editor
am a firm believer in the importance of trying to bring joy to those around you, to the point that I’ve been called a pushover more times than I’d care to admit. The thought of telling someone “no” when they earnestly ask me for something makes my stomach churn. After a while, people began to expect that of me; it was unlike me to turn something or someone away, regardless of the situation and how I felt about it. Once you become someone who is “supposed” to always say a certain thing or be a certain way, you are made into a let down, a bad friend, or for not being that way. You are always expected to say yes. You’re expected to go along with things. To never say no. You aren’t allowed to say things for yourself. Or maybe, inversely, you are never allowed to go along with things. You are expected to sit back and “be yourself,” stubborn and stuck. Either way, you are trapped between who you want to be and who you are “supposed” to be. There is a big difference between being self-
06 OPINION | Crimson Newsmagazine 10.04.19
centered and trying to find a center of self. If you speak and act with no consideration of other people, you are self-centered. If you speak and act knowing that it may not be what others want to hear or see, but know in your heart that you are doing what is right for yourself and doing what you need, you are not selfish. You are searching for a center of self. If your intentions are pure, if you have no intention of bringing harm to anyone, it is okay to say things that you want to say. It is okay to say things purely for yourself and to make decisions you wouldn’t normally make. There is nothing wrong with doing something that is beneficial to yourself. I am a firm believer in the importance of trying to bring joy to those around you. But I’m just as firm of a believer in finding that same joy for yourself.
Illustrations by Malia Gaviola
Sorry?
Digging into the effectiveness of the new school policies
by Emily Mathein, Environment Editor
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“I’m about 20 feet away from the bathrooms [in the 1000’s ithin the last few years, our high school has seen some building] and those being locked during class time requires my drastic changes. Within my high school career I’ve seen property kids not to walk 20 or 30 feet, but across to the four hundreds or damage such as tagging, etching, egging, and more. I’ve seen the gym. They have to go quite a bit farther to use the bathroom countless fights, protests gone riotous, drug use, lockdowns, than they did before,” Pierce said, “but I understand that it’s kind and sexual harassment. These past years have been spent of an overall strategy. If it reduces the number of incidents, I’m in fear as the number of school shootings over the nation sky all for it.” Still, the availability, or lack thereof, of bathrooms limits rocket, vape related health issues rise, and on-campus violence students ability to “take care of business,” not to mention the intensifies with each occurrence. The tension the 2019 school year brought has already started foul smell emitting from the only bathrooms open during class to boil over and school admin have been rushing to patch each in the 400 building area. “The new bathroom policies are a little irritating because I new development. Yet, with each resolution, new problems arise. In 2018, there was a lockdown due to a false threat of can’t always get to the restroom when I need to use it,” senior weapon presence on campus. The following year a student Alexa Angeles said, “I have been late a few times to some of my classes due to long bathroom lines and the posted to their Snap Chat story a picture of an bathroom being too far away.” AR-15 and a warning to not attend school. In On top of managing the new conditions response to these affairs, among others, the The new policies and for school safety, staff involvement with school built a gate around the inner perimeter the enforcement of exmore serious events taking place on of the already closed-campus. As for recent isting policies are quite campus could be out of reach. A fight that developments, six new and needed policies frankly overdue. broke out on Wednesday Sept. 18, 2019 were implemented: restricted restroom among two students, allegedly due to racial access during instructional time, alarms slurs being said, shows the need for the added to the gates, increased surveillance, Dan Sharon, multiplying security factors. Arrests were student and visitor entry through the main Assistant Principal made after the denaturing of the initial office, parking contracts and towing, and the Academic Re-engagement Center, which is responsible for fight when students began running across campus towards the 100’s building on the opposite side. According to a witness, a corrective interventions and supports. The 1000’s building has, in the past, been a hotspot for teacher, the group looked confused as if they were waiting for troublesome activity. Vaping in the bathrooms and leaving something to happen. Then came the officer on a motorcycle mysterious powdered substances all over are examples of and suddenly chaos broke loose as kids were being grabbed for troublesome incidents from 2016 and 2017. In the 2018/2019 the disturbance they caused. Although I agree with the standards of the new safety policies, school year, a fire extinguisher was taken and diffused on the top floor. The culprits were discovered once a warrant was posted taking into account the campus that day was already equipped by a teacher in the building offering a reward. Other risk factors with added security from a police presence, the situation should are a flaw in the design of the building. Beams exposed above have been handled with better precision. “The new policies and the enforcement of existing policies the stairwells do little to stop one from climbing over the guard are quite frankly overdue,” said Dan Sharon, who oversees the railing to walk on them. “On quite a few occasions over the years I have caught security team. “[They] have reduced off campus violations and students walking on the beams which are 20 or 30 feet above unauthorized departure from campus and have greatly reduced the floor. A fall from that height could be lethal,” English teacher discipline infractions related to violations in restrooms and Sean Pierce said. As a result of these problems, the 1000’s parking lots.” The measures being taken are not only to ensure the safety of building is now blocked off during breaks and after school unless students but to maintain a positive school atmosphere without a teacher or administrator is present. Along with staff and some students, I share the understanding illegal or consequential inhibitions. Allowing detrimental as to why admin is restricting bathroom usage; they’re doing endeavors to plummet the quality of learning in a safe, clean environment is not a way to prepare our nation’s future. this for the well being of students’ health and education.
Catch Geoffrey Land’s Letter to the editor
On Sept. 20th over 40 students from PRHS participated in a student led strike. Land facilitated the strike to stand in unity with PRHS students. Read more on his thoughts about the day by scanning the QR code!
g n i g r e m E Activist >
Safe or
opinion |
Rising from my idealistic hopes and turning them into realistic accomplishments by Ysabel Wulfing, EIC
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aving the motivation, willpower, and mindset to take action on things you’re passionate about is no easy task. It takes mental prowess, physical power, emotional determination, and frequent meditative breaths. Activism is hard, and 17 year olds are not built to be superhuman. Even if we are expected to go to school, have a job, help with a family and do five extracurriculars every week, those goals are unrealistic and involve hefty scheduling to be accomplished. However, pushing that aside to be a part of something that promotes unity is what I have always stood for. Through organizing our Climate Strike in solidarity with millions of others on Sept. 20, I had an epiphany: it only takes the brain power of a few to bring together a hundred people for a common goal. What people don’t realize is that youth aren’t just striking for the ecological crisis at our feet; we are also fighting for an equitable future that depends on the resources that other wealthier countries demand at the cost and well being of others. If it takes youth to stand up to the adults that rightfully demand our right to an education, they should realize the importance of us taking our knowledge and putting it into actions to combat the wrong. In fighting for Paso High youth to participate in this global movement, I met with our principal, our superintendent, and called the radio 20 times to clear up misconceptions with one of our school board members. Rather on standing up to what is going on with the climate, the focus was on “why” we were striking and how that harms the amount of money the school receives for average daily attendance. Being quantified as a mere number seemed counterintuitive to what education implies: an opportunity for a better future. We are fighting for just that. This movement helped me come to terms with all that I am and all that I want to be. It involves the constant pursuit of the truth as reflected in journalism. It involves the will and desire to be harmonious with nature. It involves the necessity to fight for social justice.
10.04.19 Crimson Newsmagazine | Opinion 07
| PEOPLE
Head in the SoundClouds
The person behind the Soundcloud rapper Lil Cxs by Jaclyn DiMatteo, People Co-Editor
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alking into the recording in 15-30 minutes; his favorite out studio 805Rogue in of what has been released is “Blue downtown Paso, Hunter Strips.” He said the best music he’s Oliveri – better known as Lil Cxs written is not yet out to the public, on the PRHS campus – put on his which implies that he has continued to headphones, walked up to the mic, grow as an artist. He further grew his audience when and pressed record as he started hours of rapping. With 4,384 followers on he released his new online store SoundCloud and 3,195 followers on Futurism alongside Friedling; its Instagram, the pressure is on to put namesake represents “clothes for the new generation.” While Friedling and out new music for his fans. Oliveri has 19 tracks out on Oliveri are just now working together, Apple Music, Google Play, Spotify, they have grown up alongside each SoundCloud, and he recently launched other since the 3rd grade and are now an online store called Futurism with best friends. Futurism Shop offers 17 different friend Ryan Friedling. When his first song, “Diamonds ft. designs at multiple different prices. Young Braids,” dropped, suddenly The best selling shirt is the V-Lone Tee Oliveri was thrust into small-scale fame Shirt, selling out within the first few throughout Paso Robles with 9,789 weeks of launching the shop. Behind the scenes, the website plays since he dropped the song. His following and success only grew from requires a lot of time and money to there: currently, his most popular song be invested. Oliveri purchased most of the merchandise is “Gucci Down” with 175.8K while Friedling plays on Soundcloud. bought the website Justin Coria is another As of right now URL and remaining local rapper (known the website is merchandise as as Young Braids) who only sort of a well. Friedling collaborates often with also designed the Oliveri. “Working with “rough draft” Hunter is extremely quick and we’re going cover page for the website and made a and easy. He literally makes to be making promotional video music so fast it blows my big changes to to get the news out mind,” Coria said. it soon. there. The origin story behind This store Lil Cxs is one of an ordinary makes Oliveri and kid deciding to take charge ryan friedling, 10 Friedling some of and change something the youngest and most successful about his life. “I saw a Genius interview onYouTube entrepreneurs on the PRHS campus of Lil Mosey when he started getting (some of the items are already sold famous because he dropped the music out). Oliveri set up and runs the video for ‘Pull Up’ and I was like, ‘I can entire website behind the scenes and do that too’ so I just started rapping,” designed some of the clothing. “As of right now, the website is only Oliveri said. Although Lil Cxs doesn’t stand for sort of a ‘rough draft’ and we’re going anything, Oliveri has become a sort to be making big changes to it soon,” of beacon for all of PRHS’ rappers. Friedling said. Altogether, Lil Cxs is a phenomenon Oliveri’s notoriety doesn’t last solely on campus; he is signed onto among PRHS and hopes to become Interscope Records, which has signed a household name. With a growing world-class artists including Eminem audience and new music planning to and Billie Eilish. be released in the future, Oliveri is One of Oliveri’s songs can be written rapping his way to the top.
