Volume 72 / 12.18.12 / Issue 4
The Student Newsmagazine of Paso Robles High School
801 Niblick Rd. Paso Robles, California
the balancing act Crimson looks at how students balance holiday spirit and materialistic allure. Messiah: The choir class performed their annual Messiah concert in the San Miguel Mission Anxiety: A look into two students’ battle with anxiety Cal Poly Soccer: A Crimson journalist’s special peek on the sidelines of a Cal Poly soccer game
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newsmagazine
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December 18, 2012 Volume 72, Issue 4
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05 News
Inside look: Poly soccer
A holiday guide to the best presents
Gift guide
Track customs across the world
Santa tracker
See the affects on students
Depression
Politically correct or ignorant
PRHS girls soccer has overcome the difficulties of transitioning to a new coach and started a stellar season.
Happy vs. merry
26 Sports
Obama hate has exceeded expectations
Junior Richard Rowe shows off his gloving skills in December issue’s Artist of the Month. Rowe has gloved for four years.
Election backlash
11 Arts and Entertainment
Books for Barrios
Senior reporter Jenna Wookey tracked her travels to Eastern colleges. Wookey ventured to seven universities.
Students donate books for Phillipines
08 Feature
Senior shoots biggest college soccer rivalry in nation
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On December 8, PRHS student dance crew God Squad performed at the second Vine Street event in a row.
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News
That is a lot of ‘F’s
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First quarter progress reports expose high levels of failure at PRHS
1449 F’s schoolwide 487 total 267 boys 220 girls Freshmen
501 total
either D’s or F’s. In another, 25 percent of students have D’s and F’s. When first quarter grades came out on October 26, it was “A lot of students are simply not doing the homework,” revealed that 298 of the roughly 560 freshmen at PRHS were said Logan, who has been trying to change her method of receiving either a D or an F in at least one of their classes. teaching from expecting students to come to school prepared Surprisingly, at the high school, 125 students have an F grade in to creating more engagement during class. “Sometimes, tutorial, a rather easy class, as compared to “only” 120 in math I feel like I am fighting an uphill classes. While these numbers are large, the highest concentration of F grades A lot of students are simply not doing the battle. I want to motivate and create meaningful homework assignments comes from English, with 370 failing grades homework... I feel like I am fighting an that supplement classroom instruction.” school wide. It is a common notion that uphill battle. In addition to poor grades at this freshmen struggle as they assimilate to point in the year, Moore has also high school, but 53 percent of freshmen —Angela Logan, MWH noticed a large increase in unexcused period absences, are failing their classes, according to counselor Mike Moore. which he strongly believes are a contributing factor in the Most teachers have attributed the failing grades status of grades at this point. While rates of failure remain to late, missing, or incomplete assignments, not at an unusual high, Moore is hopeful that by the end of the necessarily to a complete lack of effort, Moore said. semester, freshmen will have figured out how to be more PRHS sophomore history teacher Angela Logan, who teaches successful at the high school. For now, however, we see a both honors modern world history and benchmark modern world level of failure that is uncommon for a student body at PRHS. history, said that she has seen a lack of motivation among students this year. In one of her mainstream classes of 31 students, 50 percent have
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by Aidan Farrell, Environment Co-Editor
322 boys 179 girls Sophomores
280 total 177 boys 103 girls Juniors
“Apathy. We have too many safety nets for students. They don’t take [school] seriously.” —James Fisher, Spanish
370
338
“We are told to find more creative ways to task kids rather than hold kids accountable for work and their own responsibilities.” —Ray White, Science
280
163
“I think students have a tendency to not see reality.” —Cindy Schroeder, English
125
120
400
350
School wide
300
181 total 128 boys 53 girls
F’s, by
250
200
1 2 3 4 5 6
department
150
100
50
Seniors
0 1
English Number of ‘F’s in each grade at PRHS
Photos by Josh Orcutt
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PE/ Electives
3
Science
4
History
5
Tutorial
6
Math Dec. 2012
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News
The gift of giving back Peer students head up Red Wagon by Devin Corea, Fashion Editor
WHEELIN’ WAGONS: Donations begun Nov. 8 with local businesses. Wagons were delivered by advanced peer Photo by Anna Hernandez students Dec. 12 and 13.
To advanced peer students senior Vanessa Flores, senior Elizabeth Mueller, and junior Sammie Anderson the gift they are looking forward to most is the gift of giving back. As the three head up the 15th annual red wagon project they have come to realize the true meaning of the Christmas spirit. “Giving back to the community is what it is all about in Advanced Peer, we try our best to serve the community and act as role models. Everyone should help the community in one way or another,” said Anderson, who feels that giving back to someone in need is the best feeling in the world. The red wagon project gathers gifts, clothes, and other needed items for a family in need that has been nominated by the district. Each of the school departments has one of the 12 wheelbarrows and students as well as teachers are asked to donate anything they can. More often than not, the family will ask for basic things such as grocery store gift cards, shampoo, clothes, and blankets. Each family is asked their shoe, shirt, and pant size as well as suggested gift ideas. Gifts were collected on Friday Dec. 7 and could have been donated to any class that has a wheelbarrow or to room 107. The advanced peer class tries to ensure that each family has at least 15 gifts and that the gifts fit their family as perfectly as possible. Flores feels strongly about the red wagon project and the role she plays in it. “I want to help make sure people experience Christmas because I know what it’s like to not have one. It’s a really happy and warm feeling that you get inside when you realize that you have helped someone,” said Flores, who has been in advanced peer for two years. The leaders of the project started gathering donations from the community for the project on Nov. 8 by going to local businesses. They have raised a total of 300 dollars and added up what the 12 different departments raised on Saturday Dec. 8. Mueller believes that red wagon is an important way to get the school and students to get involved with helping the community. “It brings out the Christmas spirit, giving back is rewarding for the giver and the receiver. I love being involved. Knowing that you have helped give a family a Christmas is priceless,” Mueller said.
Photo by Josh Orcutt
WORKING IN THE FIELDS: Freshman Emma Zelus, alumni Devon Lambert, senior Joey Salinas, and alumni Holly Mondo all work through the purple needle grass to find clumps at the bottom, working through the summer of 2012.
Photos used with permission by Amy Cantrell
Books for the Barrios Santa Cruzing in the rain PRHS Academic Booster Club gives back during the holiday season by Hebat Elsayed, Business Team, and Angela Lorenzo, A&E Editor
Over 720 pages of sixth grade or under books have been sent overseas to the Philippines by Books for the Barrios. Mission College Prepatory Catholic High School got a grant to build a library in the Philippines, and local groups have helped to collect books to fill the library. The PRHS Academic Booster Club headed the project. Twins Cities Community Hospital and the Paso Robles Public Library have also been collaborating with the ABC Club. Books for the Barrios has transformed 60 severely underdeveloped barrio schools into complete learning institutions. Approximately 15 boxes have been placed in various english teachers classrooms collecting donations. Boxes will be collected Thursday Dec. 20. 04
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information provided by www.booksforthebarrios.org/ and http://www.papertiDec. 2012 gers.org/interviews/archived_interviews/nharrington.html
Students travel to Santa Cruz over a weekend by Rachel Cole, News Co-Editor
While many people will never get the chance to go to an island under the protection of both the National Park Service and The Nature Conservancy, students that came from PRHS have the opportunity to do this every summer and fall. This fall, thanks to the BCASE club supervisor, and the teacher who, year after year, sets up these trips, geology teacher Mark DiMaggio, a group of 21 people total, counting six chaperones, seven seniors, six juniors, one sophomore, and one freshman, all traveled to this lush, wild island in order to help with some of the preservation of the 60 endemic species on the island. Junior Kelsey Vaughn’s first trip was this year but she says it wasn’t long enough. “I’d stay forever if I was allowed to,” Vaughn said, whose stay on the island was only four days and three nights long. While on the island, the students learn how to classify plants, the names of plants, and how to measure their growth in certain areas. This work is done in order to help out TNC with preserving and protecting the island’s natural resources and indigenous plant species. Also, while on the island, students participated in a hike that was eleven miles long, although this hike was in fact their longest, due to the rain over the weekend.
News
Adventure Club A new club on campus not for the faint of heart by Jordan Nevosh, Business Team
Photo by Hebat Elsayed
Parking lot pledge Students will “not be next” campaign by Hebat Elsayed, Business Team
Thirty two students filed into the green fence-enclosed exhibit on the chilly morning of Dec. 4 during second period, many exiting the tour with an awestruck face and a new choice: I will not be next. Put on by three adult volunteers, the exposé featured five former PRHS students’ deaths caused by auto collisions. These exhibits recreated a crash scene and stories from loved ones surviving the events. The exhibit included two cars both altered to look as if they had been in a car crash. Debris scattered on the ground bottles of soda, an AM PM slushy cup, a purse and many more things you would find in a teen’s car. On the floor next to each car, behind the bright yellow caution sign a white chalk outline of a human body laid on the ground. After leaving the exhibit students had the choice of signing a pledge which stated: “When driving I will not text or tweet. Everyone in my car will wear a seatbelt at all times. Alcohol and drugs will never be allowed in my car at any time. Ever. I will never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. I will never get in the car with a driver that is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. My safety is my responsibility whether I am the driver or the passenger.” Each student left with a red latex bracelet with the words, “I will not be next,” in bold white letters, a reminder that each student has a choice regarding their safety.
Photos by Brigette Maina, Graphics by Jordan Nevosh
Do you like taking gnarly cutbacks on the face of a wave, the accomplished feeling of watching the sunset over Morro Rock from the highest peak in SLO county, or just the simplistic pleasure of a bonfire mixed with good friends on a cold night? Then Adventure Club is the perfect fit for you, held on Tuesdays at lunch in Mr.Ewing's room; 305. At meetings club members arrive bright eye and bushy tailed, with eager attitudes about what thrill seeking activity they are going to participate in this week. Lead by Senior Nick Stair who says his main goal in creating the club was to "promote going out and doing activities for kids that otherwise, by them selves, wouldn't do them". Another key element of the club is to "show people you can have a positive experience [in high school] without making bad decisions." said Stair. The club has already had a few events such as ice blocking at Barney Shwartz, where students rode down slippery hills on a block of ice, covered by a towel of course. Another event included fugitive, which entailed of about 40 participants starting at Jamba Juice and ending at Virginia Peterson. With their next activity going to see the midnight premier of "The Hobbit" on Dec. 14. Certainly with qualities this unique you can not find another club on campus like it, it is also safe to say Adventure Club is nothing short of an adrenaline rush!
Beloved coach passes by Nicolette Jolicoeur, Editor-in-Chief
Dave Hernandez, 49, died Dec. 6 at about 3:30 p.m. Hernandez coached softball in both Paso Robles Girls Softball League and Atascadero Girls Softball League. Hernandez’s funeral was held on Saturday, Dec. 15 at Springfield Baptist Church at 10 a.m. Watch for a celebration of his life in our Feb. 21 issue.
