Crimson 2014 April Issue

Crimson Volume 74 | Issue 6 | 4.3.14 | Paso Robles High School

Release your inner expression

NEWS

| Table of Contents

04

10

03 COMMON CORE 04 NEW PRACTICE GYM 05 SUPERINTENDENT RETIRES

FEATURE

08 COMPETITIVE CHEERLEADING 10 YOUNG AND IN LOVE

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OPINION

12 GENERATION CONSUMED WITH TECHNOLOGY

HEALTH

32 HOOKAH PENS 33 CHEWING TOBACCO

FASHION

39 KNITTING NEEDLES

SPORTS

44 30 SECONDS IN BEARCAT COUNTRY 45 FRESHMEN ON VARSITY 46 SWIMMING TO THE FINISH

Crimson Paso Robles High School 801 Niblick Rd., Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 769-1500 ext. 50033 Room 604 Co-Editor-in-Chiefs Jordan Nevosh, Editorial Angela Lorenzo, Center Sydney Matteson, Front Page Courtney Thompson, InDepth Copy Editor Analia Cabello Editors Emily Ayer Environment, Amy Cantrell Fun & Games, Carly Cargill Feature, Jessica Cole A&E, Rachel Cole Feature, Matt Durian Health, Claire Farrell Business, Pearl Herrera Opinion, Brandon Kearns Sci-Tech, Natalie Martin Blind Date, Michelle McPherson Career, Danae Ontiveros Sports, Eden Peterson Food, Maureen Pushea Photo Director, Lauren Reed Fun & Games, Matt Tyra Sports, Mariela Villa World Reporters Madeline Raithel, Rebecca Mitchell , Maddie Moore, Mila Robb-Hiteshew, Nick Larazinni, Mayer Pohlod, Lauren Wassam Adviser Jeff Mount Facebook www.facebook.com/crimsonnewsmagazine Website www.crimsonweb.net Email prhsjournalism @pasoschools.org Instagram @crimsonnewsmag 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.

News

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PRHS shifting to new standards and testing Common core and SBAC testing changes for future school years

by Eden Peterson, Food Editor The 2014-2015 school year is going to be a year of big testing changes at PRHS as California is one of 45 states to adopt a new set of common core educational standards along with a new form of testing, and changes among some classes’ curriculum and difficulty level is going take place.

The new test, called the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium Test (SBAC), is taken completely on the computer and goes more in-depth than prior CST testing and combines different skill sets within a test, according to instruction.sbceo.org.

While this new computerized test won’t be used and recorded at PRHS until next year, a select group of 60 juniors will be taking the SBAC test this spring as a practice test to evaluate student’s user experience and to determine how well prepared they felt to tackle the material on the test. Next school year the test will be fully implemented for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, but test results won’t be publically reported. In the following school years when the test results are being reported, only juniors’ test results will be used by the state to evaluate the school, unlike the CST’s where all grades’ test results were used. Although testing is evolving, juniors will still have the opportunity to take the Early Assessment Program, or EAP test.

Some teachers and educators across the U.S. criticize the move for being an impractical “onesize fits all approach,” according to examiner. com and USAtoday.com, but many educators, including Principal Randall Nelson, feel these changes will be a step in the right direction for better preparing students for the workforce and higher education.

“The way common core is set up is very, very smart if you ask me. It has a spiral effect.

Before there wasn’t that connection between elementary school, middle school, and high school, but now there is. So over a period of time kids are going to be able to come in, and when they sit down to learn something in classrooms, teachers can say, ‘You did this last year and now we’re going to take it to the next level.’ So by the time a kindergarten student enrolled in this system gets to high school, they’re going to be so much more prepared,” Nelson said.

With the previous Standardized Testing and Reporting, or STAR tests, coming under fire for being a test of rote memorization, the new SBAC exam is testing for analytical and problem solving skills in addition to standard information.

Since the test is completely computerized on secure browsers, the district has purchased between 500 to 700 portable laptops that travel from school to school during testing periods.

The state testing will no longer be strictly multiple choice. In the language arts test students are given three documents that must be read and summarized. Students must then write a short essay using the information in the documents. In sections of the test that do contain multiple choice, there is no longer one correct answer, and partial credit will be given if the student chooses the second best answer.

Having new common core standards and having to prepare students for a more in-depth state testing may increase the difficulty level in some classes.

“I think [the common core standards and SBAC testing] will increase the difficulty level in classes for some students and even teachers for that matter. It’s not going to be just

teachers throwing out information and students memorizing it. It will become more challenging, since you won’t only have to increase your base of knowledge, but you have to improve your skill set. [The SBAC] is involved. You have to have the ability to read, to compare and contrast, to summarize, to organize your thoughts to synthesize information,” Nelson said.

English teacher Steve Arnette embraces the adjustments in common core and state testing.

“I welcome the change. I think it’s great. I have

90% of states have

adopted Common Core

only seen about 16 sample questions, but what I have seen in the 16 questions is something I have not seen in STAR testing,” Arnette said.

“They are actually asking for critical thinking skills beyond rote memorization which excites me. The fact that they allow two answers is also an innovative aspect to bring in to testing. [The enhanced standards and testing] shows that California still knows what is important when it comes to testing and testing standards, and that we lead nation as far as that capacity.”

Like any transitional period, however, there are concerns, which include lack of computers

for testing and whether students will be able to handle the increase in difficulty these new standards and testing present.

“An obstacle that I see is for students that aren’t on grade level. They keep upping the bar of what you should know so it may be overwhelming for some of the students who have difficulty in school,” said David Schleppenbach, who’s been teaching math at PRHS for 34 years.

While Schleppenbach is concerned from this standpoint, he feels the upcoming changes are generally beneficial.

Besides changes in mandated state testing, revisions in the Scholastic Aptitude Test, or SAT, will occur in 2016, the first revamp the SAT has undergone since 2005. In the reading and writing section of the SAT, students will no longer just be required to answer the questions, but will also need to cite evidence as to why they chose their answer. Calculators will no longer be allowed in every section of the math portion.

The essay portion will become an optional part of the test and will be scored separately. This reformed test will take approximately three hours to complete, allowing an additional 50 minutes for the essay. The SAT will now be available on computer as well as print.

Until upcoming years when all the data and results have been recorded, it is strictly speculation and prediction as to whether the common core system and SBAC testing will truly benefit students. With many opposers and many supporters, the strength of this new system is currently unclear. One thing that is for sure, though, is the dynamic of testing and classroom instruction is changing.

News | 4.3.14 | crimsonweb.net | 03

| News

New practice gym

Athletic addition to campus

The new PE facility and practice gym will have a fullsize gymnasium, one aerobics-style lifestyle education classroom, a large resistance training/weight training room that is divided by two lifestyle classrooms. The new facility is projected to cost $4.2 million. The extra space and accommodations are necessary to provide the students of Paso Robles with the latest physical fitness curriculum. The facility is expected to be completed April 2015.

—Lauren Wassam, Reporter

Going Gatsby Students prepare for the 2014 prom

by Claire Farrell, Business Team and Carly Cargill, Feature Co-Editor Dressed in flapper dresses and tuxedos, students will walk into the 2014 prom and be transported to the roaring 20’s– Gatsby style. The venue for prom is in Commercial 2 building on the California Mid State Fairgrounds on May 3 from eight to 11 p.m., where students can expect beyond average decorations and a night to remember.

“We will not just be in the open dirt somewhere, Brittny Nation we will be in the Commercial 2 building which leads into their vineyard,” said Chemistry teacher and junior class advisor Brittny Nation, who is aware of students’ concerns about the venue.

Due to the amount of money that is being saved on the venue, a large portion of the budget will be spent on other decorations and necessities such as: fun music, bright lights, confetti cannons, game tables and food.

Students are to expect a wide variety of music, provided by Freestyle Entertainment.

The Prom Expo gives students an opportunity to see the years’ styles for dresses and tuxedos, and it will take place on April 10th during lunch in the quad.

“There are a lot of places around town where students can buy dresses and tuxedos and a large majority of them will be featured at the Prom Expo this year,” Nation said.

The final cost for single and couple tickets has yet to be decided. Once the final value of all of the expenses has been agreed upon, information will be released.

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Google threats — and nonevents Suspicious web searches scrutinized daily

by Pearl Herrera, Opinion Editor Three hundred searches are flagged per day, and the high school on average accounts for 80 percent of them, resulting in a visit from the head of security or, in a worst case scenario, result in the loss of network rights at school.

Cyber security measures are the administrative insurance for a campus that is increasingly going digital with over 350 stationary computers, more than 500 personal wireless devices, and thousands of suspicious searches per month.

Out of a school of about 2,000 students, the district sorts though over 6,000 possibly suspicious internet searches per month, according to Ashley Lightfoot, Director of Information and Technology. Many of these flagged alerts are due to school assignments such as a research paper on atomic bombs or a book report on “To Kill a Mockingbird,” however, the district sees many legitimate threats as well.

“I see many inappropriate searches for pornography topics, drugs and narcotics...marijuana has been a very popular [search] lately,” said Lightfoot.

These searches violate the Student User Agreement However the number of student who received the maximum punishment can be counted on one hand, according to principle Randall Nelson.

“If the things that were searched raise to a level of concern then that student is contacted and brought into the office, ”said Nelson.

The school district reserves the right and the ability to receive notification every morning of searches that are flagged as potentially dangerous. These topics include searches related to physical harm, suicide, and any terrorist threats. The system also flags any pregnancy related searches because many students are minors, and a minor with a child could be a child protective services issue, which they are obligated to report.

Administrative surveillance into students internet activity does not reach farther than searches that are potentially threatening to the school.

“That is the extent of the cyber security that happens on campus,” Nelson said.

Paso Robles Public Schools Wide Area Network computer users are under the auspices of computer use as per BP 6163.4, Education Code 48980, and the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

Any user violating rules, including cyber bullying, plagiarism, and unauthorized software use, applicable to state and federal laws,or posted classroom and District rules, is subject to loss of network privileges and other disciplinary actions.

Additionally, pertaining to state and federal laws, any unauthorized access,attempted access, or use of any state computing and/or network system is a violation of Section 502 of the California Penal Code or applicable federal laws and is subject to criminal prosecution.

Graphic by Sydney Matteson

News

Superintendent says goodbye McNamara retires in surprise move

by Courtney Thompson, Co-Editor-in-Chief Superintendent Kathleen McNamara announced her early resignation and retirement March 26 during her Board of Trustees meeting. The Board said it regretfully but respectfully accepted her retirement.

“I love Paso Robles, this district and all those who make it so special with their passion and dedication to public education”, McNamara said in a statement.

“I will miss the daily challenge of leading this district; it is an honor.”

According to the district press release, McNamara served the district for seven years, enduring “economically trying times” and public discrepancies.

The document states she was present for historical events in Paso’s timeline such as the completion of the new Flamson main building, the entire Measure T building program completed within budget, the rise of the academic performance API of the schools in the district scores, and a six-year accreditation for Paso

Robles High School.

Most district teachers, whom McNamara alienated with more than 20 furlough days and no pay raise for eight years, were surprised and pleased with the announcement. Nearly $1.4 million was taken out of teacher pay during her tenure while she and administrators districtwide received pay raises and bonuses.

“This was the worst experience I have ever witnessed in my teaching career,” said Steve Arnette, PRPE Vice President. “Her resignation is a great announcement following the one year anniversary of the PRPE Vote of No Confidence. There is a tremendous sigh of relief among the staff, and we feel as though our prayers have been answered.”

McNamara’s retirement will be effective June 30, 2014 —Crimson staff photo

Serving the community Senior receives award

by Rebecca Mitchell, Reporter

THE FIRST: Senior Alfredo Jiminez holds his community service award from Explorers.

Photo by Madeline Raithel

Alfredo Jiminez received a special community service award in February from Sheriff Perkinson. He received this award through Explorers, which is a program that allows teens to learn about law enforcement. Jiminez is the first person to receive this award through the program.

Bagging the bargains Seniors inspire peers to restart rummage sales

by Angela Lorenzo, Co-Editor in Chief When it’s time for seniors to pack up and move out, many boxes are hauled to the top shelf of the garage, never to be used or seen again, but this year, seniors have another option instead of leaving their unnecessary belongings behind.

Seniors Sarah Matthews and Jordan Nevosh realized in their 6th period ceramics class, that college would be expensive, and moving out will require downsizing. They decided to bring back an old fundraiser that had been put on five times in the previous years, with a new twist. In the past, seniors would pool their items and keep them in storage until transporting them to the sale, now, Matthews and Nevosh have organized it so students will sell their own items and keep their profit.

Seniors can buy a parking lot space for five dollars for a spot in the 2014 Senior Rummage Sale that is being organized by a volunteer committee of ten people.

“If seniors wish to downsize for college and want to make money off their stuff they don’t need, they should participate in this event. This is a cheap and centralized place to get rid of unwanted items before moving out and it is a great way to earn a little extra cash in the meantime,” said Matthews, who will be attending Richmond University in London in the fall of 2014.

Meetings are every other Friday in english teacher, Aaron Cantrell’s room, 1026. Matthews and Nevosh are planning on having vendors to sell food and goodies, and are hoping to have a silent auction from donations.

Years past, the ABC club used to hold a similar rummage sale to make money for scholarships, but Matthews and Nevosh alternated their idea to pull it together in a shorter amount of time.

Through the five years that Cantrell organized the rummage sales, they have raised around $10,000 each year, which went towards scholarships and paying students back for taking AP tests.

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PASSION OR

| Editorial

PAYMENT

Contemplate: Do what you love?

Or make a paycheck you love?

S

carcity of jobs, and the threat of unemployment, is ever-looming, especially as we are about to make one of the most important decisions in our lives — our major. While this is supposed to be a reflection of who we are and what we want to pursue, teens are having to choose what will provide an income, not always what will satisfy.

They are bombarded with the stresses of picking the “right” major. They must find jobs in fields that have been taken by the mother or college drop-out who must pay the bills. And teen bills lie ahead: gas, college tuition, and general spending money.

But economist Bill Watkins, Ph.D of Economics at Cal Lutheran University, cites inflexibility and lack of motivation as the most important factors for unemployment. That is, employability happens when a job applicant can increase the business’ profitability. He declared that increased diversity in our

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Staff Editorial skills, and our becoming specialists in our job skills, will increase our employability.

As technology changes, majors and trades that would’ve been immeasurably valuable before the dotcom boom, or the auto-mechanization of factories are now irrelevant. The threat of being replaced by someone cheaper, faster, or more efficient is visible in every facet of employment.

“Should I follow my passions and risk being a homeless, starving artist on the streets of San Francisco because my talent isn’t profitable? Should I become a Plain-Jane worker at a tech company to put food on the table?” These are the questions many are asking.

However, we should never give up what we love, our fire, for fear of the future.

There will always be new trends and ways to contribute our loves to the job market.

Products are increasingly designed to provide the customer with the best product for the lowest cost. However, this increased availability also hinders quality.

Aesthetic value is always profitable — Watkins and statistics show it.

So, attention homeless, starving artists: there’s hope! Never can a machine craft what tradesmen have been handing down for generations by carpenters. There is beauty in the wood that comes from callused hands. People value time and effort in a world where they themselves have none. Time is hireability. The effort that shows that you chose dedication and beauty over availability at the local furniture store is a pink lemonade in a protein-shake world: refreshing.

The fear of unemployment is especially prevalent in these hard economic times, but don’t settle. Don’t settle for that WalMart or McDonald’s job. You are more than that. If you offer something of value, the world will see value. Make yourself as employable as possible, by having a specialty, and use that specialty to trade and sell.

Individuality is the most important thing

to focus on in an increasingly bureaucratic world that is focused on big business and government. People value people. We need people. We need to stand out in a society with an excess of automation and standardization. Stand out with a trade, a talent, a voice, something to show the world that you are still feeling in a world that has prosthetic limbs. Don’t be dictated by economic graphs, charts or numbers — be dictated by your passion.

Passions are what drive innovations, and innovations are what make people great, make America great. We are hit by numerous economic recessions and depressions, yet we always rebound, thanks to innovation and passion.

Staff member Amy Cantrell wrote this piece. It won Second Place at the TriCounty Journalism competition for Editorial writing, a 16-school invitational.

Environment

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A jungle of concrete The story behind the empty planters and concrete campus

by Pearl Herrera, Opinion Editor

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ray concrete floors, empty planters, and cold, solid pillars scatter the grounds of PRHS, creating the concrete jungle Bearcats have grown accustomed to—and criticize.

Over 120 students of 162 surveyed think the place needs more seating and shelter, for example.

There is, however, an explanation behind the empty planters.

Planting flowers and trees on school grounds isn’t just buying seeds and digging a hole, it involves approval, time, money, and water- an extended cost that often exceeds thousands of dollars.

“The issue of planting things is controlled on the district level by Mr. Lightfoot, and he has to consider the cost and extended cost of the plant” said Principal Randall Nelson, “Not only do you have to buy the plant but you also have to consider the cost for more irrigation... there is a lot of thought behind every plant.”

