Hillmen Messenger Issue 7 2009-10 by ddubddub

What suprises are underclassmen in for come senior year? See FEATURES, page 3

Did the media make too big of a deal over Adam Lamberts AMA performance? See OPINIONS, page 4

What exactly is the egg nog mile? See SPORTS, page 10

HILLMEN M ESSENGER Placer High School

Volume XXXVII, Issue 7

hillmenmessenger.com

December 14, 2009

Snowfall shuts down school for two days By Laura Molnar Messenger Staff Writer

Placer High and other Auburn-area students received an early Christmas present when school was cancelled on Monday and Tuesday with a later starttime on Wednesday. A snowstorm that began Sunday night and a cold-front which froze the snow caused schools in Auburn to be temporarily closed for safety reasons. School was closed Monday because of the nearly six inches of snowfall; Tuesday was cancelled and Wednesday shortened due to the ice that coated many roads, as well as sidewalks and parking lots at Placer High and other schools. “Transportation was a major issue during all of the school days. There was too much snow for anyone to drive on Monday, and busses weren’t operating on Tuesday or Wednesday because of the ice covering the roads,” explained Peter Efstathiu, principal at Placer High School. Ice was definitely a cause for concern in the early part of the week in Auburn. The snowstorm and major cold-front were extremely uncommon for Auburn weather. With temperatures dropping to the low 20s, roads, streets, and walkways became unsafe at Placer and the rest of the town. “The main reason school was cancelled completely Tuesday was due to

the ice. Students would not have been able to walk around safely on campus because the majority of walkways was covered in ice. In addition to an icy campus, busses deemed it unsafe to drive so too many students had no

transportation to school,” commented Efstathiu. Students definitely appreciated the day off. It gave some a chance to catch up on schoolwork, and others liked having a break from academics com-

pletely. “I absolutely loved the snow days because not only was it beautiful, but we got to miss school and play in the snow!” explained senior Kelsey Lardner.

Auburn-area students are not used to having two full days and a half-day off of school due to weather occurrences, but these rare missed days may need to be made up in during the spring term. “It is up to the district on whether or not the missed days need to be made up. I doubt it will be decided until sometime in January,” commented Efstathiu. The days will not be taken out of Winter Break, but it is possible that they will be taken out Spring Break. There is also an allotted day on the district calendar on June 4, the Friday after spring-term finals and the Saturday before graduation. This day is supposed to be a teacher inservice day, but the district calendar states that this day can become a make-up day if necessary. Students are not thrilled with the aspect of having to make up the snow days, but regardless of this news, the general consensus of Placer High students is still that the snow days were enjoyable. “I hate that we might have to make up the days In the spring especially since it happened this term, but I think

Modesto Chris- Students debate over tian end Placer’s getting the swine vaccine dream season By Shannon Harcus Messenger Staff Writer

By JD Avila Messenger Staff Writer

The Placer Hillmen lost 61-40 against the Modesto Christian Crusaders Friday night in the SanJoaquin Section Division IV Title game. Although the loss was tough, the Hillmen left everything they had on the field, making the Crusaders fight for their victory. In the first quarter, the Crusaders started the game with two touchdown runs, followed by two completed extra points making the score 14-0 early in the quarter. After seeing this, Placer responded by scoring two back-to-back touchdowns making the score 28-14 with minutes left in the second quarter. Scoring another touchdown the Hillmen would run up the score 2828 with the ending of the first half. But the tables would turn towards the Crusaders in the third quarter. Placer’s turnovers in the third quarter gave Modesto Christian the chance to score three straight touchdowns, running up the score

to 46-28 with the Crusaders in the lead. But Placer’s fans, players and coaches refused to give up. In the first few minutes of the fourth quarter, Placer’s offense scored two more touchdowns, leaving the Hillmen trailing the Crusaders by just six points. But with minutes left in the fourth quarter, Placer found themselves down by another two touchdowns. Ending the game, the Modesto Christian Crusaders, now 14-0, kept the score at 61-40, making it a tough loss for the Placer Hillmen. Although heads were down, Placer’s head coach Joey Montoya gave a heart-filled speech in the final huddle, reminding the team of the heart and passion they play with, and reminding them that you don’t need a ring to be a champion. Although the Hillmen lost their championship game, Placer fans and coaches see their 12 win, 2 loss season as a great success, and cannot wait to see them on the gridiron next year.

Students will have the opportunity to be vaccinated against the H1N1 flu here at Placer High on Wednesday December 16th. The Placer County Department of Health in partnership with the Placer Union School District is providing the vaccinations for Placer students as well as for students from Chana and Maidu. The vaccines are completely voluntary and a parent permission slip is required for anyone who wants to be vaccinated. Permission slips were handed out to students on Tuesday December 1st, and contained all the information about the vaccine, including side-affects. Students are encouraged to turn their permission slips in early so that a master clinic schedule can be made. Because the clinic will take place during school hours, students who are getting the vaccine will be called out of class and sent to the lower gym where the clinic will be set up.

Students who get the vaccine will be able to choose between an injection and a nasal spray. The major difference between these two methods is that in the nasal spray the virus is still slightly active, whereas in the injection the virus is inactive. Senior Sahmed Aceves has already gotten the nasal spray vaccine, and explained the experience. “It felt weird…you just breath in and afterwards you feel fine.” It has been said that because the virus is still alive in the nasal spray vaccine, there is a higher likelihood of developing a mild fever after being vaccinated, but Aceves stated that she felt fine after being vaccinated. Even though the vaccine is recommended by doctors to prevent the swine flu, some Placer students aren’t planning on getting the vaccine. Junior Wei-Lung Ho explained that “I’ll take my chances [when it comes to the swine flu].” Senior Conner McKenzie ex plained “I’ve never gotten a flu

shot before and I’ve never gotten the flu, so why should this be any different?” Other students are also concerned about the side affects of the vaccine, especially going into finals week. The administration explained that the Placer County Department of Health is responsible for scheduling the vaccine clinic dates, so the scheduling conflict with finals was not the school’s fault. The side effects are fairly rare, so nobody should be discouraged from getting the vaccine because of the side affects. Many students plan on taking advantage of this free chance to protect themselves from the pandemic of 2009. “I’m getting the vaccine so I don’t get sick, so I don’t end up as a ‘swiney,’” senior Taylor Rick explained. No one likes getting sick, so don’t miss the vaccinations, so you won’t be left out of the fun!

