Garfield Messenger: Volume 100, Issue 3 by Garfield Messenger

THE

MESSENGER

JANUARY VOLUME 100 ISSUE 3

STAFF Adam Friesz Amritha Dewan S. Avalon Leonard Ben Fleishman Eden Huschle Ellen Taylor Ellie Wakefield Eva Hightower

Evelyn Bartlett Gunvor Langhout Lakelle Bridges Layth Stauffer Lucy Gaines Maile Quenzer Mairead Averill Michelle Tong

Mika Ichikawa Peja Harding Riley Perteet-Cantu Taylor Gale Tess Wahl Zac Meyer

EDITORS

Nhu Tat - Editor in Chief Audrey Abrahams - News, Feature, Opinion Autumn Henson - News, Feature, Opinion Nikita Landfield - Arts & Entertainment Griffin Hintze - Sports Alwin Ma - Assisant Managing Tyrail Minor - Business

SUPPORTERS OF THE MESSENGER Cliff Meyer - Heidi Unruh - Janet Lardizal - Janet Chung - Lorriane Bardeen - Paul Hughes - The Warner/Fleishman Family

These contributions help make the production and publication of The Garfield Messenger possible. If you would like to support The Messenger, please contact us at garfieldmessenger@gmail.com

TABLE OF

CONTENTS ISSUE 3, VOL 100

Cover by JUDAS KNOX

NFO

A&E

A VIGIL FOR VIRGIL

WORTH THE WATCH: ENCANTO

5 5 6

A BRIEF HISTORY OF 400 23RD AVE Lucy Gaines

MEME STOCKS’ METEORIC RISE Adam Friesz

SICK AND TIRED Maile Quenzer

GOOD NEWS STORIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD Amritha Dewan

A NEW AGE OF ASTRONOMY

THE GREAT MASK DEBATE

7 8 8 10 11

Ben Fleishman

TEMPERATURE CHECK Mairead Averill

BSU IS BACK IN BUSINESS

FRIEND

Lakelle Bridges

Zac Meyer

IS FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S SECURITY BREACH IN THE TRUST OF FANS? Avalon Leonard

14 AFUNDREADFULLY BOUT OF METROID MANIA

Riley Perteet-Cantu

DOCUMENTING DAWGS

WHAT IS A WHITE SPORT?

Messenger Staff

SPORTY SCHOLARS

Ellie Wakefield

Tess Wahl

DEAR DAWGS

MEET THE TEACHERS

ONE SIZE FITS NONE

12 THANK YOU 13 FOR BEING A

Gunvor Langhout Peja Harding & Layth Stauffer

Michelle Tong

MOD MANIA

Peja Harding

SPORTS

Nikita Landfield

Taylor Gale & Layth Stauffer

Eva Hightower

18 SPORTS BRIEFS FROM SEATTLE 19 TO THE SLOPES Taylor Gale

16 CHALK TALK 17 REJECT TRADITRENDS THAT EMBRACE 17 CAUSED A RAC- 19 TION, MODERNITY SNOWBALLERS Eden Huschle

Evelyn Bartlett

QUET

Mika Ichikawa

Ellen Taylor

Layth Stauffer

NEWS

A BRIEF HISTORY OF 400 23 AVE RD

Broken treaties, blocks gone missing, 88 million dollars in fees. By Lucy Gaines

f you are a Garfield student sitting in advisory right now, look around you. Look out the window at the field and imagine the native rainforests that once grew there. Look downtown towards the water and imagine the longhouses on rocky beaches housing the Salish tribes. Our beloved school and community has a past dating back hundreds of years. Duwamish and Salish tribes occupied the lands we now call the Central District. Duwamish writings stake their claim to the land all the way back to the Ice Age. The higher ground where Garfield is now was wilderness at the time. Not far away were the longhouses that the Duwamish lived in, closer to the coast for easy fishing access. Fast forward to the Treaty of Point Elliott in 1855. This was an agreement between the European settlers and many tribes in the area such as the Lummy, Salish and, most notably, the Duwamish. The treaty guaranteed land, fishing rights, and hunting rights to the tribes in their native land. In return, the settlers were given 54,000 acres of land in the area. Settlers disregarded this treaty, triggering Native rebellions. Chief Si’ahl of the Duwamish tribe protected small American settlements in the area. In return, the land they inhabited was named in his honor: Seattle. During the mid-1800s, the Industrial Revolution took its toll on Seattle. The Central District was a center for the lumber industry due to its placement uphill from the business district. Trees cut down were transported along the “skid row” down to the Henry Yesler sawmill. Today tha “skid row” is named Yesler Way. Take a three block walk for about seventy years from this historic street and you’re at the back doors near the language arts department at Garfield High school. Named after President James A. Garfield, the school building still retains the original front walkway from its construction in 1920. However, not much else is the same. The gym and Teen Health Center that once stood near the entrance, built in 1923, were two of the many victims of demolition on the campus. The aerial shots of the post-2009 remodel show stark differences to the existing facility. The first and most notable change is the block of houses that once occupied the football field. Little is known about the purchase of this block of homes, but the addition made

room for the lower grass to be developed into baseball fields in the remodel. In the early 2000s, it was clear that Garfield High school still depended on dumbbell waiters to transport supplies from floor to floor. Classes were held in locker rooms because of the lack of classroom space. In an interview with the City of Seattle, former Principal Theodore Howard said that he once thought the whole school needed to be torn down and rebuilt. However, Seattle Public Schools decided to begin a renovation in 2009 instead. The student resource center and gym were torn down to build the Quincy Jones Auditorium along with the Teen Health Center. Mr. Jones himself said in an interview with School Construction News that the auditorium “gave him chills.” The school remodel spared no expense, totaling at an eighty-eight million dollar construction fee. The remodel kept the roots of the school, preserving the historic brick and marble doorway, while also allowing accommodations for a growing school that currently teaches 1,700 students today.

Images to the right: Top: Photo taken in 2019 of the current Garfeld High School campus. Middle: Photo taken in 2000 of Garfield pre-2009 renovation. Notice the Teen Health Center, Medgar Evers pool, the gym and Quincy Jones Auditorium are all missing. Bottom: Photo taken in 1936 of the original Garfield campus. As you can see, there is no gym, no Teen Health Center, and most notably, houses in the location of the field.

Photographs by the King County Records and Services Department

NEWS

MEME STOCKS’ METEORIC RISE

Garfield student investors debate their newfound popularity. By Adam Friesz

arfield student investors are wise beyond their years. Armed with the experience of a volatile pandemic-age market and familial and internet-era wealths of knowledge, these young entrepreneurs have continually developed and revised their investing strategy. Alan Lee, a Garfield senior, began investing at the start of the pandemic. “I started investing right after we went online in 2020… I was just bored and looking around online and I saw this video about investing and I thought, ‘This looks pretty cool, maybe I should try it out,’” Lee said. The minimum age requirement to begin investing initially inhibited Lee. “At the time [I began investing] I was under 18, which is the age required to invest, so I got my parents to make an account and then I used that,” Lee said. This was not an easy process. “My parents do not [invest]... I convinced my parents and it took a lot of convincing so they would make an account,” Lee said. CJ Friedlander, also a senior, had a dif-

ferent introduction to investing. “It was 2015. I got into [investing] because I had a family member pass away and our family got a small inheritance and my dad decided to split a small portion of that between me and my sister,” Friedlander said. “I learned from my dad a lot. He taught me the basics and what kind of plan I should have dealing with my money and the market,” Friedlander said. “I would also do my own research, look up different companies and how well they had been doing and also what other investors like Warren Buffet had to say.” In contrast, Lee’s learning was fueled by the internet. “I started by watching a lot of YouTube videos and reading articles about it. I think the first stock I bought back then was AMC. I bought it when it was two dollars and I think it’s like thirty bucks now,” Lee said. He bought 100 shares. But Lee didn’t stop there. “I bought Dogecoin because it was just a meme, so I put a couple hundred bucks into it at first. When it blew up I got really lucky with it,”

Lee said. Social media-fueled “meme” stocks erupted in 2021 facilitated by the rise of low or zero cost trading sites such as Robinhood, which Lee uses. They are a polarizing topic among many investors and Friedlander is less supportive. “I’m not a fan. The meme of cryptocurrency and NFTs and stuff. I’m sure it will work well for some people but it’s kind of like a joke to the general public… It’s not really, in my eyes, an appropriate way to make money because you’re not really providing anyone or anything some kind of gain,” Friedlander said. Friedlander values stability in his investments. “It’s better to invest in what you know than to experiment in something, because like investing goes, you could lose a ton or make a ton. I usually invest in companies that I know a decent bit about like Apple, Microsoft, Starbucks. I know them, I’ve used their products,” Friedlander said, echoing the advice of many veteran investors.

Both investors have adapted their initial strategies. “I went from being more like trying to hit it big with these 30x 20x stocks, to investing in more safe and stable index funds. I’ve become less risky over time,” Lee said, contrasting stocks with high market variability to index funds collections of stocks that attempt to track overall market movement and are considered less risky. “At the start, like back when I was 12, 13, I was kind of a day trader. I would just buy stuff and immediately sell it a couple weeks later for a profit. It was profitable, but I think now after many more years I’ve learned it’s better to keep in the long term, because you’re gonna see a lot more returns overall,” Friedlander said.

va said. In addition to the sick-out, they created an online petition to garner student support for the demands (see QR code). Teachers at Franklin have also been doing their part to support the cause. “Staff at Franklin have been very much in support of this movement. A lot of teachers have been reposting our demands and our petition to get the word out there,” Cordova said. Educators have also used their elevated position to amplify student voices. “There’s a lot of teachers that are also in organizations that have invited us to speak at a meeting to help notify people that there

are things that the students want,” Cordova said. “The school board has not confirmed or denied that they’ve accepted our demands, though we do know that some of the demands had already been put in motion before [the sick-out],” Cordova said. Despite not having issued a direct response, the school board has begun to facilitate changes. “We do know that the school board definitely hears us, and definitely wants some of this to be student-led rather than district-led,” Cordova said. Students and staff are anxious to see what will come in the wake of these protests and recent school closures, and how it will change procedures and use of preventative actions as the school year continues.