08 PEOPLE | Crimson Newsmagazine 10.04.199
Photos courtesy of Hunter Oliveri
<<<997,702 total plays >>>
PEOPLE |
Balancing Both Worlds on their feet Renelle Willis and Luis Salas give an inside look at the life of PRHS Advanced Dance students
PUTTING ON A SHOW: The PRHS Advanced Dance squad performs at halftime of a home football game.
By Asusena Uribe, People Co-Editor
emotions, so it’s a way to let all the emotions out. I feel like I love the whole concept of articulating movements,” Salas said. Although he takes dance during school, he doesn’t participate in a dance company outside of school. “I’m not involved as much in dance as I used to be. I don’t take dance classes out of school anymore. I only take advanced dance at the high school,“ Salas said. He has been dancing for three years now and has not struggled with managing both dance and school. “I have a certain agenda when it comes to homework and learning choreography because we always learn new choreography for home games . There’s times when I don’t get exactly get it right away so at home I tend to practice around one to two hours . I’m always okay when doing homework and dance,”̈ Salas said. When asked if he has any tips for maintaining a schedule, Salas said, “I try not to stress myself out as much. I’m pretty good at calming myself down.”̈ Both students have a passion for dancing and it contributes to their life every day. Willis and Salas have scheduled each day to fit with each of their different everyday activities. The students have the pressure of putting determination into their dance but also doing well in academic classes.
schedule their days to make sure that they also fit school work in between. Sophomore Renelle Willis has faced this problem for 14 years. “It’s really hard because I try to get all my homework done before my dance classes, and if I don’t get it done I stay up as long as I can to get it done,” Willis said. Willis didn’t always have a passion for dance, though. “At first I was made to because my mom was a dance teacher, but after I started to like it,” she said. As a second year Advanced Dance student, she has been able to learn some tips that help her stay on track . “I try to stay focused and not get distracted or use my phone so that I finish,“ Willis said. Over half of the 43 students participate in another dance company. They spend over ten hours a week participating in classes outside of school. “I dance over 23 hours a week,” Willis said. Junior Luis Salas, on the other hand, views dance as a way of expressing who he is. “I dance because I struggle a lot with my
Cal Poly Biochemist joins PRHS
Renelle Willis Photo by Asusena Uribe
1
1.0079
H
Hydrogen
8
15.999
0
Oxygen
3
6.941
Li
Lythium
22
47.967
Ti
Titanium
Science Academy 1 and AP Chemistry teacher steps in
30
65.39
Zn Zinc
Read about the other new teachers joining PRHS on
crimsonnewsmagazine.com
T
he PRHS Advanced Dance class has proved their Immense passion of dancing through all their performances including pep rallies , football games and other school activities. Each year they have produced a showcase to show students and members from the community their performance. Advanced Dance instructor Jennifer Bedrosian has taught at Paso Robles High School for 22 years, with 12 of those years teaching dance and the rest PE. “I taught PE for the first ten years I was here; it was really fun, but I love teaching dance,” Bedrosian said. Although she is technically the teacher, the dance department is a student-run program, which means that the students do most of the preparation and organization. The dancers learn a new dance each week and in that week they have to perfect it. However, for football performances, they have two weeks to learn a new choreography. ̈So they have two and learn three different little dances and then we put them all together, and then we do formations. So they learn the choreography for about a week, and it takes time because there are 43 kids. We have so many strong dancers and tumblers, so a week to learn it and put it in the field,”̈ Bedrosian said. While the students practice every day, they have to
by Rayvin Wulfing, A&E Editor
N
ew Science Academy 1 and AP Chemistry teacher Evan Holtz started his job at PRHS on Aug. 15, 2019. Holtz grew up in San Luis Obispo, where he attended SLO High, and then Cal Poly after Evan Holtz graduating in 2014. Holtz graduated from Cal Poly with a bachelor’s in biochemistry and spent about two and a half years during college doing research in an Advanced Organic Chemistry Laboratory on pharmaceutical building blocks. After graduation, Holtz went though Cal Poly’s credential program, while completing his student teaching in a chemistry class at Central Coast New Tech High School in Nipomo. “I love teaching science because I enjoy getting students excited about asking, ‘Why?’ Science is a fun and interesting subject because it provides you with the knowledge to be able to manipulate the world around you. Also, science has more explosions than other classes,” Holtz said. Photo by Rayvin Wulfing
During Holtz’s childhood, he spent most of his time outside of school swimming. Holtz swam club for 12 years, including four years in high school, competing mostly long distance freestyle events. Holtz also spent a lot of time reading and hanging out with his friends. Holtz favorite book currently is Why Sleep, by Dr. Mathew Walker. “In my free time, I am always listening to music because I appreciate that artistic ability people have to can control sound waves in a way that produce powerful emotional responses in others. I also spend a lot of time researching random science topics (nutrition, quantum mechanics, astrophysics, etc.), playing video games, and hanging out with my friends,” Holtz said. Holtz had some advice for students at PRHS. “My advice for students at PRHS would be to make sure you are getting eight hours of sleep every night. It doesn’t matter how hard you are working in school if you are not getting enough sleep,” Holtz advised.
10.04.19 Crimson Newsmagazine | PEOPLE 09
| Blind Date
Touristing in a Hometown by Maicah Cabello and Viviana Hernandez, Blind Date Co-Editors
Excitement and anticipation hung in the air as PRHS’ very own sophomore blind daters prepared for their touristic evening in downtown Paso Robles. BLIND FOLDED : Martin awaits his date for the evening with patience but without the abitity to see.
T
he afternoon of September 19 welcomed blind daters sophomores Quinn Martin and Jordan Weyrich in a tourist’s ideal early evening in downtown Paso Robles. They were volunteering their time and conversation to a 17 year old Crimson Newsmagazine blind date tradition. Waiting by the historical public library in downtown park, blind fold on and all, Martin started his afternoon with excitement on his mind. He settled his nerves as he knew he could “just be himself:” the aspirational videographer and comical character his friends and himself are familiar with. This being Weyrich’s very first date, she was ready to dive into her date head first. The arising suspense to find out who her date was surfaced in her nerves as well; her usual posse of soccer team members were not here to back Weyrich up. Casual jokes and sarcastic comments might not be enough to ease her way through. We stood our daters backto-back as the sun slanted sideways. Then the two blind mice were told to take their blindfolds off. Relief dawned in their eyes as they recognized a common face.
BEGINNING THE SEARCH : Martin (left) and Weyrich (right) begin their scavenger hunt in the park .
Photos by Victoria Escamilla
10 BLIND DATE | Crimson Newsmagazine 10.04.19
“Oh hey, Quinn!” shouted Weyrich in a release of nerves which followed with a friendly hug. Subsequently the pair went off to complete a timed 30 minute scavenger hunt around the park. They struggled to find something made of metal, searching low and high for a loose scrap. With his sense of humor, Martin attempted to pick up the park’s three foot tall dog statue to get another check off their list. Weyrich responded with a full belly laugh. At around 6:40 p.m. the couple’s time was up. They had found three items—evidence of a potential relationship or foretaste of trouble? We had laid out a pre-set picnic with candles, a picnic basket, rustic trays, and origami napkin folds in the shape of roses. The duo indulged. We guided them through games of Truth or Dare, and Would You Rather. We had made a prior arrangement with Piazza Del Pane so the couple could choose two entrees from a menu laid out in front of them, accenting the decor of our spread. After some consideration, Weyrich ordered a Chicken Caesar Salad and Martin chose the Italian sausage and penne. We ran in their orders while the couple continued with the question games—and added Two Truths and a Lie to get to know each other more. During these icebreakers, Weyrich and Martin were making serious inquiries about whether they would have fingers as long as their legs or
ON THE MOVE: The couple continues the hunt as the clock counts down to 20 min.
Blind Date Scavengers • A to-go box • Ice cream sample spoons • Bottle cap mint condition • Coin from 2016 • Something fuzzy • Something of metal • Items having 1st letter Q or J • Dancing with a stranger legs as long as their fingers. Martin made the argument that legs as long as your fingers would only be crushed under the weight of your own body, so therefore Weyrich couldn’t help but agree. The sound of laughter brought the emptying park to life, between hula hooping, belly dancing, and uncovering truths: their worst fear was what? After 20 minutes we delivered warm food to the pair and their grateful stomachs. The blind daters enjoyed their meals even though Martin’s penne turned into Italian sausage and shrimp risotto. The “funky” dish that Martin had received was cushioned by the fun conversation that as being exchanged. The talk of soccer tournaments and traveling provided a tastier dish to nibble on as the night was two thirds over. As the couple
BLIND DATE | DINNING IN : Martin and Weyrich move inside to find a reserved table awaiting in The Odyssey.
FINAL GOODBYES: The night’s couple poses for a final picture before parting.
filled up before they could finish their meals, their full bellies cued the sunset and its pastel colored skies. The date was beginning to wind down, and each student was beginning to draw the conclusion that perhaps a blind date was not the most desirable situation. Was the light conversation enough to carry the weight of a few moments of awkward silence? The sun went down and the brilliant colors faded, leaving the end-of-summer night winds to pick up and rush Martin and Weyrich indoors to the next restaurant. Finding room for dessert, at about 7:40 p.m. the pair headed to The Odyssey for a tasty treat. Martin ordered a carrot cake, Weyrich a slice of cheesecake. The dynamic headed into the perks of being able to drive. Martin is on his way to getting his license in October; Weyrich is just beginning the lengthy process and a painful wait. The anticipation of being able to drive
wherever they pleased! Road trip possibilities! The wait was unbearable. Delicately, meticulously garnished cakes arrived and dolled up the date. Conversation dwindled. Waitress Jaiden Spaulding soon brought it back to life, asking which teachers they each have this year. Her presence eased the couple’s conversational pressure, lighting the fire between them once again only to be brought to a halt when the clock struck
RATE THE Date What’s the verdict?