FEATURES

Volume XXXVII Issue 7 December 14, 2009

Sleep problems affecting Placer students By Mackenzie McGown Messenger Staff Writer

Have you ever had a dream so real that you’re almost positive it’s not a dream? Fortunately for most these dreams are pleasant, but many people suffer from a sleep paralysis. There are two major types of sleep paralysis: Common Sleep Paralysis (CSP), and Hallucinatory Sleep Paralysis (HSP). CSP is the more typical sleeping disorder; this sleeping condition is common in people but can be very terrifying. CSP occurs in the first stage of sleep, rather than stage four when night terrors occur. CSP can cause inability to move or speak for seconds up to a few minutes. CSP is experienced when one wakes up from a dream and is paralyzed and unable to talk. The victim will feel in between being awake and asleep. CSP can combine with HSP, which will cause the sleeper to see terrifying images. Sierra College student, Jasmine McGown told about an experience where CSP and HSP had combined. She had been falling

asleep at a friend’s house when control to wake myself up,” she ability to move or talk, but HSP is said. also accompanied by a nightmare the sleep paralysis occurred. Fortunately she had made or hallucination. HSP’s usually “I wasn’t really asleep but gives off a I wasn’t awake. All of the vision of a sudden there was a dark frightening human like figure standing creature next to my bed, and I knew sitting on it wasn’t real and I had to the victim’s wake up. My body was chest causasleep but my mind wasn’t, ing them to and I needed to get control feel unable of my body. I could talk to to breathe. myself in my head, and I The frighthad to convince myself to ening halget up which seemed like lucination forever,” said J. McGown. can also Unable to move her be accombody, she managed to panied by move her arm towards the a buzzing dark figure. She did this sound that to decide if it was real or gets loudnot, when she touched the er. Unlike figure she felt something CSP, HSP there, and the figure startWhen suffering from sleep paralysis, many see demons above their bed. lasts loned to move closer to her. ger, someScared she pulled away, goenough noise and movement to times up to several minutes. ing back to her paralyzed stage. wake a friend in the room up; the A Placer High school student “I tried everything, and even- friend thankfully had woken her tually I was able to move my legs, up from this horrible nightmare. whose name will remain anonyand all I could think to do was “It was definitely the most mous told about their experience kick around and wake someone terrifying moment I have experi- with HSP. “I was drifting off to sleep, I else up to wake me up, because enced in my life,” she added. rolled over to look at the ceiling I couldn’t. I didn’t have enough HSP is a more rare sleeping and I had my eyes closed. When disorder, but is scarier than CSP. I opened them I saw a dark figLike CSP, HSP also causes the in-

ure, like a dog,” they said. The victim could feel the figure on her, but was unable to scream for help or simply just pull the covers over their eyes. The victim felt as if their breathing was being affected because of the creature. “I seriously felt petrified, it felt so real because I could feel it, but it wasn’t moving. It felt like forever, eventually I closed my eyes and I woke up the next morning in the same position,” they said. The victim expected to wake up the next morning and see pillows or something there, but there was nothing. Researchers have concluded that HSP is common in those who have narcolepsy, but both sleep paralysis’s can also be caused by one who is stressed or sleep deprived. Sleep paralysis can also be genetic in some cases. CSP is common and universal. About half of all people are now believed to experience sleep paralysis during their lifetime. CSP and HSP are both not dangerous and can be helped by medication if necessary.

Smoothie Crew Placer band members donates time sacrifice more than most and money By Rachel Church Messenger Staff Writer

For the past nine years, every few days the Smoothie crew goes from class to class third period selling their smoothies, but who is the Smoothie crew? Tony Camillucci special day class work in the rooms behind the auto shop to make and deliver the smoothies to the 18 – 25 classrooms. The nine students, with the help of Jill Schroeder, four leadership students, a couple teachers and teachers assistants, are each given a job of sanitizing, setting up, making the smoothies, delivering the smoothies, and cleaning up. They get to learn career skills and according to Schroeder “the best part is it gets our kids out on campus. Our students get high fives, and they get to be known for it, they’re the smoothie guys.” On average, they sell 70 to 80 smoothies on a hot day, and about 30 on a winter day. They’re record this year is selling and delivering 110 smoothies in one period. With so many classes to deliver to, they have to organize the orders by the section of the school, and the flavor ordered. Then a few students use the ingredients there, mix them in the blender, poor them into the cup, and give them to the deliverers. The cookies and cream, spirit smoothie, and four berry flavors have been some of the more popular, but the flavors are always changing. Schroeder

is always making up new recipes such as the spirit smoothies along with making the hot drinks like the hot peppermint when it gets cold. “Jill took over Nancy’s when she moved away and she has taken it to a new level” says Camillucci. They order all most of their supplies from European Deserts, a restaurant supply warehouse, in Sacramento and “all of the fruits are 100%, literally ground up fruit,” says Schroeder. “But we couldn’t do it without support of the cafeteria, they give us ice everyday,” Camillucci said. The smoothies are sold at $3.75 each and the money goes to a number of places. It goes towards fieldtrips, classroom supplies, donated to COC, help support an African orphan, and a number of other organizations such as pennies for patients. Camillucci also said that they would like to save enough money to re-do the kitchen that they work in. Placer High School is one of the few schools that has a program like this. “A few years ago Nevada Union came up and visited us and now they do a program like ours. We helped them start.” Said Camillucci. The smoothie crew is a great fundraiser for our school, and most students and teachers love to receive a sweet treat during their class.

much as we should.” Guevel stated. Besides class time and Most highschoolers are school events band members aware of the time commitment are also expected to practice of jobs, school and sports, but on their own time. not many are aware of how The minimum time that is much time is put into playing supposed to be spent practicas part of the school band. ing is around three hours per Every memweek even ber of the though more Golden Hillthan three men marching hours is reband is expectcomended by ed to practice the teacher. the music on The time their own, and spent practo be everyticing marchwhere the band ing and forneeds to be on mations also time. adds up. In order to “I really be a part of need to know the band one the music remust know ally well so I how to play (or practice for be learning to three hours. play) their inIf there is strument, beBand members practice long hours in the band room something I ready to perschool functions, if wePhoto Credit: Alyssa Harben need to work form and know all the songs. were to kind of stop going to on, I spend more time.” VirOn top of knowing the things it wouldn’t be as much ginia Allonso stated. songs, the band members need fun. People in the community “I have a big dedication to to have their instruments at tell us that,” said junior Lau- band. We spend a ton of time school everyday, also the in- ren Guevel. together as a group practicing, struments need to be kept in When asked if the seeming- marching, and just playing. good condition. ly very high expectations of We are like a family.” Lauren The band plays at football band are too high, junior Leah Guevel stated. games, rallies, competitions, Espenson responded. “One of the best parts of parades, basketball games, and “It it’s not high enough no band is becoming friends with special events that are set up one would come.” everyone whether they are by members of the commu“Lawernson puts in so sophomores, juniors, seniors nity. Not only do the members much time and effort and no or freshmen.” Leah Espenson have to show up prepared and one really appreciated that as added. By Alyssa Harben Messenger Staff Writer

on time, they are also not allowed to miss any band events; or else their grade will be lowered. “We stay all day before football games and jazz band starts at 6:30 in the morning. Some people don’t realize how involved the band is in all

Volume XXXVII Issue 7 December 14, 2009

FEATURES

Adopt-a-family participants taking advantage By TaNee Edwards Perspectives Editor

Oh the joys of the holiday season. The family. The friends. The many, many days off of school. But this Holiday season, things could be a little tight. In this economy, every one is being forced to down size, some more than others. Fortunately, there is an organization that helps those families that need a little extra help around this time. It’s called the Adopt-a-Family program and in doing so, millions of struggling Americans are given the chance to have a very Merry Christmas. But what happens when the family you adopt is less than grateful? This is what happened to one