Here Comes Santa Claus Wrapping up the 51st Holiday Light Parade by Lauren Reed, Feature Co-Editor Four days of rain couldn’t hold back the crowds at the 51st annual Holiday Light Parade in downtown Paso Robles on Dec. 1. “It was the biggest crowd we’ve ever had, I was surprised. Usually there are bare spots on the street, but this time there were hardly any,” said Susanne Anshen, who has been working for over 12 years as the executive assistant for the Downtown Main Street Association: she is also the parade chair. They had 66 entries, each one decked out in colorful lights, and flaunting their own little flares and takes on the Christmas spirit. “The floats were beautiful, the lights were beautiful, and the skies parted to make a beautiful night,” stated Anshen. The floats began their locomote on 10th and Spring St., walking or driving, traveling around the town square and finishing their promenade at 10th and Park St. Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Snow King, and the Snow Queen finished the parade with a flurry of smiles and waves. “It went off without a hitch, everyone did so well,” said Anshen. Dec. 2012
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California, don’t follow Texas
Obama rebellion and political withdrawal are undemocratic, stubborn
Editorial
You’ve caused 42 other states to want to secede!
You make ns bad decisio in on who is ! e rg a ch
By Courtney Thompson, Opinion Editor The USA has been a unified body since July 4, 1776. The nation added the last state, Hawaii, in 1959, and that was when the 50 United States of America were formed. This country has survived two World Wars, numerous terrorism attacks, and yet, we, the people of the United States, are creating a great division between two seemingly different ‘species’, the Republicans and the Democrats. This is not the first time that there has been a disgruntlement among the people. States have wanted to leave, and they have left, but we all know how that turned out. In 1864, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North and South Carolina attempted to secede from the Union, and when President Abraham Lincoln decided to fight against their proposition, the Confederacy fired attack on Fort Sumter. This decision was the catalyst for the Civil War that cost 1,030,000 casualties due to a political disagreement. This historic event seems to parallel the track of the present. Are we willing to create two separate unions caused by this discrepancy pertaining to the recent presidential elections? Some people are even willing to continue on with this odyssey and try to escape the “socialistic espionage” of Obama’s presidency. “In my lifetime I have only really paid attention to the last three elections. As far as I know, no recent election has caused as much of an uproar in politics as this election. Most of this has come from the fact that unlike most older elections, this election was truly a ‘battle of ethnic and sexual groups’. In this election the people who Romney was most able to gain the support of was White Males. Although in history this group has ran the country, Obama won through a majority of minority and female voters,” said junior Devon Bone. On Nov. 7, Micah H. of Arlington, Texas announced there would be an online petition that would be the attempt to secede Texas’. Unfortunately, this should not have been taken lightly by the rest of America’s public. There has been 112,000 signatories, according to examiner.com, which is a mere 0.4 percent of Texas’s population, but that is a lot of people wishing for 49 stars on the flag. And, no matter how many Texan politicians believe they can secede, legally, they can’t, but they do have a strange clause saying that, without Congress's consent, Texas can legally explode into five different states thus gaining more influence in Congress. “I believe Texas’ reaction is a result of panic. Texas has always been called the Lone Star State for a reason, but since [they] favored a presidential candidate [who] was not elected, it was the perfect opportunity to take advantage of it and have a reason to actually consider seceding,” junior Anthony Gobea said, going even further to say that the discrepancy could be the cause of a democrat taking presidency.
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newsmagazine staff Editors
Editors
Business Team
Nicolette Jolicoeur
Cooper Austin World Maddie Berry Photo Essay Analia Cabello Copy Editing Devin Corea Fashion Rachel Cole News Carly Cargill News Clarisse Dart Health Aidan Farrell Environment Anna Hernandez Environment Michaela Iunker El Otro Lado Brandon Kearns Sports Andrea Lorenzo Sci-tech Angela Lorenzo A&E Sydney Matteson Front Page Danae Ontiveros Photo Essay Kylie Pugh El Otro Lado Lauren Reed Feature Courtney Thompson Opinion
Matt Tyra Sports Jenna Wookey Food
Heba Elsayed Brandon Goddard Brigitte Maina Jordan Nevosh
www.facebook.com/ crimsonnewsmagazine
Photo Team
Website
Editorial
Kelly Munns Feature Sarah Wilson Center
Sports Director Josh Orcutt
Photo Director Anna Hernandez
Art Director Sydney Matteson
Web Team
Garett Hanlon Sydney Matteson Colton Weaver
Crimson
Student Journalism at PasoRobles High School
Editor-in-Chief
Managing Editors
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Te x a s ’ decision has started a domino Illustration by Jordan Nevosh effect and has caused, not quite to Texas’ extent, conversation about secession. People from 30 different states have filed petitions with a program called “We the People” in hopes of that petition reaching the White House. “The U.S. cannot afford to go-it-alone or ‘secede’ from the world community if we hope to make headway on those troubling issues. I certainly hope that President Obama will continue to reach across the aisle to Republican lawmakers, but I also hope that Republicans will meet him halfway and do their part to unify the nation by compromising on issues that affect all Americans. The POTUS cannot do it alone,” said Sean Pierce, AP language arts teacher. And, let’s face it: the public’s opinion is usually based off of matters that just don’t hold a match to the fire of problems the U.S.A. must deal with. Why are we so reliant on topics like gay marriage and abortion to sway our decision and opinion on the applicable candidate? Why aren’t we caring about the amount of money spent in other countries attempting to make them prosper while our own country is about to have a revolution against the federal government? Crimson Staff votes: There is a simple answer to the proposed questions that make Is seccesion and up the fabric of our nation: because we always need someone withdrawl a viable else to blame. Who better than people who don’t share your solution to political ideas, even if they share the same goal: American prosperity, disagreement? the American Dream. Why do we constantly battle and create such a staunch divide among the people we should be relying Yes:0 on to build up our country to the great power it used to be just 50 years ago? We are too stubbornly ignorant to understand the alliance that needs to be formed and don’t want to admit we are wrong. If this country is going to recover from such a devastating No: 22 reaction from the American people, we need to become united and not act like two different species.
Dec. 2012
Writers Laura Callahan Ryan Frank Noah Levine Stevie Stark Summer Volle
Graphics Team Brigitte Maina Sydney Matteson Sierra Mosely Jordan Nevosh
Circulation Managers Carly Cargill Rachel Cole
Anna Hernandez Brigitte Maina Danae Ontiveros Josh Orcutt
PR Managers Brandon Goddard Stevie Stark
Adviser Jeff Mount
@CrimsonNewsmag
www.crimsonweb.net PRHS • 801 Niblick Rd., Paso Robles, CA 93446 www.crimsonweb.net prhsjournalism@pasoschools.org (805) 769-1500 ext. 50033 Room 604
Crimson, an open forum for the exchange of student ideas, is an independently funded newsmagazine of 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.
Feature
Scoop on
Coop
Stan Cooper’s travels give him countless unique experiences
Photo by Kelly Munns
Cooper’s Odysseys
WORLD TRAVELLER: A world map displaying Cooper’s destinations across the globe. Cooper has been to approximately 35 countries in his life span.
Graphic by Sydney Matteson
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PLAYING JOLLY: Social studies teacher Stan Cooper plays a melody on his ukulele. Cooper bought it in Mexico and enjoys playing jazz.
by Colton Weaver, Reporter Sweat dripped down his forehead as he his life were alcoholics, and the women in his faced his friend in the ring. He jabbed his left family married alcoholics. He was raised in arm towards his opponents ribs. They were that culture and fell into alcoholism himself boxing in Mexico, where they had convinced when he was a teenager, which made his life a professional boxing promoter to let them very difficult until he quit. into the ring, which would lead to an aching Cooper considers sobering up in 1980 one chest and an unforgettable story. of his most major accomplishments His life This and a myriad of other misadventures improved greatly afterwards, and he is very belong to social studies teacher Stan glad that he triumphed over his addiction. Cooper. Throughout his life he has “I have 32 years of sobriety. I’m visited approximately 35 countries alive today because I quit,” Cooper and experienced countless different said. After this, Cooper’s life really took cultures; he has explored everywhere off. He tried play writing and poetry. from Africa to Europe to Asia to South He met his wife, and she became America. Cooper his heroine. went on an eight He especially week trip around My whole life is about travel, music, admired her the world in culture, and human rights. work with 2010, and has a children. They —Stan Cooper tattoo on his right had kids and arm to prove it. These travels have now plan to move to Sayulita, Nayarit influenced his livelihood, as well as all in Mexico after they retire. of his classes and hobbies. Today his hobby is the ukulele, Cooper has done it all, from boxing, which he plays two or three hours a to play writing, to manual labor. He day. He brought his current uke on finally settled on teaching and began his last trip to Mexico, and cannot to do so with a salary and credential in put it down. He even lugs it to school with 1992. He joined the field so he could help him, and occasionally jazz from the 20s and educate those who needed it, as well as to 30s can be heard echoing from room 1029. spread the culture he loves. He hopes that his Cooper even allows students and teachers to history lessons will lead his students to act. come in and learn on Wednesdays at lunch. Of his classes, his favorite is Ethnic Studies, Cooper has been shaped by his reflecting his great love for humanity and its experiences with cultures foreign to him, and creations. his travels have impacted his life in a very “My whole life is about travel, music, profound way and will continue to do so as culture, and human rights,” Cooper said as he long as he lives. explained his choice of career. “If I were to have a philosophy it would Not everything has been a vacation for be to forgive the people that you’re angry at, Cooper, though. In his younger years, he because your anger is only eating you up.” struggled with alcoholism; all of the men in Dec. 2012
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Feature
From Coast to Coast My journey exploring colleges on the East Coast by Jenna Wookey, Food Editor College searching: a tough, sensitive, overwhelming, and important process. To me, deciding what colleges I would want to go to has been the most important decision in my almost eighteen year life. It seems like there is no right answer; there are too many things to consider. Do I want to go close to home or far from home? Do I want to go to a big school or small? Do I want a private school education or public? And of course, how will I pay for this education? Over Thanksgiving break, I found my answers at Boston College, Bentley, Fordham, Syracuse, Cornell, Lehigh, and Georgetown. On Thursday, Nov. 15, I was on a plane bound for Boston, Massachusetts, blessed that my parents thought it important to invest the time and money to help me find my place. The trip taught me traveling sucks and that going home for a holiday would be complicated. I’d have to find public transportation to get to airports (most schools offer shuttles), go through security, catch my planes on time, and either pay extra to land at San Luis Obispo or have someone pick you up at LAX, San Jose, or San Francisco. So I know that if I go to school on the East Coast, it better be worth all that trouble.
[Boston College]
[Bentley]
[Fordham]
[ Syracuse ]
First I visited Boston College on Nov. 16. As we looked around the campus, one of the priests came up to us and introduced himself and said, “Here we want to help you find your gift and figure out how to use it to serve others.” This concept is very appealing to me. It is a Jesuit school, but it was emphasized that religion is not forced upon anyone. Boston College is flooded with school spirit; our tour guide told us that even though their football team is less than impressive, everyone still goes to the games to have a great time and support. Boston College is located about twenty minutes away from legendary downtown Boston, one of the coolest places I have ever been.