“Ultimately, the grounds keepers in my department... are responsible for determining the appropriateness of the desired plants and the planting location, getting irrigation to that

This is not the beginning of BCASE’s efforts, location, paying for that irrigation throughout the many years of the plant’s life, and fixing damage however.

“BCASE had planted a few trees in the quad that might be caused by the plants later in the several years ago, so we wanted to continue what plant’s life,” said Ashley Lightfoot.

The district considers factors such as the we started by bringing some more greenery to water the plant will require, whether the plant/ the rest of the campus. It’s true, our campus is tree will drop fruit, will the trees roots crack rather concrete, so we wanted to help change that,” said Zelus. concrete, will it survive The availability the harsh mood of irrigation at the swings of Paso Robles’ location of the planting indecisive climate, etc, is one of the first according to Lightfoot. variables the district Some students considers.

Because have taken it upon one large tree can themselves to liven the concrete tangle.

—Randall Nelson, Principal absorb up to 100 gallons of water from BCASE, short for Bearcat Community Alliance for Sustainable the ground a day, the district has taken great Earth, plans to plant trees in an effort to liven up strides to plant trees in places where there is already a source of water or irrigation. The cost the campus.

“My impression was that we’d all like to see a of water has also increased almost 400 percent few more trees around campus, and it would be in the past few years, according to Lightfoot.

“When BCASE came to us about planting we even better if they were oaks,” said junior and BCASE member Emma Zelus, a crucial began working with them to find a place where member of BCASE’s efforts to plant as many we already have existing water supply sources.

We try to plant drought tolerant plants that use oak trees around campus as possible.

“Not only do you have to buy the plant, but you also have to consider the cost for more irrigation... there is a lot of thought behind every plant.”

limited water... especially given our current situation,” said Nelson, who is supportive of BCASE’s efforts.

After a series of trial and errors when planting flowers on campus, the district has discovered that shrubs and trees have the best chance of surviving abuse by students and the extreme temperatures of Paso Robles.

“Flowers require extra water, extra attention, and are usually picked or stomped by students standing in or walking through the flower beds. Additionally, the irrigation heads that are required for flowering plants are often vandalized by students causing flooding when the irrigation runs at night. This flooding chokes out the roots of the flowers, not to mention wasting hundreds of gallons of water,” said Lightfoot In the end, the state of the campus comes down to the fact that the district does what they can to create a green, lively campus, but due to the current drought and the abuse the plants receive from students, it is tough to create balance of concrete and nature while maintaining an environmentally friendly and financially sound campus.

Photo by Emily Ayer Environment | 4.3.14 | crimsonweb.net | 07

| Feature

BOWS TO TOES Competitive cheerleading sweeps Paso Robles

by Jordan Nevosh, Co-Editor-In-Chief

T

his is it. After hours of pushing your body to its physical limits, drilling countless times in front of the mirror making sure that those toes are pointed, and always managing a smile, even though you are on the verge of collapsing on the mat. This is it. Standing huddled with 16 other teammates who are hoping for the same thing--for those long practices to pay off, and for your name to be called at the award ceremonies. This is it.

Competitive cheer isn’t just an athletic event, it’s also a performance. From their bows to their toes, it is hard not to spot a competitive cheerleader. Sequined drenched bows, tastefully designed uniforms, and the infamous dramatic makeup. Just like a model or stage performer has a costume, so do competitive cheerleaders, they just happen to be doing an athletic skill at the same time. To prove to the judges why they deserve the title of Grand Champion it is crucial for the team to ‘leave it all on the mat’.

KICKING IT UP: Sophomore Megan Sanders displays her first stunt techniques upon her cheer sisters, as they lift her in the “scale” position.

Photos by Jordan Nevosh

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“The announcer announces your team’s name and you run on stage.

The lights are super bright so you can’t see the thousands of people that are in the stands in front of you—all you can see is the judges! ... you get all this adrenaline and just do what you practice... all year around for.”

—Amy Sudberry, 12

Competitive cheerleading is a blended mix of acrobatics, gymnastics, and dance all in one routine.

Competitive cheerleading is no new thing to the Central Coast.

California Gold Gymnastics and Cheerleading is located in Paso Robles, and was founded by Amber Davis. California Gold and Gymnastics opened its doors on Jun. 4 of 2007, and first took place at the YMCA but soon after relocated to their current facility on Golden Hills designed specifically for gymnastics and competitive cheer purposes.

Now California Gold has over 175 students enrolled in gymnastic programs, half recreational gymnastics and the other half in competitive gymnastics. Currently there are 16 girls on the senior level three competitive cheer team, and four out of sixteen are Bearcats. Which include Amy Sudberry, Kennedy Roberts, Megan Saunders, and Laura Henderson.

The California Gold Shockwaves are a small senior level three team. To qualify as a “senior” team, all team members must be between the ages of 10-18. Small teams can range from 5-32 cheerleaders, and Level 3 classifies the type of stunts and gymnastics skills a team must perform. California Gold also offers a youth level 1 team which was 12 girls who are under the age of 11, as well as a tiny cheer team which has four girls under the age of 5. Along with the cheer teams California Gold offers regular gymnastic lessons for people not interested in cheer and just want to focus on gymnastics.

“The most nerve-wracking part of competitive cheer is definitely when you’re at competition and you’re back stage about to run on the floor. All the teams you’re going against are watching you from back stage praying that you fall so they can win. Then the announcer announces your teams name and you run on stage. The lights are super bright so you can’t see the thousands of people that are in the stands in front of you, all you can see is the judges! Then you get set in your spot and wait for the music to come and it feels like forever because you’re so nervous but then the music comes on and you get all this adrenaline and just do what you practice every week all year around for!” said senior Amy Sudberry, who has been on the California Gold Shockwaves for four years now. Sudberry is a four year veteran to PRHS Bearcat cheer and is this year’s chant captain.

The California Gold Shockwaves have placed first place at three of the four competitions they have attended this year alone. Making an appearance at the The American Masterpiece in San Jose and received first place out of five teams. They have also attended the Duel in Desert in Palm Springs and received fifth place out of eight teams. Then placing first in Sacramento, and their next competition in Anaheim where they took 12 out 14 teams. Due to their first place finish at the American Masterpiece in San Jose, the Shockwaves invited to attend “The Summit”, which is the “Worlds” for level one to four teams.

The Summit takes place in Orlando Florida, at Disney World. Only 13 senior level three teams were offered a bid to the Summit nationwide according to Varsity.com. To obtain a bid, a team has to attended a specific competition put on by Varsity, their teams compete in their level as usual and the first place winners will receive the bid.

“At one of our competitions this year we had a girl not show up, which throws off the whole routine. So we had to change the entire routine the morning before competition! We were all really worried, but Amber sat us down and told us that ‘you can’t let one person determine how good your team is. If one person can ruin your entire routine, then you are not a very good team.’ Her saying that really fired us all up. We won first at that competition.” sophomore Kennedy Roberts said, who has been on the team for seven years.

102 out of 160 students said they agree that competitive cheerleading is a sport, while 58 students said that they do not think it is a sport.

More than 400,000 athletes around the nation would beg to differ, with those 58 students.

The cheerleading culture has skyrocketed through social media and TV networking throughout the past 10 years.

Even “Worlds”, which is the equivalent to the Olympics in the competitive cheer world, is broadcasted on ESPN every year.

It is an event where the best of the best come to compete and just like the Olympics you have to be invited to this event.

“Anyone who doubts that competitive cheerleading is a sport come in to the gym and have a practice with me. I dare you,” said Davis.

Competitive cheer and school cheer are different breeds all together. Instead of having a team to cheer on, or having a designated class for practice like high school cheerleading;

competitive cheer competes using a two minute and thirty second routine, in front of a panel of judges and competes against other competitive teams nationwide, and practices in a professional training facility designed specifically for competitive cheer and gymnastics.

“If you drop a football in a game the football doesn’t die. If you drop a flyer in a stunt there is a possibility that they might die. As competitive cheerleaders, they require a ton of training to safely do what they do. Not saying that football isn’t difficult it is just that you have a lot more on the line when you have someone’s life in your hands.. Literally,” said Davis.

Unlike traditional sports who have seasons for their sport the competitive cheer world never rests and is a year round sport. California Gold practices around five and a half hours every week, an

“I’ve become so close with my team and coaches over the past four years that it’s like we’re a big family.”

—Amy Sudberry, 12

Feature

hour a week for gymnastic skills, and the other four and a half is either working on the routine or conditioning. Winter through late spring is the official competition season where California Gold travels all around California and occasionally out of state to compete. During the summer, the team focuses on conditioning and learning new routines for the next season.

Like any other athletic club there is tuition per month to be apart of a competitive cheer team.

At California Gold Gymnastics and Cheer for the senior level 3 team it is $110 a month for six hour a week practices. One hour of that time per week is specifically to focus on gymnastic skills. Added onto monthly tuition is a $1,500 fee to attend the competitions.

“Competitive cheer is worth it to me because of all the people that are involved with it. I've become so close with my team and coaches over the past four years that it's like we're a big family.

Everyone works extremely hard at practice so we can do our best at competition and so when we win, the whole teams just has a feeling of huge accomplishment and it's so worth it to me” Sudberry said.

Photos used with permission by Kelly Euphrat-May Sherwood and taken by Jordan Nevosh.

ON POINT (left): The California Gold team hits their pyramid formation, at the Palm Desert competition. They took 5th place out of eight.

GOLD ON GOLD (below): The team stands with their first place medals and jackets at the American Masterpeice in San Jose.

HEAD OVER HEELS (right): Sophomore Kennedy Roberts shows her skill of a scale during practice.

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“

I just know that love is enough; it’s gotten us this far, so how far can we take it? I just said, ‘I’m going to marry that girl someday.’

And I’m standing by that.

—Codey Whitney

“

Young&in love

| Feature

AGE DOESN’T DEFINE

MARRIAGE

Feature

Senior Marie Thompson is engaged to Navy boatswain mate

by Carly Cargill, Feature Co-Editor

L

ittle girls grow up dreaming of their big day, looking at the white dresses, and imagining their prince charming standing at altar, fantasizing about the way their dream dress will flow as they walk down the aisle toward the rest of their life. Senior Marie Thompson is experiencing the wedding process a little earlier than most soonto-be brides: at age 18, she is marrying 21 year old, Navy boatswain mate Codey Whitney.

“Every time he comes home it's seriously the best feeling. It makes all those months spent apart worth it. That's when I realized I wanted to be with him for the rest of my life. We just click,” Thompson said. With the average national marriage age at 27 for women and 29 for men, according to livescience.com, Whitney and Thompson will be nearly ten years younger than most U.S. citizens when they “tie the knot”.

The wedding will be at a friend’s grandmother’s property on Saturday, Jun. 14, 2014; the new Mr. and Mrs. Whitney will then drive to Virginia a few days later, and the distance between the couple will finally be over.

Thompson met Whitney when she was 13 and in the eighth grade. They started dating on Jul. 17, 2012. With almost two years under their belts, Whitney decided it was time to ask her to be his wife.

“I have a blast with her when we are together...

She’s just perfect for me... That girl is my world. I don’t care what anyone says or thinks of the age difference. She’s what I want... I’m excited for so many things but most of all, I’m excited to see her everyday,” said Whitney, who says that his mother adores Thompson and his father speaks very highly of her as well.

Whitney proposed over Facetime because he is currently in Virginia at Little Creek Naval Base, but he is going to officially propose when Thompson visits him in April.

As excitement, stress, and hope arises with wedding planning, Thompson has experienced a lack of support from some students at PRHS. “People say I'm not gonna be able to enjoy my life or travel or anything but I'm like, ‘He's in the military.’ All you do is travel,” said Thompson, who has spoken with Whitney about the engagement because of military restrictions, especially because they must be married to live together. “Even though I'm getting married young, I'm not ruining my life. I'm not pregnant,

I'm not a partier, and I don't do drugs. I'm getting married and moving. People think I'm ruining my life, but it’s just a beginning.”

Thompson’s maid of honor, senior Brylee Loya, has also seen students disapprove of the engagement.

“There has been so much negativity towards [the marriage] saying, ‘It won't work out’ or ‘They’re too young,’ but they love each other and they don't care… the [other students’] opinions aren't needed,” said Loya, who is frustrated when people make comments. “My favorite part about them as a couple is that they act like best friends.

I couldn't picture Marie with anyone else.”

Thompson’s close friends, seniors Alysa Hansen and Kayla Mcclintock, were very excited and happy when they heard about the engagement. “[Marie and Codey] are so fun to be around... they are best friends. They aren't that awkward couple; you aren’t the awkward third wheel and never see your best friend. They are two fun and funny people to be around, especially when they are together--they joke and laugh so much because they love each other,” said Hansen, who has known Thompson since she was born because their grandfathers and dads worked together.

Thompson and Whitney will be part of only 4.5 percent of marriages that occur in the ages of 18 and under according to the U.S. Census Bureau, but Mcclintock sees how Whitney and Thompson are set apart from other young couples.

“They are really strong, not like immature relationships in high school… They’re cute. It makes me smile just thinking about them; I’m so excited for them,” said Mcclintock, who has known Thompson since she moved to Paso Robles in November, and while she will not be in the wedding, will be wearing the same colored dress as the rest of Thompson’s closest friends.

“Love is enough. It’s a big thing for us.

People say how long distance doesn’t work...

We are proving everyone wrong, and it’s an amazing feeling to be where we are now... If you love someone, you love them--make it work,” Whitney said.

While 2014 graduates are lighting off their summer, Thompson will be saying her vows, marrying the love of her life, and creating a new beginning.

Photos by Hannah Rapetti “Her Photography”

Feature | 4.3.14 | crimsonweb.net | 11

|

| Sci-Tech

Wifi woes

Google’s got glass

Students experience mixed emotions over PRHS’s internet

Your guide to Google’s new product

by Nick Lazzarini, Reporter

P

ictures and videos are taken, directions are shown, and games are played without even using hands. Google Glass is a set of glasses being developed by Google which are similar to what a wearable smartphone might be like, except it can do much more.

At a simplistic level, it can take pictures and videos using the small camera at the upper right side of the glasses (from the user’s perspective), and if you get headphones, you can listen to music.

However, if you connect Glass to the internet through your phone, using the glasses as a bluetooth device, or a wireless network, it can carry out handy tasks such as searching the internet, translating, sending messages, giving directions, and video chatting. Also, a long list of applications are already available for Glass on the website googleglassapps.org. Developers have even found a way to play games through head movement.

Google Glass is also very customizable: it comes in five different colors (charcoal, tangerine, shale, cotton, sky) and seven different designs in two different groups. The first four are made specifically by Google, and are given descriptions by them as well.

According to google, the Bold design has “thick frames with rectangular lenses” and is “designed to make a statement,” the Split design has “thin frames with rimless bottom lenses” and is “designed for the cutting edge,” the Curve design has “thick frames with round lenses” and is “designed to suit your classic, sophisticated side,” and the Thin design has “thin frames with rectangular lenses” and is “designed to be versatile.”

The second group which holds the other three designs are “twist-on” shades with polarized, impact-resistant lenses made

by Maui Jim and Zeal Optics. The Edge style is described as “a modern look with gradient lenses” (which are similar to those you might wear in an IMAX theatre), the Active style is called a “shade for everyday wear,” and the Classic model is “a timeless look with gradient lenses” (which looks a lot like the Edge model but has more rounded lenses). Google Glass can also work with prescription lenses.

While these technological marvels are not yet being mass produced, Google is currently hosting the a beta testing system named the Glass Explorer Program that allows United States citizens older than 18 years to “get involved early and help shape the future of Glass,” as Google says. However, signing up will not ensure you will be invited to join the program, and the cost of Glass is $1,500 before tax if you are offered the opportunity to buy it through the program.

Some feel the invention in beta testing is not worth their time as there is some controversy concerning privacy. A website named “Stop the Cyborgs” have created symbols, signs, and stickers to create “Glass free zones” in which the use or wearing of Google Glass is discouraged. Adam is one of the three largely anonymous college students that created the site.

14 | crimsonweb.net | 4.3.14 | Sci-Tech

“If it’s just a few geeks wearing it, it’s a niche tool [and] I don’t think it’s a problem,” Adam says. “But if suddenly everyone is wearing it and this becomes as prevalent as smartphones you can see it becomes very intrusive very quickly. It’s not about the tech, it’s about the social culture around it.”

Put in terms of high school, if Google Glass was worn at school a third eye would be present for every pair of eyes wearing the gadget.

Anything could be recorded and the act wouldn’t even look different from just wearing Glass. Also, being able to be perscription makes Glass necessary for people who require glasses in places such as locker rooms and bathrooms, or at such times as during a test. Being dependent on a device that gives such an advantage to the wearer becomes very inconvenient.

Junior Zach Poskin describes Glass as an “in real life heads up display” (or an IRLHUD), and feels that “It really does violate privacy.”

“As far as simple rights go, this is a topic that really bothers me. The problem with Google Glass, and companies that violate privacy is that they are not following the constitution. It’s not so much Google Glass as it is the corporations that have access to the technology. It’s not even just the technology. It’s the people behind the technology,” Poskin said.