Placer student. This Placer junior, who wishes to remain anonymous, decided that this year she was going to give back. “Well, we’ve done this in previous years through my mom’s work only this year we wanted to keep it in our own family,” she says. Many people feel the same way and strive to help the people around them. The Adopt-aFamily program suggests that for each child in the family you ‘adopt’ receive a $40 limit. For our own Placer student, that means 40 times 9. Our Placer student and her family ‘adopted’ a single mother with eight….count ‘em…eight children; which, in retrospect would be okay if what the kids

were choosing to put on their wish lists fit within the $40 dollar limit. “The kids were choosing anything from top of the line skateboards to the latest version of the Ipod,” she explains. “The kids were asking for gifts ranging in the $70 to $80 price limit. And we just afford that.” As much as this family would love to get everything these kids ask for, it is simply an irrational suggestion. Totaled together, the ‘adopted’ family would cost $720, and that is before they can shop for their own family. They decided that they would venture off the wish list ever so slightly in order to keep it within the price limit. However, in another, rather unfortunate turn of events, our Placer family made a

shocking discovery. “We got a call from the Program that asked us how far we had gotten on purchasing our Adopt-a-Family gifts because another family in the Program had also signed up to ‘adopt’ the same family we had. Long story short, the family we ‘adopted’ was trying to ‘double dip,’” explains Anonymous Placer junior. This family had attempted to receive gifts from two families without notifying the Program. This is considered unacceptable in the Adopt-a-Family. The Placer family was able to return the gifts, and ‘adopt’ another family that will take this great act of charity and community love and support with honesty and respect. All our helpful family can ask

is why someone would ever treat another family like that? What could drive a mother to have her own children lie to another family willing to spend their money to allow them to enjoy their holidays. “I feel bad for them really. All we were trying to do is let a family less fortunate than ours have an enjoyable holiday season and they had to take advantage of it,” says our own Placer student. “I’m glad they still have a family that adopted them, I’m just sorry that they can’t see the help they are receiving for what it really is. Holiday spirit.” So, even in the economy now, let your Holiday spirit ring out and spread your cheer to those who need and want it the most.

Senior Jenna Harlacher, a participant in the Powderpuff game felt no surprise when it came to the violence of the game. “I expected the violence. Everyone was talking trash before the game and knew things were going to get out of hand,” Harlacher said. Senior year in itself is surprising many people. With second term on the horizon, the year is whizzing by and some seniors don’t know what hit them. It’s meaningless for some, but others feel that the years have gone by so fast. Soon enough, graduation will come and no one will know what hit them. Senior Andrew Gill has some of theses feelings of his last year of high school. “I remember being a freshman not too long ago and wishing I was a se-

nior. It is weird now that I finally am,” Gill said. So many things are going to change in the next year or two, so friendships can be effected because mainly many seniors will never see each other again after graduation. But many try to maintain the bonds that they have made with many people they have met in high school and will keep those bonds into the next steps of their education. There are many more surprises along the way for seniors such as senior ditch day, sober grad night, and senior ball. Many of these events will be the best times of the seniors lives. Even though we are half way through the year, seniors should relish in the little and big surprises to come and enjoy the best year of high school yet.

Senior Suprises: Things lower classmen may want to know in the years to come By Kathryn Reale Sports Editor

Senior year is full of upperclassman perks, being looked up to by timid freshman, and in fact a lot of surprises that seniors everywhere may not know about. For as long as high school has been part of the educational system, senior year has been the peak of the school years, a time where the seniors reign the school. So it should come as no shock that seniors have hidden surprises waiting for them in this year of ultimate glory. What may you ask are these surprises? One may be the feared SePhoto Credit: Colin Brown Senior’s being suprised by their senior binders nioritus. Senioritus is caused write. Seniors actually recieve an entire by a lack of academics and a will to not do any work whatsoever. binder dedicated to the senior project. Senior Conner McKenzie is already Another aspect is picking a topic for feeling the toll senior year is taking on the senior project. Typically, the goal of the senior his work ethic. project is to face adversity in your top“I definitely have senioritus. I only ic and to face a goal or challenge. Tophave one hard class and I never even ics range from running a marathon to want to do that work,” McKenzie exlearning to cook. Some of these things plained. are just for fun, but others seniors suA feeling of procrastination is prisingly learn and take with them for something that mostly all senior expetheir entire lives. rience through their last year in school. Another surprise that many seniors The average senior schedule consists experienced was the Powderpuff of Government, Economics, Enggame. Each year a senior has many lish, and then all of the electives in the stories to tell of the epic Powderpuff world. Some even finish all of their game, but seniors never really know solid classes in the fall and have none the sensation of the game until they’ve in the spring. played in it. Throw in a free period or two and Senior Conrad Harder didn’t know that’s as complex as it gets. Even what was coming when it came to the though that free fourth period should many injuries and competitive edge of be filled with strenuous senior studythe Powderpuff game. ing, it is really spent however making “I was pleasantly surprised with life easier. how physical Powderpuff was,” HardWhen college applications are finer stated. ished and an acceptance letter comes Many don’t know how physical and in, seniors ask the question, what is violent the games can get. No one the point of being in school? It seems knew that this year would bring conthat the only two challenges that secussions, knee injuries, and bloody niors face are college applications and noses. Many were expecting the game Mason Shelley, a junior at Placer High School, was crowned the “Pheromone King” this past Thursof course that senior project. to obviously get phsyical, but no one day. Pheromones are chemicals released in men’s bodies that women are attracted to. After six girls Senior projects can also bring the sniffed seven different boy’s pheromone-covered shirts, Shelley was crowned the best smelling of all. barriers of procrastination and the knew what was coming once they all important paper that they must stepped out onto the field for the actual game.

The King of Pheromones

OPINIONS

Volume XXXVII Issue 7 December 14, 2009

Lambert’s antics taken too seriously

Any backlash from Adam Lambert’s AMA performance is discriminatory By Alicia Sandoval Messenger Staff Writer

A controversy was sparked at this year’s American Music Awards by new artist and runner up of season eight of American Idol, Adam Lambert. He closed the event with a performance of his new release “For Your Entertainment,” during which he kissed his male keyboardist and was also seen doing a number of other provocative things such as motioning a man’s face towards his private area, insinuating oral sex perhaps. Many people are saying that this performance was much too risqué for television and my question is: Exactly why is that? Sexual acts are displayed constantly on television; they’re seen in everything from sensual soap operas to hamburger commercials. If you’ve flipped on MTV to see your favorite rap artist’s newest video, then you probably know what I mean. Not that this should be news to anyone, sex sells;

whether you’re trying to mar- people still can’t seem to get ket a hamburger or yourself. It used to the fact that others isn’t a new concept, appealing have different sexual preferto the public through these less ences, that some people are than innocent means has been different. According to Adam used by many artists to achieve Lambert, you’re going to have fame, from Marilyn Monroe to Madonna. So if the whole concept of using sexuality as a marketing tool is so ancient, then why is Adam Lambert being so harshly criticized? In the end, he only made a few racy dance moves and kissed someone. Why is kissing someone on stage such a bad thing when there is so much simulated sex basically everywhere? Oh! This male-on-male liplock incited much controversy. I know why! It’s because he kissed to get used to it sometime bea man! He wasn’t engaging in a cause they aren’t going change kiss, he was engaging in a gro- themselves and apologize, nor tesque, filthy, inappropriate, should they have to. homosexual lip rape. That’s When given a chance to why it was so terrible. That’s apologize on CBS’ The Early the reason that everyone is so Show, Adam respectfully deappalled. The close-minded, clined, saying that if he could prejudiced people of our so- redo it, the only change he ciety didn’t see what Adam would make would be to sing Lambert did as a kiss; they saw better. He’s a performer and it as a homosexual kiss. Some like many before him, he was

Jackson shouldn’t be glorified post-mortem By Allie Brigham Messenger Staff Writer