The same day we went over to Bentley (primarily a business school), also in Boston. Had I known this, I probably wouldn’t have taken a tour there because I am not interested in business. The food was amazing. It all looked delicious; there were never ending options. If you are interested in business, I would highly recommend looking into Bentley. The classes all have a professional atmosphere, and there is a trading room that can rival any school in the country.
From Boston, we took a one hour flight to New York, where we visited Fordham, Syracuse, and Cornell. Fordham was an extremely beautiful campus, located in the Bronx right outside of New York City.. There was a huge grass lawn in the middle of campus, and the church was incredible. I could walk from one side to the other in about five minutes, too small of a campus for my taste but an intimate atmosphere nonetheless. Because of the location, there myriad professional connections and internship opportunities.
We then drove four hours to Syracuse, which is in upper state New York. They didn’t offer any tours that day so we looked around ourselves. The buildings, like most schools we visited, were beautiful. Syracuse has amazing school spirit; you can’t go anywhere without seeing orange gear. I didn’t like was that the Sorority and Fraternity houses were right on campus with everything else; I am not interested in Greek life. Overall, Syracuse was beautiful and had good qualities, but it was not what I was looking for.
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Feature
[Cornell] Next we drove to Cornell, which is located in the cute college town of Ithaca, New York. Cornell was my third favorite school of the trip. The first thing we saw was the football stadium, which resembles the colosseum in Rome. In the middle of campus, a bell tower stands where bell club members play songs twice a day–including “Call Me Maybe.” Cornell is part of the Ivy League and has an outstanding academic reputation and rated as the top ten college food in the country. A tradition for freshman is that the first test is a three lap swim. If you don’t pass you have to take a P.E. swim class. Cornell seemed like a well rounded school and a great fit for me.
[Lehigh]
[Georgetown]
Bethlehem, PA was our next destination, to visit Lehigh. Lehigh was tied for my favorite school of the trip. Along with a long standing academic reputation, they emphasized involvement on campus. Hundreds of clubs await members, and most people join ten or more each year. Lehigh is a huge rival with Lafayette. Our tour guide declared, “This is what you need to know about Lafayette: we are rivals and we are better than them.” The week of the Lafayette football game they have bed races, a bonfire, and a schoolwide pep rally. The band marches into each class to play the school fight song, and there is nothing the professors can do about it. Lehigh is a combination of fun and academics, which sets up for the perfect experience.
Georgetown was tied for my favorite school of the trip. Located in Washington D.C., pretty much the most fascinating place ever, the town of Georgetown is invigorating. Blocks and blocks of shopping, food and things to do; and it’s bustling every night with activity. Georgetown the school is as impressive as the town. I am interested in law, Georgetown is the perfect place for my interest. There is also school spirit. Their men’s basketball team plays at a professional stadium in D.C. and are nationally ranked. Georgetown was a place where I felt at home. The minute I walked on campus, I felt like that is where I am supposed to be.
Through my experience I want to give you a piece of advice: on paper you may love a school, but you have to go see it in person to find out if you really belong there. Trust your gut, believe in the feeling you get at a school, and don’t second guess it. Find the place where you will be happy by putting your feet there first. Photos used with permission of Jenna Wookey
Dec. 2012
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Feature
A pair of wings
PURSUING A HOBBY: Roslan and Burnell pose inside the main hangar. They hope to pursue their passions as lifelong hobbies.
Seniors turn a trip to the museum into a life long passion by Brandon Kearns, Sports Co-Editor Seniors Danny Roslan and Taylor Burnell spread their wings and fly at the Estrella Warbird Museum where old war machines retire to be displayed and honored in front of the people they protected. Roslan and Burnell spend their summers, breaks, weekends, and countless hours 10 minutes off of Highway 46 fixing and caring for damaged planes that seek refuge inside the confines of the museum. It all started the spring of their eighth grade year, when Roslan and Burnell were on a tour at the museum when the antique planes sparked their interest. “We went down to the Warbird Museum and we just thought the planes were cool. We asked the guy in charge about working on them and we have been going out there ever since,” said Burnell,
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who plans on becoming a naval officer and pilot after high school. For four years, the two aspiring aviators have been spending almost four months of their time–an estimated 100 to 300 hours–on each project. “I would like to work on a Fokker, which is a German Triplane from WW1,” Burnell said. “[The length] really depends [on the project]. We have so many airplanes and trucks; it’s a never-ending project in itself,” said Roslan, who applied for the Navy as a “Seabee” or a combat construction officer. Many of Roslan and Burnell’s favorite memories are of starting airsoft wars with the older mechanics who hang around the museum and of being pulled around the tarmac, the road connecting to the airstrip, by a golf cart while on a longboard. Their
favorite thing about their experiences at the museum are all of the lessons that their supervisor, Gary Corippo, has taught them over the last four years. “He’s taught us how to be responsible [and] how to live [our] life. Don’t mess around, don’t get your hand stuck somewhere it will get chopped off, etiquette around aircraft, a lot of stuff about the military, and a lot of street smart stuff too like how to talk to people and get stuff you want,” Burnell said, as he joked about his time at the museum. The lessons learned over these past four years will surely aid Roslan and Burnell in their future pursuits and lives, “[Taylor] will be my boss one day,” Roslan joked, but most of all the memories are what will stick with these two ambitious co-pilots.
RUSSIAN VETERAN: A MIG-15, a Russian Cold War Fighter Plane, sits inside of the hangar while on display. Roslan and Burnell spend an estimated 100-300 hours on their projects.
STANDING PROUD: The F-16 is an American jet that is still in service across the world today. Roslan and Burnell are both considering the naval academy. Photos by Brandon Kearns
Arts and Entertainment
Worst holiday songs
“Dominick the Italian Christmas Donkey”
In the name of glove
Junior Richard Rowe exercises his passion for light shows by Sarah Wilson, Managing Editor
Ten spherical LED light bulbs streak through the air—blue, red, pink, green, yellow, white—as junior Richard Rowe, beige cloth gloves equipped, twists and orbits his light-tipped fingers through the darkness, performing what is known as a light show. Rowe’s hands flash towards faces in the audience, getting close enough to feel the rush of air before his hands spin back, generating a passing glow below his own face. All the while, music booms and reverberates through the air, hypnotizing the audience. Such is a typical performance for a glover. Light shows, practiced by thousands around the world today, originated at raves, yet “gloving and light shows have evolved past a thing you do at parties into a true art form,” said EmazingLights. “It’s simply the greatest, most natural feeling to put my gloves on, have someone sit down, and go into a different universe letting the music move your hands for you,” said Rowe, who attends Independence High. Rowe picked up a pair of gloves for the first time three years ago while at a party. Bearcat alum Chris Vinson let him try out his gloves and taught him a couple tricks. After that, “[I] decided that I would get my own set. So I went home, spent 20 bucks [online], and had a cheap economy set the next week. I haven’t stopped buying new lights since,” Rowe said.
Photos by Sarah Wilson
GLOVIN’ IT: Richard Rowe shows his swirling vortex of light. Rowe began performing after a friend taught him some tricks.
The three elements of a glover’s gear are gloves, lights, and music. The music genre Rowe likes to use for gloving is called trap, which is similar to dub step. These three components are the key to a successful performance. “Without one, the others fail,” Rowe said, who learned much of what he knows from Vinson. “[Gloving is] another expression of feeling. The same as skating, it’s a release for pent up feelings,” Rowe said. Six months after his first encounter with gloving, Rowe started performing at raves and parties with the DJ name Electrophonix. His gloving passion inspired his own moves, such as Vortex, in which he spirals his fingers around and up, creating a tornado of light. Gloving moves are created and named by the individual glovers, and there are no set names or moves, according to Rowe. “I love gloving because there’s nothing else in the world like it,” Rowe said. “Although it is an art form—not a hobby—it changes you, the way you think. Everything is slower and better; you can appreciate things more.” Rowe performs an estimated twice per week. He never charges for shows. “It just doesn’t feel right,” Rowe said, who enjoys performing for others too much to make it into a monetary activity. That’s not to say Rowe doesn’t get anything out of his passion. Two years ago, he sent in some videos of himself performing to the promoter’s program for EmazingLights—a leading company and supporter of gloving and light shows—and has been sponsored by them since. EmazingLights sends him free merchandise such as gloves and lights. And it doesn’t stop there. Rowe has considered furthering involvement in his passion for gloving by teaching it to others, though he admits that while he can show people what they have to do, “learning it is your own task to do. You have to have the drive to practice it for yourself.” Between putting on mesmerizing shows and illuminating others on how to accomplish intricate moves, Rowe’s future is sure to be a bright one.
“I got kicked by a donkey once and now every time I hear the song, I feel like he’s thinking about me.”
Nevil Barahona, 12
“I Saw Mommy Kissin’ Santa Clause” “I don't know if it's just me, but I really wouldn't want to walk in on my mom kissing Santa. It would kind of ruin my Christmas.”
Delaney Cline, 11
“Frosty the Snowman” “All that I can think of is a freakish lump of snow coming to life.”
Kassidy Rice, 10
“Christmas Conga” “It’s a pop Christmas song and the lyrics don’t make sense and the music just isn’t good!”
Dakota Rodriguez, 9
“Toyland” Aaron Cantrell, English Teacher
“Johnny Mathes’s cover of Toyland. It’s cheesy, ridiculous, and horrible!”
–Kylie Pugh, El Otro Lado Co-Editor
Photos by Stephen Stark, Sarah Wilson, and Courtney Thompson Dec. 2012
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Arts and Entertainment
MISSION TRADITION: Third annual holiday concert was held at Mission San Miguel Nov. 30 and Dec. 2. Photo by Clarisse Dart
Spreading Christmas cheer
The annual San Miguel Mission tradition begins festivities of Christmas spirit
by Clarisse Dart, Health Editor A collection of approximately 82 people came together to perform the annual Messiah concerts on Friday, Nov. 30 and Sunday, Dec. 2, each individual voice contributing to the harmony of the two hour long performance. The Messiah, composed by George Handel, includes pieces such as the famous Hallelujah and other widely known selections. Selections from the Messiah have been performed by local choir members for eight years in the area, marking this year as the third that the 271 year old Ontario has been in the San Miguel Mission. “I just love the music. I enjoy rehearsing and seeing [the Messiah] grow as we get better and better,” said senior Sean Cain, who performed in the Messiah for the fourth time this year. The Messiah performance includes an orchestra, choir, and soloists, making the Messiah an Ontario. Thirty-one members of the New World Baroque Orchestra, directed by John Warren, provided
the music. The approximately 51 member choir and five soloists were made up of local choirs, as well as 22 PRHS advanced choir students. The choir singers were directed by Mary Schmutz, former choir teacher. The performers came together for four two hour rehearsals before the concert. “It was originally at the Community Church of Atascadero for five years... I started it there with Katie Bravante before Mary Schmutz [took over],” explained Warren, who is a music minister at both Mission San Miguel and St. Rose of Lima church. The holiday themed concert not only included 20 selections from Handel’s Messiah but also traditional Christmas carol sing-alongs, such as “Hanukkah, Oy Hanukkah,” “Marchemos Cantando,” and other songs performed by both the chorus, soloists, and orchestra. The concert was one of the local reminders of the beginning of the holiday season.