However, senior Nick Huckabay disagrees.

“It’s a bold step for them because they are releasing a product that’s supposed to revolutionize how people use technology. I don’t think that many people have secrets to hide, so I don’t know what everybody’s big issue is about,” Huckabay said.

Some incidents have been reported by those lucky enough to be in the Glass Explorer Program, though. Sarah Slocum, one such explorer, was physically and verbally assaulted for wearing Glass,in a San Francisco bar. The glasses were even stolen from her for a brief moment.

A similar altercation occurred in a French McDonald’s to computer engineering professor Steve Mann. Mann was wearing eyewear of his own design called the Eyetap when he was allegedly assaulted by 3 employees.

While Google Glass offers a unique experience for wearers, there is still much controversy over the device, and many social issues surround it. Passers by may not marvel at it as wearers do, so buyers beware.

by Nick Lazzarini, Reporter

U

seful information constantly whizzes around the campus on its wireless network, invisible to the eye, and is collected up by our own personal phones, laptops, and other wireless network accessible devices, but students ask, is it fast enough?

“It’s just really slow,” sophomore Brandelyn Hasson said. “So many people are trying to use it at once that it doesn’t work all that well, and there are so many block ups that it’s really hard to do anything on it.”

Many students share a similar opinion. Of 163 students 75 use the wifi, and, of that same 163, 26 feel that our wifi is just not that helpful, and 40 feel that it is extremely unhelpful.

“In certain areas of the campus, especially over by the auto shop and woodshop, there is little to no wifi,” junior Colby Mathe said.

The signal won’t even “show up.” He also has experienced an issue where he “would type in [his] password and username and it would say [he was] connected,” but proceed not to work. He also noticed that some apps on phones are blocked causing them to either shutdown or load “for all eternity.” Ironically, however, ads do tend to pop up regardless of the app’s functionality.

Again, many students share the same problems. 109 students experience a slow connection, 85 experience a low signal strength, 117 can’t get to the pages they want, and 75 can’t even login through the wireless network.

91 students, however, feel that the network is somewhat helpful, if not extremely helpful, and possess a more positive opinion of the school’s wifi. Junior Austin Azarvand is one such individual. “The wifi signal seems to be the same strength all around the school. I never noticed a big drop in strength at all,” Austin said. “Overall, it’s very helpful in providing us faster Internet.”

The Director of District Support Services, Ashley Lightfoot, said the network’s signal should be consistent and powerful.

“The campus is covered by multiple Wireless Access Points (WAPs) throughout the campus,” Lightfoot said. “The focus is to ensure good coverage for classrooms, so the signals will be best inside classrooms. However, the signal is still strong throughout the campus. At over 50 Mbps up and down, the PRPS wireless network has much more capability than any other free WiFi in a public venue, i.e. coffee shops, airports, etc., and the vast majority of private homes. I don’t believe you will find a faster free WiFi network in any other place.”

Lightfoot also said that the blocks on certain searches and websites are “a requirement of federal law (Child Internet Protection Act, or CIPA), state law, and Board Policy. Unfortunately, we have many attempted abuses of the system by students on a daily basis, so we have to maintain tight controls.”

“Students that are having an issue with the system’s capability should let us know; we will certainly share their concerns with district staff,” principal Randall Nelson said.

Nelson said he did have initial concerns with students misuse of the privilege of wifi.

“However, after having the system in place now for several years, I think that it has really worked out well and been a valuable tool for our school. For the most part, students are using the network wisely,” Nelson explained. “If however, the district identifies a student that is misusing the system, that student will be disciplined up to and including losing access privileges for an extended period of time or permanently.”

Sci-Tech

The Evolving Social Sphere Social Media has undergone drastic changes since its induction in the 80s

by Brandon Kearns, Sci-Tech Editor

W

Fathers of the Sphere

hen many think of social media they picture the blue and white trademark of Facebook, not the slow lists of code that the socially inept of the 80s populated.

Yet social media is not a 21st century invention; it is a 40 year project built upon the backs of early pioneers and innovators.

In the beginning social media was a term for the nerds and geeks of the 80s. Obscure pages built before internet browsers were the home of topics ranging from opinions on star wars to the next great invention. Social outcasts found refuge within the lines of code that much of society condemned. Eventually it grew when E-mail, electronic mail, was released to the public in the early 1990s. E-mail brought public appeal to communicating via computers and slowly rose to power over conventional mail.

By the early 2000s E-mail had gained popularity and respect and websites began to use a mixture of ideas taken from the online bulletin boards that had populated the 80s and E-mail to create a whole new medium- the social media site.

In 2003 front runners set the tone for future sites, with sites like Linkedin, Friendster, and Myspace quickly gaining popularity among their respective audiences. While Linkedin served as a professional means of communication for business colleagues, Friendster and Myspace created a setting for younger generations to meet and share ideas. Unfortunately both sites experienced only small amounts of success before falling out of favor when faced by their next generation.

In 2004 social media met the largest and most successful site of the era, even if it had yet to realize it. Facebook entered the market as a small Harvard based site meant for students to meet and chat online, and by 2006 Facebook was open to the public and has since garnered over 1 billion users and Facebook’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg is worth over 13 billion dollars.

Since Facebook’s success many sites have attempted to copy their design. Google released their own site, Google+, in 2011 with hopes of bringing their trusted customers to the site, but they fell short of expectations. Google did help create one aspect of social media though- connecting with other sites. YouTube was bought by Google early in its development process and has since grown, and with a recent connection between the YouTube comment system and Google+’s interface Google hopes to bring more awareness to its site.

While the model of Facebook was, and is, so popular many sites and companies shied away from it to instead blaze their own path to success, one such company was Twitter. Twitter doesn’t rely on user walls or pages to drive their design, but rather they rely on the quickness of today’s media to propel their model. A limit is placed on the amount of characters allowed for in a “tweet” so as to increase the speed of messages and avoid overly long, boring posts. Audiences receive messages relevant to them without the fluff of other sites and thus Twitter is an important tool to those with an audience or followers waiting on information.

Other sites relied on a different form of social media- blogging. Tumblr is a social media site designed to host personal blogs and to support smoother connections between those blogs. It avoids the clunky design of other blog sites and encourages users to reblog or share content within the site.

When Facebook added support for posting pictures its user were ecstatic, and then came Instagram. Instagram provides users a selection of filters as well as a more basic stripped down version of a normal social media wall or page. With almost no support for text posts it avoids wasting time with scrolling through daily drama, and instead it delivers only the pictures of user you follower through their site.

It has been 10 years since Facebook was founded, over 20 since the creation of E-mail, yet as far as we have come in the 21st century remember, social media began in the basements of 80s enthusiasts and has grown into one of the largest pastimes in the world.

1980

Online Bulletin Boards:

Populated by the nerds and geeks of the 80s, these bulletin boards were the grandfather of all social media.

2002

Friendster:

The first to start the trend of friend finding sites. It fell out of favor with the arrival of Myspace but has recently risen as an Asian gaming network.

2003

Linkedin: An early template for social media sites that focuses on business relationships and colleagues.

It was the early standard for communication over a social media site.

2003

Myspace:

An early frontrunner of social media that was a popular place for teens to communicate and share ideas. It brought together the best parts of Friendster and Lnkedin.

Sci-Tech | 4.3.14 | crimsonweb.net | 15

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| A&E

A thornless rose Elizabeth Wein’s WWII novel surprises

by Analia Cabello, Copy Editor

Review

I

t really seems to be an undeniable fact that war books are sad. That statement is almost brainlessly obvious: it’s about nations violently disagreeing and people dying as a result. But, like many subjects, perspective is everything: wars have many facets. There are the stories of people on the home front sacrificing to support the war effort with metal drives and Victory gardens (Molly of the “American Girl” series, anyone?); the gory tales of battlefield bloodshed and war heroes; and then the suffering civilians and prisoners of war enclosed in hellish conditions of concentration camps. The latter is where Elizabeth Wein’s “Rose Under Fire” lands.

“Rose Under Fire,” Wein’s sixth book for young adults, was published in June of 2013 and has been named a Schneider Family Book Award Winner, a Josette Frank Book Award Winner, a Golden Kite Award Honor Book, and an Audie Award Finalist in the Teen category, according to elizabethwein.com. The novel centers around Rose Justice, a young Air Transport Auxiliary pilot who expresses her through writing poetry. When Rose is captured by Germans while en route to Paris, she is transferred to the German concentration camp Ravensbruck, where she witnesses and experiences horrific World War II events firsthand.

I cannot tell a lie: I usually am not a fan of historical fiction. Or, perhaps more accurately, I don’t enjoy reading fictional accounts of wars. As a young elementary schooler, I immersed myself in the “Dear America” books, a series of fictional diaries from young girls hailing from different time periods; in fact, it seemed there was a diary for each important landmark in US history. How did I

learn about the Gold Rush? From Susanna Fairchild’s diary. The pioneers bravely facing the Oregon Trail?

Hattie Campbell’s diary. And I have a distinct recollection of learning about the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911 from Zipporah Feldman, a Yiddish character who watched helplessly from the street as her friend Mamie with “hair like fire” jumped from the flaming building.

In retrospect, perhaps these weren’t things that a nine-year-old should be reading about; however, despite the somewhat tragic accounts, they avoided the graphic side of war, the concentration camps and the casualties (as they well should have--these novels were targeted towards the younger end of the population), and as I grew in my exploration of literature, I avoided it too. I deemed novels such as Ruta Sepetys’s “Between Shades of Gray” and Wein’s fifth novel “Code Name Verity” too dark--it’s

“

I cannot tell a lie: I am not usually a fan of historical fiction.

“

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—Analia Cabello

not that I deny the transpiration of these events or wish to overlook them and pretend they never occurred. It simply boils down to the fact that the majority of the time, I prefer a light, happy read to a heavy, horrific one, and I don’t believe that makes me a bad person.

Though there were many positive elements to the novel, the one thing that I didn’t enjoy was the way Wein jumps through time so sporadically. The novel begins in August of 1944 and continues chronologically until September of that year. Rose’s narrative doesn’t pick up again until April of 1945; she’s staying in a Parisian hotel after escaping Ravensbruck. From there, the book reads more as a diary of Rose sharing her experiences, a take that was initially confusing to me; the date at the beginning of the chapter would be 1945, but she would

be recounting more Ravensbruck memories.

However, beyond a shadow of a doubt, one of my favorite components of this novel is the way Wein manages to weave shimmering threads of hope and positivity amid a tapestry of pain and bleakness.

For example, Rose meets a group of prisoners called Rabbits, named because German camp surgeons would perform experimental operations on their legs, and befriends spunky, Polish Roza and Russian pilot Irina.

Though their plight was horrific and heart-wrenching, Wein includes tales on how the group outsmarted the guards, the lengths they would go to protect one another, and the ways ordinary ways they interacted despite their extraordinary circumstances. The girls taught each other cusswords in foreign languages; they teased each other and gossiped about Rose’s boyfriend back home; they organize a meager Christmas celebration within their cell block. When someone is scheduled to be Other members of the camp would gladly give up their lives to save the Rabbits, for if the Rabbits outlived the war and regained their freedom, they’d be living proof of everyone’s stories.

I also thoroughly enjoyed the way Wein skillfully slipped Rose’s poems into the pages of the books. While in the camp, poetry serves as Rose’s refuge. When she’s locked in solitary confinement for two weeks as punishment for refusing to make bomb parts, she recites “Counting-Out Rhyme” by Edna St. Vincent Millay for the duration of her 25 lashes. She drafts verses on forbidden scraps of paper, adorning them with titles such as “Lisette Waits” (about her “block mother”) and “Air Raid at Ravensbruck.” While I think it’s just so utterly amazing to see how words can provide a feeling of comfort, I’m also somewhat in awe--even though, in the novel, they’re obviously Rose Justice’s poems, Wein must have written them in real life. To be able to pen such a heart-wrenching novel and include insightful poems... what a talent.

I was initially hesitant about diving into this book, but after taking the plunge, I say with certainty that I don’t regret it.

If you like this you might also enjoy: Code Name Verity:

Elizabeth Wein This brilliantly spun story captures the life of the spy who is code named Verity. Verity tells the story of Maddie, her copilot who got left behind. Elizabeth Wein’s novel portrays the untold story of female pilots in WW11 in a rich and beautiful way.

Uprising:

Margaret Peterson Haddix In this masterful tale, Bella, Yetta, and Jane all come from separate backgrounds, classes, races, and countries. But when their lives come together the result is a questioning of everything that they were ever taught. This captivating story is set againts the backdrop of the troubled times surrounding the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire.

A&E |

CAST COUPLES (above) : Couples pose for pictures weeks before opening night. Hairspray will be playing on April 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, and 13 RELATIONSHIPS REINACTED (below) : The cast practices they’re character relationships. They have been together 20 hours a week in rehearsal.

Photos used with permission from Marcy Goodnow

by Celeste Geary, Reporter 20 minutes,” Goodnow said. The cast is currently practicing full run-throughs of the show every night.

According to Ferry and senior Hailey Pietz, Hairspray will be different to other shows the theatre company has done. It certainly is a character transformation for them, Ferry and Pietz reported.

“

It has been very emotional. The students sometimes can’t believe the lines they’re expected to say to each other.

“

D

rama teacher Marcy Goodnow danced with excitement when asked about Paso High Theatre Company’s Apr. 4, 2014 production of the Broadway musical Hairspray. According to Goodnow.

“It offers more than just the usual singing and dancing; it has a message. A slice of history, Hairspray portrays that “all kinds of discrimination occurs… [but] standing up for what you believe in is right,” Goodnow said.

Cast members also have positive things to say about it: “Hairspray is a show a lot of people can relate to,” said senior Logan Ferry, who played the lead in Robin Hood last December.

A total of 100 people attended the pre-audition workshop, 86 auditioned, and 44 made the cut into the show. However, three had to drop the show because of the 20 hours that are put towards rehearsing every week. In addition to the cast, there is a crew of 12 people on costumes, three on house, and eight people backstage.

Although Goodnow has been a part of over 100 shows, she says there are still new challenges.

“The Madison is one of the longest, unending scenes I’ve done; it’s probably

—Marcy Goodnow

“I went from Robin Hood, a dashing thief in the forest, to a middle aged woman,” said Ferry, who will have high heels and large breasts as Edna Turnblad. Pietz played the lead princess in Once Upon a Mattress and is now playing the villain, Velma Von Tussle.

“It is a 180 to go from a princess to an antagonist,” said Pietz, who has done seven shows with the company while Ferry has done eight. “Hairspray is a great show to close our careers here,” said Pietz.

Hairspray deals with the topic of black and white integration in the 60s. Goodnow is making sure it correctly portrays what was happening at the time; she’s even had the 41 student cast discuss the ways blacks were treated with a cast member’s father, who saw first-hand in Baltimore during the 60s.

“It has been very emotional, the students sometimes can’t believe the lines they’re expected to say to each other,” Goodnow said.

Goodnow was able to see it live on Broadway. She confessed she cried the entire performance out of her love for the show’s energy. “It’s taking everything in my body not to be in it,” said Goodnow, a singer, dancer, and actor herself.

“We encourage people to see the show because they’ll have a great time and you’ll have a great time,” said Ferry. Hairspray opens Apr. 4, 2014 and runs through Apr. 13, 2014. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and senior citizens. They can be purchased at prhsdrama.com.

Hairspray: A summary

Paso High Theatre Company Presents the Broadway Musical “Hairspray”

Hairspray: By the numbers

Good morning Paso Robles!

41 12 20

people in the cast

8

people backstage

people on costumes

3

on house

hours a week

6

shows

In this retelling of play, musical, and movie, Paso High Theater Company tackles the now classic tale of overweight teenager, Tracy Trublad is obsessed with the Corny Collins show, a local dance show. When an place suddenly opens up on the show Tracy jumps at the chance. Her moves land her a spot from Corny Collins himself, which sets the show’s manager Velma Von Tussle on a path of revenge against her. But as Tracy meets new people through detention and the Corny Collins show she sees the racism that runs the world she starts on a quest to integrate the show armed with only her moves, her friends, and her hairspray.

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| A&E

Drumming the day away Junior Sam Rollins finds his passion in percussion

by Mayer Pohlod, Reporter

H

Q A

e tightens his grip on the drumsticks, raising his head to the crowd before him. Beads of sweat begin to form on his face, but he knows that this is his time to shine. It’s his time to show everybody what he’s practiced for, what he’s made of.

Sam Rollins’ concentrated face and upright posture are visibly noticeable as his sticks become a faint blur during his drum strokes. With the snare down at his waist, and one of his wrists cocked to the side, he is able to create literal music to the ears in a percussional style that only a drum line can exhibit.

Drumming, like any other form of art, is not a skill that comes easily to anyone; it takes practice, hard work, and dedication towards the craft. Having started in the 5th grade, Rollins has been achieving just that and working his way onto the school band’s drum line. The type of passion Rollins exhibits when in his zone is a entertaining thing to see, and display a hard to accomplish set of skill.