Everywhere a person can possibly look it seems they find Michael Jackson. Ever since his death in June, the man has become even more famous, not to mention his family as well. His family’s prospects include reality television shows, books, and documentaries, even a movie deal. What’s up with this? It’s ridiculous. How easily we forget who this man actually was. The majority of the population hated this man. Sure, his music was good, but twice he was accused of child molestation. He was acquitted, but so was O.J. Simpson. Just because the courts found him not guilty, doesn’t mean it’s true. It’s obvious that the court of public opinion found Mr. Jackson guilty from the start. His reported mysterious behavior towards children makes me worry enough to keep my future kids away from him should they be together in a dark alley. Also, let’s not forget about all the

surgeries. He was pale and sickly looking with a pinched nose, which looked like it was bitten off by a small dog. The man was not normal. He was quoted saying in a British documentary, “I see God in the face of children. If there were no children on this Earth, if somebody announced that all kids are dead, I would jump off the balcony immediately. I’m done.” Weird, right? Michael Jackson had some serious problems, pity him or not. We seem to have this strange and morbid fascination with him. It’s pretty creepy, really. My eight-year-old cousin walked up to me the other day and asked me to take her to see the Michael Jackson movie. She’s listening to his music and he’s her new favorite person. The man who was accused twice of abusing children is now an idol just because he’s dead. What has this country come to? The man died from a drug-related heart attack. He was full of drugs including Propofol, Lorazepam and Midazolam. Propofol is an anesthetic, the kind of drugs that knock you out for surgery. The man was a drug addict as well, and kids are looking up to him? Adults too? On December 1st, Michael Jackson was the most searched man

on Yahoo.com. I mean, there are so many world issues going on. Obama just decided to send 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan. That is obviously more important than Michael Jackson. I would even be okay with Britney Spears holding the most searched title over Michael Jackson, at least that wouldn’t leave such a disgusting taste in my mouth. Why is this man being glorified? Just because he’s dead? What does that change? The sick man is dead, that doesn’t change the fact that he was sick. Nothing has changed. He was a mentally unstable man and death doesn’t change that. The man was sick and is by no means a good role model for children, so why are we publicizing him so much? He was weird, and then he died. Get over it. People die. It seems that the world has forgotten how we all snickered at his bizarre behavior during his life. These same people shot all his songs to number one on iTunes and continue to purchase other memorabilia. It’s senseless to have become a Michael Jackson fan only after his passing. Let’s not romanticize him and make him a saint. He was far from a saint, and this obsession has to stop.

merely trying to get the attention of the people via shock factor. Though the only reason it was a shock was because prejudice people are amazed that they had to witness such

Photo credit: socialitelife.celebuzz.com

a thing when they believe sights like that are grotesque and should be censored. Then again, there was really no way to censor that broadcast without getting a well-deserved discrimination lawsuit. In any case there’s no denying that, take away the homosexual aspects of the performance and the prejudices of the audience, the shock factor would’ve been

nonexistent. After all, on the same show Eminem was free to rap about rape and Janet Jackson openly groped a man, and obviously a kiss isn’t nearly as shocking. However, it seems as if many people are using the word “discrimination” not only to shoot down others by saying that they’re discriminating but to justify this incident by saying its inappropriate to discriminate against homosexuality. Therefore, look past the homosexuality to see, not only a simple kiss, but to see that this was merely a performance. Though it may have served as a step forward in acceptance of homosexuality and exposing the prejudice which is still very blatant in our society, it was a performance. Performances by new artists are done in order to attract attention to themselves, which Adam certainly did. All this talk over his controversy is generating enormous amounts of publicity, and it’s said that any publicity is good publicity. Controversy has made some of the greatest performers of all time and Adam Lambert certainly generates controversy. So no matter your own personal beliefs, remember that Adam Lambert is a performer and he’s here “For Your Entertainment.”

Volume XXXVII Issue 7 December 14, 2009

PERSPECTIVES

Volume XXXVII Issue 7 December 11, 2009

Scavenger hunt goes Santa asks: Why should too far:streaker bears all you be on the naughty list? some. Plus I’ve kind of always wondered if I’m fast enough to do it,” said Ryan. Why would a person go out and streak in the middle of the 2nd round playoff football game? Two words: Scavenger Hunt. The unnamed streaker attends Colfax High School and was one of the many participants in the Scavenger Hunt that Friday night. An annual event that takes place in the Auburn, Meadow Vista, Colfax, and even stretching to the Roseville area has been taking place every year the day right after the thanksgiving holiday. The tasks range from throwing Baskin Robbins ice cream at a stranger to swimming in a public fountain. Participants in this event are usually under invite only and go to a range of schools some even in colleges all over California. Placer students actually participate in this scavenger hunt as well, including Senior Kaelin Ransome. “The point of the scavenger hunt is to join together with your friends and just have a good time. It’s just a silly tradition,” Ransome said. The scavenger hunt may seem like

innocent fun, but in this case the consequences for streaking could be a lot more serious. Streaking is a federal offense and the consequence would be registering as a sex offender. Senior Julia Dorsey, also a participant in the scavenger hunt, feels that there is a possibility this could actually happen. “I know streaking is a federal offense, but when I talked to him about it, it seemed as if they [the police] didn’t want to mess with the situation at the time. I think if they really wanted to snag him for it, they deﬁnitely could.” Dorsey explained. Streaking is a federal offense, but what happened to the days when at every major sporting event there was a brave individual who was willing to bare all just for the entertainment of many sports fans and did not get into any sort of trouble? Although the Placer fans got a kick out of the act, the consequences of the act could pose much more serious for the brave Colfax High School student. But truly, it will be a moment never forgotten by the Placer fans that witnessed it that evening and will go down in Placer football history.

been invented,” says Rosmary Zapfil, the campaigner of these groups. However, most men find Imagine the excitement showthis to be humorous and a swiming off your new bathing suit at ming experience to remember. the river with your friends, only to Junior Emma Obray agrees with discover when you come out of the practical side of the dissolving the water, it’s gone. swimsuit. “If it was just between Unfortunately for many, this my friends and not in public then may become a reality this sumI would defiantly consider it,” she mer. explains. Invented by a “Who wants to wear a S e German company, swimsuit for more than nior Phil the new dissolving three minutes anyways?” Ballew swimsuit is sure to -Phil Ballew agrees create some interestw i t h ing summer fun. Looking, fitting Emma and supports the idea of and feeling like a regular, black the swimsuit being humorous. “I bikini, this gag suit dissolves afwould give it to hot women and go ter three minutes of being in swimming with them. Who wants water. The bikini is soluble in to wear a swimsuit for more than water and can leave someone three minutes anyways? Things embarrassed and humiliated. that dissolve leave less mystery to It has been marketed for those the eye but, I like less mystery. It people who want to take revenge would create a very pleasurable of their girlfriends or as a pracswimming experience,” he protical joke between friends. This claims. product is angering women evEven though the disappearing erywhere, especially the women’s swimsuit has a comical side to it, rights groups. it can still create an insulting stir “This invention is an insult for among women. all women and it shouldn’t have “This joke all depends on the

person and I would never consider it at a pool party,” says Senior Cauleen Doughty. To most people, this is a new invention and they have never heard about the infamous suit before. Sophomore Erin Ellner claims that she has never heard about the swimsuit before. “I have never heard about it, and I think that it would be mean and depending on the person, it could be humiliating,” she states. Senior Anastasia Despois explains how mad she would be if one of her friends gave her the swimsuit to wear at a party or at the river. “I have never heard about it and I think it’s mean. I’m not really a practical joke person and if one of my friends did this to me I would never talk to them again,” she proclaims. Some practical joke people would go to the trouble to make this a possible humiliating experience for someone. This latest and uproarious invention is sure to cause a summer to remember for those who may become a victim of the dissolving swimsuit.