Idol to watch
Stuck on classics
Phillip Phillips’ charming moniker and Mumford and Sons-esque single made him a household name after American Idol; he is much deserving of the attention. Phillips’ first album, The World from the Side of the Moon, feels fresh, unique, and successful with his distinctive growl, acoustic guitar, and thoughtful lyrics. The best song, “A Fool’s Dance,” is a folkish number that describes a hot and cold relationship familiar to all. With his relatable lyrics such as “you tricked me, fooled me, I was yours/Who am I, who are you, what are we anymore,” Phillips sings the words we cannot express in a gravely, mellow tone. Phillips is an idol to keep an eye on. Let’s hope his first single, “Home,” which reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100, keeps listeners ears while Phillips, with his 12 track record, builds his foundation in the modern-day music world.
The 1942 film Casablanca, a three time Oscar winner, starred Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Emotionally conflicting, this film defies categorization, but remains a gem. Set in early WWII, director Michael Curtiz follows an ex-freedom fighter, Rick Blaine, who runs a nightclub that sells illegal letters for transit to the United States. Blaine comes across an old flame, Ilsa Lund, when rebel Victor Laszlo comes searching for a safe way to flee. Though not intended, the colorless scenes and old movie sound transport the viewers to the time period better than any modern attempt. Scenes such as the “moving” car with a stationary background gives Blaine’s memory of Lunds a nostalgic, charming feel. Casablanca is 102 minutes that, positively, lacks most violence and fear that come with wartime movies. Blaine’s selfless character choices at the end leave you wondering about the true emotions Lund was so flawlessly able to protect. As a frequent flyer of cheesy romance novels, I find the underlying plot of Blaine and Lund’s love captivating, timeless, and well done. Bravo Warner Brothers!
by Angela Lorenzo, A&E editor
12
Crimson
Dec. 2012
Ah, Christmas time in my youth. This meant a time of snuggling up on the couch, drinking hot chocolate, and listening to the smooth jazz artist Kenny G play renditions of Christmas tunes that would make Santa run away screaming. Today I am happy to say that I may never have to listen to a Kenny G. Christmas again because today I have the diverse yet accessible album. Holidays Rule. Featuring such artists as The Shins, Fun., and Paul McCartney, Holidays Rule takes a road-lesstraveled romp through the holiday season. Combining indie rock, pop, and blues, this album has an everchanging mood and style while still giving that holiday spirit we all know and love. Want a deep emotional connection to the holiday stories of old? Listen to “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” by the Punch Brothers, a powerful acoustic orchestra coupled with soft yet passionate vocals that flesh out the traditional song with a new freshness. Perhaps you’d like a sweet and energetic ode to play in the snow? Fun. has got you covered with “Sleigh Ride,” where a beautiful stringed orchestra is mixed with electronic drums and such playful and vibrant vocals. I imagine listening to this song is the same feeling as eating peppermint candies magically injected with Christmas spirit. Elsewhere on the album, Holidays Rule departs from the usual worn out Christmas songs and gives alternative artists a chance to contribute. The album avoids the unfortunate, lifeless repetitive stigma of Christmas albums, and instead adds a freshness to the holiday music we all love with some variety and direction. Every day needs a sound track, and Holidays Rule is the perfect sound track to Christmas.
by Angela Lorenzo, A&E editor
Artist: Various Album: Holidays Rule (2012) Recommended Song: Wonderful
Christmastime
Graphic by Sydney Matteson
Environment
Humans driving Earth’s biosphere towards a sixth major loss of life by Aidan Farrell, Environment Co-Editor
A mass extinction can be defined as a catastrophic event, or series of events that results in a loss of seventy-five percent of present life on Earth. Five mass extinctions have occurred in the history of our Earth, all of which were caused by natural events. The last one occurred 65 million years ago, where an asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs. Now, scientists predict that the Earth may be in the process of seeing a sixth mass extinction arise, not by means solely of natural phenomena, but as a direct result of human influence. Scientists predict that in the next 300 to 2000 years, the planet will see its sixth mass extinction. Humans are at the heart of this conflict with a population of seven billion, living on a planet whose carrying capacity of 12 billion is being tested. Our planet’s biosphere is made up of a variety of complex and differing ecosystems. Each of these ecosystems contains a large number of populations, or species, that work together to help each other survive. For example, the predator only survives if the prey survives. If the prey species goes extinct, then the predator species may also go extinct. The most diverse of these ecosystems on Earth is that of the tropical rainforests. Within these forests are thousands of species that have not been documented. According to pbs.org, scientists predict that 27,000 species go extinct each year in the rainforests alone. This species loss is a direct result of the effort of humans to expand developed land. Biology teacher Gaylene Ewing expresses regret at the idea of these thousands of species being lost. “Not only is sad that they are being lost, but there
are going to be repercussions that go beyond the loss of that species. It filled a niche in an ecosystem. Everything is interconnected. If you just pull on one little piece, or species, of that web, then many species are going to be affected,” Ewing said. Ewing attributes the possibility of a sixth mass extinction to human influence. “We can function as a large population, but not in the way we are living right now.” Not only is deforestation detrimental to nameless species, but a negative impact on one of the world’s largest carbon sinks. Trees give off carbon dioxide and as the rainforests are flattened, so is the source of carbon dioxide. As a result, deforestation of forests is contributing to the rising global atmospheric temperature. The rise in temperature may seem a miniscule proportion as compared to the world, but the tiniest of changes plays an important role in species and ecosystem survival. “When you have entire ecosystems that survive within really specific conditions and those conditions change, then you start to lose some of those ecosystems,” Ewing said. Rainforests are being felled, not necessarily for development, but for farmland. One might assume that rainforest soil be rich in nutrients. This is not the case, as the constant rains drain the soil of its nutrients, yielding only nutrients at the top. As a result, farmers find the land usable for two or so years, before it is of no good. At that time, the land is either turned into grazing land, or left vacant. This perspective of farming, “is pointless. We need to become more efficient in farming in ways that don’t cause us to go
out and create new farmland that is not suitable for farming,” Ewing said. Senior Metolius Chase says “humans don’t have the right to turn a forest that has grown for millions of years into farmland, only to leave it deserted when the soil is exhausted.” Rainforests can not simply regrow because they are so diverse. Chase added, “People need to consider their impact on the planet as a whole, and do something as individuals. We need to be responsible for taking care of our home. That includes burning less fossil fuels, not over fishing, and taking care of our forests. This could help curb environmental damage and help preserve species from extinction, because humans definitely have an impact on what goes on.” While much of the emphasis of this issue can be placed on the rainforest situation, the reality of human influence on nature is affecting the world in countless ways, many stemming from global temperature rise and a rapidly expanding population. Over the past 4.5 billion years, our planet has experienced five major losses of life that can all be linked to a single or series of natural catastrophic events, such as a drought or a meteorite collision. While the likeliness of such an event occurring now is extremely low, the Earth may be facing a mass extinction similar to those it has seen in the past. The only difference: humans are causing the present one. At the rate the human race is expanding and polluting the Earth, 75 percent of wildlife will have disappeared in the next 300 - 2000 years.
The five mass extinctions of our planet’s history
Not your average mass extinction
Ordovician-Silurian
85%
of sea life wiped out
443 m.y.a. Cause: ice age
Late Devonian
75%
of life goes extinct
359 m.y.a. Cause: climate change, sea level, asteroid
Permian “The Great Dying”
96%
of life wiped out
248 m.y.a. Causes: asteroid; methane release; drop in oxygen levels; or a combination of these.
Triassic-Jurassic
50%
of life goes extinct
200 m.y.a. Causes: climate change and asteroid
Cretaceous-Tertiary
Dinosaur extinction
65 m.y.a. Cause: asteroid
*Facts gathered from the National Christmas Tree Association Graphic Illustration by Sydney Matteson
An acre of Christmas trees provides the daily oxygen intake of 18 people. Growing Christmas trees provides a habitat for wildlife. Real trees remove dust and pollen from the air. There are more than 4,000 Christmas tree recycling programs in the United States. Ninety-three percent of real Christmas tree consumers recycle their trees in community recycling programs, their garden or backyard.
Artificial trees will last for six years in a home but for centuries in a landfill. Fake trees last longer than real ones. Buying a fake tree saves money since they don’t have to be bought annually. Approximately 85% of artificial trees sold in the U.S. are imported from China. Artificial Christmas trees are easier to take care of: they have no pine needles and require no watering. Dec.. 2012
Crimson
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s t c a tf
c n i n ga a l a b e c h t
of students rank family as the most important part of the holidays
12%
*Results
taken
from
a su
r ve
‘Tis the
yo
f 31
5s
tud
of students rank gifts as high on their holiday priority list en
season to be jolly, but
decking the halls may come as a
of students donate to charities
hazard to morals and priorities. Attracting
the population and demolishing traditional views, materialism influences student
Christmas begins and stress levels skyrocket.
The meaning of Christmas suffers at the hands of modern consumerism
Students reflect on the importance of being with family over the holidays
by Noah Levine, Reporter
by Sarah Wilson, Managing Editor, and Kelly Munns, Managing Editor
Both Black Friday and Cyber Monday are terms coined within the last decade, but despite the increasing surge of consummation encouraged by the shopping season, there is still a special spot in the hearts of students for a heartfelt present. Regardless, the balancing act that occurs between a special gift and an expensive one is ever-present in the modern lifestyle of most people. While products continue to fly off the shelves, and are now digitally checked out as well, the act of gift giving transforms for many to reflect the needs of a faster paced, technologically suited era. In a survey of 315 students, 50.5 percent ranked family as first on their priority list. This suggests that even in a culture permeated by the burden to buy, holidays don’t have to empty your wallet to mean something. “It’s not easy for big families to get each of their kids a new smartphone, the latest technology, and pay the bills, and it’s almost expected these days,” senior David Galvez said. Galvez isn’t alone either. Only 12.4 percent of students placed gifts as first or second on their personal holiday priority list. “Gifts don’t always need to break the bank to be considered worthwhile. Some of the best presents I’ve gotten probably didn’t cost the person a cent,” said Galvez. However, the reality for many teens during Christmas time is often that the best gift in their eyes is the most straining on the parent’s wallet. One-hundred fifty-eight people surveyed spend $80 or more during the holidays, a testament to the stress felt by many during this season to buy more. “The whole meaning of Christmas is supposed to be about [...] family, giving, and being grateful about what you’re receiving. But, there are those people that are only into Christmas for just the receiving end,” junior Kelsey Vaughn said. With tough economic times causing worry for people, it may be more than likely that heartfelt gifts will be seen more than the pricey ones, but at least that’s keeping. with the holiday spirit.