SICK AND TIRED

Franklin’s fight against Omicron. By Maile Quenzer

he battle for student safety is constant, and during a pandemic it is especially difficult to maintain. The topic of how best to insure student safety in schools has become a hot button issue with the emergence of the new Omicron variant. This debate had seemingly come to an end, but with a new spike in COVID-19 cases (cases in King county have increased by fifty percent since Thanksgiving), U.S. schools’ approach to controlling the virus may need to be re-assessed. Franklin High School in Seattle has seen a massive surge in COVID-19 cases upon returning to school after winter break, with fifty-two individual cases within the first week. Schools across the district have seen similar spikes in their cases as well, due to the new, highly-transmissible Omicron variant. This pattern has been the cause for concern among students, families, and teachers alike. Franklin senior Delano Cordova was one of the key organizers in a “sick-out” at his school on Friday, January 14th. The community also hosted a rally to support the cause. The goal of this protest was to have

their established set of demands heard by members of the district school board. These demands were for schools to provide N95 masks for all, require and issue weekly COVID-19 testing at schools, provide COVID-19 vaccines (including booster shots), hire one mental-health worker per thirty students, continue contact tracing measures, and for the district’s COVID-19 dashboard to be updated daily. “The plan for the protest, or the sickout, was to go and say what we have problems with at the school and tell the school district that we don’t feel safe right now. And in order to go back in-person and feel safe, this is what we need,” Cordo-

Art by Maile Quenzer

NEWS GOOD NEWS STORIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD Butterflies, geckos, and space travel! By Amritha Dewan

uring a time of unprecedented turmoil and loss, it can be difficult to look past the tragic stories we see on our phones and televisions every day. While this is overwhelming and often disheartening, there are still uplifting and positive stories worth sharing. Here are just a few happy things that have been happening around the world recently.

Butterfly Populations Soar: In 2020, only two hundred Western monarch butterflies flew South for the winter to Pismo Beach Butterfly Grove in California. Experts and park rangers were concerned by the exceedingly low populations, fearing that the beautiful species would soon go extinct. However, in an unexpected turn of events in 2021, volunteers at Pismo Beach counted over 100,000 Western monarch butterflies as a majestic swarm descended into Califor-

nia for the winter. Some butterflies in this swarm had migrated from as far North as Canada. Scientists have ascertained that Western monarch butterfly populations have increased from 2020 by an astounding 4,900 percent in 2021. The increase in butterfly population has brought joy to experts, park rangers, and gardeners alike, and ignited a spark of hope in the path to restoring butterfly populations. Gecko With a Cancer Treatment: Lemon frost geckos are known for their sunny yellow skin tone and unfortunate susceptibility to cancerous tumors. One gecko in particular, a male named Mr. Frosty, had a number of offspring with small, white tumors growing on their skin. Scientists investigated Mr. Frosty and his offspring, and found that a gene called SPINT1, which is linked

A NEW AGE OF ASTRONOMY

to skin cancer in humans, is also responsible for the geckos’ yellow skin and tumors. Studying the SPINT1 gene further could help scientists in better understanding how cancers develop in humans – and perhaps lead to new ways to treat certain cancers like melanoma. Road Trip to Venus: When we hear about space travel to other planets, it is often about Mars. But what about the Earth’s other neighbor, Venus? In 2020, researchers at NASA announced that they had detected traces of phosphorine, a possible biosignature gas, in the atmosphere of Venus. This discovery rekindled interest in exploring the planet, and in June of 2021, NASA announced two new missions to Venus by 2030. One of the missions, called VERITAS (short for Venus Emissivity,

Radio Science, InSAR, Topography, and Spectroscopy) will set out to map the terrain of Venus from orbit, which is a new scientific endeavor. The other mission, called DAVINCI+ (short for Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gasses, Chemistry, and Imaging, Plus) will dive into Venus’ atmosphere, with a focus on learning how the planet’s atmosphere has changed over time. Venus is a complex planet, and with these missions, scientists hope to gain a better understanding of its many intricacies. Art by Nike Adejumobi

Everything you need to know about the James Webb Space Telescope. By Ben Fleishman

he Hubble Space Telescope has long been at the forefront of astronomy, having been used to observe far-off galaxies, stars, nebulae, and other distant objects. However, it is more than thirty years old and no longer has the technical capabilities scientists need access to. A group of space agencies from North America and Europe came up with a solution: build a new higher-tech space telescope to supplement – and eventually succeed – the Hubble. This was the beginning of the James Webb Space Telescope, which was launched in Kourou, French Guiana in December 2021. Currently, the telescope is traveling through space towards its future orbital point. Whereas the Hubble orbits low to the Earth at around 340 miles, the James Webb telescope – affectionately known as Webb – will orbit the sun at L2, one of five EarthSun Lagrange points. They were named after Joseph-Louis Lagrange, the Italian mathematician who discovered them in the 1770s.

Lagrange points are equilibrium points between the gravities of two large celestial objects, according to Zachary Shaw, an astronomy and physics teacher at Garfield High School. When the telescope reaches its orbital location, Shaw states it “basically won’t fly into the sun or fly into the Earth.” While the successful launch of Webb is an exciting moment for the study of the universe, the pre-launch process was far from smooth. Planning for its development actually began before the Hubble telescope’s launch in the 1980s, but it was put on the back burner until the early 2000s. The cost was initially estimated at one to three and a half billion dollars, but poor budgeting, design difficulties, and congressional gridlock led to more than ten years of delays and cost overruns all the

way up to roughly ten billion dollars. However, this particular ordeal has had one positive effect. “We’ve learned a lot about how we could make this more affordable next time,” Shaw said. In addition to these issues, the naming choice for the telescope has been controversial. James Webb was the second administrator of NASA, overseeing a number of Apollo moon missions when the Cold War-era space race was in full swing. During Webb’s tenure at NASA, federal agencies attempted to purge their payrolls of anyone accused of being gay; a NASA budget analyst named Clifford Norton was fired for this reason. In a statement, the agency publicly called

his sexuality “immoral, indecent, and disgraceful.” While no direct evidence connects Webb to this statement, many contend that he was complicit in the firing due to his status as the head of the agency. Despite the issues that Webb’s development and naming have caused, the telescope’s launch and flight to L2 have been quite successful so far. After exiting Earth’s atmosphere, the telescope’s sun shield and honeycomb-patterned mirror moved into place as planned, and the telescope has so far followed the expected trajectory for its transit. Astronomers and space enthusiasts are excited for Webb to become operational. “[It] will be able to see objects up to one hundred times fainter than Hubble,” Shaw said. This will allow incredibly distant objects to be observed for the first time, and in many different types of energy - Webb has detectors of ultraviolet, infrared, and other types of non-visible light that are far stronger than that of the Hubble. Art by Nike Adejumobi

NEWS

THE GREAT MASK DEBATE The many masks of Garfield. By Peja Harding

fashion accessory most did not anticipate becoming a staple in their closets was the mask. Although a known object amongst medical professionals and highly polluted populations, the mask was not expected to find its way into the outfits, appearance, and safety of students. This school year, Garfield’s halls have been decorated with masks and facial coverings of all forms. So, what masks are the best? Which takes the cake for best looking but most importantly, most protective? At the beginning of the pandemic, many had started collections of brightly patterned and eccentric cloth masks. The look was practical and attractive to younger people. However, as the pandemic continues to rage on and new variants appear, the cloth mask becomes less and less effective. The gaiter, buff and ski mask trend continues to take Garfield by storm. Offering a single layer over the face, the buff/gaiter is an old classic, suitable for cowboys and the wild wild west. The ski mask on the other hand

is a new interpretation of a COVID-19 mask, with a similar shape to the balaclava. Offering a full coverage, fashion forwards mask providing virtually no protection. The CDC confirmed that all of these could be a perfectly plausible mask option if another mask layer was incorporated. Others have opted for the simple, yet versatile and preventive surgical mask. A classic and standard mask many have familiarized themselves with even before the pandemic, frequenting in doctors and dentist offices. And more recently being made available in schools, public transportation and storefronts for free. However, in recent weeks, the effectiveness of a single surgical mask has been called into question. Throughout the twoyear pandemic, the surgical mask has been the most accessible mask to everyone, but will a single surgical mask continue to suf-

TEMPERATURE CHECK

fice? According to the most recent COVID regulations, surgical, cloth and virtually any mask not worn by front line workers has been deemed as ineffective in the spread of Omicron, a new strain of COVID-19 with higher transmittable rates regardless of vaccine or mask status. In comes the KN-95/94. A beloved option for both the Center for Disease Control and precautious households is the iconic KN-95. It offers a sleek and pointed silhouette, a variety of neutral colors that pair with every outfit. The KN-95 is a favorite of many, being 95 percent more effective at filtering particles and preventing any touching of the face (a welcomed aspect of any mask). The KN-94 is a close relative to the 95 in regards to preventability and safety. However, it offers a much different silhouette, with a rounded surface and a separate nose mount. The

KN-94 is the perfect option for those who want a less abrasive shape, with equal the amount of prevention. But as prices go from twenty to sixty dollars on sites like Amazon and more counterfeit masks are being sold, the KN-95 and 94 have become less and less accessible to students. In recent days the PTSA has funded up to four thousand dollars to provide every Garfield student with three KN-95 masks. Given that these masks were to be handed out during class, a significant portion of Garfield’s Running Start population did not receive these same accommodations. Although not directly from the district, the efforts to keep students safe is recognized. Until the district can provide the appropriate masks for every school in the district, the disproportionate distribution will continue to impact the rates of COVID-19 in school. In the meantime mask up, and throw away the gaiters. Art by Eva Hightower