:So Paso Robles’ drum line is pretty good compared to other schools? :Yes, but I think that it’s because we all really do get along (most of the time), and our school is one of the only ones that has a separate class for the percussion than the rest of the band.

Q A

Q A

:How did you become interested in percussion? :In fifth grade, I started out by playing trumpet, after a few months I just really couldn’t enjoy it, I wanted to switch and I saw that everyone in percussion was having a lot of fun, so I switched to that. :What would you say is your favorite part about it? :Probably the moment when you are standing on the field with everyone else in the band, and knowing that all the time that everyone devoted to rehearsing, learning drill, and memorizing the music is about to be put to use. It makes you realize that you are really apart of a much bigger picture than yourself.

Q A

Q A

:Are there any type of competitions you or the band has won? :Every year we go to the Colony Day Competition (Atascadero) in October, last year drum line won first place in their own competition, and I believe the band overall won 3rd place in field show.

Q A

:Do you see yourself continuing this passion in the future? :Most likely. Hopefully College Marching Band (whichever one I go to) and then maybe as a hobby afterwards, but not professionally.

Q A

:So college is about how far you want to take it in a professional sense? :Yes, my brother was in the Cal Poly Marching Band, and he said that it is one of his favorite things in college, so I want to be in my college drum line. :Is there anybody you’ve looked up to as a role model in your time as a drummer? :My first actual role model was Jen Ledger, the drummer from the band Skillet, because she became a professional at 18 with her first audition for the band.

Q

:Have you had any friends in percussion that have stayed with you since you’ve started? :There aren’t any who are still involved from fifth grade, but in seventh I became pretty good friends with Wesley Harmon, and Shelby Havel, and then in freshmen year I became really good friends with Alec Wingfield.

A

Q A

:What is your favorite piece to perform? : My favorite song that we have played has got to be “Excalibur,” it’s super super high energy and a lot of fun.

PERCUSSION PASSION (above): Junior Sam Rollins practices on the snare drum. The percussion ensemble took first place in the Drumline Competition in the Colony Days Band Festival.

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Photos by Mariela Villa

SELF EXPRESSION (n) : a person’s essential being that distinguishes them from others

T

(v) : the act of making your thoughts, feelings, etc., known by speech, writing, or some other method : the act of expressing something

he writer pours her heart out through her words. The dancer illustrates a scene with swaying arms and poetic leaps. The artist emerges from an intense painting session, bearing smears and splatters of the material on his face and clothing as war scars.

It seems that, perhaps more than any other time of our lives, teenagerhood is when we begin the process of discovering what distinguishes us from the millions of others out there. We immerse ourselves into the arts: theater, writing, music, painting. We turn to certain styles of clothing or piercings.

We define ourselves by what our parents forbid us to do; we defy rules or laws for our artistic inclinations; we pour time and energy in a sport that may sprain our ankles or break our spirits.

Why? To show people who we are.

Unfortunately, self-expression can easily be stretched and twisted to justify inappropriate actions. After all, whose place is it to tell the graffiti artist he can’t decorate the underside of the bridge? Well, it’s the law’s place, actually; and since graffiting can be viewed as destruction of public property, it’s probably best to keep that on a piece of land owned by the artist.

This poses a slew of questions: does this mean we are allowed to self-express as long as the expressing doesn’t clash with the views and opinions of others? Not exactly, for if that were true, no one would do much expressing at all. Is it fair for authority to impose on our right to self-express? No? Well, what about society? Have we not built up walls of ideals, boxing each other into what the world thinks is an appropriate method of expression? Even if a way of self expression is allowed by law, there’s no guarantee it’ll be accepted by peers.

—Analía Cabello, Copy Editor

Photo by Maureen Pushea

Survey of 200 students

Self Expression | 4.3.14 | crimsonweb.net | 19

| Self Expression

Photo by Angela Lorenzo

Sophmore Bella Marziello and junior Elizabeth Kenny show their freedom to express themselves.

THE BOY WHO CRIED

‘SELF EXPRESSION’

The fine line between self expression and illegal activities

by Lauren Reed, Fun & Games Co-Editor elf expression presents itself through many different avenues–clothing, religion, actions–but often times those avenues are exploited and used inappropriately.

Freedom of expression guarantees the right to inform the public and to offer opinions of any kind, to advocate change, to give the minority the opportunity to be heard and become the majority, and to challenge the rise of state tyranny by force of words, according to democracyweb. org. Yet, often times, this fundamental right is abused and taken advantage of.

“I see self expression as a way of presenting yourself rather than an excuse to do illegal activities. There are flaws in the term [self expression] that make it seem like committing a rebellious act is just how we are, but people use the term unknowingly of its limitations, and as a reason to act unruly,” said junior Summer Botts.

One of the most common crossing of boundaries–in terms of self expression–is the topic of religious practices.

Students are allowed to proclaim their beliefs, and practice however they see fit, but they cannot force their views on others. At our school there are Christian clubs such as Youth with a Purpose, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), although these clubs meet on campus, the students

S

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going must voluntarily attend.

“It’s when individuals cross the line from publicly proclaiming their beliefs, to trying to convince others to do so,” said principal Randall Nelson on crossing the line of religious self expression.

In the school setting, self expression is a positive avenue for students to explore who they are, and clothing is no exception. Clothing is a way to show how you’re feeling and what you are interested in, but if the outfit is against school dress code, it can take a turn from self expression, to self exposure.

“Spring’s around the corner and we’re already seeing people come to school dressed inappropriately… What they wear on the weekends isn’t necessarily appropriate for school,” said Nelson.

Now although there is a blurred line between self expression and illegal activities, the most blatant form of feigned self expression is vandalism.

“They use the excuse that it is their right to self expression to vandalize by painting or spray painting in walls, bridges, train cars, etc.” said junior Nicole Childs.

Although self expression is mostly seen as physical, it can also be abstract–through one’s language and actions.

“I tend to express myself through my words and my

actions. I like people to know me for what’s inside. I do admit that I also express myself through how I look.. but overall I express myself through what I say and do,” said Childs.

Whether it is through your clothing or through your actions, self expression is the reason we are who we are.

But that doesn’t mean that we should be allowed to do whatever the heck we want, when we want, under the guise of self expression.

Carmesí

La autoexpresión es el conjunto de características propias y genuinas del individuo que lo hacen original y único a la hora de expresarse, ya sea física como psicológicamente dentro de un marco determinado de expresión, dice http://programasam.blogspot.com.

"Veo a la libre expresión como forma de presentación de sí mismo, más que una excusa para hacer actividades ilegales. Hay fallas en el término [libre expresión] que lo hace parecer como cometer un acto de rebeldía, pero la gente utiliza el término sin saber de sus limitaciones, y como una razón para actuar rebelde,” dijo Summer Botts. traducido por Lauren Reed, Fun & Games Editor

Self Expression

MUSICAL EXPRESSION LESSON Why music fits to the individual, not the other way around

I

mmediately after dropping a cuss word, an unfortunate hallmark of hip-hop, rapper Lupe Fiasco adds the line, “And please don’t excuse my language, ‘cuz I would hate for you to misrepresent the true expression of my anguish.”

The album, lengthily titled “Food and Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Part I,” is the antithesis of what many people have come to recognize as rap; in the song quoted alone [titled ITAL (Roses)], Fiasco advocates buying Camries over Ferraris, calls out both drugs and alcohol, and even dares to mention “Being fiscally responsible.” To someone who doesn’t listen to hip-hop, this is a far cry from what has become ‘the norm’.

That’s the beauty of music, though; it’s all expression. There is no precedent artists have to follow; of course some rap songs are going to talk about money, some pop songs will talk about partying, some country singers will sing about their big green tractors, et cetera. Do you have to listen to a specific kind of music to get one particular vibe from it, though?

Of course not. Whereas someone might listen to hip-hop for the rappers that talk about making it big and overcoming odds, that doesn’t disqualify enjoying the way some rappers spin words together into varied bars to reach deeper emotion.

Music is a very moldable medium, one that can and should fit to the individual.

Junior drummer Alec Wingfield, for example, may not like a single song that tops the charts, but through his own

by Matt Tyra, Sports Co-editor

tastes and artistry, the six year member of the county honor band has crafted his own musical representation, expressing himself through that constantly.

“I express myself musically through my interpretation of the music that I’m playing, and although the playing of the instrument itself is not wholly unique, what story I am able to tell through my craft is my choice, which allows me to be fully expressive,” said Wingfield, a member of the Blue Devil’s Drum and Bugle Corps, a nationally competing marching band.

Wingfield lists some of his current favorite music as The Black Keys, Arctic Monkeys, and jazz, though he also listens to a wide spectrum of different music. He also has strong, omniscient views on other people listening to music, supporting the idea that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

“Music has the power to convey a message that cannot be told in words, so take that chance and tell it to the ones who were reluctant to listen to your words.

Whatever allows you to escape, go there.

Listen to what you want, because it’s not just what gets you through the day, it’s what defines you,” Wingfield said.

Like Wingfield, junior Amanda Kerr also finds great power in music, but the singer recalls a particular moment that really opened her eyes to its potential.

“In fifth grade I saw my first musical, Wicked, at the Pantages Theater. Before then I mainly sang pop but the musical Wicked broadened my singing far beyond generic radio music. I bought the CD and fell in love with Idina Mendzel’s rich voice

and her level of vocal ability. Since then I have always taken after Idina’s style of singing and tried to pattern my voice after hers. She is definitely my singing inspiration,” said Kerr, who’s been a three-time member of the Central Coast Honor Choir and is currently in our high school’s honor choir.

Kerr states that she listens to most music, excluding rap, and includes alternative, theatre, pop, country, and blues/jazz as some of her favorites; her favorite all-time band is Cheap Trick. She lists her greatest music accomplishment as performing the National Anthem at the Homecoming game and dance, and appreciates her singing capabilities.

“Singing is...like a form of therapy for me, whenever I’m having a rough day I come home and belt out a few songs, and afterwards, I feel much better. But to clarify, I don’t jsut sing when I’m upset; I sing, when I’m happy, sad, [or] angry,” said Kerr, who has taken choir since fourth grade. “Singing is my passion in life.”

If you connect with it, if it reaches you in a way that you like, or even if it just sounds really good to you, then nobody has a right to question that. Whether you listen to every genre or only one artist, whether you listen for discovering the deeper meanings of things or simply because you like the way it sounds, whatever reason someone has to listen to or make music, it’s all musical expression; all musical expression deserves respect.

Carmesí

La belleza de la música es que es la expresion de los sentimientos y las experiencias de las artistas.

No hay precedentes que las artistas tienen que seguir, por supuesto, algunas canciones de rap se van a hablar de dinero, y algunas canciones de pop se hablan de ir de fiesta, y algunos cantantes de country cantarán sobre sus grandes tractores verdes, etcétera. ¿Tienes que escuchar a un tipo específico de música para obtener una sensación especial de ella , sin embargo? Por supuesto que no. La música es un medio muy moldeable, que puede y debe ajustarse al individuo.

“Quiero expresar musicalmente a través de mi interpretación de la música que estoy tocando, y aunque tocando [los tambores] no es algo unica, la historia qué soy capaz de decir a través de mi arte es mi elección, que me permite ser totalmente expresiva,” dijo Alec Wingfield, un miembro del tambor del Blue Devil y Bugle Corps, una banda de música que compiten a nivel nacional. traducido por Lauren Reed, Fun & Games Editor Self Expression | 4.3.14 | crimsonweb.net | 21

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WHAT ARE YOU Self Expression

INKING? Students share why they express themselves on their skin

by Jordan Nevosh, Co-Editor-in-Chief

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hen meeting or even looking at someone for the first time, there’s always some characteristic that you notice first. Maybe it’s their eye color, possibly hair style, sometimes their height. But as you look a little closer at them you notice they have bible verse inscripted on their forearm in traditional cursive or maybe a rose covered in thorns displayed across their shoulder.

These flowers and verses are a way of selfexpression and most likely have a meaningful story behind their permanently inked skin.

Three percent of students say that they already have a tattoo. Thirty three percent of bearcats say that they plan on acquiring one at some point in the future. Fourteen percent of Americans have a tattoo, with forty percent between the ages 18-25, and an annual spending average of $16.5 billion dollars, according to statsticbrain.com. Tattoo fever is running rabid with the younger generations feeling the urge to just as every book has a cover, every tattoo has a story embedded in the ink.

“I love tattoos. I think they're an amazing way to show who you are and what you like. It's a beautiful way to have something you love on your body forever,” said senior Morgan Rehner, who currently showcases three tattoos of her own.

Rehner models an equal sign on her pinky, an arrow on her finger, and a puzzle piece on her ankle. Her next piece will be done in april, and plans on getting a half sleeve after graduating.

“The equal sign is because of my beliefs in equal rights and I've always pushed that.

The arrow is to remind me that even if life is pulling me back, it's only because it's getting ready to shoot forward. And yes, the puzzle piece is with Lyric, who has been my best friend since I was nine or ten. It's just a nice reminder that we still fit even after all these years” Reihner said.

Senior Chase Andonson has also found a similar passion for the art.

“I have one that's of my grandfathers hand holding an ace card. With a rose on my shoulder and some leafs connected. It

represents my grandfather and him calling me ace, thus the card.” Andonson said.

Andonson got his tattoo done at Aesthetic Ink in Atascadero once he turned 18, which is the legal age to obtain a tattoo. Andonson also plan on getting at least two more large tattoos.

Since minors can not legally obtain tattoos, Rehner took the loophole route and tattooed herself.

“I did them myself. Which I don't recommended and definitely think people shouldn't do! It honestly isn't smart or safe.

But I was lucky and they came out well. But that usually doesn't happen with self done tattoos, so stay away,” Rehner said.

When receiving a tattoo the skin's top layer is pricked with a specialized pigment needle between 50-3,000 times per minute, according to howstuffworks.com. The time of the tattoo can very between how large and how much detail you want your tattoo to have.

If the equipment used to create your tattoo is contaminated with infected blood, you can contract various blood borne diseases — including tetanus, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. MRI complications according to mayoclinic. org.

Every tattoo artist has their own unique pricing, but the average for a small tattoo is around $45, and a large tattoo can go anywhere from $100-200 per hour depended on the detail of the piece.

Senior Edwin Sarabria has found that tattoos can be an excellent way of expressing feelings that can’t possibly be said any other way but then to be inked. His tattoo is of a flower tangled in a dream catcher, which was his first and given to him for his 18th birthday.

Sarabia plans on getting a new piece soon of “Veni, Vidi, Vici” which in italian means “I came, I saw, I conquered”.

“After the your first it becomes an addiction if you enjoy the pain like I do..to me is a stress reliever. A tattoo allows you to express your emotions by sharing your greatest feelings on your skin for everyone to see. Some words don’t do you feelings justice, so tattoos do it for them,” Sarabia said.

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Carmesí

Al reunirse o mirar a alguien por primera vez, siempre hay alguna característica que se observa en primer lugar. Tal vez sea su color de ojos, posiblemente el estilo de pelo, a veces su altura. Pero cuando se mira un poco más de cerca a ellos, usted nota que tienen versículo de la Biblia inscriptos en su antebrazo en letra cursiva tradicional o tal vez una rosa cubierta de espinas está representada a través de su hombro. Estas flores y versos son una forma de auto-expresión y lo más probable, tienen una historia significativa detrás de su piel con tinta permanente.

“Me encantan los tatuajes. Creo que son una manera maravillosa

de mostrar lo que eres y lo que te gustas . Es una hermosa manera de tener algo que te gusta en tu cuerpo para siempre,” dijo senior Morgan Rehner, quien presenta tres tatuajes propios.

“Después de la primera se convierte en una adicción, si te gusta el dolor como yo...para mí es un calmante para el estrés. Un tatuaje le permite expresar sus emociones, y compartir sus mejores sensaciones en la piel para que todos la vean. Algunas palabras no hacen justicia a su sentimientos, eso es cuando los tatuajes lo hagan por ellos,” dijo Edwin Sarabia. traducido por Lauren Reed, Fun & Games Editor

Self Expression

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Photo by Angela Lorenzo

THE PERFECT IDENTITY Intense social pressures affect high school students

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alking around campus, it’s easy to see the different cliques: the athletes, the cheerleaders, the drama kids, the runners, the bros, and many other groups that form like water droplets on glass windows during the rainstorm of everyday high school life. All have been shaped into their own identity and expression–each with a different reason why they express themselves the way they do.

“In many ways, American teens have never had it tougher.

Social pressures are more pervasive and destructive than ever before in American history,” Tiffany Stuart of focusonthefamily.com said.

Though teens are given a choice of how to fit in and who to fit in with, the idea of not fitting in at all is one of the biggest pressures teens face in the modern day.

“Young people explore their own values, ethics, spirituality, racial and ethnic identity, sexuality, and gender. While teens are learning what makes them unique, they also have an increased need to ‘fit in.’ Therefore, identity formation can be especially challenging for teens who feel different from others because of their cultural, ethnic, gender, or sexual identity,” according to pbs.org.