• Looking back on the date both parties decided that the night was a night well spent despite the few moments of frightening awkwardness. • Weyrich told us in the aftermath that going on another blind date wouldn’t be her first choice “because during the date it was sometimes awkward.” • Martin agreed that the date wasn’t fully what he was expecting and that he “probably wouldn’t go on a blind date again.” • We observe that the experience wasn’t their perfect “slice of cake” —but it still had a good aftertaste.
CHATTING UP A STORM: Weyrich (left) and Martin (right) get to know each other more after finishing their dinner.
WOULD YOU RATHER: The dynamic duo ponders whether they woud perfer to only be able to eat with a spoon or only be able to eat with a fork.
FAN FAVORITES “My favorite part was eating that carrot cake.” (Martin, 10)
PIAZZA DE PANNE: The caesar salad and the Italian sausage and shrimp risotto waft towards the blind daters.
“My favorite part was the beginning when we first saw each other and the free food.” (Weyrich, 10) 10.04.19 Crimson Newsmagazine | Blind Date 11
| CARMESI
Una campeona en
dos idiomas
ABOUT CARMESI: Carmesi is “Crimson” in Spanish. This section is dedicated
to our Spanish speaking community that comprises approximately half of the student body. Carmesi stories are posted on our website in both languages so check it out for an English version! Have Carmesi ideas? Email us at: crimsonnewsmagazine@gmail.com
PRHS da la bienvenida a la nueva defensora de las familias que no hablen ingles by Malia Gaviola, Op/Ed Editor
D
Translated by Maeven Perlich-Chase
años. Pero lo que deseaba más que todo era una escuela primaria pero no una escuela una educación. Esquivel consideró la falta de intermedia ni una preparatoria. A causa de la pobreza de su pueblo Esquivel tuvo que pausar oportunidades que tenía en México y dijo: “No tenía ninguna educación. Era muy sus estudios cuando estaba en el tercer grado. pobre entonces no podía asistir a la escuela Para ayudar a su familia empezó a trabajar pero queria aprender mas, quería hacer aún cuando era muy joven. Antes de más”. Vivió en mudar de Mexico Te p a l c a t e p e c [Mi pasado] realmente me motivó cuando tenia 17 con sus abuelos a tratar a ayudar a las familias años el 17 de julio hasta que tenía y guiandolos. Con muchas de las de 1993, Esquivel 17 años, cuando mudó a Cambria, familias había una actitud de ‘no participó en California donde puedo hacer esto’ y solo quiero un programa adultos podría pasar más enseñarles que si quieres puedes. para con el objetivo tiempo con su Si se puede. de completar madre, quien no su educación. había vivido con Avanzó en sus desde que tenía un Citlali Esquivel, Bilingual Family Advocate cursos, pasando año. los exámenes “No tuvimos agua. Tuvimos que traer el agua de los ríos... de la escuela primaria y intermedia. Hizo su No tuvimos electricidad hasta que tenía examen final (de la escuela preparatoria) justo ocho años. Vivíamos por la luz de velas o antes de partir para los Estados Unidos. “Mi abuela me llamó allí [en Cambria] para del petróleo. Hacíamos nuestras propias tortillas por mano”, Esquivel dijo de su vida decirme que obtuve mi certificado que [decía en Tepalcatepec. Describió la vistosidad de que] había pasado mi examen final”, Esquivel esta área, con sus colinas bellas y sus ríos dijo. Siguió aprendiendo y esforzándose para vibrantes, pero también noto la pobreza tener éxito en sus estudios y compensar por el de su comunidad. En Tepalcatepec había tiempo perdido. “Hice toda mi educación entre los edades de 15 y 17. No fui a la universidad pero cuando vine aqui queria aprender el idioma entonces fui a Cuesta,” Esquivel dijo. Ahora, con la carga de Bilingual Family Advocate, Esquivel asiste a los estudiantes a tomar ventaja de varias oportunidades y adaptarse a sus nuevos entornos. Durante las primeras tres semanas del año escolar, Esquivel ayudó a aproximadamente 30 estudiantes con “cualquier reunión o interpretaciones y traducciones que se necesita. [Hace] muchas cositas pero por la mayor parte da apoyo los que AYUDA Y SONRISAS (arriba) : Citlali Esquivel considera su conocimiento de dos están aprendiendo inglés, idiomas una ventaja. Ahora usa esta habilidad para ayudar a los estudiantes de PRHS. especialmente los recién llegados”. 12 CARMESI | Crimson Newsmagazine 10.04.19 urante los primeros meses de la escuela, los estudiantes de PRHS han estado en un torbellino de nuevos cursos, companeros de clase, personal de la escuela, responsabilidades y otras tensiones. Este frenesí de papeles de tarea y de nuevos empiezos no pertenece solamente a los estudiantes de PRHS; el personal también está muy ocupado. Una de las muchas caras nuevas de PRHS es de Citlali Esquivel, la nueva Bilingual Family Advocate. Para ella, empezando su primer año en PRHS se siente como en casa. “Todos me han dado la bienvenida y me han tratado con amistad para que no siento como una extranjera,” Esquivel dijo. Ella emplea su experiencia de su tiempo viviendo en México y de aprender a el inglés después de mudar a los Estado Unidos para facilitar la integración de nuevos estudiantes al campus de PRHS. Lucha para hacer que cada estudiante nuevo siente tan aceptado en la cultura del campus como ella para que pueden “disfrutar de cada dia que pasan aquí”. Citlali Esquivel nació en Tepalcatepec, México. Por más que una década ella manejaba las responsabilidades de su vida de casa y de cuidar a su familia. Obtuvo su primer trabajo cuando tenía aproximadamente ocho
Pero la ayuda de Esquivel no termina cuando sus estudiantes dejan el campus de PRHS. “Si hay una familia necesitada que está en aprietos con el alojamiento como “the Link” (una organización dedicada a ayudar a las familias proveer la atención médica, el alojamiento, refugio, o cualquier otros servicios que podrían necesitar.)”, Esquivel comentó. Esquivel toma mucho cuidado en asegurarse que sus cargas están en una situación estable para que pueden enfocarse en aprender el inglés, encontrando su lugar en PRHS y no quedarse atrás en sus estudios. Trabaja para “asegurarse que se encuentra los recursos para esas familias donde pueden conseguir ayuda. Eso incluye el banco de comida y el horario del banco de comida, quizás encontrando una organización que se puede ayudar si están luchando para pagar el alquiler”. Antes de venir a PRHS Esquivel era el Bilingual Family Advocate para la escuela primaria de Georgia Brown por tres años. Dio cuenta de las diferencias distintas entre los estudiantes aprendiendo inglés de la escuela primaria y los de la escuela preparatoria: “Descubrí que los estudiantes están muy frustrados cuando aprenden el idioma y que reaccionan en diferentes maneras...Cuando estas pequeño todos son tus amigos pero cuando eres un adolescente hay diferentes retos...puede que no te acepten si no hables el idioma. Cuando eres un niño no importa”, Esquivel dijo. Su puesto de Bilingual Family Advocate requiere que ella ayuda a los estudiantes que se están amoldando a la cultura del campus y a hablar el inglés. Esquivel relata a la lucha de aprender inglés. Esforza para conectar con los estudiantes que buscan un sustento mientras que navegan un idioma nuevo, classes difíciles y en algunos instantes un campus cerrado y estudiantes antipáticos. “Hice todo cuando era adulto y aprendi el ingles yo mismo entonces siento que pase por alto muchas actividades cuando era niña entonces no quiero que eso pase a otros estudiantes”, Esquivel dijo. “[Mi pasado] de veras me inspiró a tratar a ayudar a las familias y guiarlos. Con muchas de las familias había una actitud de ‘no puedo hacer esto’ y solo quiero enseñarles que si quieres puedes. Si se puede”. Esquivel dijo.
Photo by Malia Gaviola
PR PRESS |
10.04.19 Crimson Newsmagazine | PR PRESS 13
| POLI SCI
HEaring from Investigating differing perspectives on gun ownership In the wake of numerous mass shootings and protest events like the “March For Our Lives” gun control movement in March 2018, senior Elizabeth Phillips gave her perspective on gun ownership that supports the postive changes gun control would have in America.
S
enior Elizabeth obtain a gun, and she presents a question to lawful gun owners. “With all the recent shootings, I think background checks would be Phillips says that she wouldn’t great, though they really wouldn’t solve the issue. I would say maybe own a firearm; she simply wouldn’t more of a mental health check-in, so if a psychologist thinks that have any use for it. Although she believes in they are mentally unstable or they wouldn’t have the right judgment Second Amendment rights, she doesn’t hunt, when it comes to using a firearm, then they shouldn’t be allowed to nor is she concerned about using a firearm for own one. And what would the downsides be to more gun control? If you are someone who obeys the law and you don’t have any kind of self defense. mental illness or dangerous thoughts then you “I think the Second Amendment is I think the Second Amend- can still obtain a weapon,” Phillips stated. Phillips feels relatively safe living in a nation important. I don’t think ment is important. I don’t where gun ownership is legal, but along with we should get rid of it; think we should get rid of disliking the thought of having armed security people should have the it; people should have the on campus, she still has some concerns about right to bear arms -- to an extent. The police and the right to bear arms -- to an living among firearms. “It’s a concern of mine that anyone off the government should definitely be allowed to extent. street can have a gun on them and just decide have firearms, and civilians should be able to if to cause harm or terror. That can’t happen in they obtain them legally.” Phillips said. Liz Phillips, 12 other countries where citizens aren’t allowed Despite her belief in the Second to have guns. I trust the government that if Amendment, Phillips does advocate for more something like that were to ever happen that the police would come gun control reform in the United States. “I think making guns harder to get would be a good idea. I don’t and stop it,” Phillips said. Phillips conveys inconsistencies in enacting more gun control think the crime rate would go down, but gun violence would go down somewhat, and a little bit is better than nothing. People are reform, as not all armed offenders obtained their weapons legally. “I don’t think legalized gun ownership is to blame for higher crime still going to obtain weapons illegally somehow, but overall it would rates. I think a lot of crimes are committed with illegal weapons or be a positive change,” Phillips said. Phillips’ claim advocated for stricter policies on obtaining those that are not legally obtained,” Phillips concluded. firearms, but she places emphasis on her belief that stricter policies would be focused on individuals at risk of misusing these weapons rather than the general population. Phillips proposes more detailed mental health check ups and background checks to make it harder to
Do you support or oppose a nationwide ban on the sale of assault weapons?