‘Tis the season—the season of maniacal moms in search of the best deals in crowded department stores, distressed dads worrying over their ever-thinning wallets, and teens raising their expectations of what gifts they will receive. People can get wrapped up in the chaos of gift-giving, but for several students, family is everything. “It's always nice to have your family close to you and to know that you're loved; and during the holidays, there's time to spend with your family, more so than most other times of the year, so it's important to take advantage of that,” senior Mekenzie Prokop said, whose brother is coming home from college for the holidays. Prokop is not alone. One-hundred sixty students consider family the most important part of the holidays. “It’s very important to be with family during the holidays. It’s a time when you can all come together to visit with each other and see how everyone is doing, but it's also a time to be with all of the wonderful people who love you and care for you,” senior Lynette Childs said, who celebrates Christmas with all her family at her Grandmother’s house every year. Childs has two cousins coming home from college for the holidays. Sophomore Amanda Kerr agrees that being with family is an inimitable part of the holiday season. “It means a lot to me having my older siblings come home for the winter season. I consider my friends and family the biggest happiest part of Christmas,” Kerr said, whose older siblings will be returning for the holidays. “It’s very important for everyone to spend their Christmas holiday with their own family.” The importance of being with family during the holidays surrounds the campus, as students say it’s disappointing when families don’t get along during these times. “It's really unfortunate when those with close, loving families don't understand how good they have it and choose to avoid family time. I know I would do anything to spend time with my whole family together without bickering and conflict,” Prokop said. Despite the draw students may feel towards the material gifts they receive over the holiday season, these Bearcats believe the joy of spending time with family truly is the gift that keeps on giving.
52 %
ts
lives as the 25 five day countdown to
The gift that keeps on giving
50% of students spend $80 or more total on holiday gifts –Brigitte Maina, Business Team, Heba Elsayed, Business Team, and Kelly Munns, Managing Editor
*Results taken from a survey of 315 students Photos by Sierra Mosely and Jeff Mount
David Galvez, 12
Charities
50 %
Big bucks don’t always mean a big heart
> >> >> >>
Christmasba ancing act
the
>> >> >> >
Mekenzie Prokop, 12
Special Report: Safety after Sandy Hook
Remembering the Remembering the fallen fallen A bell rang at 9:00 a.m. as roughly 700 students walked into their classrooms and sat down for what seemed to be just another day. But the town of Newtown, Connecticut and the nation would be rattled by what happened 30 minutes later, remembering Dec.14 as the day that 20 students and eight adults were killed. It was at 9:30 a.m. when the announcements rang through school-wide speakers and bullets began to fire. Sandy Hook Elementary Vice Principal, school psychologist, and parent Mary Sherlach opened her door to see a man wielding a semi-automatic .223-caliber Bushmaster rifle; the gunman fired into two classrooms before taking his own life. Twelve girls and eight boys between the ages of six and seven were pronounced dead approximately
20 minutes later. Faculty rushed students into bathrooms and closets: Victoria Soto, a 27-year-old first grade teacher, fatally faced and rerouted the shooter after hiding her students; Kaitlin Roig locked herself and her students in a bathroom, refusing to come out even when a police badge was slid under the door; first grade teacher Abigail Clemments huddled her students around singing Christmas carols to keep them calm; another teacher hid 18 students in a library supply closet, saving their lives. Thousands gathered at St. Rose Church in Newtown that Friday to mourn the lives lost in this tragedy. Families, friends, fellow students and staff came together for the second time that month–the first gathering had been a Christmas celebration, the second
a day filled with tears, loss, and somber prayers filled with hope, love, and strength in a time of weakness. The terror of this tragedy resonated throughout the nation as parents, schools, and national leaders such as President Barack Obama came together to express that this tragedy will not go unnoticed, it will not be forgotten, and we will prevent it from happening again as far as our capabilities allow. December 14 will live in the hearts of the people of Newtown as a day of grief, but as people come together to remember those lost, that day will also be remembered for the heroic acts of those who put others before themselves, and will guide Newtown and the nation on the road to recovery.
–Anna Hernandez, Environment Co-Editor, with contributions by Sarah Wilson, Managing Editor
Were you personally upset by the incident in Connecticut?
88% yes 12% no
Is PRHS doing all it can to prevent this type of incident?
28% yes 72% no
Should PRHS make it more difficult for adults to access campus? *Taken from a survey of 105 students in Geof Land’s Government class
68% yes 32% no
–Josh Orcutt, Sports Co-Editor
Photo by Jenna Wookey
Look to the future and remember the past The sacrifices of Sandy Hook victims won’t go unnoticed
by Courtney Thompson, Opinion Editor, Analia Cabello, Reporter, and Maddie Berry, Photo Essay Co-Editor Presents, wrapped in red and green tied with a bow, will remain alone under tree bough laden with ornaments of Christmas past. Bedrooms of the 28 lost souls will remain uninhabited. Desks in Sandy Hooks Elementary will stand as a constant reminder of the tragedy of lost lives and innocence on Dec. 14, 2012. Last Friday, eight adults and 20 children were shot and killed in a mass murder in Newtown, Connecticut. And although 28 lives were lost, many were spared by the bravery of the staff members and students. First grade teacher Victoria Soto, age 27, shielded her students from peril and sacrificed her short life to save the others. Many lives were lost that day, but the heroes will be remembered for saving hundreds of students and acting bravely when it would have been so instinctive to cower in fear. We need to look to the future and realize that this unfathomable experience is an opportunity to take preventative measures to assure that life is never stolen from children again in this manner, to make sure that we, as the American population, come together and prevent mass shootings and other tragedies. We do this instead of dwelling on the grief and fatal details, the innocent civilian losses-for although those lives were unnecessarily taken, we must remain hopeful for the
future. PRHS staff are not taking this incident lightly. We can be assured they are preparing for the worst and pursuing the best. If the worst were to occur, such heroes lie in our educators. ROP Careers with Children advisor Brenda Matthysse, for instance, sent out an e-mail to parents of children enrolled in Bearkittens Preschool regarding the recent Connecticut shooting. “There is nothing I personally would not do to ensure the safety and security of your precious child,” Matthysse wrote to parents, going on to reassure parents that there is a safety procedure specific to Bearkittens. In the aftermath of a situation such as this, fear is a perfectly rational reaction. However, to live each day in constant fear of the next target would discount the sacrifices of the victims. Their martyrdom should stand as a step forward to public safety, not a step backward to become immobilized by fear. Their act of bravery isn’t isolated within the walls of Sandy Hook Elementary or even the borders of the state of Connecticut; the sense of bravery has been evangelized across public school systems and cemented itself in the foundation of PRHS.
Con
Pro
Limiting guns does more damage
by Noah Levine, reporter, and Nicolette Jolicoeur, Editor-inChief “Seven loud booms” were as if we walk daily upon empty heard by the children at Sandy shells, as if the fate of some Hook Elementary. And at impending doom lies between the end of it all, 28 deaths, all us and our guns. Today, a from one man, with two guns, single clip can mean 30 deaths This tragedy that has “broken before a reload, nor do we the hearts of America” in the worry about the constitution’s words of President Obama, has protection against quartering brought up the topic of guns troops because it is simply not once again to the forefront of relevant. These massacre’s come to scale through the use the political spectrum. Gun control has been a topic of these guns in the hands of regarded as an infringement the mentally unstable and how upon constitutional rights, we raise our children is a much specifically the provision an issue as this, but America, that states “A well regulated the largest gun touting nation in Militia, being necessary to the the world, simply has too many security of a free State, the right guns. “It is a societal problem” said of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed”. Government teacher Geof Gun control, argued by some, Land. “I think if it’s harder prevents the arming of citizens to get a gun, it’s going to be to defend themselves and others harder for these kinds of things in situations like Newtown, to happen.” Needless to say the laws, permits, and background Aurora, and Columbine. There is a balance to be drawn checks are not doing enough. There is a problem with this between responsible adults with weapons and unstable country, and at the end of it all, beings who are not suitable at the scene of each crime, in the to carry. It is this availability hands of each deranged man, of semi-automatic guns that in the eyes of each innocent facilitates such slaughters as child, there is a smoking gun. those in Connecticut. Guns have been assumed as necessary for all Americans,
1,000,000 gun
30,000 deaths caused by firearms in 2010
54
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G
un
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by Colton Weaver, web team, with contributions from Brandon Goddard, PR Manager After every firearm related very frightening idea. There is tragedy, the argument of gun very little that can be done to stop control seems to always come up. such evil, and what can be done After the atrocities committed in doesn’t pertain to guns control. “The brutal truth is that gun Newtown, Connecticut the same thought has popped up, yet the control won’t put a stop to these problem does not lie in the means, massacres. The truth is that there are brutal, sick people in the world but rather, in the ends. A law to control guns will leave that you can’t legislate away,” said two groups with guns: criminals Senior Blake Campbelland the government, leaving the Taylor Limiting or banning guns common man powerless against both. The solution is to make entirely would solve little; 300 million protection available, not take it Approximately away. No law can stop a lunatic firearms are in circulation, and intent on killing someone: they these guns won’t disappear aren’t doing it because it is illegal, with more control. It wouldn’t they are doing it out of passionate be possible to confiscate these hatred. One thing is capable of guns. The relatively long lifespan stopping such a person, and that of a gun means that they will stay is someone who is as well armed around for a century or so, too. as they are. It often takes police Also, more guns deter criminals 10 minutes to respond to such using any type of weapon. an event, whereas it would take Crimes such as robbery depend seconds for someone to draw on vulnerability, and fail on those who can defend themselves their gun. After travesties, guns are often Laws against guns are often taken as attacks on freedom. said to be the problem; yet the Government shouldn’t have problem is something entirely weapons unless we do too, or else different, irrelevant to not only we would have no way to stop guns, but laws too. Instead of them if they mistreated us. Gun pointing fingers and blaming the control attempts to take away our tool, let us look upon the reason armor, and leave us defenseless; behind the task and see if we can these laws put the control into the remedy that. hands of those threatening us, a
A step forward from an antiquated position
surveyed
are in favor of banning magazines with more than 10 rounds
graphic illustration by Sierra Mosely
5014
Statistics taken from percent CNN.com, nytimes. surveyed com, justfacts.com, want and huffingtonpost. stricter com
percent surveyed
want looser gun laws gun laws
Contro 270 Gun The facts on America’s firearms
licences in Florida
million guns are owned by civilians in the US
40-45
percent
of households own a gun gun T pro legislations passed H were the week of R the shooting in Michigan, E Ohio, and E Illinois
Safety after Sandy Hook
TEACHERS: a united front
Teachers at PRHS are crucial to the safety of the students on campus. Jeanne Neely, Aaron Cantrell, Dave Schleppenbach, and Mark Fairbank are some of many adults on campus devoted to playing this role in the case of any crisis.
“
What we’re going do is we are going to get students out of this classroom and into the back. We’ll lock the doors and the door to the back room. Then we’ll just get down low and hide.
“
Mark Fairbank Physics teacher
“
“
Clearly, there is no way to explain the recent tragedy that occurred this past Friday in Connecticut. Each of us can however respond in a positive way to this act of evil by making a concerted effort to be kind to one another. Today, tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, every day please make a willful effort to be kind to those you know well and to those you don't.
Three things could happen. If we’re outside, then obviously we run to a safer place. Step two, we’d hide. After a certain point though, we would fight and take the guy down.