The struggle to find one’s identity can be that much more difficult in small towns like Paso Robles’ 30,500 population in 12,739 acres, where a much smaller percentage have ethnic, gender, and sexual uniqueness.

by Carly Cargill, Feature Co-Editor Right when parents are wanting to raise their kids to have morals and be ethical, students face conflicting pressures to fit in and to be unique.

“The discomfort of an inadequate sense of self takes precedence over all else in the life of an adolescent. The search for self can disrupt the quest for achievement, family connection, and all previous normalcy,” Adolescent and Family Counselor Cheryl Jones from www.ncyi.org said.

Jones also said that one way to help them find themselves is to give them choices and options to make them feel like they matter among all the conformity of the world.

“Beginning when a child first understands the spoken word, we can offer the opportunity to make choices. This gives children the message that they are separate persons, their opinions matter, and their voices are heard. If children grow up with the idea that they can make decisions to create a life that works for them, the critical process of identitybuilding is underway,” Jones said.

The necessity for a parent or some kind of guardian is crucial to help teens feel supported and secured about decisions they make regarding their identities.

“Often, the most difficult part of the process is gaining the trust of adolescents, whose greatest fear is that they will be forced to become something they are not,” Jones said.

However Sam Flores believes that it is easy to find a group to hang out with.

“It’s not difficult to find a group of people, because I have

all kinds of friends from different groups. Anyone can “fit in” anywhere,” Flores said.

Despite some students’ ease, all people see themselves a certain way, and they want society to see them that way as well.

Carmesí

Aunque los adolescentes pueden decidir con quien andan y como se espresan sus opiniones, la idea de no pertenecer en un grupo designada es una de las mayores presiones que enfrentan los adolescentes en la lucha diaria. Encontrando su identidad propio es mucho más difícil en ciudades pequeñas como la ciudad de el Paso de Robles, que contiene 30,500 habitantes en 12,739 hectáreas, y donde un porcentaje mucho más pequeño tiene singularidad etnico, genico, y sexual.

"El malestar de sentiendo inadecuado es que tiene prioridad sobre todo lo demás en la vida de un adolescente. La búsqueda de uno mismo puede interrumpir la búsqueda de logros, conexión de la familia, y todos la normalidad anterior,” dice Adolescencia y Familia Consejero Cheryl Jones de www.ncyi.org. traducido por Lauren Reed, Fun & Games Editor Self Expression | 4.3.14 | crimsonweb.net | 23

| Self Expression

FREE TO EXPRESS OR

Self Expression

SERIOUSLY REPRESSED?

Having the freedom of choice, when it comes to things like hair, clothing,music, or religion is a liberating feeling, a feeling that 38.5 percent of Bearcats began to experience at age 13. Self expression no matter what the form is an important, fundamental right to many teenagers, and receiving parental support for your self expression can be difficult.

by Emily Ayer, Environment Editor and Eden Peterson, Food Editor

Higgenson’s parents are relaxed when it comes to self expression, and were even accepting when she recently shaved her head.

Dominic Petrillo, 10

Carolynne Higginson, 11

“Self expression is important. People need to be able to express their individuality, how else are you supposed to tell what kind of a person someone is? It’s the first time you realize ‘Oh I might have something in common with this person.’ I’m allowed to wear and express myself how I want. My parents don't really mind as long as I don’t do anything permanent. Dying my hair they don't really care about. I just recently shaved my head. At first they were kind of shocked because I did it without asking them. I knew that they were going to tell me no. They are fine with it now though. I don’t practice the same religion as my parents. I’m a Satanist. My mom knows and she doesn't really care. My dad and grandmother don't know because they are Catholic. A lot of people are like ‘What does that mean?’ and they start thinking awful things.”

Petrillo has a very open relationship with his parents and rarely butts heads with them when it comes to self expression. Petrillo finds self expression through baseball.

“Yeah I need to be able to express myself because if nobody can then you don’t know who you really are and what you enjoy. I guess you could say my attitude around others maybe through sports. The way I handle myself on the field like in baseball and football. I like to conduct myself in a way to show my self respect. I don’t like to go around and mess around on the field. As long as it’s nothing bad, or illegal my parents are cool with it. As long as it doesn’t go against moral standards they are usually really relaxed

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Gwen Cross, 11 Cross expresses herself many ways including dressing up in costumes, some of which she sews herself.

“Self expression is important to me because if I could not express myself then nobody would understand diversity and we would all be sort of the same thing. By expressing yourself you are encouraging other people to do so themselves. I dress in costumes like once a week at least and as long as I’m not showing anything I shouldn’t be, they are fine with it. My parents are also very open about my religion. They basically allow me to express myself in every way that I want. I am Wiccan [a diverse and modern pagan witchcraft religion] which a lot of people don’t know about. A lot of my family is Mormon but they go for it. The only thing they really restrict is they don’t want me to permanently alter my body.”

Angel Lopez, 11

Morgan feels self expression is a necessity and would feel repressed without the freedom.

“If I can’t express myself I would feel oppressed and I don't think I would be very happy if I was forced to not be myself. I guess my sense of humor expresses me. I have a really crude sense of humor. My parents are pretty relaxed, but I’m not allowed to wear shorts around my dad.”

Fitzpatrick expresses himself through regularly skateboarding after school and on weekends with his friends .

Lopez expresses himself through his clothing and hair, and while his parents are generally easygoing when it comes to self expression, they have drawn the line before.

“I’ve had control of how I dressed and how I wore my hair since I was about eleven. I’ve never really had any conflicts with my parents when it comes to self expression, except when I was a little younger I wanted to dye my hair green but my parents wouldn’t let me. At the time I was frustrated but looking back I’m really glad they didn’t let me do because I think I would have regretted it.”

Alexis Morgan, 12

Andrew Fitzpatrick, 9

“It’s important to express yourself. It’s your life and your choice to do it. I skateboard. I do it a lot but not really to be professional just because it’s fun and my way of expressing.

Yeah, I’d say my parents are relaxed. I feel bad, angry even when people do that {stifle self expression}. I’d tell them to leave me alone. Let me do what I want and they can do what they want.”

Self Expression | 4.3.14 | crimsonweb.net | 25

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| Self Expression Sophomore Natalie Duren and junior Casey Howard understand the importance of being in a relationship and being yourself.Photo used with permission of Natalie Duren

Finding yourself

with another Who we are with says a lot about who we are

by Angela Lorenzo, Co-Editor in Chief

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elationships aren’t just about the flowers, chocolates, or kisses shared between two people. Being with someone is more than a material or relationship to fill space.

The friends we have, the classes we take, the people we hang out with all tend to say a lot about the person that we are and the traits that we possess. The boys and girls that we choose to be in relationships with--not only speak about the things we can tolerate, the choices we make, and the type of people we are, but they also allow us to be ourselves every moment that we are with them. The love we express to others, or one other in specific, says a lot about the affection, apathy, forgiveness, and trust that we can give to another person.

Most break ups occur in the first three to five months, according to thought catalog. Anyone's who's had a failed fling can vouch that one of the main problems in dysfunctional relationships is a lack of trust or common habits that make being together the most comfortable and natural as possible.

We don't make friends, boyfriends, or girlfriends with the hope of hiding who we are from them for the rest of our lives. It simply can not be the right relationship if you aren't comfortable screaming for the Giants, wearing sweatpants, or crying over spilled milk around them.

We pair up to meet our deepest needs for companionship. We hope that in that in our friendships and loves that will find freedom to be accepted for who we are and to express ourself in our truest form.

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LOVE IS LOVE

by Jessica Cole, A&E Editor

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elf expression has a million different facets, one for every little trait and quirk that the human gene pool has arranged to make up a person.

As one of the most activist minorities, the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community faces love, ambivalence, and hatred. It’s a community of individuals and partners on a historic vision quest to define its needs, personality, rights, and quirks.

That’s self-expression to the core. Victories and setbacks in the LGBT story revolve around the central problem of beliefs versus rights, the mingling and the separation of the two.

A mere 3.5% of Americans define themselves as Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual, according to the 2011 William’s Institute study. Less than one per cent of Americans classify themselves as transgender. Yet 70% report that they were harassed or mistreated on the job for expressing themselves.

This discrimination seems to be even higher in children or teens with 75% of Americans from kindergarten through twelfth grade report some sort of discrimination and 35% of those same students

report physical abuse. A reported 14% have even left school due to a prolonged harassment. And to top that 36% have reported attempted suicide, more than 22 time the national average of 1.6%.

Sophomore Valerie Neer has witnessed the judgment and bullying a friend has faced on campus.

“I'm so incredibly proud of her everyday because I know how incredibly difficult it can be to have people judging you everywhere you walk. But it's heartwrenching as her friend to hear the public opinions and the negativity.”

Neer heard conversations in class about her friend’s appearance, with constant name calling thrown in.

“I couldn't understand why people could be so ignorant, or so hateful to someone they didn't know anything about...It's hard to really sway people who were raised in a society where being gay is weird or wrong,” Neer said.

A person is made up of trillions of tiny little traits and quirks that make them who they are. She or he cannot control family, race, or class, and should not be judged by them by anyone.

Self Expression

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FINDING THEIR RELI GION Faith defines self for Junior Jake Taylor holds a Bible close to his heart (above).

believing Bearcats

by Mayer Pohlod, Reporter

STILL PRAYIN’: Sophomore Jamison Murray pursues his Mormon faith—and practice—everyday.

Photos by Lauren Wassam and Mayer Pohlod

In an age where the stresses and nuances of life are a constant bother, some students take to religion to relieve some of it. These religions are a way for some people to realize something bigger in life than just themselves and express themselves.

Religion, while not playing a huge role in some people’s lives, plays a dominant one in others. It’s not just something that’s ‘followed’; it’s a way for some to keep themselves positive and optimistic about life, as well as a path to express themselves through it.

“My religion motivates me to keep going even through through the hardest times and it also motivates me to do my best, try my hardest and be kind and thoughtful around other people,” said junior Jake Taylor, a Catholic. “It’s leads me to love and really care for a lot of people I’ve met in life. I feel that I’m less hateful and pessimistic.”

Another way of expression through his religion is done by sophomore Jamison Murray, whose Mormon background defines his present and future life.

“There are a lot of standards now that I hold myself to because of my faith and there are decisions in the future I’ll be making because I’m a member of my religion,” Murray said. “Standards such as chastity, abstaining from profane entertainment and banned substances such as drugs and alcohol. Others include respecting those around me and getting the best education possible. [Future] decisions would be serving a mission and getting married in the Temple.”

While some express their opinion outwardly, some would choose rather to keep it confined unless brought

up, like junior Bryce Pasky.

“I don’t really express myself by being atheist. If we get to talking about the subject then yes I will say I’m atheist but I don’t really feel the need to express myself,” Pasky said. “In the end were all the same and made the same way and we all have the same morals regardless of our religious viewpoints.”

Certainly religion isn’t something to be taken lightly.

It’s a path for many people to follow what they believe is right. And it’s up for people to believe what they must believe.

Carmesí

En una época donde las tensiones y los matices de la vida son una constante molestia, algunos estudiantes confian en la religión para aliviar algo de él . O, algo más, algunas personas usan la religion para dar cuenta de algo más grande en la vida de sólo ellos mismos.

“Mi religión me motiva a seguir adelante incluso a través de los momentos más difíciles y también me motiva a hacer todo lo mejor posible, y ser amable y considerado con otras personas,” dijo junior Jake Taylor, un católico. “Siento que estoy menos odiosa y pesimista gracias a mi religion.”

“Hay decisiones en el futuro que voy a estar haciendo porque soy un miembro de mi religión: esos decisiones serían que sirvo en una misión y que caso en el templo,” dijo sophomore Jamison Murry, un mormón. “Hay muchas normas que necesito seguir como la castidad, que se abstengo de lo profano y de entretenimiento malo, tambien de sustancias como las drogas y el alcohol.” ­—Traducido por Lauren Reed, Fun & Games Editor

Self Expression | 4.3.14 | crimsonweb.net | 27

CTE

This month, we take a look at what it is that the devoted athletic trainers do, and how you can take a class and turn it into a career.

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Training with tape Alumnus carries on high school passion with her career

by Rachel Cole, Feature Co-Editor

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Kailey Warren and Dylan Brown-Silva tape up track athletes before practice

he smell of sweaty athletes, the scratchy tape around an ankle or wrist, and the constant sound of laughter make up the welcoming atmosphere in the athletic training room, as alumnus Tommy Calhoun can attest.

“When I was fifteen, I was a ward of the state; nobody claimed as a dependent. So I was adopted into a family with no kids. I didn’t really have any sort of direction because no one had given me that yet, but the athletic training program helped me, and my parents helped me. I realized that’s what I wanted to do with my life. I am a people person, so I want to be in the thick of it,” said Calhoun, who has worked at San Luis Sports Therapy for one year, and before she traveled the country as a motorsports model.

Emily Taylor, the old friend and color guard coach, believes that Calhoun made the right choice to pursue this career.

“I fully support her; it was an awesome choice and a great learning experience. She also does her job very well,” said Taylor, a 2011 graduate.

Calhoun’s first athletic training teacher

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agrees.

“I believe Tommy is the kind of person that was born to help people, as she grew older and matured she developed the ability to put people at ease. She is very outgoing and works well with people. I think she made the right choice.

I know she loves her job at San Luis sports therapy,” said Todd Olivera, who worked at Paso High for 12 years and left during the summer of 2013 to move to Texas.

Calhoun spends her time in the training room at San Luis Sports Therapy assisting the physical therapist.

“We split the time evenly with the physical therapist. We are a team. We are all on an even playing field. You get to know them just as much.

Most of the time, we go through all of their exercises. We do it all. It is a full service gym as well. We have weights, cardio, everything,” Calhoun said.

She sees between 16 and 20 patients each day.

“The athletic training program at the high school gave me background that I want for what I really want to do - become an athletic trainer.

I was one of the trainers from a long time ago.

There were only six of us in the class, and we all got really close,” said Calhoun, who remembers her three years of athletic training at the high school quite fondly.

“I love O. I love Todd. He was so hard on me, but at the time I understood that it was because he expected a lot from me. I’m glad that I didn’t crumble under this pressure,” said Calhoun, who also said that Olivera was one of her biggest inspirations in life.

“I believe that he is a good person; he may act tough and hard, but when it comes down to it, you know that he is there for you. If you get hurt, he is going to help you, no matter what,” Calhoun said.

Both Taylor and Olivera also enjoy memories of her relaxing a little and showing her fun side.

“My best moments with Tommy are when we signed to each other across the classroom because we both know sign language. It really came in handy when I had a question for her!” said Taylor, whose older sister is the same age as Calhoun.

“I have so many fond memories of Tommy.

Photo by Amy Cantrell

My favorite is when I took her to a playoff football game as a junior... About halfway through the game she was messing around with one of the players who was hurt but came along to the game. She was squirting water bottles and kinda flirting. One of the coaches started to yell at the player, and so in true O fashion I went over and started yelling at her. The look on her face was priceless....she was so scared....I had to try and not laugh. She sat on the bench the rest of the game and don’t move...like a statue.

I knew right then that she was going to be a special student. She always listened from that day forward and was a big part of the athletic training program from that day on. She turned out to be a true leader…” said Olivera, who has known Calhoun for eight years.

“I knew that I wanted to help people. And health care is something that we will always need, for the rest of our lives,” said Calhoun, who was also inspired by both of her parents, because both of them are paramedic supervisors of San Luis Obispo County.

CTE|

Unwrapping Athletic Training Program Overview 45 trainers 2 periods of athletic training (6th and 7th) 4 cases of tape per week 125 number of injured athletes on average in the fall season

950 treatments in the fall season 60% continue in the athletic training program each

year

37 girls in athletic training 8 boys in athletic training A word about this section Crimson thanks Cuesta College and its SB70 Minigrant program for supporting this monthly project. Funds go towards coverage in various media—print, web, video—of high school students building career skills.

Photo by Lauren Wassam

Behind the door of 1019

Students in the athletic training program give us a taste of what they do

by Michelle McPherson, Career Editor

T

hey stand unnoticed on the sidelines of every game, every meet, and every match. When an athlete runs past the finish line, makes a home run, or sends a killer serve over the net, they are there with full Bearcat spirit, constantly scanning the athletes in the crowd for any sign of an injury.

Their job is crucial to athletes everywhere, even though they are honestly the last people we would want to see, because their presence reminds athletes of the constant danger of an injury. These are the athletic trainers.

Athletic trainer spend their time taking care of athletes that have injuries during their season. They go to every game and every meet to ensure that no one gets hurt. But if an incident does occur, they take actions that are appropriate to the situation.

The dedication is in the eyes of each and every trainer as they sit in the hot sweaty gym or stand in the cold wind on any given day of the week.

When the first cry of pain reaches the ears of a trainer, they rush to the rescue.

The trainers take their job seriously because

“The busiest time of day is immediately after school ends until about 4:00pm. We have students prepare for games and practices during 6th period and 7th period. The fall season is a bit busier than other seasons due to the physical nature of football, but we stay consistently busy throughout the school year,”

—John Malinowski they know what the side effect of an unattended injury can do to an athletes body.