63%
SUPPORT
Photos by Cole Eberhard Illustrations by Malia Gaviola
14 POLI SCI | Crimson Newsmagazine 10.04.19
*According to a June 27 – July 7, 2019 national GQR survey of 2,000 Americans
Liz Phillips
POLI SCI |
Both Sides
by Cole Eberhard, Co-Web Director
In modern America, gun ownership is more scrutinised and debated than ever before. Sophomore Hunter Breese gave his opinion on gun ownership to provide a pro-gun perspective to the discussion.
S
ophomore Hunter Breese lives in a gun-owning family and alone, 14,542 murders were committed with a is a proud supporter of the Second Amendment and pro-gun firearm (Pew Research, 2019). Breese believes organizations such as the National Rifle Association of America that some measures can be taken to lessen these (NRA). His family uses firearms for more than just self defense, and statistics, but he affirms that legal gun owners he believes that the Second Amendment holds greater meaning than are not to blame. “I believe you should remain able to own simply defending oneself from intruders. “One of the biggest things we use guns for is hunting. I’m a very a gun the same age you’re allowed to vote, strong believer in the Second Amendment and I support the NRA, unless you’re a felon. I absolutely believe in background which all of my family members are lifetime members checks and that of. Civilians should be able to own guns because our should founding fathers wanted us to be able to fight against A person with a brain people be thoroughly a tyrannical government,” Breese said. pulls that trigger Breese lives in a nation of citizens with mixed knowing what they’re checked however times it opinions on gun ownership, where only three-indoing with that gun. many takes to make sure ten adults admit to personally owning a gun (Pew that the firearms are not in Research, 2018). Among those mixed opinions, Breese the wrong hands. People with has issues with claims he believes are frequently made Hunter Breese, 10 mental issues should be excluded, but if a in arguments against gun ownership. “‘Guns kill people’ -- I hear this one a lot. Guns are inanimate objects doctor said he or she is mentally capable of owning a firearm, and they can’t kill people by themselves. They do not go grow legs that would be all right. But it’s the people that get the guns and kill people. A person with a brain pulls that trigger knowing what illegally that do most of the crime. It’s the criminals that steal they’re doing with that gun. Also, I have heard, ‘The NRA is a terrorist them or get them on the black market,” Breese stated. If more gun control were to come about, Breese believes organization.’ They’re not a terrorist organization. The NRA exists only to uphold the Second Amendment and to protect the rights of gun that it wouldn’t solve anything. “Taking guns away from the good people isn’t going to stop owners all across the country,” Breese stated. Breese also believes that semi-automatic rifles are necessary and the bad people from committing crimes,” Breese concluded. that the argument against them is misrepresenting their true nature. “When they talk about banning semi-automatic rifles they’re just referring to the AR-15s [ArmaLite Rifle]. They look at semi-automatic .22s [.22 caliber rifles] and they say, ‘Oh, that one’s fine.’ It’s just AR-15s because of how big of a name it has and how much damage it has done. I think a semi-automatic rifle can be beneficial to most as far as hunting goes. For ranchers that have to kill hogs because they tear everything up, the best way to get rid of them is with semi-automatic rifles just because it’s so quick,” Breese said. The number of gun homicides in the United States is a large contributor for arguments against legalized gun ownership. In 2017
Do you support or oppose a nationwide ban on the sale of assault weapons?
33%
Hunter BrEESE
OPPOSE *According to a June 27 – July 7, 2019 national GQR survey of 2,000 Americans
10.04.19 Crimson Newsmagazine | POLI SCI 15
IN DEPTH |
| In DEPTH
Gasping for
pRHS pRHS Vaping Vaping Stats Stats
AIR
41% YES
Female
43%
Male
59% NO
by Anya Veach, Op/Ed Editor
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16 IN DEPTH | Crimson Newsmagazine 10.04.19
39%
Have you ever vaped?
Vaping on and off campus hits record levels
here’s a fine line between a both prevent vaping and for overall safety prevalent problem with a simple purposes- including closing down many solution and an unsolvable crisis. bathrooms during the day and installing But with certain issues, such as vaping on security cameras - the campus begins both the PRHS campus and in the rest of to see the same rapid changes as seen the US, it passes the point of being simply around the world. But for some, this is not an issue, a problem; it becomes an epidemic. In recent years, there has been a sudden but a way of life. Whether it’s a coping boom in the production, distribution, mechanism, a “safer” alternative to and ultimate use of these addictive vape cigarettes, a way to fit in, or merely products. According to statista.com, something to pass the time, vaping is not electronic cigarette sales doubled from always seen as a bad thing. Anonymous Crimson 1.5 billion in 2014 to survey takers provided 3.6 billion in 2018. With I did it because I reasons for why they a wide assortment of was just desperate vape and one freshman flavors to choose from to see what it felt male said, “Not because and easy accessibility in like. everyone else was. I did stores, these products it because I was just and juices for vape desperate to see what it are marketed for all PRHS Student, 9 felt like so I looked it up ages. This widespread and I saw that it wasn’t appeal has led to a sort of desperation and, ultimately, a lack of harmful.” In a Sept. 2019 article from CNN Health, education and information regarding the exact ingredients within the products used students found vaping around the NYU - a dangerous game for anyone, especially campus were spotted and asked a few quick questions as to their reasons for teens, to be playing. With the first known deaths pinned vaping and how they got into it. Many said to vaping occurring within the previous they were thinking of quitting as they were months - and many other fatal side effects unsure of the long-term consequences; gradually appearing - it is becoming others, such as 20-year-old Brooklyn increasingly apparent just how little is Johnson, see it purely as “something to known about the long term effects of this have in [their] hand and be doing.” As the misconceptions around vaping addictive hobby. However, this epidemic is much closer rise and teenage peer pressure continues, to home than many realize. In a Crimson the actions of policy makers, school survey conducted on Sept. 23, 2019, administrators, and electronic cigarette nearly 41 percent of students at Paso High companies are battling for what the future of vaping will look like in the upcoming admitted to have vaped at least once. With administrators taking strides to years. stop this by administering new policies to
*226 PRHS students surveyed on Sept. 23, 2019
Know someone UNDER 18 who vapes:
Yes No
85% 15%
32%
REGRET vaping Photo by Ysabel Wulfing
Policy Changes
Percentages of students that have ever vaped by grade level
Four of six new policies aimed at preventing vaping occurrences on campus monitoring. Effective camera array can mitigate staffing shortages and increase supervision to reduce rates of behavior violations.
1
2
PARKING CONTRACT: Enforcing the parking
contract and towing vehicles for violators. Policy ensures parking lots remain empty to prevent harmful and illegal student activity.
CORRECTIVE INTERVENTIONS: Utilization of the Academic Re-en-
gagement Center (ARC) to provide corrective interventions and supports. Removal from class is not time-based “suspension” , it is goal-based “access” to behavior curriculum to remove barriers to success upon re-entry.
3
4
BATHROOMS: Restricted restroom access during instructional time. Vaping, drug deals, vandalism, and the triggering of smoke alarms within restrooms can be reduced by restricting access and assigning safety staff supervision. Information provided by assistant principal Dan Sharon
72% 28% Yes
Read more on new school policies on pg. 04 Surveillance: Increased surveillance cameras and
Seen someone VAPE IN CLASS
50%
50%
40%
40%
30%
30%
30%
30%
20%
20%
20%
20%
10%
10%
10%
10%
GRAde 09
GRAde 10
GRAde 11
GRAde 12
50% 40%
Graphics by Ysabel Wulfing
4
No
50%
4
40%
10.04.19 Crimson Newsmagazine | IN DEPTH 17
| IN DEPTH
Key to helping youth
KEYS arrives on campus to help students battle nicotine addiction by Alayna Hernandez, Business Director
S
Photo by Ysabel Wulfing
YOUTH Youth ADDICTION Addiction The brain is developing up to age 25. During this period, strong connections called synapses are created. Youth are more susceptible to addiction because the brain takes it as a form of learning and those synapses can solidify this leaning. Source: Know The Risks
18 IN DEPTH | Crimson Newsmagazine 10.04.19
“At first, it was out of curiosity. uddenly, ten PRHS students found themselves in an Then it became a habit,” admitted empty classroom as the bell another student. Precautionary policies that for first period blared out above. They all knew why the other was close bathrooms and block there, whether it was by choice or parking lot access have been made a commanding parent. But, with by the administration to reduce the click of the door, they were a the amount of time teens can vape on campus. community. Yet London, along with the What are they fighting? A nicotine addiction. School Academic Engagement program interventions and/or campus (ARC), where students can now violations landed them there. complete re-engagement courses Completing the Keeping Every in replace of detention, is tackling Youth Sober program--KEYS-- is a detail about vaping undiscussed in national and local coverage: their defense. Last Tuesday, the factors September 19, They have an emo- that enable Karol London, this addiction tional issue going founder of KEYS, among youth on and they’re led the first on and how to looking for a quick offer recovery campus meeting in a confidential and solutions. fix to happiness. six week course. “That is what Operating with my main thing Karol London, the district for is, to work with KEYS Founder five years prior them, to try at Independence, and understand KEYS has now moved onto main how they’re living in this culture of campus as a resource for students vaping,” said London, who started seeking support for substance the program in the 90s after abuse-- including nicotine enabled completing rehab for smoking. through vaping. “Well, you hear ‘that’s just a KEYS is operating on campus phrase kids are going through.’ after recent reports from the CDC No, it’s not. Lots of kids have a has confirmed over 500 cases of psychological issue going on. They severe pulmonary disease linked have an emotional issue going on, to vaping. Now, with the death and they’re looking for a quick fix toll up to seven people, what was to happiness.” once marketed as a harmless This program is voluntary; alternative to tobacco has created any student can access more a major public health threat and information from counselors or one of the main worries of PRHS administration. staff and administration. London brings perspective and facts to the issue and the classes she holds with students. “Kids tell me ‘I can do what I want to do’. I’m not going to tell you what to do. I’m going to tell you I have some options if you chose to do something different,” he explained. Participants of his course could comment due to a confidentiality agreement with KEYS. But one student attested in an anonymous survey, “[I started vaping] because Karol London it helps my anxiety.”