By Kathryn Reale Sports Editor

“Because Santa thinks I should be” Mekkenna Gaffney, Freshman

“Because of what happened last Friday… Iʼm Santaʼs little helper.” Kailey Gaffney, Sophomore

“Because I like my stocking stuffed with Koal, Love Sawyer” Sawyer Carson Junior

“Iʼve been a very bad boy this year but I am always a believer of second chances.” Cody Albright Senior

Last Friday during the 3rd quarter, the heated Hillmen football game took a humorous turn as a nude streaker ran across the ﬁeld. Although the crowd was dead silent as the streaker ran by, the whole population of people at the game went wild as he made his exit. This event has not only made school history, but set a standard for the daring few who choose to attempt the infamous task of streaking. Although it seemed like mostly all of the game attendants were crazy about the prank, opinions surfaced on whether or not it was a funny joke or something to be taken seriously. Junior Riley Stoltenburg was at the game at the time of the streaking. “By the time I realized that there was a streaker he was half way across the ﬁeld and all I could see was his bare white butt! But I thought it was all in good fun,” Stoltenburg said of the prank. Others agree whole heartedly with Stoltenburg such as Senior Matt Ryan who also witnessed the comical act. “I thought it was funny and awe-

Gift that is really dissapearing fast...literally By Claire McCoy messenger Staff writer

Volume XXXVII Issue 7 December 11, 2009

PERSPECTIVES

Teen raises money to support needy children By Britny Christine Features Editor

Austin Gutwein was only nine years old when he first heard of how different children were living in Africa and more specifically Zambia, thanks to a video he saw in class. So after he saw it, he knew that he had to change some things. After a long conversation with his family, he decided to sponsor a child through World Visions. His monthly allowance of $35 went to the child he decided to sponsor. Through the next few years, Austin wrote letters to the child that he sponsored, and still it wasn’t enough for him. While Austin had no special or unique talents, he did have a passion for basketball. It was when his want to help children in need and his passion for basketball combined that he changed the lives of many. After Austin had a discussion with one of the main guys of World Visions, he was still convinced there was more he could do. It was then that he started his charity, Hoops of Hope. It’s set up like a Walk-a-Thon. But instead of laps, you shoot layups. The first year he did this, back

in 2004, he raised 3,000, which was enough to care for eight orphan children in Zambia. Although he was proud of the accomplishment so far, he knew there was more for him. He continued working for his charity, and in 2005 raised over 35,000 dollars which went towards the care of over 100 kids. Since creating the Hoops of Hope foundation Austin has raised well over two million dollars, to help build a school, dorms, and a hospital in Zambia. In 2009, so far, he has raised just over $450,000 to go towards dorms, orphan centers, and to simple things like bikes and mosquito nets, to help keep bugs out. Since beginning his journey, he was fortunate enough to get to be at the grand unveiling of the school that he was able to build in Zambia. It was there that he was able to actually meet the child that he had sponsored for ﬁve years, and had written letters to in the past years. Another person who had gone on this venture with him was the head director of World Visions. It was there that he had shared with Austin that after their short conversation back in 2003, he honestly hadn’t expected to

hear anything else from him, but was more than thrilled that he had. He was also able to meet the children whose lives he had changed forever, thanks to a simple thing like shooting hoops. The school he had built was the only one within 70 miles, in the small village. These days Austin is home schooled, while also touring with the Revolve Tour (a Christian tour targeted towards young females), where he shares the story of his journey in hope to inspire others to do something bigger than yourself. He still considers himself an everyday kid who likes to spend time with his friends and family. He’s still as humble as ever as he continues to raise money for these children. After he began touring with the Revolve Tour he joined teams with author Todd Hillard to write the book ‘Take Your Best Shot’ which captures his journey on paper. This just goes to show that regardless of age, you can do something to show that you do care. Most adults look down on kids our age, labeling us as self-centered. But who else would take the ﬁrst step to changing that stereotype?

Santa asks: Why should you be on the nice list? “I feel like Iʼve been good this year.” Siena Caldera Freshman

“Cuz I havenʼt spanked Kailey this week.” Bronte Hoskin Sophomore

Mr. Barry continues the Placer tradition of giving By Nicole Parish Messenger Staff Writer

The miracle of Christmas is repeated over and over again through the joy of caring and sharing. The traditional red kettle is an common part of the Christmas scene, with millions of dollars donated each year to aid needy families, seniors, and the homeless, in keeping with the spirit of the season. Donations provide Christmas dinners, clothing, and toys for families in need. Volunteers distribute gifts to shut-ins in hospitals and nursing homes, and shelters are open for sitdown dinners. The Salvation Army endeavors to bring spiritual light and love to those it serves at Christmas so that the real meaning of the season is not forgotten. Many families receive aid over a period of months after the Christmas season as well, people struggling with difﬁcult family, emotional, or employment problems. Each year Placer High School has given large ammounts of christmas dinners and toys for the less fortunant. One man who is a major help with this is world stud-

ies teacher Mr. Scott Barry. He has been a part of the volunteer every Christmas for 15 years now. Really, it had started 13 years running through the social science department. The social science department had made it a requirement for the kids at placer to do a mandatory 6 hours of their community service by donating toys, clothing, and dinners. However, the students weren’t learning about helping others. They only did it because it was manddatory. This is why they have stopped the community service and decided to let students do it on there own if wanted. “The best part of this event is seeing the people being so proud of Placer High school kids. For them to be so giving and care for the families that they don’t even know. Because really 90% of Placer is good kids, that 10% is just the people who give us a bad name” exclaimed teacher Scott Barry. The day of December 17 (before ﬁnals) is when all boxes that have been collected are stored up and driven to the Salvation Army church to have them give them out to fami-

lies in need. The Salvation Army church takes donations anyday and everyday. The goal for placer this year is to donate 150 boxes ﬁlled with dinners and toys. The strategy this year is different then years before because the community service is not mandatory and if we reach the goal it means much more because the kids want to do it instead of being forced. Because the economy has been down there is likely to be less donations this year because the families that have been so giving in the past might need those donations for themselves. If you’re at home and see a toy you never play with or an extra can of green beans then take it to Mr. Barry’s room and feel good about what you did. Helping others is supposed to be comforting and it gives you that warming feeling like you’ve just made a difference in someones life. Donate and feel good about yourself this christmas because that’s a better gift than most presents under the tree.