“You have to go in every day and ice, once you get injured” said freshman Natalie Nicolen who is suffering from a sprained ankle.

The stress of knowing that an athlete is

counting in them solely, gets to them. But they are trained to handle it in the most professional manner.

“The most important thing [for us] is to stay calm because the athlete will probably be freaking out. I’ve never seen anything too bad but as long as you know what you’re doing and portray that to the athlete, then that’s the way to go about it,” said senior Jamika Martin, who has been in the program for two years.

With a rough estimate, 100 different students coming into the training room before practices and games/meets, trainers are put to the test to help every athlete as quickly and efficiently as possible.

“They are extremely busy, but for the most part they are quick to help,” said Sophomore Sam Nevosh. But with all of the rushing around, “They’re pretty helpful!” said freshman Bailey Lewis, who’s injured with fractures in her foot.

“The busiest time of day is immediately after school ends until about 4:00pm. We have students prepare for games and practices during

6th period and 7th period. The fall season is a bit busier than other seasons due to the physical nature of football, but we stay consistently busy throughout the school year,” said Athetic Trainer Advisor, John Malinowski.

Agonizing pain mixed with fear is painted on the face of anyone who gets injured during a sport.

“I got scared when I had to go in but it’s better to go in then have to be out for the season, and be better for the next, then keep going and then injuring yourself to the point where you can’t do the sport anymore,” said Nevosh The overall goal of every trainer is to help athletes get better and get back out and play.

Even with the stress of their daily duties, the satisfaction of helping others makes it worth the while.

CTE | 4.3.14 | crimsonweb.net | 29

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30 | crimsonweb.net | 4.3.14 | Ads

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|

Blowing O’s

| Health

Students try out a new type of pen and can face discipline

by Rachel Cole, Feature Co-Editor

C

urious and/or dedicated hookah users among the student body will soon face a mobilized school policy against the practice, according to district leaders. The policy–which will echo current prohibitions against tobacco products–will be unveiled this spring. It will attempt to enforce a ban among students who believe smokeless tobacco causes no problems, with no health or social consequences.

The definition of a hookah pen is a flavored electric vaporizer, according to everdayhookah.com.

Although there are no laws about having and using hookah pens, their sale is only permitted to adults, or citizens over eighteen, according to everydayhookah.com.

“I smoke hookah because it helps keep me relaxed. I don’t smoke at school, but I know a lot of people smoke, and I have personally watched teachers just tell their students to put away their hookah pen because it is a distraction, so they must not care too much,” said senior Dalton Smith. He has smoked a hookah pen for three months.

Smith knows about forty other students who smoke hookah pens.

This is roughly two percent of the student body, which may not seem like much, but even with possible dangerous consequences of nicotine, the hookah pens seem to be attracting quite a few students.

Among the different types of hookahs are disposable, refillable, and rechargeable, all of which come in several flavors.

Some of these flavors are fruity, including watermelon, blueberry, banana, apple, fruit punch, pineapple, and grape, while others exist, like coffee.

Some do hold tobacco, while others are mainly water vapor, but some of these include nicotine oil as well, according to Jabari Kiongozi’s Georgia State Signal article.

Nicotine is a naturally occurring toxic chemical found in tobacco plants. At one time, nicotine was used in the United States as an insecticide and fumigant. Nicotine affects the nervous system and the heart. Exposure to relatively small amounts can rapidly be fatal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

FACTS IN BRIEF:

Studies of tobacco-based shisha and “herbal” shisha (non-tobacco pens) show that smoke from both preparations contain carbon monoxide and other toxic agents known to increase the risks for smoking-related cancers, heart disease, and lung disease.

32 | crimsonweb.net | 4.3.14 | Health

You have to be at least 18 years old to purchase even a nontobacco pen.

Hookah pens have been added to the existing tobacco use policies, although this new plan has only come before the board as an informational item thus far, according to student services director Paul Press. It will most likely be taken in front of the board as an action item on April 8.

Although the students think that their teachers don’t care too much, welding teacher Justin Pickard is frustrated with their choice to smoke at school, although, at first he was unaware of the actual item, or the content of the hookah pen.

“I actually didn’t know what it was, but then, as soon as I realized what it was, I told the student to put it away.

I said regardless of what was in it, I wanted it put away,” said Pickard, who has only one student that attempts to smoke in class.

Pickard reported that the student claimed that it was merely water vapor--a common justification for the devices--but that he confiscated it soon thereafter.

One senior claimed that he had no use for the regulations or laws regarding hookah pens.

“I've smoked in front of a teacher and they said to put it away. I don’t care about the laws on it,” said this student, who has smoked hookahs since his freshman year.

She knows another dozen students who have a pen, and smoke them at school.

“With stuff like this, it is hard to differentiate between it being legal or not, because some students will just claim that it is water vapor, but there are other cartridges with nicotine oil in it. It is such a grey area. I have to treat it like any other tobacco product; if I see it, it has to go to the administration,” Pickard said.

“This is the grey area of how we handle it. We are kind of going off of our gut feeling right now,” said Pickard, who said that there needs to be clarification, because hookah pens are so new. He looked up hookah pens both at the time of the incident, which was during first semester, and recently again, only to find that only Yahoo questions are really available.

The district is working on making this grey area very black and white, updating the old policies to inform students that smoking hookah pens on campus is not permitted.

The amount of smoke inhaled during a traditional hookah session is about 90,000 mL, compared with 500–600 mL inhaled when smoking a cigarette

An average hookah pen costs $7.99 for up to

puffs

SOURCES: Howstuffworks CDC. GOV Everydayhookah

to the harmful and addictive An electronic Due properties of nicotine-based the current disciplinary cigarette can products, response for possession or use of hookah pens and electronic contain as vaporizers at PRHS is identical possession or use of other much nicotine totobacco products. In an effort as a regular to help maintain a nicotine free campus, students and staff are cigarette — directed to report possession or use of hookah pens or vaporizers or more. to administrative or security staff.

Health

Illegal activity poisons [student] body

by Rachel Cole, Feature Co-Editor

T

he round tin hangs tantalizingly behind the counter, waiting for a willing student to lie to the cashier and take it, walk out the door, whip the can up and down, pop the cap, take a pinch out, and slide it between their teeth and lips.

“I have chewed since I was nine, it keeps me calm and relaxed in class,” said Lyle*, who also says that he dips about two cans each week, and has been recently cutting back.

Daren said that he has been dipping for six years now, and that it has become an addiction.

An alumnus said that he feels the same.

“It’s a release, it can get rid of a headache just like Advil. And it’s just something to keep you occupied. Yes it’s relaxing and enjoyable because after a long day it helps me relax. Sometimes if I have a job to do, it also helps me focus. Dip just dulls and calms nerves,” said David, who has chewed for three years, since he was a freshman.

Other students agree. “(I’ve chewed) since I was 16. When I was younger I did it for the buzz but now it’s just another thing. I love it all. The taste, the feeling, especially opening up a fresh can and putting a good dip in,” Michael said. “You lose it once you start chewing often because your body gets use to it.”

“Smokeless tobacco use is most common among younger adolescent males, especially in rural areas, although even among these groups it is less common than cigarette smoking. Because it is kept in the mouth for long periods of time, smokeless tobacco is associated with an increased risk of mouth and gum cancers. Oral cancer may be 50 times more frequent among long-term snuff users than nonusers. Regular use of smokeless tobacco can lead to the development of oral leukoplakia and gingival recession and can cause addiction to nicotine,” according to the California Healthy Kids Survey results.

According to cancer.org, the definition of chewing tobacco is “Chewing tobacco comes as long strands of loose leaves, plugs, or twists of tobacco. Pieces, commonly called plugs,wads, or chew, are chewed or placed between the cheek and gum or *The names in this story have been changed.

teeth. The nicotine in the piece of chewing tobacco is absorbed through the mouth tissues. The user spits out the brown saliva that has soaked through the tobacco.”

What are the possible effects of smokeless tobacco use? They are mouth, tongue, cheek, gum, throat, and esophagus cancer. Stomach cancer. Pancreatic cancer. Heart disease. Heart attacks. Stroke. Addiction to nicotine. Leukoplakia (white sores in the mouth that can become cancer). Receding gums. Gum disease. Bone loss around the roots of the teeth; abrasion of teeth; cavities and tooth decay; tooth loss; stained and discolored teeth; and bad breath, also according to cancer.org.

This activity is illegal for anyone under the age of 18, but several students participate in it, at least forty students at the school, according to one of the anonymous students.

Perhaps the reason that so many students participate in this activity is that several of these students will assist their friends by buying or selling tobacco, if they are underage.

According to David, it is just another way to be a good friend, as he discovered when his older friends first gave him chew.

“They would just let me have it, and I’ve found that I’m the same way now; if someone wants to try it I’ll let them. In my experience I’ve found that if people want something, even just to try it, they will, even if it’s against the law. (They want) to acquire knowledge on the subject and have experience with it (which) will enable them to make a better informed decision about it in the future. They are mostly my friends and I like to help them get what they want,” he/she said.

Even though the law states to “MAKE SURE your employees always ask customers who look younger than 27 years old for IDs and check the birthdates carefully. ACCEPT only valid government- issued photo IDs (driver’s license, state ID, passport, military ID),” several student buyers report that it is easy to find employees who do not adhere to these regulations.

“I’ve bought it before from gas stations and smoke shops. I know about three other kids that buy it from the stores and we then sell to others,” said David.

Some of the techniques that students utilize include: “forgetting” their IDs, only showing the first two numbers of a birth year, or only going to places where they know that the cashier will not pay enough attention.

Smokeless FACTS IN BRIEF:

10

Million

CAN OF cancer

|

USERS under the age of 21 in the U.S. who use smokeless tobacco

Chewing tobacco

is sold in loose leaf, twist and plug forms.

Snuff

comes in moist, dry and sachet forms. The most popular form of ST today is moist snuff.

25%

Young users start by the 6th grade

75% start by the 9th grade

SOURCE: University of Minnesota

2X

Smokeless Tabacco is dangerous but smoking taccobo is two times more likely to cause oral cancer

Health | 4.3.14 | crimsonweb.net | 33

| World

MARCO POLO GIVE ME THE NUKES

Japan//

DEATH IN THE HUNDREDS

What’s up, World?

A riot by the Muslim Brotherhood killed a single policeman.

The rioters were protesting a series of security crackdowns. Officials have given the death sentence to 529 of the rioters for being there. The trial was held in two sessions, a fact that has sparked criticism, due to the number of people condemned in such a short time. But the time shortage might be due to the fact that The Egyptian judiciary sentenced all of the victims without hearing the defense arguments. Many criticize the Egyptian government for such a violation of the Egyptian judiciary system and the charge that all 529 people murdered one police officer.

United States have signed an agreement with Japan, as a start to improve the security of global weapons from terrorists. Japan handed over their nuclear weapons to the United States for the disposal of hundreds of kilograms of separated plutonium and enriched uranium.

China has criticized Japan for having such a big stockpile of nuclear weapons, but Japan claims that they have used it for research purposes.

Beijing is mainly opposed the stockpile die to the fact that it might let the Japanese to quickly create nuclear weapons. The step that Japan has made with the United States is one step closer to global nuclear security.

Malaysia//Malaysian

Airlines flight 370 has crashed the southern part of the Indian Ocean. Families of the 239 passengers and crew are told to expect the worse for the likelihood of any survivors are small.

One hundred and twenty two pieces of the plane has been found. People have questioned why wasn’t there a S.O.S. signal before the plane went down? The pilot had multiple hours of flight under his belt, how did he not send the signal? All these answers will remain unanswered till the plane is found.

UPRISING IN UKRAINE Revolution in Ukraine turns from victory to terror as Russia threatens with invasion

by Mayer Pohold, Reporter

Ukraine has jumped into the spotlight the past three months, with their rebellion against their government to the invasion from Russia. Having gone through a rollercoaster of events in their capital Kiev, Ukraine has gone from a triumph of political revolution, to a constant fear of Russian involvement in their own state. Throughout these months, many events have occurred, leading up to the revolution and the results of it.

Nov. 21, 2013

Nov. 24, 2013

Nov. 29, 2013

Nov. 30, 2013

Dec. 17, 2013

Viktor Yanukovich, president of Ukraine, discontinues trade talks with the European Union in favor of rebuilding economic relationship in Moscow.

Ukrainian citizens start to protest in Kiev, the capital city, calling for Yanukovich to resign over the bailout. Number of protesters gradually climb from 100,000 to 800,000.

Protests grow increasingly violent as they start to turn against the president himself.

At European Union in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, Yanukovich refuses to sign the Association Agreement, a proposal by the EU of union between them and Ukraine.

Protests turns from being about the EU agreement to Yanukovich and the government itself as riot police attempt to contain the increasingly angry rebels.

Putin, the president of Russia, and Yanukovich meet; Putin agrees to bail out 15 billion dollars of Ukraine’s debt, only increasing the angst of all the protesters and fueling their desire to see Yanukovich’s ejection from

Jan. 17, 2014

Jan. 22, 2014

Feb. 18, 2014

Feb. 20, 2014

Feb. 24, 2014

Death total from protests reaches three as the EU warns of potential consequences over how the situation has been dealt with thus far.

In its most violent protest yet, the rebellion in Kiev totals 14 deaths as a result of riot police.

Death toll continues to rise from 26 to 39, as Yanukovich blames violence as a result of an attempted coup on his government.

After the amount of casualties reaches 77, Ukrainian parliament agrees to remove Yanukovich from power as he flees the capital. As Yanukovich is indicted for murder over deaths from protesters, Moscow shows its disapproval and anger in the president being removed from office by stationing 150,000 troops on high alert at Russia’s

Bills outlawing protests of any kind against the government are passed by Yanukovich in an attempt to quiet the rebellion. Nobody ends up following the new parameters set, and riots throughout Kiev continue.

Egypt//

34 | crimsonweb.net | 4.3.14 | World

Feb. 27, 2014 Russian soldiers invade Crimea and seize its parliament, and raise the Russian flag. After they take control of two airports in Crimea, Yanukovich is seen once again, this time in Russia.

Mar. 14, 2014 Russia officially annexes Crimea as a part of Russia.

Mar. 1, 2014 Russian parliament grants Putin approval to invade Ukraine. The newly elected officials in Kiev caution the country of potential war.

Some parts of Ukraine start having pro-Moscow gatherings, in an attempt to create the same scenario in Ukraine as what happened in Crimea.

Mar. 5, 2014

Mar. 6, 2014

Mar. 8, 2014

European Union grants 11 billion euros to Kiev in order to help fund their possible wartime efforts.

Pro-Russian leadership within Crimea opts to join Russia in a vote held by their superiors.

Across Crimea’s borders, warning shots are fired at an unarmed military observe in an effort to prevent anyone from gaining access to Russia, as they increase

5

Quote/ Unquote

“

A teenager’s guide for high school and life

by Natalie Martin, Blind Date editor and Maureen Pushea, Photography/Sports co-editor

1Fix a flat tire:

Being stuck on the side of the road can really put a damper on your day. Don’t be that person who stops the highway patrol to ask for help. Jack up the car only to support, but not raise it off the ground, whip out that four way lug wrench, and start loosening some nuts by turning counterclockwise. Don’t lose the nuts... you’ll need them later. Be sure to have the spare tire ready for a quick exchange. Once you’ve placed the spare on the hub, gave it a kick to be sure that baby’s on there, put those lug nuts back on, take the jack out from below and hit the road, at the speed limit of course!

“

“

If you are going to take a poop in your own paradise, then you are going to have to live with the stinking.

“

Speaking of Great Depression, I want cookie dough.

“

...And then I smelled the sweet leaf.

”

“

3 Pass your permit test:

First off, be SUPER nice to the examiner. Even though you might be nervous, they always appreciate a kind kid. Take a deep breath, maybe a few more, RELAX, and believe in yourself-- you got this. The more nervous you are, the more you will over think and make mistakes. Even if you don’t pass, CALM DOWN. It’s not the end of the world, you can take it again next week.

I can only read simple minds.

“

Get ready in five minutes:

Hit snooze too many times on your alarm again? 7:30 has passed and your mom’s already in the car waiting? You’ve got major bed head and drool on your cheek, but you still want to look presentable. Open up your closet and find your comfiest shirt, wear your favorite jeans and throw on your Vans. Being fashionable is the least of your worries, but don’t pull stripes and polka dots! Brush those pearly whites, splash some cold water on your sleepy face, and brush your hair while you’re at it. Grab a Nutri-Grain breakfast bar and call it a day.

Your nipples taste weird.

“

“

Who decided there should be an “S” in the word “lisp”? That’s just bad planning.

2

“

Mitchell Iunker, 10 Morgan Moretti, 10

|

things every teen should know

Guess who said these quotes?

Anthony Overton, Chemistry teacher Aaron Cantrell, English teacher Matt Drake, History teacher Sean Pierce, English teacher Alysia Kilcrease, 11

Fun & Games

”

It’s like if Jar Jar Binks was teaching Chemistry.