Photo provided by Karol London
drowning in legislation by Jeremy Hunt, Writing Director
I
n early July 2019, three California legislators – including San Luis Obispo County’s Jordan Cunningham – proposed a bill intended to crack down on teenage use of vaping products. The bipartisan bill, designated AB 1639, would create “the toughest anti-teen vaping policy in the nation,” according to the group of legislators. Cunningham worked with Assemblyman Adam Gray (D-Merced) and Assemblyman Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) to create six major points meant to reduce teen vaping. Most notably, these points include limiting the sale of flavored vapes to only tobacco stores (they can no longer be sold at gas stations or convenience stores). Additionally, vape companies are no longer allowed to advertise their products in a manner that is especially appealing to teens (e.g. colorful, cereal box-like packaging). According to Cunningham, teenage vaping has risen 900% in the past five
IN DEPTH |
Bipartisan antivaping bill brings improvement along with controversy
years. “This epidemic, like those of the past, deserves a robust and comprehensive public policy response. This bipartisan bill is the response our children need and deserve,” Cunningham said in a guest commentary for CalMatters. Yet AB 1639 has not come without controversy. According to the California Secretary of State’s Office, both Cunningham and Gray have collected campaign contributions from tobacco industry leader Philip Morris USA: Cunningham has collected $13,000 since 2016 and Gray has collected $20,800 since 2012. The American Lung Association said that AB 1639 “mirrors proposals sought by the tobacco industry” – in other words, the tobacco industry pushed for these measures to be implemented to prevent the possibility of stricter measures. Whether AB 1639 is doing everything possible to curb vaping or not, the proposals listed are still advances over what was already in place.
In agreement with legislation that bans flavored pods:
62%
ADDICTION How How it It Starts starts Emotional Void
Boredom
How it continues Progressive Build-up
1
2
3
AGREE
Understanding how addiction begins and how to combat it.
*226 PRHS students surveyed on Sept. 23, 2019
How to to stop stop it it How
1
2
First
Recognize
Next
React
3
Then
Maintain
Harmful Use
ABUSE
Recognize that there is a problem.
Seek out help.
Information provided by: Juliette Hart, BA in Behavioral Science DEPENDENCE
Photo by Ysabel Wulfing
Learn new habits and behaviors to maintain to prevent a relapse.
Graphics by Ysabel Wulfing and Tia Tayl0r
10.04.19 Crimson Newsmagazine | IN DEPTH 19
| IN DEPTH
Fake it â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;til you vape it
Photo and graphics by Ysabel Wulfing
Additive found in counterfeit vape cartridges linked to recent vape-related deaths by Hannah Hochheiser, Web Director
S
ince August, seven people have died nationwide due to vaping related lung issues. The thing that all of the cases have in common? All of the victims had been suspected to be using counterfeit cartridges, whether they realize it or not. While counterfeit vapes are generally very common, the underground vape market is largely comprised of illegal THC-based cartridges. A Crimson survey of 226 students conducted on Sept. 23, 2019 revealed that 59 percent of students that have vaped have vaped THC. Even as states, such as California, legalize marijuana based substances this black market still lives on. The latter is largely due to the simple fact that it is generally cheaper to buy black market substances and as substances are legalized the price often increases due to taxation. Increased prices eventually lead to increased usage of cheaper, less verifiable safe products. The main culprit when it comes to THC vapes is Vitamin E acetate. Vitamin E acetate is a fat soluble that is used as a thickening agent in black-market or unregulated THC oils. It is used chiefly to decrease costs of the manufacturer. It has also been linked by many news outlets to Chinese manufacturers. Vitamin E acetate is not approved by the FDA as a vape additive and has not been found in any legal nicotine vape products. In other words, products such as JUUL do not contain the additive thus cannot be linked beyond reasonable doubt to the current vape-related deaths.
20 IN DEPTH | Crimson Newsmagazine 10.04.19
While the FDA as an organization has not outright concluded that Vitamin E acetate is the culprit behind these cases, former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb states that, â&#x20AC;&#x153;legitimate e-liquids are generally based on chemicals that are water soluble, not oils that can cause acute lung injury.â&#x20AC;? Inadvertently, the main difference between water soluble and fat soluble e-liquids is the usage of Vitamin E acetate in the latter. In order to avoid illnesses related to vaping, the CDC recommends avoiding both THC vape products in general and purchasing e-liquids from retailers that are not certified by the state.
What students have vaped:
78%
NICOTINE
59% THC
*226 PRHS students surveyed on Sept. 23, 2019
PR PRESS |
10.04.19 Crimson Newsmagazine | PR PRESS 21
| ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Rocking down the house A festival of art, music, and yoga
by Maeven Perlich Chase, Carmesi Editor
O
n September 14 and 15, hundreds people gathered at Niels and Bimmer Udsen’s Whale Rock Vineyard of Castoro Cellars for their seventh Whale Rock Music and Arts Festival. The Bimmers have donated over $70,000 in proceeds from this annual event to MUST! Charities, the Templeton Education Foundation, and the Templeton High School Band. This community-based festival includes live music, yoga, face painting, food trucks, a children’s area, a silent disco, and hundreds of smiling faces. Walking through the entrance, one might notice the warmth and friendliness of family, friends, and strangers’ interactions. The joy that people feel at being a this festival is more than apparent. “It’s true of this festival and Live Oak that when you come year after year you have a community of people that you gather with and that’s what really makes a festival special: the community feeling it builds among everybody attending it,” John Beccia, whose band Up in the Air played in the first festival, said. Ean Bertando and Noor Brody, who came to Paso for the festival from UC Berkeley, served freshly-brewed tea in a no-shoes-allowed teepee, adding to the fanciful ambiance of the event. “I’ve been coming here every year because it’s such a blast. It’s a really good time: great energy, good music, good people,” Bertando said. “I grew up in SLO so it just feels like home. You can’t go more than five feet without seeing someone smiling. Everyone just feels like family.” He agreed that the festival gives a very welcoming impression to anyone who attends it. “It’s such a friendly little fest with kids running around everywhere like everyone’s just happy to be out here. Even when it’s 100 degrees, people are still having a good time,” Bertando said. The festival accommodates people of all age groups; while it is at a winery, there are also sandboxes and a hollow oak tree for younger children to play in. It’s silent disco and yoga area are also open to all ages. Artist groups such as Forever Stoked displayed their vivid and thought-provoking art while
artist Nate Ross (above) livepainted an abstract plantshaped figure. He said that he took some art classes at Cal Poly and now paints casually, feeling his pieces are never truly done; he can WHALE ROCK always “always grab it off the MAIN STAGE: wall and keep going.” Festival-goers “I like that its like all age ranges you see old folks and you see young kids and its gather around the main stage to dance cool its very communal,” Ross said. and enjoy the live Younger people not only attend the music. festival but also contribute by volunteering. “I really enjoy volunteering. You meet so many interesting Photos by Maeven Perlich Chase people volunteering that you would never meet if you were just wandering around the festival and talking to your friends. [...] It’s so much fun!” Templeton High School sophomore Alex Walde, who came with her friend Izzy Mcbride, said. The eclectic array of art, music, food, and people at this festival contribute to a magical, lively, and inclusive atmosphere.
Sketching her passions Senior AP artist Krysta Newton shares her inspiration behind her art pieces by Anya Veach, Op/Ed editor
Q
uiet and studious with a face of pure focus, senior Krysta Newton meticulously drags her pencil across her paper. Every line, every stroke, every motion is carefully thought through. She is fully aware of everything she does as she works to transfer an image in her head onto the page in front of her. As an AP artist, Newton has found inspiration for her work in the world around her. She devotes around seven to nine hours every week to focusing on her art. Though this is only her first year in AP art, Newton has had a passion for creating ever since she was young. “I’ve always loved art, but in sixth grade I really started to get into it more,” Newton said, “Throughout middle school I developed a lot [in my art]… I feel like all my drawings from middle school are really different from what I do now, which is really great.” Coming from a family full of various kinds of artists, it seemed only natural that she would follow suit. Being surrounded by these figures influenced her to begin drawing, and she recalls how her “family is really creative and there’s a lot of artists.” Her love for people, especially her family, is greatly reflected in her work. Newton stated that she found a love for painting portraits, particularly eyes, and likes to focus
Photos by Anya Veach
22 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | Crimson Newsmagazine 10.04.19
on emotion. “I think that human emotion is great to showcase because there’s so many and there are so many things you can do with a face,” Newton said. Newton’s abilities and passion are reflected heavily in her work and are noticed by many who admire it. “Krysta is a wonderful person and student,” AP Art instructor Clarissa Wilson said. “She is always quietly on task and self motivated to work on her art projects. She is kind to everyone and has great insight when she shares ideas with other fellow artists. Krysta loves her family and I think that they are a big influence on what she draws and paints. She enjoys doing portraits of her family members and she captures them very well.” Each year in the AP Art class, students are asked to create a concentration of work that follows a theme throughout each piece. Newton decided to use her skills in portrait art to connect people to the Earth, showing how “the death of the Earth relates to the death of us.” Her love of human emotions as well as her connection to the world around her has shone through in her art. Finding a way to express yourself can be a difficult matter for many, but for the likes of a few talented souls it is merely second nature. Krysta Newton stands by her passion and gives many an outlet to share emotions through those reflected in her art – a true service to the PRHS community.