The climate change news you’re sick of reading about. By Mairead Averill

here’s nothing as surreal as watching the seemingly far-off effects of climate change descend on your hometown. Climate change is no longer an event happening across the world; a horrific but disconnected experience that we can watch on our TVs and then walk away. Now it’s undeniably affecting Seattle. Temperatures continue to climb to new record-breaking extremes in the winter and summer months. Kids no longer have to pray for snow every winter because consistent below-freezing temperatures are expected. During the wildfire season, it’s become a habit to check the air quality before stepping outside. Air conditioner units, a once-foreign thing to Seattlelites, are a smart investment for many homes. Many will remember the heat wave in late June 2021, which marked three of the hottest days ever recorded in Seattle’s history, and a turning point for the temperature extremes we should expect in the future. After a record-breaking summer, dangerously cold tem-

peratures swept into Washington in December, prompting emergency orders from Durkan to staff warming shelters around Seattle. Often legislation rolls in too late to properly adapt to rapidly increasing climate emergencies. “I have never seen the impacts of climate change that we are now facing,” former Mayor Jenny Durkan said this summer when she announced an executive order to cut Seattle’s emissions 27% by 2050. This winter’s severe weather culminates a year of escalating climate change around the globe. In February, three major winter storms in Texas caused statewide power outages that left 10 million people without electricity. Month-long droughts in Canada, Washington, Oregon and California this summer fueled

wildfires that destroyed over 7.6 million acres. In August, Hurricane Ida tore through the South with Category 4 force and killed 82 people. Heavy rainfall in Germany, China and Australia caused flooding that killed hundreds and cost billions in damage. To cap it all off, 2021 was Earth’s fifth hottest year on record, according to European Union scientists. The bright light at the end of the tunnel of never-ending climate disasters in 2021 was the COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow, Scotland. Policymakers, activists, and scientists from around the world met for two weeks in November to discuss and draft new goals to prevent the worst effects of climate change – mass relocation, food scarcity, ecosystem collapse and destruction of property, to name a few – many of which are already occurring at a larger scale in developing countries. By the end of the conference, 197 countries agreed to the Glasgow Climate Pact. In short, the Pact consists of a slew of acknowledgements about the dangers of global temperatures rising more than 1.5 Celsius (2.5 Fahrenheit). It urged countries to update climate change

adaptation and mitigation plans, recognized the necessity to transition towards sustainable development, and emphasized the need for international collaboration in global climate crises. The Glasgow Climate Pact is not legally binding, and while 151 countries at the summit submitted new emission-cutting plans, climate analysts have determined that many aren’t nearly drastic enough to avoid more than a 1.5 Celsius rise – this disparity between country’s promises and their concrete plans are known as “credibility gaps”. In response, the countries at COP26 pledged to strengthen their 2030 emission goals by the end of 2022 to match their temperature targets. But it raises some questions: Why didn’t countries submit revised goals for 2030 at COP26? How much longer will countries deliberate before they write effective legislation? Each country’s deliverance on their COP26 agreements is yet to be determined. Avoiding a future of climate collapse is up to individual governments to put climate action at the top of their agenda, and for citizens to hold them accountable. Art by Ava Fimmano

FBSUEIS AT U R E BACK IN BUSINESS

The BSU’s president highlights her hopes for the club’s future. By Gunvor Langhout

arfield High School’s Black Student Union (BSU) is back this year. After a year’s hiatus, due to challenges that many clubs and organizations faced in the wake of COVID-19, the BSU was restarted. Under new student leadership, the BSU has already been able to plan and complete multiple projects to benefit the greater Garfield community and Central District.

Community leader and student activist, Naomi Kiori, a senior at Garfield, is this year’s new acting president. Garfield’s BSU “focuses on giving African American students the chance to learn more about Black Excellence, and helps them navigate being African American, specifically at their school and in their community,’’ Kiori said. For Kiori, focusing on Black excellence is vital. “I think it’s important to show Black excellence and it’s so im-

portant to break the stigmas and stereotypes that are aligned with African Americans,” Kiori said. Stepping into a leadership role within Garfield’s BSU has been rewarding for Kiori. “I feel like I have the chance to give back. In my upbringing, I was always taught to be able to give and also receive,” Kiori said.

One of the BSU’s main goals is connecting members to their school, neighborhoods, and city. “It definitely teaches us a lot of morals and gets us involved, not only with other Black students, but also in the community to advocate for issues that are racial and non-racial as well--just anything we feel like should be advocated for,” Kiori said. A recent project that the BSU held was a food drive where all the food collected was donated to the Central Food Bank, which is just blocks from Garfield. The

food drive gave members a chance “to give back, and have that connection to [their] community,” Kiori said. The success of the event has already led the BSU in thinking about their next activities. “We plan on doing at least two more food drives because they were really beneficial to our community,” Kiori said. Kiori also has other projects that she would like to do this year, such as getting involved with other BSUs in the area, including those at Franklin, Rainier Beach, and Cleveland. Black History Month and Juneteenth recognition and celebrations are also high up on her agenda. “I want to get the message out there about what Black History Month is and what it means to us,” Kiori said. “I would like to make sure that we voice Juneteenth and boost it up as much as Black History Month.” For Kiori, this means planned activities at Garfield celebrating the holiday. Since this is the BSU’s first year back at Garfield since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kiori hopes that its influence in the Garfield community will grow over time. “I want people to look at the BSU as community outreach, and somebody who stands up for people that are unheard and unseen, or that have situations that need to be highlighted. I want the BSU to have a voice here, I want us to be heard and I want them to be seen,” Kiori said. Recognition is vital to strengthening its influence in the community. “I want the rest of the school to know that the BSU is a club that’s interactive, innovative, and is focused on Black excellence, and also community outreach. That our focus is learning more about Black history and the importance of it because we’re not taught our rich history in history classes. I want them to know that the BSU focuses on African American growth and improvement, but that we are also mentors and supporters of the community around us.” BSU meets every Tuesday during lunch in room 105 and welcomes new members.

Photo courtesy of Garfield BSU

DEAR DAWGS

Dear Dawgs, I am seventeen years old and I STILL don’t have my license. It’s not like I really need or want one but I do feel like an outcast. All of my friends and classmates can drive and I’m stuck being the licenseless burden. I hate asking for rides and never being able to take myself anywhere. What should I do? I don’t feel ready to start driving but I also don’t want to be left behind. STRANDED IN SEATTLE Dear STRANDED, Firstly, you must know that you are not alone! Plenty of us are just as stranded as you, whether by choice or by too many failed driver’s tests. You must know that not having your license doesn’t determine your highschool experience or status. If you are dependent on your friends, don’t be afraid to spare them some gas money or buy them a cute little gift. Showing your appreciation for people who drive you everywhere is ALWAYS a good idea babe. It’s simple: if you’re not ready, you’re not ready. However, if it’s fear that’s holding you back…have some confidence in yourself! Hit the books and show drivers ed who’s boss. As Charli XCX once said, Let’s. Ride. Dawgs Dear Dawgs, My boyfriend who I’ve been in a relationship with since eighth grade just broke up with me and I feel lost. I saw it coming from a mile away, and I’m not really sad about it- we both sort of knew it was going to happen. Unfortunately, it’s now really awkward. We share a LOT of classes, which was always something to look forward to when we were together, but now it’s just something I dread. Is it possible to repair this relationship? Should I even try? HELP! CONFLICTED IN CHEMISTRY Dear CONFLICTED, It sounds like your chemical equation was unbalanced from the start. When you say you want to repair your relationship with him, do you mean in a romantic way or platonic way? You need to answer that question before you start thinking about how to make amends. Even if you aren’t sad about the break up, getting dumped is never fun babe. It might not have sunk in yet, but trust us when we say the emotional toll a break-up takes on ANYONE, let alone a high-schooler, isn’t something to shrug off. Let yourself feel sad. In regards to awkwardness…it’s normal, especially when the wound is still fresh. Don’t suffocate it with a bandaid- let time heal it, as it does all other wounds. Take a step back, give him (and yourself) some space to heal, and then you can decide whether the best thing for you is to rebuild that bridge. Remember: London Bridge fell apart in just a matter of minutes, and Rome couldn’t be built in a day. Some molecules just aren’t attracted to each other, Dawgs

A&E

A VIGIL FOR VIRGIL

Remembering one of fashion’s most influential designers. By Nikita Landfield ingers were bitten, Instagram pages were refreshed, and heart rates increased as June 21st rolled around. The anticipation was palpable that morning. Just three short months ago, Virgil Abloh had been announced as the new creative director of Louis Vuitton menswear. While a bittersweet farewell was paid to Kim Jones, people were scratching their heads and wondering what this meant for the fashion house. What would Kanye West’s creative partner and founder of a streetwear label make of the nearly 200-year-old brand? And so in streamed the hundreds of invitees awaiting the collection with the rest of the world. The sun shone down on the Palais Royal as a tribute to a bright and new beginning as the audience settled in and awaited the first models to take the runway. Abloh opened the show in a stream of white. White blazers, mesh, button downs, and Sherpa stood out in the first handful of looks. However, this show is all about the details. The clean cut blazers and slacks were a far cry from creative liberty, however if you blinked you may have missed the chain hanging from the handle of a Keepall, or the neon green shoelaces trailing from a pair of sneakers.