”

for a test (and 4 Cram pass):

Well, we all know that you probably should’ve studied more than ten minutes just before the test, but how could you if there was a new episode of your favorite show on last night? This is how: vocab word test? Write the words down. Flashcards are your best friend. Technologically advanced? There’s an app for that called “Study Blue” that makes flashcards for you! Another app,“Quizlet” lets you look up flashcards for classes that people have already made. It does the work for you!

5 Ditch a bad date:

We’ve all heard of the cliched “crawl out of the bathroom window” plan, but that leaves your poor date sitting there wondering if you fell in the toilet. Plus they are forced to pay for the check. Even though if they were a decent date they’d pick up the tab anyway, don’t leave them hanging. Tell them you have a family emergency or that your goldfish died, don’t just flee the scene without saying anything.

Fun & Games | 4.3.14 | crimsonweb.net | 35

Food |STARBUCKS

150 Secret Menu Items Most secret items are frappuccinos and are a limited since not all baristas know their ingredients.

Secret Fraps Include: Horchata Frap Cotton Candy Frap Red Velvet Frap Cookie Dough Frap (Featured) which has cinnamon, mocha syrup, java chips, and cookie crumble

JAMBA JUICE

TACO BELL

12 Secret Menu Items Including Items Like: Cheesarito The Superman Chili Cheese Burrito Enchirito Waffle Taco The Incredible Hulk (Featured) which is a five layer burrito with guacomole

39 Secret Smoothies Including Flavors Like: Thank You Jesus Sourpatch Kids Fruity Pebbles Pineapple Dreamin’ Pink Star (Featured)-AKA Pink Starburst which has raspberry, lime, orange, and pineapple sherbert, along with strawberries

SECRET RESTAURANT MENUS: PASO ROBLES EDITION Revealed items and recipes on restaurant secret menus

by Natalie Martin, Blind Date Editor

CHIPOTLE

10 Secret Menu Items While Chipotle’s company policy is to try and make whatever you ask for, these are some of the most popular items not on the menu.

Burritodilla Double Wrapped Burrito Quesadilla Taco Salad Nachos Quesarito (Recommended) which is a burrito wrapped in a quesadilla

Disclaimer: The items listed may not be available in all store locations. Seasoned staff members will be more knowledgeable of secret menu items. If you want a secret item, be sure to know the added ingredients.

IN N’ OUT

11 Secret Menu Items Including Popular Items Like: Three By Three Four By Four Grilled Cheese Veggie Burger Animal Style Burger Animal Style Fries (Featured) which has melted cheese, grilled onions, and thousand island sauce Photos by Eden Peterson and Jeff Mount

36 | crimsonweb.net | 4.3.14 | Food

Food Prep Time: 30 mins Bake Time: 35 mins

Irish Peppermint Patties Decadent minty fresh cupcakes

by Eden Peterson, Food Editor & Michelle McPherson, Career Editor

Ingredients For the Cupcakes: 3 sticks unsalted butter 1 cup cocoa powder 3 1/4 cups packed brown sugar 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 teaspoon salt 11/4 cups buttermilk 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract For the Glaze: 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped 1/4 cup light corn syrup 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter For the Topping: 1 1 -pound box confectioners’ sugar (about 4 cups) 1/2 cup light corn syrup 1/4 cup vegetable shortening softened 2 teaspoons peppermint extract

Mint and chocolate are among one of the great, mouth watering culinary combinations. With the minty freshness of the fondant style frosting along with the savory decadence of the chocolate cake, these cupcakes are almost impossible to have just one.

Directions Make the cupcakes: Preheat to 350 degrees F. Line two 12-cup muffin pans with paper liners. Put the butter, cocoa powder and 3/4 cup water in a medium microwave-safe bowl, microwave for about 2 minutes. Whisk to combine, then whisk in the brown sugar.

Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Whisk in the warm cocoa mixture. In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs and vanilla; stir the dry mix into the liquid mix. But make sure not to over mix. Stir until evenly combined.

Divide the batter among the prepared cups, filling each about three-quarters of the way. Bake until the cupcakes spring back when touched, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool in the pans 10 minutes, then transfer to racks to cool completely.

Make the topping: Beat the confectioners’ sugar, corn syrup, shortening and peppermint extract with a mixer until a tight paste forms. Gather into a ball, place between two sheets of parchment paper and roll out to 1/4 inch thick (microwave 15 seconds to soften, if necessary). Use a 21/2inch round cutter or juice glass to cut into disks; reroll the scraps. Place a peppermint disk on top of each cupcake.

Make the glaze: Put the chocolate, corn syrup, butter and 1/4 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with plastic wrap and microwave on 50 percent power until the chocolate melts, about 2 minutes. Whisk to combine, then cool slightly. Spread the glaze over the peppermint topping, leaving some peppermint exposed.

Refrigerate until set, at least 20 mins. Serve chilled.

Staff members Michelle McPherson and Eden Petersen bake and photograph each month’s cupcake project. Photo by Eden Peterson.

Food | 4.3.14 | crimsonweb.net | 37

|

| Humans of Paso

Humans of Paso I

by Emily Ayer, Enviormental Editor

n the summer of 2010 a man named Brandon Stanton created a website called Humans of New York. Stanton set out on the streets of New York to capture the unique individual lives of the cities inhabitants. On the website you commonly see only a quote, and a quick picture of the person right then and there. With nearly four million followers on social media, HONY now provides a worldwide audience with daily glimpses into the lives of strangers in New York City. Now here is our version.

“

When I was in the fifth grade I was friends with this girl and we were at school and we were on a tree and she was swinging from this rope and she almost fell off and died, but I saved her.

“

Natalie Nicolay, 09

“

38 | crimsonweb.net | 4.3.14 | HOP

“

I’m proud to be involved with the Paso Robles Bearcats athletic department.

“

“

I’m a math person. I always have been. English I’ve been okay in. I also didn’t really follow directions [on the CAHSEE]. I kind of finished it before they finished reading the directions.

Wesley Harmon, 11

Ryan Rouse, 11

Fashion

YIN & YARN Senior Mary Ortiz acts upon passion for crochet

by Analía Cabello, Copy Editor

M

any high school seniors have jobs, but few own their own business.

Senior Mary Ortiz, who learned to crochet seven years ago through a class at Joann’s Fabric, started a small business, Crochet Goodies by Mary, in February of 2014 selling crocheted beanies, infinity scarves, boot cuffs, and headbands at the cost of $15, $20, $__, and $7, respectively.

“I saw that a lot of people are into the crocheted headbands, so I decided to try and make one,” said Ortiz. “It looked really cute, and then I made more, and I was like, ‘Hey, I should sell these!’”

Ortiz’s first attempt at creating a headband occurred in October 2013.

“The crocheting was good, but when I stitched it together, there was yarn going everywhere. I used a bobbi pin to stitch the first one together,” Ortiz said.

Each of Ortiz’s headbands are about are between 8 and 10 chains, depending on the desired thickness; the size of beanie depends on size of head. She invests about an hour per headband, an hour and a half per infinity scarf, two hours per beanie, and approximately $80 a month to fund the yarn for projects.

“I’m crazy about buying yarn,” Ortiz admitted.

“I can almost never go into a craft store without buying it.”

“

Needles and buttons, two more items essential to the crocheted craft, cost around $2 each. The cost to create each headband is about $7, according to Ortiz, but it varies with the type of yarn used.

Before the birth of her business, Ortiz mainly devoted her time to crocheting small purses, coin pouches, and little belts. Now, however, Ortiz’s customers keep her occupied.

“Every time I get a get a chance to sit down and pull out my yarn, I start crocheting,” Ortiz said. “The most difficult part is keeping up with my orders because I always like to try making new things, but the most rewarding part is seeing those reactions after finishing these projects.”

After seven years of crocheting, Ortiz still experiences challenges in her work.

“I get frustrated when I’m learning a new stitch or trying a new project that doesn’t come out just right,” said Ortiz, who prefers to work on her projects in the comfort of her living room.

Though the largest item Ortiz has ever crocheted at this time is a beanie, she has plans to make a blanket. However, since it would take her an estimated two to three months, depending on the size and number of breaks, Ortiz hasn’t had enough time.

“I have a lot of friends and family members requesting me to make them things, and I haven’t really kept track, but I have had many, many requests!” Ortiz said.

One such request came from peer and soccer teammate senior Michaela Howard.

I have a lot of friends and family members requesting me to make them things!

Mary Ortiz,12

Photos by Emily Ayer & Jordan Nevosh

“

—Mary Ortiz

Fashion | 4.3.14 | crimsonweb.net | 39

|

40 | crimsonweb.net | 4.3.14

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| Carmesí

Vamos en tema de Gatsby Estudiantes van a bailar la noche en Prom 2014 escrito por Claire Farrell, Business Team traducido por Mariela Villa, World Editor

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estido en vestidos de flapper y trajes de etiqueta, los estudiantes entrarán en Prom 2014 y serán transportados a los 20s rugientes, estilo de Gatsby. El lugar de celebración es en edificio Comercial 2 del California Mid State Fairgrounds en el 3 de mayo desde las 8 p.m. hasta las 11 p.m., donde los estudiantes pueden esperar decoraciones espectaculares y una noche para recordar.

“Nosotros no sólo será en la tierra abierta en alguna parte, vamos a estar en el edificio comercial 2 que conduce a su viña,” dijo la profesora de Química Brittny Nation, que es consciente de las preocupaciones de los estudiantes sobre el lugar.

Debido a la cantidad de dinero que se guarda en el lugar, una gran parte del presupuesto se destinará a otras decoraciones y necesidades tales como música, luces, cañones de confeti, juegos de mesa, y los alimentos. Los estudiantes deben esperar una amplia variedad de música, proporcionada por Freestyle Entretenimiento.

The Prom Expo ofrece a estudiantes la oportunidad de ver los estilos para los vestidos y trajes de etiqueta, y se llevará a cabo el 10 de abril, durante el almuerzo en el patio.

“Hay un montón de lugares alrededor de la ciudad donde los estudiantes pueden comprar vestidos y trajes de etiqueta y una gran mayoría de ellos serán presentados en el Prom Expo de este año,” dijo Nation.

El costo final de los boletos para las parejas y los que van a ir solos no se han dado un presupuesto. Cuando el costo del los boletos serán finalizadas la información será dada.

Ilustacion grafico por Sydney Matteson

42 | crimsonweb.net | 4.3.14 | Carmesí

PRHS cambia los nuevos estándares y pruebas

La sistema básico común y pruebas SBAC cambia para años escolares en el futuro escrito por Eden Peterson, Food Editor

traducido por Analia Cabello, Copy Editor l año escolar 2014-2015 va a ser un año de grandes cambios en pruebas de PRHS, como California es uno de los 45 estados a adoptar un nuevo conjunto de núcleo común de educación normas, junto con una nueva forma de prueba, y los planes de estudio de algunas clases y el nivel de dificultad van a cambiar.

La prueba nueva, llamada Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium Test (SBAC), se toma completamente en la computadora y tiene más profundidad de las pruebas del CST, combinando diferentes conjuntos de habilidades dentro de una prueba, según instruction.sbceo.org.

Aunque no se utilizará este nuevo examen computarizado hasta el próximo año, un grupo de 60 juniors se tomará la prueba SBAC esta primavera como un examen de práctica para evaluar la experiencia de usuario del estudiante y para determinar qué tan bien preparados que sentían para abordar el material en el examen. El próximo año escolar, el examen se aplique a los estudiantes de freshman, sophomores, y juniors, pero los resultados de las pruebas no se informaran públicamente. Cuando finalmente se informaron los resultados de la prueba, sólo los resultados de los juniors serán utilizados para evaluar la escuela, a diferencia de las CST, cuando los resultados de todos grados se utilizaron. Aunque la prueba está en evolución, juniors aún tendrán la oportunidad de tomar el Programa de Evaluación Temprana, o la prueba EAP. Algunos maestros y educadores de todo los EE.UU. critican el movimiento por ser poco práctica “de una sola talla para todos enfoque”, según examiner.com y USAtoday.com, pero muchos educadores, incluyendo Principal Randall Nelson, sienten estos cambios serán un paso en la dirección correcta para una mejor preparación de los estudiantes para la fuerza de trabajo y la educación superior.

“La forma tronco común se establece es muy, muy inteligente, en mi opinión. Tiene un efecto de espiral. Antes no había esa conexión entre la escuela primaria, secundaria, y preparatoria, pero ahora lo que hay. Así que durante un período de tiempo que los niños se van a poder entrar, y cuando se sientan a aprender algo en las aulas, los profesores pueden decir: ‘Usted hizo esto el año pasado y ahora vamos a

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llevarlo al siguiente nivel.’ Así que para cuando un estudiante de kindergarten inscrito en este sistema llega a la escuela secundaria, van a estar mucho más preparados,” dijo Nelson.

Con las pruebas STAR, o exámenes y reportes estandarizados anteriores, que son objeto de críticas por ser una prueba de la memorización, el nuevo examen SBAC pone a prueba las habilidades analíticas y de resolución de problemas, además de la información estándar. Dado que la prueba está completamente informatizado en los navegadores seguros, el distrito ha comprado entre 500 a 700 computadoras portátiles que viajan desde la escuela a la escuela durante los períodos de prueba.

La prueba de estado ya no será estrictamente elección múltiple. En la prueba de lengua y literatura estudiantes, estudiantes reciben tres documentos que deben leer y resumir. Luego deben escribir un ensayo corto utilizando la información de los documentos. En secciones de la prueba que contiene la opción múltiple, ya no hay una respuesta correcta, y el estudiante gana crédito parcial si elige la segunda mejor respuesta. El nivel de dificultad en algunas clases puede ser aumentado para tener nuevos estándares básicos generales y preparar a los estudiantes para un examen del estado más profundo.

“Creo que [los estándares básicos comunes y las pruebas SBAC] aumentarán el nivel de dificultad en las clases para algunos estudiantes y incluso los profesores, para el caso.

Maestros no van a lanzar hacia fuera la información para que las estudiantes lo memorizan. Llegará a ser más difícil, ya que no sólo tendrán que aumentar su base de conocimientos, pero hay que mejorar sus habilidades. [El SBAC] está involucrado.

Tienes que tener la capacidad de leer, comparar y contrastar, para resumir, para organizar sus pensamientos para sintetizar la información,” dijo Nelson.

Profesor de Inglés Steve Arnette acoge los ajustes en básico común y las pruebas del estado.

“Doy la bienvenida al cambio. Creo que es genial. Sólo he visto unos 16 ejemplos de preguntas, pero lo que he visto en las 16 preguntas es algo que no he visto en las pruebas STAR,” dijo Arnette. “Ellos están en realidad pidiendo habilidades

de pensamiento crítico más allá de la memorización, que me emociona. El hecho de que permiten dos respuestas es también un aspecto nuevo de la prueba. [La normas y ensayos mejorados] muestra que California todavía sabe lo que es importante cuando se trata de normas de ensayo y ensayo, y que somos líderes en la nación en cuanto a esa capacidad.”

Al igual que cualquier período de transición, existe la preocupación, que incluye la falta de las computadoras para las pruebas y si los estudiantes serán capaces de manejar el aumento de la dificultad que estos nuevos estándares y pruebas presentes.

“Un obstáculo que veo es para los estudiantes que no están en el nivel de grado. Siguen subiendo el listón de lo que usted debe saber, y puede ser abrumador para algunos de los estudiantes que tienen dificultades en la escuela,” dijo David Schleppenbach, que ha enseñado matemáticas en PRHS para 34 años. Mientras Schleppenbach está preocupada desde este punto de vista, siente que los cambios que se avecinan son beneficiosos en general.

Además de los cambios en la prueba obligatoria del estado, revisiones en el Scholastic Aptitude Test o SAT, se producirán en 2016, la primera renovación el SAT ha experimentado desde 2005. En la sección de lectura y de escritura del SAT, se requiere que los estudiantes responden a las preguntas y citar evidencia de por qué eligieron su respuesta. Calculadoras ya no serán permitidos en cada sección de la parte de matemáticas.

La porción de ensayo se convertirá en una parte opcional de la prueba y se califican independientemente. Esta prueba reformada tomará aproximadamente tres horas en completarse y se permite un período adicional de 50 minutos para completar el ensayo. El SAT ahora estará disponible en la computadora, así como en papel.

Hasta los próximos años, cuando se han registrado todos los datos y resultados, es estrictamente la especulación y la predicción de si el sistema básico común y las pruebas SBAC se beneficien realmente a los estudiantes. Con muchos opositores y muchos partidarios, la fuerza de este sistema nuevo es claro en la actualidad. Una cosa que es segura, sin embargo, es la dinámica de la prueba y la enseñanza en clase está cambiando.

Carmesí

Venta de articulos usados para seniors Seniors Sarah Matthews y Jordan Nevosh INSPIRE compañeros para la venta de articulos usados escrito por Angela Lorenzo, Co-Editor in Chief traducido por Mariela Villa, World Editor

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Adicción hilado Senior Mary Ortiz actúa sobre la pasión para el ganchillo escrito y traducido por Analia Cabello, Copy Editor

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uchos estudiantes de secundaria tienen trabajo, pero pocos son dueños de su propio negocio.