“Cuz I am a sweetheart, I put everyone elseʼs needs before mine.” Nicole Tagge Junior

“I don’t talk and I’m the cutest puppy around.” Brett Crider Senior

Q-Man done by Santa Hart

Volume XXXVII Issue 7 December 14, 2009

OPINIONS

Disregard others, Tree fundraiser belongs pursue dreams! in upper parking lot Pushing aside naysayers and abandoning self-doubt are key in achieving dreams

We all have dreams and we’ve all lost dreams. A dream is a terrible thing to lose. We can cling hard to a dream or we can let our dreams slip through our fingers. A dream is that little slice of potential reality that can keep a person going through the worst possible circumstances. Personally, different dreams have come and gone and lately I find myself in a scary place; afraid of not only going for my dreams but afraid of even having dreams. There was a time when I wanted to be a pilot, a time I wanted to be a journalist and of course I wanted to be a musician. Unfortunately, one after another these dreams have fallen victim to negativity and logic. After all, pursuing a career as a journalist, a musician, or a pilot aren’t logical career paths, especially in such a dismal economy. No, a job with more security, a trip to a four year college, vocational school, all definitely more logical then chasing silly childhood fantasies, right? Mom and Dad might think so. However, neither Mom nor Dad or anyone else for that matter, can ever know what’s best for you. The number one killer of a dream is negativity. All my life I’ve been told my dreams are stupid, unrealistic, or childish. Frankly I’m tired of it, aren’t you? Most of us have a bad habit of letting negativity fall like arrows on our dreams instead of doing all that it takes to keep a dream intact. It’s foolish to let negativity get the best of you especially considering most of the time a negative person is just jealous that they didn’t have the courage to go for their dreams. The fact is that negativity is just a part of life; a dream isn’t a dream without skeptics. It’s how you respond that separates the dreamers from the dream achievers. The number two killer of a dream is logic. Now you may be thinking that this is absurd but people use logic as a weapon of fear. Throwing yourself wholeheartedly into your dream may be illogical, but I’d rather find

suming for students to leave. This is troublesome considering the fact that many students have jobs and prior obligations, so this is yet another hassle. Now, I realize the band needs this fundraiser, and while the lower parking lot is an ideal spot, they probably get myself face down in the dirt plenty of complaints. But I have an having given it my all and faileasysolution! Nextyear,considermoving at my dream than abandoning the trees to the upper parking lot. ing my dream for the smart, People who want to buy Christsafe road spending the rest of mas trees and support the MuChristmas season has rolled my life wondering what if. sic Boosters will buy Christaround, and it’s the time of year when Given the choice between most families begin putting up Christmas trees regardless of what risk with possible grandeur mas trees. This tradition of beautiful parking lot the fundraiser takes place in. and security with mediocrity, green trees decorated with all sorts The lower parking lot isn’t exactly a rational thinker would obvi- of ornaments and in the middle of ously choose security, but how shiny things has town, so people happy will that rational thinker been around for probably aren’t be when they look back and see what seems like driving by the nothing but broken dreams? ages. And obvilower parking lot The point is that logic isn’t al- ously, selling these because they want ways the key, a bad decision in trees is a great idea to see what’s gotaking a risk could be the best for ing on. Though fundraising. decision you ever make, and if But this great idea if they do happen you fail, you fail with closure. has turned into to be driving by You must also know how to an inconvenience the lower parking separate your logic from the for many students lot, there could logic of those around you. here at Placer High. always be more What seems like a logical deciadvertisement for The Music sion to one person can be com- Department has an the fundraiser, perpletely illogical for you. Keep annual fundraiser haps some in the in touch with your own private of selling trees in lower parking lot. logic and morals as opposed to the lower parking For crying out the values of others and per- lot, beginning afloud, the people The Christmas tree fundraiser displaces 15-16 parking spaces. haps a fleeting dream can be- ter Thanksgiving. buying these trees Photo credit: Ian Bechler come a reality. are probably from While for students who are driven to body’s ‘internal clock’ will often The number three and hard- school by their parents may not see why change during adolescence and at 7:00 Auburn – they know where the upper est dream killer to overcome is this is a hassle for others, the students AM, teenagers are programmed to be parking lot at Placer High is! And if they yourself. With so many exter- with licenses and cars, such as myself, fast asleep. So, wouldn’t an extra 10 don’t, it’s a circle around the campus, a nal forces pushing, pulling and have an obvious complaint: parking. minutes of sleep make a difference? sign or two could solve that problem. shaping us it’s easy to lose sight Maybe I sound like a whiny teenHardly anyone wants to park in Of course! And if students keep arof a dream and even lose sight the upper parking lot. But everyday, riving earlier and earlier for parking ager, but when I don’t get enough of yourself. The key is to have an amount of students are required spots, even more sleep will be lost. sleep, I tend to be grumpy. passion for your dream; cast to park above the football field. The It would be just as convenient and The upper parking lot requires away self doubt, take a chance lower parking lot simply isn’t large a longer walk to and from class. The profitable for the Music Boosters to on yourself and don’t let the enough for all of the driving students. people who wish not to park there hold the fundraiser in the upper parkexternal forces distance you Even when a section of the parking for that reason could be written off ing lot and in the end, it would simfrom yourself. If you don’t be- lot isn’t fenced off for Christmas trees, as lazy, but there happens to be an- plify already hectic mornings for the lieve that you can achieve your I still leave my house around 7:05 AM other inconvenience of parking in driving students at Placer. dreams, then all hope is lost. to get a desirable parking spot. That’s the upper parking lot: the buses. Regardless of the inconvenience What’s scary is how easily life about 20 minutes before I would get The buses simply don’t have a bet- presented by the location, be sure to can have us doubting the small- to school back when my mother drove ter place to unload and load students, head over to the lower parking lot and est of dreams. me. Twenty minutes of sleep. Gone. and unfortunately, after school, these buy a Christmas tree from the Music Not only do we self-saboNow, lets look at the time I need to buses take up an entire lane, and this Boosters if your family doesn’t have tage but I believe that often get to school for a good parking spot makes it difficult and more time con- one yet. we put a damper on the spirits of others without realizing. There is nothing worse than the look in the eyes of a man who’s had his dream taken by Editor-in-Chief: JD Avila Reporters: Karrah Barger, Ian Bechler, harsh words. Don’t be the perFeatures Editor: Britny Christine Alex Brigham, Colin Brown, Rachel son responsible for someone News Editor: Amy Van Groningen Church, Alyssa Harben, Shannon Harcus, else’s broken dreams; don’t be Opinions Editor: Cait Cullen Santa Hart, Zac Hersh, Shauna Kean, the person responsible for your Perspectives Editor: TaNee Edwards Claire McCoy, Mackenzie McGown, Laura own broken dreams. Sports Editor: Kathryn Reale Molnar, Laura Nash, Nicole Parrish, Aim high and you’ll fall Online Editor: Claire McCoy Alicia Sandoval, Tierra Schroeder, Melissa high, aim low and you’ll fall Design Editor: Clarise Bankus Smith, Savannah Young low. Don’t ever let anyone tell Ads Manager: Melissa Smith Adviser: Dan Wilson you your dream is impossible, Copy Editor: Tierra Schroeder, Shauna Kean because nothing is impossible. Impossible is an illusion, and if you believe you can do it then it’s already done. Chase your Mission Statement: The Hillmen Messenger is dedicated to providing an open fodream and you’ll find happirum of expression and producing a newspaper of quality based upon professional ness. Fail at your dream and you standards of accuracy, objectivity, and fair play so that students, faculty, admincan move on to a new dream, istration and the public can gain insight into student thinking and concerns. All but abandon your dream and students and staff are welcome to send letters to the Hillmen Messenger. Letters you’ll be doomed to live in recan be brought to room 306 or e-mailed to phsnews@puhsd.k12.ca.us. All letters gret and apprehension for the must include name and first period class. The Hillmen Messenger reserves the rest of your life. So what are right to edit letters for content, size, or spelling. you waiting for? Your dreams are waiting for you. By Amy Van Groningen News Editor

while the Christmas trees are on sale. I’ve been leaving my house between 6:55 AM and 7:00 AM. Even just 7:05 is ridiculous, but five to 10 minutes earlier than that is just awful. I can’t speak for the entire student body, but I know that most teenagers value every single of minute of sleep they can get. Teenagers are supposed to get at least seven hours of sleep, but most teens get less than that. According to Mary Carskadon of Brown University, teenagers need to wake up later. Students further along in puberty prefer to sleep in later because of changes triggered by hormones. A