2
YOU’LL FLOAT TWO I
Arts & Entertainment |
A deep dive into the good the bad and the scary of IT Chapter 2 by Jaclyn Di Matteo, People Co-Editor
T Chapter Two opened up set in the small town of Derry at a carnival eerily similar to that of Paso Robles. It then proceeded to leave audiences across the nation nauseated in their seats with an overly gruesome and explicit scene that gave off the same feeling you get when watching Hanna Baker slit her wrists in 13 Reasons Why. After viewing a hate crime we get into the actual plot of the film that ultimately fell short despite the stacked cast starring Bill Skarsgard, Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, Bill Hader, Jay Ryan, James Ransone, and Isaiah Mustafa who looked astonishingly similar to the kids starring in IT Chapter One. As so many scary movies do the lack of plot was attempted to be made up for by an excruciating amount of jump scares. The jump scares were simultaneously predictable yet horrifying and I involuntarily yelped on two separate occasions as well as accidentally punched myself in the face because of fear. Based off Stephen King’s novel the screenplay writer, Gary Dauberman accompanied by the noted director Andrés Muschietti achieved an opening box office worldwide of $323.3 million in just two weeks. Despite objective success the writing fell flat; Beverly was suddenly just a damsel in distress, Ben was haunted by his formerly fat self, Bill was haunted by his dead little brother, Richie obviously just using comedy to suppress his traumatic childhood, Eddie still just a
germaphobe, and Mike who was just there as a reason for all of them to come back to Derry and some racial diversity. The expected amazing comic relief we saw in IT Chapter One did not deliver in chapter two and instead we were left with confusion between fear and comedy. I didn’t know whether I was supposed to be scared while a zombie was making out with Eddie’s mom or find it funny. (I went with the latter) After watching a sort of culty ritual that feigned an ending to this film we are yet again greeted by the somehow not dead Pennywise who then gets rekilled by the losers club making him feel small. Which if that ending wasn’t already cheesy enough we follow it up by Richie being the only one to care about the death of Eddie and an awkwardly fact based suicide note where Stanley explains he just chickened out of going back home by killing himself instead. What closure the audience is supposed to get from this I really don’t know but Ben and Beverly kissed underwater so we should all be distracted and forgiving of a straight up bad ending. Ultimately, my elevated standards for this movie were met with mediocre execution and inexplicable loose ends.
W E I EV
R
THE CIRCLE OF THE
LION KING
Continue Reading On
WEB
Even after 25 years, since the first animated The Lion King, Disney is producing strong with a new The Lion King, but this time in live action
T
he tale of The Lion King has and dusks in its time. From film (awarded two Oscars), the Lion King on Broadway (winner to the animated sequels and mention (aka The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride )
by Malia Gaviola, Opinion Co-Editor gone through many dawns the cherished animated the musical adaption of of 6 TONY awards), prequels that no one dares 1 ½ and The Lion King that seemed to be continuations created due to the original movie’s rampant success. Now, in 2019, the sun has yet again shed its light back onto the story of a king’s death, banishment, and reawakening. The Lion King was produced in the height of Disney’s
Renaissance, a time where the studio was able to “remind audiences of the power and beauty of the studio’s classic animation style; integrate catchy, original songs with a deftness rarely seen outside Broadway theaters; and draw in adult audiences” (“What Disney Risked to Make The Lion King in 1994”, www.nytimes.com). This Disney paragon successfully – in coordinance with its Cumulative Worldwide Grossing of $968,511,805 according to IMDB.com – was able to accomplish these three feats while delivering both memorable as well as dynamic characters and messages of coming of age and responsibility. Due to all these factors in conjunction with the entertaining plot, The Lion King (1994) was able to achieve a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes for both critic and audience score. Despite its many praisings, this award winning animated film received backlash due to some technicalities and stereotypes presented within the children’s movie. One of which was the fact that the movie,meant to be located in Africa, had a mainly white cast with about 35% of the voice actors being black. Even main characters such as Simba, Scar, and Nala were played by the white actors/actresses Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, and Moira Kelly ,respectively. Just as the animated film Mulan was meant to portray the country of China, Hercules with Greece, America with Pocahontas, The Lion King was meant to depict Africa. Yet, with overarchingly Caucasian cast it makes it difficult for the audience to fully accept this film as a representation of Africa, even if this is an animated movie about orange and yellow lions.
Graphics by Rayvin Wulfing
10.04.19 Crimson Newsmagazine | Arts & Entertainment 23
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TIKTOK
POP CULTURE |
40%
The new vine?
After two years, the downfall of musical.ly has shone light upon TikTok by Jocelyn Lopez, Pop Culture Editor
T
ikTok is a free entertainment app that around 500 million active users use monthly. Users can make 15 second videos on the app or combine videos and make them up to 60 seconds. People use it to be creative and make funny, informative, or lip syncing videos. There is a variety of almost everything! Once known as musical.ly back in 2016, TikTok was re-branded around August of 2018. Musical.ly was an app where users would make lip syncing videos to songs, but TikTok users create a variety of videos. People around campus have mixed emotions on whether TikTok is the new Vine or not. Vine was an entertainment app back in 2013 where creators made 6 second videos. People made funny videos that later turned into memes. Although TikTok and Vine do have their different video time lengths, they have similar content. People
around campus have mixed emotions whether it’s the new Vine or not. In an Instagram poll that was taken on September 17th, 2019 by 96 students, about 60% that believed TikTok was the new Vine, and around 40% that believed it wasn’t. Senior Addy Gomez said, “I don’t think it’s that similar because I remember Vines where people were talking, and TikTok is people using other people’s sounds or songs.” Sophomore Holly Disimone, who has been using TikTok for over a year now, said, “Yeah, it’s very similar. It’s a lot of the same humor.” The amount of users of TikTok (500 million) has grown a lot; more than musical.ly ever had (200 million), and has more than Vine ever did (200 million) – so TikTok may have already reached the top.
Shell Necklace
Crop Top
60%
Poll taken by 96 students on Sep. 17, 2019
the
Vsco girl Defined
The latest trend has taken over many teenage girls’ lives, including those at PRHS, but what does being VSCO mean?
by Ashley Paulsen, Sports Co-Editor
Trendy Outfit Scrunchy
Hydro Flask
Zoey Manninger, 10
Photos by Ashley Paulsen Graphics by Jocelyn Lopez &Ysabel Wulfing
A
s you wander into your first class of the day, you without having to worry about likes or comments. might hear that faint “and I oop” or “sksksksks” But you aren’t considered a VSCO girl if you just use the coming from the group of girls in the back, or the app for filters. There are certain aspects that fit the aesthetic unified sound of four Hydro Flask caps being removed at and put you under the stereotype: scrunchies of every color, the same time, or even the raucous clanking of the metal shell necklaces, Hydro Flasks with beach stickers, oversized straw inside -- and you wonder why it seems t-shirts, and saying “and I oop,” “sksksksk” and the turtles!” that these seem to be everywhere now. It was just a “save The latest trend has developed: the VSCO Students from a poll on Instagram stupid trend. It were able to voice their opinions on VSCO girl. got as old as girls, showing diverse responses. “It was just Although many parts of the trend has been around for years, the new aesthetic quickly as ‘yo a stupid trend. It got as old as quickly as ‘yo of VSCO has recently come back into play mama’ jokes did. Mama’ jokes did,” sophomore Kelen Macharia stated. “I don’t like that they are called ‘VSCO as of June this year. The term “VSCO” is coined from the Kelen MAcharia, 10 girls’ when they’re just basic, trendy girls,” VSCO editing app that was created in 2011, sophomore Paisley Handley said. “They aren’t but has recently resurfaced and become a popular outlet that bad. It’s funny to make fun of them, but the stuff they for teenage photographers -- or basically anyone with a do is fun,” junior Sophia Hammond noted, giving points to camera and a keen eye for good pictures. On the platform, both sides. a paid membership of $19.99/year will grant you access to The community seems to have mixed feelings about tools for editing and adding filters to your photos, as well as VSCO girls, but regardless, it is definitely a trend that we being able to upload your edited pictures on the platform, will look back upon when we reflect on 2019 in the future.