In a soft, gradient fashion, the show continued. White Sherpa coats transitioned into brown hoodies transitioned into sage puffers transitioned into a smattering of mesh pants reminiscent of an oil spill – a reflection of the inspiration behind the show: the inside of a prism. Audience members were pictured sitting at the edges of their seats throughout the show as well as the online onlookers. In the fashion world, this was a huge moment for Louis Vuitton, however, in the celebrity world, this was almost bigger. Walking the show were some of Abloh’s closest friends, a nod to how far he has come. A$AP Nast, Playboi Carti, and Kid Cudi took the runway to debut Abloh’s first collection as celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Kanye West,

and Naomi Campbell looked on. Kylie Jenner’s Instagram stories pictured a sea of people on a rainbow runway as A$AP Rocky and Rhianna cuddled up together in the front row. Louis Vuitton’s announcement of Abloh as the next creative director of menswear was met with much excitement from the celebrity community, however, patrons of the brand were hesitant at first. Abloh’s style has been often described as streetwear, large hoodies with the iconic Off-White ‘X’ logo imprinted upon it have been taken over by musicians and skateboarders. This collection was an important moment for Abloh to prove himself to the high fashion world. As trends

and designers deviate from the classier cuts into bolder designs, the world is trying to catch up. Every fashion show is an event; photographers, models, and celebrities gathered in one place always turns heads, however, Abloh’s show felt different. This was a celebration of new beginnings and progress towards a more equal industry, with Abloh being the first African American creative director of the brand. At the end of the show, Abloh and West were pictured embracing in a teary hug, a sign of the pride and hard work within the collection, and excitement for what’s yet to come.

Photo by vMyles Kalus Anak Jihem is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

WORTH THE WATCH: ENCANTO

Is Disney’s Encanto as enchanting as Disney markets it to be? By Michelle Tong

he world of Encanto infuses Disney magic into a plot that is grounded in family values, complex navigation of family dynamics, and the crushing weight of being good enough. Encanto boasts a family of twelve ensemble characters, The Madrigals. The Madrigals reside in Casita, a sentient house. Casita transcends the traditional animated house trope by presenting a magical ability called a gift to a new Madrigal child on their fifth birthday. Alma Madrigal, the matriarch and discoverer of the miracle is mother to 50-year-old triplets, Julieta, Pepa, and Bruno. Julieta can heal with a meal. Pepa can affect the weather with her mood. And Bruno, who we don’t talk about, can see the future. Julieta and Pepa meet and marry Agustin and Felix, respectively. Julieta’s daughters are Isabela, Luisa, and Mirabel. Isabela can bloom flowers and Luisa has super strength. Pepa’s side of the family includes Dolores, Camilo, and Antonio. Dolores has super-hearing, Camilo can shapeshift, and

Antonio will receive his gift soon. The film follows Mirabel Madrigal (Stephanie Beatriz), the black sheep of the 2nd generation Madrigals. Having been the only one of the Madrigals to not receive a gift, Mirabel struggles with her self-worth amidst an extraordinary family. During the afterparty of her cousin Antonio’s gift ceremony, she begins to notice cracks in her family’s beloved Casita, rapidly advancing on the ever-burning miracle candle. Dismissed by her family when she tries to raise her voice, Mirabel must act on her concerns on her own as she is swept up in a whirlwind of clandestine prophecies and embarks on a journey of healing both the magic and her family.

Encanto’s music combines the vivid animation and upbeat instruments that captivate five-year-olds everywhere while managing to deftly weave mature themes into songs. The uncannily realistic swirling movements of the skirts and funky fresh dance moves draws eyes into the screen, but it is the lyrics, written by Lin Manuel Miranda, that are the star of the show. Surface Pressure details Luisa’s struggle with protecting and serving the family while hiding her rampant anxiety on the inside. What Else Can I Do, following Isabela’s outburst of resentment towards Mirabel and her family for forcing her to be perfect, documents her breaking free of her lifelong

perfection as she quite literally blooms into her true self. What makes watching this movie such a compelling experience is how relatable the characters are written with their little quirks and inner turmoils. Like Mirabel, many people struggle to feel adequate in their contributions to their community. In Isabela and Luisa, there is a constant strain to be perfect and shelter others from familial hardships. Pepa’s, Dolores’, and Camilo’s powers all affect how they interact with others, transforming a casual conversation into a loaded spring that could launch at any moment. Encanto balances a fun adventure plot full of music and magic with the complicated dynamics of discovering who you are, and what makes an individual special, satisfying children and more mature audiences. Overall, Encanto is worth the watch. Art by Nia Dozier

WHY GARFIELD? “I spent a large measure of my adult life overseas...so I have more of a cosmopolitan focus, especially with music, and film. These are art forms that are spoken internationally, and I tried to bring that into the teaching environment, because demographically, Garfield probably is the only school in the district,where we have such a unique and expansive representation of people whose origins come from around the world. It’s wonderful to celebrate that diversity and beauty of all the cultures and ethnicities that we have reflected here.” - Pugh “When I was student teaching…we did a Summer Bridge Program at Garfield. I just had a really good experience. Just the history behind Garfield as someone who grew up in Seattle. I mean, that article that came out recently in Sports Illustrated about kneeling. So awesome. Garfield is rad.” - Brown, “A few years ago, before I completed my master’s in teaching, I did my observations here at Garfield and I liked the community. The diversity in the community and the way that people are, thinking in terms of social justice and change, right, which I think is very active here in the student body and I love that.” - Cicolini “I live in the neighborhood, and beyond that, I love the students in the community at Garfield. It’s a really special place, and I was lucky enough to be looking for a position when there was one available in the science department. It was a goal for me to teach at Garfield. This is the number one place on my list.” - Austin When did you start at Garfield?

FAVORITE THING ABOUT TEACHING? “The moment where you see that ‘Aha!’ moment in a student’s face and finally they get it. That’s a wonderful moment, but I also just love seeing, hearing people laugh and smile and when you’re reading a good story. That’s probably why I love ELA the most, I love stories, and novels, and plays, and kids working with new materials and finding a new interest.” - Brown, C “When somebody realizes that they are artistic or that they are creative. Because a lot of people say ‘I can’t draw or I’m not an artist.’ And then they find out that they really can.” - West “During my first year teaching at Garfield, I had a student [who] was not interested in biology at all. She was very bright, but not engaged [with the class]. She was a ballet dancer, and wanted to go into dance professionally. I just remember talking to her saying hey, you never know just never know what’s gonna happen. So just keep all of your options open and do your best that you can. And so she came around, and went from a D+ to an A student. She ended up going to college, but she got injured and was not able to do ballet. [The student] got into biology and decided to become a doctor. So she came back and then told me the story of how she wanted to thank me for pushing her to go into biology, even though she wasn’t that interested at the time.” - Stever “My favorite thing about teaching is just relationships with students. I think that’s the best part of like, getting to know other humans and like, just like form communities that feel authentic and everyone’s so interesting. I really just like value those relationships.” McGrath “How much I learned from my students, just their experiences and or ideas and thoughts that you guys bring to the table. Teaching a whole bunch of students, I feel like I’m in here to learn as well and make mistakes and just go through the content together. So that’s kind of my perception of teaching. It’s like let’s do this together and try and learn something new every day.” - Solbakken

MEET THE T

Get to know Garfi

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO TEACH? “I was going into being a doctor for a while, then I thought I’d be a chemist. And I was a chemist for a while, but there are things in science that are controversial and the company I ended up working with was making bombs, so I decided not to work for them.Then I was working for another [company]...and in order for me to move up, I had to go back to get some more education. I had a personal conversation about what I really want to go back into education, get higher education, or a higher degree for. So that’s what I realized if I looked back on all my time, that I had always loved working with people, like tutoring and helping people learn science. I also felt like learning science was really empowering to me, and I thought, ‘well, wouldn’t it be wonderful to offer for science to be taught in a way that is empowering for everybody?’ Because it was for me.” - Jones “I really hated high school myself, it was a really bad experience for me. I was outed in high school, kind of against my will, and faced a lot of bullying over it for most of the rest of the time I was in high school. I always loved history, so I wanted to be a history teacher, but then because of my experiences, I was like: oh hell no, I’m never going to be in a high school ever again. It took me a long time. I worked as a preschool teacher in Boston and then I just decided, hey, I want to do this. And my wife really encouraged me to go back to school to be a teacher. And I wanted to be a teacher because I felt like it would have meant a lot to me, to have somebody that I saw myself in, when I was in high school. So I wanted to be that person for other students.” - Felpo “I didn’t think that I’d want to teach. Nowadays, kids seem to have some direction. [It] seems like as freshmen come in, [they think] ‘I’m gonna do this.’ I had no clue. I did some Peace Corps around the world stuff, went into pre-med and the movies. I always liked coaching and coached a bunch of different sports. I worked at a Marine Institute where a lot of people came through and did our marine program and I said, Oh, that’s just fun working with kids that way, so that’s why I ended up teaching.” - Spagenberg “I have a line about this that I say at parties, which is that I’m a teacher. It’s the perfect intersection of my skill set and doing something useful with my life. I’m good at reading, writing and talking. I hope I can use my skills in a way that’s doing some good. That’s why I’m a teacher, and I think being around teenagers is really rad. And I want to make sure what I do with my life is of service. If you’d asked me in high school, I would have never wanted to go to school again. I didn’t go to college for years after high school because I hated school so much. It still kind of makes me laugh that I am a teacher sometimes, but I’m glad I am. It’s a really good fit for me.” - Zimmermann