Hillmen Messenger

SPORTS

Volume XXXVII Issue 7 December 14, 2009

The Egg Nog Mile tests runner’s stomachs By Laura Molnar Messenger Staff Writer

There are many questionable holiday traditions, but the Eggnog Mile is bound to make the top of local runners’ lists this year. The faint of heart – and the faint of stomach – would be best to stay away from this winter event. This year will welcome the third annual Sacramento-area Eggnog Mile. Participants in this unique and slightly disturbing event are challenged to guzzle a total of 48 ounces of a popular holiday drink. A twelve-ounce cup of eggnog is consumed before each of the four laps of a mile, and throwing up is not an option. “If the runner throws up before he or she finishes, he or she must run another lap. So each runner tries to hold IT (the eggnog) all down until after the race,” explained Ryan Freitas, co-founder of the event. How could one be inspired to create such stomach-churning event which is designed to be fun? The eggnog mile was modeled after the beer-mile which was created under the same basic principle. Local running alumni Ryan Freitas and Spencer Christy heard about the beer-mile and decided to come up with a similar event that high

school athletes could participate in. “Spencer and I thought this was a great idea and how awesome it would be to host a similar event with eggnog (instead of beer) for local Sac-Joaquin Section (SJS) runners in the area i n s t e a d ,” commented Freitas. Anyone willing to test their stomachstrength and running ability is welcome to race in the eggnog mile. All ages are welcome to race, and athletic ability and place of residence do not matter in order to enter in this unique event. The goal of the founders was to simply create a fun event to close the year and get runners ready for the upcoming high school track season. Most athletes who run the regular mile in track have heard about the legendary eggnog mile, and their

Seniors athletes set high goals for last seasons By Colin Brown Messenger Staff Writer

Most of the kids who have played youth sports here in the Auburn area have dreamed of playing as a senior on a Placer athletic team. Senior year is an important year for many athletes because it is the last chance for them to accomplish any of the goals they have set for their High School athletic career and it is also the last chance for many of these athletes to make memories in athletics. Senior Cross Country and Track runner Lucas Stancliff explains why his senior year is so important to him. “Senior Year is when you have more experience, you are wiser, and you are at the strongest point in your High School athletics…I know that senior year I will have the best shot at being the best in my sport”. This year’s senior class has put in the time and hard work to finally be at the top of the school, and now they have set some lofty goals. “I want to get banners in track and make it to state and just make the seasons memorable” stated Stancliff. Three-sport athlete Kelsey Lardner has also set some high athletic goals for her senior year.

“ We won the PVL in volleyball so I would like to do the same in both Basketball and Track”. The Football team has made its goals very clear from the beginning of the season as Senior defensive lineman Conner Mackenzie explains “I want a ring on my finger baby.” To many in this year’s senior class it is a surreal experience playing as a senior on a varsity athletic team. “It is weird to think that the year is half over. I always looked up to the seniors in sports so it feels kind of funny filling in their spots now” Stated Mackenzie. For many seniors making memories and having fun are just as important as their athletic accolades. “I would like to make the seasons fun and memorable” stated senior basketball player Conrad Harder. “I would love to win league for basketball and just have a fun and memorable season” stated Senior Volleyball and Basketball player Melissa Manning. With sports being such an important aspect here at Placer High many athletes are working harder than ever to make their last shot at high school athletics count but most senior athletes are looking forward to the fun and memories that they will make in their final season here at Placer.

opinions on the race vary. “You definitely have to have guts to run in a race like the eggnog mile. I don’t how people finish; it’s impressive, but I would never want

the mile in track, had a similar opinion. “I would rather not chug sweetened thick lactose products then run a mile until I vomit, but it would definitely be entertaining to watch,” said Hillstead. Other athletes don’t think t h e eggnog mile is at all strange. One of these individuals is senior athlete Clayton Campbell. “I Photo Credit: Joe Hartman would to do it,” commented track athdefinitely lete and sophomore Cameron participate if I liked eggnog. The Brown. Nicole Hillstead, who also runs idea doesn’t sound crazy to me at

all. They should have a milk mile instead because I actually like milk,” Campbell explained. It will definitely take more than the four laps of the race to run off the eggnog consumed in the Eggnog Mile. The 48 ounces of eggnog contain around 2050 calories, more than the total amount of calories recommended by the FDA for an entire day. The required serving for each lap (12 ounces) is more than a single recommended serving of this rich and fattening beverage (8 ounces). Speaking of fattening, the amount of fat in the total amount of eggnog for each runner has nearly two times what is recommended perday. But the Eggnog Mile happens only once a year, so if you are willing to ignore the fat and calorie contents, this race could be just what you’re looking to do on December 19. Race time is 1:37 (yes, exactly 1:37) at American River College in Sacramento. Around 100 brave souls are expected to attend, and anyone is welcome to race or even just sit back and enjoy the spectacle.

Sports affecting the grades of many athletes By Zac Hersh Messenger Staff Writer

Sports and grades are two things that are not most commonly associated with each other. However there’s always been a tossup of whether or not sports help grades or affect them. There is two different opinions to this assumption. The first being that sports help grades because it allows the students some free time to exercise and interact with other people after school. The other theory is that the long hours almost everyday of the week plus the constant pressure is affecting student’s grades. So which is it, is the long hours of sports hurting grades or is it helping them? First off could playing sports actually help student’s grades “I think it helps them improve and keeps them constantly up because if they go down you can’t play the sport” Said Casey Sabins. That’s a great point because in order to play a sport for placer you have to have a two point zero or above in order to play. That gives student athletes an incentive to study, do homework and try harder in school “It makes you more motivated in school so you can continue to play that sport” said Nathan Bonner. Now there’s the argument that playing sports can affect student athletes grades. The first thing that could hurt grades is the long after school hours. The average sports teams practice for three to four hours and even more time for games “It takes away from the time you usually get to do your homework and studying. You usually come home at six or seven at night giving you little time to study and do your

homework,” said C.J. Statmiller. you have good time management Besides the long hours there’s also skills and you can focus and get the stress factor and the amount what you need to of energy it get done when takes to play a you get home sport, which from practice can all take and games then away from playing a sport is your grades. a great decision. So which is However, if you it, do sports are struggling affect grades with your grades or do they and you need all help them? the time you can Photo Credit: Zac Hersh “Sports take up a lot of get after school time you need for school to study and do but it teaches you many life skills” homework then sports may not be said Klye Wells. The truth is that if the best thing for you.