Many high school seniors have jobs, but few own their own business.

Senior Mary Ortiz, quien aprendió a tejer hace siete años a través una clase en la tienda JoAnn Fabric and Craft Store, comenzó un pequeño negocio, Crochet Goodies by Mary, en febrero de 2014. Ella vende gorros de punto, bufandas infinito, puños de arranque, y cintas para la cabeza al costo de $15, $20, $7, y $7, respectivamente.

“Vi que un montón de gente gustaron los bandas de cabeza tejidos, así que decidí a tratar de hacer uno,” dijo Ortiz. “Se veía muy lindo, y luego me hizo más, y pensé, ‘Puedo venderlos!’”

El primer intento de Ortiz en la creación de una banda para la cabeza se produjo en octubre de 2013.

“El ganchillo era bueno, pero cuando los cosí juntos, habia hilo saliendo por todas partes. Utilizé un pin de bobby para coser la primera juntos,” dijo Ortiz.

Cada uno de las bandas de cabezade Ortiz están a punto tienen entre 8 y 10 cadenas, dependiendo en el espesor; el tamaño de la gorrita depende en el tamaño de la cabeza.

Ella invierte alrededor de una hora por cada banda para la cabeza, una hora y media por la bufanda infinito, dos horas para cada gorrita, y

aproximadamente $80 al mes para financiar el hilo para los proyectos.

“Estoy loco por comprar hilo,” Ortiz admitió.

“Casi nunca puedo entrar en una tienda de artesanía sin comprarlo.” Las agujas y botones, dos elementos más esenciales a la actividad artesanal de ganchillo, cuestan alrededor de $2 cada uno. La costa para crear cada banda para la cabeza es de aproximadamente $7, según Ortiz, pero varía con el tipo de hilo que utiliza.

Antes del nacimiento de su negocio, Ortiz dedicó mucho de su tiempo a tejando pequeños monederos, bolsas de monedas, y pequeños cinturones. Ahora, los clientes de Ortiz la mantienen ocupada.

“Cada vez que tengo la oportunidad de sentar y sacar mi hilo, empiezo a tejer,” dijo Ortiz. “La parte más difícil es mantener mis órdenes porque siempre me gusta tratar de hacer cosas nuevas, pero la parte más gratificante es ver las reacciones de mis clientes después de terminar mis proyectos.”

Después de siete años de labor de ganchillo, Ortiz todavía encuentre problemas en su trabajo.

“Me siento frustrado cuando estoy aprendiendo una nueva puntada o intentando un nuevo proyecto que no sale perfectamente,” dijo Ortiz, quien prefiere trabajar en sus proyectos en la comodidad de su sala.

Aunque el proyecto más grande Ortiz ha tejido en este momento es un gorro, tiene planes para

hacer una manta. Sin embargo, porque la llevaría un estimado dos a tres meses, dependiendo en el tamaño y número de roturas, Ortiz no ha tenido tiempo suficiente.

“Tengo un montón de amigos y familiares que me piden para que sean las cosas, y no he seguido la pista, pero he tenido muchas, muchas peticiones,” dijo Ortiz.

Un tal petición vino de compañero de clase y de equipo de fútbol senior Michaela Howard.

“Dije, ‘Tráeme uno tan rápido como puedas,’” dijo Howard, uno de los primeros clientes oficiales de Ortiz, que notó por primera vez las bandas para la cabeza cuando Ortiz los llevaba a la práctica de fútbol. Ella obtuvo su gorrita hace unos meses y lo lleva por lo menos dos veces por semana.

uando es hora para los seniors a empacar las maletas, cajas llenas de cosas viejas son puestas en el estante superior del garaje, para no ser utilizado o visto por mucho tiempo, pero este año hay otra opción.

Seniors Sarah Matthews y Jordan Nevosh realizaron en su sexto periodo clase de cerámicas que la universidad sería caro y saliendo requerirá reducción personal. Decidieron traer de vuelta a un viejo recaudación de fondos que había ocurrido en cinco veces en los años anteriores, con un nuevo giro. En el pasado, los seniors acomulan todos sus pertenencias y dejarlos en un depósito de pertenencias hasta que se vende. Ahora, Matthews y Nevosh han organizado una venta en que los estudiantes venden sus propios artículos y mantienen sus ganancias.

Los seniors pueden comprar una plaza de aparcamiento para $5 por un lugar en el 2014 Seniors Venta de Artículos Usados que ​​ está siendo organizado por un comité de voluntarios de 10 personas.

“Si los seniors desean reducir sus pertenencias para la universidad y quieren hacer dinero con sus cosas que no necesitan, deben participar en este evento. Este es un lugar barato y centralizada para deshacerse de elementos no deseados antes de mudarse y es una gran manera de ganar un poco de dinero extra en el ínterin,” dijo Matthews, quien asistirá a la Universidad de Richmond en Londres en el otoño de 2014 .

Las reuniones son cada dos viernes en el cuarto de Aaron Cantrell, 1026. Matthews y Nevosh están planeando en tener los vendedores vender alimentos también, y tienen la esperanza de tener una subasta silenciosa de las donaciones.

Los últimos años, el club ABC tuvo una venta de artículos usados​​ similar para hacer el dinero para becas, pero Matthews y Nevosh cambiaron su idea para completarlo en un período de tiempo corto.

“Me gusta su idea mejor,” dijo Cantrell, quien aprueba la idea del funcionamiento que Matthews y Nevosh han organizado.

A través de los cinco años que Cantrell organizó las ventas de búsqueda, se han recaudado alrededor de $10,000 cada año, que se destinó a becas y estudiantes que pagan de vuelta para tomar exámenes AP.

­Mary Ortiz

Fotos tomado por Jordan Nevosh

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| Sports

30 SECONDS IN BEARCAT COUNTRY Halfway through the season, spring sports are starting strong, with undefeated starts in track, swimming, and baseball, and successes across the board. – Matt Tyra, Sports Co-Editor

Boy’s Tennis Boy’s tennis currently sits at 5-4, 1-3 in PAC-7 play. Their key wins on the season have come twice against Templeton, by scores of 13-5 and 12-6, and include a league win against Pioneer Valley, 10-8. Senior Evan Serpa, the team’s number one player, is playing with an injured back right now, making competing in PAC-7 even more difficult. The team’s last game was against SLO, who’s currently in 1st in league, and key upcoming games feature a game apiece against SLO (4/17), Arroyo Grande (5/01) and St. Joseph’s (5/06).

Diving “Dive this season is going great; we have a solid team,” said diver, junior Grant Britton. In leading the diving team, Britton has already qualified for CIF competition and fellow junior Keenan Harris plans on qualifying soon. Britton’s high score of the year is 406, though he plans to be between 430 and 450 when league finals roll around. He’s won all but one of their league matches to date, losing by nine only to SLO’s Blake Griffith, who placed 3rd in CIF last year. Look for Britton, Harris and more in CIF later this year.

Track For track, the girls are undefeated this year, sitting at 3-0 in league play. Their victories include winning versus Righetti 116-16, San Luis 96-39, and against rival Atascadero 92-40.

The boys, while also successful, are 2-0-1, winning against Righetti 102-34 and the Greyhounds 84-51, but tying against San Luis 68-68. The next track meet will be on Thursday, April 3, versus Arroyo Grande, whose boy’s and girl’s teams are both undefeated. The game will go a long way in determining who comes out on top of the race to win league.

Swimming Both the girl’s and boy’s swimming teams are off to a sweltering start, each of them at 4-1. The teams made history earlier in the year when they both won in SLO for the first time in a decade. The boy’s loss came at the hands of Righetti on 3/7; the girls fell to Orcutt on 3/24, ending their four meet win streak. If either team keeps their current trajectory, multiple swimmers from both teams should be headed to CIF competition as is often the case.

All stats and facts as of 3/27

44 | crimsonweb.net | 4.3.14 | Sports

Baseball Varsity baseball is rolling so far, with a record of 5-02; this already tops their four win total from last year. League play started on Tuesday, March 25, against Pioneer Valley; the game resulted in a 2-2 tie that went into the 10th inning.

They would go on to beat PV 5-1 later in the week. Games against Atascadero come on 4/8 (here), 4/9 (there). If the team can keep its current trajectory, it may be able to beat out powerhouses such as Arroyo Grande and San Luis, who are the last two teams on the schedule for the Bearcats,.

Softball Softball is an even 3-3 so far, 0-1 in league; their only league game so far was against last year’s league champ Righetti 4-1. After a quick start saw them win their first three games by an average of almost seven runs, they’ve cooled off in their past three, going 0-3 in them. The team has much optimism for the future, starting freshmen Mikayla Stone at 2nd base and Nicole Raithel in center. However, the team still has plenty of time to surge back and finish near their 9-3 league record from last year.

Sports

Photos by Maureen Pushea

Talented freshmen in the spotlight Rising stars talk about their experience on the varsity teams

by Michelle McPherson, CTE Editor

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Meeder, who runs distance track and field.

Because of the need to succeed, the younger athletes have high expectations from their coaches, but from their teammates as well. These freshmen work for two to three hours a day with their team and become a part of a family.

“Some juniors and seniors I had never talked to are now some of the people I talk to most. They’re a great group of guys that I’m happy to have formed a relationship with,” said Binkele, a varsity pitcher.

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hen the stakes are high, an athlete can feel the pressure pushing on them with full force. The intimidation of a big game can give affects even the most elite professional athletes butterflies. But one can only imagine what a freshmen feels like competing and playing with upperclassmen.

Freshmen Annie Meeder, Kasey Moffitt,and Nolan Binkele prove to all of their peers that they have what it takes to be a star.

To be the best that you can be, you need to have the determination, the right mind set, and of course, the commitment only about 1.2% of underclassmen are chosen to be on a varsity team on average.

Therefore, it makes it seem even harder for an underclassmen to beat the competition for a position.

“I was definitely intimidated by everyone...at first. It only lasted the first practice before I found out I was in the company of the most amazing people to possibly make up a team. They really welcomed me as one of them,” said

my relay team was doing the 4x100 medley relay. I was going last and our team was in 6th place. I dove in, got my fastest time, and caught up to three of the girls getting my relay into the top three.

It was really cool because it was the first time any of us had gotten a medal at Junior Olympics!” Moffitt said.

But at the end of the day, regardless of what grade you’re in, “they treat me as if I was the same age and a lot of them are good friends of mine!” Moffitt said.

“If you’re going to be bumped up to the varsity level, those athletes have to be able to perform at that level,” said Anthony Overton , Varsity Track Coach.

Even though these freshmen have just walked into a whole new academic world, they have been able to shine like stars and prove that they have what it takes to be a star.

If you’re going to be bumped up to the varsity level, those athletes have to be able to perform at that level.

—Anthony Overton

What makes these freshmen stand out is their impressive stats that are equal to, if not greater than, some of the older athletes out there. Meeder’s recent personal record consists of 11:40:17 in the 3200 meter. This is about 0:41:92 seconds away from beating the school’s record of 10:57:38.

“My best race was when I was 12 and

STANDIN TALL: (top) Freshmen Varsity athletes Mikayla Stone, Nicole Raithel, Rosie Singleton, Miranda Pasky, Martin Salas, Gabbi Medina, Nolan Bikele, Jacob Cagliero, Ryan Abel, Brandon Halebsky, Garrett Wilson, Nick Reeves, Grant Scheiffele, Annie Meeder, and Kasey Moffitt pose together to celebrate their success in the spring season.

LOOKIN FIERCE: (right) Freshmen Kasey Moffitt, Nolan Binkele, and Annie Meeder put on their game faces.

Freshmen by the numbers Varsity Golfer Bailey Flickinger Average Score: 86 Longest Drive: 260 Years Playing: 3 1st place vs. Cabrillo 1st place vs. Righetti Varsity Swimmer Grant Scheiffele 100 Butterfly: 59.0 seconds 100 Freestyle: 54.0 seconds Sports | 4.3.14 | crimsonweb.net | 45

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| Sports

“

It’s definitely a love-hate relationship but I like being able to not hear anyone when I swim. My favorite part is discovering how strong I can be.

—Amanda Oliver

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it’s amanda.

46 | crimsonweb.net | 4.3.14 | Sports

Sports

SWIMMING HER WAY TO VICTORY Senior Varsity swimmer Amanda Oliver dominates in the pool

yells.

She starts with a flawless dive from the block into the cool, blue water, starting the 200 freestyle, the water chopping like the ocean as arms of swimmers cut into it as fast as they can.

Pacing herself with powerful, effective hold on the water, senior Amanda Oliver powers across the pool with sharp precision: every stroke a perfect high elbow. After 200 yards, Oliver ends the race in a personal victory, breaking her record with a 1:58.69, an automatic CIF qualifier.

Swimming the eight laps of a 200 yard freestyle might sound like torture for most people, but for Oliver, it’s rigorous enjoyment.

Seven years of hard work and dedication have led Oliver to two years of team MVP, a PAC 7 league championship in the 200 freestyle. She has also received PAC-7 All League honors and is on the road to CIF again this year.

And to think, she almost gave it all up. In 2012, Oliver experienced a hard time on her club team with the coaching and environment in which she had been placed. Oliver contemplated ending her swim career and took a break for about 3 months. Then, she realized that she belonged in the pool.

“I’m so used to working out and seeing my friends that I got really grumpy and realized

that swim practice helped me be happier, and as boring as it is to stare at a line for two and a half hours every day, that line is attracting me,” Oliver said.

While teammates are typically a big part of being on any team, swimming with your head underwater isn’t much of a social sport.

Practices can last for hours and thousands of yards with the athlete’s eyes glued to the black stripe.

“Its definitely a love hate relationship but I like being able to not hear anyone else when I swim. My favorite part is discovering how strong I can be,” Oliver said.

Getting away from the seriousness of the

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Oliver also credited senior Sierra Mosely, who encourages Oliver with her “let’s go” attitude to have a good time while swimming and is always excited for the next practice.

“My favorite team aspect is when we are at a meet, and we are all cheering for each other and warming up, getting ready together.

We most definitely don’t always get along, but it’s much like a family: we work hard to make things work,” Oliver said.

Oliver received the prestigious Lions Club Award last swim season. Only one swimmer is elected from each team and Oliver feels honored to know that her peers felt that she deserved this award designed for athletes

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he first whistle sounds. She steps up on to the block with determination in her eyes and fierce readiness.

“Swimmers take your mark,” the ref

by Maureen Pushea, Photography / Sports Co-Editor

Amanda’s work ethic and commitment is second to none.

—Jennifer Brown

sport is often necessary to create the best memories with teammates. Co-captains and seniors Taylor Page and Simon Schoenauer keep the mood light. The pair frequently cracks jokes and hands out cheesy pick up lines, something that Oliver appreciates. Oliver swims year-round with Page and Schoenauer on Paso Aquatics Club (PAC), and their goofiness always brings a smile to her face.

that exhibit outstanding leadership and sportsmanship qualities.

“Amanda is no doubt the hardest working person on the team. It’s actually annoying how fast she goes on some of the sets but it makes me and other work hard to beat her or even keep up with her. Without Amanda it would be way harder to put in the amount of effort that I do during a swim practice,” said Schoenauer,

one of Oliver’s co-captains.

Oliver has been coached by Jenn Brown year-round for about two years now. She admits that Brown can push the team a little hard at times, but believes that is what a coach is supposed to do to prepare an elite team.

“She pushes us just enough so that we can make ourselves better,” Oliver said about Coach Jenn’s style.

The varsity swim team swims approximately 5000 yards per practice, averaging at 30000 yards per week. Morning practices are offered four days a week and at least two attendances at 5 a.m. is required. Oliver often attends more practices than necessary to perfect her freestyle and butterfly.

“Amanda’s work ethic and commitment is second to none,” Coach Brown said.

Brown believes that Oliver is one of the most valuable assets to the team because of her ability to be both physically and mentally tough, along with having an extremely positive attitude. Brown chose Oliver as a team captain along with Page, Schoenauer, and senior Laileha Vermy. These four were chosen not only for their skill but commitmentfor their team and good attitude.

This May, Oliver will be closing out her 400,000 yard, 182 hour, and 17 meet this season, ending her senior year and spring sport season with her passion .

Sports | 4.3.14 | crimsonweb.net | 47

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| Humans of Paso

“

The weirdest thing that happened to me at the high school would have to be when I was walking up to Ag Bio, and I saw this kid start pulling out food out of the trash can, and he started eating it

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“

The winter semiformal, that was the best night of my life. I was the star, okay, I got in the center of attention. I got the ladies! It was awesome! I danced and thats how I let all my energy go!

Elijah Palomino, 09

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Christopher Garcia, 09

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I used to mix up the words chicken and kitchen so my half siblings would ask me what I’m having and I’d say “kitchen” and they’d ask me where and I’d say ‘IN THE CHICKEN!’

“

48 | crimsonweb.net | 4.3.14 | HOP

Laura Ernst, 12