TEACHERS

ield’s favorite faculty

MOST DIFFICULT THING ABOUT TEACHING? “The most difficult thing about teaching is that you’re never going to be completely done, and you’re also never gonna have time to do everything…you will always have something else [and more] to do. It’s challenging because [in other jobs] people feel like they’ve accomplished something, whereas in teaching, you can’t complete everything. You’re never going to be able to grade everything, plan for everything, or help every single student be as successful as they possibly can be because you’re only one person. You always want to do more. You can still be a good teaching, you just need to accept that you’re not going to be able to do everything.” - Lai “I’m still a new teacher. So I haven’t found the most difficulty. I feel like every challenge that I’ve had, I can work through it right now. But the most difficult thing is when I feel like when the student doesn’t want to communicate. That’s the hardest part, that’s what I’m dealing with right now is how can I get them to open up so I can really see what they need. So [I’m] working on that, communication, and working on building relationships with students and their families. I have students who don’t speak English, and finding ways to communicate with them can be very challenging when there is no external support.” - Yusuf “It’s incredibly time demanding as a job and has gotten more so…it’s [gotten harder] to advise a club now…Looking at the public, you get a whole cross section you guys, some of you guys you’ve got just like maybe got a really nice deck of cards, whether that’s your background genetics, all kinds of stuff, and other kids have been dealt really crappy deal of cards. And you all are just dealing with a lot of challenges. It’s hard. Knowing that you can only help people so much. Knowing that you guys are like 16, and you’re going to be dealing with this. I’ve got friends who have been dealing with mental health issues since they were in high school.” - Truax “I think just not having enough hours in the day to get all the work done, to make sure that a lesson goes perfectly. And then to make sure that I get to have a connection with all my students, and to make sure I’m giving them what they need. You know, if class sizes were half what they are now, I feel like I could, you could do more to personalize, and make sure that you had a chance to check in with everyone all the time to make sure they have what they need.” - Harris

FUNNIEST STUDENT STORY? “So we try to read the Messenger [in class]. And definitely in our ninth grade classes, we just pass out the Messenger and read it. I love it, and the kids are always amazed to see the work that other students do at this school. But the first time we handed out the Messenger this year, the newspapers were falling all over the classroom. It turns out a lot of our ninth graders have never held a physical newspaper before. They were saying, ‘Where’s the staple? How is this thing held together?’ So it just reminded me, ‘Oh, yeah, of course you haven’t [held a newspaper]’.” - Dr. A “Once upon a time I had two students named Alex Nguyen. That’s a Vietnamese [last] name. One was a sophomore and one was a freshman. [Calling on them was difficult] because both of their names were Alex Nguyen, and both didn’t have a middle name. I didn’t want to say tall Alex and short Alex because it was mean. [So] I decided okay, one’s a ninth grader and the other is a tenth grader, so I called one Alex sophomore and one Alex freshmen. They were both really good students, and always came to school every day. One day they’re both gone. And then this boy in the back says ‘hey, Mr. Nomura looks like today you have a no win situation.’” - Nomura “It was a person, they interrupted me while I was trying to answer a question for another student to let me know that they were going to go and get their driver’s license the next day. That was the same class that I saw some random freshman girl just pretending to be a fish. Like, but she was just in the back like this (makes goldfish face). And then she saw that I was watching and immediately stopped.” - Waterman

Who is your teacher bestie? *Recieved more than one vote

WHAT DO YOU WANT STUDENTS TO TAKE FROM YOUR CLASS? “I think success is just about being the very best that you can possibly be and never really worrying about it. At times, our culture in general, we tend to compare ourselves to other people, instead of just trying to develop ourselves. I don’t think sometimes people truly appreciate how great they are or how great they can be.” - Washington, B “That there is no right or wrong way to be smart. Everyone is smart in their own way, just because you don’t know one specific thing that I happen to know, I’m sure there’s some things that you know, that I don’t know.” - Parker “I want them to take away a feeling of success, that and some level of confidence, because I think that’s usually the biggest problem that impedes people from doing well in math: just already assuming that they’re predisposed to being bad at it. They have gained the confidence to know that they can succeed and maybe even try a harder course than they would have initially.” - Waterman “I want them to get from my class is for them to be not afraid to ask questions, and to not be intimidated, because that is what a lot of businesses are counting on students or people to be intimidated… having students feel empowered and smart enough to ask questions, is a way to counter all of the things that go into trying to take their money away from them.” - Calloway “I want them to feel empowered to know how they can live their own style of what healthy means to them. I want them to feel like they have the tools and the education to translate what a healthy lifestyle is going to mean to them when they graduate and when they’re outside of school.” - Purcell

AONE&SIZEEFITS NONE

Brandy Melville’s contribution to toxic fashion culture.

By Ellie Wakefield randy Melville represents a host of various issues that are rampant throughout Gen Z culture. The brand is most well-known for its infamous “One Size Fits Most” system, where all of their clothing pieces are only available in one size--which ranges from an extra small to a rare medium. It’s sending a clear message that their clothes are intended for one specific body type that fashion culture has claimed to be “prettier” or more desirable. Additionally, the brand’s Instagram accounts feature exclusively skinny white women wearing their clothes, each representing precisely the narrow monotonous standard that the company is eager to promote. Beyond its worldwide reputation and controversy, the impacts of Brandy Melville’s brand image is felt just as strongly on the local level. Senior Ceci Miovic is a communications officer of Bulldogs Minds

Matter, a club at Garfield that focuses on destigmatizing mental health as well as providing resources and information on this topic. The club deals with a range of mental health issues including body image and diet culture. “The way we see bodies in media influences the way that we feel like we should look or the way that clothes should fit, so having brands that display the same narrow body type and present that as healthy or ideal [adds to this problem]” Miovic said. “What looks healthy is different for every person”. Through their targeted branding of the exact same body type, Brandy Melville is directly denying this fact. Beyond body image, “a lot of [Brandy’s] staff is white, so [through this] they’re perpetuating racism and lack of diversity” Miovic said. Brandy Melville has endless problems that go on at a higher level in the company.

Brandy’s CEO Stephan Marsan requires his employees to send pictures of what they’re wearing to the company’s senior employees which occasionally results in them being fired on the spot. Marsan has also been known to sexually harrass Brandy employees, including forcing women to undress in front of him or other company executives while modeling clothing for them. Beyond his personal allegations, there are countless stories of harassment and assault directed at young female employees. According to Miovic, the easiest way to fight Brandy Melville’s ideologies is by simply not buying from them. “We live in a capitalistic society … If they don’t make money, they’re either going to change or go out of business”. Choosing to shop at more ethical brands, enforces a shift in industry that moves towards favoring clothing

MOD MANIA

companies that embody healthier messages. Fast fashion is known to be harmful in its environmental and social impact, but it’s hard to avoid. The affordable prices and accessibility make it easy to buy from bigger and less ethical brands. One good way to avoid this is by choosing to shop at more sustainable brands if you have the means to do so. Shopping second-hand from consignment or thrift stores is another great option, and can be a cheap and easy way to find clothes through a much more ethical and sustainable method. Art by Ava Fimmano

A deep dive into the desire to get body modifications. By Tess Wahl

rom ear piercings to tattooed eyeballs, body modifications encompass a wide range of different procedures. As a research paper from Bradley University put it, “body modifications allow our physical appearance to be ‘the products of the culture around us’”. In the hallways of Garfield Highschool, there is a colorful assortment of stick n’ pokes, full sleeves of ‘ink’, and a smattering of different piercings. However eye-catching these physical embellishments may be, there is a spectrum of acceptance when it comes to which piercings go where and what tattoo is allowed on whose body. There can be a societal stigma associated with more egregious modifications including

face tattoos and piercings. Certain professions, especially those that include a high degree of personal interaction, could be more difficult to pursue due to body mods. “I think they’re just a form of expression and have no impact on a person’s actual capabilities so .... it’s very interesting that [body modifications] are often lumped in with what people have an idea of somebody else’s potential,” Garfield junior Emilly Allen said. Another common factor that dissuades some students from getting body mods is procedure pain. Truth be told, if the pain is the main inhibiting factor of getting a piercing, that’s probably a sign not to get the procedure done at all. Nevertheless, in most cases, the anticipation of getting the

procedure is actually more painful then the procedure itself. “It didn’t hurt as much as I thought it was going to - It just felt like a cat scratch. I mean cat scratches hurt (...) but you see tattoo shows and they’re just in excruciating pain but it wasn’t that bad” Garfield freshman Wren McIntosh said. Permanence is also an element in choosing to get a new tattoo or piercing. Despite the vast options of new ink-removal technology and plastic surgery procedures, body modifications are more often than not permanent… or at least a pain in the butt to un-do. McIntosh and Allen suggested sitting with the idea of getting an alteration for at least a month before being too spontaneous and making a reckless de cision. “You’re going to look at it for the rest

of your life and you want it to be interesting and important to you and if over time if the designs get interesting or boring, then it’s not worth it” McIntosh said. Then again, their permanence is what makes body art so attractive: unlike makeup, this art can go further than skin-deep. “Even if I end up and i’m like ‘this sucks I hate this drawing’, I know I designed it at an age where it was really important to me.” McIntosh said when talking about her tattoo. Photos of Emily A, Uriah G, Wren M, Peja H. Artwork by Tess Wahl and HeyRabbit (Noun Project)

THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND Celebrating the legacy of Betty White as a lifelong advocate for all. By Lakelle Bridges redating sliced bread, Betty White was born on January 17th, 1922 in Oak Park, Illinois. She was an only child, and grew up with her mother and father in California during the Great Depression. White’s father was an electrician who built crystal radios as extra income. Oftentimes, her father would trade these radios instead of selling them, sometimes exchanging them for dogs. This sparked young White’s interest for animals early on. White dreamed of being a park ranger at the Sierra Nevada mountain range where her family frequently vacationed. She couldn’t dream for long though, as being a park ranger was a job exclusively for men at the time. Instead, she developed a passion for writing and performing when she wrote and starred in her own elementary school play. Thus, the actress and model Betty White was born. White found some work with her friends singing on radio shows along with doing small modeling jobs until America’s involvement in World War II. At that point she joined the war effort through the American Women’s Volunteer Services. After the war, she attempted to get back

“YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD FOR ANYTHING.” - BETTY WHITE into the performance industry but wasn’t immediately successful. She wasn’t considered “photogenic” enough to be in movies. So she decided to try her luck in the radio world. White did commercials, crowd noises, small singing parts, and features on other shows for little to no pay until she was first offered her own radio show. White rose to fame with rapid succession. In 1952, she began co-hosting a live daily television show called Hollywood on Television with actor Al Jarvis. The show was ad lib television which ran for five hours a day, six days a week. She hosted a different show in that same year, acted and sung in numerous TV series, won an Emmy for her body of work, and then co-founded a production company, Bandy Productions. Bandy Productions was responsible for many comedy shows in the 50’s including Life with Elizabeth, presenting White as herself in comical situations and sketches, some being her real life experiences. Life with Elizabeth was groundbreaking

for giving White full creative control of the show, on and off and camera. She co-produced and owned it, something unusual for women in the 50’s who belonged to the television industry. White’s career and filmography is expansive, and her roles throughout the years have been funny and inspiring, but her legacy goes beyond the stage and camera. The Betty White Show, which she also had creative control over, was one of her first stances against racism and sexism in the industry. Not only did White purposefully hire women directors and producers, she also featured Authur Duncan, a black tap dancer, as a recurring person on the show. Consequently, the show was boycotted and canceled, and White’s only response to the criticism she faced for hiring Duncan was, “live with it.” Later in the 80’s, arguably one of White’s most notable shows, The Golden Girls, tackled homophobia and advocated for LGBTQ rights in many episodes. She costarred with LGBTQ actors who

played queer characters and spoke out in support of marriage equality. White believed very strongly in animal welfare. She fostered many animals and adopted a few. Once, White even refused a part in the movie, As Good as it Gets, because Jack Nicholson’s character was scripted to throw a puppy down a garbage chute. White’s love and devotion for animals continued to grow over the years. Her lifelong passion was giving and caring for animals. She ensured long term relationships with non-profit animal organizations and the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association.

“EVERYBODY NEEDS A PASSION. THAT’S WHAT KEEPS LIFE INTERESTING. IF YOU LIVE WITHOUT PASSION, YOU CAN GO THROUGH LIFE WITHOUT LEAVING ANY FOOTPRINTS.” - BETTY WHITE

A&E

Out of her earnings, a generous sum was donated to these associations and she spent a lot of her time volunteering as well. In a 2009 interview, White talked about the joy that animals bring her and what she wants her service to mean, “I’m not into animal rights. I’m only into animal welfare

“I JUST MAKE IT MY BUSINESS TO GET ALONG WITH PEOPLE SO I CAN HAVE FUN. IT’S THAT SIMPLE.” - BETTY WHITE and health,” she said. White used the entirety of her career helping others with poise and genuinity. She gave platforms to issues and people that needed the spotlight to shine just as brightly as she did. White was humble from the beginning and carried that virtue all the way to the end at 99.

Art by Judas Knox

AIS FIVE&NIGHTS E AT FREDDY’S SECURITY BREACH IN THE TRUST OF FANS? FNAF Security Breach breaches a nearly spotless record of terrifying games. By Avalon Leonard

t even the slightest hint of a new Five Nights at Freddy’s game being developed and released, many fans of the series new and old were overjoyed. With eight installments of the series since its initial release in August of 2014, it did seem like the series’ popularity could only grow. With much anticipation for this latest installment, Five Nights At Freddy’s: Security Breach, the pressure was on. Unfortunately, to the disappointment of fans new and old, its Metacritic score of 5.9, the “lowest user score rating in the entire FNAF series” according to ScreenRant, should speak for itself. The question is, what happened for the score to get this low? When someone is asked about Five Nights At Freddy’s, they typically think of one thing: jumpscares. This is what is mainly attributed to the series being able to continue and flourish with as many installments as it has, not from some sort of revolutionized style of storytelling or inventive method of gameplay. It all comes down to the jumpscares and what goes into making such a simple terror tactic that much more intensely terrifying. This along with an extensive and complicated lore are what keeps fans hooked and wanting more, as well as some good-

old-fashioned jumpscare horror. So, is Five Nights At Freddy’s: Security Breach a breach in the trust of fans? When compared to its predecessors, the game doesn’t hold a candle to the spooky atmosphere that is created from the feeling of not having a moveable character, which is present in the first through third games. This was expanded on in a tasteful way in game four with the introduction of moving to check all around you. I believe that this worked because the setting was a child’s bedroom, so it felt like the characters were closing in on the player. This was explored further in Five Nights at Freddy’s: Sister Location with the idea of not only being a security guard but needing to move around to complete tasks and challenges. And

yet again, the spookiness factor was not compromised because it was so dark that it constantly felt like the player was only moments away from being found and “scooped”. So what did Security Breach miss that took away from the ambience? Largely what I, and a decent amount of fans, would attribute it to would be to gameplay glitches that really took away from any of the intense GlamRock retro-wave ambience that could have been built. There really is not much else to say except it was missing something both iconic and vital in what makes a Five Nights a t Fredd y ’s game. There is a way to do 80s and 90s

horror and this just is not it. Another major thing that many fans were disappointed in was the way in which the endings felt unfinished and frankly poor quality. Instead of being given a proper, rich, and fulfilling ending that really felt like the entire game had been pulled together and ended, the many endings were formatted in sort of a comic book style that read as lazy rather than charming and lo-fi. While I can appreciate the fact that Security Breach took the time to come up with so many well-crafted, intricate endings, any value that would have been gained from experiencing those endings was swiftly taken away from the player because it didn’t feel like the player was even really experiencing them.

Art by Nia Dozier (center) and Judas Knox (right)

A DREADFULLY FUN BOUT OF METROID MANIA

A thrilling conclusion to the action packed decade-spanning Metroid saga. By Riley Perteet-Cantu

etroid Dread is the exhilarating, blaster-filled rush of a final installment of the initial Metroid saga. With delectable pieces of lore sprinkled throughout the environment, it will surely keep fans digging in for years to come. This installment has been teased since 2005, yet the end result has gameplay that feels fresh out of this decade. With changes to the series such as clear maps and fast travel, it makes the game a go-to for players who are interested in a contemporary but faithful taste of the metroidvania genre. Metroid Dread starts out with the intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran entering into the atmosphere of planet ZDR. Trailing her entry are ominous messages from her

ship’s computer Adam, warning her that the risks of the mission are too dire for the rewards. Samus, still resolute to her mission at hand, lands on ZDR and is swifty attacked by an ominous humanoid yet birdlike creature. She wakes up later with most of her abilities and memories of the battle gone without a trace. The game then follows Samus blasting her way through increasingly dangerous native monstrosities and sneaking past the seemingly unkillable robotic creatures called E.M.M.I. Samus cuts through this all while finding small alcoves where she can breifly communicate with Adam, who helps to explain the mystery of the dangerous force lurking within ZDR that Samus was sent to contain. The story mostly plays out through mysterious interactions with Adam and subtle environmental

storytelling of what happened to ZDR in the past. Nonetheless, the hints scattered throughout the game eventually form into impactful beats that bring the story to a truly satisfying close. Initially Samus’ arsenal of tools to solve puzzles and defeat monsters is relatively limited, with only Samus’ trusty power suit and arm cannon to navigate ZDR’s wilds. However, as the player progresses through the game, Samus unlocks more and more abilities that turn ZDR from hostile territory to Samus’ domain, with every new item opening up an exciting new host of combat and puzzle solving strategies. Completing the game for the first time will take around 10-12 hours. However, for diehard fans of the game there’s a gallery of exclusive artwork that’s unlocked piece by piece through clearing an additional hard mode (that becomes available after com-

pletion of the regular campaign), finding every item in each of ZDR’s main areas, completing each game mode in under 8 hours, and finally when completing each mode under a slim 4 hours. The main hangup on the game was mostly in terms of the time it takes backtracking through each expansive location in the game. The game incentivises the player to go back and collect previously unacessible items once they’ve unlocked a new ability, but it could often feel like a chore to trek all the way to those previous locations. Nonetheless, the game in its entirety felt spectacular, and entirely worth the $60 price tag for the content it provides.

Art by Judas Knox

A&E

DOCUMENTING DAWGS

Garfield while nobody’s watching. By Taylor Gale and Layth Stauffer

arfield’s hallways are known to be buzzing with students traveling from class to class during passing periods. Yet throughout the day, the constant chatter slowly trickles into a calm state as the day goes on. Once classes start, there are occasional bodies in the hallways going from class to the bathroom or to do other activities. Once students leave at 3:45 the building becomes tranquil. Many Garfield students don’t think to appreciate the tranquility that the building has to offer so here is an array of pictures to portray that calm perspective.

The first image is Garfield’s front steps right after the last bell rings and everyone rushes out the door and down the steps. The second image is the front steps empty, where you can see the Garfield building in all its glory.

The first image is the commons at lunch which has students seated at every table. The second image was taken as students busied themselves with learning.

Constantly packed and with people, the hallways are easily the most congested place at Garfield. The first image is when the last bell rings and everyone is finding their way to the front door to leave the school. The second image is during classes when there is hardly anyone entering the building.

The first image is the library during lunch, students sitting at the tables eating, doing work or with friends. The second image is during classes when there is no one there but Mr. Manzin.

SSPORTY P OSCHOLARS RTS

Committed athletes explain the ins and outs of recruitment. By Zac Meyer s we march on through the school year, the senior class begins to shift its focus to what the future holds. For many, the answer is college, and for an even more select few, it’s collegiate athletics. The college recruiting process is not simple, and it’s easy for younger kids that want to play sports in college to get confused. Three Garfield students who will be playing sports in college sat down to explain what their recruiting process was like, and how they chose which school to attend.

problem, all the colleges interested in her were on the east coast. However, that changed when Webb attended a summer swim camp that gave college coaches a better look at her skills. “There weren’t a whole lot of schools interested in me to be honest, but I went to a swim camp where I was introduced to the UNLV coaches and they showed interest in me,” Webb said. Although swimming college will be a new level of competition, Webb welcomes the challenge. “Being surrounded by people that are more serious about swimming, I think that I’ll be more focused and motivated in college.”

cided to stay in the Pacific Northwest because both Lewis and Clark and Puget Sound University offered him a spot. However, Tallent was drawn to Lewis and Clark because he will be joining the soccer team’s first year of existence. The shift from high school to college athletics is a big one. “Sometimes high school soccer is a little more carefree, I think college is going to be a lot more intense, and I’m looking forward to that,” Tallent said.