SPORTS

Volume XXXV1 Issue 7 December 14, 2009

Skiers and snowboard- Seniors sad ers ready for the slopes about their last season of play By Ian Bechler Messenger Staff Writer

It’s that time of year again. The snow’s been falling and the mountain’s been calling; that’s right friends its ski/snowboard season. Man has

agreed Squaw Valley was the biggest with the best variety of runs; the price and distance aren’t the best for students. By poplar demand Sugar Bowl is the obvious choice for Placer skiers and snowboarders. With its variety of runs, a decent traveling

title of the best of the worst goes to none other than Boreal. However what ever the resort, most would agree that simply being out on the slopes is a great time. “I like growing the hair out and shredding the pow pow.” Mikey

Many senior athletes are determined to make the most out of their last days of sports By Karrah Barger Messenger Staff Writer

been conquering the slopes since he discovered it could be ridden; but the universal question has always been what oh what mountain to conquer? Living in Auburn, the gateway to the Sierras, many Placer students take part in this wonderful time of year. After all who needs school when you got fresh powder. So what is the resort of choice among placer students? “I really like Squaw it’s so big and you can find a place where it feels like you’re the only person on the mountain.” Said senior snowboarder Connor Coleman. “Sugar Bowl, after a good storm the powder there is just so wonderfully fluffy” senior skier Mikey Bray spoke about his preferred resort. “I like Mammoth it’s got some really good runs.” Said junior Shannon O’Flaherty All wonderful choices Hillmen. Although nearly all placer students

time and a decent price Sugar Bowl has the ideal amount of gnar for the average Joe student. Sugar bowl has eleven lifts offering access to a multitude of runs. A day pass will run a student about fifty six dollars and a half day around forty four. Sugar bowl is located at the top of Donner summit and is only an hour drive from Auburn. Skiers and snowboarders can also rent equipment, take lessons, and ride the park. So the best has made itself apparent but what resorts should shredders steer clear from this season? Well, the bottom three with very little gnar to shred are Boreal, Donner Ski Ranch, and Soda Springs. The fact of the matter is that for a shredding connoisseur these resorts just aren’t gnarley enough. All of them are small offering little diversity but one can’t argue with the distance and price of Boreal, so the mediocre

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Bray voiced his favorite part of ski/ smowboard season. “You get to miss School!” said junior Shannon O’Flaherty Whether it is the rush of flying down the slopes, carving through fresh powder, or simply enjoying the fresh air ski/snowboard season is a great time for Placer students. Its time to answer the call of the mountains and for first timers the call of the bunny slopes.

Seniors here at Placer High want to get the last plays in before they graduate. They will never play high school sports ever again so it’s now “crunch time”. Taking advantage of the last time they will play high school sports is really important to a lot of the seniors. People can take it as the last year to make it fun and not take it so seriously, but others that are planning on taking it to the next level, are going to try harder for college. “Yeah, you have to try harder and do a lot better”, Mitchell Maddox says. To get a scholarship or get ready for college sports, the players work twice as hard, working out day and night to improve their skills and technique. “It’s the biggest year, you have to go all out”, Aaron Maddox said. Senior year is the year you want to make the most memorable and make the best of it. “I’m relieved it’s the last year of sports, it was a lot of fun and a lot of memories”, Mitchell comments. It’s a heartbreak for some true athletes that are dedicated and love

sports more than most things, that it’s there last year to be with their high school friends and playing there favorite sport of choice. Some other seniors don’t take it so seriously and would rather spend there last year with their friends, and spend more time with there family before they leave for college. “It sucks it’s the last year, but I’m not playing in college, I’ll miss it”, Aaron explains. Playing a sport takes time, money, and dedication. Being your last year in high school you might need that money for books in college, tuition, or money for food and supplies for your dorm. College is expensive, and takes a lot of money and time to get the money, so for those that don’t really want to play, or that aren’t going to play in college, can take that money and save it. Some seniors got a scholarship off volleyball and swimming, so they got a free ride. It’s the last year and last time to prove you’re self. “At the awards ceremony I made my coach cry. You have to do your best because if you don’t do your best than you can’t move forward”, Luke Standcliff said.

NEWS

Volume XXXVII Issue 7 December 14, 2009

Coin wars offer stiff competition this year By Shauna Kean Messenger Staff Writer

It’s that time of year again: the smell of pine trees, the brisk winter air, the sound of coins jingling around in plastic milk cartons. That’s right, the Coin Wars are back. Coin Wars take place every year at Placer High School, with students donating all their spare change in their third period class, trying to be the winners of most money donated and most coins donated. But these wars aren’t just about classroom competition. As Jim Rodarte explained the rules, “I do not even know; however, our rules are about giving.” Every cent collected goes towards the needy families in Auburn. Jim Rodarte is the reigning champion of winning the most money in the Coin Wars winning every year since it began. “Sometimes we win both the most money and the most coins, but we aren’t greedy. We allow others to get the most coins.” When asked if he was going to win this year Jim Rodarte replied with, “What kind of a question is that?” He explained that his class record is $856, but last year he only raised $626. But how

does he do it? What is his secret? “The question was asked directly, ‘I have been told that you match the students donations,’ and with the biggest smile I’ve ever seen on a teacher, his reply was ‘No comment. Our total reflects our giving.’” “The years we have won, the families have saved pennies for 25+ years and they have donated out of the generosity of their hearts,” explained Jim Rodarte. He stated that his biggest competition is Eric Rodarte, or as Jim Rodarte calls him, “Mr. Young Math Money” taken from the nickname Jim Rodarte received from the football team, “Mr. Money.” Jim Rodarte’s class plans on fundraising the most money this year. This nickname origiin the community, as well as a family tradition to give, nated from the fact that generous students. not to receive. Jim Rodarte always wins the “We are planning on beEric Rodarte is putting most money award for the ing one of the champions the pressure on Jim Rodarte Coin Wars. this year,” stated Eric Rothis year, with a goal of raisJim Rodarte explained darte. ing $1000, over $300 more that last year Eric Rodarte Coin Wars is a fun compethan the previous record. won most coins while he tition, challenging many to He plans to do this with the continued to win the most donate, but the overall outhelp of major contributors money. He stated that it was

come is even more rewarding than winning, so gather up all your change and ask your parents, grandparents, or even your siblings for their spare change, and donate to your community.

Auditorium in desperate need of repair By Britny Christine Features Editor

A few weeks ag o, the Placer High School auditorium experienced a bit of f looding. What star ted as a small drip from the ceiling during the rain ended as a big hassle for the cast of the fall play Twilight Zone, as well as members of the janitorial staff. The Placer auditorium has been around for awhile; it was the first auditorium in our district and has a unique design, unlike Del Oro and Colfax’s auditorium, which share many similarities. The theater was finished in 1926, with a cur ved roof that that is the main cause for the leaking water. A few students have assumed that the leak was caused thanks to the new roof that was recently finished above and around the auditorium, but in fact it’s just the way the roof is shaped. There is a cor ner on the roof that causes a small leak on the second f loor of the auditorium, when it rains really hard, however, the water can sometimes leak all the way down and into the main seating area and cause puddles on the f loor.

“I remembered that the auditorium use to leak even when I went here,” Said Drama teacher Jason Long, “It was in the exact same place as well.” While it is no secret that our auditorium is out of date and nowhere near perfect, there just simple isn’t enough in anyone’s budget to tr y and fix it, let alone get a new auditorium. Estimates are around two million dol-

lars for a brand new auditorium, with a similar design like both Colfax’s and Del Oro’s. Amanda Shattuck was the first person to notice the leak, “As soon as I saw it, I knew we [Cast of the Twilight Zone] were g oing to be in trouble. For awhile we weren’t even sure that we were g oing to be able to have the show on that night.” After having half the class

Photo credit: Melissa Smith

on the second f loor of the auditorium with masses of paper towels, the leak slowly stopped, and water was no longer an issue. “I’m glad ever ything worked out the way that it did,” Shattuck commented. With winter already upon us, and snow in early December, most just hope to auditorium can hold up, with no more severe leaks. And while the small leak was patched temporarily, there is no promise it will last throughout the winter. There are also no cur rent plans to fix the roof, ag ain because of problem with the school’s budget.