Aaron Cantrell AP English teacher
“
“
I’d go to the door and look for any students, tell them to come into my classroom, lock the door, turn off the lights, hide the kids at the back of the room and would stand by the door, trying to secure all students, just trying to keep everyone safe in my realm.
Emergency Lock-Down Procedure 1. Students and staff to go to rooms that can be secured/locked. 2. Teachers step into hallway or outside and call “EMERGENCY LOCK-DOWN” and get all students/staff inside room. 3. Doors are locked and remain locked untill police unlock the doors, giving the all clear. 4. Lights are turned off. 5. Students and staff drop and cover away from doors and windows or hide in cupboard/ cabinet. 6. Do not leave the classroom if a fire alarm sounds unless you see fire or smoke. 7. Do not us phone or cell phones except to report an emergency or report an intruders location/activities. If you notice any suspicious persons or activity, contact the office.
Dave Schleppenbach Math teacher
“
The safety of the students and staff would be the most important thing. It’s not realistic to think we could have perfectly secure procedures—not even a wealthy school can do that. Working toward a more caring and conscientious campus makes more sense.
“
If there’s an active shooter or lockdown on campus, follow these procedures.
“
Principal
“
Randy Nelson
Jeanne Neely Peer and Psych teacher
–Clarisse Dart, Health Editor, Kelly Munns, Managing Editor, Angela Lorenzo, A&E Editor, and Brandon Kearns, Sports Co-Editor Photos by Clarisse Dart, Kelly Munns and Brandon Kearns
l
}decide
Christmasba ancingact
the
–Danae Ontiveros, Photo Essay Co-Editor, Sarah Wilson, Managing Editor, and Nicolette Jolicoeur, Editor-in-Chief
Do you want to be charitable this Christmas season?
no
Your heart is two sizes too small
Would you like to donate money?
Are you the GRINCH?
no no
yes
yes no
Would you like to donate to families?
Would you like to donates to kids?
yes
yes
yes
Would you like donate Items?
no Are you the GRINCH?
yes
Would you like to donate to families?
no
yes
no yes Would you like to donate to families?
Would you like to donate food?
no
Red Wagon
yes
Adopt-a-Family
Would you like to donates to kids?
yes yes
Families will be matched with another low-income family to help achieve their Christmas wishes. To sponsor a family, contact organizer Bill Brocco (805-235-2592
Books for Barrios
no
ABC club devotes time to Books for Barrios by helping them send books to kids in the Philipines.
Donate books
Peer has scattered 12 red wagons in different classrooms, each dedicated to a family in the community in an attempt to spread holiday cheer to those who are less fortunate.
Salvation Army
Proceeds go towards local senior citzens to help support their housing needs and bills. To partake in this event, contact (238-9591) or go to the Salvation Army Center at 711Paso Robles Street.
Cinderella’s Closet Your heart is two sizes too small
16| Crimson
Dec. 2012
cans
dinners
Loaves and Fishes
To dontate food to Loaves and Fishes, the P.O. Box IS 1720, Paso Robles CA 93446. Online proceeds are accepted at loavesandfishespaso. org
Students can donate prom dresses and accessories to Cinderella’s Closet so girls who can’t afford new apparel can still dress up for prom.
Opinion
No ‘Merry Christmas’ is no good Being politically correct ignores the simple message by Andrea Lorenzo, Sci-Tech Editor Turning to leave, waving, and wishing someone “Merry localization. Senior Angelica Tapia does not celebrate Christmas,” one may not think until later that the reference to the extremely popular Christian holiday could have Christmas; however she does not take offense to those been received in any other way than with a jovial and who wish her a merry one. “I usually just correct them positive manner. In many ways, the expressions “Merry [and tell them I don’t celebrate Christmas],” said Tapia. Christmas” and “Happy Holidays” are intended with a “But I wouldn’t try to make them say [Merry Christmas or very similar meaning, in the well wishing and best of luck not] if they don’t believe in it. Everybody has the right to for another; however, in many formal government systems, their own opinion.” AP English teacher Aaron Cantrell, who does being specific about any winter holiday is prohibited and, even to certain people, the phrases have significant celebrate Christmas, said that, ‘“Merry Christmas’ seems differences. It seems that the simple, and endearingly to represent our traditional American heritage,” in a way human compassion and well wishing is lost in the literal very similar to the traditions of other cultures around the world. “When Muslims say ‘Eeb Mubarak’,” Cantrell said, translations and obsession with being ‘politically’ correct. In 2011, the Fox News article “‘No Merry Christmas,’ US “I’ll feel happy and included.” Wishing one a “Merry Christmas” or a “Happy NewYear” House Members Told” reported that “no holiday greetings, including ‘Merry Christmas,’ can be sent out in official mail is indicative of not just the specific holidays it references but also celebrating the spirit of the winter season in a paid for by tax dollars.” They are not allowed to reference a specific holiday, such very general and very human way. It can be a way to say as in wishing one a “Happy New Year” but can reference goodbye or to appreciate another’s celebrations, but it the time period. An example that was given would be seems that in no way is the phrase meant with malicious to “have a happy new year”–note the lowercase letters intent. If you were to wish someone a “happy and safe and that it is speaking of the time of year change, not the holiday season” it could mean very similarly the same specific holiday. For the technicality of being “politically as wishing someone a “Merry Christmas,” yet the image correct,” it seems that judicial law is undermining the of the iconic Christian holiday is something so deeply integrity and the essence of the meaning behind holiday entrenched in the American traditions. Other winter holidays like Hanukkah or Kwanzaa are very established, greetings. It is, in a way, sad that the honesty of Christmas and, but Christmas is ubiquitous throughout the country and really, the holiday season must be outlined by the law the world. It would seem almost tainted to have the “Merry so as to remain religiously unaffiliated and upset all for Christmas”es be received with any less warmth than they those who becomes easily offended. However, it is curious were given. that the strict federal perspective is not always echoed in
“People should just be more tolerant [of others saying Merry Christmas].” –Ryan Grinager, Freshman
Photos and graphic illustration by Courtney Thompson
“It’s a little annoying. Based on our current demographics, most people in America celebrate Christmas. When you say Merry Christmas I don’t think it can be taken as offensive because it’s like saying ‘well wishes’.”
–Bryan McGuffin, Junior
Dec. 2012
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Health
Family Dinner
Worry warriors
The result of a strong family relationship by Rachel Cole, News Co-Editor
Senior Tori Wilson and sophomore Kera Bruce talk openly about their anxiety by Analia Cabello, reporter It’s shortness of breath; it’s walls closing in on you; it’s dizziness, nausea, intense fear, a feeling that you just might be about to breathe your last breath. It’s a panic attack—a symptom of panic disorder—and one in 75 people nationwide have experienced one at a time in their lives, according to the American Psychological Association. The phrase “anxiety disorder” encompasses six types of anxiety. Approximately twentyfive percent of 13 to 18 year olds will experience an anxiety disorder, and about six percent of 13 to 18 year olds have a “severe” anxiety disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. PRHS senior Tori Wilson has been battling anxiety since attending Winifred Pifer Elementary School, where the worrying first manifested during kindergarten. “It was right after my sister was born,” Wilson said. “It was hard for me to accept that there was another person in the house that I had to take care of.” With a new baby came a new awareness of germs, and as Wilson watched her mother repeatedly wipe down surfaces and stress about cleanliness, she developed an anxiety linked to illnesses—specifically, vomiting. “When I feel like I’m getting sick, I start to freak out,” Wilson said. “Your heart starts racing, you turn all shaky, you don’t want to eat, you can’t really sleep.” Panic attacks usually occur in situations where an individual is extremely nervous or experiencing intense fear and can last for 30 minutes. During an anxiety attack, the amygdala—the fear center of the brain—and parts of the midbrain become overactive,
according to www.scientificamerican.com. “Freshman year was the worst for [my anxiety],” Wilson said. “I was out of school for a week, and...I had to change my class schedule, because I was missing a lot of work and they wanted me to start fresh.” To ward off anxiety today, Wilson turns to God. “In times of need, I pray,” Wilson said. “I pray, and I rebuke the spirit of fear...and I just dive into the Word. I’ll look up scriptures, and I kind of get connected to God, because through Christ, you can do anything.” Like Wilson, sophomore Kera Bruce has been combating anxiety; however, the reason for Bruce’s anxiety disorder lies in DNA, instead of being centralized around a certain subject. Bruce’s anxiety began in between the end of sixth grade and the beginning of seventh, around the time her father retired from the Navy. “I have an anxiety disorder, so I always have [anxiety], but the last few weeks and every once in a while before that it will just escalate to the point where I will be shaking, throwing up, and crying,” said Bruce, who has been on medications for depression, anxiety disorder, and A.D.D. Wilson and Bruce don’t stand alone in encountering anxiety. “Anxiety disorders are common in our society. Young adults can be susceptible to a wide array of anxiety disorders and these disorders can manifest with a variety of symptoms,” said Doctor Miriam Lomelino, who has been practicing as a doctor for 14
Tori Wilson, 12
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years. “Adolescents are at risk because they have a wide variety of pressures, and at the same time, they are undergoing physical and hormonal changes.” Lomelino sees an estimated three to five cases of an anxiety disorder each week, with Generalized Anxiety Disorder being the most prevalent. “Oftentimes there are other co-morbidities such as major depression, substance abuse, or eating disorders,” Lomelino said. “Many of the patients I see are on treatment and have symptoms that are wellcontrolled.” Jennifer Prins, who has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for 20 years, agrees with Lomelino. “Teenagers have a lot of pressures these days, increasing their stressors and increasing the likelihood of them experiencing anxiety,” Prins said. Like Lomelino, the majority of Prins’s clients have been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, although she also treats people with Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder—she estimates that sixty percent of her clients have one of the six types of anxiety disorders. “Once someone is diagnosed with anxiety, it is possible for it to go away,” Prins said. “This depends on a person’s support system, motivation for change, as well as type, severity and length of symptoms. Severe anxiety can be very debilitating for some people and these people will often need medication to help them manage their symptoms. Others learn to cope with their anxiety by managing life stressors, as well as negative belief systems, which contribute significantly to anxious feelings.”
Kera Bruce, 10
Ann Meier and Kelly Musick, whose study was published Journal of Marriage and Family, wrote that the benefits that come along with eating dinner as a family may be attributed to other factors. Benefits appear to be coming from sources like a higher income, two parents in the home, a mother who doesn’t work, and just a better family relationship, according to the study of 18,000 young adults. Mealtimes are really not the secret. Also, there may be a time crunch for families who don’t have either two parents or a parent that can stay at home; making a dinner can take as little as twenty minutes or even less, but then eating it together can cause some stress about the timing. Students also have sports and other extracurriculars that keep them busy after school, so maybe they don’t have the time to sit down and eat a proper dinner with their family.
Dinner with Bearcats In random sample of 27 students...