Averi Webb Sport: Swimming College: The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Averi Webb knew that she wanted to continue her swimming career at a college on the sunny west coast. There was one

Ben Tallent Sport: Soccer College: Lewis and Clark College Ben Tallent will be taking his goalkeeping skills to Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. After reaching out to many coaches all across the country, Tallent de-

Lillia Miller Sport: Rowing College: Columbia University Next fall, Lillia Miller will be traveling across the country to Columbia University. The recruiting process for rowing is based around statistics that are put in an online profile. “I had to make this recruiting profile, and coaches would email me and ask to set up a phone call. That was over a few months, and finally I narrowed it down to

By Eden Huschle ith the holidays being over what better to get us through these dreary months than winter sports. Basketball, swim, and wrestling are in full swing,. They have their eyes set on the upcoming Metro League and state tournaments while also having to navigate COVID-19. Little to our surprise Garfield’s varsity boys basketball team is crushing it so far this season with 13 wins and zero losses. The boys varsity team has won state the two years ago, prior to COVID-19 which prevented any state tournament games last year. If They keep playing how They are, things are looking hopeful for this year’s title. As for JVC, COVID has created a bit of a domino effect. Students are out sick and there is hardly ever a full team at practice; practices have been less frequent, resulting in players having a difficult time winning games. All that aside, JVC has still managed to walk away with six games won and only two lost. As the majority of Garfield

students hit the snooze button for the third time, the boys swim and dive team have been at it since 7 a.m. Their practices are inside and do not require masks. That aside, swimmers are still required to social distance in the pool and meets have been one versus ones. The boys swim team also has a new coach, Brennan. It looks like the team has great camaraderie this year. “Overall, we have a solid group of swimmers that could potentially make a big showing at state,” sophomore Zack Bukovec said. Girls varsity basketball is off to a strong start with nine games won and

zero lost. A recent game against Cleveland caused some buzz around school, with a score of 111-2. The controversy revolved around whether or not it was right to beat them that badly. Varsity won the state championships in 2020 and are in great shape to do it again. Boys wrestling unfortunately had all their December games canceled and have had zero wins and two losses so far this season. For all other information involving Garfield high school’s beloved sports teams visit bulldogsportsjournal.com. The Sports Journal is a student-run website started by Garfield students who wanted a way to get sports news in

SNOWBALLERS A brief overview of winter sports.

Columbia,” Miller said. Miller, like many others, was drawn to Columbia because of its location in New York City. Going so far away from home will be hard, but Miller is looking forward to it. “I picked a college that is different from how I live right now so I could mature emotionally, so I’m excited to see what I can do.”

Photos by Averi Webb, Ben Tallent, and Lillia Miller

a quick and effortless way. On the website you can find scores, schedules, rosters, standings, player profiles, news articles, and one-on-one interviews with the athletes. Winter is known to be the time of sickness and there is a reason for this; with the cool temperatures and dry air help germs and viruses flourish. This is why winter sports are the most impacted by COVID specifically the Omicron varient. Despite athletes testing three times per week, they still are required to stay home if they show symptoms. Having more sickness related absences than any other season is an obstacle that these sports have had to navigate. Regardless of all the complications that have come with sports these last couple years our athletes continue to persevere and play their hearts out.

Graphic by Erica Arnstein

SPORTS

CHALK TALK

Bouldering creates a community of athletes that work hard and have fun. By Evelyn Bartlett

t a national level, the athletes we see playing sports are typically playing basketball, football, and soccer. Other sports, like golf or tennis, have dedicated TV channels you can find, but only if you look for them. Then, if you dig a little deeper, you find the sports that get little to no national coverage but are still sports that people love, like bouldering. Many students participate in bouldering both for fun and competition. Unlike rock climbing, bouldering takes place without safety harnesses or hardware. Armed only with grip strength and a crash pad, boulderers climb in many gyms around Seattle. One of the main gyms for Garfield students is the Seattle Bouldering Project (SBP), located on Poplar street. It is a frequent hangout for bouldering enthusiasts and a great place for students after school. The building creates an environ-

ment that fosters healthy relationships and communities. “You get there, and you feel so much better. It’s such an intense form of exercise, every muscle in your body is working,” sophomore Eden Huschle said. “I compare it to swimming, it works your body in a way that you wouldn’t think it would.” Bouldering isn’t a sport where you climb walls randomly. Often, there are different paths along the walls that can be tried over and over again until the climber finally completes it. “Each route in climbing is what we call a problem, and it’s basically a puzzle. You’re trying to move your body in a way that works to solve the puzzle. It’s awesome!” junior Turner Snyder said. While the climbing activity is individual, the community bouldering creates is one that many students appreciate.

TRENDS THAT CAUSED A RACQUET

“Everyone that climbs and works at SBP is so welcoming. It’s really unlike any other sport I’ve played,” Snyder said. “I’ve made my closest friends at the bouldering gym.” For those new to the community or just starting out, bouldering is a great way to challenge yourself and find people who share your interests. “You’ll just find people who are willing to help you. I’ll be working on a route and they’ll give me a piece of advice…people want to help you and they’re excited to help others solve problems,” Huschle said. Whether you are going for fun or just trying it out, the bouldering community is there to support you. “I started going to the bouldering project just a few months ago. I originally signed up to go there to work out but I’ve found such a passion for bouldering,” senior Chance Quinlan said. “I’ve seen multiple people helping beginners just out of the good of their hearts.” Bouldering is a sport that may not get as

much national coverage as football, but it is a valuable community to many people. And if you’re nervous about starting, “[dont] be afraid to find climbing friends!” Snyder said. “Everyone’s super friendly and it makes it so much more fun.” Wherever you are in your bouldering journey, the sport is fun, welcoming, and enjoyable. So find a gym, grab some chalk, and try out a new sport.

Photography by Turner Snyder and Eden Huschle

How tennis fashion has evolved over the years. By Mika Ichikawa

ennis, the international sport that draws a variety of people and styles to the court, is arguably one of the only sports where competitors can truly express themselves through their uniform. With only two to four people on the court at once, players have a spotlight on them at all times. From its origin, tennis has been about tradition, but outfits have both evolved completely and stayed the same. “Fashion is part of a tennis player’s identity,” Garfield tennis player Ling Yang said. “Seeing people’s personal style is lots of fun.” Early in the 1900s, the attire was all white. Women typically wore full length dresses with collars and long sleeves, with men wearing white pants and long sleeve white tops. Eventually the popularity of the tennis skirt rose, being paired early on with long sleeve tops and collars. Collars underneath v-neck sweaters and sweater vests were popular trends in the 1920s and 30s and have maintained their relevance, as polo tops are popular among

tennis players today. The lasting tradition of white attire is shown through the Grand Slam tournament Wimbledon, where all players must abide by a strict all-white dress code. With every decade, tennis attire has become more practical, and has transformed into a form of self-expression. This change came as tennis developed from a leisurely activity into a highly competitive sport, especially as women began to p l a y professionally around 1970. 1970 women’s tennis icon Billie Jean King could always be found sporting various white dresses with different embroidery and stitching patterns, along with sneakers and glasses. Influential figures such as Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka have made state-

ments on the court with vibrant colors and unique textures. Williams has played in tutus, a pink suit, full black catsuit, and even a denim skirt, leaving her fans in anticipation of future looks. Osaka has taken a different approach, using her spotlight to speak out on injustice by wearing face masks with the names of different victims of police brutality. She can be seen with colorful visors, skirts, and tank tops - a common combination that never disappoints because of its variety. Stars like Williams and Osaka can also have an important impact on POC youth and female athletes. “Clothing can encourage minorities to play tennis depending on who wears it and the message they give off,” Yang said. As tennis is a non-contact sport, it is completely acceptable for players to accessorize. Necklaces, earrings and wristbands are all extremely common. But possibly

the most distinct accessory that sets tennis fashion apart from other high-intensity sports is the use of watches. So is it not a coincidence that Rolex has partnered with several large tennis events, including Wimbledon, Australian Open and US Open. Top players often sign contracts with luxury watch brands and get paid to wear their pieces while competing. In 2020, Rafael Nadal, top men’s player, was seen wearing a one million dollar watch in the French Open. Headbands and visors are also extremely popular. A significant part of tennis style is the ability for an outfit to be both timeless and fashion-forward, altered to each player’s personal taste. It can be assured that in this year’s matches new colors, patterns and looks will emerge from all of the fan-favorite athletes on the court. Graphics by Lucy Gaines

SPORTS

WHAT IS A WHITE SPORT?

SPORTS BRIEFS

Black athletes in white dominated sports.