10.04.19 Crimson Newsmagazine | POP CULTURE 25
| ENVIRONMENT
Bottling up for the environment
Hydro Flasks and other reusable water bottles gain popularity and help reduce plastic waste by Maeven Perlich Chase, Carmesi Editor
S
erving as a trendy accessory, an ecofriendly way to stay hydrated, and a place to keep your sticker collection, reusable water bottles are all the rage at PRHS. But, despite being a mainstream trend, the reusable water bottle fad is more than just a fleeting fashion statement. Katelynn Lamb, who has been the Science Academy 2 and AP Environmental teacher since the 2017-2018 school year, believes there is a deeper reason for students’ obsession with reusable bottles. “I think it’s great that its trendy. It is amazing that people are making this a trend, but I think that came from the idea that we want to use less resources or that we want to create less waste. I think that it stemmed from this environmental impact idea and then kind of carried over to popular culture,” Lamb said. While a growing number of PRHS students are hopping on the Hydro Flask bandwagon, 79% of 62 students surveyed own some Katelynn Lamb, Science Teacher type of reusable bottle. Bearcats supporting the movement to reduce plastic waste appreciate the use of any reusable water bottle, regardless of the hype around its brand. “I think there’s definitely a culture around specific types of water bottles but I like that there’s this broadening happening where people are just bringing whatever they have... now just having a reusable water bottle is becoming more trendy so it doesn’t really matter the kind but that you have one,” Lamb said. Each person who switches to a reusable water bottle, such as a Hydro Flask, saves 217 disposable water bottles from ending up in a landfill, accorded to ocean pollution blogger and Penn State student, JoLynn Harper. Currently, Lamb’s AP Environmental class is studying biogeochemical cycles and ecosystems by growing bean, radish, and lettuce plants inside repurposed plastic gallon water bottles. Lee said that her class will use them again for their “Trash to Art” project at the end of the school year. This science experiment, and will-be art creation, is one of many ways to
26 ENVIRONMENT |
Crimson Newsmagazine 10.04.19
reuse plastic water bottles, which helps prolong their ending up in a landfill or the ocean. Once plastic is made, “it sits on our planet for a really long time. In the ocean, where it’s bombarded by waves and wind, those plastics will eventually become smaller and smaller fragments [or] microplastics,” Lamb stressed. She also explained, “when animals consume microplastics they tend to block their digestive tracts, which alters how they eat, grow, and reproduce. Some species like the albatross die with their bellies full of plastics.”
I think we’re at the day and age where reusable bottles should become normal. Katelynn lamb, Science Teacher Lamb’s AP Environmental students learn about how human activities affect Earth’s ecosystems and explore solutions to environmental issues. She also mentioned her wishes that students understood how long plastics remain after we have used them and believes it is time for singleuse plastic water bottles to be phased out. ¨I think we’re at the day and age where reusable bottles should become normal. Single-use plastics like cutlery, plates, and cups, where you have lunch one time and then they are permanent waste, is transitioning as people become more educated about what happens with their waste,” explained Lamb. “I think that the first step is being educated and understanding what’s happening and then making those educated choices. That can make a big difference.” Many students feel the same as Lamb about single-use bottles; 92% of Bearcats surveyed are very concerned or a little concerned about the environmental effects of using disposable water bottles. PRHS senior Jaden Hansen found a way to reduce PRHS’ use of disposable bottles: selling inexpensive but reusable aluminum PathWater
k s a l oF
r
Hyd
bottles on campus. U s i n g an online petition, he is currently trying to get enough signatures to talk to the school board. “The petition was created by PathWater, an organization that creates and sells environmentally-friendly, aluminum reusable water bottles that contributes to their goal of shifting away from single-use plastic water bottles,” said Hansen. “Coming across the petition online and seeing it be brought into effect at my old school, I believe that it would do well at Paso High. Also, seeing the amount of single-use plastic water bottles being used at this school and knowing the effect it has on the environment and on us, it urges me to do something about it.” As one might notice by walking through campus, reusable water bottles are gaining popularity among students. Of the students surveyed, only 25% do not own a reusable bottle. ¨I just I feel like we’re timing out. I feel like now that we’re almost to 2020 we need to be a little bit more conscientious of our choices,” Lamb said,“I just think it’s time that we really switch over [to reusable bottles].”
Jaden Hansen, PRHS senior
Photos by Maeven Perlich Chase Graphics by Emily Mathein
ENVIRONMENT |
Rolling back green regulations
The Trump administration continues to roll back environmental regulation, including methane emission laws by Declan Higgins, Poli-Sci Editor
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limate change’s continuing and potentially decline of the oceans… I just don’t see anybody lasting effect on Earth, as has been the having a very decent life.” Nevertheless, this contentious issue is not the scientific consensus for over 30 years, is currently evading attention from the U.S. first of its kind. Since early 2017, President Donald government. This evasion has led to 85 regulations Trump’s administration has removed as many as put in place by several previous presidents, 85 environment-related regulations, some more including Barack Obama and George W. Bush, prominent than others. Included in the list is the planned withdrawal from the Paris climate being rolled back by President Donald accord, shrinking national parks for oil Trump’s administration. Regardless drilling, and weakening protections of these circumstances, for endangered species. however, these eliminations Regarding the relaxed of environmental laws could regulations, critics have often have dire consequences for panned Trump and his White America’s role in an ecoHouse allies for what they see friendly future. as dangerously and actively A New York Times ignoring climate change. article entitled “Curbs on Meanwhile, Trump and his allies Methane, Potent Greenhouse defend his actions as beneficial Gas, to Be Relaxed in U.S.” for people such as coal miners and illustrates the potential effects other fossil fuel workers. For instance, of the administration’s actions. in April, when he was about to The relaxation on methane sign an executive order entitled ordinances is remarkable in I feel so passionately “Executive Order on Promoting that major energy companies about this because my Energy Infrastructure and have expressed disagreement first grandchild was Economic Growth,” Trump with the policy, despite it defended it by saying, “Too technically benefiting them. This born two weeks ago. often, badly needed energy is not the only policy they have infrastructure is being held opposed, however, as various Mark dimaggio, reback by special-interest groups, other proposals have attracted tired science teacher entrenched bureaucracies, the negative attention of auto and radical activists. The two companies and other industry executive orders that I’ll be signing will fix this, titans for being too harmful to the environment. Mark DiMaggio, a retired PRHS science teacher dramatically accelerating energy infrastructure of 33 years, offered his take on how protecting approvals.” Despite the controversy, the rollbacks continue the environment affects him personally. “I feel so passionately about this because my first -- and with the various regulations repealed so far, grandchild was born two weeks ago, and I’m including clean water laws, habitat protection, deeply concerned about the world she’s going to methane emission guidelines, and more, the inherit and the life she’s going to have. If we don’t Trump administration has no plans to halt their deal with climate change, species loss, and the present environmental policies.
Regulation repeals: a timeline Jan. 20, 2017: Trump takes office Feb. 2017: Dakota Access pipeline approved June 2017: Withdrawal planned from Paris climate deal Dec. 2017: Oil drilling allowed in national parks Aug. 2018: Scalebacks of car emission regulations Dec. 2018: Drilling permitted in Alaskan wilderness June 2019: Clean Power Plan (Obamaera) replaced Aug. 2019: Endangered species laws weakened Aug. 2019: Methane emission standards lifted Present: 85 regulations repealed in total 10.04.19 Crimson Newsmagazine | ENVIRONMENT 27
| HEALTH
P.E. wins
PE PONDERINGs
Physical education classes serve an important role in fighting childhood obesity By Amy Banderas, Health Editor
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chools incorporating a physical education class has weighted pros and cons. For one, teens generally complain about it, especially if they are already participating in a sport. But state law, obesity, and general health goals have landed two years of PE class rightfully into the high school experience. Obesity is a huge problem in the United states. In 2006, 63% of people were overweight in the United states. Now in 2016 there was an increase up to 68% overweight according to an article called “The World’s Most Overweight Countries 3 “by Cheyenne Buckingham and Michel B Sauter. “Obesity is certainly an issue we see every day in our society. It causes our medical resources to be stretched so thin because of all the diseases that obesity ultimately causes. PE is never intended to make students elite athletes. It should provide students the opportunity to become more comfortable in their own space and how they move within that space. Hopefully by the time they leave school, they are comfortable enough and knowledgeable enough to join activities that will enhance their physical health,“ weight trainer and
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physical education t e a c h e r Tori Loney said. Embodying physical education is not meant to take up your time with miscellaneous tasks. The schools in California see the increase in over weight students and they want to encourage people to stay active. Physical education is a great way to stay healthy and fit. Schools incorporating a physical education class has weighted pros and cons. On the con side PE might take up space for an extracurricular class. Instead of taking a class that will help students reach their academic goals, they are forced to take physical education classes where teachers make students do simple activities such as “kickball.” Some students just stand around or sit and talk, not actually getting the exercise and education needed. On the pro side students who do try and are actively involved get the exercise needed to stay in shape and fit. “In PE not everything is going to be fun. If you are not really into improving your fitness people don’t see it as a positive. But that is probably the number one challenge from kindergarten all the way through high school, is to get those who don’t want to, to actually enjoy it,” Loney said. Teachers can only support and help students to achieve their goals up to a certain point. Teachers cannot make students want something so it is up to the
Student Opinion
2 28 HEALTH | Crimson Newsmagazine 10.04.19
Worth It: PE teacher Tori Loney strongly believes physical education is worth student’s time.
students to work for it. Just like physical education, your PE teacher can’t force you to participate but if you want to stay healthy and fit you have to simply try. Another pro aspect is by taking physical education students get time to move around, stretch, and get their blood flowing after classes. From a science teacher’s perspective Kennedy Gilbert stated, “I think it’s good to get up and move, especially for the students who don’t do sports. I think a lot of kids are like ‘I have to dress out and run laps’ and I think it’s important to educate and inspire and talk about aging and how to stay fit and how to make healthy choices.“ “There is nowhere that I have seen it come more to life not just in group work say in like an art class or math class but when you physically have to work together with somebody that maybe you don’t always get along with or that you know very well. In PE we get that a lot and it really forces us into those personal relationships in problem solving,” Loney said. Students may think physical education is a waste of time and doesn’t help you in the future. Students must stop and realize that the activities in their physical education class are basic life skills and they are being prepared to interact with others while staying healthy and fit.