[76.9%] said they eat dinner together at least half the week
[74.1%] said they eat together at the dinner table
[27.3%] said they had no enjoyment eating together
[63.6%]
said timing was difficult
[29.6%] said that they eat in front of the TV
Photos by Sierra Mosely and Stevie Stark Illustration by Lindsay Svinth
Ads
Dec. 2012
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World
Christmas tree tracker Tree traditions throughout the globe by Sydney Matteson, Graphic Designer
Russia
In Russia Christmas is classified by fasting that sometimes lasts 39 days. People say special prayers and fast until Jan. 6. After the evening star rises many families begin a 12 course supper. The suppers honor each of the five apostles and on Christmas day carols are sung as people gather in churches around traditional, decorated Christmas trees.
Portugal During the night of Christmas Eve families get together and eat codfish with green vegetables and boiled potatoes followed by shellfish. After dinner everyone goes to church for ‘Missa do Galo’ (Midnight Mass) where a picture of Jesus is brought out and everyone lines up to kiss it. In Portugal its believed that “Pai Natal” brings presents on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day.
India There are only about 25 million Christians in India, so Christmas isn’t a huge festival. Midnight mass is the most important service where the whole family attends, and it’s followed by a feast of delicacies and gift giving. “Christmas Baba” is often depicted as giving presents to kids with a horse and cart. Instead of a Christmas tree, many in India have a decorated mango or banana tree.
Congo Most in Congo won’t give or receive any gifts, it’s more of an actual religious holiday. Many churches have big musical events that last hours long until about 1a.m. then in the morning service starts back up at about 9am with more singing. Most families have a better meal than normally such as chicken or pork.
Ethiopia In Ethiopia Christmas is called Ganna and occurs on Jan. 7. Many people gather in either ancient churches of more modern structures centered around three circles. Genders are separated and everyone receives candles upon entering the churches. The candles are all lit and participants walk around the church three times before mass.
Nigeria For Christmas in Nigeria many people return to their ancestral villages, emptying many of the modern towns. Nigerians travel home to bless the less fortunate and visit family. Instead of desserts and sweets Nigerians tend to serve large quantities of various meats on Christmas Day.
Graphics by Sydney Matteson
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Madagascar Most go to church on Christmas Eve from 5:00 p.m. to midnight with different celebrations for the birth of Jesus. Madigans only give small presents but prefer to eat in large groups for Christmas Eve dinner, normally eating chicken or pork with rice followed by a special cake.
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Johan Huibers created a scale of Noah’s ark and opened it to the public on Dec. 12, 2012. The ship is approximately 427 feet long, 95 feet across and 75 feet high. The model includes plastic animals and two cinemas for special events. Johan Huibers built the ship as part of a 20 year old dream to inform people about biblical events.
Europe
China
Thailand
Mexico
Dairy farmers from France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands didn’t cry over spilt milk, instead, they held a protest. Farmers doused the Brussels European Parliament building with milk in protest of too low prices, on the stance that farmers can’t make a living and are closing their businesses. Even though this protest seems like a waste of milk, the act is supported by the European Milk Board.
The Pra Prang Sam Yot temple hosts an annual buffet festival, however the guests aren’t your typical bipedal primates. Each year 4,000 kilograms of fruit are served to monkeys as a thank you for bringing in tourists. Various tropical fruits are laid out or encased in juice flavored ice, and onlookers film and take pictures of the display.
In Ningxiang, China a farmer trained his pigs to jump off a 3 meter platform into a pond three times a day. Huang Deming claims that this makes them leaner, tastier, and more valuable. Deming has trained over 60 pigs! Who knew pigs really would fly?
“Up, up and away!” The child’s movie “Up” inspired Jonathan Trappe to send a cartoon themed house into the air. Helium balloons kept the dwelling sky high while Trappe crossed the English Channel. He is currently preparing to cross the Atlantic later this year in a lifeboat suspended by 365 balloons.
Source: Telegraph
—Angela Lorenzo, A&E editor 20
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Blind Date
Ice, ice baby Slipping and sliding with seniors by Nicolette Jolicoeur, Editor-in-Chief California’s winter months may not bring a white Christmas, two senior daters got to experience a wet Christmas. Seniors Conner Jorgenson and Camelia Pacheco replaced sleighs with ice blocks and snow boots for rain coats on a blustery Saturday afternoon. The date started out at Vons with a shopping spree for icing and ice blocks. Unknown to the daters what the blocks were for, they conversed about the latest fashion trends and pop singer Christina Aguilera’s new curvy figure. The couple then headed out to Barney Schwartz park blind to what lay ahead. After reaching the park, Jorgenson and Pacheco ventured to the top of a hill where their destiny awaited them: ice blocking. After Jorgenson taught his date the simple rules of blocking, the two set their marks. On go, the couple slid down the hill on the blocks with Jorgenson winning the race by a long stretch. Finally as Pacheco, was clued in to the secret to Jorgenson’s success, she gained her speed and almost beat him in the closing race. The daters quenched their hunger next by making out on sugar while decorating sugar cookies. In green and red frosting, Jorgenson and Pacheco doodled their initials, PRHS, and classic holiday symbols. The senior daters conversed about their college dreams, Jorgenson’s lifelong passion for basketball and Pacheco’s soccer career and
injuries. Following the decoration of the cookies, the decoration of the tree began. “I love fake trees, so much better than the real ones,” Jorgenson joked of the tree supplied for them. The pair hung their own ornaments while discussing their appreciation for the simplicity of one that is homemade. Jorgenson brought some that represented his old fashion tastes and some that are homemade, while Pacheco brought ornaments symbolic to her family like a soccer ball and her parents anniversary ornament. While the date did not end with a kiss under the mistletoe, the couple experienced a date in true holiday spirit!
Rate the Date Camelia Pacheco
Conner Jorgenson
Rate: 6
Rate: 7
Favorite Part:
Favorite Part:
“Decorating the tree”
“Ice blocking. Probably just because I won.”
Second date: “Probably not.”
Second date: “Sure, but just as buddies.”
SENIORS SLEDING (top): The daters giggled as they raced down the slippery hill wet from the rainfall. Jorgenson beat Pacheco in both runs. OH CHRISTMAS TREE (middle): Seniors Camelia Pacheco and Conner Jorgenson decorated a tree with their five most sentimental ornaments. With the rain storm swaying the tree, the daters had a difficult time keeping it steady. SUGARING SWEETNESS (bottom): The seniors frosted sugar cookies with red and green frosting that they picked out. They then used sprinkles to add a festive spark. Photos by Kelly Munns and Nicolette Jolicoeur Dec. 2012 Crimson 21
Fashion
Brand: Pins and Needles Style:Pompom InfinityScarf Price: $29 at urbanoutfitters.com
Brand:Uggs Style: Classic Tall Price: $195 at ugg.com
Brand:Urban Pipeline Style:V-neck Price: $14 at khols.com
Brand: Neff Style: Daily Heather Black &White Beanie Price: $18.95 at zumiez.com
Brand:Hollister Style:Boot Jeans Destroyed Medium Wash Price: $45 at hollister.com
Brand: Vans Style: Pop Lace Authentic Price: $45 at vans.com
-Devin Corea, Fashion Editor and Summer Volle, Reporter -photos by Summer Volle, Reporter
Scarfs galore Stylistic ways to keep up with scarf trends –Sierra Mosely, Graphic Designer
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Tie the knot
Embrace the lace
Infinity is forever
Fringe is in
Sci-tech
Top 3 picks from a survey of 50 students Dec. 2012
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Food
‘Tis the season to serve
Community members come together to serve others for the holidays by Anna Hernandez, Environment Co-Editor The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and food for many, but for some Paso Robles residents the holiday season means another trip to the food bank, homeless shelter, or local soup kitchen where they can receive a “home-cooked” meal. PRHS student volunteers came to Centennial Park on Nov. 22 to serve those in need this Thanksgiving. “At first I thought it was going to be a bunch of dirty homeless people, but now I know they are just regular people trying to give their families a wonderful Thanksgiving,” said senior Courtney Brock, who says the smiles on their faces make it an amazing experience. While some focus on the newest gadget, the up-to-date video games, or the latest trends, families and friends are coming together in an effort to give back. Loaves and Fishes, a walkin center originally opened in April of 1983, sees an increase in food donations during the holiday season as well as an increase in community participation. “[Loaves and Fishes] is dependent
GIVING REFLECTION: (top) The mirror in the dining hall at Centennial is filled with signs of businesses that donated to the event. Senior Noel Phillips works hard to set up. PIE: (left) Junior Jasper Utter mans the pie table during the event. Community members could stop by and help themselves to delicious festive pies. PRHS FLOWERS: (right) Event coordinators pose with flowers that were donated by the PRHS floral class. These flowers served as beautiful decorations for the dinner tables. WASHING UP: (center) Volunteers clean up and wash dishes when the dinner is over. They are inspired to give back during the holiday season.
Photos by Anna Hernandez
Frosty the snow-cookieWhat you will How to make melted snowmen sugar cookies like this! by Jenna Wookey, Food Editor
Photos by Jenna Wookey
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on the many hours of work given by a superb group of faithful volunteers. They interview and counsel clients, stock and distribute food, and perform a number of other tasks, always with a smile and a kind word for everyone they meet,” according to Loaves and Fishes. The food Loaves and Fishes receives at its many locations in San Luis Obispo county is divided into reasonable quantities to get the most out of every item that comes in. Volunteers pack bags of rice and containers of beans to be distributed to not only community members but to community organizations who will prepare the donations into meals. Centennial Park delivered meals to homes along with flowers donated by PRHS in an effort to bring the community together this holiday season. All servers and the served came bundled up with red nipped noses and left with either a warm heart or a warm meal, both of which were equally rewarding and satisfying.
Directions:
1. Bake your sugar cookies • your favorite sugar 2. Let the cookies cool then frost with icing. cookie recipe • large marshmallows 3. Cut large marshmallows • decorating icing for in half then place them on scarf, eyes, nose, and the cookies 4. Use decorating icing arms to create the eyes, nose, • icing (1 cup of powdered sugar to 3 scarf, and arms 5. Eat! tablespoons milk)
need:
El Otro Lado
Christmases to remember Students spend Christmas with families in Mexico by Lauren Reed, Feature Co-Editor For sophomore Jonathan Mercado, 1,813 miles isn’t enough to keep him away from his family in Los Limones, MX for Christmas. This Christmas, Mercado will be spending 14 days with his mother’s side of the family: a total of 14 people. He will begin his travels on Dec. 21, returning to Paso Robles on Jan. 3. His transportation of choice: airplane for three and a half hours—as opposed to the 36 hour trek that would be required through car. Mercado will be flying, along with his mom, dad, and little sister, for $400 per person, round trip, where they will land in Guadalajara and be picked up by family to be driven to his grandparents’ home. “My favorite part about Christmas is spending it with my family,” said Mercado, who tries to visit at least twice a year. During the visit, Mercado and his family will celebrate
Christmas together in a giant feast, followed by town festivities. For their feast, Mercado’s family will be eating tamales, atole, pozole, romeritos, and banales. The adults will be drinking ponche, which is a fruit cocktail mixed with alcohol. Once they have stuffed their stomachs and the clock has struck twelve, Mercado and his family will head out to the town square, along with the other 641 Los Limones residents, and enjoy music, fireworks, and each others company, according to Mercado. “Everybody is happy when we’re around the plaza, it’s really fun. The fireworks are fun as well,” said Mercado. Along with Christmas, Mercado also celebrates Our Lady of Guadalupe, a festival that celebrates the virgin Guadalupe, the virgin mother of Jesus. This year it will be held on Dec. 12. The festival brings crowds of millions to Mexico City, where the image of the virgin is kept. Musicians and dancers alike bring
their talents, such as playing common folk songs and dancing traditional folklore dances as an offering to the virgin. A huge mass is held inside the Basílica de Guadalupe, a giant Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to the virgin. The festival is a big part of the Christmas celebration and is celebrated throughout the Catholic community. “I think that this year it will be held in Los Angeles, and they will have a big festival, with speakers talking about the virgin’s life,” said Mercado, who has been going to this festival since he was a child. Freshman Juan Lopez is heading to Jalisco, Mx to visit family as well. “ We go to my uncle’s house and make a big bonfire. [It’s like a] week long party. In December, they always plan the parties, quincenieras and weddings.”