By Taylor Gale

By Eva Hightower

rom high school athletes to professional players, sports have had a significant impact on American culture for centuries. Like many aspects of American life, race has played a significant part in the development of sports. During the civil rights era, when schools were still segregated, Black schools fought for the right to proper sports equipment and Black athletes were still fighting for equal treatment on pro teams. Decades later, things are much different, though diversity is lacking in some areas. Access to certain sports has made it difficult for people of color (POC), and especially low-income families to participate, which is why white-dominated sports have come to exist. There are also contributing reasons as to why one race may dominate a sport, such as the matter of representation. Wellknown Black athletes like Tiger Woods, Jackie Robinson, Serena and Venus Williams have all dominated in their careers.They helped challenge the idea that sports are reserved for only one race. So what is a white sport exactly, and what does it mean to be Black in one? In 1947, when Jackie Robinson first joined Major League Baseball, he was the first black man to play within the majors since 1884. Robinson faced discrimination from fans and other white players, who said they would rather sit out than play alongside him. Over time, the racial demographics of MLB have changed, now with white players accounting for 57%, Hispanic 32% and Black players around 8%. Garfield baseball player Malachi Washington first got into baseball after his parents signed him up for T-ball. “I do feel that there are sports where when POC participate they are looked at in a different light,” Washington said. “I would say that representation does matter to an extent. An inspirational person to me would be Ken Griffey Jr. as it was really cool to see someone from my background. At the same time I’ve also been inspired by other

players regardless of background.” O’Dea baseball player Asa Reese started playing in third grade when his mom signed him up and he fell in love with the game. “I think it [‘white sports’] used to be a really big idea back in the 60’s, 70’s and even up until the late 90’s. We’re starting to see a lot more diversity nowadays, especially in more popular sports like football, baseball, and basketball. I still think some people still refer to some sports as ‘white sports’ but it’s definitely not as prominent as it used to be,” Reese said. Serena and Venus Williams were coached from a young age by their father Richard Williams and both went on to win multiple

tennis awards and Grand Slam titles. Being among the few successful African Americans in their sport from the very beginning, they had to work extra to prove their spots on the court. Garfield varsity tennis player Lakelle Bridges has been playing since she was little and joined the tennis team freshman year. “Seeing Black tennis players like Serena Williams made me want to keep playing tennis, and Coco Gauff is an inspiration for young black girls [in the sport],” Bridges said. In tennis, white players account for over 80% and black players account for just under 7%. “[The concept of white sports] does exist, but there are exceptions,” Bridges said. “Tennis is very evident. It takes rackets and equipment which could be out of the price range for lower-income fami-

lies. [Tennis can be defined as] almost a rich, white sport.” Good rackets can cost up to $250 and paired with the cost of shoes, balls and other tennis equipment, playing the sport is usually very expensive. Garfield tennis coach Eric Webster grew up playing a variety of sports in his neighborhood and hustled doing odd jobs and a paper route to support his tennis game. “An advantage that white kids more so than POC had [was that] their parents could afford lessons for them. We learned by the seat of our pants. We taught each other how to play,” Webster said. Expenses weren’t the only negative thing Webster experienced playing tennis. “When we started entering white tournaments, we were discriminated against. Our names were never in the draw. Tournament directors would tell us our entry forms were never in the draw, but always collected our entry fees.” Webster said. Despite signing up and paying to play in these tournaments, Black players were often turned away without explanation. “One time we drove 900 miles to a tournament and all five Black guys ended up playing each other in the opening rounds.They call that stacking the draw… Why am I playing my doubles partner? White doubles teams would split up and be on opposite ends of the tournament so they would all excel. I played three Black people in a row out of 64 players, now is that a coincidence?” Over the decades, the relationship between sports and race have changed drastically. Despite racial domination within competitive fields, a sport cannot simply belong to a race. While it is encouraging for younger generations to be able to see themselves represented by top athletes, it is also important to note the very real racial struggles they went through to get there. Many of these professional athletes, especially of older generations, have stories about the discrimination they have faced in paving the way for future generations. Art by Eva Hightower

SEATTLE’S RECENTLY FOUNDED HOCKEY TEAM Seattle’s new hockey team the Kraken have played 42 games in their first season in the NHL. With 13 wins, 25 losses and four ties, coaches and fans have gotten a grasp on what’s working and what’s not. Although their results don’t display it, the Kraken are the 10th-best team in defending shots during 5-on-5 play. On the offensive side they have a recurring issue with shot attempts; they come 31st in the NHL. Putting aside their standings and percentages they have a huge fan base and are one of the most profitable sports franchises in Seattle.

THE STORM’S STAR SUE BIRD IS RETURNING Sue Bird, one of the WNBA’s premier point guards is a 12-time All-Star and has been part of four WNBA titles. Retirement had been an option with Bird for years but until this year she’d never mentioned not playing. On the morning of January 7th, Bird posted an old video of her fans chanting “One more year” with the caption “Ok. Lets gooooo.” At age 41, Bird will be continuing her legacy in the WNBA for her 19th year.

RUMORS OF AN NBA EXPANSION TEAM IN SEATTLE Rumors of an NBA expansion team have been circulating since the Sonics left for Oklahoma City in 2008. There are many appealing cities that are thought of near the top of the list for a new team, but Seattle sits at the top. Sports teams in Las Vegas have been widely successful so the NBA would like to bring a team there, though it is an unspoken rule that Seattle should get a team first. Considering the city’s brand new arena, and undying love for the sport, Seattle deserves to have a team again.

Art by Erica Arnstein

SPORTS

FROM SEATTLE TO THE SLOPES

A guide to ski resorts around Washington. By Ellen Taylor

t’s finally ski season, and snowboarders and skiers are getting ready to hit the slopes. While many have their mind made up about their preferred ski resort, others may be wondering which ski resort they should try next, or which one would suit them best. Washington offers a variety of great skiing and snowboarding locations, and here are a few of them: MT. BAKER SKI RESORT Snow: 5/5 Accessibility: 3/5 Affordability: $ ($75.46 adult ticket) Up near Bellingham and a three hour drive from Seattle, the trek to Mt. Baker includes a winding drive that makes it less accessible than Snoqualmie or Crystal. But if you’re willing to make the trip, Baker is an incredible ski resort well worth trying out. Baker is known for great snow, proven by the fact that the mountain received a record 1,140 inches of snowfall during the 1989-90 season. The heavy amount of snowfall on the mountain results in pristine powder, which is why this ski resort is so popular for

snowboarders. Chairs 5, 6, and 1 contain advanced double black runs, with cliffs, chutes and gates. Chairs 3 and 4 have mostly blue (intermediate) runs, while Chairs 2 and 7 contain great terrain for beginners. Baker’s high amount of intermediate and expert terrain, relatively inexpensive tickets, and amazing snow make it the perfect resort for a ski vacation. THE SUMMIT AT SNOQUALMIE Snow: 3/5 Accessibility: 5/5 Affordability: $$ ($74-119 adult ticket) Snoqualmie is the closest mountain to Seattle, with a drive time of just over 50 minutes. However, a direct result of this, and downside to Snowqualmie is that the mountain is always packed. Beginner lifts

like Holiday and intermediate lifts such as Central Express on Summit Central are a great place for beginners but are usually very full. Along with Summit Central, there is Summit West, East and Alpental, which is at a much higher altitude than the rest of the mountain and better suited to experts who wish to ride gates and want better snow quality. The tickets for Snoqualmie are a bit pricey, but with the proximity to Seattle, versatility that the mountain offers, and great snow relative to the altitude, Snoqualmie is sure to be a great option for many skiers and snowboarders out there. CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN RESORT Snow: 4/5 Accessibility: 4/5 Affordability: $$$ ($110-184 adult ticket)

The drive to Crystal is around two hours, and while it’s a slightly long ride to get up there, it is possible to drive up and back from Seattle for a full day if you leave early enough. The base of the mountain is great for beginners with green level lifts such as Discovery and Quicksilver. The bottom third of the mountain also includes a magic carpet which is great for beginners. The middle of the mountain has many blue and black runs as well as some greens, and lots of runs with trees. The top third of the mountain features many black and double black runs, with a lot of bowls and runs with control gates, which are designed for expert skiers or snowboarders. The tickets are pretty expensive, but in terms of having great snow and a large variety of runs, Crystal can’t be beat.

Graphic by Ellen Taylor

REJECT TRADITION, EMBRACE MODERNITY

How one of Japan’s most ancient sports is adapting to modern times. By Layth Stauffer

s a 2,000 year old sport often watched by the Japanese Imperial family, you would think sumo wrestling would be highly respected and fairly popular. Unfortunately, the West has long since made a mockery of it with racist caricatures and parodies. Even in Japan, the sport is fighting a losing battle over viewership with the nation’s two other major spectator sports, baseball and soccer. Sumo itself is a type of wrestling that involves forcing your opponent either out of the ring or to the ground. There are no weight classes, and there are just five prohibited acts: hair pulling, eye gouging, punching, choking, and crotch grabbing. As recently as January 2022, Japan’s Sumo Association has attempted to appeal to a younger audience by partnering with companies like Pokémon,

painting the sport in a more positive and family-friendly light. Additionally, young women in Japan have started to take up the sport. Women’s involvement in sumo traces back to the eighth century, when minor female officials of the Imperial court would be called upon to perform sumo. Unfortunately, women have only been able to compete in amateur leagues since 1997. Traditionally, women weren’t allowed in the ring, as they were considered impure in Shinto beliefs, a Japanese religion that originated in the 8th century. In 2018, Mayor Ryozo Tatami of Maizuru city was delivering a speech

during a sumo tournament when he suffered a stroke in the ring. Female medics were ordered out of the sumo ring when they attempted to assist him. Japan’s Sumo Association apologized for the incident. Many were outraged by the decision, and felt that it represented just how out of touch sumo was. Despite these obstacles, the girls that are allowed to compete in the sport show exceptional talent. Senna Kajiwara, age 12, has practiced sumo and judo since she was four. She now defends her title of champion of an inaugural national tournament held for girls. “There are some people who don’t get why I do sumo, but I’m not bothered by what they think. If you want to do sumo, you should do it,” Kajiwara said in an interview with CNN. Although her can-do attitude is admirable, there’s still much work to be done in terms of gender equality. There are currently just six female sumo clubs in Japan, with just one girl participating for every

300 boys. The tournament that Kajiwara herself participated in only opened to girls in 2019, over 30 years after it opened for boys of the same age. The exclusionary practices in sumo wrestling betray a deeper issue prevalent in Japanese society: unbending traditionalism. Yulia Skogoreva, a professional photographer based in Tokyo, has been working with young women who practice sumo over the past couple of years. Having lived in Japan for over 10 years, she knows that, “The traditions in Japan are complicated… when people come and visit the country, this is part of why they love it so much, because so much of that tradition is still intact. But there’s also the question of gender equality, and can we figure out a way to have both?”

Art by Maile Quenzer

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