“I think as you get to a higher grade level you have better things to worry about. How is PE going to help in college?” Yarilis Martinez, 12
Top 3 Most overweight Countries 1. USA . . . . . 46 million people 2. China . . . . 46 million people 3. India . . . . . 30million people
STATE LAW stipulates TWO YEARS The minimum requirement for graduation is two courses in PE. “A pupil shall complete in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, in order to receive a diploma of graduation from high school: At least two years of physical education instruction.” —CA Ed Code Section 51225.3
teaching fitness : Science
teacher Kennedy Gilbert believes that PE is a great way to instruct those who don’t play sports about how to live a healthy lifestyle.
NOT JUST FOR 9TH GRADE: Yarilis Martinez is a senior at PRHS in physical education.
Graphics by Amy Banderas
SPORTS |
Keeping up
WITH THE
BIG CATS
Two PRHS freshmen step up to varsity for the Fall 2019 season
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by Jeremy Hunt, Writing Director
or most high school athletes, their goal is to be on the varsity team and win games on the biggest stage possible. Oftentimes, athletes start out on the freshman squad, then advance to JV, then to varsity. However, for two PRHS freshmen, there was no advancing: Olivia Wright and Kaci Wagner are starting the Fall 2019 athletic season on varsity. “I want to give my 110 Wright is the only freshman on the varsity Girls percent to every practice and Volleyball team for 2019. On a team every game because I want with herself, one sophomore, two juniors, to give all the seniors a great last y e a r , ” and eight seniors, Wright felt pressure joining Wright said. “I personally expect this team to make the team as a true underclassman. “Coming into CIF because we work too hard not to.” Wagner, on the other hand, becomes one this season, I was super nervous because most of six players on the varsity Girls Golf team of the girls are seniors. To the upcoming fall season. Wagner be completely honest, I was Every single for has only been playing golf for a stunning pretty intimidated,” Wright one of the girls three months – since June 2019 – which said. Soon enough, though, has taken me makes her selection for varsity even more she realized there was nothing under their wing impressive. to be worried about. “Every and I am so Like Wright, Wagner was initially single one of the girls has grateful for that. intimidated by her older teammates taken me under their wing but soon found a home among them. and I am so grateful for that,” Olivia wright, 9 “Sometimes I feel a little overwhelmed she continued. because everyone has so much more Throughout the first 27 games, Wright has 106 kills on the court – experience than me, but everyone in the team is second most on the team. As this season really supportive and super fun to be around,” she continues, she plans to keep putting said. For the rest of this year, Wagner simply hopes in the work necessary to make this to gain “more experience and more confidence in [herself] when golfing.” season a success.
WAGNER by the numbers
WRIGHT by the numbers
25 SETS 106 KILLS 15 ACES 214 DIGS OLIVIA WRIGHT
Photos & Graphics by Ashley Paulsen
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52
9-hole Matches played Lowest score
kaci wagner 10.04.19 Crimson Newsmagazine | SPORTS 29
Playing on two teams
| SPORTS
Student athletes balance their academic career with a commitment to sports by Cole Eberhard, Co-Web Editor
Volleyball
Hannah Chambers
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unior Hannah Chambers is an AP student, and volleyball, soccer, and softball player. She conveyed her biggest struggle in putting in 100% on and off the field. ”Having enough hours in the day to juggle everything is tough. It’s a huge priority to keep my grades up and to be able to play sports,” Chambers said. Her daily routine is made more full by practices and games limiting her time to spend socializing with friends, but she is sure that sanity is possible within all of the chaos ”With doing multiple sports, it’s difficult sometimes to find free time. Most people say it’s impossible for a multi-sport athlete to have a social life but it really isn’t” Chambers said. From her struggles, Chambers offers some advice for others with busy schedules. “Always keep working hard; it sounds clichè, but it’s true. If you want to get to the next level in sports, you have to also be committed to your education.” After a week’s worth of hard work, Chambers finds peace and enjoyment spending time with those she’s close with. Two of Chambers’ friends remarked on her attitude as a friend as well as an athlete. “Hannah is a really good athlete and is supportive of others on and off the court,” juniors Jaiden Anguiano and Sasha Baer remarked.
Wakeup
School
Football J
Cross Country S
Michael Hernandez
enior Michael Hernandez is a cross country and track athlete. He takes AP classes and works part time at Paso Robles Sports Club. With having to juggle so many activities at once, Hernandez has trouble managing his time. “My biggest struggle being a student athlete is probably finding time to do homework in between work, school and sports,” Hernandez said. He spends around 17 hours a week with sports and homework, not including his hours working at the sports club. Being able to fit homework and studying into his tight schedule requires careful planning and taking every chance he can get to make use of his time. “If you have a busy schedule, I’d advise you to take every opportunity you have to do homework and to not procrastinate on anything; also, do all extra credit if possible. Every point counts in the end,” Hernandez said. Hernandez’s favorite way to relax after a busy week is to spend time with friends. This goes hand-in- hand with his track and cross country practices, as he considers sports to be a very social pastime. “Sports enhance my social life because I practice with my friends. I can make conversation with them and really bond over the sport,” Hernandez concluded. Fellow athlete Madi Loff spoke on Hernandez’s positive attitude in all that he does. “He just gets everything done and does it all with a smile on his face,” Loff said.
Practice
Repeat
Ethan Wright
unior Ethan Wright is a football athlete, who plays as middle linebacker, as well as a volleyball player. He discussed the mental strain of being a student athlete. ”My biggest struggle is trying to have enough mental strength after practice to get my work done,” Wright said. To combat this mental strain, he tries his best to stay organized and ready for the next day’s work. “I make sure to plan ahead and prepare the night before, as well as staying in constant communication with my teachers so I know what I need to do.” With a weekly schedule that averages about 28 hours of schoolwork,
30 SPORTS | Crimson Newsmagazine 10.04.19
Bed Time
games, and practices, Wright often goes fishing to relax. Though he admits the strain that being a student athlete can have on his ability to keep up on schoolwork, Wright extends his social life into sports and enjoys spending time with other athletes. “Sports makes school harder just because of the amount of time that it takes away from everything else. Socially it helps because you’re surrounded with like-minded student athletes.” Wright said. Varsity football player Jacob Lambeth, who plays with Wright on the team, commented on his strengths an athlete. “Ethan is definitely the best linebacker in our league, and he’s a great guy,” Lambeth said.
Graphics by Malia Gaviola and Phoebe Corgiat
SPORTS |
It’s a no brainer:
3 stages of recovery for a concussion 1. ACUTE STAGE:
Head injuries continue to pour in as fall season rolls on by Jasmine Romero Video Director
2. RECOVERY STAGE:
The injured athlete should not continue their sport before this stage due to the risk of a second head impact. During this stage, the patient should start to feel their symptoms disappear and have their post-concussion neurocognitive test scores improve. They can gradually enter their academic and athletic activities with a health care provider’s consent.
After an athlete has been diagnosed with a concussion, they will experience symptoms immediately. This can last for a week or more. The injured athlete will need to take an absence in their school or work. Having a concussion negatively affects the skill to memorize and concentrate. In order to rest the brain, they should not use or do anything that will make the brain work harder to process
Symptoms:
3. CHRONIC STAGE:
This is stage occurs to only some patients who experience long lasting symptoms. Many who end up in this stage may have to resort to homeschooling or a medical leave of absence. If this stage is ignored, the patient’s symptoms can potentially stay permanent. To treat this stage, athletes can refer to a neurospecialist.
HARD-HITTING FACT: Each year between 1.6 and 3.8 million concussions occur in the United States as a result of athletic activities, according to researchers from Harvard and Boston University.
PRHS ATHLETE’s experience Mentally, I was unable to focus on school work and things in general. I would become confused over simple things and had a hard time recalling simple events and information. Shasta garcia, 12
Graphics by Jasmine Romero
-Headache -Dizziness -Fatigue -Nausea/vomiting -Double or blurry vision -Confusion -Balance/coordination issues -Slurred speech - Concentration issues
Why should injured athletes report their symptoms? In a survey of all college athletes attending the University of Akron between 1995 and 2001, it was reported that 32% of collegiate athletes had suffered a direct blow to the head resulting in dizziness, but only 20% had been diagnosed with a concussion. If a concussion goes untreated, patients will have a higher risk of a second head injury. Athletes may not notice the symptoms leading to lack of medical treatment or they do not want to miss their athletic or academic activities. This can be detrimental to the health and ability of the athlete and life threatening.
Information gathered from Centers for Disease Control and National Center for Biotechnology Information
10.04.19 Crimson Newsmagazine | SPORTS 31
| SPORTS
Technically Speaking: Running the ball Handling:
Focus:
Holding the ball close to the body with a tight grip maximizes control and prevents fumbling
Looking ahead and planning on the field helps to avoid future obstacles
Agility:
Flexibility and adaptability are key aspects in order to effectively run the ball
Introducing: the wide receiver
S
enior Levi Marshall began playing football at the age of eight years old. He brings everything he has to the field for the love of the sport. “I play football because I love the sport. When I’m on the field I feel like that’s the place where you can let go of everything and live,” Marshall said. In 2018, Marshall had a total of 196 receiving yards and 23 total catches. The senior commits all seven days of his week to playing football, he mentioned. Playing three years on varsity, Marshall commits his time for football to be the best he can. His teammates
32 SPORTS | Crimson Newsmagazine 10.04.19
with Levi Marshall
are fond of Marshall including fellow senior Jerahmy Kelley. “Levi is easily one of the best wide receivers in the league if he sets his mind to find and focuses in and goes 100 percent every play,” Kelley mentioned. After a lifetime of playing football, Marshall reflects on playing with NFL legend Tony Gonzalez’s son in 8th grade as his favorite memory. Senior Jesse Gonzales also believes Marshall is great on the field. “When the offense is on the field in the game, we’re always trying the get the corner to press him cause you can’t cover him,” Gonzales said.
by Mckensi Keller, Photography Editor