Jonathan and Juan’s Travels
“We have a house over there that we built a long time ago; we stay there. It’s a small village that everyone knows each other.” —Juan Lopez
“Everybody is happy when we’re around the plaza. It’s really fun.” —Jonathan Mercado
{1,813}
miles to Los Limones, Jalisco
Jonathan– Los Limones, Mexico Dear Readers,
{1,850}
miles to Los Guerrero, Jalisco
We debated around the Crimson staff room if the stories in this section should be in English or Spanish. We decided it should be in English so every reader would be able to read it. If you have any suggestions please write us a letter. See page six.
Juan– Jalisco, Mexico Photos by Lauren Reed Graphic Illustration by Sydney Matteson
Sincerely, Editors of El Otro Lado Dec. 2012
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by Josh Orcutt, Sports Director and Kelly Munns, Managing Editor
With heightened winter sports tryout numbers, the winter teams became increasingly full, even on a JV level. In an effort to let all athletes play, winter sports coaches created practice squads, otherwise known as varsity reserve squads. Crimson inquired into the minds of the athletes Affected by the new practice squad mentality. Sophomore Megan Ford was a member of the water polo practice squad and was then moved up to JV after the rest of the practice squad quit.
Striking Goal-ed
Girls varsity soccer team exceeds expectations by Josh Orcutt, Sports Director
BOOM: Senior Sara Bourgault drives and scores against the Morro Bay Pirates in a 7-2 win on Nov. 29, 2012. Photo by Anna Hernandez.
The center midfielders, juniors Emily Vallejos and The smell of freshly cut grass, and the blurs of bright neon soccer cleats are back to running around War Memorial Hannah Paul, play a key role on the team, roving the Stadium. The girls varsity soccer team, under new direction field and constantly making plays to put the Bearcats in good position to score. Leadership also comes from the of Mark Lowerson, have exceeded expectations. In five games, the Bearcats are 3-1-1, with an emphatic 7-2 three captains: seniors Sara Bourgault and Camelia Pacheco, and junior Michalann Mott. win over the Morro Bay Pirates on Thursday, Nov. “We have several returning players on the team 29, 2012. who are very competitive. We have good defenders The girls have already met half of the wins they and our strikers go to goal very well. We are working had last season, when they went 6-11-2. on controlling the middle of the field, [while we “I think the fact that everyone on our team got learn] a new style of soccer to start this season with a clean slate has been one of Well, I see us beating or playing well against teams that that emphasizes possession we don't normally match up to. For example, during and purpose. Soccer is not our strengths. The coaching a scrimmage against San Luis Obispo, we tied. That a one-dimensional sport change has been fairly easy doesn't happen very often! We're hopeful to do very well where you only think about because [Lowerson] is really this season. going North and South. easy to get along with and Kelsey Vaughn, Junior Goalkeeper Learning to play East and he’s [very] knowledgeable West and developing the vertical game is difficult to about the game,” senior goalkeeper Carly incorporate, but it supports the goal of possession. McCall said. [But] a difficult schedule means we can expect to Throughout the past couple years, the girls have be challenged in every match” said Lowerson. mostly played together at the club level. Chemistry The team will need strong leadership from their is key; most of the girls have been playing together captains to achieve their end goal: do well in the for over five years, and even though new coaches PAC-7, and make it to CIF. have taken over, the girls are still as close as ever. “The girls deserve all the credit for any success we have “We naturally have a bond that shows [well] on the field. I feel that is our biggest strength,” junior Michaela this season. They work incredibly hard at practice and that effort shows up in games,” said Lowerson. Howard said, who plays midfield for the Bearcats.
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‘‘
‘‘
What is your opinion on the reserve/practice squads? Do you feel it would be beneficial to someone’s success levels, or hinder them, and why?
“Although the players are getting experience through practice and guidance from coaches, keeping them as reserve is not a sportsmanlike thing to do. I understand having players on the team that don’t play as much, but basically creating a third string is not supported by me.”
Brandon Racca, Junior Varsity Soccer
“A good thing is the motivation. The idea is that you have made the team but you still need to try as hard as you can and be dedicated towards the sport to make the team. I think what really keeps you from excelling is your attitude. You can’t stay mad/sad; you just have to try to show the coach why Megan Ford, Sophomore you should be on the team.” JV Waterpolo
Photos by Sierra Mosely and Stevie Stark. Graphic by Ryan Morrison
Senior shoots biggest college soccer rivalry in nation by Josh Orcutt, Sports Director
First Person
Sports
Some people may think the opportunity for a high school senior to shoot the biggest men’s college soccer rivalry in the nation – Cal Poly SLO vs. UC Santa Barbara – would create a petrified photographer, afraid of messing up or
doing the wrong thing. That’s what I thought, also. My name is Josh Orcutt. I am a senior, ready for the rest of my life. I found myself with the biggest opportunity in my short but bright three year photography career. Here’s my story. When I arrived at Alex G. Spanos Stadium with my family on Nov. 3, I saw the field for the first time in a couple years. I took the elevator up to the top floor of the stadium and went up to the press box. "All I could say to my I was nervous because I didn’t know if I could get family the entire way down on the field at the time. I knew that I wouldn’t get home was, Wow, what a many good shots from the press box because of the night. Looking back, the weird angles and terrible glare off the glass windows experience of covering encaging the press box. and shooting the Next thing I knew, I was taking the elevator back biggest mens college down to the field level and then standing on the field behind the goal as the Mustangs and Gauchos went soccer rivalry in the through their warm-ups. nation was one of the Now, this was like no other soccer game I’d ever best experiences in my been to – and I’ve been to a lot of soccer games. The life.” crowd was so into it and the game hadn’t even started yet. I began to feel myself get a little rattled; I was fully in the spotlight with everyone looking at the game and therefore everyone was looking at me. That’s what freaked me out – 11,075 people watching me. That would freak anyone out. “We chasin’ the dream. Work hard while we doin’ it. Promise to stay true in it. Doin’ it. But never let another soul ruin it,” rapped Chiddy Bang through my headphones as I tried to calm myself. It was the first time I’d ever been nervous for an event where I did photography. I’ve shot CIF soccer games, countless football games, even the chaos of a track and field day, but nothing could have prepared me for this. Then the teams appeared and began to go through their starting lineups. I did not recognize a single player on either team. Next thing I knew, the head referee blew the whistle and the game was off. I held down the shutter button the entire game, hoping to get a good shot here and there. The scoreless first half ended without much happening. Cal Poly had a couple of opportunities to score, but not much settled for the Mustangs. I thought to myself, “This game doesn’t seem to be very heated. Hopefully there’s some scoring in the second half.” Soon, the Cal Poly players trotted back onto the pitch with the crowd’s “CAL POLY!” chant echoing behind them. When the second half started, Cal Poly settled into their rhythm. The Mustangs were passing around the back, pushing into the attacking half and taking some shots. Only minutes into the second half, a UCSB midfielder fouled a Cal Poly player. The yellow card sent the Cal Poly crowd into a frenzy. There were times where the stadium got so loud I could not even hear myself think. By the 77th minute, Cal Poly midfielder George Malki found himself with the ball deep in the box behind the Gauchos’ goalie. I was so busy taking photos that I lost track of the play and thought that the keeper had just picked up the ball. I looked up at the right time to see Malki, behind everyone, fire a shot into the right hand corner of the goal which sent the Cal Poly fans into an uproar. That goal meant playoffs for coach Paul Holocher’s Mustangs and a key win for them—if the Mustangs could hold on for another 13 minutes. The rest of the game flew by and before I knew it, the 10-second countdown to the end of the game began. With eight seconds left, the Cal Poly fans began to storm the field. I chuckled to myself thinking, “The game is not even over yet! What are they doing?” The buzzer sounded and what seemed to be the entire stadium fled the stands. The Cal Poly players disappeared, and then re-appeared. I rushed up to the press box to get a shot of the chaos. All I could say to my family the entire way home was, “Wow, what a night.” Looking back, the
RISE UP: (top) Steve Palacios, sophomore midfielder, goes up for a header. FAN WARFARE: (bottom left) The Cal Poly crowd played a key factor in the game, firing up the Mustangs, and eventually storming the field, following the 1-0 victory. PUSH: (bottom right) Connor Drechsler, junior defender, pushes the UCSB attacker off the ball. Photos by Josh Orcutt
experience of covering and shooting the biggest men’s college soccer rivalry in the nation was one of the best experiences in my life. I’m very grateful to all who were involved in the process. With their win over UCSB, Cal Poly improved to 11-6-1 on the year and 6-3-1 in the Big West to tie the program record. After their Big West semifinal match against Northridge the following week, the Mustangs were eliminated from the Big West Conference Tournament with a 2-0 loss. Even so, 2012 marked one of the finest seasons in history for the Mustangs soccer program history. This article ran in the Nov. 16, 2012 issue of the Paso Robles Press. Dec. 2012
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Walking in a Paso wonderland
GET THE BLOOD FLOWING (top-left): Students gave blood on Dec. 4 for United Blood Services. Many got denied due to iron deficiency. OUR TOWN (bottom- left): PRHS students take a cast picture with juniors Caitlin Knoll, Ryan Ramos, Logan Ferry, Stephanie Ellsworth, Lyric Jefferson, and seniors Liliana Russo and Colby Bales. DANCING FOR GOD (center): Junior Omar Guillen performs at Vine Street with God Squad. Guillen has been dancing with God Squad since their beginnings. SMILING FOR SKILLS (top- right): Members of Skills USA take a group picture with a record breaking amount of participants. ON THE EDGE (middle- right): Senior Megan Luth watches anxiously as the PRHS girls Varsity soccer team plays a close game. DROP IT LIKE IT’S HOT (bottom- right): Senior Austin Yarbrough slams a Cabrillo Conquistador during their match on Dec. 11. Photos by Maddie Berry, Sierra Mosely, Jeff Mount, Brigette Maina, and Anna Hernandez. Photo used with permission by Marcy Goodnow